Geekly Update - 19 October 2017
What should you do if your artificially intelligent virtual assistant scores as "moron" on an IQ test? Has Microsoft hired a group of monkeys to write code for their next operating system? And how much TV would you have to watch in one month to rack up a bill of $185,000? Get answers in today's Geekly Update -- it's jam-packed with the latest tech news. This issue is guaranteed to make you 146% smarter -- you'll see why. Read, think, and, comment! |
The AskBobRankin Geekly Update
Angela Mixon-Smith was understandably upset when she got her monthly bill from satellite TV provider DirecTV. The amount owed was $184,530. Apparently the billing error happened after she signed up for a promotional offer to bundle her DirecTV service with an AT&T cellphone plan.
Using data stolen from Equifax’s credit system, hackers may now be able to access your lifetime salary history from another of the firm’s poorly protected databases, just like the last company you had a job interview with.
Equifax’s site was hacked again, this time redirecting visitors to a malware-laden fake Flash update. If you use Chrome, Flash is updated automatically.
Not so smart: A study measuring the IQs of several artificial intelligence programs puts Google’s at about 47 points. But that’s double the IQ of Apple’s Siri.
Code monkeys can now hang out in tree houses at Microsoft’s Redmond HQ.
Phrame, the world’s first “smart license plate holder,” may be the dumbest. The idea is to lock a spare set of car keys in a Phrame that looks distinctive, making it easier for thieves to know where to find them.
A talking drone tried to lure children away from a playground, giving Cleveland parents one more thing to worry about.
Facebook’s data shows that its new “fake news” tag reduces the number of people exposed to fake news by 80%. So keep reporting that stuff.
Amazon Studios is struggling to figure out what streaming video viewers want to watch. Even its most acclaimed original series, “Transparent,” has fewer than 1 million regular viewers. The company is cutting back on children’s programming and “hipster” shows to focus on genres with wider appeal, like sci-fi and spy fiction. How about bass fishing?
AT&T lost 90,000 TV subscribers in the third quarter, highlighting an industry wide trend of cord cutting. Shares of cable companies took a beating on the news.
Citing budget constraints, Google Fiber will not offer Internet TV in San Antonio and Louisville. High-speed Internet will still support streaming media and VoIP.
Qualcomm has sued to prevent Apple from manufacturing or selling iPhones in China, citing patent infringements and Apple’s failure to pay royalties.
Your thoughts on these topics are welcome. Post your comment or question below...
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This article was posted by Bob Rankin on 19 Oct 2017
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Article information: AskBobRankin -- Geekly Update - 19 October 2017 (Posted: 19 Oct 2017)
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Most recent comments on "Geekly Update - 19 October 2017"
Posted by:
SparkyVA
19 Oct 2017
So Microsoft is smarter than a dog, but dumber than a cat. I will stick with my cat.She is more polite.
So now a drone can fly over my house and spout advertising? Question is will they be able to find the drone after I deep six it?
Posted by:
RichF
19 Oct 2017
How does the government allow Equifax to stay in business?
Posted by:
Eugene E Kuntz
19 Oct 2017
I got a good laugh out of this! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by:
Ken
19 Oct 2017
Bob ( Free )
I refuse to use Sparktrust.com / Every time at the end the program it will end up with a charge ??
Posted by:
Frank Veasey
19 Oct 2017
Best opening paragraph,...best of anything,... I've read in years! You're the Primaticus Sarcasticus, Bob! Keep up the good work, ya Chimp!
Posted by:
Howard L
19 Oct 2017
I don't believe the drone story. No actual witnesses, no personal account relating what happened or quoting what was said. The drone story is pure hearsay, complete with a superimposed image of a drone.
The bigger story is that pedophilia is such a such a source of alarm that the possibility of a weirdo in the sky merits time on a newscast. I respect the protectiveness of parents, but the fact is that no child was molested.
Posted by:
tom-tom
23 Oct 2017
Bob, it's good to see that you're back on track! With the constantly increasing tech traffic bouncing around my brain -sit back, relax, and enjoy a good laugh. Thank you again, well except for one thing: A Sinkers Bar? Charles Brown only charges 5-cents (when he's in). Inflation?!