Recently we learned that Apple have made the overpriced Airpods available to us Irish folk which will cost you a small fortune for something you are bound to loose. Not only is this a first generation product they look stupid and as mentioned you will loose one if not both of these futuristic looking things..
Apple have now announced what they cost to replace and the terms applied plus a shipping charge if required that will cost you €12.30..
Apple have said the following..
If you need service for your AirPods or charging case, there’s no charge if the issue is covered under the Apple One Year Limited Warranty or consumer law.
Our warranty covers a defective battery, but it doesn’t cover wear from normal use. If the battery capacity on your AirPods or charging case decreases over time, you can replace them for a battery service fee.
If your AirPods or charging case get damaged accidentally, you can pay an out-of-warranty fee. And if you lose an AirPod or your charging case, we can replace your lost item for a fee.
I have been using the Nextbase 412GW Dash cam for about a month now. The first impression of The Nextbase 412GW Dash cam was the weight at 86g that’s light, this is a great bonus as mounted with a bracket on the windscreen, the weight does not pull it off over speed bumps. The 3” LED panel allows viewing easily. This is not a cheap budget device which can be observed from the packing, product feel with a variety of functions & connections.
The unit packaging was impressive, all the usual accessories cigarette charger, mounting bracket on the windscreen.
This came with older USB type cable with is a disadvantage as another cable in the car. The cigarette cable is extra-long which is a bonus having to run this over the vehicle to the dash mount location. There would be a requirement for a dual charger to allow charging of your phone at the same time. This is my biggest critic of this unit, the power cable type, and the options left to charge another unit.
The instruction manual is supplied on a disk with additional information on www.nextbase.co.uk.
The unit came separate with a 32GB MicrosSD card for use with Nextbase cams, (Scan disk card), This supports SDHC and SDXC micro SD cards up to 32GB, giving up to 4 hour’s worth of footage before the product loops. Typically, a 16Gb card will store the last 2 hours of driving footage, then will record over the oldest footage, Interesting Nextbase advise Every 2-3 weeks “we recommend that you reformat the memory card. This will wipe any files from the card and set it up afresh for continued use with your iN-CAR CAM.” This would involve taking the Card out of the Dashcam to format. I would recommend having a spare card in the event of incident, (You can save an incident / Dashcam will automatically save this)
The Dash Cam can feature QUAD HD 1440p footage at 30 frames per second. This is four times the number of pixels you would get on a standard HD panel (720p) as seen on your older plasma / LCD TV. Most files recorded are in the region under 500MB for a 3-minute clip. These are large files reflected by the quality of the footage. The footage has been checked on a standard Laptop and my own 46” LCD. The Quality was excellent on both when the card removed and placed into the Laptop / LCD TV.
Firstly, during installation start with the safety in mind, Next base recommended when fitting in the vehicle, a quick clean of the glass helps, then install the in-CAR CAM so it does NOT obstruct the drivers view of the road, preferably on the passenger side of the vehicle and behind the rear-view mirror. Recommended location fitting (as per the manual), one interesting thing on the location of the dash cam is the setup for a left-hand side of the road vehicle, i.e. UK car. Many Manufactures forget Ireland & the UK. Next base has offices in Surrey & Wales which is always a positive in case on any issues.When fitting the Dash, cam check the sun visor to ensure the Dash cam does not get knocked by the visor, that’s from experience!
This has a Click & Go Powered Magnetic Mount, ensuring removing from the vehicle is easy and quick. This feature is excellent if removing at night. It would be great if the Charger plugged directly into the Magnetic Mount, as you must un-clip the Dashcam from the charger cable, and the Magnetic Mount,
There are 3 modes of camera operation – Video, Photo and Playback.
Video Mode: The default mode when the camera is turned on, for video recording.
Photo Mode: Allows you to take still photographs.
Playback mode: Allows you to view recorded video or photographs up
Playback contains, longitude, latitude speed, date & time. This was interesting with the cam looking at the road at the speedometer, the car on cruise control at 49 MPH, stated on review on the Dash cam footage 46 MPH,
Some of the lower end units do not record the longitude, latitude and speed.
On the unit, there is a Reset button which is great in case there is a problem at any stage as there is no removable battery, this may sound trivial but try using a product that won’t power off, It has however a low battery warning..
