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JBL Live Pro+; The Best Earbuds I’ll Never Use

Audio

Alex

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5th September 2021

JBL Live Pro+; The Best Earbuds I’ll Never Use

Over the last five years, wireless earbuds have gone from being a cutting-edge novelty piece of tech (or Technovelty if you will) to being completely commonplace and ordinary. The rise of Samsung Buds, Apple Airpods, Huawei Freebuds, and hundreds of others has seemingly justified the removal of the headphone jack from most phones nowadays. Among the many third-party audio offerings are the JBL Live Pro+ which I’ve been able to play with recently. While JBL have really made a name for themselves with incredible audio quality at affordable prices I have to say that these earbuds leave me conflicted. While they are fantastic in so many areas, there are a couple of massive shortcomings that mean that they probably won’t be able to contend with the big hitters of this generation.

The Setup

The App really does let you customise everything about these buds

Like all wireless earbuds, the JBL Live Pro+ buds can be connected to your phone directly via Bluetooth and used right out of the box, no hassle. However, as with many big-name brands, JBL have their own proprietary app that you can use to really unlock their potential. It’s through this app that you’ll program any and all commands you may need into the buds. From letting them know that a single tap means “Play/Pause”, or a long press means “Activate Bypass” or “Turn on Noise Cancelling”. These commands can even be mapped to either the right bud or the left one so a double tap on the right may mean “Volume Up” while a double tap on the left will mean “Volume Down”. This is the kind of customisation range that, to me, just makes sense. You’ve got two “buttons”, so why should they automatically do the same thing? So far, so impressive.

The Sound

Once I was all set up, I fired up a couple of songs and podcasts to get the full experience. Royal Blood for the low-end, Joe Satriani for the high, and rounding it all out with some Fake Doctors; Real Friends for the Pod experience. The JBLs really pulled it out of the bag here. The sound was crisp and very well-rounded. The bass was booming without cracking at all; the highs were crystal clear and not at all tinny. The fact that the app also lets you choose from a variety of Equaliser settings (as well as setting your own custom one) goes a long way here. Listening to some 90’s Metallica? Set up a profile with the mids turned down. Going for some noughties pop? Turn the mids up again to make the most of it.

The Active Noise Cancelling (ANC), like the app, is a feature that there’s no turning back from once you’ve experienced it. We’ve all been in a situation where no matter what you do you can hear some level of background noise through your earbuds. Whether you’re on a plane, in a crowded place, or walking past roadworks there’s always a point where you debate whether it might be worthwhile to pause what you’re listening to until the disruption passes. Not with ANC. Now you can just activate one setting and the buds will use the built-in mics to cancel out most of the outside world (anyone who did Leaving Cert Physics will remember constructive and destructive sound waves). On the flip side, the bypass mode (which is a feature on most earbuds and headphones now) is a dream. If you’re in a shop or ordering a coffee, you just flip a proverbial switch, and you can hear everything that’s going on around you. No need to take the buds out and fumble around with getting them into the case or your pockets.

The Style

While it boasts a lot of charging potential, the case isn’t any bigger than a Secrid wallet

There’s no denying it, these earbuds look every bit as swish as some of the premium brands. The matt black with JBL’s signature orange splashes is a very strong look. They certainly wouldn’t look out of place in a line-up of even the most high-end pieces of tech. The charging case is small enough to go mostly unnoticed in all but the skinniest of jeans. An impressive feat considering that it’s able to boost the playback time of the buds to up to 28 hours.

The Struggle

However, once you get past the superficial pieces of the design the real trouble with the JBL Live Pro+ buds emerges. They don’t fit in my ears. Now I know this is more about me than it is the buds, but I doubt I’m the only one who will have this problem. My ears are slightly different sizes, meaning I sometimes need different-sized tips for each ear. This isn’t a problem because the JBLs come with a wide variety of tips that can be used in place of the standard-sized tips. But no matter how I twisted, turned, or cajoled them with all possible permutations of tips in use I could not get them to stay in place. If these were wired buds this would probably be less of an issue because at least when they fall out, they won’t go too far. Wireless earbuds are a different kettle of fish. If you’re out for a run and one falls out, who knows where it might go? Down a drain, into the road, underfoot? None of these are good scenarios. Even stationary I’m sure nobody wants to have to adjust the fit of their earphones every 30 seconds.

