Author: Jim O Brien/CEO

CEO and expert in transport and Mobile tech. A fan 20 years, mobile consultant, Nokia Mobile expert, Former Nokia/Microsoft VIP,Multiple forum tech supporter with worldwide top ranking,Working in the background on mobile technology, Weekly radio show, Featured on the RTE consumer show, Cavan TV and on TRT WORLD. Award winning Technology reviewer and blogger. Security and logisitcs Professional.

Applications of blockchain in the identity management prospects

There is no denying that the world has gone digital, which means crucial data—namely sensitive customer data such as banking and healthcare information—are vulnerable to cyber-attacks. For example, the website supply chain relationships with fast deposits, withdrawals, and trading strategies. Privacy concerns are longstanding and with good reason: the bounty of personal information that significant tech companies store presents a tempting target for hackers. However, as technology races forward, so must our ability to manage sensitive data with increased efficiency and security. Blockchain-based identity management could make a difference. Here’s how:

Blockchain-based digital identity system:

In a blockchain-based digital identity system, users are in charge of their personal information and can choose whether to share it with specific organizations and on what terms. It is made possible by distributed ledger technology that records all transactions permanently in a way that allows them to be tracked but not altered.

Because data are stamped with a timestamp and cannot be altered or hacked (furthermore, nothing is stored in centralized locations where companies can easily access it), blockchain-based digital identity systems provide an almost fail-safe way for people to control their personal information – without fear of alteration or hacking. Blockchain’s Strengths

Blockchain-based identity management solutions present several advantages over other digital identity security tools. Most importantly, they achieve improved security and transparency while providing greater ease of use. However, blockchain is a unique but still nascent technology. Many use cases are still being explored. As such, people must overcome some hurdles before digital identity management can take off in the mainstream—weaknesses. 

For example, while blockchain-based identity management seems promising and offers a lot of promise as a long-term solution to identify security issues, people must address some limitations if the technology is to reach true strength. These include transaction speed and other issues related to the current scalability of the technology.

Government can use blockchain to verify identity:

There are numerous reasons blockchain could be a big deal for identity management: more people around the globe are being brought into the system every day. In other words, people are taking on new roles involving different risk levels, including positions in government agencies and civil society. 

Each person added to the system adds to its security risks, so it’s essential to have a scalable, flexible solution that can grow with new users. Blockchain could be that solution, meaning that organizations need to work now on developing distributed ledger-based identity management systems.

 As such, it is not without its flaws. Blockchain-based identity management’s most significant challenges lie in transaction speed and scalability. It is an issue with all distributed ledger technologies, and it’s an obstacle to widespread adoption by government agencies, which are often forced to rely on outdated technology simply because they need to afford to update systems frequently enough to keep pace with technological advances. That may change soon, though: many governments are investing heavily in blockchain technology to improve their own services while also reducing costs, making distributed ledger-based identity management more attractive and cost-effective over time.

How can blockchain ease identity management?

  1. Blockchain is transparent:

Contrary to popular belief, there is absolutely no way to hack a blockchain. As a result, it has become an essential aspect of blockchain technology, explaining the popularity of Bitcoin. Furthermore, the fact that all transactions are recorded in a public ledger means that the identity of wallet holders cannot be hijacked or altered—not even by governments or large banks, makes digital identity management a much safer prospect than before.

  1. Blockchain is efficient:

 Use cases for this technology are already being explored and tested, with some succeeding more than others. For instance, Digital Citizen Fund (DIF) uses it to protect children’s data privacy. Moreover, blockchain-based identity management has the added benefit of being infinitely scalable. As more people use digital identity management systems, the networks become more secure and efficient. So even if governments are slow to adopt blockchain, there is no reason to believe it will fail to grow in value over time.

 Blockchain is Not Cheaper to Execute:

To build a blockchain-based digital identity management system, individual users need to create their trust officers. It is not just laborious but also extremely costly. In fact, in some cases, the costs can be so onerous that the use of the technology is entirely prohibitive.

