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.

ZHIYUN launches FIVERAY F100 and M40 go-anywhere pro lights.

ZHIYUN, a pioneer and world leader in innovative gimbals and stabilisers for cameras and smartphones, has launched the FIVERAY M40 pocket fill light and the FIVERAY F100 stick light. With their launch, ZHIYUN pushes the boundaries of lighting technology and performance to put studio-quality, ultra portable lighting products in the hands of content creators. Used with ZHIYUN handheld gimbals, content creators can access silky-smooth footage with stable and soft lighting, even in dark outdoor settings, thanks to its stay-cool technology.

From 7-8 December 2022, to mark the launch, ZHIYUN is giving readers a buy one get one free offer on all purchases of the FIVERAY F100 and the M40.

Both of the photography and filmmaking tools adopt ZHIYUN’s patented and disruptive DynaVort Cooling System™. Inspired by a panel of expert physicists, its intelligent stay-cool technology applies fluid dynamics and consists of advanced algorithms, controlling fans and a gyroscopic modelling heat sink. By raising the cooling efficiency through intelligent control, its two-way cooling system prevents overheating.

The palm-sized ZHIYUN M40 360° fill light epitomises simplicity and utility. Based on the attitude-control algorithm applied on gimbals, DynaVort technology enables better heat dispersion, allows for smaller fans, and therefore, a compact device without compromising on its 40W power. Products of a similar size currently only give 5-13W of power. Weighing only 320g, it fits neatly in pockets, looks stylish and is the ultra portable illumination companion for videographers, whether amateur or professional.

Yilun Liao, CEO, ZHIYUN, said: “we are passionate about using breakthrough innovations –  whether it’s with our iconic gimbals or our new FIVERAY lighting devices – to simplify and reshape content creation. With several industry firsts under our belts including the M40’s DynaVort Cooling System™, our products offer full creative control and convenience for anyone wanting to experience and express their inner filmmaker.”

The ZHIYUN M40, embedded with 176 LED chips rivals the key lights provided by bulkier products on the market with:

  • Incredible illuminance of 14,000 lux at its peak

  • Adjustable dual colour temperature ranging from 2,700-6,200k and consistent power output peaks at 40W with no strobes providing a stable light source

  • A standard fidelity offering for both photography and videography with CRI reaching 96+ and TLCI reaching 97+*

ZHIYUN’s FIVERAY F100 is the second professional lighting stick in its FIVERAY product range, bringing power, portability and accurate colour rendition in one versatile tool. Weighing just 950g, F100 is designed for one-handed control and comfort, offering a pro lighting solution without the need for complicated set-up or setting adjustment. The lighting tool reaches 20,708 lux at its 100W maximum power. Embedded with 5 times more LED chips, F100 gives you ultra-bright output compared to similar-sized lights. F100 offers six creative lighting effects that help build up the atmosphere easily when inspiration strikes.

For maximum versatility, F100 can be mounted on ZHIYUN’s holder, H stand, tripod and light stand, fitting in various filming settings for lighting solutions and additional accessories, including a diffuser and grid, offer multiple lighting options.

The ZHIYUN F100 is packed with features:

  • One click operation of Hue Saturation Intensity mode via the control dial: HSI Mode. Adjust H-Hue (0-360°), S-Saturation (0-100%) , I- Intensity (0-100%) and experience rich, vibrant colours via the dial.

  • Frosted casing creates a diffused, warm ambience while its groundbreaking structure integrates portability and performance.

  • Professional colour rendition with the RGB increased by 47% from 2700K to 6200K in CCT Mode

Pricing and availability

Available from 23 November 2022.

The ZHIYUN FIVERAY M40 is available for £99/$99/€119 from the ZHIYUN and Amazon store.

The ZHIYUN FIVERAY F100 is available for £249/$249/€299 from the ZHIYUN and Amazon store.

From 7 – 8 December, the F100 and M40 will be available on a buy-one-get-one-free basis from selected channels including Amazon, ZHIYUN Official Store, AliExpress, B&H. Please see this link for more details.

Jabra Black Friday Deals

Black Friday is almost here and Jabra have a super sale on, Enjoy tuning into your favourite podcast, workout soundtrack or dial into work calls with ease with Jabra’s Elite range of earbuds, equipped with ANC. Check out the deals below.

