Tag: tech

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 

 

New XPS 13 2-in-1, XPS 13 Plus Developer’s Edition and Pro Webcam announced from Dell

Dell Technologies has announced the arrival and availability of the XPS 13 2-in-1, XPS 13 Plus Developer’s Edition with Ubuntu 22.04, and Dell Pro Webcam (WB5023), a best-in-class together image quality webcam with intelligent features for everyday professionals who want to look their best on video calls, broadcasts or live streams without breaking the bank.

New XPS 12 2-in-1 & XPS 13 Plus Developer’s Edition

For customers who prioritize versatility like students and entrepreneurs, the XPS 13 2-in-1 empowers users to seamlessly transition between work, school, entertainment and much more. Complete the experience with an optional XPS Folio and XPS Stylus — transition freely and fluidly from consumption to full productivity mode by attaching the magnetic XPS Folio and enjoy a natural writing and inking experience with the XPS Stylus.  Available in Sky with Wi-Fi 6e at launch.

The first OEM PC to be certified for Ubuntu 22.04, Dell’s flagship XPS 13 Plus Developer’s Edition is available pre-installed with Ubuntu 22.04 LTS. The Ubuntu certification program ensures that all of the components in a certified computer work as expected, so the user can be sure of the best experience out of the box. Certified devices also include specific software or drivers that differ from the default distribution where required. These are defined in a meta-package that automatically installs the optimal configuration of packages, drivers and kernel to deliver the best experience on that device. For a full breakdown of the new features of Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, read the release notes and official announcement.

Dell Pro Webcam

Dell continues to expand its portfolio of personal collaboration devices to cater for the varying needs of hybrid work. On the heels of the flagship 4K Dell UltraSharp Webcam launch, the company is adding Dell Pro Webcam (recent examples include the Dell Speakerphone and Dell Slim Conferencing Soundbar). This professional-grade 2K QHD webcam provides the world’s best image quality in its class offering superior image quality over a FHD (1080p) webcam and delivering clear, professional quality in any lighting condition.

The Sony STARVIS™ sensor and multi-element lens take in substantial light to deliver crystal-clear picture clarity. The combination of Digital Overlap HDR and Facial Detection Auto Exposure optimizes images, helping users to always look good.

Advanced Image Signal Processing and 3D/2D noise reduction automatically eliminates grainy images, making sure to look your best – even in low light. The webcam’s intelligent AI Auto Framing feature ensures users are always centred in the frame.

This sleek-looking cylindrical webcam also features a built-in noise reduction mic for clear communication, a magnetic shutter cap for privacy and a built-in mounting clip for easy attachment to a monitor, notebook or affix to a tripod.  Compatible with Windows and Mac Operating Systems, this webcam works well with all leading UC platforms and is certified for Microsoft Teams and Zoom. Lastly, make the most out of the webcam with the Dell Peripheral Manager where users can customize the webcam settings such as Field of View, brightness, sharpness, contrast and saturation based on their preferences.

Pricing & availability

  • XPS 13 2-in-1 w/ Folio: Available in Ireland in September, with pricing to be announced upon release.
  • XPS 13 Plus Developer’s Edition: Available in Ireland in the coming weeks, with pricing to be announced upon release.
  • Dell Pro Webcam (WB50523): Available in Ireland now starting at €107.99 ex.VAT

 

JBL – Tour One headphones Quantum TWS earbuds and Tune Flex earbuds – First Look

As promised we would be back with more from JBL and here it is so we will be kept busy over the coming weeks with the latest from JBL and of course we look forward to testing these new products and soon we will have a real full hands on review of all the new products and do not forget the Quantum stream mic and the JBL reflect aero earbuds we just unboxed.

When we checked out these at the Dublin launch we were impressed at the new products and to start off the list their new headphones was on the top of my list and these I look forward to the most but but of course they all get the same treatment and we will have a full hands on review soon so check them out below and these come with True Adaptive Noise Cancelling JBL Pro Sound, hi-res certified and 4-mic Technology for Accurate and clear voice calls and comes with a nice travel case with goodies inside..

