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The Great Debate: Do people still send SMS messages?

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The Great Debate: Do people still send SMS messages?

You know, there was a time when SMS messages were the dog’s kahonas, but do people still send SMS messages? We’ve taken a look at ComReg’s report on the second quarter of this year to see if they do.

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Back in the day…

God, when SMS came out first it was brilliant. Girls couldn’t hear your pre-pubesent voice breaking as you invited them for an awkward cinema date or anything, as screens worth of text messages were sent through the air instead. And could we ever forget Kate and “the lad from the bar”?

Ah yes, SMS messages, better known as texting, really revolutionised how we communicate. However, the humble text message has taken quite the hit in recent years. In a report released by ComReg we see that average usage of SMS messages has declined by over 1.3 million messages since 2011.

If you think about yourself for a moment, chances are the only time you send an SMS message is because it’s a particularly important message you didn’t trust WhatsApp with, or you were on holidays with no data. The latter here explains the demise of SMS messaging.

Make way for WhatsApp

Using WhatsApp for the first timeSo following a brief spike towards the end of 2011, the usage of SMS messaging went into a severe decline. Right along side that decline was an extremely consistent and strong increase in data usage; 82% of an increase between 2011 and 2015 to be precise. With increased demand for data, came better priced data followed by even more people using data again. It’s a vicious cycle really.

People naturally turned to the likes of WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger as you no longer had to worry about what network you mate was on. Hand in hand with this was the convenience of group messaging, which allows Junior B teams up and down the country share the best excuse for not making Friday night training.

Growing demand for faster data

ComReg has also provided some interesting insight into data usage by the average Irish mobile user.

internet speed gif 4g gifWe can see the average mobile user now makes use of 1.8GB of data. This is a massive increase from last year, an increase that accompanied by a public demand for speed. Since the introduction of 4G into the Irish market in late 2014, the number of mobile users regularly using 4G data has grown from 8.8% to 16.5% today.

We’re sure none of this is really surprising, except for the sharpness in decline that SMS messaging as experienced. Funnily enough, MMS messages, also known as the only way to send your mother/grandmother a picture message, has survived this decline, experiencing no major drop.

What was the last SMS message you sent? Let us know in the comments below.

 

Apple Launch Event: iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus

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Apple Launch Event: iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus

It’s that time of year! Apple have held there big keynote and announced their new range of smartphones, spanning the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6 Plus. There were also a few other bits and pieces announced, so here’s the run down of the main happenings.

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iPhone 6s and 6s Plus

As expected, Apple have opted for standard naming conventions and simply added an s to the existing handsets. A bold claim has been made in the new ad, also revealed at the Apple Launch Event, as Apple claim “the only thing that’s changed is everything”.

While this statement might be a little over dramatic, the iPhone 6s sees the introduction of more substantial changes than some of the past “s” handsets.

3D Touch

Apple 3d touch callsWhile our inner nerd is making this decision, this is the coolest new feature on the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus. While this is similar to the system employed by HTC, Apple have gone much further in implementing gestures and innovative screen usage. In short, by pressing the screen for a longer duration, you can “peek” further into sections of your iPhone 6s. For example, in the image you can see a long press on the phone button, which allows you to peek at your regularly called contacts. With a bit of practice, 3D Touch will make navigating your way around the phone much easier.

The best implentation sees 3D Touch allow you control running apps by a simple swipe from the right of the screen. So most importantly, this means you’re double tapping on the home button to knock off apps will be greatly reduced. Where there is a reduction in pressing buttons, you are likely to see a reduction in faulty buttons, which is always nice!

Camera

iPhone 6s 12MP Camera iSightAt long last, we thought we would never see the day. Apple have gifted their loyal iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus users with a bigger camera. The new 12MP iSight camera comes now as Apple apparently didn’t want to increase size until they could ensure the maintenance of the image quality.

iPhone 6s iSight CameraTo be fair, while we’re fairly sure the lads who took these photos were far from amateur photographers, the new camera does take amazing images.

