FUJIFILM Announces Hybrid Instant Camera “instax SQUARE SQ20” #FUJIFILM #instax

FUJIFILM just announced the release of the “instax SQUARE SQ20” (SQ20), compatible with square format film, as a new addition to the instax series of instant cameras, which allows users to enjoy on-the-spot photo printing. The SQ20 has a variety of new functions that allow you to enjoy both taking and printing photos; one which can print the best moment of moving subjects easily! The stylish and easy-to-hold design allows the camera to be taken anywhere, ensuring you never miss a precious moment.

In addition to normal shooting for still images, the SQ20 has a new function called “Motion Mode”, which allows you to take a video (max 15 seconds) and then, using a dial at the back of the camera, select the frame that best captures that moment to print —something that has been difficult to achieve previously. The “Time Shift Collage” can take four images with a time difference—all at once—by pushing a single shutter button. The time difference between frames can be adjusted within 0.2 to 2.0 seconds.

 

The special filter “Sequence” can take dynamic and dreamy photos adding sequence effects to the image. The camera has the first zooming function, before shooting, within the instax series. There is also a selfie-shot mirror attached to the side of the lens allowing you to check the shooting range. As a hybrid instant camera, which is equipped with a digital image sensor and digital image processing technology, the camera allows you to select your favorite images before printing and to edit the images with various filters. With the benefits of a hybrid instant camera, a wide variety of photographic expression can be made even with the same image.

The camera is stylish and easy-to-hold. There are two color variations, and matte black, to suit any scene and style. The design of the lens ring—and around the ring—is reminiscent of water ripples. It not only makes the camera easy to hold but is also a contemporary design feature.

 

Since 1998, the instax series product line has been used all over the world and has been particularly embraced by a young demographic. Cumulative shipments have exceeded 30 million units across the globe. Fujifilm will continue to spread the instant photo system “instax,” which allows people across the planet to “enjoy printing photos as they take them.”

The instax Square SQ20 camera is available in FUJIFILM stockists nationwide. Prices start from €200.00 and may vary by retailer.

RICOH – Lacking innovation threatens to put a third of Irish companies out of business by 2020

Irish companies are in danger of falling victim to digital disruption, regulatory requirements and economic shifts that are fundamentally changing their markets. According to new research, commissioned by Ricoh and conducted by Coleman Parkes, 35% of the 150 Irish business leaders surveyed say they will go out of business by 2020 if they fail to innovate in response to these changes.

While 94% recognise the impact of digital disruption in their sector, 61% are not yet in a position to take advantage of its benefits. The top benefits of innovation were cited as competitive advantage, increased productivity, improving growth and winning new customers.

Eighty-eight per cent of business leaders in Ireland said that increasing automation will drive significant change in their organisations. Of these, less than a third said that they are ready for automation now and 29% said they won’t be ready in two years’ time.

In the next two years, almost a quarter predict they will be unable to react swiftly enough to changing government regulations. Moreover, 35% of respondents revealed that more government support is needed to support innovation.

Almost half (43%) of Irish business leaders believe greater access to digital technologies would make their businesses more innovative and some are currently exploring culture changes to improve innovation within their organisations.

For example, 55% are looking at setting up employee innovation workshops in order to teach employees how to come up with new ideas. The other two most popular approaches for consideration are the creation of safe spaces for experimentation to trial new ideas or processes and the encouragement of employees to be involved in projects outside of their day-to-day tasks.

Gary Hopwood, general manager, Ricoh Ireland

Gary Hopwood, Managing Director, Ricoh Ireland, says: “It’s very worrying that the future of so many Irish organisations are at risk because of their failure to innovate. Change is happening and it’s happening now, which is why it’s vital that business leaders take action as soon as possible and formulate a strategy that enables them to embrace digital disruption.

“Organisations can’t afford to stand still if they want to remain competitive and continue to grow. They must think about how they are empowering employees, supporting creativity, helping customers and boosting business performance. While every company is individual in terms of their needs, the need to innovate is crucial for all organisations.”

