Nov 22, 2016 | Computer technology, News
Yesterday, I did a blog about robots and robotic technology. While these were the less pleasing aspects of robot technology, it gets even worse. A robot attacked a human being…literally.
So this happened in China, at a tech fair. In fact, the fair was the 18th annual Chinese International Hi-Tech Fair. They held it in the city of Shenzhen, near Hong Kong. There’s a robot they use as an educational tool. But this one had other plans than educating. Out of nowhere, the robot smashed a glass. Then, it attacked a man brutally and repeatedly. In fact, he had to leave on a stretcher. His next stop was the local hospital. But now they’re saying the injuries aren’t serious.
The fair’s managed services said something else. Furthermore, some Chinese websites say human error is to blame. One official said somebody confused the ‘front’ button with the ‘back’ button. Then the robot got confused. He went crazy and crashed into another display. The crash injured an innocent bystander. Actually, the glass the robot shattered did cut into the man. If anybody is wondering, the robot costs $1,890. So financially, this was a pretty devastating blow. But more to the point, don’t expect the ramifications of this to go away anytime soon.
Already, speculation is flying. Some on Chinese social media say this is the first shot in a human versus robot war. Many of us know of movies like I Robot, and other films predicting this. One person flat out tweeted, “The invasion of the robots have started.” I don’t know if I’ll go that far. But do you know what’s ironic? In a matter of two days, I’ve read two articles of how robots mess with humanity. The first talked about how they could take our jobs. The second is a robot taking people’s health. Or am I just getting paranoid?
Nov 21, 2016 | Computer technology
Meet Silicon Valley CEO Tien Tzuo. He runs Zuora, a software company. But he has quite an observation for technology’s future. It’s not good. According to this Silicon Valley CEO: We’re losing jobs to robotics!
While technology is a gift to us all, it can be a curse. Hence, it’s the curse that worries Tzuo. He says tech and employment are approaching a crisis. The World Economic Forum estimates five million jobs will shut down by 2020. Tzuo also worries about this. Some call it ‘The Fourth Industrial Revolution‘. That’s because robots and artificial intelligence dominate it. Tsuo says this will destroy more human jobs at a faster pace. That’s the last thing we need right now.
It seems like Tzuo is right. According to Oxford University, 57% of all jobs are replaceable by robot or AI technology. Tzuo also worries that companies won’t be able to keep up with this disturbing trend. Furthermore, Tzuo believes if we don’t solve this problem, it will hold all of society back. But Tzuo isn’t the only one showing concern. There’s Lord Adair Turner. He’s a high ranking official at Merrill Lynch Europe. He believes this could threaten capitalism as we know it. But British Telecommunications (BT Group) CEO Gavin Patterson went even further. He said 80% of existing jobs today won’t exist in the future. Scary stuff.
This is why workers are scared. Remember the good ol’ days, when America lost jobs to other countries? But now, we’re losing jobs to things that aren’t even human. It’s already happening. In Japan, there’s a hotel completely run by robots. In San Francisco, there’s a hospital in which robots make your bed and cook your meal. There’s a Washington, DC restaurant, where the waiters are gone and computers do everything. In addition to all that, there’s the minimum wage controversy. Instead of waging workers salary, one fast food chain is laying off all human workers and replacing them with robots. This is real. It’s getting more real. Why isn’t the tech community talking about it more often?
Nov 20, 2016 | internet
The tech world never ceases to amaze me. In fact, Amazon never ceases to amaze me. It seems like this Internet giant can do everything. They can deliver your packages and groceries. Furthermore, Amazon can control your home. Now, Amazon can sell you a car. That’s right: Amazon and Fiat Chrysler sell cars online.
So Amazon and Fiat Chrysler team up. They’re going to sell cars online. Also, they’re going to sell cars at deep discount prices. But there’s bad news. This offer is only available in Italy. In addition to that, the offer stands for only three models: Fiat Chrysler 500, Panda, and 500L. That’s because these three cars are some of the top selling in Italy. They also appeal to the young and adventurous consumers.
