Review – The Blackberry Key 2. A big improvement. #Blackberry #Key2 #Tech

I typically carry two phones as annoying as it can be at times it keeps personal and business apart which is how it should be and dual sim phones are available but with what I do, it is what it is and two or more phones it shall be but overall I enjoyed the Key 2 and it delivered on what many seen failed on the Key One.

I was critical of Blackberry for years after they vanished off the operators shelves then the Passport came along which I slated but when I had the chance to use it I was so wrong and it was probably the best phone I used that year despite its odd shape and anything from Blackberry after that was great as I tried them all including the Priv, Classic and Key One. Check out my chat with Blackberry on the PRIV

The Key 2 looks much the same as old and is light in the hand and a great balance with that rubberised back everyone loves. When you pick it up you know you are holding a Blackberry device.

This time around it is much more snappy and feature rich with the “Hub and DTeK” on board leaving you with a sense of security which in today’s world is vital.  The most standout feature however is the keyboard and it has been refined and once again brings back the joy of typing on physical keys rather than virtual ones which you can of course use if you like on the phone if the keys are too small but that just defeats the purpose of owning one of these phones. It only took a few hours to get the hang of the keys once again and they travel well and are responsive then you have the shortcut key and the options to programme the keys is just great this is where things make up for the lack of screen estate allowing you to place shortcuts to launch apps keeping your screen free which I find hard to do regardless.

I wont bore you with specs they can be all found here and just talk about the experience.

This phone is a niche product so lets get that out of the way, It aint for everyone, but when I say that everyone has not tried it simply because they cant get their hands on one and when you use the keyboard you will want it, this might apply to the older folks out there who once sported a Blackberry of old but I think it would appeal to more given they had a chance..

This was evident when I showed it around or when people asked me what phone is that and when I say Blackberry they are somewhat stumped and say “are they still making phones”? Blackberry has been not available here on networks for years despite people wanting them from asking on forums and boards here they have a n interest still but not like the devices we tend to have shoved down our throat when you walk into a phone store here.

This is ideal for the business minded and more but you are limited to two things here which is screen size for one and if you use VR headsets you are wasting your time due to the dimensions. VR was one concern of mine before with the Key One but VR has died and I have no need for it now which is unfortunate being a huge fan I always wanted to have a phone I could use with a generic or manufacturer specific headset. Blackberry aint either.

The screen size is another factor especially for media consumption, you are limited with size and screen estate and its somewhat dim compared to other phones but manageable and over time you would excuse it even I did and having the luxury to be around bigger phones with 18:9 aspect ratios they Key 2 is  3:2 at 4.5 inches.

The camera is one factor which everyone will want to know about and is an important feature for many does this phone deliver? Yes and No. In low light forget it but being honest that is a struggle for many phones today until recently but in bright conditions its fine and video is fine with 4K recording and video recording is maxed out at 1080p at 60 fps on the selfie side with the front facing camera. One tip is I would use HDR on the main camera for decent shots I am just a point and shoot guy like most and hates fumbling with settings which for the most using this phone would be the same.

If you are the productive type you have all the tools at your disposal on the Key 2 that you need such as docs,locker,password keeper, privacy shade which I covered before,sheets,slides,sound recorder and power centre. Speaking of Power yet again Blackberry trumps with battery life here easily getting me through one day no problem with heavy usage and as I am a power user this is vital for me and im sure many others are too this will not let you down here at all. Multitasking is a joy to use and fluid.

The Key 2 is ideal for enterprise folk and with not many phones directed at this bar Windows Phone which is dead the Key 2 is the phone to have full stop, The hub will be ideal some and not for others and for those who are comfortable with the default stock apps you do need to use Blackberry apps to get full use of the hub, it is a love it or hate thing and the same applies to BBM which in fairness lets be honest nobody uses it and certainly not in my circle of friends or business customers.

For me the KEY 2 is a phone I could easily carry with me on a daily basis and it is a nice phone to use and suits my needs day in day out. The keys might be a bit small for some and for large handed folks like me it can be a problem but one you can get over the more you use the devices and you can always add the virtual keyboard if you feel the need to but asides that it is much faster than the KEY One has not slowed down on me so far and its loaded fully with Apps, Music and images and I have not ran into any issues yet.

