Category Archives: Streaming

2025, Audio, Streaming, Technology, The Gadget Man

Streamplayer: The Little Box That Brings Every Speaker Back to Life

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There is something rather special about great audio gear. Whether it is a cherished pair of bookshelf speakers from the seventies or a hefty amplifier that once powered many late nights, older kit carries a charm that refuses to fade. The trouble is that modern streaming rarely considers this history. We juggle apps, fight with compatibility issues, and often end up restricted to one manufacturer’s ecosystem.

Streamplayer: The Little Box That Brings Every Speaker Back to Life
Streamplayer: The Little Box That Brings Every Speaker Back to Life

Atonemo, a young company based in Stockholm, has stepped in with a refreshingly simple answer. Their new device, the Streamplayer, aims to bring every speaker you own into the streaming age. It works with speakers of any brand, size, or era and gives older equipment a modern purpose again.

Streamplayer: The Little Box That Brings Every Speaker Back to Life
Streamplayer: The Little Box That Brings Every Speaker Back to Life

Listening to music used to be an uncomplicated affair. You pressed play, and the sound travelled through a cable without any fuss. Today, we navigate multiple services that do not always get along. Streamplayer strips away that complexity by giving you a single, universal way to stream music across your home.

Streamplayer: The Little Box That Brings Every Speaker Back to Life
Streamplayer: The Little Box That Brings Every Speaker Back to Life

The concept is brilliantly straightforward. Streamplayer is a compact wireless audio streamer that connects to any speaker or amplifier. Once it joins your Wi Fi network, you can play music through AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, or Tidal Connect. Your vintage hi fi becomes wireless. Your modern speakers can work side by side with your older favourites. You can even synchronise completely different speakers into one unified system.

Streamplayer: The Little Box That Brings Every Speaker Back to Life
Streamplayer: The Little Box That Brings Every Speaker Back to Life

For fans of classic audio equipment, this is especially exciting. Many older speakers sound superb but lack the streaming features that modern life expects. Atonemo’s mission is to bring them back into everyday use, turning beautiful old gear into fully capable modern systems.

Atonemo’s Approach

The company was founded by two childhood friends, one a mathematician and the other a designer. Their shared passion for music and frustration with over engineered audio systems inspired them to create products that feel human, simple, and purposeful. Their philosophy focuses on clear communication and design that does exactly what it needs to do without clutter.

Key Features

Streamplayer is small, but the specification is impressive:

  • 24 bit 192 kHz audio
  • Gapless playback
  • AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect
  • Analogue line out and optical S PDIF out
  • Wi Fi 6 with WPA2 and WPA3 security
  • USB C power
  • Works with active speakers, amplifiers, hi fi systems, and vintage audio gear
Streamplayer: The Little Box That Brings Every Speaker Back to Life
Streamplayer: The Little Box That Brings Every Speaker Back to Life

Everything about it is built around compatibility and convenience. It arrives with a USB C power cable, an AUX cable, and a simple quick start guide, making setup as painless as possible.

A Simple Idea with Real Impact

The launch of Streamplayer feels like a moment for anyone who loves audio but dislikes unnecessary complication. It brings your favourite speakers back into daily use, unifies the systems you already have, and avoids locking you into any single brand.

For anyone with a cupboard full of forgotten gear or a cherished pair of speakers that deserve to be heard again, this little box might be one of the most appealing products of the season.

More information is available at atonemo.com.

2025, Audio, Creators, Gadget Man, Influencers, Microphones, Podcast, Streaming, The Gadget Man, YouTube, YouTubers

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

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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 website – Starting at $119.99
📦 Amazon UK – Launching 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! 🎤✨

BBC Radio CWR, Cyber Security, Cybercrime, Gadget Man, Hardware, Home Security, Interview, Smart TV, Streaming, Tech Tips, Technology, The Gadget Man

The Gadget Man – Episode 179 – Navigating the Murky Waters of Jailbroken Streaming Devices: A Cautionary Tale

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Today I had the pleasure of chatting with Trish Adudu on her drivetime show on BBC Radio CWR about Jailbroken Streaming Devices.

In the golden era of television, our choices were simple, defined by the limited channels available through traditional broadcast. Fast forward to today, and the landscape has dramatically shifted. The digital revolution has ushered in an age where streaming platforms are king, offering a cornucopia of content that was once unimaginable. Yet, with this abundance comes a new set of challenges for consumers navigating the costs and legalities of accessing their favorite shows and movies.

