Category Archives: Press Release

Mowasalat Teams Up with AEMOB to Revolutionize the Future of e-Mobility

In what could be a game-changer for the world of autonomous e-mobility, Mowasalat (Karwa), Qatar’s premier transportation company, has officially partnered with the Autonomous e-Mobility Forum (AEMOB). This groundbreaking collaboration is set to pave the way for cutting-edge, sustainable transport solutions that are as smart as they are eco-friendly.

The Drive Towards a Sustainable Future

The AEMOB, which is gaining momentum in the global e-mobility conversation, is hosting its next big event in Doha, Qatar, from April 30 to May 2, 2024, under the patronage of His Excellency Jassim Saif Ahmed Al Sulaiti, Minister of Transport. With the Ministry of Transport at the helm as a strategic partner, the forum is expected to be nothing short of a hotbed for innovation.

A Partnership of Progressive Minds

Mowasalat’s entry into this partnership is not just a step but a giant leap towards intelligent transport solutions that are tailor-made for Qatar’s needs while contributing to the global e-mobility landscape. Ahmad Hassan Al-Obaidly, COO of Mowasalat, couldn’t hide his excitement: “This isn’t just about being at the forefront of technology; it’s about being responsible stewards of the environment. We’re ready to drive the future of e-mobility, not just in Qatar, but globally.”

On the Road to Qatar National Vision 2030

This collaboration aligns perfectly with the Qatar National Vision 2030, propelling the nation towards a future where driverless e-mobility is not just a concept, but a reality. The 2024 AEMOB Forum is set to be a cornerstone event that brings together the brightest minds from government, industry, academia, and the media.

Join the Movement

Interested in being part of the e-mobility revolution? Tickets for the AEMOB Forum are up for grabs! Visit www.aemobforum.com to secure your spot among policymakers, tech gurus, and industry leaders. And for a deep dive into Mowasalat’s world of transport innovations, head over to www.mowasalat.com.

For all the tech enthusiasts and sustainable transport advocates out there, stay tuned to The Gadget Man for more updates on this exciting partnership!

Sandberg launches intelligent Motion Tracking Phone Mount in the UK

Danish mobile accessories brand, Sandberg A/S, is pleased to introduce its Motion Tracking Phone Mount. An intelligent phone mount with motion tracking AI that follows the user in any direction as they move, it is a great accessory for work, fitness and social media. The Sandberg Motion Tracking Phone Mount is available for £64.99 from Amazon and Sandberg.

Sandberg launches intelligent Motion Tracking Phone Mount in the UK
Sandberg launches intelligent Motion Tracking Phone Mount in the UK

The mount provides users with the ability to record or view content or meetings in a more convenient way. Featuring a 360-degree tracking rotation, the mount automatically tracks the movement of the user through motion tracking AI to ensure that the best view is always given – ideal for those who record content for social media, take part in online fitness classes, attend online meetings or presentations or simply video call friends or family.

Sandberg launches intelligent Motion Tracking Phone Mount in the UK

With an embedded and rechargeable battery that provides up to 8 hours of use, it provides users with more than enough time to record or stream anything without the need for wires or a power outlet. From taking part in exercise classes in the garden and being able to view instructions easily as the user moves around to presenting in an online meeting inside, there will be enough battery to cover any activity and it can be used anywhere. With no app needed and a universal fit for phones between 4cm and 8.5cm, as well as a tripod mount, it is convenient and able to be used by most smartphone owners.

Sandberg launches intelligent Motion Tracking Phone Mount in the UK

Sandberg is so sure of the quality of this product that they provide 5 years warranty and it is double quality tested to ensure it is up to its high standards and provides users with a great quality product for an affordable price.

The Sandberg Motion Tracking Phone Mount is available from Amazon and Sandberg for £64.99.

