Author Archive: Gareth

Seasoned tech blogger. Host of the Tech Addicts podcast.

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By October 9, 2015 Read More →

Archos and Sikur deliver privacy with GranitePhone

graniteARCHOS today announces the forthcoming availability of thousands of the GranitePhone by SIKUR, allowing both companies to enter the global market of private communications smartphones, where the need for voice and data protection is a growing concern.

The GranitePhone, unveiled at MWC, has immediately attracted the attention of government, defense agencies as well as private companies and individual users concerned by their privacy, generating huge quantities of pre-sales on the Granitephone website.

With a 5 inch screen Full HD, Granite OS, 4G and a 16MP camera the phone has all the latest hardware specs along with an unrivaled focus on security, eliminating loopholes which could allow data theft and spying.

granite

The security architecture has been carefully designed with multiple layers of protection to mitigate security issues whilst still delivering the best in mobile technology today.

For additional flexibility, the device’s data storage is also kept in an encrypted form in the cloud so that GranitePhone’s users can access safely to their data from anywhere, using SIKUR applications.

They can do so from a computer and from other mobile devices, either Android and even iOS, which ensures great flexibility without compromising privacy.

“ARCHOS, through its subsidiary Logic Instrument is pleased to have been selected as industrial and development partner for this project as the demand for secured mobile solutions is increasing” says Loïc POIRIER CEO of ARCHOS.

“With GranitePhone, you can create a corporate digital environment, secure for the exchange of strategic information, without compromising productivity and speed offered by mobile devices,” says Frederico D’Avila, CEO of Sikur.

The GranitePhone, the first smartphone entirely focused on user privacy can be ordered through the website www.granitephone.com

Posted in: News, Phones, Press Releases, Science & Technology
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By October 9, 2015 Read More →

Kitsound Boombar 2 Unboxing

KitSound BoomBar 2 UnboxingThe Kitsound Boombar 2 is a gorgeous lump of speaker that comprises of three main pros, is priced nicely, it looks great and it delivers decent sound.

We are seeing an influx of affordable portable speakers that manage to a great sound however none look as impressive as this and whilst it does not carry water resistance a price tag of £70 makes this a device worth looking at.

An upgraded version of our already impressive BoomBar, this portable wireless speaker also features a passive bass radiator but is twice as powerful.

Powerful, Detailed Sound

Despite being just a little bit bigger than our original BoomBar, this wireless speaker, with its passive radiator, is twice as powerful and twice as detailed, especially when positioned on the floor, as its angular design throws sound upwards.

Ultra Portable

We think our BoomBar 2 – with its carry case, built-in rechargeable battery for up to 10 hours of music play time and wireless connectivity – is the perfect modern equivalent of the boombox. You can easily pop the BoomBar 2 in its carry case into your bag for a long weekend away, or a spontaneous trip to the park.

Bluetooth Connectivity

The BoomBar 2’s simple pairing process makes it extremely easy to wirelessly connect to your smartphone, tablet, MP3 player or other Bluetooth device, but there’s also a 3.5 mm aux-in port to let you connect other devices too.

Make and Receive Calls

The perfect all-round wireless speaker, the BoomBar 2 also acts as a speakerphone, with a built-in mic and hands-free function allowing you to easily take calls using the simple control buttons.

The KitSound BoomBar 2

According to hip-hop pioneer Fab 5 Freddy, the genre owes much of its success to boomboxes. Welcome to the natural heir of the boombox: the KitSound BoomBar 2. 

About KitSound

We are craftspeople. We are musicians. We are KitSound™ and we all commit ourselves to achieving one shared goal: Bringing people closer to their music. By understanding music we stay true to its craft. Pure, rich, incredible sound. We settle for nothing less. 

Specifications: 

 S/N: 65 dB
 Bluetooth range: up to 10 m
 Frequency response: 60 Hz – 20 kHz
 Drivers: 2 x 50 mm
 Output RMS: 2 x 5 W @ 2 ohm

Posted in: Accessories, MP3 Players & Accessories, News, Videos/Unboxings
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By October 7, 2015 Read More →

Inateck 4-Port USB 3.0 SuperSpeed Hub unboxing

CaptureThe Inateck 4-Port USB 3.0 SuperSpeed Hub has a lot to offer for a small desktop peripheral. Not only is it compatible with Stand Function for iPad, iPhone, Samsung and More, provide 4 connections to your PC, Macbook or Chromebook at rates of up to 5Gbps but you get a little lip at the front to act as a phone cradle. Don’t believe me? Watch the video.

You can pick one up on Amazon for £12.99:

4-port USB3.0 Desktop Hub 
With 4 USB3.0 ports, this Inateck desktop hub can connect 4 USB devices, like keyboard, mouse and USB flash drive at the same time, which needs no extra power. Free yourself from cable-chaos and put your desktop back in order Better work efficiency with nice mood.

With tablet/smartphone Stand
Want to save more space on your desktop while data transferring from your smartphone or tablet to your laptop? This handy USB3.0 hub with device stand could perfectly meet your needs. Four rubberized feet could keep your tablet or smartphone stable and secure. The streamline design slot allows your device lining on the hub while transferring. 

Four Super Speed ports 
VL812 chipset boost the transfer rates up to 5Gbps, set aside less time for syncing and more time for work.

Eco-friendly Material
This little compact handy gadget was built in PE materials, which makes it lightweight and Ultra-slim. What a great companion for your laptop with additional four ports.

LED Indicates Device Status
The Blue LED indicator on the hub shows the working status of USB data transfer. Lights off when connecting with some non-data-transfer devices, like USB fan or cooler.

Note
In order to take full advantage of the stand function, please make sure the thickness of the devices do not exceed 11mm

Specification 
USB Port Type: 4 USB 3.0 ports
Chipset: VL812
Size: 85*65*26 mm
Feature: Stand Function for Tablets and Smartphones

You can pick one up on Amazon for £12.99:

Posted in: Accessories, Desktop Computing, Gadgets, Videos/Unboxings
By October 7, 2015 Read More →

Low Power Wide Area Networks coming next year

picowanPicoWAN’s aim is to be the first LP-WAN (Low Power – Wide Area Network) RF network for connected objects, which will be collaborative, global, cross-border and available at a very low price. It will be launched in Europe from June 2016.

“PicoWAN is a project close to my heart. I have been deeply involved in the development and have even filed 3 patents,” announces Henri CROHAS, President of ARCHOS. “The potential is huge.”

A revolution in the Internet of Things

The key to this innovation is a unique wireless communications network protocol based on the use of pico-gateways, as opposed to rooftop concentrators and antennas, which come in the form of smart plugs connected to the internet via WiFi or Ethernet. Embedding a LoRa™ IC, the range of pico-gateways is potentially as long as the sophisticated antenna gears installed on rooftops by telcos. As a result of its low-cost and its easy installation inside buildings, the network can be densified at will and made fail–safe, penetrate very deep indoor resulting in a much higher QoS (Quality of Service).

A collaborative network at a very low price

The cost of a pico-gateway is some 100 times less than the cost of a rooftop installation. Instead of investing tens of million euros in infrastructure, PicoWAN will create a highly competitive LP-WAN thanks to the viral diffusion of very low-cost pico-gateways.

To ensure the deployment of a global network throughout Europe, PicoWAN plans to distribute up to 200,000 free pico-gateways by the end of 2016.

PicoWAN will offer a subscription plan starting at £0.50 pence per year, per connected object. Those who will deploy pico-gateway networks locally will receive up to 50% of the income resulting from the connections passing through their pico-gateways.

Optimal compatibility with connected objects

The software embedded in connected objects will be freely available to all developers and integrators developing on vertical or consumer markets, who can then set up their own IoT networks. This technology will facilitate the launch of multiple connected objects in all domains (health, agriculture, home automation, industry, and more), instantly supported by the PicoWAN network anywhere.

All LoRaWANTM objects can be made compatible with ease.

Join us at the Mobile Word Congress in Barcelona in February 2016 for a demonstration of PicoWAN network.

Posted in: News, Press Releases, Science & Technology
By October 6, 2015 Read More →

A gorgeous AOC IPS displays with asymmetric stand

aocDisplay specialist AOC extends the range of its Style line displays with two new models, which are a feast for the eye even when turned off: the nearly borderless design of the AOC I2481FXH (23.8″ / 60.5 cm) and AOC I2781FH (27″ / 68.6 cm) combined with a unique asymmetric metal stand make them stand out from the crowd. But they really come into their own when switched on: their IPS panels ensure highest-grade colour fidelity, sharp contrasts and stunning details for simply brilliant images.