Wi-Fi:
This has Inbuilt Wi-Fi which (if your inclined this way) to upload footage to social media / insurance company. The Wi-Fi connects as a normal Wi-Fi router / dongle, search for the SSID, E.g. Nextbase 412GW Enter the password as given on the Dash cam,
On your smartphone Nextbase Cam Viewer App is available for free download from the Google Play Store (Android) approx. 26 M file with 10,000 – 50,000 Installs rated as 3 out of 5. There were a few occasions, I had to refer to the manual having to power off the Nextbase 412GW. Initially this would not connect to a smart phone, I tried with a Samsung smart phone worked straight away. Once working the video display was clearly visible which was easily played back. The play back initial buffer was slower than expected as I am used to instant playback from a Computer. I found Video playback may pause while the video buffers as I wanted to quickly view 4 hours of footage quickly rather than a 3-minute clip. The video clips were clearly visible on a Samsung smart phone.
The Cam Viewer allowed Live View from the iN-Car Camera which was of great quality while a microsecond delay between footage on the Dashcam getting to android phone.
You can view video / photo files stored upon the camera and download to your connected device for viewing later.
Number Plate recognition.
A feature on the dashcam is the Number Plate recognition, Enter the registration number for your vehicle, this will then be shown on the video file. This is a feature on expensive / Business CCTV systems which is good to see on the dash cam.
Specification in more Detail.
140 degree wide angle view with QUAD 1440p High Definition recording at 30 fps
High frame rate option of 60fps recording at FULL 1080p HD
Inbuilt Wi-Fi to share your footage directly with your mobile via the Nextbase Cam Viewer app
Ultra-clear 3.0” LED display for ease of playback and menu selection
Improved night vision for clear footage in poor lighting conditions
Exclusive Powered Magnetic Click & Go mount for easy installation in the vehicle
Instant evidence to support insurance claims to help prove an incident was not your fault
Super slimline design – Dimensions 10.9 x 5 x 1.8 cm (W x H x D) (37mm incl. lens)
Six-Element Sharp Lenses made with 6 layers of glass to provide stunning clear images
GPS receiver and G sensor to record location and force data
Inbuilt battery with up to 30 minute backup in the event of an accident
Easy to install with 4m 12v power cable and Click & Go powered window mount included
SOS data protection prevents the impact/ event recording from being deleted
Supports SDHC and SDXC Micro SD cards up to 32GB (class 10 recommended)
The Full Product specification.
This is an interesting point to be aware of in the event of an accident. I don’t know the legality of video footage in court / insurance but interesting to read. (Taken from the manual)
The video recordings made by this Digital Video Recorder are intended for personal use only. 8. Publication of the recordings on Youtube, the internet or other methods are subject to the Data Protection Act and the requirements thereof must be adhered to. If the Digital Video Recorder is to be used within a commercial environment, i.e. truck use, then the CCTV regulation apply also, in addition to the Data Protection Act regulations. This includes labelling to identify the use of CCTV is taking place, the omission of Audio recording and informing the relevant authorities of who controls the data. Video playback upon the device which is visible to the driver is prohibited or restricted in some countries or States
How difficult is the Dashcam to set up / Record?
Setting up the Dashcam physically in the car take a few minutes. Record can be automatically set up. Play back by removing the card and placing in a Laptop can take a few minutes, Dashcam playback took less than a minute. Setting up Wi-Fi and Playback does take a bit longer to setup, down load the app.
Would I recommend this Product?
If this is for a non-techie driving low millage, certainly not, but if you’re one of those people that often state, there is never a Policemen when you want one, or wait till I tell you what happened today on the road. (Have a look at the video of a cyclist going down the wrong way on the street. branch of a tree been pulled down by a lorry, or Pedestrian crossing the road)
If you’re a serious driver on the road, then having this is your vehicle is great in case an accident happens. Should there be an incident with video footage you can clearly see who was at fault in the incident – whether it was day or night, saving in Insurance excess and split liability claims. I have noticed on occasions when the weather was freezing I unconsciously checked the operation of the dash cam expecting the potential of an incident. Another question I have been asked, is it worth paying extra for a good model, depending on a budget the quality is excellent, footage excellent, this model shows you location and speed. If you drive a vehicle for hours per day than possible, this may be the route to go down! Any professional driver should have this as I suspect the bus companies have not put cameras on the buses for our safety, rather the safety of their insurance claims. I have now noticed Learner Driver vehicle instructors now have these in their vehicles. This would be great to allow driving instructors to give students an SD card, allowing them a second view of the road positioning and leanings.
