Author: Bal Bansal

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Week in Review

Week 26… 2021!

Well… so much has happened this week! – The most important one being (for me) England beating Germany (first) and then Ukraine (last night) to make it to the Semi Finals of the Euro’s!

For those interested – Denmark (to be played on Wednesday) and the finals are next Sunday!

Ok, for this week – here’s your Top Two Tech Stories!

  1. First up, following from my mid-week post on Sir Tim Berners-Lee, he’s only gone and sold his first web browsers code as an NFT!

An NFT of the original source code for the world wide web, written by its inventor Tim Berners-Lee, has sold for $5.4m at Sotheby’s in an online auction, the auction house said on Wednesday.

A non-fungible token (NFT) is a kind of crypto asset that records ownership of digital items, and has recently become a major asset in the creative world, with NFTs of artwork, music and internet memes selling for millions of dollars.

The NFT sold on Wednesday was created by the English scientist Berners-Lee in 2021 and represents ownership of various digital items from when he invented the world wide web in 1989.

The sale effectively comprises a blockchain-based record of ownership of files containing the original source code for the world wide web. The final price was $5,434,500 and half of the bidders were new to Sotheby’s.

The world wide web, or “the web”, is the system for navigating and accessing information on the internet. But you already knew that – right?

2. Ok – up next, don’t you hate it that you have to travel to the fridge to get your beer or cold drink?

Well.. that’s a problem of the past! That’s right – Heineken have made an autonomous beer cooler – that will follow you!

That’s right – 12 carrying 12 cans of cold beer right behind you! How awesome is that?!!!

The Dutch brewing company Heineken recently unveiled the “Beer Outdoor Transporter” — a branding concept cooler that uses motion sensors to trail behind its owner. The company launched an online raffle on Thursday for people who want to own one.

While it cannot apply your sunscreen, blow off the sand from the beach or cook your Independence Day hot dogs, it seemingly solves one issue.

“Nobody loves lugging around like a giant cooler and sweating in the 100-degree heat,” said Joshua Egan, brand director at Heineken USA. It was built around a “charming” AI personality and was shown this summer to mark the nation’s return to semi-normalcy after gatherings last summer were discouraged due to the coronavirus. It was also unveiled to draw attention to the brand’s new beer can design, as the beverage category faces increasing competition from hard seltzers.

It does not have to house Heineken products. The robot is constructed to tote around ice, so you could seemingly use any beverage you would want to keep cold. Like for example – Coca-Cola. Just saying.

So there you go – my Top Two Tech Stories for this week, all about Sir Tim Berners-Lee and beer’s following you around!

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Bal’s Friday Thought…


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Shopping Social Media

Data is not the new oil…

Yesterday, I tweeted this…

Huge game last night. England V Germany. You’d think, cooking dinner would be the last thing on many peoples mind.

Yet – not one single takeaway or food place near me (including those I order from on a regular basis) reached out to me – with offers, suggestions etc… anything! to tempt me to order some food and not cook at home.

Yes – I could’ve been out – nevertheless, they don’t know that and maybe I would’ve wanted some food when I got home!

Anyway – the point I’m trying to make is…

The concept behind “data is the new oil” is that just like oil, raw data isn’t valuable in and of itself, but, rather, the value is created when it is gathered completely and accurately, connected to other relevant data, and done so in a timely manner.

And do you know who said this? – It was actually Clive Humby, UK Mathematician and architect of Tesco’s Clubcard, who is widely credited as the first to coin the phrase.

Tesco Clubcard – they hold so much information about you – if you shop there. And that’s how they are able to personalise the vouchers and offers they provide you.

However – when I was in Toronto a few years ago, I met with Sir Tim Berners-Lee. We were talking on the same stage. During my talk, I mentioned… Data is the new oil. After the event, we were in a room, with some photographers and other folk who had been on stage that day, and Sir Tim comes over to me.

‘Bal… it is Bal, right?… well, you said Data is the new oil… it isn’t. That’s wrong. Data is not the new oil.’

‘Woah.. .Hey Sir Tim, how is it not the new oil? – it’s so valuable… ‘

‘Oil.. once refined and used, that’s it. Data on the other hand, can be used multiple times, re-used and sold many times – and there is still value left within it’.

