Category: Tech

10 Years of Video Pro X: MAGIX publishes the largest update in the history of the video software.

On the occasion of the software’s 10 year anniversary, MAGIX Software is introducing the largest update for Video Pro X ever to the market. The anniversary version of the professional video editing program includes numerous new functions and improvements for significantly more power, productivity, and design flexibility.

FOCUS ON PERFORMANCE

The most recent update from MAGIX had already put a strong focus on increased performance. However, the new version introduces the largest performance leap ever. For the first time, HEVC/H.265 video export can now be rendered with the NVIDIA GPU’s encoder. This makes export speeds possible, which were inconceivable in the past. Also new to the latest version is the comprehensive AVX optimization in the internal image processing and the 3-way colour correction resulting in faster image processing and much more precise output quality during colour conversion. Additionally, the output of 4K source videos into FullHD quality has been optimized by reducing high-frequency image components. This results in fewer bit errors during the conversion of high-resolution recordings.

 

MORE PRODUCTIVE WORKFLOWS

With the new Video Pro X, MAGIX pushes ahead with its workflow optimization strategy. The latest improvements include the new time-saving J-L cut and the intuitive “Move object content” mouse mode. With J-L edits, video and audio tracks can now be modified individually without losing the advantages of working with grouping. For video editors who work regularly with overlapping objects, such as spoken audio spanning several scenes in documentaries and interviews, work will become noticeably easier, and object content can now be moved more flexibly. From now on, users can intuitively select and adjust image content from video objects with a click of the mouse while maintaining the editing rhythm.

 

NEW EFFECTS AREA & OPTIMIZED CREATIVE TOOLS

The Video Pro X effects area has been enhanced and is now more clearly organized and user friendly than ever. Users can quickly navigate to the effects they want and control plugins much more intuitively meaning the creative workflow stays uninterrupted. Chroma Keying has also been optimized in response to customer feedback. A new algorithm supports the ability to recognize and extract objects. 360° editing was also improved. 360° image stabilization, a set of spectacular 360° transitions, and special 360° effects from HitFilm now supplement the Video Pro X 360° editing package. And now even stereoscopic videos can be processed by Video Pro X.

“10 years of development have been invested in the new Video Pro X. We would like to introduce the largest update in the history of Video Pro X as a way to say thank you to our loyal customers. Without the continuous feedback from the Video Pro X community, the software would by far not be as sophisticated and powerful as it is today,” says Florian Liepold, Product Owner Video Pro X at MAGIX.

 

 

Video Pro X comes with a year of Update Service free of charge. So, users who now decide to purchase the software will automatically receive any upcoming updates. For example, the flexible anchor point positioning, an intelligent function that helps to individually select the object focus – for maximum design flexibility while scaling and rotating.

All new Video Pro X features at a glance:

 

  • Accelerated export with NVIDIA NVENC support
  • Optimized workflow including J-L cuts
  • New effects area and In-App Store
  • Precise chroma keying
  • Improved Full HD output quality
  • Complete 360° package, including HitFilm effects
  • AVX-optimized algorithms
  • OpenFX interface with multithreading
  • HEIF image import for optimal support of iOS devices
  • Includes Update Service for 1 full year of all new features

Prices and availability:  Video Pro X – £299.00

 

Google Lens features now available within Sony Xperia XZ2 camera app. #Sony #XZ2

Google Lens features are now available within the Sony Xperia XZ2 camera app. This is an interesting feature you might recall back in the Nokia days if you remember City Lens where you point your device up in front of you and it will give you back information as seen below..

Regardless it is a good feature to have and you can now avail of it on your Sony Xperia XZ2. In short Google Lens helps you browse, and interact with the world around you. Find products online, copy and paste text, learn more about landmarks, add events to your calendar, look up movie posters, identify popular plants and animals, and more.. The update rolls out today.

 

Bespoke Choice claims One2Watch victory at FutureScope 2018. #Weddings #Cavan

In an exciting Dragon’s Den style pitching session, Bespoke Choice, the interactive wedding venue sales platform, fought off tough competition to take the One2Watch crown at FutureScope, Founded by Cavan brothers, Ronan, Niall and Cillian Kelly, Bespoke Choice is an innovative sales platform specifically for the wedding venue sector.

