Sep 26, 2014 | Entertainment, General
The year 2014 has been a crazy year for NBA team Los Angeles Clippers, and not because they made the Playoffs again. Last spring, former owner Donald Sterling was forced to resign over racist comments that leaked to the media and public. What does this have to do with technology?
This is where the rest of the story comes in. Former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer is new the LA Clippers owner. If I’m not mistaken, this is the first time a former CEO/President of a major technical based corporation is also owner of a major sports franchise.? But Ballmer already appears to be throwing his weight around. According to a Reuters article, Ballmer feels some players and coaches aren’t on Windows. Clippers coach Doc Rivers said, maybe jokingly or not, “We are probably going to get rid of these iPads, aren?t we?” Steve Ballmer replied, “Yeah, we probably are.” I highly doubt the new Clippers owner was joking about that one. So this coming NBA season, don’t be surprise to see all Clippers personnel using devices like Surface tablets, whether they want to or not. Why should we be surprised? Some reports say Ballmer won’t even let his own family use Apple products.
I appreciate loyalty as good as anybody. If Steve Ballmer wants to represent his old company, may he be blessed at doing so. But to refuse or ban your own company from doing so is crossing the line. What Ballmer should do is encourage his players and Clippers staff to switch to Windows products on their own. Do a cool demonstration and show how the Surface is better than the iPad. Be the salesman he is. Maybe this is how Ballmer is going to get the organization off Apple. I hope it is. But I don’t like how this is leading: a potential forcing a entire team to switch to one brand. Now I know some people say, “It’s his team. He can do whatever he wants.” But tell me, how would you like to be forced to switch technical brands just because the new CEO said so?
Sep 26, 2014 | Entertainment, General, News
Not everything we blog about here at Geek Choice has to do with that nasty virus on your computer. We have feelings, and know when we’ve seen something great, and real, that we may never see in our lifetime again. Derek Jeter isn’t just a New York Yankee or a ?Major League Baseball player, he is what the MLB wants to be. Derek Jeter is what MLB should be, and lets be honest, Derek Jeter is who we should all strive to be in our life’s endeavors.
Last night I sat down in my office/gaming man cave (set up by Geek Choice), turned on my iPad and put on my Beat’s Headphones so I could drown out planet earth for 3-4 hours and take a ride much greater than I could have expected. I just wanted to see my hero one last time at Yankee Stadium, because after 22 years, Derek Jeter was playing his last game at the house that HE BUILT. It didn’t start off great, as the visiting Baltimore Orioles blasted 2 home runs and took a 2-0 in the top of the first inning. Including a HR during Jeter’s last roll call, so disaster was in the air. But fret not, Captain Jeter showed he had a little bit of magic left on this day, blasting a run scoring double off of the wall, and later tying the game later that inning by scoring. GAME ON!
The middle of the game was relatively uneventful, until Jeter stepped to the plate in the 7th inning with the bases loaded. He hit a slow roller and made it tough for the SS who threw it into right field, scoring 2 runs, eventually leading to a 5-2 Yankee lead. This looked to be Jeter’s last at bat, as their Closer David Robertson, is as solid as they come, But not on this night. They gave up 3 runs tying the game at 5, and honestly I had never been more excited. I would get to see my hero, 1 more time, and know THIS IS IT.
Derek Jeter’s Final At Bat
The first batter gets a hit, then Brett Gardner bunts him over to 2nd, setting it all up. Derek Jeter, the Yankee Captain, my hero, and the man of the night was stepping to the plate. You could see it on his face, fighting back tears, not everyone gets this opportunity, this was his moment and he would not disappoint. I woke my 4 year old son out of bed, put him in my lap and told him “watch this Alex, this is what magic really is.” With tears in my eyes I watched in awe, as Derek Jeter slapped a base hit into right field, scoring the winning run for the Yankees 1 more time. It was AWESOME, I have watched the clip around 50 times already, I can’t tear myself away from it. I just witnessed magic, greatness and real joy from a man that has brought so much of it into my home.
