Category: Tech News

KillBiller launches Pre-pay Plan Support ,download the app now. #KillBiller #PrePay #IrishBiz

KillBiller has been featured here many times now since its launch and today there is good news for those who are on pre-pay,currently KillBiller was only available to those on Bill-Pay plans and many people shouted for the App to arrive for Pre-Pay users,today is the day folks.

What is KillBiller ? Its a smart, simple to use, iPhone and Android app that analyses users’ actual phone usage against all of the available plans on the market. We figure out what kind of phone user you are, and crunch numbers to accurately calculate how much you would spend on each plan. No guesswork required! • KillBiller also offers users the convenience of switching networks via the app.

IMG_20150720_211308

KillBiller,says  “The Irish app that been used 30,000 times by Irish people to compare bill-pay mobile plans, now includes information Prepay plans from every network. Each year, Irish people waste millions of euro overspending on mobile phone bills. People save on average €292 per year when they change mobile phone plans, yet only 9% of Irish people switch provider each year1. KillBiller is a mobile app that eliminates the confusion of switching and has helped thousands of Irish consumers save money. KillBiller is now launching support for pre-pay plans, meaning that many of Ireland’s most price-sensitive phone users can easily find the best possible mobile phone package available to them.”

Prepay Plans –  New to KillBiller, “Prepay support was our most requested feature says Shane Lynn PhD. and will help price-sensitive consumers save even more money on their phone bill. With the Irish telecoms market opening up, and over 200 prepay price plans available, we aim to make it simple for the Irish consumer to switch to the best plan suited exactly to their needs, and save money in the process.”

 

In Ireland, 52% of mobile users have pre-pay plans and here are some reasons why. • Cheaper: According to statistics from Comreg pre-pay user pay on average €15.07 monthly, compared to bill-pay users who pay on average €34.69. • Flexibility: Vary from using your phone lots to a little and only paying for what your use. • Freedom: Users have the freedom to begin or end their plan whenever needed.

• Use your own phone: Choose whatever phone you like, or keep your existing. • Less surprises: Keep control of your costs, and never experience bill shock when you blow through your limits on that last youtube clip.

• The application has been used almost 30,000 times by Irish mobile phone users. • The average savings reported are over €20 per month, or between €200 and €400 per year.Everything is automatic – People don’t need to know how many minutes, texts, or megabytes they’ve use.

Celebration Competition you say? 

KillBiller has a competition to celebrate its launch for pre-pay users,details below…….

To celebrate the launch of pre-pay support, KillBiller is hosting a competition to win the average annual saving of someone who switches networks. What would you do with €292? Fly to Barcelona and back 3 times? … Go to the cinema 40 times? … Drink 64 pints of beer? … Tell us and you could win that prize!! See HERE

 

 

Team KillBiller • The KillBiller team are passionate about consumer transparency and are experts in the mobile industry and technology in general. We are happy to be interviewed around any of these topics and can present an informed, consumer driven, viewpoint. • KillBiller is an Irish start-up and our mobile phone plan comparison app is our first. http://www.killbiller.com/the-killbiller-team/

{ Download KillBiller on Android }  { Download KillBiller on iOS }

 

 

Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 and Tab S2 9.7 announced. #Samsung #Tablet #Tech

Two new tabs from Samsung have been announced today after plenty of leaks and rumours they go official,however no pricing info given and both will be available globally next month..A nice addition to the tablets is that they come with Microsoft Office and 100GB of free space on OneDrive for the first 2 years after purchase.

“The Galaxy Tab S2 is not only our thinnest and lightest tablet of its size ever, it also gives users quick, easy access to a wealth of superior viewing and productivity features,” said JK Shin, CEO and President of IT & Mobile Division at Samsung. “We believe the Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 is the most complete personal visual device designed for consumers to carry and use anywhere.”

The Galaxy Tab S2 8.0  comes with 4000mAh battery, octa-core processor quad 1.9GHz & quad 1.3GHz,  8-inch Super AMOLED display with 1536 x 2048 pixels resolution. Also its got  3GB RAM and 32GB/64GB storage and is expandable via micro SD.

