DxO PureRAW superbly renders RAW files so you can enjoy even more possibilities with Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom

When used ahead of Adobe solutions or other photo-editing programs, DxO PureRAW automatically removes digital noise and other lens defects.

Harnessing exclusive technologies developed over nearly twenty years by DxO, one of the world’s leading photo-editing software creators, DxO PureRAW removes noise, chromatic aberrations, unwanted vignetting, distortion, and insufficient sharpness with an unprecedented level of quality. By improving RAW images in this way, DxO PureRAW offers photographers greater creative freedom when editing in Photoshop and Lightroom. The result is a more precise and less constrained editing process.

Zero compromise between preserving details and removing noise 

Say goodbye to juggling tedious compromises between preserving detail and removing noise in Photoshop and Lightroom. Using DeepPRIME artificial intelligence, DxO PureRAW automatically removes digital noise with an exceptional level of quality.

 

DxO DeepPRIME technology is an artificial intelligence designed for developing RAW photo files. Trained through deep learning using millions of images analyzed by DxO’s laboratories, it delivers a revolutionary improvement to digital noise reduction while also demosaicing photos more effectively. 

 

Using a traditional approach, these two operations are performed separately, with each one introducing defects that degrade the quality of the other. With deep learning, DeepPRIME adopts a holistic approach that combines these two steps into one. The information in the photo is rendered beautifully, especially in low light, noise is visibly reduced, color details are better preserved, and transitions are more even and natural.

Improve even top-notch lenses

Thanks to the custom optical modules developed by DxO, DxO PureRAW automatically scrubs RAW images of the residual defects, including distortion, unwanted vignetting, chromatic aberrations, and a lack of sharpness, produced by even the best lenses on the market. The software provides Photoshop and Lightroom users with a flawlessly clean slate for retouching and editing in other solutions.

 

Since its founding in 2003, DxO Labs has earned an international reputation for measuring and calibrating hundreds of cameras and thousands of lens using a protocol that is more precise than any other in the industry. DxO has measured the defects created by thousands of lens/camera combinations in RAW images with an extraordinary level of scientific precision for each piece of equipment and in every situation. This in-depth knowledge of the flaws and performance of each piece of photography equipment is compiled in a database of over 60,000 combinations and is the secret to why DxO PureRAW delivers the best corrections in the industry.

A new life for RAW photos 

DxO PureRAW lets users revisit unusable RAW images taken with equipment that has since become obsolete. Photos are instantly made to look like they were taken with the most recent technology, and limitations on ISO values are a thing of the past.

Perfection is in the details

DxO PureRAW richly and accurately reveals details in RAW files, resulting in crystal-clear images that capture every last texture. Photographers can enlarge images without worrying about decreasing the quality.

Soft, non-grainy bokeh

DxO PureRAW removes the “parasitic” grain that all cameras produce in unfocused areas and solid backgrounds. DxO PureRAW processes every part of the image and uses smart technology to differentiate between ultra-sharp areas and bokeh effects.

Incredibly simple to use

DxO PureRAW can be easily incorporated into photographers’ workflow ahead of Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, or any other photo-editing software. That way, users can keep their same editing environment. DxO PureRAW couldn’t be easier to use: Users simply select their images from the software’s browser window or use the drag-and-drop feature, then choose their desired level of denoising and where they want to save the file. Zero sliders or complicated settings required!

Price and availability

DxO PureRAW (Windows and macOS) is now available for download on the DxO website (https://shop.dxo.com/) for a special launch price of £79.99 instead of £115 until May 31, 2021. A free 30-day trial version is also available: https://www.dxo.com/dxo-photolab/download/

Sony announces three new Xperia smartphones. Xperia 1 III, Xperia 5 III and Xperia 10 III

Sony today announced two new additions to its Xperia 1 and 5 flagships series line-ups with Xperia 1 III and Xperia 5 III. Both devices provide a rich collection of integrated features that connect the Xperia community with its passions. Whether they are photographers, audiophiles, cinephiles, gamers or cinematographers alike, the next generation of Xperia 1 and 5 flagships series will enrich the user experience with its plethora of new features. This is the next level of Xperia that transforms with speed and beyond.

World´s first smartphone with a Variable telephoto lens paired with a dual PD sensor

Real-time Eye AF for humans and animals, newly equipped Real-time Trackingand fast, accurate continuous AF across all lenses

20fps Burst Mode with low light noise reduction powered by BIONZ X™

Brand new AI super resolution zoom technology

Updated Photography Pro feature – now equipped with ‘Basic Mode’

World’s first smartphone with a 4K HDR 120Hz Refresh rate display crafted from Gorilla® Glass Victus

Evolved Full-stage stereo speakers – now 40% louder than previous model

New and improved Game Enhancer features – including a new audio equaliser, an optimised V.C microphone and highframe rate recording feature

World’s first smartphone to reproduce 360 Reality Audio in the speakers, as the recording artist intended it to be heard

