Category: Tech News

Anker launches its first conferencing headset: PowerConf H700

The Anker PowerConf H700 is designed to deliver crystal-clear audio for both sides of the call, using two noise-reducing technologies. This includes AI-enhanced noise reduction powered by VoiceShield™, that helps eliminate background noise from being picked up by the microphone as well as hybrid ANC, to ensure a user can clearly hear the conversation in even the noisiest environments.

“For many, the ability to record or take notes during a call is important. But it’s also awkward and often inaccurate while in a conversation,” said Eric Villines, Head of Global Communications at Anker Innovations. “The H700 is the first on-ear, conference headset that can both record and create direct transcriptions of calls, giving users the freedom to stay focused on what’s being said in their meetings.”

No More Meeting Minutes:

The PowerConf H700 is the first wireless conference headset to be integrated with a call recording and transcription service. During calls, audio can be recorded to a computer using AnkerWork’s conferencing software, and then later retrieved and quickly transcribed into text. The AnkerWork software is compatible with Windows 7 and above (1) and macOS Mojave 10.14 and above.

At time of launch, the H700 transcription service will support English and Chinese, with support for Japanese and German currently planned for 2022. Included in their purchase of the H700, users will receive 1,000 free minutes of transcription service.

No Wires Required

The PowerConf H700 can be connected to a PC or Mac using AnkerWork’s USB-A dongle** or via Bluetooth to any mobile device. Once connected, the H700 will work seamlessly with popular meeting and conference platforms.

24 Hours of Talk-Time and Fast Docked Charging

AnkerWork’s new H700 headset delivers 24 hours of talk-time on a single charge and comes with an optional charging stand, which, in addition to reducing clutter on the desk, means the headset is charged and ready to go at any time. Additionally, just five minutes of charging will give the H700 headset a three-hour boost in talk-time.

PowerConf H700

For added convenience, the headset maintains its wireless Bluetooth connection while docked as well as while charging through USB-C. The light on the end of the boom will also flash to indicate an incoming call.

Other Features Include:

  • Smart Mute: Simply mute using a number of methods including touch controls, lifting the mic boom up in vertical position, or removing the mic-side earcup off the ear.
  • Customizable Design: Includes articulating earcups for added comfort and reversible mic boom to support both right and left side mic usage.
  • Multiple Listening Modes: ANC on/off and transparency on/off
  • Multi-Point Compatible: Can be connected to two devices at the same time (e.g., a computer and a mobile device).
  • Convenient Charging: Supports both USB-C charging as well as while using the optional charging stand.
  • Big and Clear Sound: 40mm audio drivers
  • Noise Reducing Microphones: There are 5 noise-reducing microphones, including 2 located in the boom
  • All-Day Battery Life: 21-hours (ANC) / 24 hours of talk-time (ANC off) / 100+ hours on standby
  • Home, Office and On The Road: Includes a semi-hard travel case to keep headsets safe
  • Incoming Phone Call: Indicator light on the end of the boom signals an incoming call.

Price & Availability:

The Anker PowerConf H700 is available for purchase today in the United States on Amazon.com and Ankerwork.com. In the United Kingdom, it can be purchased on Ankerwork.com.

3,000 additional jobs enabled by launch of expanded Guinness Enterprise Centre incubator

Guinness Enterprise Centre (GEC), a top global incubator in the heart of Dublin City – in the presence of Leo Varadkar TD, Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment – today launches its new 100,000ft2 space following a €10M expansion project. A €1M phase two investment has now been announced and will commence immediately. Due to strong demand, the GEC has already committed 80% of its additional capacity to start-ups and expects to be at full capacity by early 2022.

 Representing €11M in total investment, the expansion was funded by the GEC; Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF);) the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment’ Regional Enterprise Development Fund (REDF) administered by Enterprise Ireland; Dublin City Council; Diageo; and Dublin BIC. It consists of two additional floors at the GEC’s home in Dublin’s Liberties and is enabling a 75% increase in net floor space with capacity for 762 start-up employees.

