Author Archive: Gareth

Seasoned tech blogger. Host of the Tech Addicts podcast.

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By June 26, 2015 Read More →

Unboxing Olixar Selfie Smart Pole

vlcsnap-2015-06-26-07h58m53s066Mobile Fun have sent over the Bluetooth selfie stick from Olixar, the Olixar Selfie Smart Pole is compatible with both Android 3.0 and above devices alongside iOS devices alike. Currently  reduced to £14.99 from £24.99 this Bluetooth allows for flexibility alongside some quality build aesthetics for any selfie needs out int he field.

  • Capture the perfect selfie
  • Built-in button to capture an image
  • Retractable pole for portability
  • Safety locks and shock absorbing material
  • Two smartphone mounts for greater compatibility
  • Case compatible
  • Compatible with Android 3.0, iOS 4.0 or later

You can grab one here:

http://www.mobilefun.co.uk/selfie-smart-pole-for-android-and-apple-devices-p48773.htm

By June 25, 2015 Read More →

Unboxing EasyAcc 4 Port USB Power Strip

vlcsnap-2015-06-24-18h39m29s776A floor power strip might not sound terribly exciting however EasyAcc have expanded upon the idea and injected four USB connectors to allow a flexible charging solution.

At £16.99 the 4 Port USB Strip might provide a flexible base for your charging needs.

Output and Compatibility: 

AC Power Socket x 2 
The power strip features two power sockets that can provide a steady power supply to devices such as desk lamps, hair dryers, fans, televisions, and computers. 
Note: The total amount of power required by the devices connected cannot exceed 2500W. 

DC 5V USB Port x 4 
It also comes with 4 USB output ports, which let you charge phones and tablets more easily. 

Power Switch 
The power switch lets you quickly and safely control the flow of electricity with a single touch. 

LED indicator 
The LED indicator makes it easy to see whether the power strip is connected to electricity or not. 

Materials 
The power strip is made of ABS, a tough, heat-resistant plastic that allows for the greatest possible safety during use. 

Technical Specifications 
Input voltage: 100V-240V 
Output voltage: AC 90V-240V 
Total power output: 2500W 
Size:180x106x41 mm 
Weight: 450 g 
Joule rating: 1700 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00PGY5AJQ

 

By June 24, 2015 Read More →

Unboxing Felix WriteOn

vlcsnap-2015-06-22-07h11m01s663Following from the Felix Flipwrite we have a look at the Writeon, a stand alone keyboard without the folio back. Available for a mere $49.99 the Writeon is an ultra thin and light keyboard boasting 2 months of battery in a super lightweight design.

http://felixbrand.com/products/writeon

By June 23, 2015 Read More →

Unboxing Felix HoldTight Bands

vlcsnap-2015-06-22-07h10m41s141Carrying both a wallet and a phone can be a chore, especially in the hot weather or heading for a night out. There seem to be a number of different solutions to combine these two daily pocket fillings requirements however Felix might have come up with a great alternative.

Allowing you to configure your own simple design Felix have launch a cover for both the iPhone 6 and iPhone 5/5S forms. This cover has elastic barriers on the rear side to hold a card, bundle of cash or picture in place and make it easily accessible yet secure.

You can check them out here:

http://felixbrand.com/products/holdtightbands

Available in a variety of colours for iPhone 6 and 5/5S for $14.99.

By June 22, 2015 Read More →

Unboxing Felix FlipWrite

vlcsnap-2015-06-22-07h10m22s415There are many folio covers for the Apple IPad out there and some come with an addition keyboard attached to increase productivity and just increase the tablets abilities making it closer to a laptop.

Felix have released a new high-ish end folio combing a multi-angle setup and Bluetooth keyboard wrapped up in a durable high quality package with a couple of novel approaches.

The Felix FlipWite is available for $99.99 from this site:
http://felixbrand.com/products/flipwrite

The options cover most in of the larger iPad options options, sadly no Mini variant yet.

By June 12, 2015 Read More →

Sony’s RX100 IV and RX10 II Professional Grade Cyber-shots

sonySony has announced two of the most advanced, versatile Cyber-shot cameras ever to come to market, the compact RX100 IV (model DSC-RX100M4) and high-zoom RX10 II (model DSC-RX10M2) cameras.

The two new models both feature the world’s first 1.0 type stacked Exmor RS CMOS sensor with advanced signal processing and an attached DRAM memory chip. The high speed signal processing and DRAM memory chip work together to enable more than 5x faster readout of image data and are responsible for a variety of standout features that have previously been available in only a select few professional-level video cameras. These impressive capabilities include 40x super slow motion video capture at up to 1000fps, an ultra-fast Anti-Distortion Shutter with a maximum speed of 1/32000 second, high resolution 4K movie shooting and more.

Up to 40x Super Slow Motion Shooting

A first for Sony consumer cameras, the new RX100 IV and RX10 II both have the ability to record super slow-motion video at up to 40x slower than the standard rate, allowing users to capture and replay fleeting moments of action with incredible detail, resolution and clarity.

Prior to shooting, users will have the ability to choose among 1000fps, 500fps and 250fps frame rates and among 50p and 25p playback formats to optimise the recording to fit the speed of the moving subject, with the option to use the movie record button as a ‘start trigger’ to begin recording once button is pressed or ‘end trigger’ to record footage up until the button is pressed. The ‘end trigger’ mode lets shooting begin 2 to 4 seconds before the movie button is pressed, enabling shooters to capture the decisive moment with much more consistency and accuracy. For reference, two seconds of movie footage shot at 1000fps and 25p would take about 80 seconds to play back.

High Speed Shutter, High Speed Shooting

The impressive speed and power of the 1.0 type stacked Exmor RS CMOS sensor with an attached DRAM chip allows the new RX100 IV and RX10 II to perform exceptionally well while capturing fast-moving subjects.

Specifically, it’s fast processing capability results in continuous speeds at up to 16 fps on the RX100 IV and up to 14 fps on the RX10 II for an extended period of time.

Additionally, the ultra-fast readout of the image sensor is responsible for the high speed Anti-Distortion Shutter (maximum speed of 1/32000 second), which allow the new cameras to capture sharp, crystal clear images with a wide open aperture at brightness levels up to EV19. It also minimises the “rolling shutter” effect commonly experienced with fast moving subjects. This allows photographers and videographers to capture beautiful content with sharply focused subjects and defocused backgrounds under some of the most difficult, bright lighting conditions.

High Precision Direct 4K Movie Recording

The new RX100 IV and RX10 II models are the first Cyber-shot cameras to offer the advantages of 4K (QFHD 3840×2160) movie recording. The cameras utilise full pixel readout without pixel binning to ensure that all the finer details of 4K video are captured with minimal moire and ‘jaggies’. These high-quality results are achieved through use of the XAVC S codec, which records video at a high data rate of 100 Mbps during 4K recording and 50 Mbps during full HD shooting.

The capacity for shooting 4K differs slightly on each of the two cameras, as the more professionally styled RX10 II can shoot 4K video at extended lengths (up to 29 minutes in Europe), while the more casual, pocket-friendly RX100 IV can shoot 4K clips at up to about 5 minutes in length. Additional professional calibre video features on both of the new cameras include Picture Profile, S-Log2/S-Gamut, and more.

Both cameras also have advanced dual video recording functionality, allowing shooters to capture 16.8 MP still images during 4K video recording in any of 11 different composition patterns simply by pressing the shutter button.

Versatility in Design, High Speed AF

The new RX100 IV maintains the compact, pocket-sized design of the RX100 family, and has a ZEISS® Vario-Sonnar T 24-70mm (35mm equivalent) F1.8-F2.8 lens, while the new RX10 II maintains the same body design as the original RX10 and has a ZEISS® Vario-Sonnar T 24-200mm (35mm equivalent) F2.8 lens.

Each of the cameras is equipped with a new high-contrast XGA OLED Tru-Finder™ with approximately 2.35 million dots of resolution, ensuring true-to-life image preview and playback functionality. The RX100 IV maintains the convenient retractable EVF with ZEISS® T* coating from the RX100 III model that debuted last year.

Both of the two new models feature an upgraded Fast Intelligent AF system that enables high-speed, high-precision contrast detection of a moving subject in as little as 0.09 seconds. Sony’s proprietary AF algorithm allows them to recognise and lock-in on a subject with a simple half-press of the shutter button at a much more efficient rate compared to previous models. The new cameras are also Wi-Fi® and NFC™ compatible and can access Sony’s growing range of PlayMemories Camera Applications. Learn more at www.sony.net/pmca.

Aesthetically, both of the new models feature a variety of customisable controls and buttons to fit any shooter’s style. The RX10 II adds dust and moisture resistance as well.

There is also a new stylish soft carrying case for, model LCS-RXG, that has been introduced. Made of quality natural leather and available in brown and black colours, it is an ideal complement to the sleek designs of all the RX100 series cameras including the new RX100 IV model.

The RX100 IV and RX10 II will start shipping in Europe in summer 2015. The RX100 IV will be priced at approximately €1,150 and the RX10 II will be priced approximately €1,600.

