Cello 55″ Platinum, Smart 4K UHD TV with build in soundbar. #SmartTv #TV #CELLO

The initial view from the box was very positive, made in England, contains a sound bar within the TV and has an abundance of sockets. The TV is an Android Smart TV, with a picture quality of 4K Ultra HD to match this positive view. The LCD TV is slim and light, suitable for wall mounting, with an air mouse remote control.

Package Contents:

  • 55″ Platinum 4K UHD Android Smart Freeview T2 HD LED TV
  • Remote control
  • Instructions

Specification:

  • Screen Size         55″
  • Android Smart TV             Yes
  • Digital Freeview DVBT2 HD
  • USB        USB 2.0 x 3 (2 Android, 1 TV)
  • Contrast Ratio    3000:1
  • Brightness           200
  • 4K Ultra HD         Yes
  • Max Resolution 3840 x 2160
  • Speakers             6 x Speakers (4 x 4ohm 8W sub-woofers, 2 x 8ohm 8W treble) max output 16W
  • Refresh 120Hz
  • Power   AC100-240v
  • Energy Rating     ‘A’ – 150 watts on working and 0.5 watt standby power consumption
  • HDMI    3
  • Inputs   HDMI x 3, Aerial, YpbPr, CVBS x 2, RJ45, 3x USB (2 Android, 1 TV) and CI inputs
  • Outputs               Digital audio out (optical)
  • VESA     400mm x 400mm
  • Dimension w/stand         W 1250mm x D 286mm x H 852mm
  • Dimensions w/o stand   W 1250mm x D 88mm x H 797mm
  • Weight 16.5Kg

Setup and use:

The initial setup was good seeing the UK as the default allowing a change e.g. Ireland easily changed and individual area listed. The option was given to search for terrestrial TV or cable channels. The smart TV set up, as with any new android phone is annoying, having to set up a Gmail account and go through all the usual accepting T&C.  The connection as with an android device was seamless without issues (connect to your router using the built in Wi-Fi). The updates required for apps which is now required for the smart TV are becoming a way of life but an annoyance to your TV viewing.

Once the TV was setup, the android features whether browsing the web or using a variety of preinstalled App gives the TV a complete new experience of viewing as if you had not used a smart TV before. The physical setup required 4 screws fitted to place the TV stand in place (the screws are a bit fiddley).  The setup is best to use a HDMI cable as there is no scart connection which is the current trend. All Cello TVs with MPEG4 technology can receive all TV channels in Ireland. Irish channels cannot be received in the UK.

Audio:

The TV comes with an inbuilt sound bar, 6 x Speakers (4 x 4ohm 8W sub-woofers, 2 x 8ohm 8W treble) max output 16W that provide outstanding sound quality. The audio when used with Spotify was turned up to 30%. The audio sounds were enough to hear in a standard home, turning up to 50% was too loud to stay in the same room as the TV. The quality was not distorted at the higher level and appeared a better quality than other more expensive TV.

 

Air mouse remote control

The air mouse remote control comes like a wireless mouse plugging the dongle into the back of the TV and the remote worked (batteries were supplied). The remote had all the usual features but took a while to get used to the gestures to pin point exactly where you want to place the cursor on the TV. The digital TV often appeared a lag from changing setting via the remote control. The batteries in the remote seemed to drain quickly.

Warranty & Quality:

The Smart TV made in England would inspire confidence in the quality, but this Cello product comes with only 12-month guarantee protecting you against electrical and mechanical breakdown.  This 1-year warranty from an English brand is a disappointment. The quality while minor gripes can be seen on the USB socket, misaligned on the back of the TV. The rear label was coming off. The remote on occasions was erratic in use not always locations to the right part of the screen.

Android Smart TV

The 55″ 4K Ultra HD Smart TV came with all the features you would expect on an android tablet, many of which are useful, in terms of ability to change the font size, but also comes with “the out of the box android features” location turn on or off. The playstore was on the TV with BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, Kodi, 4 On Demand, Netflix, Sky Go, games and social media. The TV was connected via Wi-Fi and allowed a new world of TV entertainment. The Android Smart TV required the usual updates which are seen on the android smart phones.

