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iOS 15 Home Screen Ideas: Make The Most Of Focus Mode

Marty
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iOS 15 Home Screen Ideas: Make The Most Of Focus Mode

I’ve already written about Focus Mode being the best feature of iOS 15. I had been testing the Beta for a few weeks and really liked the control Focus Mode gave me over my phone. Now that the new iPhone 13 has been launched and iOS 15 is publically available, you can try out Focus Mode for yourself. Here are a few iOS 15 home screen ideas to get you started from the layouts I’ve been using.

Focus Mode At A Glance

I’d recommend reading that article above if you have no idea what Focus Mode is, but let’s have a quick overview. Basically, Apple introduced this feature to give you greater control over your smartphone. Once set up, you can control which apps can send you notifications and when. My favourite feature is setting up the dynamic home screens based on parameters I’ve set.

While there are plenty of guides out there that centre on an aesthetically pleasing look for your home screen, I much prefer functionality. I’ve often used the term “UXing my life”. When I say this, I mean I’m making the tasks I do regularly easier to do by looking at things like workflows and reducing the amount of effort to complete recurring elements of a task. That’s at the core of how I use Focus Mode. Here are some examples. Remember, you build these up yourself in the Settings on your iPhone or iPad.

Home Focus

My Home Focus Mode

Home Focus is the mode active most of the time on my iPhone 12. It activates based on location, so as soon as I come home, my phone knows to juggled my screens into Home Focus.

I’ve divided my Home Focus into three sections.

  1. Entertainment
  2. Wellbeing
  3. Smart Home

Sitting on the couch, I can stream the latest Netflix series to my TV, track meals in MyFitnessPal or control my Dyson Air Purifier. Before I had this feature in iOS 15 I was constantly digging through folders looking for apps or forgetting I even had some.

The widgets let me grab quick info as I need it too. The bottom one is usually where I see how many visitors came to this website and above that I see my steps. For this I have to use a custom widget builder called Widgetsmith.

This Focus Mode is triggered by entering a short radius around my home location.

Work Focus

work focus mode in ios 15
Work Focus keeps my social media out of sight

Probably taking up the second slot of things I see the most is my Work Focus Mode. At the top is a widget from one of my favourite productivity apps called Sorted3. I can jot down and categorise tasks, seeing my work load at a glance. Note, this screen grab was taken on a Saturday, hence it’s pretty clear.

My calendar widget keeps me up to date with other events I’ve booked in and totally forgot along with meetings during the week. I can book a hotdesk for the day and access all my data needed for a days work. I use Dublin Bikes a lot too when traveling to the office so having that app and the Leap Card readily available helps me getting from A to B.

My Work Focus Mode kicks in every week day from 9am to 5.30pm.

Sleep Focus Mode

Getting ready for bed including an iPhone Shortcut

I’m particularly proud of this Focus Mode designed specifically for bedtime. The reason I love this one is because it was my first time using Apple’s Shortcut app. This lets me take a workflow and trigger the whole thing automatically with just one tap of a widget.

“Play to Locker”, confirms my Bluetooth is turned on, waits two seconds, connects to the Bluetooth speaker beside my bed and opens the Headspace app. I love listening to Sleep Casts in Headspace as falling asleep in silence is always a challenge for me.

I kept the Headspace app on the homescreen for other meditation options and have a few different ways to jump into a podcast if I’m feeling it.

MyFitnessPal appears again just in case I need to log a final meal or close out my day.

Another great iPhone feature is the Sleep Widget. I usually get up at 7.15am and the widget tells me when I should be in bed. One tap into the widget and I can tweak my wake time for a lie in and go to bed a bit later. I also like having tomorrows weather at a glance. This helps me decide on working from home or popping in and grabbing a hot desk for the day.

This Focus Mode activates every night at 10.30pm.

Out And About Focus Mode

Not all my screens are balanced or aesthetically pleasing because I just see what I need

My Out and About Focus Mode is a great example of making a pretty home screen versus a really functional one. It’s not balanced with even numbers of apps and widgets. Instead, it’s just what I need when I’m out walking around the city.

If I want to grab a Dublin Bike, navigate from A to B, check a shopping list from Google Keep which we add items to using the Google Nest Hub, or accessing loyalty programs like Lidl Plus or Squid, I have everything I need ready to go.

Out and About Focus Mode starts when I leave my home radius and no other modes are active.

Gym Focus Mode

Everything you need to break a sweat

Anyone talking to me lately has told me to shut up about the gym. It’s even sneaking into my reviews, like this smart padlock. But my Gym Focus Mode is really handy too. I have easy access to my Bluetooth headphone controls, my fitness apps including My PT Hub where my trainer puts my work outs and Spotify.

This mode activates based on location, similar to my Home Focus Mode. As soon as I’m near the gym, I get all of this stuff.

I’m constantly tweaking these Focus Modes with new apps or widgets as they become available. Remember, it’s not just the layouts that help with focus. You can limit which contacts are able to reach you during certain times, like cutting your boss off outside work hours. Better still, you can limit which apps can send you notifications and when. This is particularly helpful if you have one phone for work and personal life. All those work emails and Teams notifications can be muted until your work hours come back around.

My recommendation, is go have a play with some of these modes. These are just my own iOS 15 home screen ideas. You’ll want different apps and layouts. Make them your own and constantly tweak them until you feel like you’re back in control of your phone again.

You can also sync modes on iPad but have different layouts for both devices, so if you have the full eco-system, be sure to make the most of it.

