Jim O Brien/CEO - techbuzzireland.com

Are Sky + UPC giving Windows Phone the cold shoulder ? #Sky #WindowsPhone by @jimobireland #Apps

Windows phone users are well aware there is a shortage of Apps,especially locally here in Ireland and alongside the bad perception by the media in General plus the lack of updates and Apps by MS and big companies here Windows users are pissed off to say the least and yes i am one of them.. So much to say i don’t use WP as a main daily driver no more but i have the phones there anyhow..

On boards.ie there is a community of users constantly asking about when apps will be updated or apps coming to the platform and i of course am one of those members there..

During the week a thread was started on SKY and will apps come to the platform,as we users already know we have Sky sports and Sky News..Sky think this is great and it will silence the lack of other apps but sadly not…

So we asked them head on and told them to cut the usual scripted nonsense like the banks have been feeding for the last two years. A user asked Sky the following.

So i asked sky Which Apps to be precise and Sky replied.. on this thread HERE As it stands on the SKY forums there is lots of people complaining regarding this matter and perhaps its not a sustainable move considered the market share for Windows which is said to be around 12% here in Ireland and similar in the UK..

At present, users of Windows devices can download the Sky Sports and Sky News apps from the Windows Marketplace. The full range of Sky’s apps are described in detail here, but as my colleague Daniel stated above, at this time we have no plans to expand to Windows devices. You should also be able to use Sky Go via your web browser on your Windows PC or laptop.

Regards,
Sam

Next up is Horizon app from UPC again a user asked these about the app and again the same scripted replies on this thread HERE this is also not the first time the question has been asked,same case as Sky..

I had to say this to them..

“We have heard this same tune months ago why don’t you be just straight with people.”

UPC replied..

As mentioned above, we don’t have any info on this coming to windows phone.

If this changes in any way we’ll certainly post back here. Thanks.

So thats it on these two,no point in going on about the banks because for two years i have tried and i have given up,i have given up.Some have mentioned also that they are possibly waiting for W10 to arrive or in the future Android apps can be ported onto WP but would that not admit defeat for Microsoft ?? As it stands there has been no flagship now for two years and a miriad of low end-mid tier devices announced,user are getting impatient overall..

TechBuzzIreland CEO is guest appearance on #TheConsumerShow. #Tech #Media #TV #RTE

TechBuzzIreland has been working hard in the background on several projects and The Consumer Show has been one of those projects and we would like to thank The Consumer Show and Tadhg Enright for having us on the show in which we discuss battery anxiety and how it can be solved or can it be going forward with todays technology. Portable charging is one way and these chargers have evolved from a typical slab to an fancy accessory in their own right and now they look attractive and prices have come down over the years since they have hit the market. Not only are they a viable option to aide the discussion at hand they are another revenue stream for manufacturers too.

Tadhg Enright asks the nation about their battery anxiety, that 21st century condition in which mobile users fret about whether they’ll be left with a dead phone.

Tadhg said: “It’s that sinking feeling you get when halfway through your busy day, there’s well under half your battery left on your phone and nowhere you can plug it in.”

88% of mobile users won’t leave home without their mobiles, according to a survey carried out for The Consumer Show by Edelman Ireland. 84% of us have changed our behaviour to keep our batteries from dying. 8% of people who answered our survey actually went home rather than stay out with friends so they could charge their phone.

Mobiles are no longer just tools for calling and texting with web-browsing, email, photography, social media and a plethora of apps all draining their batteries. Dr. Kevin Ryan from the University of Limerick told The Consumer Show: “If you look at your phone that you had 10 years ago and the phone you have now, the battery is probably the same size, but the applications that it’s running are probably a lot more.”

From turning off data to putting their phones in aircraft mode, there are many ways for mobile users to preserve their batteries throughout the day. Jim O’Brien, from Techbuzz Ireland told The Consumer Show about his top tips: “Turn off your location settings would be one, turn off background applications which are updating by themselves would be two, and your light on your screen: sometimes people have their screens very bright which wears down the battery.” Other tips also to include turn auto updates off,notification settings (sync data),vibration or use flight mode when not in use etc.

51% of people who answered our survey said that battery life was an important consideration when choosing a new mobile phone, second only to price.

