Publication History For : Michael Fereday

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867655 Mysteries of the Past Shadow of the Daemo

Shadow of the Daemon

Published in Entertainment on 9 Apr 2016
As a paranormal investigator you should be prepared for the unusual as you try to solve the mystery surrounding the Big Pine Lodge.
“Mysteries of the Past – Shadow of the Daemon” is a title that belongs to the popular Hidden Object Adventure game genre.  In this game you take on the role of a Paranormal Investigative Detective who goes by the name of Jane.
867658 lg g4 sim free android smart phon

LG G4 Smartphone

Published in Phones on 7 Apr 2016
The LG G4 is a smartphone that comes in a variety of skins. There are models with grey, white, gold and coloured leather back covers. My review unit, supplied by Vodafone, came with a metallic grey back cover.
While an initial glance of this handset might give the impression that LG has gone with the usual standard layout of the external functions used by all the other smartphones that I have checked out, this LG unit might have a few surprises especially for those moving from another brand of mobile.  With dimensions of 148.9 x 76.1 x 9.8mm (H x W x D), the G4’s front face is dominated by a 5.5-inch screen.
867657 azoi kito health monito

Health Monitoring

Published in Wireless on 5 Apr 2016
Describing itself as a health-tech company that focuses on providing real-time affordable and clinical accurate vital monitoring products, Azoi Inc is based in Sunnyvale California. I recently came across Azoi at the Wearable Technology Show 2016 held at London’s Excel Exhibition Centre. The company was there to promote its Kito+ product.
The Kito+ is a health tracking device that offers to measure heart rate, ECG, blood oxygen levels, skin temperature and respiration rate.  These measurements need to be made while the user is in a relaxed position, maintaining a straight posture in order to get an accurate reading.  While Azoi claim that these readings are accurate and reliable, the Kito+ is meant to be a personal health tracker rather than a diagnostic tool – such matters should be left to a qualified doctor.
867414 freedom pop telecom

New Wave Telecom

Published in Phones on 2 Apr 2016
No doubt you have probably heard on good authority that there is no such thing as a free lunch. This is because there will be a time when a payment of sorts will be required. However not everybody would agree with the no free-lunch sentiment. Definitely failing into the category of believing that a free lunch is possible is the team at FreedomPop.
Launched publicly in 2012 FreedomPop describes itself as being a new wave telecom company with a fresh look at how to provide its customers with the type of service they required.  The company is headquartered in Los Angeles and includes Niklas Zennstom, the Skype founder, amongst its backers.  The support of Zennstom might go some way towards explaining why FreedomPop has adopted its approach to its mobile phone service.
867524 team viewe

Software Providing Help

Published in Software on 31 Mar 2016
While many, if not most, computer software applications have been designed for regular if not in daily use, there are a few applications that hopefully will only be called upon in an emergency.
Team Viewer is a software application bringing together remote control and online collaboration features.  This software, which is considered a market leader in remote support and online meeting solutions, has been downloaded over 10 million times a month by users residing around the globe.  At any given time this software will be responsible for connecting over 20 million devices at any given time.
867523 avanquest the hidden continent column of the may

Column of the Maya

Published in Entertainment on 30 Mar 2016
With plenty of printed dialogue, this next game takes you on a search for a Mayan artefact.
The Hidden Continent: Column of the Maya is a Hidden Object Adventure game from Daedalic Entertainment and Prime Games.  This game is now available, under licence, from Avanquest’s GSP game catalogue.  While not exactly a blast from the past, The Hidden Continent: Column of the Maya does show its age as it plays like a game that was common several years ago as it lack many of the features we have come to expect as standard.
867525 Wistiki Wireless Connected Key Rin

Lost Property Device

Published in Wireless on 29 Mar 2016
As a child I used to play Hide & Seek, now, much older, my various devices play their version of the game.
Do you suffer from Nomophobia or perhaps you could be a victim of Athazogoraphobia?  To save you the trouble of reaching for your dictionary (it is highly likely that both this affliction will not be mentioned) or Googling either term, I should explain both terms.
867522 Gillette Fusion ProShield Flexball Razo

Irritation-free Shaving

Published in Health and Beauty on 26 Mar 2016
If you are a regular shaver, how many strokes do you take to complete a shave? According to Gillette it is 170 strokes.
Gillette recently launched a new shaving technology that promises to help improve the shaving experience for guys.  You have probably seen the advert dealing with this new technology for this product on television.  If not, or even if you just wish to remind yourself of the content of this advert, then point your browser at .
867413 Edifier Studio 1280T speaker syste

Bookshelf Speakers

Published in Entertainment on 24 Mar 2016
Providing dual connectivity options is a speaker system from our old friends at Edifier.
Since its formation in 1996, Edifier has been busy developing an impressive range of speaker products designed for specific purposes.  These different types of speaker generally fit into categories such as Bluetooth, Portable, 2.0 Bookshelf, 2:1 System or 5:1 System.  Recently I have had the opportunity to check out the company’s Studio 1280T model.  This speaker product is part of the company’s 2.0 Bookshelf range of offerings.
867415 avanquest mousecraf

Mice Helping a Cat.

