Category: Tech News

Tile’s Bluetooth trackers are the ultimate back-to-school companion

With the new academic year just back for most now, Tile Bluetooth trackers help ensure the return to school/college goes as smoothly as possible.

Easy to use, Tile ensures vital student essentials never go missing – whether it’s rucksacks, blazers, keys, water bottles, pencil cases or workbooks. Tile’s varied range – Mate, Slim, Pro and Sticker – guarantees there’s a model to suit every busy student, and keep all their important items findable.

To set up a Tile Bluetooth tracker, simply download the free Tile app – which enables you to ring your things if they’re close by. You can also use Tile in reverse to call your phone if it’s misplaced – even when it’s on silent. If your items are truly lost, the Tile app lets you check where they were last seen on a map.

Tile Pro
Tile sticker

 

 

 

Pocketalk Introduces Mobile App for Conversational Translations Wherever You Go

Pocketalk, a leader in real-time language translation technology, today introduces Pocketalk App, its first mobile app, which enables use of a phone or tablet for fast, reliable, and affordable two-way translation. The cloud-based Pocketalk App translates 82 languages, supporting a global need for accessible translation solutions. Easy to download on any iOS or Android device for £2.50 monthly or £25.50 annually, it provides subscribers access to the most accurate conversational translations whenever they use the app on their phone or tablet. First time users of the Pocketalk App will receive a free three-day trial that can be activated once the app is downloaded.

“There’s never been a greater need for accurate, fast, and accessible translations that bridge the language divide,” said Noriyuki Matsuda, Founder and CEO, Pocketalk. “The Pocketalk App contributes to a deeper understanding of people and different cultures, all at one’s fingertips, and meets a need for people to more easily communicate with each other anywhere in the world.”

Translations for Everyday Conversations

The Pocketalk App gives people freedom to speak with more confidence during multiple language conversations, knowing the person they’re speaking to will more clearly understand them, bridging language gaps when it’s needed most. The app lends itself to casual, spontaneous everyday conversations, and is the ideal companion for traveling abroad, for helping build stronger connections with relatives who may only speak their native language, for chatting with international friends or colleagues, and for informal exchanges at happy hour or the grocery store.

The Pocketalk App is a complement to Pocketalk’s existing suite of language translation products, including Pocketalk S and the HIPAA and GDPR compliant Pocketalk Plus that have proven success strengthening communication for travel, education, healthcare and logistics.

Once downloaded on a preferred mobile device or tablet, the Pocketalk App creates new potential for on-the-go conversations and translation support whenever multiple languages are being spoken.

Pocketalk App in Action

Once the Pocketalk App is downloaded on a phone or device, select the language you want to speak in and language you’d like to translate to. Then, hold down the “translate” on your screen and speak to activate. As you speak, the app will translate to text in the language you’ve asked it to translate to. Additional app features include:

  • One-button translation for simpler translations in fewer steps
  • Text-to-translate camera, which allows your phone or tablet camera to instantly recognise and translate digital text, written words, and signs
  • Conversion feature, which computes exchanges for currency, length, width and temperature

The Pocketalk App is available for purchase in the App store and Google Play for £2.50 monthly or £25.50 annually and provides subscribers a connection anywhere they go in the world. The free three-day trial can be activated following the initial app download. For more information and to view a product demo, visit Pocketalk.com.

ZHIYUN demos latest gimbal technology at The Photography Show 2022

ZHIYUN, a pioneer and world leader in innovative gimbals and stabilisers for cameras and smartphones will be showcasing its award-winning products at The Photography Show, a UK event that attracts everyone passionate about photography, moving image and content creation, from professionals to enthusiasts on 17 – 20 September 2022.

ZHIYUN’s product range will be available on its UK distributor Transcontinenta’s stand G500 where demonstrations will take place. Visitors will be able to take a closer look at ZHIYUN’s innovative gimbals from its highly-regarded CRANE series, including its latest stabilisers, the Weebill 3 for cameras, its FIVERAY stick light, the SMOOTH Q4 for smart phones all launched in June 2022.

WEEBILL 3 product highlights include a new SLING 2.0 system with improved ergonomics; extendable SLING handle and wrist rest; convenient built-in microphone and fill light; next-gen Quick Release system and powerful in-built battery supports all-day filming.

