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Shep – The First Sheep Herding Drone

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We have one central philosophy here at Goos3D. That’s to make tech enjoyable and encourage people to adapt it. One Laois farmer is this philosophy’s new poster boy.

Paul Brennan, of Killeshin, County Laois, had to come up with a quick solution when Shep, his reliable sheepdog, injured his leg. Paul was quick to realise that sitting in the boot of his car (sure isn’t it always the way) was, what we now now as, Shep the drone.

With Shep the dog looking on nervously at potential redundancy, Paul controlled Shep the drone into position to maneuver his flock of sheep into position.

Paul himself was shocked at how his video went viral, but this story is more than a simple fluff piece to close out the news. By adopting technology and the drone, Paul was able to continue while Shep the dog recuperated. He also confirmed, Shep the dog will be taking over duty again once fully healed.

HTC One M8s – What is the difference?

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HTC One M8s – What is the difference?

No that’s not a typo, nor is it plural. HTC have just announced the incoming HTC One M8s. You might well be asking why or what does that “s” mean.

This week saw the launch of the HTC One M9. Many have concluded that while improvements were made, they were extremely subtle. This makes the launch of the HTC One M8s even stranger, as it’s remarkably similar to the M8.

The M8’s Mate

HTC-One-M8-cameraWhat’s different between the M8 and M8s. Well, it would seem that the Ultrapixel party is really coming to a close. The rear facing camera has been swapped out for a 13 MP camera, while the 5 MP front facing camera remains. It also maintains the duo lens for quality effects.

The processor has been tweaked and the battery improved slightly, but still you may be wondering what this almost identical phone brings to the market place. Well it’s really simple.

Why buy the HTC One M8s?

The tech world gets very caught up in stats and developments, often overlooking the end user – you. Do you need the very latest handset with all the bells and whistles, or would you prefer a revamped version of last years handset, with last years bells and whistles, while saving some money?

*penny drops*

HTC have realised that last year’ flagship handset is good for another year or two. They’ve also, correctly, worked out that not every Tom, Dick and Harry want the latest flagship handset. They want an operational phone.

The M8s brings all that quality to the market. In fact, it’s a market leader with great spec and a more affordable price for the average user than the top of the range One M9.

The HTC One M8s lands in Ireland next week on Vodafone in Gun Metal Grey initially. Follow us on Twitter or Like us on Facebook to catch a more detailed review of the HTC One M8s when it lands.

4 top tech April Fool’s Day pranks

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4 top tech April Fool’s Day pranks

While some might settle for changing the time on the clock to start a panic, tech companies around the world love going viral on April Fools’ day. These are a huge workplace hazard. Imagine the scene as you show off the Google Translate for Animals app as breaking technology.

Be on guard as we head into another day of enjoyable nonsense. Here are a few examples of past genius pranks for you to be on the look out for.

Google Translate for Animals

This goes back to 2009, but this April Fools’ Day prank is truly a classic. Google really put a lot of time into their “app” that finally allowed a lonely farmer to hear his donkey utter the words “I love you”. Awkwardness followed. An awkwardness no doubt shared by many who showed off this app thinking it was the bee’s knees.

HTC Gluuv

HTC-introduces-the-Gluuv-but-its-just-an-April-Fools-jokeYou can still visit the HTC Gluuv site and get a glimpse of the future.

With features like an 87.2 MP camera on the back of your hand for the “armie selfie”, it’s a wonder HTC never rolled out this Michael Jackson-esque glove. With the impending launch of the HTC One M9, we wonder what to expect this year. Maybe they’ll just wait again for what Samsung release.

Orbotix Selfie Cam

Only going back as far as last year for this one, maybe we shouldn’t laugh just yet.

Given the ever increasing popularity in both selfies and drones, this might be a little closer than we like! The tag line “always watching” certainly has a bit of a Terminator Skynet feel to it, but this is one April Fools’ Day prank that might be a little too close to reality!