I would like to thank Nextbase UK for sending this out, Initially I though a gimmick which I would be bored of after a week, Sorry Guys at Nextbase this is one product I am keeping in my car, Once I reviewed the footage and observed some of near incidents.
Twitter has today announced you can now Go Live in the app which is now rolling out to users on the mobile app on Android and iOS. This has been already native with Facebook and Instagram..Twitter owns another app called Periscope which I have not seen much of lately in my feed. Will this be also killed off? The Go Live feature though however is powered by Periscope. This is a good move and something I would prefer using myself and the benefit of not having to use a standalone app too so this is a win..
Live video is the most immersive way to experience what’s happening around the world. From protests and monumental moments to celebrations and things that make us LOL, we’re making it easier for you to broadcast live video – straight from Twitter.
Starting today, you can create and Tweet live video from the Twitter app, powered by Periscope. To go live, compose a Tweet, then tap “LIVE” which brings you to pre-broadcast screen where you can frame your shot. When you’re ready, press “Go Live” to start broadcasting.
Once you’re live, anyone on Twitter and Periscope can join your live video and participate in your experience. When you’re watching a live video, comment and send hearts by tapping the screen. Hearts show your support for the broadcaster.
With the popularity of dash cams increasing, not only to safeguard your family, prove liability in case of an incident but also to protect your car whilst parked, give a dash cam to your loved one this Christmas and keep them protected and secure. May save you some money too in 2017 as many companies now offer a discount on your insurance premiums!
THINKWARE F770, RRP £199
With its sleek, unobtrusive design the F770 is THINKWARE’s global flagship dash cam supporting an optional second camera for filming behind the vehicle.
With a built-in GPS antenna, the F770 embeds speed, time and location data to the recorded videos to give you all the information you may need and the Dual Save™ technology allows you to save recorded footage in both the micro SD memory card and the last event in the built-in internal memory. This safeguards against the loss of data in the aftermath of a severe collision if the memory card is damaged and the Dual Save Technology guarantees a backup copy of the video in the internal memory.
The built-in Wi-Fi enables you to easily control, manage and configure the settings of your Dash Cam via your iOS or Android smart phone and provides a truly convenient way for you to view recordings, download, access or delete recorded videos, all on your mobile phone.
The THINKWARE DASH CAM F770 also features ‘Super Night Vision’, a night image correction feature and ‘Time Lapse Photography’ that records one frame per second for up to two days. The ‘Super Night Vision’, which is optimised for dark parking environments, delivers up to 10 times higher brightness than existing products, featuring a new image signal processing (ISP) technology and a real-time video processing function.
The ‘Time Lapse Photography,’ embracing improved video storage methods, can record the details of the parked vehicle by maintaining the continuous recording while parked, instead of recording 20 second events triggered by motion detection or the camera’s g-sensor. Parking mode operates for up to 2 days after the ignition is turned off.
The THINKWARE DASH CAM F770’ has also adopted the ‘Advanced Driving Assistance System’ (ADAS), which assures driver’s safety and convenience with numerous driver alerts. The Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) alerts drivers when drifting out of lane and the Front Collision Warning System (FCWS) advises drivers of when to brake by calculating the speed of your vehicle and the vehicle in front in real time.
Equipped with 1080p Full HD cameras, Ambarella chipsets, advanced video clear technology and Sony Exmor CMOS Image Sensors, the THINKWARE DASH CAM F770 also features Safety Camera Alerts using the built in GPS. In partnership with award winning camera alert specialist, Cyclops, it provides drivers regularly updated information on verified speed/red–light camera locations and known mobile speed traps.
THINKWARE DASH CAM F50, RRP £79.99
With prices starting at just £79.99, the F50 is the perfect feature-packed dash cam for those wanting piece of mind whilst on the road and whilst parked. It is equally as popular with commercial vehicles owners offering security, accountability and possible reductions in insurance premiums.
The F50 is equipped with an Ambarella chipset and Sony Exmor CMOS image sensor that records detailed full HD 1080p video at 30 frames per second, a 130-degree viewing angle and a built in Active Impact monitoring system. The THINKWARE F50 dash cam certainly fits a lot of features into its small and elegant design.
