Tag: #tech

Review – TomTom Go premium sat nav. It will get you there. #satnav #maps #tech

I love this kind of tech as I have personally worked on several instances of maps over the years and like to see how this technology is progressing over time and it is a fight and with sat nav and mapping companies now with who gets into your car too but we have our native mapping apps such as Google and Apple in our devices people often ask do we really need standalone options like this and personally I think we do.

Being feature rich is what people like to see by that I mean not only a map to get your from A to B there is other things to consider here like POIs, garages,roads, speed limits, EV charge points in which today is vital and much more and this has you covered for the most but it does also give turn by turn navigation which is great should you fear getting lost.. I found though turn by turn can work better on motorways or by using the unit itself typing in an address it sometimes did not come through for some reason when I sent the directions from my phone but worked fine apart from that.

 

On the screen you have your map and from here options galore in the settings and it is fully customizable too with a sidebar giving you snippets of info like points of interest,current time,distance and time of arrival and if any delays it will be highlighted in red under the current time it will also re route you with faster routes as you go and I found this feature working quite well and akin to Google Maps too as I have tested this side by side with Google maps on my smartphone, However sometimes you get different route options but this is common and who is to say who is right and who is wrong.

For instance I have been doing a project with google maps and it has in some cases sent me the opposite direction and roads have been missing also some roads that leave your straight to the door on your route are ignored as if not there for some odd reason and I have reported this to google as some are really quite odd indeed. On some instances you might find the speed limit different to what shows on the sat nav but you can edit this in the settings which is useful but here is where it keeps your speed in check which is great and helpful.

This is where I find TomTom oddly better than Google and it hurts to say it but its true but in fairness it can be said for all map apps but Google seem to have dropped their game with updates, I have not seen one of their cars around in along time yet see Apple and I have seen a TomTom Car go around recently too. I was offered a job with Apple maps recently and declined which I now regret as I wanted to more on how they approach this and see their way of thinking with the competition.  See how this company works HERE

I find here searching on the device is quite useless depending on what you want, If it is a business forget it its much better with an address but if you use the my drive app you will be fine though how the list is populated needs much work as it throws up random distances and names not organised like googles search is for example but over time that can be fixed I guess and the great thing is you can send direct to the unit from your phone which is great.

You can also use the unit with voice assistants although shady so I just type in via the app for my directions, You can also use the unit for calls which is cool you can choose between this ,your car your phone or its speaker and calls are loud as well as the directions coming from the speaker on the unit itself.

Overall it is quite good once you get the hang of it and have the app, sometime it is laggy on even touch response keying in information and when driving it can be behind but I take that as a signal problem but overall it will get you there and has a nice big screen which is fully interactive with much more on offer than some rivals when it comes to extras.  Finally is it worth the price? Personally I dont think any standalone sat nav is worth more than an entry level smartphone  because we have maps on our phones for free built in and a few to chose from but this offers more and you have lifetime updates free.

BUY HERE

 

First look at the Aukey DR01 dashcam. #Aukey #Dashcams #Motoring #Tech

We will be covering a range of motoring and home tech from Aukey in the coming weeks and today we take a look at their DRO1 budget dashcam which is affordable and simple to use with an easy set up which we go through in the video below. You get all the cables and fixtures provided in the box so no need to go shopping elsewhere bar a memory card which I think all manufacturers should included which I always say on any dashcam product.

 

Today we unbox and go through the setup menu and show you what is involved and what you get for your money and in a few weeks time we will have a full review alongside some other products for the motorist Aukey have sent us over giving us good value to kit out your vehicle which will not break the bank, Also check out their other products and reviews on our site which include headphones and true wireless earbuds and stay tuned for more.

