Tag: status

Status Pro X Earbuds Review

The Status Audio Pro X earbuds are the company’s latest flagship release, aimed squarely at listeners who prioritize exceptional audio quality above all else. Building on the foundation of their previous models (like the Between 3ANC), the Pro X delivers a technically impressive and immersive listening experience, not tested the previous models and can see no reason to need to do so after testing these out.

The single biggest selling point of the Pro X is its internal hardware: a hybrid triple-driver system in each earbud. This setup includes a large 12mm dynamic driver for powerful, controlled bass, and two Knowles balanced armature drivers dedicated to handling the mid-range and high frequencies.

  • Detail and Clarity: This multi-driver approach pays off immediately. The audio fidelity is fantastic, offering outstanding clarity and resolution. You can pick up nuances, instrumental separation, and vocal textures that often get lost in single-driver earbuds.
  • Tuning: Out of the box, the sound signature is dynamic and engaging, featuring deep, tight bass that doesn’t overwhelm the clear mids and crisp, detailed highs. For those who like to customize, the companion app offers an 8-band equalizer (EQ) and presets, including the well-regarded “Knowles Preferred” curve.
  • Hi-Res Audio: The inclusion of advanced Bluetooth codecs like LDAC (for Android users) and the future-proof LC3 means the Pro X can stream high-resolution audio (up to 24-bit/96 kHz), truly utilizing the capability of the triple drivers.

Status has refined the design, making the Pro X significantly smaller and lighter (about 20% smaller) than its predecessors.

  • Fit: They maintain the unique, stemmed, elliptical design but sit more snugly in the ear. While they no longer use the silicone “fitwings,” the ergonomic shape, combined with the multiple included eartips, ensures a secure and comfortable fit for most users, even during long listening sessions and always check for the best tips the ones on might not be the best for everyone.
  • Build: They are rated IP55 for water and dust resistance, making them durable enough for gym use and everyday weather.
  • Controls: The touch controls are reliable and responsive and no issues after some time using them like any other earbuds it is all about the thumb memory.

The Pro X offers hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) that is a massive improvement over previous Status models.

  • ANC Performance: The ANC is highly effective, especially at canceling out consistent low-frequency noises like airplane engines or office hums, reaching up to -52dB of reduction. It’s solid for daily commutes and focusing, overall decent especially in low noise enironments where you can get the best experience.
  • Transparency Mode: The ambient/transparency mode is functional but can sound a bit “artificial” compared to industry leaders.
  • Call Quality: Call clarity is excellent thanks to six beam-forming microphones and Voiceloom AI speech enhancement technology, which effectively suppresses background noise during calls.
  • Connectivity: Features like Multipoint connectivity (allowing simultaneous connection to two devices), Google Fast Pair, and Microsoft Swift Pair work flawlessly and are great for hybrid work. They use the latest Bluetooth 5.3 standard.
  • Battery Life: Status claims up to 8 hours of playback per charge, with 24 hours total from the case. This will vary per user and their setting as with any earbuds or headphones ANC does impede greatly on any.
  • Charging: The case supports both USB-C charging and wireless (Qi) charging ideal for those like me who has adopted this all over my house and office.

The Status Audio Pro X earbuds are designed for the audio enthusiast— A person who can tell the difference between a high-bitrate stream and a standard one. As having the biggest range of earbuds reviewed in Ireland I can confirm these are the dogs, you know what.

Check the video below for a look at the app and more.

Status Hub App

 

Features

Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling
Block out distractions with over 52db of powerful noise reduction.

Optical Wearing Sensor
Auto-detects when they’re in your ears.

Voiceloom AI Speech Enhancement
Clear calls, even in noisy environments.

Six Beam-Forming Microphones
Radically improved ANC, Transparency Mode, and Call Quality.

Bluetooth® 5.3 with Advanced Codecs
SBC, AAC, and LDAC — delivering 24-bit/96 kHz audio at bitrates up to 990 kbps.

Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast Support
Future-proofed for the next generation of Bluetooth, with LC3 codec support.

Triple Driver Acoustic System
12mm Dynamic Driver + Dual Knowles Balanced Armature Drivers.

Transparency Mode
Let in ambient sound with a click. Stay aware, stay connected.

