Category: #Reviews

My First look at the Microsoft Lumia 950 XL unboxing/gallery and more #Microsoft #Lumia950XL

The Microsoft Lumia 950 XL has dropped in and we shall take a look,this is the full package though with a portable keyboard,Arc mouse and Continuum which is the latest interest thus far for Windows Phone fans Hopefully this unit provides some good news as we expect it to be quashed of recent issues. The extras here would not be for everyone considered they do carry laptops with them but I can see its point perhaps not a must for me but I can see the benefits but clutter comes to mind in my workspace should I sport my own laptop on my travels,That said if travelling especially if you are going into the unknown and you have limited access a monitor or PC it would be ideal but the extra luggage factor would be an issue for some I would feel,overall though it works well and is a nice idea and will be welcome for plenty of WinPhans..

The device itself is rather light to hold considered its size but the build quality would play a role here in this,compared to Lumia of past from Nokia I really feel the design and build quality has dropped but that is just my opinion on this matter and its how I feel.Having said that the device is on the big side but feels nice to hold in the hand and easy to use with the one hand in my case. Setting up the device was fine apart from Hello Windows which fails to see my eyes after several attempts but will work on that perhaps in different lighting conditions. The 950 XL does look better than its sister device the 950 from the rear it must be said,perhaps colour has a role to play here which is another thing missing from Lumia of past,those bright colours made a statement but here with just Black and White we are back to the old days again which people once hated.Perhaps being a long time Lumia user and collector I did get sick of the boring Black models I was so used to seeing and when the nice bright colours became available this suited me more so and the devices did get some attention.The only attention and thing that stands out on the 9xx range is the back side of it,from the front it is a bit boring…..

UNBOXING VIDEO

 

The removable back cover and Micro SD expansion is a welcome move,Some prefer this option and some dont,With cloud being pushed across the board and which some users are not sold on for security reasons for example the option is there and will be used alongside cloud storage which myself have not adapted to over storing things on cards. For now the device seems to be working fine with apps opening quicker than expected having seen some reviews but this is down to many factors such as connectivity and of course a fully working device,it does happen that you can get a faulty device and things might not seem all that well,so we will load it up with some more apps and games and see how it performs from there. As for the camera its good as expected and what Windows Phone user have come to expect with all the trimmings and settings inside,but remember the phone is not all about the camera it is about how the device works as a whole,over the years Lumia devices have been to focussed on the camera and what it can do,it does not work like that any more and with an OS that lack apps ( Especially local ones) all these things add up and moving forward with universal apps changes need to happen and happen fast if Windows Phone wants to regain its market share and until then it still might be too late with Microsoft building apps for other platforms which does not bode well with users..

IMAGE GALLERY

Camera
Back View
Right side
Bottom
Inside cover
Battery SD Card
Battery
Camera hump
Packaging
Cables
Keyboard closed
Back of Keyboard
Keyboard port
Keyboard open
Arc Mouse raised
Arc Mouse flat
Top view of Arcmouse
Rear view of Arc mouse
Multiple connections
USB C Port
Continuum dock
1 / 21

I still use Windows Phone as a daily driver along with Android and more ( Yeah it is a pain in the ass carrying 2/3 phones daily) and still find it the best looking OS from a home-screen perspective with the Live tiles that give info on the fly and it just makes your device look ALIVE. Looks are not everything though it is how it performs as a whole and how well the OS is maintained..

So what do I think so far?

Pros 

  • Light for its size
  • Seems fast lets see when loaded up with some more games and apps
  • SD Card and Removable Battery
  • Camera is great

Cons

  • Still way  too expensive.(contract free its still €699)
  • USB Type – C Fest. Though  this is now a process which will take 18 months perhaps to become custom too.
  • Colour choices available aside third party offerings for back covers
  • The app gap,still huge locally
  • Build quality BUT it is not bad but see this.   

 

Spigen – Review,Galaxy Note 5 Case Neo Hybrid Crystal. #Spigen

This case comes in two pieces and you could actually live without the band which in this particular case would probably be the best option from my experience,we will go into that later.The case however is nice all round,comfortable and offers good protection all round even if the outer band is a little weak..

The outer TPU skin is thicker than most on offer and there is no harm in that though the band that sits atop is quite weak on the sides,the key parts though where excellent with good tactility and travel which made the keys easier to use..

