Category: Chika Wonah Page 6 of 7

Right to Repair and the Medical Field

On May 20, 2020

You might be somewhat familiar with this frustration: you have a piece of equipment or an electronic that has stopped working. You think you know what the problem is, but are stopped by a little sticker saying “warranty void if seal is broken.” You are forced to take the object to a licensed dealer or repair shop in order to receive service – and you may feel you end up paying more than the service is worth.
The Right to Repair
The right to repair movement lobbies for regular consumers to be allowed to repair products they’ve purchased. You may assume that this is a guaranteed right, but in reality many modern products – smartphones, farming equipment, and more – have stipulations or similar ‘seals’ that void the warranty, effectively preventing consumers from tampering with the inner workings of their products.
The Arguments
The website iFixit is a large repository of repair kits, as well as pushing for wider access to repair manuals. As COVID-19 has prevented easy access to non-essential repair services, they have pushed their agenda even further – into the medical field.
They have released a database of medical equipment maintenance information with the purpose of helping technicians repair equipment such as EKG monitors and ventilators. This equipment is life-saving in the best of times, but the pandemic has caused every last piece of equipment to be considered critical.
The Right to Repair argument is that the importance of these objects dictates a necessity for greater access to repair manuals and guides.
However, lobbyists against the Right to Repair make a reasonable argument that home-tinkering with electronics and equipment could cause risks to customer safety and security.
However, the Right to Repair supporters are quick to point out that easily accessible repair manuals would improve safety by preventing consumers from attempting repairs without aid.

This is a difficult topic to parse. The protection of the intellectual property is justified, as is concerns of user safety. But consumer rights are equally important, as are cases where access to repair shops and service technicians is difficult. How this debate evolves moving forward will have repercussions throughout the market.

The (Near) Future of Drone Delivery

By Chika Wonah

On October 22, 2019

In Chika Wonah, Technology

The possibility of drone delivery has been teetering on the horizon for years. There have been a plethora of questions stemming from the idea of commercial drone delivery. Things such as whether or not it could be considered trespassing, or what would happen if a drone was to malfunction and hurt someone are valid concerns when contemplating the future of deliveries made by machines.

Recently, the Federal Aviation Administration has granted a certification to UPS so that the company is now recognized as a commercial airline. UPS received something called a Part 135 Standard certification which allows them to operate as many drones as they wish, wherever they’d like. The company has already been testing a delivery service in Raleigh, North Carolina and it appears that they’re gearing up to expand their reach.

Now, pushing the reality of drone delivery along is the announced partnership of UPS with retail pharmacy, CVS. The two have teamed up to develop a drone delivery service. The initiative has already created a unit called UPS Flight Forward which is pushing to make drove deliveries a reality across markets and throughout the United States.

There has not been a date set for when the drove deliveries could actually begin taking place, but both companies believe that the service could expand customer experience by improving convenience and building a lower-cost, more efficient delivery model. While the FAA has certified UPS, there are a few strict rules for commercial drone services. The flying machines are only supposed to operate during daylight hours, away from people, and always within the pilot’s line of sight.

UPS has been testing the delivery service by carrying medical samples between facilities in Raeighligh with success. Now, they’ve come up with a design that would launch the drones from the top of their delivery trucks, so that essentially, the drones are working alongside drivers, increasing the rate of deliveries.

The UPS/CVS partnership is not the only one of its kind making big moves in drone delivery. Wing, a company owned by Alphabet has announced a trial service, delivering to customers in Christiansburg, Virginia. Wing has teamed up with Walgreens and FedEx Express for their own similar service and are also running delivery trials in Europe and Australia.

It seems that advances with drone deliveries are increasing rapidly. While UPS has received the certification from the FAA there are still many parts of the equation that will need answers moving forward. For the time being, it will depend on individual states to regulate the companies further. However, things are shaping up and it seems that the companies slow and measured approach is working.

While in the past it seemed questionable whether drone delivery was possible or not, now it only seems like a question of when.

