Tag: Wireless

Remora Unveil Groundbreaking Wireless Audio Solution, Remora PRO

Remora, a leading audio startup at the forefront of eliminating cables from professional and high-end consumer audio applications, is proud to announce the launch of their inaugural product: Remora PRO. This cutting-edge innovation, based on the acclaimed Headphone 3.0 platform from Sonical Inc, introduces a game-changing Ultra-Wideband (UWB) wireless connection, delivering an unparalleled loss-less audio experience with imperceptible latency.


Designed to cater to the millions of professional users and premium audio listeners who refuse to compromise on quality or latency, Remora PRO is set to empower audiophiles, music producers, live performers and DJs with a cable-free audio experience. The product’s groundbreaking design connects seamlessly with all existing audio sources via analogue and USB interfaces, and is adaptable to all headphone models. Moreover, the Remora PRO offers full Bluetooth support, ensuring backward compatibility with billions of existing wireless audio devices.

The Remora PRO fulfills the unmet performance needs of audio professionals and music enthusiasts that Bluetooth has been unable to support.  Mark Wade, Head of Products at Remora explains “By using CosmOS, the operating system for the ear from Sonical, running on their high performance ear computer platform, Remora PRO provides a complete solution for a personalized experience through downloadable plugins.”

Grammy award-winning mix engineer Wez Clarke expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I love the fact that I can use the professional headphones I already own, which I’ve had for years and understand the sound profile of.” Clarke further emphasized, “This level of audio performance goes beyond regular Bluetooth wireless headphones and is truly a cable replacement.  More than that, it means I don’t have to throw away my headphones just to get access to the latest technology”

The Remora will include THX AAA, the patented THX linear amplifier technology for headphones. THX AAA on the Remora will ensure the ultimate no-compromise headphone audio experience by delivering the world’s highest fidelity audio with infinitesimally low levels of noise, distortion, and power consumption for a quality and fatigue-free listening experience.
Anticipating a high demand for this revolutionary product, Remora PRO are scheduled for shipping by the end of September with a suggested retail pricing of GBP £759 USD $949 EUR €890. Pre-orders are now open on the company’s website: www.remora.pro

Key Features of Remora PRO:

  • Ultra Wide Band (UWB) wireless connection for an uncompressed lossless audio experience with imperceptible latency at 24bit / 96kHz
  • End to End latency of sub 5ms in UWB mode
  • Compatibility with all existing audio sources via analogue and USB interfaces.
  • User configurable through Sonical’s CosmOS with downloadable plugins for a personalised audio experience
  • Full Bluetooth support for backward compatibility with existing wireless audio devices
  • XMOS USB input and an ESS Powered DAC output
  • THX AAA certified headphone amplifier for an unparalleled headphone audio experience

Remora will be at the Sonical booth in Hall 1, C12 at HIGH END Munich 2024.

 

 

Tech Review – Shure AONIC 50 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones Gen 2

The Shure AONIC 50 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones Gen 2 have been on my bonce the last few weeks and is their latest cans on offer and as promised we will doing more headphone reviews over earbuds but keeping the pace going on both.

Presentation to begin with is excellent here as seen below in the unboxing a review and you get nicely laid out instructions in the box and lots of detail on the box which is not cheaply made, you also get a hard case for travelling and storing away when not in use and you should use this by the way to get more longevity out of them

The build quality is top notch here with plus ear cups and headband which makes for comfortable listening for hours which is nice, the top of the headband has a leather finish giving them a premium look.

The controls are all on one side and you have all the requirements needed here by the usual combination of taps which are as follows.

Check battery level – Double Press power button

Play and Pause – Press center button

Skip track – Double press centre

Reverse Track –  Triple press center ( I feel these would have been better placed on the volume keys with a long press)

Volume – Volume up/down key press once.

Voice Assistant – Again sees you pressing the center button.  So effectively the center button is an MFB ( Multifunctional Button)

The sound

There is three modes to start with and you should check these out.

