Danie van der Merwe

Pebble, a startup that tried and failed to take on Twitter, finds new life on Mastodon

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 18:56:44 +0100

gadgeteer@hub.netzgemeinde.eu

The company announced last month that it was shutting down its Twitter/X alternative citing the increasingly competitive landscape, X’s ability to retain users and its own failure to gain traction with a wider audience. But after deliberately avoiding any plans to participate in the decentralized social network Mastodon during its time as a startup, Pebble has now given itself a fresh start as a dedicated Mastodon server dubbed pebble.social.

TechCrunch has now confirmed the Pebble instance was recently established by Pebble co-founder and CEO Gabor Cselle as something of a new social experiment. However, members of the Pebble community are involved in the server’s moderation.

So, it's quite small still at this stage, but it is great that their community could not only live on in their own space, but also integrate out more broadly into the whole Fediverse.

I think their server description is underselling itself a little now, though: It says "A tiny stone can cause ripples across a whole pond. Just like every one of you, sharing your stories and insights, can create waves in our online community". Now, in fact, they can cause a ripple right across the entire Fediverse, and not just inside their own online community!

Interestingly, they also appear to have a news feed under their Explore options. They look like a very friendly community, so I hope they prosper well on their instance.

See Pebble, a startup that tried and failed to take on Twitter, finds new life on Mastodon | TechCrunch

Pebble, a startup that took on Twitter and failed, has returned from the dead -- as a Mastodon instance, it seems. The company announced last month that

#technology #Mastodon #Fediverse

technology Mastodon Fediverse

DeepMind’s new AI called GraphCast promises the most accurate 10-day weather forecasts in the world

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 17:27:16 +0100

Danie van der Merwe

gadgeteer@hub.netzgemeinde.eu

A new AI model from Google DeepMind is the world’s most accurate 10-day global weather forecasting system, according to the London-based lab. The model is open sourced, with the code on GitHub.

Named GraphCast, the model promises medium-range weather forecasts of “unprecedented accuracy.” In research published today, GraphCast was found to be more precise and faster than the industry gold standard for weather simulation, the High-Resolution Forecast (HRES).

The system also predicted extreme weather from a more distant future than was previously possible. These insights were analysed by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), an intergovernmental organisation that produces the HRES.

In tests, the results were impressive. GraphCast significantly outperformed the most accurate operational deterministic systems on 90% of 1,380 test targets.

It's not perfect though, as it has had issues with predicting the intensity of cyclones, as well as precipitation amounts.

And whilst this is all great and fine, I don't actually find any mobile app at all that uses these predictions. There is also no mention of 'whether' Google's own weather forecasts are actually using it. So I suppose we have to stay tuned to hear when it really filters into what real end users actually use.

See DeepMind says new AI is world's most accurate 10-day weather forecaster

A new AI model called GraphCast provides weather forecasts with "unprecedented accuracy," Google DeepMind claims.

#technology #weather

technology weather

Ayoba is an all-in-one chat, call, and social media app that has over 30 million active monthly users mostly in Africa

Sun, 12 Nov 2023 18:57:04 +0100

Danie van der Merwe

gadgeteer@hub.netzgemeinde.eu

This is probably the app that Elon Musk wants X to be... Ayoba has chats, voice calling, channels, music, games, money transfers (MoMo - only available currently in Ghana, Uganda, Congo B and Cameroon), and various 3rd party services. It runs on Android and iOS. Ayoba is owned and managed by Simfy Africa Pty Ltd, based in Cape Town, South Africa.

The app is apparently based on XMPP and WebRTC technologies, but all of that is deeply embedded within the app, so the user experience is all within Ayoba. The messaging is fully end-to-end-encrypted.

They have a partnership with MTN, which is Africa's largest cellular network and this partnership provides some really interesting value-adds such as MTN subscribers not paying for data to use the app, and any non-Ayoba MTN subscribers can receive and reply for free using SMS text messages. The zero-rated data usage for MTN users is stated to be for "a promotional period and may be subject to a fair usage policy".

