Gizmophobe Technology & Gaming » Gadgets

Men do not ask for gadget help

Alan — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 11:35:26 +0000

According to a recent survey conducted by Geek Squad, men who are having difficulty in understanding how to work their new Christmas gadget are twice as unlikely to ask for help as women. The study claims that men refuse to admit that they are having problems sussing out what to do with their new techno gadgets, but women will easily admit they are stumped and gladly accept health.

The Geek Squad survey revealed that 28% of men would only ask for help as a last resort once they have thrown in the towel and admitted they can’t work their gadget. However, according to the Daily Mail, a mere 16% of women said that they would refuse help.

It was also found by the survey that 26% got frustrated and irritated on Christmas Day while trying to get their head around the complicated instruction manual and what it was telling them to do. Sam Lawton is an agent with Geek Squad and he says of the findings that men have a sense of pride and don’t like to admit when something has them stumped, and much more likely that women to say the gadget was broken rather than admit defeat.

Sam also says that he knows of men who would take the product back to the shop and say that it was broken when the simple truth is they don’t understand how it works. He added that they get a lot more frustrated than women at their inability to make something work.

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We love our mobiles and gadgets more than our families – Endsleigh Insurance survey says

Alan — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 10:14:09 +0000

A recent survey from Endsleigh Insurance has suggested that we currently value our gadgets over our lives, and that office workers are twice more likely to insure their gadgets that to take out a life insurance policy.

In this new poll, office workers were asked that if they had an extra £20 added to their salary, would be more likely to insure their mobile phones, their iPads or themselves. 28% said they would insure their phone or laptop, as opposed to only 17% who would invest in some life insurance.

When questioned further, respondents said that they couldn’t live without their smart phones and other gadgets such as iPads and laptops citing such reasons as:-

“I love my iPad, it’s the best thing ever…”

“My laptop holds all my personal information and photos, I’d be lost without it….”

“I couldn’t manage without my phone – I use it for everything, music, Facebook, and Twitter…..”

“If I ever forget to take my phone I feel lost without…..

The independent poll showed that the types of insurance that we were least likely to spend extra cash on were policies to cover jewellery (4%), travel (4%) and household appliances (5%). Interestingly people were twice as likely to take out insurance to cover the cost specifically for servicing their gas boiler, rather than cover the cost of repairing their fridge, freezer or cooker.

Will Brunwin, IFA Manager at Endsleigh, commented: “It’s worrying that many people are failing to see the importance of life insurance. It’s our responsibility to ensure that people understand that in the event of their death without this their dependents could be left with insufficient income to pay for not just phones, laptops and other gadgets, but significantly more important costs such as food, mortgage payments and utilities bills”

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Sony NEX line of cameras

Alan — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 23:54:16 +0000

Sony has just announced the new flagship model to lead its NEX line of cameras, which are compact and feature interchangeable lenses. The camera has a CMOS sensor with over 24 megapixels and its full name is the Sony Alpha NEX-7 and is the lead model in Sony’s compact system camera range. It is also the most expensive CSC currently on the market and costs £1000 without a lens.

The camera is clearly targeted towards people who want outstanding image quality and exposure control but do not want to carry around a large camera. It is possible that those interested in video will also want to purchase the camera because it has autofocus tracking and is capable of recording in full high-definition.

The cameras in this range are much lighter than SLR’s but they certainly won’t fit in a pocket. The body is also light due to its constructive from a magnesium alloy and this latest camera in the range weighs in at just over 290 grams.

There is an increasingly large number of lenses available for the range of cameras and the focal length is currently from 16 mm to over 200 mm. The optics coming with the camera are exceptional and provide enough for demanding photographer but come packed into a relatively small body.

The type of lens used with this camera is different from those available on the SLR cameras by Sony, however it is possible to purchase an adapter that will allow you to interchange the lenses. For people who own Sony lenses this will be a popular idea if it will allow them to save on costs, Minolta lenses are also compatible.