IP55 Water & Dust Resistance
Handles sweat, splashes, and dirt.

Long-Lasting Battery Life
8 hours per charge, 24 hours total with the included charging case.

Status Hub App
Fine-tune your sound, manage your earbuds, and more in the Status Hub app for iOS & Android.

Superior Connectivity
Multipoint Connectivity. Android Fast Pair. Microsoft Swift Pair.

Wireless Charging
The Pro X support Qi Wireless Charging.

Sidetone Feature
External mics amplify your own voice during phone calls, so you don’t have to yell.

Find Lost Earbuds
GPS Tracking of lost earbuds with sound notifications.

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Status Pro X Earbuds Now On Amazon and we take a First Look

Building on the widespread acclaim of the Between Pro and Between 3ANC — which together have sold over half a million units — the new Pro X earbuds mark a bold evolution in design, comfort, and acoustic architecture. With a significantly more compact chassis, the Pro X offers a sleeker, more ergonomic fit while incorporating advanced performance features that set it apart from other wireless earbuds in its class.

At the heart of the Pro X is Status Audio’s signature hybrid triple driver system with premium Balanced Armature components from Knowles, a global leader in high-performance acoustic drivers. Enhanced voice call clarity is powered by Voiceloom AI, Status’ proprietary noise-reduction and beamforming speech enhancement technology.

Additional features include a redesigned app experience, upgraded connectivity, and industry-first codec support and in the meantime we have them here to check out and take a first look at the Status Pro X and if you have any questions feel free to ask

 

Key Features:

 

Hybrid Triple Driver Acoustic System

12mm Dynamic Driver

Dual Knowles Balanced Armature Drivers

Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation

Adjustable Transparency (“ambient-aware”) Mode

AI-Powered Voiceloom Speech Enhancement for Clear Phone Calls

Bluetooth 5.3 with Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast Support

SBC, AAC, LDAC, and LC3 codec support

High Res Wireless Audio Certified by the Japan Audio Society

Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair Support

Multipoint Connectivity

IP55 Water and Dust Resistance

8 hours of continuous playback, 24 hours total with the charging case 

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Unboxing Video

Inside The Rise Of Gaming Marketplaces Built Around Digital Goods

Remember when the most valuable thing you could own in a video game was a high score? Those days are long gone. Today, a vibrant, multi-billion-dollar economy thrives within our favorite games, powered by digital goods, everything from a fancy sword for your elf warrior to a limited-edition character skin in a shooter game. But this isn’t just about looking cool; it’s about a massive shift in how we view and value our digital possessions.

From pixelated swords to valuable assets

It started with a simple idea: customization. Games like Team Fortress 2 introduced hats and other cosmetic items that let players express their individuality. But when these items became rare, something interesting happened: they became desirable. And where there’s desire, an economy is born.

Developers quickly realized that players were willing to spend real money not just on the game itself but on items within the game. This led to the creation of official in-game stores. But the real revolution began when players wanted to trade these items with each other.

What are some marketplace models?

Not all marketplaces are created equal. They generally fall into two main categories, each with its own pros and cons. The most powerful driver for third-party sites is their ability to turn your CSGO skins into real money whenever you need it and for the best price. This concept of “cashing out” blurred the line between the digital and physical economies, making virtual goods feel like genuine, tangible assets.

 

Feature Official marketplaces Third-party marketplaces
Security Very high. Integrated directly with the game. Variable. Reputable sites are secure, but scams exist.
Fees High. The game publisher takes a significant cut. Lower. Typically lower fees than official platforms.
Flexibility Low. Often locked to in-game credit (e.g., Steam Wallet). High. Often allows cashing out to real-world money.
Item availability  Limited to what the publisher sells or allows. Vast. A huge range of items from countless players.

 

Why do these marketplaces work?

So, why have these digital flea markets exploded in popularity?

Player Expression: In a world of millions of players, a rare skin or emote is a badge of honor. It’s a way to stand out and show your dedication.

Perceived Value and Scarcity: Just like a rare trading card or a limited-edition sneaker, digital items gain value when they are hard to get. Limited-time offers and rarity tiers create a powerful sense of scarcity.

