Experience, feel and see the power of sound. Top Ten effects music has on us. #Sony #Tech #Music

A ground-breaking report has uncovered the astounding ways in which music impacts our everyday lives, as well as the ways it affects us physically and psychologically more than we know. Scientific studies have proven that music can be a mood regulation tool, with tempo significantly altering our emotional response. Major and minor tones can take something from uplifting to melancholy.

 

  • 58% of people across Europe report feeling lower than ever before during the pandemic, with 72% of people recognising that music has helped them through a difficult time
  • The report uncovers the relationship between Emotion vs. Music: led by Dr David Lewis of Mindlab International and reveals the power of sound, with music acting as a mood regulation tool that can aid wellbeing
  • The findings have been brought to life in two beautifully compelling videos; experiment for yourself to see how you feel after watching them. Watch as the body reacts to music – powered by Sony’s MHC-V83D High Power Audio Speaker – with the science of Cymatics demonstrating how omni-directional soundwaves influence paint, sand and liquid to the beat in an erratic but mesmerising way
  • With 85% of people across Europe having seen their mood affected by music (from instilling happiness and excitement to feelings of nostalgia and sadness), to test this out the second video shows the powerful influence and effect lower tempo music can have.

Dr David Lewis at Mindlab International, said: “Sad music can help us through tough times. The most intense emotional responses, whether of happiness or sadness, were found to occur when one tune contrasts emotionally with that heard immediately before it. The next time you want to be uplifted and re-energised by music, create a musical sandwich. Play a song that saddens you right before one that makes you cheerful, positive and optimistic. That way the power of the uplifting track will prove even more impactful”.

Music is also a powerful cue that can restore, often vividly, long-forgotten emotional experiences, with 88% of those polled across Europe admitting they have a memory where music has played a significant role.

Play a song that saddens you right before one that makes you cheerful, positive and optimistic.

It can affect how our mind works but equally the ways in which we behave and respond to those around us.

 On average, we listen to over 285 hours of music a year (12 full days), giving it a unique power to brighten our lives during these difficult times. With 80% of people saying they want to listen to more music, knowing it has benefits to both our physical and mental wellbeing.

Informed by research from Dr David Lewis, Sony has created two new visual representations of how powerful music can impact us physically and emotionally. Powered by Sony’s new High-Power Audio speakers, the MHC-V83D and MHC-V73D the videos portray the ways in which high and low tempo music, coupled with the speakers omnidirectional sound and lighting features, effects our bodies and the objects around us.

 Experiment for yourself; put the power of music to the test to see what emotions it evokes for you…

  • Watch the video with a slower tempo music track first, which should evoke more melancholic feelings with Tails by Jack Chown, The Music Lab
  • Then re-energise with a song that has a faster tempo that should evoke happiness; brought to life by Gutenmorgen from Jack Chown, The Music Lab

Top 10 effects music has on us

Dr David Lewis looked at the effect music has on our bodies, minds and emotions, from increasing our memory function, heartbeat and pupil dilation to triggering teardrops, inducing sleep and instilling happiness.

Tears

Increase memory function

Happiness

Slow down, relax or speed up heart rate

Affect our actions

Create friendships and relationships, and even shape one’s identity

Create a ‘curing’ effect

Help induce sleep

Cause your spine to tingle and make hair stand on end

Pupil dilation and trigger ‘fight or flight’

 

A Sony spokesperson, said: We can all think back to a moment in our lives where music has played an integral role. From nursery rhymes as children to our wedding day dance song; it evokes feelings and memories, taking us on a journey.”

 “2020 has been a tough year for us all, we wanted to create this report and video to demonstrate how powerful music is, inspiring more people to use it as a tool for positivity in their lives. Our range of High-Power Audio speakers bring the power of sound out loud and clear, perfect for those wanting to enjoy listening to music together.”

Sony’s two exciting new models in its High-Power Audio Systems range, the MHC-V83D and MHC-V73D, have been designed to expand choices for party lovers and families with omnidirectional sound and lighting, portable design and ultimate party entertainment.

JAM Audio launch new affordable TWS earbuds with ANC. #JAMAudio #Tech #TWS

JAM Audio, the lifestyle audio brand, has announced the launch of its new earbuds, the TWS ANC. An affordable solution with luxe, modern style, the TWS ANC extends users’ listening experience with a 7-hour battery life, plus up to 28 hours of undisrupted playtime with the case.