Enter the controversial world of jailbroken or “dodgy” fire sticks. These modified devices promise a world of free content, bypassing the subscription fees of mainstream streaming services. At first glance, the allure is undeniable. Who wouldn’t want access to endless entertainment without the hefty price tag? But as we peel back the layers, the darker implications of these devices come to light.

The Legal Grey Zone

First and foremost, it’s crucial to acknowledge the elephant in the room: jailbroken fire sticks are illegal. Despite their widespread availability and the somewhat cavalier attitude some may have towards using them, they pose significant legal risks to users. Beyond the risk of fines or legal action, there’s a deeper issue at play here—the ethics of content consumption. In our quest for convenience and cost-saving, we must ask ourselves: at what price does this come to the creators and distributors of the content we consume?

The Cost of Convenience

The debate over streaming platforms’ pricing structures is valid, especially in a world grappling with rising living costs. However, turning to illegal alternatives like jailbroken fire sticks isn’t a victimless crime. It undermines the very industry that entertains us, potentially stifling the creation of new content. Moreover, the risks extend beyond legal ramifications. Using these devices can expose users to cybersecurity threats, including theft of personal and financial information. Trusting one’s digital safety to the hands of unknown, potentially criminal entities is a gamble few should be willing to take.

A Fragmented Marketplace

The current streaming landscape is indeed fragmented, with exclusive content spread across numerous platforms. This exclusivity can lead to subscription fatigue, as consumers find themselves subscribing to multiple services to access all the content they desire—a costly endeavor. This fragmentation fuels the temptation to seek out illegal alternatives. Yet, it also calls for a discussion on the sustainability of the current model and the need for more consumer-friendly solutions.

Looking Forward

As we navigate the evolving world of digital content consumption, it’s clear that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. While the allure of free content is undeniable, the risks and ethical implications of jailbroken streaming devices cannot be overlooked. It’s a reminder of the need for a balanced approach that respects the rights of content creators while also considering the affordability and accessibility for consumers. Perhaps the future will bring more innovative solutions to this dilemma, but until then, the debate rages on.

The gadget world is vast and ever-changing, but as we venture into its depths, let’s tread carefully, mindful of the legal and ethical boundaries that govern our digital playground.

Gadget Man, Helpful Articles, Helpful Guides, Streaming

Making Streaming Services Not Suck Again

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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.

Anti-Virus, Apps, BBC Radio Suffolk, Blog Post, Coronavirus, Covid-19, Cyber Security, Education, Gadget Man, Internet Security, Interview, James Hazell, Matt Porter, Radio, Radio Interview, Security, Streaming, Technology, The Gadget Man

The Gadget Man – Episode 162 – Working From Home During the Coronavirus / Covid-19 Crisis

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Such are the strange times we live in, many of us now face working from home for the first time along with caring for our children.

I have worked from home extensively over the past 20 years and I thought I would try and share some tips on how I have been able to work effectively in a home environment.

This morning I spoke to James Hazell at BBC Radio Suffolk about the trials and tribulations about working from home. Listen in to the stream to hear what I had to say and especially the advice at the end.

Stay Safe and Healthy

If you have been given a laptop to use at home, then there is a danger that you may find yourself sitting in an armchair trying to work and you will soon find this isn’t going to work well.

  1. Set up a work environment in a spare room or even your bedroom where you can away from disturbances and distractions as best as possible.
  2. Find a comfortable chair and if possible sit near a window so you can get fresh air while you are working.
  3. Set up your computer, so that is a semi-permanent environment and will allow you to separate work from home and give you a place to ‘go to work’
  4. Get dressed, you don’t go to your place of work in your pyjamas, so again, getting dressed gets your prepared for work.
  5. Take plenty of breaks. If you have children at home, you will need to be able to give them attention. If you can set specific times during the day to stop work, get up and walk around and make yourself a drink.
  6. Try to begin and end your work-day as you would if you were going to your place of work. Let your employer know that these are your work times. Setting these boundaries will mean that you aren’t on-call 24/7.
  7. Most home-working requires an internet connection. Over the coming months, our communications links are going to be under a great deal of strain. The video streaming services are going to be used extensively and this will put a great deal of pressure on internet connection speeds. Home internet is very different to work internet due to what’s called ‘contention ratios’, so you should be prepared for slower than normal connection speeds.
  8. Ask your employer to provide you with a mobile device that can be used as a ‘tether’. This means that should traditional broadband experience issues, you can fall back onto connecting to the internet by connecting via a ‘personal mobile hotspot’.
  9. Make sure all of your internet-connected devices are up to date. This means ensuring anti-virus is updated where applicable and any operating systems updates on your computers, set-top boxes, TV’s, IpCams etc are updated
  10. Keep all of your battery-powered devices charged up, but don’t leave mobile phones plugged in all of the time as the batteries don’t work as effectively if they all continuously charged.
  11. Use a trusted VPN connection to secure your broadband connection further. I recommend Ivacy VPN. Using a VPN or Virtual Private Network secures your connection.

