Category Archives: Audio

Budizzz: A new approach to children’s bedtime routines @ CES 2024

February 21, 2024Audio, CES 2024, Healthces2024, crowdfunding, gadgets, mindfulness, sleep, SpeakerPLUGHITZ Live

Budizzz bedtime routine Budizzz, a company specializing in sleep technology, has developed a distraction-free device designed to improve sleep quality and promote mental wellness. The device provides a routine free from distractions and harmful blue lights, offering a healthier alternative to using tablets or smartphones before bed.

Distraction-free device for better sleep

The Budizzz device works by synchronizing with a crowdsourced library of content. Users can customize their preferred content, such as breathing techniques, bedtime stories, and calming sounds, to create a routine that promotes relaxation and better sleep. The device is designed for both adults and children.

The device emphasizes the importance of mental health and the need for mindfulness practices, such as breathing techniques, to improve focus and reduce distractions. It also highlights the importance of quality sleep for both children and adults.

The technology behind the device is app-driven, but the creators wanted to disconnect the device from the app. Users can use the app independently, which offers a crowdsourced library of content from around the world. It allows users to set up a routine that includes various sounds and activities, such as breathing techniques, bedtime stories, and gratitude practices. In the morning, the device wakes users up with a body scan and guides them through gratitude practices, ensuring a positive start to the day.

The device offers crowdsource content focused on sleep and mindfulness, contributed by professionals. The revenue generated from the device is shared with these professionals, creating a collaborative and socially responsible project. The device also plans to incorporate AI sleep tracking to provide users with insights into their sleep quality and offer personalized routines for better sleep.

The story behind the device

Sylwia Regulska Guney is the founder of Budizzz, and her inspiration for creating the device came from her own experience as a parent. She noticed that her son often played games on his tablet instead of engaging in activities that promote mindfulness. After her son participated in a mindfulness course, Sylwia recognized the positive impact it had on him and decided to create a device that combines mindfulness practices with better sleep routines.

Sylwia has seen positive changes in her own children after using the device. Her son has become more mindful and aware of his emotions, using breathing techniques to calm himself down. She also mentions the impact of sleep on children’s behavior and emphasizes the importance of bedtime routines for a better day ahead.

Conclusion: A screen-free way to sleep easier

Budizzz was in prototype phase during CES 2024, but has since hit the market. It is available from the company’s website. It is important to note that all prices are in Turkish Lira, but a United States shopping experience is an option (though the pricing and language stay the same)unknown. The price as of current exchange rates is about $65 with shipping costing around $21.

In conclusion, the distraction-free device for better sleep aims to promote mental wellness and improve sleep quality. By providing a routine free from distractions and harmful blue lights, the device offers a healthier alternative to using tablets or smartphones before bed. With its crowdsource library of content and AI sleep tracking, the device aims to provide users with a personalized and effective solution for better sleep and overall well-being.

Interview by Christopher Jordan of The Talking Sound.

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RevComm: The self-coaching tool for effective communication @ CES 2024

February 6, 2024AI, Audio, CES 2024, Mobileai, artificial intelligence, ces2024, communications, gadgetsPLUGHITZ Live

RevComm communication coaching For people who spend their lives in one-on-one communications, such as salespeople, analyzing those communications can be a real challenge. Taking notes during a call can make you sound distracted. Trying to remember how the call went will always return false results. Plus, some metrics are nearly impossible to analyze as a person with our limited perception. This is where RevComm comes in.

AI software analyzes and visualizes conversations

RevComm is a revolutionary tool that is transforming the way businesses communicate and interact with their customers. This software utilizes artificial intelligence to analyze voice communication in various forms, including phone conversations, web meetings, and face-to-face interactions.

The primary goal of this software is to provide self-coaching tools for sales representatives to increase their sales conversion rates. By analyzing and visualizing the conversation between sales reps and customers, the software can provide valuable insights and feedback on various aspects of the conversation.

The software is designed to analyze conversations in various settings, including phone conversations, web meetings, and face-to-face interactions. For phone conversations, the software can easily capture audio and analyze it. For web meetings, platforms like Zoom and Teams can be integrated with the software to analyze the conversation. For face-to-face interactions, a special mic device or a mobile device can be used to capture and analyze the conversation.

