Nov 12, 2016 | News
So, Facebook stops racially targeted ads. The new rule targets ads about credit, housing and employment.? On the surface, that sounds like a good thing. But is it really?
In addition to this new rule, Facebook advertisers must swear they’ll never use discriminatory ads. Also, these rules took place after congressional meetings, with organizations like the Congressional Black Caucus and Congressional Hispanic Caucus. Some civil rights leaders worry ethnic based ads will lead to housing and job discrimination. This is especially true for markets that are notoriously known for discrimination practices. Here is what also concerns many people: These ads could encourage discrimination.
Some federal officials accuse Facebook for enabling advertisers to exclude groups while placing ads. For example, Pro Publica placed a controversial ad. This particular ad promoted an event that excluded non-white buyers. That concerned many political and civil rights leaders. While Facebook uses multicultural marketing to cater to all races, this shouldn’t be an excuse or license to discrimination. Soon afterwards, some filed a lawsuit against Facebook. They claimed such ads violated the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Fair Housing Act of 1968. Facebook listened. They talked with housing rights organizations. Thus, this new rules is in effect. Many in Congress and in various communities applaud the new ruling.
So do I. But I do so with caution. There is no excuse for discrimination. If this ruling fights discrimination, then good. But this could hurt diverse marketing practices as well. Suppose someone puts up a housing ad. It’s toward a certain audience. What if someone cries discrimination? In the politically correct era, I can see someone playing that card. But let’s take this further. Look at Facebook’s employee roster. Less than five percent are African-American. Less than five percent of Facebook’s work force are Latino. Shouldn’t this be Facebook’s next concern?
Nov 11, 2016 | Entertainment
It’s almost Christmas shopping season. The kids make their list and check it twice. Hence, video games are probably on the list. One video game console could be the new PlayStation Pro 4. Introducing PlayStation 4 Pro: Is This Buy Good?
First of all, it’s an odd looking console. When is the last time you saw a video game system looking like a pyramid? But it does come with an extra USB port. They made the eject power button a little easier to use. Note the phrase ‘a little’. While it is a little bulkier than the regular Playstation 4, it shouldn’t take any more space. But it will take up some wallet space. The Playstation 4 Pro will cast around $400.
Now, let’s focus on the inside. The PlayStation 4 Pro gives you a faster CPU and an extra GB of RAM. The hard drive doubles from 500 GB to 1TB. Also, the speed is nearly double that of regular Playstation 4. Many people, especially techies, brag about their 4K resolution. What does this mean in layman’s terms? That means your games will look more realistic and will draw you into the game. Furthermore, the sound allegedly better. In the 2016 video game world, that means everything.
However, it this a good buy? Well, lines are already getting long at gaming stores here in Boston. But then again, lines were long for the latest Samsung Galaxy flop. But a video game system is only as good as their video games. What good was Nintendo without Super Mario Brothers and Zelda? And what good was Sega Genesis without Sonic the Hedgehog? It looks like Pro 4 has you covered. There are already good games. But now there are games like ‘Horizon: Zero Dawn’ and ‘The Last Guardian’. These are tailor made for 4 Pro. So this advanced machine will cost around $400. The regular Playstation 4 will cost around $300. Is the advanced Playstation 4 worth the extra yard? It this buy good?
Nov 10, 2016 | Computer technology
Apparently, Donald Trump could be the least of Silicon Valley‘s problems. I’ve read articles that shook me to the core. Whether you run a computer service shop doing PC repairs, or you work in IT support and you?re the one people always go to to get their laptops fixed, you should be cautious. The whole IT community should be cautious. And they should all be asking the same question?Can robots replace IT jobs?
According to Vinod Khoslo, co-founder of Sun Microsystems (which Oracle bought out in 2010), the answer is yes. He should know since he helped launch the computer server. Khosla believes artificial intelligence (let’s just call them robots) will run every data center in America. Many IT and computer repair companies already use programs like managed services to automate a lot of their work. Imagine robots taking over the rest of the work that those companies use human technicians to do. Khosla spoke at a conference in San Francisco and stated robots can replace 80% of IT staff. He also says AI technology can replace most doctors. But as you can imagine, this doesn’t sit well with many people. He replied with the quote: “But we’re all in the other 20%, not the 80% that’s automated.”
