27, Mar 2024
Introducing Vmaker AI – an AI Video Editor

San Francisco, CA, March 27, 2024 — Animaker Inc, a leading creative SaaS startup has launched Vmaker AI – the World’s first-ever video editor that automates the creative part of video editing. One can upload raw video footage and let AI create a ready-to-publish video in minutes. The tool automatically adds B-rolls, BG music, transitions, subtitles, and more, and further helps create short-form videos, teasers, and highlights from long videos, all in just one click.

Time-to-content, from ideation to editing and publishing a video, has been one of the most challenging aspects for content creators. Having believed in democratizing content creation since inception, Raghav and Team Vmaker decided to fix this through Vmaker AI where the AI engine makes it quicker to edit raw videos into publish-ready ones.

Commenting on the launch, Raghavan RS, CEO & Co-Founder, of Vmaker AI, said, Vmaker AI video editor is one of our best launches that will ease the editing process for every creator out there. You have AI playing the role of a personal editor suggesting edits for you – turning all your Raw videos into wholesome Wow videos. With a professional video editing suite as a backup, Vmaker AI gives users total creative control to tweak videos as per preference. I am sure this will be one of the most effective and fun ways to edit videos in one click.

Here’s what Vmaker AI does:

Vmaker AI Converts Your Raw Videos Into Wow Videos

It automatically reads and analyzes your long videos, turns them into highlights.

Vmaker AI engine trims the long videos into bite-sized content for social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok

Vmaker AI has an open library of viral styles inspired from the top digital creators which can be applied to any videos in a click.

It also has an extensive suite for manual editing.

Other AI video editor features include:

Video background remover with or without using green screen

AI auto subtitle generator that generates subtitles in 35+ languages with different styles and animations

Patented MAD button for creating endless variations of publish-ready videos and a lot more.

One of the existing features of Vmaker is the Screen Recorder which helps users record their screen and webcam in 4K resolution. With Vmaker AI, these recordings can be directly imported to the Vmaker AI video editor and converted into ready-to-publish videos in minutes.

Vmaker AI was launched exclusively on Product Hunt on March 7, 2024, and ranked as the No.03 product of the day. This was followed by a hands-on workshop on “Mastering Marketing and Video Editing with Vmaker AI” for influencers in the Bay area.

Vmaker AI is built for content creators, video marketers, and L&D teams. Vmaker’s GTM teams have planned a series of events in the coming days for anyone and everyone who is into video creation.

27, Mar 2024
Unveiling Mobile App Success

Lakewood, CO, March 27, 2024 — Get ready to delve into the pivotal position QA takes in mobile app development as a1qa hosts a roundtable titled: “QA role in delivering high-quality mobile experiences.”

In this exclusive event, attendees will gain valuable insights into the critical reasons why mobile app breakout requires meticulous QA attention.

From maintaining consistent quality across new app builds, OS releases, and feature additions to ensuring compatibility across diverse locations, this session will cover it all.

Furthermore, participants will delve into the importance of security testing in proactively safeguarding against potential sensitive data breaches, thereby fostering user trust and enhancing privacy in mobile applications.

Liza Makarova, Solution adviser at a1qa, emphasizes, “In today’s dynamic digital landscape, ensuring seamless mobile experiences is paramount. Our roundtable will shed light on the vital role of QA in meeting user expectations and driving success in the competitive mobile app market.”

Alexey Ermolinsky, Solution adviser at a1qa, adds, “At a1qa, we’re committed to empowering businesses with the knowledge and tools needed to deliver top-tier mobile experiences. During this event, participants will be encouraged to share ideas on how to steer clear of data breaches and ensure the proper functioning of mobile software on different platforms. Join us to unlock actionable insights and strategies for optimizing your mobile app QA processes.”

27, Mar 2024
MPAI Releases Reference Software Leveraging AI Framework

Geneva, Switzerland, March 27, 2024 –MPAI – Moving Picture, Audio and Data Coding by Artificial Intelligence – the international, non-profit, and unaffiliated organisation developing AI-based data coding standards has concluded its 42nd General Assembly (MPAI-42) approving the release of Reference Software using Neural Network Watermarking for Generative AI applications.

