Tag: featured

10 Years of Video Pro X: MAGIX publishes the largest update in the history of the video software.

On the occasion of the software’s 10 year anniversary, MAGIX Software is introducing the largest update for Video Pro X ever to the market. The anniversary version of the professional video editing program includes numerous new functions and improvements for significantly more power, productivity, and design flexibility.

FOCUS ON PERFORMANCE

The most recent update from MAGIX had already put a strong focus on increased performance. However, the new version introduces the largest performance leap ever. For the first time, HEVC/H.265 video export can now be rendered with the NVIDIA GPU’s encoder. This makes export speeds possible, which were inconceivable in the past. Also new to the latest version is the comprehensive AVX optimization in the internal image processing and the 3-way colour correction resulting in faster image processing and much more precise output quality during colour conversion. Additionally, the output of 4K source videos into FullHD quality has been optimized by reducing high-frequency image components. This results in fewer bit errors during the conversion of high-resolution recordings.

 

MORE PRODUCTIVE WORKFLOWS

With the new Video Pro X, MAGIX pushes ahead with its workflow optimization strategy. The latest improvements include the new time-saving J-L cut and the intuitive “Move object content” mouse mode. With J-L edits, video and audio tracks can now be modified individually without losing the advantages of working with grouping. For video editors who work regularly with overlapping objects, such as spoken audio spanning several scenes in documentaries and interviews, work will become noticeably easier, and object content can now be moved more flexibly. From now on, users can intuitively select and adjust image content from video objects with a click of the mouse while maintaining the editing rhythm.

 

NEW EFFECTS AREA & OPTIMIZED CREATIVE TOOLS

The Video Pro X effects area has been enhanced and is now more clearly organized and user friendly than ever. Users can quickly navigate to the effects they want and control plugins much more intuitively meaning the creative workflow stays uninterrupted. Chroma Keying has also been optimized in response to customer feedback. A new algorithm supports the ability to recognize and extract objects. 360° editing was also improved. 360° image stabilization, a set of spectacular 360° transitions, and special 360° effects from HitFilm now supplement the Video Pro X 360° editing package. And now even stereoscopic videos can be processed by Video Pro X.

“10 years of development have been invested in the new Video Pro X. We would like to introduce the largest update in the history of Video Pro X as a way to say thank you to our loyal customers. Without the continuous feedback from the Video Pro X community, the software would by far not be as sophisticated and powerful as it is today,” says Florian Liepold, Product Owner Video Pro X at MAGIX.

 

 

Video Pro X comes with a year of Update Service free of charge. So, users who now decide to purchase the software will automatically receive any upcoming updates. For example, the flexible anchor point positioning, an intelligent function that helps to individually select the object focus – for maximum design flexibility while scaling and rotating.

All new Video Pro X features at a glance:

 

  • Accelerated export with NVIDIA NVENC support
  • Optimized workflow including J-L cuts
  • New effects area and In-App Store
  • Precise chroma keying
  • Improved Full HD output quality
  • Complete 360° package, including HitFilm effects
  • AVX-optimized algorithms
  • OpenFX interface with multithreading
  • HEIF image import for optimal support of iOS devices
  • Includes Update Service for 1 full year of all new features

Prices and availability:  Video Pro X – £299.00

 

Review – The Sphero Mini #kids #tech #coding

The Sphero mini looks like a ball, the size of a pin-pong ball roughly. This is made of a sturdy plastic Removing the cover of the ball looks like a robotic electronic ball within the ball.  This is a small app-enabled robotic ball with a gyroscope, accelerometer, and LED lights that glow in millions of colours. The ball can rotate allowing Driving, Gaming, Java Coding in a small size. The ball is controlled to shoot through space, race through a tunnel, or destroy a polygon of bricks.