The FIVERAY FR100C is Zhiyun’s first portable LED Light Stick. The powerful device is 5X brighter than other portable lighting accessories; offers a full temperature range control; large 6-cell battery; extremely fast 120W PD charging via USB-C and an ergonomic control wheel and status display.

ZHIYUN SMOOTH Q4 smartphone gimbal is aimed at on-the-move lifestyle, fashion, filmmakers, live-streamers, vloggers and influencers, the new 3-axis stabilizer, is designed for super quick-shooting capabilities and ultra-creative output, day or night. With a new quick-fold mechanism, revamped extendable arm and grip, 5500K fill light and SmartShooting enable ultra-creative shots

ZHIYUN full CRANE range will be on display including latest additions CRANE M3 and CRANE M2S. The CRANE-M3 claims five industry firsts for design aesthetic, unmatched versatility, easy operability and trademark high-performance ZHIYUN design. The 500ml water-bottle sized CRANE M3 is compatible with smartphones, action cameras, and full-frame mirrorless cameras with certain lenses.

The CRANE-M2S is a small, strong and super-light camera gimbal. It is more cost-effective than the CRANE-M3, yet packed with many of its features, including an ultra-bright fill light built-in; ZHIYUN Quick Release 4.0; long battery life, faster charging and direct camera charging and Pan Follow, Follow, Lock, POV, Vortex, Go and more operating modes built in.

A full list of technology on show is:

Camera gimbals

WEEBILL 2

WEEBILL 3

WEEBILL S

CRANE M2S

CRANE M3

CRANE 3S

FIVERAY FR 100C light stick

Smartphone gimbals

SMOOTH 5

SMOOTH Q4

SMOOTH Q3

About ZHIYUN:

ZHIYUN Tech is a pioneer and a world leader in gimbals and stabilizers for both professional filmmakers and personal video creators. ZHIYUN believes in innovation as the primary productive force, keeps making breakthroughs, and pushes forward technological and industrial development. Its product line ranges from professional to consumer gimbals. ZHIYUN is dedicated to arduous research and innovation for delivering a better experience for global filmmakers and video content creators.

Applications now open for Deloitte 2022 Technology Fast 50 Awards

Entries are now open for the 23rd annual Deloitte Technology Fast 50 Awards. One of Ireland’s foremost technology award programmes, the awards rank Ireland’s 50 fastest-growing indigenous technology companies based on revenue growth over the last four years, celebrating innovation and entrepreneurship.

The list features both private and public listed technology companies that have demonstrated creative strategies, sound management practices and marketplace vision, driving them to achieve the status of high-growth leaders.

Speaking at the launch of this year’s programme David Shanahan, Partner and Fast 50 Programme Lead at Deloitte said: “The Irish technology sector continues to prove that Irish-owned companies have great resilience and tenacity despite the new challenges 2022 has presented. We’re seeing growth across a broad range of sectors as a result, in evolving consumer and businesses demands – including Greentech, sustainability, fintech, cybersecurity, and med tech to name a few. Our annual Fast 50 Awards showcases the innovation and growth of businesses making their mark in their sector, and we look forward to reviewing this year’s entries.”

This year’s awards programme will include several award categories in addition to the overall ranking:

  • Innovative New Technology Award in association with Google: This award recognises a company that has created or introduced a new or innovative product or service to international markets, which helped grow their business over the last four years.
  • Impact Award in association with Meta: This award recognises a company that has made a significant impact within the current year.
  • Women in Technology Advocate Award in association with Indeed: This award will be presented to an individual who has demonstrated through their actions that they are an advocate for increasing participation by, and promotion of, women in the technology sector.
  • Scale Up Award in association with Scale Ireland: This award recognises a company that has demonstrated an impressive ability to scale up/expand overseas over the last four years.
  • Alumni Award: Deloitte will also be acknowledging its long list of Fast 50 Alumni in this category.

