Polestar 2

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As you know we love our electric cars here at How To Kill An Hour and we recently got to test the fully electric car from a really cool car company called Polestar! They are from the Volvo car company and they have made an incredible electric car that not only performs really well. It also looks amazing! It is called the Polestar 2 and has power up to 300kw which is the equivalent of 408 brake horse power and has a range of up to 335miles. Effortless to drive and also comes with some aggressive and progressive performance, which is the best of both worlds! It definitely stands out from the crowd that’s for sure!

Polestar 2 Exterior

The exterior of the Polestar 2 is bold and will definitely make a statement, though it is a little understated. It looks chunky and beastly. A real statement of intent and definitely matches the performance of the car under the hood. It looks the part in the sense that it is modern yet futuristic. It has frames mirrors and avant-garde lights. In actual fact it is quite minimalistic too. We’re really impressed that it can both make a statement but at the same time appear somewhat minimalistic! Very sharp and very impressive!

Lights

The lights of the car definitely illuminate the road infant of you. The car comes with LED technology and the headlights are shaped like origami. While the rear headlights are shaped in a futuristic blade/lines shape. This is where Polestar really want to highlight that this car is a Polestar. As the headlights/rear lights are so different to everyone else.

LED daytime running lights illuminate a hammer shaped guide in the headlight units. The lights will change automatically depending on the ambient light situation. You no longer need to change from low to high beam either. The lights are adaptive in the rear lights and there are reflectors in the from headlights. As they are LED’s the lights will last a long time and use as little energy as possible. But deliver strong powerful white light. Furthermore each of the 288 LED’s can turn on and off individually and change depending on the surroundings. While the LEDs shine brighter on a sunny day to improve visibility. When it’s dark the system dims the lights to save power and increase energy efficiency.

Mirrors

The mirrors on the Polestar 2 are also very cool! They are frameless  which creates a futuristic appearance and furthermore reduces the size of the side mirrors by 30%, which make a small contribution to the aerodynamics of the vehicle. You can tilt the mirrors downwards when the reverse gear is engaged to give you a better look in tight spaces. While when parked the lights can be folded in to lessen the risk of damage from passing vehicles. Furthermore in driving in dark conditions the mirrors can automatically dim bright lights from cars behind you. While this is only available as part of the Pilot Pack.

Other Exterior Features

You can unlock and lock the vehicle by simply touching the handle and there is integrated lighting which makes them easy to find in the dark! The Polestar 2 also has 19” 5-Double Spoke Black Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels, fitted with 245/45R19 tyres as standard. Opening the boot can be done by waving your feet under the rear bumper too, making life just that little bit easier.

Interior Features

The interior is fully loaded with high performance audio and an every updating infotainment system which is powered by Android Automotive OS. It is designed with a lack of clutter and can sit 4 adults comfortably. It comes with 4 USB C connectors as standard, 2 in the front tunnel console and 2 under the rear air vents.

Audio

For those interested in their audio the car comes with a high fidelity sound system. The system has woofers that produce tones in the bass and tweeters to handle the highs. They will deliver more accurate sound and less distortion. The Polestar 2’s woofer with air woofer technology will produce a sound that’s very clear and clean!

250 watts of power will power through each of the eight speakers. While it’s front mounted air woofer and full range speaker mounted in the centre of the dash delivers high fidelity stereo sound. The speakers are full range and are 150mm in size in each rear door. Mid range 100mm speakers in the front , 19mm tweeters in each front roof pillar. A full range 100mm in the dash, a 200mm air woofer under the bonnet and below the windscreen.

Design

The interior also comes with 2 collar schemes. Slate interior with two-tone Zinc Embossed Textile, or the Charcoal interior with Charcoal Embossed Textile.

Infotainment

Driving nowadays has to have a great infotainment system and the Polestar 2 definitely has that.

Polestar partnered with Google to develop the worlds first car with Android Automotive OS. You can use Google Assistant and Google Maps to communicate with the car. Google Maps will even automatically pick out charging points along the route. Furthermore turn up the heat or cool down the car with your voice! The system will also be able to update and always provide you with the best service. While you can also download additional apps from Google Play Store.

