Category: Tech

.Dell Technologies pushes the boundaries of PC gaming with new Alienware devices. #CES2021 #Dell

Dell Technologies has today unveiled new additions to its gaming line with the new Alienware m15 and m17 R4 and the Alienware Aurora Ryzen Edition R10 Desktop.

Commenting on the launch of the new devices, Vivian Lien, Vice President of Alienware and Dell Gaming, said: “Dell Technologies and Alienware pride themselves on delivering the most immersive gaming experiences powered by the latest technologies. As we blast into 2021, we’ve partnered with NVIDIA and AMD to push the boundaries of PC gaming further, with an amazingly fast and powerful experience for gamers and creators. Already the thinnest laptops we’ve ever made, the Alienware m15 and m17 R4 will deliver more power and performance for On-the-Go Gamers, while the Alienware Aurora Ryzen Edition R10 Desktop will take gaming to new heights.”

Developed in partnership with NVIDIA and AMD, the new Alienware m15 and m17 R4 deliver a faster and more powerful competitive edge with the next-gen NVIDIA GeForce Laptop GPUs which have been engineered with 12-phase graphics voltage regulation for rich marathon gaming sessions, up to 4TB of storage, and faster memory speeds up to 2933MHz. With these thin and powerful notebooks, gamers can game with confidence knowing their on-the-go battle stations will stay properly cooled thanks to vapor chamber technology included in every configuration – a new advantage of the Alienware Cryo-Tech™ cooling technology designs in the R4 generation.

For those seeking the highest possible framerates, the Alienware m17 R4 is ‘bringing the hertz’ with an optional 360Hz FHD panel that delivers faster refresh rates and smoother gameplay, perfect for AAA titles like Valorant and Cyberpunk 2077. Thanks to this cutting-edge technology, the new Alienware m17 R4 was recognized as a CES® 2021 Innovation Award Honoree (Gaming).

Both m15/m17 laptops are available in colors Lunar Light and Dark Side of the Moon, with a new matte finish front panel. And if you’re exporting the experience to a gaming TV or big format display (like the monstrous Alienware 55 OLED), you’ll get even smoother output with newly upgraded HDMI 2.1 connection capable of deliver 4K resolutions at 120Hz.

Designed to power gaming and creation, the Alienware Aurora Ryzen Edition R10 features AMD’s latest Ryzen™ 5000 Series desktop processors with up to 16-core and your choice of new AMD Radeon™ RX 6800 XT series graphics or NVIDIA GeForce RTX 30 series graphics.

With its tool-less upgradeable chassis now supporting up to 128GB Dual Channel HyperX™ FURY DDR4 RAM – twice the memory of previous generations – gamers and creators will appreciate processing large files or crushing their favorite PC games like a breeze. Whether streaming, blasting through game levels, or tackling heavy-processing applications, the new Aurora Ryzen R10 can handle it and stay cool with an innovative airflow design and vapor chamber technology that dissipates heat and gives players an extra boost when they need it most. The Aurora Ryzen Edition R10 is available in colors Lunar Light and Dark Side of the Moon.

Pricing & Availability:

  • Alienware m15 is available on January 28th with pricing available upon launch.
  • Alienware m17 is available on January 28th with pricing available upon launch.
  • Alienware Aurora Ryzen Edition R10 is available January 26th with pricing available upon launch.

What Separates a Good VPN From an Average VPN.

These days, it is becoming more and more difficult to stay secure in what we know as cyberspace, the World Wide Web, or simply the internet. The internet, historically, was certainly not meant to be the all-encompassing digital world it is for billions of people today. It is an incredible thing to remember that the ‘net’ started its life as a scientific research project in the 90s, that would relatively quickly become one of the greatest and most revolutionary inventions of humanity.

