Category: Geeks

  • Top Vlogger Secrets for Genuine Viewers and Followers

    Top Vlogger Secrets for Genuine Viewers and Followers

    If you’re a vlogger and you deduced it would probably be better to read up about this topic than to watch a YouTube video on it, there you go – you already have you answer as to the single most effective method for gaining genuine viewers and the type of subscribers that will engage with the video content you push. You’ll be lucky if even one of your videos goes viral, after which time you might be chasing the mirage of trying to emulate the numbers around that viral video…

    It’s all about content – written content…

    Think about the results you get when you search YouTube for videos covering a certain topic, versus the results you get when you type the same search phrase into Google’s search engine proper. You’ll be lucky to find anything relevant and truly informative on YouTube, wouldn’t you, whereas the written content in the form of blogs, papers, website content, etc, is likely to be a lot more informative?

    There’s nothing much to it really. It’s simply a matter of written content making for an easier metric with which to gauge relevance and value. You’ll never find an article about a topic, your business offers its services in, that is dragged out unnecessarily to ensure the visitor stays longer, whereas you’re more than likely to find a vlogger babbling on with lots of filler content so that they increase their watch-time. In some instances they’ll even say it outright that viewers should “watch ‘till the end,” whatever reason or incentive they go on to give in return for that request.

    So that’s essentially the secret – content, content and more content!

    Even if you’re a blogger who writes your own content for a personal or business blog, it helps to commission some content from a professional content writing service provider, sometimes. Some things are just articulated better from the point of view of someone who better represents a potential customer than if they were discussed by an insider. If for instance your business is all about some or other engineering services, the likelihood is that if you tried to write web content about your offerings, you’d get a bit too technical.

    Outsourced content covering the same topic would be written in a way that’s more relatable to whomever it is you’re targeting with your content and your business…

    Getting back to vloggers though – the ones whose videos get ranked highest and subsequently receive the most engagement are those who complement their videos with written content. It’ll probably only be a matter of time before all YouTubers catch on, or maybe not, but anybody who seeks to boost their views and subscriptions would do very well to have some written content published online, linking to their videos.

    The key is to mix it up too, such as getting a content writing agency to generate content relevant to your video, which you will then perhaps publish on your blog and then embed the video within that post.

  • Is Virtual Reality Here to Stay?

    Is Virtual Reality Here to Stay?

    Virtual reality is an exciting new concept which has swept the tech and gaming world but how do we know VR is not just a gimmick?

    When 3D TV was first released, it was revolutionary but after the initial excitement, it quickly died down and now, no one is buying into it. So, what’s different about virtual reality and is it here to stay?

    Not Just for Gamers

    VR has taken off in the world of gaming but this doesn’t mean that this tech is limited to those enjoying a gaming session.

    From healthcare to hospitality, everyone in every industry is getting involved in virtual reality and maximising its potential. Whether it’s through showing a potential investor around a development which is only a shell to using VR in education and teaching children, the possibilities are endless.

     

    vr

    Tech Giants are Involved

    From Sony to Facebook and Apple, all of the key tech giants are getting involved in VR which suggests that virtual reality is here to stay.

    With so much investment and development, we can only expect things to get better in the VR world.

    Goldman Sach’s expects the VR industry to $80 billion by 2025! This is roughly the size of the desktop PC market today, so this really is a trend you need to look out for.

    So Much More to Explore

    The possibilities are endless with VR and we really have only just scratched the surface, in my opinion.

    VR as it is can be incredible but imagine what the future holds there are talks of Nanotech VR and nanotechnology which is set to push boundaries and really change the way VR works. It is rumored to transport your mind into a virtual world, uploading your brain and memories into a network which you can relive through virtual experiences.

    This, of course, may be centuries away but still seeing the signs of what is to come is hugely exciting.

    The future of VR is in my opinion here to stay, it’s a slow road with the cost and technological development still hindering the process but with time and dedication, VR will prevail.

     

    VR is an incredible advance in technology and we’d be fools for letting VR slip and not maximising its potential.

    Have you used a VR device, or do you own one? What do you think about the future of VR? Let us know by getting in touch.

  • The Best Fitness Watches

    The Best Fitness Watches

    Fitness watches are hugely popular but there are just so many on the market it can be hard to decide which one is best for you.