‘Wow… didn’t think of it like that Sir Tim.’

Anyway, Sir Tim and I chatted for a few minutes, gave me his business card and then was ushered away and so was I (to a dinner I think…)

But the point is… there is sooooo much data out there, and more and more people (customers) are willing to share it. It’s second nature in most cases. And if you’re a business – there’s so much you can do with that data.

You can do the basics, have a Customer Relationship Management system, that helps you build and grow the relationship with your customers. If that’s to complex, then just have a basic spreadsheet with customer information – that you can use to contact, call or just offer them a discounted pizza! (I do have to mention – when it comes to data, please ensure you are familiar with GDPR).

You can find out so much about your customers via social media – they’ll be sharing their favourite food, drinks, locations, etc… you can figure out so much!

Now, most big corps know how much value data has. There are ‘data scientists’ that help to break down the data into meaningful information that then can be used. There’s ‘Chief Data Officers’ – with the remit to have a team that solely looks at data and insights – again, using the value to drive business decisions and returning the biggest bang for your buck!

Whilst most small to medium companies probably can’t afford these luxuries, there are small steps that can be taken. Basic ones. Simple ones. Going back to Tesco Clubcard – can you have a loyalty scheme? – A very easy way to gather data. Connect, link and see your customers profiles on social media. Share stories of them enjoying your product or service – and see who’s liking that post, who’s sharing it – are they potential customers? – A lot of this is automated – you don’t actually have to manually do it!

So back to last night – Great win for England… and now they’ve progressed to the next stage, to play Ukraine in Rome, let’s see which local businesses use their data to engage with their football loving customers!

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Week in Review

Week 25… 2021!

What a week again! This time, the UK’s Health Secetary was caught on camera in a compromising situation. Then we had a tornado hit East London – causing a fair amount of damage… and finally, England are through in the Euro’s and play Germany on Tuesday!

Enough of that – and onto my TopTwo Tech Stories of the week.

  1. First up… roaming charges are back!

Mobile operator EE will charge new UK customers extra to use their mobile phones in Europe from January.

Those joining or upgrading from 7 July 2021 will be charged £2 a day to use their allowances in 47 European destinations from January 2022.

EE, which is part of BT Group, previously said it had no plans to reintroduce roaming charges in Europe. It is the first UK operator to reintroduce the charges since the EU trade deal was signed in December. 

Since 2017, mobile networks in EU countries have not been allowed to charge customers extra to use their phones in other EU countries.

There are some “fair use” limits, for example, you cannot get a mobile phone contract from Romania and then use it all year round in Italy.

On Wednesday, O2 said they were going to reintroduce roaming charges. However, it is merely adding a “fair use” data cap of 25GB a month and will not charge customers more to use their phones in the EU.

2. Next up, Desktop Instagram!

That’s right – many of us who use Instagram will be able to do so from our desktops! Let’s be honest – we do a fair amount of editing etc.. on our desktop so makes sense to have Insta available!

It’s currently being rolled out – so if you don’t have access for the moment, don’t worry… it is coming!

Now… the good and bad. Good – it’s not he desktop, so you don’t need your phone in your hand to have a quick view on Insta.

Bad – it’s still not on ipad! I know… You’d think they’d put it on devices such as iPads and other tablets – but nope. They’ve gone straight for the desktop.

I’ll be trying it out soon – and if you don’t already, give me a follow on Insta, I’m @mrbalbansal. – it’s mainly of food… and tech!

So there you go, my top two tech stories, Insta on your desktop and remember to check your data allowance when travelling abroad.

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Bal’s Friday Thought…

We’re all on a journey. Some more adventurous than others. Some more treacherous than others. Either way, when you tell this story…

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Week in Review

Week 24… 2021!

Middle of June already – Group stages of the Euro’s (Football) is well under way and wow, what surprises have cropped up already! – (Germany beating Portugal, France draw with Hungary…. and a few more)…. and much more happening, I bring to you, the Top Two Tech Stories that caught my eye this week.

  1. So First up… It’s all about Benedetto Vigna!

Who’s he?! – Well, the man who helped the iPhone sense it’s been titled sideways – is taking over as CEO of Ferrari.

