Following on from the success of the MagicBridge, Twelve South, an innovative Apple accessories designer, today introduces the MagicBridge Extended. Merging Apple’s Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad and Magic Trackpad 2 into a one-piece control surface, MagicBridge Extended tidies up your workspace and prevents your keyboard and trackpad from drifting apart.
MagicBridge Extended has a minimalist look in keeping with Apple’s iconic style and is available in black or white, to compliment Silver and Space Grey Magic Keyboards with Numeric Keypad. The polycarbonate material is feather light and therefore doesn’t block Bluetooth signals. Silicone feet on the underside protects any surface it sits on. It also has a precisely engineered grill to the rear which provides easy access to power switches and lightning power ports.
For users who like to work and play away from a desktop setup, it can also be used on one’s lap, providing a stable, unified base. Improving typing and swiping efficiency, the Magic Trackpad 2 can be placed either to the right or left of the keyboard, to please both left and right-handed users.
“The original MagicBridge has proven very popular with Apple users and we have been inundated with requests to make a model compatible with numeric keyboards,” says Andrew Green, Twelve South’s co-founder, “we are delighted that we have such a great relationship with our customers that we can release products based on their feedback and requirements.”
MagicBridge Extended is available now for £44.95 from Amazon.co.uk. For those who don’t have the extended Apple Keyboard, the MagicBridge is available for the smaller Magic Keyboard and Magic Trackpad 2.
With lockdown restrictions easing around the world and many workspaces reopening, Epson has launched two wireless presentation systems – the Let’s share ELPWP10 and ELPWP20 – for use in education and business environments.
The two solutions enable wireless connection to any flat panel or projector display via the wireless transmitters or Epson’s iProjection app or Miracast, from any source such as a laptop or mobile device. Security is ensured via AES-128 encryption.
The ELPWP10 connects any source device directly to a select range of Epson laser display solutions, with users simply plugging the wireless transmitter into their laptop, or using the iProjection app on their mobile device. With the ELPWP20, content can be shared securely from any device to any display via the bundled wireless receiver. Like with the ELPWP10, this is achieved using a wireless transmitter and plugging it into a laptop or connecting another mobile device via the iProjection app or via Miracast.
Both the ELPWP10 and the ELPWP20 also allow content to be displayed from four different devices simultaneously, making content sharing a seamless experience.
Simone Martorina, Business Manager for Visual Instruments, Epson UK, said: “How easily we can share our own work when joining a meeting is one of the main obstacles employees have had to overcome in the modern workspaces. Our new Wireless Presentation Systems were created with this in mind and together with our innovative display solutions, it is the perfect combination to share, see and collaborate using multiple content on a large display. Users can easily switch between multiple sources presenting simultaneously and our new system’s competitive price positioning makes this even more affordable.
“For both models, users can connect up to six transmitters and display up to four different sets of content at the same time. The quick and easy connection means no time is wasted fiddling with cables, which can often delay the start of a meeting or session. Instead, users can focus on delivering compelling content and easily sharing ideas. These devices could not have come at a better time as we head out of lockdown and back into the office and classroom.”
House of Marley today announces the release of the Get Together Duo bookshelf speakers, an expansion of the popular Get Together line of portable speakers.
A greener alternative to other home audio solutions, the Get Together Duo are designed with the iconic look of the Get Together collection using mindfully sourced materials including bamboo and House of Marley’s signature REWIND™ fabric, crafted from reclaimed organic cotton and hemp.
“Our conscious construction is unique not only to our materials but how we apply them to the product. We use materials not only for their sustainable properties and their aesthetic quality, but also for their acoustical, mechanical properties as well,” explains House of Marley Director of Product Development, Josh Poulsen. “The bamboo in the Get Together Duo provides a modern look that’s rooted in a highly renewable natural resource. Produced using a carbon positive process, bamboo has a higher compressive strength than wood and a tensile strength that rivals steel. This allows the speakers to be more durable, while also enhancing the warm, rich sound.”
