The BBC Sounds app is now available on Sky Q. BBC Sounds – the successor to iPlayer Radio – brings more than 80,000 hours of audio content, including live radio shows, podcasts, music mixes and more.
To open BBC Sounds, just say “Launch BBC Sounds” using voice search on your Sky Q remote.
Once you’re in BBC Sounds, you can bookmark shows to listen to later, pick up where you left off listening on other devices, subscribe to shows and get recommendations for other audio content.
BBC Sounds is the latest in a long line of apps to be launched on Sky Q, a list which also includes Disney+, Discovery+ and Amazon Prime Video.
“We know the value our customers place on BBC content so it’s great that they can access the best of music, radio and podcasts alongside their favourite TV, in one place, easy,” said Patrick Behar, Sky’s chief business officer.
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Two years after the launch of new developments for Sony positional audio format 360 Reality Audio: tools for artists to create more easily songs with audio at 360 ° and possibility to use immersive audio in videos, including live performances
by Roberto Colombo published 12 January 2021 , at 12: 21 in the Audio Video channel Sony
360 Reality Audio had been one of the leading technologies ù interesting exhibited at CES 2019 and last year had shown interesting evolutions: now it is a technology that can be exploited on several Sony commercial products. Headphones came first, but recently Sony also introduced home speakers that offer the experience of spatial placement of sounds and instruments.
360 Reality Audio, not only in headphones
A few days before the opening of the digital edition of the CES 2021, in fact, Sony has announced the introduction of two new ones wireless speaker ?? SRS-RA 5000 and SRS -RA 3000 ??, able to play the tracks in format 360 Reality Audio, listenable through compatible music streaming services, c he incorporates three-dimensional sound positioning data.
At the rendering level the technology 360 Reality Audio is one of the most interesting among those that aim to give spatiality to sounds, even if played through headphones. One of the negative aspects of the coin is the fact that the songs must be remastered in the positional audio format to enable the rendering to 360 ° . Until now, the catalog available on the various streaming services – for example Tidal with Hi-Fi subscription – was not very extensive (Currently, the songs in 360 Reality Audio available are approximately 4. 00 0, with artists from Alicia Keys, Lil Nas X, Megan Thee Stallion, Noah Cyrus, Zara Larsson), but Sony has announced interesting news in this regard, with tools that make it easier to create audio content (and not only) 360 RA.
Sony and Virtual Sonics, Inc. have developed new content creation software, called 360 Reality Audio Creative Suite , to facilitate the creation of content in 360 Reality Audio by musicians and authors. The software plugin 360 Reality Audio Creative Suite is compatible with the main Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) . Virtual Sonics, Inc., will release the software through its subsidiary Audio Futures, Inc. at the end of the month.
Not only that, the positional audio format now also lands in video content, for example example live shows: Sony showed the first example last night, with a performance by Zara Larsson , available in format 360 Reality Audio on the Artist Connection app and viewable enjoying the all-round audio using the Sony enabled headphones (for example the WH – 1000 M4) and optimizing the sound reproduction in the app .
We remind you, to enable the technology it is necessary to take a photo of your ears via the Headphones app, to optimize playback based on to the person characteristics the ear, the shape and the consequent absorption and reflections that allow us to position the sounds we hear in space.
The 2021 seems to be the year of the realization of wearable viewers. TCL’s proposal is formed by Wearable Display glasses, announced together with new tech accessories.
by Nino Grasso published 12 January 2021 , at 12: 01 in the Wearables channel TCL
TCL announced at CES 2021, several new features in its wearable line. Among these the TCL Wearable Display , the premium earphones MOVEAUDIO S 600 True Wireless and the latest MOVETRACK Pet Tracker .
TCL Wearable Display
The first commercially available product belonging to Project Archery, TCL Wearable Display , is a light and elegant eyewear with two Full HD OLED micro display 1080 p integrated . Those who wear the new TCL glasses can enjoy a view at 90 degrees from 4 meters away, with a density of 12 pixels per corner (PPD), practically everywhere without any restrictions.
To work TCL Wearable Display must be connected to a smartphone. The manufacturer promises full compatibility with hundreds of smartphones, tablets, laptops and PCs equipped with a USB-C port and a display capable of supporting a resolution of 1080 p. Once connected, the device allows you to watch movies, play games and more, whether at home, on the road or anywhere else.
TCL Wearable Display will be available on the market during this year in some selected countries, but unfortunately we do not have more specific information yet.
TCL MoveAudio S 600
TCL MoveAudio S 600 are true wireless earbuds with Hybrid Active Noise Canceling and Transparency Mode and aim to deliver “immersive audio” and “crystal clear calls”, even when on crowded streets or on means of transport, thanks to the three microphones built into each earphone that allow active noise cancellation.
The earphones support Bluetooth 5.0 and smart sensing, technology that automatically plays and pauses music when the earphones are inserted or removed. Also present is Google Fast Pair, which allows a quick connection to the device. I TCL MoveAudio S 600 implement intuitive touch controls that make it easier to activate ANC, ask for help with Google Voice Assistant, switch from music to phone calls and manage playlists.
The autonomy declared by the manufacturer is up to 8 hours of music playback on a single charge and up to 04 hours of battery life when using the charging case. The earphones are IP certified 54 and will be available at from February to 129, 90 ??.
Other TCL Products
The company also launched MoveTrack Pet Tracker , which allows owners to virtually keep an eye on their pets. Attaches to a dog or cat collar and provides real-time multigeo location tracking using GPS, WiFi, and other technologies. TCL LinkHub 4G Outdoor CPE instead offers the ability to connect via 4G LTE at home, thanks to the 4×4 MIMO antennas and support for 4G Cat. 12. It is designed to be installed in outdoor environments thanks to IP protection 67. It will be available later 2021.
A little romantic candlelight is especially nice on dull autumn and winter days. With this smart solar candle hack, it’s easy at the push of a button.
Candlelight in the smart home: Modify LED candles and control them via smartphone In the beginning there was the LED candle Power supply One project – three results Part 1: Equip the LED candle with a Li-Po battery Part 2: LED candle via ZigBee Connect module to smart home Part 3: A solar charging station for the candle Article in Make Magazine 6 / 2020 read As a smart home enthusiast, I have set up a series of “scenes” in my self-built control center with which I can control lights, audio players, blinds and shutters as desired – depending on the mood. A scene was created for relaxed evenings that dims my lights and plays my favorite music. How nice it would be if one or two candles were lit – from the sofa, with the smartphone at the push of a button.
