This guide is designed to show you the best way to set up Google Bard and how to get the most out of Google’s AI tool. In today’s fast-paced digital era, streamlining your online activities is more important than ever. Enter Google Bard, the cutting-edge tool designed to boost your productivity and efficiency to new […]
Google’s latest innovation in artificial intelligence recently unveiled is LUMIERE AI, a sophisticated text-to-video AI model that is set to redefine the way we create digital videos. This new technology is not just a tool; it’s a transformative force in the realm of video production, offering capabilities that were once thought to be years away. […]
While many organizations are pushing for their employees to return to offices, Microsoft suggests trying a new type of "hybrid" working. The company has announced the launch of Microsoft Mesh, a feature that lets employees' avatars meet in the same place, even if the actual people are spread out. The virtual connection platform is powered through Microsoft Teams.
Microsoft has tested out Mesh on companies like consulting firm Accenture and pharmaceutical-focused Takeda. "The world of work continues to evolve at a rapid pace, but the importance of human connection has never gone away. Lunchtime conversations, hallway catch-ups, coffee chats — they often hold the key to both workplace success and employee happiness," Takeda's chief technology officer Leo Barella explained in a statement. He claims their meetings have been "more collaborative and immersive."
Mesh provides a series of pre-made spaces that companies can customize with everything from informational videos to logos — without needing to enter any code. The Mesh toolkit works through Unity, Microsoft's 2D and 3D development platform, to tailor the virtual world further. Basically, if there's a retreat an employer has always wanted to take everyone, they can create a version of it and invite everyone's avatars.
Currently, Microsoft's Mesh is only available on desktop PCs and Meta Quest VR devices (if employees want a more immersive experience). Microsoft is offering a six-month free trial to anyone with a business or enterprise plan. Otherwise, prices range from $4 per user monthly for Microsoft Teams Essentials all the way up to $57 per user monthly for Microsoft 365 E5.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/microsoft-launches-mesh-a-virtual-meeting-platform-on-teams-095018763.html?src=rss
AlphaTheta has come out of the gate swinging with its release of the Omnis-Duo all-in-one DJ controller and Wave-Eight speaker today. These two products are the first under the company’s new moniker since changing it from Pioneer DJ, although both brand names are expected to coexist for now. The launch coincides with the NAMM event this week and it’s also the 30th anniversary of the landmark Pioneer CDJ-500.
Both the controller and speaker are brimming with connectivity and battery power, making them an appealing option for mobile DJs. Rekordbox is a necessity right now, either for direct play or file prep and the app comes bundled with the Omnis-Duo controller. Serato DJ Lite support is expected later this summer and the software should already be bundled with the product. The Wave-Eight is more flexible and can work just as well with any audio source that has an RCA output.
Omnis-Duo
The Omnis-Duo ($1,499) is built to be portable, but also packs in some high-end tech. It’s a 10-pound device with fairly reserved and minimal styling that the company says you can fit in a “good-sized” backpack given its 20 x 12 x 3-inch in size. There’s a two-channel mixer flanked by two jog wheels and eight performance pads under each, although those only work for hot cues and have white LED lighting only. On top you’ll find a touchscreen display with an XDJ-style workflow and both light and dark modes. The display is flat and not angled up for easier viewing.
Omnis-Duo all-in-one DJ controller
AlphaTheta
You get essential controls for volume, EQ, playback, pitch and dedicated ones for beat jump and beat loop. There are also ones to select eight types of beat FX and six types of sound color FX from, but expect some touchscreen coordination to select which channel to apply to.
On the front edge you’ll find both 1/4-inch and 3.5mm stereo headphone jacks. The rear panel displays a wide selection of inputs for USB-A, SD cards and USB-C laptop input next to a USB-C charging port that lets you use either a power bank to top up the battery or an AC adapter. When fully charged we’re told you can expect around five hours of runtime and the system has an eco mode if things are looking grim.
As for wireless connections, there’s a novel Bluetooth input option. People can find the Omnis-Duo in their mobile device settings and connect. If they have files on the phone, the DJ should actually be able to select, load and play files in their set with effects and all. It’s not entirely clear yet, but the other option is likely just normal playback through the controller from a connected Bluetooth device. This is for one user at a time since multipoint is not supported. There's also a wireless output option for connecting to the Wave-Eight speaker using its SonicLink Bluetooth transmitter which connects to the RCA outputs.
