Month: July 2020

Retro Tech Review – The Groov-e Personal Cassette Player & Recorder with Radio #Tech #Groove

Retro Tech is cool and for most people in a certain age bracket today will appreciate it and I fit into this demographic. When the walkman was a thing I had the best there was and spent sill money on them before the cd walkman came out and repeat the same.

This is made of plastic and is cheap and an ideal gift to buy or just have for yourself and it does everything as they did back in the day and just check out all the buttons on it which again fucntion as normal. You have play/pause/stop/FF/REW and yes you can record.

We also get an AM/FM radio thrown in an works just as remembered turning that dial til you hear a station tune in,no presets here lads. You also have a belt clip if you wear a belt that is and you can slap it on the side and look like what millions of us around the world did years ago..  You can also power it by either battery or micro USB which is a bonus.

How does it sound Well given we have moved on and can get all this on our smartphones now it is pretty decent for the price and the heaphones with it too, not the best in the world but good enough to listen too and the music is good too with a good tape,due to copyright issues I could not use much but listen in the review and tell us what you think.. Overall it is a cool retro tech piece and even for modern day tech geeks it will be interesting for them to check out what the 80s/90s where like and at worst just to have it stuck on a shelf for viewing,its pretty cool…

  • BUILT-IN SPEAKER AND MIC – This personal cassette player also acts as a recorder so you can record yourself singing if you wish to, record and listen back to your performance
  • EARPHONES INCLUDED – Earphones are included with this personal cassette player so as soon as you open it up you can kick back, relax and start listening to your tapes/AM/FM radio straight away
  • AM/FM RADIO – This cassette player also features AM/FM radio stations that you can tune into – Perfect for listening to in the morning or on your daily commute
  • RETRO BUTTONS – Retro classic buttons add a nostalgic vibe guaranteed to take you back to the 90’s – Simple and easy to use, perfect for kids
  • STYLISH AND SLEEK DESIGN – The compact and sleek design with it’s black and silver shading is guaranteed to bring back memories listening to all your old cassette tapes while also easy to store and carry

BUY HERE 

Best Tips to Keep Your Mac Safe From Viruses. #Mac #Virus #Security

Macs are fast, efficient, and very sleek-designed computers. For some, they increase work efficiency and productivity; for others – it is a great tool to create, and for some – it is a part of a fashion statement. 

 

As great as Macs could be, they are not automatically protected from malware. There is a belief that Macs are safe computers that can defend themselves, and that is not quite true. Macs are unable to defend themselves against so many types of malware that are created every day.

Today, there are so many new viruses constantly appearing, that your Mac could catch a chrome virus or any other malware easily. The more new viruses there are, the harder it is to defend against them. So if you want to learn some great tips about how to keep your Mac safe from viruses, keep on reading.

 

What Signs Show That Your Mac Might Have a Virus?

 

There are quite a few signs that indicate your Mac might have caught a virus. If you notice a few of these, then it is highly possible that it’s true.  

 

The first thing to keep an eye on is random windows, notifications, and advertisements opening on your screen. This is a pretty clear sign you have a virus because no other technical issue could cause this. Also, if you notice that after you open your browser, it automatically starts opening random websites, it is also a very clear sign of a virus.

Try to notice websites that you used to visit constantly starting to show huge banners with advertisements that didn’t happen before. More to it, if the content that you see in these and all other ads all over the internet are completely unrelated to your interests and search results, this might be a sign of a virus too.

 

What Not to Do When You Get a Virus

The first thing not to do is rush and install any antivirus app that you find. First of all, if you really have a virus on your computer and it is already affecting the ads that you see on your browser, it is highly possible that it can also have an effect on your search results. 

 

For example, if you search for a Mac antivirus on your browser, there’s a big chance you will get fake results. To avoid that, try searching for an antivirus with your phone and only then install it on your Mac. But have in mind that your phone can have a virus too, so if you see clear signs of it, just use any other device.

 

Another thing you should avoid is notifications about the virus that tells you to perform a certain action. If a notification or a window like this asks you to call a certain number or email personal information to solve the issue, never perform this action because it is a clear fraud. If you follow with their instructions, you might end up with even more damage, like permanent data loss, personal data leakage, and even losing money.

 

Do Not Forget to Back up Your Mac Occasionally

 

To prevent the negative impact that a virus could cause, it is best that you develop a habit to regularly back up your data on your Mac. This way, even if you get attacked by a virus, you will be calm about your data not disappearing.

