Cyrus Kyle Langhorne Cyrus Kyle Langhorne

How Technology is Shaping the Way We Pay Online

In the last decade, the world of online payments has undergone a dramatic transformation. The introduction of new technologies and innovative solutions has changed how consumers pay for products and services online. From e-commerce platforms to online entertainment, these advancements have brought a combination of convenience, security, and speed that was unthinkable just a few years ago. As we move further into 2024, it’s worth exploring how these trends have reshaped online transactions and what they mean for both consumers and businesses alike.

How Technology is Shaping the Way We Pay Online

In the last decade, the world of online payments has undergone a dramatic transformation. The introduction of new technologies and innovative solutions has changed how consumers pay for products and services online. From e-commerce platforms to online entertainment, these advancements have brought a combination of convenience, security, and speed that was unthinkable just a few years ago. As we move further into 2024, it’s worth exploring how these trends have reshaped online transactions and what they mean for both consumers and businesses alike.

The Evolution of Online Payments

Traditional payment methods, such as credit and debit cards, were once the dominant force in online transactions. However, these methods came with their own set of challenges, including slow processing times, high fees, and susceptibility to fraud. With the rise of digital technologies, alternative payment methods have quickly gained traction, offering solutions that address many of the limitations associated with older systems.

Digital wallets and mobile payment systems have emerged as powerful tools, allowing users to conduct transactions instantly, securely, and with minimal fees. Services like PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay have not only made it easier to pay for goods and services but have also improved the overall security of these transactions. The convenience of storing payment information in one place and completing purchases with a few clicks or taps has revolutionized the online shopping experience.

The Role of Digital Wallets in Online Transactions

One of the most significant changes in online payments has been the widespread adoption of digital wallets. These systems allow users to store their payment information securely and make transactions without needing to enter card details every time. This saves time, reduces errors, and minimizes the chances of sensitive financial information being exposed.

In particular, PayPal has emerged as one of the most trusted digital wallets worldwide. Known for its strong security measures and ease of use, PayPal offers buyers and sellers a seamless way to transfer funds. Whether paying for goods on an e-commerce site or funding an account on an online entertainment platform, PayPal has become the go-to option for millions of users.

In the online casino industry, for example, PayPal is favored for its speed and security. Players looking for quick and secure deposits and withdrawals often prefer PayPal to other options. The best PayPal casinos allow users to deposit funds instantly and, even more importantly, withdraw their winnings without lengthy processing delays. This makes PayPal an ideal choice for online gamers who want immediate access to their funds without compromising on security.

Why Security is Crucial in Modern Payments

As online transactions have grown more prevalent, so have the risks associated with them. Cybercriminals are constantly seeking new ways to exploit vulnerabilities in payment systems, and consumers are more aware than ever of the need for secure transactions. This is where digital wallets, particularly PayPal, excel. By encrypting all sensitive information and offering two-factor authentication (2FA), these services ensure that personal data is never exposed during transactions.

Moreover, PayPal’s Buyer Protection program adds an extra layer of security. If something goes wrong during an online purchase, such as not receiving an item or receiving something that doesn’t match the description, PayPal can reimburse the buyer, giving consumers more confidence when shopping or gaming online.

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Revolutionizing Real-Time Events with Serverless Tech

In the rapidly evolving world of event management, the advent of digital technology has ushered in a new era of possibilities. Real-time event management, a field once bogged down by logistical challenges and delays, now stands at the forefront of a technological revolution. Central to this transformation are serverless functions, a breakthrough in computing that has redefined the norms of efficiency and scalability. This article delves into how serverless functions are not just enhancing but revolutionizing the management of live events, from concerts to sports, offering unprecedented agility and innovation in an industry that thrives on the immediacy of experience.

In the rapidly evolving world of event management, the advent of digital technology has ushered in a new era of possibilities. Real-time event management, a field once bogged down by logistical challenges and delays, now stands at the forefront of a technological revolution. Central to this transformation are serverless functions, a breakthrough in computing that has redefined the norms of efficiency and scalability. This article delves into how serverless functions are not just enhancing but revolutionizing the management of live events, from concerts to sports, offering unprecedented agility and innovation in an industry that thrives on the immediacy of experience.

