Adonit Introduces its Windows Exclusive INK Pro Business Stylus to the UK #Adonit

Leading stylus manufacturer, Adonit, is today pleased to announce the UK availability of INK Pro – a fine point stylus with a built in microphone to support Cortana voice command, created exclusively for Windows powered tablets and devices with business users in mind. The INK Pro is available for £79.99 from Amazon with Prime delivery.

Certified by Microsoft, the Adonit INK Pro provides a turnkey stylus solution to any Windows device and is the perfect business accessory with Cortana compatibility. Simply connect to the INK Pro via Bluetooth and write and draw in exquisite detail with the INK Pro’s 1mm fine point tip that is both replaceable and streamlined. Featuring a pressure sensitive tip, the Adonit INK Pro emulates real handwriting with lines appearing thicker or thinner depending on how hard the stylus is pressed whilst drawing or writing. Notes, brainstorms and other designs can be created as naturally as if using pen and paper.

Fast paced business meetings and note taking can be much neater with the handy palm rejection feature that allows users to write naturally and comfortably without worrying about extra marks on the page or PowerPoint slide. If a mistake in notes is made, the two shortcut buttons on the INK Pro allow for easy right clicking and erasing.

Features

·         Compatible with Windows Tablets & 2-in-1 laptops

·         Palm rejection

·         Pressure sensitivity

·         Presentation mode and shortcut buttons

·         Cortana voice enabled

·         Laser pointer

·         1mm fine point tip

·         Charging dock

With 80 hours of battery life or 24 hours of continuous use and chargeable with any micro USB, travelling with INK Pro could not be more convenient. Users can easily take notes, sketch or brainstorm whilst on long plane, train or car journeys and have no concerns about battery life with the INK Pro.

Featuring a built-in microphone and supporting Cortana voice command, it is ideal to use when in a boardroom for seamless business meetings or just for use in the office. Using Cortana with the stylus can allow users to create notes, find out schedule detail, to translate languages and many other actions simply with voice commands. The INK Pro also includes up and down page buttons to easily switch to the next slide during a presentation with the front-end design laser pointer allowing for points to be clear. Ideal for the modern business-person, the stylus will make the perfect partner for pitches, reports and daily business activity.

Versatile apps

Whether in a boardroom meeting, a presentation, in the office or working from home, the INK Pro makes life more convenient for any business person. Using apps such as PowerPoint and OneNote, handwritten notes can be taken as if using pen and paper. If looking for a more creative use, the Ink Pro works with apps including Sketchpad, Autodesk SketchBook and Fresh Paint allowing users to create sketches, illustrations or brainstorm diagrams. A full list of apps available for Windows INK can be found here.

Adonit INK Pro is available in Black and White for £79.99 ​from​ ​Amazon​. See more on Facebook @ Adonit Europe.

Review – The NETGEAR Orbi AC2200 RBK40 #Netgear #WiFi #tech

The NETGEAR Orbi AC2200 RBK40 is described as a solution to cover a large area using a Tri-band Wi-Fi to deliver faster internet speed as devices connect. This also has the option to add additional units to expand this range. The units are less industrial looking than many technology office-based equipment, this can fit in with the decor of a family home.

Contents:

  • One (1) Orbi Router (RBR40)
  • One (1) Orbi Satellite (RBS40)
  • One (1) 2m Ethernet cable
  • Two (2) 12V/2.5A power adapters
  • Quick start guide

Features:

  • Fast whole home Wi-Fi system – covers up to 250 M squared with high performance Wi-Fi; kit includes Wi-Fi router and satellites
  • Tri-Band technology – unlike other Wi-Fi sets that lose speed as you add devices, Orbi routers maintain data flow for your connected devices using a dedicated backhaul connection
  • Quick and easy setup – no need to create new accounts; just download the Orbi app, plug in your system and follow the instructions on your PC, Mac or mobile device to get your house on the net
  • Guest network – easily set up a separate and secure Wi-Fi network for visitors and guests to use; an ideal web gear combo for movie streaming and gaming sessions with friends and family
  • Compatible with Amazon Echo/Alexa – control your home network using voice commands

Tech specifications:

  • Combined WiFi speed 2,200 Mbps (400 + 866 + 866Mbps)
  • Coverage 250 M squared
  • Dedicated Backhaul 2×2 (866 Mbps)
  • WiFi Technology Tri-band
  • Memory 4GB flash and 512MB RAM
  • MU-MIMO Capable Yes
  • Antennas Four (4) high-performance antennas
  • Dimensions 6.4 x 3.1 x 8.0in (Router), 6.4 x 3.1 x 8.0in (Satellite)
  • Weight 1.65lb (Router), 1.65lb (Satellite)
  • Gigabit Ethernet ports (Router) 1 WAN and 3 LAN
  • Gigabit Ethernet Port (per Satellite) 4 LAN
  • Beamforming Yes
  • Works with Orbi OS Yes
  • Orbi App Yes
  • Guest WiFi network Yes
  • WPA/PSK2 support Yes
  • Works with Amazon Alexa & the Google Assistant Yes

Note: If you have an old brick house with thick walls or allot of tinfoil plasterboard to improve your installation, older type cordless phone, or a mirror at the back your current router, you may experience low Wi-Fi range.

Setup:

The setup required minimum technical knowledge and straightforward. Connect a network cable from the Netgear Orbi to your router, plug in the unit & watch as the light change colour until they become a solid colour. The satellite is recommended to be placed in the centre of the property and plugged in, leaving for under 2 minutes to get a connection to the Orbi router. The light then changes to a blue colour to indicate a strong connection, (amber indicted a poorer signal meaning the unit should be placed closer to the Orbi router). The phone / tablet/ laptops etc connect as normal using the Wifi code on the unit. Registration of the unit is done on line with the usual questions and backup security question

Setup video: The range can be further extended by using additional satellite units a daisy chain or star network topologies. The daisy chain networking allows you to connect either to the router or to the satellite increasing the range. Those of a technical nature can delve into other network functionality.

NETGEAR Orbi App:

This has Installs 50,000 – 100,000 with a rating of 4.1 out of 5, the installs app dashboard gives an overview of the network status.

  • Settings. Manage your Orbi router and its WiFi settings.
  • Device List. View a list of devices connected to your network with the ability to pause and resume WiFi for each.
  • Guest WiFi. Create a guest WiFi network and securely share your network details with friends and family.
  • Parental Controls. Enable Circle with Disney Smart Parental Controls on your Orbi System.
  • Traffic Meter. Monitor data usage over time.
  • Speed Test. Test the Internet speed of your service provider.
  • Support. Access Orbi system information and the community forum.

Note: If you have poor internet coming to your business / home the NETGEAR Orbi will not speed it up, rather distribute WiFi evenly around your property.

What’s the warranty on my Orbi WiFi System?

NETGEAR products have a quality brand name, quality reputation and work well. The warranty should be a selling factor for this product, but unfortunately Netgear appear to hide behind bureaucracy of paperwork to advise on what’s not covered, returns or damaged etc . Throughout 5 separate worldwide sites, they fail to address a simple question, how long is the warranty for a NETGEAR Orbi product. Netgear leave you hanging like a Hitchcock movie, never answering the simple question.

http://www.netgear.com/about/warranty/ advise you to look on https://kb.netgear.com/31036/What-s-the-warranty-on-my-Orbi-system which in turn refers you back to the original site . This is my number 1 dislike of this great product, lack of clear information on the warranty period.

Evaluation:

This unit was setup in the house, the data on the smart phone was turned off, only connected it via WiFi (without the NETGEAR Orbi) connected.   A YouTube video was watched while slowly walking away from the router. This resulted in a drop-in signal of YouTube video just outside the front door. Again, the same exercise, but connected the NETGEAR Orbi, the range and quality increased while sitting in the car outside the house. The range increase was very noticeable and speed test improved with the use of the NETGEAR Orbi.

When the unit was used with 4 Laptops all watching a YouTube video, again the Wi-Fi signal seemed solid with the usual buffering or dropout previously experienced diminished. Various software apps were used as tests but the practically of real life viewing a video gave clear concrete confirmation of the range increase and sharing of bandwidth.

The Netgear Orbi provided fast, reliable internet around the home with minimum setup required. If you suffer from poor signal / drop out areas weather due to distance or apartment living with interference from other routers close by, Then the Netgear Orbi would provide a first-rate solution. 

