TECHNOLOGY: Uncrewed aircraft delivery seems to be working

Friday, April 18, 2025

https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/04/dont-call-it-a-drone-ziplines-uncrewed-aircraft-wants-to-reinvent-retail/

Don’t call it a drone: Zipline’s uncrewed aircraft wants to reinvent retail

  • Ars visits a zipline delivery service that’s deploying in more locations soon.

Tim Stevens – Apr 8, 2025 9:00 AM

*** begin quote ***

The inner portion of the Zipline P2 is lowered to the ground on a tether, facing into the wind, with a small propeller at the back. Doors on the bottom open when it touches the ground, depositing the cargo. Credit: Tim Stevens

The skies around Dallas are about to get a lot more interesting. No, DFW airport isn’t planning any more expansions, nor does American Airlines have any more retro liveries to debut. This will be something different, something liable to make all the excitement around the supposed New Jersey drones look a bit quaint.

Zipline is launching its airborne delivery service for real, rolling it out in the Dallas-Fort Worth suburb of Mesquite ahead of a gradual spread that, if all goes according to plan, will also see its craft landing in Seattle before the end of the year. These automated drones can be loaded in seconds, carry small packages for miles, and deposit them with pinpoint accuracy at the end of a retractable tether.

It looks and sounds like the future, but this launch has been a decade in the making. Zipline has already flown more than 1.4 million deliveries and covered over 100 million miles, yet it feels like things are just getting started.

*** end quote ***

I was especially interest in their description of delivering blood in remote places in Africa.  That could be used to deliver organs with less risk and fewer delays.  A lot can be improved if their service is as promised.  I imagine that some day, I would be able to ship stuff from my doorstep.  Instacart, DoorDash, and UberEats may be in trouble.

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TECHNOLOGY: eSims introduce a single point of failure

Thursday, April 17, 2025

https://www.androidauthority.com/esim-vs-physical-sim-experience-3539851/

I was ready to ditch physical SIMs forever — then my toddler threw my phone off a balcony

  • I was ready to declare physical SIM cards obsolete until disaster struck!

By Adamya Sharma

April 5, 2025

*** begin quote ***

Just before writing that wholly different article, my iPhone 15 Pro, on which my primary number was registered as an eSIM, met a dramatic end. While on holiday, my toddler decided my phone would look cool skydiving from a ninth-floor balcony. Spoiler Alert: It didn’t stick the landing. Not only did the iPhone’s screen shatter to pieces from one corner, but the grade 5 titanium frame literally tore from the antenna band. Not to mention the internal damage to other crucial components.

After mourning the loss and explaining to my child that phones aren’t actually meant to fly, I faced a new problem. I needed a new phone. And fast. Apple told me the phone can’t be fixed and will need to be replaced. Shedding tears of desperation, I swallowed the bitter pill and coughed up to buy the iPhone 16 Pro.

But here’s the catch. You can’t just pop into a store, grab a phone, and swap out the SIM anymore when you’re only using an eSIM. Sure, transferring an eSIM is usually as easy as scanning a QR code, but what happens when your old phone’s display is completely dead?

*** end quote ***

Never thought about this.  Clearly, there needs to be a backup solution for an eSim.

I’m waiting.

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TECHNOLOGY: WhatsApp is the natural choice for comms

Thursday, January 9, 2025

https://www.makeuseof.com/why-do-video-voice-calls-whatsapp/?user=cmVpbmtlZmpAZ21haWwuY29t&lctg=7e6c3cd411d6a815afa18582d54bd455914c43c5f69df1448b8ec20ee4959f71

Why I Do All My Video and Voice Calls on WhatsApp
By John Awa-abuon
Published Nov 20, 2024

*** begin quote ***

WhatsApp is the natural choice for my video and voice calls because it just works—without any fuss. Whether I’m chatting with a friend in another time zone or hopping on a call while switching between devices, WhatsApp keeps everything seamless. Other apps may have their charm, but WhatsApp wins because it stays grounded in what matters: reliable connections, simple tools, and features that feel tailor-made for everyday life.

*** end quote ***

I’ve had it up for years but no one seems to use it even for chat and texts.  With all the mischief going on, seems obvious.

I’ve invited some of my contacts (again) to try it. 

Makes your comms snoop proof; why not.

And it’s completely free and platform independent

What more could you want?

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TECHNOLOGY: Drone saves a life in Christmas miracle

Tuesday, December 31, 2024

https://nypost.com/2024/12/28/us-news/california-malibu-police-use-infrared-drone-to-rescue-missing-man-on-christmas-eve/

Infrared drone used to rescue missing 78-year-old man on Christmas Eve

By Shane Galvin 

Published Dec. 28, 2024, 2:43 a.m. ET

*** begin quote ***

California authorities used a heat-seeking drone to find an elderly man who went missing while going to fetch his mail on Christmas Eve.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Malibu Search and Rescue Team sprung into action to locate the 78-year-old who suffers from early-onset dementia, according to an Instagram post.

