The Apple iPhone 17 Pro has landed and after mulling over what device to get I picked this one in the end, I was going to go for the iPhone Air which I might do after seeing some real reviews but felt there was less on offer, in fact think the new iPhone 17 might be the best deal of the lot this year.
For me right now the iPhone Air has several things that had me concerend but this could be the precourser to their new fold next year and they let this out now as a tester to see the reaction, while it does look great it is missing a few key vitals for me right now which is the batter life the single camera single speaker and the build of the phone but look it is what it is and also not forgetting being eSIM only.
For now I am going with the Pro and we have accessories and case reviews coming for that and if you have any questions as always drop them int he comments and we will be back with more on the 17 Pro and if you have cases or accessories you want review do hit us up like the rest and get featured on site and get seen.
The emporiaME.6 is a top smartphone with the latest 5G technology, Android 13, triple main camera and Camera Pro, lightning-fast processor, NFC, fingerprint sensor, voice input, ASHA support (particularly good hearing quality even with a hearing aid), etc. This device follows on from the SMART.6 we reviewed last year.
And yet it stands out from the crowd in three respects:
1) The user makes the decision: clear, easy user interface or conventional Android mode. The emporiaME.6 starts up in the familiar Android mode by default. The mobile phone can be switched to the clear, reduced easy mode with just two presses. Or straight back again. It is a conscious decision that YOU make.
2) The Info Centre, which is only available in simple mode. This is where all notifications come together in one place. Whether it’s a missed call, new email, WhatsApp message or a notification from Facebook Messenger, you can keep an eye on everything here.
3) The external, directly accessible panic button. Press firmly once and help is automatically called. Good to know if you’re walking home alone at night, for example. Or if you are planning a lonely mountain tour. 360 hours (15 days!) of standby time should be enough even in this case.
So much technology packed into just 209 grams, available for less than 300 euros and with a 2-year warranty? The European smartphone manufacturer emporia shows how it’s done.
We will be checking this phone out over the next few weeks so if you have any questions feel free to ask and stay tuned for more with our full review soon, check out the unboxing and walkthrough below and some image and video samples to date.
It is Pixel time of the year and of course the Pixel 8a has dropped in for us to check out and this time around with have a much more lively color which I love by the way in Bay Blue which looks great and stands out in the crowd, and before we go on we have some cases to check out as we always do and a new brand on board which is pretty exciting so stay tuned for that this week..
Out of the box the device stands out immediately and having it in my hands for a few days we will give you our first impressions and later on talk some more on the device, the 8a is a perfect size device dare I say coming from the Pixel 8 pro which I still use and love the 8a is offering more for your money this time around from previous (a) devices and I have seen some say get the Pixel 8 and why bother with this one and could they be right and google shooting themselves in the foot? I do not think so as if it was me sporting the 8 right now I would still go for the 8a.
The Pixel 8a has a better footprint and just looks better, OK I typically have the black versions so slightly biased on that front but the camera bar is smaller it feels better and just looks better and has all the features of the two superior models but nothing is better than a new phone and the pixel a series have always been solid for me and I end up sticking to them until the next version comes out which will be the 9 and have done so for years and as I have said many times I always have a Pixel phone on me but I test phones and try others over the course of the year like I am now but the Pixel always sticks with me, in fact I have just moved on my S24 Ultra because I got bored with it but bought that myself like most other devices and I carry an iPhone 15 pro which is a secondary device for obvious reasons but has to be said it is never a main device with a secondary testing sim inside.
With only a few days testing as mentioned this is just an initial first look and so far the device has been flawless given I would have much more going on my phone than others which in itself is taxing on any device. First thing to notice is the adaptive 120hz refresh rate and again I have been open about this most will not notice but as a seasoned phone reviewer I do and it is a good feature to have, the device is as expected fast and fluid or as some say buttery smooth.
Wireless transfer has got better, Pixel 8a and Pixel 8 Pro – techbuzzireland
The back of the Pixel 8a is finished with a matt finish meaning no smudges which is annoying for some and some have critiqued me before for saying so with products that leave fingerprints everywhere which is fine when most of us sport cases on our phones but not all but it is worth noting anyway and for the record I do often take the case of any phone at home where it safe to do so to get a real feel for a device.
The build quality is excellent with aluminium sides rather than plastic and feels better and more robust than previous A devices and with a 6.1 inch 430 ppi OLED (actua) display it shines and great for media consumption and has a gorilla glass 3 screen which is fine and you have a screen protector on board.