  • 【Clear Video Capture】: The DR01 backs you up in any road incident. Sony Exmor Sensor captures super-sharp 1080p video (and optional in-car audio) with 170° field of view and also performs well for nighttime driving
  • 【Emergency Recording & Loop Recording】: Emergency Recording automatically captures unexpected driving incidents and protects the recordings. Loop Recording allows continuous use by writing over old, unneeded footage.
  • 【Extreme Temperature Operation】: Powered by the included dual-port USB car charger and internal supercapacitor. The supercapacitor has greater heat & cold endurance and longer lifetime than standard battery technology
  • 【Easy Mounting】: Easily and securely mount to your windshield in seconds with the included suction cup or double-sided 3M pad
  • 【Package Contents】: AUKEY DR01 Dashboard Camera, Dual-Port USB Car Charger, USB Mini-B Power Cable (4m/4.37yd), Sticker Mount, Three 3M Stickers, Six Cable Clips, User Manual, 45-Day Money Back Guarantee and 24-Month Warranty Card

BUY HERE 

Get cleaner air with a HEPA air purifier from Meaco. #Air #Meaco #Viruses

We are living in surreal times. As we move into spring we see the start of suffering caused from a variety of seasonal allergies, and the added risk of the airborne transmission of viruses.

Chris Michael, Director of Meaco, a leading UK air purifier manufacturer, advises the use of an air purifier to help reduce the misery caused from allergies, and to help support overall wellness as families spend more time indoors and in close proximity

There is a lot of talk about why people should use a HEPA air purifier for health benefits. Air pollution caused by a range of pollutants can be detrimental to health. The very young and elderly are particularly vulnerable. Pollution is most obvious in large cities, along busy roads and in industrial areas but there are also many sources of pollutants that we bring into our own home.  Smoking, faulty boilers, chemicals given off by new furniture, perfumes, air fresheners and candles, paints and cleaning products, all commonly known as VOCs (Volatile organic compounds), dust mites that live in our beds, mould spores, and dander from family pets can all trigger allergic reactions. At this time of year there is also pollen from a range of plants that can trigger asthma and cause discomfort. On top of this we also have to contend with airborne viruses.

The Government is urging people to work from home where possible, and with uncertainty about future directives, it is likely that more of us will be confined to the home.

So why should you use an air purifier with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter? An air purifier works by removing allergens from the air. A True HEPA filter has been made to strict international regulations, and traps most bacteria, pathogens, microbial spores, pollens, and some virus particles. Capturing harmful particles and circulating clean air throughout a room, will help in keeping people healthy so their immune system is a tiny bit stronger to fight off any viruses. People should not rely on an air purifier to protect them from the coronavirus, as air purifiers have not been designed or tested to that level. Instead, they should follow the latest government guidelines to protect themselves.  But if families are going to spend more time indoors and in close proximity then using an air purifier will help the family’s general health and will provide protection from VOCs that are common in the home and airborne pollutants from outside.

One filter removes dust, another deals with particles such as dust mites and pollen. A charcoal filter eliminates smells, and an ultraviolet system (UVC) will destroy bacteria. Finally, an ioniser is said to encourage dust particles to stick together and fall to the ground or into the air purifier. Air filters are an important part in managing airborne allergens, and for serious sufferers, can make life a lot more bearable, particularly if used in the bedroom.

Meaco’s research has shown that air purifier selection often goes wrong as people do not match the allergy to the filter required, or they buy an air purifier that is too small for their room and it cannot clean the air efficiently.  The only way to reliably remove pollutants from the air is by circulating the entire volume of air in a room several times an hour, ensuring particles will enter the airflow of a filter, and the air will become cleaner. To select the correct one, you need to know what you’re allergic to and the cubic air volume of the room you want to clean. This would be calculated from the height, width and depth of the room in metres.

Make sure that the air purifier can actually remove what you are allergic to from the air and make sure that it can clean your air volume three times an hour for a mild allergy, five times an hour if you are on medication and eight times an hour if your allergy is serious.  Let the air purifier run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Put it on high fan speed when you are not in the room and turn it down to one of the quieter fan speeds when you are in the room.