Jabra Elite 7 Active (Black, Mint, Navy Blue) – The ultimate fitness companion, built to withstand even the toughest workouts

 

Jabra Elite 4 Active (Black, Mint, Navy Blue) – Every-day earbuds, great for workouts and active lifestyles

 

 

Jabra Elite 7 Pro (Black, Gold Beige, Titanium Black) – Engineered for a best-in-class call experience

 

Review

 

Jabra Elite 3 (grey, navy, lilac, beige) – the all-round earbuds that just got even more affordable

 

 

Jabra Elite 45h (Black, Gold Beige, Navy Blue, Titanium Black) – Best-in-class on-ear wireless headphones with exceptional sound quality and music clarity

 

Tech Review – Gravastar Sirius P5 combo earbuds

The Gravastar Sirius P5 have been a hit at home here with family and friends with how the package was presented and also the ability to change the skins which is a first and for me it is also a welcome option and other manufacturers should take note, we can change our phone cases anytime with options galore but why not with our earbuds and I do not mean by a skin or case I mean included in the package you buy. If you missed the unboxing see it here.

Ok so there is no app here again which is fine but I feel like one could come along soon from the company to ad some more to their already great line-up of products that also sound good but do these pass the test on sound like previous models? In short yes the are well balanced decently loud and more, highs lows and mids are fine, direction is great nice bass and overall the right balance has been made again with these earbuds and for me will be fine for anyone who is not an audiophile, having said that they are a cut above the rest for this price too and for gaming movies and YouTube music etc they done a great job for me with the 12 mm drivers inside, not only that battery life is great and the light that you can see through the case is also a battery indicator to give you an idea of when to recharge them, the battery life is also good here getting 7.5 hour mark for me on max volume. The controls are the same as before here and easy to use and again we demo this in the video review below.

An important feature to note here is they have got multipoint connection which is often left out on earbuds three times the price of these which is a great feature which makes them ideal for people who like to use either a PC or phone for example.

Overall here you are getting value for money something different and a product that sounds good too and most of all looks good so for aesthetics here shining through the sound is not cheap dull or boring and punchy and again these  make an ideal gift for yourself of the sci-fi lover in your life. Check the video for more below.

Additional Tech Specs 

  • Battery Type: Polymer lithium-ion battery
  • Earbuds Charging Time: 1.5 hours
  • Single Earbuds Battery Capacity: 45 mAh
  • Single Earbuds Weight: 5g
  • Charging Case Battery Capacity: 500 mAh
  • Charging Case Charging Time: 2 hours
  • Input: 5V–350mA
  • Output: 5V–150mA
  • Playtime: Up to 8 hours of listening time with full charge (50% volume) ● Standby time: Around 80 hours
  • Bluetooth: V5.2
  • Bluetooth Protocol: A2DP, AVRCP, HFP
  • Decoding Format: SBC/AAC/APTX
  • Bluetooth Distance: >10m
  • Sensitivity: 99dB+/- 3dB
  • Frequency response range: 20Hz – 20KHz

BUY

Video review

Who are web developers and what do they do?

The first thing you should know is that web developers are one of the most sought-after in the field of technology as they are the key element in creating web pages.

They design, create and maintain websites and applications like true professionals. Therefore, if you need help with the implementation of such a project, you can always contact the professionals at https://devoxsoftware.com/hire/hire-front-end-developer/.

Considering that today the digital world is a highly competitive market, most brands need a place on the network, so the field for developers is quite wide. Jobs for such development can be found in special companies or computer consulting.

Some of the most requested positions

Frontend developer

This is a professional who is responsible for developing the visual aspects of the site. You are responsible for bringing the design to life, making sure that the page looks attractive and at the same time is efficient, intuitive, responsive, and allows users to interact with it.

Backend developer

He is responsible for programming the website in all its components. This allows every element that we see on the site to work.

In addition, you must have extensive knowledge of various programming languages ​​and the interaction of various databases.

Full stack web developer

He is one of the most complete programmers because they have Front end and Back End knowledge. They have skills in network design, programming languages, servers, databases, and other resources.

Technical SEO Specialist

He has the skills to position a web page in a search engine. To do this, he analyzes the profile and makes changes to ensure the maximum possible traffic to the site.

Responsibilities of a web developer

The web developer makes it possible for the page to be online, and to look attractive so that people come to it. As you can see, this is a very relevant profession.

The main functions of a specialist

Develop

This is the most important feature and therefore the most obvious one. Develop websites, and applications, and fix bugs using languages ​​such as JavaScript, HTML, CSS, PHP, and XML, as well as formats such as JSON and more.

According to the design and features of the page, it is responsible for choosing the best language. It does this by running tests that detect errors, fix them, and bring an effective site online.

Optimize

The performance of a web page must be optimized before it is posted on the Internet. To do this, an organized and correct code is used that is compatible and allows adequate maintenance.

