AlphaTheta launch the OMNIS-DUO, a portable all-in-one DJ system and the WAVE-EIGHT, a portable DJ speaker

AlphaTheta Corporation announces the new AlphaTheta brand, leveraging the experience built under its Pioneer DJ brand. Two new products launch under AlphaTheta – the OMNIS-DUO, a portable all-in-one DJ system and the WAVE-EIGHT, a portable DJ speaker.

Perfect for throwing DJ parties with your friends anytime, anywhere, the OMNIS-DUO is a portable DJ setup that is lightweight and compact enough to fit in a good-sized backpack, so it can be taken anywhere. It’s easy to set up and enjoy an authentic DJ experience in any location – even outside – thanks to its Bluetooth®/MD audio output function, battery power, 2-deck + mixer interface and touchscreen features. There’s no need to take your laptop or cables – whether you want to party at the beach, in a park, or even in a vehicle, there’s no limit.

With the OMNIS-DUO you can get the crowd involved with its Bluetooth audio input function so anyone can connect their phone and play their favourite track. All the unit’s effects can be applied to the Bluetooth audio and there’s a choice of other input options too. This all-in-one DJ system will provide a party atmosphere for everyone and create unity through music. Its design adopts a distinctive indigo colour, inspired by the versatility of denim jeans, so it looks at home in professional venues and casual environments.

Also launching under the AlphaTheta brand is the WAVE-EIGHT – a portable wireless DJ speaker that enables you to set up effortlessly and perform in places you never imagined were possible. The WAVE-EIGHT will help you bring the vibes to your party and with its SonicLink ultra-low-latency wireless technology, you can set up quickly, easily and cable-free – which has never been practical before due to the sound delay when using Bluetooth®/MD features.

The speaker offers a professional sound quality even when using it outdoors, thanks to its high level of sound pressure and rich bass reproduction. You can combine multiple speakers wirelessly to suit the size of your party and, with easy-to-understand sound modes available at the flick of a switch, you can instantly find the right musical vibe.

Having a party in an adventurous location? Whether you want to play next to a lake, on a hillside, or anywhere else, then the WAVE-EIGHT is the ideal sound solution. You won’t need a power source thanks to its 8-hour battery life and it’s even waterproof with an IPX4 rating. With built-in casters and an extendable handle, it’s easy to transport the speaker wherever you want to go.

Since the introduction of the CDJ-500 in 1994, products with cutting-edge technology to help DJs excel have been produced. And as we look to the future, the AlphaTheta brand is committed to growing with the community of people who are connected by a passion for music and its culture. The OMNIS-DUO will be available for £1,369 and the WAVE-EIGHT for £859. For more information, head to alphatheta.com.

Edifier Launches The New W320TN Earbuds With Adaptive Noise Cancellation And AI Multimodal Adaptive System

Edifier International, prominent designer and award-winning manufacturer of consumer audio electronics for both the lifestyle and multimedia markets, announces the W320TN True Wireless Noise Cancellation Earbuds. True Wireless Adaptive Noise Cancellation Earbuds with AI Multimodal Adaptive System, Hi Res sound, 27.5 hours battery life and a new open fit design for an ultra-comfortable fit.

The Edifier W320TN earbuds feature an advanced AI Multimodal Adaptive System that employs a combination of various sounds and algorithms to provide users with top notch noise cancellation, 

superior sound quality and clear calling capabilities. With these earbuds, users can enjoy an immersive experience with no distracting ambient noise and make and take calls with ease thanks to the advanced noise cancellation technologies. The earbuds also come with multiple modes that allow users to customize their audio experiences with the Edifier Connect App. 

The Edifier W320TN introduces an AI Multimodal Adaptive System which combines multiple sounds and algorithms to ensure that users have the strongest noise cancellation, the best sound quality and the clearest calls. The W320TN creates an appropriate depth of noise reduction. Air leakage was identified as the issue impacting sound quality and immersive experiences in earphones. Through careful testing and analysis, parameters were set to balance perception of the real world with the desired immersive environment. This leads to improved sound quality and a more satisfying user experience.

