Category: Tech

Motorola and Marshmallow – Here is what devices get it. #Marshmallow

Marshmallow is the next update on Android which will be rolling out soon enough,but not all devices will get it,as with sim free devices from Motorola they will get it first including the Nexus 6 which is available in Ireland,We can also see that the entry level MOTO E models have been left out of this list.

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  • 2015 Moto X Pure Edition (3rd gen)
  • 2015 Moto X Style (3rd gen)
  • 2015 Moto X Play
  • 2015 Moto G (3rd gen)
  • 2014 Moto X Pure Edition in the US (2nd gen)
  • 2014 Moto X in Latin America, Europe and Asia2 (2nd gen)
  • 2014 Moto G and Moto G with 4G LTE2 (2nd gen)
  • DROID Turbo
  • 2014 Moto MAXX
  • 2014 Moto Turbo
  • Nexus 6

Remember updates will vary by region so just because one part of the world sees it does not mean the everywhere is at same time, you can check the status HERE Some of the above devices are not available in Ireland but I have included them as many people import devices these days.

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UAG – Samsung Galaxy S5 case review from @MobileIrelandie #UAG #Review

Mobile Ireland is Ireland’s premium smartphone and tablet accessory supplier. Their products look to provide you with high quality gadgets that allow you to get more out of your technology and they have kindly sent us the UAG case for the Samsung Galaxy S5 to check out and share our thoughts.

 
Mobile Ireland wants to be at the forefront of where technology and the outdoors meet. Get more benefit and power from your smartphone or tablet. We have you covered whether you are hiking Ireland, travelling abroad on a holiday or are looking to add an accessory to your collection.
Here is what we think of the UAG case for the Samsung Galaxy S5 
Presentation
Most people have a thing for presentation no matter what the product is and personally for me it is not vital but it helps,as it stands case can come in a nice box or perhaps just thrown into a cheap plastic bag with a sticker on it,this is not the case here as its presented in a decent box with plenty of information about the product..

What is inside the box..

Not much and what would you expect,we get the case,A screen protector and and some instructions on how to fit the screen protector would need steady hands and the case simply clips on to your device in a matter of seconds so overall its a simple process to get your device protected with the contents..

What is it like on the device.

Does not add much bulk to be fair and feels good in hand and the design is quite nice too,we shall go around the case now and see how it fairs out in access to ports and how well your device will be protected..

On the top we are covered,with the screen protector that comes with it its a good addition to have rather than seeking one in a separate purchase,its a mixed bag these days as to how your case arrives and what else you get with it,some offer a stylus,cloth,screen protector or all in.There is a nice lip going around the top so the screen is below surface and device can be placed flat on table without fear of getting scratched,the rear of the case have several raised rubberised notches protecting its own if you will and colour dependent this might be ideal for you,there is nicely designed corners to giving extra protection for drops and typically its a corner that hits the ground first so you are covered here.

The left and right side are similar in design and looks but keeping those areas protected to the max with all keys covered with good travel on the keys themselves,there was no sign of loosing functionality and the keys worked fine,on some case that are similar you would often find them stiff,this was not a problem here and there is raised ridges both sides to give grip and extra support..

Ports and connectivity points are well covered with obstruction or nagging with cables being inserted or removed,this is important some cases can leave users with little space to move and some dislike that experience,there is no flaps on this case again this is a matter of preference,for me I like this as fumbling with flaps is annoying yet it gives more protection but then again with constant moving these flaps would tend to eventually fall off,there was no interference at all with headphones and Micro USB cable and the infra red beam also left unaffected,nor did I experience any loss of sound or clarity with mic holes etc..

Although the case has a small lip its does not get in the way of the home button and sensors on top of the front facing side of the devices and the screen protector does meet up with case so all in all the front is covered,you might have a tempered glass protector on device already but this again has no effect with the case aligning itself on the device.

Overall these UAG cases are good and have a good feel to them and very robust and look well to boot,for the money these are worth it,some people prefer gel cases or cases in this form again that’s a matter of ones preference,personally I like the gel case but would have no issue using one of these either as they do not bulk out your device like some cases can,so I would recommend one of these anytime to anyone..

Check out the UAG case over at Mobile Ireland  right here and check out the full range of goodies they have to offer,thanks again to John for getting in touch and sending us out this case to check out and share our thoughts.
Stay tuned for a chance to win a new case for your iPhone 6 on Monday thanks to Mobile Ireland.

 

Facebook improves mobile look with new features. #Facebook #SocialMedia #Gif

Facebook just like Twitter are always looking to improve things and with Twitter thinking of removing the 140 character limit Facebook announce new features today for mobile..

