Month: January 2017

Jabra collaborate with New Balance. The RunIQ smartwatch & PaceIQ bluetooth wireless headset #CES2017

Global athletic leader New Balance announced its inaugural smart wearable from the Digital Sport Division with RunIQ, a “made to run” smartwatch built in collaboration with leading digital, hardware and software companies, including Intel, Google, and Strava, at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas today.  In tandem with the launch of RunIQ, New Balance will also debut PaceIQ, Bluetooth wireless sport headphones, with sound by Jabra- the provider of premium sound solutions for sports enthusiasts. RunIQ delivers the perfect combination of the best running features in a stylish accessory that you can wear all day.

Specifically designed for runners by runners, RunIQ helps athletes focus on their performance, engineered with Intel Inside® featuring a built-in GPS, heart rate monitor, lap button, interval capability, and marathon distance battery life to help you get the most out of your run.

 

 

 

“New Balance has a 110-year heritage of product development and innovation in the running category, and RunIQ represents our commitment to helping athletes achieve unparalleled fitness experiences,” said Rob DeMartini, President and CEO of New Balance.  “A smartwatch for runners made by runners, RunIQ combines our expertise in running with the best engineering advances through breakthrough collaborations with some of the biggest players in the technological industry.”

 

Through the collaboration with Strava, RunIQ allows runners to seamlessly upload and share workouts with their global community of athletes.  A built-in GPS allows for course tracking, pace and distance measurement while the heart rate feature monitors in real time.  With up to 24 hours of battery life with typical use or up to 5 hours of continuous life with GPS and heart rate monitoring, runners can track their marathon event.   Runners can sync, store and listen to Google Play™ music from an Android phone and stay connected to smartphone notifications for on-the-go replies when connected to Wifi or Bluetooth.  RunIQ is also waterproof up to 5 ATM.

 

 

“Intel technology is reinventing the boundaries of computing to evolve the way people get fit, stay active and improve their performance,” said Brian Krzanich, CEO of Intel Corporation. “Our collaboration with New Balance brings to market a smartwatch with enhanced design and functionality, resulting in a smart and connected device for runners that makes amazing experiences possible.”  

 

To complement RunIQ, New Balance has created a unique digital experience through the New Balance Global Run Club.  This digital and physical community of runners is powered by Strava, the social network for athletes, and utilizes its platform to bring New Balance runners together, online and offline. NB Run Club runners use Strava to connect with each other, track performance, share their favorite routes and celebrate accomplishments.  NB Run Club athletes also participate in group and individual virtual training programs for key races and running events, as well as virtual races between individuals and clubs.  Lastly, physical NB Run Club activity is centered in New Balance stores and includes local runs, group training, alternative training and classes.

 

 

Fully integrated with RunIQ, the PaceIQ are lightweight wireless sports headphones that offer premium sound quality, a secure fit and a rapid charge capability. They allow the user to run free of wires and features a dedicated Sports Button that provides real-time audio in-ear RunIQ performance updates to help enhance training effectiveness. The PaceIQ also enable easy remote control access for both music and calls. When used with the New Balance RUNIQ, the PaceIQ is an easy-to-use training partner.

 

“Jabra PaceIQ Wireless not only extends our range of unique sports audio solutions, but helps athletes enhance their sports experience too,” said Calum MacDougall, SVP Marketing, at Jabra.  “These headphones are made with best-in-class sound technology which means that you have access to premium sound quality for improved motivation.”

 

 

Available for pre-order at newbalance.com starting January 4, RunIQ will launch at retail with an MSRP of $299.99 on February 1st.  RunIQ will be available at launch in black and gray face, accessories including watch bands and chargers also available.  PaceIQ will be available at retail February 1st with an MSRP of $109.99 and include 3 sets of EarGels™, 1 FitClip™ and a USB cable.

RunIQ was developed through New Balance Digital Sport, a division formed in 2015 to connect consumers with technologies to improve their athletic performance.  Android Wear and Google Play are trademarks of Google Inc.

For more information please visit www.newbalance.com; media please visit the New Balance Press Box to download materials and images http://newbalance.newsmarket.com/.

