It always pays to have a warm personality. You get upset less often, take things with equanimity and don't end up writhing in pain under the desk because of a stomach ulcer. Something has to be seriously awry to spoil my mood. This week, there were three such occasions that spiked my pulse and got my heart racing. Let me tell you about them
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It's good apps that bring smartphones to life but app stores have unfortunately become somewhat of a jungle over the years. Many apps require far too many permissions while others cram home screens full of ads or become usable only after features have been unlocked through in-app purchases. That's why I like to look for open-source alternatives. Their source code is freely available, commercial interests play a minor role (contributors appreciate donations though!) and quality control is achieved through community participation. So let's look at 8+1 apps that deserve your attention!
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Some news set the Internet ablaze with intractable fronts facing off. When recently the news broke that, as of now, all newly released European cars would have to include the "eCall" emergency system, that was one of those days. While some saw clear signs of an imminent Orwellian future as depicted in "1984", others made a case for faster help and fewer accident victims. And while we're still debating, Dubai has abandoned data privacy altogether. But where does expediency end and mass surveillance begin? Will future cars be traceable with pin-point accuracy in mere seconds?
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Facebook collects data - this insight is as old as Facebook itself. What many don't realize is that their data collecting doesn't stop at the gates of their portal. By means of their own and external sources, Facebook is creating comprehensive user profiles to the point where German, Russian and French authorities have begun to step in. They're focusing on two problem areas: Facebook's enormous market power and the extent of their data collection activities. In other words: once you know enough about billions of people, you'll be able to fix ad prices and likely violate several laws in the process. This even affects non-Facebook members!
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Do you enjoy getting compliments? They're surely nice but who do we get them from - and how and when do we make them? Statements like "Hey lady in front of me that I never met, your dress is equally elegant as it is terrific and matches the color of your neckline very well." seem rather inappropriate while waiting in line at the local meat and sausage counter - unless we're looking for some confused stares and maybe enjoy having a shopping bag smashed against our heads. Even among friends, compliments are often considered problematic and reduced to the bare minimum: a few niceties about someone's house, children and car. That'll have to do. Since resourceful developers are also aware of this issue, a new breed of apps is now breaking into the market.
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