The Creative Aurvana Ace 2 are the next step up from the Creative Aurvana Ace which we recently reviewed here on techbuzz and given the shape and size of the case are the same the looks are not giving us a peep inside of the technology, transparent tech is now a thing and we have check quite a few bits of tech showing their inner glory. Though this one has a slightly smoked tint to it which still looks great.
The inside of the case is also surrounded in a copper colour which looks really neat and matches the earbuds looks and gives them a premium look there is a USB-C port on the bottom and indicator light and a button for pairing/resetting.
The fit is the same as before so no difference there at all and give a good seal with the right earbuds again I always say this with any earbuds and the better the seal the better the fit and the better the sound. These are again IPX5 rated so for outdoor use is no issue here at all where half of my testing was done anyway.
The tech inside this time around gives you more although they still use 10mm drivers but have the all new xMEM technology inside which really gives your earbuds a boost which they did with the Aurvana Ace. There is 6 mics this time over the Aurvana Aces 3 mics giving you crystal clear calls and from my testing both ends seemed top notch here and powered by Qualcomm cVc (Clear Voice capture) noise cancellation technology.
Aurvana Ace 2 and case
Aurvana Ace 2 eabuds
In case you are wondering both models support a variety of audio codecs, including LE Audio featuring the LC3 Codec for superior wireless audio quality, SBC, AAC, AptX, and AptX Adaptive, ensuring compatibility with various devices and offering high-quality audio streaming.
Coupled with Qualcomm for the integration of Snapdragon Sound’s aptX Lossless technology, the audio codec delivers hi-fidelity audio at 16-bit / 44.1 kHz, providing a CD-level experience that faithfully recreates the original recording right in your ears.
Overall there is not much difference between the Ace and Ace 2, the Creative Aurvana Ace 2 supports AptX Lossless audio codec and has Adaptive Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation and you can tell the difference if you are a regular user of earbuds and can hear the distinct intricacies with the sound and you will not be disappointed by any means here at all and the same goes for the Ace too, you can’t go wrong for the money here with what you pay for either.
Check the video review below for more.
The Creative App
Creative Aurvana controls – techbuzzireland
Features and specs
Driver Frequency Response: 5–40,000 Hz / Type: xMEMS Solid-state x 2 Type: Dynamic x 2
Profiles / (HFP) Hands-free Profile, (A2DP) Advanced Audio Distribution Profile, (AVRCP) Audio / Video Remote Control Profile, TMAP, HSP
Operating Frequency/ 2402–2480 MHz
Operating Range/ Up to 10m / 33 ft*, *Measured in open space. Walls and structures may affect range of device.
Battery Life / Up to 24 hours total (ANC / Ambient Mode off), Up to 16 hours total (ANC / Ambient Mode on), Up to 6 hours per charge (ANC / Ambient Mode off), Up to 4 hours per charge (ANC / Ambient Mode on)
Based on moderate volume level. Actual battery life will vary with usage settings and environmental conditions.
Tech Industry Alliance has officially launched TechFest 2024 in the AIB offices 66 South Mall Cork with AIB being one of the main event sponsors. TechFest is its annual flagship technology conference which will be held in the Radisson Blu Hotel in Little Island, Cork from 9:30am on the 14th of May 2024. This year the focus is on “Tech for Good: Driving Deep Tech, Fostering Sustainability & Building a Better Tomorrow”and to complement the main event, a festival of supporting events will take place throughout the week of TechFest led by well known organisations and agencies throughout the South-West region. Tickets for the main conference are currently on sale at https://techindustryalliance.ie/event/techfest-2024/
The line up of expert speakers include global leader in promoting tech for good – Sarah Porter who is the founder and CEO of InspiredMinds, a global community of 220,000 high level experts in AI and emerging technology and an advisor to both the UN and to the EU AI council. TechFest 2024 will again this year be MC’d by award-winning industry broadcaster Jonathan McCrea and will feature panel discussions on AI, sustainability & diversity as well as having plenty of networking opportunities and an industry expo featuring leading companies from across Ireland.