The features of RevComm

One of the key features of RevComm is sentiment analysis. It can track the emotional transition of both the sales rep and the customer throughout the conversation. This information can be crucial in understanding the effectiveness of the communication and identifying areas for improvement.

Additionally, the software provides metrics such as talk-to-listen ratio, number of silences, interruptions, and conversation back and forth. These metrics can help sales reps gauge their communication style and identify any patterns or areas that need improvement.

The software also analyzes the pacing of the conversation. It recognizes the importance of pacing in sales and emphasizes the correlation between brain speed and speech rate. By analyzing the pacing of the conversation, the software can help sales reps ensure that they are speaking at an optimal speed that allows the customer to understand and engage without getting bored or frustrated.

In terms of content analysis, the software can identify key topics discussed during the conversation, who mentioned them, and when they were mentioned. This feature allows sales reps to easily navigate through the conversation, make comments, and extract and share relevant parts of the conversation.

Furthermore, the software transcribes and summarizes the entire conversation, allowing sales reps to read back through a conversation to ensure they didn’t misunderstand or misspeak about a topic. This feature also saves time and effort in creating detailed summaries of the conversation.

Conclusion: RevComm makes analyzing sales conversations easier

In terms of cost, the software is priced at $69 per user per month. This includes the analysis engine, phone integration, and user interface. Compared to the cost of IP phones, which typically range from $60 to $70 per user per month, the software offers additional value by providing advanced conversation analysis capabilities.

RevComm is a powerful tool that is revolutionizing the way businesses communicate and interact with their customers. By providing valuable insights and feedback on the effectiveness of communication, this software helps sales reps improve their sales conversion rates and enhance customer interactions. With features such as sentiment analysis, content analysis, and conversation pacing analysis, this software provides a comprehensive understanding of the conversation dynamics and enables sales reps to make data-driven decisions. To learn more, check out the company’s website.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.

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Sennheiser: Innovative sport earbuds with biometric sensors @ CES 2024

February 6, 2024Audio, CES 2024, Entertainment, Healthces2024, earbuds, gadgets, Health, media, wearablePLUGHITZ Live

Sennheiser MOMENTUM Sport The fitness industry has witnessed a technological revolution in recent years, with innovative tools emerging to enhance workout tracking and performance. A notable development in this domain is the advent of sports earbuds equipped with biometric sensors.

Great audio and biometric tracking together

Sennheiser, in collaboration with fitness company Polar, has developed what they term the “world’s best sport headphones” – the MOMENTUM Sport. These earbuds are uniquely designed with two biometric sensors – a heart rate sensor and a core body temperature sensor. The integration of these sensors enables fitness enthusiasts to track their workouts with greater accuracy and depth. By monitoring heart rate and core body temperature, users can gain valuable insights into their performance and exertion levels during exercise.

The sensors are strategically placed inside the earbuds, leveraging the unique characteristics of the inner ear. The inner ear, being quiet, dark, and muscle-free, provides a stable and consistent environment for biometric readings.

These sports earbuds offer a level of versatility and convenience not found in traditional fitness tracking devices. They can be used independently or in conjunction with a sports watch, accommodating a variety of athletic activities and personal preferences.

The earbuds also boast several additional features that set them apart. These include wireless charging, noise cancellation, and a built-in 3-axis accelerometer. The accelerometer allows users to control their earbuds even when wearing gloves or ear warmers, simply by tapping their cheek.

Set to be released in April, the MOMENTUM Sport earbuds are priced at $329. While this may be considered a premium price point, the extensive feature set justifies the investment for fitness enthusiasts seeking superior audio quality and comprehensive workout tracking capabilities.

MOMENTUM True Wireless 4: A blend of affordability and quality

The company also introduced its new MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 earbuds. These earbuds promise a premium audio experience at a price point that balances affordability and quality. The decision to set the price at $299 reflects Sennheiser’s commitment to delivering value to its customers without compromising on the quality of the product.

The design of these earbuds has been enhanced over its previous models, particularly the antenna design, resulting in improved connectivity. This is a critical feature for wireless earbuds, as a stable and reliable connection is vital for a seamless listening experience. Moreover, the earbuds come with a noise-canceling feature, ensuring that users can immerse themselves in their music without external distractions.

