Category: Tech News

Soundcore Frames is the latest eyewear to hit the market

Soundcore, Anker Innovations’ premium audio brand, today unveiled its Soundcore Frames, a new audio eyewear product that features an immersive listening experience and multiple frame styles.

“Up until, now the emerging audio eyewear space has been pretty dull with only limited design choices,” says Steven Yang, CEO of Anker Innovations. “With our new Soundcore Frames we hope to reset things, bringing a more stylish audio listening experience to the market.”

Immersive Sound

Soundcore Frames feature the company’s patented OpenSurround system, designed with two customized drivers in each arm, custom DSP and a listening port for a more immersive experience. The main speaker is in front of the user’s ear, with another located behind the ear to help amplify the stereo sound. Soundcore Frames also feature on-ear wearing detection and will automatically pause audio when the glasses are removed.

Soundcore Frames on woman

Great for Phone and Video Calls

Soundcore Frames feature noise reducing microphones and can be easily paired with a phone, tablet or PC to take calls or participate in online meetings from anywhere. In addition, Soundcore Frames come with a private listening mode that can help reduce audio leakage when on a call.

Interchangeable Frames

When purchasing on Soundcore.com, consumers can choose from one of ten different frame styles to come with their new Soundcore Frames. They can also purchase additional frames in an assortment of sizes, shapes and styles including tinted sunglasses, prescription and blue-light filtering options. And with Soundcore’s Pull and Plug quick release system, consumers can easily swap out different styles.

The Soundcore app and website feature a virtual try-on experience so consumers can find the perfect frame style to go with their new Soundcore Frames.

Soundcore Frames

Touch and Voice Controls

Controlling the Soundcore Frames is easy with both touch and voice controls. Consumers can customize a number of touch and swipe motions to play and pause music, answer phone calls, raise and lower the volume and advance or reverse tracks. Multiple trigger words can also perform these actions using AI voice technology.

Battery Life

Soundcore Frames offer up to 5.5 hours of playback on a single charge as well as the ability to fast charge an additional 1.5 hours of playback with a 10-minute charge.

Availability and Pricing

Soundcore Frames will be available on Soundcore.com, Amazon.com and in retail partners including Best Buy in November for $199.99 in the US, £149.99 in the UK, €179.99 EUR in Germany and Europe and $249 CAD in Canada.

Additional frame models will be available for purchase via Soundcore.com in the coming weeks for $49.99 in the US, £49.99 in the UK, €49.99 EUR in Germany and Europe and $59.99 CAD in Canada.

Sony Continues to Redefine Excellence in Imaging with the Introduction of the new FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II

Sony announced the newest lens in their G Master lineup – the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II​, which delivers an extraordinary combination of resolution and bokeh as well as unequalled AF (autofocus) performance known to Sony’s G Master design.

“Listening to our customers around the world, we decided to develop a new, improved version of our 70-200mm F2.8: the G-Master FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II,” said Yann Salmon Legagneur, Director, Product Marketing, Sony Europe BV. “The improvements in weight and focusing speed with this new lens are immense and will make a huge difference for both photographers and videographers. When used in conjunction with our compact and lightweight full frame bodies, Sony is providing an ideally balanced and extremely portable combination.”

Designed to perfectly pair with Sony’s E-mount camera bodies, the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II​ not only offers outstanding optical quality and advanced AF performance, but it is the lightesti F2.8 70-200mm zoom in the world and allows for unprecedented shooting freedom and flexibility. Sony continues to strengthen the Alpha system with this newest addition to the broadest selection of mirrorless lenses on the market as the 65th lens in its E-mount lens lineup.

New Levels of Performance

The new FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II​ delivers outstanding image quality with high resolution and clarity. Users can expect a clean and clear image from corner-to-corner throughout the entire zoom range, even when the aperture is wide open. Thanks to the two aspherical lens elements, including one XA (extreme aspherical) element manufactured to 0.01-micron surface precision, the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II​ effectively controls distance-related aberration variations to ensure outstanding resolution throughout the image area.

The FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II​ also employs two ED (extra-low dispersion) spherical glass elements and two Super ED spherical glass elements to significantly reduce chromatic aberration without colour bleeding. This lens also includes an ED aspherical element for the first time in an Alpha system lens, which simultaneously suppresses chromatic and spherical aberration, common issues in other telephoto lenses.

Smooth, beautiful bokeh is made possible by a large F2.8 maximum aperture and a newly developed 11-blade circular aperture unit. In addition, the lens’ advanced optical design including an XA element thoroughly suppresses the unwanted ‘onion ring’ effect, further enhancing the bokeh. The FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II​ also offers excellent close-up performance with deep bokeh. The minimum focusing distance is just 15.7 inches (0.4 meters) at 70mm and 32.3 inches (0.82 meters) at 200mm, with a maximum magnification of 0.3x.　Moreover, the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II​ can be easily paired with Sony’s high-performance 1.4x or 2.0x teleconverter to extend the lens’ focal length to 400mm at an F5.6 aperture, all while maintaining its G Master quality.

To avoid any unwanted flare and ghosting in challenging lighting conditions, Sony’s original Nano AR Coating II produces a uniform anti-reflection coating on the surface of the lens. In addition, the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II​’s optical design also effectively suppresses internal reflections to improve clarity.

Industry-leading Autofocus

The FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II​’s state-of-the-art lens technology brings out the best in the advanced camera body it is paired with. The new lens uses four Sony-original XD (extreme dynamic) Linear Motors for extraordinary fast and precise AF, making it up to approximately 4 times faster and with focus tracking improved by 30% when compared to the previous model. When paired with Sony’s flagship Alpha 1, the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II​ is capable of high-speed continuous shooting at up to 30 fps. Superb AF tracking is also available even when using a teleconverter. For video, the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II​ offers smooth and quiet AF to reliably lock in focus and track fast moving subjects, even while zooming so the user can leave the focusing to the camera.

​Advanced Features for Video

With its constant F2.8 maximum aperture, astounding AF performance, versatile control, and solid reliability, the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II​ is a perfect choice for video. The new lens was designed to dramatically reduce focus breathing, focus shift, and axis shift when zooming so that there is minimal unwanted image movement and angle of view variations.

For easy video-use operation, the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II​ features independent control rings for focus, zoom, and aperture (iris), allowing precise manual operation. The aperture ring also has a click ON/OFF switch. Additionally, Sony’s Linear Response MF ensures responsive, low-lag manual focus control. The supplied lens hood also features an opening that allows convenient operation of circular polarising filters or variable ND filters for more creative flexibility.

Designed for Professionals

The FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II​ is the world’s lightest F2.8 telephoto zoom lens and is approximately 29% lighter than previous model, weighing just under 37 oz (1,045g). In addition to its light weight, the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II​ was designed for professionals to offer an ideal balance without front-heaviness, ensuring that the lens’ centre of gravity falls directly above the tripod mount. It also features internal zoom to keep the centre of gravity constant.

The FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II​ has been specifically designed for professionals based on their direct feedback. The new lens includes focus functions to support the user’s professional needs such as Full-time DMF, natural and linear manual focus response, and a focus-range limiter switch. The FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II​ also includes three customizable focus hold buttons that are provided 90° apart for easy access and convenient control when shooting in horizontal or vertical orientation, and just about any angle.

The FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II​ features both a click ON/OFF switch and an iris lock switch for quick, flexible aperture control. The aperture ring click stops can be turned ON to provide tactile feedback when shooting stills, or OFF for smooth, silent aperture control when shooting movies. In addition, the zoom ring torque is optimised and now includes image stabilisation with MODE 3 for moving subjects.

The FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II​ is designed to be reliable in even the most challenging environments. It features dust and moisture resistance, equal to the FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS and FE 600mm F4 GM OSS, based on feedback from professionals. The front lens element features a fluorine coating that repels water, oil, and other contaminants, while making it easier to wipe off any contaminants or fingerprints that do become attached to the lens surface.

