Smartphone Archives - How to Kill an Hour

CLCKR Smartphone Stand

21st May 2020/in Gadgets / Tech/by billywright

We’ve been testing the CLCKR phone stand and it is really really good! It has made using our phone even easier, why? Well for us we’re people who love to consume content on the go, as well as at home. The CLCKR grip helps with this. As it provides a firmer and safer use of our smartphone. Not only that it looks really good too and doesn’t add any unnecessary bulk to the device.

It can be used on any device thanks to the 3M adhesive. While if you decide for whatever reason (we don’t know why you would!) want to take it off, it won’t leave any residue behind!

With CLCKR you can use it to;

Position your phone in portrait or landscape mode to video call with friends or family
Hold your phone comfortably and take brilliant selfies
Utilise the secure grip to make calls or use your phone on-the-go
Stand your phone up and use it as a second screen while working
Binge-watch your favourite films or TV shows hands-free

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NHS Rainbow CLCKR

Now, there’s a Rainbow version!

The Rainbow version of the Universal CLCKR has been designed to show care and gratitude to our care workers and NHS workers. The rainbow is now a recognised symbol of support for those fulfilling care and key roles during the COVID-19 crisis. Furthermore the rainbow symbol also has traditional associations with hope and peace. The Rainbow version is limited edition and is the perfect way to show support.

“Like everyone else, we’ve been moved by the important work carried out by frontline workers during this time to keep us safe. The show of support for them at our doorsteps, on our balconies and out of windows has been a highlight of our weeks in lockdown. At CLCKR, we wanted to do our bit to help and we look forward to contributing all UK profits from online sales of the Rainbow CLCKR to the COVID-19 fundraising appeal by NHS Charities Together.” Phil Mulholland, Chief Marketing Officer & Managing Director, CLCKR

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The Rainbow CLCKR stand and grip is available to pre-order now, priced at £12.99, with all UK profits going to the NHS Charities Together COVID-19 Urgent Appeal.

Case Version

Want to use the CLCKR without attaching it to your phone? Don’t Fret as there’s a case version of the CLCKR! Simply attach the case to your phone and you’re away! No need to stick or attach anything to the back of your phone!

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Purchase the CLCKR case by clicking here!

Purchase the original CLCKR by clicking here!

To purchase the Rainbow Version of CLCKR please click here!

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Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra New Phone Who Dis EP3

7th May 2020/in Gadgets / Tech/by billywright

Netflix Price Changes

13th February 2020/in Gadgets / Tech/by billywright

Netflix are reportedly testing a really low new price plan. Furthermore it’s cheaper than the current basic package! However, as always with news too good to be true, there’s a small catch.

The new price plan would only be available on a mobile device like a smartphone or tablet. The price? £2.99 per month which is a £5.99 per month saving on the current basic package. While it’s an £8.99 saving per month on the standard package.

So this new mobile price plan is rather appealing to commuters and those always on the go, who want to catch the latest The Witcher episode or Ozark or even a bit of Stranger Things.

As Netflix trialed the mobile price plan in Malaysia, India and Indonesia at the end of 2019, it may soon make its mark in other territories.

In an ever changing world where many young people have a smartphone but not a TV, the option to have a cheap unlimited video streaming service may be an attractive one.

So, if Netflix’s continued trials are a success, they may look to launch it elsewhere!

‘In Q4, we launched a mobile-only plan in Malaysia and Indonesia (which we introduced to India in Q3 last year),’ the streaming giant said in a letter sent to shareholders.

‘We’ve seen similar results with this plan driving incremental subscriber growth and improving retention.

We expect the mobile-only plan to be revenue-positive which will allow us to further invest in content to be enjoyed by our members and continue to feed the virtuous cycle. We plan to continue to test adding this plan, as well as additional ideas in other countries around the world.’

For £2.99 you’re only getting standard definition however. Though is high def, that much of a difference on such a small screen. For basically £3 a month, you can’t complain!

(Metro)

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The Fun-Killing Toilet?!

4th February 2020/in Gadgets / Tech/by billywright

There’s a British start up that’s taking aim at all workers wanting a little bit extra on their toilet breaks. StandardToilet have designed a toilet that comes with a slanted seat. Therefore making it less comfortable to sit on for extended periods. What an awful idea, ruining our fun!

It has a 13 degree slope on it, making it painful to sit on for more than 5 minutes!

This new fun destoroying idea will set back bosses a whopping $200 to $650! It is designed to improve efficiency at companies. As the uncomfortable seat will discourage employees from messing on their phone whilst on the toilet. That’s quite an amount of money when a regular toilet costs FAR less. Especially ones bought en-masse. Why would bosses fork out this much money on a toilet? Because their the devil, that’s why!

StandardToilet, the devil’s partner, stated in a press release

“In modern times, the workplace toilet has become private texting and social media usage space…with the advent of flexible zero hour contracts it is easy to see why our StandardToilet can be an asset to a business.”