Compare them to the Samsung Buds, which have a little wing that sits in the conchus of your ear, completely anchoring them in place. I’ve been using them as my go-to listening devices for the last two years and I have never had an issue with them. I’ve been running, cycling, and hiking with them. They even survive jumping jacks and burpees in the gym. I’ve used them for hours on end without having to adjust them once, all the while never feeling any discomfort or pressure. They’ll happily stay put while the JBLs decide to go for a dive on a whim. This is why I’m so conflicted about the Live Pro+s. How can you be applauded for all your innovations when the fundamentals aren’t up to snuff?

This issue is made even more irritating when you notice that the mid-tier earbuds from Samsung and Huawei (the Buds 2 and Freebuds 4 respectively) both have ANC as well as a proper, secure fit. These cost in or around the same as the JBLs so there’s nothing here to set the third-party buds apart from the competition. It pains me to say that while the sound quality is fantastic, and the utility in the app is second to none, I wouldn’t feel good about recommending these over one of the other big-name brands.

The Goosed Verdict

When it comes down to it, the JBL Live Pro+ earbuds are a great piece of kit with speakers and features that will certainly stand shoulder to shoulder with their competition. Unfortunately, their poor ear-fit and comparable price to the competition means that they just can’t quite compete with the big boys yet. Hopefully, we’ll see a revision with a more snug tip but for now, I’d say to stick to what you know.

Focus Mode Could Be The Best Feature Of iOS 15

Marty

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30th August 2021

0

Focus Mode Could Be The Best Feature Of iOS 15

For many many reasons over the past 18-months, I’ve become acutely aware of the impact my phone has on my mental health. More specifically, it’s the effect apps and notifications have on your mental wellbeing. I’ve dramatically dialled back my usage of several apps and feel all the better because of it. I’ve been testing out the iOS 15 Beta on my iPhone 12 and, for the very reason of my own mental wellbeing, I love it.

What Is Focus Mode?

The idea of Focus Mode, as is so often the case, first appeared on Android 10 within your Digital Wellbeing settings. You decide which apps you typically find most distracting and when Focus Mode is active, you’re told the app is paused. Of course, you can bypass that but the more important development with Focus Mode was the silencing of notifications. For years, phone and app makers have been engineering technology to make you pick your device up. Now, reducing your usage and having more meaningful phone usage is the goal.

Focus Mode For iOS 15

Out of the box options for Focus Mode in iOS 15 are just the tip of the iceberg.

We need to talk about Apple’s take on Focus Mode separately because it’s very different and much better. The feature will roll out with the new iPhone launch as this is when the new iOS gets released too. Apple is positioning this as offering “less distraction” when using your phone. This is largely down to the addition of customisable home screens based on your selected Focus Mode. Out of the box, you’ll get some of the basic modes like:

Do Not Disturb
Sleep
Personal
Work

For me, the real power of this mode comes from making my own custom modes. This is due to a combination of notification management but also the built-in automation that Apple has added into the mix.

I’ve created my own focus modes, including:

Home
Out and About
Gym
Morning

My Home focus mode triggers based on location. This means, when I get home all my email notifications are disabled but I can still receive Signal messages from family and friends. I also get easy access to my smart home controls and other apps I use, typically while sitting on the couch. I love the automation aspect of this feature as I can trigger my phone’s behaviour based on time, location, app usage or just let Apple’s built-in smarts decide what’s best.

Once I leave the location, my phone defaults to “out and about” mode. Now, Google Maps, Dublin Bikes and my Wallet app along with weather take priority. When in the Gym, it’s all about my fitness apps and music along with just my closest family being allowed to contact me.