In the beginning there was the LED candle So I had the idea to modify the cheap LED candles of a well-known furniture chain so that I can control them remotely. The only problem: the power supply. Control via WLAN was out of the question, because the popular ESP 8266 -Microcontrollers need with their good and happy 97 mA much more current than a compact battery could deliver in the long run. Deep-sleep modes were also dropped early, as the candles could not have been switched on with a smartphone when the WLAN module was in power-saving mode.
So I started the “Smart Candle “thoughtfully shelved until I stumbled across an old Make online article during the Corona period. There it was explained how the authors had managed to remove the ZigBee module from an IKEA Trådfri lamp in order to reuse it in a separate, simple LED circuit. My interest was piqued.
Access to all contents of heise + exclusive tests, advice & background: independent, critically sound c’t, iX, Technology Review, Mac & i, Make, c’t read photography directly in the browser register once – read on all devices – can be canceled monthly first month free, then monthly 9, 95 € Weekly newsletter with personal reading recommendations from the editor-in-chief Start FREE month Start your FREE month now heise + already subscribed?
Log in and read Register now and read the article immediately More information about heise + Candlelight in the smart home: Modify LED candles and control them via smartphone In the beginning there was the LED candle Power supply One project – three results Part 1: Equip the LED candle with a Li-Po battery Part 2: LED candle via ZigBee Connect module to smart home Part 3: A solar charging station for the candle Article in Make Magazine 6 / 2020 read
Stereo and surround sound are fine and dandy, but what’s the next big thing in consumer audio? Sony would like you to believe its 360 Reality Audio format is top of the list.
Sony is working with a number of major record labels (including Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group), streaming services and other music organisations to refine a next-gen audio format that sits the listener smack bang in the middle of a 360-degree music listening experience.
But what exactly is Sony 360 Reality Audio? How does it work? And which products support it? You’ll find all that information, and more, below.
As it happened: Sony’s 360 Reality Audio format launched with 1000 tracks
What is Sony 360 Reality Audio?
Sony 360 Reality Audio is an audio format that uses Sony’s object-based spatial audio technology to deliver a full 360-degree audio experience. Its launch was one of Sony’s key CES 2019 highlights, but the service has come a long way since then, with more streaming partners and compatible products announced.
Its aim? To make the listener feel like they’re right in the recording studio or at a live concert watching their favourite artist. This is especially timely given that around the world, music venues are currently closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The format has been built using the open MPEG-H 3D Audio standard, which itself has been optimised for music streaming. It supports up to 64 speaker channels and allows audio coding to be done in different ways.
Engineers can map out and place everything including vocals, individual instruments and a live audience in any position inside a 360 spherical space. Different parameters can be altered for various elements, including distances and angles.
Sony’s teamed up with the Fraunhofer IIS (Institute for Integrated circuits) to open the format up for content creators and artists to take advantage of. At CES 2021, it made two further announcements: it added video streaming capabilities to 360 Reality Audio, and it developed a new content creation software called the 360 Reality Audio Creative Suite.
Sony is currently in talks with major music labels and streaming services about launching video streamed content later this year. And the 360 Reality Audio Creative Suite plugin software (which is compatible with popular digital audio workstation) will be released at the end of January.
These are the best Sony TVs you can buy
How can you listen to music in Sony 360 Reality Audio?
(Image credit: Sony)
To experience Sony 360 Reality Audio, you’ll need the right kit and compatible software.
To experience 360 Reality Audio on a pair of headphones, you’ll first need to download the iOS/Android app for a compatible streaming service. At the moment, these are Deezer, Tidal, Amazon Music HD and nugs.net.
In case you haven’t heard of it, nugs.net is a streaming service for live concerts. It currently has over 10,000 concerts in its catalogue including artists such as Bruce Springsteen and Red Hot Chili Peppers.
You’ll also need to be subscribed to the premium tier of said streaming service. If you’re currently enjoying Deezer’s Free tier, for example, you need to upgrade to Deezer HiFi to experience the new format. Other than that, it shouldn’t cost you extra.
MORE: Check out the best Sony earbuds
(Image credit: Sony)
Sony claims that 360 Reality Audio can be experienced “using headphones from most manufacturers”. It’s not exactly crystal clear what separates one pair of compatible headphones from a non-compatible pair, but Sony has been quick to highlight which of its own headphones will work on its official 360 Reality Audio site.
With select Sony models you can even use its Headphones Connect app to analyse your ear shape and help optimise the sound field for its new audio format. Open the app and you can scan both ears using your phone’s camera. The results are then applied to the app of your streaming service of choice.
Head to Sony’s site and you’ll be able to see a full list of compatible headphones, which include current What Hi-Fi? favourites (and Award-winning) WH-1000XM4, their predecessors the WH-1000XM3, and the WF-1000XM3 wireless earbuds.
(Image credit: Sony)
Of course, you can listen to Sony 360 Reality Audio using speakers, too. Sony recently launched two speakers that are compatible with the tech: the SRS-RA5000 and SRS-RA3000. They’re both wireless models, with Bluetooth and wi-fi onboard, and can link up to create a multi-room system. The RA5000 is compatible with Hi-Res music files too, and they both support Immersive Audio Enhancement, which upscales stereo sound so it has a surround effect.
Sony is also licensing the key technologies involved in 360 Reality Audio, meaning we should see more compatible devices come to market.
What can you listen to in Sony 360 Reality Audio?
(Image credit: Sony)
At present, you can stream over 1000 tracks in the format, including tunes from Mark Ronson, Pharrell Williams, Billy Joel and Jeff Beck.
Sony’s promising more tracks will be added via major record labels, plus over 100 songs recorded from live concerts, including the likes of CHARLI XCX and Kodaline.
Sony has also added video streaming to the format’s skillset. The aim is to recreate the feel of a live gig – very timely, given that music venues around the world are currently closed. It’s in talks with major music labels and service providers to begin streaming video content later this year, so stay tuned.
Which products support Sony 360 Reality Audio?
(Image credit: Amazon)
Besides headphones (and apps of compatible music streaming services), you can also experience Sony 360 Reality Audio on at least one speaker made by a third-party company: the Amazon Echo Studio wireless speaker (pictured above). However, you will need to be a subscriber to Amazon Music HD to take advantage.
The key to experiencing 360 Reality Audio in hardware, is that each product will need to have Sony’s custom decoder built-in. Sony has confirmed that it’s looking to make the new sound format available across a number of Alexa-enabled devices and those that support Chromecast built-in.
It’s also working with chipset manufacturers Media Tek, NXP Semiconductors and Qualcomm, so you can expect to see support for the format increase across more consumer kit moving forward.
