Jul 20, 2017 | Computer technology
How much do smartwatches cost these days? Some cost around $75. Others cost several hundreds, even thousands. But would you pay as little as $50? I ask this because Amazon and Pebbles think you would. The fifty dollar smartwatch: Thank Pebbles and Amazon.
So let me explain. Pebbles offers it’s popular Pebbles Time Smartwatch. It generally sales for $150, but Amazon is now peddling it for $50. That’s 67% off! However, what are you getting? First of all, you’re getting a strong, 9.5mm thin glass. This sounds like it’s pretty tough to break. Then, you get water resistant coverage up to 98 feet deep. So you can do everything from shower to snorkel. But what else?
You can get your typical timeline on here. This includes your breaking news, weather, sports, app updates, and things other notices you get with smartphone style technology. It comes with a microphone, too. However, the most remarkable thing about the fifty dollar smartwatch may be the battery life. It lasts not a few hours…or even two days…but one week! That’s right. You can go days and days without scraping for a charger. You can hardly say that about any smart or portable device these days. This smartwatch accepts thousands of apps from all walks of life, from Facebook to your favorite TV station. For the health conscious, it can track your steps, and even sleep patterns.
But I’m not sure how long they will keep this fifty dollar smartwatch going. I don’t know if it’s permanent or limited time only. But one thing I always learn in computer repair and IT support: hardly anything lasts forever. So get this thing now. This seems like a good buy. However, I haven’t read any complaints…yet. I notice Amazon is being mighty generous lately. Are they trying to get on people’s good graces in the wake of the Amazon buyout?
Jul 19, 2017 | News
When you think of censored things, what you do think of in computer service? Most would think of porn, trolling, extreme violence. But would you think of something as innocent as Winnie the Pooh? China does. It’s Winnie the Pooh vs China: Censorship issues.
So let me explain. A photo surfaced of Chinese President Xi Jinping walking with former US President Barack Obama. But some in the Chinese government thinks Jinping looked too much like Winnie the Pooh. So they banned any and all things Pooh. In fact, sharing or composing any message that has anything to do with Winnie the Pooh will get you blocked.
Maybe it’s because of Winnie and Jinping’s similar features. Both have round faces and body types. This was particularly true in this photo, where Jinping is without a coat or tie. That coat or tie better covers up his frame. Then there’s a picture of Jinping shaking hands with Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Some compare that with Winnie the Pooh shaking hands with Eeyore. They banned that one too. Because in China, they forbid citizens to make fun of leaders. This includes the Internet and social media. If you do, they will censor it. I’m thankful nobody is arrested and going to prison over this. At least I don’t think.
But that’s the bigger issue of Winnie the Pooh vs China. It is the censorship reason and the cause of it. Here in the US, we make fun of our political leaders on a daily basis. But in China, that leads to censorship, if not worse. Now some say, “We should respect our leaders”. But shouldn’t we respect freedom and democracy? And shouldn’t we respect a Constitution that guarantees us free speech (which China doesn’t have)? Getting compared to Winnie the Pooh isn’t the biggest insult in the world. Believe me, our officials get worse. Is the Winnie the Pooh vs China controversy more of a censorship issue?
Jul 18, 2017 | Computer technology
In the early 2010s, they hyped up Google Glass to be the next big thing in technology. That’s because for $1,500, you can put on these things. Then, with the wink of your eye, you take pictures of things without others’ knowledge or approval. Now, Google Glass Is Back…Will this time be different?
So here comes Glass Enterprise Edition. First of all, Glass Enterprise Edition isn’t for the general public. However, this time, they aim these glasses at business firms. These firms get these glasses for their employees because these glasses could help them do their job better. Interest already grows for some companies.
These companies include Boeing, DHL, and General Electric. It seems to be working in their favor. For instance, DHL’s productivity increased 15 percent. Also, the medical industry does well from the new Google Glass. Because they say they reduce paperwork. Furthermore, this gives doctors and nurses time with their patients. Google Alphabet X ?works hard to make these generation of glasses more comfortable. Then there are the apps, present and future. For example, DHL has an app where the glass tell, and shows, the worker where items go. Then the medics have their own app. The glass does their note taking for them. That’s how they can get more time with patients and less time with agonizing paperwork.