How To Go Live On TikTok: The Essential Guide

Marty
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How To Go Live On TikTok: The Essential Guide

I’m not entirely sure what my lockdown would have been like without TikTok. I do know that now we’re going back to the office, a lot of people will need to fight the urge to watch TikToks on full volume during their toilet breaks. For those who don’t just creep on the platform, you might be wondering how do you go live as a content creator. Not everyone can do it but here’s the “how to”.

Who Can Go Live On TikTok?

Going live isn’t for everyone. It’s very possible that if you’ve just started your account, you won’t see the “go live” option. In order to get live streaming up and running you need to be:

  1. Over 16
  2. Have at least 1000 followers

My own TikTok has over 1000 users but once that first thousand was hit, the growth slowed dramatically. This seems to be how TikTok gets people in. They hook you with 1000 followers and then lure you into live streaming. You should always remember, social media platforms are highly engineered to influence your behaviour.

Anyway, if you’re looking to keep on growing your TikTok account, going live is the next step. Here’s how you do it.

How To Go Live On TikTok

Now that we’ve confirmed you have at least 1000 followers and are over 16, you can go live. Here’s more detail on how you do that.

Step 1: Open TikTok

Ugh. Yes, this is an obvious step, but where else should I start?

Step 2: Tap The Create Button

At the bottom of your screen, you’ll see the Create Button. You might refer to this as a “new post” or “plus” button.

This is the Create or “plus” button in TikTok for new posts and live streaming

Step 3: Swipe To “Live”

Once TikTok launches into create mode, you’ll see a swipeable menu at the bottom. You need to head on over to “Live”.

Step 4: Prepare Your Stream

Before you go live, you’ll need to give your live stream a title and you can also upload a thumbnail image. If you want to support a charity, you can pick there here too.

Step 5: Go Live

Take a deep breath. Hit the “Go Live” button and start your broadcast.

Just like that. You’re ready to go live.

Once you go live, you’ll have access to some tools. Just tap the three dots and away you go.

When you’re live, keep an eye on your comments and chat with people who leave messages. Sometimes it might be a good idea to have some music playing at the start while people are joining. Give people a reason to stay. Play around with some ideas and see what works for you and your followers.

TikTok Live FAQs

How many followers to go live on TikTok?

You need to have at least 1000 followers before the option to go live appears on TikTok.

How to go live with someone on TikTok?

Once you’re live, you’ll have the option to invite another person onto your stream. After you go live a button will appear in the bottom left–hand corner. Once you click this you’ll see a list of people that can join you live. Once invited, they’ll have 20 seconds to accept.

Will iPhone 14 Support USB-C Because Of EU Ruling?

Marty
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Will iPhone 14 Support USB-C Because Of EU Ruling?

This is good news. Despite what Apple would have you believe, this is good news. The EU Commission is now putting forward legislation to establish a common charging solution for all relevant devices. It’s going to be USB-C which has left Apple fuming. Here’s everything you need to know about the EU going USB-C and what Apple will likely do next.

The EU Is Going USB-C Only

Back in 2009, phone manufacturers arrived at an agreement together that they should all adopt a common standard for chargers. This was when we lost the fat and skinny Nokia chargers as manufacturers moved towards micro-USB and more recently USB-C.

There has been some success, as years of working with the industry on a voluntary approach did manage to bring down the number of mobile phone chargers from 30 to just 3 within the last decade. Still, the EU believes they’ve fallen short of where they need to be, most likely because of Apple’s refusal to adopt USB-C, instead opting for their proprietary Lightning port and cables.

As a result of this, the EU is mandating that all phones must feature a common charging port and that’s going to be a USB-C port. And it’s not just smartphones in scope here. USB-C will become the standard port for all smartphones, tablets, cameras, headphones, portable speakers, and handheld gaming consoles.

Fast Charging Standard And No More Bundling

The same legislation will introduce standardised fast charging too. Again, Apple wasn’t exactly sound in this space. For years, they bundled a 5W charging brick with their new products, leaving it up to you if you wanted to go buy a faster charger from Apple. Now, when you visit a mates house, their charger will fit and work just as well as the charger you have at home. After a few years of the older stuff dwindling away.

I mentioned bundling there and this is another thing that’s important to note is changing. You’ll now have the choice, where possible, to buy your new phone without a charger. Samsung and Apple is already selling phones without power bricks, though as I’ve written before, I’m not so sure it’s for environmental reasons.

Why Is The EU Doing This?

The reason for all of this is simple. Annoy Apple. No, I’m joking. This is an important step towards reducing the production and disposal of new phone chargers, more particularly the amount of waste generated by them. Disposed of and unused chargers are estimated to pile up to 11,000 tonnes of e-waste every year.

Commissioner Thierry Breton, responsible for the Internal Market

Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice-President for a Europe fit for the Digital Age, said: “European consumers were frustrated long enough about incompatible chargers piling up in their drawers. We gave industry plenty of time to come up with their own solutions, now time is ripe for legislative action for a common charger. This is an important win for our consumers and environment and in line with our green and digital ambitions”.

Why Is This A Big Deal For Apple?

Apple has resisted this from the word go, opting instead for their proprietary Lightning charger on iPhone and some iPads. This is despite moving some iPads and all MacBooks to USB-C. Apple is claiming foul, stating that the new rules will lead to more waste being generated whilst also stifling innovation.

The truth of the matter is that Apple knows lots of customers have bought accessories designed with Lightning ports. Think of those old speakers you could dock your iPhone into and play music while also charging your phone. Apple is concerned that these products becoming obsolete is going to lead to more waste than ever. Of course, there are also all the cables headphones that are out there today.