Specsheet
Network :LTE : 700/ 800/ 850/ 900/ 1800/ 1900/ 2100/ 2600
3G : 850/ 900/ 1900/ 2100
2G : 850/ 900/ 1800/ 1900

AP :Quad 1.9GHz + Quad 1.3GHz, Octacore application processor

Display :8.0” 2048×1536(QXGA) Super AMOLED

OS :Android 5.0 (Lollipop)

Camera :8MP AF(rear), 2.1MP(front)

Video :H.263, H.264(AVC), MPEG4, VC-1, WMV7, WMV8, VP8
Recording: QHD (2560×1440) @30 fps
Playback: UHD (3840×2160) @ 30fps

Audio :MP3, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, WMA, Vorbis, FLAC

Google Mobile Service :Chrome, Gmail, Google Search, Maps, YouTube, Hangouts, Play Store, Play Movies & TV, Play Music, Drive, Photos

Connectivity :Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac MIMO (2.4GHz/5GHz), Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth®4.1 BLE

GPS :GPS, GLONASS

Sensor :Accelerometer, Finger Scanner, Gyroscope, Compass, Hall Sensor, RGB Sensor

Memory :3GB (RAM) + 32/64GB internal memory
microSD up to 128GB

Dimension / Weight :134.8 x 198.6 x 5.6mm, 265g(Wifi)/ 272g(LTE)

Battery :4,000mAh

The Galaxy Tab S2 9.7 has a 9.7-inch Super AMOLED display, 5870mAh battery, other specs remain the same as the 8.0 version both tablets come with Wi-Fi only Wi-Fi and LTE ..

 

Specsheet
Network :LTE : 700/ 800/ 850/ 900/ 1800/ 1900/ 2100/ 2600
3G : 850/ 900/ 1900/ 2100
2G : 850/ 900/ 1800/ 1900

AP :Quad 1.9GHz + Quad 1.3GHz, Octacore application processor

Display :8.0” 2048×1536(QXGA) Super AMOLED

OS :Android 5.0 (Lollipop)

Camera :8MP AF(rear), 2.1MP(front)

Video :H.263, H.264(AVC), MPEG4, VC-1, WMV7, WMV8, VP8
Recording: QHD (2560×1440) @30 fps
Playback: UHD (3840×2160) @ 30fps

Audio :MP3, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, WMA, Vorbis, FLAC

Google Mobile Service :Chrome, Gmail, Google Search, Maps, YouTube, Hangouts, Play Store, Play Movies & TV, Play Music, Drive, Photos

Connectivity :Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac MIMO (2.4GHz/5GHz), Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth®4.1 BLE

GPS :GPS, GLONASS

Sensor :Accelerometer, Finger Scanner, Gyroscope, Compass, Hall Sensor, RGB Sensor

Memory :3GB (RAM) + 32/64GB internal memory
microSD up to 128GB

Dimension / Weight :134.8 x 198.6 x 5.6mm, 265g(Wifi)/ 272g(LTE)

Battery :4,000mAh

Press Release

Meet “London” The audiophile phone from #Marshall #Android #London

Marshall might be a name not well known for some of our audience, but for other is synonymous of good audio quality.

The world-class amplifiers maker Marshall has decide to join to smartphone world with his own personalize and specifically designed for audio purposes.

The London

The London is nothing but a mid-range phone, but is not aimed for the smartphone power user out there, the focus? Satisfy the most demanding audiophiles.

Here’s the specs list:

A 4.7″ HD IPS-LCD display
A Qualcomm 64-bit SoC Snapdragon 410
2GB of RAM
16GB of storage (microSD available)
An 8mp rear camera and a 2mp front camera
A 2500 mAh battery.
All of that with Android Lollipop 5.0.2 with customized music applications

Nothing Interesting yet? Well those are just half of the specs, the rest, is what makes this phone something to think about

Take a look:

Two front-facing speakers (13 mm x 18 mm) with enhanced volume & bass
Two MEMS mics with active noise cancellation
A Wolfson WM8281 Audio Hub
Two 3.5mm stereo audio jacks on top (Yes, Two)
Bluetooth APTX (real-time high quality stereo audio over a Bluetooth connection)

and Two other dedicated and specially design buttons

The “M-BUTTON” a dedicated one-click access to your music, you can use this for controlling your music no matter on what screen of your phone you are.