Gerry Murphy, Tech Industry Alliance Chairperson commented: “We are delighted to be announcing TechFest 2024 which will feature rare content, rich dialogue and facilitate real connections and which would not be possible without the vital support of our sponsors, who all recognise the importance of our sector to the Munster region. Following on from a really successful TechFest last year, we are excited with this year’s amazing line up of speakers and even greater opportunities to network with colleagues and businesses across the south west region.”
“Our three key themes this year are Disrupt, Evolve and Ignite and we will hear from leaders of Industry and academia on how technology can contribute to sustainability, the threats and opportunities from the latest AI technology, how to ensure a vibrant and diverse talent pipeline as well as how tech can benefit society and the future of business.”
Approx. 450 people are expected to attend the event, network, connect and collaborate. Other expert speakers on the day include Denis Ryan Technology, Media & Telecoms AIB; Joanne Sheahan, Senior Advisor – Sustainability & Climate Action Enterprise Ireland; Robert McArdle, Director in Trend Micro’s Forward Looking Threat Research; Steve Fleming Founder and CEO Voxxify; Andy Bastick, Senior Director, Product & Partner Marketing, Digital Realty; Susie Harding Senior Manager Data, Analytics & AI at EY; Nikki Bradley Motivational Speaker, Amputee and Adventurer and Lynsey Monaghan, Global Diversity & Inclusion Strategist at NetApp.
TIA Vice Chair Donagh Kiernan added: “TechFest 2024 is a groundbreaking event dedicated to exploring the pivotal role of technology in addressing global challenges and fostering a sustainable future. The event will also showcase young innovative tech companies in the south west and provide attendees with an insight into technology aimed at addressing environmental, social, and economic challenges. And we are delighted to acknowledge the invaluable support of our Skillnet again for TechFest 2024. Tech Industry Alliance Skillnet (TIAS) has been a consistent sponsor throughout the last 10 years.
The theme of TechFest this year fits perfectly with our Skillnet services, fostering innovation in talent strategies for tech, through subsidised support with up- and cross- skilling programmes. In today’s fast-paced tech landscape, the significance of talent development and upskilling cannot be overstated. Our TIAS Team will be available at TechFest 24 to chat with attendees on how they can further support their organisation’s growth and development.”
The Creative Pebble X and Pebble X Plus are here for review and over the last while we have put both to the test but today we are looking at the Pebble X which are the cheaper of the two, recently we checked out the Pebble V3 Artisan Edition here and these are quite a bump up from them when it comes to sound and slightly larger packing a serious punch.
These have enhanced custom-tuned 2.75″ full-range drivers for a truly immersive listening experience. The two models boast the iconic 45° elevated design, meticulously angled for an optimized listening experience and are slightly larger giving more space to thump out the tunes and if you like bass you are in for a treat.
There is rubber ring underneath and an option to mount them if required the build quality is excellent and there is simple controls up front as before being an RGB control and a switch mode between bluetooth and PC connections also the volume dial acts as a voice control to turn it on or off. On the rear is the two USB-C ports one being PD which we had no charger to test, I do have one somewhere in the house but it has gone for a walk and there is also an aux port.
Once set up on your PC this is where the games changes, there is options on the mobile app but too however the PC app is where it shines most you will most likely get an update when connected, be sure to install the app first then the connect your speakers via cables provided.
In the app you will see below all the features at hand to custom tune the looks and sound and the sound is what people want to know about here.
They pack a serious loud punch highs lows and mids are great and for the concerning person who likes to customize things the app allows you to do so.
In short these are an excellent pair of speakers and well worth the money here and better than previous models and takes things to a new level you will not be disappointed with the sound and the features even for the most concerning audio folk.
Creative App offers the following features for the Creative Pebble X series.
Ability to apply different Sound Modes, Equalizer and Acoustic Engine settings.
Configure the lighting effects on the speaker.
Configure the Microphone Equalizer.
Perform firmware or software upgrades.
Creative Pebble X software – techbuzzireland
There are 6 modules in Device:
Sound Mode
Acoustic Engine
Equalizer
Mixer
CrystalVoice
Lighting
See the full list of features here there is that many to feature however we go through them in the video review below.
