Researchers at the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS) have found that Taylor Swift triggered seismic activity during the three nights of her Eras Tour at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium recently, with activity being identified more than 100km away during fan favourite ‘Shake It Off’.
The 50,000-strong Friday night crowd danced, cheered and stomped the loudest of the three gigs with particular impact coming as fans danced to ‘Love Story’. Eleanor Dunn, PhD candidate at DIAS, is lead researcher on the Swift Quake programme which has deployed the highest number of seismometers (21) for a purpose-made Eras Tour seismic study.
Seismographic data summary
Long-Distance Detection: The concert was well detected by a seismometer at an Irish National Seismic Network (INSN) station approximately 14km away from the Aviva Stadium in the Dublin mountains. Additionally, the song ‘Shake It Off’ was identifiable on another INSN seismometer more than 100 km away in Wexford, with the observed frequency (2.66Hz) matching with the song’s beats per minute (BPM) of 160.
Energy Output: Analysis from instruments at DIAS on Burlington Road indicated that the first night of the concert series produced the highest energy output at 5600 joules. Nights two and three also exhibited high energy levels, measuring 5500 joules and 5250 joules, respectively.
Seismic Amplitude: The song ‘Love Story’ generated the highest seismic waves each night, indicating the largest seismic waves of the event.
The seismic activity from the concert was detected by 21 seismometers placed in the vicinity the Aviva Stadium.
Seismic activity is a vibration generated by an earthquake, explosion, or similar energetic source that travels within the Earth or along its surface. Seismometers were placed outside the Aviva Stadium to measure seismic activity generated during the concerts.
A seismometer is a very sensitive instrument which measures ground vibrations and can be used to detect earthquakes. When a seismometer detects seismic activity, it records this information digitally so that it can be analysed later.
Commenting on the research findings, Eleanor Dunn, lead researcher said “My goal for this research is to create a greater understanding of seismic activity. The engagement with fans has been great so far with lots of people sharing their concert videos with us. The videos help us to enhance our understanding of the seismic impact of each concert and the research data has revealed some fascinating insights into the energy generated by Swifties. It’s important to note the movement generated by the concert was unlikely to have been felt by anyone other than those in the immediate vicinity.
“Fans took Swift’s encouragement to ‘Shake It Off’ to a new level with it being detectable over 100km away in Wexford! It’s amazing that we’ve been able to measure the reaction of thousands of Swifties through our data. The opportunity to explore a seismic activity created by a different kind of phenomenon has been really interesting and shows how seismicity happens every day without us knowing. We’re still working on analysing data from the concert and we’d love if fans could continue to send us their videos from each night of the concert via our social media channels and website.”
Further information about Swift Quake is available on social media at:
As air quality concerns continue to rise globally, Molekule is offering a discount on its Air Pro air purifier during Amazon Prime Day 2024. Scheduled for July 16-17, Prime Day will see Molekule offer consumers 25% off the Molekule Air Pro, reducing the cost from £799.99 to £599.99, a saving of £200.
Unlike any other air purifier on the market, Molekule air purifiers use patented technology to do what other purifiers can’t — destroy airborne pollutants at the molecular level.
“Maintaining a healthy home environment is more important than ever with air quality alerts hitting smartphones every day. Prime Day is the perfect time to upgrade your home’s indoor environment with an app-enabled device that is scientifically proven to destroy airborne pollutants,” said Brett Taylor, Director of Global Retail at Molekule. “With savings of £200 on our powerful, design-forward air purifier, cleaner indoor air has never been more accessible.”
With a focus on innovation, the Molekule Air Pro features proprietary, photoelectrochemical oxidation — PECO — technology that ensures optimal performance and durability. PECO reacts with ultraviolet light to oxidize various airborne pollutants, including viruses, bacteria, mold and volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. Molekule’s PECO technology has been independently tested and shown to capture 95% of airborne allergens, making it an effective part of a symptom toolkit for allergy sufferers.
Molekule Air Pro key features and benefits include:
Increased airflow – Designed to meet the needs of larger areas, Air Pro improves air quality across larger home spaces, offices and schools.
Fine-tuned detection – Air Pro harnesses finely tuned sensor capability to break down detected particles into three sizes, from PM10 (pollen) and PM2.5 (dust) to smaller than PM1 (smoke) and down to particles 0.3 microns in size to help increase people’s understanding of what particles are potentially in the air they are breathing.