The company was deemed to have best expressed the market need and scalability of its concept by a distinguished panel of judges, including Alison Cowzer, RTÉ Dragon’s Den investor.

Joe Healey, Divisional Manager, High Potential Start Up, Enterprise Ireland presented founder, Ronan Kelly with the award. Bespoke Choice will receive a €2,000 cash prize, space in Dublin BIC’s award winning Guinness Enterprise Centre and a range of consultancy services from Dublin BIC to support its growth.

 

Founded by Cavan brothers, Ronan, Niall and Cillian Kelly, Bespoke Choice is an innovative sales platform that helps venues to increase their annual number of wedding bookings and the average revenue per wedding. Designed and built by wedding planning professionals, the application enables couples to build a unique package via an interactive journey of the services the venue has to offer. Once booked the software uses AI to maximise upsell revenue for the venue while also ensuring couples have the best wedding they can afford.

Pictured at FutureScope’s One2Watch competition, held in The Convention Centre Dublin, are: Joe Healy, Divisional Manager, High Potential Start Up, Enterprise Ireland; and Ronan Kelly, Managing Director and Founder, Bespoke Choice, One2Watch winner 2018.

Michael Culligan, CEO, Dublin BIC, said: “The One2Watch competition seeks to find Ireland’s most scalable business idea and award the winning company with supports to enable it to scale and grow. The calibre of entrants this year was extraordinarily high with each of the four finalists bringing to the stage a business concept with transformative potential for its sector. Bespoke Choice is a well-deserving victor and with support services from Dublin BIC, the sky is the limit in terms of business growth and development”.

Ronan Kelly, founder, Bespoke Choice, said “We’re absolutely thrilled to win the One2Watch competition, especially in a year with such strong competition. It’s a very exciting time in the Bespoke Choice journey, as we have just launched our service this week and are seeing a number of high-profile customers already signing up.”

“Securing a dedicated desk at The Guinness Enterprise Centre, along with the cash prize and the invaluable mentorship of Dublin BIC will go a long way in helping us expand into export markets and develop new products. One2Watch has been an amazing experience and we are brimming with excitement at the possibilities now awaiting us.”

As smartphones mature and major brands struggle, OnePlus refines its niche, says GlobalData

Following the news that the company’s largest (256GB) storage variant of their flagship model OnePlus 6 went out of stock just a week after its launch in multiple regions including the US, the UK and Canada.

Avi Greengart,  Research Director for Consumer Devices at leading data and analytics company GlobalData, says:

“As smartphones mature, storied brands such as Sony, LG and HTC are struggling to compete against Apple and Samsung. However, OnePlus has found a niche of value-oriented buyers who are willing to buy a flagship phone online at a discount.

‘OnePlus is offering a significant discount to rival its large-screen flagships competitors whose current retail pricing ranges from $800 to $1,000. It has all the latest technology and a nearly stock version of Android. The company has added the latest design language alongside Qualcomm’s most powerful processor, while still maintaining a price point hundreds of dollars less than the iPhone X or Samsung Galaxy S9+.

Part of the savings comes from OnePlus’ business model; it designs and sells just a single phone at a time, it does no advertising, and it only sells direct online. Selling premium phones direct is not unique to OnePlus; Huawei’s Honor and Xiaomi also sell this way, though both of those companies have many low-end phones in their lines, too.

The OnePlus 6 has top-of-the-line specs starting at just $529/€519/£469. It sports a large, 6.28-inch AMOLED display with a notch design. The company has added the latest silicon and imaging capabilities: a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor, 6 or 8 GB of RAM, and a dual camera rear setup for depth effects. OnePlus 6’s software OxygenOS is close to stock Android, and the model supports Google’s Android P beta at launch. While OnePlus has kept the traditional 3.5mm headphone jack, it is also selling its first wireless headphones and Bullets Wireless, which are also well-priced at $69.

