Leading real hands on tech review site in Ireland with technology, business news and more. Jim O Brien Tech.
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.
Creative Technology today announced the launch of the Creative Chat USB, a convenient USB-C on-ear headset that is fit for all-day audio enjoyment and works even better for conference calls. The latest headset comes with a built-in noise-cancelling boom mic and swivel-to-mute function along with SmartComms Kit’s auto-mute and two-way noise cancellation features that make online calls a breeze for users. From webinar presentations to conference calls, the Creative Chat USB offers quality audio and effective noise-cancelling capabilities that works to prioritize voice pickup over unwanted background noises, so users can truly focus on what matters most, the conversation.
With a simple plug-and-play setup, users can be ever-ready for any conference call with the Creative Chat USB.
Built with a pair of 40 mm Neodymium drivers, the Creative Chat USB has been intricately designed to deliver excellent audio performance that precedes its price by offering a much bigger audio bang for the buck. So, be it for work calls or entertainment, users can expect nothing but high-quality and crystal-clear audio playback all day.
The Creative Chat USB is also easy to set up with convenient compatibility across various popular conference apps such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams. Coupled with nifty smart features and improved call quality, the Creative Chat USB has all the makings of the perfect audio companion for any online calls.
Pricing and Availability
Creative Chat USB is attractively priced at £44.99, $49.99 in the US and €49.99 in Europe and is available at Creative.com.
General speaking, managers and business owners will understand the importance of having efficient, cost-efficient communication within the company as well as with outside parties. Employees need to work together to achieve the same goal in an increasingly competitive business world.
Collaboration between different departments should be encouraged and incorporated into every company’s corporate culture. Therefore, it is important for businesses to have the best possible video conferencing equipment.
However, budget constraints mean that communication and collaboration costs among your team members should be kept as low as possible. Your company should have a clear, efficient, and cost-effective communication system, regardless of whether your employees work remotely or in other offices.
If you are looking for integrated web conferencing capabilities? Below is a list of some of the most advanced video conferencing hardware from Joyusing, including audio, speakerphone and video. They can be integrated into meeting rooms and are easy to use because they are intended to function together.
Joyusing Video Conferencing Equipment: video conference camera
Joyusing is a well-known brand in the teleconferencing hardware industry, because of its innovative designs and creation of high-quality audio-visual systems for teleconferencing.
H210 Video Conference Camera
H210 is a kind of our latest video conferencing equipment, integrating with HD camera, microphone, speaker, and DSP (digital signal processing) chip together. With compact & portable design, easy to install, fast to setup, H210 is ideal for small video conferencing. Compatible with to Windows7/8/10, Android, Apple and many different operating systems, supporting ZOOM, SKYPE, Microsoft Team, Meet, GoToMeeting, Cisco, etc.
1080p HD camera,microphone,speaker, DSP chip
3M pickup radius, 90° horizontal field of view
Intuitive plug-and-play USB, easy and fast setup
Owing to DSP, purifying the background noise greatly is feasible
The hardware is specifically designed for conferencing. It can be used for online meetings and video conferencing. This web conferencing solution is compact and easy to use. Its compact design doesn’t affect its performance.
Although many companies will place more importance on form than function, it is a good idea to have a video conference camera that can do both. This all-in-one solution for video conferencing includes a 90-degree camera, built-in omnidirectional microphone and a speaker. It allows businesses to hold online video conferencing meetings in anywhere you want.
Joyusing Video Conferencing Equipment: Webcam
The above video conferencing solutions combine audio and video into one system. However, some companies need a dedicated video capability to use in their conference rooms.
N1088 Webcam
Each conference room has its own dimensions and is unique. If your conference room requires a budget 4k webcam, you can take Joyusing N1088 into your consideration. The N1088 is a 4K Ultra HD auto focus webcam with a built-in noise reduction microphone for professional video and audio. Benefit from the latest developed six layers of high-gloss optical glass, the webcam works out a resolution of 3840*2160. The device supports full HD video communication without latency, allowing you to enjoy hassle-free communication.
Ultra HD 4K image sensor
Built-in noise-cancelling microphone
Premium autofocus function
90° diagonal field of view
Compatible with Windows XP, Windows 7, Windows 8,
Windows 10, Linux, Mac OS , Chrome, Android
Joyusing Video Conferencing Equipment: Speakerphone
If you need dedicated speakerphone hardware to use with Zoom (or your other video conferencing software of choice), below is the Joyusing hot sale and the best video conferencing microphones on the market. The microphone is compatible with many web-based conferencing software. It produces high-quality audio for your audiences, so your online meetings will not be interrupted by poor sound quality.
