Tag: #tech

Amazon Introduces Upgraded Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 5. #EchoShow8 #EchoShow5

Amazon has introduced its newest generation of Echo Show devices—the new Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 5. Echo Show is the fastest-growing family of Echo devices, and the new models feature more powerful cameras for better video calling.

“Customers love using Echo Show to stay in touch and in the past year have made nearly three times the number of video calls globally than the year prior,” said Eric Saarnio, Vice President, Amazon Devices EU. “With these new Echo Show devices, we focused on creating experiences that would add even more value to our customers — bringing a powerful camera and digital pan and zoom capabilities to the new Echo Show 8, upgrading the Echo Show 5 camera, and adding the ability to securely access the built-in camera to check in on home when you’re away.”

Echo Show 8—Featuring a 13-megapixel, wide-angle camera that keeps you centred in frame—still just £119.99
The new Echo Show 8 has a vibrant 8-inch HD screen with adaptive colour display; a powerful, 13-megapixel camera with a built-in camera cover; a new octa-core processor; and dual stereo speakers for clear, balanced sound. The upgraded camera automatically pans and zooms while you’re on video calls, so everyone stays centred in the frame. Just ask to make video calls via Alexa or create a group of up to seven family members and simply say, “Alexa, call my Family Group” to join a group call.

With dual stereo speakers and an HD display, Echo Show 8 delivers an immersive entertainment experience. Simply ask to browse TV series or films from streaming services* like Prime Video and Netflix or ask Alexa to play your favourite music from music services* like Amazon Music, Apple Music, or Spotify. You can also follow step-by-step recipe videos with BBC Good Food. Alexa will also now show you music playlists or station recommendations based on the Amazon Music or Spotify song playing, making it easier to discover your next favourite artist or song. 

echo show 8 white
echo show 8 black

Echo Show 8 also helps put your memories on display. You can use Amazon Photos to turn your home screen into a digital frame. Plus, if you’re a Prime member, you have unlimited, full-resolution cloud photo storage with Amazon Photos—and the adaptive colour display on Echo Show 8 makes your photos look great in any light.

You can manage your smart home by controlling compatible devices like lights bulbs, thermostats, and more using the interactive display or your voice. You can also securely access a live feed on Echo Show 8 from your account on the Alexa app or other Echo Show devices to monitor your home anytime— look around and get peace of mind whenever you want.

Echo Show 5—Compact design, improved camera, even more colours—now only £74.99

With its compact, 5.5-inch display, Echo Show 5 fits easily in any room of your house; and with three colours to choose from—Charcoal, Glacier White, and the new Deep Sea Blue—it seamlessly blends into your home décor. You can ease into the day with a customised morning routine that turns compatible lights on and an alarm that plays your favourite song. You can also catch up on the day’s news and sports highlights; set alarms and timers, check your calendar; or stream music or series – all just using your voice.

Echo Show 5 has an upgraded HD camera with double the pixels, making it perfect for a quick video call or to Drop In on the kitchen to see if dinner is ready. You can also securely access the built-in camera on Echo Show through the Alexa app to check in on home if you’re out of town, or just to see if the dog is on the couch.

echo show 5
echo show 5

Built with Privacy in Mind

Echo Show devices are designed with multiple layers of privacy protection, including microphone and camera controls and the ability to view and delete your voice recordings. All new generation devices also come with built-in covers for the camera. To learn more about the features that provide transparency and control over your Alexa experience, visit the Alexa Privacy Hub: http://www.amazon.co.uk/alexaprivacy.

Pricing & Availability

Echo Show 8 (www.amazon.co.uk/echoshow8) is available in Charcoal and Glacier White and Echo Show 5 (www.amazon.co.uk/echoshow5) is available in Charcoal, Glacier White, and Deep Sea Blue. We focused on minimising the impact of our new Echo Show devices on the environment by using 100% post-consumer recycled fabric. All of the devices announced today will receive the Climate Pledge Friendly badge on Amazon.co.uk, as part of a programme that makes it easier for customers to discover and shop for more sustainable products.

