Alienware M17 Gaming Laptop

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Alienware have released a powerful laptop that is perfect for gaming and streaming. It has maximum performance graphics capabilities and up to 12-phase graphics voltage regulation and re-engineered Cyro-Tech cooling.

Alienware M17

The laptop itself is very lightweight and slim, weighing in at 5.5lbs and under 22mm, it highlights that the Alienware M17 is both incredibly portable and powerful. The M17’s magnesium alloy materials is responsible for the lightweight aspects of this powerful laptop. It is also great for reducing thickness. The Alienware M17 also has a coating on it that is designed to reduce fingerprint smearing and colour stains. The M17 is available in Lunar Light and Dark Side of the Moon colours.

The M17 has up to 10th gen Intel Core i9K processors enabling up to 8-cores and 16-threads of multi-threaded performance.

Advanced Tech

The Alienware M17 uses advanced technology to allow the system’s gaming performance to never be compromised. It uses electrical and mechanical methods whilst maintaining the system stability. Even when the laptop is being pushed to its limits.
One of the methods that this is achieved is through the thermal module designs, fan and fan motor design. Additionally the exhaust, intake louts and overall airflow impedance helps this. The Alienware M17 improves the airflow by channeling the cooler air onto the most sensitive areas of the laptop. It does this via 66mm diameter fan blades with 53% more CPU fan blades and 25% more GPU fan blades.
You can expect increased power efficiency and higher speeds for longer periods. Never stop your game performing at the highest speeds!

Cooling Tech

Vapor Chamber Technology
Alienwares’ new Vapor Chamber Technology uses advanced methods to dissipate heat. The Vapor chamber is between the CPU and copper heat pipers. This will help to manage thermal flow and maximize performance. The chambers will utilise the phase changing nature of liquid to transfer the heat more effectively. Than usual method of a solid piece of metal or copper heat pipes. Vapor Chambers are also much more versatile than copper heat pipes as they are spread evenly across an entire chip. While these CPU Vapor chambers are only available in configurations that feature NVIDIA GeForce RTX and GTX graphics (GPUs).

Breakdown

Airflow

Dual-intake, dual-exhaust airflow design:
The thin and light chassis prioritizes performance with a dual fan design. It pulls cool air from the top and bottom vents and then exhales it out of the rear and side vents. Helping the cooling of the core components.

High voltage driving fan:
The fire resistant, Kevlar-like liquid-crystal polymer fan blades include sleeve bearings, and 3-phase fan control to create less friction and circulate air more efficiently. Overall there is 132 unique fan blades to cool the CPU and GPU

Load-balancing heat pipes:
The dynamics of thermal activity across critical components like the GPU and the CPU are intelligently discharged across four 3.5mm diameter copper-composite heat pipes.

Electricity Cooling

Dense copper fin stacks:
The current Alienware M17 has the most amount of copper by weight than the previous M17 by 35% and provides more heat dissipation to core components than the previous m17! The new m17 has also increased the size of its heat pipes by 40% to increase overall surface area and heat dissipation.

Voltage Regulation
Hyper-Efficient Voltage Regulation is the result of engineering that enables both the graphics and/or processors to run at their highest levels for long periods of time. Alienware have raised the number of voltage regulation phases they can deliver a clean and efficient power signal. Which therefore helps thermal efficiency. This higher efficiency results in capacity for increased workloads over long periods time with reduced energy loss to heat.

Graphics and Processor Cooling

Graphics
A world’s first the M17 features 12-phase graphics voltage regulation on configurations of the laptop featuring the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti or higher to enable the highest performance possible for the longest time ever possible. The high end graphics options will offer up to a 50% increase in voltage regulation phases helping to create an efficient laptop. You are also able to get the AMD Radeon™ RX 5500M graphics option to the Alienware m17. This features a 10-phase graphics voltage regulation architecture – an Alienware exclusive.

Processors
6 Phase voltage regulation is available on configurations with a NVIDIA GeForce graphics card for higher performance. Also there is 25% larger CPU indicators, top end performance is increased even more! The NVIDIA® GeForce RTX 2080 Super also includes a 4mm CPU inductor to take things to the next level. Configurations based on any other graphics options will be based on 4-phase graphics voltage regulation and 4-phase processor voltage

Alienware M17 Display

The Alienware M17 has an incredible 144Hz 9ms FHD display. The M17 comes standard with an exceptional 144Hz 9ms FHD display, 72% color gamut and 300-nits brightness. The m17 boasts a commanding 17.3″ screen and rapid refresh rate options.

The panel is the fastest that Alienware have done, offering smooth high speed graphics with a sRGB 100% color gamut rating. It has a richer colour range than most of the other laptops available! You can also get a 300Hz 300nits 3ms FHD panel for all the hardcore gamers out there!

Furthermore there is a reduced blue light emission with the M17. It has a unique technology built in that will reduce the exposure to high energy visible light, this is available on the 144Hz panel.

MORE DISPLAY

For those wanting even more you can experience WVA UHD 4K 25Ms 500 nits UHD panel option. It comes with a 100% Adobe RGB colour option. Offering the highest contrast ratio with 1500:1 and provides the best colour gamut of Adobe RBG 100%. It has a slow 25ms response time and 60Hz, making it perfect for gamers that prioritize high resolution and vibrant colors over speed.

Gaming Powerhouse

The Alienware has optional RAID 0 (Dual SSD Stripe) configurations. This means two drives are recognised as 1 single large drive, making it super quick for transfer rates and enables maximum storage and performance.

The Alienware M17 has Killer Doubleshot™ Pro technology. Which will intelligently manage internet traffic. This uses wired and wireless connections in tandem to prioritise packets. It wil identify latency sensitive gaming automatically and voice traffic and send it over the fastest interface. While, this new technology is made possible by combing Killer 2.5Gbps E3000 Wired Networking Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650 (2×2) and Bluetooth 5.0

Immersive Gaming

The Alienware M17 has an incredible built in media card reader, using a push-push Mircro SD slot which supports UHS-II HD312 media. They keyboard has vastly been improved and features a 1.7mm travel with optional 4-zone RGB N-Key rollover and anti-ghosting technology. For an even more customizable option, upgrade to the premium keyboard with per-key Alien FX lighting. Furthermore the M17 has a precision point glass premium touchpad!

Eyetracking, is a completely new form of immersion to your game and it’s available on the M17. The M17 has small sensors with wake capabilities which enables features and sensitivity to track head pose, presence, fine gaze and eye position.