While there is some truth to this, I don’t for a second believe what Apple is saying here on the surface to be the real reason they’re apprehensive. Lightning is another factor that keeps people within the Apple ecosystem. I love the Apple ecosystem and it works so bloody well that I’d now hate to leave it. If people have Lightning accessories, they can’t really swap over to Samsung or OPPO because the accessories just won’t fit.

I’m not buying the whole “stifling innovation” thing either. Apple is a company famed for innovative design. The amount of tech they cram into smartphones is incredible. They’ve been working with massive constraints for years and knocking it out of the park. As Orson Welles once said, “the enemy of art is the absence of limitations”.

The reality is that Apple has stubbornly been dragging this on for years and the EU is now taking a stance. The entire legislation is effectively aimed at Apple’s refusal to adopt USB-C and giving people low-ball chargers.

What Will Apple Do Next?

Well, there are three things they can do. You might be surprised to hear there even are three options.

The first thing, and most likely thing Apple will do, is to adopt USB-C. Apple already has significant experience with USB-C on the Apple laptop range but more importantly for mobile design, lots of iPads too.

Next up, is the most unlikely option. Apple could release a phone with two ports, Lightning and USB-C. The ROG Phone 3 actually does have two ports, both USB-C. So it can be done. However, the amount of design work required to make that a reality is massive.

The third option, which I would say is pretty much inevitable, is the portless iPhone. Apple is pushing MagSafe and wireless charging big time. Everyone thought it was lunacy when they killed the headphone jack, but here we all are with wireless earbuds or headphones. There’s nothing stopping Apple from releasing an iPhone that can only be charged wirelessly. It’s been confirmed that this wireless approach would be exempt from requiring a USB-C port. Ironically, the wireless charger could even have a Lightning port as it falls outside of the scope of the EU legislation.

Will The iPhone 14 Be USB-C?

It’s very unlikely the iPhone 14 will now support USB-C. Even though the iPhone 13 has just launched, design for next year’s phone would be well underway. Unless Apple knew about this or had plans to go for USB-C anyway, it’ll more likely be the iPhone 15 that first bears the USB-C port. That’s assuming Apple doesn’t just go wireless.

From the EU, there will be a transition period of 24 months from the date of adoption to give manufacturers ample time to adapt USB-C and the other new rules.

Lexon Smart Padlock: The Best Padlock For The Gym

Marty
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Lexon Smart Padlock: The Best Padlock For The Gym

As anyone who’s been around me lately will testify to, I’ve been spending a lot of time in the gym lately. All I can talk about is protein this and bench press that. Now, it’s even creeping into my tech reviews. I bought a smart padlock (yes I do actually buy gadgets) and have found it perfect for my locker in the gym. It will work in loads of other places too so you might find a use for one yourself.

What Is A Smart Padlock?

To state the obvious, padlocks are typically used to secure things. You’re probably familiar with locks that require a key or combination to unlock them. I was using a combination lock myself for years but when I stopped going to the gym during the lockdown closures, I forgot the pin number. I riffled through some old photos on my phone and found it again, but I couldn’t change the combination and settled on buying a new lock.

Naturally, because I’m a nerd, I found myself looking at the Lexon Nomaday Smart Lock. Instead of relying on a key or a combination to unlock it, this padlock has a fingerprint reader built into it. The only way to open it is by scanning your fingerprint or thumbprint. Because this is an electronic padlock it has a USB-C port in the base where you can recharge it. But that’s it. Once set up, all you need is your hands to unlock your locker.

Are Smart Padlocks Worth It?

For me, this padlock solved some problems. I couldn’t change the combination and I was afraid I’d forget the pin. I was particularly worried about coming back from my shower without my phone and being stuck in the changing rooms with nowhere to go and just a towel to my name.

smart padlock on a locker

The digital padlock means I don’t need to worry about losing a key or forgetting a combination. Unless there’s a tragic accident with a benchpress machine, I’ll be able to unlock my locker with the tap of my finger.

There are additional benefits too. For example, if you have a lock with a key, you need to carry your key around from machine to machine. I had one before but the key was on my house keys which were awkward to keep in my pocket or lug around the gym. Finding little uses like this for tech is what I love and it made this smart padlock a genuinely clever solution to a problem I, and many other people have.

Additional Features Of Lexon’s Lock

Ok, so it locks stuff and that really is about it. But there are a few other specs that you might like to know about.

The lock is a neat solution if your office is moving to a hotdesking model and giving people lockers. It might even be the perfect solution for your kids in school if they have lockers to store their books between classes. But it doesn’t have to be used indoors as Lexon’s padlock is IP65 rated. Feel free to lock things up outside with it.

Once charged, Lexon claims the battery will last up to one year or for 3000 unlocks. Obviously, I haven’t been able to put it through its paces to that extent so we’ll have to take their word for it.

The lock can store up to ten different fingerprints too so you can register a finger or two from both hands, an approach I strongly recommend. But you can also have multiple users registered too. Handy if it’s being used in a shared space.

The Lexon Nomaday Smart Lock Review Verdict

I’ve been using the padlock for about a month now. It does solve the specific problem I have but it comes with the “but”. There’s still a bit of anxiety that creeps in after a shower or jacuzzi has left your fingers wrinkly and the lock doesn’t open on the first attempt. After a quick rub of a towel, it’s always fine. Both your finger and the lock need to be bone dry to work so just be aware of that.

