Category: Tech News

Poly Introduces Speakerphones That Bring Professional-Quality Audio to Your Home (and Your Office) #Poly #Audio

Poly today unveiled the Poly Sync family, a new line of smart, USB and Bluetooth speakerphones, at Zoomtopia 2020. These Poly devices use proprietary microphone technology to track the talker, not the noise.

The Poly Sync 20, Poly Sync 40 and Poly Sync 60 are designed to enable today’s need to work from anywhere – whether that’s a remote work location at home or a conference room in the office. Poly Sync’s USB and Bluetooth connectivity options offer flexibility, while its intelligent microphones can easily detect voices throughout the room to enable crisp audio quality for both work and entertainment. For seamless voice integration, connect Poly Sync to your Siri or Google voice assistant and check even more off your to-do list without lifting a finger.

“The Poly Sync family is a new generation of smart speakerphones that are perfect for working or listening to music from anywhere,” said Christine Roberts, senior vice president and general manager of professional headsets and speakerphones for Poly. “The Sync Family redefines speakerphones going forward. This isn’t just another speaker puck – this speakerphone line is sleek, sophisticated and smart.”

Poly is the largest hardware provider for Zoom, and Poly Sync 20 is among the first to receive Zoom’s Personal USB Speakerphone certification.

“We are pleased to recognise Poly Sync 20 as one of the first speakerphone devices to receive Zoom’s Personal USB Speakerphone certification,” said Oded Gal, head of product management for Zoom. “Poly continues to trailblaze with its portfolio of Zoom certified devices and we know that the addition of Poly Sync 20 will provide outstanding value for today’s evolving workforce.”

Poly Sync 20 & Poly Sync 20+

With best-in-class audio and a three-microphone array, Poly Sync 20 and Poly Sync 20+ are ideal portable solutions for today’s hybrid work environments. A remarkable sounding three-in-one device, it’s a personal speakerphone, a portable music speaker and a smartphone charger all in one. Its compact, sleek design and carrying case make it perfect for users on the go.

Poly Sync 20+ Front Teams
Poly Sync 40 Laptop USB Situation

Advanced digital signal processing algorithms ensure both sides of the call can be heard clearly, simultaneously, and a programmable button allows users to personalise their Sync 20 with their favorite functions like music pause/play or voice assistant – all with a single touch. The Poly Sync 20+ includes a BT600 dongle for seamless Bluetooth connectivity options.

Poly Sync 40

The Sync 40 features even bigger sound than the Sync 20, with microphones that allow for greater pickup range as well as the convenient smartphone charging capabilities to support today’s hybrid work environments. IT or the user can choose to wirelessly daisy chain two units to adapt and expand the reach within varied conference room sizes. Sync 40 features a long-lasting battery with up to 20 hours of talk time and the automatic Bluetooth unpairing option allows users to quickly disconnect Bluetooth devices after a meeting.

Poly Sync 60

The Sync 60, the largest speakerphone in the Sync family, incorporates all of the spectacular features in the Sync 20 and Sync 40, but is designed for larger meeting spaces and conference rooms. With a six-microphone array and intelligent LED features, the device can automatically track voices within the meeting room and adapt to make sure the other end of the call has a great audio experience. With its two large built-in speakers, the Sync 60 easily fills the room with rich, crystal clear audio. Connect a USB video camera to the device for complete AV connectivity.

While the Sync family series offers solutions for workers in any location, they also help IT managers, who can oversee and improve workforce fleet deployment and allow remote manage of Sync devices.

Availability

  • Poly Sync 20 will be available worldwide starting in November 2020
  • Poly Sync 40 will be available worldwide starting in January 2021
  • Poly Sync 60 will be available worldwide in early 2021

JOBY Announces the New Freehold Phone Case with Finger Loop and Multi-Accessory Mount

JOBY, creator of award-winning mounts, stands and grips designed to elevate the potential of the latest mobile and imaging devices, announces the launch of FreeHold – a protective smartphone case series with built-in finger loop and modular attachment system. With FreeHold, JOBY now provides a complete ecosystem of products for run-and-gun content creators, further solidifying itself as a leader in smartphone accessories.

