Updates on Small Business Listing Scams, Cell Phone Security, Google Baird AI, Amazon Go Closures, Li-Fi Standard, Exopulse Mollii Suit, Eight Sleep Pod Mattress, Barsys Coaster, and LG’s Subscription Model
1. Small businesses facing unlisting issues and verification scams on Google:
– Algorithms questioning online business locations
– Unlisting notifications and the need for verification
– Scam phone calls claiming to be from Google, requesting payment for business verification
– Google does not charge a fee to register businesses
2. FCC introduces new rules to protect against cell phone account takeovers:
– Proposed regulations for wireless operators to authenticate SIM swaps and porting
– Notification requirements for customers regarding SIM changes or porting
– Increased focus on cell phone security due to spam and attacks
– PIN numbers currently used for SIM swapping in the US
3. Canada’s exclusion from Google Baird AI availability due to Bill c18:
– Google Baird AI availability limited to Russia, China, North Korea
– Canada removed from AI access due to government ruling (Bill c18)
– VPN usage still allows Canadians to access AI options
4. Closure of multiple Amazon Go stores, expansion plans for Whole Foods:
– Amazon Go pilot project in 2018 allowed seamless shopping experience
– Closure of nine operating Amazon Go stores
– Brick and mortar retail profitability challenges
– Focus shifting towards Whole Foods grocery chain expansion
5. Introduction of Li-Fi as an official wireless internet standard:
– Li-Fi uses light instead of radio waves for data transfer
– Advantages include reduced interference, higher bandwidth, and enhanced security
– Can coexist with Wi-Fi networks and switch between the two
– Establishment of an official standard paves the way for further advancements
6. Exopulse Mollii Suit for mobility enhancement:
– Suit designed to help individuals with conditions like stroke, Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy
– Utilizes low-frequency electrostimulation to improve blood circulation and restore muscle balance
– Complements functional electrical stimulation (FES)
– Offers pain relief, muscle relaxation, muscle activation, and improved blood circulation
7. Eight Sleep Pod Mattress with intelligent cooling and heating technology:
– Premium mattress enhancing sleep quality and recovery
– Individual temperature preferences for each side of the bed
– Temperature Autopilot adjusts sleeping temperature based on patterns
– GentleRise feature wakes users gently with temperature change and vibration
8. Barsys Coaster for convenient cocktail crafting:
– Compact device synced with an app for cocktail instructions and ingredient measurement
– No prior cocktail experience or bartending skills required
– Intelligent app recommendations based on user preferences and available ingredients
– Coaster changes color to indicate the amount to pour
9. LG’s shift to subscription model for electronics and appliances:
– After a profitable year, LG aims to continue revenue growth through monthly subscriptions
– Features of LG devices and appliances may be locked without a monthly fee
– Customized dryer routines and removing ads among the possible subscription options
– LG’s focus on TVs and appliances after discontinuing smartphone production