Following its release to the public in the mid-90s, the internet saw a huge rise in activity, somewhere between 2004-2010, which coincided with major tech revolutions such as the release of the first iPhone. This period also saw the invention of Facebook, in 2004. In essence, social media and smartphone development really pushed the internet to unprecedented levels. Later in the 2010s, we witnessed even more internet revolution as everything picked up even more speed and breadth (especially the invention of apps), and major upticks in the amount of global internet usage were observed.

Of course, with such an enormous network that is alive, interconnects the entire globe, and keeps growing exponentially every day, there are now security issues to deal with that are a serious concern for anyone’s online activity. Cybercrime has risen and is not stopping anytime soon, which means that the need for cybersecurity has never been greater. 

iDEAR Replay/Shutterstock.com

As malware reared its ugly head (malware is a general term for all malicious software such as viruses, spyware etc.), most notably at the beginning of the 2000s, the demand for cybersecurity grew in every sector, and grows to this day.

What Is A VPN

A Virtual Private Network, or commonly known as a VPN, is an essential tool that helps you stay safe online. It comes in three forms today; for desktop, enterprise solutions for businesses and as an app for smartphones. For this purpose, let’s talk about publicly available VPNs for ‘home’ users (we’ll leave business solutions out in this case). So what does a VPN do? When you connect to the internet, a VPN gives you the option of connecting to an external server that serves as a ‘tunnel’. These servers can be local, or international. Most VPN software offers at least a dozen choices of these tunnels to connect to, more or less.

When you connect to the VPN, this tunnel is encrypted (secured against intrusions), allowing all of your activity on the network to ideally be anonymous. So, this tunnel/server functions in the midway path between you and the rest of the internet. 

We will later cover more on the distinctions between an average and a good VPN, why VPNs vary a lot, and are definitely not equal. There are several VPN choices to choose from, both free and paid, and your choice may vary depending on what they offer. First, let’s delve into why being cyber-aware is important, below.

Being cyber-aware

Let’s emphasize why there is a need to keep the internet secure, and more importantly for you, why you need to protect yourself online. An entire industry of cybersecurity is thriving today in the midst of seemingly endless threats, and it is no longer strange to have software such as an anti-virus, anti-malware and a good Virtual Private Network, or VPN, installed on your system, all active at the same time. 

Having specialized protection against malware is one thing, but in terms of your general safety, anonymity and freedom online, nothing approaches the importance of using a VPN today. As with any software, especially in this day and age, it is critical that you know what it is exactly that you have downloaded. To be truly cybersecure, while using a VPN, you must know what is happening to your data, as well as read up on the privacy policies of the software you have downloaded. 

For instance, let’s talk about a few issues in order to highlight the importance of being cyber-aware; many people have made the mistake of logging into their computer or mobile phones, and downloading whatever VPN software they find, believing that they are now protected. 

There are many free VPNs out there, but their reputation and legitimacy can be questionable. Then, what happens with your data when you connect to a questionable VPN? Why should you invest your time (and sometimes your money) in a good VPN service? Let’s talk about this.

What Makes a Good VPN

What does it mean when we say a ‘good’ VPN? There are a couple of points any VPN worth its salt should include. This would include the following critical must-haves;

 

  • Your VPN should have a strict no-log privacy policy
  • The VPN must guarantee a well-encrypted service
  • The service must be able to unblock geo-blocks
  • Look for encryption such as; L2TP/IPSec, IKEv2, OpenVPN, WireGuard
  • Make sure that you have 128-bit encryption at the least
  • Go for a paid service, avoid free VPNs, for peace of mind

 

A good VPN should be able to give you a high-speed, anonymous, secure and free internet service. It should completely cloak your internet usage, and allow you to view search results in the country you have connected to. In most cases, you will rarely find a free VPN that guarantees all of these criteria, however there are of course exceptions if you do a little research. 

