Aug 14, 2018 | Computer technology
So most of you remember Apple just made the trillion dollar mark. I also argued if they want to keep it up, then they need to start selling new products. They must be listening. Because there is a new Apple MacBook. There are also early problems.
So first, the rumor mill says there will be a new Apple MacBook coming out in the months to come. It will either be a MacBook Pro or MacBook Air. Also keep in mind this rumor mill comes from Asia. These same reports say they will be inexpensive MacBook. However, we don’t even know what kind of Macbook it will be. The best candidate will probably be a new 12-inch MacBook. When they say inexpensive, their cheapest form of Apple laptop could start at $999.
But before they start selling and promoting this mysterious new Apple MacBook, they might want to fix what they already have. Because Apple users are already complaining about crackling sounds. According to customers, the strange sound comes from playing audio. So far, Apple, one of the mightiest IT support conglomerates, can’t fix this issue. Furthermore, just last month, new MacBook Pros had a glitch that caused major slowdowns. They did have a software fix for that, eventually.
So now I get it. I can see why Apple is so slow and so hush about releasing new computers. Maybe they should first work on the new machines they have now. If they want to keep having a trillion dollar company, then they need to fix the problems they have now. I guess they do need to release new products too. Because other companies are releasing new products. The way I see it, Apple really is between a rock and a hard place. Although if they do give you problems, we specialize in laptops fixed. Do they fix the problems they have, or do they continue sending new products?
Aug 13, 2018 | News
So you think the US had a good IT support week last week? China had it a little better. Here is China’s wonderful week of IT service.
So, do you know what an E-class supercomputer is? It’s a computer that can match, maybe even exceed, neurons in the human brain. Basically, that means this computer can make hundreds of? trillions of calculations per second. China is on it’s way to completing this supercomputer. In fact, they may be already there. Because they announced their supercomputer Tianhe #3 will be the world’s fastest supercomputer by 2020. They make no bones about it. China wants to break away from America’s dependency on US computers. Will they? Should that concern us if they do?
But wait. Because there is more. Alibaba, the Amazon of China, is now getting into the education profession. This is because they’re creating a new generation of e-commerce workers they can have all to themselves. Also, some of these efforts won’t even come from China. Some will come from neighbors, like Malaysia and Vietnam. This is because these nations are huge supporters of Alibaba, one way or another. So far, they trained over 7,000 people from ten nations. They’re also training businesses.
So what? Why am I writing about China in a Boston, MA, USA computer service shop? China is not only one of our biggest partner, but our competitors as well. Well, thanks to the tariffs, they may be more of a competitor than a partner. It also looks like they’re trying to be more of a competitor and less of a partner. The Chinese leaders themselves said they’re doing this to break away from America, and the American computer systems. Is that why Alibaba is in such a hurry to train more workers? Is that the reason of China’s wonderful week of IT service?
Aug 10, 2018 | Computer technology
So in Japan, there is university professor Hiroshi Ishiguro. One time, he built a top of the line robot of himself. Also, keep in mind this was back in 2010. So keep in mind how far IT support and robotics are now. This is where Ibuki comes in. Meete Ibuki the robot. Are robotics going too far?
So Ibuki is a robot that patterns after a 10 year old boy. It (yes I call it ‘it’ and not ‘he’) has wheels for legs, but the face and hands look eerily human. However, that’s not the scariest thing about Ibuki. It scans for faces. It also uses a half track system for moving around. Ibuki the robot can’t talk, but it blinks and can move it’s head. That is the way it communicates with humans. In fact, I saw a video of Ibuki doing this with it’s creator, Hiroshi Ishiguro. Not only can such robots interact with humans, but with other robots. That is his goal. To have robots communicating with humans as well with other robots. Ibuki has wheels for legs, but he can move around and walk like a human being.
However, keep in mind it’s not completely human. So if you see Ibuki the robot walk down the street, you’ll still know it’s a robot. It has exposed wires for a head and neck. But you and I know this is just the beginning. We see it everywhere, don’t we? From Sophia the robot in Saudi Arabia to Boston Dynamics near our computer service shop, there seems to be a robotic race. It’s a race to make robots look and act more human and animal like on a daily basis. The scary part is, they’re succeeding. How long before they become so intelligent they come after us and want our world for themselves. Are robotics going too far?
Aug 9, 2018 | Computer technology
So many New York City citizens complain IT service ride sharing apps like Uber and Lyft clog up NYC streets. Furthermore, The New York City Council listened. Because now, New York City limits ride sharing apps.
They passed the local law that will slow down licences for ride sharing apps. In fact, the only new ride sharing cars allowed will be for handicapped riders. This law also sets a minimum wage for Uber and Lyft drivers. However, here is a twist. From the looks of things, the majority of NYC ride share drivers approve the bill. But from what I’m reading, Uber and Lyft executives do not.
Yesterday, a group they call Independent Drivers Guild demonstrated outside Citiy Hall. They praised the bill. One person said he hopes this starts a fairer ride sharing industry everywhere. He also stated this prevents ‘gig economies’ from stripping workers of their rights. Meanwhile, Uber and Lyft tried to get drivers to fight this new bill. They say it will lead to fewer drivers. And when you have fewer drivers, then service takes longer because more people are in line. They even proposed a $100 million fund to help drivers who may need assistance.
You can bet this is far from over. Already, they’re trying to find ways to keep up with ride sharing demand and obey these new laws. Sometimes they say, “as New York City goes, so goes the nation”. But I understand the complaints. Outside our Boston computer service shop, I see traffic backed up and frustrated drivers stalled. All because one ride sharing driver is waiting for one Uber/Lyft customer. Also on other busy streets, they can back traffic up because ride sharing drivers pick up customers, causing back-ups. So yes I understand the complaining. Here is what you can do. Customers, please wait outside promptly for your driver. When he/she comes, get in the car quickly so you guys can go on and traffic can go on. New York City limits ride sharing apps. Should other US cities?
Aug 8, 2018 | Smartphone
So as most of us know, Amazon recently acquired health-friendly grocery chain Whole Foods. It also appears Amazon is clearly making Whole Foods theirs. First, they peddle all things Amazon. Then, Amazon begins grocery pickup at Whole Foods.
But first, here is how it works. This service will be for Amazon Prime customers only. The two test stores will be in Virginia Beach, VA and Sacramento, CA.? Sorry to my Boston computer service shop customers. But fret not. Because within a year, Amazon wants to extend this service to Whole Foods’ across America. You pick out your groceries with Amazon Prime. Then wait about an hour. After that, you go to your nearest Whole Foods and an employee will bring your groceries to your car window. If your grocery bill is over $35, then it’s free. But if it’s under $35, then they will add a $1.99 fee.
However, if you can’t wait an hour, then for an extra $4.99, they will expedite the process to 30 minutes. The pick up services are available during their hours: 8am to 10pm. So far, the service is embraced by those who have small children, and would rather not chase after them in grocery store aisles. Then say see the candy aisle or snack aisle and say, “Can we get? Let us have. Gimme that.”. This way, the parent or child doesn’t leave their car. It’s also popular with people who don’t even have time to go grocery shopping. Keep in mind many Americans are busier than ever, so that means less and less people do have time to go grocery shopping.
Which is really sad. IT support has to come to the point where they pick out our groceries for us then deliver it to us. Sorry, but I won’t be asking for this service. I actually like going to the store and getting things to my liking. What if they pick up the wrong thing? What if the grocers never get your order right? Amazon begins grocery pickup at Whole Foods. Will you sign up?