Benefits of Focus Mode

For me, the big benefit of Focus Mode is a real feeling of taking control back of my own phone. As I said, for years the idea for app and phone makers was to make me use my phone as much as possible. Now, I’m able to choose what apps I use more or less and when. You’d be amazed how less you check Twitter when the app isn’t sitting there. You might unlock your phone to read a message and just tap into Twitter for a second. Two hours later, your day is gone.

I’ve dramatically reduced my wasted time on my phone
Focus Mode does help.

Combined with my Screen Time controls over my social media usage, I’ve dramatically reduced my wasted time on my phone.

But this setup also means you get to make more of the time you have with your phone. Creating a social focus mode means you can quickly get through all your platforms if you want to. I’ve also created “Morning”. I’m sure there are loads of smarter people out there who’ll tell me you shouldn’t look at your phone first thing but I do. RTÉ News, Twitter, TikTok, Weather and Email. All of these happen as I wake up. So now, my phone has a home screen for just these apps, set to show between 7 am and 9 am.

Apple’s Focus Mode will launch soon with iOS 15. It also supports cross-device functionality if you have iPhone, Mac or iPad.

Netflix Drops Trailer For Michael Schumacher Documentary

Marty

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25th August 2021

0

Netflix Drops Trailer For Michael Schumacher Documentary

There are few bits of telly from my childhood that I can say really impacted me. Watching Michael Schumacher race in Formula One is definitely one of them. He was an icon for me growing up, despite my lack of desire to ever get into racing or anything. Beginning with a short stint at the Irish Jordan team, moving to Benetton and then Ferrari. Hearing of his retirement and return to Mercedes was an emotional rollercoaster, followed by the devastating news of his life-changing injury.

And then silence

Respectful and understandable silence. Not much has been heard from Michael or the wider Schumacher family, with the exception of his son Mick, of course, now racing in Formula One himself.

Until now.

Off the back of the success of Drive to Survive, the streaming giant has worked closely with Michael and his family to produce a documentary about his life and career. Today, the trailer for “Schumacher” landed and you can watch it here.

Schumacher begins streaming on Netflix on September 15th.

Revolut Stays Launches In Ireland

Marty

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20th August 2021

0

Interest in travel has increased quite a bit over the last two months. It makes sense given we’re one of the most vaccinated countries in the world. We’ve taken the approach of give me the jab and lets get on with life. Revolut, an digital-only bank I sing the praises of on a regular basis, is ready to pounce on the interest. After a successful launch in the UK last year, Revolut is launching “Stays” in Ireland so you can book your holidays with the bank and save.

What Is Revolut Stays?

Revolut Stays is the latest feature to launch from the online-only bank that now has 1.5 million customers in Ireland. Stays will allow Revolut customers to browse for a trip away within the banking app. Beyond just browsing, you’ll also be able to book free from fees and nab yourself up to 10% cashback.

Revolut is launching Stays as part of their wider vision to go beyond being a bank, instead being an app for all things money.

Marsel Nikaj, Head of Savings and Lifestyle at Revolut, says that “as the world begins to cautiously open up, we know Irish users are desperate to get away whenever they can. We’ve built Stays to make it easy for people to find and book their perfect break in their ideal destination. After 18 months of endless restrictions and lockdowns, we want to give people more and make their money travel further”.

Getting Back To Travel

It’s a really interesting time for Revolut to launch a product like Stays. While it may not attract a massive amount of new users, I can definitely see this increasing app usage for existing users.

Looking at Google Trends shows that interest in the COVID-19 vaccine has increased steadily this year. Alongside this interest is travel.

Google Trends data showing interest in vaccines and travel in Ireland for 2021

The Irish public would seem ready to somewhat return to travel. The short term might very well be staycations, but Revolut Stays will cater for both holidaying here at home and abroad.

