Tag: technology

QR Codes A Brief.


We have seen an increase in QR codes in the last couple of years,but more so during the COVID-19 pandemic where every restaurant placed a QR code on every table,im sure everyone can relate!!

They have become ubiquitous in our daily lives and yet it took me a while to know what the letters Q and R stand for.In Case you didn’t know they stand for Quick Response!! I must admit I was blown away when i learned the meaning,You could say i was assuming it mean some crazy Tech lingo.

History of QR Codes

The QR code system was invented in 1994 by a team led by Masahiro Hara from the Japanese company Denso Wave1. It was initially used as labels for automotive parts1. In 1999, it was approved as a standard 2D code by the Japan Industrial Standards and made a standard 2D symbol on the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association’s EDI standard transaction forms2. In 2000 it was approved by the ISO as one of its international standards2.

Sources:1. en.wikipedia.org

2. qrcode.com

3. britannica.com

Advantages of QR Codes

As mentioned earlier QR codes have certainly made things easier for Human beings in general:

QR codes are two-dimensional barcodes that can be scanned by smartphones and other devices to access various types of information. They have become increasingly popular in recent years, especially in marketing, e-commerce, and payments. But what are the advantages of QR codes and why should you use them for your business? Here are some of the main benefits of QR codes:

  • Versatility: QR codes can store and link to different kinds of data, such as websites, videos, images, social media, contact details, coupons, and more. You can use them for various purposes, such as promoting your products or services, providing customer support, collecting feedback, facilitating transactions, and so on.
  • Convenience: QR codes are easy to create and scan. You can generate them online using free or paid tools and print them on any surface or material. You can also scan them with any smartphone camera or app without needing any special equipment or software. QR codes make it convenient for your customers to access your online content or perform actions with just a simple scan.
  • Engagement: QR codes can help you increase your customer engagement and loyalty by providing them with valuable information, incentives, or experiences. For example, you can use QR codes to offer discounts, rewards, freebies, or exclusive content to your customers. You can also use them to create interactive campaigns, games, quizzes, or contests that can attract and retain your customers’ attention.
  • Trackability: QR codes can help you measure and analyze your marketing performance and customer behavior by providing you with data such as scan counts, locations, devices, time, and more. You can use this data to optimize your QR code campaigns and improve your conversion rates and return on investment (ROI).
  • Creativity: QR codes can help you stand out from your competitors and showcase your brand personality by allowing you to customize their design and appearance. You can add colors, shapes, logos, icons, or images to your QR codes to make them more appealing and memorable. You can also integrate them with other elements of your print or digital media to create a cohesive and consistent brand identity.

These are some of the advantages of QR codes that can help you grow your business and connect with your customers in a more effective and efficient way. QR codes are not only a useful tool but also a powerful strategy that can enhance your marketing and communication efforts.

Disadvantages of QR Codes

QR codes are two-dimensional barcodes that can store a large amount of information and can be scanned by smartphones or other devices with QR scanners. They have become popular in recent years for various purposes, such as marketing, payments, authentication and information sharing. However, QR codes also have some disadvantages that users and businesses should be aware of before using them.

Some of the disadvantages of QR codes are:

  • Lack of familiarity: Many people are still not familiar with QR codes and how to use them. They may not have the required software or hardware to scan them, or they may not understand what they are supposed to do after scanning them. This can limit the reach and effectiveness of QR codes as a communication tool. [1]
  • Dependence on devices: QR codes rely on smartphones or other devices with cameras and QR scanners to work. This means that users need to have access to these devices and keep them charged and connected to the internet. If the device malfunctions, gets lost, stolen or damaged, the user may not be able to scan or access the QR code content. [2]
  • Security risks: QR codes can pose security risks for users and businesses, as they can be used to hide malicious links, malware, phishing or scams. Users may not be able to verify the source or destination of a QR code before scanning it, and they may end up exposing their personal or financial information, downloading unwanted software or visiting harmful websites. Businesses may also face legal or reputational consequences if their QR codes are compromised or misused by hackers or competitors. [3]
  • User experience issues: QR codes can also create user experience issues, such as inconvenience, confusion, frustration or dissatisfaction. Users may find it cumbersome to scan a QR code instead of typing a URL or clicking a link. They may also encounter problems such as poor readability, low contrast, insufficient size, distortion or damage of the QR code image. Moreover, they may not receive clear instructions, feedback or confirmation after scanning a QR code, or they may be directed to irrelevant, outdated or low-quality content. [4]

