This App Is Cashing In On Giving The World Free Data

Millions of smartphone owners in poor countries can't afford to get online, so Nathan Eagle gives them data for free. Not everyone agrees with his methods.

Does Windows 10 Spell The End Of The PC Era Finally ?

Jay McGregor rounds up the reviews for Windows 10 succinctly on Forbes, but there's a definite whiff of necrosis in the air for the Microsoft OS. Perhaps the most telling review is from Walt Mossberg on Re/Code;

“However, it’s just okay, not disruptive. It’s perhaps what Windows 8 might have looked like if it had been evolutionary, not revolutionary. I doubt it will convert many Mac owners, spur a shopping spree in new PCs, bring in droves of new developers, or save the Windows Phone.”

Having been given a Lumia 930 on loan from Microsoft to test drive the phone and its enterprise features I can almost agree with the statement, but the point I want to make is this:

Tesla Model S

Tesla Model S

NSA will lose access to 'historical' phone surveillence data Nov. 29

The U.S. National Security Agency will lose access to the bulk telephone records data it has collected at the end of November, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence announced Monday.

Congress voted in June to rein in the NSAs mass collection of U.S. phone metadata, which includes information such as the timing and location of calls. The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court then gave the NSA 180 days to wind the program down.

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Google tells its publisher partners to comply with EU cookie directive

Google is now requiring that publishers that carry its ads comply with a European Union directive and ask their site visitors’ for permission before setting cookies on their computers.

Google spelled out the requirement in its new EU User Consent Policy for publishers that participate in services including AdSense, DoubleClick Ad Exchange and DoubleClick for Publishers.

“If your websites are getting visitors from any of the countries in the European Union, you must comply with the EU user consent policy. We recommend you start working on a policy-compliant user consent mechanism today,” said Jason Woloz, Google’s security and privacy program manager for display and video ads, in a blog post

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Can Big Data Find Your Next CEO?

I have widely covered how data and analytics are changing the recruitment landscape. So far, most of the focus has been on filling low and mid-tier vacancies – such as Xerox and their work to find the best candidates for call centre positions. But what about filling the most senior vacancies – the “C-suite” of CEOs, CFOs, CMOs and other chiefs in your organization?

Fixing The Pentagon. Part I

“What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun.” -Koheleth

How Two Entrepreneurs Found A Way To Sell Sustainable Luxury In India, For Less

What began as a simple ode to the old-world leisurely lifestyle that India once boasted, two female entrepreneurs have turned into an enterprise that is testament to the power of the country’s e-commerce market, when they decided to dip their toes into the business of selling sustainable luxury.

Hulk Hogan Dropped From 'WWE 2K16'

Hulk Hogan won't be in this year's WWE 2K16 following revelations that the former pro wrestler made racist remarks during a sex tape.

There's Something Creepy Happening In 'Splatoon,' And Even Nintendo Doesn't Know What It Is

Something strange happens in Splatoon's boss fights. It's a cheerful, kid-friendly game over all, but the soundtrack has some downright nightmarish moments that sound like they come out of sort of survival horror title. Here's the most interesting part, however: Eurogamer recently asked lead designer Tsubasa Sakaguchi if he knew just where those creepy sounds were coming from, and he had no idea.

Windows 10 Automatic Updates Start Causing Problems

Microsoft's controversial update policy has its first victims.

French surveillance law is constitutional, highest court says

A surveillance law rushed through the French parliament in the wake of the Charlie Hebdo shootings in Paris in January is constitutional, the country’s highest court ruled late Thursday. The decision gives law enforcers and intelligence agencies the power to gather communications metadata—who is communicating with whom, where, and when—in real time, with few restrictions.

As the law on surveillance progressed through parliament, the government declared it “urgent”, meaning elected representatives in the Senate and National Assembly had only one opportunity to amend it instead of the usual two. They waved it through anyway. Some parliamentarians challenged parts of the law on constitutional grounds, calling on the Constitutional Council to give its verdict.