CS16 USB Conferencing speakerphone
This high-quality online speakerphone is ideal for meeting with clients. As a professional-grade USB conference speakerphone, CS16 supports Bluetooth and 2.4G
wireless. It is born with powerful functions and user-friendly designs. With built-in 4 microphone arrays and a acquisition distance of 5 meters (16ft), it is ideal for small and medium-sized meeting rooms. Instant set-up by using the 3 meters USB cable to connect to the video conferencing terminal. With an optional extended microphone, the conversation area can be expanded to a radius of 7meters (23ft).
48K ultra-wide-band enhance voice pickup with real-time echo cancellation
Universal compatibility to various software video conferencing and network conferencing
Applicable for online meetings up to 15 attendees in an area up to 40m
Perfect standby time and portability for conference in any scenarios
Intelligent mixing microphone and dynamic noise suppression deliver quality conversation.
Conclusion
From all above, you may have a basic understanding of industry-leading video conferencing software with high-quality hardware, you can improve the communication experience for your employees and consultants. The all-in-one conferencing solution is ideal for businesses that needs a complete online meeting solution. If you need audio or video, you can choose the speakerphone or video camera hardware listed in this article. Every business can find the right product for their needs in the video conference equipment market.
The all new Google Nest doorbell has arrived and is now going to be part of my new home security set up, having a wireless system makes more sense these days and the technology has improved hugely over the last few years as I have been using wireless security cameras in my home and having one ecosystem makes more sense rather than several mixed in together and it also cause clutter with extra hubs and so on.. The new offering from Google is of course wireless and easy to install too and can easily replace your existing system at home with less hassle especially if you have a wired set up that does limit the abilities and flexibility of the products.
Check out the unboxing and first look whilst we check this out over the coming weeks and we will have footage and more on this and the new nest cam too. Any questions you know what to do..
Google recently announced some new products and these are most welcome in my book, I am a keen Google product user and this makes thing much more seamless for me all round, as a keen security fan I have many security cameras in my home and will now be moving completely over to the Google platform with the new products.
The new next cam can be used indoors and outdoors and it operates via battery rather than being wired which is a nuisance today and limits the product portability factor for me, not that there is anything wrong with wired cameras but wireless in 2021 should be the thing same as USB-C and hopefully all future smartwatches.
Today we check out the new camera with a quick unboxing and tour of the device and we will have a full review in the coming weeks with footage from the camera and everything else that goes with it so stay tuned for that..
Following the loosening of travel restrictions, airlines and tour operators have reported a surge in ticket sales. Although some people remain cautious due to the possibility of last minute changes to the traffic-light status, Eurostar has seen an increase in bookings to several European countries including France, Germany, Austria and Norway. EasyJet has also reported an increase in bookings to the Balearics and Canary Islands, Italy, Greece and Portugal since the government’s announcement.
Whether trying to make the most of the last few weeks of the summer holidays, fit in a short break, book a getaway for later this year or even 2022, or find the perfect Christmas gift for travel mad friends and family, here are eight helpful gadgets that will make that long awaited trip even more relaxing and enjoyable.
The Pocketalk S language translator is the perfect travel companion. It can translate 82 languages bi-directionally at the touch of a button and has a text-to-translate camera which instantly recognises and translates text, the written word and signs – ideal if you need help reading menus or are trying to find your way around a new city. By utilising the best translation engines from around the world, Pocketalk S provides consistently accurate translation and creates the best experience by picking up localised dialects and slang. It also comes with a complementary 2-year mobile data plan that provides coverage in over 130 countries/regions so you don’t need to rely on Wi-Fi.
For long car or plane journeys headphones for the tablet or phone are essential. These Bluetooth headphones provide a great listening experience without the kids getting caught up in the wires. Suitable for all Bluetooth-enabled audio/video devices including smartphone, tablet, laptop and portable DVD the Kidz offer up to 7.5 playtime plus an optional 3.5 mm headphone jack means they can continue to be used even when the battery dies. The comfortable fit means that kids will gladly wear them for them whilst they catch up on YouTube. Available in bold blue or vibrant pink.
