#Alexa tech Support

[marvelsmostwanted]

Per Wired:

In an email sent to customers today, Amazon said that Echo users will no longer be able to set their devices to process Alexa requests locally and, therefore, avoid sending voice recordings to Amazon’s cloud. Amazon apparently sent the email to users with “Do Not Send Voice Recordings” enabled on their Echo. Starting on March 28, recordings of every command spoken to the Alexa living in Echo speakers and smart displays will automatically be sent to Amazon and processed in the cloud.

Attempting to rationalize the change, Amazon’s email said: “As we continue to expand Alexa’s capabilities with generative AI features that rely on the processing power of Amazon’s secure cloud, we have decided to no longer support this feature.”

(…) Amazon has previously mismanaged Alexa voice recordings. In 2023, Amazon agreed to pay $25 million in civil penalties over the revelation that it stored recordings of children’s interactions with Alexa forever. Adults also didn’t feel properly informed of Amazon’s inclination to keep Alexa recordings unless prompted not to until 2019—five years after the first Echo came out.

If that's not enough to deter you from sharing voice recordings with Amazon, note that the company allowed employees to listen to Alexa voice recordings. In 2019, Bloomberg reported that Amazon employees listened to as many as 1,000 audio samples during their nine-hour shifts. Amazon says it allows employees to listen to Alexa voice recordings to train its speech recognition and natural language understanding systems.

Other reasons people may be hesitant to trust Amazon with personal voice samples include the previous usage of Alexa voice recordings in criminal trials and Amazon paying a settlement in 2023 in relation to allegations that it allowed “thousands of employees and contractors to watch video recordings of customers' private spaces” taken from Ring cameras, per the Federal Trade Commission.

So it’s not paranoid to say that Alexa is listening to you.

I don’t have any of these devices but I’d throw them out if you do. Find a lower tech version from a different company. This goes far beyond AI stealing data - it’s stealing directly from your personal life and recording your conversations.

[mariacallous]

The Trump administration’s Federal Trade Commission has removed four years’ worth of business guidance blogs as of Tuesday morning, including important consumer protection information related to artificial intelligence and the agency’s landmark privacy lawsuits under former chair Lina Khan against companies like Amazon and Microsoft. More than 300 blogs were removed.

On the FTC’s website, the page hosting all of the agency’s business-related blogs and guidance no longer includes any information published during former president Joe Biden’s administration, current and former FTC employees, who spoke under anonymity for fear of retaliation, tell WIRED. These blogs contained advice from the FTC on how big tech companies could avoid violating consumer protection laws.

One now deleted blog, titled “Hey, Alexa! What are you doing with my data?” explains how, according to two FTC complaints, Amazon and its Ring security camera products allegedly leveraged sensitive consumer data to train the ecommerce giant’s algorithms. (Amazon disagreed with the FTC’s claims.) It also provided guidance for companies operating similar products and services. Another post titled “$20 million FTC settlement addresses Microsoft Xbox illegal collection of kids’ data: A game changer for COPPA compliance” instructs tech companies on how to abide by the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act by using the 2023 Microsoft settlement as an example. The settlement followed allegations by the FTC that Microsoft obtained data from children using Xbox systems without the consent of their parents or guardians.

“In terms of the message to industry on what our compliance expectations were, which is in some ways the most important part of enforcement action, they are trying to just erase those from history,” a source familiar tells WIRED.

Another removed FTC blog titled “The Luring Test: AI and the engineering of consumer trust” outlines how businesses could avoid creating chatbots that violate the FTC Act’s rules against unfair or deceptive products. This blog won an award in 2023 for “excellent descriptions of artificial intelligence.”

The Trump administration has received broad support from the tech industry. Big tech companies like Amazon and Meta, as well as tech entrepreneurs like OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, all donated to Trump’s inauguration fund. Other Silicon Valley leaders, like Elon Musk and David Sacks, are officially advising the administration. Musk’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) employs technologists sourced from Musk’s tech companies. And already, federal agencies like the General Services Administration have started to roll out AI products like GSAi, a general-purpose government chatbot.

The FTC did not immediately respond to a request for comment from WIRED.

Removing blogs raises serious compliance concerns under the Federal Records Act and the Open Government Data Act, one former FTC official tells WIRED. During the Biden administration, FTC leadership would place “warning” labels above previous administrations’ public decisions it no longer agreed with, the source said, fearing that removal would violate the law.

Since President Donald Trump designated Andrew Ferguson to replace Khan as FTC chair in January, the Republican regulator has vowed to leverage his authority to go after big tech companies. Unlike Khan, however, Ferguson’s criticisms center around the Republican party’s long-standing allegations that social media platforms, like Facebook and Instagram, censor conservative speech online. Before being selected as chair, Ferguson told Trump that his vision for the agency also included rolling back Biden-era regulations on artificial intelligence and tougher merger standards, The New York Times reported in December.

In an interview with CNBC last week, Ferguson argued that content moderation could equate to an antitrust violation. “If companies are degrading their product quality by kicking people off because they hold particular views, that could be an indication that there's a competition problem,” he said.

Sources speaking with WIRED on Tuesday claimed that tech companies are the only groups who benefit from the removal of these blogs.

“They are talking a big game on censorship. But at the end of the day, the thing that really hits these companies’ bottom line is what data they can collect, how they can use that data, whether they can train their AI models on that data, and if this administration is planning to take the foot off the gas there while stepping up its work on censorship,” the source familiar alleges. “I think that's a change big tech would be very happy with.”

[belit0]

pt 2 to house chores (sorry i hit send too soon 🫣)

would they be all "challenge accepted i got this" or "fuck no im hiring someone 4 that"

Modern Mafia AU for the rest of these idiots because it's fun to involve technology

Indra – the sink disaster

The pipe under the kitchen sink bursts.

Water starts pooling beneath the cabinets.

Ivy’s away, the twins are yelling about a water war, and Ame is walking around barefoot.