Finally, regardless of whether you are working at home or not, you WILL find the number of scam calls you receive will increase, mainly because you will find yourself at home so much more. NEVER give out any personal bank details over the phone including PIN numbers or passwords. Ignore all automated calls and just hang up. These people care little for the health or financial wellbeing of their victims. If in doubt, speak to a trusted friend or member of your family before taking any action that will cost you money.

Stay Well and see you soon!

Matt
www.thegadgetman.org.uk

Apple, BBC Radio Suffolk, Gadget Man, Internet Security, Interview, James Hazell, Live Stream, Matt Porter, Podcast, Radio, Radio Interview, Streaming, Technology, The Gadget Man, Vlog

Gadget Man – Episode 160 – Apple Settles for $500m – SSL Issues – Boston Dynamics

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This week’s Podcast / Vlog-cast comes from the second floor of Gadget Towers! In this episode, I talk to James Hazell at BBC Radio Suffolk about Apple’s class action settlement regarding the perceived slowing down of older iPhone models.

Running a website with an SSL certificate from Let’s Encrypt? Check that you don’t need to request a new one as there has been issues with a large number over the past couple of days.

Boston Dynamics are at it again, this time they have their ever advance automation working in warehouses. Watch the videos after the Vlog to find out more.

Audio, BBC Radio Suffolk, Bluetooth, Gadget Man, Internet Radio, Mark Murphy, Matt Porter, Podcast, Radio Interview, Speakers, Streaming, Technology, The Gadget Man

Gadget Man Episode 128 – The World Wide Web turns 30!!

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It only seems like yesterday when I was talking about the World Wide Web turning 25 years old and now before we know it, it’s now 30 years since the first HTML web page was authored and published by Sir Tim Berners-Lee.

The Web is, without doubt, the greatest invention of all time. It has made our planet smaller, brought together people from all walks of life and from every corner of the globe. It has made the world a much more accessible place, we can reach out to our idols and they can communicate back to us. We can transverse the globe and watch sunrises on opposite sides of the planet as they happen.

It truly is a modern wonder of the world. Cheers, Sir Tim!!

Sir Tim arriving at the Guildhall to receive the Honorary Freedom of the City of London - Image Credit - Paul Clarke
Sir Tim arriving at the Guildhall to receive the Honorary Freedom of the City of London – Image Credit – Paul Clarke

To find out how Sir Tim Berners-Lee is working towards a better Internet, visit his website.

To find out how CERN is celebrating, visit the World Wide Web at 30.

With the wonders of the web brings ‘Smart Assistants’, they are on our phones, computers and now independently as ‘Smart Speakers’, another true wonder borne from the internet, serving our every need and answering the answerable. These ubiquitous electronic pucks offer a gateway to enormous artificial intelligence-driven knowledgebases that are themselves learning as well learn from us, Machine Learning is driven by millions of users.

Of course, every now and then our assistants flicker or make strange noises, we might wonder if these are simply glitches or the first sparks of self-awareness?

I spoke to Mark Murphy at BBC Radio Suffolk about both Smart Speakers and the 30th Anniversary of the Web. Listen in above and don’t forget to LIKE, SHARE and SUBSCRIBE. See you next time!!

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BBC Radio Suffolk, Gadget Man, Google, Internet Radio, Podcast, Radio, Radio Interview, Samsung, Streaming, Technology, The Gadget Man, YouTube

The Gadget Man – Episode 119 – Technology to look out for in 2019

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Another year passes and as we move into 2019 we can look forward to another year of unstoppable advances in technology.

If I was able to predict upcoming tech, I’m happy to suggest that my number one for 2019 will be the folding mobile phone with potential devices from LG and Samsung already breaking cover in various forms.

