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Data Meme

What are your most Data Draining Apps?

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We all love our data and back in the day there was a stupid amount charged per MB! So, wouldn’t we all like to save MB’s where possible? We all don’t like that dread text message towards the end of the month that you’re about to run out of data. Therefore wouldn’t you like to know which apps are sucking the life out of your data plan? Well we’ve got some data for you! (See what we did there) A study, conducted by Mobile Phones Direct, explored the data usage of a number of apps that hurt your data balance.
First of all, daily video and music streaming is doing you more harm than good and it’s hitting your data, HARD. If you use BBC iPlayer and Channel 5’s My 5 then you’re gonna have to cut back. As they’ve been named as the worst offending video apps for data drainage. Taking up to a gig, a GIG of data for an hour of streaming.  Suprisingly Netflix uses very little data at 314mb. See the handy chart below for more:

Quick Tip: 

Download on Netflix to allow videos to be played offline to save data. However, if you don’t wish to download videos, let the show buffer whilst you are on WiFi network and then watch on your mobile network. Therefore you aren’t using any data as the file has already buffered on your phone! Furthermore on YouTube you can head into settings and make sure that the ‘limit mobile data usage’ option is ticked. This will force the app to only watch videos in HD when connected to a WiFi Network.

Music Streaming however, there may be a different way to save data, if you’re a Spotify user. Tthere’s a way to help limit the way that it uses your data! As well as changing the quality of the music, making the music available offline, or downloading the music that Spotify (and many other apps) offer you, you can do more.
With Spotify only there’s an app called Spotify Lite (Currently only available on Android). This version of the app only takes up 15mb of memory compared to 100mb. Most of all, the app doesn’t allow HQ music to be played. If you’re an Apple Music or a Tidal user however, then they take up the most data when listening for an hour. Tidal gobbles up 184mb compared to Spotify using almost 100mb less.

(Deloitte)

(Mobile Phones Direct) 

*Mobile Phones Direct watched 5 minutes of content from each app and multiplied it to determine the total data usage over an hour. Each video was watched on both an  iPhone 7 plus and XR in HD using 4G. Results may vary.

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Shure MV88+, THE tool for vloggers

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MV88+ and Lexus RX F 450h Sport!

The Lexus UK RX 450h F Sport is a fantastic car, a real powerful SUV. It's the 4th generation of Lexus' range of the Lexus RX Luxury SUV. We captured it using the incredible Shure UK MV88+ Vlogging kit!

Posted by How To Kill an Hour on Thursday, 16 January 2020

We’ve been testing the Shure MV88 microphone for a while now and have used it on a number of projects. We recently got a chance to give it’s big brother a spin. The MV88+. An upgrade on the MV88 as the + has a whole host of kit which is perfect for the vlogger!

It’s a portable audio and video recording kit, which is just the right size and weight for all vloggers. It gives you all the tools you need right out of the box. Including a really sturdy and easy to hold tripod. The Manfrotto Pixi Tripood. A phone clamp and mount to securely hold your smartphone. iOS and USB-C cables for compatibility and connectivity. It really is as simple as plug and play. Plus, we cannot forget the incredible MV88+ microphone! You’ll be capturing content as quickly as we were!

We’re not kidding when we say that the audio on this device is incredible. It really is. Creates high quality crisp audio and it’s all connected to a smartphone! Furthermore the Shure Motiv Video App, allows you to change video settings right from within the app. You can also check and monitor your audio right in front of you on the app!

Shure MV88+ Features:

  • Includes industry leading Manfrotto PIXI mini tripod, phone clamp & shoe-mount, USB-C & lightning cables
  • Includes neoprene roll-up bag to keep all your accessories in one place
  • Built-In Headphone Output for real-time monitoring
  • Pristine audio for multiple set ups
  • Included phone mount is also compatible with any tripod with a ¼” connector
  • All metal construction
  • Detailed stereo capture, five DSP preset modes
  • Shure MOTIV Audio App for pro-level recording
  • Shure MOTIV Video for onscreen control
  • Allows for phone charging while mic is in use (requires USB-A cable and Apple USB3 camera adapter)- iOS users only

Download:

Motiv Video App – Apple / Android

Motiv Audio App – Apple / Android

(Shure)

Purchase a Shure MV88+ kit by clicking here!

