Gadgets

By Gareth July 30, 2014 Read More →

Tronsmart T1000 Mirror 2 TV Unboxing

Gareth has a look at a Chromecast alternative sent over by GearBest. At half the price of the Chromecast could this be an even bigger steal? Gareth thinks so! Tronsmart Mirror 2 TV (T1000) casts video, audio, photos, MS office files, PDF files, games, etc to HDTV or projector wirelessly. It can mirror whatever shown on the screen of your smartphone, tablet, notebook, PC to your HDTV or projector. Overall, it is a useful tools for your home multimedia entertainment, also a powerful tools for your office presentation.

Tronsmart T1000 Mirror 2 TV specification:

Multi-standard support: Miracast, DLNA, Airplay
Multi-platform support: Android phones/tablets, Apple iOS iPhone/iPad, Windows PC/Note, Mac ; PC/Notebook;
Can directly play and cast local video, music, game, MS Office documents/files
Extended cable with WiFi dongle to avoid big TV screen blocking wireless signal
Support screen mirroring, iOS currently under development
Display device: HDTV or projector with HDMI port
Simple installation, easy handling and configuration
H.264 1080P full HD video decode, can be switched to 720p if your TV does not support
LPCM audio decode
Flexible power using TV standard USB port (no less than 400mA) or external USB power supply (not included)
Firmware can be upgraded via OTA technology (Over the Air), easy to upgrade
APP download by Play Store (for Android) Apple Store (for iPhone)

Posted in: Gadgets, TV & Home Cinema, Videos/Unboxings

By Gareth July 29, 2014 Read More →

Olixar BoomBrick Wireless Bluetooth Speaker Unboxing

Mobilefun.co.uk have very kindly provided us with an Olixar BoomBrick Wireless Bluetooth Speaker. Gareth shares his initial thoughts.

High fidelity audio for rich, room filling sound

The BoomBrick Wireless Bluetooth Speaker allows your crisp wireless sound to go wherever you go. The BoomBrick features two powerful 3W drivers, providing you with a total output of 6W that will enable your media to fill the room with engaging high fidelity audio.

Passive radiator for a great bass sound

With small speakers it’s hard to achieve great sounding bass tones. The BoomBrick tackles this problem by featuring a passive radiator, which extends the bass response of the two existing full-range drivers – providing you with impressive sound, whatever genre of music you enjoy listening to.

Stylish and portable design

The BoomBrick Wireless Bluetooth Speaker is designed to be stylish, light and compact with its dimensions of 180 x 65 x 48mm making it easily portable.

Bluetooth and line-in connectivity so you can connect any audio device

The BoomBrick is Bluetooth enabled, so the pairing process is incredibly simple – connecting to your device wirelessly with no need for passwords. It supports any Bluetooth music device and you only have to turn the speaker on and search for it using your device. This sound system however also includes a standard 3.5mm jack to allow you to connect devices without Bluetooth technology such as iPods, Laptops and MP3 players.

Built-in microphone for hands-free calls and conference calling

The BoomBrick’s built-in microphone makes it easy to take calls hands-free or in a group. You can easily switch between playing audio and receiving calls with the multifunction button on top of the BoomBrick. The internal microphone is compatible with Bluetooth enabled phones, Facetime, iChat, Skype and other applications (not all phones will support these features) – making it a perfect item for office conference calling or family Skype chats.

Built-in 1200mAh Li-ion rechargeable battery

Fully loaded with a rechargeable 1200mAh lithium ion battery, which provides you with up to 8 hours of play time – so you can enjoy your music all day. Recharging the BoomBrick’s battery from flat should take around 3 hours with the included USB charge cable.

Technical Specifications:

Bluetooth: CSR 2.1 +EDR
Dimensions: 180 x 65 x 48mm
3.5mm port: Yes
Power input: DC 3.7V
Power output: 2 x 3W
Driver size: 2 x 1.75″ + 1 bass radiator
Battery size: 1200mAh
Play time: 8 hours
Charge time: 3 hours

You can order one from Mobilefun.co.uk.