The Key 2 is certainly a phone I can recommend to anyone in business or enterprise and even those who like Android devices and was perhaps once a Blackberry fan of old. The only thing I can fault it on is screen size and that is a thing people like today, Given the phone is not a media targeted device is does deliver only on a smaller screen estate with and odd aspect ratio and you can get over this in time if you are willing to give it a go. Many people will knock the Key 2 but like I said before and caught myself out, Dont knock it unless you have tried it. Having said that it is a niche device and not for all but it will surprise you. My final complain would be the price it is hefty and you can get better for less these days which is no excuse even for the intended target audience.

 

 

 

 

 

 

NUU Mobile announces European launch of G4 at MWC 2019. #NUU #MWC19

NUU Mobile, a global manufacturer and supplier of unlocked Android™ smartphones, today launches its new flagship G4 phone at Mobile World Congress 2019. Equipped with Google’s newest operating system (Android 9.0 Pie)  an AI-enabled camera, a 6.2-inch screen and either 64GB or 128GB storage options, NUU Mobile’s latest smartphone will be available in late Spring from £299.

The G4 provides users with a sophisticated and powerful camera, boasting an AI-enabled, dual 16 + 8-megapixel rear camera, along with a 16-megapixel front camera. The AI within the camera allows for automatic calibration based on the subject of the photo, from food to people and pets. Beyond its photographic abilities, the G4 also offers more memory (6 GB) than many laptops, as well as a wireless charging capabilities, and a stunning, stylish body that’s nearly impossible to scratch. The handset is also available in blue, black and a limited edition white ceramic version.

Danny Sit, CEO NUU Mobile – “This is a disruptive phone that takes the performance of our flagship phones to a new level and offers our customers the latest technology at a lower price point.

“By combining state-of-the-art battery power, fast charging, luxurious design, the latest operating system performance and an ‘intelligent’ camera with automatic scene detection, we have created a device that’s designed with our users in mind and is flagship in every way — except the cost.”

A powerful 3,750 mAh battery ensures the G4 can run throughout the day, and thanks to its 18-watt fast-charging and a 10-watt wireless charge capability, it’s also easier to recharge. The G4’s Android 9.0 Pie operating system allows users to take advantage of new features like Gesture Navigation and Adaptive Battery.

“The G4 is the newest member of our suite of phones and connectivity products for the whole family,” added Nolan Newman, Director NUU Mobile Europe “At NUU Mobile, we believe everyone should have access to the amount of power, style and technology they need at a price they can afford.”

The Dual SIM, unlocked G4 is compatible with carriers around the world (Europe, Asia and the Americas) on GSM, 4G LTE and WCDMA networks. To learn more about NUU Mobile products, including the G4, visit NUU Mobile’s website or nuumobile.com/presskit-europeTo meet NUU Mobile atMWC, visit Stand 1B82, Hall 1.

Price and availability

Available in late Spring 2019 from nuumobile.com orAmazon.co.uk. Prices are:

  • 64GB – £299
  • 128GB – £349

NUU Mobile G4 – SPEC

A global phone compatible with GSM, 4G LTE and WCDMA networks, the G4 is powered by a MediaTek Helio P60 octa-core processor and is designed with the following specifications:

Main Display:

-Size: 6.2 inches

-Resolution: HD 2246 x 1080

-Type: IPS

System:

-Operating System: Android™ 9.0 Pie

-Processor Speed: 2.0 GHz Octa-Core

-System Chip: MediaTek Helio P60

Camera:

-Rear Resolution: 16MP + 8MP | AI-enabled Dual Camera

-Front Resolution: 16MP

Storage:

-Internal System Memory: 6 GB RAM

-Built-In Storage: 64 GB / 128 GB

-Storage Expansion: Supports up to 256 GB via microSD

Network (Global Phone):

Dual SIM Dual Standby

-4G B1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/17/18/19/20/25/26/28a/28b/34/38/39/40/41

-3G 850/900/1700/1900/2100

-2G 850/900/1800/1900

-C2K BC0/BC1

Connectivity:

