Nov 27, 2017 | Computer technology
I talked about AI a lot around here. In fact, some say I talk about it a little too much. But this concerns even NASA and tech leaders. AI vs NASA: This is getting realer than real.
So NASA built 3 drones to help them fly high speeds while avoiding crashes. A human pilot ran some of the drones. AI ran others. Then, they raced both. The race showed the AI run drones flew better and was more cautious. It also showed less human flaws. The man who ran his drone said he got tired and mentally drained easy. Though the man’s drone won the race, the AI vs NASA was an eye opener about how powerful AI can be.
The rise of AI worries tech leaders. For instance, Mark Cuban said AI will change everything 180 degrees. Not only did he address the job situation, but it could turn into an international race. He stressed Russia and China compete hard to beat the USA in the AI race. Elon Musk is totally freaking out over AI. He worries AI and humanoid robots can start WW3, which could literally be a human extinction? level event. In a tweet, he said, “In a few years, the bot will move so fast…sweet dreams”. He urges the government to regulate AI and robots like they do alcohol, food and cars.
They’re not the only ones. I watched a special about Boston Dynamics, and it scared some viewers. In fact, one viewer believes Boston Dynamics wants to wipe out the human race. Well, I won’t dare go that far. But us in computer repair and IT support are watching. I’m not as fearful as that one viewer is, but I feel his worry. I agree with Elon Musk. These bots need to be regulated by the government. Because if these bots get in the wrong hands, then who knows what can happen. And if AI can almost beat NASA’s greatest and brightest, then what hope is there for the rest of us?
Nov 26, 2017 | General
What did you do on Black Friday? Did you fight to the death over a $300 laptop? But did I mention we specialize in laptops fixed? However, if you shopped online this weekend, Jeff Bezos thanks you. Because Black Friday makes Jeff Bezos $100 billionaire.
He’s also the first person to be worth 12 digits since Bill Gates did it in 1999. This makes Jeff Bezos the richest man in the world, well, financially. If Amazon shares soared Friday, then so did online sales. In fact, his stock helped him earned over $32 billion in 2017 alone. And now he has the nerve to ask us little people what he should do with that $100 billion?
But I will give Bezos credit. He’s asking the public for help from a philanthropist standpoint. I have a few ideas I’ll share with you soon. In a tweet, Bezos says he wants to help people short term and make a lasting impact. Then he ended the tweet with “requesting ideas”. Bezos seems to be inspired by his $100 billion predecessors, Bill Gates and Warren Buffet. Buffet has The Giving Pledge, Gates has the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Needless to say, Bezos is having the best year ever. His Amazon just acquired Whole Foods, and his voice-assistant Alexa devices are on many a Christmas list. That’s just for starters.
But to fulfill Bezos’ request. One thing he could do is to help the homeless population. Because I read one news article that made me very sad. It states that homelessness in 2017 is now as bad as it was in the 1930s Great Depression. For most people alive today, that’s means we’ve never seen homelessness this bad. I would love to see Jeff Bezos do something about this, whether it’s job creation, building affordable housing, or raising salaries of his company. In fact, I’d love to see all leaders in IT support do something. Black Friday makes Jeff Bezos a $100 billionaire. What should he do with it?
Nov 24, 2017 | Computer technology
Today is Black Friday. At retail stores across the country going mad over the latest products. So yes, this includes IT support gadgets, and all things computers from laptops to the latest smartphones. However, one online, Shopify, that’s keeping up with it all. It’s the Shopify Black Friday madness.
As I write this, I look at Shopify’s global live map.? If you look at it, then you’ll see dots light up on the map. These dots represent retail stores sales. Of course, the majority of dots are blinking in the USA, but some are overseas as well. Technically, the USA is the only nation that celebrates Black Friday. However, the shopping Christmas spirit is global.
You’ll also see lines. These lines represent where the customers are coming from. Here also, the USA dominates. But lots of lines are coming from Europe, Asia, and some even from Australia. So what can you get from watching dots and lines fly everywhere? Maybe not much, but it also tell you how much is selling and at what pace. For example, you can see $300,000 a minute worth of shopping change hands. You can see over 3,300 orders per minute change hands. It even shows what’s selling the most and which cities are doing the most cities.
