MSPNetworks Blog

Whether or not you believe acronyms are an acceptable form of speech, some people might use them habitually or instinctively even for business communications. Of course, they don’t have much place in this context, but habits are hard to break. To address this issue, one innovative thinker has created a tool that can help determine if the acronym “LOL” is sincere or not.

Curious? Read on to learn more about this tool and why we think it’s pretty neat.

This Device Puts a Stop to Phony LOLs

The phrase “laughing out loud” often means nothing, something which inspired Brian Moore to build a device that can detect when the LOL is not what it appears to be. It’s supposed to mean that something is eliciting an outburst of laughter, but oftentimes, it’s used to either lighten conversations or to fill space in a conversation. This device can actually detect if someone LOLed before sending the message: the LOL Verifier.

We’ll let him explain it for himself:

I made this thing called LOL Verifier: a device that only lets you type lol if you’ve actually laughed out loud pic.twitter.com/Gsc63yGEm0

— Brian Moore (@lanewinfield) January 3, 2023

Basically, Moore built the device to filter out LOLs that the user did not laugh out loud at before typing, replacing it instead with a different form of appreciative approval. He plans to release the code to the public, despite it requiring at least 20 minutes of training before it can actually detect anything with accuracy. In other words, you have to laugh in front of your computer for 20 minutes so it can figure out your speech patterns.

Why Is This a Good Idea?

Basically, it keeps people honest, but in a different sense, it exposes the gap between what we feel and what we write. It’s remarkably easy to send an LOL with little-to-no thought, thus killing any sincerity in the conversation. This isn’t something that really applies to the business world, but it does showcase how the right technology can be used to find solutions to specific problems.

For example, imagine a solution that can keep problematic emails out of your employees’ inboxes, freeing them from the possibility of wasting time on potentially dangerous messages. This is exactly what spam filtering does, and antivirus works the same way by keeping threats out of your network, thus keeping it safe. Content filtering, as well, can be a preventative tool to keep your employees from visiting time-wasting or risky websites.

If any of the above sound like helpful solutions for your business, call MSPNetworks today at (516) 403-9001.

The holiday season is getting busier and busier every year and with less and less time afforded to shopping and getting ready for the holiday, you may have overlooked that special someone on your holiday shopping list. This week, we give you three gadgets that would be really nice last minute gifts for that technology lover in your life

Levitating Plant Pot/Lamp

We’ll start with a couple of cool pieces that just about anyone will find fascinating and fun. Using magnets, several manufacturers have created products that seem to defy the laws of physics; and they are perfect for the desks of technology lovers. 

The levitating potted plant is a succulent that floats above the base, while the lamp is a LED light fixture that floats beneath the arm of a desk lamp. There are different versions of the lamp with the most expensive ones providing a wireless charger in the base. Overall these are cool items that can be purchased online for under $100 and shipped to you fast.

The Couch Console

In today’s age of video games and streaming media, people spend a lot of time in front of the television. One problem with this is that controllers, remotes, phones, and all manners of other devices (and often a lot of garbage) can accumulate in the nesting spots we choose to relax from. One awesome gift is called The Couch Console. It is a modular place to store your remotes, your phone, and even a drink and a snack while you relax on the couch. 

Made from lightweight foam, the Couch Console comes with a no-spill cup holder, a place to store your remotes and can even come with an optional battery pack so that you can charge your devices. The Couch Console starts at $80 and will be a great option for just about anyone. 

A Power Bank

We add in the power bank because today everyone uses devices that need charging all the time. How many times have you gone someplace and someone asks you if you have a charger they can use so they can keep their devices alive just a little bit longer? Gifting a power bank eliminates the need to scramble around to find juice for their favorite device; they’ll have it on them already.

Essentially, a power bank is a backup battery that can be used to charge devices that run out of juice while you are on the go. There are all types of power banks available: from ones that will change your wireless earbuds to devices that can power a laptop for hours at a time. The ones that make great last-minute gifts will be able to sufficiently recharge a smartphone and a pair of wireless earbuds on a single charge. For this reason they are a great gift for just about anyone. 

What do you think? Are there any specific technology gadgets that you would suggest to add? Leave your thoughts on our social media and have a Merry Christmas!

It probably isn’t a question you’ve put much thought to, but tell me: who do you think feels the greatest impact from card skimming schemes, where a payment card’s data is captured so a cybercriminal can make use of the card’s associated account? While it isn’t a good situation for anyone, some are impacted more than others.