Public and private sector organizations and government agencies need to give greater importance to security – particularly around sensitive data such as healthcare and financial information. Blockchain-based digital identity management seems like it could be an up-and-coming solution. As blockchain technology becomes more prevalent, we’re likely to see more government and private sector organizations adopting distributed ledger-based digital identity management that needs a cost-effective, secure and scalable solution.

With the growth in cyberspace, we are seeing a new type of criminal emerge: cybercriminal. Their method is the same as traditional criminals; they have always sought to take advantage of individuals or companies that do not know how to protect their data and information, and blockchain mitigates any prospect related to cybercrime.

Using GamStop in Video Games With Loot Boxes: Pros and Cons

Online casinos in the UK are expected to cooperate with the UKGC and adopt the self-exclusion scheme GamStop as announced in March 2020 by the Gambling Commission. This scheme is a voluntary free service that controls problem gambling behaviours in players by banning them from their favourite casino sites for a stipulated period: 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years. 

Loot boxes are highly tempting game items that award money or benefits in video games and increase the chances of players betting more money to gain loot boxes. More often, loot boxes need to be purchased in video games, similar to online gambling, where betting earns them higher rewards. This gives rise to problem gambling due to the urge to keep betting to earn loot boxes. 

Thus GamStop implementation in video games with loot boxes may open up a new angle to safe gaming. 

Should GamStop Be Applied to Video Games With Loot Boxes?

Opening loot boxes in video games is not radically different from gambling at non-GamStop online casinos like those listed at https://nonstopcasino.org/not-gamstop-casinos/. These two activities have a similar nature. While online gambling requires betting on real money and gaining cash prizes, video gaming depends on game rewards and levelling up. At times, mystery or loot boxes require monetary investments to unlock precious items. Hence, there are thoughts on applying the GamStop service to video games as well. There are positive as well as negative effects of implementing GamStop in video games, and the pros and cons are listed below:

Pros of Using GamStop in Video Games 

  • People with addiction would not waste money on loot boxes. Loots are immensely attractive with their rewards that can be unlocked using money. These provide special offers that are one of a kind, including high-range characters, armoury, treasure chests, gemstones, and more. Yet, research has seen that loot boxes give way to problem gambling and create a gambling addiction which leads to a financial drain. GamStop service would make sure that problem gamblers do not get to bet freely and are banned from gaming sites. It would ultimately prevent addicted people to waste money on iGaming. 

 

  • Pay-to-win would not be a problem. GamStop service bans betting for money for a selected period for users to practice self-restriction. Thus, the requirement to pay for loot boxes will not be necessary, and gamers can enjoy playing without the anxiety of losing money uselessly. Gamers would also be able to focus more on experiencing the thrill of gaming rather than worrying about paying-to-win loot boxes and thinking about investments in video games.  

 

  • Young people would not develop a gambling addiction. Video games attract the youth in masses, and more than 82% of young people, including young adults, play video games. It is considered that video games are connected to problem gambling: young people tend to fall for alluring offers and waste money buying in-game loot boxes. Implementing GamStop would prevent problem gambling habits development, and young gamers would be safe from the clutches of gambling addiction. Added to that, GamStop would not completely ban loot box video games for young children which would also prevent the illegal usage of adult accounts for gaming. 

Cons of GamStop in Video Games

 

  • Enabling GamStop for video games is technically more difficult than for casinos. Online casinos in the UK are bound by law to employ GamStop’s scheme in their service, but video games have no such necessities. Online casinos are paid services and involve terms of profit and loss, while no such terms are involved in video games apart from purchases made for levelling up. Hence, applying its services to video games that do not involve betting becomes difficult and unnecessary. 

