Category: Tech News

URBANISTA LOS ANGELES – THE WORLD’S FIRST SELF-CHARGING HEADPHONES ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER

Urbanista, the Swedish lifestyle audio brand, are pleased to announce that the world’s first self-charging solar powered, wireless active noise cancelling headphones, Urbanista Los Angeles, are now available for pre-order at www.urbanista.com/losangeles in Midnight Black and previously unannounced new colourway; Sand Gold. 

Urbanista Los Angeles brings a rare leap in headphone technology innovation to the market with a product that is designed to revolutionise your listening experience. With Urbanista Los Angeles, for the first time ever, you can experience virtually unlimited playtime with solar charging. Los Angeles never stops charging when exposed to light, both outdoors and indoors, providing a nonstop audio experience.

Enhance Your Experience with the Urbanista Mobile App 

To allow customers to get the most out of their product experience with Los Angeles, Urbanista are set to launch their mobile companion app. The app will provide information on how to get the most out of the product’s playtime, including visual indications of solar charge levels and usage. Available for both iOS and Android users, the app will also allow the users to customise the headphones controls, and will later become available for other products in the Urbanista range. 

Urbanista Los Angeles
Urbanista Los Angeles
Urbanista Los Angeles

Anders Andreen, CEO, comments: “We’re really excited to announce the pre-order of Urbanista Los Angeles. The response to the launch earlier this spring has been nothing short of amazing, it’s obvious that this kind of headphone technology is a welcome shift in the industry. It has also been an important step forward for us to launch our Urbanista mobile companion app. The app will be available when the product ships and will really enhance the innovative features of Los Angeles, making the interaction with the self charging element effortless and engaging. We also have some impressive features in development, which we will look to launch in the near future.”

Priced at GBP 169 / SEK 1999 / EUR 199 / USD 199 / NOK 1999 / DKK 1499 MSRP, Los Angeles is available in two stylish colours: Midnight Black and Sand Gold.

Urbanista Los Angeles is now available for pre-order at www.urbanista.com/losangeles

Watch the full Urbanista Los Angeles “A New Dawn” campaign film and enter the dawn of a new era of solar powered headphones: 

Urbanista Los Angeles Key Features

  • Virtually infinite playtime
  • Always charging when exposed to light, both outdoors and indoors
  • 80 hours of battery reserve
  • Hybrid active noise cancelling
  • Ambient sound mode
  • On-ear detection
  • USB type-C charging
  • Bluetooth 5.0
  • Siri and Google Assistant
  • Compatible with iOS, Android and Windows
  • Urbanista Mobile App Compatible
  • Available in Midnight Black (Black) and Sand Gold (Gold) 

Sennheiser introduces new CX True Wireless

Sennheiser’s new CX True Wireless earphones stand out by delivering sound quality that’s a class above, thanks to the audio specialist’s proprietary TrueResponse transducer which is designed and manufactured at the company’s headquarters in Germany. Developed for Sennheiser’s premium earphones, this bespoke acoustic system delivers high-fidelity stereo sound with deep basses, natural mids and clear, detailed treble. The Sennheiser Smart Control App and built-in EQ allow for custom tailoring of the listening experience, whether notching up the intensity of music with the Bass Boost preset, relaxing with a podcast, or enhancing audio for a phone call. Bluetooth 5.2 compatibility and SBC, AAC and aptX audio codec support ensure brilliant wireless sound and effortless management of Bluetooth connections via the Smart Control app.

Sennheiser’s new CX True Wireless earphones offer an outstanding audio experience, 9 hours of battery life and ease of use at an affordable price point

“The CX True Wireless delivers truly superior sound at an accessible price point,” said Anton Zgurskiy, Product Manager at Sennheiser. “Featuring state-of-the-art technology and offering proven ergonomics, the earbuds have been developed according to user comfort studies. They also offer an outstanding personal audio experience that anyone can enjoy anywhere, every day.”