What do you think about the slanted toilet? Great Idea or fun killer? Let us know via our socials we’re @howtokillanhour across all socials.

(BusinessInsider)

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Flapgrip

26th January 2020/in Gadgets / Tech/by billywright

FLAPGRIP – Securely place your phone anywhere!

The Flapgrip is a small device that allows you to hang your phone almost anywhere.

Posted by How To Kill an Hour on Sunday, 26 January 2020

We’ve recently been testing something called a Flapgrip an accessory for your smartphone that makes it more than just a smartphone!

The Flapgrip is a small device that allows you to hang your phone almost anywhere. Simply attach to your smartphone using the adhesive 3M tape provided, push down on the grip and then attach! It’s multifunctional and innovative smartphone grip that we believe that any creator can make use of!

All manner of uses:

Use it in your air vent to use as a sat nav style holder for your phone. (Most air vents compatible) Simply plug in and drive!
Use it to grip your phone in your hand better by resting the grip securely in between your fingers
On a laptop as a video conference holder
Also use it as a media player stand!

The Flapgrip is a wonderful little device which is easy to use and one that we think you’ll love! So, check out the video above to see it in action!

Purchase your own Flapgrip by clicking here!

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Buzz Lightyear Controller Holder

10th December 2019/in Gadgets / Tech/by marcusbronzy

Are you a Buzz Lightyear or Toy Story Fan? Are you a gamer or tech lover? Have plenty of controllers or a smartphone that you wish you could display in all its glory? Well the Exquisite Gaming Buzz Lightyear controller hodler is just for you!

Buzz holds his hands out to be able to hold and display all over your favourite pieces of tech! Furthermore it even charges your control pads for you too! So it looks good and is practical as well!

Features

x1 Cable Guy Styled on “Buzz Lightyear” from Toy Story 4 franchise.
X1 6ft (2m) Micro USB & Type C adaptor charging Cable
Compatible with most PlayStation, X-Box, Switch & retro console controllers
Holds all mobile phone devices
Includes 2m (6ft) micro USB charging cable
Styled on “Buzz” from the Toy Story franchise
Official licensed merchandise

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Purchase a Buzz Lightyear controller holder by clicking here!

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2000 VS 2020

15th November 2019/in Gadgets / Tech/by billywright

So 2020 is right around the corner, which is a whole 20 years ago! So our friends over at OnePlus decided to compare what we did with technology to what we do currently and beyond. It’s quite eye opening to see how far we’ve come since the year 2000 and the Millenium Bug. Who remembers THAT! How scared were we? For nothing! Anyhow, without further adieu check out below how far we’ve come!

2020 vs 2000 – In 2000 we:

Played snake….in 2020 we play the piano on the OnePlus 7T Pro
Blackberry messaged….in 2020 we say what’s up on Whatsapp
Called a premium rate number to get a ringtone such as Ms. Jackson, in 2020 our phone is on perma-mute
An sms costs around 12p….in 2020 the only people who send sms are Dominos (but who can resist 50% off?)
Our mobile phone batteries lasted around three days….in 2020, we’re shouting across the office “who’s got a charger I can borrow?”
The o2 was called the Millenium Dome and o2 was called BT Cellnet…and in 2020 the Millennium Dome & BT Cellnet are both called o2 – Orange is now EE and One2One is now T-Mobile
We had to use a digital camera to take a phone, as camera phones didn’t exist… in 2020 digital what! Camera phone cameras are so advanced, there’s no need for a traditional camera of a lower res
Apps meant a uni or job application… in 2020 the app market is worth an estimated $71.3 billion
We used to upload our holiday photos from a digital camera into Facebook albums…nowadays we let everyone know we’re on holiday by posting our hotdog legs and pina colada on Instagram
We walked around with a mobile phone and a Diskman…we currently stream til’ our heart’s content on a smartphone

Credit: OnePlus

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Pixel Buds New and Improved!

23rd October 2019/in Gadgets / Tech/by billywright

On average people check their smartphones around 100 times a day, mainly for playing a song, or to set a reminder or getting directions. Which takes up roughly 30 seconds of our time. Well the Google Pixel Buds are here to help make those tasks a little easier and a little, quicker. With instant access to Google Assistant. Not only are they helpful they’re also very clear, comfortable, have high quality sound and have a looooong battery life.

Pixel Buds in your ear

Everyone’s ears are shaped differently, so the folks over at Google have made design that is comfortable for as many people as possible. They sit flush in your ear and have a low profile, making them extremely stylish! The stabilizer arc gently tucks in and working alongside the interchangeable eartip, Pixel Buds won’t ever leave your ears!

Sound Quality

Pixel Buds not only stay secure in your ear, they also let enough sound from the world around you to keep you aware of what’s going on. Making this a hugely important safety feature! While also delivering powerful sound. The eartios gently seal the ear to isolate the loud outside noise and to give you high quality audio. Yet the spatial vent underneath reduces that plugged ear feeling. While also letting through just the right amount of environmental sound to make sure you don’t get run over! However, there’s also a fantastic feature that the Pixel Buds have. Adaptive Sound! They will automatically adjust the volume as you walk around. For example if you move from a quiet environment to a noisy one you won’t have to constantly raise or lower the volume, they do it for you!