Google Assistant

Furthermore you can use Google Assistant to find you the right restaurants to go to or even stream you favourite music. Simply say “Hey Google” and the car will do the rest. For the first 3 years of your purchase your Polestar 2’s internet data will be included in the purchase price. If you are signed into the same account that you use on both the Polestar 2 and your phone you can simply pick up where you left off whilst listening to a podcast or music for example. While a Google Account isn’t required, it will be needed for seamless synchronisation from a phone to the car. Apple CarPlay is also available now too!

What’s even more impressive is that the Google Home app will allow you to connect to smart home appliances and make them available within the PoleStar 2. Activate a robot vacuum cleaner on the way home, turn on the kettle or even turn up the central heating!

Google Maps within Polestar 2 auto checks the battery level when planning a journey. It will adjust the route accordingly and will include the most convenient charing options.

Polestar 2 will keep track of what you asked it previously even 2 days ago. Thanks to ‘suspended state’ it will detect your phone and return to whatever you were doing when you were last driving. In the future you will be able to set climate controls in advance via the Polestar app or in the car itself. Each with separate timers and on a different day of the week!

Coming soon

Soon you’ll be able to check everything from the Polestar app, such as vehicle status, and control other car functions before you even get in the car. You could adjust seat position, mirror settings, steering feel, climate control and much more!

Standard Features

  • LED Headlights
  • Retractable Frameless Mirrors
  • 19″ 5 Double Spoke Black Diamond Cut Alloys
  • Intuitive Car Software
  • Heated Front Seats
  • High Performance Audio

Versions

  • Standard Range Single Motor, 273miles, 224bhp, 0-60 in 7.4 seconds (£39, 900)
  • Long Range Single Motor, 335miles, 231bhp, 0-60 in 7.4 seconds (£42,900)
  • Long Range Dual Motor, 298miles, 408bhp, 0-60 in 4.7 seconds (£45,900)

There are also 3 different add ons that you can choose to upgrade your Polestar 2 upon purchase. The Pilot Pack, Performance Pack and the Plus Pack!

Pilot Pack (£3000)

Driver awareness

With this add on you can enhance the cars sensory capabilities, it will warn you of cars in blind spots, traffic approaching when reversing and possible collisions from behind.

Pixel LED headlights

Pixel LED headlights will adjust to your surroundings. They will adjust the amount of light for maximum visibility. A camera controlled system will shade out vehicles and bicycles to avoid them being blinded or dazzled.

Adaptive Cruise Control

You can add adaptive cruise control to the pace of the traffic. It will sense the vehicle in front and slow the car down when necessary. While at any moment touching the accelerator or brake will bring control back to the driver.

Pilot Assist

Pilot assist supplements adaptive cruise control. Keeping the Polestar 2 in the driving lane. Camera and radar units control the speed and monitor the cars position. Whilst making light steering adjustments if it moves too close to lane markings.

LED front fog lights with cornering function

LED Front Fog lights will improve visibility in foggy conditions and below 19mph the left or right lamp illuminates the area close to the car when using the indicators or turning. Therefore providing a better view of the road in the dark and making it easier to judge bends.

360º Cameras

This will provide you with a bird’s-eye view of the Polestar 2’s surroundings. Four cameras will provide a 360º view around a virtual image of the car, helping to manoeuvre in tight spaces.

Automatically dimmed exterior mirrors

Frameless exterior mirrors on the pilot pack will automatically dim bright light when driving in the dark. They will also work with the interior rearview mirror to work in unison.

Park Assist, sides

While Park Assist is a standard feature the car will also add side warnings as well as front and rear warnings which are visual and audible.

Performance Pack (£5000)

Brembo brakes

The performance pack has brakes from renowned Italian manufacturer Brembo. Providing increased rigidity and a quick response at any temperature. Reducing weight, wear, noise and dust build up.

Öhlins Dual Flow Valve dampers

These provide unparalleled grip and traction and a balanced ride. They allow you to choose from 22 suspension settings. While having an emphasis on the performance heritage of the Öhlins company.

20” Forged Alloy Wheels

These wheels were originally designed for racing cars and are on the Polestar 2. They are stronger, lighter and bigger than conventional alloys. It has low unsprung weight which move up and down quicker, improving handling and maximises road contact.

