Aug 1, 2016 | Uncategorized
In a few years, Uber changed the way we get around. But it’s not sitting well they depend on Google Maps to help drivers get around. That’s not all.
Uber invests $500 million in a mapping project. Their goal is to loosen their dependence on Google and other mapping apps. Eventually, they hope this helps the quest for driverless cars. Uber already sees progress. They have vehicles throughout the US and Mexico. These vehicles collect data and gather images for maps. These vehicles will visit other countries soon. Uber rose to power because of other companies’ technology, from smartphones to GPS/mapping systems. Now that Uber has the money, power and influence, they want their own system. That’s because Google Maps power most of Uber. The alliance between Google and Uber is morphing into a rivalry. Both tech corporations want to build the first driverless car. Last year, Uber hired Brian McClendon. He’s one of the greatest digital mapping experts in the world today. Uber also stole him from Google. You know a rivalry gets intense when top talent is stolen or lured away. McClendon believes mapping is the backbone of Uber. That’s why they’re investing hundreds of millions of dollars.
There could be another factor here. Google raises fees for Google Map usage. Could that be inspiring Uber to make it’s own maps? This expense adds up quickly. Take into account Uber provides over 2 billion rides a year in sixty countries. So Google Maps is making billions off Uber. From that standpoint, I see why Uber wants it’s own maps. But there’s a deeper meaning here. When Uber began, just a few years ago, Google was their biggest supporter. Now, Uber is all grown up. They’ve even taken Google high-ranking employers. It’s almost like the little cousin who leaves the big cousin’s protection. Now little cousin wants to overtake the big cousin. Little cousin even stole one of big cousin’s exes. Who will win this race?
Jul 31, 2016 | Security
We all know about the hack attacks on the Democratic National Convention and their committees. This includes Hilary Clinton’s computer campaign and the Democrat fundraising committee. The hackers weren’t after funds. They were after private information. This makes the hacking even scarier. Does political hacking equal end of democracy?
Vladimir Putin and the Russian government are the main suspects. ?Then you have WikiLeaks hacking and releasing information. And they promise to do more of it. More states use electronic voting. There’s even talk of voting online. This just adds to the risk of a major political cyber attack on Election Day. Other concerns include deleting votes and/or voter records and hijacking candidates’ website. Hackers could cyberbully candidates, even threaten death to their families. Hackers could use social media to intimidate voters, threatening them if they dared go to the polls. Voting machines can be hacked and tampered with. Don’t think this can happen? In Latin America, it already is. Check out this chilling article from an admitted political hacker. Andres Sepulveda was somewhat of a hacking hit man. He’d be paid over $12,000 a month to hack campaigns. It didn’t matter who it was, just as long as Sepulveda got paid.
I am not writing this to endorse any candidate. But I write this as a grave warning. Intimidation of voters has been done before, even in America. During the Jim Crow era, open intimidation kept many African-Americans from the polls. You don’t think trolls would do the same thing today through a computer or smartphone? Andres Sepulveda got $12,500 a month hacking elections. There are many unemployed tech workers who will do it for even less. Some would even hack an election for free, so long as it supported their cause. And consider how volatile this election already is. And why are we letting foreign governments rig an election? If they can rig our elections, there’s no telling how far they would go. What’s to stop them from saying, “Let’s hack their entire computer networks, their electricity, their military, and knock them back to the early 1800s with an EMP?” And if people think elections are this rigged, then what’s the point of even voting at all? Do you see the potential downfall we’re facing? What can be done to address political hacking? Or am I just being paranoid?
Jul 30, 2016 | General
Apple stocks are soaring. Nintendo makes a comeback, thanks to Pokemon Go. Amazon has never been better. But one tech giant is downsizing. Microsoft plans 2,850 job cuts.
This adds to the 7,400 job cuts that occurred between July 2015 and June 2016. These new cuts began early this month. They will continue through 2017. You may think, “But it’s Microsoft. These numbers are nothing, right?” ?Not really. Microsoft employs 113,000 people. Over half those jobs belong to Americans. The majority of the 2,850 people have already been notified. It’s been announced COO Kevin Turner was leaving Microsoft for another company. We don’t know which company that is.