The new Neural Network Watermarking (https://mpai.community/standards/mpai-nnw/ MPAI-NNW) Reference Software includes an implementation of the AIF Framework and of an AI Workflow that enables a user to make queries that include a text and an image and obtain a vocal response. The response (inference) is watermarked, to enable the issuer of the query to ascertain that the response they receive is from the intended source. The Software will be presented online on the 16 of April at 15 UTC. Register at https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0udeutqT0vHdBh1DLiUxoRr59cUs7iQzzN

MPAI has presented its recently released standards. Links to presentations and recordings are available at https://mpai.community/community/presentations

MPAI is continuing its work plan that involving the following activities:
1. AI Framework (MPAI-AIF https://mpai.community/standards/mpai-aif/): reference software, conformance testing, and application are-as.
2. AI for Health (MPAI-AIH https://mpai.community/standards/mpai-aih/): reference model and technologies for a system enabling clients to improve models processing health data and federated learning to share the training.
3. Context-based Audio Enhancement (CAE-DC https://mpai.community/standards/mpai-cae/): new projects.
4. Connected Autonomous Vehicle (MPAI-CAV https://mpai.community/standards/mpai-cav/): Functional Requirements of CAV architecture.
5. Compression and Understanding of Industrial Data (MPAI-CUI https://mpai.community/standards/mpai-cui/): preparation for extension of existing standard.
6. Human and Machine Communication (MPAI-HMC https://mpai.community/standards/mpai-hmc/): model and technologies enabling a human or a machine to communicate with a machine or a human in a different cultural environment.
7. Multimodal Conversation (MPAI-MMC https://mpai.community/standards/mpai-mmc/): reference software, drafting conformance testing, and new areas.
8. MPAI Metaverse Model (MPAI-MMM https://mpai.community/standards/mpai-mmm/): reference software and metaverse technologies requiring standards.
9. Neural Network Watermarking (MPAI-NNW https://mpai.community/standards/mpai-nnw/): reference software for enhanced applications.
10. Portable Avatar Format (MPAI-PAF https://mpai.community/standards/mpai-ara/): reference software, conformance testing and new areas.
11. End-to-End Video Coding (MPAI-EEV https://mpai.community/standards/mpai-eev/): video coding using AI-based End-to-End Video coding.
12. AI-Enhanced Video Coding (MPAI-EVC https://mpai.community/standards/mpai-evc/). video coding with AI tools added to existing tools.
13. Server-based Predictive Multiplayer Gaming (MPAI-SPG https://mpai.community/standards/mpai-spg/): technical report on mitigation of data loss and cheating.
14. XR Venues (MPAI-XRV https://mpai.community/standards/mpai-xrv/): preparation for the development of the standard.

25, Mar 2024
xSuite Nordics Joins the SAPSA Impuls Gothenburg 2024

Gothenburg, Sweden, March 25, 2024 — IMPULS is SAPSA’s user conference, which takes place on April 23 at Clarion Hotel Post in Gothenburg. The spring presentations will focus on SAP topics such as technology, SAP BTP & integration, implementation, roll-out & upgrade, and AI. The User Conference offers SAP user companies a platform for knowledge exchange and networking with SAP experts and SAP partner companies.

SAP encourages its customers to replace previous individual SAP landscapes based on user exits with a “clean core” characterized by standardization. The SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP), which SAP envisages as the future basis for SAP business processes, meets all the requirements for this. It is the ideal solution for customer-specific processes. SAP user companies are facing the transition to the new product generation in the foreseeable future.

Exhibitor and silver sponsor xSuite, an expert for digital invoice processing and P2P processes, provides two solutions on SAP BTP. The first one is the xSuite Business Partner Portal, which simplifies, among other things, digital supplier communication as a central platform for P2P processes. The second is xSuite Invoice, the solution for accounts payable invoice automation. Both solutions are suitable for any S/4HANA operating model: SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition, Cloud Private Edition and on-premises installations. This streamlines any migration and provides SAP user companies with maximum flexibility.

xSuite is an established provider of APIA solutions for the SAP market with strong expertise in the areas of e-invoicing, AI in invoice processing and holistic P2P processes.

