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.
Studying online is not a new trend, it has been around for a few years now. However, the current pandemic has forced people to stay at home which made more and more students turn to online learning to continue their studies. Technological advancements facilitated the learning process for all students as more tools are available for them. You don’t need to go out of your house anymore to meet the instructor to ask them about something you don’t understand in the curriculum. You can simply open your laptop and log on to the learning platform and get all the help you need. In this list, we will discuss 6 benefits that you can get from studying online.
1. Comfort
Learning while you are in your pajamas is more convenient than wearing jeans. However, that is not the only reason studying online brings comfort. In a typical physical class, you carry all the materials with you if they are a hard copy, you have to go through traffic every day to arrive on time, and if the class is crowded, you may find it difficult to find legroom. Eliminating these factors will ease the stress on students which will improve the learning rate. Even if you became ill, you can still study without doing much effort or exposing others to your illness.2Scheduling.
2. Scheduling
How many times have we sacrificed family gatherings or social events because we had a class to attend? The answer is too many times. Everyone has had a rough day and then had to attend a class in which they almost learned nothing. Studying online removes the restriction of scheduling, as you study whenever you are ready. You can schedule your lesson times around your daily activities, whether they were working times, social events, or even a game of your favorite sport. When you have 24/7 access to class material, you will choose the time when you are ready to study to absorb more knowledge.
3. Career Advancement
Career advancement applies to both students and employees alike when studying online. A student will eliminate the commuting time and unproductive time spent on campus to pursue a job that will improve their working experience while studying. By the time the student gets their degree, they will have both knowledge and experience to be eligible for a better job. Employees who are taking courses to improve their skills will have the flexibility of different platforms online to access their courses whether at home or work when they are having a break. Physical classes can make employees lose precious work time while studying online offers them the chance to learn at their own pace whenever they can.
4. Computer Skills
Studying online will improve the necessary computer skills that you can use at work. Dealing with online platforms will prepare you to handle business software efficiently since many businesses are moving all their operations online. Conducting online business meetings, presenting online, handling cloud-based software and other on-the-job skills will be useful for students in the future.
5. Variety of Courses
There is nothing you can’t learn online nowadays; from how to tie a tie to rocket science. Sometimes you don’t find any learning centers near you to learn a specific skill you want, and students have to travel abroad to earn a certain degree. Studying online removed the distance barrier of learning, many universities offer their degrees online and if you need a particular certification to advance in your career, you will most likely find its course online. Online learning platforms offer a variety of courses ranging from computer programming and graphic design to accounting and customer service.
6. Value for Money
Studying at a physical location, whether it was a campus or a learning center, comes with several expenses. These expenses may include travel expenses, rent, lunch, and other expenses. Additionally, the value of courses taken at a physical location will be higher due to the upkeep of maintenance and personnel working at these locations. You get the same level of education online without the extra expenses and hassle that come with campuses. For employees, they will also save any lost time and resources while they fail to report to work due to a scheduled class.
Studying online became popular among people for its various benefits. The idea of studying from the comfort of your home is appealing to everyone and encourages people to acquire new skills. Students can study whenever they want without being restricted by a tight schedule, and they can have free time to pursue their career goals.
For the past 15 years, billions of people have turned to Google Earth to explore our planet from endless vantage points. You might have peeked at Mount Everest or flown through your hometown. Since launching Google Earth, they have focused on creating a 3D replica of the world that reflects our planet in magnificent detail with features that both entertain and empower everyone to create positive change.
In the biggest update to Google Earth since 2017, you can now see our planet in an entirely new dimension — time. With Timelapse in Google Earth, 24 million satellite photos from the past 37 years have been compiled into an interactive 4D experience. Now anyone can watch time unfold and witness nearly four decades of planetary change.
Our planet has seen rapid environmental change in the past half-century — more than any other point in human history. Many of us have experienced these changes in our own communities; For other people, the effects of climate change feel abstract and far away, like melting ice caps and receding glaciers. With Timelapse in Google Earth, have a clearer picture of our changing planet right at our fingertips — one that shows not just problems but also solutions, as well as mesmerizingly beautiful natural phenomena that unfold over decades.
To explore Timelapse in Google Earth, go to g.co/Timelapse — you can use the handy search bar to choose any place on the planet where you want to see time in motion.
Or open Google Earth and click on the ship’s wheel to find Timelapse in our storytelling platform, Voyager, to see interactive guided tours. We’ve also uploaded more than 800 Timelapse videos in both 2D and 3D for public use at g.co/TimelapseVideos. You can select any video you want as a ready-to-use MP4 video or sit back and watch the videos on YouTube. From governments and researchers to publishers, teachers and advocates, we’re excited to see how people will use Timelapse in Google Earth to shine a light on the issues facing our planet.
See the difference the Suruí people have made through their protection of the Amazon rainforest they call home in Rondônia, Brazil
Understand the causes of Earth’s change Google worked with experts at Carnegie Mellon University’s CREATE Lab to create the technology behind Timelapse, and we worked with them again to make sense of what we were seeing.
Timelapse in Google Earth shows the rapid change on our planet in context through five thematic stories, for example the retreat of the Columbia Glacier in Alaska.
Putting time on Earth in the palm of our hand
Making a planet-sized timelapse video required a significant amount of what they call “pixel crunching” in Earth Engine, Google’s cloud platform for geospatial analysis. To add animated Timelapse imagery to Google Earth, Google gathered more than 24 million satellite images from 1984 to 2020, representing quadrillions of pixels. It took more than two million processing hours across thousands of machines in Google Cloud to compile 20 petabytes of satellite imagery into a single 4.4 terapixel-sized video mosaic — that’s the equivalent of 530,000 videos in 4K resolution! And all this computing was done inside our carbon-neutral, 100% renewable energy-matched data centers, which are part of their commitments to help build a carbon-free future.