And for Wi-Fi connectivity, you can take advantage of CloudDirectPlay to access cloud file storage through a wirelessly connected computer or mobile device running Rekordbox. Additionally, you can use Rekordbox Link Export to directly select and play tracks from a connected device running the app.
Wave-Eight
The Wave-Eight speaker isn’t quite part of a bundled release, it’s just a great pairing with the Omnis-Duo, given its portability, battery power and wireless capability. This speaker has an 8-inch driver and what the company calls a “Vortex Bass Accelerator” for its output. The 28-pound build includes an extendable handle and casters for luggage-style rolling, plus a couple of convenient grab handles for local lugging.
Wave-Eight wireless loudspeaker
AlphaTheta
You can mount it on a stand with its pole socket, so it’s a proper PA speaker, and it’s IPX4 rated, so it’s good for the outdoors unless rain really starts coming down. There’s an onboard battery that should give you about eight hours of playtime on a charge and it takes about four hours or more of charging to get back to one hundred percent. Obviously you can use it as a powered-speaker all night long if there’s an outlet nearby.
What makes this speaker interesting is the removable AlphaTheta transmitter with SonicLink technology. Each speaker comes with a transmitter packed into a side panel. They have an RCA input and a USB-C cable. With one speaker, you take the transmitter out and connect it to an RCA output from your audio setup. Then return to the speaker and set it to connect wirelessly via SonicLink. Once connected that way, it should display a green light on the front panel, so you can confirm the status at a distance.
If you have a second speaker, you take that one’s transmitter and pop it into the first speaker via the USB-C port. That will transmit the audio to the second unit where you set that one to connect via SonicLink (and so on). The speakers support left and right for stereo delivery as well via a channel selector button on the back.
To make things more interesting, each speaker has a variety of audio output settings which include Music, Music (Low Cut), Flat, Flat (Low Cut), Vocal and Subwoofer modes. This means each Wave-Eight speaker can be set as a top or sub. You can set one speaker to a low-cut setting and use another one as its subwoofer accompaniment if you like.
The SonicLink is said to provide a latency-free listening experience, so there shouldn’t be any delay and you can beat match by ear from the output. Of course you can also send audio to a single Wave-Eight via a normal Bluetooth signal and expand to more speakers as you would before. This time, however, you're subject to the normal Bluetooth signal's whims in terms of potential audio delays.
Alternatively, we're told there's also an XLR wired input for the speakers, so you're not stuck with wireless connections exclusively. We’re also still curious about the Bluetooth range for these devices, but expect that it falls within the normal range of about 30 feet.
AlphaTheta has chosen an interesting combo of high-end features, wireless connectivity and battery-powered portability for its premier offering. While they may not be cheap, there’s quite a lot built into both products to balance out the equation.
The Omnis-Duo all-in-one DJ controller ($1,499) and the Wave-Eight speaker ($899) are both available starting today.
~5 hour battery life (47.52Wh rechargeable lithium-ion)
~3 hour charge time
Weight: 10 pounds
Input:
USB-A
SD Card
USB-C PC/Mac
MIC 1: Balanced ¼ TRS
MIC 2: Balanced dual ¼ TRS / XLR
Bluetooth
Output:
Master 1: XLR
Booth Master 2: RCA / RCA to SonicLink transmitter (Bluetooth, no latency)
Onboard Bluetooth output (normal with latency)
Wave-Eight specs:
28 pounds
~8 hour battery life
~4 hour charge time with power off / ~6 hours with power on
EQ modes:
Music
Music (Low Cut)
Flat
Flat (Low Cut)
Vocal
Subwoofer
*Low Cut mode is intended for use on units that are combined with a WAVE-EIGHT set to Subwoofer mode.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/alphatheta-formerly-pioneer-dj-corp-launches-its-first-wireless-dj-controller-and-speaker-090032241.html?src=rss
Apple recently released their iOS 17.3 update for the iPhone and now we get to find out how you can fix battery drain on your device. Are you finding your iPhone’s battery life less than satisfactory after updating to iOS 17.3? You’re not alone. Many iPhone users have noticed varying battery performances, especially with the […]
The Pokémon Company knows about Palworld and is very much aware that the game is drawing a lot of comparisons with its intellectual property, based on a statement it has published. While the company didn't explicitly name Palworld, it said it's going to investigate a game "released in January 2024" and will "take appropriate measures to address any acts that infringe on intellectual property rights related to Pokémon." It also clearly stated that it has "not granted any permission for the use of Pokémon intellectual property or assets in that game."