The Pixel 8a features Magic Editor, Best Take and now Audio Magic Eraser which is ideal for content creators or even just the average user, with the AI features on Pixel devices they have grown in popularity over the years and provide simple to use tools for anyone and the cameras are again great with some samples below for now and we even got to see some of the northern lights for a few minutes which was not expected where I was.
Wireless charging (18w) is on board which for me is great but seems to be a bearbug with many folk these days when omitted and if like me with wireless charging docks all over the house and in my car it is a must have and mainly for convenience but as a tech guy I am lucky to be in a position where I have these chargers all over the place and adopted it early.
Overall for the past few days using this device very carefully with no case ( first time to take a phone out with no case but used carefully) I have been impressed so far and with the loads I put on my phones they are by no means used lightly with all the daily tasks I use my phones for with social media emails docs web browsing and other calls with Google meet zoom and teams it has proven again a worthy device so far.
Battery life I can’t comment on just yet as I have not had it long enough to give a good indication vs older models but over the last few days it has been solid enough but not put to the full test due to being off at an event and a wedding plus embargo reasons and not on full view but so far so good and I would not expect anything less, stay tuned for more on the Pixel 8a and case reviews coming this week and then I will be going full on with this device loaded up to the hilt with apps as you will see in the unboxing video below and again now already can say it will be a daily driver until the next model arrives.
Google Pixel 8a – techbuzzireland – jim o brien
10 things to know about the Google Pixel 8a
1 – Pixel 8a Colourful. Powerful. AI- full.
The Pixel 8a, engineered by Google. Take amazing photos with the Pixel Camera. Do more, even faster with Google AI – like fix blurry images, screen calls and learn new things. Top-rated security features help protect your data.1 All at a great price. Pixel 8a is bright and bold, and feels great in your hand. And it’s built to last.
2 – The most durable A- Series phone yet.
Pixel 8a is Google’s most durable A-Series phone yet, with a metal frame and camera bar. With IP67 protection, it can handle water and dust.It has a new scratch-resistant Actua display, and it’s made with recycled aluminium, glass and plastic. And it’s designed with a smooth finish and a matte back cover.
3 – Save time and do more with Google AI.
Pixel with Google AI makes it easy to get things done. Search for something just by circling it – an image or text, even in a video – right from the app that you’re in. Google AI finds it fast. Write messages quickly using your voice with Assistant voice
typing. Send messages in multiple languages with Live Translate And At a Glance shows useful info right when you need it, like travel updates, event tickets and more.
4 – Tensor G3: the same chip as Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro.
Google Tensor G3 is the next-gen processor custom-built for Pixel. It’s Google’s fastest, most efficient and secure chip yet – the same chip that’s in Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. It powers Google AI and advanced machine learning for amazing photo and video quality, improved audio on phone calls, speech recognition and security. It makes Pixel 8a fast, efficient and helpful.
5 – Incredible photos and videos with the Pixel Camera.
The Pixel Camera makes photos perfect, every time. It’s easy to take amazing pictures in low light with Night Sight. Thanks to Google AI, you can create perfect group shots with Best Take10 and fix blurry images with Photo Unblur.11 All skin tones
are represented beautifully and accurately with Real Tone photos and videos. And Pixel 8a includes Super Res Zoom for clear close-up portraits from far away.
6 – 7 years of security, OS and Feature Drop updates.
Pixel phones are built to last and get better over time. With your Pixel 8a, you’ll receive the latest OS and security updates for seven years, plus helpful new Feature Drops every few months.12
7 – The highest- rated security features.
With Google Tensor G3 and the certified Titan M2 security chip, all Pixel 8 phones are built with multiple layers of security to help keep your personal info safe.13 And they come with VPN by Google One built in to help protect your online activity no
matter what app or web browser you use. You can also use Face Unlock for more things, like app sign-ins and payments, thanks to Tensor’s advanced machine learning.
8 – Help making calls. And avoiding them.
Phone calls are easier with Pixel Call Assist, a set of features that help with everything from making calls to avoiding them.15 Your Pixel can now detect and filter out even more spam calls.16 If you’re too busy to pick up, Pixel can tell you who’s calling and why. Call Screen on Pixel can now suggest more contextual replies for you, so you can easily respond to unknown callers in a way that fits the situation, without having to take the call yourself.17 And with clear calling, Pixel reduces your caller’s background noise, so that you can hear them more clearly.
9 – Engineered by Google. For all that you do.
Pixel phones, tablets, watches and earbuds are powered by Google AI for personalised help throughout your day.19 So that you can save time, live healthier and get more done. Take stunning photos and videos, and easily edit them. Track your health and fitness with the power of Fitbit. And have peace of mind with Safety Check and Emergency SOS.20
10 – The best of Google, included with Pixel.
