Major General George Owen Squier, born in Michigan in 1865, influenced much of our leisure time in the modern day. 12 years before Squier’s death in 1934 he created the world’s first recognised streaming service – ‘Muzak’.

Using a series of underground wires, Squier’s creation piped music into commercial businesses without the need of an aerial or radio. It took almost a century for Squier’s technology to succeed.

Today, streaming is the main driving force behind a number of different industries. New technology has helped capture more customers, increase quality of output and revitalise struggling areas.

In this article we take a look at 4 industries that have taken full advantage of streaming technology and made huge gains as a result.

Music

Nowadays it is less common for people to worry about the effect of piracy on the music industry. It’s already a booming business, and the A-List celebrities are still succeeding in spite of the use of piracy. In many ways it could now been seen as a victimless crime, but the music industry itself certainly doesn’t see it this way.

Due to the rise in online piracy, US music revenues have seen a dramatic fall from $14.6 billion to $6.1 billion in 2009 in the past decade. The effect of online piracy was so devastating that the industry worked with Aardman Animators to produce the iPhone app Music Inc as a different means of making customers aware of the effects of piracy.

The premise of the game was simple – identify an up and coming band and catapult them to world fame. The catch was, no matter what you did, your band would always fail because of music piracy.

Luckily for the industry, Spotify emerged in 2008 with the stated pledge of finally ending music piracy. The subscription based streaming service proved to be a massive hit, diverting people from illegal piracy sites to a system that actually rewarded creators – albeit less so than traditional CDs and records.

Since 2016, British music revenues have been growing at a rate of 10.6% and the industry as a whole has been rejuvenated. However, it’s unlikely that the music industry will recover to pre-piracy highs with Spotify paying a mere $0.00387 per stream and Apple music paying the slightly higher figure of $0.00783.

While there’s no doubting that streaming services have saved the music industry, it has also been dramatically altered. The real money still comes from physical CD sales, and that has led to a lot of music companies targeting the ‘nan market’ – a move that has led to the rise of middle ground musicians like Ed Sheeran, Adele and Michael Buble.

Gambling

If there is one industry that is always at the forefront of technological innovation, then it is undoubtedly gambling. From as early as the 1990s, gambling companies have experimented with modern technology to increase their reach and their customer base.

In the early days of online gambling, graphics and gameplay were incredibly primitive by today’s standards. At that point, online poker players would only be able to play against the house amidst backdrop of symmetrical 2D cards and icons. Nowadays the online industry is the biggest contributor to gambling revenues in the UK, making just under £5 billion of the £14 billion British gross gambling yields come from the remote sector.

The success is largely down to the improvements made in the offerings of online gambling companies. Better graphics, greater in-game interaction and increased availability have all helped to boost the appeal of online gambling.

In recent years, there has been a new innovative platform that looks set to completely revolutionise the gambling market in general – live casino. This technology connects players with dealers in real time through high-quality videos and audio links, recreating the personal experience of being in a real casino from the comfort of their own home.

Any online gambling company worth its salt now owns its own physical casino. Most of the casinos are based in countries with lower average salaries and they all successfully entertain their customers without the need of their physical presence. At a quality live casino, high-tech cameras surround the game tables, streaming the action live to online punters.

This platform is proving understandably popular among gamers worldwide, and their success is only expected to grow when the long-awaited introduction of VR streaming is unveiled in the industry.

Film and TV

The most pertinent example of how streaming has changed the film & TV industry comes courtesy of one of the world’s most respected film directors, Martin Scorsese. The man responsible for Gangs of New York, The Wolf of Wall Street and many other hit blockbusters.

Just a few years ago, Scorsese released the film Silence. This film was a culmination of a lifetime’s work, a grippingly artsy tale of two Jesuit Priests. However it was a box office flop, only regaining half of its $100 million budget.

When Scorsese returned to Paramount Pictures with the idea of The Irishman, an ambitious film featuring Robert De Niro, Al Pacino and Joe Pesci, he was rebuffed. The failure of Silence had been enough to scare Paramount off working with Scorsese again.

The movie powerhouse believed it could not take the risk on another high budget film, especially not in the current economic climate. Luckily for Scorsese, Netflix jumped in and took the rights to the film for $100 million, with the release date expected to be sometime later this year.

The success of the streaming giant Netflix is so much so that they can now afford to take risks in filmmaking that other organisation such as Paramount Pictures can no longer match. This isn’t just confined to the world of film – it’s also happening with increasing frequency in the TV industry.

Lucifer premiered on Fox in 2016. The show chronicled the relationship between Lucifer Morningstar (played by Tom Ellis) and Chloe Decker (Lauren German). The twist was that Lucifer was actually the Devil, and was spending his time on earth solving crime.

Fox ran three seasons of the show, attracting on average 4-million views per episode. However, this wasn’t good enough for Fox, and they decided not to renew Lucifer for a fourth season.

That decision was greeted with outrage among fans, and #SaveLucifer became the number one trend worldwide on Twitter. Fox clearly could not justify the financial outlay of another season of Lucifer, but someone else could.

Netflix swooped in to buy the rights to the TV show in June 2018, and a fourth season is expected to be released in spring 2019. With so many successful streaming platforms such as Netflix now being able to afford the production of hit films and TV shows, it’s no surprise to know that their subscription rates are through the roof, with over 139 million paying subscribers.

Sport

The global reach of the English Premier League was highlighted perfectly in 2017, when a small provincial team from the East Midlands put on a poignant memorial service to honour the late Thai King, Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Not only did Leicester City pay a fitting tribute to Adulyadej, they also perfectly epitomised the global power of the Premier League. Billions of fans watch Premier League games every year, with the reach of the league being felt in over 200 countries around the globe.

With that reach has come wealth. Eight of the 20 richest clubs in the world are situated in England, with even lowly West Ham being the 15^th wealthiest. Sky Sports paid a rumoured £5.136 billion for the 2016-2019 Premier League broadcasting rights.

As a result, the sports industry in general is now having to combat the threat of illegal online streaming of games.

More people choosing to consume their favourite sports in different ways, mitigating the need for expensive sports subscriptions. As a result, major sports broadcasters are changing the way they operate.

Sky Sports streaming branch Now TV now allows viewers the chance to pay for daily passes, allowing them to stream their favourite sporting games as a one-off occasion. More and more money that is allocated to advertising is being spent to attract these ‘one-off’ customers and stave off the appeal of illegal streams.

Football experts are also predicting the introduction of club-specific streaming season tickets in the not too distant future. This may well be coupled with VR technology allowing customers a unique, bespoke experience.

These are just a few ways streaming is here to stay. Keep an eye on these four industries to see which innovations will transform them even further in the years to come.

The post 4 Industries That Have Reaped The Rewards Of Streaming Technology appeared first on The Streaming Blog.

Huawei is fast rising in the technology ladder and they obviously have taken a spot in today’s market. Though what the company believes is a gap in the wearables area has led them to create the Watch GT to fill this.

It isn’t really a kind of smart watch running the Wear OS from Google, nor is it a fitness tracker or hybrid smartwatch. You could say that it’s in-between the two, and it shows that the company has been working on it for some time to give it all the best features that it needs.

Huawei decided to make use of their own software for its latest device which appears to be just like the Wear OS in an independent product line. They decided to go for this instead of having a Huawei Watch 3 or the like. The Huawei Watch GT comes with a paired software to boost the device’s battery life; and quite surprisingly, it really does work.

So today, we’re going to talk about this Watch GT from Huawei to see if it’s as good as it appears to be, and if it’s something worth investing in. But before anything else, let’s see what other items and accessories are included in the package of this sleek-looking watch.

Huawei Watch GT Review – What’s in the Box?

We got our hands on the stainless steel colored Watch GT that comes with a saddle brown leather silicone strap. It looks really cool and we’re glad we got this specific one. Now back to the package; just like the watch itself, the box is sleek and classy-looking. Huawei opted for a dark theme which gives off a rather high-end vibe.

The top of the box features the name of the company, as well as its logo placed right in the middle. On one of the sides, you’ll find the words Huawei Watch GT written. Basically, there isn’t much to see on the box’s exterior since the company opted for a more clean and minimalist approach.

Once you open the box, you’ll immediately see the watch presented nicely inside. You don’t have to worry about it moving around while in transit since it has its own space to keep it fixed in place. Aside from the watch, other items that are included in the box are the user’s guide, a charging cradle, and a charging cable.

The Product

Huawei Watch GT Review

The exterior of the  Huawei Watch GT is clean, simple, but classy. It may appear like some of those heavy design watches but it’s really lightweight and easy to wear. Just like your usual smart watch, the Watch GT doesn’t have any of the heft that you’ll find in the classic watches.

Around the watch’s bezels, you’ll find an index printed in this area, showing the minutes in a total of five-minute increments. It also features an individual line to note each of the minutes there; this also sports the classic triangle along the 12 o’clock positioning. While its bezel does not rotate like the watch from Samsung Galaxy, it is much slimmer when it comes to Huawei’s device. This only means that more of the space in front is used up for the watch’s display.

The underside of the Watch GT has a black plastic body which houses and protects the heart-rate sensor; while the back of the strap is all made of rubber. With its make, it definitely gives you a comfortable feel while keeping things lightweight and easy to wear.

The Huawei Watch GT sports two side-mounted buttons located on the right side of its OLED display. Inside the watch, it comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 3100. With all of the Watch GT’s software customizations and hardware, its battery (420 mAh) will be able to run up to a total of 14 days.

This Watch GT has 16MB RAM and 128MB ROM. It has the 4.2 BLE Bluetooth available and it is also water resistant. You’ll be able to go underwater up to a total of 50 meters. For its dimensions, the watch is 46.5 x 10.6 millimeters, and is 46 grams without its strap.

We loved the fact that the company provides all of us with a two-year warranty against faults and defects, plus six months on its battery.

Product Features

Beautiful, Sleek, and Durable

The Huawei Watch GT is designed with a stainless steel shell, ceramic bezel, and DLC coating, allowing it to withstand damages. It measures 10.6 millimeters and features a double crown AMOLED screen that measures 1.39 inches x 454, it’s absolutely sleek and vibrant. The GT is 5ATM waterproof, letting you confidently wear even when swimming.

Real-Time Heart Rate Tracking

Huawei’s TruSeen heart rate tracking technology gives you a more accurate and efficient heart rate by simply utilizing innovative sensors and  a self-learning algorithm.

Smart Scientific Coaching

This watch’s Stay Fit feature offers coaching in basic to advanced running courses to aid you in real-time. This also guides, trains, and gives you feedback in time-movement effect.

Three Satellites in One Precise Location

Modern GPS supports three satellite positioning system (GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS) worldwide to offer more accuracy, speed, and precision in positioning.

Ready to Make Anything Possible

The Huawei Watch GT offers multiple sports modes whether you workout indoors or outdoors. Modes for training activities are also present.

Accurate Sleep Statistics

A collaborative study with Harvard Medical School CDB Centre produced the TruSleep 2.0, a smart sleep tracking program for every sleep cycle. This technology helps identify common sleeping conditions and offers 200 or more possible suggestions that will help solve your issues.

Smart Notifications

Aside from being the ideal device for tracking your sedentary status, counting steps, and your peak intense activities, the Huawei Watch GT allows you to receive notifications. With this, you won’t miss out your important messages, alarms, phone calls, and other reminders.

Lite OS

Unlike other smart watches, Huawei’s Watch GT does not operate with Google’s Wear OS. Instead, it uses the Lite OS which is Huawei’s own operating system. The way it works and its interface is similar to the Wear OS. Swiping up goes to notifications and down is for quick access. Swiping left or right lets you see data panels with weather, fitness, and heart rate information.

The Lite OS also has a raise to view feature which works very well when the operating system is up to date. You may also press on one of the two buttons on the watch’s side. The upper button opens the menu while the lower button is a quick access to the fitness center. For the notifications, you can simply choose the apps you want to be included.

The activity or fitness center offers a lot of modes such as for swimming, cycling,  and running. For other activities, a basic heart rate mode is present.

As you run the Lite OS, you will have access to various screens that display run stats such as distance, pace, cadence, heart rate, and height climbed. It will also show your performance rate. Huawei’s Watch GT l the things you need for working out since it tracks all the necessary data which ends up in the Huawei’s Health App. Everything you need for working out is in this smart watch and if you’re a beginner and want to run without using a phone.

For every workout, you also get maps and graphs. You can check these further using your phone and holding it landscape-wise, then pinch to zoom into the data.

Central App: Workouts

Workouts, the central app used on the Huawei Watch GT, provides most of the tracking capabilities which aren’t in the heart rate monitoring and normal step tracking. You can also use the app to easily set ip moes such as Indoor & Outdoor Run, Open Water, Pool Swim, and more.

The watch also comes with GPS onboard, which connects really fast. While working out with the Watch GT, the app is really intuitive and easy to use since it clearly displays your stats.

Specifications

DIMENSIONS

• Length x width x height: 46.5 mm x 46.5 mm x 10.6 mm
• Wrist coverage range 14 ~ 21 cm

WEIGHT

• Approximately 46 g (without the strap)

WATCH CASE

• Colour: Black Stainless Steel, Stainless Steel
• Material: Metal + Plastic + Ceramic

WATCH STRAP

• Graphite Black Silicone Strap, Saddle Brown leather Silicone Strap, Glacier Gray Silicone Strap, Fluorescent Green Silicone Strap

DISPLAY

• 39 inch AMOLED colour screen
• Resolution: 454 x 454, PPI 326
• The AMOLED touchscreen supports slide and touch gestures.

GPS

• Supported

MEMORY

• Internal ROM 128 MB, internal RAM 16 MB

CONNECTIVITY

• Wi-Fi: Not supported
• Bluetooth: BT4.2, BLE

SENSORS

• Accelerometer sensor
• Gyroscope sensor
• Magnetometer sensor
• Optical heart rate sensor
• Ambient light sensor
• Barometer sensor

BUTTON

• Power button, function button

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

• Android 4.4 or later
• iOS 9.0 or later

CHARGING TIME

• <= 2 hours (under 25 °C ambient temperatures)

BATTERY LIFE

• 14 days for typical use. (The typical usage scenarios are decided based on the user habits.The specific battery life depends on the user habits and usage frequency.)

Using the Product

As sports and physical activity goes, the Huawei Watch GT surprisingly delivers great performance. Its integrated GPS allows you to go for a long run without having to carry your phone around with you. All the records from the activities monitored will go to your phone and you don’t have to be concerned about the distance.

For maps, you can simply use your watch to see your route.  Just like its competitors, the Huawei Watch GT tracks a variety of activities such as your pace and steps when walking, as well as your heart rate,

What’s actually interesting about this smartwatch is how it’s built, as well as its interface since it’s able to display all the monitored details. Another thing we liked is that it’s really easy to use. For instance, we got everything we needed in one screen when we tried using the watch during a running session. Even if it was displaying a lot of details on the screen, it didn’t look cramped; in fact, it was really easy to read every single data even while we tried to keep focused on training and working out.

Aside from displaying your current pace, total time, and distance, the watch features an arc across the top of the screen which has five heart rate zones, as well as an arrow that points clearly at which heart rate zone you’re currently in. With that, swiping to another screen for additional data won’t be needed.

Once we finished an activity, all the data from the watch synced with the Huawei Health app in our phones. This was where we saw a more detailed breakdown of the results. This includes the map route, elevation graphs, pace, average heart rate, and our overall fitness level.

The GPS of the Huawei Watch GT also syncs and connects easily and instantly, which was really surprising. This allows users to press the button and take off by immediately running or cycling.

Let’s talk about the accuracy of the Huawei Watch GT. First, we tried using its heart rate tracker and measured BPMs, high & low, and the chest strap. We were surprised to see that GPS coordinates and distance calculations were all accurate since the watch features sensors in side it. Another thing we appreciate is that it can track a variety of activities.

Overall, we really liked the Huawei Watch GT. The speed of the device really impressed us. Even though its software doesn’t have the fancy features, it’s an excellent device for workouts and tracking activities. Everything in the Huawei Watch GT gets the job done since it’s not only fast, but it also gives accurate monitoring results.

Conclusion

The Huawei Watch GT does not only have great physical features, but it also has an impressive OLED display. We think that it’s the ideal workout partner since it virtually tracks your activities.

What makes the Huawei Watch GT a great wearable device is its solid design, its battery life is enough to do a variety of tasks. It really amazes us since the OLED screen is bold and bright which we didn’t really expect that the watch’s battery to last long. With that, we think it’s a great wearable device that will be extremely useful for those who regularly go to the gym.

We’re also amazed with the sleep tracking features of the Huawei Watch GT since it allowed us to record everything – light, REM, and deep sleep periods, as well as breathing. The Watch GT is made for those who need a device that focuses mainly on fitness. All of its trackers give accurate results and it offers fast GPS. What’s best about this is that you can use a lot of trackers with just a single device. The fact that the watch looks great is an added bonus.

If you’re looking for the excellent device for fitness, we highly recommend the Huawei Watch GT.

Pricing and Availability

This Huawei WATCH GT promotion is included as part of Mate20 Pro post paid plans available with Huawei’s carrier partners:

• Optus customers will receive 30GB of data for $74 per month for 24 months, available until 31 March. See more information here.
• Vodafone customers will receive 30GB of data and handset for $64.91 per month for 36 months on the Vodafone $35 Red Plan, available until 4 February. See more information here.
• JB HiFi is selling the Mate20 Pro for $1399 (save $200 from RRP $1599) as part of the promotional offer, available until 28 February. See more information here.

The HUAWEI WATCH GT is not available for separate purchase. The gift promotion is available from the following retailers: Optus, Vodafone, JB Hi-Fi, Kogan and Mobileciti. The promotional offer is available from 24 January 2019 to 28 February 2019. The HUAWEI WATCH GT can be claimed through www.huaweipromotions.com.au until 24 March 2019.

The post Huawei Watch GT Review appeared first on The Streaming Blog.