Over the next five years, 3,000 additional jobs will be supported by the GEC’s expansion. This will include 1,500 direct jobs and 1,500 indirect jobs. The additional jobs will bring the total number of direct jobs supported by the GEC to 5,000 by 2026.

 Collectively, the investment will enable the GEC to support 150 resident companies – up from 85. The facility can accommodate 220 co-working companies, up from 160.

 Resident companies will benefit from the GEC’s start-up and scaling ecosystem, which includes CoConnect – the GEC’s partnership with more than 50 regional and international hubs – the Prosper Programme, which introduces CXOs to key local decision-makers; and the University Programme, which gives start-ups access to MBA business executives in 35 top Irish and international business universities. In 2019, the GEC was named by UBI Global as a World Top Private Business Incubator.

 GEC graduate companies include cyber telecoms security company, AdaptiveMobile Security, which was acquired for €45M this year; cryptocurrency start-up, Circle, which was recently valued at almost $3BN; and cloud software company, Qualio, which raised $50M in funding earlier this year. Current residents include gaming studio, Black Shamrock, which now employs more than 80 people; and digital health software company, Wellola, whose co-founder Sonia Neary was a finalist in the global Women in Tech Awards in Paris in 2019. Others include Selio Medical, Volograms, Benetel, Examfly, Kinia and Amnexis Digital Solutions.

 

Leo Varadkar TD, Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, said: “This expansion is fantastic news for the future of entrepreneurship in Dublin City and a real boost to those already putting their ideas into action. By providing the space and network for start-ups to thrive, we are bringing entrepreneurship and innovation into the heart of the city and providing the right environment for the creation of world-leading Irish companies. The Guinness Enterprise Centre is one of the top incubators in the world. This investment will support 3,000 more jobs over the next five years. I’m excited to hear about the success of the companies who originated here in the future and I want to pay tribute to the GEC team for their vision and dedication in bringing the Centre to the next level.”

 

David Varian, Chairman, Guinness Enterprise Centre, said: “This expansion project was completed during a global pandemic that brought challenges including construction shut-downs, escalating building costs and reduced operating income due to public health restrictions. Surmounting these obstacles is testament to the resolve and vision of all partners involved.

“The newly-expanded space will give more entrepreneurs access to the supports, networks, learning and investment funds they need to scale globally. They will be creating more jobs in the local community and contribute significantly to Ireland’s economic growth. In the next five years, they will return almost €77M to the exchequer. We are creating a global entrepreneurial superhub that will give our start-ups every opportunity to become world industry disruptors.”

Sonia Neary, co-founder and CEO, Wellola, said: ”The GEC has provided us with vital supports for starting and scaling Wellola. It has given us access to investors, business advisors and learning opportunities, along with office space in a supportive business ecosystem. Choosing the GEC was a no-brainer; it’s where everything we need is.”

Donal Murphy, Senior Investment Director, ISIF, said: “This project is an excellent example of ISIF’s double bottom line mandate in action – a commercial investment underpinned by the GEC’s successful track record which is now set to deliver significant and ongoing economic impact. The transformation of the GEC into a top-class enterprise centre of scale will help Irish businesses to collaborate, grow and create employment into the future. The successful completion of the project, despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, speaks volumes for the GEC team’s professionalism and resilience. ISIF welcomes this official opening as the start of many successful years ahead for the GEC.” 

TU Dublin students selected to represent Ireland at the Global Innovation final.

Technological University Dublin student innovators Harsh Chandra and Clara Fargas with their career guidance solution CareersXP have been selected to represent Ireland at the 2021 Red Bull Basement Global Final.

In this global program, students are empowered to showcase their innovative ideas, using technology to make tomorrow’s world a better place. Ireland’s winning entry, Harsh and Clara’s online platform CareersXP is a game-changing career guidance solution which aims at giving students more clarity when choosing their college course. Inspired by the issue of college dropout rates and the lack of solutions already available, CareersXP provides hands-on experience through short and simple activities across a range of different courses which aims to provide valuable insight to help students make a better-informed choice.

