How to really see 20/20 in 2020. Are you on your phone and PC all day. #Tech #Eyes

Written by Alastair Lockwood, eye health specialist and ophthalmologist at Feel Good Contacts

We already know that the overuse of computers and smartphones can cause significant strain to our eyes, but with changes to work and daily life meaning we are now more reliant on screens than ever before (such as the one you’re looking at right now), it’s integral you take precautions to protect yourself once you have put your smart device away. 

 

For tech lovers, taking care of your eyes is even more important to combat the hours spent on your phone, computer screen or console. Optometrists are finding an increasing number of tech-related eye strains in patients, demonstrating the threat devices pose to our long term eye health.

 

To maximise your health and maintain your vision as close to 20/20 in the upcoming year, we have compiled tips, nutritional advice and guidance on how to really see better in 2020. 

 

  • Take regular breaks from your computer screen

 

Using a computer too frequently can cause computer vision syndrome (CVS), where the eyes become tired, dry and even strained from the glare. To prevent this, employees are advised to blink regularly during the day when working on a computer to avoid dry eyes. 

 

Taking regular breaks is imperative when sitting in front of a screen, where the famous 20-20-20 rule can come in handy.  Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break from your screen to look at something 20 feet away. This vital break will give your eyes a chance to rest and is an effective way to reduce eye strain. 

 

  • Adjust your technical environment 

 

Having a high-quality resolution and adequately bright screen can significantly ease the pressure on your eyes to focus on the computer. Working with a dull screen or glare forces eyes to strain more, making it important to regularly check the screen brightness and resolutions of your equipment. 

 

Employees should request anti-glare screens from their employer, reducing the everyday strain on their eyes. Sufficient lighting is required around desks for equal brightness since shadows and light glare can cause eye fatigue. Computer screens should rest at least 25 inches away.

 

A clean environment with minimal dust is important will cause less irritation. Artificial tears can help supplement your natural tear film.

 

Need a job in IT or tech? Click the image below.

 

  • Reduce smoking intake

 

Smoking exposes your eyes to high levels of oxidative stress and has been linked to the risk of cataracts, glaucoma, diabetes and dry eye syndrome. Quitting smoking at any stage of life can be beneficial, reducing the risk of developing eye threatening conditions. 

 

  • Go on 20-minute walks, four times a week

 

Exercising regularly is a recommended way to keep your eyes in check. Exercising will lower the pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure), helping to protect retinal ganglion cells. It may help in glaucoma patients, but autoregulation, ie independent of exercise is the main control here for blood flow. 

 

  • Try to sleep for 7-9 hours a day

 

For most people, sleeping is the one period during the day when their eyes are not required to focus. During sleep, the eyes are rehydrated with a supply of natural tears, a process which requires a minimum of 5 hours to replenish. 

 

If sleeping is an issue, taking the above steps of exercising regularly are helpful tips to tackle this. Relaxing in bed without using a screen can also help, as well as hot baths, light yoga or reading a book. If your sleep issue persists, visit a doctor to assess if there are any underlying issues to your sleeping patterns. 

 

  • Eat a balanced diet

 

To maintain healthy eyes, eating foods rich in vitamins c and e, omega-3 fatty acids, lutein and zinc are highly recommended. Kale, spinach, salmon, tuna, eggs, nuts, beans, oranges and oysters are some of the many foods crucial to this balanced diet.

 

  • Change your eye makeup regularly

 

With the eye-watering prices of high-end makeup, it is not uncommon for consumers to continue using their eye makeup until it completely runs out. Liquid and cream eye makeups do, however, collect bacteria which can harbour in brushes, lids or the product itself. Eye makeup and mascara should be replaced every 3 months to minimise the risk of infections and products should never be shared with others. 

 

  • Wear sunglasses with the correct protection

 

Although sunglasses make an excellent accessory in the summer, their importance for eye protection should not be underestimated. Fast fashion retailers do not always produce sunglasses with the correct materials to avoid harmful ultraviolet (UV) light. This makes it imperative for consumers to ensure they purchase glasses which cover both UVA and UVB protection. 