Last year five of the top 10 companies in the Fast 50 ranking were first-time entrants to the programme, and LetsGetChecked – which provides direct access to health insights, at-home diagnostics, virtual care and pharmacy for a wide range of health conditions to people in their own home – took the top spot. Cumulatively, the 2021 Fast 50 winners generated approximately €1 billion in total annual revenues and employed over 16,000 in 2020. The average growth rate of the companies over the last four years was over 700%.

Full details on criteria and how to enter are available at www.fast50.ie.

 

First look – Mercusys launches Halo H80X, the latest Wifi 6 Mesh System

Mercusys® from TP-Link unveils its first Mesh WiFi 6 system to the UK market that will join their reliable family line of network device providers, the Halo H80X.

It provides the essential requirements to enable a stable, secure and connected life for your network: speed, efficiency, and capacity. This is done via the Halo system automatically connecting to the fastest node available to provide a seamless experience. Additionally, the self-healing feature guarantees connectivity even when one access point is disrupted.

Mercusys has developed the ideal solution to make sure you never worry about your Wi-Fi, whether you’re gaming online, watching a movie or adding smart home convenience to your life. The Halo H80X is included with dual-band WiFi 6 reaching speeds up to 3000 Mbps – 2402 Mbps on 5 GHz and 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz.

Unified network

The unified network also enables seamless roaming. The Halo units work together to automatically switch between Halos as you move around your home with a single unified WiFi name and password.

The high speed and stable network connection brings an end to buffering and interruptions.

Mercusys had previously delivered a series of Mesh products that significantly enhanced the home networking experience. The latest upgrade to WiFi 6 provides not only a technical but a lifestyle upgrade too. 

Easy network management

With coverage around the whole home, WiFi dead zones are eliminated as the mesh system covers up to 7,000 ft² (650 m²) with high-speed WiFi.

Today’s modern home has multiple devices such as televisions, smart home devices and gaming consoles which requires a robust network. Halo H80X delivers just that, providing stable connection to up to 150 devices.

Network management is easy with its quick set up and management through the Mercusys app. This allows parents to easily manage what content their children have access to and how long they spend online.

With 3× Gigabit ports per Halo unit, you also benefit from lightning-fast wired connections.

For more information about Mercusys Halo H80X visit:  https://www.mercusys.com/uk/product/details/halo-h80x

Stay tuned for a review soon..

Video 

Jabra announces the all new Elite 5 earbuds

Jabra, leader in personal sound and office solutions, introduces the newest addition to its true wireless range, the Jabra Elite 5. The all-round hero is made for those needing to take calls anywhere and is perfect for enjoying media during leisure. These earbuds help people escape a busy day and immerse themselves into media or connect with friends and family on-the-go with the touch of a button.

The Jabra Elite 5 makes it possible for individuals to fully focus on the task at hand with new Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), powered by the Qualcomm QCC3050 Bluetooth chipset. The Hybrid ANC uses feedback microphones on the inside of the ear, and feedforward microphones on the outside. The ANC performance is therefore less sensitive to how you position the buds in the ear and it ensures a more reliable noise cancellation across a wider range of frequencies.

In addition, the Jabra Elite 5 enables individuals to take calls with confidence thanks to 6-microphone call technology with external mics that are active all the time, and internal ones giving your voice a helping hand when it’s windy. When wearing the earbuds, you will experience excellent sound from 6mm speakers and Qualcomm® aptX™ Audio, AAC and SBC codecs. We’ve also teamed up with Spotify to offer users Spotify Tap Playback.

For those seeking a sleek, portable earbud design, they need to look no further than the Elite 5. The earbuds offer a discreet, comfortable, and compact fit. They provide not only a fashionable appearance, but also a seamless experience by connecting to devices and apps easily, facilitating work and play from anywhere. This enhanced connectivity is supported by Bluetooth Multipoint, Google Fast Pair, Microsoft Swift pair, Google Assistant, and Alexa Built-In activated through voice.

Even after the 7hrs play time with ANC on (28hrs with case) these earbuds offer, they still provide an all-day wearing comfort. The Elite 5 doesn’t stop there – the buds also deliver a customizable EQ, and can handle rain or shine, as they boast an IP55 durability rating.