After the game Derek Jeter announced that he would be playing his final weekend in Boston at Fenway Park, which I will be attending, but he wont be playing SS. He wants to leave that memory there, and what a memory it was…RE2PECT
Sep 25, 2014 | Computer technology, Security
How many of you remember the Heartbleed bug? Now, a bug has been discovered that could make Heartbleed look like child’s play.
In the last 24 hours, a bug called Bash, some call it Shellshock, has been disclosed. The are several reasons computer security experts are concerned. It can interact and mingle with other software suddenly and unexpectedly. Things like Internet-enabled cameras are especially venerable. Bash is a bug that has been around for a long time, unlike Heartbleed. So older machines are further at risk. Heartbleed can only hit new machines, which could be easily patched. Bash can infect old machines and systems, which can’t be patched. That’s what makes it potentially more potent than Bash. Now that’s the bad news. But there’s no need to panic or rush to fix this new bug. So far, security experts say no primary service has been hit and primary services aren’t venerable. But you should scan your networks for old versions, especially Apache.
This is what I meant when I said Bash, or Shellshock, could make Heartbleed look like child’s play, I’m not trying to spread panic or fear. I just believe it’s our duty to report potential dangers as we see it, and to tell people what they can do to remain safe. For example, if you saw an oncoming car approaching a loved one, wouldn’t you do what you can to get him or her out of the way? But this sounds like a good time to patch new systems and get updated versions of old machines and systems. This has been a security alert: bash bug message. What can you do to keep your machine safe?
Sep 24, 2014 | Computer technology, internet
It’s been a lifelong dream for technology gurus like Facebok CEO Mark Zuckerburg for every person in the world to have Internet access. And they’re using every resource they can to make that happen, even potential drones.
Social media giants like Facebook and Google are determined to use air technology like high altitude balloons and drones. But even Facebook leaders say this is going to be a great challenge. But Connectivity Lab and Internet.org, created by the inventors and higher ups of Facebook, are determined to release solar drones that they insists can connect billions of people to the Internet, especially those in poor and remote areas who wouldn’t have online access otherwise. And these aren’t just another version of your typical commercial jet airliner. These balloons and drones will have to fly above weather and all air circumstances, as high as 60,000-90,000 above sea level. If they get too much lower, inclement weather could easily impact, if not destroy, these air devices. Then there are the regulations, like one human must operate every drone. But Connectivity Lab is very optimistic. They’re so optimistic in fact they’re going to start testing next year. It’s not known where, but they’ve got 21 places between Africa, Asia and Central/South America they’re looking at. It successful, there will have drones all over in 5 years or less.
I respect what they’re doing in principal. In 2014, every person on Earth should have at least the opportunity to experience the Internet, something we Americans all but take for granted. They may not like it, but at least they should have the opportunity. But questions arise. Where are they going to find the manpower to fly one drone/balloon per person? And how are they going to convince lawmakers to give them the legal wiggle room they need? And what about privacy rights and concerns? Will these drones even make it off the ground?
Sep 23, 2014 | Entertainment
Early this year, Apple acquired Beats for $3 billion. This deal may or may not have made Dr. Dre the first billionaire in the hip-hop world. But many are wondering what now? What is the fate of this Apple and Beats relationship?
Some are reporting Apple is planning to put Beats on the shelf altogether. That’s not true. I’m not sure how that rumor came about, but even those reporting it say that Apple is not planning on shutting Beats down. In fact,? Apple CEO Tim Cook already boasts and brags about the Beats subscription program that’s been put together. Through that plan, one can get all-you-can- handle music for $10 a month. What’s more likely to happen is the Beats/Apple alliance will modify in the months to come. It could even involve changing the Beats Music Brand. What changes might be made? I guess we’ll all have to wait and see.
