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Redmi Note 14 Series: Flagship Features Without the Flagship Price

Jon
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Redmi Note 14 Series: Flagship Features Without the Flagship Price

Xiaomi is back with a bang, unveiling its Redmi Note 14 Series in Ireland. If you’re a fan of premium features at wallet-friendly prices, this line-up might just meet your expectations for mid-range smartphones. During the week I got to go to London to the Xiaomi launch event and honestly I was pleasantly surprised not just by the price but the quality of product they are bringing to the Irish market, tis about time someone mixed it up and I am here for it.

Launching on January 30, 2025, the Redmi Note 14 Series introduces four models: Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G, Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G, Redmi Note 14 5G, and Redmi Note 14. Each of these devices brings pro-grade features like 200MP AI cameras, all-star durability, and high-performance processors to at price points that will not break the bank. Let’s dive into what makes these devices stand out. Oh and FYI I am currently getting hands on with the Redmi Note 14 Pro + so watch this space for the hands on review, who knows they might also make an auld appearance on the Goosed Podcast shortly.

Capture Every Detail: Photography That Wows

For photography enthusiasts, the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G and Pro 5G models pack an impressive 200MP pro-grade AI camera system with optical image stabilization (OIS). Whether you’re zooming in on intricate details or capturing far-off subjects, the advanced optical zoom and 30x digital zoom are bound to impress.

These devices also feature AI-powered enhancements, allowing users to fine-tune images with features like Night Mode, AI Image Expansion, and AI Erase Pro. Whether you’re snapping photos in low light or editing out unwanted elements, the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G ensures your pictures are social-media-ready straight out of the gallery.

Meanwhile, the Redmi Note 14 5G and Redmi Note 14 shine with their 108MP cameras, offering stunning clarity and detail. Advanced software features make it easy for casual photographers to achieve professional-level results, making these devices perfect for anyone who loves to capture their daily moments in style.

Built for Life: Durability Meets Style

Xiaomi has gone all out with durability, great if you’re like me and every single phone I have ever owned has those lovely shattered corners. The Pro+ models feature Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, the gold standard in smartphone durability, making them resistant to drops, scratches, and even water immersion. These models also boast an IP68 rating, which ensures they can survive in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes aka want your tunes for the shower? Work away and bring it with you, or if you’re like me and enjoy a bit of kayaking, get some epic shots while out on the water. For adventurers and those prone to accidents, this is a game-changer.

For the rest of the line-up, Corning Gorilla Glass 5 provides solid protection against everyday wear and tear, while splash-proof designs ensure they hold up against the unexpected. Xiaomi’s commitment to durability makes these devices ideal for people on the go, ensuring peace of mind no matter the situation.

Performance That Powers Through

Under the hood, the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G debuts Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor, delivering speed and efficiency for gaming, multitasking, and more. With up to 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage, these phones are built to handle demanding tasks with ease. Gamers will appreciate features like Game Turbo Mode, which optimizes performance for uninterrupted play sessions.

Meanwhile, the Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G and Redmi Note 14 5G deliver reliable performance thanks to the powerful Snapdragon 6 Gen processors, ensuring smooth day-to-day usage and efficient multitasking. Even the entry-level Redmi Note 14 punches above its weight with a MediaTek Dimensity chipset that ensures fast app launches and lag-free navigation.

Battery life is another standout feature. With capacities ranging from 5110mAh to 5500mAh, these phones are designed to last all day, whether you’re working, gaming, or streaming. The Pro+ 5G model also supports 120W HyperCharge, enabling a full charge in just 19 minutes, which I am not gonna lie is really impressive, even more so when we go and look at the pricing of these handsets. This makes running out of battery a thing of the past, even on your busiest days, we hope.

Eye-Care Displays: Comfort Meets Clarity

Every device in the Redmi Note 14 Series features a 120Hz eye-care display, making scrolling and streaming smooth and easy on the eyes. Many people, me included are big fans of Bluelight glasses because yano screen time, but these displays offer adaptive brightness, which automatically adjusts based on ambient light, ensuring optimal viewing whether you’re indoors or outside. The Pro models step it up with up to 3000 nits of peak brightness, ensuring excellent visibility even under direct sunlight.

These displays are also certified for low blue light emissions, reducing eye strain during extended use. Whether you’re gaming, binge-watching your favourite shows, or working on the go, the Redmi Note 14 Series ensures a comfortable and immersive experience.

Pricing and Availability

Here’s the breakdown of models and prices:

  • Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G: €529
  • Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G: €399
  • Redmi Note 14 5G: €269
  • Redmi Note 14: €199

The series will be available from January 30, 2025, through Tesco IE, Vodafone IE, Harvey Norman, and Eir. Basically whether you are looking to buy through a network or direct from a distributor with open sim, there is an option for you.

