Tag: tech

JBL Bar 1000 the flagship of four new Dolby Atmos JBL soundbars

Be immersed in 3D surround sound with JBL’s latest soundbar launches, including the feature-packed JBL Bar 1000. A true home cinema experience without wires, the 7.1.4 channel JBL Bar 1000 uses four up-firing drivers to envelop you in a sphere of Dolby Atmos® and DTS:X 3D surround sound. The JBL Bar 300, JBL Bar 500 and JBL Bar 800 join the JBL Bar 1000 to complete the all-new JBL Bar Series.

Be in the centre of the action as the JBL Bar 1000, with its detachable wireless surround speakers and 10’’ wireless subwoofer, invite you to experience movies, games and music like never before.
Just place the two detachable battery-powered surround speakers behind you and get swept away in amazing audio, free from wires or extra power connections. In addition to HARMAN’s unique MultiBeam™ technology, the JBL Bar 1000’s four up-firing drivers create realistic, accurate height effects for true Dolby Atmos® and DTS:X 3D surround sound.

Never miss a word of dialogue, even when the surround effects are at their peak. All four of the new soundbars feature PureVoice technology, using JBL’s unique algorithm to optimise voice clarity so you can follow even the most complex plot.
For those looking for a smaller setup without compromising on sound, the JBL Bar 800 is a worthy alternative. Like the JBL Bar 1000, the JBL Bar 800 has detachable wireless surround speakers, using two up-firing drivers to create real height for Dolby Atmos® 3D surround sound that goes above and beyond. The 10’’ subwoofer creates an immersive cinematic experience that can be personalised to suit any movie, game or playlist through the JBL One app.

The JBL Bar 500 brings movies to life with MultiBeam™, Dolby Atmos® 3D surround sound, and thrilling bass from the wireless 10″ subwoofer, while the JBL Bar 300 is a compact, all-in-one MultiBeam TM and Dolby Atmos® powered solution for those looking for extraordinary 3D sound and to save on space.

The JBL One app lets you set up easily and browse integrated music platforms to find your new favourite song. Plus, fully customisable EQ settings make for a personalised listening experience. Enhanced connectivity and effortless control. Simply link any of the new JBL Bar range with your voice assistant-enabled device and you can instantly ask Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri to stream all your favourite music to the soundbar. Each of the new soundbars also allow access to over 300
online music streaming services through AirPlay 2, Alexa MRM and Chromecast built-in™. Enjoy all your favourite audio content, Internet radio, and podcasts in high definition.

“The entire new JBL Bar range is truly taking the bar to the next level; however it is the JBL Bar 1000 that stands out for me. To pack this many features, drivers and the resulting jaw-dropping acoustic performance into one slim, easy-to-use soundbar is an incredible feature and I am proud of our team for delivering such a product.” said Dave Rogers, President, HARMAN Lifestyle Division.
The new additions to the Bar Series will be available at jbl.com starting from October 2022.

Availability Oct 2022 Oct 2022 Sept 2022 Sept 2022
Price £999.99 £799.99 £499.99 £349.99

Smart innovation meets ultimate high-fidelity audio with the new JBL Tour PRO 2 True Wireless and Tour ONE M2 headphones

JBL launches its most powerful and feature-rich headphones yet – meet the JBL Tour PRO 2 True Wireless Earbuds and the JBL Tour ONE M2 headphones. The latest additions to the JBL Tour line-up push performance to the next level with a smart, seamless user experience and superior audio, including immersive JBL Spatial Sound and the first true wireless
earbuds to be encased in JBL’s innovative smart case.

JBL Tour PRO 2 launches with the world’s first smart charging case. Transform your TWS experience beyond audio – just tap the 1.45” LED touch display to manage your music, customise your earbuds, receive calls, messages and social media notifications in real time without touching your phone. Enjoy simplified navigation and customisation without the need to take out your phone or open the JBL Headphones app – the Tour PRO 2 smart charging case connects you to the things that
matter most.

Built for productivity, designed to inspire. Optimise ANC performance by taking the Ear Canal Test in a noisy environment, then relax in pure silence as the software does the rest. If you need to take a call, the 6 mic design guarantees crystal clear audio – with the JBL Tour PRO 2, you’ll sound as good as you look.