Find out more at www.ricoh-europe.com/thoughtleadership.

Mishiko launches its revolutionary GPS/Activity tracker. #dogs #pets #tech #health

Mishiko, the global organisation dedicated to developing the very best solutions for the monitoring and improvement of dog’s welfare, is pleased to announce an exciting update since the UK launch of its revolutionary GPS and activity tracker in May 2018, Mishiko. In addition to giving real-time coordinates with up to 4m accuracy.

Mishiko assesses a dog’s current health and recommends a bespoke activity and dietary programme to safely and effectively improve the dog’s condition with continual assessment and reports on an ongoing basis. It now has the added benefit of Bluetooth functionality for areas where the GPS signal is weak. Mishiko is now available in black and white from Amazon.co.uk.

In the UK, it is estimated nearly 1.2M dogs go missing each year, with a large portion of them never returning home. The Mishiko Collar lowers this stat by giving a dogs’ real-time coordinates with up to 4m accuracy and with Mishiko’s global SIM-chip, it is possible to track a dog from anywhere in the world. It works with a mobile app, available for both iOS and Android, which also allows users to set geographic ‘stray’ limits to ensure their dog has not roamed too far.

Obesity is the number one problem for domestic dogs in the UK with rates increasing alarmingly and this condition can reduce a dog’s life expectancy by around 2.5 years. With Mishiko, dog owners are always aware of their furry friend’s daily activity levels and the unique algorithm determines the characteristics of over 600 breeds using the dog’s individual data: weight, age and sex.

It can thus assess if a dog is overweight and provides recommendations in terms of exercise and diet to help owners improve their dog’s health. The app also allows users to create a pet profile to track their dog’s activity level day-by-day, set new goals, and monitor them.

The Mishiko App is more than just a collar add-on; it’s a hub for storing information about a dog’s health and a network of fellow dog owners. Dog owners can go for a walk with Mishiko every day, set new goals and turn it into an exciting game for their pet.

When he lost his beloved dog Misha, Matus Horak, CEO of Mishiko EU, knew all too well how traumatic losing a pet is, but he was unable to find a product to fit his needs – so the idea for the Mishiko Collar was born. Teaming up with Matus, a Slovak ecommerce manager with a marketing and digital background and Ekaterina Sedinina, a telecom business owner, they created a prototype of the Mishiko device – named in tribute to Matus’ lost dog, ‘Misha.’

Matus comments: “I’m so proud of the Mishiko, and hope dog owner’s like myself, will enjoy using it with their pets, and give them some peace of mind that they can be re-united with their four-legged friends at the touch of a button. We’ve designed this product with the health of your pet in mind, with a fantastic app which will let you track your dog’s weight and activity to keep them fighting fit!”

Available internationally, the Mishiko is one of the most advanced dog’s GPS and activity trackers on the market.

  • Superior Design with aluminium body and high-quality electronic components
  • Lightweight, 40g
  • Efficient backlight
  • Global Connectivity: worldwide data roaming in 170 countries
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • No Buttons. To turn Mishiko on, just shake it
  • Waterproof: your pet can swim using the device, IP67
  • Comfortable collar and universal mounting
  • Wireless charging station: no need to detach the device from collar during charging
  • Soft and energy efficient backlight lets you easily find your dog at night
  • Automatic firmware updates
  • Body: Anodized aluminium + ABS plastic with SoftTouch coverage
  • Dimensions and weight: 52x49x22 mm
  • Shock resistant
  • Supported: 2G/3G, GPS
  • Battery: Li-Po, 480 mAh

The Mishiko is available for £99 with unlimited subscription from Amazon

Review . The August LED Bluetooth desk lamp. #August #Bluetooth #Office #Home #Tech

I like simple things and that also means my tech products and when something like this comes along it’s an ideal placement in any home. The August LED Bluetooth desk lamp is one such product.

