Hawaii missile false alarm due to badly designed user interface, reports say
The user was to select from a menu of options including “Missile Alert” and “Test Missile Alert”, which were next to each other on the options menu. The system also…
Increasing minimum wage leading to more automation
If workers can keep their jobs, they’ll enjoy higher wages. But rising labor costs are pushing employers toward robots. Source: California’s $15 minimum wage may mean more automated jobs |…
Dean Kamen, his organization, the magic of invention
Some of the best inventors I know didn’t have a deep knowledge of any particular technology. They had a deep understanding of what the need is and what we would…
What if Blockchain is not that useful?
There are downsides to blockchain technologies and processes (blockchain algorithms power Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies): Each purported use case — from payments to legal documents, from escrow to voting systems…
Fixing the Starbuck’s app “No stores nearby available” error
Just a tip to help users of the Android version of the Starbuck’s app. If you try to make a mobile order using the app, but you see no stores…
Shake Shack restaurant trials self order systems to reduce labor costs #Robotics #automation
Having customers place their own order has been in trials – or already implemented – at many restaurant chains as a way to reduce labor costs. “We need to answer…
Workaround: Barnes and Noble Nook e-reader app no longer available for PC, Mac #BarnesAndNoble
I discovered after a Mac OS X update that my very old Nook e-reader app for Mac OS X no longer works – and that Nook discontinued the app for…
San Diego’s minimum wage experiment accelerating adoption of automation
San Diego raised its minimum wage very rapidly. Data suggests that while the wage hike benefits those with minimum wage jobs, it is also rapidly eliminating low wage jobs all…
#InternetOfThings approaching peak nonsense phase! Water bottle tells you if you drink enough. #Iot
Internet-of-things water bottle will inform you of your drinking habits Source: Internet-of-things water bottle will inform you of your drinking habits / Boing Boing
Does the #InternetOfThings increase your privacy, decrease your privacy or leave it unchanged? #IoT
Are there any examples of consumer-level #IoT devices that increase your level of privacy? I cannot think of any. Does anyone other than us weird computer scientists think privacy and…