In a statement issued by Ferrari on Wednesday, it was announced that Vigna, 52, would be joining as chief executive officer effective 1 September.

Ferrari said that Vigna’s “unique knowledge gained over 26 years working at the heart of the semiconductor industry that is rapidly transforming the automotive sector” could help “accelerate Ferrari’s ability to pioneer the application of next generation technologies.”

“We’re delighted to welcome Benedetto Vigna as our new Ferrari CEO,” said Elkann.

“His deep understanding of the technologies driving much of the change in our industry, and his proven innovation, business-building and leadership skills, will further strengthen Ferrari and its unique story of passion and performance, in the exciting era ahead.”

2. Next up… be careful and check if your Bluetooth speaker is connected correctly!

Comedian Tawny Platis – noticed some of her ‘adult content’ she was watching was not playing on her speakers.

Volume went up and down, trying to figure out how it all works, what’s going wrong – Tawny was on the verge of giving up when she realised that it was actually, somehow, connected to her neighbours Bluetooth Speaker!

Now whilst you all laugh… (and I did too when I first heard this!) – check your connections. We’re in a world where majority of things are wirelessly connected – and bluetooth speakers are not new… however, can (on first hand experience) be difficult sometimes to pair! – so always check when pairing your speakers and equipment!

So there’s my top two stories! – Yes, there were many… but for an individual to transition from a technology company (Apple) to the automotive sector (Ferrari) speaks volumes! – and talking about volume, always check your Bluetooth pairing 🙂

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Bal’s Friday Thought…

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Week in Review

Week 23… 2021!

So on Friday, the Euro’s (Football) kicked off! Whilst I’m not going to go into the matches, how well Italy played etc… one thing that caught my eye was the little remote controlled car that brought the football to the ref at the start!

It was all because VW are the sponsors – and with their new range of ID (electric) cars, what a perfect way to get the message across! (In my opinion – great bit of marketing and advertising!)

With that… let’s speed up, and drive onto our Top Two Tech Stories of the week!

  1. First up… Facebook and their Smartwatch!

Rumors of Facebook’s development of a smart watch have been around for a few months, but recent stories have given use more details on the project. The watch, allegedly planned for summer 2022, is said to feature two cameras – one forward-facing, for video calls, and a second on the back.

The idea is that the unit can be easily removed from the wrist and used in much the same way as a phone camera. The images can then be uploaded straight to either Facebook, Instagram or shared on WhatsApp. Either through your phone’s connection or using an eSIM.

The Facebook watch is due to feature a heart rate monitor and fitness features to rival the likes of Apple and the now Google-owned Fitbit. Rather than being a premium device, it is expected to retail around $400 (£282/AU$516) and comes in a choice of black, white or gold.

2. Up next.. flying taxi service from Virgin!

Virgin Atlantic is exploring whether it could launch a flying taxi service as part of a partnership with Bristol-based Vertical Aerospace.

The airline suggests electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles (eVTOL) could fly from towns to major airports.

Vertical Aerospace is conducting test flights of its aircraft this year and continue to test to see if the idea, can in reality, take off.

It has proposed that an eVTOL aircraft could pick people up from a city such as Cambridge and fly them to a major airport such as London Heathrow.

Vertical Aerospace says its VA-X4 craft will be able to carry four passengers and a pilot up to 100 miles, as well as being emissions-free and quieter than a helicopter.

In fact the company claims it will be “near silent” when cruising and it has already partnered with American Airlines and Avolon, an aircraft-leasing company.

So there you go – my Top Tech Stories from the week. All about Facebook moving into hardware and bringing out their first SmartWatch… on which you can take photos, and secondly – flying taxis… not a new idea, but one that’s fast becoming more of a reality!

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Week in Review

Week 22… 2021!

So here in the UK, we had a slight change in the weather. Meaning, the sun was out! I know… crazy! I say, finally! The weather was lovely for a few days and this morning – we’ve had some light rain – that’s ok, it’s good for the grass!

Anyway, so much has been happening this week… so let’s not waste any more time on the weather and deep dive right into it!

  1. Up first we have Microsoft Windows 11

Microsoft has been teasing a “next generation” of Windows for months now, but new hints suggest the company isn’t just preparing an update to its existing Windows 10 software, but a new, numbered version of the operating system: Windows 11.