Malibu SAR deployed several drones to help in the rescue — including one advanced drone that uses infrared heat-seeking technology to locate targets.

*** end quote ***

Seems like this is the future of “Search and Rescue”.

Looking at the picture, if it is the original untouched image, it’s obvious what it is.

This has implications in lost children, snipers at war, and who knows what else.

Seems like a new “mandatory” piece of gear in toolboxes around the world.

Maybe I could ever get branches off my roof easily,

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TECHNOLOGY: GPS device is forbidden under Indian law

Sunday, December 29, 2024

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14207135/canadian-runner-tina-lewis-arrested-india.html

Canadian tourist’s dire warning to others as she’s arrested in India over common tech device
By SHEILA FLYNN FOR DAILYMAIL.COM
Published: 17:19 EST, 18 December 2024 | Updated: 18:40 EST, 18 December 2024

*** begin quote ***

A Canadian trail runner enjoying a months-long trip to India found herself in trouble with airport authorities in Goa after they detected an illegal item in her bag – a mini GPS device, forbidden under Indian law by legislation that’s nearly a century old.

Tina Lewis, who now lives in Colorado, had already been through multiple other Indian airports without problem when she caught the attention of security in Goa.

‘I brought my Garmin inReach device as I do for many of my international trips for camping, possible mountain adventures, and to use when there is no cell reception for safety as a solo female traveler,’ Lewis wrote on Instagram this week. 

*** end quote ***

WOW, wouldn’t have even occurred to me.

Isn’t every CELL PHONE a GPS device?

And, why would such a thing be illegal anywhere?

The only thing I can think of is to mark a target with GPS coordinates.  But can’t you do that now with Google Earth or a topological map?

Sorry but this seems to be a case of an obsolete diktat by a Gooferment out of touch with technology.

Argh!

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TECHNOLOGY: Use Amazon locker delivery for … … surprise gifts

Saturday, December 14, 2024

https://www.makeuseof.com/use-amazon-lockers-maximum-privacy/?user=cmVpbmtlZmpAZ21haWwuY29t&lctg=7e6c3cd411d6a815afa18582d54bd455914c43c5f69df1448b8ec20ee4959f71

Why I Use Amazon Lockers for Maximum Privacy (and So Should You)
By Vinayak Guhanarayan
Published 1 day ago

<< EDITOR ADDED DATE 2024-12-10>>

*** begin quote ***

  • The Basics of Amazon Lockers
  • Make Sure Only You Open Your Packages
  • Keep Your Home Address Private
  • Prevent Package Theft
  • Convenience When You’re Away
  • They’re Perfect for Surprise Gifts

One of the perks of shopping on Amazon is that anything you order is delivered right to your doorstep. And while this is an undeniable benefit for many, there are times when doorstep delivery isn’t practical or even feasible. It’s times like these that Amazon Lockers come in handy.

*** and ***

They’re Perfect for Surprise Gifts

When purchasing surprise gifts for my family and friends, I use Amazon’s Archive Order feature for privacy. I also opt for these deliveries to end up at an Amazon Locker. This way, I don’t have to worry about the recipient accidentally opening the package.

This is especially helpful during the holiday season, when most people are likely to order several gifts.

*** end quote ***

I recently had two surprise gifts ruined by delivery at the door.

I really had not considered this option.  (Yeah, I’m old, dumb, and don’t think things through to their logical conclusion.  My bad!)

The use cases the author outlines are prefect for anyone like me who doesn’t want surprise ruined or package theft.

YMMV but I like this idea.

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TECHNOLOGY: What’s the boundary between “backdoor for government surveillance” and crime prevention?

Friday, December 13, 2024

https://techcrunch.com/2024/12/08/apple-sued-over-abandoning-csam-detection-for-icloud/

Apple sued over abandoning CSAM detection for iCloud
Anthony Ha
10:26 AM PST · December 8, 2024

*** begin quote ***

Apple is being sued over its decision not to implement a system that would have scanned iCloud photos for child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

The lawsuit argues that by not doing more to prevent the spread of this material, it’s forcing victims to relive their trauma, according to The New York Times. The suit describes Apple as announcing “a widely touted improved design aimed at protecting children,” then failing to “implement those designs or take any measures to detect and limit” this material.

Apple first announced the system in 2021, explaining that it would use digital signatures from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and other groups to detect known CSAM content in users’ iCloud libraries. However, it appeared to abandon those plans after security and privacy advocates suggested they could create a backdoor for government surveillance.

