Apr 25, 2017 | Smartphone
The Samsung Galaxy 8 is coming out soon. This can be their redemption moment. But already, some complain about their flaws. However, at least they’re addressing it. Samsung flaws: Hey, they’re fixing it.
Let me make one thing clear. This is NOT a battery issue or a burning/fire issue. So don’t worry about these Samsung flaws burning you, not literally. In fact, the flaw here has to do with a screen color. There are complaints of a red hue. Hue is a property of color. In some instances, a hue is pure color, without tint, shade, or blending of other colors. So imagine going through your Samsung Galaxy 8 in a pure red screen, all the time. That’s what some customers are going through.
But what is Samsung doing about it? They’re putting features in the Samsung Galaxy 8. These features help correct the red hue. Furthermore, it seems some early users couldn’t control the color on their smartphone. This feature should be able to fully balance screen color to their liking. However, this complaint is nothing new. They know customers want to customize color settings on their phones. And they seem to be working hard to provide us the software to do so.
I hope they do the responsible thing and keep us up to date. First of all, I hope they do the responsible thing by listening to their customers. But I’m glad this is just a small issue compered to the one they had last year. But people want to control the color on their smartphone screen. If that’s what they want, Samusng needs to deliver. We in our Boston computer service shop can do screen replacements. But Samsung flaws like this are something they have to fix for themselves. This is more than just fixing color hues. This could be Sumsung’s moment of redemption. This could be their comeback moment. Will it happen for them?
Apr 24, 2017 | News
It’s the worst kind of press anybody in any IT support industry can have. Whether it’s computer repair, or smart fitness wear, no company wants to hear their product or service hurt them. But that’s what happened to smart fitness tracking company Fitbit. It is a Fitbit burn: Woman says Fitbit burned her.
Dina Mitchell, from greater Milwaukee, Wisconsin, claimed her Fitbit Flex 2 tracker gave her a second degree burn. She also says the device caught fire while she wore it on her arm. She wasn’t even working out at the time. Dina Mitchell was reading a book when suddenly, the tracker caught fire. Then, she ripped the burning tracker from her arm.
But it didn’t stop there. It still burned as she threw it on the floor. Mitchell suffered a second degree burn on her arm. I saw the picture of the burn. It’s nothing pretty. In fact, the doctor had to pick parts of her Fitbit Flex 2 out of her arm. But what did Fitbit say or do? So far, Fitbit told media outlets they are investigating. Fitbit expresses the seriousness of Ms. Mitchell’s well being and vows it’s commitment to safety. However, they make clear this is the only incident involving any Fitbit product.
For any tech company to have any kind of bad press is bad enough. But to it to be nationwide, this could be a business killer, or a business destroyer. Remember what almost happened to Samsung last year. But this Fitbit burn is the only one that we know about. I’m sure Fibit users and Fitbit employees hope it stays that way. So do I. I do hope this is just one incident. But there’s still a lot we don’t know. What caused the Fitbit burn in the first place? What was the malfunction? And here is the biggest question of all: What can be done to prevent it?
Apr 23, 2017 | email, internet, Software, Uncategorized
Last week, in our Boston computer service shop, we had a debate. It was about how good, or not so good, Windows 10 is. So my argument was, “They’re doing better than other Windows services did”. Hence, it looks like they’re trying to do even better. Here are new Windows features, especially for GMail users.
But don’t expect this to happen overnight. The new Windows features will happen first to insiders, then to the general public. Furthermore, you’ll see them on Outlook and Office 365. That is, those who have ties to GMail accounts. If you want to focus on a certain email, the new features can do it. They can also help you with every day business and personal things, like traveling and package deliveries.
But Microsoft asks users to do their part. They need to send a copy of their email, calendar and contact to Microsoft cloud. This updates your GMail system. In the next few weeks, expect reminders to upgrade your GMail account. And they won’t stop reminding you, either. So if you miss the first prompt, just give it a few weeks. You’ll get another one.
