Tag: tech

Tech Review – JBL Tune 770 NC headphones

The JBL Tune 770 NC headphones are the next pair of cans to check out as I did say before it is headphone season here with more to come soon, the latest headphones come packed with features and have a nice clean look to them so lets talk some more.

Packaging is the standard affair here with the recognisable colours on the box and once opened we get presented with a white bag to store the headphones we get a 3.5mm cable an Orange charging cable and the headphones themselves and of course the statutory manuals we never read.

The headphones are light and have a clean look with all the keys on one side keeping it simple and the way I like it, the buttons are slightly raised some more than others but easy to navigate and use blindly there is two small indicator lights too and an ambient key.

The controls are simple to use as said with that you have skip and reverse tracks volume control voice activation and play and pause, the controls are fairly similar to the JBL Go 4 speaker we recently checked out with the center button being the MFB or Multi Function Button.

JBL Tune 770 NC controls – techbuzzireland

These are comfortable to wear for long periods and you will need it because they sound excellent and with the EQ control on th app you wont be taking them off in a hurry and with the added bonus of video mode even better, for me this is great as I spend lots of time on YouTube and this works well and also works rather well for the gamers out there, note that when you swap from video to audio or vice versa your headphones will disconnect for a few seconds.

Battery life is impressive here to on my testing and up there with their claims on my settings and there was no disconnections at all, being able to pair to two devices is another bonus for me too as I work on my laptop and phone all day and always have something to test out which is great.

So back to the sound, these are loud the ANC is excellent as well as the ambient sound and will keep anything going on outside where it should be, and if you want to hear some more you can do that too, there is no lag latency no tinny sound on maxed out volumes which is the way I go and overall you will not be complaining and with the JBL signature sound and bass it is only to be expected and for the price these are a must have for those who want all the above and then some.

For the money and if you are a JBL fan you have to check em out.

JBL headphones App

 

JBL LIVE 770NC features:
● Bluetooth 5.3 with LE audio support
● True Adaptive Noise Cancelling with Smart Ambient
● 2 beamforming microphones for perfect calls
● Up to 50 hours of battery life with Bluetooth and ANC on and up to 65 hours without
● 5-minute speed-charging for an additional 4 hours of playtime
● Autoplay and pause
● Multi-point connection for seamless switching between devices
● JBL Headphones App support for personalisation and EQ adjustments

BUY

Video Review

 

Tech Review – dbrand Google Pixel 8a Grip case and Skins

dbrand is a well known case and skins company who are very reputable and have a fantastic way of putting words to things even on social media which is great in my book they say it as they see just like me and move along swiftly often leaving a bitter taste in some people’s mouths that rightly deserve it and if you do not follow them on X you are missing out.

They have kindly sent me their newest Grip case and some skins for the all new Google Pixel 8a which I was delighted to receive after some email tennis which at first I thought was a wind up!..

It was not a wind up after all and I fucking love it that they have chosen a quite colourful character from Ireland to check out what they have to offer and we will get into it now as I have said enough..

OK so presentation is great with the Black box that opens out presenting you with some facts a cloth the grip case and skins more should do this as presentation is key but some will say it is only a case, that it maybe but first impressions last.

The first thing you will notice on taking out the Grip case is just how grippy it is and as a well season case reviewer this is the grippiest case I have held and you can be sure you will not drop this one with its textured microdots then along the sides you have got grip strips adding to the gripping power.

The buttons are tactile and work really well nice and clicky with good travel and work as expected with precision each time there is also some ridges on the volume keys on the case. A feature also not seen before is a chamfered lip and crescent arc which just makes life easier using the case over others, your fingers will love it.

All the cutouts are perfect for your ports and the camera area is well protected too, there is raised ridges on the back for the skins to be applied should you wish to install, I suggest you do as it will stop your case getting scratched.

Skins for the Pixel 8a

The back of the case is smooth to the finish but this is where the skins come in to spruce the look up and with a big range of eye catching colors you are not short of choice and the range I had to pick from was great and something for everyone here.

Yes you can still charge your phone wirelessly with no issues and I tested on several wireless chargers at home and one in my car so it works do not worry.