– Wifi 802.11 a/b/g/n

– Dual-SIM

– Bluetooth 4.2

– USB Type-C

– NFC

– Facial recognition

Battery:

-Capacity: 3,750 mAh express charging

-Wired Charge Rate: 18W

-Wireless Charge Rate: 10W

TCL Communication unveils its latest Alcatel 1 & 3 Series and tablet at Mobile World Congress 2019 #Alcatel #MWC19

TCL Communication is introducing its latest Alcatel mobile devices, including the Alcatel 3, Alcatel 3L and Alcatel 1S smartphones, as well as the Alcatel 3T 10 at Mobile World Congress 2019. Designed with premium, nature-inspired finishes and equipped with the latest TCL-made Full View Displays, these recent additions to TCL’s Alcatel mobility portfolio continue the company’s commitment to making great products accessible to customers around the world. Each of these new Alcatel devices also comes preloaded with Google Assistant™, helping you get things done quickly throughout the day, such as managing tasks, planning your day, enjoying entertainment or controlling your home’s IoT devices.

“While we’re entering an exciting era of innovation in the smartphone market with the introduction of 5G connectivity and new concepts thanks to flexible displays, we cannot lose sight of consumers who are just looking for great technology at an affordable price,” said Peter Lee, General Manager of Global Sales and Marketing at TCL Communication. “This is why we continue to enhance and expand our Alcatel smartphone and tablet lineup, ensuring customers who want the latest mobility experiences can have them regardless of their budget.”

Alcatel 3 – Democratizing the latest smartphone innovations and designs

Featuring TCL’s latest 5.9-inch 19.5:9 HD+  Super Full View Display with a slim mini notch providing an 88 percent screen-to-body ratio[1], Alcatel 3 offers an ideal experience  for viewing photos, streaming content, gaming or browsing the web. It is powered by a Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ octa-core chipset and paired with up to 4GB RAM for a smooth user experience and 64GB built-in storage along with microSD expansion for all your favourite content. A 3500mAh battery provides the power to run it all, keeping you going throughout the day while on the go.

To ensure you get the most out of your pictures, Alcatel 3 features 13+5MP dual cameras with real-time bokeh and 8MP front-facing camera. The dual cameras capture portrait-like shots and offer post-shot refocus, empowering you to create images that look exactly as imagined. It also uses AI Imaging Scene Detection, which intelligently identifies up to 21 different scenarios in real-time and provides the best settings, optimum contrast, saturation, brightness, sharpness and resolution to get the perfect shot.The secondary camera Google Lens™, which helps you search what you see, get things done faster and learn more about the world around you, comes included. Alcatel’s Face Key provides security and instant access with a scan of your face. The Alcatel 3 also lets you create fun AR emojis of yourself for sharing with friends and family. A fingerprint sensor on the back gives an extra layer of protection and launches customizable apps with a tap.

The Alcatel 3 will be available starting in Q2 for €159 EUR (3+32GB version) and €189 EUR (4+64GB version) and will come in gleaming Gradient Black Blue and Gradient Blue Purple.

Alcatel 3L – Enjoy the moment on a Super Full View Display

Alcatel 3L provides an immersive display for sharing and keeping in touch, a dual camera that captures memories vividly and smooth performance to make life run easier. A TCL-built 5.9-inch HD+ Super Full View Display and slim mini notch create an expansive viewing experience with 88 percent screen-to-body ratio for incredibly crisp detail. It is designed with contoured 2.5D front glass and and spectrum engraving that highlights the device’s overall design. Alcatel 3L is equipped with a Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ quad-core chipset and long-lasting 3500mAh battery, making life easy with high-level performance you won’t have to think twice about.

Like Alcatel 3, Alcatel 3L comes with a 13+5MP dual rear camera and 8MP front-facing camera, along with AI scene detection, bokeh blur and refocus capabilities to enhance your photo-taking experience. Additionally, It comes with Android™ 8.1 Oreo™ pre-installed (upgradeable to Android™ 9.0 Pie in Q2 2019). Google Lens™ is also included in the Alcatel 3L camera software which helps you find products online, copy and paste text, learn more about landmarks, add events to their calendar, look up movie posters, identify popular plants and animals and more in real-time.