Special edition seatbelts

It also comes with really cool gold special edition seatbelts and brake callipers, dampers and valve caps.

Plus Pack (£4000)

Premium Sound by Harman Kardon

Designed specifically for the Polestar 2, Harman Kardon Premium Sound delivers 600-watts of immersive audio through 13 speakers.

Heated steering wheel, rear seat

A heated steering wheel and rear seats.

Energy saving heat pump

The heat pump will use thermal energy in the air and the waste heat from the powertrain and battery to help control the temperature. In turn this will help increase the car’s range.

WeaveTech seats with Black Ash decor inlays

WeaveTech upholstery which is vegan, water and dirt resistant, coupled with the ash inlays help to redefine the premium feel of this pack and car.

Interior high-level illumination

Lights inside the car help to add some atmosphere, creating a welcoming mood from within the Polestar 2. Furthermore it helps to find objects in the cabin and luggage areas.

Panoramic roof

A panoramic roof will help to provide some space and air from with the Polestar 2. It also helps to reduce UV radiation and noise levels.

Tinted rear window

You can also have a tinted rear window, which is also made of glare and UV-reducing glass.

Wireless mobile phone charging

Charge your mobile device wirelessly in the storage compartment.

Rear floor ‘lid in lid’ with bag holder

Put a lid on shopping bags and other loose items moving around in the boot. The foldable ‘lid in lid’ feature will hold them in place. This area will also provide secure storage for portable appliances like coolers, which get their power from the 12V connection.

(Polestar)

Polestar 2 Gallery

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Turtle Beach Recon Controller

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Who says you have to use official controllers,  why not use a third party one? While the Turtle Beach Recon Controller for the Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One is interesting. As it is the first controller to pair game changing audio innovations and game winning controls.

As you can plug in a 3.5mm headset and take advantage of Turtle Beach audio features like Superhuman Hearing, Mic Monitoring and Signature Audio Presets. Furthermore you can win more with the Pro-Aim Focus Mode. As this will tune the thumbstick sensitivity for enhanced long-range accuracy. While you can save up to four selectable profiles on each of the two rear quick action buttons.

Furthermore you can play for hours due to the ergonomic cooling grips. Plus feel each detail with next generation vibration feedback in the handles and triggers of the controller.

TURTLE BEACH AUDIO ADVANTAGE

Easy access audio controls only available from Turtle Beach including EQ presets, game & chat volume mix and mic monitoring.

PRO-AIM™ FOCUS MODE From Turtle Beach

On one of the two mappable buttons on the Turtle Beach Recon Controller, Pro Aim will tune your thumbtack sensitivity. This will help with enhanced long-range accuracy. So, whether it’s a long range sniper rifle shot. Or a daunting free kick. You are able to choose between four levels of sensitivity to dial in the Pro-Aim just right!

ERGONOMIC COOLING GRIPS

While, Micro-cooling channels and a comfortable shape keep your hands cool and dry while reducing fatigue over long gaming sessions.

Turtle Beach Recon Controller Features and Specs

  • Connections – USB-A Connection to Game Console or PC
  • Connectivity – Detachable 10ft / 3m cable with Type-C USB Connector (Type-A at console)
  • Audio Input/Output – 3.5mm audio port for stereo audio output & microphone input
  • Weight – 0.66 lbs. / 300 grams
  • Dimensions (Mm) – 180x183x73
  • Compatibility – Compatible with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One & Windows 10 PCs
  • Warranty – 2-Year Limited Warranty

(Turtle Beach)

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AirTag: Find you stuff quickly and easily!

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AirTag is a small and elegantly designed accessory that helps keep track of and find the items that matter most with Apple’s Find My app. You can attach the device to a handbag, a set of keys, a backpack or any other item you love. AirTag will use Apple’s huge Find My Network to help locate a lost item. From all over the world! While keeping your location data private with anonymous end to end encryption. AirTags can be purchased in one and four packs for just £29 and £99.
AirTag: Lightweight Design with Magical Setup
Each AirTag is incredibly small and light. It has precision-etched polished stainless steel and is IP67 water and dust resistant. There is a built in speaker to help locate the AirTag with sounds. While a removable cover makes it easy for users to replace the battery. Set up is incredibly easy. Just bring the device to an iPhone and it will connect. Just like AirPods do! Users can then assign the AirTag to an item and name it things like “Keys” or “Jacket”, or even use a custom name.