Meaco has developed a next generation air purification range that includes the  MeacoClean  CA-HEPA 119×5 and  MeacoClean CA-HEPA 47×5),both ‘state of the art,’ offering a bespoke air purification experience to suit the allergy and room size.  Both have an Allergy UK seal of approval.

The MeacoClean range is a more advanced than many standard air purifiers. Meaco uses True HEPA filters, to provide a high standard of air cleaning, as part of a multistage filtration package, along with activated charcoal which helps to remove odours and VOCs from the air. It has a PCO (Photocatalytic Oxidation) system which is the most advanced ant-bacterial/virus system to date. PCO technology speeds up the reaction time to help kill bacteria and viruses. Another advantage of the MeacoClean is that the multiple filters cover the vast majority of allergens.

The larger MeacoClean CA-HEPA 119×5 has one of the highest CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) scores in Europe and is suitable for rooms from 74 to 198m³ depending on how severe the allergy is, while the smaller MeacoClean CA-HEPA 47X5 works in rooms between 29 and 78m³.

Here are some other ways to help stay healthy

  1. See your doctor before the season starts so that you have your medication right before the allergies start.
  2. Get used to checking the pollen count on a daily basis so that you can plan your day.
  3. Avoid drying clothes outside when the count is high as the pollen with stick to the clothes.
  4. Plan outdoor activities after any rain as the pollen count is lower after a shower.
  5. When you come home change your clothes so that you are not wearing clothes with pollen indoors and allowing the pollen to spread around the house.
  6. Spring clean the house so you are not sneezing and suffering whilst disturbing dust.
  7. Clean mould in the bathroom regularly to avoid the spread of mould spores.
  8. Ensure you have good ventilation in the bathroom and kitchen to remove excess moisture to avoid damp.
  9. Lower damp levels mean less mould spores and dust mites, if necessary look to buy a dehumidifier to reduce moisture levels.
  10. Make your bedroom an allergy free haven where you can rest and get a good night’s sleep.  Air purifiers provide a solution that can provide relief from these allergens.

See  Meaco for more

COVID-19 Pandemic Will Force Companies Around the World to Radically Rethink How They Operate and Embrace Technological Investment

The Coronavirus outbreak and the worldwide reaction to the pandemic will force companies to radically rethink how they operate and embrace technological investment, states global tech market advisory firm, ABI Research.

In its new white paper, Taking Stock of COVID-19: The Short- and Long-Term Ramifications on Technology and End Markets, ABI Research Analysts look at the current and future ramifications of COVID-19 across technologies and verticals. Analysts also offer recommendations to weather the storm and strategies to help companies rebound and prosper after the pandemic has slowed.

“To effect change, there must be a stimulation of a magnitude that means companies cannot do anything but make bold decisions to survive. COVID-19 is that magnitude,” explains Stuart Carlaw, Chief Research Officer at ABI Research.

Bold decisions and technological investments could lead to outcomes such as:

  • A more concerted and widespread move to lights-out manufacturing
  • Increased usage of autonomous materials handling and goods vehicles
  • A more integrated, diverse, and coordinated supply chain
  • Investment in smart cities to support community resilience
  • A move to virtual workspaces and practices
  • And so much more

“Before we feel this potential long-term impact, there will be some serious short-term implications. Contractions in consumer spending, disruptions to supply chains, and reduced availability of components will create a rough sea for all boats,” Carlaw says. “In the short-term, there will be a retrenchment in outlooks a reduced investment in modernization, as survival instincts trump the drive to prosperity.”

For a clearer picture of the short- and long-term global impacts of COVID-19, download the whitepaper Taking Stock of COVID-19: The Short- and Long-Term Ramifications on Technology and End Markets.

