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.

First look and unboxing of the Activ5. A gym in your pocket. #Fitness #Health #Tech #Activ5

A fitness innovation ideal for everyone from working professionals who sit all day, to travellers, over 60s, busy mums or simply those who find it challenging to fit in daily activity, Activ5 by Activbody allows anyone with a smartphone to exercise anywhere while coaching, tracking and entertaining them. We will be testing this out over the coming weeks and if you have any questions feel free to ask.

Isometric exercise is a type of low-impact strength training where the angle of the joints and muscle length do not change during contraction – for example a plank. Scientific research has proven that isometric exercise is one of the fastest and most efficient ways to build strength, accelerate fat burning and tone the body, in fact, five minutes of isometric exercise can be equivalent to 25 minutes of gym-machine exercises.

Studies show the benefits of isometrics include: increased energy, lowered blood pressure, weight loss, boosted endurance, reduced pain, as well as bad habit relief (such as smoking), among others. Medical studies have further revealed that fractionalised exercise can deliver all the results of longer workouts while contributing to heart health, overall well-being and reducing the risk of disease, such as diabetes.

Available on the Apple store Ireland and UK

First Look and unboxing. The RHA True Connects true wireless earbuds. #RHA #TrueWireless

Another day and another pair of true wireless have dropped in and we a not done yet.. This time we have the RHA True Wireless in for review in Navy and they do look nice indeed, The presentation is good ,the charge case is cool and the earbuds are a mini stalk if you will so not those long Apple Airpods people keep banging on about which are rubbish.

Check out the first look and unboxing below and if you have any questions feel free to ask as per norm in the interim. A huge thanks to RHA for the chocolate these guys know me to well… Yum…

Key features below…

  • 5+20 hours battery, with fast charging
  • IPX5 sweat, splash and weather resistance
  • Secure, comfortable fit; ideal for active use
  • Stem design maximises call quality
  • Full device and digital assistant control via touch and mic
  • Durable flip charging case carries 4 charges
  • Supplied with Comply™ TrueGrip Plus and RHA TrueConnect tips
  • International 3-year warranty
  • USB-C

BUY 

 

Review – Zero Latency Player VS Player SolRaiders. #Gaming #VR #SolRaiders

Zero Latency have just launched a new game and there is more to come too by the way and their latest installation is SolRaiders which it is a PVP set-up is certainly one not to miss and we have checked it out and love it.

I was invited to check this out some time ago and could not wait which was the same as my first visit to their HQ in Dublin out in Sandyford. I am a big VR fan but it has died a death being honest in the real world and I had lost all interest despite having many headsets and games there just seemed to be not advance in it and more focus on AR and MR.

This however is different, totally different and paves the way forward for VR and Gaming together and it has more than one benefit than just a gaming experience. On arriving I was greeted again by a great crew and given the lowdown,you sign in go for a brief and you will need to pay attention to this one,you get suited and booted and then brought into the area which is cool, You can see our previous review on that HERE.

When you walk into the arena you are given a spot to stand on then pick up your weapon and then walk to a pod and then get a trial session of how the game works and once again pay attention because I didn’t at the start being too nosey looking around but eventually listened. This game is more energy consuming than others we have tried and it will also keep you on your toes and fit, You wont come out dry as a bone either so perhaps bring a spare top with you as you will be kept on the move throughout the entire game,there is no time to sit back and relax as it is you against the rest and not a team player game.

The game is action packed without a doubt involving skills or all sorts and will see you test several levels and climb them too with elevators and so on and you have to hit a main target before the rest which makes it more fun and less friendly compared to other games but you do have fun in doing so having said that it is really enjoyable. I am not a huge gamer nor have the time to do much gaming of late but this is something I would make time for going forward in the gaming scene as it has many benefits compared to gaming at home sitting on your couch.

You are on a radar and so is your fellow players in this game and you might often feel like you will bump into someone, at times during the game you have to run back to your pod to juice up which is cool and that is when I felt the most times I felt like I was going to knock someone over but it does not happens I think perhaps the gun is also a way to detect as you can swing it around or stab it forward just to be sure, You also have to shoot out doors and then you are attacked from above which is interesting and again active and if you get killed its when you need to return to your pod to refresh your energy. You cant hide behind walls or behind a door and if the door happens to shut on you its game over and refresh time.