Sony 360 Reality Audio vs Dolby Atmos Music
(Image credit: Dolby)
Now there just so happens to be another object-based audio tech in the offing from Dolby. Dolby Atmos Music is based on the company’s surround sound tech, Dolby Atmos, and allows engineers to either remix tracks and place sounds at specific points in your soundstage, or record live mixes in-studio, as long as they’ve got access to the necessary Dolby Atmos Music mixing kit.
Dolby Atmos Music tracks work on any home audio kit that supports Dolby Atmos, which does give this audio format an immediate advantage with TVs, soundbars, AV receivers, smartphones and tablets already geared up to support the format. Whether Dolby Atmos Music will be able to offer the same sort of 360-degree sound experience as Sony’s offering remains to be heard. But it’s certainly an exciting time for music listeners, as streaming enters its third dimension.
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Listen up! Dolby Atmos Music: everything you need to know
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The fashion brand has formalized several wearable products, including the new Fossil Gen 5 LTE which, at about 350, combines telephone functionality with WearOS
by Nino Grasso published 12 January 2021 , at 02: 01 in the Wearables channel Fossil
During the keynote of Fossil on the occasion of the CES 2021 is been announced Fossil Gen 5 LTE , smartwatch from 350 dollars with integrated telephone module. Anticipated by the FCC documentation leaked last December, the new model of the fashion brand brings cellular connectivity to WearOS in combination with the processor Snapdragon Wear 3100 .
This is a platform not of the latest generation which, in combination to the integrated LTE module, could reserve unpleasant surprises in daily use in terms of autonomy. The watch is offered exclusively to US users with Verizon and requires an additional phone plan over the one normally used on the mobile phone. At the time of writing the piece, no mention was made regarding a possible landing of the device outside the USA.
On the technical level we find a memory compartment based on 1GB of RAM and 8GB of onboard storage , just like the standard model of the smartwatch, along with a 1 panel, 28 “, NFC module for payments, continuous heart rate monitoring, integrated GPS, and there is also a speaker, fundamental for the management of local calls. It is proposed by Fossil in two colors, black and rose gold, in a single version with a 45 mm. There are also energy saving modes, which should expand the autonomy.
As stated by the manufacturer Fossil Gen 5 LTE offers an estimated battery life of 24 hours in “typical” use. The watch is sold with a magnetic charger via USB, and allows you to perform any telephone operation without being paired with a telephone, such as phone calls and messages. Even the workouts and all the dedicated features are available in exclusive mode and it is possible to listen to music locally via Bluetooth. The battery is 310 mAh and fast charging is supported (the 80% is reached in 50 minutes).
The company also announced Jorn Hybrid HR with the brand Skagen . It is a product, very similar to the Fossil Hybrid HR, designed for those who require some smartwatch features within a traditional watch. It is sold in five different versions, all for 195 dollars, with cases of 42 or 38 mm. The autonomy is over two weeks in typical use, and there are, among the smart functions, heart rate monitor, pedometer, sleep monitoring and training detection with personalized goals. The battery can be charged in less than an hour and there is the possibility to control the music playing on the paired smartphone and receive notifications.
Among the announcements we also mention the Michael Kors Access Gen 5E Darci , with elegant and showy case and straps designed mainly for a female audience. Thanks to the implementation of WearOS it allows you to manage calls via Bluetooth from the connected smartphone, and supports contactless payments. Michael Kors Access Gen 5E MKGO has the same features but boasts a sportier look with silicone strap. Both products can track sleep, count steps or estimate heart rate. Prices are 350 dollars for the Darci, 250 dollars for MKGO.
Great price today for the great Samsung TV from 65 “TU series 8070 !
SUPER, while stocks last: Huawei P 30 Lite New Edition has the Google services, 6GB of RAM, 256 GB of storage, excellent cameras even with wide angle and AI, dual SIM. There is also a very good rated Bluetooth blood pressure monitor which costs less than 40 ?? ! Do not miss this projector on time offer : not only does it normally cost 250 ?? (it’s a native full HD from 7200 lumens), but only for today and while stocks last you can activate an additional discount of 50 ?? via coupon !
Xiaomi Poco X3 128 GB at a great price and with availability for today. Hurry up, because it is one of the most requested smartphones now on Amazon. There is also on offer Huawei Redmi Note 9 Pro , in the version 6GB / 128 GB ! !
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Pay attention to the sales on branded shoes !!! Other examples? All offers Timberland between 50 and 100 Euro you can find them here, but there are also Geox and Clarks, Adidas and Nike !
Various offers on Oral-B electric toothbrushes , available in various versions, with spare and different heads assortments.
Super price for headphones Sony WH-CH 510 , but also the excellent Sabrent PCIe 3.0×4 from 256 GB less than 50 Euro does not joke. The price of the external hard disk Seagate from 2.5 inches (no power needed, just the USB) is really low 4TB !
Disposable face masks on offer on Amazon : we have two packs of 50 pieces and the special washable cotton solution with the hair band. It is also worth buying on Amazon the antibacterial hand sanitizing gel .
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Huawei P 30 Lite New Editon is really a bargain: 6GB RAM, 256 GB of storage, active Google services , great camera and also the highly regarded AI ecosystem of the Huawei / Honor world. It would be a shame not to take advantage of it.
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An always appreciated idea are the Amazon Gift Cards , freely configurable as regards the amount.
Staying at Amazon, Echo Show 5, Echo Flex and Echo are on offer Auto .
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Records and cassettes can be digitized and dusted off with little technical effort using the free Ocenaudio software.
(Image: Martin Reche)
Crash course: digitizing records and cassettes with Ocenaudio Hardware requirements and structure Preamplifier for turntable Selection of the recording program Set level and test recording Improve sound Export songs Analog Sound carriers are back in vogue: Limited special editions of records achieve astronomical prices among collectors and bands in their twenties like to put their music back on the good old cassette. Not only does it look fancy on the shelf, it also sounds warmer and fuller to some ears on an analog player than a dead-compressed MP3. Vinyls and tapes have a few disadvantages, however: the former cannot be heard on buses and trains and the latter will age badly if improperly stored. As a backup and for enjoying music on the go, you can do digitization yourself for private purposes. This also largely covers the copyright, as long as you don’t circumvent copy protection or want to use the copies in public, e.g. for a DJ gig.