*** end quote ***

In this case, I think the risk of “backdoor for government surveillance” is less valuable than the prevention of Child Abuse.  IMHO.

I’d be pushing the tech companies hard in the war against children’s exploitation.

Maybe even their devices (i.e., iPhone, Android phones, tablets) should use digital signatures from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

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TECHNOLOGY: Free media content from Walmart’s Vizio

Thursday, December 12, 2024

https://cordcuttersnews.com/walmarts-vizio-watchfree-has-a-ton-of-action-holiday-movies-in-december/

As the weather cools, VIZIO brings the heat with a lineup of thrilling action films this December! Whether you’re in the mood for heart-pounding chases, explosive showdowns, or sharp-witted humor, WatchFree+ has something for everyone. Stream these cinematic favorites for free on your VIZIO TV or the VIZIO mobile app—no subscription required, just a free VIZIO account. Cozy up and enjoy these action-packed blockbusters at no cost.

# – # – # – # – #

I’m always up for free content.  You too?

https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus

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TECHNOLOGY: Could everyone get access to the better data?

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/robot-balloons-capture-nyc-sized-areas

12-pound US robot balloons capture NYC-sized areas in jaw-dropping details

  • These autonomous balloons operate at altitudes ranging from 60,000 to 85,000 feet.

Updated: Nov 28, 2024 07:36 AM EST
Mrigakshi Dixit

*** begin quote ***

As per Space.com, a single balloon can capture the same amount of data as 800,000 drones in a single flight.

Moreover, the balloons can map large disaster zones in detail within hours, rather than weeks.

“Many insurance companies are still relying on aerial data collection methods from the 1950s to assess 2024’s climate risks,” said Rema Matevosyan, CEO of Near Space Labs. 

“When you consider that only six percent of the $250 billion in losses from Hurricane Helene may be covered by insurance, it becomes clear that outdated risk assessment methods are creating a domino effect: poor data leads to inadequate policy pricing, which leads to carrier losses, which ultimately forces insurers to abandon entire markets—leaving homeowners stranded and unable to secure mortgages,” Matevosyan added. 

*** end quote ***

While I don’t pity the “poor” insurance companies, it makes sense that better data can help EVERYONE properly assess risk.

My personal experience with “federal flood insurance” is dismal.  

In the case of shore house, I carried the required policy even after the mortgage was paid off.  When there was a flood, I wasn’t covered because it wasn’t my primary residence.  So why did I pay those premiums for all those years?  “You made a mistake” was their response.  Luckily, all I lost was an outside hot water heater; my neighbor’s house, which was 4 inches lower than mine, had a ¼ of a million dollars in repairs.  It literally killed him when he was ripped off by contractors.

In the case of my primary residence, I paid flood insurance for decades.  When the flood hit, my neignborhood was three feet ABOVE the high water mark.  Asking about that was another exercise in stupidity.  “You’re in the flood plain.”  Revise the map.  “No, it’s set by the Federal Government.”  Argh!

So maybe if  had access to better topology, some politicians and bureaucrats could accurately assess my risk,

Argh!  Sure as soon as pigs fly.

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TECHNOLOGY: Comedy of errors failing over to my backup mac

Saturday, December 7, 2024

Well, Hello from Mac Book Air aka BLUE aka MCBA5.

It’s my fifth iteration of Mac Book Airs.  Officially known as FVHFD4SHQ6L4.  When I spilled coffee on it, I bought MCBA6 aka ROSE while iBLUE was in for repair.  When it came back, it was demoted to “spare”.  From time to time, I’d fire it up and use it a little.

So the cockatoo got to ROSE and feasted on the keyboard.  So I backed it up to portable hard drive in prep for the Apple Store.

B38082CD EB5B 49D6 A63A 7756FFADA197 1 105 c

Luckily it’s still has an active Apple Care. The repair is supposedly covered under accidental damage and will get a new keyboard.  Yay.  It’ll be back in a week or so.

No problem,! I’ll just fail over to BLUE.

Wow was that an over estimation of the process.

Now, I am a belt ’n’ suspenders guy.  One is none; two is one; and three is bliss.

Sure.  Unfortunately all the passwords were screwed up since my last use.  

No problem it’s easy now to reset them using the Apple Account to reset them.

(Even my extra DUMMYADMIN account which has the same password across all my MCBXs was trashed?)

Of course, BLUE needs to update the OS and a whole load of apps.

No problem.  After the FireFox update, all my settings were trashed.

No problem. I use Mozilla’s sync so it recovered all my settings.  Almost.

All my extensions were not on the toolbar. Argh!  After about a calendar day, I found the fix.

I’m now back to “business”.  Until the next troll, gremlin, or bug pops up.

(Imagine if I didn’t use BLUE for one day on the First of Every Month. Argh!)

YMMV!

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