Yesterday, Apple recommended customers download updates to fix two security bugs
First of all, this is really only a concern for you if you have an older Apple laptop. The discovered exploit only affects MacBooks with Intel processors. That excludes MacBook Pro introduced in 2021 or later, plus MacBook Pro (13-inch, M1, 2020), MacBook Air introduced in 2022 or later, plus MacBook Air (M1, 2020), iMac introduced in 2021 or later, Mac mini introduced in 2020 or later, Mac Studio introduced in 2022 or later and Mac Pro introduced in 2023. These all run Apple Silicon and are unaffected.
However, if you do have an older MacBook, you should immediately update to any available software updates that your device is showing. Apple has stated that this particularly affects macOS Sequoia 15.1.1.
As you read more about this you’ll find this bugs are referred to as “zero day bugs”. A “zero day bug” is a software flaw that was unknown to the software maker before it was discovered and exploited by attackers. Since the company had zero days to fix it before it was used against people, it’s called a “zero day.” In short, it’s a security problem that hackers found and used before anyone else even knew it existed.
It’s unknown how many customers are affected, but the fact it’s a “zero day” bug means some people have been caught out. It was discovered by Clément Lecigne and Benoît Sevens of Google’s Threat Analysis Group. This group looks into government-backed hacking which suggests there has been something spotted and uncovered.
I’d recommend what ever Apple device you have, it’s worth just going to check if there’s an update there to be completed. For safety sake.
Guess who has been playing catch up now that Goosed got a shiny new website! Right, let’s talk about the Pixel 9 Pro XL—Google’s latest and greatest that’s somehow managed to weasel its way into becoming my day-to-day phone. You know me, I’ve tried all the gadgets and gizmos, but there’s something about this one that’s stuck. Whether it’s the camera magic, the Android smoothness, or just the little things that make life easier, I’m going to break down exactly why the Pixel 9 Pro XL has earned a permanent place in my pocket.
Design & Build: A Premium Feel (Finally)
Soooo, let’s start with the look and feel. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is a stunner—Google finally figured out that people want their flagship to actually look like a flagship. The curved edges, the sleek glass back, and that matte finish that doesn’t turn into a fingerprint canvas—they’ve nailed it. It’s big, but not unwieldy, and the weight feels just right, giving it that premium heft without making you feel like you’re lugging around a brick. And yeah, I know it’s subjective, but that Hazel colorway? Absolute chef’s kiss.
Display: Eyes Deserve the Best
The display is where Google has really upped their game. The 6.9-inch OLED with a 120Hz refresh rate is slick and smooth. It’s the kind of screen that makes scrolling through your feeds feel almost luxurious—as much as mindless scrolling can be, anyway, and if you’re gonna scroll, go to Martys TikToks or our new BlueSky Channel. The colors are vibrant without being cartoonish, and the brightness is good enough that even in direct sunlight, you can actually see what’s on your screen. I’ve used a lot of phones that claim to have great outdoor visibility, but this one actually delivers. It’s not just about resolution either—it’s about making everything look crisp and consistent.
Camera: The Real MVP
We need, need, need to talk about the camera because, let’s face it, Google Pixels have built a reputation here, and the Pixel 9 Pro XL takes it up a notch. The main 50MP sensor is a beast, but what really stands out are the software smarts behind it. Night Sight? Still magic. Portrait Mode? Perfect, even when you’re trying to snap a pic of your hyperactive dog. And now there’s this new AI-assisted “Magic Editor” feature that lets you adjust shadows and remove unwanted photobombers with a couple of taps—it’s ridiculous how well it works.
The ultra-wide camera got some love this year too, with a wider field of view that actually captures everything without looking like a fisheye lens gone wrong. And let’s not forget the 5x optical zoom, which, combined with Google’s software magic, lets you zoom in on stuff that’s way off in the distance without turning it into a pixelated mess. I’ve used this camera for everything—from taking shots on hikes to snapping quick photos of food before I dive in—and it hasn’t let me down once.
Performance: Everything Just Works
Performance-wise, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is an absolute unit. Powered by Google’s latest Tensor G3 chip, it’s snappy, responsive, and handles multitasking like a pro. I’ve thrown everything at this phone—games, heavy apps, even editing videos on the go—and it hasn’t flinched. And because it’s Google, the software-hardware integration is spot on. There’s no lag, no weird hiccups, just Android 15 in its purest form, which is honestly a breath of fresh air.
