Feb 21, 2017 | email, News
For months, Yahoo looked for a merger. Well, let’s face it, they looked for someone…anyone to buy them out. But Verizon answered that call. However, that call will be less. Let’s look at the Verizon and Yahoo merger; it’s worth less than you think.
So, Verizon will acquire Yahoo for $350 million less than the original agreement. Maybe it’s because of the Yahoo email breaches. But the Verizon and Yahoo merger is still happening. Verizon even takes some blame for the breaches. Verizon said they’ll pay half of government fines and private lawsuits the breaches caused. But Yahoo will be financially responsible for shareholder lawsuits. Something tells me there will be all of the above.
Yahoo’s security problems didn’t just start. This goes back to August 2013. Hackers stole over 1 million email accounts. But wait. It gets worse. In September 2016, we learn hackers got 500 million more email accounts. I almost forgot…these attacks go all the way back to 2014. So that shows lapse on Yahoo’s part to let the public know what’s going on. But the Verizon and Yahoo merger shouldn’t be too much longer. Some speculate it should be official by summer 2017. The merger’s cost now stands at 4.48 billion dollars. It was at 4.83 billion dollars.
Hacking and bad communication aren’t the only problems plaguing Yahoo over the last several years. Yahoo leaders by the handful quit their positions to go elsewhere. It reminds me of people leaving the ship before it sinks. Stocks are slipping. They’re billions in debt. Current CEO Marissa Meyer was supposed to save Yahoo, but that didn’t happen. It’s a sad situation. Needless to say, in our Boston computer service shop, we depend on email daily. And Yahoo led the email and ?Internet revolution of the 1990s. For those of us old enough to remember, Yahoo was the first website we encountered. Even before Google. Now, they’ve fallen so fast and short they have to depend on a corporate merger just to survive. And the buyer shaves off the price. That’s not a good start. Can Verizon save Yahoo? Can anybody save Yahoo?
Feb 20, 2017 | News
Just about everyone in the tech industry, from computer repair to IT support, owes a debt to Bill Gates. But if you don’t know, he created and led Microsoft for many years. He’s still active in the tech world and philanthropy today. Bill Gates’ bioterrorism warning is chilling to the bone.
Bill Gates spoke at a Munich Security Conference in Germany last week. As he took the mic, he stated bioterrorism could kill more people than nuclear war. Then he said, “The next epidemic has a good chance of originating on a computer screen.” ?They couldn’t deny this. This comes from a man who changed the computer industry. Gates stated such a mass pandemic could kill tens of millions.
Other panelist agreed. One talked about how diseases, like Bird Flu, are spreading quicker than ever before. She even compared it to the Black Death of the 1340s, which wiped out half of Europe’s population. Then, Gates criticized global governments for not doing enough to combat this threat. But he suggested ways to prevent this threat together. He urged comrade-re between governments, vaccinations, health departments and militarizes. Gates also called for stronger vaccines, antibiotics, and other drug fighting medicine.
What does this have to do with computer technology? Lots. First of all, Bill Gates’ bioterrorism warning comes from a father of computer technology. Second, Gates states this warfare can develop through a computer. They can use a computer to strengthen a pandemic. And they can use social media to encourage other terrorist to do the same. That’s scary stuff. Let’s face it: There are scary people on the Internet. Some out there will use technology to steal from you. Other criminals use technology to sexually exploit the innocent. If some will do that, then you know there are sickos who will use technology to destroy millions. So I thank Gates for calling out this evil. Furthermore, we can use technology to prevent such evil before it’s too late. What can us good guys computer technology do to fight bioterrorism?
Feb 19, 2017 | youtube
You’re about to watch your favorite You Tube show. It could be a family show or it could be a tutorial on laptops fixed. But a commercial appears for 30 seconds. You press the skip button. Then you realize the skip button says, “Video will play after this ad”. So you have to wait 25-30 seconds for this ad . But that’s going to change. Unskippable ads: Say goodbye, 30-second ones.
Starting in 2018, You Tube will no longer have 30-second unskippable ads. But they will come up with some ad system that advertisers and users alike. However, some ads under 30 seconds, even if they’re 25 seconds, will be unskippable. But in April 2016, You Tube set up a six-second unskippable ad system. And prepare to see a lot more of that in the months and years to come.
