Monthly Archives: September 2015

Bell & Ross’ New BR-X1 Chronograph Tourbillion Looks Like The Perfect Weaponized Watch For A Bond Villain

Bell & Ross’ New BR-X1 Chronograph Tourbillion Looks Like The Perfect Weaponized Watch For A Bond Villain

Wearables,

Despite being even pricier than what many expected from Bell & Ross, the BR-X1 has ended up becoming quite a popular item. It’s quite the killer utility watch, after all. So, what’s a luxury watchmaker to do? Make an ever pricier version in the form of the Bell & Ross BR-X1 Chronograph Tourbillion.

It’s, pretty much, the same square silhouette and 45-mm width as most any watch in the BR-01 collection, with the same chronograph stylings of the X1 model. Except, of course, with a more ornate case and a new complicated movement that make for even more stunning wrist candy.
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https://www.coolthings.com/bell-ross-br-x1-chronograph-tourbillion/

10 Great Sports Cars

10 Great Sports Cars

Cars, , ,

1. MINI COOPER ROADSTER

The soft top version of the Mini coupe, the Mini Cooper Roadster is a throwback to the old-timey roadsters. This two-seat, front wheel drive convertible comes equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder. Producing 181 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque, the Mini Cooper Roadster has plenty of acceleration, making for a fun driving experience. The suspension is well built, allowing for sharp handling and responsive steering. The Mini Cooper Roadster received average safety reviews, with no category rated “poor”.
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http://www.carophile.com/

Samsung Galaxy Note 4 vs Note 5: What's the difference between Note 4 and Note 5?

Samsung Galaxy Note 4 vs Note 5: What’s the difference between Note 4 and Note 5?

Phones, , , , , , , , , ,

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NOTE 4 AND NOTE 5?

Last month Samsung updated its flagship phablet with the Note 5, but what’s the difference between Note 4 and Note 5, and is the new Galaxy Note worth the upgrade? We find out. 

A fundamental difference between Note 4 and Note 5 is that while the Note 4 is officially available in the UK, the Note 5 is not. That does not mean you can’t buy the Note 5 in the UK, but it does mean you could end up paying over the odds for it – you are at the mercy of eBay sellers as to what you are charged.
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https://www.techadvisor.co.uk/

How to downgrade from iOS 9 to iOS 8: Uninstall iOS 9 - roll back from iOS 9 to iOS 8 - get rid of iOS 9 on iPhone and iPad

How to downgrade from iOS 9 to iOS 8: Uninstall iOS 9 – roll back from iOS 9 to iOS 8 – get rid of iOS 9 on iPhone and iPad

Phones, Tablets, , , , , ,

If you downloaded iOS 9 and already regret your decision, here’s how to uninstall iOS 9 and reinstall iOS 8. How to downgrade iOS 9.

iOS 9 is now available to download for iPad and iPhone. Apple’s iOS updates typically gain massive percentages of users in a very quick period. It becomes almost more difficult not to upgrade than to upgrade.
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https://www.techadvisor.co.uk/

How to use Snapchat: New lenses, trophies and buy extra replays

How to use Snapchat: New lenses, trophies and buy extra replays

Phones, , ,

Snapchat has new features including lenses, trohpies and some users can now buy extra replays.

Another Snapchat update has added new features so here’s how to use the new leses, unlock trophies and buy extra replays – yes, there are now in-app purchases.

How to use new Snapchat: New lenses

If you’ve updated your Snapchat app to the latest version (9.15.1.0 on 16 September) then you’ll have access to the new lenses. The app does warn that this is only available on ‘newer Android devices’ so our advice is to update and see if they’re there.
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https://www.techadvisor.co.uk/

How to enable Windows 10's 'Hey Cortana' voice commands

How to enable Windows 10’s ‘Hey Cortana’ voice commands

Computers & IT, , , , , ,

Loving Cortana, but can’t figure out to get the voice activation feature running? Here’s our guide.