Calling!

Pixel Buds when making a call make sure your voice is at the forefront. The two microphones in each bud focuses on the sound of your voice. While suppressing other sounds in the background. Furthermore, Pixel Buds have a voice accelerometer that will detect speech through the vibrations of your jawbone. So you can be heard even in the most windy of conditions!

Connection

Pixel Buds have long range Bluetooth connectivity so you can use them even when your phone isn’t nearby. You can stay connected indoors up to 3 rooms away and outside up to 100m! They can also connect to Bluetooth 4.0 enabled laptops, tablets and iOS devices. Pixel Buds work with other Andriod 6.0+ devices with just a single tap.

They’ll also be able to detect when they’re in your ear, tap to play/pause, swipe to adjust volume. Get 5hrs of listening time on a single charge and up to 24hrs with the wireless charging case. They’re also sweat and water resistant!

Pixel Buds Are Helpful!

Pixel Buds also give you hands-free access to Google Assistant! Just say “Hey Google” and the assistant will ask you what you need. For example you can play music, send a text or translate a foreign language!

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Pixel Buds Image (All Colors)-HowToKillAnHour

Google Pixel Buds will be available in 2020 in the U.S. at $179, and will come in four colors: Clearly White, Oh So Orange, Quite Mint and Almost Black.

Simply click here to order!

For those outside of the US sign up for Google’s waitlist to be notified.

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Pixel 4

23rd October 2019/in Gadgets / Tech/by billywright

The Google Pixel 4 has a camera that captures details that many others can’t, you can even use your phone without touching it, has a brand new Google Assistant and has a fast, responsive display! So, you could argue that the Pixel 4 has packed a ton of new tech into it!

Get the perfect photo with Pixel 4

It has the largest upgrade to a Pixel phone to date, there are now a total of 2 cameras on the back of the phone, including a telephoto lens. The software upgrade? A brand new Super Res Zoom feature, giving you exceptional image quality from a distance!

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Night Sight has been upgraded and can be used for shots of the night sky, the stars and even the Milky way! Pixel 3/3a users will also get a version of this upgrade with a camera app update.

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All Pixel’s have HDR+ capabilities but with the Pixel 4 you can fine the the brightness and amount of details in the shadows. Pixel 4 also has a Live HDR+ in the viewfinder so you know exactly what the photo will look like, even when you’re using the new controls.

A new Google Assistant

The Pixel 4 has a deeper integration of Google Assistant. Speech processing has improved and more requests can happen right on the phone without having to go to the cloud first.

The assistant also doesn’t take up as much space on the screen anymore, letting you better multi task across other apps. Google Assistant will quickly open apps, search your phone, share what’s on screen and more. The context of the queries will also do a better job answering.

For example, you can ask the Assistant to “show my photos from New York” and then say “the ones in Central Park.” Then, you can share a picture by saying “send it to Mum.”

A phone that senses what you want it to do

Pixel 4 has a Motion Sense feature that uses miniature radar sensors to detect when you’re about to reach for your phone and it will initiate face unlock or turn off your screen when you aren’t around. Also, new quick gestures let you skip songs when you don’t want to pick up the phone. Simply wave your hand to snooze alarms, dismiss timers or silence the ringer.

New built-in apps

The new Recorder app will record meetings, lectures and anything you want to listen to later, it will even simulatneously transcribe speech. It can also identify sounds such as music and applause. Plus search from within recordings to find a specific word or sound! However, English translation is up first with more languages coming soon.

A new personal safety app will automatically call emergency services if you have been in a car accident. The Car Crash detection however,will be available in English in the US.

Built for performance and security

Pixel 4 comes with 6GB’s of RAM, a 90hz display and the Pixel Neural core. Pixel Neural Core is the engine for all the on device processing that goes on on the phone. Therefore more tasks are done directly on the phone increasing performance and privacy.

Also, the Titan M chip from Google provides protection for your most sensitive data and ensure the integrity of the operating system. While all this is combined with the latest version of Android 10, monthly security updates for 3 years, plus access to Google’s advanced security services, the Pixel 4 is designed to keep data secure.

Pricing and availability

For customers in the US the Pixel 4 is available through all the major U.S. carriers for the first time, including AT&T, C Spire, Cellcom, Google Fi, Spectrum Mobile (Charter), Sprint, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular, Verizon, Visible and Xfinity Mobile (Comcast).

You can pre-order a Pixel 4 for $799 and Pixel 4 XL for $899, and phones will ship on October 24, globally. Pixel 4 comes in three colors, including Clearly White, Just Black, and a limited edition, Oh So Orange.

So, what are you waiting for? Simply click here to order!