Event information:
SAPSA Impuls Gothenburg 2024
Clarion Hotel Post
Drottningtorget 10
41103 Gothenburg, Sweden

25, Mar 2024
ISMG’s Cybersecurity Implications of AI Summit

Princeton, NJ, March 25, 2024 –-As artificial intelligence (AI) emerges as a disruptive force across industries, its implications for the cybersecurity landscape are becoming increasingly apparent. In response to this critical evolution, ISMG is pleased to announce the Cybersecurity Implications of AI Summit: North America West to be held in Washington on April 16, 2024.

In Q4 2023, ISMG introduced a series of AI-driven initiatives, underscoring its commitment to innovation-led growth strategy. ISMG’s AI initiatives, including the launch of AIToday.io, the inaugural Generative AI Study, and the global AI education seminars hosted by CyberEd.io, enabled the company’s innovation-led growth strategy through AI integration, optimizing workflows, boosting engagement, and enhancing lead quality.

The summit represents a key milestone in ISMG’s ongoing journey to harness the power of AI to revolutionize its business operations and elevate its service offerings, ensuring customers and audiences benefit from the most advanced solutions in the industry.

The Cybersecurity Implications of AI Summit offers an engaging array of session formats – including keynote, plenary session, Solution Room and panel discussions – to cater to diverse interests and learning styles of attendees. This multifaceted approach facilitates an in-depth exploration of AI’s cybersecurity implications from various perspectives.

“In line with our strategic AI-driven growth initiatives, the ISMG 2024 North America West AI Summit serves as a natural extension, fostering critical dialogue at the intersection of AI and cybersecurity,” said Jennifer Eisenhofer, VP of events at ISMG. “This summit will feature exciting discussions spanning secure AI integration, combatting threats with AI, leveraging AI for defense, balancing privacy and compliance, and diverse industry AI applications.”

According to research from Sapio Research and Deep Instinct, 46% of surveyed security operations professionals believe generative AI will increase their organization’s vulnerability to attacks. To tackle AI integration concerns head-on, the summit’s keynote session, “Harnessing AI in Cybersecurity: Lessons From the C-Suite,” will provide attendees with invaluable insights from top CISOs Nicole Darden Ford of Nordstrom; David Tsao of Instacart; and Suha Can of Grammarly. The panelists will share their firsthand experiences deploying AI, navigating hurdles such as data bias and adversarial attacks, enhancing security measures, overcoming integration challenges, and developing strategies to mitigate associated risks – equipping organizations for an AI-driven security future.

The summit will delve into other critical topics such as balancing privacy and compliance in AI adoption, leveraging AI for cyberthreat forecasting, secure AI integration frameworks, and the role of AI in combating cyberthreats across diverse industries.

With AI-enabled attacks on the rise, the demand for AI-driven defense mechanisms is paramount. The Solution Room session titled, “Deepfakes, Real Stakes: Unmasking Cyber Deception in a High-Stakes Tabletop Simulation,” hosted jointly by the United States Secret Service and CyberEdBoard, will simulate a sophisticated cyberattack involving deepfake technology, social engineering and financial fraud. In this interactive session, participants will enhance organizational readiness, foster interagency collaboration, and develop strategic response strategies encompassing legal, technical, and communication aspects.

The summit will attract a diverse audience of CISOs, IT and cybersecurity professionals, and stakeholders invested in the intersection of AI, ethics, and security. Industry leaders from sectors such as financial services, healthcare, legal, manufacturing, and logistics will share their experiences and strategies for navigating AI adoption challenges while safeguarding data privacy and organizational resilience.

“With AI rapidly evolving as both a tool and a challenge within cybersecurity, the Cybersecurity Implications of AI Summit offers a pivotal platform for industry pioneers to share insights, strategies and solutions for harnessing the power of AI while mitigating its risks,” said Tom Field, senior vice president of editorial at ISMG. “We are at the threshold of a new era in cybersecurity, and the insights shared at this summit will be instrumental in guiding organizations toward a secure and innovative future.”

AI has become more than just an asset – it is the defining factor for staying competitive in today’s market. The summit will be instrumental in adding to the enterprise narrative on the bourgeoning technology, and guiding organizations to make informed decisions about AI adoption and security measures. Participants will be equipped with actionable insights and strategies to leverage AI’s power responsibly and safeguard against its risks.