The social element again is one thing and another reason to keep in touch with old friends and workmates and there is a fitness aspect to it too which does you no harm I clocked up some amount of steps via my fitness tracker and came out soaked after around 30 mins of gameplay but felt energised and it was also nice to meet others there who where in to test out the game,check the video below as to how it looks It would be nice to record your gameplay for download perhaps just to see the level of fun it is and the graphics are unreal too which really places you inside the game rather than be sat at home playing a game on your TV. For me this is the forefront of VR Gaming and if it was to reach mass production with a headset of some kind which I hope the company gets to that stage I would be on it like a light and so would anyone else,this is the future of VR gaming and a good one.

Check out https://zerolatencyvr.ie/ and their other games if you have not you are missing out on a new movement and one for the better.

Chargeasap launches INFINITY Cable – The world’s first truly universal USB Cable.

Sydney based consumer electronics brand, Chargeasap, the team behind five successful crowdfunding campaigns including UNO and X-Connect, the world’s most crowdfunded cable, is pleased to announce that it has launched INFINITY Cable on Kickstarter (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/asaptechnologies/infinity-cable); the world’s first cable capable of data transfer and charging on all Micro USB, Lightning and USB-C devices. With shipping in February 2020 and pledges starting at just $25/£20, the campaign will run until 22nd November.

The INFINITY Cable is the most powerful product from the cable specialists and is the one and only cable users will ever need instead of having to carry several for each device. INFINITY is capable of data transfer and charging for Micro USB, Lighting (Apple iPhone/iPad) USB Type-C and USB-C notebook connections including the Macbook Pro, meaning it works with virtually every modern USB device launched within the last 5 years. This latest innovation in magnetic cables offers unparalleled quality, convenience and aesthetics brought by a company who believe users should be the creators and innovators of products.

Unlike other cables from Chargeasap including the most recently launched UNO, the INFINITY Cable is power delivery (PD) compatible for USB-C up to 100W, allowing cross-device charge compatibility for a greater range of devices. This means users can charge their Android or Apple phones with their USB-C laptop power adapter with just one cable. Power delivery (PD) charging is a fast charging protocol to make use of the great functionality and universality and a common feature of current and future flagship devices.

The USB-C connector end allows a higher power input and output and enables INFINITY to be compatible with QC3.0, QC4.0 and Power Delivery. The cable is capable of two-way full speed USB 2.0 data transfer at 480 Mbps between any USB devices and features a reversible magnetic connection which means instant fit every single time. No more fumbling around to connect devices, even in the dark and the INFINITY offers a thicker and stronger magnet for optimum power.

Each INFINITY cable set features two N52 grade neodymium magnets which are the world’s strongest commercial grade magnets. Unlike poor market imitations, INFINITY is strong enough to hold an iPad Air which is 437g (0.96lb) without dropping the device. Additionally, Chargeasap has incorporated an innovative locking mechanism, giving the cable a stronger connection and longer lifespan. This stronger magnetic strength means it can support a heavier cable than ever before with a cable length of 1.2m (3.2ft) with a 2m (6.5ft) cable also available for purchase separately.

Similarly to UNO, INFINITY has a unique bevelled and concave magnetic connector design on both the tip end and cable head end, allowing it to connect correctly even if the tip is flipped 180° due to both the strong neodymium magnets having their polarity perfectly positioned.

The magnetic cable tips on the INFINITY are also just 10mm (0.39″) wide allowing them to fit perfectly into all Apple and Android devices.

Pricing

The INFINITY Magnetic Cable is available NOW on Kickstarter (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/asaptechnologies/infinity-cable); until 22nd November with shipping to start in February 2020.

Pledges start from $25/£20 for one INFINITY Cable with one magnetic tip

Extra magnetic tip are available for $10/£8 as well as an optional 2m cable available for $25/£20

First look and unboxing. The Instax Mini Link smartphone printer. #instaxminilink #Tech

Today the all new Instax mini Link smartphone printer launched and we attended the launch event in Dublin and first of all we would like to thank Elevate PR, Instax/FujiFilm for a great night and the location food and staff is superb at Suesey Street

This new gadget will be a hit and certainly something to think about for a Christmas present, the Mini Li Play was a popular hit last year and this will follow suit. The device comes in Three colours so you have choice and they are great colour palettes to and not only that the device is robust..This is not a camera remember its a smartphone printer and follows on the idea of printing photos like the Mini Li Play.

Any questions on the device or app itself feel free to ask below or on our social media as per norm and we will gladly answer them. Read more on the Instax Mini Link HERE

INSTAX Mini Link is available now in FUJIFIILM outlets nationwide, RRP €120.00 prices may vary by retailer. Or see https://www.fujifilm.eu/ie/

@NeosSmartHome launches smartcam upgrade: NEOS BOOST. We check it out. #Security #Tech #NeosBoost

Neos, the UK’s first smart home insurance provider, has released a new upgrade plan, Neos Boost, to advance the capabilities of their award-winning indoor smart camera, the Neos SmartCam. One of the cheapest home security cameras on the market has just got better for a small price to pay and we have been asked to test this out over the last while prior release and give feedback on how the new features work as we have done so with similar products and it is nice to share and help in such things and be part of a community.

