May Reads from Lökwest
Welcome to May! In this month's issue, we've rounded up some phone tips, rumors on a new Apple device for the home, and updated you on the world of artificial intelligence. (If you haven't played with AutoDraw yet, you're missing out on some fun!)
I'll be giving tech tips on May 16th in San Clemente on computer security too, so stop by if you're in town!
Hope to see you there! - Eric
In the Tips Department.....
Google Maps location sharing is vital in an emergency — www.androidcentral.com
Location services are the handiest smartphone feature to have on in the case of an emergency. You should know how to send your location to a loved one in an instant!
Tips for extending the life of your phone's battery — www.androidcentral.com
These are some good, non-scammy tips for getting the most life out of your phone battery. Battery optimizer apps are a joke, and batteries no longer have "memory".
In New Gadgets.....
Apple 'Siri Speaker' rumors: Release date, specs, details - Business Insider — www.businessinsider.com
What do you think Apple users? Would you buy a Siri speaker for the house? It looks like it'll be pricier than Alexa or Google Home, but that's no surprise from Apple.
In Fascinating Artificial Intelligence.....
Google’s AI has learned how to draw by looking at your doodles — www.theverge.com
Remember last year when Google released an AI-powered web tool that played Pictionary with your doodles? Well, surprise! Those doodles you drew have now been used to teach Google’s AI how to draw.
If you haven't tried Google AutoDraw, I seriously recommend it!
Swedish Startup Uses AI to Figure Out What Dolphins Talk About — www.bloomberg.com
So long, and thanks for all the fish! (at least, that's what they said in THHGTTG) AI learning dolphin speak now!
OK - no one got the aforementioned reference on Facebook. Any takers on this e-mail list?
In Tech History.....
We looked at the fifties last month, how about the sixties?
May 16, 1960
Physicist Theodore Maiman (above) creates the first laser light, using a synthetic-ruby crystal device. He was not the first to develop the theories behind lasers nor first to apply for patents, but he was the first to create an operating laser device. The light produced by this device was not a true beam as we think of most lasers today, but rather a pulse. Other researchers would create the first laser beam soon after.
We feel sorry for the cats!
Also of note....May 5, 1961
NASA astronaut Alan Shepard becomes the first American in space when he makes a fifteen minute suborbital flight aboard the Mercury capsule Freedom 7. He reaches an altitude of 115 miles, during which he experiences about five minutes of weightlessness.
We still love the movie The Reluctant Astronaut :)
Appearing Live May 16th!
Concerned about hacking?
I'll be giving my monthly tech talk, in conjunction with the San Clemente Village, on May 16th. Not a member? No problem! You can attend any San Clemente Village event on a trial basis as a guest.
Come down and learn about tech security at 1:30 on the 16th at the San Clemente Community Center on Del Mar!
Got Ideas?
What are you interested in learning? Drop us a note at info@lokwest.com, message us on Facebook, or visit our website.