Category Archives: Tech News

Netatmo Urban Weather Station for iOS, android and Windows Phone

Android, Apple, Reviews, Tech News, Windows,

I have written 2 previous articles on this weather station. Click here to recap https://gavinsgadgets.wordpress.com/?s=netatmo&submit=Search

After owning the Netatmo Urban Weather Station for over a week now, I am writing my full review. Before I start I will just say this is one of those products that does exactly what it says on the tin. If you look back at the previous two articles you will see screen shots of the functionality from the iOS app, web app, WeatherPro and baratmo mac app. Below is the indoor sensor.

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Rear of indoor sensor. Outdoor sensor looks identical, except one inch shorter.
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It comes in a box with two sensors, the indoor sensor is taller than the outdoor one by about an inch. You also get a micro usb cable, UK plug, startup guide/installation of sensors, a screw and raw plug, strap for indoor sensor and that is it. Oh, there was also 4 AAA batteries. I downloaded the app, created a user ID and password, after which then took me into the setup. So all you do, is install the 4 batteries into the base of the outdoor sensor, drill a hole in to an outside wall, where the sensor wont be exposed to direct sunlight and rain, screw the screw into the raw plug and then slide outdoor sensor onto the screw. 5 mins after completing that task, I then connected the indoor sensor to the mains. I then continued to follow the iOS app instructions for setup. At each turn you get a pretty picture of what to do and written instructions. Really, really simple and clear instructions. You next connect your phone directly to the indoor sensor and it updates the sensors firmware, reads your wifi setup and copies it across. The indoor sensor then talks to the outdoor sensor and voila. The screenshots below give you a clear idea of what data you can obtain but this includes indoor and outdoor temperatures, CO2 indoor, humidity, air quality (via CiteAir), mbar, sound levels, weather forecasts (provided by MeteoGroup), graphs plotting data over a given period and more. As an example the rain mode gives you: the amount of rain per 3 hour period (represented by blue bars) and the probability of rain (represented as a red curve). By touching on the icon button on the air quality gauge, you may switch between background air pollution index,
traffic air pollution index and complementary information about the main pollutant.

Screenshot from iOS app which will look the same for android. The Windows Phone app takes on the tile look of Windows Phone.
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This displays details of the indoor and outdoor sensors. Buy scrolling down or flicking up you can reveal more data.
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You can also go in to the settings and retrieve information on the sensors and their battery and wifi strengths. Turning the phone horizontal will allow you to show graphs on all the different measurements. Pinch and zooming allows for the data to be expanded or shortened depending on your requirements. The web app is excellent and shows nearly everything across one page.
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It is great that you can integrate the Netatmo Urban Weather station into other apps. So far I have found WeatherPro on iOS and Baratmo for mac. Screenshots below.
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and for the mac, Baratmo provides a quick list of data from the status bar.
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The key aspect of this solution is that it all has to be linked to your home network via wifi and logged in to Netatmo servers. You need 4 AAA batteries in the outdoor sensor which requires installation on a wall, preferably not in direct sunlight and directly exposed to rain. i.e.. perhaps under the eaves. And apparently the batteries last one month, but at present I cannot provide confirmation of that as I have not had the product long enough. A caution, if Netatmo’s servers go down, you will not get any data.I have had this a week, and for 2 hours last Wednesday they were updating their servers so I received no data.

The sensors send data every 5 mins, can provide notifications for high levels of CO2 or weather warnings from sensors, you can manually check for a CO2 reading immediately update by pushing the top of the indoor sensor. When measuring on demand, the indoor module displays the CO2 level using the following color code:
– Green = Good
– Yellow = Could be improved
– Red = Room should be ventilated.

You can also invite friends into the Urban Weather Station to share you data too. You can also act as a contributor for your outdoor readings. This is still a work in progress, but this is a map of what people would see.
map

All in all it is an impressive experience, albeit expensive at £139. Additional indoor sensors, up to another 3 can be added to the system too. There is also a PDF manual that you can download which is seriously comprehensive.

So far I have really enjoyed using the Urban Weather Station, and is probably my favourite gadget of the year.

Update – after a week, the following notifications appeared.

