Tag: Wireless

SoundMAGIC is back! Introducing the P60BT Wireless Hybrid ANC Headphones

Today, SoundMAGIC is pleased to announce global availability of the P60BT wireless ANC full-size portable headphones – SoundMAGIC’s first over-ear wireless headphone model. The P60BT carries on the tradition of high value and high quality, with 40mm drivers, the latest technology including aptX HD, Hybrid ANC, and an impressive 50 hours of playback time.
The SoundMAGIC P60BT is available now from Amazon and selected retailers worldwide for £99.99/$189.96/€149.

Award-Winning History

For over a decade, SoundMAGIC has redefined the budget audio category for headphones and earphones. With early releases such as the multi award-winning E10 and E11 wired earphones, SoundMAGIC quickly became synonymous with value. Later, with award-winning Bluetooth models including the E11BT earphones, TWS50 true wireless earbuds and P23BT portable wireless headphones – SoundMAGIC’s reputation for affordable, high-quality gear was fully cemented.
The P60BT has been developed to deliver premium audio and features in an affordable package. 40mm custom made drivers deliver a dynamic sound, tuned for maximum engagement and clarity in a way that SoundMAGIC is best known for. The design of the headphones ensures a comfortable and fatigue-free fit, with soft memory foam earpads, and the headband covered with a soft silicone coating chosen by SoundMAGIC for its durability – especially when compared to the more typical PU leather material used on most headphone models.

Premium Features. Affordable Price.

As for features, the P60BT can be used in one of three modes: Normal, ANC and Ambient. The Hybrid ANC technology uses internal and external microphones to reduce a wider range of frequencies when compared to standard ANC. With Ambient mode selected, ambient awareness is increased and users are able to hear their surroundings without having to remove the headphones. aptX HD compatibility as well as AAC and SBC means that users will get the best audio quality delivered from their device. And aptX Low Latency provides gamers with lightning speed wireless audio so they won’t miss a thing.
Get the most out of the P60BT for longer with up to 50 hours of playback from a fully charged battery, and up to 45 hours with ANC activated. Users can also make the most of the quick-charge feature when needed, and get an additional 5 hours of playtime from just 10 minutes of charging. A USB-C cable is supplied in the box.
Using intuitive touch controls, the P60BT is very easy to use. Play and pause tracks, or take phone calls with a double tap, swipe right or left to skip audio, and swipe up or down for volume control. Users can also activate voice assistant with three taps. SoundMAGIC has intentionally disabled 1-touch controls in order to avoid accidental control activation.
The P60BT can also be used as a wired headphone, and a 3.5mm audio cable is provided for those wishing to do so. The cable has a built-in high-quality boom microphone making the P60BT suitable for gaming and conference calls. Also supplied is a tough carry case, and the P60BT can fold up for easy and safe storage when not in use.

Available Now

Supplied with a 3.5mm audio cable with attached boom-microphone, USB-C charging cable and protective carry case, the SoundMAGIC P60BT is available now from Amazon and selected retailers worldwide for £99.99/$189.96/€149.

Specifications

Bluetooth Technology: Bluetooth 5.2
Driver: 40mm Dynamic, Neodymium
Codec Support: aptX, aptX HD, AAC, SBC
Transmission Range: Up to 15m
Playtime: Up to 50h
Playtime with ANC: Up to 45h
Battery: 800mAh Li-ion Polymer

About SoundMAGIC

Founded in 2005 by acoustic design engineer Tony Xu, SoundMAGIC design and manufacture award-winning headphones and earphones. By utilising the latest technology and best materials, SoundMAGIC is continuously improving and updating these products based on customer feedback. With awards and recommendations from What Hi-Fi?, Stuff magazine, T3, Trusted Review and AV Forums, SoundMAGIC headphones deliver immersive sound quality, outstanding durability and stylish aesthetics, consistently outperforming similar products from established competitors.
SoundMAGIC’s range of headphones is extensive and growing all the time! Their flagship earphones, the E Series, are fun and exciting, while producing clarity and definition rivalling earphones twice the price. The P Series comprises of on-ear and over-ear headphones that are perfect for the daily commute or a session in the gym. For serious at-home listening, the HP series deliver high fidelity sound that will satisfy any audiophile.