 

Contents:

Sphero SPRK+

– Inductive Charging Base with USB cable

– Maze tape

– 360º protractor

– Sticker sheet

– Quick Start Guide to get you rolling

 

Sphero Mini

– Micro USB charging cord

– 3 Mini traffic cones

– 6 Mini bowling pins

 

 

Features:

  • Drive – Drive Mini several ways with the Sphero Mini app – Joystick, Tilt, Slingshot, or Face Drive.
  • Face Drive – Face Drive is a feature that uses your facial expressions to drive the ball.
  • Gaming – Sphero Mini can be used with the app as a video game controller.
  • Coding – Download the Sphero Edu app and program your Sphero Mini bot using JavaScript.
  • Interchangeable Shells – Colourful, interchangeable shells allow you to switch one out to suit your mood.

 

 

Charging:

The charging is done by unscrewing the ball and plug in the USB changer lead supplied. The charger looks great with bright lights but impractical to leave overnight in a bedroom room due to the Christmas tree effect of the lights.   Charging time takes one hour with approx. 45 minutes of use.

Programming:

The Sphero mini allows programming with JavaScript using the Sphero Edu app allowing additional features or tricks developed. This could be a great introduction to Programming for a junior member that may want to develop their skills. This does not require Programming but available option if required.  The app works as a traditional app connected via Bluetooth, this was connected to an iPhone 6 which was easy to setup.

Practical use:

The ball has a speed listed of Top speed 1 Meter per sec (2.2 mph) with the option of slow, fast. This speed is fast in a confined area and takes time and practice to become familiar with the controls.  The Sphero mini allows a face drive feature that uses facial recognition technology to drive the ball. The app allows updated features of games played.

Traditional games of bowling can be placed with the supplied six mini bowling pins and three mini traffic cones.  The interchangeable shells allow additional excitement with the unit. This is a fun product, that the user has the option to learn via the java programming or use straight from the app, or use face technology via Smile, frown, tilt your head left and right to control the unit.

Price:  Amazon    £49.99  See more HERE

Review – Sony Xperia XZ2 #Sony #Xperia

The 5.7-inch Xperia XZ2 is a Sony flagship smartphone in liquid black. The Aluminium frame looks good with a curved back, smooth to touch with rounded edges packing a good camera. This phone is designed to take a knock or 2 been able to withstand IP rated as “dust tight” and protected against powerful jets of water been water resistant.

The Corning Gorilla Glass 5, gives good protection against drops, surviving 1.6-meter, shoulder-height drops onto hard, rough surfaces up to 80% of the time. The phone comes with a large sealed battery and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 Mobile Platform3 for increased speed.

The Qnovo Adaptive Charging monitors your battery’s health when it’s plugged in and adjusts current levels to ensure the battery isn’t overworked. The battery care charges the phone to 90%, waits, then charges to 100% just before your wake-up time.

3D Creator:

This is a great app on the phone, which take a few minutes to understand and review. This is a software that lets you create three-dimensional captures of objects. This allows selfie, face, food and head scan, and free form (the tutorial must be read before you can use).

The result of the 3D Creator gives a professional looking video in minutes which could only be dreamed of in a Spielberg movie, (possible the Sony experience at work here). There is an option for 3D printing which is exhilarating to view. This is a WOW feature!

Annoyance – There are very few features on this smartphone that I can criticize or dislike while (minor gripes) the liquid black Aluminium frame leaves fingerprints over the phone but it is trend. The shiny smooth texture could tend to slide off a smooth table as no grip on the smart phone and if using the device with no case as in our case it will rock if you are trying to text etc, The smartphone is a bit chubby, and rocks which I would not have expected. There is no 3.5mm audio jack which is a trend following in Apple and others footsteps. The Software trend in accepting the T&C repeatedly with apps requiring access to non-relevant features is annoying.

https://youtu.be/R6P4UsvziJA

Conclusion:

The smartphone is a Sony flagship phone with all the featured expected from Sony, the 19MP Motion Eye camera, Front Camera: 5MP Video Recording: 4K video recording camera. The experience of Sony on the audio, loud clear stereo speaker system. This has a great battery life with software featured to enhance battery life and performance. This was far longer than many other phones used in the past. The unit comes with a 64gb Universal Flash Storage but can be expanded to up to 400GB with a micro SD.