Samsung Fly-Fi

This is an absolute GOOS3D April Fools’ Day tech prank favourite. Believe it or not, we do remember a few people mentioning this as ground-breaking technology.

The concept is of course completely sound and not off the wall at all. We attach tiny Samsung powered Modems to pigeons because those feckers are everywhere. Logical progression being, WiFi is then everywhere. This wins, if for nothing else, because of the Fly-Fi name.

So prep yourself for April First this year and be weary of big announcements. Let us know what your favourite prank has been over the years, or what the big ones this year are.

4 Top Tech TED Talks

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4 Top Tech TED Talks

If you haven’t watched TED Talks before, you really are missing out. TED Talks is a set of conferences based upon “ideas worth spreading”. TED has its foundations deeply rooted in the early tech stories that sprouted from the Silicon Valley boom. Since then, they have moved produced all sorts of recorded conferences, ranging from science to lifehacks.

Perhaps most inviting to the TED Talks series, is how every video will teach you something for completely free! Visit the TED Talks website, YouTube channel, Google Play Store or App Store.

Here’s our 4 top tech TED Talks.

Ayah Bdeir – littleBits

We first caught a glimpse of littleBits at Web Summit 2014. We were also lucky enough to catch Ayah Bdeir speaking at TED Talks on why this modular technology is so great.

10 Top Time Saving Tech Tips

Given the technology saturated world we live in, it’s become far to easy to assume everyone knows some of the basics. In this TED Talk, David Pogue shares 10 great time saving tech tips. Chances are even the tech savvy out there might learn a few things too!

Chris Anderson: Technology’s Long Tale

 On the flip side, if you’re really into technology this TED Talk is for you. Chris Anderson, former editor of Wired Magazine, discusses the four key stages of technologies. This is essential viewing for startups and tech bloggers/journalists alike.

Big Data – The Worst Parking Spot in New York

In this TED Talk Ben Wellington shows how government bodies and local councils sharing their information publically can lead to public empowerment. Now groups come together in their free time to process this publically available information to make changes. The video below finishes by showing how Ben ousted an regularly fined parking spot and had it changed.

After you’ve watched these, we strongly recommend getting over to the TED Talks site. You’ll find educational and hilarious videos on a wide variety of topics. Let us know what you think or if you find a personal favourite video.

APP OF THE WEEK: 850 Sports Digest

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APP OF THE WEEK: 850 Sports Digest

If you have a passing interest in sport, or simply want to have some water cooler banter ready on a Monday morning, 850 Sports Digest is for you.

850 Sports Digest appIn the 850 Sports Digest app, you won’t find any post match interviews, fan videos or action photographs. 850 Sports Digest is designed to be simple and straight to the point on the biggest sporting events.

Within 5 minutes you can scan through the biggest sports headlines, delving a little deeper to find goal scorers, race details or pivotal match moments. Again, you wont find videos, but important goals are treated to luscious graphics.

Screenshot_2015-03-23-21-03-08850 Sports Digest really prides itself on simplicity, as you can see through the settings page to the right. Simply pick your sports and “enjoy 10 minute daily round up of your favourite sports”.

In fact, that 10 minutes is supposed to be just before you start work at 9AM, hence the 8:50 in the title.

This UK startup looks great and has a solid idea behind it. This was enough to have raised a €4.5 million investment, suggesting 850 Sports Digest is only going to go from strength to strength.

You can grab 850 Sports Digest for free from both the Google Play Store and iTunes store.

Order Takeaway Online with Marvin

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Order Takeaway Online with Marvin

Marvin, (as in starvin’ marvin) an online service allowing users to order takeaway online, is set to launch this May. The one thing you should “takeaway” from reading this, is why this is a good thing.

marvin order takeaway online

Here at GOOS3D, we admit clicking on JustEat on a far too frequent basis. Afterall, it’s a great service that makes the awkward call to the chipper redundant. Since late last year however, JustEat have been operating with no competition. Running unopposed brought JustEat to raise commission charges to their restaurants, which you can be sure has had a knock on effect on customers. Enter Marvin.

