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4 Must-Have Gadgets For PC Gamers

Written by admin on . Posted in Residential. No Comments on 4 Must-Have Gadgets For PC Gamers

Technology has a marvellous impact on the gaming industry. Regardless of whether you are young or elderly, casual mobile players or trophy hunters, gaming has something that will attract your attention. The feeling of a racing heart and the gratification obtained from the victory can be immensely pleasurable. 

So, from cutting-edge consoles to top-of-the-line accessories, these are the best gaming gadgets to enhance your home-gaming experience:

HyperX Cloud Alpha (£89.99)  

This late version of HyperX Cloud Alpha S is a great deal. The HyperX Cloud Alpha builds upon the ground-breaking Dual Chamber Drivers design and will give your audio more distinction and clarity by reducing distortion. It is super comfortable and sounds awesome with its certified detachable noise-cancellation by Discord and TeamSpeak™.

HyperX Cloud Alpha S is multi-platform compatible with in-line audio controls, so serious gamers on PC, PS4™, Xbox One™ (and other platforms with a 3.5mm port) will benefit from the bold sound of the Cloud Alpha evolution. Impeccable sound quality, and excellent performance, make this gadget the ideal choice for users who game for hours on end.

You should also consider running an internet speed test to check how much internet bandwidth you have available this can affect your sound quality.

Redragon K585 DITI (£42.99)

Anyone trying to convert from console gaming to PC gaming can make their life easier with this gaming keypad. The Redragon K585 Wireless Diti Elite can help the transition from gamepad/analog stick gaming to keyboard/mouse gaming. 

The build quality is top-notch, as this half-hand keyboard is equipped with the most essential parts, such as blue switches and 7 programmable macro keys. There is also a magnetic wrist rest and a detachable USB type c connector. The RGB is vibrant and the keys aren’t super glossy with just enough texture to stand up to sweaty hands! 

The Redragon K585 Diti performs all the necessary tasks a gaming session needs. Clearly it is an excellent gaming keyboard for a fraction of the price. 

This gadget is highly responsive, thus Gigabit connectivity will be a perfect for it’s outstanding performance. Definitely a must-have!

Razer Kiyo Pro Webcam (£89.99)

Razer Kiyo Pro is an impressive webcam that can record video in 1080p resolution at 60 frames per second.

It is twice as expensive as the previous Kiyo but it is undoubtedly a far better webcam. All you need is a good internet connection for your calls or streams and this gadget will handle the rest. 

The Kiyo has a high-performance adaptive light sensor and autofocus to support the lighting setup or condition you have so that even the darkest room will look good on camera! Plus, you can make your stream pop with more vibrant colours by activating HDR at 30FPS. It can ramp up your video’s dynamic range while correcting over and underexposed areas. 

The Razer Kiyo Pro is a significant leap ahead and definitely what you need for perfect live streaming. All you have to worry about now is your internet upload speed so you can achieve maximum video quality.

Elgato Stream Deck (£139.99) 

Stream Deck integrates your tools and automatically detects your scenes, media, and audio sources, enabling you to control them with a quick tap of a key. These LCD keys can trigger anything you set them to – including launching OBS for broadcasting, Twitch, YouTube, TipeeeStream, or XSplit. 

This stream deck can also perform several other tasks, like switching between multiple webcams or opening other applications while in-game. Everything you need is at your fingertips.

So, why are good gaming gadgets important?

Gaming is definitely for anyone, but if you wish to grow your pro skills, you need to have the necessary tools and internet connection to help you stand out against the competition.

If you wish to be a true pro gamer you must set the bar higher every time and not rely on outdated methods. This also applies to your internet connection. 

Low latency, fast download and upload speeds, what more can you want? Just #GameWithGiga.

3 Reasons Why Gigabit Internet Can Boost Your Creativity

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Happy National Creativity Day! 

Embrace your creative energies and let today be all about where they will take you. 

There are multiple ways to increase creativity, especially with many conveniences offered in this digital era. The internet has become an essential tool for development and has enabled creativity tools to push the boundaries of what is digitally possible. 

Here are three reasons how Gigabit Internet technology has improved exponentially to boost creativity in today’s society:

Gigabit Internet Improves Productivity

You certainly know that the internet invention has provided us the ability to cultivate ourselves.

