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.
A few weeks ago tech21 announced some of its new range for the all new Samsung Galaxy S8 series which is due to drop in the coming days and we have just got our EVO WALLET case for the Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus… See the full range HERE
An innovative design that gives you 2 cases in 1. With two card slots concealed in the Evo Wallet’s detachable cover, your cards are kept secure and easily accessible. And when you don’t need the extra storage, unclip the front cover and convert it into a slim, lightweight case.
Evo Wallet also features FlexShock™ (an ultra-efficient impact absorbing material) and an all-new 3-layer impact absorption system which offers 3m/10ft drop protection whilst being significantly thinner than previous versions. tech21.com. RRP: £39.95
Check out our Video review and image gallery (click to enlarge) and check out the links to purchase for both devices…..
With more and more younger kids now owning mobile phones this is an app you need to have some peace of mind..
The app basically protects your kids from images they should not see,be it what they share or what they receive..
The parent and child downloads the app pairs up the childs device and it scans for inappropriate material… With the explosion of messaging apps and private messaging we really need to keep an eye on the content our children view and receive and with more and more kids younger getting mobile phones or access to them its vital we keep an eye on things…
This unique app has systematic software that scans your child’s images and detects nudity or partial nudity, sending you an alert so you can take the appropriate action. With the threat of cyber bullying, teenage sexting and many other risks for children with a smartphone, parents can now rely on a trusted and innovative solution so they can act before it becomes a problem. Gallery Guardianhelps you monitor your child’s online activity and keep them and their friends safe.
How it works
Gallery Guardian is easy to setup and use. The app resides on the parent and child’s devices. If the app detects a suspicious image it alerts the parent. No images are shown or sent to the parent. The parent then takes the appropriate action as they see fit.
Privacy matters
When suspicious content is detected by the algorithm, the location of the image is noted and a push notification is fired off to the parent device. Privacy is always maintained as no images are shown to the parent.
Just when we thought we did not have enough apps to cover everyone there is now a new dating app on the menu and its for farmers this time around and its called Farmers Match…
Dating apps are still a thing and there is just too many out there I think but there seems to be one for everyone in the audience these days and sure why not leave the farmers out. What makes this one different than whats already freely available?
FarmersMatch is a farmers dating app only designed to help single farmers connect, chat, meet up and date wherever they are. Unlike the traditional farmers or cowboy dating sites, it’s mobile, easy to use and absolutely free to join.
Well nothing to be honest but it is targeted for those who live in rural areas and are in the farming community… This by no means is not an issue on the already available apps but this time the name might just keep that community just as it is and not have anyone sign up for a bit of fun and frolics… However the difference here this is FREE to join but then you can avail of the service starting at €19.99 and upwards thereafter…
It was designed to respond to the unique needs and values of country singles. That’s why FarmersMatch isn’t for everyone. It is the premium app only for farmers dating, ranchers dating, cowboy or cowgirl dating, people who live in the country or rural areas, and anyone else who shares country folks’ traditional and down-to-earth values.
BUT……
FarmersMatch is not for everyone. This dating service is only for:
• Farmers
• Ranchers
• Cowboys or Cowgirls
• Singles who live in the rural areas, or “the country”
• Singles who want to meet singles living in the rural country
• People who have good old-fashioned down-to-earth values
If this is something you want to try out or not heard of hit the download links below and check out the full details….
Cometdocs, a well known online document management system, has just released a new version of PDF to Word Converter, one of their most praised and downloaded application. So, let’s not beat around the bush, and discover instead what version 4.1 has to offer.
New features
Based on the users’ feedback, Cometdocs has developed new practical features, accompanied by the already well-known characteristics that are worth keeping.
From now on it’s possible to convert PDFs from iCloud
Linked Services are from now on free for all users
It’s possible to rename the converted document
Apart from these new functionalities, old good features such as the unlimited number of conversions, ability to access PDF files from Gmail and popular cloud services and other are still available. However, this isn’t all so don’t miss to check all the possibilities that this productivity app has to offer.
OCR technology Even though the OCR technology of the previous versions of PDF to Word Converter was fine and offered an excellent conversion quality, developers from Cometdocs are in constant search for the perfection and improvements. Therefore, the latest version brings the upgraded and improved servers which results in impeccable conversions. In other words, you’ll be able to convert complex and scanned files without a difficulty.
Improved user interface New UI features deserve a mention. So, UI has experienced some slight changes. It still keeps the simple, minimalist design that is adapted to every type of user, but it is even better now: a little bit of polishing made it more stable and optimized.
