Author Archive: Gareth

Seasoned tech blogger. Host of the Tech Addicts podcast.

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By March 23, 2017 Read More →

Audeara – The world’s first full fidelity headphones with in built hearing test

unsspecifiedAudeara, the world’s first full fidelity headphones with an in built hearing test to protect users ears, delivering a supreme, catered sound like no other headphone, is currently live on Kickstarter.  An instant hit, it reached its funding target within the first 15 hours and has now more than doubled its original target!

Everyone has a degree of hearing loss. Not just as a result of every loud gig they’ve been to, every busy street they’ve walked down, or every police siren that’s ever gone past but also damage can be sustained purely by listening to their headphones too loud. More and more young people have some loss of hearing, an increasing number with the same hearing health aged 30 that people would usually associate with a 60 year old.

Audeara headphones can be used to test and retest hearing over a lifetime and adapt music to the users’ individual needs. They make music better, not louder, and provide perfect sound, always. The first time the headphones are worn, the user undertakes a hearing test – the results of which, are subsequently stored in the headphones themselves. The headphones use this hearing profile to adjust the sound signal as it passes through them. They adjust the right ear differently from the left, making sure each part of the signal reaches the user’s brain in a way that’s heard as a perfect reflection of the intended signal.

What makes the Audeara headphones especially powerful is that all the technology is inside the headphones themselves. After the first test, the app isn’t required again unless the user wants to retest. This means headphones are no longer passive magnets for signal conversion, instead, they’re sophisticated tools for personalised sound reproduction.

The Technology

Audeara headphones use a software interface from a smartphone application to send Bluetooth commands to the on-board printed circuit board (PCB). This allows the headphones themselves to generate the tones and maintains consistency across all Bluetooth devices.

The headphones are calibrated and the profile is used as the baseline for accurate audiogram testing. After the user performs the audiogram, a modulation table is applied. This adjusts all incoming musical signals to the user’s requirements. Using an attenuation model, rather than increasing gain, ensures maximisation of the overall signal intensity, without distortion.

With the modulation table stored in the on-board PCB, the user only has to test once for the headphones to apply that table to any Bluetooth signal source. The user can, however, test multiple times, and the software application stores numerous profiles that are then uploaded and stored as the active profile.

The result of the audiogram is displayed for the user, perfect for long-term tracking of any hearing loss, and also as an educational tool in preventing long-term hearing impairment. If the user’s hearing profile shows significant impairment an alert will be shown, which suggests they seek more specialist advice and analysis.

The Audeara Headphones are currently available to backers from just £155 on the Early Bird Special (RRP: £310) on Kickstarter, widely available in July 2017

 

Features

  • Low-latency, high-fidelity Bluetooth.
  • High-quality 40mm Mylar speakers.
  • Adjustable headband and soft over-ear cushion.
  • Rotatable design for easy storage in a slim, hard carry case when traveling.
  • Built-in lithium-ion battery, rechargeable via Micro-USB jack.
  • The headphones can be used as a common wired headphone with 3.5mm port.
  • Advanced, active noise cancelling design effectively reduces noise by up to 85%.

Specifications

  • Bluetooth & ANC
  • Speakers: 40mm Mylar
  • Audio impedance: 32Ohm
  • Charging time: approx 3.0 hours
  • Charging: micro USB
  • Operating range: ≥10 m
  • Connection: 3.5mm jack
  • Working time :

– Noise cancelling function only: 30 hours
– Bluetooth function only: 15 hours
– Noise cancelling + Bluetooth function: 12 hours

Posted in: Headphones, News
By March 23, 2017 Read More →

GEAR4’s top selling phone cases with ‘Trusted Protection’ are now available for the Samsung A5

unspecifiedGEAR4, the UK’s number one trusted impact protection case brand, has today announced that the Piccadilly and Oxford cases from its hugely successful range featuring D3O® technology, will now be available for the Samsung A5.

Samsung A5 owners will no longer miss out on the opportunity to wrap their treasured device in the most advanced shock absorbing technology for enhanced impact protection. Featuring the same D3O® technology that is trusted worldwide in U.S military combat uniforms, American football helmets and protective gear worn by pro athletes (including Usain Bolt), the stylish Piccadilly and Oxford cases boast unrivalled protection.