The Goosed Verdict

Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 14 Series really does seem to come with a commitment to delivering flagship-level features at accessible prices and I am all about this, for too long have phones all looked, behaved and cost the game but with brands like this entering the Irish market I am hoping this makes the space more competitive in the coming years. For Irish consumers, this launch is a testament to Xiaomi’s growing presence and innovation in the market. Watch this space because from scooter, to air fryers to the phones and everything in between this is a brand with one eye on breaking into the Irish market this year.

With advanced camera systems, durable designs, and powerful processors, the Redmi Note 14 Series proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a premium smartphone experience. Whether you’re upgrading your device or exploring new tech, this line-up promises value without compromise

Some of Meta’s AI Influencers, Just Digital Black Face

Marty
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0
Some of Meta’s AI Influencers, Just Digital Black Face

Tech companies do some weird stuff from time to time. I have to say Meta’s launching of AI influencers is one of the weirdest and most ill-advised things I’ve seen a tech company do in some time.

I didn’t have to look past Liv, the first AI-influencer I came across, so see how incredibly stupid and offensive this was from Meta. What Meta had done was my first encounter of digital Black face.

What is Black Face?

Blackface, as a concept, has been around for years. Generally speaking, Black face is when a person, typically of non-Black heritage, applies makeup or paint to darken their skin tone to imitate the appearance of a Black person.

This practice originated in 19th-century minstrel shows in the United States, where white performers used exaggerated makeup, often with stereotypical and mocking portrayals, to depict Black people. These performances perpetuated racist stereotypes and dehumanised Black individuals.

Black face has also been a point of discussion in Europe, most notably around Dutch and Belgian festive celebrations. Schwarze Piet, or Zwarte Piet, is a character portrayed in Black face both in Dutch and Belgian folklore associated with the celebration of Sinterklaas. The character has faced significant criticism in recent decades, particularly from anti-racism activists, who argue that the character perpetuates racist stereotypes and reflects a colonial legacy.

Critics highlight that the Black face makeup, exaggerated features, and servile role of the character evoke offensive caricatures of Black people. Protests and debates surrounding Zwarte Piet occur annually during the Sinterklaas season.

While Black face was most prominent in the past, its legacy persists, and it is widely condemned today as a racist and offensive practice. It symbolises systemic racism, historical oppression, and the exploitation of Black culture for entertainment. Understanding and addressing the harm associated with Black face is a crucial part of promoting racial sensitivity and respect.

Meta’s Digital Black Face

Meta launched AI-influencers and quickly took them back down after witnessing a fast backlash. As I mentioned, the one that I first saw and was so clearly wrong to me was “Liv”.

Instagram profile of 'himamaliv,' featuring a profile picture of a smiling woman with curly hair, wearing a blue top, and a bio that mentions being an AI-managed account by Meta. The grid below includes various colorful photos, such as a ballerina, a skating rink, and children playing and engaging in activities.

None of this account is a real person. The entire project was created to in some way have Meta profit from mimicking Black culture, aesthetics, and experiences without involving or benefiting real Black creators. Instead of investing in real members of the Black community, Meta opted to simulate support.

Meta’s AI-influencers were only available in the United States. According to publicly available data, in 2022 less than 5% of Meta’s workforce in the U.S. identified as Black. This likely means the vast majority of the people who worked on these AI influencers were either Asian or White.

It’s hard to argue against this creating parallels to historical Black face practices where white performers mimicked Black individuals for entertainment and profit, often perpetuating harmful stereotypes.

Meta’s Hypocrisy

In 2020, Meta (then Facebook) responded to Black Lives Matter protests by committing substantial resources to support Black communities and address systemic inequities. The company announced $200 million in investments targeting Black-owned businesses, creators, and non-profits, alongside initiatives like “Lift Black Voices” to amplify Black narratives.

Meta also pledged to diversify its workforce, aiming to double the representation of Black and Latino employees in leadership by 2023. These efforts were presented as part of a broader $1.1 billion investment in marginalized communities, showcasing Meta’s public commitment to racial justice and equity at a time of heightened societal focus on these issues.

However, recent developments, such as Meta’s creation and swift removal of AI-generated influencers, some of whom were designed to represent Black identities, stand in stark contrast to these earlier efforts.

In fact, instead of supporting real members of the Black community, Meta bypassed real Black influencers and creators who could authentically tell their own stories, share their culture, and benefit economically. This denies actual Black people the opportunities and platforms they deserve in digital spaces, perpetuating a form of cultural and economic exclusion.

This dissonance highlights the gap between the company’s stated values and its current practices, raising questions about the sincerity and sustainability of its earlier commitments to social equity.

