The MacValley blog
Welcome to the MacValley blog, your first stop for all the latest MacValley news and views.
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The MacValley blog Editor: Tom Briant
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Sunday, June 4, 2017
Senior Correspondent Arnold Woodworth's Weekly Web Wrap-up for May 19th 2017 (This is tom's fault, not Arnolds!)
Video:
15 things you didn't know your iPhone headphones could do
Try to remember all these tricks after you read the article.
The new iPad review: This is the best couch computer ever
Apple's newest iPad reminded me that for iPhone users, a big tablet that does the same things can be a huge luxury. Browsing the web, playing games, and checking social media is all more pleasant with a bigger screen.
I paid $329 for mine.
I couldn't be happier with my purchase. It can't do anything new compared with other iPads, but it's a great value, and it's clear Apple has refined the iPad over the past seven years to be a great tablet for most people.
For nearly everybody, Apple's newest iPad is the best value if you know you want an iPad.
A little-known service makes it easy to get money for old Apple gadgets you don't want anymore
If you'd rather get some money for your out-of-date gadgets instead, you should consider using Gazelle.
Gazelle is a trade-in service that removes a lot of the friction from selling your tech online.
Gazelle is a trade-in service that removes a lot of the friction from selling your tech online.
Refurbished iPhones: What to check before buying a second-hand iPhone
1. Ask for an original receipt or a proof of purchase
2. Check the IMEI number
3. Check the seller’s return policy
4. Check for an iCloud account, reset and setup the iPhone
5. Always meet in a public place that’s safe
This article also has a few ideas on the best placed to buy a used iPhone.
Could the Apple iPad Pro and Apple Pencil FINALLY make one of the most annoying bits of technology redundant?
I’ve been fiddling with Apple’s iPad Pro for a few months now and I’m glad to report it has shown me we are stepping ever closer to an era where you may never have to print anything ever again.
The iPad Pro has one key accessory that – I hope – might finally stop me having to struggle with a printer ever again: the Apple Pencil.
The iPad Pro has one key accessory that – I hope – might finally stop me having to struggle with a printer ever again: the Apple Pencil.
24 apps you need on your phone right now
10 Essential Apple Watch Apps
Surprise: Google Reveals Apple's iOS Market Share Is 65% to 230% Bigger Than We Thought
"There are now 2 billion monthly active Android devices globally," Google VP Dave Burke wrote.
Over a year ago, Apple announced that there were more than one billion iOS devices in active use.
If generally-accepted sales statistics suggest 10 to 20% iOS market share in global devices sold, these activity statisticssuggest 33% global market share in devices used.
Apple Extends Warranty For This Problem-Plagued Product
Problems with a popular accessory for iPad Pro tablets has prompted Apple to extend the free warranty for it.
The extended warranty is for Apple's Smart Keyboard device that people can connect to their iPad Pro tablets.
The extended warranty is for Apple's Smart Keyboard device that people can connect to their iPad Pro tablets.
Apple admits multiple faults with iPad Pro Smart Keyboard
Because of problems with sticking/repeating/unresponsive keys, connectivity and other ’functional’ issues, Cupertino will now provide free repairs for three years after purchase.
The new policy affects the Smart Keyboard for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro from late 2015 and the Smart Keyboard for the 9.7-inch iPad Pro from early 2016.
Because of problems with sticking/repeating/unresponsive keys, connectivity and other ’functional’ issues, Cupertino will now provide free repairs for three years after purchase.
The new policy affects the Smart Keyboard for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro from late 2015 and the Smart Keyboard for the 9.7-inch iPad Pro from early 2016.
Apple will fix busted iPad Pro Smart Keyboards for up to three years
Apple's Smart Keyboards are a key selling point for both the 12.9-inch and 9.7-inch iPad Pros, as they're official first-party accessories that help to differentiate the devices from the cheaper tablets in the lineup. If you bought one, good news: Apple will now repair most problems with both sizes of Smart Keyboard for up to three years from the date of their release.
iPhone Bug:
Some users experience rapid battery drain after upgrading to iOS 10.3.2
This bug only seems to affect iPhones. Not a single complaint that I have read so far has mentioned these problems occurring on an iPad or iPod touch. Is it a renaissance of the 30% Bug which Apple claimed it has quashed in iOS 10.2.1?
As such my upgrade advice still stands: iOS 10.3.2 is an important update because it patches numerous security flaws, many of which are now public knowledge following its release and this makes them far more dangerous.
Some people think Google's virtual assistant beats Siri in reliability and capability. That may be true on Google's own devices, like the Pixel smartphone, but the Assistant is hobbled on the iPhone.
HTC U11 vs. Apple iPhone 7 Plus: Can Android Champ Beat Apple’s Flagship?
The author’s verdict?
He says the overall winner is the HTC U11.
Third-Party Apps Will Need App-Specific Passwords for iCloud Access From June 15
App-specific passwords are set to become a mandatory requirement for third-party apps that access iCloud user data, according to an Apple Support email.
The policy change basically means that users who want to continue using third-party apps with their iCloud account will have to enable two-factor authentication and generate individual passwords for each app.
How to use iCloud
iCloud Drive: How to See the Status of Uploads
WhatsApp conversations backed up in Apple’s iCloud are now protected by encryption.
WhatsApp conversations are protected by end-to-end encryption, a technique that scrambles content and ensures that nobody but the sender and the intended recipient can decipher it.
Before the update, WhatsApp conversations backed up by iPhone owners using iCloud were stored in readable form.
Though iCloud accounts were encrypted, cyber criminals and authorities could have potentially accessed a WhatsApp user’s private messages by hacking or issuing a court order to Apple, which hold the decryption keys.
That avenue is now blocked by a second layer of protection.
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/whatsapp-backup-icloud-iphone-messages-encryption-apple-messaging-app-a7728116.html
Though iCloud accounts were encrypted, cyber criminals and authorities could have potentially accessed a WhatsApp user’s private messages by hacking or issuing a court order to Apple, which hold the decryption keys.
That avenue is now blocked by a second layer of protection.
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/whatsapp-backup-icloud-iphone-messages-encryption-apple-messaging-app-a7728116.html
WhatsApp Quietly Boosted Its iCloud Encryption -- FBI Contractors Think They Can Already Break It
Forbes only learned about the most recent improvement last week after a supplier of mobile and cloud hacking tools, Oxygen Forensics, claimed to have added a feature that allowed the company to circumvent the added encryption.
A balance, if such a thing exists, between privacy and security is far from being found.