The W320TN is equipped with LDAC audio encoding and decoding, with a sampling rate of 96kHz/24 bit. They also transmit 3 times the music details when compared to other earbuds, avoiding sound loss during transmission. With Hi Res Wireless certification, it possesses the ability to decode and restore audio accurately, thereby presenting the subtle changes in sound quality with clarity. 

Crystal clear voice calls can be experienced with advanced technology featuring 3 + 3 microphones and AI Adaptive Environmental Noise Cancellation. Say goodbye to background noise and enjoy uninterrupted conversations with family and friends. This feature ensures that users will be heard loud and clear, no matter where they are, allowing users to stay connected with confidence and clarity.

The Edifier W320TN has a long battery life. For just 10 minutes of charge, users will get an hour of use. With ANC on, playtime will be 3.5 hours for the earbuds and 14 hours with the charging case whilst with ANC off there will be 5.5 hours playtime for the earbuds and 22 hours with the charging case.

The W320TN features an open fit design. The earbuds are ergonomic and fit snugly into the ear without causing any pressure on the actual ear. The built in infra-red wearing detection sensor intelligently knows the wearing status – keeping noise cancellation on and playing music when the earbuds are put into the ear and pausing noise cancellation and music when the buds are taken out of the ears. The W320TN can be connected to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously for fast switching between devices. With Google Fast Pair, the W320TN can quickly and effortlessly pair with your Android device under Bluetooth.

Edifier W320TN

With a low latency of 80ms in game mode, users are able to master a variety of mobile games. Audio and video synchronisation secures victory for players by guiding them to accurately identify the position of enemies. The IP54 rating (dust- and splash-proof) means that users can go to the gym or an exercise class without worrying about perspiration during exercise.

Main Features:

  • Long Battery Life. Playtime with ANC off is 5.5 hours plus 22 hours with the charging case.
  • Open Fit & light weight design – reducing the pressure you may feel.
  • Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation automatically offers the most suitable noise cancellation mode., The ANC mode can also be adjusted manually using the Edifier app.
  • Hi Resolution Sound provided by larger 13mm dynamic drivers plus LDAC codec and Hi-Res Audio Wireless.
  • Crystal clear call quality identifies voices and filters out disruptive noise. 
  • Wear Detection – Music will play / pause automatically.

Price & Availability:

The W320TN is available at £99.99 from https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C7Q43WRR

 

 

 

 

Sony announces new Portable Theatre System that delivers immersive spatial sound in any room

Sony has just announced the HT-AX7 – a portable theatre system that offers a new way to enjoy entertainment in spatial and room-filling sound, anywhere throughout your home. By simply placing the three speakers around you, you can enjoy a captivating audio experience not only in your living room but also in bedrooms, balconies, or any other space you desire.

Cinematic sound anywhere

Immerse yourself in a surround sound experience with Sony’s 360 Spatial Sound Mapping technology. 360 Spatial Sound Mapping technology creates multiple phantom speakers at the front, rear, and overhead, enveloping you in spatial sound.You can experience a surround sound sensation similar to being in a movie theatre by simply placing three speakers around you, without the need for any special installations like embedding speakers in the ceiling.

The HT-AX7 also features Sony’s upmixer algorithm which can transform stereo into three-dimensional surround sound. The upmixer analyses sound in real-time and separates individual sound objects, redistributing them to create a more immersive listening experience. Activate the sound field effect to experience a surround sound-like effect, even with 2-channel content such as content from streaming services.

Rich room-filling sound for your daily life

By positioning the three speakers in the corners of your room, the HT-AX7 can produce room-filling sound that enhances your everyday activities, from housework to parties, making your favourite music and content even richer. Easily set up without any special configuration, simply position the speakers and turn off the sound field effect for a hassle-free experience. With complete wireless connectivity, you can set it up without worrying about complicated layout

Easily portable

With up to 30 hours of battery life and wireless connectivity via Bluetooth® technology, you can easily take the HT-AX7 to any room in your home and connect it to your favourite devices. Unlike traditional home theatre systems that require you to be seated in front of the TV, the HT-AX7’s portable design allows you to enjoy content in a whole new way; on any Bluetooth enabled device.

