Category: Tech News

€200,000 Virgin Media Discovers Short Film Competition announces shortlist of 10 emerging talents, in association with Screen Ireland

Ten new submissions have been shortlisted to take part in the 2022 Virgin Media Discovers Short Film Competition, benefiting from total prize fund of €200,000.

Selected from hundreds of entries this year, each shortlisted project will receive an investment of €6,000 to develop their script with a mentor and the three finalists will be chosen and awarded €30,000 to bring their script to life on screen with the production of a 10-minute short film. The final production will be broadcast on Virgin Media Television and Virgin Media on Demand.

With well over 70 years of script writing experience combined, mentors include storytellers such as Bláthnaid de Róiste (Ros na Rún, Fair City, and Holby City), Eilish Kent (Foreign Exchange, Raw, and Fade St), Gavin Burke (lecturer in screenwriting at IADT), Aileen Docherty (Holby, Waterloo Road, and The Clinic) and Nadine Flynn (Fair City and EastEnders).

Now in its third year, the competition continues to showcase outstanding original creativity and a diverse collection of voices and engaging stories with star judges for this year’s competition including Lenny Abrahamson, Director of the new ‘Conversations with Friends’ series and rising Irish actress, writer and star of hit crime drama, Kin, Clare Dunne.

One of last year’s winning films, ‘Punch Line’, which tells the story of how a transgender female stand-up comedian reframes a transphobic attack she experiences during the day in her routine that evening, has gone on to win a number of international awards, including ‘Best Direction’ at the LGBTQ+ Los Angeles Film Festival.

Bill Malone, Director of Content at Virgin Media Television said: “We’re delighted to be able to offer this level of funding, mentorship and a platform to some of Ireland’s most promising film makers that have such unique voices and new stories to tell.

“As a national broadcasting platform, it is important to Virgin Media that we invest in emerging talent, the Virgin Media Discovers Short Film Competition is a great opportunity for us to do this.

“For our applicants this is not just about building their careers, it is also a chance to raise awareness of the issues at the heart of their films, and I am thrilled that we can help them to have their voices heard.”

Andrew Byrne, Head of Television, Screen Ireland said: “As the national development agency for the creative screen sector, investing in and encouraging the development of new talent is a key principle of our work in Screen Ireland.

“We are thrilled once again to be able to further support this short film initiative, growing a broad range of exciting new talent and giving mentorship and first screen opportunities to a range of creative voices and diverse themes which deserve further recognition.

“We look forward to seeing the final developed projects and shining a light on the stars of the future both in front of and behind the screen.”

The Prize:

With a prize fund of €200,000, 10 filmmakers will be awarded €6,000 to realise the full potential of their scripts through professional development. 3 of these projects will then be awarded €30,000 to produce their 10-minute short film which will be broadcast on Virgin Media Television in 2023. €50,000 will go towards supporting the projects through script editing, mentorship, PR, advertising and marketing support.

The Judging Panel:

Star judges include award-winning director and screenwriter Lenny Abrahamson (Adam & Paul, Normal People, What Richard Did and Room), rising Irish actress, writer and star of hit crime drama, Kin, Clare Dunne; Clinton Liberty who played Kiernan in global hit drama ‘Normal People’ and Linus in drama ‘Holding’; screenwriter and executive producer Ursula Rani Sarma (Delicious and Red Rock) as well as representatives from Virgin Media Television, Screen Ireland and the Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival.

The 10 shortlisted projects are:

Always Find Him in the Kitchen At Parties (Drama) Writer/Director: Zoë Gibney

Fake it ’til you make it, that’s what Sean keeps telling himself. But how far will he go to cover his shame?

Location: Dublin

Blith (Drama) Writer/Director: Gerard Walsh and Fabu-D

David has recently moved to Ireland to create a better life for his daughter as a paediatrician. He soon finds out it’s not that simple.

Location: Dublin

 

Calf Writer/Director: Jamie O’Rourke

A near fatal farm accident leaves teenager Cáit with a terrible decision to make in order to do what she must to protect her family.

Location: Tipperary

Casper (Drama) Writer/Director: Jason Forde and Jody O’Neill

A dark film about the final week of 8-year-old autistic boy Casper’s life. Utilising straight to camera address, visuals and sound inspired by the autistic experience to mesh avant-garde documentary style with narrative.

