Dealcentral.co.uk

Blog

Recommended Computer USB headsets for 2024
[ad_1]
computer headsets are excellent for Internet chat, telephony, speech recognition and applications with voice command-and-control capabilities, the Plantronics. Plantronics single earpiece computer headsets has a superior noise-canceling microphone for improved speech recognition accuracy. The comfortable headband style design adjusts for left or right side wear, and allows you to hear both your surroundings and your computer. This Plantronics computer headsets features convenient inline volume and mute controls and a QuickAdjust microphone, to ensure perfect placement. Compatible with popular computer sound cards, just plug it in and start talking. USB headsets can be found as corded or wireless offers and fully compatible with PC and Mac users, and depending on the scenario, they will be compatible with Bluetooth enable devices such as smart phones or tablets.

Headset Plus offers Poly Multimedia Digital Computer USB Headset , as Jabra USB computer headsets and the EPOS (Sennheiser) alternatives. On the road, in the office or at home, you’ll enjoy the hands-free convenience of these professional-quality computer headsets. Each features noise-canceling microphones and gold-plated plugs for superior sound. Plus, cushioned leatherette earpieces and adjustable headbands provide a comfortable fit.

We will discuss and recommend some solutions for the remote workers following next.

Corded USB Headsets
1. Jabra EVOLVE 20 UC Mono USB-A Computer Headset (Good)
The Jabra EVOLVE 20 UC will be the entry level for a USB corded headset, covering one ear and fully compatible with any computer with a USB-A port. The volume and call controls are going to be located in the cord, making it an affordable option with an easy to use interface. Foam ear cushion welcome the user with noise canceling microphones and optimized for all the UC platforms for VoIP systems such as RingCentral or 8X8.

2. EPOS Adapt 165 USB II, USB-C, 3.5mm Double Sided Headset (Good)

EPOS offers the SC 165 corded headset as a Stereo sound quality corded USB-C headset for the computer, the headset comes with a 3.5mm jack as well as this headset can be used with portable devices with a 3.5mm jack such as tablets. The Volume control will be located on the cord as well and easy to use on any computer thru the USB-C port. This alternative would be the entry level for a good quality stereo corded headset with a rich sound. Leatherette ear cushions can be found, making it a comfortable offer and helping the user to have cool ears when in use, plus lasting longer and easier to clean. Foldable completely flat, making it easier to carry around or to put inside backpacks or carrying cases.

3. Poly 3325 Blackwire USB-A Stereo Headset w/3.5mm Jack, MS Teams (Better)

Poly offers the Blackwire 33.25 as a corded USB-A Stereo headset, volume control on the cord with an easy to use interface, allowing to mute the mic, answer/end calls and depending on the application used can put calls on hold. This headset comes with a 3.5mm jack as well as can be used with portable devices with a 3.5mm jack such as laptops or cordless phones with a 3.5mm jack. Flexible microphone boom arm with noise canceling microphone and with Leatherette ear cushions which gives a comfortable wearing style for all day use.

4. Jabra Biz 2300 USB GSA Mono PTT Headset, UC (Better)

Jabra offers its Biz 2300 USB corded headset with the well known Jabra’s long lasting reputation, thanks to its Kevlar reinforcement helping the headset to last longer, lighter and tolerate common office accidents. Noise canceling microphone can be found and this headset offers the Push-To-Talk (PTT) function which mutes the microphone by releasing the control key and reenable it when holding down, making it a secure conversation. The volume control located on the cord offers lightening when on a call and on the PTT function allowing the user to know when the microphone is muted or not.

5. Poly Blackwire 8225 USB-A Stereo Wired Headset (Best)

Poly offers the Blackwire 8225 as a stereo headset with Digital Hybrid Active Noise Canceling (ANC), designed for loud environments as it has different levels of graduation so the user can decide how much ANC want to use. The bendable microphone boom arm will come with the new Acoustic Fence technology which has 1 dedicated microphone facing the outside with the main purpose of substract most of the loud noises such as loud fans or lawnmowers. Volume and call control can be found on the cord and built in busy light on the earcup, allowing user to let know when on a call. Foldable ear cups for easy transportation and with an easy to use interface.

6. Jabra Engage 50 II Stereo USB-A PC Headset w/control unit, UC (Best)

Jabra released the second generation of its Engage 50 corded headset, the new redesign of the headset by itself. Volume controls with an easy to use interface can be found on the cord, with built in buys lights into the earcup of the headset and the volume control, making it easy to the user to find the answer/end call key. Advanced speakers can be found with optimization from BalancedVoice which makes a clear and rich sound quality coming to the headset. 3 noise canceling microphones can be found in the boom arm. The Engage 50 II is certified for Google Meet and Zoom, plus it has integrated call control for Amazon Connect and Genesys Cloud CX.

Wireless USB Headsets
1. Poly Voyager 4310 UC Bluetooth Mono USB-C Computer Headset (Good)
Poly offers the Voyager 4310 as the new entry level for a wireless headset. This unit is a mono headset, covering one ear and fully compatible with any computer using the BT700 USB-C dongle and can be paired with a Bluetooth enable device such as a smart phone or a tablet. Acoustic Fence technology can be found on the bendable boom arm and built in buys light on the ear cup. Offering a range of up to 160 feet and with built in volume and call controls into the headset with an intuitive and easy to use interface. Offering voice over USB feature, allowing to use the headset as a corded headset if the BT700 is not available. Impressive talk time of up to 24 hrs in a single charge.

2. Jabra Stealth UC USB Wireless Headset w/Dongle (Good)

Jabra offers the Stealth UC as an alternative for people wanting a UC certified headset compatible with their computer and cell phone in a more discrete design. The Jabra Link 360 included gives a range of up to 100 feet and fully compatible with all mayor UC platforms and Bluetooth enable devices. Smartphone Voice Control button for remote activation of Siri / Google Now, Noise Blackout microphone technology that blocks most of the noises from the background of your conversation. 6 hours of talk time in 1 charge with a fully charge time of 2 hours.