Posted in: Cameras, News
By June 11, 2015 Read More →

Olixar X2 Pro Bluetooth Headphones review

olixar-x2-pro-bluetooth-stereo-headphones-p47042-aA little money can get you quite a lot in technology now. Years ago the idea of bluetooth headphones left the user unhappy with laggy audio, bulky form factors, short battery lives and high price tags. Now all that seems to be reversed. Bluetooth headphones are cheap as chips and you don’t need to spend a lot of get good value.

Take the Olixar X2 Pro Bluetooth headphones. £25 from Mobilefun. They look good, promise around 10 hours of usage and impressive sound. All completely accurate.

The headphones are made from predominantly from plastic. You can’t really expect a high quality finish at this price however they are sturdy and will withstand any number of light to medium knocks. They certainly are not ugly either. In fact the spongy head band has an ample cushion and looks quite elegant at a glance. A little aluminum around the screws break the blackness quite nicely and give just the tiniest addition of quality.

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Everything is glossy plastic around the exterior. Some will be a little put off by this as it might have been better suited to have a matte finish. The shiny finish does seem to be used on many cheaper gadgets in an attempt to add a high quality feel.

The fold mechanism is quite strong, you will break it if you are very careless however it will take some heavy use before it fails. The same with the adjustable legs.

P1010808

Playback produced commendable results for the 20mW output. There is more than adequate bass, however this does seem to be of a higher focus than the treble. Whilst the sound produced is quite agreeable there is something missing in the mix and it doesn’t feel as full as you might get on higher end phones. They thump but don’t dazzle.

For calls the microphone and receiver were both adequate. Speaking on 3uk’s HD network, calls were crisp and rich. The person on the other end didn’t notice an particular issues with the call quality at their end.

There is mention of noise cancellation technology and it doesn’t quite cut it. Use on the plane was irritating. The volume limiting on my tablet has always been a problem however in ear noise cancelling headphones have helped boost the experience in a the constant hum of the engines. The olixar X2 don’t have this benefit and there were moments I was having to strain to hear lightly dialogue in a movie. The noise cancellation does not work very well in either direction, letting sound in or keeping it from seeping out.

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Comfort is one of the most important aspects of headphones, almost on par with sound quality. For short bursts the X2 are perfectly comfortable. Using the headphones on a three hour flight I found my ears were growing weary of the padding and I switched to my in ear headphones for the journey back.

NFC seemed like a really nice inclusion to bypass the anguish of having to open Bluetooth and connect  on the go however I never managed to get it to work. Read reviews like this review for the best bluetooth headphones available today. Perhaps it is my phone, I saw an attempt to connect short followed by a failure notification soon after. Hardly  a deal breaker, but enough to annoy.

P1010817

In built controls were a little wonky on my Samsung. A problem I have had with other headphones. Volume Up and Down skipped tracks or exited a movie. Depending on the app in use. There are a great many button combinations to interact with calls, apps and tracks however they will take a while to learn to get the most out of them. I became a little frustrated trying to remember them, I wonder just how many folk out there make the effort.

P1010815

I honestly cannot comment negatively on the battery. I have charged it once and maybe used it for about 10 hours over the course of the week. The are still going and I have the audio cable with me in the event the charge depletes. I would say the estimate from Olixar is accurate and in comparison to other, more expensive, headphones I have used of late, I am very happy.

P1010806

The Olixar X2 are fine headphones. You could do a lot worse for the money. I would have been a little happier paying an extra £5-£10 for better noise cancelling set however these work, and work well. I would imagine they will continue to work for the next while and whilst I will not be using them for travel, I will find a place for them in the house.

Available from Mobilefun for £24.99.

Posted in: News, Reviews
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By June 10, 2015 Read More →

iWalk Spartan unboxing

vlcsnap-2015-06-10-06h52m44s165An extra tough backup battery for all your charging needs arrives in the shape of the iWalk Spartan. The iWALK Spartan is perfect for charging your devices while outdoors – Camping, Shows, Markets, Festivals ect.

The 13,000mAh battery can keep your phone charged for days (even up to a week on some devices) 13000mAh Mega High capacity Lithium-ion rechargeable battery Made for all USB Devices including Apple (Certified – ‘Made for iPhone’) Rugged and durable build makes the Spartan waterprrof, shock proof, dust proof and snow proof – IP66 5v/1.0A and 5v/2.4A dual USB Outputs Rapid Charge with a maximum 2.1A input current.

Pass-through charging so you can charge the Spartan and two devices simultaneously.

 

You can pick one up for £69.99 here.

