Monthly Archives: September 2015

Atomic Floyd SuperDarts Titanium review

Atomic Floyd is a relatively new company, founded 2009 in the UK by ex-Philips man James Strong. After our initial listening to a sample of the brand’s latest flagship earphones, the SuperDarts Titanium, we met with Strong to chat and find out more.

We were particularly intrigued how these earphones costing £249/$374 were designed and tuned. After all, no-one pays this much money for earphones just for their looks and the brand perception. Do they?

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https://www.whathifi.com/atomic-floyd/superdarts/review

CooCheer Compact Portable Bluetooth Speaker review: a good-looking and cheap wireless speaker

Bluetooth speakers are ultra-convenient whether your in the garden, on holiday or moving between rooms at home, as they’re generally both wireless and battery powered. Here’s our review of the CooCheer Compact Portable Bluetooth Speaker (£17.99/$27 from Amazon).

In terms of design, CooCheer has produced an impressve elegant and sophisticated product. We love its soft matt plastic finish and  rounded edges.

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https://www.techadvisor.co.uk/

Naim Audio mu-so review

Naim Audio mu-so review: one-box network speaker should be a bargain by real hi-fi standards, but is expensive by the lo-fi Bluetooth speaker standards with which it stands.

Naim Audio has long been one of the touchstones of British audio industry, an electronics brand founded in the early 70s that earned a fearsome reputation for uncompromising amplifiers, before later expanding into making complete hi-fi systems.

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https://www.whathifi.com/reviews/naim-mu-so-2

KEF X300A Wireless review

KEF X300A Wireless review: active powered loudspeakers with genuine hi-fi and pro-studio pedigree that deserve to find space on your desk. 

The KEF X300A speakers remain one of the finest loudspeaker systems for your computer. Now KEF has increased their reach with the help of a little Wi-Fi connectivity. In our listening tests we heard the same great sound, but with the added option of AirPlay to liberate the speakers from an audio cable connection. Here’s our KEF X300A Wireless review.

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https://www.techadvisor.co.uk/

Inateck MercuryBox BP2101 Bluetooth Speaker review: A budget speaker that will fill your room with sound

Inateck’s MercuryBox BP2101 Bluetooth Speaker brings together a classic aluminium design that’s also waterproof and impressively powerful drivers. Read our Inateck MercuryBox BP2101 Bluetooth Speaker review to find out how it fares. 

At £52.99/$79 from Amazon, the Inateck MercuryBox is twice the price of many of the budget speakers we review, but significantly cheaper than many of the better known brands with comparable performance. So, even at a touch over 50 quid, the MercuryBox still offers very good value.

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https://www.techadvisor.co.uk/

Edifier Bric Connect Bluetooth speaker review

Edifier Bric Connect review: The Bric Connect is an ideal indoor speaker, but AA batteries hold it back from being portable

The Edifier Bric Connect is a sub-£100/$150 Bluetooth speaker that offers something slightly different to the standard Bluetooth speaker experience, including a mains adaptor that allows it to be ‘always on’ and a remote control to control playback. With this said, is it worth paying out for, or should you opt for something like the Denon Envaya Mini? Read on and find out.

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https://www.techadvisor.co.uk/

Cowin Thunder portable Bluetooth speaker review: Great idea with satisfactory execution

The Cowin Thunder is a relatively new sub-£100/$150 portable Bluetooth speaker, released back in May. So, what separates this speaker from the sea of portable Bluetooth speakers available? For one, it includes built-in vibration technology that aims to turn whatever surface its on into a speaker for a truly different experience. Does it live up to expectations, or should you go for something more conventional? Read on and find out.

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https://www.techadvisor.co.uk/

Kef M100 review: A solid choice for in-ear headphones

Kef is a long standing audio brand but hasn’t been in the headphone game for very long. We reviewed its first pair, the M500, two years ago. The firm now has a small range of cans including in-ear headphones so here’s our Kef M100 review.

According to Kef, the M100 headphones are “Supremely comfortable lightweight in-ears combining Kef design innovation and precision engineering to give you true high resolution sound on the move.” so we’ve put them to the test to find out if this is true.