Tech Review – BIGGERFIVE BH-100 Wireless Kids Headphones

The BIGGERFIVE BH-100 Wireless Kids Headphones are a nice new product for kids who like to tune out and lets be honest most do and listen to music or play games on their phones or tablets which gives the parents some time out too, these are super light and very comfortable to wear with nice padding on the cups and a nice padded headband too, they have a ratchet adjustment each side to get the right fit and are very robust which for kids is important.

The controls are all one one side which makes life nice and simple for your child too and you have got a switch to power on and off you have a light switch to change the colour setting which is on the cups and you also have controls to play /pause skip and reverse tracks which again is laid out nice and simple.

The sound quality is great but the important feature here is the sound levels which has two settings and you can override the first one if you will you can limit audio volume between 85 and 94dB which will not change even if accidently touched. The sound is crisp and clear and decent for a kids pair of headphones and I have to consider this as they are aimed at kids and not older teens etc, so on my assessment they sound decent here and your child will be fine as they will not be looking for the highs lows and mids and bass drops etc but they are well balanced overall.

Battery live overall is decent and if you you run out of juice as kids normally do with such products you have a wired option to avail of which is handy but overall you can expect around 48- 50 hours with the lights turned off and significantly less if they are on but still overall good.

For the money you will pay for these you cant go wrong for your child and these will keep them entertained for many hours even with or without the lights on the cups which does make for nice aesthetics in a darker room and again these can be controlled too on the headphones.

 

  • 【WIRELESS KIDS HEADPHONES】 BIGGERFIVE 2-in-1 wireless and wired on ear kids headphones bring kids premium stereo audio quality, clear mic talk, vivid 7 colorful led lights and long battery life. Make kids’ long trip, flight, online class, homework, watching cartoon or movies and listening to, music more colorful and interesting. Let kids loves what they listen to.
  • 【SOFTER & MORE COMFORTABLE& PORTABLE】Unique soft silicone outer-layer, light and cozy foam ear cushions, soft PU earpads cover and foam cushioned on headband ensure direct touch between kids and headphones soft and safe. Adjustable headband fits for growing kids to ensure maximum comfort. Foldable design with ergonomic headband is portable for travel, flight, and train.
  • 【KIDS SAFE VOLUME LIMITING & BUILT-IN MICROPHONE】Limit audio volume between 85 and 94dB using combination key so the volume switch will not be accidentally touched. There is no need of worry about children’s hearing damage, even if without parental accompanying and surveillance. Let your kids love what they’re listening to, at a safe volume for different environments or tasks. Plus, use the built-in microphone to talk hands-free to friends and family!
Controls on the headphones
  • 【50 HRS PLAYTIME & USB-C CHARGING】21 hours playtime of non-stop playtime in wireless led flashing mode is extended to 50 hours playtime of non-stop playtime in wireless non-led mode. One time charging gives 100 hours standby time. Using a USB-C cord for incredibly fast charging. You kids can play, pause, answer and end calls with the touch of a button.
  • 【STABLE WIRELESS CONNECTION & WIDE COMPATIBILITY】BIGGERFIVE Wireless kids headset adapts BT 5.0 connection to ensure stable connection with long working range of up to 33 feet (10m). Use with all your favorite devices like cellphones(compatible with iPhone’s siri), tablets, laptop, computer, Chromebook, MP3, MP4 and other Audio devices.

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Video Review

Tech Review – House of Marley One Drop wireless charger

Wireless charging still has not caught on that much here in Ireland but me being into this kind of tech has adopted it some years now and I have wireless charging pads all over the house so I can just drop my phone on the fly, most important place are my bedside locker and review table and this little guy from the house of marley dropped in and aptly name One Drop.