 

  • Company revenues would fall dramatically. Employing the GamStop scheme for video games would result in a drastic fall in popularity and lead to a great loss of assets. The special features and loot boxes that make video games so popular would be blocked by GamStop, resulting in the mass withdrawal of gamers and opting for non-GamStop sites or gaming illegally. This fall would result in massive monetary losses for companies that spend millions to make their games more appealing to young gamers. Therefore, companies have to rethink their decisions to opt for the GamStop scheme, and most would find implementing it unnecessary. 

Conclusion

Although there are many reasons why self-excluded users register at GamStop-free sites or play video games, this form of entertainment (especially if it involves loot boxes) can pose a threat to some of them. So, many iGaming regulatory bodies in Europe are currently researching ways to mitigate potential risks. As for the UK, its government decided not to ban video games with loot boxes for now. This decision was made keeping in mind the adverse reaction that they may face when young adults decide to break protocols and choose illegal gaming. 

Loot boxes also do not require real money always since they can be won through clearing tasks and are safer compared to online gambling. Yet, there may be a decision taken in the future to add GamStop to all legal video games for better surveillance and protection.  

 

Provizio Unveil 5D Perception platform at CES2023 to eliminate collisions and enable mass autonomous driving from 2025

Provizio, the leading vehicle perception company, today announces its plans to deliver its Radar and AI backboned perception stack for every road user by 2025. This mass adoption will be possible through the mass distribution and licensing of Provizio’s 5D Perception® technology.  Provizio’s 5D Perception® driving platform offers OEMs the fastest and most reliable path to Level 5 automation as part of Provizio’s mission to eliminate all road accidents and deliver a safe path to Autonomy.

Provizio will be unveiling and providing live demos of their new 5D Perception® driving platform at this year’s CES, in Las Vegas. This will be the first ever live demonstration of the driving platform and will be showcased on a Land Rover Defender. – Reply for demo.

5D Perception® technology:

The patented technology developed by Provizio utilises a five-dimensional perception system that can continually see, track and interpret road conditions and hazards enabling increased vehicular safety and ultimately providing a path to full autonomy . Provizio’s technology beats the resolution of next-gen incumbent Radar sensors by more than 30x and range by more than 3x – with no additional hardware.

AI is central to the system, Provizio uses machine-learning algorithms and a suite of in-build 5D Perception® Radar and vision sensors, continuously learning and processing the environment around the vehicle  to identify potential hazards with unprecedented accuracy and speed, slashing response times and delivering interventions which are 30–100x quicker than technology available for use in today’s vehicles.

Speaking on the launch of Provizio’s 5D Perception® driving platform, Barry Lunn, CEO of Provizio “Provizio are excited to launch a perception platform that is unprecedented in terms of performance, cost and scalability at the home of ground breaking innovations, CES. Our 5D Perception® driving platform will make driving safer and in partnership with our Tier 1 and OEM partners deliver the next generation Advanced Driver Assistance Systems and a true path to ubiquitous autonomy. 

Lunn adds: “This platform will revolutionise safety in the auto and mobility sectors by paving the way for the most advanced safety and autonomous driving systems and we firmly believe, in the near future, it will become as ludicrous to get in a vehicle without a 5D Perception® driving platform as it would be without seatbelts today. ”

LiDAR like point clouds but at 100x lower cost

The key to this technology for mass adoption is the ability for it to be implemented at scale, with Provizio working alongside Tier 1 and OEM partners to bring this to mass production by 2025.

The issue the industry faces today is that Autonomous Vehicle platforms use a combination of expensive sensors and computer resources to perceive the world. LiDAR allows these vehicles to succeed but, because it is needed in 360° all-round the vehicle, it is also a major scaling inhibitor. LiDAR is expensive and struggles to perform in bad weather. Radar doesn’t suffer from these issues which is why it is deployed in almost all vehicles on the road, but today’s Radars have lacked the resolution a LiDAR offers.

