Futurelawyer

#MondayMorningMusings - Windows - Is The Desktop Computer Dead?

Microsoft: Windows Virtual Desktop is now 'feature complete' | ZDNet. Many of the computer apps we use these days are just front ends to a software as a service product that resides somewhere else, and which we access over the Internet. More and more, we access our software (at least the software that we use for work and production) by accessing code stored on remote servers that are constantly maintained and updated. Ultimately, this creates a device independent system that only requires us to have a terminal device with Internet access. Being able to run full blown Windows in this environment using a "feature complete" virtual desktop, may lead to a big shift away from discrete personal computers, and a return to dumb terminals. Now, we just have to figure out whether this is a good thing or a bad thing.  

Run Dex In A Window With Note 10

You can now run DeX in a window on Windows and macOS with the Note 10 | Android Central. DeX used to require a separate box to put your Samsung phone screen on your big screen. It is cool to run Windows and keyboard and other peripherals from the phone. But, it is even cooler to do it with a single HDMI cable running from the phone to the big screen. I like doing this with my Note 9; but, I might be persuaded to buy the Note 10 just to connect to my Windows computer with a USB cable. This feature may be ported to the Note 9, so I will wait to see. Do you use DeX?

Google Shuts Down Trips App?

[Update: Dead, RIP] Google is preparing to shut down the Trips app [APK Teardown]. Google has shut down the Trips app. What app, you say? I never heard of that app, you say? Exactly. A vast majority of us use Google Maps, and the fact that Maps has been getting more and more functionality should have been a clue. Most of us don't even use the features in the Maps app. We want to get from Point A to Point B, and we don't do a lot of trip planning these days. Remember the AAA Triptiks? I used to be the designated Triptiks reader on long drives, and, even then, I was more interested in the time remaining to destination. Anybody use Trips?

Android Auto Gets Major Update

Five key new features of Android Auto's big 2019 update. Android Auto just got its first major update in 4 years, and not a moment too soon for Florida drivers. The Legislature has made texting in the car an offense that justifies a stop and ticket, and anything that removes the temptation to look at a phone is good. It could be argued that any screen on the dashboard can be a distraction; but, it is certainly safer to use the voice to control the device while keeping eyes on the road. The new notification hub and the new app list are nice, and will greatly increase the likelihood that drivers will use Android Auto. What's in your car?

Get Google Assistant On Your Tizen Watch

Get Google Assistant on your Samsung Galaxy smartwatch with GAssist. My Galaxy Watch, running Samsung's excellent Tizen OS, is superior to Wear OS phones. However, I use Google Assistant for all of my mobile device searching, and it isn't available on Samsung watches. Until now, that is. GAssist.Net and its companion Android app, while not wake word ready, can, with a tap of the watch, give Tizen users voice responses from Google Assistant. Check it out. I now have Google Assistant with me when I leave the phone and go just with the Smartwatch.

Lookout Personal - Do You Know Where Your Phone Is?

Lookout Personal. Even though Google has a security feature these days, I still rely on Lookout Mobile Security to protect my phone. 5 years ago when I left my phone on a restaurant table during dinner with SWMBO, I immediately found it on my notebook computer as soon as we got back to the hotel. We caught a cab to the location where I found it at the front desk of the restaurant; but, I could have located it even it a thief took it. Like many events in life, it turned from a scary moment into a life long happy memory, as SWMBO and I had a great adventure on the streets of Vegas. So, for $29.95 a year, being able to pinpoint the location of your phone, remotely wipe it, take a photo of anyone trying to remove the SIM, and much more, it is a bargain. Be careful out there. That phone has your life on it.

What is RCS Messaging, And Why Should I Care?

What is RCS Messaging, and Exactly How Does It Work? | Digital Trends. Rich Communication Services (RCS) is actually an accurate description of the benefits of modern smartphones using communication apps that combine the visual and other texting services of Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp and other apps into one platform available on all devices. Google is now pushing RCS to all capable Android and iOS phones. This is a good thing. Check it out.

#WhyIAmASolo - I Don't Need An App For That

Managing employees is such a pain.

Aegir Smartpen Demo

If you are interested in the Aegir Smartpen, check out this excellent review. 15 minutes and you will be able to see exactly how it is used. 

Livescribe+ Desktop App For Aegir Pens

Livescribe App - Livescribe. The Aegir Smartpen is now the only pen of its kind that syncs with mobile devices and the Desktop with the release of LiveScribe+, which is a Desktop companion for the slim and light Aegir. The pen stores every keystroke on its USB drive when the user uses LiveScribe notebooks, which contain millions of dots invisible to the naked eye, and the user experience is the same as writing on a regular paper notebook. When connected to a phone, tablet, or computer, the results are synced to the device, and the application shows them as they were drawn or written. They can be converted to digital text and transferred as any file would be. Analog meets digital and you get to keep the paper, if you want.