 

  • Get your eyes checked regularly 

 

Regular eye examinations are crucial to spotting sight loss or damage before it worsens. Optometrists can help detect conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration which can lead to sight loss, so visiting your optician is an important step in maintaining good eye health. 

The roundup 

To tackle the increasing use of screens in our daily lives, try out these eye health tips to keep your vision as close to 20/20 as you can. Perhaps thought of eating salmon every day and cutting out coffee might not be your ideal news, so trying a balanced approach with work, exercise and food habits may be just the trick to improve your eyesight for the year ahead.

Review – The Aukey T10 True Wireless earbuds. #AukeyT10 #TrueWireless #Tech

The Aukey T10 True Wireless are a new pair of true wireless to consider if you are in the market for a new pair. Here we test countless pairs and what you get for the money here is good and they also look great and have a unique charging case which I really like. Not only this you get wireless charging and USB-C charging too and these are often features left out of more expensive earbuds and it is what people like and for the price this is good having these features out of the box.

The fit is great and they hold down really well and do not budge, coming with the extra wings and tips you are sure to find the right size for you to get that all important seal you need to get the best sound from your earbuds and once you have got this these shine and are loud and if you are into fitness you need not worry about them falling out either they have a really great fit and to top it off you have got IPX5 water rating.

Build quality is also great here and the feel too and they do not stick out too much either compared to some earbuds out there they look good and feel good and if that is what you want this is what you get here with a clean look and finish.

When it comes to battery life these are also up there with offering 24hrs charge off the case and around 7 hours on one charge which is at the higher end of battery life with earbuds off one charge so for those who commute these are ideal and better than some others out there including headphones and this is great considered the size of them packing in this much battery life. Also lets not forget the unique case you get here which I have not seen on any other earbuds yet that crossed my review table and this case offers protection with the swivel top ensuring your buds do not fall out given they already have a good magnet holding them in as you will see in the video.

When it comes to sound they do quite well,they have no aptx though and use 6mm graphene drivers that do quite well overall considering, I did find the music rather close however but not a huge deal,decent dynamic range and there is a good level of bass here for the bass lovers, Everything else was well balanced with nothing crossing into each other,good on instruments, vocals and all the usual genres and sound stages I usually test. When it comes to You Tube and Netflix again they pass the test but again I found things close rather than being more distant or with direction but at full volume they will be a treat for anyone.

 

An important thing to note is there is no lag latency here on both You Tube or Netflix which is always a plus for anyone and after a long period of testing over the Christmas these got a good long run and more so than others I have tested and I was more than pleased at the overall result here. With the Bluetooth 5.0 connection I had no issues here either given the average 30-40 ft distance test and they remained connected and for call quality again they are fine a clear both ends. One thing to keep in mind is they cant be used independently but you can use the right side on its own but not the left,again this is quite common but needs to be pointed out. Having said that they can be used on their own once opposite side is not placed in the charging case.,there is also no auto pause on music when either side is removed from your ear.

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For the money you cant complain,there is no aptx and no app but again this is common with true wireless but you get wireless charging, USB- C charging ,great battery life, an IPX5 rating and they look great and come with a really cool case and I can easily recommend these to check out rather than waste your money on Airpods.

 

BUY HERE

The Nokia 6.2 finally available in Ireland via Littlewoods. #Nokia #Tech

Last year HMD and Nokia announced a slew of devices but not all available here and certainly not in bricks and mortar and the 7.2 has been the main focus over the last few months, Currently we can get the 7.2 and the cute detox 2720 flip and the builder type Nokia 800 we reviewed and most of the range be it on store or online. Until now the Nokia 6.2 has been seen nowhere but now you can pick one up if you have been waiting for it via Littlewoods Ireland.

 

The Nokia 6.2 was not scheduled to launch into the Irish market like many other devices such as the Nokia 9 Pureview but was obtainable by other means as expected. Prices do vary if you shop around and on a quick search Littlewoods is at the higher end, No Surprise there.

Get more for your money with the stylish Nokia 6.2.

With its deluxe display, triple-lens camera and polymer composite body that’s twice as strong as polycarbonate and half the weight of aluminium, the Nokia 6.2 gives you incredible value for money.