Even More Digital Black Face Problems

AI-generated influencers are often programmed to adhere to superficial, stereotypical traits associated with Blackness, such as physical features, language, or fashion trends. These simplified depictions reduce the richness and diversity of Black identities to marketable tropes, echoing how Black face historically caricatured Black people in reductive ways.

Unlike real creators, AI influencers do not have lived experiences to ground their content. They cannot face accountability for any offensive or harmful portrayals they perpetuate. This removes the human nuance and responsibility inherent in representing any identity, leading to depictions that may harm marginalised communities without recourse.

Finally, Black face originated in a context of systemic racism, where white individuals had the power to exploit Black identities for their own gain. Similarly, digital Black face reflects and reinforces the power imbalance where tech corporations control representation and profit from Blackness without materially supporting or empowering Black communities.

Ultimately, I have absolutely no idea how this terrible idea got past ideation, let alone being published and live only to be removed almost immediately. Well, looking at Meta’s diversity in employment stats does give a fair idea how this happened.

There were other AI influencers too and they are potentially just as offensive, but I’m focused on this problematic example alone for now.

WWE Content Begins Appearing on Netflix

Marty
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0
WWE Content Begins Appearing on Netflix

In a significant shift in the world of professional wrestling, WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) has announced a new partnership with Netflix, set to take effect in 2025. This move has sparked a mix of excitement and curiosity among fans, with many wondering what changes they can expect from the new collaboration. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of the partnership, explore the potential implications for WWE content, and examine what fans can look forward to in the Netflix era.

Less Censorship, More Uncut Action

One of the most significant changes fans can expect from the Netflix partnership is a reduction in censorship. Currently, WWE’s TV-PG rating means that content is heavily edited to conform to broadcast standards. This often results in awkward black screens, muted audio, and cut-away shots during matches. With Netflix, fans can expect a more uncut product, free from the constraints of traditional television.

Many fans have grown tired of matches getting cut down to meet network TV time limits. But there have also been cuts owning to people giving the middle finger or cursing.

This shift towards less censorship is likely to be a welcome change for fans who have grown tired of the heavily edited content on traditional TV. However, it’s worth noting that WWE is unlikely to return to the explicit content of the Attitude Era, which was marked by its edgy and often provocative storylines. Also, I’ve had a quick look at some of the back catalogue that’s now available, and some cursing has been censored in it – but maybe that was the original broadcast too?

No Return to the Attitude Era

While some fans may be hoping for a return to the Attitude Era, it’s unlikely that WWE will revert to its former self. The company has evolved significantly since then, and its focus on family-friendly content has proven to be a lucrative strategy. Toys make more money that eyeballs tuning in for blood.

The audience is loaded with kids and there’s simply no way the WWE can cut that younger demographic out of it’s wider audience.

A return to the Attitude Era would also bring a wealth of problems, given quite a bit of content back in the day simply wouldn’t be allowed today, and rightly so.

Instead, fans can expect a more nuanced approach to content, with a focus on storytelling and character development which has fast become a trademark under Triple H’s tenure. While there may be some relaxation of the rules around language and violence with a little less censorship and over-editing, it’s unlikely that WWE will push the boundaries too far.

Increased Accessibility and Revenue

The new Netflix partnership is also expected to increase accessibility to WWE content, particularly for fans outside the United States and here in Ireland. Currently, fans often have to choose between expensive subscriptions or poor quality pirated streams.

With Netflix, fans will be able to access high-quality streams of WWE content, including Raw, SmackDown and NXT, live and on-demand as soon as they’re released. Today, you can watch over 40 years of WWE (and of course, formerly WWF) PPV events. I’ve kicked off with watching Survivor Series from 1998. This really was the peak era of professional wrestling for me.

Netflix has organised these by PPV making them easy to browse. So you pick the PPV you want to watch, and then the year you want to watch. It’s a massive collection of content, now available to Netflix subscribers.

There’s also a back catalogue of Raw episodes too, however there are quite a few missing. More are potentially coming, so let’s wait and see.

This article was created with the support of Goosed.ie’s in-house AI-assisted writing tool, designed to aid our writers, not replace them. While the tool offers outlines and context, all content is crafted and edited by the Goosed team.

EU’s New USB-C Standard Comes Into Force

Marty
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0
EU’s New USB-C Standard Comes Into Force

In a move that’s somewhat been hailed as a victory for consumer convenience and sustainability, the European Council has approved a directive that will require all new devices sold in the EU to use USB-C as a standard charging port. This means change for many companies, including Apple, which has already swapped iPhone over to USB-C from Apple’s proprietary Lightning chargers.