Three ways to protect – In addition to a 6-speed manual mode, Air Pro delivers two Auto Protect modes, Standard and Quiet, to automatically regulate fan speed based on particle levels sensed in the air, all while keeping noise to a minimum.
App-enabled – App connectivity allows users to set the device up, control the Air Pro’s fan speed, check air particle levels and filter status, providing notifications when it’s time to change the PECO-Filter. Users can subscribe to the filter program to ensure they always have fresh filters when needed.
Instantly starts cleaning the air: Air Pro is quick to set up, requires no retrofitting or duct work, and is designed for up to 1,000 square feet of space.
For more information about how Molekule’s air purification technology detects and destroys organic pollutants, please visit molekule.com.
Dana Carney, a visionary young innovator from Claremorris, has been honoured with the prestigious European Junior Regional Winner award at the Technovation Global Celebrations for her groundbreaking project, ‘Secure Hands.’ The Technovation Global Celebrations recognise young innovators from around the world who use technology to solve real-world problems. With nearly 11,000 girls from 69 countries creating 3,200 tech-based solutions to community problems, this year was especially competitive. Dana’s achievement shines a spotlight on her innovative approach to bridging the communication gap for Ireland’s deaf community during emergencies.
Ireland’s emergency services are renowned for their exceptional ability to handle a myriad of languages, ensuring effective communication across diverse linguistic needs. However, the deaf community, which relies exclusively on Irish Sign Language (ISL), faces a significant disadvantage. In moments of crisis, the absence of ISL knowledge among most emergency service providers leaves ISL users vulnerable and underserved.
Dana’s project, ‘Secure Hands,’ addresses this critical issue through the power of technology. By leveraging advanced machine learning, Secure Hands equips emergency responders with the tools to learn and interpret ISL swiftly and accurately. This transformative solution not only enhances the capabilities of emergency personnel but also ensures that ISL users receive the same level of urgent care and support as the broader population.
Dana worked on her project coding her app and creating her business plans at Teen-Turn’s after school sessions in Mount Saint Michael Secondary School in Claremorris with teacher and Teen-Turn lead mentor Stephanie Hogan, facilitated by Iseult Mangan, Teen-Turn’s regional manager in the area. Dana also received support while coding her app from industry and academic volunteers through Teen-Turn’s online support and at this year’s in-person Super Sessions at Genesys in Galway and the Ideas Lab in the University of Galway. Dana says “Working on my project with Teen-Turn was an incredible experience. Their sessions guided me from the initial idea stage to coding a functional app. I loved visiting Genesys in Galway, where I collaborated with volunteers and coding experts. Additionally, visiting the Ideas Lab at the University of Galway provided invaluable support for the business aspects of my project”.
“I am deeply honoured to receive the European Junior Regional Winner award at the Technovation Global Celebrations,” Dana expressed. “Secure Hands is more than just a project; it is a mission to ensure that no one in our community is left without help in their most critical moments. This recognition motivates me to continue working towards a future where emergency services are inclusive and accessible to all.”
Secure Hands is set to revolutionise the way emergency services and front line workers interact with the deaf community, ensuring that language barriers do not impede life-saving interventions. As Dana continues to develop and refine her app, her work promises to pave the way for a more inclusive and responsive emergency response system in Ireland and beyond.
Joanne Dolan, Technovation’s Ambassador in Ireland added, “with the largest number of submissions from Ireland ever, and 9 of those entries reaching the global semi-finals, we already had a banner year, but seeing Dana’s project go on to be awarded the Junior Category prize for all of Europe, well that’s the icing on the cake.”
Sony today launches the ZV-E10 II, the second generation of the top selling mirrorless ZV-E10 camera. The original ZV-E10 is a staple in Sony’s ZV content creation camera series, designed to provide an easy, compact, and versatile tool for content creators of any level. The new ZV-E10 II maintains all the features creators love about the original, such as Creative Looks, Product Showcase Setting, Background Defocus function and the vari-angle flip screen and builds on it to increase sophistication and ease of use.
