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.
Meath County Council, a Local Authority in Ireland, has today announced the full roll out of its employee engagement app, Thrive.App.
Following a successful pilot last year, the Council’s ‘MCC Connect’ app is now available to all employees on both mobile and computer desktops.
The Council has over 850 employees, working across multiple locations, in two main categories i.e. ‘indoor staff’ and ‘outdoor staff’. With 35% of employees having no regular access to work emails or a desktop along with the current challenges presented by Covid-19, enhancing communication and promoting employee engagement is essential for the organisation.
Meath County Council Chief Executive, Jackie Maguire said;
“Before the app, we used paper-based communication to alert staff of important information. There was a communication barrier to outdoor staff who felt like they were the ‘last to know and hear information’.
The deployment of the app enables everyone to receive weekly newsletters, policies, procedures, job vacancies, well-being information, video updates, Health and Safety information, Covid-19 updates and more; at the same time, in real time.
It’s helping us to provide a supportive and healthy working environment which is especially important during these challenging times. We are empowering and enabling our employees, managers and supervisors with the right information at the right time to carry out their duties effectively and we continue to encourage a culture of learning and development.
We have managed to bridge the gap between indoor and outdoor staff by ensuring everyone receives and contributes to the same information at the same time.”
App Launch in Buvinda House for the MCC App
James Scott, CEO, Co-Founder of Thrive, adds;
“As businesses continue to navigate these challenging times, effective employee engagement has never been so important. We look forward to continuing to help Meath County Council achieve this in the weeks and months ahead and are delighted to be working with them.
Our goal is to help as many organisations as we can in shifting their communications from traditional methods such as printed newsletters, notice boards and team briefings to instant, modern, secure, engaging mobile apps that their employees love.”
Most people use the internet with abandon, oblivious to the dangers that lurk in the shadows, and to the fact that they can protect themselves. When you browse, anyone can see your online activity and see all your communication. To prevent this from happening, you can use a VPN. You may have heard of Surfshark and other known names but check out below for more.
What is a VPN?
A VPN or a Virtual Private Network consists of servers that you can connect to via your ISP (Internet Service Provider). The VPN provides your devices with a secure tunnel through which they can securely log into the internet. The VPN hides your ISP address and location, allocating you a virtual server in a different location. You can log into the internet on a server in France while you are in the U.S, making it hard for anyone to pinpoint your location.
Why Use a VPN?
There are numerous reasons why you should use a VPN, chief among them being:
Security
One of the main reasons why you should use a VPN for accessing the internet is security. A VPN encrypts all your data using AES256, which is one of the strongest encryption standards. If a hacker tries to intercept your browsing data, such as steal your credit card number while making online purchases, the encryption stops their efforts. This is why it is an excellent idea to use VPNs on public networks such as airports and coffee shops.
Privacy
Privacy is closely tied to security. Whatever you like to browse for on the internet, it should be nobody else’s business but your own. By using encryption for your online data such as the shows you stream, or what you write in forums, you keep it strictly your business by using a VPN.
Virtual Locations
A VPN gives you virtual locations, making it impossible for hackers to locate your address. This aspect is also useful when you are trying to log in to geo-restricted sites. If you are in China and trying to stream your favorite T.V show, the VPN can bypass the restrictions and you can watch the program as if you were back in the U.S.
How to Choose a VPN Service Provider
There are hundreds of VPN service providers in the market. Here are some of the qualities you can look out for:
Cost and Security
The more security a VPN offers, the more it costs. Beware the free VPNs, which claim to protect you at no subscription cost. Their justification for the free service is to sell your data to third parties.
Server Quantity
A VPN provider with many servers means you will not be crammed into an already crowded server, making your connection times slower.
Server Location
If you regularly stream content from Europe and live in the U.S, a VPN service provider with numerous servers in various parts of the world will serve you better.
IP Sharing
A quick technique to evaluate a VPN service provider is to check if they give one IP address to several users. When many users are sharing the same IP address, it offers a degree of protection since a hacker cannot pinpoint a single user.