We are reviewing an eSim that works in Ireland but what exactly is it? Find out more. #eSim #Tech #Mobile

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM (“Embedded Subscriber Identification Module”) is a small chip that is embedded inside a wide range of newer devices – everything from smartphones and smartwatches, to laptops and tablets. It works just like a second SIM card in a phone, but unlike a physical SIM, an eSIM cannot be removed and can be programmed to any mobile network that supports eSIM service.

 

 

How do you use an eSIM in your smartphone?

An eSIM comes embedded as-standard in many of the latest devices. However, to activate the eSIM you will need to purchase an eSIM plan from a traditional mobile network provider (like Vodafone), or purchase an eSIM plan online. This plan, depending on who you purchase from, can give you access to voice, SMS and/or data services through the eSIM on a second mobile phone number. The plan is often installed via a QR code or by downloading an app. 

 

Does Ireland support eSIM?

Right now, Irish domestic operators (like Vodafone and Three) do not support eSIM. This means you can’t visit one of their stores and request an eSIM plan to activate the eSIM within your device. However, customers can purchase global roaming eSIM plans from a number of online stores that will activate the eSIM in their device and allow them to use their eSIM in Ireland. The eSIM will ‘roam’ onto mobile operators’ networks and can be used at home or abroad. 

 

What are the benefits of using a global roaming eSIM?

An global roaming eSIM purchased online can be used at home or overseas, giving the user a range of different benefits.

 

Using an eSIM in your home country:

  • Make use of two mobile phone numbers on one device – great for those who have a personal line and a business line
  • As a global roaming eSIM can roam on any network, users may be able to switch network providers to access better coverage in remote locations
  • Affordable international calling rates

 

Using an eSIM overseas:

  • Affordable roaming voice, SMS and data plans – often cheaper than traditional network providers
  • No need to remove your current SIM card and replace it with a local SIM
  • Your primary SIM number can be used at the same time as your eSIM

What devices work with eSim..

Apple Phone iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, XS, XS Max, XR
Tablet iPad Mini (5th gen.), iPad (7th gen.), iPad Air (3rd gen.), 12.9-inch iPad Pro (3rd gen.), 11-inch iPad Pro
Wearable Apple Watch Series 3, 4, 5
Samsung Phone S20, S20+, S20 Ultra, Z Flip, Galaxy Fold
Wearable Gear S2, S3 Frontier 3G, S3 Classic, and Galaxy Watch and Watch Active 2
Google Phone Pixel 3, 3 XL, 3a, 3a XL , 4, 4 XL
Motorola Phone Razr
Microsoft Tablet Surface Pro X, Surface Pro with LTE Advanced
Huawei Wearable Huawei Watch 2 Pro
Xiaomi Wearable Smartwatch

DxO PhotoLab 3.2 Is Expanding Its Set Of Local Adjustment Tools And Improving Its PhotoLibrary

DxO PhotoLab 3, the market’s leading photo-editing software in terms of image quality developed by DxO, has now become even better with its latest 3.2 update. After introducing the DxO ColorWheel, which offers users a brand-new approach to colour, DxO PhotoLab 3.2 has made local adjustment mask management even more flexible, optimized its Repair Tool, and improved PhotoLibrary keyword support. In addition, the software now supports five new cameras, including the recent Canon EOS-1D X Mark III, the Nikon D780, and the Olympus E-M1 Mark III.

Improved Mask Management

In addition to the existing display, opacity adjustment, and mask reversal features, the improved Local Adjustment Palette available through DxO PhotoLab 3.2 includes two new settings: Duplicate and Rename. With these features, users can enjoy even more flexibility when managing several local adjustment masks within a single image. Photographers can duplicate control points, graduated filters, or masks to retain the same settings as the original and adapt them to suit their needs. Users can also assign a customized name to their masks to identify them more easily. In addition, the ability to move automatic masks and masks created with the Brush Tool is now available on the Windows version as well.

With the new Duplicate and Rename features, users can enjoy even more flexibility when managing several local adjustment masks within a single image.