For a brief moment we’re almost certain the crowd flinched in fear as a gigantic parrot invaded the stage.

loop picA cool new feature seems to be bringing a Harry Potter fantasy into reality; moving pictures. When you take an image, the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus take a one second clip either side of the photo you’ve taken. These gives you an mini clip that lets you relive a moment. Whether this is useful or not remains to be seen, but it is cool.

The good news doesn’t end there. Apple displayed an impressive video that was recorded using an iPhone 6s and on-board video editing software. Sure enough, it was probably in the hands of Stephen Spielberg or something, but nonetheless, the video is impressive.

https://youtu.be/1gYLOmKKhCk

Design

Rose Gold iPhone 6sAs expected, there are no big surprises that the iPhone 6s looks just like the iPhone 6. Keeping in touch with the Apple Watch and general fashion demands, Rose Gold enters the colour range. This will be a massively in demand handset to go along with Rose Gold watches from the likes of Mickey Kors and the rest.

Speaking of range…

iPhone 6s exploded viewThe iPhone 6s and 6s Plus will continue to come in 16GB models, complimented by 64GB and 128GB. There will be no iPhone 6c, despite strong rumours there would be. While we’re on the topic of hardware, the latest “A” chip, the A9 will see your battery life extended through the annual efficiency improvements.

What else was announced?

So along with the phone that everyone expected, Apple announced a super-powered iPad Pro. With that they have finally embraced the pen. Well, it’s actually a pencil. For $99 iPad Pro users will be able to the the Apple Pencil. The marketing department have really let themselves go.

The US market are surely getting excited about the new Apple TV too. While there is a load of spec and features that will excite the masses, the device is unlikely to really take off in the Irish market for another while as the features will be limited. With that in mind, the new Apple TV will allow you to search by Siri. You know the way everyone has that one friend that can name actors and their films, well Siri just replaced them.

The final verdict

The features of the new iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus are understated but will massively improve the user’s smartphone experience. We’re certain that many will joke that Apple have just tweaked things enough to bleed the money out of the market, but there is enough innovation here to justify the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus.

iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus Launch Date

The iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus are set to launch on September 25th.

FIFA 16 demo now available

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FIFA 16 demo now available

If you’ve been counting down the days to the new FIFA 16 game, just like we have, there is a new scratch for that itch.

Today saw the launch of the FIFA 16 demo on Xbox One and PlayStation 4. The launch of the demo, is really like pre-season in the real world of football. The FIFA 16 demo allows you to get in some important match practice before the big launch later this month. It also gives you a first look at some of the newest game features.

FIFA 16 FUT Draft

One of the biggest new features is FUT Draft. Here you pick your players in a draft style prior to going up against a competitor. The more you play the more you win. The cool thing here, is you get have a chance to test drive some of the games harder to get players. Here’s how our first draft team was to line up against Inter Milan.

Breaking our FIFA 16 duck

Following a bore 0-0 draw El Classico to open up the game, we test drove the draft mode pitting us against Inter Milan. Here is the Match of the Day recap.

12th minute

It’s opening day nerves. We concede a free kick on the edge of the centre circle. Doesn’t look like much of a threat before Inter pull out a worldy and an early goal of the season contender to put them 1-0 up. Nervous times in the Goos3D Cave.

41st minute

After a nervy start, the lads win the ball back in their own half. Posession quickly advances forward before the ball lands at Messi’s feet. A brief run, dummy and shimmy later and the Goos3D lads are back on level terms with Inter. It’s game on now Ger.

46th minute

To give Inter a taste of their own medicine, a rather inconspicuous free kick just inside the half sets up to Goos3D boys for a set piece, right from the training ground. Just like a Conor Salmon out of water, Messi gets a deft touch to lobbed free, doing just enough to take it past the keeper.