The Basics of Serverless Functions

At its core, serverless computing represents a paradigm shift in the way software applications are built, deployed, and managed. Eschewing the traditional model of fixed servers, serverless functions allow developers to run code in response to events without the complexity of managing the infrastructure. This means that the computing resources scale automatically with the demand, ensuring high availability and performance even under fluctuating loads. For real-time event management, this translates to seamless handling of ticket sales, audience interactions, and on-the-fly updates, all crucial for the success of any event in today's fast-paced world.

Serverless computing radically changes the traditional approach to application deployment and management. By eliminating the need for managing physical servers, it offers developers a more flexible and efficient way to build applications. With serverless functions, the infrastructure dynamically adapts to the application's needs, scaling up or down based on real-time demand. This model is particularly beneficial for events that experience variable and unpredictable traffic. 

For instance, during a major concert or sports event, the demand for ticketing and information services can surge dramatically. Serverless functions can handle these spikes seamlessly, ensuring uninterrupted service without the need for extensive and costly infrastructure. Additionally, this approach allows for rapid deployment of updates or new features, essential in the fast-paced environment of event management where responding quickly to user feedback or changing circumstances is crucial. This agility makes serverless computing an attractive option for event organizers who need to stay responsive and adaptable in the face of ever-changing event dynamics.

Serverless Functions in Event Management

The application of serverless functions in the realm of event management marks a significant leap forward. By leveraging this technology, event organizers can automate and streamline various aspects of event handling, from ticketing to real-time audience engagement. For instance, serverless functions can efficiently handle the spikes in web traffic during high-demand ticket sales, ensuring a smooth and frustration-free experience for customers. Additionally, they enable interactive features like live polling or instant feedback during events, enhancing audience engagement and participation.

Case Studies

To illustrate the impact of serverless functions in real-life scenarios, consider a large music festival that utilized serverless computing for its ticketing and entry management. This system was able to dynamically adjust to the high volume of ticket requests, reducing wait times and server downtimes. In another case, a sports event deployed serverless functions to collate real-time statistics and provide instant updates to fans via an app. These case studies exemplify how serverless functions are not only improving operational efficiency but also elevating the overall experience for attendees.

Comparing Traditional vs. Serverless Event Management

Traditional event management systems often struggle with scalability and flexibility, leading to inefficiencies, especially during peak demands. In contrast, serverless functions offer a more adaptable approach, automatically scaling resources to meet demand. This eliminates the need for manual intervention and reduces the risk of system overloads or crashes. Moreover, serverless architecture can be more cost-effective, as it typically operates on a pay-as-you-go model, meaning organizations pay only for the resources they use, avoiding the overhead of maintaining idle servers.

Let’s compare:

Scalability

Traditional: Often limited by fixed server capacities, leading to potential system overloads during high-traffic events.

Serverless: Dynamically scales with demand, handling high traffic seamlessly without manual scaling.

Flexibility

Traditional: Changes or updates in services require significant time and resources.

Serverless: Allows for quick deployment of new features or updates, adapting rapidly to changing needs.

Cost-Effectiveness

Traditional: Involves costs for server maintenance, even during low demand.

Serverless: Operates on a pay-as-you-go model, reducing costs by charging only for used resources.

Risk Management

Traditional: Higher risk of crashes or system downtime during peak loads.

Serverless: Minimizes the risk of system failures, ensuring consistent availability.

These points highlight the distinct advantages of serverless functions in managing the dynamic and often unpredictable demands of event management.

Future Trends and Predictions

Looking ahead, serverless functions are poised to play an even more integral role in real-time event management. The increasing adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and augmented reality experiences at events can greatly benefit from serverless computing, enabling more interactive and immersive experiences for attendees. Additionally, advancements in machine learning and AI, when integrated with serverless functions, could provide more personalized experiences and predictive analytics, further enhancing event management and attendee engagement. The future of event management with serverless technology promises greater innovation and efficiency.