Unfortunately, card skimming is even worse for those who rely on prepaid cards provided by the state for food assistance. Let’s consider why this is.

Skimming Losses are Worse for Those Receiving Assistance

Authorities across the country have taken note of increased losses associated with those receiving assistance through the Electronic Benefits Transfer (better known as EBT), which permits participants with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to pay for their food purchases.

When a SNAP card is used, the associated EBT account is debited so the store is reimbursed for the purchase. In this way, the EBT card is effectively a debit card—they even have an associated PIN and can be used to withdraw money from an ATM.

However, EBT cards largely lack the protections that most other payment cards have, like the more secure smart chip technology that makes these cards harder to duplicate, or the fraud protections that other payment cards have. If SNAP funds are fraudulently stolen and spent, the rightful recipient has little recourse to take. They’re effectively out that money…money that they need as a member of the program.

It isn’t exactly news that criminals and scammers have found ways to steal card data, either…and they’re getting better at doing it surreptitiously. The devices used to “skim” data off of payment cards (cleverly referred to as “skimmers”) can now be hidden inside cash machines, or camouflaged to look like just another part of the device. This makes it more challenging to spot these skimmers, putting more people at risk in general of having their data cloned and used to create additional copies of payment cards that the thief can use or sell.

What Can Be Done?

Well, short of more states implementing improved security measures into their EBT cards—eliminating the magnetic strip and replacing it with the modern chips that other card types use—it really falls to the user and the business where an ATM or other card-reading device is located to prevent these issues. Keep an eye out for people trying to tamper with these machines, and discontinue its use if you can until it has been fully checked by a professional for card skimming devices. As a customer, give any card reader a close look before you swipe to see if it looks at all unusual.

MSPNetworks is here to help keep your business more secure and efficient, both for your benefit and that of your clients and customers. Find out how we can help via our managed services by calling (516) 403-9001.

I feel like we’ve been talking a lot about the horrifying cybersecurity threats that loom over our heads, and thought it might be nice to really appreciate just how gosh-darn cool some of these devices we all have can be instead. 

Aren’t Mobile Devices Really Incredible?

I still remember the hype for the very first iPhone. To many very excited people, this was the first time a personal computer was going to fit in the palm of their hand.

Steve Jobs was an incredible genius at hype and marketing. He told his customers that he was changing the world with this new conceptual device, even though some of us nerds had been using Palm Pilots, Blackberrys, Windows CE, and Windows Mobile devices for years before the first iPhone was but a sparkle in his eye.

Still, you need to hand it to him, he brought the smartphone to the general public.

We’ve seen a nice gradual evolution of these devices over the last decade and change since the first iPhone was released, and I think a lot of that evolution has been so subtle that some of us really haven’t noticed just how great these devices truly can be.

Samsung DeX Turns Your Smartphone Into a Handheld Desktop

Have you seen this? 

It’s exclusive to Samsung’s line of Android smartphones, so if you’ve never jumped on the Samsung bandwagon, you might not have caught wind of it.

Samsung has this neat little app called DeX that gives you a desktop-like experience when you connect your Samsung smartphone or tablet to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse.

It’s not quite a full Windows experience—you are still using Android and your Android apps, but using Microsoft Office applications like Word and Powerpoint or surfing the web works great. 

Some Modern Tablets Can Be an Artist’s Canvas

While the tablet market hasn’t really found its place as much as we all thought it would a few years ago, there is still a very dedicated niche for them that has been very exciting for those extra creative types.

If you’ve ever seen the desk of a modern digital illustrator or artist, you’ve probably seen those huge expensive digital drawing tablets that they use. The leading brands tend to cost several thousands of dollars, and they are far from portable, chaining the user to their desk to draw and design.

Apple’s iPad has changed the game for artists when paired with Apple’s proprietary pencil, an extremely accurate device that gives artists control over every stroke. This is way different than using a typical plastic stylus on a regular touchscreen. Like the expensive Wacom drawing tablets that most hobbyists can’t afford, the Apple offers tilt and pressure sensitivity in a similar way that an actual pencil or paintbrush does. Low-cost, sophisticated illustration applications like Procreate can give the user a whole ton of tools to design, create, and digitally paint anything they want.

