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.
After its successful introduction in Japan at the end of 2019 and in the US at CES 2020, Sourcenext’s new generation Pocketalk hits European shores. Pocketalk is a portable, AI-powered instant voice translation device that has the ability to translate 74 languages bi-directionally. The new Pocketalk S model is now available for purchase online at the recently launched Pocketalk webshop and will be exclusively in retail at SMARTECH, Selfridges and Amazon from 21 February with more stores coming after mid-March 2020.
Pocketalk S is a multi-sensory, two-way translation device designed for easy naturally flowing conversations, even in noisy environments. With a sleek design encompassing a large touchscreen, two high-quality speakers, noise-cancelling microphones and a text-to-translate camera, Pocketalk S is able to create connections across 74 different languages in over 130 countries and regions. By utilising the best translation engines from around the world, Pocketalk provides a consistently accurate translation for deciphering public transportation signs, menus, and creates the best experience by picking up localised dialects and slang. For even more ease of mind, Pocketalk S also includes a complimentary two-year data plan.
Key updates include:
Smaller size: lighter and more compact for easier travel
Larger screen: 16% larger touch surface for additional clarity
Camera: instantly recognises and translates text, the written word and signs, because language shouldn’t be limited to just verbal communication
Conversion: computes exchanges for currency, length, width and temperature
Faster: increased software processing speed for more immediate translations
More connected: with support for a wider mobile band, users will notice a stronger data signal across the world
One-button translation: for simple translations in fewer steps
“The new Pocketalk S has been incredibly well received. It was voted Best Accessory of CES 2020 by Business Insider as well as Best Family Tech by PARENTS magazine last month. With more than 600,000 units sold worldwide, it gives Pocketalk a deep understanding of the marketplace and where to innovate. Launching Pocketalk S in Europe, after Japan and the United States, is the natural next step toward our mission of bringing people closer together, and with Pocketalk S, we are providing the most dependable, thoughtful, all-encompassing device to form meaningful connections without language as a barrier,” says Tomoaki Kojima, Managing Director of Sourcenext B.V.
Pocketalk S is available in four different colours, gold, black, white and red at an RRP of £259.00 The Pocketalk S has been available on Amazon UK now. Shipment will commence as of 21 February 2020.
Sydney based consumer electronics brand, Chargeasap, known for its incredibly successful crowdfunding campaigns including Infinity UNO and X-Connect cables, is pleased to announce its latest innovation, Flash, a 20,000mAh powerbank, is now on Indiegogo. The world’s most powerful, most versatile and fastest charging powerbank, the pledges start at $139/£107 for early bird or $149/£115 thereafter (Full RRP $299/£230). The 60 day campaign will run until 27th March with shipping expected to start April 2020.
The Flash powerbank is able to charge up to 4 devices simultaneously with a total of 150W output charging. With super-fast charging, it supports Apple Fast Charge with a full charge in just 1hr 10 min (20,000mAh) or 80% (16,000mAh) in only 35 minutes making it 10 x faster than traditional powerbanks.
It has enough power to charge an iPhone 11 four times in just 35 minutes! Key to the appeal of the Flash, it can support and charge a variety of everyday gadget essentials making it extremely versatile. It is able to charge devices including 100W Power Delivery 3.0 devices (such as MacBook Pro 16”) as well as smartphones and even an Apple Watch (2.5W); it is truly the only powerbank needed. Supporting Apple Fast Charge, Huawei Supercharge, Oppo Flash Charge, Vivo Flash Charge, 10W Wireless Fast Charge and Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0, it is compatible with most brands and devices unique fast charge technologies.
