Category: Tech

Review – Chipolo – Classic,Card and Plus, Track items easily. #tech #tracking #chipolo

The Chipolo tracker comes in several styles, Two look like a large coins with a striking colour, approx. 1.5 inches in diameter and 0.23 inches thick and the other is a credit card type style which is really convenient for wallets of all sizes, The circular ones fit on to a keyring with a normal set of keys. The units are sealed water-resistant up to IP5 standards, (not suitable to submerge in water).  The units felt strong and able to withstand a knock or two. The Chipolo models tested are all clickable, which can be heard pressing.

Features:

  • Chipolo  Smart Keyring Bluetooth
  • Water resistant Up to IP5 standards
  • Loudest 100db ring, Chipolo Card 95db
  • 15 months battery life, Chipolo card 12 months

Setup:

The setup is straightforward, download the Chipolo app available for Android and iOS devices (the QR code can be scanned and download directly). Configuration is standard asking a few basic questions on the setup. Note: The App may reduce the battery performance of your phone, as it requires location and Bluetooth to be turned on.

THE APP

1 / 11

The Chipolo is attached to your key for example (except the chipolo card) to ensure if you lose / misplace your keys in a Bluetooth range of your phone, they can be found. If the keys are lost, using the app the Chipolo  the unit can ring with a sound. Alternatively, if you lose your phone, you can press the Chipolo  to have your phone ring (within Bluetooth range). If your keys are lost outside of Bluetooth range they can be found via the Lost & Found Chipolo Community.

They can search for your belongings through the anonymous Lost & Found network. The unit can be marked as lost, (via the Chipolo app) which sends anonymous signal to the community. When one of the Chipolo community members passes by your lost item, their phone will record your lost Chipolo’s new location. An anonymous notification of your Chipolo’s new location is sent to the Chipolo app on your phone and to your email.

 

Warranty: 12 Months

Battery & Support: renewable programme available..

The battery lifetime is 1 year – 15 months which is not replaceable while Chipolo offer discounted renewal program to replace the Chipolo. In the event your Chipolo battery is dead / lost etc, the Chipolo Support follow up to ensure this is communicated to you, which is a real positive.

*******************

Hello TechBuzz,

Your Chipolo Application has been offline for the past 48 hours, therefore the last known location of your belongings cannot update. If you did this on purpose, please ignore this e-mail.

Please note that in case of lost valuables we won’t be able to help you find them

To fix this, please make sure that your Chipolo Application is running and that your phone is online. Take a look at our knowledge base and/or contact our support for more information. We are online 24/7 to help.

If you don’t want to receive e-mails about your Chipolo Application status, please contact us via support and we will turn them off for you.

Best regards,

Chipolo Support

support@chipolo.net

https://chipolo.net/support

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Community cover parts of Europe

Product range:

If you have a habit of losing your keys, wallet handbag or other personal valuables then the cost of this item is minimal as compared to the hassle to replace personal items.

Check out the offer from Chipolo HERE 

1 pack 25 Euro

4 pack 75 Euro + free shipping

Additional images and reporting by Jim.

Blinkers launch the complete smart lighting system for cyclists. #Cycling #Cyclists

Designed to make communication easier between cyclists and other road users, it aims to keep people safe on the roads and bring a bit of smart tech to your hobby or daily commute. Something like this should be mandatory on bikes anyway. 

Velohub, a Swiss start-up based in Zürich that specialises in developing smart technology for cyclists, is today pleased to announce the launch of its first product, Blinkers. Blinkers is a new smart lighting system that makes the urban cyclist visible, predictable and respected by everyone else on the road. The smart lighting system including front, rear and laser lighting is available to buy from www.blinkers.bike with prices starting from £89/€99/$120

 

Cycle use has been increasing in the UK with 1.9 million people cycling every day and more people cycling at least once a week. With so many bikes and 71% riding on roads, safety is paramount as cyclists are among the most vulnerable users of the road. Using two wheels to balance, no chassis to protect them and only able to communicate by hand with other vehicles, they are often left in risky situations particularly when riding in a busy city. With cars and bikes always struggling to share the road together, the concept behind Blinkers is to allow cyclists to communicate with fellow road users more efficiently and become a more natural part of the road.

 

Along with communication benefits, Blinkers aims to be the next generation of bike lights by giving cyclists the ability to use extra safety functionalities including turning indicators, brake lights and laser projection with a simple remote control. With two-thirds of cyclists’ injuries or fatalities occurring at, or near, a road junction with T-junctions and roundabouts being the most commonly involved, the benefits of turning indicators is clear and a safety precaution that should prevent confusion and give all road users peace of mind.

