Category Archives: Technology

Gadget Man, Matt Porter, Mobile Phone, Phones, Review, Rugged Devices, Rugged Smartphones, Smart Devices, Smart Phone, Sustainable, Technology, The Gadget Man, Uncategorized

Unmatched Durability and Performance: Introducing the Hammer Iron V

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This is the second in my series of reviews of devices from Hammer! Meet the Hammer Iron V!

Welcome to the next level of rugged mobile technology, where durability meets advanced functionality. The Hammer Iron V isn’t just a smartphone; it’s a fortress in your pocket, ready to face the harshest environments and still come out unscathed.

A Beast of a Display

With a generous 6.5-inch screen, the Hammer Iron V ensures you have ample space to work, play, and navigate. This isn’t just any screen – it’s an IPS display offering 1600 x 720 resolution with 269 ppi, providing clear, vibrant visuals that are easy on the eyes even in challenging light conditions.

Unmatched Durability

The Hammer Iron V laughs in the face of water, dust, and adverse weather conditions. With an IP69 rating and MIL-STD-810H certification, this smartphone is built to withstand the elements, drops, and the roughest of handling. Whether you’re on a construction site or an outdoor expedition, this phone stands resilient.

Power that Lasts

Equipped with a formidable 6320 mAh battery, the Hammer Iron V is designed to keep going long after other phones have tapped out. Need to work through the night? No problem. This battery supports you with up to 12 GB of RAM and runs on Android 13, ensuring smooth performance and multitasking capabilities.

Cutting-Edge Features

What sets the Hammer Iron V apart is its night vision camera. Capture clear photos even in the darkest environments with the 50 MP (ƒ/1.8) lens. And yes, it’s capable of underwater photography too, making it perfect for documenting your underwater adventures or inspecting submerged structures.

Tools for Every Job

The Hammer Iron V is more than a smartphone; it’s a toolbox. The HAMMER Toolbox app is loaded with practical tools such as a sound meter, picture-hanging function, protractor, compass, and flashlight. These tools are invaluable whether you’re measuring sound levels at a concert or hanging pictures perfectly straight.

Work with Gloves On

For those who need to keep their gloves on, the Hammer Iron V’s gloved-hand operation ensures you won’t miss a beat. This feature is a game-changer for professionals who need to stay productive in rugged environments.

Built for Versatility

The Hammer Iron V is eSIM-ready and features NFC, providing flexibility for connectivity and payments. Dual SIM capability means you can manage work and personal calls from one device. Plus, the additional protective case comes with a rotating back clip and a carabiner, adding extra layers of protection and convenience for outdoor use.

Entertainment on the Go

Take advantage of the built-in radio function and enjoy your favorite stations without needing headphones. Whether you’re working, camping, or hanging out with friends, this feature ensures you have the perfect soundtrack.

Final Verdict

The Hammer Iron V is a testament to rugged elegance. It’s not just a phone; it’s a reliable companion for those who demand the best in durability and functionality. Whether you’re deep in the wilderness or navigating a busy job site, the Hammer Iron V is the tool you can trust.

With its advanced features, robust build, and practical tools, the Hammer Iron V is more than ready to meet the challenges of your active lifestyle. This is no ordinary smartphone – this is the Hammer Iron V.

2024, Gadget Man, Matt Porter, Review, Smart Devices, Smart Watch, Technology, The Gadget Man, Watches

The Ultimate Rugged Companion: Meet the Hammer Watch Plus

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The first of my series of reviews of Hammer hardware, I’ve been testing the Hammer Watch Plus for the past few weeks!

Step aside, delicate timepieces; the Hammer Watch Plus has arrived to redefine ruggedness and reliability in the world of smartwatches. This is the next generation of the Hammer Watch, boasting a robust design and a plethora of features tailored for those who push their limits and demand the best.

Hammer Watch Plus
Hammer Watch Plus

A Visual Masterpiece

The Hammer Watch Plus features a stunning 1.35-inch AMOLED display with a crisp resolution of 390×390 pixels. The vibrant, high-resolution screen ensures that every detail is sharp, whether you’re checking your heart rate or navigating through the wilderness.

Built to Endure

True to its name, the Hammer Watch Plus is as tough as they come. Certified with an IP68 rating, it’s resistant to water spills and mechanical damage. The metal bezel and additional bumpers protect the screen, making it a perfect companion for the most demanding outdoor activities.

