MobileZap.com.au, an online Australian and UK store selling mobile phone accessories gave me the Samsung AllShare Cast Dongle to review. To be honest, for a product worth around $100, I wasn’t too impressed, especially with the difficulty of setup and performance issues.

For those with mounted flatscreen TV’s where a HDMI dongle wouldn’t fit (like a ChromeCast), the Samsung AllShare Cast Dongle is an alternative as it’s a small black box that is about half the size of a mobile phone which resides next to your TV connected through a HDMI mini cable. You will also need to connect it to a power source, and we all know how hard that can be in some homes.

Setting Up

Setting up the Samsung AllShare Cast Dongle was easy, but only if you know what you were doing. You need to hold the reset button for about 30 seconds and know how to navigate your phone’s menu to turn the Screen Mirroring setting. Once done, it can take 10 or more seconds to register and pair your device with the Dongle. On the plus, you are greeted with a colourful page on how to setup the device.

Performance

In most cases, there was about a half a second delay between the phone’s screen and the TV display, which is not all bad. However, depending on what you are streaming, this can be a couple of seconds. I am not sure where the issue lies, but occasionally the stream would drop, or the WiFi Internet connection would drop out making it a challenge to try to stream YouTube without relying on using costly mobile data. I have iiNet’s Budii as a home router.

I only tried this one on TV, but I could not get the whole mobile phone screen projected on the TV. The TV zoomed in on the image, trimming my notifications bar as well as the bottom of the image in landscape mode while using my Samsung Galaxy S4. I cannot find a way to change this setting, and I could not use my TV’s zoom function to zoom out.

More Difficulties

After resetting the device to see if I can project my Windows 10 computer to the device, I could not simply “reconnect” my phone back to the AllShare Cast Dongle. It just showed a “cannot connect” error on my phone, which meant I had to force another reset.

What About a ChromeCast?

A friend had a Google ChromeCast plugged into a projector, and I found that the ChromeCast performed much better, was more reliable and seemed to work with multiple people connecting to  it a different times.

My Recommendation

In all honesty, I was not too happy with it. It seems like it is too much trouble than it’s worth. Moreover, the list of compatible devices is limited to only certain Samsung Devices. I found the Google ChromeCast worked much better and with fewer cables!

However, that’s just me. It could suit your environment better than it did for mine.

1) Great Products Deliver A Singular Value Proposition

That is, your product focuses on one thing, and one thing only, and does it exceptionally. Let’s look at these examples:

• Facebook: Allows you to communicate with friends (and in my opinion, did so a lot better than MySpace)
• SnapChat: Send photo’s that are only visible for 10 seconds (well I don’t have to mention why this is so popular)
• Tinder: Find people to date who are near you (who wanted to pay $50 per month for a professional dating service when people may be just looking for a casual hookup or to meet new friends)
• Google: Find the information you need (I think the results are a lot more accurate than it’s competitors)
• Sadly Unfriended: See who has unfriended you on Facebook (that’s all it does, nothing else, and it just simply works)

2) They Anticipate A Customer’s Needs

Successful tech products are popular because there wasn’t a product that could currently meet a customers requirements. Look at all the blogs you read on the internet. Why do you subscribe to them and read them? Because they know you have an interest in the topic, and they know you are gaining something from them. Why is Sadly Unfriended so successful? Because so many people want and need to know when they get unfriended.

3) They Exceed Expectations

Not only do they solve an issue and know what you want, they do it in a way that is better than you thought it would be. Look at a Raspberry Pi. A small, affordable device that you can do so much with. You can build arcade machines, turn your TV into a smart TV, build robotics, create a file server, create a drone, create a weather station, and even automate your home. All from a device that costs less than half a tank of fuel.

4) They Resonate Emotionally

Any tech product needs to live close to the heart. They need to make you feel good, and that is what the sites I have listed do. You can find love, you can communicate to those close to you, they affect your live in a meaningful way. When Sadly Unfriended users get an email, their heart is pounding because they have have no idea why someone would be unfriending them.