Top and Bottom. – The case does leave easy access to ports but to an extent especially on the bottom for Micro USB charging,Here is where I had issues due to the huge gap which you will see below,perhaps it may have been a faulty case here but you can see the distance between the outside and the base of the phone,it is rather big and yes the case is fitted correctly. Also on the top of the case the mic is covered by the outer ring which you can see pictured below too.. (click to enlarge)

Dual Layer
Bottom
Top

 

Left and Right Sides – The left and right sides just house the keys on the Note 5 on the case there is branding on the bottom right hand side,they keys themselves worked a treat and made them easy to use and I found no issues with functionality or travel and overall a nice experience to use..

Right
Left

 

Front and Back – On this case there is a lip around the front which is ideal if you are one to place your device face down and dont sport a screen protector,the lip comes around onto the front giving it a good deal of protection and feels quite solid,the outer band here really enforces the entire case into one solid piece,the back also protects the camera and flash area leaving it below flush level protecting it from harm on flat surfaces so you can be sure that then lens or flash for example will be be prone to scratches provided the flat surface you rest it on is dirt free..

 

Camera Area
Front
Home key
Top front

See Spigen for more options available in the range and other cases available.

 

iCandy – 3D Virtual Reality Goggles unboxing. #VR #3D

VR – Virtual Reality and AR – Augmented Reality are two hypes right now and the race for VR headsets is alight with many manufacturers competing against each other to bring their unique offering to the market,one thing though here is the cost and with the upcoming options we are all aware of now is not designed to reach the consumer market so much and mainly for real tech heads like myself,However Samsung have done so bringing its last headset down quite a bit now with the consumer model at an affordable price if you will..

How about a similar experience for just €30? It is possible thanks to iCandy,not as immersive as what is now available but its quite good and in fact comfortable to wear too and light,Yes you can now buy such a device from the Carphone Warehouse and the good thing with it is its universal,Unlike what others have to offer there is no limit to the amount of devices that you can use with this which is a huge advantage over the fixed ones from say Samsung,this though is not a hit at Samsung but they have chosen this route but this time round the latest can take 4 devices where the first innovator pack just took the Note 4 limiting its maximum potential to reach the consumer,the Note 4 is a phablet and even though they sell by the truckload they do not match the likes of the S6 or 6 edge in volume…

So what do we get for €30 with iCandy?

A headset in a box with a cloth,some straps which are already installed,not like the Gear VR which had to be installed which is no big deal and the packaging was no big deal for both although the iCandy did come better packed in a nicer package and more robust than Samsung…Also to note they come with a cloth to wipe the eyelets they tend to steam up now and then which is annoying but cant be avoided really.

Bottom view
View from front
Top view and adjustment toggles
Top view assembly
Right side
Looking into iCandy
Left side
Opened tray
Front view
3 / 9

The product features

  • Watch 3D movies and play games
  • Light weight with elastic comfort band
  • Foam padding around eyepiece
  • Experience computer-simulated environments
  • Compatible with multiple devices with screen sizes 3.5 inches up to 5.7 inches
  • Maximum length of phone 154mm
  • Maximum width 82mm

To set up is simple you can use the Google cardboard and then select games from the store and fire away,It is comfortable to wear and easy to adjust should you need to when showing friends or family..

Any questions fire away below or get us on Twitter,Check out the unboxing below..

Samsung Gear VR consumer edition unboxing. #Samsung #VirtualReality #Ireland

We have just received some nice kit in today which is the new consumer version of the Innovator GR VR which is available now for the Samsung S6 range and the Galaxy Note 5,we are using our Note 5 in the demo and the Note 5 is one of my main daily drivers now..

The packaging is minimal compared to last years offering with much missing and cheaper,this is to make the unit affordable to consumers which is excellent and compared to what is upcoming like Oculus which will cost a small fortune and you then need a super laptop behind you the price of the Gear VR is really a worthy investment,Going forward I might just mention by looking at the spamfest thoughts regarding the Galaxy S7  I would say it is possible it will work with it f you have been thinking of holding off,before we move onto more detail check out the Innovator package from last year..

THE PACKAGE AND CONTENTS 

Oculus App
App download
Oculus store
Gear package
Top full set up
Bottom view set up
Looking inward
Navi keys - back button and volume toggle
Bransing
Top view,zoom dial
Micro USB port
Bottom view
Cover plate front
Cover plate rear.
Front view
Left side setting and micro USB port
Right side where device clips in.
4 / 17

The set up is quite simple and takes a few minutes,once you insert the device you will be prompted to get the app and download the app from there,then sign in create account and you can add bank details for purchases,you dont need to add the bank details to use the free content and view the store and what is there..

