Category Archives: Wearables

This week I talk about a new wave of devices aimed at both Police and private security firms. Body Cams allow for the collection of video evidence which is aimed at reducing the time wasted by conflicting opinions from police and witnesses to crimes.

I have been reviewing the Transcend DrivePro Body 10, a really excellent example of such a device, which is easy to set up, extremely simple to wear and operate and produces excellent 1080p video in both daylight and nighttime. The device has an excellent F2.8 160 degree wide angle lens and comes with a 32GB micro SD card included.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WzGO7-4IEU

Video is split in to manageable sized files which means that en entire video file does not need to be viewed or copied to other media for use in court. It is also time and date stamped with the option of adding additional text to the file which is displayed on the resulting video.

The device is weatherproof and also includes a ‘snap shot’ button for taking 3.3mp image files. Operation of the video is simple and only requires the power button to be depressed to start recording and pressed again to stop.

Don’t forget to listen in to the stream to find out more about the Transcend DrivePro Body 10.

Many thanks to Transcend for providing me with a demo unit.

Christmas, Christmas Presents, Electric Vehicles, Gadget Man, Podcast, Technology, Wearables

The Gadget Man – Episode 75 – Self balancing two wheeled board

Audio November 10, 2015 Matt Porter Leave a comment

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This week we chatted about the Self balancing two wheeled board’s that are currently very popular. You might know them as Hoverboards, Segways, Balance Boards, Monorovers etc. This is because the device is being manufactured by ‘copycat’ companies in the Far East and is being marketed under a whole host of different names in the UK alone.

It takes a bit of time to get used to riding the board, but once you get it, you are away. It’s great for smooth surfaces, not so good on bumpy ones.

Listen in to the audio stream to find out all about it. Lots of video shortly.

Thanks you a million times to Charles Claughton for the loan of the board, he is indeed a star!

App of the Week, Christmas, Costumes, Gadget Man, Halloween, Podcast, Review, Smart Phone, Wearables

The Gadget Man – Episode 73 – Halloween Ideas from Digital Dudz at Morph Suits

Audio October 26, 2015 Matt Porter Leave a comment

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This morning I chatted to Mark about some Halloween and Christmas costume ideas from Morph Suits.

I was sent three different costumes ideas, the first was Cyclops Mask (available here) which aside from being a very well made full head mask, also had the added feature of fully animated eye which is achieved by slotting your mobile device into a special slot about the eye socket whilst running the Digital Dudz app for iPhone or Android. When inserted, you can then centre the eye in its socket and pinch to zoom in and out to get the right size and positioning.

Cyclops Mask from Digital Dudz modelled by Mark Murphy

As you can see from the photos and video above, the effect is amazing and a little disturbing, but a fantastic use of technology all the same.

The second and third costume items where a clown t-shirt and Christmas jumper. The clown t-shirt has a hidden slot on the front which allows for the insertion of a mobile phone with the same app running. This gives another really spooky twist to Halloween costumes! The Christmas jumper allows the insertion of a mobile phone above the photo of a Gingerbread Man, again running the app, the Gingerbread man is slowly devoured!!

The Clown T-Shirt can be purchased by clicking this link and the Gingerbread Jumper at this link. You can browse the entire range of Morph Suit clothing here.

There’s still time to order your Halloween costumes in time for this weekend at http://www.morphsuits.co.uk/

App of the Week, Christmas Presents, Podcast, Review, Smart Watch, Sports Bands, Wearables

The Gadget Man – Episode 67 – Fitbit Charge HR

Audio September 14, 2015 Matt Porter Leave a comment

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This morning I talked to Mark Matthews about the Fitbit Charge HR. Fitbit are a well known player in the fitness band marketplace and the continuous heart rate monitoring is a great feature.

Listen in the the stream to find out what I think of the Charge HR and keep an eye on the site as I spent the next few weeks monitoring my progress wearing the Fitbit Charge HR.

Thanks to Rachel Taylorat Kaizo for organising the Fitbit at such short notice.

Christmas Presents, Gadget Man, Watches, Wearables

The Gadget Man – Episode 66 – Slow Watch, Life is short, be slow

Audio September 8, 2015 Matt Porter Leave a comment

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This week, I talk to Mark about the Slow Jo 09 24 hour watch. To hear what I had to say, listen to the audio above and read on!

