Author Archive: Gareth

Seasoned tech blogger. Host of the Tech Addicts podcast.

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By November 23, 2015 Read More →

What’s new on Netflix 9th – 22nd November

TWoNFLet’s take a look and see whats new on Netflix for the fortnight 9th – 22nd November

By November 23, 2015 Read More →

What’s New On Amazon Prime 9th – 22nd November

 TWoAP 4x5Let’s take a look and see whats new on Amazon Prime for the fortnight 9th – 22nd November

 

 

By November 19, 2015 Read More →

AOC launches 23.6″ display with 4K resolution

aocDisplay specialist AOC presents a new high-end monitor that brings 4K into a more compact format to fit on any desk at home or in offices. The AOC U2477PWQ’s space-saving 23.6″ (59.9 cm) 4K display provides the user with an impressive UHD resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels. Its PLS panel delivers the best colour uniformity at any viewing angle and exploits 100 % of the sRGB colour gamut. Ultra-fast HDMI 2.0 ensures a bandwidth up to 18 Gb/s, which allows a fluid playback of 4K videos, e.g. when connected to a 4K Blu-ray player, 4K camcorder or 4K gaming. The monitor comes in a premium timeless design: With its textured and transparent base, the monitor is an eye-catching companion for professional work and ambitious home users.  

 

Impressive 4K resolution in a practical size
Many users have become accustomed to displays with high pixel densities, for example on their smartphones, so they do not want to forego this image quality on their monitor screens, too. However, most 4K displays pack the imposing 4K resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels into large monitor sizes which do not necessarily fit into smaller offices. The new AOC U2477PWQ offers a compact solution for everyone: With its display size of 23.6″ the monitor is an ideal option for users who look for a 4K solution but do not have a big office or desk. What is more, with the new Windows 10 operating system, detecting and setting up 4K resolutions has become far more intuitive, making the use of 4K much easier with monitors of all sizes and formats. The combination of a 4K resolution with a compact screen size entails an extra high pixel density, which leads to ultra-sharp images and a crystal clear reproduction of photos and 4K videos. Users do not have to scroll or down scale their images anymore to see the whole picture and at the same time enjoy the smallest details.

Professional panel power
The PLS panel delivers a vivid as well as very precise colour reproduction and comes with wide viewing angles of 178°/178° – horizontal and vertical. PLS panels have an extremely good colour uniformity at any viewing angle. The 8-bit colour support and sRGB colour gamut rounds off the high performance of this display. This way, the U2477PWQ offers the user vibrant pictures, making it ideal for professional users like graphic designers, photographers and movie makers who prefer a smaller display size. Also, ambitious home users find a convincing solution for private photo and video editing. And even if those tasks require long-time work, the display offers a helpful technology to prevent the user from eye fatigue: Flicker FREE helps to reduce imperceptible, but eye-affecting flickering.

Timeless design, fully equipped
The stylish design of the monitor makes it a true eye-catcher in every workplace. With its textured finish and transparent stand, the display combines timelessness and modern understatement. Various ergonomic options complete the performance: Users can adjust the height, and use the tilt or pivot function to find the ideal setting for a healthy posture. And the monitor is very well equipped with advanced connectors, too. In addition to the ultra-fast HDMI 2.0 input that increases the bandwidth significantly up to 18 Gb/s and allows for 60 fps 4K video playback MHL 3.0 and DisplayPort 1.2 are also on board. MHL allows users to display content from a smartphone or tablet while charging it at the same time.

The AOC U2477PWQ will be available in November 2015. The MSRP will be £289. As with all of its displays, AOC offers a 3-year warranty with on-site exchange service.

By November 16, 2015 Read More →

Sony Smartwatch 3 Review

P1020431Sony is no stranger to the smart watch, they have produced a few generations of their signature Sony SmartWatch over the last couple of years. I personally owned the original Sony Smartwatch when it first came out 4 years ago. Whilst it might not be a conventional SmartWatch as we know it is perhaps better described as more of an iPod Shuffle with a screen on a wrist strap. This really was one of the first smartwatch devices and was a pretty big  trendsetter.

The second Sony Smartwatch made a lot of big changes and sorted out many of the problems of the original, notably becoming a pure Smartwatch, no clips, just a small screen with a processor on a strap. Of the smartwatches available at the time, the Sony smartwatch 2 was probably the most impressive, that is until the Samsung Galaxy Gear appeared shortly after.