Dynamic 10 mm drivers offer a great combination of sound quality and affordability and its elongated shape provides a snug, comfortable fit with your choice of four soft, anti-slip ear gels, so nothing gets between you and the wireless sound of TWS ANC.

 Features include

·       True Wireless – True Wireless means no wires. Anywhere. Ever. Whether you’re working, working out, or taking calls. Compatible with Bluetooth® devices and voice assistants.

·       Active Noise Cancellation – Superb Active Noise Cancellation lets you tune out distractions and focus on your music, podcasts, or whatever you’re listening to.

·       Battery Life – Up to 7 hours of playtime (Bluetooth only), or up to 6 hours of playtime with Bluetooth and ANC. Up to 28 hours total with case.

·       On-the-Go Touch Controls / Hands-Free Calling – Control the Convo. Convenient touch controls mean you never have to stop taking calls no matter where you are in your day.

·       Premium Sound – Premium sound performance combined with Active Noise Cancellation lets you appreciate every lyric, chord, and heart-pounding beat.

·       No-slip tip – 4 sizes of soft, anti-slip ear gels provide a comfortable fit for your 8-hour + day.

 The JAM Audio TWS ANC are priced at £99.99 and available from uk.jamaudio.com.

 

Edifier announces its latest G4 TE gaming headset. #Edifier #Gaming #Tech

Edifier, International, prominent designer and award-winning manufacturer of consumer audio electronics for both the lifestyle and multimedia markets announces its latest G4 TE gaming headset

Pinpointing movement by hearing sounds is important for participating in elite game play. The G4 TE over-ear style headset comes equipped with virtual 7.1 surround sound for exceptional sound quality. The ability to hear movements in every direction ensures you figure out enemy positions and stay alert during game play. 

Designed with 50mm neodymium magnet drivers which effectively reproduce the sounds in your game straight into your ears, the G4 TE has a frequency response equalling 20Hz – 20kHz, producing excellent, precise tones. 

 

The over-ear style of the G4 TE limit any outside interference with your play, ensuring you stay focused throughout your session. The self-adjusting, dual suspension headband and soft leatherette ear cups let your whole ear hear every sound, while providing a comfortable fit for long-time wear. 

 

The flexible omni-directional, 360-degree microphone lets teammates with active noise cancellation hear your every word ensuring smooth communication during game play. The microphone is also detachable for easy storage and safe keeping. 

The headset feature 1.68 million RGB LED lighting effects, illuminating the ear cups to personal your gaming space and enhance your play atmosphere. 

The G4 TE comes equipped with a USB connection, easily plugging into your PC or laptop for instant game chat capability. The robust PVC cable and in-line remote and control switch offer ease of use while gaming. 

Level up above casual game players and join the ranks of the elite.

Specifications:

Driver Unit: 

Φ50mm moving coil unit

Frequency response: 

20Hz-20KHz

Impedance:

32 Ohms

Sensitivity:  

99dB

Cable length: 

2.5m

Main Features:

  • 7.1 surround sound with 50mm NdFeB driver tuned specifically for E-Sport. 
  • Flexible and detachable omni-directional microphone. 
  • Programmable light effect LED lit earcups.
  • On-wire controls for easy access. 
  • Plug-and-play USB connection.

 

Price & Availability: Available for £89.99 on Amazon – 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Edifier-Headphones-Canceling-Microphone-Headphone-Black/dp/B086QJLDKB

Google.org provides funding to three Irish NGOs to support jobs and upskilling.

Three Irish NGOs that support small businesses, job seekers and skills training will receive a share of €500,000 funding from Google.org to help them respond to the repercussions of the pandemic. The funding from the philanthropic arm of Google is the second tranche of the €1 million grant funding announced in April.

The funding was dedicated in two tranches, the first of which was provided to help NGOs and non-profits providing vital services to the most vulnerable in our communities during the initial Covid crisis, followed by a second tranche dedicated to economic recovery.

This second tranche of grants will be shared among NGOs that focus on upskilling, mentoring and supporting job seekers to help them gain the skills, knowledge and qualifications they need for roles in the tech sector. The projects to be funded by each of the grantees are:

 

  • Jobcare delivers virtual, 7-week training programmes to jobseekers in Dublin. Its goal is to support 500 participants and to help with this, they’re building a new platform for participants to use which will help them engage with the course material, other participants, and the trainers.