Also available in Q2, the Alcatel 3L will start at €139 EUR, and will come in Anthracite black and Metallic blue color options.

Alcatel 1S – The best in essential smartphone experiences

The accessibly-priced Alcatel 1S packs a punch with premium features and software. Featuring Android™ 9.0 Pie, an octa-core processor, TCL-built 5.5-inch 18:9 HD+ Full View Display , 3GB of RAM and 32GB of onboard storage with microSD expansion, Alcatel 1S brings a smooth user experience. It helps you stay on the move all day with its 3,060mAh battery.

Alcatel 1S is equipped with a dual rear 13MP+2MP camera with real-time bokeh and AI scene detection that lets you capture what inspires you. The built-in rear fingerprint sensor and Face Key facial recognition software provide protection and convenience. It also comes with 2.5D front glass which provides a sleek contour and a comfortable grip.

This newest Alcatel 1 Series smartphone will be available starting at €109 EUR starting in Q2 2019 in Black, Blue, Rose and Gold brushed metallic finish.

Alcatel 3T 10 – Create a hands-free home with a smart 2-in-1 system

With the Alcatel 3T 10 tablet, dual front speakers and a 10-inch HD screen immerse you in a world of cinematic entertainment. Escape into your favorite movies, music, games thanks to the tablet’s long-lasting 4,080mAh battery. Powered by Android™ 9.0 Pie and with Google Assistant™ pre-installed, Alcatel 3T 10 is always at your call so you can multitask and relax with ease. Offering DSP voice recognition up to three meters away, Alcatel 3T 10 provides hands-free audio control to play movies or music, answer questions and more.

The Alcatel 3T 10 also features an optional lightweight Audio Station accessory that can be connected to the tablet to achieve powerful, deep sound with up to seven hours of non-stop music on the go. Additionally when connected to the Alcatel 3T10, an on-screen hub gives you all the information you need in a glance with instant access to the tablet’s most used apps, photos, calendar, music and weather forecast. The Audio Station comes with a 3.5mm auxiliary port, Micro-USB and microSD card reader so you can play audio from any external media players.

The Alcatel 3T 10 will be available later this year starting €179 EUR and will also be available at that time as a bundle with the Audio Station starting at €229 EUR.

ABI Research Analyst Comment: HMD’s new smartphones #Nokia #MWC19 #HMDGLOBAL

HMD, the home of Nokia phones, today announced a host of smartphones with three covering the affordable market and one set as a highly-advanced device for photographers. There is once again something for everyones pocket this year and the most talked about phone is the all new Nokia 9 Pureview which we have seen leaks of the last few months.

Research Director at tech advisory firm, ABI Research says…

The new Nokia 1 Plus, 3.2 and 4.2 are all destined for the market sweet-spot between US$99 and US$200 trading heavily on Nokia’s heritage as a reliable and trusted brand. With some high-end features, such as face unlock, fingerprint scanning and Google Assistant buttons, packed into these quality products for the value tier, they are sure to enhance Nokia’s presence in the segment when matched with offerings from competing Chinese vendors.

While these devices will help Nokia grow volume, the company also took a step-up in tiers and capabilities with the launch of the Nokia 9 Pureview, containing its latest advances in computational photography. In a world’s first, the company has packed an array of 5 camera sensors with Zeiss optics into the device, offering excellent dynamic range and depth of field control. However, going against current convention in multi-sensor smartphones, the 5 sensors are split into 2 color and 3 monochrome all with the same focal length. At a suggested retail price of US$699, the product doesn’t quite pit itself in the very high end but has many of the other related features such as a 5.99” 2k POLED display, 6GB RAM, under-screen fingerprint sensor and optical face unlock.  

By resurrecting the Pureview brand with this device, Nokia no doubt aspires to create a camera proposition that it hopes will resonate with those looking for advanced photography features in a smartphone. However, this may be a tough ask when compared with other excellent camera set-ups in phones from the likes of Google, Huawei, and Apple, but Nokia may well be looking to democratize high-end camera features by taking the Pureview brand, with 5 sensors or otherwise, into future lower-tier models. 