Battery Start-Up Theion Unveils Crystal Battery for all Mobile Applications

Theion, a global battery manufacturer of lithium-sulphur cathode technology, today announced the appointment of Dr Ulrich Ehmes as CEO and the upcoming commercial availability of its Crystal Battery for applications, beginning with the aerospace sector. Dr Ehmes, who has a long track record of industrialising battery production at companies like Swiss-listed lithium-ion battery company Leclanché, will lead the commercialisation of Theion’s innovative lithium-sulphur cathode technology, which is targeting triple the range and usage time compared to conventional lithium-ion cells.

Theion’s battery innovation is based on sulphur – a material available In abundance without harmful mining (a byproduct of industrial processes). Sulphur replaces cathode materials with high processing cost and high metal content like nickel and cobalt. As a result, sulphur is not only 99% cheaper to source than the cathode materials, used in existing state-of-the-art lithium-ion batteries, but Theion’s battery cells also require 90% less energy to produce – from raw material to finished cell.

Under the leadership of Dr Ehmes, Theion will leverage his decade-long experience in the battery manufacturing sector to scale production. Dr Ehmes also serves on the Board of major battery research clusters funded by the German Ministry of Research and Education and is a member of European and German battery associations.

“I joined Theion because I am convinced that selecting the right battery active materials and processing these materials in a way that best leverages the material’s storage property, will disrupt the battery industry to another level,” said Dr Ulrich Ehmes, Theion CEO. “With 16 patents pending, our process innovations are scalable, and will bring a new dimension of mobility, range, usage time and sustainability.”

Theion’s patented production process extends the cycle life of batteries by combining sulphur’s crystal material properties with carbon nanotubes and a proprietary solid electrolyte. The company will be shipping material later this year, firstly to aerospace customers, as part of the qualification stage, then to aircraft, air taxis, drones, mobile phones and laptops, before servicing the electric flight and automotive sectors in 2024.

Battery Start-Up Theion Unveils Crystal Battery for all Mobile Applications
Battery Start-Up Theion Unveils Crystal Battery for all Mobile Applications

“We are using mother nature’s crystals under the guidance of our patented processes to unlock sulphur’s full potential as an energy carrier,” said Marek Slavik, Theion co-founder and CTO. “Its wide abundance around the world is crucial to the material cost. The design of our highly energy-efficient manufacturing processes makes our Crystal Batteries fully sustainable.”

Theion is backed by Lukasz Gadowski, CEO of Team Global, a technology holding company investing in and starting frontier technology companies. With a successful track record that includes Delivery Hero, and recent investments into Volocopter, Zapata and AutoFlight, Theion’s addition to the portfolio is highly synergetic.

“At a time when industry demand for batteries is surging, but materials cost and sustainable sourcing are experiencing volatility, Theion’s breakthrough is ideally timed,” Lukasz Gadowski, founder and CEO of Team Global, and principal investor.Theion’s Crystal Battery is perfect for all mobility applications, while being massively sustainable, and is targeting to extend the use time of handheld devices, the driving range of electric cars, and the safe flight time of eVTOL applications and electric aircraft by a factor of three. When in full production, it has the potential to replace every battery in every mobility device on earth.”

Headquartered in Berlin, Theion operates three locations within the city, specializing in cell design, prototyping and testing. Theion is expanding by adding manufacturing facilities to accelerate its mass production roadmap, beginning in Berlin. Locations for later Giga-Factories are not determined yet but will be located close to the customers. Thus, production sites are envisioned In Europe, Asia and the USA.

Mitchell & Brown’s Parent Group Celebrates 25 Years in Business

The team behind Mitchell & Brown – the UK’s favourite TV brand, hosted a special celebration this month to mark 25 years of the TVD Group – the TV brand’s parent company.

Employees from the TVD Group and several suppliers attended the 25-year celebration for the company, which was hosted by Worsley Golf Club, close to the group’s HQ in Bolton, Lancashire.

