Tag: tech

Tech Review – The Pamu Z1 True wireless earbuds

Pamu is a new brand that have been offering really good earbuds for an affordable price and I have tested them all over the last year or two and they have not disappointed me either and with their latest model now on offer people will of course ask the same thing and are they as good as the rest and I am delighted to report they certainly are indeed and have a totally new look and design too but there is no loss on audio quality either.

Design and build

These have a similar design to some newer earbuds out there now but there is not many that have this design, they are not a stem type earbud but one that will stick out slightly from the ears they twist and lock into place giving a secure grip and will not fall out of the ears either and look well in the colour options available they do have a smaller profile than others with this design and once the right tips applied you are good to go with a great seal to get the most beneficial audio experience.

Controls

The controls on these earbuds work really well with a touch area as it is on the larger side all the control functions you need are present and can be edited to suit your needs which is another bonus these have had no problems during my use and no repetitive taps required to execute the command you wish.

Sound

Once again the company has delivered another great sounding product at a great price and with the app you get that bit more than others offer even at a higher price,they are loud and punchy with nice bass thrown in too and overall a great pair of earbuds giving a decent audio experience even for those who want more for less.

Conclusion

If you do no want to spend silly money on earbuds there is no need too, I have been saying this some time now and the prowess of overhyped earbuds is long over there is better out there with great value to be had and these fit right in and they also look great too and move away from the industrial standard look. See more in the video review below..

Pamu Z1 charging on my Google Pixel 6

Main Features

  • Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation, reduce noise up to 40dB
  • Dual-Mic Noise Reduction
  • Gaming mode, Low latency
  • In-App firmware update and customization to key functions
  • Dual Master, simultaneous transmission of both ears, both of them can be used separately
  • Compatible with Qi-certified wireless chargers
  • Replaceable shell design, customize your exclusive color
  • Water Resistance: IPX6

BUY

Video Link

Tech Tips for a Happy Festive Season – Tara Gale Dell Technologies Ireland

By Tara Gale, Client Solutions Product Manager, Dell Technologies Ireland

With the festive season fast approaching, people across Ireland will be spending significant time purchasing gifts for loved ones online. It is expected that this year’s holiday season will be another year of record-breaking online sales.

We often spend so much time on our chosen e-commerce platform, that it never crosses our minds what happens behind the scenes. There are many threats online, especially during this time of year, and it’s very important to make sure that as you navigate shopping online, you are doing so safely.

Often, we get excited to purchase and open a brand-new device that we forget how we can make use of our old one. Have you thought about recycling your old version or extending the battery life of your current tech gadget? At Dell Technologies, we are here to help guide you to safely shop for new tech, dispose of the old and keep powered up over the festive period.

SAFE SHOPPING ONLINE

The convenience of the internet continues to create new opportunities for online shopping by ways of apps, microsites and so on. However, it’s also a time of year when experts see an uptick in cyberattacks. With both An Garda Síochána and Europol recently warning businesses and shoppers of the dangers of ransomware in the lead-up to Christmas[1], consumers should stay vigilant and follow these tips to stay protected while online shopping:

  • Be sure to use a secure website by looking at the URL (https://)
  • Avoid making purchases on public computers and public Wi-Fi as they may contain malicious software and are not secured
  • Ensure you have a strong password or passphrase, consisting of numbers, letters and special characters
  • Never reuse or recycle passwords and use multi-factor authentication whenever possible
  • Never click on suspicious links

YOU BOUGHT A NEW PC, NOW WHAT?

You successfully got through the online shopping experience for your new device, now what?

Data is often stored on the hard-drive of your PC or computing device. So, when it’s time to make that holiday upgrade to a powerful new system you’ve had your eyes on, you’ll want to safely remove your personal files and information from your old device before disposing of it.

For this, you have options. Some computers already have data removal software. For Dell computers, many models include the Dell Data Wipe feature built into the System Setup. Other brands may have similar software. If your computer does not have software to erase the hard drive, there is software you can purchase.

Once you have removed your files from the computer, what should you do with it? We see out-of-use devices as a valuable resource, one that can go on to be refurbished, reused or recycled. We believe in working with industry to advance sustainability by recycling materials needed to produce our devices.

Through Dell Technologies, we make it simple for our consumers to participate in one of our free consumer recycling programs – taking back any brand, in any condition. In Ireland for example, if your computer is a bit older or no longer working, our Return to Dell mail-back service offers free recycling, even covering the cost of shipping.