Addition of brand new 360 Spatial Sound – for an immersive audio experience

Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 888 5G Mobile Platform

Improved battery life (4500mAh)and the ability to charge up to 50% of capacity in 30 minutes with the kitted 30W charger – in addition to a newly extended battery life of up to three years[vi]

 

Professional technology from Alpha TM cameras

Xperia 1 III and Xperia 5 III were co-developed with the engineers behind Alpha series cameras, renowned for their industry-leading autofocus technology. Both models include fast, accurate continuous AF across all lenses and Real-time Eye AF .And in Xperia 5 III, object tracking technology is featured, allowing photographers to capture accurate shots of moving subjects in a wide variety of scenarios with a simple tap on the screen.

Xperia 1 III presents a more sophisticated feature set for photographers who strive for picture perfect results. Object tracking is upgraded with Real-time Tracking, allowing users to shoot the most challenging moving subjects in precise focus. Using AI-based algorithms and the 3D iToF sensor to measure distance, Real-time Tracking can accurately detect and focus on a subject and continue to track it even if it temporarily moves out of sight

Furthermore, both models offer continuous AF that performs AF / AE calculations at 60 times per second – enabling users to shoot and store 20 shots (20fps) with high precision, accurate focus and optimised exposure. This level of performance is comparable to that used in professional sports cameras such as the Alpha 9 series. The BIONZ X™ processor enables users to shoot in low-light scenarios in Burst Mode for the first time, producing results with noise reduction that have never previously been possible in predecessor models.

Reach beyond expectation with a Variable telephoto lens

A key feature for both models is a World´s first smartphone with Variable telephoto lens paired with Dual PD sensor that reaches up to a 105mm focal length – complemented by fast autofocus thanks to its Dual PDAF sensor. When switching between 70mm and 105mm, the focus is adjusted in an instant to swiftly capture the beauty in the detail.

Photographers can further expand their creative possibilities with 16mm, 24mm, 70mm and 105mm focal lengths for shooting stunning compositions – whether that be landscapes, portraits[x] or animals. Both models continue to feature ZEISSTM optics calibrated specifically for the Xperia smartphone. The ZEISSTM T* coating contributes to exquisite rendering and contrast by reducing reflections.

A wealth of creative opportunities

The next generation of Xperia both incorporate new AI super resolution zoom. This technology uses Sony’s AI processing to restore detail and definition to images, ensuring precision is not compromised.

Like their older siblings, Xperia 1 III and Xperia 5 III feature the Photography Pro function. Developed in collaboration with professional photographers, it mirrors many of the manual controls available in Alpha series cameras including ISO, shutter speed, EV Indicator, RAW support plus a dedicated shutter button (with embossed finishing exclusively on the Xperia 1 III). New for this year’s smartphones is the ‘Basic Mode’ feature in Photography Pro which enables fast access to a range of easy-to-use photography features including a touch shutter button, portrait orientation, artistic bokeh effect, panorama, and more.

The Xperia 1 III and Xperia 5 III also features the very latest Optical SteadyShot™ with FlawlessEye™[xi], which couples the image sensor’s increased reading speed with original Sony algorithm for optical image stabilisation. The result is supremely smooth, shake-free video footage.

Transporting cinephiles to the big screen

Whether on the go or at home in comfort, the new Xperia models are a true cinephiles dream. Xperia 1 III features a larger than life 6.5” 21:9 CinemaWide TM 4K HDR OLED display with 120Hz Refresh rate whilst Xperia 5 III offers a stunning 6.1″ 21:9 CinemaWide ™ HDR OLED display with 120Hz Refresh rate. Both models transport users into a uniquely immersive viewing experience, allowing them to lose themselves in their favourite movies or TV shows.

Users can now enjoy their favourite entertainment as the producers intended with the Creator Mode. “Powered by CineAlta”, it now features a factory calibrated OLED display with highly accurate white point which mirrors the colour reproduction of Sony professional colour monitors used in leading Hollywood studio productions. Additionally, both models feature 10-bit equivalent displays (8-bit with 2-bit smoothing) that can display a myriad of colours without banding and support BT.2020 colour space.

Xperia 1 III and Xperia 5 III capture the senses and offer an audio-visual experience like no other. Consistent with their predecessors, they benefit from the X1™ for mobile engine which brings BRAVIA HDR remastering technology to everything users watch meaning that content is beautifully expressive. Streaming content is more lifelike than ever with more contrast, colour and clarity. Likewise, thanks to the continued incorporation of Dolby Atmos® sound tuned in collaboration with Sony Pictures Entertainment, users can experience a fully immersive, multi-dimensional performance with headphones or the smartphone’s built-in Full-stage stereo speakers.