Speaking of software, all those AI features we hear about actually make a difference. Call screening is still my favorite—no more scam calls wasting my time. The voice typing is also scarily accurate now, and I’ve found myself dictating messages way more often because it’s just that good. Little things like the Now Playing feature (which automatically identifies songs playing around you) just add to the overall experience. It’s like Google thought of all the annoying bits of using a smartphone and fixed them.
Battery Life: All Day, No Stress
The battery life on the Pixel 9 Pro XL is solid. With a 5000mAh battery, I’m easily getting a full day of heavy use—sometimes even more if I’m not pushing it too hard. Streaming, gaming, GPS, you name it, and this phone keeps up. The 30W fast charging is decent too—not the fastest out there, but enough that you can get a good chunk of juice back in a short amount of time. Plus, wireless charging and reverse wireless charging are still here, so you can juice up your buds on the go.
Everyday Use: Why It Became My Go-To
There are a lot of phones out there, and I’ve tried plenty, but the Pixel 9 Pro XL has become my go-to because of how well it fits into my daily life. It’s not just the big features; it’s all the small quality-of-life improvements. The in-display fingerprint scanner is faster, face unlock works even when it’s dark, and the speakers—let me tell you—they’re loud and clear enough to fill a room without distorting. Whether I’m on a call, watching a video, or listening to a podcast while cooking, the audio quality is just consistently good.
But what really seals the deal is how seamless everything feels. Switching between apps, keeping all my photos backed up with Google Photos, getting directions with Google Maps that are always spot on—it’s that classic Pixel experience, but polished to near-perfection. And let’s not forget those exclusive Pixel features like Magic Eraser and the extra Google One perks that just make owning this phone feel special.
The Goosed Conclusion: The Pixel 9 Pro XL—A Daily Driver Worth Having
In the end, the Pixel 9 Pro XL isn’t just another phone; it’s Google getting their sh*t together, taking the learnings from the last few Pixels and nailing this years release. Google has finally nailed the balance between premium hardware and genuinely useful software. The camera is unbeatable, the performance is rock solid, and the design is spot on. It’s a phone that feels smart in every sense of the word.
If you’re on the lookout for a phone that doesn’t just look good but also genuinely just works as it should, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is an easy recommendation.
It’s time to dig into EA Sports FC 25 (or EAFC 25 for short). With FIFA out of the picture, EA’s now doing their own thing, and it’s a bit like that friend who finally ditched a long-term relationship and is out discovering themselves. Some things have changed, some are comfortingly the same, but there’s definitely something worth chatting about here. I’ve been playing for a few months now, so it’s time for my long term review.
First Impressions: Fresh Coat of Paint?
Let’s be honest—when EA announced they were dropping the FIFA name, most of us were wondering if it was just a rebrand with the same old game behind it. Spoiler: it is. EAFC 25 feels like the latest episode in a sitcom series, you know what you’re going to get and it is what it is. The visuals are a bit shinier, the soundtrack has that classic EA pop vibe, and the menu’s got a touch of that minimalist make-over we’re seeing everywhere. It’s not reinventing the wheel, but it’s a slick, satisfying start.
Gameplay: Keeping It Tight
Gameplay-wise, there are a few tweaks that make EAFC 25 feel more… alive. The focus this year seems to be on fluidity and responsiveness. Dribbling feels more intuitive, and player movements are smoother than before. If you’re anything like me, you’ve spent far too many hours yelling at the screen because your player took a clunky extra touch and ruined your chance—and EA has clearly heard our pleas. The improvements in animations make even casual games with mates feel way more rewarding.
But here’s the thing: it’s still EA. Don’t expect a complete overhaul. The game still has those signature moments—somewhere between pure genius and maddening madness. Passes zing with accuracy, but there’s still a sense of unpredictability, especially in tight matches. Tackles? They’ve got more bite, but refs seem to be either blind or on power trips. Classic EA antics, really.
Ultimate Team: The Microtransaction Madness Continues
Let’s talk Ultimate Team, because we all know that’s what EA loves to push. EAFC 25 has carried over all the addictive elements from FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT) with some new gimmicks sprinkled on top. But let me be straight with you—I’m not a fan. Ultimate Team is still the cash cow that thrives on micro-transactions, and if you’re not willing to put your wallet on the line, you’re going to struggle to build a competitive squad. It’s the same story every year: spend real money to open packs in hopes of getting a top-tier player, or grind for hours on end. It’s frustrating, and honestly, it takes a lot of the fun out of what could be a fantastic game mode.