What’s to blame for these jobs cuts? Acquisitions and company restructure are to blame. Back in 2013, Microsoft acquired cell phone maker Nokia. That alone made the company take a 7.6 billion dollar write down. This doesn’t include restructuring costs, which run around $850 million. Many insiders and analysts call the Nokia/Microsoft merge the worst acquisition in tech history. In the months following this acquisition, 18,000 were laid off. However, this round of cuts will hit the hardware and global sales division especially hard. In a filing to the SEC, Microsoft wrote, “In connection with the restructuring plans, we incurred restructuring charges of $501 million in fiscal year 2016, including severance expenses and other ?costs. We do not expect to incur additional charges for these restructuring plans in subsequent years.”
But how do they know that? It seems this Microsoft/Nokia deal has caused far more harm than good. This could have created jobs. Instead, over 27,000 have been lost. This could have made Microsoft money. Instead, they’re hemorrhaging billions of dollars. I’ve never been a fan of huge acquisitions. I think it cuts out competition and paves the way for monopoly. But some acquisitions have gone well. This one has gone horribly. Do you think this is the end of Microsoft job cuts? When will this bleeding stop?
Jul 29, 2016 | Security
The Democrat National Convention is over now. But the fallout continues. The FBI investigates a Democrat Party committee being hacked.
The alleged victim was the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, or DNCC. The Russian government is the top suspect. Rumors have it Russia is hacking Democrat organizations. Rumors say they’re doing so to help Republican nominee Donald Trump get elected this November. The Kremlin vehemently denies this, claiming they had nothing to do with any cyber attack. Russian hackers are already suspected of hacking the convention. The investigation shows the motive wasn’t theft. The motivation was information gathering. It’s not even clear which data was exposed. But Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta expressed concern of foreign intelligence agency interfering in this US election. Kremlin spokesperson?Dmitry Peskov called the hacking speculations ‘silliness and bordering on stupidity’. Some Democrats are even blaming Donald Trump. Some accuse Trump of being behind the whole thing. They point out Trump’s praise of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Russia isn’t the only potential online threat. WikiLeaks exposed some condemning emails. These emails allegedly show the DNC’s blatant for Hilary Clinton over Bernie Sanders. The DNC is supposed to be neutral toward all Democrat candidates. In fact, DNC Chairman Debbie Wassserman Shultz had to resign because of email controversy. This was less than 24 hours before the convention began.
I’m not here to take political sides here. But this finger pointing is almost turning into paranoia.There’s one thing John Podesta is right about. No foreign government, corporation, entity, criminal gang, or foreign anything should be hacking into an American election. That’s the disturbing part. I understand the world is watching this presidential election. There is great global interest. But cyber attacking is no way to get involved. This is an American election. This election doesn’t belong to Russia, China, or any other nation. I don’t know if Russia is involved or not. It’s all speculation. But if they are, they need to back off. How would other countries like it if we hacked into their election process?
Jul 28, 2016 | internet, News
On the weekend of July 16, a coup occurred. Turkey military leaders attempted to overthrow Turkey’s President Tayyip Erdogan. The coup failed. Nearly 246 were killed. Since this attempt, Erdogan has been on the purge warpath. Not even media is safe as Turkey shuts down media.
Erdogan’s government shut down many media agencies. This includes 45 newspapers, 16 TV stations, three media corporations, and dozens of radio stations. Social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and You Tube are also affected. Not only that, over 100 Turkish media members have been arrested and detained. These shutdowns include Internet services. In one morning alone, Turkish authorities detained 50 media members. They worked for Zaman newspaper. Prosecutors insisted that media organization be shut down. Zaman is rumored to have ties to Muslim cleric?Fethullah Gulen. Gulen is one of Erdogan’s biggest rivals and toughest critics. Erdogan blames Gulen for organizing the coup attempt. Gulen lives in Pennsylvania, due to a voluntary exile. Erdogan wants the US to extradite Gulen back to Turkey. Gulen denies any involvement. Human rights groups condemn this media shutdown. An Amnesty International director called this censorship a crackdown of freedom. She said, “Rather than stifling press freedom and intimidating journalists into silence, it is vital that Turkish authorities allow the media to do their work…”.