The “SCROLL WHEEL” not your usual Volume rocker, with this you’ll be able to control the volume of the phone at its maximum!

                                                          The M-Button with the Two headphones jacks
                                                                              The Scroll Wheel

Of course, as a phone there will be times when you want to use it for your own, that’s why Marshall has also include a Mode in-ear headphones so you’ll never miss a beat.

                                                                                  The Mode in-ear

The phone is still in Pre-Order state, set to be available in 22 countries worldwide with delivery in late August (country depending)

One thing I found not as good is the price tag, $585 for a mid-range phone is a little to much

If you’re interested on one, you can pre-order yours HERE

Take a look at the Press Ad HERE

Would you take one for your audio dreams to come true? Let us know in the comments! Or Tweet us using #techbuzzireland

Stay tuned for more Buzz

Source: Marshallheadphones

Place n Charge by SXE – Wireless Alarm Clock with Bluetooth Speakers #Kicksarter

The Alarm Clock  – Gave up on them years ago due to using my mobile as my wake up call but over the years they have come back with a bang with lots of quirky and cool ideas and it has me now interested in them again strangely enough due to what they have now compared to what was typical in the past,this for example is no wires no mess and several functions in one place and less clutter……

Alex Lewis has contacted us about this new Kickstarter which you might find interesting.. Alex goes on to say..

“This is our first step towards building a super controller bedside station that combines all your desktop or bedside needs into one clutter removing device. We’re taking over 20 years of clock-making experience, and modernizing it with QI wireless charging (and for smartphones that don’t support it, we have adapters that can make them wireless-charge capable). The docking station we just developed also has high quality Bluetooth speakers for streaming music, receiving messages and notifications without tampering with the comfort and satisfaction of the device”

Multi task.

You can charge an additional smartphone through the  USB port at the same time! The “Place n Charge” also has capabilities for “Hands Free Calling”, which means you can answer your incoming phone calls by using the clock’s easy to use button display on the device itself. While your smartphone is connected through Bluetooth, the device can also serve as a quality speaker for your phone.

https://d2pq0u4uni88oo.cloudfront.net/projects/1727819/video-559749-h264_high.mp4?_=1

 

Features of Place n Charge

  • Wireless Charging: Charge any QI compatible device just by placing it on the alarm clock. iPhone 5 and 6, as well as Samsung Galaxy phones can be upgraded to wireless charging with a simple “coil” that fits seamlessly inside your phone or underneath your cover.
  • USB Port: charge a second device with the included USB charging port.
  • Stream Music: Builtin Bluetooth enables you to stream music directly to the alarm clock and play it through the quality speakers.
  • Alarm Clock: All the features you expect from an alarm clock, including a large, white digital display that makes it easy to read the time; snooze capability; a button layout is designed for convenience, ease of use, and accessibility; and battery backup.

How do they intend to bring this project to fruition.?

The prototype has been made already and is being improved. We have a factory which has already manufactured the prototype and is willing to launch our product. We want to get our product out there as soon as everything is worked out and well put together.
What are the steps we need to take?

Since the tooling is pretty much done all we have to do is:

1. Get FCC approval.

2. Manufacture the device.

Pledges

For backing our project, and helping us bring our product to the market, you will receive both the brand new “Place n Charge” Alarm Clock with Bluetooth Speakers by SXE and a compatible receiver for your smartphone that works either with Samsung Galaxy or iPhone 5/5c/5s/6.

If you want to back these guys with this cool idea do so by heading over to KickStarter   <<< Direct link..

The sim card for our mobiles could be a thing of the past. #Sim #Mobile #Tech

Sim cards have changed over the years from the standard large one we are all all custom to and now we are down to a Nano sim which was introduced in 2012, we can thank Apple for.. We have typically have three sim cards today which are standard,Micro and Nano,and of course combo sims which are on offer sometimes.

Image source visihow.com

Apple and Samsung, two of the world’s biggest phone makers, are said to be in “advanced talks” with the GSMA about the launch of these embeddable SIM cards, according to The Financial Times. A SIM card is the tiny piece of plastic in your phone that stores your phone number and info about your data plan and identifies your phone to the carrier.These cards are programmed to work with a specific carrier, which is why you typically need to buy phones specific to the carrier you’re using when shopping for a new device.

