Oct 10, 2017 | Computer technology
What if our Boston computer service shop had a secret underground site in…say…Antarctica? Wait…but that wouldn’t make sense. Why would anybody need computer servicing in Antarctica? So I’m rambling on because apparently, there is a secret Snapchat site.
This secret Snapchat site is in Lehi, Utah. It’s about 30 miles south of downtown Salt Lake City. We think they built this because they want to build hardware and apps far away. In this case, far away means the competitors and cut throats of Silicon Valley and other tech hot spots. But what about jobs and manpower?
That’s why they’re looking to BYU (Brigham Young University) to fill that supply. Also, Snapchat hit the jackpot in Utah before. Because BYU students founded Scan.me, a QR coding site. Before too long, Snapchat acquired Scan.me, and turned it into Snapcodes. Then there is IM Flash Technologies. That’s a semi-conductor factory that is in Lehi. Snapchat already told tech media they have a small team in place. Also, they are looking to hire in the local area. The want ads are out. And Snap has had success in Utah before. Can lightning strike twice?
But here is the more pressing question. Is this a trend that’s showing up through all of tech? I ask that because Amazon is looking for a city to place it’s new headquarters. It’s not going to be anywhere near San Francisco, Oakland, or Cupertino. Yesterday, I wrote a blog about how Silicon Valley seems to be in moral meltdown, and gave various reasons. Are even tech companies seeing it? Yes, some believe Snap chose Lehi because they don’t want prying eyes in California looking and copying. But I think there’s a deeper motive here. Let’s face it: Silicon Valley isn’t America’s sweetheart anymore. In fact, some Americans look at that place as an evil elitist pit. I’ve talked to some who feel that way. Is this it? Are tech companies leaving Silicon Valley slowly but surely?
Oct 9, 2017 | General
This past year in Silicon Valley was not a rosy one. Issues from sexual harassment to wealth inequality to racial discrimination to outsourcing showed their ugly heads. There are also issues like fake news, tax cheating and even AI worship. So what’s going on? This is the Silicon Valley moral meltdown: How bad is it?
If you ask venture capitalist and activist Frida K Klein, then she would say it’s real bad. In fact, she asked, “Does anyone even have a moral compass…”. Ouch! But she would know; she began her tech career in Boston in the 1980s. Back then, IT service didn’t control our lives like it does now. There lies part of the problem.
The other part of the problem, at least according to Klein, is greed. I understand where she’s coming from. Back in the 1980s and 1990s, information technology led the way in forward thinking. But since tech is the dominant norm, there is hardly a need for forward thinking. It’s just a race to dominate by any means necessary. Then there is ignorance. Yes, tech leaders are among the most intelligent in the world. But I see common sense is lacking. Because it’s obvious, to me, the future work force is more diverse than ever before, especially the iGeneraton (those born after 2000). But yet Silicon Valley leadership insists on being lily white and mostly male. Ignorance at best, but is there a more sinister motive here?
I agree with Frida K Klein. We are having a Silicon Valley moral meltdown. In fact, some tech companies are leaving Silicon Valley because of this. But they’re not the first one to go through this. Every industry before it had these struggles. Now it computer servicing’s term. It’s Silicon Valley’s turn. Will they learn? Will Silicon Valley ever learn?
Oct 7, 2017 | internet
In the late 1990s, I was in college (age hint). So imagine how excited we were to exchange instant messages on the computer! Also, they got them instantly! Goodbye AOL Instant Messenger.
America Online (AOL) Instant Messenger came out in 1997. In the late 1990s, it was the most popular way to communicate online, even more so that the email. Furthermore, they created a ‘buddy’s list’. That’s a list of people you contact on a frequent basis. By 2001, AOL had over 100 million users. Between the late 1990s-early 2000s, AOL dominated the instant messenger market. In fact, it even beat Microsoft.
