Category: Technology

Is it possible for a tech company to be ethical? Some companies are at least trying – you’d be surprised at the efforts many major corporations are going to to promote awareness and diversity within their work culture, focus on green-friendly practices, and do good work in general. Here’s 5 we want to single out for some recognition.

1. Apple, Inc.

For starters, Apple has a comprehensive ethics and compliance program that focuses on everything from global politics to social and environmental accountability.  Apple also invested 4.7 billion dollars in Green Bonds to help develop new low-carbon manufacturing technology. They purchase direct carbon-free aluminum, as well. 

The digital behemoth’s facilities are entirely powered by renewable energy, and everything about its products, from materials to packaging, is meant to have the least possible environmental impact. Apple’s assembly locations are Zero Waste to Landfill certified. Innovation made Apple the company it is today, but its ethical practices might be what keeps them there. 

2. Microsoft

Not surprisingly, Microsoft makes the list, too. This company has been involved in environmental issues since 2012, when it became officially 100 percent carbon neutral. 

They also operate a compliance program and use data analytics to help fight corruption. For example, the Microsoft compliance program focuses on prevention, remediation, and detection of issues and applies these rules to employees and suppliers. 

3. Dell Technologies

Dell has a number of programs in place to address environmental and societal issues. For example, their Culture Code sets standards their employees must follow. In addition, they focus on sustainability issues and diversity within the company. 

They also sponsor community initiatives to give technology to people who might not otherwise have access to it, such as children in low-income neighborhoods and other underrepresented groups. By 2030, they promise to deliver results to more than one billion people.

4. EcoCart

EcoCart is an eco-friendly tech firm that claims to have offset 4 million pounds of CO2 emissions, rescued over 8,000 trees, and helped power over 700 households thus far. 

Founded in 2019 by Peter Twomey and Dane Baker, EcoCart is a startup browser extension that allows customers to get free carbon offsets from certain businesses. Customers who choose to use EcoCart to offset their emissions earn EcoPoints for prizes and to help provide clean water and trees throughout the world, thanks to partnerships with over 10,000 businesses such as American Eagle and Glossier.

5.Bluebird Climate

Bluebird Climate has just one mission – to assist companies in attracting customers that care about sustainability and green business methods. The companies receive an in-depth study of their carbon and waste footprints, compared to similar brands in the sector. Their data will assist consumer brands in identifying possibilities to enhance sustainable practices and lower expenses.

The program focuses on the consumer products business, which contributes significantly to environmental carbon emissions. Bluebird intends to decarbonize the industry by enabling consumer brands to create and market products with low or no carbon footprints.

For these companies, ethics isn’t just a trend. They have solid strategies in place that make it everyday business practice. 

 

As tech companies race to release the next big thing, not all ideas work out as intended. Sometimes, the products transcend simply failing to gain a foothold and flop hard. The resulting shockwaves of their failure reverberate across the lands, leaving everyone tittering about their unrealized hopes and dreams. Although this might sound more than a bit dramatic, these five biggest flops by tech companies show just how hard the mighty can fall.

HD DVD

Created as a high-capacity DVD format, HD DVD might have just worked if it wasn’t for those wily folks at Sony. With their release of the Blu-Ray format, the battle was on in an instant.

Unfortunately, for the creators of HD DVD, Toshiba and NEC, Sony had big pull in the movie production world. They used their weight to convince many studios to go with Blu-Ray instead, sealing the fate of HD DVD. By the end of the ordeal, Toshiba lost over one billion dollars while Sony forged steadily ahead.

Segway

In a lofty bid to end tiresome walking for the masses, Dean Kamen rolled out the Segway to the delight of practically no one. While the initial reception was somewhat positive, the overall clunkiness and high cost of the personal transporter system left much to be desired.

Perhaps if Kamen continued to massage his creation to improve upon its faults, it would have worked out. But instead he sold the business to Jimi Heselden, who tragically died at the hands of the country-version of the original Segway. Upon tragically plummeting off the cliff, he took the hope of Segway becoming a household name with him.

Windows Me

With the advent of Windows 2000 came the seemingly unnecessary but proudly acclaimed Windows Me release just one year later. If it had worked right, then perhaps it would have stood a chance.