Personalise

You can also personalise the device with Free engraving when purchasing from Apple. You can place the AirTag into a bag or pocket, or use a wide range of AirTags, Apple designed accessories. Such as a Polyurethane Loop, which is both lightweight and durable, and the Leather Loop and Leather Key Ring, featuring specially tanned European leather. Each accessory is designed to fit securely around the device and attach securely to a users belongings.

A Comprehensive Finding Experience

Once the device is set up it will appear in the new ‘items’ tab within the Find My App. You can view the current location or last known location on a map. While if you lose it within Bluetooth range, you can use the Find My App to play a sound to help locate it. You can also use Siri to help find the item and the AirTag will emit a sound if it’s nearby.
If you have an iPhone 11, iPhone 12 or iPhone 13 you can use Precision Finding, thanks to the U1 chip! This will allow you to accurately determine the distance and direction of a lost AirTag when it is in range. So, when a user moves, the Precision Finding fuses together data from the camera, ARKit, accelerometer and gyroscope to guide you to the AirTag. This is done by using a combination of sound, haptics and visual feedback.

Out of Range

If the AirTag is out of Bluetooth range, the Find My Network will help track it down. Find My Network has close to a billion Apple devices. Using this it can detect Bluetooth signals from a lost AirTag from other iPhones, iPads and other Apple devices and relay the location back to it’s owner. All in the background, anonymously and privately. Even if the AirTag is moved!
Users can place the AirTag into Lost Mode and then be notified when it is range or if it has been located by the Find My Network. While if someone finds an AirTag that is lost. They can tap it on their iPhone or any NFC-capable device. They will then be taken to a website that will display a contact phone number for the owner if they have provided one.
The device includes support for the accessibility features built into iOS. Precision Finding using VoiceOver, for example, can direct users who are blind or low-vision to AirTag with directions like “AirTag is 9 feet away on your left.”

Privacy and Security Built In

AirTag is designed from the ground up to keep location data private and secure. So, no location data or location history is ever held or stored on the device itself. Communication with the Find My Network is end to end encrypted. Therefore only the owner of a device has access to it’s location data. No one, including Apple, knows the identity or location of any device that helped find it.

Unwanted Tracking

Also, in an industry first, Apple designed AirTag to discourage unwanted tracking. Bluetooth signal identifiers transmitted by AirTag rotate frequently to prevent unwanted location tracking. iOS devices can also detect an AirTag that isn’t with it’s owner. It will notify if an unknown AirTag is seen to be traveling with them from place to place over time. Even if users don’t have an iOS device, an AirTag separated from it’s owner for an extended period of time. Will play a sound when moved to draw attention to it.
While, if a user detects an unknown AirTag, they can tap it with their iPhone or NFC-capable device and instructions will guide them to disable it.

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Tinie Tempah’s Fashion Line With Google!

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Today The Google Pixel 6: Material You Collection by Tinie Tempah drops for free, available from Pixel6 x DRESSX.

The limited edition digital fashion collection celebrates individuality, self-expression and showcases the beauty of customisation, as distinguished  by the new Pixel 6’s ability to learn and adapt to you.

Tinie Tempah x Google

The 12-piece carbon neutral, unisex digital collection, available in a range of Material You inspired colours  consists of: The Duke Puffer by Tinie Tempah, The New Romantic by Sophie Butler, Gentleman Jack by Jack Guinness,  The Padma Raksasa Dress by Radam Rizwan, Pixelation by Kyle De’Volle, and finally Aurora by Bettina Looney.

Digital fashion is the visual representation of physical clothes. Used to dress images and online personas that has been transforming the fashion industry. By offering virtual customised garments that are sustainable. As through the Google Pixel 6: Material You Collection. People are able to celebrate the technology innovations. That allow us to express our individuality and customise everything in our world. So, from digital wardrobes right through to our phones.

What the Founders Say.

Daria Shapovalova and Natalia Modenova, DRESSX Founders said.“DRESSX is proud to collaborate with Google Pixel, The Fabricant, and The Pixel 6 in our mission to embrace the future of fashion technology and make digital clothing accessible to everyone at the click of a button on their mobile devices. 

