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.
Ubranista have announced their new Detroit Spring Green headphones,other colours available are also are Dark Clown and Cheeky Peach. Detroit is light and compact, it is the perfect travel companion that will be sure to turn heads as you navigate around the city with its voguish charm – keeping up with your wireless listening demands for 12 hours on a single charge. Urbanista also offer free shipping worldwide which is great news for all.
Runway ready, the Detroit headphones are stunning to look at with its matte finish and grain pleather earpads. And thanks to its straightforward button functionality, a few button presses is all that is required to start a music playlist or to answer a call. So whenever your outfit is missing that finishing touch, the Detroit headphones will complete your look with ease. For those who love all things stylish and require a simple but powerful listening experience.
The Detroit headphones are the answer to those with heavy listening demands and busy schedules thanks to its 12-hour playtime and standby time of 300 hours. However, there might be times you’ll find yourself listening to your favorite album with such focus that you will forget to charge your headphones, leaving you without music for quite some time. But thanks to the Detroit’s clever design, if you’re ever low on power and have 15 minutes to spare in between classes or if you’re nearing the end of your work break, you can use that time to charge your headphones and get up to 3 hours of playback time.
Recently we were invited along with other tech guru’s to take part in a survey on what gadgets would be used on a daily basis with thetrustcompass and there is a pretty broad list here which is very interesting to see what people use, For people like me over time these products obviously change and true to form the selection has changed since we participated in the survey, Take a look at the extensive list below and see if any are similar to what you would use and tell us if you like what your daily tech drivers are.
1. Smartphones
This gadget is on top of them because, without a doubt, it’s the most used one all over the world. Thanks to the huge variety of smartphones available in the markets, spread over a vast graph of features and price ranges, anyone and everyone can afford to own a smartphone. The only obvious difference would the features and quality that the device offers, with more expensive models offering more functionality and vice versa. Apple, Samsung, LG and many more are some of the global leaders in the smartphone segment and have newer and more updated models coming out every few months. With a smartphone one can do a lot more than just make and receive calls – sending emails, viewing videos, watching movies, listening to music and so much more.
2. Laptops and tablets
Tablets are more or less a larger version of smartphones, and a laptop is a portable computer. There was a time when PC’s were extremely popular but, for the sake of mobility and convenience, most of us today prefer owning a laptop over a stationary computer. Tablets too are great if you’re working on sheets or want to watch a movie on a bigger screen. Some models even offer voice calling and video calling features. And with a laptop, you can work from absolutely anywhere, and that’s its biggest advantage and if you are in need of devices being fixed also read more here at fruitfixed.com.
3. Power banks
Considering the degree of usage for each of these gadgets, running out of battery can be quite a significant problem. And, if there isn’t a power socket available nearby, or you’ve forgotten to carry your charger with you, you’re in quite a soup. This is probably why portable power banks have become such a necessity because they make on-the-go charging a possibility.
4. “Wireless” devices
Headphones, speakers, televisions, keyboards, mice – all of these gadgets and more have become wireless. They basically use either wireless internet to run or use Bluetooth to connect to other devices to be used simultaneously. Not having wires us like a “no strings attached” situation, allowing you to operate these gadgets without having to physically connect them with anything else.
5. Cameras
The camera has seen a lot of evolution over time, with smartphones being integrated with top quality cameras, both front, and back. However, professional photographers who still want to use “actual” cameras have a large variety of professional models to choose from, and there are also waterproof recording devices like the GoPro that is amazing for travelers and photography enthusiasts to use.
6. Gadgets for grooming
Gone are the days when self-grooming was a tedious task. Today, there are a number of gadgets available for both men and women to use at home with ease, especially when they’re short on time or don’t really want to visit a salon on a regular basis. Electric shavers, hair styling gadgets, epilators and so on come in many variants and also with instructions to make their usage simple and convenient. Most of these are chargeable and pretty easy to clean too.
7. E-book readers
The Kindle has got to be the most popular gadget in this category, but there are also other devices and applications which allow you to purchase, access and read books on devices. While some of us still prefer books, many people consider e-books to be a lot less troublesome and easy to carry around, and especially easy to use while traveling or on-the-move.
8. Fitness related gadgets
The wave if fitness has hit pretty hard in the past decade, and everyone is sailing in the same boat. The focus is more on staying healthy, working out and keeping fit, which is a great thing. Hence, different brands have come out with fit watches, bands, trackers and so on which assist someone who wants to have full knowledge of how fit they are, monitor with ease, and also track progress.
9. Smart watches
Who said a watch was useful only to tell time? Welcome to smartwatches, another regular device that has the “smart” tag attached to it, which completely changes its features and utility. Answering calls, remote access, weather reports, even video calling; you name it and the smartwatch can do it and if it doesn’t yet, you can expect it to be added very soon.
See the full list of peoples choices which is very interesting HERE
Following its global partnership announcement with Taylor Swift last week, FUJIFILM is delighted to announce a brand new sophisticated square format instant camera – the INSTAX SQ6.
The instax SQUARE SQ6 will hit the shelves on the 25th May 2018 with a RRP of €140 and comes in three unique and striking colourways; pearl white to suit any style, blush gold for an elegant touch and graphite grey for a cool and calm feel. It is the first SQUARE format analogue instant camera from instax, and the perfect accessory for capturing those real, un-edited and truly one-off moments.
The SQ6 has a variety of functions for everyday use. The camera has an automatic exposure adjustment function that is activated when the shutter button is pressed. It detects the ambient brightness and adjusts to provide the optimum shutter speed and flash light intensity. Even in a dark room, subjects and the background can be shot vividly and clearly. When taking a selfie, simply set the camera to Selfie-Mode and the settings will be adjusted to the optimum focus and brightness. There is also a selfie mirror attached to the side of the lens allowing you to check the shooting range.
There’s a tripod socket in the bottom of the main unit, so group photos using the timer function can be easily taken. To enhance creative photography, the camera has three further modes. The “Double Exposure Mode” allows two photos to be overlapped on a single film when the shutter button is pressed twice, the “Macro Mode” can take short-range photos up to a minimum of 30cm, and the “Landscape Mode” can be used to take long-range landscape photos.
The instax SQUARE SQ6 also comes with three colour filters, which attach to the flash. The filters allow photographers to add purple, green and orange overtones to their individual shots, instantly changing the atmosphere and mood of an image.
The instax SQUARE SQ6 combines the following key features;
Auto Exposure Control – This function enables the photographer to capture photos in dark or night scenes. The high-performance flash automatically calculates surrounding brightness and adjusts shutter speed to brighten both the subject and background.
Selfie Mode / Selfie Mirror – Making sure you always capture your best side, the SQ6 includes a popular Selfie Mirror from the mini 9 to assist when taking a self-portrait. The camera also automatically adjusts brightness and focal length to set the camera up for the ideal selfie.
Double Exposure Mode – Taking this popular function from the Mini 90, the SQ6 allows users to get creative with their everyday and superimpose two different images in one frame.
Lighten/Darken Modes – Creatively adjust the exposure of the shot with these modes to either create a low-key, normal or high-key effect; giving photographers three lighting options.
Landscape / Macro modes – To be able to make the most of the cameras combined functions the SQ6 has a landscape and macro modes to adjust depending on your photo opportunity to ensure the camera is optimised for every shot; close range or in the distance.
Jackie Farrell, Manager Marketing, (Imaging) Fujifilm Ireland, “The launch of the instax SQUARE SQ6 has been much anticipated and we’re excited to bring this analogue SQUARE format instant camera to market. The camera brings some of the best and most popular features from the instax family into one camera to create a product that is perfect for capturing everyday moments.”
DaisyLowe, Model and DJ “I love analogue instant cameras and was extremely excited to be given the opportunity to get hands-on with the instax SQ6. The cameras functions, from double exposure, flash colour filters and self-timer have allowed me to capture life on the go and get creative while doing so.”
SPECS
Film
Fujifilm instax SQUARE Film (available separately)
Lens
Retractable lens, 2 components, 2 elements, f = 65.75 mm, 1:12.6
Viewfinder
Inverted Galilean finder, 0.4 x, with target spot
Focusing
Motor-driven 3-range switching (0.3 m – 0.5 m/1 ft. – 1.6 ft., 0.5 m – 2 m/1.6 ft – 6.6 ft.,
2 m/6.6 ft. and beyond), Macro Mode (0.3 m – 0.5 m/1 ft. – 1.6 ft.) Normal Mode (0.5
m – 2 m/1.6 ft – 6.6 ft.) Landscape Mode (2 m/6.6 ft and beyond)
Shutter Release
Programmed electronic shutter release, 1.6 sec – 1/400 sec.
Exposure Control
Automatic, Interlocking range (ISO 800) : LV 5 – LV 15.5,
Exposure compensation: ±2/3 EV
Film Feeding Out
Automatic
Film Developing Time
Approximately 90 seconds (Varies depending on the ambient temperature)
Flash
In Macro mode: Built-in, automatic electronic flash
In a mode other than Macro mode: Always flashing
Charging time: 0.2 sec – 7 sec (using a new battery), Flash charging indicator, Effective flash lamp range: 0.3 m – 2.7 m/1 ft. – 8.9 ft.
Self-Timer
Electronically controlled, approx. 10 second delay, Can be stopped mid-run
Science suggests that when the national anthem is playing mirror neurons are firing in your brain; special circuitry that gives you the ability to put yourself in the footballer’s shoes. You might never have belted out the anthem in front of 60,000 spectators, but you’re instinctively feeling what the players are feeling on the pitch. However, Only 11% of GB adults aged 18+ say they know the words to both the first and second verse of the national anthem.
We have been asked to share this quiz so you can test knowledge of National Anthems from around the world! Sound fun? Stick some headphones on, Play below to take the test, or explore the anthems on the interactive map.
OVAL Digital, Inc is today pleased to announce the availability on Kickstarter of its next generation smart sensor, OVAL 2.0. OVAL 2.0 is the all-in-one home smart sensor that monitors and detects changes in motion, temperature, humidity, light and water – quickly sending alerts to a phone or email. OVAL sensors can turn any ordinary object or area into a smart one – instantly protecting the people, places and things people care about.
OVAL 1.0, launched in early 2017 across 32 countries and was so successful at improving the safety and comfort of its customers while also protecting their home and property, that CEO Mike Harry and his global team decided to further refine it and engineered OVAL 2.0, an even smarter sensor.
OVAL can alert users if doors, windows, private or dangerous items are accessed. Or if there is water detected from bad weather, leaking pipes or failing appliances. Monitor the temperature and humidity of an area or items like food, medicine, or plants. Plus, conserve energy and save money on heating and electric bills.
The OVAL app has also been redesigned and includes powerful new features such as a real-time view of the sensors and analytics to help users identify trends, and improve behaviors to help increase safety, conserve energy and save money.
“OVAL has demonstrated it can improve lives, even save them,” says CEO Mike Harry. “In one instance, a customer had installed OVAL in his elderly father’s home. One day, OVAL identified a drop in temperature and alerted our customer immediately. Concerned that his father, who was on blood pressure medication, wasn’t answering his phone, our customer rushed to him, and found his father unresponsive after he’d accidentally lowered the thermostat to a dangerous level. Our customer wrote us explaining that while he knew OVAL would give him peace of mind about his father’s well-being, he never thought it could actually save his life.”
OVAL is the ideal choice for both home owners and renters as it doesn’t require home integration or installation, and takes only minutes to set up. OVAL sensors are small, wireless, and can attach to any object or area, making it smarter, instantly. The new OVAL gateway is wireless and connects to a Wi-Fi network.
OVAL sensors communicate with the gateway up to 150 ft. To extend coverage even further, additional gateways can be connected. A brand-new firmware system has stepped up both the reliability and response time of the OVAL sensors, as well as increased the lithium coin cell battery life from 2 months to 6 months.
The OVAL app has also been redesigned and includes powerful new features such as a real-time view of the sensors and analytics to help users identify trends, and improve behaviors to help increase safety, conserve energy and save money.
The new OVAL is available for pre-order, exclusively through Kickstarter
xDroid bring the fun and excitement of video racing games to the real world,they enhance RC cars with interactive elements from video racing games, creating a completely new gaming experience. Making xDroid the first truly gamified RC car. In contrast to Augmented Reality, it brings the fun off the screen to the physical world and make it social.
The rush, the adrenaline, the dynamics of video racing games has now arrived in the real world. xDroid is introducing the first truly gamified remote controlled car. Destruction derby, capture the flag, drift and many more — with xDroid you can now play your favorite racing video games outside in the physical world.
All you need is the xDroid rc car, the interactive checkpoints “xPoints” and the xDroid app. The virtual vehicle is replaced by the 1:16 smartphone controlled xDroid — equipped with precise sensors, a high performance engine with 4 wheels-drive and a robust suspension system. If you want you can also upgrade your existing rc car with the xCore. Bonuses, scores and power-ups, just like in video games, can be collected by covering the xPoints.
In contrast to augmented reality like Pokemon Go, where the real world gets a digital overlay on the screen, xDroid wants to bring the fun off the screen. “With xDroid we take away video games from the screen and put them into the real world. We enhance rc cars with interactive game elements, to maximise the gaming experience.” explains CTO Roman Khazankin.
The xDroid app, available for iOS and Android, is the heart of the ecosystem, providing games, controller and a social gaming platform in one. It connects via an innovative Wi-Fi mesh network to xDroids and xPoints. It controls the xDroid with incomparable accuracy and gives you audio and haptic feedback during the game.
You can play xDroid in different modes, which makes it fun from young to old:
Single-player: Master your driving skills in the free drive or stunt mode.
Multiplayer: Capture the flag, destruction derby, domination, gold digger, catch up, and many more coming up
Parent-child: Delegate only partial control to your kid, this makes xDroid fun for even the smallest kids.
Droidmode: Learn coding with our graphical coding language and let your car drive autonomously.
In the future players will be able to create their own game modes and share them with other gamers. “We are not only creating a product, but are building a strong and motivated community.” says CEO Victor Rodionov.
Our Nokia 7 Plus has just arrived in the Black Copper colour, Today is just a quick unboxing and tour of the device which we seen recently at the Irish launch event in both flavours and many seem to like the white ceramic version which is really nice. You can search the site for all details on availability of the Nokia 7 Plus in Ireland and stay tuned for more, One thing I have seen been asked quite often about this device and a radio on board,there is no radio folks. Any other questions in the meantime feel free to ask below or on social media.. Thanks…
Great news for Irish and Cork company, Metabolomic Diagnostics. Their preeclampsia screening test has won €2 million from EU Horizon 2020 SME funding. This is huge boost as one of only 3 companies in Ireland to get this funding. Enterprise Ireland have backed MD as well as other VCs.
Full statement below
Having been ranked among the top innovations in Europe, Metabolomic Diagnostics is set to receive €2 million in EU Funding under the Horizon 2020 SME Instrument, which received a total of 1280 applications from all over Europe.
One of only 3 Irish companies to receive this funding, the Cork-based biotech company will use the award to commercialise its breakthrough product, PrePsia™. PrePsia™ is a simple blood test taken in early pregnancy, which can identify whether a woman may develop Preterm Preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is one of the biggest risks that women face during a pregnancy, claiming the lives of 75,000 mothers and 500,000 babies annually; survivors of the disease have a lifelong increased risk of developing a range of health problems.
PrePsia™ has the potential to transform prenatal care by allowing clinicians to administer effective treatments early that can dramatically reduce the incidence of the disease thus improving pregnancy outcomes whilst lowering healthcare costs for treating the disease. The EU has clearly recognised the value of PrePsia™ which has worldwide applicability, with the award of this significant funding.
Charles Garvey, CEO of Metabolomic Diagnostics said, “This award will be used to accelerate our go-to-market strategy. We plan to market the product next year, and now with this support from EU, we believe that PrePsia™ has the potential to become part of pregnancy screening programs worldwide. The award is recognition by the European Union of the huge progress we have made to date and the enormous societal benefit that our innovative test will bring to expectant mothers and their babies all over the world.”
Metabolomic Diagnostics has previously been supported by the EU through FP7 funding, as well as private investors, SOSV, Enterprise Equity AIB Seed Capital Fund and Enterprise Ireland.
Sean Burke, Horizon 2020 National Delegate, Enterprise Ireland: “The success of Irish companies in winning significant Horizon 2020 SME Instrument funding has its foundation in Enterprise Ireland supports which are focused on nurturing and developing the innovative solutions and capabilities of our SMEs. This is an excellent win for the team at Metabolomic Diagnostics and we look forward to working closely with the company in the future.”
Magik Book uses patented tech to bridge physical and digital in a unique type of augmented reality
Magik Book, the first ever physical catalogue book that links to digital devices, has been launched by the Portugal-based startup of the same name. As Magik Book’s pages are turned, the smartphone or tablet responds with synchronized videos, animations, music, images, interactive models and more.
Aiming to replace standard paper catalogues, Magik Book is designed as a marketing tool for luxury products for use in showrooms, stores, at events, or to send to customers. The product is well-suited to car manufacturers, jewelers, hotel chains, and other high-end brands.
Magik Book is bound by a case which folds out into a stand, angling the device in the direction of the user and with the book itself laid flat. A custom-built app shows content tailored to each page of the book, offering an augmented reality experience with the physical object in the hands of the customer.
“Even in the digital age, people have strong relationships with real-life objects – not least books. That was the concept that drove the creation of Magik Book,” said Hugo Ribeiro, CEO and founder of Magik Book.
“Magik Book combines physical and digital, traditional and contemporary, setting itself apart as a marketing solution and offering brands a real opportunity to stand out in a crowded market. Integrating both elements makes for a more personal and memorable customer experience.”
Magik Book uses the company’s patented advanced magnetic field technology, which takes advantage of the compass and other sensors within digital devices. The tech requires no batteries or pairing, and is compatible across iOS and Android devices.
Apps are tailor-made to each client and can include media such as panoramic photos, interactive videos, or digital product modelling but can also facilitate sales, for example through a click-to-buy option or an email update registration.
Magik Book blurs the line between traditional marketing methods and more modern marketing technology, also known as martech. The latter is worth an estimated $34bn.
The company also today announces the launch of an online platform – the Magik Book Creator – on which small to medium-sized businesses can design their own catalogue and upload digital content to synchronize to each page. The tool will enable brands to custom-build their own Magik Book experience and will allow for smaller orders.
