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.
Poly recently announced a new 7300 office series of headsets and now that we are using such technology more than ever it is the perfect time to do so, with Teams and Zoom being more prevalent in the workplace this equipment is at the top of the table when it comes to technology and we are now exploring here on techbuzz a series of equipment you can use at home or in the office and products that cater for all pockets and businesses.
The Savi 7300 Office Series offers Poly’s Acoustic Fence microphone technology so workers will always be heard, but never overheard. Built with the latest DECT™ wireless technology, the Savi 7300 Office Series ensures that even the strictest internal security requirements for wireless headsets are met with ease. The Savi 7300 Office Series is designed to the highest level of DECT™ Security Step C, and is further enhanced with 256-bit AES encryption, the same level of maximum protection used for military communications.
We take a first look today and any questions you have feel free to as as usual whilst we take this one for a test run if you want to see the range of what is on offer head over HERE
If you’re like most employers, you probably got the employee tracking app last year when everyone started working from home. We get it, you were in a completely new place, your entire team was suddenly working remotely, and it wasn’t easy managing everyone’s time and making sure people are staying productive.
And employee tracking software is amazing! It helps quantify and improve productivity, keeps you in the loop on your team’s usual activities, etc.
However, there are some lines you shouldn’t cross when using an employee tracking app.
Let’s see what they are.
Tracking Employees Without Their Knowledge
Monitoring employees’ computers in secret is only okay if you’re suspecting malpractice and you need to catch the perpetrator in the act. In most countries, this is the only time you’re allowed by law to monitor your team’s activities without their knowledge or permission.
However, if you’re using the software so you could improve your business, you should give them a heads up. Depending on where you’re located, you might need to tell your employees a few weeks in advance, or even have them sign consent forms and create policies that exhaustively explain everything about your monitoring practices.
What can happen if you don’t do this? Well, your employees will find out at some point, leaving you open to lawsuits. Not only that, but you can expect that your workers will be outraged, potentially quitting your business and giving it a bad reputation.
Using the Tracking Software Outside of Working Hours
Depending on how you set up your employee tracking app, it might be monitoring your employees since they turn on their work computer until they turn it off. Or, they need to clock in and out. If you’re using the second option, you can move to our next tip. If you belong to the first group, keep reading.
There’s no scenario in which it is good to collect employees’ private data, even if they’re doing private things on their work computers. So, if you have an option to make the tracker active only during specific hours – use it. It will automatically start at 9 AM and turn off at 5 o’clock. This way, you’ll avoid potentially catching their Facebook newsfeed, private emails, or whatever else they decide to check after hours.
The same goes for tracking during breaks – your employees should have an option to pause the tracking when they go on a break.
Collecting Private Data
As we said, collecting private data isn’t okay in any case. But, how can you prevent this if your employee decides to scroll through social media or pay some bills during working hours? Well, it depends on the employee tracking app you’re using.
Ideally, you should have the option to either turn off tracking or turn off screenshots (if this feature is on in other cases) when your employees are browsing through the aforementioned websites. You’ll still probably want to know that they’ve spent some time on social media, but you don’t need to see what they were doing there.
Not Using the Data for Improvement
Collecting the data about employees’ everyday activities just for the sake of monitoring doesn’t make much sense. It’s a waste of time, money, and other resources. The reason why you implemented such software should be connected to your business goals, or to the improvement paths you’re creating for your teams or individuals.
Don’t go around “catching” employees who slack off for short time periods. Track their behavior on a weekly or monthly level, and see how that “slacking” affects their overall workload or deliverables. If they’re doing a good job – you don’t have to give them a lecture on how they use their time.
On the other hand, if you do see that such behaviour affects your worker’s performance – talk to them. Tell them that you’ve been reviewing their data, and how it doesn’t look so good. Work with them to find the cause of this issue, as well as the potential solutions.
Wrapping Up
It’s not that hard to use employee tracking software “the right way”. Essentially, all you have to do is avoid being a snooping micromanager and you should be good to go.
Nokia has announced a new line up of phones and also given the naming scheme an overhaul which was long overdue and lets be honest it got confusing over time, The Nokia X20, Nokia X10, Nokia G20, Nokia G10 an Nokia C20 that have been streamlined into three distinct lines.
