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.
With 52 keys you can assign a task too, its for the corporate folk. BUT a 4.5 inch screen…
Blackberry has had some really decent phones over the last two years such as the oddly shaped Passport which I actually love and the Priv. You just cant beat those keys full stop and with their new device which is a mash of both the price better be right here which Blackberry have failed to address for some time. it is tipped to be around €500.Dubbed as the Mercury the company have announced the KEYone.. This time around its no Alcatel looking device they have went back to their old looks….
The device has lots to offer such as a 3505 mAh battery USB-C, Dis convenience key, rubber backed finish which is excellent, Android 7.1 out of the box and the space bar doubles as a fingerprint scanner. I think this one will be on my list this year…
Samsung are present at MWC but forget about a Galaxy S8 announcement.
Samsung have a new Gear VR headset which looks much the same as last years iteration and it comes in Black again which is not so bad. Also this time round they have a controller to go along with the unit which means stuff… Stuff being expanding the ecosystem. This device is compatible just as before and you would also think the S8 coming in a few weeks time..
“At Samsung, we are focused on setting and exceeding the standard for VR experiences, making them even more accessible and delivering the highest in quality,” said Younghee Lee, Executive Vice President of Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics. “The Gear VR with Controller expands our VR ecosystem to help consumers get more engaged and immersed in VR content – whether it’s games or videos.”
The new Gear VR with Controller offers 42mm lenses with 101-degree FOV (Field of View) and advanced distortion correction technology to minimize motion sickness. The Samsung Gear VR with Controller will support both micro USB and USB Type-C port with a converter in-box. Additionally, the Gear VR will have a strap on the headset to hold the Controller when it is not in use.
So that means when I get my S8 soon I will have to check this lad out perhaps Samsung might just bundle this with the phone on launch.. The price though but I would expect it to be a bit higher than previous due to the extras here..
Nokia is back and back with a bang along with the old favourite the Nokia 3310.. But… No high end some hoped for the Nokia 8, This is again why do not write rumours because in some cases its information thats not true and it gets annoying reading daily updates like “this phone will have this” etc.. You get my point.. With the Android market saturated can Nokia come back and reign champions again?? Time will tell and they have a good chance if they get the logistics right and dont follow rules of old such as selected markets only…..
Today Nokia made a few announcements which will certainly be of interest to mobile users out there today with the announcement of the Nokia 6 GOING GLOBAL also it will have special edition “Arte” costing €299 they also brought back an updated version of the much loved Nokia 3310. Not only that SNAKE is back and can be found in Facebook Messenger right NOW..
The #Nokia6 began its life in china and had some remarkable stats to show on entering the toughest market out there today.. Some thought this was a wrong move but as they said at the event they have set the bar high this time.
The Nokia 6 as mentioned will be now available globally in Q2 the standard phone which is the one that was first launched will cost you €229 and the Arte Edition will be €299..The Nokia 6 is carved out of one solid block and takes 55 minutes to manufacture just one device..
Specs
Clean and clutter-free Android Nougat with regular updates
The latest generation Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 processor designed for excellent battery life and improved graphics performance
3 GB of RAM
The full set of Google services, including Google Photos and Google Play
Loads of space with 32 GB mass storage and MicroSD card support up to 128 GB
Convenient fingerprint sensor
Bright full-HD sculpted Corning Gorilla Glass display with wide color reproduction
16 MP camera on the back, 8 MP on the front
Immersive sound with Dolby Atmos and dual speakers
Available as both single SIM and dual SIM variants
The Nokia 5
The Nokia 5 device announced today and a more affordable phone looks nice and comes in at cheaper price tag of €189 and its got good specs and a great build quality to boot..
Clean and clutter-free Android Nougat with regular updates
Latest generation Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 processor designed for excellent battery life and improved graphics
NFC for easy sharing of your content
A MicroSD card slot with support up to 128 GB
16 GB storage for all your stuff
Seamless metal body that fits perfectly in your hand
Convenient fingerprint sensor
Bright fully-laminated and polarized 5.2” sculpted Corning Gorilla Glass HD display
13 MP autofocus camera on the back, 8 MP camera on the front
Available as both single SIM and dual SIM variants
The Nokia 3
The Nokia 3 is an even more affordable device so Nokia has all pockets catered for here. The Nokia 3 comes in at just €139 and it looks great too, All of the phones announced today sporting the latest version of Android look great in fact and have a great build quality and all come in at an affordable price too so lets look at the Nokia 3
Clean and clutter-free Android Nougat with regular updates
Google Photos for easy photo storage and sharing
Plenty of sensors to give you a full experience, including accelerometer, gyroscope and NFC for sharing
Fast downloads and uninterrupted music and video streaming with LTE 4G connectivity
16 GB storage for all your photos, plus a MicroSD card slot with support up to 128 GB
Beautiful polycarbonate body
A precision-machined aluminium frame
See everything clearly with the polarized, sculpted 5” Corning Gorilla Glass display
8 MP camera with autofocus both on the back and the front
Available as both single SIM and dual SIM variants
Finally the Nokia 3310 rebooted..
