Jan 13, 2017 | Security, Smartphone
One of the most pressing issues facing the IT service and computer repair industries is hacking. It can happen to anybody, and I mean anybody. But what about when hackers get hacked? Yes, that can happen also. When hackers get hacked: Doesn’t feel so good?
Here’s the story. So there is this tech media group they call Motherboard. They got nearly 1TB worth of data from Cellebrite. But who is Cellebrite? They’re an Israeli tech company. Furthermore, here’s the irony. They take data from cell phones. This is what they built Cellbrite to do. They took the data from Cellebrite’s website. But wait…there’s more.
They took Cellebrite’s customer databases, usernames, and passwords. They also got the part of the site that accesses new software. Cellebrite uses a laptop style device they call?Universal Forensic Extraction Device (UFED). So what this does is take data from phones. It does this without the phone users’ knowledge. Also, they can take text messages, emails, and phone numbers. Do you understand how private and intimate these items are to the smartphone user? Cellebrite told customers to change their passwords ASAP. Furthermore, they assure customers they’re working with authorities to fix the problem. But guess who some of Cellbrite’s biggest customers are?
If you guessed governments, you guess right. Then if you guessed the US federal and state governments, you’re right again. But that’s not all. According to data Motherboard hacked, foreign governments use Cellbrite. ?These governments include Russia, Turkey, and UAE. These three countries don’t have the best reputations for freedom or privacy rights. Government surveillance is still a hot button issue. In our Boston computer servicing shop, we talk about it all the time. And the general feeling is…people are sick of it. It is at the point people don’t know who to trust. And now a hacking company that enables this suffers the same fate. Personally, I think this is karma. In fact, I try not to laugh at Cellbrite as I write this. When hackers get hacked…it doesn’t feel so good, does it?
Jan 12, 2017 | Computer technology
Las Vegas is making lots of tech news as of late. They hosted the CES conference. So they showed great tech displays there. But now, Las Vegas makes strides in electric transportation. The e-bus rides easy for Las Vegas.
The e-bus made it’s debut in Fremont Street Tuesday. That’s downtown Las Vegas. As a result, this is the first functioning e-bus in history. Also, they call this e-bus Arma. The trial run will run until January 20. Hence, Las Vegas mayor Carolyn Goodman rode on it. She praised the e-bus for it’s cleanliness. Arma holds 12 people. Though it can go 27mph, it will only go 12 mph during the trial period. Also, the e-bus will travel through Las Vegas’ busiest streets between 10am-6pm. During the trial period, Arma is a free ride.
But Las Vegas leaders are in high hopes. They say Strip and downtown traffic is bad, and hopes the e-bus will help relieve it. Furthermore, Arma uses radar to avoid road obstacles. It also uses GPS to travel the roads and gets you to your destination. Keolis, an international public transportation firm, is helping with this project. Leaders also talked about how good this will be for the environment.
But this will costs $10,000 a month. That’s okay. Advertisers line up to take part. What does this have to do with IT support or computer repair? Well, mega tech and IT companies have been experimenting with e-cars for years. This includes the big boys, like Google and Apple. It’s their dream to be the first to put driver less cars on the road. And what do you know? It looks like Keolis has them beat. But we’re a major player in IT service here in Boston. Plus, we have one of the best public transit lines in the country. With the car traffic around here, we need it. So why not bring the e-bus to Boston, where some of the best tech minds in America are?
Jan 11, 2017 | Smartphone
Instagram Stories let users share their day. They can do so multiple times without too much posting. Also, these ‘stories’ last 24 hours, and won’t clutter your profile. But something will clutter stories: advertising. Let’s see how Instagram Stories cater to advertisers.
Today, Instagram announces full video ads. They will come to stories sometime this week. How will they do it? First, they will start with a trail run. Then, they’ll invite 30 companies to take part. These companies include McDonald’s, Nike and Airbnb. These tests should run two or three weeks. Furthermore, since Instagram Stories started, businesses posted 1/3 of the stories. Then of course they’ll want to advertise here.
Also, Instagram Stories has over 150 million daily active users. That’s 25% of all daily Instagram users. And another thing…Snapchat has the almost the same kind of advertising. So there’s a factor. But Instagram leaders say they have an advantage Snapchat doesn’t have: Facebook. Facebook bought Instagram in April 2012. Facebook is also starting their video ads. These will air when videos are uploaded. So remember that during your next video post. But the video have to be at least 90 seconds long. Plus, it will come on after the video’s first 20 seconds. I find this to be a smart, but peculiar move.
