Category: Tech

Review – The @ZhiyunGlobal Smooth Q2 smartphone gimbal. #Tech #Zhiyun #Gimbal #SmoothQ2

Being my first gimbal and something I have been meaning to get for some time but now that one landed on my doorstep it was time to see what benefits these gadgets can offer and I have been missing out to greatly.

Smartphones have come along way when it comes to video stabilisation and the iPhone 11 is said to be one of the best out there today and after using the Smooth Q2 the iPhone does not come close to what this can offer. There is others out there and I have not tried any so my review is based on my findings on this model and where I seen the big difference between your smartphones capabilities and what a gimbal can offer they dont make these for nothing right???

 

First off this is small and pocketable which is ideal and can be used anywhere that allows it be and I took mine to our local park once the fine weather allowed and it was worth it. The build quality is excellent and it is not a cheap plastic build and robust and will not break in a hurry as it would be prone to dropping in fairness.

Ease of use is another thing once you get going, I must admit I had issues setting up mainly because I never bothered reading the manuals but they do provide excellent tutorials online which you can avail of online via a QR code, Once you get the app you paired up get your phone calibrated and away you go and then you can pick from the 5 modes. Pan-follow mode Lock mode Follow Mode, POV and Vortex. After that your controls are simple,the mode switch and navi key  the power key and shooting key for photos and videos, not rocket science…

 

The app itself is fine however I feel many might not use it due to the options native on your phone to do similar things but it is beneficial in some ways and I decided to go with the app to record the my clips. The UI is simple and you can save your files to your smartphone and in my case using the iPhone that is where I ran into issues transferring files but got this sorted in the end,sharing direct to social would be a better addition.

The controls are simple and easy to use as well as the gimbal as a whole with some LED lights atop indicating what mode you are in and you also have vortex mode which is something for the more creative out there. The Navi key on the front does all the work once you have selected the mode you need to use and it takes gentle movements to perform the operation but if its your first time you might need to adjust the thumb memory but you will be flying after a few mins use and on my first shoot I tested at home then brought it to our local park to capture what was at hand.

I also mounted a tripod on it as it can be used in more ways than one, it can lay flat on a surface without but with the tripod gives you the extra layer of security so it wont tip over,this might depend on your smartphone though and it works with a case which is hand should you happen to drop the gimbal.

This can be used indoors or outdoors and used as a selfie stick if you like or just doing videos at home on camera and is ideal for and creator, I feel this will change my perspective on things going forward as I just point and shoot with my phone on a tripod but this will give me other ways to explore and change how I do videos going forward and perhaps look into some vlogging which is something I do want to do and spend some time in front of the camera rather than be stuck behind it all the time.

Overall I was impressed with the unit and there is a huge battery life again something vital for those on the go or plan to do extensive videos with 16 hours in the battery this is great and stands credit when it comes to power on the go, Our smartphones would be lucky to last as long and having the main equipment required to do a job is important and this gimbal gives you all this,ease of use and practicality all in one affordable package that is not to be sniffed at.

Like I said this is my first gimbal and what I think of it and it is unfair for me to compare but from what I have seen this is something a creator should have and if like me and it is your first one to pick up it is certainly worth looking at and for me it will certainly be fitting into my daily tech carry from now on.

Features.

– Quickly switches to vertical mode for a portrait-style look
– The powerful torque motor eliminates the need for counterweights with larger loads such as the iPhone 11 Pro Max or when using accessories
– USB Type-C port for charging the smartphone while shooting
– Object-tracking, motion-lapse, vortex, and time-lapse modes
– Charge your smartphone using the USB Type-C port while mounted
– Removable 4500mAh 21700 battery with 16-hour battery life and 3-hour charge time with a separately available charger
– Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity allows you to control the photo and video record functions of your smartphone camera without an app
– Uses the Zhiyun-Tech ZY Play app to transfer and edit video, change modes and settings, and upgrade the firmware

BUY ON AMAZON

Review – Otterbox 10,000 mAh Qi Powebank and power cables. #otterbox #tech

Otterbox have sent us over some products to check out which includes their super tough powerbank and some cables which simply beat most others out there due to their construction and also some cases but more on those at another time.