In fact, they’ll probably cram it down your throat until you finally do accept the new Windows feature. That’s what I don’t like about these new features. And it’s not just Microsoft, but just about every IT service does it like this. It’s maddening. Okay, enough of my ranting. But I wish Microsoft would tell us a little bit more of these new Windows features. What else do they have to offer? Or is this it? And I’ve been talking to several Windows 10 users. I also spoke with some GMail users as well. A lot of folks are unhappy with these services. Will these new Windows features make them happy? Or will it further alienate more customers?
Apr 22, 2017 | Uncategorized
Since election night, there’s been a lot of infighting between news organizations. And breaking up isn’t so hard to do. But there is another breakup to report. The Guardian cuts ties with Facebook and Apple news apps.
However, this one cuts deeper. That’s because The Guardian was the first UK medium to embrace Facebook. They were also the first British medium to join the Apple News App. But two years later, all of that is over. A Guardian representative talked about the reasons why. ?The person reflected on this trail run with Facebook and Apple. But he/she suggests these formats don’t line up with their “objectives”. Therefore, they will stop running all articles through Facebook and Apple News.
This new policy begins today. But let’s look at other reasons. Some say it’s a money factor. They look at the profits that come through these apps. Hence, The Guardian concludes they can make more by sticking to their own publishing outlets. Remember kids, media is a business too. Furthermore, they want…no…they need to cut cost and increase profits at the same time. So they cut off service of Facebook and Apple News. They’re also asking people for donations and putting together membership fees for regular readers. It’s a sign of the times.
Yes, some of the struggle is economical. Gone are the days where you pay monthly to get your favorite newspaper delivered to your home. Now, there are many, many, ways to get your news through online and social media means. Most of them are for free. Here in our Boston computer service shop, we all have our favorite online news websites and apps. Which one are mine, you ask? I’m not telling. I’m not trying to start another ‘what is fake news’ debate. But is that the other reason why The Guardian is doing this? Is this just about money? Or are there social and political issues involved here?
Apr 21, 2017 | News, Security
Russia is a hacking powerhouse. We should all know that by now. Look at the controversy that followed the 2016 US election. Furthermore, Russian agents hacked Yahoo. But what does the current administration do? Anti-hacking deadline: Trump misses it.
So let’s go back to January 2017. President Trump promised to fight Russian hacking, and other forms of hacking as well. He also promised to put a team together to fight this hacking threat. That was 90 days ago. And we still don’t have an anti-hacking team. But in the last three months, contact still continues between US and Russian officials. However, some of the testimony, on both sides, is so confusing it stalls the process.
On January 31, President Trump had a meeting about this. Former NYC major Rudy Gulliani attended. In that meeting, President Trump said, “We must protect federal networks and data”. Some reports say he was supposed to sign an executive order about it. But somehow, it didn’t happen. This led to a lot of confusion. Just who is responsible for fighting anti-hacking? Is it the NSC (National Security Council)? Is it Homeland Security? There also seems to be a lot of confusion between the private sector and Washington. But nobody expects the White House to answer about this anti-hacking deadline.
But Russian hacking is a problem. Everyone in IT support knows it. And most Americans know it. Say what you will about the elections. But this issue gets scarier and scarier by the day. It’s bad enough they hacked over 350 million Yahoo emails. Also keep in mind these were Russian agents! Imagine what these hackers can do to our military and government secrets. So I really don’t care about deadlines. But this administration needs to do all it can to fight hacking. This is especially true when it comes to foreign hacking. Because China has also been accused of hacking the US. Don’t forget. Why do you think they missed the anti-hacking deadline?
Apr 20, 2017 | Software, Uncategorized
You have password issues, don’t you? Most of us do. In fact, if you’re in computer repair, they’re almost a guarantee. Facebook wants to change that. Facebook passwords: Facebook helps recover passwords.