STUNNING SCREEN
At 8.3 mm thick, it feels wonderfully comfortable in your hand, while the 6.3 inch, Full HD+ 2280 x 1080-resolution PureDisplay screen with HDR 10 support is sharp and crisp, bringing out the best in your web surfing, photos and video.

TRIPLE LENS CAMERA
We love the triple-lens camera with always-on HDR at the back, which features a 16 MP f/1.8 sensor working in partnership with a 5 MP depth sensor and 8 MP wide angle sensor. They all shoot at the same time and then combine the images for beautifully vivid, lifelike photos. You can also shoot 4K video at 30 frames per second. There’s a 8 megapixel camera at the front too for superior selfies and video chats.

BUY HERE 

Review – The Nextbase 322GW Dashcam. #Dashcams #Tech #Motoring

Over the last while I have been testing out the new Nextbase line of dashcams and the latest one to drop in the the 322 which is more or less mid range when it comes to pricing,having said that it comes with many features included in the 522 GW which costs less and then we have the entry level 122 which is not touch based like the 322 and 522 but still gives results at the end of the day and this is again something for all pockets at the end of the day which some still say is expensive.

At the end of the day if you want good footage and a dashcam that will not fail or corrupt your SD card they are the best in the business given the app needs some work it is the only one I can safely recommend as a whole for results and features. The problem today is that we now see more cheaper alternative dashcams in local garages and euro saver shops and so on costing between €20-€50 offering all kinds of features yet do not work and I actually have one of those here now which I unboxed recently and is a pile of junk and have been in touch with them about it and was just told to format the SD card and heard nothing since telling them it does not work, This is an Amazon seller yet similar can be found in shops advertising the bells and whistles yet simply fail to work.

 

My email and images are available on request, I do have to give them the option to replace this or as I said in my email it could be a faulty unit which is fair as these things happen in tech I have emailed these more than once and no joy since last contact so that says enough for me being honest, however I like to give people a chance,these have had the chance and ignored it and it happens more often than you think,even with high end products but being in the position I am I will engage first with the company but DOA products is a thing in tech and cant be really avoided.

Moving back the the 322 it has been a popular piece of discussion on local forums and the 522 which I am a member of and I offer advice and the 322 came up in discussion recently alongside the 522 so I was in a position to offer advice on such and to be fair it comes down to budget which by all means is a valid choice for anyone and the 322 sits well here offering many features often omitted from rival brands.

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The 322 is well placed offering great features and works well after my time testing it check out the video below for more and any questions hit me up in the usual spots.

Key features: 1080p HD resolution at 60 fps, 2.5” HD IPS touch screen, 140° viewing angle, 10Hz GPS Module, AutoSync, Bluetooth 4.2, Wi-Fi via MyNextbase Connect and PC/Mac software – MyNextbase Player

The 322GW is also compatible with the Nextbase Rear-View Camera Modules to add a second camera. Personalise your Dash Cam and choose one of 3 different rear camera views from Rear, Cabin or Rear Window view.

BUY HERE

 

 

 

Element Case Introduces “Holster” phone cases at CES. #ElementCase #CES2020

Element Case, the creator of original premium grade smart phone accessories, has announced the introduction of Holster, a new “universal design” phone case carrier that securely attaches to a belt or waist band, and holds a wide variety of phone cases. Holster is being introduced in two sizes, each with the ability to fit multiple devices: medium (includes Samsung Galaxy s9/S10/S10e, iPhone 8/X/XS) and large (includes Samsung Galaxy Note 10/10+, Samsung Galaxy S9+/S10+, iPhone 8 Plus/XR/XS Max).

 

“Holster has been created to offer the user plenty of convenience plus security,” said Ethan Nyholm, chief executive of STM Brands, the parent company of Element Case. “You can clip this handy accessory to a belt, grip it to a backpack, or flip it into kickstand mode. With the Holster, there is always a variety of options that securely allow you to keep your phone in ready reach.”

The innovative Holster features an adjustable body with silicone grips and a spring mechanism that allows for a wide variety of phone cases to fit. “If you change your phone case,” added Nyholm, “there is no need to change your Holster.” 

 

Boasting a versatile attachment, Holster conveniently clips and fastens to most belts, including  2¼” duty and tactical belts. The 180-degree swivel belt clip makes it possible for the case to be turned quickly and aligned with a belt for a comfortable seated position. Holster also includes a kickstand that enables the phone (while in case and holster) to be viewed in portrait and landscape mode.

