If you’ve ever tried, or are lucky enough to own a 3D TV, you’ll notice a crisper, sharper image than that experienced in the cinema. With glasses free 3D still a few years away, the biggest problem facing 3D TV manufactureres is that of content. Samsung are looking to addess the issue by providing a free 3D on-demand service to its customers, hoping to have 70 free videos available to ‘Smart TV’ compatible sets by the end of the year. The Korean manufacturer has also secured a deal with Steven Spielberg’s animation powerhouse DreamWorks to provide content.

For more info visit the CNET website.

Having photographed people like Colin Firth, Prince William, Cindy Crawford, Kevin Spacey, Jay-Z, Maddona, Kylie Minogue and the Queen, Rankin is considered one of world’s top photographers. Using Rankin photography, Gooii were commisioned to design Gabrielle Aplin’s ‘Never Fade EP’, producing a simple, yet striking design. Released on iTunes, it is the follow up to Gabrielle’s hugely successful Acoustic EP, also desiged by Gooii.

Since its release the ‘Never Fade EP’ has reached the Top 14 in the main album charts in the UK and Top 6 on the pop charts, as well as Top 50 in Australia and Top 100 in America.

To buy the EP head on over to iTunes

Nottingham based Crytek are currently top of the UK gaming charts with the excellent Crysis 2, available on PC, PS3 and Xbox 360. What’s especially impressive is they’ve managed to beat off all software releases for the new, and rather spiffy, Nintendo 3DS console.

As well as being the UK’s top selling game, Crysis 2 has scored rave reviews reviews from respected critics such as The Official Xbox Magazine, Eurogamer, Games TM and Edge. Featuring cutting edge graphics and a score by legendary composer Hans Zimmer (Batman Begins, The Dark Knight), Crysis 2 is the must have game of the year.

For a full rundown of this week’s chart check out the Eurogamer website and click here to read the OXM review.

I doubt there’s a design company in the world, let alone here in Nottingham, who doesn’t get excited the day Apple announce their new products. Here at Gooii it’s the main topic of morning conversation, a subject that crops up again quickly at lunch. Rather than revolutionise the device, the iPad 2 builds on the previous model with a slimmer, lighter design, faster processor and both front and back facing cameras, addressing the need for a video calling feature that was sorely missed by iPad 1 owners.

In addition, the new iPad will run iOS 4.3 which boasts faster browsing, iTunes Home Sharing, screen rotation lock and ‘Personal Hotspot for iPhone 4’ allowing iPhone 4 users to share their 3G connection wirelessly with their iPad.

For more infomation on this sleek new device and iOS4, visit the Apple website.

‘Drawing Inspiration’ is a new short film, by a group of very talented young artists, animators and writers. Directed by Tim McCourt and Wesley Louis and written by Steve Stamp and Tim McCourt, the film showcases their exquisite story telling abilities with beautiful illustration and animation. I’m also very proud to say that director/writer Tim McCourt is also my cousin.

Please make some time to watch and share this excellent film.

There’s an interesting article on combining typefaces at the Web Designer Depot. The article articulates the processes and thinking most designers go through when producing layouts for web or print. Most designers will have a natural instinct for this but it provides an intresting confirmation of our thought processes and provides great advice for young designers and students, as well as non-designers who find themselves working on layouts.

To read more on ‘Eight Ways to Combine Typefaces’ visit the Web Designer Depot.

O2 are to offer wi-fi in public places, a service already provided by company’s such as BT. The big difference here is the new service will be available to everyone, not just O2 customers, and for free. By 2013 O2 aim to double the amount of “premium hotspots” currently offered by BT, which is great news for iPod and tablet users without a 3G connection, as well as 3G users wishing to lower their usage.

For more information visit the O2 news centre

The BETT show is the largest education technology exhibition in the world, offering visitors the opportunity to view and experience new technology including the latest software, hardware and design.

Featuring over 600 exhibitors including Microsoft, Adobe, Toshiba, Lego Education and RM, as well as Gooii clients E2BN, SEGFL and Primary Games who will be exhibiting our work. Previously Gooii have been nominated for 2 prestigious BETT awards and we look forward to another exciting event this year.

For more information visit: www.bettshow.com

Rock Band is a house favourite at Gooii so, after a Christmas spent with Rock Band 3 and the new keyboard peripheral, it’s a bit of a shock to hear that developers Harmonix have been sold for $50. That’s about the same price as a new game. Unfortunately Harmonix, who developed the original Guitar Hero franchise and the excellent Dance Central for Kinect, has been hit by the consumer’s recent lack of interest in the rhythm action genre.

While $50 may seem like a bargain Columbus Nova who purchased the campany from Viacom have taken on all debts associated with the lack of recent sales. Fortunately Harmonix have said they are “hard at work on some unannounced projects that we think you’re going to be pumped about… We are excited to be returning to our roots as an independent and privately-owned studio”

For more info visit: http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-01-04-rock-band-dev-sold-for-USD50-report

The war of ‘which is better’ is a long and boring one. Friendships have been lost, enemies made and family feuds initiated, all because one person believes the 360 is better than the PS3 (which it is). But one area where Sony is striking ahead is internet TV. As well TV Catchup working very nicely through the browser and the BBC iPlayer having its best iteration, this week sees the release of ITV Player and 4oD for the PS3. Brilliant. I’ll never miss an episode of Peepshow or a Corrie tram crash again. A quick tip, although not available through the dashboard, browsing to five.tv will allow you to use channel Five’s player too.

The alternative for 360 owners is the Xbox Sky player, which requires Xbox Live Gold and subsription to Sky.