It seems the Google Glass is back. This is where I usually criticize or approve people about pricing. But I may not have to do that here. If they’re toting it to businesses and hospitals, that will cover that cost. It sure beats asking Mr. and Ms. Consumer to pay $1,500 to pay for this. Also, with selling to businesses, it takes more ethical questions out of it. If they keep it within the business, then I don’t have to worry about somebody taking a photo of my with their eye on the street. Sure, I’m sure the same can happen in doctors’ offices and DHL facilities, but it lessens the blow. I wonder can this work in computer repair, and how it can benefit things like getting laptops fixed. Google Glass is back. Are we ready?
Jul 17, 2017 | Uncategorized
We’re heading towards the busy smartphone season. Because this September, Apple, Google/Android, and Samsung expect to release new this fall. However, a Yahoo article caught me attention. Is the smartphone era dying?
So before you throw eggs and tomatoes at me, just hear me out. This article suggests companies like Microsoft, Amazon and Facebook plot to end the smartphone era. I can see why. They didn’t do well in the smartphone area. Also, look at computer tech and repair history. In the early 1950s, RCA and GE took a gamble on this thing they call television. In the 1970s, Apple and Microsoft took a chance on the PC. Then in the 1990s, Yahoo and Google took advantage of the Internet. Is history repeating itself?
So here’s where I’m going. Look at the virtual reality revolution. Also, look at the digital voice movement. Amazon may not do well with smartphone, but their Alexa machines sell like hotcakes. Then you have robot technology. Today, robots can take your jobs, clean for you, and yes, even become your lovers. I hate saying that because it might encourages others. They’re also coming a time when technology right in front of you. Today, we see Netflix through a PC, laptop, or smartphone screen. But soon, we may see it through VR.
What do I think? Is the smartphone era dying? I doubt it. Because when TV came out, they said the same thing about radio. But radio continued on. The same with movies. Do you know how many times people said, “Well, the movie industry is dead”? Well, it continues on. Yes, I know there are gadgets we don’t use or hardly use anymore: VCR, cassette tapes, 8 tracks, portable record players. I highly doubt the smartphone will join this club. Because the PC didn’t. Even here in my Boston computer service shop, I heard people say the PC is dead and dying. It hasn’t died yet. I doubt it ever will. I don’t see the smartphone dying, either. But what do you think? Is the smartphone era dying?
Jul 15, 2017 | News
I believe texting and driving is the drinking and driving of the 2010s. It has the same devastating effects. It’s one of the biggest threats in IT service today. One Ohio woman is finding that out the hard way. The following story is tragic on all levels. Texting and Driving: So not worth it.
According to Akron, Ohio police, a woman was texting away when she caused an accident. I regret to tell you this accident took the lives of two teenage girls. Also, a third teen, a 15-year-old boy, got severely injured. However, a local hospital team expects him to survive. They say she was on her phone texting when she struck all three teenagers.
The woman’s name is 24-year-old Natasha Boggs. The accident happened in Coventry Township, an Akron suburb. Boggs now faces voluntary manslaughter, vehicular homicide, and several other charges. Also, in Ohio, texting and driving is illegal. In fact, all cell phone use while driving in Ohio is illegal. But now, that charge is the least of her problems. Here is what the local authorities say happen. The three teens walked on the right side of the road. Then, Boggs’ car drove over the white line and struck all three teens. Needless to say, if the court finds Boggs guilty, she could face years, maybe even decades, in prison.
But think of the prison of guilt she’s already facing. This preventable tragedy will haunt Boggs for the rest of her life. My heart goes to the families and friends of those killed and injured. I hate to say it, but such tragedies aren’t unique. The statistics are alarming. And here, three young promising lives (four if you include Boggs’; her life will never be normal after this) are either gone or severely affected. Please learn a lesson. Use a headset, pull over, wait a few minutes, do whatever it takes! Texting and driving: So not worth it. What suggestions do you have to make sure this never happens to you or anybody you know?