The news emerged after a company called Oxygen Forensics claimed to be able to get around the security measure, though only if it has access to a SIM card with the same mobile number as that of the targeted user.
WhatsApp quietly added encryption to iCloud backups
WhatsApp has quietly beefed up the security of an iCloud backup feature for users of its messaging service — potentially closing a loophole that could enable otherwise end-to-end encrypted messages to become accessible in a readable form. Such as via a subpoena of Apple, which holds the encryption keys for iCloud, or by a hacker otherwise gaining access to a WhatsApp user’s iCloud account.
A third party company which supplies mobile and cloud hacking tools claimed to be able to circumvent the security measure.
Baltimore Police on Tuesday released an image of a burglary suspect after it and other "selfies" taken by the man on a stolen iPad were automatically uploaded to the victim's iCloud account.
Police had released the image to identify the suspect. They later said they had done so, thanking the public on Twitter for "all the tips."
New Apple iCloud Phishing Scam Targets Local Consumers
Local consumers reported receiving phone calls and multiple messages from “Mollie” claiming that there was a problem with their Apple iCloud account. Consumers were instructed to call back so that Tech Support could help troubleshoot and repair the problem.
Thankfully the consumers were savvy and did not fall for the scam.
To learn more about the FTC crackdown, go to FTC Tech Support Crackdown.
'Your iCloud ID has been deactivated' - another text message scam which is trying to catch you out
Scammers are reportedly sending text messages to users requesting their personal information. It begins with a personalised text from a number purporting to be "iSupport" and warns owners their iCloud account has been deactivated.
An app designed by a pilot helped me get over my crippling fear of flying
When I first heard about SkyGuru, an app designed by a professional pilot to help calm down nervous flyers, I was skeptical. It's an app, how useful could it be?
http://www.businessinsider.com/skyguru-flying-app-2017-5
When I first heard about SkyGuru, an app designed by a professional pilot to help calm down nervous flyers, I was skeptical. It's an app, how useful could it be?
http://www.businessinsider.com/skyguru-flying-app-2017-5
How Google Took Over the Classroom
“Between the fall of 2012 and now, Google went from an interesting possibility to the dominant way that schools around the country” teach students to find information, create documents and turn them in, said Hal Friedlander, former chief information officer for the New York City Department of Education.
Google, and the tech economy, is at the center of one of the great debates that has raged in American education for more than a century: whether the purpose of public schools is to turn out knowledgeable citizens or skilled workers.
Chatfield Senior High School in Littleton, Colo., sent out a notice urging seniors to “make sure” they convert their school account “to a personal Gmail account.”
That doesn’t sit well with some parents. They warn that Google could profit by using personal details from their children’s school email to build more powerful marketing profiles of them as young adults.
That doesn’t sit well with some parents. They warn that Google could profit by using personal details from their children’s school email to build more powerful marketing profiles of them as young adults.
“Unless we know what is collected, why it is collected, how it is used and a review of it is possible, we can never understand with certainty how this information could be used to help or hurt a kid,” said Bill Fitzgerald of Common Sense Media, a children’s advocacy group, who vets the security and privacy of classroom apps.
Mr. Bout of Google said that the tech company had “always taken the compliance needs of our education users seriously.” He added that “even early versions” of the company’s agreements for its education apps had “addressed” the federal education privacy law.
A Russian security software company is raising eyebrows among officials in the US
Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) Director Vincent Stewart on May 11 told a Senate committee that "we are tracking Kaspersky and their software."
He added there is "as far as I know, no Kaspersky software on [DIA] networks," although it was possible it was being used by intelligence contractors.
Kaspersky Lab products are widely used in US homes, businesses, and government agencies. The company has contracts with the Federal Bureau of Prisons and segments of the Defense Department.
He added there is "as far as I know, no Kaspersky software on [DIA] networks," although it was possible it was being used by intelligence contractors.
Kaspersky Lab products are widely used in US homes, businesses, and government agencies. The company has contracts with the Federal Bureau of Prisons and segments of the Defense Department.
How gaming in the classroom prepares children for life in a surveillance state
This increase in mass surveillance is also happening in the classroom – through the use of online games that keep score and report back to the teacher in real time about a pupil’s behaviour and abilities.
“Gamification” in schools teaches children that they should expect their every move to be watched, rated and possibly shared publicly. It makes a lack of privacy appear normal and prepares young people to accept mass surveillance in their adult lives.
“Gamification” in schools teaches children that they should expect their every move to be watched, rated and possibly shared publicly. It makes a lack of privacy appear normal and prepares young people to accept mass surveillance in their adult lives.
If surveillance cameras are to be kept in line, the rules will have to keep pace with technology
It has been said that Britain has more surveillance cameras than any other country in the world. This proliferation of CCTV cameras led the government to establish a surveillance camera commissioner responsible for overseeing their governance – the only country in the world to do so.
The global ransomware attack has made $49,000 — but the attackers will have a hard time claiming it
computers around the world were hit with a devastating piece of ransomware, malicious software that encrypts the victim's data then demands a bounty — $300 in this case — to unlock it.
With the help of a leaked software exploit developed by the National Security Agency, a US intelligence agency, the ransomware spread to at least 150 countries, wreaking havoc on Britain's National Health Service — where it shut down hospitals and cancelled operations — and the Spanish telecommunications giant Telefónica.
With the help of a leaked software exploit developed by the National Security Agency, a US intelligence agency, the ransomware spread to at least 150 countries, wreaking havoc on Britain's National Health Service — where it shut down hospitals and cancelled operations — and the Spanish telecommunications giant Telefónica.
So has the unknown attacker just made a cool fifty grand? Not necessarily. Information-security professionals across the globe are watching the three wallets like hawks, and law-enforcement officials are likely motivated to get to the bottom of the attack because of its sheer scale.
The WannaCry attack has, in a strange way, been TOO successful.
Had it been just another moderately effective ransomware campaign, it might have flown under the radar. It certainly wouldn't be receiving the global coverage this weekend's attack has. But once it started forcing children's ambulances to get redirected, it changed the game.
The UK government stopped funding Windows XP support to try and force people to upgrade
Organisations around the world were hit with ransomware, nicknamed WannaCry, which encrypted their information and then demanded payment in exchange for decryption.
In the UK, the NHS was particularly badly hit, with at least 48 organisations affected. Hospitals turned non-urgent cases away, cancelled patient operations, and doctors had to work using pen and paper rather than online systems. This chaos continued over the weekend and into Monday morning.