25, Mar 2024
Safeguarding Europe’s Digital Frontier Against Rising Cyberthreats

Princeton, NJ, March 25, 2024 — In the backdrop of robust economies and relentless pursuit of digitalization in the DACH region – one of Europe’s economic powerhouses – QG Media, an ISMG company, is proud to unveil the 7th edition of the DACH Summit: Securing the Region From Cyberthreats to be held on April 9 and 10, 2024, in Frankfurt, Germany.

Situated in the heart of Europe, the DACH region, which comprises Germany, Austria and Switzerland, has emerged as a significant hub for cybersecurity activities and technological innovation, making it an attractive target for cybercriminals seeking to exploit vulnerabilities in networks and systems.

Germany, Austria and Switzerland follow stringent data protection law, including the GDPR – the toughest privacy and security law in the world. As a result, cybersecurity practices in the DACH region often prioritize data protection and compliance with regulatory standards.

Despite data protection laws, the EU faces challenges in addressing rapidly evolving cyberthreats, including a shortage of cybersecurity professionals, the proliferation of sophisticated cyberattacks, and the interconnectedness of digital systems. In a session titled, “Safeguarding the EU Cyber Landscape With the ECCC,” Luca Tagliaretti, executive director, ECCC, will explore the guiding principles and overall approach the EU will take toward cybersecurity in the future, which includes aspects such as collaboration, data protection and international cooperation.

“In this landscape, Germany stands as a pivotal hub for cyber and data policy and regulation, anchoring the region’s efforts toward robust governance frameworks that balance innovation with security imperatives,” said Ravi Manji, executive director, QG Media. “DACH Summit plays a vital role in fortifying our region against cyberthreats. By fostering collaboration and sharing practical insights, we empower our community to proactively safeguard against evolving risks. Together, we secure not just data, but the very foundation of trust and progress upon which our digital future depends.”

Acknowledging the growing significance of IT and cybersecurity in the DACH region, the summit aims to address several key issues such as understanding vulnerabilities in multifactor authentication, the need for mobile best practices to avoid data leakage, and ways to prepare for API security.

The DACH summit serves as a platform for stakeholders from industries including banking and finance, automotive, retail, transport and logistics, and pharmaceutical, to exchange ideas and best practices aimed at strengthening their organizational resilience. CISOs including Dr. Timo Wandhoefer from Klöckner & Co SE, Naveen Ullkashi from PagoNxt, Robert Hellwig from the University of Siegen and Paul Sester from HORNBACH Baumarkt AG will lend their expertise as thought leaders and contribute to the collective knowledge base of the cybersecurity community and foster a culture of collaboration and information sharing.

Attendees can choose from a variety of content learning formats such as keynotes, presentations, roundtables, panel discussions and fireside chats, helping them maximize engagement and participation. This diverse mix of formats will allow attendees to deep dive into overarching themes and trends in cybersecurity and customize their experience based on their learning styles.

“Amid the evolving threat landscape facing the DACH region and the broader EU, the 7th edition of the DACH Summit stands as a crucial platform for cybersecurity and IT,” Jennifer Eisenhofer, VP – events, ISMG.

The region’s economic influence, commitment to data protection, and cybersecurity expertise make it a key player in shaping cybersecurity trends and practices, both regionally and globally.

As cyberthreats continue to escalate, the DACH Summit provides a vital opportunity to empower the cybersecurity community to stay ahead of emerging challenges and safeguard the region’s digital future.

21, Mar 2024
HCLTech achieves the AWS Generative AI Competency

NEW YORK, US and NOIDA, India, March 21, 2024—HCLTech, a leading global technology company, has been recognized with the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Generative AI Competency Partner status for its expertise in building generative AI (GenAI) applications on AWS and delivering transformative outcomes to enterprises.

With AWS’s advanced GenAI portfolio — including Amazon CodeWhisperer, Amazon Bedrock, Amazon SageMaker and Amazon Q — HCLTech has developed innovative GenAI solutions spanning various industries and enterprise functions, emphasizing responsible and ethical AI practices, such as prioritizing privacy, protecting intellectual property rights and maintaining factual accuracy.

“Attaining the AWS Generative AI Competency is a significant milestone for us, but more importantly, it is a win for our clients. It solidifies our market standing and leadership and assures our clients of our proficiency in developing and implementing real-world generative AI solutions using AWS services. This means we can meet their needs with unparalleled precision and effectiveness, ensuring their success in an ever-evolving landscape,” said Prabhakar Appana, Senior Vice President and Head of AWS Business Unit, HCLTech.

The AWS Competency Program assists clients in connecting with AWS partners who possess extensive knowledge and technical expertise in using AWS technologies and best practices to adopt generative AI.

Till date, HCLTech has received AWS Competency status in networking, migration, financial services, cloud operations, automotive services, manufacturing and industrial services, SAP, DevOps, Level 1 MSSP, storage and mainframe modernization.

HCLTech offers a unique set of end-to-end AI capabilities from chip development to business process optimization. Leveraging strategic partnerships with AWS and many others, HCLTech is paving the way for the adoption of GenAI across industries.

1, Mar 2024
What The “Privacy Policy” That Nobody Reads Says About Your Data

“Today’s online ecosystem thrives on data,” says Vernon Southward, CEO of Kosmos. “Understanding what information companies collect, how they use it, and your control over it is crucial in this digital age.” Yet, a Deloitte survey found that most people, around 90%, agree to legal terms without reading them. When they have no choice, users are okay with accepting possible outcomes in return for using a service. This begs the question: what does the “privacy policy” nobody reads say about your data?

Dissecting the Data Landscape

Privacy policies are legally binding documents outlining how companies collect, utilize, and share your personal information. Pinsent Masons notes that although legally necessary, privacy policies are often too long and complicated, with an average of 2,500 words, which is like reading ten pages of closely packed text. This makes them hard for regular users to understand, limiting their grasp of what data is collected and what it might mean. Additionally, Science News reports that website privacy policies are vague about how they share your data, with web traffic analysis indicating that most information is shared with unnamed partners.

What Lies Beneath the Legalese

Despite the challenges, delving into your typical privacy policy reveals several key points:

 Data Collected: Companies gather a vast array of information depending on the platform and service. This can range from basic details like name, email, and location to browsing history, search queries, and device information. In the case of social media platforms, data collected may even include details from your connections and online interactions.

 Data Usage: The purpose of data collection varies widely. Companies typically use it for personalization (tailoring content and ads), performance improvement (enhancing the user experience), and analytics (understanding user behavior). However, data may also be used for targeted advertising, selling anonymized data sets, or even for law enforcement purposes, subject to legal requirements.

 Data Sharing: Privacy policies often disclose your data may be shared with third-party service providers, who assist the company in various functions. Additionally, data may be shared in the event of a merger, acquisition, or legal obligation.

Take Control of Your Rights and Options

While navigating privacy policies can be daunting, it’s important to understand that you do have some control over your data:
Reviewing Privacy Settings: Platforms offer options to adjust data privacy settings. These allow you to restrict data collection, limit ad targeting, and control how information is shared.
Utilizing Data Deletion Tools: Many companies offer avenues for users to request data deletion. While not guaranteed in all situations, these tools empower you to manage your personal information footprint to some degree.
Employing Privacy-Enhancing Technologies: Utilizing tools like ad-blockers and virtual private networks (VPNs) can further enhance online privacy by blocking unwanted tracking and masking your IP address.

“Empowering yourself with digital literacy about data collection and management is key in the digital age,” reiterates Vernon Southward. While privacy policies may not be the most riveting read, understanding their contents empowers you to make informed decisions about your data and navigate the online world with greater control and awareness.

22, Feb 2024
Marut Drones and PJTSAU’s Revolutionary Direct Seeding Device Receives World’s First Utility Patent

February 22, 2024 – Hyderabad, India: Marut Drones, India’s leading drone manufacturer, has been granted the world’s first utility patent for a term of 20 years starting from November 29, 2021, under the provisions of the Patents Act, 1970. This patent recognizes Marut’s direct seeding drone, developed in collaboration with Prof. Jayashankar Telangana State Agriculture University (PJTSAU), which incorporates a multi-nozzle aerial seed dispensing device. With this patent, Marut Drones endeavors to facilitate the widespread adoption of direct seeding drones for rice cultivation at the grassroots level.

Prem Kumar - Founder Marut_High res

Marut’s seeding drones have obtained the patent following scientific validation by PJTSAU, which has also released Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for their use. This validation underscores the reliability and efficacy of the technology in enhancing rice production.

The patented system enables the aerial dispersion of diverse rice seeds through a meticulously designed multi-nozzle mechanism, optimizing the efficiency and effectiveness of seed-sowing processes. Marut has adhered to standard operating procedures for seeding, ensuring precise parameters such as drone speed, swath width, nozzle type and pressure, spray volume, spraying altitude, and droplet size in Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) using drones.

Prem Kumar Vislawath, CEO and Founder of Marut Drones, emphasized, “This patented technology will revolutionize rice farming practices in India. By reducing on-farm manual labor through drone technology, we aim to address the persistent challenges faced by farmers, particularly labor shortages due to rapid urbanization. From seeding paddy to controlling mosquitoes and pests in rice fields, labor costs pose significant hurdles. Through our collaboration with PJTSAU, we seek to promote the widespread adoption of Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) through drones, fostering a more economically viable and sustainable rice cultivation ecosystem.”

Marut’s direct seeding drone is a multi-utility attachment, enabling farmers to utilize drones not only for pesticide application/spraying but also for direct seeding, thereby accelerating Return on Investment (ROI). This multi-functionality allows the drone to be utilized around the year, justifying its name AG365.

By leveraging Marut Drones’ innovative DSR drones, farmers can achieve a remarkable 92% reduction in water usage, significantly accelerating ROI and profitability timelines from 3 years to just 1.5 years. The DSR drones are highly feasible under delayed monsoons, late release of canal water, or other contingency situations, addressing major challenges faced by rice farmers.

Traditional obstacles such as nursery time, transplantation, and skilled labor shortages are effectively mitigated, empowering farmers with enhanced operational efficiency and flexibility. With Marut’s DSR drones, farmers can sow up to 30 acres in a single day, requiring only 33,333 man-days to cover 500,000 acres compared to the 50 lakh man-days required for manual transplanting. Moreover, this technology minimizes operational exposure to harmful pesticides during pest outbreaks.

Through extensive trials conducted across 5 states, Marut Drones is poised to revolutionize rice farming practices nationwide. As India grapples with the impending dip of 2 million tons in rice production, creating disruptions in the global rice market, Marut Drones aims to seed 1 million hectares of land by 2030.

By fortifying food security efforts with its patented technology, Marut emerges as a frontrunner in innovation. The company’s comprehensive training programs targeting farmers, rural youth, students, and agricultural stakeholders will promote the adoption of direct seeding in rice cultivation using drone technology.

Marut’s patented technology not only opens avenues for rural employment but also encourages the establishment of Community Health Centers (CHCs) facilitated by Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Women’s Self-Help Groups.

22, Feb 2024
Built to handle the complexities of today’s music production

hd 490 music set

India, 22 January 2024Sennheiser, the first choice for advanced audio technology that makes collaboration and learning easier, today launched its brand-new open-back HD 490 PRO reference studio headphones, purpose-built for producing, mixing and mastering. The circumaural, dynamic headphones feature highly precise sound reproduction and a very wide and realistic sound stage. This superior accuracy and range give producers, mixing and mastering engineers, as well as musicians, the transparency they need for critical mixing decisions and for confidently resolving any panning placement issues.

“If you compare today’s music productions with that of ten, 20 years ago, you will notice how the massively increased computing power and complex parameter automation have changed the way in which music is made,” shares Vipin Pungalia, Country Manager & Director- Sales Pro Audio at Sennheiser. “In every genre, engineers and music creators are continuously pushing boundaries, creating extremely complex mixes that can be prone to so-called ‘audio blind spots’. Mixes can be crowded and muddy, with too many instruments sitting at the same position and their frequencies competing. For the engineer or musician, it becomes difficult to hear each individual instrument or voice distinctly. This goes to show the importance of a good pair of studio headphones.”

Full-spectrum audio accuracy
​To tackle this complexity, the Sennheiser engineers have given the HD 490 PRO an extremely wide, dimensional sound stage for precisely localising the components of a mix. Ultralight voice coils ensure a fast and authentic sound reproduction. The frequency response is uncoloured and honest across the entire audio spectrum, with the low end being full, accurate, and clearly defined thanks to a special low-frequency cylinder. The open-mesh ear cup covers reveal Sennheiser’s Open-frame Architecture, which minimises resonances and distortion. For an optimal listening experience, the transducers sit at a slight angle, thereby emulating a typical monitor loudspeaker set-up.