Challenges and Considerations

While serverless functions offer numerous advantages for real-time event management, they also come with their own set of challenges. Security concerns, particularly in managing user data and interactions, require careful consideration and robust safeguards. Additionally, the reliance on third-party providers for serverless services means event managers must ensure they choose providers that offer reliable uptime and support. Overcoming these challenges involves a strategic approach to security, data management, and provider selection, ensuring that the benefits of serverless functions are fully realized without compromising on the essential aspects of event integrity and user trust.

Conclusion

As we navigate through the transformative landscape of event management, it's clear that serverless functions stand as a beacon of modern efficiency and innovation. They embody the agility and responsiveness essential in today's fast-paced event industry, offering scalable, cost-effective solutions without the burdens of traditional infrastructure. 

While challenges exist, particularly in security and provider reliability, the strategic implementation of serverless technology promises a future where event management is not only more efficient but also more dynamic and engaging. Embracing serverless functions is not just about keeping up with technological trends; it's about redefining the very experience of real-time events for organizers and attendees alike, setting a new standard for excellence in the industry.

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Cyrus Kyle Langhorne Cyrus Kyle Langhorne

Turtle Beach has your mobile and console gaming goals covered with the Recon Cloud controller

There are too many games to keep count of these days and thinking you can find time to play them in the comfort of your console setting is just not realistic. Fortunately, Turtle Beach is always pushing the gaming culture for the win and comes through for the mobile heads around the globe with its much-needed Recon Cloud hybrid controller.

There are too many games to keep count of these days and thinking you can find time to play them in the comfort of your console setting is just not realistic. Fortunately, Turtle Beach is always pushing the gaming culture for the win and comes through for the mobile heads around the globe with its much-needed Recon Cloud hybrid controller.

Keeping it 100? PlayStation just isn’t ready for mobile and cloud gaming. However, Xbox really is for the true 24/7 gamers and its Game Pass comes packed with cloud perks - so of course this new controller is the perfect go-to. Peep all of the details including why all you Microsoft heads aren’t looking beyond what Game Pass has to provide in 2022.

Leading gaming accessory maker Turtle Beach Corporation (Nasdaq: HEAR) today announced the global availability of its Recon™ Cloud Hybrid Controller. The Recon Cloud controller is Turtle Beach’s first foray into the mobile gaming controller category and another significant addition to the brand’s growing and widely acclaimed controller lineup, which includes the Recon Controller and REACT-R Controller. The Designed for Xbox Recon Cloud Hybrid Controller is for mobile gamers playing on compatible Android devices, on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows PCs. The Recon Cloud controller connects to Android 8.0+ devices and compatible Windows PCs using low-latency Bluetooth® 5.0, and it has a massive 30+ hour battery life with quick, play-and-charge capability for all-day gaming when on-the-go. At home, gamers can connect the Recon Cloud to their Xbox console or Windows PC with its 10-foot braided USB cable and access to a suite of exclusive Turtle Beach audio features like Superhuman Hearing®, custom audio presets and more for the ultimate audio advantage. The Recon Cloud Hybrid Controller comes in Blue Magma or Black and is available now at www.turtlebeach.com and participating retailers worldwide for $99.99 MSRP.

“Both gamer and critic response to our Recon and REACT-R controllers has been unquestionably bullish, and the Cloud Controller gives Xbox and mobile gamers the same award-winning Turtle Beach controls for both the worlds they love to play in,” said Juergen Stark, Chairman and CEO, Turtle Beach Corporation. “While the Recon Cloud is the first of our expanded lineup of mobile controllers launching this year, we have additional new products designed for iOS and other platforms coming soon.”

The Recon Cloud Hybrid Controller combines the best of both worlds for mobile gamers on Xbox and PC. Gamers can play longer and in total comfort thanks to the Recon Cloud’s ergonomic shape and cooling grips. The Recon Cloud’s adjustable phone clip securely mounts all compatible Android phones – nearly any sized phone, even in its case – above the controller. When the Recon Cloud’s phone clip is detached, it can be used as a convenient tabletop stand.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Turtle Beach controller without the best-selling gaming headset brand’s exclusive signature audio features. When the Recon Cloud is connected to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows PCs in wired mode, additional features including Superhuman Hearing to hear enemy players before they see you, EQ Presets to personalize sound, controls for Game & Chat Balance to find just the right mix, and Mic Monitoring to ensure no more yelling at others – all come into play.

