Category: #Reviews

Tech Review – Emporia Smart 4 smartphone for seniors. #Emporia #Smart4 #RealHandsOn

Mobile phones today are a plenty from dumb phones to high end models but the majority being higher end phones they are a difficult for the seniors to use and adopt. Emporia though is a company that is changing this by offering devices that are easy to use and  now they have a smartphone with all the convoluted mess hidden underneath and makes the move from a dumphone/feature phone easy and this also allows you to go further into the submenus should you wish, with most of used stuck in lockdown now and no end in sight just yet the senior community want to learn and stay in touch with family and friends and dumbphones do not allow this to happen where the smart 4 offers it all keeping it simple for everyone and making the switch easy..

The tiled layout is nice and these can be changed you will see a complete walkthrough of the UI below in the video and what the phone can do and it is quite simple and well executed for the desired target market of this device not only that this device is affordable and makes a perfect gift in my opinion, OK it will not blow your mind with the spec sheet or camera but it does the job simple and is powerful enough to keep in touch with social media and more.

 

Chris Millington, emporia’s UK and Ireland MD comments: “This is an exciting “first” in a new generation of mobiles to join emporia’s portfolio. I’m proud to announce the S4 as our most innovative device yet to the Irish market, working exclusively with An Post Mobile. This phone really responds to some of the more recent challenges and hurdles faced by our senior citizens in everyday life and mobile communication – especially in a modern world of social distancing and contact-free living. We have worked hard to include intuitive and completely audience-relevant features like the pre-installed QR scanner, contactless payment functionality, and improved camera for new features like a magnifier for when you have left your glasses at home.”

This Google-certified smartphone runs on an Android 10 operating system, with an emporia interface that is tailored and adapted to the 66+ year old user.

The smartphone’s 5” screen is easy to read, with large fonts and app icons, and a soft touch coating makes it very easy to hold and use one-handed. Like all emporia devices it is also hearing-aid-compatible and is fitted with an emergency assistance button on the back for peace of mind for users.

The S4 comes complete with emporia’s unique comprehensive 135-page training book, allowing users to learn at their own pace and as a reference point. The concept of this training book extends much beyond instilling confidence and driving independence; it’s imperative to emporia’s customers and responds to how the human brain works and is the catalyst to changing smartphone value for this group. 

Key features of the senior S4 smartphone in a new digital world

What makes the S4 different to other smart devices in the emporia range is its following new features that bring the senior user further into the digital world, but in a simple way:

 

  • 13 megapixel main camera and 8mp selfie camera
    In a world where video calls and photo sharing are the most common form of communication, our S4 has an improved camera quality so users can be involved and connected in this way and stay in touch, even if isolated, with family and friends.

  • QR scanner
    The improved processing power on the latest S4 model sees the introduction of a QR scanner, meaning senior users are able to use the NHS track & trace / Ireland’s COVID tracker / Protect Scotland / StopCOVID NI apps, or register their check-ins, for safety and reassurance in a post-pandemic world.

  • Magnifying function
    Most of us experience presbyopia as we age, meaning we need glasses to read and struggle with close up text or smaller fonts. Whilst emporia’s devices are already tailored to help the users to use and enjoy the phone, when users are out and about, reading everyday things like restaurant menus may not be as easy, especially when we leave our glasses at home. This key app is designed to take away that frustration and act as an aid for our customers in everyday life – a reliable companion.

  • App Installer
    There are apps for everything out there, and this can be overwhelming when you need a key app like a track-and-trace, or WhatsApp to stay in touch with friends and family, need to share pictures, check the weather forecast or check the news. The App Installer on the S4 contains a list of the most useful 20 apps, making them all easier to download and locate so the older user gets the key apps straight away.

  • NFC technology
    Whilst NFC or contactless payments in credit and debit cards isn’t new, the new S4 brings NFC (near field communication) technology, or more to the point contactless payments to a new audience. When social distancing and contact-free are the norm, this function can offer a whole new shopping experience for older customers who tend to use cash. With the new 16-page guide to how to set-up Google Pay and the benefits of the security this brings, the retired audience will be equipped for the new era upon us.