It isn’t the toughest looking lock in the world either. Personally, I wouldn’t let it secure much more than my gear bag in a locker for an hour or so. I haven’t tried, but I sense you’d be able to force the lock if you really wanted to. Thankfully, it doesn’t have the dramatic weakness a similar smart lock on the market did that cost double the price.

JimmyRigEverything finds a big weakness in a different smart lock

But while there are negatives to be seen here, I’m delighted with my purchase. This smart padlock does everything I need it to do.

I do understand that sometimes it feels like we’re making everything smart without really wondering if it needs to be smart. I have a Bluetooth toothbrush that simply doesn’t need to have Bluetooth. But there are some unusual smart items that genuinely are helpful, like my Bluetooth sunglasses or Ember coffee cup. The Lexon smart padlock slots nicely into this category of useful tech for me, a decision made easier by the reasonable price of €49 too.

You can pick up the Lexon Nomaday Smart Padlock on Amazon.co.uk or from Three Ireland.

The Best Electric Scooter For Commuting Is No Electric Scooter

Marty
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0
The Best Electric Scooter For Commuting Is No Electric Scooter

That headline hurts me to write. As we re-open our workplaces and people start to try some days back in the office, interest in electric scooters has never been higher. For months, people in towns and cities around Ireland have seen more and more electric scooters on our roads. They’re easy to buy. You can buy an electric scooter in Argos right now. This is despite them being illegal to use on public property without insurance. Government inaction has led to this point where there are very real consequences should Gardaí decide to pull you over when using an electric scooter.

Electric Scooters Are Illegal To Use In Ireland

This section of this article is straightforward. For a long time I believed there was a grey area, but there’s not. It is illegal to use an electric scooter in Ireland, unless you are on private land. That means, as soon as you ride in a bike lane or on the road, you’re breaking the law.

The reason for this is that Irish law has never been updated for this category of vehicle. So we’ve been left trying to find where electric scooters fit. Unfortunately, they are classifed as Mechanically Propelled Vehicles. It doesn’t matter it they request some human force to get them moving, they are an MPV. In Ireland, MPVs must pay motor tax and insurance. I’ve tried to get both of these for my electric scooter but it’s just not possible.

The conclusion is that electric scooters are effectively illegal to use in Ireland for commuting.

Why Are So Many People Using Electric Scooters?

Despite their illegality, you’ll have noticed that electric scooters are everywhere. Even smaller towns have started to bare witness to them zipping up the road. I was in Ennis recently and saw someone getting from A to B using one.

It’s no surprise they are popular as they can both be an alternative to public transport, saving money and reducing exposure during a pandemic, and compliment public transport. This is called last mile commuting where Ireland’s generally poor public transport systems don’t really link up or bring you to where you need to be.

Ireland has just progressed with our latest set of restriction lifts which sees people testing out going back to the office. Public transport has returned to 100% capacity a few weeks ago to support the additional movement, but we can all agree the last place you want to be is a packed bus. Cycling and electric scooters offer a great alternative, the latter being particularly attractive if you don’t have showering facilities at your office.

What Can Happen If Gardaí Stop You Riding An Electric Scooter?

The ramifications for riding an electric scooter can be serious. While they seem like a simply joyful way to navigate your commute, should Gardaí decide to abandon discretion you can be landed in serious trouble. I was stopped on my scooter early last year and was let go with a warning. I haven’t used mine since but have heard plenty of cases where people have been stopped and not been so lucky.

One case resulted in an electric scooter rider ending up in court and losing their license. Fortunately, the case was overturned on appeal but this isn’t an isolated incident. From fines to penalty points there’s a range of punishments you could face for riding an electric scooter in a public place. Simply put, Irish law doesn’t differenciate between a car and an electric scooter. Both are MPVs so you are liable to be punished for using an electric scooter as if you were driving a car without tax and insurance.

I’ve been saying it’s just around the corner for years. But the Irish government moves at a snail pace on things like this. There are a large number of scooter share systems lobbying the government too. Whether this is having a positive or negative impact is hard to tell.

bolt electric scooter in ireland
There are several scooter share systems eyeing up Ireland.

There are on-campus scooter trials taking place in DCU at the moment but it doesn’t feel like this is really anything to do with government legislation, despite politicians loving turning up for photoshoots.

The Best Electric Scooter For Commuting

And that’s why I wrote the headline. The best electric scooter for commuting is no electric scooter. Get a bike or maybe even an ebike. Ebikes still operate in a bit of a grey area themselves but I don’t believe they’ve caused any hassle at all. Personally, I just use Dublin Bikes now. The exercise is a plus, right?

Google Nest Hub Review: Affordable Smart Entertainment Hub

Marty
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0
Google Nest Hub Review: Affordable Smart Entertainment Hub

There are three kinds of household these days. You’ve either completely rejected smart accessories or gone down the route of picking Google or Alexa accessories. You could probably argue a few went all in on Siri and the likes, but they’re a minority. I personally went fairly full on into Alexa before finding Google’s Assistant-powered devices to be just a touch better. One of the key devices in my home setup is the second generation Google Nest Hub. So, if you’re thinking of investing, here’s what you need to know.

What Is Google Nest Hub?

The Google Nest Hub is a surprisingly affordable voice-controled Google Assistant with a 7-inch touchscreen display. Google has made the logical choice to brand all home-related products under the same “Nest” umbrella. The Google Nest Hub sits at the very centre of this eco-system, acting as your control panel for the lot.

