Month: October 2019

Review – The BenQ GVI portable projector with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. #BenQ #Projectors

Projectors are a pretty penny these days but not all but as the saying goes you get what you pay for in most instances, leaving aside the cheap ones you might find on the web which are pretty poor they do offer an insight into what is available if you want to spend a few quid.

Put it this way, A new smart TV and a decent one will start at around €400 for a 42 inch which makes you wonder and as I now have one full time projector in the house the need for a TV is gone with screen size being generally good on these and all you need is a blank wall or a pull down screen if you fancy it. Looking forward you can tell the licence fee man to go take a jog when he knocks on your door too but they are trying to change this with the broadcast fee which is just pathetic in my book and a forced fee when we already pay for internet and another example Netflix and this is by choice, My say on that is I pay for what I want to watch and I nor anyone else should have to pay for something they dont want to watch and I think this is a fair comment.

This is where projectors come in handy and not only that the benefit of a huge screen and multiple connection points and the GVI is not short of that given it has a USB-C port on the rear rather than a HDMI connection but all is not lost here at all in fact they have future proofed themselves in that aspect.  You can still connect to the projector with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi and it even has its own hotspot so you can cast from your smartphone or your laptop and it also supports Media Transfer Protocol (MTP).

Set up is simple too and not much more difficult than setting up your mobile phone the menu and UI is simple and I go through it in the video review. You have a nice small remote which you need to mind as there is no Navi menu on the unit so be careful,however there is a volume control,power on/off touch keys and a toggle for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, There is one focus wheel and that is easy to adjust.You have the Aptoide store too which is a real bonus and you can get Netflix,Plex YouTube,Mobdro and much more built into this unit which is great so you just sign in and away you go. How cool is that.  This also means you can keep your phone free or you can use a spare device if you want just for the projector for screen mirroring again great.

Quality is what people have been asking about as it is really good as it is more personal projector rather than one you would have in your sitting room but do not let that fool you, it is capable and supports up to 1080p. Best results are in a darker environment but not too shabby in a lit room either I might add. You can read more on the specs HERE

Enjoy movie nights with friends or entertainment on the road with the BenQ GV1 Portable LED Projector. The GV1 is a handy wireless projection gadget for binge-watching enthusiasts, allowing users to cut the cord and enjoy big-picture entertainment in any setting. Compact and lightweight, the battery-operated GV1 streams movies, social media, videos and music via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or USB-C  without hassle. Tiny enough to throw in your carry-on, ( I have a new tech travel bag review coming up and this will be featured) the GV1 also supports wireless projections like Airplay and Google Cast, meaning you can switch from a 6.5” mobile screen to a 60” big screen in an instant.

Bottom line is it worth the money and is it worth replacing your TV and keeping the TV centrepiece scenario out of your home? YES… Just plug and play and enjoy.

Check the video review below for more and if you have any questions feel free to ask.

BUY HERE 

Part 1

Part 2 – Screen casting.

 

 

PlayStation NOW games subscription service gets lower prices and more blockbuster games. #Gaming #PlaystationNow

Following PlayStation Now’s recent global expansion to cover 19 territories, Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) today announced its pioneering cloud game subscription service will offer lower pricing and expand with more blockbuster games. PlayStation Now subscriptions will start at €9.99 monthly, while adding marquee, limited-time titles such as Grand Theft Auto V* and God of War to the more than 700 games available on the service. PlayStation Now is the first and only console game subscription service on the market that uses cloud technology to deliver a breadth of unprecedented games.

PlayStation Now, which is available on PlayStation®4  systems and PC, will be offered at the following prices, keeping in line with pricing for other entertainment streaming services. Current customers will see this price change in their next billing cycle.

EU: €9.99 – monthly / €24.99 – quarterly / €59.99 – yearly (from 14.99/ (N/A)/ 99.99)

PlayStation Now will also expand on the industry’s largest games library for a console subscription service, with additional blockbuster content available for a limited window. These games can be streamed on a PS4 system or PC or downloaded to a PS4 system. The new content is among the most played and highly acclaimed games on the PS4 platform, and will be added on a monthly basis. Launching today are:

  • God of War – From Santa Monica Studio, God of War won numerous 2018 “Game of the Year” honors worldwide.
  • Grand Theft Auto V – From Rockstar Games, Grand Theft Auto V is the best-selling title of the current generation.
  • inFAMOUS Second Son™ – From Sucker Punch Productions, one of the best-selling PlayStation 4 games to-date.
  • UNCHARTED 4: A Thief’s End™ – Naughty Dog’s 2016 award winning game, including BAFTA’s 2017 “Best Game.”

“Following PlayStation Now’s expansion earlier this year, we have coverage for more than 70 percent of our global PS4 user base, making it the ideal time to revamp the service with a more compelling price and stronger content offering,” said Jim Ryan, president and CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment. “We have accumulated a wealth of knowledge in cloud gaming since PlayStation Now’s launch in 2014. That, coupled with our 25-year legacy in the games business and strong partnerships we’ve forged with publishers, positions us to continue leading and innovating in this field as the gaming industry evolves.”

