Category Archives: Gadget Man

Upgrade Your Gaming Setup For Maximum Enjoyment

If you are a gamer, you know what it means to truly immerse yourself in the game. You learn about the characters, their unique backstories, and become invested in the ultimate quest to defeat evil, or sometimes just get from Point A to Point B whilst accomplishing gratifying challenges. Regardless of the games you play or your end goals, you could probably benefit from a gaming setup refresh. Keep reading for some simple yet attainable ideas to invigorate your gaming experience.

Invest in a New Gaming System

As an experienced gamer, you already know what it means to have the latest technology. Not only is it just fun and exciting to open up a new gaming setup, it means you will not succumb to the dreaded lag. When your system is out-of-date and old, you experience glitches and unwanted lag time. When the unwanted freeze on the screen comes back to life, you may find that your character has fallen into a chasm of doom or worse – has been annihilated by the enemy. Nobody wants that. 

Save your character, stats, and your cred by investing in a new gaming PC bundle. A better processor means more speed and many more hours of fun. This applies not only to you but the people you play with online. If your partner needs backup and your screen is frozen, you will not have their back. Be a better teammate and upgrade for a better experience for everyone. Improved graphics cards, processors, and enhancements will provide more enjoyment.

Attend to the Details

There are a lot of little things that go into making your gaming setup and space functional. Everything from where to corral your cords to how you place your monitor will all make a difference in how it looks and what you experience. If you are someone who appreciates order and tidiness, you can still have that within your gaming area. 

Here are some things to attend to before sitting down to play.

  • Dedicate a place for drinks or snacks so you do not inadvertently spill on your tech. A side table next to the desk or couch works well. This is especially important if you are using VR tech.
  • Organize your cords and power strips before playing to limit unsightly distractions and make your area safer. (See the video below for tips.)
  • Have chargers or backup battery packs and cords accessible. House them in a TV stand, cupboard, or desk drawer to keep distractions at bay.
  • Ensure your seating is comfortable. No one wants to sit down for a gaming marathon and wind up with an aching back. Try out chairs in person or check out reviews online to find the best fit for your height and preferences.

Watch this video to learn 10 easy tips you can use to enhance your gaming setup.

Enhance the Lighting

As a gamer, you are focused on the screen before you and want to reduce distractions in the space around you. Lights that are too bright or harsh can cause you to lose the focal point of your game. You want to be able to pay attention to the amazing graphics on your new system instead of being concerned that the overhead fluorescents are causing you to strain your eyes.

You can fix your lighting problem in a few different ways. 

  • Install New LightsIf you rent this might not be an option. However, if you can, consider installing new lights that are dimmable and have smart technology features. Some light bulbs have colour-changing options that you can manipulate from an app on your phone or a voice command to your digital assistant.
  • Add Targeted LightingTargeted lights, such as table lamps, are perfect for gaming spaces as you can turn off the overhead lights and only use these to illuminate your room with minimal brightness to not distract from the game. This is a good option for renters.
  • Show Some Personality – You can have a lot of fun with lighting. Hang a neon game controller sign on the wall above the TV or couch. Use removable tape to hang LED colour-changing rope lights along the tops of the walls in the room. Many of these have remote controls to change the colour settings for more fun.

It is time to elevate your gaming tech to get to the next level. By following these easy tips, you will have more fun, guaranteed. Whether you achieve your next goal is up to you. No matter what, with new gaming gear you will have fun trying.

The Gadget Man, Episode 177 – My Incredible Journey into Text-to-Speech and Cloning My Voice with AI Magic.

Note: Listening to the attached Podcast is a must for this article.

*UPDATE* Correct link updated!

Hello, fellow gadget lovers and tech enthusiasts! It’s me again, your friendly neighbourhood Gadget Man, diving into another thrilling tech adventure. Today, I’m stepping into the futuristic realm of text-to-speech technology. But hold onto your hats, because this isn’t just any text-to-speech; we’re talking about cloning your own voice using the latest AI systems!

