Archive for 2014

By July 9, 2014 Read More →

The i-Bell kickstart kicking off

9aec7efc61293a4aeac4515ccad45498_largeA kickstarter is about to launch for a pretty exciting not device, the i-Bell. A fairly simple idea at it’s heart, however a handy device to have  allowing the user visual and audio controls at their front door, even if not available. Much like call screening on a phone i-Bell gives you the ability to screen who is at your front door using a 1080p camera streaming to your wifi network and onto your phone or tablet, wherever you are. With a two way micrphone you can talk to the caller and even save their image to the cloud for future reference. Caller’s can also leave a message, much like on a phones voicemail facility.

Check out the kickstarter here: i-Bell

Press Release:

Ever wished you could be in two places at once? A brand new Wi-Fi enabled camera doorbell will launch with a crowdfunding campaign later this month making it possible to do just that. Acting asan interactive peephole for the front door, the revolutionary i-Bell is the next generation in super slick home automation. A wireless gadget, it allows smartphone users to see and communicate with whoever is standing on their doorstep whether they are home or away– putting an end to failed deliveries and ensuring users have full control over their front door. The crowd-funding campaign, which will be launched later this month on Kickstarter, will finance the manufacturing process and give savvy investors an exclusive opportunity to snap up one of the first ever i-Bell devices.

 

Designed and made in the UK, i-Bell is utterly unique and will bring the best of digital technology to the interiors space for unsurpassed security and convenience. It will be fully compatible with Apple’s recently announced Home-Kit, which adds smart devices to the home via individual apps.

 

Once installed, i-Bell can be used in conjunction with any smartphone, tablet or PC device at any time from any location. It has significant advantages for those with hectic schedules from not being able to get to the door to being out of the house but waiting on an important package.

 

Thanks to innovative wireless technology and an integrated camera and microphone, missing a visit from grandparents or not being around to sign for a delivery becomes a thing of the past. i-Belleven allows users to screen their visitors, so they can choose whether or not to answer the door to a cold-calling salesman or an unwanted guest on the doorstep. High-security brackets help to keep the gadget safe and secured to the front door, and the ability to connect with the device from anywhere in the world via a synced smartphone means that not even holidays need to get in theway of ordering home deliveries.

 

Graham Kershberg, Co-Founder of i-Bell, says, “There’s nothing quite like i-Bell on the market right now. It’s going to revolutionise daily life for a lot of individuals and businesses. Arranging deliveries around working hours or getting an unexpected visit from a relative who gets no answer at the door can really disrupt an individual’s plans. But now it’s possible to communicate directly with the person ringing the doorbell, let the postman know where to leave a package, or telling Aunt Mabel that you’ll be home as soon as possible without even being on the premises. Fun to use and practical, i-Bell makes it possible to answer the door from any corner of the world, whether that’s five minutes down the road on the school run or from a sun lounger overseas on a long awaited holiday.”

 

From barbecuing in the back garden and reluctant to leave the grill unattended to hearing the doorbell go in the bath, i-Bell users can respond to those knocking on the door with nothing more than the swipe of their phone.

 

The i-Bell gadget sits at face level on the frame when installed by the front door – visitors ring the bell and it delivers an instant alert to any smartphone paired with the device. The resident of the house can then ‘answer’ their door. The user can see who’s standing on their doorstep thanks to a1080p HD camera, and communicate with the guest via a built-in speaker and microphone for the ultimate in secure convenience.  

 

The practical, robust gadget is the perfect device to help handle modern life – never again will you miss the repair men because you’re in the shower, or a flying visit from your childhood best friend because you’re too busy vacuuming.

Posted in: Gadgets
By July 9, 2014 Read More →

Is it going to be the iPhone Air 4.7?

a0fbd9ab-a283-404f-91ab-6e3f812cfdaaAccessories firm Spigen has listed 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch iPhone 6 covers on Amazon, with the larger model said to include the Air branding. The images show what might be a dummy model of an “iPhone Air” alongside a caption: “There’s something in the Air.” It’s a long wait until Apple is expected to announce a device or two in September.

 

Posted in: Phones, Rumours
By July 8, 2014 Read More →

4 Ways to Convince Your Boss to Let You Work from Home

Salesman working from home and talking on phoneThat traffic jam last week is what finally pushed you over the edge—your normally long commute of 30 minutes grew to two hours as you tried to get home from work. Although you like your job and your co-workers and your boss, lately you have found yourself dreaming of working from home—and that endless commute convinced you to set up a time to speak with your supervisor about doing just that.