Designed for mobile content creation, FreeHold empowers you to easily view and use your smartphone in new and fun ways. Capture and share the most creative images and videos.

FreeHold’s built-in stretch-elastic finger loop hugs your fingers, giving you a dependable hold while snapping pics or vlogging – so, you know your phone isn’t going anywhere! Say “bye bye” to scuff marks and broken screens. See our review soon here on techbuzz where we give real hands on reviews.

Innovation in Irish transport lagging behind our European counterparts, new mobility grouping claims

Ireland is lagging behind its European neighbours when it comes to creating and regulating new, innovative transport modes like e-scooters, a new mobility grouping has said. This is something myself I have an issue with as there is still no answer going forward for users who can be fined for using effective transport especially in these challenging times right now and when we should be using public transport as a last resort, I too own an electric scooter but there is a grey area that has not been fixed yet and going on too long now and needs to be addressed NOW.

The comments come as FREE NOW, Ireland’s largest e-hailing app, launched a new Mobility Series aimed at bringing together a range of stakeholders from across the sector to discuss the key issues and opportunities for Ireland to become a leader in joined-up, sustainable mobility that helps cities flow and reduces reliance on private car ownership.

The first event in the series brought mobility industry leaders together and focused on e-scooters in the Covid-19 world, and the steps that need to be taken in order for Ireland to catch up with its European neighbours in order to offer micro-mobility across the country.

Speakers included other Irish e-scooter operators: Zipp’s VP Growth & Government Affairs, Will O’Brien and Zeus Scooters’ COO, David O’Reilly as well as Richard Dilks, CEO of CoMO UK, a charity that focuses on the public benefit of shared transport and has worked closely with industry and Government on the trials in the UK.

The key recommendations from across the group include:

  • Learning from other countries such as the UK, Germany and Australia who have already legalised e-scooters or undertaken e-scooter trials – these can highlight successes and mistakes to learn from.
  • The introduction of e-scooter trials in a range of locations in Ireland – both big cities and smaller towns in order for lessons to be learnt in a range of settings. There needs to be several trials, not just one.
  • The need for operators and local authorities to focus on ensuring other road users and non E-scooter users are considered, for example when it comes to parking through the use of geofencing technology to ensure compliance.
  • The use of private e-scooters to be reviewed separately to organisations that can provide e-scooters as part of the transport network. Operator schemes allow for more safety and traceability.
  • A focus on training for first-time users to tackle any safety concerns.
  • E-scooters can help create a modal shift, and move people away from private car journeys, helping with city congestion and the environment while contributing to the road to zero carbon.
  • For authorities to have a joined up approach for e-scooters and other modes of transport to create a truly integrated, sustainable, transport system

Chair of the Mobility Series, Fiona Brady, Head of Operations at FREE NOW said: “The Mobility Series has been set up to bring together key stakeholders to discuss the pivotal topics within the transport sector. It is really important that these issues are not forgotten amidst the pandemic chaos of 2020. In the context of Covid-19, we need our cities and towns to move in a more sophisticated way more than ever and we are lagging behind our European neighbours on key opportunities to do so, such as the regulated introduction of  e-scooters into our mobility ecosystem.

“We have set up this Series to drive discussion but also to ignite real change.  We at FREE NOW will continue to call on the Government to prioritise the legislation for e-scooter trials as soon as possible. Scooters allow for the socially-distanced transport that is appropriate for the pandemic, and trials in countries such as the UK, where the first trials started just 9 days after legislation was passed, are accelerating – we need to see more action here.”

The next event in the Mobility Series will be held at the beginning of November and will focus on electric vehicles. A recent survey of FREE NOW passengers showed that almost 70% of people are now more environmentally-aware in their day-to-day routines, including when making decisions on how to travel, since COVID-19.