Experience all-day entertainment in total comfort
With 9 hours of battery life and up to 27 hours available when charging on-the-go with the supplied case, the CX True Wireless will keep listeners productive or entertained throughout the day – with all-day comfort to match. Stylish, minimalist, and perfectly balanced, the ergonomics of the earbuds were developed according to user comfort studies. For a perfect fit in the ear canal that keeps the earbuds securely in place and effectively attenuates outside noise, ear adapters are provided in four sizes. The earphones’ IPX4-rated splash resistance offers additional peace of mind.

A smarter, more connected user experience
The CX True Wireless features an intuitive touch interface. Via a firmware update, the user can make the touch controls customisable, letting the listener define their preferred way of controlling audio, calls or accessing voice assistants such as Google Assistant or Siri. The charging case is similarly intuitive, with the earbuds automatically powering on when taken out of the case and powering down to save energy when replaced.

The CX True Wireless offers effortless ease of use with intuitive, customizable touch controls

Using dual microphones on each earphone for better voice pick-up, the CX True Wireless optimises speech for calls and voice assistant access, even when using a single earbud. A convenient ‘role switching’ feature allows either earbud to be used on its own for added versatility. The Sidetone feature, which makes phone calls more comfortable by letting the user hear their own voice during calls, is adjustable via a slider setting in the Smart Control app.

The CX True Wireless will be available in matte black or matte white from 8th July for £119.99 / €129 (RRP).

Cliffs of Moher Develops New Early Booking System #CliffsOfMoher #Tourism #Tech

A fully integrated ticketing, booking and capacity management system is being introduced at the Cliffs of Moher to further enhance the overall visitor experience for the 1.6 million annual visitors to Ireland’s most popular natural attraction.

Clare County Council has engaged Vivaticket to roll out the Visitor Attraction Management System (VAMS) which will enable individuals and group tours to secure their visit and experience at an available time via a booking portal allowing for improved visitor flow and a better visitor spread.  The new technology also offers a range of other features aimed at delivering economic and social benefits for the wider Clare tourism sector.

Established in 1999, Vivaticket is a leading global provider of integrated ticketing software solutions to the leisure and entertainment, sport, culture and tradeshow industries.  The company has over 3000 clients worldwide, including FC Barcelona, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, the Louvre Museum in Paris, and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi.

“We are pleased to appoint Vivaticket in helping us deliver our promise of ensuring the first interaction the public has with the Cliffs of Moher is a warm welcome rather than a focus on a monetary transaction,” explained Leonard Cleary, Director of Service, Rural Development and Tourism, Clare County Council.

Bobby Kerr, Chairperson of the Board of the Cliffs of Moher Centre Ltd. added, “It’s important we invest in digitalisation so that the visitor can get the most out of their visit.  Embracing new technology also supports us in our mission to deliver a world class visitor experience that manages demand and delivers back to the wider tourism sector in County Clare.”

“The VAMS encompasses the customer journey before, during and after arrival,” stated Geraldine Enright, Director of the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience.  “Our aim to is have one fully integrated system that captures and reports on all visitor engagement with the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience via the online ticketing platform, and onsite to make it easier to manage demand and capacity, deploying user-friendly, engaging, informative content to users.”

“This critical investment is commitment to continued development of the services provided and will allow for a range of new products to be brought to the market including bespoke nature experiences with knowledgeable guides, authentic multi-attraction experiences, accommodation bundling, local inspired outdoor dining offerings, Co. Clare produced gifts all tailored to the emerging post pandemic market,” concluded Ms. Enright.

The VAMS is scheduled to go live this summer and coincides with the development of a sustainable long-term masterplan for the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience.   Clare County Council is working, with a multi-disciplinary consultancy team led by Haley Sharpe Design, to prepare the Cliffs of Moher Strategy 2040.

The Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience is a signature discovery point on Fáilte Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, a main Geosite of the Burren & Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Geopark, a Special Protected Area for Birds and Wildlife and is a wholly-owned tourism asset of Clare County Council.  Visit www.cliffsofmoher.ie for more details.

email scam threatens to expose you with porn and seeks bitcoin. #Scams #Porn #Bitcoin #Sextortion

With the latest HSE cyberattack we have been warned that scams are most likely going to get worse and they have already started, We we be taking a closer look at that later plus the more common ones with couriers as I have just finished up on a series of such that takes a closer look and why this is happening and how to spot them straight away.

This scam is a new one on me though and rather worrying, we have seen this before but personally I have not got it until now and this was used in other instances to try get money from people,  This time around like the HSE attack they are seeking bitcoin for payment and a hefty sum of money but is there any guarantee if you did pay it you would be fine afterwards, the answer is simply NO.  This email is simply called sextortion or blackmail however it does not give you any option to respond to it or pay and after checking the bitcoin abuse database this does seem to be relatively new and the main thing to keep note of here is just ignore this and block the source and hand over nothing if you get anything like it and report to the Garda. Nothing has happened here in this case with all the options given to me. Furthermore evidence of this being a scam is the amount of spelling errors in the email which is pasted below.

email sample of sextortion blackmail and seeks bitcoin

Hi, stranger!

I hacked your device, because I sent you this message from your account.
If you have already changed your password, my malware will be intercepts it every time.

You may not know me, and you are most likely wondering why you are receiving this email, right?
In fact, I posted a malicious program on adults (pornography) of some websites, and you know that you visited these websites to enjoy
(you know what I mean).

While you were watching video clips,
my trojan started working as a RDP (remote desktop) with a keylogger that gave me access to your screen as well as a webcam.

Immediately after this, my program gathered all your contacts from messenger, social networks, and also by e-mail.

What I’ve done?
I made a double screen video.
The first part shows the video you watched (you have good taste, yes … but strange for me and other normal people),
and the second part shows the recording of your webcam.

What should you do?

Well, I think $900 (USD dollars) is a fair price for our little secret.
You will make a bitcoin payment (if you don’t know, look for “how to buy bitcoins” on Google).

BTC Address: 122F3j5EfUKnuKjFY54pCE43C793eVPSTY
(This is CASE sensitive, please copy and paste it)

Remarks:
You have 2 days (48 hours) to pay. (I have a special code, and at the moment I know that you have read this email).

If I don’t get bitcoins, I will send your video to all your contacts, including family members, colleagues, etc.
However, if I am paid, I will immediately destroy the video, and my trojan will be destruct someself.

If you want to get proof, answer “Yes!” and resend this letter to youself.
And I will definitely send your video to your any 19 contacts.

This is a non-negotiable offer, so please do not waste my personal and other people’s time by replying to this email.

Bye!

Pinergy and climote partner to market smart new immersion controller #Pinergy #Climote