Galaxy Note 10+ Review

By Chika Wonah

On September 4, 2019

In Chika Wonah, Digital, Technology, Uncategorized

The Galaxy Note was in a league of its own when it was first introduced. It was the first phone to include a stylus, have an over-sized screen, and it was much more powerful than other Android phones on the market. But now that other phones are catching on to those trends, how does the Note 10+ stand out from the other options out there?

The S Pen

Galaxy Notes are among the only phones (although there are others) that come with stylus pens, also known as S Pens. S Pens make using your phone easier and allow you to be more precise than using your finger does.

In case you’re not familiar with other Notes, the S Pen charges in the silo. It includes a button that can perform simple functions and has basic tilt detection.

The S Pen on the Note 10+ has some new features, including a gyroscope and an accelerometer. Those basically allow you to do some fun things with your phone without actually touching the screen. This is achieved with the help of Bluetooth. These features work from a distance, even as far as 15 feet away, but they only work with specific apps like Spotify and the camera.

The Note 10+’s S Pen also has many other functions such as magnifying the screen, shrinking apps to be thumbnails, and control the volume without touching the volume key.

The Software

The Note 10+ comes with optical character recognition (OCR). OCR can convert hand-written letters into code, which allows you to scribble down notes and then converted them into texts, files, or even Word documents. Other Galaxy notes had this feature, but they required you to work through apps. That extra step is no longer necessary.

Another new feature of the Note 10+ is its video editing tool. Most phones come with some sort of video editing app, but the one included with the Note 10+ is particularly easy to use. You can effortlessly add several clips with transitions, music, and effects— even if you’ve never made a video before. The stylus helps you to trim clips with precision. You can have a video ready in just a few minutes.

The Note 10+ also comes with “AR Doodle,” which allows you to draw on faces in your pictures or videos. If you draw on a face in a video, the doodles will stay with your subject. So, for example, if you draw a mustache on your friend’s face, it will follow him or her around for the remainder of the video.

The Downside

The Galaxy Note 10+ is an extremely powerful and well-made phone, but it comes with a downside. The downside is its price tag. It starts at $1,100, which is quite higher than many other phones with similar features. However, you won’t find another phone with a stylus quite like the Note 10+, so if you think it’s worth it, this is the phone for you!

How Technology is Hurting People

By Chika Wonah

On September 4, 2019

In Chika Wonah, Digital, Internet of Things, Technology

Technology comes with a plethora of benefits, but it also has a downside. When technology begins to interfere with our relationships and our physical and mental health, we need to take a step back and re-evaluate. Here are some ways that technology is hurting people:

Social interaction

Despite the fact that most of us are spending our time on social media, technology is causing us to become antisocial. We are spending less time together face-to-face. We are also talking to each other less and instead prefer texting as our primary form of communication.

Worse yet, social media is designed to be addictive. Companies that profit from your use of social media want you to stay on their apps as long as possible, so they’ve created things like the “infinite scroll” that we are accustomed to, which is highly habit-forming. Our smartphone addictions cause us to look at our phones through meals and other social gatherings, rather than talk to our family and friends. This is deeply affecting most of our relationships.

Physical health

Time spent watching TV or staring at other screens is the time that we are missing out on physical exercise. Teens and pre-teens are spending an average of over nine hours a day on their devices. If you combine this with the number of time kids spend in school and sleep at night, there’s no way the average American teen is getting the proper amount of physical activity.

Furthermore, many people, including teens and children, are eating in front of their televisions. Studies show that people eat more when they are distracted. We’ve all been there, right? You sit in front of the TV, grab a bag of chips, and the next thing you know— the bag’s empty. Overeating can easily happen when we aren’t paying attention to our food intake because it takes the brain some time to send us signals to stop eating.

Mental and emotional health

Mental health problems have been linked to technology overuse. Studies have shown correlations between the amount of time spent on smartphones and depression, anxiety, and problems sleeping.

There’s also plenty of evidence that suggests that as technology continues to take over, happiness declines. The General Social Survey asks people to rate their levels of happiness and has shown that there are over 50% more people who report being unhappy than there were in the 1990s.

What can we do?

Technology is here to stay, so what can we do to prevent it from negatively affecting our society? We need to start by recognizing the problems and then addressing them. If you have an addiction to your phone, go without it for a few days. After that, you can return to using it but do so in moderation.

