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Crowdfunded: iPress – Forget ironing clothes

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There are few on this earth who enjoy ironing clothes, but thankfully a new Kickstarter campaign by the name of iPress aims to rid the world of this inconvenience.

What problem does the iPress solve?

Without trying to be overly dramatic, the team behind the iPress might actually be solving the greatest problem to plague mankind for years: ironing clothes. Ironing clothes is time consuming, boring and, for some, rather difficult. We’re sure there is more than a few reading this who simply opt to wear a jumper into the office to cover up the creases.

How does it work?

The iPress is a fancy clothes hanger that can apply tension to your garments. Naturally, when stretched, clothes lose that creased look temporarily. Once stretched with the device, wet clothes can be hung up on normal hangers, while dry clothes must be spritzed with water first. The creators do claim that this is science and not magic, but we are struggling to believe it.

How much will it cost?

The iPress has set a funding goal of $20,000 on Kickstarter. With all of the Super Early Bird pledge options sold out for $19 a pop, you can still get your hands on one of these life changing devices for $25 each. For this pledge, you will get one iPress Hanger in white. The $30 option will also get you the sprayer. The team behind the device have committed to delivery of your order by November 2016, shipping to everywhere in the world, but charging $9 for the service.

You can back the iPress on Kickstarter now and get set to change your life for ever*.

*May not change your life for ever.

Vibe: Out the ticket tout

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If you’ve been following EURO 2016 and the Balls.ie facebook group you’re sure to have seen endless amounts of banter and fun being had over in France with the Boys in Green. Slightly less craic are tickets that go for above face value from touts looking to turn a profit.

euro 2016 ticket touts

Lucky enough, there is a team vowing to “out the tout”.

vibe tickets meetupVibe was founded in 2013 by Luke Massie. Luke was a little miffed that so many ticket holders would flog their in-demand tickets for a profit, taking advantage of die-hard fans, desperate to attend big events. Vibe is more or less Tinder for tickets, offering three simple elements to improve the secondhand ticket markets. You can sell tickets up to 24 hours prior to an event, but tickets from fans selling at face-value and meet other like-minded fans from communities, know to the creators as ‘Vibers’.

Currently, the end users must arrange the payment terms themselves, but this is something the developers are currently working on. This development is likely to be hurried along by Vibe’s participation in Virgin Media Business Voom 2016. Vibe has reached the final of this year’s Voom, meaning they will be pitching to Richard Branson in an effort to nab a share of a €1.2 million prize pot.

How they plan to make money, we don’t know. Vibe is a completely free service, and promises to stay that way. So for now, if you’re desperate to catch that big concert or football final, you’ve got nothing to lose.

Vibe is currently available for iOS with an Android version on the way soon. You can also follow their twitter account for further updates on available tickets.

https://twitter.com/KqtieQ/status/744624646834782209

What are the best budget smartphones?

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“False economy” is one of the most important terms you’ll need to know when looking for the best budget smartphones on the market. While smartphones aren’t as cheap as they once were, you should avoid the entry-level smartphones like the plague. They are often slow, rarely considered cheap and will likely only last you for a few months. With our logic explained, we can now move on with our list of the best budget smartphones currently on the market.

Samsung J3

samsung galaxy j3With a decent screen size and a solid body, the Samsung Galaxy J3 can do almost everything the Galaxy S7 owners can do. Unless you’re planning endless hours of gaming on the phone or are seeking a gateway VR headset, the J3 will do just fine.

For the people out there that think you really need to splash the cash to get a decent phone camera, think again. The J3 comes with an 8MP camera and although the sensors and detail might not be as good as the iPhone 6s, you’ll still get some decent snaps of your summer travels to pop on Instagram. It also comes with an impressive 2600 mAh battery which is likely to keep you fully powered for over a day. This phone is currently retailing at about €169.99 in most phone shops in the country and is also available on Amazon.co.uk.

HTC Desire 530

The HTC Desire 530 is pretty much on par with the Galaxy J3. While the screen resolution leaves a little to be desired (no pun intended), the trademark HTC front-facing speakers deliver a high quality audio experience. The increasinly popular trend of large sensors in cameras allowing more light in continues. The Desire 530 follows suit, meaning it’s great for snapping in low-light: we’re thinking nightclub shots with your friends.

