Page 174

Unboxing: FreeFly VR headset

Uncategorised

Marty

-

10th April 2016

Mark Zuckerberg recently announced his expectations for VR to be the next platform, so it’s best you get yourself a good VR headset. We’re looking at some of the affordable options on the market. Kicking things off is the FreeFly VR headset.

What do you get with the FreeFly VR headset

Included in the box is the FreeFly VR headset, the Glide VR and two booklets. While one is the usual instruction manual, the other is a booklet of recommended apps and requirements to get you up and running.

The bluetooth controller is rather small, but still is all you really need to control your handset which will be sitting within the headset casing.

What smartphones is the FreeFly VR headset compatible with?

The headset is compatible with any smartphone larger than 135mm up to 165mm. It also doesn’t discriminate between iOS and Android devices. This paves the way for larger devices such as the iPhone 6s and Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge, but does rule out the iPhone 5s and iPhone SE.

First impressions of the FreeFly VR

This is just a first look at this particular device, but initial impressions are very good. I’ve been using the Samsung Gear VR for a while now and the FreeFly VR is right up there. Arguably, this model is more comfortable than the Gear VR and the inclusion of the Glide VR controller is a gesture to really get your attention. Perhaps the best feature of all is that this is a completely universal VR headset, so once your phone is a suitable size, you won’t face the same restrictions that we see with the Gear VR.

We will return with a full review of the FreeFly VR shortly, so be sure to keep an eye on our Facebook page and Twitter feed for updates. If you’re already interested, the FreeFly VR is available on Amazon.co.uk now and is discounted to Amazon Prime customers.

Is Showbox now available for iPhone?

Marty

-

10th April 2016

0

Having a regular flick through the iTunes charts is part and parcel of keeping up to date with what’s going on, but a recent browse turned up an old friend; Showbox.

Showbox was an app we introduced you to way back at the beginning of Goos3D, but we were also quick to highlight that it operated in the shadiest of grey areas to bring you the very latest movies and TV shows. Android users rejoiced as iOS users accepted they were being left behind. Two years later, and Showbox has appeared in the iTunes store, so that’s good news right?

Unfortunately no. While we haven’t downloaded the app, something seems rather shady about it. First of all, they are charging €4.99 to download, which immediately screams scam to me. Secondly, while the initial Showbox app brought the latest movies and TV shows, this one claims instead to bring you the latest trailers and to “help you to manage your movies life easily”. No commitment is made to streaming movies to your phone, as I believe the app has no intention to do so.

Normally, you would thing that most would avoid this kind of paid-app like the plague, but unfortunately, it’s already sitting in the top twenty paid iOS apps. The final element which raises suspicion is the fact that Apple are extremely strict with what apps make it through to the store. I can’t imagine for a second they let a movie streaming app through the gates, and if you wan’t my opinion, avoid this like the plague.

Wireless Logitech accessories: Untangle your life

Jon

-

9th April 2016

0

Wireless Logitech accessories: Untangle your life

Wireless Logitech technology can help untangle the clutter of wires in your life with some unsung heroes. I’ve noticed in recent times is how much we rant and rave about the likes of Samsung, Apple, Sony and many of the big names in the tech industry. We rarely stop to think about what we are actually using on a regular basis. For me, computer accessories come under this umbrella, and Logitech have for one reason or another become a preferred brand of choice for me. When you are looking for quality the wireless Logitech accessory range is hard to beat. I’ve picked out my two personal favourites.

Logitech MX Master

I know, a younger me would be surprised too. I’m impressed by a mouse. The wireless Logitech MX Master is so much more than a simple peripheral. This mouse is a piece of art designed with little more than the user experience in mind. Last year, Logitech announced the Darkfield Technology sensor. Microsoft made some attempts to distract users with their much cheaper BlueTrack technology, but let’s not forget; you get what you pay for. Weighing in at a cool €100, the the wireless Logitech MX Mouse packs a lot of bang for your buck. It’s ergonomic design means your hand melts onto it, while a plethora of buttons ensure you can carry out even more actions.

This mouse is ideal for anyone who works in an office, in design, or just generally using a mouse all day. Since purchasing have yet to experience that annoying cramp that comes with 8 hours of clicking and scrolling.