3. Jabra Evolve2 65 UC Stereo Bluetooth USB-A Headset w/Stand (Better)

Jabra offers the Evolve2 65 as a stereo UC certified headset. Offering a elegant and well built design, theEvovle2 65 supports all mayor UC platforms with a range of up to 100 feet thanks to the Link 380 included and with 3-microphone technology. The Evolve2 65 is fully compatible with any Bluetooth enable device such as smart phones and tablets. Built in Volume controls and busy light can be found on the earcup and with advanced mute technology that allows the user to mute microphone by bringing microphone boom arm up and down. Offering up to 37 hours of talk time or 10 days of standby in a single charge. Voice over USB feature can be found so can be used as a corded headset on the computer.

4. EPOS Sennheiser Adapt 360 USB-A Bluetooth Headset MS Teams Cert (Better)

EPOS offers the Adapt 360 as UC certified boom less microphone foldable headset with a discrete and elegant design. The Adapt 360 comes in a stereo sound quality with built in Active Noise Canceling technology (ANC), with a talk time of up to 39 hours and offering the option to be used as a corded headset with the included 2.5mm to 3.5mm jack cable making it a nice option for travelers so they can use their headset on airplanes when they ask to turn off electric devices. Offering a range of up to 82 feet using the BTD 800 USB dongle. Thanks to its foldable design and included carrying case makes it a nice offer for people on the move all day.

5. Jabra Evolve2 75 MS Stereo Bluetooth Headset USB-C w/Stand Teams (Best)

Jabra offers the new Evolve2 75 as a stereo Bluetooth Class1 headset, fully compatible with any computer thanks to the included Link 380 USB-C and with another Bluetooth enable device. The Evolve2 75 offers Active Noise Canceling (ANC) for those unwanted noises of the environment and the headset has 2 modes of use, on Discreet mode with the boom arm stored away the headset works as boom less mic headset, on Performance mode with the arm out meets Microsoft’s Open Office requirements for calls. Built in busy light and volume control can be found on the headset with a battery life of 36 hours with fast charging available and voice over USB feature.

6. Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC Bluetooth USB-C + USB-C/A Adapter (Best)

Poly offers the new Voyager Surround 80 UC as a wireless stereo headset with a boom less microphone design. The earcups will cover the whole ear for a rich sound quality and offers the Digital Hybrid Active Noise Canceling for those loud moments when in use. Foldable earcups for easy transportation and offering a range of up to 164 feet using the included BT700 V5.3. Voice over USB is found on the headset and the Surround 80 can be used as 3.5mm jack corded headset thanks to the included USB-C to 3.5mm cable, making it an offer for people wanting to use their headset while on a flight. Can be used in any computer as it comes a USB-C to USB-A adapter so no excuses of not being able to use the BT700 dongle.
[ad_2]

Source link
December 13, 2023
Tara Bernerd fills Maroma hotel in Mexico with artisanal elements

[ad_1]

Interior designer Tara Bernerd worked with local artisans when dressing the cavernous rooms at the Maroma hotel in Riviera Maya, Mexico, which were renovated to reflect hacienda-style living.

Housed within white stucco volumes arranged on a coastal plot between lush jungle and the Caribbean sea, the longstanding Maroma, A Belmond Hotel was renovated earlier this year but retained much of its traditional-style architecture.

The Maroma hotel is housed within rounded stucco, palapa-topped volumes

Bernerd and a team of local artisans conceived the eclectic interiors to reflect the palapa-topped structures, creating a range of bespoke curved furniture and ornaments.

“The buildings themselves are organic in shape and form and were originally positioned in response to the sacred Mayan geometry,” she told Dezeen.

“We sought to retain and enhance the beauty of the hotel’s original character.”

Tara Bernerd sought to reflect this “Mayan geometry” in the interior design

Among the custom pieces are over 700,000 tiles hand-painted and crafted by ceramicist José Noé Suro using clay from Mexico’s Jalisco region.

The tiles cover the floors in all of the 72 guest rooms, which are characterised by rattan wardrobes and amorphous timber furniture pieces – 80 per cent of which were hand-carved.

The guest rooms are characterised by rattan accents and blown glass

Artisan Max Kublailan blew bulbous glass sconce lights, which feature throughout the rooms and are reminiscent of glowing gemstones.

“It was a joy working with the local artisans who brought our designs to life and the process was more like a conversation between artisan and designer, with each inspiring and on occasion challenging the other,” reflected Bernerd.

Eclectic design choices were also made for the guest bathrooms

The entrance to each guest room also features individual ceramic, painted signs informed by traditional Lotería cards, which are used to play a similar game to bingo in Mexico.

“We built up the layers of design within the spaces, with rich pops of colour being brought in through the tiled or mosaic floors, the use of decorative tiles in the walls and dado rail as well as cushions and fabrics,” explained Bernerd.

An open kitchen clad in glazed ceramic tiles features in one restaurant

Maroma’s two restaurants follow a similar design, with accents such as rattan pendant lights and tables featuring textured legs that give the appearance of tree trunks.

An open kitchen clad entirely in caramel-hued glazed ceramic tiles was tucked into a corner of the Woodend eatery while Casa Mayor includes clusters of hand-painted plant pots.

The other restaurant includes painted potted plants and oversized rattan lampshades

Throughout the hotel, cavernous alcoves were also dressed with custom interiors made up of stone, clay, wood and natural fibres.

“Location and layout were key and I am especially proud of how we have managed to reimagine previously under-utilised areas and have created a balance between unique, dramatic spaces and cosier, slightly hidden areas,” said Bernerd.

