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techstage-|-spotify-connect-guide:-networked-speakers-from-40-e

TechStage | Spotify Connect guide: networked speakers from 40 €

Start Spotify Connect Session Playback Conclusion Comments Spotify Connect lets music, audio books and podcasts run on networked speakers. We show how the technology works and which devices are compatible.

music streaming doesn’t always have to be on the phone. The output can be redirected to loudspeakers, TVs and other end devices via Spotify Connect. The function is an integral part of Spotify, all you need is an account and a compatible speaker in the same WLAN.

This is not only great for listening to music. Podcasts and radio plays in particular, for example for children in lockdown, can be easily redirected to proper speakers via the smartphone.

What is Spotify Connect? Put simply: Spotify Connect connects speakers and TVs with the streaming service so that music or podcasts can be played there directly. It is controlled via the app, the desktop software or the web player.

Spotify Connect has several advantages over playback via Bluetooth. The bit rate is up to 50 kbps, this corresponds to the quality setting “Very High” for premium users. The end devices connect directly to Spotify and pull the music directly from the web. In other words, there is no mobile phone in between that has to convert the songs and send them via Bluetooth. This also means less stress on the cell phone battery, the smartphone can still be used for phone calls and it does not have to be constantly within range of the loudspeaker. At the same time, every installed Spotify instance that is logged into the same account becomes a remote control. An example: If you listen to music on your laptop through headphones, you can control playback via the smartphone app or transfer the sound from the headphones seamlessly to other speakers. This even works with smart watches, such as the Fitbit Versa 2 (test report).

With Spotify Connect, a wide variety of end devices can be controlled from Spotify. Spotify Connect works similarly to Apple’s Airplay. The technology searches for all compatible end devices in the current WLAN network. Pairing is not necessary, all devices found in the same network can be used immediately for playback.

The control is simple: In the app, desktop program or the web player you click on the icon for “Connect to a device”. This shows a monitor behind an MP3 player; it is located in the lower right corner of the desktop and web app, between the playlist display and the volume control. For the smartphone app, it is at the bottom left, below the shuffle icon.

A click on it shows all speakers and other Spotify instances that are active in the same network or with which the user is currently logged in. Another click starts the connection with the device, shortly afterwards the playback switches over automatically. Spotify Connect can be activated during playback in the same way as before.

Spotify Connect (4 pictures) Spotify Connect transmits the audio output to other devices and speakers.

Spotify Connect is not a real multi-room solution. From Spotify you can output the content on one device, but not on multiple speakers in the selection. A real multiroom system is required here (adviser). Because Spotify can stream to speakers that are coupled to each other. So if you have several Sonos devices (theme world), for example, you can define them as a group in the Sonos app and then access them from Spotify.

On the other hand, Spotify Connect has an advantage over most multiroom systems: it can be used with the free one Account possible. However, the usual restrictions (bit rate, advertising) apply. However, there may be restrictions depending on the country and manufacturer.

Spotify Session: Together Listening to music A new premium feature from Spotify are the sessions. You can invite up to five people to listen to a playlist together afterwards. It doesn’t matter whether the people are in the same room or somewhere else on earth. That allows for a few cool scenarios, for example when you celebrate alone at the turn of the year but still listen to the same music together. The playback itself continues to run normally, that is, the songs can also be played back on a Spotify Connect-enabled device. You start a new session via the dialog in which you can also find the external playback devices.

End devices: speakers , TVs, systems, soundbars Spotify is now extremely widespread. Almost every multiroom system is compatible, plus Alexa devices and every end device with Google Cast or Chromecast. In other words, the user is spoiled for choice. It is important that the respective device has WiFi, this is the basic requirement for Spotify Connect. Then it is worth taking a look at the technical data. Wherever Spotify Connect or Chromecast is mentioned, you are on the safe side.

The cheapest entry is a simple networked loudspeaker, Medion and other manufacturers offer devices from just under 40 Euros. Sure, nobody expects a sound technical revelation, but as a device for the workshop or the kitchen it easily does. If you want to pick up more, you should consider a real multiroom loudspeaker right away. Sonos is still the top dog, but other manufacturers are also worth a look, as our guide Multiroom: Sound in every room shows.