Also, be sure to monitor technology use for children and teenagers who are in your life. Kids don’t understand the consequences of playing video games all day, but they will still have to live with them if we don’t intervene.

Technology does not have to be a negative thing. As long as we are responsible and aware, we can ensure that we enjoy the many benefits of technology without the consequences of overuse.

AI and Medical Diagnosis

By Chika Wonah

On July 14, 2019

In Chika Wonah, Technology

Researchers in the United States and China have made progress on an artificial intelligence (AI) solution for diagnosing common illnesses. A paper was published in Nature Medicine that describes a computerized system that takes patient data such as lab results and history to deliver diagnoses for various childhood illnesses and common medical conditions.

The researchers report that the results of the early experiments have been very accurate. This experiment reveals that AI systems are likely to play an important role in assisting doctors in the diagnostic process in the near future. The advantage of artificial intelligence is that it removes some of the bias that creeps into the process when human judgment is entered into the equation.

The AI system was developed through a training procedure that utilized a large body of medical data derived from over 600,000 patients from China. Researchers believe that this Chinese AI system could move them toward the forefront of AI technology as science advances in the coming years. China has some advantages in AI diagnostic technology because they have a vast population and fewer privacy restrictions on medical data. This provides more data to train the AI systems to become more accurate and powerful as a tool for diagnosis.

In light of the importance of developments in AI diagnostic technology, the US administration has signed an executive order that establishes a new American initiative to advance the field of AI. This establishes a precedent that encourages universities and government organizations to place more emphasis on developing the technology. The key to making progress is to find vast amounts of data in many different places in order to train the software machine learning algorithms.

In light of recent strides for driverless cars and personal assistant technology, medical diagnosis is a logical step in the advancement of artificial intelligence. In order to assure patients that the diagnoses are reliable, a lot of testing and research still needs to be done. AI is not likely to be seen in emergency rooms and clinics for years to come. In areas of the world where doctors are in short supply, it is more likely that machine-based diagnostics will become prevalent. Due to the large population of China, researchers predict that AI diagnostics is likely to emerge there soon.

3D Printing and Design: Digital to Physical

By Chika Wonah

On April 30, 2019

In Blockchain, Chika Wonah, Digital, Internet of Things, Technology

3D printing is a growing technology that has already been used in a variety of industries from healthcare to construction. It involves designing a digital representation of an object, which is sent to a 3D printing machine. The result is a physical object that meets the specifications of the digital representation.
It’s essential to understand the process by which a 3D printer operates. It creates each object by building up layers, which means you have to have an underlying surface for it to build upon. Due to the angle at which the printer builds the object, it’s wise to limit any overhang on the surface material. The bottom layer of the object will have a rougher surface, which can affect the overhang.
Additionally, you will have to be conscious of the limitations of the printer. While you are unlimited in designing the digital representation of the object, there are restrictions to what can be printed. You will run into problems in attempting to print a layer that’s too thin, so try to make sure you have a thickness of at least 0.8 millimeters. This can help you avoid structural issues in printing your object.
When you print an object, the printer doesn’t create the object out of thin air. It uses material, which is superheated and melted, so that it can be scanned with a laser. Once the layer is formed, the printer cools the material until it hardens. Depending on the settings of your printer, and the project you are undertaking, this process can cause the material to warp. This is more common when printing large flat surfaces, though warping can be eliminated with the correct settings. As long as you have good surface adhesion between the print bed and your object, you should be able to print without the material warping.
Finally, the quality of your printer will determine how detailed you can get in designing your object. Each printer has a minimum feature size, and going beyond that capability may compromise the quality of the print job. It’s also wise to consider layer height in choosing the details of your object. These factors can help you create the ideal piece, but they also restrict what you can do with your printer. Additionally, keep in mind that more detailed objects will take longer to print, and will cost more to create.

The Technology Behind 3D Metal Printing

By Chika Wonah

On October 29, 2018

In Blockchain, Chika Wonah, Digital, Internet of Things, Technology

Metal fabrication has been known to be an expensive undertaking as it uses a massive amount of energy and there is a large amount of waste that is left. Besides using much energy and leaving a considerable residue, the metal products made are 60% heavier than the actual products. This makes the products not to be useful in several industries, especially the aviation sector. This explains why the 3D metal printing came into existence.

