Groov-e, a leading UK tech brand, today adds Radio Curve to its portable radio collection.
The compact, sleek black alarm clock radio features a large, white LED display so users can easily see the time, control its functions and tune the FM radio. The preset function allows for quick access to 20 different stations and the integrated antenna improves signal quality for a high quality listening experience.
As well as being a perfect bedside table companion, Radio Curve has a generous 1200mAH rechargeable battery offering nine hours playback, or the option to power by USB-C (included) making it an ideal travel gadget or for use around the house and garden. Users simply recharge the radio using the USB-C cable provided, so no need to buy batteries.
Radio Curve’s alarm function gives users the choice to be woken up by a classic alarm sound or their favourite FM radio station. For those who struggle to jump straight out of bed, the nine-minute snooze function will be a welcomed feature.
RADIO CURVE Rechargeable Alarm Clock Radio
Radio Curve can also aid with sleep; the LED display has a dimmer function offering four different levels of brightness — off, low, medium and high so the light doesn’t interfere with sleep. Sleep mode also turns the radio off after a set amount of time (between 15 minutes and two hours) so users can drift off to their favourite late-night show without having to turn Radio Curve off.
Brits are going for over a month on average (5 weeks) without having a meaningful conversation with someone new, reveals new research into consumers’ habits and attitudes when wearing headphones, by sound and video solutions brand Jabra.
The research of 2,000 consumers in the UK found that on average, users are wearing headphones for 58 minutes per day, whether that’s going for a walk (47%), travelling on public transport (29%) or going to the shops (22%). 15% wear headphones every day for non-work purposes, rising to 30% of 16–24-year-olds who wear them every day.
When it comes to social interaction, 32% of us speak to new people less than we did before the first national lockdown in March 2020, with 20% feeling significantly less connected to others.
The research also revealed that 38% of people wear headphones to actively avoid talking to others, with women being more likely to do this than men (26% vs 18% respectively). 45% of the younger generation is also keen to avoid interaction, and Londoners live up to their reputation for being less talkative as 34% actively choose not to engage with others. And it works; nearly three quarters of people (74%) are deterred from talking to people who are wearing headphones. This would actually be a thing I do quite often aside from testing I would actively use headphones to avoid people..
Steve Evans, Managing Director of Consumer Solutions, EMEA at Jabra says, “For many of us, wearing headphones is part of every-day life, whether for work calls or entertainment such as listening to music when we’re on the move. But from time to time, it’s good to have a break and channel our focus on the real outside world. One of the things the last 18 months has taught us is that social interaction and the company of friends means everything. So, we are asking everyone to join us in going truly headphone free for one day, to take time to connect with friends and enjoy the sights and sounds around them. Your headphones will be right where you left them when you choose to come back.”
Professor Noreena Hertz, author of the The Lonely Century says, “As this research supports, we are in the midst of a crisis of disconnection that the pandemic has significantly amplified. But even before the pandemic struck, this was the lonely century – ensconced in our digital privacy bubbles, headphones on, heads in our phones all too often we actively distanced ourselves from those around us. With loneliness damaging not only our mental but also our physical health – loneliness is as bad for our health as smoking fifteen cigarettes a day – it’s essential that we commit to reconnect in person. This isn’t an onerous ask. Researchers have found that even just a thirty second exchange with a stranger can make us feel significantly less lonely and significantly more connected to those around us.”
As the growing flexibility to work and live from anywhere continues, being able to determine a listing’s wifi speed before booking is a must-have for digital nomads, remote workers, roadschoolers, traveling families, gamers, and creatives alike. This is a great idea and would be helpful if adopted in hotels and more as I am doing a staycation from next week for a few weeks and it would be nice to know what I am in for before I reach my destinations as hotel Wi-Fi can be dodgy but I do have some Airbnb stays booked too.
Guests want peace of mind that where they’re staying can support their connected needs — whether gaming and streaming on Twitch, Zooming with colleagues, or catching up with family on video chat, fast and stable internet is more important than ever.
While Hosts have been able to manually add wifi speeds to their listing pages for some time, we’re now providing an easy and efficient in-app solution to allow them to measure the wifi speed in their listing using the Airbnb app.
Hosts can test their listing’s connection speed right within the Airbnb app, and easily have their wifi speed information posted on their listing page, making their listings more appealing to guests looking for connected stays.
This feature uses M-Lab’s open source software to measure download speeds and we’ve begun rolling out in-app internet speed testing in the US and we will expand globally in the coming weeks. Hosts can learn more by visiting their Help Center.