QR codes are not inherently bad, but they have some limitations and challenges that need to be considered and addressed by users and businesses. They should not be used as a substitute for other forms of communication, but as a complement that adds value and convenience. They should also be designed, tested and maintained carefully to ensure their functionality, security and quality.

Sources:

[1] https://bytescout.com/blog/2019/04/qr-code-advantages-and-limitations.html
[2] https://www.hostmerchantservices.com/2021/09/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-qr-codes/
[3] https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2021/10/07/are-qr-codes-safe/
[4] https://www.rfwireless-world.com/Terminology/Advantages-and-Disadvantages-of-QR-code.html

Let me know in the comments below what you like or dont like about QR codes.

Heart Rate-Smart Toilet


A smart toilet seat that measures people’s vital signs has received FDA clearance.

The Heart Seat from Casana got approved to detect heart rate and oxygen levels. The company says it plans to launch its first product by the end of 2023 and pursue systolic and diastolic blood pressure monitoring in future filings.

“As medicine moves from the physician’s office into the home, accurate home monitoring of medical parameters is increasingly important,” said George Bakris, MD, director of the Comprehensive Hypertension Center at University of Chicago Medicine and a Casana adviser, in a May 1 news release. “FDA approval is a critical validation step for the Heart Seat.

The Heart Seat is an IoT heart health toilet seat that captures clinically relevant measurements, including heart rate, blood pressure, blood oxygenation, and cardiac output. It is Casana’s first product1. The Heart Seat is installed on a toilet just like any other standard toilet seat and is powered by batteries that allow the Seat to operate for years. Once connected to wifi, The Heart Seat transfers the user’s data to the secure Casana cloud network for analysis by the Casana algorithms to produce clinically relevant data2. The Heart Seat will capture key clinical measurements, including heart rate, blood pressure, and blood oxygenation, to assist medical teams with monitoring chronic conditions beyond the four walls of the hospital3.

The Heart Seat is installed on a toilet just like any other standard toilet seat and is powered by batteries that allow the Seat to operate for years. Once connected to wifi, The Heart Seat transfers the user’s data to the secure Casana cloud network for analysis by the Casana algorithms to produce clinically relevant data1. The Heart Seat will capture key clinical measurements, including heart rate, blood pressure, and blood oxygenation, to assist medical teams with monitoring chronic conditions beyond the four walls of the hospital2.

Aukey EP-T25

Affordable Earbuds with USB-C Charging!!


I Purchased these, as a cheap replacement for some wireless earbuds I lost. I was looking for earbuds that would be good for the gym and for basic use and some I would not mind losing(easy on the pocket).I was pleasantly surprised when I got them

Review

The Aukey EP-T25 are a great pair of budget-friendly wireless earbuds. They offer good sound quality, a comfortable fit, and a long battery life. They also have a few features that are usually only found on more expensive earbuds, such as IPX5 water resistance and touch controls.