Hardware requirements and structure The The technical effort for digitization remains manageable: apart from a playback device with audio outputs, you only need an audio interface that converts the analogue into digital signals and forwards them to the PC. In addition, there are the appropriate connection cables and the computer. Used interfaces cost from 60 Euro, new models are available from around 110 Euro. Important: For stereo sound you need an interface with at least two inputs. The trade also offers models with only one entrance, it is worth taking a closer look here. For this article we worked with an old Focusrite Saffire 6 USB interface. A Sansui turntable and a JVC tape deck were used as playback devices, both of which have cinch audio outputs.
The interface (below) converts the analog signals from the playback device into digital signals. The preamplifier for the record player is on the interface.
(Image: Martin Reche)
In theory, with a suitable cinch-jack cable, at least the tape deck can be married off directly to the jack input of the sound card and the recording can be started. We advise against this, however: An interface not only offers better sound thanks to better converters and preamplifiers, but also allows optimal control of the signal using a potentiometer and direct monitoring via headphones. So you can hear during the recording whether the level is overloaded or whether you need to correct the level.
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Sign in and read Register now and read the article immediately More information about heise + Crash course: digitizing records and cassettes with Ocenaudio Hardware requirements and structure Preamplifier for turntable Selection of the recording program Set level and test recording Improve sound Export songs
The Fossil Group and its subsidiary brands brought out their next generation smartwatches to show off at CES 2021. This means the watches share some hardware (but have unique designs). Note that they are split into two groups – the more capable Google Wear OS watches and the hybrid designs with longer battery life. The former include some LTE-connected models.
The Fossil Gen 5 LTE Touchscreen Smartwatch joins the current Gen 5 series. It’s powered by a Snapdragon Wear 3100 chipset and has an eSIM, which enables it to make and receive calls and texts. You don’t have to waste data to listen to music as there’s 8GB storage on board, which you can load up with tracks from Spotify.
The Fossil Gen 5 LTE in Black and Blush colors (silicone strap)
There are three battery modes – daily (everything enabled, charge every night), extended (essential functions only, charge every few days) and time only (just shows the time, lasts over a week). There’s an option to create a custom mix of these modes to better suit your usage.
The watch has a 1.3″ touchscreen inside a 45mm case. It supports the usual activity and health tracking features, plus Google Pay. It also integrates with your smart home and car – can control the Nest devices at home and even remotely start the engine of select Toyota cars.
Fossil claims that this watch is swim-proof, though we wouldn’t count on that as it’s rated to only 3ATM.
This Wear OS watch can controls Nest thermostats and select Toyota cars
The Fossil Gen 5 LTE will be available in the US this Spring, starting at $350. Note that it will only work on the Verizon network and only with an Android phone. More details on the official page.
Fossil is planning to launch this watch globally later this year. It is working to add support for other carriers (and support for iPhone users too), though it’s not clear when that will happen.
The Michael Kors Access Gen 5E comes in two versions – the $250 MKGO and $350 Darci. The only difference between the two is the bill of materials. The cheaper MKGO has an aluminum case and a silicone strap, the pricier Darci gets a stainless steel case and a seven-link bracelet.
Michael Kors Access Gen 5E – Darci
Both have a 1.19” AMOLED display and are powered by the Wear 3100 chip. There’s no LTE this time, but with a speaker and mic you can receive calls while connected to a phone. NFC is also on board to work with Google Pay.
Michael Kors Access Gen 5E – MKGO
The Skagen Jorn Hybrid HR is the first smartwatch with an e-ink display from the Danish accessory designer, though it’s quite similar to Fossil hybrid watches. This one comes in two sizes, 42 mm and 38 mm, and will be available in 5 styles.
The e-ink display pushes the battery life to over two weeks and fast charging is supported – 50 minutes are enough to get the battery to 80%. The trade-off is the more basic functionality.
Skagen Jorn Hybrid HR, the brand’s first e-ink based smartwatch
The Jorn Hybrid HR features heart rate and sleep tracking, a step and calorie counters and will show notifications from your phone (you can also use it to control the music player).
The Jorn Hybrid goes on sale later this month on January 26, it will cost $195.
Best on-ear headphones Buying Guide: Welcome to What Hi-Fi?’s round-up of the best on-ear headphones you can buy in 2021.
The best on-ear headphones are a good middle ground between in-ears and over-ears, they don’t burrow in your ears like the former and tend to be more portable than the latter. As the name suggests, they sit on your ears rather than covering them completely, which is a look you might prefer or find more comfortable.
As with any headphones, when choosing the best on-ear headphones for you, there are a few things to keep in mind. What features do you want? Bluetooth? Active noise-cancelling? What style are you after? An open-backed pair will give superior sound, but they leak the music like nobody’s business. They’re strictly for at-home use only. Using them on the bus? A closed-backed pair will avoid annoying your fellow passengers.
You should also consider how portable they are. Most pairs fold up to fit in a pocket or small bag, and some are so light you could forget you have them on you. Check them out in a shop if you can. Finally, you’ll need to decide on a budget. Thankfully, our pick of the best on-ear headphones contains something for everyone…
(Image credit: AKG)
1. AKG Y400
The best on-ear headphones with wireless smarts
SPECIFICATIONS
Connector: 3.5mm (cable supplied) | Cable length: 1m | In-line remote and mic: Yes | OS support: iOS/Android | Bluetooth: Yes | Noise-cancelling: No | Battery life: 20 hours
Reasons to Buy
Expansive, detailed presentation
Impeccable timing
Classy build quality
The Y400s are a little smaller than the previous model (the splendid Y500s), with smaller drivers and they come with a cable complete with in-line controls and mic, for when you don’t want to run down the battery with a wireless connection.
They’re colourful, too, coming in shimmery pink, green, blue and goldish-yellow finishes.
There’s no noise cancelling, but we wouldn’t expect it at this price. There is Ambient Aware mode, however, which lets in outside noise like dogs barking and car engines. Handy if you want to avoid being bitten/run over. They automatically detect when you take them off and pause the music, too, saving you precious battery life.
The sound has much to like. It’s spacious and three-dimensional. There’s impeccable timing throughout and the headphones deliver bass weight and power in spades. It’s zealous to the point that some might prefer a slightly leaner listen, but in our eyes (and at this level) the Y400s get the balance just about right.
Read the full review: AKG Y400
2. Grado SR80e
The best on-ear headphones for sound quality, but they’re not for everyone.
SPECIFICATIONS
Style: Open-backed | Cable length: 2m | Wireless: No | Noise-cancelling: No | In-line remote and mic: No | Connector: 3.5mm | Weight: 231g
Reasons to Buy
Great detailing
Lively audio
Tight bass
Reasons to Avoid
Sound could be more mellow
This is one of the few pairs on on-ear headphones in this list that are open-backed, meaning sound leaks like water through a sieve. But the upside is a more open, spacious soundstage – indeed, at this price, the dynamics, detail and clarity are all but unmatched.