For example UI elements will fade when not making eye contact so you can get deeper into the game. Furthermore characters will know when you’re not looking at them and react accordingly. The eye tracking tools are designed to measure your mini map awareness and help you learn when to pay attention to the clock. Also, you can even show your viewers where you are using looking as Tobii Ghost software supports all major streaming platforms and software. Toggle between visualizations like heatmaps, shadow, and spotlight using our extension. So, you no longer need to move your mouse to show viewers what you’re talking about, just glance at it.

Creative Control

Now you can create profiles that are designated for power, thermal management, sound, lighting and macro. While you can even link a profile to a game and the settings will adjust accordingly whenever the game is launched. The Alienware command center will allow intuitive and easy overclocking control modules. Also, this will allow the user to quickly and safely squeeze more power out of your system. While, AlienFX hardware and software supports full RGB values with up to 16.8M colours. Manage FX lighting zones, edit peripheral settings and save new themes you can then assign for each game.
The Alienware Command Center is continuously updated. Also, their latest version now includes features specifically desired by the gaming community with auto-tuned game profiles, a new responsive UI, intuitive overclocking options and all-new AlienFX settings.

Specifications

  • MicroSD 5.1, UHD-II HD312 Card Reader
  • USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A (2)
  • HDMI 2.0b with HDCP 2.2 Output
  • Mini-Display Port 1.4 Output
  • Thunderbolt™ 3 Port
  • Alienware Graphics Amplifier Port
  • Power/DC-In Port
  • Noble Lock port (cable and lock sold separately)
  • Killer™ Networks E3000 Gigabit Ethernet NIC
  • USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A with Powershare Technology
  • Audio Out 0.125″ Port (Compatible with inline mic headset)

Weight and Thickness

  • Height (Front): 16.9mm (0.665″), (Peak): 22.0mm (0.866″), (Rear): 20.7mm (0.815″)
  • Width: 399.8mm (15.74″)
  • Depth: 294.3mm (11.59″)
  • Maximum Weight: 2.97Kgs (6.55lbs)
  • Lowest Weight: 2.50Kgs (5.51lbs)

Purchase your own by clicking here!

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Apple September Event 2020 – Rundown

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Apple have just tied up their Apple September Event 2020 and boy oh boy did they announce some interesting things!

Apple September Event 2020 –  The Apple Watch Series 6

The Apple Watch Series 6 delivers breakthrough Wellness and fitness capabilities with a revolutionary Bloody Oxygen feature that offers wearers more insight into their wellness.

Also included is a S6 System in Package and next generation always-on altimeter. Furthermore there’s even more colour with new cases and finishes and bands. WatchOS7 brings Family Set Up, sleep tracking, automatic hand washing detection, new workout types and the ability to curate and share watch faces.

Blood Oxygen Sensor and App

Apple Watch Series 6 expands what Apple Watch can do with a new feature that will measure the oxygen saturation of a wearers blood. Oxygen saturation or SpO2 represents the percentage of oxygen that is being carried in red blood cells from the lungs to the rest of the body. While it indicates how well this oxygenated blood is being delivered around the body.
Apple Watch Series 6 will compensate for natural variations in the skin and improved accuracy the sensor employs four clusters of green red and infrared LEDs, alongside the four photodiodes on the back crystal of the Apple Watch. Measuring the light that is reflected back from blood. The Apple Watch then uses an advanced custom algorithm built into the Blood Oxygen app. To measure blood oxygen between 70% and 100%.  On demand measurements can be taken whilst a user is still and periodic background measurements occure when they are inactive. Even during sleep. All data is visible in the Health app. Allowing users to track trends over time and see how their blood oxygen levels change.

Design

Apple watch Series 6 uses a new dual core processor that is based on the A13 Bionic that is found in the iPone 11. The upgraded S6 SiP runs at 20% faster, allowing apps to launch 20% faster, whilst maintaining an 18 hour battery life. Apple Watch Series 6 also featuers the U1 chip and Ultra Wideband antennas. As this will enable short range wireless location support for new experiences such as digital car keys. Apple Watch Series 6 can also achieve a full charge in under 1.5 hours! The always on display is also 2.5 times brighter than Apple Watch Series 5 outdoors when the user’s wrist is down. Furthermore you can also now access Notification Center and Control Center, tap on complications, and swipe to change faces without having to wake their watch screen.

Always-On Altimeter

A brand new always-on altimeter provides real-time elevation all day long. By using the new more power efficient barometric meter. Also in conjunction with GPS and nearby WiFi networks. Allowing the Apple Watch Series 6 to detect small elevation changes above ground level, up and down to the measurement of a foot! It can be shown as either a new watch face, complication or workout metric.

Apple Watch Collection

There is now more choice than ever, blue is now available alongside silver, space grey and gold aluminium case options. As well as a (PRODUCT) RED Apple Watch.
Stainless steel models are now available in graphite — a rich grey-black hue with a striking high-shine finish — and an updated classic yellow gold colour. Apple Watch Edition is available in natural and space black titanium.
There’s also new band style options. Such as the Solo Loop. A brand new continuous strechable band design, that comes in either soft silicone or braided yarn. They come in a range of different sizes (9) to fit your wrist. Also available is a first-of-its-kind Leather Link wraps elegantly around the wrist, effortlessly attaching on the other side with flexible moulded magnets.
Apple Watch Nike also comes with new colours for the Nike Sport Band and Nike Sport Loop. A new Nike Compact watch face is also available which allows for multiple Nike Run Club complications.

watchOS 7
Some more information was announced about watchOS7. New watch face options such as Stripes, Chronograph Pro, GMT and Artist! New health and fitness features was also announced such as low-range VO2 Max, sleep tracking, automatic hand washing detection, and new workout types, can help users better understand overall well-being. 

Family Setup and Optimised Features for the Entire Family
Family Set up in watchOS 7 allows more people to enjoy Apple Watch. Some members may not have an iPhone. So Family Set Up will help with that. Those without an iPhone. Such as the younger or older members of the family. Can benefit from the important health and safety features of Apple Watch, like Emergency SOS, while Maps, Siri, Alarms, and the App Store and all their data is securely encrypted. They even get their own personal phone number, through a seperate cellular plan using their own Apple ID. You can follow their schedule using calendar. Set reminders for them. View photo albums synced from a guardian’s iPhone and more!

Apple Pay

Plus with the new Apple Cash Family, parents can send their kids money to spend on their watch using Apple Pay! Parents can choose to receive notifications when their kids pay and view their child’s purchases in the Wallet on their own iPhone.

Kids are also able to take advantage of the communication and personalisation capabilities, access Emergency SOS, Activity Rings and a new mode for the younger members of the family, Schooltime. Which will help them stay focused and attentive while learning at home or at school.