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https://www.techadvisor.co.uk/

Epson Runsense SF-810 review: An ideal companion for long-distance running

WHAT IT IS, WHY IT MATTERS

The Epson Runsense SF-810 is a watch that, as the name may suggest, is built for runners. It includes GPS and a heart rate monitor. The built-in optical heart rate sensor is partnered with Epson’s Smart Stride measurement, and the GPS sensors, so you can accurately measure how far you have run, and how quickly (or slowly). Advanced training modes are included to help the elite athlete get more from their tired limbs.

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https://www.techadvisor.co.uk/

How to connect a laptop to TV with HDMI and more: watch movies and video from a laptop on a TV

Connecting your laptop to your TV is actually very easy: all you need is the right cable, lead or streaming hardware and you’ll be watching content from your laptop on your television in no time. We’ll take you through how to connect your laptop to a TV in this step-by-step guide which includes wireless, HDMI, VGA and other methods. 

You don’t have to spend a small fortune to get all the features of the latest smart TVs. One cheap and easy way to get the internet on your TV is to connect it to your laptop. Doing this lets you stream catch-up TV from services such as BBC iPlayer, Sky Go and Netflix through your laptop onto your big TV screen, or even projector.

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https://www.techadvisor.co.uk/

Google Nexus 6P hands-on review

When Google launched the Nexus 6, it wasn’t the upgrade Nexus 5 owners were looking for. The 5.96in screen made the Motorola-built phone too big and heavy. In 2015, Google has decided to adopt Apple’s strategy and launch two phones, hopefully appealing to a wider audience. There’s the Nexus 5X – the true successor to the Nexus 5, and the Nexus 6P. We’ve spent some time with the Huawei-made phone, and here’s our Nexus 6P hands-on review.

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https://www.techadvisor.co.uk/

iPad mini 2 vs iPad mini 3 vs iPad mini 4 comparison: what’s the difference between Apple’s tablets?

The iPad mini is a bit like the child which gets all the hand-me-downs from an older sibling, but that’s not to say you shouldn’t buy one. The iPad mini 4 just inherited a load of great features from the iPad Air 2, and here we explain the differences between the iPad mini 2, 3 and iPad mini 4.

PRICE

Apple has stopped selling the iPad mini 3, which means your choice is limited to a mini 2 or mini 4 if you go into an Apple Store or look on Apple’s online store.

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https://www.techadvisor.co.uk/

Google Nexus 5X review: Hands-on with the 2015 Nexus 5 by LG

As firmly expected, Google has announced a Nexus 2015 phone at its launch event for Android 6.0 Marshmallow. We were at the London event so here’s our Google Nexus 5X hands-on review.

Like the previous Nexus 5, which arrived way back in 2013, the new Nexus 5X is built by LG as Google’s manufacturing partner. It seems the LG G4 maker did a good enough job back then so has been given the task once again.

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https://www.techadvisor.co.uk/

Cars That Are Lightning Quick from the Factory

1. FORD FOCUS ST

Top Speed – 154 mph
Zero to Sixty – 6.3 seconds

The Ford Focus ST is powered by a turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16 valve 4-cylinder engine, mated to a 6 speed manual transmission. With 252 horsepower, the Ford Focus ST is capable of a zero to sixty time of 6.3 seconds, and a quarter mile time of 14.9 seconds.

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http://www.carophile.com/cars-that-are-lightning-quick-from-the-factory/

How to use Apple Music: Cancel your membership now if you don’t want to be charged tomorrow when the free trial ends

Apple is taking on Spotify, Deezer, Google Music, and a wealth of other music streaming providers with its new Apple Music service. It’s been a long time since iTunes revolutionised the digital music market, and things have moved on quite a bit since then, as you can see from our roundup of the best music streaming services, but this latest effort could see the California giant climb back to the top of the tree. In this feature we’ll show you what Apple Music has to offer, and how to get the most from the service.

We also show you how to cancel your subscription, because early adopters will start getting charged £9.99/$15 per month from tomorrow when the free trial comes to an end.

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https://www.techadvisor.co.uk/

How to turn off iOS 9’s Wi-Fi assist to save your data plan

In iOS 9, there’s a new feature called Wi-Fi assist. When you’re using a bad Wi-Fi connection, it switches over to cellular data. If you have an unlimited data plan, it’s no big deal. But if you do have a data ceiling, you may unknowingly blow past your limit, and that can cost money.