While the resolution might not be the same level as the J3, the sizeable 5-inch screen is great for watching videos or gaming, largely owing to the great speakers. You can expect to pay around €160 in Irish shops for the Desire 530 which is also available on Amazon.co.uk for those of you looking for a SIM free version.

OnePlus X

oneplus xMy personal favourite on the list. OnePlus is a phone manufacturer that came out of no where. Dubbing their phones ‘flagship killers’, you will not find these on the high street. You’ll also be hard pushed to find them anywhere online, except of course for the OnePlus website. Here you’ll find the X is available for €239 and is great value for money at that. The majority of the specs you see on show are normally found in phones above €300.

Besides its premium and slick design, it’s got a 13MP camera plus an 8MP front-facing camera, certainly appealing to you Snapchatters out there. Finally, you throw a 2525 mAh battery into the mix and the 801 Snapdragon processor and it’s impossible to leave the OnePlus X off the list.

HTC Desire 825

The most recent phone released on the list is a beast. Boasting a 5.5-inch screen, 13MP camera, 5MP front camera, 2700 mAh battery, HD display and a very respectable 2GB of ram, the Desire 825 will only set you back €219.99. With an almost premium feel to it, this is definitely a phone for someone who wants a high end phone but just doesn’t want to fork our a fortune. Again the signature HTC speakers are the cherry on top providing a great entertainment solution. Pick this up in Irish phone shops and Amazon.co.uk for a SIM free version.

Samsung Galaxy A3 (2016)

If you’re willing to spend a bit extra, this is probably the best of the budget smartphones on the list. With a premium glass finish similar to the S6, Samsung are really showing their quality. With an apparent shift towards avoiding cheap smartphones by the South Korean manufacturer, Samsung are making it clear they’re a luxury brand, regardless of what price range you are shopping in. Coming it at around €289.99, this phone is money well spent and won’t let you down. Pick it up in Irish phone shops now or on Amazon.co.uk for SIM free versions.

 

What are the current Brexit odds?

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If you are wondering what the chances of a Britain leaving the European Union, there is no shortage of bookmakers who will offer you the latest Brexit odds. The past few days have seen a swing in favour of a Brexit. We take a look at the best way to keep up to date with the latest likely outcomes of the June 23rd referendum.

What is Brexit all about?

The Brexit or British Exit from the EU, does exactly what it says on the tin. The people of Britain will vote on whether or not Britain remains within the European Union. The ramifications for both Briain and the EU would be huge, so huge it may be difficult to fully comprehend the potential fallout. The help understand current British feeling and what the likely outcome will be, there are plenty on places online to keep up to date.

Bloomberg Brexit Watch Indicators

Analytical media behemoth Bloomberg provides great insight into the potential Brexit through understanding public opinion. From an overview showing likelihood of Brexit to latest opinion polls, the Bloomberg Brexit Watch Indicators will give you the most up to date insights into the referendum.

Paddy Power provides best Brexit odds

brexit oddsGo ahead, laugh. Then really think about it. A business that is fundamentally dependent on getting probability right in order to make a profit is probably going to be on the ball when it comes to predicting the outcome of things like referendums. One of the leading bookmakers, Paddy Power, will give you a great idea of how things are going for both the stay and exit camps of the referendum groups.

We’re not going to pop the odds here because you can expect them to change, but you will find them over on the Paddy Power website.

Twitter

Of course, you’ll get the latest Brexit odds on twitter by following the likes of Paddy Power. Going one step further with your hashtag research will get you an even deeper understanding of what’s on the table. Hashtags such as #brexit #strongerin #voteremain will give you the most up to date news from all camps.

It’s turning out to be a rather interesting debate that will ultimately finish closer than many expected. Consequences could be huge, but all you can really do now is sit back and keep up to date.

 

FIFA 17 set for late September launch date

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Perhaps slightly more exciting than Christmas is the date that the new FIFA launches. Year in and year out Electronic Arts Sports, better known as EA Sports, launch the annual upgrades to their suite of sporting games. Some argue that the changes are minute between the years, but nonetheless there is no shortage of excitement that accompanies the launch of a new FIFA game. Here is what we know so far.

When is the FIFA 17 launch date?

FIFA 17 is pencilled in for a September 29th launch date. The latest football simulator will be available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC and,  despite fears FIFA 16 would be the last, FIFA 17 will also grace the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Xbox One customers who are also EA Access members are likely to save some money and get early access to the game too.