Pre-orders start today from Amazon.co.uk. Devices will begin shipping next month and will also be available at Argos, Currys PC World, John Lewis and Very.co.uk.

How To Buy The Ideal Gaming Gear In A Budget: 6 Pieces Of Advice

When it comes to gaming, there are so many different accessories that you can add to your gaming rig to add to your experience. From VR headsets down to the mousepad, there are different things you should consider, as well as prioritise, especially if you are working with a budget. Here are some pieces of advice to help you when buying your gear.

Start With The Basics

Before you even go into the specs of your computer and buy all the gear that you have, one of the most important things you need to consider is the space you have to work with when setting up your gaming hub and station. The first thing that you need to consider is the desk itself. If you already have a desk, that is great, but if you don’t or if you feel that you don’t have a desk large enough, consider your needs. Desks will range from size and shape, from small office and study desks to huge gaming stations that are curved or L-shaped and can house all your peripherals and accessories. Do you want an entire desktop with multiple screens and plenty of storage space, or are you going to be okay with a small desk and a laptop for your gaming needs? These are important questions to ask yourself to save you from having to set up on your dining table.

 

What Types Of Gaming Are You Prioritising?

When you are looking to get different gear, you want to consider what games you are going to be playing. There are different genres of games, from racing and vehicle simulation games to shooters to strategy. All of these games will have different setups when it comes to how you play and prioritise different peripherals. The PC enthusiasts at laptopblogger.com/gaming-laptops-under-1500/ understand the desire to own all the accessories available, but you should consider what it is you need to prioritise for the games you want to play. This is important, especially in competitive settings where you want every edge you can get over your opponent. 

 

Do You Prefer Controllers Or Mouse And Keyboard?

Even if you are not playing in a competitive scene, but you are playing the majority of your games to enjoy the single-player experience, there is other gear you want to consider. Your own preference will play a role in how much you spend on your peripherals, and if you are transitioning to computer gaming from consoles, you might prefer the use of a controller. You have to consider the input, but most computers have the ability to connect a variety of controllers to your liking. A controller could also end up saving you money versus spending on a high-end keyboard and mouse. This all boils down to your taste and preference, and there is no wrong choice in this manner.

 

Invest On A Good Pair Of Headphones

One thing you need to consider when you are gaming is your audio. If you are playing off of a laptop, one of the best investments you can make is on your headphones. The speakers on a laptop won’t usually be a priority, and you will often have to fight against the noise coming from the fans. Do yourself a favor and invest in a good pair of headphones to give you the best auditory experience possible while gaming.

 

 

Stay On Budget

If you only have a certain budget, you don’t have to worry. There are plenty of things that you can do to play all the games you want without breaking the bank. If you have your eye on certain gear, keep it in mind and always be on the lookout for discounts and sales. There are always alternatives to the items you want to buy, whether it is keyboards, mice, or headphones, and plenty of the better options may be cheaper if you are willing to do some research.

 

Comfort

One of the key factors when you are buying gear around your gaming set, is comfort. If you are looking at a gaming chair, for example, you don’t need to go out and buy the most expensive one just because your favorite streamer uses the same chair. There are many options that prioritize your comfort and even your posture. Even some office chairs have been tested and are both comparable or even better than some gaming chairs. Prioritize what is comfortable to you, and this will go a long way to keeping your set for a long gaming session.

 

Every gamer is different, from the games they play to the different play styles of the same game. It is important to consider these variables when setting up your gaming environment and understand that you don’t have to have the exact same gaming setup as everyone else does in order to enjoy your hobby.

emporia Ireland launches ‘talking’ mobile phone for blind and partially sighted older people @NCBI_sightloss #emporiaTALKactive

emporia, which has been making phones for retirees for 30 years, has launched its first mobile specifically adapted for visually impaired seniors. It will be sold in Ireland exclusively by the charity NCBI.

