T3 India

Peripherals

Review: Beyerdynamic Phonum

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Price: ₹24,999

Handsfree calling devices are often a great blessing especially when you need to discuss something and access another device at the same time in addition to facilitating group calls. Beyerdynamic is a German audio brand with almost a 100-year history behind it, and the Phonum is a Bluetooth speakerphone for conference calls.

The Phonum is beautifully designed, with a cylindrical cross-section, flat base and a mesh speaker dome on top. The flat base is metal with soft anti-slip padding, while the main unit has a polycarbonate exterior. The speaker dome is surrounded by a ring-shaped touch-responsive control panel that gives access to Bluetooth connection, Volume control, Microphone mute/unmute and Microphone mode control, which are permanently marked, in addition to Accept Call and Reject Call buttons that light up when you receive a call on your connected device. There are also eight LEDs indicating the microphone pick-up direction. The power button and USB-C port are at the side. Contrary to the most likely perception, the upward-facing speaker dome houses a 360-degree downward-firing speaker, which allows all participants to hear clearly. The speaker is designed for clear vocals and offers distortion-free output with optimal volume. The speakers feature echo cancellation for speech legibility. The Phonum can be connected with a smartphone or laptop via Bluetooth or with a non-Bluetooth device via USB.

Apart from the regular features of a speakerphone, what makes the Beyerdynamic Phonum special is the Gecko 360-degree technology and the intelligent microphone system. This system lets you customise the microphone pick-up pattern to suit the conferencing setup. The Microphone Mode Control button cycles between three modes of voice tracking. The Gecko Fix mode switches the microphone to single direction pick-up, which is ideal when there is only one speaker participating in the call. This filters out disturbances from other directions. In Gecko Follow mode, the microphone follows the speaker even if the person moves around, making it perfect for situations where one person has the floor. In Gecko 360-degree mode, the microphone assumes omnidirectional pick-up so that all people gathered around a table can freely participate in the conversation and is clearly audible. In each of these modes, the LEDs around the touch panel illuminate, indicating the microphone’s active pick-up direction. The strongest pick-up direction is indicated by the brightest LED, while the peripheral LEDs are dimmed, and those in the direction of least pick-up remain off. In omnidirectional mode, all LEDs remain switched off.

We found the Beyerdynamic Phonum to be extremely portable and quite responsive to touch input. Connection proved quick and seamless, facilitating quick set-up. In Follow mode, the microphone quickly changes direction according to the speaker’s position, making it a versatile conference device. If you plan to use this as a music player, you will be disappointed simply because the device is not designed for that purpose, and the volume is quite low for music playback. The device offers 12 hours of operating time on a single charge and features quick charging via the USB-C port. The Phonum is sold in India via headphonezone.in .

RATING

WE’RE IMPRESSED Light, portable and sturdy design, responsive touch panel, Gecko 360-degree system, good battery life, sturdy case

WE’D IMPROVE Speaker volume

THE LAST WORD Beyerdynamic Phonum is an extremely versatile speakerphone for any type of conferencing situation with a highly functional intelligent microphone system

Ambrane India unveils new logo and brand strategy

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Ambrane India, one of India’s fastest-growing mobile accessories brands, has unveiled its vibrant new logo and it looks to highlight the brand’s positioning statement and summarises the company’s commitment to endeavour to produce reliable tech savvy products. Ambrane’s products have impacted the lives of over 20 million customers in India since its inception in 2012.

The new company logo uses a vibrant orange primary colour palette that “depicts the brand’s zest and enthusiasm”, while the calm blue displays “trust and expertise”. These vibrant new colours adds soul with a splash of modernity to the company’s logo which reflects the brand’s thinking as well.  

The new identity with the icon ∴

The new identity with the icon ∴ i.e. therefore, — which is understood through the company’s new tagline: #ThereforeAmbrane — symbolises the brand as the logical choice for consumers looking for tech products that are ‘Made in India’.

Ambrane’s ambitions to establish a leadership position in the mobile accessories market is looked to be achieved by revamping nearly all facets of its business; across packaging, branding, and all kinds of marketing communication. Ambrane also recently announced the famous cricketer, Ravindra Jadeja, as its brand endorser. Along with the new logo, the brand has also unveiled its new DVC with the cricketer which can be watched below.

“When we started this exercise of the new logo, we wanted something that seals the brand promise yet showcases the company’s commitment in the fast-changing industry. We never had an icon to our earlier Logo and hence it was critical to capture an icon that could resonate with the future audience and the vision of the brand. The symbol ‘therefore’ did encapsulate the communication. The message behind the logo: we are Indian, we are reliable, and we are modern. #ThereforeAmbrane, represents the many reasons why Ambrane is the preferred brand of India”, said Mr. Ashok Rajpal, Director of Ambrane India, at the announcement of the new logo.

For more information, please visit Ambrane India’s website.

Cooler Master’s new MasterFrame 700 is an open-air PC Case that transforms into a test bench

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Cooler Master takes innovation to the next level by launching the MasterFrame 700, which is a customisable frame that can transform into a flexible test bench from an open-air PC chassis. Built for those who dabble in building and testing their systems, the MasterFrame 700 has a unique potential in the market, as it gives the users a very flexible product.

The MasterFrame 700 consists of a fully-featured motherboard tray and two side wings. Full range of motion of the side wings is permitted through 4 specially-designed friction hinges, which provides greater stability and aids the assembly process too. This design is ‘perfect for custom water-cooling loops’, according to Cooler Master’s press release.

