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.

Blackboard Bringing Learn SaaS and the Ultra Experience to Europe. #Saas

Clients to be empowered with more choices and greater flexibility to achieve teaching and learning success

 

Blackboard Inc. announced today its offering of the software as a service (SaaS) deployment of Blackboard Learn and the optional Ultra Experience in Europe. Clients who choose to use the new SaaS solution will be deployed via the Amazon Web Services EU region in Frankfurt, Germany. The offering will give European institutions a third local deployment option in addition to the self-hosted and managed-hosted delivery models already available.

 

 

Blackboard Learn deployed as SaaS will offer the Original experience of Blackboard Learn 9.1, including user interface, workflows and features. Clients can decide to move to this new delivery model with confidence, as their academics, staff and students will continue to use the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) they are already familiar with. This will also allow for a variety of improvements for clients, including reduced costs related to change management processes, fewer disruptions, and continuing benefits from investments already made on online curriculum developments, training and technology adoption programmes.

 

 

 

“With the launch of the SaaS deployment and the Ultra experience in the U.S. and Australia, we are excited to bring these options to Europe,” said Lee Blakemore, President of Blackboard International. “European institutions and organisations will have greater choice in how they want to deploy their Virtual Learning Environment. If they opt to transition to the SaaS delivery model, they will be able to leverage the robust and scalable cloud infrastructure provided by Amazon Web Services while utilising the most complete and flexible VLE on the market.” 

In addition to benefits such as zero downtime updates, fast roll out of new features, and quicker delivery of fixes, institutions opting for the SaaS deployment will also have the option to access the Ultra experience of Blackboard Learn with a simplified and mobile-friendly interface, streamlined workflows with easier access to the most common functionalities needed to manage courses, and a personalised experience specifically designed for students and teachers that brings aggregated and actionable information to a user’s view. Moreover, the Original and Ultra experiences can be run simultaneously via the SaaS model, allowing institutions to evaluate and transition to the Ultra experience according to their own needs and schedules.

Motorola Moto G5 Sim Free now on sale in Ireland. #motorola #G5

The all new budget device is now available to order today for €224.99

If you need a new phone and dont want to fork out a fortune you can now order the G5 from Argos and the price is quite attractive compared to some prices I have seen which command near €300 which is a complete joke and upward again for the Dual Sim Variant, The device can be ordered from the 28th.. You can order now though cheaper from the UK such as Unlocked Mobiles..

 

 

The G series has been quite popular over the last few years and this one should do well too considered its specs on board and for the price albeit higher than whats on offer vs some UK on-line sellers.

 

 

The Moto G comes with a refined metal design, all-day battery life and a fast-focusing camera for beautiful photos. Free yourself with an all-day battery and rapid charging. Take beautiful photos even in bright light with a fast-focusing 13 MP camera. Stay entertained on the go with a fast 1.4 GHz octa-core processor. Unlock your phone using only your fingerprint.

 

 

 

With an all-day 2800 mAh battery, go from morning to night without plugging in. And when it’s time to power up, don’t slow down. The included 10W rapid charger gives your Moto G hours of power in just minutes.

See Argos for the details..

GEAR4’s top selling phone cases are now available for the #Samsung A5 #GEAR4

GEAR4’s top selling phone cases with ‘Trusted Protection’ are now available for the Samsung A5

GEAR4, the UK’s number one trusted impact protection case brand, has today announced that the Piccadilly and Oxford cases from its hugely successful range featuring D3O technology, will now be available for the Samsung A5.

The Piccadilly case is the perfect choice if you desire protection but want your phone to remain as close to the original look as possible. Offering the world’s first Metallic INJECTABLE D3O technology, delivering more impact protection per cubic millimetre than other leading materials. These ultra-slim, ultra-modern, ultra-protective cases can make an impact and still blend with contemporary life.

Piccadilly is scratch-protected with UV coating and offers easy access to all ports..

 

 

Samsung A5 owners will no longer miss out on the opportunity to wrap their treasured device in the most advanced shock absorbing technology for enhanced impact protection. Featuring the same D3O technology that is trusted worldwide in U.S military combat uniforms, American football helmets and protective gear worn by pro athletes (including Usain Bolt), the stylish Piccadilly and Oxford cases boast unrivalled protection.

The Oxford and Piccadilly cases linked to GEAR4’s British roots, combining modern forms and materials to deliver the ultimate combination of sleek protection.

 

The Oxford Bookcase..

