Where would life be without fascinations? Where would life be without exploring the different aspects of our world through laughter, amazement, curiosity, and that childlike glee when we see something anew for the first time? I only wish that I could somehow bring many of the different treats that arrive on my web doorstep to your attention. Of course, through the magic of the Internet, there are few constraints to this excitement.
On the last workday of the week (usually Friday), we will bring you something at 12:00 noon Pacific Time (that’s late afternoon on the East Coast, so you have something before leaving the office). It’s here to tickle your fancy, entice you to learn, entertain you, or simply explore your funny bone. It may not always be humor, but it should never be boring. It will be clean, safe for work and the family, and will be related to our core topics at Computer Talk Radio, that’s computers and technology, and occasionally just plain nerdy.
Further, like many of the other things around here, if you submit something that we use in our Friday Fascinations, I’ll also send you something from the grab box(es).
Benjamin Rockwell
Computer Talk Radio Broadcast – 09-19-2020
Computer Talk Radio Broadcast 09-19-2020; News of Facebook, Amazon, teens, more; Apple Event 2020; Watch, iPad, Fitness+; DIY or Don’tDIY; Jetsons tech not here; gardening technology; digital distractions; pet scams; network definitions; Google’s trash
Behind Facebook’s giant bet on hardware – Axios
Facebook also had a new hardware announcement this week. Somehow I'm not as thrilled by Facebook's hardware. Another 3D set. More Augmented / Virtual Reality items. Their approach to announcing Wednesday, like it would steal Apple's thunder from Tuesday, was weak, and...
Before you upgrade to iOS 14 or iPadOS 14, you need to do this first – CNET
If you ignore Keith's suggestions to not upgrade yet... if you can't resist the future... if you're a risk taker on the edge... You need these instructions to safely go to iOS and iPadOS 14. Apple just released the latest operating systems for your iPhone and iPad,...
Amazon Music rolls out free podcasts, taking on Spotify | TechHive
Amazon Music was surprisingly behind the times, but has caught up now. I've been able to say "Alexa, play the computer talk radio podcast" for a while now, but it still wasn't on the Music platform. This week, they finally brought it forward, and yes, you can listen...
Joe Biden’s campaign app had a bug that made it too easy to access voter info | Engadget
In a scary breach of privacy, Biden's app for a time could not only obtain your information from someone else's smartphone, but then later determine if you were a likely supporter. This was claimed as a bug when found out, but extracted tons of information. This...
Exclusive survey: Teens dislike online learning – Axios
It's an interesting take on the learning situation. The experience for schooling at home (as opposed to home schooling) is going to have to be shifted, experimented, and twisted into what works. Youth aren't going to be happy for a while, unless they are used to the...
TikTok’s parent company rejects Microsoft takeover offer – Axios
I'm not following the TikTok saga closely, but to turn down Microsoft, in favor of Oracle, seems like a bad decision. They have very little time to make a deal, and now that they are turning down deals, they will be left with whatever they get. Oracle is the only...
The PS5 arrives November 12th and it starts at $400 | Engadget
Whenever one of the big gaming companies announces their new console (Microsoft Xbox last week), one of the others is sure to follow soon. The PS5 comes in two editions, the standard and the Digital (which saves $100, but loses the blu-ray player). Both will fight for...
Apple Events – September 2020 – Apple
Let's be honest. You could watch the entire hour of the event. It's an infomercial with commercials within. Instead, catch our show this weekend, where Keith and I will spend some time deconstructing what we liked and didn't like about the new Apple Watch Series 6,...
Computer Talk Radio Broadcast – 09-12-2020
Computer Talk Radio Broadcast 09-12-2020; News of Apple, Epic, Alexa, Motorola, Xbox, more; Phone scammers; first computer experience; low voltage lighting; tech price drops; family tree; buying options; too much tech; remote monitoring; slowing down