Construction Tendering Tech Specialist EstimateOne Launches in the UK and Ireland

EstimateOne, a market leader in digital commercial construction tendering, announces its launch in the UK and Ireland.

Established in 2009, EstimateOne is a pioneering digital solution specifically designed to combat the obstacles faced by estimators during the tendering process. Drawing from his expertise as an estimator, Co-founder Mike Ashcroft, alongside Andrew Ritchie, built a platform that has revolutionised the engagement of main contractors and subcontractors in the construction industry.

Amidst skilled labour shortages and supply chain challenges, EstimateOne emerges as a game-changer for the UK and Irish Construction industry.

The platform, which is already well established in Australia and New Zealand, takes the complexity out of tender send-outs. For main contractors, it allows them to send requests for quotes (RFQ’s) to their established network of contacts, while also tapping into a vast public network for areas requiring additional quote coverage. Further, EstimateOne’s automated document audit trails ensure any quotes they receive are based on the most current tender documentation, ensuring accuracy and reliability.

Even better, this streamlined process works both ways. Subcontractors on EstimateOne are able to grow their business network, unlocking an array of public tenders and main contractors seeking subcontractor quotes.

With an impressive Australian and New Zealand customer base of over 50,000, EstimateOne has recognised the demand to improve the cumbersome tendering process on a global scale. The UK and Irish market with its growing appetite for digital solutions, and vibrant ConTech market, has provided the perfect Launchpad for international expansion.

  

EstimateOne Co-Founders Andrew Ritchie and Michael Ashcroft

There has been immediate uptake for EstimateOne’s services in both countries, with a number of highly-respected contractors adopting the platform, including Structure Tone, Britcon, LST Projects, JJ Rhatigan, Collen, Mercury, Conack, and King  & Moffatt.

Commenting on the platform’s efficacy, Bernard Bartley, Estimating Director at JJ Rhatigan says, “Unlike other vendors who focus on take-offs, EstimateOne is all about saving time during the tender enquiry process. We can save hours each tender breaking up trade packages in their document matrix, issuing tender enquiries, and tracking our subcontractor response.”

Chris Dobbyn, CEO at EstimateOne concludes: “We see immense potential in the UK and Irish markets and are eager to lead the industry into the next steps towards digitalisation. As a company founded by estimators, we understand the frustrations frequently encountered in the tendering process, particularly around the manual re-work required in the send-out process. EstimateOne tackles this head-on.”

“We are confident that EstimateOne will continue to bring significant benefits to contractors, subcontractors, and the overall construction ecosystem in the UK and Ireland. The next six months will also see the platform benefit from a range of new enhancements, taking away even more pain points from the Estimator’s day-to-day operations.”

To find out more about EstimateOne click here

First Look – EDIFIER W820NB Plus ANC headphones

Edifier have just launched some new cans and this comes quick on the heels of the recent headphones from the company we review called the WH950NB which you can see the review of here and these headphones are excellent as expected from the brand who is consistent on delivering great audio products.

The W820NB Plus are very affordable with some great specs on board such as LDAC and Hi-Res audio which we of course will put to the test here at techbuzz and will of course have a full hands on review, Today we unbox and tour the W820NB and put them up side by side with the WH950NB plus so if you have any questions feel free to fire over and questions you might have.

Features of the WH820NB plus include

  • Hi-Res Audio standard for a rich listening experience
  • Active noise cancellation technology isolates unwanted noise
  • Ambient sound mode allows you to hear environmental sounds such as traffic or flight announcements
  • Built-in microphone with DNN (deep neural network) noise cancellation for clear phone calls
  • Large driver with titanium diaphragm delivers crystal-clear sound
  • Low latency for game mode gives players an immersive gaming experience
  • Up to 49 hours continuous playback
  • Lightweight headset assures comfortable fit

BUY 

Unboxing video

Leveraging the Power of CISCO Contact Center and Siebel CRM Integration for Optimal Productivity

Do you want to maximise customer experience and enhance productivity in your organisation? The computer telephony integration of Cisco Contact Center and Siebel CRM provides businesses the opportunity to effectively collaborate, communicate, and coordinate with their customers more effectively.