[videopress WcnyB1iG hd=”true” autoplay=”true”]

Both companies have already demonstrated their flexible display technologies and with the Mobile World Congress in February coming up soon, we should expect demonstrations of foldable, rollable or bendable screen tech from these companies.

Artificial intelligence is sure to continue its unstoppable march towards self-awareness (I jest!!), but all the same, we should be seeing multi AI ‘bots’ training directly with each other very soon! Who could forget the Facebook AI bots which invented their own communication language shortly after being switched on! More of this in inevitable, hopefully with the necessary safeguards in place.

The big 3 tech companies continue to advance home-based smart technology with integration into every part of our lives, add to this more AI and who knows what we should expect from the likes of Amazon, Google and Apple.

Holograms are a little way off, but augmented reality is making leaps and bounds with more advanced filters on spectacles providing with illusionary-holographic images a reality soon.

Phone batteries continue to provide us with more and more screen time and further advances in battery and charge technology will give us even more excuse to distract ourselves on a daily basis.

[videopress eFz5BDAp]

This year we look forward to the beginnings of the 5G roll-outs, giving us impossibly fast download speeds, but also extending decent internet speeds to rural areas of the UK.

Ultimately, we are not about to be overrun by killer robots and 2019 will be bringing some pretty astounding new technology, strap yourselves in and enjoy the ride.

I talked on air with James Hazell from BBC Radio Suffolk about my predictions for the coming year. Have a listen and don’t forget to  Like, Subscribe, Share and Comment and I will see you very soon.

Matt

 

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Gadget Man – Episode 115 – To Binge or Not to Binge? The Rise and Rise of Streaming TV

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With the incredible rise in popularity of on-demand streaming services from Netflix, Amazon Prime, Google Play, NowTV, Rakatun and more, there is now no better time to watch our favourite movies and TV programmes.

We can now consume our TV using a variety of devices - Image Credit: Netflix
We can now consume our TV using a variety of devices – Image Credit: Netflix

We are not just simply watching TV, we are ‘consuming’ it! This fascination and above all, choice of programming has led millions of people to ‘binge’ on entire TV series over short periods. Evenings can now be spent watching multiple episodes of a series, with seemingly limitless content being served up automatically at the end of each episode, with entirely new content provided at the end of series.

The BBC have not ignored this either, they too are releasing entire series on their platform iPlayer whilst broadcasting the series in the standard week on week format on traditional television.

Now we are all comfortable with the digital switch-over, the set-top boxes can now begin serving up content over the internet without us even realising this is happening, the broadcasters have found their pot of gold.

Stranger Things has been a massive success for Netflix - Image Credit: Netflix
Stranger Things has been a massive success for Netflix – Image Credit: Netflix

Personally, I am a massive Breaking Bad fan, now enjoying it’s spin-off prequel Better Call Saul, both available on Netflix, but switching to Amazon Prime for The Grand Tour and watching movies on Google Play, all available using low-cost devices from Amazon, Roku, Apple and many more!

Apple also have been investing heavily in the streaming marketplace - Image credit: Apple Inc
Apple has also been investing heavily in the streaming marketplace with their Apple TV  – Image credit: Apple Inc

We have now turned a corner, once this technology was the go-to place for our kids, now we have embraced it, there is no going back. Netflix, Amazon, Apple, Google and Sky are now the streaming big hitters with astronomically large budgets, high-quality content and the power to break the traditional status quo enjoyed in the UK by the BBC and ITV.

Now WE decide what we watch.

Listen to my interview with Mark Murphy from BBC Radio Suffolk, where I talk enthusiastically about my personal experience of binge-watching streaming TV.

Matt Porter
The Gadget Man

If you have enjoyed reading and listening to this episode, please remember to Like, Subscribe and Share!

Audio, BBC Radio Suffolk, Gadget Man, Mark Murphy, Matt Porter, Podcast, Radio, Streaming, Technology, The Gadget Man

The Gadget Man – Episode 106 – Unused Kitchen Gadgets

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I chatted to Mark Murphy at BBC Radio Suffolk this morning as part of a discussion about Kitchen Gadgets that have fallen out of use.

We have all bought something for the kitchen to help us cook or prepare food and consequently found that although useful, they end up sitting in a cupboard, in a draw or on top of a kitchen cabinet.

Listen into the audio stream to find out what I thought and how I placed my foot in my mouth at a well known shopping channel.

 

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