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Pure opulence for billionaires with a price tag to match Top 10 ‘WTF?!’ Gifts

Alan — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 15:06:08 +0000

While many average people are scrimping and saving to pull together enough money to buy a PlayStation or a new flat screen TV for Christmas, some other individuals are poring over the astounding array of ultra high-end gifts that are available for people who already have ‘everything’

If you however daydream about the kinds of amazing presence you could buy if you won it big on the lottery you may be interested to read through this list from retailer Firebox, as it presents What The Firebox?! Top 10 WTF?! An amazing selection of gifts aimed directly at the mega-rich

Curated by Firebox from its super high-end WTF?! range, this Top 10 gob-smacking list is the defining wish list of what to ask for this Christmas if money was no object.

Ben Fowler, WTF?! Curator at Firebox, said: “Firebox is well known for its crazy, fun and entertaining gifts and gadgets but we wanted to bring attention to our most ridiculous, fantastical products that would make your eyes pop. Earlier this year we launched the WTF?! range – a range of Firebox products but gonzo. More insane, more quirky, more expensive and more unique, they will make you to cry out WTF?! If I were rich and famous these are the kind of products I’d want for Christmas – they’re amazing, astounding and brilliant fun.”

Surveying Firebox’s Facebook Fans it was discovered that if money was no object its customers would opt for an island, world peace or never ending happiness. But perhaps they’ll settle for one of these instead?

#1 DeLorean DMCEV – 70,000 GBP
What do you mean we’re going Back to the Future? The DeLorean, made famous in “that” movie is back and this time it’s electric. Retaining the unique gull-wing design and silver exterior, the word ‘iconic’ doesn’t even do it justice.

#2 Triumph Bonneville Steve McQueen Edition – 7,700 GBP
Based on the classic T100 and inspired by the Trophy TR6 McQueen rode during the stunt scene from The Great Escape, the Triumph Bonneville T100 is limited to just 1,100 bikes, and features a super cool matt khaki green paint job and the late actor’s signature on the side covers – it also arrives individually numbered, with a plaque on the handlebar clamp and a certificate of authenticity. Now that’s cool!

#3 Project Utopia – 100m+ GBP
You want a man-made island-like cruise liner? Done. How about one that is almost identical to Stromberg’s Atlantis hideout in the classic Bond film, The Spy Who Loved Me? Done. Spanning eleven decks yet still coming with full climate control, this is an architectural maritime masterpiece.

#4 Caran D’Ache 1010 Diamonds Fountain Pen – 850,000 GBP
In white gold with more than 850 exceptionally pure diamonds (totalling approximately 24.61 carats) this dazzling writing instrument brings together the Swiss expertise of leading jewellers, goldsmiths and master craftsmen and is in fact the world’s most expensive pen, ever. This Pen is certainly mightier than the sword.

#5 Blue Forest Tree House – from 20,000 GBP
If you want a tree house then why not go all out – Blue Forest will design amazing houses ranging from fantasy to functional just for you, high up in the canopy of your trees. Or, in your office; wherever you like really.

#6 One Degree of Turntable – 100,000 GBP
It’s gold, it’s beautiful, it’s a record turntable and it is for the biggest audiophiles of audiophiles. NASA engineers designed it, Firebox loves it.

#7 F5 Custom Luxury Golf Cart – 20,500 GBP
For the seasoned golfer, looking the part is as important as the playing handicap. You drove a Ferrari to the club, you wanna drive a Ferrari in ‘da club too. Behold the F5 Italian Sports Car Custom Golf Cart. Complete with headlights, turn signals, electric horn and 15” wheel rims this awe inspiring luxury vehicle looks every bit the real deal, albeit in miniature form. And with a top speed of almost 20mph, it is sure to burn off every other cart on the course.

