Chrome still the top web browser at ten years old

When it was first released 10 years ago Chrome was marketed as a fresh take on the browser. It was first launched as a Windows only beta app, before it made its way to Linux and MacOS in 2009.

Chrome launched when users and developers grew dissatisfied with Internet Explorer

When Chrome first launched, the Internet browser landscape looked very different. Firefox had been steadily gaining ground on the more popular and venerable Explorer.

Google borrowed components from Apple's WebKit rendering engine as well as Firefox to help bring Chrome to life. It made all of Chrome's source code available in the Chromium Project. Chrome focused on web standards and respected HTML5. All of this during a time when Microsoft with Internet Explorer was struggling to adhere to open web standards.

Chrome was also a big step forward in how tabs could be used in that it had "sandboxed" individual tabs so that should one tab crash the others would still remain unaffected.

Chrome now dominates the browser market

According to netmarketshare Chrome now has more than 60 percent of the desktop market share. Despite the fact that Internet Explorer has now been replaced by Microsoft Edge, it still ranks second with 12.8 percent of the market. Firefox is third with just a bit less at 12.5 percent. Edge is a distant fourth at just 3.49 percent. Safari, the browser specifically for Apple computers, has just 3.49 percent. Opera, an excellent browser, has a mere $1.56 percent. Vivaldi, which I use now on my main computers, has a minuscule .08 even though I find it works best for me.

Chrome has dominated the market now for several years. Chrome engineers have continued to improve the product and have pushed the latest web standards. It is now perhaps more than a web browser and has become an entire platform that can run on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and even iOS for Apple phones.

Chrome powers the new Chrome OS

Chrome OS is Google's new lightweight operating system that is used in laptops and recently tablets. Google has been bringing Android apps over to the Chrome OS making its Chromebooks and tablets more useful. Even fully-fledged Linux apps are coming soon to the Chrome OS. Chrome is helping push progressive web apps to make them a lot better. Although Chrome has not seen a major redesign in years unlike Firefox, a Material Design Refresh is slated for the browser this month.

Future of Chrome may be more as a platform than just a web browser

There are concerns that Chrome is becoming dominant as was Internet Explorer. It is dominant among web developers.

Google engineers steer the latest web standards and push these into Chrome. Other browsers need to catch up or risk falling even further behind.

Final thoughts on browsers

All the popular browsers such as Chrome and Firefox do most things well. Internet Explorer is now superceded by Edge. While I have tried Edge and it works well for most tasks I do not like the fact that Microsoft pushes it by not allowing one to uninstall it, as it comes pre-integrated with Windows. Every other browser you can download and uninstall.

I have tried all the main browsers except Safari but there are particular tasks involving writing for Digital Journal and using my blog that they do not do everything as I want. I used Opera for a long period as it did everything exactly as I wanted, and also had features that appealed to me. However, all of a sudden it did not work as it had in the past copying material to my blog. I decided to go back to Chrome but it did the same thing. I then checked Vivaldi and found that it still worked. I decided to change to Vivaldi until things change again.

Most people probably find the browser they have is satisfactory and have no desire to change.This would explain why Internet Explorer is still the second most popular browser even though it has long been replaced by Edge. However, browsers can all be downloaded free. It is worth trying them out to see which one suits you and you like best. If you want to be even more adventurous and dislike Microsoft and Windows you can also try out numerous Linux operating systems that can be downloaded free as wel

Previously published in Digital Journal

Arms makers push their products in UK schools

Both British and foreign arms companies are promoting their brands in U.K. schools spending millions of pounds according to new research. The promotion involves both U.K.-based firms and foreign companies.

Multinationals BAE system and Raytheon are both involved

Raytheon is a major U.S.-based contractor. Its core manufacturing concentrations are in weapons plus military and commercial electronics. It is the world's largest producers of guided missiles. It also manufactures the Patriot missile defense system as shown in the appended photo.

BAE Systems is a U.K.-based multinational defense, security and aerospace company. Its headquarters are in London in the United Kingdom and it has operations worldwide. In 2015 it was ranked third in the world in terms of revenues. Its largest operations are in the U.K. and the U.S. It is one of the largest suppliers to the U.S. Department of Defense.

Other manufacturers such as MBDA, Leonardo and Rolls-Royce all also have regular contact with schools. Rolls-Royce, whose military aircraft engines service “160 customers in 103 countries”, sponsors a Cub scientist activity badge for the Scout Association.

Study was done by the Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT)

One manufacturer developed a missile simulator for children to play with. Another gave classroom workshops that encouraged children to think how camouflage would provide advantages on the battlefield. Activities targeted children as young as four.

Manufacturers claim they are helping develop next generation of engineers

The companies say their materials are designed to excite youngsters by the possibilities of the STEM subjects – science, technology, engineering and maths. However, critics claim the funding is also an attempt to normalize weapons manufacturing and also war.

Andrew Smith of CAAT called on schools to sever their links with arms companies. “The fact that companies that arm and support human-rights-abusing regimes are targeting such young children is extremely concerning. “Companies aren’t targeting schools because they care about education. They are doing it because they want to improve their reputations and normalise their appalling business.”