Unmatched GPS Precision

For those who venture off the beaten path, the Hammer Watch Plus offers precise GPS navigation supported by Beidou and GLONASS satellite systems. Whether you’re trekking through dense forests or exploring urban jungles, this smartwatch ensures you never lose your way. The electronic compass is an added bonus, providing reliable direction no matter where you are.

Sport Mode Galore

Fitness enthusiasts will revel in the Hammer Watch Plus’s extensive selection of sports modes. With 20 preloaded sports profiles, you can track your workouts and progress in real-time. From running and cycling to swimming and hiking, this watch covers all bases, helping you aim high and push your limits.

Health Monitoring On-The-Go

Keeping track of your health has never been easier. The Hammer Watch Plus monitors your heart rate, analyzes your sleep patterns, and tracks blood oxygenation (SpO2) levels throughout the day. Additionally, it keeps a count of calories burned and steps taken, providing a comprehensive overview of your health metrics.

Stay Connected

Even while you’re on the move, staying connected is effortless with the Hammer Watch Plus. It supports notifications from numerous messengers, apps, text messages, and calls. Now you can keep up to date with important information without interrupting your workout.

Long-Lasting Battery Life

Worrying about battery life is a thing of the past. The Hammer Watch Plus comes equipped with a 440 mAh battery, allowing up to 14 days of operation on a single charge. The upgraded magnetic charger ensures that your watch powers up quickly and efficiently.

Enhanced Functionality with HAMMER W+

The Hammer Watch Plus pairs seamlessly with the new HAMMER W+ app, available on Google Play and the App Store. This app enhances the watch’s functionality, providing additional features and more detailed data. It’s compatible with Android 5 and iOS 10 and higher versions, ensuring a smooth and integrated user experience.

Final Verdict

The Hammer Watch Plus sets a new standard for rugged smartwatches, seamlessly blending durability with advanced functionality. Perfect for adventurers and fitness enthusiasts alike, this device offers a robust design that can withstand the harshest conditions while providing precise GPS navigation and comprehensive health monitoring.

With its long-lasting battery life and extensive range of sports modes, the Hammer Watch Plus is built to keep up with even the most demanding schedules. Its bright AMOLED display ensures clear visibility in any environment, and the IP68 certification guarantees resistance to water and mechanical damage.

Stay connected and informed with smart notifications, and enjoy the enhanced features offered by the HAMMER W+ app. The Hammer Watch Plus isn’t just a tool; it’s an essential companion for those who push boundaries and strive for excellence in every endeavor. This is the smartwatch for those who demand more from their gear, offering reliability and innovation in one rugged package.

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.

Audio, Gadget Man, Matt Porter, Microphones, Review, Technology, The Gadget Man

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Helpful Articles, Helpful Guides, Tech Tips, Technology, Useful Articles

Top Tips for Travelling with Tech

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No matter where you go you will always see other people using all modes of technology. You’ll even be using it yourself to board your plane, book your accommodation, even pay your bills while you’re away with stored credit card details. You are likely going to bring your phone with you, your tablet, and the chances are high that you’re going to bring a high-tech camera wherever you go. While it’s a nice idea that you can go on holiday and leave your technology at home, it’s not always practical.

Top Tips for Travelling with Tech
Top Tips for Travelling with Tech

The thing is, if you are travelling with technology, you need to make sure that you can keep it safe. It’s always useful to have technology on hand if you’re in a new place. Using a mapbox matrix API to be able to plan your day-to-day route when you’re travelling around a new place is helpful, but if your phone gets stolen what are you supposed to do? Electronic devices can be very useful, but you have to charge them and keep them with you at all times so that you can travel safely. Here are some of the things that you need to know about travelling with technology.