A guaranteed way to check how secure you are if you have downloaded a VPN, is to do an extensive online security check. With these checks, you will be able to know if your Internet Service Provider, as well as the rest of the internet ‘sees’ you. A good VPN will show your location as the one you selected in your VPN program, and should not show any of your local info at all. You should also not have any DNS leak warnings when you do the check. Once you have completed this step, it is also advisable to download a secure browser that includes ‘do-not-track’ and ‘anti-fingerprinting’ options. A good browser combined with a good VPN are a fantastic combination for a free, safe and anonymous internet experience.

ClearOne Enhances “The New Normal” Hybrid Work and Learning Environment with New Entry-Level and High-End Cameras

Ushering in the new year with a commitment to make true-to-life video collaboration possible for everyone, ClearOne (NASDAQ: CLRO), a global provider of audio and visual communications solutions, today announced the immediate availability of two new powerful cameras that enhance the ease and visual quality of online collaboration beyond the capabilities of integrated laptop and PC cameras.

With the new ClearOne UNITE® 10, the company’s most affordable camera ever, and the feature-rich ClearOne UNITE 50 4K AF that includes Auto-Framing technology for automatic single- or multi-person capture, everyone can take on the new year with the confidence provided by stunning video that puts them in the best possible light.

“A new year presents all of us with the opportunity to improve the way we come across to our teammates in an online work or learning environment,” ClearOne Chair and CEO Zee Hakimoglu said. “During the pandemic, we recognized that millions of people were expected to use video collaboration tools, for the first time, and the rapid societal shift to home-based and remote work left a lot of people desiring higher quality video solutions to ensure they make a good impression and enjoy reliable, clear and efficient communication.”

For users who want to upgrade from the basic camera included in their laptop or PC, ClearOne has lowered the barrier of entry with its most affordable webcam ever, the UNITE 10. The small, powerful webcam supports up to 1080p video quality and offers autofocus.

The UNITE 10 can capture five-megapixel images with a field of view up to 87 degrees, while major competitors at this price point only achieve 78-degree field of view. The UNITE 10 attaches any PC or laptop with a simple mounting bracket, and a 1.5m USB-A cable ensures simple connection to most modern computers. The UNITE 10 is also available to dealers and distributors in 20 packs for commercial sale.

The new UNITE 50 4K AF camera is a major upgrade over traditional webcams and introduces ClearOne’s new Auto-Framing technology that automatically frames meeting participants to maximize screen use through intelligent image algorithms and ePTZ automation (electronic pan, tilt and zoom).  With 4K video quality at 30 Hz, auto-focus capability, 4x digital zoom, more than 8 megapixels of total resolution and an ultra-wide 110-degree field of view, the UNITE 50 4K AF ePTZ is equally capable of delivering incredible image quality from a home office as it is at capturing all participants in an office boardroom.

The UNITE 50 4K AF is an ideal choice for managers or executives who require the absolute best remote video presentation available and also want a solution that can be used for in-office meetings. The camera can be controlled through an IR remote, further simplifying use and enabling real-time control of pan, tilt and zoom to provide greater control when capturing multi-person meeting environments. A standard damping mount ensures fast, easy installation, while an included USB 3.0 cable provides both power and video.

Both new ClearOne cameras enable life-like video quality to web-based conferencing applications including ClearOne’s COLLABORATE® Space, WebEx™, Google Meet, Zoom™, GoToMeeting™, and Microsoft® Teams.

ClearOne’s COLLABORATE Space is a powerful, award-winning collaboration tool that delivers a full suite of audio, video conferencing, web conferencing, and meeting tools in a persistent space.  COLLABORATE Space comes with everything needed for online meetings, including messaging, integrated file sharing, whiteboarding, annotation, meeting minutes, scheduling, and more.

To download a free COLLABORATE Space lifetime subscription with unlimited video meeting time, click here.

“Whether a student wants their instructor and classmates to see them more clearly or an office manager needs a multi-purpose camera with the benefit of artificial intelligence framing functions, ClearOne’s newest products of 2021 are accommodating ‘the new normal’ with HD quality and accessibility for any budget,” Hakimoglu added.