Estudio Macías Peredo stylises Mayan architecture for Punta Caliza boutique hotel

Traditional Yucatán doors with dense timber frames and chandeliers made from clusters of seashells were chosen to respond to Maroma’s setting.

The hotel’s central swimming pool was renovated with Sukabumi turquoise tiles handmade from volcanic stone to emulate the cenotes – water-filled sinkholes formed by the collapse of limestone – found in the Yucatán Peninsula.

Cavernous corridors reflect the hotel’s architecture

“In essence, we wanted to create something that was effortlessly serene and had the feeling of a chic home,” said the designer.

“So we also drew inspiration from traditional hacienda-style living to create a relaxed, almost residential vibe throughout the resort and evoke a sense of connection, unity and flow between all of the public area buildings,” she concluded.

The central swimming pool was informed by cenotes

The British designer is the founder of the London-based architecture and interiors office Tara Bernerd & Partners.

Elsewhere in Mexico, local firms Productora and Esrawe Studio designed a San Miguel de Allende hotel with planes of green tile. Architect Alberto Kalach added a series of vaulted, brick arches to a resort in Oaxaca.

The photography is courtesy of Belmond.

[ad_2]

Source link

December 12, 2023
Which Fire TV Is Best for You? a Breakdown of Amazon’s Streaming Devices

[ad_1]

When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

Amazon Fire TV devices are designed to deliver easy access to all of the best streaming services. Fire TV products are some of the top streaming devices you can buy, and you can choose between stick, cube, and full-fledged smart TV models.

Entry-level Fire TV devices, like the budget-friendly Fire TV Stick Lite, offer full HD playback, while the best Fire TV models, like the new 2023 Fire TV Stick 4K Max, support Ultra HD video and Dolby Vision for enhanced color and contrast. Amazon also sells actual smart TVs that have the Fire TV operating system (OS) built in. Though these sets don’t rank among the best TVs you can buy, they’re decent budget options for fans of Amazon’s ecosystem.

But with so many different Fire TV models to consider, it can be tricky to figure out which one is right for your needs. To help you pick the best Fire TV for your entertainment setup, we’ve detailed all the ins and outs of each model.

How to get a great deal on the best Fire TV devices

The best Fire TVs often drop to all-time low prices during sales on Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Prime Day, though smaller discounts also pop up throughout the year outside of these big events.

While Amazon’s Black Friday 2023 sale has ended, several Fire TV models are still being discounted for the holiday shopping season. Prices aren’t quite as low as during the big sale, but you can still snag Fire TV Sticks for as much as 40% off. These current deal prices will likely be the best we see until Prime Day comes around in the summer.

Fire TV Stick Lite

The entry-level Fire TV Stick Lite has a basic remote and HD streaming

Amazon

The Fire TV Stick Lite is the best Fire TV you can snag on a budget. Like the company’s other stick models, this compact dongle plugs right into your TV’s HDMI port.

When it comes to general performance, the Fire TV Stick Lite matches the quality of the more expensive standard Fire TV Stick. The only real difference between this model and the regular Fire TV Stick is its remote. The Lite includes an Alexa Voice Remote Lite, which lacks TV controls, like power and guide buttons. Other than that, both models are basically the same.

The Fire TV Stick Lite can stream at up to 1080p resolution, which is a perfect fit for an HDTV. The device also supports high dynamic range (HDR) using the HDR10 and HDR10+ formats. This feature delivers enhanced colors and contrast when streaming HDR videos through apps like Disney Plus. That said, most TVs that support HDR are 4K models, and if you have a 4K TV, we highly recommend you pay a bit more for one of Amazon’s 4K sticks.

If your TV doesn’t support 4K, the Fire TV Stick Lite will suit your streaming needs just fine. Keep in mind, however, that the standard Fire TV Stick occasionally goes on sale for even less than the Lite. When that happens, there’s no reason to consider this model.

Fire TV Stick

Amazon’s standard Fire TV Stick has HD streaming and a remote with TV controls.

Amazon

The standard Fire TV Stick matches the 1080p streaming quality of the Lite model but has an improved remote with controls for your TV and extra buttons for Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, and Prime Video.

The base Fire TV Stick will meet the HD streaming needs of most people unless you own a 4K TV, in which case we recommend spending the extra money on one of Amazon’s more advanced 4K streaming devices.

Fire TV Stick 4K

The Fire TV Stick 4K adds 4K streaming support.

Amazon

As the name suggests, the Fire TV Stick 4K streams at a higher resolution than the Fire TV Stick or Stick Lite. With 4K support, you’ll get a sharper, more detailed image when watching 4K content on a 4K TV.

This model carries over high dynamic range (HDR) playback but adds support for the more advanced Dolby Vision format, which is missing on the Lite and standard Fire TV Stick. It also comes with more memory.

The latest version of the Fire TV Stick 4K was released in September 2023, and it has a slightly tweaked design with rounded edges and an improved processor that Amazon says is around 25% faster than the first-gen model. It also now supports Wi-Fi 6 if you have a compatible router.

If you have a 4K TV, this model is a good fit. However, if you’re willing to spend $10 more, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max offers slightly better performance.

Fire TV Stick 4K Max

Amazon’s fastest streaming stick is the Fire TV Stick 4K Max.

Amazon

The Fire TV Stick 4K Max carries over everything you’ll get on the regular Fire TV Stick 4K, while offering a faster processor and GPU, as well as more memory. This makes navigation a little snappier and lets you store more apps and games.

Amazon released its latest version of the Fire TV Stick 4K Max in September 2023, and compared to the previous-generation edition this new model has an upgraded processor, double the amount of storage, and new support for Wi-Fi 6E routers. It also has a revised design with rounded edges. And unlike other Fire TV Sticks, the 4K Max supports Amazon’s Fire TV Ambient Experience, which lets you display art, photos, and widgets for things like the weather and your calendar.

