So this may deter from IT service and technology talk. If it does, then please forgive me. But there are 7.71 billion people in the world today. Of those, around 2,800 are billionaires. Then of those, only 145 are worth over $10 billion. Guess how many of those 145 are worth over $100 billion: Only two. These are the two centi-billionaires. Here is the common denominator.
So the common denominator is IT support. The two centi-billionaires are Amazon king Jeff Bezos and Microsoft founder Bill Gates. This is according to a recent Bloomberg report. Jeff Bezos became the first centi-billionaire of all time back in 2017. And in 2018 alone, he made another $9.6 billion (Neither he nor Amazon paid a dime of it in taxes…grrrr!). But now, Bloomberg estimates his overall wealth to be at $146 billion.? Gates is the second man to make the $100 billion mark. In 2018, he made $9.5 billion, despite him retiring from his own company back in 2014. But this was enough to make him the second centi-billionaire of all-time. Bill Gates’ net worth now stands past that mark.
What is the common denominator? Well, they’re both innovators in the computer technology world. In the 1970s, Gates founded Microsoft, and developed software that changed the world. In the 1990s, Bezos sold things through his new website Amazon from his Seattle basement. He changed the way we do retail and commerce forever. Maybe not for the best, if you ask most retail store leaders, but it did change. This goes to show you what an impact computer technology and e-commerce has had on the world. But these two men may not be centi-billionaires for long. Because Gates pledged to give away more of his wealth to worthy causes. This is admirable. Then you have Jeff Bezos, you know, the one going through a divorce. Will he be a centi-billionaire after his soon to be ex-wife gets through with him?
So a few days ago, I did a blog in how earbuds might cause cancer. Yes, there is concern in the IT service world. But it’s not going to deter Apple (nor should it; there’s a lot we don’t know). Let’s introduce the new Apple AirPods.
So earlier today, Apple announced the second generation of their new AirPods. What’s the difference? For one, you can access Siri with your voice, instead of tapping the bud. Also, this one comes with a new wireless charging case. Furthermore, these new AirPods have a new H1 chip, and supports a longer battery life. The first model had W1 chips. But the H1 should make it easier for these AirPods to connect with your other Apple devices.
Now, let’s talk about this new wireless charging case. It can deliver over 24 hours of listening time without ever re-charging. And when you do need it, just put your AirPods over the wireless charger. A new LED signal will show you the charging process. With this wireless charging case, these new Apple Airpods will cost $199. Without the charger, they will cost $159. If you have the first set already, then all you may need is the charging case. That case alone will cost $79. It’s all available at any iStore and most retailers , if not now, then very soon. The online shipping process will begin March 27.
So one thing is obvious. If you have neither, then you may as well get the new Apple AirPods and the wireless charging case as well. I’m liking their attempt to improve battery life. That is so important not only to AirPods, but in all things tech nowadays. Our computer repair techs see it all the time. I guess Apple sees it too. I’m also liking how they’re adding voice controlled technology to the mix. More and more people are moving to that. I’m not, but more people are. I’m not loving the price. But hey, it’s Apple. What do you expect? Would you buy the new Apple AirPods and wireless charging case?
I think that’s the lesson here. Because remember, Amazon asked the city for billions for this to happen. When Amazon asks this, they should know the public outcry will be loud. People from union leaders to congressmen spoke against it, to the point Amazon had to respond…by leaving. Also, Arlington VA, Amazon’s other city, wants community initiatives, that Amazon will pay for, for them to set up shop on ‘National Landing’. Will they?
I hope so. Here are two more finalist cities for Amazon: Toronto, Ontario, Canada and Austin, TX. They gave Amazon no tax breaks. No wonder why we never heard from these cities again in the Amazon race. But many IT service giants are getting the message. Look at Microsoft. They’re investing $500 million in low-income and middle class housing. I wish more Boston area IT support giants did the same. Because everywhere you look in this city, condos for the rich are going up, while the homeless and poverty rate skyrockets. So kudos to Microsoft. Also, kudos to Uber. They’re building new facilities in Toronto, but doing so with the promise of community responsibility. I hope they keep that promise.
Also, keep in mind the times we’re living in. Wealth inequality in this country is at it’s highest since the 1920s. And when people read about how Amazon and Jeff Bezos paid NO?taxes this year. No wonder why so many people are so angry with big tech today. Yes, I am thankful for all big tech gave us. Our life wouldn’t be the same without them. But they can’t keep having the party all we get is the hangover. This is why big tech should focus more on community good. Am I asking too much here?
So in California, there is Meditab. Meditab is a software company that keeps medical records for medical employees and facilities. They also process e-faxes in the medical field. But a problem came up. According to tech media sources like TechCrunch,? a security lapse breaches medical records.
So according to these sources,? it started with a server. This server didn’t have a password. This server leaked thousands of medical records. This includes everything from prescriptions to diagnosis, and then some. If this isn’t enough, then keep in mind Meditab is the best at what they do. At least that’s their reputation. However, in this case, someone failed to fully secure the fax server, with no password. And as the saying goes, “When the cats are away, the rats will play.”.
Since March 2018, Meditab processed over six million medical records. But because somebody didn’t give this server a password, anybody can break in and read other people’s records. So I guess we can be thankful that the breach leaked only thousands of records, instead of millions. Like I said, these faxes included lots of medical information. And I mean intimate information. But they also include things like names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and payment info. What is even scarier? Some of the info was on child patients. Then to add on to the scary, none of this info was encrypted.
That is how this security lapse breaches medical records. Here at Computer Geeks, we tell all clients the importance of password protection. By 2019, this should be computer repair 101. But as we can see, anyone can make an honest mistake. It was a bad one, but an honest one. So far, this is all we know about the breach. I’m talking about this because this can happen to anybody, no matter how big or small your business is. What are other lessons playing out here? And what is Meditab doing about it?
So when I mean here, I mean we can expect it to be on car showrooms by fall 2020. This week, Musk himself revealed it. It is an all-electric car and looks eerily similar to his Model 3. Don’t let the size fool you, because it can fit seven people, or so they say. If the electric car and good room isn’t enough, then maybe the panoramic car roof will entice you.
But wait. There is more. It has a 15-inch touchscreen interface. The Model Y can go for 300 miles without a fill up…I mean…charge up. It reaches speed of up to 130mph. This model goes from o-60mph in about 5.5 seconds. The starting price for this model will be $47,000. That’s cheaper than most luxury cars, and not much more expensive than an average new car. However, you can secure a Model Y with a minimum down payment for $2,500. But I must tell you I’m just describing the Long Range model. Others will be out between 2020-21. Of course, prices and features will vary.
The Tesla Model Y is almost here. In recent years, Musk sold around 500,000 of his Tesla models. While the Model Y has it’s differences, it also has a lot of similarities. Also, a lot of people are getting environmentally conscious. People in the computer repair game sure is. So it has that going for it. Not to mention the see-saw gas prices. How will the Tesla Model Y do? Will this be a hit of flop for Musk?
We at Computer Geeks would like to extend our thoughts, prayers and condolences to the victims and their friends and families of the senseless mass shooting/terrorist attack that occurred in Christchurch, New Zealand today.