The charger has an aesthetically pleasing look and will look well no matter where it is placed in the home and if you have the matching earbuds like the redemption ANC 2 to go with it even better but fear not this will charge almost any other Qi-enabled device and for me that is lots,

This will provide up to 10 watts of power which is not massive by any stretch but it is how many wireless chargers are these days and the product itself looks really neat with the speckled REGRIND underside and bamboo finish that looks really nice and premium, the company is also well known for being sustainable and it also comes with a really nice quality braided cable to top it off.

Features

  • Compatible with iPhone 8, iPhone X/Xs/Xs Max/XR, iPhone 11/11 Pro/11 Pro Max/SE, iPhone 12/12 Pro/12 Mini/12 Pro Max, iPhone 13/13 Pro, and other wireless-enabled Android smartphones and Qi-enabled devices
  • 3-foot USB-C to USB-A braided charge cable to charge via USB-powered source. *AC adapter not included
  • Bamboo, REGRIND® silicon, 100% plastic-free recyclable packaging

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Video Review

Tech Review – NOMAD sports case for the iPhone 14 Pro

Cases for your mobile phones are a plenty these days with new brands popping up all the time, however nomad is a brand we have had our eye on for some time and is one of the better known brands out there and there is some copycats too but nomadgoods is the real deal and have some really excellent products available and you should check them out as they have a wide range and the color palates are really nice.

OK so a phone case is a phone case to most people and you slap it on your phone and that is it, we also have a matching strap for the Apple Watch Ultra and this is the thing, matching products which is not something you see all the time and not only that they stand out and I have found this out first hand after testing both the case for my iPhone 14 pro and the strap for the Apple Watch Ultra the last while.

The case itself is clean and looks the part and covers your phone on all angles and of course is MagSafe compatible, it may be a bit on the slippy side on the rear however the sides offers extra gripping power and the lens on the rear is also protected to give some additional protection on the rear be it on a flat or mixed surface. When i say the case is on the slippy side I mean on a surface not when you hold it in your hand it actually is grippy given it has a glossy finish which is what makes it stand out.

The case will get attention and if you have an Apple watch having both will get even more and overall it is a great looking case with 6ft drop protection and gives you an overall premium look over competitors on the market yet keeping it clean.

The Everyday Case

With a high-gloss backplate and grippy TPE bumper, Sport Case is as stylish as it is protective. MagSafe compatibility and highly-responsive metal buttons further boost Sport Case’s functionality, making it the perfect everyday case.

Slim Protection

Stay protected from all angles. With a shock-absorbing TPE bumper and a raised camera ring, Sport Case keeps your iPhone safe from drops up to 6 feet high.

High-Gloss Grip

A striking high-gloss backing allows Sport Case to slip into your pocket, but grips surprisingly well to your fingers, giving you the best of both worlds.

California Colorways

Taking inspiration from California’s coastline, we carefully chose subtle hues that complement any outfit and will stand the test of time.

Features 

 

  • High-gloss, grippy backplate
  • Grippy TPE protective bumper
  • 6ft drop protection
  • MagSafe & wireless charging compatible

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Video Review

ESB Networks and Sigma Wireless deploy national 4G/LTE private mobile network with Nokia in Ireland

Nokia and Sigma Wireless Communications today announced that ESB Networks, Ireland’s foremost energy company, has awarded a contract to Sigma Wireless and its partner Nokia for the development of a leading-edge, mission-critical private mobile network. Nokia will work with Sigma Wireless Communications and ESB to supply and install the new LTE-based private wireless system over a three-year period

This purpose-built, mission-critical telecommunications network is a key enabler for ESB Networks in delivering integration of renewable energy to the grid, decarbonization of the electrical network and electrification of heat and transport amongst other benefits. A dedicated Smart Grid telecoms network forms part of ESB Networks’ Innovation Strategy that aims to bring many benefits to Ireland from an environmental, economic and customer perspective.