Jul 14, 2017 | General
Do you know who Mike George is? Many people don’t, but they should. Because Judge served as Amazon’s right-hand man for around 20 years. Now, Mike George retires from Amazon after 20 years.
In fact, George helped Amazon come up with voice assistant Alexa and smart device Echo. In computer repair/computer tech form, he announced his retirement on social media by using binary code. That code is over ten lines long. So under George’s leadership, Echo and Alexa aren’t only major hits, but cultural icons. They’re major competition for Apple’s Suri and Google Home. In fact, they even did a spoof a Alexa, parodying alternative news figure Alex Jones. But George says Alexa is just getting started.
She already has little cousins, like Echo Dot, Amazon Tap, and Dash Ward. And Alexa’s future looks bright. They say Amazon sold five million units between November 2016 and March 2017 alone. They also say Amazon will own over 70% of the smart voice market before this year is over. Mike George started at Amazon in 1998. He worked his way up the company. Eventually, he became GM of Global Payments and VP of Apps, Games and Cloud Drive. In January 2016, George took over Amazon Echo operations. The results speak for themselves. So Jeff Bezos and Amazon owe a huge debt to George.
George’s replacement will be Tom Taylor. In the past, Taylor ran Amazon Payments, FBA (Fulfillment of Amazon), and Amazon Appstore. Now, Amazon chooses Tom Taylor to fill some large shoes. Yes, the smart devices are a huge part of George’s legacy. But George’s tenure started when Amazon was at it’s infancy. Not only that, but he ran just about every part of Amazon when it came out. Amazon is also in transition again. Don’t forget, they just brought Whole Foods. So will Tom Taylor be an asset or liability to Amazon?
Jul 13, 2017 | Computer technology
There is a lot of mistrust in the media today. However, there are reasons. Yes, much they politically skew much of it, but technology messes it up too. We have everything from Photoshop to social media death hoaxes. Then there is lip syncing technology: The trickiest technology yet.
That’s right. With this lip syncing technology, you can put anybody’s words into anybody’s mouth. Some researchers at University of Washington tested this. So they took footage of some of Obama’s speeches. Then, they showed a photo of Obama just sitting in a suit and tie. They had side-by-side clips. One clip showed Obama giving a real speech. The other showed him appearing as he’s talking, but really not.
These researchers will promote and show off this lip syncing technology in conferences across the US. One of them,?Ira Kemelmacher-Shlizermanm, says this will be good for communication. She thinks this is great for video conferences. For example, she said this could connect a realistic video with audio. I’m sure she’s right. Then, others say this can help with robot technologies. The big boys, like In fact, some want to use this lip syncing to make robots even more human.
That would be best case scenario. What is the worst? People can use this for deception, or worse. If you think the ‘fake news’ crises is bad today, then wait until this lip syncing technology takes over. And what about our political figures? Media, or somebody on social media, or IT support, can manipulate a speech about any political figure. They can use lip syncing technology to turn something innocent into something horrific and spin it around. And look at the hateful political climate these days. Then, somebody can use it for personal reasons. Somebody can mess up somebody’s speech for any reason whatsoever. That’s what I’m afraid of. Will lip syncing technology help us, or will it doom us?
Jul 12, 2017 | Computer technology
Did you know today, July 12, 2017, is Net Neutrality protest day? So they call it Net Neutrality Day of Action. Therefore, all the tech giants celebrate. Expect websites to show pro net messages through pop-ups, GIFs, and other means. Happy net neutrality protest day!
But why are they doing this? Because they want to raise awareness. They also want to encourage millions to fight President Trump’s policy to rollback neutrality rules. The timing is right on. This comes five days before Trump’s reversal begins. But the major player of the rollback is Ajit Pai. He is the FCC’s (Federal Communications Commission) new chairman.
