The Lökwest "Digital Life" - November 2019
We're ramping into the holiday season! As you're getting ready to jump into the hoards of Black Friday ads, take a break with us and grab some news you can use!
This month, we've got our exploring technology presentation, updates on fake news and phishing, a look at new gadgets, and other things you should be in the know on.
Let's dive right in!
Free presentation packed with tips
Burning questions? You need these TIPS! - Lökwest — ow.ly
Check out our October tips presentation! This month, we focused on some questions we receive on a regular basis. Whether you’re looking to do some photo organization, need to back up your device, have issues with your web browser, or just want to stay safe, we’ve got answers! Get this FREE presentation today.
Gadgets, devices, and more!
Motorola’s folding-screen RAZR revealed in 10 leaked images — ow.ly
The 2019 phones have, for the most part, been announced. One outlier is the supposed "reboot" of the famous Motorola RAZR. Check out leaked photos from the new fold-able screen device that's slated to be released. The questions - how much do you want one and how much will it cost?
Sony 40th Anniversary Walkman's Surprise Feature Is A Scene-Stealer
Sony's Walkman turns 40 years old this year. This technology changed the way we consume music on the go. Now, Sony's betting on a little nostalgia with this cool 40th anniversary edition. Of course, it plays digital music instead of cassette tapes - even though it LOOKS like a tape is spinning inside 🙂. Other than that, it's got that old Walkman feel!
AerBetic: A Digital Diabetes Dog
Here's a wearable that can sense problems with diabetic patients. Using gas sensing technology, this device mimics the job previously done by specially trained diabetes alert dogs. While dogs are AMAZING, they're expensive to train and require care. AerBetic is betting on its sensors to help even more people.
Fake news watch
RoboTrump – An AI Trump From Your Nightmares — ow.ly
Here's a great example of how good AI has become. With a little training, it's possible to generate articles and speeches in a speaker's "tone". Enter the next generation of fake news and press releases. Take this quiz today - can you identify which texts were written by AI and which ones were really Donald Trump? Spoiler - most of us can't!
Instagram is helping users avoid phishing scams — ow.ly
After a slew of phishing e-mails sent to Instagram users, they've stepped up their security game. Now, when you receive an e-mail about Instagram, you can go directly to the app to see if Instagram actually sent you something. Check the app before you click! And, be wary of clicking on ANYTHING related to your accounts in an e-mail. It's always better to go directly to the website in question in the browser.
More things you should know
Actively exploited bug in fully updated Firefox is sending users into a tizzy
Fraudulent tech-support sites cause Firefox to freeze while displaying scary message. if this happens to you in any browser, DON'T PANIC! No one has compromised your machine. Most likely, you just need to force the web browser to quit and start again on a DIFFERENT website.
Google Maps now helps visually impaired people cross the street and stay on course — ow.ly
Google Maps has provided walking directions for awhile now. Recently, they've started adding enhanced cues and directions intended to help the visually impaired navigate the world. If you know an active person with a vision problem, share this!
List of all worldwide airports | Direct Flights — ow.ly
Say goodbye to layovers! For those with the travel bug - how often have you wondered "just where can I fly to directly from this airport?" You could get this information via increasingly hard to come by airline time tables and multiple searches. Now, there's an easier way with Direct Flights. Just enter an airport and visualize route maps for +3,337 worldwide airports. Combined, you can find 52,154 nonstop commercial routes with 616 airlines.
In the voice department...
The complete list of Alexa commands so far — ow.ly
You use Alexa to set alarms, play music, and figure out how old your favorite actor is. There's so much more she can do to help you! Check out CNET's latest guide - all the things you can ask Alexa to do. (Dad jokes included 🙂)
T-Mobile Now Offers Home Internet For $50 a Month With No Data Cap — ow.ly
T-Mobile is launching a 600Mhz 5G network on December 6th. Back in March 2019, they announced that they have started to test home internet services using 4G LTE. Finally an option may be here to break the cable monopoly for home Internet. Right now, if you're in range you can get 4G internet at 50Mbps for $50 with NO data cap (crucial for cord cutters / streamers). Look for more 5G home Internet options in the upcoming year.
In tech history...Grandpa's code is still running
COBOL turns 60: Why it will outlive us all — ow.ly
Yes, your grandparents may very well have studied and used COBOL! So, why is this "ancient" programming language still in use? If you made an electronic purchase today, chances are a snippet of COBOL ran in the background. Interesting fact, Grace Hopper (inventor of the term "bug") was one of the principal minds behind COBOL's development.
Free tech talk November 26th!
Just in time for Black Friday and your holiday shopping, join us for our next Exploring Technology talk. This month we'll be presenting our annual Holiday Shopping Guide! We'll cover what to look for and where to find this year's best electronic deals.
Date/Time: Tuesday, November 26th at 1:30 PM!
Location: San Clemente Chamber of Commerce, 1231 Puerta Del Sol #200, San Clemente.
NOTE: The Chamber offices do not face the street. Kindly look around the right corner of the building as you pull in from the street!