Available from

https://www.amazon.co.uk/NETGEAR-Coverage-Tri-Band-Network-Satellite/dp/B071D8SWGd      Price:            £219.99

TechBuzzIreland speaks to TRT WORLD about the Nokia 8110 #Nokia8110

The Nokia 8110 was quite a surprise announcement at MWC this year and it was the second retro phone to be brought to us by HMD Global and Nokia last year being the 3310 which has several iterations now due to its popularity. Dubbed as the banana phone many tech fans welcomed the move though some say it was another marketing trick by HMD Global and Nokia as they did before with the 3310 but the general public beg to differ on that and sales of the 3310 have been good and proven popular.

The 8810 reboot with 4G which will be in the region of €79 and is to hit the shelves later this year and at that price be it a nostalgic purchase or buying the phone to use as a main device it is cost-effective given its more a feature phone and not a fully fledged smart phone with its striking looks coming in Black and Yellow and there was a hint of a Blue version it surely will sell on its own merits.

I spoke to Kamali Melbourne at TRTWORLD about the Nokia 8810 and what I think of the device and what is happening. Watch their news bulletin or you can Skip to 10.25 for my discussion on the Nokia 8810. Watch out for more soon..

See more on our stories with Nokia.

http://nokiapeople.com/jim-o-brien-my-journey-with-nokia/

https://blogs.windows.com/devices/2013/09/23/is-jim-obrien-europes-biggest-nokia-fan/

Segway Robotics Defines the Future of Mobile Robots with Loomo. #Loomo #Indiegogo

Loomo is a personal mobile robot that “transforms” between a mini personal transporter and robot companion. It responds to voice, gesture, touch and app control and sees the world through Intel’s RealSense ZR300 camera for depth-sensing & motion tracking.

Segway Robotics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Segway-Ninebot Group, is proud to launch Loomo, a smart machine that toggles between a mini personal transporter and mobile robot sidekick. Loomo is now available for pre-order on Indiegogo today, with limited early bird pricing starting at $1299.

Loomo will launch with a core set of foundational features, with more capabilities unlocked over time through over-the-air (OTA) updates. Out of the box, you can ride Loomo as a mini transporter, let it follow you autonomously as a robot sidekick, or show off Loomo’s playful personality to your friends. Loomo also comes with a free Android-based SDK for professional developers and enthusiasts alike to build on top of our mobility + AI platform.

 

Loomo’s key features include:

  • Self-Balancing Transporter: Smooth ride experience across most terrain types, with speeds of up to 11 MPH, and the capacity to cover 22 miles in one charge; a voice-based tutorial allows anyone to learn how to ride Loomo in mere minutes
  • Auto-Follow Expert: With advanced computer vision, Loomo can follow you autonomously, shoot stabilized video, and more
  • Avatar: Use your smartphone as a remote control to access all of Loomo’s capabilities – see, speak, interact, and explore as if you are Loomo
  • Friendly & Expressive Personality: Powered by its emotion engine, Loomo’s lovable nature and lighthearted expressions will cheer you up and impress everyone around you
  • Multiple Control Methods: You can control Loomo via your smartphone app, voice command, gestures and touch sensors
  • New Skills Unlocked Over-the-Air (OTA): Loomo will continuously update its software and app OTA to include new features
  • Free Loomo Android SDKfor developers: Directly access Loomo’s mobility and AI capabilities to build a range of playful features or practical solutions

“Segway-Ninebot has already put millions of wheels on the ground that cover 180 million kilometers each year. But what happens if you combine Segway’s proven mobility technology with cutting-edge AI? Well say hello to Loomo,” said Li Pu, President of Segway Robotics.  “For many, Loomo is a reflection of our movie fantasies growing up… it embodies our vision of how mobile personal robots can become a part of our everyday lives.”

The Loomo Indiegogo campaign launches March 6, 2018. Limited early bird pricing will be set at $1299. The basic pack includes 1 Loomo, 1 AC/DC adapter, 1 extended air tap, and 1 USB 3.0 Type-C cable. Loomo will begin shipping to backers in May 2018.

