Andrew Orr and John Martellaro join host Kelly Guimont to talk about Apple’s new iPad Air/iPad mini announcements, and how they fit in.
Your Phone Number Shouldn't Be Your Identity
Brian Krebs wrote a good article on how our phone numbers have become security and authentication tools, and thus closely tied to our identity. But there’s a problem with that.
Phone numbers stink for security and authentication. They stink because most of us have so much invested in these digits that they’ve become de facto identities. At the same time, when you lose control over a phone number — maybe it’s hijacked by fraudsters, you got separated or divorced, or you were way late on your phone bill payments — whoever inherits that number can then be you in a lot of places online.
Which Styli Are Compatible With the New iPads?
Which styli are they compatible with the new iPads? Andrew does some research to find out.
Charge up to 4 Devices with USB, USB-C, Qi Wireless Charging: $38.24
We have a cool device for today’s deal, the GOSPACE SuperCharger. It can charge up to four devices at once, with two USB charging ports, a USB-C charging port, and built-in Qi wireless charging. It plugs into the wall with a replaceable plug, and it comes with a US, UK, EU, and Australian plug, too. AND, it has a built-in 10,000mAh battery for charging things on the go. That’s a great combo of features, especially if you have a mix of Apple devices that use different charging cables. It’s $44.99 through our deal, but coupon code MADNESS15 brings it down to $38.24 at checkout.
Facebook Can't Find Enough Local News for its Platform
Facebook is in a bit of a dilemma when it comes to news. Back in November it launched a feature called Today In, which would give people local news in their area. But the company is having trouble filling Today In with enough news, and this is because Facebook is a big contributor to the demise of news.
Today In may be live in 400 cities, but it’s unavailable across large parts of the country that perhaps most need it, namely, those with few or no local newspapers. Of course, Facebook contributed heavily to death of so many local news outlets as a large portion of advertising spending shifted from legacy media to the web, leading to dwindling newspaper revenue. Facebook isn’t the only reason hundreds of outlets have bitten the dust. Consolidation and mergers have played a role, but the likes of Facebook and Google have certainly been key factors.
Brexit Might Disrupt UK Delivery of New iPad Airs and Minis
UK delivery of new iPad Airs and Minis could be disrupted – they are set to arrive in the UK at the same time as the country leaves the EU.
Apple Releases New iPad mini, iPad Air with Apple Pencil Support
The iPad Air is a 10.5-inch model, while the iPad Mini keeps the 7.9-inch form factor.
Use iNaturalist to Identify Flora and Fauna
I’ve used iNaturalist for a couple years and think it’s a great tool. Two features that help the app stand out from competitors are 1: The machine learning it uses. Once you take a picture, it can automatically suggest what species you’re looking at. 2: With every photo you upload and tag with location and other metadata, you’re contributing to real science. iNaturalist shares data with scientific data repositories like the Global Biodiversity Information Facility.
The app is a joint initiative between The California Academy of Sciences and the National Geographic Society and works sort of like a Shazam for Nature in that it lets you snap a shot of something you come across and instantly get an answer for what that planet, animal, or bug might be.
Augmented Reality, Practical Robots, and Modern Cabling, with John Kheit - ACM 505
Bryan Chaffin and John Kheit don their futurist caps and look for the killer app in Augmented Reality. Spoiler: they have different ideas on what form it might take. They also explore the near-term future of practical robots, starting with today’s vacuumbots. They cap the show looking at the slow pace of progress when it comes to modern cabling. Let’s get that Cat 8 and 40 GB/s throughput!
The Mixvibes DJ Software Bundle: $49
We have a deal on the Mixvibes DJ Software Bundle. This package includes three apps for Mac (and Windows) aimed at DJs: Cross DJ, Remixvideo, and Remixlive. Together, they can help DJs mix music, mix videos, and create beats and loops. This bundle is $49 through us.