However, there are some probable cons such as voice calls within the app to another Ayoba contact being charged for as a standard cellular voice call (no other chat app I know of does this, they use standard data). Elsewhere, it is stated "Note that voice and video calls will consume a user’s data" so maybe data can be used, but it is not part of the MTN zero-rated data.

The other con is the privacy policy does state (from the Android data safety policy) that information such as precise location is used for analytics, and that phone number, app interactions, and Device ID can be shared for analytics and advertising and marketing. So in this regard it is not as private as XMPP and some other messengers. It is likely that this, along with the MTN partnership, is what funds and sustains the app.

Ayoba is highly localised and tailored for African consumer needs, supporting 22 relevant languages. Users can send and receive encrypted messages, share photos, videos, files, and voice notes and can also subscribe to live channels. Family-friendly localised content is available through curated channels aimed at entertaining, educating and empowering communities.

Channels though are a big part of Ayoba, with over 150 channels, providing the latest in sports, fashion, beauty, news, comedy, health, entertainment, education, empowerment and more. All free to use. The content is updated daily, and is available in English, French, Arabic and select local languages including isiZulu, Kinyarwanda and more.

The app is just over 4 years old, and to have reached 30 million active users in that time, it quite an achievement. This is probably due to MTN's reach across Africa, and the strong focus on African culture and languages.

Although the app is based on open-source XMPP it does not state it has any interactivity with the larger global XMPP user base, nor any form of federating with the Fediverse.

Ayoba's big focus going forward from October 2023 will be on gaming and advancing its integrated ecosystem development approach revolving around the MicroApps vertical. With this, they are already way ahead of Musk's X.

See Ayoba

Explore Africa's Super-App with free chat, games, music, channels & more

#technology #Ayoba #messaging #Africa

messaging Africa Ayoba technology

The 13 Most Soothing, Smooth and All Around Best Shaving Soaps for Men

Sun, 12 Nov 2023 15:55:39 +0100

Danie van der Merwe

gadgeteer@hub.netzgemeinde.eu

There are few things that can make a modern man feel more like a classic gentleman than grabbing a proper shaving brush and lathering on a soft layer of a good shaving soap.

Sure, nowadays there are dozens – if not hundreds – of brands pushing various shaving gel, shaving cream and lotion products that can give you all sorts of skin-boosting benefits.

But as Moneypenny said as she (sexily) shaved Daniel Craig’s James Bond in Skyfall: "Sometimes the old ways are the best".

Single blades are single blades, but where traditional wet shaving really gets the rubber hitting the road, or the blade gliding on skin, is the amazing variety of quality shaving soaps and creams. Not only are they good quality, and often artisan made, but they are very good to use on the skin, without having the chemicals or aerosols that come with most commercial shaving products.

I still prefer a harder shaving soap puck, which I use a stiffer brush to lather. But there are no shortage of options out there, and if you look around you'll usually also find artisan soap makers in most cities (and even small towns).

The very essence of the traditional shaving experience typically lies in the soap or cream being used.

See The 13 Best Shaving Soaps for Men (2023 Update)

These are the best shaving soap options for guys who want a close, smooth shave. The #1 best shaving soap for men is definitely...

#traditionalshaving #shavingsoap #wetshaving

traditionalshaving wetshaving shavingsoap

Why buy a Samsung phone with an S Pen and only use two of the 40+ things it can do?

Sun, 12 Nov 2023 15:31:20 +0100

Danie van der Merwe

gadgeteer@hub.netzgemeinde.eu

I did buy my Galaxy S23 Ultra primarily for its camera, but I did justify the buy too, thinking that a built-in stylus would be really useful as well... But just using that S Pen for notetaking and signing the odd PDF is a real waste of what more that S Pen actually can do! It is more than just a stylus.

The video linked below really needs to be watched every month, as I've seen one similar to it a year ago, and I've forgotten most of this.