Alternatively, there are compact systems that now also support streaming. Anyone who already has a “real” hi-fi system has several options. There are network streamers that can play music from the LAN and from Spotify and are integrated like normal audio components. Alternatively, the amplifier can be exchanged for a new variant that has integrated streaming.

If you are looking for a portable speaker that has streaming functions and a battery, you have something heavier. There are devices such as the Sonos Move (test report), the Bose Portable Home Speaker (test report) or speakers from Libratone. When it comes to televisions, you are largely limited to devices with Google Cast. They can safely handle Spotify Connect. In our opinion, it actually makes more sense to play the music on a loudspeaker or soundbar.

Conclusion If you buy a new loudspeaker or a compact system, you should at least roughly have the Spotify Connect function in mind. This applies twice to everyone who is already using Spotify. Everyone else can at least use the free access, albeit with restrictions.

In addition to music, this is especially worthwhile for radio plays. Spotify has an enormous library especially for children, from Bibi Blocksberg and Ninjago over the three ??? to stories by Otfried Preussler, Michael Ende and Co. That is why it is our favorite over other systems, especially when you want to hear a lot. More on this in the article Radio plays for children: Tonies, Spotify and alternatives.

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how-to-add-voice-audio-to-ps4-or-ps5-livestreams

How to Add Voice Audio to PS4 or PS5 Livestreams

Ever since PlayStation cut ties with Facebook, streamers can no longer broadcast live or upload clips directly to Facebook. It’s easy to livestream directly to Twitch, YouTube, and Twitter, though. You can start the stream from your console, know that your voice and game audio will be leveled, create a title, click start streaming and watch the stream from your phone, tablet, or computer.

What You Need to Livestream from PlayStation

●     PlayStation 4 or 5: the user interface is similar.

●     Headset with a 3.5 mm output to plug into the PS controller.

●     A Controller to navigate through the menus and monitor audio levels

●     A Monitor to see how high or low the volume

●     A PSN account to access the party function.

Setting Up Voice Audio for PS4 Livestreams

To ensure sure that your livestream includes your voice

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

2. Slide to the right and select Settings

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

3. Select Sharing and Broadcasts

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

4. Select Broadcast Settings.

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

5. Then select Advanced Settings

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

6. Navigate to Audio Sharing Settings

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

We see three different options

●     Include Microphone Audio in Video Clips is for when you’re recording gameplay. For example, 15-minute clips can be recorded and saved in your gallery with or without your commentary. Select this to include any commentary made during the 15 mins. Include Microphone Audio in Broadcasts is for livestreaming. Check this box to ensure your microphone is heard during your livestreams. Share Party Audio: checking this box will include party audio in video clips and broadcast. This one needs to be selected in order for your livestream to hear the people in your party chat. Selecting this will also override the first one Include Microphone Audio in Video Clips. Your voice will be included in every clip made.

Now that you have made your party chat sharable with your livestream, let’s setup allowing your voice to be broadcast in your friend’s livestream.

How to Set Your Broadcast to Capture Friends’ Party Chat Audio

These are the settings you need to change and have others in your party change on their ends  so the stream can hear you and your buddies.

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

2. Press the OPTIONS button on the right of the touchpad on the controller to see Party Settings & select Party Settings.

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

3. Scroll down to Allow Your Voice to Be Shared

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

4. Select Always Allow

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

Now your voice is available in your buddies’ stream.

Once you’re in a party and you notice someone’s mic is too low or too high they can be adjusted in party settings.

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

Since PlayStation’s recent update, joining parties and in-game sessions are different. Once you select party, the software will automatically take you to the party that you’re in. Or it will show you parties that you are invited to. You can no longer view other people’s parties without an invitation.

3. Select Party Settings from the right-side menu.

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

You’ll see the top three options are now available to select

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

4. Select Adjust Microphone Level, if you wish to change your microphone sensitivity.

If the bar is yellow in the Too Low zone, you’re a quiet talker, slide the bar up to increase your volume.

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

If the bar is red and in the Too High zone, you’re a loud talker, slide the volume down to lower your volume.

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

5. Select Adjust Audio Mix

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

The bar will adjust the game or your party chat. If you’re playing a game like Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout and don’t need to hear the game audio slide the bar to the left.