In the UK, the NHS was particularly badly hit, with at least 48 organisations affected. Hospitals turned non-urgent cases away, cancelled patient operations, and doctors had to work using pen and paper rather than online systems. This chaos continued over the weekend and into Monday morning.
The NHS did have one safeguard — the UK government was still paying Microsoft for extended security support after the cut-off date. That means it still had vital security updates and patches to avoid being hacked.
Until 2015, that is, when the government decided to stop paying for that support.
Until 2015, that is, when the government decided to stop paying for that support.
Some people feel the government is to blame for that decision, because that resulted in the NHS' systems being more vulnerable.
James Stewart told Business Insider the group felt continuing to pay for Windows XP support would have been "pulling a rug over the problem.”
There is no one body that is responsible for technical standards across the NHS, according to Stewart, which is why it's hard to pin the blame on one individual or organisation.
Microsoft publicly attacked the US government for 'stockpiling' exploits after a massive global cyberattack
Microsoft has criticised the US government following a massive ransomware cyberattack that hit computers around the world Friday, after it emerged that the malware made use of a software exploited developed by the NSA.
Microsoft's president and chief legal officer, Brad Smith, wrote a strongly worded statement that read in part: "This attack provides yet another example of why the stockpiling of vulnerabilities by governments is such a problem ... Repeatedly, exploits in the hands of governments have leaked into the public domain and caused widespread damage.”
Microsoft's president and chief legal officer, Brad Smith, wrote a strongly worded statement that read in part: "This attack provides yet another example of why the stockpiling of vulnerabilities by governments is such a problem ... Repeatedly, exploits in the hands of governments have leaked into the public domain and caused widespread damage.”
He once again called for a "Digital Geneva Convention" that would regulate how software vulnerabilities and cyberweapons be handled globally, specifically one that would force governments to disclose vulnerabilities in a responsible manner.
The need for urgent collective action to keep people safe online: Lessons from last week’s cyberattack
this attack provides yet another example of why the stockpiling of vulnerabilities by governments is such a problem. This is an emerging pattern in 2017. We have seen vulnerabilities stored by the CIA show up on WikiLeaks, and now this vulnerability stolen from the NSA has affected customers around the world. Repeatedly, exploits in the hands of governments have leaked into the public domain and caused widespread damage.
Repeatedly, exploits in the hands of governments have leaked into the public domain and caused widespread damage. An equivalent scenario with conventional weapons would be the U.S. military having some of its Tomahawk missiles stolen. And this most recent attack represents a completely unintended but disconcerting link between the two most serious forms of cybersecurity threats in the world today – nation-state action and organized criminal action.
We need governments to consider the damage to civilians that comes from hoarding these vulnerabilities and the use of these exploits.
Fears Google Hire could allow employers to see your entire search history
Technology website Axios reports the tool is currently under testing, and that it will let employers post job listings, and accept and manage applications.
It was apparently developed by Google’s enterprise and cloud division, headed up by Diane Greene, whose start-up was acquired by Google in 2015.
The login page is currently live, however as the service hasn’t officially been announced it’s not yet possible to actually check the website out.
Just make sure when it does go live, you don’t do any X-rated browsing.
It was apparently developed by Google’s enterprise and cloud division, headed up by Diane Greene, whose start-up was acquired by Google in 2015.
The login page is currently live, however as the service hasn’t officially been announced it’s not yet possible to actually check the website out.
Just make sure when it does go live, you don’t do any X-rated browsing.
How to Protect Your Privacy as More Apps Harvest Your Data
If you’ve lost trust in a company, make the cleanest break possible: Delete your account.
Robocalls Flooding Your Cellphone? Here’s How to Stop Them
Rule No. 1
The most simple and effective remedy is to not answer numbers you don’t know, Mr. Quilici said.
The most simple and effective remedy is to not answer numbers you don’t know, Mr. Quilici said.
Turn the tables
And then there is the Jolly Roger Telephone Company, which turns the tables on telemarketers. This program allows a customer to put the phone on mute and patch telemarketing calls to a robot, which understands speech patterns and inflections and works to keep the caller engaged.
And then there is the Jolly Roger Telephone Company, which turns the tables on telemarketers. This program allows a customer to put the phone on mute and patch telemarketing calls to a robot, which understands speech patterns and inflections and works to keep the caller engaged.
Amazon has introduced a "new" Echo device.
If I see one of these in your house I know for a fact that you're stupid -- and I'm immediately leaving, never to return.
Tuesday, May 30, 2017
Senior Correspondent Arnold Woodworth's Weekly Web Wrap-up for Tuesday May 30 2017
Just a Common Soldier
A very appropriate poem for Memorial Day.
It was written 25 years ago.
Apple’s latest ad uses scare tactics to lure customers away from the competition
Three cute videos.
Video:
These secret codes let you access hidden iPhone features
Apple hints you should wait to buy that MacBook Pro
It's as if there's an upcoming event where it could launch new models.
It's as if there's an upcoming event where it could launch new models.
If you needed a clue that Apple might be launching new Macs at WWDC, you just got it.
Apple will soon make the Mid-2011 MacBook Air and Late 2011 MacBook Pro obsolete, meaning the two models will no longer be accepted for official repair in Apple Stores from June 30.
Also set to be included in the obsolescence list is the Mid-2009 17-inch MacBook Pro, which is the last 17-inch computer Apple has made.
Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak believes that Apple’s time as an innovative company may be coming to an end. As Woz explains it, this isn’t to say that Apple won’t continue to deliver exciting new products, but rather that the next great leap forward in the tech space will likely emanate from a completely different company: Tesla.
Woz also intimated that Apple, not to mention other tech giants like Google and Microsoft, may simply be too big for its own good.
Check this web page for a daily list of free iOS apps.
If you use iCloud for email, calendar events, or contacts with any apps other than those made by Apple, and you haven’t upgraded the security on your account to use two-factor authentication (2FA), syncing and other interaction will fail starting June 15.
2FA is a simple way to make it much more difficult for someone to access your account with just your password from anywhere in the world. Your first factor is a password.
How iCloud Photo Library matches up to Google Photos
With Google Photos, your entire photo library is available on Google’s servers, to be processed and analyzed in whatever way Google sees fit. In contrast, images in iCloud Photo Library are encrypted and Apple can’t see them when they’re off your device. There are a lot of advantages to Google’s approach, which I’ll get to shortly, but if you’re someone who feels uneasy about giving Google access to your personal data, Google’s approach will be a huge turn-off.