The powerbank is a solid block with what looks like the 21:9 aspect ratio which we now see in many phones today and is built like a tank with ports that are covered with a flap and textured edges and this is a 10,000 mAh which is more than enough for one person but three people can share this with its port availability making it a piece ideal for travel or going to festivals to keep you powered up on the go and knowing you have a solid piece that is built to last. This can be also got in a 20,000 mAh version too.. The top of the unit has a textured finish too and you also get some status LED lights to let you know how much juice you have left which is nice..

  • Battery Capacity 10,000 mAh and 20,000 mAh
  • Durable synthetic rubber exterior
  • Battery Status indicator and high speed charging
  • USB ports connect to chargers and devices
  • Dust and splash resistant Mil-Spec rated IP54

BUY HERE

OtterBox USB-A/C Car Charger

Car charger are available all over the place but what I find is they are rubbish and fall apart after a few weeks or less due to the crap build quality with either the springs going or the ends falling off, this will not be the case here with this product and just like any other Otterbox product it is built to last,this offers USB A and USB-C charging which again can be used to charge to products on the go in your vehicle which saves you ports too..

  • Rugged for rough wear and tear
  • Charge two devices at once, fast (27-watts total)
  • USB-A port provides 5V/2.4A (12-watts)
  • USB-C port provides 5V/3A (15-watts)

BUY HERE

USB-C to Lightning Cable 2 meter and Lightning Connector to USB Cable

Just like car chargers there is an abundance on offer in Euro shops and garages out there that always come in cheap and from any I have tried they are not worth the money and do not last and do offer a fire risk the cable is week and the ends typically wear down or just break off and thats it you are done, the saying is true “buy cheap buy twice” these cables are built to last and are constructed very well especially at the ends where most problems begin and these will last,these are also compatible with your car charger above and the wireless charging power bank too. With this range of cables you are sure to have power where and when you need it with knowing the cable will not fail your or get damaged easily.

 

Some might find such cables expensive but you have to pay to play and have the best equipment to ensure you are guaranteed a non failure when it comes to charging up your devices be it at home in the office or on the go.

Rugged and designed for long-term use, the Apple USB-C to Lightning cable from OtterBox features an extended strain relief at that notorious weak spot where the cable and connector attach. It charges at 3.0 AMPs and its braided nylon avoids tangling itself into knots. Pick from 1-meter and 2-meter lengths to upgrade your charging experience with the cable that’s made to last.

Charge up your iPhone or iPad with this ultrafast OtterBox Lightning Connector to USB-A cable, made robust for long-term durability.

BUY USB-C TO LIGHTNING 

Lightning Connector to USB Cable

 

Review – Withings Move ECG. #Withings #Tech #Health

When it comes to watches I am a bit of a collector along with my phones and other things but now I am more focused on technology products I do own several smartwatches or hybrids and it is nice to have the option to switch over, But I am one to keep wearing the latest on offer and when you look back you can see how things progress from the past when it comes to features and more.

The Withings Move is no different here than any other watch but does stand out and looks really nice and minimalist looking yet people ask me what does it actually do compared to others you have had.. This is because there is no actual digital display or anything to give it away that it is a much more capable watch despite on how it looks.

The box is a familiar sight and so is the watch and if you cast your mind back to the Nokia Steel which is still own and again like before it looks minimalist thought this time around the packaging is more eco friendly which many companies are headed now which is a good thing considering the climate change issue we have and it does need to be addressed..

The build is quite good and should last some years, I have my Nokia Steel still and it is as new but this has a plastic face and this happened which is not great and to note my previous versions have not a mark on them and this would annoy anyone, down to clumsiness perhaps but a light scratch off a bench……..These things happen in life..

Looking at the watch as a timepeice it just tells the time and little else bar your progress level,there is no option at all to see it in the dark as mentioned in my Nokia steel review the tips on the hands should be illuminated at least. In comparison to the  WITHINGS MULTI SPORT  which I love,this has something to look at with a window on top offering information on the fly and can be used to get information on notifications and calls etc but this is the cheaper model so you have to consider this but coming from the higher end model down to this you do miss the information on screen..