    If you’re trying to get fit, want to keep an eye on your general fitness, heart rate or even fat rate then you may be considering investing in a fitness watch. There are a number of options to choose from, from devices which are under 50 to those which can cost upwards of 150, your options are varied.

    But don’t be daunted, here are Skaidon’s best fitness watches for 2017.

    Fitbit Charge 2

    Fitbit have long reigned as the king of fitness watches and for good reason.

    The latest Fitbit Charge 2, it’s more expensive that other Fitbit models but for runners especially, this is the best on the market.

    This model connects to the GPS on your smartphone and features a heart rate tracker. In addition to the new fitbit sense straps, this Fitbit has a large screen and unique fitness features that can reignite your passion for exercise.

    Misfit Ray

    The Misfit Ray is by far the most stylish fitness watch but it’s also pretty good.

    This smart watch offers a step and sleep tracking option which is great for understanding your overall fitness and health. This is all accessed via the Misfit app which just like the watch, it stylish and cool.

    Coming in at 80, this is an affordable fitness watch which also is a pretty cool accessory.

     

    Samsung Gear 2 Fit

    The Samsung Gear 2 Fit is an Android-friendly watch perfect for keeping track of your fitness and overall health.

    This device is the most expensive out of the lot coming in at over 160 but if you’re going to use it as a daily watch and you’re serious about your fitness then it’s worth it.

    The slick device is a mixture of a smart watch and a fitness watch with several amazing smart features.

    Withings Go

    The Withings Go is an affordable wearable fitness device without the thrills.

    Focusing on the basics, the Withings Go has a great e-link feature which ensures that the device doesn’t compromise on battery life.

    It is also backlit to ensure even if you’re running the dark, you’ll be able to see how you”re getting on. Coming in at around 40, the Withings Go is a fantastic fitness watch for the cost.

     

    TomTom Touch

    TomTom are the kings of navigation so it’s no surprise that their wearable smart watch is on our list of best watches.

    The TomTom Touch is a cool fitness tracker which features a fat tracker, something completely unique.

    Another great feature of this wearable device is that it is waterproof and can be worn in the shower which is very handy! Coming in at around 100 you’d think this device would be faultless but it does have one major downfall which is its battery life. If you don’t mind charging the device nightly, this might be the best option for you.

    So there you have it, our favourite fitness watches of 2017, what are you using at the minute and which are your favourites, let us know by getting in touch.

  • iOS vs Android

    iOS vs Android

    So, it’s time for you to upgrade your phone, the latest models are out but you’ve got a big decision to make.

    iOS vs Android is a question which has been asked all too frequently over the past few years, and in 2017, there is still no clear winner.

    It’s all down to personal preference but here at Skaidon, we’re here to help which is why we’ve compiled a list of pros and cons of both iOS and Android handsets.

    Hardware

    Of course, the first thing we all look at when choosing a new phone is the initial hardware and feel of the phone.

    With Apple, you have much less choice as they only tend to sell three or four different handsets at one time. This may seem like a negative but when you look at the aesthetics of the phone, they’re all pretty stylish and seamless.

    With Android, you have a whole host of phones to choose from with a varying range of prices and manufacturers including Sony and Samsung.

    Everyone seems to assume that iPhones are better than Androids, hands down but that simply isn’t the case. The camera can be better than the iPhone, the battery life in newer models is longer lasting and crucially, androids offer expandable storage.

    But features like the battery life shouldn’t put you off buying an Apple iPhone, especially if you like the idea of all the other things they can offer. Furthermore, any trouble you may encounter with the battery can be fixed by finding someone like this “iPhone Doctor” in your area who can replace the battery to give you the longer lifespan you desire.

    The information given above is, again, just our opinion. If you have always had an iPhone, it is very likely you will continue with this model, and it will be the same if you have an Android.

    Apps

    In fairness, most applications run both an Android and iOS platform but the consensus seems to be that iOS are more responsive in their apps.

    There is also more on offer with iOS. It seems to be the most important platform for companies to develop first. Plus, according to the statistics on Cell Phone Deal, malicious apps are more of a concern for Android users. This is because Android is open software, meaning anyone can build an app for it. So for these reasons, iPhone wins on apps.

    Software

    You’d be forgiven for thinking that iOS is at the forefront of software in the war between these two operating systems, but recently that hasn’t been the case.

    In the past few years, Android has come on leaps and bounds and has really given iOS a run for their money. Again, this comes down to personal preference as some prefer the home screen and flexibility of iOS devices whereas others much prefer being able to download third party software onto their devices.

