Category: #Reviews

Review – If you lost it you can find it with #TrackR bravo. If applied correctly. #GPS

Tracking has become a huge thing these days and has been a long time, It became a big thing in logistics with the placement of vehicles,and the same can be said within the security industry be it cash in transit vans or even regular van drivers its now become a standard not just purely for safety purposes but also to get a time stamp for a future stop or drop off point and also it is use with government bodies within their vehicles and yes people themselves do wear personal tracking devices I have tried and tested some myself but thats something we will not be discussing now.

When it comes to personal belongings there has been alternative options out there for many years but being a new technology as such to personal items via a standalone product they have been big,some stupidly big and made no sense then smaller ones came about with are small tidy and not so cumbersome and most importantly no so noticeable..  The first one come to mind is something Nokia brought us some years ago called the treasure tag,there was two of them the WS-2 and WS-10  which we reviewed back then…

 

This is when things got interesting for finding personal things like car keys,house keys a gym bag,handbag perhaps or whatever suited you best. The thing here is though they are noticeable and if someone did happen to steal or you just misplaced the item if this was seen some may not know what it was which is a good thing other would and would ditch it straight away,thats where this new product has a caveat as it got good promotion on the internet and for example people attach them to the underside of the saddles on their bike and a thief would just have to look and remove it, Concealing such items are a better idea lets just say the inner lining of a gym bag or purse and there is plenty of ways to conceal such an item such as TrackR which we are looking at today..

 

 

 

 

TrackR is a relatively new product on the market its much smaller and easy to conceal,if you have the brains to do it and not just stick it anywhere and will work even within your wallet depending on its size,this comes in a simple small package with plenty of instructions and the selling points clearly marked out on the reverse of the packaging,also we get a chin ring which personally i would ditch and a double sided sticky pad which again I would ditch,this is an item i would conceal with no need for anything else… Sadly there is no spare battery which would have been nice,but you can pick one handy enough at a car motor factors for example or even a watch shop..

So next thing now is to download the app to your device be it Android or iOS then you need to add a new TrackR device.. Pair the device,you will get an audio alert from the unit and register and your done,When you register you become par of the hundreds of thousands of TrackR members which is crowd sourced so if you loose and item and it becomes within 100ft. You will be notified of the items last know location…

 

 

When you are all paired up and registered you are good to go now all you need to do is select what you want to track,there is a default list then presented to you and you can chose what you want to assign the TrackR too..So I have assigned my wallet to the TrackR in this instance..One thing to point out here which is good if you forget your mobile phone you will be notified via TrackR this is called a separation alert. On your device you will be shown a map of your location and how many others are local and in my instance where I was testing the unit there was 758 users which seems rather impressive…

 

 

 

Does this work?? Well yes it does and even through a leather wallet stuffed with coins and so on which is comforting and I will add its not just dumped in a pocket I have carefully tore the stitching to place it behind the lining so its not there for anyone to pick it up and see the piece in a coin pocket which would be just discarded…

Now without sounding harsh I want you to watch the video below and then tell me what you think of the placement of the TrackR,be it only for advertising purposes this is 2016 I have worked in the security/personnel protection and reconnaissance business before and one thing I need to point out is DO NOT LET OTHERS SEE IT… Why you might ask, Well as I said its 2016 be it a case of criminality you can kiss your goods goodbye these guys are a step ahead  and will dispose of it immediately like I said before CONCEAL it do not flaunt it it defeats the purpose of having it…. Overall it is a great product that works flawlessly executed badly by how its advertised especially on the bag and bike as seen in the video..Perhaps that might sound harsh but as I have stated I have worked in areas where these would be highly effective due to its size they are ideal for many things yet alone personal goods…

Download the Android app HERE 

Download the iOS app HERE  

 

See more over at TrackR.com and you can purchase there and they are reasonably priced and if applied correctly ARE EFFECTIVE…

 

 

 

Review – Wraps wristband headphones CORE high fidelity. #wearyoursound #Wraps

This is now the third set of wristband headphones from wraps and each get better,given the last ones where a funky colour this time around there is some changes to the internals.. Also to note the packaging has changed slightly too and overall things have improved on both occasions. This time round we check out the wraps CORE high fidelity…

