Evolve IP EMEA Launches ‘Hot’ Summer Sales Campaign

Evolve IP EMEA has teamed-up with some of its top technology partners to launch a ‘sizzling’ summer program – designed to turn up the sales heat for reselling partners.

The leading global collaboration provider has developed various ways resellers can fire up sales, with offers and free product trials being highlighted in bi-weekly webinars running until the end of September.

They can take advantage of compelling opportunities from Webex, Akixi, Mondago, Dubber and Snom.

These summer incentives offer a try before you buy plan, licensing upgrade, new pre-packaged business tool, a free headset offer, plus additional integrations that provide business insights using next generation UC technology and CRM integration. 

To effectively support reselling partners, Evolve IP EMEA is hosting quick fire webinars every two weeks, offering tips and advice so they can make the most of the
opportunities available, starting tomorrow, Wednesday 19th July at 13:00 GMT.

Evolve IP UK Sales Director, Jamie Hughes, highlighted: “Throughout the program we will be sharing insights and tips to help resellers roll out these additional tools and services to their customers, enabling them to maximise sales success.

“Plus, we have scheduled a series of short webinars, providing our reseller partners with a simple breakdown about what each offer comprises. We want to make sure our partners get the most out the incentives available to turn up the sales heat this summer.”

Hughes added: “We also want to make this a valuable and exciting opportunity for our partners. Our friendly dog mascot for the campaign is there to get people engaged. Our campaign aims to add more ‘bite’ to reseller sales at what can traditionally be a quieter time of the year – so they can re-engage with their customers about a range of high-quality products and services.”

The campaign, also being run in the Netherlands, is being hailed a great opportunity for all reselling partners to introduce new products to their customers.

Eric Fronik, Evolve IP’s NL Sales Director, commented: “This is a great opportunity for our new partners to engage with their customers during the slow summer months. As a service provider we want to be able to support them and their growth.”

More information can be found at: https://www.evolveip.net/en-gb/summer2023  

SuperNode invests €40m in R&D Initiative in Renewable Transmission Technology

SuperNode today announced plans to continue its growth in Ireland through an investment of more than €40 million. This investment is intended to design, develop and manufacture High Temperature Superconducting (‘HTS’) cable systems. SuperNode is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland.

SuperNode, is a technology company with 60+ staff operating out its Dublin technology centre, that develops revolutionary superconducting transmission technology for the renewable energy transition. Superconducting cables can transfer renewable electricity with reduced losses, costs and footprint compared to conventional cable technology. SuperNode uses liquid nitrogen to cool its cables to cryogenic temperatures and into a state of superconductivity, enabling incredibly efficient and high-density power transfer – up to 5 times more power than conventional cables at much lower voltage levels. SuperNode’s superconducting cables will be commercially available by the end of the decade and will be a key technology advancement to enable the renewable energy transition.

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney TD said: “I am really pleased with the significant investment announcement of over €40 million in R&D from SuperNode. This exciting new project, using revolutionary High Temperature Superconducting (‘HTS’) technology, will allow for renewable electricity transmission, with reduced losses, reduced costs and, importantly, a reduced energy footprint. It is another step towards a green and cleaner environment for us all, and as a Government, we support and encourage green initiatives that work towards our Sustainable Development Goals. SuperNode’s technology will be key to enabling growth in Ireland’s renewable energy network and I wish to thank them for this investment and wish them the best with the project.

Commenting on the announcement, John Fitzgerald, CEO SuperNode said: “We are grateful for the support of the IDA and the Irish Government towards the advancement of our ground-breaking superconducting transmission technology. This endorsement reinforces the Irish Government’s mission to address climate change effectively and displays a commitment to supporting innovative solutions. With the right support from Government, Ireland can become a European hub for critical Grid and Renewable Energy Enabling Technologies – SuperNode is excited for the opportunities that lay ahead.”

Michael Lohan, CEO, IDA Ireland said: ‘’SuperNode’s commitment to investing €40 million in research and development in renewable energy innovation is really welcome news. Sustainability is a key area of focus for IDA and this investment showcases great dedication in shaping a sustainable future for all. I wish SuperNode great success with this project.’’