Proving big sound comes in small packages the Wave II Bluetooth speaker means compromising on power for portability is a thing of the past. Ideal to take camping or to have for around the pool, the Wave II boasts a powerful spec in a compact size. The 6W speaker combined with an eight-hour playtime means the tunes will play all day. A handy carabiner clip means you can attach the Wave II to your tent, clothes, belt or bag knowing it will securely stay in place. There’s no need to panic if a spontaneous water fight breaks out as the Wave II is IPX4 water resistant or in simple terms: splash proof.
Keep your gadgets charged wherever your travels take you with this wireless charging power bank from Groov-e. You have the option of wireless charging or USB and USB Type-C output so most phones, tablets, e-readers and cameras are covered. The 8000 mAH capacity offers multiple device charges.
A must have if you’re flying somewhere, the AirFly Pro is a Bluetooth adaptor that allows AirPods or other wireless headphones to be used in situations where only wired headphone jacks are available i.e. with the inflight entertainment system. Having to use the uncomfortable wired headphones airlines provide is now a thing of the past as AirFly Pro will allow up-to two users to easily connect their wireless headphones via Bluetooth, to the media system.
This sturdy, all-metal folding stand from Twelve South allows you to use iPad Pro more creatively while on the move. Use it to dock iPad Pro on your tray table on planes and trains so you can comfortably enjoy TV shows, movies and games. Compact and lightweight, it folds away for easy transportation.
Simple yet incredibly practical, PlugBug Duo keeps USB-powered devices charged in more than 150 countries. It also adds two USB ports to a MacBook Power adapter so users can charge three devices at once. With PlugBug Duo, users can keep all their devices charged, wherever they may roam.
The BookBook for Kindle Paperwhite is a vintage inspired, one-of-a-kind case designed to protect Amazon’s latest e-reader. Enhancing the joy of reading, BookBook transforms the Kindle Paperwhite into what looks and feels like an elegant, leather-bound hardcover book. Made from hand-distressed, genuine leather which is different and unique on every BookBook, the case even features an integrated folding kickstand that props up the Kindle Paperwhite for hands-free reading on trains, planes or by the pool.
Dell has today announced three new additions to its monitor line: the Dell 14 Portable Monitor (C1422H) and the Dell 24 and 27 Video Conferencing Monitors (S2422HZ and S2722DZ).
Dell 14 Portable Monitor
Built to be the ultimate laptop companion, Dell’s first ever 14” portable monitor delivers dual-screen productivity to work, present and collaborate anywhere. For professionals working in the office, at home or on the go, users will appreciate the monitor’s lightweight design, weighing less than a pound and a half and less than a quarter-inch thick at its slimmest, making it extremely easy to travel with. Featuring FHD resolution, 16:9 aspect ratio with IPS technology, this monitor offers easy plug and play with USB-C connectivity. Simply press the quick access buttons to adjust brightness (up to 300 nits) and ComfortView feature that reduces harmful blue light emissions.
The sleek yet practical design complements all workstyles and productivity demands with a small continuous tilt stand that bends from 10 to 90 degrees. It also features Energy Star and EPEAT GOLD certification.
Dell 24 and 27 Video Conferencing Monitor
Hanging out virtually with friends, family and co-workers has never been easier with the new 27-inch QHD / 23.8-inch FHD monitors made for video calls. For an easy out-of-box experience, these monitors come with a built-in 5MP privacy pop-up camera, noise-cancelling microphones and dual 5W speakers. The pop-up camera stays hidden until users are ready for video chatting, plus you’ll enjoy amazing video clarity and crystal-clear sound.
These beautifully designed monitors feature Dell’s TÜV-certified ComfortView Plus – an always-on low blue light reduction technology that optimizes eye comfort while retaining color accuracy. Other features include the convenience of USB-C connectivity, AMD FreeSync technology and 75Hz refresh rate for leisure gaming.
Pricing and availability
The Dell 14 Portable Monitor will be available worldwide from August 31st, starting at €230 ex. VAT.
The Dell 24 Video Conferencing Monitor will be available worldwide from October 1st, 2021, with pricing to announced upon release.
The Dell 27 Video Conferencing Monitor will be available worldwide from October 1st, 2021, with pricing to announced upon release.
512 Audio, a new Austin-based audio brand dedicated to delivering professional gear built for creators, announces two XLR microphones一Limelight and Skylight一 and a lineup of studio essentials for creating podcasts, live streams, vocal recordings and more. Developed by the dedicated team behind Warm Audio’s award-winning, classic-inspired microphones, preamps, guitar pedals and more, 512 Audio launches from the creative culture of Austin, TX at a time when people are producing more content than ever before.