If you think about it, finding durable sports earphones that produces quality sounds can be a bit tough. Sure, there are a ton of different kinds of models in the market, and you’ll most likely find a pair that is categorized as a “sports earphone”. But the thing is, these so-called sports earphones are not usually comfortable to wear, they don’t stay in your ears especially when you move around a lot, and they do not often sound as good as they claim.

Luckily, Jaybird is known for their excellent record when it comes to sports earphones. And with models such as the Jaybird X4, you know you won’t go wrong with their products especially when it comes to the quality. Now, they’re back with another pair of earphones that will surely pique your interest. This is the Jaybird Tarah Pro.

But what does this new pair have that will make it live up to the Jaybird brand name? Is it just as good as their other products, and is it really worth purchasing? We’ve put the Jaybird Tarah Pro to the test to see.

Jaybird Tarah Pro Review – What’s in the Box?

The Jaybird Tarah Pro came in a nice sturdy package that looks just like the box of the X4. The front part of it features the image of the earphones together with the company’s logo, the product’s name, as well as its key features. Flip the box and you will find more information about each of the features of the Tarah Pro.

Opening the package, we saw the Tarah Pro itself. We have the black-flash color and we really like how sleek and cool-looking it is. The box has a little flap inside, and underneath this, you will find all the other accessories included in the box.

Items that are present include the three sets of eargels, one shirt clip, a carrying pouch, and a full-sized USB charger. There is also a flexible 4-inch cable between the charging cradle and plug which lets you have more freedom when it comes to linking the device. The cradle also links magnetically to the Tarah Pro’s remote instead of having it clipped on like the X4 and Tarah’s chargers.

The Product

Jaybird Tarah Pro Review

Since the Tarah Pro from Jaybird is meant to last throughout the day, it comes with a ton of handy features to guarantee that it can keep up with you and your activities. These aren’t real wireless earphones, but this makes it quite advantageous.

Magnets integrated into the earbuds aid in clasping them around your neck which is necessary especially when you aren’t using them. It will automatically pause your music when connected, then will play and resume once you put the earphones back on. Pretty convenient, don’t you think?

These earphones look just like other Bluetooth earphones coming from Jaybird’s collection, with a cord that links the right and left buds, plus a cinch that can be used to adjust the cord’s length between these.

The company decided to have the Tarah Pro’s cord wrapped in a fabric-like material instead of having just a plastic cord; a common feature among most sports earphones. The main reason for this is to allow comfort when you wear the earphones around your neck. Also, the fabric helps prevent the cord from clinging to your skin as you sweat. We tried draping the device on our necks after working out and it was really cool since we ended up forgetting that we had the Tarah Pro there.

Up close, you’ll find that the device has been finely crafted, striking the perfect balance between quality materials combined with durability that can withstand the harsh outdoor conditions.

The company also introduced a brand new feature called the Switch Fit which allows you to rotate each of the buds to be used over or under the ear. It’s not really that big of a change, but it does have a lot of use if you think about it.

In the past, you can wear your earphones over or under your ears but had to remove the tips and wings before putting them back on. Now, you can just twist these earbuds to fit perfectly no matter how you plan to wear them. We did try wearing the earphones both ways while jogging and even commuting; and here, we found that any manner is comfortable when worn.

The Tarah Pro from Jaybird is an in-ear style earphone that has a passive noise-isolation feature. It comes with 16Ohm of impedance with 103 + / – 2dB @ 1KHz for its speaker sensitivity.  Its maximum output reaches 12MW RMS with a limit level, while its harmonic distortion totals to < 5% (1KHz | 1mW).

The earphones from Jaybird uses the 16-bit stereo audio format and has Bluetooth SBC implementation. Its driver size is a total of 6 millimeters while its response bandwidth is 20Hz to 20kHz. The type of microphone that the Tarah Pro uses is the MEMS omni directional mic; plus, it has – 38dB + / – 3dB for its sensitivity.

It comes with the Bluetooth 5.0, plus a frequency band of 2.4 GHz, and as for its wireless range, it uses the class-2 standard range which is 10 meters / 33 feet.

When it comes to the device’s dimensions, its headset measures 490 x 20 x 22 millimeters while the controller is 42 x 12 x 6 millimeters. All in all, the earphones weigh just 20 grams without the eargel. Total playtime reaches a maximum of 14 hours while it takes two hours to fully charge the device. For quick charging, you can get 2 hours of playtime with just five minutes of charging which is really good when you’re in a rush.

Input power is DC 5-V 1A while its lithium ion battery is 3.7 Volts. Lastly, its energy volts in Watt-hour / battery is 0.28wh.

Product Features

Outstanding Endurance and Durability

The Tarah Pro allows you to undergo local training activities with ease. This is because the company designed these earphones to endure even the most challenging or rigorous activities that you’ll engage in. It is extremely durable and is made to be waterproof; plus, it also has an industry-grade battery life so you won’t have to worry about the device getting drained immediately.

Unique Playtime

The Tarah Pro will let you last up to a total of 14 hours with just a single charge, making it a very suitable pair for ultra runners who are usually out for longer periods. For everyone else, it means that we won’t have to bother charging the earphones multiple times a week. And if you need to have some last-minute charging, the Tarah Pro comes with a new quick charging feature that will provide you with two hours of music playback even after just five minutes of charging.

Customized Sound Experience

One of the newest features from Jaybird that is exclusive to the Tarah Pro is the Personal EQ which helps fine tune the audio to make it tailored to your listening preferences. When setting up the earphones, the application helps you with the provided hearing test to readily customize all the lows, highs, and mids that you’ll hear in your playlist. The profile will be saved to the device, so if your Tarah Pro is paired to numerous devices, your Personal EQ settings will be carried over from one device to another.

Perfect for Adventure

The Tarah Pro is completely weatherproof and has an IPX7-construction which allows it to withstand Type-II fun and adverse conditions.

Premium Fit for All

The earphones have interchangeable tips and fins, as well as pivoting buds that go beneath and over your ears. This offers you seamless and fine-tuned comfort for comfortable and enjoyable listening.

Specifications

Using the Product

Of course, the most vital thing to consider when choosing your devices is how well these perform, and earphones are no exception. You’ll need to know how your choice of earphones sound, and with the Jaybird Tarah Pro, it sure does sound excellent for a pair of sports earphones. Part of its quality sounds has to do with the fact that the company made use of the Jaybird application which allows you to tweak and customize your device’s frequency response. This means, if you like a lot of bass in your music, or extended high ends, then you can definitely get them with the help of the application.

Let’s start off with the bass: it’s really nice, strong, and packs quite a punch, but that also depends on the amount of bass you choose in the device’s EQ. With the bass boost, you’ll get a nice and powerful bass response with a lot of kick in the bass drums, and a nice solid tone from the synths and bass guitars. The earphones from Jaybird have always delivered excellent sounds, and the Tara Pro is no different.

They Jaybird application for Android and the iOS allows you to customize your audio profile so you can easily have your playlist run with a flatter sound or with more bass. It all depends on your preference.

For its Bluetooth connection, we can say that it’s just as rock-solid; plus, it’s also very easy to switch from different devices just by pressing on the power button longer than usual. We used the earphones together with a smartphone, laptop, and smartwatch without its sounds dropping out. It also passed our crucial test where the device was able to hold a good connection with our laptop while walking about ten meters into another room in the work area.

The Jaybird application is also great, especially when we used it to set our personalized EQ levels on the earphones. After tweaking a bit of things there, the sound output was really awesome.

We, of course, used it while taking a few hours out for jogging; the sounds were clear, crisp, and we didn’t have any issues with the battery draining while we were doing our thing. All in all, the Tarah Pro works excellently and just as expected from Jaybird, it’s something that we’d highly recommend.

Conclusion

The Jaybird Tarah Pro is truly the excellent sports earphones in the market. It has a great design, it’s comfortable, and has a long-lasting battery life. Most importantly, its sound quality is perfect.

While there are Bluetooth headsets that are much cheaper, those won’t deliver the features that the Tarah Pro has. This is why we think that the Tarah Pro is really worth the purchase. If you’re someone who works out regularly, these earphones are perfect for you since it will last long without having to charge it. If you’re looking for the best sports headphones, we highly recommend the Jaybird Tarah Pro.

Where to Buy

You can pickup the Jaybird Tarah Pro for $249 from over at the official Jaybird product page.

The post Jaybird Tarah Pro Review appeared first on The Streaming Blog.

Flixify – What is it and how do I get an invite?

What is Flixify?

Flixify is, simply said, an online streaming video on demand service. But Flixify is not your regular, generic, run-of-the-mill streaming provider; it is much more than that. These days, people usually rely on Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime Video for their entertainment, but with Flixify, the days of watching movies and TV shows on these platforms will be long gone in absolutely no time. It’s en exclusive site that only with Invite you can accress in. Buylikeaboss sell these invite -cheap!

• Some of the staple features of Flixify are:
• Extremely cheap monthly subscription
• New shows and movies
• Absolutely no buffering issues, that even with a slow connection your streams won’t chop or buffer for even a single second!
• Crystal clear HD quality for both old and new shows
• The possibility of requesting a show or movie which is not on the platform and receiving it within 24 hours of your request
• A calendar which will show which shows and movies are due to air on which date in the future
• Movies and shows show up on the website within a couple of hours of the actual showing of the event on TV/on other streaming platforms

What is a Flixify invite and how can I get it?

In order to provide their users with the best experience possible, not everyone is able to join and register the website. To register and to pay for a subscription, you will need to get an invite to join Flixify. That is probably the main reason why you haven’t heard about Flixify earlier. A small amount of users is able to invite others, and when they are able to invite, they can only invite a handful of people. If you get lucky to get yourself an invitation, don’t hesitate and pay for your subscription – it will change the way you watch your shows and movies forever!

To get Flixify invite click here.

The post Flixify Streaming Services appeared first on The Streaming Blog.

There are a couple of gamers who prefer using a gaming mouse that underpins their specific way of holding the device. The Palm Grip for some, while the others opt for the Fingertip or Claw Grip position. There are also different types of gamers who choose a gaming mouse that depends on its weight, and as for Razer’s range of gaming mice, they’ve been known for being the producers of some of the best mice in the market.

The Razer Mamba Elite is a right-handed device and is also the reason why there are gaming mice that have equalization tuning and movable weight just by putting extra weights. Plus, the mouse will also acquire an extra edge to it because of its improved technology to guarantee a more comfortable and smoother gaming moment. This is what the Mamba series is all about and Razer knows just what to deliver for every user’s enjoyment.

Let’s learn more about this gaming mouse and see how good it is and what it has to offer.

Razer Mamba Elite Review – What’s in the Box?

When it comes to simplicity, then you have the Razer Mamba Elite gaming mouse for you. It’s a sleek-looking gaming mouse that features a few hints which makes it look really cool and appealing. Just like the device, it comes in a simple yet clean-looking and classy box. You have the image of the device on the front part of the package, along with the name of the mouse and Razer’s name on the lower left portion of the box. On the upper right corner, you will find the logo of the company.

Inside, you will find the mouse itself which is set in place to avoid having it hit the sides of the package while in transit. Aside from the device, you will find it accompanied by other items like an instruction manual, the occasional Razer stickers, and a warranty card.

The Product

Razer Mamba Elite Review

The Razer Mamba Elite is crafted without compromising the device’s build quality and materials used; this also goes for its style and comfort. The mouse is made specifically for right-handed gamers, and is designed to fit the Fingertip, Palm, or Claw Grip. The people at Razer named their newest design optimization as Advanced Ergonomics which literally means the most natural position of the hand no matter the type of grip; also diminishing the stress and strain on your fingers by removing all the unnecessary finger dragging points as possible.

Its premium matte black coating and improved rubber side paddings is added to give the mouse a classy touch, it also brings more texture to the device compared to other models; plus, you can definitely avoid instances of sudden slipping. You’ll have stability at all times even if your movements when using the mouse is fast. Also, the gliding pads or feet under the device are smoother and larger compared to the older models. With this, it decreases the gliding resistance across the mouse pad to lesser amounts.

For most of their models, the company utilizes proprietary mechanical switches; yet, for the Mamba Elite, they opted to partner with Omron to come up with probably the best and most reliable mechanical switches available. Including Omron in the mix is a definite highlight, but if you aren’t that familiar with Omron, they’re a big-time company that creates a variety of switches for different industries. And due to their excellence and quality-devices, they sure have built a name in the gaming industry.

A mouse switch’s lifespan is measured by its clicks. The Razer Mamba Elite’s swatches are said to have a durability that reaches up to 50 million clicks. This is definitely an advantage since these numbers are way ahead from other companies.

When it comes to the buttons, it sports 9 Hyper-response buttons while the scroll wheel gives you a cool innovation. With this, you will be able to tilt-click the scroll wheel, right and left, as well as adding two additional options. It’s also possible to program the functions using the company’s Synapse 3 software which also lets you save different settings that you can easily switch from.

The Razer Mamba Elite has an onboard memory so you can readily select where to keep your preferred profiles – in the cloud or in the mouse itself.

The Razer Mamba Elite has an IPS of 450 inches and 50G for its acceleration; it also features 1000Hz of ultrapolling for better use. What’s great about the mouse is that is features a total of nine programmable and independent hyperesponse buttons.

For the design, it sports a sleek and nice ergonomic right-handed design and it also comes with a gaming-grade tactile scroll wheel. For added style and customization, it is also possible to improve your color options because of the Razer Chroma lighting that provides you with a total of 16.8 million color choices. The Razer Mamba Elite has a hybrid onboard memory plus a cloud storage, and for convenience, the mouse is also Synapse 3-enabled.

Let’s talk about the device’s weight and dimensions: generally, the mouse, excluding the cable, is about 0.211 pounds of 96 grams. This is quite light so you can easily move and glide your mouse while playing. It is approximately 125 x 70 x 43.3 millimeters, while it weighs 96 grams excluding the cable. When it comes to the cable, its length is a total of 2.1 meters. Though what we really liked about the device is that you have a two-year warranty, as well as access to reliable and accommodating technical support. When you purchase the device directly from the company’s official site, then you’ll get the 14 days risk-free returns.

Product Features

Labelled as the Most Razer Chroma

With 20 impressive lighting zones, the iconic Mamba Elite is labelled as the most Razer Chroma in the company’s lineup. Its features are designed to deliver excellent performance and are packed in the mouse’s ergonomic body.

Faster Swipes with More Precision

The mouse features the 5G Advanced Optical Sensor with 16000 dots per inches or DPI. This allows you to experience precision and speed at a whole new level. The 99.4% Resolution Accuracy keeps you focused on your target during intense gaming.

Extended Lighting Zones

Along each side of the Razer Mamba Elite is extended lighting zones to excellently illuminate your gameplay. Using the Razer Synapse 3 software, you can customize if the mouse will emit lights to amplify in-game actions. It is also possible for you to explore other animated lighting zones to personalize your setup. Via the Chroma Studio, each lighting zone can be customized.

Cloud Storage and Hybrid On-Board Memory

Assign macros, rebind buttons, and instantly save all your profile settings to the cloud. If you use a computer without internet connection or the Razer Synapse 3 installed, you can use the on-board memory to save up to 5 profiles. Configurations in the on-board memory can be accessed wherever you are.

Enhanced Side Grips and and Improved Ergonomics

Gaming for long periods of time will be comfortable due to the Razer Mamba Elite’s improved design. The advanced design reduces the stress on your palm and fingers.

9 Programmable Buttons

You can configure each of the nine buttons individually, including a tilt-click scroll wheel. Via the Razer Synapse 3, you can choose any preferred action for the buttons.

Specifications

• Razer 5G Advanced Optical Sensor with true 16,000 DPI
• Up to 450 inches per second (IPS) / 50 G acceleration
• 1000 Hz Ultrapolling
• Nine independently programmable Hyperesponse buttons
• Razer Mechanical Mouse Switches with 50 million-click life cycle
• Gaming-grade tactile scroll wheel
• Ergonomic right-handed design
• Razer Chroma lighting with 16.8 million customizable color options
• Hybrid on-board memory and cloud storage
• Razer Synapse 3 enabled
• Approximate size: 125.0 mm / 4.92 in (Length) X 69.9 mm / 2.75 in (Width) X 43.3 mm / 1.70 in (Height)
• Approximate weight (excluding cable): 96 g / 0.211 lbs
• Cable length: 2.1 m / 6.89 ft
• Compatible with Xbox One for basic input

Using the Product

Since the Razer Mamba Elite is wireless, it’s a perfect mouse if you want to keep your desk free from clutter. It has a minimalistic design and even with the RGB lighting on the logo and scroll wheel, it’s not distracting. The new grip on both sides of the mouse feels absolutely great as well.

For the buttons, these are Razer mechanical Omron switches. It’s rated for 50 million clicks which is one of the best mouse switches we’ve tried. Performance-wise, this Mamba Elite is more responsive and tactile unlike other models from the brand. We experienced no lags while using it plus it never loses connection.

We really think that this is the perfect mouse since it delivers a great design and that it responded really fast to whatever we did. It may be a bit pricey, but it’s really worth the purchase.

Synapse 3 Software

This Synapse 3 software is a configuration tool and unified hardware that improves and enhances your Razer device. You’ll be able to access advanced options, as well as granular controls when you assign macros, rebind buttons, and personalize the device’s lighting, and more.

It’s nice that the lighting is really strong with the Razer Mamba Elite, and with a total of 20 lighting zones available in the scroll wheel, top curves and logos on both sides of the mouse. In-game, animated effects, lighting alerts, and different kinds of customizations are present with the Synapse 3.0 software; plus, these can be programmed individually via the Chroma studio.

Out of the box, the lighting modes that are offered include Breathing, Spectrum Cycling, Wave, Static, and Reactive.

Conclusion

The Razer is known as the company that produces best gaming mice in the market. Its extra edge and enhanced technology makes your gaming experience smoother and more comfortable. When it comes to its appearance and shape, it’s totally comfortable; it’s great to use even for long hours. We think that it’s a great-looking mouse and that its design is excellent.

