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Find more statistics at Statista
Apple’s recent price increases across several product lines are a reminder that even highly disciplined supply chains are not immune to market pressure.
\nOn June 25, 2026, Apple raised prices on Macs, iPads, Apple TV, HomePod, HomePod mini and Vision Pro, while leaving iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods pricing unchanged for now. Apple attributed the increases to sharply higher memory and storage costs, driven in large part by the continued expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) data centres. Reuters reported that Apple said it could no longer shield customers from soaring memory and storage chip costs tied to the AI data-centre buildout, while MacRumors reported Apple’s statement that the consumer electronics industry is facing an “unprecedented challenge.” Reuters via Investing.com, MacRumors
\nThat context matters. This is not only an Apple story. It is also a supply chain story, an AI infrastructure story and, ultimately, a consumer pricing story. Microsoft announced the same day that Xbox console prices would rise worldwide on Aug. 1, 2026, citing storage and memory prices that had increased by more than 2.5 times. Xbox Wire
\nFor buyers, the practical question is simple: if new Apple hardware is becoming more expensive, where can value still be found without taking unnecessary risk?
\nOne answer is Apple’s own Certified Refurbished program.
\nApple Certified Refurbished products are not the same as random used devices being sold as “refurbished” by a third-party retailer. Apple says these products go through full functional testing, are cleaned and inspected, and are repaired with genuine Apple replacement parts where needed. Refurbished iOS devices come with a new battery and outer shell. Products include accessories, cables and operating systems, ship in a new white box and include Apple’s one-year limited warranty. Apple Certified Refurbished
\nThat last point is important. With many online marketplaces, the word “refurbished” can mean several things: open-box, returned, repaired, used, seller-tested or simply cleaned and resold. Some retailers have strong programs, but the quality, warranty and refurbishing standards can vary by seller, condition grade and country.
\nApple’s program is different because it is manufacturer-controlled. You are buying from Apple, receiving Apple warranty coverage and, in most cases, retaining the option to add AppleCare. That reduces uncertainty.
\nThe savings are not always dramatic. Apple advertises savings of up to 15 per cent, and inventory changes constantly. Because Apple’s refurbished prices are generally set as a discount from current retail prices, they may rise as new prices rise. The clearest value is often found in previous-generation models no longer sold new, higher-storage configurations and devices that remain highly capable but are no longer positioned as the latest release.
\nIn the current pricing environment, that combination is worth paying attention to.
\nIf you are considering a Mac, iPad, iPhone or other Apple product, I would check the refurbished store before buying new. The trade-off is that refurbished inventory is limited, changes frequently and popular configurations can sell out quickly. Still, my view is that the Certified Refurbished store should now be part of the default buying process. Not because it is always the cheapest option, but because it may offer the best balance of price, reliability and support.
\nHere are Apple’s refurbished stores in several major markets:
\nApple’s price increases may push some buyers to delay purchases, consider alternatives or look harder at resale markets. In a market where AI demand is reshaping hardware economics, smart procurement is no longer just for enterprises. Consumers may want to think more carefully too.
\nThis article is intended to support informed consumer discussion about Apple pricing, refurbished hardware and technology purchasing decisions. It aims to distinguish clearly between Apple’s stated refurbished program terms, publicly reported pricing changes and the author’s interpretation of market impact. Where product availability, discount levels, warranty terms or regional programs may vary, readers are encouraged to verify details directly with Apple or the relevant retailer before making a purchase.
\nThis article is written independently and is not sponsored, reviewed, approved or influenced by Apple or any other retailer, marketplace, vendor or third party.
\nThis article is provided for general information and discussion purposes only. It is not legal, financial, investment, procurement, tax or purchasing advice, and it should not be relied upon as such. Product prices, availability, warranty terms, AppleCare eligibility, refurbished inventory and regional store programs are subject to change without notice.
\nThe views expressed are those of the author in a personal capacity and do not represent the views of any employer, client, partner, vendor or affiliated organization.
\nThe author has no business relationship, sponsorship, partnership, affiliate arrangement or other commercial relationship with Apple or any other retailer or marketplace mentioned. No company or third party paid for this article, provided compensation, offered incentives, supplied products, previewed the content or influenced the conclusions. Any errors or omissions are unintentional.
\nKeywords:\n#Apple #AppleCanada #AppleRefurbished #CertifiedRefurbished #RefurbishedMac #RefurbishediPad #RefurbishediPhone #MacBook #iPad #iPhone #AppleCare #ConsumerTech #Technology #TechNews #CanadianTech #Kiledjian #SupplyChain #AI #DataCentres #MemoryChips #Sustainability #CircularEconomy #SmartBuying #TechTips #Hardware #AppleTV #HomePod #VisionPro #Retail #RefurbishedHardware
\n![](\"https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/255457/2026/2072084785.png\")
",
"date_published": "2026-06-30T09:36:53-04:00",
"url": "https://kiledjian.com/2026/06/30/apple-raises-prices-the-refurbished.html",
"tags": ["Technology \u0026 Business"]
},
{
"id": "http://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/2026/06/19/the-mitlicensed-frontier-why-glm.html",
"title": "The MIT-Licensed Frontier: Why GLM-5.2 Reshapes Enterprise AI Trade-Offs",
"content_html": "Enterprise artificial intelligence strategy is shifting from model selection to control architecture selection.
\nAs organizations move from experimental deployments toward production-grade agentic systems, the dominant constraints are no longer model performance alone. They are increasingly defined by control over weights, data residency, licensing structure, and operational governance boundaries.
\nThe release of GLM-5.2 by Z.ai (Zhipu AI) reflects this shift. Based on publicly available technical documentation and reported benchmark evaluations, the model is positioned as a large-scale mixture-of-experts system targeting frontier-level capability in software engineering and multi-step reasoning tasks.
\nIts significance is not isolated performance. It is the combination of capability, deployment flexibility, and permissive licensing under a widely used open-source framework.
\nEnterprise adoption of large language models has historically been dominated by prompt-centric workflows. In this model, systems are used as stateless interfaces that generate discrete outputs without persistent operational context.
\nWhile effective for productivity augmentation, this approach does not scale well to complex engineering environments involving long-running workflows, system-level orchestration, or multi-repository codebases.
\nA structural shift is now underway toward agentic engineering, where models operate as components within coordinated systems rather than standalone tools.
\nFor example, agentic systems may be used to coordinate multi-repository refactoring or automate security patch triage across distributed codebases.
\nWithin this framing, GLM-5.2 is positioned as part of a class of systems designed for long-horizon execution in software engineering environments involving iterative debugging, tool-assisted workflows, and structured reasoning over large codebases.
\nPublic technical descriptions suggest three broad capability directions:
\nWhile implementation details vary across available documentation, the strategic direction is consistent: improved reliability in multi-step, tool-mediated execution environments.
\nPublic benchmark summaries suggest GLM-5.2 is positioned within the upper tier of recent frontier models on selected software engineering and reasoning tasks.
\nThese evaluations are typically conducted on structured benchmarks involving multi-step reasoning and code generation tasks, often compared against proprietary systems from leading AI providers.
\nIt is important to note that cross-model comparisons are sensitive to:
\nAs a result, performance comparisons should be interpreted as conditional rather than absolute.
\nThe broader signal is more important than any single metric: the performance gap between open-weight systems and proprietary API-based models continues to narrow in specific agentic and coding-focused workloads.
\nA defining characteristic of GLM-5.2 is its release under the MIT License, one of the most permissive open-source licences in widespread use.
\nFrom an enterprise perspective, this has structural implications. However, it is critical to distinguish licensing freedom from regulatory compliance or operational readiness.
\nMIT licensing primarily governs reuse and redistribution rights. It does not provide exemption from privacy law, sector-specific regulation, or internal governance requirements.
\nWithin that boundary, three practical implications emerge.
\nPermissive licensing enables deployment within controlled infrastructure environments, including private cloud and isolated compute clusters.
\nFor regulated organizations, this can reduce dependency on external APIs and improve control over sensitive data flows.
\nHowever, operational reality introduces additional complexity. Secure deployment requires governance across:
\nSelf-hosting increases control, but also increases operational responsibility.
\nProprietary AI APIs introduce structural dependencies on vendor pricing, availability, policy changes, and jurisdictional constraints.
\nSelf-hosted models reduce exposure to these risks by shifting inference and lifecycle control into enterprise-managed infrastructure.
\nThis represents a redistribution of risk rather than its elimination.
\nIn practice, it reduces vendor dependency but increases internal engineering and operational burden.
\nPermissive licensing enables fine-tuning and distillation into smaller models optimized for domain-specific use cases.
\nThis supports a layered enterprise architecture where:
\nSelf-hosting becomes economically rational when sustained inference utilization justifies dedicated GPU allocation across multiple concurrent workloads.
\nDespite its advantages, GLM-5.2 is not a universal replacement for proprietary frontier systems.
\nIn certain long-horizon or highly complex tasks, proprietary models continue to demonstrate stronger consistency, ecosystem maturity, and tool integration support.
\nAdditionally, enterprise deployment introduces non-trivial security considerations:
\nIn agentic deployments, the dominant risk shifts from model misuse to control-plane compromise.
\nThese factors require formal threat modeling prior to production deployment.
\nSelf-hosting frontier-scale models introduces a fundamentally different cost structure compared to API-based consumption.
\nRather than variable usage-based pricing, organizations assume:
\nAs a result, hybrid architectures combining external APIs with internal models are likely to remain the dominant enterprise pattern.
\nFor technology and security leaders, the emergence of systems such as GLM-5.2 reinforces several structural shifts:
\nThese dynamics reflect a broader rebalancing of enterprise AI strategy toward controllability, risk segmentation, and architectural flexibility.
\nThe enterprise AI landscape is entering a phase where performance differentials between leading models are narrowing in specific domains, particularly software engineering and agentic workflows.
\nAs this convergence continues, structural factors—licensing, deployment control, governance maturity, and operational risk—are becoming primary differentiators in enterprise decision-making.
\nGLM-5.2 should therefore be understood not as a singular technological breakthrough, but as an indicator of where the market is moving: toward distributed, hybrid, and controllable AI systems where sovereignty and capability must be balanced against operational complexity and risk.
\nThis article is written in accordance with principles of transparency, analytical independence, and responsible interpretation of emerging artificial intelligence systems. It is intended to provide strategic insight rather than promotional or vendor-aligned positioning.
\nReaders should interpret all model capabilities, benchmarks, and architectural claims as subject to change, variation in deployment context, and differences in evaluation methodology. Independent validation is recommended prior to any production use or procurement decision.
\nThe information provided in this article is for informational and analytical purposes only. It does not constitute legal, security, or procurement advice.
\nModel performance characteristics, licensing interpretations, and benchmark results may vary depending on implementation, infrastructure configuration, quantization approach, and upstream changes.
\nReaders are responsible for conducting their own due diligence, including security validation, compliance assessment, and operational testing, prior to deploying any model in production environments.
\nKeywords: #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #EnterpriseAI #GenerativeAI #AgenticAI #OpenSourceAI #AIGovernance #AISecurity #ResponsibleAI #Cybersecurity #CISO #CTO #EnterpriseArchitecture #TechnologyStrategy #DigitalTransformation #DataSovereignty #ModelGovernance #RiskManagement #InformationSecurity #CloudSecurity #AIInfrastructure #MachineLearning #LLM #OpenWeights #MITLicense #HybridAI #TechnologyLeadership #Innovation #DataPrivacy #EnterpriseSecurity
\n![](\"https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/255457/2026/aipic.png\")
",
"date_published": "2026-06-19T09:09:17-04:00",
"url": "https://kiledjian.com/2026/06/19/the-mitlicensed-frontier-why-glm.html",
"tags": ["Artificial Intelligence","Technology \u0026 Business"]
},
{
"id": "http://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/2026/06/07/the-greenest-product-may-be.html",
"title": "The greenest product may be the one you do not replace",
"content_html": "We talk a lot about what products are made of.
\nWe talk far less about how long they last.
\nThat is a gap in how we think about environmental responsibility.
\nMost sustainability conversations focus on inputs.
\nIs the product recycled? Is the dye cleaner? Are the chemicals safer? Is the packaging reduced?
\nThose questions matter. But they are not the whole story.
\nI recently read a perspective from GORUCK founder Jason McCarthy that made me think about sustainability differently. His point was practical: environmentalism can also come from building something properly the first time, repairing it when needed and keeping it out of landfills as long as possible.
\nThat idea aligned with a practical lesson from my own life.
\nWhen I began rucking, a standard backpack proved inadequate. Carrying heavy loads safely requires equipment designed for that purpose, not a bag designed mainly to transport a laptop.
\nThe lesson was simple: for demanding use, durability is not a luxury. It is a requirement.
\nThat is where the environmental argument becomes real.
\nWe often feel better buying the “green” alternative, even if we know we may replace it in a few years. The product may have better inputs, but if it fails quickly, the environmental benefit falls short.
\nA recycled product that breaks and is discarded is still waste.
\nA durable product that stays in service tells a different story.
\nThis is not about one company or one backpack. It is about a broader consumer habit.
\nWe have been trained to look for newer, lighter, cheaper and more convenient. We have not been trained as well to ask whether something will last, whether it can be repaired and whether it will prevent another purchase later.
\nTrue sustainability is not only found in the recycling bin. It is also found in the absence of a replacement.
\nA product’s environmental impact should not be measured only by what it is made from. It should also be measured by how long it lasts.
\nCan it be repaired?
\nDoes it prevent repeated purchases of the same type of product?
\nThere is also an economic argument inside the environmental one.
\nA high-quality item may look expensive on day one. But if it lasts 10 years, the cost per year becomes much more reasonable.
\nBy contrast, a cheaper product that fails every two years may cost the same or more over time. It also creates repeated waste.
\nThis is not an argument that every consumer must purchase premium gear. Many people cannot, and many use cases do not require it. It is an argument that durability should be part of how we define sustainability.
\nRepair matters here.
\nA broken zipper, torn seam or damaged panel should not automatically mean a product is finished. In many cases, repair can return it to service.
\nThat matters because repair is a quiet act of resistance against the discard economy.
\nModern consumer markets are often engineered around replacement. New versions, seasonal changes and cosmetic updates encourage people to treat yesterday’s perfectly functional product as obsolete.
\nThat mindset deserves more scrutiny.
\nWe should not always see wear as failure. Sometimes wear is proof that a product is doing its job.
\nThere is an important balance here. Recycled materials, cleaner chemistry and better manufacturing practices still matter. Durability is not a free pass to ignore environmental inputs or supply-chain impact.
\nBut longevity deserves a more prominent place in the sustainability conversation.
\nFor products such as bags, clothing and everyday tools, the logic is practical. These items do not consume energy while being used. Much of their environmental impact comes from materials, manufacturing, shipping and disposal.
\nIf one well-built product prevents several weaker products from being made, shipped and discarded, that is a meaningful outcome.
\nThe best version of environmentalism is not performative. It is practical.
\nIt means buying fewer things where possible, choosing durability when it matters, repairing what can be repaired and keeping useful products in service longer.
\nQuality is not only a product attribute.
\nIn the right context, quality is an environmental strategy.
\nThis article reflects my personal views and does not represent the views, policies or positions of my employer, clients, partners or any affiliated organization. I purchased my rucking and everyday carry products with personal funds. This post is not sponsored and no compensation, free product or exchange of value was involved. I may have used generative AI tools to assist with research and editing. All conclusions and final editorial decisions are my own.
\nThis article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, investment, security, privacy, tax, accounting, environmental or other professional advice. Readers should verify current information and seek appropriate professional advice before making decisions.
\nKeywords: #Sustainability #CircularEconomy #Durability #Repairability #ResponsibleConsumption #ProductLongevity #BuyLess #ChooseQuality #SustainableDesign #SustainableBusiness #EnvironmentalResponsibility #WasteReduction #LandfillReduction #RightToRepair #ConsciousConsumerism #QualityMatters #LifecycleThinking #CorporateResponsibility #SupplyChain #ESG #ClimateAction #Rucking #EverydayCarry #OutdoorGear #ProductDesign #BusinessLeadership #ThoughtLeadership #CanadianBusiness #PracticalSustainability #CircularDesign
\n![](\"https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/255457/2026/chatgpt-image-jun-7-2026-08-39-48-pm.png\")
",
"date_published": "2026-06-07T20:41:01-04:00",
"url": "https://kiledjian.com/2026/06/07/the-greenest-product-may-be.html",
"tags": ["Technology \u0026 Business"]
},
{
"id": "http://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/2026/05/25/venture-capital-explained-understanding-startup.html",
"title": "Venture capital explained: understanding startup funding rounds",
"content_html": "If you follow the technology sector, you have likely seen headlines about startups raising Seed funding, closing a Series A round or reaching unicorn status.\nThe terminology is everywhere, but the mechanics are rarely explained clearly.\nHere is the straightforward version.
\nVenture capital, often called VC, is private investment in young companies with high growth potential.\nInstead of lending money like a bank, investors buy equity — an ownership stake in the company.\nThe goal is simple: invest in companies that may grow significantly over time.\nIf the company succeeds, investors can profit when it is acquired, goes public or raises future funding at a higher valuation. If it fails, they may lose their investment.\nThat is the trade-off.\nVC is high-risk, high-reward investing.
\nMost startups do not have the revenue, collateral or operating history required for traditional bank financing.\nVenture capital fills that gap.\nIt gives startups money to hire employees, build products, expand operations and grow faster than revenue alone might allow.\nIn return, founders give up part ownership of the business.
\nStartups usually raise money in stages, known as funding rounds.\nA brand-new company is typically worth very little. Raising too much money too early can mean giving away a large percentage of the business for a relatively small amount of capital.\nAs the company grows and proves itself, its valuation may increase. That allows founders to raise larger amounts of money while selling smaller ownership stakes over time.
\nThis is the earliest stage.\nThe company may only have an idea, prototype or small founding team.\nFunding often comes from the founders themselves, friends and family, angel investors or early-stage funds.\nThe goal is to determine whether the idea is viable.
\nSeed funding is usually the first more formal investment round.\nAt this stage, the company may have an early product, initial customers or evidence that the market wants what it is building.\nThe funding is commonly used to improve the product, hire employees and validate the business model.
\nSeries A is about turning early traction into a repeatable business.\nThe company typically has a working product, early customers, revenue or other meaningful performance indicators.\nThe focus shifts from simply building the product to scaling the business.\nSeries A is often the first round led by a traditional venture capital firm.
\nSeries B is about expansion.\nThe company has usually shown that the business model works and now needs capital to grow faster.\nFunding may support hiring, marketing, operational maturity, geographic expansion or larger enterprise sales efforts.
\nSeries C and later rounds are generally for more established companies.\nThe funding may be used for acquisitions, international growth, new product lines or preparation for an initial public offering, where the company becomes publicly traded.\nAt this stage, investors may include larger venture capital firms, private equity firms, hedge funds and other institutional investors.
\nInvestors eventually want to convert their ownership stake into cash.\nThe two most common outcomes are:
\nUnderstanding funding rounds is not just useful for finance professionals.\nIt helps explain why startups often behave differently from traditional businesses.\nA Seed-stage company is still proving the concept.\nA Series A company is focused on scaling.\nA later-stage company may prioritize rapid expansion, market share or acquisition activity.\nThis context can help when evaluating vendors, tracking technology trends or considering opportunities within startups.
\nVenture capital is one of the drivers behind modern technology innovation.\nInvestors provide funding in exchange for ownership. Startups use that capital to grow faster than they could on their own.\nThe funding rounds — Pre-seed, Seed, Series A, Series B and beyond — are simply milestones in that growth journey.\nOnce you understand the structure, startup headlines become much easier to decode.
\nThis article is intended to support general financial literacy and informed discussion about startup financing. It aims to explain venture capital and funding rounds in plain language for non-finance readers.\nThe article is based on commonly understood venture capital concepts and publicly available information. It does not recommend any investment, company, fund, startup, financing structure or financial strategy.\nGenerative AI tools were used to assist with research and editing. Final editorial decisions were made by the author.
\nThis article is provided for general information and educational purposes only. It is not financial, investment, legal, tax, accounting or professional advice, and it should not be relied upon as such.\nStartup funding structures, valuations, investor rights and financing terms vary significantly by company, jurisdiction, market conditions and transaction documents. Readers should seek appropriate professional advice before making investment, employment, procurement or business decisions based on venture capital information.\nAny errors or omissions are unintentional. The views expressed are those of the author in a personal capacity and do not represent the views of any employer, client, partner or affiliated organization.\nKeywords: #VentureCapital #StartupFunding #VC #SeedFunding #SeriesA #Entrepreneurship #Investing #Startups
\n![](\"https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/255457/2026/81533b642d.png\")
",
"date_published": "2026-05-25T09:09:41-04:00",
"url": "https://kiledjian.com/2026/05/25/venture-capital-explained-understanding-startup.html",
"tags": ["Technology \u0026 Business"]
},
{
"id": "http://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/2026/04/23/the-first-hurdle-is-the.html",
"content_html": "The first hurdle is the hardest in generative AI adoption – and businesses keep falling | IT Pro
\nDespite rapid AI adoption, many businesses struggle with implementation, falling into “pilot purgatory” due to issues like skills gaps, legacy systems, and a lack of advanced use cases. While employees report individual productivity gains, companies are slow to achieve business-wide benefits, with a significant portion of firms still in basic AI application stages.
\n", "date_published": "2026-04-23T15:24:08-04:00", "url": "https://kiledjian.com/2026/04/23/the-first-hurdle-is-the.html", "tags": ["Artificial Intelligence","Technology \u0026 Business"] }, { "id": "http://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/2026/03/31/why-gas-prices-drop-in.html", "title": "Why Gas Prices Drop in the Evening", "content_html": "If you live in Ontario, you have likely noticed it: the price at your local station in the morning looks one way, and by the time you drive past after work, it is often several cents per litre lower. It is not a promotion, not a glitch and not your imagination. In competitive Ontario markets, it is a recognizable pattern — and the explanation is more commercial than mysterious.
\nWhy small margins matter
\nMost of what you pay per litre at an Ontario pump is set well before the station owner touches it: crude oil costs, refining, distribution, federal excise tax, provincial fuel tax and HST. What the station controls is the retail margin layered on top, which must cover wages, rent, utilities, credit card fees and profit. That narrow band is where the entire intra-day pricing story plays out.
\nBecause fuel retail margins are thin, even small adjustments matter. Stations tend to hold firmer pricing during higher-demand periods, then trim margin later in the day as competition for discretionary customers intensifies. The precise internal calculus varies by operator, but the commercial logic is consistent: protect margin when demand supports it, compete on price when it does not.
\nWhy timing matters
\nThe evening shift tracks consumer behaviour closely. Morning customers — commuters running low, delivery drivers on tight schedules — are often less price-sensitive. They need fuel now and are unlikely to spend time hunting for a better price nearby. When customers are less flexible, stations face less pressure to discount.
\nBy evening, the composition of the market changes. Drivers have more flexibility: time to compare stations, check prices on a phone or simply wait for a better opportunity. That pool of discretionary buyers gives stations a stronger incentive to trim margin and win the sale rather than watch the car drive past. When one station on a competitive corridor makes that move, nearby stations typically respond — and a cascade pulls prices down across an entire stretch of road.
\nThis pattern is most pronounced in dense urban markets — the GTA, London, Hamilton, Ottawa — where several stations are often visible from a single intersection. In smaller communities with fewer competitors, intra-day price movement is typically more modest and less predictable.
\nWhy tomorrow’s price matters
\nStations also respond to anticipated moves in the following day’s wholesale and retail market. In Ontario’s larger urban markets, next-day price expectations are closely followed by operators and consumers alike. When a lower street price is expected after midnight, some stations move earlier in the evening — cutting price to capture volume before the broader market resets. The reverse applies as well: if a price increase is expected overnight, the evening discount window may be shorter or absent entirely. This forward-looking behaviour is one of the more reliable explanations for why the pattern appears on some evenings and not others.
\nWhy forecourt traffic matters
\nFor many stations, the convenience store is where overall profitability is built, while fuel functions partly as a traffic generator. An evening fuel discount that draws additional cars through the forecourt also puts more customers within reach of the store. That secondary commercial logic gives operators another reason to accept a smaller margin on the litre when it supports broader foot traffic and in-store revenue.
\nWhen the pattern does not hold
\nAn evening drop is common in competitive Ontario markets but is not guaranteed on any given day. If wholesale prices spike during the trading day, the retail margin may already be compressed before evening arrives, leaving little room to discount. The pattern is most reliable when underlying market conditions are stable or softening.
\nNot every station participates consistently either. High-volume locations with active loyalty programs may prefer to smooth demand evenly across the day. The pattern is strongest in competitive, high-density corridors — and weakest where consumer choice is limited.
\nWhat drivers can do
\nWhere your schedule allows, checking prices in the evening is worth the habit. The window after the post-work rush — generally after 6 p.m. — is where lower prices are most consistently available in competitive Ontario markets. In some markets, the difference relative to the morning peak can reach several cents per litre, and on a regular fill-up that adds up over the course of a year.
\nIf an evening fill-up is not practical, mid-morning through early afternoon is generally more favourable than the pre-commute window, when demand and prices tend to be at their daily peak.
\nThe mechanism is straightforward: retail margins are thin, evening demand is more price-sensitive, local competition is intense, and stations factor in expected next-day market moves. No regulation drives it and no coordination is required — just rational market behaviour, playing out at the corner of your street on most evenings.
\nEthics and disclaimer
\nThis article is provided for informational purposes only. It reflects publicly observable market behaviour and general industry dynamics in Ontario and does not rely on non-public or proprietary information. No financial, commercial or personal advice is being provided. Market conditions, pricing behaviour and outcomes can vary by location, operator and timing. Readers should rely on their own judgment and, where appropriate, seek professional advice before making decisions.
\nKeywords: #GasPrices #Ontario #FuelPricing #GTALiving #PersonalFinance #ConsumerTips #GasStations #RetailEconomics #MarketDynamics #SupplyAndDemand #CanadianEconomy #SmartSpending #CostSavings #DrivingTips #UrbanEconomics #PriceTiming #EveningSavings #GasStrategy #FuelCosts #DailyHabits #MoneySavingTips #EconomicInsights #LocalCompetition #ConsumerBehaviour #PriceFluctuations #CanadaLife #FinancialAwareness #SmartChoices #HouseholdSavings #MicroEconomics
\n![](\"https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/255457/2026/chatgpt-image-mar-31-2026-at-07-13-04-pm.png\")
",
"date_published": "2026-03-31T19:13:49-04:00",
"url": "https://kiledjian.com/2026/03/31/why-gas-prices-drop-in.html",
"tags": ["Technology \u0026 Business"]
},
{
"id": "http://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/2026/03/01/are-dorseys-giant-job-cuts.html",
"content_html": "Are Dorsey’s giant job cuts the start of an AI jobs apocalypse? Economists weigh in
\nBlock CEO Jack Dorsey’s decision to cut nearly half the company’s workforce raises questions about AI’s impact on jobs, but economists suggest this is a company-specific adjustment rather than a sign of a broader labor market shift. While AI may disrupt some jobs, experts like Claudia Sahm emphasize that it doesn’t necessarily lead to mass layoffs, and other economists believe AI will enhance productivity by changing workflows rather than eliminating jobs outright.
\n", "date_published": "2026-03-01T12:08:00-04:00", "url": "https://kiledjian.com/2026/03/01/are-dorseys-giant-job-cuts.html", "tags": ["Artificial Intelligence","Technology \u0026 Business"] }, { "id": "http://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/2026/02/16/speedtest-connectivity-report-canada-h.html", "content_html": "Speedtest® Connectivity Report | Canada H2 2025
\nThe Speedtest Connectivity Report for Canada H2 2025 reveals Bell as the leader in 5G performance, offering the fastest 5G speeds and best mobile gaming and video experiences. Bell pure fibre also dominated the fixed broadband market, recognized as the fastest and top-rated ISP with the best gaming experience. Rogers excelled in mobile video experience and 5G availability, while TELUS was noted for the most consistent mobile network.
\n", "date_published": "2026-02-16T14:07:00-04:00", "url": "https://kiledjian.com/2026/02/16/speedtest-connectivity-report-canada-h.html", "tags": ["Technology \u0026 Business"] }, { "id": "http://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/2025/12/31/the-hydra-of-knowledge-annas.html", "title": "The Hydra of Knowledge: Anna’s Archive in 2025 ", "content_html": "This article is for educational, research and cybersecurity awareness purposes only. It analyzes the operational security, infrastructure and legal implications of shadow libraries. It does not endorse copyright infringement, piracy or the circumvention of digital rights management (DRM). Readers are advised to comply with all applicable intellectual property laws and organizational acceptable-use policies.
\nIn the post-platform era of digital knowledge, Anna’s Archive has emerged as the most resilient and comprehensive shadow library initiative yet observed. Since its launch in November 2022—immediately following coordinated U.S. and European domain seizures targeting Z-Library—Anna’s Archive has surpassed predecessors such as Sci-Hub and Library Genesis in scale, architectural decentralization and operational durability.
\nFor cybersecurity leaders, policymakers and digital preservation researchers, the archive provides a living case study in the collision between intellectual property law, infrastructure resilience and the long-term preservation of human knowledge.
\nAnna’s Archive operates primarily as a metasearch and preservation index rather than a conventional file-hosting platform. It aggregates metadata and access pointers from multiple shadow libraries—including LibGen, Sci-Hub, Z-Library and smaller regional archives—into a single searchable interface.
\nA defining design principle is data survivability. Rather than relying on centralized hosting, the project publishes bulk datasets via BitTorrent and other peer-to-peer mechanisms, allowing mirrors to be recreated independently if any frontend or domain is removed.
\nThe project’s stated objective is to build “the largest truly open library in human history.” It is volunteer-run, open-source (CC0) and funded primarily through cryptocurrency donations. The operators explicitly frame their work as cultural preservation rather than commercial piracy, though this distinction has no standing in copyright law.
\nWhile exact figures vary by mirror and snapshot date, analysis of public file directories and independent reporting confirms the following scale as of December 2025:
\nBooks: 60 million to 65 million unique titles, encompassing fiction, non-fiction, textbooks and technical manuals. Wikipedia cites approximately 61.3 million entries.
\nAcademic papers: Approximately 95 million to 100 million articles, largely reflecting the frozen Sci-Hub corpus, which ceased ingesting new papers in 2021, supplemented by metadata updates.
\nAdditional materials: Magazines, comics, technical standards, government publications and references to controlled digital lending collections from the Internet Archive.
\nKey mirrored datasets include:
\nLibGen fiction and non-fiction collections
\nZ-Library mirrors
\nDuXiu academic book metadata (China)
\nInternet Archive controlled-lending references
\nWorldCat metadata scraped in 2023
In late December 2025, Anna’s Archive confirmed its most controversial expansion to date: a large-scale archival snapshot of Spotify content. According to the project’s Dec. 20 blog post and corroborating reports from PCMag and CSO Online:
\nMetadata coverage: Approximately 256 million tracks, representing near-complete catalogue indexing.
\nAudio files: Approximately 86 million tracks, prioritized by global listen frequency and covering an estimated 99.6 per cent of streams.
\nDataset size: Approximately 300 TB, distributed via segmented torrents.
\nSpotify publicly confirmed unauthorized scraping activity, stating that no internal systems were breached. The company reported disabling the “nefarious” accounts involved and characterized the activity as a circumvention of platform safeguards rather than a compromise of corporate infrastructure.
\nA significant revelation surfaced in February 2025 during litigation involving Meta (Kadrey v. Meta). Unsealed internal documents indicated that the company had utilized torrents sourced from Anna’s Archive and related shadow library datasets to acquire more than 81 terabytes of books and text data for training its large language models.
\nThis disclosure highlighted a critical intelligence risk: shadow libraries are no longer just consumer resources but have become foundational infrastructure for corporate AI development, often without the consent of rights holders.
\nAnna’s Archive reflects a deliberate evolution away from the centralized architectures that enabled earlier enforcement actions.
\nDistributed frontends: Rotating clearnet domains combined with Tor and I2P onion services to mitigate DNS-level blocking.
\nTechnology stack: Python-based backend services using Flask, relational databases for metadata and large-scale search indexing with Elasticsearch.
\nDecentralized storage: Primary reliance on BitTorrent, with selective use of IPFS for metadata distribution.
\nNetwork protection: CDN-based distributed denial-of-service mitigation and geographically diverse hosting.
\nThe result is a system designed to be decapitation-resistant. No single seizure meaningfully degrades long-term data availability.
\nFrom a legal standpoint, Anna’s Archive operates in violation of copyright law across most jurisdictions.
\nLitigation: OCLC v. Anna’s Archive
\nA notable U.S. civil action was initiated by the Online Computer Library Center over the scraping and redistribution of WorldCat metadata. The case saw significant developments in 2025.
April 2025: OCLC reached an agreement to drop the named individual defendant, refocusing the lawsuit solely on the entity itself.
\nNovember 2025: OCLC withdrew claims for monetary damages, shifting its strategy to seek injunctive relief that would compel third-party intermediaries, including ISPs and hosting providers, to block the site.
\nAccess restrictions
\nBy late 2025, ISP-level blocking orders had been confirmed in multiple countries, including Italy, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Germany and Belgium. Major search engines, including Google, have removed hundreds of millions of URLs associated with Anna’s Archive in response to DMCA takedown notices.
From an enterprise and security standpoint, the archive presents specific risks.
\nMalware risk: While the core Anna’s Archive site does not host executable content, user-side risks remain high via third-party mirrors or tampered files. Malicious PDFs and EPUBs containing scripts have been reported sporadically.
\nImpersonation risk: Fake mirrors and look-alike domains present a high likelihood of phishing and adware distribution.
\nCorporate exposure: Access typically violates acceptable-use and intellectual property policies. Requests may be logged or flagged in monitored environments, including SIEM and SOC tooling.
\nOperational guidance for CISOs:
\nTreat associated domains as high-risk piracy infrastructure.
\nBlock access at network and DNS levels in corporate environments.
\nMonitor for traffic spikes to known mirror IPs, which may indicate data exfiltration or policy violations.
Anna’s Archive illustrates a structural shift in how knowledge is stored, accessed and repurposed in the digital economy. Enforcement actions have proven effective at disrupting centralized platforms but largely ineffective against decentralized, torrent-based preservation systems that can be regenerated indefinitely. At the same time, evidence that shadow-library datasets are being incorporated into commercial AI training pipelines underscores a widening gap between copyright frameworks, technological reality and enforcement capacity. For policymakers, this raises urgent questions about the sustainability of existing intellectual property regimes, the unintended consequences of platform consolidation and the need for new models that balance cultural preservation, lawful access and economic rights in an era where resilience, once achieved, is no longer easily reversed.
\nAnna’s Archive represents the maturation of shadow libraries from opportunistic piracy into a structurally durable, ideologically framed preservation movement. Its late-2025 expansion into music archives demonstrates both technical ambition and a willingness to directly challenge platform-centric control of cultural assets.
\nWhether viewed as an illicit infringement engine or as an unintended safeguard against digital amnesia, Anna’s Archive has become a persistent feature of the global information ecosystem—one that enforcement actions have so far failed to dismantle.
\nFor regulators and archivists alike, it serves as a reminder that resilience, once achieved, is exceptionally difficult to reverse.
