Apple has a Chinese Connection and I see problems. With apologies to Walter Scott, “O, what a tangled web we weave when first we bed down with those who deceive.” One may argue the contrary, but Apple had no choice but to build the iPhone in China. They had the necessary engineering and manufacturing … Read More »
Archives for January 2019
How The Mac Made It To Middle Age
Middle age. What a wonderful time to be alive. The Mac celebrates 35 years on planet earth. Depending on who is doing the counting, that’s about middle age; give or take a few years. No, not Middle Ages. Middle age is the period of age beyond young adulthood but before the onset of old … Read More »
To Rich Apple Customers: ‘Cry Me A River’
Got Apple gear? Of course you do. Got an excess of cables and dongles? If you’re an Apple customer, of course you do. Such wired cruft is the nature of advancing technology. Out with the old, in with the new. Few tech companies advance the state of the art– at least when it comes … Read More »
A Better macOS And iOS Backup Plan
Color me somewhat paranoid, but my grandma taught me the basics of life. “Hope for the best, prepare for the worst” still sticks in my head. “Trust no one over 30” seemed like a good idea until I was 30. Other sayings of note include a few favorites. Parkinson’s Law: “Work expands to fill … Read More »
How Apple Will Be Your Future Overlord
Remember Friday Freebies? For many years, members of The Villagers would review a free Mac or iPhone app on Friday. In the age of subscription apps, there are fewer free apps to review. So, I thought I would toss out a Friday Freebie of my own. Free prognostication. Free crystal ball. Free look at … Read More »
Authorities Cannot Force iPhone Unlocks
Good news from Thomas Brewster: A California judge has ruled that American cops can’t force people to unlock a mobile phone with their face or finger. No Touch ID or Face ID for you, Mister Cop. You know that forces within the government cannot be happy with that decision, and it won’t be the … Read More »
What iPhone And Watch Know About You
Paranoid much? Yes, if everyone is out to get you– and they are– paranoia is not such a bad attitude to have. You know I’m right. We live in a capitalist world where everyone wants our money. Retailers work diligently to make it easy to buy. Technology gadget makers create a Disneyland-like environment that … Read More »
About Apple And Obsolete Technology
Can you name modern technology that is obsolete? More technology remains from the past than we know. Yes, iPods are mostly gone because iPhone and smartphones created a better platform for music listening. The Mac made the original Apple computers obsolete, but look at how much Apple’s iconic PC has changed and adapted to … Read More »
How Android Phones And Windows PCs Are Perfect
Who has it worse than Apple in the technology industry? Nobody. Yet, all you’ve heard and read recently is just how bad Apple is doing because China. CEO Tim Cook adjusted the company’s guidance for the past quarter and said revenue will be off; probably 7-percent or so. Cook said nothing about profits, so … Read More »
Tim Cook And Apple’s ‘Privacy’ Problem
Tim Cook has a bucket full of problems. Running any half-trillion dollar company in a competitive market is a massive challenge but it isn’t as if he doesn’t have experience. When he took over as the chief operating officer way back in the day, Apple was probably less than 1/10th its current size. Think … Read More »
On Privacy, Security, And iPhone Zombies
Allow me to assume that you are a somewhat experienced traveler of the interwebs. If so, it is likely you know about Google, Facebook, and online criminals and hackers who steal information for their own profit. Yes, all four. Google and Facebook included. There is a reason why the search engine giant and social … Read More »
How You Are Google And Facebook’s Prey
Are you a customer? Or, are you a part of the product? With Apple, you’re the former. With Google and Facebook you’re the latter. Prey. Many of my family friends, relatives, neighbors, and co-workers do not fully understand the privacy issue confronting users of Google’s software or Facebook’s social network. What they know is … Read More »