The complete list of Recon Cloud Controller features includes:

  • Designed for Xbox & Cloud Gaming: Equipped with a detachable 10ft./3m braided cable for using in wired mode with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One & Windows PCs, or flip the input switch to play wirelessly on Android 8.0+ devices and Windows PCs.

  • Complimentary Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: A one-month free subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate gives access to an expansive library of games.

  • Long-Lasting Wireless Battery: Play mobile games for days with a 30-hour rechargeable battery, plus the controller fully recharges in just 2.5 hours.

  • Bluetooth Connectivity: Connect to Android 8.0+ mobile devices as well as compatible Windows PCs using the latest, low-latency Bluetooth 5.0 technology.

  • Built for Cloud Gaming: Go beyond the Xbox Game Pass library on mobile, and play controller-supported games on GeForce Now, Stadia, Steam Link, and more.

  • Responsive Controls: Play in confidence with textured triggers and bumpers, an accurate 8-way D-pad, and smooth thumbstick movement.

  • Ergonomic Cooling Grips: Micro-cooling channels and a comfortable shape keep hands cool and dry while reducing fatigue over long gaming sessions.

  • Pro-Aim Focus Mode: One of two mappable buttons, Pro-Aim tunes thumbstick sensitivity for enhanced long-range accuracy.

  • Two Mappable Quick-Action Buttons: Customize your gaming experience with two mappable buttons, allowing up to four different switchable profiles.

  • Android Mobile Companion App: Make on-the-go adjustments to control performance, check battery status, and discover new compatible games.

  • Superhuman Hearing*: From quiet footsteps sneaking up, to enemy weapon reloads, Turtle Beach’s exclusive Superhuman Hearing sound setting lets gamers hear every detail for the ultimate gaming audio advantage.

  • Turtle Beach Signature Presets*: Customize game audio with four audio EQ presets: Signature Sound, Bass Boost, Bass & Treble Boost, and Vocal Boost.

  • Immersive Vibration Feedback*: Dual rumble motors in the handles and triggers offer enhanced feedback for ultra-realistic next-gen gameplay.

  • 3.5mm Headset Connection*: Take advantage of proven Turtle Beach audio enhancements by plugging in any 3.5mm connected headset.

  • Mic Monitoring*: Hear and adjust the volume of your own voice to avoid shouting while chatting.

  • Game & Chat Mix*: Conveniently located game & chat mix controls.

*Features only available in wired mode.

For more information on the latest Turtle Beach controllers, gaming headsets, simulation products, and other gaming accessories, visit www.turtlebeach.com and be sure to follow Turtle Beach on TikTok, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.

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Cyrus Kyle Langhorne Cyrus Kyle Langhorne

ZVOX's AV355 Sound Bar is the ultimate game-changer you need right now

If there’s any chance you have never experienced a sound bar in your life - now is the perfect time to go with your gut feeling and my co-sign to seriously consider getting your hands on ZVOX’s AV355 sound bar. It’s the ultimate life-changer and game-changer for your TV viewing, game-playing and streaming music-listening experiences all from your screen.

If there’s any chance you have never experienced a sound bar in your life - now is the perfect time to go with your gut feeling and my co-sign to seriously consider getting your hands on ZVOX’s AV355 sound bar. It’s the ultimate life-changer and game-changer for your TV viewing, game-playing and streaming music-listening experiences all from your screen.

With fingers crossed and hopes high to get to review this beautiful unit in the near future, what I can say is having had the chance to review and to this day own a ZVOX Accuvoice sound bar in my household since 2019, it’s been the ultimate game-changer.

The sound quality is wild and even if you pride yourself in having razor-sharp earbuds, the clarity and different levels of what you’re hearing - you know, those fancy settings - play out in such an amazing way you’ll cringe at the idea of not using your sound bar for everything coming out of your TV. Now… with all of those tidbits being mentioned, let’s crack right into the new AV355 sound bar.

