August - Cool tech news from Lökwest
Thanks again for tuning in! Hopefully, your summer is going well, and you're relaxing and keeping cool.
We always have some good reads for you for your "down time". For starters, some deals on wi-fi mesh networking and some phone advice. A great article on the FCC and Robocalls (the situation is more complicated than you think with today's technology). Finally, a look to the future with some freakishly "Big Brother" implications, as well as a flashback to the past.
This month, I'm also soliciting "sound bytes" from readers. Can you help out? ;)
We'll be back to your inbox around Labor Day!
Get a good deal
Google Wifi is becoming everyone’s favorite mesh system, and it’s discounted on Amazon — bgr.com
[SALE] Mesh wi-fi is the newest thing in home networking. Google makes a great system for $300 and is less expensive than rivals Netgear Orbi and Linksys Velop. As of the writing, Amazon has the system $80 off!
Don't buy a smartphone right now: Apple iPhone 8, Google Pixel 2, and Galaxy Note 8 all coming soon — www.businessinsider.com
[ADVICE] Fall is round 2 of the bi-annual phone release cycle. If you can hold off for a month, you'll have some great new options. Also, current models should be highly discounted starting in September!
Stay safe
Google’s Trusted Contacts app arrives on iOS — www.engadget.com
[APP] Sometimes, it's a good thing and not a privacy burden to share your location. Google released Trusted Contacts for Android at the end of last year as an app that automatically shares your phone's status with trusted friends. It's now available on Android and iOS.
Keep the RoboCalls away
FCC vs. robocalls: The battle heats up — www.cnet.com
[NEED TO KNOW] The Federal Communications Commission is working to help rid the world of the 2.5 billion spam calls made every month. Here's what it's up against and what you need to know to stop those pesky calls.
Learn about the future
Scientists are now using Wi-Fi to read human emotions — thenextweb.com
[FREAKY] MIT computer scientists create an algorithm that uses Wi-Fi to read human emotions by determining differences in heartbeats. Yes, this prototype actually works - although I doubt you'll have a wi-fi lie detector in your house soon.
Read about the past
What were you listening to in 1982? Were you still stuck in the 60's? Kicking 70's rock? Maybe still clinging to the disco and dreading "New Wave".
Whatever it was, you most certainly weren't listening to a compact disc. Yep, you had to press "FF" or "REW" or pick up a needle on the turntable. Then came the revolution - digital music and Compact Disc.
Philips' label Polygram engineered and produced the first compact disc, using a standard co-founded with Sony. It was August 17, 1982 (see above picture).
So what music was given the dubious honor? Can you tell by looking at the guy above? Probably not.......
You got it - ABBA, Sweden's favorite. The ABBA's album "The Visitors" was the first CD to be produced. The rest, as they say, is history.
And now, everyone has a dusty old stack of CDs and no CD player. I can ask Alexa to play one of over 20 million songs by voice.
Ah....technology. "Alexa, play some ABBA"
Come see me August 22nd
I’ll be giving my monthly tech talk, in conjunction with the San Clemente Village, on August 22nd. Not a member? No problem! You can attend any San Clemente Village event on a trial basis as a guest.
Join me at 1:30 on the 20th at The Volarè, 111 Avenida De La Estrella in San Clemente!
Kind Words Anyone?
The mission at Lökwest is to help you pursue your dreams, passions, and goals using technology. I get great feedback from clients and people I support, but I've never formalized any of those comments!
I'm in the process build up a collection of "sound bytes", or testimonials from people who have worked with me.
If you've enjoyed working with me, would you mind dropping me a comment? It can be anonymous if you prefer I don't re-use your quote. Suggestions on how I can provide better service and value are always welcome as well!
Simply respond to this e-mail, send us a note at info@lokwest.com, message us on Facebook, or visit our website.
Back to work! :)