Multiple Device Support
When you subscribe to a VPN service, you will want to connect all your other devices such as tablets and routers. Go online and search VPN for multiple devices to get a list of those VPNs that provide multiple device support. Most service providers allow a connection of at least five devices, but ensure to check before you subscribe.
IP Leakage
One easy technique to evaluate a potential VPN provider is by checking if they have free trials. If they do, go ahead and sign up, then tunnel in. After tunneling in, visit their website to help you know if the provider has an IP leak, meaning your location is not hidden. If you see your real physical location or IP address on this page, you need to find a VPN provider with more security.
User Interface
Check how the VPN provider’s software operates and looks. Is operating it straightforward? Is turning it on and off easy? How easy is it to change your tunneling location?
Conclusion
In these times of online insecurity, hacking cases have gone up, with hackers using sophisticated hacking techniques to get hold of your data. Protecting yourself using a VPN is one of the best ways to protect your online activity. A VPN uses sophisticated encryption techniques to protect your data and hide your IP and physical address. If you travel to a geo-restricted country, you are still able to stream your favorite shows using a VPN. Before subscribing to a VPN, ensure you go through what it offers, and do not pick a free VPN. Instead, you will find the more expensive a VPN, the better its services.
Setting up your own website can be a great first step for your business. Offering an online option will appeal to more customers, and word of mouth will quickly spread about you. In terms of web hosting options, you will likely find that a VPS is a good intermediary between the three that are readily available. You will then need to decide if you are going to go with a managed vs. unmanaged VPS. We will be examining the differences between the two to make your decision a little clearer.
What is VPS?
There are three main types of web hosting that are available for your website. Shared hosting is the first, and usually the cheapest option. It involves hundreds of different websites sharing the same server and resources, such as CPU time, memory, and disk space. This tends to be what first-time businesses use when they do not have many resources at their disposal.
A VPS, or virtual private server, is used when your website is still sharing the same server as several websites, but on a much smaller scale. Not all the resources are being shared, and an individual portion of the server is allocated to your website. Small to medium-sized companies usually use VPS because it suits their needs the best.
A dedicated server is the most expensive choice. It involves the website getting its very own server. Nothing is shared, and all the resources are designated specifically for your website. This hosting option is typically used by large online businesses that get a heavy flow of traffic on a daily basis.
Managed VPS
A managed VPS involves your hosting service provider taking care of the majority of the work. This includes updates, regular maintenance, software patches, and they are also on call in case something stops working unexpectedly. The provider takes over all of these things so that the business owner can concentrate completely on running the company.
The best people to use a managed VPS are business owners who do not have much technical expertise in the field of web hosting. It would also be good for new businesses because the owner can take the time to focus on their work rather than on the server.
The main advantage of using a managed VPS is that it gives you more peace of mind. You are secure in the knowledge that your website is being monitored 24/7 and that your uptime is very high. You can also trust that your provider will be making server upgrades that will boost traffic and therefore increase your profits.
Unmanaged VPS
Unmanaged VPS is the exact opposite. With this option, the business owner takes the entire responsibility of managing the server and operating system. If the website goes down, the owner needs to realize it and fix it themselves as soon as possible.
The people who normally use an unmanaged VPS are business owners who are more tech-savvy. They need to know how web hosting works. They also need to know basic coding and have some skills in web design.
The main advantage of using an unmanaged VPS is that it gives users more freedom. They can tweak their settings as desired and make whatever upgrades they want. If the user has a basic knowledge of web hosting, they should be able to figure out how to run their server on their own.
Differences
Overall, the major difference between managed and unmanaged VPS is the level of responsibility that the business owner is taking in the running of the server. Managed hosting has the server settings handled by the hosting provider. Meanwhile, unmanaged VPS allows the owner to take responsibility for the settings.
As well, managed VPS tends to cost more than the unmanaged counterpart. The provider is more hands-on, and so they charge extra for all the services that they are providing. Unmanaged VPS is cheaper initially. However, if a problem occurs and you can’t figure out how to get the server back up and running, you might be out more money than you counted on.