This is part of Erdogan’s purge. In the last several days, over 50,000 people have lost their jobs. Thousands have been arrested. They’re reports of torture, rape, humiliation, even mass graves being prepared. This is why Turkey needs free media, more than ever. This is why Turkey needs free Internet, more than ever. Once we allow Erdogan and his henchmen shut off free media, then we’re in trouble. That gives Erdogan the opportunity to do whatever he wants to whomever he wants. We need freedom of the press and the Internet to keep the Erdogans of the world accountable. We need to use our voice against censorship, especially online censorship. And another thing…why is much of the world keeping silent about this?
Jul 27, 2016 | Smartphone
Apple’s stock went up over 7% yesterday. Apple reported a $42.4 billion revenue. Anticipation for the upcoming iPhone 7 played a part. But there is another component to Apple’s stock success. This one might surprise you.
According to Apple CEO Tim Cook, Apple Pay is the real MVP. Cook said Apple Pay made up 75% if all paperless and card less transactions in the US. Cook stated he got that news from retailers. Apple Pay started in 2014. You transfer your debit/credit card information on their Apple smart device. The Apple Pay app is often called a ‘mobile wallet’. You can even do this on your iWatch. Now you can go anywhere that supports near-field communication (NFC) technology. Just tap your phone or watch to the retailer machine, or have your phone scanned by the clerk. That’s how you pay without cash, check or card. But this technology is only two years old. So not every store will accept Apple Pay…yet. In fact, only nine countries have Apple Pay access. Those nations are the US, UK, Canada, China, Hong Kong, France, Switzerland, Australia and Singapore. Cook says Apple Pay users and transactions have increased four and five fold from this time last year.
There’s a reason I titled this report …according to Apple. That’s because there are no hard numbers to support these claims. Sure, it’s possible. Sure, it’s likely. Apple Pay is on the rise. I see it offered everywhere, from grocers to coffee shops. Personally, I’m a little weary of it. What if hackers break in Apple Pay? Does anybody ever wonder about that? There’s another factor Cook didn’t mention. Apple Pay has competition. Google has Android Pay. Samsung has Samsung Pay. Apple has an advantage over them now. They’re only in two countries (US and UK). But you know that will soon change. Is Apple Pay winning…according to Apple?
Jul 26, 2016 | internet, Smartphone
Google is improving it’s maps systems. This is especially true for Apple and Android smartphone users. Whether you’re commuting or on vacation, Google wants to guide your steps.
They removed road outlines and made it easy to spot points of interest, like train stations, gas stations and subway/bus stops. The cleaner Google Maps will highlight things to see and do. The neighborhoods with lots going on? Those will be shaded in orange. This allows users to explore a certain neighborhood virtually before they do so physically. These areas are determined at random. The system automatically picks the areas with the most businesses. But highly density populations are more human controlled. Other geographical areas are shaded in colors. Highways are shaded in orange or yellow. Hospitals and schools are in beige or gray. Parks are in green, naturally. Bodies of water are in blue, naturally. More changes will soon be on the way. Do you use mass transit? Google maps will alert you if there are delays. This map will be a Wi-Fi only mode. Some are asking Google Maps to put local public transit maps on their website. They could show you when the train/bus is coming and when it’s not.
I live in Boston and depend on public transit often (you try driving in Boston). Say I go to the subway platform. I check my phone to see if the train is late. It’s very late. But I had no way of knowing that. Because the train platform doesn’t get Wi-Fi. I would have to check at home before I’d know the train is late. Something has to be done about that. Sorry, I’m not feeling the other changes either. I can just type ‘store’ or ‘coffee shop’ in a neighborhood and find one. It only takes a few seconds. What’s with coloring public facilities? Just put what the facilities are. Oh, right, they already do that. Some of these shades are so natural is ridiculous. What do you think of these Google Map changes?
Jul 25, 2016 | Smartphone, Software, Uncategorized
In 2013, whistle blower Edward Snowden revealed the government uses technology to spy on US citizens. He was a hero to many. He was a traitor to others. But Snowden isn’t going away. Edward Snowden designs smartphone security.
Snowden is helping design an iPhone case that does more than prevent glass breakage. This case prevents governments, corporations, hackers, nosy family members and friends, and anybody else from spying on smartphones. Snowden believes smartphones are easily traceable. He and Andrew Huang work on a case connected to the phone. This case alerts the user when the phone makes transmissions. The case’s wires connect to the SIM card slot and read other smartphone components. The case has it’s own computer and display. The display alerts the user of any suspicious activity, no matter where it’s coming from. They nickname this case ‘introspective engine’. They submitted this patent at the MIT Media Lab in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Well, Huang did. Snowden is still living in Russia. He’s still virtually held hostage there a US fugitive. Nonetheless, Snowden promoted ‘introspective engine’ through a video conference. This introspective engine case is literally in it’s infancy. No smartphone company has dared picked up the idea. We don’t even know what MIT Media Lab thinks about it.