Top of the range Nokia X-series, intermediate G-series and entry-level C-series all deliver the quality experience that consumers have come to expect from the European mobile company. Products that are built to last inside and out thanks to industry-leading security, superior durability, and the promise to provide the latest software, so you can keep your phone for longer.
Florian Seiche, CEO, HMD Global:“Today is more momentous than a regular product launch. The past 12 months have no doubt been challenging, yet they also gave us a moment to pause, think and prepare for the next big step in our start-up journey. As a Finnish company, our approach to technology and business is human-first and that is reflected in this new smartphone range. We want people love their phones. The launch of HMD Mobile – a milestone in our journey to a holistic provider of all things mobile – amplifies this, and it is only the beginning. We want you to trust that we put security at the heart of everything we do – Nokia smartphones come with security and software updates for extra piece of mind. And we want people to keep their phones for longer, thanks to our signature durability.”
Stephen Taylor, CMO, HMD Global:“For our team, innovative thinking is about unlocking high-value experiences to those who may have not had access to them before. Millions of people rely on a Nokia device for their everyday needs, from basic connectivity, to payments and creativity. We care about people trusting their phone. That’s why our industry-leading security offering runs across the new X, G and C ranges – everyone deserves to feel safe. We care about people keeping their phone for longer. These products are built to last inside and out, thanks to our upgrade promises and superior durability. And we want people to continue to love their phone. The X-series allows us to offer the benefits of our high-end partnerships with Qualcomm and ZEISS Optics. Finding that perfect balance between specs and affordability is what the G-series is all about. The C-series, meanwhile, thrives on delivering ultra-high value tech to the smartphone market. I’m proud of the niche we’ve carved within this extremely competitive market.”
X-series launches with Nokia X20 and Nokia X10
Sitting proudly at the top of the new portfolio are the Nokia X20 and Nokia X10. Pushing the boundaries of the mid-range, these smartphones provide experiences and quality far above their price tag. Both powered by the latest Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 480 5G Mobile Platform which delivers series-defying performance and truly global 5G.[2] Nokia phones are built to last the test of life with durability and longevity at their core. This signature hardware durability is matched with three years of security and software updates, designed to encourage sustainable consumption, extend product lifecycle and reduce e-waste.
Ruben Lehmann, Vice President of Europe, HMD Global:
“All Nokia phones are put through a tremendous amount of durability tests. So, by the time they are available to purchase, we are fully confident that our fans can trust them to work smoothly in their hands for years.
We understand that there is more that can be done to tackle these issues, which is why we are constantly working to develop our offering and continue building on these initial steps. After all, according to the Environmental European Bureau, if everyone in Europe used their smartphones for just one more year, by 2030, we could save as much carbon as taking two million cars off the road.”
Presented on the clean AndroidTM One interface, these handsets come with Android 11 straight out of the box. Renowned ZEISS Optics and innovative AI solutions are at the heart of the impressively versatile imaging options. With a wide 6.67” Full HD+ punch-hole display, all of your content will be delivered on a crisp, eye-catching screen.
Nokia X20 and Nokia X10 also come with an extended three-year warranty (which exceeds the industry standard) and a 100% compostable case in the sales box – designed to be tough on the ground but soft on the earth, helping X-series go the distance
The wall charger and headphones have been removed from the sales boxes, helping to tackle the 12,000 tonnes of e-waste generated by mobile phone chargers in the EU. If needed, wall chargers can be purchased from Nokia.com. The money raised will be donated to CLEAR RIVERS, a charity that works to clear plastic waste out of International waterways.
The Nokia X20 comes with an impressive 32MP front camera and 64MP quad camera on the rear. The all-new Dual Sight feature will activate two cameras simultaneously so you can capture multiple sides or multiple angles of the story. Then, enhance it further with a host of watermarking options.
Bringing exceptional value to the range, the Nokia X10 will please those with sub-€300 budgets. The 48MP quad-camera with Cinematic capture, is complemented with a full suite of pro editing tools, so you can personalise, style and share stand-out content that inspires others.
