The Digital Life from Lökwest - April 2019
Welcome back to the best newsletter you'll get all month! Entertainment, news, and more from the curation HQ of Lökwest.
Before we get started, we've got a favor! Go check out our newly redesigned website and let us know what you think about the refined message, vision, features, and look.
After you give us a big thumbs up 🙂...we're on to news. Did you know Office Depot got caught in a little scam? Apple has some new products and announcements to share. We've got fascinating updates on smart tech for seniors, DNA data storage, and some fun websites for you to play with AI.
Lastly, some tech history (remember Netscape) and some BONUS entertainment to close out your read.
Thanks for keeping hip to The Digital Life!
What's in the news?
As we mentioned, we've updated our website! Check out the fresh, clean look with easier navigation and a clearer idea of our vision, services, pricing, and programs. We hope you enjoy it - look for more features to arrive this year!
Visit www.lokwest.com
Office Depot rigged PC malware scans to sell unneeded $300 tech support — ow.ly
GRRR! Let's hope the Depot has this problem "fixed"! This is why you should always have someone who actually can explain things to you on your side! Office Depot's "tool" indicates "virus infections" when non exist, and they then charge you to "fix" your machine! Office Depot and its software supplier have to pay $35 million toward refunds.
Looks like that flux capacitor modulation device might be a little outta whack....reminds me of a little ditty by Alan Jackson 🙂
Amazon now lets US Prime customers pick a day of the week to receive their shipments — ow.ly
If you're one of those who orders regularly from Amazon, you know boxes pile up. You can wait a bit longer by selecting "send fewer shipments" when you checkout. Now, you can economize your deliveries too by selecting a regular delivery day. Good for the environment, good defense against porch pirates!
Arrrgh......foiled again matey...
What Apple wants you to buy
Apple AirPods second-gen review: even more wireless — ow.ly
Apple released the new version of their magical AirPods this month. Looks like a nice improvement - like in case charging when you're out and about, better circuitry, and more.
Unfortunately they haven't fixed the most magical part - the tendency to get lost...
The 5 most important announcements from Apple’s big event — ow.ly
There were a lot of ideas thrown around at the Apple conference this month. There aren't many concrete details to look forward to at this point though. Highlights? Apple TV+ with Apple exclusive content, and Apple credit card with Barclay's, and more.
That Tim Apple really stole the show though...
What you need to know
“FINAL WARNING” email – have they really hacked your webcam? — ow.ly
In short, unless you're on the government's list or someone else has you number, NO! Here's what you need to know if you get an e-mail claiming someone has you on cam being "dossier worthy".
Duct tape also works for everything....
Emerging Smart Home Technology May Help Seniors Remain Independent | Digital Trends — ow.ly
From the Consumer Technology Association, a study on seniors and smart homes. The trend is picking up and only getting stronger. If you're older and hate technology you might want to consider - it could help you remain independent!
Alexa - tell those kids to get off my grass!
What fascinates us
5 Awesome AI Experiences You Can Test Out in Your Browser Right Now — ow.ly
Artificial intelligence is already everywhere, and its influence is growing. It can be hard to get your head around exactly what AI does and how it can be deployed though, which is why Gizmodo put these 5 amazingly cool links together. Have 10 minutes to waste - look no further!
AutoDraw rocks - T-Pain meets Picasso! (that's a rap reference kids)
Microsoft device stores digital info as DNA — ow.ly
DNA is the densest storage medium in the universe that we know of. Just think about that a minute. The future of DNA storage is coming. Microsoft and the University of Washington have created the first, full end-to-end automated DNA storage device. Sure it only took 21 hours to code and decode H-E-L-L-O, but Bell and Watson started somewhere too!
1 gram of DNA = 1 zettabye (1 BILLION terabytes)...
Why vinyl records survive in the digital age — ow.ly
More technology companies will look at tactile experiences and ownership and we move to a cloud based society! In the digital age, we miss the "feel" of things. Take a walk down memory lane, and explore the ritual of listening to a record again.
Led Zeppelin IV - side 1 please...
What happened in tech history?
April 4, 1994 - 19 years to the day after Microsoft was formed, Marc Andreessen (now a big-wig VC) and Jim Clark create the Mosaic Communications Corporation, which will later be renamed Netscape Communications Corporation. Andreessen had developed the Mosaic web browser while working at the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA) at the University of Illinois. Go Illini!
Wonder whatever happened to Netscape? Click here
We remember the dinosaur from our South Dakota State University days.
Where to be - Exploring Technology April 23rd
(In conjunction with San Clemente Village)
We'll be covering organization tools this month. Do you ever find yourself with 50 open tabs and an unending list of bookmarks to "look at"? We've got the tools to get your information under control. Join us as we demonstrate Evernote, Pocket, Toby tab manager, and other bookmark management techniques.
Details: San Clemente Community Center, 100 N Calle Seville, San Clemente - Multi-Purpose Room. Tuesday, March 26th, 1:30 PM.
Non-Village members, please RSVP to this e-mail if you’re planning on attending.
Catch up with last month's presentation - Up in the Air on the Cloud? — ow.ly
Check out last month's presentation to pique your interest! Are you confused about the cloud? How many clouds do you have? What do you use the cloud for? Check out this insightful presentation covering
April Bonus Entertainment
Microsoft releases three new Spring-themed wallpaper packs for Windows 10 — ow.ly
Sick of winter? If you're a Windows 10 user, you're in luck. Go to the Windows Store on your computer and get a nice new spring theme today!
#slothsareunderrated
Finally, we've been covering the robocall saga for some time. And, we're a big fan of Last Week Tonight by John Oliver. If you're not a regular or HBO subscriber, you missed a great segment on John's solution to robocalls!