The TALKactive phone is an adaptation of emporia’s ACTIVEglam phone, which launched in the UK and Ireland last year, with additional spoken menus, buttons and SMS text to assist users with sight loss.

A voice assist function reads text messages aloud and helps the user to respond by speaking the letter keys and providing the option to read back the typed message before sending. When receiving calls, voice assist will read unknown numbers, or announce the name of the contact saved in the phone book.

Large illuminated buttons with a defined pressure point make typing easier, while large on-screen text aids the partially sighted. An extra strong vibrate function alerts users to incoming calls and messages.

The clamshell design offers greater control over the handset: opening and closing the phone can be set to auto answer or end a call. The volume button located on the phone’s exterior is adapted to speak the time and battery level aloud when the phone is closed.

Priced affordably at €150.00, TALKactive includes a 2MP camera. It also comes with a charging cradle so users don’t have to waste time inserting the USB-C cable into the charger port.

The TALKactive comes with a set of uncomplicated, well-written user instructions available in large print, braille or audio, produced by emporia and NCBI.

As with all emporia phones, it is compatible with hearing aids, has extra loud and clear sound, and an emergency button located on the rear of the phone for extra peace of mind. If pressed, up to five emergency numbers will receive an SMS and be dialled automatically in sequence.

Chris Millington, managing director of emporia UK & Ireland, says: “Although smartphones have accessibility functions, the majority of blind or partially sighted users are older and unaccustomed to touchscreen technology prior to losing sight. Designed with much care and consideration, and tested by older users with sight loss during the development phase, the TALKactive offers simplicity and affordability and is vastly easier to handle for a majority of retirees who haven’t grown up with mobile technology at their fingertips.”

Kyran O’Mahoney, chief technology officer at NCBI, says:“Technology is a key enabler for people with sight loss and this talking feature will be a great help to many service users. It is so important to help people stay connected. NCBI is proud to be a supplier.

Be sure to stay tuned for our full review soon..

SEE MORE

Tech Review – PaMu Quite mini. All you need and more for the price. #PaMuQuiteMini #Tech

The Pamu Quite mini come off the back of the previous model the Pamu Quite which we reviewed last year and once again they deliver on value for money and give Huawei and their much lauded freebuds and others a real run for their money. Coming with wireless charging Bluetooth 5.2 and IPX4 rating, gaming mode, up to 40db of noise reduction and a really great app you simply cant go wrong here for the price and they are also plenty aloud.

The design is familiar with a really comfortable fit and this time the case is smaller than the previous case which had a circular finish with a really cool LED ring around the top illuminating when charging, this time you get a really cool LED on the front that looks like the infamous LED light on kitt and then turns blue when fully charged. You also get type C USB charging here which is most welcome too.

Another point to note is that these can be used on their own too which is something you do not see to often with even more expensive earbuds on the market today and this is a plus for many people and with the app you can customise each side so if you have both in you can set them up the best way that suits you and if using on their own again you can set up to your needs which is excellent.

When it comes to sound these really give a great punch with a decent volume level nice bass and punchy with highs lows and mids and for watching films and Netflix etc you will not be disappointed as I found during my usual test cycle and I was left impressed yet again by these earbuds. The better build quality here also makes these a more robust pair of earbuds than others at this price point.

Over all for the money the cost to performance ratio has gotten so good it makes you wonder how some companies can charge so much for their earbuds when a pair like this has just about it all for less than half the price. Check out the video below for more and stay tuned for our PaMu NANO review soon.

BUY HERE

Tech Review – Tile Performance pack. #Tile #Tech

We have covered many of tiles products here on site before but now they have a new performance pack in their line up, Nothing else has changed bar the looks which are really nice and not forgetting the worlds biggest lost and found community. In this pack you get a Tile slim for your wallet and Pro for whatever you might want to attach it to like gym bag or handbag for example and these has a fresh new look that stand out.

TILE STICKER REVIEW

TILEMATE REVIEW

TILE RANGE REVIEW

The tile slim can fit into any wallet and is a credit card size but this can also be used on flat surfaces too and your own imagination can be used where to place it, the tile pro can be attached to anything too and can be hidden a bit better and has a 400 metre range which is rather impressive and this also comes with a user replaceable battery..