Here are some of the pros and cons of the Aukey EP-T25:

Pros:

  • Good sound quality for the Price.
  • Comfortable fit for the Price.
  • Long battery life
  • IPX5 water resistance
  • Touch controls

Cons:

  • Some users have reported connection issues. I can attest to this issue when I close the case it does take a while to disconnect and sometimes they dont disconnect.
  • The included carrying case is not very sturdy. This has a tendency to open when in your pocket.
  • The soundstage is not as wide as some other earbuds. Sound can sometimes come across as tiny

Overall, the Aukey EP-T25 are a great pair of wireless earbuds for the price. They offer good sound quality, a comfortable fit, and a long battery life. They also have a few features that are usually only found on more expensive earbuds, such as IPX5 water resistance and touch controls. If you’re looking for a great pair of wireless earbuds on a budget, the Aukey EP-T25 are definitely worth considering.

Here are some additional details about the Aukey EP-T25:

  • Sound quality: The Aukey EP-T25 offer good sound quality for the price. The bass is not as strong as some other earbuds, but the mids and highs are clear and detailed.
  • Comfort: The Aukey EP-T25 are comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. The ear tips come in three sizes, so you can find a perfect fit for your ears.
  • Battery life: The Aukey EP-T25 offer a long battery life. The earbuds themselves can last for up to 5 hours on a single charge, and the charging case provides an additional 20 hours of playback.
  • IPX5 water resistance: The Aukey EP-T25 are IPX5 water resistant, which means they can withstand sweat and light rain.
  • Touch controls: The Aukey EP-T25 have touch controls that allow you to control playback, answer calls, and activate your voice assistant.
  • Carrying case: The Aukey EP-T25 come with a carrying case that protects the earbuds and provides an additional 20 hours of playback. This also has USB-C Charging!!! My More expensive earbuds were still stuck on archaic USB type A charging

Overall for about 16 USD they are a bargain!!!

Update:

More colors are available like Green and Blue.

Btw, the only issue is that sound quality on phone calls is horrible!!! Would not recommend for phone calls.

Tested on a pixel 6.

Advantages of the Pixel 6 vs the Phone 12!!


If you are looking for a new smartphone, you might be wondering whether to choose the pixel or the Phone 12. Both devices have their pros and cons, but in this blog post, we will focus on the advantages of the pixel over its competitor.

Here are some of the reasons why you might prefer the pixel:

  • Camera quality: The pixel has a 12.2 MP rear camera and an 8 MP front camera, both with optical image stabilization and HDR+ technology. The iPhone 12 has a 12 MP rear camera and a 7 MP front camera, both with optical image stabilization but no HDR+. The pixel’s camera produces sharper and more realistic photos, especially in low-light conditions. The pixel also has a Night Sight mode that can capture stunning images in the dark without using flash.
  • Battery life: The pixel has a 3140 mAh battery that can last up to 24 hours of mixed usage. The iPhone 12 has a 2815 mAh battery that can last up to 17 hours of mixed usage. The pixel also supports fast charging and wireless charging, while the Phone 12 only supports fast charging.
  • Display: The pixel has a 5.8-inch OLED display with a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels and a refresh rate of 90 Hz. The Phone 12 has a 6.1-inch LCD display with a resolution of 2532 x 1170 pixels and a refresh rate of 60 Hz. The pixel’s display is more vibrant, crisp and smooth than the Phone’s display.
  • Software: The pixel runs on the latest Android OS, which gives you more customization options and access to Google’s services and apps. The iPhone runs on iOS OS, which is more restrictive and dependent on Apple’s ecosystem. Android also receives more frequent updates than iOS.

These are some of the advantages of the pixel over the Phone 12. Of course, there are other factors to consider when choosing a smartphone, such as price, design, performance and personal preference. But if you value camera quality, battery life, display and software flexibility over other features, then you might want to give the pixel a try.

Ultimately you buy what you think will best for your use-case. If you have deep pockets you can buy both and have the best of both worlds!!

Eufy Lumi Plug-In Night Light, Warm White LED, Light Sensor


The 4 pack Lumi Plug model T1303 comes in a small standard box that weighs in at 7.2 pound that is not too obtrusive but clearly explains what Is in the box. They are rated at an input AC120V-60Hz and Power 0.4W.