To unlock the full potential of the speakers, users can easily download the Creative app on Windows. This app grants users’ access to the Sound Blaster Acoustic Engine audio technologies, such as Surround, Smart Volume, Bass, Crystallizer and EQ. Users can also personalize the RGB lighting and other features using the Creative app’s modules, which are available on Windows, the Apple App Store, and the Google Play Store.
Pricing and Availability
Creative Pebble X is priced at US$89.99, UK£84.99, EU€99.99 and is available at Creative.com
A €320,000 upgrade to the virtual reality cliffside experience at the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare has been completed.
Located within the Cliffs of Moher Experience visitor centre, the Ledge 4D Experience takes visitors on an interactive 3-minute tour of the cliffs and combines stunning visuals of the world-famous cliffs on a calm summer’s day, both above the sea and underwater, with the environmental effects of west of Ireland wind and spray of Moher mist.
State-of-the-art projectors, an upgraded sound system and a tiered standing area to allow for improved viewing conditions also have been installed to add to the overall authenticity of the experience mirroring a real-life bird’s-eye view of the Cliffs of Moher over and underwater.
Officially opening the Ledge 4D Experience, Cllr. Joe Cooney, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council said, “I warmly welcome the ongoing investment in the overall visitor experience at the Cliffs of Moher, which remains a primary driver for the local tourism economy. The Ledge 4D Experience brings to life the natural and scenic beautify of the Cliffs of Moher and it will be particularly beneficial to anyone who visits the site on a day when visibility may be poor at the cliff edge.”
Commenting on the background to the upgrade, Bobby Kerr, Chair of the Board of Cliffs of Moher Centre DAC said, “When commissioned in 2006, the Ledge visuals were state-of-the-art, but by 2023 were starting to show their age somewhat. As well as this, the projection and sound equipment, although upgraded and maintained over the years, were no longer the most efficient or effective in their class.”
“After many months of planning and preparation, work commenced last November to upgrade the experience,” added Mr. Kerr. This film itself, although remaining the same, has been updated to modern standards and the accuracy of the content has been improved to show more detail of the Cliff face, the birds, the sea life, and other elements such as the wave motion and grass movement.”
Set to a rousing soundtrack composed by famous local musician Davy Spillane, the Ledge 4D Experience follows a gannet over the cliff edge of the cliffs, down into the water to explore the wide range of life under the waves, and back up past the impressive Sea Stack and O’Brien’s Tower.
The project was delivered on behalf of Cliffs of Moher Experience by Rockbrook Engineering, DMW Creative, Marcon Construction and Alphachannel.
HP Inc. has announced the industry’s largest portfolio of AI PCs leveraging the power of AI to enhance productivity, creativity, and user experiences in hybrid work settings.
In an ever-changing hybrid work landscape, workers are still struggling with disconnection and digital fatigue. HP’s 2023 Work Relationship Index reveals that only 27% of knowledge workers have a healthy relationship with work, and 83% believe it’s time to redefine our relationships with work. Most employees believe AI will open new opportunities to enjoy work and make their jobs easier, but they need the right AI tools and technology to succeed.
“At HP, our mission is to empower companies to capitalise on the power of AI, sparking ambitious and meaningful progress in every organisation,” said Val Gabriel, Managing Director, HP Ireland. “We are proud to represent the industry’s broadest portfolio of AI PCs. By harnessing AI as a personal tool, we are creating more personalised and meaningful work experiences, revolutionising the way we interact with technology and each other in the workplace.”
Focus on the work that matters with AI PCs
For today’s leaders, knowledge workers, and creators, HP introduced the newest generation of AI HP Elite PCs, featuring Copilot in Windows and Windows 11 Pro, and Z by HP mobile workstations, delivering high-performance computing solutions designed to power the most demanding workflows.