 Blinkers smart lighting works in many of the same ways that road users are already familiar with, allowing a smooth transition for all on the road. The Blinkers indicate the direction of the turn the cyclist is taking, by blinking to the right or to the left, with the rear Blinker using a red light that becomes more intense when the cyclist is braking. The laser set allows users to project half a circle on the ground, which will increase visibility during the night and to give cars a better understanding of the cyclists’ positioning on the road and the space the cyclist requires. All of these features are controlled by a wireless remote control on the handlebar of the bike to make the communication and use as simple as possible.

The lights can be charged by USB and are designed to be used for approximately 20 hours. They can be put on any bike with universal attachments on the handlebar, the saddle and the rack. Blinkers can be easily removed from the bike due to a magnetic system, so that users can take them off whenever the bike is locked or left unattended. The system works with radiofrequency and a light on the remote control indicates when the Blinkers should be charged so that cyclists will be aware of when the battery is running low.

 

Previously, Blinkers was on Kickstarter in June 2016 and gained support from over 500 backers, including from within the UK, raising over €50,000. The feedback from both backers and beta testers was overwhelmingly positive with one backer, Elaine, commenting: “How come this kind of product hasn’t come out before? I am so looking forward to receiving mine, roads here in the UK are everything but safe”. Beta testing of the Blinkers solution confirmed that cyclists found it easy to use and intuitive.

Blinkers are available in the 4 different packages from £89/€99/$120 for the rear light without laser, to £175/€199/$240 for a complete safety solution (the rear and front light with laser), shipping included from www.blinkers.bike.

Unboxing and first look. The Conbrov T17 worlds smallest dashcam. #Dashcams #Motoring #tech

Dashcams are a must and something I will nag people to get and let’s be honest they are a worthy investment. Of course there is the rule of thumb you get what you pay for but there is good and bad in this category when it comes to price just like any other tech item but with the insurance situation here in Ireland alone as a population we could reduce costs and make it an embedded thought in people’s heads thata people use these things now and have people with a mindset wondering should an incident arise or a fraudulent attempt occur did the occupant have a .. dashcam installed..

 

We have got this new dashcam in claiming to the worlds smallest from Conbrov,small and discreet it is which is a good thing can it live up to its name when it comes to quality overall?? The fear people have is that smash and grab factor by default and someone will smash a window to grab the dashcam yet alone a sat nav system or some fool that leaves a laptop bag or purse on the passenger seat which is an easy target for some lousy opportunist as they or known or an organised criminal gang these things do happen even in the most unlikely places.Small is good but small needs to work so we have a quick look here at small then we will give the results..

Buy HERE Or on Amazon

Netflix Recommended Smart TVs for 2018. #SmartTV #Tech #Netflix

Picking a new TV can be a challenge for many it does not only come down to budget it comes down to ones personal requirements. For sure I could recommend one and have done many times and there are some really good deals out there right now but Netflix have done some research of their own in this department so check out what they have to offer.

When you see the “Netflix Recommended TV” logo, it means that device has passed rigorous testing to ensure great performance and easy access to Netflix and other services. This means the TV:

  • Starts up instantly and gets to Netflix (or other internet TV services) within just a few seconds.
  • Allows users to move quickly and easily between apps
  • Comes with the latest version of Netflix
  • Can support newer, more immersive Netflix browsing experiences, like video previews

In order to receive the designation, the TV must meet 5 out of 7 criteria (listed here).

What’s more, all of the models designated include a Netflix button on the remote control which means viewers can start watching instantly with the press of a single button. Magic. And our stopwatches come in handy, because we make sure you can power on your TV and start watching in just a matter of seconds.

Here is the first wave of 2018 Netflix Recommended TVs:

  • LG  4K UHD TVs with webOS 4.0
  • Sony  W800F / WF800 series Android TVs

We test all TVs that carry Netflix and will continue to report new designations throughout the year as new devices become available or get updated. Timing of availability for Netflix Recommended TVs will vary by market, and not all models will be available in all regions.  For more information, you can go to our Netflix Recommended TV website.

First look and unboxing, FOCAL LISTEN wireless premium headphones. #headphones #tech

Another day a new pair of cans have arrived,this time from FOCAL. These come in several colours and are quite nice and its good to see a step away from the industry norm with nice fresh colours, Given ours are Black check out the colours on offer which really look nice. If you have any questions in the meantime feel free to ask while we test these out over the coming week or so and stay tuned for a full review soon.