With the new update you can make your profile picture a GIF and set temporary images that will change over a period of time which is quite nice. You can simply now add short looping videos that will show up on visiting someone’s Facebook page..

 

Facebook say on their blog

Today we’re starting to test the next step in an obvious evolution of profiles: profile videos. Soon, you’ll be able to film a short, looping video clip that will play for anyone who visits your profile. Profile videos will let show a part of yourself you couldn’t before, and add a new dimension to your profile.

We’re not ignoring profile pictures either; we’ve also built some new features that will help you better let your personality shine through your profile picture. As part of that effort, we’ve started to roll out the ability to set a temporary version of your profile picture that reverts back to your previous profile picture at a specified time.

On profile controls they are now making life a bit easier to change things and showcase your profile they are now adding a space up top which you can curate yourself and you can add up to 5 featured images too so this is a nice touch and you also have control of who sees what..Our Facebook page will be launching soon so stay tuned for that….

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Go-Pro announces HERO+ with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth #GoPro

Go-Pro have announced a cheap alternative to its current range making the unit more affordable for those who wish to venture into film making on the go.The new unit sports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi and is also waterproof.It also weighs just 4.3 ounces which is very light and its also sporting an 8MP camera.It will be available from October 4th at selected retailers costing just $199.

The HERO+ is waterproof and mountable as well as compatible with GoPro’s vast array of mounts and accessories.  It captures stunning 1080p60 and 720p60 video and 8MP single, Time Lapse and Burst photos with the same impressive image quality that GoPro has become famous for.  HERO+ most notably features Wi-Fi which allows it to connect with GoPro’s mobile app and benefit from convenient tools such as a Trim & Share feature that allows the user to quickly create and share short video clips across leading social media channels.

Features 

  • Stunning and immersive 1080p60 and 720p60 video
  • 8MP photos with Single, Time Lapse and 5 Photos-per-Second Burst modes
  • Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth® connect to GoPro App and Smart Remote
  • Rugged, durable and waterproof to 131’ (40m)
  • Integrated camera + housing design
  • QuikCapture enables power-up and recording start with the press of a single button
  • HiLight Tag lets you mark key moments while recording
  • SuperView™ captures the world’s most immersive wide-angle field of view
  • Auto Low Light mode intelligently adjusts frame rates for optimal low-light performance
  • Built-in microphone
  • Wearable and Mountable, Compatible with GoPro’s vast array of mounts and accessories

 

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Can we forget about a Ryanair Windows Phone app ? #Ryanair #Windows

Yesterday we where the first to bring you the good news of the new Windows Phone app for Ulster Bank which was something that had been asked for,for over two years and the same can be said for other banks here in Ireland along with other big companies who have just ignored Windows Phone for the last few years,we have been use to the robotic scripted responses over and over again,and the nudge to use the mobile site (which they all do say) and it looks like the end of the road for Ryanair and Windows Phone users.

Over the last few weeks I decided to reignite the flame with Ryanair and ask them again about the app,this however took two weeks to get a final answer today which was short and blunt as you can see below..’The company also did state once before they where working on an App but was over a year ago and now seems fruitless.

This story goes back a long way like the Ulster Bank app and others,take Bank Of Ireland for instance.. who are said to be working on an app for Windows Phone users .But this goes back further than that 

Ryanair did bring a boarding pass app to its customers and again it was for just Android and iOS users,given that this time was when Windows Phone was starting to see some movement it obviously did not cut it cost wise due to the market share,Today market share has dropped from its peek estimated 12/14% and there is no sign of it improving just yet anyway.Ryanair again said the following back then and the full article on that is HERE the poll back then spoke volumes.

 

 

With the recent Ulster Bank app one has to wonder is there some hope down the road for the banking sector to get their eyes open to Windows Phone users as there is plenty here to warrant an app for its users and the same applies to our Airlines too which are shy in this department and it does not just apply to us Irish,Most Windows Phone users though have moved on to another OS due to the shortage of apps,local apps in particular and unless that changes the uptake of Windows Phone will remain poor and fall,there is much more main stream apps though that before be it from the companies themselves or third party devs who do a good job to fill the void,even at that we run into stumbling blocks snapchat being one of them who go out of their way to ensure it cant be published..

Have your say and tell us what you think..

 

 

Starvin ? Grab a takeaway online with #Marvin. #Apps #Irish #Food

We live in an busy environment these days and food is a must and often the case we have no time to eat out yet alone organise that to happen,thankfully now we have some new companies in Ireland offering to do the hard work,some of which have been featured here over the last 12 months,Say hello to Marvin.ie who also offers this service whilst you relax..When you join you also get a tasty 25% discount to boot so what have you got to loose.,Just use the word TV at checkout and you can order from several locations across Ireland.Better again they offer a loyalty cards for its customers and when you eat your way through 10 meals you get one free..

