I am confused by
Dave's renewed attraction to blogrolls. I know the history and I had a blogroll on
my blog back in the day and then Dave released Radio Userland, which was my first exposure to RSS and from that point on I no longer saw the need for blogrolls. I really don't want to back to the old form of loading one's web site to see their latest writing, I would rather have that writing pushed to me via RSS.
#I am still trying to figure out why some keyboard shortcuts in Readwise Reader are not working consistently. I notice this mostly with the shortcut for highlighting, which is the H key. Oddly, not all shortcuts stop working and I can restore the functionality by reloading the page. How this appears is after reading an article, I press E to archive and move to the next article, then when I try to highlight a paragraph I press H and nothing happens. I reload the page and then press H and the paragraph is highlighted.
#I am beginning to wonder whether the problem is caused by RDP. I thought I would see whether the problem exists while reading using the Pixelbook and so far it has not.
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I use virtual machines hosted with Proxmox as remote desktops that I access using the Microsoft Remote Desktop app in Windows 11. I've been experiencing situations during which RDP session disconnects after displaying an message saying there is an encryption error. It can get to the point at which as soon as I connect it disconnects. I've seen similar behavior with VNC. I am starting to think this is something to do with Windows 11 rather than the VM or the computer hosting it because I can connect with no problems using RDP on my Macbook.
#So, I connected to the remote desktop from my Macbook and wrote the above, then disconnected and re-connected from Windows 11 and so far the connection is being maintained. Really feels like something related to Windows 11, but not sure what.
#Is there a browser that doesn't force sites to be loaded with HTTPS?
#Latest release of Chrome on Linux appears to be more aggressively preventing the load of web sites using HTTP. I am starting to have to explicitly allow "Insecure content" for sites that I know are safe. IMHO, this is going a step too far for Google. Changed Chrome's security settings from "Enhanced" to "Standard" security. Google appears to be making this process as painful as possible by not syncing site settings between instances of Chrome.
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I continue to be frustrated with using Readwise Reader because of how often it forgets keyboard shortcuts. I routine have to reload a web page in order to restore the shortcuts. That this issue has lasted so long has me concerned, this type of thing has happened in the past but the company eventually fixed it.
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Dear Google. Please stop being hostile to users by
switching Google Assistant with Gemini on Pixel phones. I rely on Google Home routines and because
Gemini is not capable of triggering routines while Assistant can, I need to continue using Assistant. You should never replace something in Android with something that removes functionality and not seek the user's permission to do so. I get that you are excited about Gemini, but if you intend it to replace Assistant then table stakes requirements is that it provides all the functionality of Assistant.
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Temperature outside hit 62 degrees, a definite record high for our area.
#I installed
the Google Gemini app on my Pixel 7a and found that it breaks the ability to initiate Google Home routines/automations via Google Assistant, so uninstalled. Gemini can't be used as a standalone app, it replaces Assistant.
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I've been receiving many "offers" from AT&T lately trying to get us to drop our landline and convert it to AT&T's VoIP service. My speculation has been that AT&T wants to get rid of landlines as it is probably costing them money, and
this article about what is going on in California appears to support that speculation. One of the single biggest problems I have with VoIP is with what happens when there is a power loss. Landlines continue functioning when the power goes down, Internet connections do not unless you have a UPS, and even if you do that could be for a short amount of time. The article states that AT&T already received relief of its
Carrier of Last Resort obligation in Michigan. I won't be surprised if sooner or later we get notice that they are dropping their landline service.
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Looks like
Google is adding some layers to the Maps app., and show weather info. I had long thought that it would be great if Google Maps had a radar layer, particularly while navigating so that while on trips I could see any upcoming weather changes.
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- Despite reading more about the Apple Vision Pro, I have yet to warm up to the idea of strapping a headset on to my face, no matter the potential cost of the headset and the utility. I think back to the idea of one using notebook computers in meetings, many think that is rude or at the least too intrusive. While one can clearly take more detailed notes, there is a physical screen between oneself and other meeting participants. In this case tablets are more favorable because they can lie flat on table and be no more intrusive than a pad of paper. #
- While the Vision Pro does have a pass through mode that enables the wearer to see what is in front of them, it is obvious to others in the room that the wearer's attention is not fully on them. Anything physically larger than regular glasses is going to send signals to others, just like the use of notebook computers in meetings and classrooms. Consequently in it's current incarnation the Vision Pro is a very private device.#
- It's true that over time the use of notebook computers has become more accepted and it happens now in nearly every meeting and probably every class in college, but that still doesn't make it right. When Google first released Glass the debates about the social norms for their use started but never ended because the product really never gained acceptance, these social discussions, and probably laws, will need to restart. For example, I think it is worth serious discussion about whether one should ever be allowed to wear the Vision Pro on a plane, which is a place in which ones attention can mean life or death. Most expect Vision Pro to succeed mostly because it is from Apple, but even Apple is not immune to flops. #
- So, then, the question is at what price point and for what utility will the Vision Pro gain acceptance? Do you spend $1,000 or more on monitor on you desk? Some do, most do not. I think the price is going to have to be closer to $500 in order to generating real sales. I have no doubt that will happen, just like how 4K desktop monitors are affordable and thus dominant in sales. How long will it take for the price to come down, and might that be too long for the Vision Pro to gain acceptance? Money may be on Apple's side, but we will see whether time is too.#
I wonder if we need to start teaching kids about how to avoid addictions. As technology becomes more addicting there needs to at least be some awareness and recognition of what is going on and how to treat it. I am thinking of something like
atomic habits.
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