Nicholas Tarrant, ESB Networks Managing Director, welcomed the development: “An ever smarter and agile electricity network is key to the delivery of a more sustainable future, with the customer at its core. The purpose-built private telecommunications network now being developed will be a key enabler in delivering integration of renewable energy to the grid, decarbonization of the electricity network and the electrification of heat and transport amongst other benefits. As such, this private, reliable, and secure mobile network will be an indispensable precursor to delivering a Net Zero-ready electricity network.”

Tony Boyle Chairman Sigma Wireless said “Sigma Wireless has a long history spanning back over 30 years working with ESB. We are delighted to be awarded this contract, partnering with NOKIA, to be trusted to provide this state-of-the-art network which is a key enabler to help ESB to achieve its key strategic goals of decarbonization and renewable energy. “

Phil Siveter, UK & Ireland CEO at Nokia said, “Enabling the decarbonizing of energy grids while ensuring resilient critical infrastructure is an opportunity that we are helping customers address across the world.  We are delighted that ESB Networks and Sigma Wireless entrust Nokia to deploy private LTE infrastructure running over their converged IP/MPLS backhaul network for critical grid communications to support the modernization and digitization of the energy grid throughout the Republic of Ireland.”

ZEUS Pioneers Solar-Powered Wireless E-scooter Charging

ZEUS, the leading Irish micromobility provider, is launching a new pilot project: solar powered wireless e-scooter charging. This project aims to showcase the immense potential of sustainable micromobility and drive the adoption of eco-friendly transportation solutions. 

As part of this pioneering initiative, ZEUS scooters will be able to charge automatically at three Zolar solar charging stations. Strategically located at transfer points for multimodal travel. The selection process was guided by a comprehensive study conducted by the city in 2021, which revealed that individuals are more inclined to utilize e-scooters frequently if they are sustainable and readily available. 

With almost three years of active presence in Regensburg, ZEUS has seamlessly integrated into the city’s transport ecosystem, becoming a highly valued provider of micromobility solutions. This partnership further solidifies ZEUS’ commitment to enhancing sustainable transportation options and contributing to the overall well-being of the community. 

Damian Young, ZEUS CEO, said “The Zolar stations are a game-changer for the way e-scooters are charged. At ZEUS, we are committed to revolutionizing urban transportation and promoting sustainable micromobility solutions. 

“This project not only showcases the potential of clean energy”, he continued, “but also demonstrates our dedication to providing innovative, eco-friendly options for urban commuters. We are paving the way towards a greener and more sustainable future.” 

In addition to the solar charging infrastructure, ZEUS will introduce its latest generation of e-scooters, the Z2, to the streets of Regensburg. Packed with innovative features, the Z2 offers a superior riding experience, including pneumatic tires for smooth navigation on cobblestones, indicating turn signals for enhanced safety, a larger battery for extended range and a convenient smartphone holder. These advancements exemplify ZEUS’ dedication to continuously improving the quality and functionality of their micromobility offerings. 

Boom Gemini – Expandable Wireless Audio Is A Sound Idea From Boom Collaboration

Fast-growing video conferencing manufacturer, Boom Collaboration, has developed a wireless and expandable audio solution for smarter and more flexible meeting experiences.

The portable Boom GEMINI is a dual unit system, where each device features four omnidirectional microphones each with an impressive reach of up to eight metres.

Dynamic noise reduction and automatic echo cancellation are combined with wideband audio for supreme plug-and-play performance. It provides the ability to double the audio and microphone capacity for medium to large meeting rooms, as well as more adaptable spaces.

Boom Collaboration was created in 2020 by founders Fredrik Hörnkvist and Holli Hulett, in a bid to disrupt the sector and stand out from the crowd – creating high performance, high value advanced products.

The ambitious Texas-based business has quickly developed an extensive conferencing portfolio and operates in 20 countries, with plans for major expansion to 30 more this year including the UK and central Europe.

Flexible spaces

Hulett explained: “Our latest innovation signals the end of messy wires ruining office aesthetics. The Boom GEMINI is a perfect solution and represents the future of audio devices for virtual meetings.

“The main stylish unit benefits from five easy control buttons and can be discreetly connected via daisy chain to its’ twin’ for expandable audio which effectively doubles the range. It’s designed for medium to large rooms, flexible spaces or even meetings on the go.”

