Apple's Latest Innovations, AI's Growing Influence, Amazon day - your Digital Autumn Unveiled!
Keep up to date on curated AI, security, tips, tricks and more with The Digital Life!
Welcome to October! The tech landscape changes faster than the leaves, so thanks for catching up with us. In this issue, we dive into California's "Delete Act" for digital privacy, explore Apple's latest offerings from the iPhone 15 to macOS Sonoma, and ponder the implications of AI in elections and surveillance. We also touch on the quirky world of "SMART ePANTS" and the importance of planning your digital afterlife. It's a packed month, so let's get started!
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In the news
California residents - this is great news! For the rest of the country, we hope privacy catches up. ICYMI - The new California "Delete Act" is set to simplify the process for residents to erase their data from online databases with a single act. Read up here.
Yes, the holidays are coming and Amazon wants you to jump in early. Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days event is coming up, starting October 10. You’ll find the typical discounts on 4K TVs, Apple gadgets, and more. Amazon's recently announced new hardware from their fall event will also be on sale: https://mashable.com/article/amazon-devices-and-services-event-2023-preorders
Apple's had its big annual hardware event in September. Catch up on this year’s details of iPhone 15 with its shift to USB-C. Also, check out the new Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 and more.
Sometimes my Apple-using clients completely forget about iCloud.com for viewing their account-related data. Now there’s an even better reason to check it out. Apple just released a ton of enhancements to iCloud.com, making it more user-friendly and functional. Check it out!
It’s also that time of year to take your iPhone and Mac updates! iOS 17 and macOS Sonoma are here. Reminder - if your device CAN’T take the update, it may be time to upgrade. Give us a call if you need a hand! 📞
This month in AI
At TechCrunch Disrupt 2023, Signal's president, Meredith Whittaker, labeled AI as "a surveillance technology." She highlighted its deep ties to big data and the surveillance business model, raising concerns about the broader implications of AI's rapid development. We tend to agree with Meridith’s view - the surveillance capitalism apparatus in its current iteration could go into overdrive with AI if we’re not careful!
Speaking of surveillance, if you needed more training data for your AI, what would you do? This is neat, but you have to wonder where all the data is going, now more so than ever. For example, users can now engage in voice conversations with ChatGPT and even show it images for a more interactive experience. ChatGPT is becoming more versatile. But at who’s expense?
School is back in session, and parents, it's time to talk AI with your kids. MIT Technology Review shares six tips, from understanding AI's role to using it responsibly. It's all about balancing the benefits and biases of AI in education. We use AI in our workflow almost daily, and while it has its benefits as a tutor it does NOT replace good old-fashioned learning. 🙂
That’s Interesting
The U.S. government is diving into fashion with "SMART ePANTS." Funded by IARPA, these wearables can record audio, video, and location. It's high-tech meets high fashion but with a surveillance twist, the goal being to aid personnel in high-stress environments. So, next time you think of smart wearables, it might be more than just a fitness tracker! 🩳🎤📹
Have you ever considered your digital afterlife? We advise our clients to plan. Lifehacker discusses the "dead man's switch," a tool that releases pre-set messages or data after unexpected inactivity. It can alert loved ones, share passwords, and manage your online presence posthumously. A thoughtful approach to digital legacy planning.
In Closing - You saw my thing right?
Did you see the thing I did? Seriously, you saw it right? I posted it on 15 social channels…..LOL….probably the best read of the week that captures the essence of the Internet in 2023. Also, very reminiscent of one of my favorite George Carlin routines. 😂😂😂😂