Tag: icon

New mobile app shows that nearly 40% of 5G connections are actually 4G

Research by the new app SignalTracker shows that although your mobile may say 5G, it frequently has a 4G connection. In UK tests, when the 5G icon was displaying, 38% of tests were in fact a 4G connection.

This is because most phones show 5G when the base station they are connected to has 5G equipment potentially available. The actual connection may be 4G or 5G.

On some phones the icon becomes more distinct when an actual 5G connection is made, but on other phones the same icon is shown whether 5G is merely available or whether it is actually connected.

Our signal survey of Central London shows actual 5G connections in red and 4G connections where the 5G icon is displayed in blue (See map). These results come from all the UK mobile networks.

Actual 5G is about twice as fast as icon-only connections, averaging 49 Mbps as against 27 Mbps in our tests.

Results for individual operators

Displaying the 5G icon when there is only a 4G connection is more common with some operators than others. For Three, the 5G icon means real 5G 94% of the time and for Vodafone the figure is 93%. For O2 66% of 5G tests had a genuine 5G connection but for EE it was only 32%.

SignalTracker tells you whether you have an actual 5G connection, as shown in the screenshot. It also gives the signal strength, bands used and download speed. You can save the results to compare networks and assess performance in a variety of locations. The app is available from Google Play.

SignalTracker is produced by PolicyTracker , a company specialising in the wireless sector.

“This issue is not being clearly explained to consumers,” said Managing Director, Martin Sims. “Achieving a 5G connection everywhere may not be possible and most people will accept this. But the public deserve clear information about what they are getting.”

“Mobile networks are an amazing engineering achievement”, he said. “The best way to get public support for optimising this incredible technology is to keep them fully informed.”•

Skullcandy Revives Icon Franchise with All-New Icon ANC Headphones

Skullcandy announces the return of its iconic headphone franchise with the launch of the all-new Icon ANC. Nearly 20 years after the original Icon headphones made waves in the boardsports community, the new and improved Icon ANC is here to elevate the listening experience with active noise cancellation, sweat- and water-resistance, and an impressive 60 hours of battery life. Icon ANC is available globally now for $99.99 MSRP at Skullcandy.com and select retailers nationwide. 

“The original Icon was a true fan favorite in the boardsport community. We took our fans’ requests to heart and gave it a stylish and versatile makeover that’s perfect for any adventure,” said Justin Regan, VP of Marketing at Skullcandy. “Transcending its heritage, Icon ANC is all about embracing an active lifestyle for a new generation. From the slopes to the streets, these headphones aren’t just an accessory—they’re a statement.”

This time around, the Icon ANC isn’t just for boardsports; it’s designed as an active-capable, everyday headphone that seamlessly blends style and performance into any daily routine. Icon ANC redefines the standard for on-ear headphones with features like active noise cancellation—something the majority of competitors’ on-ear headphones don’t offer.

The modernized Icon ANC also offers unparalleled comfort and distraction-free listening both on and off the mountain. With an IPX4 rating for sweat- and water-resistance, these headphones are designed to withstand any environment. The durable metal headband and plush earcups ensure maximum comfort, while the included protective travel bag makes them easy to take anywhere. The Adjustable Stay-Aware mode ensures that users can remain aware of their surroundings when needed. With up to 60 hours of battery life, Icon ANC is built to keep the soundtrack going long after the day’s adventures have ended.

Icon ANC is available in both a black and bone colorway. Additional details surrounding Icon ANC include: 

Icon ANC True Wireless Headphones – $99.99 MSRP

  • Up to 60 Hours of Battery Life (ANC Off); Up to 50 Hours of Battery Life (ANC On)
  • Rapid Charge (10 min = 4 hrs)
  • IPX4 Sweat & Water Resistant
  • Active Noise Canceling
  • Personal Sound by Mimi®
  • Adjustable Stay-Aware Mode 
  • Clear Voice Smart Mic
  • Custom & Preset EQ Modes (Music, Bass Boost, Podcast)
  • Low Latency Audio Mode
  • Natural Voice Sidetone for Calls
  • Skullcandy App Compatible 
  • Google Fast Pair and Google Finder
  • Multipoint Pairing
  • Spotify Tap™
  • Onboard Call & Media Controls 
  • Customize Button Functions

See our Skullcandy reviews 

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Shure spotlights the SM58, Super 55 and 55SH during its global Iconic Mic Celebration

A majority of the biggest names in the music industry have relied on Shure microphones to capture some of the most memorable moments in history. Trusted by global superstars, celebrated activists, world leaders, comedians, and musicians, the SM58® Vocal Microphone, Super 55 and 55SH are simply extraordinary. Shure is proud to kick off its Iconic Mic Celebration—an annual global campaign that begins on May 2  and runs through May 8. This week celebrates the distinguished history of the Super 55, 55SH, SM58, and other celebrated Shure microphones including the SM57 and SM7B.

The Iconic Mic Celebration will honor the rich history of the SM58 as the number one microphone used globally, as well as the Super 55 and 55SH, known consistently as two of the world’s most recognisable microphones. Their prominent status in the music industry spans multiple decades and generations. Introduced in 1966, the acclaimed SM58 is designed for professional vocal use in live performance, sound reinforcement, and studio recording. It is known for its superior acoustic engineering and durability—setting the global standard for performance microphones. The Model 55 Unidyne defines classic design just as much today as it did nearly 80 years ago when it made its official debut.

“After decades of success, adoption, and powering remarkable moments, the Shure SM58, Super 55 and 55SH are considered staples of the music community,” said Eduardo Valdes, Associate Vice President of Global Marketing, Professional & Consumer Audio, at Shure. “We are honoured that musicians, performers, creators and Shure fans around the world have trusted our microphones to express their passion and creativity, making them truly legendary. These products are not only superior in performance and durability but are also vital to so many industries and celebrated by fans across the globe on a daily basis. We are excited to celebrate and honour the longstanding history of the Super 55, 55SH and SM58 during this special week.”

The Shure Iconic Mic Celebration will feature a video commemorating the microphones, limited edition t-shirts, customised Colorware giveaways of the 55SH and SM58, various regional events, raffles and promotions, including a month-long promotion for the SM58 throughout May. Thanks to the passion, talent, and creativity of the most eminent artists and leaders who have trusted Shure, the microphones have become legends themselves.

For more information on the Shure Iconic Mic Celebration, please visit https://www.shure.com/en-US/iconic-mics

Be a part of the conversation on social by using #iconicmicweek, #55day, and #sm58day.