Provizio’s 5D Perception® driving platform is backboned by proprietary super-resolution imaging Radar. Our 5D Perception® Radar sees the world in a LiDAR like 3D point cloud, and also delivers precise range and velocity of every point. Uniquely, the entire Radar backend is built on a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) which allows us to deliver AI perception on-the-edge, this is what we call the 5th D in our 5D Perception® solution. This offers multiple advantages to our partners and ultimately all road users.

With this Perception technology, Provizio is able to provide class leading systems for a fraction of the current cost. The cost associated with current geo-fenced LiDAR backed platforms means they remain a niche offering and cannot be mass deployed or impact the driving problem in the near term. Autonomous Vehicle systems today can cost upwards of $250,000,  impacting mass adoption. Provizio’s proprietary MIMSO® Radar delivers LiDAR like point clouds at 100x lower cost. This provides 500x more resolution than the Radar on vehicles today.

By leveraging this proprietary 5D Perception® technology and our partners technology in LiDAR and vision systems, Provizio supplies class leading systems for a fraction of the current cost with low integration complexity. Due to its high performance and low cost it is already being used in applications beyond traditional automotive such as micromobility, agriculture and mining.

First Look – EMEET Meeting Capsule 360° Video Conference Camera with 8 Mics, Hi-Fi Speaker

When it comes to having meetings be in the office or at home there is plenty of technology out there now to help make life easier and EMEET is a brand that is doing so with their products now on offer and one of their latest one certainly has plenty on offer here which is ideal for those who are working both at home or in office and so on and this caters for more than one person with 5 video modes and AI thrown into the mix too which is now something we see quite a bit in our gadgets today.

Crafted for Hybrid Collaboration

All-In-One conference room camera for teams features a 360° 1080P camera, 8-mic array, 10W/90dB Hi-Fi speaker, and exclusive AI-powered audio and video algorithm, providing 5 video modes to create immersive meeting experiences for multiple scenarios.

Optimized 360° Audio and Video Coverage

360-degree 1080P conference room camera spots every detail within a radius of 13ft (4m). 8 omni-directional beamforming microphones pick up every word within a radius of 18ft (5.5m) with high fidelity. 10W/90dB Hi-Fi speaker allows every participants to hear clearly. Everyone’s involved in an immersive collaborative experience.

Be seen and heard

A 360° conference camera sweeps all the details within a radius of 13ft (4m) in sharp HD 1080P, covering the whole conference room without any blind spot. 8 intelligent omni-directional microphones pick up voices from all angles within a radius of 18ft (5.5m), taking your voice quality to a higher level.

Today we take a quick first look and soon we will have a full review, any questions you know the drill..

Features

  • Includes everyone: 360° panoramic 1080P HD camera, 8 mics and 90dB Hi-Fi speaker.
  • AI-powered autofocus: Intelligent multi-modal algorithm autofocuses on active talkers responsively.
  • 5 video modes: Swivel lens with 5 video modes on your command for various scenarios.
  • Optimized voice pickup: Exclusive VoiceIA® DSP algorithm features noise reduction, human voice enhancement and full duplex.
  • Plug and play: Launch meetings instantly without the need for cell phones or WI-FI.
  • Smart coverage: Extend coverage from 18ft to 36ft when daisy chained with our signature speakerphone M3.

BUY

Unboxing Video

Sennheiser announces the all new Sennheiser IE 200

The Sennheiser IE range continues its history of excellence with the all-new IE 200. The newest member of the IE family shares considerable DNA with its renowned siblings but seeks to bring pure listening pleasure to a broader audience. With exceptional detail, clarity, and impact, users can now expect quality and features that are usually reserved for top-of-the-line devices.

“The Sennheiser IE 200 represents an open invitation for everyone to enjoy high-end sound,” says Jermo Koehnke, Sennheiser Audiophile Product Manager. “With balanced, true-to-life audio reproduction, users will be able to hear the details that they’ve been missing in ordinary headphones.”