\nKeywords: #Cybersecurity #DigitalPreservation #ShadowLibraries #CopyrightLaw #InformationSecurity #CyberIntelligence #KnowledgeAccess #OpenAccess #IPLaw #DigitalResilience #Decentralization #Torrenting #InternetGovernance #DataPolicy #AITraining #LLMs #TechPolicy #PlatformEconomy #CISO #Infosec #DigitalRights #Metadata #OpenSource #Censorship #ContentModeration #DataEthics #CyberRisk #InformationPolicy #DigitalArchives #ResilientSystems #KnowledgeInfrastructure #MediaPolicy #AIandLaw #CopyrightEnforcement #TechGovernance
\n![](\"https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/255457/2025/chatgpt-image-dec-30-2025-at-01-12-29-pm.png\")
",
"date_published": "2025-12-31T07:30:00-04:00",
"url": "https://kiledjian.com/2025/12/31/the-hydra-of-knowledge-annas.html",
"tags": ["Technology \u0026 Business"]
},
{
"id": "http://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/2025/12/25/google-will-finally-allow-you.html",
"content_html": "[Google will finally allow you to change your @gmail.com address](https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/google/google-will-finally-allow-you-to-change-your-gmailcom-address/)
\nGoogle will soon allow users to change their @gmail.com address, a feature previously unavailable for standard Gmail accounts. This new functionality, which appears to be rolling out gradually and was initially spotted in a Hindi support document, will enable users to switch to a new @gmail.com address while retaining their original one as an alias.
\n", "date_published": "2025-12-25T12:48:00-04:00", "url": "https://kiledjian.com/2025/12/25/google-will-finally-allow-you.html", "tags": ["Technology \u0026 Business"] }, { "id": "http://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/2025/12/24/uber-lyft-set-to-trial.html", "title": "Uber, Lyft set to trial robotaxis in the UK", "content_html": "Uber, Lyft set to trial robotaxis in the UK in partnership with China’s Baidu\nwww.cnbc.com/2025/12/2…
\nChinese tech giant Baidu has announced plans to bring robotaxis to London\nstarting next year through its partnerships with Lyft and Uber, as the UK\nemerges as a growing autonomous vehicle battleground.
\nThe announced collaborations will bring Baidu’s Apollo Go autonomous vehicles\nto the British capital through the Uber and Lyft platforms, the companies said\non their respective social media accounts.
\nLyft’s testing of Baidu’s initial fleet of dozens of vehicles will begin in\n2026, pending regulatory approval, “with plans to scale to hundreds from\nthere,” Lyft CEO David Risher said in a post on social media platform X on\nMonday.
\nMeanwhile, Uber said that its first pilot is expected to start in the first\nhalf of 2026. “We’re excited to accelerate Britain’s leadership in the future\nof mobility, bringing another safe and reliable travel option to Londoners\nnext year,” the company added.
\n", "date_published": "2025-12-24T11:12:00-04:00", "url": "https://kiledjian.com/2025/12/24/uber-lyft-set-to-trial.html", "tags": ["Technology \u0026 Business"] }, { "id": "http://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/2025/12/22/nist-tried-to-pull-the.html", "title": "NIST tried to pull the pin on NTP servers after blackout caused atomic clock drift", "content_html": "NIST tried to pull the pin on NTP servers after blackout caused atomic clock\ndrift\nwww.theregister.com/2025/12/2…
\nA staffer at the USA’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)\ntried to disable backup generators powering some of its Network Time Protocol\ninfrastructure, after a power outage around Boulder, Colorado, led to errors.
\nAs explained in a mailing list post by Jeffrey Sherman, a NIST supervisory\nphysicist who maintains the institute’s atomic clocks, “The atomic ensemble\ntime scale at our Boulder campus has failed due to a prolonged utility power\noutage.”
\nSherman, whose LinkedIn bio proclaims he is “One of the few federal employee\nactually paid to watch the clocks all day,” says one impact of the incident\n“is that the Boulder Internet Time Services no longer have an accurate time\nreference.”
\nThat’s bad because one of the things NIST uses its atomic clocks for is to\nprovide a Network Time Protocol service, the authoritative source of timing\ninformation that the computing world relies on so that diverse systems can\nsynchronize events. If NTP isn’t working, outcomes can include difficulties\nauthenticating between systems, meaning applications can become unstable.
\nAt this point, readers might wonder why NIST can’t just turn off the\ninaccurate service. Sherman said a backup generator kicked in and kept the\nservers running.
\n“I will attempt to disable them [the generators] to avoid disseminating\nincorrect time,” he wrote.
\nBut the storms that caused the outage were so severe, only emergency services\npersonnel are allowed to visit the site.
\nHis post says he has seen “strong evidence one of the crucial generators has\nfailed. In the downstream path is the primary signal distribution chain,\nincluding to the Boulder Internet Time Service.”
\n“Another campus building houses additional clocks backed up by a different\npower generator; if these survive it will allow us to re-align the primary\ntime scale when site stability returns without making use of external clocks\nor reference signals,” he added.
\n", "date_published": "2025-12-22T11:18:00-04:00", "url": "https://kiledjian.com/2025/12/22/nist-tried-to-pull-the.html", "tags": ["Technology \u0026 Business"] }, { "id": "http://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/2025/12/19/coursera-to-buy-udemy-creating.html", "content_html": "Coursera to buy Udemy, creating $2.5 billion firm to target AI training | Reuters
\nCoursera announced an all-stock deal to acquire Udemy, valuing the combined company at $2.5 billion. The merger aims to strengthen their position in corporate workforce training, particularly in AI, data science, and software development. The deal is expected to close in the second half of next year, pending regulatory and shareholder approvals.
\n", "date_published": "2025-12-19T17:13:00-04:00", "url": "https://kiledjian.com/2025/12/19/coursera-to-buy-udemy-creating.html", "tags": ["Artificial Intelligence","Technology \u0026 Business"] }, { "id": "http://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/2025/12/19/ftc-instacart-to-refund-m.html", "content_html": "FTC: Instacart to refund $60M over deceptive subscription tactics
\nThe FTC has ordered Instacart to refund $60 million to customers due to deceptive subscription tactics, including misleading advertising about free delivery and automatic enrollment in paid memberships without clear disclosure. Instacart will also be required to stop these deceptive practices and clearly disclose subscription terms.
\n", "date_published": "2025-12-19T10:47:00-04:00", "url": "https://kiledjian.com/2025/12/19/ftc-instacart-to-refund-m.html", "tags": ["Technology \u0026 Business"] }, { "id": "http://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/2025/12/15/europes-quest-for-a-domestic.html", "title": "Europe's Quest for a Domestic Alternative to US Hyperscalers", "content_html": "Europe’s Quest for a Domestic Alternative to US Hyperscalers\nwww.databreachtoday.com/europes-q…
\nEuropean cloud users love hyperscalers - but they’re all American. Microsoft,\nGoogle and Amazon Web Services together hold 70% of the European market, with\nlocal providers mustering a mere 15% collectively.
\nThat landscape could soon change in the face of geopolitical reality, as U.S.\nPresident Donald Trump’s second term inserts doubt into the transatlantic\nrelationship.
\nWith Trump’s White House painting European allies as weak and threatening them\nwith new tariffs and even NATO withdrawal, European governments are taking\nthe potential need for technological independence more seriously than before.\n“We are working together towards one goal: European digital sovereignty,” said\nGerman Chancellor Friedrich Merz - one of the continent’s most avowed\nAtlanticists - at an urgently-convened Berlin summit on the subject last\nmonth.
\nMost Western European CIOs and IT leaders now believe that geopolitical\nconcerns will restrict their organizations’ future use of global cloud\nproviders and boost their use of local alternatives, Gartner warned in\nNovember. But European organizations shouldn’t be holding their breath for the\nemergence of a new titan anytime soon.
\n", "date_published": "2025-12-15T10:56:00-04:00", "url": "https://kiledjian.com/2025/12/15/europes-quest-for-a-domestic.html", "tags": ["Technology \u0026 Business"] }, { "id": "http://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/2025/12/15/microsoft-scales-back-ai-goals.html", "content_html": "Microsoft Scales Back AI Goals Because Almost Nobody Is Using Copilot | Extremetech
\nMicrosoft has reportedly scaled back AI goals for its Copilot software due to low user adoption and sales, with some targets cut by 50%. While Microsoft disputes the sales quota claims, AI agents have shown low success rates in tasks, and Copilot lags behind competitors like ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini in market share.
\n", "date_published": "2025-12-15T09:44:00-04:00", "url": "https://kiledjian.com/2025/12/15/microsoft-scales-back-ai-goals.html", "tags": ["Artificial Intelligence","Technology \u0026 Business"] }, { "id": "http://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/2025/12/02/australia-abandons-proposed-mandatory-ai.html", "content_html": "Australia Abandons Proposed Mandatory AI Rules in New Plan
\nAustralia has shifted from proposed mandatory AI rules to a voluntary framework, opting for existing laws on privacy and copyright instead of new AI-specific legislation. This decision has been met with support from business groups but criticism from academics and the Greens, who argue it lacks enforcement and adequate investment compared to international approaches.
\n", "date_published": "2025-12-02T20:43:00-04:00", "url": "https://kiledjian.com/2025/12/02/australia-abandons-proposed-mandatory-ai.html", "tags": ["Artificial Intelligence","Technology \u0026 Business"] }, { "id": "http://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/2025/12/02/canada-launches-first-register-of.html", "content_html": "Canada launches first register of AI uses in federal government - Canada.ca
\nCanada has launched its first public AI Register to detail how artificial intelligence is used within the federal government, marking a key step in the public services AI Strategy. The register currently lists over400 AI systems across42 institutions and will undergo public consultations in2026 for refinement.
\n", "date_published": "2025-12-02T08:11:00-04:00", "url": "https://kiledjian.com/2025/12/02/canada-launches-first-register-of.html", "tags": ["Artificial Intelligence","Technology \u0026 Business"] }, { "id": "http://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/2025/12/01/dji-ban-how-the-worlds.html", "title": "DJI Ban: How the World’s Biggest Drone Maker Is Being Forced Out of the United States", "content_html": "DJI Ban: How the World’s Biggest Drone Maker Is Being Forced Out of the United States\nSource: www.theverge.com/news/8312…\nDec. 23, 2025, is the date on which DJI will be automatically banned from the United States unless the administration intervenes. Existing DJI drones and Osmo cameras may continue to be used, but the company will be prohibited from importing any new products. The FCC may also retroactively block imports of older DJI devices after a mandatory waiting period. The ban covers more than drones — it applies to any DJI product containing a wireless radio.\nLawmakers from both parties have raised concerns about potential espionage by the China-based company, despite the absence of publicly released evidence. Critics argue that China could compel DJI to hand over drone-related data. DJI has denied sharing data with China, stating that all U.S. data is stored domestically and that it deleted all U.S. flight logs in September 2024.\nSome political figures have also alleged that DJI is “owned by the Chinese Communist Party,” a claim a U.S. judge ruled unsubstantiated in September 2025.
\n", "date_published": "2025-12-01T09:48:00-04:00", "url": "https://kiledjian.com/2025/12/01/dji-ban-how-the-worlds.html", "tags": ["Technology \u0026 Business"] }, { "id": "http://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/2025/11/26/black-friday-shopping-what-you.html", "title": "Black Friday Shopping: What You Need to Know About Price Manipulation ", "content_html": "With Black Friday approaching, many of us are looking for deals online. However, it’s important to understand a common retail tactic that can make deals look better than they actually are.
\nStudies have shown that retailers often raise prices in the weeks before Black Friday, then reduce them back to create the appearance of steeper discounts. Research found that prices for electronics and household appliances were on average more than eight per cent higher on Black Friday compared to their lowest prices in the preceding 90 days.
\nFor example, a product might sell for $60 year-round, be marked up to $100 a few weeks before Black Friday, then advertised as “50% off” at $50 — making it look like a great deal when it’s actually a 17-per-cent discount. Analysis found that only a third of products were priced at their lowest level during Black Friday compared to the previous three months.
\nNote that Fakespot and ReviewMeta are no longer operational as of mid-2025. Current alternatives include:
\nSome retailers now use AI-powered systems that adjust prices in real time based on demand, your browsing history, and other factors. Consider clearing your browser cookies or using incognito mode when price-checking to see if prices change.
\nThe bottom line: do your research before hitting “buy.” Many doorbuster deals are far less impressive than they appear.
\nDisclaimer: I am not affiliated with any of the tools or services mentioned above. This information is for educational purposes only. Please conduct your own due diligence and research before using any third-party tools or making purchasing decisions.
\n#BlackFriday #CyberMonday #DealHunting #SmartShopping #PriceTracking #RetailTips #ConsumerAwareness #AIpricing #DynamicPricing #HolidayShopping #Ecommerce #OnlineDeals #PriceHistory #ShoppingHacks #MoneySavings #ShopSmart #DealAlert #RetailTrends #BuyerBeware #DiscountShopping #AmazonDeals #TechDeals #HomeApplianceDeals #PriceManipulation #MarketTrends #ShoppingSeason #SavingsTips #BrowserTools #PriceDropAlerts #RetailInsights #DataDrivenShopping #IncognitoMode #CookieTracking #TrustedReviews #FinancialLiteracy
\n![](\"https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/255457/2025/chatgpt-image-nov-26-2025-at-08-12-44-am.png\")
",
"date_published": "2025-11-26T10:14:00-04:00",
"url": "https://kiledjian.com/2025/11/26/black-friday-shopping-what-you.html",
"tags": ["Technology \u0026 Business"]
},
{
"id": "http://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/2025/11/22/understanding-xs-about-this-account.html",
"title": "Understanding X's \"About this Account\" Feature: A Fact-Based Overview",
"content_html": "In mid-October 2025, X’s head of product Nikita Bier announced the platform would test a new transparency tool called “About this Account.” The feature began rolling out to users around Nov. 21, 2025, though visibility has been inconsistent since launch.
\nUsers can access “About this Account” by tapping the “Joined [date]” line on profiles. When visible, it displays original join date, number of username changes and last change date, “Account based in” country or broader region, sometimes “Created in” country or app store origin (iOS/Android), and connection method (web, iOS, Google Play country).
\nAccording to available information, X uses multiple signals to determine account location: historical and recent IP addresses, App Store or Google Play country at account creation or app download, payment information for Premium subscribers, and device and connection metadata.
\nThe feature does not use real-time GPS, self-reported bio location, or solely current IP address. When X detects potential VPN or proxy use, it adds a warning: “Country or region may not be accurate” (shown with an exclamation icon).
\nUsers can control what’s displayed through Settings > Privacy and safety > About your account. Options include showing the exact country (default) or downgrading to region/continent. X has indicated these controls are particularly important for users in countries with free speech restrictions.
\nX began testing the feature internally in October 2025, starting with employee accounts. The public rollout began around Nov. 21, 2025. According to multiple reports, the feature appeared on some user profiles late on Nov. 21, visibility was uneven across platforms (Android vs. iOS), account types and geographies, users shared screenshots showing country labels on various accounts, and by Nov. 22–23, many users reported the feature had become inconsistent or disappeared from profiles.
\nAs of late November, visibility remains spotty across the platform. X has not issued an official statement about the rollout status or timeline.
\nSocial media reactions included both support for transparency and concerns about privacy, harassment potential and accuracy. Some users celebrated the feature’s potential to identify inauthentic accounts, while others warned about risks for activists and journalists in restrictive regimes.
\nFrom a security and open-source intelligence standpoint, the feature has both strengths and significant limitations.
\nThe feature can help identify coordinated inauthentic networks, particularly bot farms creating accounts through foreign app stores or IP addresses while claiming to be locals. It raises the cost and complexity for basic location spoofing and provides an additional signal for account verification.
\nThe feature is easily bypassed by sophisticated actors using VPNs or residential proxies matching target countries, local SIM cards, or local devices. It has high potential for false positives affecting travellers, expatriates, remote staff and users who occasionally use VPNs. Third-party social media management (common for political and organizational accounts) can legitimately cause location mismatches. The feature is not forensic-grade evidence—it provides no cryptographic proof or audit trail.
\nSecurity analysts and open-source intelligence practitioners should treat “About this Account” data as one low-confidence indicator that requires corroboration.
\nRecommended cross-reference points include:
\nA location mismatch (such as “Based in Nigeria” for an account claiming to be a lifelong Texan) warrants further investigation but is not conclusive proof of deception. Legitimate explanations include diaspora communities, remote workers, international agencies managing accounts or technical errors.
\nX’s “About this Account” feature represents a transparency initiative aimed at helping users assess account authenticity. While it briefly increased visibility into account origins, the feature’s technical limitations and inconsistent rollout demonstrate it is not a comprehensive solution to bots or influence operations. The platform has indicated it will continue developing authenticity tools, though specific timelines remain unclear.
\nThe views and analysis presented in this article are solely those of the author and are published independently in the author’s personal capacity as a security and privacy professional.
\nThe author has no financial, business or personal relationship with X (formerly Twitter), its parent companies, executives, employees or any individuals or organizations mentioned in this article. The author has received no compensation or consideration from any party in connection with this analysis.
\nUse of AI Tools:
\nIn preparing this article, the author used artificial intelligence tools to assist with research, fact-checking, source verification and editorial review. All AI-generated content was reviewed, verified against primary sources and edited by the author. All editorial decisions, analysis, conclusions and final content choices were made solely by the author. The author remains fully responsible for the accuracy and content of this article.
This article presents factual analysis of a social media platform feature based on publicly available information from technology news sources and platform announcements current as of late November 2025. The author does not have access to X’s internal systems, proprietary data or decision-making processes.
\nThe security analysis provided reflects professional expertise in cybersecurity and open-source intelligence but should not be interpreted as legal advice, comprehensive security guidance or an endorsement of any particular investigative methodology. Readers conducting account verification or investigating potential inauthentic behaviour should consult appropriate legal counsel and follow applicable privacy laws and platform terms of service in their jurisdiction.
\nThis article does not make claims about specific accounts, individuals or organizations. Any use of this information to target, harass or make unfounded accusations against individuals or groups would be inconsistent with the author’s intent and professional ethics. Location data from social media platforms can be inaccurate for numerous legitimate reasons, and drawing conclusions about individual accounts requires careful, multifaceted analysis.
\nInformation about X’s features and policies may change after publication. Readers should verify current platform functionality and policies directly through X’s official channels.
\nKeywords : #XPlatform #AboutThisAccount #AccountTransparency #SocialMediaPrivacy #DigitalIdentity #OSINT #Cybersecurity #Infosec #ThreatIntelligence #OnlineSafety #AccountVerification #BotDetection #Disinformation #Misinfo #PrivacyControls #SecurityAnalysis #TechPolicy #SocialMediaResearch #PlatformSecurity #DigitalForensics #GeolocationData #Metadata #VPNUsage #AppStoreData #UserAuthenticity #SecurityAwareness #PlatformFeatures #TransparencyTools #CyberRisk #DigitalTrust #OnlineHarassment #AccountIntegrity #TechExplainer #SecurityInsights #PlatformRollouts
\n![](\"https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/255457/2025/b715f84696.png\")
",
"date_published": "2025-11-22T23:34:00-04:00",
"url": "https://kiledjian.com/2025/11/22/understanding-xs-about-this-account.html",
"tags": ["Technology \u0026 Business"]
},
{
"id": "http://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/2025/11/07/the-ipads-limitation-thats-actually.html",
"title": "The iPad's \"Limitation\" That's Actually Its Greatest Strength",
"content_html": "For years, tech reviewers have lamented that Apple’s iPad Pro is being “held back” by its software. The hardware is absurdly powerful—M4 chips that rival desktop processors, gorgeous displays, ample RAM—yet iPadOS will not let you do half the things macOS allows. No proper Terminal access. No kernel extensions. Apps locked in their sandboxes like well-behaved children at daycare.
\nThe critics say Apple is artificially limiting the iPad to protect the Mac’s position in the lineup. I think they have it backwards.
\nWhat if iPadOS is not holding the iPad back—it is holding the fort? What if those “limitations” are not bugs but features? What if the iPad Pro is actually the more secure computing platform precisely because it refuses to give you enough rope to get yourself into serious trouble?
\nLet me make the case that the iPad’s locked-down nature is not a weakness—it is a masterclass in security design.
\nIn May 2021, something remarkable happened in a California courtroom. Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice-president of software engineering, testified in the Epic Games v. Apple trial. In a bid to defend iOS’s walled garden, he said something that must have made every Mac marketing executive wince.
\n“Today, we have a level of malware on the Mac that we don’t find acceptable,” Federighi told the court.
\nRead that again. Apple’s head of software engineering, under oath, admitted that macOS has a malware problem the company finds unacceptable. He went further, explaining that multiple app stores on the Mac are “regularly exploited” and that “iOS has established a dramatically higher bar for customer protection.”
\nFederighi compared the Mac to a car: “You can take it off road if you want, and you can drive wherever you want. There’s a certain level of responsibility required.” But iOS? “We were able to create something where children—heck, even infants—are able to operate an iOS device and be safe in doing so.”
\nThis was not just courtroom theatrics. A 2020 Nokia Threat Intelligence Report that Federighi cited showed that across all observed network infections—phones, PCs and IoT devices—iPhones accounted for only 1.72 per cent, compared with 26.64 per cent for Android smartphones and 38.92 per cent for Windows/PCs. Apple’s own data showed the company blocks “many instances” of Mac infections affecting “hundreds of thousands of people” every week. Since May 2020, Federighi testified there had been 130 types of Mac malware, with one strain alone infecting 300,000 systems.
\nThe company that built its reputation on Mac security essentially admitted: we do it better on iPad.
\nHere is where iPadOS’s architecture diverges sharply from macOS, and it starts with sandboxing.
\nOn iOS and iPadOS, every single third-party app runs in a mandatory sandbox. Each app gets its own isolated home directory, randomly assigned at installation. If an app needs to access anything outside its sandbox—your photos, your contacts, your microphone—it must explicitly request permission through system-provided services. The entire operating system partition is mounted as read-only. Apps cannot access files stored by other apps. They cannot make system-level changes. Full stop.
\nOn macOS? Sandboxing exists, but it is complicated. Apps distributed through the Mac App Store must be sandboxed, yes. But Mac users routinely download and run apps from the internet, and those apps can have considerably more freedom. macOS even allows developers to create custom sandbox policies for their applications.
\nOn platforms like iOS and iPadOS, by contrast, sandboxing is mandatory for third-party apps and there is no support for custom, developer-defined sandboxes. Modern macOS versions do use a sealed, read-only system volume, but the operating system remains far more permissive about what user-installed code it will run.
\nThe result? If a malicious app somehow makes it onto your iPad, it is trapped in its little container, unable to roam freely across the rest of the system. On a Mac, that same app may have considerably broader access to your device, depending on how it was distributed and what permissions you have granted.
\nNow let us talk about the kernel—the core of the operating system that manages everything from memory to hardware access. This is where iPadOS’s security advantages become almost unfair.
\niOS and iPadOS employ something called the Page Protection Layer (PPL), a hardware-backed mechanism designed to enforce system-wide code integrity even if an attacker compromises the kernel. In simple terms, PPL walls off critical code pages so they cannot be silently modified at runtime, closing off entire classes of exploits that rely on changing code after it has been verified.
\nAccording to Apple’s own platform security material, this protection is not offered in macOS because PPL is only applicable on systems where all executed code must be signed. macOS is explicitly designed to run more arbitrary code—including unsigned or ad-hoc signed binaries—which prevents Apple from enforcing the same kernel-level protections that lock down iPadOS.
\nThen there are kernel extensions. On macOS, these pieces of code can run with full system privileges, accessing every corner of the operating system. They are powerful, but they are also dangerous. Apple has explicitly stated that kernel extensions “are no longer recommended for macOS” because they “risk the integrity and reliability of the operating system.” Yet macOS still supports them for backwards compatibility and to enable certain professional workflows.
\nSecurity researchers have found multiple vulnerabilities that exploited this very feature. In 2021, the “Shrootless” vulnerability (CVE-2021-30892) allowed attackers to bypass System Integrity Protection (SIP)—macOS’s core safeguard for critical system files—and potentially install rootkits by abusing how Apple-signed installer scripts were executed. Apple patched it in macOS Big Sur and Monterey. In late 2024, Microsoft discovered CVE-2024-44243, another SIP bypass that allowed attackers with root access to load unauthorized third-party kernel extensions, enabling persistent, stealthy malware and malicious drivers. That flaw was addressed in macOS Sequoia 15.2.
\nOn iPadOS? Kernel extensions do not exist. The door is not just locked—there is no door.
\nHere is something Mac users take for granted: open Terminal, type sudo before a command, enter your password, and suddenly you have administrative privileges. You can modify system files, install software, reconfigure network settings—essentially rebuild your entire computing environment.
It is incredibly powerful. It is also a massive security liability.
\nMultiple sudo vulnerabilities have plagued Unix-like systems over the years, including macOS. CVE-2019-18634 allowed a local user to trigger a stack-based buffer overflow in sudo under certain configurations. CVE-2021-3156, dubbed “Baron Samedit,” let local users gain root privileges via a heap-based buffer overflow in sudo’s default configuration. More recently, CVE-2025-32462 and CVE-2025-32463 exposed yet another set of long-lived bugs in sudo that had been sitting in the codebase for over a decade, again enabling privilege escalation on mainstream Unix-like systems.
\nAll of these flaws share a common trait: they turn a tool designed for legitimate administrative access into a highway for attackers to gain complete system control. These are not Apple-specific problems; they are structural risks inherent to exposing low-level administrative interfaces to end users.
\niPadOS? There is no Terminal. There is no sudo. Apple’s documentation notes that “unnecessary tools, such as remote login services, aren’t included in the system software, and APIs don’t allow apps to escalate their own privileges to modify other apps or the operating system.” The attack surface simply does not exist.
\nWhat power users call a limitation, security professionals call attack surface reduction.
\nmacOS lets you download applications from almost anywhere. Visit a developer’s website, download a DMG file, drag it to your Applications folder, and you are running third-party software. Apple has mechanisms like Gatekeeper and notarization to check these apps for malware, but determined users can and do bypass these protections.
\niPadOS takes a different approach. Starting with iPadOS 18, users in the European Union can install apps from alternative app marketplaces or directly from developers’ websites, thanks to the Digital Markets Act. But this remains a geographically limited exception to a baseline model where every app comes through the App Store. Every app is reviewed. Every app is signed. The closed ecosystem is not about control for control’s sake—it is about maintaining a security boundary.
\nThe iPad ecosystem is deliberately designed so that malware finds it extremely hard to get a foothold in the first place. Apps are compartmentalized, so even if a malicious app downloads additional payloads, it cannot easily infect the entire device.
\nYes, this means most users cannot sideload applications. Yes, this means Apple acts as gatekeeper. But for the vast majority of users—the ones who are not compiling their own software or running server infrastructure—this trade-off makes their device dramatically more secure.
\nThe tech commentariat loves to frame this as Apple “crippling” the iPad to protect Mac sales. The security reality is more nuanced.
\nApple designed iPadOS to be secure by default, secure for everyone, and resilient even when operated by users who have no idea what a kernel extension is or why sandboxing matters. The “limitations” are not arbitrary restrictions imposed by bean counters in Cupertino; they are deliberate architectural decisions that create a fundamentally more secure computing platform.
\nApple now states publicly that the only system-level iOS attacks observed in the wild come from mercenary spyware—extremely sophisticated exploit chains, historically associated with state actors, that cost millions of dollars to develop and are used against a very small number of high-value targets. Commodity, at-scale malware campaigns simply do not land on iOS and iPadOS in the way they do on traditional desktop platforms.
\nThink about what that implies. On iPadOS, attackers at scale are effectively priced out of system-level compromise; only nation-states and their contractors can afford to play. On macOS, by contrast, Apple itself acknowledges an “unacceptable” level of malware, with weekly campaigns impacting hundreds of thousands of systems.
\nYour iPad is not being held back by its software. It is being protected by it.
\nHere is the uncomfortable truth for those of us who grew up with beige boxes and command prompts: professional-grade power and consumer-grade security do not always coexist peacefully.
\nmacOS offers flexibility because certain professional workflows genuinely demand it. Developers need to compile code and run local servers. Systems administrators need Terminal access. Security researchers need low-level hooks. Creative professionals need to run specialized software that may never appear in the App Store. These are legitimate needs, and macOS serves them well.
\nThose users are also critically important to the ecosystem; they build the software, infrastructure and content that everyone else relies on. Their work just happens to come with inherently higher risk and a higher expectation of security literacy.
\nBut most people are not developers or sysadmins. Most people check email, browse the web, manage documents, edit photos, consume media, and maybe do some light creative work. For these users—which is to say, for most professionals as well—an M4 iPad Pro running iPadOS is not just powerful enough. It is more secure than the equivalent Mac precisely because it refuses to give them the keys to the kingdom.
\nYou do not need sudo privileges to write a novel. You do not need kernel extensions to edit a podcast. You do not need to disable System Integrity Protection to create a presentation. By not offering these capabilities, iPadOS eliminates entire categories of security vulnerabilities from the threat model of ordinary users.
\nMaybe it is time we redefine what “pro” means in computing.
\nThe iPad Pro is not professional despite its limitations—it is professional because of them. It is a computer that protects your data even when you are not paying attention. It is a platform that assumes you have better things to do than maintain security hygiene. It is a device that can move from a child’s hands to a corporate boardroom without requiring a full-blown security audit in between.
\nThat is not a computer being held back. That is a computer that has been thoughtfully designed for the way billions of people actually use technology, and for the threat landscape they actually face.
\nThe next time someone tells you the iPad is handicapped by iPadOS, ask them this: compared to what? A platform with “unacceptable” levels of malware, according to its own creator? A system with regular kernel-level vulnerabilities and a long history of command-line privilege escalation bugs? An operating system that requires constant vigilance and technical knowledge to keep secure?
\nThe iPad’s greatest limitation is also its greatest achievement: it will not let you casually destroy your own security posture. In 2025, with nation-state hackers, ransomware gangs and mercenary spyware firms prowling the internet, that may be exactly the kind of limitation we should be optimizing for.
\nKeywords: #iPadPro #iPadOS #AppleSecurity #CyberSecurity #InfoSec #ThreatModeling #ZeroTrust #SecureByDesign #EndpointSecurity #MobileSecurity #MacOS #SecurityArchitecture #Sandboxing #KernelSecurity #AttackSurface #DigitalRisk #Ransomware #Spyware #MercenarySpyware #NationStateThreats #Privacy #DataProtection #CISO #SecurityLeadership #EnterpriseIT #CloudAndSecurity #DeviceStrategy #ProWorkflow #SecurityVsConvenience #AppleEcosystem #BoardroomSecurity #SecurityFirst #TechOpinion #SecurityBestPractices #CyberResilience
\nPersonal Views: The opinions, analysis and conclusions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not reflect the views, positions, strategies or opinions of the author’s employer, any affiliated organizations, clients, partners or colleagues. This article was written in a personal capacity, and the author accepts full responsibility for its content.
\nTransparency: This article represents the author’s independent analysis and opinion. While the author works in the cybersecurity field, the views expressed here are personal and were developed outside the scope of employment responsibilities. No confidential, proprietary or non-public information has been used in preparing this article.
\nMethodology: The security comparisons in this article are based on publicly available technical documentation, independent security research, court testimony and vulnerability disclosures from Apple, Microsoft, Google and independent security researchers.
\nLimitations: This analysis focuses specifically on architectural security differences between iPadOS and macOS. It does not address all security considerations, including physical security, cloud services, user behaviour or enterprise deployment scenarios. Security is multifaceted, and no platform is completely immune to threats.
\nObjectivity: The author has attempted to present technical facts accurately while acknowledging that both platforms serve different use cases with different security trade-offs. This article argues for one perspective but recognizes that reasonable people may prioritize flexibility over security constraints.
\nNo Conflicts of Interest: The author has no financial relationship with Apple Inc., does not own Apple stock beyond standard index funds and receives no compensation from Apple or its competitors. This article was written independently and was not sponsored, reviewed or approved by any technology company prior to publication.
\nReader Responsibility: This article is for informational and educational purposes only. Readers should conduct their own research and consult with qualified security professionals before making technology purchasing decisions or implementing security policies. Security requirements vary significantly based on individual threat models and use cases.
\n![](\"https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/255457/2025/chatgpt-image-nov-7-2025-at-01-06-13-pm.png\")
",
"date_published": "2025-11-07T15:06:00-04:00",
"url": "https://kiledjian.com/2025/11/07/the-ipads-limitation-thats-actually.html",
"tags": ["Technology \u0026 Business"]
},
{
"id": "http://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/2025/11/04/amazon-and-perplexity-have-kicked.html",
"content_html": "Amazon and Perplexity have kicked off the great AI web browser fight | The Verge
\nAmazon has requested that Perplexity stop its AI browser, Comet, from purchasing products on its site, accusing the AI startup of providing a degraded shopping experience. Perplexity, in turn, has accused Amazon of bullying and stated that the e-commerce giant is more interested in serving ads and sponsored results than facilitating easier shopping, despite Amazon’s CEO expecting future partnerships with AI shopping agents.
\n", "date_published": "2025-11-04T22:54:00-04:00", "url": "https://kiledjian.com/2025/11/04/amazon-and-perplexity-have-kicked.html", "tags": ["Artificial Intelligence","Technology \u0026 Business"] }, { "id": "http://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/2025/11/02/internet-speed-tests-four-tools.html", "title": "Internet Speed Tests: Four Tools That Matter and When to Use Them", "content_html": "Understanding how your Internet service performs day to day can help explain streaming hiccups, choppy video calls or sluggish cloud activity. Speedtest by Ookla, FAST.com, Cloudflare Speed Test and OpenSpeedTest each measure different aspects of real-world performance and use different test paths. Running more than one can offer a clearer, more complete picture of your connection.
\nWhen your Internet feels slow, a speed test is often a practical first step. These tools measure throughput and responsiveness, but they operate differently and prioritize different metrics. Because they use distinct server paths and test methodologies, results may vary. Knowing where each tool excels helps you interpret what you see and choose the right one for the task.
\nURL: speedtest.net
\nSpeedtest by Ookla remains a common reference. It connects to a nearby server selected based on latency and uses several parallel connections to briefly saturate the link. This helps measure:
\nResults vary based on routing, time of day and whether you test over Wi-Fi or a wired connection. Peak performance does not always reflect application-specific behaviour, but Speedtest offers a dependable baseline and is widely accepted by providers when troubleshooting.
\nNative clients are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android and more, and can be helpful when a broad baseline is required.
\nBest use:
\nURL: fast.com
\nOperated by Netflix, FAST.com reports download performance immediately and tests upload and latency when you select “Show more info.” It connects to Netflix’s content-delivery network (CDN), so results represent how well your connection performs for high-bandwidth streaming.
\nBest use:
\nFAST.com is intentionally minimal and prioritizes ease of use over deep diagnostics.
\nURL: speed.cloudflare.com
\nCloudflare Speed Test measures your connection to Cloudflare’s global edge network. It reports:
\nIts emphasis is on real-world responsiveness rather than raw peak throughput. Because it prioritizes single-connection flows and quality-of-service metrics, results may differ from tests designed to saturate the link.
\nBest use:
\nURL: openspeedtest.com
\nOpenSpeedTest is an HTML5-based tool that runs in any modern browser. It measures:
\nA key strength is that it can be self-hosted, making it useful when testing internal networks, site-to-site performance or VPN paths. Public results may vary depending on which endpoint you reach, but its flexibility and transparency are valuable when you control both ends of the test path.
\nBest use:
\nSome platforms offer native applications — notably Speedtest by Ookla — alongside browser-based options.
