Dec 21, 2017 | Computer technology, Humor
It’s four days until Christmas. But you don’t know to get that person on your list. However, you do know you’re not getting anybody that $1,000 iPhone X. At least I hope not. But here are last minute holiday tech gifts: for 2017.
One of the biggest IT support gadget crazes this year is the voice assistant. And if you think it’s too expensive, then Google and Amazon can help your dilemma. Because both Google Home Mini and Amazon Echo Dot go for as little as $30. However, if you must get an expensive smart phone this year, help then keep it safe and clean. You can do that with an Speck case for as little as $20.
Now this next one is a little controversial for my taste. I say that because it’s a tracker. But it isn’t to track people…necessarily. Trackers like Tile Mate helps that person who is always misplacing stuff, like keys, wallet, phone, etc… (hey, don’t look at me…okay who are we kidding…I’m guilty as sin with this one!). This Bluetooth tracker will help you find where it is. It can even do it on silent mode. This is really helpful if you’re in the movies, church, or business meeting.
And I can’t talk about gift giving without talking about entertainment gifts. There are gift cards for Apple, Spotify, Netflix, Hulu, and even Comixology. Because even in our computer service shop, there is somebody who can’t get enough comic books. Let’s face it…wherever there are computer geeks, there are those who can’t get enough comics. These are just a handful of ideas that I came across. And guess what the cool thing is? You can get these gifts for well under $50. Think about it. That’s less than 5% of that dreaded thing you were about to get somebody. Plus, is there anybody even worth a $1,000 iPhone? What are your last minute holiday tech gifts?
Merry Christmas!
Dec 20, 2017 | internet
As recently as 2005, digital ad spending didn’t even make $5 billion?a year. In fact, as recently as 2010, advertisers didn’t spend $10 billion on digital ads. So?seven years ago, they?spent much of their efforts?on 20th century style ads (phone book, radio, TV, billboards, etc.). But how things are changing!
In 2017, digital ad spending reached past $40 million. That’s a first; it’s also a 23% increase from 2016. So that’s not enough? Well, mobile ad spending increased as well. In fact, it makes up for the majority of online ads. Furthermore, social media advertising flourished. Because in 2017, that industry grew to nine and a half billion dollars. Facebook and Google (this includes You Tube) lead the charge.
However, digital ad spending isn’t for mega corporations anymore. Small businesses spent 75% more on advertising in 2017. Most of that is going to digital ads, like social media, mobile, and programming ads. One research group is growing even further. They say that the majority of digital ad spending comes from mom and pop stores than Fortune 500 companies. And many are using self-serving tools for their digital ads. However, all the progress isn’t good progress. Because of this trend, some IT service corporations, like Mashable, are laying off employees. I mean lots of them.
What does this have to do with computer serving? I can answer that from experience. When I started in this?computer repair?industry the mid-2Triple000s, the phone book was our main source of advertising. Needless to say, we haven’t used that strategy in years. In fact, I don’t know the last time anybody around here used a phone book (this is not to knock phone books, so if you’re in that industry, I’m not disrespecting you). But it’s obvious to everybody that IT support is playing a far bigger role than it did just ten years ago. How many people do you want to reach in a short period: a few hundred or a few million?
Dec 18, 2017 | internet
Can fake Twitter accounts cause terrorism? I ask that because UK legal and academic leaders are. In fact, they’re conducting a study on it. This study is also in the wake of UK terror in 2017. For instance, there was the Manchester tragedy in May that took dozens of innocent lives.
But back to this study. Some say turning social media into a weapon is more detail than they thought. They also used 30 million pieces of data from all social media. However, they focused on fake Russian twitter accounts. Because four of these played a role in four British terror attacks in 2017.