This could change things in the future but it probably be a while before it actually happens here in Ireland..You wouldn’t be locked into a two-year contract, because you could switch carriers at will. You’d still have to buy data plans from carriers, but if you’re dissatisfied with the service you could switch next month rather than having to wait out a contract.

You wouldn’t be locked into a two-year contract, because you could switch carriers at will. You’d still have to buy data plans from carriers, but if you’re dissatisfied with the service you could switch next month rather than having to wait out a contract.Two year contracts are too long in my opinion and in most cases you are stuck with the same device for two years,these days people like to keep up to date with the latest devices and with IDMobile launching next month here it may be a fresh start and hopefully we see two year contracts reverse to 12 months with would be more suitable..

Via

 

 

Panasonic announces Lumix DMC-FZ300 and Lumix DMC-GX8 by @Tiwaash #Camera #Lumix

What a day it is for the Panasonic camera enthusiast with the company announcing the successor of Lumix DMC-FZ200 and the top end of the Lumix G series, Lumix DMC-FZ300 and Lumiax DMC-DX8 respectively. The good news is, these both are now splash and dustproof so pretty much ready for any weather conditions to let you capture the moment.

Lumix DMC-FZ 300

FZ300 a 24X superzoom successor to the FZ200 keeps that camera’s 25-600mm equivalent F2.8 zoom lens and 12MP Live MOS sensor, while adding a newer version of its Venus Engine image processor.

The LUMIX FZ300 is capable of recording smooth, high-resolution QFHD 4K video in 3840×2160 at 30p (60Hz) or 24p in MP4. Taking advantage of 4K video recording performance, users can capture fleeting photo opportunities at 30 fps in 8-megapixel equivalent resolution.

The autofocus system has been updated with Panasonic’s DFD (Depth from Defocus) technology which the company says reduces focus times to just 0.09 secs, and also improves its tracking focus ability. The FZ300 can also shoot continuous at up to 12 fps (6 fps in C-AF mode). The camera uses a Hybrid O.I.S. system providing 2-axis stabilization for stills shooting and 5-axis IS in video recording (though not in 4K). It packs a 1.44M dot OLED EVF and a fully articulated 3″ 1.04M dot touchscreen for composing your photo.

Lumix DMC-DX8

Panasonic has achieved some milestones with Lumix DMC-DX8, it’s the first Micro Four Thirds camera to break the 20MP barrier, and also has a ‘Dual IS’ feature that uses both sensor-shift and lens-shift IS (when available) for more effective shake reduction. The updated Venus Engine processor allows the GX8 to top out at ISO 25,600, shoot at up to 8 fps, and record 4K/UHD video.

GX8 provides a tilting 2.36M dot OLED viewfinder and a fully articulated 1.04M dot 3″ OLED touchscreen. A dedicated exposure compensation dial is included on the GX8’s top panel, and Wi-Fi and NFC are built in.

Like the FZ300 the GX is also splash and dustproof camera and uses the same autofocus system DFD (Depth From Defocus) technology to speed up focus acquisition to about 0.07 seconds and greatly improving tracking focus.

The FZ300 is expected to be available in October for $599.99 and GX8 will be available from August in all-black or black-and-silver variants for $1199.99 body only.

Stay tuned for more tech buzz.

Source 1 , Source 2

Samsung Galaxy A8 launches – For now its China bound #Samsung #Phablet

The Samsung A range has a new member and its super-thin measuring just 5.9 mm and a weight of 155g its also light enough,the sad news for Samsung fans is that its heading for China for now and more word on availability may be announced soon..Estimated to be in the region of €500 or so if you want one that’s the price.

 

 

Its got 2G/3G/4G support  a good 5.7 inch screen sporting FullHD 1080p Oled display,With a 16 MP rear facing camera This is my kind of size preference or 6 inch screen,the front facing camera sports 5 MP which should be sufficient for most,Under the hood there is an eight core Snapdragon 615 chipset with a 1.5 ghz quad core CPU and with just 2GB of RAM  The rear camera is 16 MP and the front 5 MP,there is expansion available too which will be good news for most,with 16/32 GB versions they can be expanded up to 128 GB via Micro SD card..Battery pops in at 3050mAh which might not suit power-users,It also has a fingerprint scanner to for extra security..