So what can we expect today? We can expect ‘pop-ups’, blocked pages, and even the spinning wheel of death. They do this on purpose because they want to show us the consequence of these rollbacks. Many in the IT service industry protest these rules because they believe it will give unfair advantage to major Internet providers. We mean providers like AT&T, Verizon and Comcast. As of right now, net neutrality stops the big boys from blocking the Internet. This is to give smaller websites a better chance to compete. But if that protection is gone, it gives the giants an opportunity to block the websites, hogging all the glory for themselves. Will they?
However, is this the right way. Is making pop-ups and blocked pages the right way to fight these new laws? Or is this just a plain nuisance? Fortunately, nobody in our Boston computer service shop has run into this. I hope nobody does. Because what this tactic might do is push people to the other side. It might annoy people to the other side. I know the net neutrality protest mean well. But the road to…is paid with good intentions. I’m afraid this could come true. So Happy net neutrality protest day. Will it backfire?
Jul 11, 2017 | Uncategorized
What does marriage have to do with computer technology? Quite a lot, but not all of it its good. Because in Japan, not only are they marrying robots, but cartoon characters as well. Who wants to marry an anime character?
So let me explain. Japanese men can marry their favorite anime characters. But how can they do it? They can do it through virtual reality. There is a VR game they call, ?’Niizuma Lovely X Cation’. However, this isn’t your typical game, or even VR experience. You can actually have ‘real relationships’ with these cartoon figures. It caught on like wildfire. So the people of Hibiki Works came up with an even more twisted idea.
In the name of promotion, they’re conducting weddings between real life adult males and anime female cartoon characters. This isn’t a joke or trick. I wish it was. Hibiki studios began processing applications in late April 2017. Then, they have the choice between three characters. On June 12, they chose 3 males. Then on June 30, a real?wedding ceremony. Furthermore, a real priest officiated it. The males wore VR goggles to marry these characters. While wearing goggles, a piece of rubber represented the anime cartoon characters’ lips the males kissed. Awww…
This is what our world is coming to. Yes, IT service can be a gift. But it can also be a wretched curse. And some support this issues statewhy. Some say, “Well, since we can’t trust human beings, why not marry a robot or cartoon character?” Some say the state of humanity has fallen so fast we’re more likely to develop relationships with characters and robots than with real human beings. Then others say this we’ve become so cynical we’d rather deal with fantasy than 21st century reality. But there is cause for concern. Have human beings become so hateful and distrusting of one another that we’d rather marry things that aren’t real? We already replace robots in the workplace. Now we replace them in our personal lives too. So who wants to marry an anime character?
Jul 10, 2017 | News, Security
American President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met this past weekend. Yes, they did discuss cyber security, although they mostly talked about election fraud. But don’t expect some cyber security alliance anytime soon. Trump and Putin vs Cyber Hacking: can it happen?
I guess not. Because hours after this meeting, Trump backfired. He tweeted this cyber security unit can’t happen. However, Trump does want to continue working with Putin. But I doubt cyber security is going to be a factor. If it is, it will probably be to fight election fraud. Even Republicans blasted this idea. For example, Lindsey Graham (R-SC), said, “”It’s not the dumbest idea I have ever heard, but it’s pretty close”. ?Talk about not mincing words.
But Marco Rubio ?(R-FL) went even further. He compared a Trump-Putin ‘Cyber Security Unit’ to a Syrian ‘Chemical Weapon Unit’. Those are almost fighting words! But there is another reason this won’t work. Since November 2016, the Trump Administration ?fought rumors of Russia interfering in the last election. And these rumors are coming from everywhere. Are they true? I don’t know. But Putin sure denies it. That’s why very few want this cyber security alliance. Even Trump himself backed out on it.
But is seems to me this is has little to do with cyber security. This seems more like a political witch hunt. I am not here to side with any party. But we need to do something about cyber security. It’s a global threat that stares down every person in the world. Haven’t Wannacry and Petya taught us anything? Furthermore, don’t they know there are cyber crooks that will sell your identity for literally a few dollars? And then there are groups that could really mess up our world through hacking. This is what the world needs to address. Global hacking is one of the biggest threats to any IT service. ?Let’s stop the witch hunt and start focusing on what really threatens us all. So I ask you. Trump and Putin vs Cyber Hacking: can it happen?