Outperforming the competition and JBL’s own previous headphones, the JBL Tour ONE M2 combines JBL’s best-ever hybrid True Adaptive ANC with JBL Pro-tuned drivers to fill your ears with only the best sound whether on-the-go, at work or at home. True Adaptive ANC technology automatically adjusts to the surroundings in real time, eliminating distractions and maximising your listening experience. Advanced built-in voice recognition reacts to your voice, pauses music and enables Ambient Aware. Ready to get back to it? Your music and JBL’s next level True Adaptive ANC automatically resume once the conversation is over.
With up to 50 hours of playtime, or 30 hours with ANC activated, they’ll outlast even the longest trip.

JBL Tour One M2 headphones – techbuzzireland

Forgot to charge and need to dash? Fast charge means 10 minutes plugged in and you’ll have 5 hours of legendary JBL Pro Sound. Set up a customised hearing profile with Harman’s advanced Personi-Fi 2.0 for the ultimate personalised sound performance. “We are delighted to introduce the latest JBL Tour line up – the JBL Tour PRO 2 and the JBL Tour ONE M2. Our JBL Tour products are always pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in headphones, and our two new products are packed with innovative technologies. I am delighted with what we have created, particularly the smart charging case of the JBL Tour PRO 2. In our pursuit of new user-centric features, we haven’t ignored the essentials, however, we continue to elevate the
audio experience.” said Dave Rogers, President, HARMAN Lifestyle Division.

The JBL Tour PRO 2 and the JBL Tour ONE M2 will be available in Black and Champagne from
January 2023 on uk.jbl.com for £220 and £279.99 respectively.

Features of the JBL Tour PRO 2: as seen in feature image
● True adaptive noise cancelling with customisable ANC and ambient sound
● 10mm dynamic drivers powered by legendary JBL PRO sound
● Customisable sound experience with Personi-fi 2.0
● Immersive JBL Spatial Sound
● 40 hours total music playback (10 hours in the earbuds with a further 30 in the case)
● 6-mic perfect calls with VoiceAware

● Bluetooth 5.3 LE audio compatible
● Oval Tube design with multiple ear tip sizes for comfort, performance and the perfect seal

Features of the JBL Tour ONE M2:
● True adaptive noise cancelling with customisable ANC and ambient sound
● 40mm dynamic drivers tuned by legendary JBL PRO sound
● Customisable sound experience with Personi-fi 2.0
● 4-mic superior calls with VoiceAware
● Immersive JBL Spatial Sound
● Up to 50 hours total music playback (30 hours with ANC activated)
● Bluetooth 5.3 LE audio compatible
● Comfortable, compact, foldable design and just 268g in weight

JBL welcomes the JBL Go 3 Eco and Clip 4 Eco to the stage

New innovative eco-friendly design. Same rich JBL Pro Sound performance. The two portable favourites from JBL now deliver great sound and features, sustainably. Created using 90% PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled) plastic for the main construction with 100% recycled fabric on the speaker grille, the new portables also arrive in JBL’s most sustainable packaging yet. The new innovative eco-friendly design significantly reduces the amount of virgin plastic being used which not only reduces waste plastic, but also the overall carbon footprint of the product.]

The pocket-size JBL Go 3 Eco is the ultra-portable speaker in the JBL range. Power it up and prepare to be surprised. This mini speaker plays on for five hours on one charge, delivering rich JBL Pro Sound and punchy bass. At the beach or in the park, the IP67 waterproof and dustproof JBL Go 3 Eco never fails to set the stage for fun. The compact JBL Clip 4 Eco packs 10 hours of playtime and big bass performance into a compact and convenient speaker. The integrated carabiner clip can take whatever life throws at it, so hook it onto a backpack or bike as the Clip 4 Eco supplies the soundtrack for your adventures.

JBL Clip 4 eco – techbuzzireland

“Our new JBL Go 3 Eco and Clip 4 Eco portable speakers are designed with the listener and environment in mind. They deliver the JBL Pro Sound performance that our customers come to expect but from a product with a significantly reduced impact on the world. The circular economy is essential for the future of the planet but the quality of the products we produce must be maintained, and these new speakers are built to be enjoyed and to last.” said Dave Rogers, President, HARMAN Lifestyle Division.