The most important thing here too is their app which is simple to use and get set up very quickly, check out the video below and search TILE for the other products we have reviewed on site.. These are worth the price to pay and ideal for those with escooters or bikes as they are hot right now getting stolen

BUY HERE 

 

Tech Review – notiOne GPS tracker #notiOne #GPS #Tracking

Over the last few weeks we have been testing the notiOne locator which will help you find your location not only in the vicinity, but almost anywhere. notiOne increases the safety of children and the elderly, secures dogs and cats against loss, and protects keys, wallet and bicycle against loss or theft and of course vehicles so if you have a vehicle it is more suited to this as I find it too big for the likes of keys and wallets etc you can of course place it in a bag but for motoring it is a much better suited product and their smaller tracker more suited to the smaller items. the tracker is waterproof so ideal for the likes of bikes and motorbikes.. Bikes are real target of late so do not let your bike go astray.

Set up is easy and takes a few minutes you need to download their app which is available on both Android and iOS and has been tested on both for my thoughts, the UI is simple to follow and imagine using google maps on your phone you get a similar experince when tracking an object if you will.

Weight and size

The small size (97 x 25 x 31 mm) and weight (100 g) of the locator will allow for discreet installation, e.g. in a car or motorcycle, attaching it to a pet’s harness, or securing luggage.

Working time

The battery lasts for several days of continuous operation with the basic settings. You charge the device via a cable with a USB type C (attached to the device) for a minimum of 3 hours.

No extra cost

When buying notiOne locators, the only cost is always the cost of the device. notiOne GPS is no exception. You buy once and enjoy a fully functional device with no additional fees imposed.

You can choose from two versions of the notiOne GPS device: the basic version and the PLUS version.

NotiOne GPS locator

The basic version of notiOne GPS updates its position every 5 minutes while it is in motion. When it isn’t moving, it sends an update every 6 hours.

You can also check the location history for the last 30 days on your phone .

NotiOne GPS PLUS tracker

This variant is the possibility of advanced device configuration, that is:

  • defining the frequency of position updating when the device is in motion (every 10 sec, 1 min, 10 min, 60 min),
  • define the frequency of position update when the device is at rest (every 6h, every 12h, every 24h),
  • theft alert , i.e. a notification when the device starts moving,
  • foreign roaming, i.e. locating the facility also outside Poland.

Accordingly, you can also adjust the battery life. More frequent updating of the location is associated with higher battery consumption, less frequent extends the operating time of the device.

The premiere gift

The great news is that the first notiOne GPS users will receive a PLUS package for several months, regardless of which version they purchase initially. Hurry up and take advantage of this premiere offer ! If you like additional features, you will be able to buy them from the application level at any time.

BUY HERE 

 

As Ireland begins to re-open, Explore Ireland with Google Maps and Local Guides. #Travel #Ireland #GoogleMaps

As the country re-opens this week, now is the time to re-discover Ireland with the help of Google Maps and its community of Local Guides. We all know Google Maps can help us find the best directions but the app has more uses than just directions.

With help from Local Guides you can also use the wisdom of local experts to find hidden gems close to home you may never have known existed or to get to know an area before you visit. Local Guides is a passionate community of users who share reviews, photos and local knowledge about places around the world and every day make more than 20 million contributions from reviews to photography of local places on Google Maps.

Dana Singh is a local guide based in Dublin that’s an active member of the Local Guides community who not only uses other Local Guides reviews to help plan her own day trips and holidays but likes to give back to this online community by sharing reviews and images of everywhere she visits. She’s uploaded over 1,000 images to help people plan their own trips and they’ve been viewed millions of times by other users. Her images and first-hand knowledge of everything from beauty spots to local businesses helps other users every day whether its visiting a local business or a trip further afield. Dana is also passionate about helping local businesses and has connected with many businesses in her community to help them update their business listings, making sure Google Maps users can easily find them and plan their visit with up to date business information and images.