My current smartwatch is the LG G Watch, a simple approach to Android Wear and a cheaper option for anyone wanting to test the water. Moving to the SmartWatch 3 from the LG G watch isn’t as exciting as as one might think. Android Wear is the same from device to device with very little in the way of modification. What we really have to look at is mainly just the physical differences between the two devices and how they operate from your wrist. The Sony SmartWatch and the LG G Watch are practically identical when it comes to many are the physical aspects of these devices.

P1020435

The big bonus of the Sony SmartWatch 3 over the LG G watch is comfort, I really noticed a big difference with the Smart Watch on my wrist. I seem to remember adjusting the LG G watch quite frequently as it became somewhat uncomfortable over the course of the day, I was always reminded that I had it on. The SmartWatch 3 has a much more snug fit around your wrist and is ultimately more comfortable. That’s not to say it’s like a second skin, it just has a better fit when it comes to the watch face.

Another major difference is the button on the side, the LG G Watch uses a couple of taps to the watch screen to wake it up whereas the SmartWatch relies on an old fashioned button, some may prefer this however.

The screen itself occupies a strange portion of the front facing panel. It isn’t quite centralised on the y axis leaving a bar at the bottom that looks almost like an Android phone where capacitive controls  may have once resided. The screen feels smaller than the LG G watch and appear to be roughly the same size to the eye. The resolution of the screen works, if not as pretty as some of the other competitors from Motorola, Huawei and Samsung.

There is a price difference between the LG G Watch and the Sony SmartWatch 3 and this price difference certainly feels like it made it’s way into the stock straps provided. LG of gone for a very basic approach to keep the price down whereas the Sony SmartWatch 3 has an infinitely superior strap  with a good solid clip to keep it from falling off the wrist. Additionally, being interchangeable with other ones that Sony sell the watch can be equipped for various different life challenges whether it be a marathon, a day in the office or a holiday.

The biggest annoyance of the Sony SmartWatch 3 is the charging port, a single micro USB connector is pushed into the back of the device. This can be a little annoying especially late at night when you just want to get the thing on charge and get into bed. The typical micro USB “is this the right way round?” syndrome happens whilst you attempt to keep a small rubber flap out of the way. On a number of occasions I have picked up the watch in the morning to find that it is dead, I had not put the charger in fully and the battery does not last more than the day. The little LG G Watch sits beside it in it’s cosy cradle enjoying a flow of constant power.

The Sony SmartWatch 3 is a decent entry into the Android wear catalogue at a cheaper price than some of the high-end watches making it one to consider or perhaps a backup. There will be the odd moment it infuriates you however these are hopefully going to be few and far between. I have a feeling that  if Sony provide a Smartwatch 4  it really will be  a contender.

You can purchase the Sony Smartwatch 3 from Mobilefun for £179.00

By November 6, 2015 Read More →

Sennheiser launches marble encased headphones for €50k

Orpheus_printframe3_rgbSennheiser today announces Orpheus – the best headphones in the world, offering an unprecedented audio experience. The electrostatic headphone system combines the most innovative technology, highest quality craftsmanship and luxurious materials including Italian Carrara marble. The high-end headphones, which will be hand-crafted in Germany from next year onwards, will carry a price tag around 50,000 EUR.

 

Orpheus fulfils an ambition of the audio specialists, to build a high-end headphone which sounds so brilliant that you feel that you are in a concert hall; creating acoustics that surpass anything that has been heard before. The new launch is the second in the Orpheus series, bringing new technology that surpasses the original design created in 1990/1991, which took the audio world by storm. The product became an icon of the audio industry and was recognised as the best headphones in the world – until now. Almost 25 years later, Sennheiser is now opening up a new chapter in audio history with the successor, one that shares its famous name: “With the new Orpheus, we once again push the boundaries and show that we can repeatedly set new benchmarks in excellence and with that shape the future of the audio world,” said Sennheiser CEO Daniel Sennheiser.

 

With the first few models only just being created, there have been a series of limited listening sessions and alongside star producer Steve Levine, Grammy award-winner Gregory Porter was one of the first to be invited to an exclusive listening trial. “When I record my own music, I always try to convey my emotions. I don’t know how exactly, but these headphones really do succeed in getting those emotions across,” said the jazz musician, describing his listening experience with the Orpheus.

 

The unique Orpheus experience begins even before you start listening. When the system is inactive, the components are all retracted and the Orpheus has the serene beauty of a sculpture. Gently pushing the on/off-volume control brings the sculpture to life: the control elements, each of which are crafted from a single piece of brass and then plated with chrome, slowly extend from the marble housing, before the vacuum tubes enclosed in quartz glass bulbs rise from the base and start to glow. Finally, a glass cover is raised, allowing the headphones with ear cups finished in genuine leather to be removed.