As far as we know, Timelapse in Google Earth is the largest video on the planet, of our planet. And creating it required out-of-this-world collaboration. This work was possible because of the U.S. government and European Union’s commitments to open and accessible data. Not to mention their herculean efforts to launch rockets, rovers, satellites and astronauts into space in the spirit of knowledge and exploration. Timelapse in Google Earth simply wouldn’t have been possible without NASA and the United States Geological Survey’s Landsat program, the world’s first (and longest-running) civilian Earth observation program, and the European Union’s Copernicus program with its Sentinel satellites.
An inside look at Google Earth. With mountains, valleys, buildings and more, Timelapse videos are draped over our planet using advanced 3D graphics rendering techniques. At any given moment, the correct videos for your location, view angle and zoom-level are seamlessly stitched together on the fly to compose Timelapse in Google Earth, updated as you pan, zoom and explore.
24 million satellite images from 1984 to 2020 were analysed, and we identified and removed artefact’s in the imagery, like clouds. We then computed a single representative pixel for every location on the planet, and for every year from 1984-2020 to produce our global, cloud-free Timelapse experience.
Timelapse also reveals beautiful natural geologic processes, such as the beach sands of Cape Cod slowly shifting south. This footprint of time is captured in our featured locations collection, “Mesmerizing Changes.”
What will you do with Timelapse?
Google Earth invites anyone to take Timelapse into their own hands and share it with others — whether you’re marvelling at changing coastlines, following the growth of megacities, or tracking deforestation. Timelapse in Google Earth is about zooming out to assess the health and well-being of our only home, and is a tool that can educate and inspire action.
Visual evidence can cut to the core of the debate in a way that words cannot and communicate complex issues to everyone. Take for example the work of Liza Goldberg who plans to use Timelapse imagery to teach climate change. Or the 2020 award-winning documentary “Nature Now” that uses satellite imagery to show humanity’s growing footprint on the planet.
Timelapse for the next decade to come
In collaboration with our partners, we’ll update Google Earth annually with new Timelapse imagery throughout the next decade. We hope that this perspective of the planet will ground debates, encourage discovery and shift perspectives about some of our most pressing global issues.
Dell Technologies has today unveiled new additions to the Inspiron family, releasing the Inspiron 14, 14 2-in-1, 15, 15 plus and 16 plus, redesigned with new elemental colours.
With minimalist and modern designs, the new Inspiron devices pack all the latest PC innovations that Dell has to offer to keep users connected so they can adapt to the learn- or work-from-anywhere lifestyle.
Commenting on the release of the new line, Kevin Terwilliger, Vice President, Inspiron and Vostro, Client Product Group at Dell Technologies, said: “The PC is more than just a piece of technology – it’s a gateway to your passions, your work, your play and who you are. Nothing brings you closer to the things that matter than our new Inspiron series, featuring a lineup that empowers the freedom of expression, connection, and communication with a whole lot of style.
“This isn’t the Inspiron your parents remember – it’s made to handle everything from connecting with friends and family for virtual happy hour, keeping up with current events in online forums to editing your latest blog entry and binging your favourite show. It comes stacked with a top-notch visual experience and Dell Mobile Connect, a feature that seamlessly connects your Android or iOS device to the PC, so you never miss a text or call. What’s more, the new lineup delivers on Dell’s promise to be environmentally conscious.”
One hundred percent of the Inspiron laptop’s painted parts use low volatile organic compound (VOC) waterborne paint. The packaging tray for all Inspiron laptops are made from 100% recycled paper, while other packaging components are comprised of up to 90% recycled materials.
The nearly borderless display, expansive keyboard, larger keycaps and spacious touchpad make it easier for viewing and smoother to navigate content. To ensure the best streaming experience, Dell included an HD webcam in the new line up with Temporal Noise Reduction (TNR) hardware solution for quality video streaming that lets users look their best by reducing pixilation and eliminating visual noise even in low-lit environments. Paired with the finely tuned microphone, users will come through crisp and clear to family and friends.
Inspiron 14 & 15
Every Inspiron from the 14-inch to 15-inch features easy-to-use technology that simplifies the user’s experience, including:
Adaptive thermals to manage power consumption to keep the PC running at its best.
Lid-open sensor and optional fingerprint reader with Windows Hello allow to securely turn on, boot-up and log-in quickly – or resume previous settings in a snap with Modern Standby.
ExpressCharge™ recharges battery up to 80% in 60 minutes.
Inspiron 16 Plus
For creators who value screen size for work and play, the expansive Inspiron 16 Plus offers a new 16.0-inch form factor, with a 16:10 aspect ratio that increases the active area of the screen by 11% while only expanding the dimensions of the device by 5%7.
It’s packed with everything needed to give users dynamic performance to power all their big ideas — coming soon with the latest Intel® Core™ H-series processors, optional NVIDIA® GTX or RTX discrete graphics, and a robust thermal management system.
Get brilliant visuals with the 3k resolution panel and ComfortView Plus display which includes an always-on, built-in solution that reduces harmful blue light emissions without sacrificing true-to-life colors, to create and consume content over extended viewing periods.
Inspiron 14 2-in-1
No matter the place or the task, the Inspiron 14 2-in-1 offers the ultimate versatility in form factor. Combining the functionality of a laptop with the portability of a tablet, the Inspiron 14 2-in-1 enables users to easily switch between laptop, tent, stand and tablet mode, and providing the flexibility to stay connected throughout.
The stunning 14” Full HD touch display delivers an incredible viewing experience that will allow creators to lean back and enjoy content from any angle.
All Inspirons will be coming soon with the latest 11th Gen Intel® Core™ or AMD Ryzen™ 5000 Series Mobile Processors and offer a variety of graphics options.
Services
Software, support and services are available for all of our Inspiron PCs, providing peace of mind and ease of use.
Dell Migrate makes it easier than ever to move the hard to replace data, photos, personal records and important files to Dell PCs.
Dell Premium Support Plus offersthe most support features under one comprehensive plan, including 24X7 phone support, automated issues detection, virus removal and automated PC optimization. Repairs for accidental damage and onsite support following remote diagnosis are also included.
