Tag: christmas

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New for Christmas…

It’s literally around the corner. And I’ll soon be on the local BBC Radio station talking about the latest and great gadgets and technology items you can buy to put under the tree.

That’s right. Christmas presents. What should you buy!

Whilst I could roll a list of great things you could buy – I thought I’d take the opportunity to share what you should watch out for in case you’re thinking of getting some of the ‘top’ items.

What do I mean by ‘top’? – well, phones, tablets, etc… you know, the usual, high-use, highly desirable…. Products.

So up first, the iPhone 14.

No… the iPhone 14… is facing some delays!

That’s because, looks like, everyone wants one. (Mainly for those on iPhone 7 and 8’s who want to upgrade).

So, if you’re looking for an iPhone this christmas – start researching now and get your orders in as soon as possible!

Now… rather than going all brand new on an iPhone 14… I would also suggest, there’s some good deals on the iPhone 13 and 12! (Just saying – might be worth looking at them also).

The other item I’ve heard that could potentially run low in the run up to Christmas is the Air-Fryer


Why the air fryer?

Because a) it helps keep the cost of electricity down, b) you can do so much with it… literally replaces a number of items in your kitchen and c) they’re really quick!

That’s why, many people are rushing to buy them. And whilst there’s various makes and models out there – the popular ones, may have limited stock due to it’s popularity.

I’ve got one. And fully recommend it. They’re absolutely brilliant.

I will share what you should consider buying for Christmas, but that’ll be in future blog posts – and I’ll share on my social media when I’ll be on local radio sharing more about the latest technology and what you should be considering.

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Tech Christmas Gift Ideas 2021

Christmas is around the corner… literally! A few weeks away!! And as the excitement builds, for those thinking… where is Bal and his Tech Christmas Gift Ideas for this year?!!… well, here it is… Merry Christmas!

Ok, it’s broken down into a few categories… oh, and prices are approx (subject to change depending where you shop!)

For the Music lovers out there…

IKEA Symfonisk WiFi speaker – £179

A wireless speaker they can hang on the wall. Oh, and it’s compatible with high-end Sonos speakers, thanks to the premium audio company’s partnership with IKEA.

Sony WF-1000XM4 noise-canceling headphones – £280

These lightweight Bluetooth earbuds feature market-leading noise-canceling technology and an IPX4 waterproof rating that will keep the sweat out if the lucky recipient takes them for a run.

AudioQuest Dragonfly Cobalt USB – £299

Probably the most you’ll ever pay for a USB stick, but audio purists will love this compact digital audio converter that gives digital music libraries a new lease of life.

For the home office workers…

Flexispot standing desk – £199 / Griffin Elevator laptop stand – £38

Give the gift of good posture this holiday season. Full-time remote workers (and their backs) could benefit from the electrically-operated Flexispot EG1, starting at £199. There are other options – I bought an desk that you can electronically move up and down (with some memory functions)… from Amazon! (I had to build it myself – came in a few different pieces – and I have to admit – it’s great!)

For a cheaper solution, a laptop stand like the Griffin Elevator notebook stand (£38) can keep a laptop at eye level, saving your loved one from a sore neck.

Ember Cup 2 – £149.95

This rechargeable smart cup can keep drinks warm for up to an hour, and even allows users to set a specific temperature via the accompanying app.

Logitech C920S webcam – £99.99

A full HD webcam with a built-in microphone and privacy shutter, perfect for meeting colleagues remotely. It’s also ‘big company’ approved – various folk use it to dial into their daily meetings.

Hmmm… Fitness Fanatic are you?… here you go…


Wahoo Elemnt Bolt – £299.99

Wahoo updated its popular bike computer this year with a colour screen and improved directions. Simple integration with fitness apps like Strava, as well as power, cadence, and heart rate monitors make this a must-have for cyclists.

Theragun Mini – £199

Massage guns are an increasingly popular way to recover from a workout more quickly. The Theragun Mini is the smallest, cheapest, and most portable option on offer from Therabody, which has been in the industry since 2016.