God of War, Grand Theft Auto V, inFAMOUS Second Son and UNCHARTED 4: A Thief’s End will be available from October 1, 2019 until January 2, 2020. Each month, the service will add a refreshed selection of marquee games that will be available for a limited period. This marquee content is on top of the existing offering of popular evergreen titles that are added to PlayStation Now on a regular basis.

With its recent expansion, SIE also begins its first-ever global marketing campaign for PlayStation Now to increase awareness in all 19 territories where the service is offered. This includes broadcast and digital campaigns, along with a new look and feel for the PlayStation Now branding. The new TV spot can be viewed below..

Groov-e introduces the Light Curve wake-up light and alarm clock.

Groov-e, a leading UK tech brand, today launches the Light Curve, a feature packed wake-up light and alarm clock. Designed to combat the sudden, startling awakening of a regular alarm clock, the Light Curve wakes sleepy heads with a natural, gradually brightening light that will help them feel calmer yet refreshed, alert and energised all day. The Light Curve is available now for £39.99 from www.groov-e.co.uk.

The Light Curve is perfect for those who struggle to get up in the mornings, especially during the winter when it’s cold and dark outside. Mimicking natural daylight, the Light Curve gets brighter over a course of 30 minutes until it’s at the optimum level to rouse users from their slumber. In conjunction with the sunrise, users also have the option to switch on one of eight alarm sounds or an FM radio station if they need a bit more encouragement to get out of bed.

Additionally, for those who have trouble going to sleep, the sunset stimulation can also mimic the end of daylight, gradually dimming over a period of time to help users relax and get ready for the land of nod.

For those who like to read or need the light on darker mornings to get ready, the Light Curve has 10 levels of brightness using its LED lamp. It also features seven coloured mood lighting options making it ideal for anyone who wants to create more of an atmosphere. Controlled by touch, the Light Curve is easy to set up and adjust.

Kunal Patel, Director, Groov-e said: “We’re really excited to add the Light Curve to our range and just in time for winter when it becomes even harder to get out of bed. There are so many health benefits to using light to gradually wake you not least boosting energy and mood. With the Light Curve, we’re giving people a good start to their day, even those who aren’t morning people.”

The Light Curve is £39.99 and available from www.groov-e.co.uk.

First look and unboxing. Skyroam Solis X. #Tech #Travel #Skyroam

This is a must have for anyone that travels simple as, From testing the previous model and using it in multiple locations it is the ideal piece of kit for people in tech and those who travel alot for work and so on,not only that for a family holiday this is ideal as it allows up to ten devices to connect at once which is something you do not get on local sim cards. You can of course use hotel WiFi which I do not trust and I have pointed this out many times on social media as they harbour data and god knows what happens with it after that.

Today is a quick first look at the new product so if you have any questions feel free to ask.

BUY http://www.skyroam.com/uk

First look and unboxing. PACUM the travel friendly packing solution. #Tech #Travel #PACUM

Travelling is something we all do and love but packing is something that most dislike. Ever purchase new goods on holidays or pack nice things and just dump them in the suitcase? Yes we do and here is a solution to save space and keep the goods clean dry and safe and it is called PACUM which is a small suction device that comes with its own bag to store your goods and keep them safe. Not only that this can be used for more than just packing this can be used to pump up items with some accessories packed in the box.

Read some more on PACUM here while we test it out and if you have any questions feel free to ask.

 

Functions and features

  • Panel lights indicate the function setting
  • 2 pump modes. “Eco-mode” & “Boost”
  • Pacum stops automatically
  • Double packing capacity in just over 1 minute
  • Height:86mm width:43mm depth:43mm Weight : 145g

Pacum is available now on the Masterspace website for GBP £49/USD $59.99 including shipping

EDIFIER releases the TWS1 Bluetooth V5.0 True Wireless Stereo Earbuds. #TrueWireless #Edifier

Edifier® International, prominent designer and award-winning manufacturer of consumer audio electronics for both the lifestyle and multimedia markets launches the TWS1 – True Wireless Stereo Earbuds.

The Edifier TWS1 are a pair of classic entry-level true wireless Bluetooth earbuds that confront the three major complaints from true wireless earbuds consumers: bulky size, insufficient playback time and inadequate radio frequency range. The TWS1 earbuds are compact and ergonomically fit in the ear cavity for a secure, comfortable user experience. With up to eight hours of playback time on a single charge, multi-function tap controls and available at SRP £44.99 they’re the versatile and reliable true wireless earbuds.

With the same high standard users have come to expect from Edifier products, the TWS1 has been engineered with audio quality and durability in mind. LG scratch-proof material is used throughout the product to ensure prolonged durability while adding a touch of gloss that retains its lustre even through years of wear and tear. A semi-transparent design of earbud exterior allows for the light indicator inside the shell to shine through, meanwhile safeguarding the product from sweat or contact with water. The TWS1 is perfect therefore for the gym, running or simply listening to your music collection via Bluetooth.

In terms of audio performance, the TWS1 has been designed with materials and advanced functions not commonly applied for an entry-level headphone. For example, the TWS1 includes 6mm  bio-diaphragm units to provide rich sound details and an exceptionally better sound for the listener. The embedded silicon microphone is highly sensitive, picking up the user’s voice for a clearer call quality.

