Month: March 2017

Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ pre-orders now live. Irish pricing included. #SamsungS8

The new duo just announced goes on sale next month but there is some price differences.. .

The much awaited news from Samsung and the S8 and S8+ has dropped today but by looking at the prices from the UK sim- free buyers will have to fork out iPhone prices to get their hands on the latest flagships from the Korean giant and with a bad year behind them they hope to rectify things this time around with the new powerhouses…. Check out the main players prices that are now available..

 

 

“The Samsung Galaxy S8 ushers in a new era of smartphone design and fantastic new services, opening up new ways to experience the world,” said DJ Koh, President of Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics. “The Galaxy S8 is our testament to regaining your trust by redefining what’s possible in safety and marks a new milestone in Samsung’s smartphone legacy.”

 

 

  • Premium Camera: The Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ are equipped with an advanced 8MP F1.7 Smart autofocus front camera and 12MP F1.7 Dual Pixel rear camera for the best low-light, zoom and anti-blur photos with enhanced image processing1.
  • Powerful Performance: Packing powerful performance and connectivity, the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ feature the industry’s first 10 nm chip, enabling heightened speed and efficiency.
  • Robust Entertainment: As the world’s first mobile device certified by the UHD Alliance as MOBILE HDR PREMIUMTM, Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ let you see much richer colors and more immersive experiences while watching your favorite shows. In addition, the devices offer next-level gaming experiences with vivid and superior graphic technology, as well as Game Pack, featuring top game titles, including select titles supported by the Vulkan API.
  • Mobile Security: Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ are built on Samsung Knox, a defense-grade security platform2. In addition, the devices will offer a selection of biometric authentication, including a fingerprint scanner and iris scanner so users can select the method that works best for them.

Pre-orders are now live and there is some differences here on offer from the Irish Networks…

 

First up is Three Ireland you can see more over HERE 

The S8 is €799 on pre-pay and S8+ is €899 on pre-pay

 

 

Next up is Vodafone Ireland – See more HERE 

 

 

And Finally Meteor Mobile Ireland – See more HERE 

 

You’ll be able to get a Galaxy Note7 after all… well kind of. #Note7 #Samsung

You have to question the timing here. 

A couple of weeks back we heard the rumor that Samsung was going to sell again the Note7 devices they had returned due defective hardware.

The Korean giant itself said that was not true soon afterwards, but we received an official press release saying otherwise.

Apparently the deal consist on different scenarios where you could actually get a Note7 as a refurbished unit or even “rent” one where available.

Devices that cannot be given back to customers, will be recycle in an environmental way and the elements that can’t go for that process will be used for test samples.

Yet its still to be seen where they’re going to be available and what exactly they meant by “rent” a device.

Samsung share no information regarding prices or markets that could find the devices in store. But as soon as we have more information we will let you now if you would be actually able to get one.

But if it’s possible, would you get yourself a Note7 again? Would you go for the upcoming S8 or wait for Note8?

Let us know below in the comments or join us over Twitter

Source

Samsung decreases Galaxy A series price before S8 availability. #Samsung #GalaxyA2017

Earlier  this year Samsung announced the 2017 update to the Galaxy A series.

We already covered  everything you need to know about the devices, they are Awesome mid-to-high end smartphones.

Almost like a S7  in new form, the only downside we found was the price, a bit high considering you could get a proper S6 or even an S7 for almost the same price.

Well, looking down the market we discover that Samsung without any fanfare lower the prices of the Galaxy A5 and A3

Originally, the first one was price at €430 while the A3 was at €330.

But now, the Koreans quietly cut those prices to make them even more affordable.

The A5 is €370, while the A3 is at €310. This new price tags makes these awesome devices a complete bargain.

If you were not sure before now is your time to get your hands on any off the two or even the A7 if you prefer a bigger display.

But do you think is strictly related with the S8 announcement?

Let us know in the comments below

Your Laptop/iPad and PC is to become your new TV. Good luck with that..

Own either laptop,PC or iPad you could be forced to pay the annual fee of €160. Where did they get that 11 inches from?

Yes I said “FORCED” which to begin with should not be an option regardless. Already this week we heard Dee Forbes speaking on radio telling us that we just pay 40c a day and its great value well the sentiment was read completely different on social media after comments made by the new chief in Montrose, Yet this again is another move to generate more revenue as reported by the Independent this morning… RTE are strapped for cash

 

https://twitter.com/techbuzzireland/status/844492957285830656

There is already much speak about paying the annual licence fee as it is and if it is actually value for money and also mentioned on the Sean O Rourke show was the broadcasting charge which Dee Forbes said herself was MOOTED…Having said that she did say she did request a hike which would see us pay double the price but that was quickly toned later on that morning..

