Unlock Exceptional Audio for Your Smartphone Vlogs with Rode Wireless Micro
Design and Portability
The entire kit weighs a mere 102g and fits snugly in the tiny charging case. The components are available in both black and white finishes, adding a touch of style. The receiver features a built-in USB-C or Lightning adapter, providing full compatibility with both Android and iPhone models. Unlike some competitors, the Rode Wireless Micro's mics and receiver are automatically paired through the charging hub. Once plugged into the phone, users simply follow the on-screen instructions. With Rode's free app available for iOS and Android, users can pair the mics and receiver, choose the routing option, update firmware, and check sound levels. The mics can be clipped onto clothing or attached magnetically through thin clothing, allowing for easy and discreet use.The connection type is built into the receiver, so users need to select the appropriate version (USB-C or Lightning) at the time of purchase. This ensures a seamless setup and operation. In contrast, some competitors have a different design, such as a slot to fix the connector, which may require additional adapters. The Rode Wireless Micro's design focuses on simplicity and ease of use, making it an ideal choice for smartphone content creators.
Performance and Features
The Rode Wireless Micro boasts an impressive transmission range of over 100m, which is a significant advantage for vlogging. In real-world testing, it provides a stable and reliable connection, allowing users to capture high-quality audio without any hassle. Each mic has an operating time of around seven hours, and the charging case with a 490mAh battery can provide an additional two charges, effectively extending the overall operating time to 21 hours. This means users can enjoy a weekend of vlogging without worrying about running out of battery.The Wireless Micro features 24-bit audio, a 20Hz to 20kHz frequency range, a maximum 135db SPL, a 73db signal-to-noise ratio, and an A-Weighted equivalent noise of 21dBA. These specifications are comparable to those of more expensive wireless mics, making it a great value for money. Rode's 'Intelligent GainAssist' technology automatically controls audio levels, enhancing vocals and providing well-balanced sound. This frees users from the hassle of manual audio adjustments and allows them to focus on creating content.
Wind Noise Reduction
The mics come with windshields built into Rode's patent-pending acoustic chamber design. Additionally, there are additional furry windshields in the box that can be clipped around the receiver for clearer outdoor recording on breezy days. Although these additional windshields don't fit in the charging case, they provide an extra layer of protection against wind noise. This is especially useful for vloggers who often record outdoors and need to ensure clear audio.Compared to some competitors, the Rode Wireless Micro doesn't have noise reduction features like active noise cancellation. However, in most scenarios, the Intelligent GainAssist technology and the well-designed acoustic chamber are sufficient to provide clear recordings. I've been able to get clear recordings of my voice in noisy environments, such as a soccer stadium, without any issues.
Price and Value
The Rode Wireless Micro kit is priced at $149 / £134 / AU$259 for the complete set with 2x mics, receiver, and charging case. While it doesn't offer the same level of features as some higher-end wireless mics, it provides excellent value for money. The simplicity and ease of use, along with the reliable performance and good audio quality, make it a great choice for smartphone vloggers who are looking for a compact and affordable wireless mic system.In comparison to the rival DJI Mic Mini, the Rode Wireless Micro may not have the same range or additional features like Bluetooth connectivity. However, it is smaller in size and specifically designed for smartphones. It also offers a more straightforward user experience and better audio quality for vlogging. Overall, the Rode Wireless Micro is a great option for those who want a reliable and easy-to-use wireless mic for their smartphone vlogging needs.
Unleashing the Power of AI in Chemical Science
How Albert Invent is Transforming Chemical Research
Startup funding rounds serve as a metric, and generative AI is indeed seeing ample adoption in the sciences. There is a lot of trial and error in research and development, and tools like Albert Invent that can speed up the process are highly valuable. Albert Invent offers an AI platform trained on data from past chemical experiments, enabling chemists to interrogate molecular-level data when formulating chemicals. Its founders' background in a 3D printing company allowed them to apply their knowledge of materials science to train an AI on chemical processes.
The latest Series A funding round of $22.5 million led by Coatue further validates the potential of Albert Invent. The company's platform, Albert Breakthrough, combines structured data with proprietary AI models. Chemical companies can use this platform to develop new products faster and better. For instance, it can generate real-time toxicology predictions for chemicals and outperform standard industry models.
Albert Invent's Customer Base and Impact
Albert Invent's customers include prominent names in the chemical industry such as Chemours, Solenis, Keystone Industries, Applied Molecules, Henkel, and Nouryon. Nick Talken, the CEO and co-founder, believes that the platform will bring significant changes to chemical science. He compares it to what data scientists have had access to for some time, stating that it is a SaaS product used by the largest chemical companies to reinvent the physical world.