However, recent innovations show that metal fabrication can be replaced with 3D metal printing technology. The accuracy of this technology makes it the most preferred method of making different metal objects. Less material and energy is used as compared to metal fabrication. The objects made are within an accuracy range of plus or minus one, which is acceptable across the industry. There is less waste in this technology that manufacturers can easily consider.

Few companies around the world have already started working in 3D metal printing technology. There is a movement from the traditional 3D plastic printers to a new model of printers that can print metal objects. Binder jetting is one of the most preferred 3D metal printers in the industry that many manufacturers are considering. Binder jetting is highly preferred as the leading 3D metal printer because it is material efficient when compared to other metal printing techniques.

The building chamber within the binder jet has to be filled with argon or another inert gas so that it can minimize the oxidation of the molten metal. The molten metal is spread quickly and efficiently with a thickness of about 50 microns, which depends on the properties of the metal and the object required. Additionally, the shape and size of the object under consideration must be considered when printing an object. This process makes a single layer, and it has to be repeated several times until the object is completed.

Although 3D metal printing is an expensive undertaking, there are new technologies that are currently being incorporated by manufacturing companies with the sole purpose of making the whole technology less costly. The innovation remains very expensive to consumers, but it is still useful to large-scale consumers such as manufacturing entities. 3D printing is essential, especially when prototyping process. However, enhancing accuracy and minimizing cost will bring this technology to other consumers in the industry.

How Bitcoin Can Impact the World

By Chika Wonah

On October 1, 2018

In Blockchain, Chika Wonah, Digital, Internet of Things, Technology

The Bitcoin technology has the potential to revolutionize the way people manage and utilize money. It is known by its nature to fluctuate over time. If used well it can have a great impact on the current financial structure. One can earn money from Bitcoin by working in office, trading and exchanging other currencies. One can also earn by mining Bitcoins. Mining of Bitcoins happens in the virtual world. When you have Bitcoins, you can use it to buy and sell goods and exchange it with other currencies.

How Bitcoin Work

To deal with Bitcoins, you need to create a Bitcoin wallet. You can create this with some of the best Bitcoin payment service providers such as Bitpay and CoinBase. Quintal is offering this services for free. You can pay low fees and let these providers execute orders for you. Bitcoin wallets also provide storage services for wallet owners. One can store money in the form of Bitcoins in this accounts and use it for any transactions as long as the counterparty accepts Bitcoins too.

The speculative nature

The Bitcoin is valued speculatively. The primary currency can be used for selling or buying goods. They are not accepted yet for use in the world. There are fears that it has been used for illegal purposes such as gambling and drugs. For a person buying goods using Bitcoins, it can be a cheaper option when compared to the dollar. In 2013 for instance, it was traded above $1000. It has always been fluctuating ever since. It has however received an exponential growth in the present-day economy. Its current value is associated with a bubble burst. The Bitcoin improved in 2017 due to its popularity and advancement in technology. This shows a long-term potential for cryptocurrency adoption.

Tech giants investing in Bitcoins

The largest investment in Bitcoin started being witnessed in 2017. It raised the foundation for a better economy. It also increased opportunities in sectors such as mobile app development, financial sector, cybersecurity, and many others. Larger companies have taken a step to invest in Bitcoin. Tech companies such as Dell, Overstock, Expedia, Dish, and Microsoft now allows their customers to make payments with Bitcoins. The total number of merchants who accept Bitcoins has increased from 36,000 to 82,000. It is now possible to buy anything using the Bitcoins.

The total number of Bitcoin ATM around the world has increased to 340. The total amount of venture capital investment increased to $335billion from $98million. This has created a potential for future growth in this currency. Bitcoin also provides a technological platform that is fast and safe. It has therefore changed the ecosystem around the world’s financial economy. It is expected that its use and adoption will keep increasing with time.