Conclusion
Overall, the decision to use a managed or unmanaged VPS basically comes down to your level of tech knowledge. If you start out with a managed VPS and you want to be more involved later on, that can easily happen. By taking some courses to expand your knowledge, you will become more familiar with what you need to do. Then you can switch to an unmanaged VPS for the future.
If any company is worth its salt in the VPN world today, it’s also going to have a mobile device app to match the same protection service provided on a regular computer. The simple fact is, people spend more time on average with their phone or tablet than they do with a desktop computer or even a laptop. No surprise then, there’s a lot of apps out their promising to help and do their work, but in reality are just empty functions assuming users know nothing about how to test encryption and hoping their tool spreads for money, popularity, or worse, fraud.
Fortunately, a handful of VPN providers offer a very reliable channel for mobile devices, and they are well recognised in the VPN world in general as safe, reliable and functional. They also have the ability to break through geo-block barriers that hamper enjoyable streaming as well as monitoring. Best of all, these VPN tools can easily work over any Wi-Fi, keeping one’s connection costs down and Internet capability up and running for low or no ISP cost. Here are seven of the top players to consider:
ExpressVPN
One thing that made Apple a raging success was how intuitive its products were. ExpressVPN follows the same philosophy with its app, making it extremely easy to learn. The ExpressVPN tool also works amazingly fast without drops, buggy performance or unreliable connection.
Surfshark
A well-proven winner in the VPN world, particularly in Europe as well as the U.S., Surfshark for mobile offers a budget-sensitive user a solid VPN package that delivers reliability and function without the corporate price tag being attached.
NordVPN
Its brand awareness is something to be jealous of because just about anyone trying to connect to the Internet with encryption has heard of NordVPN somewhere somehow. Their app VPN is fast, has a high score in reliability, and the pricing tends to be competitive even if not the cheapest service available.
IPVanish
The beauty of this choice is that it can handle multiple connections at the same time on the same account. And that can be pretty handy when one needs to share their mobile VNP with work partners or family on a trip. IPVanish has robust support network and stays competitive with an affordable price point as well.
CyberGhost
The beauty of this choice tends to be their sign up teaser. A user can have six months of free service with CyberGhost and enjoy a support network that is actually bigger than some of the other players on this list. The value and price point are competitive, and CyberGhost’s VPN program works on multiple OS environments without issue.
PrivateInternetAccess
A well-established name recognized for amazing speed delivery in data transfer connections, PIA also gets top billing for privacy protection as well as adware blocking. Available on Android, Linux and iOS, PIA comes with a variety of plan choices, and it is highly customizable which tends to be an attraction for those who like to tweak their apps.
TorGuard VPN
For those folks who like to download a lot of data from Bittorrent and similar, TorGuard VPN is a custom-designed answer in the VPN world. Specific to iOS, TorGuard takes advantage of Tor’s extensive server network, and it hits the middle of the pack with speed ratings. The interface isn’t the friendliest or most intuitive, but Tor folks tend to be techy-oriented anyways.
Ergotron, a global company focused on improving how people work, learn, play and care for others, has today announced the introduction of the StyleView® Pole Cart. This compact and mobile cart solution brings tablets, technology, supplies and more to wherever they’re needed in healthcare, education, industrial and other environments. An optional LifeKinnex™ hot swap battery keeps power available for the cart even if an outlet is not.
The cart is designed with a modular architecture to make customisation simple, with a built-in T-slot and VESA plate that fit a variety of accessories. A convenient handle improves ergonomics and offers precise movement. Three-inch, heavy-duty casters facilitate easy moving from room to room or across floors of various surfaces.
“One of the many hospital applications for the StyleView Pole Cart is connecting isolated patients to others,” said Richard Guy, Country Sales Manager, UK & Ireland. “With a tablet mount, this solution can be positioned next to a patient’s bed, providing an easy way to communicate with hospital caregivers or with family.”