Play to win

Gamers can gain a key advantage with the superior upgrades in Xperia 1 III and Xperia 5 III. The familiar 21:9 display transports players into the thick of the action and thanks to a new and improved 120Hz Refresh rate display ,now incorporated in the 1 series, as well as the 5 series, fasting-moving objects are rendered clearly for seriously smooth gameplay. The addition of 240Hz Motion blur reduction[xiv]also means the display updates at an incredible 240 times per second for blur-free, crystal clear performance. 240Hz Touch scanning rate also ensures that the action happens exactly as intended and a crucial advantage over the competition.

Another new feature in both models is the ability to adjust white balance – reducing strain on the eyes and allowing for longer durations of mobile gameplay. The new L-y raiser (low gamma raiser) also makes it easier to see opponents in the dark by adjusting image details in dark areas and highlighting enemies without overexposing bright areas of the screen.

Combining visual excellence with an immersive audio experience is key for both Xperia 1 III and Xperia 5 III. Gamers can plug-in their favourite headset via a 3.5mm headphone jack and experience the audible benefits of the models’ new features with minimal latency. The new Audio equaliser lets users control, heighten and minimise sounds such as footsteps and gunshots, allowing them to hear their opponents approaching and react ahead of them. And for those playing in teams, the new optimised V.C. microphone allows for clear communication by reducing background noise based on the users chosen headset type

Avid gamers can now relive winning moments in all their glory thanks to high frame rate recording at up to 120fps. Whatever they are playing, R.T. record (Rewind time record) automatically pre-records 30 seconds of game footage. So gamers can easily rewind and capture key moments like match-winning plays and share them online with friends and fellow competitors.

Finally, thanks to incorporated Heat Suppression power control (H. S. power control), gaming performance remains uncompromised. By powering the phone systems directly, rather than charging the battery, thermal stress on the handsets is reduced and overheating is avoided.

Create movies like the professionals

Cinematography Pro “powered by CineAlta” enables more choice for engaging, storytelling with dramatic slow-motion cinematography creation, all within a 4K HDR 120fps slow-motion movie recording feature which can capture and playback up to 5x slow-motion when set at 24fps. It also records in 21:9 ratio at 24/25/30/60fps, enhancing cinematic expression. Eight different Look colour management pre-sets allow you to completely change the mood of your scenes, utilising different cinema styles, a vital tool in advanced storytelling. Sony’s unique Intelligent wind filter technology uses award-winning audio separation technology to reduce wind interference for clearer audio recording.

New features within both models include a range of UI improvements designed specifically with movie makers in mind. For instance, to help users control their workflow, they can easily check how much free memory is remaining and how much recording time is still available. They can also easily check which parameters they used on a specific clip, in order to apply them to other projects. Each clip’s parameter details now include resolution, FPS, look, lens, stabiliser, WB, ISO, shutter angle/ speed, focus and audio level. This is further complemented with the ability to review and organise footage with clip playback, allowing users to play back clips with a simple swipe on the phone’s display.

Audio playback as the recording artist intended

Much like the immersive experience for cinephiles, the new Xperia models utilise sound tuned in collaboration with Sony Music Entertainment. In addition to unique hardware decoding, a newly developed speaker virtualiser enables Xperia 1 III and Xperia 5 III to be the world’s first smartphones to reproduce 360 Reality Audio in the speakers. Listeners can Immerse themselves in sound that is so authentic, it will feel like they are at a live concert or with the artist recording in a studio. All enjoyed through the Full-stage stereo speakers or with wired or wireless headphones. To top it off, new TIDAL subscribers will get three months of TIDAL Hi-Fi free when they buy either model, including the 360 Reality Audio experience.

If the music source being listened to is 2-channel stereo, the new 360 Spatial Sound comes into play. It enables the Xperia 1 III and Xperia 5 III to upmix stereo tracks and virtualize to an immersive sound experience, in real time. The technology works with local audio files and streaming services to further enhance the listening experience.

High-quality music can be further enjoyed through the Full-stage stereo speakers or when listening with headphones either wirelessly or with the 3.5mm audio jack. The Full-stage stereo speakers are placed at the front of the phone to effectively reproduce the sound field. And as an exclusive update for Xperia 1 III, are now 40% more powerful than its predecessor. This is thanks to a new speaker box structure, which has been designed both to improve sound pressure and eliminate vibration. The audio volume through audio-out (via the 3.5mm audio jack) has also been improved by approximately 40%, while sound quality has improved with less distortion near the maximum output level.

As well as High-Resolution and High-Resolution Wireless Audio, both Xperia 1 III and Xperia 5 III continue to offer DSEE Ultimate which enhances the quality of digital music using Sony AI technology, including audio and video streaming services. It automatically improves audio frequency and dynamic range in real-time, taking each track close to high-resolution audio.

All the speed you need

Combining 5G and Wi-Fi connectivity with the latest Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 888 5G Mobile Platform, the next generation of Xperia raises the bar for smartphone performance. This is thanks to the Qualcomm® Kryo™ 680 CPU enabling 25% higher performance and Qualcomm® Adreno™ 660 GPU delivering 35% faster graphic rendering than the previous generation.

