Jun 6, 2019 | youtube
So everybody, even those of us in computer repair, like You Tube. But there is a social/political beef between two major You Tube stars. Those stars are conservative activists Steven Crowder and progressive Vox reporter Carlos Maza. There are also accusations of harassment. But not even You Tube is clear of what harassment is. This is You Tube harassment and confusion.
So it started when You Tube stopped Crowder’s many flow and ads over some racist and homophobic comments he made about Maza. Then, they said Crowder can make money again after he fixed things. One of those things Croweder musts fix is stop linking an certain online shop. This online shop sells a t-shirt so vulgar I can’t even repeat it.
But before disciplining Crowder, You Tube talked to Maza. They told Maza that Crowder’s comments were clearly hurtful. However, You Tube says they don’t violate their policies. That’s because they say it’s an open platform, so anybody can express their opinions, so long as it’s within their policies. But the things Crowder said did go after Maza’s race and sexual orientation. That does violate You Tube policy. Maza even discusses this in Twitter. Maza lists the names and insults he claims Crowder throws at him. Also, Maza hints that Crowder influences others. Because according to Maza, he wakes up to a whole bunch of insults online that follows Crowder’s.
So this is the murky situation. Think about all the comedians we enjoy, who often take swipes at public figures. Then think about the political shows that take swipes at their opponents, or people they see as ‘enemies’. You Tube communication leader Chris Dale tried to explain the difference between opinion and harassment. So there is You Tube harassment and confusion. What do you think? Should You Tube take a harder stance against harassment? Or could this lead to censorship and political correctness overload?
Jun 5, 2019 | News
So what if you had an opportunity to share a meal with multi-billionaire Warren Buffet. How much would you pay for that? Would it be $1,000, $10,000, $100,000? Lunch with Warrren Buffet. What’s your price?
So one man, crypto currency enthusiast Justin Sun, paid a whopping 4.57 million to lunch with Warren Buffet. But you don’t hear me though. That’s $4,570,000 (approximately)! But how did this happen? Justin Sun won an auction on Ebay. There were five bidders fighting for this honor. Furthermore, they put in a combined 18 bids. However, when the smoke cleared, Justin Sun won it..for this much. I should also point out every dollar of Sun’s bid goes to Buffet’s Glide Foundation. That’s a charity that aids to homeless and poor in San Francisco, especially the impoverished Tenderloin district.
So Sun can invite seven of his friends. They will dine with Buffet at
Smith & Wollensky? in Manhattan, NYC. But there is one rule…they can’t talk about Buffet’s investments. However, I’d like to be a fly on the wall for this one. Because Justin Sun loves crypto currency. In fact, many in IT service and computer repair truly believe crypto currency will be the next big economic thing. Warren Buffet hates it. Nonetheless, Buffet says he is delighted to meet this young man. I wonder how happy Buffet will be if the topic turns into crypto currency.
Now some of you may look at this and say, “Who in the world would pay 4.57 million to eat with Warren Buffet, or anybody else?”. That’s my first reaction. Then I read about the Glide Foundation. For decades, they aided the poorest of the poor in one of America’s richest cities, San Francisco. This money will go to things like housing the homeless, job training and provision, and getting people off drugs and alcoholism. Buffet says this money will go to help thousands. I believe him and I hope so. In San Francisco right now, they need Glide Foundation more than ever. But if you won a lunch with Warren Buffet, what would you ask him?
Jun 4, 2019 | Uncategorized
So Apple’s World Wide Developer’s Conference is now underway. It’s taking place between June 3-7 in San Jose, California. But it started with a keynote speech that lasted well over 2 hours. I can’t cover everything, but here are some things that struck me. The 2019 WWDC highlights…so far.
So this is a developer’s conference right? If you’re a developer, then you may be happy with the ARKit 3 and SwiftUI. The ARKit 3 uses better argumented reality to capture subjects. Then the SwiftUI is a new say to develop Swift apps. Here, you can use things like screen rotation. Speaking of apps, let me mention the iOS 13. This new features swears it will help your apps launch twice as fast. It also features dark mode. That’s a darker option if your device is too bright.
However, some other things caught my attention. One thing is the Apple TV gaming controllers. These will work with Xbox One and Playstation. But the real purpose of these is to prepare for their own gaming service, Apple Arcade. Then there is the Apple Watch. Because competition in the IT support watch game is getting fierce. Maybe that’s why they’re making it easier to use the iWatch without depending on your iPhone.
Those are just some of the things that struck me. Now they talked about a lot more, like the new Mac Pro and iPadOS. But the conference is still young. This Apple Watch though, there’s only one thing that’s going to make it competitive with other watches. That’s the price. So far, I don’t hear a thing about that. This goes for all other things Apple as well. I’m not an Apple fan myself, but many of our computer repair clients are. And if you are, here is what’s coming up at their WWDC conference. Those are the 2019 WWDC highlights…so far. What do you want to see from this conference?
Jun 3, 2019 | Computer technology
So over the last several years, we hear stories of people getting fired over a bad social media post. We also hear of China’s social credit score. But now, it seems Big Brother is digging his shovel a little deeper. US screens social media for visa applicants.