Dublin set to be home to new international arts and technology festival – Beta

The Digital Hub, in partnership with Aisling Murray and with the support of Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), are putting in place plans for a new international arts and technology festival for Ireland. Beta, which will take place across 4 days in November, is seeking to critically engage with technology’s impact on society through a combination of creativity, debate, and experimentation.

Beta will focus on a number of key themes which are dominating the technology discussion at present, including artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, data rights and sustainability. The festival has identified a need to bring together Ireland’s research and digital arts communities in order to foster a discussion about how the two disciplines can combine for the benefit of society.

Beta is led by Aisling Murray, a curator and creative producer with 15 years’ experience across exhibitions, festivals, literature, spoken word, theatre and dance. She most recently worked with the Goethe-Institut Irland in developing their Quantum Technology Art residency and curated the inaugural art and science stage at Electric Picnic funded by SFI. Prior to this she worked for Science Gallery Dublin where she produced national and international creative programmes converging art, science, technology and society.

Ultimately, the festival organisers are aiming to position Ireland as a leader in the intersection of art and technology programming in an audience-centred way to engage the public playfully and critically with new technologies. Beta will also include performances, discussion, workshops and a nighttime programme over the 4 days.

Beta has already confirmed a number of acclaimed artists to participate in this year’s festival including Libby Heaney, Leon Butler and Peter Power.

Two unique works have been commissioned to support the launch of Beta. Artist Leon Butler has imagined what the identity of a festival of art and technology could be and has generated a new font seen in the Beta logo. The final logo almost looks hand drawn or screen printed with beautifully imperfect edges – this intersection of cutting-edge technology and human creativity is exactly what Beta will explore with the festival.

Beta’s website, which launched today, features a new commission from artist and designer Farouk Alao. Specialising in 3D motion and web design, he has drawn inspiration from nature, his world, and human emotions. His vision explores the intersection of reality and imagination. The motion piece on Beta’s website, called the Beta cube, positions Beta as a centre point in which art, technology and creativity resolve and makes use of the unique font designed by Butler.

Beta is also launching a new international residency in partnership with transmediale in Berlin supported by the Arts Council of Ireland. Transmediale is one of the leading and longest running festivals for art and digital culture in Europe. The Beta x transmediale residency will bring together four artists from Ireland and Germany to explore critical perspectives on artificial intelligence and digital art. Taking place as a hybrid residency with 2 weeks online, 3 weeks in Dublin, Ireland and 3 weeks in Berlin, Germany, the residency programme will provide space, resources and mentorship to four artists to develop new artworks that generate new imaginaries around climate resilience and political polarisation.

Aisling Murray, Director of Beta, said:

“Beta has the potential to really put Ireland on the map in terms of the intersection of research, technology and digital arts. Each of these disciplines continues to grow from strength to strength, which is why it’s very timely that Beta is now coming to fruition. The Digital Hub are the ideal co-founder for this with their experience both creatively and with industry, I’m so grateful for their support and excited to create an anchor point in the year for the communities interested in these themes.. I’m hugely excited for what is going to be 4 days of immersive content, performance and discussion in Dublin 8. The Liberties is a really important aspect of this festival, steeped in history, culture and innovation it is the perfect meeting place for what we want Beta to symbolise.”

The Digital Hub has a strong track record in supporting digital technology industries, creative enterprises, and community learning programmes in Dublin 8 and beyond. Beta is aimed to be both the culmination of various activities within the Liberties campus, as well as a starting point for further discussion on how to make complex technologies more accessible to communities.

The Digital Hub and Aisling Murray are being supported in its preparations for Beta by SFI, The Arts Council, Project Arts Centre, Goethe Institut, Alliance Française, British Council, ADAPT Research Centre, and NCAD Gallery. More information: https://betafestival.ie/

OECD – Growth of mobile data usage continues – but at a slower pace

Mobile data usage continues to grow, but at a slower pace, according to new OECD broadband portal data released on 13 July. Data usage per mobile broadband subscription in OECD countries grew 17% in 2022, compared to an average annual growth rate of 29% between 2017 and 2021. Nonetheless, the volume of mobile data usage overall per subscription has doubled in four years, from 4.7 gigabytes per month to 10.4 GB in 2022.

