Gareth takes a look at a new low end, budget offering from Binatone. Taking a few queues from Apple and Samsung’s similarly sized devices the Binatone Homesurf is a £75 alternative that might suit someone not chasing that high end feel or experience.
Binatone HomeSurf 84 specification:
- Android KitKat 4.4.2
- 8” multi-capacitive touch screen
- Dual core 1.5GHz processor
- Latest Android 4.4.2 KitKat operating system
- 1GB RAM and 8GB flash memory
- Expandable Micro SD storage up to 32GB
- 0.3MP front camera
- 2.0MP rear camera
- High quality loudspeaker
- Integrated microphone
- Audio file supports MP3 player
- Video file supports MP4 player
- 4 dimensional gravity sensing
- Battery life 2800 mah
It would appear that for some reason Belkin routers can no longer connect to the Internet. As of midnight EDT many Belkin router owners took to Twitter to all point out their Belkin routers were suffering from some sort of fault or demonic possession. At 9:30am PDT Belkin acknowledged the issue and an hour later, issued a workaround. Belkin has not yet revealed the cause of the mass outage. There are many, many annoyed users out there furious at Belkin and their ugly side can be seen on Twitter. One thing is for sure you can take away power, gas and water but don’t meddle with someone’s internet connection.
Update #2: Belkin says all routers should now be fixed.
We have confirmed that the internet connectivity issue is now resolved.
If your service has not yet been restored, please unplug your router and plug it back in after waiting 1 minute. Wait 5 more minutes and the router should reconnect. If you have any further issues, please contact our support at (800) 223-5546.
We sincerely apologize for this inconvenience to our customers. We are taking a number of actions to eliminate this sort of incident from reoccurring
Update #1: Belkin’s official statement.
Starting approximately midnight on October 7, Belkin began experiencing an issue with a service configured in certain Belkin router models that causes a failure when it checks for general network connectivity by pinging a site hosted by Belkin. We know this issue has affected select older Wireless-N Belkin router models including F9K1102, F9K1105, F9K1113 and F9K1116. We are continuing to investigate other possible routers that may have been affected. We are working to resolve this issue as quickly as possible. Until there is a fix in place, we have identified a workaround for customers that are using the F9K1102 and F9K1105 routers to regain internet connectivity. That work-around as well as ongoing updates can be found at our outage status page for more information:http://www.belkin.com/outage
Gareth takes a look at ZTE’s new quad-core smartphone with a 5 inch screen and generous 2000mAh battery. For the low price of £89 on Virgin pay as you go it all sounds to good to be true.
ZTE Blade L2 specification:
- Android 4.2
- Dual-core 1.3GHz
- Memory card slot
- 5in TFT LCD, 854×480 pixels
- Wi-Fi b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0
- MicroUSB, 3.5mm headphone jack
- 5 megapixel with autofocus and LED flash
- VGA front-facing camera
- 2000mAh Battery
- Size 143 x 72 x 9mm
- Weight 166g
Apple have done it again and have brought users a brand new, larger, handset, however, the only problem is how you make purchasing the iPhone 6 more affordable? As with the launch of any new piece of tech, the cost is substantially high and as such people franticly shop around for the best contract deals available. The only thing is, while you may be able to save the odd pound here and there by researching which network and tariff is best for your budget, there are other ways to make bigger savings to make the cost of the latest handset more affordable.
There is no denying that selecting a contract iPhone 6 or 6 plus will be the cheapest short term option, you don’t have to pay too much up front and you get a gorgeous new phone. Sadly, however, the costs start to sting your bank account when your monthly contract payments go out – new phones are notorious for being quite pricey when selecting contracts, so long term you’ll end out paying a lot more than you expected or would like.
Another option, and probably one of the cheaper in the long run is to choose a SIM only contract. Although this means you pay for the handset upfront, you benefit from being able to move freely between networks and deals without having to deal with the confines of a locked contract. The issue with this decision is most people don’t make it because they feel they can’t afford to spend that much money in one go. If that sounds like where you stumble when purchasing the new iPhone you could turn to Apple’s finance payment plan to help you make that handset obtainable.
The finance package with Apple means you buy directly from the company and then pay back what you owe, with interest, over a select period of months, the most common being 24 months. However, while it definitely sounds a lot more money savvy, you do have an APR rate of 14.9% added onto your repayments, which obviously means you end up paying more than what the handset is worth. This is where you might want to consider a 0% credit card instead, as this option means you can enjoy a long interest free period (maximum of 20 months), and only pay for the handset with no added extras.