Ireland is poised to introduce a strict gambling regulator that could transform the current state of play regarding all forms of gambling and related advertisements across the country. The new watchdog will prioritise public health and wellbeing and have extreme power, as stated by James Brown, the Minister of State for Justice. The regulator is expected to be in full operation by the end of 2021, employing 100 people to keep an eye on Irish companies and impose fines in instances of non-compliance.
The new watchdog may be unwelcome news to some gambling businesses – but not all of them. Operating in legal jurisdictions and prioritising player wellbeing will match the new branding of Entain, which has multiple gambling businesses in operation across the country,PartyCasino being one of their most recognised brands in the world. The changes may even work seamlessly with their new Advanced Responsibility and Care (ARC) strategy.
The story in detail
Ireland’s gambling laws and legislation have been outdated for a long time. Before an interim Act was passed early in 2021, the then-current laws were devised in 1931, with changes made in 1956. The industry was running on older rules that were not fit for purpose, especially considering the trend in online gambling and vast advertisement opportunities since their conception.
Another issue with the current system is that overseeing influences within the local gambling industry are fragmented. Multiple government departments and agencies are responsible for the different parts of regulation in the country. The creation of the new regulator will solve the outdatedness and the fragmented nature of the current state of play.
Will ads be banned in Ireland?
There is a possibility that gambling ads will be banned in Ireland as a result of pending changes. However, it may be more likely that an advert watershed is introduced, which is not currently the case. There have been growing concerns surrounding children witnessing scores of gaming ads each week due to no “lights-out” hours on these ads, especially as more children were being homeschooled over the last year.
Earlier this year, the Irish Labour Party tabled a Bill to ban all gambling ads on television as a way to prevent minors from witnessing these adverts. The Bill has been supported by Gaelic Players Association (GPA) and the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA). However, it is still unclear whether a blanket ban will be used or a watershed introduced. Mark Wall from the Labour Party has stressed that Ireland should not wait until the end of the year when a new regulator is created to ban these ads, suggesting that Ireland “cannot wait that long”.
These debated changes mirror what is happening across the Irish Sea, as the UK Gambling Commission wrestles with the same issues and the high prevalence of gambling companies partnering with professional sporting teams, notably as Premier League shirt sponsors.
Today, Dropbox is announcing that all of its data centre storage server power is covered by 100% renewable electricity.
Last year, Dropbox published its commitment to fighting global warming and reducing its carbon footprint through sustainability goals, that the company plans to accomplish by 2030.
As a company that runs on data centres, Dropbox recognises the impact that it has on global energy consumption – and today’s news means that means when you’re storing your data with Dropbox, you’re not leaving a carbon footprint.
The Dropbox Infrastructure team has worked hard to achieve this milestone through three focus areas: maintaining best-in-class power usage effectiveness, optimising overall power consumption, and sourcing more renewable energy.
Dropbox says
As a company that runs on data centers, we recognize the impact we have on global energy consumption, and we’re proud to announce that all of our data center storage server power is covered by 100% renewable electricity. This means when you’re storing your data with us, you’re not leaving a carbon footprint.
Our Infrastructure team has worked hard to achieve this milestone through three focus areas: maintaining best-in-class power usage effectiveness, optimizing
Edifier International, prominent designer and award-winning manufacturer of consumer audio electronics for both the lifestyle and multimedia markets announces the X3 TO-U earbuds.
The X3 To-U are the newest offering in the TWS range from Edifier. Featuring the latest Bluetooth v5.0, the Qualcomm chipset delivers a faster, more stable signal transmission and low input latency. This technology keeps interference to a minimum, even with a transmission distance of 10m. The low power consumption also provides 6 hours of playback, with an additional 18 hours using the sleek charging case before mains power is required.
The microphoneis guaranteed to deliver a clearer sound during calls, picking up the user’s voice accurately and ensuring high clarity audio transmission with richer details.
Having been fine-tuned by a professional team, the high-fidelity aptX audio decoding technology delivers CD-quality sound performance in every range. Deep bass and tri-frequency balance are achieved across all music genres.
One-step pairing assures fuss-free usage, meaning the earbuds automatically pair to each other and the last paired device for a faster connection when removed from the charging case. The touch control on each earbud also offers easy access to various functions, including play/pause, next/last song and answer/hang up on calls. The voice assistant can also be activated by triple tapping either earbud.
Ergonomically designed to be lightweight and compact, the X3 To-U brings maximum wearing comfort all day and comes with three different sizes of foam tip toprovide a snug fit in the ear cavity. The IP55 rating makes the earbuds water/rain and sweat resistant, ideal for a gym workout or outdoor activity.
