brendanlahert - techbuzzireland.com - Page 15

Review – BT Mini Wi-Fi Home Hotspot 600 Kit. #BT #WiFi #Home #Tech

The Mini Wi-Fi Home Hotspot highlights the ability to provide fast reliable broadband using the home power socket to create secure Wi-Fi. There is no requirement for additional wires required. The box came with what looked like 2 larger plugs with network sockets attached. The principle is to extend the Wi-Fi range in the house with a secure Wi-Fi hotspot with a strong signal.

Dimensions:

BT Mini Wi-Fi Home Hotspot 600: 76 x 66 x 70 mm (H x W x D)
BT Broadband Extender 600: 76 x 65 x 63 mm (H x W x D)

Broadband Extenders & Home Hotspots:

Uses your home electrical wiring to extend your broadband network anywhere in the house
Works with all broadband providers
Link with other Home Plug AV powerline adaptors
AV600 powerline & N150 wireless technology
Compatible with AV200 and AV500 technology devices
Uses latest AV600 technology for smooth multiple HD / 3D streaming
Secure wireless network – no configuration necessary
Simple push-button Wi-Fi connection set-up with hotspot
Two Ethernet ports for multiple wired devices
Available as a kit or a multi kit

Warranty – 3 Years Warranty

Setup:

The setup was very easy, plug in the Wi-Fi extender then a cable to the standard router / hub using the supplied network cable. The other plug (Wi-Fi-home hotspot) the other plug in another room. Once plugged in after a few minutes the light turns a steady green.

There was an option to connect the laptop etc via an ethernet cable also, this was not required using the Wi-Fi option worked well. This was plugged into an external shed at the bottom of the garden having no Wi-Fi coverage, once the setup was done Wi-Fi was available. There was a small drop in speed as tested on speed test site, but a minimal loss.

Note The BT Mini Wi-Fi Home Hotspot 600 Kit will only transfer the speed coming into the home, it will not increase the speed rather extend the speed in to the home, this can be tested using a speed test site, e.g. www.fast.com, The Mini Wi-Fi Home Hotspot is recommended to plug directly into the mains socket , not an anti-surge socket or extension cable.

Conclusion:

The standard router supplied by the networks should suffice for a typical home but thick concrete walls, or foil back installation on walls may block Wi-Fi signal’s. The BT Mini Wi-Fi Home Hotspot 600 Kit is a simple product that works, (provided you are on the same internal electric mains connection in your property). The setup is quick with minimal technical knowledge required. This allows Wi-Fi in parts of your property that your standard router (as supplied by your network provider) does not cover.

The key to this product from BT, is that it works to extends your broadband for access in those hard-to-reach places. This can be got in 2 / 3 plugs to extend the range. If Broadband is limited or patchy in parts of your home this is a reasonable inexpensive method to extend the Wi-Fi that works. This is an easy decision to make on a quality BT product to extend the range.

BUY – https://www.amazon.co.uk/BT-Wi-Fi-Hotspot-wired-Powerline/dp/B015E3MJY2/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1532719579&sr=8-3&keywords=bt+wifi+600+hotspot

Review – BT Elements 1km Single IP67 Rated Cordless Phone with Answering Machine

The BT Elements 1 km Single is an IP67 Rated Cordless Phone with Answering Machine and Nuisance Call Blocker. This cordless phone looks albeit like a normal cordless phone but has one unique feature above most other phones the 1 km Range. The unit is built solid protected from dust and capable of withstanding water immersion between 15 cm and 1 meter for 30 minutes. The phone is slimmer than many phones which has builders feel to the phone. The Cordless Phone has an answering Machine and Nuisance Call Blocker.

Box Contains

1 x Remote base unit
1 x Handset
1 x Charging pod
1 x PSU
1 x Telephone line cord
Rechargeable batteries
Quick start guide

Note: the phone comes with a UK telephone lead, compatible adapters or Ireland cables are freely available at minimum cost.