The card packs are still there, and people are still forking out cash. Sure, there are new twists to player progression and some tweaks to the chemistry system that make it a bit easier to mix players from different leagues. But at the end of the day, it feels like a money pit. It’s not about skill; it’s about how much you’re willing to pay.
Pro Clubs: The Real Fun with Mates
Now, if you want a real laugh, Pro Clubs is where it’s at. This mode has always been a favourite because it’s just you and your mates, creating chaos together on the pitch. EAFC 25 hasn’t forgotten about Pro Clubs, and while there aren’t drastic changes, there are enough improvements to keep things fresh.
The player progression in Pro Clubs has been refined, giving you more control over how your player develops. It’s got more of an RPG vibe now, where you can earn points and upgrade specific skills depending on your play style. Whether you’re a flashy winger or a brick-wall defender, you can build your character to suit your strengths. Plus, the customization options have been expanded, meaning your club can now have even more ridiculous kits and emblems. Let’s be honest, half the fun is making your squad look as outrageous as possible.
And then there’s the new “Rush” game mode in Pro Clubs. It’s like someone at EA decided to mix a bit of street football flair into the game. Rush is all about fast-paced, small-sided matches with fewer players on each team, emphasizing skill moves, quick passes, and crazy goals. It’s a refreshing change from the more structured 11v11 Pro Clubs games, and it’s perfect for when you want a quick match without the full commitment.
Career Mode: Living the Dream
Career Mode has always been my comfort zone—especially when I’m done getting thrashed by some 14-year-old online. EAFC 25 doesn’t mess too much with the formula, but it brings enough to the table to keep things fresh. The player career has had a bit of a glow-up with more RPG elements, allowing you to develop off-the-pitch decisions that impact your career path. It’s a bit cheesy, but I’m all for a little drama.
Manager Mode has seen some tweaks as well. The transfer system is now more realistic, and scouting has been improved so you’re not just fishing in the dark. The tactical depth is what makes it shine—the AI has stepped up, and they’ll adapt to your playstyle. No more relying on that one overpowered formation to cheese your way through a season.
Online Play: The Chaos Continues
Jumping into online play is still a rollercoaster of emotions. EAFC 25’s servers have had a bit of an upgrade, which means fewer disconnects, but the good old matchmaking chaos is still alive and well. You can go from a smooth game to one that feels like you’re controlling players with a half-second lag, and it’s honestly part of the thrill at this stage—or maybe that’s just Stockholm syndrome talking.
Crossplay is still a huge deal, and EA’s managed to streamline it better this year. Whether you’re on Xbox, PlayStation, or PC, you can dive into matches against your mates without too much hassle. It’s nice to see crossplay taken seriously, even if it sometimes feels like you’re playing against some sort of superhuman reflexes on other consoles.
Conclusion: Worth the Jump?
So, is EA Sports FC 25 worth the jump if you’re coming from EAFC 24? The answer is: oh here we go again, no, but we will because that’s what we do. It’s got enough changes to make it feel fresh enough, and losing the FIFA branding might just be what EA needed to shake things up a bit. It’s still that classic footy experience—equal parts exhilarating and infuriating—but with a bit more polish and a few new tricks to keep you hooked.
If you’re an Ultimate Team addict, you’ll find more of the same here—though I’d personally steer clear if you’re tired of the pay-to-win dynamic. But if you’re more about Pro Clubs or Career Mode, there’s plenty here to keep you entertained until the next inevitable release. Just don’t go in expecting a total revolution—EA is still EA, after all. But, honestly, that’s why we keep coming back, isn’t it?
AI is the buzzword of 2024, everywhere you go, AI is coming in hot, which means there are some cool companies doing mad things and we’ve been lucky enough to have caught up with one such true AI company coming out of Ireland right now. Honestly I’m a lazy git and at Goosed we’re all about making tech work for us, and WeBoost AI is one of those tools that can supercharge a shop’s eCommerce business from “just getting by” to “absolutely flying.”
But as the customer who doesn’t really care about what’s under the hood, imagine online shopping made easier, that’s what WeBoost do, so let’s get stuck into it.