#8 Agility Saietta R Bike – 13,750 GBP
Designed for urban living, the Agility Saietta R Bike combines powerful performance with Hollywood looks. As the specs show, this isn’t simply an exercise in style. Thanks to the Saietta R’s electric motor, the engineers have stripped out all of the bulk that once dictated how a bike should look – letting the design evolve beyond the traditional petrol-driven motorbike shape.

#9 JetLev Flyer – 115,000 GBP
Messing about on the water is great fun, but jetting about above the water is like, totally awesome, especially when you’re strapped to the jaw-droppingly impressive JetLev Flyer. The result of years of painstaking R&D, the precision-made design allows you to achieve stable, controlled flight as you soar 10 metres above the water at speeds of up to 30 mph.

#10 Marchi Mobile EleMMent RV – 1.9 Million GBP
Littlest Hobo syndrome? The EleMMent RV has its own roof terrace, expanding living space, a rainfall shower and of course a bar. This really is a mansion on wheels.

And, if all this looks a bit pricey for you, Firebox has created a budget Top 10 stocking filler gift list for those with smaller purses than the average billionnaire.

Website: www.Firebox.com

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CX6 compact digital camera from Ricoh

Alan — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 13:39:30 +0000

Shiro Kondo the president and CEO of Ricoh Ltd. Has announced the completion of development and the release of their new CX6, a brand new camera that features a high magnification of 10.7 x 29-300mm optical wide angle zoom lens that will achieve an event shorter AF (autofocus) through the introduction of an innovative new system.

The adoption of this new system enhances both the software and hardware of the hybrid AF system that Ricoh first introduced on their CX5, and the CX6 has an AF focusing system that is a mere 0.1 seconds. Take the chance and grab the fleeting shutter moments when you can.

The high-brightness LCD monitor is approximately 1.7 times brighter than　the previous model for better visibility outdoors. The CX6 also adds a function for automatic adjustment of brightness based on the level of brightness of the subject, and this make it possible to minimize the loss of visibility that can occur due to changes in the shooting environment. In addition, for telephoto shooting, the new zoom assist monitor function displays a small image on the LCD monitor so that you can always check the framing of the shot.

The new aperture/shutter-speed priority modes enable you to more richly express the atmosphere of the subject, and the snap movie function lets you more easily enjoy shooting movies. A release button especially for movies has also been added, and a wider range of functions (autofocus, zoom, etc.) are available for movie shooting.

The CX6 compact digital camera takes the design concept of “A tool you will want to use every day” another step forward. The CX6 will be available at SRP £259.99 in early December.

Available in three colours: Black, Silver, and Pink.

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Acme 7” Tablet is here

Alan — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 11:09:13 +0000

Interactive Ideas, one of the top, value-added software and peripherals distributors in the UK and who are in partnership with lAcme, the leading producer of Gaming, PC and Office have announced the launch of their new 7” tablet. The Acme 7” tablet will totally transform the way you browse the net, as well as enhance the way in which you watch and share images, videos and music.

The tablet boasts a 1GHZ processor to ensure an internet experience that is both smooth and speedy. Users will also have the benefit of Androids latest v2.3, the new interface that gives you the best ever viewing and is incredibly easy to learn, much faster to use and also power efficient.

The capacious 7” screen delivers everything you would expect from today’s leading technology, with both touch and multi- touch as well as the excellent visibility which is standard of all top end tablet PC’s.

With a powerful battery, the ACME Tablet is always ready to go. Enjoy – up to 12 hours of music, up to 4.5 hours video, up to 6 hours of internet browsing. Enhanced with Wi-Fi technology you will reach any of social networks and easily chat with your friends, colleagues around the world. Watch videos taken yourself or browse YouTube videos.

The Acme 7” Tablet incorporates a built-in webcam too. You can video chat and remain mobile. Or simply pass the device around to your friends or family to keep up to date with the latest news. Weighing less than 400 grams, the Acme tablet is very easy to carry.