    The pros of iOS are that your phone becomes an extension of your computer, watch and tablet, the syncing ability is something which is incomparable.

    Value

    There is a clear winner in this category, and it’s Android.

    With devices ranging from 50 to 800, there really is something for everyone and every budget. This does make it hard in choosing which handset you prefer and by which manufacturer as there is so much to choose from.

    iOS, on the other hand, is a little more pricey and they price points never really seem to shift, even after they’ve been on the market for six months. The cheapest iPhone you can pick up is probably an SE, which start at the 359 mark new, but you can pick them up cheaper if you go for a second-hand device. Newly released models usually come in at 620, but if you’re looking for a contract, you usually end up spending 1000+.

    There are many pros and cons of each but for me, it has to be the classic iPhone, I do admit that the Android camera and opportunity for extra storage and multiple sims is enviable, but the overall feel and smoothness the iPhone offers is enough to sway me.

    Android using apple music

    What operating system and phone do you prefer? Let us know by getting in touch.

  • Our LG Watch Sport review

    Our LG Watch Sport review

    Our verdict

    The LG Watch Sport is every sense is a very very, smart watch at an affordable price. We’re not saying this is the cheapest of smart watches on the market but coming in at $349, it certainly holds its own against the popular Apple Watch. If you live a busy, fitness filled lifestyle and find that clunking around with your smartphone is too much hassle, then the LG Watch Sport will be for you. Running with the ability to be used without a phone makes this a necessity for gym goers. The ability to make calls and tap into Google Assistant at the wave of a finger means this will bring serious competition to the Apple Watch. One of the main downfalls is the battery life and lack of mainstream apps that you would find on other market leading smartwatches. But if sport is your thing, the Watch Sport from LG would be highly recommended.

    Highlights

    • Doesn’t require phone tethering
    • Able to track strength training
    • Appealing design despite big size
    • Battery life falls short
    • Missing some major apps
    • Phone calls (US only) require a SIM card

    Plus points

    • Doesn’t require phone pairing
    • The ability to track strength while training
    • Wonderfully crafted and great finishing touches

    Negatives

    • Battery life is a bit of a downfall
    • Mainstream apps lacking (Future updates from 3rd party developers could fix this)
    • Sim Cards are required to make phone calls

    Out the box

    Straight out of the box the LG Watch Sport comes with plenty of amazing and unique features that other smartwatches lack.

    Strapped with Android Wear 2.0 LG Watch Sport certainly puts the latest update through its paces.

    Watch the in-depth review below for more information.

     

     

    Android Central Review

  • Top 5 games of 2016

    Top 5 games of 2016

    2016 was a great year for gaming. With so many cool new advancements in technology coming into the market like Play Station VR which for me was my personal highlight of 2016.

    I have decided to compile a list of the top 5 games of 2016 that really blow away the gaming industry and the games that took home prestigious accolades at various gaming expos across a variety of countries throughout the year.

    5. Firewatch

    Fire watch

    In at number 5 is the very impressive debut from the genius that is Campo Santo.

    4. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End

    Uncharted 4: A Thief's End

    Number 4 see’s a welcomed return for the fourth and final time to the Uncharted universe where protagonist Nathan Drake and his brother Sam embark on their most dangerous mission yet. This game is graphically stunning, the mechanics are a class above its predecessor with a welcomed AI overhaul. This game is truly a masterclass in third person shooters.

    3. Dishonored 2

     

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    Dishonored 2 is probably one of the most surprising inclusions for many in this list as it does have its flaws (don’t we all?). But building upon solid foundations of the previous title and mastering the storyline for the sequel, proves clinical. A great decision to bring back old characters that made the first game such a brilliant experience also buffs up this game in the charts.

    2. Doom

    Doom Sawn-Off

    Relive your childhood with this amazing remake of an old classic. This game takes everything about what made the first game such an amazing FPS experience and enhances it for next gen consoles. Blood and gore have never looked so gorry-us in full HD, remastered and beautiful. This is for every classic Doom fan out there. The multiplayer experience is also a solid addition to a game already packed full of intriguing moments. Also, keep your eye out for the classic Doom easter egg level hidden in one of the levels – you won’t regret it.