But I’m still puzzled about how all this ‘end of Beats’ talk came from. During the September 9 press conference, Beats wasn’t mentioned. The iPhone 6 and 6 Plus didn’t come with any Beats apps. It doesn’t look like it will be part of the iWatch either. In fact, Beats hasn’t made much noise at all since this acquisition. But still, Apple spent 3 billion dollars on Beats. Wouldn’t it be silly to just not do anything with it? That’s like buying a $50,000 car and never driving it, or a $2 million dollar home and never living in it, or a $5 million dollar luxury private jet and still insist on flying commercial. Apple didn’t get to be one of the top companies in the world by making silly decisions. So for those of us in the blogging or online journalism game, it’s so important for us to get our facts straight before releasing a report. But what will become of Beats in the months to come?
Sep 22, 2014 | General, Wireless
It’ s pretty much the same old story, only more of it. Every smartphone store I passed by this weekend, lines were out the door. I’m just glad they had a kiosk so I could run in and pay my bill without the madness. And according to numbers, this weekend’s madness tops all others.
Numbers just released by Apple say the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus sold over ten million combined units in a 72 hour period. This sets a new record. And the US isn’t the only nation to thank, or blame, depending on the way you look at it. Australia, Canada, Japan, France and other nations took part as well. And this is probably just the beginning for iPhone 6 and 6 Plus domination. On September 26, these phones will be released in 20 more nations and in 115 nations by December 31, 2014. I will give Apple credit; this phone has it all. It’s got HD cameras, lightning speed wireless technology, fingerprint ID technology to protect from hackers, and you can even use it as a credit card thanks to Apple Pay. I will admit the prices aren’t bad either. One can get an iPhone 6 and 6 Plus for as little as $200-$300.
Now it’s easy for some to say the US, Canada and the first wave of nations are smartphone obsessed and consumer obsessed. But wait until China, India and BRIC nations’ turn for the iPhone 6. I wouldn’t be surprised to see to see fights break out over this. It’s happened before. But my question is why would anybody risk long lines and potential tempers just for this smartphone? It isn’t just the cool features. Something deeper is going on. Maybe you got to be the first one on your block to get it. Maybe it’s for bragging rights among family, friends and colleagues. I’m sorry, but I don’t have that urge. I’ll just wait a week or two or three and wait for the lines to get low. So if you’re one of those who just have to have the iPhone 6 or 6 Plus on the first day or weekend, why?
Sep 21, 2014 | Entertainment
Do you remember several months ago I talked about the ongoing beef between online mega conglomerate Amazon and publishing company Hachette over e-book cost and distribution? There’s been some who are urging peace. But in a later move I just found out about, it doesn’t look like peace is coming anytime soon.
Every year around this time, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos hosts a retreat in New Mexico for authors to attend. Writers from every walk of life come because hey, when the owner of the company that sells nearly half of all books around the world calls, you should take heed. Besides, authors really enjoy these retreats; of course they’re asked to take a vow of silence about retreat activities. This year it’s going to be a little different. Apparently, some authors with ties to Hachette haven’t been invited this year. Others have opted not to come in order to show solidarity with Hachette. One of those writers is world renown best selling author James Patterson, who stated even if invited back this year, he wouldn’t attend. Months ago, Patterson openly criticized Bezos for his dealings with Hatchette, even claiming Amazon needs to be stopped by any means necessary. Even science fiction writer Hugh Howey, who defended Amazon, isn’t coming. They’re several others that are off the list, either by choice or by force, but they’re not talking.
From what I’ve read, these retreats are nice: the peace, the food, the parties, the pool, the connections being made. But I’m wondering if these writers are being told, “I control many of the books you sell. I can practically make or break you. You better yield to me or else.” E-books are selling at a far faster clip than paperbacks are, and Amazon by far controls that market. Is that the real reason so many want to go to this retreat? Is that the reason so few are willing to speak out against it?
Sep 20, 2014 | General
Imagine a huge technological product coming out. You mark it on your calendar. You take the day off because you’re going to be waiting in line for it. You even have your waiting in line strategy planned. But just days before the big day, you have to postpone such plans.