Apple Watch Series 7 – from £429+

The newest edition of Apple’s smartwatch features a larger screen and faster recharging than the old model. It packs in all the standard activity-tracking features, plus the ability to check the level of oxygen in your blood. Also… don’t rule out the series 6 or even the 3! (both still at very competitive prices and very good tech!

For the Outdoor Explorer…

Phoozy Apollo thermal phone case – from £43

Like a spacesuit for your phone, Phoozy claims its thermal protection case can extend battery life in extreme cold, and protect devices from overheating in the sun.

Biolite Firepit+ – £299.95

It’s a campfire, but without the smoke. At least that’s what Biolite claims. The Firepit+ uses a rechargeable battery pack to blow jets of air that ensure a cleaner and more efficient burn. It can even recharge your devices via USB.

Garmin Inreach Mini – £349

No signal? No problem. Stay safe in the great outdoors with this mini satellite communicator.

Summary…. So there you go. A few ideas… in a few different categories… to ensure you get a few presents for Christmas!

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Our Needs are Changing…

You all know Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs…

I won’t go through it all – but the basic is physiological, safety, etc… but it just seems to be, that our needs are changing!

What you saying Bal? – we still need the basics of Food, Water, Sleep etc…

We do indeed – but as technology is advancing – so are our needs.

We now rely more on our devices than ever –

Image result for new maslow hierarchy of needs wifi

That’s right – a bit cheeky, and a bit jokey – but now it’s more about the battery on our phone/device – and then wifi!

Ok, lets be honest – we still need food and water… but talk to alot of young folk, and it’s about where the charging points are, how much battery they have – most will probably plan for the day based on their battery life!

Also – when they go places… it’s very much about the free wifi, or wifi that is available. Connectivity right? – we all want to be connected and online.

But here’s something – do we really have to be connected all the time?

Holidays (Christmas) are coming soon – recommend, if you have a chance, unplug… disconnect… and do something you haven’t done for a while. It’ll help you re-focus… and then you can work your way up the needs!

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Shopping

Ready for Christmas?

Okay, Christmas is coming – and I’m usually on BBC Radio letting you lovely folk know what to get as presents….

This year, I’m going to do it slightly different. I’m going to recommend a few presents over a few blog posts – with some reasons why you should get that as a present for a friend, family or loved on.

So first up – it’s a book! – I’ve recommended it before – and I’ll be honest, many of you didn’t listen – so this is the last time I’ll mention it! (Actually it probably won’t… I will mention it again – because I think it’s soooooo important you read it).

It’s the Subtle Art of Not Giving a F***

Honestly – one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. Really made me challenge my thinking. Really made me think! – and I can say, I was a lot more happier and focussed since I read it. I’ve got it on my shelf and will be reading it again very soon.

Now – I’m recommending you buy this book and give it as a present to people who like to read – who need a little motivation – who need to think differently – who really need to not give a f*ck in life!

Now – I’m not just recommending the one book – I’m going to share 2 books with you!

Me personally…. I’m going through a thousand thoughts…. I’ll let you know what they are…. basically, if you’re reading this, you probably know I work for Coca-Cola EP and have done so for the past 10 years! – That’s right….10 YEARS!!! – Damn!…. in addition… I’m at that stage in my life where I’m thinking… how long have I got left… don’t worry, nothing happening to me, but it’s like – I’m not getting any younger, I’ve had a close friend pass away, there’s a lot to do in life, right? – so with all these thoughts going on…. I’m picking this bad boy of a book up over Christmas…

Now one thing I want to point out is I have loved the 10 years at Coke… and I’m saying that, because if you’ve read this book, then you’ll know the bit about the commentator… and how he was moved to another sport.

Who Moved My Cheese was first introduced to me at Kodak. Absolutely loved it the first time I read it – and love it today.

So there you go – 2 books for Christmas.

I’ll share some other Christmas present ideas in my next blog post…. don’t worry, it’ll be before Christmas lol

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Merry Christmas…

Just wanted to wish you all a very, Merry Christmas. Hope you able to switch off for a while, take some rest and spend time with loved ones… oh, and consume copious amounts of food.

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Christmas Tech Stocking Fillers…

On Sunday, I was on the Radio. Yep – BBC Radio Nottingham, sharing my usual Technology update… but also, I was set a challenge.

