6
Jan, 2020
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A Brief Look at Emerging Technologies

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There is some fear in the implementation of new technology. Not really knowing what to expect and how it will resonate with your current systems and staff can be nerve-racking for even the most hardened entrepreneur. Today, there are a few technologies that have emerged and are on the cusp of being integrated into more business settings. Today, we take a brief look at these technologies.

Technology #1 – Blockchain

You’ve probably heard of blockchain before. It is widely known as the technology that makes cryptocurrency possible. Software developers have been working to use the encrypted distributed ledger system to create applications that can help a business secure its processes and create situational transparency. 

Thus far blockchain’s applications are mostly security-related, but the applications for the technology are limitless. Right now, a business can start using blockchain to boost the security of their accounts-receivable process, for contract transparency, and aid the efficiency of their supply chain. 

Technology #2 – Business Process Automation 

Automation has been the name of the game for some time. Today, however, there are more devices than ever to build automated systems with. The smart-technology boom called the Internet of Things (IoT), coupled with advancements in machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI), is giving businesses more options in which to enhance efficiency. 

Business Process Automation (BPA) incorporates these technologies into business management systems to help a business be able to accomplish more. This boost in productivity can often be pretty obvious on the bottom line. 

Technology #3 – Powerful Collaboration Tools

With technology making collaboration much easier, businesses have begun to promote collaborative efforts. Today, there are several options for the modern business. Businesses are using complete productivity suites like Microsoft Office 365 and Google’s G Suite for collaborative work. They also have begun instituting new communications tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams that couple useful messaging software with dozens of application integrations.

Moreover, businesses are significantly expanding the technology they use to make their BPA strategy more comprehensive. Bringing in interdepartmental collaboration tools that include customer resource management (CRM) is helping businesses operate smarter and more efficiently. 

2020 could be your business’ year to shine. By integrating some of these emerging tools, you could create the efficient operations boost you are seeking. Give us a call at 810.230.9455 today to learn more about what NuTech Services can do for your company.

30
Dec, 2019
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Technology: Then and Now

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Technology gives business owners opportunities to expand, and essentially has become the center of most business practices. Marketing, customer contact, all sorts of inter and intra communication methods now depend heavily on technology. Let’s take a look at what the past has brought, and what the future could bring us.

Before we discuss what the last decade brought us, I wanted to remind everyone just how limitless innovations are. Many years ago, many of these inventions or technologies seemed unrealistic for the times.

Let’s go through the past decade’s biggest hits, as well as what we might see in years to come.

2010: When Innovation Thrived

While many technologies were introduced in the 2000s, the 2010s saw these technologies used in bigger, more innovative ways. Let’s take a brief look at the past ten years and what improvements we saw.

4G

While 4G was actually first developed in 2009, but primarily spreading in the early 2010s, 4G wireless changed the capabilities of wireless data transmission. As a result, further innovations were made, encouraging (and sometimes forcing) technologies to improve. The companies that worked in real-time and heavily depended on application deployment were suddenly given the tools they needed to really take root. Furthermore, 4G was responsible for the viability of many of today’s biggest players, including Spotify, Instagram, Uber, and Snapchat – among many others.

Apple iPad

Can you believe that the iPad has only been around for about a decade? It was the first of many mass-produced consumer tablets, and it took other companies a few years to catch up as they followed Apple’s lead. Powered by iOS, and featuring a large screen, the explosive initial sales of the iPad cemented the tablet’s reputation as a useful device, both at home and in the workplace.

IPv6

In June of 2012, the longstanding wireless networking standard was upgraded for the first time in years. This sixth standard allowed a new age of connectivity, permitting a far larger number of devices to be connected to the Internet.

Chromecast

As we suggested in the section on 4G, streaming was growing in popularity, and it is safe to say that the first Chromecast was partially responsible for that. While it may seem practically ubiquitous today, integrated casting was revolutionary upon its release… and in many ways, it changed how businesses could communicate ideas. Conference rooms everywhere are now equipped to work with this (or similar) technologies.

Virtual Assistants

Today, every major technology brand has its own take on the virtual assistant. Apple has the OG – Siri – while Microsoft has Cortana, Google has its Google Assistant, Amazon has Alexa, and Samsung has Bixby. As such, the development of this technology spurred a new competitive spirit among these rivals, to the benefit of the user. With all of these companies working to create advanced, better assistants to sway consumers, machine learning has improved exponentially through these efforts.

USB-C

Despite largely flying under the radar, one of the most impactful advancements of the decade is the development of the USB Type C connector. With the exception of Apple, it has been accepted as the industry’s standard connection for power and data transmission, and can therefore be found on most post-2015 devices.

Windows 10

As they attempted to put together a mobile OS, and their redesigned Windows 8.1 OS failing to replace the aging Windows 7, Windows 10 was developed to standardize the Windows experience and modernize it for longevity. Now, Windows 10 has been established as the standard, running on 64 percent of all PCs in existence, a number that will grow even higher as Windows 7 is finally put out to pasture.

2020: When Things Will Thrive

While there is an argument that, technically speaking, the Internet of Things is more of a 2010s development, the 2020s are poised to be the decade that Internet-connected devices are truly viable tools, with the necessary integrations, functionality, and (most critically) security finally in place. This is predicted much for the same reason that mobile technology took off last decade – the fact that wireless networks improved. 

Frankly, there’s so much more we have yet to accomplish, as the near future is poised to turn what was very recently science fiction into fact. For instance, the next 10 years will likely see the following technologies come more into the mainstream:

5G Connectivity

With certain areas currently rolling out the 5G wireless standard, and more guaranteed to follow, there is hope of a fundamental shift in how people can use their technology. As if today’s networks weren’t already burdened by our data demands, we are only increasing these demands as time passes. However, 5G potentially promises a variety of benefits – including ubiquitous access, powered by broadcast sites that focus on delivering performance to each user rather than to a given neighborhood. Today’s 5G users have experienced speeds measured in gigabits, so just imagine this capability spreading.

Artificial Intelligence

While the phrase “artificial intelligence” has been somewhat inflated by popular culture, the more practical use of artificial intelligence is slated to increase by a significant amount in the 2020s. Today, neural networks are already in use as a means to recognize data patterns, assisting in automation processes. With the amount of data increasing exponentially, these neural networks are bound to see exponential benefits, and we will be able to put AI to use in more complex and dynamic applications.