ZVOX, the industry leader in dialogue clarification technology, has introduced a freshly designed ultra-slim sound bar, the AV355. This low-profile speaker is the latest in ZVOX’s best-selling line of AccuVoice® TV speakers. The sound bar offers six levels of the company’s patented hearing aid technology that lifts voices out from the rest of the soundtrack, as well as six levels of its new SuperVoice technology, which “softens” background sounds, so they don’t interfere with voice intelligibility. Unlike competing products, the ZVOX algorithms boost and clarify voices without any significant volume or tonal change to other parts of the soundtrack. The AV355 is available now at ZVOX.com Amazon.com and Walmart.com for $199.99.

The AV355 includes both digital and analog input options so it works with virtually any TV. The big, immersive sound is generated by three high-performance speakers with powerful neodymium magnets, along with a “virtual subwoofer” technology for extra bass. It also includes another ZVOX signature innovation, its Output Leveling feature that tames loud commercials instantly. The speaker has voice assistant compatibility so users can connect it with Amazon® Echo® products. Finally, ZVOX’s PhaseCue® virtual surround technology delivers the room-filling 3D sound from this compact sound bar cabinet measuring 24” w x 2.2” h x 3.5” d. The AV355 is housed in a sleek, black molded cabinet with a colored steel grille available in black, bronze or graphite. 

The AV355 is purpose-designed to merge seamlessly and effortlessly with a user’s current home entertainment system. For total user convenience, it can easily be programmed to work with any remote control. The inconspicuous yet elegant molded cabinet is strong and light, with a large, easy-to-read display that makes set-up and control a snap. And at just 24" wide and 2.2” high, the AV355 fits about anywhere and is easy to install either above, below, or next to any flatscreen TV.

Noted ZVOX CEO Tom Hannaher. “Our proprietary AccuVoice technology is the ‘gold standard’ for clear voice reproduction. We have implemented a number of techniques used in the world of audiology to make dialogue easy to understand, even at low volumes. But the AV355 also excels with music and big movie soundtracks. The neodymium speakers create big, high-fidelity sound including surprising bass out of a slim, stylish cabinet that fits underneath most TVs.”

Still want to understand more about what ZVOX is up to? Gotcha.

ZVOX: A New Kind of Hearing Company.

Committed to enhancing and discovering hearing solutions for over 18 years, ZVOX was founded in 2003 by two long-time consumer electronics veterans. From its start as a traditional home theater speaker company, ZVOX soon gained success and industry recognition for its line of critically acclaimed sound bars and SoundBases. In 2014, ZVOX introduced a landmark technology that would change the company’s focus and establish it as the unrivalled leader in dialogue clarity enhancement. ZVOX’s patented AccuVoice technology uses advanced algorithms to mimic the function of a hearing aid, resulting in a dramatically new level of dialogue boosting and voice clarity. With the launch of its AV200 AccuVoice TV Speaker, ZVOX created a new category of dialogue clarifying soundbars, speakers and headphones and found a broader audience among the over-fifty-five demographic and consumers with mild hearing loss. Today ZVOX offers a variety of hearing-related products including speakers, wireless headphones, and hearing aids. Based in Swampscott, MA, ZVOX sells though zvox.com, Amazon, Home Shopping Network, and selected retailers including Magnolia stores within Best Buy locations.

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Cyrus Kyle Langhorne Cyrus Kyle Langhorne

My favorite speaker brand is doing free hearing assessments for World Hearing Day

It’s a round of applause for quite possibly my favorite speaker brand in the technology game. I have personally rocked with ZVOX for the past few years and the quality of sound from the speaker is just mind-blowing. It’s only right the company focused on helping people with hearing struggles is going to do its part to properly honor World Hearing Day this Thursday, March 3.

It’s a round of applause for quite possibly my favorite speaker brand in the technology game. I have personally rocked with ZVOX for the past few years and the quality of sound from the speaker is just mind-blowing. It’s only right the company focused on helping people with hearing struggles is going to do its part to properly honor World Hearing Day this Thursday, March 3.

It’s more than just a social media post. The brand is going all-out by providing a free hearing test based on an innovative new background-noise screening algorithm. In a day and age when we’re rocking AirPods and headphones more than ever, it’s only right to see how your hearing is looking as we prepare for even more home entertainment releases we can watch on our phones and tablets plus all the new music gearing up to drop.