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Marcus Bronzy

Google Home Hub

Google Home Hub: Incredible Home Assistant

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The Google Home Hub brings all the cool stuff about Google Home and repackages it into a small yet very powerful device with a 7″ display to help you get even more from Google Home. The Google Home Hub brings visual help to all the questions that you ask it. Use your voice to help set reminders and control a vast array of smart devices. However, with this particular device you get a visual aid, for example, see asking Google “How to tie a bow tie’ will present you with a helpful YouTube video, alongside a plethora of other YouTube videos available. YouTube you see on any other device is the same YouTube on Google Home Hub!

The device is incredibly well built, it is compact and can fit anywhere in the house and does not look out of place. Either in the kitchen, the bedroom or the living room! Google Home Hub has an inbuilt Ambient EQ Light Sensor too, so will adjust the screen to the colours and lighting in it’s environment. Therefore photos on the Google Home Hub will blend into the home decor!

Features

The device will show you a whole range of things, such as YouTube videos, Google Calendar so you can see what you have planned or Google Maps so you can see what your commute is like! Ask Google what the weather is like and get a visual aid, ask Google for recipes and be shown a step by step guide in either text or video form!

 

 

Photos

Google photos look beautiful on the Home Hub and you can use your voice to pull down the images from Google photos to be displayed on the gorgeous screen. Even set the screen to display your most favoured images when the Home Hub is not in use as a screen saver! Machine Learning will pull down the best photos too, therefore avoiding any duplicates or blurry images.Google Home Hub can also show shared Google Photo albums automatically on the device of the person you’re sharing them with, therefore avoiding any upload hassles!

Smart Home

The device is also a very powerful smart home hub, consequently easily connecting to the hundreds of smart devices already available. Such as lights, thermostats or security cameras. Control it all via the Google Home App on your smart device, no need to be next to the Google Home Hub to manage all of your devices. Even manage them away from the home! So you can monitor and manage devices easily—including compatible lights, cameras, TVs, speakers you are always in control of your home! (Android / iOS)

Kitchen

One popular feature is the that the Google Home Hub can help you in the Kitchen! As Google Assistant can understand conversational speech, simply ask the device to convert various measurements and it will tell you! Completely hands free and at a glance! If you’re not too sure when reading a step by step guide on how to cook a particular recipe, simply ask! For example, “Hey Google, show me how to dice an onion” will show you a video on how to dice an onion!

 

 

Google Home Hub works with other ‘Made by Google’ devices too, such as Chromecast, Nest Doorbells, Nest Thermostats, Google Home Speakers. Furthermore Spotify works on Google Home Hub too!

(Google Press Release)

For more information on how Google’s Home Hub can help you at Christmas please click here!

Available in four colours from the Google Store—Chalk, Charcoal, Aqua, and Sand, Google Home Hub is £139 and available from the ​​Google Store​​!

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Can Google’s Home Hub Make Christmas Less Stressful?

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Christmas is right around the corner! Wrapping, presents, parties, lots of organisation and STRESS?!? But, Can Google’s Home Hub Make Christmas Less Stressful? Some new research has been commissioned by Google which found how stressed Brits get at Christmas time.With nearly 2/3 of Brits finding Christmas at home and 1/3 of Brits wanting to hide in the bathroom to get some away from it all, furthermore 1 in 10 of us would rather swim naked with sharks than spend Christmas with the in-laws. It can be said that Brits find Christmas very stressful indeed!

Stress at Christmas

Google’s findings were very interesting indeed with wrapping weirdly shaped presents making up 20% of those surveyed worries. Putting on weight made up another 20%, while financial worries made up the most of peoples worries with 24% of those surveyed.  Furthermore Google even found that people would do their best to get away from people at Christmas time, for a bit of alone time. 45% of those surveyed would go to their bedroom and 8% would head to the pub! What Google found whilst undertaking this survey that a crazy amount of Brits do find it stressful over the festive period, a whopping 65%! The survey was conducted to find how people will be using Google’s home Hub to ease the stress. With Google’s Laurian Clemence stating:

“Google Home Hub was made for times like Christmas. Having family round over the festive season can be overwhelming, and this device is designed to fit in with your life by being your personal little helper when you really need it; from using recipes for sprouts while managing not to burn the turkey, to videos for wrapping oddly shaped gifts, to setting timers, entertaining the family and controlling the heating. As it’s powered by the Google Assistant, it works with a simple voice command – meaning that you can juggle all the different elements of Christmas at the same time, easily and seamlessly.”

The Stress Table

Below is a table of all the things that Google found were the most stressful around Christmas time, however, there was some that missed out! Finding things for the kids to do made up 7%, running out of alcohol 5% and having to play games with the family 10%.

Top Ten Reasons for a Festive Freak-Out

1

Finances

24%

2

Not having any time for yourself

22%

3

Cooking the Christmas dinner

22%

4

Wrapping weirdly shaped presents

20%

5

Putting on weight

20%

6

Spending time with the in-laws

16%

7

Pretending to like a present that you really don’t

14%

8

Buying presents for people you rarely see

11%

9

Decorating the house

10%

10

Untangling the Christmas lights

10%

BONUS:

The table above shows that Christmas dinner is third on the Stressmas list, the Home Hub can actually give you some help, (well we all know that!) but, there’s something special that you may not! Google have teamed up with Gordon Ramsay to create a hidden feature, you can find out what he likes to eat at home by saying ‘OK Google what does Gordon Ramsey eat at home?’ That’s not all either! Hidden content is also provided to you if you ask Google about prima ballerina Misty Copeland, famed for her performances in the festive ballet The Nutcracker, answering ‘OK Google, when did Misty Copeland start dancing?’ If you like to sing Christmas songs, you can ask Google for help with that too! Asking Google, ‘OK Google, how to sing like Nick Jonas?” will get you tips from the pop star himself!

(Google Press Release)

For more information on Google Home please click here!

Google Home Hub is £139 and available from the ​​Google Store​​!

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Mikme

Mikme – The Future of audio recording?!

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This is the Mikme Microphone, a supremely powerful microphone that  boasts studio quality sound. From experience, we can tell you first hand that this microphone, really does produce some amazing sound quality! Consequently, in a tiny package too, we were seriously impressed when we reviewed this awesome little device! It’s touted as the world’s first wireless mircrophone and audio recorder in one. Simply press the button and voila, you’re recording. While you’ll need a smartphone to connect it to, to monitor what you’re recording, but other than that, you’re set! However, that’s no stress either! Simply connect your headphones to the Mikme to the reverse of the device to listen to the crispy clear audio!

Features

  • The internal 16GB memory stores recordings anywhere. The 1″phantom-powered, gold-plated condenser capsule delivers 24Bit/96kHz studio-grade audio.
  • Their App receives the audio wirelessly to give you total freedom to move. The patented Bluetooth protocol ensures all samples arrive safe and sound.
  • Also, their App syncs the audio from the device with the video from the iPhone in realtime. Create, edit and publish content in studio-quality on the go. (Credit)

The Mikme is perfect for everyone be that a creative, a musician or a journalist anyone can take use of this amazing little device. Since, no longer is there a need for people to carry around expensive gear. All you need is a smartphone and the Mikme device and you can create content that rivals that of which has been recorded with high end products! Great for on the go, on field recordings!

So, to purchase your own by clicking here!

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Listen to the guys chatting about this here! (Link LIVE from May 31st)

YouTube Creators For Change

YouTube Creators For Change 2018

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YouTube have announced their YouTube Creators For Change 2018 programme! With 8 UK content creators signed up to this years campaign.

The Creators For Change campaign began in 2016 and looks to shine a spotlight on inspirational creators. Creators who use their global reach for positive change. While, creating conversations to change ideals around tough issues and make a positive impact on the world around us.

The UK’s 8 chosen creators were picked for their attention to creating social change. Yet, globally there are ambassadors for the Creators For Change campaign over 16 different countries. Totalling a combined audience of 26M fans! Also, YouTube have invested $5M dollars into the programme! With each creator receiving some support. Be that through project funding, mentorship opportunities and ongoing production assistance at YouTube Spaces.

So, bet you’re wondering who the 8 wonderful YouTube Creators For Change 2018 are? Well here they are, the full list of 8 truly inspirational creators:

 

Riyadh K

Riyadh K – an Irish/Iraqi YouTube content creator, author, radio host, public speaker and journalist. A strong advocate for LGBTQ+ issues, he is best known for fronting the ground-breaking BBC documentary series ‘Queer Britain.’  Which led to three award nominations and global critical acclaim.

Humza Production

 

 

 

 

 

 

Humza Arshad – an actor, comedian and writer who has racked up close to 90 million views on his Channel. Always with a sharp wit, his videos often touch upon his life experience as a Londoner from Pakistani decent. Plus last year he became the first British YouTuber to film a fully scripted show for the BBC.

 

BENI

BENI – Nadir Nahdi is the founder of BENI, a channel highlighting young people from diverse backgrounds through meaningful and visually engaging content. His YouTube channel aims to celebrate youth culture and young people of colour. As he presents his fans with an intimate insight into the global underground of young change-makers.