I’ve actually got two Nest Hubs; first and second generation versions. I’ve got one in the kitchen and one on my desk where I work. I mainly use the one in the kitchen for streaming Netflix while washing up or setting timers when cooking. The one on my desk controls my smart lights and keeps me sane during the week, playing different kinds of music I need to keep myself motivated.

my desk with the google nest hub
My desk with the Google Nest Hub and other bits and bobs.

Based on my personal experience, is the Nest Hub worth buying?

Is Google Nest Hub Good For Streaming Shows, Movies and Music?

The 7-inch display isn’t the biggest thing in the world, but it’s plenty big for binging the US Office while doing the dishes. Perhaps most surprising is the quality of the audio. It’s loud and clear despite being a very compact device. You can link your Nest Hub to the services you’d expect from Google. That’s YouTube, YouTube Music and the likes. You can also connect Netflix and Spotify amongst other services.

The Nest Hub will also appear in your Chromecast compatible devices when you try to Cast from another smart device. This is handy if you’re hopping from the big screen in the living room to the small screen in the kitchen.

If you do decide to go all in on a Google Assistant-powered eco-system and end up with a few speakers that support Google, you can also link them in the Home app. This is possibly one of my favourite features of them all. I can ask my assistant to “play The Scratch everywhere” and all speakers in all rooms will play the same music in perfect sync. If you’re having a bit of a spring clean and moving from room to room, this is an awesome feature.

Is Google Nest Hub Good For Smart Home Controls?

Another main use for my Nest Hub is the smart home control side of things. Mainly, I’m controling smart lights but I’ve started recently testing out Google’s new Nest Camera and Nest Doorbell. More on that in a few weeks. For now, it’s mainly lights around my home. You can control your smart accessories with your voice or using the touchscreen on the Nest Hub. Honestly, I nearly never use the screen, mainly down to voice being a lot more intuitive.

I do, however, have to point out that the voice-control interface isn’t perfect. A common action I request is “Hey Google, turn off the lamp”. In response, I often get “Power controls are not supported”. The reason for this is that the Nest Hub hasn’t heard my request properly and thought I wanted to turn the hub off, not a lamp. A second, clearer command in a slightly more annoyed tone usually does the trick. This is such a common occurance that I cannot ignore it, but it doesn’t destroy the experience thankfully.

Other Google Nest Hub Features

The bulk of this review is based on what you’ve read above. My reason for this is simple. In my very real-world experience, that’s what I’ve used the device for. The one exception being setting timers when I cook, which the device really is a game changer for, and the odd time getting a recipe. Sometimes, it’ll struggle with the latter because I’m picky with my recipes.

There are other features though that Google probably wants you to know about in case you might want to use them.

Quick Gestures

I thought Quick Gestures was going to be a big feature for me. When your playing music, a quick flick of your wrist to show the palm of your hand will pause playback. I used this on my desk but it was very sensitive. I was in the middle of a meeting and one gesture to my colleagues started Slipknot. Not ideal. It’s handy if you’re cooking and don’t want to use the touchscreen, but it’s not perfect.

Sleep Sensing

I’ve not used this at all. Being honest, I don’t understand why Google integrated this into the Nest Hub. Probably not want Google want to see given this was a headline feature for the launch of the second generation Nest Hub.

Sleep Sensing uses radar to detect minor movements during the night to monitor your sleep health. That means no cameras to worry about.

This feature wasn’t all that important to me given that I usually wear my Fitbit Sense to bed which offers sleep tracking. It’s good to know there’s an alternative out there for those who find wearables distracting in bed. But if this feature is one that you believe is a game changer for you, I’d recommend reading another review that covers it in more depth.

Google Duo Calling

As I mentioned, there’s no camera on the Nest Hub. That’s great for privacy but not so good if you wanted a device for video calling. Still, you can use Google Duo to call other Nest Hub devices or people with the Google Duo app installed. If you call someone with a camera, like someone using a smartphone, you’ll be able to see them but they won’t be able to see you. So if you were to buy one of these for an elderly family member, they could still see you even if you can’t see them.

Second Generation Google Nest Hub: The Verdict

Despite being a second generation device, the Nest Hub is still a lot of imperfect solutions to problems that most people probably don’t have. At the same time, there’s a lot of tech to be bought here for just €99. The sound quality is extremely impressive and the ability to link apps and daisy-chain devices means this is the modern core of home entertainment.

If you feel like you need a Nest Hub, you won’t regret the €99 outlay. If you feel confused by the device’s existence, it might not add much to your life that a simpler Google Nest Mini device would cover. Still, there’s just €30 in the difference and the Nest Hub offers so much more making it worthy of consideration as long as you’re in the market for a smart assistant at home.

Ray-Ban Stories: Odd Brand Choice And Data Protection Nightmare

Marty
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Ray-Ban Stories: Odd Brand Choice And Data Protection Nightmare

I have a pair of smart sunglasses made by Huawei. I love them. For years I pondered picking myself up a pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses, but the Huawei Eyewear II ticked all the boxes for me. Still, I was briefly interested to hear that Ray-Ban Stories had hit the market. These were the first smart glasses from the world’s most famous eyewear brand. My excitement was short-lived as I soon learned they have been built in partnership with Facebook.

What Are Ray-Ban Stories: Overview

Ray-Bans Stories are smart sunglasses and smart glasses from Ray-Ban. They’ve been designed to look fairly similar to the classic look you’d expect from Ray-Ban. The glasses were announced by Mark Zuckerberg during Facebook Connect last year. While the glasses more or less look like Ray-Bans, they are packed with tech.