A Brief History of the Directive

The EU’s USB-C directive has been in the works for some time, with the aim of reducing electronic waste and making life easier for consumers. The directive was approved by the European Parliament in June 2022 and today comes into force across the EU.

All small and medium-sized portable devices (e.g., smartphones, tablets, cameras, headphones, e-readers, handheld gaming consoles) sold in the EU must have a USB-C charging port. There is no requirement for the manufacturer to include a cable or charger with a product. But if a cable is included, it must have at least one USB-C connection on it.

There is no requirement for gadget manufacturers to include a particular type of charger either. This means USB-A plugs will continue to be allowed. I would imagine that, over time, these will become less popular as we generally move towards USB-C as the accepted standard. This is specifically why I took particular interest in the recent video that showed new charging ports on Dart+ in Dublin.

Laptops are also included as part of the EU directive, but these devices have a longer transition period with an extra year to transition. I don’t think many modern laptops still use proprietary connections, but I, for one, am glad to know this will be a thing of the past.

Exceptions to the EU’s USB-C Directive

Prior to writing this article, I took a look around to see what I have that doesn’t use USB-C already. Those devices are, today, few and far between. However, my relatively new Garmin Forerunner 255 Music did get me thinking.

The charging cable that came with this smartwatch, which I only bought in the past two months, had no USB-C connection. The watch itself is from 2022, so it is “new” but only “new” to me. The watch came without a charger and included one charging cable. On one end was USB-A and the other is a proprietary Garmin connection.

So, what happens here?

Well, the EU has baked in various exceptions to the forced adoption of USB-C and Garmin will fall under several of these. Typically, these will be devices where including a USB-C port is physically impossible; like smartwatches and other fitness trackers.

If devices use proprietary connections to offer enhanced features such as heightened waterproofness or faster data transfer, not achievable with USB-C, they may also be eligible for an exemption.

Naturally, if a device charges solely with wireless charging, like the Apple Watch, the watch itself will not require a USB-C port. However, the charger that is provided with it, will.

I’m completely aware that the USB-C standard isn’t perfect. Functionality is lost and hidden in this seemingly universal, but always slightly different standard. But this is a definite step in the right direction towards reducing e-waste, and that can only be a good thing.

This article was created with the support of Goosed.ie’s in-house AI-assisted writing tool, designed to aid our writers, not replace them. While the tool offers outlines and context, all content is crafted and edited by the Goosed team.

Around 15,000 Irish Volkswagen Electric Cars Affected by Data Leak

Marty
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0
Around 15,000 Irish Volkswagen Electric Cars Affected by Data Leak

Today, German automotive manufacturer Volkswagen (VW) announced it had accidentally leaked the location data of over 800,000 electric cars. According to Irish car sales data, this would mean approximately 15,000 cars on Irish roads have been affected by the leak.

Volkswagen Data Leak

Volkswagen has inadvertently leaked the personal information of 800,000 electric vehicle owners due to a misconfiguration in systems managed by Cariad, the automaker’s software subsidiary. The exposed data, stored on Amazon Cloud, was publicly accessible for months and included sensitive information like precise GPS data, enabling detailed movement profiles of vehicles and their owners, as well as contact details.

While a variety of cars from VW and other brands such as Seat are affected, it is the incredibly detailed data about VW ID.3 and ID.4 owners that is most concerning

The breach also impacted high-profile individuals, including politicians, business leaders, and law enforcement officers. It was discovered by the Chaos Computer Club (CCC), an ethical hacking group based in Germany, which notified Volkswagen, allowing the company to address the issue before malicious exploitation occurred.

Security Concerns

This incident highlights growing privacy concerns in the automotive industry as connected vehicles collect vast amounts of data. A 2023 Mozilla Foundation study branded modern cars a “privacy nightmare,” with 25 brands over-collecting data and 68% admitting to previous security incidents.

According to SIMI data, Ireland has over 15,000 VW electric cars, in what is another black eye for one of the world’s leading automotive manufacturers. In 2015 it was discovered that VW were carrying out emissions tests with focus on achieving lower results than real world driving conditions.

As part of this leak, an ethical hacking group was able to track government ministers in Germany at various locations, including military bases. The group ensured the leak was sealed before announcing this vulnerability.

The Balatro Debate: Is This Poker-Themed Game Suitable for Children?

Marty
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0
The Balatro Debate: Is This Poker-Themed Game Suitable for Children?

The world of video games is no stranger to controversy, and the latest game to spark debate is Balatro. I’m in Germany for Christmas where my days are often spent trying out mobile games during travel. Balatro is a somewhat addictive poker-themed roguelike game that has been slapped with an 18+ rating by the ratings board. But is this rating justified, or is it an overreaction and should other games be falling foul of the same rating?

What is Balatro, and Why the 18+ Rating?