So what does this have to do with IT support and computer repair, particularly Boston IT support and Boston computer repair? ?Lots. Most in our industry either use Facebook or Instagram. Many use both. Instagram Stories is also getting popular around here. In fact, most of our customers use Facebook and Instagram. I believe it’s important for us to keep up with the latest social media trends. Advertising has a huge role in that. Plus, this would be a good way to advertise up here. The greater Boston area alone has over four million people. Think of how many use Instagram Stories. Wouldn’t this be a great advertising tool? And furthermore, do you think Instagram can beat Snapchat at it’s own advertising game?
Jan 10, 2017 | Humor, News, Security
How many remember the TV show Chuck from the late 2000s and early 2010s? It was about a consumer servicing man who was an undercover agent. But computer repair company Geek Squad allegedly has undercover agents, too. Geek Squad: Are you spying on us?
So here is the story. Tech news website Techdirt?tweeted on this subject. Consequently, they say the FBI paid Geek Squad technicians. Their mission: to investigate crime on their customers. Techdirt isn’t the only one talking about Geek Squad. Tech journalist Zack Whittaker also claimed their Geek Squad technicians got FBI rewards for spy activity. It’s not much though. At best, the reward is $500. That sounds like a cheap amount for an informant, doesn’t it?
But wait…there’s more. Hence, these undercover techs caught some real criminals. In California, an Orange County doctor brought his computer in. The Geek Squad tech found child pornography on it. But this tech was an FBI informant. He reported the doctor. In November 2014, the law indicted the doctor on two counts of child pornography. So there is some good here. But are they crossing legal boundaries? Furthermore, just how cozy is this private tech company with the FBI?
Well, according to Whittaker’s tweets, very cozy. The relationship goes back to 2007. From what I’m reading, being informants is about the only thing Geek Squad has going for them. Don’t take my word for it. In our computer service shop, we served some of their dissatisfied customers. But I digress. I’m glad they caught the doctor. But that’s just one case out of thousands. I’m sure there are thousands of innocent people that are getting spied on. These people did nothing to deserve this treatment. I believe this is a violation of our Fourth Amendment. You see, there has to be probable cause to search and seize somebody. Simply bringing a messed up computer in a shop is hardly probable cause for anything! Once again, too many people are having their privacy trifled by the government and corporate America. Are they going too far?
Jan 9, 2017 | Smartphone
I think we can all agree 2016 was a year Samsung wants to forget. But 2016 wasn’t a joyous year for Apple, either. Many customers don’t like their new iPhone 6s, thanks to poor batteries. Apple’s battery: Folks are mad now!
So right away, customers’ phones shut down. Furthermore, the batteries weren’t even dead, or dying. Then, after numerous complaints, Apple finally addressed the issue. They assured people the problem wasn’t a big one. Then they showed customers to check their battery to see if they need a replacement. But the problem got worse. Apple’s battery shut iPhones down, even those who didn’t qualify for a replacement. Later, they found the problem: Too much exposure to ambient air during assembly. Therefore, the batteries shut down faster than normal batteries.
But this didn’t even solve the whole problem. Apple’s battery kept on slipping. It go so bad governments confronted Apple. Consumer advocate groups criticized Apple. They believed Apple’s battery problem was worse than Apple admitted. They also accused Apple of failing to meet basic customer needs. Also, iPhones were shutting off every other day. These include all iPhone 6 versions. They made these versions between September and October 2015. Many tech journalists, like Fortune’s John Roberts, claim Apple won’t admit what’s going on.
Okay, so Apple’s Battery problem isn’t as grave as Samsung. But it’s worth talking about. There’s a lot of bad press and customer anger following this incident. That’s not good for Apple, or any IT support company, or any business period. Apple saw it’s worse revenue in 15 years. Also, Tim Cook took a pay cut. I hope Apple learned a lesson from this. Consumers are getting smarter, and more vocal, and more cynical of corporations. This only adds to the cynicism. I think Apple’s only saving grace here was the fact Samsung had a far worse Q4 2016. But personally, I had a battery problem with my iPod Touch. But that device was 5 years old. Can you imagine having a battery problem with a device just five days old?