Smart connectivity takes Xperia’s deep learning technology that utilises Sony’s Neural Network Libraries and analyses Wi-Fi signals to predict near-future connectivity issues. The Xperia 1 III and Xperia 5 III assesses the quality of available Wi-Fi before connecting so there’s no more grabbing Wi-Fi that doesn’t work. If it predicts any compromise in Wi-Fi connection quality, it uses mobile data instead.

With a 4,500mAh battery, both models offer plenty of power to keep users going through the day while a range of charging features helps maximise convenience and prolong battery life. When the battery needs a boost, it can be charged up to 50% in just 30 minutes with the included charger XZQ-UC1. Furthermore, Xperia Adaptive Charging allows the battery life to be extended up to three years (up from two in previous models) in both models. Xperia Adaptive Charging works by monitoring the phone as it charges, to make sure the battery isn’t overworked.

Finally, Xperia 1 III offers a wireless charging and Battery share function, allowing the device to be connected to a wireless charger to conveniently top up the battery. Thanks to the Battery share function, it can double as a charging pad for other devices too.

Sleek design with functionality in mind

 

Both Xperia 1 III and Xperia 5 III are crafted to be robust. The Xperia 1 III combines high-quality materials with a bold and distinctive design. From the frosted glass on the back to the blasted metal frame, it’s an irresistible blend of form and function. It also features Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus™ on the display, the toughest Gorilla® Glass yet – boasting improvement in both drop and scratch performance. Meanwhile, the Xperia 5 III is its compact cousin featuring Corning® Gorilla® Glass 6™ on the rear and the display with a sleek mirror-glass finish and a robust metal frame. For further peace of mind, both models also feature IP65/68 water resistance and protection against dust.

For the busy multi-taskers, both models feature upgrades to the multi-window functionality. With the pop-up window feature, users can easily handle a new task, then get right back to what they were doing.

Last but not least, when paired with Sony headphones, users can easily access the Sony | Headphones Connect app using the new Side Sense menu for swift connectivity.

Accessories

Both models are available with a new and improved Antibacterial Style Cover. Designed with durability in mind, the covers feature a built-in stand to support horizontal placement and provide a comfortable viewing experience. They are also coated with anti-bacterial material that has a protection rate of up to 99.9%[xxv] – preventing cell growth and maintaining cleanliness.

A 30W compact charger is also available and features USB-C power delivery. Safely designed for overheat protection, this new charger is certified with PPS support (Programmable Power Supply) to reduce heat impact.

Availability

Xperia 1 III will be available in Frosted Black and Frosted Purple, and shipping with AndroidTM 11 from early Summer 2021.

Xperia 5 III will be available in Black and Green, and shipping with AndroidTM 11 from early Summer 2021.

The Xperia 10 III, the first model in the Xperia 10 series to offer 5G connectivity. Xperia 10 III is packed full of entertainment features, offers an extended battery life[ and is presented in a stylish, compact, lightweight, and water resistant body. Xperia 10 III is an exceptional mid-range handset that has been designed with power, speed and portability in mind.

  • First Xperia 10 series model to feature 5G connectivity with Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 690 5G Mobile Platform
  • 25% more capacity than Xperia 10 II with a 4500mAh battery – remaining healthy for up to three years of use
  • Improved sleek and lightweight design featuring IP65/IP68 water and dust resistance and Corning® Gorilla® Glass 6
  • Enhanced for low light scene and moving object with the new triple lens camera, plus additional features such as the new animal detection in Auto mode
  • 21:9 Wide 6” notch-less FHD+ OLED display that includes HDR support for cinematic enjoyment
  • DSEE Ultimatefor near High-Resolution Audio quality and optimal listening pleasure – whether wired through the 3.5mm jack or wireless
  • Available in three stylish colours to suit all tastes

Outstanding performance with the power of 5G

Users can enjoy more of what they want on the go with Xperia 10 III. It combines a powerful, long-life battery with the speed of 5G for fast streaming and downloads – whether listening to near High-Resolution audio through headphones, thanks to DSSE Ultimate compatibility, or watching favourite movies on the crystal clear FHD+ OLED display. The Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 690 5G Mobile Platform can easily handle apps, movies, games and more, with high performance and power efficiency for superior connectivity. Thanks to Smart connectivity, the Xperia 10 III takes Xperia’s deep learning technology that utilises Sony’s Neural Network Libraries and analyses Wi-Fi signals to predict near-future connectivity issues.

The Xperia 10 III assesses the quality of available Wi-Fi before connecting so there is no more grabbing Wi-Fi that doesn’t work. If it predicts any compromise in Wi-Fi connection quality, it uses mobile data instead.