For the uninitiated, Balatro is a roguelike game that combines elements of poker with strategic decision-making. Players must play through hands of poker trying to beat the ever-increasing “blind” by scoring enough points. As part of your development, you select different jokers and evolve your scoring matrix through booster cards, creating to “builds” that boost points.

The game’s developer, LocalThunk, has been vocal about their disappointment with the 18+ rating, arguing that the game does not promote actual gambling. I can’t really defend that stance given I feel I’m probably a little better at poker after playing the game and have the urge to play some online hands too.

Talked with PEGI and they do not see anything wrong Balatro being rated 18+, nor with EA sports FC (and similar games) having a 3+ rating Blaming EU laws, blaming storefronts, waiting for the future. Sitting on their hands I thought some good might come of this, this sucks

— localthunk (@localthunk.bsky.social) 18 December 2024 at 21:57

But the developer is right in saying there is no actual gambling. The game itself has “dollars” buy they are just a mechanism to control the evolution of your “builds”. This seemingly was close enough to gambling for PEGI to rate the game as 18+.

This opens the door for a much bigger debate. How can games like EAFC 25 continue with PEGI 3+ ratings when real money is exchanged for in-game trading cards and more.

EA Sports Games In-Game Purchases

Some have compared in-game purchases to gambling games. The ones to come under fire the most are often part of the EA Sports stable. The likes of EAFC 25, specifically, Ultimate Team, relies heavily on games of chance. You earn in game points and exchange them for packs of cards. You can also use real money to speed this process up.

The Ultimate Team packs function similarly to traditional gambling, where players spend money for uncertain rewards. Players often buy multiple packs hoping to get premium players, which some describe as a loss disguised as a win – similar to gambling where getting £8 back from a £10 bet is still a £2 loss.

The Case for Balatro Being Suitable for Children

Many players and parents argue that Balatro is not only suitable for children but also offers a range of educational benefits. The game’s focus on strategic decision-making, probability, and arithmetic can help children develop essential skills, such as:

  • Understanding probability and risk/reward analysis
  • Developing mental maths and basic multiplication and addition
  • Improving critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
  • Learning about conditionals and logical reasoning

Some have reported that Balatro even helps children develop a deeper understanding of probability and risk/reward analysis.

The Counterargument: Is Balatro Too Mature for Children?

Not everyone is convinced that Balatro is suitable for children. Some argue that the game’s poker theme and mechanics can still promote unhealthy attitudes towards gambling, even if there is no real-money wagering involved.

Others point out that the game’s 18+ rating is not just about the poker theme but also about the game’s overall tone and complexity. While the game may not be overtly explicit or violent, it may still be too challenging or mature for younger players.

But simply put, PEGI’s own guidelines state that games containing elements that encourage or teach gambling should receive an 18+ rating. So I can’t argue against that.

Instead, I’d argue that it’s time we took a much closer look at games with gambling-like mechanisms and loot boxes akin to gambling.

Ultimately, the decision to allow children to play Balatro depends on individual circumstances and parental discretion. While the game’s educational benefits and lack of real-money wagering are compelling arguments in its favour, the 18+ rating and poker theme may still be a concern for some parents.

This article was created with the support of Goosed.ie’s in-house AI-assisted writing tool, designed to aid our writers, not replace them. While the tool offers outlines and context, all content is crafted and edited by the Goosed team.

EU Paving Way for Apple AirDrop on Android

Marty
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EU Paving Way for Apple AirDrop on Android

Not too long ago, I wrote about LocalSend. This is an operating system agnostic way to share large files between Android, iOS, Windows and Apple Mac devices. I’m a mixed platform guy. I carry iOS and Android while working across both Mac and Windows devices. I share large files between all of these devices. Sharing between Apple devices is a dream thanks to AirDrop, but AirDrop would only works in Apple’s ecosystem.

AirDrop has long been one feature Apple users have dangled over Android as being “one reason iOS is better than Android”. But that’s potentially coming going to change, thanks to the EU.

EU Wants AirDrop and AirPlay Open to Android

The European Union (EU) has been pressuring Apple to cease closing off features from users for no good reason. One example of this is allowing third-party app stores, which ultimately has allowed retro gaming on iOS devices. Hallelujah.

This week, the EU released a new document outlining how it wanted Apple to open up some services to non-Apple users. The biggest feature getting a mention was AirDrop. The EU wants Apple to make the technology behind this superfast file transfer method work with Android, and other operating systems too.

Going further, the EU also wants media casting, or AirPlay as Apple calls it, to also work with other platforms.

The EU also wants proximity triggered pairing, which allows for AirPods to pair “magically”, to work with non-Apple products and also automatic sharing of WiFi passwords between trusted devices.

