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By October 21, 2016 Read More →

Azimo pushes the button on voice-activated money transfer through Siri

downloadAzimo, the money transfer service with the largest digital network, today launches a brand new version of its mobile app, designed to revolutionise the mobile transfer experience for both Apple and Android users. The money transfer service can also be used for payment for e-commerce.

On the iPhone, the app will allow users to transfer money through the voice-activated Siri system. Customers can simply transfer money by telling Siri the amount of money they want to send and the recipient’s name which works amazing for indices trading.

Azimo has redesigned both its Android and iOS apps to create a tailor-made experience for each platform. Google’s Material Design philosophy has guided the look and feel on Android, while the conventions of iOS 10 have been used to create a bespoke experience on Apple devices.

The redesign process has focused relentlessly on usability, with real customers taking part in Azimo’s testing and feedback process.  In addition to Siri integration, key features of the new apps include:

– Redesigned navigation, to make getting around the apps as simple as possible.

– Overhaul of the user journey for both apps – ensuring the money transfer experience is fast, slick and with fewer clicks and swipes

– The creation of user profiles, allowing people to easily see and edit the payment information of their contacts.

“As a society, our relationship with mobile has changed. It’s no longer an add-on to everyday life; it’s a fundamental part of it. At Azimo, our obsession is to continually innovate to improve our customers’ experience. With new features like integration with Siri and the Facebook Messenger chatbot launched recently, we want to make transferring money as easy and rewarding as possible for everyone across every device,” said Marta Krupinska, General Manager of Azimo.

“Our number one goal as a business is to provide the service our customers want and need – letting them transfer money globally while avoiding the hidden costs normally associated with that. That means constant innovations to the service we provide and this new development is a major stage in that journey.” said Dan Martins, Azimo’s Head of Product.

The iOS app is in-store now and new customers can download it here.

Existing Azimo customers can get the free iOS upgrade now by simply clicking the App Store icon and tapping “updates” in the bottom right.

The Android version will launch on Friday 21st October and can be downloaded from the Google Play store and an update will be available for existing customers.

By October 7, 2016 Read More →

Google WiFi in a nutshell

download-25One of the smaller announcements that seem to have been buried under the bigger stories was Google’s Wifi project. Google Wifi is set of little puck shaped wireless access points in sync with each other and can be placed around the home to build a strong wireless network around the home, this seemed to be a great idea for me, as I’ve always been looking for a good internet source in my area.

The main emphasis here is for the WiFi, from your chosen isp, to be able to support multiple devices, and to deliver high-bandwidth activities such as streaming video and gaming without congestion.

Google Wifi comes in packs of one or three, and one of the big features is allowing the user keep adding to the setup if you have a large home, but of course, you’ll also need a good internet provider. Google recommends using one point in a small house or flat measuring between 500- and 1500 square feet, two in a medium house measuring between 1500- and 3000 square feet, and three in a large home between 3000- and 4500 square feet. Google Wifi uses mesh Wi-Fi, determining the best path for your data.
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A companion app for Android and iOS, allows the user to optimise your network however the system itself will work on the more complex aspects, like ensuring your Wi-Fi is operating on the clearest channel, so you don’t have to. The Network Assist app can even tell you where best to place a Google Wifi point or advise you to adjust your broadband tariff. One of the more interesting features is that you can pause a Wi-Fi connection to a particular connected device, such as the computer you child is glued to running League of Legends when you have called them five times for dinner. You can also see how much bandwidth these devices are using and prioritise particular devices over others. Google Wifi supports wireless encryption, verified boot and auto updates, keeping security and user privacy as high priorities.

As with most things at the Google event, nothing for the UK has been confirmed. Google Wifi is available to pre-order in the US from November, and will cost $129 for a single pack and $299 for a three pack. If it seems costly for you, you can always turn to other options such as leased lines which are reliable yet still budget-friendly. Leased line uk provider offers a cost-effective solution to businesses with two or more offices.

Connectivity

  • AC1200 2×2 Wave 2 Wi-Fi
  • Expandable mesh Wi-Fi
  • Simultaneous dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz) supporting 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
  • TX Beamforming
  • Bluetooth Smart Ready
  • 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports per point (can be configured as WAN or LAN)
  • Security
  • WPA2-PSK
  • Automatic security updates
  • Infineon SLB 9615 trusted platform module

Hardware

  • 710MHz Quad-core processor
  • 512MB DDR3L RAM
  • 4GB eMMC flash storage
  • 15W power adaptor
  • White plastic build
  • 106.12×68.75mm
  • 340g
By October 6, 2016 Read More →

Google Home in a nutshell

download-31Tuesday the 4th of October saw Google enter into a new domain, launching an item of hardware that intertwines all of the smart technology brands they have been purchasing for the last number of years and packaging them up into a neat solution to become a central feature of your home, Google Home. What this boils down it is that Home is a voice-controlled speaker. As highlighted by the Google Pixel, launched the same day, Google Home is that it will be powered by Google Assistant. This app is Google’s updated  smart digital assistant, much like Apple’s Siri, Microsoft’s Cortana, or Amazon’s Alexa, and will help you get things done. Current Android users will know saying “Ok Google” to their phone provides much functionality, this does that and much more.