65th minute

A hearty tackle from Wolfsburgs Brazilian centre half, Naldo, sparks a great move, culminating in the completion of Messi’s hat trick, and consolidating the Goos3D lads lead at 3-1.

70th minute

No better example to show that the lads had settled into this game could be found above this cracking team goal. Ter Stegen starts the move with a simple pass. This is followed by 8 more passes, before Pastore smashes home a fantastic team goal to seal the victory with 20 minutes left on the clock.

Final Whistle – Goos3D 4 : 1 Inter Milan

In what became an exciting match, Goos3D’s first FUT draft team were run away victors. A belter opening goal from Inter may have rattled the lads, but showings of both fantastic team efforts and individual brilliance saw the victory out in the end. All that was left was for Messi to collect his first match ball of the FIFA 16 season.

FIFA 16: First Impressions

FUT Draft seems like it could be a bit of craic, while allowing you to earn coins and cards with players you used only dream of! The gameplay itself feels more natural too, with the shooting system taking a little getting used to. The “fancy dan” R1/RB pass seems to have been done away with too, but we’re sure we just need to learn the new controls.

All in all the demo has done little to whet our appetite, leaving us salivating for more rather than actually scratching the itch.

The FIFA 16 demo is now available for download from the Xbox Live and PlayStation store. FIFA 16 will launch its full version on September 22nd.

All Ireland Sunday (or Saturday) Apps

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All Ireland Sunday (or Saturday) Apps

All Ireland Sundays Saturdays are arguably the biggest days on the Irish calendar. Whether it be big ball or small ball, here are a few apps which can help all interested parties have a cracking day.

Dublin can be a maze at times. Throw a few pints into the equation and you could spend the first half wandering around in circles after taking a 30 second toilet break and loosing your mates! Google Maps is very simple and straight forward, showing you the best route to get to your destination from your location.

If that destination is a little too from from your location, Hailo a cab. Even if you don’t have any cash on you at the time, Hailo can be linked with your bank card for fast payments. Better still, if Coppers goes a little wild after learning Sam or Liam are coming home with you and the bank card goes missing altogether, you can still get a taxi back to that couch you were promised, once you didn’t lose your phone! Click HERE for more info Hailo.

 

screen568x568We all know that the GAA can send pulses racing more than most sports, but what’s the harm in a little flutter with your friends? BetYou allows you to place a bet on pretty much anything with friends and strangers, taking the focus away from the evil bookies! Download it and get a free bet to get you up and running! More info on BetYou HERE!

Snapchat seems to have shaken the majority of its “just for teens” title, as more and more people are downloading the self-destructing picture taking app. For those not familiar with the more intricate ins and outs, Snapchat also has a story feature where you can send all your pics for friends to have a gawk when they have a few minutes. This was recently developed to include Live. Live allows people attending large events to send their pictures to one gigantic story. GOOS3D can unfortunately not promise there will be one for the All Ireland’s, but it’s a handy app regardless to show everyone back home who couldn’t make the trip to Croaker!

This won’t be for everyone, but for those who like to have a little bit of live commentary while viewing the action first hand, they can download RTÉ Radio Player, where RTÉ Radio One can be streamed for free! Especially handy, as many mobile phone manufacturers have viewed the FM transmitters within phones as expendable.

Finally, if your phone has a power saving mode, use it! If not, turn down the brightness and turn off the screen when not in use. All Ireland Sunday is a long day! No harm having the charger in the pocket for when you stop for a bite to eat. Most places will charge you back up.

Think we missed something? Get in touch with GOOS3D via Facebook or @goos3dblog

Huawei Watch: US, European and Irish Update

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Huawei Watch: US, European and Irish Update

Wearables aren’t necessarily for everyone, but the Huawei Watch seems to hold to capability of changing the prevailing thoughts of the wearable market.

Huawei have taken a very logical approach to overcoming the general hesitancy of the masses to adopt wearables – make the wearables more like normal watches. Huawei have managed to go one further with the Huawei Watch and created a simply gorgeous watch.

huawei watch irelandEven more interesting is the confirmation that the Android Wear powered Huawei Watch will be both Android and iOS compatible. We could rattle on about the spec, but it’s best you check out the Huawei website to see the full gallery. The Huawei Watch is a watch first, and a smart device second, so simply admire the beauty of it.

Can I get the Huawei Watch in Ireland?

From September 2nd the Huawei Watch is available for pre-order in the US, becoming available in Germany, France and Spain later this month. October will see customers in the UK finally able to get their hands on the device.

There has been a worrying, but not unexpected, lack of mentions about launch in Ireland. However, it’s likely that should the device only be available in the UK, you’ll be able to order using Parcel Motel.

Update 23/01/2016

The Huawei Watch is now available to buy from Amazon. You can order it to Ireland via Parcel Motel. We did this in conjunction with the free Amazon Prime trial, which saved some money and got super fast delivery for free!

Gaggle Giggle – John Lewis Dancing Ad

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Gaggle Giggle – John Lewis Dancing Ad

John Lewis have become synonymous with the very best TV ads, with their latest addition being no different.

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The wonderful thing about modern technology can be summed up with YouTube. When you were in primary school, you could ask “did you see that new ad on TV last night”. If your friends hadn’t seen it, then noone cared and your great conversation starter fell on its arse.

Thanks to YouTube, the quality of TV ads has gone through the roof. John Lewis, a leading UK department store, has nailed the use of TV ads on several occasions now, with their latest ad emerging a few days ago.

John Lewis: Tiny Dancer

https://youtu.be/7gqPM_GT8Qw

There is a very good chance that until a few sentences ago, you didn’t know what John Lewis did. Also likely is that you’ve heard of them and seen their ads. Their ads tend to focus on getting the brand out their while provoking a strong emotional response. According to their Head of Marketing, Margaret Burke, their latest advert is heart-warming and features an iconic song, but most importantly it reminds viewers that John Lewis Home Insurance can offer peace of mind, allowing them to enjoy family life — knowing that they have protection in place, they can simply let life happen.”

We can just really relate to the look on that brothers face of what living with a sister is like.

John Lewis: Top Ads

This leads us nicely onto a quick roundup. Here are 3 more of our favourite John Lewis ads – yup, they are that good at advertising, they get their own list. Apologies in advance for Christmas vibes in places.

John Lewis Ad :  2014 – Monty the Penguin

https://youtu.be/iccscUFY860

John Lewis Ad: 2010 – She’s Always a Woman

John Lewis Ad: 2012 – Never Knowingly Undersold

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wuv7IuFpJi8

Big Game Launches: Fallout 4

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Big Game Launches: Fallout 4

It’s been a reasonably quiet year thus far for gaming, but the biggest titles of 2015 have yet to be released. We’re counting down the titles we are most excited about and have already looked at EA Sports’ FIFA 16. Next up in our Big Game Launches series is the much anticipated Fallout 4.

Fallout 4 Please stand by

Fallout 4: What’s it all about?

To imagine the Fallout world, is to imagine a post-apocalyptic future with a really cool retro edge. The timeline within which everything is based, deviates from our own reality shortly after World War II. Technology continued to advance in this reality, while culture and politics stagnate, giving the Fallout world it’s unique futuristic yet retro 1950’s look.

In the 21st century international politics disintegrated, seeing the United States go to war with China leading to a global nuclear war. Enter Vault-Tec, a fallout shelter creating company, whose bunkers provide protection for the remaining population of the human race. The vaults open at different phases, where you take control of a character within the game.

If this kind of dystopian setting is for you, you can catch up on the entire story line through the Fallout Wiki or even better still is the highly informative and entertaining, Fallout Lore Series on YouTube.

Fallout 4: What to expect

Never played before?

