Author Archive: Gareth

Seasoned tech blogger. Host of the Tech Addicts podcast.

rss feed

By September 10, 2015 Read More →

Lenovo – Making the heart go boom

P1020076For many a year Lenovo has had been a go to brand for a robust business solution with this Thinkpad line of laptops and desktops. A serious name that lead to serious solutions. This year we are getting a whole new Lenovo, whilst possessing the straight and serious edge that gained a prestigious reputation over the year we have been shown a lighter, fresher and altogether more cuddle side.

Entering from stage let is the new Lenovo, a Lenovo with a quickly design concept, a grasp on the modern tropes and an aim to please. Wearing a new badge that many will find hard to recognise Lenovo are engaging the public with an attitude to propel themselves into the heart of their customers to pull them back for more.

They are listening to what people want and making massive efforts to provide almost every desire coupled with an alternative, without pushing the customer to pay over the odds. This change is happening across the board, not just a simple flip over to pushing out a few more phones.

P1020080

Take the Y Series brand. Taking care to pay attention to the hardcore gamers in the world Lenovo have developed a line of gaming rigs called the Ideacentre that will appeal to both the customer and the system builder. Kitted out with the latest hardware Lenovo have taken the extra step to keep the machine accessible for the inevitable upgrade and or replacement with with their desktop case. There will be two tiers a Y900 and Y700, the main difference being the Y900’s ability to take dual graphics cards.

Lenovo have recognised that gaming on the PC has a massive consumer base and are trying to make the most flexible gaming system, out of the box, that a hardware manufacturer can provide.

P1020146

Pushing the focus to portable gaming the same attitude has been worked into the Y-Series gaming laptops. The IdealPad Y700 is designed to appeal to a gamer and added extras to make things a little more suited like backlit keys, QHD display and a Realsense 3D camera and a range of gaming accessories to not only keep things colour coordinated but push the best quality for the money.

Whilst still retaining the Thinkpad business approach Lenovo have made some solid updates to their gaming end and there is a lot to like in these machines. Expect to see the IdeaCentre Y900 in November should cost around £1,039 and Y700 £649. The IdeaPad Y700 will land in October at £617.

By September 8, 2015 Read More →

The Lenovo Miix 700 in 60 Seconds

vlcsnap-error167Lenovo have come up with an option for those Microsoft Surface Pro lovers out there who are finding it too expensive to justify. With prices starting around $700 the Miix 700 covers much of the same ground, without the killer i3, i5 and i7 processor options. Instead, Lenovo have chosen the Core M7 to keep things moving. An impressive hinge mechanism helps with some of the limitations of the Surface Pro’s read angle on the desktop and lap.

  • Processor:  Intel Core M7 processor (the latest Skylake version)
  • Screen: 12”  2160 x 1440
  • RAM: 8 GB
  • ROM: up to 256 GB SSD + microSD card up to 128gb
  • Battery: Up to 9 hours
  • OS: Windows 10
  • Camera: Optional Real Sense 3D camera
  • Networks: Optional LTE
  • Connections: USB 2.0 microUSB

Killer feature: $700 is a lot less than a similarly specced Surface Pro 3

By September 8, 2015 Read More →

The Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 in 30 seconds

vlcsnap-error509Lenovo has updated its line of signature Android tablets this year at IFA 2015 and announcing this Yoga Tab 3 8 inch version. This third incarnation of the Yoga tablet, known for the rounded chamber along on edge of the tablet, inherits many of the previous lines beloved quirks, alongside some new ideas. For example the kickstand is now push-button activated, allowing for a little one handed usage and  Lenovo’s “AnyPen” technology that lets you interact with the screen using a writing implement.

  • Processor: 64-bit quad-core 1.3ghz Qualcomm APQ8009 processor
  • Screen: 8.0”  1280×800
  • RAM: 1 GB
  • ROM: 16 GB + microSD card up to 128gb
  • Battery: 6,200 mAh
  • OS: Android 5.1
  • Camera: 8-megapixel rotational camera
  • Networks: LTE, WiFi
  • Connections: USB 2.0 microUSB

Killer feature: Hang it from a hook by a simple hole in the stand

 

 

By September 7, 2015 Read More →

Lenovo VIBE P1m in 30 Seconds

vlcsnap-error045A more modestly priced P1 has also been launched, the P1m. Sitting with a MediaTek MT6735P quad-core 1GHz processor, 2GB of RAM and 16GB storage with microSD card support there is a beautiful build quality to entice. The 8MP main camera looks well however the 4,000 mAh battery and some splash resistance will definitely increase anyone’s curiosity.

 

  • Processor: 64-bit quad-core 1.0ghz MediaTek MT6735P processor
  • Screen: 5.0” 720 x 1280
  • RAM: 2 GB
  • ROM: 16 GB + microSD card up to 32gb
  • Battery: 4,000 mAh
  • OS: Android 5.1
  • Camera: 8-megapixel rear / 5-megapixel front facing
  • Networks: LTE, WiFi
  • Connections: USB 2.0 microUSB

Killer feature: Splash proof screen

 

Posted in: News, Phones, Videos/Unboxings
Tags:
By September 7, 2015 Read More →

Gold Lenovo VIBE P1 in 30 seconds

vlcsnap-error061The gold variant of the Vibe P1 is identical to the other Vida P1, if a little more beautiful. The Lenovo Vibe P1 comes with an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 processor, clocked at 1.5 GHz, and backed by the Adreno 405 GPU and 2 GB of RAM. The head turning feature is a massive 5,000 mAh battery good for 87 hours of use.

 

 

  • Processor: 64-bit octa-core 1.5ghz Snapdragon 615 8939 processor
  • Screen: 5.5” 1080 x 1920
  • RAM: 2 GB
  • ROM: 32 GB + microSD card up to 128gb
  • Battery: 5,000 mAh
  • OS: Android 5.1
  • Camera: 13-megapixel rear / 5-megapixel front facing
  • Networks: LTE, WiFi
  • Connections: USB 2.0 microUSB

Killer feature: Insane battery life

Posted in: News, Phones, Videos/Unboxings
Tags:
By September 7, 2015 Read More →

Lenovo VIBE P1 in 30 Seconds

Lenovo VIBE P1 in 30 SecondsThe Lenovo Vibe P1 comes with an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 processor, clocked at 1.5 GHz, and backed by the Adreno 405 GPU and 2 GB of RAM. The head turning feature is a massive 5,000 mAh battery good for 87 hours of use. 

  • Processor: 64-bit octa-core 1.5ghz Snapdragon 615 8939 processor
  • Screen: 5.5” 1080 x 1920
  • RAM: 2 GB
  • ROM: 32 GB + microSD card up to 128gb
  • Battery: 5,000 mAh
  • OS: Android 5.1
  • Camera: 13-megapixel rear / 5-megapixel front facing
  • Networks: LTE, WiFi
  • Connections: USB 2.0 microUSB

Killer feature: Insane battery life

Posted in: News, Phones, Videos/Unboxings
Tags:
By September 7, 2015 Read More →

Lenovo Vibe S1 in 30 seconds

vlcsnap-error370Pushing quality on the selfie Lenovo are launching the Vibe S1. This device comes with a 5-inch IPS LCD display with an intense pixel density of 441 ppi. The S1 is powered by an octa-core MediaTek MT6752 processor, clocked at 1.7 GHz with 3 GB of RAM. 32 GB of internal storage alongside a microSD post. A 2,500 mAh battery powers. A rear camera is a 13 MP unit has a dual tone LED flash and on the front is the dual-front facing camera setup featuring an 8 MP unit backed by a 2 MP secondary camera specifically for depth information.

 

 

  • Processor: 64-bit octa-core 1.7ghz MediaTek MT6752 processor
  • Screen: 5.0” 1080 x 1920
  • RAM: 3 GB
  • ROM: 32 GB + microSD card up to 128gb
  • Battery: 2,500 mAh
  • OS: Android 5.1
  • Camera: 13-megapixel rear / 8-megapixel front facing + 2-megapixel
  • Networks: LTE, WiFi
  • Connections: USB 2.0 microUSB

Killer feature: A second front facing camera to provide depth infomation

 

Posted in: News, Phones, Videos/Unboxings
Tags:
By September 7, 2015 Read More →

Lenovo Phab Plus in 30 seconds

vlcsnap-error660Gareth take a very quick look at the dual-SIM Phab Plus, Lenovo’s stunning 6.8″ phone featuring 32GB of storage, a 13-megapixel rear camera, 5-megapixel front facing, a 3,500mAh battery and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 processor with 2GB of RAM. A lot of phone for only around $299.

 

  • Processor: 64-bit octa-core 1.5ghz Snapdragon 615 processor
  • Screen: 6.8” 1920 x 1080
  • RAM: 2 GB
  • ROM: 32 GB + microSD card up to 64gb
  • Battery: 3,500 mAh
  • OS: Android 5.1
  • Camera: 13-megapixel rear / 5-megapixel front facing
  • Networks: LTE, WiFi
  • Connections: USB 2.0 microUSB
  • Pricing: €299

Killer feature:  6.8” screen that does not seem ridiculously large

Posted in: News, Phones, Videos/Unboxings
Tags:
By September 2, 2015 Read More →

Smartie pants use #WirelessArmour

Wireless Armour (2)Described by Sir Richard Branson as “underpants for superheroes”, a British scientist has unveiled Wireless Armour, a new line of ‘smart, wearable tech’ underwear which aims to protect male fertility by using a mesh of pure silver woven into fabric to shield against 99.9% of harmful electromagnetic radiation (EMR) emitted by Wi-Fi devices including smartphones and laptops.