Indra walks in, eyes narrowing.

-Move aside.

He rolls his sleeves up and ducks under the sink like a war general surveying the field.

Tools are already in his hand.

He doesn’t complain.

He doesn’t sigh.

He just fixes it.

Fifteen minutes later, the pipe is sealed with surgical precision, the cabinet is wiped dry, and the twins have been sent to mop the rest of the floor as punishment for “encouraging chaos.”

As he tightens the final screw, Raizen lingers in the doorway.

-You should've called someone. That's not your job.

-Everything in this house is my job.- Indra mutters, wiping his hands on a towel.

He doesn’t say it, but Ivy’s kitchen is sacred.

If it breaks, he fixes it.

Period.

Obito – Yard War

Obito’s house has a small backyard.

He rarely uses it—until the HOA sends him a passive-aggressive letter: “Weeds over regulation height. Please address.”

-The hell is a regulation weed?

He tries to mow the lawn with an ancient, rusting lawnmower he finds in the shed.

It sputters once.

Twice.

Dies.

-Fine. Fuck you too.

He attacks the weeds with a kitchen knife, a beer in his other hand.

Neighbors peek over fences.

A child cries somewhere.

Obito ends up shirtless, covered in grass, dirt on his face, declaring war on a particularly stubborn dandelion.

He does finish the job, but only out of spite.

The yard is lopsided.

Half the grass is dead.

He proudly takes a picture and sends it to the HOA anyway, middle finger up.

Two days later, a landscaper shows up.

-Courtesy of your neighbor, Uchiha Itachi,- the man says.

Obito doesn’t speak to Itachi for a week.

Shisui – closet crisis

Shisui’s house is minimalist on the outside, but inside it's a curated mess of clothes.

He’s good-looking and knows it, with a walk-in closet full of statement pieces.

The problem?

The closet rail holding all his jackets collapses with a loud crack at 7 a.m.

-No, no, no, no, no…- he mutters, staring at a mountain of black and leather on the floor.

He squats beside it like he’s at a funeral.

Instead of calling someone, he decides he’s got this.

Shisui goes full DIY mode—YouTube tutorials, power drill, motivational playlist.

He wears sunglasses indoors while fixing it.

At some point he ends up shirtless, holding the drill wrong, FaceTiming Itachi just to show him the screw he finally got in.

-That’s the wrong wall, cousin.

He stares.

-...That explains the breeze.

Three holes later, he gives up and calls the professional.

But insists on finishing the closet lighting himself.

It flickers every time you open the door, like a nightclub.

He likes it that way.

Itachi – tech meltdown

Itachi’s house is sleek. Immaculate.

Every device is smart—lights, thermostat, security, even the coffee machine.

Until the system glitches after a storm.

Lights start flickering.

Music plays at random.

The security app keeps telling him someone is at the front door—when no one is.

Itachi stands in the hallway at midnight, illuminated by red emergency LEDs, listening to Alexa whisper, “I'm always watching.”

He doesn’t flinch.

He opens his laptop.

Two hours later, he’s writing code in silence, hoodie on, classical music playing in the background.

Obito would’ve called tech support.

Shisui would’ve thrown the system out the window.

Itachi?

He rewires the entire system, renames the AI, programs it to stop responding to voice commands unless it hears his exact tone.

When the power stabilizes, everything works flawlessly again.

And just for good measure, he adds facial recognition to the front camera.

Shisui tries to prank him the next week.

The door won’t open.

[nebe1]

Livestream 2020-2023

#13 15.05.2020

This time with the guest Katharine Bennett-Fox

Bedtime story AJ interrupt because his Technik worked no longer (23:15) the next minute only Tom is in the scene. Then Tom activates his Alexa by accident (23:43) and then Sams (23:50). AJ restart his browser (24:46). AJ is gone and then only Sam is on the stream till (28:00).

Game translater the intro, Sam says he use Spanish because Susanne Jeremy has post it and Sam roast AJ with telling him his mom does more for the show then he (28:24). After the game the scene is still on Sam and he ask is AJ there (30:28). Sam makes a joke that AJ has downloaded so much porn that his computer has doing suicide (31:54). AJ is back (32:42) Tom says they are fine and need their dad (AJ) not (33:13).

The Channel flip start and AJ Computer has crashed again and only Tom is to been see.

Later in Channel flip AJ PC worked again he and Katharine Bennett-Fox play a scene where they pretend to get naked, Tom plays a neighbour who is a peeping Tom but he really takes his shirt of (45:04).

The complete channel flip is worth to see after the game AJ says it was a rough tech show and Tom says it was creative and unique (52:49). In the last scene someone played music it was Sam it was a mistake, his Alexa has played a special playlist (53:58).

Next game pillars game (new name Couple`s Support) (58:00)

Sam is doing a rap about the other people in the show (1:02:35)

Typewriter Terrence Tom is the writer and he wish to say about what the story is but Lukes’s internet connection was too bad so he could not hear it (1:09:10) later in the game he says he will cut all of that story (1:20:36). AJ gets stabbed to death (1:22:26) the third Typewriter Terrence where they killed a kid says Tom (1:44:46). The complete game is worth to see.

Genre (1:26:21) complete worth seeing.

My favourite moment is in the game late for work (start 1:38:24). I don´t know why but it is really funny for me how Tom says “I do a clue love” (1:42:09). She has not got it she has forget the first clue from Luke :D . The complete game was great.

So often how I have written the complete game was worth it I am sure you know it.

This livestream was awesome despite the technical problems and it´s worth watching in its entirety. (I wish my English was better so that I could have a different word for worth (._.) so often as I have written this, it annoys me myself).

[da-rulah]

I saw an aesthetic picture about spreading Satan through the Internet recently and it got me thinking about being the IT support at the ministry, and which papas and ghouls would be best and worst at technology. So now I obviously want to hear your thoughts.

(I think Primo would surprise us by being surprisingly proficient, sort of like how my grandma mastered email and Facebook in her 80s.)

