Tony Sosa

New Privacy Features Android 11

Leave a Comment / Uncategorized / By / December 20, 2022 / , ,

When the new Android 11 launches in May, Google will be more selective about which apps on the Play Store can see all of the other apps you have installed. As experts points out, your list of installed apps, innocent as it seems, can communicate to developers personal traits like dating preferences and political affiliations. So starting with the new launch, developers will have to provide a very good reason for why Google should let you access info like that.

Android 11 apps that currently request the “QUERY_ALL_PACKAGES” permission can see the full list of apps you have stored on your device. But Google recently updated its developer program policy and now considers that info to be “personal and sensitive user data” which apps are allowed to use it.

Once the change goes into effect in May, apps can only use the permission if their “core user facing functionality or purpose, requires broad visibility into installed apps on the user’s device.” Examples of apps that will be permitted to continue using this permission include file managers, browsers, and antivirus apps that need the data “for awareness or interoperability purposes.” Banking apps, digital wallet apps, and any other app that involves “financial transaction functionality” will get a pass “for security-based purposes”.

Apps that do not have a justifiable use case for the permission risk being removed from the Google Play Store. All developers who want to keep the permission in their apps need to complete “a declaration form” justifying their use of it.

In case you’re worried that developers could still misuse the permission, Google’s Documentation clearly states it will come down hard on offending apps, whether they’re new to the Play Store or just updates to existing apps. Google could suspend apps and possibly terminate developer accounts.

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4 Mistakes To Avoid With Social Media

Leave a Comment / Uncategorized / By / December 20, 2022 / ,

Having a social media marketing strategy can make or break a business.  Around 90% of Millenials have at least one social media account and are quite active. Not only Millennials are using social media, but you also have Gen Z and Baby Boomers using it often, too.  With so many potential customers online, it is incredibly hard not to have a social media strategy.

If you have a social media strategy, great!  However, if you see followers decreasing or plateauing, then check out these mistakes that you can correct easily.

Spreading Yourself Too Thin

It can be tempting to get your business on as many social media platforms as possible.  However, that can lead to spreading yourself too thin. Being everywhere can be counterintuitive.  There’s a good chance you won’t be able to keep up with posting, which can lead to certain groups seeing certain accounts as non-active.

Start with 2-3 of the most popular social media platforms your target audience uses.  Once you have a great rhythm going with those, you can look at adding more.

Using Too Many Hashtags

Hashtags are a great way for your content to be seen in searches on social media platforms. Follow the Golden Rule of Less is More.  Having too many hashtags makes your post look more like spam than helpful or interesting content.  Use niche keywords to help get your content higher on searches.  Stay away from broad keywords like “sunsets” or “design”.

Keep your hashtags under 10.  Any higher and you can turn people away from your business.

Too Much At One Time

We again come to the Golden Rule of Less is More.  Posting several pieces of content one after the other every day may seem like a good way to get your content out there, but it can turn followers and fans away.

Aim to post content on a regular and consistent schedule.  Social media platforms come with insights for business accounts.  This is a great help to see which day and time is the best to post.  Use apps like Buffer to schedule these posts, so you don’t have to think about it later!

Being Anti-Social on Social Media

What is the point of being on social media if you never get social with your audience?  Being silent in your comment section is a quick way to disengage your followers.  You don’t need to be the biggest extrovert, but making sure you respond to comments and messages helps build long-lasting relationships and trust.  Your followers want to feel close to you, and you can easily do this by commenting or responding to messages appropriately.

It doesn’t take much to make small mistakes on social media that could cause engagement and follower numbers to drop.  However, the solutions to these are even easier!  Implementing these changes today will have you seeing drastic results you are sure to love!

Do you have a great way to increase followers and engagement?  Share it with us below!

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I Wish I Had Learned To Code

Leave a Comment / Uncategorized / By / December 20, 2022 / , , , ,

Apple said that developers have generated more than $260 billion in revenue since the App Store launched in 2008, up about $60 billion from the figure it reported a year ago.

