Author Archive: Gareth

Seasoned tech blogger. Host of the Tech Addicts podcast.

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By December 13, 2016 Read More →

Keep your new iPhone 7 safe this party season with these tough phone cases

unspecifiedWith Christmas approaching and the party season now in full swing, followed by the inevitable diet and health kick in the New Year, we thought we offer you some ideas for the toughest iPhone cases on the market.

There are a lot of benefits to selling your electronics online. For example, you can sell your iPhone to Buyback Boss and get an instant offer backed by a price match guarantee.

We have all had those boozy Christmas party nights when your phone becomes that extra little bit difficult to keep a hold of and slips through your fingers, onto the dance floor or pavement with an ominous thud. Well, now you have that bit of extra protection to ensure the hangover is the only thing you will be cursing the following morning.

In January it’s time to fight the bulge, whether that be getting out the running shoes or to get down the gym. Icy pavements or gym weights and machines are also perilous to unprotected mobile phones so be smart and wrap your device in one of the ultra-protective cases below.

The All Rounder

Cygnett WorkMate Pro Case for iPhone 7 (£19.95)

The WorkMate Protective Case for iPhone 7 offers full phone protection using dual complimentary materials as well as other ‘active’ user benefits such as the raised lip around the screen to protect your device as well as offer ‘lay flat protection’ when your device is face down. The WorkMate offers a more refined slimline designed case avoiding the bulkiness of other highly protective cases in the marketplace which sets it apart from all others. It is available in khaki green, white, black, red and grey.

Available from uk.cygnett.com for £19.95. (Currently on sale at £15.99!)

The Impact Absorber

The GEAR4 Carnaby iPhone 7 case featuring D3O impact absorbing technology (£34.99)

All GEAR4 cases available from www.gear4.com or Carphone Warehouse. D3O® materials in their raw state flow freely when moved slowly, but on shock, lock together to absorb and disperse energy, before instantly returning to their flexible state. This reaction is counter intuitive. The greater the force of the impact, the more the molecules lock together and the greater the protection. Integrated into all GEAR4 Black phone cases, the case range is the first to use an injection moulded grade of D3O® technology to deliver increased impact protection per cubic millimetre than other leading materials.

A new design for the iPhone 7, the Carnaby offers protection without the bulk and features a mesh of colour matched D3O® on the back to add further protection, with style.

It is also available for iPhone 7 Plus, and both cases are scratch resistant. Available in Gold, Rose Gold and Silver.

Available from www.gear4.com or Carphone Warehouse.

The Luxurious

The X-Doria Defense Lux iPhone 7 case (£29.99)

X-Doria’s Defense Lux for iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus brings together refined luxury and durability to create the ultimate protective case. Defense Lux features a simple snap-on construction, engineered with a soft inner rubber layer, impact resistant polycarbonate backing, and machined with an aluminium outer frame. The aluminium outer frame protects the perimeter of the iPhone, while inside, the soft rubber wraps around the phone protecting it from up to 6’6” drops on concrete, exceeding military drop test standards – MIL-STD-810G.  For a sophisticated look, the case is available in luxurious faux carbon fibre, soft leather, canvas or microfiber rear panel.

Available from Amazon for £29.99.

… and for the screen

Cygnett 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.

Available from uk.cygnett.com for £19.95.

Posted in: Accessories, Phones, Promotion
By December 13, 2016 Read More →

The Toilet Training Etiquette Guide

2016-12-12-2As a mum of two boys I know exactly how frustrating it is to walk into the bathroom and find a complete mess and puddles of urine after your little one has used the toilet. Unfortunately, teaching your boy to aim, is a stage every mother will have to go through (and for any women who live with older men too) but with a little bit of creative imagination, it can be done. You can ask one of the Eco Clean Solutions pros to keep an eye after he goes, but eventually he will have to learn.

