12M connected cars gives General Motors a massive IoT fleet

Steve Schwinke has worked on OnStar at GM in a variety of roles for some 20 years, watching the service evolve from a customer benefit into a full fledged connectivity mesh that helps the automotive giant improve its vehicles.  Now Director of Advanced Development, Schwinke recently talked to Network World Editor in Chief John Dix about OnStar as an IoT platform.How has OnStar evolved over the years?OnStar started as safety, security and peace of mind for customers, and we have a rich history of that and continue to deliver those services today, but we had a big transformation about 12 years ago when we started moving towards the digital world. When the digital hardware came out we started leveraging vehicle data to do more things beyond those core services, and that was really around trying to provide better insights into how vehicles are performing and trying to build a better product moving forward.To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here

42% off Yeti Rambler 18 oz Bottle – Deal Alert

The Rambler 18 oz. bottle is next-level, and the perfect addition to your rough commutes, day hikes, or kayak sessions. Features a no-sweat design, tough 18/8 stainless steel construction and a leakproof, 3-finger grip, insulated TripleHaul cap to protects your truck cab or day pack from spills. The Rambler 18 oz. bottle stands 9 1/2 inches high, has a diameter of 3 inches, sized to fit in standard sized cup holders. The popular Yeti bottle's list price has been reduced a significant 42% to $23.25. See the deal now on Amazon.To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here

How to add an external HDD to Sony PS4 (plus video)

Sony has finally released an update to its PS4 system software that lets you add an external hard drive to the console to help extend storage capacity on the gaming console. On behalf of the millions of PS4 owners who have been performing data management surgery on their console every time they wanted to play a new game, let me say “Hallelujah!”.Before you email me, I know that storage capacity improvement could be done with the PS4 before this update. But this involved grabbing a screwdriver and cracking open the case to install a higher capacity internal hard disk drive. This approach involved too much time needed for my limited-free-time-available lifestyle. This from a guy who likes tech – for other parents and PS4 owners with limited time and experience with hardware, the external HDD approach makes more sense than messing around with screws and slots and such.To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here

10 reasons to look for a new job

Sometimes it's obvious when it's time to move on from a job. Other times it's not so clear. If you're not sure if the time is right to search for a new job, here are 10 reasons to consider making a change.To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here(Insider Story)

IDG Contributor Network: Blockchain is the perfect data protection tool for banks using mainframes

Technophobic thrillers in popular media are always trying to convince us hackers are just a few malicious keystrokes away from crashing the world economy. And while doing such a thing is more complicated than just “deleting all the money,” one could certainly do a great deal of damage by changing what a computer thinks is true.Wouldn’t it be great if there were software that could guarantee which data was and was not correct, backed up by the most powerful computer processors available? I give you blockchain, which more and more fiscal institutions are using to protect their data, backed up by the undeniable power of mainframes.RELATED: Inside Bank of America's IT transformation Blockchain first entered the public’s (OK, the techie public’s) awareness in the orbit of Bitcoin, as a means of securing that controversial digital currency’s code against someone who decided to break into the right server and add a couple zeroes to their account. But Bitcoin haters need not close this tab in disgust just yet, as blockchain has come into its own as a reliable security measure for more than just black market storefronts.To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please Continue reading

Cloud security still a work in progress

A few years ago, ESG (and other) research indicated that security concerns posed the biggest impediment for more pervasive use of cloud computing. What happened next?  Business executives and CIOs found that cloud agility, flexibility and potential cost savings were too good to pass up, creating a “cloud or bust” mentality. Naturally, CISOs had to do their best and go along for the ride whether they were ready or not.+ Also on Network World: The top 12 cloud security threats + So, how’s cloud security going at this point? ESG research indicates it is still a work in progress. As part of a recent survey, cybersecurity professionals were presented with a series of statements about cloud security and asked whether they agreed or disagreed with each one. Here are some of the results:To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here

IDG Contributor Network: Blockchain the perfect data protection tool for banks using mainframes