The following tips can help you show your boss how and why working from home will be a great option:

Arm Yourself With Statistics

Before you go in to speak with your supervisor, you might want to print out some articles that show how employees who telecommute are more productive. For example, this digital article from Inc. Magazine notes that employers save an average of $11,000 per year if an employee telecommutes half the time. And, in case your boss questions if you would be putting in the required number of hours from home, assure him or her that telecommuters are almost two times as likely to work even more than they are required.

Have the Right Equipment

In order to successfully work from home, you’ll need the right tools and equipment as well as a home office that is amenable to getting a lot of work done. Before speaking with your supervisor, take some photos of your home office, and make sure that you have—or can easily get—the right equipment that is needed to telecommute. For example, most bosses will want you to have a decent computer, a reliable printer, great cell phone reception and secure access to any remote files.

If you are not already on the cloud at home, you may want to research cloud-based storage options that will prove to your boss that you can easily share documents and files with him or her and your co-workers. If you are confused about cloud storage, a website like Top 10 Cloud Storage does a great job of offering tips and advice about which cloud-based systems are best suited to your needs.

Explain Your Reasons

As Skip the Drive notes, your boss will probably want to know why you want to work from home. Prepare for this question ahead of time, and come up with serious and compelling reasons of why you want to telecommute. Instead of saying things like “I am so seriously tired of the office dress code, and at home I can dress the way I want to”—which will probably get you sent back to your cubicle in a matter of seconds—calmly and confidently explain how you will be more productive in a quiet home-based office, how your long commute is really draining or how you feel you could get more done without the distractions of co-workers.

Be Willing to Compromise

When speaking with your boss about working from home, offer compromises. Suggest that you give it a try two days a week, and take it from there. Or, if you feel super strongly about telecommuting and your boss seems to be less-than-thrilled about the idea, offer to take a small pay cut. Showing that you are willing to bend and work with your supervisor may help to convince him or her to give telecommuting a try.

When your boss approves, it will be a big step to a work-from-home arrangement. All equipment will be moved to the employees’ houses, your boss’ house, and even a self storage unit for other office supplies that won’t be needed. When that happens, the company will need office moving services to help with the big transition.

Posted in: Editorial
By July 7, 2014 Read More →

Uncharged devices no longer allowed on US bound flights to counter terrorism

iPhone4-flatAmerica is banning uncharged mobiles or laptops on US-bound flights over bomb fears. A new measure is bound to cause chaotic scenes at airports around the globe, and is part of the US Transportation Security Administration’s effort to boost surveillance amid concerns that terrorists are plotting to blow up an airliner.

Jason Fernyhough, from mobile accessories distributor Accessory Lab, comments on the news: “most people board planes with enough charge in their devices for a few hours at most as, more often than not, devices will typically be switched off during flights. However, with this new security drive, I can see charging stations appearing at airports, rather like paid for Wi-Fi hotspots. Cafes and public areas will no doubt benefit from additional revenue, but also airport retailers selling mobile device chargers will see panic buying. In the short term, airport infrastructure will take a while to set up the charging booths and the cost to charge for passengers won’t be low, so we believe that there will be a boom in portable chargers and they will become a travel essential.

“To avoid any risk of being refused boarding on all US bound flights, portable chargers and power banks will ensure travellers have the ability to power up multiple devices and charge them very quickly before they board a flight. The keys considerations for travellers will be speed of charge, charging capacity, size of charger, durability and compatibility, which is useful for multiple devices.”

Accessory Lab has a range of chargers branded Olixar that will ensure anyone travelling to, or around, America can reach their destination. Please see information below.

Accessory Lab is also offering some advice on what to look for in a charger here: http://www.accessorylab.co.uk/2014/07/07/power-banks-and-portable-chargers-buying-guide

All Olixar products are available to buy now at www.mobilefun.co.uk, with prices starting from £19.99.

Posted in: Laptops, News, Phones
By July 6, 2014 Read More →

Barclays introduce talking cash machines

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAIt is something we all are now taking for granted, a convenience we know and enjoy however for some the ability to pay for an item is not as easy as swiping a card and and entering easy to remember 4 digit number. Forget about having the funds available, we take for granted the simplest of abilities when standing at a checkout in the supermarket, vision. For 20 years my Father-In-Law has had to deal with macular degeneration, a condition whereby he cannot see anything only in his peripheral vision. Financials have always been a pain for him. Reading a statement, available balances and handling international money transfers have been problematic. There has rarely been a level of support for a person in his position short of making the journey to the bank and dealing with staff face to face.