Conclusion: Great sound and features from Sennheiser

In conclusion, the introduction of the MOMENTUM Sport earbuds with biometric sensors marks a significant advancement in fitness technology. These earbuds offer a comprehensive solution for workout tracking, with features such as heart rate monitoring and core body temperature sensing. The strategic placement of biometric sensors ensures accurate readings, while additional features like wireless charging and noise cancellation enhance user experience.

The new Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 earbuds, priced at $299, present a compelling option for audio enthusiasts. With their enhanced antenna design, noise-canceling feature, and numerous other improvements, these earbuds are set to deliver a superior listening experience. Their affordability broadens their reach to a wider consumer base, ensuring that more people can enjoy the high-quality audio that Sennheiser is renowned for.

As for availability, the earbuds will be accessible on the Sennheiser website, allowing customers to easily purchase these earbuds directly from the manufacturer. Sennheiser is also actively engaging with its audience, promising to provide more information as the launch date nears.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.

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WAVS Custom earphones: Custom-fit for transformative audio @ CES 2024

February 3, 2024Audio, CES 2024ces2024, earbuds, gadgets, in-ear monitor, mediaPLUGHITZ Live

WAVS Custom in-ear monitors Creating custom-fit earphones using 3D scanning technology has revolutionized the way we experience audio. At CES 2024, we spent some time with Ric Hoke, the energetic inventor of WAVS Custom, who has revolutionized the 3D scanning process for creating custom-fit earphones. The WAVS Custom app has immensely simplified the scanning process, completely eliminating the need for a visit to an audiologist for a fitting, and making it simple and convenient to get the best earphone fit.

WAVS Custom app brings custom fitting 3D scanning tech right to your phone

The WAVS Custom app is key to the snug customized fit of the company’s earphones and in-ear monitors. Using the their patented mobile 3D scanning technology you can perform the scanning process anytime, anywhere, with your phone in under 90 seconds. The app collects biometric data that is turned into a 3D model, which is then used to create a set of custom-fit earphones tailored specifically to the shape of your ears.

Unlike traditional 3D scanning methods that require scanning around the head, the WAVS Custom process uses the data collected from your face ID, which consists of infrared dots, making the 3D scan as quick and simple as taking a photo.

From your phone to your ear: These custom earphones offer state-of-the-art comfort and quality

After the 3D model of your ear is created, it goes to the WAVS Custom lab for processing. The company has perfected their 3D printing manufacturing method to ensure that the earphones are biocompatible and comfortable. The earphones are sleek and fit naturally in the ear, creating a fantastic seal and comfort.

The earphones are equipped with advanced audio technology and features, and can be used with a Bluetooth hookup or directly connected to a device. Additionally, WAVS Custom is releasing a first-ever custom fit, custom design gaming headset for mobile gaming and the Quest.

Conclusion: WAVS Custom brings custom Fit and clear audio as close as your phone

Custom-fit earphones created by 3D scanning have transformed the way we listen to audio, providing a personalized and immersive experience. The way WAVS Custom has transformed 3D scanning technology has revolutionized custom-fit earphones that can now be designed for everyone, satisfying different preferences and budgets.

Each set of WAVS is digitally processed and handcrafted here in the USA, and the company prides itself on providing a state-of-the-art product and a personalized experience for all their customers through their open-door approach to doing business, where every order is personal to them.

WAVS Custom earphones and in-ear-monitors range in price from $199 to $699, depending on the number of drivers and the level of customization desired – and there’s a lot of customization possible, from a variety of attractive colors and finishes to an Eddie Van Halen design.

You can learn more about the WAVS Custom patented 3D Scanning technology, and get an inside look at these high tech earphones and in-ear monitors at the WAVS Custom website where you can also ask questions, check out the FAQ and order your own custom audio gear.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.

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Neewer illuminates content creation with lighting and sound @ CES 2024

January 29, 2024Audio, CES 2024, Photography, Videoces2024, gadgets, led, light, microphone, podcasting, youtubePLUGHITZ Live

Neewer lighting and audio equipment Cost-effective lighting and audio equipment are essential for content creation, be it for YouTube streaming, podcasting, or other types of media production. Brandon Wolfe, the director of public relations for Neewer, shares the company’s commitment to offering budget-friendly lighting solutions. These products empower creators to display their skills and creativity to a global audience.

