Month: September 2018

Fujifilm launches “instax SQUARE SQ6 Taylor Swift Edition” #FujiFilm #TaylorSwift #Tech

FUJIFILM recently launched its’ ‘instax SQUARE SQ6 Taylor Swift Edition’ and ‘instax SQUARE Film Taylor Swift Edition’. The two products, designed by instax global partner, Taylor Swift, are the latest additions to the instax lineup, which allow users to shoot and enjoy on-the-spot photo printing. Taylor Swift fans will certainly love this piece of tech in their bag and you can grab it right now..

The ‘instax SQUARE SQ6 Taylor Swift Edition’ features a gold-colored newspaper pattern on a black base for a stylish body with a design similar to Taylor Swift’s latest record-breaking album reputation. The metallic ring around the lens goes well with the gold design pattern, giving a luxurious finish. An authentic reproduction of Taylor Swift’s autograph is printed on the back of the body, and it also includes Taylor Swift original camera strap and film case. Original Taylor Swift Edition film, featuring a print of Taylor Swift’s autograph on a black frame.

The ‘instax SQUARE SQ6 Taylor Swift Edition’ and ‘instax SQUARE Film Taylor Swift Edition’ are currently on display as part of the instax Experience Booth located at each stop of the critically acclaimed “Taylor Swift reputation Stadium Tour,” which has broken multiple records to date and will culminate in Japan at the Tokyo Dome November 20 and 21. The products of instax series have been widely used all over the world since its first launch in 1998, and cumulative shipments have exceeded 30 million units across the globe. Fujifilm will continue to spread the instant photo system “instax,” which allows everyone to “enjoy printing photos as they take them,” around the world.

The instax SQ6 Taylor Swift limited Edition RRP€180.00 and instax SQ6 Taylor Swift film (10 PK) €13.00 are available at FUJIFILM Stockists nationwide.

Amazon Announces New Echo Devices in Ireland—New Ways to Add Alexa to Every Room. #Alexa #IoT

Today, Amazon introduced a new line-up of Echo devices, Echo companion devices, and a new Amazon Smart Plug, making it even easier to bring the features and convenience of Alexa to any room in the home. If you have not used something like this you are missing out on tech that makes life much easier around the home they are really great and a popular tech item today and make ideal gifts for the tech partner in your life. I was a bit dubious of this kind of tech in the house but use it still today but there is those whom have security issues but hey just turn em off when not in use.

New Echo devices include:

All-New Echo Dot: The easiest way to bring Alexa into your home, now with a new speaker for louder and crisper sound, an updated fabric design, and still only £49.99. The next-generation Echo Dot features a new fabric design and more powerful sound—and it is still the best way to add Alexa to any room. With an all-new curved shape and fabric finish.

Echo Dot is available in Charcoal, Heather Grey, and Sandstone, letting customers easily mix and match. Echo Dot now has improved sound and a new compact design. Put an Echo Dot in every room to ask for information or for the weather, play your favourite music in a multi-room music grouping, set timers and alarms, and control compatible smart home devices.

 All-New Echo Plus:  Drops in at £139.99.   Just say, “Alexa, discover my devices,” and Echo Plus will automatically discover and setup compatible lights, locks, plugs, switches, and more without the need for additional hubs or apps. Echo Plus now includes an embedded temperature sensor, so you can set temperature-based routines using other smart home devices. For example, when the living room reaches 26 degrees, Alexa can turn on a fan connected to a smart plug.

Echo Plus has a larger 3” Neodymium woofer and increased back volume so that the bass feels stronger and the mids and highs are clearer. It also features an all-new fabric design and is available in Charcoal, Heather Grey, and Sandstone.

All-New Echo Show: An all-new design, upgraded speaker, a stunning 10-inch HD display, and a built-in smart home hub, plus all the glanceable features customers love about Alexa for £219.99.

“Customers tell us they love the convenience of being able to ask Alexa to show them things,” said Jorrit Van der Meulen, Vice President, Amazon Devices International. “Today, we’re making the voice-first, visual Echo Show experience better in every way by adding even more experiences to delight our customers—a dynamic and vivid display makes watching videos even more enjoyable, new speakers for music and music videos, two-way doorbell video calling, simple set-up and control of smart home devices, Skype calling to friends and family, and all-new visual features.” 

