Category Archives: Streaming

Audio, BBC Radio Suffolk, Gadget Man, Hard Drives, Internet Radio, Internet Security, Mark Murphy, Matt Porter, News, NHS, Podcast, Radio, Review, Security, Social Engineering, Streaming, Technology, The Gadget Man

The Gadget Man – Episode 101 – WannaCry – WannaCrypt – Eternal Blue – What Happened and What to Do?

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Following my previous post which can be found here, I talked this morning to Mark Murphy on BBC Radio Suffolk about WannaCry and the effect it has had on the NHS, what needs to be done to stop it happening again and what we can do to protect ourselves.

To read and in depth article on how to protect your computers from such attacks, click here

PLEASE ensure your computers have all their updates installed and make sure you have Anti-Virus software installed.

https://audioboom.com/posts/5919568-the-gadget-man-episode-101-wannacry-wannacrypt-eternal-blue-what-happened-and-what-to-do

 

 

Audio, Bluetooth, Edifier, Gadget Man, Headphones, Internet Radio, Live Stream, Matt Porter, Music, Radio, Review, Smart Phone, Streaming, Technology, The Gadget Man

Edifier MP280 – A New Generation of Portable Speaker

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Lighter evenings are upon us at last! We can start to look forward to getting out in the fresh air again after hibernating over the winter months. As always when I start thinking of spending more time outside I begin looking for gadgets that I can take with me.

I’ve recently been sent the Edifier MP280 Portable Speaker something that is clearly marketed to outdoor enthusiasts.

Edifier MP280 Portable Speaker
Edifier MP280 Portable Speaker

I’ve always found Edifier really high quality and the MP280 checks that box, it feels solid and well made with special silicone material and metal. The speakers are wrapping around the cylindrical design and give 360 degree sound along with professional grade DSP chips to give exceptional sound quality.

Edifier MP280 Portable Speaker
Edifier MP280 Portable Speaker

The MP280 comes with Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity, microSD and Aux sockets. There is the added bonus of a USB out port which means you can use the speaker to charge your phone or other USB device when you are out and about. The speaker can be charged using a standard micro USB socket and when fully charged, the lithium ion battery should give 10 hours of constant playback.

Edifier MP280 Portable Speaker
Edifier MP280 Portable Speaker

The on/off button is placed on top of the speaker along with the Bluetooth pairing button. When switched on, the speaker plays a pleasant tune to let you know it’s working and to demonstrate it’s lovely sound quality. On the side is the volume controls and also a button used play and pause music which can also be used to display the current battery charge status which when pressed for 2 seconds displays the battery status using 3 green LED’s.
At the bottom of the speaker is the power / status light and just above this is an NFC contact point. If you have an NFC (near field connection) compatible phone you simply tap your phone on this and it sorts out the connection for you.

Edifier MP280 Portable Speaker
Edifier MP280 Portable Speaker

As a smartphone user, I am constantly faced with battery anxiety, where I might struggle to the end of the day without having to plug my phone into a charger. The MP280 can remove this anxiety by doubling as an emergency recharge station to give your phone a boost and continue to play your music whilst charging it up again.

Edifier MP280 Portable Speaker
Edifier MP280 Portable Speaker

The speaker will operate up to 10 metres away from your phone using Bluetooth 4.0 technology and the really useful and it also doubles as a hands free device with it’s in built microphone!

If you fancy going for a hike with your friends or family, you can attach the speaker to your backpack using the inbuilt carabiner clip. Again this is feels high quality too.

There are no shortage of portable bluetooth speakers on the market at the moment and the MP280 certainly sits at the top end of this with a well made, high quality product ideal for your camping trips in the coming months.

The Edifier MP280 is available for £79.99 at the this link http://gman.ga/gman280

BBC Radio Suffolk, Streaming, Technology, The Gadget Man, Wireless broadband

Gadget Man – Episode 97 – Working From Home

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Fantastic to be back on BBC Radio Suffolk this week, even more special that I was invited to James Hazell’s home for a very special outside broadcast, where we talked about effectively working from home and I got to play Star Trek Pinball!!

Thanks to James and Isaac for the invitation, fabulous fun!

Listen, Like, Subscribe and Share!!!

 

BBC Radio Suffolk, Gadget Man, Google, Mark Murphy, Matt Porter, News, Podcast, Radio, Review, Streaming, Technology, The Gadget Man, Wearables

Gadget Man – Episode 89 – Star Trek 50th Anniversary – Fantasy Gadgets that are now Reality

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uss_enterprise_ncc-1701-aToday we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Star Trek which first aired in 1964! Amazingly the series only ran for 3 series before being cancelled NBC. The show was an instant hit with a core group of fans now called ‘Trekkies’ or ‘Trekkers’. Star Trek went on to be shown on repeats or reruns many times over the years.

leonard_nimoy_as_spock_1967
Leonard Nimoy as Mr Spock. Image courtesy Wikimedia

Star Trek went on to spawn 13 motions pictures starting in 1979 with ‘Star Trek – The Motion Picture’ and 5 subsequent televisions series including The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager, Enterprise. As well as the ‘Animated Series’ and a planned ‘Discovery’ planned for 2017. Along with all of this visual entertainment comes an enormous library of novels, audiobooks and reviews and in depth analysis of all of the above, it’s almost breathtaking!

star_trek_william_shatner
William Shatner as Captain James T Kirk. Image courtesy Wikipmedia

Star Trek is now surely etched in science fiction folklore possibly (and arguably) only surpassed in popularity by the monolithic and multi billion pound Star Wars franchise

What makes Star Trek so attractive is it’s almost prophetic vision of gadgets of the future. Today in the 21st century we can make use of gadgets and technology first shown a half a century ago.

