David Lidsky's Blog, page 3197
August 7, 2014
Google Algorithm Tweak Aims to Make the Web Safer
Google will favor encrypted websites in search results.
Google announced Wednesday it will begin to favor encrypted websites in its search results to encourage increased security across the web. Encryption can help keep user data safe from hackers.
China Cracks Down On Messaging Apps, Blames Terrorism
China says people are using mobile apps to share information on making bombs.
China blocked some messaging apps and implemented new, tough restrictions on other instant messaging services Thursday. According to Reuters, China told the South Korean ministry it blocked KakaoTalk and Line because terrorists were using them to transmit information on building bombs. Line has 420 million users worldwide and KakaoTalk has 150 million, but data on how many users are in China is unavailable.
How To Hack A Sonos Sound System To Terrify Your Friends
A developer used this open source code to haunt his own house.
This story features an interview with independent developer Aaron Gotwalt.
We Asked A Bunch Of Lawyers: Who Owns The Copyright To This Amazing Monkey Selfie?
Wikipedia? The wildlife photographer? Maybe even the monkey?
Tucked into Wikipedia's transparency report yesterday was a tiny anecdote that involved the copyright of a photo. The story involved a selfie, a wildlife photographer, and a smiling monkey, so, quite naturally, it went on to light the content-starved summer Internet on fire.
Patent Application Reveals Apple Is Working To Bring Siri To Macs
But it seems unlikely Siri will make its way to the OS X Yosemite release.
From the looks of an Apple patent application, the Cupertino, California company wants to bring Siri to Macs.
Twitch Will Mute Videos With Copyrighted Music
The live-streaming startup is also removing the option to store past broadcasts in their entirety forever.
Neither Twitch nor Google have confirmed YouTube's rumored billion-dollar acquisition of the live-streaming gaming site. But some suspect Twitch's latest changes--flagging videos with copyrighted music and no longer storing broadcasts forever on its servers--are part of a larger effort cleaning house before Twitch officially joins the Google family.
FYI: The New Foursquare App Will Track Your Location Even When Closed
Is anyone surprised?
Foursquare revealed a splashy overhaul yesterday that transformed the location service into an app that serves up smart suggestions for your next meal. It knows what you want to eat before you do. But, tucked behind the glitzy redesign and pink-colored branding is a major new feature that the Wall Street Journal suggests "some users might find creepy."
August 6, 2014
Sidecar Wants You To Know It's Also Doing Shared Rides
About 13,000 passengers have tested shared rides since May.
Given all the feuding between Lyft and Uber, it's easy to forget about Sidecar. After Lyft and Uber announced new carpooling options (and cheaper fares) for riders, Sidecar chimed in to say it's also offering shared rides.
Gmail Makes It Easier To Unsubscribe From Spam
No more scrolling: Users will begin seeing an unsubscribe link high up, next to the sender's email address.
To help users deal with their overloaded inbox, Gmail is making it easier to unsubscribe from email lists.
Nike+ Penis Art Is The Best Reason To Exercise
Need some motivation to work out? Use your run-tracking app to get creative.
Plenty of research shows that exercise helps you be more creative, and never has this been more thoroughly proven than with Claire Wykoff's Nike+ penis art.
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