The all-new Echo Show is completely redesigned with a vibrant 10-inch HD display that shows colourful, fresh, and compelling visuals. So when you ask Alexa to show you the weather, watch a video or display your shopping list, the experience is even more delightful.  The screen is complemented by dual, side-firing 2-inch Neodymium drivers, a passive bass radiator and Dolby processing to deliver expansive sound with deep, powerful lows and crisp highs, perfect for listening to your favourite music. Just ask to play Amazon Music, Spotify, TuneIn, BBC Radio and more—plus, with Amazon Music see the on-screen lyrics play along with the music.

The Perfect Sous-Chef for your Kitchen

Cooking with Alexa makes the all-new Echo Show even more useful in the kitchen. Simply ask Alexa for step-by-step cooking instructions. Once you have chosen a recipe, say “Alexa, let’s start cooking.” Alexa will then walk you step-by-step through your favourite recipe with visuals; and there is no need to touch the screen with wet or dirty hands from cooking, you can use your voice to cue next steps in the recipe. Enhanced step-by-step cooking is rolling out to UK customers later this year, including improved visuals, the ability to set timers and more recipes.

 

Video Doorbell and Built In Smart Home Hub

Coming later this year, customers will be able to use a new video doorbell integration that works with Ring doorbell cameras. Customers will be able to ask Alexa to play a chime and make an announcement when someone rings their doorbell. When the doorbell rings, just say “Alexa, answer the front door,” to see and talk to whoever is there without having to open the door. You can also use Alexa Routines to play custom announcements when the front door camera detects movement or someone rings the doorbell.

Echo Input:  £34.99. Echo Input lets you add Alexa to your existing speaker. Echo Input connects to your speaker through a 3.5mm audio cable or Bluetooth, and features a four-microphone array so you can talk to Alexa from across the room. Echo Input is just 12.5mm tall, so it blends easily into every room.

Unlike Echo Dot, which has a built-in speaker, all audio is played through the connected speaker rather than through Echo Input itself. When connected to Echo Input, your speaker can be added to a new or existing multi-room music group. Echo Input will be coming later this year and will be available in Black and White.

Echo Sub: Add deep, rich bass to music playback on Echo devices for £119.99. Echo Sub is the first wireless Echo subwoofer for those who want to pump up the bass when listening to music on their existing or new Echo devices. You can connect Echo Sub to compatible Echo devices to create a 1.1 or 2.1 pairing for stereo sound. Plus, with the equaliser feature you can adjust the bass, mid-range, and treble using the Alexa app.

“We want you to have access to Alexa everywhere—in your kitchen, in your living room, in your office, and more,” said Jorrit Van der Meulen, Vice President, Amazon Devices International.“Today, we’re excited to expand the number of ways that customers can add Alexa to their homes, so they can use Alexa to make their lives more convenient and easy.”

Amazon Smart Plug: Control compatible lights, fans, coffee makers, and more for £24.99.

With the Amazon Smart Plug, you can use your voice to control your lights, fans, coffee maker, and more. The Amazon Smart Plug is the first Wi-Fi smart plug to use Wi-Fi simple setup, making it easier to start – and expand – your smart home with connected devices.

 

All you need is an Alexa-enabled device like Echo, Fire TV, Fire Tablet, Sonos One, or even just the Alexa app on your phone to get started. From there, easily set a routine that turns your lights on at 6:00 a.m. and your lights off at 10:00pm; and with multiple Amazon Smart Plugs, you can control multiple outlets.

Availability – Echo Dot, Echo Plus, Echo Sub and Amazon Smart Plug are available for pre-order starting today and will start shipping next month. The new devices announced today join the all-new Echo Show, Echo, and Echo Spot to create the Echo family of devices

ProtonVPN expands to Ireland offering a better choice for online security. #VPN #Tech #Security

The ProtonVPN map continues to grow — this week they have added Ireland to the list of countries where they offer an IP address. Ireland was the sixth most popular country a recent community poll, further proof that everyone loves the Irish. ProtoVPN now have servers available in 25 countries, including Ireland and still have big plans ahead.

The four new servers in Dublin are reserved for users with one of thier paid plans. ProtonVPN works on various desktop and mobile clients: Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, and iOS.