 

  • Ringsend Community Services Forum (RCSF) provides mentorship, job training, and train-the-trainer programmes to 50 community leaders in Ringsend and Pearse Street. This will provide an opportunity for each of the leaders to deliver training to their own target groups. In partnership with St. Andrew’s and The Anchorage Project key support in digital skills and employment opportunities will be provided to jobseekers in the wider communities of Pearse street and Ringsend.

  • INCO provides virtual job and skills training to young people (18-35) who have been economically impacted by COVID-19, primarily in Cork, Galway, and Waterford (achieved through working with local partners). INCO focuses on developing tech skills amongst this group with a view to young people gaining vital experience that will help them get full time roles in the tech sector.

 

Nick Leeder, Head of Google in Ireland said, “When we announced this funding back in April, we wanted to ensure that the second tranche would be dedicated to organisations that are providing support to job seekers and people needing to upskill from different backgrounds and locations around the country. Jobcare, INCO and RCSF provide these vital services that must not only continue amid the pandemic and public health guidelines, but must also continue to adapt their services to meet evolving challenges. It’s also very important to us that we continue to support our neighbours in Ringsend and the surrounding areas as they navigate this extremely difficult time.

 

Paul Mooney, Founder of Jobcare, one of the grantees to receive funding from Google.org said, “We are working tirelessly to support jobseekers, now including those who have unfortunately been economically impacted by COVID-19. It’s crucial that we continue our services during this extraordinarily difficult time, and the Google.org grant will help us expand our reach and adapt our platforms so that we continue to provide vital support.”

 

The first tranche of the €1 million euro funding was shared among NGOs that address different aspects of the crisis in communities across Ireland, including FoodCloud, ALONE, A Lust for Life and the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, in addition to Google’s local community in Ringsend and Pearse Street.

PowerA FUSION Pro Wireless Controller for PlayStation 4 Now Available. #PS4 #Gaming #Tech

PowerA – a leader in enhancing interactive entertainment with officially licensed gaming accessories – is excited to announce that the FUSION Pro Wireless Controller for PlayStation 4 is now available. This officially licensed controller is designed from the ground up to keep up with the play demands of the modern gamer and is available at retailers for £99.99.

Play Like A Pro

The FUSION Pro Wireless Controller for PlayStation 4 features a mappable Pro Pack on the back that gives players the ability to assign button actions on-the-fly to the four removable paddles. In the heat of gameplay, being able to quickly access programmable commands without losing control of the thumbsticks can determine the difference between winning and losing. The FUSION Pro empowers players to Play Their Way with swappable analog sticks, anti-friction rings, and even a racing clip for masterful control in high-speed gameplay moments.

Style and Substance

The gamepad is designed with ergonomics in mind with ALPS analog thumbsticks giving players firm control over their game and the option to switch from short to tall sticks. The soft-grip front and rubberized rear grips makes the FUSION Pro a comfortable fit even after long gaming sessions. The 3-way trigger locks can be adjusted for the perfect response while the magnetic impulse triggers provide enhanced precision feedback for more immersive gameplay.

All the Bells and Whistles

The FUSION Pro Wireless Controller for PlayStation 4 also features motion sensors, dual rumble motors, touch pad, lightbar LED, built-in speaker plus share, PS, and options buttons. It also comes with a USB charging cable for wired gameplay on PC and PS4 as well as a rechargeable battery that boasts over 20 hours of play per charge.

 

 

F-Secure updates TOTAL cyber security package. #CyberSecurity #Tech

Cyber security provider F-Secure has released the latest version of its premium cyber security service TOTAL. TOTAL has undergone updates and improvements to offer users the very best in online protection.

Offering malware, browsing and banking protection, TOTAL has a new look and feel with many usability improvements such as faster and easier installation, improved instructions and streamlined flows. It also includes the recently launched F-Secure ID PROTECTION which is the evolution of KEY password manager.

F-Secure TOTAL is premium cyber security for users and their devices rolled into one subscription. It features F-Secure SAFE, which protects users online security; F-Secure FREEDOME, which maintains privacy online, and F-Secure ID PROTECTION, which keeps important credentials safe in one secure password manager and identity monitoring offering.