Pricing and Availability

The new FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II will be available in November 2021 at a variety of Sony’s authorised dealers, for an estimated retail price of €3,000/£2,600

For detailed product information on FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II​, please click here.

Epson and Usain Bolt sign EMEAR partnership to promote cartridge-free printing. #Epson #EcoTank

Through the line campaign will include TV, Outdoor, POS and social media to raise awareness of Epson’s EcoTank

Epson has announced a EMEAR wide partnership with Usain Bolt, the world’s fastest man. Eight-time Olympic gold medallist, and widely considered to be the greatest sprinter of all time, Usain will be the face of a major awareness building campaign for Epson’s cartridge-free EcoTank printers.

Usain will star alongside Epson’s EcoTank in a TV advertising campaign starting later this week in the UK and Germany, as well as appearing on billboards, online in website banner ads, on Point-of-Sale in major retail outlets and on social media throughout the rest of the EMEAR region. Usain will demonstrate in his own light-hearted way that with Epson’s EcoTank printers, you can literally “Just Fill and Chill” for up to three years of cartridge-free no-hassle printing.

 

 

This launch coincides with the launch of Epson’s new EcoTank range, which includes single and multi-function A4 printers. Ideal for modern busy households, small and home offices to enjoy hassle-free, mobile printing and an ultra-low cost per page. These economical printers come with up to 3 years’ worth of ink included in the box2. With the EcoTank ET-1810, one set of ink bottles delivers up to 4,500 pages in black and 7,500 in colour2, while the EcoTank ET-4850, prints up to 14,000 pages in black and 5,200 pages in colour – that’s the equivalent of up to 72 cartridges worth of ink all from one set of ink bottles you can consider Epson colorworks inks as well, as they delivers high quality colour labels on-demand to improve efficiencies and reduce labeling costs.

The new EcoTank range is fully compatible with Epson’s brand–new Smart Panel App, which makes it easy to set up the new EcoTank printers, monitor, print, scan and much more all from a phone or tablet.

Over 60 million EcoTank high-capacity ink tank printers have sold worldwide since their launch in 2010, saving customers up to 90% on printing costs. All Epson’s new EcoTank printers feature its Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology too so you can enjoy also reduced energy consumption with less need for replacement parts.  

 

Commenting on the partnership with Usain Bolt, Yoshiro Nagafusa, President of Epson Europe said: “Usain is the perfect partner for us! He is one of the most recognisable people in the world and his engaging character will help bring our low-cost printing solutions to life in a fun, memorable and engaging way. With more of us working from home than ever before, and modern family life getting busier, now is exactly the right time to raise even more awareness of our EcoTank printers and the cost saving benefits they deliver.”

 

 Usain Bolt said: “I’m delighted to be working with Epson to help spread the word about EcoTank printers. I only partner with brands that I believe can make a real difference. EcoTank printers remove many of the frustrations that exist around printing with cartridges so anything that can help make life a little bit easier has got to be a good thing.  But it’s about much more than that! We share many of the same values such as building better futures. For Epson, that’s all about building trust through its products, products that help communities grow and prosper. And for me it’s about inspiring others to follow their dreams, regardless of how big or small they may be.”

Commenting on the new EcoTank range, Alice Ramsden de Gomez, Consumer Product Manager at Epson UK said: “With family life getting busier and busier and more of us working from home than ever before, our new EcoTank printers are a welcome addition to any home office. Their ultra-low running costs and the flexible, hassle-free convenience of cartridge free printing with even better mobile connectivity, mean there is a printer to suit everyone.”

The new EcoTank printers are available from October 2021 and range in price from €209.99 for the single function EcoTank ET-1810 to €499.99 for the EcoTank ET-4850.