Location: Wicklow & Cork

Coasteering (Drama) Writer/Director: Orla Sanders & Joanne Fitzgerald

Following a series of unsuccessful rounds of IVF, Sinead runs and Peter gardens; creating life can destroy you.

Location: Dublin

 

Crushed (Drama) Writer/Director: Eilís Doherty and Olivia McLaughlin

A dramedy about what happens when your feelings are strong, but your vodka is stronger. Emma battles with ‘the fear’ when she overshares about her crush on a night out.

Location: Dublin, Donegal & Kildare

 

Good Chips (Drama) Writer/Director: Nell Hensey and Brigid Leahy

Dublin 1989. A family of Vietnamese immigrants struggle to keep their takeaway business afloat while their 12 year old daughter befriends one of the  customers, a local Irish boy. When he disappears, she sets out to find him.

Location: Clare & Dublin

Home Safe (Neon-Noir / Thriller) Writer/Director: Jaro Waldeck and Grace Sexton

In a normal world, walking home may seem like a straight-forward thing to do. But in the world of a sketchy man, hooded and hard to read, this task proves to be quite the undertaking. What dangers can he encounter on his way home?

Location: Wexford, West Cork & Dublin

Unhinged (Comedy) Writer/Director: Mary Kirwan and Zoë Brennan-Whitmore

After discovering the love of her life and colleague on Tinder, a self-deprecating fat millennial must find the confidence to swipe right before his leaving party, all while navigating a fatphobic workplace

Location: Wicklow & Cork

Why the Sun & Moon Live in the Sky (Fantasy) Writer/Director: Aisha Bolaji and Alfonso Films

Living in the mundane suburbia of Farraig-Mor, two teens plan to escape by building a spacecraft and living in the sky.

Location: Dublin, Meath & Wicklow

‘Ireland’s Future is MINE’ digital skills competition final to be televised on RTÉ2 on June 16th at 5pm

The final of Ireland’s first national digital skills competition, Ireland’s Future is MINE, is scheduled to be televised on RTÉ2 on June 16th at 5pm. Delivered through a collaboration between Microsoft Ireland and RTÉjr, the competition’s final will see St. Hugh’s National Primary School from Leitrim and Moyvore Primary School from Westmeath battle it out for first place.

Launched in September 2021, the ‘Ireland’s Future is MINE‘ digital skills competition challenged primary school students to use Minecraft: Education Edition to think creatively, collaborate, problem-solve and shape Ireland’s sustainable future.

Since its launch, schools across Ireland have entered the competition and students have explored fun challenges such as building their own NASA rover and coding their very own polar ice hut. These challenges, made possible through Minecraft: Education Edition, are aligned to both the Republic and Northern Irish curriculums covering subjects from English, Maths, Science, Geography, SPHE and more.

Delivered by Microsoft Ireland’s Dream Space teachers on Dream Space TV in partnership with RTÉjr, the competition provided each school with comprehensive teaching guides to ensure that they were supported in making their submission. Through the competition, Microsoft Ireland and RTÉ sought to inspire students to build critical in-demand skills that will allow them to compete and fully participate in today’s digital world.

Having successfully progressed through the various stages of the competition, which saw participation from 130 other primary schools across Ireland, St Hugh’s National Primary School and Moyvore Primary School will compete in the final phase of the digital skills challenge. The winner will receive the grand prize of laptops for the classroom plus a charging trolley for their school.

Commenting on the final, James O’Connor, Microsoft Ireland Site Lead and Vice President of Microsoft International Operations, said: “We’re delighted to see the ‘Ireland’s Future is MINE’ competition reach its final stages. It’s been encouraging to see the level of enthusiasm from teachers and students right across the country as they competed in the competition over the last few months. At Microsoft, we are passionate about engaging students and teachers in STEM education experiences and by way of Ireland’s Future is MINE and Dream Space, our innovative STEM education experience, we are empowering young people to see digital technology and STEM in exciting new ways.

“In advance of the final, I’d like to wish the students of St Hugh’s National Primary School and Moyvore Primary School the very best of luck.”

 Suzanne Kelly, Group Head of Children’s and Young Peoples’ Content at RTÉ, said:

“We were blown away by the standard of entries from schools across the country to Ireland’s Future is Mine. After months of hard work and nail-biting showdowns, just two talented schools remain in the battle for the coveted title of All-Ireland champions.  RTÉ is so excited to bring you our thrilling final. This is a ‘first of its kind’ esports TV broadcast and when kids see what the finalists built, we hope they will be inspired. Certainly, we’ve been inspired by the creativity and the fun the two teams showed in this exciting final. Don’t miss it!”