The only thing left to do is to open App store, look for PDF to Word Converterand to download it. We are looking forward to hearing your impressions on it, so please share them in the comments..
Today we are more security conscious than ever and we now also see more and more offerings on home security or CCTV systems for sale in our DIY stores and the likes. However these come at an expense and can run into hundreds of euro even thousands for a basic model and again none wireless.
OK we can argue with some of these that they are great and you get all the trimmings including a remote control similar to your gaming pad but what about a hassle free simple to set up system you can entirely run from your smartphone ? We have been testing Blink and its actually a brilliant piece of kit and it took me less than 5 minutes to set the whole system up..
Packaging is simple and the contents the same there is no messing around here at all, You get your camera pack and sync pack a booklet,bracket and one screw and yes there is batteries included,Two walkman style batteries to be exact. The one screw is all you need to fix the camera in place,the sync box can be plugged in anywhere in the house due to wifi connectivity or you can use a cable to connect it direct to your router,all you need after that is the app Blink app itself..
Once you have done all the unpacking you will then download the app from the App store. Next thing you need to decide is where to place the camera or cameras. Once this has been done you should them begin to use the app and follow the simple set up steps, Connecting to your Wi-Fi is simple just like any other device in house the camera modules even have QR codes to scan so you dont have to manually do anything you can then name the camera for example ,upstairs or downstairs as I did. Once set up is complete you can then reposition the camera itself by simple moving it on its bracket which there was one caveat here for me. You could not adjust the angle vertically but you can move left and right and angle to an extent, a ball and socket joint would have been better here than a fixed clip in..
Once the cameras are in place and you have all the set up complete on your device you will have some menus to play around with to change the settings,again these are easy to follow and easy to adjust. When you open the app you will be presented with a static of the final position of the camera and you can either watch live or take a snapshot, the sound and quality is actually better than I expected it to be I was particularly impressed with the sound playback and the video quality is also excellent and again better than what I assumed it maybe… You will notice a mirco USB port on these and they are for powering the unit with NO batteries if you like,though the batteries last two years.
Camera quality and fucntion.
The quality of the camera is good which to be fair would be also on the light available though outdoors seemed more favourable for the best quality images or live streaming from your mobile phone. As mentioned already the picture is crisp and clear under the right conditions and the sound is always crisp and clear. Given I tried both indoors and outdoor testing I think the outdoor scenario pointing out into direct light suited better though the camera can be used indoors which is good lighting conditions would vary and also where your camera is placed so keep this in mind but overall its good though at times grainy but this would be the same problem for any similar product. See samples below,some edited for privacy..
Set up and installation.
It is simple to set up and install this which I like which also makes it portable in fact you dont need to get the tool kit out if you have somewhere you could just rest the camera,all you need is a philips screwdriver to stick it on the wall or wherever might suit once the surface is sound, If you however want a permanent fixture you would want to perhaps go pro and pre drill the wall and insert a plug but i dont see the need to because you may want to move the camera about depending on how many you have.
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Notifications.
You can set motion detection on this via the app. Though I would advise this be activated if you are not at home because the accuracy is actually good very good infact it became annoying when I was testing it however this might depend on how you have placed the camera and what is in its line of sight but to be fair they notifications came faster than some I would get on social media feed or email so it s a good thing to have particularity if you are away and know there is no unexpected visitors or movement but you might pick up that cat or bird that passes by or lands on your window ledge..
Overall thoughts.
Great idea simple to set up.. Its effective however no continuous storage. BUT… its portable,you can move at will with ease, Notifications are so fast there is no need for continuous storage and alerts are stored on your mobile phone so you HAVE FOOTAGE should you require it.. Overall the other important factor to think about is here is NO WIRES.. And finally its not expensive either..
If you have got one of these and have any set up issues do get in touch and we will assist you.. Also note as we have been asked if you are one of those who turn off your Wi-Fi or have it scheduled it will automatically reconnect so you can still enjoy checking on things no matter where you are straight from your mobile phone..
Call for entries opens for the 2017 “Airbus Diversity Award
Airbus, the leading aircraft manufacturer, and the Global Engineering Deans Council (GEDC), have launched the call for nominations for the 2017 edition of the “Airbus Diversity Award”. This award aims to shine a light on successful projects which have encouraged more young people of all profiles and backgrounds to study and succeed in engineering. The award was developed and funded by Airbus in partnership with the GEDC, the leading international organisation leaders of schools and colleges of engineering. For this fifth anniversary edition, the award will be placed under UNESCO patronage.