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iPod Touch Review: The Pocket Computer Returns From The Dead

Does the world still need the iPod Touch? Surely the functionality that it fills is covered by the lower priced iPhones? I've spent a week with the media player to find out, and the answer boils down to cost, target market, and opportunity for the Apple ecosystem to monetize more users over the next three years.

The 3 Things Most People Don't Know About Startup Sales

What do most people not know about startup sales? This question was originally answered on Quora by Jonathan Brill.

Jeff Bezos Just Gained $7 Billion In An Hour To Become World's Fifth Richest

Amazon.com CEO Jeff Bezos became the fifth richest person in the world on Thursday, after gaining more than $7 billion in a a single hour as Amazon stock spiked during after-hours trading. FORBES now estimates his net worth at $50.3 billion, as of 5:15 p.m. ET.

Uber Will Be Xiaomi's Delivery Guy In Southeast Asia

Two of the world’s most valuable startups are joining forces to bring customers their phones on demand.

How To Stop Idiot Drone Users

Drone flyers continue to block emergency services.

Apple Bulls: Don't Worry About The iPhone As It Will Continue To Sell Well

This note summarizes 13 bullish Apple analysts whose overall feeling is: Don’t Worry Everything Will Be OK.

Qualcomm Concedes To Activist Investors, Launches Strategic Review To Consider Breaking Up Company

It looks like the activist investors may have their way with Qualcomm.

Adam Sandler's 'Pixels' Is Bombing With Critics

Critics are panning Adam Sandler's video game action movie "Pixels."

How Social Media Can Be Your Best Source For Leads

We’ve all heard that social media does not work for B2B marketing.

A Practical Wireless Charging Solution For Your iPhone

If there's one thing I'm looking for in every new phone, it's wireless charging. Maybe in September the new Apple handsets will join handsets like the Samsung Galaxy S6 with the wire-free power solution. Until then, wireless charging for the iPhone remains the domain of the third-party case manufacturers. I've been testing Supapowa's Ultra-slimline Wireless Charging Receiver Case, and while it's not perfect, it solves may of the issues around using wireless charging with Apple's smartphone.

The Sharing Economy's Increasingly Exposed Liabilities And Hidden Assets

There is road full of hazards ahead for the newly chic sharing economy. There is no signal in sight that employee and regulatory assaults on the foundations of this business model, also called the ?gig economy? and ?collaborative consumption?, will abate.

Most Stylish Apple Watch Accessories

Most Stylish Apple Watch Accessories

GoPro Revenue Skyrockets 72% As Consumers Snap Up Cameras

GoPro?s revenue surged in the second quarter, helped by growing demand overseas, and providing further evidence that the wearable camera maker has captured intense consumer interest.

Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+ Could Solve Major Galaxy S6 Problem

Samsung finally has a use for the curved edges...

Ideas That Work: Anchoring Solutions, Fishing With Chains and an Unusual Vise

• Your Business

Every month, we pick the top Ideas That Work submitted by you, ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR readers. These ideas can't be found in any code or guidebook and are only learned or devised through years of experience and thinking, "There's got to be a better way to do this!" Please remember, the ideas presented in this article are for consideration only. Before using such ideas, make sure codes and safety standards have been fully adhered to. Now, without further ado, here are this issue's Ideas That Work!

Six Tactics to Maximize the Purchasing Function, Tactic 5

Barry Olson

• Your Business

This article is the fourth in a series of six tactics in which the electrical contractor can maximize purchasing power and profitability though procurement. Click here for part four. My last few tactics have dealt with various psychological and social behavioral hacks, which can work either in your favor or against it. This tactic is no different, but it is one of the most powerful tools I can suggest for you. It is based on a well-researched social behavior phenomenon called anchoring, and here is how it works:

Designing Safety

Michael Johnston

• Codes & Standards

In the electrical industry, a new method of protecting workers from arc energy is gaining popularity: prevention through design. Simply speaking, the design and installation of equipment or systems incorporates inherent safety features that protect workers from serious arc-flash injuries or death. The 2011 National Electrical Code (NEC) added Section 240.87, Non-instantaneous Trip, achieving safety measures through a reduction of arc energy on the load side of all circuit breakers that were not equipped with an instantaneous trip function (non-instantaneous trip types).