The EU expects these changes to be in place come the end of 2025 as part of the next major iOS release. So this, in theory, could be in place by September 2025. I wouldn’t hold my breath, though.

One Massive Reason to Consider Kobo Over Kindle

Marty
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0
One Massive Reason to Consider Kobo Over Kindle

I bought a Kindle a few years ago. I’m not a massive reader, but I do love the idea of reading on trips and the likes. It was so long ago since I really read anything that I wanted to jump start myself again. For me, that’s usually making a purchase. Want to start working out? New runners. Starting a new job? Get an iPad for paperless note-taking. Want to start reading? Buy a new e-reader.

Naturally, my first thought was Kindle, but then I figured I should look at the alternatives and boy am I glad I did. I picked up the Kobo Clara Colour and love it. But not for the reason I bought it.

Ok, I Bought It for Colour e-Ink

I’m just going to get it out of the way. The main reason I now love the Kobo Clara Colour isn’t the colour e-ink screen. So feel free to just buy the Kobo Clara BW (that’s BW for black and white).

But that is the main reason I bought it. Kindle still doesn’t do colour and I figured I might like reading some comics or something. To be honest, my early plays around with colour content haven’t been good. The magazines are complicated to make sense of and the colours are washed out.

The colour e-ink screen uses battery faster than regular e-ink and also isn’t as bright as traditional black and white e-ink.

90% of regular reading doesn’t need colour and the other 10% isn’t essential anyway. Oh, I do get a colour cover which is great. But you really really don’t need it.

In fact, I got the Kobo Clara Colour at a better price because it’s not selling as well. My stubbornness knows no bounds because I now knew I was buying the lesser device. For colour. That I didn’t need.

Just buy the black and white one.

I digress. The point I’m making that’s far more important that the two Kobo models. I want to talk to you about the slam dunk reason to pick a Kobo over Kindle.

Free eBooks on Kobo (from Irish Libraries)

Aside from the colour e-ink thing, I did do some digging into whether I could read e-books from the library on a Kindle. It turns out you can’t. Who knew that Amazon really only had interest in your reading books that they sell you.

The Kindle is the iPhone of e-readers. I keep calling my Kobo “a Kindle” because it’s the best known e-reader by a long way. But it really shouldn’t be. Amazon is just happy to be a loss-leader in this space. That means they’ll make a small loss on selling you a Kindle, knowing you’ll have to come crawling to them for all the content and pay for that instead.

It’s genius business. Horrible business, but also a little genius.

But I’m a member of the Dublin City Libraries and I know they let me read e-books. Surely there would be a way to download an e-book from the library and read it on my e-reader. As it happens, because I went with Kobo, there was.

How to Download Irish Library e-Books to e-Readers

First things first. Get on over to your local library website and get yourself a new account.

Now that you’re a library member, congrats. You’re part of the elite and have access to an incredible amount of resources. Seriously, you’d be amazed what libraries have to offer. Ballyfermot has a video and audio recording studio and most libraries have a home efficiency test kit. Libraries are class.

Next, you will need some sort of computer. Both Windows and MacBooks will work. To transfer files from your machine to your Kobo e-reader, you’ll need Adobe Digital Editions.

Now, search for and download whatever books you want. Irish libraries use BorrowBox. This is the same app that lets you read on tablets and phones. After you’ve searched and found the book you want, download it and click the file that gets downloaded. This shortcut/link will open in Adobe Digital Editions.

Connect your Kobo e-reader by USB cable to your machine and drag the file across when your Kobo e-reader appears in Adobe Digital Editions.

That’s it. You’re ready to read digital books from Irish libraries on your e-reader.

I haven’t tested this extensively, but I will say that achieving this much was relatively easy. And once you crack this, it’s free books for life. Score.

It’s not a perfect solution, mind. Kobo will sell you books too and Kobo’s premium service hasn’t had a book I was looking for yet. Also, just because these are digital books doesn’t mean there is an endless supply of them. You might have to wait for someone else’s loan to end before you can pick up a digital copy of a book (just like the old days).

But as I head into my second week with my Kobo e-reader, I don’t regret it and I’ve read more in the past week that I probably have in the whole year up till this point. And that’s saying something. I’m not calling this a review. I might do a deeper review of my new Kobo Clara Colour. But for now, I’d implore you to consider not buying a Kindle, and instead buy an e-reader that supports BorrowBox.

No, Honey Isn’t Legit: You Should Uninstall the Honey Extension

Marty
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0
No, Honey Isn’t Legit: You Should Uninstall the Honey Extension

There are a few lines that usually hold up to a fair bit of scrutiny in tech. “If it’s free, you’re the product” and “if it seems too good to be true, it probably is”. A recent YouTube video from MegaLag confirms this is the case for Honey. Honey is a “free” web browser extension (Chrome extension, Firefox extension etc) widely promoted by influencers promising discount codes for you, the consumer. But MegaLag’s investigations have uncovered a raft of shady practices which are likely costing you money.