Dimensions:

Weights (g)

Base: 161 Handset: 172 Charger: 82

Dimensions (cm)

Base: 12.6(H) x 12.8(W) x 6.5(D)
Handset: 19.6(H) x 5.5(W) x 3.1(D)
Charger: 4.5(H) x 10.8(W) x 7.9(D)

Features:

Long cordless range (50 m indoor 1 km outdoor)
IP67 rated (protected from immersion in water and dust proof)
Nuisance Call Blocking technology installed
Built in answer machine and text messaging
Robust handset with belt clip

Other useful features include a 200 name and number directory, a handy 6-line mono display which is backlit and has contrast control, 50 number calls list, 30 number redial list and call waiting indicator. This phone also has 10 polyphonic and 5 standard ringtones to choose from, a VIP indicator, 9 quick dial memories, a keypad lock and secrecy function. The text messaging option is not available in Ireland due to the networks.

Warranty:

Disappointing warranty with a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty, for an environmentally sealed cordless phone that can withstand water ingress and take a knock or two, 1 year is minimal.

Setup:

The Setup is minimal, plug in the phone and connect the cable to the base station. The cables are designed that they cannot be inserted incorrectly. The time and date require setting initially with a few different menu. There is an abundance of features, the Nuisance Call Blocker is a handy feature to prevent unwanted calls. The long cordless outdoor range is the unique feature of the phone allowing call made and receive up to a range of 1 km and up to 50 m indoors, this is ideal for the end of the garden, farm, or used in a business in a workshop, or large warehouse.

The belt clip initially seems a waist but over time this was perfect saving the hassle to carry the phone in your back pocket, the cordless phone required little charging with 13 hrs talk time, up to 160 hrs standby time. The features clock, calendar and alarm are easily setup. The cordless phone is GAP compatible which means when other handsets can be registered to other base systems allowing you to receive incoming calls and to make outgoing calls. The contact address book copies between the BT handsets.

Call quality:

The call quality can’t be faulted. This was tested in the house and walked a long distance away from the house, the audio to the caller and receiver was perfect albeit a slight distraction from external noise.

Conclusion:

This BT Elements 1 km has all the features you would expect form a cordless phone but has the extended range, perfect for a business area in a large office, warehouse etc This has an answer machine, (up to 30 mins recording time) Nuisance Call Blocker built to withstand a knock or 2 and waterproof. The Speakerphone for hands-free calling is great when on hold. The cordless is not the most visually appealing handset (hefty and wider than typical BT cordless phone) but makes up for this in terms of functionality, range and build.

It may be beneficial to look toward a double / triple handset to ensure you are within range of a handset. Additional handsets are available to expand the telephone system. This can be used for domestic or business but if your current phone does not cover the area required, this is a definitive choice for the extended range.

BUY AT https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00Q66HP96/ref=twister_B00S163KJS?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Cello 55″ Platinum, Smart 4K UHD TV with build in soundbar. #SmartTv #TV #CELLO

The initial view from the box was very positive, made in England, contains a sound bar within the TV and has an abundance of sockets. The TV is an Android Smart TV, with a picture quality of 4K Ultra HD to match this positive view. The LCD TV is slim and light, suitable for wall mounting, with an air mouse remote control.

Package Contents:

55″ Platinum 4K UHD Android Smart Freeview T2 HD LED TV
Remote control
Instructions

Specification:

Screen Size 55″
Android Smart TV Yes
Digital Freeview DVBT2 HD
USB USB 2.0 x 3 (2 Android, 1 TV)
Contrast Ratio 3000:1
Brightness 200
4K Ultra HD Yes
Max Resolution 3840 x 2160
Speakers 6 x Speakers (4 x 4ohm 8W sub-woofers, 2 x 8ohm 8W treble) max output 16W
Refresh 120Hz
Power AC100-240v
Energy Rating ‘A’ – 150 watts on working and 0.5 watt standby power consumption
HDMI 3
Inputs HDMI x 3, Aerial, YpbPr, CVBS x 2, RJ45, 3x USB (2 Android, 1 TV) and CI inputs
Outputs Digital audio out (optical)
VESA 400mm x 400mm
Dimension w/stand W 1250mm x D 286mm x H 852mm
Dimensions w/o stand W 1250mm x D 88mm x H 797mm
Weight 16.5Kg