T o buy S4 smartphone, please visit: www.anpost.com/mobile or emporiatelecom.ie/products/overview/emporiasmart4

 

Tech Review – CLCKR stand and grip wallet. #CLCKR #Tech

The CLCKR Wallet with the built-in Stand & Grip is the perfect way to carry cards and IDs whilst on the go. The Wallet slides down providing space for up to 3 cards and closes securely so you know your cards are safe. CLCKR’s patented built-in Stand and Grip allows you to use your phone in both portrait or landscape modes. The 3M adhesive on the back of the wallet provides a strong hold, securing to most devices. The CLCKR Wallet also features a coating of antimicrobial protection which kills up to 99.99% of germs. The product dimensions are: Height 100mm / Width 62mm / Depth 9.8mm.

This is a simple accessory to add to your smartphone and not expensive it does add some bulk to your device so keep this in mind but it does offer additional gripping power. Check the video below for more.

 

This will fit most smartphones that are out there today and will add some bulk to the back of the phone so keep that in mind.

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Tech Review – The datAshur BT USB flash drive from iStorage. #datAshur #Tech #GDPR

The datAshur BT is an ultra-secure, hardware encrypted USB 3.2 (Gen 1) flash drive that offers multi-factor smartphone (Android and iOS) secure wireless user-authentication via an encrypted Bluetooth channel between the phone and the drive. We have tested several of this companies products and you can expect the highest level of security with all their products, this is an ideal kit for those who have to take information home with them or travel with work to locations and the accompanying app works really well too..

The datAshur BT encrypts data in real-time using a FIPS certified AES-XTS 256-bit hardware encryption algorithm. datAshur BT is OS/Host independent and works with all operating systems (Windows, Mac, Linux, Chrome, etc.) and devices supporting USB mass storage (computers, medical devices, TVs, drones, printers, scanners, etc.).

 

datAshur BT – Personal App

Download and install the datAshur BT Personal App if you will be using the datAshur BT drive without Remote Management.

Main features

• Authenticate using a 7-15-character password or Biometric unlock (Face ID/Facial recognition, Touch ID/Fingerprint and IRIS scanning). User app supports 12 languages.2

• Supports 2-Factor Authentication via SMS

• Remote wipe – The datAshur BT hardware encrypted USB flash drive can be remotely wiped in the event the drive is lost or stolen.

• Step away auto-lock – locks the drive when the iOS/Android device is moved approximately 5m away from the drive for longer than 5 seconds.

• Inactivity Auto lock – protects against unauthorised access if the datAshur BT USB flash drive is unlocked and inactive for a pre-determined period of time (between 1–60 minutes).

• Read Only (Write Protect) feature

• Password recovery, and more.

Main features include:

  • Lock/unlock the drive by simply using biometric unlock (Face ID, Touch ID and IRIS Scanning) or by entering a 7-15-character password via your smartphone, tablet or Apple Watch
  • All data stored on the drive is encrypted in real-time using military grade AES-XTS 256-bit hardware encryption (FIPS compliant) to help you comply with regulations and directives, such as GDPR, HIPAA and CCPA
  • Remote management ready via the iStorage datAshur BT Remote Management Web Console.

Check out the review below where we go through the app and remote management app..

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Tech Review – iStorage Diskashur M2 240gb SSD. #Tech #GDPR

Storing information a key factor in todays world but having the right tools for the job is more important and with GDPR compliance now a key factor in holding data iStorage is one company to look at here with their product range and we have been long time users of their products and they get our stamp of approval.

Recently we checked out their flash drive which is a nifty tool to have at your disposal and portable and their latest offering the M2 which is also portable and much smaller than their older offerings such as the DT2 however still a great piece of kit.

Their is alot of technical jargon and so many features when it comes to talking about these products but in short they are the tools you need to keep your data safe and not get fined for data breaches. We go through the set up process below and show you how it works in the video below. The unit has a keypad up front where you set up your own password and the keys are wearproof. You get the cables required and have a choice of USB-C and A you might would need an adapter if you have no USB-C on your PC but fear not these adapters work regardless and does not lock you out as I have had to with some drives I have as my laptop has no USB-C port.

