Cisco Announces Intent to Acquire BabbleLabs to Improve Video Meeting Experience

Most Advanced Noise Removal Enables Working from Anywhere, Without Distraction

Summary

  • Most Advanced Noise Removal Enables Working from Anywhere, Without Distraction

  • The acquisition builds upon a focused technology and talent strategy to continue to integrate intelligence into the Cisco COllaboration platform - helping users work smarter and be more productive.
  • Promote Customer privacy and Cloud Security by processing noise removal 100 percent at the source where the noise happens (on the client-side), aligning with Cisco's culture of security by design.

According to a Cisco global survey* focused on the future of work, 98 percent of workers say they experience frustration from distractions during video meetings when working from home. Two of the top 5 frustrations called out are about background noise—either from other participants or their own side of the call.

With the addition of BabbleLabs, Cisco will bring native noise removal capability to its entire Collaboration portfolio. Initially, Cisco will focus on integrating BabbleLabs to deliver a best-in-class audio experience to Webex Meetings users - wherever they are, and however, they connect via the Webex application (whether via a conference room or mobile device). A great user experience is also secure user experience. BabbleLabs complements Cisco’s focus on secure and private collaboration by processing noise removal 100 percent at the source where the noise happens (on the client-side). In doing so, BabbleLabs aligns with strict data policies that underpin Cisco’s culture of security by design.

“A great meeting experience starts with great audio,” said Jeetu Patel, senior vice president, and general manager, Cisco Security and Applications Business Unit. “We’re thrilled to welcome BabbleLabs’ team of highly skilled engineers. Their technology is going to provide our customers with yet another important innovation – automatically removing unwanted noise - to continue enabling exceptional Webex meeting experiences.”

“BabbleLabs is excited to become part of Cisco and the Collaboration Group,” said Chris Rowen, CEO, and co-founder of BabbleLabs. “The Cisco team shares our passion for speech as the core of collaboration and communication. Cisco’s Collaboration platform will enable us to quickly scale our exceptional speech enhancement technology for hundreds of millions of Webex users.”


LAYER 3 SWITCHES TO BETTER BUSINESS PERFORMANCES

Businesses are facing a huge expansion in these years and, as they grow, they need sophisticated and robust networks to support the increased number of users and applications. In this process, networks represent a challenge since most of the small businesses often encounter issues with dropped connections, slack responses, and slow pages loads. To prevent these issues, it is necessary to provide the company secure and high-performing networks to assure the functionality of the business. Networks should be structured for redundancy, security, and performance.
Most of the companies have, at least, one switch in their work environments. The most recent type of switch is Layer 3 one: this hardware device is used in network routing. It has a lot of in common with all the other switch since they can both support routing protocols, oversee incoming packets, and make compelling routing decisions. This device acts as a switch since it connects devices that are on the same IP subnet or a VLAN, but it also acts as a router since it has IP routing intelligence built-in. One of the main differences between the Layer 2 and Layer 3 switches is that Layer 3 switch is less likely to experience network latency since packets do not have to take additional steps through a router.
Layer 3 switch technology has been conceived as a technology to improve network routing performance on local area networks (LANs). The main difference between layer 3 switch and normal routers is represented by the hardware internals. The hardware inside Layer 3 switch replaces some of the routers’ server logic with integrated circuit hardware to offer better performance for local networks. Additionally, Layer 3 switches do not have the virtual local area networks (VLAN) ports that traditional routers possess. These switches are most commonly used to support routing between virtual LANs.
Main benefits of a Layer 3 switch for VLANs:
  1. Reduction of the amount of broadcast traffic
  2. Simplified security management
  3. Improved fault isolation
  4. Fast and easy use
  5. Ease of configuration
  6. Improved performances

 


Best High Resolution Monitor: LG 27UD88-W

The LG 27UD88 is an affordable, color-accurate, and beautiful monitor for both work and play. There’s very little to complain about, and so much to praise. This is a genuinely fantastic and versatile display for any computer.