The Thrill of the Hunt: Opening a “loot box” or crafting a new item triggers a dopamine rush similar to gambling. Marketplaces tap into this excitement by letting players buy, sell, and trade that thrill.

Community and Status: Owning a coveted item isn’t just about the item itself; it’s about the social status it grants you within your gaming community.

What is the future of digital goods?

This economy is only getting bigger and more complex. Here’s what’s on the horizon:

 

  • The Blockchain and NFTs: Some games are already experimenting with putting true ownership of digital items on the blockchain via NFTs. This could make items truly unique, verifiable, and interoperable across different games.
  • The Metaverse: As concepts of a persistent, interconnected virtual world develop, the digital goods you buy in one game or experience could be used in another.
  • Stronger Regulation: With real money involved, governments are taking notice. We can expect more regulations around loot boxes, taxation of digital asset sales, and consumer protection.

 

The rise of gaming marketplaces is more than a trend; it’s a fundamental change in the relationship between players and the games they love. Our digital closets are now showcases of identity, history, and sometimes, significant investment. These marketplaces have given pixels a price tag and created a thrilling, complex, and entirely new layer to the world of gaming.

 

Aer Lingus Unveils Major Mobile App Upgrade

Aer Lingus has unveiled a major refresh of its mobile app, as part of an extensive upgrade programme designed to transform the digital travel experience for its customers. This multi-million euro app investment is a key milestone in the airline’s broader digital vision to become a leader in customer-centric travel innovation.

The new and improved Aer Lingus app introduces several new features aimed at delivering a more seamless, intuitive and helpful experience for customers, especially on the day of travel. These enhancements were developed in close collaboration with a dedicated research panel of 1,300 Aer Lingus customers, ensuring that the upgrades reflect genuine passenger needs and preferences.

The mobile app upgrade has already resonated strongly with users, as reflected in the app’s jump in ratings, from 3 stars to 4.8 on Android and 4.7 on iOS. App downloads have also increased by one-third (33%) compared to the same period last year. Over 2.2 million people in Ireland and 3.5 million globally have used the Aer Lingus mobile app in the last 12 months, showing the growing importance of mobile-first options for customers.

 

Key app updates include:

  • Live Flight Status via Live Activities, viewable directly on users’ locked screens, keeping passengers informed in real-time.
  • Wayfinding Support through Dublin Airport and New York (JFK), providing easy navigation to gates and key amenities.
  • A Redesigned Home Screen, streamlining navigation for faster access to critical information.
  • A completely reimagined My Trips section, now featuring a travel assistant and streamlined access to trip extras, greatly improving the day-of-travel experience. Almost 90% of app users from a recent survey of 5,000 rated the improved My Trips section either 4 or 5 stars.

“Aer Lingus’ app upgrade is much more than just a facelift, it’s a major step forward in delivering a smarter, more personalised travel experience for our customers,” said Susanne Carberry, Chief Customer Officer at Aer Lingus. “From real-time updates to in-airport navigation, we’re committed to improving every touchpoint of our customers’ journey. These improvements reflect our ongoing investment in digital innovation and our belief that technology plays a central role in creating the best possible travel experience.”

This latest app refresh is part of a larger, multi-year digital transformation initiative at Aer Lingus focused on using technology to simplify, support and enhance the end-to-end customer journey.

The Aer Lingus app is available to download on iOS and Android.

Knowles Balanced Armature Drivers Power Status Audio’s New Pro X Premium Earbuds

Knowles Corporation, a leading manufacturer of specialty electronic components, including high performance capacitors, radio frequency (“RF”) filters, advanced medtech microphones, and balanced armature (BA) speakers, today announced that Status Audio has selected Knowles BA drivers for its new Status Pro X true wireless earbuds, featuring a rare triple-driver hybrid configuration with two Knowles BAs and one dynamic driver in each earbud. This distinctive combination delivers crystal clear sound that rivals many other hybrid true wireless stereo (TWS) designs currently in the market.

As consumer expectations for high-definition audio continue to evolve, this collaboration showcases the technical advantages of hybrid driver configurations in premium true wireless products. Status Pro X’s sophisticated acoustic system pairs the precision of Knowles’ miniaturized BAs with the power of a 12mm dynamic driver, resulting in a frequency response that captures both subtle sonic textures and dynamic range that single-driver designs cannot achieve.