Affordable lighting gear

Neewer offers a range of lighting products that are not only affordable but also powerful enough for content creation. One notable feature of their lights is their full RGB capability, which allows for a wide range of colors and lighting effects. Additionally, these lights have both hot and cold options, providing flexibility for different lighting needs. The lights also come with cold shoe mounts, allowing users to easily snap them together to create a larger lighting setup.

What sets Neewer apart is its innovative approach to lighting. They have designed their lights to be modular, similar to Lego blocks, enabling users to build and customize their lighting grids according to their specific requirements. This flexibility is especially useful in situations where the lighting conditions are challenging or when more powerful lighting is needed.

Furthermore, Neewer has also taken into consideration the convenience of its users. For instance, their small stick lights are not only mountable but also magnetic, allowing them to be easily attached to metal surfaces. This feature makes them ideal for on-the-go situations, as they can be separated and stored in pockets when not in use.

New audio equipment for creators

In addition to lighting gear, Neewer has also ventured into the audio department with their new Lavalier microphones. The dual microphone set offers two mics with standard and magnetic clips, allowing you to attach them to any clothing. They each offer the ability to connect a wired microphone to them, allowing for a more versatile experience.

The receiver can connect to nearly any device in a variety of ways. It can connect to a phone via USB-C or Lightning, or to a camera using the line-out connection. Being able to swap the receiver between devices with ease means being able to use it for different styles and scales of production. You can also monitor the receiver with headphones.

As with other mics in this category, Neewer is working on accessories to allow you to repurpose the mics. For example, other products in the category offer the ability to turn it into a handheld microphone. These products are not yet on the market, but are in development.

These microphones have received positive feedback from reviewers and influencers for their exceptional performance. Despite their high quality, Neewer has managed to keep the price point of these microphones at an affordable $129, which is significantly lower than competing brands in the market.

The affordability of Neewer’s lighting and audio gear is a significant differentiator for the company. While other brands may offer similar products, they often come with a much higher price tag. Neewer aims to eliminate the barrier of entry for creators by providing high-quality gear at an accessible price point. They believe that showcasing one’s talents should not be limited by the size of their wallet.

Conclusion: Neewer helps creators with affordable lighting and audio gear

In conclusion, affordable lighting and audio gear, such as those offered by Neewer, are essential tools for content creators. These products not only provide the necessary illumination and sound quality but also offer flexibility, convenience, and affordability. Neewer’s commitment to offering high-quality gear at accessible prices allows creators to focus on their craft without worrying about breaking the bank. With Neewer’s lighting and audio solutions, creators can confidently showcase their talents and creativity to the world.

The lighting products shown range from $26 to $200 and the CM28 microphone costs $129. To pick up your own Neewer products, head to their website or Amazon store.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.

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Skyted: The Solution for Secure and Private Conversations @ CES 2024

January 24, 2024Audio, CES 2024, Computers, Entertainment, Gadgets, Travelces2024, gadgets, gaming, mask, mobile, phone, smartphonePLUGHITZ Live

Skyted security mask During CES 2024, we got to take a look at the latest version of the Skyted mask, which is a sound-absorbing mask that allows users to make completely silent and confidential calls anywhere at any time. The mask has been developed to solve the problem of people talking loudly in public places, such as trains and airplanes, and disturbing those around them.

Silent, secure mask for confidential calls

The mask features resonators developed by The French Aerospace Lab that absorb all frequencies of the user’s voice, preventing any sound from escaping the mask.

The purpose of the mask goes beyond simply preventing disturbance to others. It also addresses concerns about espionage and the need for secure and confidential calls. All data and voice emitted from the mask are encrypted, ensuring that no information is leaked. The encryption process starts from the microphone and continues through third-party carriers, providing a high level of security.

The mask not only provides a solution for confidential calls but also ensures that the user’s location and surroundings are not revealed during the conversation. This feature is particularly useful for individuals who want to maintain privacy while making calls, such as those on vacation or conducting business in different locations.

