Alpha Data continues to lead the way in space-capable reconfigurable computing technology with the release of its latest innovation: the ADM-VB630, a radiation-tolerant reference design for the AMD Versal™ AI Edge XQRVE2302 adaptive SoC engineered for space-grade design, development and deployment. Optimized for satellite applications within a 4-25W power budget, the ADM-VB630 is designed to power the rapidly expanding markets of sensor processing and AI applications in space.
The ADM-VB630 enables fast, cost-effective development and rapid prototyping, making it a game-changer for space applications. It is ideal for advanced onboard sensor processing, supporting the growing demand for data analysis in expanding satellite constellations. It also brings AI and machine learning capabilities to space, unlocking new possibilities for in-orbit intelligence. The ADM-VB630 facilitates applications such as on-board anomaly detection and sensor data pre-processing, benefiting industries such as Earth observation, agriculture, forestry, and leak detection, or could enhance signal processing and satellite communications, delivering greater precision in PNT (position, navigation and timing) and connectivity solutions.
“The ADM-VB630, built around the AMD Versal™ AI Edge XQRVE2302 adaptive SoC, represents a significant step forward in on-orbit reconfiguration and high performance, low latency AI inference in space,” said Ken O’Neill, space systems architect, AMD. “Its robust design and AI capabilities are helping empower the next generation of space applications, from Earth observation to advanced satellite communications.”
“Alpha Data continues to push the boundaries of space-capable reconfigurable computing technology with the ADM-VB630, delivering a powerful and efficient solution for next-generation satellite applications,” said Andrew McCormick, Technical Director and CTO, Alpha Data. “By enabling AI and advanced sensor processing in space, we are opening new frontiers for in-orbit intelligence and mission-critical applications.”
Beyond its budget-friendly development board, the ADM-VB630 is also available in flight-build options, utilising a 3U VPX form factor to ensure a seamless transition from prototype to deployment. The design integrates a radiation-tolerant power supply from Texas Instruments and DDR4 memory from Teledyne-e2v, reinforcing its resilience in extreme environments.
Environmental testing, including radiation, vibration, and thermal vacuum assessments, is currently in the planning phase with the potential to be conducted at facilities including the Science and Technologies Facilities Council’s (STFC).
Customer shipments are expected to begin in Q2 2025.
Find out more about how the ADM-VB630 can accelerate your technology roadmap at ESA AFTP (March 18-20, ESA Harwell, Oxfordshire, UK) and ESA SEFUW (March 25-27, ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands).
PSB Speakers, long renowned for excellence in loudspeaker design, announces the Alpha iQ, Streaming Powered Speakers with BluOS, an all-in-one audio system that sets a new benchmark for modern, tangle-free, audiophile-grade listening. Attendees of the CEDIA Expo will be among the first to experience the product.
PSB’s Alpha iQ will be available for pre-order online on October 19, 2022, for US$1,499 / GBP£1,299 / EUR€1,499 / CDN$2,199. Retail availability will begin in late November 2022.
Comprising two bookshelf speakers with built-in amplifiers and a network streamer based on the award-winning BluOS multi-room music platform, the Alpha iQ lets listeners enjoy PSB’s acclaimed “True to Nature” sound with more than 20 streaming services and hundreds of Internet radio stations. The Alpha iQ has a wide array of inputs so users can connect source components such as a turntable, TV, disc player, or game console. Listeners can share their music over a home network with up to 63 other BluOS-enabled components.
A World of Music
Setting up and using the Alpha iQ is simple. Plug the speakers into power outlets, then connect the Alpha iQ to a home network using the intuitive BluOS Controller app on a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer. Now the speakers are ready to play music from more than 20 streaming services supported by BluOS, including several that offer high-resolution audio, such as Amazon Music Ultra HD, Deezer, Qobuz, and Tidal. BluOS also provides access to hundreds of Internet radio stations around the world, covering all musical genres.
The Alpha iQ has built-in two-way Bluetooth, with support for the high-quality aptX-HD codec for wireless streaming from any mobile device. Apple AirPlay 2 compatibility allows listeners to stream CD-resolution music from any app on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect are both supported, so listeners can cue up music in the apps for those services, then transfer playback to the Alpha iQ.
Tangle-free
Users don’t have to clutter their living spaces with speaker wires to enjoy “True to Nature” sound from the Alpha iQ. The left and right speakers communicate via a wireless link that can cover most rooms in an average-size home, so that music stays synched and clear regardless of speaker placement.
Audiophile-Grade
Available in satin white and satin black finishes, the Alpha iQ has a sleek, modern design. Inside each enclosure is a 4″ polypropylene mid-bass driver with steel basket and rubber surround, and a 0.75″ aluminum dome tweeter with neodymium magnet and ferrofluid damping.