To learn more about UNITE 10, click here. To learn more about UNITE 50 4K AF, click here.

Edifier expands gaming and audio selection with new high quality wireless headphones and speakers. #CES2021 #Edifier

Edifier, the award-winning manufacturer of premium sound systems and bookshelf speakers, introduced its newest audio and gaming products, TWS NB2 Pro, GM5 and D12, at CES today. 

“With consumer needs changing in an instant, we strive to be just as flexible without cutting any corners on quality,” said Stanley Wen, Edifier’s CTO. “We continue to bring our users the unmatched audio experience in a more convenient, travel and budget-friendly package for gaming, music and video enjoyment. Our newest products highlight Edifier’s attention to aesthetic and ergonomic design detail matched with superior sound quality and affordability.”

TWS NB2 Pro

Distinct from other noise cancellation headphones on the market and re-envisioned from its predecessor, the TWS NB, the TWS NB2 Pro boasts innovative immersive analog noise-canceling technology offering over-ear noise-canceling headphone technology in a stylish low-profile true wireless earphone package. Through extensive testing, all components of the earphones are certified to block medium to low environmental frequencies while giving the user a completely balanced sound with no outside interruptions. The user can also enable the ambient sound function to be aware of their surroundings while still enjoying their music. With its unmatched audio quality, Bluetooth 5.0 and IP54 rating, the TWS NB2 Pro is equipped to be your most reliable companion on your busiest days. 

Thanks to the Qualcomm low power-consumption chipset and small high-capacity lithium battery, users can take advantage of the seven-hour playback with the active noise cancellation on or nine hours with it off. There is also the added security of knowing that the travel-friendly charging case gives an additional 23-hour playback time. The TWS NB2 Pro also utilizes fast charging, which allows for a two-hour play-back time with only a 15-minute charge. With the seamless and sleek design of the earphone and charging case, comfort, style, and great technology are at the user’s disposal. TWS NB2 Pro will launch in March 2021 with a retail price of $99.

GM5

With the GM5’s eight-hour playback time and additional 32 hours via its portable charging case, combined with Qualcomm AptX low-latency technology, level after level can be completed without any lagging or low battery notifications for gamers, streamers, or mobile show bingers. With mobile gaming and video streaming being top of mind, countless trials and tests were conducted to ensure that the truly wireless earbuds would meet the true gamer’s specific needs.

With its environmental noise-cancelling technology (ENC) and four microphones, mobile gaming and on-call communication is now truly portable and allows you to clearly communicate from anywhere, regardless of environmental background noise. With two different audio profiles, your listening experience is enhanced and modified to further immerse yourself in your game, video, or music. When coming back to the real world, simply pause by removing an earbud or switch from dual to single earbud mode in one swift motion. GM5 will launch in March 2021 with a retail price of $79.*

D12

Edifier’s D12 Bluetooth speakers allow users to create their own personal sound oasis no matter where they are. The speaker’s acoustic structure, which features Bluetooth V5.0, provides a pure, undistorted, high-quality sound in a portable package with a solid frame in a stylish wood grain finish. Made with 4 sound units, the D12 speakers offer beautifully balanced sound with high-low frequency separation and deeper tones not previously found in traditional desktop speakers. Boasting a 20W*2 bass and a 15W*2 treble, every song will be heard as the artist intended, creating a pure auditory experience. D12 will launch on February 20, 2021 with a retail price of $99.

All UK availability and pricing to be confirmed.

For more information on earbuds, headsets, speakers, and other Edifier products, please visit Edifier.com.

Sennheiser’s new HD 250BT headphones deliver a thrilling on-the-go audio experience. #Headphones #Tech

Sennheiser’s new HD 250BT headphones deliver a thrilling audio experience with dynamic bass, state-of-the-art Bluetooth connectivity and a durable design that is built to take on life’s adventures. Boasting a 25-hour battery life and advanced codec support at an affordable price, the new HD 250BT lets listeners enjoy Sennheiser’s superior audio anytime and anywhere.