BAE and Raytheon visit schools

BAE Systems produces fighter jets used by Saudi Arabia in the current conflict in Yemen. There have been repeated strikes on civilians. BAE visited 420 schools across the UK in 2017. A spokesperson defended the BAE policy saying: “As a world leader in advanced engineering and technology, our education and skills activities inspire the next generation of engineers to help address the critical skills gap. We invest in a diverse portfolio of programmes aimed at encouraging more young people to study STEM subjects, which is vital for the UK economy.”

Raytheon, which has sold bombs and missiles to Israel and Saudi Arabia (which has used the company's weapons in Yemen), finances an annual competition across the U.K. for pupils to build model drones. The U.S. company’s website claims it supports science and technology programs.

Paul Everitt, chief executive of ADS, the trade body which represents defence contractors, said it was important for arms manufacturers to engage with schools. He said that U.K. defense companies play a vital role in their communities. They provide high-value long-term jobs. The U.K. has a shortage of engineers. The events sponsored by industry in partnership with schools are helping to inspire a new generation of engineers. Defence companies encourage students to study maths and sciences.

Previously published in Digital Journal

Facebook to extend Facebook watch from the US throughout the world

Facebook Watch is Facebook's option for original video content. The tab within Facebook linking to Watch was launched in the U.S. last August, and looks to compete with streaming platforms like YouTube.

Facebook Watch already has a considerable user base

The launch was only in the U.S. but even now it has over 50 million regular monthly viewers who watch at least one minute of video. Just since the beginning of 2018 the total time spent viewing videos has increased fourteen times.

Facebook is adding more features to Facebook Watch

Facebook has been adding new social features to Watch during 2018. This includes participatory experiences such as Watch Parties. There are also features such as Confetti with audience involvement built on the new game show pattern. There are also basic search tools, and tools for saving videos. A new tool also allows users to customize a feed of videos from the Facebook Pages they follow.

More content publishers will be able to add ads

Ads can be either mid-roll in the video or be placed before the video starts. They can also be below the video. The ads can be inserted by publishers themselves or Facebook has an automatic insertion tool. Facebook claims that 70 percent of mid-roll ads are actually viewed to completion.

Ad Breaks will be now offered to creators who publish three minute videos that glean more than 30,000 1 minute views in total during the last two months, who have at least 10,000 Facebook followers, and who meet other eligibility requirements such as being in a supported country.

Facebook claims: "Supported countries today include the U.S., UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. Next month, that list will expand to include Argentina, Belgium, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Denmark, The Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, France, Germany, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Peru, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and Thailand, supporting English content and other local languages. More countries and languages will then follow."

Facebook Watch

This is Facebook's video-on-demand service that was first announced on August 9 2017 and made available the next day. By the end of the month it was available to all US users. The original video content is produced by partners who receive 55 percent of ad revenue while Facebook keeps the other 45 percent.

Facebook Watch offers personalized recommendations for videos to watch. It also categorizes content bundles according to factors such popularity or social media engagement. It wants both short-form and long-form content on its platform.

It is reported to have a total budget of $1 billion for content through this year. For now the ads which bring in revenue from Facebook Watch are mid-roll but it will experiment with pre-roll ads as it is expanded this year.

In May and June of this year Facebook launched six news programs from partners. These include Buzzfeed, Vox, CNN, and Fox News. Head of news partnerships Campbell Brown developed these programs which reportedly have a budget of $90 million dollars.

The company said recently in an announcement:“Our goal is to provide publishers and creators with the tools they need to build a business on Facebook. Facebook’s Fostering an active, engaged community and sharing longer content that viewers seek out and regularly come back to are key to finding success"

Previously published in Digital Journal

You Tube to have more ads you cannot skip

- YouTube is increasing the number of non-skippable ads that will appear on its platform. It announced that all creators who can monetize on YouTube will be able soon to turn on non-skippable ads on all videos.

The change will take effect next week.

Those creators who are eligible will receive a notification on their dashboard. Advertisers usually pay more for non-skippable ads. The change could be a way of providing an incentive to creators to stay on YouTube and produce more content. Each ad sale earns Google the owner of YouTube a cut. Even previously published videos on a channel will be able to use non-skippable ads if a creator turns on non-skippable ads.

A special tool added as well

YouTube is aso adding a tool that will allow creators to add or remove non-skippable ads in bulk. It will enable creators to track audience engagement, as well as revenue flow from videos from the both types of ads.

Although the change will likely result in more non-skippable ads on YouTube, the ads are limited in length to 20 seconds. Viewers will not need to wait that long before their video plays.

New rule introduced for 2018 limiting length of non-skippable ads

The rule ends the longer 30-second ads. However, formats of 15-second ad 20-second ads will still exist. There will be many what are called bumper ads that you can move past after five seconds.

