Dec 28, 2018 | Computer technology
So did you hear? This is the third year in a row the US life expectancy rate declined. This is the first time this happened since the 1910s, the decade of World War 1 and the Spanish Flu. Many say this is because of the drug crisis, especially opiates. But there is IT support technology that wants to help fight this crisis. This wristband fights opiate crisis.
The name of this wristband is HopeBand. It detects low blood oxygen levels, a huge sign of drug overdoses. Then it sounds an alarm if this happens and if the person is in danger. A team of students at Carnegie Mellon University? in Pittsburgh invented HopeBand. In an interview,HopeBand co-founder Rashmi Kalkunte compared HopeBand to a friend who knows when you’re in imminent danger. Then the friend will call for help when danger comes.
But it does more than sound the alarm. It also gives the wearer’s current location and address. This alert can do two things. It can give the wearer ample time to call, give the dispatcher the exact location, and tell them the exact emergency. It can also give them time to to take naloxone. That’s a medicine that reverses the overdose. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) did approve HopeBand. It also won third prize at a prestigious Health 2.0 conference in September 2018. They’re already giving these wristbands out for free to opiate users in exchange for their needles. This is part of a local prevention program in Pittsburgh. But the ultimate dream is to sell them for around $20 a piece to the public everywhere.
This is how this wristband fights opiate crisis. It couldn’t have come at a more urgent time. The statistics are alarming and heartbreaking. Opiate addiction tripled from what it was in 2000. In 2017 alone, around 72,000 people died from drug overdoses, 30,000 of them from Fentanyl. Let’s put this in perspective. Some 72,000 Americans died from opiates in a year. That’s more than the entire amount of Americans soldiers killed during the nine years of involvement in the Vietnam War. That’s how real this epidemic is and I’m glad a young IT service firm is doing something about it. Can this wristband fight the opiate crisis?
Dec 27, 2018 | Entertainment
So as many as you know, we here in computer repair love our video games. But we’re not the only ones. Because 2018 is a great year for gaming. In fact, you can say this is an epic year for Epic Games.
Yes, I’m talking about the gaming company Epic Games. Epic made over $15 billion in profit this year. Furthermore, they can thank their latest video game, the popular Fortnite for this. Fornite alone made over $3 billion in profit. Fornite is kinda like Hunger Games with a twist, and it is so addictive! I guess I’m not the only one who thinks so.
Because this isn’t just one of the games of 2018. This is the game of 2018. Epic has a 27-year history (they were founded in 1991), and this is their most successful game yet. Nobody at Epic is bragging about Fortnite’s success. But people estimate it has 125 million players. To put that in perspective, if Fornite were it’s own nation, then it would be one of the largest in the world. Fornite is free for gamers. But they make money by selling digital items. Then there are the investors from the US to China, who in the last few years, poured over 1.4 billion into Epic. No wonder why this is an Epic year for Epic Games.
Epic Games doesn’t make all their money through Fornite. They have a whole host of others to choose from. In fact, you can shop for them all at the Epic Store. Guess where Epic Games is growing fastest? You guessed it, China. In fact, they estimate China could make up to 40% of their overall numbers. One thing I credit Epic Games for is spreading their product to all gaming and computer service systems. We’re talking from XBox to Playstation, from PC’s to Mac’s, from Apple’s to Google/Androids. Is this part of the reason why they’re so successful?
Dec 21, 2018 | General
So this is an IT service blog, right? Then why am I talking about Nike shoes? Because I for one find IT support and Nike an interesting combination.
Some time ago, Nike brought out self-lacing sneakers. However, now they’re bringing it back. That’s right. With these sneakers, the computer technology will lace them up for you. First of all, these are cheaper. The old price was $720. These new ones will be $350. It sounds like a lot for shoes, and it is. But keep in mind some people pay more for Air Jordans?that you still have to lace yourself.
