Category: Tech

Next Train Ireland – Free Timetable and realtime results.#Apps #Trains #Travel #Android

Many of use us will depend on realtime info for either buses or trains today and having the correct info is a key attribute to either. There is several of these apps widely available and indeed some official ones too,this app though was developed by an Irish dev and does use information provided by Irish Rail itself..

app_promo_graphic

 

Stephen Mc Bride who created the idea tells us some more.

Next Train Ireland (formerly called Next DART under the old Android Market store) is one of the earliest Irish-made Android apps, having been released in mid 2009 before Android phones were even offered by phone operators in Ireland. It has gone through a number of iterations since then but has been a bit neglected in the last two years. I finally got around to working on an update a few months ago and, having looked at the mess that was the codebase, decided to re-write it completely from scratch. Compared to the official Irish Rail app this new app is much cleaner, more intuitive and gets you the information you need in fewer steps. Feedback from new and existing users is most welcome.

 

App description:
Next Train Ireland is a simple, slick app that will quickly show you train times for any station in Ireland. Incorporating a modern UI that follows the Material Design guidelines, the app has lots of great features such as:
– Comprehensive journey planner showing extensive itinerary information for any journey between two stations
– Fast realtime station lookup with detailed train information to show you what stations a train will call at
– Android Wear support
– Travel news from Irish Rail on Twitter
Check out the Next Bus app HERE which is another creation by Stephen Download Next Train on Android below by clicking the image.

 

 

Nokia drops new video with possible hints of future devices. #Nokia

Nokia this morning have dropped a new video titled “Our Vision” which is basically promoting itself and what is to come in the future,we are all aware of the recent deal with Alcatel Lucent and we are also all aware that they can now start making devices soon and im sure plenty of us are waiting to see what Nokia have prepared for us this year,there has been several rumors of what may be coming but we shall leave them alone..

How many devices did you spot and check out the video below after the slideshow..

 

Windows10 will be the only fully supported OS for newer hardware By @VicenteA_George #Intel #AMD #W10

As the year is starting many of you are planning on upgrade you PC’s or laptops but if you’re thinking of getting the latest and greatest specs the only version of Windows you can use is Windows 10

Although as today, there’s more than 200 millions devices running Windows 10 there’s also millions of other that still prefer to use the old but reliable Windows 8/8.1 or even Windows 7, (specially companies)

And given the fact this versions of the OS are going to get updates ’till 2020 and 2023 is not a bad idea at all, but there’s a catch.

After CES las week, Microsoft has made official their commitment to Windows 10 as a “One OS to rule them all” therefore, they want to W10 to be on more and more devices.

So with the announcements of the upcoming silicon such as :

Intel’s “Kaby Lake”

Qualcomm’s “8996” 

and AMD’s “Bristol Ridge”

Microsoft is planning on rely on this manufactures “a better integration between software and hardware to improve performance” on every device.

How? There’s going to be limitations on how the devices will perform under certain OS, if you have W7 or W8 your system is not going to be well optimize, but if you have W10 you will get up to 30x better graphics and 3x battery life (which is certainly unfair as it’s a really big difference in graphics)

You still are going to be able to install any of the former versions but without the proper optimizations your system will be very vulnerable.

Actually, even the recently announced Skylake silicon is going to have a downfall as those who are still on W7 or W8.1 just going to get security updates until July 17th of 2017.

So this is one of those situation in which you have to choose between to two worst options.

But, what are your thoughts on this matter? Are you happy with this decision?

Or do you think is worth the risk keeping up the old W7 or the not so old W8.1 around?