The Fire TV Stick 4K Max is typically just $10 more than the standard Fire TV Stick 4K, so we think it’s the best Fire TV choice for people with 4K TVs.

Fire TV Cube

Amazon’s 2022 Fire TV Cube has new features like 4K upscaling.

Amazon

The Fire TV Cube is the best Fire TV device for pure processing power. It incorporates all the features of the Fire TV Stick 4K Max, but has a beefier CPU and is meant to be a more traditional home theater device. Instead of a stick that you plug directly into your TV’s HDMI port, the Cube is a compact box that sits on your TV stand.

One of the Fire TV Cube’s biggest benefits is its support for hands-free voice control without using a remote. In other words, the Cube can act like an Echo Dot. The newest model also has an HDMI passthrough port to control cable boxes, twice as much storage space as the stick models, 4K upscaling to make HD videos look better, and overall faster performance.

The Fire TV Cube is a premium streaming box designed to compete with devices like the Apple TV 4K and the Roku Ultra, so it’s best suited for home theater enthusiasts who want the absolute best quality and fastest technology.

Fire TV 2-Series

Amazon’s 2-Series smart TVs have HD screens.

Amazon

40-inch model

Amazon now sells its own lineup of full-fledged smart TVs, and they all use a built-in version of the Fire TV OS. This means you can stream your favorite apps without an extra device. The 2-Series is Amazon’s entry-level HDTV model designed for people who just want a basic smart TV for casual viewing.

The 2-Series is available in 32 inches with a 720p screen, or 40 inches with a 1080p screen. Both models support HDR processing using the standard HDR10 format, but the 2-Series can’t deliver the brightness or color performance needed to really take advantage of high dynamic range playback. For this reason, we only recommend this model for people who want a cheap TV that doesn’t take up too much space.

Fire TV 4-Series

The 4-Series is Amazon’s entry-level 4K TV.

Amazon

43-inch model

The 4-Series steps things up from HD to Ultra HD with a 4K resolution screen. Models are available in 43-, 50-, and 55-inch screen sizes.

Though it supports 4K playback, the 4-Series still has very basic HDR performance and it lacks advanced features like wide color support and Dolby Vision. It’s a decent TV for buyers who want a smaller, affordable 4K display for a bedroom, but it’s not suited for home theater use.

Fire TV Omni Series

The Omni Series has hands-free Alexa support.

Amazon

50-inch model

The Omni Series Fire TV adds built-in support for hands-free Alexa voice control without needing to use the remote. You can control power, volume, navigation, and search with spoken commands through the TV’s built-in microphones. And the TV can also serve as an Alexa smart home hub even when the display is off.

Models range in size from 43 to 75 inches. Every model supports 4K resolution and HDR, and the 65- and 75-inch models add support for Dolby Vision.

Unfortunately, the TV’s picture quality and navigation speed are underwhelming for its price. There are simply much better-looking smart TVs from brands like TCL, Hisense, and Vizio in this price range. That said, the Omni is a decent buy when it’s on sale during deal events like Black Friday and Prime Day. We only recommend picking up the 65-inch model when you can snag it for under $500.

Check out our Amazon Fire TV Omni review.

Fire TV Omni QLED Series

Amazon’s Omni QLED has advanced color and contrast features.

Amazon

65-inch model

Amazon’s Omni QLED is the best Fire TV display you can buy, and it offers a big step up from the regular Omni Series. It carries over hands-free Alexa support while adding advanced picture features like quantum dots and local dimming. These features enable it to deliver much better color and contrast performance.

The TV also has a smart ambient mode that can display art and widgets when it senses that someone has walked into the room. Sizes range from 43 to 75 inches. The 65-inch model’s list price of $800 is a bit high for what you get, but when it’s on sale for $600, it’s a solid value.

Check out our full Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED review.

Fire TV Soundbar

The Fire TV soundbar is the first audio device in the Fire TV lineup.

Amazon

Amazon’s latest Fire TV-branded product isn’t actually a streaming device at all. Instead, it’s a soundbar.

The Fire TV soundbar is a compact 2.0-channel speaker that’s designed to rest in front of your TV. It features an HDMI eARC and optical port for easy connection to most modern TVs, and it also supports Bluetooth for wireless music playback from a mobile device.

At 24 inches wide, the soundbar is relatively small, which should make it easy to set up on most TV stands. Though it doesn’t include a subwoofer or integrate advanced features like upfiring audio drivers, the Fire TV Soundbar does support DTS Virtual:X to simulate surround sound. That said, buyers shouldn’t expect too much from this feature in this price range.

And despite the Fire TV branding, this is a soundbar only. It does not feature built-in support for streaming video apps. The base model only includes a standard remote, but you can pay more to get a package that includes an Alexa Voice Remote Pro.

Based on the specs and affordable $120 price tag, it looks like Amazon is positioning this as an entry-level soundbar for people who just want a simple, compact, and inexpensive upgrade for their TV’s speakers. But if you’re looking for something with a bit more oomph, check out our guide to the best soundbars.