While the OnePlus 6 is excellent value, there are compromises. In the past, OnePlus was a step or two behind the leaders on camera quality and design. The latter is no longer true: the OnePlus 6 looks like every other glass-on-glass-with-notch flagship we have seen this year. However, while the camera has gotten better, it still lags the very best from Google, Apple, and Huawei. Those competitors offer their phones in two sizes, while the OnePlus 6 effectively only comes in extra-large. The OnePlus 6 does not have wireless charging, and it is only water resistant, not fully waterproof.

FAZUP, the only anti-radiation patch for smartphones proven effective under #SAR standard.

Fazup have launched an extra thin anti-radiation patch for smart phones with a passive antenna that regulates and reduces the radiation emitted by the mobile phone towards the head when a call is made and towards the body when a person carries a phone on their person.

This is a subject which has always been surfacing around mobile usage and Fazup believe they have developed a solution that works.

Although back in 2011, mobile phone radiation was classified by OMS as ‘possibly carcinogenic to humans’ there is currently no global scientific consensus on this subject. This lack of clarity and regulation, means that nothing is being done to protect mobile phone users.

Fazup was created, because its co-founders, Antoine and Mathieu, knew that it might take many years for scientists to get to a consensus whilst there are millions of people today who are degrading their health totally unaware they are constantly overexposed to mobile radiation. After 13 years of research and testing, FAZUP has finally achieved a practical and effective anti-radiation solution, which is scientifically proven to reduce SAR levels of mobile phone, making head and body less exposed to harmful electromagnetic waves.

How does it work?

When in operation, mobile phones emit more radiation than necessary, especially while establishing communication. It gets even worse when the network signal is weak or when traveling at high speed (the “expected emission strength” standard is old and network coverage has been improved widely). The exposure to mobile radiation varies from 1 to 1000 depending on network reception quality. The less network a user has, the more they are exposed when communicating (1 minute in the worst conditions = 5 hours in the best conditions).

 

 

FAZUP deals with this “excessive emission”. The patch includes a passive antenna in conductive silver ink, which is precisely and specifically applied to the back of each compatible mobile phone (close to its antennas). The passive antenna allows for optimisation of the power control of a mobile phone and significantly reduces the amount of radiation emitted towards the user. As a result, the user is always protected. The protection is higher when in poor network conditions and lower when there is a perfect signal.

How does the patch optimise the power control and what is a specific position?

The majority know from physics that metal objects interfere with electromagnetic waves. FAZUP makes this process controllable through 2 solutions:

  • A specific form of FAZUP contour which is designed to work (or interfere) with all basic frequency bands (2G, 3G, 4G) used all over the world. That is band optimisation.
  • A specific position for each phone model is found through the in-lab Near Field Radiation (NFR) Pattern Measurement. This test consists of an empiric selection of the position of the patch which reduces radiation emissions while keeping high network signal quality. Our aim is not to make the radiation as low as possible, but to decrease it to a safe level, keeping the user within a safe range (a marginal impact on signal quality rarely occurs with mobile phones with low network sensitivity and at the limit of network coverage). That is position optimisation.

For the patch to be effective, it must be placed in a specific position for each phone model. To make this easy for users, FAZUP has developed and patented a smart positioning tool included in each product kit, which helps users to install the patch to its optimal position with millimetre precision.

The proof

Everything that FAZUP does to verify and adapt its patch for numerous cell phone models is grounded in science. NFR tests were not enough for Antoine and Mathieu, although they are conducted in a laboratory according to conventionally used methodology. The co-founders have produces a series of other tests for the product to be more exhaustive.

SAR reduction up to 99%

SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) is the only international standard applicable for all cell phones in the market. It quantifies the maximum amount of energy absorbed by the user’s head and the body when communicating (energy = heat). Safe levels of SAR for head and body must be < 2W/kg. In the laboratory tests, the SAR is measured in the worst network coverage conditions, when your mobile phone works at maximum emission power.

FAZUP delivers the average SAR reduction of 80%, increasing to 99% for certain cell phone models and frequency bands. All SAR tests were conducted byEMITECH, French COFRAC accredited laboratory (French Accreditation Committee) used by French Radiofrequency Agency (ANFR) and French Sanitary Agency (ANSES) for their SAR measurements.