  • Practise, Practise, Practise – Before you even get near the toilet there are a couple of tricks you can teach your boy to help him ‘get his eye in.’ When they’ve finished taking a shower, allow them to pee and aim at the drain. You can even create a point scheme with the highest points rewarded when they never miss the drain. This may not be to everyone’s taste but its better a mess in the shower or bath which you can wash away by using the best handheld shower head, than on your tiling or wallpaper! However, if you notice that you have a leaky plumbing system, make sure to hire a plumber expert to ensure that they have the proper knowledge of fixing the pipes. If you notice your shower backing up with water, it’s essential to address the issue promptly to prevent potential water damage and plumbing complications. For dependable solutions, seek out a trusted service like seattle side sewer repair to ensure your plumbing issues are resolved effectively.
  • Turn it into a game – Little boy’s minds can wander very easily, and whilst they should be concentrating on their aim into the toilet, they can easily drift off and start thinking about other things… Many mothers will no doubt agree that they are fed up with the cleaning aftermath of their children going to the bathroom so capture their imaginations by transforming the toilet into an activity zone. This was exactly why I invented Pisher, a fun electronic toilet target that projects a spaceship onto the exact spot boys should be aiming for. To really improve their manners this nifty gadget will also applaud and congratulate them when they shut the lid. For extra fun add a drop of washing up liquid into the bowl before he pees. Then when he does the water will create lots of little bubbles which should make the whole process that bit easier.

 

  • Offer Praise – It’s an age old technique but one that’s highly successful. By creating a reward scheme and offering encouragement to your child when they’re learning to be neat and tidy in the bathroom they’ll be far more inclined to do a good job! Whether you decide to create a simple gold sticker chart or you offer them a treat after each trip to the loo, your son or daughter will quickly learn that good behaviour equals a good reward.

 

  • Extra Support – Sometimes it’s not necessarily the boys fault that his aim isn’t up to scratch. It could be that he’s just not quite tall enough to have a clear visual of where he should be peeing. Give him that extra support he needs and purchase a simple stool or step that will mean he doesn’t have to struggle and he can lean his body to just the right position to help him in his mission. Understand the different drain snake types to be able to unclog your toilet when it is causing problems.

 

  • Like Father Like Son – Young children learn by example so sometimes a live demonstration from Dad helps them understand the proper aiming technique. The big toilet can be scary so if Dad can offer that extra bit of support and companionship the experience may be less daunting – it’s also a good bonding experience for both.

Author: Sarit Nahum, mum of two and founder of Pisher (www.pisher.net)

Posted in: Uncategorized
By December 12, 2016 Read More →

devolo Home Starter Pack Unboxing

image17devolo Home Control ensures you have full control over your home. Make your living spaces even more secure, convenient and energy-efficient with the first DIY smart home. devolo home automation makes intelligent living easier than ever: Just unpack and get started − you can enjoy the comfort in your new smart home.

devolo home automation lets you simplify everyday household life in a hassle-free way. You can easily and intuitively control heating, lighting and electrical devices the same way you control home security and energy consumption. You have control over anything at all times in your living spaces at the touch of a button, via timer or with the app.

You can easily design your smart home according to your individual needs without any previous knowledge. The home automation functions on the building block principle: Select the devices you would like to use in your living spaces from the available devolo Home Control devices. The heart of your smart home is the devolo Home Control Central Unit, which you can simply plug into any electrical socket. Subsequently program all devices used via the Central Unit. These are just some of the possibilities offered to you for your own intelligent home:

  • Switch off lighting, heating and electrical devices via the Wall Switch from your favourite spot
  • Automatic heating control via timer or Room Thermostat
  • Maximum control with Smoke Detector, Motion Sensor and Door Contact
  • Automatically switch on lights when entering the home
  • Automatically switch on lights and appliances via Key-Fob Switch from a distance of 100 m
  • Switch on all devices on the go via your smartphone, tablet or computer
  • Gain insight in the current energy consumption via app

The smart home components of our devolo Home Control Series are programmed once, all operations run automatically: The lighting switches on at a desired time on its own, the heating automatically reacts to the room temperature, and your Motion Sensor notifies you of any unusual movement via e-mail or text. You decide whether to operate the devices via app, timer or simply via the switch from your favourite spot.

http://www.devolo.co.uk/home-control/

Posted in: Science & Technology, Videos/Unboxings
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By December 11, 2016 Read More →

Star Wars Battle Drone Darth Vader’s TIE Advanced X1 Unboxing

vlcsnap-00021Propel has introduced the first in a series of special edition laser battling drones available this Christmas on shelves the first week of December. The hand-finished, individually numbered Star Wars ships provide just a glimpse of what is to come in 2017.

The T-65 X-wing Starfighter, a 74-Z Speeder Bike from Return of the Jedi and this, Darth Vader’s TIE Advanced X1, will be the first of the drones available, giving new pilots the chance to fly for either the Empire or Rebel Alliance.