 

The easiest and fastest way to backup your data is by using a Time Machine that lets you boot your Mac into data recovery. 

 

Always Update Your Browser

It is always important to keep everything up to date. Starting with apps, macOS, and ending with the main browser that you use every day. This is important because these updates do not only include all sorts of bug fixes and performance enhancements, but it also updates the information and protection from potential threats, like malware.

 

If you use the default Safari browser that originally comes with a Mac, then you do not need to worry about updating it separately. This is because Safari is a macOS app that updates alongside with your other apps. But if you use a Chrome browser or any other, then you will need to remember to update it separately. 

 

Pay Attention to the Gatekeeper

 

The newest versions of macOS come with great additional tools like Gatekeeper that helps you keep your Mac safe and protected. When you download an app or any software from the internet, you will always see a pop-up, asking if you really want to open the application because it might look suspicious.

 

Gatekeeper will never open an app like this without your permission. Therefore, if you are sure that you want to proceed, you need to click Open to approve this action. This is a great opportunity for you to check if this is really the app that you wanted to download in the first place or maybe you just downloaded a fake install file. After installing an app like this, you might need a sudden help from Mac antivirus to deal with the malware.

Review – TP-Link Passthrough Powerline. #TPLink

Thanks to the nice people in Tp-link I got one of their Passthrough Powerline Starter Kit (TL-PA8010P Kit) to test out, with plenty of people working from home now ensuring that your getting the most of your internet connection makes sense. Liam Burke tells us more. 

Powerline adapters are very useful if you want to make use of an ethernet connection but dont have ethernet cabling in your home wall.

They use the existing electrical cabling (range of up to 300 metres/1000 feet) in the walls of your home and turn it into a virtual ethernet cable.

This version is ethernet only so the device that you will be connecting it into will need to have an ethernet port like a TV, PS4, or a Laptop etc.

Using an ethernet connection has advantages over wifi as it offers low-latency compared with WiFi, but the speeds will be affected by the wiring in your home.

 

In the box you get

2 Ethernet cables (approx 1.9m in Length)

A Quick Installation Guide 

Two Powerline adapters TP-PA8010P.

Dimensions of adapter (when plugged in 48mm deep, 130mm long ,70cm wide) approx

Side of the Powerline adapter with the pair button on the leds for Power, Powerline, Ethernet

Top of the powerline adapter with the gigabit ethernet port.

The setup was very very easy. I plugged one adapter into the wall and connected one of the supplied ethernet cables from my router into the adapter.

As TP-Link recommended setting up a secured network (128-bit AES Encryption), I plugged the other adapter into the wall socket next to the main adapter, pressed the pair button on the main adapter then pressed the pair button on the second adapter to setup the secure network. 

If you dont want to setup a secure network then you dont need to press the pair button, just plug both adapters into wall sockets and your set.

TP-Link also recommends not plug the adapter into an extension lead, instead plug the adapter into the wall socket, then plug the extension lead into the powerline adapter. The Powerline adapters have 2x2MIMO which gives better coverage throughout the house.

Then I moved the adapter to a wall socket that I wanted to use and using the other supplied ethernet cable from my device (TV in this case) connected it to the adapter and that was it, I had my powerline network setup. Now my TV which didnt have Wifi was able to connect to Netlfix with no bother. I found when I moved the adapter it only took 2 or 3 seconds before they would get connected to the network.

Now the results, the two main things I noticed was the Download speed was lower than when using Wifi but the latency was reduced with the powerline (which is good). The reduced Download speed was probably due to age of the wiring in my house, but if your into gaming which requires low latency then the powerline adapters are definitely more advantageous than using wifi. 

To make your network bigger you can just add more powerline adapters and thats it no need for extra cabling. A Powerline adapter cant match an ethernet cable as the ethernet cable is dedicated to data transfer and the powerline has to share electricity and also the data transfer. But if you want low-latency and have issues with Wi-Fi the Tp-Link Powerline adapter will help.

Another benefit is that the Powerline adapter has a pass through socket so you wont lose an existing electrical socket when you use it.  It also uses power-saving technology to conserve up to 85% energy when not in use. 

Overall I found it very easy to setup and for working at home having a dedicated ethernet connection for my work laptop was great.

Buy here 

TCL 10L and 10 Pro Launches in Ireland with Freebies on top. #TCL #Tech #TCL10

TCL is a brand others need to watch out for and have the hallmarks of One Plus when they launched but now have their phones highly priced, A brand known for their TVs has recently launched some smartphones with quite alot on offer considering the price of them and others need to watch out, We recently spent time with the 10L and for me it really is worth the money for what you are getting..