Real Network – Real Time measurements

To prove that FAZUP is effective in real network conditions (vs. laboratory conditions), an Outdoor NFR Pattern Measurement was conducted. The major difference between the indoor NFR test is that the phone is constantly changing the band (2G, 3G, 4G) and the relay antenna, which helps us to see the real picture of exposure from an average mobile phone.

The test consisted of measuring the mobile radiation on a smartphone with and without FAZUP while using the device. The exposure graph superposes GPS coordinates with measurement probe data.

Independent consumer test on 1000 people

After all the encouraging results obtained in the lab, the FAZUP co-founders decided to assess the impact of the patch on the everyday life of frequent users of mobile phones. This test had to reflect real life conditions. The results were striking: 85% of testers who suffered from headaches or other feelings of discomfort have seen real improvements or total disappearance of negative symptoms such as sleep disorders, tinnitus, tingling, heating of the phone / or ear, etc.

Consumer reviews have been collected by the independent site TesterTout.com in accordance with the NF Z74-501 standard which guarantees independence, completeness and accuracy of the collected reviews.

More information at www.fazupreviews.com

Fazup is available for 34.90€/£30.99 from http://www.fazup.com/gb/

 

Ava – Maker of First Fertility Tracking Sensor Bracelet – Closes $30m Series B Funding Round

Ava, a medical technology company focused on innovations in women’s reproductive health and maker of the popular cycle tracking Ava bracelet, today announced it has raised $30 million in a strategic Series B funding round. The majority of Ava’s new financing came from existing investors, with prominent European VC firms btov and SVC also joining the round.

Ava also announced today that its cycle-tracking sensor bracelet, which precisely detects the 5.3-day fertile window in a woman’s cycle in real time, has officially reached a milestone of 10,000 pregnancies among users since launching in July 2016.
According to Ava Co-Founder Pascal Koenig, Ava will use the new funds for further product research and development to enhance the existing product and create new applications that empower women to take control of their reproductive health via data insights and science.
“Ava’s long-term vision is to accompany women through all stages of their reproductive life by providing data-driven, clinically proven technology that will make a woman’s life easier, healthier and better — be it when they just want to understand their body, while they are trying to prevent pregnancy, trying to get pregnant, are pregnant or entering menopause,” Koenig explained.
Ava continues to invest heavily in clinical trials with the University Hospital of Zurich under the direction of Prof. Brigitte Leeners to study applications of the Ava technology among women trying to get pregnant, suffering from fertility challenges, and to understand complications during pregnancy. Last year, Ava also hired its first Chief Medical Officer, renowned Bayer Schering veteran Dr. Maureen Cronin, to help shepherd the company through clinical and regulatory processes involved in new product development, particularly in the area of contraceptives.
“It’s exciting to work with a company that is literally reshaping the way we think about menstrual cycles, hormones and women’s health,” said Prof. Leeners. “Combining the best in science, data insights and technology is not only helping to create families, but improving women’s lives around the world.”

What is Ava?
Ava is a cycle-tracking sensor bracelet that monitors a woman’s fertility or pregnancy in real time. Ava measures nine physiological parameters including pulse rate, breathing rate, heart rate variability, and temperature. Because Ava measures physiological parameters that are directly impacted by the reproductive hormones estradiol and progesterone, it can detect a five-day fertile window in a woman’s cycle in real-time.


Users simply wear the Ava bracelet at night and sync it with the Ava app in the morning, avoiding the hassles, mess and invasiveness of other fertility tracking methods like ovulation strips and BBT thermometers. Regulated as a class 1 medical device by the FDA, the Ava bracelet was proven in a recently concluded clinical study at the University Hospital of Zurich to detect an average of 5.3 fertile days per cycle—in real time—with 89 percent accuracy.

First Look – The MEKO stylus from Amazon. #Stylus #Meko

The stylus is becoming a popular accessory of late and today we have a new one to test out from MEKO who trade on Amazon. Overall it is a nice well built kit and not the usual cheap plastic ve rsions you can buy for little or nothing or again the ones you get thrown in free when you buy a case from a supplier online.

Check out the package unboxing below and if you have any questions feel free to ask in the interim.