 

Listen Wireless are Focal’s closed-back wireless headphones, equipped with Bluetooth® 4.1 wireless technology aptX compatible. Listen Wireless and its Chic edition guarantee superior sound performance, close to CD quality. Focal engineers have been very careful to keep our DNA in these headphones. Innovative 3/4″ (40mm) Titanium/Mylar drivers guarantee superior sound performance. Excellent isolation is created by the closed design and broad ear cushions.

 

 

 

The heat-sensitive memory foam ear cushions offer optimum comfort. Listen Wireless integrate a double microphone system: ‘Clear Voice Capture’, which offer superior voice rendering during phone calls. With 20 hours of battery life and just 3 hours of charge, Listen Wireless really takes your music everywhere, in total freedom.

See more HERE

 

Telcos embracing automation as the only way to stay relevant, says GlobalData #Telcos #Mobile

Telcos embracing automation as the only way to stay relevant, says GlobalData

Telecommunications operators and suppliers (telcos) are embracing automation in a big way, in order to compete with cloud service providers like Amazon and Google, which operate on much shorter cycles and serve more clients with fewer people, according to leading data and analytics company GlobalData.

Ron Westfall, Technology Analyst at GlobalData, says: “Telco network production is limited only by two things – the speed of light and the humans operating the network. Telcos that want to keep up with the pace of change have learned quickly that sending out human engineers to provision broadband services to business customers is what makes the service provisioning long, error-prone, and costly.

“The outcome of the currently ongoing process should leave operators with much more flexible networks and users with the capability to pick and choose from many more services. Most of the services will be provided through self-service portals, or even offered proactively, with networks sensing customer needs, such as the need for more bandwidth when streaming multiple HD video feeds at home or using a VR headset. Service parameters will change to accommodate user needs.”

The idea of self-driving, automated networks is not new to the likes of Google and Amazon. Now, network automation is coming of age and moving into telecoms, which operate in much more complex environments than cloud service providers.

Westfall concludes: “The challenge of automating complex telco networks is considerable and in a lot of cases needs bleeding edge technology. Today’s network automation therefore teems with buzzwords like AI, big data, analytics, and machine learning.

“However, the ambitions of large telcos that need to deploy new technologies quickly – and keep up the pace of change to stay relevant – leave only one logical way out: remove the complexity out of sight, and make networks work faster and more efficiently with less human intrusion.”

SolarAdTek lighting retrofit sees a significant cut in carbon emissions from bus shelters.

Dublin-based Solar AdTek, the leading developer and supplier of innovative solar powered lighting for outdoor advertising has completed an upgrade of 1,800 bus shelter units across Ireland and significantly decreased their carbon emissions.  SolarAdTek is responsible for the delivery of the bus shelter lighting project which is being funded by the ESB in a partnership arrangement with JCDecaux, on behalf of the National Transport Authority (NTA).

The newly installed lighting reduces operating costs, provides enhanced illumination and most significantly reduces carbon emissions.  John Bouchier, Co-Founder, of Solar AdTek said ”As a result of the upgrade, energy usage by the NTA bus shelters has reduced by 88%, saving over 1,000 tonnes in carbon emissions annually. This is the equivalent to the average energy consumption for 461 homes.”

The work has greatly improved the quality of the bus shelters with the removal of all fluorescent tubes and the introduction by Solar AdTek of more environmentally friendly and better-quality roof and ad panel LED lighting.

The bus shelters are now using smart technology to regulate the flow of electrical current, which ensures the shelter lights only come on between the hours of dusk and dawn, thus further reducing energy consumption.

The ESB has funded the project in a partnership arrangement with outdoor advertising company JCDecaux, who have the contract for advertising rights and maintenance of NTA bus shelters in Dublin and around the country.

“We were delighted to have had the opportunity to bring this solution to JCDecaux and the National Transport Authority in partnership with ESB and that the first national co-funded roll-out has now been completed,” said Eoin O’Broin, CEO, Solar AdTek. “We have developed our solar and lighting systems specifically for the outdoor advertising market and have no doubt our model can be both replicated and significantly scaled for international markets.”

Solar AdTek provides solar powered LED lighting systems to illuminate outdoor advertising displays such as bus shelters and billboards. These systems combine a proprietary Solar Control Unit and customised LED lighting modules with best-in-class solar panels and batteries to deliver autonomous, reliable and cost effective off-grid lighting solutions.