Chargeasap is able to achieve the world’s fastest charging powerbank through incorporating Tesla™’s revolutionary graphene composite battery technology. Using four 21700 Tesla™ Lithium Polymer Graphene Composite Battery Cells manufactured by Panasonic, they have 20% higher energy density than its predecessor. Not only fast and powerful, the Graphene technology also makes it the world’s safest powerbank by allowing it to fast charge at low temperatures compared to standard batteries. Flash will never go above 50°C (122°F) unlike competitor powerbanks which can reach 75°C (167°F) ensuring it is safer and also longer lasting. With a battery life cycle up to four times longer than standard batteries, users can rest assured that they are getting a high quality and durable device. Even after five years of daily use, the Flash’s battery will still perform well and Chargeasap is so confident in Flash it offers a 2 year warranty, making it a totally risk-free purchase, double the industry standard of 1 year.
Flash has not only 1 x 100W USB-C Power Delivery Port but also 2 specially designed USB-A ports to support all major brands’ fast charge technology including Apple, Samsung, Huawei, Oppo and Vivo. This means that it can power a large laptop, midsized laptop or the iPad Pro. The fourth wireless output, features two coils (10W Fast Charge and 2.5W). The addition of this wireless pad and the 2.5W allows it to charge an Apple Watch making it an ideal accessory for any Apple Watch user to avoid having to take multiple chargers and enable the use of just a single one to power all devices.
To add additional convenience, pass through charging is also featured on both of the USB-A ports on the Flash and 10W wireless pad to allow for charging of up to 3 devices whilst also charging Flash itself. Not only will it charge smartphones and laptops, it is also compatible with all USB devices including GoPro’s, headphones, Nintendo Switches, speakers and more, so, no matter the device, users can feel confident that it will never run out of charge on adventures, when out and about or even at home.
Thanks to the 20,000mAh battery capacity, there are also no concerns when travelling. With some airlines, such as Air Asia, now specifying that the maximum international airline safe capacity is 20,000mAh (reduced from 27,000mAh), Flash can be taken on any travels without any worries that it may be confiscated at customs. Flash offers true peace of mind with its multi charging and fast charging capabilities and weighing only 470g it is the essential travelling partner.
Manufactured with aircraft grade aluminium with anodised finished and available in Black or Space Grey, it is available on Indiegogo from 28th January. With prices beginning at $139/£107, it is the ideal powerbank for gadget lovers. After the Indiegogo campaign concludes, the RRP will be $299/£230.
Specs
Capacity: 20,000mAh / 74Whr
Interface:
Max 100W USB-C Power Delivery Input/Output
Max 40W USB-A Huawei Super Charge 22.5W, Oppo, Oneplus VOOC Flash Charge SVOOC Super Flash charging 40W, Vivo VOOC 22.5W
The Tp-Link Kasa KP303 is essentially a smart extension lead with 2 additional USB ports. So you can have 5 devices using one plug with 3 of the devices being able to be remotely controlled and 2 always on USB ports (shared 2.4A) There is also surge protection which is always a good feature to have in case of a electrical surges from short circuits. It also has the ability to be controlled from anywhere either by using the Kasa App installed on your smart device or via voice commands using Alexa or Google Assistant. Liam Burke is here to tell us more about it.
The wired cable is exactly 1 metre long its good that there is a possibility to mount the power strip using screws (holes are approx. 4mm diameter) and also soft pads on the rear to raise the power strip off the surface its on.
It was a very easy setup, install the Kasa Smart app, sign into your TP-Link account (Just in case the app cant find the power strip check that your routers 2.4 GHz has been enabled.) Click the Add device button in the Kasa App, select Smart Plugs 🡪 Smart Power Strip (Make sure its powered up) and hey presto the app should find it and you will be able to enable/configure the plugs in no time at all.
Once the Kasa app has found the power strip, you get a list of 3 plugs in your smart plug list, from there you can configure and control the operation of each of them, the initial screen allows you to quickly control each plug..
The next option is Schedule, where you can enable the individual plug to either power on or power off at a certain time or at Sunrise or Sunset.
The next option is for a timer for a plug where you can set the plug to turn on/off at a user specified timer.