Overall the grippiest case I have tested with super cool skins and you should get so watch the flaming video below for the hands on experience and buy one.

BUY 

Video Review

 

Tech Review – Ringke case line-up rear lens protector and screen protector for the Google Pixel 8a

Next up we have the Ringke case line-up and their new rear lens protector and dual easy film protector for the Google Pixel 8a which in short will protect your phone front top to bottom and front to rear with the latest products they have on offer.

Havin used Ringke goods before on many devices you are in safe hands and what is new here that I like most is the new rear lens protector.

The cases already do a great job of protecting the entire camera bar on the rear which Google’s own case once again forgot on the 8a meaning it will be free from scratches. The lens cover is an extra measure to ensure the glass does not get damaged and ideal here for Pixel 8a.

We also have 4 cases to check out so we will leave all the links below as to what you prefer and all cases are good but there is some differences to be noted, they all work with wireless charging and give additional grip, the two clear cases has less texture on them for better grip so my two favourites are

This is subjective though on what one prefers as the clear cases let you see the phones color and still offer a decent lip around the front protecting the screen you could place them all face down and the keys again all tactile and work really well check the video below for more but the choice is yours.

Google Pixel 8a Case | Onyx

  • Tough heavy-duty protection case with a Ringke-exclusive design for the Google Pixel 8a.
  • Made of slim & lightweight TPU material for increased protection against impact and scratches.
  • Streamlined design with an anti-skid & anti-fingerprint granulate texture on the back and frame.
  • Duo-QuikCatch lanyard holes on each side of the device allow for the usage of accessories such as hand straps, wrist lanyards, and phone charms. (Additional accessories not included)
  • Supports wireless charging and screen protector compatibility.

BUY

 

Google Pixel 8a Case | Fusion

  • Secure your Google Pixel 8a in a minimalist clear case to display the natural beauty of your device.
  • Durable hybrid case made of polycarbonate transparent back panel and TPU bumper frames.
  • Impact absorbent and lightweight design enhance grip-ability with minimal bulk.
  • Duo-QuikCatch lanyard holes on each side of the device allow for the usage of accessories such as hand straps, wrist lanyards, and phone charms. (Additional accessories not included)
  • Supports wireless charging and screen protector compatibility.

BUY 

 

Google Pixel 8a Camera Lens Protector | Glass (3 Pack)

  • Compatible with Google Pixel 8a
  • Shield your smartphone’s rear camera lens with a full-coverage glass protector
  • 5-Layer coating enhances efficiency and durability without adding extra bulk
  • Easy-to-install via clear adhesive for maximum transparency
  • Take clean pictures and videos through super-clear glass with zero flash interference.
  • Case-friendly design

BUY 

 

Google Pixel 8a Screen Protector | Dual Easy Film

 

  • Protect the Google Pixel 8a with a slim, lightweight film-type screen protector.
  • Made of high-performance EPU with self-healing properties, easy swipe feel, and fingerprint-resistant coating.
  • Full adhesive design reduces the chances of lifting after folding and guarantees a genuine touchscreen response.
  • 4-layer structure for maximum protection. Includes a transitory adhesive layer that removes dust and allows for multiple re-tries for the perfect alignment.
  • Case-friendly design. Complete your protection by pairing it with a Ringke case for a guaranteed fit!

BUY

 

Video Review

Transformative Investment from IBM Ireland to create up to 800 high value tech jobs

Technology giant IBM Ireland today announced a new investment that will create up to 800 high-tech jobs across Ireland, helping build advanced software underpinned by the latest Artificial Intelligence technologies to advance Security, Automation and Hybrid Cloud. The AI technology will include foundational and Large Language Models that are key for Generative AI.

The investment will create hundreds of roles in research and development, as well as digital sales and consulting; and see Ireland continue to be among IBM’s strategic locations globally. The roles will be created across IBM sites in Dublin, Cork and at IBM’s subsidiary, Red Hat, located in Waterford.

The new staff will join IBM’s and Red Hat’s vibrant and diverse workforce, and help enhance Ireland’s rich and highly skilled technology talent pool that supports employment in knowledge-intensive and high-technology sectors.  As the EU leader for the number of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) graduates per capita, Ireland has a talent pipeline fuelled by skilled young people while educators collaborate with industry to provide the skills needed in the future.