From sliding doors, universal translators, natural language conversations with computers, tablets computers, personal communicators, virtual reality to food replicators and more!

So, what do we have to look forward to in the next 50 years?

Well, personally I can’t wait next movie instalment and next years TV series, but moreover, I REALLY looking forward to Warp Drive, Matter Transporters and Interstellar Space Travel.

In the words of Mr Spock (and spoken in the language of Mr Worf:-

qaStaHvIS yIn ‘ej chep

(“Live Long and Prosper” in Klingon)

Earlier I spoke to Mark Murphy at BBC Radio Suffolk about how these devices now form an integral part of our lives, so listen in don’t forget to comment below.

qaStaHvIS yIn ‘ej chep

App of the Week, Gadget Man, Gogs, Grumpy Old Gits, Matt Porter, Podcast, retro, Streaming, The Gadget Man

Grumpy Old Gits – 9th September 2016 with Matt Porter, Neil Bowles and Tim Edwards

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Grumpy Old Gits came to an end a couple of weeks ago. Here’s the episode from 9th September 2016 with Matt Porter, Neil Bowles and Tim Edwards all kept in order by Mark Matthews!!

Queuing, a very British passtime
Queuing, a very British passtime

 

Audio, Edifier, Music, Radio, Review, Streaming, Technology, The Gadget Man

The Gadget Man – Review – Edifier C2V – 2.1 Speaker System for Gaming and Music

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Edifier produce a wide range of high quality audio equipment, from the tiny Bluetooth MP211 portable speaker with built in microphone to the earth shaking S760D 5.1 surround sound system.

Edifier C2V Speakers Review
Edifier C2V Speakers Review

This last couple of weeks I have been testing and enjoying the Edifier C2V 2.1 Speaker System aimed primarily at gamers and utilising their Intelligent Distortion Control.

In the box you find a main control unit with remote, two satellite speakers with 3-inch midrange and ¾ inch tweeter and a lovely 6.5-inch subwoofer which produces amazing bass! The speakers and equipment are enclosed in wooden MFD boxes, so no chance of buzzing from nasty plastic parts here.

Edifier C2V Speakers Review
Edifier C2V Speakers Review

The speakers produce a total of 36 watts output, connecting to your PC/Mac or other sound source using either RCA or AUX connectors along with a headphones connector for keeping the neighbours happy.

You can adjust the Volume, Bass and Treble using either the amplifier or remote control giving a wide range of sound options to suit your gaming or music needs.

Edifier C2V Speakers Review
Edifier C2V Speakers Review

I really enjoyed playing some of my favourite music through the C2V, I was particularly fond of Orbital Live at Glastonbury, their is nothing like Dr Who rocking out late on a Friday afternoon

I also watched a number of movie trailers, I was particularly taken by Suicide Squad especially using my 4K iMac Retina display!

The C2V speaker system is aimed at gaming and therefore Bluetooth and other related technology is not included which is not great loss when you are sitting speakers either side of your gaming machine.

All in all, the C2V is a great set of speakers and at around £89, it’s very good value for money. After a quick look around online, they are available at most high street stores.

Thanks again to Edifier for the loan of the speakers for review and Katherine at KL Associates for bringing it all together.

Apple, Gadget Man, Live Stream, Streaming, Technology

Apple WWDC 2016 Watch Party comes to Adastral Park

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Following successful events featuring Microsoft and Google, Coderus and Innovation Martlesham are hosting the Apple WWDC Watch Party at Adastral Park in Ipswich, sponsored by BT and the IP Network.

The event is being held at the John Bray Lecture Theatre on
Monday 13th June 2016 from 4.30pm – 9pm and features Apple demos and the chance to network, the live streamed Keynote starts at 6pm with a panel discussion at 7.45pm with the event wrapping up at 9pm.

We’re told that places are limited and registration closes on
12th June 2016, so if you are interested in attending you will need to REGISTER soon!

This is a FREE event, but because Adastral Park is a secure site attendance is by registration only. Upon registration attendees will be issued a security pass, which must be shown on arrival.

4.30 – Door Open
4.45 – Apple Demos & Networking
5.45 – Move to Auditoium
6.00 – Keynote Presentations (Live Stream)
7.30 – Keynote Finish (subject to change) – break
7.45 – Panel Discussion
9.00 – Close

To register for the event, click HERE or contact Coderus to discuss your requirements.