2018 Breakthrough Technologies

By Chika Wonah

On August 22, 2018

In Blockchain, Chika Wonah, Digital, Internet of Things, Technology, Uncategorized

With so many exciting new technological developments coming down the pipeline, 2018 sure is an exciting time to be alive. Computers and programming especially have been enjoying a rapid-fire pace of progress. Breakthroughs in all facets of the science and research communities have led to the following promising technologies.

Earbuds That Translate for You
If you’ve ever visited another country and felt panicked by the fact that you couldn’t understand the language, have no fear. Pixel Buds, which will be available at the very reasonable price of $159, will allow people to communicate with others who don’t speak their native tongue.

3D Printed Metal
For anyone who’s ever lamented the fact that their car’s parts need to be sent from overseas before being replaced, 3D printed metal promises to be a game-changer. Now, mechanics will—in theory—be able to print out the parts that your vehicle so desperately needs, saving both time and money.

Polygenic Risk Scores According to DNA
Sooner rather than later, parents of newborn babies will find themselves saddled with a report card almost immediately after their child’s birth! However, this report card will be based on the baby’s DNA stats, alerting parents to possible problems down the line. If a child is more prone to getting hooked on smoking, for instance, their parents will know about it ahead of time.

Smart Cities
Although some cities, such as Dubai, have been praised for their tech savvy skills, many are still running on old models. Quayside, a new Canadian project that is based in Toronto, may change all of that. And drivers won’t be able to enter this city; in fact, the only cars you’ll see will be autonomous ride shares! Open-source software will be powering this smart city, which means that other urban planners will be able to benefit from all of the knowledge gleaned from this dazzling experiment. With underground robots running mail underneath the city’s sidewalks, this is truly going to be a futuristic feast.

Universal AI
These days, it can be difficult to get your hands on some AI—unless you’re a big name company with deep pockets. But with a recent push to change that, businesses are now seeing the possible boon of allowing consumers to use AI to power their lives.

Bitcoin Breakdown

By Chika Wonah

On August 22, 2018

In Blockchain, Chika Wonah, Digital, Internet of Things, Technology

The recent explosion of cryptocurrencies on the market as of late has left many people scratching their heads and saying, “Just what exactly is Bitcoin?” Though a full description of Bitcoin would take a lot more than a single blog post, here’s a short-but-sweet breakdown of the headlines’ crypto darling.

Bitcoin’s Anonymous Founder

Developed in 2008 by a still-anonymous person named Satoshi Nakamoto, Bitcoin was first developed as a software solution to electronic transfers in a burgeoning internet landscape. It Offered quick and efficient money services unmatched by current systems at the time. Bitcoin claimed it would revolutionize the financial industry and since then it has come pretty close.

Understanding the Blockchain

Every transaction made using Bitcoin is transparent and recorded on a universal ledger called the blockchain, and is updated every ten minutes. As the name implies, the transactions in those ten minutes form a “block” that is stacked on past blocks, forming a “chain” that is viewable by anyone. It, in turn, creates a checks and balances system making it a more secure and transparent option.

Transferring Bitcoin

Your bitcoins are stored in a virtual wallet that is accessible by using a private key that is known only by the primary user – which makes keeping that key safe a top priority. If you want to buy something or transfer bitcoins to someone else, you can send them to a specific wallet address, much like you would send an email. The transaction can take up to a few hours to process, but you can pay more bitcoin if you would like it to move faster.

Obtaining More Bitcoins

The most straightforward way to gain bitcoin currency is by buying it on an open trading platform like Coinbase, but with enough computing power, you can also mine them straight from the blockchain themselves. Every time your computer solves a specific mathematical problem, you’re rewarded with a certain amount of Bitcoins that you can use.

Advantages of Bitcoin

This highly volatile currency is one of the hottest trends in the financial sector today, primarily because it delivers a few distinct advantages. For starters, Bitcoin transactions are almost completely anonymous, which makes it ideal for people who want to transport large sums of money without a trace. Second, it’s universal, so you won’t have to pay any fees to send money across borders. Third, it’s trackable. Since the blockchain records everything, it’s possible for a government or user to verify proof the transaction itself, which can help with either taxes or to solve identity concerns.