Category: Tech News

LG announce 4 new mid range devices. #Magnet #Spirit #Leon #Joy by @jimboireland #LG

LG have announced some new mid range devices. The four devices will be available in both LTE and 3G versions, consistent with LG’s strategy to expand its appeal in the mass-tier segment with different products for different networks. The LTE and 3G versions of each model share nearly identical design cues with metallic back covers distinguishing the LTE models while the 3G devices feature patterned plastic back covers.LG have really come along quite well over the last two years so these devices will be most welcome for LG fans.

New_Range_Shot_500

 

From the LG News Room

SEOUL, Feb. 23, 2015 — At this year’s Mobile World Congress (MWC), LG Electronics (LG) will unveil a new line of exceptional smartphones at exceptional prices with the introduction of mid-range handsets with design elements and features usually reserved for premium models.

 

LG’s new lineup of four mid-range smartphones — Magna, Spirit, Leon and Joy — builds on LG’s design language to bring optimized performance and effortless user experience to a broader range of consumers. By combining the most essential hardware with LG’s premium design elements and user experience, LG has created the perfect balance of style and usability. The LG Magna and LG Spirit are designed to fit more comfortably in palm of one’s hand with its gently curved design while their displays are distinguished by a subtle 3000mm radius curve for a sleeker, more attractive profile.

 

The LG Magna, which means “ultimate” in Latin, features a 5-inch in-cell touch display, normally offered only in premium smartphones, and a Quad-Core chipset. With an 8-megapixel main camera and 5-megapixel front shooter, the LG Magna was designed with high quality selfies in mind. A class leading 2,540mAh removable battery keeps the Magna running all day even with heavy use.

 

The LG Spirit, which embodies the spirit of LG’s innovations, features a 4.7-inch in-cell touch display and an 8-megapixel camera. In-cell touch technology makes the phones look slimmer while maximizing their display areas and minimizing the bezels. By bringing images closer to the screen, in-cell touch displays offer improved sensitivity with faster touch recognition, better outdoor visibility and crisper images.

 

The LG Leon, “lion” in Latin, offers a 4.5-inch display in a compact, premium-looking body. The smallest of the group, LG Joy, has a 4-inch display and delivers pure enjoyment in a smartphone that fits in any pocket.

 

With the new mid-range lineup, LG is carrying over popular UX features originally designed for its premium smartphones. Gesture Shot makes it easy to take great selfies with a simple hand gesture that starts a three-second countdown. LG has extended the distance from which the camera can recognize gestures to1.5 meters to accommodate popular selfie sticks. Glance View, which debuted on the G Flex2, lets users quickly access key information such as time, recent messages or missed calls with a simple downward swipe of the screen, even while the display is off.

 

“LG’s new mid-range collection continues our legacy of offering amazing smartphones at reasonable prices,” said Juno Cho, president and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “For millions of consumers around the world, the deciding factor on which smartphone to buy isn’t how fast or how big it is but how balanced it is. With our new mid-range smartphones, more and more customers will be looking to LG for their next handsets.”

 

LG’s new mid-range collection will begin its global rollout this week in select markets. Visitors to MWC 2015 will be able to experience all of LG’s newest products first-hand at LG’s booth in Hall 3 of Fira Gran Via.

LG Magna Specifications:

 

Display 5.0-inch HD (294 ppi)
Chipset 1.2GHz or 1.3GHz Quad-Core*
Camera Rear 8MP / Front 5MP
Memory 8GB / 1GB
Battery 2,540mAh (removable)
OS Android 5.0 Lollipop
Network LTE Cat. 4 / HSPA+ 21Mbps
Size 139.7 x 69.9 x 10.2mm

 

LG Spirit Specifications:

 

Display 4.7-inch HD (312 ppi)
Chipset 1.2GHz or 1.3GHz Quad-Core*
Camera Rear 8MP or 5MP* / Front 1MP
Memory 8GB / 1GB
Battery 2,100mAh (removable)
OS Android 5.0 Lollipop
Network LTE Cat. 4 / HSPA+ 21Mbps
Size 133.3 x 66.1 x 9.9mm

 

LG Leon Specifications:

 

Display 4.5-inch FWVGA (220 ppi)
Chipset 1.2GHz or 1.3GHz Quad-Core*
Camera Rear 8MP or 5MP* / Front VGA
Memory 8GB / 1GB
Battery 1,900mAh (removable)
OS Android 5.0 Lollipop
Network LTE Cat. 4 / HSPA+ 21Mbps
Size 129.9 x 64.9 x 10.9mm

 

LG Joy Specifications:

 

Display 4.0-inch WVGA (233 ppi)
Chipset 1.2GHz Quad-Core / 1.2GHz Dual-Core*
Camera Rear 5MP / Front VGA
Memory 8GB or 4GB* / 1GB or 512MB*
OS Android 5.0 Lollipop / Android 4.4 KitKat
Battery 1,900mAh (removable)
Network LTE Cat. 4 / HSPA+ 21Mbps
Size 122.7 x 64.0 x 11.9mm

 

* Depending on market.