Jan 8, 2017 | Computer technology
Well, there’s something I should mention about the MacBook Pro 15-inch. It has a Touch Bar model. Also, prices start at $2,400. But it’s causing a revolution in the laptop game. With saying that, is the MacBook Pro 15-Inch a good buy or bad decision?
This goes without saying, but the MacBook Pro 15-Inch is a big screen laptop. So this is perfect for TV and movie watching. It has that going for it. But let’s dig into what makes this machine run. It comes with a quad-core i7 processor, 16G of memory, and a fast SSD. So the MacBook Pro 15-inch can hold a lot and take a lot. Any workaholic, or laptop addict, can use it. Heck, you can watch Netflix and produce a Netflix movie and it still won’t cut up on you. Was that too confusing?
But not so fast! Apparently, what this notebook makes up for in power, it lacks in speed. We can thank Apple’s thinness for that one. Also, there are some rumblings about the handling of this laptop. But others praise it’s ease to carry. Yes, it weighs a couple of extra pounds, but it can easily slip in someone’s backpack or other carrying device. It better. After all, you’re paying around $2,400 for it, right?
I’m still not sure about this one. The MacBook Pro 15-inch talks a good game. But what if it’s accidentally dropped? As far as screen replacement, Apple notebooks aren’t easy. Not only that, when it comes to laptops fixed, Apple doesn’t make that easy either. Believe me. I’ve seen the frustration in my own computer service shop. But I will give the MacBook Pro 15-inch a lot of credit: it can handle a lot of apps. I get frustrated when I do so much on my computer that it gets so slow. Next thing I know, I have to restart the thing just to get it going. You talk about frustration. So if there’s one good selling point, that would be it. Would you pay $2,400 for this MacBook Pro?
Jan 7, 2017 | Computer technology, Entertainment
Techies and those in IT support and computer repair?flock to Las Vegas right now. But the gambling, buffets and partying isn’t what’s bringing them. It’s the annual Consumer Technology Association Conference (CES). However, one device steals the show. It’s not the smartphone. So here are the CES stars: drones.
Hence, let me introduce you to the CES stars: drones. First, there are selfie drones. They weigh under a pound. But they still carry 12 or 13 pixel megapixel cameras. Though they fold and are easy to carry; their battery lives are only 10 minutes a turn. Their software bundle is more than enough to do the job (or so they say). The drone name is Hover Camera Passport. It costs around $600. Then there is the aquatic PowerVision PowerRay. Fisherman throw it from their boat, because it ‘s compatible with a cable tether. The light attracts fish and lasts four hours without charging. But this one doesn’t come cheap. It costs around $1,500.
There are more CES stars: drones. ?Who doesn’t like Star Wars? So, there’s a Star Wars drone for your entertainment. They cost just around $200. It also has lasers and sensors. You can combat with other drones Luke Skywalker style. Then there’s the Ehang 184. This drones flies you! That’s not a typo. This Chinese based drone can fly you on short distances. Here is their website. But I almost forgot…the Ehang 184 will run you $300,000. So start saving up.
Those are the main CES stars: drones. It looks like a good cast of characters, doesn’t it? I’m especially curious about Ehang 184. We’ve all seen the Jetsons and Futurama. People commute by air. That’s a dream of all of ours, isn’t it? We all get tired of the gridlock and tempers on the road. How wonderful would it be just to get on a drone and fly to our destination? Could Ehang 184 be onto something? Could this CES stars: drones be the real star of the show, and the future?
Jan 6, 2017 | Smartphone
Remember the good ‘ol days? It’s when your work time was your work time. Consequently, your time was your time. But since the GPS and smartphone boom, employers can watch their employees literally 24/7. However, this may not be workers’ biggest worry. Smartphone tracking…what worries workers?
It seems like less employees worry about privacy invasion when it comes to smartphone tracking. In fact, they worry more about smartphone impacts. Software tracking firm TSheets polled over 1,000 employees from all walks of life. Furthermore, some of these included those in IT support. Also, keep in mind these workers know bosses are tracking them. But the biggest fear among them was battery life (62%). In second place, the big concern was data consumption (56%).Privacy concerns came in third (52%).
Also, there’s more startling news. It’s illegal for employers to track employees 24 hours a day. But 10% of employees think theirs are tracking them all the time. Another 45% said they didn’t know if the tracking lasted all the time or not. But do you know the ironic thing here? The majority of employees are cool with tracking. Many of them say tracking systems help with accountability issues. Some others say smartphone tracking holds a system of checks and balances. The employer and employee must treat each other right.