Review – devolo WiFi ac Repeater, Extend your WiFi range! #WiFi #delovo

The best signal in an area is always the hard-wired approach, cable / fibre to your door, and then hardwired around your house / office, in an ideal world the lost would be minimal. On occasions when the signal is poor to an attic, outside shed, or thick old walls, a Repeater may be an option. (there are other options e.g.  powerline options) Depending on the property type, an old cottage may have extra tick walls, where as a new build may have excellent tin foil type insulation on the stud partitions, both will reduce the signal strength.

 

 

This devolo WiFi ac Repeater will not provide good broadband If you have poor internet speed at your router supplied by your Telecoms provider e.g., Virgin, eir BT Vodafone etc.  The WiFi ac Repeater will be of little use to you. This can be tested using a variety of speed test sites, e.g. www.fast.com

If its boosted WiFi strength in a home office to make video calls, stream a movie or are simply looking for interruption-free browsing in every room of your house, the WiFi ac Repeater may be your option.  Once the WiFi ac Repeater is set you should get similar speed close to the repeater. This will not increase the speed from the router, rather keep it at a similar rate to the router. The further you move from the router / repeater, you will see a loss in the signal.

The specification advised the repeater acts as a WiFi range extender and your entire home can now benefit from buffer-free browsing due to a boosted WiFi signal and increased network speed of an impressive 1200 Mbps. Realistically no one gets this speed, even half the speed, we don’t get 1200 Mbps., possible 25 Mbps to 250Mbps if you’re lucky, Speed test awards advise the top speeds for 2016

http://www.speedtest.net/awards/ie/isp/2016

 

 

How to Setup the Repeater:   

There was various options, (initially Place the Repeater in the same room as the router)

A: Configuration using WPS button, Press the WPS button on your devolo WiFi Repeater ac and then on your WiFi router within 2 minutes

B: Configuration in the web browser, Open the terminal device ‘s WiFi settings (desktop, laptop, Mac, tablet) and connect to the devolo Wi-Fi Repeater network.

Open your web browser and type http://devolo.wifi into the address bar. Follow the prompts of the installation wizard using your web browser.

 

 

 

 

When the signal indicator on the devolo WiFi Repeater ac is illuminated a steady white. The connection was successfully established.

I used option B: Configuration in the web browser, as many articles on the web did not have the WPS push-button set-up on their router. This was straight forward allowing options to boost both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks, generally a Mac will operate on both frequencies, some other Laptop model operate only on the 2.4GHz frequency, (there is no harm in using both if your router allows).  Connection was quick and easy. This setup took less time than it did took to boil the kettle.

I liked the idea of setting up the devolo WiFi ac Repeater once on my network, other laptops, tablets and smart phones automatically connected to the original router, via the repeater, no additional setup was required for these individual units.

These are some of the LED status, if there is an issue holding the WPS for over 10 seconds’ results in a Factory default.

 

 

 

Does it work,

I placed the router in the back of the house. I then turned off mobile data on my phone, walked to the front of the house until I had no Wi-Fi connection. I then connected the devolo WiFi ac Repeater into a socket in the front of the house, again I walked away from the house checking the Wi-Fi signal, on this occasion walking onto an open green the Wi-Fi signal was strong at least 10 meters after I had previously lost the signal without the repeater. To ensure fairness of the test, the same was done with a laptop, walked as far away as possible in the front of the house until I got no signal, I then connected the devolo WiFi ac Repeater in the front of the house and again walked as far away as possible. Again, the range increased (this was in an open area). Speed test done & again walked to a range that would initial have no WiFi. The speed did appear to drop the further I went away from the repeater.

 

 

The Manufactures advised Benefits are,

  • Instant WiFi ac speed for browsing, HD streaming and chatting.
  • Entire home coverage with the WiFi range extender functionality.
  • Made possible with WiFi ac technology, up to 1200 Mbps transfer rate for maximum speed.

• Integrated gigabit LAN port for smart TVs, PCs, game consoles, streaming boxes etc.