We’ll just have to stay tuned to this one. I believe Snowden and ?Huang’s hearts are in the right place. They want to do everything they can to stop spying. They want to ensure your privacy rights. I respect and applaud this. But is it practical? People can just use airplane modes. Some are turning off their smartphones whenever they’re not in use. How can their privacy be invaded when it’s not even on? Snowden’s device just warns you when you’re being invaded. It just doesn’t interfere and fight off the invaders. That’s just what’s wrong with this device, so far. Personally, I hope they can get it patented, back, and sold. It’s one more weapon against surveillance. We can never have too many of those. Does the ‘introspective engine’ have a chance?
Jul 24, 2016 | Smartphone
It’s that time of year again, iPhone lovers. Get your sleeping bag ready. Save your place in line. Apple’s iPhone 7 is coming. And it’s coming soon.
First off, Apple does not have an official iPhone 7 release date. But Venture Beat reporter Even Blass is one of the most respected bloggers in the tech media. He has an excellent record of predicting Apple release dates. Yesterday, Blass tweeted the next iPhone will be on the week of September 12, 2016. Other rumors are out there. The rumors say there will be three versions of iPhone 7. There are blogs and photos bragging about larger screens and more storage. There’s a rumor of an iPhone 7 professional version, but Blass dismissed it. Blass speculates two new versions. Blass tweeted their potential code names: Sonora and Dos Palos. Other insiders and analysts predict a September release, but so far, Blass has been the most specific. A September release is Apple’s strategic move. A September iPhone 7 release could do wonders to boost 3rd quarter 2016 profits. The price of the iPhone 7 is not yet known. Apple doesn’t respond to speculation and rumors, no matter the accuracy. They’re not going to start now.
As usual, Apple’s bottom line, as well as their hopes and dreams, will depend on this upcoming release. But this year, they may have a harder row to plow. China is in the midst of a recession. They’re one of Apple’s biggest consumers. The US economy isn’t so hot either. The numbers might look good. But dig down deeper, and you’ll see a different story. Every insider says the release date is critical. Even a couple of days off can throw the whole event out of whack. So I hope Apple is very careful with every detail with this promotion and release. More is riding on iPhone 7 results than any other iPhone in history. How much would you pay for an iPhone 7?
Jul 23, 2016 | internet
Will Verizon buy Yahoo? It looks that way. Yahoo, once an Internet pioneer, is a ghost of better days. For months, bigger companies compete to buy them out. Verizon might be the winner.
Sources say Verizon could purchase Yahoo in the very near future. The price tag would be $5 billion. If you recall, Verizon bought another online pioneer, AOL, last year. That cost $4.4 billion. If this deal goes through, they can combine AOL and Yahoo. Verizon wants to be a major social media player, like Facebook, Twitter and Google/You Tube. Even rival bidders are confident a Yahoo & Verizon acquisition will happen. Nobody else would pay $5 billion for Yahoo. A source at Yahoo said this deal was easy to close. But how can Verizon fund this acquisition? Didn’t they just spend over four billion dollars getting AOL? Verizon board members insists there’s nothing to worry about. One said, “There is no worry with Verizon about financing or as many questions about integration…”. Where does Yahoo CEO Marissa Meyer stand in this? Apparently, she helped put this deal together. Mayer and AOL executive leader Tim Armstrong worked together at Google long ago. In 2014, Armstrong proposed Yahoo and AOL merged. Mayer denied the proposal.
Now, it looks like Verizon will buy Yahoo. It’s not certain. No date or press conference is set. But this deal looks like it’s going to happen. Just think, two years ago Mayer virtually scoffed at a Yahoo/AOL alliance. Now, it looks like a Yahoo/AOL alliance is happening, whether she likes it or not. I still don’t like mergers. I probably never will. But with Yahoo’s recent woes, this one might be necessary. I don’t want to see two historic online giants being an afterthought. And if this potential merger helps them keep their legacies alive, then so be it. But can this forming trio compete with Google, Facebook and Twitter?