Calum MacDougall, SVP at Jabra said: “Today’s fast-paced society is decreasing attention spans whilst increasing the potential for distraction, making it more and more difficult to zone in on what’s important. Jabra understands this need and has engineered the Jabra Elite 5, offering the chance to truly focus, connect and call with a clear mind. This all-rounder is perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in music, are socially oriented and virtually connected.”

 

Jabra Elite 5 key features and specifications:

  • Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) blocks more background noise, powered by the Qualcomm QCC3050 Bluetooth SoC
  • 6-microphone call technology with wind noise suppression
  • Powerful 6mm speakers for goosebump-inducing, heart-racing, soaring sound
  • Customizable EQ and Spotify Tap Playback
  • Up to 7 hours play time with ANC on (up to 28 hours with wireless charging case)
  • Qualcomm® aptX™ Audio
  • Google Assistant** and Alexa Built In for hands-free assistance on-the-go
  • Easy pairing with Google Fast Pair* and Microsoft Swift Pair*
  • Bluetooth Multipoint keeps you connected to two devices at once
  • IP55-rated protection against dust and water

 

Elite 5 pricing and availability

The Jabra Elite 5 is available in selected retailers, MSRP ($149/£149/€149).

 

 

Tronsmart Launches T7 – New Flagship Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker

People are always keen on various outdoor adventures with friends or families. Whether it’s wandering or going to the beach, there shall be a lot of time spent on outdoor activities absolutely. What about music? Perhaps bringing a portable wireless speaker for background music. But how about the outdoor gatherings? That’s why T7 is launching. 

Tronsmart’s T-Series has upgraded its legendary T6 wireless Bluetooth speaker with the release of the T7. Featuring a beat-driven light show, Tronsmart T7 is the perfect match for outdoor plans. A customizable backlight, pulsing and shimmering with the beat of the music. Flare up the atmosphere whether hosting a party or having guests over!

When it comes to sound quality, it delivers all-round stereo sound with a powerful woofer combined with back-to-back twin tweeters. Featuring Tronsmart’s patented SoundPulse audio, it creates booming bass in a compact size. 

To further their commitment to music quality, Tronsmart has released an application that allows users to personalize EQ modes with one tap. Flexibly choose EQ modes to cater to different music tastes. Furthermore, it could also be used to enjoy exceptional stereo sound with superior clarity in stereo pairing mode.

Inherited the cylindrical design from T6 series, T7 is convenient to use and transport as before. It’s now possible to go even further with Tronsmart T7 outdoor speaker. IPX7 rating allows traveling without worrying about rough weather on the way to adventures. Also, a long-lasting battery guarantees up to 12 hours of continuous music playback on a single charge. Whether cycling, hiking or camping, T7 can cover any adventure that life suffers with ease. 

Even if there are many speakers that are more portable than the Tronsmart T7, it is still worth buying with stunning 360° surround sound and vibrant lighting modes. If fascinated, do not hesitate to find detailed information and early-bird discount on Tronsmart Official Store, and purchase the speaker from Amazon US at $41.99, Amazon UK at £41.99 and Amazon ES at €41.99.

Twelve South introduces Curve Flex – MacBook’s most versatile and portable stand

Twelve South, a leading Apple accessories designer, today introduces a new highly customisable MacBook stand, Curve Flex, to its range.

Building upon the features of its best-selling stand Curve, Curve Flex is ideal for users who enjoy using their MacBook in different environments, offering unrivalled adjustability and portability thanks to its customisable heights and angles.

The stand can elevate a MacBook’s screen and camera anywhere up to 55cm, offering improved ergonomics for working and more flattering angles for video calls. Rather than having a fixed height, users can adjust Curve Flex to a height and keyboard angle (up to 45 degrees) that works for them, aligning with an external monitor and eliminating the dreaded tech neck.

Weighing less than 1kg, Curve Flex is also highly portable. Adjust the stand to a low desktop wedge for a comfortable coffee shop/on-the-go setup that allows for wrist-friendly typing. When it’s time to leave, fold Curve Flex down flat and slide it into its padded neoprene travel sleeve which can easily slip inside a laptop bag.

 

 

It’s not all substance either, available in matte white or matte black, Curve Flex is sleek, stylish and blends into any colour scheme seamlessly.