By June 9, 2015 Read More →

ALCATEL ONETOUCH POP 7S wins ‘Best Value Tablet’ at the Mobile Industry Awards 2015

popThe ALCATEL ONETOUCH POP 7S was last night announced as the ‘Best Value Tablet’ at the annual Mobile Industry Awards. Beating competition from the likes of Samsung, Acer and Tesco, the POP 7S was awarded the prize at the awards ceremony held at The Brewery in London. Judged by leaders in the mobile industry, the POP 7S tablet was recognised for offering super-fast LTE connectivity at a smart price.

The super slim and light 4G entry-level tablet is perfect for streaming music, watching TV or browsing the internet. Sporting Android KitKat 4.4, the POP 7S is a fun and feature-packed POP series tablet that is easy-to-use and easy-to-choose. It offers a customised user interface and wide range of dedicated colourful accessories.

The POP 7S is one of the most competitive LTE 7” entry-level tablets available to the mass market. At 8.9mm thin and weighing only 285 grams it is ideal to be effortlessly carried in any backpack, satchel or handbag. Powered by a Quad Core processor, the POP 7S allows seamless multi-tasking between different activities such as gaming or streaming music and comes equipped with a 3 megapixel rear camera to capture priceless moments on the go.

With Miracast, IR blaster technology and a pre-installed app, the POP 7S will become the TV’s best friend. It allows users to mirror screens, control their TV and personalise their daily TV entertainment. Its full-featured TV guide allows users to choose what they want to watch and makes it easy to share with friends and family through social media. The POP 7S brings a brand new interaction to consumers between their tablets and TV, reflecting

ALCATEL ONETOUCH’s design ideology of bringing smart technology to daily life.

Voice call support means that the POP 7S is able to make and receive calls via a Bluetooth phone – Sidekick, headset or loudspeaker. Users can continue to browse while catching up with friends and family about the latest films, favourite music or online games.

William Paterson, UK & Ireland Country Director commented: “We are delighted to accept this award. ALCATEL ONETOUCH’s aim is to democratize technology and make it affordable and accessible for all. This award is fantastic recognition of our work to achieve this.”

The POP 7S is available from nationwide retailers including Carphone Warehouse, EE, O2 and Amazon.co.uk priced from £95.00.  

Posted in: News, Press Releases, Tablets
By June 9, 2015 Read More →

Checking in with easyJet

EASYJET  NEW PLANE LIVERY Pix.Tim AndersonThis last week easyJet has taken the opportunity to share some of their recent developments with the public in what seems to be becoming a yearly tradition. For select group of the press an event in an aircraft hangar in Milan contained a demonstration of some of the research alongside a positive attitude and some beaming pride in what easyJet has achieved.

EasyJet has the reputation of being a better quality of low end travel providing something of a bus service to popular areas in Europe. Whilst maintaining a steady and commendable reputation easyJet has a lot of interesting developments happening behind the scenes to reduce time for which their planes are out of action and efforts to reduce costs across the board to pass on to the customers.

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One of the first innovations easyJet are proud to demonstrate is a simple but cost efficient inclusion. Oculus Rift can help engineers determine problems by posting virtual notes to areas in need of repair around a virtual aircraft. There was also reference made to cabin staff receiving training via the wearable goggles. This does not seem to be a massive stride however from easyJet’s internal point of view there is potential.

EasyJet are upgrading their application. Throwing in a few new features to keep their app fast and easy to use, not to mention a handy tool to cover everything you might need from your flight experience. For starters the app has been reformatted for 64 bit architecture to keep it running lightning fast.

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Secondly, a new feature will allow the user to receive updates about their flight including notifications from the likes of Periscope if there has been a disruption. A helping hand has been extended to the user to guide them through the airport to find their gate, at the moment this only works in Gatwick however the are rolling it out to their busiest 10 airports and they hope to have it in place by launch in July.

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Whilst it sounds alarming easyJet demonstrated their ability to print parts for their aircraft. Rather than having to pay for costly replacements a process is being finalised whereby easyJet can utilise some cutting edge 3D printing technologies and first class materials to manufacture their own parts. Whilst this is a time consuming process the cost implications will be notable without any impact on safety.

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Two years ago easyJet demonstrated their drone scanning ideas to scan a plane in minutes to access damage that would normally take a the human eye a few hours. The drone technology is constantly evolving and new developments are being made at a refreshing rate. Safety seems to be the focus this year with collision detection being a new addition. Not only for the drone to keep a close yet safe distance from the surface of the plane but for Engineers who might be working within close proximity to the plane and drone at the time of scanning.

It is refreshing to see a company that may not have a reputation for innovation, yet easyJet has become an example of proactive development, not only in cost saving but technological advancements. Their model is interesting and somewhat commendable.

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