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.
Creative Technology has announced the partnership with World of Warships, a popular naval-warfare themed massively multiplayer online game (MMO) published by Wargaming, an award-winning online game developer and publisher. Fans of the naval combat game will be getting a more immersive audio experience and more content on a sizeable discount.
Both World of Warships (PC) and World of Warships: Legends (console) players will be able to enjoy exclusive in-game gift bundles (worth up to €20) with the purchase of any of these Creative products – SXFI GAMER, Sound Blaster AE-9, Sound Blaster AE-7, Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus, Sound Blaster G3, Sound BlasterX G6, Sound BlasterX Katana and T100. Creative will also be extending a €20 discount code on these purchases as the icing on the cake. The special promo code will be announced along with the new game update release in the World of Warships newsletter to be published on 2 December 2020.
Low Long Chye, General Manager of Creative, said, “Creative’s audio products come perfectly into play to provide rich and immersive audio for games, and complements the already engaging World of Warships very well. We are excited to partner Wargaming and enhance the gamers’ overall experience together, especially considering the current climate where everyone is spending more time at home.”
Philip Molodkovets, Executive Producer at World of Warships said: “Our players appreciate the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of epic naval combats and feel like admirals on the high seas. Bringing authentic sounds is a key part of this experience. We are happy to partner with Creative and bring this attractive offer to our existing and new players.”
This promotion is will be valid from 17 November 2020 – 28 February 2021, for the UK, Germany, France and Italy. For more details on the collaboration and how to redeem the exclusive in-game gift bundles, please visit this web link.
This Christmas, it’s more important than ever to stay connected to our loved ones. No matter where you’re spending the holidays. Tesco Mobile wants to help you find the perfect gift with an amazing range of handsets at great prices, available online and in Tesco Mobile Phone Shops nationwide.
You can shop from the comfort and safety of your own home or in store, the choice is yours and enjoy great savings on smartphones, with something for everyone on your list. Give the gift of connectivity, upgrade or switch to Tesco Mobile.
TESCO MOBILE IRELAND BILLPAY CHRISTMAS OFFERS
Dates available: December 1st – December 28th
Including the very best Android and Apple handsets, Bill Pay customers will enjoy great seasonal savings on all the leading smartphones from just €30 per month. Running from today (Tuesday December 1st), right through the festive period, these great value price plans start with 15GB of high-speed 4G data with 500 texts and 500 minutes on our €30 per month plan.
Huawei P30 Pro now only €49.99. Save over €190 (Pay €30/Month)
Capture the best things in the moment and create your vision for the future. Featuring the Leica Quad Camera and an immersive 6.47-inch curved OLED screen, take breath-taking portraits and night shots, all with the Leica quad camera. This unmatched super camera system includes a Super Zoom Lens, a 40 MP Super Sensing Camera, a 20 MP Ultra-Wide-Angle Lens and a HUAWEI TOF Camera, giving you the freedom to capture your incredible moments. Allowing you to record exciting videos while on the go, the professional AIS plus OIS makes handheld video seamless and steady. Capture and relive your precious family memories as you have always wanted with the Huawei P30 Pro.
Apple iPhone XRnow only €49.99. Save over €245 (Pay €40/Month)
Featuring a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina display, advanced Face ID lets you securely unlock your iPhone, log into apps and pay with just a glance. Featuring a 12MP camera system with portrait mode, portrait lighting, enhanced bokeh and all-new depth control as well as a 7MP true depth front camera, an A12 Bionic Chip uses real-time machine learning which will transform the way you experience photo’s, gaming and more. The iPhone XR is brilliant in every way.
Samsung Galaxy S20FE 4G now only €99.99. Save over €195 (Pay €40/Month)
This is the phone for people who want it all. Whether you’re a fan of photography, gaming or filling your feed with all that inspires you. This is the phone that gives you what you want, to do more of what you love. The 6.5-inch Full HD+ Infinity-O Display with a more immersive screen that makes your gaming, streaming, and video calling way more fun. With a stunning rear-mounted triple camera array featuring 12MP wide angle, 12MP Ultrawide and 8MP Telephoto Camera allows you to get closer to the action. Also allowing you get that professional #nofilter-worthy shot with ease. When there’s a 32MP Front Camera, your selfies and vlogs are taken to a whole new level. Be the star of the shot and enjoy more detail in your photos and videos with the Galaxy S20FE battery packs in 4500 mAh, that’ll keep you going – cleverly using power to save it for when you really need it.
