Twelve South today introduces the AirBag, a genuine leather micro-mini bag made exclusively to carry and protect AirPods and AirPods Pro. This petite vintage pouch can be worn over a shoulder, around the neck or users can ditch the strap for the little leather handle on top. The AirBag is available now in limited quantities from www.twelvesouth.com for $49.99.
The AirBag is perfect for those who don’t want to dig through their backpack, computer bag or handbag to find that tiny AirPods charging case. The AirBag’s convenient shoulder strap allows AirPods to be kept close to the body and within easy reach so users can listen to their favourite music, books and podcasts whenever they want.
The stylish leather carrier, which will be sure to turn heads, covers all sides of the shiny white AirPods charging case protecting it from scratches and scuffs. The AirBag supports wireless charging and features an opening for Lightning charging. A metal snap button keeps the AirPods Pro charging case safe and secure at all times.
The Twelve South AirBag is available now in limited quantities for $49.99 at www.twelvesouth.com.
Urbanista, the Swedish lifestyle audio brand, revealed today that 2019 was a record year for the company. Last year, Urbanista’s revenues grew 70% on those of 2018, bolstered by more than 500,000 sales of its true wireless headphones, and online sales with annual growth in excess of 1,000%. Urbanista finished 2019 with revenues of 241 million SEK, compared to 145 million SEK in 2018, corresponding to a growth of 70 percent, year-on-year.
Urbanista’s Scandinavian design and quality audio engineering inspired by urban life resonate strongly with an ever-growing audience that values the freedom of a mobile lifestyle. As such, the company’s true wireless headphones – named Stockholm, Paris and Athens – have all proven popular with consumers and made Urbanista a strong presence in this growing category*. Since the product launched in May 2019, Urbanista has sold approximately 2,000 Stockholm units per day, while Paris and Athens (both first available in late 2019) have also been in high demand.
2019 was a period of global expansion for Urbanista, primarily in Germany, UK and US, as well as through e-commerce channels including Urbanista’s own online store. In addition to the company’s revenues growing 70% year-on-year from 2018 to 2019, Urbanista is proud to reveal that its total revenues have increased 1,000% during the past five years – from 20.8 million SEK in 2014 to 241 million SEK in 2019 (representing growth of 1,072%).
Anders Andréen, CEO of Urbanista, commented: “We are proud to be able to maintain good organic growth year after year. We will continue to develop in everything we do and are excited for the years to come.”
Urbanista has also grown in headcount at its Stockholm headquarters. In February, Tuomas Lonka was appointed Brand & Marketing Director – a newly-created role for this growing business. The perfect match for Urbanista’s next phase and promising growth trajectory, Tuomas has gained extensive experience in growth companies such as Happy Socks and Rovio (Angry Birds), as well as larger organisations like Telia and Nokia. Tuomas confirmed: “I’m thrilled about joining the team at Urbanista.Our brand has been growing across all our key markets and we have many new and exciting projects coming in 2020 and beyond.”
Chris Michael, Director of leading UK air treatment manufacturer Meaco, recommends the use of a fan to help maintain health as families spend more time indoors and in close proximity.
With a large number of people now working from home and turning living spaces into offices, it is important to circulate air to help focus and maintain calm. With spending so much time indoors the air can become stuffy and can quickly make people feel uncomfortable and unwell. Using a fan keeps the air moving, and as we edge towards warmer summer weather will help us keep our cool at this difficult time.
Air treatment specialist Meaco has a range of best-selling, award winning fans, the MeacoFan range, designed to suit all room sizes. Advanced DC technology means the MeacoFan range has extremely low noise levels, and are low on energy usage, making them a popular choice for use in the bedroom and home office. Meaco fans can be powered from a PC or laptop USB port or even a powerbank.
Chris Michael, managing director of Meaco, comments “We have experienced a large spike in sales since more people have begun working at home. We are flattered that so many people are using the MeacoFan to bring them some comfort when so many are stuck indoors at the moment and we are working hard to get all orders out as quickly as possible whilst maintaining the safety of our own staff.”