Published in Entertainment on 23 Mar 2016
Mice helping cats is not an everyday occurrence but it is one that forms the basis of this next game made up of puzzle solving levels.
In the past I have installed and played numerous games available from the Avanquest GSP game catalogue.  This next title, however, is a first for me with a game from this particular source.  The game in question is MouseCraft and it requires you to have a Steam account in order to install the title.  If anybody is unfamiliar with Steam, I should explain that this is an Internet-based digital distributor platform providing access to computer and console titles.
867412 varidesk pro plus 3

Adjustable Height Working

Published in Misc on 22 Mar 2016
Sitting in front of a computer, as I do, for many hours each day is, according to my doctor, not a particularly healthy way to carry on. I could point out that the doctor giving this advice always seems to be seated in front of a computer during my visits so is hardly following this given advice regarding health living. But of course this could be one of those situations that are based on “Do what I say, not what I do!”
One way to avoid being in the same position as you sit in front of a computer would be to set out your computer equipment on a height-adjustable desk. In such cases you would be able to switch between a seated or standing position while working (or maybe playing a game) on your computer. I have recently being looking at a height-adjustable desk from VARIDESK. The product under review is the VARIDESK Pro Plus 36™ model.
867279 Edifier M1370BT Home Audio Speakers Bluetoot

Bluetooth Speaker System

Published in Wireless on 19 Mar 2016
Adding to its range of audio devices, Edifier has developed a speaker system with the model number of M1370BT.
Since it was established in May 1996 in Beijing, China, Edifier has built up a well respected reputation for developing speaker units that have a distinctive quality with regards their appearance plus a range of headphones and music systems.  While I have yet to check out any of the company’s headphones or music systems, I have had the opportunity to try out a number of Edifier speaker units including the M1370BT which is the subject of this review.
867023 mobile phone use

Digital Communicating

Published in Misc on 17 Mar 2016
Growing up my friends were people I met on a regular basis but nowadays many people have friends they have never met.
Are you a face-to-face person or one who prefers digital communication when dealing with others?  I ask this question because recent research has indicated that around half of us prefer keeping in touch with our friends via a digital conduit rather than speaking directly to them in the flesh. This research has been conducted on behalf of BT Mobile in partnership with Dr. Peter Collett who is a former Oxford University lecturer and psychologist working on Big Brother and Body Talk.
867277 Lost Lands The Golden Curse Collectors Editio

Return to the Lost Lands

Published in Entertainment on 16 Mar 2016
As part of the Lost Lands series of games set in a world of strange creatures and magic with an ancient wizard names Maarin, FIVE BN GAMES has developed The Golden Curse.
I have been looking at the Collector’s Edition of the Lost Lands: The Golden Curse Hidden Object Adventure game.  This title has a number of bonus items, some of which are available immediately while others require a certain amount of progress before they can be accessed from the main title screen.  Wallpaper, concept art, music, Strategy Guide and achievements can be accessed immediately while videos, puzzles and mini games can be revisited once completed in the main game.
867280 Huawei Honor 5

A Honor Handset

Published in Phones on 15 Mar 2016
Huawei has added to its range of e-brand smartphones with the release of the Honor 5X handset. Described at the launch as being the most affordable premium smartphone of 2016 (admittedly at the time we were just 35 days into the year), the Honor 5X is aimed at the young, stylish and adventurous type of customers.
The Honor 5X, with dimensions of 151.3 x 76.3 x 8.2mm (H x W x D) and weighing 158g, is available in a choice of gold, silver or, as in the case of the review unit, grey, is a 5.5-inch smartphone.  As is the standard with such devices, the front of the unit, is dominated by the 5.5-inch Full-HD IPS screen.  This screen is of the capacitive touch screen variety and has a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels.
867278 Arlo Q Smart Home 1080p Full HD Security Camer

Arlo Adds a “Q”