 

 

Loomo’s core technologies include:

 

  • Mobility and Intelligent Motion Control System: Loomo incorporates Segway Mini Plus’s latest magnesium alloy base, which comprises of more than 400 self-balancing patents. A quick response motion control system and 11-inch anti-slip tires allow for smooth riding on uneven roads and the ability to keep balance in other challenging situations. Powerful motors and a large volume battery enable speeds of up to 11 MPH, up to a distance of 22 miles
  • Multi-Sensor Perception: Loomo is equipped with an Intel RealSense ZR300 camera for depth sensing and motion tracking, which enables robot mapping and obstacle avoidance. Loomo also has a 1080p HD-camera stabilized by a 3-axis gimbal which enables stable video capture while moving, a 5-microphones array on its head to determine voice/noise direction and recognize voice commands, two infrared-distance sensors and an ultrasonic sensor in the front for obstacle detection and fall warning, and several other touch sensors on its body
  • Visual Perception and Understanding: Driven by deep learning and computer vision technologies, Loomo owns a powerful visual system consisting of an object Detection and Tracking System (DTS) and a Human Understanding System (HUS). DTS enables the detection and tracking of multiple-objects in real time, and is the foundation for many applications. HUS enables Loomo to recognize faces and understand human properties, e.g. gender, gestures, and other behaviors that are required for human understanding and interaction analysis
  • Easy-to-use Android Platform: We have developed a customized Android Platform to manage hardware, software and algorithms as a whole. With our free SDK, developers can control the base assembly and robot head at a proper abstraction level. Through the hardware extension bay in the back, mechanical and electrical engineers can design and attach additional components to the robot, enabling even more flexibility and a wide range of creative possibilities

Nearly 60% of People Are Worried About Their Data Being Used by Mobile Apps #GDPR

Research from The App Developers has discovered that whilst 58% of the population are worried about mobile Apps stealing personal data, they still went on to download as many as 100 paid apps each, over the course of 12 months.

Surprisingly 73% of respondents said that, despite being worried about their data, they would still only download free apps – which were far more likely to be monetised with targeted advertising or by capturing their data.

When asked about how they preferred to access premium content within free apps, more than a thirdof those worried about their data said they’d prefer to access premium content in exchange for being subjected to “un-skippable” in-app advertising, this compares with just 13% who preferred to pay for the content directly or as an upgrade cost.

Sam Furr, founder of The App Developers said: “Despite the fact that such a large concern exists, the public continue to download free apps in abundance, meaning that companies should make efforts to keep their apps free if they want to reach the largest possible audience”.

He goes on to say “Luckily, only a tiny minority of apps are capturing data with the intent to sell on, most will fall foul of the new GDPR rules, demonetising lots of the less trustworthy apps and allowing those to cut through the noise who genuinely add some value”.

New GDPR legalisation will mean hefty fines for those found in breach of data protection laws. Of those who have only downloaded 1-5 apps in the last 12 months, 67% admitted to being concerned about apps using their data for marketing purposes.

Comparatively, 69% of participants who have downloaded 51-100 apps in the last 12 months revealed they were content with handing over their personal information to apps. This could suggest app-addicts are unsure of the potential consequences of carelessly handing over their personal information, or are comfortable with the way their data could be used.

However, the overall perception of apps asking for personal information is negative, with 60% of participants being against it; meaning apps who request this might be unpopular to download.

About The App Developers

The App Developers are an award-winning mobile led design & development agency, working with corporates and start-ups across multiple sectors. All products are created adopting a user-first methodology, and solutions are designed taking an expert think-tank approach to business pain points and objectives.  Everything is built with ROI in mind.  The App Developers have worked with brands such as Fujifilm, Exxonmobil, Sainsbury’s, Walkers & many emerging and disruptive start-ups.

Survey Methodology

The App Developers surveyed over 300 men and women within the UK between 07/02/2018 – 12/02/2018 to discover their opinions and thoughts on mobile apps. Respondents were asked 10 questions such as which marketing channels encourage app downloads, how much they spend on downloading apps or in-app purchases and whether they would choose an app over a branded website. The App Developers then analysed the results.

 

Unboxing and first look. The Sudio Tre earphones #tech #earphones

Sudio Sweden have sent us over their latest earphones the Sudio Tre in the Classic Blue. Dont forget you can get a special discount via us on their website by using the code techbuzzireland15 see more HERE. Today we will have a quick unboxing and walkaround and if you have any questions feel free to ask during our review period.