Being early pioneers in the digital fashion field, we are excited to see one of the biggest and the most influential companies in the world passionately supporting the digital fashion movement, enabling freedom of self-expression and celebrating individuality by launching the unique Pixel 6: Material You Collection. We see the collection as the next major step towards an immersive, accessible, and sustainable future of fashion, and at DRESSX we are proud to be building it alongside one of the most advanced companies in the field.”

Tinie Tempah – Google Fashion Line How To

So, to get your hands on a limited piece from the Google Pixel 6: Material You Collection. Just visit Pixel6 x DRESSX . While you can simply choose a garment from the collection. Then upload a photograph of yourself and your image will be sent back with you dressed in your item. Ready to use for your online profiles. Don’t forget to share your look with #TeamPixel.

So, the new Google Pixel 6 was used as a tool to create the concepts for the garments in the M. Including the Pixel camera to capture and edit image inspiration for mood boards. Using the new game-changing Magic Eraser tool. The dynamic colour capabilities of Material You to theme the collection.

http://pixel6.dressx.com/

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Turtle Beach Recon 500

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We recently got the chance to take the Turtle Beach Recon 500’s for a spin and they have impressed! They are a solid set of gaming headphones that provide great audio. For both games and for your voice. You have always got to have a great microphone for your teammates to hear you and the Recon 500 does just that! Better yet you can hear everything around you! Thanks to technology built into them.

Dual Drivers

This is thanks to the 60mm Eclipse Dual Drivers, they’re designed to separate chambers that control low and high frequencies. Vastly improved audio detail over a conventional driver. Mainly due to the larger 60mm size which produces a massive soundstage for all the gaming soundscapes.

Turtle Beach Recon 500 Microphone

The microphone is one of the best we have used, it has been developed specifically for professional gaming. The microphone is TruSpeak uni-directional, noise cancelling. Helping to deliver clear, reliable chat and it can be removed when not in use.

TURTLE BEACH ACCUTUNE™ PRECISION

With the Industry-first Eclipse™ Dual Drivers, the ear cups need to be precisely engineered to help with comfort. The AccuTune precision tuning process uses a wood pulp composite injection in the Dual Driver cap for a new internal design to deliver rich, natural sound.

Turtle Beach Recon 500 Features

Connections
3.5 Jack Connection: Xbox Series X|S & Xbox One | PS5™ & PS4™ | Nintendo Switch™* & Mobile Devices *Only compatible in handheld mode; chat available for games that support in-game chat capability.
Also works great with PC: 3.5mm or 3.5mm + PC Splitter Cable (Sold Separately)
Speaker Frequency Response
20Hz – 20kHz
Speakers
60mm Eclipse™ Dual Drivers with Neodymium magnets
Earcup Design
Over-Ear (Closed)
Ear Cushion Material
Athletic Weave Fabric with Memory Foam
Mic Design
Removable TruSpeak™ Uni-Directional Noise-Cancelling Mic
Cable Length
4’ / 1.3m Braided Cable with 3.5mm Connection

SUPREME COMFORT
Soft memory foam ear cushions wrapped in athletic weave fabric keep you comfortable and cool in the heat of the battle.

DURABLE, LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN
The adjustable, metal-reinforced headband is built to last, flexible, and lightweight for marathon gaming sessions.

PROSPECS™ GLASSES RELIEF
Turtle Beach’s exclusive ProSpecs™ comfort-driven design removes pressure on your glasses while you play.

ON-EAR CONTROLS
Easily accessible volume control and mic mute located on the earcup.

MULTIPLATFORM COMPATIBILITY
Works perfectly with your favorite game consoles, controllers, mobile devices, or anything with a standard 3.5mm jack.

——

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Wake n Shake Alarm Clock

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We recently had a go on the world’s loudest alarm clock. It’s the Wake n Shake from Geemarc. We can tell you right away that this alarm clock is loud. VERY LOUD! Waking up in the mornings will no longer be a chore if you struggle to wake up, that’s what we can say right off the bat!

The Wake n Shake alarm clock has been designed for those who are hard of hearing. While it has also been designed for those that find it hard to get up in the mornings. The deep sleepers among us. While it is probably one of the most appreciated alarm clocks for helping all kinds of people, especially those deep sleepers among us, out of bed in the morning! The guys over at Geemarc tell us that they have heard many stories of their child’s school work/partners degree/career by getting out of bed in the mornings!

