25 June 2019 | Computers, Gizmos, How Does it Work?, Video |
Until now, apps were for smartphones and tablets. But that’s all about to change with PWAs: Progressive Web Apps!
PWAs are a new(ish) type of app that is web-based.
In other words, PWAs are literally web sites + JavaScript encapsulated in a window on whatever gizmo you want to install them on.
That means you can use the same app on your phone, tablet, desktop, or laptop – whether you use Windows, linux, or Mac.
Progressive Web Apps also work differently than normal apps, making them a bit more secure and privacy-oriented than traditional native apps.
So, what are these things and how do they work?
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11 June 2019 | Gizmos, How Does it Work?, Networking, Video |
It seems there are some common misconceptions out there about what 5G actually is and how it will work.
I wasn’t planning on another 5G video, but alas…
Much of this confusion is totally understandable since info is hard to come by despite the fact that 5G and IoT is the talk of the town!
Near the end I also toss in a few recent news stories related to troubles that 5G is causing or will cause.
You’d think they’d check this stuff out first BEFORE spending all that money… But then you remember that this is Planet Earth in 2019.
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4 June 2019 | Gizmos, How Does it Work?, Programming |
Ah yes, the Mobile Revolution!
It’s fabulous – unless you actually create web sites and other stuff that use JavaScript.
In desktop web browsers, you generally get a web inspector / debug console that lets you do all kinds of fun stuff, including debugging your JS code.
But on mobile, well, no such luck.
In fact, most mobile browsers give you absolutely nothing! Fortunately, there’s a neat trick that fixes everything.
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28 May 2019 | Gizmos, How Does it Work?, Video |
Many people have asked me about the Q-Link and other similar gizmos.
You’re supposed to simply wear them, and they strengthen your body via “resonance” such that you are even protected from the negative effects of all kinds of EMF.
Well, I used to think that was nuts… Until my doctor friend said she loves hers!
So, I decided to take another look. It had been almost 20 years since I first decided they were just snake oil. Plus, I suppose with age comes the knowledge that we’re not always as smart as we think we are.
It turns out that the result of using these things is actually rather interesting…
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14 May 2019 | Gizmos, How Does it Work?, Networking, Video |
There’s a lot happening on the 5G front.
From petitions, to cities temporarily halting their 5G rollout, to senate hearings, to nation-wide days of protest, things have been pretty busy!
In this video, I talk about one particular petition that I think summarizes everything quite nicely.
I also flesh out some details and connect some dots to show just how ridiculous the whole charade really is!
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23 April 2019 | Gizmos, Video |
As regular viewers know, I’m a huge fan of LED flashlights and headlamps.
They’re bright, energy efficient, and just really cool.
Since my last review of LED lights is almost 2 years old, it’s time for an update.
You won’t believe how bright these things have become!
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16 April 2019 | Gizmos, Video |
Well, I did it again: I read a book.
This time, it was the story of China’s recent technological revolution.
If you’re wondering what’s going on over in the East in the techie arena, it’s a great read.
In short, it appears that smartphones + crazy-fast innovation have turned China into the New Silicon Valley.
And that has interesting implications for the future of AI…
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2 April 2019 | Computers, Gizmos, How Does it Work?, Networking, Video |
These days, WiFi is everywhere. Even your washing machine probably has it. 😉
I typically don’t recommend using WiFi due to the huge amount of evidence indicating that it’s probably not the best thing for your health.
But there’s another reason to go back to cables…
WiFi is quite often WAAAY slower than most people think. In fact, it’s very rare that you will get anywhere near the maximum speeds advertised when you buy a WiFi access point or router.
What to do, what to do?
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26 February 2019 | Do-It-Yourself, Gizmos |
Everyone has a home router, whether they know it or not.
For most of us, our router is the DSL / Cable / Fiber “box” given to us by our ISP.
You can, of course, add your own home router in between your home network and your ISP’s box. This provides an extra level of safety – among other things.
Those of us who are a bit more techie (and crazy) like to roll our own router. There are many reasons for this, not the least of which is security.
Unfortunately, not all routers are created equal, even when they’re “created” by you!
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19 February 2019 | Gizmos, How Does it Work?, Video |
These days, everyone just uses their smartphone for GPS navigation.
GPS is also present in most cars.
In the olden days, we had dedicated GPS gizmos for navigating. You can still grab a GPS-only device these days – and for fewer bucks than you might think.
But is it worth it to have a dedicated GPS?
It turns that yes, it is… For quite a few reasons, actually, not the least of which is simple privacy.
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