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

By Gareth July 27, 2014 Read More →

4-in-1 Charge and Sync Cable Unboxing

Mobilefun.co.uk have very kindly provided us with a 4-in-1 Charge and Sync Cable for Apple devices and MicroUSB.

Supports use with Apple Lightning, Apple 30-pin, Galaxy Tab and Micro USB devices

Designed to be the only cable that you will ever need – this 4-in-1 cable features Apple Lightning, Apple 30-pin, Samsung Galaxy Tab and Micro USB connectors – designed to charge any device which uses any of these adapters.

With more and more devices using Micro USB charging adaptors, this cable is also designed to be future proof – so you won’t need to keep purchasing new cables to match your numerous devices.

Provides quick and easy charging of a wide range of devices

Quickly and easily charge your mobile devices with the 4-in-1 cable.

Designed to give you complete freedom, the 4-in-1 cable allows you to charge all of your devices without having to carry around different cables with you all the time.

This is the perfect solution for on-the-go lifestyles and multiple device owners.

Charge and Sync Apple Lightning devices

Not only charge your Apple Lightning compatible device, but also sync data to and from your computer to your smartphone or tablet and vice versa. Ensure that your music, video and photos are transferred from your computer to a more portable device using your Lightning compatible Apple smartphone or tablet.

This 4-in-1 cable is also iOS 7 compatible and will function perfectly.

Dual use connector – flip the Apple 30-pin connector and use it on Samsung Galaxy Tab devices

The Apple 30-pin connector on this 4-in-1 cable also doubles as a Samsung Galaxy Tab connector. When you place it in one way, it will fit into Apple 30-pin devices – flip it over and it will now fit into Samsung Galaxy Tab devices.

Simultaneous charging – charge all devices at once

With this 4-in-1 Charge and Sync cable you can charge all of your devices at the same time, using just one USB cable.

Posted in: Gadgets, Videos/Unboxings

By Gareth July 23, 2014 Read More →

Google Chromecast hitting Éire

Great news for Chromecast fans from Ireland, Google is now selling Chromecast through Play Store there. Here is the official announcement from Google Play on Google Plus:

Ireland, time to play your heart out!

Your favorite films are now available on Google Play. Stream hits like +The LEGO Movie instantly on the web or your Android or iOS device http://goo.gl/BwGyXG, then download a few old favorites and take them with you wherever you go on your tablet or phone—no internet connection required. Hopefully we’ve made some Irish eyes smile. http://goo.gl/UXDSCj

Lets hope the Irish Government can’t mess this up like with that greedy Garth Brooks fella.

Posted in: Gadgets

By Gareth July 20, 2014 Read More →

Amazon Fire Glass on the horizon?

Over the weekend, Google’s Babak Parviz let slip that he is no longer with the search engine giant, he posted image is Amazon’s logo, and the accompanying message reads “status: super excited!” Further investigation sees on his profile section, Parviz confirms the move to Amazon.

“Having worked at companies ranging from tiny start-ups to huge corporations and universities in Europe and the US, I have found each one to be fun in its own unique way,” he writes. “I founded and led a few efforts at Google (among them, Google Glass and Google Contact daily lenses are public so far 🙂 prior to moving to Amazon and work on a few other things now…”

Parviz pioneered the development of Google Glass way back when it was Project X. He has also been involved in Google’s “smart” contact lenses. Currently, there are no clues as to what he will be doing at Amazon. However, he is likely to participate in the Augmented Reality (AR) market. Based on Parviz’s track record and Amazon’s push into new hardware, one can only speculate what Parviz will be working on. Augmented Reality specs is likely on Amazon’s menu, allowing wearers to scan a product in a shop, pull up Amazon’s price, and place an order right there on the spot.