One of the best parts of Windows 10 is its deep integration with Cortana, Microsoft’s helpful digital assistant. To really make Cortana work for you, however, it helps to have the voice activation feature up and running. That way your next file search, weather check, or command to open an app is just a “Hey, Cortana” away. See also: how to upgrade from Windows XP to Windows 10.
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https://www.techadvisor.co.uk/

How to reset an iPhone or iPad back to factory settings: delete all personal data, photos, videos

How to reset an iPhone or iPad back to factory settings: delete all personal data, photos, videos

Phones, , , , , , , , ,

If you’re selling your iPhone or iPad, or getting it repaired, you’ll want to remove all your email, photos, videos, notes, passwords and any other personal data. We explain how to back up that data and then reset your iOS device to factory settings.

Whether you’re selling your iPhone or taking it for repair you should reset it to delete your accounts – including your Apple ID, Facebook, ebay, email and other accounts – and remove all your content including apps, photos and music. Here’s how to reset an iPhone, iPad and iPod touch to factory settings.
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https://www.techadvisor.co.uk/

How to get transit directions using Maps in iOS 9

How to get transit directions using Maps in iOS 9

Phones, , , , , , , ,

iOS 9 finally brings public transit directions to Apple Maps. Watch how you can get from point A to point B using trains, buses, and subways.

Apple Maps is catching up to Google Maps, finally adding public transit directions in the just-released iOS 9.

Alongside tabs to get directions via driving or walking, you can now select the “Transit” tab to get directions that incorporate public transportation, including local trains, subway systems, ferries, and buses.
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https://www.techadvisor.co.uk/

How to set a SIM lock on iPhone: Lock and unlock your SIM with a PIN code (PLUS: how to stop the iOS 9 hack)

How to set a SIM lock on iPhone: Lock and unlock your SIM with a PIN code (PLUS: how to stop the iOS 9 hack)

Phones, , , , , ,

Most people use a passcode to protect their iPhone (if you don’t, you should), but few enable the SIM lock. If you’re unlucky enough to lose your phone or it’s stolen, it’s not only the hardware that could fall into the wrong hands. Your SIM might contain data and contacts, as well as allow someone to spend money via text messages. Here’s how to enable the SIM lock.

How to stop the iOS 9 hack

Anyone who finds an iPhone with no passcode will be able to access lots of content stored on the device: contacts, music or documents.
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https://www.techadvisor.co.uk/

iPad mini 4 review: the best small iPad yet with a great screen and better performance

iPad mini 4 review: the best small iPad yet with a great screen and better performance

Tablets, , , , , , , , , , ,

Perhaps a sign that the mighty iPad’s popularity is waning, Apple announced the iPad mini 4 (and iPad Pro) alongside the iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus rather than hosting a separate event this year. But if you’re in the market for a new tablet, the new models have plenty to offer. Here’s our iPad mini 4 review.

WHAT’S CHANGED?

Design

Glance at the new 8in tablet and you might not immediately spot the subtle changes in its chassis. But just as Apple made the iPad Air 2 thinner than the original iPad Air, the mini 4 is now 18 percent thinner, a little taller and lighter.|
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https://www.techadvisor.co.uk/

16 Most Popular Exotic Cars

16 Most Popular Exotic Cars

Cars,

1. BUGATTI VEYRON HYPERCAR “LA FINALE”

Price: Estimated more than $2.6 million

The final Bugatti Veyron Hypercar was put on display at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show for the first time. Dubbed the “La Finale” due to it being the 450th and final Veyron to be produced, the auto was reported to have been sold to a Middle East Collector for a significant sum of money.
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http://www.carophile.com/

