Watch and Learn
In the ever-minimising world of mobile technology, Sony may well have come up trumps with the world’s first Android-compatible SmartWatch. The waterproof SmartWatch 2 acts as second screen for your smartphone, offering new and exciting ways to communicate and live on the go. With the sleek, intuitive interface, the SmartWatch 2 enables you to easily navigate all the key functions of your smartphone from your wrist, whatever the weather.
In fact, the watch comes with an impressive sunlight-readable display, so if we get another heatwave any time soon, you’ll be able to find your way around the multi-layer colour readable display without ever needing to seek shadows. You can read messages, delve into emails, handle calls and access those all-important Facebook and Twitter notifications at your leisure. You can also browse recent calls in your call log and use SmartWatch to initiate a new call. A wide range of apps are also available via GoogePlay.
Pairing the watch with your smartphone requires a simple touch. If it goes out of Bluetooth range, it’s easy to reconnect. One touch is, indeed, all it takes. As individual as its user, the SmartWatch 2 can be customised to suit your personal style. Comfortable silicon straps come in a range of vibrant colours and finishes – yellow, pink, purple, turquoise, black and metal. There’s even the option of two high quality leather wrist straps in brown and black and a metal bracelet, also in black. The SmartWatch retails from €179 from all Irish operators and retailers.

Mad about Nad
Catering for all your digital and analogue needs, the new NAD D 3020 stereo amplifier comes with considerable pedigree, having been touted by What Hi-Fi as a “legendary” piece of kit in their glowing, five-star appraisal. As the trusty team at What Hi-Fi discovered, the NAD D 3020 ignores flashy gimmicks in favour of a dynamic, smooth and huge sonic performance. The ground-breaking amp streams from Bluetooth to its on-board, high-quality 24 bit/96hkz DAC alongside analogue sources, all of which combine to deliver crisp, rich sound from its 30 watt per channel amplifier. The NAD D 3020 retails at €499 from Blackrock-based Cloney Audio who include free Van Den Hul interconnect cables worth €69 and gold-plated banana plugs worth €40.
They also stock the perfect add-ons for the unit in the form of the superb Bowers and Wilkins DM685 (€499) and the slick NAD C515 BEE CD player. Alternatively, the entire bundle is available for just €1297. Further information is available from cloneyaudio.com or call (01) 288 8477. Don’t miss the chance to hear what the NAD D 3020 can do in person when Cloney Audio hold their Hi-Fi Demonstration on November 10 (12 – 6pm) at the Radisson Blu, St Helen’s Hotel, Stillorgan, Dublin 4.

Speak Volumes
The newest addition to the esteemed BOSE range combines slight features with massive impact. Available from the dedicated technology department at Arnotts for just €199, the SoundLink Mini speaker connects wirelessly to your smartphone, tablet and other Bluetooth devices, delivering full, natural sound despite its ultra-compact appearance. At just 1.5 pounds, the speaker is small and light enough to tuck into your bag and take with you for any and every occasion that needs that little bit extra oomph. With a range of 30 feet, you can enjoy the sound you want without wires. The SoundLink Mini also boasts an impressive memory feature, remembering the six most recent paired devices, making reconnecting a simple, quick affair. Easy to operate and elegantly designed, the speaker is purpose-built for the music lover who wishes to keep the soundtrack of their life going 24/7. The rechargeable lithium-ion battery offers up to seven hours playtime. At home, the charging cradle allows playback whilst the speaker system re-powers. If you feel like jazzing it up, you can avail of additional soft covers – available in blue, orange and green – which also provide added protection.