It’s a lucrative business too. Back in 2019 when we knew little about what was around the corner, people were still travelling like normal. Irish Revolut customers spent, on average, €215 on accommodation, €131 on flights (suggesting lots of European flights) and €679 on food, drink and entertainment living the local life.

Revolut and travel, for me, go hand in hand. I’ve used my card in cities like Barcelona and Hamburg but also New York and Seoul. For countries where you lose the nice comfy blanket of the Euro, your Revolut card gives you access to live foreign exchange. You can pay for dinner with your card in New York just like back home. Revolut automatically converts your Euros to Dollars without charging you a cent.

How To Book With Revolut Stays

Stays is available to Revolut customers in Ireland from today and offers accommodation options across the globe with options ranging from bargain B&Bs to unique, luxury lodges. Revolut plans to later add even more travel related products like flights, car hire and travel experiences.

You can sign up for Revolut today. Important to note that if you sign up with that code, we both get a pressie from Revolut. Just FYI.

CES To Require Proof Of Vaccination For 2022 Event

Marty

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17th August 2021

0

CES To Require Proof Of Vaccination For 2022 Event

The Consumer Electronics Show, or CES for short, has announced it “will require in-person attendees to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination”. This is big news as it’s one of the world’s biggest events and one of the first to insist on vaccination as a requirement to attend.

CES 2022 Plans

Tech events, like many other events, have experienced massive disruption as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. While I do keep context in my mind and understand I’ve gotten through the past 18-months lightly, I’ve missed tech events. While some, including CES, moved online and did their best to re-create the in-person experience digitally, it just wasn’t the same.

For this reason, it’s exciting to see CES 2022, and hopefully events like IFA 2022, going ahead and that they will be full in-person events. It’s even more promising to see the organisers taking the necessary steps to ensure the event has every chance of proceeding.

CES To Require Proof Of Vaccination

Today, the organisers of CES 2022 confirmed that in-person attendees will be required to present proof of vaccination. For those who are unable to attend or who cannot present this proof, they will have the option of attending a digital event running in parallel to the physical event where “digital audiences will have the opportunity to share the spirit of the in-person event”.

Consumer Technology Association CEO Gary Shaprio says that “based on today’s science, we understand vaccines offer us the best hope for stopping the spread of COVID-19. We all play a part in ending the pandemic through encouraging vaccinations and implementing the right safety protocols. We are taking on our responsibility by requiring proof of vaccination to attend CES 2022 in Las Vegas”.

Will CES 2022 Accept Proof Of COVID-19 Recovery?

As we’ve grown accustomed to EU Travel Certs and the like, this brings one question to the surface around antibody testing. If you’ve recovered from COVID-19 in the past six months, you can travel in Europe the same as if you have been fully vaccinated. Organisers have confirmed they are “also assessing the acceptance of proof of a positive antibody test as an alternative” but nothing has been said about testing and attending. More will be shared on antibody testing prior to the event with organisers confirming they are following “state and local guidelines and recommendations by the CDC”.

When Does CES 2022 Take Place?

CES is an annual event. The next event will take place between January 5th and 8th. As is the case every year there has been an in-person event, CES 2022 will run in Las Vegas, Nevada and over 2000 companies are expected to attend.

Google Pixel 5a Might Be Here Sooner Than Expected

Marty

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16th August 2021

0

Google Pixel 5a Might Be Here Sooner Than Expected

Google really is a funny old company when it comes to its smartphone range and launches. The Alphabet company leaked the Pixel 6 themselves last month. Now, with very little notice, it looks like the Pixel 5a is about to hit shelves globally.

Pixel 5a Coming Soon?

Android Police got its hands on some shots of what is apparently spare parts for the Google Pixel 5a landing in US repair shops. As a result of this leak, many now expect the Pixel 5a, which is arguably Google’s best chance to make a dent in to the phone market, will be on sale as early as tomorrow.

Pixel 5a: What To Expect?

The Pixel 5a will be loosely modeled on my beloved Pixel 5. It really is a shame that the Pixel range isn’t widely available in Ireland. While it’s on sale from Vodafone and directly from Google, it’s rare you find someone out in the wild sporting a Pixel phone.