Setup and use:

The initial setup was good seeing the UK as the default allowing a change e.g. Ireland easily changed and individual area listed. The option was given to search for terrestrial TV or cable channels. The smart TV set up, as with any new android phone is annoying, having to set up a Gmail account and go through all the usual accepting T&C. The connection as with an android device was seamless without issues (connect to your router using the built in Wi-Fi). The updates required for apps which is now required for the smart TV are becoming a way of life but an annoyance to your TV viewing.

Once the TV was setup, the android features whether browsing the web or using a variety of preinstalled App gives the TV a complete new experience of viewing as if you had not used a smart TV before. The physical setup required 4 screws fitted to place the TV stand in place (the screws are a bit fiddley). The setup is best to use a HDMI cable as there is no scart connection which is the current trend. All Cello TVs with MPEG4 technology can receive all TV channels in Ireland. Irish channels cannot be received in the UK.

Audio:

The TV comes with an inbuilt sound bar, 6 x Speakers (4 x 4ohm 8W sub-woofers, 2 x 8ohm 8W treble) max output 16W that provide outstanding sound quality. The audio when used with Spotify was turned up to 30%. The audio sounds were enough to hear in a standard home, turning up to 50% was too loud to stay in the same room as the TV. The quality was not distorted at the higher level and appeared a better quality than other more expensive TV.

Air mouse remote control

The air mouse remote control comes like a wireless mouse plugging the dongle into the back of the TV and the remote worked (batteries were supplied). The remote had all the usual features but took a while to get used to the gestures to pin point exactly where you want to place the cursor on the TV. The digital TV often appeared a lag from changing setting via the remote control. The batteries in the remote seemed to drain quickly.

Warranty & Quality:

The Smart TV made in England would inspire confidence in the quality, but this Cello product comes with only 12-month guarantee protecting you against electrical and mechanical breakdown. This 1-year warranty from an English brand is a disappointment. The quality while minor gripes can be seen on the USB socket, misaligned on the back of the TV. The rear label was coming off. The remote on occasions was erratic in use not always locations to the right part of the screen.

Android Smart TV

The 55″ 4K Ultra HD Smart TV came with all the features you would expect on an android tablet, many of which are useful, in terms of ability to change the font size, but also comes with “the out of the box android features” location turn on or off. The playstore was on the TV with BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, Kodi, 4 On Demand, Netflix, Sky Go, games and social media. The TV was connected via Wi-Fi and allowed a new world of TV entertainment. The Android Smart TV required the usual updates which are seen on the android smart phones.

Screen Resolution:

The 4K Ultra HD Smart TV new high-resolution format with 3840 x 2160 pixels, as compared to full HD 1920×1080 px;. approx. 4 four times the number of pixels allowing the display four times the level of detail. Normal HD can still be played on the TV using your existing HDMI cable, (there is no need to change the HDMI cable unless running a long distance). The 4K is the future of TV pictures but there is limited content on the market i.e. for SKY you need a Sky Q 2TB box with subscription and can get UHD films on Sky cinema on demand and a selection of box sets. A lot of the premiership football and such as the F1 is also in UHD, after that there are limited channels. The screen had a tin cover around the side ensuring the picture covers most of the screen. The panel does not block part of the screen which looks respectable when compared to more expensive brands.