Just like my own smart specs, there’s an open-ear speaker in the temple of the glasses. This lets you listen to music or podcasts on the go and, of course, take a call if you need to. There are touch controls on the temple for skipping tracks and turning the volume of your tunes up and down.

You can pick them up with sunglasses lenses or blue light lenses in a variety of colours and a couple of styles too.

Oh, then there’s the big thing I nearly forgot. Unlike my Huawei glasses, the Stories have two 5MP cameras built into the frames that connect directly to a Facebook App on your phone for posting to social media. These cameras are capable of capturing high-quality photos and standard quality 30 fps video. In a lot of ways, they’re quite similar to Snapchat Spectacles. There’s a small LED that illuminates to tell others the cameras are active.

Now, let’s get into everything that’s wrong with these glasses.

Why Facebook, Ray-Ban?

The partnership with Facebook is weird for many reasons.

Privacy

Facebook is hardly a bastion of privacy protection. Over the past few years, the company has found itself at the centre of the Cambridge Analytica scandal and huge leaks of personal data. So, when I see that Facebook is connected to a pair of glasses that has two cameras installed in the frames, I get a bit concerned. I’m not alone there either.

The Data Protection Commissioner (DPC) is the regulator of Facebook under the EU’s GDPR because the social media giant is based in Dublin. The DPC has raised concerns that the small LED may not be a great way to inform others that they are being filmed. In a statement, the DPC said, “there is a very small indicator light that comes on when recording is occurring. It has not been demonstrated to the DPC […] that comprehensive testing in the field was done by Facebook or Ray-Ban to ensure the indicator LED light is an effective means of giving notice [that the glasses are filming]”.

I’ve deleted WhatsApp and Facebook completely from my life because I just don’t like Facebook’s approach to privacy. The last thing I want to hear is that Facebook is powering a load of cameras wandering around the streets.

Odd Brand Association

Beyond the very real privacy threat here, I just cannot get my head around Ray-Ban opting to link their own well-known brand to Facebook. The biggest drawback of VR platforms like Oculus now is that you need a Facebook login to use it. That’s enough to put many off buying the tech, but at least Facebook owns Oculus, somewhat justifying the connection.

Ray-Ban is the sunglasses choice of pilots around the world. They’re a pretty cool looking pair of glasses and even make their way into countless blockbusters. In fact, it was Tom Cruise’s Risky Business and Top Gun movies that saved Ray-Ban from vanishing completely during some tough times. They’ve also massively benefitted from other associations, like being the beloved iconic choice of Casey Neistat.

Now, after just a few seconds being worn by Mark Zuckerberg, they feel infinitely less cool. Sorry, Mark.

Mark Zuckerberg launching the Ray-Ban Stories

Are Ray-Bans still cool? Ultimately, yes. I can’t see this partnership being enough to destroy the brand. But it’s just an incredibly odd move.

I can only assume Facebook has dished out massive amounts of cash to make this worthwhile for Ray-Ban. Facebook has effectively ceased to be cool for a lot of reasons and because of the privacy issues I don’t think Ray-Ban benefits from technology credibility here either. Money has to be at the core of this partnership with Facebook really being the bigger winner.

Are Ray-Ban Stories In Ireland?

Yep! You can buy Ray-Ban Stories on their website, where they’ll set you back €329 regardless of which frames you pick. You can also try them on virtually to get a feel for what they might look like on you.

Between me and Mark wearing them, they never stood a chance.

If you’re knocking about Dublin, don’t forget there’s a Ray-Ban store on Grafton Street where you can get up close and personal with them.

Sex Tech – Satisfyer Sex Toys

Dean
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Sex Tech – Satisfyer Sex Toys

Being a member of the Goosed team can have some of its advantages. We get to go to tech events such as Ces, collab with some interesting people, and test out some cool products. The products range from the latest phones on the market, smart wear, audio products, and best of all, sex tech.

We are no strangers to sex tech here at Goosed. Last year, Jon tested out the Myhixel and the Hot Octopuss Pulse Duo Lux (what a name). Now, thanks to the good folks over at Playblue.ie, they’ve given us a couple of smart Satisfyer sex toys to test out and see what the “buzz” is about.

Satisfyer – Sexy Secret

First up, the Sexy Secret. The Sexy Secret is a smooth, silicone, wearable vibrator for the vagina owners out there. You slip it into your underwear and clamp it on with a magnet, and nobody knows any better. The toy can be used solo or you can have a partner control it for you by using the app. This can spice up your sex life as you can be downstairs going about your business and your partner can turn the vibrator on and control the vibration strength and tempo directly from their phone.

An important factor of wearable sex toys is comfort. And from what I’ve been told by my better half, the Sexy Secret is very comfortable to wear due to it’s shape and is fixed firmly in place. And most importantly, it’s waterproof, so you don’t need to worry about damaging the toy during clean up.

One of the biggest worries generally with toys that vibrate is the noise level. When people use sex toys, two things they want are privacy and discretion. A loud vibrator is usually a deal breaker for most people and after a few uses, they can end up in the bin. With the Satisfyer Sexy Secret, you will not have that issue. If you have the vibrations turned up high, it’s obviously a bit louder, but compared to some other toys out there, it’s still very quiet. So if you want something subtle, the Sexy Secret is for you.

Another worry with sex toys, or more of an annoyance, is when the batteries go dead. Well, with this toy, thankfully there are no batteries as they are charged via a wall socket. However, it does have a specialised magnetic charging port, so do not lose the charger, as a standard USB charger will not do the job and you’ll have to go and buy a new one online

If you decide to go with the Sexy secret, it’ll set you back, a very very reasonable, €39.95 on Playblue.ie.