For me, some highlights are:
* Easily annotate PDF documents in Samsung Notes
* The S-Pen can open the camera app, switch front/rear cameras, zoom in/out, take the photo
* Similarly controlling music, gallery, etc apps by gesture
* Media controls
* Hover over word to translate
* Have any app in a small glance window
* Keeping phone unlocked while doing notes
* Pin a note to always-on display e.g. shopping list
* Screen-off memos for notes without unlocking phone
* Create a quick pop-up note over any other app (and make them transparent)
* If you have Galaxy Tablet, you can use your phone alongside it as a toolbar (very Apple this is)

The only way really to remember this functionality is to get into the habit of using some of the additional features, and refreshing your memory around what all it can do. I did make some summary notes in Google Keep at the time, but I've not really looked at them again.

Which brings me to two other points:
1. Samsung Notes, especially with the S Pen, really makes Google Keep look very bland and basic (apart from maybe Keep's location reminders).
2. Some of the fancier S Pen to Text functionality only works with the Samsung keyboard, so if you're using a 3rd party keyboard like I do, that doesn't work. My only issue with the Samsung keyboard is I just don't find its autocorrect very good, but maybe I should also give it another try. For me, a fluid and accurate autocorrect is the most important function of a keyboard.

Watch

https://youtu.be/B5DrJYScXT4?si=F7hJHLzRY1DiXFK4

#technology #productivity #spen

technology SPen productivity

Cape Town Disaster Management Centre has a 24/4 VarAC Chat Service running

Sun, 12 Nov 2023 11:04:42 +0100

Danie van der Merwe

gadgeteer@hub.netzgemeinde.eu

Our ZS1DCC Disaster Management site for #amateurradio #hamradio in #CapeTown now has a 24/7 #VarAC chat service running on HF usually on 30m or 40m, and can be used to park or relay VMails anytime for operators in #SouthAfrica

technology amateurradio hamradio VarAC SouthAfrica

Data broker’s “staggering” sale of sensitive info exposed in unsealed US FTC filing: Major value in users' data

Sat, 11 Nov 2023 20:27:00 +0100

Danie van der Merwe

gadgeteer@hub.netzgemeinde.eu

One of the world's largest mobile data brokers, Kochava, has lost its battle to stop the Federal Trade Commission from revealing what the FTC has alleged is a disturbing, widespread pattern of unfair use and sale of sensitive data without consent from hundreds of millions of people.

The FTC has accused Kochava of violating the FTC Act by amassing and disclosing "a staggering amount of sensitive and identifying information about consumers," alleging that Kochava's database includes products seemingly capable of identifying nearly every person in the United States.

According to the FTC, Kochava's customers, ostensibly advertisers, can access this data to trace individuals' movements—including to sensitive locations like hospitals, temporary shelters, and places of worship, with a promised accuracy within "a few meters"—over a day, a week, a month, or a year. Kochava's products can also provide a "360-degree perspective" on individuals, unveiling personally identifying information like their names, home addresses, phone numbers, as well as sensitive information like their race, gender, ethnicity, annual income, political affiliations, or religion, the FTC alleged.

These data brokers handle really massive amounts of private data. It costs time and money to obtain, and it seems there is a market of buyers willing to pay for it too. If we look at the types of data then it is also easy to see this is not just about advertising at all.

We know that even law enforcement agencies pay these types of 3rd parties to collect the data that they are prohibited from doing so (for example, recently the NYT 15 Nov 2013 report re CIA collecting global data on transfers of money).

Then there are also the criminals who can purchase this information for blackmail and extortion. Most hackers will admit that their attempts start out with getting to know more about an organisation and its employees, with a view to exploiting social engineering. Even phishing e-mails are way more likely to succeed if they are personalised towards a target.

Data brokers are a serious threat to everyone, and the way that data is collected, means that one person who does not care, can end up exposing family and friends' private data. The data is not collected in isolation from everyone else... effort goes into tying up all the data points with locations, times, other people, behaviours, and related information. The real value comes once all the individual pixels form a larger, clear picture.

In years past this type of business was very labour, and later computer intensive, and was as a result quite delayed in terms of its value. With the computing power and analysis available today, combined with rich and varied data sources, it's been taken to a whole new level. And of course there are now online markets that even trade this data on the Dark Web.