For the older members of the family, simplified onboarding and configuration processes. A refreshed X-Large face that shows the time and a rich complication at a glance. Health Checklist in the health app on the iPhone. This allows the ability to track whether health features have been enabled in one centralised view.
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Fitness+

Apple also announced a Peloton style Fitness app, called Fitness+. It’s built into the Apple Fitness app, arrives later this year and intelligently incoroporates the metrics from Apple Watch for users to visualise on the iPhone, iPad or Apple Tv. Whilst offering a first of it’s kind workout experience. You can access studio style workouts, taken by world class trainers, alongside your music from Apple Music, whilst viewing your stats from your Apple Watch in the top corner.
The workouts are tuned to you too. You’ll get personalised recommended workouts based on previously completed workouts. So, it will match the workout you select the most and something fresh to help balance your routine. While you may also filter what workouts are most important to you, whether that’s a workout type, the duration of the workout or the type of music you select. Apple Music subscribers can also save the playlists and listen to it at a later date or time!
Fitness Plus is $9.99 P/M or $79.99 Per year.
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Pricing and Availability

  • Apple Watch Series 6 (GPS) starts at £379 and Apple Watch Series 6 (GPS + Cellular) starts at £479
  • Apple Watch Series 6 (GPS) is available to order today from apple.com and in the Apple Store app, with availability beginning Friday, September 18, in the US, Puerto Rico, and 27 other countries and regions.
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Apple September Event 2020
Apple September Event 2020
Apple September Event 2020
Apple September Event 2020

Apple September Event 2020 – Apple Watch SE

Apple Watch SE was also announced. A cheaper more affordable Apple Watch.

It packs all the features you love such as Fall Detection, Noise App, Emergency SOS all into a modern design. All at an affordable price. It features the same accelerometer, gyroscope and always on altimeter as the Apple Watch Series 6.

Apple Watch SE features a retina display with thin borders, curved corners which is 30% larger than Series 3. This allows for large and easy to read app icons and fonts. While fonts and complications are precise and informative. New Watch faces are optimised for the display so users can easily view notifications and text messages.
It has the S5 System in Package and dual core processor. Apple Watch SE delivers fast performance that is up to 2 times as faster than the Apple Watch Series 3. The digital crown has haptic feedback and has the latest speaker and microphone.

Pricing and Availability

  • The Apple Watch SE (GPS) starts at £269 and Apple Watch SE (GPS + Cellular) starts at £319.
  • Apple Watch SE (GPS) is available to order today from apple.com and in the Apple Store app, with availability beginning Friday, September 18, in the US, Puerto Rico, and 27 other countries and regions.
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The Apple September Event 2020 – Apple One

Apple offered a solution that is cheaper and simpler to follow if you like a lot of their subscription services. Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, iCloud, and more services in one simple plan

Starting in the fall, customers can pick the right Apple One plan for them so they can save money. All from any Apple device and get more for less:
  • Individual includes Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, and 50GB of iCloud storage for £14.95 per month.
  • Family includes Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, and 200GB of iCloud storage for £19.95 per month, and can be shared among up to six family members.
  • Premier, where available, includes Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, Apple News+, Apple Fitness+, and 2TB of iCloud storage for £29.95 per month, and can be shared among up to six family members.
You even get a 30 day free trial for any service that customers don’t already have. Users will also only recieve one invoice per month and can change plan at any time. Family and Premier plans allows up to 6 mombers to access all the included services with their own personal accounts and preferences:

Services

With Apple One you can access the following:
  • Apple Music, with over 70 million songs, thousands of playlists, daily selections from the world’s best music experts, the groundbreaking Apple Music radio, and innovative features like time-synced lyrics.
  • TV+, home to Apple Originals from today’s most imaginative and respected creators. Apple TV+ has already earned over 100 awards recognitions, including 18 Emmy nominations, for its originals — more than any other streaming service in its first 10 months.
  • The Apple Arcade, which gives players unlimited access to more than 100 incredibly fun games across iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, and Apple TV, all with no ads or in-app purchases.
  • Also Apple News+, which provides premium access to leading newspapers and hundreds of magazines.
  • Apple Fitness+,the first fitness experience built for Apple Watch, arriving later this year. Apple Fitness+ intelligently incorporates metrics from Apple Watch for users to visualise right on their iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV, offering a first-of-its-kind personalised workout experience. Everyone from beginners to committed exercisers can access studio-style workouts delivered by inspiring world-class trainers and underscored by motivating music from renowned artists.
  • iCloud, which keeps customers’ photos, videos, files, and more safely stored and available across their devices.

Pricing and Availability

  • Starting this fall, the Apple One Individual and Family plans will be available in over 100 countries and regions. The Premier plan will be available in Australia, Canada, the UK, andthe US, where Apple News+ is available, and Apple Fitness+ will join later this year.
  • Once subscribed, customers can enjoy the services included with Apple One on any platform where the services are available.
  • The Apple One Individual plan offers a savings of almost £6 per month, while the Family plan offers a savings of over £7 per month, and the Premier plan offers a savings of £22 per month. Savings based on standard monthly pricing.

Apple September Event 2020 – iPad 8

Apple announced iPad 8 with the A12 Bionic with Neural Engine, amazing speed for an entry level iPad! It’s £329 and has a 10.2″ Retina display, improved cameras and great all day battery life! Pre-Order right away and it becomes available on Friday 18th September.
The A12 Bionic Chip delivers a 40% faster CPU performance and 2 times the graphics capability. Making the iPad 8, up to 2 times powerful than the top selling Windwos laptop, up to three times faster than the top-selling Android tablet and up to six times faster than the top-selling Chromebook. Also for the first time on iPad, the A12 Bionic introduces the Neural Engine to help with next level machine learning capabilities. Including people occlusion and motion tracking in augmented reality (AR) apps, enhanced photo editing, Siri performance, and more.
Pricing and Availability
  • The new iPad (8th generation) is available to order starting today on apple.com and in the Apple Store app in more than 25 countries and regions, including the US. iPad will be available beginning Friday, September 18, with a starting price of £329 for the Wi-Fi model and £459 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model, and comes in silver, space grey, and gold finishes in 32GB and 128GB configurations.
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Apple September Event 2020 – iPad Air

A brand new iPad Air with A14 Bionic was announced today too. Ir features the same iPad Pro sleek looks, with an all new all screen design. A larger 10.9 inch display, a new 12MP rear camera and next generation Touch ID sensor in the power button!