Published in Homes and Gardens on 12 Mar 2016
Following the release of its original Arlo™ home security camera system last year, NETGEAR has now produced the Arlo Q. This is a 1080p HD Security Camera that offers two-way audio features operating as an intercom.
With the design of the Arlo Q, NETGEAR has instigated a number of changes to the appearance and performance of this home security device.  For a start the “Q” is a tethered, rather than wireless, device.  That is not to say that this camera lacks support for Wi-Fi.  In fact it is a Wi-Fi device.  The wireless aspect of this product refers to the means of drawing power.  A lengthy 300cm USB lead and power plug are provided.
866966 mattel viewmaster virtual reality fron

Virtual Environments

Published in Misc on 10 Mar 2016
In my personal dim and distant past I can just about remember using a device called a stereoscope. To my young eyes it was a thing of wonder as it converted a pair of slightly different 2D photos into a 3D scene with depth. Now with digital images and computerised devices the younger generation look for something extra.
Today’s young generation require a more immersive experience to hold their attention.  Offering to provide this experience is the View-Master product from Mattel.  This particular product is based on a Virtual Reality headset that Mattel feels will take the young child (7+) on a virtual and augmented reality adventure as they are transported around the world and beyond.
867024 avanquest guardian dragons gam

Dragons and Demons

Published in Entertainment on 9 Mar 2016
While I am a big fan of Anne McCaffrey’s books on the Dragons of Pern, I had not previously encountered the Dragons of Derod.
Guardian Dragons: The Prophecy is a Hidden Object Adventure game that is based on the novel by Falco Loffler.  The game is set in the world of Derod where dragons and demons have fought a long-running battle over the fate of mankind.  The dragons have always watched over man from afar and protected them from the constant attacks from the demons.  Many battles have raged until the demons were driven off beyond the Koan Mountains in the far northeast of Derod.
867025 kingston datatraveller 2000 USB flash storag

Kingston DataTraveler 2000

Published in Misc on 8 Mar 2016
While Flash drives are extremely useful when transport data between systems, they can be lost. As a result this type of device does require layers of protection.
Kingston Digital, Inc., part of the Kingston Technology Company, Inc., has added to its DataTraveler® family of products.  This new offering is the DataTraveler 2000 which is remarkably similar in appearance to the iStorage DataShur Pro which I reviewed earlier.  In fact iStorage is mentioned on the packaging.  However there is one major difference in that the Kingston product supports USB 3.1 rather than the USB 2.0 technology used by the iStorage offering.
867022 Netatmo NSC01 EU Wi Fi Home Camera with Face Recognitio

A Netatmo Welcome

Published in Wireless on 5 Mar 2016
Home security continues to be a hot topic with the next candidate offering a welcome.
Developed by Netatmo, a company founded in 2011, the Welcome is a security camera that comes with the promise of delivering face recognition without the need of a contract or subscription fees.  The product consists of the camera unit, power lead, Ethernet cable and an 8GB micro SD card for storing any captured content.  You also get a mini booklet which relies of illustrations to get its message across regarding setting up the device.
866969 Swann SwannOne Advanced Smart Home Control Ki

SwannOne Home Protection

Published in Homes and Gardens on 3 Mar 2016
Well know for its range of home security products, Swann has released its SwannOne kit. This product is meant to provide the user with a range of security features that have been designed to protect your home whether you are present or absent for any reason.
Central to the heart of the SwannOne system is a Smart Hub which is provided with an Ethernet cable and power lead.  This plinth shaped box, with dimensions of 220 x 135 x 60mm (W x D x H) acts as a half-way house between the resident router and any additional attachment elements making up the SwannOne system.  The Smart Hub features connections for power, Ethernet and USB plus WPS, reset and speaker / microphone options.
866967 avanquest weeping woman lost legend

Lost Legends: Weeping Woman

Published in Entertainment on 2 Mar 2016
A reappearing spirit, abducted children, flowers and skulls are all featured in this next Hidden Object Adventure game.
For many years the villagers of San Cristobal have held an annual festival entitled Flores de los Muertos (Flowers of the Dead).  This festival’s purpose was to ward off the spirit of the Weeping Woman whom the villagers believed was responsible for the disappearance of young children. The story behind the legend of the Weeping Woman began with the marriage of the village beauty Maria Gonzales to Domingo who has a reputation of being a rogue.
866968 ergotron workfit t DIY work benc