Proxima, the latest wearable tech from Prolojik, allows organisations and people to manage their own COVID-19 risk. #Covid19 #Prolojik

Prolojik remains at the forefront of harnessing the ubiquitous nature of lighting controls to contribute to the measurement and control of the COVID virus. Building on one of its latest innovations, Proxima allows organisations from commercial workplaces to schools and universities to empower people to manage their own risk and exposure to the COVID virus,  through wearable technology in the form of a wristband or lanyard  that connects wirelessly to Prolojik’s Proxima sensor network.

The movement and temperature of each wearer can be monitored throughout all areas within the space, vibrating when people are within 2 metres of each other, as well as taking their temperature to alert them of potential illness. Data collected via the Proxima sensor network can be stored on premises for real time analysis or shared with third party systems such as BMS. For example, if someone contracts COVID within an organisation, it is possible to track that person interactions in the preceding days, identify others that have been in close proximity to them, therefore exposed to the virus and potentially at risk. The enormous benefit is that Facility and Building Operators can  focus on specific areas, rather than having to close entire buildings down. As with education, this approach allows for a far more targeted approach to infection management, by isolating individuals or specific social bubbles.

The integration with the lighting control system means that all areas of the building are within the trackable zone, including workspaces, circulation areas, back-of-house, plantrooms, car parks, presentation spaces and external spaces.

Each wearable will provide key data on the following aspect of employee care and building management:

  • Targeted Messaging
  • People and Asset Tracking
  • Profile-based control
  • Lone Worker Monitoring
  • Building Sanitisation
  • Physical distancing
  • Environmental monitoring
  • Indoor Location – way finding
  • Revenue Leakage

Asela Rodrigo Managing Director of Prolojik comments:

“At a time when businesses and educational institutions need as much support as possible to be operational, Proxima wearables provide the ultimate reassurance and comfort for employee and students. The unique difference is the stand alone sensor infrastructure which can equally be fully integrated with any lighting control systems to increases the measurable and trackable area.”

Two thirds of girls surveyed by @PlanIreland have experienced harassment online #FreeToBeOnline

Two thirds of girls surveyed by Plan International Ireland have experienced harassment online 

Today, ahead of International Day of the Girl this Sunday October 11th, Plan International Ireland launched research highlighting the extent of the abuse, harassment and violence girls and young women face on social media. Plan International Ireland is a development and humanitarian organisation that advances children’s rights and equality for girls.

At the global level, Plan International conducted a survey with 14,000 girls across 22 countries. This research, detailed in the Free To Be Online? report, was supplemented by an Irish survey of almost 500 girls from all over the country. While the global research found that 58% of girls have experienced some form of online harassment, 67% of girls surveyed in Ireland have been subjected to abuse or harassment online. The violence that girls have endured includes cyberstalking, being sent explicit images or messages, and/ or abusive and threatening messages and comments.

 

To mark Girls in ICT Day, a group of Ecuadorian girls learnt new digital skills. In Quito, through a partnership between Plan International and Microsoft, girls received training on computer programming using Minecraft to learn the basic skills of coding. Leslie Jarrin, Managing Director of ThoughtWorks Ecuador also spoke to the girls about being a woman in the IT industry. The girls ended the day with a visit to the Microsoft office where they had the opportunity to meet staff members, ask questions and receive advice on working in ICT.
In Guayaquil, where Plan International is working in partnership with NGO Girls in Tech, girls had the opportunity to take part in a computer programming session onboard a Digital Bus operated by Guayaquil municipality. During the training, the girls learnt how to create games and basic programming skills.

Girls and young women from ethnic minorities, from the LGBTQ+ community, and girls with disabilities reported being more likely to suffer harassment as a result of these intersecting factors. When girls speak out on issues that affect them, the abuse tends to get worse. The average age the abuse starts at in Ireland is 13. Globally, girls as young as 8 face violence online.