 

The hardware on display is a small, minimalist cylinder with an angled top. The bottom part of the casing is modular and can be replaced with bases of varying colours. Above this is white with four LED lights built into the slanted touch sensitive surface. Google mentioned the design is based on wine glasses and candles. No hardware specs have been confirmed for the innards.

Google Home works a speaker, it will streams audio over Wi-Fi, using your voice or smartphone as a control mechanism. Imagine the Chromecast functionality for music. So far only Google Play Music, Spotify, Youtube Music, TuneIn. iHeartRadio and Pandora have been mentioned as compatible. We would expect other sources to work when the Home ships worldwide. You’ll also be able to connect to multiple Home speakers at the same time too, so you should be able to create a Sonos-style multi-room system with relative ease.

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You’ll also get some home automation features, which means you’ll be able to control various connected products around the house. Much like the Audio side, only a few brands have been mentioned, Nest Thermostat, Samsung SmartThings and Philips Hue lightbulbs. IFTTT is listed so the potential is almost limitless!

Will the Google Home be a hit or the new Nexus Q? The price of $129 seems welcome and if you have Nest or Hue Lightbulbs it might be a no-brainer. However, I feel for many it might be an impulse purchase and will probably will only really benefit the family with the most hectic of schedules or perhaps Google Employee themselves.

By October 5, 2016 Read More →

GoPro HERO5 Cameras – Cloud-Connected and Simplified.

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HERO5 Session
The Best, Only Smaller. For $299.
HERO5 Session shares the same small design and brilliant convenience of the original HERO Session camera, but benefits from significant performance upgrades:
  • Video Resolutions up to 4K at 30 Frames per Second
  • Professional Quality 10MP Photos
  • Auto-Upload of Photos and Video to Cloud when Camera is Charging*
  • Voice Control with Support for 7 Languages (additional languages coming)
  • Simple 1-Button Control
  • Waterproof Without a Housing to 33 Feet (10m)
  • Compatible with Existing GoPro, Mounts Including Karma
  • Professional-Grade Electronic Video Stabilization
  • Distortion-Free Wide Angle Video and Photos with new Linear-View Setting
HERO5 Session will be available October 2nd for an MSRP of $299.99. Learn more HERE.
Posted in: Cameras, News
By October 5, 2016 Read More →

The Google Pixel and Pixel XL in a nutshell

download-4Most are saying farewell to the Nexus brand however I’m not committed to that mindset, as with Indiana Jones and Red Dwarf, never say never. The Pixel phone is the new phone on the block. A pair of super high-end offerings with price tags at one particular end of the spectrum. There was a lot of speculation and excitement right up until the announcement itself and then the controversy started.

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On the one hand, there was nothing along the lines of the recent Apple controversy. Google are not reinventing the wheel with the Pixel, it’s just another phone line with specs you would expect from any other high-end phone. There is a distinctive look that some, including myself, are not 100% on. There is a camera with some bold statements and, given the demonstration material, impressive results. However, many of the features of the Pixel’s announcement were down to the apps themselves, Google Assistant, Duo and Drive.

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Under the polished glass, the Pixel has a 5-inch, 1080p AMOLED display, not a Quad HD. Unlike the Pixel XL’s larger 5.5-inch AMOLED Quad HD display. A quad-core Snapdragon 821 chipsets (2x 2.15Ghz / 2x 1.6 GHz,) the first of its type in the US and the UK. Backed by 4GB of LPDDR4 RAM keeps things lightening fast. The Pixel has a 2,770mAh whilst the Pixel XL’s  sits at 3,450mAh.

On the back is a little imprint fingerprint sensor, nothing particularly special by today’s standards. However, above this is the 12.3MP, f/2.0, phase detection autofocus sensor with a 1.55µm pixel size, at the same number of pixels, bigger pixels in a camera sensor means more area for light to strike the sensor, larger pixel sensors meaning you will have more accurate color and luminance in each pixel. Helping Google outline this are independent researchers at DxOMark judging this as the best you’ll find in a smartphone. The front sees a 8 MP, f/2.0, 1/3.2″ sensor size, 1.4 µm pixel size.