GEAR4’s multi-tasker, the Oxford mobile wallet features slots for credit cards and also a convenient stand for viewing videos in landscape. It’s unique clip closure design keeps your valuables safe. Function doesn’t compromise form on the Oxford, as it features the same D3O smart material that offers the highest performance impact protection

The Oxford comes in Black only.

 

 

 

So what exactly is D3O?

The molecules in D3O materials in their raw state flow freely when moved slowly, but on shock, lock together to absorb and disperse energy, before instantly returning to their flexible state. This reaction is counter intuitive. The greater the force of the impact, the more the molecules lock together and the greater the protection meaning your device stays safe when dropped.

 

 

The GEAR4 Oxford and Piccadilly cases from Carphone Warehouse and www.gear4.com

6050mAh battery,The #Ulefone Power 2 its got 4GB RAM and 64GB Storage.

6050mAh Ulefone Power 2  With 4GB RAM and 64GB Storage This is quite a battery just to begin with…

Ulefone Power 2 has the same battery capacity of 6050mAh as the Power 1, And thanks to a better output control chipset, the latest Sony li-polymer battery will last a user for 4 days, given the stronger – thus more energy consuming – CPU. And the battery can be filled up in about 2 hours by a 9V/2A PE2.0 fast charger.

 

 

Upgrade is also seen in the major specs on Ulefone Power 2. Besides1.5GHz clock speed, the MTK6750T octa-core chipset will have the CAT6 baseband which supports 50/300Mbps 4G speed. There will also be 4GB big RAM, 64GB huge storage, and 5.5-inch FHD display. For photography, the Power 2 will be equipped with 16MP and 13MP cameras (interpolated) on rear and front sides, respectively. Besides, users of Power 2 will be able to use the front-facing fingerprint scanner and gyro sensor.

 

Design-wise, the Power 2 has been packed in a metal body with premium matte finish as well was wide curved chamfers for better grip. And there will be 3 colours to choose, black, golden, and grey. The pre-sale will be kicked off on March 29 and now, you can subscribe Ulefone’s email for the voucher to get a USD40 gift package that with come with the device.

 

See more HERE 

 

Designed by doctors and engineers.. #Audeara full fidelity headphones.

Audeara, the world’s first full fidelity headphones with an in built hearing test to protect users ears, delivering a supreme, catered sound like no other headphone, is currently live on Kickstarter.  An instant hit, it reached its funding target within the first 15 hours and has now more than doubled its original target!

Everyone has a degree of hearing loss. Not just as a result of every loud gig they’ve been to, every busy street they’ve walked down, or every police siren that’s ever gone past but also damage can be sustained purely by listening to their headphones too loud. More and more young people have some loss of hearing, an increasing number with the same hearing health aged 30 that people would usually associate with a 60 year old.

 

https://ksr-video.imgix.net/projects/2823886/video-749344-h264_high.mp4?_=1

 

Audeara headphones can be used to test and retest hearing over a lifetime and adapt music to the users’ individual needs. They make music better, not louder, and provide perfect sound, always. The first time the headphones are worn, the user undertakes a hearing test – the results of which, are subsequently stored in the headphones themselves. The headphones use this hearing profile to adjust the sound signal as it passes through them. They adjust the right ear differently from the left, making sure each part of the signal reaches the user’s brain in a way that’s heard as a perfect reflection of the intended signal.

 

 

What makes the Audeara headphones especially powerful is that all the technology is inside the headphones themselves. After the first test, the app isn’t required again unless the user wants to retest. This means headphones are no longer passive magnets for signal conversion, instead, they’re sophisticated tools for personalised sound reproduction.

 

The Technology

Audeara headphones use a software interface from a smartphone application to send Bluetooth commands to the on-board printed circuit board (PCB). This allows the headphones themselves to generate the tones and maintains consistency across all Bluetooth devices.

The headphones are calibrated and the profile is used as the baseline for accurate audiogram testing. After the user performs the audiogram, a modulation table is applied. This adjusts all incoming musical signals to the user’s requirements. Using an attenuation model, rather than increasing gain, ensures maximisation of the overall signal intensity, without distortion.

 

 

With the modulation table stored in the on-board PCB, the user only has to test once for the headphones to apply that table to any Bluetooth signal source. The user can, however, test multiple times, and the software application stores numerous profiles that are then uploaded and stored as the active profile.

The result of the audiogram is displayed for the user, perfect for long-term tracking of any hearing loss, and also as an educational tool in preventing long-term hearing impairment. If the user’s hearing profile shows significant impairment an alert will be shown, which suggests they seek more specialist advice and analysis.

The Audeara Headphones are currently available to backers from just £155 on the Early Bird Special (RRP: £310) on Kickstarter, widely available in July 2017.

 

 

The Audeara app will be available to download from Google Play and the App store.

Features

  • Low-latency, high-fidelity Bluetooth.
  • High-quality 40mm Mylar speakers.
  • Adjustable headband and soft over-ear cushion.
  • Rotatable design for easy storage in a slim, hard carry case when traveling.
  • Built-in lithium-ion battery, rechargeable via Micro-USB jack.
  • The headphones can be used as a common wired headphone with 3.5mm port.
  • Advanced, active noise cancelling design effectively reduces noise by up to 85%.

Specifications

  • Bluetooth & ANC
  • Speakers: 40mm Mylar
  • Audio impedance: 32Ohm
  • Charging time: approx 3.0 hours
  • Charging: micro USB
  • Operating range: ≥10 m
  • Connection: 3.5mm jack
  • Working time :

– Noise cancelling function only: 30 hours
– Bluetooth function only: 15 hours
– Noise cancelling + Bluetooth function: 12 hours

 

 

Apple announce a new 9.7 inch iPad. Well newish… #Apple #iPad

You can order this week the same time as the new iPhone..But again we are fleeced.

Apple have announced a new iPad. Well its kind of new,not much of a difference overall considered the specs on board plus the starting price is €419 for the base model and climbs up to €519. If you go Wi-Fi and cellular it starts from €579..

In their press release…

Apple today updated its most popular-sized iPad, featuring a brighter 9.7-inch Retina display and best-in-class performance at its most affordable price ever, starting at $329 (US). Designed for unmatched portability and ease of use, along with incredible performance and all-day battery life, iPad is the world’s most popular tablet and the primary computing device for millions of customers around the world. Through the more than 1.3 million apps designed specifically for iPad, customers can do even more, from learning to code with Swift Playgrounds and reading books on the large screen to boosting productivity through Microsoft Office and using multitasking features like Split Screen.

 

 

Also in their press announcement Apple say

 

“iPad is the world’s most popular tablet. Customers love the large, 9.7-inch display for everything from watching TV and movies, to surfing the web, making FaceTime calls, and enjoying photos, and now it is even more affordable,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “New customers and anyone looking to upgrade will love this new iPad for use at home, in school, and for work, with its gorgeous Retina display, our powerful A9 chip, and access to the more than 1.3 million apps designed specifically for it.”

See the full press release HERE and all the details on the Irish Apple store HERE 

The Apple iPhone 7 goes PRODUCT RED to support Aids. #HIV #Aids #Apple

You can order the new variant from 15:01 on 24.03 starting at €889.00

If you are fed up with the traditional colourways these might be for you but they do come at a price.. Also it launches the same time around the world which will suit potential Irish buyers better at a 3 PM check in rather than midnight.. Apple state

A portion of the proceeds from every (PRODUCT)RED purchase will go to the Global Fund to fight AIDS in Africa.

 

Every purchase contributes to the Global Fund to support HIV/AIDS programmes and help deliver an AIDS-free generation.

 

 

Apple have come under fire though on some boards with the money they already make per iPhone and this one comes in more expensive than the default models which again some users have said get a dbrand skin for example or a case. However there is a good cause behind it and if you dont mind shedding the extra cash well it might just be up your street… The 128GB and 256GB are only available in this colour so it will not be cheap regardless. I would also like to know how much ” A PORTION” actually is too..

 

Buy HERE 

 

All You Need To About Kodi Media Player by @bradhaddin81 #Kodi #VPN

Kodi, the open source media player that’s taking the world by storm. It’s been only 3 years since Kodi upped its game but its popularity seems to be multiplying on a day-to-day basis. If you’re new to the glittering world of Kodi and want to know more about what makes this media player a cut above the rest then this is the post you wouldn’t want to miss for the world.

What Is Kodi?

Kodi is one of the most famous and open source media center offering a rich collection of repositories and third party add-ons for livestreaming sports events, movies, TV shows and more.

Due to the popularity, there are people who tend to stream copyrighted content on Kodi device. But XBMC Foundation, the owner of Kodi project, doesn’t encourage people to indulge in violation of copyright laws.