  • Music Mode: enables users to experience listening through high-end speakers and is the most subtle, maintaining the original source material.

  • Cinema Mode: emulates the low frequency excitement that users experience in a theatre that employs subwoofers for an immersive, larger-than-life sound through clarity, presence, and natural sounding dialogue.

  • Podcast Mode: brings the voice of a user’s favourite podcast host closer to their ears.

Unlike some earbuds or headphones there is a notable difference here between these and this again is subjective to one’s audio taste but for me these work well and are excellent and give you all angles to get a feel for how audio works if you have not tried such before. Also in the app as you can see in the screenshots you can pick between the EQ settings, again a must have and you must try this it is again yes you guessed, excellent.

 

ShurePlus PLAY App 

 

Additional Features and Benefits:

  • Enhanced Environment Mode: Immerse yourself in the outside world with a simple switch. The adjustable slider on the ShurePlus™ PLAY app lets you refine the ambience settings to your liking.

  • Extended Battery Life: Holds up to 45 hours of battery life with quick charging capabilities, more than doubling runtime from the earlier generation. The quick charge feature provides up to five hours of use with only 15 minutes of charge.

  • Customizable EQ: Choose from a variety of presets or create your own personalized sound profile using the ShurePlus™ PLAY app. Save your settings directly to the headphones for a seamless and personalized audio experience across different apps and devices.

  • Crystal Clear Communication: Experience superior call quality with beamforming microphone technology and proprietary automatic gain control (AGC) settings. Leveraging six microphones, the precision-engineered system adjusts automatically to minimize surrounding noises, providing unmatched clarity for video calls and phone conversations.

  • Cutting-Edge Bluetooth® 5 Wireless Technology: Seamlessly connect to your phone, tablet, or laptop with the class one transmitter, offering enhanced stability and a remarkable range of up to 100 meters.

  • Premium Headphone Amplifier: Enjoy support for Snapdragon Sound™ with Qualcomm® aptX™ Adaptive technology for high-res music streaming, and AAC, SBC, and LDAC codecs.

Overall these are the best yet I have tried from Shure when it comes to headphones and their app is also excellent giving them more justification for their high price they are comfortable to wear for long periods of time and when it comes to the audio experience you have more than enough at your fingertips to get the desired audio experience you need and it is a joy to wear them and block out the outside world.

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Video review

Zeera Wireless – iPhone 15 Pro Magsafe cases review

Zeera Wireless is a company that has plenty of accessories for your mobile phone, today we check out some cases for the iPhone 15 Pro and let you see what is on offer, there is several more cases available for the latest iPhones on the market and all offer good protection for your devices.

ZEERA MagSafe Cases are stylish and functional accessory designed for the latest iPhone models. They feature a robust design with a built-in kickstand and ring holder, enhancing both protection and usability. The cases seamlessly integrates with MagSafe technology, ensuring strong and convenient magnetic attachment for wireless charging. Crafted for durability, it offers reliable protection against daily wear and tear while maintaining the sleek aesthetic of your device. Ideal for those seeking a combination of style, convenience, and protection for their iPhone.

Your phone can be placed either face or rear down and with the kickstand version gives you extra useability by being able to use your device in portrait or landscape mode, the buttons are tactile and work well and you get additional grip.

After testing both cases out they are a worthy investment for anyone looking for a new case for their iPhone, these are 15 Pro cases but a wider range is available, check the video below for a detailed look.