Remember those sci-fi movies where characters would replicate their voices using high-tech gadgets? Well, guess what? That future is now, and I’ve just had a mind-blowing experience with it. Imagine creating audio that sounds almost 100% identical to your real voice. Sounds like something out of a dream, right? But it’s real, and I’ve done it!

I used a cutting-edge tool from Eleven Labs – yes, the name already sounds like it’s straight out of a sci-fi novel. This technology is so advanced that it can capture the unique nuances of your voice, and then, using AI, it replicates it to create eerily accurate audio. The result? A voice clone that sounds just like me!

Now, you might be wondering, “Is he pulling our leg? Is this for real?” Well, to prove it, the audio you’re hearing in this blog post was created using this very technology. That’s right, you’re not actually hearing me but my digital voice twin! Amazing, isn’t it?

But here’s the kicker – if you’re as excited about this as I am and want to clone your own voice, you can do it too. And here’s how: through our unique affiliate link. That’s right, we’ve teamed up with Eleven Labs to bring you this fantastic opportunity. By using our link, you can jump straight into creating your voice clone.

A little heads-up, though. If you decide to sign up for their paid subscription, we may earn a small commission. But hey, that’s just a small part of supporting our journey to bring you the coolest, most cutting-edge tech insights.

So, why would you want to clone your voice? Well, the applications are endless. From personalizing your digital assistant to creating your podcast episodes, even when you’re too busy to record – the sky’s the limit! And the best part? You don’t need to be a tech wizard to do it. The process is user-friendly and quite intuitive.

In conclusion, stepping into the world of AI voice cloning has been an absolute thrill. It’s not just about the fun or the novelty; it’s about embracing a technology that’s reshaping how we interact with our digital world. Voice cloning might sound like a small step, but believe me, it’s a giant leap in the realm of personal digital expression.

So, what are you waiting for? Click on our affiliate link and start your voice cloning adventure. Who knows, maybe your AI clone will be writing the next blog post for you!

Until next time, this is the Gadget Man, signing off – or should I say, my digital twin is signing off!

For more information, click or scan the QR Code below or simply visit https://revw.uk/elevenlabs

https://revw.uk/elevenlabs
https://revw.uk/elevenlabs

livetrains.uk – A Gadget Man Experiment

LiveTrains UK – My ‘Go-To’ for Real-Time Train Info

Ever found yourself rushing to catch a train, only to find out it’s been delayed? We’ve all been there. That’s exactly why I started LiveTrains UK. It’s a nifty little site that gives you live train times right at your fingertips. Think of it as your personal train time checker – but cooler.

Real-Time Updates Because Who Likes Waiting?

We’re all about making your train travel easier. With LiveTrains UK, you get the latest scoop on train times without the headache. Whether you’re commuting, heading out for a day trip, or just curious, we’ve got you covered. No more guessing games; just quick, accurate info to help plan your journey better.

Easy Peasy to Use

We’ve made sure our site is super easy to use. No complicated stuff – just hop on, find your train times, and you’re good to go. We’re big on keeping things straightforward because, let’s face it, who has the time for complicated?

Still Tweaking Things – Yep, We’re in Beta!

Just a heads-up, LiveTrains UK is still in beta. That means we’re still testing and tweaking things. The idea came from my own itch to find up-to-date train times without the hassle. So, while we’re smoothing out the edges, we’d love for you to give it a whirl and see how it makes your train travels a bit less of a bother.

Visit Live Trains UK at https://livetrains.uk

Joby Wavo Boom Arm Review: The Perfect Companion for Content Creators

Having recently adopted the Wavo Boom Arm into my streaming and podcasting setup, it’s hard to envision a time without it. This piece of equipment truly stands as a testament to Joby’s commitment to professional-grade products for the modern content creator.

Right off the bat, the arm is seamlessly tailored for the Wavo Pod Microphone. It boasts a steady, high-quality construction, ensuring that your microphone is held securely and remains in prime position throughout your recording or streaming sessions. With its impressive payload of up to 1kg, you have the flexibility to integrate various microphones, accommodating even the weightier ones with ease.