The IoT

Like we said, the Internet of Things is only going to grow as time passes, and the many technologies and solutions that are included under this umbrella term will finally have the wireless capabilities needed to make a real impact. Cities will be made smart, using AI to increase the efficiency of crucial services and eliminate waste. Driverless cars will make commuting and traveling safer, and crucial systems in finance, healthcare, and infrastructure will be improved.

Mixed Reality

There has been a notable trend toward increasing how immersive our technology is, and that will culminate in something known as mixed reality. As the predicted replacement to today’s mobile platforms, MR would provide interactive overlays in real-time for all kinds of applications, ultimately reducing data strains. As a result, we could see a variety of applications be completely revolutionized, including education, entertainment, and social interaction.

Just as it did throughout the last decade, technology is sure to transform throughout the coming one. What innovations do you hope to see? Let us know in the comments!

4
Nov, 2019
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How IT is Driving Innovative Developments

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Any healthy market economy relies on innovation. The simple act of making bright ideas even brighter helps boost economic efficiency and growth, creating a higher standard of living. Business processes are being transformed through information technology. Here, let’s look at how some of these shifts are shaping up.

Innovation Technology

Information technology systems are the foundation of the many processes that a lot of businesses rely on. These systems enable you to store data efficiently, putting it to use and interfacing with it collaboratively – but as these systems are so crucial, they must also be properly monitored and maintained.

After all, without its technology, a business that relies on said technology isn’t going to be able to accomplish much.

This has been a driving force behind innovations to technology – boosting reliability, introducing transformative tools, and advancing both business and society at large. However, since this isn’t particularly easy to put into practice, various industry thought leaders have been actively attempting to transform a variety of considerations, including:

  • Applications
  • Infrastructure architectures
  • Service delivery
  • DevOps
  • Production operations
  • Security
  • Compliance

This has effectively been accomplished by developing solutions to meet assessed needs. As a result, new solutions are being thought up to help expand IT from its role in support to actively promoting key business tasks.

Leveraging Cognitive Computing Investments

Cognitive computing is the processing of business data through a combination of machine learning, artificial intelligence, and other powerful computing resources. With these systems, patterns can be recognized, data mined, and language processed far more efficiently than without. With more information, businesses that leverage cognitive computing can see considerable benefits:

  • Enhanced business agility via quicker decision making
  • Consistent process scaling to meet operational and budgetary demands
  • Improved business performance and efficiency

Using these technologies also allows you to support various other aspects of your operations, both internally (filling out your operational structure) and externally (automating customer retention efforts). By making a business more “intelligent,” these investments can provide a competitive advantage, as well as more diverse means of generating revenues.

Smarter Security

A data breach can be catastrophic for a business – and attacks happen far too often today to be ignored. Quite a few tools have been developed to help block out these threats, as well as improve internal data security initiatives.

Of these tools, many leverage AI and machine learning to adapt a cybersecurity policy to better match the threats a business contends with. However, these systems aren’t impervious to threats, which means that business owners need to identify their potential risks, including:

  • Remote access – With the rise in remote workers and other mobility enhancements that allow data and applications to be accessed from outside the network, the connections that enable this access need to be secured.
  • IoT – The Internet of Things has seen an explosive growth in popularity, but with the unfortunate side effect of bringing insecure endpoints into your business. You need to have a strategy to minimize the risks they present.
  • Regulatory requirements – Some businesses and industries have additional rules that they must abide by passed down by the government. You must ensure you are meeting any conditions that apply to you.
  • Hackers and cybercriminals – While businesses now have access to better tools, so do hackers. This requires you to remain vigilant in your network security.

It is also important to mention that this list is far from comprehensive – there are many more threats out there to resist, avoid, and otherwise defend against. Today’s tools are the most effective way to accomplish this.

To learn more about how you can adopt technology that helps your business succeed, reach out to the IT professionals at NuTech Services.

13
Sep, 2019
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The Next Phase of the Internet of Things

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The Internet of Things is growing rapidly, and with that growth there will be a stage where thoughts about IoT technology change forever. From RFID sensors to mobile devices to commercial goods, machine-to-machine communications have already made their way into people’s homes and businesses. What can we expect to happen with the IoT in the future? Today, we take a look to answer this very question.

With global spending on IoT research and integration reaching $745 billion in 2019, the IoT is primed to be one of the largest single industries in the world in the future. Individuals, businesses, and governments are looking at the IoT for solutions to their problems. After all, the more information people have, the better decisions can be made. From the outset, it was said that this technology will transform the way we interact with machines and the way they will interact with each other, and only a few short years into a worldwide implementation, that mantra has proven to be true. Let’s look at where the IoT is growing most.

Industry

The huge annual jumps in IoT spending is largely driven by manufacturers, transportation, and utilities. Industrial IoT solutions provide companies and municipalities, alike, the link between their cloud-based software systems and their analysts, salesmen, and decision makers. This relationship is tenuous, however, and is closely monitored as a result. If a huge IoT strategy breaks even once, confidence in the platform is destroyed, leaving it an unreliable solution, regardless of the strengths of the technology. 

Manufacturers and process managers that utilize IoT solutions absolutely need their systems to be as reliable as possible. That means security, which is the number one improvement that the next phase of IoT has to make. For years, IoT was only somewhat trustworthy because of the lack of integrated security many IoT devices were manufactured with. Today, with security an absolute must for the major undertakings it is being used for, security has improved, but only slightly. A dedication to creating IoT devices that have hardware and software systems that are secure and reliable will dictate just the ceiling of IoT effectiveness.

The Smart City

One of the most intriguing places the IoT has been utilized thus far is in the integration of automated utility systems inside what has been termed, “the smart city”. The smart city uses what are known as low power IoT connections. These devices deliver low bandwidth and power saving features that are perfectly suited to asset monitoring. They can be implemented for a variety of uses, including: 

  • Sensors built into city roadways to sense things like the subsistence of traffic congestion and wear and tear of roadways.
  • Sensors built into bridges to sense degradation and the effect of seismic forces caused by geographical and traffic-based events.
  • Sensors built into buildings to measure wind force, foundation subsistence, or seismic activity.
  • Sensors in the interior of buildings to control foot-traffic, lighting, heating and air, and other systems humans rely on. 
  • Sensors on the street or on entryways that will provide facial recognition and reporting.