There are three products to choose from; MeacoFan 1056AC, MeacoFan 650 and the MeacoFan 360. All have been awarded a QuietMark in recognition of being amongst the quietest cooling fans tested to date. Quiet Mark is the international approval award programme associated with the UK Noise Abatement Society charitable foundation.
The bigger MeacoFan 1056 has twelve fan speeds capable of cooling the largest of rooms. Multidirectional oscillation ensures that cool air circulates throughout the whole room by bouncing the air off walls and ceilings, so that every part of the room and everyone in the room feels the benefits. This is a major differentiator to a standard pedestal or tower fan. An ECO mode automatically changes the fan speed as the room temperature changes, providing a simple, one touch control.
The smaller MeacoFan 650 and 360 models are ideal for home office use, as they take up little space and can be placed on desks, bedside tables and windowsills. As well as being stylish and lightweight, the MeacoFan range is very low on energy consumption.
All Meaco products come with a two-year parts and labour warranty, with the option of extending the warranty to five years.
These stylish light weight fans will help create a better home working environment for all the family, and once the hot weather arrives, can contribute to a good night’s sleep when used in the bedroom which can help to keep you healthy.
With our world shrinking and the majority of people now working from home, indoor air quality experts, Airthings, wanted to share some information on an issue that is easily fixed but often forgotten: humidity. Issues with humidity are a problem for everyone. It can cause mould growth, exacerbate eczema, bring on dust mite allergies, and has even been linked to asthma and respiratory illnesses. As if that wasn’t enough, the link between low humidity and infection has recently been investigated, and the results aren’t good. Since Airthings specialise in indoor air quality, they have generated a quick summary to demonstrate how healthy humidity levels impact everyone’s new temporary place of work; their homes.
The issue:
Researchers for the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention found that when humidity levels were at 23%, 70 to 77% of flu virus particles were still able to cause an infection an hour after coughing. Raising humidity levels to 43% reduced the percentage of infectious particles to just 14%.
New research:
Yale University recently unveiled ground-breaking research that discovered the link between low humidity and the increased risk of contracting the flu virus. The lead researcher found that the body’s natural defence mechanisms were hindered in fighting the flu virus in environments of low humidity.
Why should I care?
The CDC research shows that the flu virus survived for longer in low humidity. The Yale researcher found that low humidity also made it more difficult for the body to remove inhaled particles and therefore reduced the test subject’s natural defences and increased the chances of contracting flu.
The risk:
The tricky thing about humidity levels is that they fluctuate and vary depending on the home, daily activities, the seasons and much more. Excess humidity levels can result in mould growth on window panes and in the home whereas very low humidity levels can help the spread of the flu virus as shown in the research.
Correct humidity levels:
Healthy indoor humidity levels are between 30-50% according to Environmental Protection Agency recommendations. By keeping the home in between these recommended levels, it can reduce the risk that comes with poor indoor humidity.
How to maintain healthy humidity levels:
Humans find it hard to detect when humidity levels are changing, that is why we are so good at adapting to different environments. The problem is, we only notice when humidity levels are really bad, where we start scratching our skin or notice mould growth. The best solution is to monitor humidity, that way you can be alerted to when levels get too high or low. Airthings Wave Mini helps to monitor humidity, or by upgrading to Airthings Wave Plus, the device offers complete indoor air insights including humidity and radon gas.
In addition, Airthings have compiled their top tips to fix humidity in your home. The important thing to remember is that as long as humidity is monitored, it will show when is the right time to make these small changes to fix the issue before it becomes a bigger problem. With regards to the Coronavirus, the World Health Organisation warns that everyone can be at risk including those living in hot, humid conditions. For information and support on the Coronavirus, read what the WHO says here.
Want to find out more? Airthings take a further look into the research and the importance of healthy air when working from home, here.
Edifier International, prominent designer and award-winning manufacturer of consumer audio electronics for both the lifestyle and multimedia markets announces its latest TWS1 earbud updates.