The company said that it will focus on formats that are more engaging for both advertisers and viewers. Google said: “We’re committed to providing a better ads experience for users online. As part of that, we’ve decided to stop supporting 30-second unskippable ads as of 2018 and focus instead on formats that work well for both users and advertisers"

YouTube

YouTube is based in San Bruno California. It was created by three former PayPal employees back in February of 2005. YouTube was bought by Google in November of 2006 for $1.65 billion and now operates as one of its subsidiaries.

Wikipedia describes the activities allowed on YouTube: "YouTube allows users to upload, view, rate, share, add to favorites, report, comment on videos, and subscribe to other users. It offers a wide variety of user-generated and corporate media videos. Available content includes video clips, TV show clips, music videos, short and documentary films, audio recordings, movie trailers, live streams, and other content such as video blogging, short original videos, and educational videos. Most of the content on YouTube is uploaded by individuals, but media corporations including CBS, the BBC, Vevo, and Hulu offer some of their material via YouTube as part of the YouTube partnership program."

YouTube gains advertising revenue through the Google AdSense program that targets ads according to the site content and audience. Most videos are free to view although there are exceptions, including for premium channels, film rentals as well as YouTube premium a subscription service offering ad-free access to the website plus access to exclusive content.

As of February of 2017 there was more than 400 hours of content uploaded to the site each minute. One billion hours of content are viewed each day on the site. As of August 2018 YouTube is ranked second in the world in popularity according to web traffic analysis company Alexa.

Previously published in Digital Journal

Sergei Skripal's relatives fear he may be dead

According to the official narrative Sergei Skripal, a former Russian double agent and his daughter Yulia were poisoned by the nerve agent novichok March 4 this year in Salisbury. The attack has been blamed on the Russians by the US and UK among others.

Sergei's relatives concerned he may have died

Victoria Skripal, Sergei's niece told the Russian news agency RIA of the relatives' fears that Sergei was dead since none of them had heard from him. The relatives have not heard from the daughter Yulia either since the end of July when she called to wish her grandmother a happy birthday. In that conversation Yulia said that her father could be in touch with them as soon as he got better from his tracheotomy.

When asked why his relatives thought he was dead, Victoria said that Yulia said he would call in three days. She said he loves his mother and would call at any convenient opportunity. Victoria said she found it suspicious as well that there were no pictures of Sergei in the hospital ward.

Victoria also noted that neither relatives nor the press had been allowed to see Sergei. Victoria said: “They didn't let us in. I do not understand what’s so terrible if we see him?” Victoria said.

Both Yulia and then Sergei have been discharged from the hospital. However, there was no interview with Sergei since he came out and it has not been revealed where he is.

Victoria's interview with Moskovky Komsomolets

In another interview with the newspaper Moskovsky Komsomolets, Victoria claimed that if her uncle were not dead, the reason why he is being kept out of the public eye is because the UK authorities have no evidence to confirm their claim that Russia is responsible for the poisonings. “It’s either he is dead, or they have nothing to show. He could have refused, of course, but here I think that, just like in Litvinenko’s case, they would have let us see him if, of course, they had anything to show.”

I expect that although Sergei is alive the authorities do not want reporters or anyone else prying him with questions about what happened to him and his daughter on the day of the poisoning. No one has been allowed to question Yulia either about what happened that day. Without doubt the authorities have interrogated both about what happened. If their narratives supported the official version of events they would have immediately appeared in the press. But there are no press reports of either of the two's version of what happened. Everything is being kept carefully under wraps.

The interview with Yulia

There was a so-called interview with Julia back in May discussed in a Digital Journal article on May 25.The interview involved no questions just Yulia reading off a script. However, she did say that she eventually hoped to return to Russia. It is quite surprising she was allowed to say this and would say it if she believed the official narrative that the Russians were responsible for the attack on her and her father. She said nothing about events just before she and Sergei were found. Yulia was released from hospital on April 9th, so no doubt authorities felt under pressure to release some further information.

Russia also concerned about lack of information concerning the Skripals

Spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry , Maria Zhakarova said: “We find it highly suspicious and outrageous that there’s no information on the state of health and whereabouts of Russian citizens Yulia Skripal and her father Sergei.” Zhakarova noted that Sergei's niece had said that the relatives were concerned that he was dead.

Sergei released from hospital back in May

The release was discussed in a Digital Journal article of May 18. There have been no interviews with Sergei and his location is unknown. Russian authorities have demanded to see both him and Yulia but to no avail. Reporters seem quite accepting of the fact that they have had no interviews with them even though their views of what happened are surely of the utmost significance in order to have a complete picture of what happened. However such information is no doubt a danger to the official account. There has been too much invested in the official view which has been used to justify the UK ousting Russian diplomats. Similar ousting of diplomats was carried out by the US as well. The US also imposed sanctions on Russia in response to the poisoning.

While several Russian outlets reported on Victoria's remarks The Times also did so.

A June 14 article in Digital Journal points out many of the holes in the official version of events and has many links to critiques of the official narrative.

Previously published in Digital Journal

Activists and experts seek ban on robot killer weapons

Many experts and campaigners are calling for a ban on "killer robots". Autonomous, artificial intelligence powered guns, planes, tanks and ships could fight future wars without being subject to any human control.