In this blog post, we will examine how companies leverage this technology for improved performance capabilities and optimal productivity. We’ll also take a closer look at how companies from different fields have accelerated business growth through the effective use of Siebel CTI integration.

What is Siebel Integration

Siebel Integration is a crucial aspect in ensuring the seamless flow of data throughout your organisation’s different systems. When integrating the Cisco contact centre with Siebel, the CTI Connector embedded within the communication toolbar makes the process much easier.

Siebel has call and controls for agent states that allow agents to focus on customer interactions without the need to switch between multiple applications. The integration allows for streamlined communication, which ultimately translates to a better overall customer experience.

How Does it Work 

Siebel CTI integration allows for the automatic retrieval of customer data from the company’s CRM system and presents it to the agent in a user-friendly format. This saves time and minimizes errors that may occur when agents manually search for customer data.

Additionally, the integration enables call routing and screen-pop features, automatically connecting agents to the appropriate department based on the customer’s query and can access relevant screen information. Siebel CTI ensures that customer service agents have access to accurate information, resulting in more effective and streamlined interactions with customers.

Benefits of Siebel Integration for Your Business 

Streamlines Operations

Efficiency is crucial in today’s business environment, particularly in contact centres where every moment spent interacting with customers counts. Siebel CTI integration is a valuable asset for contact centres as it saves time. By streamlining operations, businesses can increase productivity, reduce costs, and ultimately enhance the customer experience.

Siebel CTI integration seamlessly integrates various applications, including CRM solutions. This integration ensures that customer data is readily available and a smooth experience is provided to every customer.

Provides Intelligent Routing

Siebel CTI integration is crucial for maximising efficiency and effectiveness in modern contact centres. It uses telephone network data and IVR information to direct each incoming call to the most suitable agent. By implementing the Siebel CTI integration, contact centres can improve the customer experience and increase the rate of resolving issues on the first call. This means no more guessing games or unnecessary transfers.

Facilitates Agent Training

Siebel CTI integration has the ability to monitor agent performance in real time. Managers can easily track calls, allocate resources, and provide instant feedback to agents. This ensures that agents are well-trained and equipped to handle customer interactions seamlessly. 

Additionally, streamlined operations enable contact centres to deliver better customer experiences, which is increasingly becoming a priority for modern businesses.

Key Challenges of Siebel Computer Telephony Integration 

Security

Siebel Computer Telephony Integration presents a significant challenge when it comes to security. As much as it can undoubtedly make things easier and more efficient, it also opens a potential gateway for unauthorised parties to access your system. Take voicemail, for example. If you have an outside phone, anyone willing to take the time to figure out the password and access the mailbox can intercept and listen to messages.

Even with password protection, there’s still a fundamental issue. The system requires message retrieval, which means it’s not airtight. It’s up to companies to work with their IT teams and CTI providers to ensure that strict security protocols are in place to prevent any sensitive data from falling into the wrong hands, making security a key challenge in Siebel CTI implementation.

Complexity

Integrating Siebel Computer Telephony with existing systems is no easy feat. The level of complexity involved can prove to be quite a challenge. Setting up the system and ensuring that it runs seamlessly takes a significant amount of time and effort. 

The troubleshooting and technical support needed can add to the complexity, which puts more pressure on IT departments. Despite these challenges, Siebel Computer Telephony Integration can enhance business productivity and efficiency, making the effort well worth it.

Choosing the Right Solution for Siebel Integration 

Choosing the right solution for CTI integration is vital to achieving optimal results for your business. It’s important to take a comprehensive approach when making this decision, ensuring that you understand your needs, research the available features, and carefully review integration capabilities. 

Additionally, it’s important to ensure that the solution you choose is scalable and able to grow with your business and that technical support is available to help you through any challenges that may arise. If you need to integrate CTI, b+s connects by Bucher + Suter is the top choice. Their expertise and solutions are unmatched, making them the best option for all your integration needs.