Computer Science student Harsh commented on the project; “We aim to create a platform that helps sixth year students to overcome the fatigue and pressure of choosing a college course and a career. Many college freshers are led to make uninformed decisions which leads to poor performance, stress, and dropouts. With CareersXP we plan to tackle this problem with a practical approach by allowing students to ‘try courses before applying to them’. This creates a unique & personal experience helping them to gain insight and narrow their search to find the right fit for them.”

Harsh and Clara will now receive support and mentorship to further develop their platform ahead of the Global Final in Turkey in December where they, alongside 44 other country finalist teams will pitch to a panel of globally acclaimed thought leaders, entrepreneurs and tech and innovation experts and visionaries.

Business student Clara commented on the Red Bull Basement experience; “It is a huge opportunity to be selected to represent Ireland and TUD at the Red Bull Basement Final and we are so excited to be able to travel to Turkey in December. The mentorship, work-space and support will be a real leg up for the project as we continue work on the prototype ahead of the Final. This is a real game changer for us as students and for our project, we look forward to great things to come.”

https://www.redbull.com/ie-en/videos/red-bull-basement-launchpad-ireland-recap

Atom Studios debuts sustainable tech accessories line and announces Three as first UK stockist

Atom Studios, a new smartphone accessories brand  formed by a team of tech and accessory industry experts, has today revealed its debut collection of iPhone cases and innovative accessories. Also confirmed is that these products will be releasing in Ireland soon.

The new line of products, which include iPhone and AirPods Pro cases and charging cables, have been designed with sustainability, longevity and practicality in mind while also being sleek and stylish.

The brand already has an exciting pipeline of accessories for Samsung and other device manufacturers, which will be announced early 2022.

The team behind Atom Studios boasts a strong background in the tech industry, with all having worked for major brands including Bang and Olufsen, Nokia and Panasonic. Their combined passion for innovation and sustainability led them to create an accessories brand that focuses on high quality design, innovation and use of natural, renewable materials.

The debut line includes two different cases for iPhone:

The Split Wood Fibre iPhone cases are made from wood fibre material, specially developed by Atom Studios, which is a combination of recycled wood and cornstarch-based ingredients — a completely unique and sustainable alternative to plastic in phone cases. It has a resilient finish and, unlike plastic, doesn’t show scratches, stains or wear in the same way plastic does. The grade 5052 aluminium used is also used in architecture and aircraft, because it’s slim but durable, it is also anodised which strengthens it further. Anodised aluminium is also infinitely recyclable. The iPhone 13 models are MagSafe compatible with 50% thicker magnets than industry standard for the most secure MagSafe connection.

 

The Split Silicone iPhone Cases contain a combination of infinitely recyclable anodised aluminium and sand-based silicone, offering a stylish and sustainable alternative to plastic. The materials were chosen for their durability — they’re built to last for the life cycle of a phone. The silicone part of the case is soft to the touch while the aluminium has a premium, slim appearance resulting in a distinctive look. The iPhone 13 models are MagSafe compatible and, like the Split Wood Fibre Cases, also have 50% larger magnets than industry standard.

 

 

Other products in the launch range include AirPods Pro cases and cleverly designed charging cables to meet any user’s needs.

 

One of those cables is flat + mass, a cable weight (mass) and universal flat, tangle-free charging cable with interchangeable heads, so users only need one cable to meet all their charging needs. Mass holds the cable in place, preventing cables from trailing on the floor and dropping from desks and nightstands when not in use. The interchangeable heads are made from the same infinitely recyclable aluminium.

 

 

“We formed Atom Studios with the aim of creating tech accessories that look great, perform brilliantly with smart design details, and really are sustainable,” says Akbar Ali, Creative Director at Atom Studios, “we can see that many accessories out there currently come with a compromise – they are either sustainable but unattractive, fashion focused but made of plastic or very function-led and look like bricks. We wanted to start with smart design and make sure we could deliver it in a sustainably conscious way.”