Screen Resolution:

The 4K Ultra HD Smart TV new high-resolution format with 3840 x 2160 pixels, as compared to full HD 1920×1080 px;. approx. 4 four times the number of pixels allowing the display four times the level of detail. Normal HD can still be played on the TV using your existing HDMI cable, (there is no need to change the HDMI cable unless running a long distance). The 4K is the future of TV pictures but there is limited content on the market i.e. for SKY you need a Sky Q 2TB box with subscription and can get UHD films on Sky cinema on demand and a selection of box sets. A lot of the premiership football and such as the F1 is also in UHD, after that there are limited channels. The screen had a tin cover around the side ensuring the picture covers most of the screen. The panel does not block part of the screen which looks respectable when compared to more expensive brands.

Conclusion:

The TV came with 3 HDMI inputs for external devices & consoles, 3 USB sockets providing ample connectivity, and a Micro SD card slot (card not supplied) allowing storage for quick call up and smooth operation. The air mouse remote control is not my favourite remote, the standard Sky remote was used to watch TV.  The air mouse remote when used with the Android Smart TV was erratic, typing in details on the pop-up keyboard, works while positioning the remote to press enter on occasions was difficult. A recommendation would be to get a separate wireless / Bluetooth keyboard.  The audio quality while loud was a pleasure to use, especially in the movie mode given an impressive audio quality. Support is available from the UK via a UK number or dedicated ROI number which is a great positive.  The screen quality was impressive and worked well for Netflix without the expected buffering you might expect from a 55” TV. Overall this is a budget TV with a few niggles, warranty, quality of sockets but the viewing quality and audio is certainly a winner within the price range.

https://celloelectronics.com/product/55-platinum-4k-uhd-android-smart-freeview-t2-hd-led-tv

Nokia Entertainment Flip Cover for the Nokia 2.1 quitely dropped. #Nokia2

When it comes to cases for your new phone often the case (pun intended) you are wasting your time looking in bricks and mortar here in Ireland for some time after release. Even the Nokia 7 Plus has not got an official case yet bar the one provided in the box and I have asked direct with no response on this matter with no repsonse and again on the Nokia forums, This follows a trend we have seen in the past and in the interim third party case manufacturers reap the rewards to some extent as we have reviewed many third party cases for the likes of the Nokia 7 Plus and other devices.

OK one could argue you get a case with the phone which is a step in the right direction but users want more as some devices in the past have got cases made directly by HMD/Nokia.It adds a nice touch to the device too having orginal cases.

Just recently reported by our good friends at nokiamoblog they have spotted a new case for the budget Nokia 2.1 device which is welcome and this case is called the Nokia Entertainment Flip Cover  which is designed to allow you consume media without the need to hold your device or remove it from its case which is good.

With the Nokia Entertainment Flip Cover, you can switch from compact protection to a free-standing media display in an instant.

There is no price yet on the store for this case so we will update the info when we get it.. It is true some people like their device naked with no case but its best to have one for your own protection especially is you are outdoors someday it will pay off with a small investment. Argos also have a clear case now on sale for the 2017 Nokia 2 and you can see that HERE  Check it out the official Nokia 2.1 case HERE

Noreve announce New BlackBerry Key2 cases and covers. #Noreve #Blackberry #Key2

Most likely we wont see the device on sale here in Ireland, many will import as before but the Blackberry Key 2 is a worth successor of the Key One which was a great device to use and the Key 2 is one I look forward to using soon. Noreve today have announced cases and covers for the Key 2 which as always are hand-made with genuine leather and really look well giving your device a professional touch.

Check out the links below for the different styles on offer which are all customizable

https://www.noreve.com/en/key2/3820-blackberry-key2-leather-cover.html

https://www.noreve.com/en/key2/3844-blackberry-key2-leather-case.html

https://www.noreve.com/en/key2/3821-blackberry-key2-leather-case.html

https://www.noreve.com/en/key2/3822-blackberry-key2-leather-case.html

Reloaded.. The Nokia 8110 arrives in Ireland 15th August. #Nokia #Ireland #8110

HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones, today announces that the Nokia 8110 will be available to buy from Vodafone, Three, Carphone Warehouse and independent retailers nationwide for €79 from tomorrow, 15th August 2018.

Reloading the legendary Nokia 8110, this 4G feature phone comes complete with the elegantly curved slider design. Giving you the chance to switch off, have fun and relax with the knowledge that all your smartphone essentials are there when you need them.