You have also got LED status lights up top and these indicate the lock status etc and good to have. You also get a cover on the unit to protect you from harm and accidental keypresses one would assume but either way you will have a tough password to crack in the first place. When it comes to data transfer it is quick and easy and no issues seen and the same bringing it back so overall a simple to use product to give you the optimum experince with you data held in safe hands and saving you hassle in the long run.

So who is this for? Well anyone really especially those on the move with office and home work or moving between locations and for anyone else being honest as I would like to have my data secured and not seen by anyone else…

iStorage sent us this press sample and they are seeing this review the same time as you

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Tech Review – SecureDrive BT HDD External Portable Drive with Phone Authentication. #Tech #SecureDrive #GDPR

Having reviewed several of these in the past we have now the Secure Drive BT  HDD option in for review and as expected the technology here keeps getting better all the time and the size keeps getting smaller too which is more beneficial to the user for carrying around data and keeping it safe or for the likes of me I keep in my pocket or one of my tech bags in a secure pocket. Also storage options are much wider than before giving someone choice rather than some expensive standard offers you might see.

The Secure Drive HDD is one of multiple offerings the company has and they have a nice product line up to suit everyone and their job is to keep your data safe and we do not need reminding of what can happen now when something goes wrong if you make a data breach and those words GDPR are mentioned. Given I find out data regulator more talk than action from what has been seen so far it is an integral part of any business to keep information safe and this company offers this in several ways and you should check them out. As for this review we are looking at the apps the company has on both Android and iOS which works with this device in particular they also have a keypad version too but this one is more high tech with face unlock built in via your smartphone which I find really futuristic and similar to the SSD option we reviewed before.. HDDs are now more efficient and generally cheaper.. We check out this and how it works below in the video on both Android and iOS apps and go through the process.

In short I have been using the Secure Drive Products for some years now and can easily recommend these for ease of use and knowing that my data or anyone else’s I might have is safe and will remain that way no matter which product I use from their portfolio.

Features

  • FIPS 140-2 Level 3 Validated: Certificate #3349
  • Awards: Red Dot 2019 Award Winner | CES 2019 Innovation Award Honoree
  • Works with any device with a powered USB port
  • Hardware encryption: XTS-AES 256-bit
  • Interior parts covered in epoxy to prevent media removal from hackers
  • User authentication with secure wireless mobile app with encrypted Bluetooth (iOS & Android)
  • Remote wipe
  • Dual factor authentication, FaceID/Touch ID authentication, password retrieval
  • Admin/user modes (*Admin mode for Remotely Managed drives only)
  • Read Only mode
  • Auto-lock
  • Remote Management-ready* (sold separately) – Learn More
  • Preloaded with DriveSecurity® ESET Antivirus (1-year license included)

Secure Drive sent us this unit to review and are seeing the review the same time as you with no copy approval.

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Tech Review – The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones. #Sony #WH1000XM4

Better late than never but they finally arrived and that long naming scheme needs to change Sony… So I have tested these out for some time now and you most likely have seen many reviews but how do they stand almost a year later on with a really hot market out there? Well lets say they are still great, A fantastic pair of headphones if you are willing to part the money due to the cost to performance ratio dropping all the time there is fierce competition out there and some coming in for less still put it up to the established headphone champion. Last year I tested out their WX1000 XM3 earbuds and again they are a great product to have at your disposal and the same can be said for these headphones.

Comfort and fit here is nice I found my cups really soft but these where a review unit and not sure if the cups where softer than they really are on first purchase but overall they where comfy and nice on the ears blocking much of the outside world, the do have a ratchet style arm extension and nice movement on the cups too which all makes for a better more comfortable fit for the user.