The Tre sound signature is well-balanced with each tone represented clearly for an even listening experience. Tre offers full sound transparency, meaning the user can still hear their surroundings without having to remove the earphones. You won’t be caught off guard by unexpected street noise and conversation, even while listening to your favorite tunes.

BUY HERE 

Almost two-thirds of Irish workers don’t have full remote access during #StormEmma

Storm Emma has taken everyone by surprise and frankly I don’t think we were prepared for it and it could cost the economy millions. From a business perspective things can keep going though via remote access which I do myself but there is businesses out there that could be more proactive in this department. Will the likes of these severe weather conditions be a kickstart for a business to now have a protocol in place? Some do but there is many there that do not so maybe now this might change after recent events.

Severe weather conditions have forced the closure of many Irish businesses as Status Red and Orange snow and ice warnings have been issued across the State. The resultant impact could end up costing Irish companies millions, as many fail to embrace the technology capable of empowering remote working.

Gary Hopwood, Managing Director at Ricoh Ireland, commented: “Between the severe conditions that engulfed the country this week and Storm Ophelia late last year, Ireland has experienced two Status Red nationwide weather warnings in recent times. Events such as these impact the entire workforce and can cause a huge amount of disruption to unprepared businesses, in terms of both time and money. Ensuring the safety of the workforce is paramount, however it is essential that employees can stay safe at home whilst having the capacity to work productively. That is where remote working technology comes in.

Gary Hopwood, general manager, Ricoh Ireland

A recent survey from Ricoh Ireland found that almost two-thirds (63%) of Irish workers don’t have the authorisation or remote access tools needed to work effectively from home. With extremely low temperatures and blizzard conditions caused by Storm Emma, many employees have either been unable to complete their daily work, or have seen their productivity greatly impacted by a lack of mobile workstyle supports.

“At Ricoh Ireland, we have implemented our own business continuity plan which enables all Ricoh employees to work effectively and efficiently from home. We recognise the value of mobile working during times like these, not only in terms of upholding business continuity and delivering a high standard of customer service, but also enabling employees to innovate and collaborate from remote locations. In other words, supporting mobile workstyles is advantageous for the individuals but also the organisation and, perhaps most importantly, its customers.

In addition to the impact on a company’s bottom line caused by office closures, the study found that Irish businesses are missing out on a further range of benefits by failing to empower mobile working. Respondents cited the main benefits of remote workstyles as greater flexibility (79%), the ability to attract and retain the best talent (37%), and improved customer service (36%).

The research, which was carried out in association with TechPro magazine in November 2017, surveyed 175 IT professionals from private and public sector organisations across Ireland.

Boots Ireland App update has a host of features and New Digital Advantage Card #Boots #Apps #AdvanatageCard

The Boots Advantage Card is used regularly by 1 million Irish customers and is one of Ireland’s most loved loyalty programmes. The Boots Digital Advantage Card is now available via the Boots phone app which we have covered before and will enable customers to earn points simply and swiftly at the till via the phone app, with a host of additional new functions also available. Boots Advantage Card customers earn 4 points for every €1 spent. Boots customers that download or upgrade the app can avail of a bonus 400 points when they spend €20 in store or online.

The generous points system remains unchanged, with Boots Advantage Card customers earning 4 points for every €1 spent, and members of the Boots Parenting Club, and the Over 60s programme, earning a boosted 10 points for every €1 on a selected range of products.

The new version of the Boots Ireland App has a host of features other than the New Digital Advantage Card, including:

  • A range of personalised offers for each customer
  • Online shopping and appointment booking service
  • New vitamin reminder and health advice function
  • Store locator to quickly find nearest Boots store and the services offered
  • Wide range of photo printing services

As a special offer, Boots customers can avail of a bonus 400 points when they spend €20 in store or online.

Insights from the Boots Advantage Card programme reveal that the most popular item to be redeemed via points is cotton wool pads, followed by bottled water and Boots cucumber face wipes. Looking further at the spending habits of Irish Boots Advantage Card users, Christmas is the most popular time of year for Boots customers to choose a points purchase, and Fridays top the table as the most popular day of the week for customers to pay with points – allowing a little more spending power heading into the weekend.