Check out the full details and head over to get your free hearing test, which only takes 180 seconds.

ZVOX, the industry leader in voice clarity technology for television, telephone and video conferencing, today announced free online hearing tests in conjunction with World Hearing Day – March 3, 2022. The free hearing test, which is based on an innovative new background-noise screening algorithm, is available at https://zvox.com/pages/hearingtest.

Hearing Loss Can Lead to Serious Health Issues

Approximately 30 percent of adults aged sixty-five and older show some degree of hearing loss. And the problems of hearing loss go beyond issues like poor communication and difficulty hearing your TV or phone. They can lead to much more serious health problems, including an increased risk of developing dementia.* If you deal with hearing loss, you can minimize the possibility of cognitive decline and dementia – possibly even more important than controlling other risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure and social isolation. 

“For years hearing loss was viewed in terms of extremes,” say ZVOX CEO Tom Hannaher. “You either had bad hearing loss and needed powerful hearing aids – or you were OK…no help required. But new research shows that minor hearing loss – left ignored and untreated – can lead to other health issues, including dementia.* The good news is that there are a variety of treatments and affordable electronics products that can help people deal with hearing loss – minor or major. But step one is a hearing test.”

ZVOX recommends that people over the age of 40 get regular hearing tests, administered by a professional. But the ZVOX online screening test is convenient and free and can provide a simple first step towards improved hearing health. But most importantly, people should be aware that untreated hearing issues can lead to social withdrawal and serious cognitive problems. In other words – stop making excuses and take the hearing test today…it’s free! 

ZVOX: New Kinds of Hearing Solutions…For Television, Telephone and Video Conferencing.
ZVOX offers a comprehensive line of hearing-enhancing products – including TV speakers, headphones, true wireless earbuds, video conferencing audio systems and FDA registered hearing aids. The patented AccuVoice technology used in their best-selling line of TV speakers greatly boosts dialogue intelligibility – often allowing the hearing impaired to enjoy television programming without the use of hearing aids or headphones. The company’s latest technology, SuperVoice, “softens” background sounds, so they do not interfere with voice intelligibility. Unlike other products, the proprietary ZVOX algorithms boost and clarify voices without any significant volume or tonal change to other parts of the soundtrack.

*According to a study published in The Lancet Commissions (Lancet, 2017 Dec 16; 390[10113]:2673-2734), the risk of developing dementia increases for older adults with mild hearing and moderate hearing loss.

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Cyrus Kyle Langhorne Cyrus Kyle Langhorne

Austere's already ahead of the PlayStation 5 + Xbox Series X|S faithful w/ 8K cables

Are you just now getting caught up to the wonders of 4K? Sorry to burst your bubble but we’re already on the 8K wave but fortunately tech heavyweight brand Austere is always up for the challenge and is getting into the ‘Merry 8K Christmas’ spirit with its 8K HDMI 2.1 certified cables aimed at bringing next-level performing for gaming goals and movie-watching duties to perfection.

Are you just now getting caught up to the wonders of 4K? Sorry to burst your bubble but we’re already on the 8K wave but fortunately tech heavyweight brand Austere is always up for the challenge and is getting into the ‘Merry 8K Christmas’ spirit with its 8K HDMI 2.1 certified cables aimed at bringing next-level performing for gaming goals and movie-watching duties to perfection.

The hype is super real. Peep the official details, trash your TikTok video to St. Nick and head over to Austere to secure yours.

Once again delivering More Than Expected, Austere is bringing consumers a “Merry 8K Christmas” with  the availability of its new leading-edge 8K Ultra-High-Speed HDMI® cable. Officially certified for HDMI 2.1 connectivity from the HDMI Forum,  Austere’s HDMI cables are engineered to optimize home theater, 8K gaming and other media experiences. They meet the highest standards of 8K UHD specifications and can support resolutions and refresh rates of 8K@60 and 4K@120 and even up to 10K. Dynamic HDR formats are also supported, and bandwidth capability is increased up to 48Gbps. To authenticate the Ultra-High-Speed Certification, the cable comes with a label that can be scanned by the HDMI Cable Certification app available on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, and other Android app stores.

