Geekly Update - 22 July 2020
Everyone knows that one should never get involved in a land war in Asia. But is it okay for a tech company executive to besmirch the good name of a beloved cheese product? Is there such a thing as an uncuttable metal? And would you pay a robot five dollars to cut your hair with scissors? 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
Microsoft has released an optional update for Windows 10, the first since the COVID-19 pandemic, fixes fixes a long list of bugs, including some that affect Excel and File Explorer.
A Microsoft executive tweeted a disparaging remark about an American cheese product, and a hilarious Twitter exchange ensued. You’ll laugh out loud at Microsoft Versus Velveeta.
Proteus is a lightweight ‘uncuttable’ material, apparently impervious to angle grinders, drills, and ultra-high-pressure water jets. Proteus has 15% the density of steel and seems ideal for applications such as bike locks and body armor.
Security researcher Brian Krebs, reporting on last Wednesday’s massive Twitter hack, says the likely method was SIM swapping, a crime that involves “bribing, hacking or coercing employees at mobile phone and social media companies into providing access to a target’s account.” Fake tweets with links to bitcoin scams appeared to come from Jeff Bezos, Barack Obama, Elon Musk and Warren Buffett.
Google recently announced eleven new security features. The company is beefing up anti-phishing protection for Gmail, and adding new security controls for Google Drive, Meet, and Chat.
See the story of one nerdy guy who made a robot to cut his hair with scissors. Shane’s Youtube channel Stuff Made Here also has other inventions, including a basketball hoop that won’t let you miss, and an iPad that helps blind people see.
Space Perspective wants to take you to the edge of space, in a balloon. Spaceship Neptune is a pressurized capsule that promises a safe, six-hour journey to the stratospheric height of 100,000 feet, before splashing down in the ocean. A ticket to ride is expected to cost about $125,000, but that includes refreshments.
This just in from the “Things That May or May Not Happen in 2022” Department: Apple analyst Ming Chi Kuo says Apple may offer a periscope telephoto lens for the iPhone in 2022. Periscope lenses enable higher optical zoom ratios in smartphones.
DoorDash is partnering with drug and convenience stores, including Walgreens, CVS, 7-Eleven, Wawa, and Circle K, to deliver “essential household products” to your doorstep. If Tostitos, Tylenol and toilet paper are essential, I’m in.
And just in case you weren’t terrified of robots, meet the Gundam. He’s 60 feet tall, weighs 25 tons, and will soon be walking around the Port of Yokohama.
Your thoughts on these topics are welcome! Post your comment or question below...
This article was posted by Bob Rankin on 22 Jul 2020
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Most recent comments on "Geekly Update - 22 July 2020"
Posted by:
J
22 Jul 2020
That robot hair cutting machine was too funny!!! Thanks for finding and sharing that. The Gundam robot looked strangely familiar from anime...hopefully it will stay in Tokyo and not cross the ocean! Thanks for the stories.
Posted by:
Robert A.
23 Jul 2020
They should have named the robot "Gundzilla!, LOL.
Posted by:
Jay R
23 Jul 2020
This might be your best one yet. I always have enjoyed these. If my hair needs attention, I'm going for the barber robot, not Gunslinger, Gundog, Oh! Gundam. Sounds like a name made up by those who hate the Second Aemndment. I really appreciate all that you do on line for use.
Posted by:
Jonathan
23 Jul 2020
It is rare that Wales (UK) is far ahead of the USA, so please excuse the info.
Delivery systems in the USA are BAD. We had better here 20 years ago.
In the past couple of years we have tried to get food delivered to elderly relations in the USA and have been totally shocked by the cost and delivery times. Even at the height of the pandemic here we had deliveries at minimal cost and relatively quickly.
When it comes to companies like Amazon the comparison is even more dramatic. With Prime here we expect 24hr delivery or even same day. Only recently has Amazon moved some stocks to Europe to avoid Tax and even then 2 day delivery is the norm.
The population size is a factor - Wales has a population of 3.2 million, USA 331 million... Wales has one gigantic warehouse in Swansea and another just over the border in Bristol. Even if we count only the one in wales that is 100 warehouses needed in the USA to provide the same service to Americans.
Really you are being very badly served by your suppliers and it's time to complain.
I have to register a vested interest -We have 7 grandchildren in the USA and have difficulty getting presents delivered on time - too early or too late is the norm!