Quality fit for audiophiles
​The IE 200 enables seasoned hi-fi enthusiasts and newcomers alike to experience new dimensions of sound quality. Based on 15 years of Sennheiser TrueResponse Transducer technology, the IE 200 features a 7-millimeter extra-wide band transducer for exceptional quality. A hallmark of the IE family, the latest addition to the in-ear lineup continues to bring superbly balanced and realistic audio to an ultra-compact form factor.
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​With IE 200, nothing stands between the user and discovering new sonic landscapes. Harmonic distortion is almost non-existent, with a natural frequency response curve typically found in earphones costing significantly more. Furthermore, the IE 200 can appeal to a variety of listening preferences thanks to its unique dual-tuning feature. Audiophiles can mount the included ear tips in one of two positions, giving them control over the balance of their audio experience – from deep and emotional bass response to texture-rich treble presence.

Comfortably Connected

​With an exceptionally comfortable fit, IE 200 is made for uninterrupted listening sessions. Able to accommodate ears of all sizes, their inconspicuous design boasts a proven ergonomic design that promotes a secure seal and lasting comfort. Viscoelastic foam and silicone ear adapters in multiple sizes block ambient distractions while maximising low-end response. A revised, braided cable reduces handling noise, and terminates to widely a 3.5mm stereo plug and MMCX connectors for connection to countless audiophile devices.
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​Pricing and availability
​The Sennheiser IE 200 will be available for pre-order globally on January 17, 2023, and will go on sale from January 31, 2023, with an MSRP of £129.99.

6G – What Are The Important Technological Developments To Watch?

While 5G mmWave has yet to take off, 6G research has already begun. But what exactly is 6G, and what are the emerging areas to watch?

This article will provide a high-level overview of 6G, including 6G frequencies, technological development trends, and noteworthy 6G applications. The information shared in this article is taken from the latest IDTechEx research report, “6G Market 2023-2043: Technology, Trends, Forecasts, Players”. This report provides critical insight and commercial outlooks for this emerging field.

Key areas of coverage in the IDTechEx report “6G Market 2023-2043: Technology, Trends, Forecasts, Players”. Source: IDTechEx

The Frequency Matters

This article starts at the most basic level – the frequency band. In 5G, sub-6 GHz (3.5 – 6 GHz) and millimeter wave (mmWave, 24 – 100 GHz) bands are the two new bands among the spectrum covered. In 6G, the frequency ranges under consideration include 7 to 20 GHz frequency band, W-band (above 75 – 110 GHz), D-band (110 GHz to 175 GHz), bands between 275 GHz and 300 GHz, and in THz range (0.3-10 THz). The bands between 7 and 20 GHz are considered because of the need for coverage that will enable mobile and “on the go” applications for numerous 6G use cases. The W and D bands are of interest for both 6G access and Xhaul (e.g. fronthaul, backhaul) networks. A solution that meets the objectives of both services is to be considered. As of September 2022, worldwide spectrum allocations do not go beyond 275 GHz. Nevertheless, frequency bands in the range 275-450 GHz have been identified for the implementation of land mobile and fixed service applications, as well as radio astronomy and Earth exploration-satellite service and space research service in the range 275-1,000 GHz.

Overview of 6G spectrum deployment strategy. Note that even though by definition the THz band runs from 300 GHz to 10 THz, telecom professionals have found it simpler to classify beyond-100 GHz applications as THz communications. Source: IDTechEx –
Overview of 6G spectrum deployment strategy. Note that even though by definition the THz band runs from 300 GHz to 10 THz, telecom professionals have found it simpler to classify beyond-100 GHz applications as THz communications. Source: IDTechEx – “6G Market 2023-2043: Technology, Trends, Forecasts, Players”

What Does 6G Promise and What Are the Challenges?