Unique, premium stylish design
The 23.8″ (60.5 cm) AOC I2481FXH and the 27″ (68.6 cm) AOC I2781FH make a bold design statement with their asymmetric metal stands, a feature unique to these AOC monitors. To add to their good looks, both feature ultra slim, nearly borderless frames: the bezel of the 23.8″ AOC I2481FXH is a mere 7.5 mm wide, whereas the 27″ I2781FH model’s is just 9.9 mm slim. This way, they are an appealing addition to any style-conscious user’s desktop.
 
Brilliant images, wide viewing angles
The two monitors impress even more when turned on: thanks to their IPS panels with the Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, users enjoy not just wide viewing angles of 178° but also brilliant images with highest-grade colour fidelity, impressive contrast and stunning detail. AOC’s Flicker FREE Technology regulates brightness without flickering to ensure a zero-flickering viewing experience with reduced eye strain even during longer periods in front of the monitor.

Versatile and practical
Thanks to two HDMI connectors and one VGA socket, both monitors can easily be connected to various devices including DVD players, game consoles or whatever fits the user’s lifestyle best. For comfortable listening without disturbing others, users can plug in their earphones right into the display’s headphone jack.

The AOC I2481FXH will be available October 2015; the AOC I2781FH will follow in December. Their MSRPs will be £139 and £199 respectively. As with all of its displays, AOC offers a 3-year warranty with on-site exchange service.

Posted in: Desktop Computing, Press Releases
By October 6, 2015 Read More →

Wileyfox Swift Unboxing

vlcsnap-error452Wileyfox is a new name on the block and they are here to impress. The Swift delivers outstanding specifications at an incredible market beating price. 4G LTE connectivity, stunning picture quality from the 13MP rear camera and a quad core Snapdragon™ 410 processor brings this phone to the forefront of affordable smartphone technology.

 

Featuring:

  • Cyanogen OS 12.1 (based on Lollipop 5.1.1.)
  • 13MP primary camera, 
  • 5MP front camera,
  • a Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 8916, 
  • 16GB ROM +
  • 2GB RAM, 
  • Expandable memory up to 32GB, 
  • Dual SIM functionality,
  • 4G LTE, 
  • 5″ HD Corning® Gorilla® Glass 3 IPS Display

Cyanogen OS is used in place of a typical flavour of Android to incease customization, privacy & security, and enhanced experiences. 

Posted in: Phones, Videos/Unboxings
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By October 6, 2015 Read More →

Inateck Sweatproof Running Waist Pack Belt with Expandable Storage Pocket

vlcsnap-error432Inateck produce a number of products acorss the market. This is probably not technically classed as a gadget however it would hold your gadgetry whilst on the go in an attempt to be a low profile as possible. Is the Inateck running belt worth looking at to keep your personals together whilst taking on a marathon Gareth attempts to have a look.

You can pick one up here for £11.99:

 

Posted in: Accessories, Reviews, Videos/Unboxings
By October 5, 2015 Read More →

Whats new on Netflix and Amazon Prime 28th Sept – 4 Oct?

TWoAP 4x5Gareth takes a light-hearted look at what new TV shows, movies and documentaries debuted over the last week on both Netflix and Amazon Prime. 

Posted in: Streaming Services, TV & Home Cinema, Videos/Unboxings
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By October 5, 2015 Read More →

Win a trip to BlizzCon with Gigabyte

blizz

Are you a gamer and into Heroes of the Storm? Gigabyte are currently running  a bit of a competition. Buy a particular 100 series motherboard and you could be entered into a draw to win some goodies and the BlizzCon 2015 Grand Prize, a trip to Anaheim, California to attend BlizzCon itself. A pretty tidy prize. Here is the press release below:

 

GIGABYTE,  a leading manufacturer of motherboards and graphics cards is proud to announce that the first round of winners has been chosen for its ongoing GIGABYTE Heroes of the Storm Sweepstakes.

On top of the thousands of instant winners of the Kerrigan Hero and Succubus Skin for Heroes of the Storm™, 10 lucky new GIGABYTE users registered their eligible 100 series motherboards at the event page and are now walking away with one of the following; a Z170X-Gaming 3 motherboard, a Aivia Krypton mouse or a Force H3 headset. The entire list of winners is available on our site. Congratulations to all!

