Dec 10, 2018 | Computer technology
So, Domino’s Pizza is filling up potholes. Yes, they’re helping fight a crisis on our roadways. But the IT service?industry is doing it’s part. They’re not just warning, but they’re doing something about it. Tech companies warn of road potholes.
So they call the company RoadBotics. They use computer technology to determine which roads has the most cracks, potholes, and other hazards. Furthermore, they’re already testing this in Savannah, Georgia. The first thing RoadBotics did is surveyed every road in the city. And I mean all 700 miles of them. They partnered with the city to do this. Then, they use smartphones to take pictures of these roads.
They also use deep learning and AI technology to show what roads are good and which ones are not. Just like traffic lights, the roads in green dots show roads in good conditions. But the roads in yellow are just in ok condition. However, the roads in red means they are full of potholes and cracks. Savannah leaders praise RoadBotics’ efforts. One of them says this totally changes the road assessment game for Savannah. But of course, you know the city or state government didn’t fund all of this. In fact, I’m not sure if they funded any of it, or how much.
This is where investors like Urban-X comes in. They’re a startup company that backs IT support companies trying to make urban life better. I think they found a winner here. Who wouldn’t want a warning of which roads are in better condition? The pothole issue sure didn’t start with our generation (although by now, it should sure end with it). Even the Romans would send officials to see which holes they needed to fix. I hope this reaches other cities. In computer repair, we’ve had tech get in car trouble over bad potholes. Now, tech companies warn of road potholes. Do you hope this comes to a road near you?
Dec 7, 2018 | Computer technology, Security
So let’s face it. Facial recognition is a controversial subject in the IT service? and IT support community. Some say it helps keep us safe and protects us from terrorists and hackers. But others say it’s another step towards privacy invasion. Microsoft addresses it all. Microsoft and facial recognition: What does it mean?
So in July 2018, Microsoft President Brad Smith wrote a blog. This blog talked about all things facial recognition, the good and the bad. He also said the company worked on a set of rules to control this new technology. But now, let’s fast forward six months to today. Yes, Smith wrote another blog post addressing facial recognition.
However, in this one, he laid out six principles that will guide Microsoft’s ambitions. They include things like fairness, consent, and accountability. They also include a term, ‘lawful surveillance’. But to Micorsoft’s credit, they are asking everybody’s opinion about this. This includes everyone, from employees, customers, lawyers, law officials, even some political leaders. They talked about other concerns too. Racial profiling is a huge one. It also seems like they want to ensure ‘human control’ of this before this controls them. Microsoft will spend much of early 2019 asking for people’s say about this.
It seems Microsoft is saying and doing all the right things. I applaud them for it. I hope they keep this up. Plus, I hope they don’t do what Amazon did. They sold their facial recognition programs to the law. Some may say this is a good idea, but I don’t. I think this gives both Amazon and law enforcement too much powers. I’m not the only one. At least with this case, Microsoft is asking for people’s input, and people from all walks of life. Of all the tech companies who control facial recognition technology, Microsoft is being the most democratic about it. Microsoft and facial recognition: What does this mean? Did you know the Real ID coming out will involve facial recognition technology?
Dec 6, 2018 | youtube
So Forbes Magazine came out with 2018’s highest paid You Tube stars. It is an interesting list. Some of these guys cause controversy, some launched music careers. But one is only seven years old!
So let’s start with the more controversial ones. For example, there’s Logan Paul. His video features pranks and dare-devil like stunts. But back in January, he filmed a video, with a man hanging from a tree in the background as a result from a suicide. You Tube offed him from their Preferred program, which gives You Tubers great status with advertisers. He lost a few subscribers as well. But he bounced back nicely. Because his 2018 You Tube pay is 14.5 million dollars.