Khosla said job automation will become normal in due time. Furthermore, he claims robots will be better than humans at diagnosing problems. I hate to say it, but evidence backs him on that claim. Companies have already started replacing human workers with programs that monitor, diagnose, and even in some cases fix, problems their systems have before they even realize the problems are there! They get full IT support without having to call a computer service shop or wait for their IT service to show up, and that?s just the beginning of how human workers are being replaced in this industry. In fact, automated data centers and corporate networks are becoming the order of the day.
Do you know what got me though? Vinod Khosla didn’t give a timeline of this change, but it sounds like he wants this sooner than later, and said he’s excited about such changes. I am not. Does it occur to Mr. Khosla how many lost jobs will come out of this? His quote about the 20% to 80% isn’t a good enough explanation, either. I want to believe no human jobs will be lost. I wish I could believe no human family will go without. But I know how human nature is, especially at the top. There are companies who’d rather replace cashiers with robots rather than give cashiers an extra wage. And we’re talking minimum wage. Imagine what those at the top would do to a technician working in computer repair making $15-$20 an hour. That’s scary, not exciting. Or I could be looking at this the wrong way. But what do you think? Can robots replace IT jobs?
Nov 9, 2016 | General, News
Thank goodness it’s over now. Thank goodness the most contentious election in American history is over. But Silicon Valley, mostly Hilary Clinton supporters, aren’t taking it so well. Let’s see how Silicon Valley’s handling the election.
First of all, there was disbelief. Aneesh Chopra is the Chief Technology Officer of the US government. But he tweeted, “Did I transport to Earth 2?” Also, venture capitalist Aileen Lee tweeted, “What is happening?” She did so in a more colorful way. I’m guessing she said that as the swing states turned red: Florida, North Carolina, Ohio, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania. Furthermore, there was fear. Wayne Sutton is a computer consultant and co-founder of Tech Inclusion. He tweeted he was scared as…
But some expressed hope.? Technology consultant Jeff Morris Jr. called Trump’s victory a wake up call for Silicon Valley. John Lilly serves on Code for Americs’a Board of Directors. He’s the former CEO of Mozilla Corp. Lilly encouraged his fellow techies to work hard and keep their heads up. While other Silicon Valley leads urge and preach defiance. I’ve read some celebrities say if Trump wins, they’re moving to Canada. But don’t tell that to Anil Dash. He tweeted, “…and not afraid of Donal Trump. We have to get to work.”
Finally, there’s Peter Thiel. He’s the co-founder of Pay Pal. Thiel? is an ally to pro wrestling legend Hulk Hogan. He’s virtually the only Silicon Valley Trump supporter. If they’re others, they don’t admit it. Thiel congratulated Trump on last night’s victory. In addition, he urges all Americans to come together and face America’s problems. I don’t agree with Thiel’s politics. But he has a point. All of us, including the technology community, need to come together now. We need to improve diversity in Silicon Valley. Let’s work together to bring tech jobs back to America. Most of all, if we’re going to compete in the world, make tech education a top priority. But let’s start while they’re in early elementary school. Don’t wait until they’re in high school or college. Give our young kids the tools to succeed and prosper now. What can Silicon Valley do to move forward?
Nov 8, 2016 | Entertainment, internet, News
History is made today. And the bickering and hate is almost over; we can only hope. Because today is US Election Day. Personally, I want to bury myself in Netflix and I’ll hear who won tomorrow morning. But since some of you are gluttons for stress and punishment, here is where you can follow election coverage online.
Since so many Americans are on You Tube, why not start there? Several You Tube channels will keep election coverage going all night long. Such channels include MTV, Bloomberg, NBC, Telemondo, Info Wars, and Young Turks. Also, Twitter will stream BuzzFeed’s election coverage starting at 6pm Eastern, 5pm Central and 3pm Pacific. This is just the start.
Because we know Facebook wants in. Which is why CNN, ABC News, New York Times, PBS, and others will stream election coverage through them. In addition to that, most of us have smartphone apps. Many news apps, including Fox News, CBSN, C-Span, Politico, Vice, Slate, and several others will offer coverage. Google and Bing will share polling data as soon as the polls close. In fact, do you know where your polling station is? If not, Google can help you with that as well. You can even watch election results through VR technology.
So there you have it. But what about us who actually want to keep our sanity? Thank goodness for the Weather Channel. Starting at 3pm Eastern, the Weather Channel will offer you 9 hours of ‘chill marathon‘. This includes nature scenery and smooth jazz. Of course, You Tube has thousands upon thousands of non-election channels for your escape. If America needed a ‘Netflix and chill’ night, it’s tonight. If you’re trying to escape the election coverage, Facebook is NOT the place to do so. My FB friends are obsessed with this election. I’m guessing many of yours are too. That’s why I’m not logging on Facebook for the next week or so. What are some other places you can follow election coverage? What are some other places you can escape election coverage?