Our rating, (or my missus’ rating I should say): 8/10.

Satisfyer Double Love Luxury Couples Vibrator

Next up for the couples out there, we’ve got the Satisfyer Double Love Luxury Couples Vibrator. The Double Love can be used individually or as a couple. The vagina owners out there can use it as an internal and external vibrator, whilst the penis owners can use it as a stroker. We wouldn’t recommend buying this as a stroker for solo use alone, as it is built to be used as a couples toy, hence the same.

Similar to the Sexy Secret, the Double Love is a waterproof, silicone toy in the shape of a C. It has one wider end to be worn externally, and a narrower end for internal use. Once in place, the toy comfortably holds itself in place so, again, it can be used hands free. Not only also be used via the app on your phone, but you also get a little remote with some more basic functions on it such as turn the vibrations on and off and pulse mode. If you are going to use this simultaneously with a partner, we recommend using some lube so that you don’t end up pulling the thing out with your lad.

Again, like the Sexy Secret, discretion is top priority for the folks at Satisfyer who are developing these products, so the noise levels are very quiet. And the Double Love also has a charger in the pack, so you don’t need to worry about replacing batteries.

Our rating on this? My missus: 8/10. Myself: 7/10. Although my other half thoroughly enjoyed the Double Love, it didn’t do a lot for me by itself, but as a couples toy, it’s a very fun addition to the bedroom.

And you can pick this up on Playblue.ie for again, a very reasonable, €59.95.

Satisfyer Royal One Cock Ring

Lastly, we’ve got ourselves the Satisfyer Royal One Cock Ring. Unlike a standard cock ring, this one has a vibrating motor in it, which comes with a charger similar to the previous two. As a result of the motor, the toy is much thicker than your standard cock rings. But thanks to the highly flexible silicone and waterproof material, it should be good to fit most penis sizes. Before you put it on, apply some lube, stretch it and slide it on. You might be afraid that it’ll snap (the toy, not your lad), but we have tested this out and you should be just fine to stretch it without doing any damage to the toy.

Thanks to the design of the toy, you can use it solo, and place it on facing it downwards, applying vibrations to your testicles. Or you can place it on upwards if you have a partner where it can please both you and them. Although, as mentioned it is a big chunkier than your standard cock ring, you don’t have to worry about it getting in the way. In fact, the more contact you get with it, the better.

And just like the other two, noise levels with this are minimal. It is absolutely a non-issue with this cock ring and you can be almost guaranteed of your privacy when using it. My rating? 9/10. my significant other also gives it a 9/10 as it hits the right spots and is a bit more comfortable to use than that Double Love. And this is the cheapest of the lot, coming in at €29.95.

The Satisfyer Connect App

Just like a normal sex toy, each of the above toys can be used by themselves. The thing that makes these toys “smart”, is the free app available on the Play Store and Apple Store. Once your account is created, the Satisfyer app allows you to control each toy once in place.

When using the app close range, you can connect via bluetooth. So if you are in the same room or house, you can control the vibrations you or your partner experiences. “Program Play” has some preinstalled vibration patterns which you can control and adjust by swiping your finger on the screen which also controls the intensity of the vibrations. You can also set your own sequences and download more directly onto your app.

Another fun mode you can set your toys to is to music. You basically select this mode and it opens up your music app, Spotify for example. Then when you select a song, the vibrations and sequences pulse to the beat of the music. Personally, I’ve found that the sequences can be a bit off from the music, but after a minute, you’re not even focusing on it. However, I’d still recommend using one of the preinstalled sequences or manually setting your own ones.

If you’re not near your other half, you can still play by using “Remote Partner”. On this mode, you connect the toy over wifi and control the vibrations and sequences from distance. So if you’re out and about, or in another house, you can still play with your partner via the app. A great option, especially back during the lockdown days.

If you do find a specific pattern that you particularly enjoyed, you can upload it via Community Share on the app for other users of the Satifyer app around the world to use too. You can also sort by Most Popular to find some sequences that have been downloaded by thousands of users. And if you don’t have a partner of your own, you can actually allow other users of the app to control your toy via your username. This can be completely anonymous but allows you to connect and give up control to other sex positive people from around the world. You can even connect your toy with others toys and enjoy the same sequences and sensations together.

If you’re feeling particularly curios, you can switch over to the Ambient Noise option. So you can stick on the toy (The Sexy Secret is probably best for this) and your phone picks up noises via the mic which controls the sequences. Although this might be fun when out on a walk, we wouldn’t recommend wearing it to a nightclub!

The app and toys are really fun and innovative. The Satisfyers really are the next stage of sex toys and we highly recommend checking the out over on Playblue. And if you needed any further persuasion to try one out, just enter GOOSED for a 15% discount at the checkout!

Free Deliveroo Plus For Amazon Prime Customers In Ireland

Marty
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0
Free Deliveroo Plus For Amazon Prime Customers In Ireland

I’m expecting we’re going to see a lot of cross-border value for Irish Amazon customers now that there’s a full-on Amazon distribution centre opening in Ireland next year. The first bit of value since that announcement is great news for anyone who loves a bit of grub arriving at their front door courtesy of Deliveroo. Amazon and Deliveroo have teamed up to give Amazon Prime customers free deliveries on all orders over €25 for a year.

Update: Amazon.ie is now live, giving shoppers in Ireland access to 200 million products from the Irish distribution centre with faster deliveries and easier returns

What Is Deliveroo Plus?