 

The new Holster is making its public introduction at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. The world’s preeminent exhibition of new products and technologies returns to the entertainment capital of the world from January 7-10, 2020. Element Case will be at Booth #31558 in the Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall 3.

STM Introduces Dux Grip Protective Case with Integrated Handle. #STMGoods #CES2020

STM Goods, a leading designer of innovative bags, cases, and accessories for consumer electronic devices, today announced the arrival of the newest addition to the company’s “best-in-class” line of protective cases for digital devices. The new Dux Grip combines the superior protection of a Dux case with an attached handle to bring maximum comfort to carrying and displaying your 7th generation iPad.

 

“Dux Grip makes working with an iPad even smarter,” said Ethan Nyholm, CEO and co-founder of STM Goods. “This innovative new product combines rugged protection, state-of-the-art ergonomics, and all the exceptional benefits expected from our flagship Dux cases.”

 

 

Dux Grip stands apart from all other handle cases with the addition of an innovative removable 360-degree swivel handle that serves double duty—as an easy-to-grasp handle for your device and a convenient stand for viewing it. The handle can be held in multiple ways for flexibility and personalized comfort. Dux Grip not only safeguards your device from the rigours of everyday use, it also reduces strain on the hand and wrist in a way no other protective handle case does.

 

In addition, Dux Grip features a removable, adjustable shoulder strap plus a wrist loop for additional security; storage for the Apple Pencil or Logitech Crayon; and a transparent back that is ideal for asset tagging or user customization, integrated storage to accommodate a writing tool.

 

The new Dux Grip is making its public introduction at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. The world’s preeminent exhibition of new products and technologies returns to the entertainment capital of the world from January 7-10, 2020. STM Goods will be at Booth #31558 in the Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall 3.

Big data to make a big impact in audio-tech at CES 2020. #CES2020 #SoundID #BigData

Sonarworks, the award-winning audio-tech specialists, announce SoundID – enabling personalised audio perfected for each listener across any device in 2020. 

An early demonstration of SoundID will be debuted at CES, and starting today Beta version will be available on the iOS App Store and Google Play Store, ahead of the full roll-out in Q2 2020. Headphone manufacturer 1MORE will also be showcasing SoundID integration at CES, ahead of further 1MORE hardware and software integration in 2020. 

This transformative SoundID technology has been developed by the same Sonarworks team that is behind the precision audio software used by Grammy-Award winning producers in over 45,000 professional recording studios in the world. Based on the biggest ever research into sound preferences – a 39,000 sample size – Sonarworks have developed a unique method of analysing and augmenting sound using machine learning and big data based sound preference and hearing tests. By comparison, conventional audio-tech companies would develop their software solutions based on a pool of a few hundred respondents. 

 

SoundID solves a long-standing problem in the audio-tech space. Until now, manufacturers have applied a ‘one size fits all’ approach regardless of the many variables – hardware options, audio formats, while not taking into account the variable of the end user – all of whom hear differently and have their individual preferences. 

 

Subsequently audio manufacturers have targeted sound profiles that are favoured by less than 20% of the overall market as the latest identifiable group. By contrast, SoundID enabled audio is favoured by over 78% of listeners in blind testing

 

SoundID will transform the way listeners enjoy audio – a quick one-time in-app hearing test that includes age, musical preferences, and hardware configuration will create your SoundID profile. That profile will eventually be automatically enabled across all your devices – including portables, creating a seamless listening experience for the end-user that is individually perfected every time. 

 

Martins Popelis, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer at Sonarworks, said: In 2012 we transformed the professional audio market with our products that are now used wider as a key tool of the creation process. Now, we are putting a stake in the ground to do the same in the consumer audio sector. Bespoke audio personalised to each listener is now a reality with Sonarworks’ SoundID. Audio profiles have been an issue for the market for decades, having to target the preferences for less than 20% of the market. Now we have a seamless experience in SoundID that is measurably better than the current products on the market.

See SoundID for more and check out the app.