The long term goal is to increase diversity among the global community of engineers so that the engineering industry reflects the diversity of the communities it supports, with diversity recognised as a driver for innovation and growth.
“At Airbus we know that a diverse and inclusive culture is an asset”, said Jean Brice Dumont, Executive Vice President Engineering Airbus Helicopters and patron of the award. “It boosts the innovative mind-set that underpins the vast technological advances happening in aviation and aerospace today. We are committed to developing the next generation of engineering talent and are proud to partner with UNESCO and engineering schools around the world to achieve that.” “We need more young people from every background and of every profile to acquire the skills the world needs to solve our greatest global challenges, as well as realise the potential of new opportunities”, said Flavia Schlegel, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences. “So I am excited to bring UNESCO’s support to this valuable partnership”.
Last November, the Airbus Diversity Award went to Dr Yacob Astatke, from Morgan State University in the USA, for his impressive introduction of technology and training initiatives across universities in Ethiopia to improve the delivery of engineering education in Africa.
“In 2017 we invite everyone working to improve diversity in engineering education around the world to put their successful projects forward, to share their good ideas and innovative approaches and to inspire others to do more on this critical issue”, said Peter Kilpatrick, McCloskey Dean of Engineering at the University of Notre Dame, USA, and GEDC Chair.
Entries for this new award will close on 10th July with the winning project to be announced at the GEDC Annual Conference in Niagara Falls, Canada in October 2017. Entries can be made online by any individual or team working with or in an engineering college/faculty, whose project has demonstrated tangible results in bringing more diversity among engineering students and/or graduates.
Living in Belfast or thinking on planing a night or two to escape this is the one stop shop to tell you what is going on so you can plan your night ahead directly from your smartphone be it Android or iOS and its totally FREE..
The most comprehensive collection of upcoming events and live entertainment in Belfast from Concerts, Theatre & Film Festivals to Comedy, Ghost Tours & Food Fairs!
On setting up the app you can insert your Gender age and relationship status if you like but there is no need should you wish to just go take a look again you can go back and fill this in later in the settings menu on the top right hand side. There is a favourites tab,Main Feed and Filter tab which is packed with icons of things to do which you can highlight for yourself, And to finish off there is a built in calendar to boot on the top left side of the app which you can view when events are on..
Our next review is the all new Jabra Talk 2 Bluetooth headset which to date has served me well and adds nicely to my Jabra collection that also still serves me well…
The Jabra Talk 2 comes in a simple form of packaging which is mostly clear and comes boxed with cable,instructions and flexible ear gels, this also sports 9 hours of battery life which is not so bad and lives up to the manufacturers specs which often particularly with smartphones for example is not the case after testing…
Its quite a small sized headset which is not a bad thing considered some of what is available out there today even for me with big hands found it easy to use given its small buttons on board and again it was only matter of time before I came comfortable to navigate these with no issues after some proper use,life can be difficult sometimes which chunky hands believe me..
Connecting to my smartphone was simple as you would typically find with any Jabra product,the process was quick and hassle free and of course the is audible notifications on board here to to let you know as well as the LED lights…
The device paired with several smartphones I might add and again with ease just remember if you have issues to ensure the connected device is set to visible as some by default are not and you will not pick it up..
Functions
On the unit we have a built in mic.volume controls LED lights for status such as charge and connection,On and Off switch and a Micro USB ports its housed nice and compact it must be said and also on board there is the ability to use the Jabra Assist app there is also a Find My Jabra feature that will geotag the last location where your headset was used which is pretty cool should you misplace it..
Sound quality..
Was good,crisp and clear to be fair,what do you expect for its price tag,its not out to break records but provide you with an decent experience which it does maybe a bit low for my ears but I am known for liking things loud so its safe to say for any consumer the audio level is perfectly fine.. I was happy with it as a whole and could conduct business as normal. Given its size and the plastic holder that holds it on it was comfortable and after a few minutes I felt like I had lost it,Rather than the tough plastic feel on the holder itself I would have preferred rubber but its not much of a caveat and me more nitpicking than anything else but as I said it does the job its set out to do and at a really competitive price…
If you want something simple to take calls for work,or be it walking or even jogging and cost effective this will do the job for you based on how I used it in the same circumstances, it did not let me down,you will get easily one days use for the average person but keep in mind it will need to be charged fully because you never know what the next day will bring, Having said that it would be more so for power users which many folk are and of course its great for drivers too which keeps them away from their phone and the rigors of the law which have clamped down alot lately..
iStorage Introduce the ultra-secure diskAshur range, super speed USB 3.1, PIN authenticated, hardware encrypted portable HDD/SSD and desktop drives incorporating unique EDGE technology.
iStorage, the award winning and trusted global leader of PIN authenticated, hardware encrypted portable data storage devices, has announced the launch of their new range of USB 3.1 Hard Disk Drives (HDD) and Solid State Drives (SSD), consisting of the diskAshur², diskAshur² SSD, diskAshur PRO², diskAshur PRO² SSD and the diskAshur DT² all of which are designed, developed and assembled in the UK.