The TVD Group has seen huge success over the past 25 years, including a whopping £242 million turnover, over 200,000 completed installations, and over one million total products sold. A significant part of the group’s recent success has been the launch in 2016 of the Mitchell & Brown TV brand.

Mitchell & Brown’s Parent Group Celebrates 25 Years in Business

Developed to give retailers a trusted, local brand of high-quality TVs to sell, all backed by an unrivalled 7-year guarantee, Mitchell & Brown has rapidly become a firm High Street favourite and the UK’s best loved domestic TV supplier.

The TVD celebration event was an opportunity to unite everyone involved in TVD Group’s success and thank them for being part of the journey. On the night there was live music, a buffet, and a speech by Director Matthew Brown.

Matthew thanked the team and suppliers for their efforts over the years and acknowledged all the people who couldn’t be there, including his late father Jim Brown who he founded the company with alongside brother Dan.

Born in 1996, the TVD Group started with a shop in Leigh, and has now become a leading UK provider in audio-visual solutions on both commercial and domestic fronts.

Dan Brown, Director of Operations
Dan Brown, Director of Operations

From humble beginnings running electronics store ‘TV and Video Direct’, Dan and Matthew Brown have considerably grown the business over the past 25 years. They now operate six divisions within the TVD Group – TVD Technology Solutions, TVD B2B, TVC Outdoor, Mitchell & Brown, MySign Digital Screen Solutions and Retail & Online.

Dan Brown, Director of Operations, said: We’ve come a long way since 1996 and my brother and I couldn’t be prouder of the success we have achieved with the help of our expert team and fantastic suppliers.

“It was important for us to acknowledge everyone’s hard work and we hope the event lived up to expectations – everyone certainly seemed to have a good time!

“We are looking forward to building this family business into the next quarter of a century.”

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.”

UK Company Pulsar Fusion Demonstrates Green, Mach-7 Rocket in Switzerland

On Saturday 26 November, In the sleepy mountain town of Gstaad – Switzerland, British company Pulsar Fusion demonstrated its latest green hybrid rocket engine.

An impressive visual plume effect of supersonic shock diamonds, typical of a high-temperature high mass flow rate rocket exhaust, could be seen through the snowstorm as the team operated the engine in quickly changing conditions. The exhaust speeds of the engine were recorded at Mach 7. This engine would be capable of launching a small rocket to an altitude of several 10s of km, well above UK airspace, or powering the upper stage of a rocket with a larger booster stage into orbit.

UK Company Pulsar Fusion Demonstrates Green, Mach-7 Rocket in Switzerland
UK Company Pulsar Fusion Demonstrates Green, Mach-7 Rocket in Switzerland

CEO, Richard Dinan commented: “British companies with space ambitions must be international and fast-moving, achieving technological milestones on time and on budget whilst being environmentally conscious. Pulsar’s objective is to build world-class technologies that serve as a force for good.

Pulsar’s green (non-toxic) hybrid rocket engine combusts nitrous oxide (N2O) oxidiser and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) fuel and oxygen.  The HDPE can be obtained from recycled plastic and the two fuels burn together to produce a non-toxic plume.

The propellants used – nitrous oxide N2O and polyethylene HDPE – are some of the cleanest available to the space industry, producing an exhaust of largely water vapour and having an extremely low production energy requirement, resulting in one of the lowest carbon footprints in the world for an engine of this size.

It is a new model that enables Pulsar to manufacture these compact rocket engines at record lead times, with an enhanced safety factor as due to the design, these engines have relatively benign failure modes in comparison with conventional liquid propulsion engines.

The Pulsar Fusion team with Richard Dinan, pictured third left
The Pulsar Fusion team with Richard Dinan, pictured third left

WHAT DOES PULSAR FUSION DO?

Pulsar Fusion is primarily engaged in the research of high-speed propulsion and clean energy applications from nuclear fusion.