The Orpheus uses an innovative amplifier concept that combines to perfection the advantages of a tube amplifier with those of a transistor amplifier.

 

The selection of all materials consequently supports the acoustic excellence of this milestone product.  Over 6,000 components were meticulously chosen to ensure an outstanding acoustic performance. Sennheiser used exclusive components such as gold-vaporized ceramic electrodes and platinum-vaporized diaphragms. The marble that Sennheiser chose for the amplifier housing comes from Carrara in Italy and is the same type of marble that Michelangelo used to create his sculptures.

 

To immerse yourself in the unique world of the Orpheus, please visit www.sennheiser-reshapingexcellence.com. You can watch the full interview with Gregory Porter by clicking the following link: www.sennheiser.com/bluestage.

By November 6, 2015 Read More →

AuraVisor Kickstarter Campaign Reached Goal

auravisorMemo to Facebook, you bought the wrong company. AuraVisor has officially just become the first true Virtual Reality game changer in the industry. James Talbot. CEO, AuraVisor, wants the industry to know that his AuraVisor is definitely the most cutting edge product. It’s the first virtual reality system that doesn’t need to be connected to a computer or smartphone.  Its on-board computer allows you to break free from other devices and experience the ultimate in virtual reality.

Talbot is still in shock over Oculus Rift’s Founder Palmer Lucky’s recent tweets that were circulated over the major tech sites that the industry is not ready for the mass market until VR can get rid of the $1,000 high-end PCs that are connected to the headsets via wires. 

Talbot said, “We beg to differ and that is the essence of our Kickstarter campaign. AuraVisor has everything you need embedded in the headset now to experience VR without the need for a separate computer, connected by wires or even a smartphone.”

AuraVisor is a virtual reality head mounted computer (HMC) that works without a computer or smartphone, free from the clutter of wires and the hassle of interchanging a smart phone. AuraVisor has an on-board Android based operating system that allows you to experience the immersion of virtual reality, and all it offers, without breaking the budget.

The built in 5″ screen delivers full 1080 HD video and a wide 100° field of vision means that the AuraVisor provides a truly immersive gaming experience but, more than that, it’s a completely standalone entertainment system. AuraVisor fully supports 3D movies.  Imagine watching the latest action films in full 3D on the equivalent of a 100 foot screen.

AuraVisor has powerful on-board WiFi and a simple smart scrolling graphical user interface. Simply turn on, download and immerse yourself in whatever activity you like.

Users have the ability to download more content, including games, videos and apps from the VR store. The VR store is based on, and linked to, the Google Play Store. With support for popular video apps such as Netflix, Hulu and YouTube, and gaming engines such as Unity and Unreal Engine. AuraVisor supports almost every entertainment and gaming option a user would need.  A HDMI input allows users to connect a computer or gaming system for even more content. AuraVisor includes 16 GB of on board memory, with an expandable microSD slot, users can add their own content and provide additional storage space for apps. 

AuraVisor features a built-in Lithium Ion battery which provides more than five hours of power.  With included Bluetooth gaming controller, microUSB charging cable, Bluetooth 4.0, HDMI 2.0 input and support for 4K UHD video at 60fps, AuraVisor will immerse users into the latest and greatest content available today, at a price that everyone can afford.

Currently available as part of our Kickstarter launch are options such as additional adult and children-sized faceplates and a Power Bank Battery, designed specifically for AuraVisor allowing additional gaming and entertainment time.  Other features and options will be announced soon. 

With over 600 backers, the AuraVisor Kickstarter campaign has already smashed its £100,000 funding goal in little over a week.  For more information on the Kickstarter campaign, please visit AuraVisor Kickstarter Campaign  

 

 

Posted in: Accessories, Wearables
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By November 6, 2015 Read More →

Huawei Nexus 6P Unboxing

vlcsnap-error992This is the Huawei Nexus 6P, the flagship Android device. Google have put out two Nexus devices this year and this is the Nexus 5X’s bigger brother. Packed to the gills with the latest tech the 6P is easily one of the most eye catching devices on the market, but it is any good?

Over a series of videos we will take a look at the Nexus 6P’s various features starting the the routine unboxing. 