This form of gender-based violence is having a serious impact on girls’ mental health, their sense of safety and wellbeing, and their relationships. In Ireland, 25% of girls surveyed felt physically unsafe due to the abuse, 65% felt mental or emotional stress, and 75% found their confidence or self-esteem was knocked.

The platforms that girls in Ireland are most likely to experience abuse on are Snapchat (41%) and Instagram (40%). Globally, girls are most likely to experience it on Facebook (39%) and Instagram (23%).

CEO of Plan International Ireland, Paul O’Brien commented: “The research carried out by Plan International delves into the shocking extent of online abuse that girls and young women experience. We may have moved to a place whereby street harassment is far less acceptable than before in Ireland, but the reality is that harassment has followed girls into their homes, bedrooms and minds via social media. Decisive action is needed by social media companies to ensure girls across the world are free to be online.”

Plan International Ireland launched the findings of the global report and Irish research this morning in a virtual event. Plan International Ambassador, Laura Whitmore, delivered the keynote address at the launch. Also speaking was Minister of State for Overseas Development Aid and the Diaspora, Colm Brophy, Chair of Plan International Ireland, Conor Faughnan, and Anne Marie McCarthy of Plan International who will explore how the issue manifests itself in the Lake Chad region. Following the report launch there will be a panel discussion featuring DJ & broadcaster Tara Stewart, journalist Aoife Moore, and a member of Plan International’s Youth Advisory Panel, Amy Keane.

Speaking before the event, Tara Stewart said: ‘Girls and young women want to be on social media – it can be an empowering place that allows them to build communities and express themselves. However, they need to be safe to do this without fear of violence. Social media companies need to put policies in place that prevent and respond to online harassment and hold perpetrators to account.’

Member of the Youth Advisory Panel (YAP), Amy Keane (20), said “In Ireland 90% of those surveyed feel more likely or equally likely to be harassed online as in public. Street harassment is no longer tolerated so why is online abuse? With more young people moving their lives online due to Covid-19, this issue is more urgent than ever.”

This week, Minister for Children, Disability, Equality Integration and Youth Roderic O’Gorman hosted a Girls Takeover event where he discussed the issue of online abuse with a member of the YAP. Other virtual events Plan International Ireland will have this week include an Instagram Live conversation with Marissa Carter this Friday at 11am, a social media takeover of Chupi’s and The Body Shop’s Instagram accounts on Sunday, and a Girls Takeover between Irish Aid and YAP members from Ireland and Sierra Leone on Monday next.

You can sign the Open Letter to Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter here.

 

Watch Laura Whitmore’s Keynote Address

Global Report: “Free to be Online? Girls’ and young women’s experiences of online harassment”:

 

  • The research by Plan International, a leading girls’ rights organisation, is based on a survey of 14,000 girls aged 15-25 in 22 countries, including Brazil, Benin, the USA and India, and a series of in-depth interviews.

  • Of those surveyed 58% experienced some type of harassment. 85% of those have experienced more than one type of harassment.

  • Online harassment starts for girls from the age of 8. Girls report that social media harassment is at its peak between the ages of 14-16.

“Girls Online: Experiences and Impacts in Ireland”:

 

  • The YAP surveyed over 457 girls & young women in Ireland aged 15-24 on the topic of online harassment. They also conducted five long-form interviews to obtain qualitative data. This report summarises their findings, linking them to the global context.

  • Some of participants in our qualitative interviews initially said they had never experienced online harassment, only to later describe a personal scenario fitting the exact definition of online abuse. This suggests that the actual rates of online abuse might be even higher, because of a tendency to downplay the issue or the prevalence of the idea that online abuse ‘isn’t real’.

  • Our survey found that 65% of girls and young women in Ireland have experienced harassment or abuse on social media.