G-series launches with Nokia G20 and Nokia G10
The G-series represents the perfect balance of delivering on all your daily needs through straightforward problem-solving technology. Featuring on both phones in the G range is the three-day battery life[6] – the longest yet on a Nokia smartphone. The Nokia G20 is supported by the signature Android promise available on Nokia smartphones. That’s three years of monthly security updates to help keep your data as secure as possible and two years of OS updates. The first members join the G-series with signature longevity, improved security thanks to face and side fingerprint unlock and an impressive 6.5” teardrop display with a handy brightness boost.
The Nokia G20 is an on-the-go creative studio that fits in the palm of your hand. With a stunning 48MP camera, ample storage and immersive OZO surround audio, you can capture then relive your memorable moments in all their glory.
Nokia G10 has a triple rear camera and advanced imaging with AI-enhanced shooting modes, so your memories are perfectly preserved even from tricky low-light settings.
C-series adds Nokia C20
Bringing amazing value, the C-series makes high-quality smartphone technology accessible to everyone. The latest additions to the popular range bring forward much-loved features like the wide 6.5” HD+ display, at amazing price points. With Android 11TM (Go edition), adding up to 20% faster speeds, and improved security features, as well as Nokia smartphone durability with quarterly security updates for two years.
The Nokia C20 is an ultra-high value smartphone that comes with standout features that include the front and rear LED flash to capture those special moments even in low-light.
Pricing and availability
The Nokia X20 will be available in Ireland starting mid May in Midnight Sun and Nordic Blue colour options, and comes in 6/128GB and 8/128GB configurations. Available from Nokia.com and Harvey Norman, from €349 sim free
The Nokia X10 will be available in Ireland in June in Forest, and comes in 6/64GB configuration. Available from Nokia.com and Harvey Norman from €299
The Nokia G20 will be available in Ireland starting in June in Night, and comes in 4/64GB Available from Tesco and Eir, from €149
The Nokia G10 will be available in Ireland in June, in Night and Dusk colour options and comes in 3/32GB configuration. Available on Nokia.com from €119
The Nokia C20 will be available in Ireland in June in Sand and Dark Blue in 1/16GB. Available on Nokia.com from €89
Anker has just dropped its latest accessory on Amazon UK which is another alternative to charge your device and MagSafe compatible, this comes packed with features and of course is affordable. Features include..
Magnetically attach the PowerCore to the back of your phone
Made for the iPhone 12 series
Charges through compatible magnetic cases
MultiProtect safety system includes temperature control and foreign object detection
There is a myriad of cloned products out there today and Apple being one of the most copied when it comes to earbuds and so on, this company we have worked with before and we said we would check out their watch and some other products they have as the products still work today and come in at an affordable price. ONE Might as why check out clones, there is so many out there many companies under different brands we have checked these out we have been asked to review other cloned products and it turned out that they are several companies using different names to get reviews done and simply said no.
Clones are also a cheaper way to get a fairly good product at a fraction of the cost, and you might also ask who are these products for. well for the demanding teens that their parents cant say no too is one and also if one wants to have the latest that looks identical to the real thing and most notable of those on the street is the Airpods. The watch reviewed here has been fine with my testing and I have done a long video review to check it out and for the money it looks the part, does most of what the Apple watch does bar rich notifications and sports a decent speaker for calls, you can remotely play with music your camera, fitness readouts ,heart monitoring and much more so all in all it is a fair price to pay for a well built copy of the real thing, see more in the video below. As always with cloned products how long they will last I cant stand by so like any cloned product you buy the choice is yours.. As mentioned we have tried several products from MGET and they work fine today being used on a regular basis taking into account I test alot of earbuds and my usage would differ than the average consumer but we do go back and check in on older earbuds with time.
In need a of a new backpack/tech pack that looks nice well Gaston Luga have launched a new range of bags to check out and these backs are made with quality materials look great and offer a wide range of designs for the customer with premium materials used they look great too for those who are fashion conscious. The Splash 13 Black which we have checked out is ideal for those trips to college or just to the local park or internet cafe when normal time resume and is a comfortable fit too and has padding in all the right areas it is also waterproof and made from vegan leather and feels really nice to the touch.
With easy to clean material and padded zipper pockets your good are safe inside the backpack and it is spacious you can easily fit in a laptop, notebook jacket, power cables and a portable charger and it is ideal for anyone who wants something that looks current and that has just the right amount of storage space to pack what you need rather than overpack carrying things you may not necessarily need..