Sustainability is the primary focus for Atom Studios across all areas of the business. From the long lasting eco materials they choose, to the right production and transportation methods, and also a full life cycle management process in which customers can return their Atom Studios cases when they’ve finished with them, so they can be properly disposed of or recycled.

“We created Atom Studios with sustainability and responsibility in mind,” continues Mr. Ali, “we’re by no means perfect yet in terms of being green, and don’t believe anyone is ,but every business decision centres around social and environmental responsibility.”

The full range of products can be found and purchased via AtomStudios.com or Amazon. Telecoms giant Three also now stocks a range of Atom Studios products in stores throughout the country and online.

Impact Biosystems Debuts Pact to Solve the Problem with Massage Guns

Impact Biosystems, the Boston-based fitness recovery start-up, is announcing its debut product, Pact – the world’s first connected percussive massage system customized to the user’s muscle profile. Inspired by professional trainers, the Pact system tailors its massaging experience to the user’s body conditions, giving the most effective recovery treatment possible. The Pact system is available for pre-order today, and will ship in Q2 2022.

“Existing muscle recovery solutions are almost exclusively one-size-fits-all types of products,” said Bridget Hunter-Jones, cofounder and CEO of Impact Biosystems. “But, everyone and their recovery is different, so we designed the Pact system with the belief that recovery should be informed and personalized, using data from the body, effectively eliminating the guesswork.”

The Pact system relieves muscle pain and improves muscle readiness by creating a data-backed recovery experience. It operates with two core devices: Pact Sense and Pact Pulse, both connected with the user’s smartphone via the Pact app.

Pact Massager

Unlike other impersonal massagers on the market, the Pact system will first measure your muscles’ conditions before recommending an appropriate recovery treatment. Using six sensors that take over 5,000 measurements per scan, Pact Sense tracks the user’s muscle readiness, measuring muscle mass and stiffness in real-time. The data gathered will allow the Pact mobile app to generate a bespoke warm-up or recovery routine for the user, which will inform the Pact Pulse for a precise and optimized massage.

Impact Biosystems’ proprietary technology, based on advanced modelling techniques, has been developed over the last three decades by co-founder and chief inventor, Ian Hunter, the Hatsopoulos Professor of Mechanical Engineering at MIT.

Two Pact kits will be available at launch: the standard Pact Sport Kit (£369), and the premium Pact Pro Kit (£479), which comes with an additional battery handle, an extra year of Pro App Content & analytics, and a travel case. Both kits are available on pre-order via Indiegogo for the early bird prices of £209 (Pact Sport) and £259 (Pact Pro): https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/pact-world-s-first-full-feedback-smart-massager/

Airbnb 2021 Winter Release: 50+ upgrades and innovations across their entire service

As the world undergoes a revolution in how we live and work, Airbnb CEO and co-founder Brian Chesky, today revealed via a streamed announcement multiple platform upgrades, including 50+ new product features aimed to meet the new way of travelling brought on by the pandemic, and the wave of guests it will bring with it.

This announcement offers a range of upgrades that make it easier to host and support the changing needs of travellers, including:

  • AirCover – Top-to-bottom protection. Free for every Host. Only on Airbnb.
  • Translation Engine – The most advanced translation technology ever offered to our community.
  • Accessibility Review – Every accessibility feature is reviewed for 100% accuracy.
  • I’m (even more) Flexible – Search for more unique homes up to 12 months in advance.
  • Verified Wifi – Our new speed test tool verifies the speed of the wifi in a listing.
  • Smarter Trips Tab – A redesigned Trips tab with all your must-have travel details.
  • Ask a Superhost Expansion – Connects new Hosts to a Superhost in their area for 1:1 help.

