Category Archives: Podcast

Maono Unveils Wave T5 Wireless Lavalier Microphone – Studio-Quality Sound for Content Creators

If you’re a content creator, videographer, or photographer looking to elevate your audio game, the newly launched Maono Wave T5 Wireless Lavalier Microphone might just be your next must-have gadget. With exceptional sound quality, intelligent noise cancellation, and a 30-hour battery life, this compact mic is designed to deliver crystal-clear, professional-grade audio—wherever your creativity takes you.

Maono Unveils Wave T5 Wireless Lavalier Microphone – Studio-Quality Sound for Content Creators
Maono Unveils Wave T5 Wireless Lavalier Microphone – Studio-Quality Sound for Content Creators

Premium Audio in a Compact Lavalier Mic

The Wave T5 is engineered to capture every detail, from the quietest whispers to powerful vocal performances, thanks to its 120dB maximum SPL and 80dB signal-to-noise ratio. It delivers studio-level 48kHz/24-bit resolution, ensuring that every recording is crisp and full of depth.

One of its standout features is its advanced noise cancellation, which offers:
Three noise cancellation modes
14 levels of noise reduction
Clear, interference-free sound even in noisy environments

Designed for Content Creators on the Go

Built for convenience and ease of use, the Wave T5 introduces “Click to Mute, Hold to Shoot” functionality, making the recording process as intuitive as possible. With an impressive 30-hour battery life, you can record all day without interruptions.

Other notable features include:
🎙️ Magnetic attachment for flexible, comfortable wear
🎙️ Real-time playback for instant audio review
🎙️ Four voice filters (Vocal, Magnetic, Warm, Bright) to fine-tune your sound
🎙️ 300m wireless range, ensuring stable audio transmission

Versatile Compatibility for Any Setup

No matter what device you use, the Wave T5 has you covered with multiple receiver options:

🔹 USB Type-C – Works with iPhone 16/15, Samsung, OnePlus, iPad, MacBook
🔹 Lightning Connector – Compatible with iPhone 14 down to iPhone 6
🔹 3.5mm Receiver – For laptops, cameras, and PCs

Pricing & Availability

The Maono Wave T5 is available in four variations (Type-C, Lightning, Combo, and Camera) and can be purchased from:

📦 Amazon US & Maono’s websiteStarting at $119.99
📦 Amazon UKLaunching end of March for £135

For more details and to purchase, visit Maono’s website or check it out on Amazon.

Maono Unveils Wave T5 Wireless Lavalier Microphone – Studio-Quality Sound for Content Creators
Maono Unveils Wave T5 Wireless Lavalier Microphone – Studio-Quality Sound for Content Creators

Final Thoughts

With its premium audio performance, long battery life, and flexible compatibility, the Maono Wave T5 is a game-changer for content creators and professionals alike. Whether you’re filming YouTube videos, interviews, podcasts, or live streams, this wireless lavalier mic delivers broadcast-quality audio in a compact, portable package.

Will you be upgrading your audio setup with the Wave T5? Let us know in the comments! 🎤✨

Global Windows Crash Crisis: Crowdstrike Falcon Sensor Update “Defect” Disrupts Key Sectors Worldwide

Today, I’m addressing a significant issue affecting numerous Windows users worldwide. Reports have emerged of widespread crashes, commonly referred to as the “blue screen of death,” impacting various critical sectors, from transportation to banking and media.

I spoke with Sarah Julian at BBC Radio WM about the worldwide problems that continue to persist

Understanding the Issue:

The root cause of these crashes has been traced back to an overnight software update for CrowdStrike’s Falcon Sensor. For those unfamiliar, Falcon Sensor is a security tool designed to act as a sentinel for your computer, monitoring and protecting against malicious activities. A single corrupted system file from this update is causing Windows systems to crash upon booting.

Why This Matters:

Windows holds a substantial market share, with 72% of global computers running this operating system. The automatic update to Falcon Sensor has inadvertently introduced a fault, leading to these severe crashes. The update, once applied, seems to corrupt system functionality, causing the dreaded blue screen on countless machines.