So from now on, US visa applicants must submit their social media pages, all emails, and smartphone on their applications. This new law will affect over 15 million upcoming visa applications. The US State Dept. insists this is a move to fight terrorism. A statement said they’re doing this for ‘extensive security screening’ and “…to protect US citizens”. I hear that one a lot.
But this new law isn’t for everybody. It’s mostly for people who traveled to high terrorist countries. Or at least that’s how the State Dept. explains it. For them, they must provide every social media username they had over the past five years. They also must provide emails and phone numbers over the past five years. Then, they must give their status of the nation as well as whether their families are with terrorists organizations. Many insists we must do this to keep America safe. But many others beg to differ.
The Economist magazine says this is the wrong thing at the wrong time. Because we’re in the midst of this trade war with China, we need all the good international labor we can get. Also, other publications remind us the USA isn’t the only candy store in town. Immigrants are already turning to other countries like Canada, Germany and Australia. Because in these nations, visa issues are less of a factor. Also, keep in mind how many of these immigrants in the IT service field. But the US screens social media for visa applicants anyway. Is this a means of safety or protection? Or is this another evasive big brother move?
May 31, 2019 | Computer technology, News, Uncategorized
So I predicted the US vs. China trade war and the Huawei controversy had no end in sight. I appear to be right. Because China threatens blacklist over Huawei.
So most of you know, the US pretty much banned Huawei from doing any business in this country. But now, China seems ready to retaliate. According to Gao Feng, a China’s commerce spokesperson, they’re putting a list together. This list includes any company, or nation, that hinders business with Chinese companies. Feng calls this list ‘unreliable entities’. This all stems for the Huawei controversies. However, within 90 days or go, Google can still aid Huawei. But that’s only for emergency services.
So what does any of this have to do with IT service? Well, Google, Intel, and other Silicon Valley giants are either limiting or outright cutting off ties with Huawei. Furthermore, Huawei leaders say this stoppage of business with US companies will hinder business. They also say it damages their reputation. So far, the US imposed a $200 billion tariff on Chinese goods. In response to this, they expect China to pose a $60 billion tariff on US goods. That tariff could already be in the works. And this could be just the beginning.
Because now, Huawei is taking this to the courtroom. They claim what the US is doing is unconstitutional. But let’s get back to this blacklist. We don’t know who is on it yet. But you can best believe some of the biggest IT companies are, like the Google’s, the Amazon’s, the Intel’s, the Microsoft’s. If they do this, then this will have a huge impact on the American IT support industry. I’m not excusing Huawei by any means, nor am I in support of the way China does business. In fact, I don’t approve of it. But China has the world’s 2nd largest economy. So if China threatens blacklist, then where do we go from here?
May 30, 2019 | Uncategorized
So you think major IT service companies don’t get along, huh? That is true sometimes. However, there are times they put their competitive nature aside to fight for a greater cause. It’s big tech vs. British surveillance.
So what they’re fighting against is the the United Kingdom’s GCHQ bill/law. Well, let me go back to 2016. That year, they passed a law letting all governments and law agencies snoop and hack all computers. This means whether they’re suspected of doing anything wrong or not. But now, this GCHQ goes even further. Because if they enforce this, it will lead to what they call ‘ghost protocol’. That means law and government agencies can snoop onto your machine and/or computer system with no detection. They can spy on you and nobody, not you, not the big tech companies, will even know it.
So naturally, the big boys of tech: Apple, Google, Microsoft, and What’s App are writing concerning letters against this big brother surveillance. Their letter says it threatens digital security, leads to mistrust and can easily be abused. They also call this an invasion of privacy and threat to free speech. They call it what is really is: third party snooping. These companies are getting a lot of help. Because many other organizations are fighting this GHCQ business. They include Human Rights Watch and Reports Without Borders. They also include men like computer security expert and activist Bruce Schneier.
However, leaders pushing for this GCHQ insists this is ‘lawful hacking’. Plus, they say that they have their own system to make sure nobody goes too far. This may fly if we were still in the early 2000s. But look at what’s been going on in this 2010s decade. Nobody is buying it anymore, certainly not big IT support. This is the showdown between big tech vs. British surveillance. Whose side are you on?h
May 29, 2019 | Uncategorized
So this is not the plot for a cartoon show. This is about iRobot’s latest product. Also, iRobot’s headquarters are in Bedford, MA, just 15 miles from our computer servicing headquarters. So a mop and vacuum talk to each other.
The names of these cleaning bots are Rooma S9+ and Braava Jet m6. These robot cleaners use technology to tag team with each other and clean floors. They also use map technology and Imprint Link to talk to each other. So basically, they would tell each other who would do what task better. For example, the Rooma S9+ gets to walls and corners better. The new 30mm arm can clean places not even it’s predecessors can get to. But critics complain this will cost more battery life and more turning.