5) They Have A Meaningful Impact On Your Life

How would you life be different if Facebook, Microsoft, Apple or Google not exist? Would you act any different if you found out your best friend deactivated their Facebook account if you know they are going through a rough time? You’d step in an see what’s going on and help them. Imagine if Google didn’t exist, knowledge wouldn’t be shared and easily accessible as it is today.

What is your idea of a world-class tech product?

Take a look around with the technology that you use on a daily basis. I bet that each tech product that you currently use provides you with a value proposition, it anticipates your needs, it exceeds your exception, it resonates emotionally and it has a meaningful impact on your life. If it doesn’t I’d be eager to find out why and what the product is.

But from now on, every new app idea I have, I will be running it past this checklist first.

Today, I have got my hands on the Archos VR Glasses thanks to MobileZap. If you want a low cost device to experience virtual reality, you cannot look past this headset. At an affordable price of around $40, the Universal VR Glasses fits phones between 4.7 and 6 inches, which is great as you don’t need to have the latest and greatest phone to experience VR technology first hand.

But for $40, you get what you pay for. The headset is light, and it feels like it has been massed produced on the cheap. Adjusting the viewer to fit your phone in feels like you are going to snap off a piece of plastic. As I slid in my Samsung Galaxy S4, with a rubber outer case, it was caught on the stuck-on rubber that it then started to peel off. The other not-so-good thing about it, there is no push button so it makes it impossible to interact with your phone once it’s in the cradle.

During my testing using my Samsung Galaxy S4, I installed the Google Cardboard app. This is a great app for you to get started with Virtual Reality technology. You can watch your Video’s, browse YouTube, go on virtual tours, and fly through Google Earth and a few other neat things.

When I was browsing YouTube through Google Cardboard, you could not select a video to play. Therefore, you have to take the phone out, and touch the screen, or slid the phone out just a bit so you can touch the end of the screen, which distorts your vision slightly. The alternative is to purchase a Bluetooth controller or using a remote app on your computer to control your phone.

The Experience

The Archos VR glasses have been my first experience in Virtual Reality, and I have to say, I am impressed. I didn’t get a headache, and it really feels you are in a 3-dimensional world. Using the Google Earth app, flying around the streets is a great experience, and going on virtual tours is such as the Louvre makes you feel like you are there. This is only the start. I cannot wait to see where VR takes us in the future!

When you wear it, you feel a little goofy, especially if you know people are watching you, because you are removed from the real world and you tend to lose your spatial awareness. So make sure you keep your feet in the same spot, sit on a swivel chair or ensure someone is guiding you if you are moving around.

 My Thoughts

If you want an affordable entry-level product to experience VR for yourself, you cannot go wrong with the Archos Universal 4.7 to 6 inch Virtual Reality Glasses. It currently feels a bit like a gimmick, but it is a good experience to try out. You just need to find decent apps on your phone to experience true virtual reality.

If you are an android user, make sure you download Google Cardboard and Vrse from the Play store.

Why I Like It

It can charge your phone

A Wireless Bluetooth speaker that can also charge your mobile phone is an incredibly useful feature, especially when you are only running at 10% battery life. This kills two birds with one stone, as I now do not have to buy an external battery pack for my phone.

Wireless Bluetooth sound in, high quality sound out

If you want to up the ante, connect the Braven 705 speakers to your more expensive sound system and stream your audio from your phone. Surprisingly, the Braven 705 could keep up with the sound and loudness of my home sound system. This is a great feature if your sound system does not support Bluetooth audio streaming. One of the downside, you cannot turn off your Braven 705 speaker, so depending on your placement; this can be detrimental to the sound, so choose its location carefully. Nevertheless, it can produce some noise!

IPX5 Water resistant certification

By the pool… no problem. In the shower… no problem… Throw water balloons at it… why not. The IPX5 Water standard offers protection from a 3.6mm spray of water at 100 litres per minute for at least 3 minutes. However, I would make sure you have the protective cap on, meaning don’t try charging your phone and ensure you have it only in Bluetooth mode!

Colours to suit your mood

What colour would you like to look at?