Here’s how to turn on and turn off Wi-Fi assist in iOS 9.

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https://www.techadvisor.co.uk/

How to turn off (or turn on) landscape mode on the iPhone 6 Plus and 6s Plus home screen

With the iPhone 6 Plus and the new 6s Plus, you have the ability to use the home screen in landscape mode (with the iPhone held horizontally) or in portrait mode (the iPhone held vertically).

Given the preponderance of vertically-shot videos, you may not want the home screen to switch when your iPhone is in a horizontal position. Sure, it’ll move to a vertical position when you move your phone, but maybe you have your reasons for wanting the home screen to not switch at all. (Because annoying).

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https://www.techadvisor.co.uk/how-to/software/how-to-turn-off-or-turn-on-landscape-mode-on-the-iphone-6-plus-and-6s-plus-home-screen-3626367/

How to watch Google Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P launch live: Video stream and live blog event coverage – tune in today at 5pm for new Nexus phones, new Pixel tablet, new Android Marshmallow, new Chromecast 2

What will Google launch today? Watch live for possible Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Pixel C, Android 6.0 Marshmallow and new Chromecast, plus get real-time commentary in our live blog. New Nexus phone live stream. New Chromecast live stream. New Google Pixel C live stream. New Android Marshmallow live stream. Google event live stream.

Google is holding a launch event today at 5pm (UK time) in which it is expected to announce the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P smartphones alongside Android 6.0 Marshmallow and possible other things including the Chromecast 2 and Pixel C tablet. Here’s how to get live coverage of the event including a video stream and live blog.

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https://www.techadvisor.co.uk/how-to/mobile-phone/how-to-watch-google-nexys-5x-6p-launch-live-video-stream-blog-android-marshmallow-chromecast-today-pixel-live-3526447/

10 Great Hatchbacks

1. VOLKSWAGEN GTI

The Volkswagen GTI is one of Volkswagen’s oldest hatchback sports cars. With a turbocharged four-cylinder under the hood, the GTI delivers ample acceleration and power for drivers looking for a quick ride. The optional six-speed automatic shifts quickly and smoothly. The suspension is fine tuned and allows the GTI to handle sharp turns with ease. Thanks to the GTI’s sharp steering and athletic handling, the vehicle is a joy to drive.

Read full post here:
http://www.carophile.com/

Amazon Fire HD 10 Review – Only Amazon addicts need apply

Amazon’s largest ever tablet is also the company’s thinnest, and as you’d expect the Fire HD 10 does its level best to be the perfect vehicle for the Bezos empire. Promising the cutting-edge in tablet hardware, with the heavily customized ease of Amazon’s Android spin-off Fire OS, and at a price that would’t even get you a base-model iPad, there’s certainly a lot to like about the HD 10 on paper.

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https://www.slashgear.com/amazon-fire-hd-10-review-only-amazon-addicts-need-apply-28406704/

ASUS ZenWatch 2 Review

The ASUS ZenWatch 2 presents a new wave of Android Wear watch. While it still runs the same software as the rest of the Android Wear smartwatches out today, it begins to differentiate itself. Not just with a slightly different shape (as ASUS presented with the first ZenWatch), but with a different feel, as well. This version of the ZenWatch comes in two sizes, has a singe physical power/home button, and comes in a variety of tasteful colors and materials.

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https://www.techadvisor.co.uk/

Microsoft explains what data Windows 10 collects

Microsoft explains what data Windows 10 collects

Right from the get go, one of the most voiced criticisms of the new Windows 10, right next to forced system updates, is its privacy policy of, well, not being private by default. It had all the switches for sending data turned on, which users might unknowingly leave enabled unless they become aware of it. Responding to the negative reception of these “features”, Microsoft blogged about the types of data it does and does not collect and for what purpose. Suffice it to say, not everyone might be satisfied with the non-statement.

Microsoft classifies three types of data and whether or not it collects them. The first is “Safety and Reliability Data”, which includes stuff like crash reports as well as anonymous device IDs and device types. These pieces of data are needed by Microsoft to improve the quality of software, or so it says. The company promises that it takes extra care to encrypt data that its collected en route and that no personally identifiable data, like names or email addresses, are included. This data collection, Microsoft claims, was critical in identifying and quickly fixing the auto-updated graphics driver bug that plagued Windows 10 users previously. Whether it was thanks to data collection or whether it was prompted by the clamor of angry users, we will probably never know.