Packaging and presentation changed 

On opening the package,some slight changes inside, we are presented with the goods you can pretty much just put on your wrist immediately,depending on your wrist size,this will take the hassle out of wrapping them first time but its a simple process either way and no different than before,this is our third pair now and again wrapping them is a simple process and again it it a very handy idea too having your headphones on your wrist and not only that its fashion built in too so they the look good and even as I said in my previous review I did not think I would see myself wearing them but I have been and they are very convenient indeed…

There is a few changes,cosmetic (Metal housing instead of plastic) and internally,the headphone jack and buds themselves and then the sound.Also some slight change to the cable compared to the last instalment but overall this remains much the same even down to the overall length… See images below for those changes…

 

I am no sound expert but these sounded much better than the last two pair I have tried out and this is due to the material used this time around and its paid off in volumes,pun intended.. I did notice better volume level and testing them on a wide range of tones and videos compared to old they are much better much clearer and very crisp indeed and no sign of distortion when at full volume,which I prefer to listen to my music,overall I was impressed with the difference,there is a difference in price but its worth it, If you have previously owned a pair and a fan then you need to hear them to see for yourself… The build quality too is improved with the external build,Given that this build and the last builds are light and would survive plenty of drops regardless though the new CORE model would be extra tough on the housing… When it comes to calls and handling and other functions all is same as before and worked fine only difference is better clarity.The additional noise isolation tips that come this time are also a welcome addition..

 

 

Styled in the latest smartphone / tablet ‘Space Grey’ colour matched with a black faux leather bracelet.

Featuring upgraded Titanium speakers that are expertly tuned to resonate clear, high-fidelity sound throughout the audio spectrum.

Also included is a set of Noise Isolating Foam Tips for a superior fit that blocks out unwanted background noise.

Last but not least, a universal one button microphone lets you play or pause your music and answer calls on the go!

  • Black Coloured Faux Leather
  • Space Grey Coloured Tips and Connector
  • Built-in Headset Microphone
  • Includes S, M & L Silicon Tips
  • 20Hz – 20kHz Frequency Response
  • 10mm Dynamic Speakers
  • 3.5mm Gold Plated Jack
  • 80dB/1mW Sensitivity
  • 16 Ohms Impedance

BUY HERE  

 

 

 

My Kingdom Books – Worlds first #AugmentedReality book based on your childs name. #AR #Books

I have never been a huge fan of reading books.. Not that I cant read its just finding the time to do so but there is plenty around the house as my 8 Year Old daughter likes to read and also likes to colour and draw things which at times i find myself embroiled in.. She has books that play tunes when you open a page or the front cover which at this time of year we see more of them and then there is the pop up books we are all custom too… Technology has moved on and when My Kingdom Books got in touch with me I was intrigued to say the least at their product they wanted me to try out. A book with Augmented Reality……… I said give me that,this is something new and something that looked good on paper..Turns out this is the first of its kind and after testing it out I am impressed and I am sure you kids will be too…

 

THE BOOK 

Front
Back

 

So.. The package arrived.. An A4 page book sideways if you will with a nice heavy textured cover and back and the pages inside are not cheap either,nice heavy pages that will last, and I was like…Hmm how does this work.. Then there was an introductory slip telling me I need to download an app… So I started waving my phone at the pages  and nothing was happening.. Perhaps just worn out,its been busy here and we still are it dawned on me.. I first looked through the entire book to get a glimpse of the story and then said to myself “lets give this a try” I was still at this point wondering what possibly could happen here but once I open the app and filled in the information which is simple.. You just add your childs name then pick the male or female cartoon character face and then the magic begins.  Given I have used apps in the past with Augmented reality such as say City Lens” for example which is an app that when you hold your device up in the air in a street it will give you information on your screen and another app such as flight radar offers the same experience but to planes in the sky. Quite useful if thats your thing.. This however is something you will enjoy,especially if you have not dabbled with the technology before and your kids will simply love this. With my child who is surrounded with technology was not expecting what she seen and need I say no more she was hooked…

 

 

So what happens then… Well simply as I mentioned you get the app fill in the deets and then point it at the page.. This in effect brings the book to life to put it simply.. Wait till you try it but we have a demo video below to check out..So press “Start” and point at the page on the right with your camera and,you will be instructed to do so should you have issues anyway. Watch the page come to live with characters pop up on your phones screen and more..The story is read out aloud for you so you let the book tell the story via your mobile phone and watch the Augmented Reality before your eyes,it will simply use your camera to create a 3 dimensional image on your mobile phone,You will need to be in a bright space for this to have the best effect and from here on it is a repeat process page by page. The book is personalised so when you insert the child’s name its custom to your child throughout the experience. Having tried this on a few devices as it was passed around,the bigger the screen the better to get the full extent of the animation..

 

 

When you get to the end of the book you will have a challenge to colour in the last page, This then finishes off with the option to colour in the last page and with a subsequent app you can see some more… Check out the video below and the links you need are required….Once again we would like to thanks the guys for sending this over for us to check it… We can safely say its highly recommended….

See mykingdomsbooks.com for more.

Download the My Kingdoms Books app on Android  HERE and iOS HERE 

Download Live Colour HERE  

 

 

 

Review – Terrapin #Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge Low Profile Wallet with Stand

This case is quite nice and slim with extra grip due to its thickness compared to our last case we reviewed, Overall the case fits perfectly and feels great to hold in hand with quality leather and a nice stitching around the edges it also looks good, Again its got a magnetic closure which keeps it safe and secure and the device is protected well all around. An added bonus here is there is a built in stand which gives you the option to view media without the need to have a standalone accessory and you do not need to remove the device either which is great.. Access to all ports again are present with no effort at all and the keys work quite well with good tactile feedback…

Check out the image gallery and video review below and some more details and where you can purchase the case which is quite good value.. We again would like to thank Terrapin for sending this over to us…… Check out our new FACEBOOK PAGE and come give us a like.. Any questions fire away below or on social @techbuzzireland

 

 

 

  • Very well and professionally constructed
  • Sleek look
  • Multi-angle hands-free viewing stand
  • Takes credit/debit cards
  • Keeps the phone safe but easily accessible
  • Magnetic flap stows away when phone in use
  • Fits like a glove
  • Keeps phone buttons exposed and accessible
  • Headphones & charger can be used while closed

 

 

Note: Cards should be inserted with the magnetic strip on the right hand side of the slots (by the phone) as this will ensure they are protected from demagnetization.

PERFECT FIT: This very well made Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge cover is custom designed to fit the phone like a glove. Precision cutouts for camera, ports, and buttons keep everything readily accessible. You can charge your phone without removing it from the case and listen to earphones with the case closed.

PREMIUM QUALITY AND STYLE: The Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge cover combines a sleek slim fit design with quality that is built to last. Made from premium synthetic leather with secure and straight stitching you will love how it feels in the hand or pocket and it will retain its appearance after lots of wear.

CARD SLOTS AND VIEWING STAND: The Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge cover is very functional and includes wallet-like features such as slots to hold cards. The multi-angle hands-free viewing stand allows your device to stand up independently in landscape orientation – great for video calls, or for viewing media.

SECURE MAGNETIC CLOSURE: A good strong reversible magnetic clasp opens and closes securely, and also folds back so it doesn’t get in the way when receiving a call or viewing the screen.

OFFERS GREAT PROTECTION TO THE PHONE: This Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge cover does a great job of protecting the phone. Get the benefit of a slim design with impact protection. This cover keeps the phone firmly secured in a rubberised hard polycarbonate shell ensuring no risk of popping out if dropped. The flip design lets you use the screen without a screen protector and prevents screen breakages when closed.

BUY HERE  

 

#Review – Terrapin #Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge Genuine Leather Wallet.