I like the Away Mode as it would be a useful feature when your going away so you could attach some lights and a sound source to the power strip.
The last time base option is to define a schedule of when you want to turn on/off during specific days.
And finally there is an option to define scenes which is basically a quick way to do an action for specific plug/s, once you have a scene defined if you have the power strip added to Alexa/Google, you can can just say “Alexa turn on (your scene name)”
There also option in the device settings to reorder the names of the plugs, enable/disable the Status LED on the power strip.
If you have an android phone you can use a Kasa widget to turn on/off plugs which is a nice way to control a plug without having to go into the app itself.
You can never have enough sockets and usb ports in a house and with the added the smart capability of the power strip, it makes a great addition to any household.
Recently there has been a spell of scams doing the rounds via sms with various chain stores attached to the text message but all untrue as we all know . Now we have a new one on the list to watch out for this time claiming to be from Amazon telling you that you have one a new phone and to click a link to claim your prize, All this is familiar territory and style we come to expect from scammers and sadly some will fall for it.. You will be brought to a site that looks exactly like amazon and asked to take a survey which in turn leads you to another site and here is where they get you.
Pass it on and tell your friends. The fact the Amazon comes up in the senders box does make it a little tempting and people will get caught out but the more people get wind of it the better and leave these clowns empty handed and then the site looking legit to the untrained eye is a good way to hook people in. This is not a callback or email scam but one to watch in your sms folder. This site is just out to get information from you such as credit card details etc. Amazon give a guide to help you should you need it. Amazon are aware of the issue.
The Sharp Sound partner is a portable speaker you place around your neck and something we are starting to see more of now with several products on the market but much more expensive, This is a wearable that fits nicely around your neck and blasts out the audio and gives you a different experience than what we are use too with a typical bluetooth speaker or earbuds,This is a new idea and we most likely will see more of these products in the coming year but the audio experience is different on first testing and better than you might expect.
This can also pair to your TV via a bluetooth transmitter which is great and gives the speaker more usability rather than just being connected to your smartphone. Any questions hit us up while we check it out..
According to data from Cartell, the average age of a car on Irish roads is now 8.55 years. There are countless ageing vehicles that don’t have many of the safety technologies that are available in newer models.
This means that the majority of Irish drivers are missing out on technology that could potentially save their lives. For example, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that forward-collision warning systems can reduce the risk of a crash by 27%. Rather than shelling out for a new car that has all the bells and whistles, you may want to look into purchasing some aftermarket add-ons instead.
The good news is that there’s enough out there right now to turn virtually any old banger into a safer car. Whether you bought your car last week or have been driving the same car for decades, aftermarket add-ons can be a great way to upgrade your vehicle’s overall safety. What’s more, many aftermarket tech add-ons are surprisingly easy and affordable to install.
Discover More
If you are looking to upgrade the safety features in your car this year, then you should read this guide from Hussey Fraser. This handy infographic lays out the ten best aftermarket add-ons to help make older vehicles safer such as dash cams, blind spot detection and much more.
Recognized for its innovation in design excellence, Edifier International Ltd., today announced that the truly wireless TWS6 earbuds were named as an iF Design Award 2020 consumer electronics winner by Hanover-based iF International Forum Design GmbH. Established in 1953, the iF Design Award is the world’s oldest independent design seal and aims to draw attention to particularly well-designed industrial products. The 2020 winners were selected from over 7,000 entries from 56 countries and regions and chosen by a 78-member jury. The Edifier TWS6 reflects the aesthetic quality sought after by the expert jury.
The TWS6 is designed for audio lovers who are in need of a durable, ultra-light and compact earbud which offers impeccable sound quality. The design of the TWS6 is the epitome of small but mighty. Paired with an electroacoustics structure, the earphones create an outstanding sound experience while still maintaining a slim and travel friendly size. Organise any purse, pocket or travel compartment with the earphone’s wireless and credit-card sized charging case. With its credit-card sized charging case, the TWS6 easily fits into any pocket or travel bag.
