Tag: technology

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Another day, Another Phone…

Let’s be honest. Phone tech is booming! And by that, I mean the phones themselves but everything else that is going on and around mobile phones .

In the past few weeks – I’ve share with you the iPhone 11, the new Google headset and more recently, Windows Surface Duo. In the past, I’ve shared the Samsung foldable screen phone… and many more.

Now, whilst I don’t want to turn this blog into a mobile phone type of blog – because I’d like to think I talk about other things – both Tech and Lean related…. I had to share the below with you!

It’s the new Samsung Galaxy 11. Coming out Feb 2020.

It’s rumoured to be shipped with a colossal 108MP rear-facing camera with a five-times optical zoom and a spectrometer for measuring everything from how dehydrated you are to how many calories are in an apple. It could even have a sliding screen.

But what’s more – is that the docking station that may come with it – that provides you with holographic type of messages and information!

Samsung is working on an exciting new docking station for the Samsung Galaxy S11 that can take the handset’s notifications and project them into thin air in the form of what the company refers to as an “aerial” image.

In a nutshell, there’s a mirror and a retro-reflective element baked into the docking station – aimed just the right angle to draw light from the handset’s curved screen and create the hologram – as well as a wireless charging element.

Now, I’ve described it as a docking station – but there may be also a case, that has similar features as the docking station and shows the holographic type images.

There’s also the sliding screen that’s being spoken about – and much more.

Looks like the whole mobile phone game is beginning to hot up again!

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178yrs… and that’s it!

You must have heard it in the news this morning – Thomas Cook has collapsed.

Mr Thomas Cook founded the business in Leicestershire in 1841 it was for more local excursions…. with this as the first poster for the first excursion!

It’s been a roller coaster of a ride for the company which had such humble beginnings.

I’m not going to take you through the history – but the biggest problem has been, the management not waking up and reacting too late to the Digital World.

As on expert on this morning’s radio put it…

It’s an Analogue Company competing in a Digital World.

Why is it so analogue? they’ve got a website haven’t they?

Firstly, they were late to the game. When they saw everyone else with websites and apps – they were late. Then on top, they were still (until recently!) relying on their shops.

They have 500+ shops around the country. Each one of those needs to pay rent. The problem was, the money they were generating was not enough to pay the rent. So the money was coming from elsewhere. Which means, they had a business model which was not working.

The worse thing is – the management a few years ago decided to expand their shop network… this was during a time, when more and more people were going on-line to book their holidays!

Then you have the low-cost airlines. They’ve come on board and offering package deals – which are very good. And the packages being offered… Thomas Cook was still offering the ‘Fly and Flop’, where you fly and then just sit/rest by a beach or resort. People’s habits have changed – people want to explore, walk around, do tours/visits, etc…

It’s sad to see that the company couldn’t embrace the Digital World. They should’ve expanded their online and digital presence.

With this in mind – I’m helping organisations to Get Digital! – To ensure they’re embracing the Digital World… and don’t end up like Thomas Cook! If you’d like more information – get in touch… you can email me, you can reply to this blog, you can find me on Twitter… there’s various ways you can get hold of me.

It’s a real shame… and a very sad story, to see this great company (which it once was)… start with such a great idea… for it to ignore the Digital World.

So, from the first poster… to the last hand out from Thomas Cook…

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Good news for Travellers…

As you know, I travel a fair amount. To be honest, I’ve cut down a lot in recent years – especially since the time in Atlanta when the border security chap recognised me!

Yep – above photo of the time when I was travelling back from Toronto. But an all familiar site – you check in your luggage – then head over to security.

Where – you take all bits of metal from your body, take everything out your pockets – oh, and don’t forget those liquids and laptops!

What a pain, Bal!? – This has been going on for a while.

It sure has. Limits on liquids have been in place since November 2006 – there was a complete ban on liquids for a while before that date.

But Technology to the rescue!

That’s right – It’s been announced that all major UK airports must introduce 3D baggage screening equipment before the end of 2022.

And these new 3D Scanners mean you can leave your liquids and other certain items in your bags and just let it go through the scanner.

They’ve got them in Paris – and it was brilliant. I was first surprised, when the lady said, no – keep your liquids in there.

Queue time – virtually non existence!

Threw the bags in – walked through – no beeps and happy days.

So the plan is to have these introduced at all airports in the UK. I’m sure there’s many more airports across the World that’ll be implementing these. Not just to make people go quicker – but these scanners can zoom in, 3D rotate particular items of interest and pick up on suspicious items. Much more sophisticated then our current scanners.

So – depending on which airport you fly from next summer… you could be leaving your liquids in, and getting through security slightly quicker!

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Super Hot!

Weekend gone- we saw temperatures soar!!! High… and break records!