Buy at the links below

Video Review

ZEERA MagSafe Kickstand Case with Ring holder for iPhone 15 Pro

ZEERA Clear MagSafe Case for iPhone 15 Pro

MIXX launches its new StreamBuds Ultra Mini true wireless earbuds offering true customisation of sound and touch control at an affordable price

Mixx, known for its premium yet affordable audio solutions, is pleased to introduce the Mixx StreamBuds Ultra Mini True Wireless Earbuds range. They provide the ultimate audio immersion with a beautifully designed, robust zinc alloy charge case and sound settings that are fully customisable via the Mixx Control App. With hands free calling, personalised touch sensor control and quick charge, they are ideal for use when exercising, on a daily commute or on a holiday break. The earbuds are made from a silicon stem design, perfect for those that prefer the more traditional stem design. They come with three sizes of silicon cushions for the perfect fit to make them comfortable enough for all day use. The MIXX StreamBuds Ultra Mini true wireless earbuds are available from MIXX in a choice of black gun metal, silver white or champagne for a very affordable RRP of £69.
Personalise EQ sounds and customise controls:
The Ultra Mini earbuds bring customisation to a whole new level and users can now completely change the sound to suit individual personal preference. With the Mixx Control APP, the earphones can be tuned with a simple 10 band graphic equaliser and once the sound is as desired, the earbuds will be programmed instantly with the wearers’ personal sound signature. Offering a truly hassle free experience, this only needs to be done once so, afterwards, the App is not needed, and the sound does not need to be configured again unless any changes are required. It is not only possible to customise the sound but the touch controls too. The fully configurable touch controls allow for complete personalisation of the way the earbuds operate so a user can programme the touch buttons. The touch buttons on the earbuds make controlling music an absolute breeze and users can play and pause, answer or decline calls on the go and activate Google Assistant or Siri with a single touch.
Find it:
The App has another useful function which may prove invaluable to many who are constantly misplacing earbuds. Just use ‘find it’ and it will show the last location the Ultra Mini earbuds picked up signal and by pressing the ‘click to play’ button it will produce a noise to help find them.
Clear Voice:
‘Beam-forming’ technology is used to focus the four 4 built-in microphones which pick up more of the voice and less of the surrounding noise, making phone calls sound much clearer. Ideal in a noisy environment, a busy office or for a conference call from home. 
 
 
Quick charging:
The Ultra Mini earbuds offer 6 hours of playtime on a single charge with the magnetic flip top case adding another 18 hours of charge totaling an impressive 24 hours. In the unlikely event, a wearer runs out of juice, the quick charge feature gives 2 hours of additional playtime in only 15 minutes, so the music never needs to stop. The digital display on the charging case shows the battery status so users know when a recharge is needed. Ideal for long commutes, for holiday travel or to keep the tunes coming all day long.
The MIXX Ultra Mini true wireless earbuds are the ultimate partner for a premium, customisable audio journey and at only £69 offer true value for money too.

Tech Review – Edifier Hecate GX05 Ultra-Low Latency TWS gaming earbuds

The Edifier Hecate GX05 Ultra-Low Latency TWS gaming earbuds are a product that looks like you would find in a sci-fri film and that is not a bad thing either so for the looks alone they get a ten out of ten there in my book but what else do these have and who are they for exactly.

Ok so out of the box these look great in every respect, the look and feel is screaming premium here and that includes the package in a nice solid hard case with a nice lock thrown in, inside you get your cables tips dust caps and a nice carry pouch to store it all in so another win here.

As described up top the case is one to behold with a weighty feel and a nice solid click everytime you turn it this is a piece of art and one of if not the best cases I have seen to date. Also on the underside of the case is a MFB to control the RGB lights which gives a nice effect, these is also lights on the earbuds which can be turned on/off.

The earbuds themselves are also slightly different with their shape but fit well in the ears and look good there is a decent seal and there extra tips provided in the box there is no ANC here or access to the connect app which is disappointing however these are not aimed at music and I get it but still would of been nice so I will let them away with it this time.

The earbuds as mentioned are for gamers with dual connectivity via BT or the dongle provided in the box went with the dongle route and tested on Xbox PS5 and of course my phone, I am not one to spend hours gaming but when I do I like to have good quality tech to do so and these do well in that respect but also in fairness not so bad on listening to music in general.