Unfortunately, it only lasted one year before Microsoft shelved it altogether. Tons of bugs, ultra-slow performance, and wholly unstable operation left many people more than a bit miffed with its mere existence.

Apple Maps

Not to be outdone by Google, Apple decided to release their own version of their coveted mapping service in 2012. Dubbed Apple Maps, this carbon copy failed to work as intended. And still leaves people running for Google within minutes of trying to gain their bearings.  

The overall buggy operation was a definite problem, but it just got worse from there. Landmarks would appear underwater. Blank voids sat in place of whole cities. Overall, its mapping program better served as an apocalypse simulator than a place to get directions.

Google Glass

Science fiction led the techies at Google to dream up a heads-up display for the common man. But in the end, the threat of constant surveillance proved to be all too much for everyday use, killing their beloved Google Glass where it stood.

Their dream stays alive though, as enterprise versions still exist. Average consumers lost the ability to purchase their own pairs in 2015, however – not that anyone was interested.

So, what’s your prediction on the next biggest flop in the tech world? There’s often no telling what’s going to capture the hearts of many – and which products will fall into disgrace. If you can predict the winners, then you might want to try your own hand at rolling out the next big thing in tech. 

Far too many technology professionals suffer under the false impression that the technical nature of the field means that they don’t need to worry about things like interpersonal work relationships or customer service delivery. However, it has been proven time and time again: soft skills are just as important (if not MORE important) than hard skills if you want to go into computer programming, IT, or another area of the tech sector.  

Of course, tech professionals must have the requisite hard, technical skills. But if you really want to set yourself apart, you will want to master some essential soft skills that commonly lead to success in a range of industries as well as life in general. What follows are five key soft skills that tech workers simply cannot afford to overlook. 

1. Communication

 Most tech jobs involve teamwork among collogues, interacting with supervisors, and/or providing quality customer service. For these reasons, communication tops most experts’ lists of the most important soft skills in the tech world. It is extremely important to employ different communication techniques when communicating with different audiences. While industry jargon and shorthand are preferable when speaking with other tech professionals, it is typically not appropriate when speaking with clients.

2. Organization

The organized thinking that underlies many tasks in the tech world doesn’t necessarily translate into a tidy desk or accurate record keeping, but organization is important in all aspects of the average tech position. In short, an organized tech professional is a productive tech professional. One of the most important aspects of organization is effective scheduling and time management. Lost in the task at hand, far too many tech professionals have trouble keeping to a daily calendar. 

3. Critical Thinking

Far from the robotic machines that some people stereotype them as, tech professionals must often employ highly critical, out-of-the-box thinking to solve complex problems. Although the problems that they encounter are typically technical in nature, the methods needed to solve them may require high-level analytical thinking skills and even a bit of old-fashioned human institution. Critical thinking involves questioning assumptions, diversity of thought, and an emphasis on logical reasoning. 

4. Networking

Similar to workers in most business sectors and industries, tech professionals must develop their networking skills if they want to establish productive industry relationships and advance in their careers. Networking is particularly important in the technology sector work, which often requires collaboration with other experts. Look upon everyone that you meet as a possible industry contact or partner.

5. Creativity

It may come as a surprise to some, but tech work requires just as much “right-brained” thinking as it does “left-brained” thinking. In other words, creativity is just as important as logical reasoning in the tech sector. Just think about the colorful innovations and scientific works of art that have come to us through groundbreaking tech moguls such as Steve Jobs and Bill Gates! Techniques such as freeform thinking and brainstorming can be quite helpful when building creative thinking skills.

Tech companies are famous for innovation—and not just in terms of the products and services they offer. Many of them also set the standard for attractive work environments.

Wondering which tech companies are currently leading the way in 2022? Glassdoor recently used anonymous employee feedback to determine the top 10 companies to work for.

Here’s a closer look at the five top finishers in the tech space when it comes to the best work environments.

1. NVIDIA

While NVIDIA’s original focus was making graphics processing units for PC’s, it has its eye on becoming a full-stack computing company. It’s also claimed the #1 spot on the Glassdoor rankings thanks to its fun and leading-edge products, amazing benefits, “engineer culture,” and brilliant and caring CEO.

The fact that the company is still evolving, meanwhile, means that there are plenty of growth opportunities for employees, too.