 As a PC chassis, the MasterFrame 700 stands vertically and boasts of a panoramic tempered glass which allows users and viewers to see the components inside. Oversized components are also fitted easily in this chassis. The MasterFrame 700 can be transformed between an open-air PC case and a test bench through the modular wings. These wings fold forward and are stabilised through rubber feet.

As a test bench, the side wings fold down towards the CPU socket and graphics card area to allow for localised airflow to the components – especially when overclocking. Mounting capabilities are enhanced as a test bench to support 3 x 360mm radiators at the same time. The wings also serve as holders of the triple-fan radiators and other accessories. The MasterFrame 700 also features a 100mm x 100mm VESA mount capability but it is recommended to wall mount full systems below 14kg in total. Here are some of the features of the Cooler Master MasterFrame 700:

DIMENSIONS (L X W X H): 702 x 306 x 410mm / 27.64 x 12.05 x 16.14inch (Incl. Panels)

MOTHERBOARD SUPPORT: SSI EEB, SSI CEB, XL-ATX, E-ATX, ATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITX

EXPANSION SLOTS: 8

2.5″ / 3.5″ DRIVE BAYS (COMBO): Up to 4 (PSU cover)

2.5″ DRIVE BAYS: 7 (3 SSD brackets + 4 PSU cover)

I/O PANEL: 2x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, 1x 3.5mm Headset Jack (Audio+Mic)

Every component on the MasterFrame 700 can be disassembled for custom pain jobs, vinyl wrap, and any other modifications, thus showing the use of its teardown-friendly design. The MasterFrame 700 is available at all retail and online stores across India.

The MasterFrame 700’s end-user pricing is set to be approximately at Rs. 18,500. This article will be updated once T3 Magazine India receives further updates.

Hikvision Announces its Webcam Debut

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Hikvision, an IoT solution provider with video as its core competence, has announced the launch of its new webcam products to the global market. The product family currently comprises four series – Ultra, Pro, Live, and Value – designed for various scenarios and user groups, and with bespoke feature sets.

According to industry analyst firms, the global live streaming market is expected to continue growing significantly the coming years. The increase in video streaming among citizens and businesses in all verticals is reported as the main driver for market growth, with content creators diversifying their material and activities, and connecting with audiences in new ways. In addition, complete and partial lockdowns during the COVID-19 crisis also positively impacted the live streaming industry. To provide immersive video conferencing and streaming experiences, users need webcams that deliver high-resolution imaging and excellent-quality sound in a range of scenarios. Hikvision has designed and developed its new webcam range to meet this need.

Ultra and Pro webcams for remote conferencing

The Hikvision Ultra series of webcams are specifically designed for remote conferencing. The highlight of this series is its PTZ control capability, which offers 5x optical zoom capabilities. This means that users can see meeting presentations or discussions without straining their eyes. Additionally, PTZ control allows users to pan across 330°, helping them adjust their viewing angle easily, without missing a thing.

Hikvision’s new webcam range also includes Pro webcams for remote conferencing. These are ideal for business professionals, offering an outstanding, immersive sound and video experience, with a sleek design and an elegant, anodized finish. Pro webcams offer an Auto Focus feature and built-in dual-microphone, ensuring that audio and video is always crystal clear during presentations, conferences, or group discussions.

Live webcams for live streaming

The cube-shaped Hikvision Live series of webcams is designed for live streaming, eCommerce, and gaming applications. If a product is being presented in a live program, for example, the webcam view can be changed – both horizontally and vertically – thanks to magnetic mountings on all four sides of the casing. These webcams also offer Sharp Auto Focus, which ensures that images of people and objects are sharp and clear at all times. Importantly, the webcams’ ‘touchable supplemental LED light’ feature enables users to adjust brightness in accordance with the surrounding environment.

Value webcams for online education

The Hikvision Value series is our range of entry-level webcams. These have a compact design, making them perfect for online education applications that connect school teachers and students. The webcam comes with a built-in microphone, which incorporates advanced algorithms to reduce noise and improve sound quality. Its wide-angle lens provides maximum coverage, with no image distortion. This is particularly useful for teachers giving lessons in a classroom, where both the teacher and the blackboard, or wall-mounted screen, can be viewed clearly in a single frame.

All Hikvision webcams are driver-free, offering ‘plug-and-play’ installation via a standard USB interface. This allows users to begin conferencing or streaming in seconds. All Hikvision webcams can also be flexibly mounted on users’ equipment, on tables, laptops, monitors, or tripods. Importantly, Hikvision webcams are equipped with a dedicated PC-based client software, called HIKIN. Users can use this software for video previews, and to configure image and sound parameters. Notably, the webcams can be used with all the leading third-party conferencing platforms with video parameter configured using a simple drop-down menu. All Hikvision webcams are delivered with a standard 2-year warranty.

Logitech announces MX Keys Keyboard for India

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Logitech has added a new keyboard to its already wide portfolio for the Indian market. Called MX Keys, this Master series wireless keyboard promises powerful and reliable performance, thanks to the Perfect Stroke technology – a tactile low-profile typing experience.

Engineered in Switzerland, the MX Keys is equipped with smart illumination that detects the hand and the ambient light to turn on or off backlight and has a battery life of up 10 days on a full charge if you use the backlight or up to 5 months without it. It supports USB Type-C connectivity and comes with an easy switch button to toggle between three different computers easily.

The Logitech MX Keys is priced at Rs. 12,995.