Got curtains? Want to make them smart and enhance your home with some smart tech well here is a product that does exactly that and it is a simple setup. The award winning smart home product (Good Design Award 2020), is a small wireless robot that makes any curtains motorised and smart with a 30-second installation. After attaching to your curtain, you can open and close it with your smartphone. Or, just set a schedule to automatically open or close the curtain. With spring arriving, and lighter evenings here, Switchbot’s sunlight sensor can open your curtains at the perfect time to save energy, and you can set it to open to wake you up with natural light without getting out of bed. Check out the unboxing below and if you have any questions feel free to ask.
Need a handy universal bike mount for your phone well here is one to check out and this can also be used on motorbikes and escooters too and will keep both your hands on the wheel so to speak this is why we have such inventions for cars too and why we all should have both hands on the wheel at all times.
This is a simple add on to your handlebars and requires no tools to set up which is great, it takes two minutes to install and the job is done and you can set the angle to your liking and away you go. This comes with great protection too and holds most of todays mobile phones and they are really secure in this bike mount and I have tried this myself. Check the video below for more.. This makes life much easier for calls maps and more…
beemoon bike mount
Beemoon bike mount
Features
【Sturdy & Secure】The corners are rubberized on the inside to prevent damage to the device, holding the phone better and absorbing shock. Holder pivots in all directions easily, but hard where motorcycle phone mount will move when riding on bumpy surfaces.
【Easy Installation】This bike phone mount is easy to install with no tools, the phone bike mount includes some small rubber parts to adjust to the width of your handlebars. Very sturdy that will work on a mountain bike in tough Terrain and on a dirt bike.
【One-hand Operation】The motorcycle phone mount is designed to operate with one hand. Easy to unlock and remove to take a quick picture of some nice views and then re-attach and set off on your way.
【Free Rotation】The ball joint allows you to place the phone in your preferred viewing angle. The whole bike phone holder takes up very little room and can easily be adjusted from portrait to landscape for your phone.
Two new video conferencing solutions have been launched by industry powerhouse Konftel – featuring a dynamic and Red Dot award-winning audio innovation.
The new Konftel 70 is a versatile high performance speakerphone that blends exceptional audio quality with a stylish accolade-winning design. It’s an ideal video meeting companion or can be used as a standalone or even portable solution, for huddle rooms and small/medium locations.
It forms the audio centrepiece of two new video kits – the C2070 and C5070 – which are part of Konftel’s entire Climate Neutral certified portfolio.
The Konftel C2070 is a video package for huddle to medium meeting rooms, uniting the Konftel Cam20 4K conference camera with the Konftel 70 speakerphone and its OmniSound audio quality. The Konftel C5070 is a powerful video collaboration solution for medium sized meeting rooms, combining the Konftel Cam50 PTZ conference camera with the Konftel 70.
Convenient kit
Konftel’s OCC Hub brings everything together into one convenient kit, so a single USB cable is all users need to connect the camera, the sound unit and the room’s screen to the video collaboration app on their laptop.
The new product developments are being hailed as a major step forward by UK Sales Director Jeff May. “The new video packages meet a host of user demands for different environments. They are a welcome addition to our constantly expanding product portfolio, with crystal clear audio delivered by the new Konftel 70.”
Jeff May, Konftel
OmniSound lifelike audio with beamforming microphones, USB and Bluetooth connectivity and a battery of up to nine hours talk time, are some of the Konftel 70’s many features.
Red Dot Award Winner
May explained: “The award-winning Konftel 70 looks as good as it performs, with a clear user interface and sweeping dynamic design. An optimized set of touch buttons reflects a focus on usability, that’s earned a coveted Red Dot design award. The Konftel 70 is simple, flexible, affordable and appealing.”
Combined with the Konftel Cam20 USB conference camera, a clear and balanced image is assured. Wide Dynamic Range technology automatically adjusts to optimise picture quality in different light conditions, even challenging ones such as low light, direct sunlight and high contrast.
May added: “4K video resolution also allows for a superb digital zoom. Even at the maximum 8x zoom, the camera is still perfectly capable of producing a detailed image. Users choose the framing they want to show and let the camera do the rest.”
Climate Neutral Conferencing
Turning to the C5070, he emphasised: “Featuring a 12x optical zoom the Konftel Cam50 delivers outstanding image quality thanks to premium class optics – all the way from the lenses to the image sensor. Even in low light, the image is crisp and clear.”
May concluded: “These latest products demonstrate how Konftel continues to innovate and provide customers with maximum choice and flexibility. Equally it’s also important to protect the planet which is why Konftel is a Climate Neutral certified company. This means we have offset all our greenhouse gas emissions and are taking action to further reduce those emissions. When choosing a Konftel product, customers keep a clear climate conscience while supporting their organization’s growing need for video collaboration.”