Check out the video below for more on the backpack and also get 15% discount on the entire range is TECHBUZZZ15 by shopping here – https://gastonluga.com/se/
Headphones are getting cheaper these days and you are getting better value for your money too and I have noticed this over the last few months and the same applies to TWS earbuds, we have a huge range covered on site and these days there is value to be found rather than shelling out on overpriced products that simply are not worth it, even the budget section has got so good you will not be looking far for a pair of cheap headphones with ANC on board either.
Super EQ is a brand that belongs to One Odio which we review recently and the same logic applies here when it comes to cost to performance ratio at the affordable end. Again I find myself getting real value for money and decent sound to go with it, mainly a plastic but robust build here these are very comfortable and stand out and can be worn for long periods of time with no sweaty earcups which often can happen, there is decent bass and overall a great listening experience as tested like all my headphones with my test loop the delivered on Netflix You Tube and music with good balance and direction with clear definition on instruments and so on, also not too shabby on calls either and overall for the money you cant complain and it gives the consumer a better choice and not having to shell out for APPLE products that cost too much and is hard on parents with demanding teenagers, there is no need I have said it for a while now no matter what the reviews might claim by the same journalists’ all the time you can see a pattern here, OK Apple do make great products but they just cost too much and can be seen as a status symbol, Yes I am looking at their new headphones.
ANC works well and so does ambient mode so for those who like to wear out will be fine and be alert at the same time. You will get around 45 hours of playback with ANC on and 39/40 with BT off and these are fine for long time wearing ,controls are easy to navigate and work well each time and for an overall listening experience you cant go wrong for the price…
Company statement.. We are a manufacturer with over 10 years of audio production experience. By creating a better pair of headphones, we can serve our customers better and foster a fervent passion for our products. Our DJ quality sound was made accessible to the masses. Our over-ear headphones, designed for extra-long listening sessions. We’ve firmly planted our brand(OneOdio) flag in the DJ，Monitor, HIFI industry. Besides, we are also creating more unique sound experiences in the ANC industry over 30 countries in Europe, North America, Asia, etc. So far, we have a certain international brand influence and reputation around the whole globe.
The company sent us these to review with no copy approval, payment and are seeing this the same time as you..
Check the video for more below.. See all the purchase options.
SuperEQ Official Website S1 ANC Headphones 15% OFF
Coupon Code: SM15OFFS1Start date: 3/16/2021 End Date: 3/23/2021
Checkers, popularly referred to as draughts in the U.K, is a beloved board game that transcends time.
Believed to have been invented thousands of years ago, checkers is still as popular, if not more popular than when it was first played in the ancient city of Ur. Over the years, a number of variations have emerged in different parts of the world, with Spanish Draughts, Brazilian Checkers, Russian Checkers and Turkish Dama being some of the most popular.
Although traditionally played 1v1 on actual tabletops, checkers can in the modern day be played anywhere, at any time thanks to apps such as Quick Checkers—a free online checkers game available on iOS and Androiddevices.
What are some of the app’s impressive features?
Test your skills against random players
Unlike some pastimes which can be dross and unproductive, checkers is actually efficient when it comes to enhancing memory recall and boosting concentration skills. Do you consider yourself the ultimate checkers master? Then prove your worth against random gifted players from all over the world.
Different variations and real world locations
Different variations of checkers are played in different parts of the world.
It is for this reason that Quick Checkers supports multiple variations such as American Checkers/ English Draughts, International Checkers, Spanish Draughts, Brazilian Checkers, Russian Checkers and Turkish Dama—in an effort to accommodate a diverse range of players. Other than that, players can also compete in coveted real world locations such as New York, Paris, London, Amsterdam and Rio de Janeiro, provided they level up and earn experience in order to be granted access.
Amazing graphics and competitive ranking system
Quick Checkers not only has amazing graphics but also comes with a swift in-game chat system that conveniently allows you to communicate with friends and other players. Besides that, the competitive ranking system, comprising of a National and Global ranking, enables you to monitor your performances compared to other players from your region and around the globe respectively.
Here are a few of the relevant winning strategies:
Dominate the centre and advance en masse
One of the most widely made mistakes in checkers is positioning pieces on the edges at the start of a game in an effort to avoid capture. This isn’t an appropriate strategy, as it will only limit your options. Therefore, the most recommended strategy would be to place your checkers pieces at the centre of the board whilst advancing en masse.