The ZV-E10 II ’s internal hardware has been improved from its predecessor with an upgraded 26 megapixel (MP) (approx. effective) Exmor R™ CMOS sensor and adoption of Sony’s latest BIONZ XR™ image processing engine. A few additional updates to this model include improved autofocus and video capturing capabilities: Cinematic Vlog Setting, a new vertical format user interface (UI), an upgraded large-capacity battery Sony Z battery for improved stamina and improved connectivity for easy live streaming and data transfer. It is compact and lightweight, and fits into a creator’s hand with ease, weighing in at approximately 377 grams.
In addition, the E PZ 16-50MM F3.5-5.6 OSS II is announced, a compact APS-C power zoom lens which will be available separately or as part of the ZV-E10 II ’s lens kit. The upgraded kit lens is lightweight and offers improved autofocus (AF) and video performance compared to the first-generation model.
“From the beginning, the goal of the Sony ZV line was to create cameras that produced high-quality results while being extremely easy to use. Today, the ZV line continues to uphold that standard, but we’re taking it a step further,” says Yann Salmon Legagneur, Head of IP&S Marketing, Sony Europe. “Our aim with the advancements of the ZV-E10 II is to inspire creators to develop or recreate their own unique style through features like personalised Creative Looks and Cinematic Vlog Setting. We are committed to continually evolving our technology to help creators of all skill levels bring their visions to life.”
Create Your Own Photos and Video Aesthetics
The ZV-E10 II features two key functions designed to produce premium-looking content straight from the camera, Creative Looks and Cinematic Vlog Setting. When shooting videos and still images, users can instantly enhance their images by selecting from ten Creative Look options: Standard (ST), Portrait (PT), Neutral (NT), Vivid (VV), Vivid 2 (VV2), Film (FL), Instant (IN), Soft Highkey (SH), Black & White (BW), and Sepia (SE). Each of these looks are further customisable and can be edited through eight different parameters, allowing creators to fine-tune their content. Once customised, a creator can save six personal custom styles directly is camera for easy and reuse.
The ZV-E10 II allows creators to producer premium, cinematic video content with a single touch using the Cinematic Vlog Setting. This feature automatically adjusts the aspect ratio, frame rate, and AF transition speed to optimal settings for cinematic video capture. Additionally, Creators can enhance their footage by selecting from five “Looks” such as S-Cineton that enhances skin tones, and applying one of four “Moods”, that emphasise specific colors, offering extensive options to maximise creative expression.
Key Camera Specifications
759-point Focal Plane Phase-detection AF with Real-time Eye AF for Human/Animal/Bird and Real-time Tracking
Backside illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor offering an ideal combination of high sensitivity and low noise with an ISO range from 100 to 32000
APS-C interchangeable lens camera compatible with over 70 Sony E-mount lenses
High-speed readout, 5.6K oversampling compresses a vast amount of information into stunning 4K footage at up to 60p
Active Modeelectronic image stabilisation employs a precision gyroscope and advanced algorithm to accurately measure and compensate for camera shake, providing highly effective stabilisation without sacrificing mobility, even when shooting 4K
Upgraded large-capacity Z battery (NP-FZ100), allowing continuous movie recordingfor up to 195 minutes per charge.
Additional Features to Streamline Content Creation
New Vertical User Interface (UI) that auto rotates from horizontal to vertical orientation to streamline vertical content creation. When paired with the vari-angle LCD monitor users can create and view their content from any angle
With 4K 60p capture and up to 120p capture in clear XAVC-S Full HD quality, the user can record stunning motion sequences using the S&Q mode at 5x slow motion (24p playback)
Product Showcase Setting which delivers convenient shooting of product review videos with smooth focus transitions from your face to the item being highlighted.
Background Defocus Function to adjust the depth of field and create bokeh within the background with a single touch.
Face Priority Auto-Exposure immediately detects faces and adjusts the exposure to optimise facial brightness, even while actively recording in changing lighting scenarios
Soft Skin Effect smooths the appearance and reduces blemishes on the subject’s skin
Stress-free connectivity with the USB 3.2 Type-C® (SuperSpeed USB 5 Gbps) port also allows high-speed wired transfer to a compatible smartphone or PC through the Creators App for easy post-production and sharing on social media
Time-lapse sequences can be created in-camera and the exposure interval can be set from 1 second to 60 seconds
Advanced, onboard 3-capsule microphone with selectable directivity (previously debuted in the ZV-E1) for capturing clear, high-quality audio. Users can select “Auto” or choose from “Front”, “Rear”, or “All Directions” for the audio directivity depending on the environment and recording scenario settings
Supplied with the camera, is a windscreen to reduce noise when shooting in windy conditions
Multi-Interface (MI Shoe) allows for simple connection to an external microphone for additional audio options, if needed
Livestream through the support of 5 GHz Wi-Fi connectivity
Sony’s Screen Reader function, which reads menus and video playback screens aloud to assist operations, and a menu Magnify Display function are included to provide accessibility solutions
Designed with Environmentally Friendly Principles in Mind
The ZV-E10 II camera body is made from recycled materials, including SORPLAS™, reducing environmental impact without sacrificing functionality. The individual packaging is made from Sony’s unique recycled paper “Original Blended Material” that uses materials such as bamboo, sugar cane fiber, and recycled paper collected from the market. Over the past 11 years, Sony has replaced approximately 395 tons of virgin plastic with recycled plastic in digital cameras and digital video cameras.
Main Features of the Versatile E PZ 16-50MM F3.5-5.6 OSS II
The E PZ 16-50MM F3.5-5.6 OSS II is Sony’s 75th E-mount lens and an ideal kit lens solution for the new ZV-E10 II due to its compact size and versatile range (35 mm full-frame equivalent focal length: 24-75 mm). High resolution performance is achieved by four aspherical elements and one ED (Extra low Dispersion) element in an effective optical design. With a minimum focusing distance of 9.8 inch (0.25 m) (wide)/ 11.8 inch (0.30 m) (tele) and maximum magnification of 0.215x, the E PZ 16-50MM F3.5-5.6 OSS II offers versatile close-up performance to capture details. The E PZ 16-50MM F3.5-5.6 OSS II retracts to a total length of approximately 1.25 inches (31.3mm) when camera power is turned off. Due to its diminutive size and low weight of approximately 3.8 oz. (107 grams), it is a portable lens that can support day-to-day shooting.
Smooth, useful power zoom is ideal for movie shooting, and AF is available even while zooming. Built-in optical stabilisation works with in-body stabilisation including Active Mode, to minimise blur in movies. The E PZ 16-50MM F3.5-5.6 OSS II supports in-body breathing compensation to minimise shifts in angle of view while focusing for smooth, stable footage.
Pricing and Availability
The ZV-E10 II and E PZ 16-50MM F3.5-5.6 OSS II will be available at the end of July 2024. ZV-E10 II will be approximately £950 / €1100. The E PZ 16-50MM F3.5-5.6 OSS II will be approximately £290 / €330. The body and lens kit will be approximately £1050 / €1200.
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. has announced the new Galaxy Ring, Galaxy Watch7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra, expanding the power of Galaxy AI to more people through wearables designed to provide end-to-end wellness experiences for everyone along with their new Phones and earbuds.
These new additions to the wearables portfolio are central to Samsung’s vision for Galaxy AI to enhance digital health, delivering personalised insights and tailored health experiences that enable a more comprehensive understanding of one’s self through a holistic approach to everyday wellness. Obtaining accurate, detailed, and advanced information on personal health is a key factor in this process, and Samsung’s accumulated sensor innovations on Galaxy Ring, Galaxy Watch7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra are helping bring its vision to life.
Galaxy Ring delivers a straight-forward approach to wellness, offering health monitoring, tracking, and personalised insights while worn comfortably on a finger, even while asleep. Galaxy Watch7 maximises everyday wellness with personalised workouts along with intelligent and preventative health monitoring capabilities. Galaxy Watch Ultra – the newest addition to the Galaxy Watch lineup – is Samsung’s most capable smartwatch yet, designed for next-level achievements.
“Current data shows consumers want more control over their health and wellbeing, with nearly half of the UK wanting to be able to track their health and sleep data on a regular basis, turning to technology to achieve this”, said James Kitto, Vice President and Head of MX, Samsung UK & Ireland. “We’re proud to not only be extending our Galaxy Watch range to open up new possibilities for our customers’ wellness journey, but also by announcing Galaxy Ring – our smallest-ever wearable, discreetly designed to allow our customers to monitor their health, wellness and sleep 24/7.”