Then there is PewDiePie, a Swedish gamer. Last year, he got in trouble because of some anti-Semetic remarks. He quickly made thing up. Now, advertisers are back and his channel is going strong. In 2018, his channel made him $15.5 million. There is Jacksepticeye. He critiques video games, but his strong language can raise eyebrows sometimes. However, not only did his strong language earn him $16 million in 2018, but it got him a series, with, of all companies, Disney.
Second on the list is Jake Paul, Logan Paul’s younger brother. His rap songs got over 3.5 billion views.? These songs helped him get over 21.5 million dollars in 2018. I see everybody on this list is under 30. Also, many people on this list are gamers. Many people in the IT service and computer repair industry are passionate gamers, so maybe they’re onto something. But the top of 2018’s highest paid You Tube stars is only 7! His name is Ryan and his channel is Ryan ToysReview. He plays with and reviews toys. He has over 17 million subscribers and counting. In fact, his line of collectibles are selling like hotcakes at Walmart. In 2018, You Tube made him over $22 million! I skipped a lot of people on the list, but who is your favorite You Tube star?
Dec 5, 2018 | Computer technology, Entertainment
So people my age remember those Pepsi vs Coke challenge commercials. Furthermore, what’s this I hear about Burger King offering one cent whoppers to one up rival McDonald’s? I bring this up because there’s nothing new in throwing shade at your rival. But now, IT service is doing it. Microsoft vs Apple: Battle for the commercial.
So let’s look at Microsoft’s Surface Go commercial. It’s set to the tune of Christmas classic, “Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer”.? A 10-year-old girl sings about wanting a Surface Go, urging her grandmother not to buy an iPad. The iPad was good when she was 6, but now she needs a ‘real computer’. The girl wants a real computer to do coding and save the manatees, and only Surface Go can help her. Dang, iPad!
However, the iPad Pro threw a little shade of it’s own. Their commercial also features a kid, somewhere between 10-13 years old. He’s doing everything on this iPad all day long: studying, talking with friends, buying food, and researching. An adult neighbor sees him on his iPad in the backyard. Then she asks, “What are you doing on your computer?”. The kid replies, “What’s a computer?”. This hints that the PC, which Microsoft helped start, is becoming so obsolete that today’s kids don’t even know what a computer is.
Between these two commercials, I think Microsoft Surface Go wins this one. I give it to them because trust me, as someone who works in computer repair, the PC ‘computer’ era isn’t dead. Obviously, more people are on mobile devices. But most people will tell you their desktop is equally as important. Will it be by 2025? That I don’t know. Also, Microsoft’s commercial had a little subtle social commentary. The girl talked about wanting to do coding. Keep in mind there’s a push to get girls and young women interested into coding and bridge the gap between men and women in IT. And Microsoft Surface can do that better than iPad, or so the commercial says. Who do you think wins Microsoft vs Apple: Battle for the commercial?
Dec 4, 2018 | internet
So we all know the Christmas carol ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’. Well, Amazon is getting in the spirit…well, whatever that means to them. The #1 IT service and #1 retail site in the world has Amazon’s twelve days of Christmas.
So today is Amazon’s twelve days of Christmas. But I must tell you…it started yesterday. However, it will go on until December 13. Each day will feature gift themes and items. Each day, they will give deep discounts on certain items for the daily category. For example, yesterday was home improvement day. So if you needed a deep discount on home improvement items, then that day is gone.
So today is gaming day. That’s going to excite a lot of us in the computer repair industry. Today, there will be deep discounts on all things gaming. Another exciting day for us computer servicing folks will be Thursday the 6th. That’s PC day. That’s when you can get all things PC: desktops, monitors, Windows gear, and everything else. So to all our Geek Choice customers, mark Thursday, December 6 to get your supplies. And obviously, give us a call to help you set it up. Other themed days include toys (that’s tomorrow, parents), electronics, sports, kitchen, and fashion.
