Whilst mobile internet connections allow us to stay online even when out and about, our land-locked connections are still widely considered the most important. Once upon a time this connection occurred via a dial-up process. Now, broadband exists to offer an immediate connection that is faster, more secure and more stable.

Numerous factors affect your broadband connection – from the service availability in your area to the router or hub which you use – so how does one particular hub, the Sky Hub SR101, measure up?

Performance
Sky’s own broadband hub performs more than adequately for those interested in a stable and secure internet connection at home. Built-in features are designed specifically for Sky customers and ensure users get the most out of their service.

Perhaps the biggest benefit the router has over other models is that it can prioritise the TV connection over the internet connection when programmes are being downloaded or streamed. In the modern age, where television sets are increasingly benefitting from internet connectivity, this is a clear benefit and means customers should experience no disruption to their viewing when downloading content.

For the eco-conscious, the hub also switches to a low power mode when not in use, helping to conserve energy and keep your utility bills at an all time low.

Appearance
In terms of appearances, the Sky Hub SR101 has a smooth and curved outline which fits well with modern homes. The classic white colour gives it an elegant and clean appearance which works well with current trends that have seen white goods become popular under the Apple revolution.

Proving that the hub is the perfect combination of form and function, stylish indicator lights are set strategically into the body of the unit. This ensures customers can track the status of their hub and broadband connection without having the appearance of the gadget impaired in any way.

Is the Sky Hub SR101 right for me?
When choosing your home broadband service, whether from Sky or another provider, it is important that you check the service availability for your home (just type your phone number into the Sky Broadband website to find out whether they cover your area) and look at the features of the router or hub which you’d use.

For anyone considering the Sky Hub SR101, the benefits are obvious. Not only do you get a stylish and attractive unit but you also get something which performs adequately in the home to support varying internet demands.

In addition to checking the specific products and packages on offer to you, you should check the rules surrounding the regulation of the electronic communications sector. In Ireland, this is overseen by The Commission for Communication Regulation (Comreg).

Motorola 1973 DynaTAC – The world’s first mobile phone (Source: ibnlive.in.com)

10 years of fastidious development later and we get the DynaTAC 8000X….

1983 Motorola DynaTAC 8000X – Spot the difference with the 1973 model (source: Motorola Archive)

IBM enter the scene in 1992 with the world’s first smart phone (a PDA crossed with a fax machine and a telephone)

The IBM Simon – Hailed as the world’s first smart phone (source: research.microsoft.com)

1996 The Motorola GTAC – weighing in at just 93 grams it was the world’s lightest phone for the time (source: sciencemuseum.org.uk)

1996 Nokia 8110, Made famous for it’s appearance in The Matrix (made fun of on youTube – search ‘Banana Phone’) (source:Alamy)

One of the first QWERTY enabled mobile phones complete with 64MB of MP3 storage (source: GSM Arena)

The third iteration of the T-Mobile Sidekick

The Modu – Recognised as the world’s lightest phone (weighing just 40.1g) (Source: designbuzz.com)

Today’s phones are becoming a lot more feature rich thanks to guys like Nashtech Software and other mobile application development companies but we wouldn’t be where we are today if it wasn’t for the pioneers who went before. We hope you’ve enjoyed this little trip down memory lane. Watch this space for a more in-depth look at mobile technology throughout the ages.

Check it out and don’t forget to subscribe, follow and like!

We’ve seen phones aimed at this market before but never have we seen any of this quality, Doro is a Swedish firm who specialise in making phones for seniors and it’s clear to see that they certainly know what they’re about.

Doro PhoneEasy 612 Box

Let’s take a quick run through what’s in the box;

As you can see the Doro PhoneEasy 612 comes with everything you would need in a well thought-out package. If you’re like us then you’ll be able to list at least 10 people who could really could make use of the Doro PhoneEasy 612, it’s superior build quality, design and functionality makes it a must-have for any discerning senior.

12 Reasons to Love the Doro PhoneEasy 612

• Robust and Stylish Clamshell Design
• 2 Megapixel Camera
• Direct memories and direct SMS button
• Easy-to-read text and display with enhanced contrast
• Extra loud and clear sound
• Hearing aid compatible (HAC)
• 22 days standby
• Bluetooth
• Very easy to use
• ICE Alarm – alerts chosen contact by phone call when activated
• Come complete with sylish & easy to use cradle charger
• Very clear speakerphone functionality

For more information on the Doro PhoneEasy 612 check out the following links:

Doro PhoneEasy 612 (Official Website)
Doro PhoneEasy 612 Product Sheet
Doro PhoneEasy 612 at Carphone Warehouse

It’s Competition Time!! We’ve One For Everybody one lucky person In The Audience!

That’s right – yet again on Gadgets.ie we’re giving you the chance to get your hands on top tech – the very kind people at the Doro headquarters are giving one lucky Gadgets.ie reader the chance to own one of these fantastic phones. To enter all you have to do is add your comment below and tell us why you would like to win, don’t forget to like us on facebook and follow the @GadgetsIE twitter bird.

Entering is as easy as the PhoneEasy 612 itself – just add your comment below telling us why you’d like to win. The competition is open to all residents of Ireland (ROI & NI)
The winner will be chosen by Doro and Gadgets.ie on the 17th of March 2013 – Good luck gadgeteers!

Unfortunately, here at the Gadgets.ie headquarters we don’t have a helium tank…..(it’s on our ‘must get’ list) so we couldn’t test out this awesomely fun looking gadget – apparently you can simply take it to your nearest party shop or florist and ask them to ‘fill her up’ before taking the flight controls and taking off.