 

  • Your choice of easy set-up by WPS, PC, laptop, tablet or smartphone.
  • Helpful LED signal strength indicator.
  • Compact, stylish design – versatile positioning anywhere in the home.
  • Compatible with WiFi standards ac/n/g/b/a.
  • Features alternative use as an access point for creating a new WiFi ac network.
  • 3-year manufacturer’s warranty.

 

Supported operating systems

Windows 7, from Mac OS X 10.6, from Ubuntu – Linux 14.04 If your using below Windows 7, its not a WiFi ac Repeater you need but a new PC / Laptop.

Box comes with

  • 1x devolo WiFi Repeater ac (W/H/D: 59 x 91 x 38 mm)
  • 1x installation guide

 

Costs, is it worth it?

This unit costs under stg 50 with a 3-year warranty, (Typical German efficiency) Many manufactures have a variety of general products costing 100 of euro / pounds with a 1 year warranty. This is not in any way a cheap product with some discount food chains selling similar products ranges for half the price.

How much is good Broadband worth?  Ask that to some that can’t get it in an attic, is it worth spending the extra for this Product? I know the Brand for years and feel this is a quality brand, and would expect this be reliable once set up. To me personally reliable broadband is more important than saving an amount on similar products that may/ may not work. If intending on using this product, it may be worth purchasing locally, testing the range in the property and if it works a job well done with the option to return if unsuitable. It may also be worth checking out the DEVOLO WiFi Powerline Adapters as these have other benefits if using a few PC / Laptops in a Property.

More information available at http://www.devolo.co.uk/article/devolo-wifi-repeater-ac/?gclid=CO-G7IrG9NACFc-_7QodIeAFkw    devolo WiFi ac Repeater   RRP: £ 49.99, or Argos /  http://www.maplin.ie/  

#MergeVR announces new colours for its headset and the #AR HOLO CUBE. #CES2017

Last year we got our hands on one of the best iterations of the google cardboard viewing HMD Virtual Reality headsets out there that had a funky purple colour and it certainly stood out from the rest and it today still serves us well and is popular with visitors to my home, It is certainly the most comfortable headset out there ensuring users can actually wear it for long periods of time with no issues.The main difference with this headset than what we traditionally see its not made with plastic, it’s like a spongey material if you will and if dropped your device is still safe. 

Today Merge VR have announced new colours for their headset and some of these are actually quite nice even if you did not like the purple edition which I think is pretty cool…. Check out the new available colours below… You can also see our review over HERE   

 

 

One thing for sure here is now there is a choice of colour to match anyone’s taste these colours all look great and again make the headset stand out from the rest.  Merge VR goggles have been tried and tested and kids from the age of 10+ can safely use them…

Today Merge VR also announced a new AR toy called HOLO CUBE which will work with their current headset which is what was already know about their future thoughts on Augmented Reality, A few people asked why was there a cutout on the front of the headset,Well there is your answer and since then others have followed suit in having this option thinking forward… So what is HOLO CUBE ?? Its the world’s first interactive, holographic toy that you can hold in the palm of your hand. Watch the video below for more…

Find out more and check out the headset over at MergeVR   

 

 

 

 

 

Order flowers in a breeze with the #bloomtown app. #IrishApps #Flowers #Florists

You can even upload a selfie from your phone and send a personalised message…

Ordering flowers can be a tad cumbersome for folk yet alone finding the time to do it, Walking into a store and finding that bunch of flowers is something I would have no interest in personally but looking online would suit me better, There is however a new app that prepares your perfect bundle once you open the app.. Its called bloomtown and its now on Android and iOS… The service has now launched in selected areas in Dublin so this will be quite handy for those whom have no time or patience nor have a clue about flowers in general, Yeah that would be me…

 

 

 

With the Bloomtown app sending flowers is easy like Sunday morning. Personalise your own message card with a selfie or a picture from your camera roll. Re-order flowers with just a few taps. You can also set alerts for special occasions.