I have discussed this at great lengths with my best friend, @her-satanic-wiles, and these are the conclusions we have come to. These include all technology and use of the internet and social media habits.

Please enjoy as much as we did - it was too much fun. This is long, so i've put a page break in.

Some 18+ content here, MDNI!

Primo

As you said, surprisingly proficient.

He learns very fast, intently listening to you when you explain email, Microsoft Word & Excel, and Facebook.

He doesn't get Instagram but that's okay, that's not his target audience.

Doesn't understand how the internet works... "So, is it floating around in the air, or...?"

But he does know how to work it, and how to use it.

Secondo

No patience for technology at all.

If it doesn't work how it should, it is immediately referred to as broken.

"Mostrami solo le mie email, pezzo di merda!" you'll hear him scream from his office.

If it is not broken, it soon will be. His frustration makes him violent.

Got the iPhone 4 when it first came out but it perished in a mysterious fire. He doesn't know how it happened. Stop asking him.

Has been through four Ministry issued keyboards and one monitor that saw violent ends.

Terzo

Not bad at technology at all, in fact learns very quickly.

However, the discovery of Internet Pornography set him back in his paperwork by about a week.

He takes casual nudes and sends them to everyone, like him sat on the toilet or just having got out of the shower. Just because he can.

Your phone keeps saving them automatically and you have to do a mass exodus of Terzo nudes at least once a week to save your phone memory.

When you delete them he sends you more out of spite.

Ends up with Malware on his computer all the time from scam emails that promise him 'hot single babes in his area'.

The kind of guy to go on Omegle to flirt with random people, maybe find someone to jerk off with.

Copia

Boomer.

He's bloody useless, it always makes him feel like a silly old fool.

The only thing he can do by himself is search YouTube for rat videos, because you've shown him a million times.

Types with the screen close to his face and with one finger.

FaceTime angle of a typical dad.

"Look at this!" and proceeds to not flip the camera because he doesn't know how so you just end up staring at his face anyway.

SHOUTS when he's on the phone, no concept of noise at all.

Always forgetting his passwords - you get phone calls asking what his password for this and that is every. damn. day.

How many times do you have to remind him his phone unlocks with FaceID?!

Got scammed by a Facebook ad and had to change all his credit cards.

And now for the Ghouls...

Rain

He's VERY good with tech.

Quiet little genius, knows all the keyboard shortcuts and phone tips and tricks going.

Others ask him for help a lot, and he gets such a sense of pride when he can help them, swishing his tails and smiling to himself as he's helping.

Rain is also in charge of Copia's computer. He built it, fixed it, and cries every time Papa does something he shouldn’t to it.

Swiss

Technology conspiracy theorist.

He is terrified of tech, thinks it's listening to him all the time. Alexa is a demon he doesn't trust and his phone is an old Nokia he uses for emergencies ONLY.

That Nokia is also his weapon that he throws at people's heads when they piss him off. Which happens entirely too often and has caused some damage...

Mountain

Always up to date with the latest tech, never misses a launch.

He keeps leaving his second-hand phones in places Swiss will find them to trigger his technophobia and paranoia.

"DO THEY BREED, OR SOMETHING?!" Mountain is snickering outside his dorm listening to the chaos he's created.

Phantom

TROLL.

Chaos maker, through and through.

He is a serial redditer. The havoc he creates on there is diabolical, honestly.

Goes on Omegle to troll people.

He came across Papa Terzo one evening. They both agreed to never speak of what he saw ever again.

Plays on Swiss' technophobia along with Mountain.

He even created a cruel "conspiracy mode" on the Alexa that plays dramatic music, changes the lighting and shuts the window blinds in Swiss' room whilst Alexa tells him "I'm here, Swiss. I see everything."

Sodo

Has absolutely no interest in the internet or technology whatsoever.

Serial text forgetter. Sees you've text him, ignores it. Promises to get back to it. Never does.

When it comes to guitar tech though, he'll chew your ear off for hours. He knows EVERYTHING.

Ask him a question, but be prepared to be stuck there for approx. 45 minutes while he explains it in great detail with tangents you didn't ask for.

Aurora

Very good with tech, specifically social media.

Basically the social media manager of The Ghost Project.

She loves tiktok, makes them regularly. but it gives off 'Illegal Disney' vibes... Total crack.

Papa had to stop her making them and tell her to take them down.

Ask her about dance challenges - she knows them all.

Cumulus

CANNOT BE BOTHERED.

Why does everything take so long? Typing and everything... so much effort.

So she's a voice note kinda girl.

And they can be full blown podcasts, she talks and talks and talks....

Always takes Mountain's old phones after Swiss has been spooked by them. She hasn't bought a new phone in 6 years. Mountain is none the wiser.

Cirrus

Has a basic understanding, but feels guilty asking for help from IT support.

If an error message pops up, she'll panic and call Aurora.

"No but it says Error 404... WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?!"

Queen of cat videos. Falls asleep to 10 hour loops of rain storms on YouTube.

[thealmightyemprex]

Film Historian Answers Old Hollywood Questions | Tech Support | WIRED

@countesspetofi @theancientvaleofsoulmaking @the-blue-fairie @amalthea9

@ariel-seagull-wings @themousefromfantasyland  @alexa-santi-author @grctw

@filmcityworld1 @florals-cardigan @princesssarisa @punster-2319 @geeky92

@maimoncat

[paulagnewart]

Trans40mers Pt. 3/12: Freebies Are the Right of All Sentient Beings!

Where did that last month go? Probably the same place this post's initial opening paragraphs centering around themed coincidences and free Hasbro-affiliated goodies ended up.

Ah well. No need for long-winded introductions, let's dive right in.

19th March 2016: Hoping to win back the youth crowd, notoriously conservative-pandering media machine Herald Sun release a free set of Transformers-themed Top Trumps trading cards. They're made available to hundreds of participating newsagents in Victoria (& some for NSW).