The iPhone maker made the announcement Monday as part of a summary of the performance of its digital services across 2021. The company said the App Store generated a “new yearly record for App Store developer earnings last year” and that App Store sales between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve rose in the double digits from the same period a year ago.

While those are serious numbers, relations between the tech giant and App developers aren’t all roses. Many continue to publicly bristle at the terms of their agreement, in which Apple takes 30% of all transactions. Fortnite-maker Epic Games remains locked in a legal dispute with Apple over this very issue.

Apple didn’t say how much it generated during that week in 2021 but previously said it made $1.8 billion during that period of 2020.

Apple said that it’s not possible to extrapolate the company’s cut of that revenue. The company’s App Store commissions have grown increasingly controversial and were an issue in its legal battle with Fortnite maker Epic Games. Apple charges either 15% or 30% to developers, depending on how much revenue the developer generates or if the app is a subscription used for more than a year.

Despite the developer’s unhappiness with the App Store at the current moment (the 30 percent cut Apple takes from many transactions), the newly shared figure indicates developers earned $60 billion in 2021.

The new numbers suggest that the App Store continues to be a big moneymaker, which is translated as $85.71 billion gross in 2021…Not bad!

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The Future Of AI

Leave a Comment / Uncategorized / By / December 20, 2022 /

Today, Artificial Intelligence is a very popular subject that is widely discussed in the technology and business circles. Many experts and industry analysts argue that AI or machine learning is the future, but if we look around, we are convinced that it’s not the future, it is the present.

With the advancement in technology, we are already connected to AI in one way or the other. Yes, the technology is well beyond its initial phase and more and more companies are investing resources in machine learning, indicating a robust growth in AI products and apps in the near future.

The following statistics will give you an idea of growth:
• In 2014, more than $300 million was invested in AI startups, showing an increase of 300%, compared to the previous year;
• By 2018, 6 billion connected devices will proactively ask for support.

According to experts Artificial Intelligence:
• Will replace 16% of American jobs by the end of the decade. I find this true as one can observe the automation at many fast food restaurants;
• Customer’s digital assistants will recognize customers by face and voice across channels and partners;
• Smart phone users use some sort of voice recognition capabilities such a SIRI, ALEXA, GOOGLE ASSISTANT and BIXBY.

Unlike general perception, artificial intelligence is not limited to just IT or technology industry; instead, it is being extensively used in other areas such as medical, business, education, law, and manufacturing.

In the following, we are listing down 9 very intelligent AI solutions that we are using today, marketing machine learning as a present thing – not the future.

1. Siri and Bixby
Some of the most popular personal assistant offered by Apple and Samsung in their smart phones and tablets. The friendly female voice-activated assistant interacts with the user on a daily routine. She assists us to find information, get directions, send messages, make voice calls, open applications and add events to the calendar.

These apps use machine-learning technology in order to get smarter and capable-to-understand natural language questions and requests. It is surely one of the most iconic examples of machine learning abilities of gadgets.

2. Tesla
Not only smartphones but automobiles are also shifting towards Artificial Intelligence. Tesla is something you are missing if you are a car geek. This is one of the best automobiles available until now. The car has not only been able to achieve many accolades but also features like self-driving, predictive capabilities, and absolute technological innovation.

If you are a technology geek and dreamt of owning a car like shown in Hollywood movies, Tesla is one you need in your garage. The car is getting smarter day by day through over the air updates.

3. Cogito
Cogito originally co-founded by Dr. Sandy and Joshua is one of the best examples of the behavioral version to improve the intelligence of customer support representatives, currently on the market. The company is a synthesis of machine learning and behavioral science to enhance customer collaboration for phone professionals.

Cogito is applicable on millions of voice calls that take place on a daily basis. The AI solution analyzes the human voice and provides real-time guidance to enhance behavior.