These servers will allow users to access some of their favorite streaming sites, such as ITV, Channel 4, Hulu, and now, the Irish channel TG4. With these new VPN servers in Ireland, users with a paid account can browse the Internet with an Irish IP address, letting anyone follow their favorite Irish shows from anywhere in the world.

See HERE for more details.

 

Review – Soul Transform Wireless headphones. #tech #headphones

If you want something that’s light,sounds good and does not sweat your head or ears these are the go-to headphones right now.

I go through and use headphones quite alot be it for testing and personal use and the common theme particularly with fitness most will give you the sweaty ears and head treatment which is annoying and for the most part unavoidable with leather cupped cans. These Soul Transform seem to avoid this due to the design and materials used and another factor to include is how light they are.

Build quality here is great alongside looking good with a flexible band and strong joints these should last some time, Joints are an issue with many headphones but how they are executed is the issue but these are executed well and are robust and I can see them lasting.

Battery life is 18 hours and this lived up the manufacturers claims by multiple charge tests so this is a good USP here for not only those who will use these for fitness but those who have long commutes, You don’t need to be a fitness head to just use these anyone can. They also come with a carry bag which is great.

The headband has a typical plastic top but its got three areas cut out for breathing and on the underside another layer of rubber which is well vented to allow your head to breathe. The cups impressive,light and as soul have claimed “times of sweaty headphones have now come to an end: The earpads are removable and washable and the specially designed headband is also breathable due to its small air holes. The materials used for these over-ears make them almost as light as a feather with only 155 grams”.

The speakers of these headphones range from 20Hz – 20kHz and have been developed according to the proven Soul Signature recipe. This sound ensures the right balance of powerful bass and clear mids and highs. Thanks to Bluetooth 4.0 the over-ears connect to a smartphone in just one second. Trying all genres lows,mids and highs these sound great and also have good bass which many folks like to have these days  but again you can adjust via your smartphones media player. Also to take note call quality is as you would find on your smartphone and was crisp and clear.

Controls are all on one side which makes life easy with raised easy to navigate controls keeping things simple and these work well too and I have had no issue here with them at all. Also on the same side (R) we have a mic LED light, 3.5mm port and micro usb charge port. This set up is best as having controls and ports divided between two cups is annoying but that’s my POV.

Would I recommend these? Yes especially for those into fitness. Not only that anyone that has long commutes and prefers something light and that has good sound these are ideal. They come in two colours Black and Red but perhaps more will come along in the coming weeks which would be nice and give the consumer a choice.

BUY HERE

 

Review – Blitzwolf TV Soundbar and Bluetooth Speaker #Blitzwolf #Speaker #Soundbar

Most TV sets today come with speakers built in but depending on what direction they are firing is another matter and also how they really are. Some sets come with speakers top and bottom or on the side but now with bezels getting smaller following the trend of smartphones we tend to see them underneath which in my opinion is a but pointless.There is however options to fix this via soundbars which are a good idea once executed well.

Soundbars come in several sizes and have some great functionality and some are just rubbish.. This one we tried out falls about midway but for the money its good value. Given there is no display on board here this a dealbreaker for some however it is simple to use and you get a simple to use remote, Yes another remote but it is what it is. There is an LED built into the front panel which will give you a status and you get a beep when you switch source. The lenght of this unit is on par with other offerings out there.

This soundbar comes with mutiple scources to pick from and incudes USB which is great if you have tunes stored on one. Most will use the HDMI ARC option though.It is simple to set up and get going once you have a power source and this makes it more portable around the house if you want to switch rooms for example.

On testing on two TVs here it sound fairly well but will not rival more expensive ones with a 60W max output. I found the volume decent enough and sound reproduction good. One thing I did notice it sounded much louder as a standalone bluetooth speaker and really packed a punch here. Its not an ideal size to have a bluetooth speaker but with the performance in this department it is something worth considering as its flat and can be tucked into a corner or left sat on your table for example and it will certainly fill the room with decent audio.

Overall for the money we are talking here it is worth a punt given its plain looks and lacking a display but the fucntionality and easy to use remote and buttons on the speaker its worth the money if its your first time to use such equipment or if you have not tried one before this is a good place to start. The only issue for me was cable managment on the rear but this depends on where you plan to let is sit permanently or if you want to move it around, HDMI and power cables will limit you to your set up depending on where that is, In my own house which will would have been placed over the fireplace for example the cables pushed it away from wall leaving it leaning a bit too much over the ledge but thats my set up in house which there is nothing I can aboutbut just and idea if you have a wall mounted TV.