Pulsar Fusion received UK government funding in September 2021 to further develop its HET (Hall Effect Thruster) plasma satellite engines, capable of 20 km / second particle exhaust speeds. These Pulsar thrusters have recently been tested at Harwell’s facilities where they withstood 20g’s of vibration, simulating a rocket launch. Pulsar now seeks to IOD test these engines. (In-Orbit Demonstration).

The company’s ultimate milestone is to produce a hyper-speed propulsion engine using nuclear fusion technologies of which it has been researching for nine years which could eventually be used for interplanetary travel – and which scientists say could halve the journey time from Earth to Mars. A first prototype is expected in 2025.

HOW WAS THIS TEST DIFFERENT TO THE PULSAR UK TESTS?

The test in Gstaad ran the engine on liquid oxidiser, compared to only gas in the UK. The oxidiser quantity and engine impulse were increased by a factor of nearly 10, and the chamber pressure raised from around 5 bar to over 20 bar on the first Swiss test to nearly 50 bar on the 2nd one. Pulsar supercharged the flow with nitrogen pressurant which has not been done in the UK before and in doing so raised the thrust to near the design value of 12kN or just over a tonne of thrust.

WHY DEMONSTRATE IN SWITZERLAND?

The demonstration took place on the Gstaad Runway, an idyllic spot surrounded by mountains. Pulsar sees Switzerland as a country that is well placed to support advanced, environmentally friendly space technologies. The company strives to be a British company that can demonstrate its technologies to international clients and Switzerland is an ideal gateway for such an ambition. Pulsar hopes to carry out further tests in the region in 2022 and invite European space clients to attend. Additionally, Pulsar is in contact with most of the UK launch sites and would probably start with further static tests and low altitude flights at Machrihanish, near Cambletown on Argyll before moving to one of the other sites such as Space Hub Sutherland on the mainland or Spaceport-1 on the Hebrides for high altitude flights towards and beyond the Karman line at 100km.

UK Company PULSAR Demonstrates Green, High Power Rocket Engine and Big Ambitions

Pulsar Fusion Ltd, a UK nuclear fusion company based in Bletchley, has just developed and tested its first launch capable, high-power chemical rocket engine in the UK.

These rocket engines could be used for a variety of applications, including launching people and satellites into space.

The company’s ultimate ambition in the future is to produce a hyper-speed propulsion engine using nuclear fusion technologies for interplanetary travel – which scientists think could cut the journey time to Mars in half.

This successful set of test firings showcases the rapid design development and test process of high-performance engineering components to support Pulsar Fusion’s energy and propulsion hardware portfolio roadmap. The rocket engine proudly displayed the Union Jack flag during testing.

UK Company PULSAR Demonstrates Green, High Power Rocket Engine and Big Ambitions
UK Company PULSAR Demonstrates Green, High Power Rocket Engine – Photo Credit Pulsar Fusion Ltd

Pulsar’s UK acceptance tests at COTEC – Ministry of Defence military base in Salisbury, took place on November 17 and 18, 2021 (As pictured) which were static tests. These will be followed by an international demonstration for space clients in Switzerland on November 25.

This hybrid rocket engine has demonstrated impressive visual plume effects such as supersonic shock diamonds typical of a high temperature, high mass flow rate rocket exhaust.

UK Company PULSAR Demonstrates Green, High Power Rocket Engine and Big Ambitions

CEO – Richard Dinan, commented: “We are delighted with the UK test firings at COTEC. It is a hugely significant moment and we are proud this rocket is built in the UK. To have a British rocket test on UK soil is novel.

“Pulsar is among a very few companies around the world to have built and tested these technologies. We have a team of fantastic scientists with a wealth of experience to thank for these milestones. We have also drawn talent from some of the UK’s top universities who have begun working with and testing our plasma thrusters at campus facilities. We are extremely proud of these achievements and look forward to expanding our network with the British and European space community with our hardware demonstration later this month in Switzerland.”

