Leading real hands on tech review site in Ireland with technology, business news and more. Jim O Brien Tech.
Author: Jim O Brien/CEO
CEO and expert in transport and Mobile tech. A fan 20 years, mobile consultant, Nokia Mobile expert, Former Nokia/Microsoft VIP,Multiple forum tech supporter with worldwide top ranking,Working in the background on mobile technology, Weekly radio show, Featured on the RTE consumer show, Cavan TV and on TRT WORLD. Award winning Technology reviewer and blogger. Security and logisitcs Professional.
Not all dating sites are created equal. Just as the goals of online dating users vary, the sites catering to this market boast distinct characteristics. Websites and apps such as Tinder are geared towards those who want to dive head-first into the dating game and seek short-term gratification. Others like Match.com and eHarmony are better suited to people who are serious about online dating and crave a lasting relationship with someone who is compatible with them.
These sites ask for plenty of information to be submitted, but if you’re intent on finding ‘the one’, you’ll happily take the time to go through the rigorous setup process.
As Christmas is nearly upon us, and with the “working from home” culture on the rise, Flock has compiled some top tips for those planning to work from the comfort of their home over the Christmas break.
With Christmas around the corner, most employees will be looking forward to a break from the office. While some will be busy wrapping presents (and fretting over cooking the turkey perfectly!) new research shows that 70% of people will be using this time at home to catch up and get ahead for the next year
#1: Know your team
You may be working with a skeleton team over Christmas. So, if you’re working from home, ensure you know who’s working and when. Make sure you have their contact details and working dates, and if possible, add them on your work’s instant messaging app for quick and easy communication.
#2: Plan your time
For many of us, working from home seems like the perfect opportunity to get our heads down and tick items off our to-do lists. But in reality, the lack of a structured work day and other distractions (read excitable children, day-time TV, and pile of laundry) may make this less feasible. To stay on track, plan your time, or even set appointments in your online calendar to make it easier to stay on track.
#3: Follow the 5-minute rule
This tip is super simple. If you have a task that you know will take less than five minutes, make the most of being away from immediate distractions that are in abundance at the office (e.g., your colleagues or the biscuit tin) and get it done now!
#4: Take a break
From time to time, all of us are tempted to work through our lunch breaks. But studies show that letting work eat into your lunch time is counter-productive, and that scheduling a break will instead improve your work quality and ability to concentrate!
#5: Schedule meetings
Coordinating and setting up a meeting can be tough, and this becomes so much more difficult if you’re not working from the office! But with most modern work messenger apps such asFlock, scheduling meetings even when working remotely has been made far easier. You can easily schedule an efficient video or voice call, ultimately cutting the time wasted on all the back and forth that can occur via email. Scheduling meetings also adds an element of structure to your day. So, if your skeleton team is spread across geographical locations, you can schedule a quick daily stand up via a video call.
#6: Ensure you have the right tools
Do you get anxious about transparency, access to work documents, and being a part of work-related discussions? Don’t worry, the fear of missing out is real! Research shows that nearly half of us find it hard to relax when we don’t have access to work emails. That’s why it’s important to choose tech tools that help you stay connected even on the go. If you’re keen to stay online, make sure you download your messaging app to your phone so that you can monitor activity and have files at your fingertips while you’re out and about during your Christmas break.
We have several reviews coming up from SOUL Electronics but today there is another new product to market which is the all new X-Shock Pure Wireless Earphones.
The SOUL X-Shock in-ears are the latest innovation by US-American audio experts SOUL Electronics. These “true wireless” earphones offer maximum flexibility – designed for people who don’t want to compromise on music entertainment and head for complete freedom of movement.
Highest Sound Quality via Bluetooth 4.2
SOUL developed these earphones together with a team of sound engineers and professional athletes. Weighing only 6 Gramm each, these in-ears are ergonomically designed and boast a sweat- and waterproof outer shell with innovative double injection technology – for a powerful sound any time and any place. Thanks to their Bluetooth 4.2. technology the X-Shock earphones have a range of up to 10 meters. The gold-plated internal antennas enable an instant auto pairing and an excellent Bluetooth connection with a mobile device and, together with the integrated remote control for easily answering incoming calls, do provide ultimate comfort and flexibility – in the office as well as during workout in the gym or jogging in the park.
Up to 54 Hours of Music Thanks to the Mobile Charging Station
The mobile charging station also offers convincing performance: It not only charges the X-Shock in-ears in 1.5 hours, but also serves as a power bank for the smartphone. The charging station “loads” the earphones a total of 18 times before it has to be recharged. Since the X-Shock headphones themselves have a battery life of over 3 hours, this means a total of at least 54 hours of music enjoyment – with just one loaded charging station.
The new X-Shock true wireless in-ears are available now at GBP 149,99 on Amazon UK. In addition, SOUL will be launching an X-Shock special edition in March 2018 with integrated LED lights in the earplugs for better visibility and more safety during outdoor workouts in the dark.
Security in the home is something that is a must these days and especially this time or year with the early dark evenings and again the extended dark mornings. However having security comes at a cost and cost is an issue but there is price ranges for all that cost up to thousands or euro for a fully installed home kit which needs a licensed provider to do which adds to the cost then we have mobile options,some of which we have covered over the last two years which are cost-effective and require little or no tech skills and no licensed installer.