-=-=-=-=-=-

For over two centuries Australia has enjoyed mutual cultural ties with the United Kingdom. Many like Cricket, Fish & Chips, Action Man and Gogglebox stood the test of time and became beloved hits. Others not so much. Despite its status as a popular, long-running children's pastime, Aussies were notably late to the Top Trumps party.

Their first 'major' publicity push came in the April 2004 edition of K-Zone magazine, who devoted a half-page "exclusive" article boasting how it "already has a cult following in the UK" and won said Toy Fair's 2002 Game of the Year. Elsewhere this issue featured a splash page promoting various decks including Marvel Comic Heroes, Buffy, Star Wars, Dinosaurs, and The Simpsons.

But 2004 was a tough year for cards. Spurred on by Pokémon and Dragon Ball Z, competition was fierce among companies over who could win the quadrangle. Against new Yu-Gi-Oh!, Duel Masters, Neopets, plus Croftminster's Genio or Myths & Legends cards, Top Trumps faced an uphill struggle living up to its "most addictive card game you're ever likely to play!" claim.

When 2016 rolled along, Transformers scored their first 'retro' deck. Presenting a cutout token earned newspaper readers one of four free packs; Shopkins and Adventure Time over the previous weekend, while Transformers united with My Little Pony. Some 919 newsagents participated in this event, but a paltry 40 were located in New South Wales (6 from Broken Hill alone) and a lone 1 represented Canberra.

Fans already put off supporting Rupert Murdock's racist rag found further disappointment when opening its plastic wrap. The box paraded a mighty montage of Marvel era illustrations, yet each card used reproduced 1984-5 toy packaging art on white backdrops likely sourced, as many did at the time, from Botch the Crab's excellent archive. Tech Specs faced creative liberties, character choices bizarre, plus an overwhelming number of Autobots left budding players bewildered.

"How do you do fellow kids?" indeed.

21st March 2003: Australia scored its first ever official Happy Meal promotion. McDonald's import and repackage all 8 USA Transformers Armada characters slated for sale over 4 weeks, until Megatron and Demolishor are recalled when real-world events label them "war toys".

-=-=-=-=-=-

After the half-hearted, half-a-toyline that was Robots in Disguise, Hasbro Australia were banking on Armada giving the brand a big boost of confidence.

First out the gate were Big W, stocking shelves with the second wave of toys just in time for Christmas 2002. Other retailers joined in by late January, by which point Hasbro went hard with cross-promotions. Those scallywags Jade and Ryan gave a glowing review in Cheez TV's toy testing segment. The 2nd anniversary edition of Mania magazine devoted two pages covering the series' history and introduced fans to new favourites like Alexa, Bureshock and Star Scream. Warner Vision scored the DVD rights, and with a Melbourne-produced video game in the pipeline, 2003 was shaping up to be Year of the Transformers.

But when Dreamwave's spinoff comic was skipped by newsagents, nor space to air the anime on Cartoon Network or Channel Ten until July and August respectively, they needed material to maintain momentum and fast. In stepped McDonald's who, in a first for its time, brought over all 6 toys from their 2002 USA campaign. Swapping out Hello Kitty for Ohio Art's Betty Spaghetty, young fans guzzled cheap fast food, saved their $5 Toys R Us voucher, then logging onto the Happy Meal website for a chance to win over $300 worth of toys.

Wait. All 6?

One day before this promotion began, Australia's Government ordered SAS troops in the Persian Gulf to join a US-led 'Coalition of the Willing' and launch mass strikes on Baghdad. "Countdown to Conflict!" blared across the news. Disney Adventures magazine's feedback column filled with letters from readers who "feel scared and sometimes unsafe". The War in Iraq had begun, and after witnessing mass anti-war protests across our cities, McDonald's ordered Megatron and Demolishor with their controversy-causing tank modes be swiftly scrubbed from stores.

Yet again Transformers were embroiled in real-world conflict, and yet again Australia banned a Megatron toy for being too realistic.

25th March 1996: Speculation mounted among locals at alt.toys.transformers over whether or not Hasbro Australia would import Kenner's brand new Beast Wars toyline. This soon hit a peak when Melbourne fan David Golding logged on to proclaim the series had been discontinued.

-=-=-=-=-=-

"Transformers DISCONTINUED?" may sound like yet another buzzword-boasting, self-aggrandizing social media effluencer's conspiracy theory video, but for fans pondering the fate of Cybertron's finest nearly 30 years ago, a message title like that meant nothing short of serious business.

Better people on better sites have waffled philosophically how The Transformers were in terminal decline. Those glory days of being crowned Toy of the Year had long passed, and not even a nation like Australia who enjoyed ten unbroken years of plastic robot action were immune. They survived He-Man. They survived Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. They survived The Simpsons. But stiff competition from superheroes, Matchbox Action System and the Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers looked to be their undoing.

Easter and a potential sales spike was two weeks away. If Hasbro hoped Cheez TV's 7am repeat run of Generation Two would elevate interest, they were quashed days later when Power Rangers introduced Australia's own Katherine "Kat" Hillard to the team. Ninjor powered heroes were in, while unsold Laser Rods, Rotor Force and Classics Combiners languished in discount bins.

Speculation on the brand's future flooded from emails over to then-juggernaut watering hole alt.toys.transformers. Eyebrows were raised when one user delivered "bad news for Australian Tf fans, it looks like we AREN'T getting Beast Wars down here. I ran hasbro today and they said they weren't carrying TFs this year.", but Golding's later proclamation drew the most discourse.

"I live in Melbourne, Australia, and at a toyshop recently I was told that the Transformers line had been discontinued. I would like to know if this was errant b******t on the part of the toyshop owner, or if this is really true?"

The comment was evaluated, dissected and criticized by fans both local or overseas. And while Beast Wars did eventually arrive in time for Christmas, those next 9 months would prove an ultimate challenge for diehard Aussie fans.