Posted in: Gadgets, Rumours

By Gareth July 13, 2014 Read More →

Screen casting from Android to Chromecast

Those lovely people at Google are currently packing in the ultimate feature for the Chromecast, screen casting. Now, anything on your Android device can appear on the TV. Google are pushing sharing features more so than gaming and apps by saying “You can share photos stored on your phone with a group of friends, or scope out the scenery for your next family vacation together on the big screen using Google Earth.”

This feature is currently in beta and will roll out on popular Android phones or tablets from Samsung, HTC, LG, and others over the next few days. Look out for the 1.7 update of the Chromecast app on Google Play store to use this new feature.

Posted in: Apps & Games, Gadgets, Phones, Tablets, TV & Home Cinema

By Gareth July 11, 2014 Read More →

Breakthrough in battery life

Sometimes it’s the obvious things which go unnoticed for a while yet turn out be be the perfect solution to an old problem. Such is the likely the case with a new scientific breakthrough in battery tech. Researchers at University of California and the Bourns College of Engineering may have just figured out an easy and cheap way to triple the battery life of our smartphones and tablets.

One of the researchers, graduate student Zachary Favors, came up with the idea to add sand to existing battery tech. At some point it dawned on Favors that there is typically a large amount of Quartz in sand. This turned out to be the key to the team’s discovery. Here’s a quote with more of the details:

There are no reports on how quickly this breakthrough will make it to market, but the outlook is quite good. We will keep you updated as to if/when this starts hitting our favorite devices.

Posted in: Gadgets, Phones, Tablets

By Gareth July 10, 2014 Read More →

LG get kids onboard with Kizon smartwatch

One smartwatch that likely won’t get as much press as the other offerings from LG or Samsung is the LG Kizon. This smartwatch allows a parent direct contact with their child no matter the distance. The Kizon can track and report location via GPS and WiFi using the companion app, updating parents with location details throughout the day. The watch has only one button and pressing it will call a specific parent’s number that is pre-configured during set up through the companion app on an Android phone or tablet. It works the other way, too. Parents can call their child directly, and if they don’t answer within 10-seconds the watch will accept the call automatically, letting them listen in on whatever’s happening.

LG Kizon specs include 64MB RAM, 125MB ROM, 400 mAh battery (36 hours life), 2G/3G Network and will be available in Blue, Pink, and Green. Liam Neeson is apparently purchasing his daughter one to avoid having to do Taken 4.

Posted in: Gadgets, News

By Gareth July 9, 2014 Read More →

The i-Bell kickstart kicking off

A kickstarter is about to launch for a pretty exciting not device, the i-Bell. A fairly simple idea at it’s heart, however a handy device to have allowing the user visual and audio controls at their front door, even if not available. Much like call screening on a phone i-Bell gives you the ability to screen who is at your front door using a 1080p camera streaming to your wifi network and onto your phone or tablet, wherever you are. With a two way micrphone you can talk to the caller and even save their image to the cloud for future reference. Caller’s can also leave a message, much like on a phones voicemail facility.

Check out the kickstarter here: i-Bell

Press Release:

Ever wished you could be in two places at once? A brand new Wi-Fi enabled camera doorbell will launch with a crowdfunding campaign later this month making it possible to do just that. Acting asan interactive peephole for the front door, the revolutionary i-Bell is the next generation in super slick home automation. A wireless gadget, it allows smartphone users to see and communicate with whoever is standing on their doorstep whether they are home or away– putting an end to failed deliveries and ensuring users have full control over their front door. The crowd-funding campaign, which will be launched later this month on Kickstarter, will finance the manufacturing process and give savvy investors an exclusive opportunity to snap up one of the first ever i-Bell devices.

Designed and made in the UK, i-Bell is utterly unique and will bring the best of digital technology to the interiors space for unsurpassed security and convenience. It will be fully compatible with Apple’s recently announced Home-Kit, which adds smart devices to the home via individual apps.

Once installed, i-Bell can be used in conjunction with any smartphone, tablet or PC device at any time from any location. It has significant advantages for those with hectic schedules from not being able to get to the door to being out of the house but waiting on an important package.