You Tube leaders recognize many advertisers won’t like new ruling. But consumers will. And that’s all that matters to You Tube right now. First off, You Tube worries about competition. They know the success of other streaming networks, like Netflix and Hulu. Apple and Amazon TV are making a come up. Facebook wants to start their streaming network. Competition is fierce, and You Tube doesn’t want to lose in the shuffle. One You Tube leader admits they need to improve their online experience.
And this is why competition is so good for the social media industry. Some may complain, “We got too many choices. It’s all so overwhelming”. Good! I rather have that than have only one streaming service. Suddenly, you’re a slave to that one service. Competition forces people to do well. So look at the unskippable ads You Tube promises. And I hope they keep such promises. But let’s say they don’t. Let’s say, for some reason, they continue with 30-second unskippable ads anyway. Would you quit You Tube and go to another streaming service? Do you think You Tube wants that?
Feb 18, 2017 | Computer technology, Security, Wireless
So do you remember that one movie? The one where your TV spied on you and shared your conversations with the government and others? But wait: This is really happening to Samsung TV owners! So here’s a warning to Samsung TV owners: don’t talk too loud!
In fact, Samsung itself confirms it and issues the warning. They actually told customers their smart TV can pick up on every word they say. Therefore, they warn Samsung TV owners not to talk about personal or incriminating things. ?Their own TV’s voice activation feature can share the information with Samsung, the government, your employer, your family/friends, your church, your kids’ schools, anybody!
Samsung even talked about how the voice activation feature works. The Samsung TV owner uses this feature. Then the feature gives voice data to a third party. Again, keep in mind that third party could be anything or anyone. This happens after somebody activates a certain command. However, you can disable voice recognition. Just do so on the settings menu. Also, you can disconnect your Samsung TV from WiFi. Yes, you’ll be watching TV 1990s style. But to me, it’s worth it to keep your privacy and sanity in tact. A Samsung spokesperson insists they take privacy very seriously. The jury is still out on that one.
This is the third severe foul up Samsung had in six months. In September-October, Samsung’s Galaxy Note 7 phones exploded on customers, literally. It was so bad us in Boston can’t fix it with our screen replacement. Then, their washing machines literally blew up on customers. These two mishaps costs Samsung billions of dollars. And now this. This is the last thing Samsung needs right now! And wait until privacy rights activists get a hold of this. Don’t you think they’re going to raise cain over your TV spying on you? How much can one corporation take?
Feb 17, 2017 | internet
I wouldn’t say Facebook is in trouble. Obviously, it’s not. But it look like Facebook is in transition. They’re trying to shake off the ‘fake news‘ stigma. They also want to go into streaming TV. Facebook redefines itself: changes are coming.
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg talked about making Facebook a safe and equal place for all. Zuckerburg wrote a 5,800 word essay about his vision for Facebook. ?He then delivered a slogan all in computer repair and IT support should take to heart. He said, “To give people the power to share and make the world more open and connected.” In fact, that’s what the company’s front page says.
So, some may say, “Facebook already does that. I connect with people I haven’t seen in years, or decades.” That’s true. But Zuckerberg points out problems with Facebook. One time, people ranked Facebook one of the most hated companies in America. Then came 2016. Users criticized Facebook for allowing false information and outright hoaxes during the most brutal election of my lifetime. To this day, some blame this kind of ‘fake news’ for Donald Trump’s election on November 8, 2016. In the months following, Zuckerberg vows to combat misinformation. In this essay, he talks about his concern for sensationalism.
That’s not the only thing that concerns Zuckerberg. He sees the world we’re living in. It seems like everywhere you go, people are going to the extreme. In fact, in yesterday’s press conference, President Donald Trump even made reference of ‘nuclear holocaust’. That’s a phrase I hoped would die out after the Cold War ended in 1989. But it’s back again. That alone tells you what era we’re in. Plus, social media gives extremists the tool to push social political ideas to the extreme. I don’t really how Facebook redefines itself. But it sounds like Zuckerberg wants Facebook to be part of the solution, not part of the problem. And that’s what we all need right now. How should Facebook redefines itself?