Which colour do you prefer?

12 hours battery life

With up to 12 hours battery life, it will surely get you through your day listening to your favourite tunes, whether by the pool, at work, or at home.

Hands free talking… with built in microphone

I suppose, you could mount this to your car’s dashboard if your car does not have Bluetooth. That’s legal right?

Playback controls

Increase and decrease volume as well as skip and re-listen to music so you don’t have to always rely on your phone while streaming via Bluetooth. You can even answer your calls too! Testing this out with Spotify for mobile, it works a treat.

The downers:

For the best effect, run off the battery

You can hear quite a considerable amount of white noise when you connecting the Braven 705 to your computer via USB to charge. Once you start playing music, this is hardly noticeable, but can get annoying quite quickly if your music isn’t playing.

No speaker volume control

The Braven 705 seems to play all audio through the 3.5 input jack at full volume. Meaning, you have to adjust the volume at the source. Depending on your use, this can be a bit of an inconvenience

Missing Cables

Speaking of playing music through your standard 3.5 audio jack, if you don’t have a cable, you’ll need to buy one, as it’s not supplied. Therefore, if you think you can just connect the speaker straight to your computer; think again. The only cable supplied is the USB to Micro-USB which you can use to charge your speaker, or flip it around to charge your phone. You can’t do both at the same time.

The Tech Specs

Connections:

• 10m Wireless range
• V2.1 + EDR
• 3.5mm stereo input
• Micro-USB to USB data ports
• Wireless pairing

Audio:

• 2 drivers
• 1 passive radiator
• Built-in microphone and speakerphone

Power:

• On/Off buttons
• 12 hr playtime
• 1400mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery

Dimension:

• Width: 1.8 inch
• Height: 2.6 inch
• Length: 6.25 inch

Profiles Supported:

• IOPT/HFP 1.5
• A2DP1.0
• AVRCP1.4
• GAVDP1.0
• HSP1.2

Weatherproof:

• IPX5 certified water-resistant

Overall Thoughts?

I have been using this on a daily basis and it’s great. It’s portable so you can easily move it around, compared to other desk or PC speakers. The ability of taking phone calls is also an added bonus.

The sound is superb, and can really push the sound out all over the room. I’d defiantly recommend putting it on your to purchase list.

The Design

The headset comes with replaceable memory foam and over the ear velour cups to suit your liking, as well as a detachable microphone to allow you to game with your mates, or listen to your music while walking the streets without looking like an idiot. The headphones itself has the standard 3.5mm jack that plugs into the supplied USB audio control box that converts the audio into 7.1 surround sound. Unfortunately, this means that Gamers do not get the advantage of 7.1 surround sound.

On The PlayStation 4

On of my favourite games on Playstation 4 is Grand Theft Auto 5 and the surround sound through the HyperX Cloud II Pro Gaming Headset is truly amazing. I actually prefer to play this game wearing the headset connected which is connected via the controller than through my 5.1 Logitech surround sound system. With the clarity of the stereo surround sound, it immerses you even more into the game play and you can really tell which direction the gun shot came from or which direction the car behind you is with the horn going off.

Unfortunately, while playing The Last of Us Remastered, the sound quality was not the same and it didn’t feel like you were immersed into the game. I also ended up getting a headache after playing this game while wearing the headset. I am not sure whether it is because of the sound, or that it feels like the headset is applying too much pressure on my head over a long period of time. But that could just be me.

Testing, 1, 2

With a detachable microphone, the HyperX Cloud II Pro Gaming Headset is quite impressive for gaming and ordinary voice recording. The sound that comes through the microphone is crystal-clear with no background noise and has a good bass. For those who like recording podcasts or having video chats through Skype or Google+, you’ll sound amazing to those that are listening.

For a $100 headset, I don’t think you can get much better.

Computer

Have you watch the new Star Wars trailer on YouTube? You haven’t if you haven’t heard it through the HyperX Cloud II Pro Gaming Headset. It really feels like you are inside the movie. The bass, the sound of background objects is so clear, it is truly outstanding. Watching movies, streaming 4K Netflix video’s will be worth it listening through the HyperX Cloud II Pro Gaming Headset.