The Pixel 5a really might change that. The reason being that the Pixel 5a will likely feature a lot of why the Pixel 5 is brilliant, but will a smaller price tag. In fact, one major upgrade will be the battery. Thanks to the leaks we know the Pixel 5a is likely sporting a 4680 mAh battery. That’s the biggest battery to date. It’s welcome considering battery was the one area that Google’s flagship really did feel like a letdown.

This might very well be the best of Pixel 5 with the worst area being fixed.

Also seemingly confirmed is that the phone will have a dual-camera lens on the rear. Personally, I’d wager that the camera will be more or less the same as the Pixel 5.

Google tends to roll the dice with new phones taking the lion’s share of interest with their souped-up upgraded version of last year’s flagship doing the rest. Of course, if you put the Pixel 5a and Pixel 5 up against each other, toe to toe, the Pixel 5 will win. Unless you’re focused on price.

Here, the Pixel 5a will win. You can expect the Pixel 5a to be available for less than €400. That’s a bit of finger-in-the-wind price guessing, but we won’t have to wait much longer to find out for sure.

Ted Lasso Review: Is Apple TV+ Original Ted Lasso Worth Watching?

Marty

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11th August 2021

0

Ted Lasso Review: Is Apple TV+ Original Ted Lasso Worth Watching?

I’m catching up on season two of Ted Lasso and realised I’ve never written a review about it. This is bonkers because it’s quite possibly the best show on across TV and streaming services right now. It’s easily the best thing on Apple TV+. Here’s why it’s absolutely worth watching.

What Is Ted Lasso About?

Ted Lasso is an American comedy created for Apple’s entertainment streaming service Apple TV+. The show follows the progress of the fictional English Premier League team, AFC Richmond. Despite having zero experience in coaching soccer, and yes here in Ireland we refer to it as soccer, AFC Richmond installs the titular manager Ted Lasso for the new season.

The only experience Lasso has is in coaching a college American football team to a low-tier championship. He gets the job because the new owner of the club, Hannah Waddingham, takes the club over as a result of a divorce. Her goal is to run the club into the ground to destroy her ex-husband.

Why Is Ted Lasso Special?

There’s an emerging trend in sport lately. You’ve likely seen plenty of people comment online saying “don’t bring politics into sport”. This is said when anyone tries to use the platform of sport to fight racism, homophobia, or any other kind of social injustice. Ted Lasso, both the show and the titular coach, positions sport as secondary to the people. Lasso loves coaching but he loves his players even more. They come first at all times.

On the surface, Ted Lasso looks like it’s going to be something like Sky’s classic Dream Team or at least be a sitcom where football is at the very core of it all. But soccer takes a back seat to the people and their problems.

Sports People Have Opinions

I’m trying to steer clear of spoilers, but the third episode in season two is actually what made me jump up and start typing. One of the team wants to protest against the club’s shirt sponsor because of how they behave in his home nation. This feels so fitting given what we see in sports on a regular basis.

Formula One has plenty of skeletons in the closet when it comes to sponsorship and holding races in countries that freely support anti-LGBTQI+ laws and traditions. This is why it was great to see Sebastian Vettel take a stance at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Sportspeople are influential with powerful platforms and they should be allowed to use that to make the world a better place.

Without making the world a better place, sports means nothing.

Supporting English Footballers At Ted Lasso Premiere

Ted Lasso is played by Jason Sudeikis. At the season two premiere of the show, Sudeikis wore a black jumper with the names of the English footballers who missed penalties in the Euro 2020 final. These players, Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Bukaya Saka ensured racist abuse online following the match.

This was a perfect real-world representation of what the show stands for. Speaking to British Vogue, Sudeikis said actually made the shirt himself, claiming “the idea struck me the day before our show’s premiere. he said. I just felt it was necessary to use the platform of our big, fancy ‘worldwide premiere’ to try and personify our show’s support of those three young men. Which is why I chose to put their three names on the sweatshirt. The names their parents gave them”.