By exploiting the large bandwidth in the THz frequency band, 6G is expected to enable 1 Tbps data rate. However, this rate is very challenging to achieve as a large continuous bandwidth is required, but in reality, the bandwidths that are available for use are limited and split over different bands. Another aspect is that spectral efficiency makes a direct trade-off with the required Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) for detection. The higher the required SNR, the shorter the respective range becomes due to transmitted power limitations at high frequencies as well as added noise. As an example, Samsung’s state-of-the-art D-band phase array transmitter prototype currently demonstrates the furthest travel distance of 120m but only achieves 2.3 Gbps. Other groups show higher data rates, but the over-the-air travel distance is only at centimeter level.

To further improve link range as well as enhance data rate, several requirements are needed to be considered when designing a 6G radio. For example, selecting appropriate semiconductors to boost link range is critical, pick low-loss materials with a small dielectric constant and tan loss to prevent substantial transmission loss. To further reduce transmission loss, a new packaging strategy that tightly integrates RF components with antennas is required. However, one must remember that as devices get increasingly compact, power and thermal management become even more critical.

In addition to device design, network deployment strategy is also a crucial area to research in order to address NLOS and power consumption challenges. Establishing a heterogeneous smart electromagnetic (EM) environment, for example, is being investigated, utilizing a wide range of technologies, such as reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) or repeaters.

6G Applications

One significant change of 6G to previous communication generations is that it will now include non-terrestrial networks, which is a key development item in 6G that enables conventional 2D network architectures to function in 3D space. Low Altitude Platforms (LAPs), High Altitude Platforms (HAPs), Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and satellites are examples of non-terrestrial networks (NTNs). China sent the world’s first 6G satellite in November 2020. This year, Huawei tested the NTN 6G networks using LEO (Low Earth Orbit) satellites. More and more activities in this area show that NTN networks will for sure be a key development trend.

Despite communications, 6G is also expected to tap into the world of sensing, imaging, wireless cognition, and precise positioning. Last year, Apple patented its THz sensor technology for gas sensing and imaging in iDevice. Huawei also tested several Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) prototypes. Many more studies and trials are underway to fully leverage the potential of 6G THz frequency bands.

To learn more about 6G technology, applications, and market, please refer to IDTechEx’s newly released 6G market research report. “6G Market 2023-2043: Technology, Trends, Forecasts, Players“. This 6G report is built on IDTechEx expertise, covering the latest 6G technology development trend, key applications, player activities, and market outlook, aiming to provide the reader with a comprehensive understanding of 6G technology and market.

Dell’s new UltraSharp lineup includes a super-sharp 32-inch 6K IPS monitor

Dell has unveiled its latest monitor and peripheral releases of the year including the world’s first 6K monitor with IPS Black and world’s first Zoom certified collaboration keyboard.

Dell UltraSharp 32 6K Monitor

Fully compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems, the Dell UltraSharp 32 6K Monitor (U3224KB) raises the bar with exceptional details, sharpness and color accuracy in stunning 6K resolution and VESA DisplayHDR 600 for detail-oriented professionals like graphic designers, engineers, and data scientists where every pixel counts. With 150% more pixels on 6K resolution  compared to 4K, the new UltraSharp 32 6K Monitor brings extra details and additional clarity.

The inclusion of IPS Black technology means an increase in depth for dark objects. even in dark environments, and accurate colors viewed from virtually every angle. Dell’s recently commissioned Hot Tech study revealed monitors with IPS Black technology offer up to 41% deeper black levels and up to 1.2 times better color accuracy than conventional IPSespecially in displaying low grays.

The UltraSharp 32 6K Monitor is also ideal for users looking for excellent video conferencing capabilities especially under low light conditions. It features a built-in dual gain HDR 4K webcam and provides auto framing, light adjustments plus enhanced clarity, automatic SafeShutter, echo cancellation mic and dual 14W speakers for an intelligent and more secure collaboration experience.

