Category: Tech News

Konftel’s Latest Video Kit Is A Triumph For Trust Distribution

One of Konftel’s newest video conferencing systems has become an instant sales success for supply specialist Trust Distribution.

The Konftel C2070 has developed into a major tool in the distributor’s conferencing armoury, with manufacturing and education sites as well as general offices proving particularly popular.

Simon Hughes, Konftel Brand Manager at Trust, says the system combines an attractive price point with many high end features which makes it a flexible ‘Bring Your Own Meeting’ solution for many different locations.

“The Konftel C2070 ticks many boxes customers are looking for. It’s the sweet-spot of our conferencing portfolio, without any additional licences which inflates the cost of ownership from some other brands. It’s a plug and play USB solution which fits most standard size meeting rooms.”

The Konftel C2070 is designed as a perfect video package for huddle to medium meeting rooms, combining the Konftel Cam20 4K conference camera with the Konftel 70 speakerphone for OmniSound audio quality. The Konftel OCC Hub brings everything together into one convenient kit, so a single USB cable is all users need to connect the camera, the sound unit and the room’s screen to the video meeting on their laptop. 

In addition Konftel has just launched a dedicated version for in room PC-based systems, the Konftel C2070 Attach, which is part of a new product range optimised for Microsoft Teams Rooms, Zoom Rooms and other platforms.

Hughes added: “It’s not just standard offices where the system is ideally suited. The auto framing of images is proving really useful in the education sector whilst the 4k detail is great for companies wanting to see and assess products that are often in another part of the world. That could be the quality of stitching and zips in garments or nuts and bolts and garage parts. Four beamforming microphones is another impressive feature along with Bluetooth capabilities. It’s not just standard meetings where the Konftel C2070 has started to shine.”

Konftel’s entire product portfolio is Climate Neutral certified where all greenhouse gas emissions have been offset. Hughes thinks this is growing in importance.

“We all have to be aware of our environmental responsibilities and both from an ethical and commercial perspective we are seeing more end user emphasis in this area. It’s important for our resellers to be able to outline this important credential during the sales process.”

Hughes concluded: “For many reasons the Konftel C2070 has become one of our best-selling conference kits since its launch last year – backed by high levels of support from both Trust and Konftel. Its popularity will continue to grow as it doesn’t cost thousands of pounds to purchase, just hundreds.” 

€450 Million Data Centre First Approved under New Government Policy

The €450-million Ennis data centre has been four years moving through various stages including strategic site assessment, zoning & planning. Art will create between 400- 450 permanent jobs when the data centre campus is fully operational. Up to 1,200 will be employed in construction and 600 jobs in support services.

The new Government Policy Statement on the role of Data Centres in Ireland’s Enterprise Strategy was published on Wednesday 27th July 2022 and the Ennis Campus is considered to align well with the policies set out therein.

Mr Tom McNamara, CEO of Art Data Centres, the developer of the project, welcomed the announcement. “This is great news for this data centre campus and for Clare as the project will be a key pillar of the Ennis 2040 Economic Plan for the area which was launched by Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Leo Varadkar in 2021”

The campus will comprise six data halls of 33mw each, Energy Centre & Vertical Farm designed on a flexible and modular basis, covering 145 acres and 1.3 million sq ft. Construction of the Art Data Centre Campus will be phased over a seven-year year period commencing in 2022. It has been designed by data centre specialists Colin Hyde of ARC:MC, and Robert Thorogood of HDRInc. It has access to 200 mega-watts of power from both the network grid and gas generation on site & aligns with the current CRU requirements for dispatchable Power & being located in an unconstrained area. The proposed site, adjacent to Ennis, was zoned in 2019 for ‘Data Centres & Power Generating Infrastructure’.

The 200 MW Ennis Project underpins the Government Policy Statement as it has the key infrastructure on the 145 acres including access to Grid, Main Gas Interconnector running through site which facilitates self-generation availability on site, and access to both wind and solar farms in Clare through the Grid or Private Wire. It also has the key availability of existing high-speed fibre located both on & adjacent to the site . The energy centre turbines have been designed to run on green hydrogen which the Minister Eamon Ryan has indicted he is hopeful will be available by 2030 when the Project is due for completion

“This Ennis Project fulfils the Government’s key requirements immediately while state bodies, regulators and the electricity sector work to upgrade infrastructure, connect more renewable energy and ensure security of supply,” Mr McNamara said. “The infrastructure that is available in the Ennis site will assist Government in national ambitions to deliver ongoing opportunities for the country in the tech industry.”

New Privacy Features on WhatsApp

Today, Mark Zuckerberg announced that WhatsApp is bringing three new privacy features to users, giving them more control over their conversations and added layers of protection when messaging. Which ties in well with the news release as I had a new update noted on my phone.

Mark Zuckerberg’s Announcement & Quote: “New privacy features coming to WhatsApp: exit group chats without notifying everyone, control who can see when you’re online, and prevent screenshots on view once messages. We’ll keep building new ways to protect your messages and keep them as private and secure as face-to-face conversations.” – Mark Zuckerberg, Founder and CEO, Meta

  • Leave Groups Silently: Users will be able to exit a group privately without having to notify everyone. Now, instead of notifying the full group when leaving, only the admins will be notified. This feature starts to roll out to all users this month.
  • Choose Who Can See When You’re Online: Seeing when friends or family are online helps us feel connected to one another, but we’ve all had times when we wanted to check our WhatsApp privately. For the times you want to keep your online presence private, we’re introducing the ability to select who can and can’t see when you’re online. This will start rolling out to all users this month.
  • Screenshot Blocking for View Once Messages: View Once is already an incredibly popular way to share photos or media that don’t need to have a permanent digital record. Now we’re enabling screenshot blocking for View Once messages for an added layer of protection. We’re testing this feature now and look forward to rolling it out to users soon.

These new updates join WhatsApp’s growing list of privacy features that users can take advantage of including end-to-end encryption, block and report, two-step verification, end-to-end encrypted backups, disappearing messages, and more.

Sennheiser launches the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless

Sennheiser’s MOMENTUM range continues to redefine the standard for sophisticated listening through superior sound. Now, the new MOMENTUM 4 Wireless raises the bar even higher, with best-in-class sound, advanced Adaptive Noise Cancellation and exceptional comfort. With smart, intuitive features that enhance every interaction and an outstanding battery life of up to 60 hours, there’s nothing between users and an incredible listening experience if you remember some weeks ago they gave a sneak peak but now we get to see them all in their glory.

“Our MOMENTUM range has always set the standard for sophisticated listening with superior sound,” says Christian Ern, Sennheiser Principal Product Manager Consumer Headphones. “The new MOMENTUM 4 Wireless once again raises the bar – delivering best-in-class sound quality with advanced Adaptive Noise Cancellation and exceptional comfort.  Thanks to features including Transparency Mode, Built-in EQ and a new Sound Personalisation feature, users can listen in their own customised way.”  

Experience superior sound, hear every detail  
​MOMENTUM 4 Wireless delivers Sennheiser’s Signature Sound that surpasses everything in its class – letting users enjoy their music as never before. Thanks to an audiophile-inspired acoustic system powered by a 42mm transducer, the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless provides brilliant dynamics, clarity and musicality. Its next generation Adaptive Noise Cancellation ensures users stay immersed, hearing every thrilling detail even in noisy environments.
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​Alternatively, when users need to talk to others or hear surrounding sounds without removing their MOMENTUM 4 Wireless, the versatile Transparency Mode lets them hear outside sounds through the headphones at a touch. And for a truly tailored experience, the Sennheiser Smart Control app makes it easy to customise the sound using the Built-in EQ, sound modes and the new Sound Personalization feature. This assesses the user’s listening preferences and adjusts the listening experience according to their taste.
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​With the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless every interaction is effortless. Calls and voice assistant interaction is incredibly natural and disturbance-free thanks to an advanced 2×2 digital beamforming microphone array and automatic wind noise suppression, which guarantees superior voice pick-up.

Enjoy exceptional comfort 
​The MOMENTUM 4 Wireless defines elegance with an all-new design that perfectly balances exceptional comfort and streamlined style. For all-day use without fatigue, it combines lightweight with a richly padded headband and deep cushioned earpads. Meanwhile, the low-friction hinge mechanism easily adjusts to guarantee a great fit without placing excess pressure on the user’s head. The fold-flat design is also comfortable when worn around the neck and can be easily slipped into a bag or backpack in the slim case when on the go.
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​An effortlessly smart user experience 
​With an outstanding battery life of up to 60 hours and fast charging capability that can provide a further six hours listening in just 10 minutes, MOMENTUM 4 Wireless keeps the entertainment coming for long listening sessions and long-haul travel alike. Every interaction is effortless, and every need anticipated: Smart Pause halts playback when the headphones are taken off and resumes when placed back on the ears, so users never miss a beat, while Auto On/Off rapidly powers up the headset when it’s picked up and shuts down to save energy when not in use.
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​The touchpad interface of the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless, combined with voice and sound prompts, make controlling music, calls and voice assistants intuitive and easy to navigate. Set up is also simple thanks to Bluetooth device management that allows multiple devices to be connected at the same time.
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​Pricing and availability  
​The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless will be available for pre-order globally on August 9, 2022, and for sale from August 23, with an RRP of £299.99 / €349.90.