See the full details of the launches HERE

Irish details – Nokia announces 4 new smartphones phones at MWC. #MWC19 #MWC2019 #Nokia

HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones, today announced four new Android smartphones, including the world’s first smartphone with a unique five camera array, the Nokia 9 PureView which is available right now for €599 with 5 cameras on back is this the one to upset the camera kings this year?? With a dedication to delivering quality technology for all, the new Nokia phones are as diverse as the consumer needs they serve. From Nokia 9 PureView to the Nokia 1 Plus, consumers can trust there is a Nokia phone that meets their distinct needs.

Imaging innovation for enthusiasts  

Nokia 9 PureView features the world’s first five camera array with ZEISS Optics to put next generation computational imaging technology into the hands of advanced photography enthusiasts. Every picture taken with a Nokia 9 PureView is in HDR, five cameras simultaneously capture the image and fuse it together into one 12MP photo with outstanding dynamic range and depth of field. Designed with the needs of photography enthusiasts at its heart, Nokia 9 PureView also features the ability to capture images in uncompressed RAW “DNG” format and edit them directly on the phone yourself thanks to our partnership with Adobe Lightroom. It has been said that 50% of the art of photography is in post-production and with Nokia 9 PureView you have every opportunity to shine.

Heads-up: change the way you interact with your phone with a dedicated Google Assistant Button

Voice is changing the way people interact with their smartphones. With a dedication to delivering quality technology for all, Nokia smartphones bring the fastest way to access the Google Assistant with the dedicated Google Assistant button – starting with the brand-new Nokia 4.2 and Nokia 3.2.

The Google Assistant button will revolutionise the way you engage with your smartphone. Simply press once for instant access to the Google Assistant to get things done throughout your day, such as getting directions, making calls, listening to music and getting answers to your questions faster than ever before. Double press to receive a visual overview of your day from the Google Assistant with intelligent suggestions and personalised information, including transport info, and what you have in your calendar to make sure you never miss a meeting again. By long pressing the button, you will activate a walkie-talkie mode, which lets the Google Assistant listen to you until you release it for long sentence queries.

Nokia smartphone experience: it just keeps getting better

The depth of the global portfolio commitment to Android One guarantees three years of monthly security updates and two years of OS updates, delivering a range of Nokia smartphones that offer the latest Android experience which only gets better over time.  Each phone stays fresh with the latest AI powered innovations to the built-in security protection of Google Play Protect. With a pure Android installation, Nokia smartphones come with no unnecessary UI changes or hidden processes that would eat up battery life or slow them down, so you can enjoy your new phone for longer. Each of the new phones comes with a limited number of pre-installed apps so that you get more storage space, as well as the latest innovations that help you stay ahead of the game every day.

Android Enterprise Recommended

Nokia smartphones feature one of the most diverse portfolios of Android Enterprise Recommended handsets, from Nokia 9 PureView to Nokia 3.2 The Android Enterprise Recommended programme gives enterprise customers confidence that all smartphones validated by the programme have been approved by Google for meeting objective business standards, which includes an elevated set of specifications for hardware, software, deployment, security updates and user experience.

Florian Seiche, Chief Executive Officer, HMD Global said:

“We’ve had a phenomenal response from consumers to our entire portfolio, thanks to our unique approach to Android, delivering a pure, secure and always up-to-date experience. We have delivered on this commitment, changing the smartphone ownership paradigm by offering an experience that only gets better over time. Today, with these new phones, we are taking a leap forward by delivering the very latest innovations from Google across our entire portfolio.”

Juho Sarvikas, Chief Product Officer, HMD Global said:

“Today we use our heritage of innovation to take a bold step – pioneering a truly innovative approach to imaging with the Nokia 9 PureView. And we believe great experiences should be available to everyone, which is why we are bringing cutting-edge experiences like the stunning design, the best of Google including the dedicated Google Assistant button, and great imaging and display technology, to the most accessible price points yet. And all this comes with all the craftsmanship and durability you’d expect from a Nokia smartphone. And with our Android promise delivering a pure, secure and up-to-date experience, we ensure that your phone gets better over time.”