The HD 490 PRO studio headphones deliver a wide, spatial sound stage with excellent localisation, enabling producers to create refined mastersThe HD 490 PRO studio headphones deliver a wide, spatial sound stage with excellent localisation, enabling producers to create refined masters

“All these features combine to enable music professionals to identify and resolve any panning placement issues and troublesome low-end frequencies – ensuring clear mixes and superbly refined masters,” explains Gunnar Dirks, Sennheiser Product Manager. “The HD 490 PRO studio headphones put you in full control of every detail.”

The Sennheiser HD 490 PRO studio headphones put users in full control of every detail of the mixThe Sennheiser HD 490 PRO studio headphones put users in full control of every detail of the mix

A pleasure to wear
​An excellent pair of studio headphones would only be half as good if it were uncomfortable. Therefore, the Sennheiser engineers have put decades of experience from professional headset design into the HD 490 PRO. Their lightweight, ergonomic design eliminates any pressure points, as the headband does not press on the sensitive parts of the head. Also, the circumaural ear pads feature a Sennheiser-patented soft comfort zone for the temples of glasses while maintaining good sealing.

A patent has also been applied for regarding the special axes geometry of the HD 490 PRO. This design makes sure that the headphones optimally adapt to the head when they are put on, and maintain an equal contact pressure no matter what the shape of the user’s head.

“When you’re creating music, the last thing you want is to be focusing on the fit of your headphones. The HD 490 PRO let you feel the music and forget about the headphones,” says Vipin Pungalia.

Two types of ear pads to perfectly adapt to the task at hand

 ​“The development of the HD 490 PRO was preceded by the biggest professional headphone survey we ever did, where users voted neutral and flat reference audio as the most important feature,” explains Gunnar Dirks. “However, when we took a look at market figures, we discovered that a slightly warmer sound was preferred over a 100% neutral response. Therefore, we decided to give our customers two headphones in one – by providing two different sets of ear pads that were carefully designed to shape the sound differently.”

The producing ear pads (velour) of the HD 490 PRO have a slightly warmer response to create perspective and help users make a holistic judgement of the sound. The mixing ear pads (fabric), on the other hand, allow for a very flat, neutral sound that helps dive into detail when a sound reference is needed in finishing off a mix. Both ear pads are washable – a solution that is both hygienic and sustainable.

The type of ear pad has a massive impact on sound reproduction – with the HD 490 PRO, users get two headphones in one. With the producing ear pads reproduction is slightly warmer, while the mixing ear pads help to drill down on the individual frequenciesThe type of ear pad has a massive impact on sound reproduction – with the HD 490 PRO, users get two headphones in one. With the producing ear pads reproduction is slightly warmer, while the mixing ear pads help to drill down on the individual frequencies

A licence to dearVR MIX-SE
​The HD 490 PRO includes a free licence for the innovative dearVR MIX-SE plugin from Dear Reality. The plugin turns a DAW into an ultimate virtual mixing environment, simulating the carefully designed acoustics of ideal mixing studios. Not only is the engineer or musician placed in the sweet spot, dear VR MIX-SE also helps them ensure a balanced and consistent translation of their mixes on different systems.

Attention to detail ​
​The meticulous design of this top-of-the-range studio model does not stop with the accessories. For example, the headphone cable can be plugged into the right or left ear piece of the HD 490 PRO to cater to different studio set-ups and preferences. A patented cable coil structure ensures that the headphone cable does not transmit any noise when it hits the desk or rubs against the clothing. The left/right designation is clearly visible on the inside dust covers of the transducers, while for the visually impaired, the headband fork carries braille information.

Each HD 490 PRO is delivered complete with two different sets of ear pads (mixing and producing) plus a 1.8 m headphone cable and a dearVR MIX-SE licence.

The HD 490 PRO Plus (pictured) includes a case, additional 3 m headphone cable and an extra fabric headband padThe HD 490 PRO Plus (pictured) includes a case, additional 3 m headphone cable and an extra fabric headband pad.

“If you are looking for studio headphones that give you the transparency and excellent localisation needed for crafting outstanding mixes, the HD 490 PRO are your choice,” says Gunnar Dirks.