Geekly Update - 23 October 2024

The AskBobRankin Geekly Update

Security expert Brian Krebs says anyone can now access the capability to remotely track someone’s daily movements, thanks to "a proliferation of commercial services that hoover up the digital exhaust emitted by widely-used mobile apps and websites."

For many, a relationship with someone who has different political beliefs is a deal breaker. In the run-up to the election, dating apps Tinder and OkCupid have introduced features that make it easier for users to match with potential partners based on their politics.

Even though a Massachusetts high school senior admitted to using AI while researching his history paper, and included some AI-generated content in the paper without attribution, his parents are suing the school, claiming their son was unfairly punished.

If Microsoft blocked your attempt to upgrade to Windows 11 due to "incompatible hardware", the Rufus app promises to bypass those strict compatibility requirements, allowing you to upgrade your older Windows 10 computer to Windows 11.

One of the NSA's top cybersecurity tips is to turn off your phone on a regular basis. The NSA tries to explain why you should turn off your phone at least once every week, but the chart they provide indicates that it only helps to "sometimes" prevent 2 of the 10 most common attacks.

SpinLaunch has created a novel satellite launch mechanism that does not require rocket fuel. The device launches satellites into orbit using a massive rotating arm that runs on electricity. This kinetic energy-based device has undergone multiple successful tests and hopes by 2026 to be capable of flinging satellites up to 600 miles in altitude.

Google has announced an update regarding advanced anti-theft features for Android phones, including AI-powered Theft Detection, Offline Device Lock, and Remote Lock to secure devices even when they're offline or taken out of your hand. These updates are rolling out to devices running Android 10 and higher.

Will AR (augmented reality) glasses will replace your phone? Mark Zuckerberg thinks so. The Meta CEO believes AR glasses could replace smartphones by offering a more immersive and hands-free way to interact with digital information, reducing reliance on traditional phone screens. A related question: When you wear AR glasses, does Mark Zuckerberg know what you're looking at?

Amazon's new Eero Outdoor 7 is a Wi-Fi booster designed for outdoor use. It's capable of operating in extreme weater, and provides up to 15,000 square feet of coverage. That could be handy if you need better connectivity for your security cameras, or Wi-Fi in the garage or hammock.

Adobe is making the popular Fresco painting app completely free for all users.

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