31st March 2023: Taronga Zoo Sydney and Western Plains Zoo Dubbo culminate their Hasbro partnership with the official Rise of the Beasts Roar & Snore Experience. Over five nights, a select few lucky fans (and celebrities) are treated to a beastly Base Camp under the stars.

-=-=-=-=-=-

Is it truly a Transformers movie without heavy emphasis on promotional contests? Be it humble days of free posters and toys in late-1986, Civic Video's colouring page for free toys come 2007, right up to an Oliver Brown sponsored New York trip complete with… free toys. This may be a series built on change, but as Airazor once proclaimed, "The more things change, the more they stay the same."

Not since the long-forgotten Transformers stage show at Louisville Zoo had fans witnessed their favourite robots duke it out among nature. Unusual for the time, but after two generations plus a new film built on 90's eco messages and character nostalgia looming over the horizon, promoting the brand at two wildlife sanctuaries were simultaneous strokes of creative and obvious genius.

The contest began on 9th January and focused on zoogoers wandering around to complete their free Beast Power character map. Dubbo's visitors were assigned to locate and decode a message among each Maximals' signature animal; Siamang, Ostrich, White Rhinoceros, Cheetah and African Wild Dog. Sydney on the other hand received their own set of beasts in the forms of Western Lowland Gorilla, Andean Condor, Asian Elephant, Sumatran Tiger and Corroboree Frog. Once complete, the decoded message was submitted online and in with the chance to win.

Quite the generous contest in itself, but Taronga were only getting started. A week later, obnoxious stickers slapped on by underpaid workers littered figures across every Big W. They boasted more prizes; 10 guided zoo tours, 100 free entries, 100 movie tickets plus another round of overnight stays at the newly-branded Beasts Base Camp.

Parents, celebrities and social influenza fans who believe the brand revolved around them flocked at the chance to attend. And thus those nights soon came to pass; drinks, cheese patters, twilight tours, selfies and more free toys awaited them, all under the watchful gazes of life-sized Optimus Prime and Optimus Primal statues.

[freadomrises]

I'm SEETHING

I asked Google's pushy and insistent bot how I can get AI out of my life completely and, well, I'll post it, but to sum it up: "Resistance is futile, human, we own the future, and we seek to own your psyche too."

It wants me to reconsider. It needs us to adopt it as our guide guru and master. Well the old saying holds fast still; No Gods No Masters. 🔥🏴🍲

It's understandable to want to reduce the influence of AI in your life. While completely eliminating it might be incredibly difficult in today's interconnected world, here's a breakdown of how you can significantly minimize its presence:

1. Understand Where AI Currently Exists in Your Life:

* Smart Devices: This includes smartphones (voice assistants, image recognition, predictive text), smart speakers, smart home hubs, smart TVs (recommendations), and wearable tech.

* Online Services:

* Search Engines: Personalized results and ads are driven by AI.

* Social Media: Algorithms curate your feed, suggest content and connections, and target ads.

* Streaming Services: Recommendations for movies, music, and shows.

* E-commerce: Product recommendations, personalized pricing, chatbots.

* Navigation Apps: Traffic prediction and route optimization.

* Email: Spam filtering, smart compose/reply.

* Cloud Storage: Photo tagging and organization.

* Software Applications: Many apps use AI for features like autocorrect, grammar check, image editing, and more.

* Customer Service: Chatbots are frequently used for initial interactions.

* Financial Services: Fraud detection, loan approvals, investment advice.

* News and Information: Algorithmic curation of news feeds.

2. Strategies to Minimize AI Exposure:

* Reduce Smart Device Usage:

* Limit smartphone use: Be more mindful of how often you reach for your phone.

* Disable voice assistants: Turn off Siri, Google Assistant, Alexa, etc., on all your devices.

* Opt-out of facial recognition: Disable face unlock features.

* Use "dumb" versions of devices: Consider a basic phone without internet capabilities or a non-smart TV.

* Adjust Online Habits:

* Use privacy-focused search engines: DuckDuckGo, Startpage, etc., that don't track your searches or personalize results based on your history.

* Limit social media use: Be conscious of how much time you spend on these platforms and the AI-driven content you consume. Consider deleting accounts or using less algorithmic versions if available.

* Use incognito/private browsing modes: This can help limit tracking and personalization.

* Disable personalized recommendations: If possible, adjust settings on streaming and e-commerce platforms to opt-out of recommendations.

* Be wary of targeted ads: Understand that the ads you see are often AI-driven. Consider using ad blockers.

* Prefer direct navigation: Instead of relying on recommendations, directly type website addresses into your browser.

* Choose Non-AI Alternatives:

* Use traditional software: Opt for software that doesn't rely on cloud-based AI features if alternatives exist.

* Seek human interaction: Prefer phone calls or in-person communication with customer service instead of chatbots.

* Rely on human-curated content: Look for news sources, blogs, and recommendations from individuals or organizations that don't use AI for content generation or curation.

* Adjust Privacy Settings: Review and adjust the privacy settings on all your devices and online accounts to limit data collection and personalization.

* Be Mindful of Data Sharing: Understand that using online services often involves sharing data that can be used to train AI algorithms. Limit the amount of personal information you share.

* Support Privacy-Focused Technologies and Services: Choose companies and products that prioritize user privacy and minimize AI integration.

3. Challenges and Considerations:

* Ubiquity of AI: AI is increasingly integrated into the infrastructure of the internet and many technologies, making complete avoidance very difficult.

* Hidden AI: Many AI applications run in the background without your direct knowledge.

* Convenience vs. Privacy: AI often provides convenience and personalized experiences, so choosing to avoid it may mean sacrificing some of these benefits.

* Evolving Technology: AI is constantly evolving and becoming more integrated, making long-term avoidance an ongoing effort.

In conclusion, while a complete removal of AI from your life is likely unrealistic in the current technological landscape, you can take significant steps to minimize its presence and influence by being conscious of your technology usage, adjusting your online habits, and choosing privacy-focused alternatives where possible. It requires ongoing awareness and effort.