The new iPad Air also comes in new five finishes. Silver, Space Grey, Rose Gold, Green and Sky Blue. The new screen is a large 10.9″ Retina Display with 3.8M pixels and advanced technologies including full lamination, P3 wide colour support, True Tone and an anti-reflective coating. iPad Air is compatible with the Magic Keyboard, Smart Keyboard Folio and new Smart Folio covers. As well as the Apple Pencil, which can connect magnetically to the side for easy pairing, charging and storing.

Most Powerful iPad Air with A14 Bionic

iPad Air is so powerful with the A14 Bionic. You can now edit 4K videos faster, create artwork, play games and more. IT uses breakthough 5-nanometer process technology with 1.8 billion transistors for increased performance and power. Bringing with it a 40% boost in CPU performance and a new 4-core Neural engine architecture for a 30% boost in graphics performance. The A14 Bionic also includes a new 16-core Neural engine that is twice as fast and can perform up to 11 trillion operations per second. Also A14 Bionic includes 2nd generation machine learning accelerators in the CPU for 10x faster machine learning calculations. So when combined with the CPU learning accelerators, high performance GPU enables for a powerful device for image recognition, natural language learning and  more!

Upgraded Camera and Immersive Audio

iPad Air now features a 12MP rear camera! That is also featured in the iPad Pro for high resolution photos and 4K video capture. It also features stereo speakers in landscape more, elevating the audio experience, allowing users to enjoy wide stereo sound while watching video.

iPad Air now features a USB-C port for up to 5Gbps data transfer, which is 10 times faster,2 for connecting to cameras, hard drives, and external monitors up to 4K.
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Go Electric: Electric Cars….Are you ready??

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It seems as though while electric vehicles may be popular and that they seem attractive to a lot of us. Electric vehicles are still confusing to the majority of UK consumers. As a result many potential customers are not seriously considering an electrified vehicle for a future purchase. This is according to new research* that is commissioned by Ford. Which is part of their UK Wide consumer education roadshow: Go Electric.

New Purchases Aren’t Electric

So, electric vehicles currently only account for about 5%** of total new car sales in the UK. The survey however highlights that there are still barriers before the mainstream adopts it. The apparent lack of appeal for electric vehicles is a reason why nearly half (46%) of Brits say that they don’t intened to buy an electric vehicle in the future. While 21% say that it is likely that they will not consider an electric vehicle in the next 5 years. While 20% say that they will likely only purchase in the next 3-5 years.

Reasons for this is mixed. Anxiety makes up 37% of those surveyed, apparent lack of affordability 53% and worries of charging locations make up 51% of those surveyed.

Furthermore the survey reveals that there is confusion around the tech itself. With 64% of those surveyed correctly identifying that an electric car is a vehicle that has one or more electric motors. Three quarters said that they are not confident in the difference between hybrid and battery electric cars. While 43% say that they don’t know enough about the technology to consider purchasing an electric or electrified vehicle. 29% don’t think the average person is ready to change to battery powered electric vehicles.

Go Electric. 

To help resolve this, Ford have created Go Electric. Go Electric is a consumer education roadshow. That aims to demystify the questions that many of us have about switching to electrified vehicles. Whilst also helping to address consumer concerns around hybrid and electric vehicles. It is an interactive experience designed to teach consumers about CO2 emissions. The future of local Clean Air Zones,  vehicle charging methods and finding the right vehicle for their lifestyle.

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Teaching about Electricity

Helping Ford continue the electric educational journey, technology presenter Georgie Barrat has filmed a preview of the experience. Which is due to return to the road later on this year. The informative video breaks down some of the most misunderstood phrases. Whilst answering some of the biggest questions on electric vehicles.

 “Technology has always been something that excites me but I totally understand that not everyone is at the same stage on their journey. For me, it’s all about making things easy for anyone to understand. There is no need for fancy language when something instead can be made simple to grasp. That’s why I was so excited to work with Ford on the Go Electric campaign and help make electrification accessible to everyone!” Commenting on Go Electric, Georgie Barrat

“While the move to electrification is gathering pace, there’s no mistaking that this is a huge task ahead of us that will require fundamental efforts to ensure consumers are taken on the journey, and the first step is understanding what their options are. Our roadshow will help demystify electrified vehicle options for all of our customers and give them all they need to make the right choice to fit their lives.”

Cont..

Beyond this, a range of stakeholders – including national and local government, energy providers and vehicle manufacturers – need to come together with a unified goal if we are to meet the electrification challenge. Given the size and scale of what we want to achieve in the UK, we need to kick-start this process. A fast start could include the creation of a specific senior role in government to help coordinate a comprehensive electrification strategy for the UK – a “Minister for Electrification” who can work cross-functionally across government and with the various stakeholders.

Ford has always sought to democratise vehicles and technologies and now we intend to do the same for electrification. “ Andy Barratt, Managing Director at Ford of Britain

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Notes:

*Source: Survey of 2,000 UK Adults conducted by 3GEM Research & Insights in August 2020

** Source: Latest SMMT figures for market share: https://www.smmt.co.uk/vehicle-data/car-registrations/

So, to learn more about electrification and find out when Go Electric will be back on tour head here. Furthermore, go to any Ford dealer for full information on Ford’s electrified products.

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GioTeck TX-50 x GioTeck WX-4

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GioTeck TX-50

The GioTeck TX-50 is a brand new headset, that’s of premium build quality and of premium design. Do you usually buy a headset more than once because all of a sudden it breaks? Through no fault of your own? Well this is where the GioTeck TX-50 comes into play. It’s designed with you the gamer in mind. Everything was designed with you the gamer in mind. The premium gaming headset is robust, tactile and comfortable to use for extended play. It has super soft alacantra cushioning for extreme comfort. Perforated steel cups a rubberised finish all over and large 50mm drivers so you can hear everything!!!

We don’t think you’ll find a better quality headset in this price bracket! (£20-30)

GioTeck WX-4

This controller is designed specifically for the Nintendo Switch. Levelling you up from the controller that comes with the Switch itself. It’s a premium bluetooth (also wired) controller that allows you with even more gaming control than before. It has an ergonomic traditional pro-controller feel to it, allowing you to game for hours in comfort. The WX4 offers the ultimate in Nintendo Switch gaming control. With a traditional button layout and LED’s for power and player number you’ll never want to go back to your old controller!

So, purchase your own here:

GioTeck WX-4

GioTeck TX-50

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Selfie

Selfie Editing: The most popular apps for Brits!