The new drives feature Enhanced Dual Generating Encryption (EDGE) technology making them THE most secure HDD/SSD and desktop drives currently on the market.
EDGE™ Security Features:
One of the unique and underlying security features of the GDPR compliant diskAshur range is the dedicated hardware based secure microprocessor (Common Criteria EAL4+ ready), which employs built-in physical protection mechanisms designed to defend against external tamper, bypass laser attacks and fault injections.
Unlike other solutions, all the drives within this range react to automated hacking attempts by entering the deadlock frozen state, which renders all such attacks as useless.
In plain and simple terms, without the PIN, there’s no way in!
With software free set up and operation, the diskAshur range is platform/device independent and works across all operating systems including all versions of MS Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, Chrome, Thin Clients, Zero Clients and embedded systems. In fact, the drives will work on any device with a USB port!
The diskAshur² USB 3.1 portable hard drive and SSD is aimed for the end user looking for an easy to use secure solution for storing all their data. Elegantly designed and available in 4 striking colours (Phantom Black, Ocean Blue, Fiery Red and Racing Green) and with capacity options from 128GB to 2TB.
The diskAshur² features an ultra smooth fascia that doubles up as shock-absorbers, is water and dust resistant
(IP 56 certified) and supplied with a stylish and sturdy travel case. The iconic contemporary design also features an integrated cable which can be conveniently stored away when not in use.
(L-R) – diskAshur² Fiery Red, Racing Green and Ocean Blue, diskAshur DT², diskAshur PRO² and diskAshur² (black)
The diskAshur PRO²
USB 3.1 portable hard drive is available in a stylish graphite housing and is the ultimate secure data storage device. Designed for the more demanding user, the diskAshur PRO² portable hard drive and the diskAshur PRO² SSD are designed to be FIPS 140-2 Level 3, NCSC CPA Foundation Level, Common Criteria and NLNCSA government certified, water and dust resistant (IP 56 certified). The diskAshur PRO² is available in capacities of up to 2TB (HDD) and 1TB (SSD) and is supplied with a protective carry case.
In addition to incorporating a secure microprocessor, encrypting the data and the encryption key, the diskAshur PRO² adds another barrier between your data and a hacker, with all of the components completely covered by a layer of super tough epoxy resin which is virtually impossible to remove without causing permanent damage to the components. The barrier prevents a potential hacker from accessing the critical components and launching a variety of futile attacks. Furthermore, the tamper evident design of the diskAshur PRO² will provide visible evidence if attempted tampering has occurred.
For those that require a high capacity solution, look no further than the diskAshur DT² hard drive. Designed for those that need maximum security, protection and storage, this desktop drive is designed to be FIPS 140-2 Level 2, NCSC CPA Foundation Level, Common Criteria and NLNCSA certified and is available in capacities ranging from 1TB up to an almighty 8TB!
In addition to EDGE™ technology, the diskAshur range includes the following common features:
* Brute Force Hack Defence Mechanism – Intelligently programmed to protect against all forms of Brute Force Attacks. Upon the 15th consecutive incorrect PIN entry, the diskAshur drive assumes it is being attacked and will delete the encryption key and lock itself, rendering all data previously stored on the drive as lost forever. At this point the drive can be reset to factory default settings and redeployed.
* Self Destruct Feature: Users can pre-program the diskAshur drives with a unique Self Destruct PIN which, once entered, instantly deletes the encryption key rendering all data previously stored on the drive as lost forever.
* Unattended Auto-Lock Feature: Set the drive to automatically lock after a pre-determined amount of time where the drive has not been used.
* Wear Resistant Epoxy Coated Keypad: Designed with protection in mind, the diskAshur range offer a wear resistant epoxy coated keypad which hides key usage to avoid tipping off a potential hacker to commonly used keys.
For more information on iStorage or to find out how the iStorage EDGE range of diskAshur², diskAshur² SSD, diskAshur PRO², diskAshur PRO² SSD and the diskAshur DT² can help protect your organisation’s confidential data, whilst ensuring GDPR compliance, please visit www.istorage-uk.com or contact +44 (0) 20 8991 6260.
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