AI in eCommerce and the Growing AI Boom
AI is everywhere right now. It’s not just about robots or self-driving cars anymore—it’s sneaking its way into our shopping experiences, making things smoother, smarter, and way more personalised.
If you’re shopping online, you’re probably wondering if AI is impacting your experience at all. Honestly I have been writing for Goosed now for 10 years and over the years attending events like Dublin Tech Summit, Mobile World Congress and so on, alongside interviewing a couple 100 startups from Ireland and further ashore. It turns out we have a great eye for an up and comer, if I do say so myself. Well, the AI boom is here, and it’s time to see how it can really help you and your store.
WeBoost AI helps online stores predict what you want before you even know it yourself. That’s what AI in eCommerce is all about. It might sound like it’s just companies trying to sell you more stuff. And right enough, it kind of is. But it’s also making sure you get the best products you need when you need them.
Add in uber-personalised recommendations and high quality automated customer support; the potential is enormous, both for the business but you the customer too.
What WeBoost.AI Does
Enter WeBoost AI, the eCommerce Lifesaver. WeBoost AI uses clever algorithms to analyse how customers interact with online shops. It learns their preferences, understands their behaviours, and then tailors their shopping experience to make it as seamless and enjoyable as possible. Think of it like having a superpower that lets you know exactly what your customer is looking for—whether it’s the latest gadgets or their next fashion fix. And if we’re totally honest we all shop online so let’s look at the different use cases:
Clothes shopping – Looking for a dress with pockets (the biggest of dreams right?) or a particular fit that that you want for an event but don’t have the time to go through the online stores mad range and variety of products
Gadgets – Course I am biased here but like pop into WeBoost tell it you’re looking for a phone with this kinda camera, this kind of price point and get the feedback (of course verify with your favourite tech journo’s here at Goosed)
Home Product- Looking for side tables and home good to match you’re ongoing style, don’t mind the scrolling, get to the knowing.
WeBoost AI isn’t just for the big guys, and that’s something I really like here. eCommerce tools aren’t always easy to integrate but they’ve managed it. They’ve started by helping Shopify store owners before moving to other eCommerce platforms. So you could be experiencing this kind of technology whether you are shopping with a small or large business or running one.
If you think about all those times Instagram has served you eerily good ads; this is all similar.
The Benefits of WeBoost and Why We Want to See It Succeed
So why should you care about WeBoost AI? For starters, it’s going to save you a heap of time, where you are shopping or running a shop. You’ll see more personalised messaging and better product recommendations thanks to technology like this.
I hope to see WeBoost AI succeed because I genuinely think it’s the kind of tool that can make a massive difference for any brand with a Shopify website, especially for smaller stores trying to compete in a busy online marketplace.
AI as I have said is here to stay and I want to see an Irish company succeed, showing what can be done from our little part of the world. Having seen the software in action not going to lie I am super excited to see where they go and if you want to find out more either check out the website or keep an eye on the Goosed podcast where I will be catching up with the founders to talk all things AI and online shopping.
Conclusion
If you’re a customer, that’s the low down on how businesses will be making your shopping experience smarter. If you’re a business looking to power a new eCommerce exprience, WeBoost AI could be just what you need.
It’s about working smarter, not harder, and giving your customers the best experience possible. Over the years I’ve grown an ability to spot the next up and coming brands from the country. I think this could be one. It’s exciting, and I’m excited to say we’re giving 3 free trials to help you see exactly what this tool can do.
If you own a Shopify Store or know a brand you want to see level up their online then you can get involved! Just head over to weboost.ai and fill in the form.
I was watching the football the other night. I loved following an Irish football fan who had claimed the potential handle for the FAI and was “keeping it warm” for them. They were taking the posts from other socials and reposting, saying they would hand it over once the FAI came looking for it. It’s only a few days later it occurred to me that the FAI won’t need this handle at all once they understand how Bluesky works.
How Bluesky Verification Works
In the past few years, the “blue tick” verification of social media users has been completely undermined. The much sought after “blue tick” is sold to anyone who wants another subscription. While some platforms work harder to protect verification than others, ultimately, it just doesn’t mean as much any more.
The founders of Bluesky spotted this and integrated a whole new verification system for their social media platform. This doesn’t require anyone to confirm who you are or for you to send your passport over to someone in Meta.