 

 

Why Is Kodi So Popular?

Kodi is a popular media center, because it’s free and open source software, available for online streaming lovers. With its popularity increasing with each passing day, the number of Kodi users is also showing a tremendous increase. With easy-to-use repositories and one-click add-on installation process, Kodi is having a bright future ahead.  

 

 

 

What Is Kodi Compatibility With?

When it comes to compatibility, Kodi is super compatible with all the major platforms and smart devices. Yes, it works fittingly well with any device or platform you intend to use, including Windows, Linux, Mac, iOS, Android, Amazon FireTV, Raspberry Pi, We Tek Play, Chromebox, CompuLab Utilite, Intel NUC, ODROID, Razor Forge TV etc. Kodi’s flexibility and compatibility makes it a popular choice for all and sundry. That’s an incredible range of devices for Kodi!  

 

 

What’s The Legality Status Of Kodi Today?

Using Kodi is not illegal at all. There are many third party add-ons available for Kodi users, which are deemed illegal in relation to the violation of international copyright law. Most of the users tend to use these add-ons to stream their favorite programs on Kodi.

XBMC Foundation – the organization behind Kodi – does not support any illegal streaming service and has advised the Kodi users not to indulge in any copyright violations.   

 

 

EPL And Court Order Step In The Ring

A recent court order that allows EPL to track illegal streaming of soccer matches on Kodi boxes has triggered a furore amongst the Kodi lovers. This is first such instance of court order issued for preventing illegal streaming of EPL matches on Kodi / IPTV Boxes.

 

 

According to BBC News, “For the first time this will enable the Premier League to disrupt and prevent the illegal streaming of our matches via IPTV, so-called Kodi, boxes,” said a representative of EPL body.

Up till now there is no major impact of court order. Only a few of individual illegal streaming videos of EPL have been targeted and taken down. The spokesman wants a swift action against illegal streams in a “precise manner.” Let’s see what happens. We can only wait and watch.  

 

Are People Stuck? Or Is There A Workaround?

Kodi enjoys a remarkable position in the international market. Many people will still want to use the open source software and livestream their favorite programs any way. Despite the legal hurdles, the number of Kodi users has seen a tremendous increase. And that’s the real testimony to Kodi’s popularity.

 

 

If you are one of the Kodi geeks who want to live stream programs right from their homes, it’s better to use a fast, reliable and affordable Kodi VPN, as a perfect solution. It will provide you with ultimate buffer-free streaming experience without any hiccups like never before.  

 

About Brad Haddin…

Brad Haddin is an avid tech blogger who loves to research and write about the various technological trends and innovations. I am a regular contributor on other sites also and have had my work published over places like Creately, YFS Magazine, Geek Time and Grand Apps.

Brad has been working in the IT industry for the past 7 years. Currently works for a US-based Online Security Firm, and blogs in his spare time.

 

#FLAVR – Real Flower Collection iPhone cases inspired by the best of British fashion

FLAVR – the Real Flower Collection. Featuring real flowers encased within each transparent case these are perfect to fit in with floral Spring trends. Each case is totally unique as the flowers used differ on each and they are perfect to tie in with the arrival of Spring and the warmer weather..

 

Following the huge success of its lifestyle and Christmas case ranges, FLAVR, the new fashion brand from global mobile accessories and connected devices specialist, STRAX GmbH, today introduces its stunning, eye catching Real Flower Collection of transparent cases. The new cases feature real flowers encased within the unit and there are four beautiful designs to choose from: Amelia, Grace, Daisy and Ella – all available from Carphone Warehouse for £19.99 in March.

 

 

The Flower Collection was inspired by the edgy, bold designs hitting the catwalk at London Fashion Week with strong, floral prints and vibrant hues translated onto the new FLAVR range ensuring the collection will appeal to the fashion conscious who love to stand out from the crowd. The real flowers used mean that every case is unique so no phone will look identical.

The transparent cases are also designed to enhance the iPhones looks by leaving the iconic apple logo and text clear to be viewed together under the case with a discreet FLAVR logo featured on the case.

 

 

Upon conception, FLAVR conducted a RangeLens test survey of the new case range in conjunction with SOUNDOUT and with at least 75% of those surveyed loving the new designs, STRAX are confident the entire range will be extremely strong sellers. The concept of real flowers within the case was seen to be innovative, stylish and a perfect compliment to any phone.

The FLAVR cases are available for £19.99 from Carphone Warehouse