While it’s cutting edge Android 2.2 Froyo operating system offers the highest of performance speeds while it’s cutting edge Android 2.2 Froyo operating system offers the highest of performance speeds. The Acme Tablet comes off-the-shelf with 512MB of DDR2 memory and 4GB of flash memory which can easily be expanded via the Micro SD to 32GB. There is plenty of space to share and view images and files and listen to your playlists.

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New Remote Controlled By Motion, Flick It, Tap It, Turn It –

Alan — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 13:02:56 +0000

The global leader in in universal remotes, One For All, have launched a whole new dimension in remote controls. The Smartcontrol Motion carries out all the most popular of demands with a single gesture. You can literally control all your devices by simply moving the remote, and the great new Goodnight feature allows you to turn everything off at night just by turning the remote onto its front.

If you want to skip through the commercials during programmes that have been recorded on Sky+ or Freeview+ that’s no problem either, a quick flick to the right then back again will take care of that, and there is no programming needed. This is thanks to it being pre-programmed to recognise 6 gestures, and this applies to all your devices once they have been set up.

Move your remote to the left and then back again while its pointing at the device in TV mode to change channel, rewind your DVD or skip back you set top box, do this 4 times or more and you will quadruple the speed of the rewind. Flick up then back down for play or vice versa for pause, allowing you to pause your DVD in an instant if you have to answer the door or the phone. A double tap on the remote’s side activates the moot.

Quickly move up then down for play, or down then up for pause – so, for example, you can pause your DVD instantly when rushing to answer the doorbell without looking for the pause button. For mute, you just double tap on the side of the remote.

SmartControl Motion works with all your digital equipment. It will control up to six different devices including HDTV, DVB-T (eg. Freeview), IPTV, Blu-ray, iPod docks, Home Cinema, PS2, Xbox 360 and more, across all brands. It has dedicated keys for media devices such as Blu-ray players, iPod docks and media playback from video game consoles such as PS2 and Xbox 360.

Presented in a glossy gun metal finish, the SmartControl Motion doesn’t require any device codes to be input to get A/V equipment set up.

It programmes in less than three minutes with just three key presses for all the most popular brands, thanks to One For All’s unique SimpleSet technology.

The SmartControl buttons will then operate multiple devices with just one press. There are three smart modes for watching TV, watching movies and listening to music. So you just have to think about what you want to do, not which devices you need to use.

The ‘all power off’ function will switch off all your devices by holding the power button down for three seconds or by simply flipping over the remote. White backlit keys mean you can use it in the dark.

SmartControl Motion will be available from November 2011 at Dixons, Currys and PC World, as well as online at www.amazon.co.uk priced £34.99. Pre-order here:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/One-All-URC7962-Motion-Control/dp/B0…

For a short tutorial on motion control, visit: http://www.oneforall.com/motion/

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PS Vita portable gaming gadget

Alan — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 12:47:31 +0000

The next portable gaming gadget that Sony releases just may be called the PS Vita after there were images leaked that are thought to be promotional materials for next months E3 conference. Previously code named NGP the Sony handheld appears in the photos looking quite similar to it predecessor with an added addition of the PS3 big brother analogue stick design.

Vita signifies the portable will be an accessory to ones lifestyle rather than just a console for pocket games. Rumours are starting to abound as to what is expected with some saying the next Sony offering will have and a pair of quad-core processors, Bluetooth, touchscreen, GPS and with front and rear cameras tossed in for not extra charge.

The first PSP and its following version continue to be popular with the Japanese but sales in the West are slowing so some sort of official word on what is expected would be good for a moral boost and good in the long run for Sony’s pocket games. The price looks to be over £200 and we will just have to play the wait and see or hear game because you cannot always believe the images you see.