To view the scheduling programme for the final, visit RTÉjr here: www.rte.ie/learn/irelands-future-is-mine/

How to beat the hackers with a strong password

The internet has been around for a long time but, as a nation, we still haven’t nailed the art of setting passwords. In fact, the two most common passwords on the web are ‘123456’ and ‘password’. While they might be easy to remember, they’re also easy to hack. But, fear not as in this article we reveal how you can create a strong password to keep your data protected at all costs. 

Come up with an unusual word

92% of people use the same password across different platforms and sites. This makes it incredibly important to come up with a unique combination of numbers, letters and symbols so that it’s not easily guessed. Why not use the letter O instead of a zero? Or, the number one for the letter I. The more unusual the better and, if they’re grammatically incorrect or not in the dictionary, that’s fine too.

If we take a look at common passwords around the world, it’s clear that many use their first name, last name, date of birth and even social security number. The best passwords are those that don’t mean anything. Instead of being based on factual data and information, and therefore easier to predict if someone knows you, consider using a random password generator. 

Remember, bigger is better 

Hackers will try a few different versions of passwords and multiple methods when trying to hack into an account. There is, of course, what’s known as manual hacking, which is when an attacker will manually type in letters and numbers. Alternatively, there are brute force attacks. This is when a computer automatically runs through letters, numbers, and symbols to guess passwords. 

The longer and more complicated your password, the longer the hacking process takes and the more likely they are to give up. New data has also revealed that three-character passwords can be hacked in less than one second. 

Don’t copy passwords 

We already know that most people reuse passwords, which is another reason why someone’s password may be more easily hacked. When hacks are completed, a list of email addresses and passwords that were compromised are usually leaked. If yours is up there, and you use the same password and email address combination elsewhere, your other accounts may also be at risk. 

For this reason, it’s super important that you not only use inventive passwords for different sites but that you change them regularly. Plus, once you’ve used a certain password, refrain from using it so soon again. 

Keep them protected

Once you do have strong passwords, it’s important to keep them under wraps. Be careful who knows your passwords, be mindful of who can see your passwords being typed in and consider using a password manager to store them on your behalf. 

This will encrypt and hide your passwords in a central location. To access them, you need either a master password, a fingerprint touch or a face recognition entry to ensure that they don’t land in the hands of someone else.

These are just a few ideas for creating strong passwords. There are plenty of other ways you can protect your data. However, if you come up with an unusual phrase, don’t let anyone else know what it is and change it regularly, you’ll be taking those essential steps to combat any password hacking. 

Konftel Announces Strategic Wireless Content Sharing Partnership With ScreenBeam

Konftel’s flagship video conferencing cameras and audio devices have been fully tested to work with the wireless collaboration and content sharing innovation from ScreenBeam.

Solutions include the Konftel Cam50 and Cam20 conference cameras along with the Konftel 800, Konftel 70, Konftel Ego and Konftel 300Wx speakerphones. 

ScreenBeam Conference allows meeting room participants to wirelessly connect to the display, room camera, microphone and speaker for flexible presentations, on any meeting app of their choice.

Complete confidence

Konftel Product Manager, Torbjörn Karlsson, says compatibility testing further enhances the appeal of many of Konftel’s most popular conferencing products.

“We welcome the announcement of our testing success which means users can take advantage of ScreenBeam technology with complete confidence and enjoy a seamless collaboration and content sharing experience.

“Sharing information is a key component of any successful meeting and ScreenBeam Conference offers quick and easy wireless set-up. It creates effective hubs for collaboration between in room and remote meeting participants by being flexible enough to use in any space and simple enough to be used by any employee or guest.”

ScreenBeam Senior Director of Alliances, Jay Taylor, outlined: “We are delighted to partner with Konftel and extend our reach and compatibility with Konftel products. Konftel is a major industry player and together our products make a compelling combination for even more engaging online meetings. 

“Enabling the hybrid workforce to be successful requires technology that is flexible and simple enough for any employee to use. As we look to the future we see offices as places for collaboration with many different types of spaces.  Konftel’s solutions empower that future with products that meet the needs of those varied spaces.”