Unlike IoT-connected consumer goods, every IoT device deployed in a smart city would have a purpose that is beyond convenience. Every device would be placed to achieve a goal, improve the usability, longevity, and management of infrastructure, boosting resident safety and improving their access to services, cutting costs and limiting energy use, improving communications, and more.

One thing is for sure, the next phase of IoT implementation is going to challenge conventional thinking and deliver solutions that only a short time ago, were only imaginary. At NuTech Services we find technology fascinating. For more great technology information about innovative new tech, return to our blog regularly. 

31
Jul, 2019
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Three Technology Trends We’ve Witnessed in 2019

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Businesses are increasingly adopting more advanced technologies to benefit their operations. We’ve seen a few of these technologies really come into the public eye this year. That’s why we wanted to take some time and review these tools and time-saving solutions with you: to tell you about ways that your business procedures can improve through their implementation.

Blockchain

Perhaps most famously associated with cryptocurrencies, there are various applications in business that blockchain can be of use in. Really, blockchain is of great use in any situation where a record of changes needs to be kept, as the blockchain creates a record of these changes each time a new block is added to the chain – hence the name.

Originally utilized primarily by the financial industries, the utility of the blockchain has expanded to be of considerable use to far more verticals, with no signs of slowing.

AI and Machine Learning

In the past few years, we’ve gone from fearing artificially intelligent machines like HAL 9000 to carrying around a relatively rudimentary version of the sentient computer in our pockets. While our current machines and devices are (thank goodness) far less capable than HAL, they are plenty capable of assisting business processes – largely thanks to machine learning.

Via AI, directed by machine learning, your solutions can carry out predetermined processes and make informed decisions based on the input they receive. As a result, your business can take care of some if its tasks automatically, leaving your team free to focus on other responsibilities.

AR and VR

While augmented reality and virtual reality have been largely associated with entertainment purposes, the business world has started to embrace them for numerous purposes, both in terms of their internal processes and their marketing efforts. Furthermore, with today’s youth being exposed to these kinds of interfaces, they will be more familiar with them when they reach working age (and will be able to use them more productively as a result).

Has your business begun to implement any of these technologies in its workflows – even the most basic varieties? NuTech Services can help you do more. Reach out to us at 810.230.9455 to learn more!

10
May, 2019
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Virtual Reality has a Limitless Future

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Virtual reality, or VR, is a technology that not many people understand how to make the most of. Most people’s experiences with VR is something that is achieved through a third-party application, be it a smartphone or a full-fledged headset. Most of those who experience VR do so without a first-person perspective, with only 16 percent of about 3,000 people polled by Statistica ever actually trying out a “real” VR headset. We’ll give you an idea of what modern VR technology looks like, as well as what the future holds for this technology.

Modern VR Systems

After nearly 30 years of development, VR has been adopted by a miniscule number of companies. It has, for the most part, made the biggest difference in the entertainment industry, where Samsung and Google have a lot of influence. Sony has also established itself as a major player in the VR gaming industry with its Playstation 4. In terms of business, however, these options aren’t necessarily feasible of beneficial.

Two of the most competitive options in the commercial virtual reality space are the HTC Vive (and Vive Pro) and the Oculus Rift. Oculus is owned by Facebook and has led in VR sales, while the HTC Vive and Vive Pro provides a platform for high-end computing systems that are capable of using VR. These two systems work together to provide high-end VR experiences, even if it’s mostly for gaming.

These VR options give users the ability to bring themselves into a virtual world, thus providing developers with great opportunities to build out software to capitalize on it. The applications built in VR give users the opportunity to explore the earth and space in a way that can immerse them in a simulated reality.

The Immediate Future of VR

The future of VR is leaning more in the direction of reality; unlike great journeys or expeditions to places like the moon or the bottom of the sea, VR will be used to create educational resources and training software.

Some manufacturers have already begun to anticipate this shift, using services like Microsoft’s Mixed Reality (MR) devices with hopes of business integration in 2020 a possibility. While not true virtual reality, this platform integrates virtual elements into reality, providing business professionals with great new options to achieve their goals. It’s safe to say that businesses will find some use for these virtual sandboxes to either improve performance or work out daring new ways to accomplish tasks.

What are your thoughts on VR? Let us know in the comments and be sure to subscribe to our blog.

29
Apr, 2019
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4 Emerging Technologies Being Used for Business

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Technology plays an important part in managing any modern business, especially with the elevated importance of information in a data-driven world. Today’s blog is dedicated to four emerging technologies that are changing the way that organizations approach operations.

Artificial Intelligence
AI might be primitive in a lot of ways at the moment, but this doesn’t mean that it’s not growing in popularity. Machines can get smarter the way that humans do when they perform the same function several times, but unlike humans, machines don’t have various emotions to hold them back. Here are a few ways that a business can leverage AI to its advantage:

  • Processing large amounts of data
  • Personalizing customer experiences
  • Operational automation
  • Security
  • Predicting demand
  • And more

Businesses might have expensive operational issues that demand AI-integrated solutions to handle them, thus expanding the market and allowing for rapid adoption. Automation in particular is being adopted at an alarming rate, and this is driving the demand for artificial intelligence.

Blockchain
Blockchain has been making headlines in the news, fueled by the cryptocurrency fads that have utilized the technology. Blockchain creates a public ledger that is distributed rather than centralized, with each block storing all of the data that is relevant to a transaction. Once this data is captured, it can’t be altered without changing all data that has come afterward. This presents considerable data security benefits.

Some businesses hope to use this increased security to their benefit using a more distributed system. The more people who utilize the blockchain, the more we learn about it, meaning more tools are created to help organizations leverage the blockchain. Here are some of the ways that organizations can utilize the blockchain:

  • Managing supply chains
  • Identity management
  • Recordkeeping & archiving
  • Data security
  • And more

Blockchain is so popular that even Oracle’s head of blockchain development claims that half of businesses will find a use for blockchain in the next three years.