They sound fast and nimble, able to jump between genres with ease, and the bass is clean and punchy. Some may find them a little tiring to listen to for long periods at high volumes and the design won’t suit everyone, but you can’t argue with the overall sound quality.
Read the full review: Grado SR80e
3. AKG N60NC Wireless
The best value on-ear headphones with wireless and noise-cancelling
SPECIFICATIONS
Bluetooth: Yes | Noise-cancelling: Yes | Battery life: 30hr | Charging: Micro USB | Built-in mic and controls: Yes
Reasons to Buy
Clear, punchy sound
Musical; balanced
Smart design
One of the most compact and convenient pairs of noise-cancelling headphones we’ve ever tested, the AKG N60 NCs deliver a superb performance for the money. They’re a good-looking pair of on-ears with an excellent fit. Battery life is 15 hours with the noise-cancelling and Bluetooth engaged and this ramps up to 30 hours when the noise-cancelling is turned off.
Bass delivery is powerful yet transparent with crisp, detailed vocals, soaring highs and convincing dynamics. You’d be perfectly content to wear these all day and for the money, they’re extremely tough to beat.
Read the full review: AKG N60NC Wireless
4. Urbanista Seattle Wireless
Excellent value wireless headphones that sound great for the price.
SPECIFICATIONS
Style: Closed-backed | Cable length: 1.2m | Wireless: Yes | Noise-cancelling: No | In-line remote and mic: No | Connector: 3.5mm | Weight: 172g
Reasons to Buy
Engaging audio
Perform well wirelessly
Reasons to Avoid
Bass could be better
Lacks aptX
These wireless on-ears are some of the best value headphones under £100. They combine the bass boost of a street headphone with the kind of smoothness that should appeal to audiophiles.
They’re tuned for impact rather than neutrality, with plenty of low-end thump, but if that’s your thing they will do you proud. And it’s not all bass: the mids are unexpectedly smooth and the treble pleasingly sweet. A very appealing all-rounder, and not just because of the price tag.
Read the full review: Urbanista Seattle Wireless
5. Grado SR325e
The open-backed design might divide opinion, but sound quality is excellent.
SPECIFICATIONS
Style: Open-backed | Cable length: 1.7m | Wireless: No | Noise-cancelling: No | In-line remote and mic: No | Connector: 3.5mm | Weight: 358g
Reasons to Buy
Balanced tonally
Transparent across frequencies
Dynamic and expressive
Be warned: these are open-backed, which means they leak sound like anyone’s business. Which is great for home listening (as the sound is more open and spacious), but not so great for your daily commute. Unless you want everyone knowing your guilty pleasures include Kylie and Black Lace.
A sturdy solid build meets superb sound quality, with an expansive sound space really letting every instrument breathe. If you’re serious about sound quality and they fit your budget, what are you waiting for?
Read the full review: Grado SR325e
6. Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 On-ear
Not a perfect pair of headphones, but still an enjoyable and effortless listen.
SPECIFICATIONS
Style: Closed-backed | Cable length: 1.4m | Wireless: No | Noise-cancelling: No | In-line remote and mic: Yes | Connector: 3.5mm | Weight: 210g
Reasons to Buy
Weighty bass
Great detailing
Very covetable
Reasons to Avoid
Timing could be improved
Slightly bass-heavy
Part of Sennheiser’s hugely successful Momentum range, these wired on-ear headphones don’t disappoint. The sound boasts body and warmth, plus texture and detail in spades. This all makes for an effortless, enjoyable listen.
Bass is weighty without being invasive but these particular Momentums don’t have quite enough clarity in the midrange for a five star recommendation. Having said that, they’re still hugely capable for the money.
Read the full review: Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 On-ear
7. AKG Y50BT
A winning pair of Bluetooth on-ear headphones.
SPECIFICATIONS
Style: Closed-backed | Cable length: 1.2m | Wireless: Yes | Noise-cancelling: No | In-line remote and mic: No | Connector: 3.5mm | Weight: 213g
Reasons to Buy
Clear sound with lots of detail
User-friendly
Comfy
Sound quality for these wireless on-ears is clear, with the kind of insight that makes it easy to tell the calibre of the talent on hand. There’s none of the hiss and whine you sometimes get with some wireless headphones. Detail levels are excellent, while their sense of rhythm is spot on. And when charged, they’ll give you 20 hours of play time – which is ample in anyone’s book.
Read the full review: AKG Y50BT
(Image credit: Eric Jones at Jones Studio Ltd)
8. Grado GW100
Open-backed and wireless? Sounds like an odd combination but it works
SPECIFICATIONS
Style: open-backed | Cable length: No | Wireless: Yes | Noise-cancelling: No | In-line remote and mic: No | Connector: No | Weight: 170g
Reasons to Buy
Fast and exciting sound
Great with rhythms
Excellent detail
Reasons to Avoid
Open-back design means plenty of sound leakage
No isolation from environment
The combination of wireless headphones and an open-backed design doesn’t sound too clever, and there are times when we’re out and about with Grado’s GW100s that they don’t make sense.
Yet, away from planes, trains and cars we’re impressed by the GW100’s excellent sound. They’re more articulate and insightful than just about any closed alternative. If you can cope with the open-back compromises there’s just so much to like here.
Read the full review: Grado GW100
(Image credit: Beyerdynamic)
9. Beyerdynamic Amiron
Premium priced headphones that have an exceptional sound to match
SPECIFICATIONS
Style: open-backed | Cable length: 3.0m | Wireless: No | Noise-cancelling: No | In-line remote and mic: No | Connector: 3.5mm | Weight: 340g
Reasons to Buy
Neutral and detail presentation
Expressive dynamics
Subtle bass
Comfort
Reasons to Avoid
If price isn’t an issue, nothing
Beyerdynamic’s Amirons aren’t the kind of headphones that grab your attention on a short listen, but give them a bit of time and their impressive transparency and resolution is sure to please.
They’re comfortable too, with nicely-judged earpads and sensible weight. You’ll need a good quality source and recordings to hear them at their best though, so don’t be tempted to skimp.
During Friday’s presentation of TLC devices, next to TCL smartphones 20 5G and TCL 20 SE, which we wrote about a moment ago, brand accessories also appeared. Among them we saw TCL MoveAudio S headphones 600, TCL MoveTrack pet locator and TCL Wearable Display glasses. Especially the latter, equipped with an OLED panel by Sony, may interest the greatest enthusiasts of new technologies. However, they are to be available at an unspecified time this year. We know, however, that both the headphones and the locator will appear in stores in February and in spring.