You have some controls of course but missing some features again these are features more so related to music you can manage call on them you can also manage the lights the modes, play and pause and skip and reverse tracks which is fine. There is no voice assistant or volume control on them.

On the gaming from they set out what they aim to do putting you right in the game you are playing not missing a beat, you will find it hard to get zero latency on earbuds but we are getting there and these are a step in the right direction.

Sound is great powered by Hi-Res Audio with 10mm drivers on board under the Hecate name which is Edifiers professional audio brand for gamers and a new one to me too, on the music from highs lows and mids all came across fine and some bass in there there was no latency on audio on listening to my usual test tracks the audio was crisp and clear and you do have modes to change the audio like gaming and music mode, On a gaming front as mentioned it is excellent putting you in the centre not missing footsteps directional sound and so on making it an enjoyable experience overall.

Features 

·         Dual Wireless Convenience. Simultaneously connect via Bluetooth 5.3 and 2.4GHz wireless dual-mode for gaming and calls, enhancing multitasking comfort.

·         15ms Ultra-Low Latency. 2.4GHz technology offers 15ms ultra-low latency for wireless and seamless gaming immersion.

·         Hi-Res Audio Excellency. 10mm dynamic driver with LHDC 5.0 HD decoding delivers detailed Hi-Res audio for competitive gaming.

·         Universal Compatibility, Plug-N-Play The GX05 comes with a USB-C adapter and USB converter and works with Mobile Phones, PCs, Switch, iPad, PS5, and VR, starting instantly upon plug-in.

·         Full-Soundstage Position Identification Mode. Under the game mode, players may accurately grasp sound details such as footsteps and gunfire in the game to identify the enemy position easily keeping you ultra-focused on the game.

·         Crystal-Clear Communication. The built-in dual MIC noise cancellation ensures clear calls and in-game communication.

·         Fast Charging for Extended Play. 16-hour battery life to last you throughout most of the day. Rapid QC2.0 and USB-C charging ensure uninterrupted gaming sessions.

·         Dynamic RGB Lighting Effect. 11 unique RGB effects illuminate the GX05 and take you into a fantasy in light and shadow, adding vibrancy and enhancing the gaming experience.

 

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Video review

Tech Review – Skullcandy GROM Wireless headphones for kids

The Skullcandy GROM Wireless headphones for kids are a new range of headphones that also come in a wired version for kids that want the best in audio and simplicity to use with no fuss and these super lightweight headphones do all this and keep it simple. They are very comfortable to wear too by the way and no clamping effect like some headphones suffer with.

The presentation is as we expect from Skullcandy and that is one that will stand out and kept simple too and the same for inside the box with some leaflets cables and we also get some stickers now which is nice and destined for my new laptop.

The headphones could not be easier to use with all the controls on one side and you can tap the cup to make some commands which is super simple and means no buttons for kids to be fooling around with, I like this idea and we have seen gesture controlled headphones before but this idea work just as well. You also have a port to share your audio with someone else too which is neat.

All the controls are on one side of which allows you to pair up, use your voice assistant skip and reverse tracks and volume control you can also control your calls here too. With the volume wheel you can override the volume and you need to give a slightly more hard push to move it along and get to the max volume which is decent and of course safe protecting kids ears.

There is no app here again kept simple and they just connect via Bluetooth and job done if you run out of juice you can still use the traditional route of the 3.5mm cable provided in the box.

When it comes to sound well they are for kids and I have to take into consideration my thoughts and the thoughts of others and being honest it is perfectly fine and with the Skullcandy signature sound kids will not be disappointed and the music is crisp and clear with no distortion or lag latency noted during my testing, highs lows and mids all fine too and any genre of music will sound great and for all the family and relations kids that tested them where happy.

Check the video below for all the details and how to use the latest kids headphones from Skullcandy.