The one criticism I have of Deliveroo is that their delivery prices are spicier than the curries they deliver. It’s for a business reason though; they also offer Deliveroo Plus. Basically, by committing to a monthly subscription you no longer have to pay for your food deliveries.

It’s clever. Because if you’re paying for Deliveroo Plus, you’re less likely to order with Just Eat and more likely to order food full stop. I’m constantly saying that I’m trying to be good, so I’ve avoided paying for Deliveroo Plus despite the fact it would have paid for itself a few times over during lockdown.

Deliveroo Plus Pricing

To really understand this offer, first of all you need to understand the pricing. Deliveroo knows there are two kinds of households. Usually single occupant or dual/family homes. For that reason, you can pay a little more for your membership and have to pay less on your delivered dinner to get it cycled across town for free. Or, you can pay less monthly based on the understanding that you’ll only get free delivery if your dinner order is over €25.

In these scenarios, the more expensive plan is €10.99 per month and the cheaper plan with the higher minimum order limit is just €3.99 per month.

What Is Amazon’s Deliveroo Offer?

Now, for the offer. If you are an Amazon Prime customer, you can get the €3.99 Deliveroo Plus membership for 12 months. This is great news if you’re already an Amazon Prime customer who enjoys tucking away the odd takeaway. I love stuff like this for consumers because memberships and subscriptions often feel like death by a thousand cuts. Everyone wants their part of your wallet.

Now, by paying for one companies subscription, you’re getting access to another.

Why Is Amazon Partnering With Deliveroo?

It’s hard to know why, but I guess it just benefits both companies. Amazon customers get the “value add” while Deliveroo may get some new customers trying out their service for the first time. For Deliveroo it’s also a great way to show customers the benefit of having the premium account for a year in the hope customers keep it longer.

How To Get Free Deliveroo Plus With Amazon Prime

To get free Deliveroo Plus for a year, you just have to be a paid-up Amazon Prime customer. If you meet that criteria, head on over to Amazon.co.uk and link your Deliveroo account. Simple as that. Enjoy your dinner.

Riley Eco-Friendly Period Products Partner With Vodafone

Marty
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0
Riley Eco-Friendly Period Products Partner With Vodafone

I’m going to be honest. I was looking at this press release when it landed in my inbox wondering what do I do with it. I believe we need to start lending our voices and platforms to great initiatives that make the world a better place. The tech angle here is thin but because it’s Vodafone, I’m going to run with it. Too often, despite half the country dealing with them, we shy away from talking about periods. That’s why I think it’s great to see Vodafone announce a new partnership with Riley to provide free period products to all employees at its head office in Dublin and in retail stores.

Period Products In Ireland

Ireland is the only country in the European Union not to impose a tax on period products like tampons. But we’re far from perfect. Some countries still apply a VAT rate on these “luxury” items. I’m sure you’re aware there’s nothing luxurious about a period. Simply put, tampons should be made available to all who need them. Period poverty is another serious issue where people going through a period simply cannot afford period products.

There are also new period products on the market which are not eligible for lower or zero tax rates. Products like period cups that can be cleaned and reused are a sustainable solution. Great if you can afford them with their base cost and additional tax on top as they are not treated the same as tampons.

For all of these reasons, private companies are taking steps themselves. Lidl recently offered free period products within their Lidl Plus app, meaning free period products were available to those who need them every month.

Now, Vodafone is going to offer products to all staff in Ireland.

Riley Period Subscription Box

Vodafone will offer free period products to all employees in their Irish head office and retail estate. This has been made possible by teaming up with Riley. Riley is a Cork-based business born out of the pandemic, spearheaded by three female entrepreneurs, Aine Kilkenny, Fiona Parfrey and Lauren Duggan.

With the average sanitary pad containing about 90% plastic, Riley is an eco-friendly alternative that doesn’t harm the planet. All of their products are made a Global Organic Textile Standard certified material ensuring there are no added chemicals or toxins. The majority of packaging is compostable, and the tampon applicators are bio-based and made from sustainable sugar cane.

Anne O'Leary, CEO of Vodafone Ireland and Fiona Parfrey of Riley pictured at Vodafone Head Office, Leopardstown in Dublin, announces partnership with sustainable period product subscription service, Riley, and will provide free period products to all employees at its head office in Dublin and in retail stores. The announcement marks another significant step in Vodafone’s commitment to ensuring employees are supported through every life stage.
Anne O’Leary, CEO of Vodafone Ireland and Fiona Parfrey of Riley pictured at Vodafone Head Office, Leopardstown in Dublin.

Fiona Parfrey, Co-Founder of Riley outlined the Riley mission as being “ultimately to improve women’s lives. With our eco-friendly period products made from 100% organic cotton, women are getting sanitary products that are better for their bodies and better for the planet”.

The partnership with Riley will help Vodafone meet its ambition to be recognised as the world’s best employer for women by 2025.

Anne O’Leary, Vodafone Ireland’s CEO believes “today’s announcement highlights our ongoing commitment to creating a more inclusive culture for our employees. Vodafone values innovation and it is fantastic to see a small Irish business like Riley, see a problem and find a sustainable solution through the development of their eco-friendly period products”.

Be More Aware Of Period Issues

My ask to you, as you read this, is be more aware of period issues in Ireland even if you feel they don’t affect you. Not that long ago a period ad was banned in Ireland because people found it offensive. We need to grow up and realise this impacts everyone, either directly or indirectly.

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