Of note is the range of mobile data consumption volumes registered across OECD countries, spanning from 4.3 GB per user per month to 42 GB – a 10-fold difference between the lowest and highest volumes observed. The five countries with the highest data usage levels – Latvia (42 GB per month), Finland (40 GB), Austria (30 GB), Lithuania (28 GB) and Iceland (24 GB) – consume three times more data than the OECD average. This gap, between the leading countries and the OECD average, has continued to widen year on year.

Range of mobile data usage per month in OECD countries, 2022

In the fixed broadband segment, fibre is now firmly established as the leading connection technology, accounting for 38% of all fixed subscriptions at the end of 2022, up from 28% in December 2019, shortly before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Belgium, Costa Rica, Austria and Israel increased their fibre connections by more than 40% in 2022. Fibre as a share of all fixed broadband now exceeds 80% in Iceland, Japan, Korea, Spain and Sweden, and is greater than 50% in a further 10 OECD countries (Chile, Finland, France, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal and Slovenia). By contrast, the DSL share of total fixed subscriptions has continued to fall, from 40% five years ago to 24% today, while cable has maintained a steady share over the last five years of around 33%.

Overall, fixed broadband subscriptions are still growing in almost all OECD countries, reaching a total of 481.6 million in December 2022 and averaging 35 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants. This compares to 433 million at the end of 2019 – an increase of 48.6 million, or 11.2%, in three years. Switzerland had the highest penetration rate of 48 subscriptions per 100 people, followed by France (47), Norway (46) and Korea (45).

Mobile broadband subscriptions also continue to expand, despite very high penetration rates, growing by 13% between 2019 and 2022. Total subscriptions reached 1.76 billion in December 2022, up from 1.56 billion three years earlier. Estonia and Japan top the ranking for mobile broadband penetration, with 204 and 197 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants, respectively. The United States and Finland, with 176 and 160, respectively, are not far behind.

The rollout of 5G continues apace. As of July 2023, it was available in 37 out of 38 OECD countries. For the 20 OECD countries able to provide relevant data, the share of 5G in total mobile broadband subscriptions averaged 21%, with the highest share in Denmark (54%), Korea (45%) and Japan (26%).

Machine-to-machine (M2M) SIM cards are once again experiencing the highest growth rates of all indicators, with a 14% increase in one year. The two leading countries are Sweden (222 M2M SIM cards per 100 inhabitants) and Iceland (191), followed by Austria (128), the Netherlands (86) and Norway (72). The issuing and registration of M2M SIM cards by national operators for international usage in Sweden and Iceland accounts for their elevated numbers.

Download broadband data, charts and penetration maps by country at http://oe.cd/broadband.

Creative launches new open ear bone conduction earphones, Outlier Free Pro and Outlier Free+

Creative Technology today announces the release of the Creative Outlier Free Pro+ and Creative Outlier Free+, the latest bone conduction headphones to join the well-loved Outlier series.

Building on the foundation of its predecessors, these latest headphones bring an elevated open-ear listening experience with better precision and optimal sound conduction efficiency through the innovative adjustable transducers that adapt to the unique contours of each individual’s ears. With the ability to customize the fit, users can now enjoy unrivaled comfort and stability, allowing them to focus on their music or calls without any distractions. Along with an added burst of vibrant color options, these latest Plus versions add a playful and colorful twist to the user’s everyday life.

 

 

Experience a customized fit that hugs your ears just right, delivering quality audio that moves with you.

For Creative Outlier Free+, users can choose between the classic yet stylish dark slate grey and matte black combination or make a striking statement with the lively dark slate grey and lime green fusion. The Creative Outlier Free Pro+, on the other hand, is available in midnight blue and matte black or midnight blue and fiery orange combinations. With these additional color options, users can now match their headphones to their personal style.