How much will FIFA 17 cost?

As with all games these days, it won’t come cheap. Again, Xbox One users who are EA Access members can expect to save about 10% on the title. The entry level game is likely to set you back €69.99 but pre-ordering and buying a higher priced version will reward you with lucrative bonuses such as FIFA Ultimate Team packs.

What’s new in FIFA 17?

Every year, one wonders how can EA Sports continue to develop football gaming enough to warrant annual upgrades for gamers. FIFA 17 will introduce a very dramtic career mode which they’re referring to as “The Journey”. This game mode may aswell just be called the “Marcus Rashford game mode” and there are striking (pun intended) similarities.

There are further developments in the usual areas, with particular focus on set pieces and one on one battles. We’re not going into detail on these until we get some gameplay as these are often subtle changes.

We do expect some improvements in how managers appear on the touchline as Jose Mourhino is one of the predominant faces of the latest FIFA title.

Who are the others faces of FIFA 17?

FIFA 17 appears to have embraced the next generation of football superstars with the players selected to promote the game. Gone are the likes of Rooney and Ronaldo. In their place are Eden Hazard, Marco Reus, Anthony Martial and James Rodrígeuz.

alex hunter fifa 17The other important name involved in the launch is the unknown Alex Hunter from the “The Journey” mode. We believe this is just a launch thing with your own name taking the place of Alex, but will EA gamble on having all names ready?

We’ll know more in the coming months as the finer details of FIFA 17 are finalised and the gameplay demos are released. For now, it’s back to FIFA 16 for another few months.

What are those loud bangs at EURO 2016?

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During Russia versus England and Turkey versus Croatia, we’ve spotted a question popping up on Twitter: “What are those loud bangs at EURO 2016”. Given the events in Paris late last year, it’s understandable why such noises within a stadium would raise eyebrows.

What are those loud bangs at EURO 2016

In short, the loud bangs are caused by fans with flares.

You would be forgiven for thinking, like we did, that flares just make that whoosh sound when being lit, but there are also models which are extremely loud. These models also look similar to handguns, with those untrained in the areas unlikely to spot much difference.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeOgicPpa-o

Are flares banned at EURO 2016?

Flares, along with many other similar devices are explicitly banned from being brought into the stadium. This is what worries many onlookers. Given the terror threat that surrounds the tournament, many are asking just how such explosives are making their way into the stadiums. We’ve heard two explosions and it’s just day three of EURO 2016.

Regardless of the tense context the tournament is being held within, flares are banned for safety reasons. A typical flare, once ignited, burns at an incredible 1,600 °C: something you would much rather not come into contact with.

During matchday two, a flare believed to have been fired from a Russian Ultra group towards English supporters.

Idiotic actions of minorities within the stadiums have left many questioning how “heightened” security is at EURO 2016.

https://twitter.com/manx_city/status/741995085353607168

 

Apps to get you through EURO 2016

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Are you well grounded or daring to dream as the Republic of Ireland get set for their next European adventure?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceG7EUOjDGg

It’s tough to fight the optimism right? Well regardless of which camp you fall into, Euro 2016 is a massive competition which will capture the imagination of many European nations. We are determined to ensure you don’t miss a second of the action and sure if Greece can do it, surely we can dare to dream?

Onefootball Adidas and EURO 2016

AndroidiOS

With great tournaments come great tournament apps and the Euros will be no different. There is of course the usual official tournament app, but Adidas have also emerged with one that we prefer. Pick your favourite team and get the latest news and scores into your smartphone. You will also pick your favourite club team and preferred tournaments so you can even use the app well past Ireland’s narrow semi-final 2-1 defeat to Portugal (you heard it here first).

Livescore

AndroidiOS

You’re stuck in work and might not have the internet speed to stream stuff right? Luckily enough, Livecore doesn’t need much juice to operate. Arguably the most comprehensive sports results app on the market , pretty much any game in the world can be tracked. Recent updates include live commentary, lineups and set favourite games for notifications.

You’ll also get goalscorers and assists, which is even better for your fantasy football stats!

Stats Zone by FourFourTwo

AndroidiOS

Another free app for both Android and iOS users who want to be the Gary Neville of your group in the pub. Powered by the kings of football statistics Opta, this app gives you in depth information live to your smartphone. Its a very impressive piece of kit covering everthing from shots, passes by team or player all the way down to goalkeeper distribution and dribbles completed.