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Next is the Quantum TWS earbuds which are intended for the gamer but realistically anyone can use these, again a small stemmed earbud with nice silver accents and matt black finish and comes with an adapter to keep the latency issues at bay aka dual source which is a neat addition to the package. Also featured is JBL Quantum SURROUND and a Low latency wireless connection Fast Pair.

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Finally we have the JBL Tune Flex that come in a cool flat backed case with UBC charging and also inside we have a small case for the tips alone which is cool and not seen before and these are for the bass lovers so stay tune for more on these in the coming weeks and any questions you have you can ask on all our social handles and of course Youtube where we hang out quite a bit. The Tune flex come with JBL Pure Bass Sound , Active Noise Cancelling with Smart Ambient and 4 mics for perfect calls so a bit of an all rounder here.

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Video link

 

 

 

Tech Review – TUDIA Dual Shield Merge Grip case for the Google Pixel 6a

Fancy a new case for the Google PIxel 6a well they are far and few between here in Ireland and we have one you could check out from TUDIA products which comes in a nice range of colours and does a superb job of protecting the device with a neat look too.

This case not only protects the rear of the phone and the camera hump this also has a lip around the front all round protecting the device even more and enabling you to place it face down, some case fail at this point only half covering the front but not the case here.

The back has really nice texture to it and looks well giving you additional grip as the Pixel 6a is a bit on the slippery side and having this case install eliminates this and more as you will see in the video review below, the buttons are also tactile and clicky which is what I like and overall the feeling with this case on the device is good and gives you that extra layer of security should you drop your phone and we all know that can be an expensive drop.

All ports are also accessible here and more room given for the USB port which again some leave out for certain charging cables that have a thicker end.

Check the video for a full hands on review

 

  • The Google Pixel 6a case is compatible with Pixel 6a only.
  • Certified military-grade protection and Tough Rhino Technology for dual layer protection against drops and scratches.
  • Protects your camera and screen with raised lips and edges.
  • The non-slip textured design on the back provides additional grip while holding your phone.
  • Buttons are designed to be slim and easily clickable for stress-free usage.

BUY Direct   BUY On Amazon

Video Link

Is Blockchain Going To Change The iGaming Industry?

When most people hear about blockchain, they think of virtual currencies. After all, most people have only interacted with this technology regarding financial transactions. That’s because most online gaming sites have introduced digital currencies to ease withdrawals and deposits in response to players’ concerns over wire transfers and card payments. Say, for example, that you want to play online bingo and don’t want to have your bank snooping on your transactions. In that case, you would actively seek the most trusted bingo sites that allowed you to use digital currencies. And you would still get your loan processed in time because your gambling would not create bias – as the bank would not know about it!

And while many people think that blockchain technology starts and stops at digital currencies, it can do much more. Let’s have a look at its capabilities and why it could be the answer to the future of the iGaming industry:

  • Why Blockchain?

Does this technology have what it takes to fix the gaping holes in the iGaming industry? And if so, what unique features does it hold?

  • Security

The beauty of the decentralized system is that hackers cannot tweak existing transaction histories. And that means that once something takes place, changing it is quite the hassle as it would require authentication from various sources. Why does this matter?

  • Online game developers can enjoy a secure environment to create and deploy their games,
  • Online players can trust that the online gaming providers are not tweaking the randomness of the games. And they can follow the transactions online to be sure of their accuracy, thus creating transparency, 
  • Hackers cannot destroy the whole network because it does not rely on a central point, and
  • Licensors can follow up on games and gauge which operators have toed the line and which ones have operated outside the bounds. And this helps them crack down on wayward gaming operators, which protects the players in the long run. 

So, it serves players, online sites, and gaming providers who can have more faith in the deployed games. It also helps players trust RTPs more and know how much the house takes home, aiding them in developing better gambling strategies.