This was tried with a 64GB SD card which worked as any card, which I believe would be the same as the 400GB SD card (SD card in the range of €180) The speed of the phone was impressive with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 Processor, while the 4GB RAM seems low for their flagship phone with many other phones having 6 GB ram. The option of a dual sim phone is great option allowing a work sim and personal sim to be used simultaneously, (many of the networks may restrict this). The Sony PS4 has links to the Xperia XZ2 allowing features to be enhanced. The build quality as expected from Sony is great, water resistance, and has good protection against drops.

Sony has here also listened to its fans a taken that boxy look away which lasted several generations of their devices this rounded look is nice be it a tad on the bulky side but it fits well in the hand and stands out, Black would not be my first choice if I was to buy one howevera case make all the difference.

SONY XPERIAXZ2 LAUNCH WITH COMMENTRY

Overall the Xperia XZ2 will not disappoint from the Sony range.

https://www.sonymobile.com/ie

Also see our guest review by LiamBurke

Additional text and images by Jim

Nokia 1 now on sale with Vodafone Ireland #Nokia1 #Ireland

The NOKIA 1 can now be purchased from Vodafone today in either Red or Dark Blue and it is now available on their site for  €79.99 This is the entry level device available from Nokia and HMD Global which is also priced near the Nokia 2 and Nokia 3 which are also available from Vodafone.

Check out the deal below and check out the special offer with free flights.

 

Watch now – and later

Nokia 1 comes with YouTube Go, designed to run faster and use less data while you view videos and stream. You can choose the playback quality and even download videos to watch offline later.

Make it yours

Personalize your phone to match your style or mood. Xpress-on covers are quick and easy to swap out and come in a variety of vibrant colors to choose from.

Get more done

Smooth to use, Nokia 1 is full of possibilities. Enjoy 4G connectivity for streaming and surfing, and easily switch between SIM cards thanks to Dual SIM. Or take advantage of the MicroSD storage card slot to expand storage up to 128 GB.

All the apps you need

Nokia 1 doesn’t hold back. A powerful experience in Nokia’s most affordable package, with all your favorite apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, YouTube, Google Maps and many more, literally at your fingertips. You won’t miss a beat.

BUY ON VODAFONE

Review – Nokia 7 Plus TPU gel case from @TerrapinCases #Nokia7Plus

A simple minimal case similar to what comes with your device in the box but in Black, It looks well its clean and all requirements are easily accessable here with this case.  Checkout the video and image gallery below of what this case is all about..

Material
  • Shock absorbing TPU gel
Features
  • Raised lip for screen and camera lens protection
  • Easy grip gel surface
  • Ports and buttons fully accessible

BUY  HERE 

Video Review

Review – Genuine leather wallet case for the Nokia 7plus from @TerrapinCases #Nokia7Plus

Our last case from Terrapin Accessories is the Genuine leather wallet case for the Nokia 7 plus, This case will offer again more for the consumer but it is also bulky due to extra features and being leather but having said that its going to protect your device no matter the situation. Offer a cash slot and credit cards slots it will fill the needs for most,these cases are popular however not a case I would personally use due to opportunist criminals who snatch and grab mobile phones. Overall it looks great and professional check out the images and video below for more.

Click to enlarge.

Material
  • Genuine cow hide leather exterior
  • Premium synthetic leather interior
  • Shock absorbing TPU gel
Features
  • Card slots plus section for cash
  • Full screen protection
  • Ports and buttons fully accessible
  • Magnetic flap that closes securely and stows away when the phone is in use
  • Raised edge for protection of camera lens
  • Integrated viewing stand

BUY HERE

VIDEO REVIEW

Google Lens features now available within Sony Xperia XZ2 camera app. #Sony #XZ2

Google Lens features are now available within the Sony Xperia XZ2 camera app. This is an interesting feature you might recall back in the Nokia days if you remember City Lens where you point your device up in front of you and it will give you back information as seen below..

Regardless it is a good feature to have and you can now avail of it on your Sony Xperia XZ2. In short Google Lens helps you browse, and interact with the world around you. Find products online, copy and paste text, learn more about landmarks, add events to your calendar, look up movie posters, identify popular plants and animals, and more.. The update rolls out today.

