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.
This is a case with a difference. Waterproofing to boot with some extra bits thrown in including the lanyard strap which is something that was once popular and I personally not have used or seen in some time,Its the Waterproof Studstar case from our good friends at Punkcase…
This case is different from the norm and comes packed with some extras such as a lanyard strap and a 3.5mm adapter for your headphones which is actually quite a hand accessories to have spare even if you do not need it so that was a bonus
Packaging and presentation here was good as seen in the images below the box is presentable,sturdy and solid wit a flap that opens again presenting more information on the inside then to reveal the case itself..See video below for full review..
The case is easy to install and once applied it looks really well and does not add much bulk to the device this case completely protects the device all round and is a solid tight fit and gives some good grip to boot. The device can be place either face down or back down knowing all aspects of the device are safe especially the camera lens which in this instance is completely covered by the backing on the case and then there is a lip around the entire back and front.
Ports are also protected by seals which are easy to open and close and add that bit more protection for peace of mind and once again there is no interruption on access or the speaker..
The StudStar Case has been tested for up to 6.6ft deep and 10 minutes in the water. Waterproof, Dustproof, Snowproof, Mudproof, Shockproof and it has a HD clear scratch resistant screen guard to complete the protection.
PunkCase designed it with easy access to all buttons, controls, camera, speaker and microphone.
The PunkCase StudStar Case case has 3 stylish colors to choose from to fit your taste. 6.6ft Underwater Waterproof Shock proof Dust proof Dirt proof Snow proof Hard Shell Cover Case.
Included in the package: Waterproof Case, Headphone Adapter, User Instruction, Cleaning Cloth.
The package includes a 3.5mm headphone jack adapter and a lanyard. Easy access to all buttons, controls, camera, speaker and microphone.
If you have not heard of Prisma App you need to get out from under the rock right away and check it out its simply fantastic and is getting rave reviews worldwide and we cant disagree, The app is simply brilliant.. I have been using it quite a bit and the app can turn the most dullest photos into something like a work of art and there is an array of filters to choose from.. Prisma uses AI (Artificial intelligence) to process images from scratch.
Prisma transforms your photos into artworks using the styles of famous artists: Munk, Picasso as well as world famous ornaments and patterns. A unique combination of neural networks and artificial intelligence helps you turn memorable moments into timeless art. Download on Androidand iOS
Artisto brings Prisma to Video
Artisto is a video editing app that lets you artistically video-capture the world around you. If you have ever heard (and nowadays who has not?) about neural networks and artificial intelligence, this is exactly the combination of the two, but the real marvel only reveals itself when you try it. Better get the app now and find out yourself that the Future of videos has already arrived, with the sophisticated technology contributing to the fantastic output.
● Apply our filters to your videos
● Turn them into blockbusters
● Be surprised
Enjoy the super effects used to be available only to DreamWorks, Pixar, Disney and other famous studios! See the world through the eyes of Van Gogh, Dali, Picasso and other great artists! Just shoot a video and apply a filter. Artisto is now on iOS and is currently region locked on Android…. Will update here when available..
The LUCID case from Punkcase is simply simple to put a clear point on it,Its a simple case to install and looks nice giving your case a nice look to it with a nice feature on the rear to install a credit card or similar..
Whilst the case also looks good it feels good giving you nice grip from all sides and with a nice shiny edge around the entire device it does look more expensive than it actually is..
From the ports to the side rails,keys and camera areas the device is protected with all functionality working fine,soft to the touch the keys work perfectly fine with no interruption at all..The front though is where the case will not fully protect you with no lip surrounding the device leaving it exposed to the elements so perhaps this is a case you could sport in the office or at home but not outdoors if you are the active type but nonetheless its all over a nice case that feels and looks good..
LUCID Series for Samsung Galaxy S7 EDGE Premium Impact Protective Armor Case Cover | Clear TPU | Lifetime Warranty Exchange | PUNK SHIELD Screen Protector | Ultra Fit
PRECISELY CUT: With the case cut so precisely, the Galaxy S7 EDGE headphone and microphone jacks will be just as accessible. You’ll only have to carry what you need, making international travels a breeze.
COLORS TO CHOOSE FROM: Gold, Silver, Black & Rose Gold. Perfect for any suit of action.
CARD SLOT DESIGN: Easy acess to card storage only by sliding one finger.
COMES PUNK SHIELD SCREEN PROTECTOR: Your phone will be with you at the center of all the action.
A new app for kids to try out after yourself perhaps,after playing about with it myself for a few mins it pretty neat.. The game is simple to navigate with on-screen controls which are multi-directional. The app is an experiment though and uses 3G imagery from Google Maps.. It will keep kids entertained for a while anyway.. It is educational and filled with points of interest with speakers that sound off some information when you get into close proximity. You cant get lost either with a map on the top right hand side of your screen.