Maybe this sounds out there. It shouldn’t. Because Amazon launched Amazon Vehicles Hub in August 2016. However, that was to learn and compare cars, not to sell them. So how do you sell a car online? The buyer clicks on the car he wants online. Then the buyer picks up the car at the dealership. Of course, they still have to do the proper paperwork. The buyer shouldn’t rush the next day, either. The car will be ready for pick-up two weeks after the online purchase. But this is available in Italy only. So why talk about it?
Because this could come to the USA. If it’s successful in Italy, it will come to the USA. It will go around the world. In fact, half of Italy’s population say they would consider purchasing a car on the Internet. Plus, buyers get 33% off for buying a car online. So the demand and initiative are there. I wonder how many Americans will be okay with purchasing a car online? Look at how many Americans get groceries online. Would you purchase a car online?
Nov 19, 2016 | News, Smartphone
President-elect Donald Trump stuns the media again. I say this because he named Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions as the new Attorney General. Some point out his controversial racial history. And others point out his immigration policy. But what about Apple? Could the new attorney general start encryption wars?
So there’s a reason I bring Apple up. Some time ago, Apple clashed with the FBI over an iPhone. This iPhone belonged to one of the San Bernadino shooters. In this case, Trump sided with the FBI. So did Jeff Sessions. If you need a recap, the FBI ordered Apple to decode the phone. Apple refused. In fact, when the case broke, Trump suggested consumers boycott Apple.
Now, Trump will become US President in January 2017. Sessions will become the US Attorney General. Sessions openly criticized Apple and other tech companies for making products blocking government access. However, as US Attorney General,? Sessions will be the boss of the Justice Department. Hence, Senator Sessions will have power to prosecute companies that don’t comply with government demands. And Apple isn’t the only tech company who could be under the gun. Whats App is known for blocking government wiretaps. In addition, there’s talk of a revised bill that could go into law. They call it the Burr-Feinstein encryption bill. Consequently, this bill requires tech companies to make less secure products.
Why would this bill require less secure products? So government agencies have easier access to them. That is scary. First of all, if agencies have easier access to them, so will hackers and cyber criminals. Also, Trump’s campaign ran on pro-freedom issues. If Trump and Sessions demand government encryption, they’ll go against everything they campaigned for. Don’t we have the right to privacy? And do we not have the right to be left alone? I know we need to catch the bad guys. But isn’t there a better way?
Nov 18, 2016 | News
Since Donald Trump’s election, there’s been a lot of talk about ‘fake news’. Facebook is in hot water about ‘fake news’. Some political leftists blame ‘fake news’ for Trump’s upset victory. But what is ‘fake news’? Do they really mean alternative media? But here is another question: Is fake news crackdown leading to censorship?
Even President Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel weigh in on the issue. So, Obama participates in a press conference with Merkel. He said we’re living in a time where false information is on TV and Facebook. Facebook, Google and other tech sites are under the gun. That’s because many argue their websites are hotbeds for false news stories.
Earlier this year, Obama campaigned for Hilary Clinton in Michigan. But the President warned people not to believe something because they read it on Facebook. Online news site BuzzFeed did quite a study. They studied the last three months of an election. Their study showed the top 20 ‘fake news’ websites got more views than the top 20 mainstream news stories. President Obama hinted if people kept reading and believing ‘fake news’, the more people read it. One day I’m going to find which top 20 real news and top 20 fake news they’re talking about. But here is top 10 list of fake news websites, from 2014. ?
However, this isn’t the fake news they’re after. I agree. There are hoaxes on Facebook. How many celebrity death hoaxes do we read every year? There are other really fake news stories as well. But are they going after the really fake news? Or are they going after alternative news? Fewer people trust mainstream media than ever before. Between you and me, I saw a lot of fake on mainstream news. And don’t even get me started on these celebrity news shows that’s passed as news. I trust alternative news way more than I trust mainstream news. Apparently, many Americans do. I don’t think mainstream news sources like that. So maybe they’re asking political leaders and tech leaders to declare war on alternative media, calling it ‘fake news’. So who are the ‘fake news’ witch hunts after?
Nov 17, 2016 | News, scam
Ever hear of the Investigatory Powers Bill? Probably not. So, this bill passed in Great Britain. It went through the House of Commons and House of Lords (their version of Congress and Senate). So Great Britain, kiss your online freedom goodbye.