Wake n Shake FEATURES

  • Extra loud alarm (95dB spl at 1 meter) Red extra bright flash (12 LEDs)
  • Time format : 12/24 hours Programmable alarm
  • Duration of alarm : up to 1 hour From 5 to 60 minutes snooze
  • 5 alarm settings : Off, Vibrator, Ringer + Vibrator, Vibrator + Flash, Ringer + Vibrator + Flash
  • Lamp function (red light)
  • Large red display
  • Dimmer switch (Low/Mid/High) Volume and tone control (3 levels) Vibrator control (2 levels)
  • USB charging for smart phones and other electronics

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Tile Performance Pack (2022)

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Tile are back with their yearly upgrades of their popular item tracking products and we got the chance to try out the Tile Performance Pack (2022)! The Performance Pack (2022) includes their popular Pro Tile tracker which is their most feature rich product with a range of up to 120M and the Tile Slim. A credit card shaped tracker designed to be placed in a wallet or passport case. While this particular Tile tracker has a range of 76M.

There is also a difference to the Tile Pro from 2021 to 2022. The 2022 version of the Tile Pro is a car key style fob shape while the previous years one was a simple square!

The Tile Pro features a 1 year replaceable battery, while the Tile Slim features a 3 year, non-replaceable battery. Both are water resistant and work with Android and Apple devices.

Tile Performance Pack (2022)

Tile Pro (2022)

– Up to 400 ft / 120 m range
– Up to 1-year replaceable battery
– Water-resistant
– Works with Android® and Apple® devices
– Voice-assisted finding with Alexa, Google and Siri
– Attach and go

Tile Slim (2022)

– Up to 250 ft / 76 m range
– Up to 3-year non-replaceable battery
– Water-resistant
– Works with Android® and Apple® devices
– Voice-assisted finding with Alexa, Google and Siri
– Attach and go

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Shure AONIC 50 – Noise Cancellation Headphones

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We have reviewed many different headphones here at How To Kill An Hour and when we came across the Shure AONIC 50 we were immediately intrigued. Not only because they are a tech packed set of cans, but because they simply look incredible! Really sleek and modern, a fashion statement if you will! But does the sound match up to the looks! Of course they do! They’re a fantastic sounding set of cans.

They have been engineered from decades of different audio experiences. Such as stage and studio experiences. The AONIC 50 Wireless Noise Cancellation Headphones deliver a premium listening experience. Coupled with some fantastic comfort and durability. You are able to immerse yourself in an uninterrupted, world class listening experience.

Shure themselves deliver headphones for the professionals in the audio industry. Those who wear headphones all day. So creating studio quality sound is what they do, and we can tell!

Shure AONIC 50 Comfort

They are built for comfort so they are built to withstand the rigours of being out and about. Not forgetting being able to withstand the long wearing of day to day use. When finished they fold flat for portability with a protective carrying case.

Noise Cancellation

There is some noise cancellation on the Shure AONIC 50’s that’s adjustable. So you can either truly eliminate outside sound and be immersive in the audio. Also, you can flick a switch to environment mode and hear everything around you too.

While the ShurePlus™ PLAY app will allow you to customise your noise cancellation and Environment Mode levels.

Shure AONIC 50 Features

  • Premium, wireless studio-quality sound engineered from decades of professional experience. No cords. No wires. Just pure listening anywhere you go.
  • Adjustable noise cancellation to eliminate distractions for a truly immersive listening experience.
  • Environment mode allows you to hear the outside world with the flip of a switch.
  • Up to 20 hours battery life provides uninterrupted audio wherever you go – on the train, on an airplane, at work or at home.
  • Long-wearing comfort and durability built to withstand the rigors of the road. Folds flat for portability with protective carrying case.
  • Fingertip controls for quick access to answer calls, adjust volume, or pause your music with the push of a button.
  • Bluetooth® 5 wireless technology for enhanced stability and a range of up to 30 feet (10 meters). Pairs with phones, tablets and laptops.
  • Premium headphone amplifier and support for multiple codecs including Qualcomm® aptX™, aptX™ HD, aptX™ Low Latency audio, Sony LDAC, AAC, and SBC.
  • Connect to wired sources with 3.5mm analog audio input to stay connected to any device, including airplane entertainment systems, or USB-C digital input for charging and High-Resolution audio.
  • ShurePlus™ PLAY app allows you to customise your noise cancellation and Environment Mode levels. Free to download for iOS and Android.
  • Includes a two-year warranty, AONIC 50 Wireless Headphones, protective carrying case, 3.5mm audio cable and a USB-C charging cable.
  • Also, available in two colour options (black or brown)