5G
The past 40 years have shown that wireless technology has a lot of opportunity to improve. Wireless broadband will see an increase from the 4G used today to 5G. In fact, it could potentially change the world. Data speeds could reach as high as 1GB/second or higher, giving many businesses access to the following benefits:

  • Faster speeds
  • Reduced Latency
  • Greater Capacity
  • Improved Battery Life
  • And more

Innovation will drive businesses to adopt faster technologies than ever before, and Qualcomm has found that 5G will become a “general purpose technology” in the near future, used so much that it will be akin to electricity or vehicles.

Virtual Reality
The consensus is that virtual reality is pretty neat, but not practical in the business environment. Unfortunately, this is far from the actual reality of the situation, as hardware and software advances have given organizations the means to use virtual reality in ways previously unheard of. VR is great for immersing users in virtual environments that can be used for practically any purpose, including training simulations, talent management, product design, and shared experience.

What are some other emerging technologies that you think will be helpful for businesses in the near future? Let us know in the comments.

25
Feb, 2019
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3 Noteworthy Technologies That Were Never Popular

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Sometimes technology just doesn’t take off. The industry might think that it’s a game changer, but the device or product itself may not live up to the hype surrounding it, forever leaving the product to compete with the impossible standards set by the hype. Today, we’re going to look at some of these particular concepts, as well as why we think they simply didn’t fit in with today’s innovation-filled environment.

3D Displays
Remember that craze with the 3D movies? Manufacturers have been trying to keep people excited about 3D technology for a long time, but it has met with little long-term success. Content creators simply can’t commit to a 3D capture or post production process. A significant lack of content, combined with consumers needing a silly pair of 3D glasses and the hardware required by the display, people just preferred to stick to what had been working in the past. High-definition displays can make 2D programming look astounding, and with such a small demand for 3D picture, the technology has been abandoned.

There have been talks about resurrecting the technology through what’s called Home3D. MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Lab (CSAIL) has found a way to emulate the 3D experience without the embarrassing glasses, but without content made for 3D, you shouldn’t expect to see too much support for this technology anytime soon.

Smart Glasses
Smart glasses, like Google Glass, used to be a hot commodity, but they fell off everyone’s radar relatively quickly. While they initially were quite anticipated, there are very few smart glasses manufacturers left today. In 2012, Google Glass was being tested by several celebrities, but in today’s technology industry, there are maybe a handful of smart glasses manufacturers at the most. These companies still don’t have a clear idea of who would be the consumers for smart glasses, but they have learned that when it comes to this particular product, less is more.

One of the nails in the coffin for Google Glass was the invasion of privacy. While users might be able to come to terms with Google tracking what you say, buy, and do online, adding a camera to your glasses was simply too much for just about everyone. It was thought for a time that smart glasses could be a viable alternative to a smartphone, but the technologies behind the device simply haven’t been perfected to the point of proper implementation.

Virtual Reality
While virtual reality might be “available” today, people have been talking about it for upwards of 40 years. Other technologies being developed and discussed in the 1980s, like VHS and audio cassettes, have come and gone, but the idea of virtual reality lingers on. This is despite the fact that practical applications of VR are few and far between.

The primary use for virtual reality–gaming–has turned out to be a major failure so far. While there is some value in giving people the ability to share experiences online through VR, it hasn’t been a priority for developers, creating a similar situation to 3D technology. VR as a technology might not be completely dead in the water yet, but there isn’t much excitement out there for the technology–at least not to the point where it can be transformative (at this moment).

What are some of your favorite technologies that haven’t been as successful as you’d have liked them to be? Let us know in the comments.

26
Oct, 2018
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The New Version of Chrome has Interesting Changes

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Chrome 70 has proven to be quite a divisive browser. While a lot of users are excited for the new changes to security, some are also worried about whether Chrome can maintain this security and its user-friendly interface. Here are some of the changes being made to Chrome 70 so you can choose whether this browser update is for you.

Extension Restrictions
One of Chrome’s largest advantages over its competition has to be its library of add-on extensions. Unfortunately, any kind of functionality with these additional “programs” can lead to security concerns. Google has had to slow down the production of extensions to create new requirements for developers to adhere to. One example is how cryptocurrency continues to be a major talking point, prompting extensions to include cryptocurrency mining and cryptojacking in their features. Google is shutting down these supplemental programs, as well as generally holding developers to higher standards than they previously were. It now demands that developer accounts be protected by two-factor authentication, as well as paying closer attention to apps that require lots of permissions or host their code remotely.

Security Measures
Chrome 70 is also packing in all kinds of new security features to keep phishing attacks away from end users. In particular, Chrome is trying to push education of its native password management tools, as well as warn users when the links they are about to access aren’t secure. In essence, this simply states that websites need to be secured if they want visitors, reinforcing the fact that websites need to prioritize security these days.

Login Concerns
While some changes have been accepted with open arms, others… not so much. While Chrome has allowed users to use the browser without logging into the browser, some have noticed that Chrome appears to log a user in, even if they are only using one service out of the many provided. This is primarily an issue because Google could potentially share the user’s data (think browsing history), which is not something that users traditionally take lightly. In the time since then, Google has announced that Chrome isn’t necessarily logging users into Chrome–it’s more of an in-between measure to show a user which of their accounts is currently logged in.

As with any new solution, there will be roadblocks and concerns that users might be faced with during the experimentation phase. What kind of experiences have you had with Chrome 70 so far? Let us know in the comments.

3
Sep, 2018
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Hackers Plus Artificial Intelligence Equals Big Trouble

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Thanks to the advent of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity professionals have to reconsider how they approach these threats. Machine learning is one option, as it can help today’s modern solutions learn how to be more effective against advanced threats. On the other hand, what’s stopping the other side from also taking advantage of artificial intelligence? The answer: nothing, nothing at all.

If you think about it, this makes a lot of sense, as computers are capable of working much faster than humans. Plus, they are less prone to user error. Hackers have found A.I. to be effective for the deployment of phishing attacks. According to a study conducted by ZeroFOX in 2016, an A.I. called SNAP_R was capable of administering spear-phishing tweets at a rate of about 6.75 per minute, tricking 275 out of 800 users into thinking they were legitimate messages. In comparison, a staff writer at Forbes could only churn out about 1.075 tweets a minute, and they only fooled 49 out of 129 users.

A more recent development by IBM is using machine learning to create programs capable of breaking through some of the best security measures out there. Of course, this also means that we’ll eventually have to deal with malware powered by artificial intelligence, assuming that it isn’t already being leveraged somewhere.