Conclusion

Integration of CISCO Contact Center and Siebel CRM is an excellent way for businesses to maximise productivity and increase operational efficiency. The intelligent routing feature ensures that customer needs are addressed in a timely manner, while the streamlined operation processes reduce overall costs. Additionally, by allowing agents to gain access to customer and product data quickly, it eliminates common frustrations and additional delays.

Implementing this integration can be a daunting task, but by working with knowledgeable and experienced partners like Bucher + Suter you can be certain that your business will have the optimal solution for their contact centre needs. Overall, incorporating Siebel into your contact centre environment is a powerful solution that provides important perks for any organisation looking to increase its customer service effectiveness.

 

Netflix cracks down on password sharing in Ireland

Most of use that use Netflix share our passwords so others can use it be it your neighbour or friend down the road or in another pat of the country, today you will be getting an email telling you it is game over for such carry on and this will certainly piss people off who have shared their account info to avail of it for free.

This has already happened in other regions and also today those in the UK will have to take the bad news too. You will also be charged 4.99 if someone outside your house uses your account and you will need to opt-in. For me this is Netflix shooting themselves in the foot and the lack of content of late this will not bode well for many and perhaps go look elsewhere for content.

 

Netflix said the following

Starting today, we will be sending this email to members who are sharing Netflix outside their household in Ireland.   

A Netflix account is for use by one household. Everyone living in that household can use Netflix wherever they are – at home, on the go, on holiday – and take advantage of new features like Transfer Profile and Manage Access and Devices. 

We recognise that our members have many entertainment choices. It’s why we continue to invest heavily in a wide variety of new films and TV programmes – so whatever your taste, mood or language or whoever you’re watching with, there’s always something satisfying to watch on Netflix.

ZHIYUN ignites a new era of dynamic, anytime-anywhere filmmaking with the ultra-portable CRANE-M 3S and WEEBILL 3S

ZHIYUN today announced the launch of the CRANE – M 3S and the WEEBILL 3S, two ultra-portable products that break new ground in the professional stabiliser market and catalyse a new era of dynamic, anytime,anywhere  visual storytelling, unconstrained by equipment weight or crew size. Each new feature on both gimbals – portability, ease-of-use, creative control and performance – has been carefully curated with the intention of liberating the creative process by simplifying the technical aspects of filmmaking for content creators.

The ZHIYUN CRANE – M 3S: portability and wider camera compatibility

ZHIYUN’s CRANE – M 3S is the successor to the popular 2022 Red Dot Product Award winning CRANE M3 and is the perfect vlogging, travel, live streaming and interview companion. The 705 g compact, portable powerhouse sports a higher load-bearing capacity with mainstream full-frame cameras and lens combos than its predecessor and can be used with mobile phones, mirrorless and action cameras. Its dimensions come in at 284.2 mm (w) x 74.5 mm (d) x 163.5 mm(h) and hits the style mark with its monochromatic looks.

Once balanced; keep on shooting 

Users can capture stunning images effortlessly thanks to its Bluetooth shutter functionality that  enables  wireless control of zoom and record with one touch – no more complicated cable connections. Furthermore, its customised two-in-one quick release with plates for each camera model, means that mainstream camera batteries can now be changed without camera assembly or disassembly. And once you have balanced the stabiliser, you won’t need to do it again. Quick installation combines with Power Delivery (PD) fast charging meaning that a full  charge takes  just two hours and a maximum battery life is up to 7.5 hours.

Stunning clarity; ultimate control

Day or night, ZHIYUN’s CRANE – M 3S boasts a tiny, yet powerful built-in bi-colour fill light no bigger than a fingernail. Powered by Lumen Amplifier technology from ZHIYUN, the modular light enables stepless/temperature adjustment and emits up to 1,000 lux brightness; colour temperature 2,700K-5,500K.

Once you have the footage, the 1.22” intuitive touchscreen features an all-new interactive UI that offers easy adjustment of functions for you to adjust and fine-tune that all-important content, effortlessly.