BUY HERE  –  Official Site:  https://goo.gl/F9KeX5
Banggood Page:  https://goo.gl/kv6Rfe

 

Top recognition for Irish-based scale-up success story. #Fleetmatics #VerizonConnect

 Ireland’s first tech scale-up success story Fleetmatics (now known as Verizon Connect) has been named by Berg Insights as the global leader in fleet management solutions. It’s a good news story for the 250 people who work with the company at its Networks Operations Centre here in south Dublin. Fleetmatics was co-founded by Peter Mitchell, who now serves as the CTO for the company globally.

Verizon Connect has been identified as the leading provider of fleet management solutions globally, according to the Fleet Management in the Americas – 8th Edition report 

Fleet management solutions are defined as vehicle-based systems that incorporate data logging, satellite positioning and data communications to a back-office application. The 300-page Berg Insight report covers both Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and aftermarket players in-depth.

“Our strategic research provides expert commentary and unique intelligence on the fleet management market,” said Johan Fagerberg, director of Berg Insight. “Verizon Connect is the clear leader in the fleet telematics space both from a global perspective and in the Americas specifically, and is setting the pace in delivering leading mobile technology platforms and solutions.”

“We are committed to revolutionizing the way people, vehicles and things move through the world, and this report recognizes our leadership in a dynamic market,” said Jay Jaffin, chief marketing officer at Verizon Connect. “We maintain our top position by putting our customers first – helping them to improve safety, efficiency and productivity while lowering costs. At Verizon Connect, innovation, automation and connected data all come together to guide a connected world on the go.”

Verizon Connect offers a full suite of fleet and mobile workforce management solutions, serving commercial customers of any size.

Withings is back with the Multi-Sport Hybrid smartwatch. #Withings #Fitness #Tech

There is a story to Withings for those in the dark and that is they made fitness and activity trackers then one day Nokia Health bought them and then recently Withings Co – Founder bought the company back more or less last May and now if you want to get a NOKIA branded fitness tracker you perhaps are running out of time because when the current stock runs out you will be out of luck.

I was actually a fan of Withings fitness trackers before but to get here in Ireland was a difficult process and then the price I just could not justify the price no matter how good the watch looked but then when Nokia bought them out I got one and still use it today and have missed out on the HR which is another matter for discussion and I also own one of the scales too. You can still in fact buy the older Withings branded trackers today if you look around which leaves a question worth asking… Are they worth the money with Nokia or Withings branding..I will let you decide…

Moving on Withings is back with a really nice looking watch I must say and again the same is on offer with face colour and the option to buy straps but here is where the problems begin for fitness trackers come smartwatches and thats the price they come in at..

The new watch and straps do look great and eye-catching with a blend of old and new that complement each other well but are you going to buy one is the question.. They certainly come in cheaper than your average high-end smartwatch/fitness tracker on offer but with limitations and they will do what they are set out to do but with competition out there now with fitness and activity trackers for under 150 or less it will be good to see though mostly they look like a band wrapped around your wrist but this new offering stands out with a fresh new look… I just might pick one up….

Steel HR Sport is a hybrid smartwatch specifically designed for your workout, featuring heart rate monitoring, multi-sport tracking, connected GPS and a Fitness Level assessment via VO2 Max estimation. All of these advanced features are housed in a classic timepiece that goes the distance with water resistance up to 50m, a long-life battery of up to 25 days, and a durable stainless steel case.

If you have any questions about the transaction you can read HERE

BUY HERE 

 

Keep moving with the August SWB200 smart activity and fitness tracker. #Fitness #Tech

When it comes to fitness trackers there is an array of them out there but when it comes to features and price there is some limitations, Smartwatches can do all the things a fitness tracker can do but their inflated prices do them no justice and people are buying fitness trackers these days and today there is a new one on the market priced very well.

August International, a UK based consumer electronics company with a vision to inspire smart innovation, today announced the launch of the SWB200 smart activity tracker. Packed full of features, this sleek, app-enabled wristband accurately tracks a user’s daily activity including steps, distance, heart rate, blood oxygen and calories burnt. It also monitors sleep, providing information on quality, duration as well as the stages of sleep, all for £54.95.