See our hands on at Irish launch

With  a  familiar  and  easy to use  interface, the Nokia  8110 features  intuitive  tactile  mechanics, with slide to answer and end calls, as well as an addictive helicopter-style spin on its axis. It comes with the craftsmanship you expect from a Nokia phone, delivering durability and reliability as standard.

8110 YOUNG AND OLD

The Nokia 8110 delivers crystal-clear VoLTE calling and is perfect for anyone who wants an iconic 4G feature phone or a companion phone. With access an app store, for favourites like Google Assistant, Google Maps, Google Search, Facebook and Twitter, send and receive emails or import your contacts and sync your calendar with Outlook and Gmail. To keep it running flawlessly, the Nokia 8110 features the Qualcomm® 205 Mobile Platform. With its Wi-Fi connection you can turn your Nokia 8110 into a portable hot spot to share your internet connection with other devices, friends and family.

With  two  vibrant  colours  to  choose  from, Traditional  Black  and  Banana  Yellow, the Nokia  8110 has everything you loved reloaded, including a revamped Snake game. Stay tuned for updates.

August International launches updated EP650 Bluetooth headphones with EQ app for Custom Sound Control

August International, a UK based consumer electronics company with a vision to inspire smart innovation, today announced it is advancing its wireless audio range with an update to its popular EP650 over-ear Bluetooth headphones. Combining a comfortable and stylish design with the latest technology, including the upgrade from Bluetooth 4.1 to 4.2, NFC and added aptX Low Latency (LL) functionality, the EP650 Bluetooth headphones are the perfect option for audio and music enthusiasts. Now offering a dedicated ‘August Audio App’ for an enhanced personalised listening experience, users are able to customise and save the sound settings to their liking as well as access all their stored music quickly and easily.

To create a rich base and clearly defined trebles the headphones feature 50mm driver units, to provide the ultimate listening experience. Making music sound even better, the ‘August Audio App’ which is compatible with Android and iOS, allows users to have full customisation of the headphones. Via the app, users can directly alter the EQ manually with 3D enhancement or choose from a wide selection of pre-sets to suit their listening style and tastes. It is also possible to access and play all music that’s stored on a device through the app itself as well as access LED options.

Compatible with almost any device, the EP650 Bluetooth headphones can be connected quickly and easily via Bluetooth, NFC for NFC enabled devices or by using the 3.5mm wired audio in. AptX LL functionality ensures that there is no noticeable delay between picture and sound when playing games or watching favourite shows or movies on smartphone, TV or tablet. Allowing users to enjoy wireless media in complete sync, the EP650 Bluetooth headphones are perfect for anyone commuting, travelling or for those who want to enjoy a movie or gaming session to the fullest without waking up the whole house.

The EP650 Bluetooth headphones are ideal for travelling or commuting with their lightweight frame and thick and luxurious padding. An extending headband and comfort flex earcups mean these over-ear headphones will be enjoyable to wear all day. They offer over 15-hours of playback time however, a quick 2.5-hour charge via its Micro USB connection will recharge them completely. Even after the battery is empty, the 3.5mm line in socket will keep them playing for hours on end.

Dr. K Zhou, Chairman, August International said: “The EP650 Bluetooth headphones offer users a combination of comfort, style and convenience and thanks to the accompanying app, fantastic sound that can be adjusted to your personal preference. We think customers will love the vibrant colour options and believe, at their affordable price, they are the perfect Christmas gift this year.”

The August EP650 Bluetooth headphones available in Matt Black, Silk Red, Deep Blue, Piano White and Satin Silver and Gold,RRP at £49.95 and more information can be found on www.augustint.com/en/productmsg-1-44.html

Specifications:

  • Bluetooth Specification: Bluetooth v4.2
  • Qualcomm aptX LL (Low Latency)
  • Multipoint Technology
  • Operating Range: Up to 10m
  • Frequency Response: 60Hz – 20KHz
  • Speaker Output: 30mW
  • SNR: ≥85dB
  • Distortion: ≤1.0%
  • Line-in: 3.5mm Jack or USB
  • Battery: 3.7V/220mAh Built-in Li-Polymer Battery
  • Working Time: 15 Hours
  • Charging Time: 2 Hours
  • Standby Time: 30 Days
  • Weight: 235g
  • Dimensions: 176.6 x 188.6 x 71mm