Final Thoughts

The HyperX Cloud II Pro Gaming Headset provides you with excellent value for money. The 7.1 sound is absolutely fantastic, so is the sound output on microphone. With it being compatible with any device that supports the standard 3.5 inch input jack or a USB port; you can’t go wrong. The only thing it is lacking is instructions on replacing the earmuffs. For me, I will be using this headset on a daily basis and replacing my existing Logitech headset.

Hello Jack,

I really enjoy reading your newsletter and I have a fairly new endeavor that is growing tremendously- to the point that I’m kind of lost. I started a paranormal radio show in February and I do everything for it. I have a co-host, but I do the editing, promoting, and everything else. I have recently had requests for events. That’s great and I’m excited, however, I have to provide my own equipment. Because it is new, I haven’t gotten any sponsors yet, and this is a non-profit organization that I am a part of. Because of this, I’m trying to keep costs to a minimum until I get sponsors. I need to know how to use my laptop like dj equipment (for speaking engagements) with a wireless mic and all. Can you give me suggestions, or even tell me where I can go for help of sponsorship.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to ask you this question.

Response:

Hello Cari,

Thank you for reaching out and asking your question!

I will break your question down in two parts: 1) What DJ equipment is recommended; 2) How to find sponsors

For question 1, I don’t come from an audio or visual background, so I am not really the person to ask for this, but I am all for keeping the costs down. So basically, you need a speaker system, and a microphone. Depending on the type of event, whether being on a stage, or a small stall at an event, you will require different products. You’re laptop should have an audio out and microphone input, so that should be enough to get you started. However, based on your question, you are out of the league of the hardware what radio stations use.

So for a small event, I will probably take my home speakers; so maybe head down the your local sound and audio place to see what they have available for your price range. Or if you have the funds, something like this https://www.storedj.com.au/categories/PA-Speakers-Amps/Powered-Speakers

As you already record your own radio shows, I would assume you would have a decent microphone for that. You could take that, or get a cheap wireless microphone from ebay: http://www.ebay.com.au/sch/Microphones-/29946/i.html
Maybe something like this: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/DUAL-WIRELESS-CORDLESS-TWIN-PRO-MICROPHONE-SYSTEM-FOR-CHURCHS-SCHOOLS-MEETING-/360506242990?pt=AU_Pro_Audio&hash=item53efd8b7ae&_uhb=1

For Sponsorship, that can be quite challenging to get. You basically have to get your self out there and ask people to sponsor you. Ask your listens to donate, see if people want to place ads within your station. But you have to convey “why should they sponsor you” What do you get out of them. So understand your target audience, and contact companies customers who are the same group of people.

Some recommendations:

1. google “how to find sponsors for your blog” – a lot of bloggers ask this question
2. contact PR agents to see if they have any companies who are interested
3. get on social media

But you just have to get out there. Contact other radio stations in the same niche, listen to their sponsors and approach them.

This article may help you as well: http://www.idealist.org/info/Nonprofits/Dev2

I hope this helps!

Clipping Magic

Clipping Magic is a free, DIY background removal tool. It’s only effective on simple images like below. If you have a picture that is complex like in the Pixc example, forget it.

During Editing

After

Pixc

Pixc is a service that allows you to upload images, and within 24 hours, you’ll have the background removed. The service costs no more than $2 per image, and you get a fantastic result. Just have a look at the before and after picture I tested out with them. Also, they are based in Australia – an added bonus.

Before

After

Microsoft Office

In Microsoft Office 2010 and 2013, there is a feature to remove backgrounds. Once you have added your picture to the document, just select Format (located under Picture Tools), then Remove Background. Then, just mark the areas you want to keep, and remove the areas you want to remove, and it’s done for you.

Before

After

These 3 tools should be enough to suite your personal or commercial need in removing backgrounds from objects. Which option would you try out first? Do you know of any other background removal tools that you currently use?