10 Most Expensive Cars

10 Most Expensive Cars

Cars,

1. ZENVO ST1

$1.2 Million

The Zenvo ST-1 is a high performance sports car. Its turbocharged and supercharged 6.8 liter V8 engine generates 1,104 hp at 6,900 rpm and 1,050 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm. The Zenvo ST1 car set a 0-100 km/h time of 3.0 seconds, with 0-200 km/h taking 8.9 seconds. The Zenvo ST-1 has a top speed of 233 mph. The ST-1 is made entirely by hand with the exception of a high performance, 5 axis CNC router. Zenvo claims that the ST-1 is entirely a Danish design, created by Christian Brandt and Jesper Hermann. The body is made of carbon fiber and was constructed in Germany, while many of the other components come from German or American made cars.
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http://www.carophile.com/

Tokyo Game Show

The best of the Tokyo Game Show (so far)

Wearables, ,

How does lining up for 40 minutes to play five minutes of a new game sound? It’s definitely a trade-off, but it’s often (usually) worth it. At this year’s Tokyo Game Show, we saw a giant 20-foot griffin thing play ball, nothing from Microsoft and a lot of games that are unequivocally geared toward Japanese gamers. Anime tie-ins and Dynasty Warriors-esque crowd-em-ups aside, there was still plenty for us to play. These are the ones that left an impression.
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https://www.engadget.com/?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZW5nYWRnZXQuY29tLzIwMTUvMDkvMjEvYXBwbGUtd2F0Y2hvcy0yLWhhbmRzLW9uLw&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAGV7QMYHsd_ZNQumxcNGZXGD1IugGaEc5Tj1xpl6JdmrKY3YL8Tf4VAh3oGpd31DpR3Va_NHDrBCHctXdTsIYmNW0Pf2fmKuTKMoAZwZZr_KKgQYIncZjHv1Bz5INEVmrVSOvxQeUWPHYcbaPNx7wmJO8I4GPby1tRDxe10oNVT8

watchOS 2

WatchOS 2 hands-on: What Apple Watch should have had from the start

Wearables, , , , , , , , , ,

Ignoring the mixed reviews, common sense and the usually wise advice that you should avoid first-gen products at all costs, I bought an Apple Watch last June. Honestly, I’m still surprised by that. I backed the original Pebble crowdfunding campaign, and I’ve tested a few Android Wear devices, but as a whole smartwatches have always left me wanting. If I was going to wear anything on my wrist, I typically preferred a dedicated fitness tracker. But after hearing about what Apple had planned for watchOS 2 (the software that powers the Watch), I felt compelled to snap up a 42mm Apple Watch Sport. Now, a little more than five months after the Watch’s launch, that long-awaited update is here. And while it doesn’t fix all of the Apple Watch’s flaws, it’s a significant improvement for the crazies like me who bought one already.
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https://www.engadget.com/2015/09/21/apple-watchos-2-hands-on/

ios 9

Your iPhone could last hours longer with iOS 9

Phones, , , ,

Apple is touting its battery improvements with iOS 9, promising that an iPhone under typical use will last for around an hour longer than before. The under-the-hood changes will be delivered effectively seamlessly, Apple said. However, that’s not the only boost in battery life that iOS 9 can deliver, if you flick the right switch.

A new option will activate a more frugal mode, which Apple says will deliver up to a further three hours on top of that initial hour-long improvement.
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https://www.slashgear.com/your-iphone-could-last-hours-longer-with-ios-9-08387288/

iOS-9

iOS 9 will require less space, support same devices as iOS 8

Phones, , , , , ,

Apple has detailed when you will be able to get your hands on iOS 9: the public beta will be launching in July, marking another “first” for the company. The final version will be arriving later on this fall, and there’s more good news with that: it’s likely your current Apple device will be able to run it, at least if you’re running iOS 8. The upgrade will be free in the fall, as expected, while the iOS developer beta will be available today.
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https://www.slashgear.com/

Volkswagen got caught emissions cheating: What you need to know

Wearables, , ,

Volkswagen’s attempts to cheat the Clean Air Act in the US have proved shocking to diesel drivers thinking they were helping save the planet, but things are going to get even more complicated. The news that independent testing had spotted nitrogen oxide levels as much as 35x higher than the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) permits from select VW and Audi cars, and that the discrepancy came down to some testing trickery, has left the German behemoth in hot water.
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https://www.slashgear.com/volkswagen-got-caught-emissions-cheating-what-you-need-to-know-21405669/