Is Ted Lasso Worth Watching?

Yes. And I’ll go one further.

This review has been short because words can’t really do Ted Lasso justice. Apple TV+ is sparsely populated with shows, but what’s there is damn good. Ted Lasso alone is worth the subscription fee.

The first season of Ted Lasso is available to stream now. Season two is underway too with a new episode every Thursday.

Watch The Ted Lasso Trailer

Samsung Announces Two New Folding Phones At Unpacked

Marty

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11th August 2021

0

Samsung Announces Two New Folding Phones At Unpacked

Ok. The article about OnePlus trolling Samsung was shorter so I wrote that first. Now for the really beefy news to emerge from Samsung Unpacked. We have not one, but two new folding phones from Samsung. They’ve refreshed both their fold and flip phones. Let’s take a look.

What Did Samsung Launch At Unpacked?

This used to be a time for a Samsung Note launch, but Samsung seems to have moved their flagship launch to January for some reason and bailed on Note completely this year. Now, the Autumn unpacked session is dedicated to folding phones. Today, Samsung unveiled the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3.

What Is The Difference Between These Two Phones?

Flipping and folding? What’s what? Well, the Galaxy Z Flip 3 opens like the classic clamshell phone. We’re talking Motorola Razr flip to open and take a call style. This means it’s nice and small in your pocket but a full-sized smartphone when you need it.

The Galaxy Z Fold 3 opens like a book. This is a full-size smartphone all the time, that folds out into a tablet when you need it.

There are some other differences but that’s the big one.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3

The Galaxy Z Fold 3 is the bigger spec smartphone of the two and is aimed more towards productivity. I’m basing that purely on the fact this smartphone cum tablet supports Samsung’s S-pen technology. This might also be why we’re not seeing a new Galaxy Note. In theory, it could be the end of the line for Note completely although Samsung themselves hasn’t ruled out a new entry next year.

Folded up, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 is a 6.2-inch smartphone. Naturally, it’s substantially thicket because it opens but it will work just like a normal smartphone in one hand. The part starts when you unfold the phone to reveal a 7.6-inch display. As is usually the case with Samsung, it’s an AMOLED display so it’s going to be crystal clear. Perfect for watching movies after all that work gets done.

A few days ago, OPPO announced its new technology for placing cameras under the screen. In the tech world, these things never happen by accident as it was probably an attempt to steal Samsung’s thunder. Will no one give them a minute’s peace. Anyway, yes. Under the GalaxyZ Fold 3’s unfolded screen will be a 4MP camera. I’m really excited by this development for several reasons. The obvious use for this is calling loved ones and work meetings I guess. A camera below the screen means you might even get improved eye contact!

From a design point of view it, more importantly, means no notches so you can view your screen distraction-free. Though, I’m not sure when the last time I noticed a notch was.

All the other usual bits and pieces are there too. The primary rear camera is a 12MP+12MP+12MP configuration. When closed, you have a 10MP selfie camera and, as mentioned, you have a 4MP Under Display Camera.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3

In the words of Monthy Python, “and now for something completely different”.

The Galaxy Z Flip 3 is a totally different take on what folding phones should be. Well, it’s not a folding phone at all, it’s a flipping phone. The idea here is that you have a teeny tiny phone in your pocket that can be opened into a full-sized smartphone. It looks like Samsung nailed it with this fun design.

I always find the manufacturer’s websites interesting for launches. One of the first things Samsung discusses for the Flip is colour. This is a hint into who they are targeting with this. More fashion-conscious phone users looking for some style. When closed, the Galaxy Z Flip 3 measures just 4.2-inches. I totally get why this is appealing. I myself gave up on big smartphones, adopting the Pixel 5 and iPhone 12 over the past 12 months. So many will love this aesthetic approach.

But it’s also highly functional.