Kevin Webb

Video Game Reporter

Steven is a Tech Editor for the Insider Reviews team, where he oversees streaming and home entertainment product coverage. He previously served as High-Def Digest’s Gear Editor from 2013 to 2019, and his work has appeared on Ben’s Bargains, Steve’s Digicams, Big Picture Big Sound, and Consequence of Sound.
Over his nine years of experience covering the audiovisual industry, Steven has reviewed numerous TVs, headphones, speakers, monitors, streaming players, and more. He was one of a select number of journalists invited to get a hands-on first look at LG’s first 8K OLED TV in 2019, and is always excited to check out the newest and biggest displays on the market.
Based on his extensive experience in the home theater industry, Steven served as one of the expert judges for the 2018 TV Shootout, the premier annual display competition that crowns the best TVs of the year. Steven also has a background in film criticism, having reviewed over 400 movies and TV shows. He uses his movie industry knowledge to help inform his coverage of the streaming and home entertainment markets.
Steven’s own home theater setup makes his passion for entertainment clear, complete with a 65-inch HDR display and the biggest Dolby Atmos speaker system he can fit in his apartment. And though he often spends his free time binging new series on every streaming service under the sun, he remains proud of his huge collection of Blu-ray discs.
See below for some of his work.

Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here.
Learn more about how we test tech and electronics.

Read more
Read less

[ad_2]

Source link

December 12, 2023
How To Find the Perfect Facial Cleanser for Your Skin Type
[ad_1]
Cleansing is an important step in your skin care routine, but it can be confusing when it comes to choosing the right type that will work best for your needs and specific complexion. To minimize the time spent determining the right choice, we’re sharing how to find the best facial cleansers for your skin type.

Cleansers For Sensitive Skin | Oily Skin | Dry Skin | Combination Skin | Normal Skin

Why Use A Facial Cleanser?

Imagine a day’s worth of dirt, oil and leftover makeup merging into an invisible mask of pollutants on your skin. This is where the magic of a good cleanser shines, sweeping away these impurities. If neglected, applying products over this unwashed layer only traps the dirt and oil, leading to clogged pores. These clogged pores, filled with a mix of oil, bacteria and grime, become the perfect breeding ground for breakouts. You can learn even more about the purpose of cleansing in this cleansers 101 guide.

Cleansers For Sensitive Skin

Understanding your skin type is crucial in selecting the right facial cleanser, especially if you have sensitive skin. So, how do you know if you have sensitive skin? When exposed to irritants, sensitive skin frequently responds with a rash that may appear red, flaky or bumpy. You may notice these reactions from certain chemicals, ingredients or perfumes as well as leave-on topical products, such as facial serums and moisturizers, that are designed to stay on the skin instead of being washed off. You may also notice that you react to a change in diet or when you have hormonal imbalances. In addition to rashes and bumps, sensitive skin may feel itchy and tight — particularly after cleansing with products that contain harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances. Sensitive skin is also often accompanied by dryness or dehydration, which can also leave skin feeling prickly and parched.

Given these challenges, it’s important to choose a cleanser that is gentle yet effective. When your skin is on the sensitive side, cream cleansers are a great choice as they help lock in moisture while removing impurities. One of our top picks? The Lemon Grass Cleanser, which contains olive oil to soothe dry skin and sunflower oil, rich in vitamins to reduce the visible signs of aging. This hypoallergenic cleanser also contains wheat extract for hydration.

Cleansers For Oily Skin

For those dealing with oily skin, the approach and choice of products will differ significantly. If you’re unsure whether you have oily skin, here are a few signs that you may have this skin type:
- Greasy to the touch
- Visible, large pores
- Prone to breakouts
- Makeup gets soaked up quickly but also slides off easily
- Shiny looking
If you do have this skin type, your goal should be to control the buildup of oil or debris and prevent breakouts. Our Lead Skin Care Trainer Natalie Pergar recommends the Charcoal Exfoliating Gel Cleanser to combat oily skin. Rich in antioxidants, this gel lather unclogs and deep cleans pores thanks to its star ingredient — charcoal. This may sound odd, but charcoal actually draws out dirt and oil to help prevent clogged pores. Another antioxidant-rich ingredient in this formulation is blue matcha, which is known to improve the visible signs of aging (think fine lines and wrinkles). You can watch Natalie go into more detail about this cleanser in this In The Mix video.

Cleansers For Dry Skin

If your skin is rough, flaky or peeling, you probably have dry skin. Ask yourself these questions: Does your skin feel unusually tight, almost stretched, after showering, swimming or cleansing? Is the overall texture of your skin more on the rough side? Have you observed the emergence of fine lines or deeper cracks in your skin? You most likely have dry skin. Both genetics and environmental factors like heating or winter can exacerbate your symptoms.

To effectively tackle dry skin issues, it’s essential to choose the right skin care products. Dry skin can benefit from gentle cleansers including foaming products like our Kombucha Microbiome Foaming Cleanser. It features micellar technology and actives that help balance the skin microbiome and protect the skin barrier, an essential for sensitive skin. A blend of pre, pro* and postbiotics improves the skin barrier while kombucha, jasmine, white tea and ginger combine to refresh and balance the microbiome.

Cleansers For Combination Skin

Combination skin is characterized by oily and dry skin in one complexion. Your T-zone and chin feel extra oily while your cheeks or other parts of your face get dry. The skin’s oiliness and dryness can fluctuate with changes in weather. Humidity might increase oiliness, while cold weather could enhance dryness. The goal for combination skin is to treat both oily and dry areas for a clear, balanced complexion. You will most benefit from using different products on different areas of your face. You can visit an Eminence Organics Spa to receive a tailored routine for your skin type.

For those with combination skin, we recommend the Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser which has a Lactic Acid Complex to remove buildup, gently remove dead skin cells and buff the skin to look smooth and polished. Mangosteen, a superfruit, defends your complexion from pollution and other environmental stressors that could dry out the skin.
Cleansers For Normal Skin

Normal skin types simply need to maintain their balanced and healthy skin. You don’t notice dry or oily patches, nor do you suffer redness or itchiness from trying new products. You might occasionally notice breakouts related to hormones or infrequent cleansing, but your skin is generally balanced. While normal skin is typically well-balanced and less prone to issues, it’s not completely immune to the occasional changes or breakouts caused by environmental factors. To help maintain this balance and counteract these effects, the Stone Crop Gel Wash is an excellent choice for normal skin. This gentle cleanser provides a light foam, refreshing and cleansing the skin, while ingredients like stone crop and chamomile work to hydrate and soothe.