Pulsar’s ‘green’ (non-toxic) hybrid rocket engine combusts nitrous oxide (N2O) oxidiser and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) fuel and oxygen.  It is a new model that enables Pulsar to manufacture these compact rocket engines at record lead times, with an enhanced safety factor as due to the design, these engines have relatively benign failure modes in comparison with conventional liquid propulsion engines.

A hybrid rocket engine has the following main components and requires control of only one fluid – a liquid oxidiser during testing. Liquid oxidiser is fed under a regulated pressure through a control valve into a combustion chamber containing a technology as proprietary.

Pulsar Hybrid Rocket Engine
Pulsar Hybrid Rocket Engine – Credit Pulsar Fusion Ltd

Pulsar Fusion received UK government funding in September 2021 to further develop its HET (Hall Effect Thruster) plasma satellite engines, capable of 20 km / second particle exhaust speeds. These Pulsar thrusters have recently been tested at Harwell’s facilities where they withstood 20g’s of vibration, simulating a rocket launch. Pulsar now seeks to IOD test these engines. (In Orbit Demonstration).

Pulsar Hybrid Rocket Engine
Pulsar Hybrid Rocket Engine

The vision:

The company’s ultimate milestone is to produce a hyper-speed propulsion engine using nuclear fusion technologies of which it has been researching for nine years which could eventually be used for interplanetary travel – and which scientists say could halve the journey time from Earth to Mars. A first prototype is expected in 2025.

Pulsar Hybrid Rocket Engine
Pulsar Hybrid Rocket Engine Test Firing.

About the company:

Pulsar Fusion is an advanced propulsion technologies company. It manufactures compact and efficient satellite engines for use in orbit, and liquid rocket engines for launch and atmospheric propulsion.

By 2025 – the company wants to develop nuclear fusion propulsion engines for static demonstration.

By 2027 – the company wants to manufacture a nuclear fusion rocket engine to be launched and tested in orbit.

Pulsar’s fusion propulsion systems are enabled by the technology generated in the rocket engine programme.

 

ZipCharge: Revolutionary Portable EV Charger, Allowing You to Charge Your Electric Car Anywhere, Revealed at COP26

ZipCharge, today at COP26, revealed its first game-changing portable Electric Vehicle (EV) charger, the Go. By bringing the possibility of home charging to all, the Go removes a common barrier to EV ownership that exists across the world. In the UK alone, 8.5 million or 40% of car-owning households don’t have designated off-street parking.

ZipCharge: Revolutionary Portable EV Charger, Allowing You to Charge Your Electric Car Anywhere, Revealed at COP26
ZipCharge: Revolutionary Portable EV Charger, Allowing You to Charge Your Electric Car Anywhere, Revealed at COP26

The Go is the first element of a global portable EV charging platform that combines hardware, software, machine learning and innovative ownership models to bring affordable, practical EV charging to more people than ever. ZipCharge Go also creates an intelligent energy management platform that provides flexibility and resilience for the national power grid.

Realising that widespread EV adoption would be hampered by the inability to charge near or at home, ZipCharge co-founders Richie Sibal and Jonathan Carrier identified and developed a solution. Using their decades of experience in automotive electronics systems engineering and product development gained at cutting-edge businesses like McLaren Automotive, Jaguar Land Rover, Lotus, Gordon Murray Group and LEVC – their answer is the Go. Now well into the development phase ZipCharge is on track to deliver the first models to customers in Q4 2022.

ZipCharge: Revolutionary Portable EV Charger, Allowing You to Charge Your Electric Car Anywhere, Revealed at COP26

ZipCharge Co-founder Jonathan Carrier “We’re delighted to be launching the Go at COP26, it’s the perfect place to introduce ZipCharge to the world. In light of the Government’s recent Net Zero Strategy: Build Back Greener manifesto announcement, never before has the automotive industry had cause to innovate so rapidly to help us reach a low carbon future. One of the key barriers to wider uptake of EVs is charging anxiety; the inability to charge near or at home. ZipCharge removes that hurdle and in doing so, will democratise EV ownership.”

