Jun 2, 2013 | News, Security
There’s been a lot of news about Chinese espionage and hacking into US institutions. It’s been a huge concern for our security. In July 2013, there will be talks between the two nations to ease tensions, tensions caused by Chinese hackers getting and selling corporate and government secrets, among other cybercrimes.
This summit will be held in Rancho Mirage, CA and will be attended by U.S. President Barack Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping.?Officials warn us not to get our hopes up. This?isn’t expected to?stop Chinese hacking or espionage, but some regulations?need to be set.?According to one?official, ?”It is a serious issue that cannot simply be swatted away with talking points?. But recently, hackers have stolen information about fighter jets and pipelines. But the Chinese government insists it too is a victim.
I’m glad this summit is happening. China is the fastest growing economy in the world. In fact, I read China bought U.S. food company Smithfield Farms for billions of?dollars. So no one can deny how tight the US/China relationship is. Technology wise, many of our products and smartphones are made there, and many of the consumers are Chinese. Plus, issues that affect both countries will be addressed, like North Korea. But the main thing is finding a way to stop cyber attacks on both nations before they become devastating. Heaven forbid a cyber attack hit our electric grid, oil, or food supply, or other avenues we take for granted for our mere survival. What do you think of this summit and will it help curb the tide of cyber?espionage?
Jun 1, 2013 | Computer technology, News
In the 2002 movie Minority Report, one of the cool features was facial recognition. Now, it seems to be a reality. Google glass is doing something about this dilemma. They refuse to approve a facial?recognition app until privacy?protections are in place.
Facial recognition is a?huge concern. What if you end up giving?more info than you want to, or that info gets in the?wrong hands??They’ve told users and applicants who hope to be approved for Google Glass not to use cameras and microphones for identifying others. This comes in the wake of a congressional hearing Google had over privacy issues. Though facial recognition has been Google’s dream, they seem to be slowly backing away from it. They’re reaching out to third parties but will little success. But until further notice, this app is nothing but a memory.
And I say good for Google! But I also say good for the people. Because of people like you and me raising concern for?privacy issues, Congress had no choice but to take notice. And they did. Now, Google has no choice but to take notice. And they are. But we have to keep the pressure up.?Obviously, I love technology, and I look forward to where it’s going to take us next. But there are?social?issues?that need to be tackled?as well. Do you think this is a good move on Google Glass’ part?
May 28, 2013 | General, News
I heard the majority of Americans get their news from late night TV. I don’t blame them; I see the way mainstream media is going. But Buzz Feed, a social media hub, teams up with CNN and You Tube to bring serious news issues to this demographic.
According to Buzz Feed COO Jon Steinberg, they plan to make 3 video a week for on You Tube. This ‘eight digit’ investment will take two years to carry out. They will use CNN as the mainstream news medium to deliver hard news to the young adult generation. The execs at CNN hopes this will help their medium keep in touch with Millennials.? Buzz Feed will use CNN archives for this new You Tube venture.
Well, I’m glad Buzz Feed is trying to reach this young generation with news. I’m glad it’s real news, not celebrity fluff. I’m tired of these kids who know all about Amanda Bynes and Justin Bieber but don’t even know where Syria is. That has to change, and I’m glad they’re doing something about it. I’m weary of CNN being the news partner in this venture.?I?guess it’s better than MSNBC?and it’s far better than FOX news. But?personally, I wish Buzz Feed teamed up with National Public Radio, RT, or a?more independent news firm.??Let’s face it, there are some?stories mainstream media are not going to tell you that young Americans need to?know. Look at how poorly the?mainstreamers covered the?Dr. Kermit?Gosnell case. So if Buzz Feed really wants be true and legit,?use independent media. Will you?or your?youngsters be turning to BuzzFeed/CNN/You Tube for your news source?
May 26, 2013 | Computer technology, News, Wireless
In San Francisco, there is a tech company called Lambada Labs. They’ve just come up with a facial recognition API for Google Glass. Meanwhile, Google is being grilled by U.S. Congress over privacy issues.
This technology will let you remember people’s faces and find friends in a crowd. This API is already used by over 1,000 developers, including major international corporations. One developer tweeted he was going to use the API to see who was in a room with him. Earlier this month, a U.S. Congressional group called Bi-Partisan Privacy Caucus questioned Google CEO Larry Page about this development. Among the caucus’ concerns were data and pictures being collected against the consent of others and privacy approval for third party apps. According to Google Glass director Steve Lee, ?We?ve?consistently said that we won?t add new face recognition features to our services unless we have strong privacy protections in place.?
At least Congress is trying to do something. While facial recognition isn’t approved in Google’s API policies, it’s not prohibited either. Some may think facial recognition is cute and even needed in today’s society. Like I said before, technologies like facial recognition can be used for good. But it will probably be used for evil. How easy would it be to spy on someone you don’t like, get dirt on that person, and ruin their life? What if this technology gets in the hands of?criminals or even terrorists? Ever consider that? I’m not paranoid, just concerned. Do you think Goolge Glass will see the light?
May 25, 2013 | News
Hulu, the streaming services that gives us our favorite movies and TV shows anytime we want them, is up for sale. Yahoo just purchased Tumblr for over a billion dollars. Now, they want to buy Hulu?
This web pioneer and giant company is looking to purchase some if not all of this streaming service company. Other bidders include?corporate giants include Direct TV and Time Warner. According to reports,?earlier this month, Yahoo CEO Marissa Meyer and COO ?Henrique De Castro met with Hulu executives to get Daily Motion, but this acquirement was forbidden by the French government. Hulu’s owners has put the bidding anywhere between $500 million to two billion dollars.
I say too much too fast. Keep in mind the purchase of Tumblr was by far the largest purchase Yahoo has ever made. And we don’t even know if that’s going to be a success. Are they ready to gamble another billion, or even two, on Hulu? Yes, I know you have to be aggressive in business sometimes, but there’s a difference between aggression and craziness. This is craziness. Plus, bidders like Time Warner know how to run Hulu a little more than Yahoo does. Does this deal between Hulu and Yahoo even make sense at all?
May 23, 2013 | News, Wireless
I used to like flying. I used to like the in-flight meals and the in-flight entertainment, neither of which are common today.? But what is common is the use of devices like smartphones and tablets. Is this the new order of things?
According to a research center at DePaul University, the increase of electronic devices used in flight is up 24 percent in the past year.?At various points throughout the U.S., over a third of passengers?were?on their device during flight?so far in 2013, compared to?less than 18 percent in 2010. This can easily conflict the Federal Aviation Administration’s prohibition of these devices during taxi, takeoff and landing. According to the FAA,?disobedience to this rule, and the disturbances?cause by it, has doubled since 2010. You’re not supposed to use them until the plane is over 10,000 feet, and the pilot is supposed to tell you when that happens. But the disregard for this rule is happening so often that the FAA is?addressing?it at a conference in July.
This is the new order of things. But first off, let’s obey the?10,000 ft.?air rule.?It’s there for a reason. I’d rather put off a?phone call for?15 or 20 minutes than to use my phone, cause a disturbance and?be the cause of a disaster. It’s not worth it. Secondly, flying isn’t what it was in the 1980s and ’90s. It is a much more miserable experience?today, thanks to security?checks, crazy fees, crowded flights, lost baggage, and poor customer service. I can see why people are turning to devices to take their minds off this madness.?I think if the?airlines can improve the flight experience (and some are, that’s why I?only fly certain airlines), that would help the solution.?But will this happen anytime in the future? Can you stay off that smartphone for 20 minutes?