Joby Wavo Boom Arm Review: The Perfect Companion for Content Creators
Joby Wavo Boom Arm Review: The Perfect Companion for Content Creators

Aesthetically, the Wavo Boom Arm is a masterpiece. The multicoloured stripes ingeniously hide cables, lending to a clean and contemporary appearance that’s often missing in other boom arms. The matte black shell not only offers a chic look but also provides an added safety feature, shielding users from accidental pinches. Furthermore, the option to personalise the arm with red or black solid rubber covers allows users to maintain a tidy desk space, particularly useful for those like myself who can’t stand a cluttered workspace.

Joby Wavo Boom Arm Review: The Perfect Companion for Content Creators
Joby Wavo Boom Arm Review: The Perfect Companion for Content Creators

The universal attachment is yet another feather in its cap. It effortlessly supports both microphones and cameras, making it perfect for versatile content creation needs. Whether you’re streaming a podcast, or setting up for a top-down tech review, this boom arm is up to the task.

The innovative clamp design is a genuine game-changer. With rubber protections on both top and bottom, there’s no fretting over potential desk damage. It affixes firmly to any surface, ensuring the arm remains steady throughout its range of motion. Plus, the addition of a desk grommet option offers flexibility in setup, catering to individual workspace preferences.

Joby Wavo Boom Arm Review: The Perfect Companion for Content Creators
Joby Wavo Boom Arm Review: The Perfect Companion for Content Creators

But the pièce de résistance has to be the unique JOBY design integrating both a cup and headphones holder. It’s this sort of practical thinking that genuinely showcases the brand’s understanding of its user base. No more scrambling around for headphones or risking liquid mishaps; everything is neatly organised, optimising the entire content creation experience.

Priced at £86.95, it might appear as a hefty investment to some. But given its impeccable design, multifunctionality, and the sheer quality of material used – primarily aluminium – it’s worth every penny.

Really impressed with the build quality and ease of use. This is a really good addition to my setup and I love using it for sound recording.

The Relics of Technology: A Stroll Down Memory Lane

In the rapidly evolving world of technology, it’s easy to forget the gadgets and gizmos that once dominated our lives. Today, we’ll take a nostalgic trip down memory lane, reminiscing about the tech tools that have faded into the annals of history.

  1. Floppy Disks and CD-ROMs:
    Once, the clunky floppy disks and shimmering CD-ROMs were our only recourse to data storage and transfer. They have now gracefully bowed out, making way for sleek USB drives, capacious external hard drives, and the omnipresent cloud storage that promises accessibility from every corner of the globe.
  2. VHS Tapes and VCRs:
    The ritual of rewinding VHS tapes and the magic of VCRs bringing images to life on screen are chapters from a bygone era. They’ve been overshadowed by the crisp clarity of DVDs, Blu-rays, and the instant gratification delivered by streaming services.
  3. Fax Machines:
    The whirring and buzzing of fax machines, once music to the ears of office-goers have been replaced by the silent, instantaneous delivery of emails and other digital communication channels.
  4. BlackBerry:
    Once the pinnacle of business communication with its iconic QWERTY keyboard, BlackBerry has been overshadowed by the touchscreen revolution led by smartphones that offer an array of features and applications making communication and management seamless.

    Once the pinnacle of business communication with its iconic QWERTY keyboard, BlackBerry has been overshadowed by the touchscreen revolution led by smartphones that offer an array of features and applications making communication and management seamless.
    Once the pinnacle of business communication with its iconic QWERTY keyboard, BlackBerry has been overshadowed by the touchscreen revolution led by smartphones that offer an array of features and applications making communication and management seamless.
  5. The Pager:
    The humble pager, a precursor to the mobile revolution, once clipped to belts, has quietly retreated to the shadows as smartphones dominate the communication landscape with various features unimaginable back in the day.
  6. Film Cameras:
    The instant gratification of digital photography has replaced the thrill of loading film and the patience of development. Though a niche of enthusiasts still cherishes the craft of film photography, digital cameras and smartphones have become our lenses to the world.
  7. CRT Monitors:
    The bulky CRT monitors that once occupied desks were replaced by sleek LCD and LED monitors, marking a significant leap in aesthetics and technology.
  8. Cassette Tapes and Players:
    The tactile joy of flipping a cassette tape is a forgotten pleasure. Digital audio and streaming services have ensnared the auditory senses with a promise of endless playlists.
  9. Typewriters:
    The rhythmic clacking of typewriter keys is a sound from a bygone era, replaced by the soft tapping on modern-day keyboards as computers and word-processing software took over.
  10. Rotary Phones:
    The nostalgic spin of the rotary dial has been replaced by the swift taps on touch-tone and mobile phones, making communication faster and smoother.
  11. The Evolution of Industrial Automation:
    Beyond personal gadgets, industrial technology has also undergone dramatic transformations. Take, for example, the
    servo convertidor, an essential component in early automation systems that controlled motor speed with precision.Once a staple in manufacturing plants, these devices have gradually been replaced by more advanced digital controllers and AI-driven automation. The seamless efficiency of modern robotics and smart technology has streamlined production like never before, leaving behind the once-revolutionary servo convertidor as a relic of industrial progress.