We don’t know much about these self-lacing shoes. As I stated, the two main things are they are #350, and they will be out sometime in 2019. So cross them off your 2018 list now, they’re not coming this year. Sorry about that. Nike’s CEO Mark Parker calls it “A smart shoe designed for the perfect fit.” He also shared his dream of turning his product, high end sneakers, into a high end digital product. They tried back in 2016, with the Hyper Adapt. It didn’t make much noise. But I don’t have to tell you how much technology can change in less than three years.
But I will say this: lowering the price is the first step. Just because you add some technology to it doesn’t mean people will automatically buy it. Not everybody can build the iPhone X. So I applaud them for cutting the price in half. Now when it comes to lacing shoes of any kind, I absolutely hate it. Some other people do, too. However, some shoe enthusiast love lacing these shoes. In fact, it’s what some live for. So how are they going to convince them about this IT support and Nike combination? Will people pay $350 for self-lacing smart shoes?
Dec 20, 2018 | News
So today, our Justice Dept. just made chilling accusations against China. Also, note that I said chilling,? but not shocking, when you think of US/China relations lately. It’s US Justice Department vs Chinese Government spies.
So they accused China’s Ministry of State Security of hacking into government agencies and mega tech companies. But they’re mission isn’t to steal money or ID’s. In fact, it’s worse. Because they say Chinese spies are stealing information and intelligence. They blame a hacking group from Beijing they call the APT 10. Both gov’t and private security groups linked this group to some very powerful people in China.
But wait…there’s more. The US Justice Dept. indicted?Zhu Hua and Zhang Shilong, who both are residents of China, on everything from fraud to theft. We don’t know which company was hit. However, they named activities of such companies. Such activities include space, technology, aviation, medicine, and computer processing. Allegedly, they put on malware using corrupt Microsoft data. Then, they used keyloggers to steal people’s passwords, break into accounts, and do anything they wanted. There’s more. Because the indictment said they stole info from over 100,000 Navy soldiers. It’s not clear how much time the hackers could face, or even if this makes it to trial. Because of how hard it is to expedite suspects from China back to the US.
Naturally, leaders from China deny everything. However, other nations, like Japan and Australia, back up the US claims. I don’t know or suspsect anything. But look at the timing here. This happens in the middle of an intense trade war between the two nations. This war affects everything from farming to computer servicing. In fat, a few of our computer repair clients have to wait longer for parts from China. I wonder why. But this just shows how how volatile it’s getting between these two power nations. This is the US Justice Department vs Chinese Government Spies. What else could this lead to?
Dec 19, 2018 | Uncategorized
So it’s six weeks before Christmas. And after the news like the stock market downturn and potential government shutdown, you could use some happy. So here is some IT support and computer servicing happy: Google Assistant and Christmas movie classic combines 2018 tech and holiday nostalgia.
So we all either remember or saw Home Alone, right? Well, it’s back. But only this time, Kevin McCalister aka Macauley Culkin, is a grown man. And once again, he’s home alone. However this time, he’s not really alone. It’s not Uncle Frank or Buzz with him, but it’s Google Assistant. And Culkin and Google Assistant spoof on Home Alone scenes that many of us remember in this Google Assistant commercial.
Let me get my favorite scene out of the way first. Remember in the 1990 movie, when a Micheal Jordan cut board is riding around the train. In the 2018 commercial, it’s Kevin Durant. I thought that was a nice modern twist. Then when Culkin realizes everyone is gone, this time, Google Assistant tells him that he’s home alone. The rest of the commercial continues to spoof the movie. He jumps on the bed, then hurts his back. Then Google tells him the pizza is here while he watches the movie (the ‘Keep the Change Ya Filthy Animal’) scene. And of course, while he’s eating the macaroni and cheese, Google lets him know it’s 9:00 and the somebody is pulling up.
