For a long time, I’ve resisted purchasing a voice assistant for my home. The idea of having something “always listening” seems too intrusive to me (and, yes, I know my phone is already doing that, but I’m good with the cognitive dissonance). However, the latest news from the advertising realm has me realizing that Alexa and her ilk might actually be the least of my worries.
The OPLIN 4cast Posts
I was blown away a few years back when I read about the OpenDyslexic font here in the OPLIN 4cast. It fascinated me how making the letters…
OPLIN 4Cast #625: 3D printing is heating up
Posted in 3D printing, and 4cast
If your library is lucky enough to have a makerspace with a 3D printer, you may already feel like you’re living in the future. However,…
I used to switch to new web browsers as often as I’d change brands of shampoo. My old browser would start to bog down, and…
It should come as no surprise that the world has become data-driven. Even libraries reflect this new reality; it’s no longer unusual to see CE…
Since the first Macintosh came out and revolutionized how we interact with our computers, there has been this truism: if you want the Apple software…
OPLIN 4Cast #621: Microchips aren’t just for pets…now they’re for employees
Posted in 4cast, and biohacking
I’ve given presentations on technology trends for a good number of years, and the reactions to most trends generally run the gamut from “Hey, that’s…
The struggle is real: my aging eyes want larger print, but I can’t fit a huge phone into my pocket. (I’m just grateful that people…
In 2014, the Chinese government announced the implementation by 2020 of a national social credit system. Drawing in diverse data sets (financial credit scores, purchasing…
OPLIN 4Cast #618: Beautygate, Bokeh, and Background Blur — the future of photography
Posted in 4cast, and Photo Tools
Owners of the new iPhone XS noticed that their selfies were looking “too good,” like they’d been air-brushed, their skin make-up-smooth. Users assumed that a…