This is a compact unit offering more than just light, It offers charging for your mobile phone and a bluetooth speaker which has really great sound to boot which is a bonus so overall you are getting several products in one confined space which is something I tend to run out of. The design is also quite nice and simple and will fit well in any room,office or anywhere in the house unless you are a bit pedantic. The thing for me here too is simplicity how it is all combined together saving space and more importantly cables and it is all tidy.

Brightness Touch Control
Easily change the brightness of the lamp through the touch of a button

Built-in Bluetooth Speaker
The included built-in Bluetooth speaker lets you play your favourite songs. Enjoy music whilst you read!

Integrated USB Charging port
Charge a device through the integrated USB socket, perfect for charging your phone or tablet. Utilise this socket and save space on your plug sockets.

Warm Night-Light Function
Use the warm night light feature for a cosy feeling at night, or those nights where you just want a little bit of light.

Lower Power Consumption
The LEC630 doesn’t use much power at all! Saving you costs on electricity bills!

  • Light Power: 5V
  • Maximum Brightness: 240 Lumens
  • Colour Temperature: 5000 – 6000K
  • Chromaticity: Ra > 80
  • Speaker Power: 7W
  • Bluetooth Version: v4.0 + EDR
  • Bluetooth Profile: A2DP / AVRCP / HSP / HFP
  • Bluetooth Distance: 10m
  • USB Power Output: DC 5V / 2.1A
  • Power Supply: DC 12V / 1.5A
  • Dimensions: 129 x 141 x 490mm
  • Weight: 800g (excluding adaptor)

BUY HERE

Garmin announces Instinct. A GPS watch built tough for the outdoors. #Garmin #Instinct #Tech #GPS

Garmin has just announced Instinct, a strong and rugged outdoor watch with GPS, GLONASS and GALILEO satellite support, built-in 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter and wrist-based heart rate. In addition to solid Garmin navigation features, Instinct offers built-in sports apps, smart connectivity and all day activity tracking.

“We are thrilled to add Instinct to our rugged GPS watch line-up, it redefines what a modern outdoor watch needs to be: rugged, reliable and connected,” said Martin Resch, Senior Product Manager Outdoor EMEA. “Instinct is perfect for those who spend their time outdoors and demand a device built tough to stand up to the elements.”

Instinct is a reliable tool built to endure challenging environments. The watch is constructed to military standards (MIL-STD-810G) for thermal, shock and water resistance (rated to 100 metres) with a tough fiber reinforced polymer case. It’s built with a chemically-strengthed and scratch-resistant high-contrast display that’s easy-to-read, especially in direct sunlight. Plus, it features fully-vented integrated silicone bands for secure fit.

While in the field, feel confident exploring off the beaten path thanks to reliable guidance based on Garmin quality navigation features and advanced satellite positioning. The Instinct, supports multiple GNSS satellite networks with GPS, GLONASS and GALILEO to help track a users location in more challenging environments than with just GPS alone. Before venturing out, use the Garmin Explore app to plan the trip in advance and send your route or waypoints right to the watch. When it’s time to head back to camp, the TracBack feature on the watch can navigate you safely on your recorded track back to the original starting point.

With built-in wrist based heart rate, users can monitor daily activity, stress, sleep and other wellness data1. Whether camping, on a training run or going through day-to-day activities, Instinct keeps track of heart rate, steps taken, distance traveled, calories burned and more. Hiking, running, biking, swimming, kayaking and skiing are just a few of the activities supported on the device. Through heart rate variability, the Instinct can track stress levels, allowing the user to be more aware of when physical or emotional sources may cause stress levels to rise.

When paired with a compatible smartphone, Instinct users can leave their phone packed away and protected while they receive smart notifications like texts, emails and other alerts right on the wrist. Instinct is compatible with Garmin Connect, an online fitness community where users can track workouts, sleep patterns such as how much time spent in light, deep and REM cycles, and even compete in virtual fitness challenges. The Instinct will also be compatible with other Garmin devices including inReach Mini, VIRB action cameras. Wherever you are send and receive inReach Mini satellite communication messages declare an SOS and control the VIRB start and stop function.