ZipCharge: Revolutionary Portable EV Charger, Allowing You to Charge Your Electric Car Anywhere, Revealed at COP26

Events such as COP26, the United Nation’s Climate Conference, are crucial to establishing robust plans to achieving the Paris Agreement. The ZipCharge team is cognisant of the fact that transport is a key contributor of greenhouse gases; the rapid adoption of EVs and innovation in automotive are key to ensuring the target of net zero is met.

The SMMT, the UK’s most influential motoring trade body, advises there are currently 600,000 plug-in electric hybrid vehicles (PHEV) and battery electric vehicles (BEV) on the roads in the UK today – up 66% on 2019 figures – that could make use of the ZipCharge product. Mike Hawes, the Chief Executive of the SMMT, said earlier this year “In the same way people charge a phone overnight, people will want to charge at home when they park overnight.”

ZipCharge: Revolutionary Portable EV Charger, Allowing You to Charge Your Electric Car Anywhere, Revealed at COP26

Distinctive design that combines simplicity and attention to detail

The ZipCharge Go sets a new standard in the visual appeal of EV chargers, with a purity of form and a modern, consumer-focused design concept. Developed by automotive and consumer product designers, the form conveys simplicity, strength and aesthetic integrity. The design balances form and function, respecting the engineering requirements, with a strong symmetry in its detail design. For example, the power panel concentrates charging functions and status LEDs in a single location to simplify access and makes the Go easier to use, which is mirrored by the scallop for the side grab handle. The front cover can also be personalised in a range of different colours and finishes, to match the exterior of your EV.

Compact and Convenient to Use Everyday

Engineered to the same standards as automotive electronics systems, the lightweight ZipCharge Go power bank is the size of a compact wheeled suitcase which can be charged at home or elsewhere using a standard domestic plug at a lower cost per kWh of electricity when compared to public charging. Using the retractable handle, users then wheel it to wherever they’ve parked their EV and plug it into the charging port. The port locks the charging cable in, securing the charger with the vehicle. ZipCharge Go provides up to 20 miles (32km)* of range, providing sufficient range for the average daily commute (in UK/EU), in a little over 30 mins and can then be neatly stored in the trunk / boot, or at home. ZipCharge Go can be used in all normal weather conditions like a normal fixed charge point.

High Performance Battery and Power Electronics

Packaged neatly inside are high energy density NMC lithium-ion battery cells and associated power electronics. A bi-directional AC-DC inverter enables two-way charging from the grid to the unit, and from the unit to the grid, so the power bank can be used to store cheap off-peak energy and feed it back into the grid at peak times. An integrated communications module supports OCPP compliant smart charging, over-the-air updates, remote diagnostics, and together with geo-fencing and tracking technology provides enhanced security and peace-of-mind.

ZipCharge: Revolutionary Portable EV Charger, Allowing You to Charge Your Electric Car Anywhere, Revealed at COP26

ZipCharge Co-founder Richie Sibal “Our technical approach to engineering the Go as a lightweight, compact and safe charging solution, and then evolving that into an EV charging platform reflects our intention to combine the development of battery-based systems with the lowest future environmental impact possible.”

Sustainable Materials and Circular Approach

In engineering the Go, ZipCharge has focused on making the most of our planet’s limited resources, by doing more with less. The Go has been developed to be as energy efficient as possible with minimal losses. With learnings from automotive, the Go is designed for lightweight and performance. Like sports cars, ZipCharge uses an aluminium spaceframe to house major systems thereby improving the integrity and stiffness of the unit. This intelligent engineering extends to the consideration of the environmental impact of the materials and components. For example, the Go’s outer shell will be made from post-consumer recycled plastic. By the second half of this decade the ambition is for every ZipCharge charger to be manufactured from recycled materials.

