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43 – The Almighty Libra – Facebook’s World Dominating Cryptocurrency

Facebook’s Libra Cryptocurrency * Named Libra* Will be a “Stable Coin” = Backed by “Stable Financial Assets”.* “Bank deposits and government securities in currencies from stable and reputable central banks”.* Apparently the Winklevoss Twins, after a 15 year feud, have “buried the hatchet” and are at the table with Facebook for Libra.* “There’s so much pie to grow, imean, at this point we need to be frenemies” Cameron Winklevoss.* Will be built into  messenger and WhatsApp (no instagram… for now).* First half of 2020* Facebook won’t manage it???* Libra Association = Nonprofit headquartered in Switzerland* 28 founding members (PayPal, Visa, Uber, Coinbase…) 100 by 2020* Each member invests $10m, maintaine a “node” (processes, powers & transfers Libra), have one vote.* Will it be more PayPal or BitCoin?* BitCoin is seen more as a financial asset (gold, silver).* Libra wants to be a currency.* Chinease WeChat uses credit cards to make purchases and send money.* Facebook has 2.38 billion users and gives them a huge advantage.* 1.7b people reportedly don’t have access to a bank account but most do have access to mobile phones and facebook.* Of course, it’s no secret that Facebook doesn’t have the best reputation when it comes to protecting people’s privacy AMD Ryzen 64-Core Threaddripper * 64 cores & 128 threads. Google Leaks Again! – 3 Cameras in a Square * Google’s Pixel 3 was so full of Leaks, we were wondering if it was orchestrated by Google themselves.* The Pixel 4 has taken leaks even further.  They have released a press image.* The image shows a square “camera bump” with 3 cameras + LED.* Why?* Apple will have their square bump and Google doesn’t want to be accused of copying.* Google is trying to keep its throne as the camera king. Is NVIDIA Working on a new Shield TV? * Android Police spotted a Google Play Developer Console listing with the codename “mdarcy” (mr. darcy?Jane Austen Pride + Prejudice).* The original Shield TV is codenamed “darcy”* “Mdarcy” will apparently be Android 9 Pie (darcy is just oreo).* Same Tegra X1 T210 system on the current system (and nintendo switch).* Is some evidence that it will be built on the new t210B01 chipset.* Already found evidence of new remote and controller.* Minor refresh for the best Android TV around. Exposed database reveals personal information of 1.6 million job seekers * Unsecured recruitment database in India – Talanton AI* Personal information on 1.6m job seekers from around the world (US, Australia, Japan).* High Profile roles = Austrailian Gov, Tommy Hilfiger, FBI’s Domestic Security Alliance Council (ironic)* Plain text – Anyone with a web browser can access it if they have the address. The internet Blame E3 for Game of Thrones Delay * George RR Martin is busy at work on a new game “Elden Ring” instead of ...

Google’s Stadia: Our take, Project Scarlett: Xbox’s new console, GlobalCoin: Facebook’s new cryptocurrency – Tech Time Podcast Episode 42

Google Stadia – Everything Announced and What does it mean? * On Thursday, Google released more details on the previously announced Stadia.* Beta “Founders Edition” in November.* $130 – Chromcast Ultra (4k) and Night Blue Stadia Controller (WiFi to release latency).* 3 month Stadia Pro Subscription + 3 month Buddy Pass.* First Chance to get your Stadia Name!!!* Stadia Base if you buy the game through Stadia.* 1080p 60 FPS, * Release sometime next year.* Stadia Pro = $10 a month* 4k 60 FPS 5.1 Surround Sound. * Some Free Games and discounts.* WiFi Controller (reduce Latency) $69.* Any Playstation, XBox or Computer Controller will work.* Games – Destiny 2 (free with Pro), Balders Gate 3, Borderlands 3.* Ubisoft’s Uplay + Subscription $15 to Stadia in 2020. ($180 a year).* Assasins Creed, Far Cry, Watch Dogs, Anno Sims.* You never own the games and can only play while you are paying. Project Scarlett – Everything we know about Microsoft’s next Console * Will debut in the holiday season of 2020 along with Halo Infinite. * 8K (240 Hrz?), SSD and Ray-Tracing Graphics.* Will need a new TV (60 Hrz and 4k).* Backwards compatible with existing Xbox games and accessories.* Will keep it’s optical drive. * Rumors that Microsoft will release 2 Xboxes next christmas.* Will focus on XCloud Game Streaming* Xbox Game Pass for the PC * Beta = $5 month, $10 a month after* 10 games to start (Halo, gears 5). * Plan to have over 100 games at launch. * Play on console or computer (not streaming). Facebook Set To Reveal Own Cryptocurrency Later This Month, Report Says * According to a report from The Information this week, Facebook is poised to unveil its cryptocurrency to the public later in June, which is aimed to allow users to process transactions via the social media channel, and will be offered to Facebook employees who want to be paid in the form of the cryptocurrency. * The report added Facebook is also planning to have physical portals for users to purchase the cryptocurrency, which, according to previous reports, is called GlobalCoin. * In addition, Facebook is reportedly inviting external parties to participate in the network that will empower the cryptocurrency to act as “nodes” for a fee that could be as much as $10 million each. * The news comes amid recent reports that Facebook has begun conversations with global payments providers, crypto industry players, as well as global regulators regarding the opportunity and regulatory issues for its crypto project. * Basket of normal currencies. (won’t be as volitile) *Also gets rid of the point of XRP (ripple) AMD Announces a 16-core 7nm Gaming CPU * Ryzen 9 3950X ($749 USD) and fits into an AM4 motherboard.* “I don’t think there’s any reason people will buy an intel processor after this”* Cheaper, faster at creater tasks (streaming) and tie on single core...