Battery life on this is excellent,One thing that puts me off smartwatches is having to charge every night and this is not the case here, In fact the battery life at times has excelled past the claim time on several occasions but this could down to my personal use I take my watch off at night and leave it off most weekends as I wind down from technology but not for the first few weeks testing this so for me the battery is stellar.

Whilst the watch itself may lack in the looks department for some it is the app that is where you get all the information at hand,the app has not changed much is simple to use and understand and also customise at the same time making it s fluid experience. The watch does more than you might think via the app tracking multiple sports and more

The App

1 / 13

Having a companion device for some is a bit much but this is different and cost effective keeping tabs on your activities and compared to others out there this is on the cheap side if you are looking to get into having a companion device, On the face of it the watch as mentioned does not look like it does much and to the general concerning eye they would ask what can this do that a normal watch cant but tell the time it is what you get via the app with all the vital information.

Honestly I like watches with something more going on with the face but having said that I do have a collection of minimalist watches too that just look good even if they just tell the time yet there is more to this when you can have some kind of physical action with it to take your pulse for example by squeezing each side of the watch you can take your ECG which is neat and takes just 30 seconds to get a reading, Now when have you seen that as a feature on a watch that looks like it does nothing Also you can take your Pulse using the phones camera too which is also neat.

Overall if you want an affordable companion device this that will not break the bank this is one to look at for sure and it comes in two colours and a choice of strap colours and offers more than one might think with great extras,thought more so app focused if you are new to such it looks good and minimalist but offers great value and is highly accurate bar the sleep tracking which I found giving random results though I am not a good sleeper anyway this is what you need, It will automatically track walking, running, swimming and detects 30+ activities, plus workout mode, stair climbing & connected GPS Automatically tracks walk, run, swim and biking. You get plenty for your money here whilst depending on how you like how your watch looks it looks good on you too..

BUY HERE

AVer Europe upgrades new PTZ cameras with NDI Pro AV technology to simplify livestreaming process. #AVer #Livestreaming

The new PTZ310N and PTZ330N models feature NewTek’s NDI® video standard integration that enables the cameras to communicate, deliver and receive high quality content with low latency, which is also frame-accurate and suitable for switching in a live production environment.

The NDI® standard enables seamless interaction between various control systems and AVer Europe’s camera hardware for capturing and livestreaming. Users can create robust IP workflows throughout all components of their production setup via one cable rather than having to wire every video or audio source directly into an SDI router, saving significant time and money through increased efficiency.

This new functionality combined with the powerful zoom, smooth movement and high-quality imaging offered by AVer Europe’s PTZ cameras, enables higher education institutions to capture classroom lectures and broadcast events such as Ted Talks or graduation ceremonies. The cameras also facilitate coverage of major awards, press conferences and tradeshows in business.

“This upgrade for the PTZ310N and PTZ330N enables users to access a new range of event capturing and livestreaming capabilities within both education and business,” explains Rene Buhay, AVer Europe Vice President of Sales & Marketing. “By integrating NDI HX2 with our existing advanced features in our PTZ range, we are improving Pro AV processes for content producers all over the world.”

The PTZ310N and PTZ330N from AVer Europe feature a powerful autofocus that maintains vivid, 1080p/60fps imaging quality in virtually any lighting environment. In addition to a 12X/30X optical zoom, the cameras offer precise, steady pan/tilt movements as small as 0.1° per step.

With built-in smart functions, AVer Europe’s newly upgraded cameras use facial recognition to adjust the field of view and can automatically track presenters through pre-set frames, eliminating the need for a camera operator.

AVer Europe’s PTZ cameras are available with a year’s warranty at PTZ310N MSRP £1699 exc. VAT and PTZ330N MSRP £2399 exc. VAT. For more information, please visit www.avereurope.com.