Galaxy Watch7: Comprehensive Understanding Of Everyday Wellness
Galaxy Watch7 is designed to help users gain a holistic understanding of themselves. Galaxy Watch7 motivates users to create healthier days with more ways to support everyday wellness. Users can accurately track over 100 workouts and build routines by combining various exercises with Workout Routine to achieve their goals. With Race, compare current and past performance in real time to track progress and maintain motivation[iv]. Receive a complete body and fitness snapshot with Body Composition[v] for a comprehensive understanding of your body.
In addition to the new advanced AI algorithm for sleep analysis, Galaxy Watch7 offers a deeper understanding of your heart health with Electrocardiogram (ECG) and Blood Pressure (BP) monitoring
These advanced, in-depth monitoring and tailored insights are made possible thanks to Samsung’s most innovative hardware on Galaxy Watch7. An enhanced BioActive Sensor offers increased accuracy, empowering users to better understand themselves with comprehensive readings. For the first time, Galaxy Watch7 allows users to conveniently track advanced glycation end products (AGEs) right from their wrist with an AGEs Index. Strongly influenced by diet and lifestyle, AGEs reflect a user’s overall biological aging process and provides an indication of metabolic health.
Equipped with the most powerful chip in the Galaxy Watch line-up, and for the first time a 3nm Processor, Galaxy Watch7 delivers a more seamless wearable experience with three times faster CPU and 30% improved power efficiency of application processor. In addition, Galaxy Watch7 is the first Galaxy smartwatch to feature a Dual-frequency GPS system, which can more precisely track location even in dense urban environments, enabling users to conquer wherever they are.
Featuring Samsung’s iconic circle design, Galaxy Watch7 allows users to match their personal style with new watch bands, including a ripple shape design and colourful stitch details, along with a variety of watch faces. Galaxy Watch7 also brings more intuitive and seamless experiences between connected Galaxy devices. Answer messages effortlessly with intelligent Suggested replies, which suggests suitable responses by analysing previous conversations through Galaxy AI. With Double Pinch Gestures, easily control a Galaxy Watch and connected Galaxy smartphone even when your hands are full.
Galaxy Watch7 will be available in two sizes, large and small. Galaxy Watch7 large is available in Green and Silver, while Galaxy Watch7 small is available in Green and Cream.
Building on the foundation of Galaxy Watch7’s advanced health monitoring features and powerful hardware, Galaxy Watch Ultra – the newest and most powerful addition to the Galaxy Watch portfolio – further unlocks enhanced fitness experiences for next-level achievements with ultimate intelligence and capabilities. Echoing Galaxy Watch’s circle design legacy, a new cushion design enhances protection and visual completeness, while a Dynamic Lug System for enhanced comfort empowers users to be the best versions of themselves anywhere, anytime.
Premium capabilities built for extreme durability enable users to push limits and go further with a Titanium Grade device casinganda 10ATM water resistance. Additionally, Galaxy Watch Ultra operates at a wider range of altitudes, from 100 meters below sea level to 9,000 meters high for tracking advanced fitness experiences like swimming to cycling in extreme environments.
Track multi-course workouts for a triathlon from swimming to cycling to running with new Multi-sports tile. Plus, new Functional Threshold Power (FTP)for cycling accurately measures maximum cycling power in just 4 minutes with FTP metrics to unlock full potential based on indicators unique to you. Galaxy Watch Ultra also provides an advanced Personalised HR Zone so users can work out at optimal intensity levels based on their physical capabilities.
With a newly added Quick Button, users can instantly initiate and control workouts and map other functions to suit their needs. Plus, they can activate an Emergency Siren for safety. Post-workout, check stats at a glance with dedicated watch faces for Galaxy Watch Ultra which automatically switches to Night Mode for optimal readability in the dark. Additionally, with a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, Galaxy Watch Ultra also ensures readability even in bright sunlight. For peace of mind during longer adventures, Galaxy Watch Ultra has the longest battery life within the Galaxy Watch line-up, with the ability to extend even further within Power Saving and Exercise Power Saving modes.
Galaxy Watch Ultra will be available in a 47mm size in Titanium Grey, Titanium White, and Titanium Silver.