    1. Titanfall 2

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    Coming straight off the back of the success of the first game comes Titanfall 2. This time it packs quite the meaty single-player campaign, which the first game lacked and quite frankly missed. Not to be left out is, of course, the famous multiplayer of non-stop metal-bashing action that made it so popular previously. This game well and truly deserves to be number 1 and should hold its place on your shelf.

  • Why the iMac

    Why the iMac

    Stylish

    The iMac is beyond stylish, this is the cutting edge of technology. As you can tell we are massive fans of all Apple products, but the iMac stands alone as the ultimate machine. Looks great in modern offices and it doesn’t look out of place in a living room or kitchen area of home offices arent your thing.

    One Cable

    Sick of all those cables between monitors, keyboards, speakers? Well the iMac has one – the power cable.

    Ok, two of you include the charger.

    5K

    5k of resolution goodness. Watch stunning footage in unbelievable detail. One of the best displays on the market. It is also great for gaming

     

  • Liverpool’s Remarkable Involvement in Video Gaming History

    Liverpool’s Remarkable Involvement in Video Gaming History

    The city of Liverpool has a lot to be proud of, as it has produced some of the biggest musicians, ships, luxury Liverpool hotels and sporting stars in the world. However, it’s contribution into the video gaming industry is surprisingly overlooked.

    Home computing hit the market back in the 1980s, with children all over the world vying to play the newest video games on a Commodore 64. It also triggered a generation to start coding, helping to create the forward-thinking video games that are on our shelves today.

    The world was swept up in the gaming industry, and that love affair has continued with the release of consoles such as the Sega Megadrive, Playstation, XBOX Cube, Nintendo Wii and now the Playstation 4.

    Liverpool Talent

    Mark Butler and David Lawson created Imagine Software in Liverpool in 1982. Despite their short-lived career of just two years, they helped to pave the wave for other video gaming companies – particularly Denton Designs and Psygnosis.

    Denton Design founded the very year Imagine Software closed, and were responsible for creating the popular Transformers game for the Commodore 64 in 1986. Whilst Psygosis established their company in the Port of Liverpool Building, and created the well-loved Lemmings franchise. People may now know the company as Studio Liverpool, and they are still based in the city at Wavetree Technology Park.

    That’s not all! There are a many other talented game developers in the city, including Rage Software who created the incredibly successful Rocky Game and Rage Rally. Bizarre Creations from the Speke area of Liverpool also created the Project Gotham Racing series, and the James Bond game Blood Stone.

    Unfortunate Closures

    What’s really disappointing about the games industry in Liverpool is that many of the video games companies are closing their doors once and for all. Bizarre Creations have unfortunately closed down, and Rage Software came to end in 2003. However, as the history of the video gaming industry has proved, when one door closes another one opens – and that’s exactly what’s happened, as new gaming companies have launched in the city, such as Hogrocket and Grubby Hands – two amazing names!

    It is pretty fair to say that Liverpool has had a major impact on not only the UK video gaming scene, but across the world, as some of the city’s finest creations have went on to become international bestselling games.

    Liverpool have always been at the forefront of the games industry, and the constant emergence of new and exciting gaming companies proves that it is a city with a lot to offer the computer world. In fact, the gaming community have finally realised that in order to survive in the dog-eat-dog gaming world, you have to collaborate with different companies, which is why many are joining forces at events such as the Liverpool Sound City Festival to chat, collaborate and share ideas. Creativity leads to creativity – so the future is bright for Liverpool gaming companies, and hopefully a lot more stable!

  • iOS 10 Hacks

    iOS 10 Hacks

    Horizontal Calculator

    Open your calculator APP as you normally would, but instead of viewing the calculator landscape, turn your phone into portrait mode for some secret functionality that allows for further mathematical calculations.

    Very handy if you ever forget your scientific calculator.

    Fingerprint Slots

    Have you ever been left frustrated when you use the wrong finger to try and unlock your phone? No? Just me then… anyway… you have up to 5 fingers registered on your iOs device. That is, of course, it’s one of the latest handsets (5s onwards)

    Low Power Mode

    The new age dilemma of having 1% left on your smartphone and with no charger in sight. Well, fear not iOs users, with the onboard battery saver the iOs will get you out of the nightmarish 1% life-ending scenarios. Simply navigate to ‘settings’, then onto ‘battery’, and then activate the battery saver. This should give you some more juice to carry on playing candy crush.