But the popularity of instant messaging became AOL’s downfall. Before too long, Google Chat took off. Then came text messaging on phones. And of course, you had the rise of Facebook, Twitter and other social media platforms. So yesterday, they said Goodbye AOL Instant Messenger. Yesterday, leaders announced it will discontinue the AOL service starting December 15, 2016. After this, AOL users will no longer be able to use their ID or password to sign in. Also, all their messages and other info will be deleted. However, people honored this goodbye to AOL by telling their favorite memories of AOL. Some even made cute images and tributes…through Twitter.
It’s amazing how IT support changes. But much of it wouldn’t be here if it were not for AOL Instant messaging. For instance, there would be no text messing if not for this. There would be no Facebook messenger without AOL messenger. Nor would there be dating chat rooms. In fact, I doubt there would even be Twitter without AOL Instant messenger.? When I started computer servicing, Google chat was the main instant messaging service, but AOL chat was still respectable. But now, it’s almost gone. So I think AOL Instant Messenger for the innovation, not to mention all the memories. What are your memories of AOL messenger?
Oct 6, 2017 | Computer technology
Private equity and IT service/technology do a strange dance. Some compare this dance a modern day gold rush. Also, it looks like the two dance in sync. Let’s look at technology and private equity.
For example, private equity firms up their investments in tech companies. Furthermore, they did so in a short period of time. Such firms invested $43 billion in tech in 2015. But in 2016, they invested over, $148 billion. That’s over three times as much. Then there’s this scenario: Firms often invest in companies that aren’t doing well, or just getting off the ground. That’s especially true with venture capitalists. Also, look at how tech companies are buying out each other in recent years. Private equity firms may or may not want a piece of that.
Then there’a another dance between technology and private equity. That is the rapidly changing pace of the tech industry. For example, back in 2005, nobody had a smartphone, or apps. As recently as 2010, nobody had Uber or Lyft, or Airbnb. But now, we can’t imagine our lives without these things. So it’s easy for private equity firms to invest from one big thing to the next. Because there is always going to be a ‘next big thing’. This trend shows no signs of slowing down.
Then there are the equity firms that are there just to buy out struggling tech firms. These companies include Vista and Insight Ventures, among scores of others. Then there’s the debate of a company going public. Yes, there is more security and backing there. But more often then not, tech companies like anyone in computer servicing depend on bubbles not caused by Wall Street. Also, when a tech company goes public, they have all sorts of demands to put up with. I see the relationship between technology and private equity going for a very long time. There’s too much tech innovation to go around just for private equity firms to quit. They may quit on certain companies, but not on the industry itself. Where do you see it going?
Oct 5, 2017 | Computer technology
Are you tired of traffic? We work in computer repair and have techs on the road every day. So we get it, traffic is horrible. But airplane maker Airbus could have a solution. Meet the aerial taxi.
They call it the CityAirbus. They also shape the aerial taxi like a drone. The CityAirbus made great success on the ground. But now, they’re doing tests in the air. It uses vertical takeoff and also has four rotors. Furthermore, it will take four people at a time, and connect between major city train stations and airports. For example, if you want to commute from New York’s Port Authority bus station to JFK airport, CityAirbus can do that.
So here are some more facts. The maximum speed is 80MPH. Engines contain eight propellers. Direct drive engines control those propellers. It has 4 batteries, 140kw in power and 110kw in energy. Reports say the CityAirbus already has routes planned out. Battery electric tech can power these flights. Not only is Airbus making these flights, but they got stations as well. They include charging and battery unit decks on the ground. They also make it possible for more of these to fly in the future.
So when do they expect the first aerial taxi to be in service? Not in 2030, 2025, or even 2020! There is talk the first CityAirbus will be ready to accept passengers next year, 2018! Somehow, I can’t get the Jetsons theme out of my head, but this could become a reality. Yes, IT service can service your commute in the sky. That would certainly reduce traffic on the ground, which is great. Look at these statistics of how long Americans spend in traffic these days. It’s alarming.? Will CityAirbus end, or at the very least, curb the problem? Or will this aerial taxi cause clogging in the air?