TCL introduced the TCL MoveAudio S headphones with useful options 600, TCL MoveTrack animal locator and TCL Wearable Display glasses. Especially the latter, equipped with an OLED panel from Sony, may be of interest to the greatest enthusiasts of new technologies.
The great test of in-ear and in-ear headphones True Wireless
Headphones TCL MoveAudio S 600 will appear in stores in February 2021 for the price of 149 euro (~ 680 PLN). The manufacturer advertises the structure as a premium model. In fact, this wireless intrathecal model must be given a wealth of functions. S 600 enjoys the presence of both ANC (active noise reduction) and the presence of the Transparency mode (the ability to hear sounds from the outside without having to remove the headphones, thanks to the microphones). The latter mode will be appreciated especially during phone calls, because hearing our own voice means that we do not unconsciously raise its intensity, which ultimately likes to end up even shouting. The already mentioned ANC works both during conversations (ANC of microphones) and during listening to music (reducing sounds from outside). The manufacturer suggests that the headphones without the ANC option turned on will last for 7 hours on a single battery charge, and the powerbank case will extend this time to 28 hours. The headphones can also be charged wirelessly, they have received the IP resistance class 54, they use Bluetooth version 5.0 BLE and SBC, AAC codecs. AptX is unfortunately missing.
TCL C 71 and TCL C 81 – QLED TVs with Dolby Vision and HDR 10 +
Pet tracker TCL MoveTrack will appear in stores in spring for the price of 99 euros (~ 450 PLN). It may not be the cheapest gadget, but such a one-time expense will certainly prevent many unpleasant experiences that took place especially during the New Year’s Eve (many animals scared by the roar of firecrackers escaped from their owners). The gadget will allow you to attach it to the pet’s collar and, using WiFi and GPS, to view its location in real time. What’s more, a dedicated mobile application will notify us immediately as soon as the pet leaves for 10 meters from us. The app will also allow you to set the so-called “safe zones”, and the tracker itself will also serve as a monitor of the pet’s activity (number of steps taken, meters, etc.). The gadget is equipped with an individual QR code, after scanning which you can reach the owners of the lost quadruped. The screen is also backlit, making it easier to track down the loss at night. The whole has an IP resistance certificate 67, and one battery charge is enough for 14 work days.
TCL plans a smartphone that can be extended to the size of a tablet
Glasses TCL Wearable Display are one of the most interesting TCL offers, but neither the date of availability nor the price has been given yet. This is not another competition for VR goggles, but classic glasses with a built-in dual FullHD micro OLED screen from Sony, thanks to which we will be able to view photos, watch movies or play games. You can connect a smartphone, tablet, laptops and desktops to the structure, as long as these devices offer a USB C port that supports the resolution 1080 p. The device also has support for displaying 3D content. As the manufacturer assures, the whole thing is extremely light, 80% lighter than competing solutions, and the construction itself does not it sticks too tightly to the eyes, and it is at a distance from them, thanks to which we can avoid eye disorders or headaches, and we do not lose contact with the environment. The content you view with TCL Wearable Display glasses can be compared to viewing it on an external screen 140.
Best neckband headphones Buying Guide: Welcome to What Hi-Fi?’s round-up of the best wireless neckband headphones you can buy in 2021.
If you’re aiming to get fit in the new year with runs around the park, workouts in the garden or just a HIIT in the front room, a pair of neckband headphones to upgrade your playlist could be just the boost you need.
When it comes to sports headphones, there are three types of wireless earbuds available: true wireless earbuds, wireless with a cable, and earbuds with a neckband.
These wireless neckband earphones feature a horseshoe-shaped collar that sits around your shoulders and houses a battery and Bluetooth transmitter. The designs may look a little unconventional, but you’ll quickly reap the rewards.
Neckband headphones combine convenience with impressive battery life (high-end models offer 10 hours playback) plus features such as noise cancellation. You won’t be plagued by connection issues, either, since most offer superb Bluetooth stability. And there’s the issue of keeping them in your ears – many would argue the neckband design is the best way to do it.
Most of the big-name audio brands have leapt on the neckband trend, so there’s now a range of options to suit everyone from commuters to fitness fanatics. Want to to cut the cord without sacrificing sound quality? Here’s our pick of the best neckband headphones.
(Image credit: Sennheiser)
1. Sennheiser Momentum In-Ear Wireless
The best neckband headphones, offering superior sound quality and a luxurious design
SPECIFICATIONS
Bluetooth: Yes | Noise-cancelling: No | Battery life: 10hr | Weight: 53g | Built-in mic and controls: Yes
Reasons to Buy
Open sound
Expressive vocals
Powerful bass
Reasons to Avoid
Bass maybe a little too powerful
This neckband headphone model is based on Sennheiser’s Award-winning Momentum in-ear headphones, so you’re guaranteed sensational sound quality. As well as impressive dynamics and superb vocal clarity, they offer features galore.
To add a touch of luxury to your listening experience, Sennheiser has trimmed the neckband in soft nappa leather. And when you get an incoming call, the neckband gently vibrates – a useful feature even when you’re not using listening to music. In a hurry? They fast-charge in one and half hours.
These Sennheisers are our pick as the best neckband headphones around thanks to the top-of-the-class style, sound and build quality.
Read the full review: Sennheiser Momentum In-Ear Wireless
(Image credit: Sony)
2. Sony WI-1000X
Noise-cancelling neckband with superb sonics
SPECIFICATIONS
Bluetooth: Yes | Noise-cancelling: Yes | Battery life: 10hr | Weight: 71g | Built-in mic and controls: Yes
Reasons to Buy
Punchy bass
Insightful midrange
Well balanced
Range of noise-cancelling modes
Reasons to Avoid
Neckband could be more flexible
The big draw here is the noise-cancelling functionality. Sony has gone to town and added an ‘Adaptive Sound Control’ mode that continuously tunes the sound profile to match your movement (sitting, walking, running and transport).
The result is superb sound that’s punchy and nuanced. It’s also worth noting that these neckbuds feature aptX HD Bluetooth, which provides the option to stream audio at 24bit/48kHz resolution.
Some of the buttons on the neckband have dual functionality (longer presses activate different functions), but unless the lack of dedicated buttons grinds your gears, you’ll be wowed by these hugely impressive earphones.