So according to their studies, some used these accounts to influence debate after the accounts. And I doubt this was the healthy kind of debate. Furthermore, these fake accounts are good at targeting ‘sympathetic’ groups. Whether these is sympathy towards the victims or the attackers, I am not certain. Their purpose is to try and stir up emotion. But remember, researchers aren’t the only one studying such accounts. Because some in Congress still speculate if such Twitter accounts, especially from Russia, influenced last year’s election.
Can fake Twitter accounts cause terrorism? I think these researchers tell us what most of us in computer service and computer repair already know. There are bad guys out there who use social media for evil purposes. And a lot them aren’t living in some mountain cave, either. Some of these forces are so sophisticated it would blow most people away. That’s the real concern. In the days after such tragedies, some did use social media to support and pray for the victims. That’s awesome. But how many used social media to do the opposite? And where did they come from?
We at Geek Choice send our thoughts and condolences to all affected by today’s fatal train crash in Washington state and their families. May you all be comforted in your suffering.
Dec 14, 2017 | internet, News, Security
Last week, I shared a concern of mine and many in the computer repair and/or IT service industry. So today, that concern came true. Breaking: They repealed net neutrality.
Literally just hours ago, the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) voted 3-2 to repeal net neutrality. I should also tell you the vote was among party lines. So who led the charge to get rid of net neutrality? We can thank (I mean that sarcastically) FCC Chairman Ajit Pai. His proposal got this ball in motion. Then we can thank mega corporations like Comcast for backing this ruling. They are probably the only winners in this round.
Yes, many in the public fought to keep net neutrality alive. But so did many Democrats in Washington. Furthermore, many in Hollywood didn’t want the ruling we’re getting today. If that isn’t enough, then keep in mind many in Silicon Valley don’t want this. Companies like Facebook and Google/Alphabet screamed to keep Obama’s 2015 Internet rules in place. Even after the ruling, many on both sides have plenty to say. For example, FCC official and Democrat?Mignon Clyburn says Republicans pretty much handed the Internet to a few mega corporations. However, Pai sees things a lot different. He says Obama’s rules slowed competition and this will free up service providers.
But do you know how hard it is to start an ISP today? It’s not hard; it’s nearly impossible. I don’t want to make this is political thing. But I agree with Clyburn on this one. I fear if you let the cats away, then the rats will play. Many also fear now there is nothing stopping the big boys from charging whatever they want to whoever they want. I also worry there is nothing stopping the big boys from censoring whatever they want. Some say consumers won’t see any changes…yet. However, I know some of my readers support this decision. I want to hear from you. Breaking: They repealed net neutrality. How is going to benefit us?
Dec 13, 2017 | General
Obviously, Alabama dominates the news today, and not for IT support, either. But I think I should do a blog that involves both Alabama and IT service. So what do I find? Target buys Alabama company Shipt.
Shipt is a same day grocery delivery service. It also uses Google Express and Voice to enhance this experience. However, Target is buying them out for $550 million. Furthermore, it’s all cash. So there’s no confusing stock exchanges. Keep in mind Target is the second most popular retail chain after Walmart (let’s leave Amazon out of this; just for today!). Shipt will still run as it’s own business. However, it will still be under Target’s rule.
Shipt started in Birmingham, Alabama’s largest city. Bill Smith, a Birmingham native, started it in 2014. It took off almost as soon as Smith started it. Smith’s ever increasing family inspired him to start Shipt. Because having groceries delivered is one less thing this father of two has to worry about. Now that it’s under target, deliveries will no longer just includes groceries. But it will now include computer products and electronics. This online service has over 20,000 online shoppers depending on deliveries. With Target, that number will increase. It will increase a lot.
You know I’m not a fan of mergers. But in this case, I take my hat off to Bill Smith. First of all, this would make Smith a hometown hero. This is a man who brings opportunities to his city. That is awesome. Yes, he will keep his job as Shipt CEO. I think it’s a good thing Target buys Alabama company Shipt. Because a few days ago, the UN gave a report that wasn’t nearly as flattering. He here’s to hoping this purchase and this company shatters that report. I’m also thinking: Shouldn’t this merger make as much news as the two politicians are?
