Big news hit this week as we learned that MoviePass deliberately changed user passwords to prevent users from using their subscription service. Surprisingly, railroad crossings are not a standard feature in navigation tools and certain safety agencies are pushing big technology to change that. Samsung announced their future headlining products will not feature a headphone jack, a major trend in the mobile market. Lastly, Google launched a new flight price guarantee program where consumers may request refunds when prices drop below what was originally paid.

Why a 20 year AT&T customer has decided to walk away after several hiccups from the mobile provider. Apple released some additional details about the highly anticipated Apple Card by sending invitations to select and chosen iOS users. Back to school time means only one thing – HP is back offering a range of discounted computers, laptops, and printers. Finally, we share some options on whether the data breaches will ever end in the near future.

We begin by discussing the news of AT&T reporting a loss of nearly one million customers this last quarter and share our opinions one why this is really happening. If you were affected by the Equifax data breach, now is the time to file your claim for payment. By the end of year, the credit reporting firm is set to pay out $380M to customers. A new electric ride sharing service launches in California aimed at helping to reduce air pollution and assist communities with limited transportation options. Lastly, the City of Atlanta has banned the further issuance of e-scooter permits after two individuals died over a four week span.

This weekend we celebrated the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11 and the first steps on the moon. British Airways was dealt the heaviest fine in GDPR regulation history which shows European agencies are making a statement of their seriousness. The French government passed a new 3% digital tax on internet companies that many U.S entities are calling unfair, untimely, and unjustified. The inventor of the computer password, Fernando Corbato, has passed at the age of 93 and his influence on the industry cannot be undervalued.  And of course, we touch on the FaceApp craze and debacle that ensued over the last week.

We are talking about using technology for good and technology in the non-profit sector. Fay shares her experience in the industry and shares her valuable insights into the role social media plays into organizational agendas, how risk is being taken, and whether experimentation is embraced by others in the field. Challenges facing non-profits include incorporating online transacting for fundraising and diversifying communications methods for members. As an experienced social media strategist, Fay has learned over the years how to mobilize supporters, raise money, and move the media, the public, and decision makers to help nonprofits achieve real and lasting change.

Central and high desert residents of California were hit with major back-to-back earthquakes and social media played a pivotal role in information, safety, and communication. Over the weekend, we experienced how availability of mobile phone data can cause a headache in terms of management, cost, and convenience. E-scooters deserve more conversation because they create an eyesore and public safety concerns along with a tax on public services in terms of enforcement and oversight. And finally, a group of powerful executives and technology movers are investing heavily in the midwest region of the United States which is often outshadowed and overlooked by the industry.

Amazon has announced Prime Day – July 15 and 16 – offering up some new features to entice veteran and newcomers to the sell-a-thon. Tech comes and goes, some faster than others. We take a stab at existing technology that will be dying off by the end of the year and into 2020. After the massive Equifax data breach of 2017, a sentence of four months in federal prison was handled down to a single executive for insider trading. Finally, we learned last week that the brilliant product designer Jony Ive has departed Apple to begin his own company.

A new bill from the United States Senate aims to require some tech companies to disclose the actual dollar amount being made off your data they collect. The very popular and entertaining Drone Racing League has secured another round of venture capital to the tune of $50 million dollars. The Home Depot is celebrating its 40th birthday so we venture down the road of why home improvement stores seem to be void of troubles associated with online shopping and other industry store closures. Microsoft is limited which software their employees can use (including Slack and Grammarly) over concerns of intellectual property protection. Monopoly has gone high tech with the integration of a voice command AI-type smart speaker that tracks money and controls to pace of the game.

We are joined by Heather Welch of the Sunshine & PowerCuts podcast talking about the myths, realities, and technology behind off-the-grid living. Out of necessity 7 ½ years ago, Heather and her husband built a customized off grid system in rural northern New Zealand after being told a power connection would cost over $30,000. Heather shares her story of building the system, the technology behind the system, and the obvious ups and downs of living such a lifestyle. Adapting to changing conditions in terms of weather conditions, personal needs, and capacity limitations is a major component of the system. Many of us have strongly held perceptions of this lifestyle and Heather shares numerous myths, misconceptions, and realities of off-the-grid living. We finish off with offering up several concrete tips and takeaways from her experiences.