\nNative clients are useful when:
\nBrowser-based tests are useful when:
\nApple’s Private Relay (available to iCloud+ subscribers) can route browser traffic through Apple’s infrastructure. This may change:
\nAs a result, browser-based results may not reflect performance between you and your Internet service provider.
\n\n\nIf testing on Apple devices: disable Private Relay or any VPN, or use a native client where available.
\n
No single tool tells the whole story. Using more than one gives better context when diagnosing performance issues.
\nA few steps can improve consistency and accuracy:
\n\n\nNote: Speed differences between tools are indicators only and do not identify root cause on their own.
\n
While results from any one tool offer helpful insight, using multiple tools provides a clearer picture of how your connection behaves. The combination of throughput, latency and quality measurements can help you better understand performance issues and resolve them more efficiently.
\nThis article is based solely on publicly available information and personal use of the tools listed. No company paid for, reviewed or influenced this content; no compensation, gifts or incentives were received.
\n#internet #speedtest #networkperformance #cloud #streaming #wifi #broadband #latency #jitter #packetloss #cloudflare #networking #ookla #netflix #cdn #homeinternet #itops #remotework #videocalls #gaming #vpn #privacy #apple #icloud #techtools #connectivity #testing #internetspeed #measurement #bandwidth #troubleshooting #opnspeedtest #isps #qualityofservice #performance
\n![](\"https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/255457/2025/1c859c1dcf.png\")
",
"date_published": "2025-11-02T22:24:00-04:00",
"url": "https://kiledjian.com/2025/11/02/internet-speed-tests-four-tools.html",
"tags": ["Technology \u0026 Business"]
},
{
"id": "http://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/2025/10/25/aws-outage-exposes-cloud-dependency.html",
"content_html": "AWS Outage Exposes Cloud Dependency, Concentration Risks
\nA recent AWS outage highlighted the risks of deep cloud dependencies and the challenges of achieving multi-region cloud resilience, as enterprises struggle with complex architectures and the cost of fault tolerance. The incident also raises concerns about cloud sovereignty for European countries, questioning the feasibility of independence from U.S.-based providers without hindering innovation.
\n", "date_published": "2025-10-25T12:47:43-04:00", "url": "https://kiledjian.com/2025/10/25/aws-outage-exposes-cloud-dependency.html", "tags": ["Technology \u0026 Business"] }, { "id": "http://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/2025/10/25/fortinet-accused-of-securities-fraud.html", "content_html": "Fortinet Accused of Securities Fraud Over Firewall Forecasts
\nTwo class action lawsuits accuse Fortinet of securities fraud for allegedly misleading investors about a firewall refresh cycle, claiming it would significantly boost revenue. The lawsuits allege that Fortinet executives knew the refresh involved older, less impactful products and that CEO Ken Xie and CTO Michael Xie engaged in suspicious insider stock sales before the company’s stock price dropped significantly.
\n", "date_published": "2025-10-25T12:46:51-04:00", "url": "https://kiledjian.com/2025/10/25/fortinet-accused-of-securities-fraud.html", "tags": ["Technology \u0026 Business"] }, { "id": "http://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/2025/10/22/gm-to-remove-carplay-from.html", "content_html": "GM to Remove CarPlay from All Future Vehicles, Including Gas Cars - MacRumors
\nGeneral Motors has decided to remove CarPlay from all future vehicles, including both electric and gas cars, to prioritize its own in-house infotainment system. GM CEO Mary Barra confirmed that new gas cars will not support smartphone projection for CarPlay or Android Auto.
\n", "date_published": "2025-10-22T19:36:13-04:00", "url": "https://kiledjian.com/2025/10/22/gm-to-remove-carplay-from.html", "tags": ["Technology \u0026 Business"] }, { "id": "http://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/2025/10/22/canadas-tech-sector-beyond-catchup.html", "title": "Canada's Tech Sector: Beyond Catch-Up", "content_html": "The numbers tell a story Silicon Valley can’t ignore: Canada’s tech corridor is no longer just catching up — it’s carving out its own category.
\nWhen Geoffrey Hinton collected the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics, the University of Toronto professor emeritus didn’t just validate decades of artificial intelligence research. He spotlighted what industry data now confirms: Toronto has become North America’s No. 3 tech market, with Waterloo Region joining the continent’s top tier; Montreal strengthens Canada’s position through AI research dominance.
\nToronto employs 414,667 tech workers — more than Chicago, Los Angeles or Washington — with a concentration rate of 10.7 per cent of its total workforce, according to CompTIA’s State of the Tech Workforce Canada 2025. Net tech employment nationally reached 1,445,188 in 2024 (up 1.9 per cent year over year) and is projected to rise to about 1.46 million in 2025, representing roughly 6.8 per cent of Canada’s workforce. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
\nThe Toronto–Waterloo Corridor counts more than 16 post-secondary institutions and over 470,000 students across the region — a deep talent pipeline repeatedly cited in investment attraction.
\nCanada’s cybersecurity market accelerated in 2025. In Toronto alone, cybersecurity companies raised C$164 million in equity financing through September — a 2,171 per cent increase versus the same period in 2024 — driven in part by Tailscale’s US$160 million (≈C$230 million) Series C, bringing its total raised to US$275 million.
\nThe exposure is real. Statistics Canada reported that 16 per cent of Canadian businesses experienced a cybersecurity incident in 2023, with recovery costs of roughly C$1.2 billion. Budget 2024 committed C$917.4 million over five years to bolster intelligence and cyber operations, and CSE’s 2024–25 annual report shows “pre-ransomware” notifications may have averted 74 to 148 incidents, saving an estimated C$6 million to C$18 million. Ottawa also launched the Canadian Program for Cyber Security Certification (CP-CSC) in March 2025 to harden defence supply chains. Team Canada won the guest category at the European Cybersecurity Challenge 2024 for a third straight year.
\nMontreal has emerged as a global AI research centre with the Montreal Institute for Learning Algorithms (Mila) anchoring one of the world’s densest deep-learning communities. The city counts more than 27,000 workers with AI skills and 14,000 students in AI-related programs; from 2018 to 2024, Montréal International supported C$1.7 billion in AI-related FDI. Ottawa’s 2024 package set aside C$2.4 billion to expand AI compute and adoption, and Microsoft committed C$500 million to grow AI capacity in Quebec. France’s Mistral AI announced a Montreal office in 2024, citing the city’s talent density.
\nThe University of Toronto ranked 17th globally and the University of Waterloo 18th in PitchBook’s 2025 ranking for undergraduate alumni entrepreneurs. U of T entrepreneurs launched 1,500+ venture-backed startups raising C$14+ billion over the past five years. Waterloo operates the world’s largest co-op program, working with 8,000+ employers.
\nThe Digital Research Alliance of Canada and Ontario awarded C$95.4 million in October 2024 to upgrade advanced research computing in the Toronto–Waterloo corridor, including C$26.2 million for U of T’s Niagara system. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
\nInformation and communications technology (ICT) contributed C$125.5 billion in 2017-constant dollars in 2023 — 5.7 per cent of GDP — and a meaningful share of national growth since 2018, per ISED. Each direct ICT job supports an additional 1.2 jobs and each C$1 million of direct ICT GDP generates another C$0.853 million elsewhere in the economy. Median tech wages sit near C$97,200 — about 48 per cent above the national median. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
\nCanadian VC totalled C$8.89 billion across 739 financings in 2024 — the country’s third-best year — with U.S. investors supplying 53 per cent of dollars. The ICT sector drew C$15.3 billion in 2024. In the first half of 2025, Canada raised C$2.5 billion (sixth globally), with Toronto capturing 41 per cent. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
\nAs of September–October 2025, Canada is home to 31 unicorns, per Tracxn. (Totals by city vary by methodology; Toronto is a leading centre but counts differ across datasets.) :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
\nCBRE’s 2025 Scoring Tech Talent ranked Toronto No. 3 in North America, while Waterloo Region placed among the top 10 small tech markets. Canada’s immigration advantages continue: between April 2022 and March 2023, 32,115 workers arrived through tech-focused programs. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
\nIn June 2025, Ottawa announced more than C$9 billion in additional cash authorities for 2025–26 to lift defence outlays and meet the NATO 2-per-cent target, alongside commitments to modernize cyber capabilities and diversify procurement partners. The federal government also introduced reciprocal procurement rules (interim in July 2025), and signed an EU security and defence partnership that includes talks on access to Europe’s joint procurement. Cybersecurity legislation advanced as Bill C-26 (Critical Cyber Systems Protection Act) / C-8 to strengthen protections for vital infrastructure and telecoms. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
\nMontreal ranked No. 39 globally in Startup Genome’s 2024 report and tops Canada for green finance, with Station FinTech Montréal now the country’s largest fintech hub space. Montréal International also cites OECD data placing Canada among the world’s most-educated workforces. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
\nAs of May 2025, Statistics Canada data cited by Robert Half pegged tech unemployment at just 3.3 per cent — tight by any standard — even as broader unemployment ticked higher. Execution still matters: BlackBerry’s 2018 acquisition of Cylance for US$1.4 billion was sold for US$160 million in December 2024 amid losses, a sobering reminder that strategy and timing are everything.
\nWhat “tech” includes. CompTIA’s State of the Tech Workforce Canada measures “net tech employment” as the combination of: (1) people working in the tech industry (e.g., software, IT services, hardware) and (2) tech occupations across all industries. City-level headcounts and concentration rates herein reflect CompTIA’s definitions.
\nComparability caveats. CBRE’s rankings assess market size, quality and momentum using its own variables; they are not directly comparable to CompTIA’s employment totals, which are broader. GDP and multiplier data come from ISED national accounts using 2017-chained dollars.
\nBusiness R&D intensity. Canada’s business expenditure on R&D (BERD) remains ~1.0 per cent of GDP — roughly half the OECD average — limiting late-stage scale-up capital and commercialization depth. Patent intensity is similarly middling (≈60 PCT applications per million; rank ~18th).
\nCyber talent gap. Multiple analyses point to a 25,000-plus shortfall in cybersecurity professionals, with roughly one in six roles unfilled — a structural constraint for firms and critical infrastructure.
\nScale-up dynamics. Heavy reliance on U.S. downstream capital and customers increases sensitivity to tariff, visa, and procurement shifts — see 2025 reciprocal procurement measures and EU diversification moves.
\nCanada’s grid is already >80 per cent non-emitting; Quebec runs ~94 per cent hydro and British Columbia near 90 per cent hydro — a durable cost/ESG edge for data centres and AI compute.
\nOttawa’s 2024 AI package (C$2.4 billion) targets compute access and commercialization; Ontario and national ARCs added C$95.4 million in 2024 for HPC upgrades, including C$26.2 million for U of T’s Niagara system.
\nTalent mobility. Canada’s Global Talent Stream continues to provide expedited work permits (as fast as two weeks) with employer Labour Market Benefits Plans.
\nIncentives. The 2024 Fall Economic Statement flagged modernization of the SR&ED tax credit to better anchor IP and scale-ups domestically.
\nCyber regulations. Bill C-26 / C-8 advances a critical-infrastructure cyber regime and further telecom-security authorities; CP-CSC establishes a graded security certification for suppliers to defence.
\nOn the evidence, Canada has moved beyond promise to performance. With dense AI research, globally competitive costs, expedited talent programs and rising late-stage capital, the question isn’t whether Canada can compete — the numbers confirm it already does. The next test is execution at scale: closing the BERD, patent and security-talent gaps while converting research into enduring, global companies.
\nMethodology and Sources: This article relies on publicly available data from government agencies, academic institutions, industry research organizations and established media outlets. Every statistic and claim is independently verifiable via original sources, including Statistics Canada, CompTIA, CBRE, Tracxn, ISED, the Communications Security Establishment, and university reports (citations embedded). No information presented is based on anonymous sources or unverifiable claims.
\nIndependence: The author maintains no financial interest, equity position or business relationship with any company, organization or institution mentioned in this article. No entity featured has provided compensation, sponsored content, editorial access, review privileges or any other consideration.
\nLimitations: Statistics reflect the periods cited and may change. Economic projections and market analyses represent third-party assessments. The cybersecurity talent-shortage estimates vary by methodology; directional consensus is strong even if point estimates differ.
\nPurpose: This article serves educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute investment advice or professional recommendations. Readers should conduct independent research and consult qualified professionals before making business or investment decisions.#CanadaTech #TorontoTech #WaterlooTech #MontrealAI #CanadianInnovation #TechEcosystem #AILeadership #CybersecurityCanada #StartupCanada #DigitalEconomy #TechTalent #FutureOfWork #AIEcosystem #TechGrowth #InnovationNation #QuantumComputing #FintechCanada #GovTech #ScaleUpNation #VentureCapital #TechPolicy #SmartCities #DigitalTransformation #MachineLearning #DeepLearning #CloudComputing #DataScience #SaaS #EnterpriseTech #STEMCanada #ResearchAndInnovation #EconomicGrowth #TechNews #BusinessIntelligence #InnovationStrategy
\n![](\"https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/255457/2025/chatgpt-image-oct-22-2025-12-58-21-pm.png\")
",
"date_published": "2025-10-22T12:58:55-04:00",
"url": "https://kiledjian.com/2025/10/22/canadas-tech-sector-beyond-catchup.html",
"tags": ["Technology \u0026 Business"]
},
{
"id": "http://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/2025/10/18/the-uncomfortable-truth-about-chinas.html",
"title": "The Uncomfortable Truth About China’s AI Dominance: How a Decade of Strategic Planning Is Reshaping the Technology Landscape",
"content_html": "Let me be direct: while Silicon Valley has been celebrating incremental improvements and debating work-life balance, China has been executing a coordinated, decade-long strategy to dominate artificial intelligence — and it’s working. DeepSeek’s January 2025 breakthrough was not a fluke. It was the predictable result of national planning, structural advantages and a fundamentally different approach to technology.
\nIn 2017, China’s State Council released the “New Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Plan” — a roadmap with measurable national targets:
\nThis plan aligned government, academia and industry around a shared mission. It wasn’t top-down control — it was long-horizon coordination at national scale.
\nChina built the world’s largest AI talent pipeline. It awarded more than 50,000 STEM PhDs in 2022 — over twice the U.S. total — and is projected to exceed 77,000 per year by 2025. Excluding international students, China will out-graduate the U.S. three-to-one. At the same time, it now produces as much AI research as the U.S., U.K. and EU combined, supported by more than 30,000 active AI researchers — double the U.S. population.
\nAmbition was matched with capital:
\nU.S. private capital remains larger, but America’s public investment is fragmented and slow. China’s model — coordinated funding with long-term mandates — produced momentum the West struggles to match.
\nWith 943 million mobile-payment users and trillions in digital transactions, China has a structural data advantage. Any Western firm would face regulatory barriers collecting data on that scale. Whether we agree with China’s model or not, it accelerates AI training in ways our governance systems do not.
\nChina’s AI success is not simply long work hours. The state has moved to curb 996, and companies like DJI now enforce mandatory clock-out policies. The advantage isn’t hours — it’s alignment, speed and focus. Ironically, some Silicon Valley AI labs are now adopting 996-style schedules to compete with the very system China is abandoning.
\nDeepSeek claims it built its R1 model in under nine months using about 2,000 Nvidia H800s for roughly $5.6M — a fraction of Western spending. Whether the numbers shift under scrutiny, the message is unchanged: China innovated under export-control pressure, embraced open source and scaled through regional competition, especially in ecosystems like Hangzhou.
\nDeepSeek’s open-source strategy created global soft power overnight. In January 2025 alone, more than 500 derivative models were released, totalling 2.5 million downloads. While Western firms protect walled gardens, China is seeding the world with its frameworks.
\nWhere Western discourse leans toward fear — surveillance, job loss, existential risk — China’s public remains broadly techno-optimistic. This reduces adoption friction and accelerates deployment across industry and public infrastructure.
\nU.S. chip restrictions:
\nDeepSeek proved you don’t need cutting-edge chips to build competitive models.
\nChina’s AI race is regional as much as national. Municipal incentives, compute subsidies and business-to-government contracts create fast iteration cycles and rapid scaling — especially in Hangzhou, where local policy and university talent form a powerful loop.
\nFor CISOs and technology leaders, three questions demand immediate attention:
\nChina spent a decade building toward AI dominance — and it is now reaping the results. This is not about copying China’s governance model, but about abandoning the illusion that market forces alone will protect Western leadership. We need coordinated national strategies, research investment, immigration alignment and public-private collaboration.
\nThe question is no longer whether China is serious. The question is whether we are.
\nThe views and opinions expressed in this article are solely my own and do not represent the views of my employer or any affiliated organizations. I received no compensation or external influence in the preparation of this article, and I am not affiliated with any AI vendor, consortium or government entity. This analysis is based on publicly available information at the time of writing. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, any errors or omissions are unintentional.
\n#ArtificialIntelligence #AI #ChinaAI #DeepSeek #AIDominance #AIGeopolitics #AIGovernance #TechStrategy #CyberSecurity #CISO #MachineLearning #OpenSourceAI #LLM #FutureOfAI #DigitalStrategy #NationalSecurity #Geopolitics #TechPolicy #DataSovereignty #AIResearch #Innovation #Automation #GlobalSecurity #ExportControls #AIInfrastructure #EnterpriseSecurity #QuantumComputing #AIEthics #TechnologyLeadership #Policy #AIPolicy #AIFuture #AITalent #STEMEducation #Robotics
", "date_published": "2025-10-18T21:32:34-04:00", "url": "https://kiledjian.com/2025/10/18/the-uncomfortable-truth-about-chinas.html", "tags": ["Artificial Intelligence","Technology \u0026 Business"] }, { "id": "http://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/2025/10/15/archivetoday-inside-the-web-archiving.html", "title": "Archive.today: inside the web archiving service", "content_html": "When a web page disappears from the internet—deleted by its author, censored by a government or simply lost to time—one service has made it its mission to preserve those digital artefacts permanently. That service is archive.today, and its story reveals as much about the tensions of the modern internet as it does about the fragility of online information.
\nArchive.today (formerly known as archive.is) is an on-demand web archiving service that saves snapshots of web pages. Founded on May 16, 2012, the service captures websites exactly as they appear at a specific moment, preserving them permanently for future reference. Unlike automated crawlers that continuously scan the web, archive.today creates archives only when users explicitly request them.
\nThe service captures two versions of each archived page: a functional web page with live, clickable links and a static screenshot image. By 2021, archive.today had archived about 500 million pages, storing roughly 700 terabytes of data.
\nArchive.today excels at archiving JavaScript-heavy sites that other services struggle with, including Google Maps, X (formerly Twitter) and other dynamic Web 2.0 applications. The service supports pages containing hash-bang fragments (#!), which were once common on single-page applications.
\nThe maximum page size that can be archived is 50 megabytes, including images. Archive.today captures text and images but excludes videos (except from certain sites such as X), XML files, RTF documents, spreadsheets and other non-static content. Pages are captured at a fixed browser width of 1,024 pixels.
\nThe service converts external CSS to inline styling and removes responsive design elements. JavaScript-generated content appears in a frozen state. Since Nov. 29, 2019, archive.today has used Chromium (non-headless) for scraping, replacing the previous PhantomJS engine.
\nOne of archive.today’s most notable features is its use of multiple domain names, primarily to circumvent censorship and internet service provider blocks. The service is accessible through numerous top-level domains:
\nThe service also operates a Tor hidden service (onion address) for users requiring maximum privacy and censorship resistance: archiveiya74codqgiixo33q62qlrqtkgmcitqx5u2oeqnmn5bpcbiyd.onion
In January 2019, the operator announced via Twitter: “Please do not use archive.IS mirror for linking, use others mirrors [.TODAY .FO .LI .VN .MD .PH]. .IS might stop working soon.”
\nThe archive.today domain serves as a gateway that automatically redirects users to one of the other domains based on load balancing and availability. The operator has requested that users always link to archive.today rather than specific mirrors, as this allows flexibility in redirecting traffic as needed.
\nThe identity of archive.today’s creator remains unconfirmed. The domain archive.is was registered in May 2012 to “Denis Petrov” of Prague, Czech Republic. However, Denis Petrov is a common Russian name, and this may be a pseudonym.
\nThe same contact information was used to register several questionable domains, including carding forums and piracy sites (all of which have since disappeared), many containing German keywords, suggesting a possible connection to German-speaking regions.
\nInvestigative work by online sleuths has linked the service to an account called “Masha Rabinovich,” who claimed ownership of archive.is in a 2012 forum post. The LinkedIn profile associated with archive.today’s early operations showed a profile picture linked to a “Masha Rabinovich” in Berlin. “Masha” is a Russian diminutive of Maria (or can be a Hebrew form of Moses), and Rabinovich is an Ashkenazi Jewish surname.
\nEarly GitHub captures on archive.today were linked to an account called “volth,” a fluent Russian speaker who contributed to NixOS (which archive.today uses). This account has since been completely deleted.
\nThe service’s FAQ, unchanged since 2013, states that the operation is located in Europe and requests PayPal donations in euros. Based on the operator’s Tumblr blog, the operator’s English is excellent but shows occasional noun capitalization suggesting a German background. However, the operator also answers questions in Russian on the blog.
\nA 2023 investigative article concluded: “We have a pretty good idea of how the site is run: it’s a one-person labour of love, operated by a Russian of considerable talent and access to Europe.”
\nThe funding of archive.today remains opaque and has been a source of uncertainty throughout its existence. According to the operator’s FAQ, the site is “privately funded” with “no complex finances behind it.”
\nIn October 2016, the site began accepting donations after previously refusing them (redirecting donation attempts to an animal shelter). A weekly crowdfunding target of $800 was set to maintain the site.
\nAccording to comments on the operator’s blog, as of 2021, advertisements and donations covered less than 20 per cent of operating expenses. Donations in 2021 totalled approximately €6,000, though another comment from 2017 mentioned receiving “more than $1.50 every day, enough for a bowl of phở.” Another comment suggested that on good days, advertisements “almost cover expenses,” creating some inconsistency in the available information.
\nOperating costs have escalated significantly:
\nPayPal donations were discontinued around 2022 because the operator could no longer top up the account, implying they are located in Russia and subject to financial restrictions. The operator has complained about the difficulty of making cross-border payments “across the Iron Curtain.”
\nCurrent donation methods include Liberapay (a French non-profit) and BuyMeACoffee. Notably, cryptocurrency donations are not supported—the creator has expressed skepticism about crypto payments.
\nAdvertisements appear on archived pages when accessed via mobile devices (but not desktop). Yahoo network ads have been injected into mobile views, though the exact revenue is unclear. The operator noted in 2021 that ads were a “test run” that would likely not stay permanently.
\nAccording to earlier statements from the operator, the service runs on Apache Hadoop and Apache Accumulo, with all data stored on HDFS (Hadoop Distributed File System). Textual content is reportedly replicated three times across servers in two data centres, while images are duplicated twice. Both data centres are stated to be located in Europe, with OVH hosting confirmed for at least one location.
\nArchive.today faced a significant infrastructure challenge on March 10, 2021, when a major fire destroyed OVH’s SBG2 data centre in Strasbourg, France, and damaged the adjacent SBG1 facility. The fire broke out shortly after midnight (reported as 12:47 a.m.) and completely destroyed the five-storey SBG2 building. The incident caused widespread outages for OVH’s customers and likely impacted archive.today’s operations, though the service’s use of multiple data centres and redundancy helped ensure data preservation.
\nAs of February 2021, with 500 million archived pages, the service was estimated to manage approximately 700 terabytes of data. For comparison, the Internet Archive manages over 100,000 terabytes.
\nThe scraping operation uses automated browsers running through a botnet that cycles through numerous IP addresses to avoid detection and blocking by websites. The creator has openly acknowledged that computing power for running these browsers is now the main bottleneck for expanding the service.
\nArchive.today fills several important niches in web archiving.
\nUnlike many archiving services, archive.today does not respect robots.txt exclusion files. The service justifies this by stating it acts “as a direct agent of the human user” rather than as a search engine crawler. This policy ensures that once a page is archived, it cannot be removed by the website owner changing their robots.txt file, which has been a source of frustration with other archives such as the Wayback Machine.
\nArchive.today excels at capturing JavaScript-heavy sites that automated crawlers often miss or render incorrectly. This makes it particularly useful for archiving social media posts, interactive maps and modern web applications.
\nOne controversial but widely used feature is archive.today’s ability to bypass paywalls on news sites. When a user archives a paywalled article, the service can often capture the full content. This has made it popular among journalists, researchers and general readers who cannot afford multiple subscriptions. However, this raises legal and ethical questions about copyright and publisher revenue.
\nThe service achieves this through various means, including using dedicated login accounts (which the operator solicits from users) for platforms such as Instagram, X, GitHub and Reddit. Publishers have struggled to block the service because it cycles through multiple IP addresses.
\nUnlike the Wayback Machine, which can remove content retroactively at a website owner’s request, archive.today has a strict no-deletion policy. Once archived, content remains permanently, with limited exceptions for law enforcement, child exploitation material and Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) requests processed through the operator’s blog.
\nThis permanence makes the service valuable for:
\nSince May 2018, archive.today has been largely inaccessible to users of Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1 Domain Name System (DNS) service. This ongoing technical dispute centres on Extension Mechanisms for DNS (EDNS) Client Subnet (ECS) information.
\nArchive.today’s DNS servers return invalid responses to queries from Cloudflare because Cloudflare does not include EDNS Client Subnet information in its DNS requests. ECS leaks geolocation data about users, which Cloudflare considers a privacy risk and refuses to implement.
\nThe archive.today operator argues that the absence of EDNS information causes “so many troubles” for load balancing and DDoS protection, particularly because DNS requests and subsequent HTTP requests come from vastly different geographic locations when routed through Cloudflare’s global network.
\nCloudflare chief executive Matthew Prince explained that fixing this on their end “would violate the integrity of DNS and the privacy and security promises we made to our users.” He noted that nation-state actors have been observed monitoring EDNS subnet information to track individuals.
\nThis conflict has been intermittent, with temporary resolutions followed by renewed blocking. As of October 2025, the issue remains unresolved, forcing users to either switch DNS providers or use VPNs to access archive.today.
\nArchive.today has faced numerous censorship attempts worldwide:
\nChina: According to GreatFire.org, archive.today has been blocked since March 2016, archive.li since September 2017, archive.fo since July 2018, and archive.ph since December 2019.
\nRussia: In 2016, Roskomnadzor began blocking access to archive.is. In Russia, only HTTP access is possible; HTTPS connections are blocked. On Jan. 28, 2016, pages related to the annexation of Crimea were specifically blocked when accessed through non-encrypted traffic.
\nFinland: On July 21, 2015, the operators blocked access from all Finnish IP addresses, stating on Twitter they did this “to avoid escalating a dispute they allegedly had with the Finnish government.” Access has since been restored.
\nAustralia and New Zealand: In March 2019, several internet providers blocked the site for six months following the Christchurch mosque shootings, attempting to limit distribution of footage from the attack. The blocks have since been lifted.
\nUsers have reported persistent technical problems with archive.today, particularly since 2023. Common complaints include:
\nThe operator’s Tumblr blog, which previously provided updates and support, has not been updated for more than a year as of late 2024, leaving users without official communication during outages.
\nThe service’s ability to archive paywalled content and refusal to respect robots.txt or removal requests has drawn criticism from publishers and copyright advocates. However, the operator’s anonymity and the service’s location in Europe (potentially Russia) have made legal action difficult.
\nThe service has also been used to preserve controversial or extremist content, leading to some of the censorship attempts mentioned above. However, the operator maintains a hands-off approach except for child exploitation material and valid legal requests.
\nArchive.today’s search is powered by Google Custom Search. If no results are found, the service falls back to Yandex Search. Users can search archived pages by URL, domain or keywords.
\nThe search toolbar supports advanced operators:
\nWhen users select text on an archived page, JavaScript generates a URL fragment that automatically highlights that text when the link is shared and visited again.
\nUsers can download archived pages as ZIP files, though this feature was disabled for pages archived after Nov. 29, 2019, when the service switched to the Chromium browser engine.
\nSince July 2013, archive.today has supported the Memento Project application programming interface (API), allowing programmatic access to archived content.
\nAs of October 2025, archive.today remains operational despite ongoing challenges. The service operates in a state of perpetual uncertainty as a one-person operation with opaque funding and potential connections to Russia. The service faces several existential threats:
\nThe operator has described the service as a “weak tool” that is “doomed to die,” showing a realistic awareness of its fragility. However, it has persisted for more than a decade since 2012, demonstrating remarkable resilience despite numerous challenges.
\nArchive.today occupies a unique and controversial niche in web archiving. It provides a valuable service for preserving ephemeral online content, particularly for journalists, researchers and users in censored regions. Its ability to bypass paywalls and robots.txt restrictions makes it both powerful and contentious.
\nThe mysterious nature of its operation—with an anonymous Russian operator funding it primarily out of pocket—raises questions about long-term sustainability and motivations. Yet this same anonymity has protected it from legal pressure that might have shut it down years ago.
\nAs the web becomes increasingly paywalled, dynamic and censored, services such as archive.today play an important role in preserving the public record. Whether it continues to operate for another decade or disappears tomorrow, it has already archived half a billion pages and demonstrated the ongoing tension between copyright, censorship, preservation and access to information.
\nFor users who depend on the service, the recommendation is clear: archive important content across multiple services (including the Internet Archive and local copies) to hedge against the risk of archive.today’s eventual disappearance—or its next extended outage.
\nSources and verification: This article is based on publicly available information as of October 2025, including Wikipedia articles, investigative journalism, technical documentation, user forums and the operator’s own blog posts. All factual claims have been verified against multiple independent sources where possible.
\nOperator anonymity: The identity of archive.today’s operator remains unconfirmed. All names mentioned (Denis Petrov, Masha Rabinovich) may be pseudonyms. The operator maintains anonymity and has not been independently verified by journalists or researchers.
\nSelf-reported information: Details about funding, infrastructure and operational costs come primarily from the anonymous operator’s own statements on their FAQ and Tumblr blog. These claims cannot be independently verified and should be evaluated with appropriate skepticism.
\nService volatility: Archive.today operates as an unofficial, privately run service with no institutional backing, legal guarantees or service-level agreements. The service experiences frequent technical issues and may become unavailable or cease operations at any time without notice.
\nLegal considerations: Using archive.today to bypass paywalls or archive copyrighted content may violate copyright law, terms of service or other legal restrictions in your jurisdiction. This article describes the service’s capabilities but does not constitute legal advice or endorsement of any particular use.
\nEditorial independence: This article is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by archive.today or its operator. It is an independent analysis intended for educational and informational purposes.
\n#archiveToday #webarchiving #digitalpreservation #internetarchives #infosec #privacy #opendata #cloudflare #dns #edns #ecs #russia #censorship #internetfreedom #opensource #waybackmachine #journalism #researchtools #legaltech #cybersecurity #datastorage #ovh #hadoop #chromium #webinfrastructure #paywalls #copyright #freespeech #tor #darkweb #onionservices #infotech #digitalethics #compliance #opentech #webhistory
\n![](\"https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/255457/2025/99c4eade5f.png\")
",
"date_published": "2025-10-15T17:00:26-04:00",
"url": "https://kiledjian.com/2025/10/15/archivetoday-inside-the-web-archiving.html",
"tags": ["Technology \u0026 Business"]
},
{
"id": "http://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/2025/09/24/frances-mistral-ai-is-making.html",
"content_html": "France’s Mistral AI is making a push for Canadian talent and business - The Logic
\nMistral AI, a French company, is expanding its operations in Canada, specifically in Montreal, by hiring local talent and courting potential clients in various sectors. CEO Arthur Mensch highlighted the high concentration of AI talent in Montreal and the firm’s plans to recruit engineers, sales, and marketing staff. Mistral is targeting sectors like financial services, energy, manufacturing, logistics, and mining, with existing clients including Axa, Orange, and TotalEnergies. The company is particularly interested in Quebec due to the need for French-language services and aims to customize its AI models to grasp cultural nuances specific to the region. Mistral trains its own foundation models and offers customizable AI solutions, adapting its technology to meet the unique needs of different markets. The firm open-sources its models and provides cloud services or on-premise deployments, with staff assistance for customization. Mensch noted that Mistral focuses on technical use cases, including audio and image applications, and reasoning capabilities. The company is aware of the competitive talent market in Montreal, where other major tech firms like Meta, Microsoft, and Cohere also have AI labs. Mensch, who has personal connections to Montreal through his academic background, is optimistic about Mistral’s growth in the region.
\n", "date_published": "2025-09-24T07:37:41-04:00", "url": "https://kiledjian.com/2025/09/24/frances-mistral-ai-is-making.html", "tags": ["Artificial Intelligence","Technology \u0026 Business"] }, { "id": "http://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/2025/09/23/usbc-cables-look-identical-their.html", "title": "USB-C cables look identical — their performance doesn’t", "content_html": "As USB-C becomes ubiquitous in professional environments, understanding cable capabilities is essential for IT and business leaders. Two cables can share the same connector yet behave very differently for power, data and displays. Here’s how to buy the right one — and avoid boardroom surprises.
\nApple’s two-metre, 240-watt USB-C charge cable is excellent for charging but limited to USB 2 data (~480 Mb/s) and does not carry video. If you expected fast file transfers or a display signal, this cable won’t deliver. That mismatch — identical look, different wiring — is the core problem to solve.
\nThunderbolt uses the same USB-C connector but is a separate protocol with guaranteed performance standards. Thunderbolt 3, 4 and 5 all use the USB-C connector but guarantee different capabilities.
\nThunderbolt 4 (TB4): standardizes 40 Gb/s, mandates support for dual 4K or single 8K displays, and maintains full speed with certified cables up to two metres (typically active at that length).
\nThunderbolt 5 (TB5): increases bandwidth to 80 Gb/s (up to 120 Gb/s one-way with Bandwidth Boost) and remains compatible with USB Power Delivery up to 240 W. Actual results still depend on the cable you use.
\nBottom line: a short passive TB4/USB4 cable (≈0.8 metres) can hit 40 Gb/s; longer runs usually need an active cable to hold that speed.
\nVideo travels over DisplayPort Alt Mode or Thunderbolt lanes. Charge-only or USB-2-only cables often lack the high-speed pairs required for displays. The laptop charges; the projector stays dark. If a spec sheet doesn’t explicitly mention display support, assume it doesn’t have it.
\nSignals weaken with distance, especially at higher data rates.
\nExceed the comfortable length for a given spec and devices fall back to lower speeds — or fail to connect.
\nAn e-marker is a tiny controller chip inside the connector. It communicates the cable’s capabilities to connected devices: current capacity, data rate and alt-modes.
\nPassive: no signal conditioning; best for short runs and lower cost.
\nActive: includes built-in retimers to preserve signal integrity at length and speed (for example, maintaining 40 Gb/s at two metres on TB4). Some active cables are directional; check the markings.
\nActive-optical cables convert high-speed lanes to light for longer runs and strong EMI immunity.
\nUse them for boardrooms, studio runs and racks where copper struggles — and budget accordingly. For very long distances (tens of metres), niche Thunderbolt-over-optical solutions exist, but they often restrict or omit power pass-through. Plan to power endpoints locally.
\nThe iPhone 17 series supports USB PD 3.2 SPR AVS, enabling finer-grained voltage control and efficient fast charge. Reported performance: up to 50 per cent in about 20 minutes with Apple’s 40-watt adapter. A quality USB-C to USB-C cable is required; five-amp capability isn’t necessary for a phone, but it won’t hurt and may future-proof your kit.