The StyleView Pole Cart’s simple, slender design can easily fit in tight spaces in healthcare environments. In a classroom, teachers can mount a tablet or other small device and position the cart by a student desk or at the front of a classroom for remote learners. In industrial applications, the StyleView Pole Cart can be manoeuvred anywhere on a busy manufacturing floor.
With a thermal imaging camera attached, the cart can also be deployed in offices or public spaces to detect body temperatures and support efforts to help maintain safe, healthy teams and communities.
Sony today announced several additions to its impressive imaging line-up — the Alpha 7C full-frame camera (model ILCE-7C), the FE 28-60mmF4-5.6 (model SEL2860) zoom lens and HVL-F28RM flash.
The Alpha 7C is the world’s smallest and lightest[i] full-frame body with uncompromising performance, featuring advanced AF (autofocus), high-resolution 4K video[ii] capabilities and more. When paired with the world’s smallest and lightest[iii] FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 standard zoom lens, this versatile combination delivers an experience unlike any other, maximising portability and versatility without sacrificing any of the power of full-frame imaging. The HVL-F28RM flash allows users to broaden their photo expressions with outstanding compactness and an intelligent light intensity control linked to camera face detection[iv].
“We are committed to creating the best tools possible based on the needs of our customers,” said Yann Salmon Legagneur, Director of Product Marketing, Digital Imaging, Sony Europe. “The new Alpha 7C camera and FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 zoom lens pack many of our most advanced imaging technologies in a brand new design that is the smallest and lightest full-frame camera and lens system in the world. This opens up a new world of possibilities for creators, giving them the uncompromised power of a full-frame system in the palm of their hand.
New Alpha 7C: Uncompromised Full-frame Performance in a Compact Design
The new Alpha 7C combines Sony’s full-frame image quality, advanced AF capabilities and versatile video shooting functions in a stunningly light and compact design. The new camera features a 24.2MP (approx. effective) 35mm full-frame back-illuminated Exmor R™ CMOS sensor and BIONZ X™ image processing engine, offering high sensitivity, outstanding resolution, 15-stop wide dynamic range and high-speed image data processing.
Measuring only 124.0mm x 71.1mm x 59.7mm (4.9 inches x 2.8 inches x 2.2 inches) and weighing just 509g (18oz), the Alpha 7C is a similar size and weight to an APS-C camera, weighing only 1% more than the Alpha 6600. The Alpha 7C achieves the world’s smallest and lightest compact bodyii through an upgraded 5-axis in-body stabilisation system, upgraded shutter units and the utilisation of a monocoque construction which is often used in the bodies of cars and aircrafts. Even in this compact body, the Alpha 7C offers a 5-step stabilisation effect that allows beautiful shots without the need for a tripod. Moreover, the high capacity NP-FZ100 battery provides enough power to capture an industry-leading 740 images when using the LCD monitor, or 680 imagesxi when using the viewfinder – making it perfect for long shoots.
Outstanding Full-frame Image Quality
Sony’s new Alpha 7C combines high resolution with low noise for excellent image quality at all sensitivities, offering the user stunning image quality for shooting everyday photography and movies such as nature, portraits, sports, street photography and more. Standard ISO extends up to 51,200 and is expandable to ISO 50-204,800[xi] for low-light shoots. The Alpha 7C also supports 16-bit processing and 14-bit RAW output for natural gradations.
Advanced Autofocus
Using AI-driven functions, the Alpha 7C’s Real-time Tracking[xiii] maintains accurate focus automatically while the shutter button is half-pressed. In addition, “Tracking On + AF-On” now is assignable to a custom key and can now be activated at once while the AF-ON button is pressed. Moreover, the intended subject can be specified just by touching it on the monitor when “Touch Tracking” has been turned ON via the menu and is available for both stills and movies. The Alpha 7C’s AF functions also feature Real-time Eye AF for both humans and animals to achieve fast and accurate focus. When using Real-time Tracking (while “Face/Eye Priority in AF” is ON) with a human subject, the subject’s eye and face is detected and locked on in real-time with extremely high precision.