Since launching in January this year, the Neos SmartCam has sold over 75,000 cameras in the UK and figures are climbing fast. Its’ high-tech features for an unbeatable price of £24.99 RRP, have proven to be a firm favourite with consumers, and Neos Boost only further emphasises the company’s dedication to home safety and incident prevention. Check our video review below of the NEOS prior this upgrade.

Neos Boost allows customers to capture more key moments on their Neos SmartCam, with 5X longer video clips and up to 12 hours of daily recording time. Customers also get the capability to personalise their in-app notifications by setting Security Scheduling and Activity Zones.

Neos Boost is available for a competitive monthly fee of just £3.49 – with the first 30 days free. Customers can set up Neos Boost easily and quickly in the Neos app using Apple or Google pay. Neos remains totally committed to making new innovative technology available at affordable prices.

Neos Boost features:

  • Extended Clip Recording: Capture more of what matters most with video footage recording, upgraded from 12 seconds to 1 minute. Neos Boost also cuts time between clips providing up to 12 hours of Cloud storage each day.

  • Activity Zones: Select specific areas to monitor, such as windows, doors, or the baby’s cot, so you don’t get a notification every time the dog makes a guest appearance!

  • Security Scheduling: Monitor when it’s needed most; set your own schedule to arm and disarm your Neos SmartCam while you’re at home or away.

 

Since launching in 2017, Neos has worked closely with its customers to continuously develop its range of products and services, bringing the next generation of connected home solutions to UK households.

“We’re so excited to launch Neos Boost and offer our customers an even smarter way to look after their home,” commented Matt Poll, CEO and Co-Founder of Neos. “We’re constantly looking for ways that we can develop and improve our offering, and we consider all customer feedback to ensure we deliver what people really want.

With Neos Boost, customers can capture more of what matters and personalise their app experience, so they feel even more confident that their home is being looked after while they’re not there. Prevention is at the heart of everything we do, our smart technology alerts customers the moment anything unusual is detected in their homes to give them the best chance of catching threats early and prevent major problems. With Neos Boost we’re making it even easier for customers to actively look after their home.”

FUJIFILM announces The INSTAX Mini Link now available in Ireland. #INSTAX #instaxminilink #FUJIFILM

FUJIFILM Corporation and its President, Kenji Sukeno, today announced the release of INSTAX Mini Link (RRP €120). This sleek instant photo printer will revolutionise how people embrace photography on their smart phones. Linking to phones via Bluetooth, the nifty printer and dedicated mobile phone app makes it easier than ever to turn photos saved on smartphones into lasting memories. The INSTAX Mini Link is available in Ireland from today and in three attractive colours; dusky pink, ash white and dark denim.

QUALITY PRINTS IN AN INSTANT

What sets INSTAX Mini Link apart from other smartphone printers is the fantastic image quality which it delivers. The easy to use printer uses FUJIFILM real film technology to offer unrivalled prints, all of which feature the iconic INSTAX white boarder that the brand is famous for across the globe. In addition to quality prints, INSTAX Mini Link is lightweight for excellent portability. The printer truly is instant with a fast speed of about 12 seconds per print.

A NEW USER EXPERIENCE

Another distinctive feature of INSTAX Mini Link is the simple yet fun app that links smartphones to the printer. With multiple modes and functions there is something to meet every printing need, not to mention, lots of ways to have fun and stay entertained.

Simple Print – shoot with a superimposed INSTAX white frame that gives users a visual reference, so it eliminates any uncertainty of exactly what’s in the picture, ensuring users get the photo they want each time. This intuitive function allows for allows easy photo adjustments, such as making it larger or smaller, rotating it, applying a filter or adjusting brightness.

 

Video Print –this cool function allows users to scroll through video frames left to right to choose the most memorable moments. Once selected, all that’s left to do is press the extract button to turn their favourite part video clip into an Instax print.

Frame Print – The Frame Print feature allows users to pick from 27 different templates to create quirky and show stopping pictures.

 

Collage Print – this function has four amazing features that are perfect when creating images with friends. The Collage Print feature allows users to combine lots of their favourite photos onto one print.