Withings Launches ScanWatch, the First Hybrid Smartwatch to Combine Medical Grade Electrocardiogram and Sleep Apnea Detection. #Withings #Health #CES2020

Withings, pioneer of the digital health movement and connected analog watches, unveils ScanWatch, the world’s first clinically validated hybrid smartwatch to detect both risk of arrhythmia (AFib) and sleep apnea – all from the wrist! Developed by cardiologists and sleep experts, it is Withings’ most medically advanced wearable to date, helping users and their physicians monitor overall health with a smartwatch that identifies highly prevalent, yet largely underdiagnosed cardiovascular and sleep issues early.

“ScanWatch is our most ambitious medical tracker and purposely designed to detect the early presence of AFib and sleep apnea – two related issues that are extremely common yet largely undiagnosed, despite their known impact on multiple health conditions,” said Mathieu Letombe, CEO of Withings. “Worn throughout the day and night, ScanWatch provides an early warning system, collecting and sharing critical health data with users and their physicians.”

As a current Withings user of several of their products this is the new line up below and the one on the right hand side will be my pick from them.

With an impressive 30-day battery life, ScanWatch shares the elegant analog look of previous Withings’ hybrid watches with a number of enhanced design elements. It features a larger digital display than previous models as well as improved navigation through a newly created crown dial. It is slated to be available in Europe and the United States in Q2 2020 for €249/£229/$249 (38mm), €299/£279/$299 (42mm), pending CE and FDA-clearance.

 

In-depth Cardiovascular Health Monitoring
AFib is the main form of irregular heart rhythm that is often underdiagnosed as it can be intermittent and easily missed if symptoms are not occurring during infrequent doctors’ visit. ScanWatch can detect if a user has AFib or if their heart rhythm is slow, high or normal thanks to its ability to take a medical grade electrocardiogram (ECG) on-demand as well as its proactive heart scanning feature.

Since AFib symptoms are irregular or may not even be known to users, ScanWatch offers a new early warning detection capability. Through its embedded PPG sensor, the device has the ability to continuously monitor heart rate, which allows it to alert users to a potential issue even if they don’t feel palpitations. When ScanWatch detects an irregular heartbeat through its heart rate sensor, it will prompt the user via the watch display to take an ECG reading.
When users do experience symptoms or have been alerted of an abnormal heart rate, they can easily take an ECG, in just 30 seconds, through three built-in electrodes by simply touching both sides of the bezel.

During the measurement, users can see the live electrocardiogram displayed on the watch screen or in the accompanying Health Mate app. Once the reading is complete, the results can be viewed both directly on the watch screen and in the app. A history of all recordings, their associated classifications and any noted comments or symptoms are stored in the app. All data collected can easily be shared with a doctor or healthcare professional.

Sleep Apnea Detection
One billion people are estimated to suffer from mild to severe sleep apnea, a serious condition that can lead to major cardiovascular issues. However 8 out 10 people don’t know they have it.1 For the first time, ScanWatch is able to detect the presence of night sleep apnea episodes through an SpO2 sensor that emits and absorbs a light wave passing through blood vessels. All night long, it measures oxygen saturation levels to identify when levels are inadequate due to breathing disturbances such as sleep apnea.

In addition, ScanWatch provides sophisticated sleep monitoring and analysis of sleep patterns, including the length, depth and quality of sleep. Each morning, users can access their Sleep Score in the Health Mate app that is based on sleep duration, depth regularity and interruptions. Additionally, like Withings other activity and sleep trackers, ScanWatch has a Smart Wake-up capability that wakes users with vibration alarms at the most optimal time in their sleep cycle.

Enhanced Display Design and Features
In keeping with Withings’ reputation for elegant style, ScanWatch’s high-end craftsmanship includes a waterproof, 316L stainless steel case and sapphire glass watch face. Its face shows the time as well as a sub-dial that shows the percentage of daily step goals achieved, which are set and managed within the Health Mate app.

The PMOLED display shows important health and sports data such as daily and previous day steps and sleep score as well as calories, distance and heart rate. Users can scroll through each screen thanks to a newly designed digital crown on the side of the watch. The digital crown also allows users to launch an ECG record and SPO2 measurement, start workout modes and deactivate/set alarms. The watch’s display shows smartphone notifications, which appear along with a discrete vibration.