“GIGABYTE is very excited to be this year’s official motherboard sponsor of BlizzCon 2015,” commented Henry Kao, Vice President of GIGABYTE Motherboard Business Unit. “We love gaming, and we will continue to provide new technologies and features to support the gaming community to make the gaming experience even more enjoyable.”

GIGABYTE would like to remind everyone that they still have a chance to join the GIGABYTE Heroes of the Storm Sweepstakes, to be eligible to win the grand prize that includes; one roundtrip flight to Anaheim, CA to attend BlizzCon® 2015, hotel accommodations for three nights and one exclusive BlizzCon® badge. Hurry up, you have only until October 4th 2015 to register, as the winner will be picked the next day!

How to participate

To get your chance at some great hardware, in-game skins and the Blizzcon® 2015 Grand Prize, you must buy a select GIGABYTE 100 series motherboard and register on our event page. It is as simple as that! All participants who register their eligible motherboard will be instantly notified if they win Heroes of the Storm™ Kerrigan Hero and Succubus skin and will be automatically entered into the monthly lucky draw, prizes include motherboards, mice, and headsets. Monthly Draws will be held on October 5th, November 5th, December 7th, 2015 and January 5th, 2016. Winners will be announced shortly after.

Good luck to all!

For more information about the GIGABYTE Heroes of the Storm Sweepstakes event, go to:

http://event.gigabyte.com/HEROES/

For more information about GIGABYTE, please visit:

http://uk.gigabyte.com/

Posted in: Competitions, Desktop Computing, News
By October 5, 2015 Read More →

Olixar Qi-Tone Unboxing

vlcsnap-error358Mobilefun have sent  a Olixar Qi-Tone Alarm Clock Bluetooth Qi Charging Speaker with the dark wood finish.

Technical Specifications

  • Dimensions: 250 x 90 x 75 mm
  • Qi: Yes (WPC 1.1)
  • Bluetooth: V2.1 + EDR
  • Input: 5V, 1.5A
  • Power: 5W
  • Speaker Frequency: 60HZ – 20KHZ
  • Speaker Driver: Stereo, 1.5inch, 4Ohm, 3W

Perhaps in the unboxing I come across as not terribly impressed by the Plixir clock, however over the last week of using it I have actually grown somewhat fond of the retro-esq time piece.

This is a device that requires very little attention yet subliminally you are using it a awful lot. I have never had a desire to know the temperature at any time, living in Northern Ireland we are either “baltic” or just warm enough to be a little uncomfortable. There is no inbetween. However, having it there I have begun to observe just when the temperature changes to Baltic from warm. That’s started to take my interest. I see it sitting at 21℃ and take note. I will look again when it is baltic and we see 19℃, 20℃ is indistinguishable from 21℃.

Then again there is the the large, friendly time placement, basic alarm function and uncomplicated, old fashioned interface. This is genuinely refreshing to just set things manually and not have to rely on sporadic bluetooth connections, fiddling with NFC or internet radio. I now realise I am just pointing niceties that clock radios have had for the last 40 years and it’s welcome here. A device not trying to be more than it needs to be.

The addition of Qi wireless charging is the modern age being injected in just the right amount. A practical use of Qi charging combined with the old. The charge rate does not matter and it’s entirely unobtrusive implementation. The same with Bluetooth, it just works and doesn’t try to be clever with it.

Speaker quality is perfectly acceptable for what this is. You are not going to be hosting parties with it, in saying that it might actually surprise you, yet it will easily handle calls and a little background music as you get ready for said party.

Two USBs on the back assist in the charging of peripherals without Qi, a smartwatch and tablet. You won’t have to dig down the back of the night stand for charge cables anymore. I was not able to playback an MP3 off a memory stick however that sort of method is probably long dead. Just to cover other bits and pieces that stream there is a 3.5mm AUX thrown in for the completest.

From afar the clock looks quite elegant however up close the finish does look like the vinyl wrap is stuck on, which it is and takes away from the over all appeal. I will also say that the price does seem a little steep at £100.00 and that is the a major downfall of the Qi-Tone.

If this is your thing then drop over to Mobilefun from more information

 

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