Dominating the centre of the board will limit your opponent’s movement and increase your chances of capturing, while advancing en masse will ensure that you receive support from your surrounding checkers pieces.
Be the first to reach the king row
Kings are the most prestigious pieces in checkers, as they are permitted to perform a host of additional moves that always come in handy. As such, you should always endeavour to get to the king row first—ahead of your opponent—in order to get promoted.
It goes without saying that the more Kings your acquire, the higher your chances of capturing and winning the game.
Hold your king row in place
As you endeavour to acquire as many Kinged pieces as you can, remember to keep your king row intact for as long as deem fit. Preventing your opponent from getting Kinged pieces will restrict their options of movement and capturing, heavily limiting their strength.
As you apply these strategies, also remember to initiate forced moves, but only if they work in your favour.
Card games are almost as old as humanity itself. With so many variations and options, it can be difficult to choose a game to play and impress your playmates. Whether your game of choice is Blackjack, Uno, or Dungeons and Dragons the devil is in the details! If you want to look like a pro and impress on your next game night, here are some quick details to help you take your game to the next level!
Take Out Your Cards
To start things off, let’s talk about the essentials: the deck. If you’re serious about your card games, you need to be serious about your deck. A deck of cards is like an extension of the player. It should look professional, a little-used, and well kept. If you want to get serious about your card gaming, or if you want to impress your friends, think about investing in the real deal! Knock off and cheap playing cards are cute when you’re a beginner, but every professional player deserves their own original deck. If you don’t like the classic look, try a more personalized or stylized look that represents you best!
The Deck – Keep It in Check!
Once you’ve got the right deck, you need to turn your attention to how you can take care of it. There’s nothing worse than getting ready to play and realizing that your cards are damaged or dog-eared. To avoid any embarrassing situations, think about prioritizing the proper storage for your deck. Ditch the rubber bands, backpacks, and jacket pockets, and opt for an airtight tin, box, or container. Slightly used cards make you look like a pro, but you don’t want them looking distressed!
Set the Stage – The Playmat!
If you’re a player of more elaborate card games, you’ll know what a playmat is. For those who don’t, a playmat is an accessory that players can use to play on and separate their cards and dice. For some, it can be as simple as a sheet of paper with some hand-drawn outlines. Which is fine and gets the job done, but where’s the fun in that? For more passionate players, the folks behind Your Playmat suggest having a playmat that’s a little more stylish, personal, and professional. With so many styles out there, you can find or create the perfect playmat to accommodate your game and your aesthetic. The right playmat can start your game off right!
The Players – Get the Gang Together
The second most important thing about card games, besides the deck, is the players. Sure, playing by yourself is great but card games were made to be played with friends or family. So find your crowd and get to playing! If you can’t find any gaming buddies in person or if you’re really passionate about a particular game, consider looking online. There are hundreds of online versions of your favorite card games to play from home. Not only that but you can find forums and chatrooms to connect with other players, learn about lore, and share tactics with.
Know Your Craft
The only thing more impressive than a person who knows their way around a card game is a person who knows their way around many card games. Nobody likes a spoilsport or a one-trick pony, so knowing more than one card game is a good idea. You can easily learn about any and every card game imaginable online. If you’ve ever wondered about just how many different games you can play with 52 cards, or you want to find a new obsession, start with some online research. Knowing more about a game can ensure that you have both more fun playing and the upper hand!
Teach an Old Dog New Tricks
Last but not least: Presentation! Everybody, whether they care to admit it or not, loves a good card flourish. Whether that’s knowing to shuffle cards in a cascading waterfall or a few card tricks, it’s always impressive. It’s also a great way to entertain onlookers, intimidate your fellow players, or learn a new skill! You don’t have to pull out all the stops and show your wild card immediately, but knowing how to shuffle cards at least is a good start. And remember, if you can’t win them over with your gaming skills, win them over with your tricks and charm!
Now that you’re all caught up, you’re ready to go out there and try your hand at a few games. Looking like a professional takes a lot of hard work and dedication, especially if you want to make playing at cards look effortless! We hope this list has given you an extra card up your sleeve and shown you that there’s more to playing cards than just the deck.