The Sony WH-1000XM4

Controls are great and there is no buttons to play with we have got gesture controls which worked really well in my testing and did not note and swipes missed which was surprise and nice to see and perhaps the gesture based controls might be a better way forward for the industry but buttons would of course still appeal to many but having the technology there today shows what can be done if executed right which what Sony has done here. You have a;ll the features you need to keep you from your phone and have just two buttons on the headphones and we go into this in out video review below and we take a look at the app.

When it comes to the most important part which is how they sound they do deliver, they are loud the ANC is great and ideal for watching movies and more in my usual testing with such and You Tube and Netflix I was extremely happy with how they performed and having the app behind you allows you to enhance your experience for the better..

Overall these are a great pair of headphones and easy to recommend if you want to shed out a bit extra today as the competition has got so good the feature set here can be found on other headphones but the ANC factor here is one hard to contend with.

Tech Review – The Aukey LS02 Smartwatch & Fitness Tracker. #Tech #Aukey #Smartwatch

Aukey is brand that delivers nice technology at an affordable price and we have been using their products for some time here on techbuzz we also have more in for review but today we are looking at the LS02 smartwatch/fitness tracker. With an abundance of choice on the market today there is no shortage to pick from no matter how much you have to spend. Fitbit and other brands such as Xiaomi have a good grip on the market today however this one gives them a run for their money and having test this for nearly a month it offers a bit more for your money coming in at around 38 euro, yes that is right…

It is not a slim skimpy band but it looks like a typical smartwatch albeit clean it it made out of polycarbonate looks nice and fits really well with a decent size screen and offering a decent 1.4 inch 320 x 320 screen with IP68 waterproofing. there is 12 fitness modes and an accompanying app that is really easy to use and sports up to 20 days battery life, this however depends on what information you have tied into the app I have found with all my apps running you get 10 days but if you just require the bare minimum you will get the 20 days.

For me I tried the full app list on my device and it is great for notifications they are a basic text on the device and you cant take calls as there is no speaker but for the price you cant really give out about that, you can also control your music on the watch too which is handy and you can get all your social media notifications on the device too and all of this keeps you away from your phone to an extent, For the fitness folks there is plenty here to keep them happy as you can see down below with all these workouts and it also includes your heart rate.

There is also a find my phone option on the watch too which is handy, What makes this watch different it it does not have an app store nor can you add faces to it, it does come with some settings on the device which is plenty to get you going if you are new to such which many seem to be taking up now with the pandemic and this shows you can pick up a decent wearable for a fraction of the cost of what is out there today on the market. Check out the video below for more as we look into to what is on this watch and the app.

SPECS

Screen: 1.4-inch TFT LCD display Resolution: 320 x 320p BT Version: BT 5 Sensors: Heart rate sensor, acceleration sensor

Battery Capacity: 260mAh Battery Life: Up to 20 days Operating Temperature: -20°C – 45°C / -4°F – 113°F

IP Rating: IP68 System Compatibility: Android 4.4 / iOS 8.0 or higher Data Sync Platform: AUKEY Fit app

Watch Body Dimensions: 48 x 36 x 12mm / 1.89″ x 1.42″ x 0.47″ Watch Strap Width: 20mm / 0.79″

Weight (watch strap included): 38g / 1.34oz

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Tech Review – PaMu Nano true wireless earbuds. #Tech #PaMuNano

I have been testing PaMu products some time now and it is fair to say they offer a great product for a good price in a now very competitive market when it comes to true wireless earbuds, the cost to performance ratio has got better which is a win for the consumer and gives people a choice and of course more value for their money these days, the PaMu Nano are one of their latest models now on offer and they are certainly one to consider with a unique design too and not one i have seen before and have a really nice secure fit to boot. small as they are they pack a punch with sound and features but they do not have access to the app yet at the time of doing my review.

PaMu Nano is the smallest earphone of all the PaMu products, which makes it light and stable in ears. And meanwhile, the sound quality of PaMu Nano doesn’t go down with its size, it maintains high resolution and steps into a new level.