IBM’s project, DeepLocker, showcased how video conferencing software can be hacked. The process involved the software being activated by the target’s face being detected in a photograph. The IBM team, including lead researcher Marc Ph. Stoecklin, has this to say about these kinds of attacks: “This may have happened already, and we will see it two or three years from now.”

Other researchers have demonstrated that A.I. can be used in cyberattacks, even going as far as using open-source tools to make them happen. What do you think about this development? Do you think that these threats are already present, or do you think that the biggest threat is yet to come? Let us know in the comments.

31
Aug, 2018
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Attempts to Make Smart Cities Hit a Snag

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At this point, the concept of the Internet of Things is a fairly familiar one, but that familiarity is to the Internet of Things on the micro scale–appliances with capabilities enhanced by an available connection to the Internet. There is another, more macro application to the Internet of Things: as a way to collect data in a municipal setting. However, like the IoT we are familiar with, these “smart cities” are host to many familiar problems.

The Concept of a Smart City
Like many technological developments, the idea of a smart city is built on good intentions. Through the use of technology (much of it based in the IoT), a smart city leverages collected data to functionally serve the public, embetter the services of government, and improve the quality of life for its citizenry.

That’s the idea, at least.

Unfortunately, like many of the ‘smart’ devices that the populace can interact with, the systems that these cities leverage tend to be susceptible to attack.

What These Attacks Could Do
In order to understand the potential ramifications of these kinds of attacks, it is important to first have an understanding of the kinds of systems that a smart city is built upon.

The true purpose behind creating a smart city is to make it a better place to live, and to do that, certain systems need to be put in place. These systems are powered by the data they collect. With that data, insights into correlated problems can be leveraged to solve them.

The sensors that these cities use to collect this data monitor a wide variety of factors, ranging from traffic conditions to the weather and even health-related factors like air quality and radiation. The data that is collected is then used, through the power of automation, to decide how to approach infrastructural concerns. For instance, if traffic is moving slowly in an area, these systems would deliver that data to decision-makers, allowing them to make the call to reroute traffic a different way to ease the congestion. This system just makes the decisions, too.

The big problem with this is that now, if these systems don’t have sufficient security measures in place, they leave the city’s infrastructure vulnerable to attack. Unfortunately, in an initial study of three companies who provide these kinds of smart city systems, 17 basic vulnerabilities were present in their products. These vulnerabilities included things like easily guessable passwords, bugs that could allow malware to be introduced, and opportunities for authentication requirements to be side-stepped.

Why This Matters
The harsh reality is that developing smart cities with these kinds of vulnerabilities is the geopolitical equivalent of intentionally wearing a “Kick Me” sign each and every time you went out in public. The United States of America have already learned this the hard way, as electoral systems and the energy grid have been hijacked recently. If appearances aren’t deceiving, actions are being taken to reinforce these vulnerabilities in these IoT devices, but it certainly doesn’t help if careless oversights are being made in the security of major metropolitan areas.

We’re not saying that bringing the Internet of Things to cities is a bad thing, but the security needs to be there. The same goes for businesses. If your business relies on devices that connect to the Internet, like physical security devices, smart appliances, and networking infrastructure, locking down these devices and keeping them patched is critical to keep your operations running without a hitch.

Give NuTech Services a call at 810.230.9455 to learn about the security options we have to offer you.

27
Jul, 2018
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How Technology is Transforming the Way Students Learn

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To educate the leaders of tomorrow, using technology from the past isn’t going to cut it. While some schools are still using technology from the last century, others are moving forward. Today, we will take a look at classroom technology innovations, and how to get this exciting new technology in the hands of more students.

The Modern Classroom
Like the modern office, the modern classroom is beginning to run on technology; and as a result, it is changing the way teachers need to teach. Teaching strategies that have been the same for decades are being questioned and altered, making the children of today more-or-less guinea pigs in the new way of learning. They are well-equipped for this alteration, however, as they are the first generation of people that have lived in the age of social media and are likely well more advanced at using technology to solve problems than previous generations. So while there are some inherent problems with kids growing up in the age of social media, for education, the concept is a major win.

One strategy modern teachers are using nowadays is called flipped learning. This is where children are asked to watch online lectures, videos, and other materials at home, then do what used to be called homework during class. The classwork isn’t just people sitting quietly at their desks with their five-pound textbook open any longer, it’s now a chance for the children to work collaboratively to solve problems and hone practical skills that can be used throughout their lives. Best yet, flipped learning allows for a more analytical approach to teaching, whereas in the past kids that had trouble with certain concepts would work on problems they didn’t understand at home, away from educators, leading to frustration and higher degrees of failure.

For the school that isn’t ready to flip education completely on its head, there is blended learning, which is a strategic combination of using traditional face-to-face teaching with technology-based assignments to get more out of each lesson plan. So, while there are still in-class lectures, and individual assignments, integrating the use of technology to find answers, present homework, and introduce concepts can go a long way toward getting the children using technology and gaining the skills they are going to need as a member of the future workforce.

What Are Some of the New Technologies?
There are several technologies that are being developed to help students (and people in general) learn more about the world around them. Let’s start in the classroom. One technology that is starting to become common in the classroom is the smartboard. If you haven’t seen one, it is in essence a whiteboard that is hooked up to a computer and has multi-touch capabilities. This provides a more immersive educational experience than the old overhead or slide projector. One feature that a smartboard has is that it can be mirrored to any Internet-connected computer, giving students (or whomever is viewing this content) the chance to follow along when they are out of the classroom or on their personal device within the classroom itself.

Another great tool is the smart table. Smart tables are computer-based, and Wi-Fi connected touchscreen tables that typically have many multi-touch points, some have as many as 80 unique touch points at the same time. Since the technology is more accessible, the smart table is great for younger students that need more hands-on learning.

Another technology that the classroom of tomorrow will almost certainly feature is virtual and augmented reality glasses. These technologies are just in their infancy, but the more applications they begin to create, the more they will be found in schools. AR specifically is a technology that many students can benefit from. Since it is a digital overlay over real life objects, it makes instructional learning more immersive and provides a student practical instruction rather than providing conceptual instruction. It won’t be surprising to see apps developed for tablets and smartphones that will provide step-by-step instructions to students in a wide variety of disciplines.