Polk-Omni-S6-speaker

Polk Omni S6 speaker is designed for big rooms

Audio & Video, , , , , , , ,

Polk has announced a new expansion to its speaker lineup with the new Omni S6 wireless speaker. The S6, which is priced at $349.95 (£233.3), is designed for use in medium sized and large room, a welcomed alternative to the many lower-powered speakers out there that aren’t suitable for large areas. This is a stereo speaker, which the maker promises offers “loud, rich” audio. It also boasts a new “first”, as this is the first speaker in the Omni Collection that allows music playback through a 3.5mm audio jack.
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https://www.slashgear.com/polk-omni-s6-speaker-is-designed-for-big-rooms-22405894/

space

NASA countdown to Mars begins: 8-years left

Wearables, , ,

This week NASA has revealed that their crewed mission to Mars timeline has been set. After an uncrewed Orion capsule (Exploration Flight Test-1 (EFT-1)) was tested successfully in December of 2014, two more test flights have begun setup: Exploration Missions 1 and 2 (EM-1 and EM-2). As NASA Administrator Charles Bolden said of the first of several test missions, “[Orion is] a huge step for NASA and a really critical part of our work to pioneer deep space on our Journey to Mars.” With NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, EM-1 will take off first without a human crew, and EM-2 will head to mars inside the next 8 years, by the year 2023.
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https://www.slashgear.com/nasa-countdown-to-mars-begins-8-years-left-21405639/

Battery

Intocircuit 11200mAh portable battery mini-review

Wearables, , , ,

Though they take up little space in your bag, a portable battery is a godsend for frequent travelers, or for those times you end up being away from a charging station longer than anticipated. A portable battery is only as useful as its ability to charge your phone, however, and there’s one big downside with most portable batteries: you can’t see how much charge they have left, or you have to guesstimate using a few LED indicators. Enter the Intocircuit 11200mAh battery — it has a built-in display showing the percentage of charge left, among other things.
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https://www.slashgear.com/intocircuit-11200mah-portable-battery-mini-review-25399279/

huawei motorola 360

Moto 360 (2015) vs Huawei Watch hands-on: so similar, so shiny

Wearables, , , , , , , ,

This week we’ve received two watches in the mail, one Moto 360 (the new one for 2015), and a Huawei Watch. Both devices work with Android Wear, and both devices are very, very similar. So similar that, had we gotten the same color materials for the Moto 360 as we do here the Huawei Watch, we’d have trouble telling the two apart at a glance. Up close, of course, you’ll see the Motorola logo on the single button on the Moto 360, and the shapes are slightly different – but inside, they’re largely the same.
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https://www.slashgear.com/moto-360-2015-vs-huawei-watch-hands-on-so-similar-so-shiny-17405231/

razer mamba TE

Razer Mamba TE Review: 2015’s gaming master mouse

Wearables, , , , , , , ,

The Razer Mamba TE is a Tournament Edition mouse made to compete with the highest-grade gaming mice in the world. This device continues the Razer tradition of making high-end super-sensitive mice by bringing a 16,000 DPI 5G laser sensor with 1,000 Hz Ultrapolling and 1 ms response time. That’s no joke. This mouse runs a max of 210 inches per second and 50 G acceleration (if your arm can move that fast.) It also has lots of pretty colors.
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https://www.slashgear.com/razer-mamba-te-review-2015s-gaming-master-mouse-17405379/

amazon fire hd-2015

New Amazon Fire HD tablets put power and Prime first: Hands-on

Wearables, , , , , , , ,

Amazon has refreshed its Fire HD tablet range, bumping up screen quality, durability, and value for money while still putting the retailer’s own services to the fore. Now 7.7mm thin and running the latest Android spin-off, Fire OS 5, the new Fire HD kicks off at under $150, too.