Closed, the front of the phone has a 1.9-inch display. Here you’ll be able to control music and preview messages and notifications. Open it up and you have a 6.7-inch display. Basically, just like any smartphone.

Camera-wise, you have a 10MP selfie camera and dual setup on the rear with 12MP+12MP primary cameras. The form of this phone lets you shoot some really clever shots.

the Take a selfie without even opening the Galaxy Z Flip 3

Take a selfie with the phone closed. Half-open the phone and it’ll sit on a flat surface for you to capture a group shot. This is also great for watching Netflix on the go.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 And Z Flip 3 Price

Right. That’s all we’ve really got to say for now. It’s early days and that’s probably enough to whet your appetite. It’s time for you to head off and rummage through the Samsung website to see what else you can learn. Before you go, let’s look at what these phones will set you back.

Buying from Samsung directly, means you’re buying SIM-free. If this is you, be sure to check out our SIM-only offers guide too.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 will set you back €1149. Dare I say, that’s surprisingly affordable. Well, as folding phones go anyway.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 weighs in at a wallet-busting €1999.

OnePlus Trolls Samsung During Their Unpacked Event

Marty

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11th August 2021

0

OnePlus Trolls Samsung During Their Unpacked Event

Today, Samsung hosted their latest Unpacked event. The South Korean phone manufacturer released not one, but two folding smartphones. But it was OnePlus who kind of stole the limelight.

OnePlus Folding Phones?

Yesterday, OnePlus teased what looked like a folding phone on their US Twitter account.

8.11 10am EThttps://t.co/mmPi4jlrhx pic.twitter.com/U6lPdrFnjf
— OnePlus➕ (@OnePlus_USA) August 10, 2021

The video ends with a date. The same date as Samsung’s Unpacked event. The tweet itself included 10am too. The exact same time as Samsung’s Unpacked event.

Twitter went into overdrive.

I will buy this instead of the Fold 3.
— 120Hz Guy (Keyboard Warrior) (@firre1337) August 10, 2021

Out of nowhere, Samsung had new competition on their big day. A new and quite unexpected folding phone. It turns out it was a folding phone that didn’t even exist.

€50 Off The OnePlus 9

As the event got underway for Samsung, OnePlus tweeted again. This time it was the end of the teasing and time for the real deal. Literally, just a deal.

Half off. Literally.
Get the OnePlus 9 for 50% OFF. https://t.co/O029HjXT0p pic.twitter.com/DRRzU3SmkZ
— OnePlus➕ (@OnePlus_USA) August 11, 2021

Yes indeed. There is no OnePlus folding phone. The video released yesterday was simply two OnePlus 9 smartphones sitting side by side. Some guerrilla marketing at its best. The message “half off” suggesting you only need half the screen space to have a good phone. To be fair, that’s subjective as the new Samsung range looks kind of cool.

But, the offer isn’t 50% off the price. Instead, you can save €50 when you but the OnePlus 9. Not bad. But hey, it got me talking about them right?

Save €50 when you buy the OnePlus 9 by using the promo code COOL50.

Veritable Smart Garden Review: Are Smart Gardens Worth It?

Marty

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11th August 2021

0

Veritable Smart Garden Review: Are Smart Gardens Worth It?

Have you noticed that the walls of your home feel smaller than usual? A year of lockdown can do that. I live in a small Dublin City apartment so my walls have felt really tight lately. While we have a local park, there’s nowhere to grow plants or herbs which is something I’ve been keen to do. Sure, there’s the balcony but do you want to eat herbs that have been sitting in the air of rush hour traffic? A startup called Veritable seems to have the perfect solution and they’ve sent it over for me to test.

The Veritable Smart Garden

Made in France, the Veritable Smart Garden makes a bold promise. Once you buy their kit, all you need to do is sit back, relax and watch your plants grow. Then you can harvest them and then enjoy. They say “enjoy” because you can grow herbs, small vegetables, and even edible flowers in the Veritable garden.

The company positions itself as a leader in “indoor urban agriculture” so it did sound like exactly what I needed. Let’s break it down.