Ireland’s ability to develop world class tech firms threatened by over reliance on foreign investors

Ireland’s ability to continue to develop indigenous world class technology companies is seriously threatened by over reliance on foreign investors, according to the Irish Venture Capital Association’s pre-budget submission. Last year 57% of overall venture capital funding into Irish companies came from investors outside Ireland.
The IVCA recommends that the Government introduces an opportunity for new pension schemes to invest a small percentage of funds into indigenous enterprises. The association argues that this measure would be Revenue neutral “while increasing the number of start-ups in Ireland and crucially ensure their ability to remain Irish and scale here”. 
Leo Hamill, chairperson, Irish Venture Capital Association said, “Irish pension funds seriously lag the rest of world when it comes to VC investment. Public pension funds contribute 65% of the capital in the US VC market, 18% in Europe and 12% in the UK. Here it is estimated to be significantly less than 1%.” 
He added, “We must find new sources of capital if we are to fund the growth of indigenous post start-up enterprises. Last week’s Exchequer returns highlight our reliance on corporation tax generated by a small number of multinational companies and the need to grow our own large enterprises.”  
The IVCA pre-budget submission states, “Artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, digital and deeptech technologies will be the innovations that propel our digital economic future. Ireland has shown itself capable of creating world class companies in these areas, but not in providing scaling funding for them.” 
Sarah-Jane Larkin, director general, IVCA, commented, “Other EU countries and the UK have already implemented or are planning to source VC investment through pension funds. For example, Germany has just announced a scheme to invest €30 billion into venture capital through pension fund assets and institutional investors.”  
The submission highlights the impact of a scheme introduced in France which mandated that corporate employee savings schemes offer a solidarity investment funds option. “This resulted in significant growth in the amount of capital allocated from €200m to €6bn between 2002 and 2016,” states the report. 
The submission adds, “We are not only witnessing a global economic slowdown but also the weaponisation of international trade. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has accelerated this trend. Chinese and U.S. trade tensions, combined with potential UK and EU ones… will impact the availability of scaling capital for Irish companies. If we are unable to fund our own leaders in these areas, we risk having our economic future dictated by interests outside Ireland.” 

Creative steals the scene with the launch of Live! Cam Sync V3

Creative Technology has launched Creative Live! Cam Sync V3, its latest UVC-compliant digital webcam with stand-out features of 2K QHD (2560 x 1440) resolution quality and 4X digital zoom in a plug-and-play package – a choice solution for video calls at work or simply catching up with loved ones.

 

  

Creative Live! Cam Sync V3 puts users under that star spotlight.

 

Creative Live! Cam Sync V3 is everything one wants in a webcam – and more. Users do not just enjoy crystal-clear visuals with the 2K QHD resolution quality; with 4X digital zoom, they get the flexibility to adjust their frame for both intimate heart-heart chats, or boisterous group catch-ups. Additionally, the webcam is fully adjustable with 360 o horizontal rotation and 30° tilt with the lens offering up to 95o field of vision. Advanced settings like brightness/contrast, white balance and backlight compensation can also be fine-tuned with the Creative app (available on PC). Everything and everyone can be projected in visual harmony while remaining in clear focus. An integrated lens cap protects for privacy easily when needed with the bonus of keeping dust away. A compact universal tripod mounting plate means it will fit any laptops, desktop monitors or even tripods.

This webcam has the audio competence to match its visual prowess too – dual built-in omnidirectional microphones pick up speech clearly and accurately. With the Creative app, users can access SmartComms Kit to enhance their audio further – NoiseClean-out reduces background noise effectively from the user so unwanted distractions like airplane and vacuum cleaner noises are eliminated; VoiceDetect automatically mutes and unmutes the microphone for the user’s convenience. Creative Live! Cam Sync V3 is quite simply the ideal webcam for looking good and sounding great on every occasion.

Pricing and Availability

Creative Live! Cam Sync V3 is aggressively priced at £64.99 and is available at the Creative online store.

For more information on Creative Live! Cam Sync V3, visit creative.com/LiveCamV3.