More Productivity Powerhouses

For creatives and business users who don’t require 6K resolution, Dell is also introducing two new UltraSharp monitors to suit users’ everyday needs.

The first curved WQHD monitor with IPS Black technology, the Dell UltraSharp 34 Curved USB-C Hub Monitor (U3423WE) allows users to connect and display content from two PCs using Picture-by-Picture (PBP) and Picture-in-Picture (PIP) features, while enjoying clear audio with the integrated dual 5W speakers.

A productivity powerhouse and a collaboration dream wrapped into one, the Dell UltraSharp 43 4K USB-C Hub Monitor (U4323QE) allows users to connect one PC to the monitor and split it into multiple (up to four) screen partitions, as well as the ability to connect up to four different PCs to the monitor, view all four inputs, and switch between them using KVM.

Innovative Peripherals for Maximized Collaboration

Dell has kicked off 2023 by also unveiling the world’s first Zoom-certified6 collaboration keyboard, the Dell Premier Collaboration Keyboard (KB900). Its sleek design features dedicated touch controls to easily manage Zoom calls easily, allowing users to mute and unmute the microphone, toggle between video on and off, easily screen share and bring up the chat panel. The device has 15 programmable keys and fast one-minute USB-C charging for a full day of battery life or up to 20 days on a single charge.

Dell Premier Collaboration Keyboard and Mouse

Dell is pairing the keyboard with the new Dell Premier Rechargeable Mouse (MS900), featuring a design with a comfortable palm grip. This mouse has a track-on-glass sensor that allows users to work seamlessly on virtually any surface, while smooth gliding advanced four-way scrolling provides a more intuitive navigating experience. The device allows for seamless switching between three devices and fine tune speed, tracking (with up to 8K dpi) and precision with Dell Peripheral Manager. The mouse provides half a day of use with one-minute USB-C quick charging and up to three months of battery life on a full charge. Both devices are seamless and more secure with Dell Pair one click connectivity and transmission is encrypted to help keep users’ data safe.

Commenting on the new releases, Yoon Lee, VP, Monitors, Dell Technologies, said: “Regardless of where you work, technology remains a staple in facilitating productive and collaborative employee experiences. At the center is the overarching PC experience driven largely by an entire ecosystem of devices bringing employees closer to their teams, customers and clients. With more than 50% of employees surveyed rating monitors as the most important device to improve productivity across different workspaces in a recent Dell-Forrester study, our newest additions to the UltraSharp family promise to up-level the performance and experience on which  you’ve grown to depend on.”

Availability

The Dell UltraSharp 32 6K Monitor (U3224KB) will be available in the first half of 2023, while the Dell UltraSharp 34 Curved USB-C Hub Monitor (U3423WE) and Dell UltraSharp 43 4K USB-C Hub Monitor (U4323QE) will be available on January 31st, 2023. The Dell Premier Collaboration Keyboard (KB900) and Dell Premier Rechargeable Mouse (MS900) will be available January 31st, 2023 or as a bundle on March 23rd, 2023. Pricing will be announced upon release.

 

 

 

Sennheiser launches the Conversation Clear Plus

Many people find it difficult to clearly understand conversations in noisy environments, such as in a busy restaurant or on a loud street. Conversation Clear Plus features advanced speech enhancement technology to let your conversation take centre stage in every interaction. With their smart, intuitive features, these stylish earbuds set a new standard for speech-enhanced consumer wearables

Effortlessly clear conversations in noisy environments

​Utilising sophisticated Sonova chip technology, conversations and calls are enhanced thanks to the Sennheiser Automatic Scene Detection feature, which analyses the noise level of a user’s environment and matches the speech enhancement level to their surroundings.
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​Integrated into the compact and modern earbuds, Automatic Scene Detection ensures the clearest speech in challenging environments, be it in person or on the phone. In concert with Active Noise Cancellation, Conversation Clear Plus works dynamically to block distracting noises and improve the clarity of conversations for every level of background noise.
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​Conversation Clear Plus lets you choose how much background noise you want to hear. Active Noise Cancellation blocks out distractions, while the Ambient Awareness mode enables more connection with the outside environment when desired.
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​”Sennheiser Conversation Clear Plus reflects our customers’ dynamic lives, allowing users to follow every conversation with ease, wherever they are,” says Daniel Holenstein, Sennheiser Senior Product Manager. “An independent study showed 95% of users experienced significant speech enhancement in noisy situations when using the product.”