Language management

One of the main functions of a web developer is knowledge of various programming languages. But it’s not just about mastering them, it’s important to keep up with new languages ​​and technologies entering the market.

It is important to keep abreast of the latest developments in the field of programming.

Add new features

The task of the developer is to add new features to the page or application.

For these new features, you have the opportunity to design and execute them. Before putting them online, run tests to make sure they work correctly.

Average web developer salary

Surely you are already curious to know how much a web developer earns, the answer is quite broad and subjective because it depends on the country, experience, projects you work on, and several other factors.

In general terms, it can be noted that this is also due to the experience and geographical location of the employer. According to a study by arc.dev, in 2022, professional fees for developers hired by local companies could average $12,000 per year.

Meanwhile, according to the same study, a senior developer working remotely at a global company can expect to earn an average of $46,500 per year.

As you can see, the gap is quite large. We have already told you that this is due to several factors, where experience and professionalism are the most important. It also depends on the area in which you decide to develop.

If you want to know more detailed information about the salaries of such specialists, then we recommend you check out https://devoxsoftware.com/blog/back-end-front-end-developer-salary-trends-in-2021/.

Tech Review – Sony Linkbuds S

The Sony Linkbuds S are the follow up to the Linkbuds which has a mixed reaction when launched but they sound good and move away from the traditional look and thus we have the usual looking earbuds this time around and perhaps for the better for some but at least Sony tried something new in a boring world of earbuds that either come with or without stems and not much room in between for design elements.

The earbuds are smaller than most and light and this is also fine with me they have a nice texture which again is new and this also applies to the case which is pocketable too and overall a decent package which you can see here in the unboxing experience. Yes the packaging is the same as before with the Linkbuds but fine and well thought out.

The Sony Linkbuds S of course come with app access which you can set up and be sure to use all the features at hand there is plenty on offer here in the app and that includes Adaptive sound control and a suite of EQ settings to get the desired tuning that you prefer, we go through the app in the video review below to show you more of what to expect but in general all is good here as expected.

The ANC works well and I had these on a flight recently and kept most of the outside world of crying babies and engine sound away, they are not as good as their headphones however we are getting closer to a headphones experience now with earbuds in the ANC department and this is a good thing.

I was impressed with how these sound and they are decently loud too which I like and again you can change settings in the app which also allows you to change sound compression with DSEE, highs lows and mids were fine nice bass but not the deepest bass but for watching movies listening to music and so on they do a great job overall.

Powered by 5mm drivers which are small in comparison to others out there they did well with audio in general and have been great on calls, also like many earbuds now you do not have to touch your phone as often with speak to chat and also have your messages read out to you and I like this implementation here and it works well as do the controls on the earbuds which have been on point every time unlike others can be.

Battery life is on the low side here with around 5 hours or so and less with max volume and ANC which is how I usually rock my earbuds and headphones, there is a quick charge feature that allows you an extra 90 mins on a 10 minute charge and the case gives you 12 hours and a feature omitted this time around is wireless charging which is fine but an option I prefer.

Overall for the price you pay they are decent but it is getting more competitive in the earbuds market and cheaper alternatives can be found with more features like wireless charging and aptX included but at the same time they fit well look good and do a decent job they have also got an IPX4 rating so for those into sports it is ideal and in general a well balanced product.

See more in the video review below.

 

Features 

The world’s smallest and lightest, noise cancelling, Hi-Res Truly wireless headphones 

Sony have engineered these remarkably small and light truly wireless headphones, approximately 4.8 grams in weight, with comfort in mind. LinkBuds S combine a shape that perfectly matches the human ear with an ergonomic design for a more stable fit, so you can steer clear of annoying ear pain that gets in the way of you and your entertainment.  

Keep all your worlds on with natural ambient sound   

LinkBuds S provide you with the best of both worlds. These headphones combine LinkBuds innovative ambient sound concept that lets you interact with the world around you, with high-quality noise cancelling allowing you to focus on the content you love and nothing else. You can step into a coffee shop and quickly order with ease, then just as quickly sit back and enjoy your favourite entertainment distraction-free. 

The headphones integrate Adaptive Sound Control, a smart feature that adjusts ambient sound settings depending on where you are, creating the ideal listening experience. With this, you can seamlessly move through your surroundings all while letting your favourite artists and entertainment play on. 

A new sound experience for AR gaming   

Sony is collaborating with its partner company Niantic in the area of audio AR by developing an AR game that can be enjoyed not only visually but also audibly. When you play their game “Ingress” using LinkBuds S, the sensor and spatial sound technology will enable players to enjoy a new experience in which sound is delivered according to the direction they are facing.