 

Bespoke Choice claims One2Watch victory at FutureScope 2018. #Weddings #Cavan

In an exciting Dragon’s Den style pitching session, Bespoke Choice, the interactive wedding venue sales platform, fought off tough competition to take the One2Watch crown at FutureScope, Founded by Cavan brothers, Ronan, Niall and Cillian Kelly, Bespoke Choice is an innovative sales platform specifically for the wedding venue sector.

The company was deemed to have best expressed the market need and scalability of its concept by a distinguished panel of judges, including Alison Cowzer, RTÉ Dragon’s Den investor.

Joe Healey, Divisional Manager, High Potential Start Up, Enterprise Ireland presented founder, Ronan Kelly with the award. Bespoke Choice will receive a €2,000 cash prize, space in Dublin BIC’s award winning Guinness Enterprise Centre and a range of consultancy services from Dublin BIC to support its growth.

 

Founded by Cavan brothers, Ronan, Niall and Cillian Kelly, Bespoke Choice is an innovative sales platform that helps venues to increase their annual number of wedding bookings and the average revenue per wedding. Designed and built by wedding planning professionals, the application enables couples to build a unique package via an interactive journey of the services the venue has to offer. Once booked the software uses AI to maximise upsell revenue for the venue while also ensuring couples have the best wedding they can afford.

Pictured at FutureScope’s One2Watch competition, held in The Convention Centre Dublin, are: Joe Healy, Divisional Manager, High Potential Start Up, Enterprise Ireland; and Ronan Kelly, Managing Director and Founder, Bespoke Choice, One2Watch winner 2018.

Michael Culligan, CEO, Dublin BIC, said: “The One2Watch competition seeks to find Ireland’s most scalable business idea and award the winning company with supports to enable it to scale and grow. The calibre of entrants this year was extraordinarily high with each of the four finalists bringing to the stage a business concept with transformative potential for its sector. Bespoke Choice is a well-deserving victor and with support services from Dublin BIC, the sky is the limit in terms of business growth and development”.

Ronan Kelly, founder, Bespoke Choice, said “We’re absolutely thrilled to win the One2Watch competition, especially in a year with such strong competition. It’s a very exciting time in the Bespoke Choice journey, as we have just launched our service this week and are seeing a number of high-profile customers already signing up.”

“Securing a dedicated desk at The Guinness Enterprise Centre, along with the cash prize and the invaluable mentorship of Dublin BIC will go a long way in helping us expand into export markets and develop new products. One2Watch has been an amazing experience and we are brimming with excitement at the possibilities now awaiting us.”

Review – Anchor Cable, it is all you need. One cable for all. #tech #cables #AnchorCable

With all the tech I have here and not just me the average Joe, cables are something we can’t avoid and they are also annoying. For me it is more so due to my line of work and they are everywhere. Not a bad thing in one sense should I need one but they make a mess also they get lost or people just take them when here in the house but that’s life.

There is some solutions out there right now to keep cable management easy but this cable here in particular solves many scenarios in one swoop for those who have phones and tablets and anything that takes the standard connection ports today such as micro usb and now the ever-growing USB-C

Anchor Cable aims to sort this out with one package and three port connections which are all magnetic and cover most of  todays current tech, the package comes simply presented showing all the goods which consist of 1 cable and three ports, the cable is no cheap cable either its the worlds strongest cable according to the company.

The cable also offers fast charging which today is the norm particularly with Mobile phones, We all like a quick charge to kill the battery anxiety attack. Data transfer is also something not ignored here and falls in line with current capacities now available so this is something people will be glad to see and many have asked this question already to me personally.

My only concern here with this prodcut is loosing the tips but I am sure you can probably buy them again at a later date, A cable is a cable the end of the day,most also think the same and there is many cables out there today at various pricepoints but they do vary with quality and connectivity  and this cable solves many issue for people with one prodcut, its also constructed well and will last and comes with a lifetime warranty too which is a welcome move.

 

This cable offers simplicity and if like me you have multiple devices in the house you can switch easily between devices that have micro usb and USB-C ports and for those who transfers a lot of data be it images or files hotspwapping devices here is great and also not forgetting this is a tangle free cable thank god.

BUY HERE