Curated technology news from Lökwest
Welcome to 2018. We hope the holiday season treated you well, and your year is off to a good start. Thanks for tuning in for another issue of superbly curated technology articles!
Hot news - the Consumer Electronics Show kicks off this week. If you don't know, it's the Super Bowl for tech, held every year in Las Vegas. Watch the news for all the latest technology. I wonder what TV we'll be able to buy for 20K this year, or what new AI is shown off?
Take a look at the article in this issue on trends shaping technology to get some ideas. Other things in the news - computer chip security flaws, Apple battery throttling, blockchain, and more!
[ALERT] Chip security flaw
Those huge CPU vulnerabilities, Meltdown and Spectre, explained — ow.ly
This is one of the better articles I've found to explain these flaws in "layperson" terms. What's at risk, who's issued patches, what you can do to protect yourself, and more.
Apple and batteries
[OPINION] I have to take a side on the Apple battery issue. It was dishonest and unfair of Apple not to disclose the "feature". But, as a technologist, I agree wholly with the feature they added. Would you rather have a phone running full speed at risk of "bricking" at any time, or a phone that is slightly slower but never crashes?
As an Android user, my last 2 phones (and one was expensive) started going into "reboot loops" after 2 years of usage. If Android had a throttling feature, I may still be able to use those phones.
How to Check Your iPhone’s Battery Life — ow.ly
There are a few ways to see if you need an Apple battery replacement. One of the easy ways is to check your processor speed because Apple throttles it when your battery ages.
Apple announces its $29 battery replacement deal is available starting today — ow.ly
Here's how you can go about getting your battery replaced. Your late night Candy Crush sessions will be back up to full speed again in no time!
Crypto and blockchain on the brain
The ultimate, 3500-word, plain English guide to blockchain — ow.ly
Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, I’m sure you’ve heard of Bitcoin and blockchain. It's easier to understand than you think! Take a minute, read 3500 words, and see why blockchain will be VERY useful in a lot of industries.
2018: The Year of the Cryptocurrency Craze — ow.ly
Now that you know all about blockchain, see what the cryptocurrency craze is all about. Bitcoin has burst into the mainstream. Here are some predictions for Bitcoin and crypto-currency in general.
Alexa keeps rocking
How to Set Up and Configure Your Amazon Echo — ow.ly
Amazon Dot was the #1 bestseller on Amazon for the holidays. Unfortunately, it's not "plug and play" to use. First, you have to tell her your wi-fi. Then you have to set up the features. After that you rock and roll! I've already pointed a couple people to this great step-by-step guide to getting started.
10 things your Alexa can do — ow.ly
Most people play 2 or three types of music, ask for the time, and maybe set an alarm or timer. Oh my! Alexa can do SO MUCH MORE to improve your life. 10 things are summarized here to get you started.
Looking forward, looking back
Key trends shaping technology (Pew Research) — ow.ly
Check out the trends to watch this year, from Pew Research. This information is based on all of the 2017 studies and is an interesting insight into where we are as a society vis-a-vis technology.
The Best Tech Posts of 2017 — ow.ly
From apps that manage your subscriptions to ways to keep your phone alive when the battery has seen better days, the tips and tricks you can use to get the most out of the technology you use on a daily basis are all right here. Start 2018 on the right foot with one of the best articles from last year.
In tech history...Orwell ala Jobs
January 22, 1984 - Apple Computer broadcasts their now-famous “1984” commercial introducing the Macintosh, during the third quarter of Super Bowl XVIII. It was the first and last time the ad was truly broadcast.
However, it is a little-known piece of trivia that the ad was aired one other time at 1 AM on December 15, 1983, in Twin Falls, Idaho. This was only so that the advertisement could be submitted to award ceremonies for that year.
A 30-second version also ran in theaters starting January 17, but it was the broadcast during the Super Bowl that people really took notice of.
Exploring Technology January 16th!
Smart technology - Internet of things - embedded devices. Sound like a bunch of esoteric philosophy? Let's visit for an hour and find out what all this means in your everyday life. I'll have Alexa and Google Home with me and we'll even try a few commands.
Join me for this monthly "Exploring Technology" talk, held in conjunction with the San Clemente Village, on January 16th at 1:30 PM at the San Clemente Community Center.
Calendar magnets!
Calendar magnets are still available! Didn't get a Christmas card from us? Can't get enough magnety goodness in your life? Respond to this e-mail and I'll make sure you get a couple more!
Stay warm
The GIF 'o the month goes out to Midwest, where it was -32 air temperature on New Year's Eve. Stay warm!