Barclays look to be paving the way as the first high street bank to introduce an audio feature to cash machines. Obviously, this does not shout your available balance for everyone to hear, instead a customer can plug in an earphone to listen to the instructions that are appearing on-screen. A helping hand for those who wish to make use of the convenience. A long over due first step to helping those who have long been without assistance.

  • Digital Eagles  – Giving practical advice in Barclays Branches around the UK, to help build the knowledge and confidence when using technology
  • Online Guides – Easy to understand online guides on a wide range of computer topics including setting up email accounts and using online and mobile banking, amongst many others!
  • Accessibility Developments  – Covers Talking ATMs, personalised debit cards, contactless payments   

Locate your nearest machine with their online branch locator.

  1. Visit the branch locator on the website.
  2. Enter your town or postcode.
  3. Under ‘Where’s my nearest…?’ select ‘Barclays cash machine’.
  4. Tick the box marked ‘Internal cash machine with audio’ or ‘External cash machine with audio’ (or both) and hit ‘Search’. 

Non-Barclays customers can also use the audio cash machines, found at branches across England and Wales and at selected Asda supermarkets.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

 

Tell your friends and family that this technology is available, Barclays are providing over 7000 “Digital Eagles” to help with any concerns and making it easier for anyone, visually impaired, or perhaps suffering from dyslexia or learning disabilities to use cash machines and online banking .

Posted in: Editorial
By July 4, 2014 Read More →

Mobile Tech Addicts Podcast 228: Googley Woogley

Podcast-Logo_thumb.jpgGareth and Matt get together to chat about the latest mobile phone, tablet and chromebook news in the UK.

This week there’s a lot to talk about with Google I/O and the various announcements to come out including Android L and Android One.

 

Featuring Gareth, Matt and Phil 

Direct Download

iTunes

Download the iPhone App

Download the Android App

RSS Feed

Email us: [email protected]  Tel: 0208 123 3757

 

Show Notes

 

Mobile Mayhem

 

What is new at Google I/O?

Google Glass hits the UK

 

What crap have you see of the iPhone 6 / iPhone Air

[ Nice Pics / Curved Screen ]

Listen’s corner:

Hello,

 

I have a short question I wish you guys could give me some advice. Coming from a Galaxy S3, I’m due for an upgrade.Which would you advise me to go with, the LG G3 or Xperia Z2. I like the screen size of the LG G3 in a chase size of the Xperia Z2 plus the removable battery, but is the Z2 build quality, water resistance, from speakers and camera its been praised for worth it? The Xperia UI seems also very attractive but I cant get over the fact there’s a 0.3” screen size difference I’m losing going with the Z2.  Would appreciate your thoughts on this.

Great podcast and thanks for keeping it going.

Cheers,

Ash.

Tablet Table and Laptop… Lap

 

What NVIDIA’s Shield tablet could be?

What crap have you see of the iPad Air 2 / iPad Water

Quiz Gareth – Chromebook vs Windows 8 notebook

Bargain Basement

 

Alcatel One Touch POP S3 £79.99 + £10 topup

 

Sony Xperia Z2 £419.99

 

Sony Xperia E1 £69.95 +£10.00 top-up

Email us: [email protected]  Tel: 0208 123 3757

407 545 6123

Gareth Myles – @garethmyles

Matt and Tracy Davis –   @tracyandmatt                           

Dan Carter – @mobilemandan

Phil Lain – @low405

 

The Mobile Tech Addicts Show

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weekly podcast

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Download the iPhone App

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Posted in: Podcast
By July 3, 2014 Read More →

What NVIDIA’s Shield tablet could be?

NVIDIA-Shield-Tablet-1There is evidence that NVIDIA’s Shield tablet is coming soon. The Global Certification Forum, a group that tests devices for mobile network interoperability, recently listed an entry for a NVIDIA made Shield Tablet with 3G and LTE. On top of the certification they also shared a Tweet in which they referred to it as a “notebook/tablet.” This suggests it might be a hybrid device, like the Asus Transformer series. 

Previous leaks regarding this device shared a few details including a Tegra K1 chip, a 2048 x 1536 screen, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of storage, and a 7MP rear camera. The GCF certification was given out on June 26. It will interesting to see this new product from NVIDIA as they continue to push harder to create a hardcore gaming market for Android.

