Author Archive: Gareth

Seasoned tech blogger. Host of the Tech Addicts podcast.

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By October 4, 2016 Read More →

Griffin Elevator Unboxing

vlcsnap-00045Griffin has sent their Elevator for out appraisal. This is a simple stand that raises your laptop on the desk to make it more comfortable to use.

Elevator’s sturdy brushed aluminum and minimal design goes great with any desk decor.

 

Elevator conforms to health and safety standards, making your laptop safer and more comfortable to use all day long. Healthycomputing.com, the premier source for office ergonomics, recommends positioning the top of your screen level with your eyes and sitting at least an arm’s length from the screen. Both of these key ergonomic standards are made possible using Elevator with an external keyboard.

https://griffintechnology.com/us/elevator

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 October 3, 2016 Read More →

BenQ EW2775ZH Eye-care monitor Review

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This Benq EW2775 is a very standard looking full HD monitor, not 4k, a standard 1920 x 1080, a refresh rate of 60hz and a response time of 12ms. However, to separate if from the rest there is Brightness Intelligence Technology. This technology brightens certain areas of the screen to reduce strain on the user’s eyes when the areas are darkened.

In addition, there is Low Blue Light Plus. Some will have come to this review looking for this exclusively as it can be something of a Godsend. Working in the evenings in a darkened room, at the screen, blue-light causes can cause eye strain. There are various solutions out there, however, none are as effective as having the technology built into the hardware. But it’s always better to be wearing acuvue oasys 1 day while watching it.

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Round the back are two HDMI inputs and a D-Sub connector (some might know this as a VGA connector.) There is a 3.5mm line-in audio jack so that you can connect audio to it when using the D-Sub connector, HDMI includes an audio line in the architecture. There are speakers on the back of the unit also, to make worse the weakest part of the screen.

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How does the AMVA panel square up against the more popular TN/IPS approach these days at 1080p/60Hz? IPS is generally recommended for better colour accuracy, etc, but with a 3000:1 contrast the picture looks great. One of the main concerns about VA or AMVA is that there can be a problem of direct viewing issues. On the one hand, this is a screen that you would have facing you so the likelihood of having problems with view angle are limited. In reality, I found it had to really notice any reports of weird colour shifting when changing positions. The picture and colours remained steady.

TUV Rheinland Certification for Flicker-free boasting on the packaging means Technischer Überwachungsverein or Technical Inspection Association is a German organisation who specialises in validating the safety of products.

So how does the Low Blue Light Plus work in reality? This isn’t entirely new technology, or particularly groundbreaking. Samsung has ‘Warm2’, Dell has ‘Paper’ mode and other manufacturer have ‘Warm’ or ‘Reading’ settings built into their settings. However, it’s predictable that Benq has their own variant. Then of course, if your monitor does not have it you could manually reduce the blue colour channel manually. Not the easiest thing to do and who could be bothered fiddling with setting when you want to achieve this. There are software options however in reality nothing beats a button on the front of the screen that does it.

In reality, it does put a lot less strain on the user’s eyes and can be combined with software efforts like f.lux to make your computer perfectly fine to use at night. When using it I realised just how much of a difference it makes. Sitting up late at night typing reviews or editing videos the screen I have always felt the screen cutting my eyes to pieces. The Benq simply eased the discomfort and I hardly noticed.

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The stand does not allow you to turn the screen to a portrait mode, a missed opportunity as this would make a great second screen at the price, and there is no mounting interface to make use of other solutions.

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Another gripe is with the bezel. Certainly, it looks minimal when first out of the box. However, once up and running the screen does not reach all the way to the corner. Instead, there is a 3 mm black gap between the edge of the display and the bezel.

This Is a fine monitor in every sense of the word. Looking elegant on a desk, certain design flourishes extend a higher quality and the panel provides a crystal clear and acceptably bright picture. And that’s what counts at the end of the day.

Certainly the limitations of the mount will affect some, however, I wouldn’t imagine the vast majority would dismiss the quality of the panel and competitive price tag on this alone.