While Apple was definitely the first tablet manufacturer to nail this, Microsoft has a similar solution with their Surface line of tablets. It’s a little less accurate compared to Apple’s solution, but for most hobbyists, it is more than adequate. Samsung’s Galaxy Tab line of tablets also includes the Samsung S-Pen, which uses very similar technology as Apple does, and while the Procreate software is exclusive to Apple, Samsung partnered with Clip Studio and runs a fully-capable alternative in their ecosystem.

Smartphones Replace the Entire Entertainment System

Did you cut the cable? So many people have ditched cable television in their homes thanks to streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu. On top of that, YouTube and YouTube TV simply offer more content than you could ever possibly watch. 

If you’ve dropped cable, you probably ended up purchasing a Google Chromecast or Amazon Firestick and use that to access your streaming services, or you have a TV with Amazon, Google, or Roku built in. 

It’s still incredible to me (honestly, I feel like Tony Stark in my own living room) that I can pull up Netflix on my phone, tap on Stranger Things, and broadcast it straight to the television.

When was the last time you bought a DVD or Bluray? When was the last time you bought physical music? How about a physical book?

Okay, there’s still something special about physical books, but I digress.

Let’s Appreciate How Neat All This Stuff Is!

These devices that we carry every day are just so capable, and so convenient, and I don’t think we’ve even begun to scratch the surface.

Fitness tracking! Augmented reality! Mobile banking! Who would have guessed 10 years ago that you would be able to pay your dinner bill with your smartphone or smartwatch, and have your friend digitally send you their half of the bill over Venmo or Paypal?

Of course, with all of that, there are drawbacks.

Social media algorithms have definitely worn down a lot of people. Cybersecurity threats are a huge problem. We don’t quite know how much screen time is too much screen time for kids, and how all these carefully crafted, addicting systems play a role on young people. For some of us, it’s easy to ignore these problems and just use the mobile device for work emails and messaging, just as easy as it is to get totally hooked on doom-scrolling Twitter.

We hope that no matter what camp you are in, that you use technology wisely and safely. We hope that it brings joy and value to your life, makes you more productive, and makes it easier for you to enjoy the things that really matter to you.

There’s no lesson today. There’s no call to action. I just wanted to share some things I thought were really cool. What do you think? Do you have any cool stories about technology that you’d like to share with us?

Discarded electronics, including the hardware that so many businesses cycle through, are a big problem—and not one that we can ignore for a variety of reasons. Let’s explore the issues surrounding e-waste, as well as what can be done to reduce it.

First, let’s explore why e-waste is as big a problem as it is.

What is E-Waste?

“E-waste” is a blanket term that covers all electronics that have reached the end of their utilization and have thereby been discarded. Due to the materials that electronics are made of, these devices can lead to some serious issues down the line.

We really do mean all electronics, as well. With so much modern technology now relying on computing components in some way, shape, or form, you’d be hard-pressed to find something that didn’t qualify as e-waste. Naturally, computers and their peripherals qualify, but so do the majority of appliances, office equipment, and other gadgets nowadays. This is especially the case now that practically every gadget has some “smart” functionality built into it.

However, it is important to remember that a device does not have to be “smart” to be classified as e-waste. All electronics quality—which, in context, helps put the scope of the problem in clearer view.

According to the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, 2019 saw 53.6 metric tons of e-waste generated. This marked an increase of 21 percent in a period of five years, with only 17.4 percent of this e-waste being recycled. The report that UNITAR released also shared other disturbing tidbits, like the fact that (conservatively) $57 billion worth of valuable materials like gold and silver were just dumped and/or burned.

E-waste is a serious issue. Not only is it wasteful, it is also highly damaging to the environment, as many of the materials involved either take centuries to properly break down, or are actively toxic. In some cases, both statements apply.

In no uncertain terms, this is not good.

People are Trying to Draw Attention to the Problem of E-Waste…

…and some of their ideas are pretty darn creative.

For instance, when the G7 Summit was going on at the Carbis Bay Hotel in Cornwall, it was done so under the watchful gaze of “Mount Recyclemore”---a sculpture created by sculptor Joe Rush as a message to the assembled leaders to keep the damage of unrecycled electronics in mind.

Mount Recyclemore depicted an alternative vision of Mount Rushmore, with the faces replaced with those of US President Joe Biden, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Japan's former Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italy's Prime Minister Mario Draghi, and Germany's former Chancellor Angela Merkel.

All of whom were, at the time, attending the G7 Summit.