Read more HERE

Video review

Three announces Black Friday offers

Three has unveiled an incredible range of Black Friday offerings across both prepay and bill pay as well as products from the lifestyle offering, ahead of the popular online shopping date. Available both online and in Three stores nationwide, these unmissable deals will remain in place from today until midnight on Monday, November 28th and includes offers for both existing and new customers.

There is amazing value to be had with €250 savings on prepay 5G smartphones.  Shoppers can get €100 off the iPhone 14 128GB by switching to Three Bill Pay, while stocks last.

Thinking of treating yourself or getting some early Christmas gifts? Three’s lifestyle product range has some unmissable offers across smart watches, band and music products including savings; of €70 on the impressive JBL PartyBox Encore, €80 on the Huawei Watch GT 3 and €40 on JBL Tune Earbuds.

Don’t miss out, offers are only available from Monday, 21st – Monday, 28th in 3Stores nationwide and on Three.ie. For more information on offers, visit www.Three.ie.

Check out their Grafton Street store below and all the tech they have for that tech lover in your life

Tech Trends Elevating User Experience In the Gaming Industry

Online gaming is much more popular than ever, and players expect a more enjoyable user experience. Gaming, including traditional video gaming and the latest and greatest casino titles, has grown in popularity in recent years. 

This is partly due to technological advancements that have made gaming more immersive and entertaining than ever before. Online casino operators have taken advantage of these developments to improve their services. 

For instance, in the US there are many online casinos offering top-rated services that newbies need help to select the one that suits your gaming needs. Therefore, if you are looking for details please click here to get info on top casinos in the US. Most of these top casinos have harnessed the power of technological innovations. 

However, due to the recent surge in popularity, gamers have begun to raise their expectations regarding user experiences. In this blog post, we’ll look at some of the most recent technological trends that are modifying online gaming and improving the user experience for gamers all over.

Cross-Platform Play

Cross-platform play is another important trend in online gaming right now. This means that players from various gaming platforms (PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and so on) can participate in the same game. This is an excellent way to enhance the user experience for gamers by allowing them to interact with more people and play their best games regardless of platform.

Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality

These two technologies have gained a lot of traction in the gaming industry. Many online gambling platforms use virtual reality to improve the user experience. By creating a more realistic gaming experience, technology allows you to become more immersed in gambling.

The technologies also enable gamers to interact virtually while playing their favorite dealer games. Other virtual games allow players to create poker tables and play on their preferred surfaces.

Crypto Gambling

Cryptocurrencies have been adopted in a variety of industries, including online gambling. Many online casinos accept Cryptocurrency payments, and the number is expected to grow. Because of the advantages, more players prefer to wager with cryptocurrency.

For example, you don’t have to be concerned about the security of your crypto because they are extremely secure. Furthermore, it provides anonymity, which many gamblers value. They also allow players to deal directly with online casinos without using an intermediary, and payment processing is quick.

These characteristics have contributed to the popularity of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Litecoin in online casinos.

Cloud Gaming

Cloud gaming is one of the most recent online gaming trends. Cloud gaming enables players to stream games from the cloud rather than downloading and installing them on their devices. This can improve usability by reducing lag and making gaming more seamless.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence, or AI, has also significantly enhanced customer experience in online gaming. Online casinos, for example, use technology to track your gambling behavior and tailor their offers to your preferences.

If you enjoy playing online slots, the casino will use AI to detect this and provide you with the most recent news and offers on slots. Furthermore, AI is used by online casinos to improve customer service. Some online casinos, for example, have bots that can reply to regularly asked questions on the platform.

To Sum Up

These are a few of the most recent technological trends changing the online gaming landscape and improving the user experience for gamers worldwide. As can be seen, new tech has played a crucial role in making this possible. We can anticipate seeing more advancements in the future, particularly if player demands continue to increase as technology evolves.

Ministers Donohoe and Martin launch Tax Credit for Digital Games

The Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe TD, and Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media, Catherine Martin TD, have today (Monday) launched the Tax Credit for Digital Games.

Ministers Donohoe and Martin attended a launch event hosted by the digital gaming company “Black Shamrock” in the Guinness Enterprise Centre and formally signed the regulations to give full effect to the legislation. This follows approval of the credit by the European Commission in recent weeks.

The relief will take the form of a refundable corporation tax credit available to digital games development companies for qualifying expenditure incurred on the design, production and testing of a digital game. It will be available at a rate of 32% of eligible expenditure up to a maximum limit of €25 million per project. There will also be a per project minimum spend requirement of €100,000.