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Us Brits like to edit our photos. With just 29% of us posting a photo online without editing it. While London is the capital for those who edit their photos, with 81% of Londoners opting to not post a photo without touching it up. While Scotland has a slightly less number with 81% of people editing photos before uploading them. 35% of people touch up their bums in photos before posting them and 33% edit their lips. Furthermore 78% of us prefer using the editing features on Instagram, with Facetune coming in 2nd at 71%. That’s a LOT of selfie editing!

Selfies

In 2014 Google Analytics found out that we take around 93 million selfies per day. While there isn’t a study to find out how many we take in 2020, it most likely is going to be more.

However, taking the selfie is just the beginning of social media activity. As there is now selfie editing. Case24.com conducted a study that only 29% of Brits would post a picture without editing it.

Case24’s study analysed the editing habits of us before uploading, they asked 3,064 peopel in the UK whether they post an unedited photo of themselves. The results found which areas in the UK where people are more likely to share unedited pictures of themselves online.

Which areas?

There are actually some areas in the UK where people don’t post completely natural photos. The area where this is most likely to happen, (81%) is London. With Scotland (77%) coming in at second, with the North West of the country where only 25% of people would post an unedited photo coming in third.

Yet the North East as a high percentage of people who would feel comfortable posting an unedited photo online (45%). People from the South West don’t edit as much either (41%) and would post an unedited photo.

Which part of the Selfie do we edit the most?

Furthermore, Case24.com found out which body parts Brits edit the most. 54% of those surveyed liked changing imperfections on their skin. Face Shape (47%) is also another area that we like to edit. Saying they edit details like a sharper jawline or higher cheeks.

46% say they don’t like their arms and eyes also (42%) are edited a lot. 35% of people edit their bums and 33% edit their lips. While 24% of people edit their legs.

Which Selfie Apps do we use?

78% of those surveyed like to use the editing features built into Instagram before sharing a pic online. With Facetune coming in, in 2nd place (71%) to edit their selfies. With data from the Guardian showing that the app was downloaded 20M times in 2018! While VSCO, Layout, Photo Editor and Paintshop Pro were also some of the apps used by over 50% of the respondents.

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Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

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Toyota have released a brand new hybrid car, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid! Way back in 1994, Toyota launched the original RAV4. This brought with it a new kind of car that could go anywhere and it had the rugged stance of an SUV. While it had the compact look of a hatchback. It made it’s own lane.

This spirit is also witnessed in this brand new version of the RAV4,  the fifth generation of the RAV4. It brings with it a brand new era of performance, capability and safety. Furthermore the advances are underpinned by the first use of Toyota’s new GA-K platform in an SUV.

The RAV4 has a low centre of gravity and an increased body rigidity. The new RAV4’s platform has superior handling, ride comfort and spacious interior. It also has an eye catching design with a lower roof/bonnet lines with higher ground clearance. While the cabin has more space and comfort with a fantastic finish throughout.

Power

RAV4 offers a self charging and hybrid powertrain, the new 2.5-litre petrol hybrid Dynamic Force engine, offering 215bhp in front-wheel drive form and 219bhp with all-wheel drive. Which in turn brings with it a responsiveness and efficiency with best in class fuel economy and emission levels.

Furthermore the all wheel drive system allows the SUV to “drive on any road”. The hybrid electric AWD-i system has been re- engineered and enhanced to provide much stronger performance in challenging conditions. It also allows for secure handling on slippery surfaces.

Additionally the RAV4 is the first Toyota model to benefit from the Toyota Safety Sense that extend the use of advanced technologies to help prevent accidents. Providing greater driver assistance and a degree of automated driving functionality.

TOYOTA NEW GLOBAL ARCHITECTURE GA-K PLATFORM

The foundation of the new RAV4’s dynamic qualities is the all-new TNGA GA-K platform.

This allows the car to have the strength of a low centre of gravity, lightweight and a strong, rigid and balanced chassis that delivers exceptional handling, stability and driver rewards.

This gives a really fun drive and enables a great design, both inside and outside of the car. Furthermore it brings with it an enhanced safety performance and comfort for everyone.

Every component has been made lighter and located lower down in the vehicle. Even the engine and the seats. Brining with it an incredibly low center of gravity. The platform brings with it a 57% increase in the body rigidity. This allows for a stable flat ride with incredible handling.

The GA-K platform defines the “confident and natural” driving quality that Toyota has sought for this new model. A confident driving feeling is due to the car not reacting adversely to disturbances and communicating a sense of stability. Natural driving feelins is due to the car reacting naturally to what the driver is doing.

CONCEPT AND DESIGN

The TNGA GA-K platform was beneficial to the designers of the new RAV4, as they wanted to give the SUV a strong character and style which helped to set it apart from other models in the SUV market.

Many standardised parts that have been implemented “under the skin” has helped to simplify the development process. This helped to give designers more time to create the look both inside and out.

The impactful look of the new RAV4 is helped by raising the ground clearance and using large diameter wheels (up to 18inch) which helps to make the car suitable whatever the use.

Inside the car is characterised by high sensory quality such as soft touch surfaces on the dashboard and door panels. Switchgear is new, with cleanly integrated buttons and pleasingly tactile controls. For example the button/dial to adjust the air conditioning.

POWERTRAINS AND PERFORMANCE

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is a brand new 2.5L Hybrid Dynamic force engine. It combines fuel and emissions efficiency with a quiet operation and more power and greater responsiveness.

The full system maximum output of 219bhp/163 kW in the all-wheel drive model (215bhp/160 kW with front-wheel drive) compares to 195bhp/145kW for the fourth generation model. The SUV can also accelerate from rest to 62mph takes just 8.1 seconds (FWD model).

The self charging hybrid system used in the RAV4 is the 4th generation of the tech and will deliver multiple benefits. The power control unit and the nickel-metal hydride battery are now more compact and lighter in weight. The transaxle and transmission have also been engineered to reduce electrical and mechanical losses. The battery in the RAV4 is also 11% lighter and transmission losses are reduced by 25%.

The new 4th generation system also makes great use of the new 2.5l Hybrid Dynamic Force engine, allowing for fuel consumption and emissions that is best in class.

Performance has been improved with better acceleration from stationary, improved efficiency at higher speeds, overall smoother and more linear acceleration and better control when decelerating.

INTELLIGENT ALL-WHEEL DRIVE (AWD-i)

Toyota is also improving it’s AWD-i (Intelligent all wheel drive technology) to deliver enhanced performance, capabilities and control in all driving conditions.  Allowing to set itself apart as it has impressive on and off road performance. As it has fantastic and secure cornering performance and grip in all conditions.