\nDefine the job first:
\nRead the spec sheet, not the connector:\nLook for USB4/TB version, rated Gb/s, explicit display support, and power (watts/amps). For 240 W, the cable must be five-amp e-marked.
\nMatch length to performance:\nShort passive for peak speed; active (or optical) as you stretch.
\nPrefer certification:\nChoose USB-IF and Intel Thunderbolt-certified cables from reputable brands.
\nKeep a short, certified Thunderbolt 4 cable in your bag. It’s backward-compatible with most USB-C devices, handles displays and high-speed data transfers, and prevents the “looks right, works wrong” moment seconds before your presentation.
\n![](\"https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/255457/2025/chatgpt-image-sep-22-2025-07-46-17-am.png\")
",
"date_published": "2025-09-23T06:30:00-04:00",
"url": "https://kiledjian.com/2025/09/23/usbc-cables-look-identical-their.html",
"tags": ["Technology \u0026 Business"]
},
{
"id": "http://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/2025/09/22/iphone-telephoto-what-opticalquality-really.html",
"title": "iPhone 17 telephoto: what “8× optical-quality” really means",
"content_html": "Apple put real distance between models this year. The Pro phones add a longer-reach telephoto, while the iPhone Air markets a single rear camera as “four lenses.” Here’s what that language means—and what it doesn’t—so buyers set the right expectations.
\nAt 8× / 200 mm, the camera captures on the Telephoto, crops to the centre, then fuses multiple frames to stabilise fine detail and manage noise. The output is typically 12 MP—strong for a crop, but still not a true long lens. In dim scenes, you’ll see more noise and algorithmic sharpening than with real optics.
\nThe Air physically has one rear camera. Apple counts four because the 48 MP sensor supports distinct, software-selected perspectives (including a 2× optical-quality step). Treat this as four preset fields of view, not four modules.
\n“Fusion” blends hardware and computational photography so images look consistent across focal lengths.
\nApple leans on bigger sensors and smarter fusion to make fixed lenses act like multiple primes. Results at the advertised steps are often excellent, but “optical-quality” is not optical. Knowing that difference helps you pick the right iPhone—and set fair expectations for what each camera can do.
\n![](\"https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/255457/2025/chatgpt-image-sep-22-2025-08-15-57-am.png\")
",
"date_published": "2025-09-22T08:16:19-04:00",
"url": "https://kiledjian.com/2025/09/22/iphone-telephoto-what-opticalquality-really.html",
"tags": ["Technology \u0026 Business"]
},
{
"id": "http://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/2025/09/22/iphone-pro-fast-charging-what.html",
"title": "iPhone 17 Pro Fast Charging: What Changed, Why It’s Faster and What You Need",
"content_html": "Apple has increased wired charging performance with the iPhone 17 Pro models. With a 40-watt (or higher) USB-C power adapter, you can reach about 50 per cent in 20 minutes—a meaningful improvement for professionals who need quick charges during a busy day.
\nThis upgrade isn’t just about delivering more power. It’s built on USB Power Delivery (USB PD) 3.2 and its Adjustable Voltage Supply (AVS) feature. AVS allows the charger and device to fine-tune voltage in 100 millivolt steps within the Standard Power Range (27–100 watts). This results in greater efficiency and better thermal management than older fixed-step systems. In PD 3.2, AVS is required for any charging above 27 watts in this range.
\nOlder 20-30 watt adapters will still charge the iPhone 17 Pro safely, but more slowly than the newer high-power option.
\nApple’s compact 40 W Dynamic Power Adapter is designed to deliver brief high-power bursts and then scale back, making it optimized for smartphones and small devices rather than continuous high-power use. Early teardowns confirm support for PD 3.2 with AVS, aligning perfectly with the iPhone 17’s charging profile.
\nGoogle’s Pixel Flex Dual-Port 67 W USB-C Fast Charger is one of the first chargers to explicitly support USB PD 3.2 with AVS and PPS, with published ranges of 9–15 V up to 4 A and 15–20 V up to 3.35 A. It’s capable of fast-charging the iPhone 17 Pro while also powering a second device.
\nCurrently, the only widely available retail chargers that clearly list PD 3.2 with AVS are Apple’s 40-watt Dynamic Power Adapter and Google’s Pixel Flex 67 W. More gallium nitride (GaN) chargers with this technology are expected to launch soon.
\nApple lists MagSafe charging up to 25 watts when paired with a 30-watt or higher adapter. The latest MagSafe Charger is Qi2 25W-certified, and the iPhone 17 family supports Qi2 wireless charging up to 25 watts. These advancements give users more fast-wireless accessory choices, but wired USB-C remains the fastest method for a rapid charge.
\nThe iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max pair Apple’s careful battery management with the modern USB PD 3.2/AVS standard. With the right adapter—Apple’s Dynamic Power Adapter or Google’s Pixel Flex—you’ll experience faster, cooler and more consistent charging that fits seamlessly into a busy schedule.
\n![](\"https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/255457/2025/chatgpt-image-sep-22-2025-07-11-57-am.png\")
",
"date_published": "2025-09-22T07:14:05-04:00",
"url": "https://kiledjian.com/2025/09/22/iphone-pro-fast-charging-what.html",
"tags": ["Technology \u0026 Business"]
},
{
"id": "http://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/2025/08/16/discover-a-smoother-youtube-experience.html",
"title": "Discover a Smoother YouTube Experience with yout-ube.com",
"content_html": "![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/aeaf0818a2.jpg\")
\nLooking for a cleaner way to watch YouTube videos? Try yout-ube.com—a simple tool that lets you enjoy ad-free, full-screen videos on auto-repeat, perfect for music, tutorials, or live streams.
\nInsert a hyphen after the \"t\" in any YouTube link (e.g., youtube.com becomes yout-ube.com). The video then plays through YouTube's privacy-enhanced mode (youtube-nocookie.com), which:
No downloads or extra software required.
\nThe site is run by an independent third party, not by Google or YouTube. It works by redirecting traffic through the youtube-nocookie.com domain—a lightweight approach that requires little more than standard redirection scripts and hosting, which explains why it can be offered for free.
For security-minded professionals, this raises a few considerations: while connections are encrypted, the domain itself is outside Google's control. As with any third-party service, there are potential risks around privacy, tracking, and long-term reliability. Functionality may change without notice.
\nFor casual use, yout-ube.com is a clever and simple shortcut. For guaranteed ad-free playback with enterprise-grade assurances, YouTube Premium remains the official alternative.
\n👉 Try it at yout-ube.com and see how it elevates your viewing experience.
\n#YouTube #AdFree #VideoStreaming #YoutUbe #PrivacyMode #AutoRepeat #FullScreen #NoAds #VideoLoop #Streaming #OnlineVideo #TechTips #YouTubeHack #VideoPlayer #AdBlock #PrivacyEnhanced #VideoWatching #StreamingHacks #YouTubeAlternative #MediaPlayer #NoInterruptions #VideoExperience #TechTools #OnlineStreaming #YouTubeTricks #SeamlessVideo #VideoContent #DigitalMedia #StreamingSolutions #YouTubePremium
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/78f64e3eff.jpg\")
\nIn today's digital landscape, where access to information is often taken for granted, some barriers are not technical glitches but legal imperatives. One such signal is HTTP status code 451—a response indicating that a resource is inaccessible due to a court order or government directive.
\nFormally titled \"Unavailable for Legal Reasons,\" this status code transparently distinguishes legal censorship from a technical 404 (Not Found) or a standard 403 (Forbidden) error. It was adopted by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) in 2016 through RFC 7725. The number is a deliberate reference to Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury's classic novel about censorship and state control.
\nThe specification recommends that servers include a clear explanation of the legal demand. Unlike vague denials, the purpose of a 451 response is to be explicit—attributing the restriction to a specific legal mandate, whether related to national security, defamation or intellectual property rights.
\nPicture a user in London attempting to visit a familiar website in July 2025. Instead of the expected content, they hit a digital wall.
\nThis became reality for many when Cloudflare—a major content delivery network (CDN)—began enforcing a High Court injunction obtained by the Motion Picture Association (MPA). In a landmark move, Cloudflare deployed HTTP 451 to block access to roughly 200 domains linked to unauthorized streaming, posting a notice that access was restricted \"in response to a legal order.\"
\nThis marked the first time a CDN—not just a traditional internet service provider such as BT or Virgin Media—participated in the UK's site-blocking regime under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. The court order was a \"dynamic injunction\"—a powerful legal mechanism that allows rights holders to add new domains to a blocklist without seeking a fresh ruling for each addition.
\nThat said, transparency suffers. While UK ISPs have enforced such measures for more than a decade, Cloudflare's compliance extended the reach of the regime—impacting users who may have previously bypassed their provider's blocks.
\nHistorically, Cloudflare has resisted broad takedown demands, arguing it does not host infringing content. In the interest of transparency, the company submits legal notices it receives to the Lumen Database, a public archive of takedown requests. Still, the opaque nature of dynamic injunctions presents ongoing challenges.
\nThe deployment of HTTP 451 underscores the tension between legal enforcement and open access. Supporters argue such measures are necessary to protect intellectual property. Critics warn of the broader risks to digital rights and the erosion of a free and open internet.
\nAs more jurisdictions explore similar frameworks, a central question looms: where should the line be drawn between lawful restriction and censorship? Each 451 error page stands as a visible marker in the evolving negotiation between digital freedom and legal authority.
\nKeywords: #HTTP451 #DigitalCensorship #InfoAccess #WebFreedom #LegalBlocking #InternetGovernance #CyberLaw #OnlineRights #DigitalRights #WebTransparency #CensorshipAlert #StatusCode451 #FreeTheWeb #InternetPolicy #LegalTech #Cloudflare #OpenInternet #InternetJustice #DigitalControl #WebEthics #TechPolicy #OnlineCensorship #InternetFreedom #LegalInjunction #DigitalBarriers #WebSecurity #InfoFreedom #NetNeutrality #WebGovernance #HTTPStatusCodes #TechCensorship
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/df371d7248.jpg\")
\nNVIDIA's digital twin technology represents one of the most significant advancements in industrial digitalization, enabling sophisticated virtual representations of real-world systems. These digital twins are reshaping how companies design, optimize and operate physical assets. This article explores what NVIDIA’s digital twin technology entails, why it is critical to modern industries and its broad range of current and future applications.
\nAt its core, a digital twin is a virtual representation of a physical asset, process or system, continuously updated with real-time data. NVIDIA has pioneered advanced digital twin technology through its Omniverse platform—an ecosystem where virtual replicas mirror their real-world counterparts with remarkable accuracy and interactivity.
\nNVIDIA Omniverse is built on Universal Scene Description (USD) and NVIDIA RTX technologies. It enables individuals and teams to develop 3D workflows and applications within an open ecosystem that fosters collaboration, plugin creation and real-time simulation.
\nKey components of the NVIDIA digital twin architecture include:
\nNVIDIA Omniverse Enterprise: Used by major firms for industrial-scale digital twins
Omniverse Blueprints: Reference workflows connecting Omniverse with artificial intelligence (AI) tools
NVIDIA PhysicsNeMo: A framework for AI models that follow physical laws
NVIDIA Modulus: A physics-AI framework for advanced simulation
These integrated technologies allow for digital twins that not only resemble their physical counterparts but also simulate real-world physics, adapting to environmental changes in real time.
\nDeveloping a digital twin with NVIDIA’s platform typically involves three key stages:
\nData integration: Aggregating inputs from CAD models, sensors and enterprise systems
Physics-based simulation: Applying acceleration libraries and AI frameworks
Real-time visualisation: Rendering high-fidelity environments using NVIDIA RTX
As NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang noted: “Before you build an AI factory, you build the digital twin.”Digital twins have become the foundational layer for the AI systems that will power next-generation automation and robotics.
\nTraditional engineering workflows—ranging from simulation to visualisation—can take weeks. NVIDIA’s Omniverse platform dramatically reduces this timeline:
\nReal-time computer-aided engineering using Omniverse can simulate up to 1,200 times faster than legacy tools
At Wistron, simulation time dropped from 15 hours to 3.3 seconds using NVIDIA GPU-powered AI models—a 15,000x improvement
Digital twins solve a major AI challenge: access to data. By creating synthetic data in virtual environments, developers can safely train, test and validate AI models before deployment.
\nAs Huang observed, “Physical AI will revolutionise the $50 trillion manufacturing and logistics industries. Everything that moves—from cars and trucks to factories and warehouses—will be robotic and embodied by AI.”
\nBeyond operational efficiency, digital twins are being deployed to tackle complex global issues:
\nClimate modelling through Earth-2, NVIDIA’s digital twin cloud platform
Energy efficiency improvements that reduce carbon output
Infrastructure modernisation for smart cities to enhance urban living
BMW Group uses Omniverse Enterprise to simulate operations in 31 factories, accommodating over 2,100 vehicle configurations
PepsiCo and Kinetic Vision have partnered to develop digital twins of distribution centres, improving throughput and reducing energy use
Wistron leverages digital twins for airflow and temperature predictions, boosting energy efficiency by up to 10 per cent
Omniverse enables digital twins of high-performance data centres for planning and real-time monitoring
Integration with CAD tools like SketchUp and Autodesk Revit supports collaborative design
IoT sensors maintain continuous feedback loops between the physical infrastructure and its digital representation
Amazon Robotics deploys warehouse digital twins to optimise layout and train robot assistants
KION Group tests multi-robot fleets using Omniverse-based simulations
The Omniverse Blueprint for AV Simulation facilitates high-fidelity testing of autonomous vehicles
Surgeons rehearse complex procedures using patient-specific digital twins
Neurosurgical teams simulate operations on virtual brains tailored to individual anatomy
AI aids in mapping safe surgical paths and anticipating tissue response
Real-time data from cameras and sensors feed into city digital twins to improve traffic flow and safety
Houseal Lavigne creates immersive urban models to facilitate public engagement and collaborative planning
Smart traffic systems trained via digital twins help reduce emissions and congestion
Earth-2 enhances forecasting accuracy, vital in an era of increasing natural disasters
Simulations help mitigate the estimated $140 billion in annual global economic losses due to extreme weather
Applications range from flood prediction to heatwave impact analysis
Cosmos World Foundation Models are helping usher in industrial-grade AI
New tools like USD Code and USD Search microservices support the intuitive creation and retrieval of 3D assets
The Edify SimReady model automates the labelling of existing 3D data
Digital twins are projected to influence $50 trillion in global economic value by improving productivity and innovation
Their impact spans manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, infrastructure and urban development
Enhanced interoperability is being driven by standards such as OpenUSD
Integration with generative AI is producing a new generation of intelligent, physically accurate digital twins
These models are connected to real-world data, exhibit realistic behaviours and provide immersive interaction
NVIDIA’s digital twin technology represents a turning point in how industries simulate and operate physical systems. Through the Omniverse platform and tools such as Modulus and PhysicsNeMo, digital twins are moving beyond visualisation to become intelligent, interactive systems.
\nBy enabling faster development, bridging data gaps in AI and addressing complex global issues—from climate risk to urban planning—NVIDIA is positioning itself at the forefront of a virtual revolution. As these technologies continue to mature, digital twins will become indispensable tools in creating smarter, safer and more efficient systems worldwide.
\n\nKeywords: #NVIDIA #DigitalTwins #Omniverse #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #SmartCities #ClimateTech #SustainableTech #IndustrialAI #Robotics #Automation #FutureOfWork #ManufacturingInnovation #DataCentres #SmartInfrastructure #DigitalTransformation #TechInnovation #3DModelling #SimulationTechnology #GenerativeAI #ClimateModelling #EnergyEfficiency #DigitalEngineering #IndustrialRevolution #SmartFactories #UrbanPlanning #HealthcareInnovation #SmartLogistics #AIInnovation #USD #DigitalEcosystems #Modulus #PhysicsNeMo #DigitalFuture #VirtualEngineering
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/5179c1e805.jpg\")
\nTL;DR: Current scientific evidence does not support a link between regular cellphone use and cancer, according to major health agencies and long-term studies. While ongoing research continues, practical precautions can further reduce already low exposure levels.
\nAs cellphones become more embedded in daily life — from work and education to entertainment and social connection — questions about their safety persist. Concerns over potential links between mobile phone use and cancer have sparked global studies, media coverage and public health debates. This article examines the latest research, expert opinions and regulatory findings to answer a key question: Should Canadians be worried?
\nPublic concern about the potential health impacts of radiofrequency radiation (RFR) from cellphones has persisted for decades. Although the scientific consensus leans toward minimal risk under normal usage conditions, certain studies suggest biological effects that warrant continued investigation. This article merges earlier insights with new findings published through March 2025, offering a balanced overview of the evidence.
\nCellphones emit RFR (radiofrequency radiation), which belongs to the non-ionizing portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. Unlike ionizing radiation (e.g., X-rays), non-ionizing radiation does not have enough energy to break chemical bonds or directly damage DNA.
\nIn 2011, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified RFR as \"possibly carcinogenic to humans\" (Group 2B), citing limited evidence linking heavy cellphone use to glioma, a type of brain tumour (IARC Monograph – Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields). This category also includes pickled vegetables and aloe vera extract, reflecting precaution rather than confirmed risk.
\nPublic health data also show that brain cancer rates have remained stable or declined despite widespread cellphone use (FDA – Scientific Evidence on Cellphone Safety).
\nThe U.S. National Toxicology Program (NTP) conducted a 2018 study exposing rats to high levels of RFR for 18 hours per day. Increased tumour incidence was observed in male rats at power levels significantly exceeding human safety limits (NTP Cellphone Radiation Studies). The FDA dismissed these findings as not reflective of typical human exposure (FDA – Scientific Evidence on Cellphone Safety).
\nA 2024 human trial found no chromosomal damage after controlled RFR exposure but observed subcytotoxic changes in cell behaviour, consistent with prior in vitro studies (PubMed – Human Trial on RFR Exposure; In Vitro Study – PMC Article).
\n5G technology operates at higher frequencies (24–80 GHz) with minimal tissue penetration (under 2 mm). A 2021 review of 107 studies found no confirmed hazards at exposure levels below international guidelines (Nature – Review of 5G Studies). Claims about non-thermal effects remain unsubstantiated, with replication studies showing no statistically significant findings when controlling for temperature.
\nWhile evidence does not confirm a cancer risk, individuals may adopt precautionary measures:
\nShielding devices and EMF blockers are not recommended, as they often interfere with signal performance without lowering SAR.
\nCurrent scientific consensus, informed by decades of research, does not support a causal link between normal cellphone use and cancer. Ongoing studies, including the COSMOS project and international efforts by the WHO and ITU, continue to monitor for rare or long-term effects.
\nAs Harvard’s Dr. Timothy Rebbeck put it: “The cancer risks we know about from smoking, obesity and alcohol make any theoretical risk from cellphones vanishingly small by comparison” (Harvard – Cellphones and Brain Cancer Study).
\nThis article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. While the author has researched the topic extensively and referenced current scientific literature and regulatory statements, readers should not rely on this content for health-related decisions. Always consult a qualified medical professional with any health concerns.
\nKeywords: #Cellphones #Radiation #HealthCanada #WHO #5G #CancerRisk #MobileSafety #WirelessTechnology #ScientificResearch #PublicHealth #BrainCancer #ElectromagneticFields #RFR #ICNIRP #FDA #TechMyths #HealthFacts #MobilePhones #CellphoneMyths #TechAwareness #ConsumerSafety #EvidenceBased #ModernHealth #DigitalLife #SafeTech #ScienceMatters #CanadianHealth #RadiationSafety #Telecom #DataDriven #TechScience #HealthAndTech #ScienceEducation #InformedDecisions #MedicalFacts #TechRisks
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/c77a935849.jpg\")
\nVersus.com is a global comparison platform that simplifies decision-making by providing data-driven comparisons across more than 90 categories, from smartphones and laptops to cities and universities. Launched in 2012, it aims to cut through information overload with fact-based, impartial analyses. While it's particularly popular in tech circles, its expanding scope and user-focused features make it a versatile tool for consumers worldwide.
\n1. Data-Driven, Unbiased Comparisons
Versus aggregates specifications directly from manufacturers and weighs them based on user-voted priorities. This creates a standardized scoring system (the \"Versus Score\") that quantifies product performance on a scale of 1–100. For example, comparing two smartphones might highlight battery life, camera specs, or processing power, depending on what users deem most important.
2. Broad Category Coverage
Beyond gadgets, Versus covers niche areas like universities, cities, and even household appliances. This diversity lets users explore unconventional comparisons, such as Aarhus University vs. Oxford or Tokyo vs. New York City.
3. User Reviews and Transparency
In 2021, Versus introduced user reviews to complement its technical data. These focus purely on product experience, avoiding e-commerce biases like shipping or packaging. While reviews don't affect the Versus Score, they add qualitative insights—though some Redditors caution against relying solely on automated spec comparisons for nuanced categories like headphones.
4. Global Reach and Accessibility
Available in 15 languages and covering 26 million comparisons, Versus tailors content for markets like the U.S., Europe, and Asia-Pacific. Its app (rated 3.4/5 on Google Play) offers quick comparisons, though some users critique its dated interface.
Step 1: Identify Your Priorities
Versus works best when you know what features matter most. For instance, if you're comparing laptops, decide whether battery life, weight, or processing power is critical.
Step 2: Compare Directly
Enter two products, services, or locations into the search bar. Versus generates a side-by-side breakdown, highlighting strengths and weaknesses. Pro tip: Use the \"Versus Score\" to quickly gauge overall performance.
Step 3: Dive into Specs and Reviews
Scroll past the score to explore detailed specifications and user reviews. Cross-reference these with third-party testing (e.g., Gamers Nexus or Rtings) for categories where real-world performance varies from specs, like CPUs or earbuds.
Step 4: Leverage Filters
Narrow comparisons using filters like price range, release year, or specific features. For example, filtering smartphones by \"water resistance\" or \"wireless charging\" can streamline your search.
Step 5: Report Inaccuracies
Found an error? Versus encourages users to flag outdated specs through their reporting system.
Reddit Feedback:
\nSitejabber Reviews:
\nVersus.com excels at distilling complex data into digestible comparisons, making it a handy tool for initial research. However, its algorithmic approach has limitations—always supplement findings with expert reviews, especially for subjective categories like audio quality or user experience. By pairing Versus' technical insights with real-world testing, you'll make more informed decisions.
\nDisclosure: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are based on publicly available data and user feedback.
\n#VersusGuide #ComparisonShopping #TechComparisons #SmartphoneComparison #TabletRankings #DecisionMaking #ProductResearch #GadgetComparison #TechReviews #DataDrivenChoices #ConsumerTips #BuyingGuide #TechSpecs #ProductComparison #SmartShopping #2025Tech #BestSmartphones #TechAdvice #FeatureComparison #GlobalPlatform #UserReviews #ShoppingHelp #TechDecisions #SpecBreakdown #VersusScore #ComparisonTool #ProductRatings #TechResearch #ConsumerAdvice #SmartBuying #DeviceComparison #BatteryComparison #OperatingSystemComparison #ProductCategories #DecisionTools
\nSources
\nKeywords: #VersusGuide #ComparisonShopping #TechComparisons #SmartphoneComparison #TabletRankings #DecisionMaking #ProductResearch #GadgetComparison #TechReviews #DataDrivenChoices #ConsumerTips #BuyingGuide #TechSpecs #ProductComparison #SmartShopping #2025Tech #BestSmartphones #TechAdvice #FeatureComparison #GlobalPlatform #UserReviews #ShoppingHelp #TechDecisions #SpecBreakdown #VersusScore #ComparisonTool #ProductRatings #TechResearch #ConsumerAdvice #SmartBuying #DeviceComparison #BatteryComparison #OperatingSystemComparison #ProductCategories #DecisionTools
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/85887a391a.jpg\")
\nI do not place bets, but I have become fascinated by Polymarket
\nA platform where people do not just voice opinions but also put real money behind their predictions. For anyone invested in data-driven insights, this decentralized prediction market offers a compelling glimpse into how collective intelligence, powered by financial incentives, can outperform traditional surveys. Here’s why it matters.
\nPolymarket is a blockchain-based prediction market where users trade \"shares\" on the outcomes of real-world events—from elections to sports finals. Built on Polygon, it uses smart contracts to automate payouts, ensuring transparency and security. Unlike anonymous polls, every prediction involves real cryptocurrency (such as USDC), meaning participants are financially motivated to be accurate.
\nUsers buy shares priced between $0.01 and $1.00, reflecting the crowd’s perceived probability of an outcome. For example, a share priced at $0.60 implies a 60% chance of that event occurring. If correct, shares are redeemed at $1; if not, they expire worthless. Markets resolve automatically via decentralized oracles, which feed verified real-world data into the system.
\nA key component of Polymarket’s reliability is its use of decentralized oracles. These blockchain-powered systems securely fetch and verify real-world data from multiple sources. By reaching a consensus on the accuracy of information, they provide tamper-resistant, reliable data to smart contracts, ensuring that market outcomes are based on verified facts rather than manipulated inputs.
\nTraditional polls capture a fleeting snapshot of opinions, often skewed by low response rates, social desirability bias or lagging updates. In contrast, Polymarket aggregates real-time sentiment from a global, financially invested crowd. Recent research found that it achieves 94% accuracy hours before events conclude, compared with polls that routinely misjudge close races.
\nWhen money is at stake, participants dig deeper, weigh evidence and adjust predictions as new information emerges. This creates a self-correcting “wisdom of the crowd” effect—a phenomenon validated for decades by academic studies and platforms like the Iowa Electronic Markets.
\nFor professionals, these markets are not about gambling but about harnessing unbiased, dynamic data. Whether assessing geopolitical risks or consumer trends, platforms like Polymarket exemplify how blockchain can transform speculation into actionable intelligence.
\nKeywords: #Polymarket #Blockchain #PredictionMarket #Crypto #Cryptocurrency #DataDriven #CollectiveIntelligence #SmartContracts #DecentralizedFinance #DeFi #Innovation #Technology #DataAnalytics #Transparency #Security #BlockchainTechnology #CryptoInsights #FinancialIncentives #MarketTrends #DigitalTransformation #BusinessIntelligence #Fintech #Prediction #CrowdWisdom #Investment #Decentralized #BlockchainInnovation #Geopolitics #ConsumerTrends #ActionableIntelligence #DigitalEconomy #Research #Oracles #RealWorldData #MarketEfficiency
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/abbdbc2909.jpg\")
\nTL;DR: L4S (Low Latency, Low Loss, Scalable Throughput) is a next-generation congestion control mechanism designed to drastically reduce internet latency while maintaining high throughput. By leveraging Explicit Congestion Notification (ECN) and a dual-queue system, L4S proactively manages traffic, ensuring smoother video calls, lag-free gaming, and real-time cloud performance. As adoption grows across 5G, Wi-Fi, and broadband networks, L4S is poised to revolutionize how the internet handles congestion, making delays a thing of the past.
\nThe demand for faster, more reliable internet connections has never been higher. Whether it’s video conferencing, cloud gaming, or virtual reality, today’s applications require ultra-low latency and seamless data transmission. L4S (Low Latency, Low Loss, Scalable Throughput) is a game-changing approach to congestion control, designed to tackle one of the internet’s biggest challenges: delays caused by network congestion.
\nTraditional congestion control mechanisms struggle to keep up with modern network demands. When traffic builds up, packets are often buffered or dropped, resulting in delays, jitter, and reduced performance. L4S introduces a more advanced, proactive approach that enhances efficiency while ensuring smooth data flow.
\nL4S relies on rapid feedback loops and intelligent rate adjustments to manage network traffic efficiently.
\nThis approach outperforms traditional congestion control mechanisms, particularly for latency-sensitive applications.
\nL4S directly addresses a persistent challenge in networking: reducing delays without sacrificing throughput. Faster speeds alone cannot solve the problem of latency—L4S rethinks how traffic is handled to make real-time communication truly instantaneous.
\nFor L4S to deliver on its promise, several key components must be in place.
\nL4S isn’t just a concept—it has been standardized by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) and is already being implemented across major networking technologies.
\nL4S is a transformational advancement in congestion control, paving the way for an internet that is not just faster but smarter. By enabling ultra-low latency without compromising throughput, L4S ensures that modern applications—from cloud computing to real-time gaming—perform at their best.
\nAs the technology continues to gain traction, it is set to redefine online experiences, eliminating frustrating delays and making the real-time internet a reality.
\nKeywords: #L4S #LowLatency #InternetPerformance #NetworkOptimization #FutureOfInternet #TechInnovation #LatencyReduction #5G #CloudComputing #GamingTech #Streaming #EdgeComputing #CyberSecurity #NetworkSpeed #AI #MachineLearning #SmartNetworking #InternetTechnology #Connectivity #TechTrends #HighSpeedInternet #NextGenNetworking #WiFi6 #NetworkEngineering #PacketLoss #VR #AR #IoT #DataScience #DigitalTransformation #Broadband #CloudGaming #Infrastructure #ScalableNetworking #RealTimeData #TechNews
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/0ec96193c9.jpg\")
\nThe macOS Terminal is a treasure trove of hidden features and tools that can make your life easier—and sometimes just more entertaining. Whether you're a casual Mac user or a seasoned tech enthusiast, these 10 Terminal commands are worth trying out. From practical utilities to lighthearted fun, here's a roundup to explore.
Ever wonder how long your Mac has been running without a reboot?
uptimeThis command displays your Mac's uptime along with load averages. It's a great way to see how stable your system is or remind yourself when it's time to restart.
Test your internet speed directly in Terminal with this built-in command:
networkQualityIt provides both upload and download speed results and is useful for diagnosing Wi-Fi issues.
Need a quick note but don't want to open an app? Use cat to create a file:
cat > filename.txtType your content, then press Control + D to save.
Looking for some geeky entertainment? Watch Star Wars in ASCII art:
telnet towel.blinkenlights.nlPress Control + C to exit when you're done.
Want a text-based weather forecast? Install curl (if not already available) and use this:
curl wttr.inYou'll see a compact, text-based weather report for your location.
Easily toggle hidden files in Finder with this command:
defaults write com.apple.Finder AppleShowAllFiles true; killall FinderReplace true with false to hide them again.
Want your Mac to speak something aloud? Use this:
say \"Hello, I am your Mac.\"You can even change the voice in System Preferences > Accessibility > Spoken Content.
Running out of disk space? Find the biggest files quickly:
du -sh /* | sort -hThis lists your directories by size, helping you identify space hogs.
Prevent your Mac from sleeping during a long download or presentation:
caffeinateYour Mac stays awake as long as this command runs. Press Control + C to stop it.
For a fun, movie-inspired Terminal effect, try this:
yes \"$(printf '\\033[32mThe Matrix has you...\\033[0m')\" | pv -qL 1200Press Control + C to stop when you've channelled your inner Neo.
clear to clean up your Terminal screen for a fresh start.Command + K to clear your screen in macOS Terminal.Tab for auto-completion of commands and file paths.The macOS Terminal is a powerful tool that goes beyond these basics, offering endless possibilities for automation, troubleshooting, and entertainment. Try these commands today and see how they enhance your Mac experience!
\nKeywords: #macOS #TerminalCommands #MacTips #TechHacks #GeekLife #MacLife #ProductivityHacks #TechTips #CommandLine #CyberSecurity #MacOSX #TechTricks #TerminalHacks #MacOSFeatures #AppleTips #HiddenFeatures #DigitalLife #MacPowerUser #TechSavvy #WiFiTest #StarWarsGeek #WeatherApp #FileManagement #MatrixEffect #SystemPerformance #Caffeinate #TechFun #MacOSPro #AppleLife #CodingLife #TechBlog
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/403f65766e.jpg\")
\nCanada's Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre (FINTRAC) stands as the nation's premier financial intelligence unit, playing a pivotal role in preserving the integrity of Canada's financial system.
\nEstablished in 2000 under the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (PCMLTFA), FINTRAC's original mandate centred on detecting and preventing money laundering. Following the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks, its authority expanded to include terrorist financing investigations. In 2006, the organization's scope broadened further to enhance client identification, record-keeping and reporting requirements.
\nFINTRAC operates under the leadership of Director and Chief Executive Officer Sarah Paquet, reporting to the Minister of Finance. Headquartered in Ottawa, with regional offices in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver, FINTRAC employs 556 people and operates with an annual budget of $51.5 million. The organization functions as an independent administrative financial intelligence unit.
\nFINTRAC processes approximately 20 million transaction reports annually from roughly 31,000 Canadian businesses. Reports are submitted by regulated entities including:
\nFINTRAC's operations focus on two primary areas:
\nThe centre oversees:
\nThe organization analyzes reported data to detect patterns associated with money laundering, terrorist financing and other financial crimes. In fiscal 2020-21, FINTRAC provided 2,046 disclosures of actionable financial intelligence to support investigative efforts.
\nFINTRAC has become integral to Canada's national security framework, contributing to more than 376 major investigations in recent years. Since its establishment, the organization has produced more than 22,000 financial intelligence disclosures for Canadian law enforcement, national security and intelligence agencies.
\nAs a member of the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units, FINTRAC collaborates with international counterparts, including the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) in the United States and the National Crime Agency in the United Kingdom, supporting global efforts to combat financial crime.
\nThrough its comprehensive approach to financial intelligence and analytics, FINTRAC continues to play a critical role in defending Canada's financial system from criminal activity while maintaining strict data privacy standards.
\nKeywords: #FINTRAC #CanadaFinance #FinancialIntelligence #MoneyLaundering #TerroristFinancing #NationalSecurity #FinancialTransparency #AML #CanadianEconomy #FinancialSystem #AntiMoneyLaundering #TerrorismPrevention #FinancialSecurity #DataPrivacy #IntelligenceUnit #FinancialRegulation #EgmontGroup #FinCEN #NationalCrimeAgency #CanadaGov #SarahPaquet #FinancialCompliance #RegulatoryCompliance #CanadaFinanceMinister #MoneyLaunderingPrevention #CrossBorderTransactions #DataIntegrity #FinancialProtection #CanadianBanks #RealEstateCompliance #MoneyServices #FinancialCrimes #FinancialIntelligenceUnit #ComplianceStandards #FinancialAnalytics
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/9cc3c92e2d.jpg\")
\nExtended warranties, often referred to as service contracts, provide coverage beyond the standard manufacturer’s warranty period. These warranties are commonly marketed by retailers and manufacturers, such as Apple Care+ for Apple products and various plans offered by Best Buy and Amazon. This article delves into the motivations behind their sale, evaluates their value based on expert insights, and offers guidance on when consumers should consider purchasing them.
\nRevenue Generation: Extended warranties are a significant profit driver for retailers, generating approximately $40 billion annually in North America. For example, Best Buy has reported that warranties account for over half of its profits, with margins considerably higher than those for regular products.
\nConsumer Assurance: Companies promote these warranties as a means of providing peace of mind, emphasizing potential repair costs and the inconvenience associated with product failures.
\nSales Strategy: Retailers train sales associates to pitch extended warranties as essential add-ons, leveraging consumer fears about product reliability to boost sales.
\nExperts generally advise consumers to approach extended warranties with caution:
\nCost vs. Benefit: On average, consumers pay around $136 for an extended warranty but may only face repair costs that are slightly more than the warranty price. This indicates that consumers typically receive only a fraction of the value for every dollar spent on an extended warranty.
\nExisting Coverage: Consumers should check if they already have coverage through credit cards or manufacturer policies before purchasing an extended warranty. Many credit cards offer an extended warranty feature that doubles the manufacturer's warranty at no additional cost.