All we should do is practice and develop our talents by making time for it. It is even considerably cheaper to improve, as the Internet has lowered the cost to be creative.

Gigabit connection is ultra-reliable, which allows you to try multiple platforms and even operate them simultaneously. 

Do you want to edit a video? You can use iMovie, InShot or CapCut. These platforms can provide you with shortcuts and templates so that you can edit your video instantly. 

If you’re looking for a beginner tutorial to show you how to get started with iMovie, you can find a great one here.

Need to design an ads for your marketing campaign? You can use Canva or Design Wizard. They’re simple to use and don’t need any design experience.

The internet has brought several tools for faster, more efficient creation. It provides simplicity and convenience for you to explore. Leading to higher productivity so you can learn, create and sell your inner talents. Nowadays people are not talking about abilities but speed. It is more about how you are willing to try and improve.

However, do you know that on average people at work can lose 44 minutes per week due to poor internet connection? Just make sure you are not one of them! Make sure it’s running properly so that your creative juices keep flowing and productivity keeps soaring. 

Internet Provides Multiple Tools To Learn and Support Your Creativity

The internet has no boundaries and triggers a desire in many of us, to learn new things. All you have to do is devote yourself to improving your creative skills. Set a goal, make an effort, and commit to it. There are multiple platforms available to find your creative feet. The digital age has allowed everyone to be a creator.

YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest are served as launching pads. You can learn from them and share your creations easier than ever before. Creativity has become so accessible to everyone. 

Gigabit Internet Leads You to New Opportunities

Working with creativity means that you have to continually challenge yourself to advance your abilities.

It can involve finding new tools or tackling a new project. The Internet can help you connect with new people who share your passion.It supports you to find new audiences, making it easier to reach those who will enjoy or need your creations.

Do you want to sell your artwork? You can go to Etsy, Amazon Handmade, Redbubble or Saatchi Art.

Or do you want to sell your skills and help companies with their artwork? Working on their logo, website or branding? You can check 99designs, Fiverr or UpWork. Expose yourself and develop your creative skills. Creativity is a faculty that allows people to go beyond capacity. It is up to us to make good use of it.

Want to know how Gigabit Networks can help you boost your creativity? Use our postcode checker to see if we are in your area!

3 Things the Big Broadband Providers Don’t Want You to Know

Written by Acacia Henry on . Posted in Residential. No Comments on 3 Things the Big Broadband Providers Don’t Want You to Know

Big broadband providers can be well known for their broken promises and shady contracts. It is often that they will say one thing, but it means another. This is where Gigabit comes in…

While you could always switch to Gigabit Networks for a hassle-free, price fixed contract, we know sometimes people are stuck in their broadband contracts for months or even years without the option to switch. 

So, if you’re currently in a contract and can’t switch to Gigabit, or looking at a contract with one of the big providers, we’ve put together a list of 3 things they don’t want you to know. 

We hope these tips can help you to better understand broadband contracts and where you can get caught out.

The ‘working hours’ trick 

Big providers such as Virgin are well-known for using the ‘working hours’ trick. By using this, broadband providers can offer a ‘72 working hours fix’ or ’48 working hours install’ this way it may look as though you can expect your fix in 3 days or install in two days.

This is a simple way that providers will attempt to catch you out. In reality, a 72 working hour fix equates to about 9 days, which of course they wouldn’t want to tell you.

So, while you may enter your contract thinking the wait times will be reasonable, when the time for your fix comes, you will quickly realise that your provider has used sly wording to catch you out!

They’re selling you ‘fibre broadband’ that isn’t really fibre broadband

Big providers love to throw the term ‘fibre broadband’ around. 

As a consumer, it’s hard to know about all of the complicated telecommunication’s jargon, so of course, you’re going to take what the big brands say as the truth.

Actually, fibre broadband as you know it, is probably what we like to call ‘fake fibre’. 

Fake fibre uses a part-fibre connection where the cabling from the exchange to the street cabinet is made from fibre and the cabling from the street cabinet to your home is actually copper. This intereferes with your connection, slows it down and shares it with your street.

The CityFibre infrastructure (used by Gigabit Networks) is completely made up of pure fibre, all the way from the exchange and straight to your home. 

Pure fibre is where the true magic happens and where you can get insanely fast speeds that also reduce your impact on the environment! 

For more on the relation between pure fibre and the environment read our blog Purefibre broadband – your path to a greener home. 