SEE ON AMAZON

  • Extreme precision: MEKO disc pen delivers extreme precision and the transparent disc lets you see on the screen exactly where it is pointing. It is specially designed to mark, copy and paste when you are reading, take notes and write emails etc.
  • Elegant Design: Made of stainless steel and aluminum with no plastic parts, Provides a smooth pen-like writing experience for your touchscreen tablets and smartphones. Keeps your touch screen free of fingerprints, you do not have to worry about fingerprints, scratches and stains
  • Features: One side is the fiber tip, the other side is the disk tip, both ends can be interchanged to extend the service life. Lightweight and comfortable, it can easily be clamped directly into a handbag or trouser pocket
  • Compatibility: Touchpads Compatible with Apple iPads, iPad Mini, iPhones, All Kindle, Android Phones, Samsung Galaxy, E-readers, Smartphones and other Capacitive Touchscreens Devices
  • PACKAGE INCLUDED : 2Pcs Stylus+4 Pcs Replacement Disc Tip+2 Pcs Replacement Fiber Tip；30 days money back guarantee for any reason

First look and unboxing. The Sudio Niva wireless earphones. #earphones #tech #Sudio

Our next product that has arrived is from the cool folks at Sudio we have tested a few pairs of their earphones now and they all serve me well today,the not only work well they look good and have really good sound, But the new Niva are really nice and look great and off the bat the package overall is really nice.  Check out the unboxing belowand while we test them out feel free to ask any quesitons below or on our social channels and we will as always answer them..

We also have a special discount code to follow for our readers so stay tuned for that.

Specs.

  • Play time: 3.5h per charge
  • Portable case: Holds +4 charges
  • Earphones battery: 55mAh
  • Case battery: 500 mAh
  • Bluetooth version: 4.2
  • Range: 10 m
  • Driver: Dynamic
  • Siri function

BUY HERE

 

Healthcare professionals believe 3D-printing has the capacity to transform the health sector.

The survey found that two-thirds of healthcare professionals believe 3D-printing has the capacity to fundamentally transform the health sector, with new printing technology already being used by 79% to improve accurate diagnostic rates and lower mortality rates.

Ricoh Ireland is today announcing the results of a new survey of 3,100 decision makers from across Europe, including Ireland, about how emerging printing technologies are helping to reshape industries and open-up new opportunities for businesses across all sectors.

In healthcare, two-thirds (66%) of professionals believe 3D printing has the capacity to fundamentally transform the health sector, and without investment in these technologies, 41% believe they will struggle to meet the needs of patients in the next five years. 79% of healthcare professionals also revealed that they are using new printing technologies to improve accurate diagnostic rates and lower mortality rates.

Future of Print infographic

In the retail sector, 60% said that they are currently investing in 3D printing technologies and 58% are investing in on-demand printing. Retailers claim that they are turning to more innovative ways of printing to drive competitive advantage, highlighting advantages such as reduced delivery times (83%), more delivery options (74%) and the ability to personalise products (72%).

The research also found that 39% of businesses across all sectors have adopted new printing technologies to enable AI and automation.

Gary Hopwood, Managing Director, Ricoh Ireland, commented on the findings: “The refrain ‘print is dead’ is utterly misguided. New printing technologies are helping businesses to transform their operations. In healthcare, pharmaceutical companies are manufacturing 3D printed prosthetic limbs tailored to specific patients. In retail, vendors are manufacturing shoes and printing unique designs on demand, reducing stock wastage. In education, students can buy personalised textbooks, reducing costs and improving learning.”

Gary Hopwood, general manager, Ricoh Ireland

Findings from the study emphasise the prevalent view that new forms of printing are crucial components in strategies for success. Decision makers highlighted improved agility (77%) and innovation (69%) as key drivers behind investment in printing technologies. Furthermore, 66% of business leaders fear that their organisation will fall behind competitors in the next five years without new disruptive printing technologies.

Hopwood continued: “Irish business leaders must rethink the role of printing within their organisation to unlock new revenue and growth opportunities. With so many exciting new ways to design, print and personalise products, decisions about printing have fundamentally moved from the back office to the boardroom. Evolving print capabilities are providing the foundations for improved strategic agility and major innovation advancements.”

Find out more at www.ricoh-europe.com/thoughtleadership.