4. Netflix
Netflix needs no introduction – it is a widely popular content-on-demand service that uses predictive technology to offer recommendations on the basis of consumers’ reaction, interests, choices, and behavior. The technology examines from a number of records to recommend movies based on your previous liking and reactions.

It is turning more intelligent with each passing year. The only the drawback of this technology is that small movie go unnoticed while big films grow and propagate on the platform. But as many predicted earlier, it is still improving and learning to be more intelligent.

5. Pandora
Pandora is one of the most popular and highly demanded tech solutions that exist. It is also called the DNA of music. Depending on 400 musical characteristics, the team of expert musicians individually analyzes the song. The system is also good at recommending the track record for recommending songs that would never get noticed, despite people’s liking.

6. Nest (Google)
Nest was one of the most famous and successful artificial intelligence startups and it was acquired by Google in 2014 for $3.2 billion. The Nest Learning Thermostat uses behavioral algorithms to save energy based on your behavior and schedule.

It employs a very intelligent machine learning process that learns the temperature you like and programs itself in about a week. Moreover, it will automatically turn off to save energy, if nobody is at home.

In fact, it is a combination of both – artificial intelligence as well as Bluetooth low-energy because some components of this solution will use BLE services and solutions.

7. Boxever
Boxever is a company that heavily relies on machine learning to enhance the customer experience in the travel industry and conveys micro-moments or experiences that can please the customers.

Boxover significantly improves customer engagement through machine learning and Artificial Intelligence to rule the playing field, helping customers to find new ways and make memorable journeys.

8. Flying Drones
The flying drones are already shipping products to customers home – though on a test mode. They indicate a powerful machine learning system that can translate the environment into a 3D model through sensors and video cameras.

The sensors and cameras are able to notice the position of the drones in the room by attaching them to the ceiling. Trajectory generation algorithm guides the drone on how and where to move. Using a Wi-Fi system, we can control the drones and use them for specific purposes – product delivery, video-making, or news reporting.

9. Alexa
Launched by Amazon, which is getting smarter and adding new features. It is a revolutionary product that can help you to search the web for information, schedule appointments, shop, control lights, switches, thermostats, answers questions, reads audiobooks, reports traffic and weather, gives info on local businesses, provides sports scores and schedules.

In conclusion, Artificial Intelligence is gaining popularity at a quicker pace; influencing the way we live, interact and improve customer experience. There is much more to come in the coming years with more improvements, development, and governance.

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150,000 Security Cameras Hacked

Leave a Comment / Uncategorized / By / December 20, 2022 / ,

A hack of up to 150,000 security cameras installed in schools, hospitals and businesses is being investigated by the firm that makes them.

Hackers claim to have breached Verkada, a security company that provides cameras to companies including Tesla.

Hacks were reported from feeds from prisons, psychiatric hospitals, clinics, and Verkada’s own offices were hijacked.

Verkada told the several news agencies it was “investigating the scale and scope of this issue”.

The company added it had notified law enforcement. However, it did not confirm the size and scale of the attack.

News organizations also reported that the transport start-up Virgin Hyperloop was among the list of impacted user accounts disclosed by the hackers.

Software provider Cloudflare reported that it had been alerted to a “handful” of cameras that might have been compromised at its offices around the world.

A Verkada camera inside a Florida hospital, reportedly seen by Bloomberg, showed what appeared to be eight workers tackling a man and pinning him to a bed.

Another video showed officers in a police station in Stoughton, Massachusetts questioning a man in handcuffs.

One, inside a Tesla warehouse in Shanghai, showed people working on an assembly line.

No news outlets have been able to independently verify these videos.

‘Too much fun’ – The hackers also said they had gained access to the security cameras of Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, where a gunman killed more than 20 people in 2012.

Speaking to Bloomberg, someone named Tille Kottmann claimed credit for hacking into Verkada’s systems.