BUY HERE

First look and unboxing of the Activ5. A gym in your pocket. #Fitness #Health #Tech #Activ5

A fitness innovation ideal for everyone from working professionals who sit all day, to travellers, over 60s, busy mums or simply those who find it challenging to fit in daily activity, Activ5 by Activbody allows anyone with a smartphone to exercise anywhere while coaching, tracking and entertaining them. We will be testing this out over the coming weeks and if you have any questions feel free to ask.

Isometric exercise is a type of low-impact strength training where the angle of the joints and muscle length do not change during contraction – for example a plank. Scientific research has proven that isometric exercise is one of the fastest and most efficient ways to build strength, accelerate fat burning and tone the body, in fact, five minutes of isometric exercise can be equivalent to 25 minutes of gym-machine exercises.

Studies show the benefits of isometrics include: increased energy, lowered blood pressure, weight loss, boosted endurance, reduced pain, as well as bad habit relief (such as smoking), among others. Medical studies have further revealed that fractionalised exercise can deliver all the results of longer workouts while contributing to heart health, overall well-being and reducing the risk of disease, such as diabetes.

Available on the Apple store Ireland and UK

First Look and unboxing. The RHA True Connects true wireless earbuds. #RHA #TrueWireless

Another day and another pair of true wireless have dropped in and we a not done yet.. This time we have the RHA True Wireless in for review in Navy and they do look nice indeed, The presentation is good ,the charge case is cool and the earbuds are a mini stalk if you will so not those long Apple Airpods people keep banging on about which are rubbish.

Check out the first look and unboxing below and if you have any questions feel free to ask as per norm in the interim. A huge thanks to RHA for the chocolate these guys know me to well… Yum…

Key features below…

  • 5+20 hours battery, with fast charging
  • IPX5 sweat, splash and weather resistance
  • Secure, comfortable fit; ideal for active use
  • Stem design maximises call quality
  • Full device and digital assistant control via touch and mic
  • Durable flip charging case carries 4 charges
  • Supplied with Comply™ TrueGrip Plus and RHA TrueConnect tips
  • International 3-year warranty
  • USB-C

BUY 

 

Review – Zero Latency Player VS Player SolRaiders. #Gaming #VR #SolRaiders

Zero Latency have just launched a new game and there is more to come too by the way and their latest installation is SolRaiders which it is a PVP set-up is certainly one not to miss and we have checked it out and love it.

I was invited to check this out some time ago and could not wait which was the same as my first visit to their HQ in Dublin out in Sandyford. I am a big VR fan but it has died a death being honest in the real world and I had lost all interest despite having many headsets and games there just seemed to be not advance in it and more focus on AR and MR.

This however is different, totally different and paves the way forward for VR and Gaming together and it has more than one benefit than just a gaming experience. On arriving I was greeted again by a great crew and given the lowdown,you sign in go for a brief and you will need to pay attention to this one,you get suited and booted and then brought into the area which is cool, You can see our previous review on that HERE.

When you walk into the arena you are given a spot to stand on then pick up your weapon and then walk to a pod and then get a trial session of how the game works and once again pay attention because I didn’t at the start being too nosey looking around but eventually listened. This game is more energy consuming than others we have tried and it will also keep you on your toes and fit, You wont come out dry as a bone either so perhaps bring a spare top with you as you will be kept on the move throughout the entire game,there is no time to sit back and relax as it is you against the rest and not a team player game.

The game is action packed without a doubt involving skills or all sorts and will see you test several levels and climb them too with elevators and so on and you have to hit a main target before the rest which makes it more fun and less friendly compared to other games but you do have fun in doing so having said that it is really enjoyable. I am not a huge gamer nor have the time to do much gaming of late but this is something I would make time for going forward in the gaming scene as it has many benefits compared to gaming at home sitting on your couch.

You are on a radar and so is your fellow players in this game and you might often feel like you will bump into someone, at times during the game you have to run back to your pod to juice up which is cool and that is when I felt the most times I felt like I was going to knock someone over but it does not happens I think perhaps the gun is also a way to detect as you can swing it around or stab it forward just to be sure, You also have to shoot out doors and then you are attacked from above which is interesting and again active and if you get killed its when you need to return to your pod to refresh your energy. You cant hide behind walls or behind a door and if the door happens to shut on you its game over and refresh time.

The social element again is one thing and another reason to keep in touch with old friends and workmates and there is a fitness aspect to it too which does you no harm I clocked up some amount of steps via my fitness tracker and came out soaked after around 30 mins of gameplay but felt energised and it was also nice to meet others there who where in to test out the game,check the video below as to how it looks It would be nice to record your gameplay for download perhaps just to see the level of fun it is and the graphics are unreal too which really places you inside the game rather than be sat at home playing a game on your TV. For me this is the forefront of VR Gaming and if it was to reach mass production with a headset of some kind which I hope the company gets to that stage I would be on it like a light and so would anyone else,this is the future of VR gaming and a good one.

Check out https://zerolatencyvr.ie/ and their other games if you have not you are missing out on a new movement and one for the better.