Impact Across Sectors:

The ripple effect of this issue is profound. The update has disrupted services across various sectors:

  • Transportation: Both train and plane operations have been hampered.
  • Banking: Financial institutions are facing operational challenges, with payment systems affected.
  • Media: Broadcast systems have been affected, causing interruptions, including Sky News and CBBC.
  • Healthcare: NHS GP surgery systems are impacted, with reports of doctors having to handwrite prescriptions.
  • Emergency Services: Even essential services like emergency call centres have not been spared.
  • Airports: Airports, including Birmingham Airport, have reported issues with check-in services, and operations at the Port of Dover are also impacted.

Al Lakhani, CEO of IDEE, said:

“Many people might be thanking Microsoft for their accidental day off, but countless businesses are suffering due to Microsoft’s and their partners’ failure to maintain their services. This incident underscores the importance of businesses thoroughly researching and vetting their cybersecurity solutions before implementation. Microsoft clearly fell short in this regard, and we are witnessing a cascade of operational failures around the world as a result.”

“CrowdStrike’s platform approach, which relies on a single agent focused on detection, might seem good at first glance, but as we can see, it can create significant issues. For instance, agents require installation and maintenance of software on multiple different OSes, adding layers of complexity and potential points of failure. Moreover, agents can become a single point of failure, as a bad update can compromise the entire network, as seen with the SolarWinds attack.

“The lesson here is blindingly obvious: investing in cybersecurity is not just about acquiring the latest or most popular tools but ensuring those tools are reliable and resilient. This is why businesses must prioritise agentless solutions like MFA 2.0, which reduce the risk of widespread failures and ensure more resilient defences.”

Cloudstrike Falcon Sensor Blue Screen of Death BSOD Global Outage
Cloudstrike Falcon Sensor Blue Screen of Death BSOD Global Outage

Current Status and Actions:

Microsoft has acknowledged the problem and stated that a fix is in place. However, this does not immediately rectify the situation for all affected devices. Many computers remain non-functional, and a manual fix may be required. One proposed solution involves removing the corrupted update link to restore system operations.

Security Concerns:

This incident raises critical questions about our reliance on third-party providers and the level of access they have to our systems. The Falcon Sensor update had kernel-level access, the deepest level of system access, which allowed it to cause such widespread disruption.

Tech Alert Windows Crashes Related to Falcon Server
Tech Alert Windows Crashes Related to Falcon Server

Moving Forward:

As we navigate this challenging situation, it’s essential to stay informed and take proactive steps to secure our systems. Further updates will be provided as new information becomes available and solutions are implemented.

For now, if you’re experiencing issues, consult with your IT department or follow the suggested manual fix to remove the problematic update. Manual intervention is likely to be needed to address the corrupted system file causing the crashes. Stay vigilant and prioritise your system’s security.

The Gadget Man General Election Special Part One – We Love Hitchin Interviews – Alistair Strathern Labour Party Candidate for Hitchin Constituency

The We Love Hitchin Interviews 2024 were conducted by Gadget Man, Matt Porter, who is also the founder of We Love Hitchin.

Matt took the initiative to interview each candidate running for the Hitchin Constituency in the General Election, providing an in-depth look at their visions and plans for the community.

You can view the interview below or listen to the podcast episode by clicking the play-head above.

Introduction and Background

The interview kicked off with Matt Porter, the Founder of We Love Hitchin, welcoming Alistair Strathern. Alistair shared insights into his background and explained why he decided to run for this seat. His motivations are rooted in a deep commitment to the community and a desire to bring meaningful change to Hitchin.

Key Issues Discussed

Cost of Living Crisis Alistair addressed the pressing issue of the cost of living crisis, outlining his plans to alleviate economic pressures on Hitchin residents. He emphasized the importance of creating a sustainable economic environment that supports all citizens.

NHS and Healthcare Healthcare was another major topic. Alistair spoke passionately about his vision for improving NHS services, ensuring that healthcare is accessible and efficient for everyone in the constituency.

Economy Discussing the economy, Alistair highlighted strategies for economic growth and stability. His plans focus on supporting local businesses and creating job opportunities to boost the local economy.

Climate Change and Environment On environmental issues, Alistair shared his approach to tackling climate change and promoting sustainability. His vision includes implementing green initiatives and supporting eco-friendly policies.