Oct 4, 2017 | Smartphone
It’s an argument many in computer repair have. We even have it in our Boston computer service shop. So do you prefer Apple or Samsung? Furthermore yet, iPhone 8 vs Samsung Galaxy 8: Which is better?
I ask this because they did a test between Apple’s iPhone 8 vs Samsung Galaxy 8. They wanted to see who has the best smartphone camera. They used DxO Mark for the tests. That’s a non-bias source for testing cameras and phones from all walks of life. So iPhone 8 leads the smartphone game, huh? Not if you ask the good people of DxO Mark. Because both phones tied, getting a score of? 94. Some also say the Galaxy 8 beat the iPhone 8 in certain ways.
The Galaxy 8 beat the iPhone 8 in color and auto-focus. It also beat Apple in zoom. Furthermore, Galaxy 8’s low-light photos showed better details, and makes less noise. However, I check out the prices. The iPhone 8 does have a small edge. The iPhone 8 will cost you $699, while Samsung Galaxy S8 cost you $725.00. That is if you buy it on their respective websites. Also, the iPhone 8 might be better if you shoot in brightness. But lets’ be honest. How many rooms do you take pictures in dark or in less light?
Well, I write this because the iPhone X is coming out. So is the Samsung Pixel 2. Now I understand not everyone will rush to get these new phones. At least I hope not. Who will win between the iPhone X and Samsung Pixel 2? A lot of people will move to the next phone based on their experiences with the last smartphone. A lot of people truly believe Apple is the see all and know all of IT support and technology. I don’t believe that.? But some do, and that’s their prerogative. Personally, I’m glad Samsung, if not beat, Apple in it’s own game. What do you think of iPhone 8 vs Galaxy 8?
Oct 3, 2017 | News
Surely, you all know of the Las Vegas tragedy that took place late Sunday night. This mass shooting killed 59 people and injured over 500 more. Social media covered it all, some showed sympathy, but others showed disdain. Also, some others used it to push propaganda. Social media responds to Las Vegas massacre.
A CBS executive lost her job. On Facebook, she called the country music concert attendees, “…Republican gun toters.” Her bosses found the post and fired her. Then you have bloggers from the far-right, accusing the shooter of being a left-wing extremist. However, those on the left didn’t hesitate to push their anti-gun campaign using this tragedy. Some even gave out wrong information all together, calling the shooter ‘Gary Danley’. The shooter’s real name is Steven Paddock.
But there are good ways social media responds to Las Vegas massacre. Many in Las Vegas used Facebook’s feature to let loved ones know they’re okay. Many in Washington and Hollywood took to Twitter. They didn’t push an agenda, but sent out real condolences, prayers and sympathies to the victims. In fact, tributes are coming from all walks of life. Silicon Valley leaders also tweeted their sympathies. Facebook also offers a help page for Las Vegas, offering blood donations, food, shelter, and counseling for those directly affected.
Yes, there is talk about this tragedy in our computer service shop. There’s also talk among other IT support companies on what to do. But as you can see, there is good and bad social media is providing out of this. But if I were social media, especially Facebook, I wouldn’t make this too political. Because Facebook is already in trouble in the wake of the Russian ad scandal. And be careful of what you post online. Because it could cost you everything. Just ask that CBS executive. However, we all need to keep the positive vibes going on social media. A lot of people need it.
We at Geek Choice send our thoughts, prayers, condolences, and good vibes to the victims and their families of this Las Vegas tragedy. Let us take this time to unify in our grief, not to use this as an excuse to divide.
Oct 2, 2017 | Computer technology
Yes, IT service and computer technology does wonders for us. And yes, computer servicing opens jobs and solves problems. But is any technology worth our worship? Some people think so. Are people worshiping AI?
So meet Silicon Valley multi-millionaire?Anthony Levandowski. You may know him because of his lawsuit with Google. Google accused Levandowski of giving Google’s secrets to Uber. However, Levandowski is doing something even sillier. He started his own church. But this isn’t any church or religion you grew up with. He calls his church Way of the Future.? He is the CEO and President. His God is artificial intelligence. Or as we call it: AI.