IBM has been in Ireland for more than 65 years during which time it has continually evolved its operations and capabilities to support the company’s global strategy. Today, IBM’s operations in Ireland help clients across key sectors such as financial services and healthcare streamline their business processes, increase productivity and gain competitive advantage through technology. Ireland is also host to IBM Research’s only facility in the EU.

The three-year investment is supported by the Government of Ireland through IDA Ireland.

Speaking of the announcement Taoiseach Simon Harris said, “I very much welcome IBM’s announcement today which not only reinforces the company’s deep-rooted commitment to Ireland as a strategic location but is also set to deliver real impact to the Irish economy through job creation and by strengthening specialist skills and expertise. Furthermore, this news demonstrates Ireland’s continued attractiveness as a preferred location for global companies to build out their digitalisation, research and innovation capabilities.”

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke said: “This is fantastic news. Today’s announcement that IBM Ireland are to create 800 skilled tech jobs between Dublin, Cork and Waterford, is hugely welcome. IBM is a world leader in Technology and has been a long standing high value employer in Ireland for almost three quarters of a century. Ireland is now ranked as the fifth most advanced digital economy in the EU, and having IBM choose Ireland for this new project is another vote of confidence in our country. The Government fully supports advancements in AI and Digital Transformation, and these roles will allow for exciting innovative opportunities for many of our skilled workforce throughout the country. Thanks to IBM for your continued investment here and best of luck to all involved in this exciting new initiative.”

Speaking of the announcement James Kavanaugh, IBM senior vice president and chief financial officer, said, “As IBM continues to help organizations transform their businesses with hybrid cloud and AI, attracting, developing, and retaining talent remains a key priority. Today’s announcement is a result of our strong relationship with IDA Ireland and the Irish government, but is also a testament to the calibre of talent here in Ireland, one of many reasons Ireland continues to be a strategic location for IBM.”

Deborah Threadgold, IBM Ireland country general manager, added, “We’re thrilled to announce this landmark and transformational initiative that will position the Irish operation at the cutting edge of next generation technology development within IBM globally.”

Speaking of the announcement, Michael Lohan, IDA Ireland chief executive officer, said “This is a remarkable initiative by IBM Ireland that will not only drive transformation within IBM and Red Hat’s operations but will deliver strong impact in Dublin, Cork and Waterford. It is also set to deliver real uplift in the Irish technology ecosystem by advancing capabilities across key growth areas for IDA Ireland such as Cloud, AI, Quantum and Cybersecurity.  IDA Ireland has partnered with IBM for more than 60 years and we look forward to continuing to do so throughout this exciting project.”

For the latest information and to apply for the currently open roles at IBM and Red Hat, visit:

https://www.ibm.com/careers/

https://jobs.redhat.com

Google I/O wrap up note

A year ago on the I/O stage Goolge first shared  plans for Gemini, a family of natively multimodal AI models that could reason across text, images, video, code, and more. When we launched the Gemini era in December 2023, it marked a big step in turning any input into any output — an “I/O” for a new generation.

Google I/O showed how Google is fully in the Gemini era, showcasing AI innovations across products, research, and infrastructure, and how it brings us close to our ultimate goal of making AI helpful for everyone. Sundar Blog Post.

All Google products with more than two billion users are built with Gemini. Today we shared how that helps us to create new experiences and make our products even more helpful:

  • Expanding AI Overviews in Search. With a new customised Gemini model — capable of multi-step reasoning, planning and multimodality — combined with best-in-class Search you’ll soon be able to ask complex, multi-step questions, customise search results, and even ask questions with videos [Blog Post]

  • Introducing Ask Photos. Over six billion photos are uploaded every day to Google Photos. With Gemini’s multimodal capabilities, we’re redefining how you can search your photos and videos. Want to find a specific memory or recall information hidden in your gallery? Just Ask Photos. [Blog Post]