Yes, I get this is a cheesy commercial. But it’s all in the name of good Christmas fun. Also, from what I’m reading, Culkin could really use the money…know what I’m saying…ahem. I enjoyed looking at it and hope Culkin does really well with it. It still doesn’t make me want to get a Google Assistant though. That’s how Google Assistant and Christmas movie classic team up. Kevin was the only Home Alone character in this movie. Which other character would you have like to have seen?
Dec 18, 2018 | Wireless
So, it’s officially a week before Christmas Day. But you still can’t figure out what tech or?IT support gift to give. How does a wireless charger sound? Wireless chargers: Last minute holiday gifts.
So you think a wireless charger is too expensive, do you? No, they are not. Because thanks to online shopping electronics store AUKEY, you can get a charger for under $20. First, the AUKEY wireless charger will run you about $13. It will recharge any smart device up to 5W. It’s lightweight, and comes in only one color: black. It also works will all the latest and most recent smartphone models, like iPhone X and Samsung Galaxy S9. After all, you did pay around $1,000 for the most expensive phones (some of our computer repair clients did). So why break the bank even more for a wireless charger?
Then there is the AUKEY fast wireless charger. It will run you around $18. Please that I’m not including any kind of special shipping costs. But this one will charge your smart device at 10W. It also works with all kinds of phones, including the latest ones. It has the same safety features and package goodies as AUKEY”s regular wireless charger. The only thing that’s different is: The fast one charges at twice the speed, for what it’s worth.
However, there is a bit of bad news. Apparently, yesterday and yesterday only, Amazon ran a sale in which they cut these prices in half (just one more reason for me not to like Amazon that much). They could a least have these sales for 3 or 4 days. But these chargers are excellent buys. There will be no more looking for plugs and outlets, though more public places are accommodating that. Furthermore, no more lugging around these wires, because they can be a pain, trust me. In fact, trust anybody on that one. I’m not one bragging about other people’s products, but I think this is a good buy for a Christmas present. Wireless Chargers: Last minute holiday gifts. Does this make a good one?
Dec 17, 2018 | Computer technology
So Friday, I was to catch a plane. However, they delayed my flight for three hours. Thankfully, they let me know from my smartphone. A few extra hours lounging at home is better than long hours of frustration at the airport. But Google Assistant wants to do this as well. Google Assistant and flight delays: Is it necessary?
In fact, Google Assistant wants to go even further. Because they’re now predicting your next potential flight delay. They will use AI algorithms to predict your flight will be delayed. Then, they will notify you on your smartphone. They just came out with this today, but in will be in waves. By February 2019, everyone should have this feature…if you want it.
For example, they can see if an flight before you is going to be late. If it is, then they will tell you that your flight may be late too. Also, they use these algorithms on flight data and patterns. Google tried something like this before. Back in January 2018, they introduced a system that told you about cancellations, not delays. Furthermore, few people know about it. In our computer repair business, not too many people knew about this, either. And believe me, we serve a lot of people who travel a lot and nobody said anything about this January 2018 feature.
So this Google Assistant and flight delays feature: It it necessary? It is not! Here’s why: If your flight is delayed, then chances are somebody will notify you. It could be the airline, the third party booker (like Expedia or Booking.com), etc. As long as you have a smartphone, somebody else will notify you. Also, this Google Assistant feature is all about speculation. What if they tell your flight might be late, but it isn’t? Now you missed your flight all because of Google Assistant’s speculation. Is Google Assistant going to pay your rebooking fees? Are they going to do anything about your frustration at the airport?
Dec 13, 2018 | Computer technology, Security
So in the computer repair industry, many of our customers don’t really want Windows 10. They give several reasons for this. But could they be onto something? Is Windows 10 sending and keeping our data?
So according to a new report from a Reddit user, Windows 10 could be collecting and sending and keeping our data. This is really concerning because Microsoft gave Windows 10 a Privacy Dashboard. This includes secure data security and privacy settings. The Reddit user himself said he still got Activity History data. That means he found out Windows 10 sends his history to Microsoft servers, even though he doesn’t want them to. However, he turned off this app on his machine. Yet, he’s still getting this. Windows 10 need Activity History for their timeline.