RAV4 Hybrid with significantly enhanced electric AWD-i system

The AWD-i system will help give better fuel economy in urban driving, quieter performance at high speeds and better traction in slippery conditions. The system, compared to mechanical AWD systems is more compact and lighter, which gives a better fuel consumption.

The electric AWD-i system automatically optimises the torque ratio depending on the driving conditions. This will provide improved handling, stability and off-road performance, particularly in faithful line tracing through bends in slippery conditions, giving the driver a strong, confidence-inspiring feeling of all four wheels being in good contact with the road.

AWD Integrated Management

Furthermore the Toyota RAV4’s all wheel drive performance is further improved due to the AWD Integrated Management (AIM). This system will automatically adjusts different vehicle systems. The steering assist, brake and throttle control, shift pattern and drive torque distribution – according to the drive mode selected.

The driver can switch from Normal to Eco or Sport mode. When choosing Sport mode, AIM modifies the steering assist, throttle control shift schedule and drive torque distribution to gain better on-road performance.

Greater “escape” capability with Trail Mode

This new Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is so capable in many different conditions because of the new automatic limited slip differential control, Trail Mode.

Trail Mode helps to ensure best possible grip and control on low grip surfaces. The system will also provide valuable assistance when in challenging off road conditions.

The new Toyota RAV4 Hybrid will, once the Trail Mode has been activated via a button on the centre console. The free rotating wheel (if a wheel has lost contact with the ground on uneven terrain) can be braked and drive torque directed to the grounded wheel. The Throttle control and the transmission shift pattern will be adapted to help the driver keep the vehicle moving.

EQUIPMENT AND NEW TOYOTA SAFETY SENSE SYSTEMS

Equipment specifications for the new RAV4 demonstrate how Toyota continues to apply technologies to deliver useful innovations in safety, comfort and everyday practicality.

Features that are available as standard or as options, according to model grade, include a power-operated panoramic roof, smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated seats and up to five USB ports around the cabin for the connection or charging of multiple devices.

The new RAV4 offers generous equipment specifications across its range in Europe, with all models equipped as standard with the latest iteration of Toyota Safety Sense and an E call emergency contact function.

Second generation Toyota Safety Sense

Toyota first introduced the Toyota Safety Sense in 2015. To date, more than 10 million new vehicles have benefited from the Toyota Safety Sense. The system helps provide the driver means of avoiding collisions or mitigating the effects of an accident by warning the driver, preparing safety systems for optimum operation and, if necessary, triggering automatic braking or steering assistance.

Toyota have continued to build upon the system and move towards their goal of 0 road accident fatalities and injuries. The second generation of the Toyota Safety Sense is making its debut in all models of the new Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.

It features a single lense camera and millimetre wave radar. These will both expand the scope of hazard detection and functionality. Furthermore the unit has been made smaller, giving the driver a wider field of vision.

Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection

Second generation Toyota Safety Sense includes upgraded versions of the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Road Sign Assist and Automatic High Beam. It also introduces Lane Tracing Assist, which provides more advanced driving support.

The Pre-Collision System as been improved to allow the vehicles to detect pedestrians in low light driving as well as daylight. The system has also added the capability to detect and recognise bicycles in the vehicles path, at various speeds between 6 and 50mph in daylight.

In terms of vehicles the system can determine collision risks at speeds between 0 and 112mph. The vehicle will calculate if a collision is imminent the driver will be alerated and prepare the brakes (Pre-Collision Brake Assist). While if the driver doesn’t act on the warnings, the Autonomous Emergency Braking will trigger. This will reduce the vehicle speed by up to 25mph. Which could potentially stop the car and avoid an impact.

Adaptive Cruise Control System

An all new intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control System can work in conjunction with the Toyota RAV4’s Road Sign Assist System. When the car is travelling at a constant, pre-set speed, iACC can recognise new speed limits on major roads and let the driver adjust the speed to keep within the limit, simply by using switches on the steering wheel. While the system itself has been improved to recognise a wider range of road signs. Presenting the information on the drivers multi-informational display.

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid has a new Lane Tracing Assist function, this provides the driver with a degree of automated driving support. The system will monitor line markings on motorways and principal routes and apply steering assist to keep the car within it’s lane (when traveling at speeds above 31mph). Allowing to reduce the collision risk and burden on the driver when making long motorway journeys.

Both the Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Tracing Assist systems work together in slow stopgo traffic to help track the vehicle ahead within the traffic lane. Helping to maintain a safe distance and at speed. While bringing the vehicle to a halt when necessary. Furthermore moving off seamlessly when traffic resumes. Helping to relieve the driver of stress when driving in slow moving traffic. Helping to reduce the risk of low speed rear end collisions.

The Lane Departure Alert and Steering assist has been vastly improved to recognise road margins on straight roads when there is no lane markings. If it is difficult for the system to detect lane’s, for example in heavy traffic, the system will track the path of the vehicle ahead using the camera and radar. In combination with the LTA, it will provide corrective steering operation when lane departure without the driver’s intention is detected.

Dynamic grade

The Dynamic grade stands out with its bi-tone paint finish, striking a contrast between the bodywork colour (a choice of four) and a gloss black roof, plus projector LED headlights and black 18-inch alloys. In the cabin, sports-style seats, a black headlining and blue trim accents further emphasise the car’s distinctive quality. Options and accessories are available so owners can equip their RAV4 to perfectly meet their lifestyle preferences.

Panoramic View Monitor plus JBL audio system, panoramic roof

There are a range of premium features available on the all new RAV4. Such as a Panoramic View Monitor. This will provide drivers with a real-time 360-degree view of the area immediately around the vehicle. As well as a bird’s eye view from above.

This can be of use to drivers when they are off road. As you are able to better negotiate tricky terrain, help manoeuvring in confined spaces, helping to see hazards outside of driver’s line of sight.

The RAV4 can also come with a JBL premium audio system. While, it has been tailor made for the new RAV4. It provides you with concert sound quality in it’s 9 speaker architecture. The system features JBL’s signature horn tweeters, a powerful new subwoofer and an amplifier with Clari- FiTM music restoration technology.

While, you are also able to have an optional opening panoramic sunroof.

Connected Services

On the new RAV4 connected services have been introduced.

The services (alongside the roll-out convenience and peace of mind features from 2019) include: Last Mile Guidance, Send to Car Navigation, Find my Car, Driving Analytics and Maintenance Reminder.

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid UK MODEL RANGE

While, the new RAV4 is available in four equipment grades, Icon, Design, Dynamic and Excel, offering a wealth of comfort, convenience and technology features that meet the requirements and preferences of today’s SUV customers.