The reasons for the hack, Kottmann said, were, “lots of curiosity, fighting for freedom of information and against intellectual property, a huge dose of anti-capitalism, a hint of anarchism – and it’s also just too much fun not to do it”.

The attack was reportedly unsophisticated, involving use of a “super admin” account to gain access to Verkada.

Bloomberg said that after they had contacted Verkada, the hackers lost access to the video feeds and archives.

A spokesperson for Verkada told news outlets: “We have disabled all internal administrator accounts to prevent any unauthorised access.”

“Our internal security team and external security firm are investigating the scale and scope of this issue, and we have notified law enforcement.”

The company has also set up a support line for their customers.

Meanwhile Cloudflare told several news outlets: “This afternoon we were alerted that the Verkada security camera system that monitors main entry points and main thoroughfares in a handful of Cloudflare offices may have been compromised.

“The cameras were located in a handful of offices that have been officially closed for several months.”

Tesla has yet to comment.

The breach comes after further details of a hack on Microsoft Exchange are beginning to emerge.

The attack used previously unknown flaws in the email software – and sometimes stolen passwords – to steal data from targets’ networks.

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LinkedIn Strategy

Leave a Comment / Social Media, Technology / By / March 13, 2021

LinkedIn Is one of the most popular social networking sites for today’s professionals.

Not only are small businesses using LinkedIn to generate excitement about their company, but they can also take the opportunity to look for new talent to join their business as well.

A Brief Overview of LinkedIn

Officially launched in 2003, Linkedin has gone on to attract more than 225 million registered users worldwide!

As the #4 most popular social networking site, under Pinterest, Twitter and Facebook, LinkedIn is now accessible in 20 different languages.

Current demographic research reveals that LinkedIn receives more than 65 million unique visitors each month from the United States alone, bringing its global unique visitor total to nearly 179 million a month.

LinkedIn encourages professional networking by alerting users to who their 2nd and 3rd degree connections are.

For example, if you have several clients as 1st degree connections, there’s a great chance that many of their 1st degree connections are their own clients too.

This is a tremendous opportunity to reach out and expand your network to users who’ve more potential to become new clients or great team members.

How to Grow Your Company’s LinkedIn Presence

Just like with any social media marketing campaign, you need to devote time to building an interesting and authoritative presence on LinkedIn.

Because it’s also a surefire recruiting tool for fresh, new talent, your company really needs to shine.

Use a Current, Professional Headshot

Being current and relevant is important on LinkedIn, so make sure you have a sleek and professional profile picture.  Let’s say you’re a freelance business consultant for example, and you want to use your own image as the face of your brand.

You’ll need to upload a high-resolution, up-to-date professional picture of yourself for your LinkedIn profile picture; likewise, if you want your staff as the image of your brand to promote a more “family-friendly” business vibe.

Use Your Logo & a Custom Background Image

While many LinkedIn profiles feature photos of individuals, you can also use a striking image of your company logo as your profile pic too.

Next, you will want to use your page as an opportunity to explain what your business is about, your achievements, and future goals for your business.  High quality content is important here since you’re trying to market yourself to a professional demographic online.

LinkedIn also has fantastic tools that allow you to really beef up your page and show off your expertise even more.  One such feature is the ability to upload published documents that you wrote.

Get Reviews & Endorsements

And not only that, but you can use LinkedIn’s most recent profile feature to grow your business credibility through the power of “endorsements.”  As your LinkedIn network grows and you accumulate more 1rst degree connections, people can publicly endorse such relevant skills as “project management”, “content marketing”, or “digital strategy.”

Optimize Your Page

Do not forget search engine optimization.  Your LinkedIn profile contains links to your website(s).  These are helpful inbound link to your site.

Further, if your website gets shared or mentioned on other pages in LinkedIn, these will also help send signals to the search engines which will help your SEO efforts.

It is never too late to set up an account and embark on a professional LinkedIn marketing strategy. 