Until recently the laser sensor was the industry standard for high performance gaming as it was far more accurate than the old IR sensor. It was also limited to the number of surfaces it could use Microsoft thought they had fixed this as the BlueTrack sensor which projects a wider and more intense beam of light. This works on all but glass and if you’ve longed to go mouse pad-free on that glass-topped coffee table or desk, Logitech’s Darkfield and the MX Master sensor can make that dream a reality. Microsoft’s BlueTrack sensor can’t.

Wireless Logitech K400 Plus Keyboard

The Logitech K400 plus is the ultimate in home laziness, and if you have a smart TV, or like me use my TVas a gigantic desktop screen then the K400 plus is a must have. The keyboard is great value but also comfortable to use despite its small size. There are loads of media buttons to control various aspects of your Netflix binge and a small touch pad too. One doesn’t even have to move from the comfort of the couch, a big plus in my books.

The pad works with Windows 7/8 or 10 as well as any Android using 5.0 or above or Chrome OS. While iOS or Mac support isn’t listed on the product its generally accepted that Logitech gear will work for Apple however there is a chance the media centre keys may not work for you. At just €50, it’s worth the gamble for the laziness gained.

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt season two launch date

Marty

-

9th April 2016

0

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt season two launch date

We’ve been counting down the days to the second season of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. We’re nearly there, and now we have a trailer.

Everyone is allowed have their guilty pleasures on Netflix, once you remember to turn off social media sharing for what you are watching. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt is easily my biggest guilty pleasure. After an Emmy-nominated first season, Kimmy is back.

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt follows a woman getting used to New York living after 15 years being held prisoner in a cult leaders’ (Jon Hamm) bunker. Created by comedy powerhouse Tina Fey, the second season will continue to focus on Kimmy’s learning curve in the 21st century. Fey believes that Kimmy has got “deeper emotional life issues” in the second season.

The second season of this Netflix original promises some of the same from the first, but with more singing and new characters. It’s hard to see how season two won’t be as amazing as the first, as long as the intro song remains. The theme song is amazing.

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt returns to Netflix in Ireland at 8pm, April 15th.

Steven Spielberg’s The BFG trailer released

Marty

-

5th April 2016

0

Steven Spielberg’s <i>The BFG</i> trailer released

Prepare your childhood to be rocked as the latest trailer Steven Spielberg’s The BFG has been released.

Whether it be James and the Giant Peach or Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, many of us have some memories which involve being exposed to the brilliance of Roald Dahl. One of Dahl’s best known works is set to be released to mark the 100th year of his birth.

The BFG: What’s it all about?

The BFG is one of the most widely popular works of Dahl. The 1982 story surrounds Sophie, a young orphan girl living in an orphanage run by the evil Mrs. Clonkers. Evil adults are somewhat typical of Dahl’s works. Sensing her lonley heart, Sophie is taken away to Dream Country by a giant who we know as the BFG, or Big Friendly Giant. The giant is not like others of his kind, as he refuses to eat children and other humans.

Both the girl and the Big Friendly Giant find comfort in each others company, while feeling lonely in their own worlds.

The BFG: Who is in it?

The BFG is directed by Steven Spielberg who is no stranger to successful children’s movies, though we expect the queues in the cinemas to have its fair share of grown ups. Mark Rylance (left), fresh off the back of winning an Academy Award for is supporting role in Spielberg’s Bridge of Spies, voices the Big Friendly Giant.

Sophie is played by newcomer Ruby Barnhill, known for her role in TV show 4 O’Clock Club. For the rest of the crew, as is often the case with famous children’s book adaptations, many other famous faces are more than happy to be involved in their own childhood memories. Flight of the Conchords’ Jemaine Clement, Superbad cop Bill Hader and Shaun of the Dead Mum, Penelope Wilton, all make appearances or voice cameos.

What do we learn from the trailer?

The giant appears to be from Cornwall or the surrounding area. The film itself will be a graphical masterpiece. At the end of the trailer, the emotions visible on the giant’s face are stunning. Also the giant is bleedin’ massive.

The BFG: When is it in cinemas?

The BFG hits Irish cinemas on July 22nd.

Crowdfunded: FlipFlic smartblinds

Tech News

Marty

-

4th April 2016

0

New to Kickstarter this week is FlipFlic, a disruptive smart blind option for your home.

Disruptive technology is arguably always the most exciting technology. In the tech world, disruptive is a title given to alternative and often cheaper smart solutions. Imagine you wish to install smart blinds in your home, which can be opened and closed through your smartphone. They will likely be rather expensive and your old blinds will go to waste. FlipFlic seeks to overcome this with an affordable solution which utilises your existing blinds.