Use of totally autonomous weapons in war violates international law

The call for the ban on the weapons is because their use in a war is regarded as breaking international law according to some experts and campaigners. As AI-powered guns, planes, ships and tanks are being developed by nations with high tech, it appears likely some will fight in wars without any human intervention.

International law requires emerging technologies be judged according to the "principle of humanity" and the "dictates of public conscience" according to a new report by Human Rights Watch and the Harvard Law School's International Human Rights Clinic.

Bonnie Docherty of Human Rights Watch said: “Permitting the development and use of killer robots would undermine established moral and legal standards. Countries should work together to preemptively ban these weapons systems before they proliferate around the world. The groundswell of opposition among scientists, faith leaders, tech companies, nongovernmental groups, and ordinary citizens shows that the public understands that killer robots cross a moral threshold. Their concerns, shared by many governments, deserve an immediate response.”

Some countries already support a ban on the weapons

Twenty-six countries already support a ban on fully autonomous weapons. Austria, Belgium and China recently joined thousands of AI experts and more than 20 Nobel peace prize laureates in declaring support for a ban.

On the 27 of August more than 70 governments will be meeting in Geneva for the sixth time to discuss the issues raised by fully autonomous weapons.

The talks have been formalized under a major disarmament treaty back in 2017 but there has been frustration at the slow pace of the process. If countries request that negotiation begin in 2019, this could help pave the way for formal approval this November. Almost every country agrees that there should be some human control over the use of force after a meeting this April.

Noel Sharkey, a spokesperson for the Campaign to Ban Killer Robots said: “The idea of delegating life and death decisions to cold compassionless machines without empathy or understanding cannot comply with the Martens clause and it makes my blood run cold. We expect more European countries will step up and that the clamour will get us that key word ‘negotiation’ into the mandate for next year. There is already a growing consensus that human control of weapons systems is crucial in conflict. Some states would prefer to shift from a prohibition protocol to one that requires a positive obligation to ensure meaningful human control, and both amount to the same humanitarian law.” Prof. Sharkey is featured on the appended video.

Use of autonomous weapons will soon be widespread

High-ranking military officials claim that the use of fully autonomous weapons will be widespread in just a matter of years. The weapons would select and fire at targets without any meaningful human interventions.

Already at least 381 partly autonomous weapons and military robotic systems have been deployed or are now being developed in 32 different countries. These include France, Israel, Russia, the U.K. and the U.S.

There are reports that Russia opposes the ban on fully autonomous weapons along with various other countries including the United States. These countries could try to block and further negotiations towards a ban.

The Martens Clause in international law

Many think that the use of fully autonomous weapons in a war theater would violate what is called the Martens Clause which is described by Wikipedia as follows: "The Martens Clause (pronounced /mar'tɛnz/) was introduced into the preamble to the 1899 Hague Convention II – Laws and Customs of War on Land...The clause took its name from a declaration read by Friedrich Martens,.. the Russian delegate at the Hague Peace Conferences of 1899. It reads as follows":

Until a more complete code of the laws of war is issued, the High Contracting Parties think it right to declare that in cases not included in the Regulations adopted by them, populations and belligerents remain under the protection and empire of the principles of international law, as they result from the usages established between civilized nations, from the laws of humanity and the requirements of the public conscience.

— Convention with respect to the laws of war on land (Hague II), 29 July 1899.[

Although the clause did not appear in the Geneva Conventions of 1949 it has been included in the additional protocols of 1977.

A Human RIghts Watch report says: "This report shows how fully autonomous weapons, which would be able to select and engage targets without meaningful human control, would contravene both prongs of the Martens Clause: the principles of humanity and the dictates of public conscience. To comply with the Martens Clause, states should adopt a preemptive ban on the weapons’ development, production, and use."

Previously published in Digital Journal

Female human rights activist in Saudi Arabia in danger of being beheaded

Saudi human rights activists are warning against the possible beheading of Israa al-Ghomgham by the government. Israa has been provisionally sentenced to death by a Ryadh court.

Six defendants sentenced to death

Back on August 6th at a hearing before the Specialised Criminal Court, the public prosecutor recommended the death penalty for six defendants. These included Ghomgham as well as her husband Moussa al-Hashem. They have been in jail now for nearly three years on charges of being in anti-government protests and incitement to disobedience of the ruler. They are also charged with providing moral support to participants in anti-government protests that took place in the Shia-majority eastern region of Qatif.

READ MORE: Russian hackers went after conservative US groups says Microsoft

Ghomgam was indeed a leader of anti-government protests in Qatif that have been happening since 2011. The protesters demand an end to anti-Shia discrimination and also the release of political prisoners. She with her husband were arrested on December 8, 2015 in a house raid.

Saudi human rights groups report that Ghomgham and her family could not afford a lawyer while she was in detention but when her case became known many lawyers offered their services free. The final session for her case is to take place only on October 28. Then a judge will either confirm or reverse the earlier death penalty recommendation of the public prosecutor.