The Status Pro X users have the option of selecting an equalizer setting including the Status Signature setting or the Knowles Curve setting, based on the Knowles Preferred Listening Response Curve, a breakthrough in audio engineering based on research that shows listeners across age ranges and hearing abilities prefer expanded treble response beyond 10 kHz for a more satisfying music experience.  By leveraging Knowles BA technology, Status Audio achieves the higher frequencies necessary to produce optimal audio performance and unlock intricate musical details while preserving the natural tonal balance audiophiles demand.

“Our BAs represent the pinnacle of miniaturized audio engineering,” said Jon Kiachian, President of MedTech and Specialty Audio at Knowles Corporation. “The collaboration with Status Audio exemplifies how our BA drivers can help innovative brands deliver truly exceptional audio experiences in remarkably compact form factors. The Status Pro X showcases exactly what becomes possible when cutting-edge driver technology meets thoughtful product design—an audio experience that reveals all the nuances and details of music that conventional earbuds simply cannot reproduce.”

Knowles BA drivers enable unprecedented sound performance for their size, allowing Status Audio to create an earbud that is 21 percent smaller than its previous model without compromising sound quality,  frequency range, or battery life. The high sensitivity of Knowles BAs also facilitates improved hearing personalization while maximizing power efficiency.

“When designing the Pro X, we needed a technology partner that could help us deliver on our promise of uncompromising audio quality in a more compact form,” said James Bertuzzi, Status Audio CEO.  “Knowles BA drivers were the clear choice, allowing us to achieve frequency response and detail that  would be impossible with conventional dynamic drivers alone. The combination results in a listening experience that truly differentiates the Pro X in today’s crowded earbud market.”

The Status Pro X earbuds are available for pre-order now, with shipping beginning early September. For more information on Knowles BAs, visit www.knowles.com/premiumsound. To learn more about Status Pro X, visit the Status Audio website.

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RETN Awarded Google Verified Gold Peering Partner Status, Simplifying Cloud Connectivity for Customers

As businesses increasingly rely on cloud services for critical operations, highly available internet connectivity becomes essential. RETN, the leading independent global network services provider, is proud to announce its designation as a Google Verified Gold Peering Partner. This recognition, granted to RETN’s Autonomous System (AS9002), underscores the company’s commitment to delivering top-tier connectivity solutions to its customers across Europe and Asia.

The Verified Peering Partner program is designed to enhance connectivity for customers by identifying Internet Service Providers (ISPs) with superior, reliable, and diverse connectivity to Google.

RETN’s achievement of Gold status in this program is a testament to its technical excellence and robust network infrastructure and provides significant advantages for its customers:

Simplified Connectivity: Customers no longer need to meet Google’s peering requirements. RETN, as a Verified Gold Peering Partner, handles the complexities of peering arrangements, allowing customers to spend less time deploying and managing the technical complexities of Direct Peering. By acquiring IP Transit or Dedicated Internet Access from RETN, customers can let RETN manage peering with the highest quality direct connections to Google.

High Availability: The Verified Gold badge signifies that RETN provides metro-level redundant connectivity, ensuring maximum reliability for customers. The Google badge verifies this redundancy, offering peace of mind that connectivity to Google is highly reliable.

Enterprise-Grade Connectivity: RETN provides connectivity to Google through internet products designed for enterprises. Customers can access Google services with or without the need for an autonomous system number (ASN), and work directly with RETN’s account teams.

Dedicated Private Google Connectivity: All connections to Google through RETN are managed via private dedicated and redundant links spanning RETN’s extensive footprint, leveraging the same infrastructure that supports Google’s own services. This ensures robust and secure access to all Google services.

Access to All Google Services: RETN customers can access a wide range of Google services, including Workspace, Cloud APIs, Cloud VPN, Google Public IPs, and more. Any Google service reachable over the internet can be used with RETN as a Verified Peering Provider.

“The Verified Peering Program is a win-win for Google and ISPs. Google customers benefit from improved connectivity and reliability, and RETN gains a competitive advantage. We’re excited to have RETN as a part of this program and look forward to working together to provide a great experience for our mutual customers,” said Dave Schwartz, Senior Product Manager, Google Global Networking.