 

Features include

  • Ergonomic design, comfortable to wear
  • Features Bluetooth Chip QCC3020
  • Smaller Charging Case, easy to carry
  • Water Resistance: IPX6
  • Compatible with Qi-wireless charging & Type-C fast charging

These may be small as said but they offer all the features required and give a great listening experince for the user when it comes to music films and much more, controls are easy to use considered their size even for my big fingers and that was a surprise volume is loud highs lows and mids are fine and so is direction calls also clear and in short a really nice experience and well worth their money and they look really cool too. Check out the video below for more and let us know if you have checked these out.. Also check out both being unboxed HERE

Check out the PaMu Qiote Mini review

Padmate/pamu have sent these over for us to review with no compensation paid or preview and are seeing these reviews the same time as you.

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Tech Review -The Poly SAVI 7320 OFFICE. #Poly #Office

The Poly SAVI 7320 OFFICE  came in a plain brown box with little in the way of marketing the features and use. This model from Poly (formerly Plantronics & Polycom) still has the Plantronics logo on the power supply with the poly logo on the headset itself.  This model from the family is designed for those conscious not to be overheard from prying ear in terms of having Military level Encryption for the call. This is ideal for industries that require sensitive conversations not overheard or tapped into eg financial, medical, government and contact centres. This does remove the option of using Bluetooth to your smartphone or using a dongle to connect your device requires hardwiring to connect. Connection is to a  Desk phone or Laptop.  The headset has a  padded leatherette comfortable on the ear for long term use.

Contents:

  •       Poly Savi 7320-M headset and base
  •       AC adapter
  •       telephone interface cable
  •       USB-A cable
  •       USB-C cable

 

Key Features:

  •       Microsoft Teams Certified
  •       Dual connectivity –  for Both desk phone, Computer or Mac (both USB-A and USB-C cable included)
  •       Long‐range roaming range – 176 Meters  line of sight, (76 Meters  in a typical office)
  •       Noise-cancelling mic filters out office noise
  •       Encryption, Military level FIPS 140-2 listed 256-AES encryption
  •       Allow up to 120 Savi 7320 in a single location.
  •       DECT wireless technology, No Wi‐Fi interference
  •       Conference up to 3 additional headsets on a single base.
  •       lightweight – only160g
  •       3 audio modes: wideband stereo (hybrid), wideband (conversation) and multimedia
  •       (music).
  •       Limit office noise
  •       Out of Range WarningTones

 

Warranty:       2-Years

 

Battery:

  •       Talk time: up to 13 hours
  •       Charge time: two hours full charge
  •       Standby time: up to 52 hours
  •       Battery Capacity: 500mAH replaceable lithium-ion polymer

Setup:

The setup is easy as supplied with a Quickstart guide, with the option to download the Plantronics Hub to a Laptop which gives added features in terms of settings. If connected to a Laptop the USB cable has to be connected to the Laptop for this unit to work, ( Bluetooth, dongles etc are not used to ensure DECT Security maintained ) This does work without any issues with the USB ports locked down for many laptops.  There are lights on the base unit to advise connected / charging / or a teams call.

Overall:

This headphone main purpose is dual connectivity –  for Both desk phone, Computer or Mac with Military level Encryption which is approved for MS teams. This eliminates some of the traditional features we have become familiar with in terms of picking up a laptop while on a call and walking from one room to another which is not possible with this unit as requires to be hardwired all the time.  The option to leave the laptop in place and walking up to 76 meters with the headset on works The noise-cancelling Microphone filters out background noise albeit when tested outside wind distortion outside of the building was picked up. A slight niggle was observed on the USB A, cable that connected to the base to the Laptop constantly fell out when movement occurred.

The earphone could be used on the left / right earphones without any issues. A great feature let down on many other models is when a call comes in the base rings, allowing the call to be heard, many other earphones ring via the headset and if not worm is not heard. Audio quality in terms of both sides on the call was excellent as expected from Poly. Volume controls. Mute, answers call etc functionally works as required. This model is ideal for those that require sensitive conversations, kept sensitive with great audio quality, comfortable and robust handset with a variety of excellent features.

 https://www.poly.com/gb/en/shop

£369.95