Each woofer has its own 60W class-D amplifier, and each tweeter its own 30W class-D amp, for total system output of 180W. Thanks to their powerful amplifiers, tuned bass ports, and DSP-enabled low-frequency extension, PSB’s Alpha iQ speakers can deliver bass output that completely belies their diminutive size.
The Alpha iQ employs a DSP-based active crossover. As with many PSB designs, the tweeter is placed below the woofer. This arrangement provides greater flexibility in listener position because the blend between woofer and tweeter remains consistent whether one is sitting or standing.
High Resolution
The Alpha iQ’s audiophile-grade DAC supports resolution to 24-bit/192kHz and has full MQA decoding and rendering capability for high-res streaming from Tidal. BluOS also lets listeners enjoy four stations with MQA-encoded high-resolution music from Radio Paradise.
Well Connected
The Alpha iQ boasts an extensive range of input and outputs. The primary speaker has a built-in MM phono preamp and RCA jacks plus ground terminal, so vinyl fans can connect a turntable. An HDMI ARC port lets users experience sound with TV and movies. There’s also an optical input for connecting a disc player or game console, and a 3.5mm auxiliary input for connecting analogue sources. Listeners can also use the BluOS app to play music files stored on an external drive connected to the Alpha iQ’s USB port.
Output Options
For late-night listening, listeners can connect a pair of headphones to the combined optical / headphone jack or via two-way Bluetooth. For enhanced bass, there’s a subwoofer output. When a subwoofer is connected, BluOS engages a low-pass filter for the sub and a high-pass filter for the mains, which frees the Alpha iQ from having to produce deep bass sounds
Smart and Simple
Listeners can manage every aspect of the Alpha iQ’s operation using the rich, robust BluOS Controller app, which is available for Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows. For making quick adjustments without using the app, there are touch controls on the top of the primary speaker for changing volume and pausing and resuming playback. Voice control is also possible using Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri (via AirPlay 2).
Like all BluOS-enabled components, PSB’s Alpha iQ BluOS Powered Speakers can be integrated into popular smart-home systems, including Control4, Crestron, ELAN, RTI, and URC. IR command learning is available for listeners who use harmonized remote controls to operate multiple A/V devices.
“The Alpha iQ is a perfect choice for music-lovers who want a sophisticated all-in-one system that delivers great sound without the fuss of cables and multiple components,” said Joe de Jesus, product manager, PSB Speakers. “We think of it as beautiful sound made simple.”
Features & Details
4″ polypropylene mid-bass driver with steel basket and rubber surround
0.75″ aluminum dome tweeter with neodymium magnet and ferrofluid cooling
Fully active design, with DSP crossover and dedicated amplifiers for each driver: 60W for each woofer and 30W for each tweeter
Tuned port and DSP-enabled bass extension for excellent LF performance
Low-latency wireless connection between the primary and secondary speakers for tangle-free installation
Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connectivity
Built-in network streamer based on the award-winning BluOS multi-room music platform
Integrated support for more than 20 streaming services, including several that offer lossless and high-resolution audio
Music can be played through as many as 63 additional BluOS-enabled components
Audiophile-grade DAC with maximum resolution of 24-bit/192kHz
MQA decoding and rendering capability for high-res streaming from Tidal
Apple AirPlay 2 support for streaming from iPhones, iPads, and Macs
Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect
MM phono, HDMI eARC, optical, and auxiliary inputs
USB port for connecting an external drive containing music files
Subwoofer output with DSP-enabled low-pass and high-pass filters
Support for Control4, Crestron, ELAN, RTI, and URC home-control systems
Support for Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri voice control
IR learning capability for operating the Alpha iQ with harmonized remotes
Sony today announced the first Alpha series interchangeable lens vlog camera, the new ZV-E10. Designed from the ground up for vlogging and vloggers, the new camera combines Sony’s advanced imaging technology with extensive usability and a custom-built feature set that is optimised for video creators.
At its core, the ZV-E10 features a 24.2-megapixel (approx. effective) APS-C Exmor™ CMOS sensor and BIONZ X image processing engine to produce high-quality imagery with high-sensitivity, detailed texture depiction and beautiful natural bokeh. Additionally, the ZV-E10 includes the acclaimed vlogging-specific features favored in the popular ZV-1 digital camera including “Background Defocus that can smoothly switch between a blurred (bokeh) and sharp background, as well as the “Product Showcase Setting”mode that allows the camera to automatically shift focus from the subject’s face to an object being highlighted.