Like all Withings devices, it connects to the dedicated Health Mate app that provides data and
insights, as well as the ability to schedule activity reminders and set goals. Health Mate
connects with more than 100 third-party apps such as Apple Health, Google Fit, Strava, or
MyFitnessPal to help people manage their health and wellness from multiple sources.

Activity & Workout Tracking:
ScanWatch, like all of Withings trackers, is a sophisticated activity monitor able to track
parameters such as steps, calories, elevation, workout routes (via connected GPS) and can
automatically recognize more than 30 daily activities such as walking, running, swimming and
cycling.

In addition, it offers Fitness Level assessments through an indicator called VO2 Max, which
measures the heart and muscles ability to convert oxygen into energy during physical exercise.
This fitness metric will help users to optimize their training, increase performance and achieve
long-term fitness objectives.

CES & Availability
Demonstrations of ScanWatch, which has been honored with three CES Innovation awards, will
be available during CES January 7-10, 2020 at the Sands Expo Center, Hall A-D booth #44831.

Airthings Unites Its Ecosystem at CES 2020 with Debut of Airthings Hub #Airthings #CES2020

Airthings, a global authority in indoor air quality and producer of the best-selling digital radon detectors for homeowners, is excited to officially launch the brand’s newest product, Airthings Hub, at CES 2020. Airthings Hub is the first-ever consumer hub offering from Airthings and will serve as the heartbeat for the brand’s Wave family of products. In 2018, Airthings reinvented Radon monitoring with the world-renowned, award-winning Wave Plus, just recently named in TIME Magazine’s list of 100 Best Inventions, and in 2019, the brand made indoor air quality (IAQ) monitoring easier than ever with Wave Mini. For the first time, Airthings will showcase what can be accomplished by bringing these devices online using the Airthings Hub, debuting January 7-11, 2020 at Airthings Booth #40646 in the Smart Home area of the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas.

 

Have you ever stopped to think about how much time you spend indoors or what the air quality actually is like inside your home? Airthings Hub is the answer to centralise and elevate the valuable data from Airthings’ industry-leading Wave family of products and take them to the next level. Thanks to the Airthings Hub, families can make round-the-clock IAQ monitoring a simple, everyday routine, achieving peace-of-mind about the air quality in their home 24 hours a day – even when they aren’t there.

Through the Airthings app, you can now receive clear indications when dangerous pollutants like radon, the leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers, reach threatening levels; prompting immediate action and potentially saving lives. Even pet owners can utilize Airthings Hub to monitor for unhealthy pollutants like VOCs to improve their air quality remotely, assuring a safe environment for their furry friends during the workday or when traveling.

 

“With more people than ever relying on smart home ecosystems to provide them with the critical information they need to live healthy and productive lives, we felt it was crucial to deliver a Hub that will simplify the process of indoor air quality monitoring and make it an essential aspect of our customers’ everyday routines,” said Oyvind Birkenes, CEO of Airthings. “In order to truly gain an understanding of your home’s IAQ and threats like Radon and VOCs, regular monitoring is necessary. Our goal is to educate people everywhere about how air quality can impact their daily lives on both a short-term and long-term scale. By helping people track their air quality in real-time, even when they’re not at home, Airthings Hub will empower customers to breathe easy by keeping tabs on their air quality no matter the time or the location.”

The beauty of Airthings Hub is that it can seamlessly integrate Airthings products into any existing smart home for a truly connected and streamlined experience. Airthings Hub can be integrated with Google, Alexa and IFTTT, offering a new layer to home automation. Use your live indoor air quality data to control fans, purifiers, humidifiers and more, to optimize the indoor environment, make the most of your smart home and keep your loved ones safe and healthy. Additionally, all Airthings devices are battery-operated, come with a free app and dashboard and are Bluetooth-enabled, for use with or without the Hub.

Airthings Hub will be available for pre-order throughout Europe and the US beginning January 6 with an MSRP of $79.99 USD/ £69 GBP. The product is compatible with Airthings Wave (2nd generation), Wave Plus, and Wave Mini devices. To find more information on the Airthings Hub, indoor air quality and why long-term monitoring is important, visit the Airthings website at airthings.com.