“The work is challenging and meaningful. Compensation and benefits are great, and I love my coworkers,” says one NVIDIA employee.

2. HubSpot

HubSpot is THE company to beat in the CRM platform space. However, it also shines as a workplace thanks to a skilled leadership team, wonderful company values, and a vibrant culture.

“The company works remarkably hard to create an inclusive community where every single person is able to bring their best, whole self to work,” raves a HubSpot employee.

3. Bain & Company

This tech consulting firm has worked with a staggering 63 percent of the Global 500. It’s also earned an equally staggering amount of praise for being a great place to work. In addition to earning a plum spot on Glassdoor’s rankings, Bain & Company has also garnered global recognition for culture, corporate social responsibility, DE&I initiatives, LGBTQ equlity and human rights, and diverse representation.

One satisfied Bain & Company employee asserts, “I’ve been at the company for over 6 months and I can confidently attest that the culture that everyone raves about in these reviews is 100% accurate. Even working remotely, there are a number of events and engagements that foster joy.”

4. eXp Realty

This global online brokerage is known for its cutting-edge technology, which has helped the company create an all-new real estate brokerage model.

It’s not surprising that a company powered by innovation is also pushing the boundaries of what to expect from your workplace, although eXp Realty’s status as a 100 percent virtual company does make its success uniquely noteworthy.

“All agents and employees are given white-glove service! We are truly cared about!” enthuses an eXp Realty employee.

5. Box

Cloud storage company Box was founded with the goal of helping people easily access information and collaborate. It’s also helped its own employees enjoy better, fuller work lives thanks to an above-and-beyond commitment to culture and people.

“The continued emphasis and focus on taking care of the employees so we can deliver an amazing product and enjoy the work that we do is phenomenal,” praises a satisfied Box employee.

In our modern world of rapid technological progress, labor-saving technologies that can replace anywhere from one worker to multiple workers are being implemented across numerous industries daily.

We will explore some of the best new labor-saving technologies and innovations quickly becoming mainstream and bringing significant enhancements in productivity, efficiency, and reduced costs to businesses worldwide.

With these technologies, what used to take multiple individuals and a great deal of time to plan and execute can now be streamlined into an automated process or simplified workflow. From QR codes to robotics in farming and agriculture, there’s no doubt these labor-saving technologies will continue to expand and develop in the near future. 

1. QR Codes

QR codes have taken the restaurant industry by storm, gaining immediate momentum after the 2020 pandemic shut down thousands of restauranteurs and forced them to reinvent themselves.

With QR codes, restaurants can reduce the number of servers they need on staff to handle an increasing number of patrons, turn tables quicker, get more tips, increase the average spend per customer, and save time and money in the process.

Instead of waiting for their server to retrieve the check and process their payment method, QR codes give restaurant customers the ability to scan the code on their mobile device, split the check if necessary, add a tip, and pay in under a minute. 

2. Smart Factories

Since the industrial revolution, factories have followed a consistent and predictable shift schedule where workers would operate machinery, perform quality control, and ensure the factory is in working condition in order to meet product quotas.

In our modern world, manufacturers and factories are able to reduce human error, increase output, and save on labor and costs through the use of smart factories.

Smart factories are manufacturing centers where machinery is fully automated, and robotic technology with sensors is used to monitor production lines from start to finish. Rather than having hundreds of employees working and operating machinery, smart factories only require a few workers to oversee their automated production lines. 

3. Augmented Reality (AR)

Augmented reality (AR) is a labor-saving technology that simplifies how companies execute their training programs and how they give demonstrations to customers or stakeholders.

In the past, training a new employee would take a business many months, tying up experienced employees in training and onboarding and requiring a training budget. This was even more difficult for jobs where complex systems and processes were taught, ones that required absolute precision on the part of the employee.

With AR, companies can now do all the work upfront and create a comprehensive training solution that an employee can follow using augmented reality. They follow a visual training program that shows them the systems, components, and processes they’re working with, cutting down significantly on training costs. 

4. Robotics in Farming & Agriculture

Labor-saving technology in the farming and agriculture industries has significantly reduced the number of workers required to harvest crops and process them for consumption.