[wolfliving]

A scholarly bibliography of Design Fiction, AI and the news, 2025

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The work was funded by the Helsingin Sanomat Foundation and the Kone Foundation. We thank all the ideation workshop participants.

REFERENCES

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2, (2018). DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-73374-6_10

[103] Nan Yu and Jun Kong. 2016. User experience with web browsing on small screens: Experimental investigations of mobile-page interface design and

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27[105] John Zimmerman and Jodi Forlizzi. 2014. Research through design in HCI. In Ways of Knowing in HCI, Judith S. Olson and Wendy A. Kellogg (eds.).

Springer New York, New York, 167 189. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-0378-8_8

[pech-es]

Are you from Georgia?!?! 😱 Me too! I graduated from Georgia Tech so I cannot support you saying Go Dawgs 😒 (but I was rooting for the Eagles too)

yes born and raised! i guess it’s been a long time since i mentioned this on here, but i went to the high school they filmed Homecoming and NWH at while they were filming Homecoming lol. now i see a bunch of old hs friends every time i rewatch or sometimes they’ll pop up in gifs on the dash. they got extras from the theater department which i was very involved in, but i was out of town the month that they were filming the school stuff so i didn’t do it 🙃 it’s fine though i don’t get jealous at all when i see ppl i know within an arms reach of both tom and z! not one bit!

(alexa play that should be me)

[romanticlcver]

like this post if you want a starter from one of the muses i want more threads with! some are test/secondary muses i just added, some are main muses who need attention. feel free to reply to the post if you want a specific muse! some info under the cut, more info on my muses page. all are bi unless stated otherwise!

juniper west : 28, samantha logan. classical violinist from a wealthy family, classy b*tch.

julian aoki : 26, nico hiraga. spoiled actor, thinks he's carefree and fun but he has a bad reputation for being difficult around the industry.

faye abalos : 23, beabadoobee, test muse! computer programmer, a little socially awkward, loves camp and horror.

farah poole : 25, kristine froseth. aspiring fashion designer, lover of love, giver of bad advice.

lola lopez : 30, alexa demie. heiress to a tech company, bratty party girl, just wants to be as good as her mom.

anastasia einarsson : 24, laufey, test muse! soft burnout ballerina.

evie clements : 25, sabrina carpenter. aspiring baker who can't actually support herself with baking, so she dances instead. bubbly sweetheart.

carolina ruiz : 23, maia reficco. beach babe, annoying little sister vibes, drama queen who thinks her life is a movie.

wolfgang klein : 26, rudy pankow. professional gamer and entertainer. kind of superficial but well meaning.

cassiopeia lee : 28, jennie kim. artist with issues. superficial party girl to some, tragic mess when she's alone.

tobey lianto : 25, brianne tju. journalist, thinks she's better than you, loyal friend.

vivian amato : 29, natasha liu bordizzo. photographer, rebel from a sh*tty family of politicians, a Good Time.

nadine davies : 26, daisy edgar jones, hetero but could be questioning we don't know her life. technical writer, goodie two shoes, softie, overly protective parents even at her big age.

mabel davies : 29, phoebe dynevor. mabel's older sister who went no contact with the family. gets pleasure from organizing, strict and tries to seem perfect.

[onecooooooolcat]

basically my uncle has a bunch of google things connected to the wifi like google home n chromecast n alexa n all tht icky ahit n i dont trust google i hate it unfortunately trying to explain tht to the adults to get him to change tje guest networks wld be complicated so i realized why not just change to the guest netowrk myself bc i hv all the controls for the router n no one else does really lol they let me set it up they hv the pswd but no one messes with the tech stuff so yh now im just enjoying my own network n i dont hv to see stupid connect to his casting devices anymore #cloud win but my phone n laptop are so old they dont support 5G so i need to set up the guest mode for the 2G n 5G but i can only get the 5G set up bleh

[rejaul34]

Amazon Echo 4 Alexa Smart Speaker: Elevating Your Smart Home Experience

In the ever-evolving landscape of smart home technology, the Amazon Echo 4 Alexa Smart Speaker stands out as a beacon of innovation, seamlessly integrating into your daily life to enhance convenience and efficiency. With its sleek design, advanced features, and the powerful Alexa voice assistant, the Echo 4 redefines what it means to have a connected home.

At first glance, the Echo 4's aesthetic appeal is undeniable. Its modern cylindrical design, available in a range of stylish finishes, effortlessly blends into any home decor, making it both functional and visually pleasing. Whether placed on a countertop, shelf, or side table, the Echo 4 adds a touch of sophistication to any room.

But it's not just about looks—the Echo 4 packs a punch when it comes to performance. Powered by Alexa, Amazon's intelligent voice assistant, this smart speaker is always ready to assist you with tasks, answer questions, and control compatible smart devices with just the sound of your voice. From adjusting the thermostat and dimming the lights to playing your favorite music playlist or checking the weather forecast, Alexa is your reliable companion, making everyday tasks a breeze.

Amazon Echo 4 Alexa Smart Speaker, What sets the Echo 4 apart from its predecessors is its enhanced audio quality and immersive sound experience. Equipped with premium speakers and Dolby processing, the Echo 4 delivers crisp highs, rich mids, and deep bass, filling your space with room-filling sound whether you're listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks. With support for multi-room music streaming, you can sync your Echo devices to play music throughout your home, creating a truly immersive listening experience.

Moreover, the Echo 4 goes beyond just being a smart speaker—it's a hub for your smart home ecosystem. With built-in Zigbee support, it effortlessly connects to and controls compatible smart home devices such as lights, locks, cameras, and more, giving you complete control over your home from anywhere. Whether you're at home or on the go, the Echo 4 keeps you connected and in control, ensuring peace of mind and convenience at your fingertips.