Via

 

 

YouTubeKids now on the play store,we take a look. #YouTube #Kids #App by @jimboireland

YouTube kids has now hit the play store,sadly only for the US,we had an APK sent over to try it out but im sure there will be some available on the net shortly.For now its only on Android but will be made more available over the coming weeks.

Over on the YouTube blog here is the report on what the app will feature.

 

Family-focused content
For years, families have come to YouTube, watching countless hours of videos on all kinds of topics. Now, parents can rest a little easier knowing that videos in the YouTube Kids app are narrowed down to content appropriate for kids. You can browse channels and playlists in four categories: Shows, Music, Learning and Explore. Or search for videos of particular interest to your family, like how to build a model volcano, math tutorials, the amazing (and endless) world of trains—and everything in between.

Along with favorites from DreamWorks TV, Jim Henson TV, Mother Goose Club, Talking Tom and Friends and more, your kids can watch new series from YouTube channels they already like. Discover new facts aboutdinosaurs from National Geographic Kids; learn about technology from Reading Rainbow; or watch Thomas the Tank Engine leave the world of Sodor for the first time in 70 years to travel the globe. Plus, more new videos are coming soon from beloved YouTubers like the Vlogbrothers and Stampylonghead.

Parental controls
We realize every family is different, so we’ve built options into the app that help you control the experience for your kids:

  • Timer: Let the app be the bad guy with a built-in timer that lets you limit kids’ screen time. The app alerts your child when the session is over, so you don’t have to. (You’re welcome. 😉 )
  • Sound settings: Sometimes you need a little peace and quiet! You have an option to turn off background music and sound effects, so your kids can keep watching while you catch a breather.
  • Search settings: If you’d rather limit your children to just the pre-selected videos available on the home screen, you can turn off search.
  • Product feedback: Our goal is to improve YouTube Kids all the time, so we’ve included a space for you to give us your feedback.

On downloading the app we are introduced with a nice soundtrack and startup,we then have the options to set the parental controls which is straight forward enough to work with,then we can move into the app and select from shows,music,learning and explore there is also a search function which works quite well,so far it looks quite good and its keeping my daughter entertained so far.The layout is quite simple and easy to follow,to access the parental settings you need to enter the password and they will then appear,

 

Source  if you want to download the APK for it you can here at your own will..

Be careful and monitor your home phone,tablet chargers. #Charging #Mobile by @jimboireland

In every household its safe to say there is at least one charger for the majority its much more now with an average household having more than one mobile device in the house. We tend to leave them in overnight or never plug them out from the socket.

Its always best to use original products,ie official OEMs and not cheap ones we can buy elsewhere on the internet to save money,they might be fine in general but its worth noting that sticking with original is the best. Most shops (bricks and mortar,retail) do offer generic which are fine. Always check the voltage and amperage.Most if not all modern phones,tablets today will stop charging when the device is charged once you use the correct charger.

In an article not to long ago from the daily mail it shows that fires are on the increase in the UK too,we don’t really see much here but its something to think about after todays news where the Dublin Fire Brigade had to put out a fire in a Dublin home to overheating.

 

So as Dublin Fire Brigade says “BEWARE” don’t become too complacent folks.. Well done to the folks at Dublin Fire Brigade.

Source

 

24K Gold iPhone 6 Elite handset to celebrate Year of the goat. #iPhone6 #YearOfTheGoat by @jimboireland

Lets make no mistake the iPhone 6 is popular so is the 6 plus,but its not for me,moving on customising phones is still a big business and now the iPhone 6 has got a coat in gold,this seems to becoming popular once again with other brands having done so already making them a limited edition hoping it will fetch more sales it will work for some and not for others,paying the extra bucks for a coat of gold is really a niche market.

