And the data breach resulted in a semi-public attempt at extortion by the not-very-good-at-extortion thieves.
When Artificial Intelligence Becomes Human Intelligence, Look Out
Every tech giant is working on what’s labelled Artificial Intelligence (AI). But just what is AI, really? Simple Machine Learning? Or the duplication of human intellectual capabilities and beyond? John has the story. Plus more news debris.
Cybersecurity Tech Accord: 34 Tech Companies Just Promised a Bunch of Nothing
The Accord has gotten some positive headlines, but Bryan Chaffin doesn’t think the announcement stands up to logical scrutiny.
Tim Cook Insists That iOS and macOS Shall Remain Separate. He's Right
Running iOS apps on macOS is not the same as merging the two OSes. John explains.
Facebook 'Forming Team' to Design Its Own Processors
And yeah, sure, you’re thinking so what, and you’re right.
About Optimized Storage on your Mac Startup Disk
Dr. Mac says your Mac will slow down more and more as your startup disk becomes fuller and fuller, and, if you fill it up completely, your Mac might not boot.
Ajit Pai Advisor Arrested on Fraud Charges
Is it Ajit Pai’s fault she’s an alleged crook? No, but it surely reinforces Bryan Chaffin’s extremely negative perceptions that someone brought on to help his radical deregulatory agenda is being accused of fraud.
People Said 'Hey Siri' before 'Hey Siri' Was a Thing
According to Apple, users would start off their Siri interactions with “Hey Siri” even when the only way to access the service was by using the iPhone’s Home button.
Russia's Telegram Ban Could Be First Salvo against Apple's iMessage and Other Encrypted Platforms
On Monday, state regulators began blocking access to Telegram, and Bryan Chaffin is wondering what that might mean for Apple and its iMessage platform, and to other encrypted communications platforms.
Apple's Unusual Situation with its Struggling HomePod
Apple, as it always does, created a unique vision for the HomePod. The device is cool, but the product concept may have been off the mark. Now, Apple will adjust.
Lessons I Learned While my MacBook Pro was in the Shop
Dr. Mac’s “daily driver,” a MacBook Pro, was out of commission for several days last week, so he had to use his far less capable MacBook Air in its stead. This week he relates four lessons he learned along the way.
Apple, the World's Most Profitable Company, Now Operates on 100% Renewable Energy
It’s a stunning achievement, and being done by the world’s most profitable company is a resounding statement for those who think renewable energy simply costs too much.
Apple's 2019 Mac Pro Will Be Fundamentally Different
There is every indication that Apple’s 2019 Mac Pro will be fundamentally different than its predecessors. John explains.
Mark Zuckerberg is Wrong. Apple's Privacy Stance is Genuine
The argument is: Does Apple actually care about your privacy? Mr. Zuckerberg would like you to believe that Apple’s privacy stance is just a marketing tactic. I don’t agree.
Handling a Crashed Startup Disk Gracefully
Dr. Mac’s had a rough week with a toasted startup disk followed by a swollen battery, but he learned a thing or two along the way that could save you time or trouble.
Here’s How I Finally Accepted HomeKit is a Raging S*#t Storm
HomeKit has some great features, but some of its problems are big enough to push me back to Amazon’s Alexa for my smart home control.
Mark Zuckerberg Says Privacy Is for the Rich
If Bryan Chaffin is reading Mark Zuckerburg correction, the Facebook CEO thinks privacy is a luxury only the rich can afford.
The iPad Paradox: Why it Can't Really Teach Kids to Code
Apple’s “Field Trip” education event produced a flood of excellent articles about Apple’s standing in the education market. Here are four of the best. And one hits a hot button.
This 1981 Interview Shows How Steve Jobs at 26 Was Way Cooler than Me (and Probably You)
What struck Bryan Chaffin was that Steve Jobs, at the tender age of 26, had his &^#% together in ways most of us never do
A Public Service Announcement Regarding World Backup Day (Saturday, March 31)
This week’s Rants & Raves column is a public service announcement for World Backup Day (Saturday, March 31) and its lesser-known sibling, World Redundant Backup Day—No Foolin’ (Sunday, April 1).