TRAVELLING WITH YOUR NEW LAPTOP? TIPS TO EXTEND YOUR LAPTOP BATTERY LIFE

Whether you are closer to home or on the road to visit loved ones over the holiday break, I understand the obstacles that come with technology on the road and the feeling when your battery life runs out along the way. Now that you have your new laptop up and running, let’s make sure the battery life will last as long as possible during your travels this festive season. Here are a few quick tips that may help conserve some battery time:

  • Power off your device before placing it in a laptop bag or other enclosed area.
  • Always use the original AC adapter provided with the laptop. Do not use third-party AC adapters or batteries.
  • Reduce the brightness of the screen.
  • Reduce the amount of open software.
  • Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures. If the system is exposed to extreme cold or hot temperatures, allow it to reach normal temperature before use and before charging.

When it comes to online shopping it’s important not to lose sight of the dangers, even more so in the coming days and weeks. Whether you are buying a new device or disposing of old one, take note of all of the above and make your online shopping experience safe and sustainable.

From everyone at Dell Technologies Ireland, enjoy the festive season.

Tech Review -Tp-link Kasa Smart Light Strip Multicolour KL430

The Kasa Smart Light Strip does what it states on the box been 2.1 meters long with the option to cut shorter or add an extension. (Sold separately) The design is of silicone coating material which allows the light strip to bend or cut to allow maximum flexibility in its use with a double-sided sticky tape on the back to stick to a surface. Once configured or set up this Light Strip via an app allows various lighting effects and customisation in terms of colours, levels of brightness and various scenes. This can be controlled by the app or via Alexa, Google Assistant or SmartThings

 

In the box:

  •         (1) Smart Light Strip (6.6 ft./2 m)
  •         (1) Smart Light Strip Controller
  •         (1) Power Adapter
  •         (1) Quick Start Guide

 

 

Features

  •       Endless Lighting Effects over a dozen animated lighting effects
  •       16 Individual Addressable Colour Zones for combinations built to suit your mood. 
  •       Scene’s customisation scenes creation for your lights and accesses them with a single click.
  •       Grouping allows the light strip Combine with other devices, such as plugs, cameras and other lights via the Kasa Smart home ecosystem.
  •       Voice Control the Kasa Light Strip hands-free with Alexa and Google Assistant. Turn it on and off, and change colours with voice control.
  •       Extendable and Flexible Connect up to 10 sections for a total length of 33ft and watch lighting effects span the entire strip. Cut into the indicated segments to add lighting in tighter spaces.
  •       Schedules Use the Kasa Smart app to schedule when your light strip on/off with the brightness, hue, and affects you set and coordinate your lighting with any event you host.

 

Specifications

  •       Depth: 2.1 MM
  •       Lighting Effects – Choose from a wide array of colours, even dim to any brightness you desire for the perfect atmosphere.
  •       Schedules – Use your Kasa Smart app to schedule your light strip to automatically turn on and off to fit around any event you’re having.
  •       Groups and Scenes – Combine your light strip with other Kasa Smart devices for seamless control with a single tap on your mobile devices.
  •       Extendable – Connect up to 10 sections for a total length of 33ft and watch lighting effects span the entire strip.
  •       Made for Everyday Wear and Tear – your strip’s durable silicone coating prevents moisture and dust intrusion.
  •       Works with Voice Assistants – Control smart light strips using the leading voice assistants such as Alexa, Google Assistant and SmartThings.
  •       Pick from dozens of animated lighting effects, from soothing ‘raindrop’ to the dazzling ‘rainbow’.
  •       Auto White – Automatically adjust the colour temperature of your Kasa Smart light strip to match natural light patterns from dawn to dusk.
  •       Height: 2000 MM
  •       Width: 12 MM

 

Warranty:  2-years

 

Setup:

Setup is easy by scanning the QR code on the box and download the Kasa Smart app to your phone. The app has got a rating of 4.7 out of 5 on the play store with over 1 million downloads. On the setup and use of the app, this cannot be faulted in terms of ease of use and functionality. The brand experience of Tp-link (founded in 1996) has years of experience to provide an app that works as intended.

 

Overall:

The product is designed for indoor use to connect to a standard mains socket, while once cut this cannot re-join again. The 3m tape on the back allows this to be connected to a surface and replaced should a decision be made to move the location at some stage.

The features in terms of connection to the app are great, but after initial setup, 90% of the use was through voice-controlled Alexa (albeit this can be used via Google Assistant or SmartThings also) The scheduled app to allow the light to be set as a morning alarm clock light or from a security perspective putting random lights on when no one is around admirable. This model is slightly more expensive than some other brands but on a personal note., the feel of the material quality may not have much of a difference.  in terms of the software use, and future updates is a certain winner for me. The multitude of colours, scenes available and brightness options have an abundance of possibility for various occasions. The quality in terms of long terms use with a Lifetime of 22.8 years (Based on 3hrs/day) is remarkable with an A+ rating. Overall a lovely easy to use and setup light strip, complemented by a trusted brand to give a multi functional lighting experience tailored to suit the individual requirements.

 

 BUY HERE 

Jabra releases three new Elite 85t features to enhance the ANC experience and add personalisation options. #JabraElite85t

Jabra, leaders in personal sound and office solutions, announces three new features on the Jabra Elite 85t, made available via the Jabra Sound+ app; MyFit, headset renaming and Off-mode to earbud toggle. This is the first software upgrade offered to Elite 85t users following the launch in October 2020, that adds brand new features to the earbud.

MyFit – ensuring the best ANC and music experience 

The MyFit feature on the Sound+ app allows Elite 85t users to confirm their correct EarGel™ size and position to optimise their ANC and audio experience. The feature works as a fit test where a 6.5 second multitone is played to check for sound leakage with the help of the in-ear microphone. Sound leakage detected in either earbud is an indication of a poor fit and users will be requested to readjust their earbud or change their EarGel size. The process can be repeated until a good fit is achieved.

Through providing this feature, Jabra is ensuring that users of the Elite 85t have the best seal possible, ultimately giving the users an enhanced audio experience, improved active noise-cancellation and deeper base.

Further personalisation with more sound mode cycle options and a headset name

The next feature being offered to Elite 85t users is related to the sound mode cycles available (controlled via the buttons on the earbuds), which adds to the previously available cycle options; HearThrough and ANC. With this addition, users will now be able to cycle between HearThrough, ANC and off.

Jabra has now expanded the cycle option on the earbud to become the same as the cycle option in the app, providing users with the complete variety of sound mode cycles:

  • HearThrough & ANC
  • HearThrough & Off
  • HearThrough, ANC & Off

Finally, Elite 85t users will now also have the option to name their headset, further enhancing the personalisation experience Jabra strives to deliver. This addition will change the name of their headset in both the Sound+ app and the Bluetooth list, so there is no confusion on who they belong to.

Jabra Elite 85t key features and specifications:

  • Compact design and oval silicon EarGels™for a secure seal and comfortable fit
  • Dedicated ANC chip which is more efficient in cancelling surrounding noises
  • Adjustable ANC with dual sliders for full ANC or full HearThrough
  • 6-microphone call technology for superior calls wherever you are
  • 4-microphone ANC using mics on the inside and outside of the earbuds
  • 12mm speakers for big sound and powerful bass
  • Semi-open design with natural hear through
  • IPX4-rated durability and 2-year warranty* against dust and water
  • Up to 5.5 hours battery on a single charge and up to 25 with the charging case with ANC on or 7 hours battery on a single charge and 31 hours with ANC off
  • Qi-certified, for wireless charging and compatible with all Qi-certified chargers
  • Customisable equaliser in the Sound+ App makes your music sound even better
    • Voice assistant enabled. Elite 85t works with Siri® and Google Assistant™
  • Bluetooth 5.1
  • ‘MyControls’ to define button settings and MySound for individualised sound
  • MyFit via the Sound+ app, ensuring the best possible fit and seal for users
  • Opportunity to personalise the name of the Jabra Elite 85t

Jabra Elite 85t Pricing and Availability

Jabra Elite 85t is available in selected retailers, MSRP (€229/£219). The earbuds are available in Titanium/Black, Gold/Beige, Copper/Black, Black and Grey. Find out more about Jabra at www.jabra.co.uk/elite85t

Review – Quntis PD fast charger and cable. #Quntis #Charging

The Quntis PD fast charger and cable is a solid high power charger with a quality cable, This comes from Quntis which is a United States-based brand founded in 2015,  The key feature of the charger is the  18W USB C Power delivery wall charger as compared to the original 5 Watt charger. The Made for iPhone / iPad etc     charger comes with a 2 M  Nylon Braided C to Lightning Cable

 

Overview:

  •         High-Speed Lightning Charger Pack
  •         Apple MFi Certified Lightning Cable Extra Long 2 M
  •         Superior Safety USB-C
  •         Perfect Compatibility
  •         Long-time Worry-Free Support

 

 

Charging times: 