Conclusion:

The TV came with 3 HDMI inputs for external devices & consoles, 3 USB sockets providing ample connectivity, and a Micro SD card slot (card not supplied) allowing storage for quick call up and smooth operation. The air mouse remote control is not my favourite remote, the standard Sky remote was used to watch TV. The air mouse remote when used with the Android Smart TV was erratic, typing in details on the pop-up keyboard, works while positioning the remote to press enter on occasions was difficult. A recommendation would be to get a separate wireless / Bluetooth keyboard. The audio quality while loud was a pleasure to use, especially in the movie mode given an impressive audio quality. Support is available from the UK via a UK number or dedicated ROI number which is a great positive. The screen quality was impressive and worked well for Netflix without the expected buffering you might expect from a 55” TV. Overall this is a budget TV with a few niggles, warranty, quality of sockets but the viewing quality and audio is certainly a winner within the price range.

https://celloelectronics.com/product/55-platinum-4k-uhd-android-smart-freeview-t2-hd-led-tv

Review – The Watchovers Pet Trackie #Pets #Tech #GPS #Tracking

The initial view of the packing was a standard box with the key functionality on the back of the box, Waterproof GPS location pet tracker. The tracker looks physically strong with a protective rubber casing which can be removed. The rubber casing allows the tracker to be fitted to a standard dog collar.

Features

WatchOvers PetTrackie GPS Location Tracking Device.

Live GPS Location -Real-time tracking – See the device location on your smartphone in real time. Location updated every 60 seconds.
Geo-Zones – create virtual outdoor boundaries and receive boundary breach alerts. Multiple Geo-zones with square, rectangular or circular fence settings. Location updated every 60 seconds for enhanced Geo-Zone accuracy.
100% Waterproof to -1 meter with an IP67 waterproof rating.
Device & Smartphone location displayed – See where you are in proximity to your pet, making it easy to find the quickest route to them.
Location History– Playback the location history of the device today, last week or last month.
Very Secure with 128 Bit Encryption for transmission and storage of all data. Our App and device registration is secure to protect your data and prevent access to your device except by people approved by you.
Alert Messaging – receive SOS, Low Battery and Geo-Zone alerts directly to the App on your smartphone.
Multi User – Add up to 16 users, for all your family, friends and pet sitters.
Pre-fitted Sim Card – Open the box and get started straight away. WatchOvers Sim cards use the strongest network available, getting signal even in weak signal areas’, vital in an emergency.
Low-power consumption – up to 4 days general use or up to 6 days in manual location mode, depending on mobile coverage and local signal strength.
Unique innovative holder design, easy to fit to most collars and to remove for charging.
Device size 53*38*17.5mm
Suitable for pets above 4.5 kg – Weight: Device 33 grams, Holder 15 grams.
GSM Quad band 850/900/1800/1900 2G Device
Supports GPS/AGPS/LBS/WiFi for quick and accurate outdoor location positioning and improved indoor location.
Magnetic inductive charging.

Charging:

The Tracker comes with a magnetic propriety charger which works well but annoying to have another cable, a standard USB C charger would have been preferred. They have designed the casing that it does not have to be removed for charging. When you open the 2 buttons, the contacts are above the buttons and clear to connect the cable. There are low battery alerts via the app to ensue you are reminded to recharge the tracker. The battery lasts 4 to 6 days between charges in manual location mode, 2 to 3 days in automatic mode. The PetTrackie takes 2 hours to recharge the battery.

Setup & Support:

The tracker used QR codes for the app & pairing to your phone. This makes the setup easy. The setup involved a 6 Step Set Up Guide for the WatchOvers PetTrackie

Step 1 – Activate SIM Card

Step 2 – Charge the Device & Power On

Step 3 – Download the WatchOvers PetTrackie App

Step 4 – Register your Administrator App Account

Step 5 – Pairing your device with the App

Step 6 – Setup & Manage your PetTrackie

Support:

The support is available in Ireland via a Dublin number on +353 1 5456000 which is great to see a local English speaking support. email via support@watchovers.com or live chat support available from 8am to 8pm Monday to Saturday. The setup required no support with the setup using QR codes making the requirement for support minimal.

WatchOvers PetTrackie App:

The app – WatchOvers PetTrackie App was used via the QR code on the Android store, Again no issues other than the usual requesting access to contacts, files etc. The WatchOvers PetTrackie App allows real time location tracking on Google map equivalent, updated every 60 seconds. The app allows location history and safe zones with alert messages.