Local Guides goes beyond navigation to help people explore the world around them and the hidden gems in our local communities – what better way to discover Ireland than with the help of local knowledge. If you want to get to know a particular area you plan on visiting you can follow a top local guide in the area to see all of their reviews to get to know the area better before you visit or closer to home you might find a Local Guide who regularly reviews restaurants and you can easily follow them to get reviews before your next takeaway or planning ahead with a reservation in June. Local Guides can also prove helpful for those who need accessibility information before a visit , many Local Guides include accessibility information such as parking, terrain and how much walking is involved as part of reviews  to help those for whom this information is crucial for.

In the Explore tab you can easily explore any area in Ireland and find; local cafes, restaurants and bars now doing a take-away service, newly reopened galleries and museums and, if you can face another walk, the best beaches, landmarks or parks to visit. Then in preparation for the summer of staycation-ing ahead keep track of all your favourite places or spots you want to visit using Lists which you can keep to yourself or share with friends.

Civilization-building game ‘Before We Leave’ launches today on Steam. #Gaming #Building #BeforeWeLeave

Balancing Monkey Games, in partnership with independent games label and developer, Team17, has today brought its non-violent, civilization-building title Before We Leave on Steam. Set in a world rebuilding after an apocalypse and ripe for exploring and recivilizing, Before We Leave launches on Steam with brand-new content, including scenarios and weather that affects fatigue, crop growth, and movement speed; in-game performance updates; as well as the multiple waves of content first released on Epic Games Store during the past year when it was exclusive to the platform.

The new scenarios and weather update are also available to players on Epic Games Store.

The game’s Steam launch comes with a slew of incredible content updates that have been added to the game since it first launched a year ago. This includes

  • The Kraken Comes: An update bringing submarines, trading ships, the Kraken guardian, and underground shelters.
  • Over & Under: An update rolling out new overlays for better experiences, new UI and UX, new languages, and more.
  • Paving the Way: A visual upgrade, new roads, new resources, new type of Warehouse, new effects, and more.
  • Biomes & Beasties: Three new island biomes, new visuals, inclusion of animals, discoverable secrets, and more.

Before We Leave is available to purchase on Steam and the Epic Games Store for $19.99/€17.99/£15.99.

JOBY announces the new Beamo Ring Light 12” – professional lighting results from a portable ring light

Forget worrying about achieving great lighting results on the go – the new JOBY Beamo Ring Light 12” is a lightweight, portable ring light that delivers10 brightness levels and three different colour temperatures, all at the press of a button. It is powered with a simple USB cable and pairs perfectly with a 5V/2A+ external battery or power adapter. Complete with a 1.7m cable, creators can position the ring light wherever they want to get the best effect. This is the new favourite addition to the full extensive JOBY range.

To support the ring light, simply team it up with our GorillaPod® supports. Add on a GripTight™ phone mount and Wavo™ microphone, and users have a complete mobile content creationkit. While phone clamps and tripods are not included, this versatile ring light fits easily into any kit bag or home studio setup, and will work perfectly with all existing JOBY equipment.

Mix things up with up to 10 different brightness levels and three colour temperatures to change the mood. Choose from 3000K, 4000K, or 5600K to give a soft, warm coloured effect, or go for crisper, blue-toned lighting. It comes with four cold shoe mounts that enables the microphone to be positioned at different points around the phone or camera for premium audio capture, and a cold shoe adapter for easy device mounting. The JOBY Beamo Ring Light 12” is compact enough (30.6×30.6x3cm) and incredibly lightweight (330g) to take on any trip or to keep it ready-to-use in a home studio or workspace. Ready to use right out of the box and compatible with existing JOBY products, the Beamo Ring Light 12” is perfect for all kind of content creators.

The JOBY Beamo Ring Light 12” can be bought  in a bundle or as an individual product. For more information see:

https://joby.com/uk-en/beamo-ring-light-12-jb01733-bww/