Cool Tools: Knockout Tools

Jeff Griffin

• Your Business

Knockout tools are widely accepted as the best method of punching conduit-size holes in steel electrical panels, boxes and other steel surfaces. While hole saws and step bits on conventional drills and carbide cutters also can cut metal, none can produce a hole as precisely and cleanly as a knockout tool.
 Basic knockout tool components are punch and die, draw stud and the mechanism to pull the stud—a hand wrench, a hand-powered hydraulic pump or electrically powered hydraulics. 


The Rising Sun

Darlene Bremer

• Systems

The outlook for solar-power project deployment continues to brighten, creating opportunities for electrical contractors. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), Washington, D.C., 2014 was a banner year for U.S. photovoltaic (PV) projects. In 2014, 6,201 megawatts (MW) of solar PV were installed, an increase of 30 percent over 2013.


Diversity on the Rise

Claire Swedberg

• Your Business

Activity on construction sites may look about the same as it did 10 years ago, but changes are underway when it comes to company diversity.
 According to business analysts, diversity affects the electrical industry and the economy as a whole. Many customers—especially large companies and government entities—require (or offer) benefits if a percentage of contractors are majority-owned by an ethnic minority, woman, veteran or disadvantaged enterprise. Such companies are now securing projects where, in the past, they would have had a hard time competing against more established firms. 


Pay Attention

Wayne D. Moore

• Systems

I often think how lucky we are to work in a profession in which we save lives. It can also make us a good living if we pay attention. Do you pay attention?
 The technology and process of designing and installing fire alarm and detection systems changes frequently. Often, the manufacturer’s engineers discover new ways to approach a product design that will more reliably operate a fire alarm system control unit, detection device or notification appliance or new methods to decrease the installation time for a new system.


Navigating the World of Connectivity

Deborah L. O'Mara

• Systems

Global positioning systems (GPS) and radio frequency identification (RFID) are receiving renewed attention for security, operations management and logistical applications, bringing new sources of revenue to installing contractors and additional benefits to their customers.


Everyone Is A Suspect

Denise Norberg-Johnson

• Your Business

Frank Abagnale, the con artist who Leonardo DiCaprio portrayed in the movie “Catch Me If You Can,” is now a security consultant who advises clients on how to avoid becoming victims of fraud. His advice is simple: if you make it easy for someone to steal from you, it will probably happen.


Overhead and Underground

William Atkinson

• Systems

When it comes to both overhead and underground distribution and transmission lines, all may not be as it seems. That is, while there has been a distinct trend toward the installation of more underground distribution lines, there are a number of factors that dictate the continued use of (and even new installation of) overhead lines.


Jack Ma-Backed Hundsun Under Investigation After China Stock Bust

As Beijing tries to find the culprit of the recent equity rout that erased $3.9 trillion in value in less than three weeks, a financial software company backed by Alibaba Executive Chairman Jack Ma is feeling the heat.

'Heroes Reborn' Comic-Con Trailer Is So Bittersweet

'Heroes Reborn' gets its very own Comic-Con trailer, and it looks pretty great. I remain doubtful.

Running 10,000 Simulations, Here's The Odds For Who Will Win The 2015 MLB Home Run Derby

Take terabytes of radar data from MLB ballparks for the participants in the 2015 MLB Home Run Derby, run 10,000 simulations, and the winner is projected to be....

Ryan Leslie Releases Lifetime Concept Album, Talks MZRT And Disruptive Multimedia

One forward-thinking artist with a firm grasp on audience engagement is Ryan Leslie.

Say Goodbye To The Pint: The Science Of Beer Glass Design

"The most common vessel for serving beer—the shaker pint—was never actually intended to serve beer," says Zach Mack, owner of Alphabet City Beer Co., a craft beer bar and store in New York's East Village.

Why Cybersecurity Leadership Must Start At The Top

If the past year has shown us anything, it’s that companies should no longer ask if they are going to be hacked and instead when. With every company becoming digital, the pace of change is only accelerating and our ability to make the right decisions on cybersecurity needs to move even faster. Some estimate that between $9 and $21 trillion of global economic value creation could be at risk if companies and governments are unable to successfully combat cyber threats.