This is our first case in from the good guys over at Terrapin, We have a few cases to check out and there is certainly something for everyone,Ladies included, The first up the the Genuine leather wallet which looks very nice indeed giving it a nice professional look to it. It may feel a bit bulky for some but nonetheless it looks and feels great. With all ports accessible and plenty of protection all round including the camera and lens on the back these for sure are away from any harm and can be placed back down on any surface.. With internal pockets to hold credit cards and so on there is plenty of space provided here and with the option to store cash or receipts with the sleeve underneath.. Whilst it feels and looks great there is that slight bulk here but its not an off-putting caveat and the device being big as is you perhaps will not notice is too much,definitely  something for small handed folks to take into consideration,For me though it was fine given I do like the bigger device and use to the size which includes a case….

Check out the image gallery below and then head to the video review and then some highlights and a link to where you can purchase the case…  Any questions fire away below or catch us on all social at @techbuzzireland And dont forget our brand new Facebook page,Come say hi and give us a like..

 

 

 

 

 

  • Superb quality
  • Very corporate look
  • Practical and attractive
  • Soft genuine leather
  • Takes credit/debit cards plus section for cash
  • Keeps the phone safe but easily accessible
  • Magnetic catch opens and closes securely
  • Fits like a glove
  • Keeps phone buttons exposed and accessible
  • Earphones can be used when the cover is closed

 

 

Exclusively designed for the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge phone, this fantastic looking case is built to last with style. Crafted from real leather, it will wear well and maintain the look of your phone. The Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge leather cover offers two-in-one value, acting as a case for your phone and a minimal wallet for maximum on-the-go convenience. It is sure to exceed your expectations.

Note: Cards should be inserted with the magnetic strip on the right hand side of the slots (by the phone) as this will ensure they are protected from demagnetization.

 

BUY HERE  

 

 

Review – Bluetooth music hat also lets you take calls, Its called the #Hat

The beloved hat….Not a massive fan of them nor are they a priority in my life but I do wear them from time to time be it a peak had or a beanie, what we are going to talk about today simply called the HAT by Mobi Mountain. With technology changing over the last few years we have seen wearables flock the market some with high prices and some with not so high prices and affordability is a key factor to getting a product out. For some they like to wait for a second iteration and most into technology like me jump in the guinea pig trial and just go all in,been doing it for years so why change now…

Anyway…Things have changed now as technology is integrated into many current day items the smartwatch being one and bands that have now turned into fitness bands and all looks well and good until we see a price.. As said with much of todays new products or first generation the price is expensive and yet some cheap..Though we are talking about a simple hat here with some limited amount of technology what I like is its simplicity and its price..  Its got Bluetooth which is all we need to connect all packed inside a little box on one side of the hat.. The other side well… We have a little speaker you will hardly notice and we also have LEDs….for those that dont know its simply lights…. So a hat with Bluetooth and a speaker how does it fair out…

 

IT COMES IN 4 COLOURS…

The hat itself is just like any other when it comes to its general purpose, It is warm comfy and with the components inside you still cant feel them to be fair,its not cumbersome either and with a speaker either side you can listen to your chosen material with ease.. The controls are easy to use.. With three buttons on the unit,there is the power on and off button,you can play,pause and skip tracks,change the volume up or down with a longpress and answer calls on the go its really easy and again easy to pair with the selected device you might have,There is a Micro USB to USB cable packed inside the box with some instructions on how to set up and use which are easy to follow.

Sound quality is quite good and I was impressed but they where not loud to me, However that is my prefrence and I like my music very loud which is probably not a good idea but for anyone else its loud aplenty…

The tech inside…

  • Bluetooth V3.0 EDR
  • Set in Mic
  • 2.402GHz-2.480GHz frequency
  • 10 Meter  transition distance
  • L-ion battery 3.7volt  100 mA
  • 2 HR Charge time
  • 60 HR standby time
  • 3.5 hrs continuous run time

 

VIDEO REVIEW AND WALK-THROUGH

We would like to thank  Harrys Electrical – Euronics for sending this to us for testing out,check out their store for more or follow them on Facebook. This hat will set you back around €25.