  • New ways to engage with Gemini in Workspace. Gemini’s capabilities will expand to more users and integrate into the side panel of Gmail, Docs, Drive, Slides, and Sheets. Gemini features will also be added to the Gmail mobile app. [Blog Post]

  • Gemini for Android. We’re building AI right into the Android operating system. Students can now get homework help by circling problems with Circle to Search. And Gemini’s overlay will provide dynamic suggestions related to what’s on your screen — summarise a PDF or “ask this video” — while TalkBack with Gemini will be capable of even more detailed image descriptions. [Blog Post]

We’re also bringing Gemini 1.5 Pro to Gemini Advanced subscribers in more than 35 languages, along with a 1 million token context window — the longest of any widely available consumer chatbot in the world. This means it can understand more information than ever before,  like a 1500-page PDF and soon, 30,000 lines of code and an hour-long video.

  • Gemini Advanced subscribers will also soon get access to Live, a new mobile conversational experience. With Live, you can talk to Gemini and choose from different natural-sounding voices. You can speak at your own pace and even interrupt with questions, making conversations more intuitive. [Blog Post]

All of this work is underpinned by our technical leadership in building the world’s most advanced AI.

And we’re looking ahead too, to the next models: we shared more details about Gemini 1.5 Flash, a more cost-efficient model built based on user feedback, with lower latencies; and Project Astra, our vision for the next generation of AI assistants, a responsive agent that can understand and react to the context of conversations. [Blog Post]

We’ve also been working closely with the creative community to explore how generative AI can best support the creative process, and to make sure our AI tools are as useful as possible at each stage:

  • Today, we’re introducing Veo, our most capable model for generating high-definition video, and Imagen 3, our highest quality text-to-image model. We’re also sharing new demo recordings — with global artists — created with our Music AI Sandbox. [Blog Post]

Of course, these advancements in AI are only made possible by truly cutting-edge infrastructure technology. Training state-of-the-art models requires a lot of computing power.

  • Today we unveiled the 6th generation of our TPUs, called Trillium, which delivers a 4.7x improvement in compute performance per chip over the previous generation, TPU v5e, and which we’ll make available to Cloud customers later this year. [Blog Post]

Bold innovation must be underpinned by responsible innovation. So we’re developing a cutting-edge technique we call AI-assisted red teaming, that draws on Google DeepMind’s gaming breakthroughs like AlphaGo and expanding our technical watermarking innovations like SynthID in two new modalities — text and video —  so AI-generated content is easier to identify. [Blog Post]

By using the power of Gemini, we plan to make AI useful for everyone. Google’s mission is to organise the world’s information across every input, making it accessible via any output, and combining the world’s information, with the information in YOUR world, in a way that’s truly useful for you. Gemini will help us towards that goal.

Tech Review – TUDIA MergeGrip case for the Google Pixel 8a

It is Google Pixel 8a time and it is time to begin checking out some cases and first up it Tudia Products and their DualShield  MergeGrip case in several colours for the all new Pixel 8a.

I actually still have one of their cases on my Pixel 8 Pro and you can see the reviews for those cases here. Nothing has changed to the structure of the dual layered cases which is fine as they are a case I can vouch for as I use them all the time and have done for some time now, being dual layered gives you optimal protection and the softer TPU which is always a favourite of mine ensures full protection all round.

You have additional grip here with a textured back and grips on the sides and there is a nice lip on the front giving your screen some protection the raised camera bar on the back is also protected really well which will stop it getting marked as it is prone to them so with your new Tudia case on deck here your phone is in safe hands.

The cases also work with wireless charging which is great meaning there is no need to remove the case to charge your phone and if like me and have wireless chargers all over the house it is a win.

Overall you can’t go wrong with these cases and as mentioned I am a long time user and can certainly with ease recommend them to people no matter what device they have. Check out the Pixel 8a first look here too and check out the video review below.

 

Features

  • [Compatibility] Case compatible with Google Pixel 8a (2024) Only
  • [Drop Protection] Certified military grade protection and ToughRhino Technology for dual layer protection against drops and scratches
  • [Raised Edges Protection] Protects your camera and screen with raised lip and edges
  • [Enhanced Grip] Non-slip textured design on both sides and back provide additional grip while holding your phone
  • [Precise Design] Tactile and clicky buttons designed for stress-free usage
  • [Seamless Access] Gesture tap and wireless charging compatible

BUY

Video Review

Tech Review – Official Google Pixel 8a case BAY

Next up in our case reviews is the Official Google Pixel 8a case in BAY to match the colour of our device which we have a first impressions of here.