That’s because the Investigatory Powers Bill tightens Great Britain’s surveillance laws. It’s their biggest surveillance law passed this decade. British Home Secretary Theresa May introduced the bill in November 2015. But supporters claim good reason for this bill. They say this gives lawmakers more oversight. They also say this gives Britain better national security. But Britain already has strict surveillance laws. Privacy and civil rights groups already voice concern.
This law gives Britain four more powers. First of all, they can hack into any computer system they see fit. This includes corporate servers any your own personal smartphone. Also, it allows bulk hacking. They allow hacks on many systems at once. This is especially true if they suspect terrorism. This is even true for foreign systems used in Britain. Furthermore, Theresa May will appoint commissioners to oversee this measure. Finally, law enforcement can get data when they conduct investigations. They can do this without anybody’s knowledge or approval.
In conclusion, there are so many problems with this bill. But this shouldn’t surprise anyone. This country has cameras watching and lecturing people about littering. They’ve done this for years. On the surface, this looks safe. But scratch beyond that. This bill opens the portals of Big Brother. The government knows what every British person does online. That’s the real fear. I used to be trusting. I thought governments snooped only during emergencies.? But now I know better. They’ll do it to anybody, and for any reason. I’m glad civil rights advocates are speaking out. I wish there were more. What do you think? Will this bill enforce national security? Or is something far more sinister going on?
Nov 16, 2016 | scam
The Christmas shopping season begins next week. So people will not just spend money. Many will look for ways to make money. But for some, that means selling counterfeit goods online. You better not do it on Amazon. Because Amazon is on the warpath: Amazon sues counterfeiters.
That’s right. Amazon cracks down on counterfeit sellers. As a result, they’re suing these sellers. These lawsuits come due to many business complaints. They complain counterfeits cripple their business and their products put customers in danger. For example, Amazon just filed a lawsuit against sellers for peddling fake sporting equipment with TRX’s trademark. They filed another lawsuit against sellers. This group sold fake moving products in the name of Forearm Forklift.
Hence, Amazon isn’t just looking out for Amazon. They’re looking out for legit companies doing business on Amazon. Consequently, Forearm Forklift lost millions in the last few years. They can thank counterfeit sellers for this. Mark Lopreiato is the company’s founder. He fights these sellers with everything he has. But they won’t stop. Counterfeiters just keep on selling. Training equipment company Fitness Anywhere joins this lawsuit. Who knows? As this ball gets rolling, maybe other American companies will join these lawsuits.
This fight won’t be easy. Amazon is probably the most profitable e-commerce site today, if not all-time. They make $75 billion a year. Much of that comes from third party sellers. Some sellers are legit. In fact, the majority are legit and doing the right thing. It’s just a few that sell products in other people’s name. Then they reap all the product. At first, I thought, “Here’s Amazon, a $75 billion business, complaining.” But there’s a deeper meaning. Amazon isn’t getting hosed here. Neither are major corporations. But these are medium level American corporations. And they’re losing profit to counterfeit businesses. In conclusion, who does the counterfeit? If it’s you, keep in mind you’re not just fleecing a multi-billionaire or A-list celebrity. You’re fleecing a hard working American out of his/her mortgage, car payment, or kids’ college fund. Are lawsuits the right action to take?
Nov 15, 2016 | Computer technology
Do you remember Google Glass? Well, not too many people do. And for those who do remember, the memories aren’t good ones. In fact, I don’t think Google wants to remember Google Glass. But Apple might invest in digital glass. Let’s go to the rumor mill: Will Apple invest in digital glasses?
Keep in mind, this is very early in the exploration phase. The glasses would connect to iPhones and iPod Touches only (keep in mind this is an Apple device). Also, it would show images and information while the wearer bears on the glasses. It’s kind of similar to what virtual reality does now. Rumor has it Apple is talking with suppliers. Furthermore, they’re ordering eye displays for testing. Let’s say the tests are successful. If they are, then we can see public display and promotion in 2018. But that’s best case scenario. When asked, Apple employees didn’t comment.
