Saturday, January 17, 2015

TechTalk January 12, 2015

TECHTALK is the time of the week when trend spotters and trend wave riders sit beside the radio and get a good dose of what is and what has been hot in technology for another week.

Andrew Thomas from DigitalNexa and myself dig, test and ask questions about the wild world of technology!


This is the podcast of what we got up to.


And here are the show notes and links!

Andrew Thomas MD @ Nexa www.digitalnexa.com
P1
Jawbone Up Move
$49.99 online
-good cost
-easy to wear it reminds me of the old pedometer
-bluetooth to phone
-sleep and activity
I wonder if these aren’t things we use for 6 months and then they are a top drawer item?
-my 2 jawbone up’s got water damage.
NEED A WATERPROOF UNIT!
Like it for the price tag if I was in need of tracker this one would be on the list.
-the coloured wristbands are a great feature but they are sold separate! $15
-I had some difficulty pairing but it may have been too many apps on.
-I found the Android pair easier than the Apple pair. Not sure why you just press a button, maybe the bluetooth enable???
-----------------------------------
Jabra Sport Pulse Headphones
200$
I am not an advocate of running or outdoor activity with headphones but I like the idea of having a heart rate measure and bringing all the data of a run or workout together with some tunes ,in a controlled environment!
Can answer the phone with these.
USB charge.
sportlife app-cool!
-5hrs battery life
-stick in ear nicely!
-On the track!
-in the park
Love the fact it brings more function to my phone!
App - Make money from your photos

https://foap.com
-the heart rate monitor adds a new dimension to my workout!
Cool App this is the next thing!




P2.


SLING TV

http://readwrite.com/2015/01/05/dish-network-sling-tv-espn-streaming?utm_source=ReadWrite%2BNewsletters&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=57490ee9a0-RWWDailyNewsletter&utm_term=0_9fbeb5d667-57490ee9a0-201505957
Flickr user Ed Schipul
The Dish Network is launching a new service called Sling TV. For $20 a month, it’ll stream those channels like ESPN via the internet; channels that have kept many of us tethered to traditional cable plans. So what does this have to do with design? When you unclip television from the wall, the possibilities for entertainment go truly mobile. Plus, when you make phones and tablets the de facto viewing experience, you can begin to imagine new ways of ingesting and interacting with that content. [Read more]
Takeaway: Truly seamless, omnipresent entertainment is on the way, and it has way more potential to change things than SmartTVs or new DVD technologies ever did.
CES not too impressive!
-problems are bigger functional affordable-be there-be mobile the place to monitor what is next
4 CES Trends

1. Will people actually wear wearables?

2. Will 3D printing be ready for the masses?

3. Can big data keep up with the Internet of Things?

4. Will innovation return to smartphones and tablets?
Phone to projector alarm, oh yea!


P3.
Mobile payments are going to grab big ground during 2015

http://venturebeat.com/2015/01/10/mobile-payments-the-outlook-for-2015/



Modular SmartWatch! Cool!
Battery with phone notification for smoke detectors!




INTEL’S MAGIC BUTTON
Intel
How do you get the fashion industry to embrace wearable technology? Build the technology for them, and make it the size of a button. That’s Intel’s idea, anyway, with their Curie Module, a self-contained, button-sized system that contains a multitude of sensors and Bluetooth. It will be available in the second half of 2015. [Read more]
Takeaway: Intel is going to try with the fashion industry what’s already worked for them in computers and smartphones: Build the guts, let manufactures figure out the body.




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CarTalk January 12th

Who doesn't like to have a conversation about what is hot and what is not on the road?

Now imagine you are in one of the best locations on the planet to see and drive economy to exotics?

And now imagine you get to sit down with the boys from MotoringME on a weekly basis, I am a lucky guy.

This week we had a list of good intentions.

Here is what we ended up with.


The show notes were awesome as always.

Maybe we can hist some of the notes next week!

Impti in Iceland in a snowstorm! See Facebook!


Fiat 500 595000

2015 toureg worth it?

Mitsubishi offers 85900 for a Pajero!

-the Mazda 2, lovely!

Suzuki Ertiga 49900 7 seats!
Suzuki say that Ertiga creates a new segment they call ‘Life Utility Vehicle’.
It competes with the Toyota Innova, Mahindra Xylo, Tata Sumo Grande, Toyota Avanza and Nissan Grand Livina. This car is powered by K-series 1.4 litre petrol engine. A diesel version of this car is powered by Fiat's 1.3 litre Multijet engine. The car is based on extended Suzuki Swift platform. This means that the Ertiga is a monocoque MPV; the first in India. It is also considered to be a cross between a saloon/hatchback and an MPV. It has beaten the long-reigningToyota Innova.This is said that "ERTIGA" is first "muv in world.
The Ertiga is said to be the production version of the R-III (R3) concept showcased by MSIL at the Indian Automobile Exposition 2010. Moreover the name Ertiga is said be an adaptation of R-Tiga where "Tiga" means "three" in Indonesian. The "R" stands for Rows. Therefore "Ertiga" is derived from "R3" which in turn means "(Swift with) Three Rows".