In terms of connectivity, the mask can be used with either wired or Bluetooth connections. It offers both a jack and USB-C port for different user preferences. This flexibility allows users to connect the mask to their devices easily.

The Skyted mask is described as a travel-friendly device that can easily be carried in bags. It is noted that the mask is not just another ordinary face mask, but a specialized product with a specific purpose. The hosts highlight the importance of understanding the purpose of the mask and its potential benefits.

The target market for the Skyted mask includes frequent travelers, such as business people who spend a lot of time on airplanes and trains. It is also suitable for commuters who want to make calls during their daily travels, saving them time by starting their calls earlier. Additionally, the mask is useful for individuals who want to have private conversations in their vehicles, as it cancels out both their voice and external noise.
In terms of cost and availability, the podcast does not provide specific information. However, it suggests that the mask is targeted at a range of customers, including frequent travelers and commuters. The availability and pricing details would need to be obtained separately.

An upgraded model

This is not the first time we have seen the Skyted mask at CES. In 2023, we were first introduced to Skyted, but the device we saw never made it to market. Since then, the company has redesigned the mask to address feedback from those who saw it in action.

The design of the mask has been slimmed down and the weight has been reduced, making it more comfortable to wear. The technology has also been upgraded to cancel out even low frequencies, which are harder to eliminate.

Conclusion

Overall, the Skyted mask offers a unique solution for individuals who require silent and secure communication. With its sound-absorbing technology and encryption capabilities, it provides a way to have confidential conversations without disturbing others or compromising data security. This innovative product has the potential to revolutionize the way people make calls in public spaces and ensure their privacy and security.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central.

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Conversation Clear Plus aims to improve people’s hearing @ CES 2023

February 24, 2023Audio, CES 2023, Entertainmentaging, bluetooth, ces2023, earbuds, gadgets, hearingPLUGHITZ Live

Sennheiser Conversation Clear Plus Hearing products have come a long way in the past few years. Not too long ago, hearing products were very specific technology (aka hearing aids) with a specific look, feel, and behavior. They were controlled by a small number of companies that required a doctor’s appointment, a fitting, and a lot of money – often thousands of dollars. But, for most people, they were still uncomfortable and signaled that they were “old.” But now, technology companies have entered the fray and created new products that address the hearing problem in exciting ways. The Sennheiser Conversation Clear Plus is a new entry that aims to improve conversations in loud environments.

The problem with hearing

For many people, the problem with hearing isn’t about volume, it’s about context. Being able to hear in a private environment can be easy, but hearing in loud environments, such as CES itself, can be a challenge. The problem with traditional hearing aids, though, is that they generally amplify sound indiscriminately. So, if your issue is that you cannot focus on the voice of someone speaking to you in a loud environment, traditional hearing aids are going to make it worse, not better.

On the other hand, being able to use complicated algorithms to control volume and equalizer settings, you can amplify local sound while filtering out distant sounds. This means that you would be able to hear conversations with people who are close to you, or close to the headphones, without having to try and mentally filter out the rest of the noise in the room.

Sennheiser Conversation Clear Plus

Sennheiser is known for its audio technology. Whether it be the handheld microphone we use for our interviews or the headphones we use to monitor the recording, Sennheiser makes a lot of audio products. In fact, a lot of the audio equipment we use for our events outside of the studio is from Sennheiser. This is because of the reputation they have for quality.

With that, they have taken their knowledge of mics, headphones, and equalizers and put them into the Conversation Clear Plus. This product is a hearing product intended specifically to help those who have trouble differentiating local and distant voices. It is accomplished by using a small microphone array to listen to the environment and make live adjustments dozens of times per second. By sampling and adjusting so frequently, the device is able to make transitions between volumes and settings less obvious and more natural.

The best part is that they do not look like hearing aids. Instead, they look like regular Bluetooth earbuds. This can help people who are worried about hearing aid stigma feel more comfortable wearing them in public. Plus, they actually can be used as Bluetooth earbuds, so it’s not even that far off.

Summary

The Sennheiser Conversation Clear Plus is available now for $850. To learn more about the product or the company’s other audio products, including headphones and earbuds, head over to the brand’s website.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.

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