  • Platforms where girls and young women report being harassed: Snapchat 41%; Instagram 40%; Facebook 20%; Twitter 14%; TikTok 9%

  • Amongst the respondents, only 9% said they think girls face more harassment in public spaces as opposed to online, while 46% said the level of harassment was the same. Several girls stated in interviews that there is a level of accountability harassers must face on the street, while no such standard exists online.

Worms Rumble PlayStation/PC crossplay beta announced ahead of a full launch in December. #Gaming #WormsRumble #PS5 #PS4

Team17 is today announcing a bumper airdrop of Worms Rumble news, confirming a PlayStation/PC crossplay beta from 6th November, and a full release for the strategic real-time action game on PlayStation5, PlayStation4, and PC in December.

The latest instalment in the multi-award-winning franchise, Worms Rumble features fast-paced, relentless skirmishes for up to 32 players per match across a variety of modes including Deathmatch and Squads. Pre-orders for Worms Rumble on Steam is now available  for $14.99/£10.99/€14.99, providing access to the ‘New Challenger’ pack, featuring a cache of exclusive cosmetic items.

The second map coming to Worms Rumble at launch – Portal Park – is also being revealed today. An arena featuring a fantastical portal that can change the environment in dramatic ways, Portal Park also includes underground traintracks that provide rapid transit to other parks of the map. The announcement of Portal Park follows on from the reveal of Missile Mall in the summer, which takes place in a huge, sprawling shopping mall complete with ballistic missile. Fan favourite gadgets, including Grapple Guns and the Jet Pack are also making a return ready for players to traverse the maps and get the edge over the competition.

Access to a plethora of exclusive cosmetic items, including; an outfit, beanie, skin pattern, baseball bat skin, player banner, and challenge title, is now available through pre-orders on Steam. The ‘New Challenger’ bonus pack will provide PC players with the option to further finetune their Worms Rumble look as they fight for victory. Further cosmetic items will be available and unlocked as players progress through the ranks, including different hats and glasses, bringing a wide variety of customisation options so each Worm can be fashionably unique in the arena.

Worms Rumble Key Features:

· Real-time, frantic, 32-player action: Worms Rumble makes history as the first game in the series to introduce real-time strategic combat and object destruction

· Get more targets with crossplay matchmaking: Whether on PS4, PS5, or PC, players can battle against players from all other platforms

· Make your Worm its own: No Worms game would be complete without cosmetics and personalisation, ranging from outfits and hats to skins for your worm and weapons they wield

· Lock and load your arsenal: Crates across the maps contain weapons like the Bazooka, Assault Rifle, and Holy Hand Grenade, with Jet Packs and Grapple Guns providing extra movement options

Kevin Carthew, Creative Director, Team17, said:
“Revealing the release timing of Worms Rumble is a very special moment for the development team, and we’re thrilled that it’s only a matter of weeks away. We’re very excited to see players take to the arenas, and it’s fantastic that through the PlayStation 4/PC crossplay open beta next month we can give you a taste of what’s to come in December. It’s even more special considering we’re celebrating the 25th anniversary of the series in days after the beta, with Team17’s own 30th anniversary coming up on the 7th December.”

To keep up to date with all the information on Worms Rumble please like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and join us on Discord.

Beko’s first-of-its kind household product line eliminates more than 99% of bacteria and viruses (including coronavirus) #Beko

Beko, Europe’s leading home appliance brand, has developed HygieneShieldTM , a ground-breaking portfolio of household products, created in response to emerging consumer needs in the post-lockdown era.

The new portfolio includes seven appliances with in-built disinfection programmes and functions to disinfect packaged food and belongings to help people adjust to the ‘new normal’ at home. Developed as a result of in-depth global consumer research and with innovative new technology, the HygieneShieldTM product line has the power to kill more than 99% of bacteria and viruses (including coronavirus), providing a level of reassurance unrivalled in the market place.