Again the case comes in familiar packaging and kept simple. The case is made with stain resistant silicone and has been drop tested by Google.

The case according to Google is made with 38% recycled plastics and will not interfere with calls USB or wireless charging or audio and also has has a polycarbonate shell made with 75% recycled plastic and gives you a better grip.

There is a small lip on the front of the device and the camera bar on back is protected though dust might gather in the corners the keys are tactile and work well and finally with the color itself it is hard to see how long the color lasts with dirt and fading but we will report in a few weeks.

 

BUY

Video Review

First look at the all new Nokia 3210

 

The all new Nokia 3210 has dropped in and it is a step back in time but with current looks, lightweight with tactile keys and a removable back cover this is half the thickness of the original model which we still have for comparison to give you an idea of what to expect.

Today we will give you a quick first look and unboxing of the revived mobile phone for its 25th anniversary and if you have any questions as always feel free to ask..

Lars Silberbauer, CMO of Human Mobile Devices (HMD), comments: “The Nokia 3210, a cultural icon,  is back at the pinnacle of global dumbphone boom as consumers look to balance their screen time usage with a digital detox.  The Nokia 3210 has simplicity at its core, allowing consumers to be totally present. Forget dumbphone, this is 2024’s fun phone.”

 

The Nokia 3210 – keeping it simple:

  1. Design: back to 1999 retro design for a ‘nostalgia trip’ user experience
  2. Powerful: a long-lasting 1450 mAh 2  battery keeps going for days with up to nine and a half hours of chat
  3. Retro gaming: comes with snake – hit a new high score
  4. Camera: snap away Y2K style with a 2MP Camera
  5. Trimmings: a flash torch
  6. €79 Get yours now at https://www.hmd.com/en_ie/nokia-3210

Read more here

Unboxing Video

 

Menu UI walkthrough

Tech Review – JBL Go 4 Bluetooth Speaker

The JBL Go 4 speaker is a small portable and lightweight speaker that you can carry anywhere with you and is IP67 waterproof and dustproof which makes it ideal for the beach or pool to get the tunes going.

This comes in several colours which is nice and we have been testing the Red one out which stands out in the crowd  but do check out the available colours which are nice and good to see rather than the boring speaker colours out there today.

The build quality is also top notch here with a familiar design and looks to their product range keeping them noticeable.

There is an app as seen below which allows you toggle between the EQ setting which gives you more punch and a boost once the boost switch is activated you cant toggle between the EQ settings you can also of course customise your EQ to your needs. You can manage calls skip and reverse tracks and higher and lower the volume with the Three raised keys up on top of the speaker

When it comes to sound being a small speaker it packs a punch and not tinny when maxed out nor is there any lag latency noted when watching videos either it will easily give good audio to a large room and even fine for a back or front garden  party it does a great job and overall anyone that picks one up will be satisfied with the price it comes in at.

 

 

Features

  • Powerful sound: The JBL Go 4 is about to become your everyday grab-and-go speaker, with a compact design that fits in the palm of your hand, delivering loud, clear JBL Pro Sound and rich, punchy bass
  • Keep the good times rolling: Don’t worry about running out of battery because this speaker has up to 7 hours of playtime on a single charge; a tap on PlaytimeBoost gets you an additional 2 hours
  • Your music anywhere: This sturdy little speaker is IP67 waterproof and dustproof so it can handle almost any environment, from a poolside party to a picnic by the sea
  • Multi-speaker connection: Pair two GO 4 speakers for superb stereo audio or wirelessly connect multiple compatible JBL speakers using Auracast for even bigger JBL Pro Sound
  • Items delivered: 1 x JBL Go 4 speaker, 1 x USB-C cable, 1 x quick start guide, 1 x warranty & safety sheet, in red

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Buy from JBL 

Video Review