Subscription:

Many of the previous trackers, if lost rely on “sends anonymous signal to the community, if someone passes the lost item, their phone will record your lost product new location”. The WatchOvers PetTrackie has an internal sim card, like a card on roaming (without the data issues) that looks to the best network and used this signal. This allows the tracking of the PetTrackie with a high degree of accuracy in over 150 countries worldwide. The outdoor accuracy is between 3 meters to 30 meters, indoor accuracy is reduced from 10 meters to 100 meters depending on the nearest mobile mast. This subscriptions service which is great to use and work well comes at a cost, The Subscription is € 4.99 p.m. on a 1-month contract. This subscription provides a live accurate means to locate a lost / missing pet.

Conclusion:

The cost of the monthly subscription may put some off this pet tracker. Those that have lost a pet, as seen on lost posters / Facebook throughout the country would agree, a loved pet is worth its weight in gold and would pay a premium to have a lost pet returned. The Technology works well, the unit is physically strong, waterproof not too heavy for a dog, (suitable only for a large cat, at least 4.5kg in weight.). This was tried on a medium size Yorkshire terrier and an albino Boxer. Both dogs had no reaction to the tracker when attached to their collar. The location which is updated every 60 seconds is beneficial to follow a moving pet to ensure directed to the exact location, with a bonus feature within the app allowing navigation directly to the coordinates via Google maps on your phone. In the event of a lost pet, local support could be a real bonus on this tracker. This is technology at its best works for the benefit for another family member (your pet).

http://www.watchovers.com/help/pettrackie/features/what-are-the-features-of-the-assure-mobile-watch-phone/

Review – Microsoft All-in-One Media Keyboard. #Microsoft #Keyboard #Media

The Microsoft All-in-One Media Keyboard design looks like a standard keyboard with a few extras, a spill-resistant design, built sturdy to survive accidental sit-ons and occasional drops The Keyboard looked and felt solid with a clever Microsoft nano receiver (dongle) that has a magnet, this allows the dongle to be fitted cleverly under the battery compartment when not required. Microsoft have placed their logo on the dongle ensuring an authentic kit is visible.

Box Contains:

1 x All-in-One media keyboard

2 x AAA alkaline battery

Dimensions:

Length: 14.4″ / 367mm

Width: 5.20″ / 132mm

Product Description:

Supported operating systems: Windows 10/8.1/8/RT 8.1/RT and 7, Windows Phone 10, Mac OS X v.10.7-10.10, Android 3.2/4.2/4.4.4 and 5.0

Connectivity: USB

Setup:

The setup worked straight away, requiring no configuration. The dongle plugs directly into the standard USB connection and works straight away with no configuration required. The Keyboard was used with a standard laptop & an android gaming box. The multi touch trackpad took a while to get use to, the finger motions worked well when mastered. Using the keyboard on the Android box worked great allowing the usual websites easily accessible. The range within a standard room worked well. The basic keyboard functionality can be used with select USB HID compliant Smart TVs gaming consoles.

There is an option to setup media hotkeys allowing shortcuts to your music, photos, and videos. The volume controls option allows control of the audio. Shortcuts options to music, photos and videos are possible but are not essential on the setup.

Security

The keyboard uses Wireless connectivity (USB) with a connection of up to 30 feet. (Approx. 9 metres) This has Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) 128-Bit Encryption electronic data encryption technology. The keyboard is permanently paired with its receiver at the factory with no key information shared over the air ensuring the info is protected.