Nov 7, 2016 | News, Security
China has one of the fastest growing economies in the world. It also has one of the strictest censorship laws in the world. In addition to that, they just passed another online censorship law. Could China’s online censorship cripple business?
So effective November 7, China signs a new cyber security law. It tightens the noose on online companies and how they operate. It requires online companies to register customers’ real names and real personal information. Also, it blocks ‘prohibited’ content. Furthermore, they require localized data within the Chinese borders. But that’s not all. Companies must report all network security issues to the government. It doesn’t matter if they can fix it on their own. And another thing: Companies are to provide tech support during government investigations, whether they want to or not. There are other laws too.
So you know the global response is swift and harsh. An advocacy group called Human Rights Watch vehemently opposes China’s new measures. They complain the law isn’t clear enough. The international group says this puts hundreds of millions under stricter state control. But it gets worse. This new law forbids certain content. One illegal phrase includes, “overthrowing the socialist system”. That tells me something. That should tell you something. In China, many have a computer, tablet and smartphone. Also, many have all of the above. Many in the country love their social media, and now they have to watch what they say? Isn’t this bad for business?
The Human Rights Watch is on point. These laws are vague. When laws are vague, they can be twisted. For example: ‘Overthrowing the socialist system’ could mean anything anti-Chinese government. That’s a problem. Can you imagine a law like that here? I can’t . I hope I never have to.? But what about the big companies who work in China? What about Apple, Microsoft, Google, Samsung, and other tech giants who depend on China’s growth? It’s no secret these companies are in deep with the Chinese government. So what will they do? Will they use their power to fight such oppressive laws? Or will they give in to the Chinese government just to keep their bottom line in tact? What would you do?
Nov 6, 2016 | internet
Twitter was one of the social media giants. But note how I say ‘was’. Now, Twitter is in trouble. The Chicago Cubs won the World Series. It’s their first one in over a century. But not even tweets celebrating this historic feat can lift Twitter out of it’s misery. Nonetheless, despite the decline, Twitter still innovates. Let’s see how.
First of all, we know Twitter delivers NFL games to us for free. It’s also streaming presidential debates. That should be good for them because these debates are the highest rated in history. Furthermore, they’re peddling video apps to other social media big wigs, like Apple TV. Twitter streams other mainstream content as well. They now changed their Twitter character limits, and even banned repeated Twitter abusers. All of these are very innovative? And there are other ways. But is it enough?
It doesn’t look like it. Stocks continue to plummet. In addition, abuse and bullying continues. In addition, people from celebrities to politicians report all kinds of abuse. This abuse ranges from racial slurs to death threats and rape threats. They’re laying off around 1 in 11 of their employees. Finally, one of their great innovations was Vine video-sharing. Now, they have to cut that off.
Several complained Twitter failed to advertise their NFL delivery. Therefore, only those on Twitter knew about it. So they failed to bring new followers to Twitter. Plus, NFL ratings are down this year. So they picked the wrong year to launch this. Yes, the debates brought in high numbers. But look at how contentious this election is. Don’t you think these debates will only increase bullying and abuse? Many complain Twitter doesn’t do enough to keep users safe, and they don’t enforce their own rules. As my high school US history Mr. Lawson said, “Rules are only good as enforced.” And now thy want to talk about peddling video apps. But the thing is, by 2016, we can get these apps anywhere. Are these innovations too late for Twitter? Can anything be done to save Twitter?
Nov 5, 2016 | internet, Smartphone
So, many of you know of Facebook’s Gameroom app. If not, then you can read about it here. The social media conglomerate wants to go even further. Facebook Messenger conquers video games…or at least attempts to.
Therefore, Facebook Messenger will soon launch ‘Instant Games’. In this app, you can play small, light games. Hence, one can play with or against their FB friends. Instant Games could debut as early as this month. Due to their large bankroll, Facebook calls on big time game makers for help. These include King.com, the people who brought us Candy Crush. In Instant Games, friends would take turns playing, instead of against each other. Some of us are old enough taking turns playing the Atari, Nintendo or Sega Genesis. It will kinda be like that.
