The Lökwest "Digital Life" - February 2020
Welcome to the roaring 20's! We're back with our inaugural edition of the decade, after a short holiday break.
January has been a busy month. Many of our clients took on their New Year's resolutions to get their digital lives in order. We also welcomed several new clients and have several new websites and ideas under construction.
Do you have a technology related project you've been putting off? Now's the time to get started - we'll help you make it easy!
In this issue - a recap of a few of our favorites from the Consumer Electronics Show (the Superbowl of tech 🙂), updates on security you shouldn't miss, the complete history of Apple, and more fun stuff you can't miss!
Have a great February!
The big three
Jeffrey Katzenberg (Dreamworks) and Meg Whitman (former HP CEO and former presidential candidate) announced Quibi at CES. This is innovation in streaming, with heavy hitters behind it. You even saw their superbowl commercial. What's the "hook"? This service is mobile only, consists of great movies and shows, but each episode is less than 10 minutes long. A big awesome for all those with bus and train rides - or the rest of us with short attention spans.
No, really. LEAVE ME ALONE. How many times a day do you say that when you open your inbox? To the rescue - this service sells one-click credits, allowing you to unsubscribe from everything in your inbox at a turbo charged pace. Stop searching for those tiny links and get the job done for a couple of bucks. Save a bunch of inbox anxiety!
How to Scan Documents With Your iPhone — ow.ly
From our friends at Digital Trends - If you have an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, you can create professional-looking scans with minimal setup, and without additional hardware or installing any special scanning apps. The process all works natively from your iOS device. We show you several handy ways to scan documents using your iPhone.
Your privacy and security updates
Google keeps a scary amount of data on you. Here's how to find and delete it — ow.ly
A great refresher on how to clear your Google information, complete with pictures. Remember - everything you do online when you're signed into Google, and even some stuff when you aren't, becomes a part of your Google profile! Want proof? If you have Google account, login and go here: https://www.google.com/maps/timeline
How to Tell if You're the Victim of a SIM-Swapping Attack — ow.ly
Think the old "text a code to my phone" is safe? Think again! SIM-swapping is on the rise. These attacks might sound like one of the identity theft horror stories that only happens to people who are too careless or cavalier with their personal information, but more of us are at risk than it seems. Here's what you need to watch for.
Hidden MacOS Threat: This Is The Sneaky Malware Most Likely To Infect You
30% of all Mac malware infections are for one particular malware. This is how it works and what you should do. Hint: DON'T USE FLASH. You don't really need it anymore except in extreme, custom cases. If something out of the blue wants you to "download an update" be very, very wary.
Why a Steak in California Comes With a Privacy Notice — ow.ly
Yes, Californians have a slew of new online privacy rights as of this year. ICYMI - all of those New Year's e-mails saying "we've updated our terms and conditions" were mostly about addressing our new privacy law (the GDPR). As a result, even brick and mortar companies have to make it clear you can opt out of having your personal data sold. Crazy to have to sign an opt in for a steak though!
CES - The Superbowl of technology
The Best Things We’ve Seen at CES 2020 — ow.ly
Here's a look at a few of the devices that GearPatrol liked at the CES show - watches, tv's, computers, headphones, and more!
The Very Best Gadgets We Saw at CES 2020 — ow.ly
Gizmodo is a tech news service we love. Of course, they had a slew of their reporters at the show all week. Check out their recap of some of the show's best "gadgets".
This Portable Peep Hole Is an Airbnb Guest's Dream — ow.ly
This was probably the best "why didn't I think of that" item we saw from CES this year. This could work for travelers or for apartment dwellers where messing with the door or peephole isn't an option. It'll be interesting to see if the concept takes off and gets knocked off.
Need a phone?
The Pixel 3a is the best unlocked Android phone you can buy — ow.ly
In preparation for next month's Exploring Technology talk (see below), why not read up on the latest phone recommendations? If you can't take a hint from the title, one of the recommendations is the 2 year old Pixel 3a. Surprising, but it's still a great phone and a great value. All price ranges are covered!
In tech history...the Apple Archive
Check out this archive project by a very dedicated Apple fan. This site is a trip down memory lane, with videos, presos, ads, pictures, etc. Worth a little nostalgic time wasting!
Free tech talk February 25th!
In conjunction with the San Clemente Village, I'll be providing my monthly complimentary tech talk on February 25th. This month's topic - Dumb Cellphone Questions. I'll be making a brief reminder presentation about the state of cell phones. The second half will consist of questions with the spirit of - the only dumb questions are the ones that don't get asked! Bring your devices and questions!
Date / time: February 25th, 1:30 PM
Location: San Clemente Chamber of Commerce - 1231 Puerta Del Sol #200 (Talega Business Park)
(Note: The Chamber's offices are on the far end of the building in the address)
Question of the month
Informal survey - What are the top three things that give you "technology anxiety"? Respond to this e-mail with a quick answer - you'll be helping us shape some new ideas we're working on! 🙏🙏
And finally.....
Worth a watch - the "tear jerker" of this year's Superbowl ads from Google. Watch a man use the power of Google Assistant to remember the love of his life, Loretta.