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2011’s must-have Christmas gadget iHelicopter from ParamountZone.com

Alan — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 09:39:49 +0000

2011’s must-have Christmas gadget iHelicopter from ParamountZone.com

A new remote controlled helicopter is being made available on www.ParamountZone.com and the gadget it taking the UK’s obsession with smart phone apps another level. The ‘iHelicopter’ is able to be controlled from a mobile device. The helicopter can be controlled by iPhone or Android headsets and will make the perfect gift for any gadget lover this Christmas.

The flying machine can only be found at ParamountZone.com. It is designed to take smart phone gaming beyond just the screen of the device and users will find they are able to fully control the iHelicopter from their handset. The app is called Copter Controller and is available from app stores for free.

The iHelicopter is a great gift for anyone this Christmas an if you buy it ahead of time you are going to make a significant saving. Right now the device is available for just under £30, which is half the price that it will go onto retail at.

James Morris is the director of ParamountZone.com and he has commented, “We see a great deal of gadgets come into the store but few have impressed us in the way that this helicopter has. It is a high quality product that is available at a great price. It is also great that the application is available for some other platforms – not just the iPhone. This makes it more accessible to all and will mean it is very popular in the run up to Christmas. Apart form its unique control method, the helicopter is also one of the best we have ever flown.”

The iHelicopter is simple to use: just download the free App from the iTunes App Store or Android Market, plug in the IR transmitter (included) and away you go! The helicopter can be controlled up/down, left/right, forward/back and is easy to use, thanks to the in-built Gyro. The App itself will be frequently updated with new features, meaning users get the ‘new product’ feeling again and again without any additional expenditure – for example, budding pilots will soon be able to enjoy the Flight Recording mode, which allows them to record a flight so that the helicopter can perform the same moves again at the press of a button. The iHelicopter is compatible with iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and supported Android phones including: HTC – Desire S, HTC – Desire HD, HTC – Incredible S, Samsung – 9100, Samsung – i9000, Moto – MB525, LG – P350, HTC – Wild Fire, HTC – Wild Fire S, HTC – Hero, HTC – Sensation.

TheiHelicopter is just one of many impressive new gadgets being added to ParamountZone.com’s product range this month. Established for over a decade, the site has a reputation for stocking the ultimate range of Christmas gifts for all the family and this year is the ONLY place to stock:

• The Solar iPhone Charger, a genuine must-have for anyone with a battery-sapping addiction to their iPhone, iPod, mobile phone, PDA or digital camera, priced at just £19.99
• The Wireless Weather Station – Advanced Home Forecaster, perfect for storm-chasers, sun-worshippers and budding meteorologists everywhere, priced at just £29.99
• The Advanced Sunrise Alarm Clock, ideal for the not-a-morning-person in your life, priced at just £19.99
• The Remote Control Mini Racing Kart, a great Secret Santa gift for the office big kid, priced at just £8.99

To place your order or for full details of all the products mentioned and to browse a complete Christmas gift guide, gift finder tool, customer reviews and video demonstrations of most products, visit www.ParamountZone.com.

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Gadgets causing health problems for kids

Alan — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 02:09:14 +0000

Experts are revealing that kids as young as eight are suffering from arthritis like crippling pain from the use of phones and consoles. Constant Blackberry or iPhone use or hours of playing on Xboxes and PlayStations have caused problems for children that are normally seen in only the elderly with chronic rheumatism.

From controlling their game devices for close to seven hours a day at weekends the pain is arising as youngsters are using repeated joint actions. There has been a call by experts to require warning labels on devices because of the risk being so great.

A London conference of rheumatism and arthritis experts said studies in the US and Britain show that repetitive finger and hand motions have created an unprecedented amount of aches and pains for children. Consultants also informed the conference that 90% of British children that are aged 8 own a minimum of one game console.

They also were told that a study done in the US showed that kids using their phones or games consoles for extended periods of time suffered in many instances from extreme joint pain. And another similar study showed the frequent texters – those particularly using the wider handsets like iPhones or Blackberrys – suffered chronic finger and wrist pains.

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