Splash and dust proof and with an impressive 30-day battery life and OLED display, the August SWB200 is perfect for everyday use and is the ideal solution for anyone wanting to get into shape or simply have a better understanding of their overall health and fitness.

The August SWB200 works in conjunction with the dedicated ‘August Pulse’ app allowing users to keep track of all the data their lifestyle generates. Compatible with iOS and Android, the wristband simply connects to the app via Bluetooth to wirelessly sync all the information. The app enables users to configure reminders for getting active or upcoming appointments and set alarms. It also monitors daily targets and progress for steps, distance and calories burnt as well as manually measures heart rate and blood pressure and reviews sleep history.

 

Aside from its activity and fitness tracking abilities, the August SWB200 keeps users connected by alerting them to alarms, calls and texts as well as notifications from a range of apps including Facebook, Twitter and What’s App. It will also send alerts for long periods of inactivity, such as sitting, to help encourage people to move more. Additionally, the August SWB200 has a clever ‘Search Wristband’ function causing the device to vibrate so it can be located easily in the event it’s misplaced. The August SWB200 can also be used as a remote photo taker – by simply rotating or shaking it, users can control their smartphone and take photos.

Sleek and lightweight, the August SWB200 has an OLED display and adjustable flexible strap that is comfortable to wear for long periods of time. Ideal for any active individual, whether they are step counting or trail running, it is splash and dustproof. Its impressive 30-day battery life ensures the device will last around a month per charge meaning it’s always ready for use.

The August SWB200 RRP at £54.95 and more information can be found on http://www.augustint.com/en/productmsg-292-326.html

Review – Sudio VASA headphones. Also grab a 15% discount #tech #headphones #sudio

After testing several headphones from sudio I was looking forward to see what the VASA had to offer at a great price and build quality how did I find them..

There is no escaping the fact I love headphones and earphones alike and have a rather large collection which gives me a great choice and it is a good position to be in for choice but I have been testing Sudio products some time now and they have been impressive for the price-point they come in at ..

Presentation again is excellent and is something I like to see in a product and it is a benefit for all not just the company. Check out the unboxing video below for the whole package experience.

Build Quality

These are not winged nor come with tips and are the least personal favourite of mine to wear but its all down to build quality and sound with me in general,these are built well aluminium housing making them solid but light they also look well with the polished finish to them. Another point here is the flat cable which is less likely to get tangled compared to the typical round cable we still often see. The design and look is also current and they come in several colours so you have choice. The inline control panel also is excellent with tactile buttons easy to navigate and looks great in fact overall they look premium.

Inside the packaging as seen in the video you get a carry case which is a plus and you also get a clip and extra buds which are always welcome.

Sound

Not their loudest this time around but punchy enough. I found them quite a bit lower in terms of volume maxed out compared to others from their range but you have to consider the price hear and then again I am use to having it loud but that’s my ears but on this occasion they did not get as loud as I expected. Overall though the sound was crisp and clear with all mids lows and highs but lacked true bass which many of us like but having them maxed out or using an EQ on your device can fix the bass problem but having it on max volume, This might not be again for everyone but my personal thoughts and taste but overall they perform well. And for those wondering about phone calls they where fine with good clarity.

Being wired means no charging something extra is another way to look at things here though wireless is now as popular as wired as we all seem to be complaining about no headphone jacks on mobile phones today and this is a longstanding argument over which provides the better sound “Wireless or Wired”.

Overall these are a good pair of headphones for the money in fairness minus the two things I spoke about that did not suit me but that is me so for the average user whom would not notice certain aspects in audio you cant really go wrong as you will get a crisp clear experience of your music with these and look good doing so with the premium look and build quality.

Driver & specifications:

Type: 10,2 mm Dynamic Speaker
Sensiivity: 113dB SPL @ 1 kHz
Impedance: 32 Ohm @ 1kHz
Frequency response: 18 Hz – 23 kHz

Housing: Composite, Aluminium
Finish: High polished metal parts
Model: In-ear
Weight: 22 grams

Dont forget You can also grab a free set of cosaters which I have done a quick video on HERE and you can get yourself a 15% discount HERE.

BUY HERE