The Alpha 7C provides wide, fast, reliable AF that locks onto the intended subject instantly without losing focus, thanks to its 693-point focal-plane phase-detection AF system covering approximately 93% of the image area, with an additional 425 contrast-detection points to ensure reliable focus, even in busy environments.
The Alpha 7C also features continuous shooting at up to 10 fps with AF/AE (autoexposure) by using a newly developed shutter unit and refined image processing system. It is also possible to shoot continuously at up to 8 fps in live view mode, with minimal viewfinder/monitor display lag for easy, stable framing, even with intense subject motion. The Alpha 7C allows up to approximately 223 JPEG (Fine L) images, 115 compressed RAW images, or 45 uncompressed RAW images to be captured in one continuous burst, and achieves highly accurate and reliable AF precision in light down to EV-4. These features make it easier to capture fast moving objects with absolute precision.
Expanded Video Capabilities
Full-frame full-pixel readout without the need for pixel binning makes it possible to capture more than twice[xix] the amount of data required for 4K video (QFHD: 3840 x 2160)iii, which is then oversampled to produce high quality 4K footage with exceptional detail and depth. In addition, the Alpha 7C supports HDR (HLG[xx]) and S-Log/S-Gamut profiles, Slow & Quick motion, high-speed full HD recording at 120 fpsiii and other advanced features for exceptional, high quality video footage.
Furthermore, the Alpha 7C features Real-time Eye AF (human) for video shooting. The eye is automatically tracked with high precision and reliability so that the operator can concentrate on the content rather than focus operation. Users can also customise AF Transition Speed in seven settings, and AF Subject Shift Sensitivity in five settings, in their preferences. Touch Tracking functionality is also available for movie shooting.
The Alpha 7C features a side-opening vari-angle LCD monitor, making it easy to record selfies, overhead shots, ground-level shots or whatever the user requires. The MOVIE button has been placed to the top of the camera making it easier to operate while recording in selfie mode. Additionally, the Alpha 7C also captures sound in high quality to match that of the image capture and deliver harmonious high-quality video. A digital audio interface has been added to the camera’s Multi Interface (MI) Shoe, allowing the ECM-B1M Shotgun Microphone or XLR-K3M XLR Adaptor Kit to be connected to input digital audio signals directly to the MI shoe for cleaner, clearer audio recordings. Like other MI shoe accessories, no cables or batteries are required, providing unrestrained freedom for Alpha system moviemaking. A headphone and a microphone jack are also provided to accurately monitor recorded sound, and metadata attached to movie footage shot vertically on the camera allows the footage after transfer to a smartphone to also be replayed and edited in portrait mode.
Designed for Reliable Operation
The Alpha 7C is designed with the user in mind. The touch panel LCD monitor is a large touch-sensitive 3.0 type with approximately 921K dots, providing optimal visibility even in bright outdoor conditions, and supporting touch operations. The Alpha 7C also features a high-quality view mode for finer, more natural detail in addition to a 2.35 megadot (approx.) XGA OLED Tru-Finder™ EVF. The Alpha 7C offers functions that simplify operation during and after shooting, such as Fn button customisations and more. It is also dust and moisture resistant to support shooting needs in challenging environments.
To simplify workflow needs, Wi-Fi compatible wireless-communication functions allows images and movies to be directly transferred[xxii] to a smartphone or tablet for convenient sharing, viewing or saving. In addition to the conventional 2.4GHz band, support for the 11ac standard allows transfer via 5GHz band(IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac)[xxiii] so that users can select that stable and high-speed transfer with low interference. A USB Type-C® connector that supports SuperSpeed USB 5Gbps (USB 3.2) is also provided, allowing fast transfer of images during PC remote shooting and power supply from external mobile batteries.