Availability and Pricing
The Inspiron 14 is available today starting at €729.
The Inspiron 14 2-in-1 is available today starting at €659.
The Inspiron 15 is available today starting at €779.
The Inspiron 15 Plus will be available June 3rd with pricing available upon launch.
The Inspiron 16 Plus will be available June 3rd with pricing available upon launch.
Virgin Mobile understands how important it is for our customers to stay connected so, from May 19th, the 80GB Fair Usage Policy data cap will be removed for all of their Unlimited customers for life. With this announcement, all of their Unlimited customers will have access to unlimited 4G data on their plan so they never need to worry about going over their data cap again. You should note the EU Roaming Data FUP on Virgin Mobile Unlimited Plans is not impacted by this change. There has been lots of talk about FUP which is Fair Usage Policy and unlimited data but you have an FUP on your contract and but now this is gone which is a welcome move by Virgin.
Virgin Mobile has seen a significant increase in overall usage of its network due to the various lockdowns and changes to the way we work, live and play. Total domestic call minutes increased 34% in 2020 and there were over 48 million texts sent on our network in 2020 also with January being the busiest month due to the New Year’s Wishes effect.
Karen Faughnan, Head of Commercial Trading at Virgin Media said: “We’re always looking for ways to help our customers stay connected so with the removal of or 80GB Fair Usage Policy for our Virgin Mobile Unlimited customers, today’s announcement should really help those who, more than ever, have come to rely on their smartphones to work, rest and play. Now, our Unlimited customers won’t have to worry about using up all your data on video calls, streaming apps or web browsing while we all do our best to stay at home.”
Every year, millions of children around the world are admitted to hospital for having anaesthesia and surgery. Many of them experience preoperative anxiety which negatively affects both their hospital experience and medical outcome, as well as their future relationships with healthcare services from both a short-term and long-term point of view.
Unfortunately, hospital-related stress and anxiety among children and adolescents are often caused by a lack of preparation and understanding of the situation ahead. This despite the well-known fact that up to 60 percent of children show signs of severe anxiety when entering the operating room, Gunilla Lööf says, Nurse Anaesthetist and researcher at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden. With personal experiences of being forced to undergo medical procedures scared and unprepared as a child, Gunilla has spent much of her professional life preparing children and their parents for hospital stays.
In terms of impact, preoperative anxiety affects the child negatively in a short-term perspective with increased nervousness, pain and analgesic requirements during the hospital stay, but also from a long-term point of view with temper tantrums, sleeping difficulties, enuresis and food disorders, Gunilla says. Even though the frequency of negative behaviour is limited and decreases over time for most children, almost 10 percent of them still suffer a year after the hospitalization.
Unfortunately, lack of information, preparation and understanding cause significant stress and anxiety during hospitalization for both children and their parents. This despite strong evidence showing that making children and parents feel prepared is crucial in order to decrease distress and anxiety, to improve cooperation and participation, and to reduce negative consequences from both a short-term and long-term perspective.
The Anaesthesia Web As a newly launched and internationally aimed website, the Anaesthesia Web offers children and parents help in order to prepare for hospital stays, anaesthesia and surgery. Today, children and adolescents have the unique experience of having been surrounded by digital media since birth. They use the Internet to play, search for information and learn new things. Furthermore, they declare the Internet as their primary source of information prior to contacts with healthcare and medical treatments. That is why we are here, Gunilla says. Research also shows that web-based preparation significantly increases knowledge and understanding in both children and parents compared to information offered as conventional brochure material.
The Anaesthesia Web is developed to be accessible to all children in terms of content, technology, pedagogy and language. The website offers children and adolescents information in an age-appropriate, interactive and playful way; simply in a way they can absorb and understand. There are videos, series, podcasts, blogs and FAQs. Visitors also get the opportunity to meet others with similar experiences. Perhaps you would like to join Doctor Safeweb or spy-scout Hilding Vilding? Or maybe visit the Clown Hospital, solve puzzles, do crafts, paint or play in your own operating room?
In addition to this, the website contains information for adults in 32 different languages. We know that fear and anxiety in children are greatly affected by the condition of their relatives. Therefore, it is incredibly important that family members feel well-informed and comfortable with the situation in order to be able to support their child in the best way possible, Gunilla emphasizes. All content on the Anaesthesia Web is based on clinical and scientific evidence and has been developed by a multidisciplinary team together with children of all ages, all with various experiences of healthcare. The Anaesthesia Web has open access, is free to link, and as all the content on the site is generally applicable it can be used irrespective of national or local procedures.
The purpose of web-based preparation programs is never to replace, but to support children’s information and preparation as well as their contact with healthcare providers, Gunilla says. More time will be available for individual interactions since the preparation has already started before the child has arrived at the hospital. After all, I know what it means to be afraid in hospital. There is no doubt that healthcare encounters have an impact on children and parents. The question is, what kind of impact do we want it to be?
At the Anaesthesia Web children, in all ages and cognitive levels, can learn more about the body, what it is like being in hospital and what happens before, during and after anaesthesia and surgery.
The Anaesthesia Web has been developed to be accessible to all children and young people in terms of content, technology, pedagogy and language.
All content for children is available in English and Swedish. Information for adults is available in 32 different languages.
The Anaesthesia Web has open access, is free to link, and can as all the content on the site is generally applicable, be used irrespective of local procedures.
The Anaesthesia Web contains medically quality assured information that has been developed by a multidisciplinary team together with children of various ages and different medical experiences and experienced specialists within anaesthesia and paediatrics from Astrid Lindgren Children’s Hospital at Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm, Sweden. All content is based on scientific and clinical evidence.
The Anaesthesia Web has been developed following a concept by Gunilla Lööf, nurse anaesthetist and medical doctor (PhD) at the Department of Paediatric Anaesthesia and Intensive Care at the Astrid Lindgren Children’s Hospital at the Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm, Sweden.