The Broadcasting Act 2009 does have a wide take on what is actually a TV set but portable sets such as tablets does not fall under this act and here is where the change is about to happen,but have they clearly thought this out? As is the is plenty of licence fee evaders but how will they actually police this given the current status is anything over 11 inches will be forced to foot the bill…

Most people today would have tablets from 7 -10 inch for arguments sake and these are capable of streaming and not only that we all own mobile phones ranging from 4 inch to 6 inches in size today but there is bigger out there pushing tablet size or phablets as they are better known… We now access more content than before via our portable devices which I myself do and carry on my person all the time, Is the inspector going to frisk me in the coming months? I think not… but items billed for the fee can be easily concealed and again proving who owns it… As it stands anything over 11 inches will have to foot the bill but down the road you can see where this is going…

Oculus Rift hits Amazon for £499 #Oculus #VR #Rift

Oculus is said the the best in VR which it arguably is but it does not come cheap and its been a hard find for some time and expensive.

Now before you go any further you will need super hardware to run Oculus and you would be looking at a laptop costing at least €1500. For those though who have the hardwear and wanted to purchase this you can now do so on Amazon in several countries so a bit of shopping and pricing would be required to bag the best deal,they also have the peripherals you would require and they do not come cheap either..

 

 

Whats in the box…

  • Custom Display and Optics: Rift uses custom display and optics technology designed specifically for VR, featuring two AMOLED displays with low-persistence. The technology enables incredible visual clarity as you explore virtual worlds.
  • Tracking System: The headset is tracked by our IR emitter constellation tracking system for precise, low latency 360-degree orientation and position tracking. The tracking system is designed to track you whether you’re sitting down or standing up.
  • Integrated VR Audio: Rift features an integrated VR audio system designed to convince you that you’re truly there. The integrated headphones are removable in case you want to use your own. There is also a high-quality internal microphone for social experiences.
  • Ergonomics and Design: The advanced ergonomic design improves the headset’s overall balance and stability. The strap architecture offloads the overall weight, allowing the headset to rest comfortably.
  • Includes Oculus Rift headset with built-in headphones and mic, sensor, remote, Xbox One Wireless Controller, Lucky’s Tale cables.

Buy on Amazon UK 

Buy on Amazon.De 

You can also buy on John Lewis and Currys PC World

Stop people snooping on your mobile with Privacy Shade. #Apps #Privacy

It is intended for Blackberry devices only but there is a way to fix that for most Android devices…

One thing that bugs the hell out of me is people snooping at what I look at on my phone,be it in a queue a friends house or whatever the situation maybe it just annoys me and I am sure it would have happened to most people. Blackberry has a new app which is really intended for Blackberry devices but there is a way to use it on other devices and its free and also handy to stop prying eyes..If you are the owner of a large device this would be particularity helpful..

 

Privacy Shade prevents people around you from seeing your screen by blocking out everything except for a small view area that you control, while still letting you interact with the full screen.
• Turn on Privacy Shade to control the visibility of sensitive content.
• View and send sensitive content while in the open without letting others around you see your private information.
• Use Privacy Shade to only expose the exact area you’re reading or typing in.
• Adjust the transparency of the shade to suit your environment.

 

 

If you are using a non Blackberry device you can download Blackberry Manager APK which is safe and then download the Privacy Shade App via the manager app its a simple process and works a treat on several devices I have tried aside my Blackberry devices.

Download HERE  

Alternatively you could try Screen Guard 

#Engie – The easy auto repair diagnostics tool with an app. #Motoring #EngieApp

Breaking down for anyone is a nightmare to say the least and it will happen to us all at some stage in our lives if it has not happened yet but are you prepared?

Engie is a new product that is set to make our life that bit easier should we run into a problem on the road.. This product has just launched in the UK and we have a unit in for review so we will tell you a bit about the idea first before we spend some time testing the unit out..

The app comes on both Android and iOS platforms which is a good start so it basically available for anyone with a smartphone which is how this diagnostic tool will work with its diagnostic tool…

 

 

Once a specific malfunction is detected, Engie will alert the best local repair shops who will assess the problem and submit independent quotes for the consumer to review in real time, saving drivers money and empowering them with knowledge and confidence when negotiating costs with a mechanic.