This is a way to keep the magic of Black Friday alive. This is also a way to keep the competition at bay. If Amazon sets a certain day for certain items, then people are more likely to target that day for this group of items. But did you miss home improvement day? You’re still in luck. Because you can go to your local home improvement store and still get that tool set for that loved one. Okay, that’s a little nudge about supporting local businesses. But yes, I can see how these 12 days of Christmas can be successful. Will you be celebrating Amazon’s twelve days of Christmas?
Dec 3, 2018 | Computer technology
So AI technology now determines, or at least studies, human health. It even studies our proteins. Now then, let’s look at AI technology and proteins.
So we can thank DeepMind, Google’s AI creation, for this. They’re using DeepMind’s 3D structures to study human protein molecules, even down to the genetics. They even look at the protein designs and how amino acids work with each other. But why invest so much into these studies? Because they say understanding proteins will help with bioengineering.? They also say it will help improve diagnosing and fighting diseases in the future. However, it’s easier to write about than actually do.
They’re using this IT service and IT support through two methods. I’m by no means a scientists, but I’ll try to explain the methods. One is studying the distance between pairs of amino acids (click this link to learn more about amino acids). The other is looking at their angles. It used these methods to look at protein structures. DeepMind isn’t claiming success yet. But they do claim, “early success in protein folding”. They also admit this is very early in these studies and there is a lot of work left to do. However, they credit AI and machine learning for helping them get this far.
Like I said, I am no scientist. You don’t want to know what was on my report card in that subject (sigh…Mom was right again!). But I see pictures of AI technology and proteins and they are pretty cool. And they really are using this for good, like studying diseases. I can only hope that this could be used for treatment and cures. We often read about AI technology and what evil it could produce. And yes, there is a lot of evil AI technology can produce. But it can produce a lot of good as well. What do you think of AI technology and proteins?
Nov 30, 2018 | News
So did you stay at a Marriott, Hyatt, Sheraton, or W hotel recently? When I recently, I mean the last several years. Then you better be on guard. Because someone breached Starwood hotels (this includes Marriott, Hyatt, Sheraton, W, LeMeridian, etc…).
Back on November 19, Starwood Hotel leaders say an ‘unauthorized party’ got, then compromised data. But wait…there’s more. Because some of this data goes back to 2014. There are over 320 million pieces of info on the line. This includes names, emails, phone numbers, addresses, and passport numbers. This also includes your travel information, like when you stayed and where you stayed and how long you stayed.
Am I scaring you yet? Just keep reading. Because they also say can’t rule out credit card data. What are they doing about it? Well, they issued a statement. They said they’re answering every question through their call center and website. They’re also working with police and other local law officials to track down the offenders. But I don’t know if this point is the scariest and most promising. They say they are ‘phasing out’ the old IT support and reservation system with a new one. I hope this new one is a better system. Because what’s there to say the new one is going to be worse than the old one?
Forgive my cynicism. However, this isn’t the first time someone breached Starwood Hotels. In fact, somebody did this three time in three years. Back in 2016, Starwood and Marriott merged. Together, they have well over 6,000 hotel buildings in over 110 countries. We don’t know which countries got hit, but I’m guessing the USA is one of them. We know, little, or anything about the hackers, or hacking group. Could it be an inside job? Could it be a foreign enemy? Or maybe could it be a theft? Or maybe, just maybe, could this be a practice run for something far more sinister in the future?
Nov 14, 2018 | News
So for months, Americans asked one question, even us computer repair folks. Where will Amazon place it’s new headquarters? Over 20 cities competed for the role, including Boston. But now, it seems we have our answer. This is breaking news: Amazon chooses new headquarters.
However, it’s not just one city. First, Amazon leaders said they will build a new facility in NYC’s Queens. This will hold around 25,000 new employees. Then there is greater Washington, DC; they shouldn’t feel left out. Because they’re going to build a second facility in Northern Virginia. That N. Virginia town is Arlington, literally right next door to DC across the Potomac River. But we do know these are the two winners of the Amazon new headquarters race. Maybe 2 1/2. Because Nashville, Tennessee gets an Amazon hub as well. That hub will create around 5,000 for that city.