Most visited Places of Interest on Street View in Ireland as Google Street view turns 15

Google Street view turns 15 and like me I use it quite often and you may have also noticed some nice Jaguar cars going around with a contraption on top, well that is Google if you did not know.. So where is the most visited places of interest on Google Street view.. Let’s have a look then read on some more about Google Street view

Most visited Places of Interest on Street View in Ireland
1. Dublin Castle
2. Billy Byrne 1798 Monument
3.  Dublin Airport
4. Phoenix Park
5. The Temple Bar Pub
6. Guinness Storehouse
7. Aviva Stadium
8. Trinity College Dublin
9. Molly Malone Statue
10. Dog’s Bay
Most visited Museums on Street View in Ireland
1.Kilmainham Gaol
2. Titanic Experience Cobh
3. Dublinia
4.Muckross House
5. EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
6. Drombeg Stone Circle
7. The National Wax Museum Plus
8. Irish Museum of Modern Art
9. MoLI – Museum of Literature Ireland
10. Bunmahon Geological Park

Fifteen years ago, Street View began as a far-fetched idea from Google co-founder Larry Page to build a 360-degree map of the entire world. Fast forward to today: There are now over 220 billion Street View images from over 100 countries and territories — a new milestone — allowing people to fully experience what it’s like to be in these places right from their phone or computer. And Street View doesn’t just help you virtually explore, it’s also critical to our mapping efforts — letting you see the most up-to-date information about the world, while laying the foundation for a more immersive, intuitive map.

While that’s all worth celebrating, we aren’t stopping there. Today, we’re unveiling Street View’s newest camera, giving you more ways to explore historical imagery, and taking a closer look at how Street View is powering the future of Google Maps.

Bringing Street View to more places with our newest camera

From the back of a camel in the Arabian desert to a snowmobile zipping through the Arctic, we’ve gotten creative with the ways we’ve used Street View cameras to capture imagery. And if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that our world changes at lightning speed. Our hardware is one way we’re able to keep up with the pace.

In addition to our Street View car and trekker, we’re piloting a new camera that will fully roll out next year to help us collect high-quality images in more places. This new camera takes all the power, resolution and processing capabilities that we’ve built into an entire Street View car, and shrinks it down into an ultra-transportable camera system that’s roughly the size of a house cat. But unlike house cats, it’s ready to be taken to remote islands, up to the tops of mountains or on a stroll through your local town square.

Here’s a quick look at the new camera system:

  • It weighs less than 15 pounds. This means it can be shipped anywhere. This is especially handy when we work with partners around the world to capture imagery of traditionally under-mapped areas — like the Amazon jungle.
  • It’s extremely customizable. Previously, we needed to create an entirely new camera system whenever we wanted to collect different types of imagery. But now, we can add on to this modular camera with components like lidar — laser scanners — to collect imagery with even more helpful details, like lane markings or potholes. We can add these features when we need them, and remove them when we don’t.
  • It can fit on any car. Our new camera can be attached to any vehicle with a roof rack and operated right from a mobile device — no need for a specialized car or complex processing equipment. This flexibility will make collections easier for partners all over the world, and allow us to explore more sustainable solutions for our current fleet of cars — like plug-in hybrids or fully electric vehicles. You’ll start seeing our new camera in fun Google colors alongside our iconic Street View cars and trekkers next year.

Traveling back in time with Street View 

Street View is all about capturing the world as it changes, and it’s also a powerful way to reminisce about the past. Starting today on Android and iOS globally, it’s now easier than ever to travel back in time right from your phone. Here’s how it works:

When you’re viewing Street View imagery of a place, tap anywhere on the photo to see information about the location. Then tap “See more dates” to see the historical imagery we’ve published of that place, dating back to when Street View launched in 2007. Browse each of the images to see a digital time capsule that shows how a place has changed — like how the Vessel in New York City’s Hudson Yards grew from the ground up.

Building a more helpful, immersive map 

Street View is also an essential part of how we map the world. Here’s a look at how imagery helps us do that:

  • Updates to business information that reflect your changing world. We use Street View imagery coupled with AI to make helpful updates to Google Maps — such as adding newly opened businesses, surfacing new hours at your favorite restaurants and updating speed limit information. In fact, over the last three years, AI has helped us make over 25 billion updates to Maps so you can be confident that the information you’re seeing is as fresh and up-to-date as possible.
  • Easier than ever navigation, indoors and out. Street View imagery powers popular features like Live View, which allows you to use your phone’s camera to overlay navigation instructions on top of the real world so you can walk to your destination in a snap.
  • Immersive view helps you know before you go. Thanks to advances in computer vision and AI over the last several years, we’re able to fuse together billions of Street View and aerial images to create a rich, digital model of places around the world. With our new immersive view launching later this year, you can easily glide down to street level on Maps and even check out the inside of a business as if you were walking around.