When hardwired, the F50 features Parking Surveillance Modes with Motion and Impact Detection triggering the recording of 20 second video clips, ensuring car, van or taxi owners are able to record incidents in parking mode for 48 hours. The built-in impact sensor, which detects the level of force when your vehicle sustains an impact, is a 3 axis G-sensor whose settings are different for parking mode and continuous mode. You want it to be as sensitive as possible whilst parked but don’t want it to record incidents every time you go over a pothole. All footage is instantaneously saved to a memory card reducing potential data corruption.
The dash cams are also able to work in extreme conditions thanks to the integrated Thermal Protection. If the temperature rises and exceeds a certain level, the Self Protection Shut Down function will automatically switch off the device to protect the camera optics. In the event of power loss during an accident, the dash cam’s fail-safe recording uses the Super Capacitor to ensure that any recordings in progress are stored securely, so you can be confident your data is safe.
When the THINKWARE F50 dash cam is connected to the optional GPS Antenna it provides drivers regularly updated information on verified speed/red–light camera locations and known mobile speed traps thanks to the partnership THINKWARE has with award winning camera alert specialist, Cyclops.
The THINKWARE F50 allows for discreet installation due to its minimal size and black appearance. It can be placed behind the rear view mirror on the windscreen using the 3M tape so the driver’s vision is not obscured. However, to fully ensure the THINKWARE F50 dash cam is not a target for thieves, there is also a locking box accessory available to make its removal from the vehicle difficult; an attractive option for commercial vehicles.
The THINKWARE F50 Dash Cam is currently available from www.thinkwaredashcam.uk for £79 plug and play or £99 with optional GPS antenna. For more information visit the company’s website at www.thinkware.com
This little package arrived the other day and its an external virus removal tool, Most of us would be familiar with using downloadable software to clean up our PC but this just plugs in to an existing USB port and does the rest for you..
FixMeStick does not need any additional software to install on your PC so it will not slow it down or interfere with any work you might be doing,This is a hardware based and detects and removes spyware,trojans,rootkits and malware just to name a few.. FixMeStick is also Linux based.
The package comes in a box,One that is in my opinion a waste of packaging which could probably fit around 50 of the same product if not more,but this is common with packaging. The piece itself is nice though,well built looks good and has a red light atop when its running. The process took me about 45 minutes but with a brutal internet connection I blame my ISP which is eir that took the updates so long to download. The process is simple its just plug and follow instructions…
The FixMeStick is a hardware device that runs before your PC or Mac starts to remove the infections that got past your anti-virus protection. Once malicious software gets into your computer, it can be impossible to remove it while your computer is on. This product IS NOT A REPLACEMENT for anti-virus programmes….
How does the FixMeStick virus removal device remove infections that antivirus programs often cannot?
Antivirus programs are software tools that run while your Windows operating system is running to protect Windows from malicious software like viruses, trojans, spyware, and malware. Protection from these malicious threats is important and running antivirus protection is highly recommended.
The FixMeStick virus removal device is a hardware tool that runs before Windows to remove malicious software that got past your antivirus protection. Once malicious software gets into Windows, it can be impossible to remove while Windows is running. Independent security experts and government security agencies recommend cleaning an infected PC with a hardware tool like the FixMeStick virus removal device that runs before Windows starts.
Keep your current PC!
• Gives you a practical and cost-effective way to clean your own PC of virus infections.
• Automatically connects to wired and wireless networks to stay up to date.
• A physical virus removal solution that you can hold in your hand and take charge of your PC.
Features:
• Removes viruses, spyware, trojans, rootkits, malware and more.
• Complete system on a stick that plugs into any USB slot.
• No software installation, conflicts, passwords, or slow down to your work and play.
What You Get:
• FixMeStick virus removal USB device
• Manufacturer’s lifetime limited warranty with active subscription.
• Free and amazing North American based service and support.
Overall it was easy to use and set up and did remove some junk from my Laptop,this can be used with up to three PCs, This product always stays up to date and will update when you insert it whenever you use it..
Overall the package did what it said on the tin but took time to set up and download updates,however this is most likely down to my brutal internet connection and perhaps would run better for everyone else its a nice little product and useful and it works. What more can I say.
Apple as we know have ditched the headphone jack and this pissed of many people to say the least but for those who are aware of how Apple work they teased the idea and let others go first. This has left many iPhone users stumped though Apple did include a shitty little cable that will cost you about a tenner WHEN YOU LOOSE IT.. You will loose it… They are now available to buy here in Ireland on-line for now and other countries around the world..