Pricing (MSRP)
The Konftel 70 has a list price of £279. C2070 is £589 and C5070 £979.
Webcams are back on the scene in a big way these days thanks to the pandemic but even before this the work from home debate was leading toward it being a new way of life and probably better for most and also it offers workers a dual format to split being at home or in the office and it was heading this direction anyway for some time due to better infrastructure with WiFi which in Ireland is debateable particularly in rural areas where business lack good internet and only now we are seeing a development here, the problem for years is all big corporates want to move into the city centre and the docklands where I have been saying for some years why not split up around the country into smaller hubs an bring life back into country settings and create high tech jobs there which is why we have a shortage of such talent in Dublin because people are not willing to travel hours a day which again is costly here.
Moving back on to this webcams they are seeing a rise in popularity again due to the fact we are working from home and in most instances your laptop or desktop PC webcam is generally brutal especially in a professional capacity and we now use the likes of teams and zoom more than ever with a massive hike in use since the pandemic began they are now pretty much an every day platform to use even for me who never used either until I started working from home two years ago. I have tried several webcams and more here to review and this one is really nice, well made looks well and has a shutter/privacy slider which none of the other have and this is important for those with privacy issues but you can just unplug too.
The Konftel Cam10 combines big performance with compact styling and has been designed for today’s hybrid working trends – where more and more business critical meetings take place online. The stylish device features a wide 90° field of view, two built-in microphones, 1080p (30fps) full HD picture quality and a 4 x digital zoom. It’s a perfect home and traditional office companion, or for wherever people are working.
The Konftel Cam10 uses a standard damping bracket for easy and stable installation, whilst there’s the option of tripod mounting for alternative camera placement. You can basically use this camera anywhere in any position rather than having a fixed perspective an it is a simple plug in and go with no software required. The webcam’s two built-in microphones deliver impressive audio pick-up, supported by noise suppression technology. In a common scenario the screen speakers often perform as audio output but an improved option is to complement the Konftel Cam10 with the professional speakerphone Konftel Ego, creating an enhanced experience through Konftel’s renowned OmniSound audio technology.
Need a new accessory for you iPhone well perhaps the EKSTER MagSafe card holder might just be the thing and cheaper than what Apple have to offer with a better magnet to boot, slim and packing auto aligning magnets this is for the minimalist and fits nicely on the rear of the device giving you a better grip and also allowing you to hold up to three cards and some cash but from using it myself two cards and some cash would be better suited.
We have seen and head about the MagSafe charger which call drop off easily but this is not the case with this cardholder this remains firm and in place when removing from you pocket too. this also works with MagSafe compatible case and skins however if you have thicker cases well the obvious happens, the level of magnetism gets less which makes it less secure. Overall this is a really clean design with great quality and ideal for the minimalist who likes to keep things simple and is affordable, it is very thin and has a thumb hole on the rear or it can be slid to the left or the right to remove your card or cash. Check out the video below for more.
realme, the the world’s fastest-growing smartphone brand, today announced at its inaugural 5G summit that it would enable 100 million young consumers to use 5G smartphones within the next three years. At the summit, which was held in partnership with GSMA, Counterpoint Research and Qualcomm, realme also revealed that new models in GT series, realme 5G performance and camera flagships, will be launched in June and July 2021, respectively, among several other corporate initiatives to promote 5G adoption globally.
With the theme “Making 5G Global: Accessibility for All”, the 5G summit brought together leaders from industry association, research institution, and component vendor and device manufacturer to share their insights on several 5G topics: current global 5G connectivity – the driving forces behind it and the technical aspect to 5G evolution; the unique relationship between 5G and the younger generation; and how to further facilitate 5G accessibility in the future.
At the summit, realme reaffirmed its commitment to become a “popularizer of 5G” and shared its latest pledge to advance the adoption of 5G in global markets and bring the technology to more users worldwide. In 2020, realme launched 14 5G devices in 21 markets, accounting for around 40% of all its products. By 2022, the company aims to increase the number of its 5G offerings to over 20, upping the ratio to 70% across 50 markets. realme also plans to take the industry lead in launching a 5G mobile phone at a US$100 price point in the next few years, a move that is set to further accelerate 5G adoption, especially across the rapidly emerging economies.