We’d recommend, hugely, either setting the time aside to play Fallout 3 and Fallout 3: New Vegas to experience the full story. Fallout is hugely enjoyable due to the story line and getting fully immersed into that gives you the best experience.

Fallout 4 promises to provide you with weeks of game time. The map will likely rival GTA V for size, meaning the travel around and enjoy the happenings of the Wasteland will take quite sometime – don’t worry, it’s not in anyway boring! Fallout 4 is likely to provide a 400+ playing time.

Are you a veteran?

Why are you even reading this? You’ve been waiting so long for the next in the series, you’ve been through the entire Lore series online and played all the expansion packs. You know what to expect!

Well, here’s what you can expect anyway. It looks like Fallout 4 will be set in Boston, revealed from the trailer released a few months back.

Rumour also suggests that you’ll be waking up right after the Great War, emerging from a cryogenic sleep. This is great for the story line as it gives a great excuse for the hero to know “as little about the outside world as the player”. The VATS system, that you use for targeting enemies is being upgraded. No longer will the world completely pause and wait for you, but instead, slow down to a crawl, meaning you need to think a little faster.

What is it about having a canine companion in the Wastelands that appeals to gamers so much? Well regardless, the designers will be giving you a dog again to taken on the challenges ahead. He can carry stuff and fight off attackers, while also being invincible!

fallout 4 character creationRather randomly, you’ll be able to build your own gaff now too. As you progress through the game, you can come back and improve it too. Such customisation will also expand to your power armour. Build it yourself doesn’t end there. Thousands of guns are on the menu too. The crafting system that accompanied Fallout 3 has undergone significant development which will be almost never ending. Your face can also be crafted in a unique mirror setting at the very start of the game. It is here you can also choose to play as a female character for the first time.

Fallout 4: Fallout Shelter

Reading all this too much? Get your hands on Fallout Shelter, the mobile game from the very same crowd that are bringing you Fallout 4.

Fallout 4: Release Date

After many years of waiting, the crew at Bethesda decided to take a new approach to the release of Fallout 4. Rather than announce years before releasing, they kept fans waiting and waiting for E3 this year where they let everyone know that in just 5 months they would have their game. The world went mad! We’re nearly there too!

Fallout 4 is set for general release on November 10th 2015.

The Big Game Launches: FIFA 16

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The Big Game Launches: FIFA 16

It’s been a reasonably quiet year thus far for gaming, but the biggest titles of 2015 have yet to be released. We’re counting down the titles we are most excited about, starting out with FIFA 16.

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No secret here that we at Goos3D love a good bit of FIFA. In particular, a good season of FIFA Ultimate Team. If you preorder your next copy of FIFA 16 you;ll also get a rake of cards for your FUT team. With that said, is there really going to be any difference in FIFA 16?

FIFA 16: New Features

The usual graphic improvements are accompanied by a general experience upgrade, where “FIFA 16 innovates across the entire pitch to deliver a balanced, authentic and exciting football experience”. The games defensive engine as been upgraded with 25 innovative feature changes, including the ability to use other defenders to fill the gaps. The midfield sees annual passing improvements continued, along with dynamic crossing. This is all well and good, but really you’re best to wait until you get hands on to get excited about this craic.

FIFA 16 vanishing spray free kick sprayNew features are the really exciting bits. FIFA Trainer overlays controls to assist you in learning new moves. You’ll now also be able to play as women’s international teams for the first time and also be bear witness to the “shaving spray” for the first time in FIFA 16.

FIFA 16: FIFA Ultimate Team

Finally, the big upgrade to what is our favourite part of FIFA every year – FIFA Ultimate Team. FIFA Ultimate Team Draft allows you to “challenge opponents in a tournament to win coins, packs, and more”. FIFA 16 has also brought with it some genuinely entertaining videos too, including this hilarious draft video of Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher.