So, at the entry point to the range, the RAV4 Icon is available exclusively with front-wheel drive. The standard features include: –

  • 17-inch alloy wheels
  • Front fog lights
  • Rear parking sensors
  • Rain-sensing wipers
  • Dusk-sensing headlights
  • Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
  • Push-button start
  • Roof rails
  • Parabola LED headlights
  • Rear privacy glass
  • Electronic parking brake
  • Power-adjustable heated door mirrors with auto-folding function
  • Toyota Touch 2 with eight-inch multimedia touchscreen
  • Smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Seven-inch colour TFT driver’s multi-information display
  • DAB
  • Toyota Safety Sense 2
  • eCall
  • Rear-view camera

Design Model

While, the Design model can be specified with front or all-wheel drive and adds features including: –

  • 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels
  • Smart Entry
  • Power back door
  • Front parking sensors

Excel Model

So the Excel model extends the Design specification with: –

  • Projector LED headlights
  • Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert
  • Power-adjustable heated door mirrors with auto-folding function and puddle lights
  • Heated front seats
  • Driver’s seat with power slide adjustment and lumbar support and memory function
  • Full leather seat upholstery
  • Heated steering wheel
  • Headlight cleaners
  • Windscreen wiper de-icer (front)

So, the options for the RAV4 Excel are a nine-speaker JBL premium sound system, packaged with a Panoramic View Monitor, and an opening panoramic roof (this choice replaces the spare wheel with a tyre repair kit).

Striking a more sporting appearance, the RAV4 Dynamic adopts (further to the Design specification): –

  • Black five-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels
  • Heated front sports seats
  • Bi-tone metallic paint
  • Black interior headlining
  • Projector LED headlights
  • Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert
  • Power door mirrors with auto-folding function and puddle lights
  • Driver’s seat with power slide adjustment and lumbar support

The same options are available as for the Excel grade.

Customers can choose from a range of nine exterior colours, including new Urban Khaki, Cyan Splash, Obsidian Blue and Galaxy Black. Metallic paint and a bi-tone finish are included in the standard specification of the Dynamic models, combining a black roof and pillars with White Pearl, Silver Blade, Decuma Grey or Obsidian Blue bodywork. On Excel models, the leather upholstery can be specified in black, grey or beige.

YOSHIKAZU SAEKI – CHIEF ENGINEER Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

Yoshikazu Saeki joined Toyota in 1987, he has taken many key important roles in the development of the Toyota Avalon, Camry and the Lexus brand.

As recently he has been involved in Toyota’s expansion globally. While, bringing his talents and experience to develop new technologies, platforms and models.

Saeki said of the new RAV4:

“The RAV4 has held a strong market presence since its introduction 25 years ago. It has gained a loyal following the world over, continually evolving to respond to changing customer needs. For the new RAV4, we set out to create a product that appeals to the next generation of customers.

“The first thing we considered was how we could redefine RAV4’s product value. We addressed the fundamental reason for its being and thought about how we could create an SUV that can withstand the test of time – one that can last for the next 25 years.

“It is never easy to create a new concept in such a strictly segmented and increasingly competitive market. We needed to deliver a ‘wow’ factor to customers, inspire them with a vehicle that has exceptional presence and highlight the benefits of owning it. These were the foundations on which we developed the fifth generation RAV4.

“Since the first generation model, there have been two over-arching views of the RAV4 – ‘driving performance suited to any road’ and a ‘user-friendly interior suited to any situation’. It was my mission to evolve these views.

“This means the RAV4 should have a strong presence and reliable toughness on any road while offering a stress-free driving experience for driver and passengers.

Cont…

“At the very beginning of the design process we thought about how best to evolve the original concept. This led us to the new concept of Adventure and Refinement. Adventure sends out a simple, strong message that drivers can drive anywhere they want, expressing waku-doki – the equivalent of ‘heart-pumping excitement’ in Japanese. Refinement is expressed in a sophisticated design that fits in with an urban setting.

“Combining these contrasting elements enhances the new RAV4’s unique value. Furthermore, its wide stance, large tyres and raised ground clearance create a strong image which are further emphasised by the polygon design theme and the vehicle’s multipurpose capabilities. Just looking at the new RAV4 triggers the urge to get in and go somewhere.

“Where vehicle performance, handling and stability are concerned, we defined the key concept as ‘Confident and Natural’ – with the driver’s sensibilities at the heart of everything. As a team we put great effort into improving the driving experience by focusing on enhancing tyre-to-ground contact, stable and natural cornering and smooth, responsive driving.

“We’ve improved the RAV4’s performance to meet the demands of any road. Whereas a conventional SUV suspension makes for an uncomfortable, unresponsive ride in off-road conditions, the RAV4 provides saloon-like comfort and an enjoyable ride.”

Press Pics

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Tech Specs

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MLB Fans But Photoshopped

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Baseball is back, but it will look a little different due to COVID. Empty stadiums and cardboard cutouts instead of fans. Though if you watch on Fox Sports you’ll see digitally rendered fans filling the entire stadium. Starting with this Saturday’s Yankee’s-National’s game. They’ll even be piping in fake fan audio, much like the Premier League and Sky, BT and the BBC did!

CGI Fans

All 30 MLB teams are relying on fake fan noise in the stadiums themselves. The audio is sourced from Sony’s MLB The Show games. The usual in stadium announcers, walk up music and other aspects of MLB games will be on show. While it is only Fox Sports who have announced virtual fans.

“We believe the crowd and seeing people in seats is part of a broadcast, is part of broadcasting high level sports in the major leagues. So we wanted to come up with a solution for that,” 

“We’re not looking to fool anybody, it’s still about the game. But shot-to-shot, when you’re watching a broadcast, it’s not more noticeable that you’re watching what is normally a broadcast with fans in just an empty stadium and having it feel weird — we want to give people a sense of normalcy,” Zager says. “And we felt like going down this path and trying to use a virtual crowd will hopefully make it so that blends in, and you can focus on the game more because you’re not thinking about the emptiness of a Major League Baseball stadium during the game.” Brad Zager, executive producer and head of production and operations at Fox Sports.

MLB Fake Fans – How It’s Done

The effect is a great combination of augmented reality software. Which is used to insert the crowds, this is called Pixotope. This has been used for AR graphics for the Super Bowl for example.

The way it works is by leveraging graphics which are created by Silver Spoon animation agency. Which is built in Epic’s Unreal Engine. Unreal Engine is used here in the same way that it would for video games or for crafting on-set backgrounds for shows like The Mandalorian. What makes Unreal Engine better from the rest is that it can render in real time, making it suitable for live tv.