App of the Week, Autopilot, Cameras, DJI, Drones, eBike, Electric Bike, Gadget Man, News, On Our Doorstep Baldock, Parrot, Podcast, Radio, Review, Smart Phone, Streaming, Technology, Three, Video Review, Wearables

The Gadget Man – Episode 87 – Drones. Should they be licensed?

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I was back on air this morning with Mark Murphy and James Hazell to talk about drones and the immense rise in their popularity.

With popularity comes a degree of public worry and a much larger degree of press coverage. Should drones be licensed? Should people need to take a proficiency test to use them? All of this was covered on BBC Radio Suffolk this morning along with interviews with The Civil Aviation Authority and local pilots.

Drones or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles come in all shapes and sizes and can range in price from £10 to literally thousands. Many of the more expensive semi professional drones have ‘Geo Fencing’ which stops the drones from flying in banned areas or ‘No Fly Zones’.

Of course it is possible to build your own drone. Kits are widely available and many people have built their own drones from scratch using light weight computers such as the Raspberry Pi. In this case, no licensing is going to stop the production of these kinds of drones and increasingly advanced techniques such as GPS ‘way point’ route planning means that the pilot does not need to be in radio contact during the flight and therefore distances of 7km possible before battery charging is necessary.

Currently in the UK, I can’t see how any ‘proficiency’ testing can be brought in being, it would be far too costly and reliant of the purchaser of the drone. Tracking the drones is equally difficult without elaborate (and expensive) tracking transmitter/receivers being added to the drone.

Consequently, it lays with the manufacturers of these devices to ensure that their equipment is safe, easy to use, legal and abides by any global no fly zones.

I will be reviewing the Parrot Bebop 2 camera drone very soon, so stay ‘tuned’.

 

Gadget Man, Internet Radio, Music, Podcast, Radio, Review, Streaming, Technology

Pure Evoke F3 with Bluetooth, 25,000 radio stations at your fingertips!

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Pure Evoke F3 with BluetoothDigital Radio is now firmly established in our lives with more and more stations switching to DAB and the hardware finding itself in our homes and more importantly in our vehicles, the choice of stations is now bigger than it’s ever been. The move to DAB has been much slower than the recent transition to Digital TV and the consequent switch off of analogue services, mainly due to the availability, simplicity of installation and pricing of Digital TV boxes, something that is not quite so practical with radio.

To help with this transition in our homes, Pure have been working hard to squeeze multiple technologies into their already well known range of DAB radios. I’ve been testing the Pure Evoke F3 with Bluetooth for the last month and really like the additions.

Pure Evoke F3 with Bluetooth - Traditional Looks
Pure Evoke F3 with Bluetooth – Traditional Looks

Out of the box, the Evoke F3 looks very much a traditional modern DAB digital radio, it’s a good size and weight, but it’s so much more than just a DAB radio, Pure have included traditional FM, Bluetooth connectivity, Internet Radio and Podcasts, Spotify Premium streaming, Aux in, Line out and network browsing of your locally stored music.

This is possible by adding WiFi connectivity to allow you to browse in excess of 25,000 radio stations across the world and more than 100,000 podcasts including BBC listen again content and Spotify Premium. It should be noted that if you want to make use of the Spotify function, you will need to subscribe to their £9.99 per month service.

Pure Evoke F3 with Bluetooth - Rear View
Pure Evoke F3 with Bluetooth – Rear View

You can stream your own music from your mobile phone using Bluetooth or via line in. If you want to get an even meatier sound from the device, it can be plugged into an amp via the 3.5mm line out socket.

Setting up the radio was really straightforward and connecting to a WiFi network is really straightforward, the radio is controlled from the front panel buttons or a separate remote control. You can also link the radio to Pure’s ‘Connect’ web service which makes organising playlists and stations much easier. The sound quality is very good for the price and the smart design means that it will sit happily in a kitchen, office or bedroom without standing out too much.

Pure Evoke F3 with Bluetooth - Tuned to The Gadget Man
Pure Evoke F3 with Bluetooth – Tuned to The Gadget Man

The radio has alarm and sleep functions built, so you can wake up to the wonders of your favourite Balearic Dance station or simply an alarm tone if you prefer. The colour display is not mobile phone quality as it was a little washed out, but nothing that ruins the experience and is perfectly adequate for day to day use.

The Pure Evoke F3 is good value at about £129, which is pretty competitive especially given the enormous amount of functionality included, I thought it was a great piece of kit.

Thanks to Nick at BT Shop for providing the radio for review

 

Grumpy Old Gits, Podcast, Streaming

Grumpy Old Gits – 4th March 2016 – School Rugby – Sunday’s – Royal Watchers – Cold Calling – Air Shows

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Royal Watchers
Royal Watchers

This week Matt again joined the Grumpy Old Gits on Mark Murphy’s Morning Show on BBC Radio Suffolk, where together with Ian Healey and James Easter they had a collective grumble about the following:-

  • Banning Contact in School Rugby – James Easter
  • Sunday, no longer the day of rest – Matt Porter
  • Royal Watchers – Ian Healey
  • Cold Calling – Ian Healey
  • Air Shows – James Easter

You can listen in to the stream to hear both what this weeks ‘GOG’s’ had to say and  what they agreed or disagreed on.