The Nokia 3310 IS BACK.. This time is more modern looking and its got a colour screen to boot and of course it comes with snake, The 3310 will also come in a variety of colours and is set to cost round €49 which is pretty good,this will sell by the truck load when its launched.. Given it has a small 2.4 inch screen thats polarised this will not bother anyone but it will be fun using a phone with such a small screen today, I still have my original Nokia 3310 and booted it up last week and it was fun.. Already I have seen some in the media having harsh words for this device saying that its a throwaway device and that feature phones are dying, This is rubbish.. I would consider spending €10 -€20 a throwaway device not €50..
Feature phones are cheap devices and they mostly suit merging market which is still a thing and a device like this would be great for a back up device or a device to bring with you on a night out or a trip perhaps which is what I often do at times using a cheap phone… It could be also great for the older generation who want something simple and again it would make a great gift..
The phone is said to have a months standby time and comes with a micro USB port for charging so you can stop looking for your old chargers now. I have lots if you need any btw. The 3310 comes in 4 colours and there was no mention of swappable fascias as before which some had hoped for….
2G connectivity for calling and texting
All-new UI with nods to the original
Awesome battery life, with up to 22 hours talk time
FM radio and MP3 player for music
16 MB storage plus a MicroSD card slot with support up to 32 GB
Beautiful push buttons and iconic, shaped design
2 MP camera with LED flash for simple snaps
Headphone jack for your tunes
2.4” curved window with polarized layer for better readability in sunlight
Available as both single SIM and dual SIM variants
If you have any questions fire away and check out my interview with Nokiasome years ago.. Yes I still have a huge collection which has grown since this interview so now the collection will keep growing.. Also see MY TOP PICKSfrom the old times..
Each Wednesday the Tech Show is live from 8-9pm on http://www.charityradio.ie and we now have podcasts if you missed out available on Mixcloud, Charity Radio on demand is a new service on offer featuring all of the regular shows so tune in there of catch us on the TuneIn app anywhere in the world…
If you have a new app or tech product and want to be featured or come in for a live interview do get in touch with us and we will arrange the rest.
You can listen to our last show with the @tecdr right HERE.
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 super fashionable spring/summer collection of transparent cases. The new cases, including designs such as Hibiscus, Coral Snake and Humming Birds will be available for iPhone and Samsung devices from 31st March at shopflavr.com and selected retailers, priced at £14.99
FLAVR have spent a considerable amount of time researching the current hot fashion trends of tropical greens and botanical prints alongside vibrant tattoo motifs to ensure the cases appeal to the fashion conscious who love to stand out from the crowd. The cases have been manufactured 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 discovered that the cases scored extremely well suggesting the entire range will be extremely strong sellers. Some of the comments from those surveyed included “gorgeous contrasting colours”, “fun, quirky and cute”, “eye catching” and “brightens up a phone into a fashion accessory.” Complete with bright and unique packaging, the FLAVR cases are at the forefront of this season’s fashion and are sure to turn the iPhone into a perfect accessory for any occasion.
The Spring/Summer collection includes the following designs: Hibiscus, Cherry Blossom, Poppy, Roses, Tiger, Coral Snake, Banana Leaves and Hummingbirds. FLAVR cases are available for £14.99 from shopflavr.com and selected retailers from the end of March
There is plenty of image editing apps out there today or we can easily photo-shop images to dress them up to our own needs. Of late there is lots of new apps that allow you to edit your face to make you look better too which is kind of pointless because people know what you look like so there is no point in hiding or airbrushing yourself to please others. This new app however is fun and puts you in the limelight by way of movie posters and it fun Not only for adults your kids too…
How many times have you tried to morph your face onto the poster of your favourite movie only to have it looking completely fake and out of place? Worry not because there’s a rescue for all you Bollywood lovers out there –
Dooperstar has come to save you! It’s a new uber cool app that allows fans to add their pictures in the movie poster as the actor or actress in just one simple click. Yup, just ONE click. None of those photoshop troubles or struggles.
Dooperstar uses advanced computing and machine learning techniques, and guess what? There’s absolutely no editing required.
I have tried it myself with my daugther and its a bit of fun and whats better is you can share your creations via social media or Whats App and email…
– Pick from hundreds of movies posters, TV series and popular ads
– Take your picture and get instant result
– Share with friends & family
The app is easy to use you just have to select a poster from the gallery and point the front facing camera at your face and get it centred as best you can and press click,the rest is done by the app,its that simple. You can sign in too via the app via Google Plus or Facebook and submit ideas,send feedback and rate the app…
The app is free right now on Android and coming to iOS and Windows Phone soon,You may have to wait for your region as its a phased rollout..Also they promise to add new posters each week.
Following the success of the Elite and Bravo 2 in 1 notebooks, Venturer is now launching the next generation of notebook, now with 4GB RAM and an impressive 64GB hard drive. The PrimePro 12TS is perfect for business use and for those who need a sturdy yet portable notebook for use in the office, on the move, or at home. Available in an attractive metallic black, the PrimePro offers great value for money at only £349.99.
With a 12.2 inch screen, 4GB RAM and 64GB Hard Drive, the PrimePro is the perfect option for working on the go
Venturer, one of the largest manufacturers of tablets world-wide, with world class manufacturing facilities, today announces the launch of the PrimePro 12TS Windows 10 2-in-1 Notebook. Following on from the hugely successful launch of its BravoWin and Elitewin 2-in-1 affordable notebooks which were positioned as an ideal first computer, Venturer have now produced a device perfect for business users who require a sturdy yet portable notebook for use in the office, on the move, or at home.
With an Intel Atom Core Quad Core processor, 4GB RAM and an impressive 64GB memory, the PrimePro 12TS offers a quick and responsive user experience. It has the ability to access the internet within seconds and has an expandable storage space for work files, photos, videos and music. The 2MP dual cameras at the front and rear allow users to make conference calls and take photos or videos, producing good quality images and videos.
Unlike other more expensive tablets in the market, the Venturer PrimePro 12TS is equipped with a detachable smart keyboard with a leather backing and stand to rest the screen on. When connected, this provides the optimum angle for working and when closed, also provides an extra layer of protection for the metallic black notebook. Rather than draining precious battery power using Bluetooth, the keyboard clips on magnetically, featuring a pressure sensing trackpad so the PrimePro 12TS can be used as a stand-alone tablet or quickly transformed into a working laptop; making it easier to type, work and surf the internet.
Specifications:
Screen
12.2” 1920 x 1200 Pixels
Operating System
Windows 10
Processor (CPU)
Intel ® Atom™ (Up to 1.83GHz)
Display
Multi Points Capacitive Touch Screen
Memory
4GB RAM
Storage
64GB Flash
Connectivity
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0
Camera (MP)
2MP + 2MP (Front & Rear)
Sensor
G-sensor
Connectors
Micro SD, Micro USB (For Charging Only), USB, Headphone, Mini HDMI, DC Jack
Audio
Speakers, Microphone
Battery Life
Up to 8 Hours
Dimensions
Approximately 300 x 206 x 11.8 (WxDxH) mm excluded keyboard
Approximately 300 x 213 x 24.6 (WxDxH) mm with keyboard
Weight
Approximately 907g excluded keyboard, 1500g with keyboard
Accessories
AC Adaptor
Detachable Keyboard
Trackpad, Angle Adjustable
Colour options
Metallic Black
The Venturer PrimePro 12TS is available in Metallic Black from Amazon RRP £349.99
Piccadilly features the world’s first Metallic D3O technology to perfectly colour match your iPhone AND keep it safe
The people of the UK have spoken! When looking for a new case to protect their all-important smart phone, consumers are looking for maximum protection, high quality materials without making the case bulky and a great colour (according to an NPD survey).
Maybe this is why then, the Piccadilly phone case, featuring D3O technology from GEAR4, the number one trusted impact protection case brand, has proven to be one of the best-selling cases over the last year in the UK as it ticks all of these boxes.
Featuring the same D3O impact absorbing 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 case for iPhone and Samsung devices boasts unrivalled protection without adding bulk or unsightly padding.
iPhone 7
In fact, the level of protection offered by the Piccadilly case was independently tested at Cranfield Impact Centre (the UK’s leading independent test centre for F1 and defence) and it topped the charts. When impacted three times on its side from 1.7 metres (ear height), it was proven that GEAR4 D3O cases transfer less force than competitors by 30 percent. Not only this, on average the GEAR4 D3O range was also 53 percent lighter than other competitive cases.
GEAR4 is the first case brand to use injectable metallic D3O to perfectly colour match the iPhone in Gold, Rose Gold, Silver and Black delivering more impact protection per cubic millimetre than other leading materials. Piccadilly is scratch-protected with UV coating and offers easy access to all ports.
iPhone 7 Plus
So what exactly is D3O?
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 Piccadilly case is available for iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus for £29.99 from Carphone Warehouse and www.gear4.com
Next in for review is the budget smartphone from NUU. This device looks and feels good off the bat and will set you back around €160 which is not bad at all if you are looking for a good smartphone at a good price. At first look the device is solid though with a plastic back cover overall it looks more like a mid-tier to high end device,check out the images and video below and if you have any questions fire away… We will have a full review in the coming week..
This phone will cost you around €180 which is not bad for what you get. However its not for power users. Any average user will get a day out of it but for me it never happened. It sports a 2,250 mAh battery which is quite on the low side compared to whats considered the norm for a 5 inch phone which is around 3000 mAh.
Overall this phone is for someone looking to upgrade from the sub 100 euro bracket and move up a bit but you get a device that is built well all round apart from the plastic back cover which is not a deal breaker but it is slippy so keep that in mind..
The device is for basics and daily tasks like browsing, social media and emails and the camera is not bad either but I suggest to leave it in HDR mode for point and shoot with no hassle.The colours though where a bit on the saturated side but you can use other apps to add enhancements. Having said that for someone that is not photo mad and has nothing to do but post selfies all day or take a photo at each mealtime it will do the job with decent results all round keeping in mind to leave the HDR mode on all the time..