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IOS 14 Privacy Updates

Leave a Comment / Social Media, Technology / By / March 24, 2021 / , , ,

Apple in February 2021 introduced the latest version of its iOS operating system, iOS 14.4, which was released on September 16. iOS 14 is one of Apple’s biggest iOS updates to date, introducing Home Screen design changes, major new features, updates for existing apps, Siri improvements, and many other tweaks that streamline the iOS interface.

In my opinion one of the biggest changes is the Updated Privacy protections require developers to get permission before accessing devices on a local network, and there are new options for limiting access to select photos or providing apps with only approximate location data. All apps are also required to get user permission before tracking them across websites, and new icons show up on the Home Screen when an app is using a camera or microphone.

For instance, one now can request Facebook not to pass our information to companies outside of Facebook which will eventually create a LAWSUITS war between Apple and Facebook. If you want to know how to tell Facebook not to sell your information to third party companies’ do a simple internet search “How do I stop Facebook from sharing my information with a third party?” and many results will pop up.

For your consideration below some steps to

  1. Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings.
  2. Scroll down to “Your Facebook Information” and select “Off-Facebook Activity”.
  3. Select “Manage Your Off-Facebook Activity”
  4. Fallow instructions below

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How to send large files using dropbox

Leave a Comment / Technology / By / March 24, 2021 / , ,

If you have to send us large files, follow these instructions to use the popular Dropbox service. So, you might be new to Dropbox. That is fine, it’s a really simple file sharing website. It is the most popular free to use cloud storage system. Great for file sharing or backing up any files or information you want for yourself.

Step 1: Sign Up

We are going to have to create an account. Go to Dropbox and go to the field where you would sign in.

The field should look similar to this. Click on the “create an account” link, which will have you fill out a few fields.

The fields are straight forward, they just need your name and email. Once that has been filled out, you may need to confirm your email address. If an email isn’t sent immediately, it should be sent when we’re setting up the files that you would like to share.

Step 2: Ignore Installer

If the following screen comes up after creating an account, you do not need to download the installer. You can do everything from the browser, and it isn’t necessary to set up any extra programs.

Step 3: Creating Folders

Head back to Dropbox and you should have a screen that looks like this. What we want to do is to create a folder. Click on the folder icon, and a new folder will immediately appear. Place the files that you want to share within the folder.

Step 4: Sharing the Folder

Right click the folder with the files you want to share, and hover over share, then click on “Invite people to collaborate…” Which will then send you to this.

Fill out the email address to who you want to send the files to, and a message indicating what it is. Click on Share, and job well done.

Beware Covid-19 Scams

Leave a Comment / Covid-19 Scams / By / February 21, 2021 / , ,

With distribution of COVID-19 vaccines approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration underway, scammers are trying to capitalize on the rollout. Vaccination plans will vary across state and local governments. Check with your state or local health department to learn when and how to get the COVID-19 vaccine. You can also talk with your health care provider, pharmacist, or health insurance provider to learn more.

Many Federal Agencies are sharing tips to avoid vaccine related-scams:

Don’t pay to sign up for the vaccine. Anyone who asks for a payment to put you on a list, make an appointment for you, or reserve a spot in line is a scammer.

Ignore sales ads for the COVID-19 vaccine. You can’t buy it – anywhere, including online pharmacies. The vaccine is only available at federal- and state-approved locations, such as vaccination centers and pharmacies.

Since the start of the pandemic, fraudsters have been bombarding consumers with pitches for phony remedies, and that’s unlikely to abate as the vaccines roll out and new tests hit the market.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) says consumers should be on the lookout for these signs of vaccine scams:

  • Requests that you to pay out of pocket to receive a shot or get on a vaccine waiting list
  • Ads for vaccines in websites, social media posts, emails or phone calls
  • Marketers offering to sell or ship doses of COVID-19 vaccines

In short, you can’t pay to skip the line, reserve your spot, or join a critical trial. Be wary of any inbound calls or texts that ask for your Social Security number, financial details, or insurance information to reserve your spot.