Furthermore, Way of the Future’s mission is to…”develop and promote the realization of a Godhead based on Artificial Intelligence”. He also wants computers to pass humans in intelligence. That’s one reason he worships AI. They already filed papers with California. They state, and I’m paraphrasing, their purpose is to worship AI and to contribute to a better society. So they’re next step is to file IRS papers to make Way of the Future tax-free. But he’s not the only one who believes in this. Back in 1999, Ray?Kurzweil wrote a book called?The Age of Spiritual Machines. He also believes computers and robots will be gods. Kurzweil also believes human beings are about as good as parasites.
Listen, I believe in the First Amendment and Freedom of Religion as much as any American. But this is what concerns me. When we give computers this much power and put them on a God like pedestal, that’s not a good thing. Here is why. This mentality gives us permission to took at our fellow human beings as almost nothing. Look at the US job situation. Employers would rather hire robots than give human beings a wage increase. Heck, you even have customers who prefer the service of robots over humans. Now, you have a Silicon Valley elitist promoting AI worship. Are people worshiping AI? Would you worship AI?
Sep 30, 2017 | Computer technology, News
The photos and stories are heartbreaking. So you all know Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico. As of today, most citizens there still can’t get smartphone or Internet service. But thankfully, IT support companies are helping out in various ways. This is a report on technology, Puerto Rico, and Maria.
Cell phone providers AT&T and T-Mobile now have a registry. This registry includes the phone numbers of family and friends in Puerto Rico. Then, when they can get cell service, they registry tells them family and friends in the US are trying to reach them. So far, over 12,000 people are in this registry. Then there’s Tesla. They’re sending their Powerwall battery systems to Puerto Rico. In fact, they’re sending hundreds of them. Keep in mind over 90% of the island is without power, and could be for months. Furthermore, Tesla already has their people there to install these systems. Facebook vows to send teams to deliver emergency telecommunication services. Also, Facebook is donating over $1.5 million dollars to relief efforts. They’re doing everything they can to get Puerto Rico back online.? They can even use their drone service to help.
This is an all hands on deck situation. This includes those in computer repair and all other tech fields. For the few computers that are running, they’ll be needed to keep those systems going. Lives are on the line. And I’m glad tech companies are there to help. These are just a handful of examples. For example, here is what Apple is doing. And the situation affects so many. In our computer service shop, a client came in and had to cancel his trip to San Juan. Last time I checked, he’s running a food and water drive to help get supplies down there. So this is the situation all over the land when it comes to technology, Puerto Rico, and Maria. What can you do to help?
Sep 29, 2017 | Software
I don’t like Walmart. Because I don’t like how they bullied so many small businesses out of jobs. But I got to show some respect for Walmart, especially their rise in IT support. This is Walmart and Electrode Native: Walmart’s tech race.
But first, let’s start with React Native. It is Facebook’s creation for creating apps in JavaScript. They created this tool to be make app building easier. Also, React Native is a third party that you can use in native apps. So where do Walmart and Electrode Native fit in this narritive?
First of all, it will help bring React Native to native apps on Apple and Android products. Furthermore, this includes the Walmart app. That is what Electrode Native does. It lets mega companies like Walmart take codes from their old apps. Then, they can mix the codes into React Native. But before this, they had to rewrite the whole code, or do major changes to them. But now, developers can write code once. Then, React Native can update the code without using a new version of the old app.
So back to Walmart and Electrode Native. Walmart app developers tested this out on the shopping cart mobile app. So far, so good. Then, they changed the Thank You page. It’s now in the checkout page. So when some peoplt think of Walmart, I know a lot of stereotypes come to mind. Don’t let them fool you. Amazon is getting really good in computer servicing. Well on their end, as far as coding and software. So I do respect them there. They know they need to do it, too. If they’re going to compete with Amazon, Ebay, and other online conglomerates, they need the best software techs and software developers they can get. Will Walmart and Electrode Native help them in this race? And will it encourage you to buy from Walmart?