The death penalty in Saudi Arabia is carried out usually only after the king ratifies the decision. Ali Adubusi, director of the European Saudi Organization for Human Rights (ESOHR) said that sentencing a female human rights defender to death in Saudi Arabia is a dangerous precedent.

Charges do not warrant death penalty even under Saudi law

Adubusi maintains that none of the charges made against Ghomgjam involve the use of violence and so do not warrant the death penalty under Saudi law. Adubusi said: “It’s largely a revenge against the Arab Spring, and a punishment for Qatif, which witnessed the largest protests since 2011.” ESOHR's latest tally shows at least 58 people mostly Shia on death row. 31 of them have had their verdicts confirmed by the High Court. If carried out this would be the first execution of a female activist by Saudi Arabia.

False reports that Ghomgham was already executed

Several media sources have already reported that Ghomgham has already been executed. One source claims: "The Thefreethoughts Twitter account and other Saudi sources said the female, named as Esra al-Ghamgam, was executed on the prosecutor’s orders on Sunday. It shared a video showing an executioner fixing her in a recumbent position on the ground before decapitating her with a sword as security forces stood by."

ICYMI: Facebook flags users who try to 'game' fact-checking effort

However, the video is from an earlier beheading of a Saudi woman that was widespread on social media who was incorrectly identified as Ghomgham. Also the photo was not of Ghomgham either but of Samar Badawi another imprisoned Saudi activist.

Relatives and activists have refuted the reports. Ghomgham's sister expressed sadness at what she described as the false news that was circulating. She said the reports did nothing to advance Ghomgham's cause and caused distress to the family.

Saudi Arabia often the subject of criticism for executions and legal system

According to Human Rights Watch Saudi Arabia has executed 48 people just in the last four months. Half are for non-violent drug charges. The U.S.-based group urged Saudi Arabia to improve what it terms a "notoriously unfair criminal justice system".

The country has one of the highest rates in the world for executions. The death penalty can be imposed for terrorist acts, rape, homicide, armed robbery and even drug trafficking.

A UN report in June claimed that the kingdom was using counter terrorism laws to suppress those who were merely defending human rights. Some are imprisoned for years while others are executed.

Previously published in Digital Journal

Morgan Motor Co. still uses some wood and makes cars by hand

For almost 120 years now Morgan Motor Company has been making three-wheeled and four-wheeled cars in a small factory in western England in Malvern Link southwest of Birmingham.

Morgan Motor Company

The Morgan Motor Company is a family-owned UK motor car maker founded in 1910 by Henry Frederick Stanley Morgan. Morgan quit the Great Western Railway in 1904 and opened a motor sales and servicing garage in Malvern Link. In 1909 he designed and built a car for his own use but decided to begin producing it a year later. The company prospered. Morgan ran the company until his death in 1959 at the age of 77. Peter Morgan, son of Heny ran the company until 2003. Alan Garnett became the first non-family chair from 2003-2006 and since then it has been run by a four-person management team.

The company employs 177 people. It claims to produce in excess of 1300 cars per year all assembled by hand. The waiting list to buy a car is approximately six months but has on occasion been as long a ten years. The design of many of the vehicles is little changed over the years.

For a century now wood has been used in the construction of the cars. It was used in several early models for the chassis and even in the 21st century is used for the body shell. The company has a visitor center and museum that features the company's history from the beginning until the present with an accompanying display of vehicles. There are also guided tours of the factory.

The company has its own website where all of its models can be seen.

The present Morgan lineup

At present the company offers three vehicles but with five different engines. They hope soon to add a fully electric car to their lineup. Although the cars are mostly made by hand, modern manufacturing methods are used where necessary.

The three Morgan models are the classic roadster, a modern two-seater and also a three-wheeler. The classic roadster comes in four different varieties with each looking similar but with different engines. The 4/4 has a Ford Sigma 1.6 liter engine with 110 horsepower. The car weighs only 1,753 pounds. The Plus 4 has a Ford 2.0 liter engine with 154 horsepower with the car weighing 2,044 pounds. The Roadster 3.7 has the powerful Ford 3.7 liter Cyclone/Duratec V6 with 283 horsepower. The car weighs just 2,094 pounds so the car can go from 0 to 62 miles per hour in a mere 5.5 seconds. The top model is the plus 8 sporting a BMW 4.8 liter V8 with 367 horsepower. It can go from 0-62 in just 4.5 seconds.

The aerodynamic Aero 8 is an update of the Morgan design for the new century. It still looks distinctly like a Morgan but has a few modern flourishes. However, it uses the same running gear as the Plus 8. The car's chassis is not entirely wood Mostly it is made of aluminum. However, parts of the sub-frames are still wood. Ash is used both for strength and flexibility. Both the hood and fenders are rolled by hand on traditional machines.

Problems with regulations

Since it builds so few cars each year the company is not subject to the same regulations as large manufacturers. However, even regulations that do apply in some countries such as the US mean the car cannot be sold. It is over a decade since new Morgan cars were sold in the US but the Plus 4 and Roadster may be available soon. There is a vibrant used market even in the US.