Goldgenie has made a bespoke outfit for the iPhone 6 and of course it will probably sell well for those that can afford,Apple fans are quite loyal and for those who have the cash to splash will be the ones who will buy this.

 

Looks nice,some may think different and Gold is a thing for some but can the price be justified for covering your phone in it ?

The Gold attribute does suit some devices quite well and some devices it makes them look the opposite,as mentioned though its not a mass market appeal nor its it meant to be,these bespoke devices are for those who like the finer things in life and can splash out.

The cost is…  Well  €3,565  for the 64GB version,and if you fancy the 128GB model its €3,834 you can also decide on white and black on the front facia.

 

You also get a nice highly finished box too and free shipping worldwide,there is a limited number of these been made which is 99 so if you have the cash away you go. Head over to GoldGenie.Apparently it will give you good fortune too..

Via

 

TechBuzzIreland talks to new Start-up Cloop by @Tiwaash #Startup #Cloop #CloopBand

Today we bring to you a new startup which is working on to keep your cables well organized with their simple yet very effective product. Confused?? We spoke to Erin, Head Marketing Team from Cloop ™ today,  a project by two brothers from Milan, who took time thinking and developing a product which would keep you organized while you travel or do your daily exercise taking care of the cables for you. The word Cloop stands for neat, small, tangle-free and that’s what this new product is going to do. Read on to find what is it exactly that I’m talking about.

Who are you guys?

Cloop ™ was founded by two brothers, engineers who reside in Milan, Italy. Their backgrounds are in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering with Business Administration and Masters in Product Design.

How  did  Cloop  Band  come  up?

Started the Cloop project as a creative solution for a common daily problem they faced while traveling frequently for their current job positions, these brothers were struck with the idea of Cloop Band.

What  is  Cloop  Band?

Cloop is a new ideal cable management solution for earbuds, cell phone chargers and USB cables. Cloop  is a cable companion band that helps keep your cables untangled while in transport and use.

What  are  the  capabilies  of  Cloop  Band?

It features an elastic silicone band, along with two strong Neodymium magnets in the ends that provide a quick  locking and release mechanism. Additionally, Cloop features a cable passage to keep it in place and readily available to use at your convenience.

Who  is  the  team  Cloop?

Engineers and product design specialists. Marketing team led by Erin Corral-Holmes from Kickstartup.

What are the future  plans  &  product  line?

Cloop is planning to create a bigger band for bigger and and bulkier cables. Also, a sleek metallic base for desktop use. We will be looking to target the product on specific niche markets and applications, that can benefit from the Cloop operative benefits, such as in hospitals for telemetry and alike cords.

Who are the Partners?

Kickstartup

When can we expect the Cloop Band prototype and the availability for the masses?

We have multiple prototype versions available.  We create in the U.S. our own molds using 3D printing. We also have done multiple prototype versions from the factories in China to perfect the product and ensure good quality. Cloop will be available on KICKSTARTER in April 2015.

What is the expected pricing for the Cloop Band?

We are targeting to launch in Kickstarter with two packages of three and five bands and three different colors: red, white and black.  We are planning to offer the package of 3 bands for $15 including shipping and the package of 5 bands for $20 including shipping.

How  is  Cloop Band  different  from  other  substutes  in  market?

Current available substitutes are that disposable cable ties as taught by the current state of art created at least  three  new problems:

  1. a problem of waste;
  2. a problem of being impractical; and
  3. a problem of being too simple such that there is a loss in functionality.

Cloop Band material, specification and dimension:

  • 1 x Syntactic rubber band of dimension: 2.13×0.22×0.14″
  • 2 x Neomedium magnets of dimension: 0.31×0.11″
  • Total weight 0.42 onces

Patent  Pending- Product design points (engineering perspective):

  1. Cloop minimizes waste because its reusable
  2. Cloop won’t slide off
  3. Optimal simplicity without compromising function
  4. Cloop is stretchable
  5. Two terminal magnetic ends that are covered in silicone. This protects the magnets from the environment and your accessories from damage(being scratched etc).
  6. Also, protecting the magnets with a soft silicone cover, does not diminish the magnetic closure strength.

What will the base of the Cloop Band do for the consumer?

  • Cloop’s base can be attached to the wall, or desk
  • Cloop’s base has a sleek design that looks great in plain view, on your desk, counter or sidetable
  • Cloop’s base keeps cables out of the way
  • Unkempt cables can be a safety hazard
  • The Cloop base holds your cables securely
  • The Cloop base is both attractive and fully functional

Whats  special  about  Cloop  design?