What is the FlipFlic for?

Many homes have some sort of blinds installed. Blinds control the light and affect the temperature of the room they are in by allowing light in, while also providing privacy. The FlipFlic controls your blinds, opening and closing them upon your command. This is either achieved through manual control or smart controls via the device’s app.

What are the benefits of FlipFlic?

Home automation devices such as the FlipFlic are all based on one simple principal; efficiency. This efficiency comes from smart devices taking over mundane tasks you aren’t a big fan of, or through direct savings through reduced home energy usage. The creators behind FlipFlic have stated their device can save up to $50 per year per FlipFlic controlled blind system.

As with most items new to Kickstarter, it’s the attention to detail that will likely herald the success of FlipFlic. Such attention is visible through the inclusion of a solar charging panel for the device.

What blinds is FlipFlic compatible with

FlipFlic works with horizontal and vertical Venetian blinds, where the twist/tilting wand/rod can be detached. The FlipFlic simply replaces the wand with a small spinning motorised grip, which can then control the blinds. The device suits 1″ mini blinds and 2″ blinds up to 60″ wide.

Also popular in Ireland are blinds controlled with a cord. The good news is the same team are working on a solution for these blinds. You can sign up for updates on their website.

How much will FlipFlic cost?

If you live in a glasshouse, the price will run up pretty quickly, but if you only have a few windows it shouldn’t be too bad. Considering the devices come with the option of solar power, you can also be rest assured that the devices will pay for themselves in savings over time. Below is a chart cost for the initial crowd funding stage.

You can back the FlipFlic now on Kickstarter.

Panama Papers – The world’s biggest data leak

Tech News

Marty

-

3rd April 2016

0

Panama Papers – The world’s biggest data leak

The Panama Papers refers to the biggest leak of data in history. Over the course of a year, 2.6 terrabytes of data comprising of 11.5 million documents were passed from Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca to German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung. The news which will emerge in the coming days comes as a result of a year’s analysis between approximately 400 journalists.

Biggest leak in the history of data journalism just went live, and it's about corruption. https://t.co/dYNjD6eIeZ pic.twitter.com/638aIu8oSU

— Edward Snowden (@Snowden) April 3, 2016

How important are the Panama Papers?

Owing to the sheer scale of the leak and the parties involved, the Panama Papers are said to be the most significant uncovering in off-shore banking history. To put the leak into context, Süddeutsche Zeitung compared the Panama Papers to past leaks.

Why are they called the Panama Papers?

The leak comes from a Panama based law firm, Mossack Fonseca, a well known but secretive firm. This suits many of the world’s elite who demand secrecy surrounding their finances. Panamanian banks are prohibited from sharing any information about offshore bank accounts and their subsequent holders. This has attracted many of the world’s elite to hide money they would rather others not know about in Panama.

What is contained within the Panama Papers?

Given the sheer volume of data, we’ve only seen the tip of the iceberg so far.

Tax evasion: most prevalent&underprosecuted white collar crime of last 3 decades #panamapapers tip of giant iceberg https://t.co/e4O84EXWL3

— Mentalproof? (@waleeh004) April 3, 2016

We know that Mossack Fonseca have helped clients launder money and evade tax. What has many stunned is both the volume of data and the extent to which well-known people have utilised off-shore accounts. Some of those involved are Vladimir Putin, Lionel Messi and Ukranian President Petro Poroshenko.

Where can I find out more about the Panama Papers?

The internet is the best place to take this all in right now. We’ve pulled together some of the best sources online where you can keep up to date on the very latest breaking news on the leaks.

Panama Papers Twitter Feed

#panamapapers Tweets

News outlets covering the leak

Süddeutsche Zeitung

International Consortium of Investigative Journalists

The Guardian

BBC

Le Monde

This are but a few of the outlets leaking information from within the Panama Papers. Our protip is to keep an eye on Twitter and #PanamaPapers.

Review: Eddie the Eagle

Marty

-

3rd April 2016

0

When Eddie the Eagle stepped onto the slopes in 1988, little did he know he would become a cult icon. Almost 30 years later, Eddie the Eagle finally has his own movie, but is he going down a slippery slope or is it a soaring success.

