Apr 14, 2017 | Computer technology
Diabetes is a disease in which there is too much sugar in the blood. It affects over 29 million Americans. But one tech company is coming up with the technology to stop it. Apple verses Diabetes: Can Apple Technology beat this disease?
So their Palo Alto headquarters have a secret team. On this team are doctors and medical engineers. They’re working to build these new sensors. So these sensors are new ways for patients to monitor and control and even cure their?diabetes. However, when I say new sensors, these sensors won’t pierce the skin. Therefore, patients won’t need any more needles or other sticking objects. That is, if these sensors are successful.
You see, many other tech and medical leaders tried, and failed, at this revolutionary medical technology. ?Steve Jobs started to involve Apple in this process a few years before he passed away. They’re also working on optical sensors. These shine a light through the skin to test blood sugar levels. But this is also difficult. Any bio engineer sill tell you. They also say Apple will have to spend billions of dollars to fund such sensors. But I don’t think that will be a problem for Apple. Despite some recent setbacks, they’re still one of the wealthiest companies in the world. The Apple verses diabetes war is real.
But think about what this will do for Apple and diabetics. If this is successful, this will make the lives of patients a lot easier. No more needles. No more sticking. This could even lead to a cure. Then think of what this would do for Apple. This would boost their reputation significantly. I’ve been in computer repair well over a decade. Yes, we make your computer better. But we also believe in making your world better. That’s true for almost every IT support company. If?Apple is investing this much in fighting diabetes, then God bless them for it. Can Apple help find a cure?
Apr 13, 2017 | Entertainment, Wireless
Anyone running any business, including computer repair and specializing in laptops fixed, know how important advertising is. In fact, our Boston computer service shop focuses on advertising often. But one Burger King Ad might drop the ball. This proves that a Burger King ad, Google Home, Wikipedia don’t mix.
The commercial is 15 seconds long. But that’s about the only thing it got right. A man tries to describe the Whopper sandwich. But he can’t. So he tells you to ask Google Home to describe it for you. However, this is where things get complex. People will go ask Google what a Whopper or whopper sandwich is. Your answers will be fairly different.
That’s because Google Home’s answer depends on Wikipedia. Anybody can edit the answer quick. They often do. However, if one asks Google Home what the Whopper is, you’ll get a perfect description of Burger King’s signature burger. In fact, the description sounds a little too perfect. It almost sounds like something out of Burger King ad itself. Some suggests Burger King edited Wikipedia just for this commercial. So the consumer watches the commercial. Then, he/she asks Google Home, “What is a Whopper?” The consumer gets a perfect description. Therefore, the consumer will be so hungry, he rushes to Burger King and get a Whopper, maybe even the combo. Pretty sneaky, Burger King ad.
Well, in the past 24 hours, another twist came up. Google stopped Home from responding to, “What is a Whopper?” Furthermore, Wikipedia it’s Whopper page to it’s pre-commercial state. But you know Burger King could easily change it back, right? Plus, the commercial already gets major buzz. And is shows us the power devices like Google Home have over us already. As they get more popular, I expect such devices to only gain their power. But what do you think of this Burger King ad? Was it cleaver advertising or an underhanded trick?
Apr 12, 2017 | internet, Smartphone
Here in our Boston computer service shop, we pride ourselves in watching the latest tech trends of today. But one trend even caught me by surprise. They call it the Clip. So it’s this new video editing app. Let’s talk about the Apple clip app frenzy.
Within just a few days, Apple Clip has a million downloads. They released it back on April 6, 2017. Then, they watched as downloads quickly approached the six digit range. But now, not even a week into it, it’s around a million. The app is free. Furthermore, if you love Snapchat and Instagram, you’ll probably love Apple Clip. With Clips, one can use sounds, filters, cartoons and emoji to spice up your video. Also, you can even animate your spoken word or written text.
Despite this Apple clip app frenzy, some still think these numbers are low. They’re not even in the top 20 Apple apps. In the days following it’s release, it reached as high as 28 on the list. But it also reached as low as 53. I’m not sure what the advertising strategy was here. But one Apple app executive said it failed to reach ‘the average user’. However, the Apple clip app frenzy shows no sign of slowing down.