Troubling Trademark Ruling Over Amazon's Internal Search Results

A federal court thinks Amazon's search results page may not be clear enough to consumers

Nest, Amazon and their IoT ilk spark privacy concerns

Privacy concerns might throw a wrench into companies’ plans to make Internet-connected devices mainstream fixtures in the home.

Companies like Google, Samsung, Microsoft and Amazon are being targeted by the Electronic Privacy Information Center, a prominent Washington, D.C., nonprofit, over the technologies present in some of their newest audio and visual sensing devices. On Friday, the group asked the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice to investigate whether such devices violate federal wiretap and state privacy laws, and whether the devices deceive consumers.

In a letter sent to both agencies, the group takes aim at what it calls “always on” devices and software that listen to users and offer services based on verbal cues or commands or visual signals like movement.

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The Quest For An Unbreakable iPhone

Evolutive Labs' Rhinoshield Crash Guard bumper started life on Kickstarter and successfully raised over $240,000 to design and bring to market "a slim profile bumper case that provides amazing drop protection... that does not compromise on the original design." Has the promise of a protective and well-designed bumper been achieved?

NBA Salary Cap Up To $70 Million For 2015-16 Season, But That's Nothing Compared To What's Coming

The NBA releases salary cap numbers for the upcoming 2015-16 season that sees an 11 percent increase. If that seems high wait till 2016-17 when it will be staggering. Why? Television.

Mr. Robot's Cyber Crime Expert Talks Accuracy, Hacking Misconceptions And What Other Shows Get Wrong

Mr. Robot is breaking the mold. Despite the typical trajectory of other cyber crime shows and movies, the rookie USA Network hacker drama has grabbed the attention of both critics and viewers who have exalted the show for its compelling story line and accurate portrayal of cyber security and crime.

LinkedIn's Weirdest Members: My Encounter With 'Alice Powell'

Some pranksters are working hard to create fake LinkedIn profiles. Why? The mysterious arrival of "Alice Powell" sheds some light on this mystery.

Did Microsoft Keep The $2.5B Minecraft "Real" At This Year's Minecon 2015?

I attended Minecon 2015 last week in London, which, according to The Guinness Book of World's Records, was the largest gathering for any single game. Over 10,000 Minecraft players, YouTubers, merchandise sellers, server providers and yes, Microsoft, came together to celebrate all things Minecraft. Beyond attending Minecon to spend "quality time" with my Minecraft-playing son, I had two goals- one to see how genuine Microsoft could keep the game and secondly, to gauge the play experience of Minecraft on Microsoft's HoloLens.

Honesty Is A Duty For Physicians Even When Telling Stories

A posted-as-true account of surgical training that raises ethical questions is revealed to be fictional, raising different ethical questions.

Hurricane Forecasts Get Better, Give More Warning Thanks To Big Data

There are few problems more complex than accurately predicting the weather. Thankfully, big data makes the job a little easier. Scientists today have access to a wealth of detailed information to help them understand and model future weather patterns.

ISM's Manufacturing Report On Business -- June's Numbers Reveal 'Economic Leveling'

According to the Institute of Supply Management’s (ISM) latest Report on Business, economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanded in June for the 30th month in a row, and the nation’s overall economy grew for the 73rd consecutive month. Yes, those may be the headliners, but they don’t tell the story.

NASA's New Horizons Beams Back Pluto Map; Features Resemble 'Whale' And 'Donut'

NASA’s New Horizon’s spacecraft has beamed back a new map of Pluto’s light and dark surface features including pixelated areas that the mission science team says resemble the shapes of a “whale” and a “donut.” Planetary scientists are quick to point out that although oddly-shaped, they are completely natural and most likely due to the dwarf planet’s unique dark topography and brightly-colored condensing surface frosts.

This New Species Of Horned Dinosaur Provides Hints About Its Evolution

A new species of horned ceratopsid dinosaur, Wendiceratops, has been discovered in Alberta, Canada, and it provides clues about the evolution about horns in dinosaurs and more.