Finally, the improvements to FUT stretch to the user experience. Your club will be at the centre of the action, with milestones being recognised by the commentators. The interface will also be improved to ensure your squad building is completely enjoyable.

FIFA 16: Release Date

FIFA 16 is set for general release on 22nd September 2015. You can pre-order now and benefit from up to 40 packs of FUT Cards. We probably recommend doing this digitally through your console, because generally speaking, by the time you’re trading the game back in, it’ll be worth sod all.

App of the Week: RWC 2015

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App of the Week: RWC 2015

Just about a month to go until the Rugby World Cup 2015 kicks off. Our appetites are being whetted by some cracking test matches, including this simply luscious kick and catch try against Scotland. While there are few that really trust TV3 to land top class coverage of the RWC, their new promo video isn’t too bad.

Basically what we’re saying is, you’d best prep your life to be 100% ready for the forthcoming Rugby World Cup; that includes having an app to keep up to date on your toilet breaks.

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Rugby World Cup AppAvailable for Android and iOS devices, the Rugby World Cup app does what all these kind of big event apps do; brings all the info you need into one place. Upon loading the app, you’ll be prompted to choose which team you support. Naturally, the content displayed within the app is then tailored to you and the team you support.

The app has some really cool features, including updated world rankings for your team, and how your team is ranking in the also very important social media rankings. This is determined by occurrences of team based tweets etc. The app can also serve as your social hub for the Rugby World Cup, pulling in info from several different feeds.

This is one of the quirkier features in the Rugby World Cup app, as much more important are the core features.

Within the app you’ll find the usual important info such as results, fixtures, team news and pool standings. You can also test your Rugby World Cup knowledge through the trivia section of the app. Note that level 1 is pretty easy and level 2 is “drunk guy in the pub that really knows his rugby” hard.

All in all, the Rugby World Cup app is a very simple but extremely useful app that delivers everything you will need for the big event. It’s completely free and available to download now through the Google Play Store and App Store.

 

Fallout Shelter

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Fallout Shelter

There are quite a few games we’re looking forward to at the moment, but Fallout Shelter is taking the edge off the wait.

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Fallout is a longstanding open world role-playing video game, appearing first in 2007. Fallout 3 was the first fully immersive 3D version of the game and is still one of the highest rated games on Metacritic with a score of 91. This was followed by Fallout: New Vegas, which didn’t progress enough for many though it still achieved a hugely respectable 84 on Metacritic.

What followed then hurt many; a five year wait filled with news reports of a new game only to fall through on several occasions. A few months back, hopes were raised again, but this time there was no disappointment as Fallout 4 was confirmed for release this year.

With this topping our list of games to be excited about in 2015, it’s tough to be patient. Bethesda, the creators of Fallout since Fallout 3, were quick to cash in on peoples impatience, and brought us Fallout Shelter, a micro-game based upon the series.

Fallout Shelter Game

Fallout Shelter is ultimately free to download and play, with the option to pay for extras. The game allows you to take on the role of ‘overseer’ to a vault. You are responsible for the maintenance and expansion of your vault, including sending people out into the wilderness to find supplies. You’re also responsible for defending the vault from attacks, infestations of eradiated roaches and industrial fires. As overseer of your fallout shelter, you also must grown the population.

Fallout Shelter Game

The population of your vault can increase by taking in strays who arrive at your door, or by letting two members of your population into the living quarters and getting all hot and bothered together. In the above image, that lad has gotten two women pregnant. 3 real world hours later and our Fallout Shelter will have two new inhabitants.

With mobile games such as Fallout Shelter, publishers tend to shove the opportunity to splash some cash on extra tools, in-game currency or extra turns. Fallout Shelter doesn’t do this, “Fallout Shelter feels less like a constant begging bowl and more like a no-strings gift”.

Fallout Shelter was originally limited to iOS devices, but is now also available on Android, and is free to play, rarely suggesting you should buy any of the extras.

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