What is Honey (the web browser extension)?

Honey was founded in 2012 before it got leaked on Reddit and went viral. By 2014 the extension had experienced explosive growth with over 900,000 users already using it. It’s understandable why.

Online shopping had also been growing during this period and discount codes were emerging as a powerful level for online stores to pull. Discount codes simply let companies give generic or personalised discounts to customers, encouraging them to make a purchase.

The promise to customers was so simple. Install Honey and make sure you’re always getting the best deal. Honey promised that it would automatically apply discount codes even if you missed them. Something that’s happened to me before and something which is extremely annoying.

Honey went on to raise millions of dollars in funding as the potential for the platform grew. Potential that PayPal spotted, buying the company in 2020 for $4 billion, renaming the app PayPal Honey.

Why Honey is Bad for Consumers

While the promise of Honey is simple, in practice, the extension was actually misleading customers, both to the benefit of businesses and Honey. This is what MegaLag uncovered in his investigations.

Much of the promotion around PayPal Honey centred on you always ensuring you get the best deal just by having the extension installed. Honey promised to always have the latest and best discount codes, so why bother scouring the internet for them yourself.

Well, I’ve worked in many ecommerce companies and I can tell you that discount codes cause as many problems as they solve. Every single time a discount code is created, the same conversation takes place.

“Okay, we’re creating a 50% off code for existing customers, but what happens if this leaks on Reddit?”.

The idea of PayPal Honey is that should a discount code leak and be working, Honey should pick it up and make sure any customer with the extension gets that discount, even if the company selling didn’t really intent for that to happen.

But then PayPal Honey started partnering with businesses. This means businesses would offer Honey specific discounts, like “HONEY10” to give 10% off. MegaLag’s video shows instances where the Honey extension would promote the 10% off discount and ignore discount codes that offered greater savings.

Suddenly, the extension that promised to save you money was now costing you money by lulling you into a false sense of security and misleading you with lesser discounts.

Influencers Also Getting Caught Out By Honey

A large proportion of MegaLag’s investigation doesn’t focus on consumers at all. It actually focuses on influencers and specifically influencers that have promoted Honey like Linus Tech Tips and Marques Brownlee.

In a fairly technical deep dive, MegaLag shows us how Honey steals the credit for sales from influencers and platforms that use affiliate marketing.

Affiliate marketing is really common, we use it here at Goosed. Basically, when we like a product, we will recommend some places you can buy it. If one of those places you can buy from offers affiliate programs, we’ll use a special link to the product on that site. You don’t pay anything extra, but this link means we get a tiny percentage of the sale in return for sending you over to that shop.

We haven’t noticed anything specifically ourselves, but what MegaLag shows in his video is rather shocking. When customers click affiliate links from a YouTube or a media outlet like ourselves, and they have the Honey extension installed, through some programming magic in the background, Honey reattributes the sale to itself, taking the credit from the influencer or platform that did all the work.

I’m not going into the depths of this element even though it is the crux of MegaLag’s video. I’m not on a personal vendetta here to protect a revenue channel for Goosed. I’m more annoyed by how Honey is misleading consumers with lowball discount codes to protect businesses.

Should You Uninstall Honey?

I have just uninstalled Honey, but I’ll admit I was probably going to uninstall it anyway. It rarely comes up with any actual discount codes for me and is a waste of space on my browser toolbar. But this video was the final straw. When good ideas get taken over by big companies for big money, the consumer rarely benefits.

Honey, at in it’s youth, was a great idea. But PayPal Honey has grown into a trojan horse. A trojan horse where I’m not entirely sure who is losing out most from businesses, influencers and other outlets, or you, the consumer.

The only thing I know for sure is that if you want to get the best deals all the time, you are better off doing some research instead of relying on just Honey.

MegaLag’s Honey Video

I highly recommend watching MegaLag’s full video on this. It’s a little over 20 minutes, but it will show you the shady side of online businesses. As I opened with, if something seems too good to be true, your defences should prick up.

Also, in one part of the video we see MrWhoseTheBoss promoting Honey while wearing a Huel t-shirt. Double whammy of warning!

If you enjoyed his video and appreciate his investigative journalism, consider joining MegaLag’s Patreon.

EA Sports Fail to Take Stance on Conor McGregor

Marty
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EA Sports Fail to Take Stance on Conor McGregor

It’s been nearly one month since Nikita Hand won her civil case against Conor McGregor. Winning this case meant Conor McGregor was found by a jury to have sexually assaulted Nikita Hand in a Dublin hotel in 2018 and he would be forced to pay nearly €250,000 in damages.