ZHIYUN WEEBILL 3S: Seamless professional filmmaking

Seamless filmmaking was what ZHIYUN had in mind with its launch of its WEEBILL 3S. It weighs 1,054.8 g and comes in at 305 mm (w) x 210 mm (d) x 72.5 mm (h).

With its powerful performance and compatibility with most DSLR and mirrorless cameras on the market as well as mainstream lenses, unleashing the full potential of your favoured camera has never been easier. A tenth generation of algorithms features customisable following and smooth curves based on common shooting scenarios and operating habits, providing a seamless shooting experience every step of the way with unbeatable stability and silky-smooth camera movements.

WEEBILL 3S is compatible with ZHIYUN TRANSMOUNT accessories and the ZY Play App, including: TransMount Follow Focus/Zoom Units; TransMount Image Transmission System; TransMount Transmitter/Receiver; MasterEye Visual Controller VC100 and the ZY Play App features.

Revolutionary portrait switch

An innovative system integrates the local structure on the portrait/landscape modes on the WEEBILL 3S meaning filmmakers can switch between the two modes on the quick-release module, saving time and without having to rebalance the gimbal.

Essential features for extended shooting

Improved sling structure grip for ultimate comfort

ZHIYUN has further innovated and improved the ergonomics of its pioneering  industry-first sling grip. Crafted from skin-friendly materials, its soft hand grip supports  the precise fine-tuning of the wrist angle with a knob, allowing for accurate adaptation to gimbal operating and camera movement habits and one or two handed operation. The extendable sling grip can be adjusted to a two-handed grip mode and allows for left and right tilt adjustments to the direction of the gimbal handle as well as the grip centre of gravity, making low-angle and sling mode shooting effortless.

11.5 hours of uninterrupted operation in static environments. WEEBILL 3S needs just two hours to fully charge using PD fast-charging and offers up to 11.5 hours of shooting with its two 18,650 3.7V Li-ion, 1150m Ah batteries.

1,000 Lux fill light: Like the CRANE – M3 S, WEEBILL 3S comes with Lumen Amplifier technology; the fill light delivers a powerful 1000 Lux light and dual Colour Temperature: 2,600k-5,500K CRI90+, enhancing the light and shadow texture of your shots.

Take control of your filmmaking

The Bluetooth shutter control on the WEEBILL 3S with mainstream camera models, allows for the recording button to start/stop recording or trigger photo-taking functions, to enable a seamless shooting experience.

0.96-inch bilingual (EN/CH) display screen makes perfecting shots in-situ easy. This  feature has shortcuts for motion lapse, V mode, etc meaning your preferred shooting feature is just one touch away. Creative control is further facilitated with the WEEBILL 3S’s control wheel which supports adjusting parameter, focus motor, and gimbal axes, making your perfect shots come to life.

Commenting on the new additions to its iconic WEEBILL and CRANE product ranges; Yilun Liao, CEO, ZHIYUN said:

“The WEEBILL 3S and the CRANE – M 3S with their innovative features, usher in a brand new filmmaking era. combining  ZHIYUN’s WEEBILL 3S with its MOLUS X100 and CRANE-M 3S with M40, for instance, delivers powerful professional cinematic results, and ultimate mobility to film wherever your imagination takes you. ZHIYUN is driven by the belief that filmmaking equipment can be lightweight, convenient but also produce high quality cinematic results. “

The ZHIYUN CRANE – M 3S is available from the ZHIYUN store or Amazon.  Prices are as follows: standard – £299 (gimbal, tripod); combo – £359 (gimbal, tripod, phone clamp, backpack).

The ZHIYUN WEEBILL 3S is available from the ZHIYUN store or Amazon. Prices are as follows: standard £319.00 (gimbal, tripod); combo – £439 (gimbal, tripod, backpack, sling grip, wrist rest).

New property tech platform aims to make tenant selection fairer and simpler

Irish technology company Bynaric today launched a new B2B software platform to help make processing applications for rental accommodation, and selecting and managing tenants, fair, unbiased and transparent.