Conclusion:

The Microsoft All in one media Keyboard is good quality without breaking the bank. The requirement for a keyboard is still relevant today from its initial conception back in 1868 when used as a typewriter with Microsoft getting in on the act of ergonomic keyboard for computers, in 1994. The keyboard may not be ergonomic comfortable keyboard for the usual 40 hour working week but for short use can’t fault this keyboard. The advantage in terms of no cable. practical and works is very beneficial in a busy lifestyle. The Keyboard was comfortable but did not have the lugs to tilt the keyboard, the keyboard did not have a backlight and a bit smaller than an unusual keyboard. The keyboard is slightly shorter than a laptop 15.5 laptop keyboard, with the keys narrower than a standard keyboard. The Integrated multi-touch trackpad takes up some space making the keyboard keys shorter than a typical keyboard. All the function buttons expected on a standard keyboard are available on the keyboard.

The keyboard is full-size keyset with an integrated multi-touch trackpad – type, swipe, drag, zoom option. The sturdy build quality which you expect from Microsoft is clear and cleverly design. This branded premium product comes at a reasonable price that works well, allows the flexibility on the move especially when using on a smart TV. Depending on your requirement whether occasional few hours use, or daily business use, this may justify the model to use. If considering a limited use of the keyboard looking at cheaper alternatives would be a poor consideration, This Microsoft All-in-One Media Keyboard works well with a few nifty tricks at a realistic price, certainly a keyboard to consider.

Avaialble from most electronic stores circa €50.

Review – The Jabra Elite 65e. #Jabra #Elite65e #sports #fitness

The product branding in terms of packaging and design to the out of box experience is prominent to observe as a quality product from the initial perception. The Jabra Elite 65e looks professional from the initial view of the packing and feel on the box in the standard Jabra colours. The unit has an IP54 rated design which protects from limited dust ingress and water spray from any direction.

The earphones are magnetised which when placed around your neck can be connected to each other with the magnets, which stops the music automatically playing. The Jabra Elite 65e has pronounce buttons on the earphones allowing easily to navigate the main button on the unit.

1 / 8

Box Contains:

Pouch, Micro USB cable, 3 sets of EarGels and EarWings, Quick Start Guide, Warranty and Warning Leaflets Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 17.4 x 18.8 cm ; 18.1 g Boxed-product Weight: 581 g

Warranty: Two-year warranty against water and dust.

Setup:

The earphones out of the box had over 50% charge. The pairing was quick and easy. This was aided by the voice commands which gave clear instructions. The earphones are magnetised, which can be put together when not using. This stops the music playing automatically saving pressing additional buttons on your phone. The EarGels and EarWingsrequire evaluation to get the right fit and once the correct option is found the earbuds are comfortable and secure to wear.

Charging battery:

The charging is done via a Micro USB cable. The newer C charging type connector would be my preferred choice as supplied on most newer android phones. The charger socket is clearly visible not requiring any dust cover to be removed, (while the unit is waterproof). The unit has a red-light indicator light when charging which is not too distracting if placed in a bedroom to charge. The battery will last a good 13 hours as a comparison to other earphones. These earphones come into their own when the ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) is turned on which reduces the battery to 8 hours. The charging takes less than 2 hours charging to a full charge.

ANC (Active Noise cancellation):

Active Noise cancellation has been around for a while, but Jabra bring this to a new level, the audio quality weather on a call or listening to music is great but turning on the ANC reduces unwanted ambient sounds. This help to prevent the trend to raising the volume excessively to block out the external noise. The Jabra Elite 65e has a noticeable audio experience, many other earphones used in the past often have a low hiss at low frequencies with ANC on. The Jabra Elite 65e works, the noise reduction can get you lost in the music even when in a noisy environment.

Conclusion:

The trends of most of the phone manufactures in terms of no 3.5mm Audio Jack on the phone will exaggerate the number of Bluetooth headsets. The Jabra Elite 65e required no cables to your phone. The experience of getting the right ear gel is an important factor in the use, this can be trial and error until a good fit is found, once found the earphones are comfortable to use for hours. The charger cable of the C connector would be better for the future, but the micro charger does work. The extras on these earphones in terms of voice prompts, magnet options, charging socket, water and dustproof, choice of ear gels and a carry case make this a frontrunner for any choice.