Pekka Rantala, Chief Marketing Officer, HMD Global said:

“With our unique brand promise we are altering the expectations people have from their smartphones. In addition to continuously delivering on the reliability and durability they expect from a Nokia phone, we are delighting them by offering the best Android experience on their Nokia smartphones. With two years of OS updates and 3 years of monthly security updates guaranteed, Nokia phones stay fresh for life and deliver an experience that just keeps getting better.”

Nokia 9 PureView

Nokia 9 PureView is the world’s first smartphone featuring a five camera array system with ZEISS Optics. Nokia 9 PureView’s two colour sensors and three monochromatic sensors give sharpness and detail. All five cameras work together to collect up to 10-times the amount of light than a single colour sensor[5] of the same type. Every image captured by Nokia 9 PureView is HDR, with up to 12.4 stops of dynamic range and a full scene 12MP depth map. Each 12MP JPG image can benefit from outstanding detail in areas of both bright sunlight and dark shadows at the same time with incredible texture. The depth map allows beautiful bokeh, giving you the possibility to adjust focus in Google Photos after you have taken the shot. Maximising the heterogenous computing architecture of the Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ mobile platform and featuring a dedicated imaging co-processor, the Nokia 9 PureView gives you a glimpse into the future of smartphone photography with unparalleled control over your images through the updated Pro Camera UI. Nokia 9 PureView allows you to capture images in uncompressed RAW “DNG” format and through a partnership with Adobe Photoshop Lightroom allows editing on the device.

Nokia 9 PureView also brings flagship experiences in a flawless finish with advanced Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset technology, a 2K pOLED PureDisplay screen, integrated Qi Wireless charging and under display fingerprint sensor. There is no camera bump for a flawless finish that radiates the thoughtful design you expect of a Nokia smartphone. And you can rest assured that the Nokia 9 PureView will get through the knocks and mishaps of real-life thanks to the Corning® Gorilla® Glass 5 on the front and back.

Nokia 4.2

Nokia 4.2 has been designed to offer the latest smartphone innovations at a truly accessible price. The classy, sculpted-glass design and all-screen display offer beauty on the outside and it’s not just skin-deep, as it packs in a dual-rear camera, AI innovations and the latest generation Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset, all running the latest Android 9 Pie. Premiering the Google Assistant button, the Nokia 4.2 will revolutionise the way you engage with your smartphone. Simply press once for instant access to the Google Assistant to get help, double press to receive a visual snapshot of your day from the Google Assistant with intelligent suggestions and personalised information and long press the button to activate a walkie-talkie mode, which lets the Google Assistant listen to you until you release it for long sentence queries.

Nokia 4.2’s compact size and edge-to-edge display with ‘selfie-notch’ delivers a smartphone which, at just 8.4mm, is slim enough for single hand use. Nokia 4.2 also brings flagship imaging features like multi-camera imaging to a new price point, with a dual depth-sensing rear camera ready to capture stunning memories.

 

Nokia 3.2

Nokia 3.2 combines the biggest HD+ display for the price with our signature two-day battery life all powered by the latest Android 9 Pie experience. The Nokia 3.2 features an impressive 6.26” HD+ display so you’ll never struggle and strain to see more of your favourite movies, TV shows and streams. Taking a holistic view of battery life, Nokia 3.2 combines a larger battery than many premium smartphones with efficient hardware and software ingenuity.

Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 429 mobile platform, Nokia 3.2 will get through tasks with ease. Nokia 3.2 also comes with the Google Assistant button, to revolutionise the way you engage with your smartphone – one press for instant access to Google Assistant, double tap for a visual overview of your day and long press for walkie-talkie mode.

Nokia 1 Plus

Upgrade your entry smartphone experience with Nokia 1 Plus, a brand-new member of the Android (Go edition) smartphone family. One of the first global Android 9 Pie (Go edition) smartphones, Nokia 1 Plus brings solid imaging in a high-quality Nokia design with a big screen, at exceptionally accessible price points. Now you can enjoy all your favourite apps and games, along with the latest Android (Go edition) features like Google Assistant Go.