Overall, the Razer Mamba Elite is the perfect mouse if it suits your style of gameplay. It’s the best mouse for gaming on different types of PC’s since it can save the setup you want with its improved memory. If you’re a gamer looking for the best gaming mouse with RGB lighting, we highly recommend the Razer Mamba Elite.

Where to Buy

You can purchase the Razer Mamba Elite for $149AUD from over at the official Razer website.

Razer Mamba Elite Review

Design

Features

Performance

Usability

Value

2019-02-19

5.0Overall Score

The post Razer Mamba Elite Review appeared first on The Streaming Blog.

Cloud technology is the trend and is spreading thick and fast.  Since cloud technology involves a number of networks within a network and the sharing of resources, there is a need for technical persons who are strong in dealing with the various tasks involved in the development and use of the cloud technology. Cloud Certifications from Oracle are designed to impart, train and certify your skills in cloud technology to make you get recognized as a skilled cloud technologist.

Why is Oracle Cloud Certifications So Popular?

The Oracle Cloud certifications are very popular because it is provided by the Oracle University through their approved education centers which mean quality training and worthy certifications. Since you have certifications to obtain in whichever stage in the career ladder, you might be in to move a step ahead, and it is being sought after.

What Are the Types of Certifications You Can Earn?

As far as Oracle Cloud is concerned, you have several paths, and certifications are available for the different paths. The paths include:

• IaaS- it deals with Cloud Infrastructure, and you have two certifications to earn under this.
• PaaS– this includes various fields and various certifications to obtain under the fields as well. In general, the fields include Application development. Business analytics, management, content, data management, and experience, and integration.
• SaaS-CX – this goes to include the fields social cloud, marketing cloud, service cloud, sales cloud, price, configure, and quote cloud as well as certifications within it.
• SaaS-EPM– this deals with the Enterprise performance management cloud, cost and profitability management cloud, financial consolidation and close cloud and enterprise planning and budgeting cloud and certifications thereunder.
• SaaS-ERP– this includes Financials cloud, risk management cloud, procurement cloud and project portfolio management.
• SaaS-HCM– this has got to deal with the human resources, and it includes Talent management cloud, Reward cloud and Human Resources.
• SaaS-SCM– This relates to logistics, inventory management, manufacturing, lifecycle management, procurement, supply chain planning, and order management.

Reasons to Become Certified

If you think you are already settled in a good job, and there is no need for you to obtain the certifications, you have got to think again. The technological growth is happening at a fast pace, and you have new technology that is being tested and put to use every day. It is essential for you to update and the certifications that will involve training in some cases and exams as in others is the best way to update yourself and to impress in the management the feeling that you are skilled and qualified. Apart from that, it has been proven that more than 80% of the professionals who earned an Oracle certification have been able to get an increase in salary, a career improvement or a promotion.

How to Become Certified?

As an aspirant who desires to get certification in Oracle JAVA Certfication Exams technology, you must follow these simple steps that will help you attain the certification you dreamt of for your career advancement.

• Step-1

Select the certification you want to pursue based on the technology and the field that interests a person.  If you are not sure about which one you should be taking, you could contact the Oracle training and certification representative.

• Step-2

Prepare for the exams. If the certification involves training, attend the training sessions.

• Step-3

Register for your Exam.

• Step-4

On successful completion of the exam earn the Oracle certification badge that will take you miles as you dreamt of.

How to Prepare for the Exam?

You have to prepare for the exam using the study guide and practice exam. You now have the option to make an online learning subscription for lessons in the various fields of cloud technology.

How to Take Up the Exams?

You can register for the exam by viewing the video for steps in registering for the exam at pearsonvue.com. Basically, it involves finding the test center, in which you find an on-base test center, select the exam you wish to take and apply for the same.

Tips to Pass Oracle Cloud Certification Exams

• Individual aspirants can take the practice exams.
• You can view customized videos for certain exams, especially for OCI.
• Certification courses related to the cloud technology can be taken.
• You could go through the documents at docs.oracle.com for understanding and reviewing the technical aspects.
• You may opt for the online learning subscriptions to understand the concepts better.
• You can take up Oracle training courses.

Personal Experiences of Those Who Have Passed the Exam

Aspirants who have already appeared and passed the Oracle Cloud certification exams seem to suggest that having prior experience and knowledge in the field and focused understanding based study about the concepts from the documents and videos available was good enough to help them not only to pass the exams but also to gain insights on the broader perspectives of the technology as well.

Benefits of Passing the Exam

You will be receiving an Oracle certification digital badge that can be displayed on LinkedIn and other sites through acclaim. This will enhance your chances of getting new better-paid jobs. In your workplace to you would be recognized as a skilled and certified worker and may be promoted or entrusted with a more challenging job. It is proven that the salary increases for the candidates who have successfully completed the certification by a minimum of 7%.

Conclusion

There is no doubt that preparing for the Oracle Cloud certification exams will lead to a better understanding of the concepts and the technical aspects of the cloud technology, equipping you to become a better administrator and an efficient user of the technology. You will get recognized for your skill, not only at your place of work but also globally, for Oracle is a well- known and trusted name globally. It is surely the best way to update your knowledge in the field of technology that is rapidly changing. You not only stand to gain financially after the certification, but you would also be knowledge rich and skill rich in the field you have chosen.

The post A Brief Guide of Oracle Cloud Certifications appeared first on The Streaming Blog.

NZXT and Blizzard Entertainment have joined forces to deliver a PC chassis made for gamers who are passionate about building and showing off their own rigs—and also throwing in some flavor from their favorite games. The new, special edition H500 Overwatch^® Edition mid-tower showcases NZXT’s signature design with a sleek look that any hero would be proud to have in their arsenal. Featuring an all-steel construction in black, a cable management system for streamlined building, and a luminous Overwatch logo on the front panel, this special H500 chassis is perfect for the Overwatch player looking to outfit their rig for battle.

“As a company of passionate gamers, we admire the enthusiasm and dedication shown by the Overwatch community, and we know Blizzard aims to deliver legendary products and experiences to its players,” says Johnny Hou, founder and CEO of NZXT. “That’s why we teamed up with Blizzard on this epic H500 PC chassis. Whether you are a Mercy, D.Va, or Genji main, the H500 Overwatch is made for any hero who wants to answer the call.”

Features

• Features the iconic Black, White, and Orange colors of Overwatch
• A luminous Overwatch logo brightly displayed on the front panel
• Modern design and builder-friendly features
• Premium, all-steel construction with the sleek H Series aesthetic
• Tempered glass side panel showcases your build
• Wire management is made easy with an intuitive, patent-pending cable management system
• Water-cooling installation is simplified using a removable bracket for either all-in-one CPU coolers or custom loop configurations

Price

USA: $149.99

Global: $139.99

The post NZXT Announces The First Overwatch Themed PC Chassis appeared first on The Streaming Blog.

Take a look at the market for earphones, you’ll notice that more and more companies have dropped the use of the venerable 3.5-millimeter headphone jack. With this occurrence, people might have wished that more USB Type C accessories, specifically head and earphones, would have appeared by this time. Thing is, the market of trustworthy and reliable options is still very small, and the ones that are available aren’t really that budget friendly.

The Razer Hammerhead earbuds is one of the rare earbuds sporting USB Type C on the market. These are specifically designed for the Razer gaming smartphone, yet is also compatible with other smartphones with the USB Type C.

Today, were going to talk about this specific product, our impressions about it, it’s specifications, features, and if it performs well enough to invest in. But before anything else, let’s check out what’s in the box.

Razer Hammerhead USB-C Review – What’s in the Box?

The Hammerhead maintained the company’s tried and true flat-black shade that features green trimmings on its package. The box features a full photo of the device just at the front, together with the branding plus a Bluetooth logo to keep everything clean and simple.

When you check the back of the package, its design features a minimalist design; however, the company decided to add more details about the device’s battery life, the 10-millimeter drivers, as well as the Android and iOS in-line remote control.

Inside, you will find that the Razer Hammerhead sits firmly in place on a thick foam; however, it is placed out on the front for display, and for you to better see it. On the left side of the device, you’ll find the product’s documentation and a congratulatory pouch for your purchase; it is also signed by the CEO of Razer. Inside the container, you will find the Hammerhead’s manual tucked neatly in it. There’s also a hard case included which is really convenient if you want to keep the headset in a sturdier and durable case.

The bottom half portion of the box is formed adequately to perfectly hold everything in place; also, another pouch is present which holds the other accessories included in the package. Whether you have big or small ears, wearing the Hammerhead will be comfortable since the box includes two differently sized rubber inserts for everyone to use.

The Product

Razer Hammerhead USB-C Review

If you’ve already used the Razer Hammerheads before, then you’re in a familiar environment. These headsets are really comfortable and no matter what size your ears are, it includes differently-sized tips to get everything right for your ears. What’s cool about these earbuds is that they light up on the outside with a nice glowing green logo that represents Razer. It’s a really cool of advertising and like what Razer did here.

Generally, Razer is well-known for their distinct product design components: from neon green – RGB in everything possible. Because of this, the company has acquired a certain reputation in the community of PC gaming. In all honesty, we were quite surprised to see the Razer phone having a very subtle-looking design, but we’re still not complaining since it still looks really good.

As we’ve previously mentioned, the design of the Hammerhead from Razer is easy to recognize. It has black earbuds with green hints for the logo which is placed on the outer end of the headset. Everytime you plug it in, this lights up and it’s pretty cool-looking especially when you’re in a dark area. It has a Y-shaped cable that is flat and tangle-free. Very convenient if you’re someone who really dislikes having their wires and cords messed up in knots. Still on the cable, it’s four feet long and features an in-line control with an integrated mic for more convenience. The in-line controls sport three buttons: two buttons which are the + and -, and one multi-function button located in the middle of the device. This specific button is for the play / answer / pause and end calls / change tracks. The in-line remote is used for controlling the volume and fo pause / play.

Despite not having an active noise cancelling feature, the Hammerhead from Razer is able to create an appealing and really good tight seal in your ears to give you an adequate amount of passive noise isolation. We tried using the headset in a rather loud environment and we could barely hear any of the outside noise. The headset removes the need to own a dongle since you can hook the device right to the USB C port on your phone. The cable is also conveniently long, preventing you from having issues when stashing your smartphone in any pocket.

When it comes to its controls, it’s fairly simple and very user-friendly. You don’t need to figure out which buttons to press for a specific function which can be confusing to some.

The Razer Hammerhead uses the USB C connector delivers nice, clean, and crisp unprocessed audio. Flat cables are utilized to avoid tangles when storing the headset; it will also help prevent the cables from breaking unnecessarily. There are a total of three different sizes for the bi-flange ear tips, while for its weight, this headset from Razer weighs just 0.99oz which is fairly light.

Drivers used for the Hammerhead are 2 10-millimeter Neodymium drivers while for its frequency response, it goes from 20Hz to 20kHz. It has an impedance of 23Ω, 102dB + / – 3dB for its sensitivity, with 42dB + / – 3dB for the microphone’s sensitivity. The device is fully compatible with various devices such as the HTC 10, U11, U12, Google USB C-based devices, Essential phone, and Huawei phones specifically the 10, P20, and the Pro. It is also partially compatible for music playback with the Motorola, Samsung, and of course, the Razer smartphones that are USB C-based.

We appreciate that the company included a 2-year warranty and provides access to reliable technical support for assistance. For added benefits, you can purchase the device from the official RazerStore to get a 14-day risk-free return.

Product Features

Hammering Power in the Bass

If you’re all about big, powerful sounds, the kind that offers great satisfaction from every type of tune you’re listening to, then you definitely need the razer Hammerhead for your listening enjoyment. The headset delivers that perfect audio immersion anywhere you go, and whatever it is that you’re listening to.

All for Superior Sounds

Unlike the standard 6-millimeter headset, the Razer Hammerhead comes with 10-millimeter drivers for better, clearer, and louder audio. It has enhanced inner acoustic chambers to deliver clarity, deep, and powerful distortion-free bass so every music genre will sound perfect.

The Custom DAC Converter

The headset sports an integrated custom-tuned DAC converter that influences the digital output to create unprocessed audio coming straight from the source.

Specifications

At a glance

• USB-C Connector
• Custom-tuned DAC for clean, unprocessed audio
• Flat cables for tangle-free storage
• Bi-flange ear tips in 3 sizes
• In-line microphone and volume control
• Custom carry case

Earphones

• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20kHz
• Impedance: 32 ± 15% Ω
• Sensitivity: 102 ± 3 dB @ 1 kHz
• Max input power: 10 mW
• Drivers: 10 mm with Neodymium magnets
• Cable length: 1.3 m / 4.27 ft.
• Approximate weight: 0.06 lbs (28.0 g)

Microphone

• Frequency response: 100 Hz – 10,000 Hz
• Signal-to-noise ratio: ≥ 58 dB
• Sensitivity (@1 kHz): 42 ± 3 dB
• Pick-up pattern: Omnidirectional

In-line remote

• Volume controls: Volume Up/Down
• Center controls: Accept/End Call, Change Tracks, Fast Forward/Rewind

Full Compatibility (calls/recording supported)

• OnePlus 5
• HTC U11
• Razer Phone
• Xiaomi Mi 6
• Xiaomi Mi Max 2

Limited Compatibility (Music playback only / calls or recording not supported)

• Huawei Mate 9
• Huawei Nexus 6p
• Moto Z
• LG Nexus 5x
• Google Pixel

Using the Product

Of course, we needed to test the Hammerhead to know how good it is, and as expected, the quality of these headphones is really good.  You get clear vocals, decent highs, mids, and pleasing levels of bass that is loud, but not over the top.

The mids are clear and crisp, the highs can really catch your attention, while the bass is powerful but still on the tamer side; plus, there’s also a ton of volume which is really great.

Of course, we tested the headset with other USB C-based devices, and the Hammerhead worked excellently with them.

We can definitely say that the Razer Hammerhead is a performer, with a great build, good quality sounds, so we’re giving Razer two thumbs up for this.

Conclusion

The Hammerhead  from Razer is just like every other Razer device wherein it looks like a device specific for gaming. Its design, the color selection, and everything about it is very recognizable, while the lit earbud ends look really cool with the Razer logo on it.

The build quality isn’t an issue so you don’t have to worry about this. As for its sound signature, it has powerful bass which increases the quality of music further. So if you love music with a lot of bass, then the Razer Hammerhead  is definitely the headset for you.

The headset continues the long line of outstanding devices from Razer; and everything that they do, they do it with excellence. From their choice of materials, to the finish, fit, and to the headset’s overall quality, there’s definitely nothing about the headset that you wouldn’t love.

If you’re in the market in search for a set of USB C-type of headphones, then we highly recommend you include the Razer Hammerhead to your list.

Where to Buy

You can purchase the Razer Hammerhead USB-C headphones for only $124 AUD from over at the official Razer Website.

The post Razer Hammerhead USB-C Review appeared first on The Streaming Blog.

Noctua have announced that all of its current multi-socket desktop CPU coolers, such as the popular NH-D15, NH-U14S and NH-U12S, now also include installation hardware for the AM4 socket of AMD’s Ryzen processors. Although Noctua introduced its dedicated SE-AM4 models in early 2017 and has provided free-of-charge upgrade kits ever since the launch of the AM4 platform, the updates of the existing multi-socket models now allow customers to install them on all current mainstream sockets without ordering extra mounting kits. As suggested retail prices remain unchanged, the updates come at no extra cost to the customers.

“We’ve supported AMD’s Ryzen platform with our SE-AM4 models and free-of-charge mounting upgrades from the very beginning”, says Roland Mossig (Noctua CEO). “As with Intel’s LGA115x and 20xx platforms, our customers have greatly appreciated our free upgrade policy. We’ve provided many thousands of free mounting kits and quite a few customers have migrated 10-year-old heatsinks they had already used on several socket generations. This means a lot to us and we’ll continue to offer the free kits of course. However, with AM4 becoming more and more popular, we think it is time to also include the mountings with our existing models so that customers have everything at hand when they purchase new coolers.”

The following CPU cooler models have been updated and now also include SecuFirm2 mounting hardware for AM4: NH-C14S, NH-D15, NH-D15S, NH-D9L, NH-L9x65, NH-U12S, NH-U14S, NH-U9S. In addition to AM4, the coolers continue to include mounting hardware for Intel LGA2066, LGA2011, LGA1156, LGA1155, LGA1151, LGA1150 as well as the previous generation AMD platforms (AM2/AM2+/AM3/AM3+/FM1/FM2/FM2+). As a result, they are now compatible with all current mainstream platforms out of the box.

Noctua has been shipping the updated versions with AM4 support for several months, so the stock that is in stores now already includes AM4 hardware. In the unlikely event that customers who buy new coolers should still receive old stock without AM4 mountings, they can still order free upgrade kits via Noctua’s website.

The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRPs) for all models remain unchanged despite the update. At the same time, Noctua will continue its free upgrade policy of offering AM4 upgrade kits to customers who have purchased eligible cooler models without AM4 support prior to this announcement.

Detailed compatibility information: https://noctua.at/en/which-noctua-cpu-coolers-are-compatible-with-amd-am4-ryzen

How can I check if my Noctes AM4 mounting partsua CPU cooler already includ? https://noctua.at/en/how-can-i-check-if-my-noctua-cpu-cooler-already-includes-am4-mounting-parts

The post Noctua CPU Coolers Now Include AM4 Mounting At No Extra Cost appeared first on The Streaming Blog.

If you think about it, modern processors aren’t all that exciting in this time and age. Speed bumps don’t thrill us further, and we’ve become nonchalant about adding more cores. Yet we are in a period where computers simply provide us with a lot of processing power that would possibly surprise the previous generations.

We’re also in a time where there are two competitive companies fighting for that top spot in the market, giving everyone of us great computers, devices, and accessories that are worth investing in. One of the said companies is Intel, a company that has made a name in the processor world.