After having seen children being forced to undergo medical procedures, afraid and unprepared, Gunilla has spent many years working on development of web-based medical preparation programmes for children and young people. Gunilla defended her doctoral thesis at the Karolinska Institute in the field of web-based learning for children and young people when they come into contact with medical staff, and she is still pursuing research into paediatric anaesthesia, care and web-based learning.
The Anaesthesia Web is funded by The Swedish Inheritance Fund and The Foundation for the Astrid Lindgren Children’s Hospital.
Urbanista, the Swedish lifestyle audio brand, announces the launch of Urbanista Los Angeles, the world’s first self-charging, wireless active noise cancelling headphones, powered by Powerfoyle™ solar cell material. Using advanced green technology, Los Angeles converts all forms of light, outdoor and indoor, into energy to deliver virtually infinite playtime.
Welcome to the Dawn of a New Era
Urbanista Los Angeles brings revolutionary innovation to the headphone market and is designed to live up to the brand’s tagline, ‘Designed for Life in Motion’. For the first time ever, you can experience virtually unlimited listening with solar charging. Los Angeles never stops charging when exposed to light, both outdoors and indoors, providing a nonstop audio experience.
Just an hour spent outside on a sunny day with Urbanista Los Angeles generates three hours of playtime. Cloudy day? For every hour spent outside, you still get two hours of playtime. The headphones even charge in ambient light – wearing them indoors in a well-lit room or office will keep the headphones charging. When you’re not using Los Angeles, simply leave them by the window for an hour to add another full hour of playtime.
Playtime calculations are estimations based on certain lighting, charging and usage conditions and an initially fully charged battery. Estimations for outdoor conditions are based on lux values of at least 30,000 lux, and for indoor conditions on lux values of at least 1,000 lux. Actual conditions and playtime may vary whilst using the product.
To deliver this limitless audio experience, Urbanista has teamed up with Exeger, a Swedish innovation company, that has created a ground-breaking solar cell technology. Exeger’s material, Powerfoyle™, converts any form of light into clean energy and can be seamlessly integrated into any design. For the first time, it is now powering headphones, enabling endless energy to music lovers around the world.
Urbanista CEO Anders Andreen comments: “Urbanista Los Angeles is everything we stand for as a brand, in a product. Bringing together innovation, sustainability and all the features you could wish for in a headphone, Urbanista Los Angeles is designed for someone who lives an on the go lifestyle. We are proud to partner with Exeger, and their cutting edge technology, to bring a world first to market.”
Exeger CEO Giovanni Fili says: “This is the start of a revolution in consumer electronics. In close collaboration with Urbanista, we now launch the world’s first self-powered wireless headphone. I strongly believe that once users experience the freedom of endless energy, there’s no way we’re going back to plugging a USB charger into the wall. We are extremely excited about this product and confident that people around the world are going to love it.”
Take Complete Control of your Audio Experience
With Los Angeles, you are always in complete control of your audio experience. Just the press of a button activates advanced hybrid Active Noise Cancelling, instantly reducing unwanted background noise, or switches on Ambient Sound Mode so you can stay aware of important surrounding sounds.
Los Angeles’ wireless design gives you both freedom and control thanks to the on-ear detection feature that pauses the audio when the headphones are removed and restarts it when they are put back in place. Los Angeles is adjustable for an entirely custom fit. The smooth cushioned shells sit securely over the ear, allowing you to comfortably enjoy unlimited listening.
Inspired by the city in the heart of sunny California, Urbanista Los Angeles will be available in two exclusive colourways, including Midnight Black.
To be the first to know when the product will be available for pre-order, sign up at www.urbanista.com/losangeles
Urbanista Los Angeles Key Features
Virtually infinite playtime
Always charging when exposed to light, both outdoors and indoors
50h battery reserve
Hybrid active noise cancelling
Ambient sound mode
On-ear detection
USB type-C charging
Bluetooth 5.0
Siri and Google Assistant
Compatible with iOS, Android and Windows
Priced at GBP 169 / SEK 1999 / EUR 199 / USD 199, Los Angeles boasts full compatibility with iOS, Android and Windows devices.
When used ahead of Adobe solutions or other photo-editing programs, DxO PureRAW automatically removes digital noise and other lens defects.
Harnessing exclusive technologies developed over nearly twenty years by DxO, one of the world’s leading photo-editing software creators, DxO PureRAW removes noise, chromatic aberrations, unwanted vignetting, distortion, and insufficient sharpness with an unprecedented level of quality. By improving RAW images in this way, DxO PureRAW offers photographers greater creative freedom when editing in Photoshop and Lightroom. The result is a more precise and less constrained editing process.
Zero compromise between preserving details and removing noise
Say goodbye to juggling tedious compromises between preserving detail and removing noise in Photoshop and Lightroom. Using DeepPRIME artificial intelligence, DxO PureRAW automatically removes digital noise with an exceptional level of quality.
DxO DeepPRIME technology is an artificial intelligence designed for developing RAW photo files. Trained through deep learning using millions of images analyzed by DxO’s laboratories, it delivers a revolutionary improvement to digital noise reduction while also demosaicing photos more effectively.
Using a traditional approach, these two operations are performed separately, with each one introducing defects that degrade the quality of the other. With deep learning, DeepPRIME adopts a holistic approach that combines these two steps into one. The information in the photo is rendered beautifully, especially in low light, noise is visibly reduced, color details are better preserved, and transitions are more even and natural.
Improve even top-notch lenses
Thanks to the custom optical modules developed by DxO, DxO PureRAW automatically scrubs RAW images of the residual defects, including distortion, unwanted vignetting, chromatic aberrations, and a lack of sharpness, produced by even the best lenses on the market. The software provides Photoshop and Lightroom users with a flawlessly clean slate for retouching and editing in other solutions.
