Did you know that cyber crimes are the fastest growing crimes in the world today? Also, the criminals are getting better and smarter. But apparently, so is Chinese technology. China launches hack-free Internet service.
So China comes up with an ‘unhackable’ network. They’re doing this by moving from encryption to?quantum cryptography. They came up with this in Jinan, a hotbed city for Chinese tech. But this network won’t be for everyone, not yet. They’re gearing it toward their government, military and corporate powerhouses. However, China is virtually the only nation investing in quantum technology. So what is this new trend? And why will it keep the Internet hack free?
It’s all in the keys. For more secure messages, light particles surround the keys while you’re typing. Then, the receiver can read it with such keys. So if anybody breaks into the light particles and hijack the message, the light particles stop the interference. Furthermore, they will alert both sender and receiver of the hacking attempt. You see, regular encryption is venerable. Some blame their shelf life. Others blame current computers. But here is the other question: Why is China virtually the only nation investing in this?
Several reason. One is because quantum tech is very expensive. The other is many think it won’t work. Some say that China has the money and manpower to invest in this. Well, doesn’t the United States? And doesn’t many other Western nations? This is my concern and fear. Look at the cyber attacks that happened this year alone. And until we’re doing something about it, nobody in IT support is safe. At least tech heads in China are trying to do something. So I can’t accept ‘we can’t afford it’ as an excuse. We can afford to at least try. If we can afford to make robots to take human jobs, can’t we afford to try quantum technology? China launches hack-free Internet service. Shouldn’t we?
We’re heading towards the busy smartphone season. Because this September, Apple, Google/Android, and Samsung expect to release new this fall. However, a Yahoo article caught me attention. Is the smartphone era dying?
So before you throw eggs and tomatoes at me, just hear me out. This article suggests companies like Microsoft, Amazon and Facebook plot to end the smartphone era. I can see why. They didn’t do well in the smartphone area. Also, look at computer tech and repair history. In the early 1950s, RCA and GE took a gamble on this thing they call television. In the 1970s, Apple and Microsoft took a chance on the PC. Then in the 1990s, Yahoo and Google took advantage of the Internet. Is history repeating itself?
So here’s where I’m going. Look at the virtual reality revolution. Also, look at the digital voice movement. Amazon may not do well with smartphone, but their Alexa machines sell like hotcakes. Then you have robot technology. Today, robots can take your jobs, clean for you, and yes, even become your lovers. I hate saying that because it might encourages others. They’re also coming a time when technology right in front of you. Today, we see Netflix through a PC, laptop, or smartphone screen. But soon, we may see it through VR.
What do I think? Is the smartphone era dying? I doubt it. Because when TV came out, they said the same thing about radio. But radio continued on. The same with movies. Do you know how many times people said, “Well, the movie industry is dead”? Well, it continues on. Yes, I know there are gadgets we don’t use or hardly use anymore: VCR, cassette tapes, 8 tracks, portable record players. I highly doubt the smartphone will join this club. Because the PC didn’t. Even here in my Boston computer service shop, I heard people say the PC is dead and dying. It hasn’t died yet. I doubt it ever will. I don’t see the smartphone dying, either. But what do you think? Is the smartphone era dying?
What does marriage have to do with computer technology? Quite a lot, but not all of it its good. Because in Japan, not only are they marrying robots, but cartoon characters as well. Who wants to marry an anime character?
So let me explain. Japanese men can marry their favorite anime characters. But how can they do it? They can do it through virtual reality. There is a VR game they call, ?’Niizuma Lovely X Cation’. However, this isn’t your typical game, or even VR experience. You can actually have ‘real relationships’ with these cartoon figures. It caught on like wildfire. So the people of Hibiki Works came up with an even more twisted idea.
In the name of promotion, they’re conducting weddings between real life adult males and anime female cartoon characters. This isn’t a joke or trick. I wish it was. Hibiki studios began processing applications in late April 2017. Then, they have the choice between three characters. On June 12, they chose 3 males. Then on June 30, a real?wedding ceremony. Furthermore, a real priest officiated it. The males wore VR goggles to marry these characters. While wearing goggles, a piece of rubber represented the anime cartoon characters’ lips the males kissed. Awww…
This is what our world is coming to. Yes, IT service can be a gift. But it can also be a wretched curse. And some support this issues statewhy. Some say, “Well, since we can’t trust human beings, why not marry a robot or cartoon character?” Some say the state of humanity has fallen so fast we’re more likely to develop relationships with characters and robots than with real human beings. Then others say this we’ve become so cynical we’d rather deal with fantasy than 21st century reality. But there is cause for concern. Have human beings become so hateful and distrusting of one another that we’d rather marry things that aren’t real? We already replace robots in the workplace. Now we replace them in our personal lives too. So who wants to marry an anime character?
Microsoft is one of the most powerful, dominant corporations in the world. But not even they are immune from layoffs. Microsoft lays off thousands: Thanks, technology shift!
Microsoft plans to lay off thousands of people all over the world. They have over 121,000 employees globally, but that number will decrease. So why are they doing this? Because they want to improve their cloud service. You see, they want their sales teams to promote and sale Azure, their cloud service. They need to hit Azure out of the park because they’re competing with Apple, Google and Amazon cloud services.
However, Azure is already to a great start. Their sales doubled in just the last quarter. People turn to cloud computing because it’s cheaper and easier. With cloud, individuals can stream their favorite videos and other on-demand software. Also, companies can better run websites with cloud computing. Microsoft lays off thousands: they picked a peculiar time to do so. Microsoft’s fiscal year ends in July. Apparently, so do people’s job. This seems to be a annual pattern. Last year, they laid off around 2,800 people. Also, back in 2015, they cut 7,800 jobs. And in 2017, Microsoft lays off thousands.
But this time, we don’t know how many thousands. And no Microsoft leader is talking. However, one Microsoft analysts explains why this move is necessary for workers and customers alike. He calls this a rotation. Microsoft lays off thousands with traditional sales and computer skills. Then, they will be replaced by those skilled in cloud, AI, and/or robot technology. This should be a lesson to all involved in computer repair. We should never be content with our computer service?skills. We should all be trying to learn and grow in computer science. Because our technology is changing so fast that none of our jobs are really safe. I’m sure some of these Microsoft employees thought they were safe. But not so. We need to always be prepared and learning for an ever changing field and an ever changing world. So what are doing to learn more?
Amazon already dominates much of the IT service and support field. They got the Internet retail on lock. They also got delivery services. But now, Jeff Bezos wants the food/grocery industry, too. And he’ll probably get it. Because Amazon acquires Whole Foods: Is this too much?
That’s right. Amazon buys Whole Foods for $13.7 billion. That’s about $42 a share. Also, they expect to finish the deal by the end of 2017. Whole Foods is a nationwide grocery chain, specializing in selling local and organic foods. Furthermore, Whole Foods CEO John Mackey will keep his position. He also praises the deal. Mackey said this will help shareholders as well as bring high quality to customers. We’ll see.
However, despite their above average prices and customer support, stockholders urged Whole Foods to merge. Also, Whole Foods lags behind in online sales. Look at Wal-Mart’s online shopping record. Meanwhile, Amazon wants to push and add to it’s online food delivery service, like Amazon Fresh. So in their eyes, this match makes logical sense. Amazon shares went up because of the news. But it’s clear competitors don’t like this one bit. For example, Kroger stocks are falling over 10%. Costco drops over 5%. Even Walmart stock prices fall almost 5%. Maybe that’s what Amazon and Whole Foods want.
Okay, Amazon acquires Whole Foods makes a lot of sense for the rich owners, investors, and shareholders. But what about the rest of us? There is an age old saying. “Those who control the food control the power”. I’m afraid of where this is heading. Doesn’t Jeff Bezos and Amazon have enough control of our lives already? Do we really want to give him control of the food, too? And don’t Amazon and Walmart have enough of the online grocery market? It’s not a good sign that competitors stock prices drop because of this. Well, I’m thankful we still have competitors at all, with the way all these mergers are happening. Because if these mega conglomerate mergers keep up, I’m afraid our free enterprise system could be in danger. So Amazon acquires Whole Foods: Is this too much?
It’s 2007. I hardly played a video game in 10 years by this point. But this group introduces me to Halo. Hence, my love for gaming comes back. I wish it didn’t leave in the first place. Here’s how video games provide benefits, part three.
In today’s fast pace world, it’s important to think on your feet and think fast. Gaming helps you do that. For instance, you play Halo. You have to think fast! Furthermore, this will improve memory skills in other aspects of life. Video games can even repair brain cells. That’s funny because they always told us video games killed brain cells.
Did you know video games relieve stress? Despite our super technology and super IT support, people have more stress than ever. But games take your mind off of it. It provides a great, and clean outlet. And when you do tackle that stressful issue, you’ll be more able to handle it. But do you think gamers are just for stoners with nothing to do? Think again! Video games help people become better nurses, doctors, and surgeons. That’s because games make you work with your hands, make critical and quick decisions, and do see with minimum stress. So next time a surgeon saves you or a loved one, maybe a video game helped them do that.
That’s something to think about. Think about stress. You could take it out on a video game. Or you can take it out on drug abuse, alcoholism, abusing other people, or other dark paths. So that got me thinking. Video games can save people from themselves. I’ve seen people in computer repair almost go insane. Then they play a game on their phones, or whatever device they have. So video games save stress for a lot of people. These are just some ways video games provide benefits, part three. What are some other ways video games provide benefits?