The Oxford and Piccadilly cases linked to GEAR4’s British roots, combining modern forms and materials to deliver the ultimate combination of sleek protection.

 

The Piccadilly

The Piccadilly case is the perfect choice if you desire protection but want your phone to remain as close to the original look as possible. Offering the world’s first Metallic INJECTABLE D3O® technology, delivering more impact protection per cubic millimetre than other leading materials hese ultra-slim, ultra-modern, ultra-protective cases can make an impact and still blend with contemporary life.

Piccadilly is scratch-protected with UV coating and offers easy access to all ports. Available in Black

RRP £29.99 

 

The Oxford Bookcase

GEAR4’s multi-tasker, the Oxford mobile wallet features slots for credit cards and also a convenient stand for viewing videos in landscape. It’s unique clip closure design keeps your valuables safe. Function doesn’t compromise form on the Oxford, as it features the same D3O® smart material that offers the highest performance impact protection.

The Oxford comes in Black only.

RRP £34.99 (Images available here)

 

So what exactly is D3O?

The molecules in D3O® materials in their raw state flow freely when moved slowly, but on shock, lock together to absorb and disperse energy, before instantly returning to their flexible state. This reaction is counter intuitive. The greater the force of the impact, the more the molecules lock together and the greater the protection meaning your device stays safe when dropped.

The GEAR4 Oxford and Piccadilly cases from Carphone Warehouse and www.gear4.com

Posted in: Accessories, News, Phones
By March 23, 2017 Read More →

Adding in replacement units to the devolo Home Control

Image13This is the second follow-up to our previous unboxings of various Home Control devices. devolo have sent some replacement units to those I have having trouble in the second video.

The Keyfob and Wall Switch have been replaced and we can now test the replacements and … get the lamp to switch on… for science.

By March 22, 2017 Read More →

The MiVue Drive range is now on sale at Mio.com

81xvKEOamFL._SL1500_MiTAC today announces the Mio MiVue Drive series, a range of in-vehicle devices designed to seamlessly integrate car navigation with quality dash cam recording, all in one solution. Acting as a driver’s personal eyewitness on the road while also using leading navigation features to help navigate from A to B, the new MiVue range is Mio’s most advanced set of in-vehicle devices yet.

A new standard in the world of car navigation and dash cams

The new range caters for the needs of every driver and budget. The Mio MiVue Drive 65 LM, 60 LM, 55 LM, 50 LM and 65 LM Truck are equipped with Extreme HD (1296p), or Full HD (1080p) video recording as a minimum, and an advanced glass lens which lets more light in – the F1.8 aperture and 140° wide angle view, results in brighter, clearer footage in any conditions. These features combine with Mio’s leading car navigation software, with Lifetime Safety Camera and Map Updates, to create one of the most intelligent devices on the road.

The devices also feature Mio’s innovative Advanced Driver Awareness Systems (ADAS) for safety and to support better driving. ADAS includes a Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) and Forward Collision Warning System (FCWS), giving drivers a signal if they drift out of their lane, or if they are driving too close to the car in front. These features use the superior video quality to play a crucial role in helping a driver to constantly be aware of everything around the vehicle.

“With the MiVue Drive series we are combining our pioneering knowledge in digital video recording, car navigation and advanced safety features to offer a truly integrated solution,” said Harold Cobben, EU Sales Director, Mitac Europe. “We are enabling our customers to have access to superior quality and features for added peace of mind while driving. The Mio MiVue Drive range is our most advanced set of in-vehicle devices yet and we are proud to launch such a powerful set of features, packed into just one device on a windscreen, to help drivers navigate the roads with confidence.”

In addition to navigation, built-in GPS also provides information about positioning and speed for both live feed and all recorded videos. Every device comes with a 16GB SD card included.

Recommended Selling Price and availability
The Mio Mivue Drive 65 LM, 60 LM, 55 LM, 50 LM and 65 LM Truck are available today in retail and online, as well as at the Mio e-shop at mio.com.