And here’s another kicker about smartphone tracking. The majority of these employees say they trust their employer enough to let it happen. Yes, there are great worker/employer relationships where trust runs deep. But that’s not always the case. There are places where trust is a huge issue, and smartphone tracking is a huge privacy invasion. Not to mention it’s illegal to track employees 24 hours a day. What about this? (But speaking of smartphones, you know at Geek Choice, we’re excellent in smartphone and laptop screen replacement, right?) Okay, I just had to get that in there. What about those who are fired for something they put on Facebook, or social media? And in some cases, some could use smartphone tracking to deliberately set someone up. So lots could go right. But lots could go horribly wrong. Should smartphone tracking be legal at all?
Jan 5, 2017 | Computer technology, Entertainment
Virtual reality, or VR, was a major technology trend in 2016. In fact, I and several colleagues in our customer service shop attended a VR fair. And that was early this past summer. Thousands attended. Consequently, Samsung VR leads the pack, but competitors are catching up.
At the CES conference in Las Vegas, Tim Baxter, president of Samsung Electronics America, made an announcement. Mr. Baxter said Samsung sold five million Samsung VR Galaxy headsets. Also, these headsets are for mobile devices. So if you have a mobile device, which many Americans do, you can use Samsung VR. But wait…there’s more. Baxter said Samsung VR customers viewed over 10 million hours of VR. Furthermore, they upload even more hours of video through Gear 360 camera. So the VR craze isn’t going anywhere. That’s good news for software makers, good news for Samsung, and good news for Samsung VR customers.
But Samsung isn’t the only one capitalizing off the VR craze. Ever hear of Pico Technology? Their headquarters are in China. They’re coming out with the Pico Neo CV. They’re lightweight and customers can use them out of the box. They use Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processors and Qualcomm Snapdragon VR software. They also have built in HI-FI speakers. A Pico executive demonstrated them at the CES conference. They should be out this year, so we don’t know what the price is.
But I want to focus on Samsung. They had a hard 2016. In fact, I’ll say Samsung VR will be the saving grace of Samsung this year. It had better be. Samsung needs to hit the year 2017 out of the park. And the virtual reality craze could do just that. But you know competitors are watching. Do you think it was a coincidence Pico announced their VR sets at the CES conference? It’s only one of the most popular conferences for those in IT service. I also hear others are building VR headsets. So yes, Samsung desperately needs to invest in VR technology. But will other tech companies prevail?
Jan 4, 2017 | Computer technology
Amazon is the world’s largest e-commerce retailer. If there is anything you want, you can get it there. But how do they accomplish this? Only through teams of workers. But not all of Amazon’s employees are human. Amazon’s Robot Army: Should this worry human workers?
So Amazon claims to have 45,000 robots on their roster. That’s 15,000 more robots than what they had in December 2015. There is little way to calculate robot-to-human worker rates. And I am no math major. But numbers say Amazon increased their overall work staff 46% in the last 12 months. Keep in mind Q4 2016 numbers aren’t up yet. However, I can’t help but wonder how much of this increase includes Amazon’s robot army.
Amazon invests heavily in robotics. That’s nothing new. For example, back in 2012, they bought out Kiva Systems. Now, Kiva System’s robots do much of Amazon’s work. Then there are concerning statements from Amazon CFO Brian?Olsavsky. Back in April, he said he the robots changed many times, and Amazon will continue to learn and grow through this process. Okay, that’s not that alarming. But then he said some centers are ‘fully outfitted’ in robots. Furthermore, he added, “…maybe the volume’s not perfect for robot volume.” Should this concern me? Or am I reading too much into Amazon’s robot army?
Let’s give Amazon the credit they deserve. They employ many ?thousands of human beings every year. In fact, from May-August 2016 alone, they added over 11,000 jobs in the Seattle area alone! This doesn’t include the centers they opened up nationally and globally. This is awesome for local and national economies. But this is why Amazon’s robot army worries me a bit. The robot trend worries other Americans too, especially those in IT support. I don’t want to compete with a robot for my job. Neither does a computer technician, nor does anybody in computer repair. And certainly no Amazon workers wants to lose his/her job to a robot. So should Amazon’s robot army worry human workers?