Although designed specially for MacBook, Curve Flex is compatible with all laptops at least 8.66-inch wide and up to 3kg.

Available mid-September for £79.99 from Amazon UK.

Skullcandy’s New Net-Zero ‘Transparency Series

Skullcandy, the #1 selling brand in Stereo Headphones and True Wireless Earbuds under $100, announced today its limited-edition Transparency Series, designed to create visibility around environmental impact, while progressing an overarching commitment to carbon reduction. The series is available exclusively at Skullcandy.com with a portion of proceeds helping fund the critical climate advocacy of Protect Our Winters. 

Skullcandy has partnered with EcoChain to assess, minimize and publish associated carbon emissions, setting the bar for future carbon reduction. A partnership with TerraPass has enabled Skullcandy to invest in certified carbon-capture programs to offset impacts, resulting in a net-zero footprint for products in the Transparency Series. 

“From materials and manufacturing to packaging, shipping and infrastructure, everything produced or consumed has an adverse effect on the environment,” said Nelson Fortier, Senior Director of Brand and Product Marketing, Skullcandy. “The Transparency Series serves as a platform to educate and empower our consumers, while raising awareness for environmental responsibility. By divulging our products’ impact, Skullcandy is raising the bar for accountability as we work to decrease our impact with each new product.” 

Insights from Skullcandy’s partnership with EcoChain have not only enabled the brand to better understand the carbon footprint of the Transparency Series but its entire brand portfolio. In addition to helping Skullcandy set accountability benchmarks and direct eco-friendly product improvements, EcoChain’s analysis is helping inform a new generation of eco-conscious products slated for 2023.  

Like all Skullcandy products, the Transparency Series comes in 100% recyclable packaging. Tech specs tied to each product include: 

Limited-Edition Skullcandy Transparency Series Hesh Evo Wireless Headphones – £99.99 MSRP

  • Net-Zero Carbon Footprint

    • Contains a carbon emissions equivalent of 12.14 kg, neutralized via carbon offset credits

  • Up to 36 Hours of Battery + Rapid Charge

  • Built-in Tile™ Finding Technology

  • Call, Track & Volume Control

Limited-Edition Skullcandy Transparency Series Jib True 2 Wireless Earbuds – £44.99 MSRP

  • Net-Zero Carbon Footprint

    • Contains a carbon emissions equivalent of 5.70 kg, neutralized via carbon offset credits

  • 33 Hours Total Battery

    • Skullcandy was able to find efficiencies that led to an increase in battery life without adding to the battery’s physical size

  • Built-In Tile™ Finding Technology

  • IPX4 Water Resistant

  • Call, Track & Volume Control

Skullcandy also recently unveiled its limited-edition Take A Hike collection, which also gives back to Protect Our Winters. Featuring Dime 2 (£34.99 MSRP) true wireless earbuds and Riff Wireless 2 headphones (available Fall 2022), Take A Hike products pay homage to the outdoors, complete with a topographic design and retro colorway. Dime 2’s compact design and small, 12-hour battery equate to less waste and a smaller carbon footprint.   

Protect Our Winters exists to help passionate outdoor people protect the places they live and lifestyles they love from climate change. The nonprofit is made up of athletes, scientists, creatives and business leaders dedicated to advancing non-partisan policies that preserve the world for future generations. 

Alongside continuous improvements to products to decrease carbon footprint, Skullcandy has a variety of notable sustainability initiatives in motion: 

  • 1,000,000 Pound Pledge – Promise to keep 1,000,000 pounds of e-waste from landfills by 2025

  • Upcycling Program – Upcycles returned products from retailers to enable an extended product life with a portion of proceeds benefiting Protect Our Winters.

  • 100% Recyclable Packaging 

  • Recycling Program – Empowers customers to do their part by sending in any brand’s old headphones or earbuds for proper recycling

  • Carbon Checkout Program – Allows Skullcandy.com customers to round up their purchase, making their order carbon neutral 

  • Product Lifecycle Analysis – Leverages carbon footprint insights from EcoChain to inform future manufacturing and design decisions

  • Lean, Green Manufacturing Process – Reduces labor, materials, energy usage and waste to ensure Skullcandy production has the least environmental impact possible