\nRepair Costs: The average repair cost is often less than the price of an extended warranty. For instance, repairing large appliances without a service plan can be significantly cheaper compared to purchasing an extended warranty.
\nWhile extended warranties can offer peace of mind, they often do not deliver value commensurate with their cost. With consumers typically receiving only a fraction of the value for every dollar spent on these warranties, it is crucial to evaluate existing protections and consider the likelihood of needing repairs before deciding whether to invest in an extended warranty for electronics. Ultimately, consumers should weigh the potential risks against the costs involved to make informed purchasing decisions.
\nKeywords: #ExtendedWarranties #ElectronicsTips #ConsumerAdvice #WarrantyGuide #SaveMoney #TechProtection #ElectronicsCare #SmartShopping #BuyerBeware #WarrantyBenefits #ProductProtection #GadgetWarranty #TechAdvice #BestBuyTips #AppleCare #AmazonWarranty #ElectronicsInsurance #RepairCosts #WarrantyVsRepair #ShoppingSmart #WarrantySavings #ProtectYourGadgets #SmartConsumer #ElectronicsWarranty #WarrantyValue #CostVsBenefit #DeviceProtection #ElectronicsRepairs #FinancialTips #ProductReliability #ConsumerTips
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/5e3d400a74.jpg\")
\nCalifornia has taken a significant step to protect consumers with the passage of the \"Click to Cancel\" law. This new legislation aims to make it easier for consumers to cancel subscriptions and automatic renewals.
\nAssembly Bill 2863, officially known as the \"Click to Cancel\" law, requires companies offering automatic renewals and continuous services to provide consumers with a simple means to cancel their subscriptions. The key provisions include:
\nGov. Gavin Newsom signed AB 2863 into law on Sept. 24, 2022. The law will take effect on July 1, 2024, giving subscription-based businesses time to adjust their processes and ensure compliance.
\nFor subscription-based companies, this law represents a significant shift toward consumer empowerment:
\nThe \"Click to Cancel\" law offers several benefits to consumers:
\nCalifornia's \"Click to Cancel\" law sets a new standard for subscription services, making it clear that consumer protection is a priority. While the law only applies to California residents, its impact may be felt more broadly as companies adapt their practices and other states consider similar legislation.
\nAs we approach the July 2024 implementation date, both businesses and consumers should stay informed about these changes. For businesses, it's an opportunity to demonstrate commitment to customer satisfaction. For consumers, it's a welcome relief from the frustration of difficult cancellation processes.
\nKeywords: #California #ClickToCancel #ConsumerProtection #SubscriptionServices #AB2863 #EasyCancellation #ConsumerRights #OnlineShopping #DigitalLaw #LegalUpdates #BusinessCompliance #SubscriptionManagement #Ecommerce #MarketingStrategy #CustomerSatisfaction #Transparency #UserExperience #SubscriptionEconomy #BusinessInnovation #ConsumerAdvocacy #DigitalMarketing #RegulatoryChanges #BusinessGrowth #CustomerTrust #TechNews #PrivacyLaw #Compliance #ConsumerAwareness #SmallBusiness #StartupAdvice #LegalCompliance #CustomerExperience #ConsumerEducation #SubscriptionModel #TechTrends
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/1cc8073581.jpg\")
\nAs we approach the summer travel season, I wanted to share some useful iOS travel apps I keep on my devices.
\nSkiplagged (Free)
\nBy finding \"hidden city\" fares, Skiplagged is a unique flight search engine that can uncover deeply discounted airfares. It searches for cheaper routes where the actual destination is a layover, allowing you to get off at the layover city rather than the final destination. It is a great way to score amazing flight deals!
\n
Holafly (Free, in-app purchases)
With Holafly, you can stay connected while travelling abroad with affordable international eSIM data plans. Avoid costly roaming charges with unlimited data packages for over 160 countries. You can easily purchase, activate, and manage your eSIM plans using the app.
\n\nTripIt (Free)
\nTripIt makes it easy to keep track of all your travel plans and confirmation numbers in one place. When you forward your hotel, airline, car rental, and other confirmation emails to plans@tripit.com, the app automatically creates a master itinerary for your trip.
\n\nViator (Free)
\nViator is one of the most popular online marketplaces for booking tours and activities. With over 300,000 options worldwide, you can book everything from walking tours to extreme adventures. You can cancel your reservation up to 24 hours in advance. Additionally, you can access your tickets offline and receive directions to the meeting point for your tour through the app.
\n\nGlobetips (Free)
\nGlobetips covers over 200 cities around the world and provides tips and advice from locals and travellers. Find out what the best restaurants, attractions, nightlife, and more are at your destination. You can also share your tips.
\n\nPackr (Free, premium version)
\nYou will never again forget something at home! Packr is an app that automatically creates packing lists for your trip based on variables such as destination, weather, activities, etc.
\n\nKeywords: #traveltips #travelapps #iosapps #flightdeals #esimdata #itinerary #tourbooking #localtips #packinglists #travelhacks #summertravel #wanderlust
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/501c1782e0.jpg\")
\nA new reading method known as bionic reading is designed to help people read faster and with greater comprehension. A Swiss developer named Renato Casutt invented it in 2022.
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/e5d9dd47b1.jpg" alt="">\nAs a result of bionic reading, your eyes are guided through the text by strategically bolding words to create \"artificial fixation points.\" Casutt explains that your brain is more efficient at recognizing words when only parts of them are bolded, enabling you to read more efficiently while still comprehending the full context of the text. The bionic reading algorithm identifies and bolds the most \"concise parts of words\" - i.e. the first 2-4 letters.
\nYour eyes jump from bolded part to bolded part as your brain fills in the rest of each word. Doing so reduces the number of letters that need to be processed by your eyes. Currently, Bionic Reading is available as an iPhone/Android app, a Mac app, a Chrome extension, and a web-based text converter.
\nThe bionic reading API can also be integrated into applications and software developed by developers. Some users with dyslexia and ADHD have reported that bionic reading improves their reading speed and comprehension.
\nAt this early stage, no scientific studies have validated these claims. In a recent study conducted by the app Readwise, it was not found that bionic reading improved reading speed.
\nKeywords : #BionicReading #SpeedReading #ReadingInnovation #RenatoCasutt #ReadingTechnology #EnhancedComprehension #ReadingEfficiency #DigitalReading #BionicReadingApp #ReadingSupport #DyslexiaAid #ADHDSupport #TextConverter #ReadingAlgorithm #ArtificialFixationPoints #ReadingApps #EduTech #ReadingImprovement #NeurodiverseReading #ScientificStudyReading #ReadwiseStudy
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/4cf976e208.jpg\")
\nTL;DR: Microsoft CoPilot, the new iOS app powered by AI, aims to transform technology interaction by providing a versatile chat assistant with free and premium options, integrated into popular Microsoft 365 apps, making it a valuable tool for businesses and individuals alike
\nRecently, Microsoft released a new iOS app called CoPilot, a powerful AI chatbot that strives to revolutionize how we interact with technology. In its initial release on December 29, 2023, CoPilot is designed to be a versatile AI assistant that can create text, translate languages, and answer questions informally.
\nCoPilot is an AI-powered chat assistant originally part of the Bing app. It operates similarly to OpenAI's ChatGPT but with the added advantage of accessing GPT-4, the latest large language model from OpenAI, without having to subscribe. A clean and intuitive user interface makes the app feel more like a conversation than a search engine query.
\nCoPilot generates responses to user queries using AI models. You can interact with it by typing, talking, or sending images. The app provides real-time intelligent assistance and works alongside popular Microsoft 365 applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and more. The software allows you to create, summarize, edit, or transform content in real-time.
\nCoPilot's basic version is free to download and use. CoPilot Pro, a premium version Microsoft offers, costs $20 per month per user. Microsoft AI's CoPilot Pro provides access to the latest features and best models, including priority access to OpenAI's GPT-4 Turbo for faster performance.
\nEspecially for power users, creators, researchers, and programmers who wish to access AI models quickly, CoPilot can be an invaluable tool for businesses. In addition to increasing productivity, creating compelling content, and unleashing creativity, CoPilot is integrated into various apps, including Microsoft Teams. It is a versatile framework that can evolve with changing requirements in today's software development environment.
\nMicrosoft's CoPilot is an exciting addition to the world of artificial intelligence assistants. Its versatility, user-friendly interface, and integration with popular Microsoft 365 apps make it a powerful tool for businesses and individuals.
\n\nKeywords: #MicrosoftCoPilot #AIAssistant #iOSApp #TechnologyRevolution #BingApp #ChatGPT #GPT4 #AIModels #RealTimeAssistance #Microsoft365 #CoPilotPro #PremiumVersion #AIIntegration #ProductivityBoost #ContentCreation #BusinessTool #MicrosoftTeams #SoftwareDevelopment #ArtificialIntelligence #UserFriendly
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/060a8415f9.jpg\")
\nFind out the hidden stories and secrets of over 25,000 properties on Housecreep.com, the innovative platform that has gained worldwide recognition for its comprehensive property database. Discover the mysteries within the walls of homes around the world by joining a thriving community.
\nThe innovative platform, Housecreep.com, has gained global recognition for providing a comprehensive property database containing intriguing histories and hidden secrets. The website has experienced substantial growth since its establishment in 2013, now offering over 25,000 properties and boasting over 8,000 registered members. Additionally, in response to a viral TikTok post, a Discord server was formed to foster community engagement.
\nA wide range of properties are available on the platform, including those with secret rooms reminiscent of the Hardy Boys series. For example, a curated list titled \"3 Homes with a Secret in the Attic\" highlights homes with hidden spaces and enigmatic histories. Narratives such as these appeal to the innate human curiosity about the unknown and the enticement of uncovering secrets within seemingly ordinary dwellings.
\nIn 2018, Housecreep expanded its scope by working with a production company to bring these compelling stories to television audiences. In making this strategic move, the platform underlines its commitment to disseminating the hidden histories of homes to a broader audience.
\nHousecreep is committed to uncovering the narratives hidden beneath the surface of properties worldwide as it evolves. The company's ever-growing database and venture into television make it a valuable resource for those interested in the covert aspects of homes around the world. Having a distinctive approach and engaging content, Housecreep.com is well-positioned to establish itself as a prominent platform for revealing the secrets hidden within the walls of properties across the globe.
\n\nKeywords: #Housecreep #PropertyDatabase #HiddenHistories #SecretRooms #RealEstate #InnovativePlatform #GlobalRecognition #Curiosity #MysteriousHomes #HardyBoys #UncoveringSecrets #TelevisionVenture #CommunityEngagement #DiscordServer #TikTokViral #UniqueProperties #IntriguingHomes
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/cfe5c5d165.jpg\")
\nThe ability to effectively process information is crucial in today's rapidly evolving world. Therefore, there is a growing demand for tools that facilitate content consumption. One notable tool is SMMRY, a web-based application that concisely summarizes lengthy articles.
\nThe primary function of SMMRY is to extract the most pertinent information from a text and present it in a condensed format. By doing so, readers can quickly comprehend the main points of an article without having to read the entire article. Furthermore, the application's algorithm is designed to pinpoint critical sentences and phrases to ensure that the summary remains informative and coherent.
\nSMMRY's user interface has been designed with simplicity and ease of use. For example, the application generates a summary within seconds after the user inputs a URL or pastes text directly onto the platform. Additionally, users have the option of customizing the length of the summary.
\nOne of the most significant advantages of using SMMRY is its time-saving ability. When information overload is prevalent, the ability to quickly digest critical points from an article is of great value. The service is particularly beneficial for professionals who must stay current on various topics but may need more time to read each article.
\nFurthermore, SMMRY can be an invaluable resource for students and researchers tasked with examining large volumes of text within a limited timeframe. The application's concise summaries enables users to identify relevant sources and extract essential project information quickly.
\nDespite this, it is important to acknowledge the limitations of SMMRY. The sophisticated algorithm may miss certain texts due to their nuances and intricacies. Therefore, users should scrutinize summaries and consider reading the full article to gain a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.
\nI submitted the long white house Executive order on improving the nation’s cyber security
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/6703576375.jpg" alt="">\nI pasted the URL in SMMRY and asked it to summary the content in 7 sentences.
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/89c47a71be.jpg" alt="">\nKeywords: #SMMRY #ContentConsumption #TimeSaving #EfficientReading #ArticleSummaries #InformationOverload #DigitalLives #InnovativeTools #ConciseSummaries #StayInformed #ResearchHelper #QuickDigest #WebApplication #CustomizableSummaries #UserFriendly
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/08fc770c96.jpg\")
\nYou can find the best software alternatives using AlternativeTo.net, a user-driven platform for finding top apps and software alternatives in the ever-changing technology landscape. Stay informed about innovative solutions for improving efficiency and user experience.
\nTo find suitable alternatives to their current tools, users may need help navigating the rapidly changing landscape of software and applications. The AlternativeTo.net website is a reliable, user-driven resource offering valuable insights for tech-savvy individuals and business owners.
\nUsers can seek alternatives for various reasons, including price changes, shifting needs, limitations of features, or dissatisfaction with the performance of a product. Additionally, exploring alternatives allows users to stay informed about new and innovative solutions that can improve efficiency, reduce costs, or improve user experience.
\nAlternativeTo.net is a platform designed to assist users in discovering superior alternatives to the software and apps they currently use. It is an invaluable resource for individuals seeking to switch from one product to another or to explore new possibilities in the dynamic field of technology.
\nOne of the reasons for the platform's popularity is its straightforward design. By searching for a particular software or app, users are presented with a list of alternatives, ratings, and reviews. As a result of this crowd-sourced methodology, recommendations are neutral and based on real-life experiences.
\nA distinguishing feature of AlternativeTo.net is its emphasis on transparency and user empowerment. In addition to highlighting the advantages and drawbacks of each alternative, the platform also empowers users to make informed decisions based on their individual needs and preferences.
\nIn an industry that is often driven by hype and marketing ploys, it is refreshing to encounter a platform that places user experience and candid feedback at its core. From technology enthusiasts seeking to explore new software possibilities to business owners seeking cost-effective solutions, AlternativeTo.net caters to a broad audience. As a platform, it exemplifies the internet's power and its users' collective wisdom.
\nThe collaborative nature of AlternativeTo.net epitomizes the best of the internet. Besides assisting users in identifying superior software alternatives, it also fosters a sense of community and cooperation. As a result, AlternativeTo.net will remain an indispensable resource for navigating the ever-evolving world of software and apps as technology advances.
\nKeywords : #software #alternatives #tech #innovation #apps #resources #userexperience #crowdsourcing #technology #costeffective #businessowners #techtrends #platforms #reviews #ratings #tools #efficiency #userdriven #transparency #productivity #webtools #solutiondiscovery #comparison #softwarechoices #appalternatives #navigatingtech #discoveralternatives #userempowerment #digitaltools #techsavvy
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/970056ff49.jpg\")
\nIt is not uncommon for Amazon to change the price of some items upwards of six times per day to maximize profitability. If you are a savvy shopper looking for a good deal, you may find this a frustrating experience. There is, however, a way to overcome this issue.
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/68132f13f8.jpg" alt="">\nA website such as camelcamelcamel.com is a helpful resource for tracking product pricing. You can use camelcamelcamel by visiting the site and entering the URL of the Amazon product you wish to purchase. Once you have done this, you will be able to view the current price of the item as well as a history of past prices. In addition, you may sign up for email alerts, which will inform you whenever the price changes.
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/3e8f12e0b4.jpg" alt="">\nCamelcamelcamel is a useful tool for Amazon shoppers who wish to ensure they receive the best deal possible. This website allows you to track prices and ensure you do not overpay for an item.
\n\nKeyword : Amazon, Price, Best Price, Camelcamelcamel, Shopping
\n\nDescription: Amazon shoppers can use camelcamelcamel.com to track prices and ensure they are getting the best deal on an item. This website allows you to view a product's price history and set up email alerts for price changes.
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/d108c25fe2.jpg\")
\nThe Transaction Processing Facility (TPF) is a legacy mainframe operating system originally developed by IBM. TPF was designed for high-volume transaction processing applications such as banking, airline reservations and credit card processing.
\nTPF runs on IBM Z series mainframes and utilizes the z/Architecture. Due to its focus on performance and efficiency, TPF is sometimes referred to as a \"real-time\" operating system.
\nTPF was first released in 1969 and has undergone several major releases since then. The most recent release, TPF 4.1, was made available in 2014.
\nDespite its age, TPF continues to be used by many large organizations that rely on mainframe systems for mission-critical applications. This is due in part to the fact that TPF is one of the most stable and reliable operating systems available. In addition, TPF offers a high degree of security and scalability, which are both essential for large enterprises.
\nExamples of customers using TPF include American Express, Discover Financial Services, JPMorgan Chase and Visa Inc.
\nAmerican Express uses TPF to power its high-volume transaction processing applications. This includes the processing of credit card transactions, as well as other financial transactions such as bill payments and money transfers.
\nThe TPF system at American Express is able to process over 10,000 transactions per second. This high level of performance is crucial for American Express, as it needs to be able to handle a large volume of transactions quickly and efficiently.
\nIn addition to its high performance, the TPF system at American Express is also very reliable. This is essential for mission-critical applications such as credit card processing, where any downtime can result in significant financial losses.
\nWhile TPF is not as widely used as some other mainframe operating systems, such as z/OS, it remains an important part of the IBM Z ecosystem.
\nWhat is the IBM z/Architecture?
\nThe z/Architecture is a 64-bit instruction set architecture introduced by IBM in 1991. It is the successor to the 32-bit System/360 architecture and is still used in IBM's mainframe computers. The z/Architecture was originally designed for use in high-performance computing environments, such as mainframes, but has since been used in a variety of other computing applications as well.
\nWhat are IBM Z series mainframes?
\nIBM Z series mainframes are high-end server computers that are designed for large-scale enterprise applications. Mainframes are typically used for mission-critical applications, such as financial transaction processing or airline reservations.
\nIs TPF related to OS/390?
\nYes, TPF is based on OS/390, which was the previous generation of IBM's mainframe operating system. However, TPF has been significantly updated and modernized over the years and is now a fully-fledged 64-bit operating system.
\nSources:
\n[www.ibm.com/support/k...](https://www.ibm.com/support/knowledgecenter/en/SSB23S_1.1.0.13/gtpc1/tpfover.html)
[www-03preview.ibm.com/systems/z...](https://www-03preview.ibm.com/systems/z/os/zos/bkservices/transactionprocessing/tpf/)
[en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tran...](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transaction_Processing_Facility)
[www.ibmsystemsmag.com/mainframe...](http://www.ibmsystemsmag.com/mainframe/trends/transaction-processing-facility/)
[www.computerweekly.com/feature/U...](https://www.computerweekly.com/feature/Understanding-IBMs-Transaction-Processing-Facility)
[www.infoq.com/articles/...](https://www.infoq.com/articles/tpf-z-os-legacy-apps-mainframes/)
[public.dhe.ibm.com/partnerwo...](http://public.dhe.ibm.com/partnerworld/pub/pw-magazine-pdfs/pw_novdec14_americanexpress.pdf?S_CMP=PW-Mag&S_op=dl&S_PK=9490016&S_TACT=105AGX12&S_CMP=PW-Mag&s_tact=105AGX12&s_cmp=pw-mag&s_op=dl&s_k=9490016)
keywords: TPF, Operating System, IBM Z series mainframes, z/Architecture, OS/390, transaction processing.
\n\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/04ebffec27.jpg\")
\nQuantum computing is a new and exciting field of research in computer science. It promises to revolutionize the way we process information by tapping into the unique properties of quantum physics.
\nOne of the main goals of quantum computing is to develop computers that can perform certain types of calculations much faster than traditional computers can. This could have significant implications for many different areas, from cryptography and data security to artificial intelligence and even space exploration.
\nOne of the key areas in modern physics that underpin quantum computing is quantum mechanics. This theory explains how subatomic particles behave and provides a framework for describing how atoms interact with material objects. It also describes how such interactions give rise to phenomena like the colours of rainbows, red-shift in light from distant stars, and superconductivity (the ability of some materials to conduct electricity without any resistance).
\nThe second major area that makes quantum computing possible is classical computation itself. In particular, it relies on our understanding of algebraic structures called groups, which form a fundamental basis for all mathematical calculations used by digital computers today. Through both these fields – classical computation and quantum mechanics – we can understand the true nature of information and how it can be manipulated at a fundamental level to create new technologies like quantum computers.
\nOne of the most influential figures in the development of quantum computing is physicist Richard Feynman. In 1982, he proposed that quantum mechanics could be used to create a computer that would outperform any classical computer for certain tasks. This was a breakthrough, as it showed that quantum computers were not just a theoretical possibility but could actually be built in practice.
\nSince Feynman's proposal, there have been many other advances in the field of quantum computing. In particular, scientists have developed ways to store and manipulate information using subatomic particles called 'quantum bits' (or 'qubits'). Qubits are the fundamental unit of quantum information and can represent both 1s and 0s simultaneously – a feature that enables them to process significantly more data than classical bits.
\nThere has been an explosion in research activity around quantum computing in recent years. This is partly due to the increased availability of powerful supercomputers that allow scientists to simulate experimental quantum devices with increasing precision. Another reason for this interest is the possibility that future quantum computers may be able to solve complex problems such as protein folding, machine learning, and even some forms of cryptography.
\nThe power of quantum computing is potentially much greater than that of conventional silicon-based computers due to the unique properties of qubits. For example, unlike classical bits, which can represent only a 1 or a 0 at any given time, qubits can be in a state that represents both 1 and 0 simultaneously. This property, known as superposition, allows qubits to process significantly more data than classical bits, making them extremely powerful for specific computational tasks.
\nAnother critical characteristic of qubits is their ability to interact with one another via a process called entanglement. By interacting in this way, multiple qubits can work together as a single unit to solve complex problems in parallel. This massively boosts the overall processing power and speed of computing.
\nThere are many prominent players in the field of quantum computing today, including giants like Google and IBM and smaller companies like Rigetti Computing and IonQ. There has also been a lot of progress over the past few years in developing and commercializing this technology.
\nWhile we are still in the early stages of building quantum computers, there is no doubt that this research will continue to be a significant area of focus going forward. And as more and more applications begin to emerge, we can expect quantum computing to play an increasingly important role in our everyday lives.
\nThere is much debate in the scientific community over whether or not quantum computing will be able to break today's encryption technologies. Some experts believe that it will render current security measures obsolete, while others argue that there are ways to strengthen these systems against potential attacks from quantum computers.
\nOne of the main concerns with regard to the security of existing encryption methods is that they rely on complex mathematical algorithms, which a large-scale quantum computer could potentially crack. In addition, quantum computers have unique properties such as superposition and entanglement, which allow them to perform certain types of calculations far more efficiently than traditional computers.
\nHowever, efforts are also underway to develop new cryptographic techniques that can resist attacks from quantum computers. For example, researchers are working on post-quantum cryptography, which uses mathematical problems that are believed to be more resistant to quantum attacks.
\nDespite these efforts, there is still much uncertainty around how powerful and effective quantum computers will be in breaking encryption. In the coming years, we can expect this debate to continue as scientists work to better understand this emerging technology and its potential impact on computer security.
\nOne of the critical areas where quantum computing is expected to have a significant impact is in the field of medicine. Thanks to its ability to process information more efficiently and accurately than traditional computers, quantum computers could be used to develop new drugs and medical therapies and improve our understanding of complex biological systems.
\nFor example, researchers are exploring how quantum computing can be used for drug discovery. By analyzing vast amounts of data related to chemical compounds and their interactions with biological targets, it may be possible to identify potential new treatments that would not have been possible using classical methods.
\nAnother exciting application of quantum computing in medicine is in the field of precision medicine. This involves gathering large volumes of health data from patients and using complex algorithms to identify patterns and trends. This information can then be used to develop personalized treatment plans for individual patients.
\nQuantum computers could also be used to improve our understanding of the human brain. By simulating neural networks on a quantum computer, scientists may gain insights into how the brain works and identify new potential treatments for conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
\nThere is growing interest in using quantum computing to advance the field of artificial intelligence (AI). This is due to the unique properties of quantum systems, which allow them to process and analyze large amounts of data more efficiently than traditional computers.
\nOne potential application of quantum computing in AI is machine learning, which involves training algorithms to recognize patterns and make predictions based on vast amounts of data. For example, a quantum computer could be used to create more accurate and efficient models than those produced by classical methods. Additionally, it could help speed up the training process by dramatically reducing the time required for simulations and experiments.
\nAnother area where we may see advances in AI with the help of quantum computing is natural language processing (NLP). By analyzing vast amounts of text and speech data, quantum computers could help improve our understanding of language and develop more accurate models for machine translation and dialogue systems.
\nAs quantum computers become more widely available, there will be a need for new programming languages that are specifically designed for these devices. Currently, there are several different quantum programming languages in development, each with its unique features and capabilities.
\nSome of the most popular quantum programming languages include IBM Qiskit, Google Cirq, Microsoft Q#, and Rigetti Forest. These languages provide developers with the tools they need to write programs that can take advantage of the unique properties of quantum systems.
\nIn addition to these specialized languages, there is also growing interest in using traditional programming languages like Python to interact with quantum computers. This is due to the fact that these languages already have a large user base and are well-suited for developing robust software applications.
\nUltimately, the type of programming required to interact with quantum computers will depend on a variety of factors, including the specific hardware and algorithms being used, as well as the goals and requirements of individual projects. As more research is conducted in this area, we can expect to see an evolution in both quantum computing hardware and software tools over time.
\nThere are a limited number of quantum computing providers that offer cloud-based services. However, as the technology matures, more companies will likely enter the market and offer Quantum-as-a-Service (QaaS) solutions.
\nThis would allow businesses and individual developers to access quantum computers on demand without investing in their own hardware. Additionally, it would provide a way for people to experiment with quantum computing without worrying about the cost and complexity of setting up their own infrastructure.
\nQaaS could play a significant role in making Quantum computing more accessible and affordable for everyone in the long term. However, it is still early days for this technology.
\nWhen do scientists expect Quantum computing to be readily available to the mass market?
\nThere is still a lot of work to be done before quantum computing becomes widely available to the general public. Most quantum computers are only accessible through dedicated research labs and cloud-based services that require significant expertise and resources to use effectively.
\nHowever, there has been significant progress in this area over the past few years, with researchers developing new hardware and software tools designed specifically for quantum computing applications. This suggests that we may see broader availability of these technologies in the near future, as more companies enter the market and make Quantum-as-a-Service (QaaS) solutions more widely available.
\nIt is difficult to predict precisely when quantum computing will become readily available to everyone.
\nOne of the biggest challenges facing quantum computing is what is known as the \"noise problem.\" This refers to the fact that quantum systems are notoriously difficult to control and are often susceptible to outside influences, known as \"noises.\" As a result, it can be difficult to obtain accurate results from quantum computations.
\nTo solve this problem, scientists and engineers are working on developing new hardware and algorithms that are more robust against noise. Additionally, they are exploring ways to use error-correction techniques to reduce the impact of noise on quantum computations.
\nAnother challenge facing quantum computing is the high cost of these devices. Most quantum computers are built by major research laboratories and companies like IBM, Microsoft, and Google. As a result, these systems are typically only accessible to a small number of users.
\nThere is growing interest in developing more affordable quantum computers that a wider range of people can access to overcome this challenge. In addition to reducing costs through technological advances, some researchers are also exploring the possibility of using cloud-based quantum computing platforms for specific applications.
\nOverall, there are many challenges facing the development and adoption of quantum computing technology. However, with continued research and innovation in this area, we can expect these devices to become more powerful and accessible over time.
\n[www.technologyreview.com/s/604087/...](https://www.technologyreview.com/s/604087/what-is-quantum-computing/)
[www.researchgate.net/publicati...](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/320547003_The_Quantum_Raytracer_-_An_Architecture_for_Large-Scale_Quantum_Simulation_(Technical._Report))
[www.sciencedirect.com/science/a...](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405896317303221)
[www.nature.com/articles/...](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41534-017-0056-0)
[www.wired.com/story/ins...](https://www.wired.com/story/inside-the-quantum-computing-race/)
[www.forbes.com/sites/sta...](https://www.forbes.com/sites/startswithabang/2018/07/03/is-quantum-computing-a-threat-to-bitcoin/#524384e75124)
![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/d1caaf3245.jpg\")
\nThe Domain Name System (DNS) is a hierarchical decentralized naming system for computers, services, or other resources connected to the Internet or a private network. It is an essential component of the functionality of most modern organizations and individuals using the Internet. DNS translates domain names meaningful to humans into the numerical (binary) identifiers associated with networking equipment to locate and address these devices worldwide. An often-used analogy to explain the Domain Name System is that it serves as the phone book for the Internet by translating human-friendly computer hostnames into IP addresses. For example, the domain name www.example.com translates to the addresses 93.184.216.119 (IPv4) and 2606:2800:220:6d:26bf:1447:1097 (IPv6).
\nDomain names are organized in subordinate levels of the DNS root domain, which is nameless. The first-level set of domain names are the top-level domains (TLDs), including the generic top-level domains (gTLDs), such as the prominent domains com, info, net, and org, and the country code top-level domains (ccTLDs). Below these levels, the next domain name component has been used to designate a particular host server. Therefore, www.example.com might resolve to 93.184.216.119, a specific web server, whereas example.com might resolve to any web server in the com domain.
\nThe DNS system is a critical part of the functionality of most Internet-connected organizations and individuals. DNS is used by nearly everyone who uses the Internet today for various essential activities such as emailing, browsing websites, and using cloud-based applications. In addition, the DNS system is also used in many non-Internet applications, such as voice over IP (VoIP) and instant messaging.
\nThe Domain Name System was invented by Paul Mockapetris in the early 1980s and standardized in the late 1980s. It is one of the most critical technologies that make the Internet work. The DNS system is maintained by a decentralized network of servers worldwide that are operated by a variety of organizations and individuals. The root servers, the authoritative DNS servers for the top-level domains, are operated by 12 different organizations.
\nThe DNS system is constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of the Internet. In recent years, the DNS system has been adapted to support new features such as Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs) and DNSSEC. In addition, the DNS system is also being used to enable new applications such as content delivery networks (CDNs) and Internet of Things (IoT) systems.
\nThe Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs) are domain names that are in non-ASCII characters. IDNs are encoded in Punycode. For example, the IDN for 社會科學院大學 is xn-- -u9jz54a79Ob. IDNs can be used in any level of the domain name, including the second-level and top-level domains.
\nPunycode is a representation of Unicode with the limited ASCII character set. It is used for encoding internationalized domain names (IDNs). Punycode is implemented in the Domain Name System (DNS) and is standardized in RFC 3492.
\nDNSSEC is a set of security extensions for the Domain Name System (DNS). DNSSEC provides authentication and integrity for DNS data. DNSSEC uses digital signatures and public-key cryptography to protect DNS data from tampering and spoofing. DNSSEC is specified in a number of RFCs, including RFC 4033, RFC 4034, and RFC 4035.
\nSome companies like Quad9 and Cloudflare provide free-to-use DNS systems are do more than just resolve Domain names. They can be used to protect you from malware or can be used to block certain undesirable sites (e.g. pornography).
\nThey do this by maintaining a constantly-updated list of domains known to be used for malicious purposes or sites containing content that may be unwanted. Companies that offer this type of service include Quad9, Cloudflare, and OpenDNS.
\nThe future of the DNS system is likely to be shaped by the continuing growth of the Internet. As the Internet continues to expand and evolve, the DNS system will need to adapt to meet the changing needs of users and applications. The DNS system is an essential part of the Internet infrastructure and will continue to play a vital role in the operation of the Internet for years to come.
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/3ff1613f3e.jpg\")
\nThe Federal Reserve is the central banking system of the United States. It was created on December 23, 1913, with the enactment of the Federal Reserve Act. The act was signed into law by President Woodrow Wilson.
\nThe primary mandate of the Federal Reserve is to promote stability in the financial markets and foster economic growth. The Federal Reserve is governed by a seven-member Board of Governors, which is appointed by the president of the United States and confirmed by the Senate. The Board of Governors is responsible for setting monetary policy.
\nThe Federal Reserve has a significant impact on the US economy. It sets interest rates, which can influence inflation and economic growth. It also regulates the banking system and provides liquidity to the financial markets.
\nThe president of the United States has some influence over the Federal Reserve, but not as much as Congress or the Board of Governors. The president can appoint members of the Board of Governors, but the Senate must confirm them. The president can also veto any changes to the Federal Reserve Act that Congress enacts.
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/82b5be9f50.jpg\")
\nBrew is a package manager for macOS. It simplifies the installation and updating of macOS applications.
\nBrew allows you to install your favourite apps with a few clicks. In addition, Brew makes it easy to manage your app dependencies. Brew automatically resolves and installs any dependencies that an application may have when it is installed.
\nIt is thus easy to keep your applications up-to-date and to ensure that you have all necessary dependencies installed. Brew is also an excellent means of discovering new macOS applications. Browse through a list of popular apps and install them with just a few clicks using Brew. This makes it easy to discover new applications that you might not have known about otherwise.
<img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/0ed447c9bf.jpg" alt="">\nA website called brew.sh hosts the brew package manager. You can install brew by running the following commands in your terminal:
\n/bin/bash -c “$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)\"
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/7f39b6f9c8.jpg" alt="">\n2) Once brew has been installed, you can use it to install your preferred macOS applications. To install an app with brew, simply type:
\nbrew install
3) Brew will automatically resolve and install any dependencies the application may have. Therefore, it is easier to keep your applications up to date and ensure that all of the necessary dependencies are installed.
\n4) You can also update your macOS applications using brew. To update an application, type:
\nbrew upgrade
![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/ecbe9b78d3.jpg\")
\nThe idea for carbon offsets was first birthed in 1997 from the Kyoto protocol. The goal is to add a monetary value to an externality, thus repricing the offending activity closer to its actual environmental cost.
\nThis would, in theory, lead to a decrease in the incidence of the said activity.
\nA carbon offset is a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions or other greenhouse gases made to compensate for or offset an emission made elsewhere.
\nVoluntary: A voluntary offset is created when a company or individual voluntarily agrees to take action to reduce their emissions beyond what is required by law to offset their own emissions or the emissions of others.
\nCompliance: A compliance offset is obtained from reductions in greenhouse gas emissions that help a company meet its obligations under a cap-and-trade program or other emissions trading system.
\nThe primary goal of buying carbon offsets is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By offsetting your own emissions or the emissions of others, you can help mitigate climate change and its negative effects.
\nThere is debate over the efficacy of carbon offsets, with some critics arguing that they are ineffective and even counter-productive. Others argue that while they may not be a perfect solution, carbon offsets are a step in the right direction and can play an important role in mitigating climate change.
\nThere are several criticisms of carbon offsets. One is that it allows polluters to \" morally wash\" their hands of any wrongdoing. They can simply purchase an offset rather than change their behaviour. Second, there is often a huge disconnect between the person/entity buying the offset and the project it supports.
\nThis often leads to a lack of transparency and, oftentimes, fraud. It is very difficult to ensure that the carbon offset you purchase actually results in mitigating greenhouse gases.
\nLast but not least, offsets can be used to support \" business as usual\" rather than furthering the development of green technologies.
\nThere is still a lot of progress to be made with carbon offsets, but they could potentially be a powerful tool in the fight against climate change.
\nThe money from carbon offset purchases goes into projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These projects can include planting trees, investing in renewable energy, or improving energy efficiency.