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Update 2 – last night mapatmo tweeted me and invited me to be part of the Public World Netatmo World Map. More details here – http://www.mapatmo.com

2 New Nokia Window Phones and a Tablet announced – Lumia 1520, 1320 and 2520 full details

Tech News, Windows, ,

Nokia announced three new devices at Nokia World, including two phones—the Lumia 1520 and1320, and the new 10-inch Lumia 2520 tablet.

Nokia Lumia 1520 – a 6 inch full HD 1080p screen. The new Windows Phone update, supports the larger, HD display along with a jumbo-sized start screen with room for three large or six small Live Tiles across. The phone comes with a 20MP PureView camera that leverages many of the innovations found in the Lumia 1020 —including optical image stabilization, oversampling technology to capture more details, and great zooming ability. Four built-in microphones, meanwhile, provide directional stereo recording capability and clear, distortion-free sound for your HD videos. The Lumia 1520 also comes with an impressive is roster of photo apps—including the new Nokia Camera and Nokia Storyteller. More details can be found on these in today’s software piece.
Under the hood, the Lumia 1520 is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 quad-core processor. The Nokia Lumia 1520 will come in yellow, white, black, and glossy red (exact color selection will likely depend on your carrier), and is expected to roll out later this year in the U.S., U.K., China, France, Singapore, Germany, Finland, Singapore, Hong Kong, and other markets. The rest of the 1520’s spec sheet include Qi wireless charging, a 3,400mAh battery, 32GB of internal storage, microSD expansion up to 64GB, 2GB of RAM,1.2MP front-facing cam and even a dual LED flash to go along with the rear camera. Estimated price: $749 USD before taxes and subsidies. The 1520 uses a nano sim and has cat4 LTE. It also is far too big for me as a mobile phone.

Nokia Lumia 1320 – Nokia also unveiled the Lumia 1320, a lower-cost sibling that features a 6-inch 720p screen and 8GB of internal storage (expandable to 64GB).

Like its sibling, the Lumia 1320 comes packed with Nokia’s impressive portfolio of photography, entertainment, and navigation apps, including HERE Maps, HERE Drive and HERE Transit, Nokia Music, and more. Available in orange, yellow, white, and black, the phone and is expected to roll out in the first quarter of 2014 to China and Vietnam, followed by other Asian markets, India and Europe. Estimated price tag: $339 USD before taxes and subsidies.

The Nokia Lumia 2520 is a 10.1-inch full HD display with 650 nit brightness. This display looks good and offers great viewing angles. Nokia’s selling point on this panel, however, is its five percent reflectance which means the 2520 should be clearly visible both indoors and out. There’s a 2MP front-facing cam for video chatting, as well as a 6.7MP f/1.9 camera on the back (this is the same module as the Lumia 720). You’ll also get LTE connectivity, a micro-USB 3.0 connector for data transfers and an 8,000mAh battery with Qualcomm QuickCharge tech. Sadly it runs Windows RT 8.1. It does however come with all the Nokia camera apps and software.

What do you think of all the new Nokia hardware?

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Nokia World has just finished and software was big news – info on new apps

Tech News, Windows

So Nokia just held Nokia World in Dubai. They announced new phones and a tablet but they also went big on announcing new software apps and games. As we all know it is the user experience that counts and software makes a big difference.

Below are some of the new apps and games coming to Windows Phone /Nokia Lumia handsets.

– Flipboard – complete with Live Tiles

– CamScanner – Scan, sync, edit, share and manage your documents.

– ESPN F1 – The official ESPN F1 app for Windows Phone brings you the best Formula One coverage across the globe, delivered in English, French and Spanish. The app provide news, features, live race commentary, and detailed information about teams, drivers, and circuits.

– Instagram – say no more. Big news for the platform. The official app arrives in two weeks.

– InNote – finger writing app for taking notes, writing memos and making annotations.

– Nokia Camera – finally Nokia merges two of its most powerful and popular stand-alone photo apps—Pro Camera and Smart Camera

– Nokia Storyteller – Relive your memories in a dynamic and interactive way. Storyteller integrates your pictures with HERE location information, then plots the chronological picture journey on a map. Video, animated Cinemagraphs, and burst shots make your experiences come to life.

– Papyrus – A natural handwriting note-taking app that you use just like paper, Papyrus lets you take notes with a stylus or your finger. Select, move, resize, cut, copy and paste your handwriting, and even edit the color and thickness of your writing.

– phriz.be – Share high-res photos with friends and family between a variety of devices.