Thanks to innovative wireless technology and an integrated camera and microphone, missing a visit from grandparents or not being around to sign for a delivery becomes a thing of the past. i-Belleven allows users to screen their visitors, so they can choose whether or not to answer the door to a cold-calling salesman or an unwanted guest on the doorstep. High-security brackets help to keep the gadget safe and secured to the front door, and the ability to connect with the device from anywhere in the world via a synced smartphone means that not even holidays need to get in theway of ordering home deliveries.

Graham Kershberg, Co-Founder of i-Bell, says, “There’s nothing quite like i-Bell on the market right now. It’s going to revolutionise daily life for a lot of individuals and businesses. Arranging deliveries around working hours or getting an unexpected visit from a relative who gets no answer at the door can really disrupt an individual’s plans. But now it’s possible to communicate directly with the person ringing the doorbell, let the postman know where to leave a package, or telling Aunt Mabel that you’ll be home as soon as possible without even being on the premises. Fun to use and practical, i-Bell makes it possible to answer the door from any corner of the world, whether that’s five minutes down the road on the school run or from a sun lounger overseas on a long awaited holiday.”

From barbecuing in the back garden and reluctant to leave the grill unattended to hearing the doorbell go in the bath, i-Bell users can respond to those knocking on the door with nothing more than the swipe of their phone.

The i-Bell gadget sits at face level on the frame when installed by the front door – visitors ring the bell and it delivers an instant alert to any smartphone paired with the device. The resident of the house can then ‘answer’ their door. The user can see who’s standing on their doorstep thanks to a1080p HD camera, and communicate with the guest via a built-in speaker and microphone for the ultimate in secure convenience.

The practical, robust gadget is the perfect device to help handle modern life – never again will you miss the repair men because you’re in the shower, or a flying visit from your childhood best friend because you’re too busy vacuuming.

Posted in: Gadgets

By Matt June 27, 2014 Read More →

Top 3 reasons to own an iPod car adapter

With summer upon us, many of us will be packing up the car, strapping on our seatbelts and heading on a road trip. Staying entertained while on the road can be difficult and, while books and game consoles may keep the passengers quiet, drivers will need to find amusement in audio.

Listening to the radio is okay to start with, but there’s only so many times you can listen to the same annoying advertisements and repeated songs. Surely there has to be another option?! There is — an iPod car adapter. Read on to find our top three reasons why you must own one.

1. Shuffle

Listening to CDs is good, but what do you do when you come to the end of the album? Do you run the risk of attempting to switch CDs while driving — something we do not advise — or simply press play and endure the same 12 or so songs over and over again?

The shuffle function on your iPod puts an end to this. No longer are you bound to the limits of one album or artist. Simply hit shuffle and delight as your tunes jump from Jay Z to Jason Mraz, from Britney to Blondie. You’ll definitely have plenty of ‘I forgot how much I love this song’ moments during your journey!

2. Genius playlists

With an iPod adapter, you get the best of both worlds. If you fear that jumping from the dulcet tones of Barry White to the infectious lyrics of the Black Eyed Peas will distract you from your driving, there is another option.

Apple’s Genius function automatically creates playlists of songs of similar genres. This means they won’t be any sudden changes from a cheesy pop ballad to a death metal anthem, so you’re sure of no surprises during your trip.

3. Prevent arguments

It’s no secret that family holidays can become quite tense. While we love them dearly, there’s only so much time you can spend in close proximity to your loved ones. While mum might love listening to Rod Stewart, it might not be shared amongst the group.

Having an iPod car adapter enables you to switch between genres easily. This means you can keep everyone happy by taking it in turns to pick a song. It’s the fairest way when musical tastes differ.

So now you know why you need an iPod car adapter, where can you get your hands on one? Specialist retailers like In Car Connections stock a variety of in-car adapters to suit many types of cars, from BMWs to Renaults. Choose the one that’s right for you and prepare to hit the open road.

Posted in: Editorial, Gadgets