For those of us who don’t want to be caught in the madness, the Shopify Black Friday madness map is fascinating. It’s definitely is for those looking at a distance. Yes, we can see where the most shopping action is, at least by nation and city. I don’t know if you can minimize it by neighborhood. But I wish they would show the uglier side of Black Friday: the brawls, fights, arrests, mass chaos, and injuries. I don’t say that to sound like some sadist. But as shoppers, we should be aware of where the danger zones are so we can avoid them. And here comes a plug: If you’re getting a laptop, just know we at Geek Choice are experts at laptops fixed.
Be safe and careful out there.
Nov 22, 2017 | News, Security
The year 2017 isn’t a good one for ride sharing giant Uber. First came sexual harassment scandals. But now, there could be an Uber data breach, and a big one. So did somebody hack Uber? That’s the last thing Uber needs.
Numerous news media claim Uber execs hid a data breach. Furthermore, Uber confirms this. Also, they paid the hackers $100,000 in hush money, according to some reports. This happened in October 2016. They say the hackers could have compromised over 57 million accounts worldwide. This includes over 600,000 Uber drivers globally. This info could include credit card numbers, Social security numbers, and birth dates. However, there are no reports of outright theft due to this.
Dana?Khosrowshahi, the new Uber CEO, assured the public they did swift and accurate action to shut down the breach. Dana K. insisted he knew nothing about the security breach. His company also states that uber riders are in no danger, so they don’t need to take action. But what about the Uber drivers? Uber promises emails and letters to warn those drivers who were affected or may be in jeopardy. Uber also offers drivers free credit monitoring and security protection if they need it. But now, even the NY State Attorney General’s Office is investigating.
The only good news is that no theft occurred…yet. And for any IT service based company, that is huge good news! But what troubles me is why did it take Uber, a trusted ride share company, 13 months to tell people. Well, they asked former CEO Travis Kalanik the same thing. Some speculate he knew something, but he declines to comment. That’s just the thing. How did the hackers get $100,000 in hush money. That doesn’t sit right with me, or anybody else in computer repair. And if Kalanik didn’t know anything, then who authorized the payout? And nobody told us why it took them 13 months to make this public. If Uber were my company, I would sound the alarm right away (and in their own way, they kinda did). Did somebody Hack Uber? If so, then who?
We at Geek Choice want to wish you all a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving holiday.
Nov 21, 2017 | Computer technology
Toyota, the car maker, now has a robot. It’s also a humanoid robot; one that can move like humans. So here is more about Toyota T-HR3: The friendly robot, we hope.
They design it to help and assist humans, especially with joint movements and others. With this kind of joint movement, the Toyota T-HR3 can really move like a human being. Then this means they can help with daily tasks, whether it be in hospitals, nursing homes, and other retail places. However, Toyota wants to take this even further, literally. They want the T-HR3 to do work in outer space.
So how does this humanoid robot work? It runs a Master Maneuvering System. The arm and leg covers direct movements to the robots. This lets the user conduct all kinds of motion. In one clip, one person even did an NFL touchdown pose using the robot. A device like the HTC Vice can let the user see from the robot’s eyes. There are also safety measures so your moves don’t interfere with the robots. This should prevent personal injury, or even harm to somebody else. Also, this can also be remotely used.
Yes, the Toyota T-HR3 has a lot of potential. But like all things IT support, it depends on the human being behind it. People can use this to help the disabled, as well as to help disasters like the recent hurricanes and wildfires. And, instead of taking jobs, this can help people with their jobs. For instance, you have caretakers for the sick and disabled. They may not be able to do everything, but these humanoid bots can ease the burden some. It may concern some that these bots can take their jobs. It concerns me too. But no robot, humanoid or otherwise, can replace the human touch. Not even computer repair bots. Do you think the T-HR3 can play nice?