“Instead of focusing on the specs war, we thought about how audio gear would be used by people, what they want to create, and how they want to connect,” said Tommy Edwards, VP of Product Strategy for 512 Audio and Warm Audio. “512 Audio microphones and accessories are built to capture everything creators need and nothing they don’t. We specifically tuned the mics to focus on the frequencies that would deliver the most for the creators without any noise they don’t need. We wanted to deliver the best of pro audio in a tailor-made, uncomplicated way.”
For its initial debut, 512 Audio is introducing five products built to help creators capture speech and vocals with clarity and warmth, making audiences feel as if they’re listening in person:
Microphones:
Limelight (£189.99 MSRP)
Limelight Mic
A dynamic vocal XLR mic that delivers exceptional clarity for close-range, talk-focused podcasts, broadcasts or live streams. The combination of a modern circuit and professional dynamic capsule produces smooth, crystal clear audio. Limelight’s hypercardioid pattern creates a hyper-focused pickup field to capture your voice and cut out unwanted ambient noise. The built-in pop shield and switchable, low-frequency filter remove intrusive plosives and low-end rumble for a clean, uncompromised sound. Bring the clear, natural audio of a professional broadcast studio to your home setup.
Skylight (£189.99 MSRP)
Skylight
A large-diaphragm condenser XLR microphone featuring a 34mm gold-plated capsule engineered with premium components and a voice-tailored frequency response to capture the warmth and detail of speech and singing vocals. With a fixed cardioid pickup pattern, Skylight records your voice in front of the mic and reduces ambient room noise. The included metal mesh pop filter and low-profile shockmount eliminate unwanted plosives and low-end rumble delivering a clean, natural sound for podcasts, live streams or vocal recordings. Capture the richness of your voice with detailed warmth and true studio sound, without the studio.
Setup Essentials:
512-BBA Boom Arm (£79.99 MSRP) – an adjustable microphone boom arm with a 360-degree rotation and silent, high-tension spring design for easily achieving stay-in-place mic positioning for podcasting, streaming or recording.
Academy Headphones (£89.99 MSRP) – studio monitor headphones with 45mm dynamic drivers precision-tuned to deliver exceptional clarity when monitoring speech and vocals. With an ergonomic design and superior acoustic seal, hear every nuance of your recordings with clarity and comfort.
512-Pop Professional Microphone Pop Filter (£54.99 MSRP) – a superior metal mesh pop filter to achieve clear, natural speech and vocals. No more post-production hassle or livestream concerns for achieving clean audio.
“Living and working in Austin we are in the heart of a creator culture, but regardless of where you are, creator content dominates what we listen to and watch,” said Bryce Young, founder and CEO of 512 Audio and Warm Audio. “We all have that creator whose content connects with us, whether it’s in music, gaming, politics, faith or passion projects. 512 Audio was our way to build audio gear specifically for creators to make closer connections to their audiences.”
Limelight, Skylight, 512-BBA boom arm, and 512-Pop filter are all available today at Amazon.co.uk. Academy studio monitor headphones will be available in October. For more information, visit www.512audio.com.
Publisher Assemble Entertainment today unveiled the latest title to join its award-winning roster: XEL. Developed by Tiny Roar, XEL is a vibrant sci-fi “Zelda-like” that will head to PC and consoles in 2022. In the game, players will explore a lush, vibrant world filled with gorgeous — and occasionally deadly — biomes. Solve intricate puzzles, explore mysterious dungeons, and battle merciless robots and exotic wildlife. Inspired by titles like the Zelda series, XEL will take players through an epic and heartwarming story filled with fantastical settings and memorable characters set to an emotionally powerful soundtrack from composer Gidon Wolff.
XEL follows an amnesiac protagonist named Reid, who finds herself shipwrecked on an enigmatic world with no memory of her previous life. Players will join Reid as she sets out to get to the bottom of the mystery behind this bizarre land filled with secrets, puzzles, and a not-so-stable sense of time. Explore a beautiful overworld dotted with challenging dungeons in a classic, top-down, 3D action-adventure format in a rich, vivid palette. During her quest Reid will meet charming, enduring characters, engage in thrilling combat, and of course, find and upgrade a whole bevy of nifty weapons, items, gadgets, and moves — some of which may help her jump through space and time.