The Get Together Duo speaker pair features 20 hours of playtime with complete versatility to sync with mobile devices, televisions, laptops or turntables while delivering powerful stereo sound. Each measuring 20cm tall, 13cm wide and 10cm deep, the speakers offer a perfect fit for the home from living rooms to home offices as compact, functional statement pieces that sound as good as they look. Pair the Get Together Duo with House of Marley’s Stir it Up Wireless turntable to complete the seamless, natural look of the bamboo collection.
Wireless connectivity between the two speakers provides added functionality from a traditional bookshelf home audio setup. The mains powered speaker can remain on the shelf while the second battery powered speaker’s portability allows it to accompany you to the other side of the room, house, or even outdoors for an expansive listening experience.
BluOS, the premium multi-room music management platform by Lenbrook International, has announced a number of enhancements that will come with today’s release of version 3.14. Users will be prompted to update their BluOS players, at which time they will gain access to three new natively-integrated streaming services, exclusive access to Radio Paradise MQA-encoded audio streams and various performance improvements. The BluOS 3.14 update supports all BluOS Enabled devices from NAD Electronics, Bluesound, DALI Loudspeakers, Monitor Audio, and future products from Peachtree Audio, Roksan and PSB Speakers.
NEW STREAMING SERVICES
Spotify (Free version), SiriusXM and SiriusXM Music for Business join more than 20 other streaming services already available to BluOS users, expanding the variety and sources of audio content that can be enjoyed on BluOS Enabled products.
BluOS, Radio Paradise and MQA Partner to Deliver BluOS Users Exclusive MQA-Encoded Content
Effective with the BluOS 3.14 software update, BluOS user globally will have exclusive access to Radio Paradise MQA-encoded audio, utilizing high-resolution 24-bit masters where available. Radio Paradise is an independent, listener-supported Internet radio service with a focus on providing the highest quality audio experience to a passionate worldwide audience. This collaboration marks the first time an internet radio station will carry MQA-encoded content.
Spotify (Free version)
In addition to Spotify Premium currently offered to BluOS users, we are pleased to now support the free version of Spotify. Spotify is one of the world’s largest music streaming service providers and features a library of more than 70 million songs. Spotify makes it easy to listen to the songs you love, discover new music and podcasts and creates personalized playlists.
The integration of SiriusXM, the largest audio entertainment company in North America, allows BluOS users in the USA and Canada who are SiriusXM subscribers the ability to browse and select from hundreds of channels of commercial-free music, premier sports talk and live events, and the latest local and world news, on demand, from within the BluOS app.
With BluOS 3.14, Bluesound Professional, the premium distributed audio ecosystem for commercial spaces adds SiriusXM Music for Business to its growing list of commercially licensed streaming music partners. Available to SiriusXM Music for Business subscribers in the USA and Canada, the service offers Bluesound Professional users a curated, licensed audio content to enhance client experiences in retail, hospitality and other commercial spaces.
Other Feature/Maintenance Improvements
The BluOS 3.14 release also includes various feature/maintenance improvements. These include:
NAD M33 and T 778 are Roon Ready for music management and streaming
New, more intuitive play queue design that deepens the listening experience with enhanced visuals
Roon improvements for grouping and signal path reporting
Updates to TIDAL, Qobuz, Amazon Music and Deezer
Improvements to library indexing for file permissions and handling unreadable audio files
This Blog has been written and provided by An Post Insurance.#ad
Thankfully, we’ve come a long way from the days when seat belts and airbags were the height of car safety. Even though these are still very important aspects of car safety, nowadays, with technology so advanced, there are more and more safety features built into our cars. Here, An Post Insurance look at five of the latest advances in technology that may help keep us safer in our cars.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
It’s not always easy to keep an eye on the speedometer to make sure you’re staying within the speed limits. Ford.com offer three different ACC options beyond the usual Cruise Control.
Ford explains that their ACC with Stop-and-Go not only lets you keep a set speed, but it also helps you keep a defined distance from the vehicle in front of you. It’ll even come to a complete stop if needed.
Ford tells us you can also add Lane Centering which detects lane markings on the road to keep your vehicle securely in your lane. Ford’s 3rd option is Intelligent ACC, which adds speed sign recognition that automatically adjusts the set speed of your vehicle to the posted limit. This should help to keep drivers safely within the speed limit, reducing risk and helping avoid penalty points too!