MiVue Drive 65 LM £279.99

  • Car navigation with 1296p Extreme HD recording at 30 fps – with the latest H.264 technology for high quality videos at a smaller file size
  • F1.8 lens – this results in brighter and clearer videos, even in low light conditions
  • Wide viewing angle – 140° wide-angle lens
  • Extra large screen – 6.2 inch screen
  • Lifetime Map Updates and Lifetime Safety Camera Updates
  • Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) – Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) gives a signal if you drift out of your lane and Forward Collision Warning System (FCWS) gives a signal if you are too close to the car in front of you of you
  • 3-Axis G-Sensor – records direction and force, including impact, turns and acceleration
  • Built in TMC (traffic information) and Bluetooth – for convenience
  • Parking assistance – quickly and easily finds nearby parking

MiVue Drive 60 LM – £249.99

  • Car navigation with 1080p Full HD recording at 30 fps – with the latest H.264 technology for high quality videos at a smaller file size
  • F2.0 lens – this results in brighter and clearer videos, even in low light conditions
  • Wide viewing angle – 130° wide-angle lens
  • Extra large screen – 6.2 inch screen
  • Lifetime Map Updates and Lifetime Safety Camera Updates
  • Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) – Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) gives a signal if you drift out of your lane and Forward Collision Warning System (FCWS) gives a signal if you are too close to the car in front of you of you
  • 3-Axis G-Sensor – records direction and force, including impact, turns and acceleration
  • Built in TMC (traffic information) and Bluetooth – for convenience
  • Parking assistance – quickly and easily finds nearby parking

MiVue Drive 55 LM –  £ 229.99

  • Car navigation with 1296p Extreme HD recording at 30 fps – with the latest H.264 technology for high quality videos at a smaller file size
  • F1.8 lens – this results in brighter and clearer videos, even in low light conditions
  • Wide viewing angle – 140° wide-angle lens
  • Lifetime Map Updates and Lifetime Safety Camera Updates
  • Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) – Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) gives a signal if you drift out of your lane and Forward Collision Warning System (FCWS) gives a signal if you are too close to the car in front of you of you
  • 3-Axis G-Sensor – records direction and force, including impact, turns and acceleration
  • Built in TMC (traffic information) and Bluetooth – for convenience
  • Parking assistance – quickly and easily finds nearby parking

MiVue Drive 50 LM – £ 199.99

  • Car navigation with 1080p Full HD recording at 30 fps – with the latest H.264 technology for high quality videos at a smaller file size
  • F2.0 lens – this results in brighter and clearer videos, even in low light conditions
  • Wide viewing angle – 130° wide-angle lens
  • Lifetime Map Updates and Lifetime Safety Camera Updates
  • Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) – Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) gives a signal if you drift out of your lane and Forward Collision Warning System (FCWS) gives a signal if you are too close to the car in front of you of you
  • 3-Axis G-Sensor – records direction and force, including impact, turns and acceleration
  • Parking assistance – quickly and easily finds nearby parking

MiVue Drive 65 LM Truck – £299.99

  • Car navigation with 1296p Extreme HD recording at 30 fps – with the latest H.264 technology for high quality videos at a smaller file size
  • F1.8 lens – this results in brighter and clearer videos, even in low light conditions
  • Wide viewing angle – 140° wide-angle lens
  • Extra large screen – 6.2 inch screen
  • Truck mode – optimised for large vehicles such as trucks or caravans. Routes are calculated based on vehicle type, weight, dimensions and load
  • Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) – Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) gives a signal if you drift out of your lane and Forward Collision Warning System (FCWS) gives a signal if you are too close to the car in front of you of you
  • 3-Axis G-Sensor – records direction and force, including impact, turns and acceleration
  • Built in TMC (traffic information) and Bluetooth – for convenience
  • Parking assistance – quickly and easily finds nearby parking
Posted in: Gadgets, News, Press Releases
By March 15, 2017 Read More →

Tech Addicts UK Podcast – 15th Mar 2017 – Whats round the corner from Apple, Samsung and HTC?Podcast

With Gareth Myles, Gavin Fabiani-Laymond and Leila Gregory

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

Direct Download.

iTunes

Stitcher

Tunein


Show Notes

Listener Feedback:

Three have sent me a text to say I have 4G Supervoice. I don’t notice any improvement to the calls. Or am I using it incorrectly?