Pixel is easy to switch to, and it comes with the best of Google. Pixel 8a includes three months of YouTube Premium (then X per month), three months of Google One and six months of Fitbit Premium to help you get the most out of your new
Pixel. For new eligible users only. Recurring billing. Cancel anytime Google One keeps your photos and files safe with 100 GB of storage and automatic phone backup. And with YouTube Premium, you can enjoy YouTube videos and music without ads, in the background and offline. Give your motivation a healthy boost with six months of Fitbit Premium wellness content, including workouts, mindfulness sessions, healthy recipes and more.
RATINGEN, Germany, 14th March 2024: FUJIFILM Europe GmbH, Imaging Solutions Division, announced today the launch of its’ high-end, analog instant camera, the INSTAX MINI 99 instant camera (MINI 99). With its classic and stylish matte black finish, the MINI 99 brings advanced new features including color effect dials, a unique Vignette Switch, plus brightness and focus modes to maximize the potential of each photo while maintaining the traditional INSTAX aesthetic.
The MINI 99 features a first of its kind Color Effect Dial. This unique dial control has six effects – Faded Green, Warm Tone, Light Blue, Soft Magenta, Sepia, and Light Leak – which allows the user to customize, create and curate a one-time only unique image. Driven by LED lights within the camera, the Color Effect feature exposes the chosen color onto the INSTAX MINI instant film, creating the desired effect on the printed INSTAX MINI photo.
The MINI 99 also comes with an exciting new switch, the new Manual Vignette Switch. Located on the lens housing it can be used to add an artistic shaded frame around the image.
“Advances in instant photography technology has allowed us to maintain the look and feel our users love, while adding exciting new technology, that will allow them to truly reflect their creativity and artistic expression,” states Shin Udono, Senior Vice President, Imaging Solutions, FUJIFILM Europe GmbH. “This is why INSTAX MINI 99 is especially exciting to Fujifilm, and we believe for image makers as well.”
Other INSTAX MINI 99 Product Features Include:
Brightness Control Dial: This feature offers five distinct levels of brightness: the Light (“L+”) setting indicates the brightest exposure, the “L”, “D”, and “N” settings offer the normal range of brightness, and the Dark (“D-”) setting represents the darkest available brightness level.
Shooting Modes: A variety of shooting modes enhance the user experience, with Indoor Mode designed for low light situations, Sports Mode, which increases the shutter speed to grab the perfect action shot, Double Exposure Mode, which lets the user combine two images into one, and Bulb Mode, which increases the amount of light let in when creating the image, creating a brightened effect on the print.
The camera’s Landscape, Standard, and Macro Focus Modes are easily accessible by adjusting the lens dial. Landscape Mode focuses on subjects positioned at a distance reference of “3.0m and beyond”. Macro Mode is perfect for close-ups and selfies at a distance reference of “0.3m to 0.6m”. Users can select Standard Mode for everything in between.
Self-timer: It is at hand to help create the perfect group image, and MINI 99’s flash controls include Auto mode, Fill-in (flash will always fire regardless of lighting), Red-eye Removal, or the option to turn the flash off, depending on the user’s lighting situation.
Grip and Tripod Mount: To enhance grip in even the most active image-making situations, MINI 99 comes with a precision-milled, Base Grip with Tripod Mount that also acts as a grip when attached to the camera (tripod sold separately).
Accompanying the launch of the INSTAX MINI 99 is the introduction of a new INSTAX MINI film, PHOTO SLIDE. This new film has been inspired by the design of motifs featured on photographic film mounts and complements the print expression of an INSTAX MINI 99.
Pricing and Availability:
Fujifilm’s INSTAX MINI 99 instant camera will be available at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of EUR 200.00 (incl. VAT). It is expected to be available for purchase on 4th April 2024 at Fujifilm stockists nationwide. For more product information, visit https://www.instax.ie/cameras/mini-99/
INSTAX MINI PHOTO SLIDE instant film is expected to be available on 4th April 2024 at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of EUR 10.00 (incl. VAT) per pack (10 sheets), for more information about this new INSTAX mini instant film variety, visit www.instax.ie/film/#film-selector
INSTAX UP! Smartphone App Update
And that’s not it! Fujifilm also announces an update to its free, downloadable INSTAX UP! Smartphone App. The INSTAX UP! Smartphone App is designed for INSTAX users to digitally scan, import, organize, and store their photos in one place, regardless of which FUJIFILM INSTAX instant film, instant camera or instant Smartphone printer product they use.