TESCO MOBILE IRELAND PREPAY CHRISTMAS OFFERS
Dates available: December 1st – December 27th
With up to €50 off great Tesco Mobile prepay offers this Christmas, you or your loved one will have the freedom to pay what you want when you want. Clubcard customers will also earn double points on all prepay top ups, with 30GB of 4G data and unlimited* any network minutes when they top up by just €15.00.
Alcatel 1. Only €39.99!
This all-in-one device offers everything you could need! A compact and light-weight handset boasting a 18:9 5” display with high-grade design and smooth system performance, made only better with Android Go- featuring a camera complete with all social media sharing features stay connected with your Christmas festivities.
Nokia 2.3. Now only €78.36. Was €98.36. Save €20
The Nokia 2.3 is guaranteed to get you the best snap, with a feature-packed camera fueled by AI technology and an impressive 6.2” HD+ 19:9 screen. The battery will last up to 2 days and unlocks with just a glance! The gift they want and at a price you’ll love, the Nokia 2.3 is ready for Android 10 and beyond, so you can look forward to 2 years of Android upgrades and 3 years of monthly security upgrades.
Samsung Galaxy A20E. Now only €117.23. Was €167.23. Save €50
Including all the essential features you need on a Samsung Galaxy smartphone, the A20e has you covered with a large 5.8” infinity screen, dual rear camera, huge 3000mAh battery and rear mounted fingerprint scanner.
Check out all these unmissable Christmas deals and more on www.tescomobile.ie
A ground-breaking report has uncovered the astounding ways in which music impacts our everyday lives, as well as the ways it affects us physically and psychologically more than we know. Scientific studies have proven that music can be a mood regulation tool, with tempo significantly altering our emotional response. Major and minor tones can take something from uplifting to melancholy.
58% of people across Europe report feeling lower than ever before during the pandemic, with 72% of people recognising that music has helped them through a difficult time
The report uncovers the relationship between Emotion vs. Music: led by Dr David Lewis of Mindlab International and reveals the power of sound, with music acting as a mood regulation tool that can aid wellbeing
The findings have been brought to life in two beautifully compelling videos; experiment for yourself to see how you feel after watching them. Watch as the body reacts to music – powered by Sony’s MHC-V83D High Power Audio Speaker – with the science of Cymatics demonstrating how omni-directional soundwaves influence paint, sand and liquid to the beat in an erratic but mesmerising way
With 85% of people across Europe having seen their mood affected by music (from instilling happiness and excitement to feelings of nostalgia and sadness), to test this out the second video shows the powerful influence and effect lower tempo music can have.
Dr David Lewis at Mindlab International, said: “Sad music can help us through tough times. The most intense emotional responses, whether of happiness or sadness, were found to occur when one tune contrasts emotionally with that heard immediately before it. The next time you want to be uplifted and re-energised by music, create a musical sandwich. Play a song that saddens you right before one that makes you cheerful, positive and optimistic. That way the power of the uplifting track will prove even more impactful”.
Music is also a powerful cue that can restore, often vividly, long-forgotten emotional experiences, with 88% of those polled across Europe admitting they have a memory where music has played a significant role.
It can affect how our mind works but equally the ways in which we behave and respond to those around us.
On average, we listen to over 285 hours of music a year (12 full days), giving it a unique power to brighten our lives during these difficult times. With 80% of people saying they want to listen to more music, knowing it has benefits to both our physical and mental wellbeing.
Informed by research from Dr David Lewis, Sony has created two new visual representations of how powerful music can impact us physically and emotionally. Powered by Sony’s new High-Power Audio speakers, the MHC-V83Dand MHC-V73D the videos portray the ways in which high and low tempo music, coupled with the speakers omnidirectional sound and lighting features, effects our bodies and the objects around us.