 

GROM WIRELESS KEY FEATURES

SUPREME SOUND TM:

  • Premium sound quality for music, movies, and podcasts
  • Comfortable over-ear kid-sized fit
  • Share Audio Port for shared experiences
  • Removable aux cable included

 

FEARLESS USE TM:

  • Up to 40 hours of battery life
  • Designed for kids age 6+
  • Volume limited to 85dB for safety
  • Adjustable fit headband strap
  • Collapsible design with kid-safe hinges

 

SIMPLIFY YOUR LISTENING TM:

  • Easy-to-use button on the earcup for calls and media control
  • Power button for entering Pairing Mode
  • Volume Limit Override on the Volume Wheel for clear audio in louder environments

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Video review

Tech Review – Skullcandy KILO Wireless Bluetooth Speaker

The Skullcandy KILO Wireless Bluetooth Speaker is one of their latest additions to their portfolio of tech which comes in several flavours being Black, Astro Dust Blue blaze and Light Grey and we have been testing the Black version which by all means is easy to maintain coming with an IPX7 rating which means it can be brought anywhere.

The presentation is as normal from Skullcandy coming in their standout packaging and giving details on the box before you delve in which you can see below in the unboxing and video review.

This speaker is durable and rugged and as mentioned can be used anywhere so it can be taken to the beach picnic  and even for a shower if you fancy doing so and it comes with a carabiner clip to make it even easier to hang somewhere.

You can connect two of these guys together if you want to make a statement but we have just the one but on its own it still makes a statement and plenty loud, there is no app to go along with it but this is common with speakers and I think users will be please for their money here considering the other benefits you get with it.

This is a decent sized speaker and not too big meaning it is portable and manageable too so can be placed in your travel bag or tech bag if like me to bring along and blast out the sounds. The controls are simple to use and tactile too and easy to get the commands right first go and we go through all this in the full video review below.

Overall this speaker packs a punch with some nice bass thrown in and loud enough to fill a decent sized room in any house or even your back garden.

Kilo Wireless Bluetooth Speaker – £44.99 MSRP

  • Up to 24 Hours Battery Life
  • IPX7 Waterproof – Fully waterproof design means this Bluetooth speaker is able to withstand full immersion down to 3 feet for up to 30 minutes. Acoustically transparent waterproof fabric mesh is engineered to maximize the passthrough of high frequency audio waves, keeping the speaker’s sound bright and crystal clear.
  • Rugged & Durable – Seamless mesh fabric material and rugged housing ensures speaker’s durability for fearless entertainment.
  • Clip it Anywhere – Included aluminum anodized carabiner along with allows you to attach the speaker’s built-in nylon strap easily to your bag or bike.
  • Wireless Bluetooth 5.3 Streaming – Advanced Bluetooth 5.3 chip, ensures stable transmission up to 33 ft (10m) long range.
  • True Wireless Stereo – Create an immersive stereo sound experience by connecting two Kilo speakers to each other wirelessly.
  • Downward Firing Passive Radiator – Surface resonating passive radiator with contoured foot for maximum bass.
  • USB-CTM Input Charging – USB-CTM charging provides a reliable, fast charge to your speaker.

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Video Review

MIXX introduces its StreamBuds Solo true wireless earbud range offering the ultimate in quality, functionality and affordability