Their 9th generation Core processors, also known as the Coffee Lake Refresh, depicts another step forward in their continuous battle for supremacy in the industry. The Intel 9th Generation i9-9900k processor is the CPU for every gamer out there. It is among the top models in Intel’s S Series and is designed for speed with a total of eight cores.

With the presence of hyperthreading, the ability to split work on a single core to two portions, is possible. This will double into 16 threads, where each can work adequately on different tasks.

Intel i9-9900k Review

The Intel i9-9900K makes use of the same 14nm ++ fabrication process just like the Coffee Lake; and while its name, Coffee Lake Refresh, has only been utilized as a form of shorthand, it shows that the 9th Generation CPUs don’t really offer new features to the party.

It’s generally safe to say that the company has acquired the building blocks utilized within Skylake, Coffee Lake, and Kaby Lake, and has simply affixed a couple of CPU cores within the exterior of the Coffee Lake.

The company hasn’t really given out further details about the die area or transistor count in recent CPU generations; however, a lot of Coffee Lakes were clearly delidded that all of us can see that there is a lot of room to expand the size of its silicon die.

The new series chips from Intel are manufactured using the company’s 14nm ++ node, sports unlocked ratio multipliers that allow for easier overclocking, has built-in UHD 630 graphics engines, and it also boasts support for dual channel DDR4 2666 memory. Intel also responds to the boosting RAM density by increasing the memory capacity support, going up to a total of 128GB.

The eight core or sixteen threads processor has a 95-Watt TDP which is generally an engineering sample provided by Intel. Its base clock frequency is 3.6GHz with a Turbo of 5.0GHz on both cores, as well as an all-core Turbo that is 4700MHz. It also makes use of the Socket LGA-1151 so there’s basically a lot of pin contact points available there.

The company continues using the classic socket mounting system that you surely know of from the Series 100 and Series 200 platforms. One of the advantages here is that you can just reuse your previous cooler since its socket mounting is still the same.

STIM – Solder Thermal Interface Material

This brings us to the second major improvement of this 9th generation product. Intel has included this specific feature called the STIM which is a layer of metal that is set right at the top of the silicon chip which conducts heat. As the theory goes, it conducts heat more excellently compared to the thermal glue that the company utilized for their previous processors under the metallic heat spreader covering and protecting the chip.

There are some overclockers who tend to get frustrated by not being able to cool such chips, so they attempted to do something quite perilous called the delidding technique. It involves the removal of the metal heat spreader that is necessary for protecting the processor. They would remove the thermal conductor before attaching a heatsink right to the chip.

Part of the appeal and charm of the 9th Generation S series, together with similar processors, is that they are already unlocked. This means that you can boost the speed of the processor to work and run faster with the help of a few tweaks on BIOS. In the low and mid end processors, the processor is set to only run at a fixed speed.

When unlocked, the processor will allow you to boost the speed by increasing the system bus’ pace; by changing the multiplier, the processor reproduces it by establishing the speed of each core processor.

The Intel i9-9900k has a maximum memory size of 128GB while there are a total of 2 memory channels available. 4K support available is 60Hz and its maximum resolution is 4096 x 2304 @ 60 Hz. The i9-9900k is also supported by the DDR4 2666 and a 64GB graphics video for the maximum memory.

The system clock of the Intel i9-9900k runs at 100 MHz and the multiplier may vary between 8x and 50x. This results in the speed range to go from 800MHz up to 5GHz. Overclocking combines these two changes to increase the power’s voltage and the system’s overall performance.

Product Features

Coffee Lake Refresh – Knowledge from the GPU Teams

The 9th gen Core family of Intel is established around the platform Coffee Lake, and since their processors didn’t really undergo any microarchitectural adjustments, they are considered refreshes of the company’s 8th generation parts yet with the product stack exhibited in a slightly different manner.

The i9-9900k also comes with the most thread count when we speak of the whole lineup Coffee Lake Refresh at 16; and this must translate to the hyperthreading performance.

Built-In Graphics

For some generations, one thing that the company has not focused much on is the built-in graphics. Specifically, this was since Broadwell, to be exact. All of the chips that have been announced and utilized for the 9th Gen family makes use of the same GT2 setup as the 8th Gen which includes the new parts of the Core i9.

These officially come under the 8 + 2 designation. The company believes that while having a type of built-in graphics, overclockable and high-end processors are still a highly valuable addition to the platform. Its graphics will still be referred to as the UHD Graphics – 630, and will also utilize the same drivers as what the 8th generation family has used.

Latest Z390 Chipset

Paired up with the latest i9-9900k is the new Z390 chipset from Intel. For the most part, the only element that has been altered is the USB 3.1 2nd generation with 10Gbps speed; everything else is generally the same except for its wireless integration.

What’s great is the backward compatibility with much older motherboards, and we really consider this as great news. Intel stated that the Z370 motherboards should completely support the latest 9th Gen CPUs.

Octa-Core + STIM

This high-end i9-9900K CPU FROM Intel sports a total of eight cores that include hyperthreading. The company did  not just put together two additional cores to the Product, but they also brought back the STIM or soldered thermal interface material.

Compatible with Current and Existing Motherboards

Compared to other processors, you won’t have to bother with having to spend tons of money for a new motherboard just to be able to install the i9 chip. The i9-9900k will be completely compatible with the current Z370 boards.

What’s new with the Z390 platform is that it has the USB 3.1 2nd Gen support for the 10Gbps data transfer speeds via classic full-sized USB ports. It also features a built-in 802.11ac, Wi-Fi 5 for the gigabit wireless speed.

Intel Optane

Intel Optane is a smart technology that further improves the responsiveness of your computer. It goes through your device’s frequently used files like documents, videos, photos, as well as applications quickly, then instantly remembers them once you power off. This allows you to create, produce, and game with less waiting time.

Intel Clear Video Technology

The Intel i9-9900K supports the ICVT or Intel Clear Video Technology – a suite of photo processing and decode technologies that is integrated to the process graphics. This enhances the video playback while delivering a cleaner, sharper image that is more natural and accurate. It also provides more vivid and crisp colors, as well as a stable video picture.

Eligible for Intel vPro Technology

Intel vPro Technology provides security to the processor and allows for management capabilities. This feature addresses four critical factors of IT security which include identity and website access point protection, threat management, confidential data protection, as well as local & remote monitoring.

Intel Virtualization Technology

This allows one hardware platform to virtually operate as multiple platforms. The limited downtime allows for improved management. It also maintains productivity by separating computing activities in portions.

Intel Identity Protection Technology

The Identity Protection Technology from Intel is the processor’s integrated security token that helps provide a simple, tamper-resistant procedure to keep your customer and business data protected against fraud and threats.

This technology offers a hardware-based proof of a user’s PC to network services, websites, and financial institutions; it provides verification that a user is not malware attempting to gain access. This can be a key feature in two-factor authentication solutions to keep your information secure in websites and business logins.

Intel Turbo Boost

The Turbo Boost Technology takes advantage of power and thermal headroom to increase the processor’s frequency whenever it is necessary. This results in the improved speed whenever you need this; and when you don’t, it provides you with energy efficiency.

Intel Transactional Synchronization Extensions – New Instructions

Transactional Synchronization Extensions – New Instructions or TSX-NI in the Intel i9-9900K is a technology that concentrates on multi-threaded performance scaling. With improved lock control in software, parallel operations become more effective.

Intel Trusted Execution Technology

The Trusted Execution technology is a set of versatile hardware extensions to Intel chipsets and processors that improves the security capabilities of digital office platform. It provides an environment for running applications within your own space since it is protected from every other software in the system.

Specifications

Using the Product

Test System

• Intel i9 9900k CPU
• ASUS Maximus XI Hero WiFi
• Gigabyte RTX 2080 GPU
• 32GB Ballistix Elite DDR4 RAM
• WD Black 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD
• Corsair RM850x 850W PSU
• Noctua NH-D15S CPU Cooler

The recent processors from Intel is considered as a step behind the high core count, increased multithreading performance that AMD has released; yet Intel’s i9-9900K alters all of that.

Temperatures

One thing that we were really excited about with the i9-9900K from Intel is that it features a soldered IHS or integrated heat spreader. It is a brand new solder based thermal interface element that has greatly helped in heat dissipation. This all aids to the CPU running cooler than previous gen CPUs would have. The CPU sat at around 60 degres celcius and was nice and stable at the temperature.

Even if the 9900k features one of the biggest specs that we have seen on Intel’s mainstream processors, it still economically savors power as Intel’s previous generation of chips. Reintroducing the soldered heat spreaders have also amounted to one of the company’s coolest and best running chips in the years.

Overclocking

One of the key points of the i9-9900K’s is its power when it comes to overclocking and it surely proved to be a very impressive CPU for overclocking, largely due to its solder TIM or STIM.

The company has pushed the 9000 series far and has made them extremely impressive in many ways; they sharpened and further developed the Turbos as well, which is really good in our opinion.

Provided that you have adequate cooling in your rig and a suitable motherboard there should be no problems with you reaching the 5GHz point.

If you have all the cores set at 5000 MHz plus threaded applications, that is where you will see its advantages. All in all, the Intel i9-9900K provides you with good performance when it comes to overclocking so, a thumbs up for Intel when it comes to this.

Overall Performance

When it comes to its overall performance, we are sure to give Intel i9-9900K the crown as the fastest gaming processor available in the market today. It also proves to be a very capable product in the threaded workload that other processors (specifically AMD’s Ryzen) previously dominated.

In the end, the Intel i9-9900K provides all of us with outstanding performance in a variety of tasks. If you’re the type of person who regularly runs heavily threaded tasks or applications, then we think that it’s really worth paying the premium for. Though it would be better to step up to a more suitable platform if you are in need of real workstation kinds of features.

Based on all of the tests that we made using the i9-9900K, we can definitely say that this CPU from Intel is definitely worth it for every performance enthusiast. The i9-9900K is generally a monster of a CPU that can readily claim the spot of being the fastest and most efficient mainstream product, as well as the fastest gaming CPU in the market. So even if it is categorized on the more pricier products, it is definitely worth noting and investing in due to its performance.

Conclusion

Intel may be a bit late when it comes to joining in the industry with their very first mainstream octa core processor, but their i9-9900K is seriously a very remarkable debut. The intense enhancement in the processing power of this i9-9900K from Intel cannot be understated, and the CPU will soon be a must for every video editor, Photoshop user, and other creatives who require excellent performance.

The CPU answers to a couple of requests from the community of enthusiasts. It features more cores, effective Solder TIM / STIM, and much higher clock rates. There’s obviously no doubt that the company’s 9th Generation i9-9900K is a very robust and powerful chip. It will be able to breeze through a variety of tasks compared to other processors that are out in the market; plus, it is also significantly faster compared to the older Intel models.

Also, the Intel i9-9900K is a sure powerhouse when it comes to Photoshop and video rendering at this price range; and if you’re a power-crazy individual, then this specific processor is the best choice for all your needs and requisites. We can also say that this product is the best of all worlds and it is definitely the winner today at a very significant price. The general Core 9000 series exhibits that any processor coming from this collection provides users with outstanding results because of their increased clock frequency. Six cores is today’s new four cores, but eight is more future-proof. We appreciate that the i9-9900K is integrated with the SMT / hyperthreading; plus, it also showed the advantages of it in an instant.

To conclude, the functionality and stability of this product has been displayed through our random tests, and we were quite surprised to see that it performed better than what we expected. It’s great for gaming, and it also provides you with that extra bite close to the levels of HEDT. So if you want to have an high-end level of performance to your mainstream desktop computer, then you’ll surely get the best out of the Intel i9-9900K.

Where to Buy

You can purchase the Intel i9 9900k for around $899 AUD from your local PC retailer. For more information head on over to the official Intel product page.

Intel i9-9900k Review

Design

Features

Performance

Usability

Value

2019-02-21

4.9Overall Score

The post Intel i9-9900k Review appeared first on The Streaming Blog.

CORSAIR^®, a world leader in PC gaming peripherals and enthusiast components, have announced the launch of DOMINATOR PLATINUM RGB DDR4 Memory, raising the bar once again for premium, world-class DRAM. DOMINATOR PLATINUM RGB delivers the high performance that custom PC enthusiasts demand for their cutting-edge systems, while renewing the celebrated and iconic design of DOMINATOR PLATINUM. A fully updated aluminum heatspreader, hand-sorted memory chips, frequencies up to a record-setting 4,800MHz, and individually addressable RGB lighting – a first for a DOMINATOR PLATINUM module – combine to create DDR4 memory that’s in a class of its own.

Each module of DOMINATOR PLATINUM RGB represents the pinnacle of premium craftsmanship, starting with a custom 10-layer PCB that guarantees signal quality and stability. Every memory chip is hand-sorted and tightly screened to ensure tight response times and high-frequency performance, with kits available from 3,000MHz to an incredible 4,800MHz, with ample headroom for overclocking. DOMINATOR PLATINUM RGB stays cool even under extreme stress thanks to CORSAIR’s patented Dual-Path DHX cooling technology, which cools the module through both the anodized aluminum heatspreader and copper planes embedded directly into the PCB.

A die-cast zinc-alloy top bar houses DOMINATOR PLATINUM RGB’s 12 ultra-bright CAPELLIX RGB LEDs, the first time CORSAIR has used this all-new LED mounting method. At just 0.2mm³, CAPELLIX LEDs improve upon conventional LEDs in almost every measurable way, able to shine brighter and last longer, while using less power with higher energy efficiency. This results in more vivid, stunning lighting than with any other RGB memory currently available, without impacting performance or thermals thanks to their greatly reduced power consumption.

CORSAIR iCUE software enables powerful control and customization over DOMINATOR PLATINUM RGB. Make sure your memory is running at its full potential with real-time system monitoring that tracks temperature and frequency. iCUE’s dynamic RGB lighting customization lets you choose from dozens of pre-set lighting profiles, or create your own patterns and effects with complete control over each individual LED. iCUE can also synchronize lighting across all of your iCUE-compatible devices for truly intricate system-wide lighting effects.

DOMINATOR PLATINUM RGB is available in a wide array of capacities and frequencies and sold in kits of two, four, and eight modules. DOMINATOR PLATINUM RGB also becomes the fastest air-cooled production memory kit available today with the 4,800MHz, 2 x 8GB kit, running on ASUS Z390 Maximus XI GENE and Z390 Maximus XI Apex motherboards and an Intel^® Core i5 8600k CPU.

For PC building enthusiasts who demand both uncompromising performance and gorgeous visuals to complement the look of their system, DOMINATOR PLATINUM RGB is strictly in a class of its own.

Availability

CORSAIR DOMINATOR PLATINUM RGB DDR4 Memory is available immediately from the CORSAIR worldwide network of authorized retailers and distributors, as well as direct from the CORSAIR webstore. Some select SKUs of CORSAIR DOMINATOR PLATINUM RGB DDR4 Memory are exclusive to the CORSAIR webstore.

The post Corsair Launches 4,800MHz Dominator Platinum RGB DDR4 Memory appeared first on The Streaming Blog.

Cooler Master is not really one of the biggest names in the market of gaming headsets, but it sure is causing quite a stir in the industry with their new MH752 gaming headset. The device aims to be comfortable, durable, and a good-sounding piece without any of the unnecessary features that a lot of gaming headsets have.

It looks great, it has a solid and durable feel to it, but is it something worth checking out or even investing in? Today, we’re going to take a look at the MH752 from Cooler Master to see what it’s all about, what it has to offer, and if it produces excellent audio for your gaming needs. First up, let’s look at what’s inside the box.

Cooler Master MH752 Gaming Headset Review – What’s in the Box?

When it comes to the usual Cooler Master style, the MH752 gaming headset comes in a sleek dark grey package with hints of royal purple which the company is known for. The front portion of the box displays an image of the device together with its features.

When it comes to the rear portion of the box, you will find another image of the gaming headset; but this time, it comes with more information and details but in the form of texts and labels.

When you open the package, you will be presented with another container that has a matte black finish. Of course, you will find the purple accents which is Cooler Master’s signature, and these will be seen around the top and side of the box.

At the top portion of the inner box, you will find a purple foiled outline of Cooler Master that nicely shimmers when hit by light. Just by looking at things, we can definitely say that Cooler Master did outdo themselves with their MH752 packaging, and we’re really looking forward to more of their products and how they carefully packaged things.

There’s a foam piece inside; and once you remove this, you’ll get your very first look at the gaming headset which has a mostly black theme with hints of silver for its accents. If you take a look at the left part of the device, you will find a detachable mic and its DAC on the right side.

Aside from the Cooler Master MH752, other items are present in the package which include a detachable mic, carrying pouch, various documents, a 3.5-millimeter cable, and a single USB cable that comes with an integrated control box.

The Product

Cooler Master MH752 Gaming Headset Review

After unboxing the MH752, we were quite surprised and impressed with the device inside. The headset does not look like your typical gaming headset since it sports an understated yet classy look. It’s a nice device since you can easily wear the MH752 in your office or while walking around in your area.

When it comes to the earcups, they feature averagely sized drivers that measure at 40 millimeters. Plus, the cups also swivel, allowing you to position it flat when you remove them after use. This is a handy feature so we really appreciate what Cooler Master did here.

We also liked that there is a mic included on the headset, though it would’ve been even better if there was a silicone plug included in the package. The reason for this is that it would help block the open microphone port, preventing elements like dust or other debris from entering. But all in all, everything’s all good with the device and the packaging.

As we mentioned earlier, Cooler Master’s MH752 sports an all classy design with its nice pitch black theme that blends nicely with hints of grey accents. We really love the approach and we find it really easy to mix the gaming headset with your current setup.

Almost the entire headset is crafted using soft touch plastic, but it doesn’t feel cheap at all so we also liked this aspect of the headphones. We didn’t experience any squeaking or creaking sounds when we rotated the cups; plus, the headband easily expands without you having to put much force into it.

Its headband and ear pads are covered with nice faux leather; and while the headband has just a light amount of cushioning, we still felt that it was nice and comfortable even when we were engaged in prolonged hours of gaming.