Huawei Nexus 6P spec list:

Operating System

  • Android 6.0 Marshmallow
Display
  • 5.7 inches
  • WQHD (2560 x 1440) AMOLED display at 518 ppi
  • 16:9 aspect ratio
  • Corning® Gorilla® Glass 4
  • Fingerprint and smudge-resistant oleophobic coating
Rear Camera
  • 12.3 MP¹
  • 1.55 µm pixels
  • f/2.0 aperture
  • IR Laser assisted autofocus
  • 4K (30 fps) video capture
  • Broad-spectrum CRI-90 dual flash
Front Camera
  • 8MP camera
  • 1.4 µm pixels
  • f/2.4 aperture
  • HD video capture (30 fps)
Processors
  • Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 810 v2.1, 2.0 GHz Octa-core 64-bit
  • Adreno 430 GPU
Memory & Storage²
  • RAM: 3 GB LPDDR4
  • Internal storage: 32 GB, 64 GB, or 128 GB
Dimensions³
  • 159.3 X 77.8 X 7.3 mm
Weight
  • 178 g
Color
  • Aluminium
  • Graphite
  • Frost
Media
  • Dual front-facing stereo speakers
  • 3 microphones (2 front, 1 rear) with noise cancellation
Battery⁴
  • 3,450 mAh battery
  • Fast charging: up to 7 hours of use from only 10 minutes of charging
Wireless & Location
  • LTE cat. 6
  • Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac 2×2 MIMO, dual-band (2.4 GHz, 5.0 GHz)
  • Bluetooth 4.2
  • NFC
  • GPS, GLONASS
  • Digital compass
  • Wi-Fi use requires 802.11a/b/g/n/ac access point (router). Syncing services, such as backup, require a Google Account.
Network
  • GSM/EDGE: 850/900/1800/1900MHz
  • UMTS/WCDMA: B1/2/4/5/6/8/9/19
  • TD-SCDMA: 34/39
  • CDMA: BC0/1
  • LTE (FDD): B1/2/3/4/5/7/8/9/17/19/20/28
  • LTE (TDD): B38/B39/40/41
  • CA DL: B1-B5, B1-B8, B1-B19, B3-B3, B3-B5, B3-B7, B3-B8, B3-B19, B3-B20, B3-B28, B5-B7, B7-B7, B7-B20, B7-B28, B39-B39, B40-B40, B41-B41
  • Phone is carrier-unlocked with wide-range band support for service providers worldwide. Check with your service provider for more information.
Sensors
  • Fingerprint sensor
  • Accelerometer
  • Gyroscope
  • Barometer
  • Proximity sensor
  • Ambient light sensor
  • Hall sensor
  • Android Sensor Hub
Ports
  • Single USB Type-C
  • Single Nano SIM slot
  • 3.5 mm audio jack
Material
  • Anodized aluminum
Other
  • RGB LED notification light
Posted in: Phones, Videos/Unboxings
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By November 3, 2015 Read More →

Belkin Announces the QODE Ultimate Lite Keyboard Case for iPad Air 2

372Belkin, the leader in mobile accessories, today announced the Ultimate Lite Keyboard Case for iPad Air 2. Weighing a mere 370g, the QODE Ultimate Lite Keyboard case is the lightest keyboard in Belkin’s collection of premium tablet keyboards.

Designed for iPad Air 2, the QODE Ultimate Lite Keyboard Case features a protective case, aluminium keyboard, and advanced power management feature to preserve the battery life of the keyboard. These key features enhance the tablet experience without compromising the design or weight of the keyboard.

The Ultimate Lite’s aluminium keyboard is designed with well-spaced and responsive keys to create a laptop-like typing experience, making it faster and more accurate for users.

This versatile protective case wraps around the iPad for full protection, and has convenient cutouts for access to all the tablet’s ports and buttons. This means users can charge their tablet or snap a picture without the hassle of removing the iPad Air 2 cover.  It effortlessly folds into landscape or portrait mode for watching movies or presenting.

belkin-be-F5L190-2 belkin-be-F5L190-3

 

QODE Ultimate Lite Keyboard Case for the iPad Air 2

  • Thin & lightweight
  • Aluminium finish on keyboard
  • Well-spaced keys offer responsive, accurate typing
  • 6 month battery life
  • Auto on/off feature preserves battery life
  • Secure magnets hold tablet in a variety of comfortable viewing angles
  • Keyboard folds into case in media mode for handheld use
  • Full port access

Pricing and Availability: The QODE Ultimate Lite Keyboard Case for the iPad Air 2 is available now on belkin.com/UK for an MSRP of £79.99.

Posted in: Accessories, Tablets
By November 2, 2015 Read More →

Whats new on Amazon Prime 26th Oct – 1st Nov 2015

TWoAP 4x5Lets take a look at what streaming on Amazon Prime from the 26th October to the 1st November.

Posted in: Videos/Unboxings
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By November 2, 2015 Read More →

Whats new on Netflix 26th Oct – 1st Nov 2015

TWoNFLets take a look at what streaming on Netflix from the 26th October to the 1st November.

Posted in: Videos/Unboxings
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