The company can replace existing fluorescent tubes with bespoke LED lighting, which provides an energy saving of up to 88%. Solar AdTek’s in-built mobile communications network allows for real time passenger Information signs, remote system diagnostics, advertisement viewers, passing traffic counters and environmental sensors.

Amazon Echo Spot Now Available in Ireland. #Amazon #EchoSpot #Ireland

Better late than never but Amazon Echo Spot Now Available in Ireland. If you’ve not tried out any such products as yet you are missing out on how they can make life that bit easier for you. Check out our review of the Echo

Amazon today announced that Echo Spot, the newest addition to the Echo family, is now available in Ireland. Echo Spot delivers everything you love about Alexa with a smaller design and the added convenience of a circular screen so that Alexa can show you things. Customers can order from www.amazon.co.uk/echospot and pay in Euro at checkout.

“Echo Spot combines the popular small design of Echo Dot with the added benefit of a display, and all the things you love about Alexa into a stylish, compact device,” said Jorrit Van der Meulen, Vice President, Amazon Devices International. “See the weather, watch video news briefings, glance at your alarm clock, make video calls, and more. We think customers in Ireland will find lots of places for Echo Spot in their homes.”

Designed for any room, with the added convenience of a screen

Echo Spot fits easily into any room of your home. The size and viewing angle of the screen make Echo Spot ideal for use on a desk or nightstand so you can turn your lights on and off,watch a video flash briefing from RTÉ News, get the weather, check the time, wake up to music alarms, or view your calendar. You can also use Echo Spot in the kitchen to easily set and view timers, watch videos, call friends and family, see shopping and to-do lists, and more.

New microphone array with second-generation far-field technology

Echo Spot features second-generation far-field technology with four microphones, acoustic beam-forming technology, and enhanced noise cancellation so it can hear you from across the room—even while music is playing. If you have more than one Echo, Alexa responds intelligently from the Echo you’re closest to with ESP (Echo Spatial Perception).

Front-facing camera and Alexa calling help you stay connected—call anyone hands free

Put an Echo Spot in each room and use the Drop In feature to connect, hands-free, with other devices in your home. Drop in on the kitchen to ask when dinner will be ready, or drop in on the living room to see how homework is going. You can also use Echo Spot to start a voice or video call, or send a message—simply say, “Alexa, call dad,” or “Alexa, send a message to Mary.”

Built-in speaker, plus Bluetooth and audio-out to connect to your existing speaker systems

Alexa can talk to you and play music on Echo Spot through the built-in 2W speaker. Echo Spot can also directly connect to speakers through Bluetooth or using a 3.5mm stereo cable, enabling you to add Alexa to your home entertainment system. Then, use just your voice to control Amazon Music, Spotify, TuneIn, and more. Plus, with the multi-room music feature, you can play your favourites throughout your home, with synchronised music across all of your Echo devices.

Easily control your smart home

With compatible smart home devices, Echo Spot can integrate all of the smart home capabilities that customers love about Alexa—turn on the lights, view your live camera feed from the nursery, set up Routines, control the temperature, lock your doors with your voice when you’re heading to bed, and more.

Pricing and Availability

Echo Spot is available in black and white for £119.99, with the option to pay in Euro at checkout, with Irish credit cards, and ship directly to addresses in Ireland. Customers can order starting today at www.amazon.co.uk/echospot.

Anchor Cable – The Last Cable You’ll Ever Need. #Cables #Tech #AnchorCable

Anchor cable is the solution to broken charging cables as it’s the worlds first stainless steel, magnetic multi-device charging cable and it comes with a LIFETIME WARRANTY

A team of young entrepreneurs has found a solution for a persistent problem of the 21st century —broken phone charging cables— presenting a cable that will last a lifetime. ANCHOR CABLE is the world’s first stainless-steel, magnetic, USB type-C enabled MULTI-DEVICE charging cable with a LIFETIME WARRANTY.

While other brands tear after they are bent 10,000 times, Anchor designed a machine that bent the cable more than 60,000 times and could continue at it for much longer (see video here ). The Anchor cable features a strong Neodymium magnetic connection, the same type of connection that is used in MacBooks, making it easy to connect by simply holding a cable next to the magnetic tip that is inserted in your device.

https://ksr-video.imgix.net/projects/3005076/video-797350-h264_high.mp4?_=1

 

Anchor Cable have fully tested its product, and confidently claim that the Anchor cable is the “World’s Strongest Magnetic Cable,” The Anchor cable includes connections to iOS, Android and USB-C devices, Our review will be here soon..

Available from HERE   £29