Ireland has an international reputation for excellence in the arts. It is Government policy to support the development of a vibrant media production and audiovisual sector in the State. The introduction of the Tax Credit for Digital Games aims to capitalise on the synergies with our established film and animation sectors to support the expression of Irish and European culture, and to support quality employment in creative and digital arts in Ireland.

In welcoming the measure, Minister Donohoe stated:

 “I am delighted to announce the launch of the Tax Credit for Digital Games. Ireland is already a world leader in other areas of the audiovisual sector including film, television and animation production, I believe that this credit will be instrumental in replicating such successes in the digital gaming sector. The introduction of this credit will ensure that Ireland is competitive in an industry that is estimated to be worth up to €260 billion.”

Speaking today, Minister Martin said:

“Digital games and growing employment and output from Ireland’s games sector is a key part of the Government’s Audio-visual Action Plan. The Digital Games Tax Credit will lead to support for the development of indigenous games companies along with increased investment from overseas games companies looking to locate in Ireland. Today is an important day for the expanding Irish Games industry and this Scheme will help to create jobs in the creative and digital arts in Ireland.”

Craig Stephens of Imirt, the Irish video games industry association said:

“The launch of the Digital Games Tax Credit is a huge moment for the Irish video games industry; it will welcome a new era of development creativity. This globally significant 32% credit will support our existing games development talent, plus attract major investment from overseas. Ireland is ideally positioned to secure more of the rapidly expanding $300 billion worldwide industry”. 

The regulations will now be signed by the Chairman of the Revenue Commissioners thereby allowing digital games development companies to apply for an interim certificate from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media for a qualifying digital game. It is expected certificate holders will then be able to apply for remuneration under the credit from Revenue from 1 January 2023.

Dublin City and Virgin Media To Field Trial a WiFi4EU-Compliant Network Utilizing Telecom Infra Project OpenWiFi Solution

Telecom Infra Project (TIP) OpenWiFi is ideal for publicly sponsored urban Wi-Fi deployments. It allows the selection of the most appropriate solution based on use case rather than a single vendor’s products, facilitates the independent replacement and upgrading of components, and is compatible with municipalities’ procurement needs for vendor diversity and state-of-the-art technologies.

Dublin City Council, Ireland, supported by Virgin Media Business, the city’s internet service provider, is installing Wi-Fi 6 Access Points that are compliant with TIP OpenWiFi as a trial of open, disaggregated solutions for potential use in the city’s public Wi-Fi network. TIP OpenWiFi is compliant with the technical requirements of the European Commission’s WiFi4EU initiative, the benchmark for public Wi-Fi deployments in Europe.

WiFi4EU is a ground-breaking initiative that promotes free access to Wi-Fi connectivity for citizens in public spaces including parks, squares, public buildings, libraries, health centers and museums in municipalities throughout Europe. Municipalities receive a voucher that pays for the network  including maintenance of the equipment to offer free and high-quality Wi-Fi connectivity for at least three years. Dublin City’s WiFi4EU Wi-Fi network will be a free Wi-Fi network and available throughout  its historic city center.

“A smart city is built around collaboration and openness. We are delighted to be trialing Wi-Fi options that are built with an open source architecture that enables multi-vendor interoperability,” said Jamie Cudden. Smart City Program Manager, Dublin City Council.

Dublin City Council’s public Wi-Fi  trials are using TIP OpenWiFi-compliant products and software including a cloud-based controller from NetExperience and access points from Edgecore and HFCL.

“Virgin Media is recognized for providing ‘clever tech’ with ultrafast speeds and ultra-reliability. We’re industry leaders offering our customers the latest technology and it just made sense to trial Dublin City Council’s Wi-Fi network using TIP OpenWiFi standards as part of our innovation partnership with the council ,” said Noel O Reilly, Business Products and Solutions Manager, Virgin Media Business.

TIP OpenWiFi is an open source-based Wi-Fi architecture that enables multi-vendor, interoperable Wi-Fi networks. The TIP OpenWiFi-based solution enables the Dublin City Council and Virgin Media to seamlessly mix and match additional access points and controllers from any TIP OpenWiFi compliant manufacturer, enabling it to easily expand the city center network.

A TIP OpenWiFi network can also support OpenRoaming, with no change in hardware or software. This demonstrates the innovation and maturity of TIP OpenWiFi.

OpenRoaming, based on Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Passpoint and the Wireless Broadband Alliance’s Wireless Roaming Intermediary eXchange (WRIX) standards, allows users to automatically connect to Wi-Fi networks without logging in. It also offloads mobile connectivity and enables wireless convergence.

Municipalities can learn more about TIP OpenWiFi and get involved in this initiative here.