Experiment for yourself; put the power of music to the test to see what emotions it evokes for you…
Watch the video with a slower tempo music track first, which should evoke more melancholic feelings with Tails by Jack Chown, The Music Lab
Then re-energise with a song that has a faster tempo that should evoke happiness; brought to life by Gutenmorgen from Jack Chown, The Music Lab
Top 10 effects music has on us
Dr David Lewis looked at the effect music has on our bodies, minds and emotions, from increasing our memory function, heartbeat and pupil dilation to triggering teardrops, inducing sleep and instilling happiness.
Tears
Increase memory function
Happiness
Slow down, relax or speed up heart rate
Affect our actions
Create friendships and relationships, and even shape one’s identity
Create a ‘curing’ effect
Help induce sleep
Cause your spine to tingle and make hair stand on end
Pupil dilation and trigger ‘fight or flight’
A Sony spokesperson, said: “We can all think back to a moment in our lives where music has played an integral role. From nursery rhymes as children to our wedding day dance song; it evokes feelings and memories, taking us on a journey.”
“2020 has been a tough year for us all, we wanted to create this report and video to demonstrate how powerful music is, inspiring more people to use it as a tool for positivity in their lives. Our range of High-Power Audio speakers bring the power of sound out loud and clear, perfect for those wanting to enjoy listening to music together.”
Sony’s two exciting new models in its High-Power Audio Systems range, the MHC-V83Dand MHC-V73D, have been designed to expand choices for party lovers and families with omnidirectional sound and lighting, portable design and ultimate party entertainment.
JAM Audio, the lifestyle audio brand, has announced the launch of its new earbuds, the TWS ANC. An affordable solution with luxe, modern style, the TWS ANC extends users’ listening experience with a 7-hour battery life, plus up to 28 hours of undisrupted playtime with the case.
Dynamic 10 mm drivers offer a great combination of sound quality and affordability and its elongated shape provides a snug, comfortable fit with your choice of four soft, anti-slip ear gels, so nothing gets between you and the wireless sound of TWS ANC.
Features include
· True Wireless – True Wireless means no wires. Anywhere. Ever. Whether you’re working, working out, or taking calls. Compatible with Bluetooth® devices and voice assistants.
· Active Noise Cancellation – Superb Active Noise Cancellation lets you tune out distractions and focus on your music, podcasts, or whatever you’re listening to.
· Battery Life – Up to 7 hours of playtime (Bluetooth only), or up to 6 hours of playtime with Bluetooth and ANC. Up to 28 hours total with case.
· On-the-Go Touch Controls / Hands-Free Calling – Control the Convo. Convenient touch controls mean you never have to stop taking calls no matter where you are in your day.
· Premium Sound – Premium sound performance combined with Active Noise Cancellation lets you appreciate every lyric, chord, and heart-pounding beat.
· No-slip tip – 4 sizes of soft, anti-slip ear gels provide a comfortable fit for your 8-hour+ day.
The JAM Audio TWS ANC are priced at £99.99 and available from uk.jamaudio.com.
Selfie sticks are a thing and have been a while but in fairness not for me but I can see the use for them, however for the selfie stick itself I feel time is running out due the improvement of cameras on mobile phones with better wide angle rear and front facing cameras. This is no ordinary selfie stick though as it can double as a tripod which for me is good news and this also sports an option most mobile tripods leave out and it is height adjustment, I have several tripods here which all do a great job but they all miss one thing which is the option to adjust height and this model solves this issue for me but does not have the option to move the camera via remote or buttons but allows you to snap photos via a detachable remote control enabled with Bluetooth which is fine.
There is several models available here for there is something for all and the build quality is great too, this will also fit in a large pocket or backpack and has a telescopic rod with a phone holder that can be adjusted albeit restricted somewhat but fine for selfies it also acts a great tripod should you wish to move away from a subject and remotely take images the three legs are longer than the typical tripod giving better balance and a weight threshold, some tripods have tiny legs not giving much support for more weighty devices like larger mobiles and can tip over easy.
Overall it is a great product solving two problems at once for me and would be an ideal xmas gift for those who like to take selfies with a larger crowd but given the current situation it might not be an ideal tool to have now but certainly offers the user more benefits in the longrun and the portability factor and the remote control makes it ideal for better image/video captures with larger crowds or bigger subjects
Edifier, International, prominent designer and award-winning manufacturer of consumer audio electronics for both the lifestyle and multimedia markets announces its latest G4 TE gaming headset
Pinpointing movement by hearing sounds is important for participating in elite game play. The G4 TE over-ear style headset comes equipped with virtual 7.1 surround sound for exceptional sound quality. The ability to hear movements in every direction ensures you figure out enemy positions and stay alert during game play.