Strong Demand Pushes Climate Bonds Into New Markets

The climate bonds market has grown by a fifth in the last year to exceed half a trillion dollars for the first time - the total climate-aligned bonds universe now stands at $597.7 billion according to research by the Climate Bonds Initiative for HSBC’s Climate Change Centre of Excellence.

Legal Tech From In The House

Interviewing successful legal tech company BusyLamp, I get a closer look on how they solve problems for in-house counsel, their KPIs, and what advice they have for new companies.

Rich Greenfield on Over The Top Video Winners And Losers

Rich Greenfield of BTIG discusses who he thinks will be the winners and losers as Over The Top Video continues to proliferate.

Alibaba Steps Up Asia Logistics Presence With New SingPost Investment

China’s Alibaba Group is deepening ties with Singapore’s national postal service provider SingPost, as the e-commerce titan seeks to grow its international businesses.

Galaxy S6 Failure Is Dragging Down Samsung's Profits

There comes a point when doing the same thing over and over again leads to disappointment. Over the last few years Samsung's approach to the Galaxy range of smartphones has been one of slow iteration. With the announcement of its guidance for earnings in Q2 2015, the South Korean manufacturer is now at the page marked disappointment.

Rdio Partners With "Cool" Record Labels For Specially-Curated Stations

In an effort to separate themselves from the pack (of other streaming services), Rdio has partnered with some of the coolest record labels in the world, all of whom will be contributing to the site with individual stations. Unlike major firms (Warner, Universal, etc.) that focus on trying to sign big stars or are really only worried about radio hits and massive sales, the record labels Rdio is working with are all known for their particular taste in music, with some being experts in a certain genre, while others have track records of breaking new acts that went on to global fame. Many of them have followings of their own, as do the acts signed to them.

PSN Down For Some Users

Some people looking to get their fill of Destiny or Elder Scrolls Online are out of luck today: users are reporting trouble connecting to Sony's Playstation Network across social media, and Sony is confirming that some servers are having connectivity issues on its official status page, listing "gaming and social" and the Playstation Store as affected by the outages -- PS4 is listed as the only affected platform. A quick search on twitter for "PSN Down" brings up a steady stream of gamers frustrated by the issues.

Watch SCE Worldwide Studios President Shuhei Yoshida Play 'Bloodborne'

Shuhei "Shu" Yoshida takes on a very challenging 'Bloodborne' boss.

How Companies Can Improve Recruitment And Engagement With Gamification

Would you be surprised to find that one of the most important elements for improving recruitment, skill-building and operational efficiency in your startup or small business is the element of fun? As more and more companies make gamification a part of how they work, having fun—in the context of game playing—is becoming a big part of building a successful company.

Samsung Has A $200 Rebate For The Galaxy Note 4 Until July 26th

Until 11:59PM on July 26th, Samsung is offering a $200 rebate for the Galaxy Note 4 smartphone at participating carriers and national retailers. You have to buy the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 at full price to qualify for the rebate. Once you buy the Galaxy Note 4 at full price, the next step is to fill out an online form at Samsung’s promotions website to receive the rebate. The rebate redemption period lasts until August 26th.

How The FCC Saved Me $1800

The takeaway from this episode is that customer service technology amplified the customer's voice to solve a problem that didn't appear to be getting resolved otherwise. What's interesting is that in this particular case a regulator deployed the technology.

Don't Miss Out On 'Skylanders Superchargers' Dark Edition

Skylanders Superchargers Dark Edition hinted at on Twitter and Facebook. Peter Capaldi also confirmed a voice actor for Lego Dimensions.

28,700 Bosses Share Tips On Putting Millennials To Work

Millennials aren't lazy or entitled; they're actually hard-working and highly ethical, according to a new analysis of about 28,700 job references by SkillSurvey. But these workforce newcomers can be a bit disorganized.

Pinning Down The Cloud [Infographic]

The Internet of Things is here to stay, and data demand is growing fast. Will your company keep up?

USA's FIFA Women's World Cup Final 5-2 Victory Is Highest-Rated, Most-Watch Soccer Match Ever In US

The #WWCFinal that saw Team USA beat Japan 5-2 was a massive recoord-setting ratings hit for FOX Sports. It is the most-wtched soccer match--for both men and women--in US broadcast history. Here are the details

Japan's Hairiest Metal Entertainer Invites You To 'Enjoy And Taste Many Japanese Products'

Meet Ladybaby, the Japanese musical group that will make you look twice. Featuring Ladybeard, the east’s most hirsute crossdressing entertainer, this band’s debut song blends infectious Japanese pop with bizarre, energetic heavy metal vocals.

How I Cut The Cable (And How You Can Too!)

We've reached a tipping point. As the cable business model begins to unravel, options for going cable free are expanding. Here?s how you can cut the cable and never look back.

The Road Ahead: Toyota Tops Tesla, Boasting 312-Mile Range For Mirai

Toyota's statement last week that its Mirai hydrogen fuel cell vehicle will get 312 miles between fill-ups is a shot across Tesla Motors bow.

'Bank of Apple' Moves Closer With New Patent To Kill PayPal, Square

Apple has quietly filed for a new patent which details a person-to-person money transmission method which could potentially grab market share from PayPal and Square, and hit the already beleaguered banking sector struggling to keep up with FinTech.

Allergic To Change And Profit, Reddit Risks Eating Itself

Reddit’s temper tantrum has more or less subsided. Nearly every big subreddit that went dark in the wake of yesterday’s site-wide protest has reopened to the public.

The Elements In Fireworks Create A Periodic Table In The Sky

What gives fireworks their distinctive colors? Elements!

Apple Loop: Frustrating iPhone 6S Leaks, iOS 8.4's Nasty Surprise, Apple Music Corrupts iTunes

This week?s Apple Loop includes a look at the disappointing iPhone 6S leak, the launch of Apple Music, iOS 8.4's strengths and weaknesses, the update to iTunes 12.2 and issues with iCloud Music, the new iPod range, Apple's US market share numbers, and the first full trailer for Michael Fassbender's 'Steve Jobs'.

The Best - And Worst - Degree Subjects If You Want A Job

New figures show where graduates in different subjects find themselves six months after leaving university - and they make surprising reading.

Apple Loop: Frustrating iPhone 6S Leak, iOS 8.4's Nasty Surprise, Apple Music Corrupts iTunes

This week?s Apple Loop includes a look at the disappointing iPhone 6S leak, the launch of Apple Music, iOS 8.4's strengths and weaknesses, the update to iTunes and issues with iCloud Music, the new iPod range, Apple's US market share numbers, and the first full trailer for 'Steve Jobs'.

Uber Is The Napster Of Driving-as-a-Service

When an innovative new concept disrupts an established industry there are always growing pains. There is generally a backlash from dominant players resisting change—scratching and clawing to maintain the status quo. Even if they succeed in the short term, though, time marches on and the future comes whether they like it or not. Just look at Napster.

Harvard Got Hacked, Again

For the second time in four months, Harvard University was hacked.

New Efforts Address Electric Vehicle Affordability

By John Gartner Through the first 5 months of 2015, according to data from Hybridcars.com, plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) sales are down in the United States by 4% from 2014. This is due, in part, to the current price of gasoline being lower than the 2014 price by $0.89 cents per gallon (per the

Xbox One 'Destiny' Players Should Be Getting Their Own Micro-Expansion This Fall

The Destiny universe will get quite a bit larger this fall with the release of the game’s first fully-fledged expansion, The Taken King. The true scope of it is still unknown, but it will be the largest content addition to the base game since release, and had better be, given its $40 price tag.

Homepolish: The Startup Turning the Interior Design Industry Upside Down

Meet Homepolish, the easiest way to get set up with an interior designer for your home or work.

Explore The Ever-Expanding 'Angry Birds' Universe

How NASA Is Helping Rovio's Angry Birds Explore The 'Solar System'

Rovio's Angry Birds Space game gets an update today that adds 15 Solar System levels. Each level features a different planet, comet or satellite in our Solar System.