Maximum Entertainment Experience When Used with New 8K TVs, Games and More

The unparalleled bandwidth makes Austere Ultra-High-Speed HDMI cables ideal for enjoying the stunning entertainment experience of new 8K video games for both console and PC Gamers, such as Resident Evil Village, and perform to the highest specifications of the new range of HDMI 2.1 TVs, audio/video receivers, gaming consoles and other hardware products from manufacturers such as Yamaha, Acer and LG Electronics. Thanks to HDMI 2.1 specification, users enjoy enhanced gaming and media features, with an unprecedented level of smooth, seamless motion and transitions. These features are also ideal for streaming content to 8K-enabled TVs. The new Austere cables are backward compatible and can be used with the existing install base of HDMI devices.  

Austere Founder and CEO Deena Ghazarian notes: “The new generation of 8K big-screen TVs and high-performance gaming consoles have breathed tremendous life into the CE and Gaming industries this year, and our retailers are enthusiastically embracing the new hardware and software products to offer their customers the 8K experience this holiday season. Our certified cables, with their gorgeous packaging, are helping retailers by calling attention to the benefits of the 8K revolution in consumer technology and offer an added-value purchase that will ensure maximum performance and enjoyment from all the new 8K products.”

State-of-the-Art Materials and Precision Engineering for “Future-Ready” Performance 

Austere’s 8K Ultra-High-Speed HDMI cable incorporates state-of-the-art materials and engineering to make the most of your home entertainment investment. They are “future-ready,” elevating video and audio signals to a whole new level for today’s—and tomorrow’s—most advanced display devices. To further heighten the entertainment and gaming experience, Austere’s 8K HDMI also includes High-Fidelity eARC technology, which delivers the highest quality streaming audio available, while the Variable Refresh Rate provides smooth performance and virtually eliminates image lag, stutter, and frame tearing. 

The Austere 8K HDMI cable is both striking to the eye and built to perform. Its Kevlar-reinforced windings and Austere signature WovenArmor cable, which are demonstrably thinner than most other 8K cable options, combine flexibility and strength, so weaving around a corner never derails the signal. Its pure endurance gold shield contacts create a flawless connection that will last a lifetime. The cable’s elegant aDesign housing is visually stunning, with a purposeful slim design ideal for tight installations. Finally, the LinkFit Connector ensures a perfect connection that will firmly stay in place. 

Austere 8K Ultra-High-Speed HDMI cable is available in 1.5m and 2.5m lengths for $99 and $149, respectively. It, as well as all Austere products, are available now at Austere.com as well as select national, regional, and global retailers including Abt Electronics,  BrandsMart USA, Conn’s HomePlusCrutchfieldNFMPC Richard & SonVisions Electronics, as well as Amazon.com.




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Cyrus Kyle Langhorne Cyrus Kyle Langhorne

SteelSeries' new wireless Arctis 7+ and Arctis 7P+ look awesome

Is November shaping up to become one of the best months in recent years for gamers? Most likely when you consider all the amazing line-ups of titles dropping from Battlefield 2042 and Call of Duty: Vanguard to Rockstar Games’ Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy - The Definitive Edition and thus it’s only right SteelSeries is prepared to take ATC heads’ gaming goals to the next level with its new wireless gaming headsets - Arctis 7+ and Arctis 7P+.

Is November shaping up to become one of the best months in recent years for gamers? Most likely when you consider all the amazing line-ups of titles dropping from Battlefield 2042 and Call of Duty: Vanguard to Rockstar Games’ Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy - The Definitive Edition and thus it’s only right SteelSeries is prepared to take ATC heads’ gaming goals to the next level with its new wireless gaming headsets - Arctis 7+ and Arctis 7P+.

And for anyone huffing and puffing about some tech invading ATC, just remember with Apple Music and Spotify now available on Playstation 5 along with the latter still being the go-to tunes streaming service on Xbox Series X|S, you can keep Certified Lover Boy on repeat mode with the headset keeping you snug as you blast away at enemies. Now… back to the big announcement. Check out the full details below and start getting hyped over the huge revelations like 15 minutes of charging giving you a quick 3 hours of gameplay and the USB-C connectivity to help with fast juicing back up.