By breaking it down and comparing the two options, the latter is more financially sound. When you buy an iPhone 6 (16gb) via Apple finance, you’ll pay £620.54 with repayment costs of £25.86 monthly for 24 months, however, when you buy an iPhone 6 via an interest free credit card, you’ll pay the SIM-free cost of £539.00 and pay back £26.95 monthly for 20 months. Despite the fact that you’ll pay out a little bit more each month if you choose the credit card option, you pay off the handset sooner and essentially make a saving of £81.54; and the saving for handsets with more storage is even greater.
As expected with a new phone, it’s all about shopping around for the best deal, however, that doesn’t restrict you to just what contracts are on offer in the high-street stores. There are many other avenues to research and consider before making a final decision, and weighing them up first and making the right decision can save you money in the long term.
One company eager to make a name for itself this year it Alcatel. Recently announcing tmy favourite phone of IFA in Berlin, Alcatel are pushing out a entry level 4G tablet. Based around Android KitKat and costing a tiny £149.99 this shares many of the same specifications of the original Google Nexus 7 whilst also adding an IR Blaster and screen mirror to push the on screen tablet content over to your TV rought out of the box. For those not worried about size, the Pop 7S support voice calls. Here is the full press release:
Alcatel Onetouch unveils the POP 7S tablet to offer super-fast LTE connectivity at a smart price. It is a super slim and light 4G entry-level tablet that adds a splash of colour and 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.
Fun and colourful accessories, designed exclusively for the POP 7S include Smart Flip Cases and colourful back covers to truly personalise the new LTE POP tablet.
The POP 7S is available in store and online from Carphone Warehouse with an RRP of £149.00 SIM free.
POP 7S features include:
-
7” 1024 X 600 WSVGA, IPS Display
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Quad Core 1.2GHz
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3 Mpxl back and VGA front cameras
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8.9mm thin, 285 grams
NewerTech, a leading performance upgrades and accessories company for Macs, PCs, iPhones, iPads, and iPods since 1988, announced today that it is now shipping the NewerTech Wireless Aluminum Keypad. Designed to complement the look and feel of Apple keyboards, the NewerTech numeric keypad features precision machined aluminum housing, white keys, and a bracket that attaches to the Apple keyboard – no tools needed. The NewerTech Keypad was built to rigorous standards with input from accountants to get every detail of the full-sized 28-key numeric keypad just right, including key-throw, feel, design, size, and connectivity for maximum number crunching workflow excellence.
Comfortable Wide-Spaced Island Keys Reduce Errors
The NewerTech Wireless Aluminum Keypad works with all Bluetooth compatible computers, laptops and devices for the ultimate easy-to-pair Bluetooth workhorse that’s built to last. Bluetooth pairing is quick and reliable, reconnecting automatically when the computer or device is awakened or restarted. The comfortable wide-spaced island keys reduce errors and make the NewerTech Keypad the perfect companion to the Apple wireless keyboard – your fingers won’t know the difference.
Perfect for Traders, Financial Analysts, Accountants, Students, Teachers, Programmers, Agents, Salespeople, & More
The NewerTech Keypad is perfect for financial professionals, including accountants and analysts, as well as students, teachers, administrators, traders, agents, videographers, programmers, salespeople, and more. The responsive full-sized keys assist with accuracy and efficiency. Use this keypad with number intensive financial programs, such as Quicken and Excel or with popular video, music, and graphics software and apps, such as Pro Tools, Logic, and Final Cut Pro to take advantage of shortcuts that are not as easily accessible when using the Apple wireless keyboard alone. Versatile, lightweight, compact, sturdy, and durable, the NewerTech Keypad also works as a stand-alone or with a variety of other keyboards, and it’s a great companion for working at home or on the go.
“In the world of keypads, no product met our criteria, so we made it our mission to create a reliable wireless keypad that’s built to the highest standards and functions the way we expect numeric keypads to work, and complements the wireless keyboards offered by Apple,” said Larry O’Connor, CEO, NewerTech. “That day has finally arrived and now professionals have a high-quality wireless keypad to enhance their number crunching workflows.”
NewerTech Wireless Keypad Features:
• Precision machined aluminum housing.
• Quick and reliable Bluetooth pairing that stays connected with a range up to 30-feet with automatic re-pairing.
• Full-sized 28-key design with delete, tab, navigation, and more.
• Ergonomic tilt with firm desktop grip.
• Lightweight and perfectly sized for mobile or desktop use.
• Long battery life with included 2 AAA batteries.
• Compatible with Bluetooth enabled Macs, PCs, iPhones, iPads and other devices.
• Available with white keys to complement Apple keyboards (black keys and international version coming soon).