Designed for an active lifestyle, these bone conduction headphones are built to withstand the elements. The Creative Outlier Free+ has an IPX5 water-resistant rating, while the Creative Outlier Free Pro+ has an IPX8 waterproof rating and a built-in 8 GB memory, allowing users to experience absolute audio playback freedom while running, cycling, and even swimming. Together with seamless Bluetooth® 5.3 connectivity and an extended battery life of up to 10 hours, these headphones are the perfect companions, delivering impressive audio performance in any environment.

And that’s not all—Creative will also be launching a mini version of the bone conduction headphones in August 2023 that will be suitable for pre-teens and teenagers, allowing them to enjoy their favorite tunes and experience quality audio with a comfortable fit.

Pricing and Availability

Creative Outlier Free+ is priced at £89.99 and is available at Creative.com. For more information, visit creative.com/OutlierFreePlus

Creative Outlier Free Pro+ is priced at £119.99 and is available at Creative.com. For more information, visit creative.com/OutlierFreeProPlus

ZHIYUN’s MOLUS G200 and FIVERAY V60 Professional Filmmaking Lights offer Unparalleled Control and Freedom to Content Creators everywhere

ZHIYUN, known as a pioneer and world leader in innovative gimbals for cameras and smartphones and now also a disruptive new entrant in the lighting industry, today announced two new lightweight, film-grade prosumer additions to its existing breakthrough light ranges; the MOLUS G200 and the FIVERAY V60.  ZHIYUN’s new professional lighting tools offer power, portability, and reliability thanks to ZHIYUN’s proprietary DYNAVORT cooling technology which prevents overheating and flickering.  Both easy-to-use lights help content creators access unparalleled levels of efficiency and control to the creative process of filmmaking.

MOLUS G200 and the FIVERAY V60 at a glance

The style-forward ZHIYUN MOLUS G200 is a powerful palm-sized 200W COB light, perfect for live streaming, interviews, portrait photography, commercial ads, and TVC shoots. The 2.209 kg  is a compact 127mm x 67.5 mm x 225 mm (WxDxH)- meaning you can take it anywhere your imagination strikes. With the touch of its MAX power mode, its 200W (at full output) illumination offers up a staggering 300W of lighting power.  ZHIYUN’s MOLUS G200 comes with a separate 0.91g controller that is equipped with two interactive buttons, a handy rope  and a display screen making it simple and quick to achieve a wide range of lighting functions and effects 5 preset dimming levels.

The ZHIYUN FIVERAY V60, 60W light wand follows hot on the heels of the iconic FIVERAY F100 which set a new benchmark of portable stick lights at 450mm x 46 mm x 47mm and 891g. With its versatile and convenient compact display screen, bloggers and content creators can view parameters with ease, and effortlessly adjust them with the stick’s intuitive dial. Explore  brightness and colour temperature to create stunning visuals in any environment from dimly lit spaces to outdoors at dusk. For more intense lighting, simply switch to MAX mode by connecting the V60 to a 24V DC power adapter for an instant power surge of up to 100W.

Liao Yilun, CEO of ZHIYUN said, “Videographers and filmmakers face many restrictions due to traditional, cumbersome, lighting products. Through our innovative, lightweight and easy-to-use products, we are trying to remove these restrictions, simplify filmmaking and help content creators fully unleash their creativity. Our patented cooling technology allows for high power density (high power, concentrated lighting density), making lights like the G200 and V60, small, powerful and reliable.”

MOLUS G200 in depth

Powerful, steadfast illumination

At peak brightness, G200 offers: 9460 Lux (without reflector); 61500 Lux with ZHIYUN’s standard reflector (at 1m). In MAX Extreme mode it offers: 13800 Lux (1m, without standard reflector) 85800 Lux (1m, with ZHIYUN standard reflector). CCT (colour correlated temperature) range is excellent: 2700K – 6500K. A colour rendering index (CRI) of ≥95 and a television light consistency index (TLCI) of ≥97 make for accurate rendition of the subject’s colours.

Three lighting modes = exciting visual experiences 

In normal mode, you can turn on the light and adjust the brightness to your desired level. Live mode automatically turns on as soon as it’s powered on. Music mode syncs your lighting with music beats to create a dynamic and immersive experience for your audience.