What followed was a long overdue boycott of McGregor brands and the end of deals which used his image.

But one major brand stood aside from this movement and did nothing. EA Sports.

The Conor McGregor Boycott

In the immediate aftermath of the High Court ruling against McGregor, brands because to distance themselves from the former UFC fighter. McGregor had used his fame over the years to grow and sell his Proper No. Twelve whiskey brand but had since expanded further. Forged Irish Stout had grown in popularity, both on tap in a selection of pubs and in cans from off-licenses.

The company that had bought McGregor’s stake in Proper No. Twelve, but continued to use his likeness, dropped McGregor from the brand’s marketing collateral. Asda, Tesco, SuperValu, Centra, and others stopped selling Forged Irish Stout and Proper No. Twelve whiskey in a boycott affecting hundreds of outlets across Ireland and the UK.

Far from being a beacon of morality normally, JD Wetherspoon removed the stout from its Irish pubs, while both Dublin and Cork airport bars ceased selling McGregor’s products.

Closer to our wheelhouse of tech, IO Interactive removed McGregor’s likeness from their Hitman game. The game developer acted swiftly to distance themselves from McGregor, which left me believing it would only be a matter of time until EA Sports released a similar statement.

EA Sports Refuse to Drop Conor McGregor

Conor McGregor is the former face of EA Sports’ UFC gaming franchise. For years, McGregor was the up-and-coming star of one of the world’s fastest growing sports companies. Understandably so. McGregor was a sporting phenomenon in his prime, but his acts since rising to fame leave him outside the space of potentially “separating art and artist”.

What he has done is unforgivable and reprehensible. This is the same man that reportedly punched an elderly man in a Dublin pub for not wanting to drink his whiskey. The warning signs were there, long before the sexual assault case, for us as the public and brands wanting to capitalise on McGregor’s fame.

Yet, as recently as October this year, EA Sports was capitalising on McGregor’s fame by promoting a legacy version of him as a playable fighter in UFC 5.

McGregor features in the playable charachters of UFC 5

Before IO Interactive dropped McGregor, I had reached out to EA Sports through the usual media channels to ask if they would be making a statement on the matter. I was informed there were internal discussions and that any statement would take time owing to the involvement of the wider EA Sports teams in the U.S. I gave it plenty of time given any statement would be difficult to work towards legally. McGregor, being a massive figure still in UFC, would mean lots of legal agreements were in place causing a world of difficulties to unload him.

I’ll admit that to take such an action would be a lengthy legal process for EA Sports, but I still assumed that was in the works given the public outcry for action against McGregor.

No statement came.

I now assume no statement will come, as EA Sports have stood by and continued to retain McGregor for UFC 5.

Why EA Sports Didn’t Drop McGregor

It’s disappointing to see one of the world’s biggest game developers stand by and do absolutely nothing in a scenario like this.

I can only speculate as to why. EA Sports has made strides for women in sport in recent years, adding the Women’s World Cup and women’s characters in Ultimate Team. So why would they retain Conor McGregor, who was found by a jury to have sexually assaulted Nikita Hand?

I can only speculate, given that EA Sports has not addressed the issue. But I have some theories.

UFC has a very difference fan base to the likes of EAFC game (formerly better known simply as FIFA). It doesn’t have anywhere near the reach of the soccer game. UFC itself doesn’t have that kind of reach either, and so EA Sports likely decided it was easier not to upset the fan base the UFC game has be removing “an icon” from the playable roster.

Rather than stand with women, EA Sports chose the “easy option” of doing nothing and hoped it would blow over. I’m not going to put too much into the fact than I’m writing this article because it would appear their approach worked. No one has mentioned the inaction from EA Sports.

Secondly, it’s possible that UFC themselves dug their heels in over dropping McGregor. I have to admit, I’m not overly sure whether EA Sports even truly considered dropping McGregor. If the idea was put to UFC, it’s possible that they resisted EA Sports dropping one of the best known faces on their roster. Even if it’s been years since he fought and he may never fight again, it remains that McGregor is expected to return to the octagon as some stage, however unlikely that may actually be.

Unfortunately, without a statement from EA Sports, all that remains is speculation. McGregor’s senior counsel said an appeal was “highly likely”, so could EA Sports be waiting to see what happens there?

For me, that would still be little too late from a brand that has a company values page in complete contradiction of supporting someone like McGregor.

Publicly distancing itself from McGregor—either by issuing a statement or terminating contracts—would align more closely with its stated values and commitments to inclusivity, integrity, and a welcoming community. Whether that happens or not, time will tell.

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