No @WhatsApp is not going to start charging you money from Saturday. #WhatsApp #Scam

There is a new message going around now claiming that will start charging you money from Saturday. In a stupid message going around it asks you to send the message to 10 contacts to show you are an avid user and if not you will be charged 0.01p per message, It also claims if you send the message on to 10 people your logo will become Blue, Again this is rubbish

In this time of crisis there is many scams going around so be vigilant if you get any messages and feel free to contact us if you want for any assistance with such as we keep an eye on these scams and give you full details rather than the scant information you might read elsewhere. This is not the first time we have seen this message or a similar version of it and is just a hoax. You can report messages HERE and they clearly state they will not be charging for messages. This is just a heads up and going around en masse in many groups this morning.

Say that you have to pay to use WhatsApp (WhatsApp is a free app. We will never ask you to pay to use WhatsApp and you don’t have to do anything to use WhatsApp for free.)

To report such messages on WhatsApp do the following below..

  • On Android: Simply go to WhatsApp > tap More options  > Settings > Help > Contact us.
  • On iPhone: Simply go to WhatsApp > Settings  > Help > Contact Us.

Whats App responded to my question and the info supplied however rather scant..

Hi,

Thanks for your message.

WhatsApp Messenger is a free messaging app and will no longer charge subscription fees. Please read our blog post for more information.

If you have any other questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us. We’ll be happy to help!

Paul
WhatsApp Support Team

Take a look at our Help Center!

 

New update regarding privacy settings 20/5/2021

 

New IDTechEx Report Addresses Key Questions About the $25bn Hearables Market. #Hearables

IDTechEx have released a new report covering the market, technology and players in hearables. It finds that the hearables market was worth $24.5bn in 2019 and will continue to grow at a forecasted 14% YoY from 2020-2025. This growth is driven primarily by the true wireless headphones category; led by Apple, this area has grown from nothing to be worth an expected $11bn in 2020.

Summary of the market share and major product types for hearables in 2019. Source: IDTechEx report, “Hearables 2020-2030: Technology, Players and Forecasts” (www.IDTechEx.com/Hearables)

 

Hearables are wireless electronic products worn in, on and around the ear, including products such as true wireless headphones, hearing aids, cochlear implants and a range of related and new product types. The report looks at each of these products in turn, assessing the key industry trends unfolding today, and providing a perspective on the key challenges facing the sector as it grows, for example:

 

  • How will the implementation of the 2017 Over-The-Counter Hearing Aid Act in the US impact the hearing assistance industry, including both traditional hearing aid players and any other players that may release OTC products?
  • After two years of frantic development to develop and release true wireless headphone products, how long can the aggressive growth in this industry continue, and can anybody challenge Apple’s dominance?
  • What impact will the adoption of new and existing technology options that can enable health monitoring via ear-worn products have on existing products in the sector and the wider product ecosystems around health monitoring (in both a fitness/wellness and medical context)?
  • Which areas of technology development are most likely to successfully shape the next generations of hearables products, and which are likely to have minimal impact or fail?

 

In order to answer these big questions, the report looks at a 20-year period for the industry, with historic data from 2010-2019 and then market forecasts from 2020-2030. It includes primary research in the form of interviews with more than 20 prominent companies in the space, ranging from leading players such as Bose, Starkey, Widex, Oticon and Sonova, through to leading technology players such as Valencell, Well Being Digital and RelaJet, to prominent startups such as Nuheara, Olive Union, and more. It is then backed up with secondary research covering a total of more than 60 companies from throughout the value chain in order to have a full representation of this industry.

 

For more information about the report “Hearables 2020-2030: Technology, Players and Forecasts” please visit www.IDTechEx.com/Hearables. To find out more about wearable technology research available from IDTechEx visit www.IDTechEx.com/Research/WT or to connect with others on this topic, IDTechEx Events is hosting: Wearables USA, November 18-19 2020, Santa Clara, USA www.IDTechEx.com/EVUSA.

Ancient Ruin Season 2 is coming to Black Desert Mobile! #Gaming #Mobile #AncientRuin

Pearl Abyss is adding a new co-op boss raid mode, a new quest, tier 5 pets and new gear available for production in the latest update for Black Desert Mobile.