Toyota Innova?


THE UAE’S BEST DRAG RACERS BATTLED FOR TWO DAYS IN A BID TO BE CROWNED ‘KING OF THE STREET’

The first round of the Yas Super Street Challenge kicked off to a wheel-spinning start as 91 drivers faced off on the circuit’s drag strip

Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, January 11, 2015: Yas Marina Circuit echoed to the sound of street racers this weekend, as the first round in the Yas Super Street Challenge got the series well and truly underway.

Throughout Thursday and Friday, more than 90 drivers from the UAE lined up in their own cars to battle for the title ‘King of the Street’ across five distinct categories – ‘4x4 Super Street SUV’; ‘Index 11.5’; ‘Index 10.5’; ‘Super Street’ and ‘Super Street – Open Category’ – on the circuit’s purpose-built drag racing strip.

During each of the four rounds in the series, cash prizes for first (15,000 AED), second (10,000 AED) and third place (5,000 AED) are on offer to the top three racers in each category.

The two-day first round programme of qualifying and races produced some real edge-of-the-seat action, and spectators were treated to the smell of burning rubber and the roar of engines that only this gritty and exciting form of motorsport can produce.

After a day of tightly fought competition, the ‘Super Street Open Category’ was won by Ali Al Suwaidi, who walked off with the top prize of 15,000 AED. He pipped Mohammad Al Ghafli into second place and the 10,000 AED purse, with Waleed Saleh claiming third place and 5,000 AED cash.

The category of ‘Super Street’ was also closely contested, but Waleed Al Hosani clinched first place, with second and third place awarded to Khaled Al Thani and Alaa Al Hammou, respectively.

The precision challenge demanded by the ‘Index 10.5’ category saw Salah Al Amoudi edge ahead of Fadi Tamour to win, with Saeed Mubarak following closely in third, and the ‘Index 11.5’ category top prize was awarded to Marei Al Katheeri, with Khalifa Al Mouhairbi and Ahmed Husain claiming second and third.

The final category, proving very popular with the fans, was the ‘4x4 Super Street SUV’ category. Saif Al Kaabi beat all comers to finish first, as Salim Mubarak and Salah Al Amoudi’s run timings placed them in second and third.

Speaking at the event, Saud Al Qaydi, Motorsport Manager at Yas Marina Circuit, said: “This was a fantastic addition to our racing calendar, and an excellent way to kick off the first round of this exciting new series.

“Street racing is extremely popular among the UAE’s youth and we are delighted to be able to facilitate such a grassroots and fun event. During the next three rounds of the competition, the action won’t stop as our drivers compete for the overall series title of ‘King of the Street’. If you love raw racing thrills, make sure you don’t miss out!”










And here is a little look at what came in via the SMS line!



We see all make of cars starting from kia to bugati on dubai roads, never seen a Pugani.

Hi guys. You may remember I wrote a week or so ago regarding a friend of mine who was in a bad smash, totally the other guys fault, fault admitted, she then has endured the cost of hire vehicles while he walks away Scott free. IT HAPPENED ON OCT 23rd. The vehicle is still not ready due to parts not available. She wanted it written off but transpired its repairable. Is there a car consumer complaints division/ministry/whatever that she can claim expenses from? IT IS TOTALLY UNFAIR SHE GETS HIT AND IS OUT IF POCKET THOUSANDS OF DIRHAMS FOR HIRE CARS and he walks away?????? Cheers. Don

What's the top 3 reliable luxury SUVs that you can thank of, that suits the UAE the most !
Ahmed

My Tahoe 4x4 has 240,000, will need to change soon as I use it for work and have to drive a lot, occasionally off road, I'm also mum of 4 kids which sometimes invite friends over from school so I have at some point made use of the 9th sit in the front road. Which car would you recommend for me to look into to replace my Tahoe. Cristina

I have an X5 4.3 and want to change my var, but to what. Harry

I believe complaints about insurance companies are not handled by consumer protection. Insurance Authority deals with those. 
Mansoor

My wife is weighing up a evoque vs Porsche macan.  Any advice?

Can you do a swot on Mazda cx9. Your thoughts ? J zacharia

Thanks guys. Do you mean approach HIS COMPANY (the guy to blame) or my friends?? Don

Hi . I am in the market . Can't make mind up . Patrol top of the range or qx80.  Mustapha

Hey guys, Ariel Nomad just been announced, thoughts? How soon do you recon I can get one in Dubai? Chris

Why car companies now making lighter cars

Which company has the best after sales service. Currently have a Hyundai Santa Fe and the service is terrible. Owned a Nissan and Honda, Honda was the best. I need to change my car, one which take 3 car seats across the back, ideally with isofix  - any recommendations?

Thanks good advice. She has tested the evoque but we'll go test the cayenne too now! 
The T stands for threats
Matt

How is the Mitsubishi cars quality. Faisal


 
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Friday, January 09, 2015

The ME Indie Jukebox January 7. 2015

Who doesn't like a bit of music?

One of the real issues we face in Dubai and the MENA region in general is the lack of regional music on the radio.

