Author: John Montgallo

Will a mobile ad blocker stop government spyware?

John Montgallo
Ad blocker - Mobile Device - Question Mark

Though the main goal is typically to stop unwanted tracking and advertising, it may help in other ways Ad blockers are commonplace and offer a simple way for mobile device users to be able to cut down on the number advertisements they are required to view, and on much of the tracking associated with those practices. That said, the technology could also help to filter out other unwanted activities on a device Interestingly, ad blockers may also be providing device users with an additional layer of defense against spyware and…

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Amazon dumps major mobile commerce “just walk out” in-person shopping feature

John Montgallo
Mobile commerce - Amazon feature Cancelled

The online marketplace and tech giant is killing off its feature letting shoppers simply leave grocery stores. Amazon built a tremendous amount of hype around the mobile commerce feature at its in-person grocery stores, which let people “just walk out” and still pay for their purchases. How did the system work? The idea was that people could enter the store and scan their payment method, choose their items, bag them up and simply leave without having to go through a checkout counter. It appears that as hyped as the system…

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The Google Podcasts app is dead

John Montgallo
Podcasts app cancelled

The search and tech giant has killed the heavily downloaded application in the US. Google’s Podcasts app has been officially discontinued in the US as of yesterday, despite the fact that it had been downloaded more than 500 million times. Only 4 percent of listeners used the platform in the US US users of the Podcasts app were required to migrate their subscription data before the deadline or risk losing their listening information.  Unfortunately, this process was not at all straightforward, leaving many users confused and increasing the risk that…

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OpenAI brings its artificial intelligence software “Sora” pitch to Hollywood

John Montgallo
Artificial intelligence software - Hollywood Sign

This week, AI technology was brought to studios, media executives and even talent agencies. OpenAI went to Hollywood this week with its new artificial intelligence software, “Sora”, in the hopes of impressing studios, media executives and talent agencies with their pitch. The AI has the potential to turn movie making on its head The goal of OpenAI’s trip was to make sure that a larger number of filmmakers were aware of just what Sora could do.  The artificial intelligence software specializes in text-to-video and could completely change the way moves…

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QR codes can now be used for faster land checkpoint clearance in Singapore

John Montgallo
QR codes - Singapore Flag

The goal is to use the quick response barcodes to make immigration clearance more convenient. Starting yesterday, travelers heading through Singapore’s checkpoints in Woodlands and Tuas are able to use QR codes instead of their passports in order to make their way through more quickly and conveniently. The idea is to simply scan the barcode to speed up immigration clearance All people need to do is have a single QR code scanned – one that is generated ahead of arriving at the checkpoint – to gain clearance for everyone traveling…

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