 

 

My Pale Skin

 

 

 

 

MyPaleSkin – Another awesome creator is Em! Em is a creator, photographer and multi-award winning filmmaker. Who creates transformational looks which demonstrate the power of makeup. She leads the global movement for #SkinPositivity! Encouraging others to feel comfortable in their own skin.

 

 

Myles Dyer

Myles Dyer – a cyber-philanthropist has experimented with YouTube since 2006. His content covers a wide spectrum of subjects. Including education and mental health. Also discussing topics such as activism, politics and entertainment. Furthermore, Myles passionately believes in online community. He organised early UK YouTube gatherings. Became a UNICEF honorary fellow after creating the 24-hour non-stop live charity fundraiser ‘Stickaid’. Plus was nominated for ‘Broadcast Hotshot 2012’.

 

 

 

 

 

Jazza John

Jazza John – also creating videos on YouTube for over a decade, Jazza focuses on making social issues, politics and LGBTQ+ advocacy accessible for all. Also he’s passionate about tackling the taboo subject of male depression.

 

 

 

 

 

SuperSamStuff

SuperSamStuff – a film student studying in London. While, his channel centres around bedroom vlogs and short filmmaking. Also creating videos touching on identity, passion. As well as discussing how it feels to grow up in the modern age.

Fun For Louis

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fun for Louis – a 21st Century filmmaker who documents his travels. Carrying nothing more than a bag on his back and a camera in his hand. Famed for his focus on positive message, he immerses himself in the cultures of the places he visits.

Social Impact Camp

The second annual Social Impact Camp takes place at YouTube Space London this summer! With, all 8 of the creators will be involved. The Social Impact Camp is an exclusive two-day-long camp featuring inspirational speakers, video production workshops, and mentorship opportunities with experts.

Furthermore, there are a number of projects that will begin in the coming months. The YouTube Creators For Change ambassadors will address touch topics such as hate speech and xenophobia. As a result, there are many many more topics to be discussed! So keep your eye out on these inspiring YouTube Creators For Change channels for more information!

Consequently click here for more information!

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Tastemade Tiny Foods

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Tastemade is a YouTube channel made up of adventurous travelers, home cooks and Michelin star chefs all with the aim to prove that food can be fun!

One really cool aspect of their show is when they make really tiny versions of our favourite dishes!

Check out their YouTube channel here!

Facebook Getting Closer To Launching “Video”

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Facebook are apparently close to launching their own shows very soon. According to Bloomberg, Facebook’s new Video section is dues to go live in mid-August. Facebook have reportedly been asking partners to turn in their first episodes of projects, however some are taking a bit longer than expected and this may cause even further delays (it was supposed to go live in June)

Facebook haven’t confirmed the launch themselves yet, but it hasn’t been keeping this project a secret. In 2016 they hired College Humor co-founder Ricky Van Veen who admitted that Facebook were looking at original scripted/unscripted content. As well as teaming up with media companies to produce inexpensive productions such as YouTube videos and big budget productions to compete with HBO, Netflix and the likes.

To download Facebook please click here Apple / Android

 

UK Are A Nation Of BingeWatchers!

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79% of us adults in the UK (40million out of 66million people) are now apparently binge watching our content and watch multiple episodes of a TV series in one sitting. Ofcom compiled the following stats to show us how much we sit in front of the tele:

35% of us bingewatch every week
55% on a weekly basis
70% of us found it relaxing
24% of us discuss shows with friends
25% binge because of afraid of spoilers
16% feel pressured to keep up with others
32% of us admit they watch too much tv
35% have taken steps to cut down by rationing what they watch (19%) or find another hobby (10%) or cancelling (4%)
53% of children aged 12-15 binge watch
16% of the over 65’s bingewatch
Of the over 65’s 59% said they prefer 1 episode a week model.

 

Streaming services:

Most popular is BBC iPlayer with 63% of adults saying they use it.
iTv Hub is 40%
YouTube sits at 38%
Netflix is 31% and recorded TV sat dead last at 28%

Giroptic IO HD 360

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Giroptic iO, is a compact smartphone camera for shooting and sharing precious moments instantly over immersive 360° photos, videos and live streams (YouTube, Facebook…). GIROPTIC 360° proprietary real time image fusion technology unlocks smartphone’s superpowers: users can record experiences in a way that guarantees they won’t miss a thing, letting them see the world with new eyes. They can immerse themselves in the moment, interact in real time, live and relive the moment as if they were there.

To buy your own Giroptic IO HD 360 please click here!