Technophobic thrillers in popular media are always trying to convince us hackers are just a few malicious keystrokes away from crashing the world economy. And while doing such a thing is more complicated than just “deleting all the money,” one could certainly do a great deal of damage by changing what a computer thinks is true.Wouldn’t it be great if there were software that could guarantee which data was and was not correct, backed up by the most powerful computer processors available? I give you blockchain, which more and more fiscal institutions are using to protect their data, backed up by the undeniable power of mainframes.RELATED: Inside Bank of America's IT transformation Blockchain first entered the public’s (OK, the techie public’s) awareness in the orbit of Bitcoin, as a means of securing that controversial digital currency’s code against someone who decided to break into the right server and add a couple zeroes to their account. But Bitcoin haters need not close this tab in disgust just yet, as blockchain has come into its own as a reliable security measure for more than just black market storefronts.To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please Continue reading

IDG Contributor Network: Blockchain the perfect data protection tool for banks using mainframes

Technophobic thrillers in popular media are always trying to convince us hackers are just a few malicious keystrokes away from crashing the world economy. And while doing such a thing is more complicated than just “deleting all the money,” one could certainly do a great deal of damage by changing what a computer thinks is true.Wouldn’t it be great if there were software that could guarantee which data was and was not correct, backed up by the most powerful computer processors available? I give you blockchain, which more and more fiscal institutions are using to protect their data, backed up by the undeniable power of mainframes.RELATED: Inside Bank of America's IT transformation Blockchain first entered the public’s (OK, the techie public’s) awareness in the orbit of Bitcoin, as a means of securing that controversial digital currency’s code against someone who decided to break into the right server and add a couple zeroes to their account. But Bitcoin haters need not close this tab in disgust just yet, as blockchain has come into its own as a reliable security measure for more than just black market storefronts.To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please Continue reading

Cloud security still a work in progress

A few years ago, ESG (and other) research indicated that security concerns posed the biggest impediment for more pervasive use of cloud computing. What happened next?  Business executives and CIOs found that cloud agility, flexibility and potential cost savings were too good to pass up, creating a “cloud or bust” mentality. Naturally, CISOs had to do their best and go along for the ride whether they were ready or not.+ Also on Network World: The top 12 cloud security threats + So, how’s cloud security going at this point? ESG research indicates it is still a work in progress. As part of a recent survey, cybersecurity professionals were presented with a series of statements about cloud security and asked whether they agreed or disagreed with each one. Here are some of the results:To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here

IDG Contributor Network: Blockchain the perfect data protection tool for banks using mainframes

Technophobic thrillers in popular media are always trying to convince us hackers are just a few malicious keystrokes away from crashing the world economy. And while doing such a thing is more complicated than just “deleting all the money,” one could certainly do a great deal of damage by changing what a computer thinks is true.Wouldn’t it be great if there were software that could guarantee which data was and was not correct, backed up by the most powerful computer processors available? I give you blockchain, which more and more fiscal institutions are using to protect their data, backed up by the undeniable power of mainframes.RELATED: Inside Bank of America's IT transformation Blockchain first entered the public’s (OK, the techie public’s) awareness in the orbit of Bitcoin, as a means of securing that controversial digital currency’s code against someone who decided to break into the right server and add a couple zeroes to their account. But Bitcoin haters need not close this tab in disgust just yet, as blockchain has come into its own as a reliable security measure for more than just black market storefronts.To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please Continue reading

Cloud Security: Still a Work in Progress

A few years ago, ESG (and other) research indicated that security concerns posed the biggest impediment for more pervasive use of cloud computing.  What happened next?  Business executives and CIOs found that cloud agility, flexibility, and potential cost savings were too good to pass up, creating a “cloud or bust” mentality.  Naturally, CISOs had to do their best and go along for the ride whether they were ready or not.So, how’s cloud security going at this point?  ESG research indicates it is still a work in progress (note: I am an ESG employee).  As part of a recent survey, cybersecurity professionals were presented with a series of statements about cloud security and asked whether they agreed or disagreed with each one.  Here are some of the results:To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here