The highly advanced piece of machinery packed into a form factor the size of your palm contains intelligent awareness technology that allows for several different types of highly accurate multiplayer aerial laser battles, ushering in a new era of gaming – Drone Gaming.

As well as flying to speeds above 35 MPH in less than three seconds, a unique flight control algorithm enables special manoeuvres that mimic Star Wars flight patterns, such as forward moving corkscrew rolls and innovative reverse propulsion drone technology means the ships fly in the most lifelike way.

As the excitement builds, legions of Star Wars fans and drone owners will be heading to ‘Propel Star Wars Drones’ – a dedicated Facebook page where pilots can receive additional training content, tips on how to fly and win in real-life dogfights, and a chance to meet other pilots to co-ordinate battles.

Darren Matloff, CEO of Propel says, “For almost 40 years, countless Star Wars fans new and old have dreamed about piloting their very own starfighter and with the new reverse propulsion drone technology from Propel they’re finally here! We have developed twelve new patent pending technologies in an effort to create a truly immersive user experience with the drone that can manoeuvre through the skies untethered in a highly accurate representation of how these Star Wars craft are supposed to fly”.

The first editions are RRP £229.99 and are sold in a wax-sealed special edition box which arrive on shelves at Maplin, Currys, Argos, Disney Store and Hamleys from the beginning of December 2016.

STAR WARS and related properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. © & TM Lucasfilm Ltd.

You can pick one up from Amazon here: http://amzn.to/2gYxZFB

Posted in: Gadgets, Videos/Unboxings
By December 9, 2016 Read More →

Archos Drone Unboxing

image14Never afraid to try new things, Archos have ventured into the growing market of Quadcopters and released a Drone. The lightweight nature allows it to fly around easily and rapidly. For the most daring of you, preprogrammed figures will allow you to try new things such as a 360-degree flip. The ARCHOS Drone is also capable of reaching a 25km/h max speed and can fly as high as 50 meters. Fly high with the ARCHOS Drone! Equipped with a camera, the ARCHOS Drone is capable of filming HD videos.

Use your smartphone (Android and iOS) to control your ARCHOS Drone thanks to the ARCHOS Drone Remote app, available on Google Play and on the App Store. If you’d rather control your ARCHOS Drone with a remote, that’s also possible!

Included in the box, the controller allows you to fly your drone while also serving as a stand for your smartphone to view live footage, for ideal flying conditions.

The Archos Drone is available now for £89.99 from Archos directly.

Posted in: Cameras, Science & Technology, Videos/Unboxings
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By December 8, 2016 Read More →

Kodak Ektra smartphone goes on sale

untitled-picture3There have been hearing rumours for some time, however, Kodak Ektra is arriving…now! With little build up or pre-release material, the Ektra puts photography first. Much like feature phones from years gone by Kodak it hoping their smartphone will rekindle some of those nostalgic moments for Kodak enthusiasts. Their new ‘photography first’ smartphone is designed to appeal to mobile photographers, perhaps those who are looking to the LG G5 CAM Plus and Hasselblad True Zoom Moto Mod. Designed to look like a camera from one side and a phone from the other, the Ektra includes a 21MP rear camera, a 13MP front camera, and features such as an F2.0 maximum aperture, phase detect autofocus and optical image stabilisation. Additionally, Google’s Snapseed editing software is integrated directly into the photo gallery app.

Spec-wise there’s a deca-core MediaTek Helio X20 processor, 3GB of RAM and 32GB of expandable storage, a 5 inch, 1080p display, a 3000mAh battery that supports “Pump Express” quick charging and Android 6.0! The Ektra, is built by the British manufacturer Bullitt, which has previously made phones for the likes of JCB and the Ministry of Sound.

The Ektra phone costs £449, runs Android and due to be listed tomorrow on Germany’s Amazon store priced €499, but The Irish News is reporting that it has already gone on sale at a pop-up store in London.

  • 21MP main camera with Kodak non-reflective lens coating. Aperture f2.0.
  • Optical Image Stabilization and Auto Focus.
  • 13MP front-facing camera.
  • Phase Detection Auto Focus (PDAF) & HDR Imaging.
  • 4K Video Capture.