There is a 3.5mm headphone jack and every “ahem” and wink Google peppered into the presentation was accompanied by a little groan from myself.

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Three colours are to be made available and the naming system is quite cute. Quite Black, Really Blue and Very Silver.

Much of the Pixels launch was taken up by the Google Assistant demonstration. This can’t be considered a backbone of the Pixel as most Android users will be able to take advantage of the service once rocking Nougat. Assistant is a complex app, integrated with most of Google’s services to provide you with itineraries, news, search results and suggestions through a casual conversation. Assistant keeps track of your searches and preferences to cater better results as you use it.

The pricing is the same as the iPhone, a 32GB Pixel is £599 and a 128GB is £699. Whereas the Pixel XL is £719 for the 32GB, and £819 for the 128GB.

https://store.google.com/product/pixel_phone

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Posted in: News, Phones
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By October 4, 2016 Read More →

GoPro, Now an End-to-End Storytelling Solution with Cloud-Connected HERO5 Cameras

GoPro, Inc. today unveiled new products and services that dramatically simplify the process of capturing, editing and sharing engaging content, establishing GoPro as an end-to-end storytelling solution. GoPro’s founder and CEO, Nicholas Woodman, introduced a new line of HERO5 cameras, cloud- based software, and drone, Karma, to international press at the base of Squaw Valley, CA, near Lake Tahoe. Here is the event as it was broadcast live:
With these new products, were delivering on our promise to make it easy to capture and share engaging stories, said Woodman. HERO5’s ability to auto-upload photos and videos to a GoPro Plus account dramatically simplifies mobile, on-the- go editing, sharing and enjoyment.
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This is a game-changing experience that we will continue to build upon. Woodman adds, We’re stoked to launch Karma and show how much more it is than a drone. Karma packs Hollywood-caliber aerial, handheld and gear-mounted image stabilization into a backpack for $799. It’s so easy to use, a beginner can have fun straight away.
In addition to significant gains in performance and convenience, GoPro’s all-new HERO5 line of cameras can auto-upload photos and videos to GoPro Plus, a cloud-based subscription service that makes it easy to access, edit and share GoPro content anytime, anywhere using a phone or computer.5Exciting features include:
  • 2-inch Touch Display + Simplified Controls
  • Video Resolutions up to 4K at 30 Frames per Second
  • Professional Quality 12MP Photos
  • Auto-Upload of Photos and Video to Cloud when Camera is Charging*
  • Voice Control with Support for 7 Languages (additional languages coming)
  • Simple 1-Button Control
  • Waterproof Without a Housing to 33 Feet (10m)
  • Compatible with Existing GoPro Mounts, Including Karma
  • Stereo Audio Recording and Advanced Wind Noise Reduction
  • Professional-Grade Electronic Video Stabilization
  • Distortion-Free Wide Angle Video and Photos with New Linear-View Setting
  • RAW and WDR Photo Modes
  • GPSHERO5 Black will be available October 2nd for an MSRP of $399.99. Learn more HERE.
By September 28, 2016 Read More →

Tech Addicts UK Podcast – 28th September 2016 – Pixel, Oppo and Bluedio

Podcast logoGareth Myles, Jay Garrett and Gavin Fabiani-Laymond

RSS Link: http://mobiletechaddicts.libsyn.com/rss

Direct Download.

iTunes

Google Play Music

Show Notes

What have you been playing with?

Gareth:

Gavin:

Jay:

Discussion: Pixel and Pixel XL

Discussion: Amazon Echo finally reaches UK

Discussion: Non-explosive Note 7 coming to UK

http://stevelitchfield.com/podhubuk/
Main Show URL: www.techaddicts.uk

Join the Discussion: https://goo.gl/spaces/6FF6jraF9KHiPUyA6

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @garethmyles ; @gavinfabiani  ; @GadgetyNewsCom ; @JayGarrett

Web: http://gavinsgadgets.com ; http://GadgetyNews.com

Google Plus: +garethmyles ; +gavinfabiani-laymond   ; +JayGarrett

Posted in: News, Podcast
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By September 18, 2016 Read More →

The Phones Show Chat (audio podcast)

downloadDownload Phones Show Chat episode 360 (“Loud and in Stereo!”,18/09/2016) manually (Size: 57MB, 80 minutes duration).