(Shure)

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MikMe Pocket + MikMe Lavalier Pro

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We love our microphones here at How To Kill An Hour and we have tested yet another great microphone. Perfect for all you content creators our there.

We took a look at the Mikme pocket and it is a compact and powerful wireless audio recorder and transmitter. It connects to your smartphone and delivers studio grade audio quality. Now there’s no need for a separate receiver attached to your phone. Therefore removing bulk from your kit! There’s literally no need to connect cables, adapters or separate receivers. Life savers!

The Mikme pocket always saves a copy of your recording locally so you won’t need to worry about data loss, if there is a dropout in connection. Furthermore there is a Mini XLR connector. Therefore you can record audio any way you like. So you can use a handheld mic, clip on mics, line level signals and many more mics that use the Mini XLR connection!

Tech Specs

  • Mini XLR connector for dynamic and clip-on microphones and line level signals (3-pol Mini XLR (TQG) Female)

  • Provides 2.5 V power for connected condenser microphones

  • Audio frequency bandwidth: 25 to 22000 Hz

  • Adjustable microphone gain (sensitivity): 0 to 30 dB

  • Record in WAV or M4A

  • Sampling frequencies: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 96 kHz

  • 24 bit sampling depth

  • Processor: 2×168 MHz Cortex M4

  • 920 mAh rechargeable Li-Po battery

  • Battery-powered operation time standalone recording: up to 3.5 hours

  • Internal memory of 16 GB (equals up to 360 hours M4A or 34 hours WAV recordings)

  • 3.5 mm mini jack stereo audio output

  • Zero latency monitoring of audio input signal using the headphones out

  • Micro-USB connector

  • Standby time: 6+ months

  • ⅜” thread for microphone stands and ¼” thread for DSLR tripods and mic stands

  • Dimensions: 68 mm (2.68”) x 75 mm (2.795”) x 24 mm (0.94”)

  • Weight: 97 g (0.21 lbs)

Mikme Lavalier Pro + Mikme Pocket

Furthermore we tested the Mikme lavalier Pro. An upgrade to the standard lavalier microphone that comes with the Mikme pocket.

This upgraded lavalier mic is made with the professional content creator in mind. It is lightweight and has low noise, while it can also withstand high sound pressure and comes with windscreens.

The Mikme lavalier pro is a high-quality omnidirectional microphone it has been designed to provide a naturally balanced speech reproduction when placed close to sound source.

Technical specifications:

  • Omnidirectional polar pattern
  • Back electret condenser
  • Audio frequency: 50 – 20.000 Hz
  • Sensitivity: 8mV/Pa (@1 kHz), -43 dB +/- 3 dB V/Pa
  • Max input SPL: 126 dB (@1 kHz)
  • Signal to noise ratio: above 70 dB (@1 kHz)
  • Colour: black matte
  • 3 pin Mini XLR connector
  • Mic head: 5.5 mm diameter x 25.8 mm length
  • Cable: 1.6 mm diameter x 1.1 m length

More information on the difference between the two is here!

[Mikme]

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Samsung QE65Q950T

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We recently tested the Samsung QE65Q950T and it’s one amazing television! It’s last years model but it still packs a punch, it’s got some amazing features on it, such as 8K upscaling and some rather impressive audio features on it too!

 

Check below for a quick run down of the features:

  • Infinity Screen
  • 8K AI Upscaling with Quantum Processor 8K
  • Immersive 3D audio with Object Tracking Sound+ (OTS+)
  • No distractions with One Near-Invisible Cable & No Gap-Wall Mount
  • Smart TV apps: Netflix, Disney+, BT Sport, Prime and more…

Firstly Samsung are pushing 8K with last years televisions and this years televisions. Samsung QE65Q950T has just that 8K capabilities. On an amazing “Infinity Screen” as well, making the television itself look fantastic when it’s on.