  • You’re going to need mobile phone signals and Internet access. There is no use in carrying your technology with you if you can’t connect to anything. If you’re using digital cameras to video your holiday, you want to be able to plug it into your laptop and send your videos or blogs over the airwaves. There’s no point in bringing electronic devices if you can’t connect to the Internet, so prepare for using your mobile phone abroad, your tablet and your laptop on your trip and research connectivity before you go.
  • Check your Internet security. If you’re bringing your technology into foreign places that have a Wi-Fi connection, you’re putting yourself at risk. You should never use a public Wi-Fi if you want to keep the information on your phone, your tablet, your laptop and even your camera safe. Public Wi-Fi does not protect you from being hacked, and anybody nearby with the appropriate equipment can log into any of your devices and steal your information. The best thing you can do here is to set up a trip-only email address to use while you travel, and arm yourself with a VPN.
  • Plan ahead for airport security. No matter what technology you are travelling with, you will have to take it out of your bag and scan it through security so that the airline can see what’s going on before you get on the plane. Security screeners have to examine your computer to make sure that there’s nothing on it that’s dangerous. Take everything out of the cases and make sure that you can grab them swiftly from your bags and leave them out onto the security belt.
  • Don’t forget to insure it. Insurance is important if you’re bringing technology with you on holiday. If it gets stolen or lost, you want to be able to claim on said insurance. Standard travel insurance and device cover should help.

 

Helpful Articles, Helpful Guides, Technology

How Businesses Can Benefit From The Digital World

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The online space is taking the world by storm. Although it is still important to communicate and work without relying on devices, it is quite obvious how beneficial they are becoming in the world of business. 

No matter if you are a digital nomad or a business owner, it is important to align yourselves with the online world for business matters. Although some might prefer the traditional means of communication, marketing, and more, there are so many advantages of using the online space to enhance your business. 

Here are some ways that your business can benefit from utilizing the digital world.

How Businesses Can Benefit From The Digital World
How Businesses Can Benefit From The Digital World

Help every employee feel involved

With many businesses taking advantage of the work from home situation, it is more important and useful than ever to use the digital space to continue communication regarding business matters.

Many businesses are relying on virtual calls to host meetings now as they are more convenient and time-friendly. However, a great way to use the digital space and help every employee feel involved (no matter their personal needs) is to use communication help, such as translators. 

For instance, using sign language translation you can make everyone in your business feel included in meetings. This service can be ideal for virtual business meetings whereby a member of the team requires additional assistance. 

Improved customer experience

As well as making every employee feel involved and appreciated, using the digital world will improve your customer’s experience. There are many ways that using the digital space can enhance customer experience:

  • Social media engagement. With there being millions of social media users, the likelihood of your business having lots of interaction through social media accounts is high. Hence, you can engage with your customers and make your business easier to contact/more personable with the use of social media. 
  • Live chats. Should a customer want to get in touch with your business and acquire a fast response, then they could do so if you install a live chat service on your business website. That way, your customers will not need to wait for a response and, therefore, enjoy their communication experience. 

Improves employee output

Although employees can be productive with pen and paper, the use of the digital space can easily speed up business processes. Hence, employees can be more productive and increase their output. 

For instance, a marketing expert on the team might use a lot of their time creating and scheduling social media content. If they use the digital space and automation software, they can speed up their output yet reduce their manual labor. Hence, the digital space can take the pressure off and make work-life more streamlined. 

The higher your business’s output is, the quicker it can meet its targets and the more sales can be generated. Hence, your business will see greater success. 

To conclude, using the digital space will guarantee to offer your business many benefits. From improving employee happiness and productivity to customer satisfaction, it can do wonders for any business. 

 

Gadget Man, Press Release, Technology

New tech solution will address the ‘cocktail party problem’ 

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  • 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.”

Buyers Guide, Gift Guides, Technology

Top Gift Ideas For Tech Lovers During Any Occasion

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Gift-giving can often be a pain for many people. Trying to figure out what the recipient wants and will like can be difficult.

In many cases, you could be tempted to ask them what they want. That’ll ruin the surprise, however.

Knowing what they’re passionate about and focusing on that is better recommended. If you’re loved one is a tech lover, then finding a gift for them can be relatively easy.

You’ll have a wealth of options to choose from. Some can be better recommended than others, although you’ll be sure to find something they like.

Gift Ideas For Tech Lovers That They Should Love

Bluetooth Speakers

Who wouldn’t want a high-quality entertainment system in their home? While the television will naturally be the centre of this, there could be multiple other devices associated with this.

Speakers will be some of the more notable. If the gift recipient has a basic entertainment centre, then it could be worth helping them upgrade this.

Bluetooth speakers can be recommended, especially if the recipient already has multiple smart devices. With this, you’ll take their entertainment centre to the next level.

A Smartwatch

Smartwatches have been popular since they were first released. In the years since then, more and more options have been released.

That’s led to them becoming more high-quality while the cost has also come down significantly. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t relatively expensive options, however.

The features and benefits that many of these can offer could be more than worth it. If you’re on a tight budget, though, then you could consider a second hand Apple watch.