New Display Mode For The Repair Tool

DxO PhotoLab 3.2 has optimized the display of its Repair Tool, a powerful paintbrush that can be used to remove any unwanted elements from an image. Users can now enjoy a more streamlined display. The areas being retouched are now highlighted by a thin outline to make them easier to see without obstructing the background.

This design lets photographers reposition the area in the source image that is used to reconstruct the portion being edited. Feathering and opacity level are still adjustable.

 

The Repair Tool’s retouching areas are now indicated by an outline to make them more visible without obstructing the background.

Improved Keyword Support

DxO has improved keyword support in the DxO PhotoLibrary to offers users a workflow that is ever more comprehensive—from the image organization stage to export. In addition to the ability to add, delete, and rename the keywords that are paired to an image, DxO PhotoLab 3.2 now lets users differentiate between keywords that are tagged to several images and has added the renaming feature to the Windows version.

Support For Five New Cameras

DxO’s engineers have worked hard to include support for the latest cameras released in early 2020. DxO PhotoLab 3.2 now supports the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III, the Nikon D780, and the Olympus E-M1 Mark III. The software is also compatible with the Leica D-Lux 7 and Q2.

 

More than 770 optical modules have also been added to the DxO PhotoLab 3.2 database, which now includes over 60,000 different camera/lens combinations. Through the high-quality RAW conversion technology included in DxO PhotoLab 3.2 and DxO’s scientific calibration process, the photos taken with these devices will be automatically corrected for any optical faults.

 

These cameras are also supported by DxO FilmPack 5 and DxO ViewPoint 3.

Price And Availability

The ESSENTIAL and ELITE editions of DxO PhotoLab 3.2 (PC and Mac) are now available for download through DxO’s online store (http://shop.dxo.com/en) for the following launch prices until March 31, 2020:

 

DxO PhotoLab 3.2 ESSENTIAL Edition: £86.99 instead of £112

DxO PhotoLab 3.2 ELITE Edition: £129.99 instead of £169

Tech and toys to keep you entertained at home during the coming weeks. #Tech #Toys #MenKind

With lots of families staying home over the next few weeks or more despite my own claiming they have nothing to do and are bored when they have everything here is a few ideas from MenKind that might help out. Tensions may be showing already but lets check out some ideas here and see if they can alleviate that with a selection of tech and toys on offer.

Sega Mega Drive Mini Console

Hark back to the 90s with this classic console, pre-loaded with 40 classic games including everyone’s favourite hedgehog, Sonic! Relive your childhood and share it with the next generation while hitting those high scores. Comes with two controllers for multiplayer fun.

Price: £75

Link to buy

RED5 Orbit Gaming Headphones

Video games are a great way to pass the time when indoors and stay in touch with friends. This RED5 gaming headset is affordable and has light up details.

Price: £25

Link to buy

Jumanji Board Game

The classic, magical board that is perfect for 2-4 players to while away the hours immersed in the dangers of the jungle.

  • Coloured pawn movers (four in all)
  • One rhino mover
  • One sand timer
  • Two dice to roll to your heart’s content
  • 4 rescue dice
  • Thirty-three danger cards
Price: £18

SOhi Orbit ball

Get the whole family playing outside with this super high bounce ball, providing hours of fun and is also great to play on your own.

  • Dimpled surface helps with the bounce… plus makes it look spacey

  • Available in 4 different colours, shipped at random

  • Great fun for all ages

  • Measures approx. 7 cm x 7 cm x 7 cm

Price: £5

Link to buy

Robotic Hedgehog

The robotic hedgehog is not only super cute and lots of fun to play with, it’s also fun and educational to build together. It comes complete with the kit needed, but you’ll also need a cross-head screwdriver, a ruler, a marker pen, and 4 AAA batteries. Once assembled, it responds to your commands and does tricks such as extending its spikes!