Marvin entering the market is good for everyone, except perhaps JustEat. Marvin will allow consumers to order takeaway online, but go further in offering better value and perks.

First of all, Marvin will charge their restaurants a lower commission. Meaning lower prices all round for customers. Secondly, loyalty will be rewarded. Marvin’s Managing Director, James Galvin, recently speaking with Journal.ie outlined the loyalty scheme...

We have a loyalty reward system, so for every ten takeaways you get a free one, it’s just one of many ways the restaurant and consumers get a better deal – James Galvin, MD Marvin

You can admit it too – ten takeaways will happen sooner rather than later, so sweatpants at the ready please.

We’re going to leave it there for now, until we can actually try out the service. However, we’re pretty confident this is going to be a good fight, as Marvin has some of JustEat’s founding members onboard and a lot of backing to boot.

Marvin launches in Dublin City on May 11th before a larger rollout nationwide. We’ll be keeping a close eye, so check back here for the latest. You can also register to find out more as it happens by visiting their pre-launch page.

MINI EMU: Retro Gaming Made as Easy as Pi

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MINI EMU: Retro Gaming Made as Easy as Pi

Whether it be Sonic, Streets of Rage or Super Mario, do you remember gaming in the good ‘ol days? One of the latest Irish Kickstarter campaigns seeks to bring all those memories back to your TV.

Emulation is a popular method of gaming. By downloading an Emulator, you can play games from consoles of days gone by on your computer or smartphone. In the interest of convenience, Sumbo Design,  a Dublin based company, have brought over 40 emulators into one neat little box – the MINI EMU.

The popularity of such a device cannot be questioned, as the project was funded within just 24 hours. It hardly comes as a surprise, as the device allows gamers to enjoy games like Crash Bandicoot, Gran Turismo, Quake and Duke Nukem 3D. Not all games come pre loaded as ‘including copyrighted games […] would be an act of copyright infringement’, however the projects site does maintain an FAQ section with details on how to install games.

It doesn’t stop there. The MINI EMU is powered by Raspberry Pi, a tiny computer. This means it can run other software. The MINI EMU comes preloaded with KODI, a full entertainment system that can be loaded with plenty of entertainment. KODI operates in a similar grey area to Showbox.

The MINI EMU offers quite a substantial entertainment package for a remarkably low price. Early backers of the Kickstarter can pick up the device from just €99, with delivery expected in August 2015.

Top 5 Groupon Apple Deals Available Right Now

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Top 5 Groupon Apple Deals Available Right Now

Apple have a rich history or very high quality wares. Such high quality often comes at a certain cost. Groupon allows you the opportunity to get yourself some Apple branded tech while also saving a few bob! Here’s the top 5 Apple deals on Groupon right now.

1. Apple iPhone

You’re two months into your contract, but you’ve just dropped your brand new iPhone down the toilet. Of course, you didn’t take that insurance that seemed too pricey, but not you’re going to pay! Well, don’t pay too much. Groupon has a wide selection of Apple iPhones for you to choose from at cut prices.

Refurbished iPhone 5S 32GB – €409.99

Apple iPhone 5SWith the launch of the iPhone 6, the 5S has maintained a strong level of popularity amongst punters, largely owing to it’s size offering the best, relatively small, handset on the market. The iPhone 5S comes in Space Grey (black), Silver (white) and gold, with a 12 month warranty.

Refurbished iPhone 5 32GB – from €299

These handsets come factory unlocked to all networks and with iOS 7 installed. You can pick up the iPhone 5 from Groupon in black and white.

Refurbished iPhone 5C 16GB – €269.99

Apple iPhone 5C groupon IrelandIf you want an iPhone but with a little bit more colour, the only option is the iPhone 5C. You can pick up this cut rate iPhone from Groupon in white, blue or pink.