It’s also very easy to use. The editing tools aren’t hard to manage. So to those freaking out about why Apple Clip only has a million downloads in one week: Calm down and chill out. Do you remember how long it took Facebook, You Tube, Twitter and other social media outlets to take off? It often took months, if not years! If I were an Apple app executive, I’d be happy with the million. Because those millions are going to tell other millions. And what about Apple Clip being in only 28th place? Do you know how many apps Apple has? Percentage wise, Apple Clip is doing pretty good. Plus, it’s a fun, friendly family app anybody can use. That counts for something. Will the Apple clip app frenzy continues? And are the naysayers freaking out over nothing?
Apr 11, 2017 | internet
I read an interesting article last year. It’s about why many people, including those in computer repair and IT service, drop out of the workplace. Then the article gives reasons: horrible traffic, workplace bullying, unsatisfying work, underpay, etc. But here comes tech and retail giant Amazon. Can they save the day? Let’s look at Amazon work from home program: pros and cons.
Amazon plans to hire many people to work from home. Right now, they’re recruiting 5,000 people. But in 18 months, they want over 100,000 in the Amazon work from home program. That’s not all. These jobs also offer benefits, like insurance, help with medical care, even a Career Choice program. According to one Amazon vice-president, this is the perfect opportunity for people to earn a little extra income. I have to agree with that. These are the pros.
But now, let’s look at the cons. This is not a ‘get rich’ opportunity. In fact, the pay will only be $10.00 an hour. In most states, that, little more than minimum wage. Furthermore, these hours seem to be just for nights and weekends. So if someone who is unemployed looks for Amazon to help them get money while looking for work on a weekday, this won’t help them. This is also bad for anybody who doesn’t make enough and is working full-time. They need that night and weekend time to relax and be with family and friends. But this isn’t the only hurdle to cross. These $10 an hour jobs are only available in 26 states.
So if you’re in California and Texas, you need not apply. Because Amazon work from home is not an offer to you. That’s why I call this Amazon opportunity the ultimate con (in this case, that meant bad opportunity). I appreciate the opportunity it provides some people. But they need to fix the kinks in the system. First of all, make it available to all states, or as many as you can. Then, offer it 24/7. If somebody needs to work at home during work hours, make it available. Amazon is a multi-billion dollar company. Surely they can afford to pay out more than $10 an hour to skilled adult workers. A 15-year-old flipping burgers make almost as much. Do you consider the Amazon work from home program a pro or con?
Apr 10, 2017 | Entertainment
Here in our Boston computer service shop gaming is a common topic. But what do we think when it comes to?2010s gaming? Do we think of Xbox, Playstation, or AI technology? Well then, have you thought of purchasing a Nintendo classic, like the ones we had in the 1980s? You’re not alone. Nintendo classic sells like hotcakes.
In fact, if you’re planning to get one on the cheap, then pack some patience. Because chances are you’re not getting one anytime soon, as in this year! Believe it or not. This was one of the hottest selling tech gadgets last year. Furthermore, sales show no signs of slowing down. In fact, from malls to Walmart’s (I don’t encourage Walmart shopping ever!) to electronic stores, it’s often sold out. Because it’s that popular.
Amazon sellers take advantage of this opportunity. Amazon sellers are offering the Nintendo classic for as low as $90. They were going for as low as $60, but those days are over. But this is still a good bargain. However, beware of frauds and scammers out there. They do exist, even on Amazon. Check the seller’s reviews and ratings thoroughly. Also, check and see if they actually have them. If they say ‘just launched’, avoid it! It’s likely a scam. Many of these sellers also offer classic games like Zelda, Super Mario Brothers, and Double Dragon.
So why talk about Nintendo on a tech website? Because tech and gaming have gone hand in hand, almost from the beginning. And why is this 1980s console so popular in the 2010s? Maybe because it’s simple. I sometimes play Xbox with friends. It very difficult to set up. It’s even more time consuming when a friend who moved to Alabama requests to jump in your Halo game. I digress. With Nintendo, just blow into the cartridge a little, plug the set, turn on the set, and you have your game. Furthermore, there’s the nostalgia factor. Many of us in computer repair and IT support grew up in this era. So when we turn on Nintendo classic, we turn on a piece of childhood or adolescence. ?Why do you think Nintendo classics sale out so quickly?