Crime Alistair also talked about measures to enhance safety and reduce crime in Hitchin. He stressed the need for a robust policing strategy and community engagement to create a safer environment.

Housing Addressing housing issues, Alistair discussed his plans to increase affordable housing and improve living conditions for all residents. He highlighted the importance of providing quality housing to support a thriving community.

Roads Infrastructure and road maintenance were also on the agenda. Alistair outlined his proposals for improving the condition of roads and ensuring better connectivity within Hitchin.

Community Questions

Public Ownership of Water Companies Andrea, a community member, asked about Alistair’s stance on bringing water companies back into public ownership. Alistair expressed his support for this move, emphasizing the importance of keeping essential resources under public control.

AI Safety Martin raised concerns about artificial intelligence and its safe use. Alistair acknowledged the potential risks of AI and advocated for stringent regulations to ensure it is used responsibly.

Gaza War and Palestine Recognition Nyland and Lauren asked about providing assistance in the Gaza conflict and recognizing Palestine as an independent state. Alistair shared his views on international policy and humanitarian aid, emphasizing the need for a balanced and compassionate approach.

Support for Special Needs Children Vanessa and Nicola, who have special needs children, asked about support for SEN families. Alistair pledged to improve resources and funding for special needs education and social care, aiming to provide better support for these vulnerable families.

Closing Remarks

In his closing remarks, Alistair Strathern appealed to the voters, highlighting his dedication to representing Hitchin and addressing its key issues. He urged the community to vote for him on the 4th of July, promising to work tirelessly for a fairer and more inclusive future.


Election Results for Hitchin Constituency 2024

The General Election results for the Hitchin Constituency have been announced. Here are the final tallies:

  • Bim Afolami (The Conservative Party Candidate): 14,958 votes
  • Charles Bunker (Reform UK): 6,760 votes
  • Sid Cordle (Christian Peoples Alliance): 181 votes
  • Will Lavin (Green Party): 2,631 votes
  • Chris Lucas (Liberal Democrats): 4,913 votes
  • Alistair Strathern (Labour Party): 23,067 votes – Elected

Congratulations to Alistair Strathern MP, the newly elected Member of Parliament for Hitchin! His victory marks a significant shift in the constituency, and we look forward to seeing his plans for Hitchin come to fruition.

Watch and Listen

Don’t miss the full interview with Alistair Strathern! Watch it on our YouTube channel and listen to the podcast episode available on all major platforms. Your support and engagement help us bring more insightful content and coverage of important local issues.

Stay tuned for more updates and interviews on The Gadget Man and don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe.

JOBY and Casey Neistat Raise the Volume with the Ultimate Creator Contest that Showcases the Wavo PRO Mic

JOBY, the go-to brand for content creator gear, announces its collaboration with the multimillion-subscriber YouTube personality and vlogging godfather, Casey Neistat, to shine a light on the JOBY Wavo PRO shotgun microphone. The new go-to, on-camera mic built for storytellers, filmmakers and expert content creators combines broadcast-level audio performance with superior voice intelligibility.

JOBY, being a brand that stands for creators, teamed up with world-renowned content creator Casey Neistat to launch the contest of a lifetime. The competition gives the next generation of storytellers around the globe the chance to achieve their dream of becoming the next top creator, thanks to the top prize being not only the chance to co-create a video with the one and only Neistat but to have it featured on his YouTube channel.

During the contest, running from September 15th to October 17th across the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and India, JOBY and Casey will invite the community to share their most creative and original video ever realized. The mechanics to participate are designed to reflect JOBY’s iconic simplicity: just a few simple steps to great creator possibility!

  • Step 1: Creators simply fill out a form on the contest landing page or JOBY social media channels
  • Step 2: Submit a link to their most creative and original video ever created
  • Step 3: Follow @JOBYinc on Instagram to stay up to date.
  • Step 4: Win endless prizes and the chance to co-create with Neistat

The top 5 winners will celebrate with an all-inclusive trip to a secret location in the United States for the ultimate creator experience: working alongside Casey to create a video with Wavo PRO and all its features. The video will be featured on Neistat’s YouTube page on November 23rd, reaching his current 12.4 million subscribers. To further connect creators with JOBY products, the next best 95 creators will win $100K worth of products and discounts to help them upgrade their content creation.