The software giant announced a new Windows event for June 24th yesterday, promising to show “what’s next for Windows.” The event invite included an image of what looks like a new Windows logo, with light shining through the window in only two vertical bars, creating an outline that looks very much like the number 11. Microsoft followed up with an animated version of this image, making it clear the company intentionally ignored the horizontal bars

Up next… the future of cars (but not electric!)

2. That’s right… we’re talking 623 miles on a single tank of hydrogen!

Toyota says that if you drive normally, its hydrogen-fuelled Mirai can travel around 400 miles between fill ups. Drive much more carefully, though, and you could go further. Maybe a lot further. 

By doing just that Toyota France has driven a Mirai 623 miles on a lone 5.6kg tank of hydrogen, thereby breaking the Hyundai Nexo’s existing record for the longest distance travelled by a hydrogen-fuelled vehicle on a single tank by a whopping 72 miles. 

The company says the unmodified Mirai covered 623 miles, or 1,003km, on public roads south of Paris in the Loir-et-Cher and Indre-et-Loire regions of France. The distance covered and consumption, rated at 0.55kg of hydrogen per 100km, have been independently certified. 

Hydrogen cars are being marketed as an emissions-free alternative to petrol, and – if the hydrogen is produced with only renewable energy – that’s true, and in fact, is probably better for the environment than EVs.

But there are two ways to create hydrogen. The first involves mixing fossil fuels and water, which releases significant CO2 emissions. The second uses a large amount of electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. If this power comes from wind or solar sources then we are sitting pretty, but if it’s taken from the regular grid then you run into the same problems as charging your EV at home. Fossil fuels are still involved, just less visibly. But for some – it’s not all fossil fuels, there’s also sun, wind, etc… that can help you power your car.

So there we have it… Window 11 and Hydrogen cars travelling 623 miles on a single tank.

I’m not sure which is more exciting… to be honest, I’m not excited by either of these (smiley face). And I’ll tell you why…

Whilst Microsoft are bringing out Windows 11, and it’ll have lots of great new features – what will it bring that, people say wow. Do we really need windows? (Apple Mac users need not answer). I mean, we have apps for virtually everything. And of course, there’s a decline in laptop/computer sales.

And then the hydrogen cars. It’s taking a while for the electric charging points to be installed but the infrastructure is slowly getting there and there’s a lot of positive signs. To start building a hydrogen infrastructure will take a lot longer also!

Either way – Windows ‘most of us’ need, and as for the future of cars…. this is so interesting because we also have in the mix, self-driving capabilities, etc…

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Week in Review

Week 21… 2021!

In the UK, it was pouring with rain, consistently, last week. In fact, it was like that for the past few weeks. Fourth wettest May ever recorded. That says everything. Well, like the true British weather we are accustomed to – glorious sunshine over the weekend and planned for the rest of the week – now, don’t get me wrong – I’m not complaining, going to thoroughly enjoy it whilst it lasts with an ice cold refreshing Coca-Cola Zero.

Enough of the weather report – now onto my Top Two Tech Stories from the week gone…

  1. Up first… Toilet Analysis.

Now lets be honest, how much does the doctor actually know about us? And in addition – we should really be providing more information than what we do. (And you’ve heard me say before, it’s all about the Data!).

So there’s some clever people that have built a new smart toilet that will take photo’s of your poo, and send it to the doctors for analysis!

How awesome is that. There’s a lot of information in your poo. Believe it or not. And this will help the doctor. With any pains or issues you are having, but also dietary – wise, are you eating the right foods and leading a healthy lifestyle.

2. Next up! – Amazon on a spending spree…

That’s right – the film studio’s with the roaring lion has been sold to Amazon for an eye watering, $8.45 Billion.

Now we know, that Amazon have prime, and on prime, not only can you get your shopping within a few hours but you can also watch videos and films. And on top – they have a variety of new and exclusive films. I can see where this is kind of heading…

We have Disney +

We have our trusted Netflix…

And we have a few other streaming services… and I can see there being the Top 3 or 5 eventually, with Amazon Prime being one.

So whilst the game is long, we can see the end goal…

But who knows what could happen, who could buy who…

For now, sit back, relax and enjoy the film whilst the Doctor analyses your poo.