There's No Groundhog's Day in Technology
There's No Groundhog's Day in Technology
Keep up to date with The Digital Life!
I happen to be writing on Groundhog’s Day, so best wishes to all the folks in Pennsylvania waiting for Phil! Unlike the movie Groundhog’s Day, time always marches forward with technology, so we always need to keep learning. You’re at the right place. With The Digital Life, we spend the month curating the best technology-related articles for you.
In the news this month, we’re sharing a round-up of the Consumer Electronics Show, some interesting smart home developments (and one not-so-smart development), and a bird feeder that will amaze.
In security, see why your last TV was so cheap and how a $50 router can see through walls. Then take a look at my latest security presentation - “How to Stay Safe Online” that I gave to a group last month. Save a copy as a permanent security tip sheet!
Thanks for your continued support of Lökwest!
In the News
The Consumer Electronics show is always held at the beginning of the year. Here’s a round-up of some of the gadgets on display. Some of them might even make it into your home!
“Matter” is the new standard for smart home devices, making them operate together smoothly. In practical terms, that means no more downloading multiple apps for multiple brands of devices. Amazon is on board and is in the process of updating its devices. Even if you have an older Echo or Eero device, it may be supported!
The opposite of Matter, here’s a tale of when smart lights go wrong. We know it’s a little “clickbaity”. However, it’s a good lesson in checking a brand’s product path and stability before investing in a lot of hardware.
One more gadget from CES we had to call out. Southern California is hummingbird country, but it’s HARD to get a good picture. Not anymore, with Bird Buddy’s onboard camera and AI identification.
Security Updates
The cost of TVs has plummeted over the years. Part of that is due to the overall pace of technological advancement. Recently, with the introduction of smart TVs, some of that cost is made up by…you guessed it…you. Yep, your TV is making money after you buy it by selling data about what you’re watching.
This could have security implications. Or, it could drastically improve life in situations such as security and healthcare. Either way, signal processing using AI has become powerful enough that a $50 router can see people through walls.
In other news, we presented to a Non-Profit guild this month and the topic was security. Take a look at the presentation, where we highlight hacking, password strategies, and four recent hacks that AREN’T included in this issue!
In Tech History
81 years ago, John Glenn climbed aboard Friendship 7 and became the first American to orbit the earth. Glenn went around the earth three times in a little under 5 hours. How was NASA able to provide computing power? The IBM 7030 Stretch supercomputer, was IBM’s first transistor-based computer. Debuting in 1961, IBM sold 9 of these bad boys. Here’s what the inventors of the Stretch had to say about it in 2008:
The specs?
Price $7,780,000 (equivalent to $70,550,000 in 2021)
Casing Weight: 70,000 pounds (35 short tons)
Power: 100 kW 110 V
Memory: 2,048 KB (less than one MP3 track these days)
We’ve come a long way! You’ll get a kick out of reading the press sheet IBM released in 1960:
That’s Interesting
Virtual reality has been splashed over the tech news scene for years. But behind the scenes, and 20 years into the future, the military is VERY interested. Case in point, check out the demo from Northrup Grumman at a recent defense contractor show.
Keep in mind - this is what’s DECLASSIFIED. 😮
In Closing
Whether it’s a quick question, a project, or anything in between, we’ve got your digital life covered! Don’t hesitate to reach out for personal or business help or to inquire about educational presentations to your organization!