However, the prizes don’t stop there: together with the 100 winners that will be announced on October 28th, JOBY will extract an additional four bonus winners for five consecutive Wednesdays, starting September 19th, for weekly prizes in order to help creators to level up their content right away.

As a brand, JOBY has always supported creators in uplifting their creativity thanks to the development of quality products that simplify workflow, make delivering content easy and ensure fun along the way. JOBY’s ‘born by listening to creators’ mantra, developed in the 2020 Song of Us Campaign, was equally leveraged in the newest JOBY Wavo mic lineup, enabling JOBY to further connect with its global community.

Rock your audio with Casey and Wavo Pro
Rock your audio with Casey and Wavo Pro

The flagship product of the JOBY Wavo lineup, released in January 2022, Wavo PRO, is the ultimate professional on-camera microphone for creators and filmmakers. The new audio range provides creators like Neistat with crisper and clearer sound for pro-level content.

The Wavo PRO is packed with features like Active Noise Reduction for clearer sound, built-in LEDs that monitor battery and audio levels in real-time, a second built-in mi input and more. The Wavo PRO is designed to equip creators like Neistat with top-notch quality gear for amazing content. Through the contest, JOBY aims to reach a wider creator audience, helping to uplift their content creator potential.

Beyond the flagship Wavo PRO, JOBY has microphones that can be used in a variety of scenarios by all creators – whether just starting out or already established.

  • The Wavo PRO DS is the perfect companion for those just starting out.  This shotgun microphone shares most of the pro-grade components of the flagship Wavo PRO, but is designed to deliver high-quality audio with a more streamlined user experience.
  • The Wavo AIR is an ‘instant-pairing’ wireless microphone kit designed for creators who need freedom in front of the camera. From food vloggers to virtual fitness instructors, Wavo AIR is perfect for delivering tight, broadcast-quality sound – even at a distance.
  • Wavo POD is JOBY’s large-diaphragm, USB condenser microphone for audio streamers. The mic is designed for the everyday podcaster or game streamer, featuring the versatility of both cardioid and omnidirectional pickup patterns with 24bit/48kHz high-res sampling rates.
  • The Wavo Lav PRO is a pro-grade lavalier mic designed for big sound with a small footprint. The Wavo Lav PRO introduces a high-quality lavalier microphone with discreet capsule dimensions and sound fit for the Wavo PRO.
  • More microphones are set to come this year, so stay tuned!

To learn more about the competition and JOBY check out the campaign, now live.

Gadget Man – Episode 172 – Cat S42 Smartphone

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of talking to Tim Shepherd, Senior Director of Bullitt Group. Bullitt is the sole manufacturer and license holder of CAT Smartphones and Feature-phones.

You can also read the announcement of the CAT S42 Smartphone

The S42 can be cleaned with soap and water
The S42 can be cleaned with soap and water

During the interview, Tim talks in-depth about the ‘Anti-Microbial’ CAT S42 Smartphone which is the world’s first Anti-Bacterial Phone.

You can listen in to the interview in full and if you would like to read about the new device, read out blog-post here.

The CAT S42 Smartphone is currently available to purchase for £228 from Rugged Mobiles the new Anti-Microbial version will be available in early 2021.

 

New Podcast Series explores Shakespeare’s place in the 21st Century

The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, the independent charity that promotes the works, life and times of William Shakespeare in his hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon, is launching a new podcast series exploring Shakespeare’s place in the modern world.

Titled Shakespeare Alive, the six-part podcast series launches on Tuesday, 17 November and is hosted by the Trust’s Shakespeare experts Dr Paul Edmondson and Dr Anjna Chouhan. Taking a fresh perspective on conversations about Shakespeare, Paul and Anjna’s guests include theatre professionals and artists from around the world discussing their relationships with Shakespeare, and his relevance in society today.

Thanks to support from Arts Council England, Shakespeare Alive is available for free and is accessible across a number of podcast platforms including Apple, Google and Spotify, and on the Trust’s website shakespeare.org.uk/shakespeare-alive.