The Immensely Popular Shure MV7 Microphone Is Now Available in A New Limited-Edition Colour on Amazon

The Shure MV7, loved by streamers and content creators of every level, is now available for preorder on Amazon in an elegant new colour design, White Noir. The limited-edition MV7 White Noir, which features a black and white colour combination, provides streamers and creators with a contemporary colour-way option that fits pristinely in any space. Obtainable while supplies last, the MV7 White Noir can be purchased today via preorder and will be fully available on Amazon and delivered to customers beginning Monday, August 15.

The MV7 White Noir is compatible with the ShurePlus MOTIV Desktop app, which brings the microphone to life when connected via USB, ensuring top quality and consistent audio in all recordings. The app makes it easy for users to dial-in their desired settings with Auto Level Mode and Manual Mode. Both modes contain built-in headphone monitoring and monitor mix as well as control over the aesthetic of your touch panel with LED Live Metering. By selecting Night Mode on the MOTIV Desktop app, users can darken their touch panel to better match the atmosphere of their space.

Auto Level Mode is perfect for creators who want a “set it and forget it” microphone that will control gain and compression settings in real time. Conversely, Manual Mode is ideal for those who want to take complete control over their sound with gain adjustment, EQ presets, compression, and an onboard limiter. With Manual and Auto Level Mode, users can save their settings as a preset to nail their signature sound in every recording. For more information on the ShurePlus MOTIV app, watch our features and controls walkthrough video.

“We heard overwhelmingly positive feedback from all types of content creators regarding the technical capabilities of the MV7 and customisability provided by the MOTIV app,” said Paul Crognale, Associate Director of Global Marketing, at Shure. “We wanted to celebrate these creators’ passion for the microphone by offering a fresh colour-way that pops on stream and in the studio, fitting seamlessly and stylishly into the aesthetic of any space.”

The MV7 White Noir comes with all the benefits of the original MV7. Equipped with Shure’s Voice Isolation Technology, the MV7 helps those who record and stream in imperfect rooms by making certain only the user’s voice is captured by the microphone. A hybrid USB and XLR output on the MV7 White Noir makes this microphone the perfect, flexible solution for users no matter where or how they are recording.

“I originally chose the MV7 based on its ability to seamlessly integrate into my streaming set-up and room aesthetic,” said Babynikki, professional gamer and streamer on Twitch. “My original MV7 exceeded my expectations and the MV7 White Noir gives me another excellent option for keeping my streaming set-up sleek. The MV7 White Noir not only looks great, but it also performs flawlessly and easily adapts to meet the sound requirements of each of my individual streams.”

The MV7 White Noir is available standalone and bundled with matching Shure gear, perfect for content creation and streaming. Bundles include the white AONIC 40 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones, white AONIC 50 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones, or white AONIC 4 Sound Isolating Earphones – so users can create their ultimate aesthetic.

While supplies last, the limited-edition MV7 White Noir can be pre-ordered on Amazon starting today, August 1, and will be available for regular purchase on August 15. For more information, visit the MV7 White Noir Amazon product page or product overview video.

House of Marley Releases New Get Together 2 Family of Speakers

House of Marley, the eco-conscious lifestyle audio maker, today announces the launch of its new Get Together 2 series of speakers. An advocate of exceptional audio clarity and powerful sound, House of Marley also upholds the importance of mindful materials. The mid-size Get Together 2 and portable Get Together 2 Mini honour the brand’s commitment to sustainably crafted products. Boasting refined design elements, the next generation of rechargeable and compatible wireless speakers can be seamlessly paired for superior stereo sound.

Get Together 2

The Get Together 2 is built to deliver warm, precision sound and packs 40 watts of power into its minimalist design, while the full-range drivers and tweeters let you experience rich, vibrant details from your favourite tracks. With built-in Bass Boost, Acoustic, and Marley Signature Sound EQs, it also offers a 20-hour battery life and quick-charge technology. Plus, the Bluetooth® 5.0 technology enables your device to stay connected – even 30 metres away from the speaker. Compatible with iOS and Android, you’ll experience that classic Marley sound no matter how you connect. It also features IP65 dust and water resistance and makes for a great office companion thanks to the onboard microphone and speakerphone capability.

Featuring natural bamboo, House of Marley’s signature eco-friendly REWIND® fabric and REGRIND® silicone, aluminium, stainless steel, the Get Together 2 is also delivered in 100% recyclable packaging.

The Get Together 2 is available now from houseofmarley.co.uk priced at RRP £249.99, and is coming soon to HMV.