Automatic Emergency Braking
This technology aims to reduce potential collisions on the road. Renault Ireland call it their Active Emergency Braking System. The system alerts the driver to vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists at low speeds and takes control of braking if the driver doesn’t appear to react, aiming to help avoid a collision with other road users.
For those looking to enhance both safety and performance, combining advanced braking systems with lowering springs can improve the car’s handling, offering better stability during emergency stops. These modifications not only lower the center of gravity but also complement modern safety features like emergency braking for a more secure driving experience.
Rear View Camera
Rear view cameras are not only handy for parking, guiding the driver neatly into their spot, but they could also help prevent children and animals from being accidentally injured. Citroën Ireland explains that their reversing camera shows the area behind the car once the car goes into reverse. The picture appears on the main cabin screen and displays different colours to show how close objects are to your vehicle.
Blind Spot Detection
The blind spot detection technology available fromRenault Ireland works to help prevent crashes or collisions. It lights up an LED in the mirror letting you know there’s a vehicle approaching in your blind spot, so you don’t drive out and risk a possible collision.
Safety Exit Assist
The Safety Exit Assist System is very clever and is ideal for a family car. When reviewing the Hyundai Sante Fe, CarsIreland.ie explains that this feature aims to stop kids from opening the back doors onto oncoming traffic and cyclists by locking them when it senses objects approaching. It could be particularly useful during school drop-offs, when cars, pedestrians and cyclists are moving in close proximity to each other. Just one small way to make those busy mornings a little safer, and a lot less stressful.
All of these new technological advances can make you feel safer on your journey. For further protection, find a great value car insurance quote from An Post Insurance now.
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Twelve South, a leading designer of Apple accessories, today introduces the Stone’r, a weighted marble base that holds Apple’s MagSafe Charger in place so users can grab their iPhone with one hand, without the charging disc sticking to it. The Stone’r is the perfect place for the iPhone 12 to charge and chill.
For all the greatness of the Apple MagSafe Charger, there is one annoying fact – it takes two hands to physically detach the magnetic charging disc from the back of the iPhone. Enter the Twelve South Stone’r. Weighing one kilo and made from elegant Banswara White Marble, the Stone’r is heavy enough to stop the Apple MagSafe Charger from clinging to the iPhone 12 once it’s fully charged. The Stone’r lets users enjoy wireless charging the way it was meant to be.
A new high in iPhone 12 accessories, the Stone’r transforms the Apple MagSafe Charger into a stylish charging stand. Perfect for a bedside table or desk, not only does it prevent the charging disc from slipping to the floor when not in use, it has a non-slip grip base that protects the surface beneath it. The Stone’r also elevates an iPhone slightly so fingers can easily get underneath to pick up the phone, with one hand.
Knowing users will need to take their MagSafe Charger with them when they travel, the Stone’r also features a finger hole in the base enabling the charging disc to be easily popped out. This means users can continue to enjoy blazing fast charging with the Apple MagSafe Charger wherever they roam.
Happy April Foo…wait. The Stone’r started out as a concept for April Fools’ Day however, if enough people pre-order, Twelve South will make it for real. The Stone’r is available to pre-order today for $34.99 from here. Once a minimum number of Stone’rs have been ordered, production will start and Twelve South will ship to customers as quickly as possible. In the unlikely event that the required minimum order is not reached, Twelve South will refund any existing pre-orders immediately. Customers have until 20.4.21 to pre-order.
Today Facebook introduced a new tool to give you more control over what you share to News Feed by managing who can comment on your public posts. Now, you can control your commenting audience for a given public post by choosing from a menu of options ranging from anyone who can see the post to only the people and Pages you tag.
The goal of News Feed is to connect you to what matters most to you: the people in your life, interesting content, and the world around you. The friends you add, the Pages you like, the groups you join, and the things you interact with all shape how your News Feed looks on any given day.
By adjusting your commenting audience, you can further control how you want to invite conversation onto your public posts and limit potentially unwanted interactions. And if you’re a public figure, creator, or brand, you too can choose to limit your commenting audience on your public posts to help you feel safe and engage in more meaningful conversations with your community.