SAFE works across PC, Mac, Android and iOS devices to provide online security with antivirus, browsing and banking protection against various threats including hacking and criminal activity on personal data. Family Rules also enable parents to set healthy boundaries for kids’ device use.

The latest additions to SAFE include:

  • Stalkerware protection
  • Banking protection enhancements for Windows users, including no longer blocking non-browser applications that are trusted by the scanning platform
  • Browsing protection enhancements
  • Redesigned Family Rules to improve usability and now allows for daily time limits and bedtime to be set across all supported macOS versions and accounts
  • Silent upgrades to make sure SAFE mac upgrades are installed automatically
  • An ADBlocker for iOS users

Also included now is F-Secure ID PROTECTION as it takes over from KEY as F-Secure’s password manager that stores logins, card details and other key personal information. ID PROTECTION takes this one step further by also continuously monitoring and detecting exposed personal information online and enables users to respond quickly to threats to their online accounts and identity.

ID PROTECTION’s features include:

  • Identity management that provides instant alerts and guidance on how to respond when personal information has been found as part of a breach or data leak
  • A comprehensive breach database consisting of billions of recovered assets and plain text passwords
  • A combination of human intelligence and Dark Web monitoring to recover breach data up to 6 months faster
  • Protection for the entire family with a single subscription
  • Password management that makes it easy to create unique, strong passwords that are automatically synchronised and auto-filled on all devices

Also included in TOTAL is F-Secure FREEDOME, an intuitive online privacy and security VPN that lets you stay invisible to online trackers, protects data on public Wi-Fi and changes virtual location. In addition to typical VPN capabilities, FREEDOME supports browsing protection, anti-phishing, anti-tracking, and Tracker Mapper, protecting users from harmful sites, trackers and apps that want to forward personal data without you knowing about it.

F-Secure TOTAL is available from £59.99 per year and has 50% off for Black Friday (25-30 November 2020).

Stay connected this Christmas with Nokia mobile phones. #Nokia #Christmas2020

Looking to gift your loved one a new phone this Christmas? Nokia has the whole family covered with their selection of trusty handsets at accessible price points. From feature phones that allow you to stay connected with family and friends, to smartphones that are packed with the latest technologies and next generation AI-powered photography to bring out the best of your creative sidethere is something for everyone this Christmas from Nokia. Check out the deals below.

 

Elevate your creativity with Nokia’s first 5G – The Nokia 8.3 5G 

Effortlessly stylish, the Nokia 8.3 5G offers vivid colors and stunning clarity on the impressive edge-to-edge 6.81” screen. Featuring a powerful PureView quad-camera with ZEISS optics giving you immersive and stand-out movie-like shots with ZEISS Cinema effects and OZO audio, the Nokia 8.3 5G is the ideal smartphone for those who want to create powerful content. Designed to support multiple and evolving 5G networksNokia 8.3 5g is not only a global device but also a future-proof smartphone. 

Built with precision and crafted with care, this phone is rooted in pristine Nordic design, from its all-glass body to stunning colour, Polar Night, inspired by the Northern lights. The Nokia 8.3 5G in Polar Night with 6GB /64GB memory is available from Vodafone, Tesco and Harvey Norman priced from €399.99 prepay for 6/64 configuration 

 

Go big and beyond with Nokia 5.3

Ideal for students, the Nokia 5.3 will help you to stay focused with animpressive 6.55” screen and powerful Qualcomm® platform that is built for speed and easy access to Google Drive, Documents or to attend classes on Hangouts, Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Say goodbye to battery anxiety for good with a two-day battery life thanks to the 4000mAh2 battery and AI-assisted Adaptive Battery, saving energy for the apps that are used the most

The Nokia 5.3 is great for older school goers or students who already have an entry level smartphone and are looking to upgrade for a better experience. This modern and durable device is available from Three Ireland, Harvey Norman, Power City and Tesco Mobile and comes in either Cyan and Charcoal colour options with the 4GB/64GB RAM/ROM configuration priced from €129.

 

Maximise your streaming with the Nokia 3.4

The Nokia 3.4 offers a serious performance upgrade thanks to the Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 460 Mobile Platform which gives the user more power to get the best out of their phone. Take creativity to the next level with a large 6.39” HD+ screen, a punch-hole front camera and a mighty triple rear camera with an ultra-wide lens and AI imaging. All of this is powered by the signature two-day battery life and wrapped up in a premium timeless design, inspired by Nordic nature, delivering style with durability that’s true to its Finnish roots.