Verne: The Himalayas is a new app that invites you to explore Google Maps’ 3D imagery of the Himalayas alongside a 500 foot Yeti named Verne. As Verne, you can run up Mt. Everest in seconds, skate across icy lakes, chase yaks, discover bits of information, ride a jetpack, play traditional Himalayan instruments, and more.
The wait is finally over and the all new Galaxy Note 7 is here along with a new VR headset which I predicted they would do,Nice way to earn some extra revenue I guess but but no hard,it looks the part and so does the new Note 7 especially in the Coral Blue colour which is what I will probably go for since I own the S7 and S7 Edge in Black,But yes the Black does look nice too..
The Galaxy Note7 will be available starting on August 19, and will be offered in Blue Coral, Gold Platinum, Silver Titanium and Black Onyx.
With a design language we are familiar with the Note 7 follows the same design as we have seen before and you would easily confused them at first glance to previous models but this has now got the bigger screen which is 5.7 inches.. Also some things to keep in mind,there is no removable battery which is not surprising and this time round the Note7 sports expandable storage something which has annoyed users with the Note 5 and Note 7 owners now get the option of extra storage which is FREE in Samsungs own cloud 15GBs to be exact and not to be sniffed at… USB-C is now introduced this time too which might be off putting for some users but this is the way we are going so now is as good a time to hop on the bandwagon and take the plunge,given im not a fan of it myself owning two devices with USB-C it looks like I have to get my finger out and get used to it but on the upside Samsung have left the 3.5mm headphone socket intact which was nice of them leaving us not having to worry about getting third party connectors,however they will provide a connector from USB-C to Micro USB which is quite good..
Pre-orders are open from tomorrow and the device will be available in the States on August 3rd with a hefty pricetag at $850 and for the Europeans the device will see it land a bit later with pre-orders opening on August 16th and then available on September 2nd again expensive priced around £699 so you will need to check with your providers this time round for contract prices. One mistake Samsung did not make was curb the availability like the Note 5 and left Irish folk stuck with the 6 Edge plus which did not go down to well with customers leaving fans to import the device since no carriers had it available so this is welcome news and we yet have to see prices here and if the freebies come on toe with the device like whats been offered in the US and EU
Design
Although the Galaxy Note7 features a large-screen, the unique front-to-back symmetrical dual-edge curve remains balanced and light with the sleek feel users have come to love from the Galaxy series. The Galaxy Note7 is equipped with the advanced camera that was introduced on the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge. The dual-pixel sensor technology, wide aperture and fast auto focus, work together to create sharp and beautiful photos even in low-light environments. In addition to 64GB of internal memory, the Galaxy Note7 offers expandable storage and microSD support up to 256GB.
S-Pen
The enhanced S Pen is more than just a writing tool – it is the gateway to getting more done efficiently and accurately. Creating and sharing GIF with Smart Select, translating language with Translate and multi-tasking with Glance got much intuitive with S Pen. With the peace of mind that IP68 water resistant provides, the Galaxy Note7 S Pen lets users jot down their thoughts without interruption, even when the screen gets wet.
Security
Coupled with Samsung Knox, an industry-leading security platform, the Galaxy Note7 provides heightened security and privacy, with highly advanced biometric authentication with iris scanning technology.
Entertainment
The Galaxy Note7 features a gorgeous, curved 5.7-inch QHD Super AMOLED screen delivering a bold and immersive picture on a smartphone. It is ready to stream HDR video, enabling a cinema-like experience including brighter colors and a deeper black, which ensure users get the full experience that the filmmaker intended.
Phone +
The Galaxy Note7 is a connection point to Samsung’s ecosystem of devices, software and services. Enjoy the premium virtual reality almost anywhere with the new Gear VR, and create and share 360-degree content on the go with Gear 360. Monitor the users’ fitness activities on Gear Fit2 or Gear IconX and track the workout data through S Health 5.0.
This was something I could see,a refreshed model of the old headset which is one of the best ones out there for the mass market at an affordable price which now averages around €99 and offers a great deal of immersion when using it. The pricing seems to be the same as the current model but looks much better and perfectly suits the new Note 7 in Black.. Sporting USB-C and Micro USB it will support several devices. The 5,6 and 7 series and offers a better field of view to the previous model..
In a world now where we are consumed with technology including our kids its quite evident our kids are not safe,specifically when it comes to online harassment and trolling and often the case this happens without us knowing what is going on despite knowing something is not quite right, Again this sparks debate at what age is right to let your kids have technology with internet access and so on but with the right tools and parenting we can indeed take control of it. WordKik whom is a software company has released 2 new products called “WordKik Parental Control” (Parent’s app) and a safe browser called “WordKik Browser” (Child’s app). WordKik focuses on helping parents to quickly manage their children’s devices remotely from their own phones.