The FairSelect platform is aimed for use by organisations in the public sector, including affordable housing bodies, as well as by private rental providers.

Users of the software are able to process and select tenant applications based either on a randomised, lottery-style system, or on a first-come-first-served basis.

FairSelect is already being used by a number of public sector organisations, such as local authorities, including Meath County Council, approved housing bodies, including Tuath Housing and Respond, and the Land Development Agency (LDA).

The platform has a self-service feature for tenants that enables people living in rented accommodation to manage their rental contract, report issues relating to the property they are renting, and pay rent online. It also enables transparency for applicants, who, in cases where demand for the rental accommodation they have applied for exceeds supply, can find out where they are in a queue system.

Announcing the launch of FairSelect, Aria Pour, founder and CEO of Bynaric, said: “We believe in a fair and unbiased tenant selection process, and our innovative FairSelect technology uses a random selection process that reduces the potential for human bias and ensures that every applicant is assessed on an equal footing. This is particularly important for the public sector, where there is a need to demonstrate fairness and transparency in decision-making.

“FairSelect’s compliance with GDPR regulations ensures that the selection process and the results are fully auditable. A centralised dashboard and audits allow the housing agency or landlord to maintain transparency in the selection process. The tenant self-service feature empowers tenants to manage their accounts, report issues, and make payments online, improving communication and increasing satisfaction. Rental applicants can also check where they are in a queue and find out if they were skipped for other people and ask if there is a justification for this.”

Mr Pour continued: “By promoting fairness and transparency, FairSelect helps build trust between landlords and potential tenants, and improves the overall reputation of the housing industry. This ultimately benefits both the applicants and future tenants, as they can feel confident that they have been selected based on their qualifications and not on other factors such as biases or unfair preferences.”

FairSelect was launched today at an event at Dogpatch Labs, Dublin, that featured a keynote speech by Bynaric founder and CEO Aria Pour, along with a panel discussion exploring FairSelect, moderated by business advisor Colin Chapman, and featuring Eoghan Ó’Muiris, head of product for Bynaric; Johnny Horgan, MD, BidX1; and Conn Murray, chair of public sector at BDO Ireland.

At the launch event, Mr Pour announced plans by Bynaric for launching FairSelect in the UK market, where it is aiming to open offices in Manchester and London in the next year.

Viatel Technology Group strategy makes flexible working a defining feature of work culture

Flexibility is a key characteristic of employment at Viatel Technology Group. The group’s strategy is to embed flexibility as a central pillar of their work culture and operations. The leading provider of cloud, cybersecurity and digital services is committed to creating a healthy and supportive working environment for its growing team of 310 employees.

CEO Paul Rellis explains that Viatel actively listens to its team, “Our people told us flexibility is a top priority, and we are responding. We have fully embraced hybrid work, with no mandated number of in-person days. Life isn’t ‘one size fits all’; each individual is empowered to work with their manager to find the balance that works for them and their team.”

“Many companies have backtracked on flexibility, returning in whole or part to traditional work practices and locations. In contrast, we are fully committed to embedding flexibility in our strategy, our culture and our operations. We are transforming our office spaces into regional hubs, with hot desks and collaborative areas for when colleagues choose to meet face to face.”

Hybrid working is just one aspect of Viatel’s flexibility initiatives; the technology group has also enhanced leave entitlements, and implemented a working from abroad policy to accommodate international team members.

Starting this month, team members can also take some extra time to themselves. Paul explains, “‘Flextime’ is part of our strategy to create a vibrant and dynamic workplace where our team can achieve their professional goals while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Time is our most precious resource, and we are giving everyone the chance to pursue personal interests; whether they be studying; volunteering; getting outdoors; spending quality time with loved ones, or simply relaxing. We’ll get back to work refreshed, reenergised, and poised to make an even greater impact.”