 

Source

 

 

From the SmartHome app to the digital running shoe. #IFA #TecWatch #IFA15

Once again IFA TecWatch demonstrates the innovativeness of the digital world – Over 50 exhibitors for the first time, from four continents – The five theme days also feature more than 50 startups

 

Berlin, 14 July 2015 – Startups offer the potential for future growth, as well as solutions both large and small for the Internet of Things, the next generation of digital media, the use of 3D printing in creative processes, wearables for fun and health, education and training in the digital world – Hall 11.1 is the venue where IFA Watch presents ideas for tomorrow’s markets. IFA is a centre for innovation, providing a link between research, young entrepreneurs with new startups, industry and trade, for a vibrant exchange of knowledge, information and fresh business ideas. This year’s TecWatch programme features 55 exhibitors and partners from 15 countries, including the USA, France, the UK, the Netherlands, Japan and Israel. There are also some 50 startups, whose exhibits are grouped together on a number of different theme days.

Five fascinating theme days devoted to startups
In 2014 technically minded visitors to IFA, along with journalists, experts and decision-makers from trade and industry, took a keen interest in the displays staged by the founders of a number of new business ventures. The Startup Day, organised jointly by TecWatch and the German Startup Federation, is an ideal opportunity for these new companies to present papers, pitches and panel discussions as a means of introducing their technical visions and business models. IFA 2015 offers an even bigger stage for TecWatch and the German Startup Federation to continue their collaboration, with even more startup exhibits and a variety of key subjects spread over several days at the trade show.

SmartHome and the Internet of Things
Numerous small and medium sized companies are presenting their solutions for the interconnected home, where the Internet of Things is exerting a growing influence on our everyday lives. International organisations and alliances are also making their own contributions to this topic, and among them are Z-Wave and the Allseen Alliance.

One particularly fascinating aspect is the increasing number of ideas that are intended to make complex technology more user-friendly, overcoming compatibility problems and linking isolated applications.

The next generation of digital media
The web and broadcasting meet on screen, merging seamlessly thanks to technologies based on the HbbTV standard. IFA TecWatch is presenting the next generation for the first time, in the form of HbbTV 2.0, with exciting innovations that also involve tablet displays as a second screen. Another topic of particular relevance to the future of broadcasting is DVB-T2, the latest generation of terrestrial television, which is being introduced in Germany for the first time with highly efficient HEVC video coding and has been developed for Ultra HD. IFA TecWatch is showing what can be achieved with this new transmission technology. TecWatch is also demonstrating groundbreaking solutions in the field of sound, for example with new codecs, providing interactive selection and individual mixing of various audio tracks. And the Future of Ultra HD introduces spectacular technologies for HDR (High Dynamic Range) and extended colour spaces. A number of special demonstrations are equally interesting, showing how Ultra-HD sequences can be transferred from a large screen to a tablet

3D printing and wearables
In addition to printer hardware, exhibitors are also presenting software for 3D printing, services and solutions for creating templates as well as scanners for analyzing objects. These also include a man-sized installation capable of carrying out a complete 3D body scan in fractions of a second. One of the most interesting wearables is a running shoe with a built-in sensor, which registers every single step and supplies all the information required for a digital training programme.

Research and system development
Universities and research institutes regularly feature in TecWatch. Among them this year is Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, represented by three of its institutes, Heinrich Hertz and Fokus from Berlin, as well as the Fraunhofer IIS Institute, Erlangen. All three are presenting some fascinating and innovative examples of media technology. Colleges and universities based in Berlin and Brandenburg are presenting projects covering all aspects of digital living, together with spin-offs, startups and other partners. The University of Kyoto is represented by research projects dealing with information and media technology.

Education in the digital world
A joint presentation by the industry associations VDE, ZVEH and ZVEI focuses on promoting innovation, under the slogan ‘Fit for the digital world’. These three organisations are providing details about education and training in the digital world in an effort to interest more young people in technical careers, thereby attracting the young people who will introduce the innovations of the future and launch new businesses.
Work stations are being set up to provide a hands-on experience. A mini e-house has been created by trainees to show how young people are developing a greater affinity for this subject. And there is also a Girls’ Day, which is intended to encourage girls and young women to take up technical careers.