Apr 9, 2017 | Smartphone, Uncategorized
Do you remember Nokia’s heyday of the late 1990s and early 2000s? I say this because Nokia’s dream might come back. Hence, meet the company HMD Global. They want to sell Nokia smartphones in the next decade. And lots of them. So Nokia’s dream may come true.
However, don’t expect the phones of yesteryear. At a press conference, Nokia leaders talked about a different kind of phone. This new phone will run clean and popular versions of Android technology. This includes vanilla Android, or something like it. Google’s involvement is critical. In fact, one leader says this is critical to making Nokia great again (no pun intended). But they hint about giving Nokia the kind of updates that will make the competition envy. I’ll believe Nokia’s dream when I see it.
However, Nokia executives may be onto something. They admit most smartphones don’t offer the latest versions of OS. Furthermore, they say this has to change. Could the new Nokia provide that change? They say they want to put the right kind of apps and systems in this new phone. This includes things like Google Assistant. The first new Nokia phones could go on sale as early as May or June 2016. But how will it go? And you know we got your back if you need a screen replacement on this new Nokia, right? I know, cheap plug, but what can you do?
Well, it depends on who you ask? Some in the IT service game say it’s about time. Others are skeptical. Some say Android/Google isn’t capable of running a pure OS system anymore. But I say let’s give it a try. However, there’s something nobody is talking about. That is the cost. How much will it cost to make Nokia’s dream come true. Will they go on the cheap and sell basic smartphones? Or will they go $700-$800 to compete with Apple 8 and Samsung Galaxy 8? Or will they do the smart thing and do both and cater to both markets? How much would you pay to see Nokia’s dream come true?
Apr 8, 2017 | internet
Yesterday, I reported on a potential legal battle between the Trump Administration and Twitter. The US government demanded people behind an anti-Trump Twitter account reveal themselves. But Twitter didn’t let that happen. Then came lawsuit talk. But in the last 24 hours, something else happened. The Twitter lawsuit ?dropped!
So why is the Twitter lawsuit no more? Because the Dept. of Homeland Security dropped the demand. They no longer require the people of @ALT_USCIS to unmask themselves. Twitter learned of this late yesterday afternoon. So they dropped the lawsuit. Tech journalists tried to talk to Twitter leaders about the matter. But Twitter declined to comment.
We don’t know if the US government will drop this matter for good. Maybe they’re regrouping for a second try to unmask @ALT_USCIS. In the IT service world, anything is possible. However, Homeland security depended on a statute involving tax information. Twitter called the move, ‘ineffective’. Furthermore, Twitter defended itself with the First Amendment. That First Amendment says, “Congress shall make no law abridging freedom of the press.” Hence, Homeland Security really had no case. I think they knew it. But that doesn’t mean they can’t, or won’t, try again.
The US government can just use a different tactic or statue. I hope they don’t. Between you and me, this Twitter lawsuit needs to stay where it is: dropped! But the current administration is adamant about cracking down on leaks to the press. This is especially true if these leaks are unflattering. I say this because both sides are too busy to be fighting about this. Twitter isn’t exactly in the best of shape. And the Trump Administration has more pressing issue to worry about than what some Twitter account say about them. It seems like the war between Trump and Twitter ended before it really began. Will all remain peaceful?
Apr 6, 2017 | internet, Smartphone
Okay, we all know about diet soft drinks. Also, many of us know about light beer. They’re to be lighter and a little healthier than the original. But what is Twitter Lite?
Twitter Lite is a new version of Twitter mobile. But this one avoids slow connections. It also cuts on data use and takes up less of your device. Of course, all of this is according to Twitter. In fact, they say it’s 30% faster than regular twitter. However, it will still include all the regular Twitter goodies, from typical Tweets to profiles. I hope in includes NFL games.
The only thing the consumer needs, is obviously, a smartphone a tablet. The smartphone and tablet need a web browser. Now that we got the basics out of the way, let’s get to new business. Twitter Lite includes a ?data service mode. This reduces the amount of mobile data. They say this reduces data by as much as 70%. They do this because they want to keep your mobile data expenses low. But here is one huge plus for Twitter Lite. It offers offline service. This really comes in handy to a lot of people. Let’s face it: not everyone has a WiFi spot. And it gets annoying asking people, “Do you have WiFi? What’s the password?”
