Author Archive: Gareth

Seasoned tech blogger. Host of the Tech Addicts podcast.

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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.

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.

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

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.

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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.

By December 3, 2016 Read More →

Win yourself some Skull Limited Edition Wraps with The Tech Addicts Podcast!

wrlesk-v16m-limitededition-skull-1Some new Special editions will be available for a limited time! With the Berry colour being very Christmassy and a bit reminiscent of a candy cane these are the perfect gift. Wraps are giving away a pair of the extra snazzy Skull Limited Edition Wraps.

Using Wraps earphones has fast become as much about how good you look wearing them as it is how good they sound. The new rainbow, berry and skull Wraps are no exception. Not only do the earphones look and sound great, they also solve the daily frustration of those that are easily broken, tangled or lost. Wraps solves 3 inherent problems all earphones have: storage, anti- tangle and style simply by enabling you to wear them on your wrist whilst you’re not using them. #WearYourSound with pride and bring your outfit to life while also having your favourite music ‘on hand’ whenever you want it.

To enter, all you have to do is follow Tech Addicts on Twitter and retweet the following tweet: “RT I want to win some Skull Limited Edition Wraps headphones with @techaddictsuk. You could too: http://wp.me/p7q35G-Fd” You can also click the retweet link below to save you copying and pasting the phrase. Your twitter name will be entered into the draw.

RETWEET ME!

The Special edition will match the specifications of the current ‘Talk’ range, featuring a universal one button microphone. Stylish and functional: you can answer a call, play or pause your music and skip tracks all without having to dig into your bag or pockets for your device. Compatible with all smartphones and tablets. Available from £19.99 from www.mywraps.com.

Your twitter name will be entered into the draw. You’ll have to keep following us as we’ll notify winners via DM.

Entry is open until midnight on the 20th December 2016 and the winner will be picked on the 21st December.

We’ll contact the winner via twitter so make sure that you are still following us! Good luck and get tweeting!

Posted in: Competitions, Headphones
By December 2, 2016 Read More →

An affordable picture-perfect gift from Archos

archos_55diamondselfie-large_01With ambassadors like Kim Kardashian, Ellen DeGeneres and even well-respected politicians, the world has become obsessed with taking ‘selfies’ – we average at around 1.2 billion selfies a year, here in the UK.

With the ARCHOS Diamond Selfie, you can take full advantage of the smartphone’s dual cameras, equipped with large megapixels and flash bulbs on both the rear and front camera – to get the best lighting in even the worst conditions. With 4G connectivity, you can upload your snap to the wider selfie society, across social platforms at super-speed.

If you’re not a fan of the selfie craze – don’t panic – this all-encompassing phone can also be used with VR glasses, to fly drones and hunt Pokemon, if that’s more your thing.

The ARCHOS diamond selfie starts from £199.99 and is available in-stores or online: https://www.archos.com/us/products/smartphones/diamond/archos_55diamondselfie/index.html

Specifications:

  • 5.5 inch IPS Full HD screen with lamination technology
  • Dragontail reinforced glass and scratch resistant backside with metal details
  • Qualcomm octo-core processor boosted by 4 GB of RAM/64 GB of internal storage
  • Display resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels
  • 8 MP front camera and 16 MP rear camera
  • 3000 mAh battery with Qualcomm Quick Charge technology
Posted in: Deals & Offers, News, Phones
By November 30, 2016 Read More →

Tech Addicts UK Podcast – 30th November 2016 – Reeling from that Black Friday feeling

grid-bubsGareth Myles, Jay Garrett, Gavin Fabiani-Laymond and Leila Gregory

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

Direct Download.

iTunes

Stitcher

Tunein

Show Notes

Black Friday Wins

What have you been playing with?

Gareth

Gavin

Jay

Main Show URL: www.techaddicts.uk

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

Email: [email protected]

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

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

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

Posted in: Podcast
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By November 30, 2016 Read More →

Toshiba Exceria Pro UHS-II U3 SDHC review

p1030325The Toshiba Exceria Pro UHS-II SDHC card comes with the latest of USB Bus Speed technologies built in. Notable by a new pin layout, the first-row pins are used for the normal transfer, at regular speeds alongside higher speeds and UHS-I bus interface signals,  a second row of pins are used for the UHS-II signals. Their combined efforts can produce record breaking speed and earn them the title of the World’s Fastest SD Cards.

p1030326

The Exceria Pro UHS-II has been available in 16 and 32GB capacities for some time, now Toshiba have expanded their catalogue with both 64 and 128GB options.

Toshiba claims the card can provide up to 260 MB/s read and 240 MB/s write. In addition, the card also manages 95 MB/s read and 90 MB/s write speed in UHS-I mode. By comparison, standard SD speeds are expected to be around 23 MB/s reading and writing.

Perhaps it’s Windows 10, however using newer Sandisk USB 3.0 Card reader, optimised to read UHS-II speeds I struggled to get anywhere near the speeds quoted on the packaging.

Whilst photographers rejoice in these speeds for photo and video capture, alongside a speedy transfer off the card, there are other utilities for an SD card of this nature. SD Cards are going in size and becoming massive portable storage options. Using this card in a portable Network Attached Storage (NAS) sees smooth streaming of a 1080p video to a smartphone or tablet when travelling.

p1030328

The Toshiba Exceria Pro comes with a 5 year warranty and is X-ray proof ISO7816-1 compatible. And whilst the pricing isn’t the cheapest, 16GB – £38.32, 32GB – £73.58, 64 GB – £121.43, 128 GB – £241.62, Toshiba is still undercutting some of the competition from Sandisk and Lexar. Don’t forget to pick up a UHS-II SD Reader/Writer to get the most out of this, if you can.

https://www.ukmeds.co.uk/surgical-face-masks