With the LG scratch-resistant finish, you know that your earphones will stay in tip top condition. This finish has the added bonus of being environmentally friendly as it avoids the need of paint, electroplating and post-production surface treatments.
Main Features:
Outstanding Sound. TWS6 is featured with Knowles balanced armature drivers that offer great sensitivity. Make it possible to enjoy a large soundstage using smaller earbuds.
20 fitting choices – The TWS6 come with 3 pairs of silicon earbuds, 3 sets of “shark fin” sleeves and 2 pair of memory foam tips, total 20 different fitment setup to ensure a secure fit for everyone. Together with IP55 Water and dust Resistance, makes it perfect for intense workouts and sports activities.
Super-Fast Transmission with Ultra-Low Latency. Enjoy fast transmission with the range up to 10m(33ft), thanks to Bluetooth 5.0 with Qualcomm aptX audio and Laser Direct Structuring antenna.
Up to 32 Hours of Playback. A single charge provides 8 hours of battery life with 3 extra charges using the wireless charging case. Wireless charging and USB Type C charging available.
Ultra-slim design – Both the charging case and earbuds are one of the most compact design on the market, minimize the presence and maximize the comfort level for prolonged wearing.
Price & Availability:
At a suggested retail price £99 the TWS6 will be available to purchase in 2020, at Edifier.com with availability on Amazon following thereafter. For more information on the headsets and other Edifier products, please visit Edifier.com.
UMI is an Amazon brand which has multiple products on offer on its store and they have a few tech products alongside other products such a house and home materials, Recently we reviewed the UMI W5s here which are an affordable pair of true wireless.
Today we have the new W8 true wireless in for review which again are coming in at a cheap price point for those not looking to splash out on the more expensive offerings out there today, They do come with the mods and cons and all the controls you need are on the earbuds without the need to use your phone to make some commands, Check out the first look below and if you have any questions feel free to ask whilst we take these on a test run.
According to PayPal’s Global mCommerce Report*, 61% of businesses are expected to embrace social commerce in 2020. The global survey, carried out by Ipsos for PayPal, involved 22,000 consumers and 4,602 businesses across the world.
The research showed that 35% of businesses currently accept social commerce, with a further 26% planning to accept it in 2020. Those that are already using it have seen 45% of their sales transactions made via social channels over the last six months.
On average, 30% of consumers have used social commerce in the past six months. Of these social shoppers, a third (33%) are purchasing via social platforms weekly. The most popular platform for shopping is Facebook, followed by Instagram and WhatsApp.
However, the global research revealed that 36% of consumers said they would not consider buying through social platforms, with security and trust as the biggest concerns. Twenty-one per cent of shoppers said they had abandoned a purchase due to security concerns.
The global research found that 63% of businesses are optimised to accept mobile payments on their channels and only 24% of these have a mobile app with purchasing functionality.
This is despite the fact that almost 80% of consumers have used their smartphone to make a purchase previously and almost half shopping via their mobile device at least weekly. Globally, mobile devices are the most preferred way to pay online with 44% of consumers opting to shop this way.
Maeve Dorman, Vice President of Global Merchant Services, PayPal
Maeve Dorman, Vice President of Global Merchant Services, PayPal, said: “The opportunity for Irish businesses is vast. With both mobile and social commerce on the rise, there is huge potential for them to target a much larger audience and drive business growth within Ireland and further afield.
“This demand for mobile and social commerce will only increase in the years to come. Not only do consumers want to be able to shop on the go from wherever they are, they want greater choice and peace of mind during the purchasing process.
“Therefore, businesses need to ensure they are providing a simple and secure purchasing process with trusted payment options via mobile-friendly platforms and social media channels. Only then will they be able to make the most of their online selling potential and fulfil consumer expectations.”