  • Can walk, roll into a ball, roll backwards, and more!
  • Requires 4 x AAA batteries and a few tools for assembly
  • For ages 8 and up

Price: £30

Link to buy

Moral Conflict

Moral Conflict is a card game filled with outrageous ‘most likely’ scenarios, find out what your family really thinks of you! It’s a great Saturday night game for some light relief that is bound to end with laughter.
  • For 3-6 players
  • 6 paddle whiteboards, 6 whiteboard markers with erasers on the end
Price: £12

3-in-1 Smart Viewer

Watch your favourite shows and films from anywhere in the house or garden with this fantastic 3-in-1 smart viewer that turns your smartphone into a TV! It also charges your smartphone while in use and comes with a built-in speaker to amplify the sound and offer better audio quality.

Price: £25

Link to buy

100 Cult Movies Scratch Poster

Take your movie bingeing to a whole new level with this 100 cult movies bucket list poster. Scratch your way through 100 cult classic films, the finished poster also makes a great wall art addition.

Price: £9

Link to buy

Get a 15% discount on new headphones and True Wireless from Urbanista. #UrbanistaLife

Fancy some new headphones or True Wireless? Urbanista have given us a code to share with our readers to purchase some new tech and we have been testing their products some time now too and can easily recommend these for the price and what you get. These have it all and anyone who buys these will not be disappointed with what they offer and you can see our reviews HERE.

You can also check out the entire range reviewed from Urbanista HERE

You can get a 15% right now on a new purchase by using the code TECHBUZZIE by hitting this link and enjoy a further discount on already well priced tech. So head over to Urbanista today and check out what is on offer.

Disclaimer,We earn some commission when purchased through our link above and it will help keep us bringing you more real hands on reviews which take time.

 

Review – The House of Marley Redemption ANC True Wireless #Tech #TrueWireless

Over the last while I have been testing out these earbuds and I have been impressed to say the least and not only this the attention they have been getting from people on the street or family circle due to how they look,they really stand out and look great and to top it off they sound great too and potential buyers will not be disappointed at all here with the overall package on offer.

The Marley Redemption are not your typical pair of true wireless earbuds but made with bamboo and sustainable materials which many companies are now doing to tackle the climate change issue we constantly hear about. The charging case is also quite nice and different with a bamboo finish and a speckled soft touch finish on the inside, We have quick charge here which will see you around two hours in a 15 minute charge which is great. The overall battery without ANC is on par with the claims and without ANC on the last longer but you will be using the ANC here.

When you pair these up they for the first time you will have no issues from here on and they pair pretty quick too out of the box once you have your bluetooth activated, You also get a non robotic voice when changing mode and a real stereo effect sounding lady which also sounds nice and better than what we typically here with true wireless earbuds and this is when you first experience how good these sound as a whole.

Controls are easy to use with touch set up rather than button and these worked great during my testing each and every time, We have double tap on the left for voice assistants and the same for call control and calls are pretty clear too and sounded good both ends on my testing, They do not allow you to reverse track which was my only real gripe but not an issue for me, You can play and pause tracks with a double tap on the right and again on the right a tripple tap will skip tracks. Tripple tap on the left allows you to change the mode with ANC, There is no volume control on these which might bother some but we have auto play and pause. These offer a great seal in general and block out a good deal of the outside world but you can let that in should you wish to do so and for those into fitness they will not fall out.

On my usual test run with Netflix/You Tube they worked a treat with great balance overall and good direction with loud volume and good highs lows and mids and overall pretty impressive with a good bit of bass and good separation you will not be let down here, No lag latency either I am no audiophile expert but have tested over a 100 pairs of true wireless and I know a good pair when I hear them and these certainly fit in my top ten to date.

Battery life is on the low to mid end here but you get fast charging and there is no wireless charging on the case which would have been a nice finish to the product as a whole but with whats on offer here they are priced a little high for some and I tend to agree but you get something different here that stands out and they would earn my hard earned money if put in front of me.

BUY HERE