Instinct features a battery life of up to 14 days in smartwatch mode, up to 16 hours in GPS mode, and up to 40 hours in UltraTrac battery saver mode. It is available in Graphite, Tundra and Flame Red for a suggested retail price of €299.99.

Instinct is the latest solution from Garmin’s expanding outdoor segment, which focuses on developing technologies and innovations to enhance users’ outdoor experiences. Whether hiking, trail running, mountain biking, golfing, diving or using satellite communication, Garmin outdoor devices are essential tools for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels.

For more information about Garmin’s other outdoor products and services, go to garmin.com/outdoors, garmin.blogs.com and twitter.com/garminuk.

August launches LEC630 desk lamp with integrated Bluetooth speaker and USB charging port

August International, a UK based consumer electronics company with a vision to inspire smart innovation, today announced the launch of the LEC630 LED Bluetooth speaker desk lamp just in time for the darker evenings. Perfect for any bedroom or office, the sleek and stylish LEC630 combines a touch control lamp featuring three brightness settings with a built-in speaker that provides crisp and clear sound quality and the ability to stream music wirelessly from any device.

 

Approximately 4.2 million people in the UK now regularly work from home accounting for 13.7% of the UK workforce.  The August LEC630 is a must have for home workers; whether they are sat at their desk, studying, reading in bed at the end of a long day, or just want a little bit of light, the brightness of the August LEC630 lamp and lighting angle can be easily adjusted to suit any environment.

Ideal for long periods of use, the light diffuser and guiding plate prevent light flicker and harsh glare, protecting users’ eyes against fatigue, strain and irritation. Additionally, the use of LEDs means the lamp doesn’t use as much power as traditional bulb alternatives, saving money when it comes to electricity bills.

 

Whilst users are working or studying they can also enjoy their favourite songs as the August LEC630 features a built-in Bluetooth speaker so there is no need for a separate device. Smartphones and tablets can be easily connected via Bluetooth 4.0 or the 3.5mm aux-in port to provide clear and powerful sound. The capacitive touch buttons that control the brightness of the lamp also control music volume and can quickly and easily skip forwards and backwards through tracks.

 

Ensuring the August LEC630 is the ultimate all-in-one study station and work hub, it also features an integrated 2.1A USB socket for fast charging, perfect for powering smartphones, tablets and more. Light and moveable with an anti-skid base and featuring a stylish yet minimal design, the August LEC630 will take up less space and look good on any desk or bedside table.


The August LEC630 RRPs at £69.95 and more information can be found on https://www.augustint.com/en/productmsg-291-328.html

Watch out VERY SOON for our review it is quite a handy piece of tech for the bedroom or office alike which also saves you on multiple plugs and cables.

Airtame, launches Airtame 2 – its latest wireless HDMI streaming device for businesses and schools.

Airtame, a Danish startup that produces a wireless HDMI solution for both the business and education sectors, has announced the launch of its second generation hardware product, Airtame 2.

The company started in 2014 with a record-­breaking crowdfunding campaign and a mission to remove cables in professional environments. The new product will deliver much more than a cable-free solution by tapping into digital signage and app integrations. Whereas the first generation Airtame was mostly a screen mirroring solution, Airtame 2 takes huge steps forward in design and functionality by re-imagining how to turn blank screens into smart, collaborative displays. It will improve any forward-thinking workspace, and is extremely easy to use.

 

The Airtame essentials

  • Present wirelessly from computers and mobile devices to TVs and projectors over professional networks – supporting full motion video and audio
  • Personalised standby screens – display websites, dashboards, beautiful imagery, or your company logo and info
  • Digital signage with our native apps – make screens stand out with our mix of Homescreen integrations (currently in Beta)
  • No more cables! Make workspaces look more clean and presentable
  • Easy and quick remote management with Airtame Cloud
  • Reduce IT support tickets by up to 80%

 

Brian Kyed, CPO and Co-Founder at Airtame, commented “Our objective with Airtame was initially ‘just’ to get rid of cables – a relatable and common issue in many organisations. We have since realised that there is much more to the issue. After years of product development and user feedback, we’re proud to deliver Airtame 2, which not only removes cables but helps organisations use screens better.”