Another nice aspect of the MH752 gaming headset is that it is light and has a perfect fit; so even if we used this continuously, we didn’t experience any kind of discomfort or pain.

When it comes to the microphone, you can easily detach this from the device and it is flexible too. You’ll be able to find the best position for wear especially when it comes to in-game chats; another plus to the headset is that its braided cable can be easily removed whenever necessary while its fabric coating on the cable makes the device more durable and resistant.

When you check out the left ear, you will find plugs for both of the detachable microphones, as well as the included audio cable. Each of the available plugs are shaped distinctly so the cable and mic will only connect in one specific direction.

Just like the headband, the MH752 gaming headset’s ear-cups are covered using a PU leather with high density foam just beneath it. Within the cup, there’s a soft mesh-like material which gives it a nice quality feel to it while also keeping it longer lasting compared to other headsets that we’ve owned that wore off in just a short span of time.

If you look closely, the 3.5 millimeter audio cable has ends that are gold plated, preventing them from any instances of corrosion. Plus, all the cables that are included in the package are braided which is a feature that we greatly welcome since it adds more to the premium feel of the headset.

Finally, the Cool Master MH752  gaming headset also sports a USB amplifier that has buttons necessary for modifying in-game volume, toggling the virtual surround sound of Cooler Master, and adjusting the microphone volume.

If you decide to plug this into a non-USB device such as the XBOX or your smartphone, you can simply detach the amp then utilize the 3.5 millimeter connector on one of the ends of the headset’s cable.

Product Features

Allows for Clear Communication

The integrated microphone is an omni-directional boom type to reduce background noise and keep communication crystal clear.

Experience Superior Sound Quality

The 40-millimeter Neodymium drivers allow for more balanced and full soundstage for every game you play.

Absolute Comfort

With leatherette padding, plush cushioning, and swivel cups, you won’t have any problems with the MH752 when it comes to comfort.

Compatible with Multiple Platforms

With the MH752, you can choose from using a 3.5-millimeter cable or USB DAC to connect the headset to PCs – a very convenient feature when it comes to gaming headsets.

Classic Looks

The MH752 doesn’t feature bizarre logos and flashy RGB effects so it can pass as a sleek, classy-looking, and high-end headset that you can wear wherever you go.

Specifications

The Cooler Master MH752 gaming headset offers a premium quality and clean sound with outstanding comfort which is perfect for anyone who games for prolonged hours during every session. For the headset’s dimensions, it is 150 x 86 x 216 millimeters and weighs a total of 280 grams.

If you’re weighing it without the cable, then it is only 250 grams. The device has a frequency response of 100 to 10,000Hz with a sensitivity of -42dB; not only that, but its signal to noise ratio is 55dB. We also appreciate that the company provided us with a two-year warranty which is convenient and a must when it comes to such devices.

Using the Product

With all the other gaming headsets that we’ve tried, the MH752 from Cooler Master is probably the most comfortable device that’s available in the market today. Its elegant leatherette material is second to none, while its headband can be adjusted to conform perfectly to fit your head.

W tried the gaming headset and it fit perfectly and comfortably on our heads. What adds to its comfort is its lightweight build, so even if we used it for really long hours, we didn’t experience any pain or strain which is common in other gaming headsets when you use them for quite some time. So for its build and craftsmanship, we’re giving Cooler Master two thumbs up for the MH752’s construction.

Now for the sound quality. We used the device for almost a week and aside from gaming, we used it with a couple of other media types such as music and movies. We were really surprised at how well the MH752 was able to handle music while simultaneously providing balanced sounds with a powerful but not overpowering bass.

We also received crisp highs and clear mids so that was really great. And with how awesome the sound quality is, we don’t have any issues about using the MH752 as our everyday headphones.

Since the Cooler Master MH752  sports 40 millimeter drivers, it can dispense powerful bass that you may get from the 50 + millimeter drivers. According to the company, the device will be able to produce sounds down to 20Hz which is somewhat deep.

When playing games and listening to music in environments with heavy bass, the lows become clear and deep; when you play these at maximum volume, the bass will hit hard while still maintaining its rich sounds.

Music that has a strong mid range presence is something that you’d definitely enjoy when using the Cooler Master MH752. Its range is usually around 800Hz to 2,000Hz. For the highs, its range of frequencies often go from 2,000Hz to 5,000Hz and with the headset, it also provided us with excellent sounds.

Now for its performance in gaming since this is where you’ll get a ton of sounds in just a single activity. Voice actors, explosions, footsteps, ambience, and a whole other background sounds add to the game’s feel; plus, this can also greatly affect the experience and the quality of the audio – all of which can be achieved when using the Cooler Master MH752 gaming headset.

Overall, the Cooler Master MH752 gaming headset performed excellently for a gaming headset, and it also produced outstanding sounds for both music and gaming needs. The sounds that it gave us was crisp, clean, clear, and powerful so you’d definitely enjoy using this for music listening, movie watching, and of course, for long hours of gaming.

The Neodymium drivers are of excellent quality, as well as the 7.1 surround sound that the headset has. Another great aspect of the device is that it plugs into USB Or AUX ports for multi-platform play and perfect flexibility.

The in-line controls is something we consider as another perk since it provides you easy access to the Cooler Master MH752’s functions. When it comes to comfort, the MH752 sure knocks out every competition they have because of its soft leatherette that helps keep you feeling relaxed throughout longer gaming periods.

The headset is also made from durable plastic deliver and steel which is considered as the best balance for practicality and beauty. With that, the Cooler Master MH752 gaming headset is the perfect device to acquire high-quality sounds, and it’s surely something worth investing in.

Software

The Cooler Master MH752 gaming headset uses the Portal which is a program that offers added features and customizations for a lot of Cooler Master devices, including these headphones. The Portal is downloadable from Cooler Master’s official website.

Its interface has a great design; it uses the color scheme of Cooler Master which is really pleasing to the eyes. Using the software, you can adjust the headset and the microphone’s volume, frequency levels, bass, treble, as well as the five-band equalizer so you can tune your audio based on your preferences.

Through the program, you can also turn surround sound on or off. Aside from those, you can choose from the given preset profiles which are Movie, Gaming and Pop Music, or you can also create your own.

We really liked the software’s simplicity since we didn’t have to create an online account, so we didn’t have to go through some registration processes such as account verification. When using the headset, the software isn’t needed as well and its features such as surround sound can work with just the auto-installed USB drivers. The program is simply another place where you can tweak your audio and turn the surround sound on or off.

Basically, the program is fine since it does its job well. Some people may think that the equalizer in your music player is more powerful, but the Portal is absolutely useful especially if you want a system-wide option to adjust your audio in video games and other media.

Since we don’t want unnecessary things in our system, we particularly appreciate that the headphones don’t need a lot of software tweaks to make it sound good. If you’re someone who’s looking for devices that only need slight adjustments, then this is for you.

It’s important to know that when you purchase the Cooler Master MH752, the Portal software can be downloaded from Cooler Master’s official website. You may also need to install the latest update of the firmware even if it says you’re on the latest version; this is to let the software detect the MH752 gaming headset.

Conclusion

The MH752 Gaming Headset was a lot more than what we expected in terms of comfort and sound quality. Out of al the headsets we’ve tested, we think that this is the most comfortable; we didn’t have issues wearing this even for long periods of gaming.

When really liked the headset’s performance we tested it for gaming since it filtered out all kinds of background noise. This allowed us to hear other sounds that we’ve never heard in other We were also able to communicate clearly with out teammates.

The headset was not only good for games since it sounded nice even when we used it for watching movies and listening to music. We liked the USB DAC for the 7.1 surround sound and the quick access controls which allowed us to easily adjust the volume and microphone controls.

Since it has a folding design, it’s also easy to transport which is another thing we liked. This design also allowed us to connect it our phones while on the run. We have no complaints about this headset. It does not only work excellently, but it’s also versatile and it look great.

All in all, the MH752 is a meticulously designed headphones that has excellent features that make it ideal for gaming, music, movies, and communication. If you’re looking for an affordable headset that delivers absolute comfort and incredible sound quality, we highly recommend Cooler Master’s MH752 gaming headset. It’s one of the best headphones in the market that is sure to last until the next years.

Where to Buy

You can pickup the Cooler Master HM752 for around $119 AUD from your local computer retailer. For more information head on over to the official Cooler Master product page.

Cooler Master MH752 Gaming Headset Review

Design

Features

Performance

Usability

Value

2019-02-25

4.9Overall Score

The post Cooler Master MH752 Gaming Headset Review appeared first on The Streaming Blog.

February 28, 2019, Sydney, Australia — ASUS today announced F1, a Full HD LED projector equipped with a short-throw, all-glass lens that is able to project a 210-inch image at a distance of 3.7 meters. A cinema-grade projector, it features an autofocus lens and native Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution to deliver a high-quality viewing experience. With an RGB LED light source and 1,200-lumen, 100% NTSC color-space coverage, the F1 projector delivers images that are brighter, sharper and more saturated than conventional projectors.

The F1 projector features several unique design features, including vent holes and speakers that use a metal mesh to deliver more efficient thermal and volume output. It also integrates two 3W stereo speakers and an 8W woofer for 2.1-channel audio and co-developed with Harman Kardon^® audio technology for immersive entertainment experiences and more engaging multimedia presentations.

Vibrant, Full HD projections up to 210 inches

ASUS F1 features 1200-lumen light output, 100% NTSC color-space coverage and Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution, enabling it to project bright, vibrant and crisp images for presentations, videos and gaming experiences with incredible visual impact. With short-throw technology, the F1 projector requires as little as 25 inches (0.43m) to project stunning 210-inch (3.7m) images, delivering maximum projection size in minimal space and giving users the flexibility to present or enjoy media anywhere.

Easy setup and use

ASUS F1 makes it quick and easy to enjoy the best image quality. Automatic horizontal and vertical keystone adjustments of up to ±30 degrees correct for trapezoidal distortion that can occur when projecting at an angle. This automatic correction allows the projector to be placed off-center, allowing presenters to stand in front of the screen without blocking the image. Additionally, an autofocus sensor measures the distance between the projector and the screen and adjusts the focus of projected images automatically.

The F1 projector features a two-level, flip-down stand for easy height adjustments. It also comes with a convenient remote control that offers intuitive navigation and operation of the projector’s functions.

High-fidelity 2.1-channel audio

Complementing its high-quality visuals, ASUS F1 features two 3W stereo speakers, an 8W subwoofer and embedded Harman Kardon^® audio technology to deliver powerful, high-fidelity 2.1-channel audio for immersive entertainment experiences and more engaging multimedia presentations.

Comprehensive connectivity and wireless projection

ASUS F1 offers comprehensive connectivity with dual HDMI and VGA ports. Additionally, wireless projection lets users effortlessly stream content from their smartphone, tablet or other mobile devices[1] for high-definition entertainment or presentations anywhere.

AVAILABILITY & PRICING

The RRP of the F1 projector will be roughly AUD$1699.00. Actual launch date in ANZ is still TBD.

The post ASUS Announces F1 Projector appeared first on The Streaming Blog.

Intel along with customers and industry partners have announced several solutions designed to scale and accelerate the adoption of hardware-enabled security across data center, cloud, network and edge. From OEMs to cloud service providers (CSPs) and independent software vendors (ISVs), Intel continues to help lead the industry and advance security tools and resources that help improve the security and privacy of application processing in the cloud, provide platform-level threat detection and shrink the attack surface.

Intel SGX for the Data Center

Helping protect customer data in the cloud is a top priority for cloud service providers. Intel® Software Guard Extensions (Intel® SGX) was designed to help create more secure environments without having to trust the integrity of all the layers of the system. The technology isolates specific application code and data to run in private regions of memory, or enclaves. Intel SGX is currently used by top cloud providers, including Alibaba Cloud*, Baidu*, IBM Cloud Data Guard* and Microsoft Azure* for various projects to help protect customer data at runtime. Today, Intel announced new products and ecosystem solutions that enable Intel SGX to be used even more broadly in the data center.

Intel introduced the Intel SGX Card in February 2019. It is a new way to help extend application memory protections using Intel Software Guard Extensions in existing data center infrastructure. (Credit: Intel Corporation)

Scaling Intel SGX for the Cloud

Intel introduced the Intel SGX Card, a new way to help extend application memory protections using Intel SGX in existing data center infrastructure. Though Intel SGX technology will be available on future multi-socket Intel® Xeon® Scalable processors, there is pressing demand for its security benefits in this space today. Intel is accelerating deployment of Intel SGX technology for the vast majority of cloud servers deployed today with the Intel SGX Card. Additional benefits offer access to larger, non-enclave memory spaces, and some additional side-channel protections when compartmentalising sensitive data to a separate processor and associated cache. Availability is targeted for later this year.

To enable cloud adoption of Intel SGX at scale, Intel and industry partners are also introducing new tools and capabilities that enhance operational control, simplify development and support emerging workloads.

Operational Control

Intel is delivering a new capability called flexible launch control that enables a company’s data center operations to set and manage their own unique security policies for launching enclaves as well as providing controlled access to sensitive platform identification information. This capability is currently available on Intel SGX-enabled Intel® Xeon® E Processors and some Intel NUC’s.

New Developer Tools

Fortanix* launched its Enclave Development Platform* (EDP), the open-source software development kit (SDK) that uses the state-of-the-art security properties of the Rust programming language and Intel SGX to deliver a more secure application development platform. Developers can build enclaves with Rust to help improve protection from development vulnerabilities and outsider attacks. The Fortanix EDP is fully integrated with the Rust compiler allowing developers to immediately build, sell or distribute the secure applications they create.

Scale for Emerging Workloads

Baidu announced a preview of its Intel SGX-enabled MesaTEE* that delivers artificial intelligence algorithm protection for cloud and edge computing devices.

Advancing Threat Detection

Intel is helping lead the industry with hardware-enhanced security technology by delivering new capabilities to Intel® Threat Detection Technology (Intel® TDT), a set of silicon-level capabilities that helps detect classes of threats. First introduced last year and deployed across 50 million enterprise clients, Intel TDT is experiencing broad adoption and expanding platform support to Linux and virtual machines.

Intel Threat Detection Technology Evolves

Intel is expanding Intel TDT capabilities in 2019 to include support for Linux on servers in virtualised data center and cloud environments. Intel TDT combines platform-level telemetry infrastructure and machine learning models to detect targeted attacks. Detection alerts based on the heuristics are sent to the security service provider (ISV) for remediation. Integration of the Intel TDT stack into the existing ISV solutions results in improved performance and lower incidences of false positives. At RSA Conference, Intel will demonstrate Intel TDT on Linux using Intel-developed heuristics to detect unauthorised execution of specific cryptomining workloads.

SentinelOne

SentinelOne* (S1) is the first licensee to have adapted Intel TDT’s accelerated memory scanning (AMS) technology for detection of cryptomining. With Intel TDT, S1’s customers running Windows will enjoy up to 10-times faster pre-execution scanning and 4-times faster detection with immediate roll back of uncovered threats.¹

Shrinking the Attack Surface

Intel’s security open-source initiatives and community partners are equipping the ecosystem with tools to help reduce the attack surface in platforms and products before they are deployed at scale.

Device Design

Intel is announcing Host-based Firmware Analyser, a new tool for the TianoCore* open-source firmware community. Intel is applying best practices used by software developers and helping lead the industry in delivering a framework that automates the testing of firmware components prior to system integration. The Host-based Firmware Analyser allows developers to run open-source advanced tools, such as fuzz testing, symbolic execution and address sanitisers in an OS environment. This tool is targeted for availability in the first half of this year.

Secure Device Onboarding

For secure device provisioning and management of internet of things (IoT) devices before they are activated on corporate networks, Mocana* announced full integration of Mocana TrustCenter with the Intel® Secure Device Onboard service. This solution reduces the burden on OEMs to pre-load customer specific credentials in the supply chain and delivers a model where cloud selection and configuration happen dynamically when first powered on.

Defending Firmware

Intel and Eclypsium* announced a collaboration that helps organisations manage the entire hardware and firmware attack surface for threats. The Eclypsium Platform, now generally available, extends Intel’s secure foundation by analysing the system configuration and ensuring the latest firmware is deployed.

Scaling Enterprise Endpoint Protection

Qnext* announced integration of Intel SGX in remote access of its sharing and collaboration platform FileFlex*. Intel SGX helps improve FileFlex Enterprise security for Microsoft Office 365 users when accessing files and folders from source locations at the edge of the network.

Where to See Intel at 2019 RSA

Next week at RSA Conference, Intel will be joined by industry customers and partners in demonstrating the latest security solutions services. Visit Intel at Booth 6173 for hands-on demonstrations and more information.

The post Intel and Partner Ecosystem Offer New Silicon-Enabled Security Solutions appeared first on The Streaming Blog.

The police have a duty to enforce law and order within any country. Unfortunately, as years pass by, the crime rate increases. What’s more, since we are in a technological era, the crimes have taken a turn as they are mostly planned and done with the help of technology.

No wonder, companies, governments and cities around the world are looking for ways to use the same technology to combat the crimes.

So, what are the 5 gadgets that would help police to work on crime?

The cameras and surveillance

Although these cameras have been in place for years in major cities, It’s highly probable that they haven’t been utilized as they should. Surveillance when properly utilized will prevent crime by deterrence.

When you place cameras on major locations, the criminals will fear being caught and thus reduce the crime rate in that area. Moreover, the CCTV stores data which guides the police with their investigation of a criminal’s past record instead of depending on eyewitnesses.

The police should enhance the use of technology whereby you put a chip on wireless the cameras and video surveillance. This is then used to scan the criminal’s face for face recognition and licensed car plate detection.

However, some may say that using surveillance just diverts the criminal attention to the CCTV free areas. But, with the use of upcoming software, you can track a wider range and preferably the whole city.

Another surveillance tool is GPS which monitors the movement of vehicles thus knowing their whereabouts in seconds. Over the years, the GPS has been used to save the lives of those in crime scenes.