Your monthly bill is probably going to increase

You’re not naïve for thinking that the price you agree to pay for your broadband per month would stay the same throughout your entire contract. 

Of course, prices may increase in line with inflation when you switch to a new contract but surely the big providers wouldn’t just bump costs up on you mid-contract?

Unfortunately, they would…

In fact, this has probably happened to you already. 

As of the 1st of April, you may have noticed your broadband or mobile bill increase by as much as 11% due to inflation rates.

If you want to know if your provider can do this or not it’s important to read your terms and conditions. If you agree to the terms and conditions of a contract that states that it may increase your bill, then unfortunately you must pay that increase.

Certain providers, including us, have a promise that we won’t increase your prices mid-contract. That means, no matter what, you can expect to pay the exact same bill every month. No uncertainty. No sly contracts. Just good, honest speeds.

Check your postcode now

5 Top Tips for Optimising your Home Wi-Fi 

Written by Acacia Henry on . Posted in Residential. No Comments on 5 Top Tips for Optimising your Home Wi-Fi 

Bad WiFi signal can become frustrating especially when you’re paying for it, here are Gigabit’s five top tips on how to improve your home Wi-Fi:

  1. Check your wired internet connection:

Checking your wired connection to the router is often the first step to troubleshooting your Wi-Fi connection issues. Ensuring your wired ethernet connection is fully functioning, undamaged and checking the connection is not loose. Followed by a quick network configuration to search for the root cause of the problem should hopefully quickly and efficiently solve the problem. 

  1. Check your true broadband speed: 

Checking your broadband speeds is essential. The running of a speed test is the most efficient method to find out whether there’s an issue with the router itself or if the issues lay with your internet service provider (ISP).  

  1. Position your router in a central location: 

Changing the physical position of your network points and router can boost your signal, this is because the antenna located on the router box is what radiates the signal to connect to your home devices. 

Therefore, a central location will be the best fit between all devices within your home to try and achieve equal signal throughout the house. 

If the positioning of the router centrally cannot be facilitated it is important to ensure the router is not located at low positions such as on the floor, in a corner or directly next to any solid barriers as this becomes a barrier for the Wi-Fi signals to radiate through and connect to your home devices. 

You should aim for elevated positions for optimal stability and strength. 

  1. Use of router extenders: 

Use of a router extender allows you to shorten the WiFi distance between your devices and the router thereby extending the range of the wireless network increasing device speeds and improving performance. 

Router extenders can be convenient and budget friendly while successfully expanding your signal coverage in your home and eliminates WiFi dead zones. However, home users have to consider that the host factors can be limited if the original source (home router) signal is slow and weak. 

You should consider performing a speed test prior to purchasing a WiFi extender to ensure it will be beneficial and the actual signal strength isn’t the main issue.   

  1. Upgrade you router: 

You should consider upgrading the router for boosting your signal.  The replacement of the physical Wifi router can be beneficial as tech can become outdated, worn and broken which may reduce the stability and strength of your WiFi. Therefore upgrading can improve network functionality and enhance range/coverage. 

Thanks to UK’s most reliable broadband technology, Gigabit Networks can offer speeds of upto 930Mbps – 20x faster than the UK average. To switch to Gigabit today, simply visit our homepage.

Virtual things you can do this April

Written by Acacia Henry on . Posted in Residential. No Comments on Virtual things you can do this April

April is here. The clocks have gone forwards and British summer time has now started which means more bank holidays, more school holidays and more time to keep entertained!

Sometimes being out all the time can be draining or maybe, as it starts to get hot, the outside weather just isn’t for you. Plus, with the cost of living rising, it isn’t realistic to have big trips and days out planned for every weekend in summer. 

That’s why we’ve decided to pull together a list of a few virtual ways you can entertain yourself this April. With the easter holidays fast approaching it can be hectic trying to think of how to keep yourself and the kids entertained. Well, with a GigaFast Home connection and this handy list, this summer doesn’t need to be expensive or boring.

New Netflix shows

There are plenty of new shows on Netflix this April. Ozark – a thrilling crime drama – is returning for a final part this April, and with 4 seasons already available to watch it’s definitely one to binge. 

And for the true-crime junkies there are multiple new true-crime documentaries coming to Netflix this month with focuses ranging from John Wayne Gacy to Marilyn Monroe.