– PicFeed – Create and share multiple custom Instagram photo feeds with Windows Phone 8. Instagram account holders can Like and Comment on Instagram photos directly from PicFeed.

– Plex (Plex Systems) – This personal media app can manage all of your videos, music, and photos across multiple devices. Share videos between Windows Phone 8, iOS, and Android devices, and more. Shoot video on your Nokia Lumia phone and replay it not just on your computer, but on any smart TV or TV with Windows media center. The new Windows Phone 8 app will is exclusive to Nokia users and free for a limited time.

– SophieLensHD – SophieLensHD, has been redesigned for larger displays like the 6” display on the Lumia 1520 or 1320.

– Xbox Video – Xbox Video is coming to Windows Phone this holiday, giving people easy access to a massive library of the latest blockbuster movies and TV shows. The Xbox Video app for Windows Phone lets you buy or rent your favorite movies and shows, and watch them across any supported devices. Exclusive to the platform.

– Vine – The rising star of the video sharing app world, Vine makes it easy for Lumia users to capture and share their world in short looping videos.

– Vyclone Pro – The new and improved Vyclone Pro video collaboration app is designed to take advantage of the 1080p screen on the Lumia 1520, sporting an updated user interface that lets you record and upload videos from anywhere, plus select from three exclusive video filters.

– Asphalt 8: Airborne – The best arcade racing game series reaches a new turning point. The game is optimized to run on the full HD displays of the new Lumia 1520.

– Danger Dash – Are you a real adventurer? Prove it in this endless runner that challenges you to dodge tigers and collect coins as Chuck Ace, adventure lass Miranda Rose, or the brawny Blowing Wind.

– FIFA 14 from EA Sports – FIFA 14 is optimized for the full HD displays of the new Nokia Lumia 1520.

– My Talking Tom – Adopt your very own baby Tom. Feed him, play with him and nurture him from a cute kitten to a fully-grown Tom cat.

– Rabbids Big Bang – Ubisoft’s famous Rabbids have blasted off into space.

– Rail Rush – This epic game, from the makers of iStunt2 and Gravity Guy, is exclusive to Nokia Windows Phones for three months.

– Rayman Fiesta Run – Ubisoft is bringing a new platformer set in the Rayman fan-favorite, Gourmand Land, to Nokia.

– Temple Run 2 – The sequel to the smash hit endless runner that took the world by storm. Now coming to Windows Phone.

Some truly good software titles soon to arrive on Windows Phone start to make the platform even more appealing.

Creators of Myst to create new game Obduction

Tech News,

The creators of the adventure game Myst are seeking cash for a new game via Kickstarter.

Cyan Worlds is looking for $1.1m from the Kickstarter site to develop a game called Obduction.

The game-maker said its new title would be a spiritual successor to its earlier point-and-click adventure games Myst and Riven.

If Cyan reaches its funding target it plans to release PC and Mac versions of Obduction in mid-2015.

More info click here Kickstarter.

Sony XBA-H1 Headphone Review

Reviews, Tech News

Sony has just released the XBA-H1 in ear headphones. They retail at a recommended £99 although you will find them for less on amazon for around £79. Below is photo showing wire and clip holder, pouch, box and optional hybrid foam ear tips.

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Their specification are –
-Type – Closed, hybrid
-Power handling capacity 100 mW
-Driver unit Hybrid 2-way (9mm dynamic + Balanced Armature)
– Frequency response 5-25,000 Hz
-Sensitivity 105 dB/mW
– Impedance 40 Ω (at 1kHz)
-Cord type Approx. 1.2m, OFC Litz cord (Y-type)
– Plug- Gold-plated L-shaped stereo mini plug
-Weight 7g (without cord)
-Supplied accessories – Hybrid silicone rubber earbuds (2×SS/S/M/L), Foamed silicone earbuds (2×S/M/L), Cord adjuster, Clip, Carrying pouch.

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The packaging of the headphones is excellent. You feel as if you are getting a premium product. You also have 2 types of ear tips in 3 sizes. The hybrid foam silicone tips offer more comfort. However, I found the bass was reduced. For some people this might be a preference but not me.