Now let’s look at the new Braava Jet m6. It’s technology studies the floor’s plan and uses that to avoid crashing into furniture. It also uses it’s own spraying and drying techniques. In fact, they say this version is larger than those gone before. This mean it can spray larger and clean quicker and more spaces. Both use 3D sensors that will help them find dirt and grime at a rate of 25 times a second. Therefore, they can virtually take turns cleaning the floor.
Now here comes the not so nice part of this: the price. You didn’t think you could just go to a hardware stuff and get this for cheap, did you? Because the Rooma S9+ will run you anywhere between $1,000-$1,300. Then the Braava Jet costs around $500. So a mop and vacuum talk to each other. But in order to make them talk, you’ll have to shell almost $2,000. They say it will get your floor cleaner than a typical mop and vacuum. But what if it doesn’t? How foolish would you feel if a $10 mop and $100 vacuum clean better than these expensive IT service tools?
May 28, 2019 | Computer technology
So there is a chip out there that can take on many of IT service’s issues. We’re talking everything from e-cars to the debate about surveillance. In fact, Sony’s new thing could even affect speeds. Sony’s chip. Could it change everything?
So this chip could change how your devices exchange information. This isn’t science fiction, but real life. When you put this chip on, then it will send data to any of Sony’s LPWA. The acronym LPWA means low-power wide area. Yes, you can use the Internet to transfer data to a cloud. But it takes quite some doing. However, with Sony’s new LPWA chip, you can use low power tech and low-bit data to reach a wide area. This could change everything.
Sony’s chip official name is the CXM1501GR. So I hope you appreciate why I’m calling it Sony’s chip. It transmits signals to Sony’s network. It also has a GPS to sensors to get time and position data. Sony says this will stabilize wireless communication over wide distances. This will also move at high speeds. In fact, this new chip can transmit 60 miles from it’s original spot. They can also move in any environment at break neck speed. Sony expects to launch the LPWA chip sometime in fall 2019.
They already have this type of IT service in Japan. Then again, look at all this big brother technology they want to reign over the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. Yes, they say this will help track packages and monitor your children better. They also say this will help you catch that train without waiting, or navigate long distances. But please, keep in mind some people want to be left alone. Also, don’t we have enough cyber security out there already? It’s one of the fastest growing industries in the world. So here’s what I’m asking about Sony’s chip. Could it change everything?
May 24, 2019 | Computer technology
So we all know about the swift rise of AI technology. Some say it will be the ruin of us. But others say it will take us to the next level. However, they’re combining AI with some of history’s most precious artwork. It’s Mona Lisa and artificial intelligence. Is this awesome or creepy?
So we can thank the AI Samsung Center for this piece of IT service. What they do is make a facial model with their AI tech. They call it a source face. Then, they will apply that source face to a picture or artwork. It can be a recent photo, or something as old as the Mona Lisa. So now, the target face can do whatever the AI face does when they combine the two.
These AI researchers are using facial features like talking, blinking, turning and other facial expressions. However, they admit this system is far from perfect. It takes a lot of data from the AI model to load up the face to the target in order for this to work. They call this single-shot learning. They’re applying this to the Mona Lisa, perhaps the most famous painting of all-time. They have three AI pictures of this.
The first has the Mona Lisa blinking and talking looking straight at the person. Then the second has the Mona Lisa turning her head, while talking and blinking. The third has her looking down while talking and blinking. I must admit it, it creeped my out looking at the Mona Lisa like this. But then, I couldn’t stop looking. They’re doing this to pictures of real life historic figures too, like Albert Einstein and Marylin Monroe. What do you think of Mona Lisa and artificial intelligence? Is it awesome or creepy? Or could making historic figures talk be leading to something more sinister?
May 23, 2019 | Uncategorized
So we all know there’s a race in the IT service community. That race is to build, sell, and profit off the first driveless car. However, you may not know there’s another tech travel revolution brewing. Tech leaders build supersonic plane.
If they get their way, then we’ll soon by on passenger jets traveling over 800 mph. One of these companies is Hermeus. In fact, their goal is to build a plane that goes from New York to London in 2 hours. That sounds very strange now. But they might eventually accomplish this. Because they have generous funding from some tech venture companies. They’re also getting coaching from a former Blue Origin president. But look out, Hermeus. You’ve got company.
Because you have Aerion Supersonic and Strike Aerospace. They’re working on 12 passenger luxury jets that can fly over 1,000 mph. That will get you from New York to Los Angeles in around 3 hours. Then there is Boom, that wants to live up to it’s name. So far, they raised over $140 million. They want to build 55 seated jets that fly at supersonic speeds. Also, Boom wants to be more inclusive. If all goes well, their seats will sale at about the level bushiness class seats sell today.
So is this possible? Well, take yourself back 20 years? Did you think social media sites like You Tube, Facebook and Instagram were possible? Also, look at flying today. There was a time when people looked forward to getting on a plane. In fact, there was a time people actually dressed up to get on a plane. Not any more. Maybe these supersonic jets, and the companies that build them, can change that. I think this will make people get excited about flying again, especially if they can get there in literally half the time. Tech leaders build supersonic plane. But just like in the driverless car race, who will be first to get this off the ground?