\nYes, individuals can buy carbon offsets through a company or directly from a project developer. Many carbon offset providers offer offsets for purchase, and the price of offsets varies depending on the project and the provider.
\nA carbon offset is a voluntary reduction in emissions to compensate for or offset emissions made elsewhere. A carbon tax is a mandatory tax on the emitting of greenhouse gases imposed by the government.
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/f4c37f61e8.jpg\")
\nAlmost all tech companies have tools to help you locate your lost items, from the built-in GPS applications on smart devices to headphones and anything else with a Bluetooth tag.
\nApple has emerged as a leader in location services, and with their latest iOS version, they have added the ability to locate your iPhone, even when it is turned off. Apple uses the Ultra-Wideband chip to perform this magic trick in its newer devices.
\nApple's new U1 chip is designed to improve the accuracy of location tracking on its latest devices. The U1 chip can track devices within a radius of one meter instead of Bluetooth's 10-meter range. So what does this mean for you? With Find My iPhone activated, you will have a better chance of finding your iPhone if it were to be lost in your house.
\nAlso, even if you lose your iPhone in congested areas, such as a stadium or concert, Find My iPhone will still allow you to locate it (using the extensive FindMy network created by millions of Apple iPhones worldwide).
\nApple iPhone 11 and newer smartphones include the chip.
\n'Find My iPhone' is a feature built into Apple's iOS operating system that allows users to locate their devices. It has been available since 2010 and will enable users to locate their lost or stolen devices. In addition, you can use Find My iPhone to remotely erase all the data on your device if you cannot locate it.
\nTo use Find My iPhone, you will need an iCloud account and Find My iPhone enabled on your device. FindMy can also be used on another iOS device or a computer.
\nIf your device is lost or stolen and Find My iPhone is turned on, you can log in to iCloud.com or use the FindMy app on another iOS device or computer to locate it.
\nIt utilizes the Ultra-Wideband chip, Wi-Fi, and GPS to localize your device. The detection network uses millions of iPhones around the world.
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/234202e828.jpg" alt="">\nGo to your settings then on “Find My.”
\nClick on the Find My iPhone option
Turn Find My iPhone to ON
Turn Find My Network ON (if you want to help locate devices for other people securely
Turn Send Last Location ON
![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/641aaf102e.jpg\")
\nA recession is a significant decline in economic activity spread across the economy, lasting more than a few months. It is visible in real GDP, real income, employment, industrial production, and wholesale-retail sales. The United States defines a recession as \"a significant decline in economic activity spread across the economy, lasting more than a few months.\"
\nThe most popular definition of a recession is two consecutive quarters of declining GDP.
\nA recession begins just after the economy peaks and ends as it reaches its trough. Between the peak and the trough, there is a decline in real GDP.
\nRecessions are generally accompanied by a drop in the stock market and increased unemployment. There are several causes of recessions, but most can be summed up by saying that a lack of demand causes them. When there is less demand for goods and services, businesses cut back on production and lay off workers.
\nThere have been 33 recessions in the United States since 1854. The most recent started in December 2007 and ended in June 2009. This was the longest recession since World War II.
\nThe Great Depression of the 1930s was the worst economic downturn in US history. Real GDP fell by 26%, and unemployment rose to 25%.
\nThe National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) is a private, nonprofit research organization that is considered the official arbiter of US recessions. However, the NBER does not announce when a recession starts or ends in real-time; instead, they declare retrospectively.
\nRecessions can last anywhere from eight months to two years. However, the average recession since World War II has lasted about 11 months.
\nThe economy typically comes out of recession when GDP grows again, and unemployment starts to fall. This can happen when businesses begin to invest and hire again, and consumers start spending more money.
\nThe Federal Reserve can also help by lowering interest rates and increasing the money supply. This makes it easier for businesses to get loans and invest and for consumers to borrow money and spend.
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/efa47b847b.jpg\")
\nIn this article, we will share a few useful websites that can save you time or money.
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/a432fce339.jpg" alt="">\nIf you are traveling or running low on LTE data, there are always a dozen good reasons to connect to a local free Wi-Fi network (just make sure you use a VPN). WiFiMap is an app and website that allows you to locate free Wi-Fi networks.
\nThe service (and apps) are free and supported by advertisements. The pro subscription costs $25US and provides offline access to the offline database as well as an ad-free experience.
\nThe online version displays the WiFi networks, but not the password (the password is only displayed in the app). The passwords for most of these free hotspots should be posted upon arrival (think Starbucks, Supermarket, etc). This application offers the most comprehensive and user-friendly experience available, so you should download it.
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/9d82ca7258.jpg" alt="">\n
Suppose that you are looking for a new home, looking to book an airBNB, or visiting a friend in a different city. You are a curious individual by nature, and you are interested to find out what kind of secrets those buildings hide, particularly what kind of crimes have taken place there.
Housecreep offers a crowd-sourced list of noteworthy events that have occurred in that area.
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/a8acbe553b.jpg" alt="">\nYou can find great gaming deals on this site. In the example above, I was looking for a discount on a game called Rimworld.
\nThe service is available for the USA, Canada, Brazil, China, Europe, Russia and the UK.
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/5fda61e900.jpg" alt="">\nThere are times when a website you are trying to access does not function properly. The question that you should be asking is, \"Does it work for others, or is it only not working for me?\". The site answers this question. It could be an issue with you, your ISP, or your region if the site isn't down for everyone.
\nThe site is simple to use with a clean interface.
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/374c765b90.jpg" alt="">\nThe website above provides a simple working or not working answer. DownDetector provides a more comprehensive response, including historical issues, types of issues, and the regions in which the problems are occurring.
\nThe DownDetector covers providers of Internet Services, Wireless Carriers, major internet services, and much more (e.g. Duke Energy, Spectrum, COX, Reddit, Apple, AWS, etc)
\nThere is a Canadian and an American version of the site.
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/9a84f53286.jpg" alt="">\nPixlr://pixlr.com could be a useful tool if you need a basic photo editor from time to time. It is an online photo editor (Pixlr X for easy editing and Pixlr E for more precise editing). For most users, the free, ad-supported version will provide all the tools they require.
\nTip: If you use a good adblocker plugin for your browser, it may prevent the ads from showing on the free version.
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/f58f0492d0.jpg" alt="">\nImagine you have a great idea for a new product or service. You are aware of how important branding is, so you want to select a name that has not already been taken (domain, social media, etc.). NameCHK is a free service that allows you to check 30 domains and 90 social networking websites quickly and for free,
Please be patient as the search will take a few minutes.
Above you can see my search for Kiledjian
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/ddde8ffb2c.jpg" alt="">\nHundreds of internet speed testing websites exist, but Fast.com is easy to use, reliable, and managed by Netflix. Visit the site and you will receive one of the most accurate speed tests on the internet within minutes.
\nThat big number is your download speed. Click on the \"show more info\" button to see your upload speed as well.
\nFast.com works on any device with a modern web browser (no installation is required).
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/18d0683bcd.jpg" alt="">\nScreenshot Guru allows you to capture high-resolution images from any website. You can use it to archive tweets, news articles, save an item's price for a pricematch, etc.
\nThe advantage of this service is that it does not require the installation of special software or plug-ins. It is completely web-based, which means you can access it from any device with a modern browser (laptop, iPad, iPhone, etc.).
\nPlease click on the I am not a robot button and complete the captcha.
Enter the URL and hit enter
The site is picky, so ensure that you enter the entire URL, including \"https://\".
<img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/7735d453f2.jpg" alt="">\nManualsLib is an online repository of product manuals. As I write this, they currently have 5291595 pdf files in their archive, and it grows every day.
\nIn addition to the product manuals, they often have PDF versions of the other materials included with the original product at time of purchase.
\nAs you can see, an example of their material for the Mophie Juicepack is above.
\nThis is a free site for people looking for manuals for products they own.
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/18e5ec3e00.jpg\")
\nWeather apps are the most downloaded category of apps in any app store. People seem to be obsessed with them.
\nApple delivered a ton of \"hidden\" improvements in iOS15 that you probably won't be able to find on your own. One such improvement is the ability to receive real-time precipitation alerts through Apple's iOS weather app.
\nIn order to enable this new functionality:
\nOpen the weather app.
Tap the icon with three dots on the lower right corner of the screen
Click on the 3 dots in the upper right corner of the screen
Select Notification
<img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/ed3ff496f6.jpg" alt="">\nTurn on the toggle next to the locations you want alerts for.
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/43a5b0f3ce.jpg\")
\nArtificial Intelligence (AI) is slowly making its way into all aspects of our lives, whether it is profiling us on social media or making us buy that product at the perfect time on Amazon.
\nCompanies can use AI for good or evil.
\nGoogle is known for search, but you may not realize that they apply AI to almost all of their products in order to help their users. Sometimes this added convenience may be at the expense of privacy. An example of this is Gmail's Smart Compose feature.
\nSmartCompose can be thought of as a more powerful form of autocomplete. This is a feature most of you want to leave enabled, but it is essential to know what it is.
\nBased on the previous words, SmartCompose predicts subsequent words. Additionally, SmartCompose tries to understand the email's context.
\nThis was a complex AI model trained on billions of emails, so it can even match your \"normal\" writing style. The accuracy of this feature gradually improves as more users pick correct predictions, which trains the model.
\nGoogle's models must be as accurate as possible while maintaining a fast inference speed (100 milliseconds or less). So the programmers walk a very fine line between usability versus accuracy and I believe they found the correct balance.
\nGoogle analytics engine scans your emails to improve SmartCompose (and SmartCompose-like features). Personalized advertising profiles are no longer created by scanning your emails. If you want to turn off this feature, follow these steps:
\nNavigate to Gmail.com
Click on the gear icon on the upper right-hand side
Choose See All Settings
Choose the General tab
Scroll to SmartCompose and choose \"Writing suggestions off\"
Scroll to SmartCompose Personalization and choose \"Personalization off\"
Scroll to Smart features and Personalization and uncheck the box
Scroll to Smart features and personalization in other Google products and uncheck the box
Scroll to Smart Reply and choose \"Smart Reply off\"
You have now dumbed down the Google services, wether that is good or bad is up to you.
\nMany security experts say don't use Google products, but if you do, this will be more secure and private.
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/7585047c47.jpg\")
\nFirefox Send was a fantastic tool that allowed anyone on the internet to send large files for free using encryption. Unfortunately, the bad guys started using it, and Firefox pulled the plug.
\nThe concept is simple, by visiting the service page, you upload your files, and the service provides a link that allows anyone to download the content. The challenge with most free services is that they are insecure, and most are slow (encouraging you to buy their faster service).
\n <a href="https://wormhole.app" target="_blank"><img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/01f8c443ea.jpg" alt=""></a>\nWormhole one such service that leverages WebTorrent for fast transfers, promises end-to-end encryption and is free (with no upsell). Wormhole doesn't even require registration. Transfers of 5GB or less are handled by their servers, which means your browser doesn't even have to remain open.
\nTraditional torrents require special clients, but WebTorrent is a gateway that allows any torrent files to be shared through a web browser (no special client or unique configuration).
\nWhen you create a new transfer, your device generates a unique encryption key used to encrypt the content before it is sent to the Wormhole servers.
\nRemember that Wormhole is built with a combination of traditional web technologies married to torrenting. This unique combination makes their service faster than most competitors. But the magic is that the recipient can start downloading the content before you have completed the upload. This streaming functionality is something no other competitors (that I am aware of) offer. This means you can share the link with the recipient while you are uploading the content (and not have to wait until everything is uploaded).
\nPerfection is the enemy of good and there are some limitations you should be aware of:
\nIf you upload content larger than 5GB (up to the 10GB limit), you have to keep your browser page open because Wormhole won't store the files on their servers (they do up to 5GB)
Uploaded content is only available for 24 hours
A file can be downloaded up to 100 times
If you are curious, they share their roadmap here.
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/03ebbfc9ff.jpg" alt="">\nThis is a new service, but it has already found a place in my online toolkit. Obviously, the long-term viability will depend on some time of premium service, but there aren't any details yet. I guess that the premium service will allow larger transfers, longer storage and more download slots.
\nThe security write-up (here) seems interesting, and the product looks to be designed securely. Still, because it is not open-source, there is no way to be sure they have implemented the security controls they say they have. If something is very sensitive, encrypt it using 7-zip before uploading (using a unique password shared with the recipient out of band).
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/3a43180de1.jpg\")
\nI am lucky enough to have the chance to test a tone of devices every year. Chromebook testing is an interesting endeavour because the higher end units usually are fantastic to use, while the cheaper products are slow and clunky. Chromebooks that live in the middle ($500-600) typically inherit the bad characteristics from both categories.
\nThe mid-priced ($600) Asus C434 doesn't fall into this typical model.
\nMost (non-premium) Chromebooks feel cheap and flimsy. They creek and crack when you grab them from an edge.
\nThe Asus C434 is an all-aluminum design that looks and feel premium. The design includes chamfered edges that give it a more premium feel. Even the hinges are chrome covered, which adds to the premium look and feel.
\nWhen used in laptop mode, the hinges slightly raise the screen end of the keyboard which makes typing slightly more pleasurable.
\nIt feels like Asus has crammed a 14-inch device in the body of a 13-inch device without sacrificing usability.
\nIf you haven’t figured it out yet, the design of the Asus C434 is wonderfully tough-out and makes using the device a joy.
\nMy everyday personal use device is a Pixelbook. I love my Pixelbook, but it's enormous bezels make it feel dated. Although the Asus C434 isn't breaking any new bezel records, its design is noticeably modern (87% screen to body ratio). It has a very good 14-inch Full-HD screen (1920x1080) IPS panel that has good viewing angles, good colour reproduction and respectable (300 nits) brightness.
\nThe Asus C434 screen isn't class leading like the Pixelbook or Samsung Pro but isn't a slouch either. Most users will find the screen amazing and a pleasure to use.
\nKeyboards can make or break a device. Look at the thousands of vocal Macbook fans on Reddit that have jumped ship to Windows because they can no longer deal with the horrible butterfly keyboards included in most new MacBooks.
\nSo a lousy keyboard can kill even the best most thoughtfully designed laptop. Luckily the Asus C434 does reasonably well in the keyboard category. For users coming from an HP x360 or a Pixelbook, the keyboard doesn't feel as good, but for most users, this thing will be a joy.
\nAsus chose a non-glass trackpad which makes using it a bit more of a chore. The included trackpad is acceptable, but the device does suffer a bit from a less usable trackpad. Remember that I am comparing the Asus to the premium end of the market. If you compare this to a $500 windows laptop or other similarly priced Chromebooks, you will not be disappointed by the trackpad’s performance.
\nI regularly curse at my Pixelbook for not including at least one USBA port. Sure I love all things USBC, but I still have a tone of useful accessories that are USBA, and I seem to forget my dongles when I need them most.
\nThis is where the Asus C434 beats my Pixelbook; it has a tone of ports. The Asus C434 has USBC ports on either side but also a USBA port, a headphone/microphone port and a microSD card slot.
\nThe Asus C434 has the ports you need to get your job done without worrying about dongles or adapters.
\nMost reviewers based their tests on the Core m3 (m3-8100Y) device with 4GB of RAM. While 4GB is good enough for the casual web user, it isn't enough to load a tone of Android apps and to comfortably run Linux apps.
\nThe Asus C434 comes in the m3, i5 and i7 varieties and power users will probably opt for the mid-tier i5 processor with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage.
\nAs I write this review, most sites still don't offer the 8GB/128GB version of the unit (Amazon, B&H, etc.) but it is coming. Unless you need a device right away (then get the 4GB/64GB), I would wait a couple of weeks to pick up the more powerful model.
\n\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/8d5a3c443b.jpg\")
\nIt seems everyone has jumped on the VPN bandwagon these days. On Chromebooks, we can use VPN extensions, but these don't protect Android apps. We can use Android VPN apps, which protect the entire ChromeOS (including Android apps but not Linux apps).
\nSo what happens today? Even if you have an Android VPN running, the Linux apps go our via your origin IP bypassing the VPN network adapter. If you need to use a VPN with the Linux container today on ChromeOS, you have to install a Linux VPN client in the container itself.
\nIn Chrome 76, Google will finally fix this issue and app Linux traffic will also flow through the VPN (extension of Android app). You can test this today if you have the developer or Canary versions of ChromeOS installed on your Chromebook.
\nWe expect ChromeOS 76 to be released to the Beta channel June 13-20 and to the stable channel around July 30.
\nOther cool features coming with the ChromeOS 76 release will be
\n\"Picture In Picture\" support for most video platforms
\"Web Share Target Level 2\" which will allow any installed application to receive a file share (using a manifest)
![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/78b56137b2.jpg\")
\nThis is NOT a sponsored post.
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/1ac68fe707.jpg" alt="">\nAt first glance, the Anker PD-1 may seem unremarkably normal looking. After all, it looks like the small wall charger that came included with your iPhone. It is almost the same size as that iPhone charger, but it delivers a full 30 watts of USBC power (it’s 35-40% smaller than the equivalent MacBook charger).
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/89d899c494.jpg" alt="">\nRavpower have taken the same technology to greater heights by designing a slim (14mm) 45 watt USBC charger .
\nThe go to foundation for many electronic components is silicon. Silicon is in everything from computer processors to chargers, but we needed something better to improve charging speed and efficiency.
\nThis is where gallium nitride (GaN) is making an entrance.
\nGaN has a theoretical ability to conduct electricity 1000x more quickly than traditional silicon.
GaN also doesn’t get as hot as silicon which means the electricity, not being lost to heat, is used to charge your device faster. It also means we can save 15-20% of worldwide power consumption if all electronic devices switched to GaN.
Since GaN chargers are smaller, they require less material, less packaging and are therefore cheaper to ship.
What makes the Anker and Ravpower so remarkable is that they are the first major brands to release GaN-based chargers. These are first-generation products so we can expect much power powerful GaN chargers in the future, at a much lower price. Anker and Ravpower are charging a premium for these smaller and lighter devices. As the technology becomes more widely available, expect prices to drop dramatically.
\n2019 should be the year where GaN chargers become commonplace. An optimized iPhone and a GaN charger could charge your device 6x faster than today, in a package the same size.
\nLike many of you, I travel a lot, and a battery backup is critical. Charging a traditional 9000 mAh battery can take 3-5 hours. I recently started testing the Apollo Pro from Elecjet which is a graphene-infused battery that is capable of fully charging in 20 minutes with a 60W USBC charger. Being able to charge your backup battery while you enjoy a coffee is incredibly freeing. Now imagine what will happen when smartphone manufacturers adopt faster charging graphene batteries paired with faster charging GaN chargers. It will be an unbeatable combo.
\nWe likely won’t see any major brands adopting these two techs for their 2019 models, but I am willing to bet you will see a bunch in 2020, probably starting with the Samsung Galaxy S11.
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/4c65c07487.jpg\")
\nEvery professional understands the power of a dual screen setup. The additional real estate enables a more fluid and productive work process.
\nI use a tone of platforms (mainframe & mini to Mac, Windows and Linux) and I find that ChromeOS handles multi-screen setups with ease and grace. Every time I have hooked an external display to a \"good\" Chromebook (something that costs $500 or more), it has worked flawlessly immediately without having to fiddle or fine tune.
\nI have successfully connected 2 external monitors to my Pixelbook at work using a Lenovo USB hub but this isn't something most people will have access to and therefore the 3 monitor option normally isn't used.
\nWe know the sultan of search, El Goog, is working on an elegant solution to solve this 2 external monitor issue using a technology called display daisy chaining. This is something that is known in the industry but not currently supported on ChromeOS. The idea is to connect one USBC monitor to your Chromebook and then connect the second USBC monitor to the first one (as long as the monitor supports it).
\nThis means you can connect (eventually) one cable to your device and everything just works. Technically this daisy chaining will be able to go beyond 2 external monitors to a larger number (as long as your device hardware can push the required number of pixels).
\nThis is a request we have regularly seen in the Chromium forums
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/0478a350e7.jpg" alt="">\n\n\n\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/02f7ddfb3a.jpg" alt="">\nHow do we know it is coming? We know it is coming because we can see a commit for Multi-Stream Transport Support or something called Hatch.
\nThe commit enables a chip to support the Multi-Stream flow and there is a good chance this won’t be enabled on existing older Chromebooks. We know that generically Multi-Stream required DisplayPort 1.2 and a handful of Chromebooks already have it so… There is hope for existing customers. We will just have to wait and see.
\nMany of you know I love my Pixelbook and may be wondering… “Does the Pixelbook support displayport?”
\nThe answer is that the Pixelbook does support Displayport. The USBC ports on the Pixelbook are of type 3.1 Gen1 and support PowerDelivery (PD), DisplayPort (DP) and HDMI.
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/90467aa403.jpg" alt="">\nWe don’t know which version of ChromeOS this will be enabled in yet. That’s all for this article dear readers. Stay tuned for more cool tech news as I find them.
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/6f22ac3eca.jpg\")
\nThis is not a sponsored post. I was not provided with a sample product and the links are NOT affiliate links.
\nUSB C is a thing of beauty. It means I can travel with one charging brick and charge all of my devices. It truly has been a liberating technology. The only additional accessory I truly need is a good USB C hub.
\nThis is the on question I receive regularly “What is the best USBC hub?” I am not going to pretend this is the “best” for everyone but this is the best one (HooToo USB C Hub, 6-in-1 Premium USB C Adapter with Type C Charging Port, 4K HDMI, Card Reader, 3 x USB 3.0 Ports for MacBook/Pro/Air（2018）, Chromebook, and More USB C Devices) I have found and this is the one I grab anytime I am leaving my house (even though I have over 20 available).
\nThis Hub gives me 3 Type-A USB 3.0 ports. This is useful when connecting traditional USB devices like USB keys, external hard drives, etc.
It has an HDMI port (I’ve used it with an HDMI monitor at 30 fps).
It has a USBC cable you plug into your laptop and another one to receive power. It supports up to 100 watts so you can charge any device.
It has a full speed SD and micro-SD Card port.
It seems most other USBC hubs I have tried miss important ports, have slow ports or support low wattage charging. The only additional port I would like added would be a gigabit Ethernet port but I can live without that.
\n\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/d66066c1e7.jpg\")
\nEveryone is trying to crack the automated news curation field using AI. First, there was Google News, then Apple News and Now Microsoft Hummingbird. Hummingbird is available in the US, and I was able to find the listing in Canada, but I am not allowed to download it. Reports suggest users in Germany, India are not able to download it either.
\nAPKMirror has the APK available if you want to install it. Click here.
\nOnce you sign in, you choose the categories you are interested in. Unlike Google news (however), you cannot select specific granular elements like sports teams, cities, etc.
\nThis is the first attempt and will require some improvements.
\nYou can download Microsoft Hummingbird from the Google Play store here.
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/9ce3bc03d3.jpg\")
\nBitcoin is a decentralized digital currency, without a central bank or single administrator, that can be sent from user to user on the peer-to-peer bitcoin network without the need for intermediaries. Transactions are verified by network nodes through cryptography and recorded in a public distributed ledger called a blockchain. Bitcoin was invented in 2008 by an unknown person or group of people using the name Satoshi Nakamoto, and started in 2009 when its source code was released as open-source software.
\nBitcoin is often called the first cryptocurrency, although prior systems existed. Bitcoin is more correctly described as the first decentralized digital currency. It is the largest of its kind in terms of total market value.
\nBitcoins are created as a reward for a process known as mining. They can be exchanged for other currencies, products, and services. As of February 2015, over 100,000 merchants and vendors accepted bitcoin as payment. Bitcoin can also be held as an investment. According to research produced by Cambridge University there were between 2.9 million and 5.8 million unique users using a cryptocurrency wallet, as of 2017, most of them using bitcoin.
\nProof of work is a system that is used to secure the Bitcoin network. Miners are rewarded with bitcoins for their work in verifying and committing transactions to the blockchain. Proof of work is also used to ensure that new blocks are added to the blockchain in chronological order and not randomly.
\nIn order for a new block to be added to the blockchain, miners must solve a complex mathematical problem. The difficulty of this problem varies depending on the total amount of computing power that is being used to mine Bitcoin. When more miners join the network, the problem's difficulty increases, and vice versa.
\nEnvironmental groups have a problem with proof of work because it requires a lot of energy to power the computers that are used for mining. In fact, according to one estimate, the amount of energy required to mine Bitcoin is more than the annual energy consumption of the country of Ireland.
\nThis has led to concerns that proof of work is not sustainable in the long term and that it could have a negative impact on the environment. However, there are some proposed solutions to this problem, such as using renewable energy to power the computers used for mining or using proof of stake instead of proof of work.
\nProof of stake is an alternative to proof of work that is used to secure the Ethereum network. Miners are not rewarded with bitcoins for their work but instead earn a share of the transaction fees that are collected by the network.
\nThis system is seen as more energy efficient than proof of work, as it does not require powerful computers to run the mining process. However, proof of stake is still in the early stages of development, and it is not yet clear if it will be able to scale to the same level as proof of work.
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/ce7a7b2d71.jpg\")
\nGoing public was considered the ultimate sign of success for any company in a capitalist market. It meant the company had succeeded and the founders and original investors could reap some of the benefits. Public stock also allows companies to raise money, use stocks as a means to acquire and much more.
\nWould it surprise you to learn that the number of publicly listed American (USA) companies has declined dramatically?
\nWe are currently sitting at about half the number of public companies, compared to the 80s and 90s. More are taken off the market through mergers and acquisitions. In 1996, 9080 companies were listed in the USA. In 2017, that number fell to 4336 (an almost 50% drop).
\nWe are seeing more and more companies stay private longer. Why is this? Many, like the US Chamber of Commerce, believe overly burdensome regulations like Sarbanes Oxley are encouraging companies to stay private. Going public means spending millions on compliance and executives running the risk of jail time.
\nThe numbers show that the decline started around 1997-1998, Sarbanes Oxley was enacted iJuly 30 2002. So SOX could be partly to blame for an acceleration in the rate of decline but it cannot be the sole culprit. The other half of the decline could be attributed to the end of an era of irrational exuberance (where hundreds of unprofitable companies couldn’t find continued funding and folded).
\nWhile the number of publicly listed companies fell sharply, the value of those that remained listed grew dramatically.
\nIn 1996, the market capitalization of listed US domestic companies totaled 8.48 trillion dollars. In 2017, it hit 32.121 trillion dollars (all the while the number of companies listed dropped ~50%).
Many market purists now complain that this illustrates an unhealthy concentration of market power in the hands of fewer and fewer companies. Perhaps there is some truth to these concerns but on the other hand, many of the winning companies did so through technological innovation and global expansion.
Does this concentration mean newcomers are starving for funding? The answer is a resounding no. Look at the company everyone loves to hate, Uber. According to Crunchbase, Uber has raised 24.2B$ through 21 rounds of funding. The same can be said for dozens of other companies.
\n\n “Innovative startups are still able to secure critical funding to build, grow and expand.”\n\n
Aren’t public companies more transparent? The belief is that private companies are more opaque because there are less disclosure requirements and in most cases the company is managed by a small number of investors. Although government regulations like SOX impose a higher burden on public companies to be transparent, the truth is that a select group of large investors hold the majority of the shares for most companies (think hedge funds, pension funds, etc). So if we agree that public and private companies can be controlled by a select group of large investors, then the only difference is forced transparency through government regulation.
\nIn addition to being VP Information Security for a large tech company, I am also responsible for many of the company’s compliance activities. Would I love the compliance burden to lighten? Of course, but the truth is that these compliance requirements instill a certain level of trust in the market. It is this forced transparency that makes the Western Markets so attractive to investors. Additionally we saw that the US attempt to lighten the regulatory burden on early-stage companies, through the 2012 jobs act. The JOBS act was designed to encourage smaller companies to go public. The argument was that these organizations were delaying going public because of overly-burdensome government regulations. The JOBS act dramatically reduced this burden hoping to spur a mad dash to IPO-heaven for companies under 1B$ in annual revenue. 12 months after go live, the number of companies that IPOed were just 63 which was down 20% from the previous year. It didn’t really help companies improve their performance and it didn’t spur a mad dash to the public markets as anticipated.
\n\n “None of the available data shows that a reduction in government regulation or control would lead to a statistically significant increase in the number of IPOs”\n\n
The moral of the story is that the USA is still a world leader in free markets and has the most valuable public companies of any country. Part of this success is due to the perceived transparency USA government regulation creates and hurting this in any way could undermine US public market leadership.
US pubic companies are raising more money than ever before, US public companies are larger than ever before. Foreign companies looking for cross-border listings are overwhelmingly choosing US markets.
\n\n “The US remains the most attractive public equity market in the world.”\n\n
Although there are fewer IPO companies today (compared to 20 years ago), modern companies are more stable, are raising more money and are considerably more sustainable.
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/975fafb074.jpg\")
\nOver the last 18 months, I have seen more and more sites prompting me to \"Add to Home Screen\" from websites I have been browsing. Then you add this site, it installs itself in the background and is now accessible like a native app from your smartphone.
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/0b9df6b222.jpg" alt="">\nWhat I have just described is the wondrous workings of a fairly new technology called Progressive Web Apps. This technology (called PWA) works even when you are offline and behaves like a \"normal\" smartphone app.
\nPWAs were created by Alex Russell and Frances Berriman. The technology driving Progressive Web Apps isn’t new. What was required was a new recipe to make Progressive Web Apps behave like native apps. This means that a progressive web app will work (as long as the platform supports it) on an iphone or Androis smartphone, a chromebook or ipad, on Windows or Mac.
\nTrue cross platform applications without needed to join an app store with super restrictive controls (I’m looking at you Apple).
\nLike many of you, I live in a world with abundantly fast internet. This simply isn’t the reality everywhere. Even in my own backyard of Ontario (Canada), there are communities where internet is delivered via very slow ADSL,
\nPWAs, once installed, cache the content locally which means they will respond quickly even for those on slow internet connections.
\nStatistics show that users still prefer native apps to web pages. There are a tone of reasons for this from convenience (single click from your home screen), ability to get push notifications, etc. The web simply doesn’t offer the same bells and whistles.
\nPWAs offer most (if not all) native functions. They startup with a single click from the home screen and can hook into most native features. PWAs can even offer notifications (like a native app) and therefore remind the user to open and engage with the app.
\nThis is not a technical instructional article but you need 4 elements to build a Progressive Web App:
\n [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1913"]<img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/47a8cf0978.jpg" alt=" Google Firebase Web App Manifest Generator "> Google Firebase Web App Manifest Generator [/caption] \nWeb App Manifest - It is a JSON file with meta data about the web app, It contains information such as the icon, background color, app name, etc.
Service Workers - Even driven agents that work in the background. They perform tasks like updating the web app or its content.
Icon - You need an icon to represent the Progressive Web App on the home screen
HTTPS - The app and its content must be securely delivered over a TLS session.
You will find new PWAs every day but here are a couple of cool ones to get you started:
\nWebFlap - A Flappy bird game clone
AliExpress - Everyone’s favorite China cheap item import site
Financial Times - A respected global newspaper
QR Code Scanner - A PWA that scans barcodes
SnapDrop - A PWA that enables you to transfer files from one device to another
Notes - A super simple note taking app
Currency Calc - An easy to use currency conversion tool
![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/5bd74a12e8.jpg\")
\nWindows is the most popular operating system in the world and Google will naturally target it, in an attempt to win new customers for its upmarket Pixelbook offering.
\n
Find more statistics at Statista
January 2019, according to Statistica:
\nWindows market share 75.47%
MacOS market share 12.33%
Linux market share 1.61%
ChromeOS market share 1.17%
Google released a one-minute promo video entitles “If you want a laptop you can count on. You Chromebook. “ .
\nTruth be told the latest version of Windows 10 has been incredibly stable but this ad will be fun to watch for any Windows user annoyed with constant forced patches, badly designed progress bars and the infamous Blue Screen of Death.
\nThis is an exaggeration of issues users experience but does highlight the main reason why many security professionals have moved to Chromebooks. Patching is almost seamless, the device is normally very stable (except v 72.x has introduced some bugs Google does need to fix) and security is on by default.
\nCurrent belief is that on a Chromebook, you have no regular maintenance, no need for an antivirus, no big bang updates that take 30-45 minutes to complete, etc.
\nLet’s just say Google got even with Microsoft for running the Scrooggled campaign years ago.
![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/8f81691fea.jpg\")
\nI first wrote about Google One in May 2018, when it was still shrouded in secrecy. The new storage program with improved storage capacities was an invitation-only program until today (for US residents anyway).
\nPer the original (Google Drive) model, storage is shared across all of the Google properties you use (GMAIL, Photos stored in full resolution, Drive, etc.)
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/ca37b58a4a.jpg" alt="">\nIf you use the Google Family sharing program (not available to Google Apps accounts, unfortunately), you can share your Google One storage with up to 5 family members. In addition to storage, Google is offering Google Play credit to Google One subscribers and promises to add even more benefits (24x7 support is now also included).
\nMany still see the Google One page as invitation only but expect this to change shortly. Rolling this new program out to its millions of customers is likely being undertaken in stages.
\nAs a Canadian, I anxiously await any indication about when it will open for us.
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/e01b727b26.jpg\")
\nUS President Donald Trump has signed the Defense Authorization Act into law. Section 889 ( PROHIBITION ON CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT) bans use by government agencies and contractors of Huawei or ZTE technologies.
\nThe language of the act is ambiguous and doesn't clearly list what technology is or isn't covered by the prohibition.
\n\n “procure or obtain or extend or renew a contract to procure or obtain any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system”\n\n
ZTE and Huawei should not be used to access government systems that display personal data, therefore it is safe to assume that most agencies and contractors will purge their networks of systems designed or that use these technologies.
\nI have not yet seen an official response from either of the tech complanies.
\nStay tuned.
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/db8c693e8a.jpg\")
\nAmazon Prime Day is here and expect millions of customers to go crazy buying things they don't need. At least those unneeded items are deeply discounted, right? Maybe! Thousands of items will be sold at their lowest price ever, but that isn't the case for everything.
\nThe internet is here to save the day again. A free online tool called CamelCamelCamel will show you the truth.
\nYou paste an Amazon link into the search bar at CamelCamelCamel and it will show you the item's price over time.
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/e6c19d5b6d.jpg" alt="">\nYou copy the Amazon URL into the CamelCamelCamel search bar
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/e5b47c2b29.jpg" alt="">\nThen you scroll midway down the results page and notice that the current promo is actually a good deal.
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/3941da7548.jpg" alt="">\nCamelCamelCamel covers Amazon sites for Canada, USA, Australia, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain and the United Kingdom.
\nDo you want an example of a not so good deal? Here is one for you:
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/94b2356b58.jpg" alt="">\nLooks like a good lightning deal...
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/f96ff7a911.jpg" alt="">\nCamelCamelCamel says this item was sold December 2017 for $53.82, a full $6.48 cheaper. This means that if you don't need this item right away, you may want to wait a bit or find an alternative that may actually be a deal.
\nI'll sweeten the pot with one more tip for Amazon Prime Day (PrimeDay) and this one is related to the product reviews. You will notice that those Bluedio headphones seem to have a good user review rating of 4/5 stars (with 273 customer reviews). Can you trust those reviews?
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/24290a9d3a.jpg" alt="">\nEnter Fakespot! Like CamelCamelCamel you copy the Amazon product URL into the Fakespot search bar and you are presented with a review reliability score
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/466362e742.jpg" alt="">\nFakespot isn't perfect but it is a great way to quickly determine how much trust you should put in the user reviews. Notice above the analysis is old. if you see that button, press the ReAnalyze button and wait until you get a new rating.