If you have 179 euros to spare keep in mind you will probably loose one if not both of these too. However there is a 4 week shipping date pencilled in… Apple also are so kind to give you free delivery here.. In the package you will get those silly looking Airpods and a charging case and lets not forget the lightning to USB cable which is something else to keep in mind should you loose that. Keeping in mind you might be left waiting longer than the UK to get them so you can use the various virtual shipping address options such as Parcel Motel or Address pal if you cant wait or want to buy these as a gift just in time for Christmas..
Well here is a surprise albeit it entry level devices it is welcome news and a new beginning.. The Nokia 150 and 150 Dual Sim has been dropped…
These two new devices follow suit of what we are use to seeing in this department and are a good seller even when Nokia feature phones where under Microsoft ownership, Its good to see that they have kept the same footprint and they do look really nice..
Beautifully designed with a polycarbonate shell that keeps its colour even when scratched, the Nokia 150 stays looking great whatever life throws at you. With an impressive 2.4” screen and incredible battery life, you can now enjoy all your favourite features for longer.
On their press release…..
HMD global Oy (“HMD”) has announced the launch of its Nokia 150 and Nokia 150 Dual SIM phones. The launch comes just weeks after HMD entered the market as the new home of Nokia phones. HMD, a start-up headquartered in Finland, will bring a new generation of mobile phones to consumers through an existing feature phone business and new smartphone range. With the launch of Nokia 150, HMD Global will further strengthen the Nokia feature phones portfolio comprising of best-sellers like Nokia 105, Nokia 216 and Nokia 230.
The phones come pre-loaded with games including classic Snake Xenzia and try and buy Nitro Racing by Gameloft. The camera with LED flash allows users to capture their special moments and share them with friends and family through Bluetooth.
Nokia 150 and Nokia 150 Dual SIM come in black and white at only $26 before local taxes and subsidies. The phones will become available globally in select markets – rolling out first in APAC, IMEA and Europe – in Q1’17.
Specs
Device
Nokia 150 and Nokia 150 Dual SIM
Operating system
Nokia Series 30+
Display
2,4” QVGA (240*320)
Battery
BL-5C ,1020 mAh
Talk time & Standby time
Talk time: up to 22 hours,Standby time: up to 31 days for Single SIM, and up to 25 days for Dual SIM
Camera
VGA with LED flash
Connectivity
900/1800 MHz, micro USB, 3.5mm AV connector, Bluetooth 3.0 with SLAM
Swedish brand, Urbanista, today launches the new wireless version of its hugely popular Seattle on-ear headphones. Using Bluetooth technology, the Seattle wireless allow users to look sleek and stylish whilst listening to all their favourite songs, without being tethered to a cord.
Perfect for music lovers who want a crisp sound and impressive bass for an extraordinary listening experience, the Seattle Wireless now feature advanced swipe technology meaning users can answer calls, play or pause music and change tracks using their fingertip making listening to music enjoyable and easy. The headphones also feature an in-built microphone for calls and ‘share sound’ plug to enable users to share music with friends.
Urbanista has combined Scandinavian minimalistic design with a practical folding feature that makes these headphones ideal for taking on holiday, for travelling and commuting. The Seattle wireless also comes with a complimentary power cord – so unlike many other Bluetooth headphones, if the battery runs out, the music doesn’t have to stop.
The adjustable, seamless headband and modern design with memory foam cushions that moulds to the user’s ear ensures the Seattle headphones are not only stylish but extremely comfortable too.
Available in four stylish colours, Rose Gold, White, Black and Blue Petroleum, the Seattle headphones are available from: https://uk.urbanista.com/ for £89.00.
You can now manage your taxes on the go with a new app from the Revenue Of Commisioners. The app which is FREE on Android and iOS is ready to download now and there is a Windows offering in the works too…
RevApp provides customers with quick and easy mobile access to the following online services:
myAccount– online services for customers not registered for ROS ROS– online services for self-employed and business customers Receipts tracker* – the easy way to record and manage receipts for your expenses MyEnquiries – online contact facility that allows you to securely send and receive correspondence to and from Revenue; Calculators and tools – online tools to help you calculate taxes such as Pay as you Earn (PAYE), Local Property Tax (LPT) and Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT).
You can also use RevApp to access MyEnquiries, Revenue’s online contact facility that allows you to securely send and receive correspondence to and from Revenue , and Calculators and Tools, which help you to calculate taxes such as Pay As You Earn, Local Property Tax and Vehicle Registration Tax.