Choose some Tech-related Christmas stocking fillers! – Basically, cheap/low cost Christmas presents… One for a male in his 50’s, a lady in her 40’s…. and a teenager. 

Easy. 

Well…. I thought it’d be easy! – But in all seriousness… there’s so many tech-type presents  you could buy for that stocking.

First up… A 6 in 1 Pen!

That’s right – it’s a Tech Tool pen… Pen, Stylus, Level, Flat head and Philips screw driver and a ruler! 

How awesome is that!!! And how much? – £10.99 from Amazon. 

Up next… as it’s cold, you need to keep warm… so how’s about some Bluetooth Gloves?

That’s right! – These gloves connect to your phone via Bluetooth and you can make and receive calls! How. Awesome. Is. That. ?

It’s got a built in mic… and speaker phone! – Connects to iPhone, Android, all types!!!! And how much? £12! Only…. £12!!!

Ok… and finally…  for the teenager… as they’re always on their phones, listening to music and watching YouTube videos, why not enhance the sound?… yep… why not a Bluetooth Speaker?

And the best thing is… they can connect to any tablet, phone, etc… and only £10!!! – now, you could get them cheaper by shopping around, and you can pay a little more… and you’d get a little better speaker… key thing is, they’ll connect to the device and play your music to a better level than your headphones. 

So challenge complete!

Hope I’ve been able to provide you with some more ideas… and don’t leave it too late… order soon, as many items take a little while to be delivered. 

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Bal’s 2018 Christmas Tech Gift Ideas

Well, it’s nearly Christmas, we’re all getting into the festive spirit – Christmas parties, drinks, food…. and then realising…. we need to order some presents for family and friends! 

Don’t panic! I’m back again this year – with some suggestions of what you could buy… my Top 3 Christmas Tech Type of Gifts! 

Okay, let’s not waste time…. straight in at my Number 1, is my idea that will be great for anyone, anywhere and to do… anytime! Also – it’s not physical, so it doesn’t take up space, you’ll have something you can do it on… AND, they’ll spend hours on it!!!

  1. Netflix

That’s right! – If your family/friend/whomever you’re buying for… take them to the clouds! – well, let’s be honest, we don’t need physical dvd’s, or any storage device. Netflix offers so much content – you can watch it on your phone, tablet, TV, etc… 

And the prices aren’t too bad either! Now the best thing is – you can have multiple users!! 

Now, there is also Amazon Prime – that offer their streaming service, which is also good – but for me, Netflix just edges it to Number 1. 

2. Smart Watch

 Now, I’ve recommended this a few times – and will recommend again. 

Doesn’t matter if you have an iPhone or an Android (Samsung, Google, etc..) type of phone. There’s plenty of watches out there, that can sync to your phone. 

Also, you don’t need to get the ‘norm’. Armani and various other designer makes are also making ‘Smart Watches’ – for which, look much nicer. 

So be it the latest Apple Watch – with a whole host of features and health tracking…

Or the Samsung Smart Watch…

Smart Watch and tracking is a must. There’s also Fit Bit that offer a great health & fitness monitoring – so have a look at what type of person you’re buying for, what device they have already – and then purchase the type of smart wearable accordingly. 

3. Tile (Tracking Device)

Now – are you the type of person that leaves keys laying around, or misplaces the phone…. or just in generally, leave things here or there?

Well…. here’s the answer. A device called Tile.

It’s a small tracking device that you can attach to anything… keys, phone, camera, etc… and track it.

It’ll let you know location. It’ll make a beeping noise. It’ll alert you.


Now, in addition to the beeping and alerting – there’s so many other features such as being part of the ‘Tile’ network…. and then there’s changeable batteries (there’s a version with built in batter for 1 year) and for five extra bucks you can get the one with the changeable batteries – which is the one I would recommend. 

So a nice little present – you can also buy packs and there’s offers on if you search on Amazon. 

… And Finally,

I thought, why not include one last… final…. funny… idea for a present. 

Now… we spend a lot of time on our phones. Let’s be honest. 

And most of us, the screen isn’t the biggest. And for most older folk…. their eyesight isn’t the greatest. 

Therefore, I present to you… the Phone Magnifier! 