In celebration of Street View’s birthday, you’ll have the opportunity to make your navigation icon a celebratory Street View car – just tap the chevron when you’re in driving navigation. And on desktop, our beloved Pegman – who you can pick up and drop anywhere in Maps to see Street View – will be dressed up in a birthday hat and balloons for the celebration.

To keep the celebration going, check out our newest collections of places like The Pyramids of Meroë in Sudan and Les Invalides in France, popular spots to explore with Street View and some of our all-time favorite Street View images to date. Oh the places you’ll go!

Pioneer DJ launches new models of its DM Series of desktop speakers: the 4-inch DM-40D, plus Bluetooth® models DM-50D-BT and DM-40D-BT

Pioneer DJ, a world-class manufacturer of DJ equipment, announces a host of new models to its DM Series of desktop monitor systems. The DM-50D-BT units add Bluetooth® functionality to the popular DM-50D speakers which were released in late 2021, while the new 4-inch DM-40D-BT and DM-40D come with or without Bluetooth® respectively and offer an upgrade to the compact DM-40 models which have served music lovers, DJs and producers well for several years. All available in black or white, these all-purpose speakers are perfect for a variety of purposes – from home use, DJing, music production, throwing parties and much more.

Whichever DM Series monitor system you choose, you’ll find the speakers produce powerful, high-quality sound. They’re easy to set up, tune, and use – making them ideal for a range of purposes. Whether you want to play DJ sets or make your own music at home, or regularly switch between the two, these speakers offer the perfect sound.

Want to make some tracks to drop into your next DJ set? Simply flick the switch on the speaker to change from DJ mode to Production mode and the DSP settings will automatically adjust to create the best sound for each application.

 

Also ideal for home use, these all-purpose speakers will unleash an unrivalled listening experience when playing your favourite records or for pure enjoyment in the home. Whether hosting parties, DJing or for upgrading the home sound system, these speakers will complement any living space with its sleek, modern aesthetic and hassle-free setup with the Bluetooth® versions. They are sure to set the mood whatever the occasion and complete any home entertainment setup.

For budding producers, you can easily connect your DJ setup or home studio to the RCA and mini jack input terminals on the DM Series speakers. The DM-50D-BT and DM-50D also have a TRS input, and the Bluetooth® models enable you to wirelessly connect mobile devices for cable-free high-quality music playback. Even better, the volume knob and headphones socket are on the front panel for quick connection and level control. And, with the choice of black or white models, you can pick the colour that best suits the setting in your home.

The DM-50D-BT and DM-40D speakers can be purchased from May 2022 with the DM-40D-BT becoming available in early June 2022. The DM-50D-BT will be priced at £229, the DM-40D-BT will cost £169 and the DM-40D will be £149. All models come in a choice of a black or white finish. These state-of-the-art monitor systems are a high-performance, all-purpose speaker offering any aspiring DJ or music lover the best in sound experience. For more information, go to pioneerdj.com.

Dell Technologies Solar Community Hubs Bring Technology, Healthcare, Workforce Skills to Remote Communities

Dell Technologies, in partnership with Computer Aid, Intel and Microsoft, announced its Solar Community Hubs strategy, marking an evolution in its established Solar Learning Labs program. Moving beyond technology access for education alone, the hubs improve access to technology, healthcare and workforce skills for communities in remote areas around the world.

The Solar Community Hubs will be built with Dell technology-enabled solutions and look to introduce 5G, edge computing and other services. Each hub will be managed by the community and will offer services based on each community’s unique needs. The hubs will provide communities with access to water and electricity, healthcare and resources for environmental preservation. Community members can also access technical skills training, entrepreneurship support, education and career guidance, and revenue-generating services to support job creation and financial sustainability.

“Research shows that the greatest impact starts with empowering local communities,” said Cassandra Garber, VP of Environmental and Social Governance, Dell Technologies. “By introducing the Solar Community Hubs, communities will have access to resources and infrastructure to address their most pressing issues. This evolution puts community needs at the center, and we are eager to see – and be a part of – the impact these community partnerships will have around the globe.”