However, what you can buy in most countries is the little 3 Wheeler since it is imported under motorcycle regulations. The two-seater trike looks as if it comes from an earlier century. The trike has a 2.0 liter engine built by S&S and has 68 horsepower. It weighs only 1,290 pounds. It can go from 0 to 62 mph in just 6 seconds. The company hopes to have an all electric version available later this year.

Previously published in Digital Journal

Lexar will return to flash storage business

Lexar, a well-known name in digital storage, decided to cease operation in 2017. Yet according to an announcement recently in Camerajabber the company is returning to the storage business and will begin producing and shipping flash storage this fall.

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Lexar's announcement

Lexar's chief executive officer Huabo Cai said “I’m extremely excited to re-introduce the Lexar brand to our worldwide customers. Lexar is dynamic, has superior research and development capabilities, and has a deep understanding of our customer’s needs. At the same time, we are confident that we can expand the Lexar business successfully in different markets globally.”

Before it stopped production in 2017 Lexar had been a staple supplier of flash storage for more than 20 years.

Lexar's former parent company Micron's announcement

In closing the retail memory division of Lexar, Micron claimed the company would focus on "increasing opportunities in higher value markets and channels". However, it was also looking to sell all or part of the Lexar brand. Micron also said that it would continue to offer support for the transition so customers can still contact the company over issues with the products.

Competition in the area is heavy as there are other well-established brands such as SanDisk, Transcend and Kingston, as well as many other lesser known names.

Lexar is now owned by a new parent company, Longsys. It is not clear whether there will be any new products or which older products will be marketed. Earlier, Lexar had produced memory cards, card readers, solid state drives, and USB flash drives.

Lexar

Lexar was once a division of Cirrus Logic but was spun off from the company in 1996. The company was created by Petro Estakhri and Mike Assai. Lexar was bought by Micron Technology in 2006. In September of 2007 the company extended its agreement with Eastman Kodak Company to develop and market Kodak-branded flash memory products throughout the world.

Micron sold Lexar to Longsys, based in Shenzen China a flash memory company on August 31, 2017.

Previously published in Digital Journal

Coinbase files for a patent for making secure bitcoin payments

The cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase has recently filed for a patent. The patent is for a new system that would enable online users to make their bitcoin payments more securely.

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Payments could be made directly from users" bitcoin wallets..

The patent application refers to the issue of users being required to compromise on the security of their own private keys: “Existing systems do not provide a solution for maintaining security over private keys while still allowing the users to checkout on a merchant page and making payments using their wallets.”

The new system will involve a "key ceremony" which encrypts the users private passphrases into a masterkey during the checkout process. This greatly reduces the risk of keys being stolen during the process. The masterkey encrypts private keys and transactions signing. Once used the key is then deleted.

Processes can be frozen when hacking or identity theft suspected

In the event that a user reports they are being hacked or their identity assumed the system allows administrators to freeze all processes. The patent application notes: “At any point in time after the master key is loaded, the system can be frozen. The system can be unfrozen after it has been frozen using keys from the key ceremony. The checkout process can be carried out when the system is frozen and when the system is unfrozen. The payment process can only be carried out when the system is unfrozen.”

Other websites and services can use payment system through an API

Wikipedia describes an API or application programming interface as follows: "In computer programming, an application programming interface (API) is a set of subroutine definitions, communication protocols, and tools for building software. In general terms, it is a set of clearly defined methods of communication between various components. A good API makes it easier to develop a computer program by providing all the building blocks, which are then put together by the programmer. An API may be for a web-based system, operating system, database system, computer hardware, or software library. An API specification can take many forms, but often includes specifications for routines, data structures, object classes, variables, or remote calls. POSIX, Windows API and ASPI are examples of different forms of APIs. Documentation for the API is usually provided to facilitate usage and implementation."

The Coinbase API will enable the new bitcoin system to be used by other websites and services.The API has two parts. One part will be stored on the Coinbase web service and the other on the user/host server providing an extra security measure. Transactions will be confirmed only if the API key received from the web server matches the key stored by the service. A system such as this that allows secure bitcoin payments through multiple websites could be widely adopted in the cryptocurrency space.

Coinbase's views on patents

Coinbase has applied for numerous patents related to bitcoin in the past. Nine were filed back in 2015 alone. Critics have accused Coinbase of attempting to create a monopoly in bitcoin services. CEO Brian Armstrong has replied to his critics in a blog post: "I’d personally prefer to see a world where software patents don’t exist (I think they hurt innovation, and waste a lot of time/money), but since they do exist, we have to take them seriously. Patents in business are a form of warfare, and it’s a dangerous world out there.

Our ultimate goal in obtaining bitcoin related patents is to keep them out of the hands of bad people, use them defensively to protect Coinbase from patent trolls, and help ensure the bitcoin ecosystem continues to grow."

Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/tech-and-science/technology/coinbase-files-for-patent-on-new-payment-bitcoin-payment-system/article/529761#ixzz5RZi3BQbW

Russia favors trade with all countries using national currencies not US dollar

Russia said last Monday that it favors bilateral trade with all countries using their national currencies rather than the US dollar. However, Russian authorities say the idea needed more work before it could be implemented

There has already been several moves by Russia to use currencies other than the dollar in international trade. Back in June Russia and China came to an agreement: "Moscow and Beijing have agreed to raise the share of ruble-yuan trade settlements, in a joint agreement signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping..The document envisages “further strengthening of the Russian-Chinese cooperation in the financial sector, promoting increase of the share of national currencies in trade payments, investments and financing, expanding collaboration in such fields as payment systems and insurance.” " The move is partly in response to US sanctions.

Turkey also to use national currencies in trade

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan also announced just recently that the country was preparing to conduct trade through national currencies with China, Russia, and Ukraine. The move comes amid increasing tariffs and sanctions by the US against Turkey. The moves have resulted in a huge drop in the value of the Turkish lira.

The Turkish lira sank to a fresh to low of 7.24 to the dollar in early Asia Pacific trade last Monday. Investors are worried over the state of the Turkish economy and deteriorating ties with the United States. The lira has dropped over 40 percent against the US dollar so far this year. There is a deepening diplomatic row over a jailed American pastor. President Erdogan has described the lira's fall as the consequence of a plot not economic fundamentals. He also described spreading false news about the economy as treason and recent U.S. actions as a stab in the back against Turkey.

Spokesperson for the Russian government Dmitry Peskov said that Russia was pushing for this type of arrangement with all countries and that the issue had been raised on several occasions during bilateral talks with Turkey and Russia.

For decades the world's currency of record has been the US dollar. Even countries that don't use the dollar as their currency nevertheless conduct business in the US dollar in a roundabout way. Increasing sanctions against Russia make the use of local currencies much more convenient as access to US dollars becomes more difficult or in the case of trade with countries such as Iran almost impossible.

Previously published in Digital Journal

For the week ended August 5th U.S. consumer comfort sentiment index reaches 17-year high

For the week ended August 5, the U.S. consumer comfort sentiment index rose to a 17-year high. The rise was sparked by more optimistic views of the U.S. economy and personal finance.

Highlights of the Index

The data comes from the Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index.

The weekly index rose to 59.3. This is the highest it has been since February back in 2001 when it was 58.6. The view of the current economy was at 61.9 from the last measure of 60.3. This is the highest it has been in 17 years. The index for personal finances was also at a record high at 66 from the last measure of 65.6. The last time it was this high was 2001. The index for buying was also up marginally at 50.1 from 49.9.

Key factors

The confidence is increasing during a tight labor market and relatively robust economic growth. Consumers are also enjoying the results of tax cuts and also lower gasoline prices. The increased confidence mirrors the stock market which has rallied back to near record levels. However, on the negative side there has been both weak wage growth and also a lower labor force participation than in late 2000 the last time the unemployment rate was this low.

Other details

The comfort index among those with a high school degree was at a 17-year high.

Comfort sentiments among those who were political independents was at the highest level since 2001. It exceeded the level of Democrats by a whopping ten points.

Confidence among single Americans also hit a 17-year high but still remains below those who are married.

Confidence level in mean exceeds that of women

The level of confidence among American men climbed to an almost 18-year high and exceeded that of women by the most in records dating back to 1990. This helped keep the index elevated.

The Consumer Confidence Index

The Bloomberg index should not be confused the Consumer Confidence Index which was also up but only slightly in July: "The Consumer Confidence Index is a measurement of Americans’ attitudes about current and future economic conditions. It tells you how optimistic people are about the economy and their ability to find jobs: "The Consumer Confidence Board reported the Index was 127.4 in July 2018. That's down from 130.0 in February. The down-tick was because people were a little concerned about the future. But it's still better than the pre-recession high of 111.9 reached in July 2007. " The all-time low was 25.3 in February of 2,009.

Previously published in Digital Journal

Airbus' solar-powered high altitude pseudo-satellite stays aloft for a record almost 26 days

Airbus' Zephyr S HAPS (High Altitude Pseudo-Satellite) took off in Arizona on July 11th. It stayed aloft 25 days, 23 hours and 57 minutes to be exact. A few minutes short of the 26 days. The aircraft is not manned.

Flight sets a new record

This is the longest duration flight ever made. An application has been made in order to establish that this is the new record. This maiden flight of the Zephyr is said to have proven the system's capabilities and the engineering objectives.

A few years ago the previous duration record was set by a prototype of the Zephyr when it flew for 14 days continuously. This was already ten times longer than any aircraft in the world.

The flight was supported by the UK government and this reflects the Ministry of Defense's position as the first customer for this innovative capability. The Zephyr is the leading solar-electric Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). It gets power from the sun's rays running exclusively on solar power. It flies high above conventional air traffic and the weather. It can provide persistent local satellite-like services explaining why it is called a pseudo-satellite.

The unmanned aircraft operates in the stratosphere at an average altitude of 70,000 feet and has a wingspan of 25 meters. It weighs just 75 kilograms.