MacBook Pro graphics failures addressed by Apple repair program
Some MacBook Pro models are subject to regular system crashes, but owners will be pleased to hear that after a long wait, Apple has kicked off a repair program.
In May 2017 Apple announced that it is reducing the range of models eligible for a repair. So if you still haven't done so, visit the site as soon as possible and check if you qualify.
MacBook Pro v Surface Pro 5
In the end which one to buy will come down to personal preference in terms of touch capabilities, keyboards, and whether you want Windows 10 or OSX. Either device is a quality product, but they are both expensive.
Tips for working out with Apple Watch
Review: Apple's Beddit Sleep Monitor Offers a Comprehensive Look at Sleep Quality
The product being reviewed is not an app for the Apple Watch.
Instead, it’s a device that connects to your Apple Watch.
Earlier this month, Apple purchased its first company that develops health-related hardware, Beddit. Beddit makes an iPhone-connected Sleep Monitor that tracks a wide range of sleep-related metrics, from heart rate and sleep time to room temperature and respiration.
In my testing, the Sleep Monitor never picked up movement or measurements that weren't mine, and it never failed to monitor me.
So is it accurate? For the most part, yes.
The 20 best Apple Watch apps (that we’re actually using)
Halide — a brand-new iPhone camera app designed by Sebastiaan de Withand developed by Ben Sandofsky — rises to the challenge.
There’s a free app from Apple that can help you earn $100,000 a year
Want to make up to $100,000 by learning to code? There’s an app for that. And it’s free!
Apple launched a free coding curriculum for high school and college students to help more people grab a slice of the $51 billion mobile app industry.
Apple launched a free coding curriculum for high school and college students to help more people grab a slice of the $51 billion mobile app industry.
Why CIOs must understand Apple’s Neural Engine plan
An interesting prediction about future Apple smart phones.
The information will reside only on your smart phone, NOT in corporate computers.
Apple understands that gathering such information while preserving privacy can only really work at device level.
Apple will leap frog competitors in its attempt: because its solutions will be device-based, rather than being hosted in the cloud they have personal privacy and security at their core.
Apple is allegedly developing a Neural Engine chip, which will be dedicated to performing artificial intelligence (AI) computation on mobile devices.
Mossberg: The Disappearing Computer
Tech was once always in your way. Soon, it will be almost invisible.
Tech was once always in your way. Soon, it will be almost invisible.
This is my last weekly column for The Verge and Recode — the last weekly column I plan to write anywhere. I’ve been doing these almost every week since 1991, starting at the Wall Street Journal, and during that time, I’ve been fortunate enough to get to know the makers of the tech revolution, and to ruminate — and sometimes to fulminate — about their creations.
Now, as I prepare to retire at the end of that very long and world-changing stretch, it seems appropriate to ponder the sweep of consumer technology in that period, and what we can expect next.
Just because you’re not seeing amazing new consumer tech products on Amazon, in the app stores, or at the Apple Store or Best Buy, that doesn’t mean the tech revolution is stuck or stopped. In fact, it’s just pausing to conquer some major new territory.
Now, as I prepare to retire at the end of that very long and world-changing stretch, it seems appropriate to ponder the sweep of consumer technology in that period, and what we can expect next.
Just because you’re not seeing amazing new consumer tech products on Amazon, in the app stores, or at the Apple Store or Best Buy, that doesn’t mean the tech revolution is stuck or stopped. In fact, it’s just pausing to conquer some major new territory.
I expect that ... the computer ... will fade into the background. In some cases, it may entirely disappear, waiting to be activated by a voice command, a person entering the room, a change in blood chemistry, a shift in temperature, a motion. Maybe even just a thought.
Andy Rubin’s Essential Phone breaks all the rules
The phone, unsurprisingly, is running Android, but you also won’t find any bloatware on this device, a rarity outside of Google’s own smartphones.
It will be in production “real soon now”.
this is what we believe:
• Devices are your personal property. We won’t force you to have anything on them you don’t want to have.
• We will always play well with others. Closed ecosystems are divisive and outdated.
• Premium materials and true craftsmanship shouldn’t be just for the few.
• Devices shouldn’t become outdated every year. They should evolve with you.
• Technology should assist you so that you can get on with enjoying your life.
• Simple is always better.
We got a look inside a vast Icelandic bitcoin mine
Assuming you're getting a good deal on electricity — and ignoring all other costs — Streng says one bitcoin costs about $260 to mine. One bitcoin is currently worth $2,197.
But there are a lot of other costs, including hardware, production costs and staffing.
A very interesting graph of BitCoin price vs. time from 2012 to now.
Fidelity CEO has 4 reasons bitcoin still isn’t mainstream
Abigail Johnson says bitcoin is grappling with technological and regulatory issues, as well as what to use it for in the first place.
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/fidelity-ceo-has-4-reasons-bitcoin-still-isnt-mainstream-2017-05-23
The cryptocurrency universe keeps expanding
For the first time since Bitcoin was founded, it now makes up the minority of the entire cryptocurrency market at about 47.9% of all coins and assets.
Bitcoin has three new competing cryptocurrencies.
Here's how Artificial Intelligence (AI) has changed in the last 20 years
On May 11, 1997, an IBM computer called Deep Bluedefeated the reigning world chess champion, Garry Kasparov, capturing the attention and imagination of the world. The six-game match lasted several days and ended with two wins for IBM, one for the champion, and three draws.
The match was cast as the ultimate example of man versus machine. Yet, Kasparov himself is now a self-described proponent of artificial intelligence (AI), recently calling it a boon to humankind, “capable of providing us with endless opportunities to extend our capabilities and improve our lives.”
The match was cast as the ultimate example of man versus machine. Yet, Kasparov himself is now a self-described proponent of artificial intelligence (AI), recently calling it a boon to humankind, “capable of providing us with endless opportunities to extend our capabilities and improve our lives.”
Much was learned in pitting AI systems against human opponents. Most significant is the realization that AI can best be used to fill the gaps in human ability and vice versa. AI technology has evolved significantly, but AI systems are not nearly as good as humans at common sense reasoning or thinking creatively and strategically. Such gaps will likely remain for decades to come.
Video:
8 great ways to earn passive income
Slide Show:
13 Amazing -- and Surprising -- Uses of Facial Recognition Technology
Reality Check: What Does, and Doesn’t, Protect Your Smartphone
Here’s a reality check on what does and doesn’t protect your phone. To reach our conclusions, we interviewed repair and warranty experts and teamed up with The Wirecutter, the product recommendations site owned by The New York Times, which tested screen protectors and cases.