Since its founding in 2003, DxO Labs has earned an international reputation for measuring and calibrating hundreds of cameras and thousands of lens using a protocol that is more precise than any other in the industry. DxO has measured the defects created by thousands of lens/camera combinations in RAW images with an extraordinary level of scientific precision for each piece of equipment and in every situation. This in-depth knowledge of the flaws and performance of each piece of photography equipment is compiled in a database of over 60,000 combinations and is the secret to why DxO PureRAW delivers the best corrections in the industry.
A new life for RAW photos
DxO PureRAW lets users revisit unusable RAW images taken with equipment that has since become obsolete. Photos are instantly made to look like they were taken with the most recent technology, and limitations on ISO values are a thing of the past.
Perfection is in the details
DxO PureRAW richly and accurately reveals details in RAW files, resulting in crystal-clear images that capture every last texture. Photographers can enlarge images without worrying about decreasing the quality.
Soft, non-grainy bokeh
DxO PureRAW removes the “parasitic” grain that all cameras produce in unfocused areas and solid backgrounds. DxO PureRAW processes every part of the image and uses smart technology to differentiate between ultra-sharp areas and bokeh effects.
Incredibly simple to use
DxO PureRAW can be easily incorporated into photographers’ workflow ahead of Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, or any other photo-editing software. That way, users can keep their same editing environment. DxO PureRAW couldn’t be easier to use: Users simply select their images from the software’s browser window or use the drag-and-drop feature, then choose their desired level of denoising and where they want to save the file. Zero sliders or complicated settings required!
Price and availability
DxO PureRAW (Windows and macOS) is now available for download on the DxO website (https://shop.dxo.com/) for a special launch price of £79.99 instead of £115 until May 31, 2021. A free 30-day trial version is also available: https://www.dxo.com/dxo-photolab/download/.
With the original Youtubers Life smashing through sales of more than 1.4 million units across the world, Raiser Games is today excited to announce it’s once again working with UPLAY Online.
The two parties will bring the world of content creator kings and queens to the hands of their legions of fans in Youtubers Life 2.
Almost five years has passed since the original game first made waves, with the world of streamers and content creators having shifted radically within that time. With new names and new opportunities coming to the fore on an almost weekly basis, Youtubers Life 2 is set to offer a revised, more contemporary look into the life of this burgeoning profession’s biggest stars, launching on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.
Building on the foundations laid in the original game, Youtubers Life 2 is being designed to simulate all areas of a content creator’s rise, including:
More content options for Youtube videos, including reviews, gameplays, speedruns, unboxings, interviews, and more.
Subscriber and video statistics that directly react to a broadening of a creator’s content.
A new mechanic called “Trends”, which fluctuates daily and affects your popularity as a YouTuber.
More personalization options for your character, and a fully customizable and expandable home.
Scores of new and expansive features to be announced in the coming months.
Deeper relationships with NPCs, including additional questlines.
It’s an offering that, according to Quim Garrigós – Project Director & Co-Founder at UPLAY Online, will directly reflect the changing nature of being a content creator in 2021.
“The original Youtubers Life has been such a big success and continues to be to this day, but the kinds of things content creators are both doing and achieving now is monumentally different to the world we first looked to simulate back in 2016,” continues Garrigós. “We wanted that original premise to grow with the content creators themselves, which is why we’ve been working on expanding our offering significantly with Youtubers Life 2. There’s nobody else, operating in this space, nobody else simulating Youtubers either big or small, so we’re proud to stand as the go-to game for gamers looking to live out their content creating dreams.”
For Raiser Games, the potential for the IP to continue to expand its reach as the content creator sector similarly grows at a pace meant working with UPLAY Online again was a no-brainer.
“The original game enjoyed the exact same kind of virality the best content creators amass every day,” adds Sergio de Benito, Marketing Director at Raiser Games. “In all, Youtubers Life videos have passed the 350,000 mark, generating more than 500 million views for more than 50,000 content creators. We think UPLAY Online’s plans for Youtubers Life 2 will enable the franchise to cement its position as the ultimate content creator simulator.”
Sony today announced two new additions to its Xperia 1 and 5 flagships series line-ups with Xperia 1 III and Xperia 5 III. Both devices provide a rich collection of integrated features that connect the Xperia community with its passions. Whether they are photographers, audiophiles, cinephiles, gamers or cinematographers alike, the next generation of Xperia 1 and 5 flagships series will enrich the user experience with its plethora of new features. This is the next level of Xperia that transforms with speed and beyond.
World´s first smartphone with a Variable telephoto lens paired with a dual PD sensor
Real-time Eye AF for humans and animals, newly equipped Real-time Trackingand fast, accurate continuous AF across all lenses
20fps Burst Mode with low light noise reduction powered by BIONZ X™
Brand new AI super resolution zoom technology
Updated Photography Pro feature – now equipped with ‘Basic Mode’
World’s first smartphone with a 4K HDR 120Hz Refresh rate display crafted from Gorilla® Glass Victus
Evolved Full-stage stereo speakers – now 40% louder than previous model
New and improved Game Enhancer features – including a new audio equaliser, an optimised V.C microphone and highframe rate recording feature
World’s first smartphone to reproduce 360 Reality Audio in the speakers, as the recording artist intended it to be heard
Improved battery life (4500mAh)and the ability to charge up to 50% of capacity in 30 minutes with the kitted 30W charger – in addition to a newly extended battery life of up to three years[vi]
Professional technology from Alpha TM cameras
Xperia 1 III and Xperia 5 III were co-developed with the engineers behind Alpha series cameras, renowned for their industry-leading autofocus technology. Both models include fast, accurate continuous AF across all lenses and Real-time Eye AF .And in Xperia 5 III, object tracking technology is featured, allowing photographers to capture accurate shots of moving subjects in a wide variety of scenarios with a simple tap on the screen.