That’s right – In Paris, it was hitting record temperatures never seen before – and in England, we have 30 degrees Celsius!!

Now – how can you keep cool? There’s a few advances that can help you..

  1. Ice Cooling Vest – That’s right! You can get a vest, that takes ice packs and will keep you cool!! That’s right – replaceable, cooling and awesome!

2. Secondly – if you haven’t got air conditioning in your house, why not have a portable simple air con unit?

That’s right – your very own personal air con unit to keep you cool! – there’s plenty available on amazon and other shopping sites, just search for the size you’d like and keep your cool….

3. Now, if you’re like me – and drive a lot, you need to ensure you have the right drinks, snacks etc… in your car at a good temperature. The best way to do this is to have an in-car cooler!

That’s right! – plugs straight into your cigarette lighter and keeps your drinks and snacks cold! Exactly what’s needed if you’re going on a long journey or if your car doesn’t have already an in-built fridge!

Summary –

These are tech items I thought would be useful – obviously, take care in the heat, follow your local government/council recommendations (usually they say stay indoors) and most importantly – stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

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Podcast - Bal’s Tech Talk

Podcast Episode 6 – The Return…

That’s right – we’re back with a Podcast! Firstly sorry it’s taken so long! – When you listen to it, you’ll realize why and hope you appreciate the reasons.

We talk about Kat’s walking stick, her Virgin Cable and how you should be utilising the 24hours in a day you have! – that’s right… we break down the 24 hours down… to get you motivated to do something!!

It’s available on Spotify (scan the code above!!) and also on Apple Podcasts (search for Think Lean Get Digital) – please leave a review and 5 stars if you enjoy what you hear.

Always open for comments and suggestions for improvements and any topics you’d like us to talk about in the next episode…

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iPhone 11…

Seriously Bal? – another new iPhone? – seems like only yesterday the X, XS and XL was released.

Indeed. Not that long ago – but in this rapidly evolving world we live in, and the trillions that is in the bank of Apple, you didn’t think they’d just sit there and not do anything?

That’s right folks – there’ll be a new iPhone coming out later this year!

So what do we know – and how do we know it?

Well… the folks who make the protective cases for Apple leaked some images – and these have then been rendered!

So what do we know? – Firstly… it has 3 cameras!!!

That’s right – 3 cameras. We seen what some of the Chinese phone manufacturers are doing with their phones and their cameras – and let’s be honest, the picture quality is fabulous! – Even Samsung have serioulsy upped their game. So only time for Apple to do the same…

Admittedly- I’m taking more photos on my phone than my DSLR!

In addition to the 3 cameras – there’ll be a faster processor… more memory and a better battery! There’ll also be phone to phone (and other device like AirPods, etc…) charging.

We’ll no doubt receive more leaks (information and photos) over the next month or two – and as always, will happily keep you updated!

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Tech Talk on BBC Radio

Last Night, I was invited to BBC Radio Nottingham – to provide my usual ‘Tech Talk’.

It usually consists of me talking, about some of the latest tech stories that would have a connection with the local community. Breaking down technical jargon into plain simple English.

In addition to the normal ‘Tech Talk’- I also offered some advice! – Mother’s Day is this Sunday in the UK, and I’ve shared previously on my blog some great presents you could buy.

On Radio, I shared a few more! – Let me know what you think to them…

Here’s a link to the show – I was on just after 7pm

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p072jgjj

Or there’s an audio clip of it below…

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Smart Home

Mothers Day 2019…

It’s fast approaching – Mothers Day in the UK is on the 31st March 2019.

I’ll be appearing on BBC Radio Nottingham on the evening of 24th around 7pm, to discuss the usual technology subjects – but also… to share my top 3 presents for Mothers Day!

Now – whilst I’ll be sharing them, I’ve found an additional 3 that I thought I’d share with you in advance – because then it provides you with enough time to go online – buy – have it delivered – wrap it up and make it that perfect present!

Okay – first up! – We have a Robotic Vacuum!

Let’s be honest – who enjoys doing the vacuum? – Exactly! With prices dropping on the robotic vacuums – my pick is the Mamibot ProVac Plus 2!

Small – but very good! – Gets going around the place and picks up the dust and dirt from your floors!

Coming in at a reasonable £69 – it’s alot cheaper than the bigger mightier versions but allows you to experience what it’ll be like for a robot doing the vacuum! – (Yes – robots are taking over!!)

In at Number 2…. a Vase for the Flowers you’ll buy.

But not any old vase – this is a smartphone holding vase!

So – not only could your mother look at the lovely flowers you’ve bought – but also the messages you’ll be sending her….

You can pick these up for £25 – £50, and you can also get ones for tablets!