Earlier this year we checked out the BLINK home security system this is still working in my home today and works a treat and its easy to move about and position the cameras anywhere you like,this new model the BLINK XT is the same,only its built for outdoors but you can of course use it indoors if you wish to do so and the same applies for the home edition you can point them out the window and all works perfectly fine.
One annoyance I had on set up was you can’t add a camera or sync module to the current app on your device out of the box which made no sense but it can be done, there is no need to have two separate sync modules running three cameras from the same ecosystem but all that was involved to set this up was reset current or you could remove the older from past and re-sync the lot up this is good but would have been easier just to add a camera not registered but I can see the point behind it on security terms.
This time around we have the unit entirely in Black which looks better than its white version and its slightly bigger with waterproofing elements thrown in, The set up is the same and the installation process is the same its simple you just need minimal tools to get the show on the road and then download the app have your wifi on and away you go its that simple.
There is not much new here compared to old overall but we do get FHD and infrared /night vision and free storage but its key selling point is it’s completely wireless and simple to set up and you get good vision via the app from your phone but it lacks realtime motion detection you will get this after its been stored,you can however opt in for more plans that cost money but an ongoing cost is an issue for some, The basics on offer are pretty good but this really depends on where you live geographically but then again all areas are targets for criminals to enter your home.
This system allows up to ten cameras mixed run from one module which is pretty good and the battery life is stellar considered which is around two years,my own which is installed several months now is still working fine and I have had no issues to report as yet and hopefully the external is the same but time will tell with the elements of the weather how it holds up and in Ireland we get plenty of wind and rain so that test should not take too long to figure out if it withstand the elements.
Product Details
HD Video up to 1080p!
Temperature Sensor
Motion Detection
Weatherproof
Instant Alerts
Live View
Low-Light Illumination
Infrared Night Vision
What Blink have achieved here again is simplicity and affordability with the security products something which is valuable in my book and does not require much tech know how to get going or licensed installers to come to your home and do it for you.
Sample of night image
For indoor use there is no issue on placing your camera but for outdoors I would suggest having it out of reach as it can be easily removed by hand, criminals today are a step ahead of the game and would spot one easily and the LED that comes on when activated would point them in the direction they need to go to disable it but if out of reach its tough luck for them, sure they should no be nosing around your property anyway, This also as I mentioned before can be used indoors which is another means of keeping an eye on things LIVE when you are not there and gives you peace of mind but not to spy on your family.
PlayLink for PS4 – is an exciting new way to play games with family and friends, which combines your smartphone with your PS4 console, without the need for multiple controllers. There’s a range of PlayLink games available to suit all occasion and skill levels, so whether its the office party or Christmas Day celebrations.
PlayLink allows an entire group to get involved in multiplayer – tilting, tapping, shouting and singing – using their very own smartphone or tablet. Simply download the free supporting game app to your smartphone or tablet, connect to your PS4 via WiFi and you’re good to go.
PlayLink is the latest innovation exclusive to PS4, allowing players to use their smartphones and tablets without the need for multiple controllers. PlayLink games are designed to be played in a group setting, encouraging a truly fun and immersive multiplayer experience.
PlayLink brings more players into the games and allows for social gaming that everyone can enjoy. PlayLink games turn your smartphone or tablet into a versatile controller. Players can interact using their smart phone or tablet in unique ways with each title – tilt, tap, shake, swipe, sing and shout in this varied range of games, which are not only easy to jump into but also challenging enough for some serious game nights.
The collection of PlayLink games vary from gritty crime thrillers to quick-fire quizzes. Simply download the free companion app to your smartphone or tablet and ensure your PS4 hooked up to a TV and you are ready to play.
With party season around the corner, these new PlayLink games are just the thing to liven up your parties, or break out during family gatherings. There’s a game to suit all occasions and can be enjoyed by all skill levels and ages – (as the PEGI ratings allow).
That’s You! is an audacious comedy quiz which challenges up to six friends to get personal and find out what you really think about each other. Featuring over 1,000 varied questions, participants can reveal their daring side by taking part in doodle challenges and snapping selfies.
Hidden Agenda is a narrative-driven adventure that drops participants right into the centre of this chilling detective thriller, which is rife with moral dilemmas that may determine life or death. Up to six participants can join in to make tough decisions about how the story unfolds, but one participant will have a hidden agenda…
Frantics is an arcade-style game where up to four participants face off in a variety of challenges. Bluff, battle, negotiate and co-operate your way to victory, but beware – mischievous host The Fox is also on hand to stir things up.
Singstar Celebration – Whether it’s your birthday, Christmas, New Year’s Eve or even just a Saturday night – SingStar Celebration is the perfect playlist to any party, with up to eight players able to join in the fun. Use your SingStar mic or combine your smartphone to start belting out your favorite party classics.
PlayLink for PS4 games start from €19.99 RRP each and available from stockists nationwide.