Xperia 1 III presents a more sophisticated feature set for photographers who strive for picture perfect results. Object tracking is upgraded with Real-time Tracking, allowing users to shoot the most challenging moving subjects in precise focus. Using AI-based algorithms and the 3D iToF sensor to measure distance, Real-time Tracking can accurately detect and focus on a subject and continue to track it even if it temporarily moves out of sight
Furthermore, both models offer continuous AF that performs AF / AE calculations at 60 times per second – enabling users to shoot and store 20 shots (20fps) with high precision, accurate focus and optimised exposure. This level of performance is comparable to that used in professional sports cameras such as the Alpha 9 series. The BIONZ X™ processor enables users to shoot in low-light scenarios in Burst Mode for the first time, producing results with noise reduction that have never previously been possible in predecessor models.
Reach beyond expectation with a Variable telephoto lens
A key feature for both models is a World´s first smartphone with Variable telephoto lens paired with Dual PD sensor that reaches up to a 105mm focal length – complemented by fast autofocus thanks to its Dual PDAF sensor. When switching between 70mm and 105mm, the focus is adjusted in an instant to swiftly capture the beauty in the detail.
Photographers can further expand their creative possibilities with 16mm, 24mm, 70mm and 105mm focal lengths for shooting stunning compositions – whether that be landscapes, portraits[x] or animals. Both models continue to feature ZEISSTM optics calibrated specifically for the Xperia smartphone. The ZEISSTM T* coating contributes to exquisite rendering and contrast by reducing reflections.
A wealth of creative opportunities
The next generation of Xperia both incorporate new AI super resolution zoom. This technology uses Sony’s AI processing to restore detail and definition to images, ensuring precision is not compromised.
Like their older siblings, Xperia 1 III and Xperia 5 III feature the Photography Pro function. Developed in collaboration with professional photographers, it mirrors many of the manual controls available in Alpha series cameras including ISO, shutter speed, EV Indicator, RAW support plus a dedicated shutter button (with embossed finishing exclusively on the Xperia 1 III). New for this year’s smartphones is the ‘Basic Mode’ feature in Photography Pro which enables fast access to a range of easy-to-use photography features including a touch shutter button, portrait orientation, artistic bokeh effect, panorama, and more.
The Xperia 1 III and Xperia 5 III also features the very latest Optical SteadyShot™ with FlawlessEye™[xi], which couples the image sensor’s increased reading speed with original Sony algorithm for optical image stabilisation. The result is supremely smooth, shake-free video footage.
Transporting cinephiles to the big screen
Whether on the go or at home in comfort, the new Xperia models are a true cinephiles dream. Xperia 1 III features a larger than life 6.5” 21:9 CinemaWide TM4K HDR OLED display with 120Hz Refresh rate whilst Xperia 5 III offers a stunning 6.1″ 21:9 CinemaWide ™ HDR OLED display with 120Hz Refresh rate. Both models transport users into a uniquely immersive viewing experience, allowing them to lose themselves in their favourite movies or TV shows.
Users can now enjoy their favourite entertainment as the producers intended with the Creator Mode. “Powered by CineAlta”, it now features a factory calibrated OLED display with highly accurate white point which mirrors the colour reproduction of Sony professional colour monitors used in leading Hollywood studio productions. Additionally, both models feature 10-bit equivalent displays (8-bit with 2-bit smoothing) that can display a myriad of colours without banding and support BT.2020 colour space.
Xperia 1 III and Xperia 5 III capture the senses and offer an audio-visual experience like no other. Consistent with their predecessors, they benefit from the X1™ for mobile engine which brings BRAVIA HDR remastering technology to everything users watch meaning that content is beautifully expressive. Streaming content is more lifelike than ever with more contrast, colour and clarity. Likewise, thanks to the continued incorporation of Dolby Atmos® sound tuned in collaboration with Sony Pictures Entertainment, users can experience a fully immersive, multi-dimensional performance with headphones or the smartphone’s built-in Full-stage stereo speakers.
Play to win
Gamers can gain a key advantage with the superior upgrades in Xperia 1 III and Xperia 5 III. The familiar 21:9 display transports players into the thick of the action and thanks to a new and improved 120Hz Refresh rate display ,now incorporated in the 1 series, as well as the 5 series, fasting-moving objects are rendered clearly for seriously smooth gameplay. The addition of 240Hz Motion blur reduction[xiv]also means the display updates at an incredible 240 times per second for blur-free, crystal clear performance. 240Hz Touch scanning rate also ensures that the action happens exactly as intended and a crucial advantage over the competition.
Another new feature in both models is the ability to adjust white balance – reducing strain on the eyes and allowing for longer durations of mobile gameplay. The new L-y raiser (low gamma raiser) also makes it easier to see opponents in the dark by adjusting image details in dark areas and highlighting enemies without overexposing bright areas of the screen.
Combining visual excellence with an immersive audio experience is key for both Xperia 1 III and Xperia 5 III. Gamers can plug-in their favourite headset via a 3.5mm headphone jack and experience the audible benefits of the models’ new features with minimal latency. The new Audio equaliser lets users control, heighten and minimise sounds such as footsteps and gunshots, allowing them to hear their opponents approaching and react ahead of them. And for those playing in teams, the new optimised V.C. microphone allows for clear communication by reducing background noise based on the users chosen headset type
Avid gamers can now relive winning moments in all their glory thanks to high frame rate recording at up to 120fps. Whatever they are playing, R.T. record (Rewind time record) automatically pre-records 30 seconds of game footage. So gamers can easily rewind and capture key moments like match-winning plays and share them online with friends and fellow competitors.
Finally, thanks to incorporated Heat Suppression power control (H. S. power control), gaming performance remains uncompromised. By powering the phone systems directly, rather than charging the battery, thermal stress on the handsets is reduced and overheating is avoided.
Create movies like the professionals
Cinematography Pro “powered by CineAlta” enables more choice for engaging, storytelling with dramatic slow-motion cinematography creation, all within a 4K HDR 120fps slow-motion movie recording feature which can capture and playback up to 5x slow-motion when set at 24fps. It also records in 21:9 ratio at 24/25/30/60fps, enhancing cinematic expression. Eight different Look colour management pre-sets allow you to completely change the mood of your scenes, utilising different cinema styles, a vital tool in advanced storytelling. Sony’s unique Intelligent wind filter technology uses award-winning audio separation technology to reduce wind interference for clearer audio recording.