Ferdows Sanehi, Co-Founder/CEO at WordKik. Says
“Currently parents have no clue what their children are doing on their devices or online. How can parents make sure that their children aren’t seeing inappropriate content online?”
With WordKik parents receive weekly statistics about what their children are doing on their devices. Parents now have peace of mind knowing their children won’t come across adult content while they’re exploring the internet because they know WordKik Browser blocks all content deemed to be unfit for a young child. WordKik Browser becomes the default browser on the child’s device and can’t be uninstalled without the parents pin code.
Nothing better than being on the open road on a motorbike especially on a summers day,From owning several bikes in my 20s it was surely a nice experience albeit weather dependent. For me now though I prefer to travel in my car but often the case have this rush to go purchase a motorbike again.With VR now that pain can be eased somewhat by taking a virtual tour on such a vehicle which aint all that bad and not only that there is plenty of options to pick from too.
High Desert Harley-Davidson located in Meridian ID offers a unique VR experience. The viewer can take a tour of their expansive showroom, watch 360 videos showcasing their Learn to Ride program, and take a virtual test drive in 360 video of various Harley-Davidson motorcycle models.
Medical VR is great and there is plenty of VR experiences to pick from now and its nice to see it happen in this format too which is interesting and also beneficial to those with interest in the human body.. This VR experience allows you to travel your Bloodstream and CNS. If this is something that you might be interested in check it out now for free on Android and iOS..
The app is simple to use once downloaded,Insert your device into your selected VR and you have the option of two menus presented in front of you,You will then will be brought on a journey and have points of interest to see on the way and options to move forward throughout your travels,there is also nice relaxing music playing in the background too and the experience is quite nice and enjoyable..
The combination of INVIVO’s world-class 3D content and technical expertise has created a virtual environment like no other. An immersive educational experience, Bloodstream and CNS Explorer transports you to the interior of a blood vessel or into the CNS to learn about human anatomy from an impossible viewpoint.
Apps are what people are after these days and there is an app for just about everything,literally everything,But how about your local community or town,something that can give you a wealth of information about your locale?? You might say well we all know whats in our own area but you could find yourself pleasantly surprised on things you might have missed,not only that these kind of apps are great for tourists too that come to your part of the world..
We talk to Aidan Wynne from eire.tv about the Tullamore app and more…
Over to you Aidan….
I have always been interested in Technology from an early age which was unusual because none of my friends had a great interest.
That was back in the days where you had to press different button combinations to get the cursor just to move across the screen.
I remember relatives always asking me what I wanted to do when I left school and I had no clue to be honest.
That all changed when I got a Windows 98 machine back in 97 and I must say as sad as it sounds, I am at my happiest sitting at a computer.
I have done a few smaller Apps like my home town of Ferbane in Offaly and I wanted to test myself to build a bigger one. Tullamore Appis probably the largest community App in Ireland at the moment.
There are over 1,200 click to call listings so in effect it is like the Tullamore Phone directory.
Other Features:
– Social media of Sports Clubs are shown on one page
– Stream of the Local Radio station
– A page which displays photos from a folder of a Local Facebook user
One of the biggest features is Notifications for Sports Clubs.
I have been told by some Clubs of huge bills which can run into thousands for Texting.
There is no need for that in this day and age.
Unlimited Notifications can be sent from a computer server in huge volumes.
The Android version is always built first because it takes a few hours to get the first version to the Play store where you can test it and then change it and resubmit.
When you submit an iPhone App to the Apple store it takes between 10-14 days to be approved and if there is something on the App like a photo of an Android phone, they can reject the App and it goes into Que where it could take longer.
I built the Tullamore App to test the waters in the bigger towns.
An App is successful only by the support of local Business, Community Bodies & Sports Clubs.
Sports Clubs get FREE Notifications and hopefully repay you by getting numbers onto the App.
Community Bodies get FREE features in return for promoting the App.
Business hopefully sponsor the App because of the numbers provided by the first two groups.
If Tullamore were to get behind the App then I envisage a lot more features in the future like Live Video for events.
I could for instance show a venue how to run a live broadcast of their Darts night…and it wouldn’t cost them anymore than a Band.I like to keep up with technology and there are a lot of great things I could put on an App but it will come down to the level of interest I get in each town.
My next big App will be based in a town which shows a real interest in using it to it’s potential.It is a leap of faith doing an App like this….Only time will tell as to whether it pays off.
The Town App of Tullamore, Co. Offaly
A Directory list of Business, Community, Sports & Parish
Includes:
– Building & Engineering Listings
– Community Listings
– Food & Drink Listings
– Hair & Beauty Listings
– Health Listings
– Professional Service Listings
– Retail Listings
– Services Listings
– Sports & Recreation Listings
– Doorsets Ireland App
– Notifications from Groups/Organizations
– Midlands Radio 3 Stream
– Tullamore Photos
– Local Music