Kicking-off the series is a captivating discussion about multi-racial casting in Shakespeare, featuring Dr Farah Karim-Cooper of Shakespeare’s Globe. In this first episode, Karim-Cooper’s discussion includes considering the treatment of race in Shakespeare’s plays and how this might be interpreted by audiences.

Paul Taylor, acting director of cultural engagement at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, said, “The Covid-19 pandemic has emphasised a need to adapt and explore new ways of connecting with audiences via digital channels. With the support of Arts Council England, we are pleased to be able to produce digital content that brings Shakespeare’s culture and his continuing relevance to a contemporary audience in the comfort of their homes. We hope that this podcast will be a compelling source of interest and inspiration to our listeners, especially during these challenging times.”

New podcast series explores Shakespeare’s place in the 21st century
Shakespeare Alive is available for free and is accessible across a number of podcast platforms

Shakespeare Alive episode guide:

Shakespeare and Race, with Dr Farah Karim-Cooper – Shakespeare’s Globe

Dr Farah Karim-Cooper, Head of Higher Education and Research at Shakespeare’s Globe, talks to Paul Edmondson about her first encounter with Shakespeare, her experiences of academia and her work on the Shakespeare and Race festival.

Illustrating Shakespeare, with Mya Gosling – Good Tickle Brain

Mastermind of the comic brand, Good Tickle Brain, Mya Gosling talks to Anjna Chouhan about breaking down barriers and making Shakespeare accessible and fun, through irreverence and illustration.

Becoming Othello, with Debra Ann Byrd – The Harlem Shakespeare Festival

The Artistic Director of the Harlem Shakespeare Festival talks to Paul Edmondson about why she founded her company, and the inspiration for her important memoir: Becoming Othello, A Black Girl’s Journey.

Resurrecting Shakespeare, with Victoria Baumgartner – Will & Co

Founder of theatre company Will & Co, Victoria Baumgartner, talks to Anjna Chouhan about her successful play, Will, and all about her ground-breaking project, Bard in the Yard, to bring Shakespeare to audiences during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Directing Shakespeare, with Gregory Doran – The Royal Shakespeare Company

The Artistic Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), Gregory Doran, talks to Paul Edmondson about what made him a Shakespearian and what that means to him personally, and to the company. They also discuss cross-gendered casting, and how theatrical performance brings Shakespeare to life in our own time and culture.

Reviewing Shakespeare, with Nathan and Simon Dowling – The Break a Leggers

YouTube vlogging sensations, Nathan and Simon Dowling of The Break a Leggers, talk to Anjna Chouhan about their experiences of reviewing theatre and their expectations of watching live Shakespeare in the modern world.

Shakespeare Alive is produced by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and supported by Arts Council England. For more information, see www.shakespeare.org.uk/shakespeare-alive

Gadget Man – Episode 170 – Cat S62 Pro with Thermal Imaging, Humax Aura 4K Freeview Box and problems with Ring

Welcome to Gadget Man Episode 170, here I talk to James Hazell at BBC Radio Suffolk about the CAT S62 Pro mobile phone with FLIR thermal imaging camera, the Humax Aura Android TV 4K Freeview Play Recorder, and the issues that some owners of Ring doorbells have been experiencing due to incorrect installation.

Cat S62 Pro FLIR Lepton Thermal Imaging Camera
Cat S62 Pro FLIR Lepton Thermal Imaging Camera

I will be adding full reviews of the CAT S62 Pro and Humax Aura over the coming days.

The Humax Aura 4K Freeview  can be purchased through Amazon here

The CAT S62 Pro can also be purchased from Rugged Mobiles

We earn a commission from Amazon for sales made through our links.


Stay well
Matt

Gadget Man – Episode 168 – Snakebyte E-Sports Starter Kit – Covid Track and Trace – Ordo Sonic+ Toothbrush – iPhone 12

This is the slightly delayed episode from 15th October 2020. Packed with lots of news and comment. Here I discuss the Snakebyte E-Sports Starter Kit Package , Covid Track and Trace, the Ordo Sonic+ Toothbrush and the iPhone 12 (in four different sizes!).