If you’re playing a game like Apex Legends and you need to hear the game audio slide the bar to the right. This adjusts settings for you and your broadcast as well.

6. Select Chat Audio to prioritize which chat is being used, the game voice chat or the PlayStation party voice chat.

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(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

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(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

Adjusting these settings can increase the production value of your stream. And it combats people who like to put their mics close to their mouths. You are able to control anyone’s volume from your PlayStation.

Setting Up Voice Audio for PS5 Livestreams

1. Click the Settings button on the top right-hand side

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

2. Select Captures and Broadcast

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

3. Select Broadcast on the left side of the screen.

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

4. Select Audio.

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

5. Toggle on Include Voice Chat Audio. This allows other streamers to broadcast your voice, your livestream to capture your voice and your commentary to be captured when you save Game Clips.

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

A shortcut to including your Mic Audio and Party Audio is included your Save Game Recording Menu

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

How to Balance Voice Chat and Gameplay Audio

1. Press the PS button on the controller. You’ll see a menu appear on the bottom

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

2. Scroll to the right to the Sound icon. A menu box will appear that will have a bar underneath Voice Chat Balance.

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

3. Move the bar to the left to turn up the Voice Chat or move it to the right to turn up the Game Chat Audio.

As we mentioned above, if you’re playing a game like Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout and don’t need to hear the game audio, slide the bar to the left. If you’re playing a game like Apex Legends and you need to hear the game audio, slide the bar to the right.

How to Access Party Settings

1. Press the PS button on the controller.

2. Slide to the right toward Game Base. Game Base is four icons over

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

3. Create a party by pressing the square button on your controller.

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

4. Press the PS button

5. Select Game Base and scroll to the right of Create Party button to the Settings button

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

6. Select Voice Chat Settings

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

How to Adjust Your Mic Settings

1. Select Microphone Level Voice from the Voice Chat Settings menu.

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

2. Slide the bar to the left to turn down your mic sensitivity and slide the bar to the right to turn up the mic sensitivity

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

Also in Voice Chat Settings, you see Share Your Voice.

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

Here is another place where you can allow your voice to be shared through your buddies’ livestream.

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

There is a shortcut available in your Game Base to adjust or mute your mic. 

The PlayStation 5’s UI is slightly different, with newer icons and functions. So you’re able to do the same things with fewer steps. The mini-menu that pops up when you press the PS makes it easy to create shortcuts.

fake-oled-windows-to-relieve-office-stress-in-japanese-cubicles,-the-proposal-by-skipland-and-joled

Fake OLED windows to relieve office stress in Japanese cubicles, the proposal by SkipLand and JOLED

Taking advantage of the 4K OLED panel from 22 inches, LandSkip offers Sky Scape, a fake airplane window, which displays images similar to what a passenger can see out the porthole cruising above the clouds or departing or landing in a major city airport

by Roberto Colombo published , at 13: 31 in the Audio Video channel

JOLED OLED 4K

The news must be contextualized in the reference market , the Japanese one, characterized by stations in series for employees, in small cubicles. To help give some entertainment and a few moments of relaxation to employees who now pass by at their workstation, without even having a window to sometimes look away from the PC, the Japanese LandSkip offers a particular product, born from the collaboration with the equally Japanese JOLED. LandSkip is a company that has specialized in providing equipment and images to create artificial panoramas indoors.

Fly high, from the office desk, thanks to the OLED

Taking advantage of the 4K OLED panel from 22 inches , produced with technology ink-jet from the joint venture JOLED (born from the merger of the research and development departments on OLED technologies of Sony and Panasonic ), LandSkip proposes Sky Scape , a fake airplane window , which offers similar images to those that a passenger can see out of the porthole while cruising above the clouds or departing or landing at a major city airport.

To better deceive the eye, Sky Scape uses a plastic frame that perfectly mimics the plane window porthole. The high resolution of the panel allows to fool the eye even from close distances. The contents running on the display are created with 3D computer graphics and optimized for the application.

Is based on a similar concept also the other product born from the collaboration: Terra Bonsai . In this case we are faced with a digital frame that aims to animate the environments with realistic images of the famous miniature trees typical of Japanese culture and botany.

The OLED panel used is the same as we find on the professional monitors Eizo Foris Nova and Asus PQ 22 UC.