Constructed out of 20,000 pieces of e-waste in total, the seven figureheads each measure about 10 feet tall. Rush explained to the BBC that the idea behind the sculpture was to communicate to these leaders that e-waste was a problem they all needed to address, and that the message was for them to talk to one another about solving it.

The striking sculpture has since been moved to the Eden Project, a charity meant to educate people about environmental impacts and the different ways that they can be reduced.

Why Recycling Matters

There are a lot of benefits to your business choosing to recycle its old electronics, including:

• Reducing landfill space and protecting the environment, as the more that is recycled, the less that winds up in a landfill to have the dangerous materials inside seep into the ecosystem.
• Theoretically, it helps control pricing, because recycling old materials means that less needs to be produced from raw materials.
• Protects your data (although you should always remove your data before recycling your electronics) as proper channels are required to ensure that data is properly removed.

If you’re looking to dispose of your old technology—and if you’re looking for new equipment to replace it—turn to MSPNetworks. We’ll help you through the processes involved. Give us a call at (516) 403-9001 to get started.

The holidays are some of the best times for technology lovers. Not only do manufacturers deliver the coolest tech for the busiest retail time of the year, there is a good chance that you may be gifted some of it. This week, we thought we would take a look at three popular gadgets that are flying off the shelves this holiday season. 

Wireless Earphones

Headphones have been a popular gift for decades. Today’s technology allows users to get unparalleled sound quality without the messy cords that have been tethering users to devices for years. The wireless headphone market is now split into two main categories: earphones and earbuds. When looking for the right set of wireless headphones for the person on your shopping list you should consider the following features:

• Bluetooth 5.0 compatibility - Newer versions of Bluetooth—which is how the wireless headphones connect to a device—remove the latency found in earlier versions allowing for optimal sound sync with streaming video.
• aptX or SBC (or AAC) - When shopping for wireless headphones you need to understand bitrates. SBC (and Apple’s proprietary AAC) typically function at around 192 Kbps which offers significantly worse sound quality than aptX (352 Kbps) or aptX HD (576 Kbps). Higher bitrates tend to sound better to people who are picky about their music.
• Noise cancelling -  ANC (active noise cancellation) is exactly what it sounds like, you hear less or none of the noise around you with these devices on.
• Battery life - For wireless headphones, battery life and chargeability are major considerations. Over the ear wireless headphones typically need to be plugged into a wall charger for some length of time while most wireless earbuds offer a charging case that makes these devices much more practical. 

Some of the most popular wireless headphones you can find this holiday season include:

Earbuds

• Apple Airpods Pro
• Bose QuietComfort 
• Sony WF-1000XM4
• Jabra Elite 85t

Over the Ear Headphones

• Apple Airpods Max
• Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
• Sony WH-1000XM4
• Microsoft Surface Headphones 2

Autonomous Vacuum Cleaner

For years, robotic vacuums were a bit too pricey for the average person to give them as a gift, and if you purchase the top tier robot-vacuum now you are still looking at over $1,000. However, prices have fallen enough now for it to be a very popular gadget for people to give to one another. 

There are a few things you need to consider before purchasing a robot vacuum. First, you need to ensure that the situation of the floor that is going to be cleaned is right for the vacuum cleaner. How much floor do you have to clean? Are there changes in flooring (hardwood-to-carpet)? If so, how high is the carpet? Are there pets in the house? Answering these simple questions will help you find the right device. 

Here are some of the features today’s robotic vacuum cleaners have:

• Charging dock - All robot vacuum cleaners will have some sort of charging dock. Some docks are smaller and therefore easier to conceal.
• Mapping technology - More expensive models will use lasers, while cheaper models will routinely bump off things.
• Vacuuming prowess - This is a huge consideration as cheaper models will have a tendency to get caught up or need to be dumped very often. Higher-end machines will have an auto-bin feature that will empty itself in the dock before going back out.
• Smart or not - Some models offer Wi-Fi connectivity and application support. This allows users a lot of features they won’t find in less-expensive versions of the device.

Some of the most popular autonomous vacuums this year are:

• iRobot Roomba s9+
• Shark IQ Robot Self-Empty XL RV1001AE
• Eufy RoboVac 15c

Video Calling Devices

In what seems to many of us like science fiction, we can all now communicate with video chat on many of our computing devices. As a result, some of the largest tech companies in existence have developed devices used distinctly for this purpose. This is great for the elderly members of your family (or the people who aren’t tech-savvy) that may not have a smartphone or would just like a larger screen to video chat with.