Review: Plantronics BackBeat 500 Series wireless headphones

Plantronics has been in the headphone/headset market for more than 55 years now (moon landing!), but most of their Bluetooth gear (aimed at entertainment, not the smartphone headsets) have been in the premium market. The BackBeat line of headphones include the Pro series (about $200 for the Pro 2), Fit series (about $130) and Go series ($129 for the Go 3).With companies like Apple forgoing the headphone jack on their new smartphones, the market for wireless headphones is now poised to surpass wired headphones in terms of sales. With these trends in mind, Plantronics has now entered the entry-level space (under $100) with its BackBeat 500 Series headphones ($79.99, now available). Aimed at first-time wireless headphone buyers, the BackBeat 500 still offers users features like 40mm-bass drivers, an over-the-head, on-ear fit and an up to 18 hour battery life. With multipoint Bluetooth supported, you can connect to multiple devices (such as a smartphone and laptop or tablet), and even switch between them automatically. For example, if you’re listening to music on the laptop and a phone call comes in, the headphones connect to the phone. Speaking of phones, there’s a microphone on the left earcup Continue reading

Samsung virtual assistant Bixby coming to Galaxy S8, then all smart Samsung appliances

If you are a fan of virtual assistants and Android phones, then you might regard Samsung’s jump into the race as better late than never. If you are not a fan of virtual assistants, then you might not like the Samsung Galaxy S8, which will have a dedicated button on the side of the phone to summon the assistant. Like it or not, Samsung said its virtual assistant will eventually be part of all its appliances.Yesterday, Samsung announced that its intelligent voice assistant Bixby will run on the Galaxy S8, which will launch next week. But Bixby is coming to all-things-Samsung, as the company said it will gradually be applied to all of its appliances.To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here

Samsung virtual assistant Bixby coming to Galaxy S8 then all smart Samsung appliances

If you are a fan of virtual assistants and Android phones, then you might regard Samsung’s jump into the race as better late than never. If you are not a fan of virtual assistants, then you might not like the Samsung Galaxy S8 which will have a dedicated button on the side of the phone to summon the assistant. Like it or not, Samsung said its virtual assistant will eventually be part of all its appliances.Yesterday, Samsung announced that its intelligent voice assistant Bixby will run on the Galaxy S8 which will launch next week. But Bixby is coming to all-things-Samsung, as the company said it will gradually be applied to all of its appliances. “In the future, you would be able to control your air conditioner or TV through Bixby. Since Bixby will be implemented in the cloud, as long as a device has an internet connection and simple circuitry to receive voice inputs, it will be able to connect with Bixby. As the Bixby ecosystem grows, we believe Bixby will evolve from a smartphone interface to an interface for your life.”To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here

56% off D-Link Wi-Fi AC750 Dual Band Range Extender – Deal Alert

Eliminate dead zones, reduce interference, and extend the range of your home Wi-Fi coverage with this D-Link Wi-Fi range extender. With next-generation AC750 performance, the DAP-1520 provides bandwidth up to 300Mbps on the 2.4Ghz, and 433Mbps on the faster, more reliable 5GHz bands. The unit is compact and fits discretely into any wall outlet. Right now its typical list price of $45.25 has dropped a significant 56% to just $19.99. See this deal now on Amazon.To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here

56% off D-Link Wi-Fi AC750 Dual Band Range Extender – Deal Alert

Eliminate dead zones, reduce interference, and extend the range of your home Wi-Fi coverage with this D-Link Wi-Fi range extender. With next-generation AC750 performance, the DAP-1520 provides bandwidth up to 300Mbps on the 2.4Ghz, and 433Mbps on the faster, more reliable 5GHz bands. The unit is compact and fits discretely into any wall outlet. Right now its typical list price of $45.25 has dropped a significant 56% to just $19.99. See this deal now on Amazon.To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here

CBRS workshop to focus on burgeoning shared spectrum ecosystem

The Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) gold rush is on, and the Wireless Innovation Forum is hosting a workshop in Las Vegas next week for those interested in becoming part of this new shared spectrum ecosystem.CBRS, as we explain in this FAQ, involves the opening up by the FCC of 150 MHz of spectrum to be shared for new commercial uses. The 3.5 GHz band will be shared among incumbents like the U.S. Navy, Priority Access License users (who win special access through an auction) and general users, which could include enterprises that want to build their private LTE networks for Internet of Things or other applications.To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here

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