Designed with 50mm neodymium magnet drivers which effectively reproduce the sounds in your game straight into your ears, the G4 TE has a frequency response equalling 20Hz – 20kHz, producing excellent, precise tones.
The over-ear style of the G4 TE limit any outside interference with your play, ensuring you stay focused throughout your session. The self-adjusting, dual suspension headband and soft leatherette ear cups let your whole ear hear every sound, while providing a comfortable fit for long-time wear.
The flexible omni-directional, 360-degree microphone lets teammates with active noise cancellation hear your every word ensuring smooth communication during game play. The microphone is also detachable for easy storage and safe keeping.
The headset feature 1.68 million RGB LED lighting effects, illuminating the ear cups to personal your gaming space and enhance your play atmosphere.
The G4 TE comes equipped with a USB connection, easily plugging into your PC or laptop for instant game chat capability. The robust PVC cable and in-line remote and control switch offer ease of use while gaming.
Level up above casual game players and join the ranks of the elite.
Specifications:
Driver Unit:
Φ50mm moving coil unit
Frequency response:
20Hz-20KHz
Impedance:
32 Ohms
Sensitivity:
99dB
Cable length:
2.5m
Main Features:
7.1 surround sound with 50mm NdFeB driver tuned specifically for E-Sport.
Flexible and detachable omni-directional microphone.
Programmable light effect LED lit earcups.
On-wire controls for easy access.
Plug-and-play USB connection.
Price & Availability: Available for £89.99 on Amazon –
I have multiple smartphones here in for review and this one out of the bunch is the beast of the lot, when it comes to size and weight and this is not a bad thing either, with light phones you think you may have lost them from time to time but you will certainly know and feel this in any pocket and that is down to the build quality too of the device..
I have been a big fan of big devices for some time now but having tried this I do miss the screen estate here which is great for media and more, when it comes to the camera though this is an excellent camera as you will see in the videos and images taken below and to top it off the cool flip up camera which everyone I have shown loves and think its cool and James Bondish but they then ask is it a gimmick, well the answer is no when you think about it because you can get great front facing images and videos traditional phones cant offer via their holepunch or pill type front facing cameras.
We are not going to bore you with specs because we all know them now and you can read them all here as covered in the first look at the device..
This phone is fast and an excellent device for multitasking and to top it off it has excellent battery life to boot which today is still a thorn in the side for some users, power users like me like to see a phone last a day at least and this easily does this, lacking wireless charging was a caveat for me but it does support fast charging at 30W, there has been discussions over fast charging and how it can effect your battery life but you can charge normally if you will, with 5000 mAh on this you will be fine. The screen which has a 90hz refresh rate on this device is excellent at any angle and great for media consumption and more combined with dual speakers given the top speaker does not perform as well as the bottom firing speaker but overall a very passable experience and not much to complain about, for me I use earbuds or headphones when using the device for media consumption and very rarely I would use it in a stand for example beside my bed but overall it does well..
Key attributes to the USP of this device is its power, screen size and camera potential especially for creators who want more from their camera, this set up is new and we have seen a sea of phones with pop up cameras which are quite lame compared to this however this brings up another topic of longevity and how long will this camera last and will dust and dirt get into it which is valid but take care of your device and it will last and just be extra careful after all you are spending you hard earned money on this and not me and it is an easy device to recommend if you want something different but has the prowess of more expensive devices coming in a couple of hundred euro cheaper.
Using this device in my capacity over the last while has proven it is a worthy device for anything you throw at it and with the amount of work I do on mobiles that can be challenging at times for some phones but with this it was a breeze. With the Snapdragon 865+ you get speed, If you are worried about the camera it is good for some 200,000 flips which even for the most demanding should last them a couple of years..
Three Irish NGOs that support small businesses, job seekers and skills training will receive a share of €500,000 funding from Google.org to help them respond to the repercussions of the pandemic. The funding from the philanthropic arm of Google is the second tranche of the €1 million grant funding announced in April.
The funding was dedicated in two tranches, the first of which was provided to help NGOs and non-profits providing vital services to the most vulnerable in our communities during the initial Covid crisis, followed by a second tranche dedicated to economic recovery.