That’s right – simple yet so effective! – turns that little screen into a big screen! – well… a decent size! 

The back stand allows any phone to sit there. And then by magic… it appears on the large screen! 

You can find it on the usual shopping sites, Groupon, Amazon, etc… all different varieties are available… some made from wood! – which I would recommend, less plastic the better!

So folks… there you go. Hope you like my Top 3. I will be sharing more, as I’m radio over the next few days an will be sharing more gifts ideas… from the big and expensive to the cheap stocking fillers. All with one thing in common… using technology!

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Anyone seen that DVD I want to watch?

“You know the one… the one I always watch at Christmas… Home Alone – that’s the one… Home Alone, such a festive film, love to put the DVD on, sit back and watch it.”

Whilst many folk reading this, will be able to relate to the answer above – times are changing.

Yesterday – I was on BBC Radio Nottingham. Sharing my thoughts on the announcement that John Lewis will stop selling DVD players.

That’s right – if you need one, I suggest you hurry up – make your way to the local electrical outlet and purchase one.

But why would you need one?

Remember the days of the VHS? – Yep, they soon disappeared when DVD’s came. Because DVD’s were able to offer better quality, slim design, didn’t have to worry about the ‘reel’ part of the mechanism, was easy to skip chapters, etc… just made life a lot easier.

Digital was here. Then we had (and have) Blu Ray. Even better quality.

But why are we still using them? With Netflix profits soaring – in 2017, they’d made an annual profit of $558.9m! – more and more people want to watch, what they want… when they want… and how they want!

Just look at Netflix’s revenue per quarter… since Q1 2011, (by the way, the unit is millions US Dollars on the left).

Crazy right?! – more and more people are streaming. Not just Netflix, but there’s also Amazon’s Prime that offers you an array of films, shows, etc.. to watch. You then have the trusted YouTube! – which we all know, has a phenomenal amount of content – not just cats jumping around.

Hence this is the reason why we’ve stopped buying DVD players – why have the physical disc in your hand – why not just press a few buttons on your remote control and watch what you want. Imagine the space you’ll save. Imagine the flexibility of watching it on your phone, your tablet….(as well as your TV).

What’s next? – I think there’ll be less films and more series – more box sets. Because our attention span is reducing – can we really sit there for a couple of hours watching a film…. or would we be rather engaged in a series of 1 hr episodes that continue to tell a story.

And do we need to go to the cinema? – John Lewis also reported, the most popular TV screen size that was sold was 55″, compared to a few years ago, when it was 40″.

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Any Ideas for Christmas Presents, Bal?

Well, I did say a few weeks ago – I wouldn’t be going down the road of recommending what tech items you could buy for Christmas… mainly because a) you’ve got Philip Schofield (for those in the UK) – who’s presenting a great series on TV which is all about – ‘what you can buy for Christmas 2017’ and b) i’d be here all day, because there’s so much out there you could buy!

But you know what… after speaking to a friend of mine, who’s just moved into his new home… and how it could be a ‘Smart Home’… I’ve decided to share with you the Top 5 Smart Home Items you could buy for Christmas.

Coming in at Number 1…

Amazon Echo.

I feel it’s the natural first step into making your home, ‘Smart’.

You can say, ‘Alexa…. ‘ (followed by a command, question, etc..) and then have an answer or action performed.

For example, Alexa tells me jokes…. sets a timer for me…. plays music… answers questions (by finding answers on the world wide web)… turns the lights on and off… heating, up or down…. milk into my shopping basket…. etc..

You could have a few around the house if you wanted…. perhaps the Echo Dot in the bedroom? – it is a little thing.

I feel ‘Alexa’ is like someone who is really close to me. Does so much for me… but doesn’t spend all my money. And doesn’t love me. I’ve asked it….

Moving on… and coming in at Number 2….

Nest Home Heating.

Once you’ve brought Alexa into the house… you want to pair it up with something. And I would suggest… as the winter months are here, maybe something to keep you warm?

Okay, the Nest, itself, won’t keep you warm… but it’ll talk to your heating system… and make life so much easier for you… and warmer.