Addressing demand for more colourful earbuds, Edifier has started manufacturing its popular TWS1 earbud in a range of colours dark blue, pale pink and mint green. The Edifier TWS1 are a pair of classic entry-level true wireless Bluetooth earbuds. They are compact and ergonomically fit into the ear cavity for a secure, comfortable user experience. With up to 8 hours of playback time on a single charge plus an additional 24 hours using the charging case there is more than enough power to run a marathon, have a day’s hike or simply just enjoy your own playlist without constantly having to plug in.
In terms of audio performance, the TWS1 has been designed with materials and advanced functions not commonly applied for an entry-level headphone. They feature 6mm bio-diaphragm units which provide rich sound details and give an exceptionally better audio experience for the listener. New and improved Qualcomm TrueWireless Stereo Plus technology allows you to pair both earbuds simultaneously, while also reducing latency and improving the stability of the wireless connection for more seamless audio and video sync. Enjoy audio in standard stereo, or switch to a mono configuration that allows you to use just one earbud without losing sound channels. Bluetooth 5.0 offers better stability and latency for video and audio sync. The embedded silicon microphone is highly sensitive, picking up the user’s voice for a clearer call quality.
The TWS1 is user friendly with multi-function tap controls and is made from LG scratch-proof material to withstand any knocks or drops!
Main Features:
TrueWireless ™ Stereo Plus for easier pairing and better connectivity
Up to 32 hours of playback with Charging Case
IPX5 splash and sweatproof
Bluetooth v5.0 aptX for a strong connection with lower latency
Up to 10m (30ft) connection distance (with walls)
Low-profile, ergonomic in-ear design with touch controls
cVc noise reduction for crystal clear calling
Price & Availability:
The TWS1 new colour range is now available at £32.99 at Amazon
Jabra today announces its Evolve2 range, the next generation of the Evolve range, its best-selling and market leading UC headset to enhance productivity in the office. The range consists of the Evolve2 85, Evolve2 65, and Evolve2 40 and is engineered to transform concentration, collaboration and flexibility in the workplace. By blocking out more noise, providing better voice clarity, bringing distributed teams together, giving people the power to work from anywhere, and monitoring data to enable intelligent decision-making, the Evolve2 is the new standard to elevate office productivity to new heights. The headsets work with all leading UC platforms as well as pending certification for Microsoft Teams.
Since Jabra’s Evolve range first hit the market in 2014, office work has changed significantly. Tasks are increasing in complexity and are creating a higher need for collaboration which makes people spend more time in collaboration mode compared to concentration mode. This causes an increase of distractions and noise in the office. As a result workplace productivity remains a constant battle for businesses globally.
But not only our office environment has changed. In today’s society where our work and private lives overlap regularly, it is important that tech solutions can support every scenario. Jabra’s no-compromise Evolve2 headset range offers features that suit every element of life – whether at work, at home or on-the-go.
Future-proofing with monitoring and analytics
Besides elevating concentration, flexibility and collaboration, the Evolve2 range tackles another key reason for the continued productivity problem: the need for monitoring and analysing the entire UC ecosystem in the company to secure stable and high UC call quality. Evolve2 will integrate with leading software/monitoring vendors to allow IT Directors and other decision-makers to analyse the performance of every Jabra headset and quickly identify the root cause of poor call quality, whether it’s due to Wi-Fi router, UC infrastructure, or the individual user’s headset settings. Moreover, the Jabra Xpress software enables easy and secure management of headsets, allowing for firmware updates and the implementation of new features whilst making life easier for the IT department.
As a result, businesses can advance their digital evolution by future-proofing their employees with the Evolve2 range, a solution built for all the challenges of modern knowledge workers: concentration in the office, remote collaboration, and the need for flexibility.
Leading sound and voice performance
Fuelled by 150 years of audio engineering excellence, Jabra has a proven track record in sound engineering. Compared to Jabra’s existing Evolve range, the new leading product Evolve2 85 is a purely digital headset that delivers 50% better noise cancellation via the Digital Hybrid ANC and noise isolating ear cushions with memory foam. The voice performance is powered by 40% better transmitted audio and double the voice distractor performance, which delivers a distinct focus on the user’s voice while cancelling distracting voices around the user. This focus is partly achieved via the 10 microphones that ensure both voice clarity and ANC – for speaking in even the nosiest environments.