The Nokia 3.4 comes in Charcoal with 3/32GB, memory and storage configurations starting at a retail price of €139. Available in Vodafone, Three and Harvey Norman. 

 

Brining powerful AI to the Nokia 2.4 next generation

The next generation Nokia 2.4 brings modern essentials to this device, with advanced AI imaging, a dedicated Night mode and Portrait Editor that will let them create curated content with custom shapes and blurred background. With a convenient fingerprint sensor and AI face unlock, the Nokia 2.4 offers effortless access and added security, in a durable design that’s not only built to look good but also to last. Watch, learn and create on the large 6.5” HD+ screen, and thanks to its two-day battery life, favourite apps and games can be enjoyed for longer. 

The Nokia 2.4 comes in Charcoal with 2/32GB and storage configurations starting at a retail price of 99. Available in Vodafone, Three, Harvey Norman and Carphone Warehouse

 

Nokia 1.3 for those buying their first smartphone

The Nokia 1.3 delivers modern technology at Nokia’s most accessible price point. The screen offers a bigger, brighter and bolder experience, allowing users to see it all as clear as day on the large 5.71” HD+ screen. The battery certainly won’t hold you back – so you can do more in a day with the Nokia 1.3’s battery that stays charged from sunup to sundown. 

The Nokia 1.3 is an entry level smartphone available for only 79, from Vodafone Ireland in cyan and charcoal colour options 

The classis flip phone with a modern twist – stay connected with the Nokia 2720  

The Nokia 2720 offers reliability, durability, and trust. The classic flip is simple and reliable and boasts a 28-day standby time from a single charge, meaning your phone could be left on standby for the whole month! It comes with easy-to-use essential apps such as WhatsApp, which comes preloaded to help users stay in touch with family and friends.

 

This classic flip phone is available from Vodafone, Carphone Warehouse, Three and Harvey Norman, from 79.

Check out the Nokia 800 tough video review and the new 5310 2020 edition video review

Christmas gifts for Apple lovers. #Christmas2020 #Apple #Tech #QDOS #TwelveSouth

With less than 6 weeks until Christmas, the hunt is on for the perfect Christmas gift for Apple lovers. Below is a host of gadgets and accessories for the latest Apple products (including the new Macbook series and iPhone 12 series) that will make the Apple experience even better. The gadgets and accessories include UV sanitizers to keep your iPhone12 clean, iPhone 12 cases and screen protectors, plus cases and stands for the new MacBook Air, MacBook Pro and Mac mini, and a portable USB-C hub.

 

The QDOS UV Sanitizer quickly and easily disinfects your iPhone, tech devices and accessories eliminating up to 99.99% of common surface bacteria at the click of a button. Qi functionality also allows you to wirelessly charge your smartphone while disinfecting other devices such as a smartwatch or earphones simultaneously. The QDOS UV Sanitizer offers two UV-C light sterilisation modes including three-minute rapid or 10-minute intensive sterilisation.

QDOS I HYBRID

SRP: £19.99

Available for: iPhone 12 MiniiPhone 12/12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max

Sleek, slim and easy to grip, the crystal-clear QDOS I HYBRID case perfectly showcases the design of the iPhone 12 while providing everyday protection. The HYBRID is made from a unique blend of highly protective materials and features air-cushionedTPU corners that can keep the iPhone safe from a drop of up to 4ft. With flexible sides (available in clear, navy or space grey) and a solid,scratch-resistant and transparent polycarbonate back, the HYBRID case is easy to get on and off. To ensure the case stays looking pristine, the HYBRID has been treated with an optimised coating to prevent discolouration.

QDOS I TOUCH

SRP: £24.99

Available for: iPhone 12 MiniiPhone 12/12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max

Soft to the touch, the QDOS I TOUCH case for iPhone 12 is made with real liquid silicone for a silky-smooth finish that is easy to grip. Combining a shock-absorbent polycarbonate inner shell with a high-quality wipe-clean finish, the TOUCH provides everyday protection from knocks and bumps and is resistant to dust, dirt, spills and marks. The interior has been lined with soft microfibre which encases the iPhone 12 perfectly. TOUCH has also been designed with precision cut-outs, offering easy access to ports and buttons.