The fundamental premise of Eddie the Eagle is one that won’t be foreign to most. Those familiar with Cool Runnings, the story of the Jamaican bobsled team, will definitely create links between the movies. Both focus on the true stories of underdogs and their journeys towards the 1988 Winter Olympics. Eddie the Eagle focusses on British ski jumping cult icon Michael Edwards. Edwards became an international sensation when he became the first competitor to represent Britain in the sport. Here is Edwards’ actual jump in 1988.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7MmJIy0bjo

Taking some liberties with the truth, the movie gets across the root of the story. Against all odds and the will of the British Olympic Committee, Edwards battled adversity and a general lack of ability to qualify for the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics. The whole story makes for a heart warming underdog story. Lead actor Taron Egerton delivers a great performance of the quirky Eddie the Eagle, forcing the audience to root for him. In fact, during the screening I attended, several audience member applauded and cheered Edwards on.

The film itself delivers a little something for everyone. There is humour, drama, action and quite a bit of emotion throughout as we follow Eddie the Eagle on his journey. Many at the time felt that Edwards as living out the Olympic dream to its purest form. The movie draws upon a quote from Pierre de Coubertin, responsible for the 1894 revival of the games – “The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not winning but taking part; the essential thing in life is not conquering but fighting well.” Given his distint lack of skill, but massive heart and desire to compete, Eddie the Eagle is the definition of a great underdog story.

Also adding to the experience are some cracking tunes throughout, including Thin Lizzy and Van Halen.

Crowdfunded: ONO – Affordable 3D printing

Jon

-

2nd April 2016

0

Crowdfunded: ONO – Affordable 3D printing

In the past, we asked if 3D printing would appear in every home. ONO is a sub-€100 3D printer that has me as excited as a child at Christmas, Easter and four years worth of birthday’s rolled into one.

The problem with 3D printing

There are no shortage of “affordable” 3D printers on the market today. Companies such as MakerBot, XYZ Da Vinci and Formlabs are constantly trying to reduce the cost to what small businesses can consider affordable. What if that would become affordable for the general public? Currently, 3D printing is still a little expensive, but ONO has that price tag in its sights.

How ONO solves the problem

ONO is extremely cheap and simple to set up, costing only €100. The ONO is a small box which you slide your phone into. Simply choose the item you wish to print, slip off for a cuppa tae and when you come back, your piece is complete.

That seems a little simple…explain

The printer consists of three main components. The reservoir, the photopolymer resin and the mechanised top which houses the platform upon which the printing happens and controls the electronics. Your phone sits under some polarised glass here. From here your phone screen lighting up the box allows the polarised glass to arrange photos vertically. The beams of lights are then solidified by the resin. These methods actually removes the requirement of 3D printing, hence the nice big saving.

What does this mean?

The whole idea behind 3D printing is how cheap prototyping costs by using this method of creation. The ONO isn’t going to start a home manufacturing movement, but for €100 it certainly going to destroy some barriers for those a little more hesitant to adopt 3D printing.

It also means that you can get involved for pennies as the ONO is currently available on Kickstarter for €99. We’re going to need a lot of shelves for random printed stuff.

Most popular TV shows

Dean

-

31st March 2016

0

Once upon a time all anybody wanted to know about was the best movies, but over the past five or six years the attention has shifted towards the most popular TV shows. Sure we all still love movies and are willing to wait a year or two to find out what happened to our beloved characters in the likes of the Marvel and DC Universes, Star Wars galaxy and Divergent series. However, the quality of TV shows has raised the bar and now puts pressure on Hollywood under to produce amazing high budget films, since they can’t exactly release a new one every week.

We take a look at the most popular TV shows which have begun to take actors and actresses away from the big screen with the small screen taking its place.

The most popular TV shows

House of Cards

While television grows in stature, Netflix has even done its part to change the entertainment landscape. House of Cards, a Netflix Original, is a political drama starring Kevin Spacey takes us through the twists and turns of what it takes to make it through the other end of the dog eat of world that is politics. If the general election or water charges don’t tickle your fancy, this is on a whole other level. A Congressman (Spacey) looks to seek revenge on those in office who betrayed him and in doing so kept him from becoming Secretary of State. With every episode available on Netflix, and no ads to deal with, this could lead to a few House of Cards binges. With two Golden Globe wins out of five nomination plus numerous Emmy wins year on year since its release, this will draw you in and make you forget about the real world around you for quite some time.