  • Ancient Ruin Season 2 – This co-op boss raid mode is beginning its second season on Black Desert Mobile with an even more powerful boss, Kabuamilles. While his name might be familiar to Adventurers who defeated him in the name of Ancient Warrior, he is back and more terrifying than ever before with the new title of “Protector.” By defeating Ancient Ruin, adventurers can look forward to more precious loot and knowledge on Kabuamilles up to level 50.
  • The Bounty Mission Quest – Adventurers who completed the story quest in Southwest Calpheon can get the Bounty Mission quest from the notice board. By completing this quest, Adventurers can receive rewards such as Black Stone, a Shakatu Exchange Certificate, and a Standard Palette. The randomized rewards for the quest will be different every time and can only be obtained twice a day.
  • JIN Liverto Gear – This gear is now available for production by blacksmiths at the camp. Adventurers will need Magical Residue and 2 pieces of Socket Mystical gear to produce the JIN Liverto Gear. This new gear is not just powerful, but also has one additional socket for a magical crystal.
  • Tier 5 Pets – Tier 5 pets can now be acquired by exchanging tier 4 pets! These pets boast unique skills such as raised attacking and defense points, more damage, and a higher filed silver drop rate.

How the coronavirus lockdown is changing hobbies of Irish people. #Hobbies #Coronavirusireland

Like it or not we are in for more self isolation and staying home but over the last few weeks we perhaps have got bored or have enough to do but people are taking up hobbies or just expanding on what they already do..

Picodi.com Analysis Team investigated Google search queries and created a ranking of the activities which gained the biggest popularity in the times of pandemic.

 

After evaluating statistics, it turned out that all activities that require leaving home have become less popular: theatre dropped by 81 per cent, cinema — 78 per cent, concerts — 71 per cent. Irish people also lost interest in foreign languages (decrease of 10 per cent). Probably it’s no longer such a sought-after ability in the world of closed borders.

The biggest increase of interest was noted in board games (338 per cent), workout (150 per cent), and online courses, such as Udemy (150 per cent).. There is a possibility that the uncertain situation in the labour market has made Internet users seek opportunities to gain additional qualifications. Various creative activities and crafts, like origami (79 per cent) or drawing (60 per cent) have also gained popularity. See the full report https://www.picodi.com/ie/bargain-hunting/how-have-the-hobbies-of-irish-people-changed-due-to-isolation

Safe In Our World launches Covid-19 Hub To Share Resources, Information and Advice for Players and Creators. #Gaming #Creators #MentalHealth

Videogames Mental Health Charity, Safe In Our World (www.safeinourworld.org), today announces the launch of a dedicated hub for Covid-19 resources, information, and advice.

With the advent of lockdowns across Europe and the US, Safe in our World, the videogames mental health charity has launched a new hub for those in need of support, advice and information in these unprecedented times. The Covid-19 hub is available online, and will be updated regularly: https://safeinourworld.org/covid-19/

Launching today, the hub offers advice on managing stress, coping with isolation, relaxation and excise techniques, as well as highlighting videogames that may aid those suffering, or finding it hard to cope with the changes in daily life.

Leo Zullo, Chairman of Safe in our World said, “As a charity, we’re doing our best to support those around us, and the wider industry. Whether working from home within the industry, or our players, everyone will be adjusting to a new normal. This dedicated hub is designed to signpost techniques to help deal with the challenge of isolation. We’ll continue to do everything we can to help.”

Officially unveiled in 2019 on World Mental Health Day, Safe in Our World is an accredited charity supported by industry luminaries, veterans and ambassadors across the world, and its mission is to create an online destination where people can seek help, gain access to resources and information, and discover stories from real people within and surrounding the games industry. Safe in Our World aims to enable conversations by destigmatizing the mental health conditions; helping a generation of creators, professionals and players come together in support of each other.

In 2020, Safe In Our World will continue to make more announcements and share updates on its efforts and impact to the global gaming community.

Safe In Our World is a registered charity in England and Wales no. 1183344 but its objectives and mission is global.