I am sometimes asked ‘What is a Gadget’, I guess my definition is an object that improves our way of life. This doesn’t necessarily need to be a mobile phone, it can be cars, bikes or any number of different things. When we think about watches, it’s easy to think about the high technology smart watches which integrated GPS and compass pushing information to us in what seems like urgent abundance. Continue reading The Gadget Man – Episode 66 – Slow Watch, Life is short, be slow →

Cameras, Review, Technology, Wearables

Kodak PixPro SP360 4K Unveiled at IFA

September 5, 2015 Matt Porter Leave a comment

Earlier in the year, we reviewed the Kodak PixPro SP360, we thought it was a superb camera capable of recording YouTube compatible 360 movies, so we’re really pleased that Kodak have announced an upgraded SP360 which is now capable of recording in 4K.

The original SP360 was capable of capturing video in up to 1440×1440 HD, this video was then unwrapped to product scrollable 360 video which could be uploaded to YouTube and viewed interactively.

There has been a great deal of excitement concerning the KODAK PIXPRO SP360 Action Camera and it’s been popular in the tech press and TV, this has placed Kodak at the forefront of this technology.

The SP360 4k Camera captures 360-degree field of view in multiple directions via its dome shaped lens design and can be panned not only 360-degrees horizontally, but also up and down with a host of different vantage points and views for playback post capture.

At the official press launch, Mariame Cisse, Marketing Manager of JK Imaging Ltd said “The KODAK PIXPRO SP360-4K revolutionize video recording and how you see and experience the World All Around You. This is the next step to Evolution for 360 degrees Cameras. You can now create the most pristine videos and photos in 4K and Direct and Act your own Virtual Reality movie”.

SP 360 4K – Features

12 megapixels, BSICMOS sensor
Fixed focus lens (F.2.8) that takes 360° spherical images
Viewing options: Dome (235°), Front, Global (360°), Ring, Segment (180° front and 180°rear) or Panorama mode
High speed videos 1280 x 720 (120fps); plays back with normal 50fps speed.
4K HD videos in 2028 x 2028 (50fps)
Dimensions/weight: 46.5 x 50 x 53 mm/121 g

The KODAK PIXPRO SP360-4K will be sold with varying accessory bundles depending on geographical region. It will be available in October this year in Europe. For more information, please visit: kodakpixpro.com/SP360

Hopefully we will have a chance to try out the new features soon including the live broadcast features.

Gadget Man, Smart Watch, Technology, Wearables

Official Google Blog: Android Wear now works with iPhones

August 31, 2015 Matt Porter Leave a comment

When you wear something every day, you want to be sure it really works for you. That’s why Android Wear offers countless design choices, so you can find the watch that fits your style. Want a round watch with a more classic look? Feel like a new watch band? How about changing things up every day with watch faces from artists and designers? With Android Wear you can do all of that. And now, Android Wear watches work with iPhones.

Android Wear for iOS is rolling out today. Just pair your iPhone (iPhone 5, 5c, 5s, 6, or 6 Plus running iOS 8.2+) with an Android Wear watch to bring simple and helpful information right to your wrist:

Get your info at a glance: Check important info like phone calls, messages, and notifications from your favorite apps. Android Wear features always-on displays, so you’ll never have to move your wrist to wake up your watch.
Follow your fitness: Set fitness goals, and get daily and weekly views of your progress. Your watch automatically tracks walking and running, and even measures your heart rate.
Save time with smart help: Receive timely tips like when to leave for appointments, current traffic info, and flight status. Just say “Ok Google” to ask questions like “Is it going to rain in London tomorrow?” or create to-dos with “Remind me to pack an umbrella.”

Today, Android Wear for iOS works with the LG Watch Urbane. All future Android Wear watches, including those from Huawei (pictured above), Asus, and Motorola will also support iOS, so stay tuned for more.

Dr. Seuss once said: “Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” We agree. So whoever You are, and whatever You like—Android Wear lets you wear what you want.

Source: Official Google Blog: Android Wear now works with iPhones

App of the Week, Cameras, Gadget Man, LG G4, Podcast, Review, Smart Phone, Technology, Three, Wearables

The Gadget Man – Episode 64 – LG G4 from Three

Audio August 25, 2015 Matt Porter Leave a comment

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This week those very kind people at Three have again supplied us with a gorgeous LG G4 Smart Phone.

The G4’s stand out feature is it’s screen. It improves the QuadHD screen from it’s predecessor, the G3 but brings improvement in colour and brightness. It has a nice loud speaker and the phone controls are on the back of the phone under the camera lens which makes controlling it surprisingly easy.

Both cameras are excellent on the phone, with the rear facing main camera sporting a F1.8 sensor which makes low light photos really clear at it’s 16 megapixels. Coupled with LG’s clever ‘Laser focus’, this is a seriously cool phone.

Find out more about it by listening to the stream, more detailed review is coming soon!!!

Thanks again to Jocelyn Medhurst at COW PR who is super helpful indeed!!