Dec 12, 2017 | Entertainment
Did you know back in 2000, defunct video store chain Blockbuster rejected an offer to buy a struggling Netflix? But now, streaming IT service Netflix rakes in billions a year. Meanwhile, those under 18 can’t even remember Blockbuster. Also, people watch one billion hours a week on Netflix.
However, this is according to Netflix’s own blog post. As of September 2017, Netflix has over 109 million subscribers globally. About half of them are in the USA. But let’s take a look at how far Netflix came in just two years. Because in December 2015, they had just under 75 million subscribers around the world. Those viewers watch around 43 billion hours that year. I was no math major, but play with those stats, and you see more people are watching more Netflix.
This could mean good or bad news for competitors, and there are a lot in 2017. We have Hulu, Amazon Prime, and also several others. Furthermore, I have to admit, some of Hulu’s own shows are very good. And a lot of my computer repair colleagues like the HBO GO show Silicon Valley.? This is good because Netflix shows the potential of streaming entertainment. Think about it…one billion hours a week. I don’t know how much Amazon Prime has, but I doubt it’s that many. That’s the bad news. How can they compete with 109 million subscribers and a billion hours a week? You know they’re going to try.
Stockholders must be happy with this news. Because Netflix stocks went up 50% this year. However, not all the news is good about Netflix. Sexual assault scandals affected the company. In fact, one of it’s most popular shows, House of Cards, is now in limbo. But Netflix is going strong and shows no signs of slowing down. I can think of some prime time TV shows they should bring to Netflix. I’m sure some of you can too. What will 2018 hold for the most popular streaming service in the world?
Dec 11, 2017 | News, Security
It’s been 90 years since Charles Lindbergh’s first transatlantic flight from New York to Paris. But all this time later, airplanes are still venerable. So now, there are new threats. Can drones bring down planes?
The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) thinks so. In fact, they think drone strikes could be even worse the bird strikes. I saw a video on CBS news that was fairly chilling. It was of a drone crashing into a city skyscraper. It was minor, no injuries or damages except for a now defunct drone. But you gotta ask what if? What if that drone was high enough to get to an airplane?
Because researchers are asking the same questions. Furthermore, they showed a cartoon of a drone flying into an engine fan blade. If that were to happen in real life (I pray it never does), then that engine could fail. But that’s not the only concern. Researchers also did a cartoon of a small drone hitting the tail. It was enough to rip through the skin. So far in 2017, pilots saw over 2,000 drones from the cockpit. Already, that’s a 20% increase from 2016. Drones are becoming more popular in every aspect of life, from government to business to recreation. The fear is these sightings are bound to increase in the years to come.
I heard one government official say this is a tragedy just waiting to happen. I agree. What do we in IT service do about it? First of all, we need to raise awareness of the dangers this can cause. Just like we in computer repair warn of viruses and malware, let’s do the same for this. Can drones bring down planes? I don’t know. But more to the point, let’s never, ever find out the hard way! Follow the FAA rules when it comes to drones. They’re not there for killjoy, but to keep us all alive and safe. And use plain common sense as well. What will you do about it?
Dec 10, 2017 | internet
I’m not into the whole fortune telling thing, but you don’t need a crystal ball for this. Our online freedoms and equality are at stake. A couple of upcoming decisions have me, my computer repair colleagues, and others nervous. The Internet’s future; I doubt it’s good.
So let’s look at the plot to kill net neutrality. If this dies, then you can kiss Internet free market and competitive pricing goodbye. Also, consider Internet big boys like Comcast and AT&T. Think of how much money and effort they spent trying to kill net neutrality. This alone should be an omen to us all. Furthermore, we in America already pay more for less, compared to most countries. Imagine what it will be if net neutrality dies. Remember, when the cats are away the rats will play.