The STM prime 13″ laptop backpack review. #TravelWithTech #Bags #STM

Travelling is a nuisance especially when going away for a few days and you  need to take good stock of what your needs are and ensure you have enough supplies be it with clothes and food. For me though the most important requirements are my tech needs. I carry alot of tech and perhaps too much but for attending events and doing presentations  and with work, I do need something to put it in and something that is sufficient not cumbersome and can carry everything in one unit..

Mostly I do use a shoulder bag but it  does not cut it when it comes to spaces to store things in order as with a laptop bag depending on the type you are limited with compartment space especially for all the little bits and pieces like USB keys and cables etc.. I have been trying out this bag from  STM bags for the last few days and given it is a smaller bag for my needs it packs quite alot into it with plenty of pockets and compartments it would be ideal for someone who carries a limited amount of tech with them..

 

 

 

 

STM’s cushioned back panel design features 3D foam cores with soft mesh and a central air channel to provide extra ventilation and comfort where you need it most.

 

First thing to notice it it has good padding which is important should you drop the bag or have a habit of just slinging the bag down,something I must admit I do at times and forgetting the expensive cargo on board but the accident can happen when you drop it,it happens to us all….Padding all round and corners included this is quite good and with extra padding on the back with a hardened wall if you will ensure the the back does protect the equipment you might have inside,Given this bag is rather on the small size for me I was limited as to what I can carry ,but it still takes quite a bit,especially the small bits n bobs…

 

 

 

  • Water resistant fabric for years of durable transport
  • Front overflow pocket for quick, easy access to travel docs, reading materials, etc.
  • Stretch side pockets for a water bottle or umbrella
  • Contoured main zipper allows easy access and storage of your digital and daily essentials
  • Dedicated internal pocket for cables, chargers and accessories
  • External quick access fleece lined pocket for sunglasses or phone
  • Elastic power pocket for stowing your laptop’s charging bricks and cords

 

 

There is plenty of compartments on this bag which for me is vital,I can store cables,pens,charging devices USB cables devices and more and I know exactly where they are when needed so bag makers,compartments are a requirement but not too many.. Again externally this bag hosts more compartments which can either hold drinks bottles or cans and perhaps magazines and papers or similar too with a compartment with no pocket they just slip in which is good. Three zips also available a the front which can be all tied together if you will for some extra safety for me its a must because pickpockets lurk and with the three zippers locked together I know im ok and would feel anyone making an attempt to gain access. As mentioned in video the front compartments are always kept free or with magazines,the non valuable items…

 

IMAGE GALLERY 

 

PACKED
Internal
Front
Handle
Back view
Straps
Front
Internal pockets
Slingshot
Zips
Contents
Packed

 

Overall this bag would suit anyone to be honest and perhaps just the right size,Preferably I like the shoulder bag type but would not let that discourage me due to its build quality,comfort and protection level. It is robust tough and with the sling tech built in you can drop it safely knowing the goods will be protected inside,something which I have done on a few occasions is just drop my bag and end up with damaged goods unfortunately.. The bag is not cheap but considered the goods carried which would vary per person for me its a worthy spend due to what its intended purpose is for, This bag comes in several colours –  Black – Frost Grey – Steel and Moroccan Blue so there is a choice there to pick from,the bag will cost you $79.95 and you can see the full range over at STM  

Check out the video below and you have any questions fire away in the comments or get us on social media @techbuzzireland and we have a brand new FACEBOOK PAGE … Come check  us out there..

Note,contents may vary depending on the situation at hand this is selection of goods that I personally use and different combinations of goods with similar capacity are at hand. Goods chosen for this review are a random section. . 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BitDefender Box Review by @Pat_Seery #Bitdefender #IoT #Security

Being quite the computer person I was asked to review the Bit Defender Box and so I set about setting it up and seeing how and more importantly IF as the saying goes “Does exactly what it says on the box!”