 

 

 

 

Description

Sending and receiving flowers should be a joy, right? So why are floristry websites often so blah to use? Created in 2016, we are a budding new company on a mission to revolutionise the way you send flowers. We’ve worked with the very best floral designers to create a carefully curated flower menu of chic elegance. It’s small but perfectly formed so you can find the ideal bouquet in seconds. There’s no nonsense, no naff teddy bears and delivery is included in the price, so there are no nasty surprises. In fact, the only surprises you’ll get with Bloomtown are nice ones.

Now you have no excuse lads and lassies download below on Android and iOS…

 

 

 

 

 

THINKWARE has been awarded #CES2017 innovation award for its new F800 Air Connected #DashCam #IoT

THINKWARE’s CEO, Heung Bok Lee, announces today that global dash cam brand “THINKWARE DASH CAM” has received the “2017 Innovation Award” in the car audio/video category for the “DASH CAM 5800 Air”, from the world-renowned Consumer Electronics Show (CES). This has been the second consecutive year that THINKWARE has received the prestigious CES innovation award; reserved for only the best products in each category.

 

 

The THINKWARE DASH CAM F800 Air is the first model to feature a design compatible with IOT (Internet of things) technology for the realisation of a completely ‘Connected Car.’ The F800 Air model’s IOT connection gives drivers complete peace of mind with the ‘Emergency Alert’ feature. It sends location and status information via text message to your pre-selected emergency contacts when the system detects a crash, rollover or the SOS button is activated. It also has the ‘Parking Incident Notifications’ function, which, in real time, sends alerts if your vehicle is hit while parked, even subtle impacts such as door dings or a door closing. Furthermore, with THINKWARE’s patented LBS (Location Base Service) technology, all drivers will soon benefit from ‘Geo Fencing’, an alert system which informs you if your vehicle enters or leaves a designated area along with the ‘Driving Report Service’ a feature that analyses driving patterns of its drivers to support safe driving.

 

 

In addition to the innovative technologies, the aesthetics of the F800 Air has been designed with an attractive and modern look with a slim frame design, aluminum materials for the round camera module, and an overall ‘U’ shaped body that integrates the entire design.

The F800 Air’s breakthrough innovations and bold designs certainly helped it achieve the CES 2017 innovation award.  The dash cam is currently in its final stage of development and is scheduled for a global launch next year.

 

THINKWARE stated, “With the innovative “connected car” technologies, the dash cam will take on an important role in providing both driver convenience and safety and the continued evolution of the capabilities of the dash cam seem boundless with IOT.” 

 

 

This year will be THINKWARE’s 6th consecutive presence at CES 2017, reinforcing their global position as the world’s top dash cam company in global sales and market influence.  Last September, THINKWARE established their Chinese branch along with a ‘premium offline store’ in the city of Simchun to expand their B2B market in China.  Also, in Singapore, THINKWARE has been offered sales partnership programmes at Toyota dealerships and at branches of car accessory brand, Autobac. Additionally, with the success of their partnership with BEST BUY distribution channels in the United States, THINKWARE plans to continue their sales expansion into Europe, South America, and other Asian countries and is expecting to more than double 2016 sales figures.

The CES 2017 Innovation award is awarded for outstanding design and technology through evaluation by the CEA (Consumer Electronics Association) and IDSA at CES (Consumer Electronics Show), one of the world’s top 3 recognized technology exhibitions.

 

New ExoLens Case for iPhone 7 lets photographers use professional mobile lenses #CES2017

The ExoLens Case for the iPhone 7 will be on display at the 2017 International Consumer Electronics Show, 5th – 8th January 2017 in Las Vegas. This is following the recent launch of the ExoLens PRO Wide-Angle, Macro-Zoom and Telephoto lenses with upgraded bracket for iPhone 7 which you can see HERE  ExoLens has collaborated with ZEISS to create a range of lenses, to bring the same aspherical lens technology, previously reserved for high-end DSLR cameras to your iPhone as a compact accessory lens.

 

 

ExoLens, the accessory brand dedicated to elevating the mobile photography category, announces the launch of the ExoLens Case. This ultra-durable, dual layer case allows photographers and cinematographers to use the ExoLens PRO with Optics by ZEISS mobile photography lenses they love, while protecting their devices from drops and scratches while they shoot. Designed with high-end aesthetics and impact-resistant materials, the ExoLens Case serves as a low profile, highly protective solution even without the lenses.