The JBL Go 3 Eco and JBL Clip 4 Eco will be available in Forest Green, Ocean Blue and Cloud White from December 2022 on uk.jbl.com for £34.99 and £49.99 respectively.

Features of the JBL Go 3 Eco: as seen in header image

● Rich JBL Pro Sound
● Built with 90% PCR plastic and 100% recycled fabric on the speaker grille
● 5 hours of playtime
● IP67 water and dustproof rating
● Bluetooth 5.1
● USB-C charging
● Packaged in JBL’s latest eco-friendly FSC-certified paper-based packaging and printed with soy ink

Features of the JBL Clip 4 Eco:
● Rich JBL Pro Sound
● Built with 90% PCR plastic and 100% recycled fabric on the speaker grille
● 10 hours of playtime
● IP67 water and dustproof rating
● Bluetooth 5.1
● USB-C charging
● Packaged in JBL’s latest eco-friendly FSC-certified paper-based packaging and printed with soy ink

Ørsted announces acquisition of its first solar project in Ireland

Leading global renewable energy company Ørsted has today announced the acquisition of its first Irish solar project, in an agreement with renewable energy developer Terra Solar. This acquisition is a strategic first step in Ørsted’s commitment to multi-technology deployment in Ireland across a variety of renewable energy sources.

The acquisition of the Ballinrea solar project, located between Carrigaline and Cork City, will power up to 16,000 homes. With construction due to begin in 2024, the Ballinrea Solar Farm is expected to be operational by 2025 and will add a further 65MW of solar to Ørsted’s global goal of 17.5GW of onshore renewables by 2030. Ranked the world’s most sustainable energy company*, Ørsted’s Irish headquarters are based in Cork City, where it employs 90 people.

Kieran White, Vice President, Ørsted Europe Onshore said: “For Ireland to ensure energy resilience and deliver its 2030 energy targets, it is essential that multiple technologies are delivered in tandem, from solar and onshore wind to offshore wind and storage. This is a key priority for Ørsted, both in Ireland and overseas. Projects such as Ballinrea pave the way, but significant investment in our electricity grid is required to match the ambition of Government targets, continue the push to net zero and ensure energy security long-term.”

“The Ballinrea Solar Farm will make a meaningful contribution to Ireland’s national energy target of 80% renewables by 2030 as well as to the Government’s new 5.5GW solar target. It will also enhance the climate neutrality of the region by generating power for 16,000 homes, which is also the number of new homes planned to be built in the city between now and 2028.” 

The transaction marks a significant milestone for Ørsted following the acquisition of the Brookfield Renewable Ireland business in June 2021.

Concluding, Mr White added: “We are continuing to invest in our Cork-based team and development projects to grow our existing Irish operational asset base of 327MW. As well as the cost and security of energy, the ever-present climate crisis has never been more acute. It is essential that Government and stakeholders continue to work collaboratively with industry to ensure that it can deliver environmentally, socially and economically for Ireland. Issues such as long planning, licencing and judicial timelines, and access to adequate grid infrastructure continue to hold the renewable sector back.” 

Skills Shortage Threatens Cybersecurity of Companies

With increasing digitization, the threat of cyber attacks is also rising and so is the demand for IT security experts. According to the latest Risk & Cybersecurity Study by IT business Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), companies see the biggest challenge in cybersecurity not in the budget, but in the lack of professionals with relevant expertise. According to the study, half of European companies (49 percent) plan to hire professionals with cybersecurity skills in the future, with that figure rising to two-thirds (65 percent) in the US.

Skills shortage among top challenges for cybersecurity

Chief risk officers (CROs) and chief information security officers (CISOs) report in the survey that they have already had difficulty attracting (44 percent) and retaining (42 percent) talent with cyber risk and security skills in the past year.

The second biggest challenge according to the CROs and CISOs is a changing work environment with increased possibilities for remote work and the associated risks. For example, innumerable employees had to be given remote access to their employer’s systems and databases at short notice due to the pandemic and the resulting move to remote work. This opens up new points of attack for cybercriminals. Assessing security risks and quantifying their costs is the third biggest obstacle for the respondents.