Both at Harvey Norman, The TCL 10L Comes in at €269 in Mariana Blue and Artic White with free TCL earbuds and the Pro version comes in at €499 with a free Android 32 inch TV.. Check out our review of the TCL 10L HERE 

 

A house is burgled every 31 minutes in Ireland – PhoneWatch has some tips. #PhoneWatch

After spending four months in the safety of our homes, now is the time to reunite with friends and family and begin to rebuild our daily routines. With the excitement of the new normal, can come anxiety and anticipation as we leave the comfort of our safety bubble, our home. With a burglary taking place every 31 minutes in Ireland, PhoneWatch, Ireland’s leading provider of monitored home safety systems, wants to share some simple tips that will ensure you feel confident and comfortable transitioning into the new way of living. We are also reviewing some home security with more on the way so stay tuned for our reviews and what is on offer out there today and also check what we have covered already.

 

Created by PhoneWatch experts, the summer security tips are designed to ensure our homes stay safe this season.

  1. Check your windows and doors: When are home all day, we are often less conscious of windows being open. Be sure to close and lock all windows when you leave the house, or even if you are in the garden
  1. Secure your outdoor valuables: Make sure garden equipment or bicycles are secured in a shed or garage, and kept out of sight where possible
  2. Close gates: Make a habit of closing gates, especially those leading to the rear of the home
  3. Maintain your garden: Cut the grass before you go away, overgrown grass can make a house look empty. Also, prune trees and shrubs that may grow more quickly in the summer for clearer views, large bushes can act as cover for anyone who may be watching a home
  4. Don’t advertise your trips on social media: Keep those photos of your days out and staycations until you return home
  5. Leave a light on: Timer switches for lamps can provide a cost-effective way to keep your home looking occupied if you are gone over night
  1. Arm your alarm: If your home is equipped with an alarm, be sure and use it. Research shows that an alarm is one of the most effective ways to keep your home safe
  2. When going away, nominate a next-door neighbour: An important tip for keeping your home safe is “maintaining an appearance” that your home is occupied. A neighbour or family member can help you keep your house look occupied by keeping post or deliveries clear from the letter box, parking a car in the driveway for a few hours, putting the bins out and taking them in on the same day and acting as the nominated key holder to your monitored alarm provider

 

Eoin Dunne, Managing Director of PhoneWatch said: At PhoneWatch, our mission is to make people feel safe and secure in their homes. More than ever, the past few months have made us all realise the importance of a safe home. The good news is, by taking simple precautions as we begin to venture outside of our homes again, we can ensure that they will be considerably safer when we return. 

 

Protect the things and people you cherish most  with  a monitored home alarm from PhoneWatch. Total peace of mind with instant response to your burglar and smoke alarms 24 hours a day. Discover how PhoneWatch can help by visiting www.phonewatch.ie

House of Marley moves to 100% recyclable packaging with launch of Smile Jamaica Wireless 2 in-ear headphones.

House of Marley today announces the launch of the redesigned Smile Jamaica Wireless 2 in-ear headphones, a stylized refinement to the timeless classic at a new lower price with sustainability improvements in both the cable and packaging. The product release includes the debut of House of Marley’s new 100% recyclable plastic-free packaging constructed entirely from paper fibres.

The Smile Jamaica Wireless 2 feature a fresh and tailored redesign of the best-selling everyday in-ear headphones, but with familiar eco-conscious materials. As with the original model, the FSC™ certified wood and recyclable aluminium housings in the earbuds deliver not only an earthy, stylish look but a warm, acoustic component to the signature Marley sound performance.

 

The new braided cable used in the Smile Jamaica Wireless 2 is designed using fibres from 99% post-consumer plastic waste from recycled water bottles, bringing sustainable elements to durable construction. As the leader in eco-conscious audio products while contributing to environmental give-back, House of Marley has also expanded their innovative design to address the need for a simpler, fully-recyclable packaging for consumer electronics.

“It was important for us to make it easier for the consumer to make a conscious decision toward recycling the packaging and one that did not compromise our commitment to sustainable design,” explains House of Marley Director of Product Development Josh Poulsen. “Our packaging has always positioned us to stand out within the consumer electronics industry as we have made a conscious effort to use FSC™ certified materials, recycled paper, recycled PET casing and paper fibre ties instead of the plastic standard. Our move to 100% paper fibre packaging means that the entire package contents can now be put into the single mixed-paper recycle bin without a hassle to separate inserts of different materials, a common issue when it comes to the recycling process.”