It turns out that in most situations, all you need is a case or a screen protector, or a combination of both. And you should probably think twice about buying extended warranty, but consider an insurance plan if you are concerned about damage, loss and theft.
Screen protectors are an incomplete solution. They protect your screen from scratches, but not impact from being dropped.
For overall device protection, a case, which covers the corners, edges and back of a smartphone, is your best bet. A good case will protect your phone from scratches and absorb impact in those areas when your device is dropped.
Skip the extended warranty. They are usually overpriced.
Who Is Spying On Android Users, Why Do They Do It And What Are They Doing With The Data?
Android is a Google OS. Google has access to every part of the device down to the last sensor. “To better serve its customers”, Google collects, transmits, stores and processes overwhelming amounts of data including personal and sensitive information.
Can I Disable Data Collection?
Yes, you can. Google is a reputable company with a concise privacy policy. You have the right to opt out of data collection at any time.
Yes, you can. Google is a reputable company with a concise privacy policy. You have the right to opt out of data collection at any time.
Facebook
Facebook does not have the deep OS integration enjoyed by Google services, yet the company wants access to as much of your personal data as Google.
Can You Disable Facebook Tracking? Not really.
Games
Birds, farms, zoos, candies and other time killers routinely install background services collecting your data and tracking your location and activities. No wonder your phone becomes sluggish with all of those running and spying on you all the time.
Can I Stop This? Not really.
Conclusion
Compared to Apple's iOS, Android does not offer the best of security.
Compared to Apple's iOS, Android does not offer the best of security.
What Google Knows About Your Online Habits
Google started as a search company in 1998, but now it's one of the biggest data collectors in the world.
The question is why Google needs this information? And how Google collects this data?
Key Takeaway: If you use Google Chrome, Gmail and Google Drive, Google has access to pretty much everything you do online. Google can scan your files, emails and browsing habits to serve you appropriate advertising. And if you want to prevent Google from tracking you, then simply don't use its services (Google search, Google Maps, Android, etc.), or stop worrying and get on with life.
Google now knows when its users go to the store and buy stuff
Google has begun using billions of credit-card transaction records to prove that its online ads are prompting people to make purchases – even when they happen offline in brick-and-mortar stores, the company said Tuesday.
The advance allows Google to determine how many sales have been generated by digital ad campaigns, a goal that industry insiders have long described as “the holy grail” of online advertising. But the announcement also renewed long-standing privacy complaints about how the company uses personal information.
The advance allows Google to determine how many sales have been generated by digital ad campaigns, a goal that industry insiders have long described as “the holy grail” of online advertising. But the announcement also renewed long-standing privacy complaints about how the company uses personal information.
Google executives say they are using complex, patent-pending mathematical formulas to protect the privacy of consumers.
The shocking details you reveal about yourself when you ‘like’ things on Facebook
You share far more than you intend when you ‘like’ products publicly on Facebook.
After 10 “likes”, advertisers know you as well as a colleague.
After 70 “likes”, they know you as well as a close friend.
After 150 “likes”, they know you as well as your parents.
After 300 “likes”, they know you as well as your spouse.
Advertisers once thought consumers would become desensitized to this lack of privacy, but studies show the opposite appears to be happening: There is a growing desire to be allowed to “opt out” of more invasive targeting.
You need to find your Social Security password now.
Your Social Security account is about to get more secure.
The Social Security Administration is beefing up its cybersecurity practices in an effort to protect online “my Social Security” accounts from unauthorized use and identity fraud.
Starting June 10, when users log into the first layer of security (username and password) they’ll be prompted to enter either a cell phone number or email address, adding another level of security to the account sign-in process.
Starting June 10, when users log into the first layer of security (username and password) they’ll be prompted to enter either a cell phone number or email address, adding another level of security to the account sign-in process.
This extra layer of security, known as two-factor authentication, is an easy way to secure an account, although it also assumes that users have a certain level of tech sophistication.
Monday, May 8, 2017
News of Interest to Mac Enthusiasts
Arnold will be back soon. In the meantime, here are some articles for your edification.
What Apple could do with $200 BILLION dollars. As the Macalope writes, copy written by the stock analysts amounts to little more than acquisition porn. Right now, Apple will buy back its own shares, thus making Mr. Carl Icahn even richer than he was before.
Don’t download Handbrake for macOS for awhile! Apparently a server for this app got hacked and was contaminated with malware. So wait a few days until they disinfect the server, then download Handbrake.
Hardware showdown! Gordon Mah Ung of PCWorld compares the specs of 4 ultrabooks, the runway models of the computing world. He finds the MacBook aiR old, ugly, and unfashionable, compared to the other models.
Speedup that laggard Mac! Here are lifehacker.com’s instructions on how to clean up and speed up that older Mac that used to run like a Chihuahua after some steak, but runs like a snail right now. I tried out these instructions and my Mac Mini’s boot-up speed did increase. But, as always, make a backup first!
Tom Briant
Editor, MacValley Blog
Thursday, April 27, 2017
Senior Correspondent Arnold Woodworth's Weekly Web Wrap-up for Thursday, 4-27-2017
Put to the Test: Samsung Galaxy S8+ Versus Apple iPhone 7 Plus
The Galaxy S8+ is a wonderful smartphone, but I will be returning mine. I fell in love with it at first, but Samsung’s latest can’t replace my iPhone 7 Plus. My iPhone may not be as good looking, but gets the job done more efficiently. I may change my mind with the Galaxy Note 8, but I will not be divorcing my iPhone 7 Plus—at least for the next five months.
After two weeks with the Galaxy S8, I still think the iPhone 7 Plus is the world’s best phoneImage
There’s one more reason I could never ditch my iPhone 7 Plus for a Galaxy S8Image
The Apple Watch.
How to reset passcode on iPhone, iPad or iPod
A step-by-step guide on what to do when you've forgotten your iPad, iPod or iPhone passcode. Fix and restore your iOS device with iTunes.
The key thing to note, though, is that unless you made a backup of your device before you forgot your passcode, you might lose some of your recent data.
iPad (2017) review
The iPad Air 3 may be dead, but the new iPad is a worthy successor
The iPad Air 3 may be dead, but the new iPad is a worthy successor
The way to buy a MacBook Pro less expensively is to head to the refurb section of the online Apple Store. There has been a constant turnover of older Mac machines on this page for many years. The machines generally come with a $200-$300 discount depending on the model, but Apple will still offer a twelve-month warranty and the option to purchase Apple Care for the same price as those who buy their MacBooks new.