Having an Angry Birds Air Swimmer is like playing angry birds in real life – you get to knock things over time and time again. It blows up to about 3 and a half feet and has a flying altitude of about 5 feet – you can treat your home like a maze and have competitions maneuvering the bird into a pre-determined destination….or you could just bash into people until they get fed up and burst it!

Check out the video below to see the Angry Bird Air Swimmer in action! What fun!

Where to buy?
iwoot | amazon | ebay

What do you think? Add your comment below!

The device itself is very well made, a good sturdy construction with metal casing. In the closed position the casing covers the USB contacts, to open it you simply slide the casing back. It’s certainly one of the most rugged constructions we’ve came across – Kingston have even backed each one with a 5 year guarantee!

It’s Competwitter Time!

We’ve one of these bad boys to give away in a competwittion – all you have to do follow us on twitter @gadgetsie and tweet to the world why you want to win it!

We’ll announce the winner on Sunday 3rd March 2013 – Good Luck Gach Duine!

For most people, home automation is a new concept where every service at home is automatic, for example an automated lighting system, home CCTV which can stream videos straight to your mobile phone, and your very own home cinema. For enthusiasts and technology adopters, home automations mean building for the future. However, not all-home automation is good news. The right mix of home automation is what is more likely to yield good results. Here is the ideal guide to effective home automation.

Choosing technology wisely
Right now, the home automation is seen as a luxury. In fact, the industry is just getting started and this means there are many offers on the market. For you to get the ideal satisfaction of an automated home, you need to choose between the offers wisely. Not everything or every home needs the same automation. Some homes are ideal for music automation; others are great with stair automations, bed automation and so on. For the most profound satisfaction, you need to select automation gadgets that are a direct fir for your home and your needs.

Needs assessment
No matter how you look at home automation in general, one of the things most homeowners forget is need assessment. Most just do it for doing sake and end up with systems that don’t add value to them and aren’t used to their full potential. According to most experts, its best to assess the need for an automated system because just because your home is automated, it doesn’t mean you are all set. There is maintenance, repairs and monetary aspects you need to consider.  Satisfaction is guaranteed if the system you choose to use is really useful and essential given your homes’ characteristics.

Automation service providers
With home automation suddenly becoming a ‘hot’ area, especially in construction, so have different home automation services providers increased. Do some research and make sure you choose professionals who completely understand the art. Cyber Homes is a leading company whose record in home automation is exemplary and consistent. It’s better if the company has some verifiable credentials and a portfolio to prove their worth like Cyber Homes before you buy into their ideas.

Style
As much as home automation is a current buzzword in modern construction, style is something it has to be created for. You need to choose home automation that fits your style to get the most benefits. In retrospect, although good style is good for automation, just because something looks beautiful doesn’t mean it’s the best. Function should also be considered as a critical element.
Overall, home automation is here to stay and if you don’t automate now, you could be left behind in the future. Since you will have to do it eventually, ensure that you choose automation carefully. This is especially where looks, function and need are concerned. Ensure that it’s the best who automate your home.

*This is a sponsored post*

The quality of the Bábóg Baby is superb, the buttons are easy to press and the bear itself is soft and cuddly – just what you’d expect from a teddy bear! The Bábóg Baby is available in Welsh, English and Irish (We believe there’s a Scots-Gaelic version in the pipeline). You can buy the Bábóg Baby online from the BabogBaby.com website or at any of the 120+ shops listed on their distributors page. It really is a fantastic present for any young child, we’re expecting to see them fly off the shelves and be one of this year’s top Christmas presents – We’d advise you to order yours as soon as possible before they do sell out!

Check out our video review below (in Irish);

We love it and think everyone should have one, let us know what you think of the Bábóg Baby by adding your comment below!

Slán agus beannacht!

Gadgets.ie

The LeapFrog Leap Pad tablet for kids comes with a 5 inch colour touch screen that can be used either by fingers or by the handy stylus that accompanies it; which can also be used by your child to practice their handwriting ability. The Leap Pad also comes with a 2 GB memory and a built in video-camera so that your child can take their own pictures or make their own movies and is fully interactive with your child’s needs. It is light and easily transportable and so is a great toy to take in the car for any upcoming long journeys as it will help keep your child entertained for hours!

But by far one of the most original features of this device is The Learning Path, an online tool that allows you, the parent, to track your child’s progress and monitor how they are doing. After registering online, you can choose to receive regular updates by E-mail which then allow you to see in what areas, if any, your child may be struggling and to structure their learning play accordingly.The Leap Pad itself also automatically adjusts difficulty levels enabling your child to learn at their own pace and it is not for no reason that this Leap Pad tablet for kids received 2012′s prestigious Toy Of The Year award!!

This is a perfect gift for Christmas and there are some really reasonably priced,
great deals available on LeapFrog Leap pads at Tesco right now so there really has been no better time to buy! With lots of extra compatible games you can buy, many based around Disney movies such as Tangled and Toy Story, and lots of exciting apps you can download, this is one toy that will grow with your child and aid their educational development through fun learning for years to come.

Gadgets.ie has teamed up with 48 Months to offer free sims to our readers. 48 offer superb tariffs – for just  €10/month you can get unlimited calls and texts to any network! 48 work on the O2 network so you can always be sure of great coverage wherever you are. Order your Sim today and start making some serious savings!

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