Feb 16, 2017 | Computer technology, Smartphone
Back in September 2016, Apple’s iPhone 7 made history. Consequently, that was the first smartphone not to have a headphone jack. Some paid little attention. But for others, this was a huge annoyance. So Pioneer is doing something about it. Let me introduce you to the smart headphone: the earphone comeback.
Hence, Pioneer comes up with Rayz Plus earphone. The smart headphone comes with it’s own jack. First, they connect through a Lightning connector. Then, there is a small adapter and lightning port at the end of the cable. You plug this in a charging cable. Then voila! You got the smart headphone. It also boasts, automatic restart, smart noise cancellation, and smart button.
So the smart headphone sound like a gem, doesn’t it? Not so fast. Critics point out some issues. Some say this will eat up smartphone battery life, especially if you don’t have the proper equipment. And that could be a problem. Poor battery life is an annoyance to any smartphone user. And to run to the charger every hour…this isn’t good. If this headphone is going to sale over 100 units, they need to assure, and deliver, that it won’t hurt a smartphone battery life.
Now, there’s the issue of price. These are earbuds, not the bulky earphones some are used to. These smart headphones range from $100-$150, depending on what model you get and where you get it from. One big selling point is noise cancellation. In our Boston area computer service shop, some of us use them quiet a bit. And of course, they can a personal haven. So it sounds like we’re ?heading for the post headphone jack era. Will Rayz Plus earphone lead this?new tech fad? Or will people continue to miss their headphone jack? Change is hard; old habits are hard, even in computer technology and computer repair. Will Rayz Plus lead the way in a new era or will people want their headphone jacks back?
Feb 15, 2017 | Computer technology, Entertainment
So you can’t get enough social media? You can’t get enough TV, either? However, Facebook can help. Introducing Facebook TV: Social media couch potatoes rejoice!
Facebook came up with the new app this week. Facebook TV will include Apple TV, Amazon Fire and Samsung TV. Hence, with this new app, you can watch this TV, as well as Facebook videos, on the big screen. Facebook leaders explained the new app at this year’s Code Media conference. Someone explained they can use this app to watch Facebook videos on the big screen at anytime. But that won’t be the only use.
Last year, Facebook users watch watched over 100 million hours worth of videos. So some potential and interest are there. But there is still debate about making Facebook TV profitable. While I write this, the company is testing out video ads. Like You Tube, Facebook TV will suggests videos for the user, according to his/her profile. You can also save videos and watch them on other devices later. For instance, you can’t watch that TV-MA or TV-14 show at the office or at school or in front of little kids. Just save it and watch it during your own private time. We don’t know the date of Facebook TV’s release. But they assure us it will be soon and free for Facebook subscribers.
You see, social media, IT support and entertainment are going hand in hand. What we used to see only on TV can now be seen everywhere, from tablets to laptops. Hint…hint…if you need a screen replacement or laptops fixed in Boston, we got you covered. But you see how Facebook is expanding. Also, I like how they’re merging with other TV app corporations. To be successful, they will need to. There’s a lot of competition out there, especially from You Tube and other streaming services. So if Apple TV and Amazon Fire sets them apart from the competition, good! That’s the only shot Facebook has. Do you think Facebook TV will be able to survive?
Feb 14, 2017 | Computer technology
Many of us grew up with futuristic cartoon The Jetsons. It was a 20th century cartoon that took place in the 21st century. They traveled around in flying cars. But here in 2017, that’s becoming a reality. The first flying car…this ain’t The Jetsons.
The first flying car is from Dutch company PAL-V. ?They also call it the PAL-V Liberty vehicle. Furthermore, they boast it to be first flying car in world history. So the PAL-V Liberty has three wheels and a rectangle like interior. It has the propellers like a helicopter. Hence, it doesn’t look like a car as we know it. Maybe that’s the point.
But the PAL-V Liberty not only flies; it rides on the road. From what I read, it rides more like a motorcycle than a car. But while in flight, it travels at 112 mph maximum speed. Also, it flies for over 300 miles on one tank of fuel. That’s like flying from our Boston computer service shop to downtown Philadelphia in one tank of gas. Consequently, you’re flying in a helicopter. So let’s talk about price, because you know this won’t come cheap. In fact, prices begin at $400,000.That’s just the basics. For $600,000, you get the Pioneer. This includes training, power heating, and electronic flight equipment.
