3.28.2016
Good to Know: “You’re not normal. You’re you. You’re awesome.” – @thekidpresident #mondaymotivation
THE SKINNY
When You’re Still Working Out the Kinks …
Over the weekend, a deadly bombing happened at a children’s park in Lahore, Pakistan,
taking the lives of 69 people and leaving about 300 injured. So, Facebook launched its “Safety Check” to let people “check in” as safe. But, it didn’t work as expected.
When Something Is A Major Fail …
The “Safety Check” is intended to be avail for people close to the event, but that wasn’t the case on Sunday, March 27. Instead, FB asked people all over the world (South Africa, Nepal, Canada, and U.S.): “Are you okay?”
When You Need to Apologize for Your Behavior …
Before it was too late, Facebook said “sorry.” The company copped to its mistake and blamed it on a bug that is “counter to the product’s intent.” Safety Check’s been giving FB some issues since its debut, but those issues have been more along the lines of FB alleging playing faves on when and where to launch the features.
WHAT ELSE IS GOING ON?
What’s your motivation?
By now, you’ve probably heard a lil’ something, something about Apple’s rumble with the U.S. government over encryption. Now, the issue is going global. With the recent terrorist attacks in Europe, France wants to act quickly. French lawmakers are seeking to make it easier for intelligence bodies to have more power in getting people’s personal data. A similar proposal allowing governments to “snoop” has cropped up in Britain. But, German and Dutch officials aren’t here for any of it and oppose “back doors” in encryption services. In the meantime, all eyes are on Britain since it’s a big market for American tech companies.
THE STREETS ARE TALKIN’
Ride-hailing app Uber is using its “Code on the Road” game to recruit engineering talent. Fun Fact: Some people who have played already work in engineering. Uber says it’s not playing the “targeting” game when it comes to who can play. Rather, the company says it’s launching the game in cities where there are tons of tech jobs. Hmmm … We’ll go along with that … for now. BTW, $10K is on the line for people who play and find bugs, which could threaten privacy and security.
Yahoo is putting its core Internet business (think search, email, etc.) up for sale. And, the latest word on the street is that Microsoft is chatting with Yahoo’s investors about a private equity deal.
You’re a lucky man, Ross Martin! He’s the first customer to receive the first Oculus Rift virtual reality headset.