So want to see how the legend that is Wesley Hoolahan fair against the Italian defence, fancy seeing just how many long balls we will play against the Swedes or just want to have a chuckle at Jack Wilshires inability to stay on a football pitch then this is a must for you.

RTÉ Player and 3 Player

RTÉ Player: AndroidiOS | 3 Player: AndroidiOS

euro 2016From right now, these apps are already growing essentials for the championships. Watch the free streams of the broadcasters sharing the big games, but also enjoy some classics including the run up to the EURO 2016 finals with RTÉ Player.

Typically of course, these apps might let you down or may not be showing a game you’re interested. For such an eventuality, we have you covered.

Mobdro

If you’re stuck, having the likes of Mobdro and Ustream as backup is essential. Not available in the Google Play store, you will need to side load this APK onto your Android device, but the Mobdro site has all the info you’ll need to pull it off.

Paddy Power app

So now that you have all the info you need and the ability to watch the obscure fixtures, you can spice them up a little and make yourself a few euros at EURO 2016. Unfortunately you cannot download gambling apps directly through the Google Play store, but Paddy Power have all the info you need to get up and running over on their site. Bet responsibly and bet for fun. Also, if you’re betting amongst friends, give BetYou a look.

 

What happens to people caught downloading torrents?

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Chances are if you haven’t done it yourself at some stage, you have benefited from someone downloading torrents. There have been many warnings to users over the years, but what actually happens when you are caught downloading torrents?

Is downloading torrents illegal?

Game of Thrones leaks earlyDownloading torrents is perfectly legal. Torrents are simply broken up files shared between users in peer to peer downloading. The problem begins when users download copyrighted content through torrents and peer to peer sharing. That’s not frowned upon, it’s good old fashioned illegal.
Internet users downloading the latest Game of Thrones episode to the blockbuster movies like Star Wars, are costing the entertainment industry billions, with one particular movie in 2005 losing $6.1 billion to piracy. While these calculations are never perfect, given many downloaders would have never paid in the first place, there is no refuting the fact piracy is bad news for Hollywood.

Reaction to online piracy in Ireland

Online piracy has made the headlines in Ireland quite a bit in recent years. Eir, formerly Eircom, initiated a three strike policy against its 700,000 customers in 2010. Despite sending out an undisclosed number of warning letters, we believe no customer has been cut off for illegal downloading of copyrighted materials. Virgin Media state on their website that “they take the threat of online piracy very seriously” and after briefly resisting, in 2015 installed the same three strike rule as Eir. To date, it also looks as if Virgin Media (formerly UPC) have not cut anyone off.

International reaction to online piracy

A recent Reddit thread brought together the stories of various people from around the world and their piracy stories. We’ve picked out our favourites, though some have already been deleted, to answer the most popular questions.

What to say if caught pirating

plead ignorance gifWe do not condone pirating: it is illegal. When caught, fast thinking CoreyC simply pleaded ignorance, blaming an innocent lack of security as causing the issue. Redditors agreed this was simply good, solid advice.
reddit comment relating to downloading torrents

What do internet service providers say in their piracy warnings?

It turns out that proving what their customers are doing is extremely difficult for internet service providers. Despite the fact that large sections of the public find it creepy, in some circumstances, monitoring internet use is illegal. Considering the minefield providers find themselves in, they often keep their warnings nice and vague to avoid saying anything that will land them in hot water.

vague
Providers use this vagueness to ‘honey pot’ customers into giving themselves up.

Is there anything that can be done should you get cut off?

Yes. You can ask nicely apparently.

reconnect Cost of pirating in Germany

germany

Remember, the worst outcome might not be getting sued …

Redditor, LordNeddard, can testify to not all awful outcomes of being an online pirate end with being sued.

squirtIn short, you shouldn’t download illegally shared, copyrighted materials. It’s illegal. At the same time, it looks unlikely that much will happen to you, in Ireland at least, for doing so.

You can read through the thread in full on Reddit, though due to the huge amount of deletions, you’ll need the Uneddit tool too.

Choetech Fast Charge Wireless Charger: Review

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Recently we took a look at the official Samsung Wireless Fast Charger and while we found it appealing in most areas, the price tag that accompanied it makes it inaccessible for many. Fortunately, power specialists Choetech do offer an alternative.