These options are normally of a much higher quality than you’d expect. Many sellers also offer a warranty, so you should be able to rest easy knowing that it’ll work for quite a while.

Wireless Gaming Earbuds

Gaming has often been noted for the technology used in it. That isn’t solely related to developing video games, however.

Multiple peripheral accessories have been designed and perfected in the past few years. Gaming earbuds have been one of the more notable.

Many of these are now wireless, making them much easier to use. There’s also an abundance of brands to choose from.

Razer and Apple are some of the more notable options to consider. If you’re taking this approach, however, make sure to keep the recipient’s console in mind.

Some wireless gaming earbuds mightn’t be compatible with specific consoles. Thankfully, many options will say on the box which consoles they’ll work with.

Gift Ideas For Tech Lovers: Wrapping Up

Quite a lot of thought can go into a gift, especially if the recipient is celebrating a significant occasion. That could lead to many people overthinking it.

You shouldn’t have to put too much stress on yourself. Finding something that the gift recipient will enjoy can be easier than you’d think.

For tech lovers, there’s a wealth of options on offer. While each of the above can be more than recommended, you’ll have multiple other options to choose from.

They can also be more affordable than you’d think.

Hardware, Helpful Articles, Helpful Guides, Technology

Why You Should Upgrade Your Business Systems

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No matter what size your business is, there are always reasons that you should go ahead and assess and upgrade your systems. You might already be aware of the benefits of technology and be utilizing those in your business, but that doesn’t mean that you should wait to upgrade. Technology allows you to compete with the big boys in your industry. It means that you can do more with your time and your money than you might ever have been able to in the past, and yet technology can have a downside. 

There is a need for near-constant upgrades when it comes to your business systems. From the computers to the current business phone system you use, you need to stay on top of the upgrades and the technology you’re using. If you don’t know how the upgrades will work for you, then getting the best advice possible is the best step that you can take. You need to know what technology is going to work for your business, where to get the help and how you can make sure that your business is thriving. So, why should you go ahead and upgrade your business systems?

Why You Should Upgrade Your Business Systems
Why You Should Upgrade Your Business Systems
  1. You’ll increase business productivity. We have bigger and better CPUs and faster hard drives, more processors and more of a need to communicate than ever before. The older systems are just not as fast as we need them to be. If you want to be able to keep up, you need to ensure that you have the newest hard drives in place to make it work! 
  2. You’ll learn to communicate better. Upgrading your telephone system is an absolute must when it comes to your business systems. You have to be aware of the ways that you communicate with your clients, customers and even your own staff. Your lack of attention to this detail could make the difference between you having the right flexibility or not. 
  3. You will be more efficient. We’re in the very fortunate position that we can use the technology that we have right now to do things that we couldn’t do before. Remote access via mobile devices and tablets is still relatively new, and yet they’re making us more efficient. If you rely on dinosaur systems, you’re going to find it much more difficult to remain efficient and keep up with the times. 
  4. You’ll improve your security. We’re living in a time where keeping up with the hackers is vital for us to be successful. Our older systems are not as secure as they used to be, with security checks necessary across a range of different soft and hardware options. It’s vital that you have the right information in place and you keep it as protected as possible. Newer technology has the security that you need in the right place, and better security is what your business needs.
  5. The features – oh, the features! In new operating systems, the features are often the reason that people get involved and upgrade. They’re better with security. They’re fancier to work with. They simply do a better job than the older features of older technology.
  6. You need better support. Sometimes, the upgrade in your IT systems comes with a better understanding and level of support from an IT team. IT professionals simply cannot support technology that has become too old and you have to make a point of upgrading to get the support that you need.
  7. Your staff will be happier. You need people who work well, but they can only do as well as the tools that they are given. Employees will be more and more frustrated when you provide outdated software and systems, and it’s never going to be good for your company if you don’t look into how you can make their lives easier.
  8. Your customers will be more engaged. If you ensure that you have upgraded your business systems properly, you’ll find that your customers are finding your business to be easier to access and information easier to digest. You want to make life easier for customers because they can then have a better, more targeted experience of your business. It’ll be what sets you apart from the rest of the world.

When it comes down to it, upgrading your technology is just good sense. You want to be able to improve on what you already know and do better for everyone else. This is how you thrive in business and how you keep doing well for the future.

Press Release, Technology

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

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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.