Sci-fi Dungeon Diving: The world of XEL features a vast, extensive overworld and challenging, Zelda-like dungeons to explore
A Deep Combat System: Become proficient at using a variety of attacks and combos, while dodging, and parrying to tackle and take out foes
Gadgets & Guns: Master and upgrade your weapons, shield, and gadgets to smash your foes and open up new areas to explore
Deep Lore and a Deeper Mystery: What exactly happened to this world, and who is responsible? Piece together a captivating story and dive into the legends behind the cryptic history XEL
Spacetime? Not a Problem: Unlock special abilities that allow Reid to bend the rules of space and time, grantingher access to previously impassable areas and opening up new ways to defeat difficult enemies
The entire Assemble line-up will be available in the gamescom now content hub and will serve as the home base for premieres, games, and events. During the event, new demos of Super Catboy, Roadwarden, Squadron 51 and Plan B From Outer Space: A Bavarian Odyssey will be available.
Developed by Tiny Roar and published by Assemble Entertainment, XEL will launch Q2 2022 on Steam, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5.
In the modern tech scenario, businesses are worried about the maintenance of their speed to match the fast-paced momentum of the rest of the tech world. This is why cyber-security concerns have escalated in the industry.
Cyber-security has always been a point of concern for all kinds of businesses due to the importance of the field and the significance of data for businesses. For this reason, many organisations are now channelling their focus towards building a protective shield around their systems to ensure nobody can break through the security. However, to fully understand how companies protect their data, you will have to learn first about the significance of data for all kinds of businesses.
Importance of Data for Businesses
Data has always been a part of our systems, but its importance has seen a major rise in the last couple of decades. From being explicitly limited to medical calculations and analyses, data has now proved its importance in all aspects of life. From managing businesses to saving lives, every field of life requires proper data analysis to ensure the decisions are factual and relevant.
For this reason, businesses have developed an increased amount of interest in building their business models around their data analysis. This allows them to map their company’s performance as compared to other competitors, improve the customer’s experience, and make quick relevant decisions. Furthermore, the significance of the maintenance of your company’s success also relies heavily on data analyses.
How Do Companies Protect Their Data?
The significance of the protection of data has escalated in the last decade due to the shift in the business models across the tech society. For this reason, companies have followed certain steps that ensure their data is bullet-proof against all kinds of dangers. Let’s traverse through these steps to spread awareness among emerging businesses.
Data Protection with Cloud Protocols
As digitisation has picked pace, cloud management has become an active contributor in managing the tech infrastructure of a company. Although cloud service providers have standardised security protocols that ensure the safety of your data, the process of transferring to and retrieving their data from their systems holds major security concerns for many businesses. However, these channels have advanced levels of encryption to ensure the information remains secure.
Develop Strategies
Instead of having vague policies that create further confusion for the governing bodies, companies tend to develop standardised IT security strategies that ensure the protection of both data and resources.
Ensure Safety of Their Wireless Network
Ensuring the safety of the wireless network holds key importance for businesses. Since every major business has a systematic database that contains their data, they need to ensure the safety of their wireless network. To cement their efforts of ensuring security, businesses tend to buildcost-effective oracle database standby systems that work as disaster recovery software to provide an instant backup in the event of an emergency. This provides a buffer time to let the organization make the necessary changes in their main system and bring it back online without having to enforce any kinds of inconveniences on their customers.
Protect Their Passwords
Many people believe that remembering or using complex passwords can be a tiring activity, considering they are difficult to remember. However, standard laws of security suggest that your passwords need to be bullet-proof and this can only be achieved if your passwords are complex and difficult to crack.
Moreover, modern-day password managers provide companies the liberty to secure their passwords and use them without having to remember them, so there is absolutely no reason left not to secure your systems with a complex password.
Benefits of Improving Cybersecurity for Businesses
Cybersecurity has been a point of interest for the majority of businesses in recent years. Here are a few benefits that help organizations who prioritize cybersecurity over everything else.
Productivity Boost
Since a cyber-attack can halt your productivity, by maintaining their security protocols, companies can avoid this stutter and allow their systems to run smoothly without a dip in their productivity.
Restoration of Customer Trust
Customers crave customized user experiences to ensure they feel an emotional connection with the brand. This connection can only be strengthened if the customer feels secure with their data. This is why businesses establish advanced security protocols to maintain the trust of their customers.
Cyber-security is not an alienated concept for the technical fraternity. It has been around since the start of online businesses, and it will remain as long as online businesses exist. However, the significance of ensuring your company’s data security has only increased with time. This increase in significance is directly proportional to the dependency of organizations on their data and the change in the structure of building their business models around their acquired data. This is why many emerging and established businesses are now focused on ensuring their data security to make sure they continue to stay unique due to their business logic.