 

“After launching our line of ZEISS ExoLens mobile photography solutions earlier this year, consumers told us that they loved the mobile photography lenses, but also expressed a desire for a solution that protected their iPhone, while still providing the lens attachment capability,” says John Fellowes, Chief Executive Officer of Fellowes Brands.  “The new ExoLens Case will provide the ability for users to seamlessly utilize our visually enhancing lenses, but the case will also shield the individuals iPhone from everyday drops and scratches at the same time.”

 

The ExoLens® Case will be available for purchase Q1 2017 and is making its debut at CES 2017 at the ZEISS booth located at Las Vegas Convention Center: Central Hall – Room C204. The ExoLens Case will allow users to easily switch between ExoLens® PRO with Optics by ZEISS lenses, which are designed for professional photographers and journalists, as well as the upcoming Exolens® PRIME lenses, which are intended for the photographer looking to create unique, artistic and candid snapshots, satisfying mobile photographers of all levels.

 

 

Samsung unveils the new Galaxy A series for 2017 before #CES2017. #Samsung #GalaxyA #Android

With CES2017 just around the corner, we expect many tech related thing to be found this week. But Samsung just jump before anyone else letting us have a glimpse of what the future may bring.

Enter the Galaxy A series 2017

The A variant from the Galaxy series has become a standard for mid ranger phones on recent years. But this time, the Korean company simply place them on an entire different level.

This year version of smartphones add completely new features and improved over ones already good to make it even better.

Now, we have 3D glass on the back too as well as IP68 for water and dust protection. A first for the series.

Also now they come with “enhanced front and rear 16-megapixel cameras“ with a simplified UX, for better and easier to take pictures and selfies by using the screen as front flash for those low light shots.

If on top of that, you give the phone USB Type-C and the Always On Display what we have a practically a shrunken Galaxy S7

But don’t take my word, take a look at the specs for yourself:

Samsung Galaxy A7 Product Specifications:

Galaxy A7
Network LTE Cat.6 * May differ by markets and mobile operators
Display 5.7” FHD Super AMOLED
AP 1.9GHz Octa Core
OS Android 6.0.16 (Marshmallow)
Camera Rear : 16MP (F1.9), Front : 16MP (F1.9)
Video MPEG4, H.265(HEVC), H.264(AVC), H.263, VC-1, MP43, WMV7, WMV8, VP8, VP9
Audio MP3, AAC LC/AAC+/eAAC+,AMR-NB, AMR-WB, WMA, FLAC, Vorbis, Opus
Additional features MST technology(Samsung Pay), Samsung KNOX, S-Voice, Dual SIM option
* Samsung Pay launches may vary by market-readiness
Connectivity Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth® v 4.2, ANT+,
USB Type-C,NFC (UICC, eSE)
Sensor Accelerometer, Proximity, Geomagnetic, RGB Light, Hall
Fingerprint scanner, Barometer
IP Code IP68
Memory 3GB RAM + 32GB Storage
Micro SD slot (up to 256GB)
Dimension 156.8 x 77.6 x 7.9mm
Battery 3,600mAh, Fast Charging

Samsung Galaxy A3 Product Specifications:

Galaxy A3
Network LTE Cat.6 * May differ by markets and mobile operators
Display 4.7” HD Super AMOLED
AP 1.6GHz Octa Core
OS Android 6.0.16 (Marshmallow)
Camera Rear : 13MP (F1.9), Front : 8MP (F1.9)
Video MPEG4, H.265(HEVC), H.264(AVC), H.263, VC-1, MP43, WMV7, WMV8, VP8, VP9
Audio MP3, AAC LC/AAC+/eAAC+,AMR-NB, AMR-WB, WMA, FLAC, Vorbis, Opus
Additional features MST technology(Samsung Pay), Samsung KNOX, S-Voice, Dual SIM option
* Samsung Pay launches may vary by market-readiness
Connectivity Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth® v 4.2, ANT+,
USB Type-C, NFC (UICC)
Sensor Accelerometer, Proximity, Geomagnetic, RGB Light, Hall, Fingerprint Scanner, Barometer
IP Code IP68
Memory 2GB RAM + 16GB Storage
Micro SD slot (up to 256GB)
Dimension 135.4 x 66.2 x 7.9mm
Battery 2,350mAh