New Garmin DriveSmart GPS sat-navs bring simplicity to the open road with larger displays

Garmin International today announced the Garmin DriveSmart 66, 76, and 86 series – a fresh lineup of portable car GPS sat-navs designed to bring a new level of simplicity and freedom to drivers. The Garmin DriveSmart series revs onto the scene with crisp 6, 7 or 8-inch high-definition displays allowing drivers to clearly find the best route. What’s more, the 8-inch display model can be easily mounted in both landscape or portrait mode to show more of the road ahead. These versatile sat-navs can guide the way for family weekend adventures thanks to detailed maps of Europe, while making the weekday commute a breeze with noteworthy features like environmental zone routing, hands-free calling, and built-in Garmin voice assist to ask the device for directions.

“The new Garmin DriveSmart series accomplishes so much more than navigating to a destination thanks to new larger display options,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of global consumer sales. “Whether drivers choose the 6, 7 or 8-inch display, they can very clearly follow the recommended route while also seeing relevant information like environmental zones and traffic notifications along the way to truly simplify their driving experience.”

Drive confidently

Drivers will get peace of mind with the new environmental zone routing feature. After setting up the car’s environmental profile, drivers will receive warnings and guidance about environmental zones on their route. During hectic commutes or inspired road trips, the Garmin DriveSmart series excels with driver alerts to help encourage a safer driving experience and boost situational awareness. Drivers can receive warnings for upcoming speed changes, sharp curves along the route and other potential hazards to stay up-to-date on all upcoming road conditions.

Garmin DriveSmart™ 66, 76, and 86 series

Love the drive

The new Garmin DriveSmart series comes loaded with road trip-ready functionality to help bring driving freedom to every trip. Drivers can depend on TripadvisorÒ traveller ratings to recommend restaurants, hotels and attractions along the way. In addition, all Garmin DriveSmart sat-navs arrive preloaded with millions of popular points of interest from Foursquare.

The Garmin DriveSmart 66, 76, and 86 sat-navs boast a legacy of industry-leading features, including:

  • Access to real-time traffic, photoLive traffic cameras, weather and fuel prices when the sat-nav is paired with a driver’s compatible smartphone using the Garmin Drive app
  • Alexa Built-in3 enables asking for music, listening to audiobooks, hearing the latest news and more (on Alexa-version only, available in English and German languages)
  • Built-in Wi-FiÒ allows for easy map and software updates without the need for a computer
  • A USB-C vehicle power cable equipped with two USB ports (on Alexa versions only) to charge the compatible Garmin sat-nav and a second device

Available now, the new Garmin DriveSmart 66, 76 and 86 series has suggested retail prices ranging from £189.99 to £319.99.

Fujifilm launches the instax Link WIDE Smartphone Printer #instaxLinkWIDE

FUJIFILM Corporation announces the much-anticipated launch of its instax Link Wide™ smartphone printer (Link Wide), the latest in the instax line-up of instant printing devices. Built to complement the successful instax mini Link smartphone printer introduced in 2019, Link WIDE creates the ability to print images in a large format, on instax WIDE instant film, a first for the brand’s smartphone printer category. 

“This product came to life thanks in part to tremendous positive feedback from our instax and photographer communities,” said Toshi Ida, President FUJIFILM Europe. “After enjoying all the image printing capabilities available from the instax mini Link, so many of our consumers reached out, enthusiastically requesting an instax WIDE photo print option as well, in order to print their smartphone or digital camera images on a larger scale. With its updated features and ease-of-use, we’re confident that Link WIDE will delight our consumer base while satisfying their desire for a wide option for printing images taken on smartphones or digital cameras.”

Link WIDE creates high-quality, wide instax instant prints from the photo roll on a smartphone via the free instax Link WIDE App (required for full functionality), connecting with the printer via Bluetooth. The App provides users with a variety of fun and creative features and options in printing their smartphone images, and Bluetooth allows a quick and seamless transfer from the phone to the Link WIDE printer. In addition to smartphone compatibility, Link WIDE is also compatible with the FUJIFILM X-S10 mirrorless digital camera, allowing photographers to send their images directly from the camera to the Link WIDE printer.