  • Cost- Effectiveness

Cryptocurrencies do not depend on banks as intermediaries. As such, withdrawals and deposits are much faster for people with such currencies. Besides, it is cheaper as you do not need to incur any fees to pay an intermediary. So, players get their winnings faster and at fewer costs than when they use wire transfers, card payments, and e-wallets.

  • Anonymity

It’s no secret that financial institutions look unfavorably upon people who gamble. Even if you’re only wagering a small proportion of your income, you may still suffer higher loan interest rates because the bank may look at you as a high-risk client. So, many people choose to use cryptocurrencies as they do not require them to link their banks to their gambling activities. Blockchain transactions are private as your identity will only be depicted using numbers and characters. 

  • Smart Contracts

Wagers between players are pretty common as gamers sometimes want to transact without a go-between. Thanks to blockchain technology, this is now possible using smart contracts. These dictate the conditions which the players must meet before a transaction takes place. Plus, they are not mutable, so the players cannot change the contract terms without both agreeing to do so. Thus, if two players wager against each other on a game and one wins, the money in escrow immediately becomes available to the winner. And because there is no intermediary, the winner gets the total amount.

Blockchain has also led to the growth of NFTs (non-fungible tokens), play and earn games, virtual tournaments, and many other features which have made this technology beneficial to the iGaming industry.

JBL quantum stream mic with RGB – First Look

The latest USB mic from JBL has landed which is its first USB microphone aimed specifically towards gamers, podcasters and streamers – the JBL Quantum Stream. As its name suggests, the dual-condenser microphone is perfect for coordinating with teammates and bringing crystal-clear communication to the centre of the action as a standalone solution.

Plus, the reversible stand provides 360-degree movement, with additional options included for a variety of other mounting options. Be heard loud and clear with the JBL Quantum Stream, thanks to the 2x 14mm dual-capsule Electret condenser with 24 bit and 96kHz sampling rate. Two selectable voice pickup patterns allow users to focus the microphone’s capture on just the speaker’s voice or capture everyone’s voice in the room if recording a podcast or on a group call. Opting for a covert mission? Tap the top button to mute, which will activate an RGB indicator light for ease of use when in the middle of a battle or conference call.

The setup couldn’t be easier, with the JBL Quantum Stream’s universal mounting solution and seamless voice monitoring control. Users can simply mount the stand to fit their gaming and office setup and control their voice volume directly on the microphone. Full review soon and if you have any questions feel free to ask on our social media and of course YouTube.

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Unboxing

Dell Technologies Unveils New Alienware Gaming Monitors with High-Speed Performance & Premium Visuals

Dell Technologies has today released details of two additions to the Alienware line –the 25 Gaming Monitor and the Alienware 27 Gaming Monitor. These gaming monitors are among the fastest on the market and are equipped with high-quality visuals, exceptionally smooth gameplay, and optimized industrial design combining beauty with practicality. Both are the first in the line to feature a retractable headset hanger, helping to create a clutter-free gaming setup.

Alienware 25 Gaming Monitor (AW2523HF)

Designed with feedback from pro gamers, this monitor is eSports-optimized for competitive gaming. With its revamped Legend 2.0 design featuring a hexagonal base for a smaller desktop footprint, competitive gamers have ultimate flexibility in terms of keyboard placement and maximum room for mouse movement for the ideal esports setup. Gamers can also place their headset on the new integrated retractable headset hanger for a clutter-free desk.

A 360Hz variable refresh rate and 0.5ms* GtG response time means incredibly smooth motion on a Fast IPS FHD panel. Experience stutter- and tear-free gaming and crystal-clear graphics, even during action-packed sequences with the support of AMD FreeSync™ Premium Technology and VESA® AdaptiveSync certification.

Alienware 27 Gaming Monitor (AW2723DF)( header image)

 The Alienware 27 Gaming Monitor combines premium performance with functional design. With its 280Hz overclocked / 240Hz native variable refresh rate and 1ms GtG response time, gamers are guaranteed lag-free gaming. This Fast IPS 27” QHD display supports AMD FreeSyncTM Premium Pro Technology and is also NVIDIA® G-Sync® and VESA® AdaptiveSync certified to enable tear-free, crystal-clear graphics.