  • Silicone material provides flexibility and stability
  • Neodymium magnets make Cloop easy to snap shut, and easy to open
  • Cloop provides a snug fit, that will not allow cords or cables to slide
  • Roll the cable into the bundle and close Cloop
  • Durable design makes Cloop reusable
  • Cloop’s versatility means it can handle a wide variety of small to medium sized cables and accessories
  • There are other solutions out there for cable management, but there isn’t anything like Cloop as far as design and quality
  • Cloop is built for quality, and provides the simplicity you’re looking for.
  • Cloop can either be used stationary, or for portability
  • Magnetic ends are encased in silicone to protect them from the environment
  • Magnets are strong enough to securely hold your cables and cords in place, and the clasp will not “open” when storing or on the move.

We are very impressed with the Band by Cloop called the Cloop Band and would definitely love it taking care of wire chaos on our desks at office and we wish the while team all the best for the future. If you want to get alert of when Cloop launches on Kickstarter, you can sign up here and Cloop will email you when they are live or follow them on Twitter.

Let us know what do you think of this simple yet very handy good looking product in the comments below or tweet us using #techbuzzireland.

Stay tuned for more tech buzz.

Sony announces Google Glass rival. #SmartEyeglass Dev Edition,Ships in March. by @jimboireland

Sony is now offering a rival to Google Glass which didn’t last very long and its going to ship in March,its also much cheaper than Google’s attempt too which will set you back around £600,it will also be available in the UK and Germany and you can pre-order now if you like.

They sport a 3MP camera,light sensor,compass and gyroscope plus and accelerometer, and in my opinion look rather silly compared to Google Glass but thats just my opinion,however i would not say no to trying them out.they will later be available to other countries around the world.

 

Binocular display with super-thin lenses and high transparency
SmartEyeglass Developer Edition SED-E1 includes unique holographic waveguide technology, which enables super-thin 3.0 mm augmented reality (AR) lenses with high transparency of 85% and excellent brightness, without any half mirrors that may obstruct the user’s vision. Furthermore, the monochrome display ensures low energy consumption and high luminance (up to 1,000 cd/m2). This enables a binocular display, where text and information is clearly visible under a wide range of lighting conditions.

Sensors in SmartEyeglass and the connected smartphone enable unique use cases
SmartEyeglass Developer Edition SED-E1 is equipped with a wide range of sensor technologies, including a CMOS image sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, electronic compass, brightness sensor, and microphone. SmartEyeglass utilises these features, together with GPS location information obtained from the connected smartphone, to provide the user with information that is tailored for the user’s current task or scenario. Applications will run as normal Android apps on a connected smartphone. SmartEyeglass communicates wirelessly with the smartphone over Bluetooth and wireless LAN.

Source

 

 

 

The best low cost tablet is now even better! Buy an HP Stream 7 and do more! By @VicenteA_George #HP #Microsoft #Windows

When it comes to low prices and great quality is hard argue with Microsoft, and now they’re offering the HP Stream 7 Signature Tablet for the low price of 79$ in the US or £75 in the UK with lots of goodies to look for.

The Stream 7 Signature Edition is a great tablet for the price, it comes with a 7 inch screen (800 x 1280), a quad-core Intel Atom Z3735G processor with 1Gb of ram, a 32GB of internal storage with SD card slot, a 2mp back camera and 3mp front camera and 3000mAh battery.

Xbox SmartGlass
Great battery for Stream Videos and Play

What makes this a real bargain is the fact that you not only recieve the tablet, you’ll also get a free Office 365 one year subscription (which normally cost around 70$), 1TB of OneDrive storage and 60 min. of free Skype calls per month.

And what’s more! If you buy it from the US online Windows Store you’ll also get a $25 Windows Store gift card.

This deal is only available if you order the HP Stream 7 through the online Store.

If you’re in the States you can order yours HERE.
And for the UK residents you can order HERE.

Do you have one or planning to have? Let us know in the comments section bellow ot Tweet us using #techbuzzireland

Stay tuned for more Tech news!

Vertu has a new device its only $21,900. Signature Touch with Jet Red Gold by @jimboireland #Vertu

We have featured Vertu a few times before and each time the price seems to go up,this time is no different and basically all it says is “I AM RICH” and i can show it off or a fashion statement whichever term suits,for me personally if i was this wealthy i still would not fork out on such a device,having said that it does look nice on the outside.