New features within both models include a range of UI improvements designed specifically with movie makers in mind. For instance, to help users control their workflow, they can easily check how much free memory is remaining and how much recording time is still available. They can also easily check which parameters they used on a specific clip, in order to apply them to other projects. Each clip’s parameter details now include resolution, FPS, look, lens, stabiliser, WB, ISO, shutter angle/ speed, focus and audio level. This is further complemented with the ability to review and organise footage with clip playback, allowing users to play back clips with a simple swipe on the phone’s display.
Audio playback as the recording artist intended
Much like the immersive experience for cinephiles, the new Xperia models utilise sound tuned in collaboration with Sony Music Entertainment. In addition to unique hardware decoding, a newly developed speaker virtualiser enables Xperia 1 III and Xperia 5 III to be the world’s first smartphones to reproduce 360 Reality Audio in the speakers. Listeners can Immerse themselves in sound that is so authentic, it will feel like they are at a live concert or with the artist recording in a studio. All enjoyed through the Full-stage stereo speakers or with wired or wireless headphones. To top it off, new TIDAL subscribers will get three months of TIDAL Hi-Fi free when they buy either model, including the 360 Reality Audio experience.
If the music source being listened to is 2-channel stereo, the new 360 Spatial Sound comes into play. It enables the Xperia 1 III and Xperia 5 III to upmix stereo tracks and virtualize to an immersive sound experience, in real time. The technology works with local audio files and streaming services to further enhance the listening experience.
High-quality music can be further enjoyed through the Full-stage stereo speakers or when listening with headphones either wirelessly or with the 3.5mm audio jack. The Full-stage stereo speakers are placed at the front of the phone to effectively reproduce the sound field. And as an exclusive update for Xperia 1 III, are now 40% more powerfulthan its predecessor. This is thanks to a new speaker box structure, which has been designed both to improve sound pressure and eliminate vibration. The audio volume through audio-out (via the 3.5mm audio jack) has also been improved by approximately 40%, while sound quality has improved with less distortion near the maximum output level.
As well as High-Resolution and High-Resolution Wireless Audio, both Xperia 1 III and Xperia 5 III continue to offer DSEE Ultimate which enhances the quality of digital music using Sony AI technology, including audio and video streaming services. It automatically improves audio frequency and dynamic range in real-time, taking each track close to high-resolution audio.
All the speed you need
Combining 5G and Wi-Fi connectivity with the latest Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 888 5G Mobile Platform, the next generation of Xperia raises the bar for smartphone performance. This is thanks to the Qualcomm® Kryo™ 680 CPU enabling 25% higher performance and Qualcomm® Adreno™ 660 GPU delivering 35% faster graphic rendering than the previous generation.
Smart connectivity takes Xperia’s deep learning technology that utilises Sony’s Neural Network Libraries and analyses Wi-Fi signals to predict near-future connectivity issues. The Xperia 1 III and Xperia 5 III assesses the quality of available Wi-Fi before connecting so there’s no more grabbing Wi-Fi that doesn’t work. If it predicts any compromise in Wi-Fi connection quality, it uses mobile data instead.
With a 4,500mAh battery, both models offer plenty of power to keep users going through the day while a range of charging features helps maximise convenience and prolong battery life. When the battery needs a boost, it can be charged up to 50% in just 30 minutes with the included charger XZQ-UC1. Furthermore, Xperia Adaptive Charging allows the battery life to be extended up to three years (up from two in previous models) in both models. Xperia Adaptive Charging works by monitoring the phone as it charges, to make sure the battery isn’t overworked.
Finally, Xperia 1 III offers a wireless charging and Battery share function, allowing the device to be connected to a wireless charger to conveniently top up the battery. Thanks to the Battery share function, it can double as a charging pad for other devices too.
Sleek design with functionality in mind
Both Xperia 1 III and Xperia 5 III are crafted to be robust. The Xperia 1 III combines high-quality materials with a bold and distinctive design. From the frosted glass on the back to the blasted metal frame, it’s an irresistible blend of form and function. It also features Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus™ on the display, the toughest Gorilla® Glass yet – boasting improvement in both drop and scratch performance. Meanwhile, the Xperia 5 III is its compact cousin featuring Corning® Gorilla® Glass 6™ on the rear and the display with a sleek mirror-glass finish and a robust metal frame. For further peace of mind, both models also feature IP65/68 water resistance and protection against dust.
For the busy multi-taskers, both models feature upgrades to the multi-window functionality. With the pop-up window feature, users can easily handle a new task, then get right back to what they were doing.
Last but not least, when paired with Sony headphones, users can easily access the Sony | Headphones Connect app using the new Side Sense menu for swift connectivity.
Accessories
Both models are available with a new and improved Antibacterial Style Cover. Designed with durability in mind, the covers feature a built-in stand to support horizontal placement and provide a comfortable viewing experience. They are also coated with anti-bacterial material that has a protection rate of up to 99.9%[xxv] – preventing cell growth and maintaining cleanliness.
A 30W compact charger is also available and features USB-C power delivery. Safely designed for overheat protection, this new charger is certified with PPS support (Programmable Power Supply) to reduce heat impact.
Availability
Xperia 1 III will be available in Frosted Black and Frosted Purple, and shipping with AndroidTM 11 from early Summer 2021.
Xperia 5 III will be available in Black and Green, and shipping with AndroidTM 11 from early Summer 2021.
The Xperia 10 III, the first model in the Xperia 10 series to offer 5G connectivity. Xperia 10 III is packed full of entertainment features, offers an extended battery life[ and is presented in a stylish, compact, lightweight, and water resistant body. Xperia 10 III is an exceptional mid-range handset that has been designed with power, speed and portability in mind.