Madhav Sheth, VP and CEO of India and Europe, realme, said at the summit, “Starting with our first 5G model, the realme X50, we have been exploring new design concepts and technical innovations to bring users more slimline and design-rich 5G phones that have a powerful performance. We believe that in the 5G era, helping to accelerate the adoption of this new technology is a crucial mission for realme. We will work hard to help popularize 5G by listening more to consumers’ needs, pushing forward product innovation, and helping to build the broader 5G ecosystem with our industry partners.”
Johnny Chen, Brand Director, realme, added, “realme believes that 5G is for the younger generation – internet natives who are looking for ways to connect and express themselves beyond the physical world. As a brand that’s dedicated to young consumers, realme tries to listen carefully to what they expect from 5G technology and get them more involved in the process of creating a better 5G user experience. By empowering the young, we hope they can, in turn, become the forerunners of 5G adoption and help lead more people into the 5G era.”
In 2021, realme plans to set up more than ten 5G pop-up stores around the world allowing young people to create exclusive spaces where they can enjoy 5G experiences through cloud gaming, ultra-clear AR, live broadcasting and other popular 5G applications.
Also joining the summit was Kalvin Bahia, Principal Economist, GSMA Intelligence. He commented, “As of May this year, 60 countries around the world had launched 5G – 12 of them are emerging markets and mostly in Asia. While the growth of 5G coverage is encouraging, a survey by GSMA shows that other barriers remain for widespread adoption of the new technology amongst consumers, such as affordability of the devices, lack of digital literacy and skills, and costs of mobile data. But nevertheless, the transition to 5G is inevitable across the world, and 5G is expected to bring USD 600 billion to the global economy over the next decade.”
Peter Richardson, VP and Co-founder, Counterpoint Research agreed that the growth of 5G has been impressive and the rapid reduction in smartphone prices has been one of the main drivers. He noted, “By the end of last year, we saw some highly competitive 5G products offered at affordable prices in China, with realme being the most aggressive with its V3 5G selling at around US$145. realme is helping to popularize the technology across many other countries with a series of compelling products with great specifications at surprisingly affordable prices.”
Mr. Rajen Vagadia, VP and President, Qualcomm India & SAARC said at the summit, “The upgrade to 5G chipsets pushes platform processing performance to remarkable levels, allowing us to maximize the step change improvements we are seeing in today’s smartphone components and hardware. Just as important, we are delivering 5G to all tiers, ensuring it is accessible to broad segments across developed and emerging markets alike.”
To support the global adoption of 5G products, realme will establish seven R&D centers around the world in 2021, dedicated to exploring innovative 5G technologies and products. At present, 90% of realme’s R&D resources have been converted to 5G technolo
Ergotron, a global company focused on improving how people work, learn, play and care for others, has today launched its HX Desk Monitor Arm with HD Pivot, a monitor arm designed specifically for deep, ultra-wide curved monitors, in the EMEA region. With more people working and gaming from home than ever, demand for monitor arms has increased exponentially, and the latest offering from Ergotron provides a fully immersive viewing experience.
Based on user feedback, Ergotron combined its popular HX Desk Monitor Arm with its HX Heavy-Duty Tilt Pivot accessory into one product specifically for large, curved monitors. Currently, this is one of the only monitor arms available for the premium Samsung® Odyssey G9 monitor—a 49” wide, 12” deep curved screen popular in the gaming community.
“For gamers and remote workers who prefer large, immersive monitors, enhancing their setup with a monitor arm is essential for optimal performance and viewing,” said Paul Zuidema, MD at Ergotron in EMEA. “The HX Monitor Arm with HD Pivot gives back valuable desk space and provides flexibility to adjust heavier displays with a deep curve. It brings a gaming or remote working setup to the next level.”
Ergotron desk monotor arm
Ergotron desk monitor arm
The solid, durable design allows users to easily tilt and move their screen while protecting the investment of a large, quality monitor. Without the addition of the HX Desk Monitor Arm with HD Pivot, the Samsung Odyssey G9 monitor can take up to three feet of valuable desk space—this addition enables users to reclaim their space and lift the screen above the desktop. A wide range of motion and easy adjustment allows for precise screen positioning throughout the workday or gaming session.
The HX Desk Monitor Arm with HD Pivot fits large monitors with a curve 6” to 12” (15.2 to 30.4 cm) deep and weighing 28 to 42 lbs (12.7 to 19.1 kg). To learn more click here.
Car accessories are in no shortage and phone mounts are the most popular with many on sale today, CLCKR is a brand that makes such yet integrate their products so they can be used in more way than one. The car mount is one such product this one being one you attach to your car vent which I have to say never have been a huge fan of due to vents being broken in the past but they have got better over the years it must be said.