The Boom GEMINI boasts 10 hours talk time plus 90 days in standby. It charges over USB and can also connect and call over USB as an alternative to the battery. Bluetooth 5.0 comes with a BT dongle for easy pairing.

She concluded: “Enjoy professional, wireless audio in conference rooms and meeting spaces on any meeting platform. The Boom GEMINI twin speakerphones make meetings better, simply. Wireless connectivity with Bluetooth ensures attractive cable-free audio in an ideal centralised location without the expense of running cables under flooring.

“When paired with our MAGNA or MIDI PTZ cameras it creates a very powerful complete conferencing system which is both flexible and high performance.”

SHURE Announces New GLX-D+ DUAL BAND Wireless System

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

Introducing GLX-D+ Dual Band Wireless Technology

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

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

Always Charged When You Need It

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

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

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

– Mike Nagel, Associate Director of Product Management, Shure

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

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

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

Rock-Solid RF Performance for Multiple System Installations

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

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

Endlessly Customisable Wireless With Legendary Microphones

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

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

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

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

Wireless Charging Electric Vehicles Is Safer Than Plugging In, Reports IDTechEx

The most common method of Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) used today is accomplished via low to high-frequency (30 kHz to 30 MHz) time-varying magnetic fields. This may also be referred to as ‘inductive WPT’ or ‘magnetic field WPT’. Wireless chargers operate far below the radio frequencies which are present all around us. Unlike high-energy (ionizing) radiation, electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) in the non-ionizing part of the electromagnetic spectrum cannot damage DNA or cells directly.

At the frequencies used for wireless EV charging, magnetic fields are impervious to air, water, ice, concrete, wood, plastics, and other common non-metallic materials. They pass through these objects and the human body without any interaction or causing any harm whatsoever. This also allows for hermetically sealed designs that are safer and more robust than are possible with contact-based or wired charging. A wireless system also minimizes the risk of electrocution and trip hazard. The latest report from IDTechEx includes detailed coverage of the standards and safety features around wireless EV charging systems.

Author – Shazan Siddiqi – Technology Analyst IDTechEx

 

Active Shielding Methodologies

Shielding is important for the safe operation of wireless EV chargers. The following problems may occur without shielding: the magnetic field may interfere with the EV or other objects, cause battery heating, and circulate current in metallic parts. There are two basic methods for shielding against low to medium-frequency magnetic sources, which includes the use of ferrites to provide magnetic flux directionality and aluminum plates to minimize field leakage. IDTechEx research interviewed various players in the industry and found that shielding is mainly added under the transmitter pad and above the receiver pad. The report finds that instead of radiating EMF, players are recycling the magnetic field and containing it within the pads because it is resonant, highly coupled, and shaped.

Foreign Object Detection (FOD)

The safety of wireless EV chargers is further enhanced by using foreign object detection (FOD) and living object protection (LOP) systems. These systems identify any metallic objects between the transmitting and receiving pad and can suspend power transfer. This is important as metal items, even small objects such as paper clips or coins may heat up and pose a burn risk. FOD can be achieved in a number of ways. For example, capacitive sensors in the pad can be used to monitor the performance of the coils. A metal object on the pad changes the capacitance, allowing its presence to be detected. That does not necessarily detect organic objects, such as an animal on the pad in a garage, though. Optical sensors around the edge of the plate using infrared LEDs and photodiode detectors or even Lidar can be used to detect both metal and organic objects on the pad and switch off the charging process if an obstruction is detected.

Categories of FOD methods used in wireless EV charging systems. Source: IDTechEx

IDTechEx research finds that it is important for players to be mindful of interoperability, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and safety from the early stages of the development process. Knowing the requirements and standards in place is essential to ensuring that products are compliant and that product redesign and testing time and the cost is minimized. The report “Wireless Charging Market for Electric Vehicles 2023-2033: Technology, Players and Forecasts” provides insights on the industry R&D status along with the outlook for future developments.