Let us know in the comment below or tweet us at @jimboireland or @VicenteA_George

Source: Microsoft

 

The World’s Most Advanced Smartwatch For Kids.#dokiWatch #Kickstarter #Kids

Smartwatches are not new and still slow on the uptake where as fitness trackers are popular,though the smartwatch now has morphed into fitness trackers too they still do not have the same appeal,I use them but not everyday as I like to chop and change,Kids though is a new area for the manufacturers of  wearables to grab hold of. There is already aplenty out there available now and more on the way but can you see your child actually wearing them,thats a topic for another day,never mind having a smartphone…

This watch though looks childish,is childish but packed with features and will be an attraction option compared to what is on offer,there are some nice ones out there and some not so nice,this could be said for the adults wearables too..

dokiWatch claims its  the world’s most advanced smartwatch for kids 6 to 12 years old that’s also a wearable phone and locator. It’s the first-ever 3G-enabled smartwatch for kids with video calling, voice calling, and messaging capabilities in one simple device! dokiWatch anticipates what families need in order to keep connected.

https://ksr-video.imgix.net/projects/2232901/video-623444-h264_high.mp4?_=1

This watch has more options than you can shake a stick at and is more than just a watch,dokiWatch comes with important safety features including GPS tracking, which enables parents to know the whereabouts of their children right on their smartphone. The electronic pet, or “dokiPet”, doubles as a fitness tracker to encourage kids to stay active and healthy by utilizing fun incentives such as achievement badges.

If this is something that you might be interested in,head over to their Kickstarter page where they have surpassed their required funding amount…

 

 

 

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.
2 / 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..

 

One Plus is teasing again,hopefully requires no invites. #OnePlus

One Plus is teasing again,something they like to do quite often,this time however it is not known what they have planned but in the photo they show two of the first devices from one plus so guessing has begun as to what they have in store,hinting “What are the two things you cant live without”  this could be either,it could be an OS update Oxygen/Marshmallow or perhaps even a case sporting NFC something which One Plus fans have been critical about,NFC though for Irish users would not be big issue as we still fall behind our EU neighbours in this respect,it could also be new cases or colours,with this company you just dont know what they have up their sleeve,lets just hope whatever it is does not require the now boring Invite Only.

 

Discover #RemixOS 2.0, Android for your PC By @VicenteA_George #Android #PC #OS

For quite a time now we’ve had Chrome OS the system used to run Android on a PC like environment.

But sometimes it feels short when competing against monsters like Windows or Mac OS  and then is when this newly additions enters the scene.

Discover Remix OS 2.0

What is it?

Is an Android based operating system, design to offer the best of both worlds, the almost unlimited selection of app the Google Play Store has at your disposal and a almost full desktop experience you’ve dreaming of.

Remix OS has it all:

 

  • True Multitasking 
  • A Taskbar 
  • A Notifications Center
  • Full Keyboard commands
  • A working Right-click
  • A File Manager
  • Full suite of Google Play apps
  • Future software Updates

This OS has being developed by the Jide team, previously known for making pretty good Android tablets and its built upon the Android x86 initiative.

And they have made a pretty impressive system, worth notice! This is not a public software, although is available for everyone from Jide’s page, for the moment is meant for developers as is still on “Alpha”.

But if you’re interested on this, you’ll be able to dual boot Windows/Mac and “Android” on you PC, the best part of it is that you can even install the OS on a pendrive us booted up directly from there!

On Remix OS you’ll have two offerings, the well known Google Play Store and their own “Remix Store” for full compatible apps.

Everything on the OS looks really well design, but has a strong influence from Microsoft’s Windows 10 like the Notification Tray

All future software updates will hit the place you have destined for it, and it’ll run on most PCs without a particular OS version needed it, which is pretty awesome.

Obviously this desktop software attempt is really solid, but is has the occasional bugs and it won’t replace you current fully working (in most cases) OS.

Are you interested in try it out?  you can go over HERE

If you do, please let us know in the comment section, or tweet us using #techbuzzireland

Stay tuned for more.

 

 

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 

Back View
Top Front
Galaxy Note 5
Camera area
Home key/fingerprint sensor
Top
Bottom view
Left side - Volume keys
NOTE 5 VS NOTE 4
Right side - Power Key
3 / 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..