Posted in: Rumours, Tablets
By July 1, 2014 Read More →

How Social Media Shaped Cell Phone Design

shutterstock_180921581In 1984, “The Brick” started the cell phone revolution—even with its bulky size and cost. Eventually the phone evolved into a sleek design with capabilities beyond the vision of the original designers of the mobile phone. In the last 30 years, cell phones have been updated from bricks to flip phones to the iconic iPhone. But phones weren’t the only thing that was changing. We were also revolutionizing the way we communicate with each other. Innovative social media platforms available on cell phones have enabled us to connect in a different ways. Designers have to continually keep up with the trends, so who knows where we will end up 30 years from now. Here are just a few ways that cell phones have advanced:

Increased Camera Capabilities

Social media platforms like Snapchat and Instagram, who boast a base of 26 million and 200 million users respectively, have forced companies to release phones with enhanced camera capabilities. These phones with enhanced camera can capture different unique videos and images like Jimmy John Shark photo that can be trending on social platforms.

Selfie was without a doubt the biggest word of the year. People would take photos using their front-facing cameras and call it a selfie. Even though Sony Ericsson first introduced the front facing camera in 2003 with the Z1010, it wasn’t until Apple released the iPhone 4 that the phenomenon really took off. Now, virtually all smartphones include a front-facing camera so users can take selfies at the Grammy’s, on top of the Christ Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, or take selfies at the gym.

Sprint’s PM8920 released the first camera phone, featuring a 1.3-megapixel camera. This number is dwarfed in comparison to what we have today. The iPhone features an 8-megapixel camera, the Sony Xperia contains 13-Megapixel camera and the Nokia Lumia 1020 has an astounding 41-megapixel camera. The increase allows users to take higher quality pictures to share with their friends on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Phone buyers are now cognizant of the camera quality in smartphones and often account for that in their purchasing decision. Even more amazingly, these phones are a fraction of the price they were in the ’80s and they are widely available from the major service providers.

Enhanced Video Recording

Smartphones are also equipped with the latest video technology. The best smartphones have the capability to shoot at a high frame rate. The amount of frames per second (fps) is the amount of unique images created in a second, thus raising the quality of the video. The Mobile Choice Awards named the HTC One the Best Video Phone of 2013 because it shoots at a remarkable 30 fps, allowing users to create videos mimicking the quality of Hollywood films. The newest technologies also work to regulate light so your shots have the optimum brightness.

YouTube, Instagram and Vine also are responsible for the advancement in video capability for smartphones. People love to share their experiences on video through their social media networks. Whether it’s capturing a child’s first step or recording your favorite band’s set, you will want to record it to share with your followers. Beyond sharing intimate, family moments there is a growing amount of people making money from their smartphone videos. Some Youtubers and Viners are even making a living off their creative aptitude, and they will continue to push for further video capturing innovations.

Keyboard Design

Cell phone manufacturers have had to alter device designs to keep up with all the different types of messaging and status updates. Innovative keyboard design all started with the immensely popular Sidekick, which featured a slide out keyboard that allowed users to easily text their BFFs. The BlackBerry has also been at the forefront of keyboard design because of their easy layout, which has sustained a dedicated base of users. Nowadays, touch screen keyboards are king as it allows users to quickly enter their status updates. There are even swipe keyboards that allow users to type faster than ever.

Posted in: Editorial, Phones
By June 30, 2014 Read More →

The Phones Show Chat episode 245 – Gareth Myles, Watering the Gear

phoneshowofficialWe didn’t manage to podcast this week due to Matt’s operation to have a toy penguin removed from his sinus, however Gareth was asked to participate in The Phones Show. Have a listen to this relaxed and friendly walk through the latest mobile phone news and views from Steve Litchfield and Ted Salmon.

 Download Phones Show Chat episode 245 (“Gareth Myles, Watering the Gear”,29/06/2014) manually (Size: 34MB, 70 minutes duration).

Phones Show Chat 245 – Show Notes
…with Steve Litchfield & Ted Salmon and Special Guest Gareth Myles(TwitterTracey and Matt)

Errata
Steve’s Amazon Affiliate Link at tinyurl.com/amazesteve!
Apologies for the AllAbout Server Outage this week

Device Week
Nexus 5
Moto G
Samsung Galaxy Note 2
Samsung Galaxy Note 3
Samsung Galaxy S5
LG G3
HTC One Mini 2
Nokia Lumia 920
EE Kestrel
Nokia Lumia 1520
Nokia Lumia 1320 – Steve’s AAWP Review
Tracy and Matt Unboxing the HTC Desire 816

Live Draw
We make a draw for smartphone accessories each week. And this week’s winner is…Richard Dorman! Do get involved before the next draw by joining the Virtual Pint of Beer a Month Club! It could be you!stevelitchfield.com/paypal.htm & tinyurl.com/pspromo