Keys and Parts

The right sight houses the navi keys,back key and volume toggle whilst the left just has some branding,the keys will take a few minutes to adjust to and you will be fine after a few minutes usage. The top of the unit has a zoom toggle which allows you to set to your own needs or perhaps someone else who might be using it..

Installation

Inserting the device is simple and take 2 seconds I would take it easy as i feel if using it much you may eventually mark your device over time so just to keep this in mind,be easy when inserting and removing device…You can use the unit wit or without the cover plate on too but I would suggest you put it on for safety sake..

Experience.

If you are new to VR this will be a huge treat,you really feel immersed in the content and there is some really nice options to check out in the store,content is not abundant like the play store but there is enough there and you can also view whatever is on your device with the gallery app so there is no shortage of things to do.

You probably will feel a bit funny and disorientated at first and probably best sit down until you ge the feel for it,Since we have had the last innovator package there is more on offer and it will be an experience you and the family can enjoy,First timers will love it who have not tried any VR machines and for the price of the unit this is well worth the money and will keep you and the family entertained..

Any questions get us on Twitter or pop a question below and we will talk to you soon again check out the unboxing below.

 

Check-my-Temp – Monitor your child’s fever accurately. #Kids #Health #Indiegogo

This time of year can be pretty hash on all of us never mind out kids,with the changeable weather going form hot to cold we can all be open to getting the flu or other illnesses such as the common chest infection,these are easy to control and fix but its our child we would worry about more rather than ourselves,speaking as a father thats how I feel anyway..

Most of us are familiar with the standard thermometer we all have and again most of us have one or two of them in our medical kits at home and taking one of these out to a child to read a temperature can be daunting for some kids and then if successful keeping it where you want it is another..Check my temp monitors your child’s position,motion and temperature ALL THE TIME via this product and also can be used to monitor the elderly,this of course has an app to go along with it on your smartphone and connect them up just like any other wearable device today.The app itself also looks really great..Also the information can be monitored remotely which is great and featured real time alerts and the option to share information to your GP or social circle.

 

What is Check my temp?

Check-my-Temp, a wearable thermometer, does just that and a bit more. With our passion, your support and a shared vision for a healthier world, let’s redefine thermometers for ever.

  • A thermometer that continuously monitors fever so you and your loved ones can rest easy
  • A thermometer that sends real time alerts and updates so you can monitor from anywhere, anytime
  • A thermometer that tells you if your loved one is awake or has fallen so you can quickly attend to them
  • A thermometer that lets you record symptoms and medication to create a complete medical profile
  • A thermometer that records fever history for your doctor
  • A thermometer that will allow you to connect with other users so you can build a healthier community
  • 3 modes to monitor

 

Head over to Indiegogo for more if you like this idea..

 

Samsung Galaxy Note 5 unboxing from Ireland #Samsung #GalaxyNote5 #Unboxing

The Samsung Galaxy Note 5 has arrived and its took its design from the Galaxy S6 line up,,This however did not bode to well with fans of the Note range due to the lack of a removable back cover and no option to expand memory but this is a trend that is growing and something we may have to adapt to,with cloud storage been pushed more so now many are not sold on the idea but it is growing and find myself using it now more so than before..

The device is nice to hold in hand though much more comfortable than the old versions due to its curved edges which sit nicely in hand,also we have a fingerprint sensor on the home key which also doubles as a camera key which requires a double tap to activate the main camera which is 16MP and shoots really nice photos..

IMAGE GALLERY 

Top
Home key/fingerprint sensor
Bottom view
Back View
Galaxy Note 5
Left side - Volume keys
Top Front
Right side - Power Key
NOTE 5 VS NOTE 4
Camera area
5 / 10

 

The Note 5 alongside its siblings the Galaxy S6 range all look quite alike and internally the software and UI remains the same,the Note 5 however has seen its battery size been reduced from previous iterations,this is now at 3000 mAh but the Note 4 had 3220 mAh which is a step back especially in 2016, A 3000 mAh battery for a powerful phone such as the Note 5 is a little underwhelming and something that is a tad annoying considered its past versions.