Palworld, released on January 18, is an open-world game featuring monsters that look like Pokémon, except they can use guns. It also has a darker theme, allowing players to sell their "pals" to slavery, kill them and eat them aside from being able to battle them to the death. It has gotten a lot of attention since it was released, and according to its developer Pocket Pair, it sold 7 million copies on Steam alone in just five days.
As IGN notes, Pocket Pair previously said that its game is more like Ark Survival Evolved and Vanaheim than Pokémon. In an interview with Automaton, the company's CEO Takuro Mizobe said Palworld "cleared legal reviews" and that there had been "no action taken against it by other companies." The Pokémon Company's statement insinuates that that could change if it determines that the developer has infringed on its copyright, though we'll have to wait for the results of its investigation to know for sure.
The full statement reads:
"We have received many inquiries regarding another company’s game released in January 2024. We have not granted any permission for the use of Pokémon intellectual property or assets in that game. We intend to investigate and take appropriate measures to address any acts that infringe on intellectual property rights related to the Pokémon. We will continue to cherish and nurture each and every Pokémon and its world, and work to bring the world together through Pokémon in the future."
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-pokemon-company-is-investigating-pokemon-with-guns-satire-palworld-083627388.html?src=rss
Are you intrigued by the burgeoning world of AI and looking for a gateway into this dynamic field? You will be pleased to know that OpenAI’s GPT Store, likened to the transformative Apple App Store, opens a world of opportunities for both novices and veterans in technology. In a recent video by Liam Otley, an […]
Apple recently rolled out its latest update, watchOS 10.3, for its Apple Watch range of devices. This update, available globally, packs an array of features and improvements designed to enhance your experience with the Apple Watch. The video below from Zollotech gives us lots of details on what is included in this update. Let’s delve […]
Are you a modern professional, a developer, an artist, or an entrepreneur? If so, you’re in for a treat. The new Microsoft Windows 11 Pro is here, and it’s designed just for you. This operating system is not just an upgrade; it’s a game-changer. It’s packed with features that will make your work and play […]
HP Enterprise was infiltrated by a hacking group linked to Russian intelligence last year, the business IT company has revealed in a Securities and Exchange Commission filing. The threat actor is believed to be Midnight Blizzard, also known as Cozy Bear, which was the same group that recently breached the email accounts of several senior executives and other employees at Microsoft. It was also the same hacking group behind the SolarWinds attacks that affected multiple government entities, including the US Treasury Department and Homeland Security. In addition, the National Security Agency accused it in 2020 of trying to steal research on COVID-19 vaccines from the US, UK and Canada.
In its filing, HPE said it was notified on December 12, 2023 that an attacker had gained access to its cloud-based email environment. It worked with external cybersecurity experts that found that the threat actor was able to access and steal data from "a small percentage" of email accounts owned by employees from various divisions, including those in cybersecurity. HPE didn't say what kind of data was stolen, but it believes the incident is related to an earlier security breach that took place in May 2023, wherein the bad actor was able to get away with "a limited number of SharePoint files." SharePoint is a document management and collaborative platform for Microsoft 365.
HPE spokesperson Adam R. Bauer told AP that the company can't say whether this incident is related to Microsoft's data breach. Bauer also said that the "total scope of mailboxes and emails accessed remains under investigation." So far, HPE's investigation has shown that the attack hasn't had material impact on its operations, but it's still looking into the incident and working with law enforcement.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/hp-enterprise-was-hacked-by-the-same-russian-state-sponsored-group-that-targeted-microsoft-060743999.html?src=rss