Jul 17, 2018 | Entertainment
So Netflix got a report card of sorts. It’s not a good one. Netflix is slipping. But what are they going to do about it?
So here is the report card. Netflix added fewer subscribers than their stockholders hoped for. It also fell behind their own forecasts for Q2 2018. In fact, some graphs and charts show they added the fewest new subscribers in a year. These aren’t just minor setbacks. Because these setbacks are so bad that they had to knock off $10 billion of their budget. The last time I checked, a few minutes before, Netflix’s stock prices are down over 8%. They’re bracing for their worst day on Wall Street in two years.
This comes as a very bad time for Netflix (when is a good time for this). They’re spending billions on original content. They want to build a fan base, and hope to outdo Comcast. Furthermore, another graph shows that Netflix is slipping. In fact, their ratings are the lowest in several months. Netflix leaders assure shareholders about long-term successes. They have a point. Netflix has a hecka good 2017. In fact, graphs show Q4 2017 was the quarter of Netflix’s life. Then you have the shares. Just a month ago, they were at an all-time high.
But you know what I’ve learned in the IT service and IT support game? It’s not about what you did yesterday. That’s history. Where are you going? That’s what counts. But Netflix overcame hardships before. Remember the North Korea movie controversy? Also, in the spring of 2016, they had a Netflix drop in number of subscribers. But after that, they went through a huge boom. But it looks like the boom is ending. So I don’t think Netflix stockholders should panic. Netfix is slipping right now. I think they will bounce back and hopefully, beat Comcast. What do you think?
Jul 16, 2018 | Computer technology, News
So back in 2005, Congress looked for a way to strengthen ID credibility. They did it because the 9/11/2001 hijackers used fake ID’s. They came up with? The Real ID Act. Now, it will soon take effect. The Real ID: Technology in driver’s licences.
So all?Americans will need this ID by October 2020. This Real ID is a federal compliant state ID or drivers licence. To get it, you will need the following: social security card, birth certificate, and two proofs of your state residence. The RMV/DMV places across America are taking this seriously. In fact, the RMV near our computer service shop closed down for three business days just to set up the technology they need for this.
But what does this have to do with IT support or computer technology? With this Real ID, they will put your information in a federal database. This help the federal government can track you wherever you go. Does that sound like science fiction? Then why are RMV’s all across America getting new computer systems just for this ID transition? They’re switching from the ALARS to ATLAS systems. Some say they will even scan your face and put your facial features in this database. I don’t have proof if they will or won’t. But look at how popular facial recognition technology is today. It’s possible.
However, here are some facts. If you don’t get a Real ID by October 1, 2020, then you won’t be able to do a lot things you take for granted. You won’t be able to board a flight, international or domestic. Also, you won’t be able to enter any government building. This includes city halls and courtrooms. If you work at a nuclear power facility, then you won’t be able to go there either. It seems like they’re really going to make us get the real ID, whether we want to or not. What do you think of the real ID?
Jul 13, 2018 | Uncategorized
So do you work for Amazon and Walmart? If yes, then you better read up. Because Amazon and Walmart could have plans to watch you.
The two biggest retail giants in America plan to use IT support and computer technology to keep their people in line. In early 2018, Amazon started making smart wristbands. So at a warehouse, they can make sure there are no idol hands. It has ultrasound devices and enough room to hold the data they collect on you. It even buzzes them about break times. Thankfully, they never put this patent to use…yet.
Then there is Walmart, who has one even better (notice the sarcasm). They have a patent that includes audio surveillance. That means they can listen to employees and customer conversations without the knowledge and approval of either. These sensors can even pick up bag rustling. So don’t try to whisper. They’ll pick that up, too. With customers’ voices, they can even tell how long a line is. It also tells how long a cashier is taking to process a customers’ items. They can study the tone of voice to see how friendly the conversation was. Insiders asked Walmart about this; they didn’t confirm or deny it. But this audio surveillance is not out and it’s not being used…yet.
Yes, I now businesses used different methods to keep employees in line for decades, if not centuries. I read that Henry Ford even used spies and hired goons to keep assembly line workers productive. But this is different. Because in Walmart’s case, they’re not just spying on the employee. They’re spying on the customer, too! And not just to catch shoplifters either. Like I said, this scary piece of IT service (if you even want to call it that) isn’t in use…yet. I hope it never will be because it will effect a lot of people. Do you know Walmart is the biggest employer in 2010s America? So how many conversations would they have to listen to?
Jul 12, 2018 | Computer technology
So this week, Apple talks about their new MacBook Pro line. Because for some reason, they failed to elaborate at June 2018’s WWDC conference. Apple’s new MacBook Pro: Help for creative community.
So first, the outside will look about the same. They’ll have the same sizes, Touch Bars, etc. But that’s where the similarities end. It sounds like they really upped their game with software. These machines will have Intel Core I7 or I9. They will also have 4TB hard drives, 32GB of memory and DDR4 memory.? Though they slightly improved the battery, you should expect the same battery life as previous MacBook Pro’s.
But Apple’s New MacBook Pro is trying to reach the creative arts community. In fact, Apple turns to video producers for their critique. Then there is this new chip they call the T2. This chips makes your software even more secure. Also, ‘hey Siri’ will be on these MacBook Pro model. It’s optional, but if you do put Siri on, she’ll give you the same services she does on an iPhone. They’re putting another Iphone X feature on these new Pro’s: True Tone. But you don’t have to wait until Christmas, nor September, for this new generation of Apple’s new MacBook Pro.
Because these new models are already on sale. However, they’re not for bargain hunters. The 13-inch will cost you around $1,800. The 15-inch will cost around $2,400. However, one of our customers and neighbors near our Boston computer service shop just got one. She raves about it. And she’s trying to get her name out there as a singer and video music producer. So it sounds like this caters to her needs. I’m not a MacBook Pro guy, but if you’re thinking about getting one, just know our computer repair experts can help you install it. I know, cheap plug. But would you get a new new McBook pro? Why or why not?
Jul 11, 2018 | Smartphone
So you have an Android device. You also have a long wait somewhere. Then you turn on Netflix, you get problems, to the point you have to cram whole seasons of your favorite shows. They want to fix that. Netflix and Androids: A better combination.
Because Netflix now launches ‘smart downloads’ for Droids. If you already saw an episode, then it will erase that episode so you can see the next one. In fact, it replaces the old episode with the next, new and fresh one. This prevents you from watching the same episode over and over. This also prevents you from filling up your device with unnecessary data.
These kinds of downloads could help make the Netflix and Androids experience easier to maintain. So obviously, you need to get the Netflix app on your Droid first. But after that, you have to be connected to a WiFi system. If you’re not, then the feature won’t work. They do this to keep you from adding too much to your phone and keep your data in check. Believe me, data on any phone, no matter how big and expensive, can add up real quick. It is not clear if Netflix will do the same to Apple and Windows devices and products. At least, it’s not yet clear.
But what if you want to watch the same episodes over and over? When I’m in our Boston computer service shop, there are certain Twilight Zone episodes I like to watch over and over. Our computer repair experts are the same way about other shows. You can switch off this feature anytime. But that’s something to wrestle with. I’m glad the relationship between Netflix and Androids is getting better. But should I accept this smart download feature to save space on my phone? Or should I just save up my favorite episodes and seasons?