The Quntis PD fast charger uses USB Power Delivery which is a fast charging technology, supported by certain iOS / Apple and Android / Google devices, that delivers much higher levels of power than standard charging. (Samsung smartphones and tablets support a different fast charging technology called Qualcomm Quick Charge)

 

Charging times as quoted by Quntis for the PD fast charger and cable

 e.g. iPhone X Quntis   quoted charge times:

10 minutes: from 0% to 18%

30 minutes: from 0% to 50%

45 minutes: from 0% to 70%

From 0% to 100%: 140 minutes

Compared to Original Apple 5W Charger and Cable:

10 minutes: from 0% to 7%

30 minutes: from 0% to 16%

45 minutes: from 0% to 30%

 

TechBuzz tests carried out as per video indication our results of charging on an iPhone 8

Quntis fast charger 18W USB-C Power Adapter with USB C to Lightning Cable
  6 Min 14%
12 Min 35%
18 Min 44%
24 Min 53%
30 Min 60%
36 Min 67%
42 Min 73%
48 min 77%

The charger details can clearly show the fast charging early on going up approx. 10% every 6 minutes, this slowed down after approx. 30 minutes but continues to charge.

 Warranty: 2-Years Warranty. 

Overall:

The charger does what is stated as a fast charger using power delivery technology. The charger and cable are sturdy in quality. The cable stood out in the feel and strength given the impression it will not deteriorate as can happen with inferior brands.  Overall as a charger, this is an excellent choice but if looking to charger numerous devices, having a few iPhone or iPad in the home or business looking at the Quntis 60W 5-Port USB C Charger, & cables may be another option https://www.quntis.com/collections/chargers/products/5-port-60w-usb-power-delivery-wall-charger

A high-quality fast charger.

 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Quntis-Charger-Braided-Lightning-Certified/dp/B085LHKK15/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=Quntis+PD+fast+charger+and+cable&qid=1589629139&s=electronics&sr=1-4

(US) https://amzn.to/38B6SfI  20% Code:QUNTIS20
(UK) https://amzn.to/2U1LP0r  20% Code:quntis20
(FR) https://amzn.to/2XD6DMp  20% Code:quntis20
(IT) https://amzn.to/2XFnP47  20% Code:quntis20
(ES) https://amzn.to/2TMoEaa  20% Code:Quntis20
(CA) https://amzn.to/2X6Zqp1  20% Code:quntis20
(DE) https://amzn.to/2XEf0HE   20% Code:quntis20

Price: £20.99 

Google Lens features now available within Sony Xperia XZ2 camera app. #Sony #XZ2

Google Lens features are now available within the Sony Xperia XZ2 camera app. This is an interesting feature you might recall back in the Nokia days if you remember City Lens where you point your device up in front of you and it will give you back information as seen below..

Regardless it is a good feature to have and you can now avail of it on your Sony Xperia XZ2. In short Google Lens helps you browse, and interact with the world around you. Find products online, copy and paste text, learn more about landmarks, add events to your calendar, look up movie posters, identify popular plants and animals, and more.. The update rolls out today.

 

#LG announces G Pro 2 in South Korea #JTB #mobiletech

LG has just announced the arrival of it’s long anticipated successor to the G Pro, the G Pro 2. The handsets specs are too notch and with a huge 5.9 inch screen it’s one of the biggest phablets to date, being matched by the Oppo N1 and, well, in not including the galaxy mega because it’s no competition to the G Pro 2 whatsoever. The Lumia 1520 has a slightly bigger screen at 6 inches but I’m not sure you would really see a difference when using the handsets.

Specs:

Screen: 5.9 inch IPS 1080p
Processor: 2.26Ghz snapdragon 800
Memory: 16 or 32 GB variants with Micro SD slot for up to 64GB more – 3GB of RAM
Camera: 13mp rear facing camera with OIS plus – capable of recording 2160p @ 30fps, 1080 @ 60fps and 720 @ 120fps.
Dimensions: 157.9 x 81.9 x 8.3
Battery:3200 mAh

The G Pro 2 is a strong contestant in the mobile industry, with great specs like these and the fact it’s running android 4.4.2 out of the box give it a huge advantage over the phones we’ll be see at MWC.

The downside: The western market won’t be seeing the handset until April because LG thinks phablets are an Asian thing, I kid you not.

The device also comes with LG’s knock code feature, which is like the knock knock feature but the screen is divided into different sections and to unlock the device you have to tap them in the right order, this works even when the screen is off, which I personally think is a great bonus.

So what do you think? Will the G Pro 2 make it and become this years best handset, or should LG have waited to put in some newer technology? Let me know in the comments and I’ll see you all next time.