The Nokia 1 Plus brings a progressive and cutting-edge design to the value segment. Using innovative materials with 3D tooling, it achieves a gorgeous textured nano-pattern at the back that cups Nokia 1 Plus all the way to the display. Get great details in your photos with the Nokia 1 Plus’s auto focus rear camera and up your selfie game with the new front camera, which comes enhanced with the ‘beautify feature’.

Companion products

Joining the accessories portfolio are two wireless charging solutions: the Nokia Wireless Charger and Nokia Portable Wireless Charger. Both devices support the universal Qi charging standard, so they can work with compatible wireless charging devices, including the Nokia 9 PureView.

The Nokia Wireless Charger supports fast 10-watt wireless charging, making it perfect for a quick top up when at home or in the office. The Nokia Portable Wireless Charger is a power bank that supports wireless charging, so you can charge your wireless devices on the go, even if you forgot your cable. The Nokia Portable Wireless Charger also supports universal USB output – so non-wireless devices can be charged through a USB cable.

Availability

  • Nokia 9 PureView is already shipping and will retail for €599 from Nokia.com
  • Nokia 4.2 will be available in Ireland from May for €179
  • Nokia 3.2 will be available in Ireland from June for €149
  • Nokia 1 Plus will be available in Ireland from April for €99

Also announced  was the Nokia 210 today.. Nokia 210 brings the world the simplest way to get online with Opera Mini web browser. It’s fast, light and uses reduced data – data you can use to share your own moments, with the in-built camera and Facebook. With up to 20 days standby time, you’ll always stay connected to the world. And thanks to a colorful but durable polycarbonate shell, Nokia 210 is a phone built to last.

WARNING – Revenue scam number to watch out for.. #Scam #Revenue

There is no shortage of scams today and recent being the broadband scam. The revenue scam is also a recurring one but today I managed to get a quick clip of the said scammers. Given he knew I was onto him he hung up soon enough in the call…The typical situation here is they ring and hang up..

He requested my PPS number (obviously fishing for information) then I asked him why are you calling and that you should have this information and he kindly said “I don’t have that information” You’ve been warned folks.. Pass it on..

Technology and fashion unite as the wearable market matures. #Mastercard #Tech #Fashion

As the technology that powers wearables gets smarter, fashion brands are driving the next evolution of the wearable market. Currently one in five adults wears a smart watch or fitness strap and by 2020, the wearable tech market will be worth 30 billion euros globally – proving the market is one to watch.

To date, technical features have led the race, with most devices competing solely on battery life and capabilities. But technology is no stranger to fashion; from smart fabrics, models wearing Google Glass on the runway, to fashion designer Adam Selman sporting the next generation of payment enabled dresses on the catwalk – wearable tech is increasingly claiming its place in fashion.

“With fashion shows taking place in New York, London and Milan this month and Mobile World Congress Barcelona about to get underway, there’s no better time to talk about the future of wearables. In the fashion world, trends such as athleisure remain steadfast. Meanwhile, technology is getting faster and smaller, speaking to those same consumers seeking minimalist and seamless, but well-designed options. Now technology and fashion brands need to work together to end consumer confusion over whether devices are fashion accessories, tech hardware or fitness tools.” said Jorn Lambert, Executive Vice President, Digital Solutions Mastercard.

Fashion and technology both act as extensions of oneself and for wearable technology to be attractive to consumers it must appeal to both. Be it a diamond cuff, a metallic watch, or gold-plated ring, smart jewellery that allows consumers to unlock new goods while looking good is essential to the next stage of wearable technology’s growth. It’s a promising way for brands to enter a new market and reach new, connected and digitally native customers – wearables are multi-use, but cheaper than most mobile devices.

For technology providers, the challenge is making processes as smooth and unobtrusive as possible to empower fashion brands to design wearables that first and foremost look like high-end accessories. One of the first companies to enter this area was Sony with their smart watch strap – Wena™. The “Wear Electronics Naturally” strap is designed to make everyday activities easier to do by incorporating speedy contactless payment, advanced fitness tracking and direct link-ups for phone notifications – all into a luxury timepiece design.

Making the payment process as easy as a tap or a swipe means payment-enabled wearables will be the next phase of consumer desire for practicality infused with ‘Insta-ready’ looks. Indeed, payment-enabled wearables are already available in 21 EU countries and over 30 different devices.