Cybersecurity not a budget issue

Only tenth place in the ranking are budget constraints. The fact that the latter are affecting fewer and fewer companies is shown by the high level of willingness to invest: 52 percent of European companies and 62 percent of North American companies stated that they had increased their budgets for IT security since last year.

Commenting on the study’s findings, Gerard Grant, Director, Strategic Initiatives at TCS Ireland said “Keeping abreast of the most advanced tactics of cyber criminals is not a question of cost. Rather, the challenge lies in finding and retaining the right professionals with the required know-how.”

TCS employs over 1,100 people in Ireland across a range of high-skilled tech related roles. TCS operates a state-of-the-art Global Delivery Centre based in Letterkenny which includes an innovation lab and plans are now in place for building further business units, together with centres of excellence in cyber security and cloud services.

How companies ensure they have a recruiting edge

One measure alone can’t solve the skills shortage. “However, companies can help fill the skills gap by using external service providers for harder-to-staff work, such as 24/7 network monitoring, while growing talent internally by giving them exposure to not only the technical but the business aspects of cybersecurity,” says Gerard Grant. In addition, the study shows that the more frequently the board of directors engages in cybersecurity, the more successful the company is in finding and holding onto their top talent with cyber risk and security skills.

TCS’ study also finds that talent retention directly correlates with how a company stores its information. Cloud-positive organizations were found to have a slight advantage in retaining and recruiting talent with notoriously hard-to-find cyber skills, compared to those companies who think that on-premises or traditional data centre security is preferable to what is available via the cloud. In fact, embracing cloud platforms gives companies a five-point advantage in recruiting and retaining talent with cyber risk and security skills.

“As businesses look to keep up with rapidly evolving complexities in cybersecurity, the talent gap is widening,” said Bob Scalise, Managing Partner, Risk and Cyber Strategy, TCS. “Demonstrating a serious commitment to cybersecurity by sustained attention from senior leadership, funding, and process changes will be vital to recruiting and retaining top talent.”

The TCS Risk & Cybersecurity Study, published by the TCS Thought Leadership Institute, highlights the most pressing cybersecurity issues facing senior business leaders across Europe and North America. The study is based on the results of a survey of more than 600 CISOs and CROs, from companies with at least $1 billion in annual revenue, across banking & financial services, utilities, media & information services, and manufacturing. Topics include global risk, cybersecurity, resilience, and ecosystem/cloud security.  The survey took place in February and March 2022.

To view the full report and receive more information, visit on.tcs.com/risk-cybersecurity.

Tech Review – Creative Stage Air V2 soundbar

The soundbar is now a popular piece of tech buy for their homes to enhance their audio experince no matter what it may be connected to, you can buy for your TV PC and more and small size on like what we have here today is just as ideal if you are on a budget and do not want an oversized one which some folk are fussy about.

We tested this one with a laptop and phone and of course as expected it blows your default speakers out of the water and a nice thump of bass thrown in for good measure, now you are limited with i/o ports and no HDMI so keep that in mind before buying as often it can be the case people think a HDMI port comes in all soundbars when it does not and this is targeted at a different audience but can be used anywhere still and is portable.

This soundbar has a comprehensive connectivity profile for compatible devices (which include PC, Mac, PS5, Nintendo Switch, mobile devices) – users can conveniently connect a single USB cable for audio and power, or revert to the trusty 3.5mm port for analogue connectivity. It also delights as a wireless speaker, featuring the latest Bluetooth 5.3 technology with six hours of playback on a single charge.

There is no app or anything here to control the EQ but most products like this are the same apart from some gaming options from the brand which are super cool. This is a simple plug and play and it does the job with a nice glossy finish and metal finished grill up from, it is a fingerprint magnet but once settled in place you have no real need to touch the front or sides as the controls are on the side of the unit.

This could be also used a general speaker in the house be it your bedroom living room or kitchen too and easily fills a room, check out the video for samples below and if you are on a bit of a budget and tied up for space and want a better audio experience at home this should be on your list.

Creative Stage Air V2, visit creative.com/StageAirV2.

Video Review

 

Tech Review – Skullcandy Inequality Crusher Evo headphones

Ok so the Skullcandy Inequality Crusher have been here a few weeks now and to cut to the chase there is no difference between old and new, the only thing here is the colour. For me I liked the colour as I like things that stand out and again quite a few people asked why companies are getting involved in gender / politics  so to speak, my answer was as is in the about us section is we do not use our site to share or promote any religion or politics and it stands given there is a reason behind these we are reviewing them on how they sound and I happen to like the looks which you could say is being a bit of a hypocrite but if you want to know my political views or anything else you can find that on my personal facebook page or on Twitter where I have my say and not controlled or afraid to say anything either but less of that and more on the product then. You can read the press release here about the new coloured headphones and check out the unboxing HERE with a side by side view of the OG version.

Ok so we have the same as before but now different colours here that stand out, now for those who are not aware of what these headphones have that separates them from others is the sensory bass that is adjustable and this still has not been seen elsewhere yet at least to the best of my knowledge. It is something you need to try and feel, one example of an idea what it is about is the woojer strap which is another cool product for those who want more and to feel immersed.

Moving on then about how they sound, they are excellent to cut to the chase you can see more in our Skullcandy Crusher EVO OG review HERE and nothing has change but for those who have been thinking about them should look at the review and the app which is also excellent and again we do the same in the video review below so do check it out and get a feel for what to expect if you decide to pick a pair up..

Overall the audio experience is great the headphones are comfortable they are easy to use they have super bass and also an app to enhance the experience  and forget about the outside world when the volume is raised to the max.

Features

40 hours total battery + Rapid Charge
• Crusher adjustable Sensory Bass
• Personal Sound via Skullcandy App
• Call, track and volume control via touch controls
• Built-in Tile Finding Technology
• Flat-folding and collapsible

To Write Love on Her Arms exists to encourage, inform, inspire, and also to invest directly into treatment
and recovery. For more information, please visit twloha.com.

Video Review

 

FANUC opens first dedicated Irish robotics facility in response to growing manufacturing demand

In response to increased demand from its Irish customer base, leading robotics and automation company FANUC will officially open the doors to its first ever dedicated facility in Ireland on 11th October 2022. Located in Maynooth, Co Kildare, the unveiling of the 500m2 training centre and showroom will be overseen by FANUC’s European President & CEO Shinichi Tanzawa in the presence of a select group of local dignitaries, academics, government officials, press, system integrator partners and valued customers. 

“We are delighted to announce the opening of our first Irish facility,” states Tom Bouchier, Managing Director of FANUC UK & Ireland. “Not only does it demonstrate our long-term commitment to our growing customer base in the country, but it also enables us to support the government’s aim to place Ireland at the forefront of the Fourth Industrial Revolution by 2025.”

Live robot demonstrations

The official opening will provide the perfect platform for a live demonstration of the recently released LR-10iA; FANUC’s lightweight, strong and compact robot series. Perfect for use in confined workspaces, the LR-10iA is suitable for all types of material handling applications, such as loading/unloading directly in a machine tool, or high-speed picking and packaging directly on a conveyor belt. Visitors to the Maynooth facility opening in October will be able to witness its full range of benefits at close quarters.

As well as the LR-10iA, the new showroom will be stocked with a range of robotics and automation solutions for demonstration, evaluation and test purposes. Latest FANUC innovations on display will include the CRX cobot range, a series of lightweight collaborative robots that boast eight years zero maintenance; and the ROBODRILL vertical machining centre, delivering precision and repeatability making it perfect for fully automated production runs.

Local, on the ground support

The new Maynooth facility will be supported by a five-strong team of dedicated staff with the ability to provide local technical support and servicing, with a view to increasing this into double figures over the next two years. The site will also host organised, in-house training for FANUC’s larger customers and scheduled courses catering for smaller groups; previously, Irish clients would have had to travel to Coventry in England. In addition, the company will continue to develop its strong ties with Ireland’s higher education network, including the Technical Universities. 

The drive towards Industry 4.0

Located just 45 minutes’ drive from Dublin and within a 90-minute radius of many of FANUC’s Irish customers and partners, the Maynooth facility is accessible from most of the island in about three hours, making it the ideal location for FANUC’s Irish HQ. Its launch could not be timelier, coinciding with the implementation of the Irish Government’s wider industrial strategy, ‘Ireland’s Industry 4.0 Strategy 2020-2025’. Ireland currently lags behind the European average in robot penetration, with the second-lowest robot density in the EU15 in 2019. However, the Government’s strategy is that, by 2025, Ireland will be a competitive, innovation-driven manufacturing hub and at the forefront of Industry 4.0 development and adoption. With several hundred FANUC robots already installed in Ireland, the new facility at Maynooth means the company is ideally placed to help Irish businesses close the gap and profit from the new opportunities, supported by its network of expert integrator partners. 

