Author: Bal Bansal

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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.

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Week in Review

Week 20… 2021!

Doesn’t feel like summer at all – all this rain and wind. Hoping we get some warm weather soon… So, onto my Top Two Tech Stories of the week.

  1. First up, we have the Flying Car!

So we all know about the up and coming Tesla Models… and previously, I did mention that the roadster will be so fast that it may lift off, from the ground… well yep – Elon even said it’ll fly!

Now, whilst it won’t go into full flight mode – imagine how awesome it will feel!!!

But has this planted a seed in Mr Musk’s mind. Will he actually start a production line for flying cars? Will we see them in the next decade? All I know is… anything is possible!

2. Next up… it’s all about IE

Now personally, I use Chrome… but many people in the World use Internet Explorer and unfortunately, support will end for it next year.

The natural move would be to Edge. Not only is Microsoft Edge a faster, more secure and more modern browsing experience than Internet Explorer, but it is also able to address a key concern: compatibility for older, legacy websites and applications. Microsoft Edge has Internet Explorer mode (“IE mode”) built in, so you can access those legacy Internet Explorer-based websites and applications straight from Microsoft Edge. 

If you’re a consumer using Internet Explorer at home, we recommend you transition to Microsoft Edge before June 15, 2022, to start enjoying a faster, more secure and more modern browsing experience. The good news: you probably already have it on your device. Search for “Microsoft Edge”… and hope for the best!

So there you go…. flying cars and internet browsers this week. Hope this helps, let your parents or older folk in the family know about IE and the younger folk that flying cars are real.

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Bal’s Friday Thought…

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Throwback Thursday

Think Lean… Process First

Recently, I was asked – why is my blog called, ‘Think Lean, Get Digital’?

The simple answer is – as an organization, a company, whatever you might be – think of the process first – get that lean (for example – remove all the fat, the waste, the crap) and then focus on utilizing more digital technologies to further lean the process or improve the user experience.

We often navigate away from the process, and jump to either sale, solution or the end of the process – because that’s the fun part. Let’s be honest… no one wants to know about raw materials, who really cares about transportation etc… (well, if you’re into logistics then yes! as it’ll be the most important part).

Many organizations do not think about their processes. Processes to one side – how many know their value stream map (this is a map that shows an overall picture and where the value (and non-value) activities are).

Before even thinking about Digital Transformation – it’s important that the process is understood. The key objective is to reduce the overall lead time – from the moment an enquiry is made or a customer wants to purchase a product/service to the moment it’s delivered and paid for.

Everything starts with Value.

Again, this could relate to your startup, your hobby, your passion.

Over the lockdown last year – like many other millions of people in the UK, I started baking. Whilst I thought, everyone is baking – what can I do different (or slightly different) I started to bake vegan and eggless cakes. Moreso, what became a ‘top seller’ were my vegan or eggless cookies.

There’s a variety of reasons people don’t eat eggs – many for religious purposes. In addition, many more are becoming vegan.

So I baked various vegan cookies – and then in my Creative Lab (the kitchen) I experimented with Kit Kat Cookies, Coconut Cookies, etc… and they were good! (that’s not me saying that – that’s customers!)

Again – comes back to value.

Baking in the kitchen is small. Yet – I was able to adhere to the Lean Principles. I had a process in place. My recipe was my process!

So even if you are a small business, a large organization, a charity or service provider – first understand your process and make it Lean (remove the waste!)

Oh.. and I couldn’t leave you without sharing a photo of my cookies, right?

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Week 19… 2021!

So, as I’m typing this, I’m thinking – I have a few busy Sunday’s coming up, and might just do a little 2 minute video summarising my Top Two Tech Stories! – and yes, I did previously say the podcast was coming back… and it will! (Just refining the content).

Ok, now for this week’s Top Two Tech Stories!

  1. First up – Google Photos!

So, like many, I use Google Photo’s and I wanted to share (in case you hadn’t heard) their offer for free unlimited storage for ‘high quality’ images ends on June 1.

One thing’s for sure – Google Photos is, and will continue to be, a fantastic option for saving your snaps online. The service offers simple and secure cross-platform access, plus a suite of smart sorting, editing and sharing tools to get the best out of your image library. And it’s not just for Android users: Google Photos plays nice with web browsers, as well as PCs, Macs and iOS devices.

Google Photos has proved popular because of the unlimited free storage capacity it previously offered for compressed photos. But that’s changing from 1 June 2020 – and it could have significant repercussions, depending on how you use the service.

Whether you’re new to Google Photos or a long-established user, it’s worth taking a few minutes to understand what the policy changes mean and how the new storage pricing structure will affect you. Most likely, you’ll have to upgrade…

2. Next up… Audi E-Tron

I’ve written a lot about Tesla’s recently, and I was asked about my thoughts on other EV’s (Electric Vehicles)… well, the Audi e-Tron GT concept was revealed three long years ago – and in my opinion looks like a good rival to Tesla! And finally, the production version of this highly anticipated EV has arrived. Almost identical to the car revealed at the 2018 LA Auto Show, it’s the second bespoke electric vehicle from Audi, following the e-Tron SUV. And this e-Tron ought to be good as the GT shares much of its DNA with the Porsche Taycan.