Smart Connectivity to Lower the Cost of Charging and Save Money

Integrated 2G/4G connectivity enables users to remotely manage their Go charger via the ZipCharge mobile app to monitor the device and schedule charging events so the power pack is always ready for when they need it. Inbuilt Artificial Intelligence (AI) will enable ZipCharge to learn the users’ charging patterns and make schedule recommendations to optimise charging at off peak times, saving money and reducing the load on the grid.

Intelligent Energy Management to Support the Energy Network

Thanks to the bi-directional AC-DC inverter, the Go power bank becomes a local energy storage device that can arbitrage energy pricing through time of use rates and, when not in use, sell energy back to the grid at peak times. When hundreds of decentralised Go chargers are pooled together they form a virtual power plant that can supply demand side response services to help balance the grid, providing flexibility and resilience.

Affordability and Flexible Ownership to Democratise Charging for All

Like Peloton and other hardware pioneers, ZipCharge will offer its hardware-as-a-service. Chargers will be available to purchase outright or on subscription for as little as £49 (€57) a month. This is possible because ZipCharge has set the ambitious target to offer the Go at a price comparable to the fully installed cost of a level 2 home charge point, and significantly less than bi-directional home charge points currently on the market.

Basic software functionality will be available to everyone so they can plan and schedule charging, with the enhanced AI software functionality and insurance on subscription for a small monthly fee which, on average, will save the user £15-20 per month. Charging an EV at home has never been so convenient and affordable.

Meet Easee One – the small, smart, powerful home EV charger with an eye on the future

Easee, the company behind ‘the world’s smartest EV Charging Robot’, has launched the Easee One. The new domestic smart charger has been designed specifically for the needs of homeowners, with an eye on both the present and the future.

The Easee One is optimised for the UK domestic power supply and enables up to three chargers to be used on a single connection. Homeowners can install their first charger knowing that adding more charge points in the future is quick and easy. If two or more Easee One chargers are in use, they communicate to ensure vehicles are charged evenly and safely.

Effie Vraka, Country Director UK at Easee, said: “We want to make it as easy as possible for UK homeowners to choose and install a future proof EV charger. Over 25 million households in the UK own two or more cars, and in the future these will all be electric. We’ve designed a smart home charger that can be easily expanded to allow simultaneous charging of up to three cars. With the Easee One, you don’t need to worry about technical features, compatibility, or regularly updating your software. It’s all taken care of for you. You can simply plug, charge and go, or if you want more control, you can use the Easee App.”

The Easee One is 69% smaller than other comparable solutions and weighs just 1.4kg. Easee estimates that every Easee One charger produced saves around 4kg of plastic and copper, helping to conserve the planet’s resources.

Easee’s EV charging solution has already won a prestigious red Dot design award for its combination of ‘intelligent technology with a high degree of functional quality in a pared-back, premium product.’

“The Easee One is all about reliability, simplicity and style,” says Effie Vraka. “It’s built to withstand harsh weather conditions, looks great on your driveway, and is really easy to use. The only decision home-owners have to make is what colour they like.”

The Easee One charger is compatible with all EV models, has built in mobile, WiFi connectivity and Global System for Mobile Communication, and it also automatically updates itself with the latest features. Early adopters will receive free mobile internet connectivity for the life of the product. Easee One comes with a 3-year warranty and is widely available through competent installers.

To find out more about Easee One or book an install, visit Easee.co.uk

Shure Aonic 50 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones debut in a New Colour

With Christmas just around the corner, a great sounding pair of noise-cancelling headphones should be at the top of everyone’s list. Whether drowning out background sound while working from home or rocking out to the greatest hits in the back of the family car, noise-cancelling headphones help listeners make the most of the moment.

Expanding users’ choices—and fusing together style + function—Shure is unveiling a new White/Tan colour option of its award-winning AONIC 50 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones. Also available in Black and Brown, all three colours will be available at a special promotional price of £289 from now through November, that’s a more than a 30% discount!