Check out the unboxing below and excuse us for the poor voice,a tad under the weather and any questions feel free to ask us here or on Twitter..

 

 

Blast from the past with #Nokia – The Nokia 1680 classic from 2008. #Unboxing

Our last lookback and some old Nokia devices was the 1800 from 2010 this goes back two more years to 2008,again featuring a coloured screen the 1680 classic was dubbed a feature phone and had little going for it compared to what you can get now for the same money,the colour screen though was the in thing back then and no matter how small the screen,we all wanted coloured screens…

The 1680 had similar options to the 1800 even with the 1800 two year older..A 1.85 inch screen,radio even a camera this time round albeit a VGA 0.3 MP,the 1680 even had internet via WAP and a staggering 11MB of internal memory with NO sd card option,so we had to be careful of storage…

Check out the unboxing and image gallery below…

IMAGE GALLERY

SteelSeries Siberia Raw Prism gaming headphones review. #Gaming #Headphones

Last week we received the Siberia Raw Prism gaming headphones to try out and they impressed me considered the price which can range from €49.99 upward..

I am a huge headphone fan and like to try out as much as possible,in my personal collection I have about 15 pairs of various headphones from all brands,The SIBERIA RAW PRISM have been mostly comfortable to use,light and gave no problems during the week,gaming is not really a huge thing I do these days but when I do I use headphones to have not only peace and quite but quality sound to immerse myself into the actual game itself or the music I might be listening to.

Presentation of the package..

Presentation was just as you would find most headphones with  very descriptive  information on the exterior of the box,on the inside though its just moulded plastic to house the contents which is the headphones and an information leaflet,pretty solid enough though and the package arrived fine..

Connecting to PS4/PC and you can also use on mobiles with USB OTG Support..

Connecting to your PS4/PC is simple and takes seconds and away you go,sound from these when playing games is quite good and makes the game more enjoying to use no matter what,sound was crisp and clear not too loud with control options using your controller,the same can be said for mobiles with USB on the go support,if you have the USB OTG cable its plug in and listen as you would your typical 3.5mm and no loss of sound quality was noticed here either and listening to music on your device was a pleasure and comfortable..Sound and illumination colours can be customised from your PC after downloading some software.

Design and quality.

You have your typical design here and there is plenty of comfort with a non sweat experience around the ears,they have a mesh like material on the cups rather than leather,they keep in the noise and you can wear for hours,on the headband also a mesh like material was present again making them comfortable to wear for long periods of time without getting that sweaty feel.The cups have a small amount of play in them which is fine although some like that bit more but there is enough wiggle room to keep you happy,both sides had extending slots which to me might seem a little on the weak side and longevity would be something I would be concerned about but this again is down to the user and how rough they are and how you look after your product,for me its not a problem as I have several pairs of headphones up to 6 years old and they are still like new…

The left cup is where you can control the mute button which is done by just tapping the outside of the cup,its a simple process and works without fail every time,also present on the left is the mic that is not so obvious its a mic,which works fine too and perfect for gaming with others and again sound is crisp and clear,the both cups illuminate via LEDs with millions of colours (you need to add some software to get them,steelseries engine) and this shows others that they are in use,take it as a warning sign that you are busy when you see them lit up if you will and for the gamer all they do is tap the cup and this will disengage the sound,Sound overall is pretty good with two channel stereo it will not suit all but overall the sound quality is more than acceptable at its price-point..

The Pros – Affordable,Good sound,Comfortable,Light.USB OTG devices support them.

The Cons – All plastic,wear and tear a factor for mesh and extension arms,USB connection only but they work on USB OTG supported devices.Customize sound and illumination preferences.

You can buy from Amazon or direct from SteelSeries

Win the latest #OtterBox #SymmetrySeries iPhone6/6s case. RT and Follow,rules >

We have the latest in protection for your iPhone6/6s up for grabs to give away with thanks to OtterBox Ireland and its a fine case to protect you from all the elements and will keep your nice phone in good order..

Check out our full written review HERE

To win its simple,All you need to do is RT and Follow us and AllCharityRadio and we will announce the winner  Live on the #TechShow..

So a recap on the rules to enter.. 

1 – RT and follow techbuzzireland and @AllCharityRadio

2 – You must be living anywhere in Ireland

3 – You can share the competition if you like from any option below.

4 – RT the competition tweet right here

Tell your friends,win for someone in your family.Competition closes 09/12/15 Good Luck to all..