This second tranche of grants will be shared among NGOs that focus on upskilling, mentoring and supporting job seekers to help them gain the skills, knowledge and qualifications they need for roles in the tech sector. The projects to be funded by each of the grantees are:
Jobcare delivers virtual, 7-week training programmes to jobseekers in Dublin. Its goal is to support 500 participants and to help with this, they’re building a new platform for participants to use which will help them engage with the course material, other participants, and the trainers.
Ringsend Community Services Forum (RCSF) provides mentorship, job training, and train-the-trainer programmes to 50 community leaders in Ringsend and Pearse Street. This will provide an opportunity for each of the leaders to deliver training to their own target groups. In partnership with St. Andrew’s and The Anchorage Project key support in digital skills and employment opportunities will be provided to jobseekers in the wider communities of Pearse street and Ringsend.
INCO provides virtual job and skills training to young people (18-35) who have been economically impacted by COVID-19, primarily in Cork, Galway, and Waterford (achieved through working with local partners). INCO focuses on developing tech skills amongst this group with a view to young people gaining vital experience that will help them get full time roles in the tech sector.
Nick Leeder, Head of Google in Ireland said, “When we announced this funding back in April, we wanted to ensure that the second tranche would be dedicated to organisations that are providing support to job seekers and people needing to upskill from different backgrounds and locations around the country. Jobcare, INCO and RCSF provide these vital services that must not only continue amid the pandemic and public health guidelines, but must also continue to adapt their services to meet evolving challenges. It’s also very important to us that we continue to support our neighbours in Ringsend and the surrounding areas as they navigate this extremely difficult time.
Paul Mooney, Founder of Jobcare, one of the grantees to receive funding from Google.org said, “We are working tirelessly to support jobseekers, now including those who have unfortunately been economically impacted by COVID-19. It’s crucial that we continue our services during this extraordinarily difficult time, and the Google.org grant will help us expand our reach and adapt our platforms so that we continue to provide vital support.”
The first tranche of the €1 million euro funding was shared among NGOs that address different aspects of the crisis in communities across Ireland, including FoodCloud, ALONE, A Lust for Life and the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, in addition to Google’s local community in Ringsend and Pearse Street.
Team17 and Sony Interactive Entertainment are today announcing that Worms Rumble, the latest instalment in the long-running and award-winning Worms franchise, will be free on PlayStation Plus during December on both PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4. The news means that in just one week, players across both PlayStation platforms will be able to fight it out across the game’s urban arenas alongside – and against – those on Steam in up to 32-player, real-time action, thanks to its crossplay functionality.
Plus, there’s a new PlayStation trailer right here:
There’s still time for Steam players to take advantage of preordering Worms Rumble, and gain access to the ‘New Challenger’ content pack, featuring exclusive cosmetic items: the ‘New Challenger’ Outfit; Worms Rumble beanie; Worms Rumble baseball bat skin; Purple Worm Skin; Worms Rumble Banner; and the ‘New Challenger’ title. Two additional cosmetic packs, the Action All-Stars Pack# and Legends Pack#, provide additional customisation options for players and are available to preorder ahead of launch; the Legends Pack is included in the Worms RumbleDigital Deluxe Version.
Worms Rumble Key Features:
Real-time, frantic, 32-player action:Worms Rumble makes history as the first game in the series’ 25-year history to introduce real-time strategic combat and object destruction
Get more targets with crossplay matchmaking: Whether on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, or PC players can battle against players from all other platforms
Make your Worm its own: No Worms game would be complete without cosmetics and personalisation, ranging from outfits and hats to skins for your Worm and weapons they wield
Lock and load your arsenal: Crates across the maps contain a host of weapons and items, including fan favourites like the Sheep Launcher, Holy Hand Grenade, and Grapple Gun.
The Action All-Stars Pack is available on Steam for £3.99/$4.99/€4.99, while the Legends Pack is £6.99/$7.99/€7.99. The standard edition of Worms Rumble is now available to preorder on Steam and the Team17 Store for £10.99/$14.99/€14.99; Worms Rumble Digital Deluxe Version, which includes the Legends Pack, is available to preorder £16.99/$21.99/€21.99.