Plus, if your kids are big Netflix fans too, there are plenty of new releases for kids of all ages too – from a new Beyblade release to a new season of CoComelon.

Online courses

If you or the kids have some free time this April why not spend it learning something new? MOOC stands for massive open online courses, and they are a great way to learn new skills no matter your age.

You can find MOOCs in subjects from computer science to humanities to engineering. There really is something for everyone.

MOOC.org is a great way to find free and cheap MOOCS. Udemy also offers a range of coding for kids courses and tutorials.

Virtual museums

On the topic of learning, virtual museum tours are a great option to soak in everything it is you can learn from a museum without the overwhelming stress of planning a whole day trip. 

Google Arts and Culture offers virtual exhibits with pictures and videos from over 2000 museums around the world. It is available on web, IOS and android – making art and culture way more accessible.

The page also features interactive games which allow you to immerse yourself in different cultures whilst also learning and having fun. 

AirBnB online experiences

More commonly known for its wide range of places to stay all over the world, AirBnB also boasts a new way to discover the world from your own home.

AirBnB experiences are live videos sessions allowing you to affordably experience things that otherwise you may not have had access to. It is a great way to soak up cultures from all around the world without having to worry about paying for a plane ticket.

Experiences available range massively! You can take cocktail masterclasses, meditate with a Japanese Buddhist, go on a wildlife safari in South Africa, dive under the sea with a shark expert and even do a haunted mansion escape room. 

Experiences range in prices from around £12 per person to £70 per person, there is something for every price range and every interest, go take a look.

How your SME can harness the power of the cloud – 3 important tools

Written by Acacia Henry on . Posted in Digital Trade, E-Commerce, Internet Provider, Technologies. No Comments on How your SME can harness the power of the cloud – 3 important tools

In 2022 your small business must be digitally optimised, so if you aren’t already utilising the Cloud then why haven’t you caught up?

Getting used to new tech can be daunting at first, but the advantages the Cloud can have for your businesses are endless, and so many cloud-based tools are free. All you need is a good internet connection – but we’ve got you sorted there.

What is the Cloud?

In the digital space when we talk about the Cloud, we don’t mean the ones in the sky! 

The tech industry tends to make the Cloud sound like some ominous out-of-reach being that is far beyond anyone’s understanding – certainly not something to be used by a small business such as yours.

Realistically the Cloud is much less daunting than it seems. It is essentially a term for services and software run on the internet rather than being run on your computer, however most cloud services can be accessed through your computer aswell.

It’s likely you’re already using some Cloud services without knowing it. Tools such as Dropbox and Google Drive are well-known cloud services that many people and businesses use. 

Well, what can the Cloud do for my business?

Whether you’re an e-commerce business or you have a physical shop – there’s something the cloud can do for all of us. It could be organisation, back-ups or implementing a hybrid working model – the Cloud can help you do it all.

From accessing programmes to storing data, the uses of the Cloud are endless and can be very overwhelming. 

We have decided to handpick our top 3 Cloud tools that will help your small business get started. Couple these tools with a GigaFast connection and you’ll have everything you need to digitally optimise your small business.

Cloud storage – Google Drive

Cloud storage is where data and applications are stored on separate servers and accessed via the internet. 

This means you no longer have to worry about your computer or phone having enough storage, or a certain document only being on one device, the Cloud has that handled for you!

Having a Cloud storage solution also means you don’t ever have to worry about losing data or information, everything is stored away in the cloud where you can access it 24/7. 

You also won’t have to worry about massive filing cabinets or extra office space just for information, digital storage is the future.

Our favourite cloud storage tool is Google Drive. It is free to use and allows you to store files across all your devices in a simple and easy-to-use interface. These files can also be shared with team members or kept private if needed. A much easier alternative to passing papers around in meetings.

SaaS – Google Workspace

SaaS means software-as-a-service and is the future of working in the post-covid world. 

SaaS platforms will enable your business to function from your business site, from home or from anywhere in the world (as long as you have a device and a stable internet connection). 

Our favourite SaaS tool is the Google Workspace, you’re probably already aware of a few aspects of this suite of tools. It includes popular apps such as Gmail and Google Calendar. Google drive is also a part of Google Workspace – it’s amazing how much everything in the Cloud links together!

Google Workspace also includes other applications such as google docs, google sheets, google slides, google forms, google meets and more.