People use this app, on all their devices, to see their history of web surfing. But Microsoft keeps that data in a log so it can be ready to reveal your history. In order for this to happen, Windows 10, has to send your history to Microsoft. That raises eyebrows, like it did this Reddit user who brought it up. However, according to How to Geek, you can remedy this. Just set your Windows 10 data collection from Basic to Full. Because in Basic mode, your activity can reach Microsoft servers. But in full mode, it can’t.
This may of be of little concern to a lot of people. But privacy and security are critical issues in IT service these days. For instance, what if a hacker, or somebody with a grudge, breaks into these Windows servers? Then, what is they get this information, and use it to ruin your life? It happens. Or worse, what if a terrorist or foreign enemy, or domestic terrorist here at home, uses this to cause havoc? I’ve thought about that. Is Windows 10 sending and keeping our data?
Dec 12, 2018 | News
So we all know AI/robotic technology is the wave of the IT service and tech future. We may not like it, but we can’t deny it either. We also know it has severe setbacks; an Amazon warehouse is finding that out the hard way. Amazon robot goes wild: Should this shock us?
This all happened at an Amazon warehouse in Robbinsville, New Jersey, about 40 miles northeast of Philadelphia, PA. A robot accidentally opened a can of bear repellent. This nine ounce can had?Capsaican, a powerful poison they use in mace and pepper spray. So as you can imagine, the fumes the employees breathed in were pretty powerful.
They sent 24 workers to local hospitals. In fact, one employee ended up in critical condition. They immediately sent fire and paramedics to the scene. Also, they treated another 30 employees right there in the warehouse. However, there is some good news. They treated and released most of the injured within 24 hours. Then, they were able to give the all clear to the warehouse so it could restart it’s activities. Amazon released a statement about this incident. They thanked the first responders for their quick action and told the public that safety was Amazon’s first concern.
Like I said, thankfully, there were no fatalities and only one major injury. This could be a lot worse. But this does raise questions about robot safety in workplaces. It did for the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union. Their leader said, “Amazon’s automated robots put humans in life-threatening danger today.”. Then he called out Amazon for continuing dangerous labor practices. Well, Amazon certainly got lucky this time. But this isn’t the first time people got hurt while working for the world’s richest corporation. That is a fact. Does Amazon hold so much power that governments and media are too scared to investigate? That’s even scarier. Amazon robot goes wild. Should this shock us?
Dec 11, 2018 | Computer technology
So Go Pro is an IT service firm that makes action cameras. They also make mobile apps and video software. Their targets are people who film extreme sports and other high-risk activities. But they can’t escape the volatile economic world we’re in today. Go Pro vs China: Tariff war warrior or casualty?
So as most of us know, China and the US are in this tariff war. As a result, Go Pro promises to move their manufacturing services out of China. They’re not the only ones, but as huge players in technology, they’re the most vocal. Furthermore, Go Pro says all their building and making operations will be out of China by summer 2019.
Go Pro leaders flat out said they’re doing it because they want to lower their costs. They don’t want to deal with the tariff effects, either. So where are they going? Don’t get too excited or hopeful. Because these manufacturing jobs are not?coming to the USA. However, they mention nations like Vietnam, Thailand and Taiwan. These are China’s neighbors, who will make these cameras at an even lower cost. Go Pro leaders don’t shy away from this. In fact, they brag about owning their own equipment. However, they say they want to make this move at a low cost.
And that’s the catch-22 between this tariff war. Many actually think, or even hope, that this war will eventually bring American jobs back. But I don’t see it happening. And Go Pro isn’t the only one doing this. Because they’re other companies moving their operations out of China. It isn’t even because of the trade wars. This is because China is getting too expensive for some of these companies. In computer repair, when he hear a part is coming from China or that part of the world, it frustrates everybody. Go Pro vs China: Are there any winners here?