HP introduces the industry’s largest portfolio of AI PCs1
The latest HP Elite and Pro PC solutions are equipped with AI capabilities powered by multiple Intel® Core™ or next-generation processors with dedicated NPUs for tackling AI tasks. The new PCs are designed to automatically anticipate and adjust to usage behavior, ensuring the best balance of performance and power. They offer improved, natural on-camera interaction and collaboration for a seamless user experience.
HP now has the largest portfolio of Intel® and AMD-based AI PCs, demonstrating a commitment to innovation and performance. The lineup launched today includes:
HP Elite 1000 Series G11 Notebook PCs: As the world’s most powerful AI business PCs the series is designedtodeliver a seamless blend of portability, performance, and up to 21 hours of battery life for leaders and workers on the go. Harnessing the power of AI, users experience up to 80% better graphics performance, up to 38% less power for AI-enhanced collaboration, and up to 132% faster AI video editing compared to the previous generation.
HP EliteBook 800 and 805 Series G11 Notebook PCs: Created to meet the needs of enterprise knowledge workers taking on daily workloads that demand powerful performance and collaboration features.
HP EliteBook 600 and 605 Series G11 Notebook PCs: Crafted for corporate and public sector organisations that need to maximise value and flexibility to equip a range of users in hybrid environments.
HP ProBook 400 and 405 Series G11 Notebook PCs: Purpose-built for hybrid workers splitting time between the office and home, these devices unlock AI-powered workflows and essential performance while offering upgradeable storage and memory.
HP Elite Small Form Factor 805 G9 Desktop PC: Engineered for desktop workers looking to take productivity to the next level, workers experience boosted connectivity to take advantage of cloud-based AI applications.
Z by HP delivers high-performance solutions designed to power the most demanding workflows. The newest generation of AI HP ZBook mobile workstations tackle the challenges of mobile work yet maintain the necessary collaboration tools for executing large, complex projects from anywhere. Z by HP’s comprehensive hardware and AI software solutions ensure reliability, security, and mobility for creative professionals.
HP ZBook Power G11: A high-performance computing solution with the ability to power the most demanding workflows, boosting productivity in a new premium design with pro-grade components for running AI development and conceptual design applications. The HP ZBook Power G11 is designed to handle 3D modeling, AI-powered content creation, and heavy multitasking with ease.
HP ZBook Fury G11: Designed to deliver the power of desktop performance from anywhere, the ZBook Fury enables powerful AI acceleration for editing 8K videos, advanced 3D rendering, VFX, or tuning and running local AI models. Advanced thermal technology ensures optimal efficiency during demanding tasks.
HP ZBook Studio G11: Enhance focus and productivity in a sleek, portable form factor; the ZBook Studio allows users to build complex assemblies, bring AI capabilities to content creation tools, render in real-time, and visualise data on the go.
HP ZBook Firefly G11: The perfect fusion of pro-level performance and true mobility. The ZBook Firefly enables seamless project management from anywhere and is equipped with AI-accelerated performance and offers dynamic power efficiency and exceptional battery life.
Work protected with HP security solutions
Building on reputation as the world’s most secure and manageable PCs, today, HP introduced the world’s first business PCs to protect firmware against quantum computer hacks featuring HP’s upgraded Endpoint Security Controller (ESC) chip. This helps ensure the manageability and protection of sensitive data.
The HP Elite and ProBook notebooks and Z by HP workstations are equipped with HP Wolf Security for Business to protect end users no matter where and how they work. HP also launched HP Cloud Endpoint Manager SaaS, which is purpose-built for mission-critical devices to help IT secure endpoints from threats with automated device monitoring and remediation.
Accelerate data science capabilities with the HP AI Creation Center, including by HP AI Studio
HP is accelerating the AI era with customised data science solutions. HP’s AI Creation Center combines the world’s most advanced workstation for AI with robust solutions like the Z by HP AI Studio to deliver the world’s most comprehensive workstation solution for AI development.Z by HP workstations and solutions designed in close collaboration with NVIDIA® will help scale compute and AI resources from an on-premise infrastructure to the cloud, simplifying building and customisation of private AI models through a platform that connects data teams, tools, and compute.