Read the full review: Sony WI-1000X
(Image credit: Bowers & Wilkins)
3. Bowers & Wilkins PI3
Brilliant wireless buds from B&W
SPECIFICATIONS
Connector: N/A | Cable length: N/A | In-line remote and mic: N/A | OS support: Android/iOS | Bluetooth: Yes | Noise-cancelling: No | Battery life: 8 hours
Reasons to Buy
Clean, detailed presentation
Solid, weighty and tight bass
Flexible design and fine build
Reasons to Avoid
Not IPX rated
Lack of eartip options
Bowers & Wilkins has successfully made a smooth move into the headphone market, building on its almost unrivalled reputation when it comes to making speakers. In-ears of this design, which makes us think of sport and the gym, haven’t necessarily been on the hit list however – fear not, B&W has knocked it out of the park with these neckband wireless in-ears too.
The PI3 earphones are a dual driver design, complete with a flexible neckband. We would prefer a few more ear tips to get the optimum fit, so it might be one to try before you buy. They deliver a decent battery life and though they aren’t technically waterproof, B&W claims they are “resistant to light rain, splash and sweat”.
Happily, they deliver a clear, controlled, punchy and well-balanced sound. From rock to pop to hip-hop, the B&W PI3 earphones deliver a confident, entertaining sound. Another fine option from B&W.
Read the full review: B&W P13
(Image credit: Bose)
4. Bose QuietControl 30
Refined, rhythmic and noise-cancelling
SPECIFICATIONS
Bluetooth: Yes | Noise-cancelling: Yes | Battery life: 10hr | Weight: 64g: | Built-in mic and controls: Yes
Reasons to Buy
Insightful sound
Impressive noise cancellation
Punchy bass
The QuietControl 30s are solidly-built and impress with their sonic ability, elegant design and best-in-class noise-cancelling. They never sound flat, and boast an impeccable sense of rhythm and timing.
Bose is known for its effective active noise-cancelling technology, which does a fine job of shutting out the world – without ruining the musicality of your favourite track.
While some people might find the collar a little weighty, the killer combination of premium noise-cancelling, superb battery life and outstanding audio quality adds up to a five-star review.
Read the full review: Bose QuietControl 30
(Image credit: Skullcandy)
5. Skullcandy Smokin’ Buds 2 Wireless
Lightweight neckband that offers bang for buck
SPECIFICATIONS
Bluetooth: Yes | Noise-cancelling: No | Battery life: 6-7hr | Weight: 30g: | Built-in mic and controls: Yes
Reasons to Buy
Full, fun sound
Great price
On a tight budget? Skullcandy’s cheap neckband headphones are the best pound-for pound performers. While the brand is best known as purveyors of bombastic bass, its Smokin’ Buds 2 offer surprisingly rich and accomplished playback.
The paired-back design features a simple three-button remote and looks more expensive than it feels. If you’re into fitness and don’t want the collar jangling around, you can remove the earphones from the flexible neckband.
As you’d expect, advanced features such as aptX Bluetooth and fast charging are off the menu. But factor in the eye-catching price and it’s hard not to be won over but these solid, reliable performers.
Read the full review: Skullcandy Smokin’ Buds 2 Wireless
(Image credit: Libratone)
6. Libratone TRACK+
Sporty buds with noise-cancellation
SPECIFICATIONS
Bluetooth: Yes | Noise-cancelling: Yes | Battery life: 8hr | Weight: 28g: | Built-in mic and controls: Yes
Reasons to Buy
Comfortable, secure and lightweight
Effective noise-cancellation
Splashproof
Reasons to Avoid
Lack some subtlety and attack
Libratone’s splashproof TRACK+ earbuds are aimed at sporty types and remain securely locked into your ears during intensive workouts. They’re light but powerful: with 8 hours playback you’re sorted for a marathon (or two).
Libratone’s noise-cancelling technology – dubbed CityMix II – offers four levels of noise cancellation, letting you choose how much of the world to let in. It’s pretty effective at blocking out everything from chugging lorries to office chatter, and can be tuned via the remote or Libratone’s app.
While not as crisp or insightful as the Sennheisers, the TRACK+s offer a deft balance of dynamics and clarity – without breaking a sweat. If you love running, these will go the distance.
Read the full review: Libratone TRACK+
(Image credit: V-Moda)
7. V-Moda Forza Metallo Wireless
Sophisticated and stylish – but lacking in oomph
SPECIFICATIONS
Bluetooth: Yes | Noise-cancelling: No | Battery life: 10hr | Weight: 22.5g: | Built-in mic and controls: Yes
Reasons to Buy
Excellent detail and clarity
Balanced bass
Good-looking and comfortable
Reasons to Avoid
Not the best wireless performance
Lack some midrange power and body
If style and craftsmanship float your boat, you’ll be instantly drawn to these sleek earbuds made from “aircraft grade” aluminium. Their compact, minimal design is highly impressive – as is the clarity and upper-frequency refinement.
Sound isolation is good and they come with a nice range of tips (plus ‘sport hooks’ to hold them securely in place). Fast charging means two hours playback from 15 minutes of charging.
We did experience a few Bluetooth drop outs, though, and the soundstage lacks a little raw power. There are better all-rounders, but if you’re looking for outstanding sonic detail and a swanky design, make a v-line for V-Moda.
Read the full review: V-Moda Forza Metallo Wireless
Jabra’s Elite 85T true wireless earbuds, which we called its “best earbuds yet” when we reviewed them last year, are getting four new color variants. Alongside the preexisting titanium / black color scheme, the earbuds will soon be available in gold / beige, copper / black, black, and gray.
Outside of the new colors, the new Jabra Elite 85T earbuds are functionally identical to what we reviewed last year. That means they should offer a comfortable fit paired with good noise cancellation and excellent controls. They’re also able to connect to two sources at once, which is handy if you get a phone call while you’re listening to music on a laptop.
That’s not to say we didn’t have our reservations about the earbuds, which you can read about in our full review. Otherwise, the new colors will be available starting today from Jabra’s website for $229 (£219.99 / €229).
During the ongoing CES, TP-Link presented a number of new technological solutions thanks to which the networks of home and business users are to become even faster and safer. The manufacturer focuses on the development of WiFi 6E, WiFi mesh, 5G and 10 G. In order to help users to learn about the new products and learn more about them, TP-Link has created a virtual exhibition to which we link below. This year’s portfolio of TP-Link has been enriched, among others with a new model of the award-winning Deco WiFi Mesh system. Honored with the CES Award 2021 Innovation Awards Deco Voice X 20 provides speeds of up to 1800 Mbps in two bands. Each unit has been equipped with two gigabit WAN / LAN ports. The built-in Alexa smart speaker allows you to use and control your entire home Wi-Fi network using voice commands. It also allows for intelligent home management, music streaming, and Alexa messaging and calling.