Additionally, Airbnb shared trends data, looking at how guests are travelling now and into next year. Some key insights include:

  • People increasingly are living on Airbnb: From July to September, 20% of nights booked were for stays of one month or longer.
  • People are travelling at any time: Nearly half (45%) of nights booked on Airbnb were for at least one week, compared to 38% two years ago; and families are travelling more during the week, with the most growth in stays on Mondays and Tuesday nights globally
  • They want amenities for living, not just visiting: Globally, the most searched-for amenities in recent months were: 1) pets-allowed, 2) pools, 3) wifi, 4) kitchens and 5) free parking.
  • Greater interest in holiday travel: As of the end of September, we had over 40% more nights booked for Thanksgiving week in the US than at the same time in 2019
  • Border reopenings reveal pent-up demand: In the US, which historically is the largest inbound travel market in the world — during the week following the October 15 announcement of the November 8 reopening date, nights booked by foreign guests for stays starting November 8 increased by 44%

realme joins forces with top operators to provide ECO Rating labelling for smartphones

realme, the world’s fastest-growing smartphone brand and top 5 Android smartphone brand globally, furthers its commitment and vision of being a sustainable company that contributes to a better world, as the realme 8 5G and 8i smartphones have been recognised by the cross-industry Eco Rating labelling scheme.

Eco Rating has been created jointly by five of Europe’s leading mobile operators to launch the pan-industry labelling scheme – Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefónica (operating under the O2 and Movistar brands), Telia Company and Vodafone.

By evaluating the environmental impact of the entire process of production, transportation, use and disposal of mobile phones, Eco Rating helps customers to make informed and sustainable choices, providing an overall score from 1 to 100. The closer the score is to 100, the better the sustainability of the device.

The realme 8 5G and 8i have both been awarded high scores of 76/100 and 80/100, respectively. Both devices achieved similarly high results in the key area of resource efficiency, with the 8 5G being awarded a score of 85/100 and the 8i 90/100, representing a low impact on the scarcity of resources. 

Commenting on the new ratings, Madhav Sheth, Vice President of realme, President of realme International Business Group, CEO of realme Europe, said, “As an industry, we have a commitment towards a better future, and at realme, being transparent with our users via the Eco Rating labelling scheme is a positive step towards realising that future. We at realme stand by this with the new 8 5G and 8i ratings, as well as our E-Waste Management Program which incentivises the safe recycling of electronic waste and strive to launch the most eco-friendly products in the near future.” 


“In line with a series of products we have launched, including smartphones, earphones, and tablets, we proactively advocate the combination of technology and environment, Going and Living Green.”

“Simultaneously, we are developing a unique eco-friendly smartphone, with endeavours to tremendously reduce CO2 emissions. The product will arrive in Europe in the near future.”

Dell unveils the new XPS Desktop

Dell Technologies has recently unveiled the latest version of its XPS Desktop, a performance and creative powerhouse, with a more robust cooling system and faster processors, making it the most powerful version of the device to date.

Dell engineers redesigned the thermal architecture of the device to maximize performance and soften the acoustics through improving airflow. The front bezel of the chassis is designed to intake cool air and move it from the front and out the back. Notably, the new XPS Desktop is up to 21% cooler under load (with a 125W cooling solution); or up to 18% cooler under load with liquid cooling (when compared to the new 125W thermal solution). And the new high RPM fans (up to 5,000 RPM) operate more efficiently at slower speeds which helps makes the system quieter. Overall, the new desktop is 50%+ quieter under load over previous generations.

Designed for aspiring artists or seasoned professionals alike, the Dell XPS Desktop allows users to stay in their flow with the new 12th Gen Intel Core desktop processors (up to i9) that handles creative projects and gameplay with ease alongside the most impressive graphics options available on the market – the NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 30 Series GPUs or AMD Radeon™ RX GPUs. Combined with next-generation DDR5 memory supporting up to 50% faster clock speed than DDR4 as well as PCIe Gen5 graphics ready, the new XPS Desktop delivers incredible horsepower.

Commenting on the announcement, Donnie Oliphant, Senior Director of XPS, said: “XPS is one of the most coveted brands in the PC industry, lauded for its seamless convergence of elegant design and cutting-edge technology – but there’s always more to a XPS device than meets the eye. Nearly 42% larger than its predecessor (27L vs 19L), the new XPS Desktop ushers in an expansive suite of next-gen performance technologies and a more robust cooling architecture, making this the most powerful XPS Desktop ever made. With heavy-hitter performance cloaked by an understated minimalist design, creators, gamers, and virtually anyone who wants to amplify their passions, can now own a sophisticated PC with workhorse performance.”