 

QDOS I OptiGuard™

SRP from £19.99

QDOS’ new generation of OptiGuard™ screen protectors, now available for the iPhone 12 series, are as tough as they come. Made from premium Japanese tempered glass with a hardness rating of 9H, they offer protection against impacts, scratches and shock, without affecting the sharpness, clarity or touch sensitivity of the screen. Antimicrobial protection kills 99.99% of bacteria on the surface of the phone while an oleophobic coating repels fingerprints and oily residue. Each screen protector comes with an original bespoke application tool that helps to remove bubbles for the perfect installation. The OptiGuard™ range, which also offers a limited lifetime warranty, includes:

  • QDOS I OptiGuard™ Glass Protect: Ultra-thin 0.3mm glass screen protection with a 9H hardness rating and ultra-clarity. Offering hassle-free installation with an easy applicator tool, the OptiGuard Glass offers perfect touch sensitivity for the iPhone 12. Available for: iPhone 12 MiniiPhone 12/12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max
  • QDOS I OptiGuard™ Glass Curve Clear: Curved and designed to fit around the display of the iPhone 12, the OptiGuard Curve offers maximum edge-to-edge protection against impact and scratches. Available for: iPhone 12 MiniiPhone 12/12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max
  • QDOS I OptiGuard™ Glass Curve Privacy: Shielding data from shoulder-surfers in public, the OptiGuard Glass Privacy incorporates a 180-degree privacy filter. This restricts the angle of view to the user directly facing the screen.  Available for: iPhone 12 MiniiPhone 12/12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max

 

Twelve South SuitCase for Macbook

From £69.99

Available for the 13-inch MacBook Pro/Air and the 16-inch MacBook Pro from Amazon.co.uk

Providing maximum protection, the new Twelve South SuitCase combines a stylish, quilted water-resistant exterior with a thermoform shell to securely hold and protect the MacBook inside. With a slim design and a recessing leather handle, the SuitCase will fit comfortably into a workbag or backpack for everyday use. Alternatively, knowing that the new MacBooks have 20 hours of battery life, if users would rather travel light with just a few papers and a Lightning cable, a handy slim pocket hidden inside the case can hold notes, cables and other essentials.

Users can easily work on their MacBook without removing it from the SuitCase thanks to Twelve South’s innovative suspension system which holds the case securely against the MacBook without interfering with its display. Dual wetsuit-style zippers keep the SuitCase securely closed but also allow for the MacBook to be easily and safely charged whilst still inside the case.

 

Twelve South Curve SE

£49.99

Available from Currys.co.uk

The Twelve South Curve SE is the perfect stand to pair with a new MacBook. Not only does it perfectly match clean modern office spaces and the aesthetics of many Apple accessories, it also has an improved ergonomic design. Users no longer have to hunch over and tilt their head downwards towards a screen, they can easily elevate their MacBook to a healthier, more comfortable height.

Offering multiple uses, the Curve SE can be paired with a full-sized keyboard and mouse for a convenient desktop setup or used with a monitor for dual screen functionality. Its minimal design uses a single piece of aluminum which allows for 70% of the base to be exposed for optimal cooling. Anti-slip silicone pads and bent arms keep the laptop in place and prevents scratches.

Twelve South BookArc

£49.99

Available from Amazon.co.uk

The Twelve South BookArc is the little MacBook stand that makes room for a big monitor by holding a MacBook vertically and off the desk. By placing a closed MacBook on the BookArc and plugging in an external monitor, keyboard & mouse users now have a comfortable desktop setup for their home or office. Things like photo editing, spreadsheets and other projects are easier to see on a bright 24-inch (or bigger) screen. When it’s time to go mobile or head out for a meeting, unplug the desktop connections and the BookArc Cable Catch will keep them in place.

Twelve South Curve Riser

£79.99

Available from Amazon.co.uk

The Twelve South Curve Riser is the perfect accessory for the Mac mini. A handsome and practical stand designed to elevate iMacs and external monitors, it also features an integrated shelf which is the ideal place to put a Mac mini. Perfect for home offices or those with limited space, Curve Riser helps to keep desks clutter free.