It is estimated that 70 million couples are affected by infertility worldwide (1). Male fertility has declined in recent years (2) and this has been attributed to exposure to environmental factors including electromagnetic radiation emitted by Wi-Fi enabled devices such as smartphones and laptops which have been shown in clinical studies to lower sperm count and motility in men (3). In 2014 the University of Exeter conducted a comprehensive review of all the data from previous studies investigating the link between EMR and sperm damage the and the analysis indicated a negative associations between mobile phone exposure on sperm viability and motility (4). Whilst the findings are not 100% conclusive it does show a strong correlation between EMR exposure and lower sperm health. In one study in vitro sperm motility dropped to 49% and viability to 52% after just one hour of exposure to radiation emitted by a mobile phone (5). Additionally, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has assigned EMR as possibly carcinogenic to humans, in the category 2B, the same category as petrol exhaust fumes and other pollutants (6).

“Like so many people, my smartphone and laptop use has increased dramatically in recent years which made me realise that I was exposing myself to large amounts of electromagnetic radiation, mostly centred on my groin” says London scientist and Wireless Armour inventor, Joseph Perkins. “With my Physics background I knew there must be a way to shield from electromagnetic radiation using a simple solution. Wireless Armour has been tested by an industry leader in wireless shielding and the results show that our fabric shields against 99.9% of the radiation emitted between 100MHz to 2.6GHz. Put simply, this covers the entire range of radiation emitted by wireless devices, from voice and text through to 4G and Wi-Fi, almost everything is blocked.”

How Wireless Armour works

  • Wireless Armour has a mesh of pure silver woven into the fabric which creates an unbroken shield
  • The mesh disrupts the flow of electromagnetic radiation due to Silver being a conductor of electricity
  • The electromagnetic radiation becomes distributed evenly around the silver mesh and stops the electromagnetic radiation from flowing through it
  • A UK electromagnetic testing company showed that Wireless Armour’s unique fabric RadiaTex provides 99.9% shielding from electromagnetic radiation
  • The silver is weaved into the cotton to produce an extremely flexible soft fabric which lengthens the lifetime of Wireless Armour by increasing its strength
  • The silver fibres (about 35% of the total fabric) in Wireless Armour are highly anti-microbial, which means they increase hygiene by preventing the spread of bacteria and other microbes that cause smells

Wireless Armour retails between £24 – £35 and can be purchased here www.wirelessarmour.co.uk

By September 2, 2015 Read More →

MiHome works to cut your household bills

MIHO029As energy prices rise and the complexity of home heating controls increases, homeowners will welcome an entirely new range of easy-to-use energy saving products that could help to reduce energy bills by as much as 20%1 in a simple yet effective way. Makers of superior energy saving products and devices, Energenie, have introduced the MiHome range of adapters and monitors, allowing greater control over heating, lighting and electrical appliances that is truly accessible to everyone.

Working remotely through either an iOS and Android app or a PC, users can simply scan the Gateway with their phone and immediately begin using the central hub of the system to control the full range of easy-to-use retrofit actuators. The modularity of the system means that users can add products as and when they want, in the knowledge it will be compatible with existing products in the home, and provide a strategic and cost-effective way to gauge energy use and expenditure.

The Mi|Home range can monitor the energy usage of individual sockets, groups or scenes in real-time or over time to see which devices consume the most power and should be turned off. Its Smart features mean users can easily set timers and programmes to fit Mi|Home into their schedule, while geofencing enables control of the products from a remote location and IFTTT means triggers can be anything from the weather to Facebook.

Oliver Tadd, commercial director at Energenie: said: “MiHome gives consumers back control over their energy consumption. Once the devices have been installed, it allows households to change their energy usage as well as shifting their behaviour towards consuming less energy.

“Through the Internet of Things, the devices can be linked to other devices in the home and applications within them talk to each other.

“With low installation costs and the best value entry model considered cost-effective given it’s a modular system, households can choose elements from a range of devices depending on the need.

These advancements in smart home technology are becoming increasingly relevant in the Woodstock residential market. As more homeowners and buyers seek energy-efficient and cost-saving solutions, the demand for properties equipped with IoT devices like MiHome is on the rise. This trend is shaping the way homes are being built and renovated, with an emphasis on sustainability and smart technology integration. Keeping up with these trends can provide valuable insights for those looking to invest in the Woodstock housing market. For more details on the latest developments, check out our comprehensive Woodstock residential market trends guide. “For example, zoned-controlled heating when it’s cool in the morning, or lighting in rooms that are only occupied at night. The devices could even be used to turn your washing machine on, or your oven off, straight from an iphone or PC when you are out of the house.”

The complete MiHome range comprises:

  • MiHome heating – for zoned heating control
  • MiHome Light – integrated control of wall and ceiling light
  • MiHome Socket – integrated control of devices and appliances
  • MiHome Adapter Plus – manage devices and record consumption.
  • MiHome Home Adapter – control devices and appliances
  • MiHome Home Monitor – live energy recording
  • MiHome meter – energy data for your whole house

Entry level model costs start from £70 and are available to buy from https://energenie4u.co.uk/catalogue/category/Home-Automation

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