If you browse the LG Watch R website, it is all about style, which it is; however, the biggest letdown still is the Android Wear Operating System. The LG G Watch R is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 1.2 GHz processor and contains a 1.3 inch, full circular p-OLED screen that just looks amazing for an always-on watch interface. The 410mAh battery lasts twice the amount of time than its predecessor, lasting 2 days of moderate use. On the back, there is a green, laser-driven heart rate monitor, which I am a little sceptical to use. It contains a Barometer and has 9 Axis of motion and the watch is water resistant for up to 1 metre for 30 minutes.

My Thoughts

It Looks Good… that’s it

In a nutshell, design wise, it looks amazing, but usability is still extremely poor. In terms of Android Wear, there isn’t any noticeable changes from the previous LG G Watch, which you would think there would be some change after releasing a second revision of a the LG G Smartwatch. The usability is exactly the same, and when you say “Ok Google, Call name“, you still need to get your phone out of your pocket and just hope they have not answered straight away. This is the same when you answer a call as well. Basically, all this watch is good at is showing you your phones notifications. If you receive a juicy SMS, do not try and to read more, or respond to it because you simply cannot. The only thing it is useful for is to swipe it away. Personally, I find it just as easy, if not easier to look at my phone.

Am I getting Cancer?

As I said before, I am a bit sceptical in using the in-built heartrate monitor. After using it, you can feel your wrist heating up, and it just feels uncomfortable, to the point it was still irritating me hours later without wearing the watch. You know that gut instinct you get sometimes when something is bad, well I get this while using the heart rate monitor.

Will I Wear It Every Day?

Since receiving this watch from MobileZap a couple of weeks back, I wore it for the first few days and only picked it up once or twice; just so I can write this review. I am not a watch wearer now (I was in the past), but I just do not see a need for this watch, let alone any, especially when you cannot make and receive calls from it.

Great Website

I do have to say though; LG has created an impressive promotional website for the watch. Just by looking at it, the LG G Watch R looks cool. However, read the reviews first (there are some below for you).

What others think?

TechRadar: The G Watch R is one of the best smartwatches on the market, but it’s still far from a polished device. Android Wear needs more work, it feels odd talking to your wrist and the price tag is hard to swallow.

Cnet: Although its stark design and beautiful face makes this the first smartwatch you might actually be happy to be seen wearing, its Android Wear software has a long way to go before it’s anything more than a passing novelty.

The Verge: As of right now, the LG G Watch R’s greatest appeal is to be found as a fashion accessory. It’s a high-tech wearable that combines some of the retro charm of classical timepieces with the allure of expanded, modern utility. It could be both smarter and more charming, but as a step along the path to developing a real smartwatch, it’s a solid stride forward.

Gizmodo: The LG G Watch R’s hardware is ready for your wrist. Android Wear? Not so much. As far as smartwatches currently go, the G Watch R sits in the top tier. It may even be the best, if you like its black chunky look, which I’m sure many will. But for me, Android Wear is just too limited at present to be worth your time.

TechCrunch: The LG G Watch R is the best designed Android Wear device currently available in my opinion. LG has done a great job of prioritizing design, with a take that isn’t milquetoast and takes some risks. That said, it’s not for everyone – Android Wear on circular displays is still a bit awkward, and this is a big piece of hardware for a wearable. Plus, at $299 it’s as expensive as some decent smartphones.

JackCola: LG, you built an amazing smartwatch that looks like a normal watch; you just need Google to lift their game with Android Wear. Obviously soon is not enough.

Interested in buying the LG G Watch R, head over to MobileZap.com.au for all your mobile device needs.

There are three challenges available to take part in, with more challenges available to unlock when you visit an OfficeWorks store. Even though the app is targeted towards Primary and Secondary school students, some of the challenges at a year 12 level could be found challenging for some adults. And if they’re not, it’s great fun to try and beat your previous scores.

Science Lab

With this challenge, you are in your science lab and you are presented with a number of of objects. Your challenge is to successfully recall the order that the objects were presented to you.

Locked Out

Not sure which locker your books and lunch is in? You have a few moments to view the lockers before you have to remember which lockers you need to open.