Pinergy, the smart energy supplier delivering clean electricity has today announced an energy efficient partnership initiative with climote, one of Europe’s leading brands in the home energy technology sector.  The partnership will see the soon-to-be-launched climote Smart Immersion Controller available as part of a ‘Pinergy Lifestyle H2O’ plan supporting the sustainable energy needs of families with smart meters.
The Pinergy Lifestyle H2O plan enables Pinergy’s customers to avail of an attractive discount unit rate of 5c per kilowatt-hour (kWh) between 4am and 7am, when using electricity to heat the water in their immersion tank. This plan is both more affordable and environmentally friendly than many existing carbon-based alternatives in the market as it fully utilises Pinergy’s 100% renewable energy supply.
Commenting on this latest innovation partnership for Pinergy, Enda Gunnell, chief executive at Pinergy said: “At Pinergy, we are driven by leveraging smart technology, deep partnerships and a passion for empowering everyone to play their role in creating a sustainable energy future.  The introduction of our Pinergy Lifestyle H2O plan and its integration to the new climote Smart Immersion Controller is another game changer for consumers looking for a better and more carbon friendly way to heat water.”
The new climote Smart Immersion Controller replaces the traditional sink/bath switch with a more sophisticated wall-mounted controller that is linked to sensors placed on the water tank. The product, which can be fully installed in less than 90 minutes, visually displays how much usable hot water is in your tank, allowing you to boost supply at the touch of a button and easily manage the clock settings to avail of the most competitive electricity rates over a 24-hour period.  The climote Smart Immersion Controller can also be operated via the climote Smart Immersion App, so you can view and boost your hot water from anywhere and at any time.
Eamon Conway, CEO at climote said: “Hot water heating typically represents 20% of our home energy usage, generated mostly from a fossil fuel source such as an oil or gas boiler. From our research many customers highlighted that they would like to contribute to a clean energy future but are unsure where to start. Teaming up with Pinergy with this new H20 tariff means that consumers can now heat their hot water with renewable electricity, allowing them to both reduce energy usage and to get started on their decarbonisation journey.”
A smarter way to heat water – ​​​Pinergy and climote partner to market smart new immersion controller ​​(From left to right) Enda Gunnell, CEO at Pinergy pictured here alongside Eamon Conway, Managing Director of climote and Irish comedian, Colm O’Regan. Pinergy has announced its partnership with climote, one of Europe’s leading brands in the home energy technology sector to provide Smart Immersion Controllers as part of a ‘Pinergy Lifestyle H2O’ plan supporting the sustainable energy needs of families with smart meters.
Earlier this year, Pinergy became the first energy supplier in Ireland to launch a set of discounted energy plans for homes with smart meters installed, under its Pinergy Lifestyle brand.  The Lifestyle bill pay plans include a “Work from Home” plan, a “Family Time” plan and a “Drive Time” plan for those families looking to charge their electric vehicles (EVs) overnight.
Pinergy has also recently partnered with other forward-thinking businesses including Ohme, a specialist provider of innovative smart charging technology for electric vehicles, Synoptic, an advisory firm for telecoms, technology and Internet infrastructure and eLight, Ireland’s leading Light as a Service (LaaS) provider.
Pinergy has collaborated with Irish comedian Colm O’Regan to create an upcoming selection of short videos which explain and outline the benefits of the climote Smart Immersion Controller as well as the launch of the Pinergy and climote partnership.  For further information on Pinergy Lifestyle and the new climote Smart Immersion Controller, you can also visit: https://pinergy.ie/home-electricity/lifestyle-landing-page-h20-time/

BenQ Launches Faster 1ms MPRT 165Hz Gaming Monitor #BenQ #Gaming

BenQ, a global leader in display technology and solutions, is launching the latest models in its MOBIUZ gaming display series; the EX2510S and EX2710S. Both are perfect for competitive gaming, such as SimRacing and EgoShooters as well as enhancing story-driven games for a smoother and more immersive experience. 

With an improved refresh rate from 144Hz to 165Hz, the new EX2510S/EX2710S puts an end to blurriness, delay and digital artifacts. This new gaming monitors are bursting with impressive features that will make gamers’ heart beat faster, such as the lightning-fast 1ms Moving Picture Response Time (MPRT), 99% sRGB IPS panel display for a balanced and accurate gaming picture and FreeSyncTM, Premium for a smooth gaming experience with annoying vibrations. BenQ’s HDRi technology further optimises colours and contrasts to create an unbeatably immersive experience that leaves gamers on the edge of seats.

The Light Tuner also allows you to choose from 20 colour settings, so whether you play FPS or RPG you can create the perfect gaming environment for you. Add to that Colour Vibrance and Black eQualizer technology which allows you to see your targets in any setting. So, whether your enemies choose to hide in the shadows or in the woods, these features will make visible against any background without overexposing the bright areas. 

The built-in treVolo sound system creates an unforgettable, immersive atmosphere for players absorbed in the gaming action. This helps to provide an accurate perception of other players’ whereabouts at all times with detailed audio, making the EX2510S/EX2710S the perfect choice for epic adventures, action thrills, and heart-raising racing. 

Hit the ground running and dive into your gaming world with Quick OSD and Scenario Mapping features. The Quick OSD allows you to set up and switch to your frequently used game settings quickly. When you plug into your game console, Scenario Mapping self-adjusts to the current video input signal and loads your personalised game settings. You can access different game scenario quickly by switching the input without wasting time on readjusting settings. 