Major thank you to Choetech who provided us with a wireless fast charger to review

choetech fast charge wireless chargerManufacturers and Samsung in particular, have been focussing on wireless and fast charging in recent years. Their aim to make charging infrequent, quick and convenient. As with all technology, it’s becoming more affordable thanks to generic brands emerging with great alternatives. Choetech provide a wide range of chargers, including a wireless fast charger for Samsung devices, but how does it rate versus the official Samsung wireless fast charger?

Choetech fast charge wireless charger versus Samsung wireless fast charger

Functionality

View of a non-orientation USB connection on the Choetech adaptive fast chargerIn terms of design and functionality, the Samsung charger gets out in front. The particular model that we looked at featured a cradle for added convenience when streaming video content. The Choetech pad does have a rubber area on the surface, providing limited grip should your smartphone rest on it at an angle of some sort.

One neat little feature on the adaptive fast charger is a non-orientation based USB fitting on the plug itself (right). This makes it easier to plug USBs in as you can’t be wrong.

Charge speed

The fact that these chargers can bring your device from flat to half charge in thirty minutes is mind boggling. Thanks to fast charging, batteries lasting for just a day is not longer a problem. In terms of comparison, the two stack up against each other perfectly. We couldn’t see any difference in the charge speeds of either charger.

Value for money

While the Samsung takes round one, the Choetech wireless fast charger takes round three after a round two draw.

The Samsung charge pad is rather expensive but may still appeal to die hard Samsung fans. We were disappointed to see a secondary adaptive fast charger would be needed to get the most out of owning the pad.Ultimately, there is little point to fork out for the official fast charger unless the cradle feature is something that really appeals to you.

The Choetech wireless fast charger will charge your Samsung device at lightening speed while leaving a fair sum of money resting in your pocket too. Granted, you will also need to purchase a second wireless fast charger should you want to get the most out of the Choetech wireless fast charger, the two items can be purchased for a fraction of the cost of official Samsung merchandise.

You can pick up the Choetech wireless fast charger on Amazon.co.uk for about €25 and a second adaptive fast charger, also on Amazon.co.uk for just under €12. You might also want to read our guides on ordering from Amazon to Ireland using Parcel Motel and Prime.

Apple and Samsung to face Huawei and others

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When you hear high end smartphones, your first thought is likely to be the Apple iPhone 7 launch or the latest Samsung Galaxy S7. For quite some time now, various manufacturers have been challenging those we traditionally consider to be market leaders. Is it time we said goodbye to the €750 smartphone?

Are smartphones overpriced?

The Nokia 3210One of the best selling and best known mobile phones of all time is the Nokia 3210. This beast of a handset is likely sitting in your drawer right now and still has some charge in it. The 3210 would have set you back just over €300, including inflation and exchange rate. The handsets of today which fill the same space, cost double though they are jam packed with features: making this an unfair comparison. Instead, we should be comparing with the cheaper phones of the Asian markets.

Kings of the Asian handset market

huawei p9Not too long ago, we predicted that brands such as Xiaomi and Huawei would finally make their mark on European markets. At the launch of their Ascend P8 handset in 2015, Sales and Marketing Manager, Justin Costello announced the company’s goal was to be third biggest in the market. This has become more achievable than ever as the Chinese manufacturer continues to create fantastic handsets in this year’s P9, but has gone further in achieving increased brand awareness too.


As you can see above, Huawei is the fastest rising Google search query in the Irish market. Take into consideration the sheer size of eir and Virgin Media’s recent rebranding budgets, Huawei’s performance just becomes even more admirable. Monthly searches for the Huawei brand has increased significantly, an increase normally only witness during the Christmas pre paid surges. This is a massively indication that the Irish people have become increasingly receptive towards handsets like the Huawei P9.

Huawei: The best value smartphone in Ireland

In the Huawei P9, we arguably have the best value smartphone in Ireland. Coming in at €529, the P9 is one of Huawei’s most expensive devices to reach our shores. With that said, it’s a fraction of other manufacturer’s leading handsets. The Samsung Galaxy S7 and iPhone 6s will cost you €729.99 on Vodafone, a whopping 30% more expensive. You can compare the three handsets for yourself, but you will be hard-pressed to find much of a difference.

The last word

The ball is in the court of the heavy hitters now. Will they press on with huge price tags, or match up to the Kings of the Asian market? Only time will tell.