Galaxy Watch7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra are the first Android smartwatches powered by Wear OS 5, the most powerful release from Wear OS yet. Offering advanced performance and power efficiency, Wear OS 5 ensures users can enjoy more seamless and smooth interactions and use their Galaxy Watch for longer. In addition, users can maximise their wearable experience with access to a variety of popular apps right from their wrist, including Galaxy services, Google apps and fan-favorite third-party apps.
Galaxy Ring: Simplifying Wellness, Starting With Sleep
Galaxy Ringoffers a simple approach to everyday wellness, featuring Samsung’s proven sensor technology in the smallest unobtrusive form, and providing insights that help you understand yourself easily. Designed for 24/7 health monitoring, Galaxy Ring is lightweight, weighing from 2.3 grams to 3.0 grams, ensuring comfort during extended wear. Its distinct concave surface adds a touch of style while maintaining durability. With a 10ATM water resistance and Titanium Grade finish on the device casing, you can confidently wear Galaxy Ring anywhere without worry. Experience continuous usage with up to seven days battery life and benefit from a specially designed quick charging case that features aesthetic LED lighting to indicate charging status. Stay true to your personal style with three colour choices – Titanium Black, Titanium Silver, and glossy Titanium Gold, along with a sizing kit that helps you find the right fit from nine size options.
With Galaxy Ring, you can enjoy around-the-clock support that is customised to your needs thanks to the advanced technology of Galaxy AI. All data and insights are integrated into Samsung Health for seamless access within one cohesive platform without a subscription. Starting with sleep, the foundation of wellness, Galaxy Ring features Samsung’s cutting-edge sleep analysis and a powerful sleep AI algorithm to help you easily understand your sleep patterns and build better habits. Along with Sleep Score and snoring analysis, new sleep metrics such as movement during sleep, sleep latency, heart and respiratory rate provide a detailed and accurate analysis of sleep quality. With Cycle Tracking, you can better track your menstrual cycle through overnight skin temperature monitoring
Holistic insights and motivational encouragement provided by Galaxy Ring help you to take decisions that can improve your sleep quality and allow you to wake up refreshed and ready to take on your day. It starts with Galaxy AI, which generates a detailed health report that includes various health metrics like Sleep Coaching. New Energy Score a Galaxy AI enabled feature, enhances your awareness of the ways your health influences your daily life, so you can utilise recommendations based on your current physical state to focus your daily efforts on making improvements.
This score is calculated by evaluating your physical conditions across four significant factors: Sleep, Activity, Sleeping Heart Rate and Sleeping Heart Rate Variability. Additionally, you can receive personalised messages aimed at enhancing your well-being across all areas of your health journey, thanks to Wellness Tips, which is driven by comprehensive data and individual interests.
Galaxy Ring also supports broader everyday wellness monitoring, allowing you to stay informed about your heart health with Heart Rate Alert. This feature provides instant notifications regarding unusually high or low heart rates in real-time via the Samsung Health app. You can gain additional details about your heart rate including beats per minute, time start, and time duration with Live Heart Rate Check. Galaxy Ring also helps you maintain an active lifestyle and stay motivated with automatic walking and running tracking via Auto Workout Detection, and daily fitness reminders with Inactive Alert.
In addition, you can easily take photos or dismiss your alarm on Galaxy smartphones with a double pinch via Gestures and find the location of your Galaxy Ring via your Galaxy smartphone with Find My Ring on Samsung Find.
As always, the power of Samsung’s connected Galaxy ecosystem brings even greater benefits to unlock even more potential. Users can receive a more seamless and accurate health analysis from a wider range of data by wearing Galaxy Watch and Galaxy Ring, improving precision and accuracy day through night, especially for sleep.
Availability
Galaxy Watch7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra will be available for pre-order in Ireland starting July 10, with general availability starting July 24. Availability of Galaxy Ring in Ireland will be confirmed in the coming weeks.
Edifier International, the award-winning audio electronics designer, announces the STAX SPIRIT S5 Wireless Planar magnetic headphones.
In the 2012, Edifier acquired STAX Ltd., a company with over 80 years history, and a specialist in electrostatic headphones. The brand name “STAX” is almost considered the benchmark of electrostatic headphones. Inspired by STAX’s pursuance of high-fidelity music and craftsmanship in the field, the STAX SPIRIT brand was created as a high-end sub brand for Edifier headphone products with the aim of developing more high-quality products for audiophile users.
