Murray
Hill
The StarPhoenix

Saturday, January 7, 2006

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

The StarPhoenix

G1

GAMING, GIZMOS & GADGETS

a weekly report on computer, electronic and video games

Listen-up! This is the best

I’ve tested a number of Bluetooth wireless

cell phone headsets in recent months, and the one from Gennum Corporation, a Canadian company, is the best.

It’s called nXZEN, and the headset is available at Future Shop, Best Buy and online at eCost.com for $175.

The nXZEN is the only headset on the market to use two microphones.While two microphones won’t mean much to you as the

user, it will make a huge difference to anyone you’re calling. The idea, according to the folks at Gennum, is that the two microphones allow “the chips to register the time and distance between sounds and amplify the speaker’s voice while eliminating background and ambient noise.”

It works. I’ve made a bunch of calls from out- side, where wind noise usually causes problems for people I’m calling. Everyone has said how well they can hear me. It also worked from the car with the window open and the radio on — clearly better than any other set I’ve tested.

The nXZEN doesn’t have an earbud like most of the other headsets, rather it has an earbud that goes into your ear like a good quality earphone does. This makes a huge difference for the wearer. You can hear a lot better because a lot of the extraneous outside noise is filtered out. The earbud takes a bit of getting used to because it’s pretty large.

One of the smallest Bluetoth headsets on the market, it is one by 3.3 inches and weighs just

17 grams; you can hardly tell you’re wearing it. The headset has a digital signal processor that can perform 120 million instructions per second. The closest competitor comes in at about 32 million. This power produces up to four times more noise reduction than anyone else’s headset. The nXZEN offers seven hours of talk time and 100 hours of

standby time considerably more than any other headset I’ve tested.

The nXZEN comes in two flavours. I tested the basic $179 model. The nXZEN PLUS is $199, and comes with a connector and an external earbud so users can hook up to their MP3 players and use their Bluetooth headset to listen to music. Answering an incoming phone call is as simple as hitting a button.

Bluetooth technology is making cell phone use a lot safer as more and more consumers decide headsets are a much safer way to go than trying to use a cell phone in the car. Because Bluetooth offers very good quality reception over a short distance and no wires to get tangled up in, it’s fast becoming the preferred technology for cell users.

PROS: Bluetooth! NO WIRES! Great sound, small size, easy setup and people at the other end can actually hear you when you’re outside.

CONS: The earbud takes some getting used to because it really sticks into your ear. At $179 MSRP for the nXZEN it’s fairly expensive.

nXZEN

from Gennum

Corporation

You can e-mail Hill at: mhill@sp.canwest. com, and find past columns on the web at: http://www.canada.com/topics/technology/col- umnists/hill.html

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GENNUM nXZEN manual Listen-up! This is the best

nXZEN specifications

GENNUM nXZEN is a revolutionary platform designed to redefine the world of real-time data processing and analysis. Leveraging cutting-edge technologies, the nXZEN architecture supports a wide array of applications, from advanced telecommunications to critical financial transactions. Its high-performance capabilities ensure seamless operations, even in the most demanding environments.

One of the standout features of the GENNUM nXZEN is its unparalleled scalability. The platform is designed to grow in tandem with user needs, effortlessly handling an increasing volume of data without compromising on performance. This scalability is supported by GENNUM's innovative distributed processing technology, which allows the system to distribute workloads across multiple nodes. This guarantees high availability and redundancy, crucial for mission-critical applications.

Another key characteristic of the nXZEN is its flexibility in deployment. Organizations can choose between on-premises solutions or cloud-based environments, ensuring they can tailor the platform to their specific requirements. This capability enhances not only accessibility but also integration with existing systems, reducing operational silos and streamlining workflows.

GENNUM nXZEN also incorporates advanced security features, addressing the growing concerns around data protection in an increasingly connected world. With built-in encryption and comprehensive access controls, the platform ensures that sensitive information remains secure throughout its lifecycle. Additionally, the nXZEN is equipped with real-time monitoring tools that detect and respond to potential threats swiftly, thus maintaining the integrity of operations.

The platform's intuitive user interface is designed for ease of use, allowing users of all technical backgrounds to engage with the system effectively. This UX-centric design promotes a higher level of engagement and productivity, as users can swiftly access insightful analytics and reports.

Moreover, nXZEN supports a myriad of data types and formats, making it compatible with various data sources, from IoT devices to traditional databases. This versatility enhances its applicability across industries, enabling organizations to harness the power of their data for insightful decision-making.

In summary, GENNUM nXZEN represents a significant leap forward in data processing technology. With its remarkable scalability, flexibility, robust security measures, and user-friendly design, it equips organizations with the tools necessary to thrive in a data-driven world. As businesses continue to seek innovative solutions for their data challenges, nXZEN positions itself as a frontrunner, ready to meet the evolving needs of the marketplace.