Sennheiser’s new HD 250BT headphones are equipped with the audio specialist’s famed transducer technology. Support for high-quality audio codecs such as AAC and aptXTM as well as rock-solid Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity ensure remarkable wireless audio quality with dynamic bass for music enjoyment on the go. For listeners seeking to personalise their audio experience, the Sennheiser Smart Control app’s intuitive equaliser makes it possible to tailor the sound experience according to individual taste. Meanwhile, aptX™ Low Latency perfectly synchronises audio with on-screen action while watching videos.

Sennheiser’s new HD 250BT headphones deliver a thrilling on-the-go audio experience at an affordable price

“With remarkable performance and advanced features at an accessible price point, our new HD 250BT truly punches above its weight to enhance the everyday audio experience,” said Jermo Köhnke, Product Manager at Sennheiser. “These entry-level headphones offer a host of premium features that deliver a nightclub-worthy sound experience – wherever you are.”

Whether listening to music on the road for hours at a time, watching videos or taking calls via the built-in microphone, the HD 250BT’s outstanding 25-hour battery life ensures the headphones keep pace with the busiest lifestyles. Featuring a rugged design, soft, noise-isolating ear pads and intuitive controls, the HD 250BT is built to take on life’s adventures.

The Sennheiser HD 250BT is available in selected markets for £59.99 GBP / €69.00 EUR (MSRP).

Lenbrook International Appoints OLEX Communications as its Exclusive PR Agency of Record in North America and the United Kingdom

Lenbrook International announces changes to its public relations team effective January 6, 2021, as consumer electronics veteran Peter Hoagland retires after representing Lenbrook’s North American distribution business, Lenbrook Americas, for nearly ten years as an independent PR consultant. Hoagland has been instrumental in building a strong market presence for NAD Electronics, PSB Speakers, Bluesound, and DALI Loudspeakers amongst specialist audiophile press in North America. 

“Peter has been respected colleague of Lenbrook’s in the audio industry since the early 1980s when we first met him – his reputation is unparalleled,” remarked Stephen Baker, Senior Director of Sales for Lenbrook Americas. “I speak for the entire senior leadership team at Lenbrook when I say that his professionalism and upbeat attitude will be missed, and that we will reflect on how very fortunate we’ve been to have had his marketing and PR expertise working for our brands over the past decade.” 

Peter Hoagland retires after decades working in the consumer electronics industry, leading the marketing efforts for a number of high-end audio brands as an in-house resource, as well as in a consulting capacity. Hoagland joined Lenbrook’s extended marketing team as an independent PR consultant in 2011, representing NAD Electronics, PSB Speakers, Bluesound, and DALI Loudspeakers. He ends his career with an accomplished track record for building deep relationships with specialist media and enhancing brand reputations.

With Hoagland’s retirement, Lenbrook International will continue the work it started at the beginning of the pandemic to consolidate its global PR operations, bringing oversight of Lenbrook Americas’ PR operations under its purview. For over three years now, OLEX Communications has represented Lenbrook’s own brands in the United Kingdom, helping to grow brand awareness with consumer lifestyle and gadget and tech audiences. Earlier in the year, OLEX Communications was appointed in the US to complement Hoagland’s specialist audiophile work, covering lifestyle and gadget and tech publications, and to grow the market presence of the new Bluesound Professional brand within the commercial integration media landscape. Now, OLEX Communications will become the exclusive public relations agency of record representing Lenbrook International brands in the UK and Lenbrook Americas’ brands in North America, across all media verticals.

“It has been a pleasure working with Peter on our distribution business over the years and I have nothing but the utmost respect for him and the tireless work he has invested into our brands in Canada and the United States,” says June Ip, Vice President of Marketing for Lenbrook International. “Fortunately, we have a reliable and knowledgeable partner in OLEX Communications that can take on the work that Peter leaves behind.” 