Phones Show Flickr Group
Found at http://www.flickr.com/groups/phonesshow – Join the Group here
Last week’s Picture of the Week should have been: Train by Chris Kelly 

Train

Picture of the Month: Cat in Grass taken by Olivier with a Nokia Lumia 1020

Cat in grass

Steve’s AAWP tutorial for uploading to the Phones Show Flickr group for Windows Phone
Steve’s Android Beat tutorial for uploading to the Phones Show Flickr group for Android
Thanks to Richard Yates for management

Forum Classifieds
Don’t forget to look at the bargains over at pscforum.co.uk – And also to check out Kev and Nick’s podcast

Google Plus Links
Andre Wolff spots the HTC Desire 816 rearing it’s head in Germany, Matt Burkinshaw asks whether DIY is really the only way to get a screen repair for his Nexus 5, Ian Maxfield leads the charge to order a Samsung and LG Wear watches, the Android L Keyboard is available as an apk and if you are brave enough, here’s the Android L Developer Preview

App of the Week
Brightness Level for Android, free

NFC Dog
Thanks again to these guys, see nfcdog.com for all NFC tag needs!Phones Show Chat 210 (MP3 link) had the interview with nfcdog.com’s Tim Belfall – well worth a listen!

Follow us…
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Posted in: Phones, Podcast
By June 29, 2014 Read More →

Reviving Blackberry: What Their Plan is To Mount a Comeback

9193372352_c10a310d30_zIn 1999, the first BlackBerry to hit the market was an email pager. At the time, it was a huge step in technology and connectivity. However, the company has faced recent woes as other smartphone companies chip away at their market share with newer and more advanced phones. Yet, behind the vision and leadership of a new CEO, the company has plans to mount a comeback and regain some of that market.

 

Once A Dominant Force in the Market

Before 2007, BlackBerry was one of the biggest phones on the market and the go-to phone for business people. It was one of the first phones on the market that could handle more than just calls and email. However, the company didn’t expect the threat that the iPhone would have on their market. While BlackBerry believed that people cared about security and efficiency on their phones, Apple focused more on ease of use and performance. In the end, sales for the company tanked, and they faced an uphill battle to regain the top spot they once held.

 

A New CEO with A New Vision

In 2013, BlackBerry tried to regain some its smartphone market by releasing the all-touch Z10. However, consumer reception was weak, and the company ended up having to cut its workforce by 40 percent and take charge of nearly $960 million in unsold phones. In the end, CEO Thornsten Heinz stepped down, and the company brought in John Chen, former CEO of Sybase to turn things around. Chen made it clear that his vision for turning around the struggling company was to focus on their core strength of providing strong and secure phones to businesses in the health care, government and financial industries.

 

Providing Services to the Enterprise Market

Chen also believes that the business market, which is often called the enterprise market, is where the company’s core customer base lies. He felt that by listening to what this market does and doesn’t like about their phones, he would be able to serve them better. As a result, Chen learnt that there were many features that BlackBerry had abandoned that customers actually enjoyed and wanted them to bring back. In the end, Chen also felt it was necessary to assure the over 60 million mobile phone subscribers that they weren’t going to get lost in the rush. However, he did point out that to bring the financial side of the company back up, they would be focusing on the enterprise market first.

 

Focusing on Business Services

Part of what the phone company is eyeing in the enterprise market is the latest trend of BYOD, or bring your own device. Here, companies are allowing their employees to bring their personal mobile devices to the workplace, and use those devices to conduct business and access confidential company information. While there are security concerns with BYOD, companies also see it as a way to increase productivity and employee satisfaction. With the latest BlackBerry phones, utilizing BlackBerry BYOD can make companies for efficient and cost-effective with minimal effort. They can offer the security BlackBerry is known for, while still providing a device employees are comfortable using.

 

The Newest BlackBerry Releases

The Z3 is the latest device that BlackBerry will launch. This phone will release in Indonesia first, before expanding to other markets in southeast Asia, and it’s expected to compete with other low-cost smartphones in that market. Additionally, Chen announced that at some point in the foreseeable future, the company would also be releasing a faster phone with 4G connectivity to the rest of the world. This phone, called the Q20, will have a keyboard and control keys with a track pad in response to consumer demands.

Like so many other companies, BlackBerry has faced its share of highs and lows. The company was criticised for not completely acknowledging how much of a threat the latest generation of smartphones would be to their market share. However, under the leadership of their new CEO, and with the release of new phones, they believe they’re ready to compete in the market once more.

 

Posted in: Editorial, Phones
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