Digitizing the Amazon to Support Sustainability

Dell Technologies recently introduced the first Solar Community Hub in Boa Esperanca, Brazil, in partnership with the Foundation for Amazon Sustainability (FAS), bringing digital tools like Latitude Rugged, desktops, servers, projectors and Wi-Fi to community members in a dozen outlying riverside communities and Indigenous tribes in the Amazon. Community members, who previously traveled far for modern services and school, can now continue their education, take vocational courses, start college and prepare for the job market – in their own community.

The hub is also designed with circularity at its core, using repurposed shipping containers, sustainably sourced wood and furniture, and solar panels so devices run primarily on renewable energy.

Participants in the project are part of FAS’ Bolsa Floresta program, a government initiative of the State of Amazonas introduced in 2008 to decrease deforestation through community building. The hubs help improve the lives of people living in the Amazon who then cultivate a more sustainable relationship between the rainforest and its residents.

Power in Partnership

Dell currently collaborates with approximately 60 strategic partners globally, including Computer Aid, Dell’s nonprofit partner for Solar Community Hub development. Computer Aid helps identify the locations and local partners who can help make the hub a reality.

Since 2011, Dell and Computer Aid have partnered to support 24 Solar Learning Labs, which reach 18,000 students and community members per year in countries including Brazil, Colombia, Kenya, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria and South Africa.

Dell also works with customers, partners– like Intel and Microsoft – and other stakeholders to bring additional resources and capabilities to the communities based on local needs. Partners and customers can now join Dell Technologies and Computer Aid in supporting the roll out of the Solar Community Hubs over the coming years.

HP Unlocks Possibilities for Gamers to Play Anywhere, Longer, and Better

HP Inc. today revealed its newest gaming hardware and software created for gamers everywhere with the thermally innovative OMEN 16 Laptop, accessible Victus 15 Laptop, and a variety of powerful updates to OMEN Gaming Hub to enable elevated gaming experiences for all.

“As people continue to spend more time gaming, they want hardware and software that will allow them to game longer while keeping them immersed,” said Josephine Tan, Global Head and General Manager, Consumer PCs at HP Inc. “These latest additions to HP’s gaming ecosystem give people of all backgrounds – rookie gamers and veterans alike – the tools they need to expand their gaming horizons, now and into the future.”

STAY COOL EVERYWHERE

Seasoned adventurers in gaming crave the latest advancements in hardware and software that allow them to experience today’s titles at the best settings, so they feel truly immersed when they clutch that last-second win or defeat that once impossible boss. This latest addition to the OMEN ecosystem delivers new experiences that go beyond the expected to keep gamers connected, entertained, and excited for what comes next.

Revamped Thermals:  Upgrades in the form of an added fifth heat pipe and fourth outflow vent have additionally contributed to a -3% GPU hinge and -14% bottom SSD temperature while also running 5% quieter compared to last gen so gamers can Zen out and stay fully immersed in their favourite titles.

Processors in Harmony: Cooperating with a built-in IR thermopile sensor, OMEN Dynamic Power within OMEN Gaming Hub2 can precisely detect real-time CPU and GPU capacity and dynamically allocate power between the two. This creates extra headroom and optimises in-game FPS based on current game activity to allow the best experience possible in any game. This technology has contributed up to a 18% performance increase in 3D Mark Time Spy and up to a 36% increase in CPU performance over last year’s model.

Extreme Performance: Stunning graphics bring the newest titles to life with up to an NVIDIA® GeForce® RTX™ 3070 Ti Laptop GPU and the latest MAX Q technologies or AMD Ryzen™ RX 6650M. Clear levels faster than ever with up to an Intel® Core™ i9-12900H series processor or AMD Ryzen™ 9 6900HX Mobile Processors. Avoid untimely memory bottlenecks with up to 32GB DDR5 4800 MHz and take advantage of speedy access to vital files with up to 2TB PCIe Gen4x4 SSD.

Immersive Visuals: Action on the screen flows brilliantly across the up to QHD 165Hz IPS panel with 3ms response time and 100% sRGB. Experience low blue light with Eyesafe® display certification by TÜVRheinlan and an auto brightness sensor that work to keep eyes fresh during the grandest of adventures. The bright visuals continue on the keyboard with up to per-key RGB lighting with OMEN Gaming Hub Light Studio integration to achieve a look that is on point with any gaming setup theme.