Another good thing on offer here is that they have an App,we love apps in Ireland and its on iOS  and the Android app launches this week and its free of course.

There is some terms and conditions to watch for.

Discount applies only to orders made on Marvin.ie & Marvin.ie Apps
* Restricted to new customers only
* Some restaurants will require minimum order values

* Delivery area restrictions may apply
* Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer
* Excludes cash orders
* Expires midnight 30/11/2015

The App features are as follows
* Find takeaways across the nation
* Collect stamps & earn FREE meals
* Automated address finder
* Filter restaurants based on food types, offers and delivery fees
* Sort restaurants by distance, reviews or delivery time
* Search for specific restaurants
* Order easily from the restaurants menus
* Pay by credit card, PayPal or Bitcoin

{ Download on Android }   {Download on iOS  }   { Web }

There is almost 500 takeaways nationwide signed up now with Marvin and they have just launched their TV ad campaign.

 

 

Presence App gets motion detection alram on iOS #Prescence #App #Safety

Recently we featured a real handy app called presence alarm which is available on Android and iOS,this app is a cheap alternative to home alarms security but worth checking out if you have a spare device at hand.

A new update for iOS users is available and is FREE for now which allows users to have an alarm sound when motion is detected in the home or where you may have the set up.Too change the settings go into your camera’s Options menu and toward the top is ‘Motion Activated Alarm’ which is Disabled by default. Use the slider to set the camera to Beep 1 time, Beep 2 times, Beep 3 times, or sound the siren alarm when motion is detected orcreate a new rule that says: “If my ‘Front Door’ opens then make my ‘Presence Camera’ beep once.” Now whenever the kids open the door, you’ll hear it throughout the house!Dont miss out and download today.

Download on iOS

 

 

Toshiba Cloudbook hits @lidl_ireland this Thursday. #Toshiba #Lidl #Office

Some new Office tech arrives at Lidl this week and this time is a nice mid ranged Toshiba Cloubbook,Priced at €279,99 this is not a bad one to check out.. It comes with plenty of storage,100GB One Drive and running Windows 8.1,not a powerhouse but will do most jobs for the average user.Its a lightweight design and portability is easy too with and average battery life of 6 hrs.Also on board is USB 3.0 and HDMI for connectivity.

 

 

  • 100GB of free Cloud Storage via the built-in OneDrive
  • Processor: Intel Celeron N2840 (2.16/2.58GHz, 1MB)
  • RAM: 2GB (DDR3 1600MHz)
  • Screen: 11.6″ TruBrite® HD TFT High Brightness eDPTM
  • Webcam: 0.9mp Web Cam with microphone
  • HD Screen
  • 32GB eMMC Hard Drive
  • 1 Month Free Trial for Office Online
  • Dimensions: 28.9 x 19.9 x 1.9cm
  • Windows 8.1
  • Bluetooth:v4.0

Check it out over at Lidl

#LG announces the all metal made LG Class By @VicenteA_George #Android #LGClass

We’ve heard a lot about this “all metal” LG phone is the past days, but today LG Korea has made it official.

Introducing the LG Class

With all the bells and whistles we’ve heard about a new “Top of the Line” phone from LG the expectation grows for today possible announce of the rumored G4 Note, but what we have if a mid-range phone with a “premium” look.

The Class combine what we love the most about LG design language and that premium feel that All Metal phones have.

Take a look a the specs:

Screen: 5″ inch (1280 x 720)

Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 410

RAM: 2 GB

Memory: 16 GB with 2TB external SD card support

Front Camera: 8MP

Rear Camera: 13MP

Battery: 2.050 mAh (Non removable)

Size: 141 x 71,8 x 7,4 mm

OS: Android 5.1 Lollipop with LG UX 4 on top

Connections: 4G LTE, Bluetooth 4.1, GPS, NFC, Wi-Fi,1W Speaker, FM Radio

There you have it, if you want a “Premium Looking” phone but are in a budget the Class is your better call.

The downside of the story is the fact of the Class being sold in Korea exclusively at the moment, with no info about whether or not is going to be available overseas.

Although you can find the phone at the local market, you can buy the phone unlock and use it (needs to check carrier bands though) for just €301 or $339

Even though the nice look and feel of the phone, the internal are not so premium at that price tag could be a little excessive.

What do you think? Is it “good looking” enough to bring it home from abroad?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments section.

 

Source (may need translation) Via