That’s right – it’s a little device, that connects to your home heating… and not only can you control it via your phone… you can control the heating by connecting the Nest to your Echo….it can learn your heating habits… be optimized for when you are away from home and so much more….

There are other, similar, Smart Heating solutions available, for example, Worcester Bosch have their equivalent… named the ‘Wave’. I would suggest, talk to your local heating expert to find which one is the best match for your current heating system.

Coming in at Number 3….

Hue Lights.

So, you have a Smart Voice Controlled Personal Assistant (Echo) in your house, and you’ve got Smart Heating (Nest)… now for some Smart Lights.

Philips, in my opinion, are leading the way with Smart Lights. The Hue… from Philips, is great. You get a ‘bridge’ which talks to your Wifi and the Light Bulbs around your house.

Control the lights via your phone… and/or Alexa…. programme light timers… connect it to IFTTT (If This Then That)… put on location  – so the lights come on, when you’re near home…. there’s alot you can do.

You can get bulbs which do different colours…. mine only do white. You can dim the lights… you can have different settings for different rooms… etc…

Now we’ve got some ‘light’ on this topic… Coming in at Number 4…

Ring Door Bell.

Now, for a bit of home security… Ring Video Doorbell. Does exactly that, it’s a door bell, with a camera, that’s all connected…. and you can view who’s on your doorstep from your phone.

Why would you need this?

  1. If you’re lazy, you can sit on the sofa… see who’s outside, and then decide if you need to get up from the sofa or not.
  2. You know who’s come to your house…and when.
  3. If it’s a delivery… you can provide them with instructions where to leave items…

To make you even more lazy…. And finally, in at Number 5…

Wemo.

For those items.. like your TV, Kettle, etc… you can make them Smart also! – How, Bal?

Well… Belkin have a device called the Wemo. You plug it into your normal socket. Turn it on. Then plug your device into the Wemo device… which then, when all connected – you can view & control your devices on your phone!

There you go.

My Top 5… Smart Home… Christmas Present ideas.

There are different variations, makes and models available to those I’ve mentioned above… for example, Google have an equivalent to the Amazon Echo…. there are many (and probably cheaper) alternatives to the Belkin Wemo.

I’ve recommended the above… because they’re the ones I have or have used.

I would always suggest, you go and research… see what would work for you… your environment… your style and most importantly… your needs – I researched and tested a number of items before settling on the ones above.

Have fun shopping! – and making a house… a home. Smart Home.

 

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Holidays are Coming…!!!

That’s right – for many folk… it’s when the Coca-Cola Christmas Truck appears in the commercials on TV… for some, it’s when X-Factor finishes, for others… it’s when discussions start in various WhatsApp groups about what to cook on Christmas Day.

Holidays are Coming!

I’ll still be posting articles on this blog… but like many others, I will be taking some time off.

Mainly to reflect on the year…2017, what a fabulous year. Also, to spend good quality time catching up with family and friends – as they’ll too, be enjoying the holidays.

And… I hope you also get some time to yourself. Time to sit down, enjoy a mince pie or two, and watch a film on TV.

More than watching a film on TV, we’ll probably be on social media, sharing photo’s of our Christmas Dinners…. and that’s fine! – Honestly, because sharing is caring – right?

But don’t be spending too much time on Social Media. Make sure you spend it with the people in your life. People around you. People who appreciate you. People who care about you, and those you care about.

And it’s you guys – who’ve been reading this blog, taking time to write comments, coming up to me – saying how you enjoy reading my posts… how sometimes they make you laugh… i’d like to say Thank You! (not going to say too much now… will do a Review of 2017 in a few weeks!)

So, what’s in store for the next few weeks… well, i’m trying to finish a video that I can share with you… where i’m talking about electric cars! – and why I think, we’re not ready (the car manufacturers are doing great… but it’s us!)

There’ll be some blog posts, where I reflect on the latest Technology News… and naturally, some Bal’s Friday Thoughts.

So… make sure you’ve got your holiday plans arranged… hope you are able to take some time off, to enjoy the festive period… and more importantly, to remember…. don’t be getting stressed out about food… what to cook, plans (if they’re not arranged)… etc…. Santa has to deliver presents to all the children around the world in a very short space of time. Imagine what he’s going through!