People all over China are finding themselves in that predicament. The much anticipated Xbox One was supposed to be released in China September 23, 2014. That date has suddenly been postponed. Not only that, Microsoft isn’t saying why. That’s going to add even more anxiety to the situation. They just said in a statement, ” …we are going to need more a bit more time to deliver the best experiences possible for our fans in China.” The statement goes on to hint Xbox One won’t be in China until the end of 2014. The price is expected to be around $600, that’s about 3,700 yuan in Chinese money. They promised those who already ordered will be the first to get the console, whenever the release date may be. They will also get an added bonus. Microsoft is cooperating with 25 game developers and 4,000 retailers in all the metro cities throughout People’s Republic of China.
I don’t know who dropped the ball here, China, Microsoft or both. But I find it interesting that China didn’t even allow foreign based video game consoles in their country until 2000. I find it odd Xbox One is being delayed and no reason is being given. If I didn’t know any better, I think the Chinese government is behind this whole thing. Why do I even talk about China? Well, it’s the fastest growing economy in the world and is fast growing in technological advancement. So for this nation not to get it’s Xbox One on time is worth reporting. Plus, there’s still a lot of censorship in this nation. Could that have something to do with this sudden Xbox delay?
Sep 19, 2014 | Malware, News, Security, Software
It happened again. Another major corporation got hacked. This time it was Home Depot, and it wasn’t pocket change.
Back on September 8, Home Depot confirmed over 56 million credit/debit cards may have been compromised between April and September 2014. Home Depot franchises throughout the US and Canada are affected.? According to a Home Depot spokesperson, hackers used homemade software to cover their tracks. Home Depot has been cyber attacked before, and the culprits didn’t want to use the same malware again to evade accountability. But the thing that got me was Home Depot had warnings. After last year’s hacks, the company’s security agents warned the company to strengthen it’s cyber defense. All they had to do was use a certain security software feature that would have added protection to cashier aisles when customers’ cards were swiped. And this is in their own documents.? During the Sept. 8 confirmation, they revealed after the mass hacking, consumers’ information was put on the cyber black market for sale. While the malware that caused this was found and taken out, Home Depot is looking at a $62 million dollar bill to recover this mess.
Now, they’re talking about a security project that will enhance major encryption in US and Canadian stores. Too bad for Canadian stores that they won’t have this encryption until early 2015. I’m glad something is being done now, but for 56 million accounts, it’s too little too late. What makes this more frustrating is that Home Depot had a chance to make their cyber security systems stronger, but didn’t. Would it have totally prevented this crime? That’s debatable. But some security experts say it would have eliminated 95% of the threat. But the point is, I’d rather have them implement extra security measures and have nothing happen than fail to heed the warnings and have this happen. Shouldn’t the powers that be at Home Depot be ashamed of themselves?
Sep 19, 2014 | Computer technology, email, Entertainment, Software, Wireless
So all the rage today is going to be about the iPhone 6. I know it, you know it, but fret not, ye who are not eligible for an upgrade on their iPhone 5S, it’s not all that bad. ?iOS 8 is here for all iPhone models. I am currently downloading it for my iPhone 5s, and I am boiling with excitement. Honestly the only difference that we are going to see between my old iPhone and the new iPhone 6 is the better camera, the fact that the screen is bigger, thinner and it has an optional 128 GB HDD. Other than that, my phone will still have the camera improvements, Quicktype keyboard, Health App, Spotlight and Mail improvements, a newly renovated Siri along with map improvements and of course the most important upgrade of all BUG FIXES. We here at Geek Choice?have compiled a list of all of the iOS 8 upgrades for you to peruse and check out. Make sure you go on your phone and download the new iOS 8 and have a blast with it!
If you are thinking of buying the new iPhone 6 you can read our iPhone 6 launch blog?and check out all the cool features.
?iOS 8 Message improvements
o??? Smart editing tools to adjust light and color with a swipe
o??? Fine-tune controls?to adjust exposure, brightness, contrast, highlights, shadows and more
o??? Search by date, location, or album name or use smart suggestions
o??? Smart albums for Slo-mo videos, Bursts, Panoramas, and Time-lapse
o??? Third-party photo filters and editing tools supported directly in Photos
o??? Your photos and metadata from iPhoto will be migrated to Photos. Books, Journals and Slideshows will be converted to albums containing only photos.?iPhoto for iOS is not supported on devices running iOS 8 or later.