So yes, Facebook wants to help you recover passwords. But not just for your site. They also want to help you recover passwords for every site you need them. And in this day and age, ?you need passwords for many, many websites. This came up at the F8 Facebook Development Conference in San Jose, CA. So there, they develop a software. They call it, ‘Delegated Account Recovery’. Hence, with this software, people can recover any password to any account.
But there’s one catch. That account has to be a part of Facebook’s beta program. So here is what that means. Can you log on to the website through Facebook? Then you can use this new Facebook passwords software. You click on the ‘forgot my password’ button. Then, that button takes you to Facebook. From there, they’ll ask you questions only you would know. The question would be something like, “Where did you attend high school?”. It could also give you a Facebook friend and tell you to give his or her name. If you get it right, Facebook gives the website confirmation that you are who you really are. And boom! Your Facebook passwords problems are solved.
But I will tell you one thing. This program will be very popular. Do you know how many people come in our Boston computer service shop with password issues? If I had a dollar every time this happened, then I would be rich. So the demand will be there. And think about all the sites where you can log on through Facebook. That’s just how powerful Facebook is these days. But would it be safe? I love Facebook. But, do we want one website, Facebook, to have this much power over us?
Apr 19, 2017 | Malware
When 2017, cyber security experts warned of a spike in malware attacks. Consequently, they were right. Because this month, they found malware ‘BankBot. They found it in two Google Play Store apps: Happy Times Video and Funny Videos 2017. This is the BankBot Bug: consumer malware alert.
So here is what is scary about the BankBot bug. It looks very legit. It could even look like something from your bank or credit card company. That’s how they lure you in. But when they do, they take over your financial information. Therefore, the hackers either keep it, or sell it on the black market for chump change. Some security experts say the BankBot bug crept it’s way to around 400 apps.
Meanwhile, other security experts say hackers find a way around the Google security scanners. Also, in one day, the Happy Times Video app had as many as 5,000 downloads. That’s a lot of malware to activate in just one day. Thankfully, Google removed Happy Times Video, Funny Videos, and other culprit apps causing BankBot. Furthermore, this malware shows a fake login window. They get the consumer to log in imitated banking services. Then, once they get their banking information, there’s no turning back. It can also steal info from your other legit apps, like Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram.
We are a computer repair firm that believes in keeping our readers informed. Yes, that goes for tech trends. But that also goes for tech dangers and threats. So what do we do? First of all, stay informed. There are many, many cyber security websites that do a great job informing us about such threats. If an app looks to fishy or too good to be true, leave it alone. But what if they already hacked you? Get if fixed immediately. Here at Geek Choice, we specialize in virus removal and laptops fixed. What are some tips you have to avoid the BankBot Bug?
Apr 18, 2017 | Smartphone
Around 10 years ago, the tech world changed forever. That’s because in 2007, then Apple CEO Steve Jobs debuted the iPhone. Hence, since the iPhone and smartphone, our lives were never the same. But come fall 2017, Apple could give us the three iPhones to mark the anniversary.
That’s right. Usually, Apple gives us one new iPhone version every fall. But this year, they could give us three. That’s according to tech journalists and insiders. So two will be upgraded versions of existing iPhones. But the third a new, sleek, handset that could change the smartphone industry, again. Apple is already testing curvy glasses, new cameras and screens. And these are just for the phones they want to redesign.
Then there’s the third new phone. Sources say this screen will cover almost the whole phone’s front. Also, it will use organic lightning to better enhance colors. Furthermore, they want to reduce size by combining the home button into the screen. They’ll do this through software. They expect the three iPhones to run on a new operating system. They call that system iOS 11. We can also expect cameras to be radically different. They’re already testing dual lenses for the front camera alone.