41- An Underwhelming WWDC 2019

I’m excited for the Stadia announcement on Thursday 9AM Pacific time * Took a Bird scooter yesterday.  Have $8.75.75 left on it. (saved me time) Tesla Model 3 Test Drive Apple’s WWDC19 Keynote * Mac Pro –* Max Specs = Intel Xeon Processor 28 Cores (300 watts),  1.5 terabytes of RAM, x2 Radeon Pro Vega II for 64 GB memory.* Full specs can play 3 streams of 8k video or 12 streams of 4k video.* Base Specs ($6k) = 8-core Xeon, 32gb RAM, Radeon Pro 580x (8gb), 256gb SSD* claim comparable specs $8k, I can build that for $1k.* People calling it the most expensive cheese grater.* Apple’s Top Spec Mac Pro and Pro Display Will Cost At Least $50,000*  * 6k Retina Display ($5k)* 32” LCD, 6016×3384, 20m pixelsx* Slide showing the stand = $999 (same as an iPhone XS?) does it make phone calls?* $12k all in – saw an article with 10 cars that cost less 🙂* iOS 13* Dark Mode – for Apple Apps (notes, maps, messages)* Swipe keyboard* Face ID 30% Faster, Downloads 50% smaller, 100% faster launch.* Sign in with apple – Authenticated without identification (new random email) that forwards to your real email.* Memojie Stickers – Based on your memojie – We Chat, messages, editor.* Apple Watch* More apps and no need to have a companion app on iphone, calculator, maps.* App store for apple watch.  Does this allow you to go iPhone free?* Women can have their cycles synced up.* iPad OS* Closer to OSX for functionality (pin widgets (like android has done for years), split screens, multi tasking).* Plug in a thumb drive to iPad Pro.  Can connect to Network Servers. * iPad can be a second screen to your MacBook (called sidecar). * MacOS Catalina* iOS integration – Apps in OSX, Blur the line between Mobile and Desktop/Laptop.* You actually have to recomplie iOS apps to OSX but easier. * iTunes is dead – Now Music, iPhone Integration & Podcast app. * Controllers (PS4, Xbox) now work on iOS, TVOS and MacOS.* Just in time for Arcade Gaming Subscription. Watchdog Says FBI Has Access To About 640M Photographs * A government watchdog says the FBI has access to about 640 million photographs — including from driver’s licenses, passports and mugshots — that can be searched using facial recognition technology.* The figure reflects how the technology is becoming an increasingly powerful law enforcement tool, but is also stirring fears about the potential for authorities to intrude on the lives of Americans. * It was reported by the Government Accountability Office at a congressional hearing in which both Democrats and Republicans raised questions about the use of the technology. * The FBI maintains a database known as the Interstate Photo System of mugshots that can help federal, state and local law enforcement officials.* the bureau has strict policies for using facial recognition. She said it is used only when there is an active FBI investigation or an assessment, which can precede a formal investigation. Facebook Twitter Google+ LinkedIn