Key Features

  • 99% sRGB IPS panel with HDRi, FreeSyncTM, Premium, 1ms MPRT, and 165Hz for utmost smooth gameplay 
  • Immersive gameplay on the Full HD 25” or 27” screen
  • Two speakers powered by treVolo for audio immersion 
  • New Quick OSD and Scenario Mapping to dive into the game right away
  • Multiple ports offering access to all kinds of devices
  • Viewing flexibility with the height adjustment stand
  • BenQ proprietary eye-care technology for viewing comfort 

Twelve South introduces the ActionSleeve 2 armband for Apple Watch

Twelve South, an innovative Apple accessories designer, today introduces the ActionSleeve 2, a fabric armband that makes working out with the Apple Watch even better by giving users the option to wear it wherever it’s most comfortable, not just the wrist.

The Apple Watch is the most advanced health & fitness device ever, but the wrist is not always the perfect place to wear it. Sports like kickboxing, weightlifting and crossfit training often require protective sports gear and full wrist mobility that can rule out the use of Apple Watch on the wrist. The ActionSleeve 2 enables users to position the Apple Watch on the upper arm or bicep where it’s still in view and controllable.
When placed higher on the arm, ActionSleeve 2 ensures that the sensors on the Apple Watch remain in close contact with the body so that users can continue to track their activity via apps such as Apple Fitness+. Comfortable to wear, the ActionSleeve 2 is made from a hand-washable non-allergenic material that is soft against the skin. Extra fabric is placed beneath the hardware to eliminate any rubbing or pinching.
Twelve South Action sleeve 2 for Apple Watch
Compatible with Apple Watch Series 4,5 and 6, the ActionSleeve 2 has a protective frame which helps shield the watch from accidental bumps and scratches. The screen, crown and button remain fully accessible and functional at all times. ActionSleeve 2 gives users a whole new way to utilise the Apple Watch, beyond the wrist. Whether cycling, playing golf, doing yoga or weights, users will be able to move more naturally without the Apple Watch getting in the way of their workout.
The ActionSleeve 2 is available now for £34.99 from Amazon.co.uk. It is available for both the 40mm (fitting arms up to 15in) and 44mm (fitting arms up to 17in) Apple Watches.

New AR glasses allow Yara Marine Technologies to provide remote service and training. #Yara #AR

Augmented reality (AR) provides interactive access to vessel environments, like a ship’s engine room. With limited vessel access during COVID-19, Yara Marine Technologies implemented AR technology for virtual vessel access.

“We have been experimenting with AR glasses for some time. When the pandemic stopped our service engineers from boarding vessels, we had the alternative ready. With AR technology we have the visual field of the ship’s crew members on our monitors. While talking to the crew we can make markings, draw, and add text to the various engine parts they are looking at. This is useful when giving instructions and a very efficient way of training. It allows us to offer the best expertise available to every one of our clients across the globe, at any time, thereby increasing the quality and responsiveness of our services, said Aleksander Askeland, CSO at Yara Marine Technologies.

AR creates a wide range of new business opportunities and has the potential to revolutionise many work processes. Yara Marine Technologies is now seizing the potential by using AR glasses to provide remote service and training to customers.

Continuous development

AR glasses are evolving fast with many different providers and functionalities to choose from. While this broadens the scope for how the technology may be employed, testing and development are required in order to identify potential challenges and to continuously optimise usage.

AR glases on monitor

– We recently completed a successful test run with our engineers in Shanghai using AR glasses to provide crew training in Japan. They tested a range of different functionalities with great results, such as the ability to draw instructions in the visual field of the crew being trained. There were some challenges with internet connectivity in the deepest parts of the vessel, especially in the engine room, which acted as a Faraday cage. However, these issues are now resolved as we continuously innovate and improve the system, said Jesper Hellström, Head of Research and Development at Yara Marine Technologies.