All-day power and made to last

With its long-lasting 4500mAh battery, Xperia 10 III has 25% more capacity than its predecessor Xperia 10 II and allows users to enjoy the best of the features the handset has to offer. Thanks to Xperia Adaptive Charging, users are offered ultimate battery life reliability, even after three years of use. Xperia Adaptive Charging works by monitoring the battery whilst charging to ensure that it isn’t overworked – keeping the battery healthy for longer.

Engineered to be robust, designed for practicality

Even though Xperia 10 III has a large 6″ display, the phone measures only 68mm in width – a perfect fit for the hand. Weighing just 169g, it is lightweight and easy to handle – whether taking a photo or playing a game.

Xperia 10 III is water resistant with an IP65/68 rating and is incredibly durable thanks to its Corning® Gorilla® Glass 6 shell It’s robust engineering means that the handset can withstand day-to-day damage. Corning® Gorilla® Glass 6 is also more scratch resistant– making Xperia 10 III a reliable companion for those who have their phone with them at all times.

A vision to behold

Drawing on Sony’s world-renowned TV expertise, Xperia 10 III delivers an immersive cinematic experience thanks to its 21:9 Wide 6” notch-less OLED display that includes HDR support. Featuring TRILUMINOS™ display for mobile technology, found in BRAVIA® TVs, and video image optimisation, the OLED display delivers incredibly rich, natural colours and deeper blacks. It is also capable of showing HDR content, which has a wider dynamic range of luminance than standard video formats, enhancing both contrast and colour. Bright parts of the image get brighter and the colour palette expands to show more bright blues, greens, reds, and everything in-between.

Triple lens camera enhanced for low light scene and moving object

Featuring ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto options, the triple lens camera lets users capture a huge variety of shots – from expansive landscapes to expressive portraits. The ultra-wide 16mm lens allows phone shooters to capture expansive imagery, expressing dramatic landscapes and full-scale scenery. The versatile 27mm lens is a wide lens that is ideal for a variety of shooting situations and low light scenes, whilst the 54mm telephoto lens allows users to get closer to their subjects – making it ideal for portraits.

Auto mode on Xperia 10 III now features animal detection  which can identify whether a subject is a dog or cat. It then adjusts the shutter speed and ISO Sensitivity accordingly to capture photos with less blur.

The improved F1.8 lens and enhanced image processing algorithm allows users to take photos in low light with less noise, both in Night mode and Auto mode. When shooting in bright sunshine or in backlit conditions, Auto HDR helps prevent blackout in the shaded areas of the shot or whiteout in the bright parts, ensuring faces and expressions are more visible.

When shooting in Burst mode, Xperia 10 III shoots at 10fps, ensuring subjects in motion are never missed and furthermore auto exposure works on every frame.

Finally, Xperia 10 III features 4K video recording, allowing users to shoot video with four times the resolution of full HD and SteadyShot™ ensures smooth, shake-free videos even when recording on the move.

Exceptional audio quality, wireless or wired

Xperia 10 III offers exceptional sound, whether enjoying wireless listening with High-Resolution Audio Wireless or using the 3.5mm audio jack to connect to wired headphones. Along with native High-Resolution Audio playback, Xperia 10 III also features DSEE Ultimate[v], which uses AI to upscale tracks to near High-Resolution Audio quality by automatically improving audio frequency and bit rate in real-time.

Made for multi-tasking

On the Xperia 10 III, Sony’s unique multi-window UI on the 21:9 wide display has been enhanced with a new Pop-up window feature. Perfect for multi-tasking, it lets users overlay one window with another. So they can quickly handle a task such as replying to a message, then get right back to the game they are playing or the website they are browsing.

Easy content transfer from your old phone

The Xperia Transfer 2 app lets users transfer the content that matters from old Android or iOS smartphones to the new Xperia 10 III. From photos, videos and music to the contacts, calendar, call history, and messages (SMS/MMS) – they can be transferred quickly, safely and easily.

Accessories

Xperia 10 III is available with a new and improved antibacterial Style Cover with Stand. Designed with durability in mind, the cover features a built-in stand to support horizontal placement and provide a comfortable viewing experience. It is coated with anti-bacterial material that has a protection rate of up to 99.9% – preventing cell growth of specific bacteria to maintain cleanliness.

Availability – Xperia 10 IIIwill be available in Black, Blue and White, and shipping with AndroidTM 11 from early Summer 2021.

4 Tips For Beginners In Tech World: How To Get A Grip On Trends

If you are just starting in the tech world, everything can seem very overwhelming and complicated, but it can also be an extremely exciting adventure filled with numerous advantages and room for growth. As technology evolves, the tech industry continues to expand and include more niches than ever before. Similarly, new technological trends are constantly emerging and it can be challenging to stay up-to-date, especially if you are new to the tech world.

The good news is that you don’t have to worry if you are new to the tech industry, I have put together 4 helpful tips to help you get a grip on trends. Let’s get into it!