Beko’s consumer research, across 31 countries revealed that one of the primary concerns is hygiene. Many of us are disinfecting supermarket purchases when we get home, worrying about handling mobile phones and keys, or not bringing coats into the house. People have increased the amount of cleaning and laundry in their homes, with some disinfecting bedding for the first time. 75% of people are cleaning the house more often, 64% are doing more laundry and 68% are paying more attention to the cleanliness of the packaging on purchased products.

The line takes inspiration from nature and uses methods such as steam and heat to enable consumers to achieve excellent hygiene results at home. At today’s virtual launch, Arçelik’s CEO Hakan Bulgurlu was joined for a virtual discussion by Arçelik’s CMO, Zeynep Yalım Uzun and guest speakers, medical broadcaster and GP Dr Sarah Jarvis and Christopher Sanderson, Future Laboratory’s Co-founder & CEO to announce the launch.

Hakan Bulgurlu said: “It has been a very difficult year and we believe that now more than ever, everyone should have access to good quality products that care for them and the environment. We are excited to introduce Beko’s latest innovations and our first ever full product line to market. The products have been tailored to help consumers achieve professional levels of hygiene at home and protect them from infections and diseases. Our technologies are being independently tested by Airmid Health Group, a respected biomedical research organization. As of today, HygieneShield  washing machines, washer dryers, ovens and refrigerators have been shown to provide more than 99% virus reduction. Airmid tests for UV disinfection cabinet and tumble dryers are in progress and we expect to finalize the testing and certification processes by November. Our dishwashers are being independently tested by Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences and the testing and certification process is expected to be completed in October. We hope that our products will give consumers peace of mind that their homes are safe and clean, as we all continue to adjust to the ‘new normal’.”

Dr Sarah Jarvis added: “I’ve spoken positively on TV about UV light for disinfection purposes: it has been widely used for sterilisation in hospitals, aeroplanes and factories for some years. It has also been used in China since April this year. COVID-19 has made us all think about how we live outside the home, with masks and social distancing, but I’m seeing my patients start to think about hygiene in the home, where we are spending so much more of our time. I do not think we should all be going back to the workplace yet – working from home wherever we can, will keep us safe and reduce the spread of COVID-19. Keeping things clean is the challenge; I advise my patients to wash towels (especially those from the downstairs loo) and dishcloths more frequently and to wash face masks and coverings after every use.”

Christopher Sanderson, CEO of Future Laboratory, a trend forecasting consultancy in London, writes in a new report: “The home has played a pivotal role in the recent global crisis, forced to double as office, school, gym, restaurant or even a healthcare setting, our homes have become the front line of our external lives.”

Heighten your hygiene experience at home

 

  1. UV cleaning cabinet

 

Coronavirus can survive for five days on smooth surfaces, so the cabinet uses UV light technology to clean items that you have used outside the home or are concerned about. Keys, phones, wallets, packaged goods from supermarkets, plastic bags, baby bottles and toys can all be safely cleaned in a 20-40-minute cycle with no damage to objects. This clever portable device can live anywhere in the home and its touch display makes it easy to use.

  1. Combi refrigerator with disinfection drawer

 

The refrigerator disinfects food items in their original and sealed packaging, eliminating more than 99% of bacteria and viruses in approximately 40 minutes. Instead of wiping down each item you bring home from the supermarket or storing them in a safe place for several days, this refrigerator does it for you. Its separate disinfection drawer above the crisper eliminates viruses, bacteria and germs using UV light technology distributed over the compartment.

  1. Tumble dryer with UV light technology

 

It isn’t practical to wash your clothes every day, or to wash certain items of clothing at high temperatures but we still want to feel certain that our clothes are hygienic.

The tumble dryer eliminates bacteria and viruses and provides disinfection for your laundry in a safe and convenient way. The UV Hygienic Refresh programme refreshes up to six dry pieces of clothing. Moreover, the UV Hygienic Drying programme dries and sanitises up to 5 kg of washed laundry, even clothes that need washing at low temperatures.