  • Freesync compatibility
  • Good price to performance ratio
  • Beautiful Image

  • 60Hz refresh rate
  • No swivel on Y axis

Price and Availability

Normally, if you’re looking to get a 4K panel with FreeSync and a high sRGB color gamut coverage, you’d be looking at a moderately expensive monitor. However, that’s not necessarily the case here.

At £490 (about $649, AU$900), the LG 27UD88-W is, quite frankly, a bargain. When we first saw the price of this monitor, we had to do a double-take to make sure we noted the model number right. While many monitors in this price range, like the Acer XB281HK feature higher refresh rates and lower response times, it’s hard to find a panel with this level of color accuracy for a better price. And, given that it’s not primarily a gaming monitor, that’s a sacrifice worth making.

If you’re a graphic designer or creative professional, and you’re looking for an affordable monitor that won’t hold you back, you can’t do much better at a lower price.

Design

Considering the manufacturer, it shouldn’t be too surprising that the LG 27UD88 is an attractive display. With a white chassis and black bezels, the classy build belies the low cost of the device. It’s not an unbelievably huge display, like the Dell UltraSharp UP3218K or an ultra-wide like the AOC Agon AG352UCG. But, with its 27-inch display and narrow bezels, it’ll effortlessly blend in to any office environment.

Performance

The LG 27UD88 has a gorgeous IPS panel at 3,840 x 2,160 and covers a whopping 99% of the sRGB color space. That would be enough to carve out a win in our book, but in reality, it’s even sweeter.

The panel is factory calibrated, so we don’t have to screw around in the menus to get the perfect image. Instead, we are able to just plug it in and get to work.

And, as we’ve already hinted at a few times before, this monitor is at its best in creative workloads. We found ourselves hunting across the internet for RAW photos to mess around within Photoshop. Even other productivity tasks, like word processing or web browsing, take advantage of this bright, colorful display that makes content pop.

Final Verdict

When you’re looking for the best 4K monitor, you want to find something that’s affordable, but also has fantastic picture quality. It’s a balance that’s pretty rare, but the LG 27UD88-W hits it out of the park. Not only does this panel cover 99% of the sRGB color space, but it does so with an insane contrast ratio and a response time to display the best PC games as they should be seen. The best part? It does all this while maintaining a reasonable price tag. If you have the horsepower to drive the LG 27UD88-W, you should pick it up.


Amazon Urges Buds Owners to Update Their Wearable Tech Due to Overheating Issue

In the wireless earbud market, Amazon’s Echo Buds are one of the better products. Despite their quality, unfortunately, like every technology ever created, there is a serious flaw in the buds’ firmware. The flaw is in rare situations the bud overheats.


So far, users have not been substantially impacted by this flaw, but it’s still a problem, and it`s one Amazon is wisely taking seriously. With the latest Buds software update, Amazon has already patched the problem, while improving their battery life at the same time.

The company has already started to send out emails to Buds owners that inform them of the risk and urge them to update. An excerpt from one such email reads as follows:

We are writing to inform you about an important software update for your Echo Buds.

The safety of our customers is our top priority. We recently determined that in very rare cases it is possible for Echo Buds to overheat while in the charging case. Out of an abundance of caution, we have released a software update that addresses this potential safety risk and improves the long-term performance of Echo Buds’ batteries.

What amazes people is the apparent speed with which Amazon responded to this debacle, unlike other large tech companies who do not react to complaints and problems until they are forced to do due to political pressure, or legal issues.

If you’re concerned about running into the overheating problem with your own pair of Buds, don’t fret too much. As long as your pair is charged, stowed in its carrying case, and linked to a phone with a reliable internet connection, they should automatically receive the latest software updates (including this security fix).


Secure Web Gateway Explained

What is a secure web gateway?