The X3 To-U are available in stylish pink, blue or greyand are affordably priced at £39.99, making the earbuds extremely competitive with other leading brands.
Main Features:
Qualcomm aptX audio decoding delivers highly defined sound tuned by a professional acoustic team.
Bluetooth V5.0provides a better signal transmission for minimal interruptions.
Lower power consumption for 6 hours playback time and extra 18 hours with charge case.
Easy operation by touch control.
Ergonomic, compact design with IPX5 rating for comfort and long periods of wear.
One-Step Pairing for a faster connection.
The X3 To-U is available from Amazon at £39.99 in Pink or Blue
The e-commerce model has long been changed from graphic to live streaming, and the economic benefits brought by the live streaming operations have gradually left the traditional graphic behind. Now everyone can shoot their videos / live, so it is particularly important to choose a live light that can show the filming effect in place. And the popularity of the ring light follows the trend of the times, as it comes with the convenience of the public is also more popular.
Why the Ring Light?
➫ Ring lights are friendly to beginners who record video.
➫ Aring lightis cost-effective. More space-saving than other lighting kits used in photography, to meet the needs of different scenes, and a gimbal stand can provide a fixed phone, camera interface, to facilitate multi-angle portable shooting.
The ring light has a beauty light fill function. It can make people more photogenic, and a catchlightwill be reflected in the eyes. This certainly makes the eyes more attractive.
➫ The light in everyday life is sunlight, it will be scattered in all directions, while the ring light can be moved when using the position to provide ” even and flawless ” lighting, shooting different effects.
Why is the ring light rather than the panel light?
Panel lights can also be, but if the light source to achieve a large area, such as an 18-inch diameter circular panel, such a large area are plastered with lamp beads, the power and brightness will beextremely high, also relatively expensive. This is why a ring-shaped light is made to not only ensure the light-emitting area but also increase the lighting angle to ensure that the face is in the middle of the ring, then at all angles can be exposed to an equal amount of sufficient light without those unpleasant shadows.
Therefore, the ring light is greatly loved by many digital content creators.
How to buy and choose from so many styles of ring lights on the market?
First, from the ring diameter. For a large live broadcasting room, whole-body shots, and thus need a large ring light, it is recommended to directly choose the diameter of 18 inches and above the ring light. If it is in the room, or only shoot the upper body, the purchase of the diameter of the about 10-inch ring light is adequate.
Adjustable color temperature. The skin will look naturally soft in warm light, and it could makeyou feel relaxed and happy when chatting with the audience. If you want the space in warm but clearer or cleaner white, you may choose warm white mode. The color presentation of room is very important to viewing experience.If you want the clearest display of your product or look, then white light is the best choice.
Power supply method. USB direct power supply method is simple and fast, not affected by the scene.
Raise and lower the height. Adjustable height ring light, whether standing live or sitting live.
Heat Dissipation performance. Led in the work will send out a lot of heat, if not timely dissipate heat, too high a temperatures will greatly reduce the overall lifetime of the ring light.
Overall I would recommend Asnoty ring lightwith stand, which meets all the above basic functions which should be there. Recently their 10-inch ring light is on sale, if you are a content creator, it is worth trying this ring light.
Jabra today confirms that the Jabra PanaCast 20 is now shipping. Previously announced in April, the premium video conferencing device utilises cutting-edge technology to deliver the next generation of intelligent, secure and portable video collaboration. The plug-and-play PanaCast 20 camera offers a personal video conferencing experience, completely reinvented for today’s hybrid world.
As businesses over the world adjust to hybrid working styles, video is essential and traditional video tools are no longer fit for purpose. With the PanaCast 20 however, that clips to any monitor, businesses and employees can have total confidence that no matter what or where someone is presenting the quality will always be exceptional. Using advanced processors, powerful on-board AI and a premium 13-megapixel camera, the Jabra PanaCast 20 delivers a real-time 4K Ultra-HD image that’s sharp and crystal-clear, with virtually no latency.
AI powered video – in real time
Jabra’s AI-driven Intelligent Zoom automatically follows the user’s movements to intuitively adjust framing in real time. This ensures that the user is always in the centre of the frame while also allowing for more natural movement, making it feel like everyone is in the same room. The PanaCast 20 can adapt to almost any lighting. By using Intelligent Lighting Optimisation, Jabra analyses the environment and automatically adjusts the image to enhance video quality, including those situations where lighting is poor.
The PanaCast 20 also features Picture in Picture mode – a technology that uses powerful Edge AI processing to combine two real-time video streams into one. It displays the second stream in an integrated window with the main image. This mode works with any UC platform, even if dual-stream devices aren’t supported.