With combine harvesters, GIS-based harvesting, soil and water sensors, weather tracking, and farming automation, farmers can do the same amount of work as an army of workers just a few short decades ago. 

5. 3D & 4D Printing

When a manufacturer or engineering company needs to create a new part, a precision machinist with the skills to turn an engineering drawing into that part is required.

Since 3D and 4D printing came about, those machinists can now be replaced by printers that construct parts layer by layer, saving on labor and costs in the process.

With 3D printing, solid material is layered until a part is produced. With 4D printing, objects are “printed” from advanced materials that perform different functions or change shape when interacting with light, heat, or hot water. 

Did you know that every single one of the world’s top 500 supercomputers is powered by Linux? And yet the vast majority of people stick with macOS and Windows operating systems. While Linux may be less flashy than more popular desktop platforms, it’s got a lot of allures.

Still not convinced you should give Linux a look? Read on for a roundup of five reasons to consider switching from your current OS to Linux.

1. it’s an open source operating system

Linux is an open source operating system, which means anyone can see and interact with its source code. End users have the constant ability to contribute to, modify, and enhance the source code for any reason or purpose.

This means that it’s in a perpetual stage of improvement.

And the community support you’ll find while running Linux is also unbeatable. Have a question or issue? All you have to do to access it is hop onto one of many online Linux forums, which are populated by Linux users from all over the globe.

The takeaway? While Microsoft is a corporation selling products, Linux is a community.

2. You won’t pay a dime

While other operating systems are associated with license fees and hardware fees, Linux is completely free for both personal and commercial use. Think of all the things you can do with that extra $200!

3. It’s extremely secure

No operating system is completely foolproof when it comes to security. However, Linux has more than earned its reputation as one of the most secure options—especially in comparison to Windows and macOS.

Even if this wasn’t true, the mere fact that Linux has a lower market share on desktop means it’s less likely to be a target for attackers. In fact, Linux is so secure that many users don’t bother with antivirus programs. This translates to even more savings in the form of costly monthly and yearly subscriptions you can expect to pay with less secure platforms.

Worried about your operating system collecting your user data? This isn’t a concern with Linux since you can see the source code and everything that’s being transmitted.

Plus, because Linux is open source, any user can fix a problem if one does occur. Conversely, you can sometimes feel like you’re waiting forever for a fix with Windows and macOS.

4. It’s surprisingly user-friendly

While many people assume that Linux is just for “techies,” it’s easier than ever to use thanks to many Linux distribution resources.

Even better? Nearly all drivers are installed on your system automatically, and updates are hassle-free, as well. Unlike with Windows, however, it’s also your choice whether or not you want to update.

And because Linux powered PCs aren’t crammed with a lot of extraneous software, they are much faster than other machines.

Finally, Linux is highly compatible. With some platforms, newer versions may only work with newer computers. This means that you’re out of luck if you have an old machine. Not so with Linux, which is compatible with most hardware and IoT devices.

5. Yes, you CAN game with it

Many people who don’t love Windows have stuck with it for one reason: they don’t want to give up their PC games. However, you’ve no longer got to choose between the two. Linux has made serious strides thanks to Steam Play and tools that leverage compatibility layers.

Is it perfect and can you play every game? Not yet. But it’s improving  by the day—and many people swear by the experience.

Ever wish you had superpowers? Sadly, that probably won’t happen, but biohacking can deliver some attainable expanded abilities today.

What Is Biohacking Anyway?

Biohacking is putting evolution into overdrive.

You’re applying what we know about science to make yourself better. You become faster, more focused, and higher-functioning mentally, physically, and/or emotionally. 

Biohacking is a broad term. It can include intermittent fasting to enhance focus and productivity. Or go extreme by editing your genes using CRISPR technology.

It can be expensive, like using bionic legs that you control with your mind to walk again after an injury.

Or relatively cheap, like going keto to turn your body into a fat-burning machine. 

Biohacking isn’t following the latest snake oil health craze to stay younger, lose weight, etc. 

You’re applying proven science to be better at something. Or you’re experimenting to prove something works.

3 Types of Biohacking You’ll Want to Know About

1. Nutrigenomics

This kind focuses on how the food you eat — or don’t — activates different genes. 