Mixx, known for its premium yet affordable audio solutions, is pleased to introduce the Mixx StreamBuds Solo True Wireless Earbuds range. Mixing a blend of functionality and stylish design, they offer up to 18 hours of playtime, hands-free calling, changeable ear cushions, and touch sensor controls, providing the ultimate in comfort and convenience. The StreamBuds Solo range are available from MIXX in a choice of capsule, hybrid or silicon fit with four colour options including black, white, champagne and blue metal. The range will also be available soon in PC World and HMV. Music lovers can now find the ideal, comfortable fit for all day wearability whilst still looking stylish. All for an incredibly affordable £25!
The Solo earbud range offers 4.5 hours of playtime on a single charge with the magnetic flip top case adding another 13.5 hours of charge totalling an impressive 18 hours. In the unlikely event, a wearer runs out of juice, the quick charge feature gives 2 hours of additional playtime in only 15 minutes, so the music never needs to stop. Ideal for long commutes, for holiday travel or to keep the tunes coming all day long.
Offering a truly hassle free experience, once initially paired, the earbuds offer automatic dual pairing and will reconnect every time they are taken out of the case. The touch buttons on the earbuds make controlling the music an absolute breeze and users can play and pause, answer or decline calls on the go and activate Google Assistant or Siri with a single touch.
A common complaint from wearers of earbuds is they do not fit well and are even prone to falling out completely. MIXX aims to address this issue with a choice of capsule [C1], hybrid [C2] or silicon [C3] fit so sure to be a comfortable and snug option for everyone.
MIXX is fully committed to less plastic use in the future and all its packaging is FSC certified and made with paper from sustainable sources. Any plastic used is made from 30% recycled plastic and is 100% recyclable.
The StreamBuds Solo range truly is the go to choice for a stylish and functional audio experience at an accessible and affordable price.

Fibre and Fixed Wireless Access are the two fastest-growing fixed broadband technologies in the OECD

The latest OECD statistics show that Fibre and Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) have seen the strongest growth in fixed broadband technologies in three years. Fibre subscriptions have increased by 56% between June 2020 to June 2023, and FWA subscriptions have increased by 64%. The United States (252%), Estonia (153%), Norway (139%) and Spain (118%) led this FWA growth. The dynamism of fibre and FWA stands in stark contrasts to the decline in DSL (- 24%).

Fibre, which is the dominant technology since 2021, amounts to 41% of total fixed broadband subscriptions in June 2023 (see graph below). FWA still represents a more modest share of 3.7% of total fixed broadband subscriptions (in countries where data is available). DSL now represents a share of 22% of total broadband, while cable accounts for 30.5% of overall connections. Satellite, which grew 11% over the last three years, represents 0.7% of fixed broadband subscribers.

Broadband access technologies as share of total fixed broadband subscriptions in OECD countries, June 2023

Nine OECD countries have more than 70% of fibre connections over total broadband, with Korea, Japan, Iceland, Spain leading the way with the highest fibre penetration rates of 89%, 86%, 85%, and 84%, respectively. The highest fibre growth rates are in Europe, with Austria and Belgium having growth rates of 75% and 73% over the last year, closely followed by Mexico with a growth in fibre of 68%. Two other Latin American countries are in the top 7: Costa Rica and Colombia with fibre growth rates of 42% and 34%, respectively.

Mobile data usage per subscription grew substantially by 28% in one year passing from 10.2 GB to 13 GB per subscription per month in OECD countries as of June 2023. The amount of data consumed in countries vary greatly from 6 GB to 46 GB, with Latvia being the OECD leader.

Despite an already very high mobile broadband penetration in the OECD area, overall mobile subscriptions continue to grow by 4.6% over the last year, which totalled 1.8 billion as of June 2023, up from 1.74 billion a year earlier. Mobile broadband penetration is highest in Japan, Estonia, the United States and Finland, with subscriptions per 100 inhabitants at 200%, 192%, 183% and 161%, respectively.

Eighteen countries were able to provide the number of their 5G subscriptions separately from mobile broadband subscriptions. The share of 5G in total mobile broadband subscriptions is 23% on average for the OECD countries that provided this data.

Machine-to-machine (M2M) SIM cards grew 14% increase in one year. The two leading countries are Sweden with 238 M2M SIM cards per 100 inhabitants and Iceland (203), followed by Austria (179), the Netherlands (93) and Norway (76). Both Sweden and Iceland issue M2M SIM cards for international use.

Download broadband data, charts and penetration maps by country at:  http://oe.cd/broadband.