Bluesky allows verification through domain verification. The easiest way to explain this is by looking at Goosed.ie on Bluesky.
When I set Goosed up on Bluesky, I took the handle @goosed.bsky.social
As you can see above, this is broken down into
Username: goosed
Domain: bsky
Top Level Domain: .social
The username is unique to Bluesky, but the rest of the handle (@goosed.bsky.social) is just like a regular URL every website has. For example, RTÉ would be:
Username: None, because it’s a website
Domain: rte
Top Level Domain: .ie
All Blue has done is provide a default domain and Top Level Domain for all new users, to make signing up easy.
But for Goosed, we’ve verified that we own the domain, goosed.ie and can now use that to create a unqiue handle for our brand.
That means the “Goosed Brand” posts on @goosed.ie why employees like myself get unique handles from Goosed, like @martinmeany.goosed.ie.
Domains are verified and companies can manage who has verified accounts on their domain. And this is fundamentally how Bluesky verification works. The best part of this is that it really doesn’t matter when your brand comes to Bluesky. All that matters is that you know how to verify your domain and assign the “brand domain” and “employee domains”.
How to Verify Domains with Bluesky?
I know who you are. You either own a small company and run all the social, or are in a marketing team looking at the explosive growth of Bluesky. You might try to sign up and find that the default handle your company uses on other platforms is already gone. But don’t panic. You just need to do this.
Bluesky Domain Validation by DNS
Create the Bluesky account that you want to use. The username doesn’t matter much at this stage.
Go to [Settings] > [Account] > [Handle]
In the pop-up choose “I have my own domain”
Enter the domain you want to use:
Copy the “Value” provided (it will be longer than this)
Now you can send a message to IT which says
“I need to add a TXT record to the DNS to verifiy our company Bluesky account. The Host is _atproto and the record value is [Give the value here]
For employee accounts, just add the desired username before the domain – alexdoe.brand.com
Once they confirm that’s done, click “Verify DNS Record”
And that’s it! It should work immediately, but DNS can take from 1 hour to 48 hours to update. So you may have to be patient.
You should also share Bluesky’s official documentation on this because it will give your IT or dev team a bit more confidence.
Bluesky Domain Validation Without DNS
If you work in a massive company, getting DNS records updated might be a long process. I maintain that in most cases, you just need to know who to talk to, whether that be IT or the dev team. Someone likely can update DNS records and it’s really fast.
Fortunately, if you do find yourself blocked, you can validate with a file.
Create the Bluesky account that you want to use. The username doesn’t matter much at this stage.
Go to [Settings] > [Account] > [Handle]
In the pop-up choose “I have my own domain”
Enter the domain you want to use
Choose “no DNS Panel”
You’ll need to add the record to a simple txt file and upload it to the location provided
Once that’s done, click “Verify Text File” and you’re done.
I personally prefer the DNS approach. However big companies might block this and even managing who has verified accounts might be easier using the txt file approach. It’s also a good approach if DNS has failed and you don’t like waiting to see if it’s just delayed or wrong.
Now that you’re up and running on Bluesky, you can head over and follow some of the biggest accounts and find some Starter Packs for your brand.
The latest installment of Microsoft Flight Simulator launches today, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. But without even leaving the comfort of their own home, enthusiastic simulator pilots have been left with flights delayed after a turbulent launch day for the community.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Launch Chaos
I’m a massive fan of Microsoft Flight Simulator having flow with it since I got a copy of Flight Simulator for Windows 95. I’ve always felt Microsoft underestimated the passion behind this franchise’s community, sometimes leaving massive gaps between releases. Today at 4.30pm the four year wait, which wasn’t too bad, for the latest edition came to an end. Or at least that was the plan.
Microsoft haven’t been able to cope with the demand (back to my point on underestimating the passion of the flight sim community). I could tell that this launch felt different. I could tell there was going to be a massive pent up desire to take to the skies in a version of Flight Simulator that promised to be biggest, better and faster that the 2020 version.
Unfortunately, Microsoft hasn’t gotten this right at launch. The game launched on Microsoft’s Gamepass, which means millions of subscribed customers were looking forward to a “day one” release. It had also been purchased directly by sim fans through Microsoft and Steam, with some paying up to €219.99 for Flight Simulator 2024 – Aviator Edition.
Understandably, on Steam, the game has an “Overwhelmingly Negative” rating from, at the time of writing, 1,577 reviews posted.