Dodgeball

Practice your maths before the joggers reach the finishing line.

Levels

When you start the app, you need to choose what grade level you are at. One downside is, that if you change year levels, you lose your results.

Overall, it’s technically a very basic app, but executed really well, and it is a very good game to install on your child’s phone or tablet.

Download

For more information, visit OfficeWorks Growing Minds. The app is available on Android and the AppStore

A new service has just been launched in Australia that allows you to send a message to someone, while pretending to be someone else.

The site works by you entering a recipients phone number (the person who will receive the text message), a sender (someone’s mobile number or 11 character string), and your message.

If the recipient has the sender’s mobile number in their contact book, the SMS will appear that it has originated from the sender and follow on from their past message history.

The service can be useful, and somewhat evil, depending on how it’s used. Although to use the service you need to validate both your email address and mobile phone number.

At the moment, a cost of an SMS is $1, however, there are discounts for bulk buys.

So would you spend $1 to:

• Tell your boss he’s fired
• Tell your friends that his girlfriend is pregnant to another guy
• Tell your crush to break up with their partner

…or do you have better standards than to snoop that low?

Source: JapeSMS.com

JapeSMS.com only works on the Australian Mobile Network.

The post Inside the Walled City of Dubrovnik appeared first on Jack Cola's Mini Blog.

On the entire north-west side, you have a campsite, and a number of hotels, campers get to utilise. The campsite had basketball courts, tennis and live entertainment – the usual at any campsite or resort. When we were there, they had a tribute to Michael Jackson – with many songs I have never heard. It was a good way to kill a few hours at night. The resort also has a mini shopping complex so you can buy all your souvenirs and of course your dinner.

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As you can see above, there was a bit of a road side fire we had to drive past.

A view of Dubrovnik above.

The post Driving From Omis to Dubrovnik appeared first on Jack Cola's Mini Blog.

The town was really busy at night, needing police to direct traffic. The town was buzzing with nightlife, restaurants and things to do and eat. We had a really nice Cheeseburger at a Bar Grill behind the main road.

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The campsite didn’t offer much, you still needed to travel in to town for a meal. The only entertainment was a volleyball court.

The post Visiting the town of Pakostane appeared first on Jack Cola's Mini Blog.

After leaving Pag, we made our way into Zadar, and ended up staying at Kozarica in the town of Pakostane

The post Driving Around Pag appeared first on Jack Cola's Mini Blog.

Pag is literally and island of rock, as you can see above.

Even the fences are made out of rocks.

Yet, there towns have amazing views. This is looking into the town of Metajna.

For the night, we ended up travelling into Novalja and staying at Camping Strasko. This is an impressive caravan park – one of the best ones we have stayed at. There was so much entertainment, the camp grounds is so massive and there’s a lot to do. It’s like being in a mini city. There is table tennis, chess, volleyball and more. The only problem we had was in one of the restaurants, where we literally had a Mr Bean serving us. It look like him, he spoke like him and acted like him. First of all, the waiter lost our order, so we had to order again. We were starving, and waiting over an hour isn’t fun. Then, he gave us the wrong meal. Even though he wasn’t Mr Bean, we had a laugh anyway.

We ended up staying three nights at Camping Strasko.

The post Visiting the Island of Pag appeared first on Jack Cola's Mini Blog.

And we weren’t going to go back to the bridge when entering Krk to visit this campsite. It looked pretty boring.

We ended up staying at a campsite called Camp Zablace, which is located here. It doesn’t look too pleasing when it’s empty, but when full, it’s completely different.

It’s also one of the best beaches too, with the bluest water, wavers, and a nearby water slide.

Baska also has a nice waterfront/boardwalk that was extremely active at night time, with amusement rides for kids, live entertainment and plenty of restaurants to choose from.

The restaurant were we are: Captains. 55 Euro for three people got us meals that were so large, we couldn’t eat it all (and usually we do).

Baska is defiantly a great place to visit while in Croatia.

The post The Island of Krk and Baska appeared first on Jack Cola's Mini Blog.