 

Tip #1: Discover Yourself

 

I know this may sound very cliché and more like something you’d expect to hear from a life coach, but if you want to find your foot in the tech world, the first thing you need to do is discover yourself. Now, when I say discover yourself, I don’t mean trying to find enlightenment or any of those spiritual terms (although, there’s no harm in doing that), I mean finding and understanding your interests, strengths, and values. 

As I mentioned earlier, there are many different niches within the tech industry, and these niches will only keep increasing as technology continuously evolves. As such, you may find it challenging to pick and stick with a niche. This is why you need to start with identifying what ignites the spark for you. For some, it may be agro-tech, while others may get pumped over UI/UX design so you need to find yourself and find your niche to get started. 

Discovering yourself will help you easily determine what to learn. It will help you figure out what drives you, and what will fuel your determination, especially when things get challenging.

Tip #2: Connect With Industry Experts

A common mistake I’ve seen many beginners in the tech world make is thinking they’ve figured out everything they need to know about tech. The truth is, even the pros don’t have it all figured out, and that’s because trends in the tech world constantly evolve. 

The best way to understand how the tech world works is by connecting with industry experts who have a deeper understanding of the ins and outs of the tech world. You can learn the essential tips and tricks required to stay abreast of trends and new developments from a professional. Similarly, you can watch professionals in the industry online and review the works they’ve done. 

Tip #3: Research

This is one of my favourite tips and that’s because it works like magic (maybe even better). The best way to get a grip on trends in the tech world is to research. There’s nothing you want to learn that you can’t find on the internet. If you want to research tech products like laptops, you’ll easily find excellent guides on Laptop Blogger where there are countless video content, tutorials, blogs, and guides created by pros and industry experts that can help you learn about new concepts and trends in the tech world. Even tech experts still research because, as I said, the tech world is not static. 

The bottom line is that research is the sure-fire way to up your skill and knowledge in the tech world.

Tip #4: Do, Do, And Do

So, you’ve watched all the videos, read all the blogs and guides available on the internet. What’s next?

You need to practice what you’ve learned theoretically. The best way to understand the tech world is by getting practical. Of course, you shouldn’t beat yourself up if you don’t get it right on the first try (or first few tries), the more you do it, the better you’ll become at it. If you hit a stumbling block, simply research some more and you’ll most likely find the solution you need. Finding your foot in the tech world isn’t magic, it’s a step-by-step process that requires a lot of trial and error. You should always be ready to put your knowledge to the test.

No doubt, acquiring an intimate understanding of how the tech world can be challenging and downright frustrating for any beginner. But if you follow these four simple tips I’ve discussed in this article, you’ll find the whole process less cumbersome. Remember that the tech world is not static and as it evolves, you also need to evolve with it to stay relevant. 

 

Explore the Flora and Fauna of your county with Google Lens. #GoogleLens #Ireland

After months of the same old walks and being confined to 5km of our homes, it’s time to get out and explore further afield. Now that spring has well and truly sprung and the days are getting longer you can make your daily walk more exciting and rediscover nature in a new way with Google Lens.

Ireland is home to tens of thousands of different species including 400 species of birds, more than 4,000 plant species and 12,000 varieties of insects! With the help of Google Lens and the camera on your phone you can identify every new plant, insect or bird you come across as you explore your county. If you have not used Google Lens yet you should try it, it is pretty handy and works really well.

Spot a beautiful flower while you are out and about? Now you can become the ultimate flower expert by using Google Lens to identify what’s growing in the wild. Why not add a little fun to your walk by challenging yourself to identify as many different species of flowers as you can and once done, move onto plants and insects. You can also ask Google Assistant for handy facts as you go along.

 

  1. On your phone, open the Google app and in the search bar, tap Google Lens

  2. Point your camera at the flower to identify the plant

  3. Swipe up to learn about the discovery

 

You can also use the folder of stock images to create your own eye spy checklist, or if feeling creative make your own.

 

You can use Google Lens from:

  • Google Photos

  • Google Assistant on most Android phones

  • The Google app on Android phones, and Apple phones

Your Jabra Elite 85t now come with Alexa in a new software update. #JabraLite85t #Alexa

Jabra has released a new software update to Elite 85t, available in the Jabra Sound+ app, to enable Alexa as a Voice Assistant at the tap of a button. This means now you have an extra voice assistant which is excellent news for users of this great set of earbuds.

Alexa Built-in

With this update, users will now be able to choose Alexa as their preferred Voice Assistant on both Android and iOS by following these steps in the Sound+

If the Alexa app is not yet downloaded, users will be directed to download it from their app store. Once the app is available, users will be directed through the needed steps to set-up Alexa on their phone. Once Alexa has been chosen as preferred Voice Assistant, users will be able to enjoy more Voice Assistant experiences just by double tapping on their right earbud. This means users have access to Alexa features such as:

  • Setting up routines (e.g. Alexa, good morning – plays music, turns on the lights)
  • Getting directions and weather notifications
  • Controlling Spotify
  • Calling contacts from your phonebook

Anker Launches Smart AI-Enabled Webcam and Portable Noise-Isolating Conference Speaker. #AnkerWork #Home #Office #WFH

Anker Innovations, a global leader in mobile charging and consumer electronics, today announces two products under the AnkerWork product line, including the PowerConf C300, Smart AI-enabled HD webcam and the PowerConf S500 Portable Conference Speaker.