40 – Computex 2019 All the details! – Tech Time Podcast

AMD’s new Ryzen Processor has 12 cores and only costs $499 * AMD’s 50th this year and announced new CPU’s and GPU’s both built on 7nm architecture. * Zen 2 – Ryzen 7 3900X CPU features 12 cores and boost clock speed of 4.6GHz.  * Only uses 105 Watts (9920X is 165 watts)* Only costs $499 (9920X is $1,200 = $700 cheaper!)* In most of the demos the Ryzen 7 3900X performed 18% better than 9920X.* Ryzen 7 3800X ($399) for gamers, 8 cores, 3.8/4.5GHz 105 watts * (comparable to $479, i9-9900K).* Ryzen 7 3700X ($329).  8 Cores 3.6/4.4GHz and 65 watts (last years 2700X was 105 watts).* Is 33% faster than i7-9700K (But that’s a generation apart).* Overall CPUs are 15% faster for single core and 18% on multi core.* Lisa Su (AMD CEO) pointed out that Playstation 5 will be powered with a custom setup of Navi GPU and Zen 2 CPUs.* RX5000 line of Graphics Cards (7nm)* Apparently Intel trademarked the 3000 naming (I don’t know why AMD didn’t buy that up years ago) but AMD says the 5000 name is to represent their 50th. * Pricing hasn’t been announced (that will be announced at E3 in June.* 25% faster and 50% faster at the same wattage * Both the CPUs and GPUs will be available on July 7 (7/7) for 7nm.* Support PCI Express 4.0- 2GB per lane. Intel’s Keynote – Not nearly as impressive * 14 new Xeon Processors for Servers and Desktops.* WiFi 6, optane memory support (just a little faster than NvMe).* X-Series of processors (x for Extreme) coming this fall. * i9-9900KS Processor – 5Ghz on all 8 cores.  This fall* Old i9 9900k is $1200, how much will this one cost?* Intel Performance Maximizer – Overclocking tool.  Helps you find the perfect overclocking speed for each processor and cooler.* Project Athena 1.0 specification – Mobile*  Wake from sleep in less than a second.* 16 hours of video playback / 9 hours of battery life. Rappid Charging. * 10th Gen Ice Lake Processors (10nm – used to be 14nm) * Only lower powered laptops not desktops yet.* Focus on AI (2.5x), Gen 11 graphics architecture x2 performance (supposed to be way better on board graphics than AMD). Good for laptops???* Showed of new thin laptops using IceLake. * AMD appears to be the mobile chip of the future – about 3 years. Asus ZenBook Pro Duo – Full of Keyboard Screens * Has a virtual number pad to the right of the keyboard which doubles as touchpad.* 2nd 4k Touch Screen that is the width of the laptop just above the keyboard. * Can expand the main screen down to the 2nd screen.* Set frequently used tiles/apps* Moves the keyboard down and there is no palm rest. * Comes with Intel’s 9th Gen i9-9989HK and Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 GPU* 4K OLED panel (Not sure if it’s touch screen). Asus ZenBook Flip 15 * Large touch pad is also a color screen.* Just think of the trackpad on your laptop, now think of it as a 5.65” phone screen with apps. Facebook Twitter Google+ LinkedIn

39 – Playstation 5 Rumors and Tor for Android

First Official Version of Tor Browser for Android Released on Play Store * The Tor Project today made the first stable version of its privacy-focused browser available on the Google Play Store. * This new mobile browser integrates the Tor protocol stack into a standalone browser and replaces Orfox as the main way to navigate the Tor network from an Android device. * “We made it a priority to reach the rising number of users who only browse the web with a mobile device,” said Isabela Bagueros, Executive Director of the Tor Project. “These users often face heavy surveillance and censorship online, so it is critical for us to reach them. We made sure there are no proxy bypasses, that first-party isolation is enabled to protect you from cross-site tracking, and that most of the fingerprinting defenses are working,”* There is no official Tor Browser version for iOS, but the Tor Project recommends that iOS users install Mike Tigas’ Onion Browser iOS app if they want to use Tor on iOS. BLOCK TRACKERS * Tor Browser isolates each website you visit so third-party trackers and ads can’t follow you. Any cookies automatically clear when you’re done browsing. DEFEND AGAINST SURVEILLANCE * Tor Browser prevents someone watching your connection from knowing what websites you visit. All anyone monitoring your browsing habits can see is that you’re using Tor. RESIST FINGERPRINTING * Tor aims to make all users look the same, making it difficult for you to be fingerprinted based on your browser and device information. MULTI-LAYERED ENCRYPTION * When you use Tor Browser for Android, your traffic is relayed and encrypted three times as it passes over the Tor network. The network is comprised of thousands of volunteer-run servers known as Tor relays. Watch this animation to learn more about how it works: BROWSE FREELY * With Tor Browser for Android, you are free to access sites your local internet service provider may have blocked.  Access deep web.  (Smart to use NordVPN as well) Huawei Banned from Google – What does this mean?? * President Trump issued a “Blacklist Order” last week.* Google is reportedly  ceasing all business with Huawei entirely.* Future Huawei phones will not have access to Google services.* No Android, no play store, no apps (Gmail, Chrome, Docs…).* Cannot use the AOSP (Android Open Source Project).* No technical support or collaboration.* On Sunday Google confirmed that the Play Store, Play Protect and other services will keep functioning on Huawei devices. * Huawei has previously mentioned that it has an operating system in the works. * The US Department of Justice has given Huawei a 90 day grace period before American companies must stop supporting or supplying components. * There are a lot of companies that rely on Huawei equipment (specifically, Telecom, internet and WiFi).  * States like Oregon and Wyoming have invested in Huawei and will need to swap it out in 90 days.