Overall as with all the Jabra products, the quality and audio are great but the Jabra Elite 65e takes this to a different level with the ANC which works effortlessly. These earphones are one of my favourite earphones in terms of each of use and audio quality and leave other earphones obsolete, without the ANC option.

BUY HERE

Review – MEKO 2 in 1 Precision Series Disc Stylus. #tech #stylus #MEKO

The unit looks professional, the box quality of the initial box looked fancy and felt good. The two styluses came in a professional looking box held together on a foam cushion. A variety of accessories was included in the box. The stylus is made from alluminium with a comfortable balanced weight.

About the Tablet Stylus

· Length:5.5″(140mm)

· Pen tube diameter 0.35″(9mm)

· Disc diameter: 0.27″ (6.8mm) including 2mm rubber point

· Fiber tip Diameter:0.24 (6mm)

· Weight: 24g each stylus

· Material: Made from stainless steel and Aluminum, no plastic parts, real pen feeling

Compatibility:
The Stylus is 100% compatible with most capacitive touchscreen devices; Apple, Android and Windows Smartphone’s and 5V Tablet; (Compatible with Apple iPad 1 and 2, iPhone, iPad mini/iPad air 1,2,3 and 4, iPod, Kindle Fire, Kindle Touch, Motorola Xoom Tablet, Samsung Galaxy, and Blackberry Playbook, Virtuoso Touch).

Practical use:

The stylus comes will a lot of functionality in the box. The stylus is protected with a screw tip cover. To access the disc tip, you must unscrew the grip section and then screw the other side of the grip to the body of the pen. The screw thread seems secure and strong. The stylus was extremely accurate when used with the text or line directly beneath the tip. There are no batteries setup etc required; take from the box and use directly on the touch screen. The replacement tips are a bonus.

Conclusion:

The price of this stylus would be a surprise to most, having asked a variety of people what this cost should be, the reaction was 2 or 3 times the actual price. The variety of spares is great; the spares did not inspire confidence in physical strength but in terms of value for money these are great. This may not be for be all users but for those that require a smart stylus can’t go wrong, this may be excellent present or alternative to try something new.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/MEKO-Precision-Touchscreen-Replacement-Tablets-Black/dp/B01E0LHE26/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1527798718&sr=8-2&keywords=meko%2Bstylus&th=1

Review – The Sphero Mini #kids #tech #coding

The Sphero mini looks like a ball, the size of a pin-pong ball roughly. This is made of a sturdy plastic Removing the cover of the ball looks like a robotic electronic ball within the ball. This is a small app-enabled robotic ball with a gyroscope, accelerometer, and LED lights that glow in millions of colours. The ball can rotate allowing Driving, Gaming, Java Coding in a small size. The ball is controlled to shoot through space, race through a tunnel, or destroy a polygon of bricks.

Contents:

Sphero SPRK+

– Inductive Charging Base with USB cable

– Maze tape

– 360º protractor

– Sticker sheet

– Quick Start Guide to get you rolling

Sphero Mini

– Micro USB charging cord

– 3 Mini traffic cones

– 6 Mini bowling pins

Features:

Drive – Drive Mini several ways with the Sphero Mini app – Joystick, Tilt, Slingshot, or Face Drive.
Face Drive – Face Drive is a feature that uses your facial expressions to drive the ball.
Gaming – Sphero Mini can be used with the app as a video game controller.
Coding – Download the Sphero Edu app and program your Sphero Mini bot using JavaScript.
Interchangeable Shells – Colourful, interchangeable shells allow you to switch one out to suit your mood.

Charging:

The charging is done by unscrewing the ball and plug in the USB changer lead supplied. The charger looks great with bright lights but impractical to leave overnight in a bedroom room due to the Christmas tree effect of the lights. Charging time takes one hour with approx. 45 minutes of use.

Programming:

The Sphero mini allows programming with JavaScript using the Sphero Edu app allowing additional features or tricks developed. This could be a great introduction to Programming for a junior member that may want to develop their skills. This does not require Programming but available option if required. The app works as a traditional app connected via Bluetooth, this was connected to an iPhone 6 which was easy to setup.