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/8fc9303a92.jpg" alt="">\nWhen I tested Fakespot with these on-special headphones, the user review rating improved from an F to a D.
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/d45a329a80.jpg" alt="">\nThe moral of the story is that you will probably find hundreds of great deals worth the asking price but make sure to perform your own due diligence using CamelCamelCamel and Fakespot.
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/a7d261354a.jpg\")
\nGoogle Chrome has always been a resource hog, but you may have noticed it's been consuming just a little bit more RAM lately (on your desktop).
\nThis new more demanding Chrome is because of the Google's Spectre mitigation efforts.
The Google Chrome security team has enabled site isolation as a default (in Chrome v67 for desktops). Justin Schuh, head of Google Chrome Security, explained that site isolation separates each website process thereby preventing a malicious tab from stealing data from another.
\n “When Site Isolation is enabled, each renderer process contains documents from at most one site. This means all navigations to cross-site documents cause a tab to switch processes. It also means all cross-site iframes are put into a different process than their parent frame, using “out-of-process iframes.” ”\n\n
\n\n\nTechnical highlights: The current version defends only against data leakage attacks (e.g. Spectre), but work is underway to protect against attacks from compromised renderers. We also haven't shipped to Android yet, as we're still working on resource consumption issues.
— Justin Schuh 😑 (@justinschuh) July 11, 2018\n
Don't expect to see this update on the Android version anytime soon, the resource consumption requirements are too high (for now).
\nChrome is obviously my browser of choice but I have been concerned at the amount of resources it requires and this move (although right from a security perspective) further pushes Chrome in the wrong direction.
\nAdditional reading:
\n\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/63eb93bf83.jpg\")
\nFreedom Mobile's phone protection plan is removing coverage for lost or stolen phones. In exchange, they are reducing the monthly fee by $1 (down to $9). This change was first noticed on Reddit by user Alphalee and you can read messages from upset customers (obviously).
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/b8bf42c609.jpg" alt="">\nThis change will come into effect on August 2nd, 2018. Repair service is now listed at $99 (was unlimited in the past). It looks like this is an attempt to limit fraud and reduce insurance costs for Freedom Mobile. Their coverage seems to be underwritten by Asurion (same provider used by Telus, Bell, Virgin Mobile and Koodo.
\nThe existing Mobile Freedom coverage still protect's devices from accidental damage (such as a broken screen or liquid damage).
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/3898e2edf5.jpg\")
\nAs a citizen of the digital world, you probably transfer large files daily. Sure you could use Google Drive, Dropbox or OpenText Core but Mozilla believes there is a better way (Mozilla Send). Mozilla Send is a web experiment that allows you to easily transfer large files up to 1GB in size.
\nMozilla Send can be used with any modern browser.
\n1 - Go to https://send.firefox.com/
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/65fea92c0f.jpg" alt="">\n2 - Upload a file
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/5fefc529d1.jpg" alt="">\n3 - Decide how many downloads you want to allow in a 24-hour window. Determine if you want to enable a download password.
\n4 - send the link to the recipient of the file.
\nMozilla send uses AES-128 (AES-GCM algorithm) to encrypt and authenticate the file. Encryption is performed on the client before the file is uploaded to the Mozilla Send servers. Mozilla Send also uses the Web Cryptography API. This Web Cryptography API is the magic that performs hashing, signature verification, encryption, etc). All the security is performed without requiring any user intervention.
\nIt is important to highlight the fact that anyone that intercepts the URL can download the file. The encryption key is appended to the URL.
\nSample URL : https://send.firefox.com/download/2f3eea2e0f/#6kUB9cj4gXgTZWgDXrPEZQ
\n\n
Important security notes:
\nMozilla send is a Web Experiment and Mozilla is gathering usage statistics to determine if this is something they want to keep as a permanent offering. Right now it is a great example of solid design and engineering.
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/447bee178d.jpg\")
\nAs a security technologist, the security philosophy of the OEM is a crucial determinant of my decision to buy or recommend a device. This is where Apple shines with it's iPhone update strategy. Every single iPhone receives updates (security and version) at the same time.
\nThis is why I highly recommend Google's Pixel devices. The Pixel line offers the same regular and speedy update schedule. The other Android manufacturer that has shown it cares about upgrades is OnePlus. Until this week, it did a great job delivering updates quickly, but it didn't formally commit to a software upgrade schedule.
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/a535424613.jpg" alt="">\nAll of that changes this week when OnePlus unveiled its new operating system (Android) maintenance schedule. It has copied the Google Pixel model and will deliver major upgrades for two years and security updates for three years.
\n\n “As per the maintenance schedule, there will be 2 years of regular software updates from the release date of the phone (release dates of T variants would be considered), including new features, Android versions, Android security patches and bug fixes and an additional year of Android security patch updates every 2 months.”\n\n
OnePlus has always offered solid well-designed devices at competitive prices. This new software maintenance schedule commitment makes their offering that much more compelling.
\nI can no longer recommend devices from manufacturers that do not regularly deliver security and version upgrades. This is why I only recommend Android devices from Google, Blackberry Mobile and OnePlus.
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/642310478e.jpg\")
\nPew Research publishes interesting surveys, and they recently shared results about what teens use most. Contrary to public opinion, Snapchat is still king with teens, followed by Youtube. Facebook usage amongst teens is down 71% compared to the 2014-2015 Pew report.
\nGirls are more likely to be \"almost constantly\" online (50%) compared to boys (39%).
\n [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="446"]<img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/38657987b6.jpg" alt=" Provided by Pew Research "> Provided by Pew Research [/caption] \nInstagram is still going strong and 72% of teens now use it (up from 52% in 2015). 70% of teens use Snapchat (up from 41% in 2015).
\nMost platforms have an equal amount of creation and consumption except Youtube, where the most significant proportion is consumption.
\nYou will notice that Snapchat and Instagram have higher usage than Facebook. Interestingly you will note:
\n31% of teens believe social media has a positive impact on their lives while 24% think it has a negative one. 45% believe it has a neutral effect on their lives.
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/86762442da.jpg\")
\nYou should take the time to read my article about why I am switching from an iPhone to an Android device. A summary of the situation is that I have had every iPhone since the very first one ten years ago and the spark isn't there anymore. I have been dual carrying Android phones for the last 5 years but my main personal daily driver has been an iPhone.
\nLooking at messages from readers, many of you are in the same boat and I will be reviewing a handful of phones for switchers with the requirements of an iPhone users looking to geek out.
\nThe first phone I am reviewing is the Samsung Note 8 64GB North American edition. I mention this because my readers are global and you can find other derivatives (128/256GB storage, dual SIM, etc).
\nLast year I thought the Note 7 was the best Android phone I had ever used until it wasn't, because of the exploding battery issue. Until the recall, the Note 7 was in a league all on its own, even compared to the Galaxy S7. This year, not so much. The Gap between the Note 8 and the Galaxy S8 Plus has srunk dramatically.
\nThe closest competitor to the Samsung Note 8 is the Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus. The younger sibling has almost all of the features of its big brother except :
\nFor all of these upgrades, you will have to fork over an extra $124 (USA retail based on the unlocked versions).
\nThe Samsung Galaxy S8 and Note 8 are both rated IP67 which means they are water and dust resistant (compared to the iPhone and Pixel 2 XL's IP 67).
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/f94c8a7a04.jpg" alt="">\nAsk any note fan and the first thing they will show you is the Note 8's ability to take notes using the SPen even when the screen is asleep. Then they will open a drawing app and show you how you can use the SPen to draw with pressure sensitive brushes.
\nMost iPhone users look at this and call this cute and they dismiss the pen as nothing more than a parlour trick.
\nThe truth is that writing on a device this size with a small pen just isn't comfortable to do for long periods of time. This isn't something you will likely do daily and this won't replace your notebook but... the SPen is useful for specific in-field tasks.
\nFor my day job, I sign letters (PDF) once in a while and being able to do this without having to print and scan is incredibly valuable. The SPen is also a much more precise mechanism to highlight text (compared to my chunky man-fingers).
\n [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1440"]<img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/3c9f8eae5f.jpg" alt=" SPen works perfectly with Google Keep "> SPen works perfectly with Google Keep [/caption] \nI found myself using the SPen to click on tiny touch-targets on web pages, to annotate screenshots or crop with more accuracy and to resize app windows when using 2 apps simultaneously.
\nRegardless of all the negative comments made by SPen haters, the SPen is truly an indispensable feature of the Note 8. It is the defining feature of the Note 8. It is what makes the Note a Note and I now understand why.
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/83ac3a11fb.jpg" alt="">\nThe Samsung Note 8 (like the iPhone 8 or the iPhone X) has a \"standard\" camera and a 2x telephoto lens (both 12 MP). The usefulness of the telephoto will depend on what type of pictures you take but most buyers should find this useful.
\nYes, the telephoto camera is optically stabilized and the stabilization works well. In my testing, it worked as well as its main competitors. The only phone with better stabilization is the Pixel 2 with its Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS).
\nWhat about portrait mode you ask? It can create a fake depth of field effect that is adjustable post snap (aka you can change how much the background is blurred after the fact). Like the iPhoneX, this feature is driven by software and the performance is hit or miss. To be honest, this works as well as on an iPhone X but not as well as on a Pixel 2. The success of this feature will depend on appropriate lighting, the background and foreground, etc.
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/b8ec2c794f.jpg" alt="">\n\n\n\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/ccc98b69c0.jpg" alt="">\nSamsung calls it primary camera a wide angle but it only has a 77-degree field of view which wouldn't really make it a wide angle. For comparison, the LG V30's primary camera has a 71-degree field of view, while it's wide angle has a 120-degree field of view.
\nMost iPhone users expect a point and shoot camera that gives \"good enough\" pictures most of the time in automatic mode. The Samsung Note 8 will meet and exceed your expectations. The Note 8 camera will allow you to take pictures from sunrise to sunset, whether it is sunny or raining (since it is water resistant).
\n\n “The Samsung Note 8 camera won’t let you down. It is a beautiful combination of speed, reliability and performance. ”\n\n
The camera is good but not as good as the Pixel 2.
\nDie-hard Note fans love the line-up because the Note always pushed the technology boundaries. It meant Note users always had the best, biggest and flashiest toys to play with. This has always included the battery.
\nWe all remember the issues with the Note 7 battery and looks like Samsung has taken the safe route by using a 3300 mAh battery in the Samsung Note 8.
\nI have spoken to a dozen Note fan readers and every single one of them complained that the Note 8 felt like Samsung was \"playing it safe\" and this isn't why they became Note fans. Remember that the cheaper Samsung Galaxy 8 comes with a 3500mAh battery.
\nSamsung's official position is that the smaller battery was required because of a lack of space (due to the dual camera system and the SPen slot).
\nTo help alleviate the pain of a smaller battery, Samsung has efficient hardware and purpose-built software to help conserve power (where possible). In my 2 weeks of testing, the phone got through average days just fine but died when I was travelling (spotty reception and more media consumption). Either the battery should have been slightly bigger or their battery conservation model should have been more aggressive.
\nIf you need to juice up, you can use the built-in QuickCharge 2 or wireless charging now found in most coffee shops. Again I felt like the fast charging was good but not great. The Huawei Mate 10 Pro, Pixel 2 XL and OnePlus 5 all out-charge the Note 8. Why didn't Samsung go with QuickCharge 3? On a positive note, if you own a USBC PD charger (like the one that comes with the Pixel 2 or the Pixelbook), you will be able to fast charge the Note 8. This was a wonderful surprise.
\nSamsung does offer fast wireless charging but it costs $125CAD which seems a bit too rich for me, considering you have to buy a couple to make it really work (bedroom, office, kitchen, etc).
\nThe fingerprint scanner is located in the back next to the camera. This is a horrible location because:
\nThe alternative is to use the \"as secure\" Iris scanner. The Iris scanner is wonderful when it works, but frustrating when it doesn't (e.g. outdoors under bright sunlight).
\nNothing more to say here.
\nThe display on the Note 8 is a thing of beauty and easily the best display on any smartphone (iPhoneX included). Its 6.3-inch display is bright, clean, clear and easy on the eyes. The Samsung Infinity Display stretches from one edge of the phone to the other.
\nWith all the Pixel 2 XL screen issues, it is refreshing to see Samsung release AMOLED screens that are so beautiful. Videos look crisp. Pictures look amazing. Web pages are easy to read.
\nThe screen is everything you expect from the leader in screen manufacturing. The screen is bright, punchy and the size means you are drawn to whatever content you are consuming.
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/0f618b247c.jpg" alt="">\nMy house is notoriously bad for cell phone reception and compared to other Android devices, the Note performed extremely well. checking cell phone signal strengh, the Note 8 consistently had a stronger signal and calls worked everytime.
\nCall sound quality was excellent. The little dinky speaker did the best it could do but I wouldn't use this for multi-person conference calls using it as speakerphone. The phone supports the latest bluetooth 5 wireless technology so you can always pickup a fancy pair of wireless headphones or use wired headphones with its built in 3.5mm headphone jack. But bluetooth 5 isn't turned on yet. We expect this switch to happen with Android 8 (Oreo).
\nI hate Bixby.I hate Bixby. I hate Bixby. I hate Bixby with a passion. I never wanted to use it but did press on the dedicated Bixby button a couple of times by mistake. With the latest updates Samsung will allow you to turn off the button but I would like to remap it for Google Assistant and I can't.
\nI went into this review not knowing what to expect. Would this be a suitable replacement for a user switching from an iPhone to Android? Is this device worth the $1,000 price?
\nThe Note 8 doesn't feel like a device built for geeks pushing the technology envelope. It just doesn't. The rowdy teenager has now grown up into a mature adult and more people want to be it's friend now. By becoming more mainstream, the target audience for the Note has grown significantly. In the last 2 weeks, I met grandmothers and other \"normal\" people that love their Note devices. Normies now love the Note because it is less jarring.
\nIf you don't need the extra 2GB of RAM, the telephoto camera and the pen, the S8 Plus is a fantastic buy. But don't be too quick to dismiss the Note 8. Yes it isn't as special as it once was but it is a wonderful device.
\nMy one major issue is the software. Android 8 (Oreo) has been out for 6+ months now, other smaller Android makers have already released their phone updates to it, but Samsung hasn't given us a release date yet. How can their 2017 flagship phone still not have Oreo? Additionally their custom launcher has dramatically improved but I still want the option to have a \"stock\" Pixel like launcher (similar to what Motorola does). These two issues may be what makes me switch back to a Google device next time.
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/82b3ec4d5c.jpg\")
\nBell is now offering to unlock all carrier locked devices, even second had devices for users that have never been Bell customers.
\nPrior to this policy, Bell Mobility only unlocked devices for current and former customers in good standing (you had to be the original buyer of the phone).
\nTelus and Rogers already have similar policies (unlocking all devices even second hand for non-customers).
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/02ab94e8b2.jpg\")
\nThere are dozens of sites and services that promise to test your internet speed. The most popular are:
\nNow you can also add Google to the list.
\n1 - Go to the Google Search Page (on a PC or Android device)
\n2 - Enter Speed Test
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/0f77a668bd.jpg" alt="">\n3 - Choose the Run Speed Test option and ignore the search results
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/d264129f3d.jpg" alt="">\n4 - Wait until Google delivers your speed test results
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/34095901c2.jpg" alt="">\nAndroid Smartphones - This tool also works on Android devices. Just search for Speed Test on the Google search bar on your launcher and it will perform the same test and return results with a similar look & feel.
\n![](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/5b8ead3503.jpg\")
\n ![](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/4967684029.jpg\")
\n ![](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/e55bd249ac.jpg\")
\nSome public WIFI hotspots seem to block it while allowing other services to run. Not sure why.
\nI tried the search on the Google Canada French site using both \"Speed Test\" and \"test de vitesse\" and I was not given the speed test web applet. Looks like this may be reserved for english language searches only for now.
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/784decbe79.jpg" alt="">\n\n
Nothing special or different here but this could be one more feature in your cap. I do like the fact that Google interprets the results and explains (in plain English) what kind of video streaming performance you should be able to expect from your connection.
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/69fe69574e.jpg\")
\nThe Sultan of Search, Google, announced in June that it would introduce ad blocking tech in an upcoming version of the Google Chrome browser (and Chromebook).
\nWe can now confirm that this feature will make it into our browser on February 15 (2018). Chrome 64 will be delivered on January 23 and Chrome 65 on March 6. Either this feature will be part of Chrome 64 and turned on with a remote trigger, or it will be a server-side function. We will have to wait and see how Google implements this feature.
\nGoogle will deliver this functionality simultaneously to desktop and mobile clients.
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/58210aff9d.jpg" alt="">\nTo be clear, the blocked will only prevent ads that don't meet the standards set by the Coalition for Better Ads.
\nA single violation won't move a site into the blocked list. There are thresholds Google will be looking for and a site can come off the \"bad\" list if it removes the offending ads.
\nGoogle probably realized that these ads are forcing users to install aggressive ad blocking add-ons which are having an impact on its revenue.
Link: Google blog post
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/bb5f87bb1a.jpg\")
\n
Tech titans Google and Amazon chose Christmas 2017 to battle it out for your love and money. These smart speakers are designed to quickly provide access to each company's ecosystem and make your life easier. At least that is the promise.
I am heavily invested in the Google ecosystem and have been for over ten years. In addition to using their free services, I pay for Google Music, storage, have an android phone (so I buy apps), etc.
\nI signed up for the free Google Apps service in 2007 (predecessor to GSuite) when each domain was given 100 free user accounts. This was a great way to provide essential internet services to my family for my kiledjian.com domain (emails, calendar, etc.)
\nThese devices can answer questions about science, history and everything in between. Most buyers use these smart speakers as intelligent modern voice-controlled boomboxes.
\nI have owned a Google home almost from its original release date and picked up a Google home mini for my bedroom.
\nIn addition to making money from the sale of these devices, companies like Amazon and Google hope to lock users into the ecosystem. Except...
\nThe Google Home and Google's account issues forced me to move from Google Music to Spotify.
\nWith an individual music subscription, I can only stream to a single device at a time. I can't listen to music on my smartphone in the gym while my kids listen to music at home.
\nI tried to upgrade to a family account, only to be told by a support agent that GSuite accounts are not eligible. So if I wanted to enable on-demand commercial-free music on my multiple devices, I needed to move to Spotify, which I begrudgingly did.
\nThere have always been irritants when using Gsuite (Google Apps) accounts with some Google services. Until now, all of my issues have been irritants for me, but have not affected Google, which may be why they have never solved this issue.
\nThis is a situation where their complacency has cost them subscription dollars (steady recurring income). I know that only a small minority of Google's millions of users are affected by this issue, but I receive a constant flow of complaints from my readers about it.
\nThis is the issue when dealing with giant faceless internet companies like Google. No matter how annoying some of their actions may be, there is nothing you can do as a customer. Your only option is to pick up and spend your money elsewhere.
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/11669b8cf5.jpg\")
\nDo I need a dual-sim phone? The answer is probably not. Most people sign a carrier contract and live with that service for two years.
\n
There is a small niche group that could benefit from a dual-SIM phone, and this is an article for them. Who are these mythical \"special\" people:
Not all dual SIM phones are created equal.
\nPassive dual-SIM phones can only use one of the SIM cards at a time which means the user can switch between SIMs using software or a physical switch.
\nStandby dual sim phones (often with the MediaTek chipset) use both SIMs using time multiplexing. Anytime you start using one of the sims (to make a call, send a message or use data), the other SIM is ignored. If someone calls the second sim when the first one is \"active\", the caller would receive a busy signal.
\nActive dual-sim phones are capable of using both sims simultaneously and typically have to IMEIs since the phones come equipped with two radios.
\nBecause things weren't complicated enough, there is also the concept of unequal connectors. Some phones will be passive or active dual sim but may only be able to support full speed 4G on the primary SIM while slowing down to 3G/2G for the second sim.
\nSome buys mistakenly assume you can leverage both SIMs simultaneously for doubly fast data connectivity. This simply isn't the case. Dual sim capable phones do not perform network bonding to allow dual network stream aggregation.
\nWhen I upgraded my daily drive smartphone, I switched from an iPhone 6s Plus to a Note 8 dual sim. When not travelling, the second slot hosts my SD card, but when I travel, I will load my KnowRoaming SIM.
\nI know several account executives that use dual sim phones (one with their personal sim and the other with their work one). This means they can carry one device yet send/receive messages from either. Even in Canada, I know people that use dual sim phones with low-cost fringe providers. They use these providers when in their home zone for cheap service but switch to a pay as you go national carrier when outside of their \"home\" coverage area.
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/869b0bc643.jpg" alt="">\nWith carriers that support VoLTE (Voice over LTE) or VoWIFI (Voice over WIFI), this functionality is typically only supported on the primary SIM slot. Don't expect both to support VoLTE and VoWIFI.
\nMost North American phone models do not come in dual sim versions. The most common way to buy a dual sim phone is either from an importer or you have to import one from a region that sells these devices.
\nMy 128GB dual sim Note 8 was imported from Hong Kong by a Montreal based smartphone importer called PDA Plaza (this is not an ad and is not a sponsored post). I was able to buy my dual sim phone cheaper than what I would have paid locally from Samsung, Bestbuy or my carrier.
\nThere are many options to choose from including Samsung, LG, Asus, OnePlus, etc. Just make sure you check the specifications and ensure the device supports the dual sim model you are looking for.
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/212c7737d9.jpg" alt="">\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/4cf175e77a.jpg" alt="">\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/794c8c353a.jpg" alt="">\n![](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/bdf8b47f44.jpg\")
\n",
"date_published": "2017-12-09T10:05:00-04:00",
"url": "https://kiledjian.com/2017/12/09/do-you-need-a-dualsim.html",
"tags": ["Technology \u0026 Business"]
},
{
"id": "http://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/2017/12/08/amazon-music-unlimited-expands-to.html",
"title": "Amazon Music Unlimited expands to 28 more countries. So what?",
"content_html": "![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/fb5477f727.jpg\")
\nAmazon Music Unlimited is (in my opinion) just another streaming music service, but since it's Amazon, it's worth mentioning.
\nIt is expanding to 28 additional countries, so the world a little more inclusive today. Similar to another (nameless) streaming service, Amazon Music Unlimited stresses the fact that its playlists are \"human curated\".
\nThe requisite PR created launch statement can be found here.
\n\n “Customers can choose from content hand-curated by Amazon Music experts, build their own playlists, or find new favorites through Amazon’s personalized recommendations either on the Amazon Music app or Web Player.”\n\n
The new countries being shown some love by Amazon are:
\nI live in Canada, and the Echo product line just launched here. Chances are the country you are in (if not the US) either doesn't have or just received the Amazon Echo line of products. For those of us not yet invested in the Amazon voice assistant product line, there is little to get excited here.
\nNot very exciting for most of you but news worthy since its Amazon.
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/331f103516.jpg\")
\nChrome Remote Desktop has been around for years and has always been a free and reliable alternative to products like TeamViewer, GoToMyPC, and many more.
\nNot only was (and is) it a free service but even the most non-technical user could get it setup and running in a matter of minutes: download the Chrome extension, install a mini app, set up a local password and voila.
\nI will write about Progressive Web Apps in a future article but I am in love with them. PWAs are magical web \"apps\" that work online, offline and on all device types.
\nGoogle has redesigned its Remote Desktop access site (which had not been updated in years) to act like a PWA ( https://remotedesktop.google.com )
\nUsing this website, you can now access a Google Remote Desktop simply and efficiently using any mobile browser. This new approach no longer requires extensions (to access remote desktops).
\nA new feature is the ability to connect to a Chromebook remotely. This only makes sense when using it for remote support.
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/1786a8cdb5.jpg" alt="">\nTo request support, you visit the site, install the mini app and click on Request Support. Your support person visits the site, uses the code and within seconds is helping you solve your issue.
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/8067fefb08.jpg" alt="">\nOfficial information from Google is scarce, and there aren't any support write-ups about this new refreshed version. Obviously, this was updated to support their effort to kill all Chrome apps. Consider this service beta and expect it to have a few hiccups, but it is a wonderfully promising start.
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/e5ac801097.jpg\")
\nGoogle apps have hundreds of features (some from Google, some from third parties) most users don't know about. In this short article, I want to share four tips that will make your life writing in Google apps easier (useful for students and professionals alike).
\nOver the years, I have spent hundreds of dollars on voice typing apps for Mac and Windows (most going to the Dragon Naturally speaking product line from Nuance software).
For 85% of users, these expensive & complicated products are overkill, and Google makes it's excellent voice recognition engine available for free to all Google Docs users.
Just click on tools and select Voice Typing.
<img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/8ea375fd92.jpg" alt="">\nGrammarly is a free (has a paid upgrade) service that helps improve the quality of your writing by :
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/a8f4b07ea6.jpg" alt="">\nIn its simplest (free) form, Grammarly is a Chrome plug-in that works seamlessly with most web services (including Google Docs), and their correction engine is much more robust than simple word misspelling detection.
You can upgrade to their premium service which costs ($11.66 a month when paid annually). In addition to all the features included in the free version, the premium service adds:
Most users will be perfectly fine with the free version so check it out.
\nThe free Hemingway App allows you to paste content into its online editor and assigns a readability score. It uses colour highlighting to identify hard to read sentences. It provides tips on how to simplify the text, use of passive voice, etc.
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/b47e071d6a.jpg" alt="">\nThere is a $19.99 premium version that operates as a standalone app (Windows and Mac only) but the web version works fine and is accessible anywhere you have a web browser.
\nThose that have been following me for a while know I love Chromebooks. Chromebooks aren't perfect and won't meet everyone's requirements. Chromebooks do provide a stable, safe and reliable platform when using web-based services.
\n
Everything mentioned in this article is based on the web or is a chrome extension. These tips will work flawlessly on Chromebooks (whether a $200 Lenovo or a $999 Pixelbook).
![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/1a369751f7.jpg\")
\nIf you buy Google new premium Chromebook, the Pixelbook, you now receive a free Google Home. This promo is live now and runs until December 31, 2017, and is open to Canadian customers.
\nTo receive your free Google Home, all you have to do is add it to your shopping cart with the Pixelbook, and the price will be $0.
\nOffer is available while supplies last (shouldn't be a problem) and remember that the Pixelbook is not available in Quebec (probably since they don't offer french keyboard, box and manuals.
\n\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/3d403cca59.jpg\")
\nThere are hundreds of reviews on the internet explaining the specifications and showing performance tests. I won't rehash any of that information. Instead, I will provide my personal opinion on the phone. My opinion is based on a short usage window thanks to a friend that lent me the device.
\nThis will be a short, easy to read review that can help you make a purchasing decision (if you are on the fence).
\nThe OnePlus 5T moved to an 18:9 (tall and narrow display). I like this format of a screen. It gives you a tone of real estate when browsing the web yet remains easy to hold. Many have complained that it is \"only\" a 1080p panel but to be honest, that isn't an issue (as long as you are not using it for Virtual Reality). In most cases, at arms length, the display is clean, rendering is sharp and the colours pop.
\nBy using a 1080p (instead of QuadHD like the Samsung Galaxy Note8/S8, LG V30, Pixel2 XL), this screen is very battery efficient.
\nAdditionally, the viewing angles are excellent and there is no tinting or colour shifting when looking at it from an angle.
\nFor those new to the OnePlus game, I also want to note that the OnePlus 5T ships with a screen protector already applied.
\nRemember that this is an iterative change (going from the OnePlus 5 to the OnePlus 5T). The design isn't revolutionary even when compared to the iPhone 8 or the Oppo R11. The truth is that it doesn't have to be revolutionary. It is a rectangular slab of glass and metal and is easy to hold, relatively light and durable.
\nThe curved back makes it easier and more comfortable to hold.
\nThe device feels premium in the hand. It feels like a $1000 flagship phone: solid and well built. Nothing creeks or crack.
\nIt comes in one colour: black.
\nThe camera on the smartphone has become one of the most important factors in my personal purchasing decision. In good light, the OnePlus 5T (like its older brother the OnePlus 5) takes fantastic pictures. In good light, pictures taken with the main camera a sharp, crisp with vibrant eye-pleasing colours.
\nThe OnePlus 5T got rid of the telephoto lens and replaced it with a higher megapixel sensor (same aperture) supposedly to take better pictures in low light conditions. This is were I found the OnePlus 5T sorely lacking. Low light pictures were soft and grainy (compared to an iPhone 8 or Note 8). I think OnePlus should have gone the LG V30 route and made the second sensor an ultra-wide one). I really think that is the route they will take next year with the OnePlus 6.
\nOnePlus has said they will release software updates to improve the camera performance in low light but there is a hardware limitation. Going for a lower megapixel sensor with bigger pixels would have yielded better results.
\nThe OnePlus 5T uses Electronic image stabilization instead of Optical Image Stabilization (which is mechanical). In my video tests, the EIS performed relatively well in most lighting conditions but I still find OIS better. EIS requires the video size to be cut a bit.
\nComing back to reality, the picture and video quality in regular everyday use will be great especially when you consider this is a $500 phone.
\nThe bigger screen means OnePlus had to relocate the fingerprint sensor to the back. It is well located in a spot where your fingers will naturally go (unlike the horribly placed sensor on the Samsung Galaxy S8/S8 Plus/Note 8). The sensor on the back is super fast (faster than my Samsung Note 8).
\nThe fingerprint scanner also supports gestures (e.g. swiping down to open the notification shade).
\nThey have also implemented a basic face unlocking feature which uses 100+ features to \"authenticate\" you and unlock the phone. It is crazy fast. I cannot explain how fast it is (think instant).
\nThe OnePlus 5T face unlock feature is not as secure as the fingerprint scanner or FaceID on the iPhone X. IT is good enought for everyday use for most people. You can enable (and should) the face unlock and fingerprint scanning features. Face unlock uses a picture of your face (no Infrared blaster or reader) so it will not work in dark situations.
\nUntil I moved to a Note 8, all of my Android devices have been stock or near Stock (original Motorola, Nexus, Pixel 1 devices). Oxygen OS is not stock but it is as close to stock as you are going to get.
\nOxygen OS feels like using Android on a Pixel 2 XL with some small improvement modifications. This near stock version means the experience is buttery smooth, no noticeable lags and it even helps with battery life.
\nCool features I have liked from the OnePlus 5 they kept in the OnePlus 5T include:
\nUnless photography or virtual reality are your main smartphone decision drivers, this is now the phone to beat. As I write this, my top 3 Android smartphones for 2017 (in order) are:
\nNote that the OnePlus is a top contender in performance at a mid-level price. If you need a casual photo shooter and don't use VR (GearVR or Google Daydream), then the OnePlus 5T is THE number 1 phone of 2017.
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/c18eba61b0.jpg\")
\nAndroid 8 Oreo is the next thing for Android devices and everybody is working hard to bring it to their phones. Now Essential has implemented a special Oreo beta program for owners of its beautiful Essential Phone. Where Samsung allows you to install the Oreo beta (on the S8 and S8 Plus) via OTA update, Essential will force you to use ADB.
\nEssential does provide clear instructions but this can be seen as a natural filter that disqualifies anyone that doesn't really understand how Android works or understand what a beta is.
\n\n\n\nWe're excited to announce that Oreo beta is now available on Essential Phone. Get the details and sign up here: https://t.co/oonhRC1b16 pic.twitter.com/dLjKMZMQ9m
— Essential (@essential) November 14, 2017\n
You will find, using the above link, a build for NM181C (for Sprint and Telus) and NMJ32F (for the other carriers)
\nWarning !
\nRemember this is a beta and you will experience issues and bugs. Known bugs already include: high battery drain, Android Auto issues and app instability.
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/9331348966.jpg\")
\nTL;DR : Go here and download this app (while it's available).
\nEarlier this week, we saw FileGo leak on the Google Play Store but it was quickly taken down. FileGo is specifically built to help users (even novices) manage and clean files from their devices (duplicate photos, application cache files, etc).
\nFileGo also contains a function (similar to Apple's AirDrop) that allows Android users within close proximity to transfer files to each other.
\nFilesGo is still beta software (aka it could still have bugs) but in my testing has been reasonably reliable and hasn't crashed yet (tested on a Nexus 6P and Note 8).
\nKeep in mind that Google can change user eligibility once the app is officially released (may be limited to Android One users or restricted to certain regions) but right now it seems to be available to all users globally.
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/377e1a415a.jpg\")
\nI wrote a short article about the merits and issues with the Essential phone here. I wrote that review because dozens of readers wanted to know if the phone was worth it at its newly reduce $499 price.
\nAnother day and another discount for the struggling Essential phone. Now BestBuy is kicking in another $50 off (bringing the price to $449.99).
\nFor $449, you can buy a beautiful unlocked Android smartphone with the latest specs including:
\nIf you read my review, there are some shortcomings but at $449, it is hard to complain. You are getting alot of phone for very little money.
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/e4182e8174.jpg\")
\nNo other Android smartphone in 2017 has been as polarizing as the Essential phone. Created by the father of Android, many of us (tech reviewers) wanted a no compromise phone we could love. A device that would be a trailblazer showing other manufacturers what is possible and ushering in an new era of innovation through competition.
\nInstead the Essential phone is a device I want to love but can't.
\nEssential recently dropped its Canadian and US price and many readers wanted to know if I could recommend this phone at the new price. Keep reading to find out.
\nSo Andy Rubin teed the essential phone in March an created a tone of excitement.
\n\n\nI'm really excited about how this is shaping up. Eager to get it in more people's hands... pic.twitter.com/LRzQCFSKTm
— Andy Rubin (@Arubin) March 27, 2017\n
Reviewers went wild because it was the first phone with an edge to edge display. Since then, we have been bombarded with a bunch of beautiful, wet designed smartphones with edge to edge displays (like the Samsung Note 8, Samsung Galaxy S8+, iPhone X, etc).
\nWhen I use the phone and compare it to its cousins, I have the feeling the phone was rushed. Since September, Essential has had to release 4 updates to make the device usable and it still has a lot of room for improvement.
\nOne major complaint that seems to affect all users is the camera quality. Even with the hardware Essential used, most of us expected the device to take much better pictures. Then a port of the Google Pixel Camera app was released by an unknown developer and tests (see article here) show that through software, image quality can be greatly improved. This is the perfect example of issues created because Essential didn't take the time to release adequate software to make it's device shine.
\n [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="2500"]<img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/f6b1b1c3cb.jpg" alt=" If you take too many sequential burst pictures, the native Essential Camera app crashes and won't work until you restart the phone. "> If you take too many sequential burst pictures, the native Essential Camera app crashes and won't work until you restart the phone. [/caption] \nThe Essential phone looks and feel amazing. It has a beautiful edge to edge screen that is brights. The device is slightly heavier than competing products and really feels well built. It is (to me at least) the best looking android phone you can buy today.
\nIt comes with USB C.
\nIt has a camera that doesn't have a hump so the entire back of the device is flat and won't wobble when placed on a table.
\nIt has a fantastic fingerprint reader that is well placed and works very quickly every time.
\nIt is running a stock version of Android (comparable to the Google Pixel line). This clean version of Android means the phone is extremely fast and responsive. Apps start quickly (often faster than on a Samsung Galaxy S8+ or Note 8).
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/16c2349bf4.jpg" alt="">\nEssential has committed to 3 years of security patches and 2 years of major OS updates which is a huge win. Even companies like Lenovo Motorola, Samsung and OnePlus don't commit to software updates like this. I think this is a huge plus for Essential and I wish other companies would follow it's lead.