Securing the Technology
The process of getting students and teachers more connected and modernized isn’t just about acquiring new hardware and software. It’s also critical that teachers and administrators are taught how to use the technology and how to use it safely. Without proper security measures, sensitive information could be at stake, and putting a student’s identity or privacy at risk has deep ramifications. It’s critical that schools consult IT experts who understand IT security before deploying technology that connects to the Internet or the network in general.

How to Get Kids the Technology They Need
One big problem facing a lot of public schools is that they simply don’t have the funding to get enough of the technology into classrooms to make a difference for the students. Most school boards won’t propose major tax increases in order to fund classroom innovation, and it’s unreasonable to expect that educators foot the bill for this technology. For situations like this, teachers have turned to crowdsourcing and social media. The most popular platform used by educators is DonorsChoose.org, which was started by a teacher and can be used by educators to raise funds for school supplies and technology.

Another form of funding can come from social media. Reddit does a gift exchange for teachers. There are people from all around the world looking to help kids get a better education by providing them technology. Another is Digital Wish, where teachers can purchase donated technology and software. The site allows donations that can go into their Digital Wish account to help them purchase the technology they need.

Of course, you can always go the traditional route: writing to your congressman/woman, but a lot of times you’d be better off turning to Adopt a Classroom, a foundation set up for teachers who, on average, spend nearly $600 a year on classroom supplies. Go to adoptaclassroom.org for more information.

The world has seen its technology change quickly and education is going to have to represent where we are in society. Do you know of any technologies that students use nowadays that we didn’t touch on? Leave your thoughts with us in the comments section below and return to our blog for more great technology-based content.

9
Jul, 2018
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The Internet of Things Gives Great Power to Our Phones

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The Internet of Things is a bit of a paradox in and of itself. It has been leveraged to accomplish great things, but at the same time, it can be used in a way that can create considerable problems. However, innovations have proven that the IoT isn’t going anywhere, anytime soon, especially now that it can use the devices that we carry in our pockets.

Taking the IoT to New Heights
Smartphones are notorious for swiftly becoming obsolete, which means that there is a great opportunity to repurpose them and give them new life as a critical component of an IoT device. Just ask NASA.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration has long been sending satellites into orbit – despite the intense costs to construct them, let alone get them where they need to go. To help decrease these costs without sacrificing the insight that these satellites provide, NASA started the PhoneSat Project in 2009. Rather than sending a few conventional, expensive satellites into orbit, many nanosatellites can be built from off-the-shelf components and sent into space. These nanosatellites rely on smartphones in order to function.

This initiative has appeared to be very successful, as version 2.4 of PhoneSat, “CubeSat,” reentered the atmosphere on January 31, 2017 after spending more than three years orbiting Earth. These nanosatellites have a relatively tiny price tag of $8000, and have, thus far, proved massively successful.

Bringing the IoT Down to Earth
Of course, the IoT has far more uses that are much more practical to the user who is not affiliated with NASA. Samsung Electronics created a team whose task was to figure out ways of taking older models from the Galaxy line of phones and figuring out how to leverage them as an IoT device. This “Galaxy Upcycling” team created a huge variety of IoT-powered purposes – including a few for the owners of hungry pets. The Smart Fish Tank they developed could feed the fish through a text message, and the Smart Pet Bowl would send the doting pet owner a picture whenever Fido or Fluffy chows down. This project has since been completed, the final product anticipated to be released soon.

Security Concerns
Of course, the same issues plague the IoT powered by a smartphone as have plagued all IoT devices that have come before: namely, security concerns. The IoT is notorious for its devices not having sufficient security installed, and often have no real way to update later. Time will only tell if this will eventually be a fatal flaw for the IoT, or if it will be overcome.

What do you think? Would you consider using an old smartphone to make another object smarter? Tell us why or why not in the comments!

16
Feb, 2018
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Are You Intrigued By the Tech of CES 2018?

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CES 2018 introduced the world to some downright interesting (and some absurd) electronics. The Consumer Electronics Show gives the technology industry just the outlet to showcase the best and brightest of what manufacturers have to offer. Here are some of the more interesting highlights from Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Interesting
In case your home television system isn’t big enough already, Samsung introduced the world to “The Wall,” a television that measures 146-inches diagonally. It uses technology similar to those used by scoreboards at sporting events, scaled down to meet the size of the screen. The Wall still has some challenges facing it, but if anyone can overcome them, it’s Samsung.

Another technology that has recently seen an increase in popularity is voice-responsive tech and connected homes. Amazon’s Alexa device was a huge hit at CES, but perhaps the most notable benefit of it is the sheer number of applications and services that can be used through voice commands. Even more services have been offered this year, which makes Alexa an interesting and valuable voice companion for everyday life.

Finally, there was a technology created with the intent of helping older generations. ElliQ is a digital companion that can help meet the needs of older users. ElliQ can remind users of upcoming appointments or allow them to hold conversations with them.

The Practical
One of the more practical uses of technology in the consumer technology market is fitness. As such, CES had a showcase where the best of fitness technology was on full display. Peloton, known for its connected indoor cycles that stream fitness classes, introduced a new treadmill that allows the user to view pre-recorded classes or live classes. This device, called the Peloton Tread, features many fitness classes and some other strength/circuit classes as well.

Taking the concept of fitness one step further is the Spire Swim Tracker, the first smart swimsuit. This automatically measures your swimming metrics. It then connects to the swim.com app, where the user can view the information. Furthermore, you don’t even have to charge the tracking tag, as it is purposely designed so that it lasts longer than the suit.

Finally, virtual reality is making a splash in the fitness community. Black Box gyms will soon have VR capabilities that can make going to the gym a bit more interesting. Basically, it turns something like a resistance workout and transforms it into a video game, allowing for an entertaining and satisfying 30-minute workout.

The Strange
Some of the devices introduced at CES 2018 were a little unorthodox or designed for a specific audience. For example, the device Keen allows for an inertial measurement to help those with bad posture better their bad habits. It basically lets users kick bad habits in due time. Another interesting technology was Moodo, which allows you to use a diffuser to throw scents into the air via a smartphone app. Other gadgets, like the self-driving store and a ping-pong-playing robot, also made appearances at CES, but one of the weirdest was the Somnox Sleep Robot, a device that is basically a glorified body pillow that simulates breathing and helps users fall asleep.