Have you found a cleanser that suits your complexion? To narrow your selection down, view the full lineup of Eminence Organics cleansers here or visit an Eminence Organic Spa for a consultation.

*This formula does not contain live probiotic cultures.

[ad_2]

Source link
December 12, 2023
Plantronics Vista M22, Poly MDA 524/526 Amplifier Information

[ad_1]

Plantronics M22 Amplifier

Do I need an amplifier (Plantronics M22) for my phone? Most telephones do not provide adequate power for a headset. A headset amplifier will provide additional power for the headset via batteries or an AC adapter. Amplifiers also offer volume (incoming and outgoing) and mute controls.

Although most telephones require an amplifier, some do not. Check our list of office phones that do not require an amplifier in our direct connect headset page. You can also check our Compatibility Guide to learn whether or not your telephone will require an amplifier in order to work with your headset. (After selecting a headset model, please check the amplifier/adapter section on the right side of the page.)

Plantronics M22 and Plantronics Poly MDA524 headset Amplifier connects Plantronics H-Series headsets to just about any single or multi-line “office” type phone and offer ergonomically designed volume, headset/handset, and mute controls. Connects Plantronics headsets to most single or multi-line telephones.

The MDA524 allows to use a corded headset from Poly with a desk phone and a computer and it supports remote answer EHS adapters or HL10 mechanical lifter from Plantronics. The MDA524 has 2 volume controls so the user can modulate the audio coming from the desk phone and from the computer independently. Power comes from the USB port of the computer and this kind of amplifier allows to record calls when using it with the computer. The MDA Amplifier allows the user to merge calls from different devices (desk phone and computer) together, in order to activate this feature the user has to press and hold the PC and desk phone buttons for 2 seconds while on active call and this will merge them in a conference mode.

Plantronics M22 Installation instructions – The line cord coming out of the wall stays in your telephone. The hand receiver cable is the only cable to be removed from your telephone. Unplug the Hand receiver from the base of the telephone and connect it to the back of the Plantronics Vista M22, where it shows a picture of just a hand receiver. Then the short cable that came with the Plantronics Vista M22 gets plugged into the back of the Vista M22 where it shows a picture of a full telephone and the other end plugs into where the hand receiver used to be.

Switch Setting information
1 = Carbon
2 & 3 = Phone specific such as AT&T Merlin
4 = Electret test setting. Not fully functional
5 = Electret w/batteries installed

Battery location
The battery compartments of the Plantronics Vista M22 amplifier is located on the left side of the units. Both have a U shaped door. To remove this battery door, simply apply pressure while pushing down. The door will slide off of the amplifier. see picture below:

Plantronics M22 Specifications:

Uses 2 x AA batteries or optional Plantronics M12/M22 AC adaptor Compatible with most modular phones Installs in the telephone handset jack Supports carbon handsets (or equivalent), standard electronic handsets including Electret, Dynamic and ceramic Includes mute, Outgoing (Tx) volume adjust, and Receive (Rx) volume adjust 6 position configuration switch Handset/Headset switch. The AC adapter for the M10/M12 & Plantronics M22 amplifiers is 7.5 – 12 volts 200 milliamps, DC center positive.

The Plantronics Poly MDA526 is a Digital amplifier that works with any of the “D” Digital EncorePro headsets from Poly (Plantronics). The type of corded headsets are designed for mayor deployments and for the same reason they have a different QD than the regular QD headsets from the non “D” headsets. These kind of headsets have a 6-pin instead of the regular 4-pin QD and they are designed for inventory management using the Plantronics Manager Pro software as it monitors the usage of the headset and supervise the call quality when on use.

Bothe the MDA524 and MDA526 amplifiers work as a Plantronics bottom cable for desk phones. Both models share the same configuration and take the place of respectively cables, the following chart guide in reference of each position:

Setting Cable Desk phone

A U10 Cisco
B A-10 Avaya/Nortel
C U10P Polycom
D HIS Avaya J100
E U10P-S Yealink/Snom
F HIC Avaya/ATT

Both MDA 524 and MDA 526 don’t use regular batteries and are powered by the USB port of the computer. If no available USB port, you will need the Plantronics Universal AC/DC Wall Adapter MDA220 Savi 8210 8220 to power it up.

For Volume adjustment, use the dials located on the bottom of the MDA 524 or MDA 526, for best volume both dials need to get situated on number 2 for the master volume and master microphone and then the volume adjustment can be done from the front of the MDA amplifier.

[ad_2]

Source link

December 12, 2023
Why This $660 Trudon Luxury Candle Is so Expensive

[ad_1]

Founded in 1643 in France, Trudon is one of the oldest candle manufacturers in the world. Its candles lined Marie Antoinette’s bedroom and the churches of Paris. Today, prices range from $48 for one taper candle to $660 for a “great”-sized jarred candle. Its legacy isn’t the only thing behind that hefty price tag. Every candle is meticulously handcrafted with high-quality materials, right down to the glass jar it comes in. Here’s why luxury candles are so expensive.

[ad_2]

Source link

December 11, 2023
Cake Architecture draws on Bauhaus principles for Hoxton bar

[ad_1]

Cake Architecture has renovated A Bar with Shapes for a Name, an east London cocktail bar featuring “utilitarian” interiors.

A Bar with Shapes for a Name owes its title to the yellow triangle, red square and blue circle that are emblazoned on its facade in a nod to the primary colours and understated geometry commonly associated with the Bauhaus.

Tall tubular chairs feature on the ground floor

When creating the bar’s minimalist interiors, Dalston-based Cake Architecture took cues from the influential German art and design school that was established in 1919 and advocated for an emphasis on functionality, among other similar principles.