Pricing and Availability
The NewerTech Wireless Aluminum Keypad is priced at $54.95 and available for immediate purchase through OWC at: http://eshop.macsales.com/item/NewerTech/KPA28BTW/, and other major retailers. It includes the Wireless Aluminum Keypad, 2 AAA batteries, and bracket to attach to Mac keyboards. A version with black keys, as well as international versions with illustrative black or white keys, will be announced in late fall 2014. For more info, see www.newertech.com, www.newertech.com/keypad, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewerTech, and Twitter: @NewerTech.
ARCHOS, a pioneer in Android™ devices, announces the availability of its new range of Platinum smartphones. The ARCHOS 45c Platinum and the ARCHOS 50b Platinum each come with three colourful back casings, the smoothness of Android KitKat®, amazing performance with their MediaTek quad-core processors and IPS screens from £99 and £119 respectively.
Like their large IPS screens offering amazing colours and viewing angles, the three colourful back covers that come with the new ARCHOS Platinums will bring a bit of colour to autumn months. The interchangeable back covers are included in every box. In Deep Black, Metallic Blue and Spicy Pink they offset perfectly the deep black of the screen, obtained the full black lens lamination process.
To as an added bonus, the ARCHOS 50b Platinum also comes with a see-through protective case and 8 GB micro-SD card in every box – the perfect back-to-school gift.
Power in style
Both Platinums have a 2MP front camera for better selfies and 5 and 8 MP back cameras with autofocus and flash. Able to record video in full 1080p HD, the ARCHOS 45c and 50b Platinums let users capture the colour of their lives in full definition.
Along with their stylish design, the new ARCHOS Platinum smartphones have the power under the hood with their quad-core MediaTek processors and dual SIM placements.
“ARCHOS’ latest colourful smartphones bring quad-core performance and the latest multimedia features to the style, utility and affordability conscious consumer. MediaTek is pleased to be powering ARCHOS’ latest Platinum devices,” said Siegmund Redl, MediaTek’s VP and GM of Corporate Marketing in Europe.
”Archos is proud to have our latest Platinum smartphones powered by MediaTek’s latest quad-core processors,” said Loïc Poirier, ARCHOS’ CEO, “giving 2014’s Platinum range performance in phase with its stylish, colourful designs.”
The ARCHOS 45c and 50b Platinum are available now from £99 and £119 respectively from www.archos.com and its usual retailers.
For more information about ARCHOS’ entire selection of smartphones, tablets and connected objects, visit us at www.archos.com, Facebook and Twitter.
The new range of ARCHOS Platinum smartphones as well as ARCHOS’ full range of other smartphones, tablets and connected objects will be on display at the ARCHOS stand at HKTDC from October 13th to 16th at booth 1A-F09.
Despite the fact that global sales of PCs and laptops are in decline, several consumers still require functional, practical and workaday machines, which can perform more tasks than standard touchscreen tablets.
Thankfully, Microsoft’s range of Surface devices makes this possible and you can pick one up at stores including Tesco and popular electrical retailers. In addition to their lightweight construction and expansive displays, they also feature comprehensive operating systems and various input methods. Here’s the full lowdown on all three models:
Surface 2
Full of features and incredibly good value for money, the Surface 2 might well be Microsoft’s entry-level tablet, but it still packs an impressive punch. Boasting a 1.7 GHz processor, Nvidia Tegra 4 chip, 2GB of RAM and a 10.6-inch screen, the Surface 2 can deal with a multitude of tasks and applications. When you add into the bargain a two-position kickstand, USB 3, MicroSD slot and Microsoft Office with Outlook as standard, it quickly becomes the best option for those on a budget.
Surface Pro 2
Perhaps the ultimate tablet for professions that require portability and power, the Surface Pro 2 has everything you could possibly need. With an Intel Core i5 processor, 526GB of storage and the option of Microsoft’s entire Office Suite, this particular device takes all the benefits of a PC or laptop but manages to fit it in a truly attractive package weighing just 900 grams. Even so, it features a multitude of connections, commendable battery life and a full HD display.
Surface Pro 3
The latest and possibly greatest tablet offering from Microsoft is the Surface Pro 3. On first impressions, the tablet’s look and feel is difficult to ignore, as the substantial 12-inch display and sleek magnesium frame are outstanding. But it gets better, as the Surface Pro 3 also comes with two 5MP HD cameras, stereo speakers featuring Dolby sound, a full-size keyboard and trackpad as well as a pressure-sensitive stylus. This means interacting with the pre-installed full version of Windows 8.1 is both easy and enjoyable.
So even if you’re looking for some fun from your tablet, you can get a great deal of functionality too with a Microsoft Surface device. Just be sure to choose a tablet that’s right for you and meets your requirements.
Image by Scott Akerman, used under the Creative Commons license.
Gareth, Phil and Jay Garrett get together to chat about the latest mobile phone, tablet and chromebook news in the UK.
Featuring Gareth, Phil and Jay Garrett
Email us: [email protected] Tel: 0208 123 3757
Show Notes
Mobile Mayhem
iPhone 6
iPhone 6+
iWatch
Samsung Galaxy Note 4
Samsung Galaxy Note Edge
Feelings:
LG G3
Listen’s corner:
I’m looking for a way to stream music from my Android phone to my HiFi.
Obviously there are Bluetooth adapters out there but Bluetooth audio
quality isn’t great…
There’s the Rocki which is Wi-Fi and apparently great audio quality but
can only play locally stored music, not streams from radio or Spotify
etc.
Any ideas?
Bargain Basement:
Samsung GALAXY S4 Zoom £169.00
Vodafone Smart 4 Turbo Black £79.00
Email us: [email protected] Tel: 0208 123 3757
Gareth Myles – @garethmyles
Matt and Tracy Davis – @tracyandmatt
Dan Carter – @mobilemandan
Phil Lain – @low405
RSS Feed for our weekly podcast
Here is a little peripheral to cheer up a dull room. A bluetooth speaker that becomes a 3 in 1 entertainment system. Not only does the Bluetooth speaker pump out your funky beats, if puts on a light show with 16 million colors that pulsate with the beat. Add in an alarm clock function featuring a natural sunrise or sunset to gently wake-up or fall asleep to. It’s probably one of the must-have speakers out there today.Great for camping and outdoor/indoor parties, the all-in-one entertainment system “instant party-in-a-box” features planetarium-like music and light modes for solid, bright, saturated, flashing, and alternating lights with 16 million variations of pink, purple, blue, fuchsia, orange, gold, green, white, and red. If you’re taking your baby camping, read on for tips and tricks to camping with a young one. The light can be set up against a wall to create a wash wall effect or be placed in the center of the room or party as a conversational piece. The Diamond+’s Bluetooth speaker is an N-class 2.1 speaker system with patented sideways stereo effect with right and left woofer tubes on the sides of the device and other patented technologies, including Neodymium Super Magnet technologies and a Bass Resonant Tube that pumps up the bass with 300% sound boost for vibrant music that fills the party with booming crystal clear sound.
The Natural Sleep feature works with the devices’ music and lighting system to emulate sunset to help you fall asleep naturally, gradually dimming the light and music. The Natural Wake-up function provides a sunrise effect to silently bring you from deep sleep to shallow sleep in 30 minutes, then wake you up slowly with natural birds singing. Distributed by Aplars www.aplars.com, a leading e-commerce store for electronic products and accessories and available immediately at Amazon at: http://www.amazon.com/Yantouch-BlackDiamond-Portable-Wireless-Bluetooth/dp/B00JFGIVWE and other online retailers, the Diamond+ is priced at only $149, 2-3 times lower priced than the $300-$450 it costs to buy each item separately: Bluetooth speaker, Smart Light and Natural Wake-up/Sleep device.
Diamond+ Features:
- World’s first 3-in-1 device: “Music+Light+Wake-Up,” with a market value over $300, priced at only $149.
- Best Music: World-leading N-class 2.1 speaker system with patented sideways stereo effect. And other Patent Pending Technologies: Spherical Resonant Neodymium speaker (3 Watts x 2), 300% Sound Boost and 2 Woofer Tubes: left & right with Bass Resonant Tube.
- Smart Light: Includes 16 million beautiful colors to suit your mood, syncs light with your favorite music.
- Bedside Reading Light: functions as a bedside reading lamp before sleeping with soft white light (no heat with energy saving LEDs) while listening to your favorite music.
- Natural Sleep Feature: Includes iOS and Android App that emulates sunset to let you fall asleep naturally, gradually dimming light and music.
- Natural Wake-up Feature: Sunrise silently brings you from deep to shallow sleep in 30 minutes, than wakes you naturally.
- Bluetooth 3.0 Speaker: Features automatic Bluetooth pairing – unlike most Bluetooth speakers which are hard to pair. Connects over 30 feet (more than most competitors).
- Rechargeable Li-battery: lasts over 7 hours, great for outdoor parties with USB/AC power cable for charging and attached audio cable for use with non-Bluetooth devices and computers.
- Portable and light-weight: 2½ lb with dimensions: 13×11.9×12.8cm.
- Remote control: turns on/off, adjusts volume, tracks, and color modes with slot to store remote.
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