According to IT support king Jeff Bezos himself, they chose these places because he believes these cities will provide world class talent. He also believes these places will be best to attract customers for years and decades to come. These places beat out 17 other places, including Chicago, Los Angeles, the Silicon Valley area, and their home town of Seattle. All 3 places already have low unemployment rates. For example, Nashville’s unemployment rate is only 3%.
So what about the losers? Personally, I’m glad Silicon Valley didn’t get it. Jobs there are so competitive and rents and cost of living is so high. Coffee can costs $20 a cup. Maybe it’s a good thing they didn’t choose their hometown of Seattle as well. Also, I’m happy they chose 2 1/2 places (Nashville being the half) instead of just one. However, I wish they would have chosen a place where there was a little less known. That way, Amazon could build up that pool. But congratulations to Queens, Arlington and Nashville. This is how Amazon chooses new headquarters. Which city would you choose?
Nov 12, 2018 | News
So over the last few days, the worst wildfires of all-time hit both sides of California. Not only that, but dozens are dead, thousands are running for their lives, and there seems to be little end in sight. But what is IT support doing about it? It’s IT service verses California wildfire.
Friday, on the first full day of the fire, Apple’s Tim Cook tweeted his prayers. He also said the company is donating. But he didn’t say how much or what Apple is donating. Facebook is helping out as well. They have their Safety Check people, in which people could can mark themselves safe in this disasters. In fact, some of my FB friends used this to let us know their families are safe. Furthermore, the social media giant pledged to donate $250,000 to the American Red Cross. Google’s sending support to the direct fire zones their SOS alerts. Here’s an ironic thing: A couple of weeks ago, Google donated $1 million to help firefighters cope with stress and trauma. They’re surely going to need it now.
Then there’s Cisco. They will match donations up to $25,000 and give it to the American Red Cross. Twitter pledges it’s help through communication means. They will use efforts to coordinate with local leaders, first respondents, and local media to let people know which neighborhoods are safe. Also, they’ll let people know which ones to avoid. If you’d like to pitch in, Go Fund Me can help. Here is a link that will update you on this disaster and tell you where and how you can donate. There are just a few ways it’s IT service verses California wildfire. Other tech companies are doing more. After all, it is their home state, for the most part. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by these wildfires. Stay safe out there.
Oct 30, 2018 | General
So yes, I know Apple is having their live event show right now. I also know Apple is promoting many of their latest products. Furthermore, I know many of our computer repair customers can’t get enough Apple (for reasons I can’t understand). But I want to talk about Twitter. Twitter doubles character count, but not use.
So remember last year, when Twitter doubled the maximum character count from 140 to 280? They thought this would boost Twitter use, because not even the NFL could do that. However, neither does doubling the character count. In fact, it doesn’t change anything at all. For instance, only 12% of all tweets surpass 140 characters. Only one percent even made it to 280 characters.
Here’s something else. When Twitter’s maximum count was 140, the average tweet was only 34 characters. Not that twitter doubles character count, the average tweet is only 33 characters. Maybe I should be more clear. Because while people aren’t using the new maximum count, people are using Twitter more. The number of tweets going out increased 30% since this new ruling. And responses to these tweets are going up as well. This is what we know of English speaking tweets. They’re still working on those of other languages, but they’re expecting the same results worldwide.
However, this is the most astonishing stat, and in a good way. The phrases ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ have increased since Twitter doubles character count. On the surface, that might not sound like much. But in this era where this is so much division, hatred and strife, hearing the phrase ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ more often is a huge step up! It even gives me hope for humanity. Also, keep in mind how much people use twitter and other IT services for trolling and other stuff. So yes, Twitter use itself is increasing. But is Twitter benefiting from other uses?