Two young Irish entrepreneurs have just released an alarm clock app that gives you brand discounts and rewards for waking up. FirstUp was featured back in MAY this year
The app, called FirstUp, has partnership deals with Benefit Makeup, Unilever, Maxol, Electric Ireland and Ambr Eyewear, with rewards ranging from free coffee to beauty treatments for using the FirstUp alarm.
FirstUp was co-founded by Ruaidhri Finnegan and Dan Moriarty (28) pictured above.
Over 11,000 Irish people registered for the official launch after a trial version of the app was released with Pieta House for their annual Darkness into Light event last May, making it one of the most anticipated Irish apps of the year.
Ruaidhri Finnegan said: “For most people, waking up early isn’t optional, and getting out of your warm bed can be tough. We wanted to build an alarm clock app that looks and sounds great, while giving people a reward incentive to help them have the best and most productive start to the day.”
Dan Moriarty said: “We’re trying to develop an alarm clock that can actively aid our users in having a positive morning; whether that be through the sense of accomplishment in earning a reward, reading the morning news through FirstUp or just not having to listen to that same harsh annoying alarm tone again!”
Head of Marketing for Benefit Cosmetics, Lou Bennett, said:
“FirstUp is a unique and innovative way for us to reward our Benefit customers. We’re delighted to be working with the FirstUp team, and to see how we can make mornings better for the busy, modern girl.”
Head of Marketing for Maxol, Caroline Burton commented:
“In these cold and dark winter months, we wanted to show our appreciation for all our Maxol customers by making their wake up routine that little bit easier. FirstUp is an exciting project, and we look forward to seeing how we can help our customers have a great and energisingstart to the day.”
FirstUp is available to download from the Google and App store now.
Got got a dashcam yet? Well invest in one you will thank me someday for it and I will continue to remind you each time we have a new one in for review, Speaking of.. We have the all new GoSure dashcam from Philips in to check out which is called the GoSure ADR620. As usual fire away with any questions you have here or on social media and we answer them, In the meantime check out the info below and our unboxing..
Automatically capture your journey in vivid detail
Full-HD 1080p sharp recording
With optional GPS module
Wide angle & bright F2.0 lens
Good night view performance
Automatic recording when you start your vehicle
As soon as you turn on your vehicle, the driving recorder starts operating automatically. So you’ll never have to worry about forgetting to turn on the camera. And because the Philips ADR620 automatically overwrites previous unwanted footage, you don’t have to keep replacing the memory card.
Irishmytaxi drivers will now be able to avoid congestion and traffic jams more effectively with the introduction of mytaxi Navigation, built with Google Maps in the mytaxi Driver app.
From 12th December, Europe’s biggest taxi app is integrating Google Maps into its existing system, making mytaxi one of the first service providers in the world to go down this route with Google.
With the new release, Irish drivers will have an improved all-in-one package with supporting technical features that allows them to see the current traffic situation directly in the mytaxi app.
“Our aim in integrating Google Maps is to improve the user-experience and to make using mytaxi even more service-oriented and more intuitive for our drivers. The passengers benefit from the update too as traffic jams and hold-ups can specifically be avoided at the beginning of the trip, without the driver first having to waste time searching for alternative routes in separate systems,“ said mytaxi’s chief product officer Johannes Mewes.
In addition to trips being allocated more appropriately due to more precise geolocation, mytaxi Navigation means the driver can now see the quickest and most direct route to the customer on the offer screen. When the driver accepts the booking, they are directed to the destination by a blue line and are given precise details of the journey time – and a voice function and a general overview with a practical zoom are included too.
The mytaxi Driver App update with mytaxi Navigation is now available for all iOS and Android devices. If you have not downloaded it yet hit the store icons below to do so.
mytaxi is committed to supporting its drivers and increasing the size of its fleet to meet surging customer demand in Ireland. Over 12,000 drivers have been active on the mytaxi and Hailo apps since launch with over 700 of these drivers joining since September this year. In November 2017, despite customer demand being up more than 35% year over year – mytaxi improved their service levels nationwide.
Last month it announced a total of €1 million in incentives to the first 500 drivers who pass the NTA test needed to enter the taxi sector and drive for mytaxi. As part of this initiative, drivers also receive free training for the SPSV test using the new mytaxi Manual, with the platform already helping drivers to pass the test.
Our homes are becoming more connected and with gadgets being made available to replace existing items in our house its now even easier to move to a smarter connected home alongside the wide variety of ready made product which we can buy in most stores or online today. Replacing existing items in our home is not as tough as one would expect and starting with the likes of bulbs and switches and so which he have covered here in the past we today have a new product to market to replace your typical switch and socket and combined with an app for Android and iOS its very easy to do and does not require much tech know how to get going.
Before we install our kit here we wanted to give you a quick unboxing of what is on offer and an idea of what it entails and what these new prodcuts can do for you and if you want to move to a more connected home. A product like this can also connect to Amazon Alexa and Google Home and IFTTT (If this then that) If you have not checked IFTTT out you need to. But dont just rush into the connected world and familiarise yourself with the product first and then move on at your own pace if you are new to this kind of technology.
Lightwave offer a range of products in their own ecosystem to get your home more connected and smart and please check out over at https://lightwaverf.com/