Phones Show Chat 360 – Show Notes
Steve Litchfield and Ted Salmon with Gareth Myles

Errata & Feedback
Michael Warner with iPhone 7 Surveys – One, two, three
Tim Evans has first impressions of iPhone 7/Plus
Android Pay comes to a new group of UK Banks
CCleaner for Android
Allen Cross on Android Beta and RMS Explained

Device Week
Nexus 6P
Moto Z & JBL SoundBoostTed’s Unboxing
(YT: Moto Z & JBL SoundBoost Unboxing)
JBL SoundBoost vs. Marshall London
(YT: Moto Z & JBL SOUNDBOOST v Marshall London Speaker Test)
iPhone 7Steve’s Camera Zoom Shootout
Wileyfox Spark X

Live Draw
We make a draw for smartphone accessories each week! And this week’s winner is…John Wright. 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

The Phones Show
Tune into Steve’s YouTube Channel to watch Phones Show 288 (Moto G4 & HP Elite X3) – 289 coming very soon!

Phones Show Flickr Group (Richard Yates)
Picture of the Week/Month: Up in the Air by Marius Olar using a Motorola Moto G

Posted in: News, Podcast
By September 16, 2016 Read More →

Alcatel idol 4 offers vr for £189

img1_4ALCATEL is proud to announce its premium IDOL 4 and VR is available from John Lewis for £189. Building on the success of its trend-setting IDOL 3, the uniquely designed IDOL 4 smartphone takes everything up a notch with an innovative Boom Key, a first step into Virtual Reality and a sophisticated multimedia experience.

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BOOM ME UP! The Boom Key Delivers Augmented Experience

Boom my camera: Instantly takes photos on standby mode; pressing and holding the button puts the camera into burst mode to take photos in quick succession.

Boom my gallery: Artistically shuffles the photos in the gallery as a photo collage or a short slideshow for instant sharing.

Boom my videos: Generates immediate, surprising effects in existing videos, such as replaying the previous one second of the video three times, or changing the playback speed. When a user is recording a video, pressing the Boom Key immediately broadcasts the video live.

Boom my music: Enhances the bass, volume and clarity of the sound. When watching movies in speaker mode, users are treated to an immersive experience with surround sound.

Boom my game: Asphalt fans will love how the Boom Key amps up their play by releasing the Nitro and boosting the car speed. It also boosts the audio experience by increasing the volume and adding spatial sound reproduction.

Boom my view: Creates a more intense 3D effect (parallax UI effect) for the launcher and a stunning live weather display as part of the homescreen.

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Discover Virtual Reality

The IDOL 4’s innovative packaging design transforms into a pair of virtual reality goggles which, when combined with the smartphone, becomes the portal for users to enter the world of immersive 360-degree viewing and gaming. Virtual reality content such as videos and games can be downloaded onto the device from the Onetouch VR Hub, a built-in app to easily access saved virtual reality content, or apps like Littlstar.

By September 16, 2016 Read More →

Cygnett Debuts iPhone 7 Cases and Accessories

Cygnett, a leading technology brand that provides beautifully crafted tech solutions, today announce their newest cases and screen protectors for the iPhone 7/7 Plus. With more than a decade of experience in the case and accessories industry, Cygnett’s latest ranges showcase their refined and improved design while still providing the protection that consumers expect.

“We’ve created a line of cases that perfectly compliment Apples latest products in design and versatility while still providing the highest quality products we are known for,” says Tim Swann, Founder. “Our variety ensures that every consumer will find a style that fits their lifestyle while still protecting their valuable iPhone. The new case launch is a great opportunity for us to reveal our new branding design to give consumers a little insight as to what they can expect with our future products.”

The new line is available at uk.cygnett.com and in store at Dixons travel, Argos & KRCS & Solutions Inc. Details below:

  • WorkMate Pro Case for iPhone 7 (Available October £19.95) –The WorkMate Pro offers rugged protection against drops and scratches, while a raised edge around the screen provides lay flat protection, without adding bulk.

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  • UrbanShield Case for iPhone 7/Plus (£19.95-£24.95) –Combining great design with a premium finish, the UrbanShield case wraps around your iPhone to provide extra protection in a slim and stylish case.

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  • AeroShield Case for iPhone 7/Plus (£14.95) – A sleek low profile hard polycarbonate shell gives maximum protection against drops and scratches with a shock proof polyurethane frame ensuring total piece of mind.

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  • UrbanWallet Flip Case for iPhone 7/Plus (£29.95) – Premium leather wallet case with a convertible magnetic design that holds your most important cards as a wallet, then converts in an instant to a slim case which can be used in car mounts.

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  • RealCurve 3D curved 9H Tempered Glass Screen Protectors (£19.95) –  Offering edge-to-edge protection, the RealCurve features clear hardened glass, designed to perfectly match the curve of your iPhone screen. The six-layer construction provides maximum protection and ensures a quick, bubble-free application.

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For more information about Cygnett’s latest products or to view their entire product line, please visit uk.cygnett.com

Posted in: Accessories, News
https://www.ukmeds.co.uk/surgical-face-masks