As mentioned earlier, most of the devices that are built for this are made available by the largest and most respected technology companies in the world: Amazon, Google, and Facebook. Some of the features you should consider when shopping for a video chat device include:

• Large screen for clarity
• Integrated camera and speakers
• Smart device control center

The main options available this holiday season are:

• Facebook Portal - The portal devices are gaining ground since they offer Amazon’s Alexa built into the device profile. There are currently two offerings available: the 10” Portal Go and the 14” Portal+. 
• Amazon Echo Show - Obviously, the versions of the Echo Show have Alexa built-in. There are currently three versions of the Echo Show: a five-inch, an eight-inch, and a 10-inch.
• Google Nest Hub Max - Google’s largest version is a 10-inch screen with an integrated camera and speakers. It is fueled by Google Home, Google’s smart hub platform. 

What do you think? Are there any other technologies you think should be on this list? What tech are you asking Santa for this Christmas? Leave your comments below and enjoy your holiday shopping!

The strangest year in our lives is coming to a close and the holidays figure to be just as strange. With the COVID-19 pandemic still roaring away, there probably won’t be a lot of the events that are typical this time of year. That doesn’t have to ruin the time of year, however. Today, we thought that we would take a look at five cool tech gadgets and services that won’t break the bank, but will also be a cool addition under the tree or for your secret santa. 

#1 - Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug²

It’s probably an understatement to say that people like their coffee. It’s probably more correct to say that people need their coffee. Even if you don’t like coffee, you probably like hot drinks. For anyone who likes hot beverages the Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug² is a great choice. With this device you can set how warm you want to keep your beverage and it stays that warm for over an hour; enough time to finish that cup of joe that would have gotten cold and been thrown out. 

The mug has a built-in battery and comes with a charging coaster. The Ember Mug² comes in 10 fl oz or 14 fl oz options and can be found on Amazon for around $110.

#2 - Google Nest Hub

The days of the smart home have just begun. Despite being available for a few years now, people—many of which have spent most of this year at home—have begun to install smart gadgets in their homes. Eventually this is the way everything is going, so if you know someone who, like millions of other people, are starting to piecemeal a smart home, the Google Nest Hub is a great tool. 

The Nest Hub is marketed as a digital picture frame, but unlike the one you got your Grandmother for Christmas in 2010, the Google Nest Hub provides the ability to watch videos via YouTube or Netflix and, best yet, it functions as a controller for all of your home’s smart devices and accounts. The Google Nest Hub can be found in the Google store for around $90.

#3 - Wireless Headphones

Another gift that has been around for a few years now, but is to a point that even modestly-priced options have some value. There are a lot of different kinds of wireless headphones. There are on-head headphones, there are earbuds, there are even wireless headphones built into glasses and hats.

Some of the most popular options for high-end sound include: Bose SoundLink around-ear wireless headphones II, Apple Airpods 2, and Google Pixel Buds. Some more affordable options we like include: Anker Life Q20 and the Xiaomi Airdots S.

#4 - Streaming Subscriptions

These days, seemingly everyone has some type of streaming service that they pay for, but getting them all can be really expensive. If you know someone who would like the content on your favorite streaming service, you can give them a gift. In fact, some will give you the option to pay for a year subscription for a discount. 

Some of the most popular are: Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube Premium and more. As more and more companies get into the streaming service game, it will be nearly impossible to have all of them. Depending on the service you gift, you are looking at about $80-to-$150 for a year’s worth. Personally, we’re pretty excited about HBO Max, since Warner Bros. is releasing all of their 2021 theater releases on the service on the same day they hit theaters. 

#5 - Courant Wireless Chargers

Most modern smartphones come with wireless charging capabilities. Even Apple finally put wireless charging in the new iPhone. There are chairs, cars, and many more items that provide wireless charging today. If you are looking for a sleek and useful wireless charger, the Courant Catch:3 is one of the best on the market. Not only does it provide a wireless charging station it also provides a place to store your stuff. The manufacturer also offers dual charging hardware and simple mat chargers. 

Solidly made and ready to go right out of the box, it can bring some style and function to any room in the house. 

This may not be a typical holiday season, but that doesn’t mean that the joy of giving gifts needs to get impeded. What gadgets or services are you looking to give the people in your life? Leave suggestions in the comments section below and check back to our blog for more great technology information.