“For many, working from home has been a dream come true, but it also brings its own unique challenges; distracting pets, family, poor lighting, as well as power and cable management issues, to name a few,” said Steven Yang, Founder and CEO of Anker Innovations. “AnkerWork products have been designed to help address many of these issues, while providing solutions that are portable and can be easily used in the home, the office and on the road.”

PowerConf C300 Smart HD Webcam

The PowerConf C300 is AnkerWork’s first 1080p, Full HD webcam with a built-in AI chipset, that provides a high-quality image with accurate colour reproduction and unparalleled low-light performance. With three field-of-view choices; 78-degrees for close-ups, 90-degrees for a mid-view or 115-degrees for the widest field of view, users can customise the experience that meets their needs – whether showing something on a whiteboard or keeping pets and family out of frame.

 

The C300’s A.I. also offers smart framing that helps keep an individual or group members cantered on screen – though it will only reframe a subject’s deliberate movements, so they can take a sip of water off camera, without shifting focus. Dual stereo microphones also ensure great sounding audio.

PowerConf S500 Portable Conference Speaker

The PowerConf S500 builds on the success of the original PowerConf products, adding four upgraded microphones featuring Anker’s new proprietary VoiceRadar™ technology. VoiceRadar uses beamforming and enhanced Digital Signal Processors (DSPs) to pick up the voice of the person speaking while ignoring surrounding noises to ensure a great sounding experience for all parties.

The S500 can be used with the AnkerWork app (on Android and iOS) which lets users choose one of three pickup patterns for different use case scenarios. These include traditional conference room environments with multiple people, a single person presenting to others as well as using the S500 as a microphone for live streaming.

Additionally, two units can be paired together for larger conference rooms and upgraded 10 watts of power offers great sound for conference calls or for listening to music.

 Availability and Pricing:

The PowerConf C300 is available today through Amazon, Anker.com, and select retailers for $129.99 in the US; €129.99 in Germany, and £119.00 in the UK.

The PowerConf S500’s pricing and availability will be announced at a later date. Additional products under the AnkerWork brand will be announced in the coming weeks.

Anker PowerCore Magnetic 5K Wireless powerbank now available on Amazon UK

Anker has just dropped its latest accessory on Amazon UK which is another alternative to charge your device and MagSafe compatible, this comes packed with features and of course is affordable. Features include..

  • Magnetically attach the PowerCore to the back of your phone
  • Made for the iPhone 12 series
  • Charges through compatible magnetic cases
  • MultiProtect safety system includes temperature control and foreign object detection
  • USB C charging and recharging
  • Charge other devices with USB-C input and output
  • Available on Amazon from today, 12th April 2021
  • £39.99

 

BUY HERE

Reasons to Convert Videos into Mp3

In today’s tech-driven world, it seems like there are endless options for everything. Photos can come in countless different file formats, same with documents, videos, music, and both hard and software programs. Sometimes we fall into the habit of assuming that whatever format we got a file in is the format it has to stay in. This isn’t the case. There are free online tools that can help you alter up the format of a file to better suit your storage space and what you need the file for. Today we’ll look at just one of these conversions—switching video files into mp3 files—and some of the reasons you might want to do it.

What Is The Difference Between Video Files And MP3 Files?

The video comes in a variety of file types including, Mp4, MOV, or WEBM. These files contain synchronized video and audio. Mp3 files, in contrast, contain only audio, no visual component at all. Because of this, mp3 files take up far less space on storage devices like our phones, cloud storage services, or hard drives. As well, some devices only store and play mp3 files.

The internet is full of videos that we might like to listen to on our commute while working out or cleaning the house—music with music videos, podcasts with video components, interviews, motivational speeches, just to name a few. Converting a video file into an MP3 allows you to listen to the audio without having the video element taking up unnecessary space on your device or distracting you while your eyes need to be elsewhere.

How Do You Convert Them?

Converting files has become effortless thanks to the internet. Online websites will do the conversion for you in minutes. All you have to provide is the URL to the video you’d like to have in audio format.

Specific Song Recordings

Those of us who love music can sometimes end up in a rabbit hole of watching pared-down performances, live recordings, or special channel recordings like Watch Listen Tell, which invites artists to perform acoustic versions of their songs in unusual public locations (creating some fascinating songs). In many instances, these unique performances were not recorded and released on music apps or platforms, meaning the only place we can find the song is in one specific video. For those of us who would love to extract songs from performances like this, a tool that handles YT to Mp3 conversions is the perfect solution. This means any strange video of an obscure musician can be saved and listened to even if you’re away from a screen.