To Sit Or Stand

Published in Misc on 1 Mar 2016
How much time do you spend sat in front of your computer? It does not matter whether you are playing games or carrying out more productive tasks. I suspect that in many cases your answer could well consist of a number of hours. I know that my answer would definitely be a number of hours.
While not immediately registering on your consciousness, a significant word in my original question is that of “sat”, a position that could sometimes be replaced with or used alongside “huddled”.  There are points of view which state that being sat or huddled in front of a computer plays a major factor in the cause of RSI or, as in my particular case, back problems.
866801 trackr bluetooth tracker devic

TrackR.bravo

Published in Misc on 27 Feb 2016
Inanimate objects, such as keys, smartphones and other small personal devices, are not meant to have a life of their own. These items are supposed to remain where you last placed them. But, as can often happen, the location where you are certain you left them is not the same as the position where the particular item is to be found when you need it to complete an important task. If, like me, you have encountered such as situation then you might be interested in this next product. Even more so, if again like me, this is a regular situation then you could consider placing the TrackR.bravo device on your wish list.
According to urban legend, the TrackR device, and the company which manufacturers such a product, came about as the result of Chris Herbert and Christian Smith finding themselves locked out of a car because they could not find the car keys.  As a result the TrackR Company was set up in 2009 to ensure this situation did not arise again for them and many others.
866799 Sandberg Thunderstorm Keyboard U

A Decorated Keyboard

Published in Misc on 25 Feb 2016
If you want to brighten up the appearance of your keyboard when gaming, then this next offering might appeal.
Gamers, especially those who consider themselves part of the hardcore brigade, always feel that they need specially enhanced equipment to survive in the virtual gaming world of their choice.  This equipment covers items such as the display monitor, mouse / controller and keyboard that have been developed to give gamers that extra edge to improve their performance.
866798 avanquest vault cracker last saf

A Life of Crime

Published in Entertainment on 24 Feb 2016
Developed by GOGII and available from Avanquest’s GSP game label, Vault Cracker: The Last Safe is a Hidden Object Adventure game with the emphasis on the Hidden Object aspect.
Unlike most of the game of this particular genre that come my way, Vault Cracker: The Last Safe opens with a prologue as your character is involved in the crime of breaking into a safe when steel bars come crashing down trapping you in the vault.  Fortunately there is a great deal more to this game than a failed break in as you are taken back in time.
866800 myfox security camer

Home Protection

Published in Homes and Gardens on 23 Feb 2016
I have to admit that I was totally unaware of the company Myfox until I was offered the opportunity to check out a couple of the company’s products.
Myfox is a French company, founded in 2005, based in Labège.  The company’s stated aim is to redefine home security with unique solutions designed to safeguard families, their homes and possessions.  Since developing one of the Worlds’s first connected home security systems in 2009, the company has gone on to develop its award-winning IntelliTAG™ sensor which forms part of the company’s new releases.
866676 Gigaset SL450A GO DECT Telephon

Gigaset SL450A GO

Published in Phones on 20 Feb 2016
Do you want a land line phone or a VOIP type connection? This next DECT phone provides both options.
Whether offering to “help” with PPI, repairing a computer with a non-existing problem or enquiring about an accident that has never happened, nuisance calls can be both extremely annoying and worrying especially for those of a nervous disposition.  Offering to help provide some protection from these unwanted intrusions is the Gigaset SL450A GO Eco DECT phone.
866675 HP ScanJet Pro 2500 f1 Flatbed Scanne

A Standalone A4 Scanner

Published in Printers/Scanners on 18 Feb 2016
While the scanning element of a multifunction device works fine for many tasks. Sometimes you need the greater functionality provided by s standalone product.
Generally when flatbed scanners come my way, they form part of a multifunction device operating in partnership with an inkjet or laser printer.  But there are still some standalone A4 flatbed scanners for those who prefer separate units.  One such product is the HP ScanJet 2500F1 model that is currently taking up space on my work top. Before concentrating on this flatbed scanner I would like to comment on the packaging in which the unit arrived.
866673 Surface The Noise She Couldn`t Make Collectors Editio

Exploring a Mind

Published in Entertainment on 17 Feb 2016
Rather than a faraway place or fairy tale land, this next game is based closer to home as you explore the mind of a disturbed young woman.
Developed by Elephant Games, and available from various websites, Surface: The Noise She Couldn’t Make is a Hidden Object Adventure game that involves the exploration of a mind.  Both Standard and Platinum versions of the game are available.  This review is based on the Platinum versions which includes a number of bonus items that are either available immediately from the title screen or when the main game has been completed.