This new tool is the latest example of how we’re helping you control and curate your News Feed to best reflect who you are as your interests and priorities evolve. We also want to continue to help you understand why you see the content you do on News Feed.
Control What You See
In October, Facebook made it easier to sort and browse News Feed, giving you more control over what you see. Facebook launched Favourites, a new tool where you can control and prioritize posts from the friends and Pages you care about most in News Feed. By selecting up to 30 friends and Pages to include in Favourites, their posts will appear higher in ranked News Feed and can also be viewed as a separate filter. People who use Favourites frequently can access it from the Feed Filter Bar, a new menu at the top of News Feed.
The Feed Filter Bar offers easier access to Most Recent too, making it simpler to switch between an algorithmically-ranked News Feed and a feed sorted chronologically with the newest posts first. Android app users can access the Feed Filter Bar when they scroll up on News Feed. The same functionality will be available in the iOS app in the coming weeks. Regardless of how often you use them, you can find Most Recent and Favourites in the Shortcuts menu.
You can also download Facebook videos that you like with FSave to keep content for offline viewing whenever needed. This makes it easier to access your favorite clips without relying on a constant internet connection.
These are just the latest additions to the existing controls suite designed to help you control what you see in News Feed, including tools such as Snooze (where you can temporarily hide posts from a person, Page, or group) and the ability to turn off political ads.
Understand Why You See Suggested Posts in News Feed
To help you discover new and relevant content, Facebook suggest posts in your News Feed from places like Pages and Groups that you don’t already follow, but they think you may be interested in. These post suggestions are primarily based on factors such as post engagement, related topics, and location. Because you haven’t chosen to follow these accounts on Facebook, Facebook have clear guidelines about what content they aim to recommend to people.
Today, they also providing more context around the content we suggest in News Feed by expanding “Why am I seeing this?.” This means that you’ll be able to tap on posts from the friends, Pages, and Groups you follow as well as the posts we suggest to you and get more context on why they’re appearing in your News Feed.
There are several factors that influence your suggested posts in News Feed such as:
Related engagement: A post may be suggested for you if other people who interacted with the post also previously interacted with the same group, Page, or post as you.
Related topics: If you’ve recently engaged with a certain topic on Facebook, we may suggest other posts that are related to that topic. For example, if you recently liked or commented on a post from a basketball Page, we could suggest other posts about basketball.
Location: You may see a suggested post based on where you are and what people near you are interacting with on Facebook.
To update what you want to see and how you share to your News Feed, check out your News Feed preferences and privacy settings in the app and adjust them to your liking. We know that helping you better manage your experience on Facebook can support wellbeing, so we will continue to invest in ways to give you more control and context.
Poly has announced today that it has sold its 30 millionth IP phone, marking more than 20 years of beautifully engineered, future-proof voice devices trusted by those who are serious about quality audio and pro-grade communication.
The milestone comes amid rapid changes in the marketplace, as businesses transition from on-premise based phone systems to the cloud, and amidst a global pandemic that has exponentially accelerated the adoption and usage of cloud-based services. Poly voice solutions continue to help IT service providers and customers adapt to how and where people work with a full suite of IP desk phones, wireless phones, USB speakerphones, conference phones, analog telephone adapters (ATAs), and installed audio.
Poly’s voice solutions feature some of the industry’s leading technology in audio innovation, including: smart multi-microphone arrays, HD Voice, Acoustic Fence, and NoiseBlock AI technologies. Poly recently announced its DECT™ IP phone Poly Rove, the first and only phone solution to exclusively feature built-in Microban antimicrobial product protection, designed to give frontline workers the confidence to collaborate in high-touch work settings.
Poly’s line of phones has consistently evolved over time, along with the way we choose to communicate at work. It all started with Polycom’s first-ever SoundStation conference phone, which can be found on display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. Poly’s iconic CCX series is also the first business media phone of its kind to come with or without a handset, providing the option to be used with a headset or a speakerphone instead.
“Technology has changed drastically over time, but the need for high quality phone systems and the ability to connect are constant,” said John Lamarque, vice president and general manager of the voice collaboration and professional headset business unit at Poly. “Poly’s mission is to outfit any and every type of workspace with pro-grade audio technology and high-quality phones to meet your needs, wherever that may be, so you can focus on what matters most.”