So what exactly is a secure web gateway? A secure web gateway is an advanced, cloud-delivered, or on-premises network security service. It enforces consistent internet security and compliance policies for all users regardless of their location or the type of computer or device they are using. These gateway security tools also protect against threats to users who are accessing the internet via the web or are using any number of web-based applications. They allow organizations to enforce acceptable use policy for web access, enforce compliance with regulations, and prevent data leakage.

As a result, secure web gateways offer a way to keep networks from falling victim to incursions through internet traffic and malicious websites. They prevent data from such places from entering the network and causing a malware infection or intrusion.

This form of gateway security is accomplished through malware detection, URL filtering, and other means. A gateway effectively blocks malware from calling home and acts as a barrier against the sensitive intellectual property being stolen or sensitive data such as social security numbers, credit card numbers, and medical information getting into the wrong hands. The web gateway secures people, processes, or programs from downloading or accessing external sites, software, or data that could harm them, or the organization. Additionally, they stand in the way of untoward, unauthorized access from the outside.

A secure web gateway, then, is a solution that filters unwanted software or malware from user-initiated web and internet traffic while enforcing corporate and regulatory policy compliance. These gateways must, at a minimum, include URL filtering, malicious-code detection and filtering, and application controls for popular web-based applications, such as instant messaging (IM) and Skype. Native or integrated data leak prevention is also increasingly being included in these products. Similarly, analysts note convergence with other security technologies such as endpoint protectionnetwork firewalls, and threat detection.

What does a secure web gateway do?

How does a secure web gateway work? As a web proxy, a secure web gateway terminates and proxies web traffic (ports 80 and 443), inspects that traffic via several security checks, including URL filtering, advanced machine learning (AML), anti-virus (AV) scanning, sandboxing, data loss prevention (DLP), cloud access security brokers (CASBs), web isolation and other integrated technologies. Web gateways apply policies and enforce threat prevention and information security rules based on user, location, content, and a variety of other factors.

This form of gateway security can stop known and unknown threats in their tracks. This includes zero-day and other forms of advanced threats.

Web gateways start with filtering the URL

URL filtering is typically the first layer. It blocks access to known malicious URLs and can form a buffer against zero-day threats. It does this by recognizing new URLs that are similar to or the same as known malicious web servers.

Further layers such as AML and AV can remove attempted downloads of threats, including new and unknown threats. Sandboxing is also included in some secure web gateways. It conducts real-time blocking and can prevent targeted attacks by emulating a company’s environment.

Web isolation is another element that some vendors have incorporated. It runs webserver code and malicious code in a virtual instance that is isolated from the user. DLP, too, can be used to stop unauthorized data leakage.

Secure web gateways vs firewalls

Some people have confused secure web gateways with firewalls. So what is the difference? Secure web gateways are dedicated to cloud services or appliances for web and application security. They are proxies (meaning they terminate and emulate network traffic). Because of specialization, they can detect and protect against much more sophisticated and targeted attacks that use the web.

Firewalls have a different function. Firewalls are great at packet-level security, but are not as sophisticated on the application layer for security, said Gerry Grealish, head of Product Marketing for Cloud & Network Security Products at Symantec. Firewalls typically do not terminate or inspect entire objects, and many are reliant on stream-based AV scanning as a defense against malware. That’s why evasive threats operating on an application-level can easily bypass some firewall defenses. But the clear distinction between secure web gateways and firewalls is beginning to blur.

Some cloud-delivered secure web gateway services now offer an optional cloud firewall service to enforce controls on non-web internet traffic.

Secure web gateways vs Cloud Access Security Brokers

The CASBs is another technology that can sometimes be confused with secure web gateways. Indeed, there is some overlap. However, CASBs are able to recognize a bigger range of applications than secure web gateways. They also provide better-detailed control over the use of applications.

A secure web gateway needs a CASB for full visibility and control, and a CASB needs a secure web gateway for full traffic and log information of web and application activity. By working together, they offer comprehensive gateway security for the web as well as application security.