It is also getting more and more difficult for people to effectively stay offline as social services, banking, booking a flight, etc all involve being registered and having interaction with online systems.

The clock also never travels backwards (unless you live in a daylight saving region) as societal "innovations" keep moving forward.

See Data broker’s “staggering” sale of sensitive info exposed in unsealed FTC filing

Judge: Data broker’s motion to sanction FTC “long on hyperbole, short on facts.”

#technology #privacy #databrokers

technology privacy databrokers

Qualcomm and Iridium's satellite link-up deal not going ahead as smartphone makers are not buying it

Sat, 11 Nov 2023 15:14:47 +0100

Danie van der Merwe

gadgeteer@hub.netzgemeinde.eu

According to Iridium, the companies developed and demonstrated the technology, but it appears that smartphone makers have not implemented the feature in their Snapdragon-based devices. Iridium said Qualcomm therefore notified it on November 3 of the decision to terminate things, effective December 3.

Qualcomm told The Register: "Smartphone OEMs have indicated a preference towards standards-based solutions for satellite connectivity in mobile devices. We expect to continue to collaborate with Iridium on standards-based solutions, while discontinuing efforts on the proprietary solution that was introduced earlier this year (2023).

It could partly be due to pretty expensive rates that would be charged by Iridium, or the developments around just placing normal cell tower radios on low orbiting satellites (like the recent post about Starlink's tests). It looks more like the leaning is towards unmodified cellphones being able to be used.

A good reason for this is open competition, as the device is not locked into a specific chipmaker or satellite service. Competition means more choices (no vendor lock-in) and lower costs.

For consumers, it means there is a chance too that existing phones can be used without expensive (and exclusive) upgrades being required.

See Qualcomm cancels satellite partnership with Iridium

Tech was proven, but nobody wanted to put it in their Snapdragon devices

#technology #satellitecomms

technology satellitecomms

Signal finally testing usernames that keep your phone number private but the number is still required to register

Fri, 10 Nov 2023 17:03:06 +0100

Danie van der Merwe

gadgeteer@hub.netzgemeinde.eu

Telegram has now long had usernames without revealing for private phone number, so it is good to see Signal finally moving in this direction too. It is really not always desirable to have your real phone number being visible in group or community chats.

It is even worse for those who live in risky areas, are experiencing abuse, or who are whistleblowers, etc. Signal's claim to fame, after all, is privacy.

Unlike Telegram though, Signal seems to be running this test service is a completely separate staging environment, which both parties need to create accounts for.

There is, of course, a downside to going fully over to usernames, and ditching phone numbers altogether. That is that discoverability becomes more difficult as one person really has to invite others to connect with them. Family and friends won't just find you automatically by your phone number. WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal have been very aware of this and that is why they have had such good networking, as the phone number was always available, and I doubt Signal will be ditching the phone number.

The moment you get onto chat services like XMPP, Wire, Briar, Jami, SimpleX, etc you'll find it impossible to find anyone you know unless they share their username with you (and even more specifically for SimpleX as each username is unique between contacts).

But with Signal's new move at least you will be able to protect your phone number from other ad-hoc contacts and group chats.

See Signal tests usernames that keep your phone number private

Signal is now testing public usernames that allow users to conceal the phone numbers linked to their accounts while communicating with others.

#technology #Signal #privacy

technology privacy Signal

How to clean and care for your wireless earbuds

Fri, 10 Nov 2023 13:42:49 +0100

Danie van der Merwe

gadgeteer@hub.netzgemeinde.eu

It's true that better maintained devices (or anything) last longer and perform better. The same goes for these devices that you plug into your head.

This article covers a broad range to do's and don'ts to observe when cleaning ear buds. But it is worth also checking for own device specifically, as mine for the Anker Soundcore era buds actually says to use running alcohol. Note though that nearly every guide does state you should apply rubbing alcohol to the cloth, and not spray or apply it directly to the device being cleaned.

See How to clean and care for your wireless earbuds