“This recognition underscores our dedication to providing the highest quality connectivity solutions to our customers – ensuring robust, redundant, and highly available connectivity to essential cloud services is more critical than ever. This partnership not only enhances our service offerings but also assures our customers that they are receiving enterprise-grade, reliable access to Google’s extensive suite of services,” said Andrey Gazizov, Chief Operating Officer of RETN.

Some long-time watchers are uneasy about Bitcoin’s status quo

The rise of Bitcoin has been a remarkable success story. After its creation in 2009, the cryptocurrency has gone from strength to strength, growing in value and becoming an increasingly popular form of payment. However, Bitcoin’s recent stagnation has caused some long-time observers to be concerned. As the price has remained stagnant and the currency’s potential for growth is seemingly stalled, many are beginning to worry about the future of the currency. In this blog post, we will explore the reasons why some long-time Bitcoin observers are feeling nervous about the currency’s current status quo.

What is the status quo?

The status quo of Bitcoin is a state of relative stability, where the price and activity levels remain largely unchanged. It has been this way since the end of 2017, when prices peaked and then cooled off in the following months. This period of stability has been beneficial for many in the Bitcoin community, as it has provided an opportunity to invest without fear of drastic price changes. Additionally, the lack of significant market fluctuations have allowed miners, developers, and traders to focus on building the underlying infrastructure and technology of Bitcoin. This includes expanding the capabilities of its decentralized network, such as increasing scalability and transaction speeds. Ultimately, this period of relative calm has helped to create a foundation for the continued growth and development of Bitcoin. However, some are concerned that this may be too much of a good thing. Without any major price movements or news stories, there’s less attention being brought to Bitcoin from new users or investors. While this does help prevent speculation and wild swings in value, it could also mean that the current user base isn’t growing fast enough to sustain long term growth. Furthermore, stagnation could lead to stagnation within the industry overall, leading to fewer opportunities for innovation or breakthroughs in the near future.

How is the status quo making some observers nervous?

The status quo of Bitcoin is that it remains relatively unchanged, with a limited number of users and no major updates or changes being implemented. This is making some observers nervous because they are worried that Bitcoin is not evolving quickly enough to keep up with the rapidly changing world of finance and technology. They fear that if Bitcoin doesn’t keep up with these developments, it could become obsolete or less relevant. In addition, many worry that the lack of change in Bitcoin’s infrastructure makes it susceptible to hacks and other security threats, which could cause the currency to crash. As a result, some observers are concerned that the status quo is limiting Bitcoin’s potential and leaving it vulnerable to the ever-changing landscape of finance and technology.

What could happen if the status quo changes?

If the status quo of Bitcoin changes, it could have a variety of consequences. For one, it could potentially lead to more volatility in the Bitcoin market as investors and traders try to navigate a new landscape. It could also create a variety of challenges for miners, as they will need to adjust their operations in order to keep up with the changing environment. Additionally, it could lead to a variety of new opportunities for developers, who may be able to capitalize on any potential new innovations in the space. Ultimately, it is difficult to predict what would happen if the status quo of Bitcoin were to change, but it is safe to say that it would likely create some major shifts in the industry.

What are the implications of a changing status quo?

If the status quo of Bitcoin changes, the implications could be far-reaching. A change in the network could disrupt existing economic and financial systems, potentially leading to instability in the markets. Moreover, a shift in the status quo could lead to further decentralization of power and money, as well as increased transparency, which could open up new opportunities for businesses and investors alike. Finally, any changes to Bitcoin’s status quo could also impact the global political landscape, with countries that support decentralized networks potentially benefiting from such changes. All of these implications could have a profound effect on how the world works, so it is no surprise that some long-time observers are feeling nervous.

Conclusion

The current state of Bitcoin and its underlying technology is making some long-time observers nervous. It’s clear that any changes to the status quo could have drastic implications for the future of cryptocurrencies and the blockchain technology that powers them. As new regulations, technologies, and businesses are developed, it is crucial that investors and industry stakeholders remain aware of the potential risks and rewards associated with these developments. Ultimately, only time will tell how the status quo will change, but it is likely that the changes will be monumental and long-lasting.

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