Collaborate in confidence
Remote working has meant that collaboration had to be reinvented, but it’s also produced new security challenges with many employees leaving businesses open to threats. With the PanaCast 20, security isn’t an issue. The intelligent personal camera is engineered for data security because the on-board AI processor drives all the features of the device. As a result, all actions take place on the device itself, significantly reducing the risk of a data breach. At the same time, the PanaCast 20 also features an integrated privacy cover that can be positioned over the camera lens, giving the user total control over when they want to be seen – or not.
Jabra PanaCast 20
The Jabra PanaCast 20 works with all leading UC platform forms and users of the personal camera will also be able to partner the device with other Jabra audio solutions such as the Jabra Evolve2 65 headphones and Speak 750. Regular software updates will also be available throughout the product lifespan ensuring maximum ROI.
Aurangzeb Khan, Senior Vice President of Intelligent Vision Systems at Jabrasaid: “Over the last year and half, the world has had to adapt to hybrid working styles and video conferencing has been the glue that holds teams together. Getting it right is essential when it comes to everything from building professional relationships to staying productive. Quality should never be compromised no matter where you are and this is why we have created the Jabra PanaCast 20. The product is designed to set a new standard when it comes to video collaboration and help to overcome the video fatigue that we’ve all succumbed to over the last 18 months.”
Key features and specifications:
– Premium AI-powered 4K Ultra-HD video quality
– AI-driven Intelligent Zoom keeps you centre stage
– Intelligent Lighting Optimisation for a picture-perfect image, wherever you work
– Picture-in-Picture for even more impactful presentations
– Powerful on-board AI processor improves data security
– Integrated privacy cover guarantees privacy when you need it
– Built for flexible working. Clips to any monitor. Comes with protective case
– Truly plug-and-play. Works seamlessly with all leading UC platforms
Jabra PanaCast 20: Now available in Black, MSRP: £232
Sony today announced the first Alpha series interchangeable lens vlog camera, the new ZV-E10. Designed from the ground up for vlogging and vloggers, the new camera combines Sony’s advanced imaging technology with extensive usability and a custom-built feature set that is optimised for video creators.
At its core, the ZV-E10 features a 24.2-megapixel (approx. effective) APS-C Exmor™ CMOS sensor and BIONZ X image processing engine to produce high-quality imagery with high-sensitivity, detailed texture depiction and beautiful natural bokeh. Additionally, the ZV-E10 includes the acclaimed vlogging-specific features favored in the popular ZV-1 digital camera including “Background Defocus that can smoothly switch between a blurred (bokeh) and sharp background, as well as the “Product Showcase Setting”mode that allows the camera to automatically shift focus from the subject’s face to an object being highlighted.
“With the introduction of Sony’s first interchangeable lens vlog camera, the ZV-E10, we are excited to meet the growing needs of today’s creators,” said Yann Salmon Legagneur, Director of Product Marketing, Digital Imaging, Sony Europe. “The new ZV-E10 pairs the versatility and excellent image quality of a large-sensor interchangeable lens camera with user-friendly features that are specifically designed for vlogging, making it an ideal tool for video creators looking to transition to a more advanced set up.”
The ZV-E10 features a video-first design in a lightweight form factor (approx. 12 oz. / 343g and includes the popular side-opening Vari-angle LCD Screen that allows creators to connect external mics on top of the camera. This simplifies setup while still allowing users to see the screen in selfie shooting mode and from high and low angles.
In addition to the screen, the ZV-E10 includes several other easy-to-use functions that are specifically designed for vlogging, including a new mode button located on the top of the camera that allows creators to easily change between Still/Movie/Slow and Quick modes with just one touch.
The new camera also includes advanced video features such as 4K (QFHD: 3840 x 2160) video shooting and Slow Motion with high picture quality (FHD 120p) Electronic image stabilisation with Active Mode is also available and delivers stable video recording even while walking and shooting hand-held. Further, the ZV-E10’s advanced AF (autofocus) technology provides fast, precise AF with excellent tracking performance, as well as high quality audio for clear sound recording.
Sony Vlog Challenge Contest
Together with this announcement, Sony will host their second Sony Vlog Challenge Contest that encourages entrants to create a vlog that highlights something that they are the most passionate and enthusiastic about. The entry period is July 27 – September 27, 2021 and is open to video creators in Europe. See contest official rules here
Creative Versatility
An Interchangeable Lens Camera for Expanded Creative Expression
The ZV-E10 allows the user to expand their creative expression by utilising the ideal lens for each individual scene they want to shoot. The wide variety of compatible lenses in Sony’s E-mount lens lineup lets the user choose the perfect lens based on their creative vision.