Ok, so you may be asking is there anything special about these headphones. The answer is yes. These are part of a new range of hybrid headphones from Sony. There is also the H2 and H3 in the range. The H3 cost over £200. So the H1 are the lowest priced in this new range. As I mentioned they feature hybrid drivers. That means they have a balanced armature and a dynamic driver. The principle is balanced armatures produce more accurate mid and treble tones but are not heavy on bass. For some this is fine. In fact, Sony surprised the world when last year it brought out a range of pure balanced armature in ear headphones. These received wide praise.
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So the H1’s take the best aspects of a pure balanced armature design but you a dynamic driver for the bass. Dynamic drivers can offer much lower and more dynamic bass. If you look at the specs of the H1 you will see they drop low down to 5 Hz.

So using these headphones with my iPhone 5S was a real treat. Irrespective of genre these headphones displayed clarity , precision, soundstage and attack. The bass was precise and deep. But overall it is the sheer musicality and tone that leave you speechless. They are crazy good to the point you wonder how Sony produced them and at this price point. It also makes you wonder just how much better the more expensive versions in the range can be. Or even more to the point, why bother spending more.

I have used and owned a number of different headphones small and large, but in my book these are one of the best. And it is not just myself who thinks this. There are a number of people who has just bought these who are equally amazed.

Clearly there are better headphones at a much higher price point. But are they worth the extra money? That is the million dollar question!

BlackBerry BBM goes live on iOS and android but there’s a catch

RIM, Tech News

BlackBerry BBM is now live on iOS and android.

iOS Appstore link click here.

Play store link. Click here.

The catch is you have to enter your email address and join a queue. No idea how long the queue takes but I will let you know when I get the go ahead.

Update – I had my confirmation email waiting after 6 hours. Accept it seems Blackberrys servers are down due to a temporary server error.

Update 2 – Blackberry announces 5 million downloads of iOS and android app.

iPhone 5S – One Month later review

Apple, Reviews, Tech News

Just a short piece on my thoughts on my iPhone 5S one month later. Just to recap I had spent 6-7 months using Android and Windows Phone devices and a wide selection. So here I am back full circle to the latest iPhone and iOS.

The 5S is a fast phone, great for anything one handed and is enhanced by my huge and I mean huge app and game selection. In fact, my iOS app collection is stronger than android and leaps ahead of Windows Phone options. Having such a strong selection means I can do more or play more varied games. And it is the apps and games where I realise I have found the pleasure again in using an iPhone.

iOS 7 plugs many of the gaps that were needed on iOS and then adds to making the iPhone experience second to none. The camera whilst only 8mp on paper takes some really incredible photos, and with just one touch. No fiddly settings. The battery life is better than that of my previous 5. The audio quality is considerable improved over the 5. IMO its the best Apple device for music quality. Touch ID means I always have a locked secure phone.

And using the Apple Eco system is a simple affair. What was amazing is not only is iCloud Backup the best solution on any platform, it happens automatically. It was great to restore my phone, and pull back all app data and game data. No need to replay games to my last position. That was great. And the last time I had an iPhone was 6 months ago.

Accessories. The 5S and my Sony QX10/100 lenses fit really comfortably on the phone. WeMo and Netatmo hardware all integrate nicely on the iPhone 5S. The M7 motion processor is tracking my movement without using battery. Neat.

Out of any phone, the 5S represents a smooth, hassle free experience over any current phone. Well nearly. iOS 7 has a few bugs. The 5S has reset itself a few times over the last month. Nothing serious and back in action 15 seconds later but not what I would have expected. I am not sure if it is iOS 7 or third party apps not fully updated. But as I install the iOS7 updates, the 5S becomes more useful and smooth.

And yet, despite having the perfect and best phone experience to data, the bloody Samsung Note 3 keeps calling me…..

But I can resist 🙂

iOS 7 update on Game Controller Support

Apple, Tech News, ,

iOS 7 provided support for a new third-party accessory, game controllers. To use this feature, you need to both own an Apple-approved gamepad accessory and a compatible game from the App Store. There have been leaks of MFI hardware from Logitech and other manufacturers, but nothing has yet hit the market. Maybe more news will be revealed on October 22nd.

Some good news now. The Unity framework announced on its blog that the newest version of its game engine surfaces inputs from these controllers natively in the SDK. Basically, Unity is offering a wrapper between Apple’s Objective-C API and Unity’s own game logic code. The Unity framework powers thousands of games in the App Store. This will mean we will suddenly see an explosion of games supporting game controllers.

This will also spark the death of the Ninetendo DS and Sony PS Vita.