Microsoft took to social media to explain the situation, stating, “with so many users initializing the sim concurrently, we have a large number of server requests. We are working to help resolve the issues as soon as possible”.
Microsoft’s Embarrassment
At the end of the day, this isn’t a big deal. Microsoft will scale up the servers once they fix the fact they are being choked out by demand. However, it’s embarrassing for the company who championed its new approach to Flight Simulator as being revolutionary for the simulator.
The developers celebrated the install size being minimised and a move to cloud-based streaming as a victory for simmers. And I’m sure it will be, but only once we finally get to trundle down the runway and take off into simulator glory.
Aqara is one of my favourite smart home brands, making smart tech solutions to various problems. I use Aqara sensors to circulate air when windows are open, to open and close curtains automatically and have some cameras and lights from them too. Today, Aqara announced that there are two more products, a smart smoke alarm and smart water valve, entering their eco-system which will be available in the Irish market via Amazon.co.uk.
I haven’t got to test these just yet, but wanted to let you know they’re available in case you seem them going for a good price somewhere!
This article contains links to Amazon. If you purchase from Amazon after clicking this link, it won’t cost you anything extra but we might get a small commission for sending you over there. Thanks for supporting us! The author has a mix of other Aqara products he has bought himself and some have been sent by Aqara for testing.
Aqara Smoke Alarm
When it comes to home safety, few devices are as important as the humble smoke alarm. I’ve always looked at them as being something that’s so simple; maybe too simple. Yet nearly 40% of fatal house fires in Ireland take place in homes without any smoke alarm. A smoke alarm can save lives and connecting smoke alarms to smart home technology seemed such a logical step forward to even better safety. Yet it hadn’t happened. That was until now.
Aqara has announced their smart Smoke Detector, compatible with the Zigbee 3.0 Protocol. This is a battery powered smart device capable of alerting you to the presence of smoke in your home. As with traditional smoke alarms, you’ll hear the alert from the device itself through a 85dB siren. There’s also a visual indicator thanks to an onboard LED.
Naturally, because it’s smart, you’ll also receive alerts on your smart phone whether you’re at home or away from home. Armed with just this alert or coupled with the smart cameras and temperature sensors, you can know what’s going on in your home where ever you are in the world.
As important as smoke alarms are, thankfully most of the time we are aware of them is when they start chirping because the battery is dying. The Aqara Smoke Alarm promises to have introduced plenty of power saving technology and but better still, you shouldn’t have to change the battery for around 10-years according to the manufacturer.
Now, it’s not your average smoke alarm so it’s not your average smoke alarm cost. The Aqara Smoke Detector costs about €50, give or take a fiver and is available on Amazon.co.uk.
Aqara Valve Controller
Successful smart home gadget makers know looking after renters is just as important as home-owners. Aqara gets this. That’s why they created the valve controller. Now, this is a very niche solution that I’d argue most renters also wouldn’t bother with. But lets take a look anyway.
The Valve controller is designed to easily retrofit all plumbing fitting with either a lever or butterfly knob. The first thing to be careful of here in Ireland is making sure you don’t have a good old fashioned circular knob valve.
Once fitted, this is connected to your smart home again with Zigbee while also supporting Matter too. This battery powered controller has a few uses. The big example Aqara offers is that you can connect this to your outdoor water sources to control garden watering systems. Not so useful in Ireland.
More useful is if you combine with this a Aqara Leak Sensor. The idea is that you can connect both to your water systems at home. If your water tank leaks and the sensor detects it, you can now automatically shut off the water. It’s a genius and relatively cheap solution to a very expensive problem.
The Valve controller is a lot more expensive at about €85 from Amazon. And to get the most value from this kind of accessory, you will likely need more than one (for different water pipes) and a leak sensor. But, while it’s never happened to me I bet a quick questions to anyone who’s ever had a major leak while on holidays, that could be money well spent.
The Valve Controller T1 is available on Amazon.co.uk right now and may be available at reduced prices.
Back in 2014, the Which Candidate? website launched in Ireland. It’s a fantastic resource which springs up around big election times, including the 2020 General Election. Whether you’re undecided, decided or “general election curious”, I strongly recommend spending some time on the platform to familiarise yourself with who you should vote for.
What is Which Candidate?