The STAX SPIRIT S5 are Planar magnetic headphones. Planar magnetic drivers are commonly found in Hi-Fi headphones and other high-end audio equipment. With their unique way of operation, planar magnetic drivers can represent a superior audio experience with rich details and impressive transient response. With solid innovation and advanced features, the STAX SPIRIT S5 packs upgraded planar magnetic drivers and the latest Bluetooth® V5.4 technology into a compact and portable form-factor. The 2μm thin film and 2nd gen EqualMass™ wiring technology generate a performance comparable to legendary electrostatic headphones.
The Advantages of Planar Magnetic Driver
Dynamic driver reproduces sound with a cone-size diaphragm driven by a voice coil submerged in a circular magnetic field. The diaphragm has to be stiff enough to avoid partitioning during vibration, especially in high frequency band. The whole motor system is also heavy to move. The planar magnetic driver, on the other hand, features a flat, thin diaphragm with embedded wires, suspended in the magnetic gap. This design allows the diaphragm to move in a piston-like manner across the whole frequency spectrum. The diaphragm is light and has good transient response, which makes the planar driver a much better choice for sound reproduction by nature compared to dynamic drivers.
The 2nd Gen EqualMass™ Wiring Technology
In other headphones with planar magnetic drivers, it is common practice to address the uneven distribution of the magnetic field by using wires of varying widths on the diaphragm, aiming to achieve uniform driving force across the entire diaphragm, ensuring consistent performance.
Edifier take this approach a step further with EqualMass™. By connecting a different number of wires with the same width in parallel, EqualMass™ achieves a uniform driving force for all parts of diaphragm while keeping its weight evenly distributed. This allows the diaphragm to move back and forth with the same motion and momentum, reducing harmonic distortion to almost zero. In the 2nd generation of EqualMass wiring, Edifier introduce a symmetric wiring structure, further enhancing the diaphragm’s stability across the entire frequency spectrum.
Production Phase Auto Calibrate
To ensure uniformity in the magnetic field strength distribution across each planar magnetic driver, Edifier have developed a proprietary automatic toolset for calibrating and compensating the magnet circuitry during production. This meticulous process guarantees that every set of S5 headphones delivers sound fidelity identical to the original unit crafted by the designer.
In addition to LDAC and LHDC, the S5 supports all audio codecs under the Snapdragon Sound Technology Suite, including aptX™ HD, aptX™ Adaptive, and aptX™ Lossless. It achieves a bit rate of up to 1.2 Mbps in Bluetooth® mode, delivering high resolution (24-bit/96kHz) and end to end low latency audio. It also supports the AAC codec, enhancing compatibility with a wider range of devices.
Thanks to aptX™ Adaptive codecs, the STAX SPIRIT S5 achieves end-to-end latency as low as 89ms in Bluetooth® mode, synchronizing your audio experience with the action you see on the screen. This can provide a totally immersive gaming experience.
The S5 supports simultaneous connection to two Bluetooth audio devices. Whether it’s a mobile phone or a laptop, switching between devices is more convenient and seamless, allowing you to work and listen to music simultaneously.
Wrapped in genuine lambskin earpads and adorned with top-grain cowhide earcups, the S5 epitomizes elegance and refinement in both form and function. Crafted with the utmost attention to detail, its ergonomic design ensures a snug and secure fit, giving hours of uninterrupted enjoyment with no discomfort.
Download the EDIFIER ConneX App and you can select from three kinds of preset EQs and customize your personal EQ to suit your music style.
Chipolo has launched limited edition item trackers for a colourful Summer if you are familiar with the popular trackers these might just be an ideal piece of kit for you if you are travelling this Summer.
The fruit edition trackers are colorful with Lemon Kiwi Watermelon and dragon fruit inspired and will stand out no matter where they are placed and work with Android and iOS and comes with free features.
Design. The Chipolo Fruit Limited Edition set comprises four brightly coloured gadgets: watermelon, lemon, kiwi and dragon fruit-inspired trackers.
Compatibility. They function with both iOS & Android through the Chipolo companion app, which doesn’t require a subscription fee and includes Out of Range alerts to notify you on your phone when you get out of range of your Chipolos.