 

Plus, there are no wires to disrupt your room’s layout. The HT-AX7’s sleek and versatile design seamlessly blends with any interior decor for a stylish and cohesive look. The detachable rear speakers, with their lightweight design and one-handed portability, can be conveniently placed wherever you like.

No fuss, all fun

The HT-AX7 is also easy to set up using the Sony | Hone Entertainment Connect app. Once you download the app, it guides you through the initial setting and troubleshooting, enabling you to have complete control over volume, sound field, and more, all from your smartphone.

Thanks to Bluetooth® technology connecting the HT-AX7 to your device is seamless and the wireless rear speakers are automatically paired to the main unit, so you can place the speakers around your room, press play and get immersed.

Environment in mind

Sony’s home audio products are designed not only for an excellent sound experience but also with the environment in mind. Sony is committed to using less plastic in its products and packaging. The speaker body utilises a fabric material made from 100% recycled PET bottles and incorporates recycled plastics. The individual packaging features Sony’s proprietary Original Blended Material, which is derived from bamboo, sugarcane, and recycled paper collected from the market. This Original Blended Material has enabled us to eliminate the use of plastic in our packaging.

This all helps to reduce the ecological impact while maintaining superb acoustic performance and a stylish design. To learn more, please visit: https://www.sony.net/electronics/eco-hav

Pricing and availability

The HT-AX7 will be available from August 2023 priced at approximately £499

SHURE Announces New GLX-D+ DUAL BAND Wireless System

Shure introduced its new and improved GLX-D+ Dual Band Wireless system, providing the perfect solution for guitarists, bassists, vocalists, and presenters who want to go wireless with confidence and without complexity.

Introducing GLX-D+ Dual Band Wireless Technology

A major enhancement from the previous generation that more than doubles available bandwidth, the system’s new Dual Band Wireless Technology can operate in 2.4GHz and now 5.8GHz, providing reliable and consistent signal by automatically scanning for and selecting the cleanest available frequencies.  GLX-D+ Dual Band intelligently avoids interference and ensures dropouts won’t stop the show, enabling users to focus on performing while benefiting from superior, transparent wireless audio.

GLX-D+ is available in rack-mount, tabletop, and guitar pedal receiver options with a wide selection of lavalier, headset, and handheld microphone choices – including the legendary SM58®.

Always Charged When You Need It

End battery life uncertainty with GLX-D+ Dual Band rechargeable battery. Featuring improved battery life over the previous generation, GLX-D+ now offers up to 12 hours of runtime. The system’s useful quick charge capability provides 1.5 hours of use from a 15-minute charge, perfect for times when getting and staying on stage swiftly is a priority.

GLX-D+ features multiple smart rechargeability options. The new lithium-Ion SB904 battery can be charged directly on the tabletop and half-rack receivers or through a USB-C connector on the transmitter.

“Equipped with our legendary Shure audio technology, GLX-D+ users are guaranteed to experience exceptional digital wireless audio that captures their tone and includes everything you need for rechargeability in the box.”

 Mike Nagel, Associate Director of Product Management, Shure

For Those Who Always Have A Guitar Or Bass In Their Hands

Engineered in a rugged metal design that can be completely integrated into a pedalboard (9V DC power), the GLXD6+ Digital Wireless Guitar Pedal makes it easy for guitarists and bassists to go wireless without compromising tone or complicating their rigs.

The guitar pedal receiver includes a tuner and a new ¼” input for flexibility when wired practice and performance are preferred. Players can easily switch between two or more transmitters linked to a single receiver, making on-stage transitions between instrumentation seamless.