New FE 28-60mm F4-5.6: The World’s Smallest and Lightestiv Full-frame Zoom Lens with High Image Quality
The new FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 offers the world’s smallest and lightestiv form factor in a standard zoom lens, delivering high optical performance that achieves the high-resolution depiction of full-frame everywhere in the image. Optimal arrangement of the 3 aspherical lens elements effectively suppresses aberrations throughout the zoom range and realises high resolution from corner to corner. A minimum focus distance of 30cm (0.99 feet) (wide-angle) to 45cm (1.48 feet) (telephoto) delivers close-up capability, making it perfect for everyday use or vlogging with a gimbal or grip.
At 5.9oz (167g) and 2.6 inches dia. x 1.8 inches (66.6 mm dia. x 45 mm), along with its mechanical and optimal optical design that features a retracting structure, the FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 achieves unrivalled compactness and lightness, allowing users to easily carry it all the times. From everyday shooting to scenery, portraits and travel, it’s the ideal lens for any type of on-the-go shooting in a wide variety of environments. When combined with the Alpha 7C, the combination achieves uncompromising full-frame performance with the world’s smallest and lightest full-frame camera and lens systemi. Even with its compact size and light weight, the FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 is dust and moisture resistantxxii and accepts a variety of 40.5mm filters.
The FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 delivers high-speed, high-accuracy AF allowing for Real-time Tracking and Real-time Eye AF, using a linear motor. In addition to Sony’s advanced AF capabilities, the FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 features an internal focus design which leaves the lens length unchanged with focus motion and close-up shots, enabling users to easily capture a wide variety of content from regular movie shooting to comfortable vlogging.
New HVL-F28RM: Compact Flash with Light Intensity Control Linked to Camera Face Detectionv
The HVL-F28RM is a compact flash designed to match Sony’s mirrorless cameras for a compact, manageable system, and offers the type of reliable, stable performance that only a genuine Sony product can provide. When compared to the HVL-F32M, the HVL-F28RM features a 12% reduction in volume and 7% reduction in weight. This compact, easy-to-use flash unit delivers the capabilities and dependability to meet the needs of both professional and advanced amateur content creators.
The HVL-F28RM offers consistent GN28 light output, optimised light distribution and continuous flash performance that won’t interrupt the user’s workflow, as well as stable radio wireless communication and multi flash radio control. The new flash also features Sony’s newly introduced flash control linked to camera face detection advanced technology. When used with a compatible camera, the balance between the light falling on the subject’s face and ambient light is taken into account to automatically adjust accurate white balance so that the subject’s face is rendered with natural, lifelike colour. In addition, flash compensation, light ratio, and other detailed flash parameters can be controlled directly from a compatible camera[xxv]. A camera custom key can be assigned to call up the flash parameter display so that adjustments can be made while looking through the viewfinder and gripping the camera. Flash parameters are shown in the selected camera display language.
A newly developed “Metal Shoe Foot with Rugged Side Frame”[xxvi] that also houses the unit’s electrical contacts offers improved resistance to physical shock and impact from all the directions. The Multi Interface foot is fabricated from metal for higher strength. The HVL-F28RM also features a dust and moisture resistant design. When the HVL-F28RM is mounted and locked onto the Alpha 7C, Alpha 7S III, Alpha 7R IV and Alpha 9 II, resistance to dust and moisture is improved so it can withstand challenging outdoor environments.
The HVL-F28RM also features simple, intuitive operation with minimal controls including +/- light level buttons, pairing button, test button and lock lever. Plenty of light is available for bounce applications. The flash angle can also be set as required via 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 120 degree click stops for easy positioning. The new flash also features a built-in wireless radio trigger for reliable flash triggering when mounted on a compatible camera and paired with an off-camera unit. When used as a transmitter, the HVL-F28RM can control up to 15 flash and/or receiver units in 5 groups[xxvii] at distances of up to 35 metres (114 feet)[xxviii] for extraordinary lighting control and versatility. The HVL-F28RM is powered by two AA (LR6) alkaline or NiMH batteries. A fresh pair of alkaline batteries can provide power for up to 110 continuous flashes (1/1 manual flash with alkaline batteries)xxix.