What are some of the devices that you would like to see at future CES conferences? Let us know in the comments.

2
Feb, 2018
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CES 2018 Showcases Upcoming Technology

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If there is one thing you know about technology, it’s that it meets its demand. No matter if you are talking about the millions of Internet of Things products being created today, video games and entertainment, or business tech, demand drives the technology market.

The results of this demand were presented at the 2018 International Consumer Electronics Show, an event that took place from January 7th to the 12th in Las Vegas, Nevada. While the focus was admittedly directed toward consumer products, there were quite a few technologies present that could prove impactful to the business realm.

Perhaps most impactful to businesses was the continued discussion surrounding 5G wireless connectivity. Already discussed at length at CES 2017, 5G could prove to be of significant benefit to businesses that rely on cloud-based applications and wireless devices. Wireless carriers, including AT&T and Verizon, have plans to incorporate 5G in some markets by the end of 2018.

However, the question remains how much hardware will be able to support 5G connectivity in the coming year, and how quickly the term ‘5G’ will be adopted to describe something it isn’t.

There was also interesting news concerning laptops, even with the recent discovery of Spectre and Meltdown, the chip vulnerabilities that affect almost every single computing and mobile device in existence. Despite this setback, there was a noticeable trend in the laptops displayed at the event leaning more heavily on the kind of technology one would find in a mobile device. As a result, these devices could boast faster operating speeds.

Not everything at CES made very much sense, however. London-based Planet Computers launched the Gemini, an Android-powered mobile device that basically functions as a miniature clamshell laptop. While it is an effective device for what it does, it doesn’t make much sense in the business setting–but it may be an option for someone who often needs to take business on the road.

Overall, events like these just go to show that even if a device is labelled as a consumer product, it may just have a place in a business setting. Even if it doesn’t, it may inspire the development of a similar device that is more focused on a business user’s needs.

What would you like to see developed in 2018? Let us know in the comments, and make sure to subscribe to our blog!

12
Jun, 2017
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You Can Now Generate Power By Literally Folding Laundry

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Wouldn’t it be convenient if you could charge your smartphone just by walking down the street? How about turning your tie into a voice-recognizing security system? Michigan State University has been working toward creating some great new tech that makes these suggestions seem like real possibilities, in the form of a small device.

Nelson Sepulveda, an MSU Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, along with his team, developed a device that can create power as it is bent or folded–which means it can be used as fabric for clothing. These devices are called biocompatible ferroelectret nanogenerators, or FENG.

Power is created by the device’s layers as energy is received through other sources; for example, the user’s physical motion. This allows for countless possibilities, including the ability to charge a device through only using FENG technology.

There are other ways that this technology can be used, including security applications. FENG material is very sensitive, so it could make it almost impossible to trick a voice recognition system. FENG could also be used as a speaker, adding to its versatility. In other words, it can work from both sides of the spectrum.

It’s also likely that FENG technology can be used to aid in discovering new ways to make technology more efficient for longer periods of time. This can help businesses achieve much more overall than they were previously able to, all without losing the ever-important battery charge. Read more about FENG here. 

What are your thoughts on FENG? Do you think that this will become a new standard for building new devices? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to subscribe to our blog for even more great business technology information.

5
Jun, 2017
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You Will Soon Be Able to Search the Web With Your Smartphone Camera, Thanks to Google Lens

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While many instances of augmented reality may seem gimmicky, Google is taking strides toward making AR a purposeful utility in our mobile devices. This was made apparent when Google’s CEO, Sundar Pichai, announced Google Lens.

Taking note of the online shift from text-based content to image/video-based content, Google is doing its best to improve the search engine’s ability to reflect that shift. Utilizing machine learning, Google Lens can view images that are either saved in the device’s memory or visible to its camera and complete tasks based on those images.

For example, Google Lens can:

  • Identify a species of flower that the camera is focused on.
  • Log into a WiFi network just by viewing the SSID sticker on the router.
  • Translate text that the camera is pointed towards into a different language.
  • Provide information and reviews on local restaurants, stores, and other establishments that the phone is pointed at.

When it’s launched, Google Lens will have the ability to interact with both the Google Assistant and Google Photos. Google Assistant will allow you to add an event to your calendar just by pointing your camera at an information board. Google Photos will allow the user to check details like opening and closing hours of a business. If you happen to have a screenshot of someone’s business card, you can call them directly from the image.

More Google apps will follow these two, providing users even more functionality.

So, what do you think? Do you see these features making your day-to-day business tasks and responsibilities easier? Which Google app do you most look forward to Google Lens augmenting? Let us know in the comments!

8
Jul, 2016
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The Internet Dramatically Changed the Publishing Industry. What About Your Field of Expertise?

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It’s well-known that publishers are a major component of an author sharing their work with the world, but recent innovations threaten to disrupt the status quo of the industry. Like many industries, the publishing industry has been changed significantly by the introduction of new technologies that afford writers more liberty when producing their work. What can the business owner learn from these changes?

Traditionally, and still today, the publishing industry relies on manuscripts that are submitted by authors for publication. Once a manuscript has been accepted, the publishing house will provide the personnel and services necessary to polish the work and turn it into something that can make them money. This typically includes editing for quality, designing the book, and marketing it to potential readers.

Unfortunately, the problem that many budding authors run into is the fact that it can take publishing houses several weeks, to several months, to read and accept (or reject) a manuscript. Plus, after waiting so long for an acquisition editor to read a manuscript, it might not even get approved. If it does get approved, the author still has to wait several months to hold their new publication in their hands.

Today’s authors can potentially avoid the headaches that stem from dealing with traditional publishing houses. Thanks to technology like the Internet, authors can now share their work through many different outlets. Social media websites, personal web hosting, online product review sites, and so much more, all allow people to share their work with like-minded individuals.

In particular, self-publishing has taken the brunt of abuse from traditional publishing houses. At first, it might seem to be because they perceive it as a threat, but more often than not, they are just bent out of shape by how “unprofessional” self-publishing looks. When an author goes through the self-publishing process, they’re in charge of editing the manuscript and preparing it for publication, rather than taking advantage of established professionals in the industry. The end result could vary from a polished masterpiece to a mistake-ridden manuscript that becomes a commercial failure.