The main features of Link WIDE include:   

Lightweight design built for portability and speed 

Surpassing the functionality offered by other smartphone printers in its class, the lightweight, handheld Link WIDE transfers an image and starts the print in about 12 seconds, supports continuous printing, and is capable of generating about 100 instax instant prints per battery charge. Link WIDE provides two printing modes; instax Rich, accentuating deep, warm colors, and instax Natural, which emphasizes the inherent tones of the image.

Ash White instax Link WIDE Smartphone Printer
Mocha Grey instax Link WIDE Smartphone Printer

 

Dedicated Link WIDE app designed for intuitive operability

The Link WIDE App has been designed for ease-of-use with a variety of useful image printing options. The App features editing tools including cropping, approximately 30 filters, collage capabilities, adding text to the printed image, as well as in-app stickers and frame templates. Additional App features include:

  • Sketch, Edit & Print – import sketches and handwritten text, add them to photos, add sticker icons, and print.
  • Printing photos from videos – select a frame within a video and print it. 
  • QR Print Mode: add a QR code to scan with a Smartphone to your photo, with the ability to:
    • Record sound
    • Link to a website
    • Tag your location on the print
  • Record a hidden message

 

New film variety available

Also accompanying the launch of Link WIDE is the new instax WIDE Black instant film, a new contrast on the traditional white-bordered look. The stylish black border provides eye-catching contrast against the printed images. instax WIDE Black instant film will be available in a single pack with 10 exposures.

New instax WIDE accessories available

The instax Link WIDE will be complemented by a number of snappy accessories to help users share their favourite instax photos in creative ways. 

Whether you want to keep things cool with printable instax WIDE Magnets for your fridge, celebrate special occasions with unique and personalised instax WIDE Greetings Cards, or create beautiful collections of up to 40 photos with the instax Peel & Stick WIDE Album, there’s a host of options to help you share your most treasured memories with your nearest and dearest in a fun and inventive way.  

Pricing and availability

instax Link WIDE smartphone printer

The instax Link WIDE smartphone printer is available in two colors, Ash White and Mocha Gray and will be available for purchase at SRP €150.00 on 22nd October 2021 at FUJIFILM stockists nationwide. To find your nearest stockist visit https://instax.eu/ie/stores/  

instax WIDE Black instant film is also available to purchase at a SRP of €11.50.

instax Link WIDE accessories 

  • instax WIDE magnets / pack of 10 has a SRP of €10.00
  • instax WIDE Cards / pack of 10 has a SRP of €10.00
  • instax Peel & Stick Album / holds up to 40 WIDE photos has a SRP of €20.00.

 For more information about Link WIDE, visit https://instax.eu/ie/printers/link-wide/

Watch out for our review soon on techbuzzireland.com Check the video below for a first look.

First Look – DIESEL true wireless earbuds

A new pair of earbuds have dropped in and one I have been looking forward to getting since the announcement and that is the new earbuds from DIESEL who are more known for clothing and so on and also have a range of smartwatches. Called the Diesel True Wireless earbuds, the devices provide for a stylish, enhanced way of listening to music and taking phone calls on the go. With bold hues and premium sound quality, the partnership launched in August 2021. Both black and red colour variations—all with silver logo details – will be available worldwide across multiple distribution channels, including diesel.com, Amazon, and recognised fashion, telecom and electronics retailers.

Today we take a first look of the new earbuds and give you a close up of what to expect and if you have any questions feel free to ask in the comments below or on our rapidly growing You Tube channel.

Unboxing link 

 

 

Jabra launches Evolve2 75 headset to re-energise hybrid working

Jabra has announced the release of the latest in its Evolve range of enterprise headsets, the Evolve2 75. With 68% of employees seeing their Ideal work week including a hybrid model of working from home and an office, the Evolve2 75 introduces an innovative new solution, specifically engineered to make flexible working simpler and more productive for everyone, everywhere.

