Zuckerberg’s New Year’s Resolution
Every year, Facebook CEO, Mark Zuckerberg sets a new year’s resolution. Past years consisted of learning Mandarin, traveling to all 50 states, and even building an AI for his own home. This year, he sets his eye on fixing existing problems within Facebook. Ever since the 2016 U.S. presidential election, Facebook was in the spotlight for failing to filter fake news. They are also struggling to control violent content in live videos and discrimination of ethnic groups by its powerful ad targeting program. With Zuckerberg’s now declared call to action, we should see significant changes within the realms of false news and hate. (Source: Forbes)
Two Major Flaws in the World’s Computers
Two major security flaws in microprocessors have been discovered by computer security experts. Nearly every computer in the world has been affected by the problems, Meltdown and Spectre. These two complications allow hackers to steal entire memory contents from computers, mobile devices, and servers running in cloud computing networks. There is no easy fix for Spectre, as any current resolution relies on the complete redesign of processors. As for Meltdown, the software patch needed to fix the issue can slow down a computer up to 30%, a significant downgrade to prior speedy service. Make sure you download the latest patches to protect yourself from any malicious outsider intent. (Source: NY Times)
Smart Speakers Becoming the Fastest-Growing Consumer Tech
Smart Speakers have over-run Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, and Tech Wearables as the fastest-growing consumer technology. Analysts expect a market growth of 56.3 million this year. Americans are estimated to be the top consumers with over 38.4 million in 2018, with the Chinese at a distant second with 4.4 million units. The reasons for such a surge in production in smart speakers are the endless possibilities to monetize each unit. Methods such as priority order, “smart services”, and paid subscriptions for skills are all possible venues to allow cash flow back into the companies. This marks a significant change in the possible methods humans may interface with the world wide web. (Source: TechCrunch)