Each piece of outdated technology carries with it stories and memories that shaped the era they belonged to. As we embrace the new, it’s a sweet reminiscence to look back at the tech relics that paved the path for today’s digital wonderland.

You can also listen in to my chat with Steve Ladner on BBC Radio Kent by clicking on the play button at the top of the post

Truth in Ratings: How to Protect Your Business and Yourself from Fake Reviews

Fake reviews can significantly impact both businesses and consumers, distorting the perception of products, services, and brands. They can artificially inflate or deflate ratings and can mislead potential buyers. Here are some strategies that both businesses and consumers can use to protect themselves:

Truth in Ratings: How to Protect Your Business and Yourself from Fake Reviews
Truth in Ratings: How to Protect Your Business and Yourself from Fake Reviews

For Businesses:

1. Monitor Reviews Actively: Regularly monitor and analyse reviews for patterns that may indicate fraudulent activity, such as a sudden influx of positive or negative reviews.

2. Utilise Review Verification Services: There are third-party services designed to verify the authenticity of reviews. They can help in filtering out suspicious or inauthentic feedback.

3. Encourage Genuine Reviews: Encourage satisfied customers to leave a review by providing easy-to-follow instructions or even offering incentives. Make sure to follow ethical guidelines in doing so.

4. Implement a Review Policy: Have a clear and transparent review policy that defines what is allowed and not allowed. Make it accessible to customers.

5. Report Fake Reviews: Major review sites often have mechanisms for reporting suspicious reviews. Be sure to make use of these systems when you notice suspicious activity.

6. Engage with Reviews: By actively responding to reviews, both positive and negative, you can often build trust with customers. If you suspect a review is fake, respond professionally, indicating your concern and how you plan to investigate.

7. Educate Your Customers: Let your customers know the importance of genuine reviews and how they can make sure their reviews are counted.

Truth in Ratings: How to Protect Your Business and Yourself from Fake Reviews
Truth in Ratings: How to Protect Your Business and Yourself from Fake Reviews

For Consumers:

1. Check Multiple Sources: Don’t rely on reviews from just one website. Look at different platforms to get a more comprehensive view.

2. Look for Verified Purchasers: Some platforms label reviews from verified purchasers. These are typically more trustworthy.

3. Analyze Review Patterns: If you see a large number of reviews with the same wording or all posted around the same time, they might be fake.

4. Be Skeptical of Extremes: Extremely positive or negative reviews might be fake, especially if they lack specific details about the product or service.

5. Use Review Analysis Tools: Some online tools can analyse reviews and provide a summary or even flag potentially fake reviews.

6. Read Both Positive and Negative Reviews: By reading a mix of positive and negative reviews, you can often get a more balanced view of a product or service.

7. Trust Your Instinct: If something doesn’t feel right, or if a review seems too good to be true, it probably is.

8. Consider Professional Reviews: If possible, look for professional, in-depth reviews from reputable sources.

9. Engage with the Community: Ask questions on forums or social media to get real opinions from real users.

By being proactive and aware, both businesses and consumers can significantly reduce the impact of fake reviews. It requires a combination of vigilance, utilizing available tools and services, and fostering a culture of authenticity and transparency.