Gamers love finding creative ways to express themselves through customizing the appearance of their gaming PCs, be it with RGB, stickers, or more, and is why the new OMEN 16 will debut a ceramic white color option for those who prefer a brighter backdrop

PRESS START FOR ADVENTURE

Each gamer has a meaningful origin story that explains their exploration into PC gaming. Victus introduces gamers to an accessible, yet elevated, gaming experience built with OMEN’s DNA. As the younger sibling to the seasoned OMEN brand, Victus aims to help anybody from any background outplay the ordinary in their quest to find out what type of gamer they are.

As the second entrant in the Victus line of laptops, the Victus 15 features three striking color options in mica silver, performance blue, and ceramic white, all with a standard backlit keyboard printed with the memorable font found on OMEN devices. With outstanding processors and graphics, anyone can multitask between gaming, surfing, editing, and more with features that include:

Compact Power: The 15-inch display features options up to FHD 144 Hz and Eyesafe® low-blue light while fitting snug atop a design that boasts a 15-inch diagonal footprint for practical everyday portability. Visuals have never moved quicker with graphics powered by up to an NVIDIA® GeForce® RTX™ 3050 Ti Laptop GPU with 2nd generation ray tracing power or AMD Radeon RX 6500M. Lightning-fast speed and responsive gameplay with options up to an Intel® Core™ i7-12700H processor or AMD Ryzen™ 7 5800H Mobile Processors along with up to 16 GB DDR4-3200 MHz memory.

Chilly Inside: Wide rear vents add a visual flair on top of enhanced thermal efficiency which is bolstered by four-way airflow and a two-heat pipe design to keep things running cool when the gameplay gets sizzling. With a single SSD up to Gen4 1TB PCIe storage gaming and other activities are quick and simple.

Victus 15 features a 7% overall airflow improvement, 24% overall rear outlet open ratio, and substantial 146% inlet vent area improvement.

ULTIMATE CONTROL

Both OMEN 16 and Victus 15 Laptops ship with OMEN Gaming Hub preinstalled to take advantage of powerful internal features such as Performance Mode, Network Booster, and System Vitals to help games run lit. The new Optimizer feature takes this even further by enabling enthusiasts to free up system resources and tweak low-level OS settings to maximise FPS regardless of if theirs PC is OMEN, Vitus, custom built, or other.  Additionally, access to other features like, Gallery, Rewards, Oasis Live, and OMEN Light Studio with support for Twinkly lights raises gaming experiences in new and exciting ways.

PRICING AND AVAILABILITY

  • OMEN 16 Gaming Laptop PC is expected to be available this summer with prices starting from €1,799.99.
  • Victus 15 Gaming Laptop PC is expected to be available this summer with prices starting from €1,049.99.

Sony introduces the LinkBuds S, a new frontier for headphones

Sony today announced their newest addition to the LinkBuds series: LinkBuds S. The latest model empowers a new sound experience through Sony’s sensing technology and partner collaboration, all while maintaining a “Never Off” wearing experience. 

By leveraging sensor and spatial sound technology, these headphones deliver fun and immersive sound entertainment in AR games such as Ingress This new model is also designed to make listening to your favourite artists easier than ever with quick access to music. 

LinkBuds S are perfect for streaming content all day long. You can enjoy your music, video or social media content just as the creator intended with Sony’s highly acclaimed canceling technology and high-resolution capability. 

The world’s smallest and lightest, noise cancelling, Hi-Res Truly wireless headphones 

Sony have engineered these remarkably small and light truly wireless headphones, approximately 4.8 grams in weight, with comfort in mind. LinkBuds S combine a shape that perfectly matches the human ear with an ergonomic design for a more stable fit, so you can steer clear of annoying ear pain that gets in the way of you and your entertainment.  

Keep all your worlds on with natural ambient sound   

LinkBuds S provide you with the best of both worlds. These headphones combine LinkBuds innovative ambient sound concept that lets you interact with the world around you, with high-quality noise cancelling allowing you to focus on the content you love and nothing else. You can step into a coffee shop and quickly order with ease, then just as quickly sit back and enjoy your favourite entertainment distraction-free. 

The headphones integrate Adaptive Sound Control, a smart feature that adjusts ambient sound settings depending on where you are, creating the ideal listening experience. With this, you can seamlessly move through your surroundings all while letting your favourite artists and entertainment play on. 