This happens since the police are able to arrive at the crime scene on time using the same GPS that found the scene of the crime.

Lastly, the cellphones which most people own today are underestimated yet they can prevent future crimes. People take images using cellphones and this phone images when followed can lead you directly to the criminal.

Once you get a hold of a criminal you reduce the crime rate and prevent future crime scenes.

Embrace the use of social media

Almost every person will have a social media account. The funny thing is that without your knowing, you live hints about your life on the social media platform. The most utilized is Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and WhatsApp.

People use social media to communicate at different levels with their friends while connecting with the different communities around them. No wonder, the police department started the social media group who focus solely on crime prevention via social media.

The police presence on social media is not only for an improved relationship with the police but rather a platform for police to catch criminals sometime. Otherwise, as police, you can spot possible crime plan deter it before it happens.

Additionally, social media will help you share crime prevention tips with your community thus making the community safe from crime. The police department can use the social media platform to enlighten the public on the essence of privacy online. This is because even the criminal is online.

Embracing the use of predpol program

Crime prevention requires the alertness of the community and police so that they can catch the criminals before they commit the crimes. This happens when you understand the history of crime in your area thus understanding the crime scenes.

The software program that does this for you is called predpol. It will help you reason the way a criminal does. It lets you in on the soft target areas. The program uses existing data to predict the next target area for new crimes.

It uses the maps and technology to show where the crimes occurred previously. This data is then used to highlight the crime-prone areas and time it may happen. They also show criminal behaviors and pattern.

The assumption then is that if there are numerous cases of burglaries in a particular area the cases will increase in the future. It’s also likely that the buglers are from the same community thus catching them will prevent future crimes.

After this conclusion, the police increase the patrol in the area with the aim of prevention. This program is still being tested but it’s highly effective in areas that have embraced it.

The harm assessment risk tool (HART)

In most countries, after one is charged with the crime, they are often released until the trial day. During this time, they remain a community threat or not. It’s usually upon the judge to decide who should be released or the amount of bail they should give.

The judge decides whether the criminal is a threat to the society, may harm the witnesses or he is a case of flight risk. All these are done in a matter of minutes. Such a system is imperfect and is open to biases

The HART tool that is embraced by some cities today is an artificial intelligence tool that predicts whether a person is a low, medium or high risk to the society.

The prediction is based on the prior data that it was given.  If the system isn’t interfered with, it may just be more accurate than human judge.

Stay ready for patrols

The lifestyle of a police is where they are often on standby. They are called upon when emergencies occur and it’s mostly a life-threatening ordeal.

Police should stay ready for the call by wearing their protective gear at all times. You will notice that most police wear the best law enforcement boots in the market. This is because you are never sure what you will step on when duty calls.

Therefore, like you protect your head, chest and arms you must protect your feet. When you increase patrols around the country, the crime rate goes down.

Conclusion

Issues of crime have existed since time immemorial. It’s now upon the concerned parties to invest in the above tools to prevent crimes rather than detect them.

About the Author

Sophie Elise is a passionate cyclist, author, and blogger. She is very passionate about writing on different types of women’s bikes, accessories, health, fitness and more. She regularly writes on sportsly.net

The post 5 Amazing Gadgets of Police That Work on Crime Prevention appeared first on The Streaming Blog.

Today, we’ll be taking a look at the Gigabyte AORUS RTX 2070 Xtreme which is a graphics card that makes use of a ton of unique and useful features. At its core, the device puts in some special flavor, helping the card stand out from the crowd and its competitors. We’ll be focusing on what the product’s all about, it’s features, specifications, performance, and if it’s worth investing in.

If you’re considering to get a new GeForce GTX 2070 and plan to have something with some additional punch and personality, then we think that you need to check the AORUS RTX 2070 Xtreme out. First, let’s see what’s inside the box.

Gigabyte AORUS RTX 2070 Xtreme Review – What’s in the Box?

When we received our Gigabyte AORUS RTX 2070 Xtreme, it came in a sturdy black cardboard box which is something that you’d commonly see in most graphics cards coming from AORUS. Aside from the black theme of the packaging, you will also find orange accents which make the entire collection look more striking and eye-catching.

On the front portion of the box, you’ll find the company’s logo which occupies almost the whole left portion of the package. On its right, you will read its product series, “AORUS XTREME” for everyone to know which product you have on hand. The bottom left portion features symbols that represent some of the graphics card’s key features including the RGB Fusion compatibility, WINDFORCE Technology, the 8-Gigabyte GDD-R6 256-bit memory interface, and the included 4-year warranty. On the bottom right is its product’s name which is “GeForce RTX 2070”.

At the back of the box, there are more details about the features of the product. The information are separated in four sections. On the upper left is an image of the graphics card’s RGB lighting on the cooling system; here, you will also find a description about the RGB Fusion software. Beside this are details about the 7-Video Outputs. The lower left section shows the direct touch feature of the heatpipes, and the last panel on the lower right are details about the three fans for the graphics card’s WINDFORCE STACK Technology.

Inside the box, you will find the GPU itself, its support brace that you will be screwing together based on the size you need, some important documentation, and a case sticker.

The Product

Gigabyte AORUS RTX 2070 Xtreme Review

Just like every other card in the GeForce RTX lineup, this AORUS RTX 2070 Xtreme has a completely new design, riffing off some of Gigabyte’s previous WINDFORCE 3X-equipped models. Specifically, this card features a freshly updated, more capable, and efficient cooler with an interesting setup; of course, it also has customizable RGB lights. The AORUS RTX 2070 Xtreme displays a metal and stylized back plate to add more rigidity and aid for the cooler.

The sides of the front area is basically all cooler, and the WINDFORCE Stack 3X system packs three 100-millimeter double ball-bearing fans combined with a stacked design. Here, the center of the fan is set below the outer fans, thus, spinning in the reversed direction.

Gigabyte states that this lessens the turbulence and dead spots while also boosting the airflow. The memory, GPU, and power MOSFETs all come in contact with the bigger heatsink found on the card. The heatsink itself displays a collection of heat pipes, as well as an angled fin design that is made to push heat away from the hottest functioning components, channeling this away effectively.

Similar to the RTX 2080 Xtreme, the AORUS RTX 2070 Xtreme makes use of the same cooler design; and in fact, if you place these cards next to each other, you’d struggle to determine which one is which. This isn’t a bad thing since both of the cards look really great. The cooler is probably one of the best that the company has ever created, and since it’s also the less-demanding 2070 chipset, it shouldn’t have any issues when it comes to keeping the card at its top and best performance.

The AORUS RTX 2070 Xtreme features addressable RGB lights and you’ll find these close to the side of the AORUS logo, the tips of the fan’s blades, as well as on the fan surrounds. This will give you comprehensive customization options which is really convenient.

It has a fairly minimal shroud so there’s adequate room for airflow around the card. That only means air can enter seamlessly and it also means that heat can escape just as easily too.

To incorporate three 100-millimeter fans in a much shorter form factor, the fan in the middle makes use of special cut away blades. The design lets the outer fans pass over the middle; and though it appears very simple, it’s a smart design which makes it look cool too. On the opposite side of the card, you’ll find a big backplate which makes the device a bit heavier, but simultaneously, it makes the GPU stronger too. With the backplate and the support bar, the AORUS RTX 2070 Xtreme should not drop; plus, the backplate also offers enhanced passive cooling to your PCB.

Lastly, there’s another good innovation found on the rear. There are additional display outputs on the card which can be utilized in two different setups: one focusing on the DP while the other focuses on the HDMI. Either way, three displays and USB Type-C VR outputs are very much easy here.

Turing Architecture

The AORUS RTX 2070 Xtreme is based on the Turing architecture. This features GPU Boost 4.0. Just like the previous generation of GeForce cards, GPU Boost measures voltages and frequencies upwards based on the workload of the GPU. When a temperature or power limit is reached, the GPU Boost 4.0 acts by dropping down to the previous boost frequency / voltage stepping to gradually bring power and temperature levels  down. Un

like the GPU Boost 3.0, the 4.0 version is more detailed, which allows for above average frequencies over time.

The Turing Architecture on this graphics card helps with extreme overclocking since it can handle higher loads unlike the previously released cards. The power circuitry on the AORUS RTX 2070 Xtreme has been optimized for clean and smooth delivery across the whole frequency and voltage curve. The cleaner power should enhance the maximum overclocks, but NVIDIA is making the process of overclocking easier with API and a new tool called Scanner.

The NVIDIA Scanner is a single click overclocking tool that has a specialized workload and smart testing algorithm made for helping you and other users in finding the highest and most stable overclock on the cards without having to go through manual trial and error.

The NVIDIA Scanner will attempt higher frequencies at given voltage steps before testing for stability with a specific workload along the way. The whole process should only take about 20 minutes before it works; and once it’s done, the Scanner will have already determined the highest stable overclock throughout the voltage and frequency curve for a given card.

Product Features

Two Additional HDMI

AORUS comes with seven video outputs unlike  the reference card with five video outputs. With the extra two HDMI ports in the AORUS RTX 2070 Xtreme, you can experience more flexible connection to the display. You can choose 3x DP + 1x HDMI + 1x USB-C or 3x HDMI + 1x DP + 1x USB-C for your monitors without having to use any adaptors.

NVIDIA Turing Architecture

NVIDIA’s Turing is the architecture that replaces Pascal after two years. It uses 12nm FinFet NVIDIA unlike the Pascal which uses 16nm FinFet NVIDIA; along with that, it also uses the TSMC manufacturing process. Changes have also been made in the Shader Processors’ configuration.

All-Around Cooling Solution

The AORUS features the all-around cooling system to cover all the main components of the graphics card. Aside from the GPU, it also cools the MOSFET are also taken care of by the cooling system to guarantee a stable overclocking and longer life span for the entire device. The three WINDFORCE STACK 100-millimeter cooling system delivers the most efficient cooling performance for the GPU.

Deep Learning

The AORUS RTX 2070 Xtreme is equipped with 8G memory and 448Gbps memory bandwidth which has CUDA Cores and more than a hundred Tensore cores that operate at the same time. It’s the best entry point if you are developing AI technology. Aside from being cost-efficient, it also helps save time since it enhances throughput and efficiency.

Superior Build in Every Aspect

The AORUS RTX 2070 Xtreme’s black metal backplate is not only magnificent, but it’s also a solid protection for your GPU. It features dust-resistant shields keep it protected from various particles such as dust, insects, drill shavings, dropped screws, as well as abrasion. It’s also moisture-resistant to prevent unwanted damage and unwanted conduction paths. The GPU’s build is also Corrosion-resistant to keep it protected against environmental factors that can cause damage on the device, such as salt spray, corrosion, and humidity.

Highly Durable and Efficient Overclocking Performance

The AORUS RTX 2070 Xtreme makes use of the 10 + 2 power phase layout that allows the MOSFET to work at a very low temperature. Load balancing and over-temperature protection design for each MOSFET are also present, as well as the Ultra Durable-certified capacitors and chokes which ensure superior performance.

Specifications

The AORUS RTX 2070 Xtreme is powered by the GeForce RTX 2070 and built-in with 8GB GDD-R6 256-bit memory interface. Its GPU / node is the TU-106 / TSMC 12nm while the CUDA cores / tensor cores / RT cores are 2304 / 288 / 36. It has a 14GHz frequency and 448GB/s bandwidth while the base and boost clock are at 1,410MHz and 1,815MHz.

Dimensions of the AORUS RTX 2070 Xtreme are 290 x 135 x 60 millimeters. It also has Open GL 4.5 | Vulkan 1.1 + | Direct-X 12 (SM 6.0 +) for API support and it also sports RGB lighting with complete software control using RGB Fusion. The WINDFORCE Stack three 100-millimeter fan cooling systems and its RGB lighting has been reinvented as well; 7 video outputs are present plus, the device also comes with a black metal plate with the RGB Aorus logo illumination. Lastly, it’s been factory overclocked to 1,815MHz.

Since Gigabyte wants everyone to experience the best service on top of their regular 3-year warranty, the company also offers an extra year of protection for the graphics card for free. You’ll be able to enjoy a 4-year warranty just by registering on their official website. Just remember to do this within thirty days of your purchase of the AORUS RTX 2070 Xtreme.

Using the Product

Let’s go ahead and talk about the AORUS RTX 2070 Xtreme’s performance by starting off with its acoustics. It’s cool, powerful, and is really quiet. This card is really silent at low loads and it’s even one of the most quiet devices even while gaming. Some others may appear more silent than this, but remember, the AORUS RTX 2070 Xtreme have bigger fans, higher clocks, and additional power consumed.

When it comes to the PCB design, the company hasn’t really done anything much to this, but they did make sure to enhance the power delivery system. So, it gives you a 10 + 2 solution compared to the reference 6 + 2 design. When you run the card using overclocking settings, the boosted power delivery will guarantee consistent clocks; plus, any power-linked performance capping can be removed. Of course, this is all within NVIDIA’s instructions.

When it comes to its RGB lighting, we can say that it’s really beautiful and it’s very much different compared to your regular RGB. Another great thing about the AORUS RTX 2070 Xtreme is that its not heavy like what most people assume it to be. But keep in mind that if you have a new motherboard, it should have augmented PCIe slots that are designed for these types of cards.

For aesthetic qualities, these are vital in this day and age. And with that, we can sure say that Gigabyte did an excellent job to make the AORUS RTX 2070 Xtreme visually striking and appealing GPU. The three fans with maximum RGB illumination around the circumference provides really interesting and cool color schemes that you’ll surely like.

Utilizing the RGB Fusion software, you’ll be able to easily manage each color of the fans. Plus, you’ll also get to independently configure and customize the colors of the fans from the GPU’s other LED lights. This brings us to all the other LED lights and the metallic backplate.

Because of its size, the AORUS RTX 2070 Xtreme does consume more power than the other RTX 2070 cards; and given that it’s overclocked much higher than usual, it works great which makes it really good. It’s also one of the most effective cards when we’re speaking of gaming loads. And just as we guessed, the huge cooler does a great job: at full load, the cards reached about 70 which is something normal, and while gaming, it was able to maintain a lower temperature.

For gaming, the RTX 2070 series is really something notable and it’s a big boost from the last generation’s GTX 1070. This card has a ton of features, it performed solidly, and sports a fantastic cooler that lets it stand on its own.

The AORUS RTX 2070 Xtreme is also the entry-level for the newest DirectX features like the DLSS, Ray Tracing, and a lot more. And with more games appearing with advanced lighting texture scaling, and shadows sooner than we know, we sure are excited to see what else this device can do. Installing the product was really easy so you’ll be able to enjoy top-notch performance in no time.

Overall and based mainly on a performance-standpoint, the AORUS RTX 2070 Xtreme works perfectly and we’re giving it a thumbs-up for this. The card is already a well-priced, attractive, ray tracing-ready GPU, and the model takes this, making it even better in every aspect possible. The aggressive factory overclock, 7-display outputs, cool and quiet operation, as well as the attractive looks to match make this a very noteworthy product to consider.

AORUS Engine

The software used for the AORUS RTX 2070 Xtreme is the AORUS Engine. It features an intuitive interface so you can easily tune in and keep track of voltage, clock speed, power target, and fan performance.

RGB Fusion 2.0

With a built-in intuitive user interface, this RGB Fusion 2.0 offers an enhanced solution for customizing the lighting effects across every supported device. From graphics cards, motherboards, to peripheral goods, you can easily personalize your rig with your own style and preference, showing off your build by sharing its profile. Also, the new gaming method makes the lighting effects more interactive and connected with chosen games to provide you with the most immersive and best gaming experience.

The software that the company utilized to control and manage the RGB is the RGB Fusion 2.0. In the past, we didn’t really like the software for just a few reasons like the requirement of having to install the Gigabyte’s App Center to get the RGB Fusion to function properly. But apparently, Gigabyte made some really great changes around this RGB software, allowing it to work independently without the need of having the App Center installed. The following module for the video card includes these following effects: the pulse, flash, static, double flash, claws, cycle colors, dazzling, gradient, effect wave, tricolor, as well as the circuit rainbow or the rainbow loop.

Conclusion

The AORUS RTX 2070 Xtreme is a great masterpiece with its excellent design, impressive RGB lighting, and superb performance. Among the new similar models released by various manufacturers, it’s this GPU that has been design with highly improved performance, design, and architecture.

We really liked the AORUS RTX 2070 Xtreme since the company really did a lot of things to improve their new model. Aside from the things we’ve mentioned earlier, its factory overclock is really effective and it delivers enhanced performance compared to other GPUs. Aside from that, we also noticed and appreciate the improvements made on the power circuitry, the sturdy back plate, the fully customizable RGB lighting, as well as its quiet, high-performance cooling system. With all of these, the AORUS RTX 2070 Xtreme was able to perform extreme overclocking and its output configuration became more flexible.

All in all, AORUS RTX 2070 Xtreme is a an outstanding device that delivers high speed rates, excellent cooling, and excellent overclocking performance which greatly improved our gaming experience. If you’re looking for the excellent graphics card to enhance your gaming rig in terms of performance, cooling, and style, we highly recommend the Gigabyte AORUS RTX 2070 Xtreme.

Where to Buy

You can purchase the AORUS RTX 2070 Xtreme for around $900 AUD from your local computer retailer. For more information head on over to the official product page.

Gigabyte AORUS RTX 2070 Xtreme Review

Design

Features

Performance

Usability

Value

2019-03-07

4.9Overall Score

The post Gigabyte AORUS RTX 2070 Xtreme Review appeared first on The Streaming Blog.

When you hear about Gigabyte, different types of video cards and motherboards probably come in to mind. The company really is well-known for a lot of computer components, but they also have a collection of excellent peripherals that are under the AORUS brand. One of their most recent additions is the flashy gaming mouse AORUS M5 which is an overall strong competitor against top gaming mice from Logitech, Razer, and SteelSeries.