Making Streaming Services Not Suck Again

If you have been paying attention to the ways in which we use streaming services, then you might have well noticed that they have changed a lot over the years, and not always (or usually) for the better. Aside from some top-quality shows getting cancelled, it feels like more and more content is getting gated, split off, and otherwise made harder for us to enjoy. We may not be able to return to the peak of online TV streaming, but there are some ways to make it suck less.

Don’t commit to them

Okay, so it might be a little inconvenient to think about which streaming service you’re going to be using each and every month but the truth is that being “loyal” doesn’t pay. You don’t get any bonuses for staying with any particular service for longer and, most importantly, you’re not locked down to any one service for any period of time. Most streaming services operate on a pay-as-you-go monthly basis. As such, you can make sure that you’re subscribed to whatever services are helping you watch whichever shows you’re invested in at the moment, and then, when you’re done with that, use a comparison site to find a service that’s offering a better selection for you next month.

Get access to overseas content

One of the ways that streaming sites have been increasingly gating off the content that they allow us to access is through region-locked content. This can be due to licensing issues, or not getting the rights to broadcast in all countries, but sometimes, it’s literally just because they don’t think certain media will appeal to certain audiences. If you want to learn how to watch Hulu with VPN, it’s super easy to be able to access the roster that some of your overseas friends might be gushing about. This way, you can make sure that you don’t get all amped up to watch something that you heard was available, only for inevitable disappointment when you find out it’s not available in your region.

Consider using some free options

If you’re starting to look at your budget and you’re a little distressed by just how much of it is taken up by subscription services, then it might be time for a detox. While you could switch to a method of switching sites month by month, you should also look at the sheer variety of free streaming services that are still available. Unlike a few years back, piracy isn’t your only option when it comes to watching shows that you can’t otherwise access. Most of these free streaming services do rely on ads, so you might not be getting exactly the same experience, but it’s not that bad a trade-off, overall.

With the increasing move of streaming services to a model that’s closer to traditional cable TV, we might be trying to hold back the tide. However, you can at least ensure that you get to enjoy your streaming services a little better for a little longer with the tips above.

Using AI to write blog posts

In today’s fast-paced digital world, it’s no surprise that many businesses and individuals are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to help them with various tasks, including writing blog posts. AI technology has come a long way in recent years, and it has the potential to help bloggers save time and improve the quality of their content.

Using AI to write blog posts - created by Midjourney
Using AI to write blog posts – created by Midjourney

One of the biggest advantages of using AI to write blog posts is that it can help save time. Rather than spending hours researching, outlining, writing, and editing a blog post, you can use AI to quickly generate high-quality content. This can be especially useful if you’re crunched for time or if you need to produce a large volume of content on a regular basis.

Another advantage of using AI to write blog posts is that it can help improve the quality of your content. AI technology can analyze your existing content and use that information to generate new posts that are similar in style and tone. This can be especially useful if you want to maintain a consistent voice and tone throughout your blog. Additionally, AI can use natural language processing to ensure that your content is well-written and easy to read.

Of course, using AI to write blog posts is not without its challenges. One of the biggest challenges is that AI technology is not yet capable of fully replicating human creativity and intuition. As a result, your AI-generated content may not always be as engaging or original as content that is written by a human. Additionally, AI technology is still in its early stages, and it may not always produce error-free content.

Despite these challenges, using AI to write blog posts can be a valuable tool for bloggers who are looking to save time and improve the quality of their content. As AI technology continues to advance, it’s likely that we’ll see even more sophisticated tools that can help bloggers generate high-quality content quickly and easily. In the meantime, it’s worth considering using AI to write blog posts if you’re looking for ways to streamline your content creation process and produce high-quality content on a regular basis.