Viatel Technology Group successfully trialled a flextime initiative in 2022, when employees committed to a 100:90:100 model: receiving 100% pay for 90% of time while maintaining 100% productivity. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Participants rated Viatel 8.5 out of 10 as a flexible and supportive workplace, with 81% expressing their desire to maintain flexible working arrangements, reporting improved job satisfaction.

Harvard Business Review cites that initiatives that support work-life balance have been proven to promote productivity, reduce turnover, improve employees’ mental and physical health and can even boost organisational diversity. Paul concludes, “We believe flexibility benefits our employees, customers, and our business as a whole. Our focus is on fostering a happier and more fulfilled workforce, which will ultimately lead to greater success.”

Flexibility is just one of the many benefits offered by Viatel Technology Group which, in February,      announced the creation of 50 new jobs; and has been shortlisted as one of Ireland’s best workplaces by the Tech Excellence Awards.

For more information, visit www.viatel.com/careers.

DAACI Celebrates the Acquisition of Two Technology Companies with Event at Abbey Road Studios

 London, United Kingdom – Music composition system DAACI announced the acquisitions of music technology companies MXX and WiSL yesterday, with an industry event at the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London. The acquisitions are the latest step in DAACI’s journey to develop the ultimate creative AI ecosystem, unparalleled in its capabilities and committed to ethics in music, AI, and the creative industries at large.

The acquisitions position DAACI at the forefront of creative and ethical AI technology – focused on driving a tangible and mutually beneficial partnership between the two. DAACI is also now an organisation with a combined 60 granted patents, a further 20 patents filed, 65 team members, and a current annual revenue of £4.88million.

A select group of industry stakeholders attended Abbey Road Studios for the event in Studio Three, the room where legends including The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Fela Kuti, Amy Winehouse and Stormzy have recorded. The day included demonstrations and an audience with founder and inventor Dr. Joe Lyske, whose life’s work has gone into the patents and method behind this evolution. The event also punctuated the successful completion of DAACI’s incubation with Abbey Road Red, the studios’ music tech incubation programme.

DAACI’s mission is to empower composers, music makers and creatives to unlock their creativity. A key part of this is DAACI’s effort to uphold ethics at the core of its expanding creative AI ecosystem by ensuring that the tools it builds respect copyright, trademark, rights of publicity (where they exist) and Name/Image/Likeness/Voice, put artists at the centre of the creative process, and provide transparency around the data inputs used during the creative process.

With the acquisition of these two music technology firms – MXX and WiSL – DAACI takes another leap forward in powering the content of tomorrow with dynamic music AI that creates an infinite musical palette, and empowers artists and composers to fulfil any brief and tailor each composition to fit specific experiences or occasions in gaming, digital worlds, XR, or VR experiences.

Abbey Road Red has an artist and rights-first philosophy which traverses its incubation guidance. The team advises participants exploring cutting-edge content usage that it is critically important to respect copyright and intellectual property rights and obtain all necessary authorisations and licenses from rightsholders.

Rachel Lyske, CEO of DAACI, said, “This is a milestone moment for DAACI. I’m delighted to welcome MXX and WiSL to the team. We’re forging ahead in collaboration, creating an ecosystem that integrates three decades of experience and research and bridges the gap between static and responsive music creation.

“The ultimate goal is to channel our incredibly powerful ecosystem of technology to create new paths for talented individuals to express themselves. Whether you’re an experienced professional, a budding creative or anything in between, you can benefit from the processes and creative options generated by our system. I’d like to thank Abbey Road Red, the DAACI, MXX and WiSL teams and everyone involved for their incredible hard work and commitment. I’m excited for the possibilities these acquisitions bring.”

Julian Goodkind, CEO of WiSL said, “We are delighted to be joining DAACI and their team on this exciting journey. They are at the forefront of this evolution and, together, have formed a unique and robust ecosystem which truly amplifies growth for both music makers and content creators.

“It’s vitally important to us that AI technology is adopted and utilised in an ethical way, to ensure that songwriters, artists, rights holders and industry professionals continue to be the driving force at the heart of our industry.