Blinky – The Fun Finance App. #Money #Finance #Apps

Bankify is a company that started out with a simple mission – that want to make finance fun. Hai Ta says  “As the name suggests, we aim to gamify financial elements to make it fun and simple. At the moment we have two functionalities: Goal saving and Cost splitting. We are also developing the much-wanted Receipt scanner functionality, which will be a game changer. The goal of the app is to make money management more engaging to people, so that they can improve their financial life!
 Blinky recently launched in Finland and Ireland.
Hai goes on to say
As we live in a consumerist world, it is important for the youth to do manage their money better. Youngsters can improve their financial life drastically if they have a tool to do shared finance and save up for goals. However, financing is perceived as boring. Banks have had a tough time keeping the retention of the young demographic.  For that reason, we developed an app called Blinky – Fun finance.  This is a disruptive approach to make finance more appealing (We wrote a blog on Why finance should be fun).
At the moment, there are two functionalities: Cost splitting and Goal saving. With Cost splitting, Blinky quickens the whole process of calculating each person’s share and requesting the money. We all know how much of a pain it is to ask your friend for a long-overdue debt. And when saving for goals, Blinky helps keep track of the progress by breaking it down to actionable plan and making a game out of it.
Download the App –  https://get.blinky.app

First Look and Unboxing -The BlitzWolf TV soundbar and bluetooth speaker. #Tech #Banggood

Most of our TV sets come with a built-in soundbar or speakers and often the case the sound may not be good enough though this would depend on the individual. We have had soundbar/bluetooth speakers here before but today we look at a new one from BlitzWolf.

This is a simple to use soundbar and comes with some cables provided in the box and is 36 inches in length. It comes with 6 built-in speakers and multiple I/Os for convenience and all packed into a slender unit which will blend in with your TV. This also pairs with your smartphone too which is neat and you can pump out the sounds from the same unit without having to move it.

 

Official Site:  https://goo.gl/F9KeX5
Banggood Page:  https://goo.gl/kv6Rfe

HMD Global – Some history – Nokia 7 Plus – Android 9 Pie Beta 4. #Nokia7Plus

Following the Android 9 Pie announcement, HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones, rolls out the latest Android developer preview build – DP4 (Beta 4) – for the Nokia 7 plus. This brings fans one step closer to the final Android 9 Pie experience.

Building on the foundation laid by the Nokia phones beta labs, the Nokia phones Android developer preview program is designed to help developers create, test and enrich their apps in readiness for Play Store certification on Android 9 Pie. To date, more than 65,000 Nokia smartphone users have participated in the beta labs and developer preview programs.

Developers who own a Nokia 7 plus have been able to receive developer preview builds since the program launch on 8th May, with subsequent updates becoming available via OTA (over-the-air) and manual sideload flash. Currently the Nokia 7 plus is among a small handful of handsets which can access Beta 4.

With the latest beta, Android P gesture controls will be enabled on the Nokia 7 plus, allowing users to switch quickly between apps using the new omnidirectional home button, as well as making split screen views simple to activate.

If you have a Nokia 7 plus, visit https://www.nokia.com/en_int/phones/developer to sign up. Below, you can see a list of all the beta builds made available on the Nokia 7 plus throughout the life of the programme.

Review – The Watchovers Pet Trackie #Pets #Tech #GPS #Tracking

The initial view of the packing was a standard box with the key functionality on the back of the box, Waterproof GPS location pet tracker. The tracker looks physically strong with a protective rubber casing which can be removed. The rubber casing allows the tracker to be fitted to a standard dog collar.

Features

WatchOvers PetTrackie GPS Location Tracking Device.