Party Print – INSTAX Mini Link is all about connecting with friends and family and there is no better way to do that than with a Party Print. This entertaining feature gives users the ability to create one photo with loved ones by connecting up to five smartphones to the app. The app receives a picture from each of the devices and combines them into one INSTAX print. Once smartphones are linked together, users can select the layout of the images, or use ‘surprise mode’ to get a shock! In the “Surprise Mode,” no one knows what kind of pictures others have chosen and what the final print will look like until the images appear on the print.

 

Match Test – Have hours of fun with the Match Test function, a quirky game that allows the user to check the compatibility of two people in a photo. The app has the “Quick diagnosis” mode to check compatibility of people shown in a picture, and the “Precision diagnosis” mode that involves answering some questions.

TAKE CONTROL

When taking pictures from the printer’s dedicated app, users can use INSTAX Mini Link main unit to remotely control the camera operation. For example, they can zoom in and out by tilting the printer in different directions. Printing multiple copies of a picture has never been easier, simply hold the Link with the printout end pointing down and press the button at the centre.

Bring people together for a group shot by using the camera as remote controller for your smartphone’s camera. INSTAX Mini Link is available now in FUJIFIILM outlets nationwide, RRP €120.00 prices may vary by retailer.

Belfast – HeightLight, the world’s first handheld laser height measurement device from Capaltec. #Capaltec #Equine #HeightLight

Today, Capaltec Ltd, Belfast-based technology company, announced the launch of HeightLight, the world’s first handheld laser height measurement device. HeightLight was unveiled at this year’s Horse of the Year Show at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, where it was exhibited amongst the world’s leading equine technology and innovation.

The idea for HeightLight came from County Tipperary pony breeder, Michael Grace, who saw an opportunity to bring equine measurement from the analogue age of measuring sticks and tapes into the digital age. Resulting in the founding of Belfast-based start-up Capaltec to bring this technology to market, HeightLight was developed over the past five years with investor and Invest NI support.

Speaking on the launch, Robert Park, CEO at Capaltec stated: “This is a world first innovation for the global equine market, bringing five years of extensive research and development to create an easy to use hand-held laser height measurement device. For too long, the industry has depended on inaccurate measurements for equine purchasing or competition.

“It may seem like a simple idea, but this type of innovation has never been utilised for height measurement, until now and we’re already seeing the huge demand for this product through our pre-sales. This is just the beginning of our journey with HeightLight, as this type of technology can be utilised for so many other industries such as medical, construction or DIY.”

HeightLight was specifically engineered and designed to bring accuracy and dependability to the process of measuring horses and ponies for passports, competition and sale. The device provides total precision measurement by combining triangulation technology with proven mathematical theory. Whereas approaching a horse or pony with a measuring stick or hand-measurements can result in an adverse reaction, the compact handheld HeightLight provides the means to measure without distress.

HeightLight comes complete with a carry case, wrist lanyard for use when measuring, 2 x AA batteries and a mini screwdriver for easy battery access. HeightLight has further multiplicity of use in the veterinarian, human health, construction and DIY sectors.

HeightLight is available to Pre Order for £200.00. To reserve a device or learn more, visit: www.heightlightstore.com.

Zurich Leverages Digital Voice Assistants to enhance Customer Experience. #Zurich #DigitalAsisstants

Zurich is the first Insurance Company in Ireland to leverage the capabilities of digital voice assistants, such as Google Home and Amazon Alexa, to enable parents to get a quick estimate of the likely cost of their children’s education.

Responding to an increasing number of people using digital voice assistants, with research showing half of online consumers globally now using the devices, Zurich Life is leveraging the technology in Ireland with the Zurich Ireland skill for Alexa and Google action.

By simply saying “Hey Google/Alexa, talk to Zurich Ireland” people can interact with Zurich’s secondary school and third-level cost of education calculators to find out how much money the calculators suggest to put aside to cover their children’s education. In addition to accessing the calculators via digital voice assistants, people can also view the most recent 2019 cost of education research on their mobile device. Most homes today have either Amazon or Google assistants in their homes today and the number of such is growing each year and in some cases more than one in each household for an example I have 4 in total at the minute.

 

 

Sean Carty, Head of Online and Digital, Zurich, said: “With a simple question said aloud, customers can take the first step towards planning for the cost of their children’s education. Our 2019 Cost of Education survey showed that the cost of secondary school rose 16% compared with last year, so it will be a key concern for parents.  We appreciate that parents have very busy lives, so by leveraging the technology available through digital voice assistants with our Cost of Education Calculators, we want to make it as convenient and easy as possible for them to interact with Zurich products and services and to take their first step in planning ahead for their children’s future.”