Easy set-up and operation
​With step-by-step guidance in the companion app, getting started with Conversation Clear Plus is easy. In combination with the Conversation Clear Plus app, the earbuds deliver an intuitive, hassle-free user experience for tailoring listening preferences.
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​Dedicated settings for three different listening scenarios make personalising the audio experience effortless. The ‘Relax’ listening scenario lets sound enthusiasts customise the amount of background noise they want to block, while the ‘Communication’ and ‘Streaming’ scenarios automatically adjust settings for the best performance and clarity during conversations and while streaming content, respectively.
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​Connecting is a breeze with integrated true wireless technology, making pairing with any Bluetooth-enabled device quick and hassle-free. Offering excellent comfort with its ergonomic design, the Conversation Clear Plus earbuds feature an outstanding nine-hour battery life so that they are charged and ready for whenever they are needed. The charging case makes recharging user-friendly on the go, offering another 27 hours of usage time.
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​Conversation Clear Plus complements the new Sennheiser hearing solutions product category, with best-in-class products for different situations to come in 2023 and beyond.
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​Pricing and availability
​The Sennheiser Conversation Clear Plus will be available for pre-order on January 5, 2023, and on sale on January 20 with an MSRP of £749.

Tech Review – Tronsmart Bang SE portable party speaker

Tronmsart have released a new Party Speaker and we had early access to it so we could check it out and give you our thoughts, Tronsmart are well know for delivering great speakers at affordable prices and this one is no different and if you have not seen the Tronsmart Bang review check it out HERE.

Again we have got RGB on board with beat driven breathing and circling RGB lights on the device and not only on the sides this time as there is  behind the mesh grill on the front of the speaker to make it stand out and it looks well in action as you will see in the video review below.

The speaker is IPX6 waterproof and can be used indoors and outdoors making this super portable and can enhance that beach or pool party no matter where you go. We have again soundpulse technology but no app access and 40w speakers and from my testing this packs a real punch is loud and will easily fill a large room or garden.

When it comes to the audio experience it is exactly what you need for that indoor or outdoor party with great bass and volume highs lows and mids are fine and no tinny or distortion at maxed out volume, the speaker also takes a Micro SD card which is handy for those who have the tunes on a chip which many still do today.

The build quality is also excellent here and is very robust with easy to use control on top of the speaker with your I/O ports on the rear and the speaker itself is not heavy by any means.

Overall an affordable speaking keeping inline with its current portfolio giving decent sound with additional light effects.

Check the video below for a full demo and audio experience.

Technical Specifications

Model Bang SE
Bluetooth Version 5.3
Bluetooth Profile HSP / HFP / A2DP /AVRCP
Audio Codec SBC
Bluetooth Range Up to 15m/49ft (open area)
IP Rating IPX6
Output Power 40W
Input Power 5V/2A, via Type-C port
Frequency Range 60Hz – 20kHz 
Battery  8000mAh(7,4V/4000mAh) 
Playtime(Varied by Volume Level & Audio Content) Up to 24 Hours(Varied by Light Display) 

Up to 16 Hours(Varied by Light Display)
Charging Time ≤5 Hours
Dimension 298 x 164.5 x 118.8mm/11.73 x 6.48 x 4.68inch
Weight 2.16kg/4.76 lbs

 

Special offer:  https://bit.ly/3B2JUhx
Sold on Amazon:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BG93TZ5N/

Video Review