Nov 20, 2017 | Entertainment
I stayed quiet about this sensitive subject for as long as I could. But now, I have to write something. In the last several weeks, sex scandals affect online streaming, especially two very popular shows.
Recently, Kevin Spacey was fired from the Netflix hit show ‘House of Cards’. They fired him because of a sexual assault allegation…from 30 years ago. Actor Anthony Rapp claims Spacey got him drunk and took advantage of him. Keep in mind Rapp was only 14 when he says this happened. But now, Netflix is working around the clock to produce a post-Spacey House of Cards. However, some reports say they can’t fire Spacey because of the scandal. But the way things are looking now, don’t expect to see Spacey on Netflix again.
Then there is Jefferey Tambor. He announced he’s leaving his hit Amazon Studios show, Transparent. He’s leaving because two women accused him of sexual harassment. A former assistant accused Tambor of groping her. Then another producer accused Tambor of lewd remarks and inappropriate touching. Tambor denies any wrongdoing. He states he would never deliberately harass anybody. But like House of Cards, Transparent scrambles to take a main character out of the show.
So what does any of this have to do with IT service? Much! Look at how popular Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Studios are. In the old days, we used to gather around the TV (ok, we still do to some extent). But now, we gather around the desktop and laptop (we specialize in laptops fixed, I know, cheap plug). So now, they will alter two shows, maybe even cancel them all together. I feel these sex scandals are the tip of the iceberg. I hate to say it, but I think many more scandals will come out in the near future. Thus, this will affect even more Netflix and Hulu shows. Keep in mind, House of Cards won Emmys. They paved the way for streaming shows, or at least, made Hollywood take streaming shows seriously. Now, will there even be a House of Cards?
Nov 19, 2017 | Computer technology
A smartwatch can be a powerful tech tool. But can it be a tool for spying? The German government wrestles with this question. So their move was controversial. Germany bans smartwatches from kids.
Furthermore, this includes anyone under the age of 18. Not only that, the German government told parents to destroy the smartwatches they already got their kids. Not return them for a refund, but destroy them! This comes from privacy concerns that are not just in Germany, but in much of Europe. Citizens complain parents used smartphones to spy on their children’s activities. People also complain teens spy on teachers and classmates using smartwatches. Then there are hacking worries.
Also, smartwatches are becoming more popular among children and teens. There is a consumer watchdog group Norwegian Consumer Council. They said parents should think twice before getting any child/teen a smartwatch. They called out four brands. These brands are Gator 2, Tenitell,?Viksfjord and Xplora. At first, the group only suggested banning these four brands. But Germany took it even further. Germany bans smartwatches for kids, and it’s all smartwatches. However, that’s not the only IT service machine Europeans have come after. Because they banned My Friend Cayla. That’s a doll that has a microphone in it that can pick up conversation. And people raised privacy concerns that as well.
Some may say this is a good call. I say it’s a little extreme. Okay, parents and others share concern over privacy issues. I get it. I’m concerned as well. We live in a world where we’re walking on eggshells because we don’t know who is spying on us or what is being picked up. But who is any government to ban smartwatches? This is an Orwellian big brother move. If the German government wants to warn people of smartwatches, then warn them. Don’t take away their right to own one. Today it’s smartwatches. But tomorrow, it could be anything computer technology and computer repair. If a government can take smartwatches away, then what’s next?
Nov 17, 2017 | Security
Ever waited for an important package? But you weren’t home or at your office to receive it? At our computer service shop, we know what that’s like. However, Amazon came up with Amazon Key: Good idea or disaster?
Amazon Key allows Amazon’s couriers to unlock your door to deliver your packages. They can unlock your door through a Cloud Cam. It also needs a smart lock. Because the cloud gives permission for a courier to unlock a smart lock. But first, they have to check it against the cloud. The cloud can check for foul play when the courier delivers the package.