Michael

News:

  • HTC 11
  • Samsung Galaxy S8
  • New iPad

Play Test:

Gavin

Gareth

Leila

Bargain Basement:

 

Main Show URL: http://www.techaddicts.uk

Email: [email protected]

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

Facebook: Tech Addicts

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

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

 

Posted in: Podcast
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By March 15, 2017 Read More →

A look at the EasyAcc 13000mAh Power Bank Monster!

vlcsnap-00044A simple, to the point power bank that features dual inputs allowing the battery to recharge itself to full, in around 3.5 hours. Using this approach means the EasyAcc 13000mAh charges twice as fast as regular portable chargers. Combined with a powerful 4.8 output through both ports results in the ability to charge two high-input devices with full speed. Easyacc’s smart technology automatically detects and outputs the exact current your device requires, delivering a fast and universal charging experience. With a capacity of 13000mAh the Monster can provide four charges to an iPhone 7, 2.5 charges to a Galaxy S7, or 1 charge to an iPad Air 2. Also included is an ultra-bright Flashlight, bright enough to light you through darkness and emergencies, yet lasts longer than most regular flashlights between charges.

For more information check out EasyAcc’s page.

Grab one from Amazon for £18.99.

By March 15, 2017 Read More →

Sengled Element smart home energy consumption kit

element-hubThe Sengled Element combines all the requirements needed for easy management of all the lighting in a smart home. Remotely controllable using the ZigBee standard, the LED lights can be integrated into the WLAN network of the modern home: Simply connect, log in via the app and you have full control of the lighting, from home or when you are on the move via cloud control.

The light can be switched on or off via the light switch, central smart home management or remotely using the app including house services for cleaning and maintenance. the Pressure Washing New Bern can be also contacted online for their services to clean your home.
Within the app it is also possible to adjust the brightness and colour temperature and is very easy to create programmable lighting scenarios which can also be saved. In addition to the control modes, the app also provides a series of energy statistics. This means that you can access an overview of all consumption data and savings at any time. The Sengled Element starer set includes the Sengled Element Hub, which serves as the gateway.

Sengled Element – energy efficiency in action with ZigBee – Element set 89.90 Euros

Posted in: News
By March 14, 2017 Read More →

A Look At The Vodafone Smart Ultra 7

vlcsnap-00043Vodafone’s Smart ultra 7 combines an octa-core processor with the Android 6.0 Marshmallow and a fairly low price tag to appeal to those of us who just want a smartphone without the high price tag. To keep the user going there is a 2960 mAh battery that charges in half the time using “Pump Express Plus technology.”

Other specifications:

Mediatek MT6755M processor with Mali-T860MP2 GPU
5.5 inch 1080 x 1920 IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen
2 GB RAM
16 GB expandable storage
13 MP autofocus rear camera with LED flash
5 MP front facing camera with LED flash

And can be yours for around £150-£160.

Check out http://www.techaddicts.uk for a full review soon…

Posted in: Phones, Videos/Unboxings
By March 13, 2017 Read More →

Y-Cam Protect Alarm review

1486848637243Y-Cam is a security setup that employs a bunch of little peripherals under the one hub to give you peace of mind when away from home of when you locked everything up for the night.

Here we take a look at the Y-Cam Protect Alarm system. A basic, starter kit that notifies you when something happens in the home.

What you get in the box:

First up is the alarm hub itself. This box looks like an alarm system, is large enough to act as a deterrent however it’s designed to plug into your route so it might have some limits as to where you can place it. The Hub has some holes on the back for screws to allow wall mounting.

Also is the box is a door sensor with some adhesive tape to attach to both the door and the door frame. A motion sensor and remote control are also included.

 

The Y-Cam Protect calls itself a “Triple Layer” security system. This uses wired, wireless and SIM card to protect your home if your internet or power is cut.

In order to use the third level, the user has to pay for the SIM service. This costs either £5.99 per month or £59.99 for the year. The SIM provides alarms to the application and text messages to your phone when the alarm has been triggered.