“WiSL remains committed to its objective of creating a marketplace for access and discovery for all music, driven by a suite of AI tools which is supported by the music and content creation industry, so that together we can create a new industry standard.”

Simon White, CEO of the TMC2 Venture Studio, who have invested in all three businesses added, “We have an exceptional track record in ground-breaking adaptive AI technologies for music and media, and are thrilled to be continuing our journey as part of the world’s ultimate creative AI ecosystem.”

To find out more: www.daaci.com

Sony launches their new ZV-1 II vlogging camera

Sony has launched the all-new second generation camera to the ZV-1 in the vlog camera ZV series, the ZV-1 II which includes highly requested and popular market-leading features.  With a wider angle than ZV-1, the ZV-1 II helps vloggers make more engaging storytelling with attractive photogenic image quality.

With the 1.0-type Exmor RS image sensor (approximately 20.1 effective megapixels), BIONZ X image processing engine, and ZEISS® Vario-Sonnar T 18-50mm F1.8-4i lens, the ZV-1 II allows for creators of many skill levels to enjoy sophisticated capabilities. From the 18-50mmii wide angle lens which can frame everything from group selfies to narrow interiors or dynamic recordings of everyday scenes to the Multiple Face Recognitioniii ,which recognises multiple faces and automatically adjusts to keeps all faces sharp and clear when taking selfie shots that include two or three people, the ZV-1 II is the advanced vlogging camera packed into a travel-size.

“The ZV-1 II is an exciting chapter for content creators and will be the go-to camera for many, including vloggers, social media influencers and short form video creators. With the newest vlog camera in the ZV series, we have taken requests from various users and included features that matter most to vloggers,” said Yann Salmon Legagneur, Head of Imaging Products & Solutions Marketing, Sony Europe. “We are striving to take feedback from our community to continue to expand and elevate our ZV series and the ZV-1 II does just that.”

Comprehensive Features for Vloggers & Video Content Creators

The ZV-1 II has a number of new and popular features that will empower creators to capture better content. Ultra-wide angle and Zoom – 18mmii wide angle of view makes it easy to capture attractive photogenic image with the entire scene – especially when shooting selfies at arm’s length. The 18-50mm optical zoom and the Clear Image Zoom smoothly enlarges images while minimising loss of image quality to create a variety in videos by changing the angle of view.

  • 1.0 type sensor with Bokeh Switch which gives beautiful bokeh by defocusing the background with a single touch.
  • Intelligent 3-capsule microphone – In Auto mode, the camera recognises human faces or objects and automaticallyiv switches the direction of the built-in microphone ([Front] or [All Directions]). In Manual mode, you can select [Front] for selfies, [Rear] when shooting with narration or [All Directions]. The supplied windscreen ensures a clear recording of the speaker when outdoors. Easy to use cableless attachment to Multi Interface Shoev  and a 3.5 mm microphone jack makes it easy to connect external microphones.
  • Cinematic Vlog Setting function responds to the demands to easily take ambient images using a vlog camera. It enables impressive imagery at a touch. Simply tap the on-screen function icon and the camera will automatically set a CinemaScope size (2.35:1) vi and a frame rate of 24 fpsvii , the same as for a cinema movie. Then finish off the work with the on-screen buttons to select from five LOOKs and four MOODs
  • Creative Look which supports 10 preset looksviii to suit your creative preferences and pro-level imaging features.
  • Face Priority AE and Soft Skin Effect automatically and immediately detects faces and adjusts the exposure to optimise facial brightness, no matter the lighting. Soft skin effect smooths skin and facial features when filming.
  • Fast Hybrid AF System – Even in high-definition 4K where precise focusing is required, the camera will keep the images sharp with the same Fast Hybrid AF system seen in α series cameras. The camera is equipped with AF Transition Speed to select the focusing speed during video recording, and AF Subject Shift Sensitivity to control the focus in line with the subject’s movement and environment. In addition, the Real-time Eye AF can accurately keep focus on human or animals for both stills and movies.
  • Product Showcase Setting – which delivers convenient shooting of product review videos with smooth focus transitions from your face to the item you are highlighting.
  • S&Q shoot modevix which allows a selection up to 5x slow or up to 60x quick motion to add impact to everyday scenes. The combination of shooting and recording frame rates can now be set on a single screen.
  • ISO sensitivity spanning from 125 to 12800– allows the camera to record sharp images with less noise, even in low lighting.
  • Active Mode electronic image stabilisation – content can be captured while walking or in motion and is especially useful for handheld shootingx. Useful for handheld Movie and Slow & Quick motion shooting.
  • Built in ND filter – to reduce exposure by three stops and allow for beautiful background bokeh even in the brightest situation.