Located at 232 Kingsland Road in Hoxton, the cocktail bar was renovated by the studio to serve as a multipurpose venue.

Cake Architecture created a smooth ground-floor bar from reddish plywood

Cake Architecture doubled the bar’s capacity by adding a basement, which acts as a “kitchen-bar” room, and refurbished the ground floor’s existing seating area as well as a classroom-style space that offers a location for rotating events or workshops.

“These spaces have specific functional requirements and we selected colours and materials to suit,” studio director Hugh Scott Moncrieff told Dezeen.

It was positioned opposite a rectilinear light installation

Upon entering the bar, visitors are greeted by the main seating area or “showroom”, which was designed to be warm and inviting.

Tall tubular chairs finished with neutral rattan were positioned around chunky geometric tables made from birch ply stained to a rich, reddish-brown hue.

The renovation included the addition of a new basement

The team also used the same timber to create the space’s curving bar, which is illuminated by a squat, cordless table lamp by lighting brand Flos.

Opposite the bar, a glowing rectilinear light installation by photographer Steve Braiden was fitted to the wall underneath bench-style seating reminiscent of early Bauhaus furniture designs.

A steel, glass-topped table sets an industrial tone

“We looked in particular at projects by the Bauhaus founder Walter Gropius,” reflected Scott Moncrieff.

“Gropius is a master of this elegant zoning through the application of colour and form,” he added.

The “classroom” includes steel-framed tables

Downstairs, the low-lit basement was created to house additional seating as well as “all of the crazy machinery they use to prepare the drinks,” the designer said.

The basement is characterised by a bespoke central table by Cake Architecture and furniture designer Eddie Olin.

Red, yellow and blue accents define a sculptural lamp

Consisting of a steel frame that “floats” over a central leg, the table was topped with a glass surface and its base was clad in phenolic-coated plywood to match the floor and walls.

“This new basement is predominantly a production space – so the palette reflects this with hardwearing, utilitarian and industrial materials,” said Scott Moncrieff.

Henley Halebrown creates Bauhaus-informed offices in converted London warehouse

A thick, felt curtain in ultramarine adds a pop of colour to the otherwise pared-back space.

With its pale blue walls and Valchromat-topped, steel-framed tables, the ground-floor “classroom” pays homage to the Bauhaus as an educational institution.

A tall blackboard provides space to learn in the classroom

Brighter blue vinyl covers the floors while a sculptural lamp featuring red, yellow and blue circles echoes the bar’s logo.

A tall blackboard and overhead strip lighting add to the classroom feel of the space, which is used for various group events.

Thin vertical lights frame the bathroom sink

Cake Architecture worked closely with the bar’s founders Remy Savage and Paul Lougrat when creating the interiors, which were primarily informed by the duo’s way of working.

“The team has a conceptually driven ethos drawn from the theory and practice of Bauhaus embedded in everything they are doing. We found that incredibly exciting,” explained Scott Moncrieff.

A Bar with Shapes for a Name is located on London’s Kingsland Road

“The Bauhaus phrase ‘party, work, play’ was pertinent to some early ideas and this carried through all our design discussions,” noted the designer.

“The space enables these three things. Separately as individual functions and simultaneously as a representation of the overall atmosphere of a bar!”

Cake Architecture previously worked with interior designer Max Radford to create a curtain-wrapped speakeasy in London’s Soho. The studio also designed a workspace for London agency Ask Us For Ideas in the same part of the city.

The photography is by Felix Speller.

[ad_2]

Source link

December 10, 2023
Facing Charges, Pro-Trump Fake Electors Say They Wouldn’t Do It Again
[ad_1]
- Several fake electors say they regret their actions in the aftermath of the 2020 election, per WaPo.
- “Hindsight provides a wealth of knowledge we don’t have at the time,” one fake elector said.
- In recent months, 25 of the 84 fake electors have been charged with felonies.
Thanks for signing up!

Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you’re on the go.

It was one of the most bizarre aspects of the 2020 presidential election’s aftermath: Fake electors in states won by Joe Biden convened in an attempt to award Electoral College votes to Donald Trump.

The plans failed, but several of the 84 GOP presidential electors who met to cast ballots for Trump told The Washington Post that they wouldn’t do it again. Some of the electors are now entangled in criminal probes and could face criminal charges, with mounting legal expenses also adding to their worries.

In December 2020, Republican activist James “Ken” Carroll cast an electoral vote for Trump at the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta as part of an “alternate” slate of delegates, despite Biden’s certified victory in the former Republican stronghold-turned-swing state. He was one of 16 GOP signatories to do so.

But Carroll told The Post that he wouldn’t take the same action if he could go back in time.

“Knowing what I know now? No,” Carroll said. “But hindsight provides a wealth of knowledge we don’t have at the time of an event.”

In recent months, 25 of the 84 electors involved in alternate elector schemes have been charged with a series of felonies, and 10 additional electors have agreed not to put their names forward as legitimate electors in any election featuring Trump on the ballot.

In Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, fake electors sought to overturn the election by filing paperwork stating that it was Trump — and not Biden — who had truly won the election.

Last week, the 10 bogus electors involved in the electoral scheme in Wisconsin had to accept Trump’s statewide loss in the 2020 race as part of a settlement, according to The New York Times. They are also prohibited from serving as electors in 2024 or for any race where Trump is listed as a candidate.

Andrew Hitt, an attorney and former chairman of the Wisconsin Republican Party in 2020 — and a fake elector — insisted that the GOP electors crafted their plan in the event that the courts ruled that Trump had won the state. (Biden won Wisconsin by roughly 20,000 votes out of nearly 3.3 million ballots cast, but in November 2020, the Trump campaign had challenged the victory in court.)