What is an Infinity Screen? An Infinity screen is just like your smartphone. It’s an edge to edge display with a near bezel-less display. Not only that it’s has a super slim design which blends in to your home decor. What makes it even better? The near invisible cable and the no gap wall mount.

Everything is connected to the One Connect Box, which is connected to the Television with a One Near-Invisible Cable. Therefore making the mess of wires behind the tv, a thing of the past. Furthermore, the screen is an Anti-Reflection Screen. So the brightness of the sun won’t interrupt your viewing experience!

8K

So, 8K, what about it?

Well 8K is a new generation of picture quality. There’s 33 million pixels, 4 times the resolution of 4K. There is enhanced colours, texture and skin tones than that of 4K.

Don’t have any 8K native content? Well, the Samsung QE65Q950T has the capability to upscale to 9K, with the 8K AI that’s inbuilt into the television. Which will continually optimise the picture sound and performance of what you are watching.

The television will use Deep Learning Algorithms, the QLED 8K will adjust the picture in real time, pixel by pixel. The algorithm will recreate the image texture, edge definition and level of detail. All this at a much higher resolution. Furthermore it will adjust to your environment and automatically adjust the brightness settings to give the best picture. Whether you are viewing at day or night.

HDR10+

The picture technology doesn’t stop there either with the Samsung QE65Q950T. The display has HDR10+ capabilities. Making the darkest shadows dark. The brightness of sun-filled scenes even clearer. Every frame is optimised to deliver the most intense blacks, bright whites and pin-sharp contrast. It will be unbelievably true to life.

Object Tracking Sound+ (OTS+)

So, the sound is up another level with the Samsung QE65Q950T, thanks to Object Tracking Sound+. Basically think 3D sound but for your television. The 3D surround sound capabilities of this television will move with the action on screen. So for example, if there’s a helicopter on screen, the sound will follow it! Object Tracking Sound+ places you in the heart of the action for an immersive experience. Thanks to 8 built in speakers on the four sides of the TV.

Adaptive Sound + and Active Voice Amplifier (AVA)

Visuals isn’t the only thing that gets the AI treatment. Thanks to AI Sound you can listen to everything in a different way. The audio will adjust depending on what you are watching. So for example you’ll feel as if you’re in the stadium or hear the action from a movie closing in from all directions. You’ll never miss what your favourite characters in a show is watching. Even over the hum of a vacuum. As, the Tv will adjust to the background of whatever is going on in your room!

Real Game Enhancer+

For all the gamers out there, the Samsung QE65Q950T has AMD FreeSync with VRR. You’ll never get caught out by the bad guys hiding in the shadows thanks to the Dynamic Black Equaliser tech on the panel. Unveiling even the finest details in the darkest scenes. You’ll even be able to use Samsung Multi View to watch the latest walkthrough’s whilst playing! Plus there’s no more screen burn worries!

Smart Hub & One Remote Control

From Live TV to BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Apple TV, Disney+ your TV is definitely smart! The universal One Remote Control also gives you control over everything. No need to have multiple remotes! Furthermore the Samsung QE65Q950T let’s you choose to have either Bixby, Alexa and Google Assistant as your Voice Assistant of choice! Changing the volume, source, channel and more is so easy with voice assistants.

Mirror your mobile in a tap

Put your mobile on your TV!

Tap View

Simply tap your phone anywhere on your TV to mirror your mobile to the big screen. Whatever you’re watching on your phone, it’s never been easier to cast it to the big screen.

Multi View

Discover new ways to multi-task. Watch your favourite TV show whilst commenting on Social Media, all at once on the big screen.

Personalise your TV to reflect your style

Ambient Mode+

You cannot turn your TV into a functional useable piece of decor. You can set your TV to display useful information or your TV’s to blend the TV into your surroundings.

Make your TV the heart of your connected home

Connected Living

SmartThings is built into the TV so you can control an array of smart devices on your TV. SmartThings works with 1000’s of smart devices too. So control your lighting, scheduling things, monitoring, making smart living simpler.

(Samsung)

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