This Week in Tech News | Page 7

TikTok To Stop Working by Nov. 12th With No Deal for US Sale

Episode 1729

The popular social media video platform TikTok may stop working in the US on November 12th if a deal isn't made to sell it's US operations to a US company by then. Leo says that while Oracle was reported to have agreed to purchase the platform, the company has said they would only have a vested interest in the company that would route all traffic to their servers. Walmart is also believed to be interested in investing in a new arrangement, Leo says probably for eCommerce rights. But it's all for naught if a deal isn't reached that will meet presidential approval.

Apple Announces New iPads and a New Apple Watch.

Episode 1729

This week, Apple announced a new Apple Watch Series 6 and a new 8th Gen iPad and iPad Air. But no mention of an iPhone, which Leo believes will be announced in October. The iPad Air looks more like an iPad Pro and has many of the same features. That's it. watchOS and iPadOS were also announced and shipping this week.

The iPhone was announced to be delayed due to the CoVid19 pandemic but could come next month, definitely by the holidays.

Tuesday's Apple Event Hints at New Apple Watch

Episode 1728

This Tuesday at 10am PDT, Apple will be streaming an event called "Time Flies," and Leo says it hints at a new, sixth-generation Apple Watch. Leo wonders though, just how much more you can do with a smartwatch. And he also thinks that maybe it'll be the release of a new version of watchOS 7. Other new features will include an expanded sleep feature and more software additions. But he also thinks there really isn't much more you can do hardware-wise. We are in essence at peak watch.

Leo Tests the Microsoft Surface Duo

Episode 1727

Leo got the Microsoft Surface Duo Android device this week, the first Android phone that Microsoft has ever produced. The oversized "phablet," has dual screens and opens up like a paperback book. Both screens can work in concert or independently, and Leo says with the Kindle App, it's the best digital reading experience he's ever had. It has also given him all-day battery life, so it's quite usable.

But the Duo has its buggy issues. It can crash and freeze up, forcing one to reboot. Microsoft has pushed out an update, but it hasn't really helped. It also has a terrible camera.

Political Campaigns Move Advertising from TV to YouTube

Episode 1726

Another indication of the world content changing, the Trump Campaign is moving nearly all their advertising dollars away from TV to YouTube. Leo says that this just shows how people are getting the content they crave, and that it's wiser to send your message where they currently are, and that's YouTube.

FCC Rules Cable Cards Are No Longer Mandated

Episode 1726

This week, the FCC ruled that cable cards or "navigation devices" are being eliminated from their mandated reporting requirements. The FCC has determined that at less than a half-million users, with it dropping by 50,000 every year, it is no longer required for cable companies to have to report them or support them.

New Apple Product Rumors Hint at Apple Announcements This Week

Episode 1725

New rumors are indicating that Apple may be making new product announcements this week, including iPad Air, WatchOS 7 and iOS 14 will be ready to ship.

Elon Musk Demonstrates Neural Link Technology

Episode 1724

Elon Musk demonstrated a brain/computer interface called Neural Link today. Testing it out on a pig, the interface sends and receives information via Bluetooth. The first step is being able to read brain waves directly. Leo says that 10-100 years from now, could be commonplace.

Apple Becomes 2 Trillion Company, Tech Stocks Holding up the Market

Episode 1722

With Apple becoming the world's first 2 Trillion company and Jeff Besos, Bill Gates and others from the tech realm topping the most richest people in the world, Technology is actually holding up the stock market right now.

Social Media Is Becoming a Tool for Propaganda, Pushing Towards the Extremes

Episode 1722

Leo says that because Social Media algorithms are designed to keep followers engaged, the various platforms are actually becoming tools for propaganda (no matter which side of an issue you're on), pushing people towards extremes. Can we use our own common sense to avoid the trap while online? Leo says we can, but the algorithms are making it difficult.