There is also a feature to include the Plus button on the remote to send an emergency message to two mobile numbers. If an elderly relative has fallen perhaps, they can summon help if they have the remote on their person.

The battery on the Y-Cam lasts for around eight hours, this would be handy if there was a power cut and house was broken into a few hours afterwards. The motion and door sensors are battery powered and are said to last a year before needing replacement their batteries replaced. 

 

The sensors work for the most part. Testing the motion sensor was a little deflating as I was able to wave at it in the dark from a meter away without it jumping into action. During the day it was triggered by my pets and unlike my main house alarm does not have a function to disregard differing weight categories. However, it’s cost £150, my house alarm was close to £1000 and only upsets the neighbours when it goes off instead of tapping me on the shoulder to tell me my phone collection might not be there when I get home.

You can also arm or disarm from anywhere by the application. Whilst the Y-cam isn’t loud enough to annoy the neighbours on a false alarm it would probably aggravate your dog/cat that set it off in the first instance.

When armed the hub announces that it has been armed before allowing an adjustable grace period to clear the area. Setting off the alarm is an odd experience. The bell inside is loud, but not pant wettingly loud. You neighbours are unlikely to investigate and the sound may only serve to alert an intruder that something has happened. Instead, notifications will fly out to your device for you to react to.

The Y-Cam app is available for both for iOS or Android and is relatively simple to use. There are not many options, however, I would imagine as you add more peripherals to the system it would become a lot busier. Whilst I do not have the addition camera the functions are available to give a taste of how I could enhance the system if I were to feel inclined.

The Hub settings have a large amount of customisation making for quite an attractive experience. From naming sensors and items on the Y-Cam system to checking signal, there is a lot to work with, however not all is necessary when you are just plugging in and wanting it up and running.

 

The Protect system works pretty well. The remote is useful however I found using the application a lot more useful. I couldn’t help but think that the remote would really only be for the elderly. It’s not something you would attach to your keys when you go out and oddly enough it sat beside the Y-Cam hub for most of the time, so I didn’t lose it.

The Protect function arms and disarms quite quickly and the app is updated quickly when something happens with the system. One afternoon I did encounter a problem with the app when I received an error stating “regld required” however it worked later.

The Y-Cam Protect is a good-value home alarm system with an extra layer of reliability. It’s easy to setup and use with the benefits that easily outweigh the shortcomings. The subscription fee has it merits however it might not suit everyone.

 

Posted in: Reviews
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By March 9, 2017 Read More →

A look at the Dubleup Powerbank

unspecifiedIn an age where we increasingly rely on our smartphones for work, for keeping in touch with what’s going on in the world, chatting with our friends and checking social media, absolute power is an absolute necessity. The sheer panic many people feel when their phone is running out of juice and the mad scramble to find a power source can now be a thing of the past.

The Dubleup power bank, which is launching on Kickstarter on the 9th March, offers a truly portable solution to your charging issues. Being the same size as your average credit card, it can easily be popped into your purse or wallet so is readily available to charge your phone whether at work, on the move or whilst travelling. The ultra-light and ultra-thin design mean you will hardly know you are carrying it, no bulkier, heavy chargers weighing you down now!

Dubleup is not only incredibly portable but also incredibly stylish and is available in a choice of gold, silver and black. It is available with either a built-in lightning connector for iPod and iPhone or a built-in MicroUSB for Android devices. With a capacity of 1280mAH, there is more than enough juice to give a dead or dying iPhone 7 (1,960 mAH battery capacity) sufficient battery life to last the rest of the day.

The LED power indicator displays your battery level and charge status so no more flat battery dilemmas either. The power card has met worldwide safety approvals and is Apple Certified, so you can rest easy knowing that your device will charge safely when the power bank is operational and that all of your Apple items will be supported with Dubleup’s power bank.

Don’t miss out on this stylish and portable charging solution, register your interest now on Dubleup.com and check out the Kickstarter page on 9th March and make your life a little lighter!

Early Bird Offer! The first 6000 backers will be able to get their Dubleup for just $50 USD (Around £39.94).

Thereafter the price is $59 USD (Around £47.13).

Both of these prices will include shipping.

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