This post was written by ChatGPT (AI)
Tags produced by ChatGPT (AI)
Images created using Midjourney (AI)
All pasted by Matt Porter The Gadget Man (Human)

New tech solution will address the ‘cocktail party problem’ 

  • Leading listening tech provider, Nuance Hearing, has launched a state-of-the-art directional microphone to help address the ‘cocktail party problem’. 
  • The ‘cocktail party problem’ – an inability to understand speech in a noisy environment – can affect up to 41 per cent of adults, according to research. 
  • The Voice Selector Converse uses built-in microphones and an advanced algorithm to track the source of sounds, allowing the user to easily focus on a conversation and tune out background noise. 
  • In tests, users were able to understand speech on average three times better than without the product. 
Nuance Hearing - New tech solution will address the 'cocktail party problem' 
Nuance Hearing – New tech solution will address the ‘cocktail party problem’

Nuance Hearing, a leading global provider of focused listening technology, has launched a new device that provides powerful relief from auditory distraction and background noise. 

The Voice Selector Converse helps overcome challenging hearing situations for those who struggle with the ‘cocktail party problem’, offering a tech solution to understand conversations in a crowded room, without the need for hearing aids. 

Using cutting-edge beamforming technology, eight built-in microphones track the source of sounds, reducing the level of background noise and enabling the user to focus on the dominant voice. The result is a world-leading directivity index (the relative reduction of overall noise in relation to the target sound) of 15dB in real-time performance, which compares to an industry-standard of 4-5dB. This improvement helps the listener to focus, effortlessly tuning out the sounds that do not matter and tuning into the ones that do. 

In audiology testing, users were able to understand speech on average three times better than without the product. 

Ori Goren, CEO of Nuance Hearing, said: “Since 2015, we have been delivering powerful and advanced hearing solutions that deliver optimum performance. We know that many people in the UK are suffering in silence, unable to feel comfortable or enjoy conversing in busy environments, and are proud to have launched an innovative tech solution to help combat this. Through innovative technological solutions, we are passionate about improving the quality of life for a diverse group of people, making every environment more accessible and helping ensure personal success and empowerment.” 

New research* suggests that 41 percent of all UK adults admit to having the ‘cocktail party problem’ where they struggle to understand speech in a noisy environment. Over a third (36 percent) said noisy environments caused them stress and anxiety and 60 percent of those with hearing problems said they would be open to trying out tech to help them hear in a busy environment.

The Voice Selector Converse has unique auto-steering technology which picks up the dominant speaker, even when they are moving about. Alternatively, the user can manually switch between speakers when conversing a group. 

It also captures, processes, and plays audio at a record speed of six milliseconds (0.006 seconds). It’s a multifunctional device and can be used as a table microphone or remote microphone – ideal for most scenarios where background noise can be an issue. 

Hearing loss currently affects 12 million people in the UK. The World Health Organisation estimates that 1 in 5 people worldwide live with hearing loss, expected to rise to 1 in 4 by 2050. Unaddressed hearing loss can have a devastating impact on people’s ability to communicate, study and earn a living. It can also impact on people’s mental health and their ability to sustain relationships1 and has recently been associated with a faster degree of cognitive decline. On average, people wait ten years before getting help for hearing loss. The ‘cocktail party problem’ where people have difficulty understanding speech in noisy situations can often be the first sign of a hearing loss.                                                                          

Franki Oliver, audiology specialist, RNID, said:“While it might not seem obvious at first, having difficulty understanding speech in background noise is usually one of the early signs of hearing loss. The ‘cocktail party problem’ is the name used to describe the brain’s inability to filter out background noise and tune into what someone is saying in a busy environment. Most people with hearing loss experience difficulty in these situations. 

“It’s important to check your hearing if you start to notice difficulty in background noise, feel that people mumble, or you ask people to repeat themselves. It’s second nature for people to have their eyes checked regularly but we don’t have the same attitude towards getting our hearing checked yet. The sooner hearing loss is identified, the earlier someone can start benefiting from life-changing hearing devices. Hearing loss can also be linked to conditions such as dementia so early intervention is vital.”

Gadget Man – Episode 173 – Repair your own Apple devices?

I’m back again for a new episode of the podcast which features me chatting to Lesley Dolphin at BBC Radio Suffolk about Apples plans to allow their devices to be repaired.

Pretty much everyone is in shock at this decision, which isn’t quite as welcome as it could be.

Listen in to the stream to find out more!