CLCKR stand and grip
CLCKR wallet and stand
CLCKR’s Prong Car Mount securely attaches to most standard air vents on a vehicle’s dashboard — allowing drivers to quickly view their device for GPS directions. The mount uses a simple yet effective magnetic design featuring an innovative money-style silver clip which slides onto the user’s existing CLCKR case or Universal grip and stays securely in place until removed. The CLCKR clip then magnetically attaches to the mount clipped onto the vehicle’s air vent. This new, slim design eliminates the need for sticky or bulky magnets and offers the user a removable solution. The Prong Mount will retail for £14.99.
CLCKR car mount
For vehicles without traditional air vents, the CLCKR 3M Car Mount features a heavy-duty sticky side that allows the mount to be securely attached to the dashboard, without leaving behind any sticky residue.
Mobile phones today are a plenty from dumb phones to high end models but the majority being higher end phones they are a difficult for the seniors to use and adopt. Emporia though is a company that is changing this by offering devices that are easy to use and now they have a smartphone with all the convoluted mess hidden underneath and makes the move from a dumphone/feature phone easy and this also allows you to go further into the submenus should you wish, with most of used stuck in lockdown now and no end in sight just yet the senior community want to learn and stay in touch with family and friends and dumbphones do not allow this to happen where the smart 4 offers it all keeping it simple for everyone and making the switch easy..
The tiled layout is nice and these can be changed you will see a complete walkthrough of the UI below in the video and what the phone can do and it is quite simple and well executed for the desired target market of this device not only that this device is affordable and makes a perfect gift in my opinion, OK it will not blow your mind with the spec sheet or camera but it does the job simple and is powerful enough to keep in touch with social media and more.
Chris Millington, emporia’s UK and Ireland MD comments: “This is an exciting “first” in a new generation of mobiles to join emporia’s portfolio. I’m proud to announce the S4 as our most innovative device yet to the Irish market, working exclusively with An Post Mobile. This phone really responds to some of the more recent challenges and hurdles faced by our senior citizens in everyday life and mobile communication – especially in a modern world of social distancing and contact-free living. We have worked hard to include intuitive and completely audience-relevant features like the pre-installed QR scanner, contactless payment functionality, and improved camera for new features like a magnifier for when you have left your glasses at home.”
This Google-certified smartphone runs on an Android 10 operating system, with an emporia interface that is tailored and adapted to the 66+ year old user.
The smartphone’s 5” screen is easy to read, with large fonts and app icons, and a soft touch coating makes it very easy to hold and use one-handed. Like all emporia devices it is also hearing-aid-compatible and is fitted with an emergency assistance button on the back for peace of mind for users.
The S4 comes complete with emporia’s unique comprehensive 135-page training book, allowing users to learn at their own pace and as a reference point. The concept of this training book extends much beyond instilling confidence and driving independence; it’s imperative to emporia’s customers and responds to how the human brain works and is the catalyst to changing smartphone value for this group.
Key features of the senior S4 smartphone in a new digital world
What makes the S4 different to other smart devices in the emporia range is its following new features that bring the senior user further into the digital world, but in a simple way:
13 megapixel main camera and 8mp selfie camera
In a world where video calls and photo sharing are the most common form of communication, our S4 has an improved camera quality so users can be involved and connected in this way and stay in touch, even if isolated, with family and friends.
QR scanner
The improved processing power on the latest S4 model sees the introduction of a QR scanner, meaning senior users are able to use the NHS track & trace / Ireland’s COVID tracker / Protect Scotland / StopCOVID NI apps, or register their check-ins, for safety and reassurance in a post-pandemic world.
Magnifying function
Most of us experience presbyopia as we age, meaning we need glasses to read and struggle with close up text or smaller fonts. Whilst emporia’s devices are already tailored to help the users to use and enjoy the phone, when users are out and about, reading everyday things like restaurant menus may not be as easy, especially when we leave our glasses at home. This key app is designed to take away that frustration and act as an aid for our customers in everyday life – a reliable companion.
App Installer
There are apps for everything out there, and this can be overwhelming when you need a key app like a track-and-trace, or WhatsApp to stay in touch with friends and family, need to share pictures, check the weather forecast or check the news. The App Installer on the S4 contains a list of the most useful 20 apps, making them all easier to download and locate so the older user gets the key apps straight away.
NFC technology
Whilst NFC or contactless payments in credit and debit cards isn’t new, the new S4 brings NFC (near field communication) technology, or more to the point contactless payments to a new audience. When social distancing and contact-free are the norm, this function can offer a whole new shopping experience for older customers who tend to use cash. With the new 16-page guide to how to set-up Google Pay and the benefits of the security this brings, the retired audience will be equipped for the new era upon us.