The products within the range feature 360-degree visibility of the Jabra signature busy light on both ear cups to clearly signal concentration mode whilst working autonomously. Additionally, the wireless headsets in the range can be connected to all mobile devices. For these, the Jabra Sound+ App ensures a personalised and fully utilised audio experience.
The Evolve2 range includes three headsets:
The Evolve2 85 offers Digital Hybrid ANC and ten microphones in total, including two microphones in the fully integrated boom-arm and eight in the ear cups. Users can enjoy up to 37 hours wireless battery life, 40MM speakers for immersive music, and an integrated busy light with 360-degree view on both ear cups. The headset has been developed to take full advantage of the latest in audio chipset technology, enabling the Evolve2 85 to be one step ahead in battery life, solid connectivity and audio processing. Also, the sleek Evolve2 85 is designed with both the office environment and ‘on-the-go’ professional in mind, which ensures the headset can be worn regardless of where you’re working.
The Evolve2 65 has three microphones of which two are located in the boom-arm and one in the right ear cup. The headset offers up to 37 hours of battery life and three times better real wireless range than the existing Evolve 65.
The Evolve2 40 is a corded variant and offers the same comfort, durability and user experience as the Evolve2 65.
The Evolve2 85 and Evolve2 65 will include the Jabra Link 380, Jabra’s new BT adapter (dongle) that will be available in either USB-C or USB-A version.
The Microsoft Teams variants in the range have a dedicated Microsoft Teams button which allows instant connection to colleagues and meetings. For these versions the special status indicator LED on the headset can signal different issues, like missing a call or a meeting.
Holger Reisinger, SVP, Enterprise Solutions at Jabra, said: “The working world is changing. Advancements are being made across all sectors, but productivity isn’t improving at the necessary pace. Instead, distractions are growing in the workplace. Collaboration is on the up, but so is remote working. This makes the working world a fairly convoluted space, something the Evolve2 range provides an answer to. Our headsets deliver productivity, pioneer the digital experience, and enhance concentration. We are confident that with the Evolve2 range we’re offering the best headset for concentration and collaboration, whilst also creating a new standard in headsets for the modern office worker.”
Pricing and availability
The Jabra Evolve2 range will be available from April 1st, 2020 in selected retailers. The Evolve2 85 and Evolve2 65 will be available in two colours: Black and Beige. The Evolve2 40 will be available in black.
Evolve2 85 STEREO MSRP £382 MSRP (£416 MSRP with desk stand for charging)
Evolve2 65 STEREO MSRP £178 MSRP, £249 (£212 MSRP with desk stand for charging)
Evolve2 65 MONO MSRP £169 MSRP (£203 MSRP with desk stand for charging)
Plantronics, Inc. (“Poly” – formerly Plantronics and Polycom) (NYSE: PLT), a global communications company that powers meaningful human connection and collaboration, today announced Voyager 4245 Office, a new Bluetooth headset solution with a Microsoft Teams-enabled option, further adding to Poly’s broad portfolio of Teams-enabled headsets and devices.
Poly offers a breadth of solutions with 15 Microsoft Teams-certified headsets and personal speakerphone devices. Corded Teams-certified options, available and shipping now, include the Poly Blackwire 3300 Serieswhich delivers comfort on all-day calls with USB-C, USB-A and 3.5 mm connectivity options. For those who are looking for Teams-certified portable, personal speakerphones, Poly Calisto 3200 and Calisto 5300speakerphones are designed with 360-degree audio to help turn any environment into a professional sounding space, especially critical as employees increasingly work remotely or from home office environments.
Poly’s portfolio of wireless Bluetooth headsets delivering high-quality, hands-free audio that are available today, with Microsoft Teams certified versions available to order in May 2020, include:
Today, the Poly Voyager 4245 Office joins this robust lineup of Microsoft Teams certified solutions. The Voyager 4245 Office instantly invokes your Teams application to enable employees to experience high levels of wireless freedom, comfort, and audio quality. This headset offers versatility with three different wearing styles in one package: on your ear, behind the head, or over the head. Designed for intensive phone users, the headset includes a swappable battery for unlimited talk time, three-way connectivity and a version with a dedicated Teams button. By connecting to deskphones, PCs, or mobile phones, the Voyager 4245 Office headset system enables a smooth transition from on-premises equipment to the cloud.
