There’s a lot going on around the world. This Friday thought is not tech related – but moreso about our human nature. We should be more considerate to those around us and those who are being effected by the events that are taking place in a number of areas around the world.
And then there’s people locally to us, who may be going through struggles that may not be as evident to us.
We just need to be kind to others.
Sometimes you ask, why me?!
There’ll always be a reason why. At that time, the chimp part of our brain won’t listen. It’ll bang on about why me, why not them, what’s happening, etc…
This is why think about the journey.
Think about the process.
And keep going – stay on track and believe in yourself.
You are your own strength and supporter.
Who’d have thought. As a technology advocate, I’d be suggesting you switch your tech off for a while?
Well… I am.
Bal… are you going crazy?
No, not in the slightest. I am noticing that we are ever so becoming more and more dependent on technology – and yes, we’re surrounded by it. But I’ve written/blogged about it before. We should always take a break from it. And there’s some method behind the madness (of what I’m suggesting!)
Firstly, when you take a break from the tech – you’ll appreciate it more when you come back to it.
Secondly, when you take a break from tech – and when you come back, you can be more focussed on what you need that tech to do or what you want from it. Make it work for you.
Thirdly, when you take a break from tech – you’ll notice other things. What I mean about this is – you won’t be scrolling and seeing a device – when you look up you may notice something different, something unique, something that then gives you an idea! (you may need to return to tech to then progress – but take that break).
We now have smart cars, smart homes, smart tv’s, smart watches, smart… well, everything is becoming smart! And that’s with the advancement of technology. Which is great. Because it’s meant to be quicker and easier to do things. That’s what smart means, right? – the smarter something is, the quicker or easier it is to do something.
But I’ve noticed that whilst there’s alot of talk about AI (Artificial Technology) – we’re very reliant on technology to do the basics for us or become, dare I say it… lazy (er).
I’m sat at my macbook writing this blog. I’ve not written for a long time. Yesterday, I met a friend of mine – Craig. We had a coffee. No device in sight. For an hour. It was great. We had lots of ideas and things we want to do. The great thing then was, we picked up our phones, made notes. Productivity. On your mobile phone, you can see what you have used your phone for… productivity, social media, etc… Have a look at the data – and what it’s telling you.
Data-led decisions can then enable you to be more productive.
Data-led decisions can then help you be more adventurous.
So, maybe it is time to switch off for a while – take a break and look out the window for inspiration.
Saw this wonderful quote on a poster, and thought it’s too good not to share with you.
There’s so much to digest… but for me, the last line is soooo important and the one that hits hard.
I was recently watching some videos on Instagram. And there’s one that I’ve watched many times – and I love it. I usually refer to it on many occasions when I’m talking to others.
I’ve even written the first part of it, on my chalk board at home!
There’s so many takeaways you can have from the simple message. I take away that no matter what you’re planning, looking to, etc… focus on today. It’s similar to the book – The Power of Now. Focus on the now, the here and enjoy it. What you do today will help you in the future… that’s why enjoy the present moment.
And if you’re thinking… Bal, that’s great – but what is the rest of it?
Well, here you go… Enjoy!
I thought this morning – there’s alot going on in the world of Technology and I haven’t had the opportunity for a while to share with you all what’s going on, how it’s all going… and most importantly, which bit of tech that really matters to you! So here we go…
First up, the new iPhone 15
Now, there’s been alot of hype over the iPhone 15 but in all honesty, I’m not seeing the huge leap that I was expecting.
Yes, it’s got a quicker processor.
Yes, the camera technology has improved.
Yes, the operating has some new cool features.
Yes, the charging port has changed to USB C.
Yes, it’s the new iPhone with an improved dynamic island user interface.
But should you upgrade?
Well, depends what you have now. The camera tech, to be fair has improved considerably. So if you’re rocking an 11 or 12, then yes! I would say definitely upgrade. If you’ve got a 13 or 14… depends if you need the speed (new processor makes it faster than before) and images (if you want a much better camera) then yes, upgrade. If you’re on the fence on these items… then you could wait or think about what other tech you could get.
Next up, what if you’ve got a Samsung?
The new Samsung Galaxy S23 has been accidently leaked in an image.