The Leftovers

In a world where 140 million people, or 2% of the population, suddenly disappear, not go missing overnight, the residents Mapleton New York try to continue living their lives. Three years on, things aren’t quite the way they used to be. Grief and the search for answers causes social divides. Some people join a new cult called The Guilty Remnant where they refuse to speak and just smoke cigarettes non-stop. If you’re looking for a series that’ll make you think and make you say ‘I did not see that coming’, over and over again, you need to see this. With two seasons out and one more on the way, each episode will have you scratching your head and coming back for more. If you do decide to watch this, say goodbye to early nights, because once you start, you’ll need incredible will power to stop.

Orange is the New Black

Following the life of Piper Chapman, a woman sentenced to 15 months in prison, this black comedy drama brings together a more or less unknown cast and still manages to keep us interested until it has us addicted. While in prison she is reunited with the friend who named her in court, resulting in her conviction, and also has to deal with other inmates who see her as easy prey. This series is for the people who aren’t interested in Netflix’s dark and gritty dramas and are looking for something a little lighter. With the fourth season on the way, now is a good time to catch up, and similar to House Of Cards, you can enjoy this Netflix Original with no ads, so stock up a mini fridge next to your bed for this one.

The Walking Dead

Who doesn’t like zombies in a post-apocalyptic world? Another show that probably everyone has heard of. Released in 2010, The Walking Dead is based on the graphic novels written by Robert Kirkman. It follows a band of survivors who are trying desperately to find salvation in a world where there is no longer a Government, Laws, and as the series goes on, Mercy. They don’t only come up against the undead. They also find themselves up against other groups of survivors who were once good men and are now willing to do whatever it takes to survive. Try not to get too attached to characters, no one is safe in this series. It will have you on the edge of your seat, sometimes off it, and possibly have you clutching onto a pillow rocking back and forth over a cliff-hanger you quite frankly did not need in your life.

Game of Thrones

With a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 94% amongst critics, Game of Thrones is easily one of the most popular TV shows. If you haven’t seen it, you’ve heard of it. And if you haven’t seen it, I strongly advise you make it your business to watch it. With various different story lines that intertwine into one big one, about 20 different families with long names, and dragons, this is the series that has dominated the industry since it’s release in 2011. Based on the books written by George R.R. Martin, with an ensemble cast, amazing special effects and battle scenes, it costs about 10 million per episode to shoot. If you have read, or are reading the books, don’t let this stop you. The books are similar in a lot of ways to the series, but seeing as the books won’t be finished for another 10 -15 years, the writers have changed the story a bit to keep up with they’re tighter schedule while also paying respects the books and giving the author some say also. And don’t worry about the makers ruining it like some tend to do with other successful shows in the past. Game of Thrones will be ending after seven series, and they seem like they definitely know what they’re doing.

Honourable mention: The League

If for nothing other than binge-ability, The League boasts seven packed seasons on Netflix. The League follows a group of friends whose foremost priority in life, ahead of family, work and definitely friends, is winning their Fantasy Football league. Winning the league means they bring home Sheeva Trophy, a trophy based off a girl they went to high school with and believe to have god like powers over their league when she makes appearances. That and of course bragging rights.

This series is not just for the lads, anyone will get entertainment from it. They will do pretty much anything to win weekly games against each other and will blackmail each other to trade a player they want if needs be. With diverse characters, you are bound to have a couple of favourites, but you will struggle to find any you don’t like. The kind of series that you can go back and watch over and over again, and one of my favourites on the list, this deserves a good watch.

That’s our take on the most popular TV shows of today. Let us know if you feel we missed anything.

What do you get with the FreeFly VR headset

What smartphones is the FreeFly VR headset compatible with?

First impressions of the FreeFly VR

Logitech MX Master

Wireless Logitech K400 Plus Keyboard

The BFG: What’s it all about?

The BFG: Who is in it?

What do we learn from the trailer?

The BFG: When is it in cinemas?

What is the FlipFlic for?

What blinds is FlipFlic compatible with

How much will FlipFlic cost?

How important are the Panama Papers?

Why are they called the Panama Papers?

What is contained within the Panama Papers?

Where can I find out more about the Panama Papers?

Panama Papers Twitter Feed

News outlets covering the leak

The problem with 3D printing

How ONO solves the problem

That seems a little simple…explain

What does this mean?

The most popular TV shows

House of Cards

The Leftovers

Orange is the New Black

The Walking Dead

Game of Thrones

Honourable mention: The League

About Goosed

Must Read

Subscribe