Accessories and apps for full creative control

The G200 comes with a stand with 180° flexibility: the stand’s 180° adjustable arm and full-range rotation capabilities, making it easy to adapt to any setting. The stand has a universal lighting umbrella slot for added convenience. The G200 is compatible with the Bowens mount accessories by ZHIYUN and other Bowens accessories. In addition, ZHIYUN’s ZY Vega app: supports Bluetooth Mesh networking, allowing for remote dimming and quick switching between presets, allowing for professional lighting results on any film set or studio.

V60 in depth

Colours that pop

The FIVERAY V60 is designed to accurately reproduce the colours of any object with its exceptional colour rendering capabilities: Colour Temperature Range: 2700K~6500K TLCI: ≥98 CRI:≥96, giving your shots depth and detail that will make them stand out from the crowd.

Built-in multiple light effects and accessories transform shoots with creative atmospheric options. Effects include:  SOS, TV, broken light bulb, candle, lightning, fire. Music mode syncs with the beat offering another dynamic lighting experience. The V60 is compatible with multiple ZHIYUN accessories including barn doors to the grid; the rich selection of tools can offer users exceptional versatility and creativity to shape their lighting needs for outstanding shots.

Stay powered up with versatile charging options 

From DC power to USB charging, the power supply has you covered to operate while it is still charging, so the light keeps shining without worrying about running out of battery.

Availability and pricing

Both products are available from 12 July, 2023.

The FIVERAY V60 kit includes: V60 Light Wand, USB type C cable, Quick start guide, storage bag, Power adapter, Adapter pouch, Barndoors, Diffuser, Grid, Modifier Manual

The ZHIYUN FIVERAY V60 is priced at: £169 and £249 (combo) and is available from  ZHIYUN and Amazon Stores

The MOLUS G200 kit includes: MOLUS G200 COB light; G200 Power adapter; Power cable; ZHIYUN standard reflector; Quick start guide and storage bag.

MOLUS G200 is priced at £369 and is available from ZHIYUN and Amazon Stores

ZHIYUN Launches CRANE 4 Gimbal for DSLR and Cinema Cameras

ZHIYUN, a world leader in professional camera and smartphone stabilisation systems, portable scene lighting, and filmmaking accessories, has today announced the launch of its new premium camera gimbal, the CRANE 4.

With a commitment to providing creators and filmmakers with reliable, professional productivity tools, ZHIYUN again catalyses dynamic visual storytelling, unconstrained by equipment weight and capability. The CRANE 4 has been carefully developed to unlock the ambitions of global filmmakers and content creators.

Stand-out features include built-in balance indicator lights at each motor provide an at-a-glance indicator of their balance calibration status. Meanwhile, Bluetooth connectivity provides direct shutter control to supporting cameras, removing the possibility of a cable in the way, dislodging, or becoming lost. Operators can easily start/stop recording, and trigger photo capture remotely.

Less Weight, More Ergonomic
Crafted with precision, the CRANE 4 is built with lighter design compared to previous generations, enabling camera operators to work longer one- or two-handed without fatigue. The CRANE 4 provides a novel, adjustable sling grip that, when combined with the ergonomic wrist rest, supports fine-tuned angle adjustment to enable precise movement control. The versatile sling grip can be adjusted to match the gimbal’s central axis, allowing easy switching between sling style and two-handed modes, depending on the operator’s preference. Using the quick-release module, effortlessly switch between landscape or portrait modes as the shoot requires.

Next-Generation Precision & Performance
The CRANE 4 takes payload capacity to the next-level, enabling it to lift and move heavier full-frame DSLR and compact cinema cameras, such as Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K, ZCAM, and SIGMA FP series, more accurately. Its longer arm length and stronger motors ensure effortless precision and incredible portability.

Easy To See Colour Touchscreen
The integrated 1.22-inch colour touchscreen allows the operator to easily see and adjust the CRANE 4’s functions such as balance, operating mode and see real-time status information.

PD Fast Charging Keeps the Day Going
Four high-capacity 18650 batteries provide up to 12 hours runtime and can be fully recharged in under two hours via USB PD fast charging,  enabling operators to use their preferred multi-device PD charger.