At one time, geneticists thought DNA was an unchangeable blueprint. Now, thanks to epigenetic research, we know your environment strongly influences how a gene acts.

Have a “disease-causing” gene? That’s scary!

But that doesn’t mean you’ll get that disease.

Apply Nutrigenomics biohacking to take control of your risk. Apply the same principle to stay looking/feeling younger longer, perform better, and rewrite your “blueprint”.

2.  DIY Biology

This type of biohacking involves scientists and influencers running experiments on themselves. They measure the results.

Then they share their findings among biohacking enthusiasts. Those biohackers may then try the technique on themselves.

You can’t have DIY Biology without data and analysis. So you do need measuring equipment and the ability to apply the scientific method to test your biohacking hypothesis. 

If you can test how something impacts the human mind and body, that’s biohacking.

For example, meditation can lower blood pressure and improve focus. If you meditate, you may be biohacking already.

So far, biohacking may sound very run-of-the-mill. But we have one more type of biohacker that takes biohacking to the next level.

3. Grinder

Grinders believe every part of the human body is hackable. They’re willing to go to extremes to merge themselves with technology to optimize the performance of some functions of the human body.

Nothing’s off-limits.

You may be implanting technology to become magnetic, have flashing lights under your skin, or hear colors. You could take daily injections of modified DNA to enhance muscle growth. Or you could inject a jellyfish gene to glow in the dark.

Results vary. All of this is still very experimental.

This type of biohacker seeks to become a cyborg (part human; part machine). They envision a future where this is commonplace.

Who Should Become a Biohacker

So the question remains, Is It For Me?

If you love data and want to know what’s humanly possible through optimization and alteration, then… Yes.

If you’re disciplined yet adventurous and want to maximize your performance, then absolutely. It’s important to realize that there are risks.

Or maybe you’re curious about what it might mean to be human in 100 or 1000 years.  

Biohack today. You’re evolving into the fully-optimizable humans we’ll be in the future.

Solar technology is promising, and there are a lot of good reasons to consider installing panels on your home. With an electric vehicle, you could effectively get free gas for life. Plus, lowering the electric bill always sounds nice. On top of that, solar panels can dramatically increase the value of your home.

 

But, solar installations are not simple, and the systems can be very complicated. There are some things that you will really want to know before you get serious about this idea.

 

Value Depends on Location

 

While solar can work in most places, the raw dollar value of the investment varies. You’re going to get more bang for your buck using solar in Phoenix, AZ, as compared to Cambridge, MA. That’s because the sun is brighter in Arizona, and residents there use the most power while the sun is up.

 

On top of that, very local things like which way your house faces and whether or not there are trees blocking the sun make a big difference. It helps a lot to learn about how much you can get out of your solar panels before you make any serious commitments.

 

Roofing Gets Complicated

 

You want your roof to be in top shape before any solar installations, mainly for two reasons. First, you need a hearty roof to safely hold the panels. It’s that simple.

 

The second issue is that repairing the roof under your solar panels is a lot more complicated. Usually, the panels have to be removed before the roof is accessible. So, you want a roof with a nice, long lifespan before you install solar.

 

Your Power Needs

 

Solar systems are customized for each home. To get that customization correct, you need a good idea of your power needs. Otherwise, you might overspend on too many panels, or you might get too few panels and not have enough to power the home.

 

Most solar installers will work with you to review your electric bills to get a good idea of how much power you need in the solar system. It’s important to take the time to understand that part of the deal before you take out any solar loans.

 

Payment Assistance Options

 

Solar is expensive — like take-out-a-second-mortgage levels of expensive. But, you don’t have to pay for everything out of your own pocket. There are still a lot of rebate and credit programs to help you pay for a solar installation, and they exist at federal, state, and local levels.

 

There are too many programs to list them all here, but you can find a lot of resources available through your state’s department of energy. It’s certainly nice to know what kind of payment assistance is available before you sign any contracts.

 

Solar Lifespan

 

The last thing you really want to understand is the solar lifecycle, which involves a lot. Who fixes the panels if something is wrong? Where do they go when they are eventually too old (usually 20 to 30 years after installation)? What are the warranties on the system? How much productivity can you expect over their lifespan?

 

These are all important questions, and the solar provider can usually answer them. Make sure to have those conversations early.