These are all great promises, if they can deliver them. In our Boston computer service shop, we use Twitter quite often. I sure hope Twitter can deliver the goods. They need to. In the past several years, Twitter struggles with a lot of issues. They include falling stock prices, bullying, competition, and Silicon Valley cost of living woes. Like Samsung with the Galaxy 8, Twitter needs to hit this home run out of the park. Can they do it? Will this get more people to use Twitter, or make it easier for them? Or will Twitter Lite leave a bad taste in everybody’s mouth?
Apr 5, 2017 | Computer technology, Security
How do you get into your office or work space? Do you still use keys? Or maybe you use a code? But in Sweden, they’re using microchips. They implant these microchips in your hand, near your thumb. Sweden’s Microchip: Tech Trend or Big Brother?
So the company leading the microchip charge is Epicenter. Their headquarters are in Stockholm, Sweden’s capital and largest city. Sometime ago, Epicenter offered the microchip. It’s the size of a grain of rice. Also, it can open doors, control printers, and even order food. All you have to do is wave your hand. Furthermore, Epicenter CEO?Patrick Mesterton praises the microchip. He loves the convenience of the implant.
So do the people. Sweden’s microchip is so popular Epicenter throws parties around it. These parties entertain the people as they wait for their implant. ?It uses NFC’s (near field communication) technology. It reads data from a couple of inches away. They also contain info about other devices, and other people. But the implants can’t read information on their own. However, this brings up biological and ethical concerns. Somebody asked about a chip being in somebody’s body. But Mesterson practically compared it to the heart’s pacemaker.
But what about the privacy and ethical issues? Sweden’s microchip, and any microchip, can follow you wherever you go. You put the chip in your hand. Your employer and colleges can track you 24/7, whether you’re on the clock or not. That is scary. Plus, they inject this in your body! Don’t forget that part. Now microchip technology is nothing new. They put it in dogs to track them, for fear of getting lost. You can put them in your kid’s shoes. This is in the name of finding them, and to ‘make sure they’re doing the right thing’. Hence, there’s even talk of using the microchip to track down a potential cheating spouse/significant other. There’s IT support and there’s outright tracking. There are laptops fixed and then there are fixing laptops to follow you. So I ask you. Sweden’s Microchip: tech trend or big brother?
Apr 3, 2017 | Uncategorized
Imagination Tech deals in semiconductors, chips, cloud, and other computer software and hardware. But they’re dealing with an Apple bombshell. Apple is their biggest customer. However, Apple announced they are going to stop using Imagination Tech. Apple stock causes Imagination Tech downfall.
So, how low are their stocks? As of today, their stock points are down around 70%. But why are they this low? Because Apple brings in over half Imagination Tech’s business. That is what is causing the Imagination Tech downfall. Apple said it will no longer use Imagination Tech’s graphics or software for any of Apple’s products. Hence, this will be a slow phase, around 18 months or two years. Also, Imagination Technologies will no longer get royalties from Apple.
So why is Apple doing this? Because they now have their own graphics people. Furthermore, Apple wants more control of their own technology. It’s obvious shareholders hate this change. Because the stock price plunged to it’s lowest level since summer 2009. On March 31, 2017, their stock points were over $250 a share. But now, those same stocks are worth around $76 a share. Last year, Apple thought about buying Imagination Tech. But that deal went sour at the last minute. This only adds to the Imagination Tech downfall?
So what does Imagination Tech do now? Furthermore, what’s the lesson we in IT support can learn from this? Here is one: Don’t be too dependent on one client or one business! This is true for computer repair, laptops fixed, or any other computer tech business. This is a dangerous way to do business. Because that one client can leave you, take all your potential business, and leave you with almost nothing. I think the best thing Imagination Tech can do now is look for bigger clients, and several of them. At least they can say, “We supplied Apple with software and hardware.” When you can honestly say that, that’s one heck of a selling point. Will Imagination tech bounce back and overcome this downfall?