“With the introduction of Sony’s first interchangeable lens vlog camera, the ZV-E10, we are excited to meet the growing needs of today’s creators,” said Yann Salmon Legagneur, Director of Product Marketing, Digital Imaging, Sony Europe. “The new ZV-E10 pairs the versatility and excellent image quality of a large-sensor interchangeable lens camera with user-friendly features that are specifically designed for vlogging, making it an ideal tool for video creators looking to transition to a more advanced set up.”
The ZV-E10 features a video-first design in a lightweight form factor (approx. 12 oz. / 343g and includes the popular side-opening Vari-angle LCD Screen that allows creators to connect external mics on top of the camera. This simplifies setup while still allowing users to see the screen in selfie shooting mode and from high and low angles.
In addition to the screen, the ZV-E10 includes several other easy-to-use functions that are specifically designed for vlogging, including a new mode button located on the top of the camera that allows creators to easily change between Still/Movie/Slow and Quick modes with just one touch.
The new camera also includes advanced video features such as 4K (QFHD: 3840 x 2160) video shooting and Slow Motion with high picture quality (FHD 120p) Electronic image stabilisation with Active Mode is also available and delivers stable video recording even while walking and shooting hand-held. Further, the ZV-E10’s advanced AF (autofocus) technology provides fast, precise AF with excellent tracking performance, as well as high quality audio for clear sound recording.
Sony Vlog Challenge Contest
Together with this announcement, Sony will host their second Sony Vlog Challenge Contest that encourages entrants to create a vlog that highlights something that they are the most passionate and enthusiastic about. The entry period is July 27 – September 27, 2021 and is open to video creators in Europe. See contest official rules here
Creative Versatility
An Interchangeable Lens Camera for Expanded Creative Expression
The ZV-E10 allows the user to expand their creative expression by utilising the ideal lens for each individual scene they want to shoot. The wide variety of compatible lenses in Sony’s E-mount lens lineup lets the user choose the perfect lens based on their creative vision.
Advanced Autofocus
Sony’s industry-leading AF technology enables the user to leave focusing to the camera so that they can concentrate on composing their shot. The ZV-E10 includes Fast Hybrid AF and Real-time Eye AF for video[vi] with Real-time Tracking[vii] that allows the camera to keep track of the subject’s face and eyes for fast and precise autofocusing even while recording on-the-go and in challenging environments. The user can also customise the camera’s AF settings, such as AF Transition Speed and AF Subject Shift Sensitivity, to choose the rate at which the camera shifts from one point to another according to their creative preferences.
Additionally, the ZV-E10’s Touch Focus function allows the user to intuitively set the focus position by simply touching the screen. With one tap, the user can instantly shift the focus position from one subject to another – almost anywhere in the frame. This is available in both still and video modes.
High Quality Audio
Sony’s leading technology, thanks to its internal Directional 3-Capsule Mic, enables the ZV-E10 to capture crystal clear sound recordings that accurately capture the speaker’s voice and the supplied wind screen to greatly reduce wind noise. For expanded audio options, the ZV-E10 includes a Digital audio interface via Multi Interface (MI) Shoe and a mic jack to connect an external mic. The inclusion of a headphone jack allows the user to connect headphones to accurately monitor sound recordings. Audio output timing can also be set for Live or Lip Sync.
Putting the Subject First
When shooting in different settings with dramatic changes in light, the user can rest assured that the ZV-E10 will automatically correct the exposure, using an original Face Priority AE (autoexposure) algorithm capable of rapid AE transitions, so that the subject’s face is not over or under exposed. This allows the camera to detect the subject’s face and adjusts the exposure to ensure that the face is depicted at optimal brightness, even when selfie-shooting in scenes with extreme changes in lighting, and even if the subject’s face turns away momentarily from the camera. In addition, the camera features the same advanced colour science from the popular ZV-1 to optimise skin tones for any subject in both still and video modes.
Cutting-Edge Video Features:
Internal 4K movie recording through full pixel readout without pixel binning
High bit rate XAVC S™ codec at 100Mbps when recording 4K
Users can comfortably operate the new ZV-E10 thanks to its easy-to-hold body grip and large MOVIE button that is conveniently located on top of the camera. When paired with the optional Shooting Grip with Wireless Remote Commander (GP-VPT2BT, sold separately), one-handed shooting is simplified with easy to access zoom, record and a customisable button. A recording lamp (tally light) is also provided on the front face of the body for an at-a-glance indication of recording status.
The ZV-E10 features long battery performance with enough power to capture up to 125 minutes or 440 images on a full charge so the user can record for long periods without worry. When shooting indoors, AC power supplies like the optional AC-PW20AM can supply power, so the user can continue to record without worrying about battery consumption. Power can also be supplied through a USB Type-C® connector, allowing external batteries to power the camera for extended battery life when shooting on the go. To conserve the camera’s battery, the ZV-E10’s Vari-angle LCD Screen allows the user to put the camera into Power save mode by closing it and instantly turn the camera on by opening the panel.