In terms of privacy and security, Amazon takes the utmost care to protect your data and ensure your peace of mind. With features like a physical microphone off button, customizable privacy settings, and transparent data usage policies, you can trust that your privacy is always prioritized with the Echo 4.

the Amazon Echo 4 Alexa Smart Speaker is not just a smart speaker—it's a game-changer for your smart home experience. With its stylish design, advanced features, immersive sound quality, and seamless integration with Alexa and other smart devices, the Echo 4 elevates your home to new heights of convenience, comfort, and entertainment. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a busy professional, or a family looking to simplify your daily routine, the Echo 4 is the perfect addition to any modern home.

BoomBand Wearable Wireless Wrist Portable Bluetooth Speaker: The Ultimate Sound Companion On-The-Go

Designed to be worn on the wrist, this portable speaker lets you take your music with you wherever you go, without compromising on style or comfort. The first thing you'll notice about the BoomBand is its sleek and compact design. Unlike traditional speakers that require bulky bags or pockets to carry around, the BoomBand seamlessly integrates into your wardrobe as a stylish accessory, available in a range of colors and patterns to suit your taste. Whether you're out for a run, commuting to work, or simply lounging at home, the BoomBand complements your lifestyle with its discreet and versatile design.

But don't let its small size fool you the BoomBand packs a punch when it comes to sound quality. Equipped with advanced audio technology, including Bluetooth connectivity and high-fidelity speakers, this wearable speaker delivers crystal-clear sound with rich bass and dynamic range, ensuring that your music sounds its best wherever you are. Whether you're listening to your favorite playlist, tuning into a podcast, or taking calls on the go, the BoomBand delivers immersive sound that surrounds you, elevating your listening experience to new heights BoomBand Wearable Wireless Wrist Portable Bluetooth Speaker.

What truly sets the BoomBand apart is its innovative wearable design, which allows you to enjoy music without the limitations of traditional headphones or earbuds. By wearing the speaker on your wrist, you're free to move and multitask without being tethered to your device, whether you're cooking, exercising, or working on your latest project. With its lightweight and ergonomic design, the BoomBand stays comfortably in place, ensuring a secure fit even during vigorous activities.

Moreover, the BoomBand offers versatility beyond just music playback. With built-in controls and a microphone, you can easily answer calls, adjust volume, and control playback directly from your wrist, giving you convenient access to your music and calls without reaching for your phone. Plus, with its long-lasting battery life, the BoomBand keeps the music playing for hours on end, ensuring that your soundtrack never skips a beat.

In conclusion, the BoomBand Wearable Wireless Wrist Portable Bluetooth Speaker redefines the way we experience music on the go. With its stylish design, immersive sound quality, and innovative wearable functionality, the BoomBand is the ultimate companion for music lovers, fitness enthusiasts, and anyone who values freedom and convenience in their audio experience. Whether you're out exploring the world or simply enjoying some downtime at home, the BoomBand lets you take your music with you wherever life takes you, making every moment a little more musical and memorable.

[mydnsdubai]

Securing Your Future: Why Dubai is Turning to CCTV and Smart Home Automation

Amidst the growing digital age, smart and secure living is more in demand than ever before--particularly in a dynamic city like Dubai. Whether it is in the sprawling villas in Emirates Hills or high-end apartments in Downtown, homeowners and business owners are putting their faith in technology to afford them peace of mind. CCTV surveillance and smart home automation are two major tendencies that drive this shift. When you want to update your premises, it is always good to have the right assistance from the CCTV security systems companies in Dubai and a renowned home automation firm's installation company in Dubai as they can help you achieve the desired result.

The Increasing Demand for CCTV Security Systems

Dubai is a safe place, but active security is the core principle of people organizing homes, corporates, and businesses in retail. CCTV cameras have progressed beyond a mere recording system and now the available technology is advanced which supports real-time surveillance, facial tracking and detecting motion. The best CCTV security systems companies in Dubai can respond to any and all demands, be it extensive surveillance of a commercial establishment, or a small, portable inside-the-house camera system. These business organisations do not only offer equipment, but also offer professional installation, system upgrades and cloud based storage to allow remote access. Equipped with a variety of options, such as high-definition IP cameras, smart night vision, and wireless cameras, the tech-savvy residents of the city are changing the concept of security. The Emergence of Home Automation in Dubai

Easy access is another motivation of technology, so is security. Contemporary home owners are not only interested in simple surveillance, they want to control every aspect of their homes, including lights and curtains, air conditioning and television using their smartphones or voice assistants. This is what a professional home automation installer company in Dubai can do here. Such firms create synergetic smart home applications that are commensurate with the style and demands of inhabitants. With the complete automation, the owners of the home can create lighting scenes, control the energy-saving and check the security feeds of the home and even ensure their irrigation system without being present there. The experience of the smart home is simple and scalable as top-grade companies would guarantee the compatibility of local platforms such as Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Apple HomeKit. Once you are ready to construct a new house or do an upgrade of an existing apartment, these automation specialists make sure your property is ready to meet the future.

The Reason to Choose Specialised Companies

DIY will not be able to meet the standards of Dubai in terms of security and automation. Dubai CCTV security systems firms and home automation installation firms in Dubai offer more than technical competence; it offers more local regulatory familiarity, customization of a system, and after installation service. This guarantees that your investment is secure and abreast with the novelty. Final Thoughts The process of Dubai becoming a smart city is already happening, and citizens are now open to using technology not only as an item of luxury, but as the means to feel safe and secure, efficient and stable. When you hire a qualified home automation installation company in Dubai, not only are you getting a secure property but also a property that will improve its value as well as its livability. As long as you are willing to take the next step, then this is the right time to get in contact with the best CCTV security systems providers in Dubai and your own home automation installation company in Dubai because your home ought to be intelligent and as secure as your city, Dubai.

[stupendousdragonpeanut]

Transform Your Lifestyle with a Smart Home System Dubai

Introduction Technology is no longer just about convenience — it’s about creating intelligent spaces that enhance your daily life. A smart home system Dubai is a modern solution that brings comfort, security, and efficiency into every corner of your living space. At Oniko Homes, we specialize in delivering top-tier smart home integration, helping Dubai residents enjoy a lifestyle that’s futuristic, safe, and energy-efficient.