It’s the iPhone 10th anniversary. Of course we should expect something big from Apple. Because this is Apple we’re talking about. But three phones in one time? That’s ambitious even for Apple. A lot is riding on this. Around two-thirds of Apple sales depend in the iPhone. However, keep in mind this is tech speculation. I guess we won’t know all the details until that Apple press conference. And even then, they’ll only tell us what they want us to know. And yes, we do make screen replacements if you need them (I know that’s a cheap plug. Oh well.). But would you buy any of the three iPhones? Can you believe it’s been ten years since they introduced the iPhone?
Apr 17, 2017 | internet, News
Before I begin today’s story, I want to make one thing clear. I love Facebook. It allowed me to connect with people I haven’t in years. Also, a lot of people use Facebook for good. But some use it to glorify their evil acts. There was a murder on Facebook Live: When people stream evil.
So in Cleveland yesterday, one guy recorded his own murder on Facebook Live. His name is Steve Stephens, age 37. On Easter Sunday 2017, he asked a 74 year old man to say a name. Then, he shot 74-year-old Robert Goodwin in the head, killing him instantly. Not only did Steve Stevens stream the murder, he went even further.
He made several Facebook Live videos. He claimed to have killed 15 people that day. Then, he called it his own, personal ‘Easter Day slaughter’. Before this particular shooting, he bragged about killing 13 people. He said he was looking for number 14. Stevens targeted Robert Goodwin at random. He also told police he left 15 bodies in a warehouse. But Cleveland police can only confirm one murder: Mr. Robert Goodwin’s. Facebook took Stephens’ videos within hours afterwards. In a statement, a Facebook rep said, “This is a horrific crime and we do not allow this kind of content on Facebook.”
But the damage is already out there. I was on my Facebook page last night, and I saw the videos with my own eyes. I didn’t dare click on the video, but just the still frame alone told this horrible, tragic crime. My Facebook friends talked about it. One threatened to unfriend anybody who put these videos on his page. However, Facebook made the right call in removing such horror. I believe in free speech as much as any American. But with freedom comes responsibility. No free society can allow sociopaths like Steve Stephens to post and brag about murder on Facebook Live. Yes, people use IT service for wonderful work. But unfortunately, evil is always lurking.
I regret to inform you that as of this writing, Steve Stephens is still at large. If you’re in the greater Cleveland area, and if you know anything about his whereabouts, please do the right thing. Please contact your local police. We need to get this psychopath off the streets! What do you think of Facebook’s decision to pull Steve Stephens’ videos?
Apr 15, 2017 | Humor, News
As you know, Congress helped kill online privacy. So this means ISP’s (Internet service providers) can share their customer’s history with whoever and whenever. But one Congressman blew everyone away. This Wisconsin representative says we don’t need Internet.
The Wisconsin Representative’s name is Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.). So there was a town meeting. The ISP issue comes up. One man argued ISP companies should be face stricter rules protecting privacy. But nobody will forget the Congressman’s reply. He stated, “Nobody’s got to use the Internet.” Then, he went on to praise ISP’s for their universal service. He also seems to believe selling and trading our information makes it easier for advertisers.
But Rep. Sesenbrenner didn’t stop. On Twitter, ?his office tweeted, “He said nobody had to use the Internet. They had a choice.” But what about ISP’s tracking and using and even abusing their your data? He was quiet about that one. But at least we had some protection before this. ?They couldn’t exactly run wild with our data. The ISPs need some consent before trading our information like stocks on the NYSE. But earlier this year, President Donald Trump signed a bill that repealed this law. So here is the real surprise. This repeal had the backing of Democrats and Republicans.
But I’m still stuck in this, “Nobody’s got to use the Internet” comment. I would like to see this Wisconsin Representative go 30 days without using the Internet. Let’s see how fast Rep. Sensenbrenner changes his tune. In our Boston computer service shop, and in every IT service company in the world, we know how critical the Internet is. In the 1990s, it might have been a luxury. But now, it’s a necessity for survival. Can you imagine if an EMP took out the Internet and other technology? It would be like something out of an apocalypse movie. Do you think you can go without the Internet for 30 days?