Using AR to reduce costs and establish greener business practices

The use of AR glasses comes with several benefits since it removes the reliance on extensive travelling. It also reduces costs, in terms of both time and expenses, and leaves a smaller carbon footprint.

– AR glasses are digital tools that will enable us to provide service and training in a more effective and agile way. Just the other day we did a yard inspection with workers walking around for us with AR glasses while receiving different instructions. For our customers, AR technology results in increased value of services received. In addition, less need for travelling will cut costs for all parties involved, and decrease the emissions associated with our work. That means a lot to a green tech company like ours, concluded Askeland.

How Has Online Trading Changed Over The Years And What You Need To Know

Technological Advancement Has Changed The Face Of The Online Trading Industry

A few decades ago, online trading was completely different. The commission rates for all types of trade regardless of if you were trading one or one million shares was very high. Right from the brick-and-mortar methods of trading to people now being able to so from the comforts of their home, the concept has completely advanced for the good. 

Sophisticated And User-friendly Platforms

If you are a newbie or a seasoned trader, you must have definitely noticed the advanced trading platforms that are sophisticated and simple to use for both selling and purchasing securities. One of the top brokerage eToro platforms is easy to get acquainted with and soon enough you can place orders, follow price trends and make a decision if you want to hold or sell a stock by merely clicking on a mouse or the screen of your mobile phone. This is a huge leap forward from the traditional form of trading wherein you had to call licensed brokers to place your orders or actually visit physical locations to trade. The commissions on such platforms are nominal so the effort that you put in is completely worthwhile. This allows every person from any financial earning background to enter the trading market.

Lower Investment Entry

Another good benefit that technological advancement has brought in for trading is that it has lowered the investment barrier for entry. This has led to a substantial increase in the number of people who are investing in trading. Like for example, the minimum eToro deposit is just $50 so you can start investing with that amount on an underlying asset. With the advanced online trading platforms and apps made available for everyone to use, anyone who is looking for investing in trading can now do it very easily. The need for face-to-face interactions with brokers or even calling them has become obsolete. By merely going on one of the trading platforms, you can download the app, create an account, enter account information and you can start trading. You can start with several investments with a small amount of money. The barriers to the entry of trading online have been completely destroyed. Even during the pandemic, more people resorted to online trading as a means of earning income. 

Artificial Intelligence In Trading

What the financial institutions have been stuck with for decades has been changed with the role of artificial intelligence. AI can help analyze securities and help people make smart investment decisions. It is helping in enhancing the core operational process and is an excellent tool for all online trading investors now. With the help of AI, investors can minimize errors, get more accurate predictions, and trade with better efficiency.  Even small, medium, and large companies are using AI technology for their operating models. Firms can use AI to help them manage portfolios, execute smart trading patterns and provide improved customer service. 

Mobile Technology For Online Trading

 

Smartphones are now almost an extension of every human hand. They are used for listening to music, shopping, or even participating in a global conference through a video call. As mobiles have become a part of people’s everyday life, it has even made its mark in the online trading industry. Several websites are now investing in mobile-friendly platforms for investors. This has a positive impact on the investors. They can now get access to the live updates of market trends within seconds. Trading is now not limited to any timeline but can be done 24 hours a day from any location in the world. As more people use the smartphone for trading, there is a phenomenal growth in the trade market. Tools like the history of specific trade, charting tools, trading feedback, and market sentiment are now instantaneous. This is great news for both new and seasoned traded. They can make informed decisions very quickly without wasting any time. The learning curve has drastically reduced. 

The Future Of Online Trading

With all these technological advancements and the increase in the number of people using online trading as a way of earning more income, the future of online trading looks bright. It surely is not going to be phased out. As the global economy will always be active so will the traders. Modern and more technologically advanced methods will only increase the activity of trading online. Not to forget, the incorporation of AI will only lead to more sophisticated ways of trading and soon this market will be a leading option for everyone to make their money. With a little bit of commitment and effort, online trading can be the answer to many people who are looking out for alternative means of income or a career change altogether.