The second and third types of data might be more contentious. “Personalization Data”, as you might expect, is collected to deliver a personalized Windows experience, which Microsoft derives by knowing your preferences and habits. This especially comes into play with Cortana and her personal recommendations. These features you can turn on or off at your discretion, but, except for Cortana, most are turned on by default.

The last piece of data is “Advertising Data” and here Microsoft boldly claims it does not collect this type of data. To be specific, it says that it won’t scan your emails, files and folders, and other personal pieces of content in order to deliver targeted ads. However, Windows 10 does have options, again enabled by default, that are related to advertising.

win10-privacy

Trust, says Microsoft, is a fundamental part of its new computing vision. It also admits that it still has to earn it. But judging by its recent actions and even with this clarification, it seems that it still has a long way to go.

(slashgear.com)

Leapfrog Epic review: Good software, but the hardware is behind the times and it’s too expensive

Leapfrog’s latest tablet for kids is called the Epic, which stands for Explore, Play, Imagine, Create. Underneath the branding is a 7in Android tablet that comes with a silicone bumper and a stylus, and some clever software that changes as your child grows. Here’s our Leapfrog Epic review.

PRICE AND AVAILABILITY

The Epic costs £119.99/$180 and is available to buy immediately. It has 16GB of internal storage and has a microSD card for adding up to 32GB more.

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https://www.techadvisor.co.uk/

The Samsung Galaxy S7 looks set to be the best phone of 2016

When is the Samsung Galaxy S7 coming out and what can we expect from the next Galaxy? Here’s everything we know so far, including the Galaxy S7 UK release date, price, specification and feature rumours.

The Samsung Galaxy S6 has only been on sale since April, but it’s already time to look ahead to the next smartphone. Based on internet rumours, here’s what we know so far about the Galaxy S7 UK release date, price, specifications, features and more.

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https://www.techadvisor.co.uk/

2017 Audi A4 first drive: A8 for the everyman

Hardly had the lights flashed on the new 2017 Audi S4 at the Frankfurt Auto Show, when a handful of journalists were whisked off to Venice, Italy to test drive the next generation A4. Set to go on sale in Q1 of next year as a 2017 model, the new A4 is still some months out, but thanks to this early preview I got a chance to see just what’s going on with the subtle yet appreciable – not to mention critical – changes to both the exterior and interior design over the outgoing car. With 12 million A4 sold worldwide, there’s a lot riding on this ninth-generation (“B9”) model, especially as it faces down the likes of Cadillac’s ATS, BMW;s 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz’s C-Class.

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https://www.slashgear.com/2017-audi-a4-first-drive-a8-for-the-everyman-23405898/

Moto 360 Review (2015)

Today we review the second generation Moto 360 for the year 2015. This is a follow-up to a winning design from Motorola for the year 2014, they being the first creators of a “round” watch for the Android Wear platform. This time around, their design becomes ever-so-slightly more traditional. This time the device has arms (or lugs, if you prefer), and can be custom-ordered like its Moto X smartphone brethren. There’s also two different “Designed for Men” models and one “Designed for Women” model for whatever reason.

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https://www.slashgear.com/

iPhone 6s vs Note 5 vs iPhone 6 hands-on camera test

The iPhone 6s doesn’t just bring a rose gold finish and 3D Touch display, it also introduces the biggest iPhone camera update in some time. 12-megapixels and 4K video recording, not to mention clever features like capturing so-called Live Photos, and using the display as a front-facing flash, raise the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus’ game in the face of increasingly capable Android camera phones.

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https://www.slashgear.com/iphone-6s-vs-note-5-vs-iphone-6-hands-on-camera-test-24406303/

Sony RX10 II Review

SUMMARY

Two years after its predecessor invented the large-sensor, long-zoom category, the Sony RX10 II is here to take things to the next level. It aims to replace your bulky interchangeable-lens camera with a veritable Swiss Army knife compendium of photographic features in a beautifully-crafted body. But the RX10 II is no longer in a class of one, and there’s no getting around the fact that it is much more expensive than its rivals. Does it have what it takes to justify that extra expense? Find out now in our in-depth Sony RX10 II review!

Read full post here:
https://www.imaging-resource.com/