Whats In The Box ?.
The box
1 Network cable
1 US power socket USB connector
1 USB Power cable
1 Instruction manual

 

 

Setup

Ok I have to say right off the bat you need to know a bit about computer home networking for the initial setup of the box. The problem lays in once everything IS plugged in and you’ve downloaded the app (available on google play and apple store) You basically need to turn off ALL the devices you have connected to your network and restart the router and then all your devices one by one (I had to do this to get it working at least) Oh one thing I have to say that didn’t impress me was having to login to a new site to setup an account and then finding out that after the initial 30 days (or perhaps first year) it becomes a subscription service.

There is a nice Blue light that gives a nice glow on the front it looks quite nice and does not blind you as it points downwards,it flashes when you are configuring the unit and remains constant when in use and red should you have problems and when there is an update in progress it will be white…There is just 16MB (flash memroy)  64MB DDR2 RAM. There is two 10/100 Ethernet ports, a power port, and a reset button all placed on the back of the unit.

 

Using The Device
Pretty straight forward to use it the app is actually pretty good at has an easy and manageable GUI to get around. It will send you notifications if it senses anything untoward and it can be used with most of the IOT devices (I have a few of these) which is a good thing as most of them do NOT have their own malware or firewalls built into them

And Now The Good And Not so Good

The good.
Reasonably easy setup
Nice and small so can be tucked away
I liked that you can name each device and label it as guest or family device

The not so Good.

As I said you need to be somewhat computer savvy to get this up and running correctly and even then you aren’t entirely sure its completely doing its job.
The one I received came with a U.S USB charging socket thankfully these aren’t expensive and theres always some laying around.
The notifications it DID send weren’t very specific (but again this is just me being picky)

 

Verdict

If you`re just a general web surfer and do some media streaming (movies from different providers) or some you-tubing this box will do the trick…Its disappointing it’s a subscription service after a limited “Free” time. In the end it works, but always remember NOTHING is unhackable

 

Review – Motorola Verve Loop Bluetooth Headset by @Pat_Seery #MotorolaVerve #VerveLife

I got these to review as I ride a lot and need a decent set of wireless headphones to use that aren’t too obtrusive and are comfortable to wear over a long period of time.

Whats in the box.
1 x Wireless Earbuds
1 x Sport Carry Pouch
4 x Ear Gels
3 x Stabilizers
1 x Micro-USB Cable
1 x User Guide
1 x Quick Start Guide
The carry case that’ll easily fit even jeans pockets or slip into any computer or tablet sleeve

Build
They quite short in between each but but that’s not a bad thing as you don’t want them hanging down and getting caught in things, the are slightly plastic for my liking but for a general user this isn’t a problem as you`ll be wearing them for comfort and sound quality,buttons are quite tactile on the control unit and felt easy to find after some usage.

 

Pairing And Compatibility

I didn’t run into problems either pairing them or using them with a number of devices. The only issue I found is that you don’t seem to be able to pair them with more than one device at a time or at least I haven’t been able too. Charging is done via a small (and I mean small) usb cable with an apparent use time of 9.5hrs (Haven’t used them for that long but I’m assuming that this is dependent on a few factors) I must also say they manufacturer says the Bluetooth range on these is 150ft but I haven’t tested this any more than 50ft so it *could* possibly be right.

 

Sound Quality
The bass of the headset is rather surprisingly good but the high end seems a tad tinny (again this is a personal preference you may think differently) But if you’re a sound aficionado you`ll obviously be going for something a lot more expensive, that isn’t to say that these have a bad sound, like I said I was quite surprised….ok its not Dolby Digital or THX 9.1 but for a quick spin out or a fitness person these are great… Call quality is again ok I did notice a slight crackle on one call but having made a good few using these that was a one off.

 

Overall Verdict

These are REALLY comfortable to wear on extended rides and I think In the long run people would forgive the shortcomings of the plasticy build quality, The sound as I have said is rather good for a pair of earbuds in this price range. Overall if you want a pair of earbuds to do some fitness training or for that evening stroll when you need to chill out after a hard day these are just what your looking for.

One thing I like here to note is the colour,they are bright and stand out and look better than the plain Black look most similar offerings tend to come in so you will be noticed and people will ask “Hey what are they”…..

 

See the all the options and more at VERVELIFE