    Volume Rocker Controls

    Not only is the volume rocker very handy for the obvious it also doubles as a clicker for your camera app. Perfect for taking those daily selfies with your bae/dog. Simply give it a click next time you’re taking pictures of your spaghetti bolognese.

     

    What’s more?

    Did you know that you can customize the control center in the settings option? Are you aware of the feature called Magnifier that can be triple-pressed for examining details in a document or picture? Did you know that if you make a mistake while typing or editing, you can shake your device to undo your last action? There is so much more that you can do with your Apple phone, and all of them are pretty exciting. Intrigued to learn about them? How about tuning in to a Tech Podcast similar to iOS Today that can enlighten you further?

    A growing number of people are purchasing Apple products at the current time, thanks to the advancements it offers. Such people would want to know about all the advantages of using the operating system. This article can, therefore, come in handy to them.

  • How hybrid vehicles could save you money

    How hybrid vehicles could save you money

    All about hybrid

    There is a new breed of car that promises to save it’s user money as well as help the environment at the same time.

    When buying a new car, there are a lot of ways to save money. Some of the methods include checking invoice car prices through websites like https://invoice-pricing.com/, buying the car on a credit card, or investing in a second-hand car. But when it comes to hybrids, it’s not just about saving money during purchase, but also while using them for many years to come. The hybrid car has two or more distinct power sources that powers the vehicle. The term most commonly refers to hybrid electric vehicles which combine internal combustion engines and one or more electric motors. The car works to capture and use energy in the most efficient way possible.

    The sources of power used for hybrid cars varies from car to car. Some examples are: Coal, wood or other solid combustibles compressed or liquefied natural gas, electricity, electromagnetic fields, radio waves, electric vehicle battery, human powered, hydrogen, petrol or diesel fuel, Solar power or wind.

    There are a variety of different hybrid vehicles.

    Two-wheeled and cycle-type vehicles:

    There are mopeds, electric bicycles and electric kick scooters that are hybrid in there simplest form. These are the earliest forms of hybrid and first became available in the 19th century.

    Heavy vehicles:

    There are also heavy vehicles that are hybrid, and like any other vehicle, suitable HGV or truck insurance will be needed to ensure you are covered to drive your vehicle. Other examples of heavy vehicles that are hybrid include power trains and diesel-electric or turbo- electric railways. These power railway locomotives, buses, heavy goods vehicles, as well as other types of large and heavy vehicles, machinery and ships. There are advantages to distributing power through wires and pipes, rather than mechanical elements, especially when there are multiple drivers.

    Cranes:

    The energy used to move cranes can be hybrid as diesel fuel can be reduced by around 50-70%. This can possibly contribute toward lowering the cost of processes such as Tower Crane Erection, Precast Panel Erection, and similar others in which cranes are generally used.

    Aircraft:

    The fuel cell provides all the power for the flight of the plane. During take-off and landing the plane needs the most power and can rely on lightweight batteries.

    Motor vehicles:

    There are several different types of hybrid motor vehicle. All of them are generally more efficient than traditional fuel cars. These vehicles can go a long time if kept in good condition. Maintaining your hybrid vehicle means keeping the battery running efficiently for as long as you can, as well as repairing it and replacing it when the time comes. That way you can restore the quality and enhance the performance of your vehicle again.

    Parallel hybrid:

    This is a single electric motor and the internal combustion engine that is installed to power any vehicle, individually or together. The cars have a clutch and are charged up to power them, saving money on fuel.

    Power-split hybrid:

    There are two motors in these types of car driven by electric motor with no mechanical connection to the engine. Instead of this, the engine is tuned for running a generator when the battery pack isn’t sufficient for the engine to run.

    Fuel cell electric hybrid:

    The fuel cell hybrid is generally an electric vehicle equipped with fuel cell. The fuel cell and the electric battery are both power sources, making the vehicle a hybrid.

    Fuel consumption and emissions:

    Less emissions are generated from hybrid vehicles because less of the way the vehicles are designed. Both the engine and the electric motors for peak power needs result in the smaller sized engine therefore less internal losses of power and less weight. The engines also store things in a better way, reusing and recapturing energy, which is particularly useful when stopping and starting in traffic.

    Most people sell or get rid of their cars when they get into debt, as they can be expensive to buy and run. If you are struggling with debt, don’t suffer alone. There are ways out. A debt solution company, such as Churchwood Finance may be able to help!