Generally, this is a very compelling gaming mouse since it features the Pixart 3389 optical sensor. This element is known to be capable of some really remarkable feats, as well as other strong attributes such as the Omron switches which are known to have a really extended life expectancy of 50 million presses.

There are other notable highlights for this device such as the built-in RGB fusion lighting, software customization, and swappable underside gliding feet. If these quick features have piqued your interest, then we’ve got you covered since today, we’ll be focusing on the AORUS M5 gaming mouse to learn more about the device, what it’s all about, and if it performs excellently to be part of your collection of gaming peripherals.  With that, let’s go ahead and check out what’s inside the box.

AORUS M5 Gaming Mouse Review – What’s in the Box?

Our AORUS M5 gaming mouse arrived in a nice, sturdy, and stylish black package which is something common when it comes to AORUS’ devices. The front portion of the box features a huge image of the gaming mouse, while on the upper left corner is the brand’s name written there. Just below the image is the name of the device.

On the sides of the box, there are other details and information about the mouse’s features which is beneficial if you want to have a quick look on this. Now for the back portion of the package, you will see another image of the AORUS M5; but this time, it is numbered and it corresponds to a specifications list which is good.

Once you’re done checking out the box’s exterior, you can go ahead and open the package and see what’s inside. The first thing that you’ll see is the nice-looking M5 gaming mouse which is firmly set in place to avoid it from moving about while in transit. There are also other items inside the package and these include the spare mouse feet, weights, as a few important documentation.

The Product

AORUS M5 Gaming Mouse Review

The AORUS M5 features the optical sensor Pixart 3389 which is considered as one of the most important and the best sensor you can have. The mouse has a 16,000 DPI sensor and it is a mid-sized device designed specifically for right-handed users. Its scale is almost the same as the Razer DeathAdder, but the M5 is a bit slimmer along its midsection, and is a couple of millimeters wider and longer compared to a similar Logitech gaming mouse.

One cool thing about this gaming mouse is that you can freely customize its weight. Its bottom panel is held firmly by a magnet, and has adequate space for up to five 2.5-gram weights. This allows the mouse to reach a total of 130.5 grams; and since these slots provide the weights with a snug fit, you don’t need to worry about the mouse rattling or coming loose while in the middle of a game.

Underneath the hood, the right and left mouse buttons make use of Japanese Omron switches which are considered the best. This is because the switches are rated for a total of 50 million clicks each, hence, its popularity. Though quite interesting, there’s an actual difference between the feeling and sound of the right and left mouse buttons: the left click sounds more tactile and pronounced, whereas the right click sounds and feels softer.

Along each side of the device, there is the presence of anti-slip rubber grips that keep the mouse secure in your hand. Aside from this, the AORUS M5 also features two thumb buttons located at the left facet: two of these manage the DPI settings via default, one scroll wheel that also functions as a button, as well as a standard left and the correct finger buttons. Basically, the great thing about the device is that all the buttons are programmable.

When it comes to the front left portion of the M5, it features a 4-light indicator specifically for the DPI settings which can be adjusted within the device.

Product Features

True 16,000 DPI Optical Sensor

The AORUS M5 gaming mouse features a 16,000 DPI Pixart 3389 optical sensor; this is capable of 50G acceleration and 400 ips which deliver extreme accuracy which is helpful for competitive gaming.

50 Million-Click Japanese Omron Switch

The Omron switches on both buttons of the AORUS M5 give you the a highly comfortable experience yet with tactile response. The switches of the AORUS M5 are designed to have a lifetime of over 50 million clicks.

Optimization for the Best Weight and Balance

The AOUS M5 features an extensive weight distribution system that lets you adjust the center of gravity and weight range from 118 grams to 130.5 grams. This also adjusts the mouse’s accuracy, speed, and performance when gaming.

Ergonomic Right-Handed Mouse

The AORUS M5 is made for right-handed users. Its ergonomic design provides the best comfort since it suits both claw and palm type, letting you hold the mouse in any way you’re comfortable with. The mouse also features anti-slip rubber grips on both sides for you to fully control this.

Specifications

Mouse

The mouse uses the optical Pixart 3389 sensor and has a sensitivity of about 50 to 16,000 DPI. Report rate is 125 | 500 | 1,000 Hz, with a 400 IPS tracking speed, 50G acceleration, plus the 32-bit ARM processor. One of the highlights of this gaming mouse is that it features the Omron switch that has a lifespan of 50 million presses, making this a really good device to have for gaming. It also has the standard 3D scrolling and uses the USB interface.

Dimensions

The AORUS M5 measures 128 x 72 x 43 millimeters (LxWxH), and weighs a total of 118 to 130.5 grams. For the length of its cable, it measures just right at 1.8 meters.

Using the Product

When it comes to the performance of the AORUS M5 gaming mouse, it really does perform excellently and has a lot of really strong attributes. Its primary highlight is its sensor – the Optical Pixart 3389 which is a really great offering that gives you a brilliant gaming experience, and even for everyday use.

Pushing the DPI up to a total of 550 DPI on the AORUS M5 improved a lot of things and we can say that it really provided excellent balance between movement and accuracy. When it comes to tracking, acceleration, and speed, the M5 gaming mouse and the Pixart 3389 are an outstanding combination.

The sensor’s speed was notable as well, especially when you’re venturing higher than 500 DPI. The gaming mouse did not show any signs of sluggishness and functioned just as efficiently as other offerings with a similar sensor. The left and right clicks were perfect, and this is all thanks to the built-in Omron switches which have adequate weight and a snappy response to it.

For the illumination, the AORUS M5 gaming mouse is indeed very impressive. All in all, there were three illumination areas which all have vibrant lighting, that is also nice and fully saturated. A spot that we really liked were the side strips since you can make your own customized gradient which will look really nice when you do this correctly.

Software

If you don’t have a Gigabyte software installed in your PC, you will need a total of three installations to be able to take advantage of the full functionality of the AORUS M5 gaming mouse, the RGB fusion, app center, and the AORUS Engine. All of the modifications and customizations are done via the AORUS Engine, and there are three different pages that are especially for buttons, lighting, and the DPI configurations and settings.

The lighting module will let you select between a total of six various settings: from cycling to consistent flashing. But it doesn’t stop there; the strips on either side, are broken down into 10 LED lights that can all have their own color assignments. The scroll wheel features two different color zones – the front and the back – while you can also choose your preferred colors for the emblem as well.

When it comes to the button assignment menu, it lets you reprogram the buttons based on your preferences. The commands can be selected from a list that includes the single keyboard strokes, multikey combinations of your choice, or multimedia functions such as copy, cut, and paste. For the DPI settings page, you’ll dial four varying DPI settings that ranges from 50 to 6,400; just remember that you can’t really change the total number of DPI settings, so you’ll have a total of four instead. The vertical and horizontal DPI can be connected, or you can choose to split then assign them with different DPI’s to each axis. Or, you can also adjust the M5 to different mats by adjusting the lift-off tolerance.

Conclusion

The AORUS M5 is great; it’s one of the gaming mice that has the best looks that matches with the excellent performance it delivers. What we really liked is its customizable DPI, adjustable balance and weight since it helps improve your gaming experience further. So if you’re looking for a high-quality yet affordable gaming mouse that looks really good, then we think that the AORUS M5 gaming mouse is the perfect device for you.

Where to Buy

You can pick up the AORUS M5 for around $79 AUD from your local retailer. For more information head on over to the official product page.

The post AORUS M5 Gaming Mouse Review appeared first on The Streaming Blog.

Audio-Technica is one of the companies that has brought its excellence in the studio market, and turned these into great advantages that general consumers can enjoy today. Their ATH-M50x model has surely made a leap on its own, and was introduced as one of the devices of the ATH-M50S collection after Audio-Technica’s 50th anniversary in the year 2012.

Until today, the ATH-M50x is still listed as professional monitor headphones, even when Audio-Technica began releasing blue, white, red, and black models which were aimed more for street use than for the studio. With the mentioned versions, you’ll still be able to have the studio-style and curl coiled cables, as well as a lengthy 3-meter mini jack terminated cable, a shorter 1.2-meter mini jack cable that is designed mainly for portable use. Yet the lack of in-line smart controls keeps the device’s studio illusion.

Today, the consumer side of the company has been made entirely clear with Audio-Technica’s latest ATH-M50xBT that features the wireless Bluetooth operation.

Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT Review – What’s in the Box?

The ATH-M50xBT from Audio-Technica comes in a square white package. On the front portion, you will find an image of the headphones right at the center; on the top left corner is Audio-Technica’s logo while on the top right corner is the company’s name. The bottom left corner of the box features details about the product such as the name of the unit and a short description of it. Here, you will also find the Bluetooth symbol since this is used to make the headphones work.

At the back of the box, you will find more details about the ATH-M50xBT. Aside from its primary features, another image of the headphones is present, and each of its parts have labels. The top of the box has a plastic hang tab for you to use when you need to hang it in place.

Inside the box, you will find another plain black cardboard box that seems to have a velvet-like material. Upon opening this, we saw the headphones neatly and securely placed on its tray. Aside from the headphones, you will also find a USB to micro USB charging cable and a user manual.

There is also a ⅛-inch TRRS cable which lets you use the headphones even if you run out of power. This cable features an in-line remote and microphone. Also included is a protective pouch that is very similar to its wired variant. This should keep the headphones protected against minor damages such as scratches and very light water exposure.

The Product

Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT Review

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT is only available in black, but it does have a really nice look to it so we’re good with this. It’s a very near replica of its wired predecessor, though it does feature a couple of subtle changes to the design. Despite this, you’ll still get to see the same minimalist, simple, and classy exterior together with a robust build which has become synonymous with Audio-Technica’s products.

As we’ve mentioned, the ATH-M50xBT looks just like the original headphones, so it’s really normal if you’d end up mistaking this device for the M50x. Though there are some differences: the ATH-M50xBT has more buttons than its older counterpart, and it also features a different cable connector. The entire frame of the headphones is made from plastic, metal, and leather but despite the combination, it gives off a really nice and premium look to the device; plus, it also has a sturdy feel to it which will guarantee long-term usage.

Both of its earcups can swivel inwards and to the sides, making it really easy for you to wear them around your neck, and it’s also easy to store when you’re not really using this. Its faux leather pads look really nice, and these can be exchanged with other compatible earpads. We also think that the silver accents along the earcups gave the device a really nice flair, so the ATH-M50xBT comes off as really classy and high-end.

Generally, the only changes in the design are the touch interface and fixed controls on the left earcup. This is a big deal since the previous model did not have any control scheme; so we’re giving a thumbs up to Audio-Technica for integrating these features into the ATH-M50xBT’s design, specifically the touch panel which has been camouflaged as the brand’s logo. Speaking of this specific logo on the left earcup, it’s actually touch-sensitive; this only means that it can bring up Google Assistant or Siri on your smartphone.

Now with the aspects of the headphones that is similar with its counterpart: the ATH-M50xBT has the same size as the M50x, which means that you’ll be getting the same tough construction, yet an extremely strong passive noise isolation feature. You’ll also get the same compact and solid folding design. If you take a look at it, you’ll see that Audio-Technica designed their headphones with portability, as well as great music-listening in mind. This device folds up to about half the volume with just a push of the earcups right up into the headphones’ headband. Its joints can also fold and swivel to accommodate easy storage and better wearing.

We really appreciate that Audio-Technica provided a very useful cable for their ATH-M50xBT since it has a microphone and pause / play / answer call button. Plus, another good thing about this is that it’s only 1.3 meters long, so it will be good enough for listening to music while commuting because you won’t have to deal with tangling and messy cables in the process.

The company also states that the ATH-M50xBT has a 40-hour battery life, specifically with its Bluetooth function, when on a full charge of about 7 hours. And if you’re too busy to check the battery life of your device, the ATH-M50xBT will just beep to notify you that its battery is running low.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT comes with a large 45-millimeter dynamic driver that features rare earth magnets, as well as an aluminum wire voice coils that is adorned with copper. This specific feature provides you with a wide frequency response from 15Hz to 28kHz at a powerful 99dB sensitivity.

The closed back and over-ear design of the ATH-M50xBT guarantees that you’ll enjoy effective noise isolation when listening; so, you’ll be able to focus only on your music and nothing coming from the outside environment. The company made use of the Bluetooth version 5.0 and integrates the support from AAC, aptX, and SBC codecs. With that, the Audio Technica ATH-M50xBT gives you versatile and high-quality wireless audio capabilities to let you enjoy your music listening experience. The detachable cable is about 3.9 inches long and it comes with an in-line mic and remote. The remote is necessary during instances when you need to get wired.

Aside from these, the ATH-M50xBT also comes with a circumaural around the ear design that gives you adequate sound isolation even when in really loud environments. When it comes to swivelling the earcups, these can go for a smooth 90-degree turn which will let you easily do single-ear monitoring. The ATH-M50xBT also comes with a single-sided and detachable cable system, a 3-meter straight cable, 3-meter coiled cable, plus a 1.2-meter straight cable. When you won’t be using the headphones, you can easily and conveniently fold and store the ATH-M50xBT in its included carrying pouch to keep it from any form of damages. The device also makes use of an internal lithium polymer battery that can last up to a total of 40 hours of continued music enjoyment; plus, it also recharges a total of 7 hours through the USB connection.

Product Features

45-millimeter Neodymium Drivers

The ATH-M50xBT uses the M50x studio sound to deliver an impressive wireless audio experience. With this feature, you can enjoy accurate, clear, and deep bass response. With 45-millimeter drivers fashioned with copper, aluminum, and rare earth magnets, as well as the Bluetooth wireless technology, the ATH-M50xBT offers you with the excellent signature sound of M50x to this wireless variant.

Long-Lasting Battery

When fully charged, the internal battery of the ATH-M50xBT lasts up to 40 hours, allowing you to enjoy listening to high-fidelity audio for long periods of time. Recharging with the included USB cable is also possible.

Handle Phone Calls, Volume, and Playback Conveniently
Just like its wired version, the ATH-M50xBT has a tough and solid build. Not only that, but the headphones also comes with high-grade earpads & headband which makes it a really solid, sturdy, and comfortable device.

The ATH-M50xBTalso features 90-degree swiveling earcups. And with the presence of the buttons on the left earcup, you can easily and instantly answer phone calls, play music, and adjust the volume. A touch control is also present for you to easily access voice assistant technology.

Convenient Software

For additional settings, the ATH-M50xBT is compatible with the Connect app from Audio-Technica. This software is compatible with Android and iOS and provides a lot of convenient tools.

Wired Operation & Convenient Carrying Pouch

The ATH-M50xBT comes with a 1.2-meter cable with microphone and controls. This allows you to use the headphones when wireless operation is not available or when you run out of battery power. When not in use, the headset is collapsible so you can store this in its own carrying pouch and easily transport it.

Using the Product

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT is designed specifically for high-end audio performance and we were able to receive such quality  from the device. Plus, the 45-millimeter drivers, together with the frequency response range, was highly impressive with its warm and well-rounded sounds that it produced.

Considering that these are wireless headphones, which often do not measure up to what they claim to be. One of the features that we really liked about the ATH-M50xBT is that it can also be used with the accompanying 1.2 meter cable; so basically, you can use it as a wired or as a Bluetooth-functioning device.

It works excellently and is very intuitive, though we have to admit that we did worry about the sliders since they’re quite easy to leave on by accident. But thanks to the smart design of the ATH-M50xBT, it simply shuts down if there isn’t any connection around, so we really liked that about the headphones.

The Sound Quality

When it comes to the sound quality of the ATH-M50xBT, it really gave off clean, crisp, and enticing audio that you will fully enjoy. Audio-Technica added the new 40-millimeter drivers since their goal was to make the ATH-M50xBT sound exactly like the M50x when used without the wires.

We’re also glad that the company added the aspects that made the previous model a big hit, so we can definitely say that this ATH-M50xBT performs just as excellently. Just like before, there’s a lot of energy and power going on with the upper-mids and treble, but this is just some of the elements that make the ATH-M50xBT sound alive.

For a closed back pair, the soundstage of the ATH-M50xBT sounds nice and wide enough, and with its price range, imaging is outstanding and adequate. You’ll be able to figure out the position of various instruments, as well as the vocal tracks in a mix which is really something worth noting when it comes to such devices.

Bass Response

The ATH-M50xBT’s bass response was excellent too; plus, it was also very even and well-balanced. Because of this, it gives the headphones additional thump and rumble which is something that we really love. Also, this will be something that fans of bass-heavy genres would truly enjoy.

Call Quality and Connectivity

The call quality of the ATH-M50xBT is the best. People’s voices were loud and clear on our end and those whom we tried calling were able to recognize and understand everything we said. Since the headset operates with Bluetooth 5.0, it really does have increased speed and wider range in communication.

Wireless Range

The ATH-M50xBT’s wireless range is excellent even when obstructions are present. We tested this by leaving our connected smart mobile device at one place, then moved around with the headphones. Surprisingly, we didn’t hear any audio cuts; there were no issues even when at long distances, nor were there any various obstructions that would be common in other similar products. As long as your audio source is on, there should not be any issue.

Noise Isolation

If you want to listen to music without hearing other noise from your surroundings, then these wireless headphones will surely work for you. It doesn’t use any noise-cancelling technology, but its closed-back design effectively blocks ambient noise. We tried using the ATH-M50xBT while riding on the bus and train, and surprisingly, we didn’t hear any noise from the surroundings which is great. With that, we can say that the ATH-M50xBT is effective when it comes to noise isolation.

Microphone

The microphone of the ATH-M50xBT is just as good. In quiet environments, it records and transmits average quality sounds. It doesn’t deliver enough detail, but when we tried recording speech, it was clear enough to understand which we think is good.

Software

Audio-Technica’s Connect application offers a variety of features to make things more convenient for you. One of its best features is that it tells you the last known location of the headphones. So, if you are someone who tends to misplace your things often, this will be really convenient when you end up misplacing your ATH-M50xBT. Aside from that, the app also shows the headphones’ battery life and lets you choose the codec connection. We really appreciate that the app is also fast and highly responsive, plus, it’s also very user-friendly so you don’t have to be tech-savvy to be able to use this.