 

Engie connects to your car and offers an extensive auto repair and maintenance solution, from malfunction diagnosis to real-time quotes from nearby mechanics.
Engie connects to the car via Bluetooth device, which you can buy through the app and that plugs under the dashboard. The device is small and simple to connect.
After the connection is established with your car, our system provides reliable information about the car’s health.

 

How does Engie help drivers?

Engie diagnoses your car’s malfunctions and provides immediate solutions::
# Automatic alerts about car status directly to the smartphone
# A simple explanation of the malfunctions

Engie offers quotes from nearby mechanics
# Compare prices and reviews between the auto repair shops
# Find the best mechanic for your car’s malfunction
# Gain confidence and knowledge when you visit the auto repair shop

Engie helps you keep track of daily parameters and car maintenance
# Monitoring important parameters such as battery life, oil and gas level
# Monitoring upcoming services and how much they should cost with bids from auto repair shops

 

 

This is a simple process for anyone and there is no need to have any mechanical skills to use the diagnostics tool, The device connects easily under the dashboard and the process should take no more than 30 seconds. You can find a picture of the dedicated car connection here.

Get the full picture at https://engieapp.com/

Blackboard Bringing Learn SaaS and the Ultra Experience to Europe. #Saas

Clients to be empowered with more choices and greater flexibility to achieve teaching and learning success

 

Blackboard Inc. announced today its offering of the software as a service (SaaS) deployment of Blackboard Learn and the optional Ultra Experience in Europe. Clients who choose to use the new SaaS solution will be deployed via the Amazon Web Services EU region in Frankfurt, Germany. The offering will give European institutions a third local deployment option in addition to the self-hosted and managed-hosted delivery models already available.

 

 

Blackboard Learn deployed as SaaS will offer the Original experience of Blackboard Learn 9.1, including user interface, workflows and features. Clients can decide to move to this new delivery model with confidence, as their academics, staff and students will continue to use the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) they are already familiar with. This will also allow for a variety of improvements for clients, including reduced costs related to change management processes, fewer disruptions, and continuing benefits from investments already made on online curriculum developments, training and technology adoption programmes.

 

 

 

“With the launch of the SaaS deployment and the Ultra experience in the U.S. and Australia, we are excited to bring these options to Europe,” said Lee Blakemore, President of Blackboard International. “European institutions and organisations will have greater choice in how they want to deploy their Virtual Learning Environment. If they opt to transition to the SaaS delivery model, they will be able to leverage the robust and scalable cloud infrastructure provided by Amazon Web Services while utilising the most complete and flexible VLE on the market.” 

In addition to benefits such as zero downtime updates, fast roll out of new features, and quicker delivery of fixes, institutions opting for the SaaS deployment will also have the option to access the Ultra experience of Blackboard Learn with a simplified and mobile-friendly interface, streamlined workflows with easier access to the most common functionalities needed to manage courses, and a personalised experience specifically designed for students and teachers that brings aggregated and actionable information to a user’s view. Moreover, the Original and Ultra experiences can be run simultaneously via the SaaS model, allowing institutions to evaluate and transition to the Ultra experience according to their own needs and schedules.

Motorola Moto G5 Sim Free now on sale in Ireland. #motorola #G5

The all new budget device is now available to order today for €224.99

If you need a new phone and dont want to fork out a fortune you can now order the G5 from Argos and the price is quite attractive compared to some prices I have seen which command near €300 which is a complete joke and upward again for the Dual Sim Variant, The device can be ordered from the 28th.. You can order now though cheaper from the UK such as Unlocked Mobiles..

 

 

The G series has been quite popular over the last few years and this one should do well too considered its specs on board and for the price albeit higher than whats on offer vs some UK on-line sellers.

 

 

The Moto G comes with a refined metal design, all-day battery life and a fast-focusing camera for beautiful photos. Free yourself with an all-day battery and rapid charging. Take beautiful photos even in bright light with a fast-focusing 13 MP camera. Stay entertained on the go with a fast 1.4 GHz octa-core processor. Unlock your phone using only your fingerprint.

 

 

 

With an all-day 2800 mAh battery, go from morning to night without plugging in. And when it’s time to power up, don’t slow down. The included 10W rapid charger gives your Moto G hours of power in just minutes.

See Argos for the details..