 

Signature Touch Pure Jet Red Gold has solid red gold features including the volume control keys, power/lock key and pillow support. With Grade 5 titanium sides, coated in black PVD and a black PVD-coated Grade 5 titanium back plate. It’s wrapped in highly refined ‘fine-mill’ calf leather, sourced from the Alpine region of Europe and crafted by one of the area’s oldest tanneries. As a result, each Vertu is individual and may differ slightly to what you see here.

With the Vertu Range you do get an array of extras though which would be expected for the price you pay for such a device,You get Concierge – 24-hour worldwide assistance, recommendations and priority bookings. Tailored privileges  and Certainty.

 

Specs

 

Operating system
Android™ 4.4 (KitKat)
Hardware characteristics
  • Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 801 2.3GHz Quad-core processor
  • 4.7” 1080p, brilliant, high contrast display at 473dpi, protected by sapphire crystal
  • 13 MP main camera with autofocus and twin LED flash
  • 2.1MP Skype™ compliant front camera
  • 64GB of internal memory
  • Stereo High-fidelity 13mm x 18mm loudspeakers with Dolby® Digital Plus surround sound decoding support
  • A-GPS + Compass
  • Gyro and accelerometer for orientation and game play
  • Qi Compatible Wireless Charging

Connectivity
  • Quadband GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
  • WCDMA Bands I, II, IV, V, VIII
  • DC-HSPA+ Release 8, Cat24, 42Mb/s Downlink, Cat6 5.76Mb/s Uplink
  • LTE Bands² 1-5,7,8,17,20 & 25
  • LTE FDD² Cat4,150Mb/s Downlink, 50Mb/s Uplink
  • Dual-band WLAN 802.11 a,b,g,n,ac incl. WAPI for PRC
  • MicroAB USB system connector with USB On-The-Go support
  • 3.5mm audio socket
  • Bluetooth® v4.0 + LE
  • CSR aptX® high quality encoded audio support
  • NFC including support for embedded and SIM based secure elements
  • WiFi hotspot (tethering & portable hotspot)

If you have this amount to splash around on this device head over to Vertu and check out all the details,other than that call your bank manager.

Say hello to Z – Charge . There is no wrong side of the bed. by @jimboireland #Charging #ZCharge

At night people generally put their devices on charge be it a tablet or mobile and if you are a multi device user like myself for example this could lead to issues like fighting over chargers or not enough space,this would vary by household even though i’ve many chargers and sockets there is never enough and at times there can be clutter on my bedside locker which is annoying.

A clever solution has been created by Product designer Paula O’Connor who received a first class honours degree in Design Interior & Furniture from the Dublin Institute of Technology in 2013. She was awarded the Outstanding Furniture Design Student Award within her year.  The product is called “Z- Charge” which was funded by a KickStarter campaign which was successful with 720 backers.

 

Z – Charge offers the complete solution to having devices all over the place plus it offers multi charging points within the pouch which charges all tablets,phones and e readers so everything is tucked away safely and charging too also offering protection for your device and free from accidental knocks..

 

Devices can be grabbed quickly or stored away easily, through opening access along the top and side of pouch. They are safely secured with a Velcro closure.

 

 

Colour Choices  Z-charge will come in the top 3 colours shown below.  There also will be the possibility of offering further colours,you can let them know which one you prefer in the comments section. If you’d like it in a colour that does not appear you can also let them know that too. You can see more of the colours in the update here.

 

The product i feel is quite neat and tidy and non invasive of your space,it gives you more space and it gives you peace of mind that its in a safe place and that its also charging and the bonus is that especially for couples etc this happens both sides of the bed so everyone is happy,having seen how many backers its got you can see that its quite a unique idea and has a very high interest and i feel this will do well.

Information on the Z-Charge.

Luke Brennan runs MyVolts. Following on from a career as a datacoms engineer at Ericsson, he has worked for a dozen years in online retail.  As far as his mom knows, he has a store on the internet, which keeps things nice and simple.

MyVolts Support Team

The MyVolts team have been shipping online orders worldwide for more than ten years.  A combination of problem-solving skills and experience makes certain they always deliver. Support is available from MyVolts through English, French, German, Spanish, Italian and Polish.

If you want to pre -register for the product and find out more info, you can do so HERE and the product will have an end of March 2015 release date.

Thanks once again to Paula for answering our queries today..