Audeara’s full-fidelity headphone with a built-in hearing test price reduced £199/$249 in time for #WorldHearingDay #Headphones

Audeara is the world’s first headphone offering an in-built hearing test to protect users’ ears, delivering a supreme, catered sound like no other. The headphones can prevent hearing loss by making the sound better rather than louder, which prevents the ongoing cycle of hearing damage.

Audeara headphones can be used to test and retest hearing over a lifetime and adapt music to the users’ individual needs. They sharpen music, not making it louder to improve the experience and provide perfect sound. The first time the headphones are worn, the user undertakes a hearing test – the results of which are subsequently stored in the headphones themselves.

The headphones use this hearing profile is used to adjust the sound signal. They adjust the right ear differently from the left, making sure each part of the signal reaches each music lover’s brain in a way that the artist and audiologist would love!

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO):

 

  • 1.1 billion young people (between the ages of 12–35 years) are at risk of hearing loss due to exposure to noise in recreational settings.
  • Over 43 million people between the ages of 12–35 years live with disabling hearing loss due to different causes.
  • Among teenagers and young adults aged 12–35 years in middle to high-income countries, nearly 50% are exposed to unsafe levels of sound from the use of personal audio devices and around 40% are exposed to potentially damaging sound levels at clubs, discotheques and bars.

The audiology experts are now offering its genius headphones at an even better price –from today reduced from £299.99/$379.99 to £199.99/$249.99!

Features

  • Low-latency, high-fidelity Bluetooth.
  • High-quality 40mm Mylar speakers.
  • Adjustable headband and soft over-ear cushion.
  • Rotatable design for easy storage in a slim, hard carry case when traveling.
  • Built-in lithium-ion battery, rechargeable via Micro-USB jack.
  • The headphones can be used as a common wired headphone with 3.5mm port.
  • Advanced, active noise cancelling design effectively reduces noise by up to 85%.

Specifications

  • Bluetooth & ANC
  • Speakers: 40mm Mylar
  • Audio impedance: 32Ohm
  • Charging time: approx 3.0 hours
  • Charging: micro USB
  • Operating range: ≥10 m
  • Connection: 3.5mm jack
  • Working time :

– Noise cancelling function only: 66 hours
– Bluetooth function only: 45.5 hours
– Noise cancelling + Bluetooth function: 25.5 hours

XPLORA announces #XPLORAGO #Kids #Tech #Elderly #Pets #Cycling

XPLORA (www.myxplora.com), the Norwegian company known for its range of best-selling smartwatches for children, is today announcing its newest product the XPLORA GO ahead of Mobile World Congress in Barcelona next week. The XPLORA GO is a single device that can be relied upon by people of all ages, with five different everyday use cases: children, elderly, pets, bikes and assets (such as suitcases, bags, laptops etc.).

The device will be available to purchase from April 2019 at www.myxplora.com, Amazon, and selected retailers from £69.99 and emulates a typical XPLORA smartwatch face, with additional accessories/covers available to purchase in different bundles starting at £17.99. Connected to the new XPLORA mobile app, the XPLORA GO comes preloaded with different interfaces for each function, which can be accessed and selected with a simple swipe on the screen. Each XPLORA GO comes with core standard features, including GPS and location tracking, geofenceable areas, an SOS button, WiFi connectivity and mobile connectivity.

XPLORA Founder and Chief Brand Officer Sten Kirkbak, and CEO Jesus Llamazares, will be at Mobile World Congress if you had plans to attend. They would love to meet for a quick chat at Hall 8.0, Stand H37. You will also be able to try out the XPLORA products on the stand including its range of smartwatches for children and adults, as well as its accessories such as hover shoes, speakers, cameras and chargers. Watch out for our review soon here on techbuzzireland.com

Earlier this month, XPLORA announced a first-of-its-kind collaboration with Sony Interactive Entertainment Spain to develop the very first video game that syncs with a smartwatch and enables children to turn physical activity into in-game perks such as level-ups, new powers, and new characters that are redeemable in the upcoming PlayStation®4 title ‘Aces of the Multiverse’.