For data scientists and AI creators, the ability to seamlessly scale projects from an AI workstation to the cloud is critical. By building AI models in a hybrid environment from one, centralised location from the start, they can more easily shift from product development to production for the most substantial data science and AI tasks.
Swappie, Europe’s foremost brand in refurbished smartphones, is delighted to introduce Luísa Vasconcelos e Sousa as the Country Manager for Ireland. Armed with a degree in Business Management and a specialization in Digital Transformation, Luísa brings a wealth of experience from her years at Facebook’s European headquarters (Meta) in Dublin, coupled with a diverse background in banking and marketing.
With a mission to promote conscious choices and habits, Luísa joins Swappie with a dedication to reducing the environmental impact of technology and strengthening the circular economy through the promotion of refurbished devices. Her strategic role aligns seamlessly with Swappie’s ongoing commitment to making refurbished tech mainstream, exemplified by the company’s current #Women4SustainableTech initiative.
Launched in celebration of International Women’s Day, #Women4SustainableTech underscores Swappie’s dedication to gender diversity and empowerment within the tech industry. Luísa’s role as the Country Manager for Ireland plays a pivotal part in this initiative, adding momentum to Swappie’s commitment to fostering an inclusive
Luísa Vasconcelos e Sousa, commented: “Working at Swappie is an incredible opportunity to be part of a movement towards more sustainable technology. I look forward to leveraging my experience to drive Swappie’s mission in Ireland, encouraging conscious choices that positively impact our environment.”
Luísa Vasconcelos e Sousa
As Swappie continues to celebrate women making strides in sustainable tech through the #Women4SustainableTech campaign, Luísa’s dynamic background and commitment to sustainability position her as a key player in furthering the company’s goals. With Luísa at the helm, Swappie looks forward to making a lasting impact in Ireland, fostering a more connected and sustainable society.
Electronics contribute to the largest and fastest-growing waste stream worldwide, and less than 15% of phones are recycled. Swappie aims to make it easier for people to purchase environmentally friendly, responsible smartphones by closing the loop on refurbished electronics and making circular smartphones accessible to the masses. Swappie controls its entire value chain, including carrying out all refurbishments at its factories in Helsinki, Tallinn and Leipzig, to ensure that the phones consumers receive are refurbished to the highest possible standards using the latest technology.
Infineon Technologies AG has announced plans to significantly expand its Research and Development (R&D) presence in Ireland within the next four years by over 100 new jobs in the Cork and Dublin sites. The jobs, all highly skilled engineering positions, will be split evenly between the Dublin and Cork R&D sites of the company and will bring the total workforce of Infineon in Ireland to over 300.
Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin said: “I’m very pleased to welcome Infineon Technologies’ significant expansion of its Research and Development presence in Ireland. This announcement underscores Ireland’s reputation as a global hub for innovation and technology and will have a positive impact on the communities of Dublin and Cork. The creation of over 100 highly skilled engineering positions across both locations reflects the confidence Infineon has in our talented workforce and supportive business environment.”
“IDA Ireland welcomes Infineon Technologies’ decision to create 100 skilled jobs across Dublin and Cork, reinforcing Ireland’s reputation as a technology hub” said Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland “Infineon’s choice of Ireland to further expand its presence showcases the business-friendly environment, skilled workforce, and strategic location on offer to multinationals in Ireland. While boosting the technological landscape in Ireland, this investment also fosters continuous growth and innovation in the semiconductor industry in Dublin and Cork.”
“Ireland is an important research hub for Infineon and we are committed to expanding our presence even further,” said Martin O’Keeffe, Managing Director of Infineon Ireland. “The vibrant Irish engineering ecosystem enables us to be a centre of excellence for innovation and R&D for the company.”
“At Infineon, we are committed to actively driving decarbonization and digitalization. As a global semiconductor leader for the automotive industry, we are shaping the future of mobility with products and solutions to make cars clean, safe and smart,” said Thomas Boehm, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Microcontroller Automotive at Infineon. “The strategic development of our research and development sector in Ireland is central to this mission with semiconductor-based system integration and artificial intelligence for highly connected and increasingly autonomous vehicles being among major trends. We’re looking forward to strengthening our team with the high-calibre talent that Ireland has to offer.”