 

4.& 5. HygieneShieldTM  washing machine and washer dryer

 

We do not know how long the Coronavirus can survive on fabric and many of us are worried about our clothing when we get home. What we do know is that people are washing their clothes for longer at higher temperatures because of the pandemic. This can get expensive, is not sustainable and risks damaging our favourite clothes.

With a smart algorithm, an additional heater channel and fan system, the hygiene therapy programme fills the drum with hot air to keep the laundry at 60°C to thoroughly sanitise your clothes without water. More than 99% of viruses and bacteria are eliminated from 2 kg of clothes in 58 minutes, saving money and the planet from the use of chemicals and extra water.

  1. Built-in oven with saturated steam and heat

 

This oven doesn’t just cook your food but cleans it too. Using the exceptional disinfecting power of saturated steam and heat there are two separate disinfection programmes available with this appliance, both involving heat and steam, working at 70°C and 120°C, respectively. Use of the oven at 70°C for 15 minutes will disinfect the surfaces of packaged food and make the outside of baked goods more hygienic, without affecting their taste and structure. Use of the oven at 120°C for 20 minutes will disinfect items like metal bowls and glass products.

  1. HygieneShieldTM  dishwasher

 

People trust their dishwasher much more than handwashing, and with 79% of us cooking more frequently at home, the dishes can pile up. For extra hygienic results, this machine has a hygiene function with steam and additional hot rinsing functions.

Steam mist generated from using higher temperatures and additional hot rinsing ensures that the entire surface of every dish is perfectly hygienic. Dishwashers with the HygieneIntense function can be used with every program, which provides disinfection using higher temperatures of 60°C (during main wash) and 70°C (hot rinsing). The technology also means the temperatures can be held above 60 degrees for 50 minutes to disinfect kitchen items. The Hygiene Intense function provides an additional rinsing step to further increase the levels of hygiene. This technology has been independently tested by Rhine Waal University.

The new HygieneShieldTM product line will be launched on 8th October 2020. The virtual launch video can be watched here.

Twelve South launches Suitcase: A stylish, protective case for Macbooks. #Macbooks #TwelveSouth

Twelve South, a leading designer of Apple accessories, today introduces the SuitCase for MacBook, an all-new laptop case that combines a stylish, quilted signature diamond pattern exterior with a thermoform shell to securely hold and protect the MacBook inside. Available now with prices starting at £69.99 from Amazon.co.uk, SuitCase has been designed for the 13-inch MacBook Pro/Air and the 16-inch MacBook Pro.

 

Providing maximum protection for MacBook, the SuitCase is a handsome hard case enveloped in a premium water-resistant twill. Beneath its cool grey textile covering is a layer of hard plastic to protect the MacBook from impacts and scratches. The interior is lined with soft microfiber to further protect the MacBook from surface scratches. 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.

 

With a slim design and a recessing leather handle, the SuitCase will fit comfortably into a workbag or backpack. Alternatively, 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. The business casual SuitCase is smart enough for the boardroom and important meetings, making it the perfect MacBook case for everyday life.

 

If working at a favourite coffee shop or hot desking, users can work on their MacBook without removing it from the SuitCase, again helping to keep it in pristine condition. Twelve South’s innovative suspension system holds the SuitCase securely against the MacBook without interfering with its display.

 

SuitCase for MacBook is available now starting at £69.99 at Amazon.co.uk.

New Dell UltraSharp Monitors and Meeting Space Solutions Enhance Productivity and Comfort for Workers Anywhere. #Dell

New displays and meeting systems from Dell Technologies help creatives and office professionals work productively and comfortably in hybrid work environments.

According to IDC research, 81% of employees believe monitors with higher resolution, better ergonomics and color improve the overall working experience. This expanded UltraSharp portfolio features state-of-the art technology, including mini-LED, built-in colorimeter and low blue light reduction screens.