Advanced Autofocus
Sony’s industry-leading AF technology enables the user to leave focusing to the camera so that they can concentrate on composing their shot. The ZV-E10 includes Fast Hybrid AF and Real-time Eye AF for video[vi] with Real-time Tracking[vii] that allows the camera to keep track of the subject’s face and eyes for fast and precise autofocusing even while recording on-the-go and in challenging environments. The user can also customise the camera’s AF settings, such as AF Transition Speed and AF Subject Shift Sensitivity, to choose the rate at which the camera shifts from one point to another according to their creative preferences.
Additionally, the ZV-E10’s Touch Focus function allows the user to intuitively set the focus position by simply touching the screen. With one tap, the user can instantly shift the focus position from one subject to another – almost anywhere in the frame. This is available in both still and video modes.
High Quality Audio
Sony’s leading technology, thanks to its internal Directional 3-Capsule Mic, enables the ZV-E10 to capture crystal clear sound recordings that accurately capture the speaker’s voice and the supplied wind screen to greatly reduce wind noise. For expanded audio options, the ZV-E10 includes a Digital audio interface via Multi Interface (MI) Shoe and a mic jack to connect an external mic. The inclusion of a headphone jack allows the user to connect headphones to accurately monitor sound recordings. Audio output timing can also be set for Live or Lip Sync.
Putting the Subject First
When shooting in different settings with dramatic changes in light, the user can rest assured that the ZV-E10 will automatically correct the exposure, using an original Face Priority AE (autoexposure) algorithm capable of rapid AE transitions, so that the subject’s face is not over or under exposed. This allows the camera to detect the subject’s face and adjusts the exposure to ensure that the face is depicted at optimal brightness, even when selfie-shooting in scenes with extreme changes in lighting, and even if the subject’s face turns away momentarily from the camera. In addition, the camera features the same advanced colour science from the popular ZV-1 to optimise skin tones for any subject in both still and video modes.
Cutting-Edge Video Features:
Internal 4K movie recording through full pixel readout without pixel binning
High bit rate XAVC S™ codec at 100Mbps when recording 4K
Users can comfortably operate the new ZV-E10 thanks to its easy-to-hold body grip and large MOVIE button that is conveniently located on top of the camera. When paired with the optional Shooting Grip with Wireless Remote Commander (GP-VPT2BT, sold separately), one-handed shooting is simplified with easy to access zoom, record and a customisable button. A recording lamp (tally light) is also provided on the front face of the body for an at-a-glance indication of recording status.
The ZV-E10 features long battery performance with enough power to capture up to 125 minutes or 440 images on a full charge so the user can record for long periods without worry. When shooting indoors, AC power supplies like the optional AC-PW20AM can supply power, so the user can continue to record without worrying about battery consumption. Power can also be supplied through a USB Type-C® connector, allowing external batteries to power the camera for extended battery life when shooting on the go. To conserve the camera’s battery, the ZV-E10’s Vari-angle LCD Screen allows the user to put the camera into Power save mode by closing it and instantly turn the camera on by opening the panel.
Stay Connected
Livestreaming
The ZV-E10 can also be used as a high-quality webcam or live streaming camera by simply connecting it to a PC or smartphone for increased mobility while streaming with no additional software needed. The feature allows the user to take advantage of the ZV-E10’s outstanding image quality and crystal-clear audio as well Face Priority AE and Soft Skin Effect while livestreaming or on video calls. The ZV-E10 supports standards used for USB cameras like UVC (USB Video Class) / UAC (USB Audio Class). The ZV-E10 also allows users to connect to a power supply via USB cable while livestreaming for longer usage. For added convenience, the user can assign this function to a custom button to start streaming instantly.
Easy File Data and Transfers
Using Sony’s Imaging Edge Mobile app, users can transfer selected images and video files to a mobile device via Wi-Fi. This also allows the user to transfer RAW image files. After the camera has been paired to the Imaging Edge Mobile app, the files’ location data can be acquired from the mobile device and recorded. Users can transfer files from an SD card in the camera to a smartphone (mobile device) via Bluetooth even if the camera is powered OFF.
Pricing and Availability
The new ZV-E10 will be available later in August 2021 at a variety of Sony’s authorised dealers, for an estimated retail price of £680/€750
A new kit featuring the ZV-E10 camera and E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS power zoom lens will also be available later in August 2021 and will be sold for an estimated retail price of £770/€850 at a variety of Sony’s authorised dealers throughout Europe.
For detailed product information on the ZV-E10 can be found here.
More information on the Sony Vlog Challenge Contest can be found here.