The investment will also see the expansion of R&D facilities in both Cork and Dublin. The Infineon research teams in Ireland are focused on IP development for the automotive and consumer markets. The new hires will help development of new technologies and products that will help drive digitalization and decarbonization on a global scale.
The first positions have already been opened online and include roles in Analog Design, Digital Design, Architecture and Verification.
The New Bee M51 Wireless Bluetooth Headset is a handy headset for call and music and ideal for those on the go or those who work in an office environment with decent battery life and comes in a handy carry case which is on the larger size compared to earbuds.
Offering all functions you would find on earbuds this headset has access to your voice assistant you can control your calls and you can manage your music being able to skip and reverse tracks play and pause and higher and lower the volume.
The mic also has a silent button which also acts as your voice assistant button and all the controls are tactile and work well and well placed on the device.
The fit is secure and will not fall off your ear with good noise isolation due to the large tip on the but still comfortable and still fits well in the ear and comfortable to wear.
The main part of the headset is quite malleable and can be moved into any position for all ears as they all differ in size and shape so this will work on anyones ears.
Call quality is also decent and the music is too considering it is not intended for music so to speak but the sound is decent and well balanced although there is no app for me it does a decent job and serves not just as a tool to manage calls on the go but a well rounded audio device in general.
Check the video review below for a detailed look and how it works.
New Bee M51 in case with digital display – techbuzzireland
Specifications
Model:NB-M51
Bluetooth Version: 5.2 / Battery: 115mAh
Charging Box:500mAh (Charging 3 times) Talk Time: About 12 hours
Music Time: About 15 hours / Standby Time: About 1440 hours
The New Bee Z12 RGB Headphones Stand Holder with Wireless Charging is a multifunction stand that can charge several devices at once and looks cool on any desk you can also data transfer if you wish but I can see this being used as mainly a charging device and also decorative for a setup you might have or just starting out with one.
It takes about two minutes to set up and you are good to go and comes with a USB charging cable so you just need to find a plug or spare socket on an existing device or even your own laptop or PC.
Once set up you have all your ports on the back and a power switch that doubles as the RGB light control which you can see how all of this works in the video review below, it gives a nice glow to your workspace or bedside locker for example with all the colours available and breathing light for nice effects.
The headphones stand itself is not wireless charging but you can simply connect a cable to the main unit and charge there, then you have wireless charging which can charge your earbuds and even mobile phones which for me is quite handy at my desk and now shall remain part of my set up to store headphones in review and earbuds as we check out many of them and of course phone cases for existing phones we use.
Overall this is an affordable product with many functions and can keep your desk tidy too and looks well with the RGB lights on, see more in the video below.
Suits most headphones
Dimensions
All the ports
Features:
1、【RGB Lighting】New bee RGB headphone features 7 colors of lighting modes, the cool visual effect can create any atmosphere. Press and hold for 3 seconds to turn off/on the lights.
2、【Wireless Charging and 3 Charging Ports】Just place your devices on the charger station and enjoy wireless charging. 2 USB-C port and USB port can be used to transfer files or charge your phone, iPad or other smart devices. Supports Windows, Linux, and Mac systems with plug&play function. No extra drivers are required.
3、【Sturdy and Safe】The Made of aluminum headset stand provides good stability, and the silicone non-slip pad at the bottom prevents the bracket from falling off even on a smooth surface. The part of the stand where the headphones are placed is made of soft rubber. The head beam of the headset can be protected from being scratched even after a long time of hanging.
4、【Universal Compatibility】RGB headphone stand fits all sizes of headsets, the wide base and wide curved stand can better protect your headset. Height – 10.4 in, Width – 5.98 in.
5、【What you get】Create a fantastic gaming atmosphere at your preference .Perfect PC gamer setup accessories, gifts for gamer, grandson, son, boy, man, husband and boyfriend or girlfriend. If you encounter problems during use gaming headphone stand, we are pleased to provide you with technical support