During the ongoing CES, TP-Link presented a number of new technological solutions thanks to which home user networks , as well as business, are to become even faster and safer.
TP-Link virtual exhibition of new products to CES 2021
To TP- product family The link was also joined by devices in the WiFi 6E standard: Mesh systems Deco X 96, Deco X 76 Plus with hub function for smart devices, routers Archer AX 96 and Archer AX 206 with ports 10 G. All the devices mentioned above support the 6 GHz band reserved for the WiFi 6E standard. The first device – home mesh system Deco X 96 offers speed up to 7800 Mb / s in three bands. Each Deco X unit 96 has two WAN pores / LAN – gigabit and 2.5G. The performance of the network is supervised by a number of supporting technologies, including MU-MIMO 4×4, OFDMA and Beamforming. The TP-Link HomeShield system is responsible for network security, which includes Avira antivirus, QoS, advanced parental control options and real-time IoT device protection.
Archer AX 96
Archer AX 206
QNAP TS- 253 D – Test NAS with 2.5GBase-T network support
In turn, reaching speeds up to 5400 Mb / s in three bands Deco X 76 Plus can also function as a smart hub, thus becoming the center of the smart home and allowing you to control all devices on the network through an easy-to-use application. Particular attention in this year’s TP-Link offer is the tri-band WiFi 6E router Archer AX 96 , providing total bandwidth up to 7800 Mb / s and Archer AX 206 reaching cumulative speed up to 11000 Mb / s. Equipped with ports 10 G Archer AX 206 has been enriched with advanced Multi-Gig, OFDMA and MU technologies -MIMO, which eliminate delays and also facilitate data transfer to and from multiple devices simultaneously.
Deco Voice X 20 and Deco X 76 Plus
Tenda AC Test 23 – Advantageously priced router 802. 11 ac AC 2100
TP-Link also presented the first mesh system in its offer, which works in the 5G broadband internet technology. Deco X 80 – 5G gives you wireless speeds up to 6000 Mb / s in two bands. The device is equipped with two WAN / LAN ports – gigabit and 2.5G. In addition, Deco X 80 – 5G supports VoLTE technologies / VoIP. In 2021 TP-Link will also introduce new WiFi 6 access points for sale. business customers cooperate with the Omada SDN system. They make network configuration and management even easier and more efficient.
Deco X 80 – 5G and Deco X 96
ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX 11000 – the first router with WiFi 6E support
To the Omada SDN family WiFi 6 for Business includes access points. The first is the WiFi 6 tri-band access point EAP 680 HD is designed for ceiling mounting and provides users with high wireless speed going up to 6000 Mb / s. The device has a port 10 G and supports PoE ++ power supply, thanks to which finding the right location for the AP will not be a problem. Second access point (for wall mounting) EAP 615 – Wall offers speeds up to 1800 Mb / s in two bands. It is equipped with four gigabit Ethernet ports (1 uplink port + 3 downlink ports), including one downlink port with PoE pass-through support for powering wired devices. In turn, it is intended for installation outdoors and is resistant to weather conditions EAP 610 – Outdoor provides speeds up to 1800 Mb / s in two bands.
EAP 610 – Outdoor, EAP 615 – Wall and EAP 680 – HD x2.
Huawei WiFi AX3 – small home router with WiFi 6 Plus support
Among the presented novelties there is also a 5-port switch 10 G TL-SX 105 desktop type. The device has an auto-negotiation feature to ensure optimal performance. The switch components are covered with a high-quality metal casing, ensuring product durability. The compact dimensions of the device facilitate its installation. TP-Link has not forgotten about the offer addressed to Internet service providers. During this year’s CES, TP-Link also presented a solution dedicated to operators – Deco ISP Cloud , a special cloud-based software for remote , central monitoring and management of Deco devices in customers’ homes.
Disinfecting surfaces is part of the daily grind at schools, offices, hospitals and other institutions, but simply wiping them down may not be enough. UV light is proven to kill bacteria and viruses, including COVID-19, but it’s also harmful to human eyes and skin, potentially causing skin cancer or cataracts.
UBTech, maker of the popular Jimu line of kids’ robots and the life-size Walker robot, has a new solution rolling out. Its Adibot robot blasts a room with the appropriate level of UV-C light while humans wait safely outside.
Adibot is available in two versions: a $40,000 model which can roll around a room on its own and a $20,000 stationary unit that you put in the middle of a room. While those prices may sound high, UBTech GM John Rhee told us that hospitals have similar robots that cost well over $100,000. The company also has a program where it charges as little as $15 a day to finance or lease the machines.
(Image credit: UBTech)
Both versions of Adibot come with a smart warning sign that maintenance staff can put outside a room to block people from accidentally entering. Both the robots and the sign itself have human detection capabilities they can use to see if a person enters the line of fire and turn themselves off. They also have cameras that record any intrusions so, if someone does get into the restricted area, you’ll know who it was.
We saw a brief demo of the stationary model in action. An UBTech employee rolled it into an empty conference room, walked outside and then used an iPad app to set the light exposure time (only a couple of minutes is needed), safety settings and other options.
Rhee said that a common use case for Adibot will be school, hotel or office maintenance staff deploying it in rooms before or after they are finished cleaning and move onto the next space. Organizations will not only get the robot and the app, but training on how to use it best, along with timely support and maintenance.
The Adibot will be available later this month and UBTech announced it already has a partnership in place with the Delaware Department of Education to test the robots in its Christina School District.
New Jimu Go Robots
(Image credit: UBTech)
UBTech also announced that it is releasing a new line of kids robots kits dubbed Jimu Go. A successor to its popular line of Jimu robot kits, Jimu Go will launch in Q4 of this year and initially offer three different sets: Robot Speedster, Music Box Maker and Mars Rover.
Rhee told us that Jimu Go will differ from Jimu in a few key ways. First, where Jimu kits have cost as much as $300, Go will focus on affordability with MSRPs below $99. The parts will also be redesigned to make it easier for children who are still developing their hand-eye coordination to plug in wires and connect blocks.
Finally, Jimu Go will offer a camera module that allows users to use computer vision on their robots. So young children, the core audience for Jimu, will now be able to train machine learning models and have their robots do object recognition.
Rhee said that the software for Jimu will be redesigned but will still use the company’s block-based coding language.
First launched in 2016, the company’s original Jimu line of robot kits remains popular. Recent entries in the line include the UnicornBot, which has an RGB horn and motors, and the DragonBot, which has flapping wings.
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