Practical use:

The ball has a speed listed of Top speed 1 Meter per sec (2.2 mph) with the option of slow, fast. This speed is fast in a confined area and takes time and practice to become familiar with the controls. The Sphero mini allows a face drive feature that uses facial recognition technology to drive the ball. The app allows updated features of games played.

Traditional games of bowling can be placed with the supplied six mini bowling pins and three mini traffic cones. The interchangeable shells allow additional excitement with the unit. This is a fun product, that the user has the option to learn via the java programming or use straight from the app, or use face technology via Smile, frown, tilt your head left and right to control the unit.

Price: Amazon £49.99 See more HERE

Review – Sony Xperia XZ2 #Sony #Xperia

The 5.7-inch Xperia XZ2 is a Sony flagship smartphone in liquid black. The Aluminium frame looks good with a curved back, smooth to touch with rounded edges packing a good camera. This phone is designed to take a knock or 2 been able to withstand IP rated as “dust tight” and protected against powerful jets of water been water resistant.

The Corning Gorilla Glass 5, gives good protection against drops, surviving 1.6-meter, shoulder-height drops onto hard, rough surfaces up to 80% of the time. The phone comes with a large sealed battery and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 Mobile Platform3 for increased speed.

The Qnovo Adaptive Charging monitors your battery’s health when it’s plugged in and adjusts current levels to ensure the battery isn’t overworked. The battery care charges the phone to 90%, waits, then charges to 100% just before your wake-up time.

3D Creator:

This is a great app on the phone, which take a few minutes to understand and review. This is a software that lets you create three-dimensional captures of objects. This allows selfie, face, food and head scan, and free form (the tutorial must be read before you can use).

The result of the 3D Creator gives a professional looking video in minutes which could only be dreamed of in a Spielberg movie, (possible the Sony experience at work here). There is an option for 3D printing which is exhilarating to view. This is a WOW feature!

Annoyance – There are very few features on this smartphone that I can criticize or dislike while (minor gripes) the liquid black Aluminium frame leaves fingerprints over the phone but it is trend. The shiny smooth texture could tend to slide off a smooth table as no grip on the smart phone and if using the device with no case as in our case it will rock if you are trying to text etc, The smartphone is a bit chubby, and rocks which I would not have expected. There is no 3.5mm audio jack which is a trend following in Apple and others footsteps. The Software trend in accepting the T&C repeatedly with apps requiring access to non-relevant features is annoying.

https://youtu.be/R6P4UsvziJA

Conclusion:

The smartphone is a Sony flagship phone with all the featured expected from Sony, the 19MP Motion Eye camera, Front Camera: 5MP Video Recording: 4K video recording camera. The experience of Sony on the audio, loud clear stereo speaker system. This has a great battery life with software featured to enhance battery life and performance. This was far longer than many other phones used in the past. The unit comes with a 64gb Universal Flash Storage but can be expanded to up to 400GB with a micro SD.

This was tried with a 64GB SD card which worked as any card, which I believe would be the same as the 400GB SD card (SD card in the range of €180) The speed of the phone was impressive with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 Processor, while the 4GB RAM seems low for their flagship phone with many other phones having 6 GB ram. The option of a dual sim phone is great option allowing a work sim and personal sim to be used simultaneously, (many of the networks may restrict this). The Sony PS4 has links to the Xperia XZ2 allowing features to be enhanced. The build quality as expected from Sony is great, water resistance, and has good protection against drops.

Sony has here also listened to its fans a taken that boxy look away which lasted several generations of their devices this rounded look is nice be it a tad on the bulky side but it fits well in the hand and stands out, Black would not be my first choice if I was to buy one howevera case make all the difference.

SONY XPERIAXZ2 LAUNCH WITH COMMENTRY

Overall the Xperia XZ2 will not disappoint from the Sony range.

https://www.sonymobile.com/ie

Also see our guest review by LiamBurke

Additional text and images by Jim

Exit mobile version

%%footer%%