Like the Taycan, the e-Tron sits on the J1 platform, a bespoke electric framework jointly developed by Audi and Porsche. Designed from scratch for a high-performance electric car, it’s an antidote to the jacked-up crossovers, SUVs and mobility pods that currently dominate the EV market.

On first impressions the e-Tron GT is that this is an intriguing machine. Despite sharing the same architecture as the Taycan, it’s a very different car. It prioritises comfort over pure speed, and executes this mission cleanly.

Rather than creating a lazier version of the Porsche, Audi has crafted an electric GT designed for crunching miles. With 800V fast-charging capability where available (62 miles in five minutes) and a competitive range (RS is a claimed 283 miles, the quattro 298), the e-Tron GT could be the best EV for road trips currently on sale.

But the entry-level quattro – not the RS – will worry Tesla and the rivals the most: priced at under £80,000, it undercuts the entry-level Model S, while offering comparable performance and serious comfort.

So there we have it… Photo’s and Audi’s this week. And I will continue to share more about EV’s as they’re a hot topic!

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Bal’s Friday Thought…

In life, we will experience a lot. But it’s how you use that experience to either take it as a lesson or not.

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Week 18… 2021!

What a week it’s been! So, if you follow me on social media, you’ll know it’s been a busy one! Lots happening – and the main thing is, I’ve been learning from everything. Like my Friday Thought – Never Lose… Only Win or Learn.

Ok, so let’s start with the week’s Top Two Tech Stories.

  1. Apple Watch and Glucose Monitoring could be a thing!

There have been plenty of rumors about glucose monitoring being one of the new features that arrives with the new iWatch7, and that now looks more likely – after Apple mentioned the feature itself in one of its regular user surveys.

As reported by 9to5mac, the survey asks users about any apps they’ve got installed to track eating habits, medications and blood glucose levels. The implication is that Apple is thinking about adding blood sugar monitoring to its smartwatch in the future.

Other questions cover the health features built into the Apple Watch – step counting, activity rings, reminders to stand up, and so on – and how often they’re used, and the questionnaire then goes on to ask about third-party apps for managing health data.

2. Now, not really a top tech story item in itself as such, however – remember the days when we needed a big camera, lights, sounds and even more expensive equipment to get really good video’s produced.

Well, it all changed with our mobile phones – now with the ability to film 4K videos and easy to clip on mic’s for that great audio sound. But what about a telepromter?

Well…now you can do it all on your phone! That’s right – hav a ring light for that perfect lighting. Mic for the perfect sound… and now you can get your words perfect! Record with confidence with Teleprompter!

How awesome is this! – It’s all about having the ability to do everything from your phone!

So there you go…. My Top Two Stories, Glucose monitoring on your new iWatch whilst you say the right words for your next video!

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Bal’s Friday Thought…

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Week in Review

Week 17… 2021!

And just like that, April is over… and Hello May! Now who’s hoping for some hot weather? – Yes, me too!! It’s not been as warm as last year, so the sooner it warms up, the better.

Now, lets get straight into my Top Two Tech Stories of the week…

  1. Electric Highways on our Highways! – Well, ok – we call them Motorways over on this side of the pond.

Now we know rules will change in 2030 – and we’ll anticipate over the coming years and increase in electric cars.

That’s why, Ecotricity and Gridserve have opened the UK motorway network’s largest high-powered EV charging station, kick-starting the their Electric Highway joint initiate.

It’s over in Rugby, and according to the firms, these chargers have the capacity to add up to 200 miles of electric range in around 10 minutes. They offer all three connection types – CCS, Type 2 AC and Chademo – and accept contactless card payment.

A further 12 chargers will be added to the Rugby site at a later date, as part of the partnership between the two firms. This is exactly the type of infrastructure motorists want to see, and fill them with confidence!

2. Now, it’s Bank Holiday Weekend here in the UK… and we’ve got some sales taking place!

For those who’d like to go touch, physical see some items before buying – Currys/PC World has launched some big savings for the May Bank Holiday weekend, with 4K and 8K TVs, Apple iPhones and more getting price cuts.

Now, whilst there are price cuts – please please please – do your research. Check on-line where it is the cheapest. Look at warranties etc… and above all, check, is it worth the upgrade/reason why you’re buying.

Mobile phone technology advances a lot year on year – but being honest, some of the older models work absolutely fine depending on your reasons for use – if it’s simple social media etc… then some older models are absolutely fine. However, if you’re reading this and thinking… well Bal, I want to treat myself…. then YES! Go for it! You should… But again (do your research first!!).

Speaking about the latest Currys promotion Ed Connolly, chief commercial officer at Dixons Carphone, said: “Our Epic Deals event give customers a chance to upgrade their home tech, and with the amazing prices on offer across this bank holiday weekend, there has never been a better time to shop.”

Connolly went on to add: “The Epic Deals event comes as we’ve been opening stores across the nation over the past three weeks, and we’ve seen customers come to our stores to find amazing tech and advice from our colleagues. We also understand that not everyone will feel comfortable returning to our stores just yet, so customers can continue to access to our amazing colleagues via our digital ShopLive service and Order & Collect.”

So there you have my Top Two Tech Stories… from better infrastructure of charging your electric car, to treating yourself this weekend on some tech goodies!