This brings up an excellent point; if you can use a service to make your job easier, save time, and conserve capital, should you do so? It depends on the level of quality that you can expect. If you’d rather have the work done professionally, outsourcing the service is always an option. For example, in the case of the self-published author, they might hire a freelance editor or editing firm to review their work and make edits, check for usage inconsistencies, and review the narrative. Basically, the concept is that onboarding a professional dedicated to the specific craft can be a great asset.

It’s not much of a stretch to compare this concept to the modern business environment. Outsourcing is a major trend that is more acceptable than ever, especially for technical positions like IT maintenance and technology procurement. Small and medium-sized businesses often don’t have the luxury of having an in-house IT department that they can depend on for their support and maintenance. Therefore, they look to other organizations, like NuTech Services, who can assist them without breaking their budget or looking for new hires.

If you’re having a hard time managing your business’s technology, we’re here to help. With our managed services, we can take care of your hardware, remotely administer patches and security updates, back up your systems, protect your infrastructure from threats, and so much more. Let us help you write the next chapter of your business’s journey to success. For more information, give us a call at 810.230.9455.

18
May, 2016
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Tip of the Week: 5 Tips From the 90s That You’ve Completely Forgot

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The 1990s were dominated by all sorts of great technology: VHS, floppy disks, and grossly oversized computer hardware. Learning new technology shortcuts was once all the rage, but when looked at now, these tech tips are rendered obsolete. However, that doesn’t stop them from hitting us right in the nostalgia. Here are some of our favorite tech tips from the 1990s.

Keep the Phone Line Open
Do you remember the good old days of only having one phone line per household? Only one person could use the phone at a given time. This meant that people had to use their imagination to keep the phone available for an important call. For example, one way to do this was to call an automated phone service, like a local movie theater for showtimes, which would repeat itself over and over again. The idea was to wait until the phone would notify you that your call was coming in. If someone were to pick up another phone, they wouldn’t hear the dial tone, keeping your plot a secret.

Use Collect Calls for Quick Messages
In the ‘90s, collect phone calls were popularized with dozens of collect call services, like 1-800-COLLECT. These calls worked by providing a brief moment to relay your name so that the person you were calling could accept the charges. Rather than actually pay for these calls, people would simply record short messages during this brief window and hang up before the charges could be accepted. Think of it like a primitive version of text-messaging. While it may not have been the most ethical practice, it sure was convenient.

Blow On Video Game Cartridges to Make Them Work
Classic gaming consoles that used cartridges, like the Nintendo Entertainment System or the Super Nintendo, were always subject to occasional hiccups. Somehow, blowing on the game’s innards seemed like a good idea to resolve the issue. Oddly enough, most of the time it worked, even though science has proven that doing so can actually corrode the cartridge’s connectors. It’s more likely that the success wasn’t a result of blowing on the cartridge, and instead it was simply from plugging in the game a second time.

Store a Disposable Camera in Your Car’s Glove Compartment
Having a camera phone today is considered commonplace rather than a luxury. The people of the ‘90s weren’t nearly as privileged, and instead had to rely on disposable cameras in their times of need. By keeping one in your car’s glove compartment, you always had a way to record events, particularly in case of a car accident. Well… after you wait several hours for the photos to develop at the drugstore, that is.

Keep Extra AA Batteries for Your Portable CD Player
Pretty much any modern portable music device runs with a rechargeable battery. Before this innovation, however, portable CD players were all the rage, and they required that you lug around your CD collection, just to have some variety in your playlist. If you wanted to go all-in with your music-listening, you had to bring extra batteries with you, just in case your CD player ran out of battery life. How’s that for inconvenience?

While these tips might not seem so special now, for many, they are remembered fondly, and are a cause to celebrate just how far technology has come in recent times. What are some of your favorite technology tips for long-obsolete devices? Let us know in the comments.

9
May, 2016
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Can Technology Cure Blindness? We’ll See!

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Wireless technology is a staple in the office, but it’s making leaps and bounds in the medical industry, too. With innovations like wireless sensors, pumps, and other Internet of Things devices that can communicate with each other, medical care can be provided in unprecedented ways. But what would you say if we told you that wireless technology can give the blind back their sight?

Well, these patients may not have perfect sight, but they can regain their ability to see to a certain degree. While there are several retinal implants that help victims of degenerative eye diseases, the Argus device by Second Sight is mostly used to help patients suffering from retinitis pigmentosa– a hereditary condition in which the light-sensitive cells in the retina depreciate. In other words, the disease gradually erodes the vision of the victim until they’re unable to see anything but the brightest of lights. The Argus can give victims of this crippling condition another chance at living a normal life.

The Argus is a small device that is designed to take the place of some functions of the retina, aiding in sight. It sits on the patient’s retina and receives images wirelessly from a camera mounted on a special pair of glasses. The Argus then converts the images received into electromagnetic pulses, which communicate with the brain via the optic nerve much like a normal retina does. Though the images seen by patients aren’t necessarily full-color, perfect visions of the outside world; patients describe seeing rough black and white renditions, which certainly beats seeing nothing but darkness.

Of course, the inside of the human body isn’t a very hospitable environment for technology, even under the best conditions. Considering the body is full of salt, electronics can corrode and deteriorate over time. The main challenge is creating a device that is capable of withstanding the conditions inside the human body, while making it small enough to not be obtrusive to the human eye.

At first, the Argus only had 16 electrodes, which offered a limited amount of vision for the patient. The modern versions of Argus use 60 electrodes, which allow patients to “see” much better. As time goes on, Second Sight hopes that Argus can provide even better vision for its patients, as well as color vision. If there’s any question of whether the Argus is effective, watch this video.

In the future, these types of eye implants could be used to treat many different kinds of blindness, including optic nerve damage, diabetic retinopathies, glaucoma, and more. However, this might not be for quite some time, considering how the technology would have to imitate the function of the optic nerve, which demands a direct connection to the brain.

With so many great new technologies coming into existence, it’s only a matter of time before technology can be used to help even more people eliminate their physical handicaps. What are your thoughts on using bionic technology to help those in need? Do you think that someday science will have the power to restore vision completely? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to subscribe to our blog for more great tech news.