Macbook Pro 2017 long-term review: Full thoughts on Apple’s 15-inch Touch Bar laptop
We’ve spent over three months with the latest Macbook Pro model and our long-term review reveals the highs and lows of that time with Apple’s super-powered laptop.
It’s a great computer if you are one of the most demanding users.
But if you want something for browsing the web and checking out cute cat videos on YouTube, buy a cheaper MacBook.
Apple earnings: As users spend more, services revenue grows
Software and services—comprising iTunes, the App Store, iCloud, Apple Care and Apple Pay—continued a steady climb by adding $4.5 billion in revenue last year, a 22.3% gain.
This Apple Store just got robbed for the second time in six months
Of all the retailers in your average US mall, Apple Stores are probably near the top when it comes to the value of the goods on display, surpassed only by jewelry stores.
Why Thieves Who Stole $24,000 of Gear From an Apple Store Might Be Disappointed
Seventeen iPhones, three iPads, and two computers were stolen from an AppleStore in Corte Madera, Calif. on Tuesday—totaling $24,000 worth of products.
It's not clear if the stolen products will even function. According 9to5Mac, Apple has added a “kill switch” to its store demonstration devices—meaning they are deactivated once they're removed from the store’s wi-fi network. That's why the display devices aren’t bolted to tables with steel cables anymore.
Thefts should soon drop off as soon as word gets around to thieves that there’s no point in stealing them.
Why I Go Offline for 12 Straight Hours Each Day
I go offline from 8pm – 8am every day.
This means that I disconnect from email, social media, and internet for 12 consecutive hours each day.
It greatly increases my overall productivity and peace of mind.
Keeping this schedule enables me to prioritize the things that are most important in my life — my family, my health, and my work. If I was always connected and attached to my phone or computer, I am sure that each of those three buckets would suffer.
Q. Didn’t I Hear That Ethereum Was Hacked?
A. The Ethereum code itself was not hacked, but a grand and bold experiment called the DAO (decentralized autonomous organization) was.
Q. What Is Ethereal?
A. A competing crypto-currency to BitCoin.
Q. Should I Buy Ethereum?
A. All cryptocurrency investing is risky – any one of them, including Bitcoin, could completely collapse at some point.
A. All cryptocurrency investing is risky – any one of them, including Bitcoin, could completely collapse at some point.
Q. Didn’t I Hear That Ethereum Was Hacked?
A. The Ethereum code itself was not hacked, but a grand and bold experiment called the DAO (decentralized autonomous organization) was.
We've seen this play out with Bitcoin as well. Individual Bitcoin exchanges have been hacked because of weak security.
But the Bitcoin code has never been hacked.
Although it may seem puzzling to have many different cryptocurrencies (CoinMarketCap.com tracks more than 800), each has distinct features.
Virtually all of them, including Ethereum, are based on Bitcoin's code. Bitcoin is "open source," so anyone can copy it, modify it, and release it as a new cryptocurrency.
While Ethereum's code is based on Bitcoin's, it has several significant differences.
Virtually all of them, including Ethereum, are based on Bitcoin's code. Bitcoin is "open source," so anyone can copy it, modify it, and release it as a new cryptocurrency.
While Ethereum's code is based on Bitcoin's, it has several significant differences.
Elon Musk’s new company, Neuralink, is working on linking the human brain with computers to create a product that can help people with severe brain injuries. Musk said that he thinks that can happen in just about four years.
How to erase yourself from the Internet
The European Court of Justice has ruled that there’s a controversial “right to be forgotten” on that continent, but it’s difficult to scrub your digital existence. “There are ways if content violates a web host’s policy, but it’s not often successful,” says Joseph Torrillo, vice president at Reputation Management. “It’s a very labor intensive and drawn-out process.”
There are however, smarter methods if you can live with having some negative stuff out there. “If you can’t get rid, dilute,” says Don Sorensen.
Sunday, April 23, 2017
Senior Correspondent Arnold Woodworth's Weekly Web Wrap for Sunday, 4-23-2017
An iTunes-Free Way to Back Up Your iPod
How to back up your iPod (or iPhone) to your Mac without using iTunes.
Apple has hired Steven Keating, an MIT doctoral student who gained notoriety for making a 3D printout of his own brain tumor.
Keating has publicly shared his commitment to helping patients gain access to their own health data, a mission that seems in line with Apple's approach to the sector (despite its notoriously closed approach). As I previously reported, the iPhone maker recently acquired a personal health data startup called Gliimpse, which is designed to help people aggregate their medical information.
Apple Co-Founder Steve Wozniak Talks Innovation, Microsoft, and Being Introverted
Includes a brief video.
Why Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak doesn't trust money
Video:
Why Woz is a fan of the Apple Watch
Apple iPad review - World's greatest tablet just got more affordable
Includes a video.
After being one of the original Facebook Instant Article pioneers back in 2015, the Guardian has pulled its content from both Apple News and Facebook’s Instant Articles format.
The Guardian is pushing its paying membership system and as a result it needs to be able to push readers back to their own site. By controlling how, and where their readers access the content, The Guardian is then able to better monetize on the work they produce.
British Publication "The Guardian" pulls out of Facebook’s Instant Articles and Apple News
They had gone all-in on Instant Articles, running every single Guardian article via the format for the last year. It was one of first U.K. media owners to adopt the Facebook format, alongside BBC News in the spring of 2015. The Guardian was also among the first publishers to join the Apple News app when it launched in the U.K. in October 2015. It ran all its articles in the app.
A Guardian News and Media spokesperson confirmed the removal, and issued the following statement to Digiday: “We have run extensive trials on Facebook Instant Articles and Apple News to assess how they fit with our editorial and commercial objectives. Having evaluated these trials, we have decided to stop publishing in those formats on both platforms. Our primary objective is to bring audiences to the trusted environment of the Guardian to support building deeper relationships with our readers, and growing membership and contributions to fund our world-class journalism.”
A Guardian News and Media spokesperson confirmed the removal, and issued the following statement to Digiday: “We have run extensive trials on Facebook Instant Articles and Apple News to assess how they fit with our editorial and commercial objectives. Having evaluated these trials, we have decided to stop publishing in those formats on both platforms. Our primary objective is to bring audiences to the trusted environment of the Guardian to support building deeper relationships with our readers, and growing membership and contributions to fund our world-class journalism.”