The Consumer Show visited the University of Limerick where researchers in its nanotechnology lab have made a scientific breakthrough which could help double the capacity of mobile batteries. Dr. Kevin Ryan, whose been leading the research said: “What we’re doing is developing the next generation of lithium ion batteries. What we’re trying to do is improve the performance of those batteries so they can last longer and deliver more energy for your device.”

Tadhg will also show consumers some of the other cures for battery anxiety including mobile charging devices and the latest wireless charging technology which could be coming to a café near you soon.

Source

Watch below on the RTE PLAYER

International viewers can download the RTE PLAYER APP on Android is HERE and IOS is HERE

The worlds next biggest social game in history. #Tapp from Drippler. by @jimboireland #Apps #Android

If you like games and are bored here is a new game called Tapp from the creators of the great app Drippler.Tapp is simple, yet strangely enticing and addicting game. The goal is to tap as fast as you can and set the record for highest number of taps per minute. Accomplishing that is tougher than it seems when you realize you’re up against millions of players around the world.

The idea of the game was born out of a frustration that all parents can relate too. Matan Talmi, CEO explains: “one weekend, my 2 year old son was begging to use my smartphone. I realized that all he wanted to do was tap the screen and see it respond. It occurred to me then that that’s what I do too: tap the screen and wait for a response – whether I’m waiting for a text, email, or scroll Facebook. I thought it would make a great game.”

Following the massive blowout success, Drippler spun out Tapp, and is now in the final stages of raising Series-A funding from a group of VCs and angel investors. “We got several acquisition offers from the world’s biggest gaming companies but turned them down.” Talmi says, “we’re planning to use the funding to launch on more platforms, and start monetizing. Tapp for iPhone is already in the works, Android Wear and Apple Watch versions will launch later this year so users can play right on their wrist. We believe Tapp has the potential to turn into the biggest game in history!”

Download Tapp

#Microsoft announce the new Surface 3 the tablet that can replace your laptop. by @jimboireland #Surface

Microsoft today announced a new model to its surface line up,its the new Surface 3.Another bonus is that its not running RT which limits full potential so this is surely welcome news for users who wish to purchase this piece.This is a cheaper unit compared to the Surface Pro 3 which costs €819 at entry level.

The Surface 3 (4G LTE). It’s the thinnest and lightest Surface ever shipped. It runs full Windows, including desktop applications. It includes a one-year subscription to Office 365 to help you really get down to work. And it starts at just $499/€609 Sadly the stylus and cover are a separate purchase which will add to the cost if you should require these extras..

Surface 3 features the same beautiful design and premium materials as Surface Pro 3 in a more compact and efficient package. It is thin (just 8.7 mm) and light (1.37 pounds or 622 grams) and has a 10.8-inch screen. Compared to the 12-inch Surface Pro 3 it is slightly smaller and it feels great when you’re using it as a tablet. The 3:2 aspect ratio that we first introduced on Surface Pro 3 is also used here, and, like its larger sibling, it feels natural whether you’re holding it in portrait mode for reading or writing a quick note with the pen or in landscape mode to watch a movie or play a game. The screen on the Surface Pro 3 is not only beautiful to look at — with incredibly accurate colors and clarity from multiple viewing angles — but also offers a world-class multi touch and pen experience. All that we did to make the Pro 3 screen one of the best in the industry is present in Surface 3, and you’ll appreciate this as you work and play on it.

Surface 3 also has front- (3.5MP) and rear-facing (8MP) cameras that both capture 1080p video. The rear-facing camera now features autofocus to take better photos but is also particularly useful for capturing images of documents, barcodes and the like. The battery will last up to 10 hours (our test results are based on video playback) so that it will see you through your work or school day with ease. New with Surface 3 is a Micro USB charger, which means it uses the same connector as most mobile phones. The included 13W charger will be the fastest charging option, but if your battery is running low you’ll be able to use your phone charger as well.

The capabilities of a laptop — including full Windows and Office

Surface 3 runs full 64-bit Windows 8.1 and will be available with Windows Pro for business customers. It will be upgradable to Windows 10 for free when it’s available. With full Windows, it will run the desktop applications you depend on for work or school. This point is so important to understand. You are not compromising anything when you buy this device. For my kids, they can now do everything they are asked to do at school and still play the PC games they love on this device. When you click in the Surface 3 Type Cover, the tablet becomes a laptop. Surface 3 will also include a free one-year subscription to Office 365 Personal, including full versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and OneNote as well as 1 TB of OneDrive storage.