The new XPS Desktop is elegantly and mindfully designed to fit seamlessly into any environment, just like the rest of the XPS family. It comes with a choice of two stylish colors – light and dark – including Night Sky and an all-aluminum Platinum Silver option. A pair of aluminum feet that peek out from the base add an extra level of poise to the silver model.

Liquid cooling Dell XPS

When it comes to the XPS line, it’s important to have a PC that is customizable, so the system can grow to meet increased performance demands over time. Using the toolless entry chassis, users can easily upgrade the CPU, GPU, memory, storage and more to keep pace with new technology as it becomes available.

For those who aspire to cultivate their digital content creation skills – whether that be in photography, graphic design, music production or beyond, they can tap into “Creator Edition” that comes with pre-selected configurations ready to withstand creative workloads.

Availability & Pricing

The XPS Desktop will be available later this fall, shipping with Windows 11, with pricing available upon launch.

Konftel Earns Customer Value Leadership Accolade For ‘World Class’ Performance

Conferencing and collaboration manufacturer Konftel is celebrating a prestigious new accolade – earning praise for quality, value, customer loyalty and new product innovations.

Konftel has achieved a European Customer Value Leadership award from global consultation experts Frost & Sullivan. It reflects ‘excellence in best practices’ with Konftel praised for ‘world class performance’ following a rigorous analytical process.

Align with customer demands

Frost and Sullivan’s Senior Industry Analyst, Vaishno Srinivasan, paid tribute to the company’s high value and high performance product range. “Konftel’s success mantra revolves around flexibility, usability, and value that align with customer demands.”

She continued: “It is critical for vendors to provide a range of flexible, plug-and-play A/V options as enterprises face several challenges, including meeting room reconfiguration as well as uncertainty about the number of workers in the office and meeting room occupancy in the new-normal office environments. 

“Konftel’s wide portfolio enables customers to effectively match endpoints with meeting room configurations, sizes, connectivity requirements and budgets. Konftel’s A/V kits provide the best value for the investment with its high quality, functionally robust enterprise-class devices backed by a two-year warranty, Ultra HD/Full HD resolution, beamforming microphones, and renowned OmniSound audio technology. These specifically set Konftel A/V kits apart from the competition at similar price points.”

A rigorous evaluation

Delighted UK Sales Director, Jeff May, says the latest success is testament to the company’s pursuit of product and service excellence – creating a wide range of flexible options for different room environments.

“Frost & Sullivan applies a rigorous analytical process to evaluate multiple nominees for each award category before determining the final award recipient. Konftel excelled in many of the criteria.

“Our comprehensive portfolio, including table top audio conferencing endpoints and high quality USB conference cameras, allows customers to pick and choose the right endpoint — either standalone or A/V kits — according to their needs. To be endorsed by Frost & Sullivan is a tremendous achievement of which we are all rightly proud.”

Konftel was the first to create a dedicated conference phone over 30 years ago. Its evolving product portfolio features the new C2070 video kit, combining pristine picture performance with beamforming microphone audio.

Jeff May, Konftel

 

Also protecting the planet

In addition Konftel has recently produced an innovative 3D interactive room guide which identifies the most appropriate products and connectivity set-up, from personal workspaces, focus and huddle rooms to large multipurpose rooms. It’s based on an overall objective of video enabled meetings, always and everywhere, at home or in the office. Konftel also holds Climate Neutral certification meaning users can conference with a clear climate conscience.

The awards committee concluded: “At Konftel, success is measured not only based on product sales but also across customer satisfaction and loyalty. Creating a better collaboration culture across businesses and protecting the planet with sustainable and environmentally-friendly initiatives are ingrained into Konftel’s DNA. 

“For its strong overall performance, Konftel is recognized with Frost & Sullivan’s 2021 European Customer Value Leadership Award in the professional audio/video conferencing devices market.”

A link to the report can be found here