\nThe camera is one of the main reasons people buy smartphones and the Essential camera is just \"ok\". I won't bore you with samples because every reviewer has posted dozens but trust me, the camera will leave you wanting.
\nAs mentioned above, the illicit port of the Google Pixel Camera app does make a significant improvement to the picture quality but it still isn't in the same league as the Samsung Galaxy S8 (which you can now buy around the same price) or the OnePlus 5 (which is out of stock as we wait for its replacement the OnePlus 5T).
\nIt doesn't have any type of water or dust protection.
\nIt doesn't support wireless charging.
\nYou can't buy a second Essential branded was charger yet and the only add-on they released is their $150 360 camera which itself produces \"ok\" quality pictures and videos.
\nThe speakers on the Essential phone get fairly loud but the audio quality is sub-par.
\nThe Essential phone was the phone I was hoping to love and was hoping it would become my daily driver (replacing my iPhone).
\nSo to answer the original question, even at this price, I can't recommend the phone for most users. If Essential released an Android 8 upgrade (we know they are testing it internally) and that version included a massively reworked camera app and they released the charging pad, then may recommendation would likely change.
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/5e4aa8435f.jpg\")
\nSo the Google Pixelbook is the most elegant expression of what a Chromebook could be. There are dozens of review on the internet extolling the wondrous virtues of the device. I think it is a fantastic device for the right user because it is fast, hassle-free and as secure as a mobile computing device can be.
\nInstead of just writing another copycat article about the positives, I wanted to share some of the less than perfect elements of the device. To ensure you can make an educated decision.
\n [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1450"]<img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/81e1c2e85f.jpg" alt=" Image courtesy Google "> Image courtesy Google [/caption] \nI love the Google Assistant and was excited when Google added it to the Pixelbook. The problem is that the activation hot words only work when the device is on and the screen is on. If the device is idle and \"sleeps\", you will have to manually wake it up before you can trigger the Google Assistant. Consumers have come to expect always-on assistants (think Google home and Google Pixel 2 smartphone are always listening).
\nI am a Google GSuite user and expected the Google Assitant (at least on their premium laptop replacement device) to integrate better for their business users. As an example, it won't be able to read you your agenda.
\n [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1271"]<img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/bb77cc41ef.jpg" alt=" Image courtesy Google "> Image courtesy Google [/caption] \nThe Pixelbook pen is a great concept but your experience will depend greatly on the apps you are using. Google claims that the Pixelbook Pen API uses a low latency model that should deliver 10ms response times and this is true in certain apps like Google Keep. In Google Keep, using the pen feels akin to writing on paper. In apps like Adobe Draw or Microsoft OneNote, you definitely feel the latency. The latency is so bad that it makes the experience almost unusable.
\nWith the launch of the Pixelbook, Google finally graduated Android apps on ChromeOS out of beta. This is a push we have seen from Google for many months and they want to encourage ChromeOS (Chromebook) users to leverage the millions of Android apps to make the Chromebook the prefered mobile platform.
\nSome companies (like Adobe) have worked with Google to make their Android app Chromebook aware and thus using Lightroom on it is actually a great experience. It is fast, fluid and very functionally complete.
\nOther apps are the polar opposite. With these less than optimal apps, you will experience:
\nThe Pixelbook is a beautifully crafted device that works relatively well. If the device had been a couple of hundred dollars less, I could easily overlook everything written here, but at $US999, my expectations are slightly higher.
\nI think the Pen is still a beta experience and they should really provide one for free with each Pixelbook. More customers using the Pen means more telemetry and better design cues for v2 next year. I cannot recommend the $US99 pen right now. The Pixelbook pen is nothing more than a gimmick right now.
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/6a100ae459.jpg\")
\nOver the span of a couple of weeks, we saw three phones released, and with every release, the manufacturer touted the device's incredible \"best ever\" DXO Mark Mobile performance rating:
\nManufacturers love touting these scores to \"prove\" that they have designed the finest camera a distinguished tech user could ask for. For all intents and purposes, technology should get better and this means every new phone released (at the high end) should have better overall performance than its predecessor. Why would you buy an inferior phone?
\nWhile most blogs blindly write headlines repeating this single \"representative\" number, very few actually take the time to read the full DXO reviews and explain the details to their readers.
\nThe first thing to keep in mind that blending complex factors into a single easy to digest number is complicated and sometimes may mislead some readers. While most blogs only show the single number, DXO actually provides a generous amount of valuable information for the curious reader.
\nThe DXO tests include a slew of carefully controlled tests and other real world tests that are more subjective.
\nIf we pick on today's \"highest ranking\" phone, the Google Pixel 2, here is how the rating of 98 is made up:
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/fd56133fe1.jpg" alt="">\nDXO provides detailed test results and write-ups for each of these categories. While most blogs will tout that the Pixel 2 has a rating of 98 (the best ever rating for a smartphone), they rarely provide the makeup of that number.
\nAnd the make-up of that number is critical to your buying decision. If you will use the camera primarily for video, you may notice it scored 96. You can also check out how DXO made up that score by evaluating what is important to you about video (which attributes are more important to you).
\nRemeber that the video rating fo 96 is not a straight average but rather a \"black box\" formulae closely guarded by DXO.
\nThe next question is \"can you trust the DXO testing methodology\"?
\nHaving reviewed the public information made available by DXO, I say yes. They have a well-documented methodology that is as good as it is going to get. I trust their rating but use the detailed review information to make up my mind, not the single number most blogs publicise.
\nIt is also important to keep in mind that DXO is a for-profit consulting company that manufacturers hire. DXO works with manufacturers to tune their imaging systems and get the best possible performance out of the equipment and software. DXO also sells image quality testing solutions.
\nI do not believe this consulting arm influences the device ratings in any way but it is still an important fact to keep in mind.
\nDXO Optics makes very good photo improvement software because of all this camera/lens knowledge they have accumulated. They know the shortcomings of each of the camera/lens combos and can this build specific correction profiles.
\nI own their software and paid for it myself.
\n90% of all the questions I receive these days is about comparing the iPhone to the Google Pixel2. In addition to all the information I have already written and the info provided above, there is one more piece of knowledge you should consider.
\nThe Google Camera app on the Pixel 2 does not natively support RAW (the iPhone 5s or newer) does. This means DXO Optics Pro has corrective filters for all these iPhone RAW images, but does not for the Google Pixel2. This could be a major deciding factor for more astute or demanding mobile photographer.
\nI know most users simply don't care about the details. They want one easy to read headline that justifies their belief (Google is better / iPhone is better). My ask is that you, my more knowledgeable readers, take the time to look at the data that makes up the numbers.
\nIt's a worthwhile investment of your time.
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/ba88648680.jpg\")
\nSilicon Valley has been promising life-changing personal digital assistants for years, but we all know most are semi-useful at best.
\nA new research project to measure the IQs of these \"smart assistants\" concluded that Google is the smartest but has an IQ equivalent to a six-year-old (Google received a score of 47.28 while a typical 6-year-old would receive a 55.5). An average adult would rate between 85-115 points.
\nWhere does the \"digital golden child\" (aka Siri) score? It received a very disappointing 23.9. Siri was outsmarted by Microsoft's Cortana and Baidu.
\nThe results showed that these assistants had made significant improvements over the last two years but that they still have a long way to go before they deliver on their real promise.
\nApple triumphantly became the first major tech company to include a digital assistant with every iPhone 4s. As we bought into the dream, we were enthralled by all the wonderful possibilities that this technology would enable.
\nApple went all-in with the privacy chip, and soon Siri was surpassed by Alexa and the Google Assistant. Most notable was the launch of Amazon's Alexa in 2014 which had a much better ability to understand natural language commands and had the first real consumer implementation of far-field microphone technology. Amazon's microphone technology coupled with artificial intelligence in the cloud meant it could pick up commands from a distance even in relatively noisy environments. Something Apple certainly couldn't do.
\nWhile Amazon opened up its skills technology to the world, Apple carefully guarded its assistant enforcing strict privacy controls. In the Snowden era, privacy is important, but consumers are typically more interested in convenience.
\nPushing the boundaries of artificial intelligence, Google decided to use its incredibly vast trove of user data to train its artificial intelligence and machine learning engines. This unmatched access to valuable data (think Google Voice, Google Maps driving patterns, likes/dislikes in Gmail, etc.) has allowed the sultan of search to become the king of digital assistants.
\nMany believe that Apple's lack of development of Siri caused many prominent employees to leave the Siri program. Most noticeable were the departures of the Siri co-founders Adam Cheyer and Dag Kittlaus. Not wanting to retire and watch from the sidelines, they created a new digital assistant leveraging the most modern technologies, under a new banner \"Viv Labs. Viv Labs was supposed to be an independent digital assistant that would work across many products and companies. Helas they sold to Samsung for ~$200M, and now we wait to see how they will use the technology.
\nOn October 4, 2017, most tech analysts watched as Google unveiled its 2017 crop of technologies. They launched two phones, two speaker-assistants, a refreshed VR headset, Bluetooth headphones and a new laptop. We could see how the new MadebyGoogle style was infused in everything they launched.
\nEven though everything seemed well designed and manufactured, the most striking message was that Google was embedded it's Google Assistant in everything.
\nThe Google Assistant now lives in every new Google product and in most cases is the unique differentiator for that product.
\nThe Google assistant and its unique Artificial Intelligence engines:
\nGoogle is gambling that its Assistant will be a key product differentiator and they may be right. I have owned iPhones since the very first version. I owned every Apple Newton Apple every released and spent way too much money on Newton accessories. I am not a fan-boy but loved the tech.
\nThis is the year I upgrade my personal phone; I opted to jump to the Google Pixel 2XL instead of the iPhone X.
\nI believe that Google CEO Sundar Pichai is right when he says we are entering an AI first world.
\nAssistants will be the front end to this new artificial intelligence first world we are entering into. Apple has more money than most countries and could surprise everyone with a significant upgrade to Siri, but without the enormous troves of data Amazon and Google have about users, it will be an arduous journey. Apple is not in trouble. Apple is not dead. Apple is a vibrant company that continues to find new ways to create billion dollar business' (Apple music, Apple watch, etc.).
\nIn the short term, I doubt the lackluster performance of Siri will hinder its growth, but I am convinced it will have an impact on its longer-term viability (unless it decides to jump all in and spend some of its cash on buying maturity for Siri).
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/896c6a54e9.jpg\")
\nOver the coming weeks and months, the media will overwhelm you with review and editorials about the new iPhoneX. Of all the products Apple announced this week, the iPhoneX was the most radical in design.
\nThey have eschewed the home button and most of the bezels. This newfound space has allowed them to cram a beautiful 5.8\" Super Retina OLED screen (458 pixels per inch) in a device that is smaller and easier to hold than an iPhone 7Plus or iPhone 8Plus.
\nAll of the functions requiring a home button are replaced with swipe motions. Swipe up from the bottom, and you get the home screen or app-switcher (full swipe or half swipe respectively).
A side button (right-hand side) can be used to invoke Siri.
The removal of the home button also means Apple had to remove the TouchID authentication sensor. The beloved TouchID has been replaced with FaceID. It promises more secure authentication.
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/2e8dd4cf24.jpg" alt="">\nTouchID had a false positive rate of 1 in 50,000. Apple claims FaceID has a false positive rate of 1 in 1,000,000 (regardless of you wearing glasses, changing your hair, growing a beard, etc). All the processing is done on the device (not sent to the cloud).
\nDuring the demo, FaceID failed. We don't know why but I am sure Apple will workout most of the kinks before it is released early November.
\nWe can't make any recommendations until we have a chance to test the device in the real world, but many have already started asking if the extra $300 (going from the iPhone 8 to the iPhoneX) is worth it.
\nHad the iPhoneX been endowed with a dramatically superior camera system (compared to the iPhone 8 Plus), I would have jumped on it, but now I'm not sure. Yes the built in cameras do have optical image stabilization and the telephoto lens is slightly brighter but that doesn't justify the difference in my view.
\nUsing the FaceID sensors, Apple will map your face and allow you to apply the new lighting filters (even with the front facing selfie camera). Additionally it will create a detailed face-map allowing filter apps to create more realistic and properly aligned designs (think Instagram filters). They will also use this feature to create animated emojis called animoji.
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/05bd3e0308.jpg" alt="">\nPre orders start on October 27 and deliveries will start a week later.
\nThe truth is, the iPhoneX is a glimpse of the future. My guess is that we will see one more generation of traditional looking phones with a home button, then everything will switch to the all screen design.
\nThe iPhoneX is an opportunity for Apple to figure out how to mass produce all the sensors affordably, in preparation for an eventual launch in all of its products (including iPad).
\n[caption id="" align=“alignnone” width=“792”]![\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/f3e76f62ff.jpg\")
Image by Iván Rivera used under Creative Commons License [/caption]
Chrome has been the browser king for many years and many users can't remember a time where Firefox was \"the browser\". Chrome overtook Firefox and Internet Explorer(according to StatCounter) in November 2011.
\n [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1280"]<img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/4d4bb9cd74.jpg" alt=" Statcounter browser marketshare "> Statcounter browser marketshare [/caption] \nBut recently a group of highly technical security experts seem to have moved back to Firefox. Why have technically knowledgeable users left Chrome for Firefox?
\nUsers are increasingly choosing mobile devices (laptops and convertibles) instead of traditional always-plugged-in personal computers. This means battery life is important. In a 2016 battery shootout, Microsoft aggregated billions of data points from real world Windows 10 users and found that Microsoft Edge and Firefox were much gentler with battery consumption.
\n [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="873"]<img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/00a6f74c69.jpg" alt=" Image owned by Microsoft Corporation "> Image owned by Microsoft Corporation [/caption] \n\n “These numbers are from actual Windows 10 (version 1511) use “in the wild,” not artificial tests or hypotheses. ”\n\n
Everyone using Google products should know that the sultan of search is monitoring everything you do on the web, on its search page and in its browser. If you have never visited the Google Dashboard, you really should. It will show you all of the information El Goog has collected about you. Remember that it then uses this data to build a profile about you and we all know how powerful these predictive models can be :
\n\nUnlike many unscrupulous sites that track you without your knowledge, Google is a model citizen and clearly, let's users know what it is collecting and why. Most users are willing to trade their behavioural information in exchange for free google services (e.g. Photos, search, Gmail, etc). I think this trade is perfectly acceptable as long as the user understand what he/she is giving up in exchange for these free services.
\nSome people believe Google knows too much and where possible, try to use no-Google alternatives (DuckDuck Go for search, ProtonMail for email, SpiderOak One for online storage, etc).
\nOpen Source means anyone (with the right skills) can audit the code and make sure nothing nefarious has been secretly inserted.
\nThe fact Mozilla is not trying to become this massive financial behemoth is a comforting reality.
\nTo be clear, Chrome is an excellent browser and has slightly better security than Firefox but on the privacy front, Firefox wins.
\nThere is an annual security competition called Pwn2Own and the 2017 browser compromise competition presented some interesting findings.
\nThe Microsoft Edge browser proved to the least secure browser, having been compromized5 times. Then came Safari on Mac which was compromised 3.5 times (a half point was awarded because they had fixed one of the attacks in a beta build). Then came Firefox with 1 compromise and Google Chrome had none.
\nFirefox is certainly a relatively secure browser with a healthy bug bounty program but Chrome is just 1 step ahead. If you want the most secure browser and are willing to give up privacy, choose Chrome. If you want good enough security with much better privacy, pick Firefox.
\nThere is no perfect browser.
\nGoogle's Chrome browser is the king of standards compliance. It is very secure since it has strict sandboxing. Each browser tab creates a new browser thread in the OS, which means a crashed tab doesn't crash the entire browser. These \"features\" consume a substantial amount of RAM. If you are one of those users that live in your browser and regularly has 20-50 tabs open, you probably live the sluggishness daily.
\nFirefox is \"as fast\" as Chrome but much more configurable. It consumes less RAM per open tab thus is often a better solution for users that live the multi-tab life. The flip side is that a bad tab can crash the entire browser but this is very rare.
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/0a1794b4a3.jpg" alt="">\nChrome is the king of extensions. Just browse the Google Chrome store and be amazed at everything your browser can do.
\nIn many cases, your most used extensions will be natively available either platform. As an example, Lastpass and UBlock Origin are natively available for Chrome and Firefox. You can also install the Chrome Store Foxified add-on which will allow you to install Chrome extensions from the Chrome store into Firefox.
\nIn this example, I picked the Google Keep extension. When you visit the Chrome Store with the Google Chrome browser, you see this window to install the extension:
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/05813309f5.jpg" alt="">\nWhen you visit the same page with Firefox and the Chrome Store Foxified add-on, you see this window and the ADD TO CHROME is replaced with ADD TO FIREFOX
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/d89d7824b3.jpg" alt="">\nI have tested this functionality with a dozen extensions (HTTPS Everywhere, Ublock Origin Extra, Grammarly, etc) and all of them work perfectly as if they were running in Chrome. Before people start sending me hate mail, I know these have Firefox native versions but I wanted to test the Chrome extension functionality in Firefox.
\nBoth Chrome and Firefox have adopted a clean, minimalist approach. From the interface perspective, neither one really pulls out ahead as a leader.
\nWhen there is competition, the consumer wins. This is true in the browser market. The extreme competition between Chrome and Firefox means both products have improved over the last 12 months.
\nBoth browsers are relatively secure. The main difference boils down to privacy and tab handling. If you are someone that always keeps several dozen tabs open, then you may find Firefox more responsive and less likely to bog down your computer. Additionally, Firefox is a much better choice for consumers looking for more privacy.
\nUltimately I think most users will end up with both browsers on their devices and use different browsers for different purposes. Recently I have started to move more of my day to day browsing back to Firefox and am satisfied. I want to encourage diversity and even chose to donate to Mozilla. Encourage not-for-profit groups powering open source software is an important step in maintaining a healthy diverse and competitive computing environment. I also donate to Tor, Ubuntu, Wikipedia and Whonix.
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/81b92fc186.jpg\")
\nA handful of readers asked me to review the DeAmpify Android app and talk about it on my blog. So for those readers, here is my opinion.
\nGoogle introduced AMP in 2015 (Accelerated Mobile Pages) with the hope of speeding up the mobile web by degunking all of the junk publishers were adding to their web pages (tracking, advertising, etc.)
\nThe CBC web page I am using for this article connects to 16 separate domains (to load content) and has eight different trackers. Obviously, this clogs up the page and makes it slower to load and less responsive.
\nJournalists and privacy advocates have been criticizing AMP because they claim it is another Google attempt to control content by encouraging publishers to use the search giant's AMP caching servers. Additionally, Google chooses what tags will be allowed for AMP markup on web pages.
\nFor those with modern high-end smartphones connected to super fast LTE networks, the difference is minor. But if you are on a mid-level phone or a slower connection, an AMP page could load in half the time.
\nA crafty developer (Joao Dias) created an Android app called Deampify whose sole purpose in life is to convert AMP links back to \"normal\" web ones. The app is free with a small in app purchase option to unlock pro features:
\n\n “DeAMPify doesn’t work if you click on an AMP link inside of Chrome”\n\n
Since a link clicked in Chrome does not kick off the Android intent process, you cannot redirect it to DeAMPify and this the app cannot perform its magic. The app works in any non-Chrome app (messenger, hangouts, the Google Search app, etc).
\nWhen you click on an AMP enabled page, the app searches the HTML code for the original web page URL and then passes this to the browser. So in effect, it is pre-downloading the entire web page anyway.
\nSo is this useful and do I recommend it? No! I tried to find a reason to like this app but I couldn't. I don't have a technical or moral issue with AMP so there is no reason for me to go out of my way to bypass it.
\nAdditionally, it is pre-downloading the web page to find the non-AMP URL so I am not saving bandwidth and may actually be slowing down my browsing experience.
\nI'm glad the app exists in case someone does want it but it's going to be useless for most Android owners. The only reason someone would probably consider this is if they have a moral issue with Google playing manager of the AMP technology and wants to \"stick it\" to the man. To me it feels like stabbing yourself to teach someone else a lesson.
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/f8db5ba0af.jpg\")
\nGoogle sees the corporate world as an excellent cash cow and has been working hard to secure its place. Most recently we have the fruits of its labour with redesigned G-Suite offerings, the Jamboard and more.
\nGoogle is the king of data and has decided it can help HR do a better job with recruitment. Google Hire is a purpose built solution that promises to make the entire hiring process easier and more efficient (from finding to managing).
\nThe target customer is the small or medium organisation that may not be using any of the larger more expensive and complicated tools.
\nSo all in all, we can safely assume the hiring process is broken in small to medium size companies, which may equate to a nice chunk of change for Google (if it plays its cards right).
\nGoogle Hire leverages the G-Suite platform and integrates with email and calendaring. In addition to winning new business by offering innovative cost effective new solutions for the SMB market, it also adds value to G-Suite.
\nIt is conceivable that a long time Microsoft Office customer may eventually switch to Google's G-Suite if it has enough value added features.
\nI have spoken to dozens of medium size start-ups that just don't want or need the big Office 365 offering and are just looking for an excuse to make the jump. It is small but targeted offerings like this that may make the difference.
\nYou can check out the Google Hire website for more details.
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/4ac5a86a74.jpg\")
\n
It's Christmas in July for any tech enthusiast that loves getting \"something for nothing\". The books are presented in a straight text list (without pictures) and organised by category and file format.
There are no limits, conditions or restrictions. You can download one, or you can download them all.
\nThe books will interest hardcore IT administrators or casual Windows users looking to sharpen their skills. You can click on this link to see the massive list.
\nSome General computing topics include:
\nThere are books on Azure. Books for developers. Books on Sharepoint, Dynamics CRM, Powershell, SQL Server and more.
\nDon't miss this opportunity. Download them now.
\n\n
![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/6795206e21.jpg\")
\nThere's a good chance you never heard about Microsoft's very unpopular Grove music streaming service (Apple Music, Google Music, Pandora, Spotify, Deezer, etc.).
\nMicrosoft is determined to change the fate of this little-known offering by enticing you to subscribe with a fantastic deal: when you buy a single month of service for $US9.99, they give you two 3-month vouchers to share or use yourself.
\nIf you are a Microsoft fanboy already paying for this service, then you are out of luck, this applies to new subscribers only.
\nHere is the fine print:
\n\n “ Offer valid 6:00 PM PT July 10, 2017 until 12:00 AM PT July 12, 2017 or while supplies last for new Groove members only. Current paying subscribers are ineligible to redeem this offer. Valid in the US only. Sign up for a 30-day Groove Music Pass at $9.99 and we will send you two tokens codes within 30 days, each good for an additional 3 months of music at no charge (for a total of 6 months). Credit card required. Upon completion of the promotional period, membership will be automatically billed as specified at signup unless cancelled. Limit 2 token codes per person. Token codes expire September 4, 2017 and must be redeemed before that date. Token codes may be used by original recipient or transferred to another eligible user. Token codes may only be redeemed once. Cannot redeemed for cash or promo code(s). May not be combinable with other offers. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. Microsoft reserves the right to modify or discontinue offers at any time. ”\n\n
This is unfortunatly a US only deal.
\nYou can subscribe here.
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/51d3867393.jpg\")
\nCanadians don't have a lot of wireless connectivity choices and this sad reality is reflected in the high prices we pay. I have previously written about Sugar Mobile and their not for everyone mediocre but cheap offering.
\nToday they have been dealt a blow by the CRTC (read the CRTC ruling here). The CRTC ordered Sugar Mobile to stop using the Rogers network (improperly) within 50 days.
\n\n “Ice Wireless has improperly allowed the end-users of its mobile virtual network operator Sugar Mobile Inc. to obtain permanent, rather than incidental, access to [Rogers’] cellular network”\n\n
Obviously Sugar Mobile is disappointed by the ruling and has published this statement on their website.
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/93e95883c3.jpg" alt="">\nThe Canadian market needs competition to drive innovation and hopefully make the market more competitive. It looks like one option has been taken off the table.
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/a72532d548.jpg\")
\nOpenSignal uses its millions of mobile users to map and test global wireless connectivity and they just released their latest global review summary. The 2 main takeaways are that wireless connectivity speeds are improving globally and users are still leveraging WIFI when available.
\nCanada is the only western country to reach 20Mbps wireless speeds, making us the 12th best in the world. Our wireless may be expensive but at least it ranks well for performance. As expected, South Korea has kept its crown as the king of wireless speeds.
\nFor those wondering, our closest neighbor and friend, the United States of America ranks at the 20th position with a speed of 12.48Mbps.
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/9451749542.jpg" alt="">\nCanada ranks 4th as it related to time on WIFI. Canadians spend on average ~60% of their time connected to WIFI. Again we rank better than the US at 10% more WIFI time than them.
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/7b0f5bc7c6.jpg" alt="">\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/c97b2d4ff2.jpg\")
\nTech companies are notoriously secretive about their user makeup and their internal operations. Snap filled its paperwork for its IPO (Initial Public Offering) and it makes for a fantastic read. You too can read the S1 here.
\nAs much as Android fans want to pretend they are as vibrant as the IOS community, the Snap S1 begs to differ. They clearly highlight that most users of Snapchat are on IOS thus making it the priority development platform for the service.
\n\n “The majority of our user engagement is on smartphones with iOS operating systems. As a result, although our products work with Android mobile devices, we have prioritized development of our products to operate with iOS operating systems rather than smartphones with Android operating systems. ”\n\n
The other interesting tidbit is that the mast majority of the service operates on Google's cloud service (instead of Amazon AWS and Microsoft Azure). Snap recently signed a $2B 5-year deal with the sultan of search.
\n\n “We rely on Google Cloud for the vast majority of our computing, storage, bandwidth, and other services.”\n\n
They also talk about a continued commitment to innovation and this is seen as a way to improve user engagement and thus improve ad revenue. Hopefully innovation is more than filters and glasses.
\nAnother interesting tidbit is their underhanded acknowledgement of Facebook and its potential to disrupt Snapchat's business model.
\n\n “Many of our current and potential competitors have significantly greater resources and broader global recognition and occupy better competitive positions in certain markets than we do.”\n\n
The final snippet of information I wanted to share was that they aren't profitable and may never be profitable.
\n\n “We have incurred operating losses in the past, expect to incur operating losses in the future, and may never achieve or maintain profitability.”\n\n
Even with this grim view of the world, analysts expect the IPO to be a smash hit. Time will tell but what does it say when investors are willing to spend billions for a company that may never return a penny?
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/55e498496b.jpg\")
\nGoogle has started taking hardware seriously in recent years with its Chromecast and Pixels. Then Google launched the Google Home a voice controlled speaker system that competes directly against the Amazon Echo.
\nIn addition to basic voice control, it brought the Google Assistant (until then reserved for the Pixel line of smartphones) to the masses. You can ask Google Home any question and watch it miraculously respond leveraging the massive Google knowledge graph.
\nIt can play music from Google Play or Spotify, It an give you weather, news and sport scores. It can do math, spell words and provide definitions. It can even add items to a shopping list.
\nContinuing its massive advertising spend, Google will showcase Google Home during the Superbowl with a commercial showing some of its capabilities. Because they show examples of commands, if you own a Google Home or Pixel smartphone, just know they will go off a couple of times,
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/9f6f0584bc.jpg\")
\nRegardless of the sales pitch companies make, most self-service initiatives are to save the company money and not necessarily to improve the customer experience. Automated interactive voice support systems are no exception. Everyone dreads entering the maze of never-ending menus filled with frustration and annoyance.
\nThere is a better way. What if you could bypass the machine and go straight to a living breathing human? Welcome to the salvation that is GetHuman.com.
\nLet's say I want to call Bell Canada:
\nGo to GetHuman.com and search for the company
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/e2d2c5770d.jpg" alt="">\nThen you choose the purpose of the call
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/571eee085b.jpg" alt="">\nLet's use cancel service
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/cf4f73745e.jpg" alt="">\nAnd here they try to sell you their service which is obviously annoying since the info was built by thousands of users when the site was firsts created (and was free by the way). This is immensely frustrating but there is a workaround.
\nDownload the GetHuman app on IOS or Android and the information you seek will be provided for free.
\nHere is the Bell Canada information.
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/62968ac47f.jpg" alt="">\nThe middle box gives you all of the information you need to quickly navigate the Interactive Voice Response menu. Some listed companies are no longer in business because the free updates from customers stopped when they started pissing off users by trying to charge for everything but I still still find 85% of the info I need.
\nWe don't know if the mobile apps will one day be updated and become for-pay also but use it now while you can. Great resource that has saved me a tone of time.
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/a7640e8b62.jpg\")
\nWithout much fanfare or pre-announcement, the IOS 10.2 update released earlier today finally enabled WI-FI calling for Telus customers.
\nAfter installing the update, the device rebooted. I then enabled WI-FI calling by:
\nSettings > Phone > WiFi Calling > Toggle ON
\nWI-FI calling means cellular calls could be routed via a WIFI network in areas with poor cellular coverage. When the phone detect low cellular connectivity (aka reception dots in the upper left hand corner), it will route inbound and outbound calls with WIFI.
\nAs soon as I enabled WI-FI calling, I received an email from Telus with this new \"free\" option automatically added to my line.
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/741b4d6bb7.jpg" alt="">\nTelus support said VoLTE (Voice over LTE) is coming but couldn't give me a date.
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/bd510e0ee7.jpg\")
\nA question I receive regularly is \"What in-ear noise cancelling headphone do you recommend for travel?\" In 2013 my recommendation was the QC20/20i and that recommendation is still valid. The QC20/20i offers the best wired noise cancellation when comparing it to others in the same price category (and of course being wired).
\nFrom a pure noise cancellation perspective, the QC20/20i does a better noise cancellation job than my QC25 but the QC25 does an overall better job because it benefits from over-ear noise isolation. When I originally recommended it, the QC20/20i was priced at $299 but can now be bought for $199.
\nUsually the next question I receive is regarding sound quality. Let me be crystal clear. I have never used a good sound cancelling (active) headphone (on or in-ear) that also offered amazing sound quality. The Bose QC20/20i is no exception. It offers amazing noise cancellation and acceptable sound reproduction.
\nSize matters
\nI have taken both (QC25 & QC20) on flights to test the differences and the most striking difference is overall size. Even with the origami fold of the QC25, it is massive compared to the QC20.
\nI don't wear glasses but if you do, the QC20 is even more attractive because it allows you to get a good seal (not so with the QC25 and the headband).
\nLove at first listen
\nThe real test is how much you use it. Several dozen readers have purchased the QC20/20i (based on emails I received) and everyone of them I contacted as a follow-up said they never leave home without it. One reader is a tech exec that travels over 350K miles a year and said \"this is the most used and useful travel tool I have ever bought\".
\nComparing the QC20/20i to the QC30
\nI will be testing and reviewing the QC30 soon. Stay tuned but remember the QC30 is bluetooth and therefore it needs batteries.
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/b340fddb0b.jpg\")
\nApple hates ports and will kill each and every one of them come hell or high water. The iPhone 7 / 7 Plus pushed the market away from wired headphones into the loving arms of Bluetooth. Audiophiles will explain that Bluetooth has limited bandwidth which means audio fidelity is severely compromised and they are right. Bluetooth can't match the quality of a good set of wired headphones, but let's be honest, most people aren't listening to high quality audio tracks fed through a good headphone amp and $1000 headphones. Most people are streaming their music via Google Play Music, Apple Music, Spotify or Pandora at 128/256 kbps (some are now streaming 320kbps).
\nFor the geeky reader, a CD ... Yes that plastic disk us old people use to play music from ;-) So a music CD was 44.1 kHz x 16 bits x 2 channels = 1411.2 kbps, just for comparison.
\nLet's dive into the new in-ear Bluetooth noise cancelling champ from Bose.
\nThis is more of a first look at the QC30 and a more in depth review will come later. The Qc30 seems to beat the QC35 when strictly comparing noise cancellation quality. The QC35 has a 12 step noise cancellation intensity control. Where is this useful? When you may want \"some\" noise cancellation but still need situational awareness (e.g. using these while walking on a busy street).
\n\n “QC use to mean QuietComfort buy now means QuietControl. A slight branding update undertaken by Bose”\n\n
So the branding change was done because you now (for the first time) have that variable noise cancellation strength.
\nMost users assume wireless and light weight go hand in hand but not when it comes to the QC30. The QC30 has that strange neckband that connects to the earbuds. When passing the device around, people liked the headband, were indifferent about it or absolutely ragefully hated it. Regardless of how you feel about it, itis universally regarded as ugly.
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/b44e4cd487.jpg" alt="">\nThe ugly spaceship around your neck is the lifeline of the product housing the battery. Bose promises 10 hours of use per charge which is good for most situations (except the long haul overseas flights to Asia).
\nRemember that the QC20 had that in line battery compartment which itself was ugly and relatively heavy.
\nThe other noticeable improvement is fit. I have normal medium sized ear canals and rarely have fit problems with in-ear headphones. The QC30 seem to fit better than the QC20 did which means improved sound quality and noise isolation
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/f250ae0eeb.jpg" alt="">\nThe audio control module has all of the standard controls you expect plus additional buttons to control the level of noise cancellation. After a couple of days, you can control everything by feel because of the unique shape of the control module.
\nLet's cut to the chase, the noise cancellation delivered by the QC30 is truly spectacular. The noise cancellation of the QC30 is as good as the full sized (over the ear) QC35. The only difference is the QC35 benefits from much better noise isolation in addition to active noise cancellation.
\nI cannot stress how useful the variable noise cancellation strength feature is. It means you can use this on the plane, on the train or while walking on the street.
\nLike every other noise cancellation headphone I have ever tried, sound reproduction typically suffers. The QC30 offer clean and clear low/mid ranges. The highs are were it suffers. Highs are drowned out by the other ranges and don't sound as clean as I had hoped.
\nThe Bose QC30 offers better sound reproduction than the QC20/20i and the sound-stage is more open and airy. So when comparing it to good headphones, sound quality suffers but is a step up when compared to its older sibling.
\nSound is more bass heavy which may impact your enjoyment of some types of more balanced music. The on/off slider is badly designed (difficult to figure out if the device is on or off when you aren't using the earbuds.
\nThe ugly UGLY neckband.
\nI have to add the price here. At $299 its a rather considerable investment. Not surprising as this is typically the price range for Bose noise cancellation headphones but still....
\nThere is no perfect device. The truth is that this type of noise cancelling headphone has always catered to a specific affluent customer base. Unlike previous years, the in-ear earbuds now offer noise cancellation on par with the on-ear big brother.
\nSound reproduction is good for noise cancelling headphones/earphone but not as good as \"normal\" ones. If your primary use isn't while on noisy transit and sound quality is important to you, you may want to look at a non noise-cancelling product. If you need noise cancellation, the QC30 offers sound quality better than its noise-cancelling competitors.
\nIf you are looking for standard in-ear bluetooth headphones with decent sound quality and good battery life, take a look at the JLAB Epic 2.
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/8f5e596954.jpg\")
\nThe title may have been just a little exaggerated but most people, computational photography does feel like magic. Google knows you have boxes of photos just collecting dust and deteriorating. Our unofficial benevolent leader (aka Google) has decided to use its computer science chops to help Joe Regular digitize those boxes of old photos without having to fork over $500 for a flatbed scanner or spend hours retouching pictures.
\nThe app takes multiple pictures of each photo and completely get's rid of glare. Then it automatigically performs edge detection, perspective correction and smart rotation.
\nIf you so chose, you can then upload your new digital cherished memories into the loving arms of Google Photos.
\nIf you are a computer geek and want to understand the magic of computational photography in an easy to understand manner, check out the new NAt & Lo video below.
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