Dive into vibrant colours across a wide viewing angle on an InfinityEdge screen with IPS Nano Colour technology that lets you experience dynamic, vivid colours with 95% DCI-P3 colour coverage and VESA DisplayHDR™ 600 certification for a truly immersive gaming experience. For gamers who also content create, the Creator Mode pre-set allows you to choose between DCI-P3 (native) and sRGB colour spaces or adjusts gamma levels.

This monitor features the iconic Legend 2.0 design in Lunar Light with AlienFX lighting, 360-degree ventilation, improved cable management and fully adjustable stand. The integrated headset hanger is also available on this monitor.

Pricing and Availability

  • The Alienware 25 Gaming Monitor (AW2523HF) will be available in Ireland on September 7th with pricing to be announced upon release.
  • The Alienware 27 Gaming Monitor (AW2723DF) will be available in Ireland on September 6th with pricing to be announced upon release.

PSB Speakers Flagship Synchrony Series Now Available Worldwide

PSB Speakers, reaching a 50-year milestone this year for excellence in hi-fidelity loudspeaker design, is pleased to launch a new generation of the acclaimed flagship series, Synchrony, to global markets. The latest edition of PSB’s flagship series consists of the B600 bookshelf speakers, as well as the T600 and T800 towers. Regarded as PSB’s most advanced speaker line to date, the Synchrony Series delivers outstanding performance, excellent value and carries the finest application of the brand’s acclaimed ‘True to Nature’ acoustics. The T800 Premium Towers (US$11,999 / €12,999 / £9,999 a pair MSRP), T600 Towers (US$8,999/ €9,999 / £7,999 a pair MSRP pair MSRP) and B600 Bookshelf Speakers (US$2,799 / €2,999 / £2,499 a pair MSRP pair MSRP), is available for purchase worldwide and come in Satin Walnut Veneer and High Gloss Black finishes.

Synchrony T800 

The Synchrony T800 Towers are the largest speakers of the series with a wider frequency bandwidth and the largest power handling capacity amongst Synchrony speakers. Equipped with an all-new 5-way transitional array employing three 8″ woofers, a 5.25″ midrange driver, all featuring cast baskets and woven carbon-fibre cones, and a 1″ titanium dome tweeter in a heavily braced MDF cabinet, the T800s are capable of filling large rooms with detailed bass right down to the lowest register.

The driver platform results in a dramatic reduction of non-linear distortion, allowing for higher sound pressure levels without compression or increased THD and IM distortion. This can be immediately recognized by a more open midrange and deep bass impact. Small gradations in sound, or micro-dynamics, are vastly improved over previous driver platforms. The crossover in the T800 Premium Tower is this is the most advanced amplitude-perfect Linkwitz-Riley 4th order crossover that PSB Speakers has ever utilized, featuring high-voltage poly film capacitors and oxygen-free interconnect wire for complete driver control.

Synchrony T600 

The driver platform of the T600 consists of three 6.5″ woofers and a 5.25″ midrange driver, all with cast aluminium baskets, woven carbon fibre cones and rubber surrounds, and a 1″ titanium dome tweeter with Ferrofluid and Neodymium magnet. As a result, a dramatic reduction of non-linear distortion allows for higher sound pressure levels without compression or increased THD and IM distortion. The advanced driver assembly features four elements (Faraday ring, shorted turn, longer voice coil, symmetrical magnetic drive) that all work in harmony to reduce driver distortion.

Synchrony B600

Using the same driver platform as the Synchrony towers, the B600 Bookshelf Speakers can be an easy complement to the towers or a standalone stand-out compact listening option. The 2-way bass reflex design features a 6.5″ woofer with cast aluminum basket and woven carbon fibre cone, and a 1″ titanium dome tweeter with Ferrofluid and Neodymium magnet. The light and rigid nature of woven carbon fibre cone delivers wider bandwidth — about half an octave deeper bass response over other PSB driver designs — with greater efficiency (88dB at 1m), higher power handling, and lower distortion.