  • Leading Helio X-20 Decacore Processor

  • 3000 mAh battery

  • 3GB RAM

  • 32GB Memory, expandable with MicroSD cards

  • 4K Video Capture.

Posted in: Cameras, News, Phones
By December 7, 2016 Read More →

Rophie Cables Unboxing

Rophie Cables

Rophie Cables

Rophie have sent over a selection of their cables. From USB-C to various connectors Rophie are sure their durability with impress.

Here we have a look through several of their best selling versions and things are more impressive than they might appear.

Posted in: Accessories, Videos/Unboxings
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By December 6, 2016 Read More →

2016 Christmas Gift Guide

christmas_gift_187449The market is saturated with devices, that is why GiftsforPeopleWho.com recommended us with Christmas ideas and where to get them at a great price.

Remember that you can also buy your gifts by using exclusive student deals to save money in your purchases.

Best Budget Mobile:

Moto G4

The last few generations of this phone have been one of the most recommended devices out there. Moto has got the balance of hardware and low price just right and it’s hard to find some who has bought one dropping anything but praise on the device.

John Lewis are selling the Moto G4 for £159.99.

WileyFox Swift 2

Of this little list, this is the only one with a 720 screen, however, the Wiley Fox Swift 2 is another perfect balance of style, performance, and hardware. Some have complained that the camera might be merely serviceable, however for the money everything here is a winner.

Amazon is selling the WileyFox Swift 2 for £119.99.

Honor 5X

Honor phones feel as is they are trying to sit midway between Apple and Android, appealing to both. They are almost successful. The grandeur of the Emui OS adds a great deal to the phone’s presentation. Combined with smooth performance and an agreeable price, the Honor 5X is great value.

Ebuyer is selling the Honor 5X for £167.98.

Best Mid-Range Mobile:

Honor 8

The Honor 8 is exceptional value for money, depending on when you purchase it. During sales, the price can drop below £300 making it easily one of the most recommended phones of the year. That camera combination is one of the best on the market and really only slightly surpassed by the iPhone. It is safe to say, in any colour, the Honor 8 is the best-looking device of 2016.

Honor 8 can be purchased from Vmall for £369.90 – £30 off Honor 8 with voucher code “DIGIN16”

Nexus 5X

An oldie, but a goodie. The Nexus 5X still has a bit of time left before Google will drop it off the update radar and the pricing has dropped to make it a steal. Naked Android with LG’s hardware makes a top-notch Android device that other manufacturers have yet to top.

Amazon have the Nexus 5X for £255 right now

OnePlus X

The little phone that dared. The OnePlus 3T is an improved version of the OnePlus 3. Taking everything that was criticised about the 3 and fixing it. However, the Oneplus X steals the thunder here, not only because it’s such a low price, but because the specs are fantastic. The 3 is almost £150 and the 3T £200 more.

The best price for the OnePlus X is from their own store at £189

Best High-End Phone:

Apple iPhone 7

Apple hasn’t reinvented the wheel for some time, however, they know how to put together a solid package that people can rely upon. Their boldest move has said goodbye to the 3.5 mm headphone jack, thankfully, aside from this, they have stepped everything up half a step over last year. It’s hard to deny this phone just works and looks beautiful. However, you will pay for the privilege.

Apple prices can be set in stone, however using code KRUQT  can grab £15 cashback with Very.

pixelblack

Google Pixel

With much hesitation, I place this device on the list. Why? This is the overpriced Nexus successor, and now the only way to get all of Google’s greatness straight away. A phone that really doesn’t have any of the beautiful stylings manufacturer HTC are known for. Google has won us over the Nougat, however, the Pixel hardware adds little to experience. You are paying for a name.

Google Pixel prices start at £599 and go up. You can look but you won’t find them going down.

HTC 10

The forgotten phone of 2016. One of the best examples of looks and hardware, the HTC 10 is almost perfect. It seems like HTC is making one last ditched effort with their Flagships over the last few years and pouring in their heart and soul and no one is watching. This is simply a wonderful handset.

techinthebasket.com has the HTC 10 for £455.70

Best Tablet:

Apple iPad Pro 9.7

Like their phones, Apple knows their way around the tablet now. Where Android tablets are generally used as a secondary device for media on the go, Apple still focus on the tablet as a productivity device and it’s working, the Air and the Pro versions are used by most professionals. The Pro 9.7 sits right in the middle between the Air and the 12.9 Pro becoming Apple’s most perfected tablet so far.