But there is some good news. You don’t have to pay all at once for the first flying car. You can pay a deposit of anywhere from $10,000-$25,000. PAL-V Liberty air cars should be released by late 2018. At least that’s their hope. This is also a tremendous feat for the IT support industry. This may or may not be a tremendous feat for fighting traffic. It’ll take many years before this catches on. Let’s assume the flying car catches on at all. Let’s assume by the 2030s, more people abandon their road car for a flying car. The roads are less hectic. But the skies are so chocked up people can’t breath. And you can’t just pull over in the air. What then? Is this even possible?
Feb 13, 2017 | News, Security
You think it’s tense here in the USA? But try living in some African nations. The mass protests and turmoil are so big government leaders are shutting down the Internet. African online censorship: It’s widespread and common.
So in Cameroon, leaders turned off the Internet lights. They say it’s because of security measures. But this African online censorship has deeper meaning. Businesses can’t function without online service. International money can’t come in. In fact, it’s difficult for Cameroon people to contact relatives outside the country, without the Internet. In Gambia, they cut off international cell phone use. They also cut off the Internet. They did this under their president, Yahya Jammeh’s, strict orders. Also, keep in mind Jammah has a notorious reputation for human rights abuse.
In Congo, they blocked the Internet. Furthermore, they cut off all TV stations. ?They even shut down the major airports. There was an election that night. The Congo officials said they feared violence and riots. But reports say it was officials bombing their opponents. In Ethiopia, they shut down social media sites because of growing protests. And in Zimbabwe, after a few protests, they raised the prices on cellphones. I could go on and on.
But what does online African censorship have to do with us in Boston’s computer repair industry? In fact, what does it have to do with IT service at all? For years, we heard of Turkey and China using such tactics. But this is the United States of America. That can’t happen here, can it? I hope not. That’s one reason why I report these things. So we can be educated and make sure this kind of censorship does not come to America! You know, Edward Snowden addressed the issue. He took to Twitter stating, “This is the future of repression.” He’s right. But I’ll go further than that. I’ll say what Dr. Martin Luther King said: Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. Shouldn’t this concern us?
Feb 12, 2017 | Entertainment, Wireless
There are many smartwatches out there. They use many to tell our physical fitness activities, like heart rate monitor and number of steps. But what about smartwatch for gamers: It’s here.
So there is a company Gameband. This company leads the smartwatch for gamers. Gameband already brags about having the fastest processor in the world. They also claim to have exceptional Bluettoth 4.2, Android OS, and a series of apps. Furthermore, Gameband’s Micro SD capability provides fuel for games. Play these games on your smartwatch. Also, you can connect the smartwatch to your computer with a USC-B cable. That way, you can play your favorite game on your laptop. You do know our Boston techs specialize in laptops fixed?
So, these are smartwatch for gamers. But what games can we expect? Gameband is teaming up with Atari, one of the first popular home games from the early 1980s. They’re bringing back games like ‘Pong’, ‘Centipede’, and ‘Asteroids’, ‘Breakout’, and ‘Crystal Castles’. These smartwatch for gamers are already made. But expect deliveries around September 2017. Some of these watches should start at $99. Too bad those sold out. But you can still order them for as low as $149. But you better hurry. Because those will sell out soon. Next thing you know, you’ll have to pay full price, which is $199.
I like the price, for what you’re going to get. ?I like the technology and the support that comes with it. But I have a small problem with the variety. There needs to be more games. We’re talking smartwatch for gamers, here. The least thing Atari and Gameband can do is add Pac-Man. That’s probably the most successful game franchise of all-time. They could at least include Pac-Man. And what about classics like Donkey Kong, Frogger, and Q-Bert? It they’re going old-school, then why not include those? People in IT support are, many of them, huge gamers. Even those who weren’t born until the 1990s know about Pac-Man and Frogger. So why not include them? I have an even better idea. Why not team up with Nintendo and put Super Mario Bros. and Zelda in your lineup?