What Is An Indoor Smart Garden?

Simply put, an indoor smart garden simulates outdoor growing conditions. Depending on which smart garden you pick, you’ll get a varying amount of connected smart tech too. Veritable has another garden that sends details of growth and your plant’s needs to your phone. The garden I’ve tested out is aimed at being self-sufficient and low maintenance.

How Does A Smart Garden Work?

This particular model, the Veritable SMART 4-slot garden, is really simple. The garden itself has two lights, a two-liter water tank, and four slots for the pre-made Lingots (French for ingots). Once plugged in, this is more or less fire and forget. The height-adjustable lighting system has been specially designed to promote growth, automatically turning on for a period of 16 hours every day. I placed my quite a distance away from natural light and it worked perfected. I have video proof shot as a timelapse over a month.

Veritable even say the plants will grow in a room without windows. All you need to do is keep an eye on the water levels and research when to prune your crops. For the water, you should get three weeks from one fill. I was getting about a week because the apartment has been unusually warm.

Hydroponics

Ok, so the lighting tech is pretty cool but the entire system works because of something much older. Hydroponics dates back to the 1600s. Basically, while the traditional growing of crops requires soil, hydroponics depends on the roots of crops usually dangling into water. Because of this the growing process requires some additional nutrient management but the good news is that you don’t need to worry about that either because of the Lingot system.

Lingots (Ingots)

Beyond the smart garden itself, you’ll need what Vertable calls Lingots. The French word for ingot. Once you open the pack you’ll see what they use this term because they’re like a gold bar. The Lingot contains everything the plants need to grow, most importantly, without you needing to worry about anything when getting up and running.

You’ll get enough Lingots to fill the slots on your smart garden included with your first purchase. I got basil, thyme, parsley, and chives.

Is Buying A Smart Garden Worth It?

There are a few things to consider here.

Price Of Smart Garden

The Veritable smart garden I tested out isn’t what I would consider cheap. To buy the four-slot model directly from Veritable costs €200. That does include your first four Lingots too and these usually cost about €8 each. Understandably, Veritable doesn’t promote whether or not you can use your own soil and seeds, though I’m sure you can if you know what you’re at. In terms of energy use, to run for a year the garden will cost less than €10.

With the numbers laid out, the question remains whether or not buying a smart garden is worth it. For me, the answer is yes.

Yes. Worth It

In nearly every shop every week I pick up herbs. Sometimes I pick up full plants and they eventually die, despite my best efforts. That’s because the plants simply don’t like being indoors. Using a smart garden, particularly with the official Lingots means the plants get everything they need.

It’s not like this purchase doesn’t in some way pay for itself. Once set up, plants can be pruned from as early as four weeks. Each Lingot guarantees you regular harvests for four to six months and will likely go longer. Sure, it’ll probably take a few years to “pay for itself”, but it is possible.

There’s also the enjoyment side of things but this is subjective. I personally really enjoyed growing my basil and looking up when to prune it. When the time to harvest came I cooked some TikTok Pasta. You do grow a little attached to your plants and there is evidence that growing plants and herbs is good for your mental health.

It’s an incredible feeling to cook using herbs grown just a few steps from my kitchen. I’m looking forward to trying out something like the jalapeno Lingot but am happy to wait until my herbs fail.

Learnings From One Month With A Smart Garden

There are a few tips I have. You’ll probably need to get some sort of fly tape. Little critters seemed to really take a liking to my herbs but hell. That’s nature. Also, do some research on when to prune. The more expert amongst you will look at the time-lapse and spot the basil went a little leggy. That’s because I probably could have pruned a week earlier.

The good news is that even with my amazing ability to kill plants, it looks like this is one way, not even I can make a mess of it.

Buy the Veritable Smart Garden directly from the company for €200 with free shipping within the EU.

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Hydroponics

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Is Buying A Smart Garden Worth It?

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Yes. Worth It

Learnings From One Month With A Smart Garden

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