“The Wisconsin electors were tricked and misled into participating in what became the alternate elector scheme and would have never taken any actions had we known that there were ulterior reasons beyond preserving an ongoing legal strategy,” Hitt said in a statement last week.

Hitt, who told The Post that he won’t be backing Trump again in 2024, added that even if he could serve as an official elector next year, he’d take a pass.

“How do you convey laughter in a newspaper article?” he said. “No, I will not be serving as an elector again.”
[ad_2]

Source link
December 10, 2023
AOC Says She Didn’t Win First Race Because of Justice Democrats, DSA
[ad_1]
- When AOC won her first House primary, she was a breakout star of the growing progressive movement.
- And there was an intense focus on the left-wing groups that had thrown their support behind her bid.
- But in the new book “The Squad,” AOC said she didn’t win solely on the efforts of those groups.
Thanks for signing up!

Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you’re on the go.

When Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez first entered the national political discourse, she had just upset Rep. Joe Crowley of New York in a 2018 Democratic primary that had long been seen as a lock for the then-congressman, who at the time was the No. 4 House Democrat.

Ocasio-Cortez campaigned relentlessly in the 14th congressional district, anchored in the Bronx and Queens, arguing that many of its constituents — notably its burgeoning Latino and working-class immigrant communities — were underrepresented. And her rise to prominence was often accompanied by stories about the growing influence of progressive groups, which are often credited with helping her defeat Crowley.

But in the newly-released book, “The Squad,” Ocasio-Cortez told author Ryan Grim that she didn’t defeat Crowley in her first congressional primary because of left-wing groups like Justice Democrats and the Democratic Socialists of America.

“Like as much as I love them, I did not win my election because of DSA. Or even JD. Or any of these orgs,” she said. “They all either abandoned, ignored, or fought with me and then swooped in at the last moment when I busted my whole ass for a long time to become even remotely viable.”

“They all had important contributions but, to be honest, they were pretty much nowhere until the month before the primary,” Ocasio-Cortez continued. “Really it was [Alexandra] Rojas at JD that arguably helped the most. But we had built everything from scratch and did the hardest parts and then when it looked appealing enough they jumped in.”

The reflections from Ocasio-Cortez, who was elected to the House in the 2018 general election and reelected in 2020 and 2022, came as she remarked on the difficulties encountered in her second term when she began to receive increasingly pointed pushback from some progressives.

“That time really forced me to kind of sit with who my base was,” she told Grim. “Because for a while it did not feel like the left.”

Grim noted in the book that Waleed Shahid, the progressive strategist and former spokesperson for Justice Democrats, had aided Ocasio-Cortez in building her campaign operation early on. And, in the book, he detailed how Justice Democrats, at one point, had focused their email and donor list on bringing in fundraising dollars for Ocasio-Cortez.

But Grim also wrote in the book that Ocasio-Cortez felt as though the work performed by Justice Democrats, which had played a more robust role in various aspects of her campaign, had started to meld with that of the Democratic Socialists of America, whose assistance was helpful but came at a much later time.

And that presented more personal reflections for Ocasio-Cortez, who, amid the criticism she received in her second term, had to identify her actual base of supporters among a broader group of progressives.

“There is a certain faction of the left that thinks they own or are responsible for electing a candidate just because that candidate happens to be ideologically left on their own,” the congresswoman told Grim. “But in the actual work of getting elected, like it’s just these armchair people who talk shit but don’t do shit. And listening to people who don’t do shit is how you lose whatever you’ve built.”

Since taking office in 2019, Ocasio-Cortez has become one of the most high-profile progressive politicians in the country. And she has used that influence to push President Joe Biden to enact more progressive positions on issues like the environment and student-loan reform.
[ad_2]

Source link
December 9, 2023
Michael Hsu Office of Architecture utilises soft shapes for Austin high-rise

[ad_1]

Texas studio Michael Hsu Office of Architecture has designed the common areas for a 50-storey residential high-rise building in Austin, as shown in this exclusive video captured by Dezeen.

Called 44 East, the building is located east of downtown Austin in the Rainey Street Historic district. The firm designed the interiors of the building’s common areas, which take cues from its natural surroundings, particularly the neighbouring Colorado River.

Michael Hsu Office of Architecture has designed the interiors of 44 East

The practice enhanced the space using colour and texture, layering vintage and custom furnishings to create a relaxed and inviting ambience.

Curved surfaces and light colours are incorporated throughout the space, with poured concrete terrazzo floors incorporated to pay homage to the gravel of the nearby riverside trail.

Curved surfaces and light colours are incorporated into the lobby area of 44 East

The interior is characterised by the use of soft shapes and natural materials throughout the various spaces, including on the eleventh floor, where pastel hues complement subtle architectural details.

The outdoor swimming pool features a series of pebble-shaped islands, with a partially-covered patio inviting guests to relax outside and enjoy the views of the river.

The eleventh floor features a circular outdoor swimming pool

On the thirty-seventh floor, a large moon-like pendant light is suspended above a plush circular sofa.

The higher vantage point offers scenic views of downtown Austin, and features jewel tones and darker materials intended to complement the Texas skyline at dusk.

The thirty-seventh floor features darker tones to complement views of the Texas skyline

44 East was developed by Intracorp, while the tower and unit interiors were designed by Page and landscapes designed by DWG.

The interior design of the common spaces is one of the latest projects by Michael Hsu Office of Architecture, which is based in Austin and Houston.

The company recently completed its self-designed Austin studio, which is adorned in wood-and-fabric lined walls and industrial details, to accommodate its growing team.

The photography is by Chase Daniel.

Partnership content

This video was produced by Dezeen for Michael Hsu Office of Architecture as part of a partnership. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

[ad_2]

Source link

December 8, 2023