Pricing and Availability
The new Alpha 7C compact full-frame camera will be available in October 2020 for an estimated retail price of £1,900/€2,100 body only.
The FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 zoom lens will be available in early January 2021 for an estimated retail price of £450/€500.
A new kit featuring the Alpha 7C compact full-frame camera and FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 zoom lens will also be available in late October for an estimated retail price of £2,150/€2,400.
The HVL-F28RM flash will be available this winter for an estimated retail price of £250/€280.
In a day when GDPR is an important issue and can land you in big trouble if you leak data you need to be kept secure and what a better way to begin in a personal or corporate capacity with having the latest tech at hand to insure data is controlled and kept safe. Secure Drive offer a range of products and multiple storage levels and price points to do so and again this is portable can fit in your pocket or tech bag and so on.
We have reviewed several of the products from the company and still use them today to protect data and for someone on the move like me given no so much of late with the pandemic I have my files and data in order and have them kept safe and these products will do so and certainly worth a look.
The Secure Drive KP portable drive is another offering from the business which has a keypad rather than bluetooth like the 1TB SSD we reviewed recently this is more James Bond looking than the KP version yet as secure and people do ask what the item is and some have not even realised such tech has existed from my findings going around to meetings and so on.
OS/Host Independent. Works with any device with a powered USB port
Hardware Encryption – AES256-bit XTS
Interior Parts Covered in Epoxy – No intact media removal for hackers
User Authentication via On-board Alphanumeric Keypad (7-15 Digit PIN)
Brute Force Anti Hacking Protection – Safe Delete/Wipe of All Data/Keys
Admin/User Mode, Read-Only Mode, Auto-Lock
Preloaded with DriveSecurity® ESET Antivirus (1 Year License Included)
Slim: 12.5mm (HDD – 1TB,2TB), (SSD – 256GB-8TB)
Standard: 20.5MM (up to 5TB HDD)
2 Year Limited Warranty (HDD Model)
3 Year Limited Warranty (SSD Model)
This is easy to set up and maintain with no additional software required either which is a bonus,check out the video below on how it works and check out the variants and prices on offer and keep your data in a safe place and do not fall into trouble with the DPC (Ireland) given they are all talk and no action to date. Some of these drives will cost you money up front however in the current times we live in and when data needs to kept secure now is the time to prepare and be ready rather than wait for a problem to arise and the suite of products on offer from Secure Drive will certainly keep you and your data safe and your peace of mind.
The skullcandy crusher headphone range has been popular with regular upgrades over the years and when they introduced sensory haptic bass it changed how you consume music and more it is a feeling you need to experience first hand be it in store or perhaps from a friend who has a pair the in store option perhaps not available now but once you try them you will experience something quite unique. This technology has been around a while but not implemented much and aside Skullcandy I have only seen it in one other product to give you an idea of how it works and woojer strap was a product I reviewed some time ago which has a similar effect.
I am a huge headphone fan with a massive collection like my earbuds and have a huge portfolio reviewed here like our earbuds and we have many more on the way we have the biggest range of true wireless covered here in Ireland to suit all pockets and a massive range of headphones too so you can see what you get for your money. I have reviewed older versions of the Skullcandy Crusher range and from day one I was hooked and today their new evo model keeps me hooked and only recently checking out their Crusher Anc which again are fantastic these bring the sensory bass to a new level with the Evo.
The Evo are similar in many ways with features and design with some tweaks and differences between these and the recent ANC in Cherry Red and come with a nice matt Black finish, Comfortable,sturdy and not a fingerprint magnet with simple to use controls that keeps you away from your phone and a slider for the sensory bass it is a well designed set of headphones that just deliver again. These are not aimed at true audiophiles however but overall the listening experience is unique all round and whilst it might not be for all it is something for you to try and feel, No lag latency noted on any platform I listen to either. Yes you feel the music you feel immersed it is something special..