Sounds safe, right? But not so fast! Tech security experts found something evil. Hackers and criminals can mess up the camera using anything with a Wi-Fi connection. For example, a ‘courier’ can have Cloud Cam show only a closed door. However, they can come and go as they please because all you see is the closed door. This opens to door to burglary, if not worse. And keep in mind more burglaries happen during the holiday season than any other time of the year. An Amazon spokesperson insisted Amazon Key is safe. They said every Amazon courier has to pass a background check. In addition to that, Amazon has the technology to make sure they’re at the right address and other security measures.
Sorry, I don’t buy it. Why would you volunteer any stranger to come into your house when you’re not there? I don’t care who or what the circumstance is. History shows even the worst serial killers and terrorists and hackers can pass through background checks. Plus, cyber crimes are getting easier to do. I know Amazon wants to be a part of everybody’s life at all times. But enough is enough! The courier you let in your home, for the most part, is a good person doing his/her job. However, all it takes is one psychopath or sociopath. We don’t know. What I suggest is Amazon arrange a time when a person can be home, just like us in computer repair do. When time is arranged, then they can deliver the package. Would you let a stranger around your kids just to collect a package?
Nov 16, 2017 | Smartphone
About a week from now, Black Friday, the biggest shopping day of the American year, will take place. But people may not be running to the stores this year. In fact, they may be running to their smartphones. Mobile Black Friday: Could 2017 set records?
I ask that because studies show mobile shopping will increase 45% from just 2015. They also expect mobile Black Friday sales to break records. Furthermore, they believe mobile sales will even beat desktop sales, for the first time in history. But here is my favorite statistic. Only 15% of time spent of apps will come from the top five shopping apps. Such shopping apps include Amazon, Ebay, and Etsy.
However, they expect ‘bricks and clicks’ apps to do even better. Ever hear of that term? Those are retailers that have major physical stores and strong apps. So think Walmart, Target, or Barnes & Nobles. These firms should expect to see a 30% growth on time spent on apps. And it’s not just the USA. In nations like UK and Japan, they’re turning to mobile shopping more than ever, and will do so this Christmas season. So if you need your laptops fixed or computer repair so you can do mobile shopping, call us at Geek Choice.
Studies told us how mobile and online shopping will increase. But I wonder why? First of all, people of tired of Black Friday scenes like this. When I was a kid, it was a joy to go retail shopping on Black Friday. But now, it’s a matter of life and death. People nearly fought to the death over a $20 crock pot! Think about that! Who wants to endure that? And who wants to drag their kids into that? Also, more people have smartphones than ever before. These devices have more apps available than ever before. But what about you? Will you shop with your mobile device on Black Friday?
Nov 15, 2017 | Computer technology, Security
The Christmas shopping season is almost here. All things IT service will dominate. Then there is the drone. But people have concerns; one is spying. However, I saw one video that chilled me. Forget spying. Can drones kill you?
There is a drone that can follow a person at the user’s request. It also follows every the person’s every move. Then this drone has a compartment to carry a weapon, as long as it’s under 2.5 pounds. Think about how light weapons are today (like poison). However, this isn’t just military or police drones. You can get this kind of drone in a retail store or online store.
In 2016 alone, American consumers bought 2.5 million drones. You know that number will rise this year because the drone is the ‘it’ toy of computer servicing and technology. That doesn’t include the ones police forces or US military bought, or the ones sold overseas. For example, China sales over 100,000 drones a month. Ever hear of the Skywalker 8? Somebody can pack that with an explosive. Add GPS technology, and a criminal or terrorist mind, and we have disaster. Still not concerned? Check out this episode of Hawaii Five-O. It’s called ‘Nowhere To Hide”. Furthermore, it’s about bad guys using drones and turning them into killing machines on innocent people.
So I know many will say, “You’re crazy”, or “You’re a conspiracy theorist”. Look, I know most people are using drones either for recreation and/or for good. In fact, they used drones to help with hurricane relief efforts. But I’m not talking about the majority here. All it takes is one terrorist, or one group of terrorist. Not only that, but all it takes is one psychopath or sociopath. Then what if you have a few abusive powers in our own government or leadership who won’t hesitate? So can drones kill you? Unfortunately, they can. But what can we do about it?