While SportsMedia Technology, they are the ones who portray sports centric computer overlays for things such as the screen clock and sportsboard. They will handle the camera tracking to insert graphics on to the live camera feeds. Four cameras located at the following points on a baseball field. High home, centerfield, high first, and high third cameras. This will show the fans.

Producer Control

The producers at Fox Sports will be able to control how the crowds are dressed. Based on the weather for example, they can also account for the percentage of home and away fans. Though they’re currently working out how to make these decisions.

 “We’re figuring this out right now, and we’ll continue to evolve that process as we go through this weekend and from game-to-game, week-to-week,” Brad Zager.

The broadcasts will also integrate fake fan audio being played in the stadium in the background of microphone clips from players, such as when they pitch. It’ll augment the live audio on it’s own end, similar to how the MLS games are being shown.

It’s rather basic now, such as boos and cheers. Though the company are hoping to integrate the two as it gets more practice over the season.

 “It’s something that we hope becomes even more collaborative and more on the same page as we do this more and more, being able to combine the audio and the crowd together.”

Currently it’s only available on MLB games on Fox, though it is possible that the digital fans could appear elsewhere. Zager says that they’re working with all of it’s sponsors “as we get closer to the fall for football and other sports, if we feel like it’s going in the right direction yet we will launch it and roll it out on other sports,” too.

 

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Reon Pocket – Wearable Air Conditioner

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Reon Pocket is a wearable air conditioner, which is produced via it’s First Flight internal startup platform. It’s palm sized and is a white device that charges over USB-C and connects to an iOS or Android phone via Bluetooth.

There’s a silicone pad on the back which presses against your skin and uses the Peltier effect to cool or warm itself up by absorbing and releasing heat. You can use it handheld but it is best used with Sony’s special V-neck undershirts. As they have a pocket on the inner back. Helping the device to rest between your shoulder blades.

Reon Pocket’s app is simple to use and gives you direct control over the temperature settings. There’s three levels of cooling or warming and a boost mode. Which is limited to two minutes and a control over the speed of the “fan”. Also you can set automatic modes which will auto start whenever you start the device using the power button. Rather than using the app. The device weighs 80g and lasts 2-3hours on a charge. Though this does depend on the intensity of the settings.

The Reon Pocket is available now although it is exclusive to Japan. It costs $122 dollars for the device and the undershirts cost $17 each. While the app does work in English if you wish to import it.

(The Verge)

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Adobe Stock Audio

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Adobe Stock Audio is here to kickstart your creative juices and level up your projects!

Launched in 2015, Adobe Stock is a service that provides creatives all over the world access to high end stock images and video  for your creative projects saving you hours of time looking for that perfect bit of visual content and more importantly allowing you to spend more time doing what you do best.. creating . Could not get any better than that right? 

WRONG

To celebrate Adobe Stock’s five-year anniversary, Adobe announced the launch of Adobe Stock audio, an exciting integration between Adobe Stock and Adobe’s video editing program “Premiere Pro” that enables you  to access over 30,000 audio tracks without having to leave your video editing software. 

No scrolling through tabs after tab on the Internet signing up to music other music libraries, trying to read the small print to find out what kind of license you need for your project…no forget that…..all of it can be done inside the premiere pro software saving you time and letting you get on with what you need to do best. create awesome content

To prove how kick ass it is, Adobe teamed up with 13 talented filmmakers from all over the world and challenged them to produce a film in under five days with unlimited access to Adobe Stock footage, and Adobe stock sound.

The shorts were premiered at the Adobe Stock Film Festival’s. The first ever film festival to be created without a single camera. Keep listening to the show to find out how things went down.

But don’t forget. For all of your stock image video and now audio needs all in one place….save yourself a bunch of time and use adobe stock audio!

Adobe Stock Audio

Music plays a key role in adding emotion, feeling and mood to a video, podcast or any creative project for that matter! As it determines how an audience feels and engages with the story. So, this is where Adobe Stock comes into play. Adobe Stock audio gives you access to thousands of high quality, royalty free music tracks.

These audio pieces are sourced from world class award winning artists and industry providers. They are really really good as well, they’re fantastic! The service is incredible too as it can easily find the perfect track for whatever you’re working on in minutes!

Right from within Adobe Premiere Pro, with an intuitive in app search experience. Allowing you to browse expertly curated music libraries to get the right tone for projects.

There’s an effortless licensing process and flexible pricing plans, Adobe Stock audio gives you access to royalty free music for all types of media projects. Adobe Stock audio’s providers of mood and genre music from Epidemic Sound and Jamendo!

Features

  • Effortless one-click save and license feature
  • Easy access with Premiere Pro Integration
  • Intuitive and powerful search using Adobe Sensei

Adobe Stock is working in partnership with Epidemic Sound to launch ‘Storytellin Smooth’ an inspiration meets educational content series of compelling stories from creators who understand the importance of music and showcase the impact it has on video production.

Check out Adobe Stock on Instagram for ongoing updates around this!

(Adobe Stock)

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Twitch Radio

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The streaming powerhouse Twitch, mainly used to stream esports, is going old school, in a new school kinda way. They are partnering with Radio.com, parent Entercom for interactive livestreams of sports radio stations. All around Major cities in the US!

This was first reported by Variety and will see Radio.com sports stations stream on Twitch in the following locations:

  • Boston (WEEI in Boston)
  • New York (WFAN 101.9 FM/660 AM)
  • Dallas (105.3 The Fan),
  • Chicago (670 The Score),
  • Atlanta (92.9 The Game), and
  • Detroit (97.1 The Ticket)

They’ll each have their own dedicated branded channels on Twitch too. VP David Rosenbloom said that the partnership would introduce sports broadcasting to a ‘new generation of fans’

Twitch is more than just games

Twitch isn’t just a gaming platform anymore, with the streaming giant expanding it’s content offerings on the platform. So it now includes other entertainment as well. Director of New Verticals at Twitch Jane Weedon said in a statement that Twitch has seen a growing community of sports fans on the platform.

“Twitch is the place where people come to connect and engage over their shared interests, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a group of people more passionate than sports fans,”

“With the addition of sports radio, on-air talent and fans will be able to interact and discuss their favourite athletes, teams and leagues with one another in real time.” Jane Weedon

Weedon added that the users will be able to join in the conversation with Twitch’s Chat feature, much like the long cherished call in format of talk radio stations.

This deal arrives at a time in an uncertain time for sports as COVID pummels sports industries all over the world. With sports stadiums remaining a no-go area for the time being. Radio still has plenty of opportunities to keep fans connected to the teams they love including analysis and interviews.

(Engadget)

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