Samsung Galaxy A5 Product Specifications:

Galaxy A5
Network LTE Cat.6 * May differ by markets and mobile operators
Display 5.2” FHD Super AMOLED
AP 1.9GHz Octa Core
OS Android 6.0.16 (Marshmallow)
Camera Rear : 16MP (F1.9), Front : 16MP (F1.9)
Video MPEG4, H.265(HEVC), H.264(AVC), H.263, VC-1, MP43, WMV7, WMV8, VP8, VP9
Audio MP3, AAC LC/AAC+/eAAC+,AMR-NB, AMR-WB, WMA, FLAC, Vorbis, Opus
Additional features MST technology(Samsung Pay), Samsung KNOX, S-Voice, Dual SIM option
* Samsung Pay launches may vary by market-readiness
Connectivity Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth® v 4.2, ANT+,
USB Type-C, NFC (UICC, eSE)
Sensor Accelerometer, Proximity, Geomagnetic, RGB Light, Hall
Fingerprint scanner, Barometer
IP Code IP68
Memory 3GB RAM + 32GB Storage
Micro SD slot (up to 256GB)
Dimension 146.1 x 71.4 x 7.9mm
Battery 3,000mAh, Fast Charge

As you can see front the images above, the A3 variant is the only on with any kind of downgrade, but is something that you may expect for the smaller brother of the three.

The only bad thing about the newer phones sis that they come with Android 6.0 but is safe to assume Samsung will update the OS to the latest version.

All three will be available starting the Month on Russia, with more countries soon to follow in the coming weeks, but no specific date from Samsung yet.

All will be found in four-color options: Black Sky, Gold Sand, Blue Mist and Peach Cloud.

There’s no work on pricing yet, buis to be expected we’ll see them from around $350 to $490

But tell us, What do you think about the new A series 2017? Would you get one once they become available in your region?

Sound off below or join the conversation on Twitter.

And keep and eye on our CES2017 coverage

 

Sir David Attenborough’s Story of Life app is an app for wildlife fans. #Apps #Wildlife #Nature

The app Includes six decades of highlights from more than 40 landmark BBC programmes, including Planet Earth, Blue Planet, The Life of Mammals, Africa and others…

Recently Attenborough’s Story of Life app hit the app stores and I seemed to have missed its launch. I have been busy working on several things and a new site refresh is on the way. This app though is how an app should be its pure gold just like the recently aired planet earth tv show which is now available to purchase on Blu-Ray an so on…

As a nature fan all my life I tend to watch certain programmes an ignore the rest, For example Discovery Channel would be one and anything David Attenborough purely because of his record in bringing top class coverage over the years he is probably the best in the business…

The new app follows suit here with how its presented throughout too and I recall seeing on Twitter people would gladly pay their licence fees if the likes of this series was a yearly episode rather than the long waits between series, This I agree on too. The app content is fantastic and complements the planet earth series,its laid out well and the UI is also great. Its a must for those interested…

 

 

 

 

App features

 

Explore the most comprehensive collection of Sir David’s work ever released online.
• Includes six decades of highlights from more than 40 landmark BBC programmes, including Planet Earth, Blue Planet, The Life of Mammals, Africa and others.
• Watch unique collections of films curated by Sir David and others.
• Create and save your own collections and share them with friends and family.
• Hunt for hidden films featuring Sir David, recorded exclusively for the app.
• Explore extraordinary sequences of animals and plants, from iconic large species to rarely seen enigmatic creatures. See them hunt, mate, eat, travel and communicate in their natural habitats; ranging from the high mountains to the deepest oceans, across deserts, forests and the polar ice caps.
• Watch lions, polar bears, whales, sharks, eagles and giant lizards and many more.
• Use wi-fi for the optimum experience.