You can listen in to the recording above or subscribe using your favourite podcast player. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, share or comment! See you presently! Matt.

Ordo Sonic+ Toothbrush
Ordo Sonic+ Toothbrush
Snakebyte E-Sports Starter Kit
Snakebyte E-Sports Starter Kit
Apple iPhone12, iPhone12 Pro, iPad Air
Apple iPhone12, iPhone12 Pro, iPad Air – Image Apple Inc

 

Gadget Man – Episode 167 – Kebao Air 3 – Game Changing Air Purification arrives in the UK

Having spent the summer starting new businesses, building websites and gadgets, as well as building global distribution networks and running the home for a short while, I return with my latest review and podcast episode.

This week I am talking to James Hazell at BBC Radio Suffolk about the NHS England Track and Trace App (part ii) and most excitingly, my experience with the Kebao Air 3 which is a truly futuristic gadget!

Listen in to the stream and read on to find out more about the Kebao Air 3 Air Purifer.

Kebao Air 3: Game-Changing air purification comes to the UK!

Poor air quality has become one of the largest environmental risks to the health of people of the United Kingdom and with the Coronavirus Pandemic, it has become more important than ever that we breathe healthy air that is free from harmful particles and unpleasant viruses.

So, it was incredibly timely that I was recently contacted by Kebao to test their new ‘filterless’ air purifier, namely the Kebao Air 3.

The Air 3 combines sleek design with cutting edge technology, which in turn completely eliminates 99.99% of airborne pollutants, viruses, bacteria and allergens and consequently provides ‘Surgical Grade’ air and deodorisation.

Instead of using standard High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters that can capture particulate matter of 0.3 microns or larger with 99.95% efficiency (a human hair is between 17 and 181 microns), the Kebao Air 3 is capable of eliminating particles down to a size of 0.01 microns. This is a big deal because COVID19 particles are around 0.12 microns in size, small enough to pass through a HEPA filter, but the too big to pass through the Air 3!

The Kebao Air 3 does this using a brand-new type of 5-stage filtration. Stage 1 is a pre-filter which removes larger particles from the air and can be cleaned and reused for the lifetime of the product. Stage 2 uses a high-voltage negative charge to deactivate viruses and bacteria and retains the debris on charged plates stopping re-release. Stage 3 using a mind-blowing ‘Photocatalytic Oxidisation’ based on Albert Einstein’s ‘Photon Energy’. UV light initiates a stepwise free radical decomposition of organic compounds, which produces water and carbon dioxide as a by-product. The Air 3 has 48 LED bulbs and a Ti02 alumina ceramic photocatalytic ozone-free filter. Stage 4 uses 4kg of loose granulated carbon, impregnated with amines which absorb and decomposes any harmful gasses. Stage 5 Surgical grade, deodorised air is circulated through you room clear of 99.99% of harmful particulates!

The display shows air quality in two readings, the first two numbers are the temperature and humidity, the second set are PM2.5 and TVOC readings. PM2.5 is a measure of the number of particles less than 2.5 microns in size and are caused by burning fuel, chemical reactions and forest fires. PM2.5 particles are very unhealthy, causing eye, nose and throat irritations, coughing, sneezing and shortness of breath. They can also cause asthma, chronic bronchitis and heart disease. In the UK, air must remain below 25, the WHO recommends below 10, London’s average is 10, my house is currently 1 after having the Air 3 running for over a week!

The second setting is TVOC (Total Volatile Organic Compound) which is another way of measuring air quality, again this was negligible at 0.02 after a week of running.

All of this amazing technology comes at a price. The unit is aimed at commercial enterprises who want to keep their staff and customers safe, so it would suit a restaurant or office space as it is actively cleaning the air the whole time. The price of £1600 reflects a premium commercial product, but I can honestly see it becoming something of a norm in the UK especially due to the current crisis!

The Kebao Air 3 is available to buy directly from Kebao

Stay safe

Gadget Man – Episode 166 – Is that really you? Three ways to avoid phishing email, the audio version

Following up on my previous blog post avoiding phishing emails, I present the audio version, but is it really me at all?

Tune in and listen, and do let me know what you think?

See you next time!

Stay Safe, Matt