First Xperia 10 series model to feature 5G connectivity with Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 690 5G Mobile Platform
25% more capacity than Xperia 10 II with a 4500mAh battery – remaining healthy for up to three years of use
Improved sleek and lightweight design featuring IP65/IP68 water and dust resistance and Corning® Gorilla® Glass 6
Enhanced for low light scene and moving object with the new triple lens camera, plus additional features such as the new animal detection in Auto mode
21:9 Wide 6” notch-less FHD+ OLED display that includes HDR support for cinematic enjoyment
DSEE Ultimatefor near High-Resolution Audio quality and optimal listening pleasure – whether wired through the 3.5mm jack or wireless
Available in three stylish colours to suit all tastes
Outstanding performance with the power of 5G
Users can enjoy more of what they want on the go with Xperia 10 III. It combines a powerful, long-life battery with the speed of 5G for fast streaming and downloads – whether listening to near High-Resolution audio through headphones, thanks to DSSE Ultimate compatibility, or watching favourite movies on the crystal clear FHD+ OLED display. The Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 690 5G Mobile Platform can easily handle apps, movies, games and more, with high performance and power efficiency for superior connectivity. Thanks to Smart connectivity, the Xperia 10 III takes Xperia’s deep learning technology that utilises Sony’s Neural Network Libraries and analyses Wi-Fi signals to predict near-future connectivity issues.
The Xperia 10 III assesses the quality of available Wi-Fi before connecting so there is no more grabbing Wi-Fi that doesn’t work. If it predicts any compromise in Wi-Fi connection quality, it uses mobile data instead.
All-day power and made to last
With its long-lasting 4500mAh battery, Xperia 10 III has 25% more capacity than its predecessor Xperia 10 II and allows users to enjoy the best of the features the handset has to offer. Thanks to Xperia Adaptive Charging, users are offered ultimate battery life reliability, even after three years of use. Xperia Adaptive Charging works by monitoring the battery whilst charging to ensure that it isn’t overworked – keeping the battery healthy for longer.
Engineered to be robust, designed for practicality
Even though Xperia 10 III has a large 6″ display, the phone measures only 68mm in width – a perfect fit for the hand. Weighing just 169g, it is lightweight and easy to handle – whether taking a photo or playing a game.
Xperia 10 III is water resistant with an IP65/68 rating and is incredibly durable thanks to its Corning® Gorilla® Glass 6 shell It’s robust engineering means that the handset can withstand day-to-day damage. Corning® Gorilla® Glass 6 is also more scratch resistant– making Xperia 10 III a reliable companion for those who have their phone with them at all times.
A vision to behold
Drawing on Sony’s world-renowned TV expertise, Xperia 10 III delivers an immersive cinematic experience thanks to its 21:9 Wide 6” notch-less OLED display that includes HDR support. Featuring TRILUMINOS™ display for mobile technology, found in BRAVIA® TVs, and video image optimisation, the OLED display delivers incredibly rich, natural colours and deeper blacks. It is also capable of showing HDR content, which has a wider dynamic range of luminance than standard video formats, enhancing both contrast and colour. Bright parts of the image get brighter and the colour palette expands to show more bright blues, greens, reds, and everything in-between.
Triple lens camera enhanced for low light scene and moving object
Featuring ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto options, the triple lens camera lets users capture a huge variety of shots – from expansive landscapes to expressive portraits. The ultra-wide 16mm lens allows phone shooters to capture expansive imagery, expressing dramatic landscapes and full-scale scenery. The versatile 27mm lens is a wide lens that is ideal for a variety of shooting situations and low light scenes, whilst the 54mm telephoto lens allows users to get closer to their subjects – making it ideal for portraits.
Auto mode on Xperia 10 III now features animal detection which can identify whether a subject is a dog or cat. It then adjusts the shutter speed and ISO Sensitivity accordingly to capture photos with less blur.
The improved F1.8 lens and enhanced image processing algorithm allows users to take photos in low light with less noise, both in Night mode and Auto mode. When shooting in bright sunshine or in backlit conditions, Auto HDR helps prevent blackout in the shaded areas of the shot or whiteout in the bright parts, ensuring faces and expressions are more visible.
When shooting in Burst mode, Xperia 10 III shoots at 10fps, ensuring subjects in motion are never missed and furthermore auto exposure works on every frame.
Finally, Xperia 10 III features 4K video recording, allowing users to shoot video with four times the resolution of full HD and SteadyShot™ ensures smooth, shake-free videos even when recording on the move.
Exceptional audio quality, wireless or wired
Xperia 10 III offers exceptional sound, whether enjoying wireless listening with High-Resolution Audio Wireless or using the 3.5mm audio jack to connect to wired headphones. Along with native High-Resolution Audio playback, Xperia 10 III also features DSEE Ultimate[v], which uses AI to upscale tracks to near High-Resolution Audio quality by automatically improving audio frequency and bit rate in real-time.
Made for multi-tasking
On the Xperia 10 III, Sony’s unique multi-window UI on the 21:9 wide display has been enhanced with a new Pop-up window feature. Perfect for multi-tasking, it lets users overlay one window with another. So they can quickly handle a task such as replying to a message, then get right back to the game they are playing or the website they are browsing.
Easy content transfer from your old phone
The Xperia Transfer 2 app lets users transfer the content that matters from old Android or iOS smartphones to the new Xperia 10 III. From photos, videos and music to the contacts, calendar, call history, and messages (SMS/MMS) – they can be transferred quickly, safely and easily.
Accessories
Xperia 10 III is available with a new and improved antibacterial Style Cover with Stand. Designed with durability in mind, the cover features a built-in stand to support horizontal placement and provide a comfortable viewing experience. It is coated with anti-bacterial material that has a protection rate of up to 99.9% – preventing cell growth of specific bacteria to maintain cleanliness.
Availability – Xperia 10 IIIwill be available in Black, Blue and White, and shipping with AndroidTM 11 from early Summer 2021.