End of year offers from Urbanista and CLCKR #Tech #Headphones #Cases

With gyms closing and 2021 goals being set, more of us are taking to outdoor sports, running, walking and cycling. These true wireless sports headphones are designed to give you total freedom, no matter what your sport. They are ultra rugged, exude durability and have all the features you need to keep you going through your workouts.

Athens offer an amazing 8 hours play time with a total of 32 hours play time, with an additional three charges from the small and sleek carry case.

They are completely waterproof with an IP67 rating so it really doesn’t matter your sport – swim, ski, surf, shower or sweat all you like and these headphones will stand up to the test. They are smart too, featuring touch controls and connect to your voice assistant.

Available at www.urbanista.com/athens RRP – £119 – currently £83.30 with 30% off – offer ends 10th January 2021

MAKE YOUR HOME WORKOUTS EASIER WITH A CLCKR STAND AND GRIP

No more propping your phone up against your water bottle! Whether you are trying to follow your programme, see the stopwatch or record your workout, CLCKR’s phone stand means you can position your phone in landscape or portrait mode, handsfree. SEE OUR REVIEWS –  https://techbuzzireland.com/2020/11/03/clckr-stand-and-grip-case-review-for-the-iphone-12-clckr-iphone12-tech/

https://techbuzzireland.com/2020/06/26/review-clckr-stand-and-grip-case-carbon-fibre-clckr/

Available at www.clckr.com up to 40% off – offer end 10th January 2021

How Tech’ Has Impacted Furniture – Infographic #AR #EZLiving #Tech #Furniture

Tech can be used in many ways today and it can be fun for the most part but now with AR it just enhances life and with mobile phones it is already happening.. Recently EZ Living launched their own AR app which you can read about HERE .

EZ Living uses AR technology on their websites to allow customers to see what a piece of furniture will look like in their home and they have received excellent feedback on the issue which is of great benefit to customers and have sent us this infographic on the Role of Tech in Furniture. Fancy some comfortable beds? Check out contemporary beds.

 

Tech Review – JAM Audio TWS with ANC #Tech #JamAudio #TWS

JAM Audio recently just launched an affordable pair of TWS with ANC on board and for the consumer it is good times for buying TWS earbuds as the prices are coming down with more features on offer, However what features you want might vary from others but ANC is one to have these days letting you get more immersed in your music and forgetting what is going on outside.

These come in at 99 quid which is not bad for a pair of earbuds with ANC on board and you have most of the features you come to expect from any pair of earbuds at this price, the sound is punchy loud and the controls work really well here too, overall the music experince is generally good with 10 mm drivers on board you can expect a decent listening experience no matter what you listen to here and in my usual testing they did rather well overall and if it is your first pair of TWS you will be pleased overall with what you get, Check out the video for more below as we go through how they work and the features..

 Features include

·       True Wireless – True Wireless means no wires. Anywhere. Ever. Whether you’re working, working out, or taking calls. Compatible with Bluetooth® devices and voice assistants.

·       Active Noise Cancellation – Superb Active Noise Cancellation lets you tune out distractions and focus on your music, podcasts, or whatever you’re listening to.

·       Battery Life – Up to 7 hours of playtime (Bluetooth only), or up to 6 hours of playtime with Bluetooth and ANC. Up to 28 hours total with case.

·       On-the-Go Touch Controls / Hands-Free Calling – Control the Convo. Convenient touch controls mean you never have to stop taking calls no matter where you are in your day.

·       Premium Sound – Premium sound performance combined with Active Noise Cancellation lets you appreciate every lyric, chord, and heart-pounding beat.

·       No-slip tip – 4 sizes of soft, anti-slip ear gels provide a comfortable fit for your 8-hour + day.

 The JAM Audio TWS ANC are priced at £99.99 and available from uk.jamaudio.com.