That’s right – for when mum is in the kitchen cooking!!

And Finally… a little expensive, but Mum’s are worth it – a Digital Kettle!

I’m sure you’ve already bought her an amazon echo or google home – and/or her smartphone is connected to devices around the home.

This then makes the perfect addition.

That’s right – sit in the living room, and tell Alexa to turn the kettle on is not a dream or a fantasy…. it’s reality.

If Mum prefers a coffee… you could invest in a smart coffee machine!

Again – all connected and compatible to the latest devices.

The kettle comes in at around £130 – so not cheap…. but then, this digital world we live in – we must take advantage of it!

As mentioned – I have another 3 gift ideas for Mothers Day which I’ll share on Sunday – so watch out for that also!

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Bal, I have a question….

When I started this blog, it was very much to make it a two-way interactive type of blog…. what I mean by that is, I share my thoughts, and then readers would have questions, comments, views and thoughts.

Whilst most times, that’s worked – I feel there could be more ‘inter-activeness’.

I’m sure when you read this blog – be it any topic from Smart Homes to Folding Phones…. it would generate some thinking, some thoughts and hopefully get you thinking.

lets talk to each other more… and ask questions!

The purpose of this blog is to break down some of the latest technological advancements and share they in simple terms. Also discuss, do we really need some of this tech? Also how technology is impacting our every day lives, for example – let’s take the High Street – we know that on-line shopping is only increasing, do we need physical shops? – The answer I think is yes… we need a hybrid model of physical and on-line shopping.

Companies are working on a lot more – and offering us a lot more… in terms of technology, and especially how we relate and connect with them.

It’s not just a matter of having a break – it’s now share some details, look at some content, watch a video, interact with what i’m being told, etc…

Life is getting busy in certain areas. But technology is also enabling us save time – in certain areas.

One thing we must keep doing is understanding where technology is heading.

The last thing is, you don’t want to be left behind…

Therefore – happy to take questions, both on this blog (you can reply below), you can tweet me – there’s several ways to contact. But let’s have some more conversations…

There’s also the podcast! – new one out this week!!! – Had some great feedback – and happy to listen and take on board more feedback to make it better. Make it useful for you. And make it more beneficial to you.

It’s not just for me to moan – (well… that is an element of it), but to turn that moan around and look at opportunities and what can be done. And isn’t it great – when we all can look at opportunities and discuss together.

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Smart Home

Smart Blinds…

I’ll be honest. I wasn’t expecting that much feedback on the ‘Smart Dining Table’! – it was phenomenal!!

“Bal – really? You don’t need a table to be smart. Just be practical!”

“How’s about not having devices on the table – as per the news headlines.”

But my favourite was from my old friend, Hugh… who said “Sensors to detect food and keep plates warm would be progress. However, the purpose of a dining table is to not only enjoy your food, but hopefully engage in conversation with good company. Rather than a wireless charger, perhaps a Faraday layer to block the use of phones?”

That is very true, Hugh. The purpose of the dining table is indeed, to enjoy your food – however, no issue with it being a little smart, right?

So, on Sunday morning – when I was up, I was kindly asked to open the blinds. With a slight roll of the eyes… I did as I was told. I opened the blinds.

Which then got me thinking… Why haven’t I got Smart Blinds?

Is there such a thing, Bal?

YES! – There is!! Ikea!!! They have introduced Smart Blinds… watch the video below… it explains it…

That’s right – you can pop down to your local Ikea. Not only pick up a hotdog… but either the Kadrilj or the Fyrtur Smart Blind!

How awesome is that! – Runs on batteries, connects to your Alexa or Google Home… and you’re up and running!

Now, I will talk more about how Ikea is becoming ‘Smart’ about their home offerings in another blog post.

Back to the blinds. So, this got me thinking… they got to be expensive, right? – Well… not really….

Now… the problem is… I’ve already got blinds fitted.

Do I have to really change all the blinds in the house?

Well.. the answer is No!

That’s right Ladies and Gentlemen… you can retro-fit a device that’ll make your current blinds… SMART!

I know right – I should become a Smart Home Expert!

Manually pulling that string to open or close your blinds will be a thing of the past….

You can buy a device… which has a battery (which lasts for 2 months, and can be charged for a short period of time – or you can leave the charger in – or you can use a solar panel to charge it)… it connects to your phone… it connects to your Alexa or Google Home… and will open and close your blinds for you!

How awesome is this! All the blinds in my home.. can now be Smart!

The only problem is…. some of these devices are new and expensive. The one in the above photo is £130 per device.. but you can buy 2 for £180 and there’s various other promotions on. The more you buy, the cheaper it is…

So there you go… Bal helping your home become smarter. Hugh, what do you think now hey?! 🙂