AONIC 50 WIRELESS NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES DEBUT IN A NEW COLOUR
AONIC 50 WIRELESS NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES DEBUT IN A NEW COLOUR

Music and style icons all over the globe have relied on Shure on and off the stage for decades – Adam Levine, J Balvin, and Jennifer Lopez just to name a few. They—along with Elvis, The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Aretha Franklin, and others—have trusted Shure microphones and gear in the studio and on stages worldwide.

“Shure has an impressive history of creating headphones for the professional audio industry – people who wear them all day for a living – so creating comfortable, high-quality headphones for anyone, including consumers, is in the Shure DNA,” said Eduardo Valdes, Senior Director, Global Marketing, Musician and Consumer Audio, at Shure. “Now, with Shure’s AONIC 50 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones, music lovers can also experience that same quality of audio wherever they may be. The additional colour choices fit into consumers’ style and aesthetic – no matter their preference.”

AONIC 50 WIRELESS NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES DEBUT IN A NEW COLOUR
AONIC 50 WIRELESS NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES DEBUT IN A NEW COLOUR

When it comes to headphones, consumers expect audio that is high-quality, clear, and an accurate reflection of the artist they’re listening to. But today, headphones can also represent your personality and style. The addition of the gorgeous White/Tan colour completes the aesthetic portfolio of AONIC 50, giving listeners even more ways to express themselves.

AONIC 50 WIRELESS NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES DEBUT IN A NEW COLOUR
AONIC 50 WIRELESS NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES DEBUT IN A NEW COLOUR

Built To Provide Studio-Quality Audio For Work and Play

Engineered from decades of stage and studio experience, AONIC 50 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones deliver a premium listening experience with exceptional comfort and durability. Shure’s first wireless headphones, AONIC 50, feature adjustable noise cancellation to help block distractions for a truly immersive experience with the flip of a switch. Users who want to interact with the world around them can activate Environment Mode to hear immediate surroundings.

Up to 20 hours of battery life on a single charge provides a week of use without needing to recharge. Fingertip controls provide quick access to answer calls, adjust volume, or pause music with a push of a button. AONIC 50 Wireless Headphones offer Bluetooth® 5 wireless technology for enhanced stability and a range of up to 30 feet. Featuring a dedicated, high-performance headphone amplifier, AONIC 50 supports popular audio codecs, including Qualcomm® aptX™, aptX™ HD, aptX™ Low Latency audio, Sony LDAC, AAC, and SBC.

AONIC 50 WIRELESS NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES DEBUT IN A NEW COLOUR
AONIC 50 WIRELESS NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES DEBUT IN A NEW COLOUR

When Bluetooth isn’t an option, AONIC 50 Wireless Headphones can connect to wired sources with a 3.5mm analogue audio input to ensure an uninterrupted connection to any device.

Shure’s AONIC 50 headphones are a precise blend of cutting-edge technology and tried-and-true design. Developed with comfort in mind, the sleek, modern AONIC 50 is beautifully crafted with elegant stitching on an adjustable headband for precise ear-to-ear fit, ensuring users get the most out of each listening session. The earpads and underside of the headband are cushioned with plush memory foam and lined for outstanding comfort while taking long calls from home or while on-the-go.

Customisable Listening Experience with the ShurePlus PLAY App

When paired with the free ShurePlus PLAY App, listeners can personalize their noise cancellation and Environment Mode levels. Available for iOS and Android, the PLAY app is also a full-featured music player with EQ, supporting standard and hi-res music files.

In addition to the feature controls, the PLAY app lets users customize tone and voice prompts for important notifications, like power on/off, connection confirmation, and low battery. It can also be used to upgrade firmware for AONIC 50 headphones.

The limited-time promotional pricing is effective for all AONIC 50 Wireless Headphones (Black, Brown, White/Tan) now through November 30.

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