In addition to 100% recyclable packaging, House of Marley is continuing their support for environmental give-back, celebrating their 10th Anniversary as an eco-conscious audio maker and honouring the legendary Bob Marley and his respect for the earth and people.  The Project Marley Global Giving Initiative has expanded to support global reforestation through One Tree Planted and ocean preservation through the Surfrider Foundation.

SMILE JAMAICA WIRELESS 2

Coming out just in time for summer, the Smile Jamaica Wireless 2 is a reinvention of the original Smile Jamaica Wireless, following in the tradition of timeless design using FSC™ certified wood and recyclable aluminium housings. Delivering a seamless wireless experience with extended playtime and all-day comfort, the Smile Jamaica Wireless 2 features a sleeker, lighter neckband design than its predecessor at a more affordable price within the under £30 category. Constructed for stability and convenience, the new tangle free cable made from 99% post-consumer recycled polyester and earbud construction provide strain relief with the simplicity of a single, inline 3 button control, all within a sustainably-minded design.

 

PRODUCT FEATURES

  • Materials: FSC certified wood and recyclable aluminium
  • 9-hour battery life with USB-C quick charge technology (15 minutes = 2 hours playtime)
  • IPX4 rating for sweat-proof and weather-resistant design.
  • Microphone with 3-button control offers remote functionality for calls and music
  • Tangle-resistant, durable braided cable made of 99% post-consumer plastic fibres.
  • Bluetooth® 5.0
  • Two size ear gels (S, M)
  • Available in three colourways; Copper, Signature Black and Rasta
  • SKU: EM-JE113
  • RRP: £29.99

Smile Jamaica Wireless 2 are available now on www.thehouseofmarley.co.uk, Amazon, HMV and select retailers nationwide.

First look. The Eufy 2K HD video doorbell. #Eufy #Tech #Security

With the Covid restrictions lifting now it is time to look at security of the home, Over the last few months we perhaps have taken our eyes off the topic being at home and now it is time to check all systems still work as we get back to work and for many still leave an empty house behind us.

We are starting off this season with eufy which offers complete home security and more and we are starting with their video doorbell then we will be checking out their cameras too in the coming weeks. A video doorbell is a great place to start and is very usefull in many ways in which we have covered with many offerings before.

eufy also offer security of your data and privacy is a core essential to their product range and in this day and age vital and also there is no monthly fees and your data is stored locally overall this is a welcome part of the package you buy and gives you peace of mind, Features of this paarticular camera is 2K res,180 day battery life,IP65 weatherproof,Free 16GB local storage,Military Grade Data Security and Facial Recognition. Check out the unboxing below and feel free to ask us anything in the meantime..

BUY HERE 

 

Review – The EONO 360-degree car phone holder. #EONO #Amazon #Tech

The EONO car phone holder is a dashboard mounted phone holder rather than the typical window mounted one which uses suction cups to hold the unit,this is dash mounted by a big circular pad with 3M stickers so it is not going to move,this also makes it more stable too.

Installing is simple,clean the surface area apply the base pad then remove the protective tape and you are good to go ,this is as mentioned very stable and will not budge. This has no power to it so it is stick down and job done. You can use this in a vertical or horizonal mode and is secured by three staged clips on the horiztonal and the device will not budge in any postion which is important.

This unit is ideal for passengers too and it can be rotated to either side and ideal for maps and perhaps having your music selection at hand.

  • 【Universal Compatibility】Fits most cell phones and GPS devices from 3.0-6.8 inches; compatible with iPhone 11 Pro, Pro Max, Xs Max, XR, X, 8, 7, 7s, 6s, 6 Plus, Huawei, Samsung Galaxy S20, S10, S9, S8, S7, HTC, LG, Nexus, Nokia, etc.
  • 【360-Degree Rotation】The base rotates a full 360 degrees, so it’s easy to adjust to any viewing angle and is safe to use when driving; it won’t block your windscreen whether you’re talking, navigating, listening to music, or charging
  • 【Removable and Washable】 The sticky silicone material won’t leave marks on your dashboard and can easily be removed, washed, and reused; please note that the 3M adhesive patch cannot be reused
  • 【Horizontal or Vertical Use】Can be used either horizontally or vertically; use vertically when driving or turn horizontal to let a passenger watch videos; this mount will only stick on smooth-surfaced dashboards; phone can only be charged in horizontal position

BUY HERE