I knew Google Photos was born out of Google+, but had no idea the origins of how that even happened. Turns out, we almost didn’t get Google Photos and it originated from Bump
I have 100Mb FiOS. I usually don’t need anything faster. I gained access to Baldur’s Gate 3 via Steam Family sharing (side note: did you know that was a thing?!) and it will take 3hrs to download, lol (yes, I’m maxing out the line).
I love these very specific dives on sorta off hand things. Technology Connections even has a video sharing my view on amber turn signals, lol
TIL: semiconductor fabrication is done in yellow light because wavelength of light can affect yield.
Welp, How to Monetize a Blog has laid out the groundwork I need to do (besides actually have content =P)
But seriously, a couple years back I turned off adblockers for sites I felt were worth supporting… it was painful. Anandtech (RIP) was one site I hadn’t realized had gotten so bad.
End of an era: Anandtech closing shop
I remember that AMD K6 review well. It’s one of the things that help push my curiosity into building PCs and likely lead me to where I am today. I remember wanting to also grab whatever new hardware and write about it (kinda still do, lol).
To be honest, I haven’t read hit the AT links much. The site became a bit unbearable on ads (I tried to keep adblockers off it, but it was too bad). And I think it just got lost in my RSS feed.
And it was the first forum community I think I seriously used. I drove up a lot of posts in the For Sale/Trade forum ranking up my Heatware numbers (which, also is still a thing surprisingly).
Mini review: ESR Qi2 3-in-1 charger, meh
I bought the ESR Qi2 3-in1 charging stand when it was first released. I have an iPhone 12 mini and it wasn’t originally supported, but I was future proofing.
Sadly, these do not work well. It charges quickly but then suddenly just drops off like a rock around 80%. It was odd since it pretty consistent in slowing down around 80-90% regardless of when I started (be it from 40% or from 70%). And most times, I would reach ~95% after a couple of hours of stalling at 80-90%. This was charging the phone alone.
I also noticed the watch would not negotiate charging maybe 30-40% of the time (I’d have to re-seat). I know you should always wait for the charging chime, but I’ve never had to question other Apple Watch chargers. Big upside is the magnet is absolutely solid. I also really like the more compact form factor they went with.
I never had issues like this with my old Anker Qi charger. Nor, my future Anker’s Qi2 charging stand. So I don’t think it is my phone.
To ESR’s credit, they actually reached out when I wrote my Amazon review and offered a second unit. I accepted because hey, maybe it’s a fluke. The new unit was different in that they changed the text on the bottom plate. But otherwise seemed identical. And indeed, it performed identically bad. And ESR did refund me even though it had been a couple of months. Props to them on that.
This reddit post points to the unit being very finicky with power sources because of the chipset they use. And poor thermal controls on a similar car one. This makes me think the chipset is just not good.
I also picked up the companion car charger, too. And I can’t honestly tell if I have the same problem or not because the heat from GPS/sun come into play before anything else. And I have not been inclined to bring it inside to test. But this, also, has an excellent magnet.
US centric: if you created an SSA.gov (social security) prior to Sept 2021, be sure to transition to the login.gov SSO solution blog.ssa.gov/changes-a… Realized not everyone checks annually
Instagram fed me something that I found quite interesting: a proposed bike trail coast-to-coast across the US. It’s only 55% done, but would be one hell of an attempt to ride.
https://www.railstotrails.org/site/greatamericanrailtrail/
This has been a long time coming. Mixed feelings about the Links Awakening remake engine.
Blocking the ability to paste in a field is frustrating. Also, SMS as the only 2FA options is also frustrating, especially for financial institutions. /end random Saturday rant
I was a launch day Palm Pre owner. So much of WebOS (pre-HP/LG) in today’s iOS/Android that I am grateful. Especially the cards interface. And the Touchstone: magnetic mounting/alignment of wireless charging is clutch
I was unsuccessful in convincing my dad to switch away from his #Yahoo email accounts. For the love of techJesus, anyone out there push harder. You can’t forward emails out without paying. And somehow doesn’t have an in:inbox operator? And it considered an 80+ random PW “easy to guess”
I have just learned my sister uses a “cloud” app that requires Windows. It’s built on the .NET Framework but has client side requirements.
Not only that, all their remote work is still just using logmein to connect to desktops. No VPN, so even a work laptop can’t reach resources. Ouch.
I’ve never really thought about it, but seeing “available 24hrs” for funeral/cremation services makes total sense.
I am aware it’s a Taylor Swift day. But I just finished watching #Loudermilk the other day and I’m going through Lissie’s discography.
I’m am enjoying it. I’ll run through Ben Rogers next, too.
I think HotOnes has done better interviews, but I love the physical commitment of Conan on this one.
I went through the process of Power of Attorney recently. It felt far less official than anything with this much responsibility would imply?
Lists names, birthdates… and that’s about it. The notary process was more detailed in they needed driver’s licenses, but literally the very last step.