The Surface 3 Type Cover gives you a typing experience that is unmatched by any other tablet and really does turn your tablet into a full laptop. You can also use the Surface 3 Docking Station to instantly create a full desktop workstation, connecting easily to an HD monitor, a printer, an external mouse and keyboard, or any of a huge range of peripherals. It is designed to allow you to work the way that best suits your style and circumstances. Surface 3 also includes a full-size USB 3.0 port, a Mini DisplayPort and a microSD™ card reader.

Surface 3 supports the same pen experience as Surface Pro 3, including 256 levels of pressure sensitivity for accuracy and detail. In the case of Surface 3, the pen will be sold separately and it will now be available in colors — silver, blue, red and black.

The Surface 3 is set to go on sale this May.

Can Ford put an end to speeding fines ? New technology might help. #Ford #Tech #Speed by @jimboireland #Motoring

Speeding fines are never a welcome sight and we have plenty of those lovely looking vans parked on roadsides with a nice big camera in the back window,often the case they are also hidden and catch you out and then 2 weeks later a fine pops through your letterbox,not nice at all,but Ford now have something that may help drivers in this area with their new S-Max model.

The system monitors road signs with a camera mounted on the windscreen, and slows the vehicle as required. As the speed limit rises, the system allows the driver to accelerate up to the set speed – providing it does not exceed the new limit.

“Drivers are not always conscious of speeding and sometimes only becoming aware they were going too fast when they receive a fine in the mail or are pulled over by law enforcement,” said Stefan Kappes, active safety supervisor, Ford of Europe. “Intelligent Speed Limiter can remove one of the stresses of driving, helping ensure customers remain within the legal speed limit.”

Further new technologies available for the new S-MAX include the Pedestrian Detection system that will reduce the severity of some collisions involving vehicles and pedestrians, or help drivers avoid some impacts altogether.

The versatile people-mover also is equipped to help out at junctions where it is difficult to see. At low speeds a camera fitted in the grille monitors the view from the front of the car, which is then displayed inside the car.

See more at Ford

Bring life to food photography with 3D Around. #Apps #Food #Photography by @jimboireland #3DAround

If you like taking photos of food which lots seem to do thanks to bloody Instagram this app is for you,you can now bring like to food photography with 3D Around.You also need a facebook account to login which is rather limiting.

3DAround is the App that allows you to share your dining experience to the fullest via 3D images so lifelike, viewers can almost taste your food. 3DAround, built upon Dacuda’s SLAM Scan 3D technology, was born out of a combination of ground breaking technical Innovation and the love of food and food photography. Bring life to your food photography.

To use the app, Simply move your phone around the food you love to turn it into an immersive and beautiful 3D object
Instant: Create 3D photos within seconds and enjoy the result instantly from different perspectives
Social: Share your 3D photos with anyone – even if they don’t have the app. So food lovers,and there is plenty of you out there here is the app for you..

Download on iOS

Woolet – A smartwallet with bluetooth and self charging. #Woolet #Tech by @jimboireland #Kickstarter

We all carry a wallet or something similar or what’s becoming popular now is phone cases that can hold cash and card and keys too which i’m no fan of because if someone robs it or you loose it you have lost it all.Now here comes the smart wallet that not only reminds you of you forget your phone or wallet it protects you too with notifications if you leave either behind or misplace it..

What is Woolet.

Impossible to Lose
Miniature sensors synchronize with your smartphone to protect you in 5 different ways. Whatever the situation, you don’t need to worry.

Slim
Just 9.9mm thin, yet packed with cutting-edge technology. Designed so you can live with less bulk.
Self charging – easy to find replacement batteries
Built to last – tough durable leather
Ready for world currencies
Don’t loose your phone – 2 way alerts so if you forget one or the other you get notified

How does Woolet protect you ? With an app thats free on Android and iOS and possibly a Windows Phone app.

RING WOOLET TO FIND IT
Lost your wallet under the car seat? Maybe behind the couch? Get it to ring with the tap of a finger. Finding your Woolet is always super simple.