Nobody at Facebook is talking. Also, we don’t even know what games they’re testing. Nobody know what the first of ‘Instant Games’ will be. But tech media insiders are speculating. For instance, King.com has a Facebook page for Shuffle Cats Mini. Could that be one? Facebook also has a cozy relationship with game maker Big Viking. Big Viking’s premier game is Galatron. It’s a space game that is very popular. It’s like Galaga for the 2010s.
But between me and you, all this speculation is not good for ‘Instant Games’ promotion. If you want to compete, let alone conquer video games, let your public know something. On Facebook platforms, Basketball, Candy Crush and Soccer have are successful. I would start there. Speaking of Galaga, you can never go wrong with the classics. While they’re add it, throw in some Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, or Kung Fu. Apple and Google have a huge chunk of the smartphone gaming market. Facebook wants a bigger piece of it. I know it’s early testing, but won’t all this secrecy hinder their dreams? What games would you like to see in Instant Games?
Nov 4, 2016 | internet, News
The Democrat Party was hacked last summer. This was during the Democrat National Convention. You’re also familiar with Wikileaks releasing condemning emails about presidential candidate Hilary Clinton. For months, everyone assumed Russia did it. Maybe it wasn’t Russia after all.
Wikileaks co-founder Julian Assange tells a different story. According to Assange, Russia has no involvement. Neither does Moscow or Russian president Vladimir Putin. Alternative news site RT follows this story. On this site, veteran reporter John Pilger interviews Assange. In the interview, he calls Russian involvement in the hacking ‘fictional’. Assange also denied Wikileaks played a role. Assange says the allegations further promoted anti-Russian hysteria. But on the other hand Assange says, “I actually feel quite sorry for Clinton as a person…”
Hacking plagued the Hilary Clinton campaign for months. Around March 2016, Wikileaks got 30,000 emails from Mrs. Clinton’s private server. Furthermore, 20,000 emails leaked out. These emails exposed a bad attitude toward Bernie Sanders. But what happened last month was the ultimate nail. Wikileaks released over 50,000 emails. They’re connected to John Podesta, Bill Clinton’s former Chief of Staff. But now, this batch of emails has everybody in the hot seat. These emails also erased Mrs. Clinton’s comfortable lead in the polls.
Therefore, I don’t know who to trust. Here at Geek Choice our Managed Services regularly detect hacking attempts. ?IT Support sees everything and it’s scary. ?Maybe Russia had nothing to do with the hackings. Maybe Assange had nothing to do with it. But I love the way (I mean this with the utmost sarcasm) the media spun this around. Everybody, especially mainstream media, made Russia look like the villain in all this. Even I’ve written blogs that went that way. So if I misled you that way, I sincerely apologize. It turns out Moscow may not have hacked into the any of the emails. But if they didn’t, then who did? Managed Services allows us to trace where hackers are from but even then a good hacker can make it look like thy’re from Russia when they’re not. ?These thousands of emails didn’t just fall on Assange’s desk or sneak by IT Support. So where did they come from? And who can we trust?
Nov 3, 2016 | Uncategorized
Google is so much a part of our lives we take it for granted. They have control of the search engines and maps. Also, if you have a Droid, thank Google. If you watch You Tube, thank Google for that. Now there’s Google Home: Should you buy?
So Google Home is a voice speaker system. You use it to control appliances, help you with chores and it will answer small questions. Does this sound familiar? It should. That’s because Amazon Echo does the same thing. But what, if anything, makes Google Home different? And is the investment worth it?
Google Home costs $130. The set up is easy. Download the app to your device and plug in the two. It plays music through various sources. Just let Google know what song you’re in the mood for. Furthermore, Google Home keeps you up to date with all the latest events. Just ask. However, if it’s videos you want, you better stick with You Tube. Because that’s about the only access you’ll get through Google Home. In one review, a man asks some pretty cool questions. The device answered. But it’s Google, so what do you expect? Consequently,? Home works with Samsung, Phillip Hue, and Nest products only. Surprise surprise: Those are all Google based entities. Finally, the Google voice name, hold on to your hats for this one: Google Assistant.
First of all, Google has some of the greatest minds of the world. Surely they can come up with a better name than Google Assistant. Others have Siri, Echo and Alexa? Can’t they come up with a better name? But Google Home is competitive. It offers a great home device and at a great price. If you’re a die hard Google fan, get the product. But if you’re an Amazon or Apple fan, why bother? And if you think Google dominates your life enough already (like I do), then don’t get this product. So should you buy Google Home?