Gather Sound Effects

Those who enjoy making videos are always looking for new sound effects. Same with those who like pranking people. Maybe you simply want the most unique ringtone possible. Whatever the reason you’re in need of sound effects, you can extract whatever sounds they can find in video format (like exotic birds, race cars, foreign cities, etc.) and apply them to whichever video projects or funny moments they want. 

 

Gather Audio And Quotes

Similarly, you might want to collect classic movie lines, political quotes, meme-worthy interview lines, or any other tidbits of audio for serious or comical videos. If that’s something that appeals to you, you’re going to want to extract the audio portion of the video file so that you can include it with your own visuals or the project you’re working on.

Save Space

We don’t know about you, but at least one person in our friend group on any given day has a phone that’s too full. As mentioned above, mp3 files take up less space which means you can fit more songs or photos, or videos on your devices if you get rid of unnecessary videos. You’d be surprised how much space will be taken up if you download a few videos onto your phone or computer or external storage device. Video files can get pretty big.

Continue Listening Without Internet Connection

There are some fantastic interviews, speeches, and podcast episodes to be found on YouTube and other video platforms. This being said, sometimes the best things are a few hours long, and we’d like to continue listening to them while we’re away from the internet (or just trying to save data because our phone plan is a joke). Converting an online video into an audio file can allow you to take the file away from internet access and listen whenever and wherever you want.

The above situations are just a few of the instances where you might want to convert a video file into an audio file. Once you start converting files occasionally, you’ll find a whole bunch of other reasons to save up interesting or entertaining audio files.

Smart Solutions That Will Help Your Business To Become More Organized and Efficient

Running a business is not easy at all, and with so many aspects to supervise, things can become hectic quickly. The task can get quite overwhelming especially if your business is doing well. The more your company grows, the more tasks you will have to handle. Here are some ways to help you keep your business organized and more efficient.

 

  1.Have An Organized Environment 

Your environment is an important factor in impacting how you feel and in the outcome you give to the business. If your desk and office space are messy, you will not be mentally organized which will result in having no motivation to do any work. If your and your employee’s desks need to be cleaned and tidied up, make sure it is done accordingly. A clean and tidy desk will make a difference in your productivity results. Also, make sure that the place is decorated to give motivational vibes to the workers and help raise their productivity. If the place is looking more distressing, it will create opposite results like draining the employee’s mental health and stress them.

   2. Automate Your Business

Automating your business is a must these days. An automated business will help in increasing the efficiency of your business, as it will improve your customer services, allow you to have better access to all the information you need, reduce the total costs of your operations and it will surely result in happier and more satisfied employees. The automated system you will have will do all the boring work for you, leaving the complicated tasks to your employees. This will save their time and energy, resulting in higher productivity and much better outcomes.

  3. Use A Task Management Software 

Task management systems can make a huge difference when it comes to running your operations smoothly. You can reach out to a website that offers this software to organize your teamwork and help them finish all the tasks efficiently without missing any deadlines. Task management software will make task prioritization easier. If you arrange and classify your tasks, it will enable you to get them all done without wasting time. Generally, many people get stuck at the low priority task while starting their work, which leaves them with no time for more important tasks. This is poor management of tasks which will lead to lowering your business’s efficiency.

 

 4. Communication Between The Employees

Communication is the key to a successful business or any type of teamwork. Encourage your employees to openly communicate, give feedback and talk about their concerns. This allows them to stay in contact to improve their results. Also, this will enable them to share their ideas to reach the most beneficial idea for the sake of your business. Make sure to provide short daily meetings at an appropriate time for all the team members so that everyone communicates with one another.

 5. Assign The Tasks To The Right People

It is important to have the right team by your side to depend on them and trust them with your business. Having the right team will also lessen the pressure on you as it is incorrect to have all the responsibilities fall on you. Make sure to allocate tasks and give out roles to every employee with specified responsibilities but ensure that the task is given to the appropriate person that can accomplish it. Doing this will organize your company more.

 6. Know your limit 

The importance of knowing when to stop and not be greedy the minute you find your business doing well is an important attitude every business person should have. It is important to aim for efficiency but never let that block out other goals that you want to accomplish. Getting feedback, learning from your mistakes, and listening to your team and their opinions- all of this will enable you to understand and learn what is working and what is not with your business. Understanding and learning what is working for your business will improve its efficiency while continuing to grow your business.

 7. Plan ahead 

There is nothing better than planning every step to have an overview of what needs to be done. Surely, not everything will go as planned and sometimes emergencies occur causing you to change all the plans that are done already. This will save you much time and will organize every task making you feel more at ease.

Whether you own a small business or a big company, these points will come in handy to improve your work and organization. It is important to search and look all the time for more ways to help grow your business so make sure to do your research even if you have been in the industry for a long time since more efficient ways appear as time passes.