Check out more on the Crusher Evo here and check our review below..
Adjusting to the ‘new normal’ can be easier said than done and looking back at the good old days can be a nice reprieve from the realities of the pandemic. The past is very present in our culture, including in the TV shows we watch (such as Stranger Things and Hollywood), memorabilia we keep hold of from way back when, and the resurfacing of “Throwback Thursday” photos. It is clear we are a nostalgic nation.
A recent study by Currys PC World sent to us surveyed 2042 UK residents to unearth why the nation loves to reminisce on days gone by. From what decade we miss the most and how nostalgia makes us feel, to who yearns for the past the most, we reveal it all. Like me there is many collectors out there and I have one of the biggest collection of NOKIA devices in Europe and have other collectibles in mobile phones too but you could have something worth a few quid in your drawer and perhaps now might be a time to check, let us know what you have.
Old is the new “new”: Nostalgia can be your next side hustle
Even in today’s digital age, vintage gadgets can remind us of a time when life was as simple as the technology in our phones, games consoles, and music devices. And thanks to this nostalgia, you can make money selling vintage technology, on the basis they are in working condition. When it comes to buying vintage gadgets, people are willing to spend more money on older generations of phones (34%), followed by music devices (32%) and gaming consoles (21%).
Those old mobiles sitting in your drawer gathering dust may also be gathering interest. Currys PC World looked at some of the classic mobile phones and found that the Motorola DynaTac has increased in value by 147% between 1983 and 2020. The original iPhone has also appreciated in value by 264% between 2003 and 2020. We wanted to know who is willing to pay the most for vintage gadgets and here’s what was found:
· Over a fifth (21%) of top-tier earners are willing to pay more money for vintage record players than the latest technology
· Women are willing to pay more (30%) for mid-generation phones than men (27%)
· 28% of mid-tier earners sell their items on to make more money
· Over 1 in 10 people are willing to spend more money on mid-generation games consoles than the latest technology
· 35% of people aged 55+ are willing to pay out for mid-generation phones
The most nostalgic city in the U.K.
The nation is full of idiosyncrasies and it turns out that opinions on nostalgia are no different, as how we reminisce differs from city to city across Britain. Londoners love the most up-to-date games consoles (33%) and are willing to pay a higher price for it. Whereas Bristol, Birmingham and Plymouth (13%) are willing to spend more on vintage games consoles. When it comes to the most missed decades, Belfast longs for the 80s the most (47%) but Leeds (30%) and Liverpool (38%) miss the 60s the most. Sheffield residents miss the 90s (26%)– the decade that Spice Girls found international stardom – the most.
· Norwich residents are the most nostalgic in the U.K. (59%)
· Newcastle residents are the least nostalgic (11%)
· Southampton residents get the most stressed when thinking about the past (8%)
· Plymouth is a city of technology hoarders, as 43% keep their vintage technology
· 30% of Edinburgh residents give their technology away
The battle of the sexes: Women are more nostalgic than men
Reminiscing is a very personal experience and impacts some people more so than others. There are all sorts of things that can trigger nostalgia and bring on a whole host of emotions too. According to the research, it turns out that vintage games consoles are three times (14%) more likely to trigger nostalgia in men than women (4%), which could explain why they are almost twice as likely (12%) to buy them than women. Music, films and chatting to family are most likely to trigger feelings of nostalgia in women.
· Music triggers nostalgia in women (60%) more than men (50%)
· Men (6%) feel more stressed than women when reminiscing (3%)
· Men are twice as likely (14%) to see nostalgia as an avoidance of the present than women (7%)
Survey data was collected through Censuswide with 2042 participants across the U.K. All mobile phone value data was based on the original retail price and the highest asking price for a working model on eBay (25/05/2020). Mobile retail price data was sourced from:
Whether it’s because of the music, the fashion or the simpler technology, looking back to a bygone era is a popular pastime for the nation. With the right SIM-free phone, it’s easy to enjoy the simplicity of the past without getting lockdown with expensive contracts.