Stay Connected
Livestreaming
The ZV-E10 can also be used as a high-quality webcam or live streaming camera by simply connecting it to a PC or smartphone for increased mobility while streaming with no additional software needed. The feature allows the user to take advantage of the ZV-E10’s outstanding image quality and crystal-clear audio as well Face Priority AE and Soft Skin Effect while livestreaming or on video calls. The ZV-E10 supports standards used for USB cameras like UVC (USB Video Class) / UAC (USB Audio Class). The ZV-E10 also allows users to connect to a power supply via USB cable while livestreaming for longer usage. For added convenience, the user can assign this function to a custom button to start streaming instantly.
Easy File Data and Transfers
Using Sony’s Imaging Edge Mobile app, users can transfer selected images and video files to a mobile device via Wi-Fi. This also allows the user to transfer RAW image files. After the camera has been paired to the Imaging Edge Mobile app, the files’ location data can be acquired from the mobile device and recorded. Users can transfer files from an SD card in the camera to a smartphone (mobile device) via Bluetooth even if the camera is powered OFF.
Pricing and Availability
The new ZV-E10 will be available later in August 2021 at a variety of Sony’s authorised dealers, for an estimated retail price of £680/€750
A new kit featuring the ZV-E10 camera and E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS power zoom lens will also be available later in August 2021 and will be sold for an estimated retail price of £770/€850 at a variety of Sony’s authorised dealers throughout Europe.
For detailed product information on the ZV-E10 can be found here.
More information on the Sony Vlog Challenge Contest can be found here.
Yesterday we had our hands on the all new Samsung Galaxy Alpha and we ran into some issue with video transfer,today we bring you a hands look of the new metal clad device from Samsung and a quick tour of the device itself.
Today we had the opportunity to have a sneek peek at the upcoming device from the Samsung,The all new Samsung Galaxy Alpha..
First impressions of the new Metal edged device are nothing special by no means and little has been changed apart from the metal rim but the back cover has a nice rubber typed feel and its grippy compared to the usual plastic or leather faux we now see in the later devices such as the Galaxy Note 3.However the underside is of course plastic.
The back of the device has a nice feel to it with a rubber finish its soft yet grippy and its actually nice to hold and feels good in hand,this is a good change from the regular plastic finish we are use to apart from later devices that has plastic backs which are slippy.
Underneath the cover we have access to the sim card area so no hot swap here which people prefer but im sure nobody will complain about it,everything is tucked away,there is also
Moving up to the top we can see we have the camera 12 MP and flash also we can see the headphone socket and a mic you might also notice the hump,breaking the line which takes the seamless edge away why this was done is another thing but its not really a big deal.
The bottom of the device hols the USB slot,and another mic,also a speaker to one side,one other thing is you will notice the two bands on each edge same applies to top these are separated by plastic by the way.
On the right hand side all on offer is the power key nothing else,you can also see the ledge which allows you to remove the back cover,you will need nails to remove this,i found it awkward,been a guy and no nails and all that..
On the left hand side all we get is the volume toggles,up/down nothing more so as you will have noticed by now there is no dedicated camera key ,not really an issue although most phones today come with on screen options for camera but lots like the traditional camera key.
Looking at it from the front it does not look much different than most samsung devices only the metal edge is noticeable with the chamfered line going around the whole device,we also have one physical key and two soft keys,also we have the front facing camera and sensors on top with an earpiece over the samsung logo.
First impressions are,its nothing we have not seen before its a samsung with a metal body to be honest however the fact that samsung have moved away from metal will be a welcome move for most who are fed up with the plastic feel they are use to,it does feel good and solid in hand and you can get a good grip with the rubber back.
I would feel it will do well since marketing has kicked off a pre register options have opened samsung fans will no doubt want to try it out.
We only had some limited time today and actually had a video which seems to have got corrupted somehow hopefully we will have one up shortly..
The Samsung Galaxy Alpha is the latest offering from Samsung that will be soon hitting the stores and its good to see a phone thats not entirely made of plastic too this may or may not suit potential buyers or those who are use to the common plastic element that Samsung are known for..
O2 Ireland are the first to show their hand as to stocking the device penciled in as “Coming Soon”..
The Samsung Galaxy Alpha comes with an Octa-core processor. This is the first time O2 Ireland has offered a smartphone with an 8-core processor.
This ensures that the Galaxy Alpha will be silky smooth and fast, while maintaining superior battery efficiency.
The Galaxy Alpha has a built-in Heart Rate Sensor which enables you to measure your heart rate directly on your phone. You can now check your heart rate at any time of the day and track your health and fitness goals.
For more details and info and if you want to register head over to O2