As in many areas of security technology, convergence is evident. Some vendors have integrated secure web gateways with CASBs. This trend is accelerating. By tying together CASB and secure web gateway functions, it is much easier to provide access security capabilities to SaaS applications.


Sony plans to launch PS5 later this week

For all the gamers around the world, Sony has planned to launch one of the most anticipated video game consoles PlayStation 5 on June 11, 2020. The company initially stated "The Future of Gaming" live stream for June 4, but in the wake of protests and riots over the death of George Floyd, it decided to put it off for an indefinite period. As things begin to settle back down, Sony feels a one-week postponement is sufficient.

You can watch The Future of Gaming starting on June 11 at 1 pm PDT on PlayStation's YouTube or Twitch channels.


Rotterdam tech bags designer can start again after the reopening of the Italian studio

A year ago, the Simone Tertoolen from Rotterdam presented the first model in her sack name MINOIS, which was generally welcomed during the structure week in Milan and New York Fashion Week. She went to work with two new models, however, Corona tossed a spanner in progress, and the Italian production line needed to close. Now that the factory can open again, Simone can still start production of its latest model. Her tech bags include features such as built-in lighting, a charger for your phone and a wireless charger for the bag.

The MINOIS line with the Isobel tote has received a new addition, which should also fit your laptop. After the forced interruption by Corona, the Italian factory is now able to start manufacturing this model. Simone is also working on the development of a third model.


The Best Affordable Smartphones 2020

We get calls and emails from customers asking us for our expert opinions about price-friendly smartphones. This inspired the list of the best smartphones to buy under the price range of $400 with high storage capacity.

Apple iPhone SE ($400)

The iPhone SE 2020 has been officially announced and is an interesting model for many people because of its affordable price. The 2020 iPhone SE is the successor to the iPhone 8 (which has disappeared from the range) and is completely up to date thanks to improvements in the processor and camera.

OnePlus 7T ($400)

The device is very popular: not only is it very fast - but the screen is also very beautiful, and the battery has never let me down.

Samsung Galaxy A51 ($289)

The Samsung A51 White combines good cameras with an excellent screen and battery. The 128GB storage offers enough room for your movie and music collection. You can use the 48-megapixel standard lens during the day and at night to take sharp photos. The wide-angle lens allows you to capture monumental buildings and panoramic panoramas.


Google and Apple release contact tracing app API to public health agencies accross the globe

Google and Apple delivered their contact tracing app API to public health agencies across the globe. The apps would allow Bluetooth pings between smartphones within six and a half feet of each other. And in theory, these apps would notify you if you had been in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19. In practice, public health authorities will have to encourage around 60% of people in a given state or country to download the app in order to meaningfully conduct contact tracing/exposure notification. Computerworld executive editor Ken Mingis and PCWorld/Macworld’s Michael Simon join Juliet to discuss Apple and Google’s unprecedented collaboration, privacy concerns, and how state and federal governments will utilize the API.

You can listen to this podcast episode right now clicking on this link. And you can subscribe to this podcast series from your favorite podcast app on your mobile device to listen to any time, so you won't miss an episode. Just click the desired podcast app's button below to subscribe.


Measures taken by EHT to prevent the COVID19

As we all know by now, we are experiencing a pandemic like never before which is very contagious.

With that in mind, we would like to inform you about the measures we have taken to ensure that our clients are safe in regards to the buying and selling of our hardware.

Measures Taken

Wearing of hand gloves

Before the outbreak, our colleagues always wore gloves whenever the hardware was either been cleaned, refurbished, and packaged. Now, we make sure this is even needed than ever before.

Hand sanitizers

After the gloves are taken off, the employees wash their hands and uses the hand sanitizers to sanitize their hands to avoid germs.

Nose and mouth guards

This is a precaution the employees are currently working with us to ensure that our customers/clients get their hardware.