Fire HD comes in two sizes, the HD 8 with an 8-inch panel, and the HD 10 with a 10.1-inch panel. Unusually for a tablet these days, Amazon has stuck with 16:10 aspect screens: it argues that makes the most sense for how Fire tablet owners actually use their slates, predominantly for watching video in landscape orientation and reading in portrait. [Update: the aspect ratio is 16:10, not 16:9 as I originally wrote!]|
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https://www.slashgear.com/new-amazon-fire-hd-tablets-put-power-and-prime-first-hands-on-17405171/

Epson EH-LS10000 review

Epson EH-LS10000 review

Audio & Video, , , , ,

Time and time again Epson has proven itself a frontrunner in the budget projector market. But can it provide the ultimate big-screen thrill to warrant serious spending, too?

The EH-LS10000, the company’s flagship model, is out to try.

Features

It’s a projector of firsts for the company. While Sony and JVC entered the laser projector market some time ago, this is Epson’s first projector to use a laser light source instead of the typical lamp.
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https://www.whathifi.com/epson/eh-ls10000/review

Dali Zensor 1 5.1 review

Dali Zensor 1 5.1 review

Audio & Video, , ,

This one needs no introduction, but deserves one nonetheless. The Dali Zensor 1 5.1 package is our reigning champion.

Not only has it won Awards in the £700/$1,050-£1,500/$2,250 arena, it has also been our traditional speaker packages Product of the Year for two years in a row. It will take something spectacular to knock down these Danish warriors.
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https://www.whathifi.com/dali/zensor-1-51/review

Samsung BD-J5500 review

Samsung BD-J5500 review

Audio & Video, ,

Samsung has got curve fever. Just over a third of the company’s TVs are curved this year, and that ratio is similar for its Blu-ray players. But while bendy panels are designed to offer a more immersive experience, for disc spinners it’s simply a quirky aesthetic.

In the case of the entry-level BD-J5500 though, it’s not the curved shape that steals the design limelight. The entire body, available in black or white, is so deeply ribbed it could be played like a Guiro if you had a stick.
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https://www.whathifi.com/samsung/bd-j5500/review

LG BP350 review

LG BP350 review

Audio & Video, , , , , , , , , ,

The BP350 is one of four new Blu-ray players joining LG’s MUSICflow multi-room family, capable of streaming music from CDs and USBs to any of the five-strong range’s wireless speakers.

Those who haven’t bought into LG’s ‘smart hi-fi audio’ can use it as a regular Blu-ray player, and to that end it’s a decent option. Feature-wise, DLNA support and a throng of smarts are there for the taking.

There’s built-in wi-fi, but oddly no ethernet port for a wired connection.
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https://www.whathifi.com/lg/bp350/review

Pioneer VSX-930 review

Pioneer VSX-930 review

Audio & Video, , ,

Pioneer triumphed in the upper price brackets last year – its £1,400/$2,100 SC-LX58 even scooped an Award – but its budget offering in the form of the VSX-924 was left in the dust of rivals from Yamaha and, even more so, Sony.

With its successor, the VSX-930, Pioneer will no doubt hope to change that pecking order. However, to do so it has to shine as bright as Sony’s new, and brilliant, STR-DN860. A tall order, but if its spec sheet is anything to go by, it seems up to the challenge.
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https://www.whathifi.com/pioneer/vsx-930/review

Sony STR-DN860 review

Sony STR-DN860 review

Audio & Video, , , ,

The Sony STR-DN860 might seem like an underdog now Dolby Atmos-toting rivals have arrived. It was this omission from Sony that, during our recent first look at this superb-sounding five-star amp, had us speculating whether it would change the course of its fate up against new rivals.

But though the surround technology has certainly proved a desirable asset for the Pioneer VSX-930 and Onkyo TX-NR545, and would surely be welcomed on the Sony, we don’t think it’s a make-or-break feature this far down the price range.
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https://www.whathifi.com/sony/str-dn860/review