The company has built its own foundational models trained on over 15 million chemical structures. In this industry, it is crucial to have domain-specific knowledge, and Albert Invent has taken the entire public information space around chemistry and built a foundational model that powers Albert Breakthrough.
Foundational Models and the Future of Albert Invent
When asked about using foundational models such as OpenAI, Talken said that the company uses them for some agent networks like chatbots, but its foundational chemistry models are its own. Ken Kisner, the co-founder, previously led Molecule Corp and sold it to Henkel Corporation. While at Henkel, they built a team to work on the problem they are addressing now and incubated Albert Invent as a software startup within the multinational chemical company.
Before the Series A round, the startup had raised a small seed round led by Index Ventures in late 2022. TCV, Index Ventures, F-Prime, and Homebrew also participated. David Schneider, general partner at Coatue, expressed excitement about supporting Albert as it transforms chemistry research. Johan Landfors, CTO of Nouryon, also emphasized the platform's integral role in their product development.
Uncover the Crypto Mystery: Is It Too Late to Join the Party?
If You Haven't Invested in Crypto, Is It Too Late?
Caleb Silver, editor in chief of Investopedia, firmly believes it's not too late to start investing in cryptocurrencies. However, one must ask oneself why. Profiting from bitcoin's rise may be the primary reason, but it's crucial to understand that all cryptocurrencies, including bitcoin, are highly volatile, unregulated, and widely misunderstood. Bernd Schmid, contributing crypto analyst at The Motley Fool, more or less shares this view. He says it's not too late as long as you have a long-term perspective. Crypto adoption is currently at a stage similar to internet adoption in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Bryan Armour, director of passive strategies research for North America at Morningstar Research Services, preaches caution. He believes it's not too late, but it doesn't necessarily mean it's a good investment. Crypto remains a speculative asset with high volatility. Jonathan Swanburg, a certified financial planner in Houston, is even more skeptical. He says if you didn't like crypto at $20,000, there's no good reason to like it at $100,000 except for FOMO. So, in his opinion, it is too late.
For those on the fence, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons carefully. While the potential for high returns exists, the risks are also significant. Understanding the nature of cryptocurrencies and being prepared for their volatility is crucial before making any investment decisions.
Has the ‘Trump Effect’ Played Out? Will Bitcoin Rise Further?
Bernd Schmid believes the answer is both yes and no. Yes, because the possibility of a crypto-friendly administration was initially underestimated and is now reflected in bitcoin's value. No, because we're still waiting for concrete regulatory developments in the second Trump Administration. Caleb Silver agrees. He says while the election effect on cryptocurrency prices may have played out for now, the Trump administration is taking steps to create a new regulatory ecosystem around this asset class. Appointing David Sacks as the nation's first crypto czar and nominating Paul Atkins as SEC chairman sets the stage for cryptocurrencies to become more accessible to retail investors, which could potentially boost prices.
The future of bitcoin and the impact of the Trump effect remain uncertain. Investors need to stay informed and keep a close eye on regulatory developments and market trends.
What If You Want to Buy Crypto but Don't Know How?
Individual investors can gradually enter the world of cryptocurrency by opening an account with an online broker and buying individual tokens and coins in small amounts. Silver suggests this as a way to dip your toes into the market. Alternatively, they can purchase spot bitcoin ETFs, which track the price of bitcoin through many of the largest online brokers. These ETFs don't give investors ownership of the actual digital coins but track the price closely and trade like stocks. When selecting a spot bitcoin ETF, investors should focus on the largest funds with the most assets under management, liquidity, and low expense ratios. Armour recommends specific ETFs like iShares Bitcoin Trust and Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund for their familiarity and low costs. Bitwise Bitcoin is also an option for those more embedded in the crypto world. Swanburg cautions investors against venturing too far into the crypto wilderness and suggests going with the ETF to avoid logistical and estate nightmares.
Navigating the crypto market can be challenging, but with the right approach and guidance, investors can make more informed decisions.
How Much Should You Invest in Crypto?
For investors new to crypto or any asset class, it's crucial not to invest more than you can afford to lose. All cryptocurrencies are speculative and risky assets that are still unregulated. Silver advises not to invest more than 5% of your portfolio if you're just getting started. Armour agrees on the 5% limit, stating that their research shows bitcoin's volatility begins to overwhelm a portfolio at higher investment levels. Swanburg offers a contrarian view, suggesting investing as much as you would be comfortable investing in a Beanie Baby collection back in 1998. Each approach has its merits and risks, and investors need to determine what works best for them based on their financial situation and risk tolerance.
Investing in crypto requires careful consideration and a clear understanding of your own financial goals and risk tolerance. It's not a decision to be taken lightly.