Built-in Fill Light
New for the CRANE series, the CRANE 4 includes a built-in 10W fill light with max illuminance of 3200 lux, CRI 95+ and CCT between 2700K-5500K. The extra level of integration and portability adds convenience to shoots where kit weight and crew sizes are a premium.

Comprehensive Creative Ecosystem
The CRANE 4 can be paired with a rich selection of professional accessories, such as remote monitoring, follow-focus motors and ZHIYUN’s TransMount Image Transmission system, creating a comprehensive creative ecosystem for professional filmmaking.

ZHIYUN’s commitment to continuous innovation improves its hardware in each generation, enabling users with greater freedom to embrace their creativity without limitations.

Price and Availability

CRANE 4: £669

CRANE 4 Combo (with MasterMove accessories and storage bag): GBP £749

The CRANE 4 and CRANE 4 Combo are available from: ZHIYUN and Amazon UK stores.

PURO Sound Labs headphones discounted

PURO Sound labs have some great discounts on offer for the month of July and from testing their products before they are certain win for kids especially they have extended their range since and we will be going hands on with some reviews coming soon where you see the product itself and what the results are, check out the deals below and tell us is there something you want covered in detail.

  • Product Name: Puro Sound Labs PuroPro volume limiting, active noise cancelling adult headphones.
  • Amazon Prime Day Price: £101
  • RRP: £120
  • Discount: £19 off
  • Link: Amazon

 

  • Product Name: Puro Sound Labs BT2200 Plus Volume Limited Kids Headphones
  • Amazon Prime Day Price: £90
  • RRP: £100
  • Discount: £10 off
  • Link:  Amazon

 ONANOFF HEADPHONES

 

  • Product Name: BuddyPhones® Cosmos+ wireless ANC kid-proof, kid-safe headphones to protect little ears from increasing tech exposure
  • Amazon Prime Day Price: £79.92
  • RRP: £99.90
  • Discount: 20%
  • Link: Amazon.co.uk

  • Product Name: ONANOFF PlayEars+ Wireless Kids Headphones
  • Amazon Prime Day Price: £48
  • RRP: £59.99
  • Discount: 20%
  • Link: Amazon UK.
  • Promotion running 11th to 31st July.

  • Product Name: BuddyPhones® POP Fun wireless kid-proof, kid-safe headphones, designed to sound great, but also protect children’s hearing health
  • Amazon Prime Day Price: £23.80
  • RRP: £27.99
  • Discount:15%
  • Link: Amazon.
  • Promotion running 11th to 31st July.

Never leave your music behind with Harman Kardon Luna

Harman Kardon introduces Harman Kardon Luna, a premium portable audio  companion that delivers signature sound performance and stylish looks using high-quality materials. 

The Harman Kardon Luna Bluetooth speaker seamlessly integrates into any setting with its elegant  and minimalist silhouette while delivering beautiful Harman Kardon sound. The soft-touch fabric  housing an anodized aluminium top panel not only look refined but also feel great in your hand. The  ultra-portable, ergonomic design is perfect for carrying from room to room and even outdoors. 

Experience balanced, high-quality audio in a compact form like never before with Harman Kardon  Luna’s advanced 2-way speaker system. Advanced drivers deliver Iconic Harman Kardon sound with  exceptional clarity, ensuring you hear every detail. Pair two speakers together for a true stereo  experience with a wider soundstage. 

With up to 12 hours of built-in battery life, Harman Kardon Luna is the perfect all-day companion to  power your personal soundtrack. And with its IP67 dustproof and waterproof rating, the speaker can  withstand accidental spills, rain, or even a quick dip in the pool. 

The speaker grille fabric is woven from 100% recycled polyester yarn, 85% post-consumer recycled  plastic is used in the frame, and the top panel is made from 50% recycled aluminium. It is also  packaged in FSC-certified paper printed with soy ink, and the battery is replaceable at designated  repair centres. 

Harman Kardon Luna is being unveiled as part of the Harman Kardon 70th anniversary celebration at  the Montreux Jazz Festival. 

The new portable speaker will be available in Grey and Black colourways in the UK from the 15th of  September on harmankardon.co.uk for £149.99/€179.99.