Rock-Solid RF Performance for Multiple System Installations

GLX-D+ Dual Band Wireless provides improved RF performance, antenna distribution, and automatic frequency management for up to 11 half-rack systems in typical environments (16 under optimal conditions). Separately available Frequency Manager (GLXD+FM) and directional antenna accessories are required.

“From modest concert halls and auditoriums to the largest global tours and stages – musicians, presenters, and houses of worship count on Shure wireless microphone systems to instill the confidence that their performances will be extraordinary. GLX-D+ provides an effortless setup, eliminating barriers to entry for those who want to take their first step on their wireless journey.”  – Eduardo Valdes, Associate Vice President of Global Marketing, Shure

Endlessly Customisable Wireless With Legendary Microphones

The tabletop and rack mountable GLX-D+ systems are available with three handheld wireless microphone options, including the legendary SM58, BETA® 58A, and BETA 87A.

GLX-D+ systems and components are available in various configurations designed to meet the needs of musicians and presenters. Since all GLX-D+ Dual Band Wireless systems operate in a license-free frequency range, users won’t have to worry about technical hurdles while traveling.

Curious about which GLX-D+ Digital Wireless System is best for you? Shure Support can help you identify the most suitable configuration for your needs.

Pricing and Availability: GLX-D+ Dual Band Wireless Systems will be available early Spring at Shure.com and select retailers starting at RRP  GBP 549.

80% of Irish businesses have no back-up system in place in case of connectivity system failure

80% of businesses around Ireland are failing to acknowledge the criticality of connectivity by not having an appropriate back-up system in place according to new research released today by Magnet+, Ireland’s largest independent connectivity network.

With 270,000 SMES in Ireland currently, (269,708 according to the latest figures from Statista) , the research, which was conducted by Behaviour and Attitudes (B&A) on behalf of Magnet+, indicates that approx. 216,000 businesses are leaving their systems vulnerable to significant loss in the case of a connectivity malfunction or system failure. In response to these startling results, Magnet+ has developed a new service, Magnet Duo, the first of its kind in Ireland guaranteeing internet connection at all times.

Magnet Duo provides customers with two individual active links – instead of one, which is the current standard – powered by Fortinet technology to ensure a secure, seamless and optimised user experience. Each link operates independently which means if one link is interrupted for whatever reason, traffic automatically switches to the other until the first is operating again. Each link is also connected to a different data centre meaning again, if one connection is interrupted, traffic is automatically routed via the other centre. The use of this Fortinet technology is a key element of the Magnet Duo service and its ability to fully guarantee your server won’t ever lose broadband connection which is a guarantee no other provider in Ireland currently offers.

To further demonstrate the meaning of these results and the risk Irish businesses are taking by not engaging in the proper connectivity back-up, Magnet+ has calculated that an average business in the IT sector could lose up to €20,000 per working day due to connectivity failure and having no back-up in place. Recent CSO figures show that the IT sector has an average hourly labour cost of €48.39 meaning an IT related business with a team of 50 could lose productivity worth €2,419.50 per hour – working out at almost €20,000 per average working day (€18,146.25). Similarly, businesses outside of the IT sector with a team of 50 could also be impacted financially if they are without the appropriate connectivity back-up according to these CSO figures, for example:

  • Financial, Insurance and Real Estate – potential loss of €17,145 per day
  • Arts, Entertainment and Recreation – potential loss of almost €8,550 per day
  • Accommodation and Food Services – potential loss at almost €5,520 per day

These figures don’t include the revenue loss for a transactional online operation, as well as the knock-on impact of reputational damage.