Commenting on the launch of the Boots Digital Advantage Card, Mark Barry, IT Director for Boots UK & Ireland said: “We are always looking to bring our customers new and exciting ways of getting better value for their purchases and bringing the Boots Advantage Card into the digital space is an important step in making it easier than ever to collect and spend points. The new app also offers a range of new services that were developed with the Boots customer in mind, which we hope will be really popular.”

Commenting on the new launch, Gillian Hennessy, Head of Marketing at Boots Ireland says: “We are really proud of what the Boots Advantage Card has offered to Irish shoppers over the last decade, and this new launch introduces the easiest way ever to carry your Boots Advantage Card. The insights show that a million Irish people regularly benefit by using the Boots Advantage Card points system, and we’re delighted the new digital version provides a streamlined way to earn and spend points.”

How to get the Boots Digital Advantage Card:

  1. Download the Boots app on the Apple App Store or on Google Play
  2. Customers who have a Boots Advantage card then click ‘My Advantage Card’
  3. Click ‘Add my card’ and enter your Boots Advantage Card number and details
  4. You’re all set! Your Boots Digital Advantage Card barcode, points available to spend and personalised offers will appear in the app

For more information on the Boots Digital Advantage Card and how to download, visit boots.ie/advantage-card

 

The Studio19 SOLO EQ speaker with Dual Pressure Air Compression Technology and Enhanced 360° Optimized Sound

British audio design specialists, Studio19, is today pleased to announce the launch of the Solo EQ speaker on crowd funding platform,Indiegogo. The Solo EQ is a precision-engineered speaker system that’s ready to connect with music, movies and gaming for a premium audio experience. Built using patented Dual Pressure Air Compression (DPAC) super-bass technology and Enhanced 360° Optimized Sound, the Solo produces a fully immersive auditory experience with an exceptionally detailed and nuanced sound quality throughout the entire room.

 

Early Bird backers will be able to pick up the Solo EQ for just $379 (RRP $599) with an estimated delivery date of just 10-12 weeks.

Beautifully designed in powder-coated stainless steel, the Solo uses state-of-the-art speaker drivers with a maximum output of up to 200 watts, loud enough to handle virtually any occasion with no compromise in quality. The Solo is one of the world’s first “enhanced degree” patented 3D-effect portable Hi-Fi speakers. Unlike conventional 360° sound, the Solo’s Enhanced 360° Optimized Sound flows not only left to right but top to bottom. This creates an omni-directional spread with wide, directional waves that circulate throughout a room, giving the authentic impression of a multi-speaker environment from a single speaker.

 

Cutting edge digital processing power means that the Solo heightens the essential characteristics of the audio you listen too, resulting in a rich, dynamic sound that truly brings your music to life. The Solo EQ has a built-in professional EQ Graphic Equalizer, a digital sound enhancement not normally found in portable speakers, allowing you to fine tune your music even further. Add more bass, mid-range or treble to get exactly the sound you want.

 

Features:

  • Bluetooth Connectivity options for versatile play
  • Wifi connectivity for multi room playback and control
  • HDMI port: Connect to an HDTV for an enhanced sound bar experience
  • Active 3-band Graphic EQ to tailor your sound
  • Enhanced 360° Optimized Sound for omni-directional audio
  • Advanced DSP for full dynamic range
  • Dual Pressure Air Compression Technology for a super bass experience
  • Movie/Music/Gaming modes to optimize the sound source
  • Available in space grey or gold

Specifications:

  • Working voltage: 7.4V
  • Charging voltage: DC 5V 3A
  • Max Output: 200W
  • Driver Unit: bass 3Ω, middle 4Ω*2, treble 4Ω*2
  • Driver Size: bass 5 inch, middle 2.5 inch, treble 1.5 inch
  • Frenquency：20Hz~18kHz
  • S/N: ≥100dB
  • Distortion: ≤0.5%
  • Bluetooth Version: 4.2 with TWS
  • Bluetooth distance: 10M
  • Battery Capacity: 8800 mAh
  • Size: 143mm x 143mm x 602mm
  • Weight: 3.2kg

SUPPORT THEM ON INDIEGOGO