The Benq EW2775 opened my eyes to the world of blue light reduction and eye strain. From myths growing up about TVs turning your eyes square to the reality of eye strain disturbing sleep and headaches there this really is a perfect example of something that works better as a built-in feature. Certainly, you can download one of the software solutions and work that way, however, it when shopping for a screen it makes sense to just have it built in and this Benq is a decent screen, with some stand drawbacks, with an acceptable price tag.

By October 1, 2016 Read More →

Projector Room Episode 2: Close To The Edge

projectorroom-300Listen using the player here:


Download Projector Room #2 (“Gareth Myles”,29/09/2016) manually (Size: 33MB, 46 minutes duration).

Projector Room

Show Notes – Show 2

Ted Salmon and Steve Litchfield with Gareth Myles

The Cutting Room Floor

Projector Room Google+ Community

Ted’s Top Ton – Ted’s 100 Favourite films, in no particular order!

Rob Anderson posted his Top 10 Films

John Campion posted his Top 10 Films

Which Remakes are better than Originals Discussion

Magic in the Moonlight, Ted’s Written Review

Community Members Suggest

The Shallows
– on Amazon UK

The Thing (1982) – on Amazon UK

Sully

Starring Role

Getting to know…Gareth Myles

Worth Watching

Reservoir Dogs – on Amazon UK

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest – on Amazon UK

Amadeus – on Amazon UK

Curb Your Enthusiasm – on Amazon UK

Fargo (Film) – on Amazon UKFargo (TV)

Hugo – on Amazon UK

Dial M for Murder  – on Amazon UK

Argo on Amazon UK

To Live and Die in L.A. – on Amazon UK

Sorcerer – on Amazon UK

Film Picks

The Edge – on Amazon UK

A Simple Plan – on Amazon UK

The Magnificent Seven – on Amazon UK

Links of Interest

PodHubUKChewing Gum for the EarsPhones Show ChatWhatever WorksAAWP

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 26, 2016 Read More →

Box Surge Smart Unboxing

image22Three plugs, four USBs, neatly presented with some stylish aluminium around the outside. That’s the Box Smart Surge in a nutshell. Milled on a CNC machine out of a single billet of 6061 aluminum. Four intelligent USB ports to the side of the Surge Unit to allow for simultaneous device charging.

Power often fluctuates during the day; this could be caused by high drain devices (washing machines, fridge freezers) turning on and off. I.T equipment contains sensitive microprocessors that can be damaged over time by these fluctuations in power. The MOV procession built into the Surge Smart protects devices from damage through both minor changes in power and catastrophic events like lightning strikes.

http://www.box-products.com/website/portfolio/aluminum-surge-protector-with-usb/

By September 23, 2016 Read More →

Box Car Smart USB Charger Unboxing

image20New in from Box is this rather swish looking Car adapter for charge your tech on the dashboard.

Four powered USB ports can simultaneously charge devices a single car socket. Delivering 9.6A, the Car Smart is capable of providing power simultaneously to 4 tablets (or any combination of USB powered devices).
The Car Smart features an intelligent charge circuit that automatically provides your device with the power it needs to safely and efficiently charge.

By September 22, 2016 Read More →

Rebel Tech Kit Unboxing

image17Sugru have sent me a sample of their mouldable glue. This friendly stuff is designed to make life a little more tolerable by providing a remedy for a few of life’s woes.

Sugru sticks permanently to lots of stuff like ceramics, glass, metal, wood, and most plastics and fabrics. Just push it onto something, then it’s time to build, seal, fix, create and stick things together. You’ll have 30 minutes to get the job done.

Give it 24 hours, and Sugru turns into a durable, flexible silicone rubber that stays stuck (unless you remove it).

Find out for here: https://sugru.com/

By September 20, 2016 Read More →

BOX 6000 mAh Portable Tablet Charger Unboxing

image16A little something from Box, this portable charger packs enough charge to handle a tablet on the go, were many lack the capacity to. In addition, a second USB allows for another device to be hooked up and a combined output of 2.4A.
Internally, an IC (Intelligent Charge Circuit) chip has been built in to automatically detect the correct charge level of the device.

  • 6000mAh Lithium Polymer Battery
  • Dual USB Charge Ports
  • Shake to identify power level
  • Provides power to smartphones and tablets
  • includes micro USB charge cable

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