Centre Channels – PWM Series

The PWM is designed to support the Synchrony Series as centre channels and effect channels in multi-channel applications. Incorporating advanced driver and cabinet design, the PWM series offer open and constant dispersion, tonal balance and bass extension of a truly refined loudspeaker many times their size. The PWM’s can be oriented either vertically or horizontally and be used as a front left, right, centre or surround channel speakers. Whether as part of a complete on wall system, a basic TV application or as an on-wall centre channel solution for floor standing speakers; the PWM Series exceed expectations in every way

Exquisitely True to Nature

Whether used in a multi-channel set-up or in stereo listening applications, the Synchrony series represents PSB’s signature, True to Nature acoustics, marked by superb tonal accuracy, thrilling dynamics, impactful bass, transparent midrange, pinpoint imaging, and exquisite detail. Each speaker is scientifically measured, tested and fine-tuned by a team of highly regarded acoustic specialists under the direction of PSB Founder and Chief Acoustic Designer, Paul Barton. Design and built with 50 years of experience, the Synchrony series is the clearest expression of PSB’s design philosophy to date.

 

Key Features of the Synchrony Series

  • Woven carbon fibre cones (woofers), cast aluminum baskets, mass-loaded rubber surrounds, and advanced motor structures
  • 1 x 1″ (25mm) titanium dome tweeters with Ferrofluid damping and neodymium magnet
  • Amplitude-perfect Linkwitz-Riley 4th-order acoustic crossover with high-voltage poly film capacitors and oxygen-free interconnect wire*
  • Five-way transitional array design*
  • Low-resonance MDF cabinet with extensive bracing and decoupled aluminum-clad front baffle
  • Individually tuned chambers with rear-firing ports for each woofer
  • Outrigger stabilizers with integrated IsoAcoustics GAIA II isolators*
  • Satin Walnut Veneer and High Gloss Piano Black finish options, with acoustically transparent magnetically attached grilles

*T600 & T800 only

Creative launches Sound Blaster X1

Creative Technology today launches Sound Blaster X1, the ultimate USB DAC and headphone amplifier which offers the heralded Sound Blaster Acoustic Engine technology, together with the multiple award-winning Super X-Fi Headphone Holography first seen in the iconic SXFI AMP. As small as a finger, it serves up a huge treat of multi-channel, high-resolution and immersive audio, with authentic reproductions down to the last detail, powered by a high-end 128dB AKM4377 32-bit DAC and Ti/Burr-Brown INA1620 dual audio operational amplifier.

Sound Blaster X1 is best used with PC and Mac, and with the Creative desktop app, users gain access to the Sound Blaster Acoustic Engine, where they can tap on the full suite of sound processing technologies to enhance their experiences for both work and play.

With Sound Blaster Surround Virtualization, users get to enjoy a phenomenal mesh of depth and range in audio immersion across movies, music and games. CrystalVoice technology caters for a host of smart adjustments during conference calls with features like SmartVolume and Acoustic Echo Cancellation; there is also SmartComms Kit which helps to reduce background noise effectively and auto-mute users when they are not speaking. There are professionally-tuned audio and game presets to further please gamers; Scout Mode detects subtle audio cues and makes them obvious to keep gamers one step ahead of their competitors all the time.

Users also get to enjoy Super X-Fi headphone holography, an acknowledged game changer which redefines headphone listening by recreating the soundstage of a premium multi-speaker system for an expansive experience. Furthermore, ear-mapping via the SXFI app tailors to users’ ears and helps them immerse in all their audio, especially movies and games, in the most natural way.

Sound Blaster X1 is quite simply a compelling audio solution that is impossible to ignore for discerning users.

Pricing and Availability

Sound Blaster X1 is priced at £ 64.99 and is available at the Creative online store.

For more information on Sound Blaster X1, visit creative.com/SoundblasterX1.