Camera improvements
o??? Time-lapse mode
o??? Capture timer
o??? Adjust exposure with a simple nudge to lighten or darken a photo prior to capture
o??? Burst mode on front facing camera on iPhone 5s
o??? Panorama for iPad Air and iPad mini with Retina display
QuickType keyboard
o??? Predictive typing personalized to your writing style, and customized based on the recipient and the app
o??? Predictive is available in English (Australia, Canada, UK, US), French (Canada, France, Switzerland), German (Germany, Switzerland), Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish, Thai
o??? Third-party keyboard support
iOS 8 Health app
o??? New Health app with easy-to-read dashboard of health and fitness data
o??? Ability to share health data with apps to provide a more comprehensive way to manage your health and fitness
o??? Add a Medical ID with information about allergies, medical conditions, and more with the option to make accessible from the lock screen
o??? Available on iPhone and iPod touch
Family Sharing
o??? Share iTunes, iBooks, and App Store purchases with up to six members of your family.
o??? Pay for family purchases with a single credit card and approve purchases by children with Ask to Buy
o??? Easily share family photos, a family calendar, locations and more
iCloud Drive
o??? Store all your documents in iCloud and access them from your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, or PC
o??? Share the same file across multiple compatible apps
o??? Edits you make on one device update on all your devices automatically
Continuity features so your iPhone, iPad, and Mac work together more seamlessly
o??? Handoff to continue what you?re doing as you move from one device to another
o??? Make and receive calls and send and receive SMS or MMS messages on your iPad or Mac
o??? Instant Hotspot to automatically use your cellular connection to get online with your other devices
o??? AirDrop compatibility with OS X Yosemite
o??? Available on iPhone 5 or later, iPad (4th generation), iPad Air, iPad mini, and iPod touch (5th generation)
Spotlight improvements
o??? Displays suggestions from Wikipedia entries, places nearby, movies (US only), popular web sites, App Store, iTunes Store and iBooks Store
o??? Safari also supports Spotlight suggestions alongside Top Hit and search suggestions
o??? Supported for local languages in US, UK, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland
Mail improvements
o??? Easily jump between drafts and your inbox with a simple swipe down on the draft
o??? Intelligent suggestions for Calendar events and Contacts
o??? VIP threads
Siri improvements
o??? Improvements to responsiveness, reliability and accuracy
o??? ?Hey, Siri? option to initiate Siri using just your voice when your device is plugged in
o??? Streaming voice recognition
o??? Works with Shazam to answer ?What song is playing??
o??? Purchase content from iTunes Store
Safari improvements
o??? DuckDuckGo search engine support
o??? Private browsing per tab
o??? Subscribe to RSS feeds in Shared Links
o??? Use Camera to scan and enter credit card info
Maps improvements
o??? Flyover city tours
o??? Maps place cards in Phone and Contacts
o??? Inline map view and travel time notifications for Calendar events
App Store improvements
o??? New Explore tab for easier category browsing
o??? Top trending searches displayed in Search tab
o??? Scrolling search results
o??? App video previews
o??? Expanded data protection to Calendar, Contacts, Messages, Reminders, and Notes in addition to Mail and 3rd-party apps
o??? Per message S/MIME email controls
o??? Improved UI to make it easier for users to understand the remote management of their device
o??? Automatic reply for Exchange
o??? Free/busy lookup for Calendar invitations
o??? MDM Managed books can be automatically pushed to users
Accessibility?features
o??? Redesigned Zoom with one-handed control and multiple zoom modes including picture-in-picture
o??? Built-in timer and Touch ID support for Guided Access
o??? Speak Screen to read out contents of the screen via gesture or Siri command
o??? VoiceOver improvements including Alex voice option and Braille input support
o??? Multi-device support for MFi hearing aids to seamlessly switch from one paired iOS device to another
Bug fixes