SteelSeries, the worldwide leader in gaming and esports peripherals, today announced the launch of the Arctis 7+ and Arctis 7P+ wireless gaming headsets. The newest editions to the Arctis lineup build on the award-winning design and heritage of the SteelSeries Arctis franchise and evolve the break-through technology that changed the game in sound and audio for next-gen consoles and PC gaming.

The fans spoke. SteelSeries listened. The Arctis 7+ and Arctis 7P+ wireless gaming headsets deliver new features that gamers want, including 30+ hours of battery life, plus a 15-minute quick charge feature for 3 hours of gameplay, USB-C connectivity with play-and-charge functionality for seamless multi-platform compatibility, and SteelSeries signature Arctis sound.

Arctis 7+ Wireless – Purposefully engineered for multi-system compatibility for PC, PlayStation, Mac, Android, Switch, and Oculus Quest 2, the Arctis 7+ uses lossless 2.4 GHz wireless audio for ultra-low latency gaming audio via a compact USB-C dongle. To keep gamers in the zone, the Arctis 7+ features 30+ hours of battery life for nonstop gaming, easy on-ear headset controls including ChatMix, and a durable lightweight steel frame with an adjustable elastic ski-goggle style band for a comfortable fit. A Discord certified, retractable ClearCast mic uses a bidirectional design for superior noise-cancellation and vocal clarity and features an LED mute indicator.

Arctis 7P+ Wireless – Specifically designed for powerful next-gen 3D Audio on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4, with multi-platform compatibility with PC, Mac, Android, Switch, and Oculus Quest 2, the Arctis 7P+ utilizes lossless 2.4 GHz wireless audio for ultra-low latency gaming audio via a compact USB-C dongle. The 30+ hour battery life for nonstop gaming with USB-C charging, easy on-ear headset controls including sidetone (mic monitoring), and the durable lightweight steel frame with adjustable elastic ski-goggle style band help keep players both focused and comfortable during marathon gaming sessions. A Discord certified, retractable ClearCast mic uses a bidirectional design for superior noise-cancellation and vocal clarity and features an LED mute indicator.

With the launch of the Arctis 7+ and Arctis 7P+ wireless headsets, SteelSeries provides gamers with early access to Sonar, an all-new audio software for powerful sound customization for PC that enables ChatMix, 7.1 virtual surround sound, and additional features that will officially launch in 2022. Sonar joins the SteelSeries GG software ecosystem that includes Moments, the free app that allows gamers to clip, edit, and share gaming highlights with friends across YouTube and Gfycat, Discord, Reddit, Twitter, Facebook, and more, and SteelSeries Engine, which powers its award-winning line of mice, keyboards, and headsets.

Available at SteelSeries.com, Arctis 7+ and Arctis 7P+ wireless gaming headsets are now available for the following MSRPs:

Arctis 7+ Wireless (Black) – North America for $169.99 | EMEA for €199.99 | APAC for $199.99

Arctis 7P+ Wireless (Black or White) – North America for $169.99 | EMEA for €199.99 | APAC for $199.99

And if there’s any doubt on how much SteelSeries brings to the table, check out the backstory on the brand’s 20-year presence in the technology market.

SteelSeries is the worldwide leader in gaming and esports peripherals focused on premium quality, innovation, and functionality. Founded in 2001, SteelSeries improves performance through first-to-market innovations and technologies that enable gamers to play harder, train longer, and rise to the challenge. SteelSeries is the pioneering supporter of esports and competitive gaming tournaments, connecting gamers and fostering a sense of community and purpose. SteelSeries’ family of professional and gaming enthusiasts are the driving force behind the company and help influence, design, and craft every single accessory and the brand’s software ecosystem, SteelSeries GG. In 2020, SteelSeries acquired KontrolFreek, the industry leader in high-performance controller accessories, and Nahimic, the leader in 3D sound solutions for gaming. To learn more about SteelSeries, visit steelseries.com and join the conversation at @SteelSeries.

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