“The indicators are very strongly pointing towards more investment in manufacturing equipment in Ireland,” says Tom Bouchier. “The country’s technologically advanced, efficient and competitive future manufacturing sector and its supply chain is one that FANUC Ireland will be at heart of.”

Edifier launches the W240TN piston-inspired earbuds.

Edifier, the forward-thinking audio-technology brand, have announced the release of a brand  new earbud, the W240TN, which continues in the brand’s outstanding record for affordable but premium quality audio. Aimed at the highly competitive under  

$100 market, the W240TN true wireless earbuds with  Active Noise Cancellation have a range of exciting  features and continues Edifier’s signature design  language and stellar audio fidelity capabilities. Armed with Dual Dynamic Drivers (Φ6mm+Φ10mm)  the W240TN creates a wide sound field aimed at immersing listeners in their favourite songs. Compared to single drivers, the W240TN maintains delicate details  even at a high volume threshold and the hybrid ANC functions allow users to block out unwanted sounds and focus in on the music that makes them happy. With an industrial-chic, gunmetal black or white finish the W240TN is inspired by the shape of a robust piston head.

Rugged yet trustworthy, the metallic design carries the legacy of the TWS1 Pro and  the finished product speaks volumes for Edifier’s pursuit of style. The result has an iconic  profile that balances modern lines with a retro, almost 80s-like character; think Robocop  meets Blade Runner 2049. In comparison to other earbuds on the market, which often take  an altogether more minimal or maximalist approach, the W240TN gives off an effortlessly  clean look, one that wouldn’t look out of sorts on the streets of Manhattan, Dubai, Tokyo or  London.  

Unlike the majority of its competition the buds feature the latest in Bluetooth 5.3 technology  which not only provides impressively low latency (which can be reduced even further via a  dedicated ‘Game’ mode) but consistently ensures that users never feel far from their  favourite sounds. With a compact charge case, the W240TN provides 8.5 hours of playtime  and a further 17 hours via the case, making unnecessary cutouts and low battery disasters  are a thing of the past. And, users can enjoy crystal clear phone calls thanks to innovative AI  DNN Adaptive Call Noise Reduction technology – blocks out unwanted noises and focuses  in on your voice. 

The W240TN also includes a range of ergonomic features. For those who lead a busier life,  listening to music in the gym or whilst they’re out for a run, the buds are IP55 certified –  meaning they are water resistant and sweat proof – and feature Edifier’s impressive AI call  noise cancellation technology, which allows users to enjoy clear and life-like call audio  without external noise interfering. To ensure your safety whilst listening to your favourite  artists or calling an old friend, the W240TN also comes with an optional ‘Ambient Mode’  designed to allow environmental sounds (like car engines, tannoy callouts or dogs barking)  to seep through into your listening.

Designed to keep up to speed with the modern individual, bustling from one situation to the  next, the W240TN are lastly compatible with the Edifier Connect App – which gives  smartphones users the option to customise their call settings, EQ levels, ANC mode and  more with the tap of a finger. If you prefer a sturdy button, over a delicate touch sensitive  one, the W240TN also comes with handy push controls allowing you to stay in control with  ease. 

For under $100 the W240TN provides a highly competitive option for audio lovers on a  budget and adds to Edifier’s groundbreaking range of consumer audio products. 

Main features: 

  • Dual Dynamic Drivers (Φ6mm+Φ10mm) 
  • Bluetooth 5.3 
  • 8.5-hour playback + 17 hours with charging case 
  • Eye-catching metallic design inspired by a piston-head 
  • Hybrid ANC  
  • Compatible with the Edifier Connect App 
  • Dedicated low latency gaming mode 
  • Ambient ANC mode 
  • IP55 water resistant and sweat proof 
  • AI DNN call noise cancellation technology 
  • Push-button controls 

Price & Availability: 

Available for £79.99