A new sound experience for AR gaming   

Sony is collaborating with its partner company Niantic in the area of audio AR by developing an AR game that can be enjoyed not only visually but also audibly. When you play their game “Ingress” using LinkBuds S, the sensor and spatial sound technology will enable players to enjoy a new experience in which sound is delivered according to the direction they are facing. 

Sony Linkbuds S

Crystal clear calls 

Making a call on a noisy street or on a windy day has never been easier with LinkBuds S, thanks to Sony´s Precise Voice Pickup Technology that optimally controls the microphones on both earbuds and with the use of a mesh structure around the microphones. You can enjoy crystal clear conversations, letting you catch up with colleagues and friends no matter where you are.  

Immersive sound, authentic music 

LinkBuds S create immersive sound and authentic reproduction, so you can enjoy your music, video or social media content just as the creator intended.  

With the help of a new 5mm driver unit these small earbuds pack a punch, producing powerful bass and stunningly clear vocals despite their size, bringing out the best in whatever genre or entertainment you choose. While Sony’s Integrated Processor V1 improves noise cancelling, enhances sound quality and reduces distortion with less power for distraction-free listening, perfect for busy commutes.  

These new headphones also allow you to experience High-Resolution Audio Wirelessiii, thanks to Sony’s industry-adopted audio coding technology, LDAC. All your music will be restored back to high range sound with the use of DSEE Extreme™ivthat upscales digital music files in real time, allowing you to appreciate all the fine-details the artist injected into your most-loved tracks. 

Effortless hands -free control 

Life should be full of interactions so with the help of Speak-to-Chat, based on precise Voice Pickup technology, your music will automatically pause when you speak to someone, making it easier than ever to have a conversation when your hands are full. 

These new headphones are also Google Assistant and Alexa compatible, helping you with everyday tasks for hands-free help on the go. You can connect with friends and family, get information, listen to music, set reminders and morevi. 

Full control at your fingertips  

Thanks to the intuitive touch sensor control panel, you can change your sound settings, activate Quick Attention and even resume Spotify music playback or Endel, with just a few taps on the earbuds. With Endel you can create personalised soundscapes that give your body and mind what they need to achieve total sonic immersion while you carry out any task. 

Easy Bluetooth Pairing with Fast & Swift Pair  

LinkBuds S support Google’s new Fast Pair feature which means you can pair the headphones with your Android™ device quickly and easily.  Swift Pair makes it quick and easy to pair your headphones to your Windows 11 or Windows 10 laptop, desktop PC or tablet. 

Next generation Bluetooth audio 

These earbuds are ready for LE Audio, a next generation Bluetooth audio that enables ultra-low latency that is ideal for gaming. 

Made with the environment in mind  

LinkBuds S aren’t just designed to be slick and stylish, but also with the environment in mind. Like the rest of the LinkBuds series, all packaging on the headphones is plastic free xand the headphones use recycled materials from automobile parts, reflecting Sony’s commitment to reducing the environmental impact of their products.  

Stay connected with others with long battery life 

Sony knows how important it is to enjoy your favourite content on your smartphone without anything getting in the way of your listening experience. Therefore, Sony has packed LinkBuds S with a full working day of charge – 6 hours with noise cancelling on – from the headphones and storing another 14 hours in the stylish, compact charging case. 

If you’re in a rush just 5-minutes quick charging gives you up to 60 minutes of play time. 

Messages from Sony’s partners 

LinkBuds S, which link online and offline worlds, will continue to provide various services for better and new sound experiences. Here is a message from Sony’s strategic partner. 

Archit Bhargava, Director of Product Marketing, Niantic, Inc. 

Niantic has a vision of a “Real World Metaverse,” which means adding the AR digital layers onto the real world.  Currently, the AR layers are visual layers; however, we believe that adding a sound layer will create a richer AR experience and it makes the real world more enjoyable and convenient. Sony’s LinkBuds series adds the sound layer without compromising the visual and audio information of the real world.  When it is used with the various games offered by Niantic, they can create a richer, more enjoyable gaming experience. Ingress, which is celebrating its 10th milestone this year, is going to have a new feature before the summer.  We hope you will enjoy the feature with the LinkBuds series.   

 

Pricing and availability 

LinkBuds S are available in White, Black and Ecru and will be priced at approximately £180 and €200 and available from the end of May 2022.