Voyager 4245 Office Teams and standard versions will be available in EMEA in May 2020.
“Now more than ever, the role that clear, intelligible voice communication plays in our work experiences is rapidly evolving,” said Christine Roberts, senior vice president and general manager enterprise headsets, Poly. “Poly’s high-quality audio integrated with Microsoft Teams enhances our ability to effortlessly communicate with our colleagues and customers around the world. The Voyager 4245 Office joins our comprehensive Teams-certified portfolio as part of our long-lasting partnership with Microsoft to enable user productivity from anywhere.”
With more than 44 million daily active users, Teams continues to enable organisations and individuals to remain productive and stay connected – no matter where they are. And a recent survey conducted by Frost and Sullivan of global IT decision makers found that 64% of organisations are already using Teams today, and an additional 32% are planning to deploy it over the next two years.
Poly will continue to enable Microsoft Teams users with its devices certified for Teams to propel seamless collaboration and communication worldwide.
To learn more about how Poly is innovating with Teams, please visit:
DMM GAMES and legendary game producer Tak Fujii (Ninety-Nine Nights II, Gal Metal), announced today the launch date for its latest project, STATIONflow. Currently in Early Access on Steam, STATIONflow will launch worldwide on Steam on 15 April 2020 – and challenges players to manage the continuous non-stop flow of passengers by designing and building the ultimate and most efficient metro station.
Build complex 3D layouts, guide passengers to their destinations with signage, keep customers happy by meeting their needs, and don’t forget to stay within budget! With a free-form building system, the only limits to your ideal station is your imagination. Drag and adjust size and shapes of corridors and platforms with no limits from a grid structure and build your ultimate dream subway station!
“I am excited to share our latest project today,” said STATIONflow producer Tak Fujii. “This is a game created by a small team with big ideas and a big heart – and wouldn’t be possible without the dedication and hard work from game director Szabó Marcell. I hope players enjoy it, and I challenge everyone to make over one million passengers happy!”
I have several desk lamps in the house and two have been used for tech and often seen in the background in some of my reviews and they would be on my review table for several reasons. Light being one and other functions too be it wireless charging or bluetooth speaker and of course the light factor as to what it can offer..
The said lights above have been more or less a fixed affair with not much movement but had dimming or brightness controls but the actual lights did have some ability to move around offering a wider use case range and for me that is important.
This light has a touch panel on the base which is solid supported by four rubber stoppers underneath which keep it fixed in place. You have a timer,power switch a mode switch and then a night switch which allows you to see in the dark to turn on the light by emitting an orange dot on the panel.
The lamp can twist,turn from the base and also extends at an angle then the main LED section can rotate either way which is the additional bonus here for me to give you better control for lighting which for me is important and will also be of benefit to those who would use one to give them better light set ups for their personal use case. Also this lamp has a USB port on the rear which allows you to attach another item to it which saves on plugs and I have done that with mine by attaching my RGB desklamp to it as it sits with it in my set up at home. This lamp again is clean and effective with a simple to use control panel and ideal for any office or home and cheap.
Dimmable Eye-friendly Lighting: offers 5 different lighting modes and 7 levels of brightness, all on the seamlessly integrated touch panel. Generates a soft, evenly diffused flicker-free LED light for work, reading, relaxation
Multi-Angle Adjustments: Adjustable arm, rotating base, and swiveling lamp head for perfect positioning and lighting angle
USB Charging: Conveniently charge your devices with the built-in 5V/1A USB output; keep your smartphone or tablet within reach while charging
Auto-Off Timer & Memory Function: Turn the light off automatically with 1 hour auto-off timer to save on your electricity bill before you are going to sleep. Also, the lamp always remembers the last brightness and color setting used
Package Contents: AUKEY LT-T10 LED Desk Lamp, AC Adapter, User Manual, 24-Month Warranty Card