Zephyr will provide persistent surveillance

Rosenmann, who is head of the Unmanned Aerial Systems at Airbus said: “This very successful maiden flight represents a new significant milestone in the Zephyr program, adding a new stratospheric flight endurance record which we hope will be formalized very shortly. We will in the coming days check all engineering data and outputs and start the preparation of additional flights planned for the second half of this year from our new operating site at the Wyndham airfield in Western Australia.”

The Zephyr will see and sense for both commercial and military customers. Zephyr could very well revolutionize disaster management by monitoring the spread of wildfires or oil spills as it provides persistent surveillance. It will also be able to provide communications to the most unconnected parts of the globe.

The Zephyr and other solar-powered aircraft give us a glimpse of what may be coming in the future of aviation. In 2016 the Solar Impulse 2, a manned aircraft powered by the sun was able to go around the globe without using any fuel but only solar power. The trip took 17 separate legs.

Solar-powered aircraft offer an intriguing glimpse of what the future of aviation could eventually look like. In 2016, the Solar Impulse 2, a manned aircraft powered by the sun, managed to circumnavigate the globe without using fuel. The trip was completed in 17 separate legs.

Previously published in Digital Journal

Only about one per cent of Chinese EV startups are expected to survive

The push to produce more electric cars (EVs) in China has resulted in literally hundreds of startups trying to cash in on the EV revolution but according to NIO Capital only 1 percent will survive.

Survival rate of EV startups is bound to be low

NIO Capital is a venture capital fund that is backed in part by the Chinese EV company NIO. Managing Partner Ian Zhu is very cautious on buying into any EV startups. The firm headquartered in Shanghai is trying to raise 10 billion yuan ( about $1.5 billion US) for an onshore fund. He favors investing in joint projects that involve the startups with traditional auto manufacturers since this combines both innovation and actual manufacturing skills.

Zhu pointed out: “It’s a very complicated system that needs abundant investments and a large group of people to be able to build a car from scratch. Therefore, the survival rate of all these EV startups will be very low.”

Money pouring in to EV development

China's aim is to be the world leader in the development of EVs and as such it has lured investors into pouring billions of dollars into startups and also production. Many have noticed Tesla's investment in China even though it is still relatively small. However the company plans to build a $5 billion dollar plant in China. Companies such as Xpeng Motors Technology Ltd and NIO are struggling to get a foothold. NIO is backed by the Chinese tech giant Tencent Holdings Ltd.

Competition in China's EV market fierce and increasing

Most Chinese EV startups are not yet in the manufacturing stage on a large scale or able to deliver cars in bulk to consumers. In spite of this some of the companies value themselves at higher levels than traditional Chinese car manufacturers such as the BAIC Motor Corp and Great Wall Motor Co. in recent fund raising drives.

More than half of the EVs sold in the world are in China. Competition is set to intensify as China now allows foreign car brands to fully own their own units a new rule that Tesla will take advantage of. Trade tensions between China and the US are also helping to encourage foreign auto makers to quicken plans to produce cars locally within the country. Zhu thinks the US China trade war could slow development towards self-driving vehicles.

US China trade war obstacle to development

Zhu claims that the developing trade war with the US: “is a real obstruction to the global economy and technology development. If it continues or escalates, it will delay the commercialization of intelligent electric cars as well as slow down global efforts to improve traffic safety and efficiency.”

NIO Capital is intending to buy minority stakes in auto-technology firms not only in China but overseas as well rather than attempt any wholesale takeovers. By doing this the fund hopes to tap into the rise of autonomous and EVs while minimizing the risk of a takeover including regulatory resistance on security grounds. The company is close to its goal of its first round of fund raising offshore of about $500 million. BP Ventures, a unit of the large UK-based oil firm said that it had invested $10 million in the fund.

The fund will focus on Chinese auto-related companies as well as foreign companies that plan to grow in China. He said the company would not invest in companies that had no relations with China.

China pressuring consumers to purchase EVs

Gary Zhong had tried for two years to get a licence to get a licence in Beijing's lottery for gas-powered cars. He gave up and bought an electric car. Zhong 31 said: “There was no other way. I would have waited forever to get a gasoline-car license, but instead I now find my EV actually works quite well for commuting.”

The government pressure to buy EVs is paying off for domestic makers such as BYD, backed by Warren Buffet and BAIC Motor Corp. but also global companies such as BMW and Tesla.

Six Chinese cities that have implemented gasoline car restrictions now account for 40 percent of China's EV sales, that were in total 579,000 last year. This represents 21 percent of global EV sales. Sales in these six cities are increasing by two to four times the national average.

Trying to get a licence for a gas-powered cars through a lottery can take years. They can cost more than $14,000 in a monthly auction in Shanghai. In contrast an EV licence is free and can often be obtained a lot faster.

China is hoping to eventually end the production of internal combustion vehicles. It hopes that electric and plug-hybrids plus fuel cell vehicles will account for 20 percent of annual new vehicle sales by 2025.

Previously published in Digital Journal