But Tim Cook’s company is somewhat in a peculiar phase. The iPhone sales are disappointing. Many tech insiders complain about the lack of new, revolutionary products. Cook sees the success of Pokemon Go and VR headsets. He studies augmented reality, or as it’s more commonly known, AR. Cook says Apple invests a lot in AR technology. Could AR glasses be the break Apple needs?
With all due respect Tim Cook, I don’t think so. Remember why Google Glass hardly sold? First of all, it was an invasion of privacy. With Google Glass, you took a picture with your eyelash. That alone opens up a lot of privacy abuse issues? Plus, Glass was expensive and exclusive. If Apple wants to invest in AR technology or VR technology, then invest in VR headsets. They are so much more successful that Google Glass ever was. I get Tim Cook wants to build the next revolutionary tech thing. But please, don’t go digital glass. It was a failure for Google. It will probably be a failure for Apple as well. How should Apple invest in AR and VR technology?
Nov 14, 2016 | scam, Security, Software
So what is ransomware? Ransomware is malware that blocks a computer or computer system. The malware will lock the computer until the victim pays a ransom of money. Here at Geek Choice, we fixed an alarming number of ransomware cases in the last several weeks. And we don’t pay these hackers a dime! The rise of ransomware: it’s bad, people.
I saw an interesting chart about Windows and ransomware attacks. This chart compared Windows 7 and Windows 10 devices. Also, it shows both systems facing more malware attacks. In fact, by Microsoft’s own admission, attacks increased four times over in one year.? We’re talking more attacks since January 2016. Both systems’ numbers went up. But according to this chart, Windows 7 devices are more accessible to ransomware.
Windows 10 devices are 58% less likely to attack. Many credit Smart Screen Filter blocks. Windows 10 devices was the main selling point in converting from Windows 7. It was a free upgrade until August 2016. Now, the upgrade will cost $120. It’s good at preventing exploits before they even make it to the device. And then there’s Windows Defender. It says what it means. It means what it says. Windows Defender was upgraded six months ago. And it’s allegedly stronger and bigger than ever. Windows Defender blocks a good percentage of these attacks.
Other than going to Windows 10, what else can we do to prevent ransomware? The most important thing: Don’t give in to the hackers! Turn your computer off, wait a while, then turn it back on. Often times this works. If not, then call someone to get the ransomware off. We at Geek Choice specialize in fighting such malware. If you give into these cyber criminals, they’ll have your debit/credit card number and everything else. Whose to say they won’t exploit that as well? Here are some other tips to prevent ransomware before it gets started. What else can you do to prevent ransomware?
Nov 13, 2016 | Uncategorized
This is a consumer alert: Hackers attack adult website! In fact, hackers targeted several adult websites. In addition to that, they exposed many emails. Also, this could lead to lots of embarrassment, even scandal.
The biggest attack hit adult website Adult Friend Finder. It brags of being the world’s largest swinger sex online community. There’s probably truth to that. Because hackers exposed 339 million accounts. Also, hackers exposed 15 million ‘deleted’ accounts. Former members thought they closed these accounts. Not really. But Adult Fare Finder isn’t the only victim. Hackers hit Cams.com, an adults only chat room. Hackers exposed over 60 million of their accounts. Furthermore, they hit long running adult magazine company Penthouse. Hackers stole and exposed 7 million accounts. So overall, they took over 400 million adult entertainment based accounts.
Some of this data is around 20 years ago. That’s when the Internet was in it’s infancy. And right before the attack, researchers found a flaw. As with most hacks, especially of this size, we don’t know who is responsible. There are some suspects. However, according to Leaked Source, hackers cracked 99% of all the passwords. Complaints of weak security built up for weeks. Some customers even complained of extortion. I guess those concerns came too little too late.
I hope the victims get justice. Maybe the law will expose the hackers in the same way they exposed the victims. Yes, these are victims. But there is a lesson we can all learn. Remember Ashley Madison last year? We learned a lot through those attacks. We learned a lot of these accounts, especially the women accounts, were faked. So the lesson is, leave these adult websites alone! I’m not one to judge, but in my years in this industry, such websites are bad news. Many of them lead to spyware, malware, identity theft, and goodness knows what else. What scandals will this hack lead to? How many important people will suffer?