Exhibitors at IFA TecWatch
3D Sound Labs, Allseen Alliance, alphaEOS, Beuth Hochschule Berlin, Bird Home Automation, botspot, Brewie, Brinno, Bundesverband Deutsche Startups, Chipolo, Deutsche TV-Plattform, Digitalstrom, E2C, exelonix, Eliq, Evrythng, Formlabs, Fraunhofer Institute Fokus, Fraunhofer Institute Heinrich Hertz, Fraunhofer Institute IIS, Gla Gla International, Green Pocket, Hardware Club, Homido, Kibbi, Media Broadcast, HDMI Licensing, Matrix 3D Solutions, HZO, igo3D, Info Tip, IMEC, ninvoxia, NodOn, Mota, Panono, Parce, Projektron, SoS Ventures, Spin Digital, SPIN remote, Tado, TU Berlin Science Marketing, Technische Universität Berlin, The Connected Lightning Alliance, University of Kyoto, University of Potsdam, Vbox, VDE, Vkansee, Worldline, yetu AG, ZVEH, ZVEI, Z-Wave.

You can find more information about IFA TecWatch at
www.ifa-tecwatch.de.

Will My Phone Work – #Indiegogo Crowd Funding Campaign to add more features #Mobile

You may remember last year we featured a story on a handy tool for mobile users and importers that was called will my phone work,if not here is a reminder of what this does..this also applies to tablets too not just mobile phones..

  • Mobile Device Buyers and Sellers: Looking to buy a phone but have no idea if it’ll work with your carrier? Or, if you’ve ever sold a phone, you know the feeling of having people message you and always ask if it will work with carrier “X”. Just send them our website!
  • Travellers: If you’re travelling abroad with your phone, it’s difficult to know how compatible your phone will be (if at all) with a foreign mobile network. Not anymore with our tool!
  • Technology Enthusiasts: Chances are, people come to you with tech-related questions. Here’s just another resource to point people towards or to use in order to give them a quick answer rather than doing the research yourself.
  • And More: That’s just the tip of the iceberg, I can see this being useful to mobile network carriers, mobile device manufacturers, cellphone stores, research purposes, etc.

Will my phone work 

Have you ever asked the question, “Will my mobile phone work with a certain mobile carrier?” Or perhaps you’re traveling to another country and want to make sure your smartphone works there. You could even be selling a cellular phone and need a website to point people to when they ask if the phone works for a certain carrier. WillMyPhoneWork.net can help you find the answer you’re looking for.

Its an easy pain free process to complete which is detailed below…First select a Brand.

 

You can read on for the full explanation of how it works over HERE its quite a handy tool and you should go check it out if you have not done so already…

Well they are now stepping up the game some more and here is what is the plan is Will My Phone Work has got praised worldwide for its efforts so far….

 

What features are you looking to add?

There are many features that I’m looking to add. Most of these are features that you, the users, have requested:

Covert the website from the old WordPress platform to ASP.NET in order to support new features and significantly boost performance.

Add Reverse Look-up feature (example: Show me a list of all phones that are compatible with 4G LTE network in Argentina OR Show me a list of all phones that are compatible with Wind Mobile in Canada).

Add an ALL option for Carriers so that you can get look up results from all carriers in a Country rather than searching one-by-one.

Add an ALL option for Sub Models so that you can get look up results from all sub models within a Model rather than searching one-by-one.

Display more clarity into why a phone is not compatible with a mobile network (example: Right now, we just have a red X when a device is not compatible with a network, I want to add a message explaining why it’s not compatible).

Allow users to Share look-up results via email or social media.

Show partial compatibility between a mobile device and carrier network by listing the carrier network bands, along with the device band, so you can visually see if the device is fully compatible.

How can You help?

There are many ways that you can help.

  1. Contribute to the fundraising campaign here: http://igg.me/at/willmyphonework
  2. Share the fundraising campaign to friends and family via Twitter, Facebook, Google+, etc. You can use Indiegogo’s sharing tools which are also located on the same website.