Get Together 2 Mini

The Get Together 2 Mini is engineered to deliver vibrant and balanced audio. The full-range drivers allow you to hear and feel every detail from your favourite tracks, while the premium dual passive radiators offer deep bass without compromising sound quality. This speaker includes 20 watts of power within its portable design and features built-in Bass Boost, Acoustic, and Marley Signature Sound EQs. With quick-charge technology and a convenient USB-C charging port, you can enjoy 15 hours of playtime for all-day listening. It also features Bluetooth® 5.0 technology, an onboard microphone and speakerphone and is compatible with iOS and Android. Built for the outdoors, this portable speaker features IP67 dust and water resistance so you can relax and immerse yourself in the sound – whether you’re dancing at a festival or lounging by the pool.

The Get Together 2 Mini is also crafted from natural bamboo, premium REWIND® fabric, REGRIND® silicone, aluminium and delivered in 100% plastic-free and recyclable packaging.

The Get Together 2 Mini is available now from houseofmarley.co.uk priced at RRP £149.99, and is coming soon to HMV.

Another newcomer to look out for? The Get Together 2 XL (RRP £399.99) with Bluetooth® 5.0, 20+ hours of playtime, 60 watts of total output power, 4” Woofers and 1” Tweeters and Bass Boost EQ is coming soon.

The entire Get Together 2 family is equipped with Multi Pair technology, so you can connect multiples of the Get Together 2 range together for an amplified audio session and a seamless sound experience.

One For The Money, Two For The Show, Three (or Four) Iconic Microphones Used By Elvis

The new Baz Luhrmann film, “Elvis,” brings the story of Elvis Presley to the big screen. Warner Brothers was committed to ensuring as much historical accuracy as possible, and asked Shure to consult on the microphone models Elvis used. The Company was provided photos of Elvis performing, then identified the vintage mics, and offered suggestions on alternative models when appropriate. For decades, Shure has assisted film production companies in identifying and locating historically accurate microphones.

While there are a variety of Shure microphones used in the movie, here are three (or four) different types of Shure microphones Elvis used throughout his career:

The Shure Unidyne I Model 556 – This variation of the Unidyne I is one of the more recognisable microphones that Elvis used in the prime of his career. According to the 1947 Shure Product Data Sheet, “The Model 556 is a Super-Cardioid type unidirectional moving-coil dynamic microphone providing wide-range high-quality reproduction of sound.

The true unidirectional characteristic of the ’Unidyne‘, obtained by the ’Uniphase‘ principle provides highly satisfactory operation under adverse acoustic conditions where a conventional microphone would be practically useless.

The microphone has a New Acousto-Mechanical circuit containing a moving-coil element, which operating in conjunction with a high flux magnet, provides high efficiency and smooth peak-free response from 40 to 15,000 cycles. The rear response is down approximately 15 decibels (dB) due to the ’uniphase‘ unidirectional acoustic network.

The new moving-coil unit comes with a double windscreen to ensure quiet outdoor operation. As a precaution against mechanical vibration pickup, the unit is spring-suspended inside the microphone case, which is, in turn, floated in live rubber in the stand connector.

The case is modern in design, with attractive streamlining and grille treatment. The swivel allows the microphone to be aimed at the source of sound for best pickup.”

Shure’s iconic Unidyne microphone was featured on the special edition “Elvis” stamps issued in 1993.

The Shure Model 525 omnidirectional moving coil dynamic – The 1954 Product Data Sheet describes this microphone as “a slender, moving-coil dynamic microphone, custom-built to provide high-fidelity reproduction of voice and music as well as features an omnidirectional pattern.

The microphone is versatile and reliable for both indoor and outdoor use. The extended, smooth frequency response and the attending faithful reproduction are largely due to a newly designed diaphragm attached to a sensitive coil suspended in a magnetic structure.

The use of high-efficiency magnetic materials and specially designed magnetic circuits has made it possible to develop this small microphone and still achieve maximum operating efficiency. The microphone is ruggedly built to withstand hard usage and is unaffected by temperature and humidity variations.”

Shure SM53 and SM54 – The SM53 and SM54 were internally the same, with the SM54 having a larger grille.

According to the 1970 Product Data Sheet, “the reliable performance, outstanding features, and handsome appearance of the SM53 and SM54 make them extremely versatile and ideally suited for many demanding applications in television, radio, recording, motion pictures, and sound reinforcement. The performance and appearance of the two models are very similar; however, the SM54 is specifically designed for use in very difficult close-talking and hand-held situations because of its immunity to “pop” and breath blasts.” Elvis used these microphones in the 1970s, primarily because they had little bass build-up from the proximity effect. The deep voice of Elvis did not require “more bass.”