John Lewis offer the 128gb variant for £639 includes a 3-year warranty

Microsoft Surface Pro 4

When considering a Windows 10 tablet, you really need to go to the top end to get the best experience. Hardware matters with Windows. The Surface Pro line is a shining example of how well Windows can run and how powerful an operating system it can be.

Argos have the Surface Pro 4 for £599. Incredible price.

Asus ZenPad 3S 10

Asus are putting a huge amount of effort into their products right now, and deserve to be noticed. The ZenPad 3S is pretty amazing and one of the best Android tablets out there. Wafer thin, dazzling display and packed with enhancements and features.

You can grab the ZenPad 3S (Z500M) from PC World for £299.99

Best Laptop:

ASUS Zenbook UX360UA

The Asus Zenbook are looking at Apple and bring the MacBook experience to Windows 10 at a fraction of the price. A beautifully lightweight design coupled with powerful innards and a great selection of customisation for the consumer mean the Zenbook is the best option if you are not interested in paying Apple prices or are invested in the Windows ecosystem.

ASUS Zenbook Flip UX360UA is on amazon for £799.99

Posted in: Deals & Offers, Gadgets, Laptops, Phones, Tablets
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By December 5, 2016 Read More →

It’s a Deal! ViewSonic XG2401 24 inch Full HD 144Hz £189.99

52dd2f4c-a1e7-4f1c-9f72-da4a4a27e35d-jpg-_cb274443968_A super deal has popped up on Amazon.co.uk. whilst, this isn’t the first time this screen has been available at this price the ViewSonic XG2401 is considered by some as the best 1080p 144Hz Freesync monitor available right now. Currently priced £189.99 this Full HD monitor features fast pixel response time, especially at 144Hz and outstanding image quality for a TN panel.

 

The ViewSonic XG2401 is a 24″ (23.6″ viewable) Full HD monitor packed with all the speed and features that die-hard gaming enthusiasts need. Featuring an incredible 144Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync technology, this monitor’s variable refresh rate capabilities virtually eliminate screen tearing and stuttering for fluid gameplay during fast-paced action scenes. A blazing-fast 1ms response time and low input lag provide smooth screen performance even in the most graphic-intense sequences. For optimum speed and performance, SmartSync technology automatically selects the best refresh rate and response time, and lowest input lag needed in FPS games. For a game-winning competitive edge, ‘Game Mode’ optimises visuals for FPS, RTS and MOBA. On top of that, a black stabilisation function helps you target enemies lurking in the dark, while the monitor maintains brilliantly rich colour and contrast. With a gamer-inspired ergonomic stand that features an integrated headphone hook and cable management functionality, the XG2401 has all you need to conquer your gaming and entertainment quests.

ad484260-6c10-4827-bc06-34bad6904fb0-jpg-_cb274443280__sr970300_

Posted in: Deals & Offers, Desktop Computing, News
By December 5, 2016 Read More →

Creative MUVO 2c Unboxing

vlcsnap-00016The Creative MUVO 2c is a neatly priced Bluetooth speaker with some killer features.

Firstly, the speaker is beautifully compact. Easy to throw in a bag and produce when needed. The stylish design with turn some heads, however, it is the compact size that really impresses, so much sound from such a tiny device.

Secondly, your are good, where you use it. The MUVO 2c is splash resistant meaning it will sit by the pool or on the beach and you don’t have to give it a second, though.

Thirdly, the tunes will keep coming. Not only does it have a 6-hour battery life, it also can connect to almost anything, Bluetooth, MicroSD and an Auxiliary input mean there are a tonne of options.

All this makes for the perfect package this Christmas, and at only £39.99, there really is no excuse.

Featuring a water-resistant outer shell, the compact Creative MUVO 2c lets you take your epic tunes through your life’s adventures. With a 6-hour battery life and a size that fits in the palm of your hand, you can play your music out loud anywhere beyond your imagination. Connecting to the MUVO 2c is simple. Simply connect via a host of input sources including Bluetooth connectivity. You can also connect two MUVO 2c speakers together wirelessly to enjoy a wider stereo experience and bigger sound performance. The MUVO 2c is available in four colours. Complete with a rubberized finish, the tactility makes the speaker easy to grip in your hand.

Posted in: Accessories, MP3 Players & Accessories, Videos/Unboxings
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