Airtame 2 retails at £355 per device, and, compared to the first generation device, features 4 x more RAM, a 200% increase in wireless reach, an intuitive LED  and a Kensington Lock slot for added security.

 

Not long ago, Airtame was awarded a €1.15 million EU grant through Horizon 2020. The company also announced recently that they reached 100,000 devices shipped. Airtame has doubled its revenue two years in a row.

 Airtame 2 is available from £355 from https://airtame.com

The Nokia 2.1 officially on sale in Ireland #Nokia #TescoMobile #Vodafone #Ireland

The all new Nokia 2.1 has dropped into Tesco Mobile not long after they introduced the Nokia 8110 4G which is now their third Nokia device in their handset portfolio. The 2.1 which is following the naming scheme HMD GLOBAL are using is an upgrade to last years Nokia 2 so this might confuse some although Tesco never sold the Nokia 2 but its widely available for around €79.99

Key specs

  • 5.5″ Display
  • 8MP Rear Camera
  • 8GB Internal Memory
  • Up to 128GB External Memory
  • 4000mAh Battery

Vodafone also have listed the device coming in cheaper again at €99.99 which would be ideal for those on the network. The Nokia 2.1 does offer great value for money with a huge screen and a boastfull 4000 mAh battery life which will easily see you two days or average use.

TESCO  MOBILE 

VODAFONE IRELAND

Google Launches Pixel Phones and Stand in Ireland #MadeByGoogle #Google #Pixel

The worst kept tech secret of late no doubt but something which we tend to avoid which is report on leaks for clickbait but the Google Pixel phones are finally official and guess what else?? You can purchase them in Ireland this time arguably the best phone last year what will they offer this time around and from owning the first iteration I was impressed by the device and look forward to the new devices which we will be reviewing soon and also there is no need to go hunting in the UK and using Virtual addresses to ship them in..

However the price is something else to take into consideration with the base model starting at €899 and going north after that will you be picking one up?? I for sure and looking forward to testing this device out…

Pixel 3 and Pixel 3XL are the new smartphones from Google, bringing you the best of Google in a phone, powered by AI to deliver more helpful, thoughtful and enjoyable experiences. That means a phone that answers for you when a telemarketer calls, a camera that uses AI to make sure you never miss the shot, and a more helpful visual and audio experience while charging, powered by the Google Assistant. Click here to read more about what Pixel phones can do.

The Pixel 3, with a 5.5” screen, is priced at €899 for the 64GB version and €959 for the 128GB version; meanwhile the larger Pixel 3 XL, which has a 6.3” screen, is priced at €999 for the 64 GBversion and €1099 for the 128GB version. Both sizes come in Just Black and Clearly White, and an additional Not Pink colour is available exclusively from the Google Store. Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XLare available for pre-order now and on sale and in store on 1 November from the Google Store and Vodafone Ireland. Pixel USB-C earbuds come included with all models.

Also arriving in Ireland is the perfect accompaniment to the Pixel phones: the Pixel Stand. Much more than a wireless charger, the Pixel Stand transforms your Pixel phone into the perfect lifestyle assistant – click here for more info. Pixel Stand will be on sale for €79 in Clearly White and will be available on the Google Store only from 1st November,For all other Google product updates, check out the official Google Blog here.

REVIEWED THE GOOGLE PIXEL 3XL

REVIEWED PIXEL 3XL STAND 

REVIEWED PIXEL GENUINE CASES 

REVIEWED SPECK PRODUCTS CASES 

REVIEWED GEAR 4 CASE FOR PIXEL 3XL