And on a weekly basis I get to sit down with the team from triplew and discover what we are missing when it comes to regional music.

I have to say the team at Triplew is very knowledgable and informative when it comes to cultural industries and easily the people you want to have over for a dinner party, ask them to bring the music.

This week we listened to @Myrath, @Absolace, @JadaLband, Oumaima Khalil and Saffron.

 Here is the podcast!





Let us know what you think!

Nightline@dubaieye1038.ae
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Thursday, January 08, 2015

Call-in on Shopping, too much? January 7, 2015

Every Wednesday on Nightline at 9pm we open up the sms and phone-lines for a Q&A.

This week we asked you about shopping and whether or not it is getting the better of us?

Do we really need to shop so much and buy so much? Tough question when you think that we have the Dubai Shopping Festival and that shopping is a huge boost to the economy.

Do we need to shop so much?

Here is the podcast.



Here is a look at some of the SMS messages from the show that helped to drive the conversation.
We're from Eastern Europe. For me there's no such thing as shopping for fun. If we need something we buy it. Sold the 5years old TV and bought new one for a bargain price. Needed a dishwasher because of the kids, bought one recently. Same with cloths and everything else. I think it's inherited from parents.

Certainly, Hamza(d) is sleeping on the couch tonight! :O

Our 2 yr old twins are incredibly fortunate & have been given almost all their clothes (we bought 3 baby grows when they were born as we're so prematurenothing fitted! ) I was putting away some of their trousers & dresses with our wonderful helper & she & I were trying to fit them all in the wardrobe. She said 'my daughter doesn't like dresses but that's OK,  she only has 1'.

 It really put it all into perspective. For their next birthday we are going to ask everyone for xlothes for a boy & girl of their  age group but they will be sent to orphanages in Sri Lanka & Uganda that friends support. A real wake up call, we have so much when others are happy with so little. Hannah

I've been putting my clothes back in my wardrobe on the right hand side when it's worn the at the end of each on th I can look at the things on the left& see why they haven't been worn. It works! Have managed to get eos of some things quite easily :) Hannah

Hey James,
As you mentioned earlier about your mother that people do compare prices in here vs overseas and it's cheap here.


Would be happy to come back on air, before I hit the couch. If you need my perspective on consumerism and shopping festival. Hamza

Here are the notes we used for research.


How much is enough? What do you really need and is our shopping culture something we need to think about? Sustainability, the environment…

Are you a compuslive shopper?

Is consumerism out of control?


There are a few things.

1. There can be no consumption without production. If a population consumes more than it produces, this is ultimately unsustainable. Consumption is 70% of the US economy. Some day, this will collapse.

2. Consumerist culture isn't just about buying things you want. It's about convincing you that you need things that you don't necessarily need or want and encouraging you to spend money on these things, sometimes even when you can't afford them. This is a bizarre way to structure production - make stuff, trick people into buying it, so you can make more stuff to trick people into buying. A culture more concerned with growth, development, and improvement than superficial validation and instant gratification would be able to provide for actual needs and wants far better.

3. Consumerist culture also motivates people to go into debt, which is also an unsustainable thing, since loanable funds aren't unlimited. It also sacrifices the future for the present.

In short, consumerism sacrifices the future for short-term immediate gratification. It is like an addictive drug, and withdrawal is going to suck.


Today’s consumption is undermining the environmental resource base. It is exacerbating inequalities. And the dynamics of the consumption-poverty-inequality-environment nexus are accelerating. If the trends continue without change — not redistributing from high-income to low-income consumers, not shifting from polluting to cleaner goods and production technologies, not promoting goods that empower poor producers, not shifting priority from consumption for conspicuous display to meeting basic needs — today’s problems of consumption and human development will worsen.
… The real issue is not consumption itself but its patterns and effects.
… Inequalities in consumption are stark. Globally, the 20% of the world’s people in the highest-income countries account for 86% of total private consumption expenditures — the poorest 20% a minuscule 1.3%. More specifically, the richest fifth:
  • Consume 45% of all meat and fish, the poorest fifth 5%
  • Consume 58% of total energy, the poorest fifth less than 4%
  • Have 74% of all telephone lines, the poorest fifth 1.5%
  • Consume 84% of all paper, the poorest fifth 1.1%
  • Own 87% of the world’s vehicle fleet, the poorest fifth less than 1%
Runaway growth in consumption in the past 50 years is putting strains on the environment never before seen.



المؤشرات الرئیسیة عن مھرجان دبــي للتسوق

Main Indicators of Dubai Shopping Festival

Title 2011 البیـــــــان
Festival Days 32 المھرجـــــان أیــام

Total Visitors ( In 000 ) 3,980 ( بالالف ) الزوار عدد إجمالي

Daily Average of Visitors 124,375 للزوار الیومي المتوسط

Total Spending ( Million AED ) 15,100 ( درھم ملیون ) الانفــــاق إجمالي

Daily Average of Spending ( Million AED) 472 ( درھم ملیون ) للانفاق الیومي المتوسط

Source : Department of Economic Development

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