Conclusion

With the premium aesthetics, durable build, long-term battery life, and excellent sound quality, we believe that the ATH-M50xBT from Audio-Technica is one of the best headsets in the market. It features all the strong qualities of a high-performance headset and the best thing about this is that you can get it at a cheaper price. It’s not easy to find headsets that will match its performance at its price range, but the ATH-M50xBT simply delivers everything in a single package.

We think that the ATH-M50xBT is another success from Audio-Technica. It has all the excellent qualities of its wired predecessor, the ATH-M50x, and it delivers impressive audio quality while also providing comfort. We didn’t only enjoy the sounds it reproduced while we listened to music, but we were also able to wear this for a long period of time without experiencing any discomfort. Of course, the most important feature of this headset is its wireless connectivity which makes the headset more practical and portable.

If you are looking for high-quality headphones that can be used for long periods of time, we highly recommend the ATH-M50xBT from Audio-Technica.

Where to Buy

You can purchase the ATH-M50xBT for $379 AUD from the official website.

The post Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT Review appeared first on The Streaming Blog.

Airbuds are one of the preferred items when it comes to listening devices today, but it does receive a certain level of ridicule from some. Despite the reactions they’ve been receiving, Airbuds are still a big hit, leaving the premium audio to respond.

Of course, brands like Audio-Technica have responded commercially to this, with their promising ATH-CKR7TW wireless in-ear earphones, marketing an exceptional Japanese lineage.

It’s surely a promising device that has excellent features and specifications, but just how well do these wireless in-ear earphones work? Today, we’re going to look into this product further and see if it’s something worth investing in for all your listening needs. First up, let’s check out what’s inside the box.

Audio-Technica ATH-CKR7TW Review – What’s in the Box?

Our black ATH-CKR7TW wireless earbuds arrived in the usual Audio-Technica package that is clean and simple but with all the details that you’d need to know about the product. The front portion features a huge image of the earpiece while the upper right portion of the box displays the company’s name. On the upper left corner, you’ll find the logo of Audio-Technica while at the bottom of the image is the name of the product and what it is.

You’ll find more details on the side of the package, but it’s mostly about the accessories included inside. There are also instructions printed on the package so you can take a quick look at it before opening the package to see the ATH-CKR7TW.

Once you open the box, you’ll find that the earphones are placed in another box that has a clear plastic cover in front. It’s nice that the company made it this way since you can have a better look at the product even before completely opening the package. Inside, you will find the ATH-CKR7TW itself, eartips with different sizes, a USB cable, a charging case, as well as 3D loops for the earphones. The 3D loops are generally little rubber fins that can be linked or removed from the ATH-CKR7TW to adjust its fit.

The Product

Audio-Technica ATH-CKR7TW Review

The ATH-CKR7TW from Audio-Technica features a unique and distinct style compared to the other wireless earphones that are available in the market. It has a round shape and has a bit of girth which Audio-Technica used to separate the DAC’s electronics from the device’s acoustic chamber. Also, you’ll notice at the top ridge portion of the earphones is the Bluetooth pairing button that also works for playback controls.

Generally, the Audio-Technica ATH-CKR7TW is quite large; yet quite surprisingly, they fit perfectly in the ears without you having to force it in, which is the case in other similar devices. Of course, you can choose the size of the eartips, but sometimes, even the small ones are huge and can be difficult to fit. Anyway, we used the smaller eartips together with the attachable 3D loops or wings.

If you’re expecting to have longer moments of listening to music, you won’t have to worry about any discomfort or pain since the ATH-CKR7TW is made perfectly to provide utmost comfort at all times; this is despite wearing the device for prolonged periods. When it comes to controlling the ATH-CKR7TW, it’s really very simple; the device only features a single button on each side. Speaking of this button, it’s a bit tactile but you can press it easily when wearing the device.

The button on the left side controls the volume; if you want to increase the volume, just press on the volume button once, then twice to lower the volume. The right button functions as the play, answer, or pause button with just a single press; to set the next track, do a double press while a triple press is necessary to go back to the previous track. If you hold the button for four seconds, you’ll switch off the earpiece for that specific side.

When it comes to the case of the ATH-CKR7TW, there is a useful button that displays the battery levels via the LED lights. At the back of this, you’ll find the USB Type-C charging input; and lastly, the button located at the front opens the case’s lid which is durable and sturdy.

What’s nice about this is that you won’t have to worry much about the device popping out of the case since the lid is secure enough to prevent such occurrences. We really liked how securely fit the case is for the earphones since you get that strong, crisp, and solid click when you press the pieces into place. Now after you’ve set the earpieces in place, you’ll just need to close the case to begin the charging process; you can even press down the button located at the center of the case to see how much charge is present.

Product Features

Outstanding Audio and True Wireless Design

You can enjoy excellent-sounding audio with the ATH-CKR7TW earphones from Audio-Technica. These wireless earphones come with 11-millimeter drivers with a special design, featuring pure iron yokes and diaphragms coated with diamond-like carbon. Because of its materials, the device provides high-quality, accurate audio for your listening enjoyment.

Quick, Accurate Response

The housings of the earbuds feature isolation structures with dual layers to separate the electric circuitry from the acoustic space. This delivers quick response and optimal phase.

High Frequencies, Less Resonance

With brass stabilisers, the ATH-CKR7TW delivers reduced resonance and secures movement of the linear diaphragm. Aside from that, the ATH-CKR7TW also has acoustic mesh resistors made from stainless steel to provide enhanced high-frequency response. This reproduces impressive wide-range audio with crystal clear high frequencies and rich, deep-sounding bass.

High-quality DAC and Headphone Amplifier

Audio-Technica’s ATH-CKR7TW  earbuds have the AKM AK4375 DAC and a headphone amplifier which guarantees accurate and clear sound reproduction from the wireless Bluetooth signal. Since it’s compatible with high-degree aptX codec to further enhance the reproduced audio.

Convenient Button Control and Connect App

The ATH-CKR7TW features a mic and an integrated button control for you to conveniently handle music playback, calls, and volume control on smartphones and other various devices. Aside from that, you can also use Audio-Technica’s devices Connect app on their smartphone to easily and instantly adjust the settings of the ATH-CKR7TW.

Heavy Duty Internal Battery

When the ATH-CKR7TW is fully charged, it offers six hours of continuous playback, calls, and other uses. If this runs out of power, you can utilize the charging case which acts as a power bank.

Button Control

The integrated button control provides hands-free call, volume, and music adjustment on your Bluetooth compatible mobile device.

Charging Case

The ATH-CKR7TW offers up to a total of 15 hours of nonstop playback before any charging cables can be plugged in. The earbuds come with its own charging case and when recharging is needed, all you have to do is place the earbuds in the case.

On full charge, the device is good for 6 hours of use and its built-in battery gives you an additional 9 hours of power when fully charged. For recharging, this lasts for around 2 hours.

Specifications

For the specifications of the ATH-CKR7TW, it makes use of a DC 3.7 Volt lithium-ion battery that lasts a maximum of 6 hours when used. It’s a lightweight device that weighs about 18 grams, whereas the charging case is approximately 68 grams.

It comes with a set of extra accessories such as a a 30-centimeter USB charging cable, eartips with different sizes: specifically extra small, small, medium, and large sizes. Another inclusion with the device is the 3D loop support. The ATH-CKR7TW also includes a single 30-centimeter charging cable where one end is a USB Type-A and the other is a Micro USB Type-B.

The device makes use of the MEMS type of microphone that is -38 dB (1-Volt / Pa at 1kHz for its sensitivity, and has a frequency response that ranges from 50 to 4,000Hz. Also for the microphone, it features an omnidirectional polar-pattern mic for more efficiency. For the ATH-CKR7TW’s operating temperature, it ranges from  5°C to 40°C while it makes use of the Bluetooth version 5.0 for its communication system.

The device has an RF output of 0.6mW EIRP, approximately 10 meters for its max communication range, plus a frequency band of 2.402GHz to 2,480GHz. The ATH-CKR7TW from Audio-Technica also makes use of the FHSS modulation method.

A2DP, HFP, AVRCP,and HSP are the compatible Bluetooth profiles for the ATH-CKR7TW and it also supports Qualcomm aptX audio, SBC, and AAC. For the supported content protection-method, the device utilizes SCMS-T while its transition band ranges from 20 to 20,000Hz.

Using the Product

Before anything else, let’s talk about the fit and make of the device. The ATH-CKR7TW is designed and crafted with precision so you’ll get a build that is just right for your ear. If you need to have the size bigger or smaller, Audio-Technica included different sizes of eartips which are all comfortable when worn even for prolonged hours.

They made it fit adequately so you wouldn’t have to bother with a lot of fiddling just to get the earphones sitting in place – something that we usually have to deal with when it comes to using wireless earbuds. And because of its fit, even with some head movements, there were no instances of the device falling out which was really good.

When it comes to its performance, the ATH-CKR7TW basically has a very clean and loud sound. We noticed that it somehow emphasizes on the high and upper-mids, while the bass and lower-mids are more balanced.

Though don’t worry because it doesn’t mean that the bass isn’t strong and powerful; in fact, its bass response is really good so you’ll still get that thumping bass power that you’d want blending in your music. That said, it hits pretty low, extends adequately, and packs quite a punch; however, the frequency response prefers the higher end.

Sound Quality

For its sound quality, it was excellent and expansive. We tried the earphones with different music genres and we all received rich, nice-sounding music with perfect clarity. The device does not offer any noise-cancelling features, but it sure does block most of the outside sound which was pretty cool

For the ATH-CKR7TW’s soundstage, it is somewhat dependent on how the device fits in your ears. If these are unbalanced in your ears, it gives off a rather wonky-sounding soundstage. That aside, the ATH-CKR7TW has a very solid high with a strong contrast between its lows, light instruments, and rich instruments. The depth of the sounds have lesser contrast that usual due to the increased mid boost that enhances each of the instruments.

Earbuds and Touch Controls

The ATH-CKR7TW’s earbuds utilize the Bluetooth 5.0 wireless technology and includes support for AAC and aptX which was evident while we were listening to music. Even if there were other devices trying to connect to the Bluetooth, we didn’t experience any drop out in the connection which is good.

For the touch controls, all of them were responsive and we were able to easily get used to these. You just need to read the manual to know how many finger taps and gestures are needed for certain functions. When you know what to do, everything will be easy.

The ATH-CKR7TW Earpieces

The right and left earpieces provide you with full control over music playback and calls. For the left piece, it worked excellently and seamlessly when adjusting the volume and it was really easy to press so even when you’re out and walking down the street, you can just press on it lightly and you’re all set. For the right piece, it works just as easily so we were able to easy pause, play, and skip music; it’s also worth noting that answering calls with these buttons was easy so we really liked that.They’re really sensitive so you’ll have to be careful just as well since you might end up making unnecessary calls while using the ATH-CKR7TW.

Overall, the performance of the Audio-Technica ATH-CKR7TW was great and we didn’t have any problems with it. The sounds that it produced were clean, crisp, solid, and powerful, while its bass blended perfectly which gave us that depth we wanted. We also really appreciated that Audio-Technica added a serious thump to their sub and lower-bass registers which, in turn, provides awesome sounds for techno and hip-hop music. For acoustic music, the ATH-CKR7TW delivered clean vocals, smooth guitars and the powerful bass with adequate depth.

Software

With the Connect application from Audio-Technica, you will be able to utilize other compatible devices from the company which will make things easier and more user-friendly. The application includes a variety of guidelines that will help all first time Bluetooth users; plus, it also comes with a bunch of customization options, allowing you to easily manage the settings on all of your Audio-Technica products.

Taking advantage of the company’s Connect app will enable you to alter the Bluetooth codec from the AAC or aptX to a much lower quality SBC. This will soon virtually remove any instances of lagging for better and more enjoyable listening.

If you want to customize things a bit further, you can use the application to set different types of button patterns; yet if you already consider the default pattern comfortable, then you can just leave it as is. Other than that, the Connect application will also let you setup which codec to utilize. And even if there were no other settings present, it is still a very useful application for getting a detailed reading of the current battery percentage, as well as what active codec is being utilized.

Main Features of the Connect App

The primary features of the application includes the FAQ and product guides which will help you better utilize Bluetooth devices for the first time. It displays the battery level of your connected device as well as the Bluetooth codec that’s being used. Not only that, but you can freely alter the Bluetooth codec based on the connection status or sound quality; plus, you can also easily personalize the button functions based on your preferences. Lastly, the app can readily help you find your device just in case you lose this.

Conclusion

The ATH-CKR7TW True WirelessEarphones from Audio-Technica offers top-notch wireless audio entertainment without having to deal with any cables. These earphones do not only have a compact design, but, Audio-Technica developed a variety of technological capabilities for this. With that, the ATH-CKR7TW is sure to to deliver clear, high-quality audio with deep bass.

The ATH-CKR7TW delivers a crisp, clear, and high-quality sound signature, as expected from Audio-Technica. We’re really happy with this product since it provided more than what we expected, such as the audio being in the upper midrange and treble. The combination results in excellent audio for electronica and hip-hop genres. When we tried listening to acoustic music, we heard superior vocals, clear and clean-cut steel-string guitar, as well as deep and detailed bass.

If your favorite music genres are hip-hop, pop, and rock, we highly recommend the Audio-Technnica ATH-CKR7TW.

Where to Buy

You can purchase the ATH-CKR7TW for only $349 AUD from over at the official product page.

The post Audio-Technica ATH-CKR7TW Review appeared first on The Streaming Blog.

SYDNEY, 7 March 2019 – D-Link ANZ has launched its new D-Fend AC2600 Wi-Fi Router (DIR-2680), an all-in-one solution powered by McAfee and Intel’s connected home technology, that has unparalleled parental controls whilst increasing security for devices on any home network.

Key features

• Comprehensive parental controls via the D-Fend¹ app including creating user profiles, setting age-appropriate content, blocking websites and categories, Internet curfews, permission requests to visit select websites and pausing Internet access.
  • End-to-end protection with the McAfee Secure Home Platform² that protects every device connected to your network – worth $600 and complimentary for five years.
• Wireless traffic is fully offloaded to the Intel® Home Wi-Fi Chipset WAV500 Series, so that the Intel® AnyWAN™ SoC – the primary computing engine in the router – is freed up for software and security functions.
  • Installations of McAfee LiveSafe^TM Internet security software³ for your computers, tablets and smartphones included – worth $299.99 and complimentary for two years.
  • 802.11ac delivers blazing fast wireless connectivity with increased range and reliability.
  • Command D-Fend and your router’s functionality⁴ with your voice through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

Offering comprehensive parental control features allowing customised protection for each child in the home including blocking of websites and age-inappropriate content, applying Internet curfews, as well as ‘on-demand’ pausing of Internet access to either individual children, or all of them, the D-Fend AC2600 Wi-Fi Router is a parent’s new best friend.

D-Link ANZ MD Graeme Reardon said, “The new D-Link D-Fend Wi-Fi router is one of our most significant products released to date. With a unique set of parental controls, parents can now set profiles for each child to manage the content available to them, as well as have the control to pause Internet access whenever they wish. As a father of young children myself, being able to simply hit pause on my phone to bring an end to their latest video game or their YouTubing to simply get them to the dinner table on time, is fantastic. At the same time, knowing that our kids, our sensitive data, and our devices are protected by McAfee from malicious attacks, malware, botware and viruses is incredibly valuable.”

McAfee’s CTO of APAC, Ian Yip said, “At McAfee, we believe it’s important to partner with industry leaders, and that’s why we’ve chosen to partner with D-Link to help drive a security by default mindset towards connected devices.”

“D-Link is a leader in connected home solutions, and the D-Fend AC2600 Wi-Fi Router with McAfee’s Secure Home Platform built-in represents a strategic partnership that will allow us to provide simpler and stronger connected home security for Australians.”

Whilst the number of connected devices in the home is skyrocketing – from tablets and gaming consoles, to IP surveillance cameras, smart door locks, and more – by 2020 Gartner estimates there will be 20 billion connected things, and their role and influence are set to dramatically increase over the next 10 years¹. They’ve also raised a new crop of security issues, as Internet of Things (IoT) devices are subject to attacks just like any other connected device like a PC or smartphone. The new D-Fend AC2600 Wi-Fi Router protected by the McAfee Secure Home Platform helps secure all connected devices at the network level in a home, including non-display IoT devices, providing an additional layer of protection from potential hackers and for members of the home using devices and accessing online content.

The D-Link D-Fend AC2600 Wi-Fi Security Router Protected by McAfee (DIR-2680) increases security for devices on the home network and delivers on both companies’ vision to address the pressing need for online security as people’s lives become increasingly connected. The comprehensive solution includes D-Link’s high-performance dual-band 802.11ac router with MU-MIMO technology that enhances network capacity and efficiency for users, McAfee Secure Home Platform that protects all devices connected to the network, and the Intel® Home Wi-Fi Chipset WAV500 Series to deliver robust Wi-Fi connectivity to numerous connected devices at the same time, running a range of high-bandwidth applications.

McAfee’s Global Threat Intelligence features adaptable machine learning that protects by preventing, detecting, and correcting malicious malware and attacks, which enables a safer Internet browsing experience for consumers. Designed for families and smart home owners looking for the ultimate in home networking without sacrificing privacy and security, the DIR-2680 keeps connected devices safer from unwanted intrusions and thefts. Just as importantly, the comprehensive parental control features provide customised protection for children in the household. The DIR-2680 is easily set up with the D-Link Wi-Fi app and can be managed from anywhere with the accompanying D-Fend app and can also be voice-controlled via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.

Availability
The D-Link D-Fend AC2600 Wi-Fi Router is available now in Australia at www.dlink.com.au and at JB HiFi (RRP $499.95), and in New Zealand at www.dlink.co.nz and at all authorised NZ

D-Link resellers and retailers (RRP NZ$599.99).

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