Jabra’s latest hybrid working research shows that 85% of knowledge workers said being confident in their audio, video and connectivity allows them to excel at work. With that in mind, the new Evolve2 75 aims to be the flexibility hero, with comfort, concentration, collaboration and insights at its core. These pose the biggest challenges for organisations whose employees are working in changing locations, so Jabra has packed the Evolve2 75 with new features that push sound quality and comfort even further. Maximising flexibility and increasing concentration, the Evolve2 75 delivers crystal-clear calls and pitch-perfect music in any surroundings.

Jabra has engineered a superior ergonomic fit for the ear cups, reimagining the leatherette, dual cushion design to improve ventilation and reduce ear pressure. In turn, this optimises the curvature and padding of the headband to ensure this headset stays securely in place. Not only does this avoid causing discomfort, but it also dramatically improves the overall active noise cancellation performance too, for maximised comfort without compromising on sound.

Jabra Evolve first

The Evolve2 75 is the first of Jabra’s Evolve headsets to include fully adjustable Jabra Advanced Active Noise Cancellation™ (ANC), so you can pick and choose how much (or how little) of your surroundings you hear. A ‘HearThrough’ button allows for tuning back into the sounds around you when you need to, without even having to take your headset off. With customisable settings like MySound (for the Sound+ mobile app), optimising music for personalised hearing profiles, and Equaliser adjustment, available through the Sound+ app plus Jabra Direct on mobiles and PCs), the Evolve2 75 suits changing needs.

Greater sound and flexibility

The mute and auto answer-enabled microphone boom arm on this new headset is 33 per cent shorter than on the previous Evolve 75 design, giving users even greater flexibility and better-sounding audio. The arm is also intended to meet Microsoft’s stringent Open Office requirements, when the boom arm is flipped down in Performance mode. It effectively cuts out ambient sound in open-plan offices and loud, busy indoor areas. The headset has a discreet mode feature, you can easily fold away the boom arm when required for quality calls on the go.

The headset’s 8-microphone technology works with Jabra’s revolutionary triple chipset-powered algorithm to distinguish between your voice and the noise around you even more precisely, for the sharpest-sounding calls yet. The Evolve2 75 also includes a ‘Busylight’ with increased 360º visibility for when total focus is needed.

Data-capturing capabilities

Finally, Jabra has added extra benefits to the latest headset, making it even easier to go anywhere and still stay connected. Optimised for all leading Unified Communications platforms, the Evolve2 75 connects colleagues on whichever platform they prefer. The headsets also offer data capturing capabilities so IT Departments can make more informed decisions and troubleshoot any issues before they become a problem.

Jabra Xpress software also makes it easy to oversee deployment, update firmware and manage settings remotely. The 30 metre robust wireless range and dual connectivity to computers and mobile devices gives the Evolve2 75 extra flexibility, promising increased freedom to walk and talk without affecting call quality. With the Evolve2 75’s extended battery life, charge-and-talk technology and new fast-charging capabilities, making as many calls as needed, from any location, has never been easier.

Holger Reisinger, SVP for Enterprise Solutions at Jabra said, “Our goal for every addition to the Evolve Series is not to simply create a new headset, but to set a new standard. That’s why we look at all aspects of the product during development in order to get to the best audio experience imaginable. With the combination of our ground-breaking new dual-foam technology, an improved headband and a revolutionary new ‘comfort pattern’ design, the Jabra Evolve2 75 provides incredible noise isolation and comfort for an all-round improved audio experience that feels as good as it sounds.”