The move is a clear sign of displeasure in how these platform-publishing initiatives have treated the business needs of the Guardian. Many publishers have complained the money they make off visits to IA pages, for example, do not measure up to what they get on their own sites.
How to use your iPhone or iPad as a wireless hotspot
The personal hotspot feature on your iOS device can bail you out when a broadband connection isn't available. Here's how to set it up.
Includes a video.
The 5 Best Apps for Recording an Electric Instrument with Your iPhone or Android
We tested several apps that let you record instruments and apply effects by using a setup that included an Epiphone Les Paul, an inexpensive adapter, and a few different smart devices. Suffice it to say, we found five apps, two for iOS (Apple), two for Android, and one for both.
Save YouTube Videos Directly to Your iPhone's Camera Roll
Setting Up iCloud Family Sharing Isn't Easy, but It's Worth It
Once you’re done, every person in your household should have their own Apple ID, but they’ll be able to download purchases under a “master” account from iTunes, iBooks, and the App Store.
Siri not working? Try these troubleshooting fixes
If Siri isn't working for you, the first thing to check is whether your device is able to run Siri.
Siri is available on the iPhone 4s and later, on the iPad 3 and later (including all iPad Pro, iPad Air and iPad mini models, and the iPad 2017) and on the 5th- and 6th-gen iPod touch models. Plus every Apple Watch model and the 4th-gen Apple TV, and any Mac able to run macOS Sierra.
Siri is available on the iPhone 4s and later, on the iPad 3 and later (including all iPad Pro, iPad Air and iPad mini models, and the iPad 2017) and on the 5th- and 6th-gen iPod touch models. Plus every Apple Watch model and the 4th-gen Apple TV, and any Mac able to run macOS Sierra.
If it's not working at all, Siri might be switched off.
How to take control of iOS autocorrect
Most autocorrect errors are funny.
Here’s the good news: You actually have a lot of power over the autocorrect feature on your iOS device.
After all, your iPhone and iPad are trying to learn from you. There are several tactics you can use to prevent misunderstandings.
Apple Now Offers iWork, iMovie And GarageBand Free For All iOS And Mac Devices
According to MacRumors, Apple has decided to no longer charge for iMovie, GarageBand, Pages, Numbers and Keynote on iOS and macOS. Prior to this change, Apple was offering these apps free for customers that purchased a new iOS device or Mac computer. Apple also bundles some of these apps on certain Mac computers and iOS devices so you may already have it installed. If you do not have one of these apps on your device, then you can download it from iTunes (iOS) or the Mac App Store (OS X / macOS).
The MacRumors web site has direct links for downloading the apps.
Pick up a refurbished 13-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar to save some real money
• 13-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar, 2.0GHz dual-core Core i5, 8GB LPDDR3 RAM, 256GB SSD, Intel Iris Graphics 550: Normally $1,799, refurbished price $1,529
• 13-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar, 2.9GHz dual-core Core i5, 8GB LPDDR3 RAM, 512GB SSD, Intel Iris Graphics 550: Normally $1,999, refurbished price $1,699
• 13-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar, 2.9GHz dual-core Core i5, 16GB LPDDR3 RAM, 512GB SSD, Intel Iris Graphics 550: Normally $2,199, refurbished price $1,869
http://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/apple-adds-13-inch-macbook-pro-touch-bar-to-refurbished-list/
Apple’s controversial MacBook Pro Touch Bar is slowly becoming more useful five months later
To the disagreement of many, I still contend that Apple’s Touch Bar is a compelling concept that holds a significant amount of untapped potential.
App support for the Touch Bar has improved significantly over roughly the last five months.
iPhones Go the Way of the Selectric
In principle, the iPhone is becoming something similar [to the IBM Selectric typewriter]: a tried-and-true model that simply matches customer needs.
Apple is acknowledging that smartphones have transitioned from elite niche products into mature technologies, owned by everyone and upgraded infrequently. And that means that boring reliability — not innovation — will define the iPhone's future.
True, the cheaper phones won't look as good. But they do everything that late smartphone adopters want, and that's good enough.
"Good enough" doesn't sound great for Apple and other phone makers, which prosper off the relentless upgrade cycle. But many well-known products have followed the same path, from ground-breaking innovation to reliable, profitable, "good enough" staples.
If Apple wants to maintain its reputation as an innovator, it should acknowledge the iPhone as the mature product it has become, and redirect its vaunted creative energy to something new.
Apple Watch users flood first responders with false calls
Apple iWatch users are being blamed for a spike in false 911 calls that have plagued the system, wasting valuable time for first responders in the tri-state area.
Accidental “wrist dialing” — in which the gadget automatically calls 911 without users knowing — is a headache for operators, who urged people to dismantle the setting that automatically triggers the false alarms, emergency responders said.
Rescue workers in the county were pestered by nine of the false alarms over a one-week period, two weeks ago, due to user-error.
Most people simply aren’t aware they have enabled the setting. It’s a consumer awareness problem. People just don’t know they’re doing it.
Accidental wrist dialers should stay on the phone and admit the screw-up instead of hanging up on 911 operators, who are required to track down disconnected callers.
How to secure your Apple and iCloud accounts
Several good hints.
Beware Apple iCloud Users Phishing scam Hitting [Sonora CA] Area
Dozens of citizens have called the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office to report an Apple iCloud users phishing scam.
The scam works this way, according to sheriff’s officials, when an Apple iCloud user answers the phone they get a pre-recorded message alerting them that their account has been hacked.
The scam works this way, according to sheriff’s officials, when an Apple iCloud user answers the phone they get a pre-recorded message alerting them that their account has been hacked.
Sheriff’s spokesperson Sgt. Andrea Benson notes, “This is the latest in a long line of phishing scam aimed at tricking unsuspecting victims into believing that they have been hacked, personal data has been stolen or personal data is at risk.”
This spoof Apple site illustrates the sophistication of today’s phishing attacks
Most phishing attacks – links that send you to a fake website in the hope that you’ll login with your real credentials – are usually easy to detect. Emails are often generic, rather than using your registered name. Grammar is poor or the wording is weird. The email will threaten closure of your account if you don’t take urgent action, and so on.
If you did miss all these clues and click on the link, the URL would show that it’s not really the site that it claims to be. But one demonstration site created by a Chinese security researcher shows how it’s possible to visit a fake website that seemingly shows the correct https://www.apple.com URL in a browser window.
If you did miss all these clues and click on the link, the URL would show that it’s not really the site that it claims to be. But one demonstration site created by a Chinese security researcher shows how it’s possible to visit a fake website that seemingly shows the correct https://www.apple.com URL in a browser window.