So this isn’t my only worry for the Internet’s future. They want to kill The Lifeline Program as well. This helps provide Internet access to low income households around the country. In the 1980s, President Ronald Reagan started this program. Because even back then, he knew how critical communication technology was. And how much more critical is it three decades later? However, even with The Lifeline Program, low-income consumers get less access than their middle class and wealthy counterparts. So can you imagine what it would be if they took The Lifeline Program out?
It’s scary enough every time I read the news, there’s another merger or major buyout. It concerns me that if these two programs go, then so will online freedoms. Now some will say, “Don’t worry. The ISP’s will do the right thing”. I’m not so sure. There’s a reason Comcast and AT&T are so big: they make money by any means necessary! Sure; it’s great capitalism. But corporations are not people!? Do you think they care about a level playing field or making sure everybody gets Internet access? The IT service and ISP industry is as dog eat dog as they come. These big boys aren’t dogs; they’re werewolves! Am I being too harsh or paranoid here?
Dec 9, 2017 | Uncategorized
Are you a commuter? Okay, in one way or another, I guess we all are. But what I mean is, do you use a public transit system to get around? If so, then Google Maps wants to help. Google Maps helps commuters.
So this new feature gives you live guidance and times of your trip. They also give you updates while you’re on your journey. For those of you with Androids, like me, this feature can appear on your lock screen. However, you have to do your part to take advantage. It’s fairly simple to do.
First, go to Google Maps. Then, search for your local transit directions. In layman’s terms, just type in your starting point and your destination as usual. Don’t forget to select the ‘transit’ option (usually appears as a streetcar). Then, and here’s the new part, it will give you a ‘start’ button on the bottom of the screen. That button gives you details and expected times on your train or bus. For instance, if you’re taking the A train from Main St. to Smith Square. This new service will tell you what time the next train will get there. It will also tell you how long the trip will take.
This is going to help a lot of people here in Boston. Our computer service shop is in a very urban neighborhood, and public transit is crucial to everyday life. I can say the same thing for other major cities around the country and world as well. Many of these commuters also work in IT service or support in some capacity. I don’t think this will be for everyone. However, keep in mind tens of millions of Americans live in cities where at least 20% of the population use public transit. This is how Google Maps helps commuters. Will it help you?
Dec 8, 2017 | General
Do you own Bitcoin? Would you like to? You may be out of luck because as of 10am today, one Bitcoin costs you over $16,260. It’s also driving up popularity on some apps. The Bitcoin craze drives apps’ popularity.
So take apps like Coinbase. This company is worth over a billion and a half dollars. Furthermore, what’s driving their success is the exchange from cash to crypto currency. I say cash because silver and gold don’t back our US dollar, but supply and demand does. That means people, at least those who can afford to, are trading dollars for Bitcoin. It’s also the same story globally.
Now, Coinbase has the #1 most popular app in the Apple Store. So when Bitcoin jumps 20% in 24 hours, it’s natural that Coinbase will take advantage of this. In fact, this app is so popular it literally shut down. We can thank unbelievable demand for that. So many people wanted Bitcoin that the entire website shut down. But yesterday was yesterday and today is today. Today, Coinbase is up and open for business again. However, this isn’t the first time. Early this year, apps either selling and/or promoting Bitcoin shut down for the same reason. And that was back when Bitcoin was around $2,000.
The IT service industry never ceases to amaze me. Some call this the new dot com bubble. I know of one client who came to our computer service shop and invested in Bitcoin. That was around May 2017. So he must be making a killing. However, we need to be careful. Yes, the Bitcoin craze drives apps’ popularity. But let us not forget history. The Bitcoin party isn’t going to last forever. It’s even slipping a little today. In the late 2000s, it was the housing market, in the early 2000s, it was the dot com that burst. Back in 1929 , it was easy credit and shady stocks that caused a chain of disaster. Are you sure you want to invest in Bitcoin?