Compact and Lightweight for Easy Portability, Operability, Connectivity

The ZV-1 II is perfect for on the go; its compact and lightweight design can be easily carried in a pocket or small bag, even with its’ optical wide zoom lens. The ZV-1 II supports different filming styles with the vari-angle screen suitable for selfies, easy to hold body grip (or with an optional GP-VPT2BT grip), user-friendly key and control layoutxi and the recording indicator on the front face of the body. The monitor display has been redesigned with a bold, clearly visible red frame that makes it obvious when recording is in progress. Power charge easily via a USB Type-C® connector.

Creators can connect and share content easily with Sony’s Creators’ Cloud platform and easy smartphone connection. The Creators’ App can be used to control the ZV-1 II from a smartphone, monitor camera battery and media status, edit date and camera names and easily transfer stills and videos shot, even in the background. The Creators’ Appxii also provides a convenient way to update camera software.

For easy high-quality live streaming, simply connect the ZV-1 II to a PC or smartphone xiii with a commercially available USB cable (not included) to use it as a webcam. Make your video more attractive in online meetings and live streaming by using Creative Look to improve the skin’s appearance and adjust the hue. Faces will appear clearer and brighter (Face Priority AE) and the eyes will be kept in focus (Real-time Eye AF).

Environmentally Friendly and Accessible Design

In addition to Sony’s commitment to a sustainable future with global initiatives like Road to Zero and the 2030 renewable energy goal, the ZV-1 II has been specifically developed with sustainability in mind. Recycled materials, including SORPLASTMxiv, are actively used for the camera body, reducing environmental impact without sacrificing functionality. Sony’s unique recycled paper “Original Blend Material”, which does not use plastic and is easy to recycle, is used for individual packaging. Using materials such as bamboo, sugar cane fiber, and recycled paper collected from the market, it is both environmentally friendly and high quality.

The ZV-1 II includes accessibility features that facilitate operation in several ways, including screen reader functionality for people with visual impairments. Accessibility features allow anyone to enjoy shooting and playback.  When the screen reader functionxv is activated, text on the menu screens is read aloud. The screen reader function can be activated by turning the [Screen Reader] function in the [Setup] tab ON. Screen reader volume can be adjusted via the [Sound Options] settings. In addition to the above, the ZV-1 II includes a number of functions that assist in achieving pinpoint focus on a variety of subjects. The Real-time Eye AF can automatically recognise and focus on [Human] or [Animal], or the Real-time Tracking function. Focus Magnification, and Peaking functions make it easier to focus manually, and features like Touch Focus, Touch Tracking, and Touch Shutter let the user focus, track, and shoot simply by touching the subject on the monitor screen. ZV-1 II accessibility features (items listed in the specifications): Screen Reader, Touch AE, Focus Magnifier, Peaking Display, Real-time Eye AF, Real-time Tracking, Touch Focus, Touch Tracking, Touch Shutter, Vari-angle LCD screen and Custom function.

Pricing and Availability

The new ZV-1 II will be available in June 2023 at a variety of Sony’s authorised dealers, for an estimated retail price of £870 / €1000.

With Sony’s promotion – Welcome to Vlog. UK & Ireland customers who buy any ZV camera (ZV-1F, ZV-1, ZV-E10, ZV-E10L, ZV-E1, ZV-1 II) can register to receive up to £100 / €100 off their next lens or accessory purchases.