There are Thunderbolt 3 docks and USB-C docks. How does one pick? Which are the best in each category? ars technica explains and tests the best. (Image credit: ars technica.)
TMO Background Mode Interview with Veteran Technology Reporter John Markoff
John is a former New York Times reporter reporting nationally on science and computing. He’s been an adjunct faculty member of the Stanford Graduate Program on Journalism. In 2013 he was awarded a Pulitzer Prize.
John has published several books on the computer industry. Currently he’s a Research Affiliate at the Stanford University Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences researching a biography of Stewart Brand, the creator of the Whole Earth Catalog.
We talked about his early days of computing at InfoWorld and Byte, as well as the Kevin Mitnick affair. We also talked about the current breed of young journalists and the importance of community newspapers. We delved into a mutually favorite topic: the problem with personal robots: cost vs. capability vs. expectations.
Don’t miss this wide-ranging discussion with John.
Sir Nick Clegg: Facebook to Create Fake News 'War Room' for EU Elections
In his first major speech at Facebook, Sir Nick Clegg said the firm will create a “War Room” to tackle misinformation in the EU elections.
Apple HomePod: $296.10
We have a deal on an Apple HomePod. This is Apple’s Siri-based speaker with a built-in subwoofer, 7 tweeters, and microphones to hear your commands for Siri. It retails for $349, and our deal is for $329. But, our friends at Stack Commerce gave us coupon code “HOMEPOD10” that will save 10%, for a checkout price of $296.10. Our link points to the Space Gray mode, but you can also choose the White version in the deal listing. Get it while you can.
Users Reported iOS 12.1.3 WiFi Issues
When it first launched, iOS 12.1.3 stopped some users accessing cellular data, something that had already happened with the rollout of iOS 12.1.2. The situation was so bad, provider Sprint put out a warning. This emerged after iOS 12.1.1 caused 4G issues. Now, it seems, the latest version of the operating system is also causing WiFi issues. Gordon Kelly rounded up the situation for Forbes.
Apple’s pledge with iOS 12 was to focus on performance and reliability. It actually fulfilled its promise on speed, which makes iOS 12 a very appealing upgrade, but its failure with reliability is twofold. Not only are major bugs still occurring, what’s worse (since bugs are inevitable), is they not being fixed as a priority from release to release.
This Weird Trick Will Make Five Eyes Countries Hate You
Michael Grothaus argues that it’s the perfect time for Android iMessage thanks to Facebook’s plans to unify its messaging apps.
The iPhone maker’s messaging app is widely regarded as one of the best messaging apps ever, thanks to its clean, simple design, its ability to send and receive both encrypted iMessages and regular SMS text messages in the same interface, and its end-to-end encryption.
It’s not the first time this has been suggested, but I think Android iMessage would be great for users. We need an end-to-end encrypted messaging app from a company with a better track record than Facebook.
NHL Commisioner Explained why the Sport Needs Apple
Apple is a very important player in the NHL, the league’s Commissioner explained during a visit to the Apple Campus.
Apple Could Launch a Gaming Subscription Service
Rumors suggest that Apple plans to launch a gaming subscription service described as a “Netflix for games.”
Social Media Responsibility, Manufacturing on Apple's Scale – TMO Daily Observations 2019-01-28
Bryan Chaffin and Charlotte Henry join host Kelly Guimont to discuss responsibility in social media and manufacturing on Apple’s scale.
Unicorn Born in China every 3.8 Days in 2018
97 tech unicorns, companies valued at over $1 billion, were formed in China in 2018. That’s the equivalent of one launching in the country every 3.8 days.. However, Bloomberg News reported that this pace of creation actually slowed down during the fourth quarter of the year. Only 11 unicorns launched in those three months. Instead of startups, large tech firms reasserted their position. The Chinese economic slowdown also contributed to this.
China spawned 97 unicorns last year with a combined valuation of 1.2 trillion yuan ($178 billion) across sectors from consumer internet to online shopping and electric vehicles, according to a report published by consultancy Hurun. That’s about one unicorn born every 3.8 days. But of those, 11 were created in the December quarter, down from more than 30 in the previous three months.