John Delves, Managing Director of Magnet+, is calling for the immediate implementation of a new industry standard that requires all telecommunications companies to provide two lines of broadband at all times to guarantee 24/7 connectivity:

“If you don’t have connectivity, you can’t operate as a business – it’s as simple as that. That’s why I’m totally shocked by the figure that 80% of businesses don’t have a back-up system in place. Every day we’re seeing the real-life impact that connectivity failure has on businesses and it’s these failures and the alarming results of our research that led us to develop our new service Magnet Duo, Ireland’s first fully guaranteed internet connection. This means whatever happens – burst pipes, freak weather or broken cables – two lines will keep you connected and working. Guaranteed. It’s a direct, dedicated line to the internet – think of it like a private jet, exclusively owned by your business. So, if your power supply stays on, we guarantee your Magnet Duo connection will too – and you’ll keep working and trading smoothly and seamlessly.

At this stage, you would assume that businesses understand the criticality of connectivity to their business but the figures from our research show that they really don’t. I’d urge every business to do a trial – cut off their connectivity for just five minutes and assess the chaos that unfolds. That should be enough to encourage any business to review their connectivity options and ensure they are protected in the event of an outage

Paul Donegan, Country Manager with Fortinet said:

Fortinet are delighted to work with Magnet+ on delivery of their intelligent networking and connectivity service Magnet Duo to Irish customers. With connectivity and technology being the key focus point of the engagement Magnet+ have designed a solution powered by Fortinet technology that provides two links routed to individual data centres connecting to the internet at all times in the most reliable way to guarantee 24/7 internet connection. By leveraging the FortiGate platform they can offer their customers a guaranteed connection alongside the assurance that customers can avail of world leading firewall features and other capabilities including IPS, application control, anti-virus, antimalware and web filtering all in a single consolidated platform.”

The research from Magnet+ also revealed the most common issues businesses have with their telecommunications provider as well as the key services that businesses are most interested in receiving. The biggest problem for the majority of businesses (35%) is being left on hold when trying to contact them, while one in five (23%) report the biggest issue with their telecommunications provider is not being able to physically get through to them.

Subsequently, the top two services businesses require from their provider include wanting their calls to always be answered by a person in real life (74%) as opposed to a bot and to always be able to get through via the phone (70%) when contacting their provider. The reoccurring theme from these results relays the message that no matter how far technology advances in the telecommunications sector, the human element is still the top priority for customers.

Other common issues evident from the research include:

  • Broadband being unstable or down is the biggest issue for 30% of businesses
  • Having to get the same problem resolved multiple times is the main issue for almost one third of Irish businesses (27%)
  • Not knowing when a problem will be resolved (27%) or who is in charge of the problem (25%) are main issues for a significant number of Irish businesses
  • Almost 20% of Irish businesses say not being updated on the current status of an issue via phone is the biggest problem they have with their provider

Other services businesses are interested in from their connectivity provider include:

  • Over half of businesses (56%) place significant importance on being able to have a live chat (i.e., instant messaging) with their provider
  • Almost 40% of businesses value being able to track the status of current issues live
  • Over one quarter (26%) would like a dedicated portal to review their account

Surprisingly, just 17% of businesses are interested in the ability to have a video chat with provider.

Commenting on these results, John Delves said:

At Magnet+, we commit to putting a human touch on every aspect of our business and our customers journey, with a key focus on ‘People Powered Connectivity’. This means guaranteeing that when a customer contacts the company, they will be speaking to a real person and not a ‘bot’. The results from our research highlight the importance of the human element when it comes to customer service which is crucial to know as we manoeuvre through an increasingly more digitised world of work.”

The research is unveiled as part of an ambitious growth plan for Magnet+ to expand, transform and improve its offering to customers. With customers at the core of everything Magnet+ does, no other provider in Ireland is more capable, qualified or trusted to operate and protect any business connectivity network in the country.

Methodology:

The research was carried out by Behaviour and Attitudes (B&A). Fieldwork was conducted in Q4 2022 with a sample of 400 participants.

For more information and regular updates, check out www.magnetplus.ie

What is the best way to improve your ticketing system: ServiceNow vs Jira

The ticketing system is software that helps to categorize customer feedback and complaints in the proper order. Your customer support team will be able to manage and deal more effectively with the incidents by using the ticketing system software instead of dealing with email correspondence. Each system will provide you with different features which will help to speed up the process of bug fixing thus improving the overall functioning of your company. We will discuss the difference between the two most famous systems: ServiceNow vs Jira, their main features, and capability sets. 