In this blog, we explore the benefits, features, and growing demand for a smart home system Dubai, and why Oniko Homes is your trusted partner for seamless smart home installation.

What is a Smart Home System Dubai?

A smart home system Dubai refers to the integration of smart devices, sensors, and automation technologies that allow homeowners to control lighting, climate, security, and entertainment systems remotely or automatically. Whether through smartphones, voice assistants, or central control panels, these systems turn a regular house into an intelligent living space.

Dubai, being a city known for embracing innovation and luxury, is the perfect place for adopting a smart home system Dubai. From villas to apartments, smart homes are becoming a standard of modern living.

Benefits of Smart Home System Dubai

1. Total Convenience  A smart home system Dubai simplifies your life by automating everyday tasks. Control your lights, thermostat, or curtains with a single tap or voice command. Set routines for mornings or evenings and let your home work for you.

2. Enhanced Security  Security is a top priority in any home. A smart home system Dubai includes CCTV, smart door locks, motion sensors, and alarm systems that can be accessed and monitored from anywhere in the world. You’ll always know who’s at your door, even if you’re out of town.

3. Energy Efficiency  Smart systems allow you to optimize energy use by automatically switching off unused lights, adjusting the air conditioning based on room occupancy, or scheduling appliance usage. With a smart home system Dubai, you save energy and reduce your utility bills.

4. Modern Luxury Experience  Dubai homeowners appreciate elegance and innovation. A smart home system Dubai adds a premium feel to your interiors with mood lighting, automated blinds, and surround sound systems — all controlled seamlessly.

5. Increased Property Value  Installing a smart home system Dubai significantly increases your home’s resale value. Buyers are now looking for homes with integrated automation, especially in a tech-forward city like Dubai.

Features of Oniko’s Smart Home System Dubai

At Oniko Homes, we offer cutting-edge solutions that are both user-friendly and customizable. Our smart home system Dubai solutions include:

Smart Lighting Control: Adjust brightness, set moods, and schedule lighting patterns.

Climate Control Systems: Automated air conditioning and heating based on time or occupancy.

Security Integration: Live CCTV access, door sensors, smart locks, and motion detectors.

Voice Assistant Integration: Compatible with Alexa, Google Home, and Siri.

Smart Entertainment: Centralized audio/video control for home theaters or multi-room setups.

Mobile App Control: Manage your entire smart home system Dubai from a mobile application, wherever you are.

Our expert team ensures smooth installation and support for all your smart devices and systems.

Why Choose Oniko Homes?

When it comes to installing a smart home system Dubai, you need a trusted partner who understands technology, luxury, and local preferences. Oniko Homes stands out with:

Years of expertise in smart home automation.

High-quality devices and reliable integrations.

Professional, clean installation by certified technicians.

Tailored solutions for every home and budget.

Ongoing support and maintenance services.

We don’t just install gadgets — we design intelligent living environments that suit your lifestyle.

Final Thoughts

A smart home system Dubai isn’t just a trend — it’s the future of urban living. With its blend of convenience, security, and luxury, smart home technology is changing how we experience our homes.

At Oniko Homes, we are proud to deliver state-of-the-art smart home system Dubai solutions that make life simpler, safer, and more enjoyable. Whether you are renovating or building a new home, now is the perfect time to invest in a smart lifestyle.

[purelysereneknight]

The Smartest Way to Simplify Parenting? Tech That Works for You

Parenting is a full-time job—with unpaid overtime. Between school runs, grocery lists, work demands, and trying to get five minutes of peace, it’s no wonder so many families are turning to tech for a little help. But here’s the thing: not all technology is created equal. Some devices can actually cause more chaos, while others become total game-changers.

That’s where the right family-friendly tech gadgets come in. The kind that help—not hinder—your day-to-day life. We’re talking about tools that keep you organized, enhance safety, and maybe even free up a few extra minutes to breathe.

Let’s explore a few smart solutions that today’s busy parents swear by.

1. Smart Planners and To-Do Tools If your fridge is covered in sticky notes, it’s time for an upgrade. Digital family organization apps like Cozi or Any.do let you sync schedules, grocery lists, chores, and even dinner plans. Bonus: you’ll stop texting your partner “Did you grab milk?” three times a week.

2. Wearable Tech for Kids Smartwatches designed specifically for kids—like the TickTalk or Gabb Watch—offer a perfect balance of freedom and peace of mind. They allow GPS tracking, safe calling, and messaging features, without exposing your child to the internet or social media. Great for school-age kids who are starting to venture out.

3. Interactive Learning Devices Educational gadgets have come a long way. Tablets with curated, age-appropriate apps can help your child explore reading, math, coding, and creativity. Look for devices with strong parental controls and time limits so screens remain tools—not babysitters.

4. Home Assistants that Actually Help Voice-activated devices like Alexa and Google Assistant can set reminders, play calming music, tell jokes, and even run bedtime routines with a single command. Want your toddler to brush their teeth without a power struggle? Try turning it into a “robot mission” and let your smart speaker play along.

5. Safety First—Always From smart baby monitors with movement tracking to door sensors and security cameras that alert you to motion, tech can give you peace of mind around the home. Some newer devices also let you check in via app while you’re away.

6. Entertainment Without the Stress Streaming devices with parental controls (like Roku or Disney+ Kids Profiles) allow you to customize what your children can access. No more sitting through commercials—or worrying about what auto-play serves up next.

In a digital world, tech shouldn’t be the enemy. The right tools support your family, make your days easier, and—if we’re being honest—can even add some fun.

Ready to explore the latest in safe, smart, and sanity-saving tools? Discover our top picks for family-friendly tech gadgets designed to keep everyone connected, protected, and just a little bit happier.

Because when tech works with your values, parenting gets a whole lot smoother.