The latest addition to the INSTAX UP! Smartphone App is its album feature. Utilizing this clever new feature, users can easily organize and store their digital FUJIFILM INSTAX photos by themes, such as holidays, friends, and favorites. Within the album feature, users can add, tag, share, download and delete INSTAX images from the digital album, encouraging easy organization of the INSTAX digital image collection. A list/box view can be created for each album. The updated INSTAX UP! App is available today.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is here and will be my daily driver for a bit now and on the surface looks the same as before bar the few subtle changes and the price of course which is now up there with Apple.
The S24 Ultra now has a flat front and the corners not so much stabbing your hands the frame is of course titanium making it a lighter and has a brighter screen and has Gorilla Glass Armor.
The buzzword for the new device is all about Galaxy AI which is something we have seen already and much like the Google Pixel 8 Pro which I use as a daily driver and we will put these to the test over the coming weeks but again there is a alot of computational stuff going on under the hood and with the cameras.
Speaking of the cameras there is one change here being the optical changed from 10X to 5X but packing more megapixels and as always spouting bigger numbers does not mean better results but we will see over the next while how the cameras do which I look forward to testing.
Under the hood there is a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 over last years 2 and of course was expected in this years flagship device from the company, I also use the Galaxy Z flip 5 and have the iPhone 15 Pro so again can do some tests side by side. With the S24 we have Android 14 with up to 7 years support which is huge for those who hang onto phones that long which I can say I do not know anyone that does but apparently it is now a trend starting to evolve and they are not the first to offer a lengthy support term.
Only having the phone two days now so far so good it is fast no issues doing the usual things I do on my phone which is crucify them when testing and with my workflow it has been good so far even loaded up with all my usual apps and thus far liking it with the big screen and so on but I am not a fan of the bigger device and this might be a stretch to far for me but let’s wait and see if it grows on me over the next few weeks.
If you have any questions you want answered feel free to ask and stay tuned for a selection of case reviews coming from our partners over the next week or two and any accessories that may follow and we will be back will more soon.
Finally here the latest from Jabra the Jabra Elite Active 8 and Elite 10 are in for review and we have been waiting patiently for these to arrive and the wait over, the newest tech from Jabra offers more than before and the two new pairs will offer something for everyone here.
Launched at IFA 2023 Jabra say The Jabra Elite 8 Active, tested to be the world’s toughest earbuds, and the Elite 10, Jabra’s most advanced earbuds for work and life with clear calls, all-day comfort and optimised to deliver a more immersive Dolby Atmos experience through Dolby Head Tracking.
On first look these have a familiar design and a new finish on the earbuds themselves and the cases have a more matt feel to the touch and slimmer and after initial set-up they are sounding great but we will give them a good run for their money and check out their app and new features and if you have any questions as always feel free to as on our social media or YouTube and we as always will answer. Until then stay tuned for more we are busy it is the silly season now and there is lots of cool tech in house so watch out for more in the coming weeks.
Key features of the Elite 8 Active:
IP68 rated dustproof, watertight, sweatproof and 1m drop-resistant earbuds, and an IP54 rated dust and splash proof case
Crystal clear sound and added dimensionality with Dolby Audio
Jabra ShakeGripTM technology for secure fit in a wing-free, sleek design
Adaptive Hybrid ANC auto-filters background noise
Wind Neutralising HearThroughTM for indoor and outdoor activities
6-mic call technology with wind noise protecting mesh
6mm speakers
Up to 8-hours battery life and up to 32-hours with case (ANC on)
Stable Smartwatch connectivity**
Google Assistant, Fast Pair, Swift Pair & Spotify Tap playback
Bluetooth Multipoint connection
Ready to support Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) & LC3, LC3plus codec with future firmware update
Key features of the Elite 10:
Optimised for Dolby Atmos with Dolby Head Tracking, which enables a more immersive Dolby Atmos experience
Jabra ComfortFit technology for a natural airy fit and less occlusion with semi-open design to relieve ear pressure
6-mic call technology with advanced algorithms for better call clarity in any environment
Jabra Advanced ANCTM which blocks out 2x more noise than Jabra’s standard ANC
HearThrough technology with wind noise reduction
6-hour battery (27 hours with case) with ANC on, including pocket friendly cradle optimised for wireless charging
IP57-rating
Bluetooth Multipoint connection
Hands-free Voice Assistant, Fast Pair, Swift Pair, Spotify Tap playback
Ready to support Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) & LC3, LC3plus codec with future firmware update
Elite 8 Active: MRSP £199.99, available in caramel, navy, black and dark grey, August 2023. Find out more at www.jabra.com/elite-8-active
Elite 10: MRSP £229.99, available in cream, cocoa, titanium black, gloss black, matte black, September 2023. Find out more at www.jabra.com/elite-10