The packaging of each night light is in a soft white plastic pouch. Clearly quality is eufy strength. You get two leaflets one is instructions on usage which are self-explanatory and the other is a Happy Card with warranty information.


One is greeted with 4-night lights that are white in nature and a small eufy logo at the bottom of the white light. The LED glow a soft white light that is not harsh to the eyes something that I clearly consider when looking for night lights and are bright enough for any space be it in the bathroom, bedroom or walkway in the house.

At 12.99 they are great value for money when you compare to other models that retail for 15 dollars for a two pack.Anyone looking for nice white night lights ought to take a look at this. The only caveat I have noticed is that its only useful being connected to the top socket since if connected to the bottom socket that leave the top socket covered. Also noteworthy is that the light turns on only when the room is pitch black.

I own several Anker products and have been impressed every time and now recommend their products to family and friends and this is no exception.Would definitely get another pack.

HACKING HISTORY


This is by no means a thorough explanation of the history of hacking is,but an attempt at showing its history.

 

HACKING and its ORIGINS

Currently hacking is  defined as to gain illegal or unauthorized access to a file, computer, or network.The term has changed over time:

Phase 1: early 1960s to 1970s

  • It was a positive term
  • A “hacker” was a creative programmer who wrote elegant or clever code
  • A “hack” was an especially clever piece of code

Phase 2: 1970s to mid 1990s

  • Hacking took on negative connotations
  • Breaking into computers for which the hacker does not have authorized access
  • Still primarily individuals
  • Includes the spreading of computer worms and viruses and ‘phone phreaking’
  • Companies began using hackers to analyze and improve security

Phase 3: beginning with the mid 1990s

  • The growth of the Web changed hacking; viruses and worms could be spread rapidly
  • Political hacking (Hacktivism) surfaced
  • Denial-of-service (DoS) attacks used to shut down Websites
  • Large scale theft of personal and financial information

Ear Trumpet-What Windows 10 Should have Shipped With!


Do I dare say Windows 10 is damn near perfect OS but there is something that i believed is missing,and that is the ability to control individual sounds.By Individual sounds i mean for example i have Tidal playing and have it set at 67 % and systems sounds are too loud at 67 % and would like to have them at 4 % and Chrome at 100% but there is now way to do that until i discovered this app in the Microsoft App Store!

Microsoft does have an App Store for those wondering and it does have some meh apps  and some gems like  Ear Trumpet.This App has apparently been around since 2016 and frankly this is what Microsoft  10 should have been shipped with.

The latest iteration is:

  • version 2.0.3.0

– Fixed an issue with certain apps (e.g. Sea of Thieves) not appearing correctly – Added additional languages (Arabic, Spanish, Hungarian, Korean, Turkish, and Ukrainian).Its only 26.47MB the install is pretty easy.

Once installed you get this sound icon similar to the stick but with options to set the volume individually!!!!. Plus this App has a 4.5 Rating on Microsoft’s App store.

Ear Trumpet

Minimum Requirements:

Windows 10 x86

Additional Features:

  • Visualize Audio with Multi-Channel Aware Peaking
  • Default playback device management
  • Automatic updates via the Microsoft Store
  • Support for light/dark mode and all accent colors
  • Configurable hotkey
  • Modern context menus
  • Growing multi-lingual support
  • Cairo Shell support

For more information you can visit their Github webpage.

Dont take my word for it,go to the App store and download the app and take it for  a spin.

 

Recycle Bin Pro-Tip!


How many time have you deleted something from the Recycle Bin and immediately regretted it,or wondered why you did not get a delete confirmation.

Well it would behoove you to perform the following steps to check whether the ‘delete confirmation‘ is turned on

  •  Right click on the Recycle Bin icon on Windows 10 desktop
  •  Select Properties and once the Recycle Bin Properties dialog opens
  • Check the box next to Display delete confirmation dialog. Then click Apply and OK.

And just like that you are all set.

 

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