April 2022 - The Digital Life from Lökwest - Chrome security, how Alexa works, a molecular beverage printer, and more news, tips, and fun!
April 2022 - The Digital Life from Lökwest - Chrome security, how Alexa works, a molecular beverage printer, and more news, tips, and fun!
Happy Monday and welcome to April. Although I'm writing on April Fools, there aren't any jokes today, just some great news, tips, fun, and tech history.
Before we get started, it was a busy month at Lökwest. We produced a 4-day Zoom conference and videos mid-month. We also worked on several websites and social media accounts and helped a lot of clients with their frustrations!
In particular, I'd like to highlight a new website we helped launch: Picture Shows of Your Life. I'm proud of how it came out, and know Christine's Picture Shows will be even better! Do you have a story to tell and the pictures and videos to back it up? Christine Barone will set you up with an awesome, custom Picture Show. Check it out!
Back to the issue - this month, we'll start with the news. For one, you need to update your Google Chrome browser. Then, read about the creator of the GIF and about Apple's new plans. After the news, some tips and fun - from how Alexa works to a molecular beverage printer to a drive around Beijing. And don't forget tech history - what happened 17 years ago? And was it momentous or not?
If I haven't said it lately, thanks so much for following. Remember if you like this newsletter, pass it on and tell others to subscribe!
Oh, and if you have a tech need - you know who to call! 😉
Cheers,
Your Top News Stories
Google Chrome patches mysterious new zero-day bug – update now! — nakedsecurity.sophos.com
Just in! It's a little mysterious as to what the flaw is right now, but it's a zero-day exploit in the Chrome web browser. That means there was no fix for it until the latest version. The lesson - whenever you see the little green "Update" button on the top right of Chrome, stop what you're doing and update! If you use Chrome, read on to see how to check your version if you're unsure what you're running.
Stephen Wilhite, the creator of the GIF, has died — www.theverge.com
The popular moving images you see everywhere wouldn't be as they are without Stephen Wilhite. Wilhite, the man who invented the popular animated image format, died last week in Ohio. After an age-old debate on how to pronounce it, he clarified once and for all in 2013 - it's JIF like peanut butter. He did it again when he received a Webby lifetime achievement award 😂😂 Read on to learn a little about the history of the ever-popular GIF.
Apple (AAPL) Working on Subscription Service for iPhones, Hardware — www.bloomberg.com
Would you rent an iPhone in perpetuity rather than plunk down $1000? Apple is betting on it, according to people with knowledge of the matter. The official tip: "Apple Inc. is working on a subscription service for the iPhone and other hardware products, a move that could make device ownership similar to paying a monthly app fee."
Interesting Things of the Month
Alexa is always evolving — and we spoke to Amazon to learn more — www.cnn.com
Although I know the technical details behind Alexa, most people have no idea how the magic happens. Here's a great explainer and interview with two of the key developers. If you're at all curious, I'd recommend this read.
Alexa is a true household name at this point. She’s the voice and intelligence behind our top pick for a smart speaker and smart display, and an essential piece of many smart home products. But have you ever wondered how Alexa works?
New data: Top movies and coding music according to developers — stackoverflow.blog
As a techie, I enjoyed seeing what other coders are listening to. Are you curious what the geeks like to jam to? 🤓 This survey also asked coders to identify the most accurate portrayals of tech in movies. The top show? Silicon Valley. My vote AND tip - the 2nd place entry, Mr. Robot. (If you ever want to know how hacking really works, watch Mr. Robot)
The Big Tip
How To Organize Your iPhone Photos Once and for All — gizmodo.com
If I could count the number of people I've worked with who have unwieldy photo collections, I'd...well, you get the point! If you're an Apple user in this situation, take a look at this article. It's a nice explanation of how to organize and move your photos around in the iCloud and on your phone. (Although, for my clients with big collections working on the big screen/browser/iCloud is normally preferred.)
A Little Spring Fun
A 'molecular drinks printer' claims to make anything from iced coffee to cocktails — www.engadget.com
A molecular drinks printer sounds like an April Fools joke, right? In this case, you'd be wrong! If you think about it, the VAST majority of what you drink is mostly water with a few oz. of flavor (if that). And what's flavor? A mixture of molecules.
It's a subscription/refill situation and it's not cheap, but if you drink a lot of certain things, you'll save over the bar or convenience store.
Drive and Listen — driveandlisten.herokuapp.com
I literally sat and stared at this for 1/2 hour the other day. Good thing I work for myself, so it's only my loss 😋 It's really cool.
Pick a city and the dashboard video of a drive around a random city pops up. Pop on a radio station from the local area and you're there!
If the last one didn't waste enough of your time, are you ready to take a step back? This website has a pretty full-function version of Windows 98 working in the browser. And oh yeah, it's got Minesweeper AND 3-D pinball baby! 😎
In tech history...only 17 years ago
Speaking of a step back, just what did we do before YouTube? Oh yeah, those stacks of old dusty video cassettes.....lol.
Something happened 17 years ago this month that was either eventful or not really a big event at all - depends on how you see it. On April 23, 2005, the very first video was uploaded to YouTube. You'd think it would be something momentous. What was it? "Me at the zoo" (watch above, and judge for yourself)
Where does the time go?
Note to future entrepreneurs: what you do may be for posterity. Choose wisely. 🙂
In Closing...
With all of the bad news and uncertainty globally, I wanted to keep this e-mail upbeat. But, we do have a final message: