September 11, 2001 is without question a terrible time in American history. Before YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook, we relied on 24-hour news outlets for updates and information. We remember 9-11 and show the difference 16 years make. In the face of tragedy and natural disaster, we have some great tech tools in our back pockets for use. Facebook’s “Checked In As Safe” feature is an excellent means of communication to inform friends and family of our safety. Drone deployment is second nature in disaster now, adding tremendous value to government, relief aid, law enforcement, and insurance agencies. In not so shocking news, more data has been hacked and this time from Equifax – the holder of an incredible amount of personal and sensitive data. Finally, Nike is allowing customer to custom design using augmented reality and artificial intelligence in their own shoe in their New York City based studio.

A United States federal judge approved the merger of AT&T and Time Warner Cable. In effect, AT&T owns distribution, content, and media rights to nearly 100 companies across the world.  Moreover, Comcast and Disney are battling for the acquisition of a 21st Century Fox stake to add additional content and rights to the asset class. This all may spell trouble for consumers as net neutrality regulations are set to expire thanks to the Federal Communication Commission.  Next, the CIO of General Motors has transformed the Information Technology branch of the company in just under five years by insourcing over 10,000 jobs and focusing on innovation, research, and development. Lastly, we share a personal story of how one single app is changing the life of addiction.