Robocalls are plaguing the nation with the unwanted annoyance of regular robot telemarketing phone calls. Year over year this past December, robocalls had nearly doubled from 1.5 billion in December 2015 to 2.3 billion in December 2016. The worst part? The technology behind the calls is evolving. From overlaying local numbers in your area code to creating superimposed background noise with laughter and coughing, robocalls are becoming harder and harder to screen. Although there isn't a way to completely block out all calls, there are a few options including choosing to not interact with them (pressing a number to opt out typically does nothing but confirm it's a working number), adding your number to the National Do Not Call Registry, and/or downloading one of the various applications that work to screen calls before ever connecting to your phone. Most importantly, officials say to avoid using "yes" on any robocall as some have used this "voice signature to authorize fraudulent charges by telephone".
Big Step in DNA Editing?
SciFi movies are becoming less and less fictional as science and technology continue to evolve. Recently, Oregon scientists have reported successfully editing human embryos both efficiently and with few mistakes. In the past, researchers have targeted specific strands with the key focus being serious genetic defects; this time, however, the entire strand was edited. Of course, there are many concerns on both sides of the fence about this finding including the concept of "designer babies". Yet, some scholars also question the importance of a study such as this citing that these are only "research embryos" without any confirmation of actually being able to successfully transfer for implantation.
The FCC & Internet Regulation
Have you ever thought about where we would be without the internet? I surely wouldn't be writing on a public domain to all of you. Since its birth, the internet has brought along many discussions of regulation and just who is supposed to be steering that ship. With the recent election brought a new Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the recirculation of the "Web's hottest political topic - net neutrality". According to the tech community's online campaigns, "The FCC wants to destroy net neutrality and give big cable companies control over what we see and do online. If they get their way, they’ll allow widespread throttling, blocking, censorship, and extra fees.” Whatever your opinion may be, there are a couple avenues that could be taken aside from net neutrality such as regulating the internet as a public utility or repeal net neutrality altogether and allow "providers to experiment with different models". However, at this point, it's up to the FCC to choose just how things will move forward over the next decade in internet growth.
TELEPORTATION IS HERE!
Just when you thought quantum physics was a topic only discussed on Big Bang Theory...think again! In 2016, Chinese scientists launched Micius, a satellite "named after an ancient Chinese philosopher who died in 391 B.C.". This satellite "is a highly sensitive photon receiver that can detect the quantum states of single photons fired from the ground" and passes the same point over Earth each day. Just a couple days ago, the team revealed their success in "[using] this quantum network to teleport the first object from the ground to orbit". This is also the longest distance a transport such as this has been made. This groundbreaking launch will set the tone for an exorbitant amount of research in the future.
iPhone 8: Like No Other
No surprise - Apple is at again with their constant technological innovations. This time, the iPhone 8 design, leaked by "consistently accurate retailer MobileFun", is all-new with: 5.8" elongated display, no home button (potentially leaning towards interactive TouchID), vertically aligned rear view camera, and a cut out at the top for the front camera as well as additional sensors. This 10th anniversary of the product is sure to have unique features, but will have to be proven out to support the rumored higher price tag.
Largest Computer Monitor Yet
Samsung has released the likes of half of a television as their most recent computer monitor. Measuring in at 49 inches wide, the screen can view up to six pages at a time in multiple configurations - talk about productivity...or lack thereof. The monitor has multiple perks for gamers and analysts alike with high resolution and major real estate space. These screens come in various sizes and range in price from $500 and up.
Largest Airplane in the World Complete
The world's largest airplane is ready for take off with six 747 jet engines, 28 wheels, 60 miles of wiring, and weighing in at 1.3 million pounds when fueled. Not to mention, the wingspan is 385 feet, overcoming Howard Hughes's Spruce Goose by 65 feet. "Stratolaunch" has been in construction quietly in the California desert and just rolled out of its hangar for the first time yesterday. However, this plane isn't selling to commercial airlines anytime soon. Rather, Paul Allen, co-founder of Microsoft and owner of the Seattle Seahawks, built this behemoth to launch rockets in low orbit to send satellites into space with intentions of providing "ways to beam the Internet all across the globe".
Google's Big Developer Conference Goes Off Without a Hitch
Google recently hosted their annual Big Developer's Conference announcing the latest technology.