All of your work within these applications can sync up in your google drive and you can collaborate with other members of your team at any time. It is essentially a virtual workspace, making home and hybrid working so much easier – and best of all, it’s free!

Cloud hosting

Now, this tool may not be 100% relevant to every small business but if your website is giving you trouble, or if you find yourself with larger spikes of visitors, cloud website hosting might be the solution for you. 

This also might be a solution to think about for the future. As your small business grows, you’re going to need to eventually have a website with a larger capacity.

With shared website hosting, (what most people use) your server may be slow as it is shared with others. 

With dedicated hosting, you get an entire server to yourself, but as you can imagine, the costs aren’t very small business-friendly.

With cloud hosting, your website is hosted in the cloud – with virtual server space. This means bandwidth is spread across multiple servers essentially ruling out many issues that you may find with other web hosting alternatives. This solution is especially great if you use e-commerce.

Our favourite cloud hosting tool is Hostinger. At just £7.99 a month on a 48-month plan, their prices are extremely small business-friendly and they offer unlimited bandwidth, fast server speeds and an excess of other features.

Start the year as you mean to go on: #GetFitWithGiga

Written by Acacia Henry on . Posted in Residential. No Comments on Start the year as you mean to go on: #GetFitWithGiga

Here at Gigabit Networks, we’re all about bringing value to the communities that we operate in (see our story for more on this). 

That’s why this month we’ve partnered up with Physique Evolution & BaD radio in Derby to bring you a chance to win a 3-month gym membership (worth £120) – for free!

Why Physique Evolution?

Physique Evolution is a privately run gym with a small team – don’t be mistaken though – they are serious about their craft and aim to offer an unrivalled experience. 

The gym is based in Derby city centre making it easily accessible and is 13,000 square foot split across two floors. 

Whether you’re a fitness fanatic or just starting out, there is something for everyone at physique evolution. 

Their classes range from Pilates to conditioning sessions and they have a range of personal trainers ready to help you meet your goals. 

Kit demos can also be found on their Instagram highlights to help any nervous newcomers and inductions can also be booked to help you find your feet. 

With Gigabit and Physique Evolution by your side you can improve both your internet speeds and your physical health this year. 

And whether you’re working out or working from home, you can tune into BaD radio to get your fix of Burton and Derby’s favourite hits!

With at-home working on the rise it’s important to take extra care of yourself outside of work.

Whatever it is you’re looking for, Physique Evolution has everything in place to help you have the best gym experience possible. 

It’s never too late to start your new year’s resolution and #GetFitWithGiga. 

So, head over to BaD radio to get involved. You’ve got nothing to lose and so much to gain!

T&Cs: Entrants must be 18 and over.

Competition closes March 31st

Gigabit Networks Helps Strengthen 21st Century Comms with Acquisition of Skyline Wireless

Written by Nicole Dixon on . Posted in Digital Trade, Featured News, infrastructure, Internet Provider, Technologies.

Gigabit Networks is delighted to announce the acquisition of Suffolk-based telecoms and VOIP provider Skyline Wireless, together providing greater connectivity and internet in areas of the UK that have struggled for bandwidth.

“We’re delighted Skyline is joining the Gigabit family. The pandemic has created massive demand for faster and better-quality connectivity. We can now not only make central city businesses faster, but more rural areas too.”

Dan Ilett, CEO of Gigabit Networks

Skyline is a specialist provider of ‘last mile’ wireless internet connectivity via radio and 4/5G networks, as well as cloud-based services and security products to SME businesses.

Services provided by Skyline include Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) – part of a global industry trend towards cloud services, also known as digital transformation – and Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) – a technology that allows you to make voice calls using a broadband Internet connection instead of a regular phone line.

“The Midlands is one of the most exciting places in the UK to do business right now as the connectivity potential is huge. Most people in the Midlands haven’t realised the potential speeds and technology that are now available to them. Together Gigabit and Skyline will change that.”

David Yates, CEO of 4 Oceans Venture Capital and key investor in Gigabit Networks

Internet usage has increased by 47% as more businesses move operations online in 2020, skyrocketing the need for the most up-to-date and reliable digital infrastructure across the UK.

Gigabit Networks and Skyline Wireless are collaboratively making it easier for businesses anywhere to access modern, ultrafast and affordable internet.