For IT and business leaders, Poly voice solutions provide flexibility. Poly works with more than 60 platforms and service providers, including RingCentral, GoTo by LogMeIn, Vonage, Nextiva, Microsoft Teams, and 8×8, so IT and business leaders have the freedom to pick their partner of choice. Poly management solutions make deployments easy and help remotely troubleshoot an issue to its root cause, without requiring IT to travel beyond the cloud.
Poly is a long-time trusted provider of versatile phone solutions for a wide range of customers, from Fortune 500 companies to non-profit organisations. Now more than ever, as organisations seek to solve the challenges of a hybrid workforce, Poly is leading the way with its innovative pro-grade phone solutions.
Poly’s celebrates its legacy in audio innovation, and beautifully designed phones for mission critical calls.
Poly’s latest phones are designed so you can command the conversation wherever you are:
Office solutions – Paying homage to the original SoundStation conference phone, Poly has reimagined conference rooms around the world with the Poly Trio C60, a smart conference phone that features expansion microphones for brilliant audio in large and open spaces. The Trio C60 easily pairs with Poly videoconferencing solutions and makes it easy to launch and join meetings, and also features Alexa for Business so you can join a meeting touch-free. Another device that’s simple to set up and easy to use in the office is the Poly VVX series, beautifully designed, IP desk phones that are compatible with almost any platform. The VVX series features Acoustic Fence technology and blocks out unwanted background noise, so you can sound your best on every call.
Flexible work solutions – For those working from home, on the road or returning to the office, the Poly Sync family of smart speakerphones are USB and Bluetooth enabled devices. These beautifully designed smart speakerphones with award-winning audio can be voice activated to join a meeting and are Zoom and Microsoft Teams certified.
Essential workplace solutions – For critical and essential workplaces, Poly offers the Poly Rove wireless DECT™ IP phones, the first and only phone solution to feature built-in antimicrobial protection from Microban. With Poly Rove, you have the freedom to move around warehouses and shift floors with the confidence to collaborate in high-touch work settings.
“Poly’s differentiated range of IP phone devices deliver one of the industry’s best audio experiences in the market,” said Alaa Saayed, ICT industry director at Frost & Sullivan. “Over time, the company has successfully invigorated its portfolio with the introduction of new desktop models; the delivery of advanced features and capabilities; the partnering with key call control providers; and the implementation of a rock-solid endpoint management system that allows businesses to manage, provision and update Poly phones in a streamlined and simplified manner.”
Read on to find out more about a few measures that have been designed to do exactly that.
Adaptive cruise control
Maintaining a safe distance between vehicles can be difficult when traffic is heavier. It requires constant attention and even a momentary lapse in concentration can result in an accident.
With adaptive cruise control, motorcycles will be able to adjust their speed based on traffic conditions, reducing the likelihood of rear-end crashes.
Even you feel like such a product gives you greater protection while out on the roads, it will still remain important to make sure you have the best motorcycle insurance for your needs.
Blind spot detection
It can feel like you need eyes everywhere when you take your bike on a busy road. Blind spot detection uses sensors to do that for you.
If you attempt to change lane and a vehicle is sensed to be nearby, you’re alerted to that by a warning light – usually on your wing mirror.
But you might not have to get a new bike to benefit from blind spot detection, with aftermarket solutions set to launch in the near future.
Emergency call systems
A feature in passenger vehicles for a number of years already, emergency call systems – also known as eCall – automatically send out an alert in the event of a crash.
In the EU, all new cars must be equipped with eCall, but the case is not the same for motorcycles.
For those still keen to benefit from such a system, Bosch have developed Help Connect. This programme uses your smartphone’s sensors and an algorithm to detect your accident and trigger an emergency call with Help Connect.
A member of their team will receive your location and accident data and contact the local emergency services in the event of a serious accident. If the incident is deemed minor, they will call you and discuss your options.
It works across 11 countries, including the UK and Ireland, and is available for just €39.99 per year.
High-tech helmets
Augmented reality (AR) technology has already been widely embraced in the car industry on heads-up displays and could soon make the jump to motorcycles.