Which Candidate? was launched in 2014 by Dr. Rory Costello and John Costello to improve awareness amongst voters about who they are voting for and what policies they stand for. Much of Ireland, and formerly myself, had spent years voting in-line with family history, but increasing desire from the public to understand their vote better has led to a hunger for policy knowledge.
Which Candidate contacts or allows each candidate running in the election to provide comments on various policy questions. The same questions are then presented on the Which Candidate? website for voters. You answer the 32 questions and can view each candidates views after you do so.
In the end, you are presented with the candidate you are most closely aligned with.
Why is Which Candidate Important?
Most elections are hotly contested and covers a wide variety of topics and issues. Which Candidate? is the easiest way to compare and digest the opinions of most candidates across the full 2024 General Election.
It’s particularly important for GE24 because there’s both an ever-growing number of candidates and the electoral maps have changed quite a bit too. My own has shifted slightly which I only learned of when researching this very article, with 4 new constituencies and 14 more seats. You can check your constituency on The Electoral Commission website.
A very practical benefit of the platform is the final scorecards and mock ballot paper you can bookmark or screenshot. I’m a grown adult and I still find this incredibly useful at the polls. I take out my phone and jot down my preferences for as far as I’m largely aligned with a candidate. GE24 looks like 7 candidates in total will get a preference from me and then it’s up to the STV gods to see where they go.
The Pitfalls of Which Candidate
While helpful, Which Candidate? isn’t a perfect solution. Many policies and answers are sourced from the parties and not the candidates. Patrick Costello comes to mind when I think of TD’s who’ve gone against the grain of their own party.
In some cases, the candidates have not provided any answers whatsoever. But I’d argue if a candidate hasn’t taken the time to fill this in, they are unlikely to be that hard working for my vote.
Finally, it’s one thing to answer a question politically and a completely other thing to follow through with action.
Though not perfect, Which Candidate? is a unique solution to the suffocating amount of information going around in GE24.
In the past, I’ve referring to Which Candidate? as Tinder for politics, with my tongue firmly lodged in my cheek. But it truly is a great idea for those who want a one-stop-shop for finding a candidate that closely aligns with their own personal beliefs.
Which Candidate? is now live and ready to help you choose your GE24 Ballot Paper.
I swore off going to gigs in Marley Park. It’s simply a nightmare getting out there and getting back. Despite giving myself plenty of time, I still missed the start of Weezer back in 2022 at the Hella Mega Tour – I’m not over it. So I’m somewhat hopeful that the launch of EVNTZ app might take the sting out of getting to gigs.
What is EVNTZ?
EVNTZ is an official partner of MCD offering a one-stop-shop platform for tickets, transport, accommodation, and merchandise for people attending gigs.
For example, if you’re living in Sligo and hoping to see Alanis Morissette in Malahide Castle next year, the EVNTZ app will give you handy links to Booking.com, bus info from suitable services like Irish Concert Travel, on-site parking and a link through to Ticketmaster to see if there are any tickets left.
The app is designed to take the leg work out of researching everything you’d need for a night out at a gig.
EVNTZ After You’ve Planned Your Gig
Once you’ve sorted out your gig accommodation, transport and the likes, it’s time to prep for the big day. The EVNTS app will give you venue maps and FAQs. Again, these are usually available elsewhere but the idea here is that it’s all in one nice and simple app.
One feature I’m interested to see in-person is merch pre-orders. EVNTS has promised that you’ll be able to beat the queue and pre-order official tour merchandise with a quick smooth pick-up. This is, however, only available at selected shows.
Finally, there is a rewards programme incorporated into the app too. You’ll be able to use your points for in-app bookings, and special events with artists through unlocking exclusive competitions for merchandise bundles and even concert tickets, and more.
EVNTZ Verdict
To be fully transparent, I haven’t had a chance to test out EVNTZ yet, but I like the concept. But I can’t call this a review, yet, and so the verdict is withheld for now.
The first point many will make is the first question I asked. Why book through EVNTZ when I can just book all of these services elsewhere? Well, the rewards programme is a nice inclusion and EVNTZ has confirmed to me that there is no extra fee for booking anything through the app versus direct with in-app partners.
In theory, this should all be pure convenience, especially if you’re getting reward points and convenient quick collection of gig merch added in too.
So why not give it a go? Learn more and download the app over at evntz.ie.