“Technology that helps us do our best work is critical as we adapt to the new hybrid work environment,” said Bert Park, senior vice president and general manager, Software & Peripherals Product Group, Dell Technologies. “Our monitors have always been the most desired companion to any PC, and our new line is no different. We’re helping customers push productivity to the edge while delivering great performance, style and comfort.”

As world’s number one monitors brand for seven years running, Dell offers an end-to-end ecosystem of collaboration tools that can meet the needs of every worker and offers the most EPEAT Gold certifications for monitors globally.

 

Exceptional color accuracy, contrast and precision for creatives

Design professionals rely on color accurate displays to produce their creative masterpieces. The Dell UltraSharp 32 HDR PremierColor Monitor (UP3221Q) is the world’s first professional monitor with 2K mini-LED direct backlit dimming zones where the individually controlled backlight zones on the monitor provide contrast with deep blacks and bright whites.

With the widest DCI-P3 color coverage in a professional monitor at 99.8%, 4K resolution and VESA DisplayHDR 1000, the 32-inch UltraSharp enables precise and uniform color reproduction of film and video content. It is the world’s first 31.5-inch professional monitor with a built-in Calman® Powered colorimeter3 giving creators the flexibility of on-demand or scheduled calibration with or without the PC attached.

Enhanced eye comfort and broader screen space for desk-centric professionals

For desk-centric professionals who frequently work with spreadsheets and data-driven tasks, the Dell UltraSharp 24 USB-C Hub Monitor (U2421E) and Dell UltraSharp 34 Curved USB-C Hub Monitor (U3421WE) offers the ideal balance between comfort and functionality.

Designed with wellness in mind, the 24-inch UltraSharp Monitor has a 16:10 aspect ratio and is Dell’s first monitor with ComfortView Plus – a built-in, TÜV Rheinland-certified Hardware Low Blue Light solution that maintains color accuracy on the screen and minimizes blue light emission to optimize eye comfort. The 16:10 aspect ratio in this 24-inch InfinityEdge display provides more on-screen real estate. The 34-inch UltraSharp Monitor features WQHD resolution, 95% DCI-P3 color coverage and delivers an immersive audiovisual experience with three-sided ultra-thin borders and built-in dual speakers.

Meeting Space Solutions for seamless onsite and remote collaboration

As offices gradually return to site, businesses will need to reconfigure their meeting spaces to better support essential onsite employees collaborating with colleagues who may be best served working from home.

Dell’s newest Meeting Space Solution for Microsoft Teams Rooms offers a complete group collaboration ecosystem that includes the OptiPlex 7080 Micro preinstalled with Microsoft Teams Rooms, Dell Large Format Monitors as well as audio and video peripherals. With proximity detection and one-touch join, employees can start meetings on time and instantly project content in the room and to virtual participants.

 

Plug and play magnetic soundbar

New P-series monitors (P2721Q, P3221D, P3421W) and the new 24-inch UltraSharp monitor can be paired with our latest audio innovation – the Dell Slim Soundbar (SB521A)– which attaches magnetically to the bottom of the display and allows users to tilt, swivel and pivot the monitor without the soundbar getting in the way. As the world’s slimmest and lightest soundbar4 the powerful 3.6W speakers deliver high quality sound in an easy plug and play setup – no software required.

Availability and pricing:

  • The UltraSharp 32 HDR PremierColor Monitor (UP3221Q) is available on Nov. 5, 2020 worldwide starting at $4,999.99 USD.

  • The UltraSharp 24 USB-C Hub Monitor (U2421E) is available now starting at €365.

  • The UltraSharp 34 Curved USB-C Hub Monitor (U3431WE) is available on Dec. 1, 2020 worldwide starting at $1,199.99USD.
  • The Dell Meeting Space Solutions for Microsoft Teams Rooms is available on Oct. 15 worldwide. Contact Dell sales representatives for pricing.

  • The Dell Slim Sound bar (SB521A) is available now worldwide starting at $54.99 USD.