Twelve South HiRise for MacBook

£69.99

Available from Very.co.uk

The Twelve South HiRise for MacBook is a beautifully designed, height adjustable stand that elevates a laptop to the perfect position. Unlike fixed stands, the HiRise allows users to set their screen height from a few inches up to a half foot off their desk, making it perfect for MacBooks and users of all sizes. HiRise allows users to align a MacBook with an external monitor for the ultimate dual-display set-up. Users can perch their MacBook on the HiRise and pair with their favourite wireless keyboard and mouse to create a comfortable and convenient workstation. This sleek brushed metal stand features non-slip arms to securely hold all size MacBooks from 11-inch Air to 16-inch Pro.

Twelve South StayGo

£99.99

Available from Amazon.co.uk

The Twelve South StayGo is a portable USB-C hub that’s designed to add additional ports to USB-C MacBooks and MacBook Pros. Perfect for anyone who is working from home and perhaps missing their office set up, the StayGo makes it much easier to connect extra screens, a keyboard, storage and displays etc.

The hub comes with eight port options built in including a 4K HDMI port, three USB A 3.0 ports, gigabit ethernet port, an SD port, a micro SD port, and an 85W USB-C pass-through power port which allows you to connect your power source to the StayGo to keep your MacBook Pro charged up while powering other devices such as an iPhone, AirPods, Apple Watch etc. The Gigabit Ethernet port is especially useful allowing users to connect to super-fast wired networks and servers.

Volvo Cars “ultimate driving simulator” uses latest gaming technology to develop safer cars. #Volvo #Motoring

Volvo Cars engineers call it “the ultimate driving simulator”, but it is not just an excuse for them to indulge their inner basement gamer. Instead, the Swedish company’s ground-breaking mixed-reality simulator is used to make new strides in safety and autonomous driving technology.

A setup with a moving driving seat, a steering wheel with haptic feedback and a crystal-clear virtual reality headset would make any serious gamer jealous, but Volvo Cars’ simulator takes this concept to the next level, making it hard to tell reality from simulation. Which is exactly the point.

Using cutting-edge technology from the leading real-time 3D development platform Unity and Finnish virtual and mixed reality experts Varjo, the simulator involves driving a real car on real roads. It combines life-like, high definition 3D graphics, an augmented reality headset, and a full-body Teslasuit that provides haptic feedback from a virtual world, while also monitoring bodily reactions.

This combination of software and hardware allows Volvo Cars engineers to endlessly simulate traffic scenarios on a real test track road while using a real car, all in total safety. Engineers can gain important insights on the interaction between people and the car for development of new safety, driver assistance and autonomous driving features.

Testers can be exposed to imagined active safety and driver assistance features, upcoming autonomous drive user interfaces, future car models and many other scenarios. It can be used on real test track roads or in the test lab, and every scenario is fully customizable. The possibilities are literally endless.

Volvo Cars “ultimate driving simulator” uses latest gaming technology to develop safer cars

Volvo Cars “ultimate simulator” was demonstrated yesterday in an event live-streamed from Volvo’s Open Innovation Arena and hosted by a team of its innovation experts. You can watch the event on demand HERE.

Last year, together with Varjo, Volvo Cars became the first car maker to make it possible to drive a real car while wearing a mixed reality headset. Now that collaboration has been expanded to include Unity and full-body haptic suit maker Teslasuit.

According to Casper Wickman, senior leader of User Experience at Volvo’s Open Innovation Arena and one of the hosts of the livestream, this enables Volvo Cars to study authentic human reactions in a safe environment and at a fraction of the cost of a real test.

“Working together with great companies like Varjo, Unity and Teslasuit has allowed us to test so many scenarios that look and feel totally real, without having to physically build anything,” says Casper Wickman. “It lets us test drive actual cars in through traffic scenarios that look and feel real, but can be adjusted at the touch of a button.”

When developing safety systems for cars, like collision-avoiding technologies, testing is crucial. But testing these systems in reality can be dangerous, time-consuming and expensive. Virtual and mixed reality simulations, however, allow for perfectly safe testing in authentic environments, without having to build any physical prototypes or set up complex scenarios.

“By using this cutting-edge technology, we are exploring and leading the development for creating safe cars in the future. It’s great to play a part in that,” said Casper Wickman.

Watch the full livestream recording here and download the summary video of the event here.