Refurbished iPhone 4 8GB – €149.99

Maybe you want the Apple logo without all the cost and dazzle that comes with the latest iPhone. If you simply like the way iPhone works, then this is a great deal for you. This iPhone 4 comes with 8GB of memory and you can choose between black or white.

Note: Refurbished handsets are not brand new handsets. They are preowned and factory reset, often looking brand new or showing some signs of wear and tear. All refurbished handsets discussed here, come with a 12 month warranty.

2. iPhone Accessory Bundle

Apple accessory pack groupon IrelandMaybe you look after your iPhone and don’t need to buy one at all. How about you get some discounted accessories instead? Valued at €71, Groupon offers this accessory pack for just €16.99. While not official Apple merchandise these kits are compatible with iPhone 4, 4S, 5, 5S and 6. Included in the pack are two black cases, a sports band, a docking cradle and loads more!

3. Apple iPad

iPad Air Wi-Fi 16GB – €369

ipad air groupon irelandPerfect for sitting at home on the Wi-Fi while watching Netflix. Better still, to buy this directly from Apple would set you back €409. This is a brand new unit, though it does only ship with US power adaptors. Still, not enough to put us off it! The iPad Air 16GB comes in Space Grey (black) or Silver (White).

iPad Mini Wi-Fi 16GB – €219.99

Available in either black or white, the iPad Mini is perfect for use both on the go or at home. Most importantly, this is again brand new and to buy directly from Apple would set you back €249.99

4. Apple TV 3rd Generation – €79.99

Apple TV Ireland GrouponWe’ve updated this listing to direct you to the Apple Store instead of Groupon. A day after publishing this article, Apple slashed the price of the Apple TV, meaning you can now enjoy YouTube, Netflix and all your iTunes music on your TV for just €79.99

5. Space Bar Desk Organiser – €74.99

Apple Mac Desk Stand TidyThis may be a stretch as it’s not strictly Apple, but given its design it will appeal to anyone with a Mac (and many without). Worth €129.99, this piece of kit is designed to five you somewhere to push your keyboard and mouse when not needed. Rather neatly, it also gives you 6 additional USB ports, which is fantastic for charging throughout the day. Time to go begging to who ever does the buying in your office!

The Evolution of Console Controllers

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The Evolution of Console Controllers

This just made us go “uhhh”, “ahhh” while remembering the good old days. You can actually feel the controller in your hand as you watch the below controllers evolving!

 

Big hat tip to the guys over in gadgetlove and SpringDoseOfLove on Imgur.

Irish Kickstarter: The Apollo 11 Experience

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Irish Kickstarter: The Apollo 11 Experience

Virtual reality is one of the world’s biggest technologies right now. While Samsung and HTC made headlines for their new flagships, many are more interested in the news that the two companies were working on Gear VR and Vive virtual reality. With VR making leaps and bounds, an Irish Kickstarter campaign has emerged, utilising Oculus technology to simulate the Apollo 11 Experience.

Waterford’s own Dave Whelan is hoping to take one small step for man, as his company Immersive VR Education has already received over €20,000 of its €30,000 Kickstarter campaign. The end product will be a virtual reality package that puts the participants in the shoes of Neil Armstrong on what was perhaps one of the most defining moments of the 20th century.

Immersive VR Education, seek to utilise the groundbreaking virtual reality technologies which are quickly becoming more accessible, to engage with students. Speaking to RTÉ news, Dave Whelan points out that pupils are only likely to retain 10% of what they read and 30% of what they see. When students experience their education, they are more likely to retail 70% of information after two weeks.

Although Virtual Reality is growing from strength to strength, this educational Kickstarter campaign is still €10,000 short of it’s goal with just 7 days remaining. More information is available on the project’s Kickstarter website, where you can also become a backer.

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