ServiceNow vs Jira: which one to choose?

Let’s start with ServiceNow first. It is a cloud-based SaaS platform, which primarily focuses on the management, structuring, and automatization of incoming data. This ITSM software will assist you in the proper workflow organization of your business, precisely, its applications, such as:

  • data tracking – helps to collect and manage incoming data; 
  • enterprise integration – it can be integrated with existing systems to create a single workspace;
  • IoT (Internet of Things) – usage of data from external devices, collection in one place for more efficient business results;
  • case management – the software collects the communication between the client or other companies;
  • customer engagement portal – provide consumers with the reward system and make them relate more to your business in each service request;
  • all in one place – collect all applications and tools for business in one platform. 

The difference between ServiceNow from Jira begins with its primary purpose. While ServiceNow was created to optimize the workflow, Jira, in the beginning, was made to deal with bugs and then converted into a full ticketing system software. The applications or project types of the Jira platform include:

  • core – organization of all tasks in one place; 
  • software – is a workspace with ready-to-install tools such as Scrum, Kanban, and so on; 
  • service management – improvement of service experience by connecting DEV, IT Ops, and business teams, including the tracker of incidents and changes during operations. 

By combining those project types and adding new features you will build and customize quite an efficient working space. 

Which one to choose? Or should I combine them?

While both these programs can be used separately, you can greatly increase the efficiency of your enterprise by combining their functions. While ServiceNow is one of the best ITSM solutions for IT operations and big enterprises, Jira is one of the most-known business service management and bug-tracking tools for medium and small businesses.

You can integrate JIRA into ServiceNow and organize your business better than ever. While still being able to track down and solve different issues. The choice is yours, of course.

But you also should remember that it is highly recommended to choose a high-quality help desk data migration service. It will make your migration from the current software to the new one much smoother and prevent any important data from suddenly disappearing. Support for one and each stage of migration is also important – so you may want to pay attention to such services. 

Mercku to Showcase Premium Mesh System M6s at CES 2023

Mercku, the Canadian smart home brand, today announces it will reveal details of the soon-to-launch M6s Wi-Fi mesh system, as well as Mercku Labs, a new B2B service helping brands to bring their connected devices visions to life, at CES 2023 in January.

The Mercku M6s is set to build on the innovation achieved in its previous M6a Plus system, featuring a high-performance combination of a premium router and two of the industry’s smallest Wi-Fi 6 nodes, forming the Wi-Fi backbone for homes of any size or configuration.

Mercku’s M6s Mesh System future-proofs next-generation Wi-Fi and smart home automation. The system intersects proprietary hardware and Mercku’s award-winning design with next-generation Wi-Fi 6 innovations, supporting smart homes with hundreds of devices and substantial bandwidth requirements. Discreet heat dissipation elements and soft fabric outer casing ensures maximum system performance and device longevity, blending elegant design with intuitive functionality.

Erik Ackner, President of Mercku Europe, comments, “CES is the flagship event for new technologies, making it the perfect stage to tease details of our latest launch, the M6s. We look forward to meeting customers and attendees in Las Vegas, and invite people to visit our stand to experience this incredible technology for themselves.”

Mercku will also showcase its new B2B service, Mercku Labs, which will support other companies on their journey to building successful mesh systems. Mercku Labs lets partner companies leverage Mercku’s extensive experience with Networking and IoT Product Design and Development to bring their product idea to market. The service allows operators from various industries to shorten the go-to-market time by accelerating the design and build process and developing custom integrations with mobile applications, cloud systems or the operator’s own solutions.

Erik adds, “Mercku Labs is the natural progression for us in realizing our goal of Building the Next Era of Connectivity. With our extensive technical knowledge and experience, we’re perfectly positioned to support other companies as they look to build their own connected visions.”