The leak comes from an image posted on the Galaxy Buds FE page found on Samsung Argentina’s website. Eagled-eyed Samsung watchers have spotted the date of Wednesday, October 4th in the notifications bar of the Tab S9 FE
Unfortunately, I don’t know much more at this time… but will share more as and when there’s more information shared. But for the Samsungers amongst us, this would be interesting for sure…
And finally, (not phone related)… AI Alexa!
Amazon has announced plans to incorporate Generative AI into its Alexa digital assistant.
Alexa is arguably the most popular virtual assistant. Still, like Siri, it uses natural language processing (NLP), a branch of AI that helps systems understand and naturally respond to human speech. However, these assistants are limited and trained to respond to patterns with pre-determined scripts or replies that need to be processed. That is, until now.
Currently, Alexa can recite a bedtime story for your kids. With the addition of Gen AI, Alexa would be able to produce unique stories each time, complete with your kids’ names for the characters and genres.
Essentially, generative AI would make Alexa smarter. This also means that Alexa would be able to answer open-ended questions without resorting to an internet search or an “Alexa answers contributor”.
Personally, I think that’s quite awesome – but also scary on the other hand because what you feed into GenAI helps it build it’s knowledge so becareful with any sensitive information you may be talking about!
So that’s a wrap folks! A quick Sunday (Tech) Summary of a few tech bits from the past week or so.
I’ll share some more in a few weeks… And like always, if you have any questions, you can always reach out to me on my socials or via this blog!
Think like a farmer.
Why… because everything a farmer does for their farm, you should think about doing (if not already) for your workplace.
All about making memories.
Facebook is great at showing what happened on this day many years ago… on mine, up came an old memory. Wonderful! It’s those moments I will remember forever.
The people, well….
Strange one, this one.
Yep… I’m actually telling you, that you should take a break from technology.
There’s a few reasons why… but the biggest one is, whilst tech is great in whatever format it’s utilised, remember that it’s you who should be the focus – not the tech. Make the tech work for you and don’t you be a slave to the tech.
What do you mean Bal? Should I give up on all new tech stuff?
No, far from it. Do a quick analysis… let’s start with your phone. How many apps do you have?
Now… how many of those apps do you actually use? – and then, what do you use them for? and how long do you spend on those apps?
Once you have that information – honestly tell me you’re productive on those apps, or they help you mentally or physcially or that they’re enhacing your life (in some form or another)?
We’re slowly wasting hours and hours scrolling through tik tok videos.
We’re slowly wasting hours looking at various social media posts. We’re slowly wasting our time attached to various gadgets (smart watches – have I done my steps?!) and others.
What we need is a break.
Take a Tech Break. And have a kit-kat. (Or another chocolate)
The concern I have is we’re moving away from what we want to do and our thinking is quickly influenced by what we see.
It used to be like in the old days… with newspapers. They’d influence our thoughts – depending on what paper you read.
Social media does that today.
But take other technology…. for example, the other day, I saw some small gadget that you can place on the ankle of your Under 10’s football team and see how fast they run, what they do… track all their movement. You can use this device on older kids also. For me… I wasn’t impressed. In my very first FA coaching course, they said… the number one rule of football should be that they enjoy it.
How can you enjoy it if you’re being tracked with some technology. Then analysed. Then being told you should do this and that. Whilst I understand that kind of technology is important in top tier professional football games where it’s run like a business, it shouldn’t be for smaller younger clubs. Kids should enjoy just running around. Kick that ball. And slowly progress. Have fun. That’s the key thing.
Go and have a water fight.
Go and have a cup of coffee with a friend you haven’t spoken to for a while and put all your devices away.
Go and explore the outdoors.
I’m not saying ban tech. Far from it. Just take a break. Just use it wisely. Use it so it benefits you.
I watch YouTube videos on people polishing their cars. I like to polish my car. So I learn. I’ll use technology to help me advance.
It’s not entirely our fault. It’s become so easy now… pick up the phone and boom! notifications, information, etc… look around, people will be talking about the latest tik tok dance or the latest something that someone posted somewhere.
Yes, it’s fine to have a quick look – but remember… technology should work for you.
Time goes quick.
Tomorrow, in the morning… I’ll be attending the funeral of a young man who passed away.
Then tomorrow evening, have a wedding reception of a close family friend (who recently got married). I’ve known him since he was a little kid.
Got me thinking, how time goes so quickly…. And mostly around wanting to do things which unfortunately stay as wants and aren’t ticked off the list…