  • Live GPS Location -Real-time tracking – See the device location on your smartphone in real time. Location updated every 60 seconds.
  • Geo-Zones – create virtual outdoor boundaries and receive boundary breach alerts. Multiple Geo-zones with square, rectangular or circular fence settings. Location updated every 60 seconds for enhanced Geo-Zone accuracy.
  • 100% Waterproof to -1 meter with an IP67 waterproof rating.
  • Device & Smartphone location displayed – See where you are in proximity to your pet, making it easy to find the quickest route to them.
  • Location History– Playback the location history of the device today, last week or last month.
  • Very Secure with 128 Bit Encryption for transmission and storage of all data. Our App and device registration is secure to protect your data and prevent access to your device except by people approved by you.
  • Alert Messaging – receive SOS, Low Battery and Geo-Zone alerts directly to the App on your smartphone.
  • Multi User – Add up to 16 users, for all your family, friends and pet sitters.
  • Pre-fitted Sim Card – Open the box and get started straight away. WatchOvers Sim cards use the strongest network available, getting signal even in weak signal areas’, vital in an emergency.
  • Low-power consumption – up to 4 days general use or up to 6 days in manual location mode, depending on mobile coverage and local signal strength.
  • Unique innovative holder design, easy to fit to most collars and to remove for charging.
  • Device size 53*38*17.5mm
  • Suitable for pets above 4.5 kg – Weight: Device 33 grams, Holder 15 grams.
  • GSM Quad band 850/900/1800/1900 2G Device
  • Supports GPS/AGPS/LBS/WiFi for quick and accurate outdoor location positioning and improved indoor location.
  • Magnetic inductive charging.

Charging:

The Tracker comes with a magnetic propriety charger which works well but annoying to have another cable, a standard USB C charger would have been preferred. They have designed the casing that it does not have to be removed for charging. When you open the 2 buttons, the contacts are above the buttons and clear to connect the cable. There are low battery alerts via the app to ensue you are reminded to recharge the tracker. The battery lasts 4 to 6 days between charges in manual location mode, 2 to 3 days in automatic mode. The PetTrackie takes 2 hours to recharge the battery.

Setup & Support:

The tracker used QR codes for the app & pairing to your phone. This makes the setup easy. The setup involved a 6 Step Set Up Guide for the WatchOvers PetTrackie

Step 1 – Activate SIM Card

Step 2 – Charge the Device & Power On

Step 3 – Download the WatchOvers PetTrackie App

Step 4 – Register your Administrator App Account

Step 5 – Pairing your device with the App

Step 6 – Setup & Manage your PetTrackie

Support:

The support is available in Ireland via a Dublin number on +353 1 5456000 which is great to see a local English speaking support. email via support@watchovers.com or live chat support available from 8am to 8pm Monday to Saturday. The setup required no support with the setup using QR codes making the requirement for support minimal.

WatchOvers PetTrackie App:

The app – WatchOvers PetTrackie App was used via the QR code on the Android store, Again no issues other than the usual requesting access to contacts, files etc. The WatchOvers PetTrackie App allows real time location tracking on Google map equivalent, updated every 60 seconds. The app allows location history and safe zones with alert messages.

Subscription:

Many of the previous trackers, if lost rely on “sends anonymous signal to the community, if someone passes the lost item, their phone will record your lost product new location”. The WatchOvers PetTrackie has an internal sim card, like a card on roaming (without the data issues) that looks to the best network and used this signal. This allows the tracking of the PetTrackie with a high degree of accuracy in over 150 countries worldwide. The outdoor accuracy is between 3 meters to 30 meters, indoor accuracy is reduced from 10 meters to 100 meters depending on the nearest mobile mast. This subscriptions service which is great to use and work well comes at a cost, The Subscription is € 4.99 p.m. on a 1-month contract. This subscription provides a live accurate means to locate a lost / missing pet.

Conclusion:

The cost of the monthly subscription may put some off this pet tracker. Those that have lost a pet, as seen on lost posters / Facebook throughout the country would agree, a loved pet is worth its weight in gold and would pay a premium to have a lost pet returned. The Technology works well, the unit is physically strong, waterproof not too heavy for a dog, (suitable only for a large cat, at least 4.5kg in weight.). This was tried on a medium size Yorkshire terrier and an albino Boxer. Both dogs had no reaction to the tracker when attached to their collar. The location which is updated every 60 seconds is beneficial to follow a moving pet to ensure directed to the exact location, with a bonus feature within the app allowing navigation directly to the coordinates via Google maps on your phone. In the event of a lost pet, local support could be a real bonus on this tracker. This is technology at its best works for the benefit for another family member (your pet).

http://www.watchovers.com/help/pettrackie/features/what-are-the-features-of-the-assure-mobile-watch-phone/