The trick employed by the site is to use Unicode characters that look the same as the appropriate ASCII characters for the site impersonated.
It is possible to register domains such as “xn--pple-43d.com”, which is equivalent to “аpple.com”. It may not be obvious at first glance, but “аpple.com” uses the Cyrillic “а” (U+0430) rather than the ASCII “a” (U+0061). This is known as a homograph attack.
This Apple Phishing Site Is As Sneaky As They Come
Both Google and Mozilla recently introduced protections against a particularly nasty form of web-based phishing. It's called a homograph attack, and it can be nearly impossible to detect.
Homograph means using a foreign language letter instead of an English letter in a name. For example the English letter “A” looks much like the Cyrillic letter “A”.
It's obvious how dangerous this scam can be, but you shouldn't panic. Chances are good that your browser is protecting you. Edge, Internet Explorer, and Safari won't show the address as apple.com.
For technical details on this, click the link below.
Can Self-Driving Cars Ever Really Be Safe?
autonomous vehicles are basically computers on wheels, and computers crash all the time. Besides that, computers get hacked every day. So you gotta ask, “Can self-driving cars ever really be safe?”
No. Self-driving cars can never totally be safe. They will be safer than human drivers! So much safer that it’s worth a few minutes to understand why.
90 percent of all traffic accidents can be blamed on human error.
Nearly 80 percent of drivers expressed significant anger, aggression, or road rage behind the wheel at least once in the past year. Alcohol-impaired driving fatalities accounted for 29% of the total vehicle traffic fatalities in 2015. And finally, of the roughly 35,000 annual traffic fatalities, approximately 10 percent of them (3,477 lives in 2015) are caused by distracted driving.
Remove human error from driving, and you will not only save a significant number of lives, you will also dramatically reduce the number of serious injuries associated with traffic accidents – there were over 4.4 million in the United States during 2015.
Remove human error from driving, and you will not only save a significant number of lives, you will also dramatically reduce the number of serious injuries associated with traffic accidents – there were over 4.4 million in the United States during 2015.
“Anything that can be hacked, will be hacked.” Is this going to be an issue? Yes, but it’s also going to be an arms race. I’m betting on the good guys, but to be fair, hacking across every digital touchpoint is a never-ending battle. We will do our best to combat the bad guys.
As for computer crashes, yes, it is possible for the computer that runs your self-driving car to crash, but it will happen so infrequently that, by the numbers, you will be significantly safer in an autonomous vehicle than if you were driving yourself.
The 5 Jobs Robots Will Take First
The 5 Jobs Robots Will Take Last
How upgrading humans will become the next billion-dollar industry
“The greatest industry of the 21st century will probably be to upgrade human beings,” historian Yuval Harari, author of the fascinating new book “Homo Deus,” told MarketWatch.
Our bodies and brains, after all, still run on the same hardware and software that evolved some 200,000 years ago.
These advances will likely “lead to greater income inequality than ever before,” Harari said. “For the first time in history it will be possible to translate economic inequality into biological inequality.”
Such a divide could give rise to a new version of “old racist ideologies that some races are naturally superior to others,” Harari said. “Except this time the biological differences will be real, something that is engineered and manufactured.”
Such a divide could give rise to a new version of “old racist ideologies that some races are naturally superior to others,” Harari said. “Except this time the biological differences will be real, something that is engineered and manufactured.”
This is what the next generation of tech-augmented work for humans will look like
Wearable human controlled robots.
Reader comment to a different article on artificial intelligence and robots:
The "you don't need to worry about AI for many years" will at some point change to "it's too late to stop us."
But go on, immerse yourself in the convenience of self-driving cars, consumer robot applications and whatnot. I'm sure it will all work out fine.
But go on, immerse yourself in the convenience of self-driving cars, consumer robot applications and whatnot. I'm sure it will all work out fine.
Another reader replied to the above comment:
Regarding your first sentence, you beat me to it, exactly what I was going to say. The goal is to put the people back to sleep before they can stop this insidious take over of our humanity.
Artificial intelligence is just that---artificial. Why do people prefer the artificial to the real? If we trash our intelligence for a fake intelligence, we trash everything.
Artificial intelligence is just that---artificial. Why do people prefer the artificial to the real? If we trash our intelligence for a fake intelligence, we trash everything.
You Don’t Have Free Will – but You Might Get It Someday
I don’t believe in the superstition of “free will” because the laws of physics don’t stop at your skull. Whatever is happening in your brain is the result of cause and effect, and perhaps some randomness. But “free will” isn’t a real thing, except in our imaginations.
But it might be a real thing soon.
But it might be a real thing soon.
With our current fully-organic brains, we do whatever the physics and chemistry of our brains tells us to do. You might want to lose weight, but your brain is telling you to eat that ice cream at midnight anyway, so you do. Your urges are simply stronger than your rational mind.
But what if a microchip in your brain could reverse that situation? Suppose you programmed the microchip to allow your rational mind to overcome your irrational urges.
Interesting reader comments.
Torching the Modern-Day Library of Alexandria
“Somewhere at Google there is a database containing 25 million books and nobody is allowed to read them.”
“Somewhere at Google there is a database containing 25 million books and nobody is allowed to read them.”
When the library at Alexandria burned it was said to be an “international catastrophe.”
When the most significant humanities project of our time was dismantled in court, the scholars, archivists, and librarians who’d had a hand in its undoing breathed a sigh of relief, for they believed, at the time, that they had narrowly averted disaster.
Google’s secret effort to scan every book in the world, codenamed “Project Ocean,” began in earnest in 2002.
In August 2010, Google put out a blog post announcing that there were 129,864,880 books in the world. The company said they were going to scan them all.
Authors and publishers filed suit against Google, alleging, as the authors put it simply in their initial complaint, “massive copyright infringement.”
It only took a couple of years for the authors and publishers who sued Google to realize that there was enough middle ground to make everyone happy.
At the heart of the settlement was a collective licensing regime for out-of-print books.
The objections came in many flavors, but they all started with the sense that the settlement was handing to Google, and Google alone, an awesome power. “Did we want the greatest library that would ever exist to be in the hands of one giant corporation, which could really charge almost anything it wanted for access to it?”
The irony is that so many people opposed the settlement in ways that suggested they fundamentally believed in what Google was trying to do.
There's $29.4 billion in cryptocurrencies — here's which ones people are using the most
Interesting chart.
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