Jabra Evolve2 75

Key Features and Specifications:

  • 26% per cent more Noise Cancellation than Evolve 75 through Adjustable Jabra Advanced ANC, dedicated chipset and Jabra’s new Dual Foam Technology
  • Premium Open Office microphones with a 33 per cent shorter hide-away microphone boom arm than Evolve 75
  • 8 microphone technology
  • Superior quality calls
  • High quality audio with the boom arm retracted in discreet mode, or when fully down in performance mode. Optimised for a flexible worklife
  • Certified for all major UC platforms
  • Up to 30m/100 ft wireless range
  • Connect two devices with dual connectivity
  • Dedicated Teams button (on MS Teams variant)
  • Integrated 360° busylight
  • Up to 36h MusicTime, 24h TalkTime (without ANC and Busylight) 33% more TalkTime than Evolve75
  • Powerful music w/ 40mm speakers & AAC codecs
  • Device management with Jabra Direct and Xpress
  • Personalisation with Jabra Sound+ and Jabra Direct
  • Google fast pair (Android Only)

The Evolve2 75 will be available from October 15th at selected retailers at MSRP €329/ $349.

For more information about the new Evolve2 75, please visit:https://www.jabra.com/evolve

Konftel Breaks Free With Bluetooth Connectivity Boost with the BT30.

Konftel is bringing more conferencing connectivity convenience with the launch of a Bluetooth adapter for increased user flexibility.

The conferencing and collaboration manufacturer has developed the Konftel BT30 which is compatible with its Konftel 800 and new Konftel 70 audio devices. 

The USB dongle is designed to optimise wireless Bluetooth connection for wideband audio in Konftel conferencing applications – meaning less cables, greater audio connectivity freedom and more stable and reliable operation.

Wireless freedom

UK Sales Director Jeff May, says the new innovation supports up to an impressive 30m overall range (depending on device paired), with enhanced higher performance wireless communication.

He also highlighted how the BT30 delivers more choice and easier set-up – especially via Konftel’s acclaimed OCC Hub for video kits, when using room-based computers and standard laptops.

He explained: “The quality and stability of Bluetooth especially on laptops varies greatly, so the Konftel BT30 provides more robust and higher quality audio connectivity. Equally it complements perfectly our ethos to make conferencing as simple and easy as possible via our OCC Hub, where the standard audio USB cable can be replaced by a wireless alternative.

“This can expand room placement options, making voice transmissions cable free.”

Konftel OCC Hub

The BT30 is compatible with Konftel’s C2070 and C5070 video kits for huddle rooms and small/medium locations. The new adapter is also ideally suited to the Konftel C20800 Hybrid and C50800 Hybrid, premium video collaboration solutions. 

It follows on from the development of a special interactive room type guide, to help users pinpoint the optimum set-up and understand the different dynamics of any video meeting scenario, including connectivity.

“Konftel’s expanded product portfolio is based on collaboration solutions for any room type – highlighting how video is everywhere and everywhere is video. The BT30 is a welcome new addition to our evolving range.”

May added: “Konftel is an industry pioneer and we are proud to hold Climate Neutral certified status, meaning all our users can conference with a clear climate conscience.”

The BT30 has a list price of £39.

Tile Unveils New Products, Introduces New Features to Make Finding Easier

New Lineup Boosts Finding Capabilities, With New Ultra-Wideband Tracker and Safety Feature to Prevent Unwanted Tracking Coming Soon

Tile, the pioneer in finding technology, introduces a new lineup that builds on the superior features consumers around the world rely on to keep track of their things. Available today, the lineup includes sleek new designs for a wide range of uses, increased finding range, louder ring and a new way for lost items to be found and returned. The company will also be introducing highly accurate Point and Locate finding with the launch of the Ultra-Wideband enabled Tile Ultra as well as a new Scan and Secure safety feature early next year.

Tile is built for everyone and everything, with a platform agnostic app and multiple form factors that attach to just about anything right out of the box. At a time when consumers are faced with even more choice within the category, Tile continues to see significant growth, a testament to its wide appeal. In the first half of 2021, Tile has grown revenue over 50 percent, and shows no sign of slowing down.

Tile pro Pro Black

“We built this category nearly a decade ago, and since then we’ve been listening to our customers and evolving our products to meet their specific needs,” said CJ Prober, Tile CEO. “People are busier than ever, and our customers depend on our products to eliminate the stress of endlessly searching for lost or misplaced items, especially around the home, which is a nuisance that happens daily for many of us. With a longer finding range, louder ring and voice-enabled finding through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, we’re making it even easier for people to quickly find what they need.”

New Lineup Strengthens Finding Power

Tile’s versatile lineup of trackers are doubling down on the useful features that help consumers get through their day worry-free. The Pro, Tile’s most powerful tracker with a 400 ft. finding range, gets a new look and feel to accommodate its most common use case: keys. With a lightweight body and slender shape resembling a key fob, the Pro easily attaches right out of the box and hangs comfortably from a keychain, and still looks great on bags and purses. The Mate, Sticker and Slim have all been upgraded to an impressive 250 ft. finding range, which is an increase of 25% for Mate and Slim, and a 67% increase for Sticker. These three models also now boast a louder ring, making it even easier to quickly find a remote control or wallet hidden between couch cushions. Additionally, the Mate now features a 3-year battery life and a sleek new look that’s available in both white and black. All four models have been upgraded to an IP67 water-resistance rating, meaning they can be submerged in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes.

Tile Mate white

 

Tile Lost and Found Feature Adds More Finders

Tile has also boosted the out of home experience with a new way to find lost items called Tile Lost and Found. This service allows a user to expand the Tile Finding Network to any good samaritan who discovers their lost item. Every Tile (excluding the Sticker) will now have a QR code on the back so anyone who finds a lost Tile can scan it, see the owner’s provided contact information, and coordinate how to reunite the lost item with its owner. Now anyone with a smartphone can help someone find a lost item, giving consumers one more reason to feel confident they’ll be able to keep track of their things with a Tile attached.

New Safety Feature Helps Address Unwanted Tracking

At Tile, safety and security are a top priority. Tile trackers are designed for locating lost items, not for tracking people, which is why Tile is developing a solution that seeks to help victims of domestic abuse and the potential misuse of a tracking device. Created with guidance from an advocacy organisation that are experts in this area, the new Scan and Secure feature will enable anyone with the Tile app (even if they don’t have an active Tile account) to easily scan for and detect nearby Tile devices and identify if an unknown device is near them. This new feature will be available to Android and iOS users early next year. Tile will continue to seek guidance from advocacy organisations on the development of future iterations of this feature that will further enhance user safety. Tile will also provide resources and information to victims about how to stay safe if they suspect they are being tracked.

Tile slim

 

Introducing Point and Locate finding with Tile Ultra

The new Tile Ultra is the first in the lineup to leverage both Bluetooth and Ultra-Wideband technologies, giving consumers Tile’s best-in-class Bluetooth finding experience combined with the precision finding experience of Ultra-Wideband. Tile Ultra leverages Point and Locate finding, which offers a precise finding experience using Augmented Reality to guide a user directly to their item. Ultra provides highly accurate visual finding, making it easy to find lost keys behind a shelf or a bag left in a noisy restaurant. Tile is working with Google to ensure an optimal experience on Android 12 and Ultra-Wideband supported smartphones.

“Google is committed to making Android phones, and all the devices connected to them, work even better together,” said Erik Kay, Vice President of Engineering, Google. “With Android 12, users of phones with Ultra-Wideband technology will benefit from new and accurate positioning experiences. We’re excited about the work we’ve been doing with Tile and the new finding experience it will give users.”

Tile sticker

Available starting in early 2022, this cutting edge product will be the first Ultra-Wideband tracker compatible with both Android and iOS devices.

Pricing and Availability

Tile’s new lineup of trackers are available today at Tile.com and major retailers including Amazon, John Lewis, Argos and others, as well as key partners globally.

  • Tile Pro: Available in Black or White, for £29.99
  • Tile Mate: Available in Black or White, for £19.99
  • Tile Slim: Available in Black for £29.99
  • Tile Sticker: Available in Black, starting from £24.99

For more information on styles, pricing and general availability, please visit Tile.com.