Free premium features. The models work as a wireless camera button to take the best selfies – learn how here. You can also choose your favourite ringtone on the Chipolo app.
Price. Chipolo ONE Fruit 4-pack (plus a free gift pouch): $100/£88/€100.
See our latest reviews from Chipolo with their ONE point tracker and their Card point
Distributor Westcoast is reporting a major ‘boom’ in USB-based video conferencing, as more organisations take the simple route to collaboration success.
The international supply specialist has seen sales of plug-and-play devices rocket by over a third in the last year, and has identified a multi-billion-pound opportunity, as demand for instant connectivity continues to intensify.
UC Business Manager Sam Armstrong cites many reasons for the increased growth, from companies looking to ‘level-up’ their home and office deployments to others forced to re-invest after the Covid pandemic, after a rush to more flexible working.
It’s a view mirrored by hardware manufacturer Boom Collaboration whose business ethos is based on delivering ‘better meetings simply’.
Shift
“The conferencing arena continues to evolve and we’ve seen a significant shift to USB-based hardware,” he confirmed. “This is being fuelled by the BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) trends as well as a wider desire for simpler and quicker installation and configuration.
“Organisations need flexibility and agility having developed longer term strategies about home working. Whether in the office or working elsewhere, simple plug-and-play deployment is becoming a dominant factor in the buying process.”
He added: “Wherever people are working they need quick and instant access to high performance collaboration. Gone are the days of a big clunky piece of hardware sat gathering dust in the corner of a boardroom because no one knew how to use it.”
Westcoast works with many vendors including US conferencing manufacturer Boom Collaboration – where it’s UNO and HALO videobars as well as a dedicated WFH kit are leading the charge to simpler deployments.
Maturing
Boom Co-founder Holli Hulett emphasised: “The market is definitely maturing now with some organisations having to replace their previous equipment bought during the mad rush of Covid. USB connectivity is the way forward for many and is becoming widespread across our product portfolio.”
The two parties joined forces towards the end of 2023 and have been busy laying the foundations for a major market attack as part of a flourishing supply deal.
Fellow founder Fredrik Hörnkvist added “Boom is still a relatively new brand in the UK but we’ve been very well received so far. We bring something different to the table and are ideally suited to help customers capitalise on the latest market trends. Easy connectivity and high performance hardware helps create better meetings, simply.”
In this position paper, HEAnet and ICHEC (The Irish Centre for High-end Computing) outline the context and recommended framework to build a Common Data Space for Ireland (IRL-DataSpace) to address data-driven global challenges through collaborative Research and innovation (R&I) between academia, industry and the public sector to address grand challenges and inform better public policy-making.
IRL-DataSpace will accelerate and support a structured synergised unification of the national data ecosystem (composed of academic and public research bodies, and enterprise organisations where relevant) which is currently disparate and fragmented.
HEAnet and ICHEC share the vision to expedite IRL-DataSpace by establishing a national-level Data Space Support Centre for Ireland (IRL-DSSC) through which to engage stakeholders across the community for their participation and co-development.
IRL-DSSC will play a pivotal role in advancing the current national data ecosystem into a federated, FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable), high-SLA and cost-effective ecosystem with robust digital platform resources, services for data sharing and governance, and a national- level professional support team. The IRL-DSSC will engage with and leverage expertise from the EU Data Spaces Support Centre.
Together, IRL-DataSpace and IRL-DSSC will deliver R&I impact across several disciplines in environment, society, economy at national and international levels, by dealing with grand challenges and informing better public policy-making as outlined in the Impact 2030 Strategy.
The 2024-2027 roadmap to build the IRL-DataSpace supported by the IRL-DSSC, its working groups and all relevant stakeholders includes:
Briefings and consultations to onboard all stakeholders
Focused white papers to establish technical specifications for IRL-DataSpace, requirements for different R&I disciplines, and all-island joint activities
The finalisation and support required from policy-makers and funders
Development and operationalising IRL-DataSpace as a National Service by 2027
The position paper calls out to policy-makers, R&I activities (institutions, research centres, projects, researchers), data systems operators, data holders and governors to collaboratively mature the federated the national data ecosystem in Ireland.