I get to say I left Twitter before “leaving Twitter” was cool. So I’ve been trying platforms like Mastodon, Threads and even Bluesky for the past year or so. However, it’s clear that Bluesky is having a “moment” right now, the data makes that undeniable.
The biggest question I have when I join new platforms like this, is how do I find my clique? Bluesky has the perfect answer which I’ll explain along with recommending some accounts for you to follow.
Bluesky Starter Packs
The early stages of any digital experience will make or break the path of a new users’ relationship. If you join a social media platform and either don’t follow anyone or don’t get follows, you’ll leave. Not because those numbers stroke your ego, but there’s a point you need to reach for engagement to get going.
Realising this, in June 2024 Bluesky introduced Starter Packs. A Starter Pack is a curated collection of Bluesky accounts and custom feeds designed to help new and existing users discover and connect with specific communities or topics on the platform.
Looking at Ireland alone, a sort of cottage industry of people creating and sharing Starter Packs has lead to massive growth in posts and general engagement across the platform.
Best Bluesky Starter Packs in Ireland
From just a few days Bluesky growing in Ireland, there have been some fantastic starter packs. Many of these have focused on the news given we’re coming up to a General Election.
Dr. Tríona Cunnane has created two Starter Packs dedicated to Irish Media Personalities.
More broadly, outside of Ireland, you can search for the best starter packs through the Bluesky Directory. This is a collection of Starter Packs your can browse through to find Bluesky posters in various niches. Everything from “It’s called Soccer“, dedicated to North American football to a Starter Packs dedicated to Postcard collectors.
Who to Follow on Bluesky Ireland?
I’m stilling settling into Bluesky myself, but I’m seeing a few people from as far back as my Twitter days on there. So if you were to ask me who my absolute top five, must-follow accounts are, it’s likely these people I’ve been following for a long time.
I’ll expand this out to ten after I spend some more time!
Taoiseach Simon Harris Joins Bluesky
Taoiseach of Ireland, Simon Harris, joined Bluesky, making it one of the first major political accounts in Ireland to be started. Just how active he will be remains to be seen and it is a personal account. Not one representing the Department of An Taoiseach. So we’ll see how long it is before he has to update his bio.
Enroute to Tipperary to launch the Fine Gael manifesto and plan for the 5 years ahead. This is a great country and working together we can make it even better. Enjoy your Sunday
I’m not counting him as one of the top five to follow. It just seemed newsworthy including him.
Lisa Grimm
Lisa is one of those follows that I understand why I followed more and more with every post. She posts about beer, history, books and general goings on. I highly recommend giving her a follow to keep up with the latest weird pubs and often spooky reads. Honestly, the Weirdo Pubs alone is worth the follow to find some absolute gems.
And as I only got this up late yesterday…the latest #WeirdoDublinPub is The Oval Bar:www.weirdodublinpubs.com/weirdo-guide…
Ciara, aka Ciaraíoch, is an social media poster I’ve followed for a long time. While an incredible illustrator, I’ve always enjoyed her general take on daily Irish life. Give her a follow if you want a laugh.
I can’t embed her posts here for privacy reasons, so you’ll just have to go give her a follow.
Séamas O’Reilly
Séamas is an author and avid social media user (because I’m not sure anyone is actually a social media fan). He bought into Bluesky early and is a fairly regular poster.
If you feel like you recognise his name, he’s the author of “Did Ye Hear Mammy Died” which was brought to “Ten Siblings?” fame by Tommy Bowe.
sex is good but have you ever finished a task and closed every single tab you had open for it and now know that you will never have to think about any of them ever again for the rest of your life?
Limerick’s favourite son is also on Bluesky. Blindboy has also been using the platform for a long time. He’s not quite as regular a poster on here given he’s busy with countless other ventures, but he’s worth a follow regardless.
James is a designer with an incredible sense of humour. I’m not going to try and pidgeon-hole him into a category because he posts about a lot of different things. The vast majority of which make me say either “wow” or makes me laugh.
What’s this? A trojan horse? You came for general information and here you find a shill. Yeah, well sorry about that. Feel free to ignore this bit because Goosed and the writing team is also on Bluesky. You’ll find us with our shiny @goosed handles which verifies us (Jon is WIP).
If you entrust us with your follow, we promise to…try not be boring. We’ll be posting about the latest tech news and reviews, same as we have since 2014, but now on Bluesky.