LAST SEEN LOCATION
Don’t remember the last place you had your wallet? Woolet does. Your phone automatically records the last location it saw your Woolet. That means you already know the best place to start looking.

DISTANCE TRACKER TO FIND WOOLET
Misplaced Woolet somewhere nearby? Use the built-in distance tracker. You’ll know how far away your Woolet is and if you’re getting closer. Accurate to within 0.4m. There’s no hiding your Woolet from you.

CROWD DETECTION
If your Woolet is ever lost, you can activate the Woolet crowd detection network. With a simple press on your phone, every other Woolet user will start scanning for your lost Woolet. When they get within range, the GPS location is instantly updated to your phone.

SELF-CHARGING BATTERIES, UNLIMITED ENDURANCE
Batteries are an essential component of any smart device. They are also often its weakest component. That’s why we designed self-charging batteries to provide dependable power that lasts. We are currently testing recharging by movement and body heat. We will update you with the implementation we choose.

Woolet has more than reached its target and this is a nice idea and going forward with other products they have nice plans ahead,

See more HERE

One Plus annoy fans with no #OxygenOS update or release date. #OnePlus #OnePlusOne by @jimboireland

Today One Plus was to release the much awaited OxygenOS to its user,but sadly this has not happened despite them saying several employees are using it as we speak,citing they await certification is the response they have given but its not pleasing fans and its not good new either but in the long run i guess its better to do things right and just wait.

In a post made on the forums today staff member Helen broke the news..

Hi, this is Helen, Head of Mobile Product at OnePlus. My team and I have been working on OxygenOS for the past several months. It was our sincere hope to release the result of our hard work to all of you today. Unfortunately, we were unable to meet this date and we are as disappointed as you are. On behalf of myself and my team, I would like to apologize for this wait.

The ROM is fully functional and we have quite a few people in the office running it on their own devices without any issues. The delay is caused by extra quality control. We want to make sure that OxygenOS passes Google certification, that all future updates can be OTA’ed properly, and that users from all over the world are able to use OxygenOS in the language of their choice.

We know you’ve been waiting for a long time, and we owe you answers. So, until OxygenOS is officially released, we will share our progress with you. Every day, no matter how big or small the news is, this post will be updated with information in order to give you more visibility into the process. As for a release date, we will release as soon as we feel that it’s good enough for you and it will be very soon.

Most of you are probably also wondering when CM12 will be available. While we don’t have a lot of influence over CM’s release schedule nor development progress, we’ve been providing resources and scheduling test cycles to help with this last stretch. Together, we’re working to deliver CM12 to you as soon as possible.

Stay tuned over HERE or watch for further announcements..

How do you feel with this announcement ?

Mobiles phones made from grass could be the next thing.. #Recycling #Mobile by @jimboireland #Grass

Ok so we like to do our part for the environment,who does not but millions of phones are recycled each year and manufacturers are trying harder to make our devices more environmentally friendly its been a practice some time now.

On average i would go through about 20-30 devices at least per year due to my interests but most of these devices are high end and i don’t particularly hang on to low end or entry level devices that long and either pass them on or donate to charity,i would do this with some of my high ends pending the condition,if not they are passed on to family or friends,but i keep some for testing purposes etc..

Today the BBC reports something perhaps not so new in hindsight but something that could be a new thing and more common than expected and thats phones made from grass,yes you read this correctly PHONES MADE FROM GRASS.

A designer called Sean Miles has created such a device,well albeit partially made from grass… the rest is recycled material.the cover actually looks nice and not something unfamiliar we have not seen before when it comes to cases with designs or patterns,so its just a matter of the case being more real than picturesque as they would look today on Amazon or eBay.Recently 02 had one of these made from Twickenhams rugby pitch clippings.

It is the first mobile phone made entirely from recycled and natural products, he says.

The phone’s casing – which is integrated into the phone – is made from recycled resin and specially treated grass clippings.

“This creates a composite material, like carbon fibre”, says Mr Miles, which can be used as an alternative to plastic injection moulding.

Mr Miles was originally commissioned to make the phone as a one-off by O2 Recycle, a division of the mobile phone giant, to highlight the value of recycling.

What do you think of this idea,would this put you off a phone made from such materials or would you prefer it and help contribute more to the environment ?

Source Video of the device is in link.

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: