#best new smartphones 2019

[techturd]

Do you know what this is? Probably not. But if you follow me and enjoy retro gaming, you REALLY should know about it.

I see all of these new micro consoles, and retro re-imaginings of game consoles and I think to myself "Why?" WHY would you spend a decent chunk of your hard-earned money on some proprietary crap hardware that can only play games for that specific system?? Or even worse, pre-loaded titles and you can't download / add your own to the system!? Yet, people think it's great and that seems to be a very popular way to play their old favorites vs. emulation which requires a "certain degree of tech savvy" (and might be frowned upon from a legal perspective).

So, let me tell you about the Mad Catz M.O.J.O (and I don't think the acronym actually means anything). This came out around the same time as the nVidia Shield and the Ouya - seemingly a "me too" product from a company that is notorious for oddly shaped 3rd party game controllers that you would never personally use, instead reserved exclusively for your visiting friends and / or younger siblings. It's an Android micro console with a quad-core 1.8 GHz nVidia Tegra 4 processor, 2 GB of RAM, 16GB of onboard storage (expandable via SD card), running Android 4.2.2. Nothing amazing here from a hardware perspective - but here's the thing most people overlook - it's running STOCK Android - which means all the bloatware crap that is typically installed on your regular consumer devices, smartphones, etc. isn't consuming critical hardware resources - so you have most of the power available to run what you need. Additionally, you get a GREAT controller (which is surprising given my previous comment about the friend / sibling thing) that is a very familiar format for any retro-age system, but also has the ability to work as a mouse - so basically, the same layout as an Xbox 360 controller + 5 additional programmable buttons which come in very handy if you are emulating. It is super comfortable and well-built - my only negative feedback is that it's a bit on the "clicky" side - not the best for environments where you need to be quiet, otherwise very solid.

Alright now that we've covered the hardware - what can it run? Basically any system from N64 on down will run at full speed (even PSP titles). It can even run an older version of the Dreamcast emulator, Reicast, which actually performs quite well from an FPS standpoint, but the emulation is a bit glitchy. Obviously, Retroarch is the way to go for emulation of most older game systems, but I also run DOSbox and a few standalone emulators which seem to perform better vs. their RetroArch Core equivalents (list below). I won't get into all of the setup / emulation guide nonsense, you can find plenty of walkthroughs on YouTube and elsewhere - but I will tell you from experience - Android is WAY easier to setup for emulation vs. Windows or another OS. And since this is stock Android, there is very little in the way of restrictions to the file system, etc. to manage your setup.

I saved the best for last - and this is truly why you should really check out the M.O.J.O. even if you are remotely curious. Yes, it was discontinued years ago (2019, I think). It has not been getting updates - but even so, it continues to run great, and is extremely reliable and consistent for retro emulation. These sell on eBay, regularly for around $60 BRAND NEW with the controller included. You absolutely can't beat that for a fantastic emulator-ready setup that will play anything from the 90s without skipping a beat. And additional controllers are readily available, new, on eBay as well.

Here's a list of the systems / emulators I run on my setup:

Arcade / MAME4droid (0.139u1) 1.16.5 or FinalBurn Alpha / aFBA 0.2.97.35 (aFBA is better for Neo Geo and CPS2 titles bc it provides GPU-driven hardware acceleration vs. MAME which is CPU only)

NES / FCEUmm (Retroarch)

Game Boy / Emux GB (Retroarch)

SNES / SNES9X (Retroarch)

Game Boy Advance / mGBA (Retroarch)

Genesis / PicoDrive (Retroarch)

Sega CD / PicoDrive (Retroarch)

32X / PicoDrive (Retroarch)

TurboGrafx 16 / Mednafen-Beetle PCE (Retroarch)

Playstation / ePSXe 2.0.16

N64 / Mupen64 Plus AE 2.4.4

Dreamcast / Reicast r7 (newer versions won't run)

PSP / PPSSPP 1.15.4

MS-DOS / DOSBox Turbo + DOSBox Manager

I found an extremely user friendly Front End called Gamesome (image attached). Unfortunately it is no longer listed on Google Play, but you can find the APK posted on the internet to download and install. If you don't want to mess with that, another great, similar Front End that is available via Google Play is called DIG.

If you are someone who enjoys emulation and retro-gaming like me, the M.O.J.O. is a great system and investment that won't disappoint. If you decide to go this route and have questions, DM me and I'll try to help you if I can.

Cheers - Techturd

[mostlysignssomeportents]

This day in history

I'm on tour with my new novel The Bezzle! Catch me TONIGHT in LA with Adam Conover at Vroman's, then on MONDAY in Seattle with Neal Stephenson, then Portland, Phoenix and more!

#20yrsago Education czar calls teachers’ union a “terrorist organization” https://www.cnn.com/2004/EDUCATION/02/24/paige.terrorist.nea/index.html

#20yrsago Garry Trudeau puts $10K up for anyone who will confirm Bush’s Air Guard claims https://web.archive.org/web/20040401103812/http://www.doonesbury.com/strip/faqs/index.html

#20yrsago Nelson’s Grey Tuesday RSS https://web.archive.org/web/20040503084858/http://www.nelson.monkey.org/~nelson/weblog/culture/blogs/greyDay.html

#15yrsago Conan copyright trolls censor fan-readings of public domain stories https://www.sffaudio.com/conan-and-new-zealands-new-copyright-law-vs-broken-sea/

#15yrsago Unimaginably gigantic cell-phone market in Shenzhen https://www.bunniestudios.com/blog/?p=283

#15yrsago John Hodgman explains what’s wrong with “Meh” https://waxy.org/2009/02/john_hodgman_on_meh/

#15yrsago @brucesterling's The Caryatids, my pick for best book of 2009, a novel of clear-eyed hope for the future https://memex.craphound.com/2009/02/24/bruce-sterlings-the-caryatids-my-pick-for-best-book-of-2009-a-novel-of-clear-eyed-hope-for-the-future/

#10yrsago Mozilla’s $25 Firefox smartphone: a free/open device for billions of new netizens https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/with-firefox-os-mozilla-begins-the-25-smartphone-push/

#10yrsago Whistleblower: NSA secretly continues Merkel surveillance by bugging other German officials https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2014/02/nsa-moves-from-bugging-german-chancellor-to-bugging-german-ministers/

#10yrsago Text of Little Brother on an art-litho, tee, or tote https://www.litographs.com/products/brother

#10yrsago Takei to Arizona lawmakers: we will boycott Arizona if it passes its anti-gay Jim Crow law https://www.cnbc.com/2014/02/25/razing-arizonageorge-takeicommentary.html

#10yrsago How Youtube’s automated copyright system lets big music screw indie creators https://torrentfreak.com/why-youtubes-automated-copyright-takedown-system-hurts-artists-140223/

#5yrsago Deposition of opioid profiteer Richard Sackler reveals his bizarre defense: definitional games and insistence that words mean their opposite https://arstechnica.com/science/2019/02/sackler-behind-oxycontin-fraud-offered-twisted-mind-boggling-defense/

#5yrsago Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez will pay every staffer a living wage, ending the longstanding practice of Congressional staffers taking second jobs https://rollcall.com/2019/02/22/alexandria-ocasio-cortezs-call-for-a-living-wage-starts-in-her-office/

#5yrsago As expected, the EU has advanced the catastrophic Copyright Directive without fixing its terrible defects https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2019/02/european-governments-approve-controversial-new-copyright-law/

#1yrago This is your brain on fraud apologetics https://pluralistic.net/2023/02/24/passive-income/#swiss-cheese-security

[scrunkore]

Scrunkore Media "Thread" 2023: Part 6

the scrunko core has burned out, rebooting

63) Cassette Beasts (PC, 2023)

This is a really cool monster tamer RPG, it came up with a really fun type interaction system and there are are excellent designs in it especially with the eldritch-style bosses, that's super fun. Big fan of the setting and its unique vibe too, if you've played the game you'll know what I mean about that. Great indie I enjoyed my time with, though the romance feels tacked on and I thought the ending was just Fine. [4★]

64) Doctor Who, Series 6-10 (TV, 2011-2017)

Moffat's entire tenure with the greatest TV show in Britain, knocked out within the year, and honestly I think it was quite good. Plenty of flaws, like his messy ambitions, how weird he is about women sometimes, and how some episodes just genuinely fucking suck, but you get that with every era of the show really. The highs are damn high, especially with Capaldi's Doctor in episodes like Heaven Sent and The Doctor Falls, and I think that's enough to outweigh the bad. And I feel like series 10 in particular is often overlooked more than it should be, pretty strong one that is. No rating, but I love Doctor Who when it's good.

65) Mad Rat Dead (Switch, 2020)

MAD RAT MONDAY!!!! I played this game because of the soundtrack, which totally bangs and of course you need that in a rhythm game like this one. Fun one it is too, it has options to make it less challenging and the story is unexpectedly pretty cool. I'm not very good at it, but I beat it and I had a fun time doing so. Rats rule. [4★]

66) Doctor Who: The Lonely Assassins (Switch, 2021)

This is apparently the only good Doctor Who game still officially playable, and yeah, I can see it. Immersing yourself in a mystery contained within a smartphone featuring an iconic monster and fun appearances from existing characters is pretty cool, though it can be kinda janky and there's not that much to it in the end. Certainly an alright experience though. [3★]

67) F-Zero 99 (Switch, 2023)

My only experience with F-Zero so far, the surprise announcement that jumpscared fans of the series before turning out to be a battle royale type game that's actually... kinda good? Chaotic fun with decently engaging gameplay, it's something you pick up and play for a bit before doing something else but don't play for hours once the honeymoon phase wears off. Sure helps add something to NSO, sure hope it doesn't get taken down in a year. [3.5★]

68) Sonic Superstars (PC, 2023)

A good new Sonic game! From Sonic Team! The series really has been popping off lately, and though some people complained about this one, I genuinely think it stands at least close to the classic titles it's following up from. Levels are fun and creative with the only real bullshit being in the optional postgame (which does kind of suck if you're not good), and though the soundtrack has plenty of duds it's still pretty decent overall. Cool cast of playable characters too, and it's great seeing Fang come back, with the new character Trip also being a fun addition. I don't think this is peak Sonic, but for me it was a good time that I enjoyed for the most part. [4★]

69) Super Mario Bros. Wonder (Switch, 2023)

Oh 2D Mario is so fucking back, this takes the formula that the "New" series was running with and gives it a super aggressive shake-up and an injection of creativity that it really needed. It has a really nice visual look, actually cool level design that is great to run through, fun powers, and a large roster of playable characters including Daisy finally. Not to mention it sounds good, the music is a great important part of it and the talking flowers in every level are honestly just fun. One of the best platformers on Switch right now, I like it more than Odyssey honestly. [5★]

70) Shaun the Sheep: Farmageddon (Movie, 2019)

Bit of a silly watch this was, but in all honesty I'll always be a fan of Aardman's work and this is a pretty fun movie that all ages can enjoy whether they like Shaun the Sheep or not. It's animated as well as you'd expect, does some cute stuff, and honestly I kinda like the music in it too. Just a funny little adventure with that silly sheep and his weird cute alien friend. [3.5★]

71) Suika Game (Switch, 2023)

Suika Game.

72) Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: Booster Course Pass (Switch DLC, 2022-2023)

Dropping a two-year DLC that doubles the track list and adds a bunch of new characters and balance updates to a Mario Kart game we thought was over was a fucking wild thing to do, but Nintendo did it and honestly it worked out quite well. Sure, it's clearly all Tour ports and a lot of them don't look too hot, but for the sheer quantity of it I don't think I can complain too much. They even chose pretty good tracks for the most part, with only a few favourites being left out that I can only assume will be remade in the next game and therefore end up better than ever. I think the game is actually done now, and I think it's probably the best Mario Kart at this point. Not bad at all. [4★]

73) PLUTO (Anime, 2023)

An anime that took ages to get made, and it shows all the polish that much time of production should have you expect (perhaps too much polish with all those unnecessary digital effects). It's a pretty complete adaptation of a much-praised manga about war, robots and consciousness, some strong science fiction with quite good writing based on an old arc from Tezuka's Astro Boy manga. It's pretty tragic how things turn out for most of the characters, but it's so good how it goes about things, and I think it was worth the wait. One of the best Netflix-distributed anime, I'd say. [4.5★]

74) Super Mario RPG (Switch, 2023)

Geno fans have not shut up for years, so how does his game hold up now that it's been polished up into HD? Not bad, honestly. It's a solid RPG experience with simple yet engaging battle gameplay that laid the foundations for other Mario RPG titles to come, and now it's all shiny and stuff. It's a fun journey through a whimsical Mario setting with the quirks you'd come to expect, apparently a pretty faithful remake with only a few new additions and script edits that it sort of needed. I don't think this game is really that special in 2023, but I liked it plenty. Funny that Geno is barely a character though. [4★]

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[ohnoproblems]

wait i have more movie thoughts about the un-bangers i've seen lately

The Batman (2022) was baffling. way longer than it even remotely needed to be. my wife said it was like half of the production crew knew how to make movies and the other half had never touched a camera before and every day they got together and did this to determine who got to film the movie that day

the moral of the movie (and you know it's the moral of the movie because they put it in twice, at the beginning and the end) is that it's okay to eat fish, because they don't have any feelings.

Terminator: Dark Fate (2019) had the bones of a good terminator film in there but the meat was wrong and cloying. by the bones i mean: in much the same way that the t-1000 in terminator 2 is so effective because it's able to seamlessly blend itself with the organs of state control (the cops), T:DF correctly identifies things like the US border patrol, ICE detainment centers, and smartphone location tracking as currently-relevant organs in the same system, especially when the New John Connor is a mexican lady poised to become a labor activist. old sarah connor poorly dealing with her shit was cool but they put way too much focus and reverence and deference on her to the point that dani ramos, who is supposed to be the future leader of the new human resistance, barely got a chance to do anything or express anything about herself. most importantly, they sent a cyborg butch back to protect her. you NEED to do this. movie would have been so much worse without this. it was bold of them to open with footage from terminator 2, the best one, to remind the audience that they could just watch terminator 2 again instead.

arnold's character sucked ass, they were way too winking with his writing. like, okay, you took the concept of a t-800 gaining some degree of personal autonomy after his future and the directives it came from got unmade, and you decided that he would just become a fucking republican dad in texas?? a family man?? fuck off. but my biggest critique of the movie as a piece of craft is NO ONE FUCKING LIT THAT FILM. EVEN THE CGI SCENES. if you have a character say "i can't see what's happening!" in a sequence you built then it's good writing actually because the audience also can't see what's happening and it will build our bond to the character.

it's called Terminator: Dark Fate because every day on set they forgot to give their gaffers things to do

[jiinjiinjarra]

BTS // Japan // Japan Official Fanclub Magazine (JPFC) // Vol. 7 // 2019 // Pt. 6

Scan Cr. jiinjiinjarra (me) // Translation Cr. BtsJapanese

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

A to Z

A - Army (page 42)

Q: Words by Army that Made you Happy

🐹: "Just by seeing you I feel happy" these words were said to me during the handshake event.

🐰: "All the best. You did well" . These words make me happy.

B - Baggage (Jungkook only answer; page 43)

Q: List five things which you always bring while touring!

🐰: Um... apart from my cell phone and charger....., earphones, wallet, mask, and clothes. Also, lip balm? I don't carry a handkerchief (laughs) really, apart from these things I don't bring anything else. I used to bring my laptop before but lately I don't. In the past I used to bring plenty of luggage but now I travel light!

C - Charm (page 43)

Q: A recent new charm of V's that you found out?

🐹: How does he manage to look cool in any kind of clothes? But ARMYs are better aware of V's charms than us right?

🐰: When he's unintentionally funny. Lately there have been lots of funny instances like that, it's really cute.

D - Dance (J-hope only answer; page 43)

Q: Which song's dance you like the most?

🐿:  Boy With Luv

E - Eldest Son (page 43)

Q: When does Jin make you feel "As expected of the eldest?"

🐰: (immediate reply) Lately, there really hasn't been any (laughs).

🐨: When we are all talking and he takes the lead/ speaks before me. Then I feel "as expected of the hyung".

🐱: When he cares for the members in various ways even though he's three months older to me.

🐿: When I am not sure if something is right or not, he helps me make a decision and leads me.

🐥: When playing pranks (laughs). Even though he's the eldest he's like a child, that's our hyung

🐻: When he summarises what the members want to do and conveys them to the company as our representative.

F - Fragrance (page 44)

Q: Favourite smell?

🐹: I like the smell of the countryside. Since I often used to visit my grandmother's home there's a nostalgia related to that smell.

🐰: Rather than a sweet smell lately I like refreshing and cool smells.

G - Gold (page 44)

Q: A weakness of Golden Maknae Jungkook that only you know?

🐹: He can't refuse food (laughs). I stuff his mouth with food and hinder his diet!

🐨: To put it, he's simple and pure (laughs). It's easy to make him feel good.

🐱: Since he hates losing he suddenly becomes eager to prove himself if you talk about something he cant do (laughs).

🐿: It's sleep. It's really difficult to wake him up once he falls asleep (laughs).

🐥: He has a rich sensitivity . If he watches an emotional movie his emotions overflow and he quickly starts crying.

🐻: He really sulks if he feels you aren't interested in him (laughs).

H - Happy (page 44)

Q: Being together with J-Hope there are moments of happiness! Please tell us about those moments.

🐹: When I ask him to "express what you are feeling now through your body" and even though J-Hope says "please don't make me do such things!" he does it every time I ask him to (laughs).

🐰: Since he's positive and a person overflowing with kindness, being together with him always makes me happy. We ride together and go out to eat together a lot. He's a good person so I love him ♡

I - Ignite (page 44)

Q: What gets the always calm and collected Suga excited?

🐹: I haven't seen an excited Suga(laughs). His reactions are also calm

🐰: Seems like he’s into smartphone games recently. He becomes noisy during gaming (laughs).

J - Joke (Jimin only answer; page 45)

Q: A recent joke said by the members which you found very funny?

🐥: There really isn't a joke... but just before we go to bed, me and my roommate J-Hope hyung talk. We tend to talk about loads of nonsensical stuff but it's really funny and an enjoyable moment.

K - Kind (page 45)

Q: A recent act of kindness which you received from the members?

🐹: During immigration check at the airport, when a member gave up their turn to me. I silently entered in line before J-Hope but he didn't say anything and gave me his turn. (laughs)

🐰: It's not like they are unkind or anything but since we all are so close to each other, even if they showed kindness I didn't realise...(laughs).

L - Love (page 45)

Q: Which BTS song will you recommend when you're in love?

🐹: Trivia:Love. Definitely RM's solo Trivia: Love. The title is literally "Love"!

🐰: Lights. I really like the lyrics "You're my light" which gives a feeling that you are thinking about each other.

M - Mirror (page 45)

Q: Look in the mirror and give a message to yourself!

🐹: You always look good. Don't ever change yourself.

🐰: You have passion but don't slack off and continue doing the things you have to do without running away from them.

N - Notice (page 46)

Q: What's a phrase the members often say?

🐹: V often uses the word 0 # /iae in Korean it means from now on) in unexpected situations (laughs)

🐰: Um...? I don't know this one. Sorry

🐱: Jungkook pronounces "Do" as "To" at times.

🐿: I guess the members tend to attach *"San" (" with a fellow members' name ~

🐥: Jin hyung goes "Oye V", like this, he uses "Oye (members' name).

🐻: Jin hyung says "No" 

O - Omnipotent (page 46)

Q: When does the omnipotent leader make you think "He needs my help"?

🐹:  When RM isn't using his prodigal mind, the members take care of him.

🐰: Although he knows things everyone doesn't know, he doesn't know the things which normally people do.

P - Present (page 46)

Q: A reward for yourself, what do you want now?

🐹: I don't really buy stuff. But a time to play games is needed!

🐰: It has to be time, it's what I want the most.

Q - Quench (page 46)

Q: What heals you?

🐹:  When I am eating with the members or my friends and we all just talk while drinking.

🐰: It has to be ARMY's existence which is the most healing to me! I love you!

R - Replace (V only answer; page 47)

Q: If you could switch places with a member who'd you like to be? What do you want to do?

🐻: I want to be me. Since I want to live the way I usually do (laughs)

S - Smile (page 47)

Q: What to do to make Jimin smile?

🐹: Although he smiles even when you say the simplest of jokes, you need to create the atmosphere so as to make him smile.

🐰: This is really easy! When he looks at me he always smiles.

T - Trend (Jin only answer; page 47)

Q: Right now, what's in trend within the group?

🐹: It's a mobile game, but after playing it for 2-3 days I get really tired of it, and stop playing it. "This game's fun" I say in the beginning, spreading the word around, the first to stop playing is RM. The ones who are always playing are Jimin, V and Jungkook.

🐰: The one who actually plays till the end is Suga but he doesn't play much (games) in the first place.

U - Unconscious (page 47)

Q: When winking which eye do you close?

🐹: (Winked) I can do it with either but winking with the right eye is easier.

🐰:  I can wink with either of them but my left one is a little bad.

V - Vogue (page 48)

Q: If you could go out to shop for clothes with a member, who would you go with?

🐹: I want to go with Jungkook. Both of us don't have much interest in clothes so we'll end shopping fast (laughs).

🐰: J-Hope hyung and me dress similar in terms of atmosphere, so if I tag along I'll be able to gather something.

W - Want (page 48)

Q: Right now, what do you want for yourself? Strength or Kindness?

🐹: I think strength is necessary. So then my character becomes stronger!

🐰: I want to be able to judge with kindness and composure when thinking about something.

X - Xmas (RM only answer; page 48)

Q: How do you want to spend this year's Christmas?

🐨: Since debut I've always been spending Christmas performing and working a lot. Since Christmas is always meant to be celebrated with someone I think it'll be the same case this year.

Y - Yell (Suga only answer; page 48)

Q: Something that you yelled involuntarily recently?

🐱: I don't usually scream. Since I'm always calm and composed. But if I have to say anything with force on stage then I say "Make some noise!" or "Scream!" to get the crowd excited? There really isn't anything to scream about in day-to-day activities right(laughs). Maybe if you hit your body somewhere? Since I'm fine with insects, I can even catch the insects people are afraid of.

Z - Zzzz (page 49)

Q: A recent dream that left an impression on you?

🐹: I dreamt I got bitten by a snake. But since work went really well that day, it was a good omen.

🐰: I had a nightmare. That I had hurt someone, but you asked about a good dream!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

[beansonbread2]

BEANSONBREAD AWARDS 2023 - BEST SONG

AWARD NO.5 - BEST SONG OF 2023

PAST WINNERS

2022 > Jockstrap 'Concrete Over Water' (see full list HERE)

2021 > Self Esteem ‘Prioritise Pleasure’ (see full list HERE)

2020 > Jockstrap ‘Acid’ (see full list HERE)

2019 > Weyes Blood ‘Andromeda’ (see full list HERE)

2018 >Let’s Eat Grandma ‘It’s Not Just Me’ (see full list HERE)

2017 > Richard Dawson ‘Ogre’ (see full list HERE)

2016 > Solange ‘Cranes In the Sky’ (see full list HERE)

2015 > Kendrick Lamar ‘The Blacker The Berry’ (see full list HERE)

2014 > FKA Twigs ‘Two Weeks’ (see full list HERE)

2013 > Oliver Wilde ‘Perrett’s Brook’ (see full list HERE)

2010 > Untold ‘Stop What You’re Doing (James Blake Remix) (see full list HERE)

2009 > Joker - ‘Digidesign’ (see full list HERE)

2008 > Lil’ Wayne - ‘A Milli’ (see full list HERE)

2007 > Panda Bear - ‘Bros’ (see full list HERE)

2006 > Hot Chip - ‘Over And Over’ (see full list HERE)

-

RULES - A maximum of THREE tracks from any one artist. Songs can be tied in the same position.

-

THE RUNNERS UP (in alphabetical order)

100 Gecs ‘Hollywood Baby’

Alabaster DePlume ‘Did You Know’

Animal Collective ‘Soul Capturer’ / ‘Defeat’

Aphex Twin ‘Blackbox Life Recorder 21f’

Avey Tare ‘The Musical’

Bar Italia ‘Nurse!’ / ‘My Little Tony’  

Bas Jan ‘No More Swamp’

BC Camplight ‘The Last Rotation Of Earth’

Beabadoobee & Clairo ‘Glue Song’

Beck & Phoenix ‘Odyssey’

Benjamin Spike Saunders ‘I Can’t Impress You’

Big Thief ‘Vampire Empire’

Biig Piig ‘In The Dark’

Blur ‘The Narcissist’

Danny Brown ‘Tantor’ / ‘Jenn’s Terrific Vacation’

Das Koolies ‘Pain Down The Drain’

Dean Blunt & TYSON ‘Rinsed’

Divorce ‘Scratch Your Metal’

Django Django ‘Don’t Touch That Dial’ / ‘Black Cadillac’

Dorian Electra ‘Puppet’

English Teacher ‘The World’s Biggest Paving Slab’

Feist ‘Borrow Trouble’

Felicita ‘Spalarkle (Alys)'

Firestations ‘Undercover’

Hannah Diamond ‘Affirmations’ / ‘Twisted’

H. Hawkline ‘Plastic Man’

Janelle Monae, Seun Kuti, Egypt 80 ‘Float’

Jessy Lanza ‘Limbo’

Jockstrap ‘Sexy 2’

John Cale ‘Noise Of You’

JPEGMAFIA & Danny Brown ‘Scaring The Hoes’ / ‘Lean Beef Patty’

Kara Jackson ‘Dickhead Blues’

Katy J Pearson ‘Willow’s Song’

Kelela ‘Contact’

King Krule ‘Seaforth’

The Lemon Twigs ‘Any Time of Day’

Lil Yachty ‘Drive Me Crazy!’

Liz Lawrence & Steve Mason ‘I Was There’

Magdalena Bay ‘Top Dog’

Martha Ffion ‘The Wringer’

MAY ‘Phone Me’

Memotone ‘Door To The Sky’

MGMT ‘Bubblegum Dog’ / ‘Mother Nature’

Minor Conflict ‘Second-Hand Time / ‘Living Statue’

Mitski ‘Bug Like An Angel’

Mun Sing ‘Waiting In The Car’

Nadine Shah ‘Topless Mother’

Nourished By Time ‘Daddy’ / ‘The Fields’

Oneohtrix Point Never ‘On An Axis’

One True Pairing ‘Frozen Food Centre’

Overmono ‘Good Lies’

Panda Bear, Sonic Boom, Adrian Sherwood ‘Whirlpool Dub’

Patten ‘Walk With U’

Pinkpantheress & Ice Spice ‘Boy’s A Liar Pt.2’

Pozi ‘Failing’ / ‘Pest Control’

Quade ‘Streching Out’

Roisin Murphy 'CooCool'

Rozi Plain ‘Complicated’ / ‘Painted The Room’

Seamus Fogarty ‘They Recognised Him’

Shabazz Palaces ‘Binoculars’

Sierra Manhattan ‘Smartphones’

Slauson Malone 1 ‘New Joy’

Sleaford Mods ‘UK Grim’ / ‘Force 10 From Navarone’

The Smile ‘Wall Of Eyes’

Squid ‘Siphon Song’ / ‘Undergrowth’

Steve Mason ‘The People Say’

Tapeworms ‘IRL’

Terry ‘Gold Duck’

Tirzah ‘No Limit’

Trust Fund ‘London’

Vagabon ‘Carpenter’

Warmduscher ‘Love Strong’

Weird Wave ‘Unrecognise!’

Wesley Gonzalez ‘Dress Rehearsal’ / ‘When I Rot’

Yaeji ‘For Granted’ / ‘Done (Let’s Get It)’

-

THE TOP 25 SONGS OF 2023

25. Bjork & Rosalia ‘Oral’

24. MF Tomlinson ‘We Are Still Wild Horses’

23. Fever Ray ‘Even It Out’

22. Dorian Electra ‘Freak Mode’

21. Nourished By Time ‘Shed The Fear’

20. ANOHNI & The Johnsons ‘It Must Change’

19. Young Fathers ‘Rice’

18. Kwes, Sampha, Tirzah ‘Open Up’

17. Max Tundra ‘Lights 2023’

16. Squid ‘Undergrowth’

15. Tara Clerkin Trio ‘Marble Walls’

14. Rozi Plain ‘Help’

13. The Lemon Twigs ‘When Winter Comes Around’ / ‘Corner Of My Eye’

12. Animal Collective ‘Gem & I’

11. Max Tundra ‘This Woman’s Work’

10. Water From Your Eyes ‘Barley’

9. Django Django & Self Esteem ‘Complete Me’

8. JPEGMAFIA & Danny Brown ‘Burfict!’

7. Bill Ryder-Jones ‘This Can’t Go On’

6. Squid ‘Swing (In A Dream)’

5. Tara Clerkin Trio ‘The Turning Ground’

4. Lana Del Rey ‘A&W’

3. Steve Mason ‘Brixton Fish Fry’

2. Caroline Polachek ‘Dang’

1. Oneohtrix Point Never ‘A Barely Lit Path’

[amuseoffirebane]

Shaking you lovingly for 2, 16 and 19 for the ask (⁠ㆁ⁠ω⁠ㆁ⁠)

2. What is your novel’s aesthetic?

Dust, rust, denim, concrete, a cracked smartphone screen, tightly grasped hands, the silence after a cathartic cry

16. What is the theme?

Capitalist exploitation ruining lives; recovering from trauma but not erasing it; finding love in companionship and service; finding reasons to keep living

I’m deliberately avoiding paralleling robot-human relations to racism!! If robot people were real today we’d find a unique way to exploit them that would exist alongside the oppression that’s already here.

19. What excited you about this story?

This setting, the central city of which is New Amida, was born out of an SPG RP collective and I have yet to find much else like it-- it’s contemporary speculative fiction, where the question isn’t “how different would the world be if robot people were around” but “how would things stay the same.” I knew since very on in Riker’s creation that I wanted to send him on a roadtrip story. Taps coming to life in April 2019 set the project in motion. I think what excites me most is bringing the characters to life and finding the best plot to bring them to where they need to be.

[theredbackpack]

I saw Tisakorean live last week. I did not pay attention to the openers until right before the show started, but was blown away at the lineup: Texas Boyz, Yung Nation, and Trill Sammy with Dice Soho were the big names. Across these acts, you can draw a line from them to Tisakorean's new music. It was an incredible blend of circa-2011 blog-rap nostalgia that called to mind in the best way my nights at small sweaty clubs seeing eight rappers in a row over the course of four hours.

I don't know if you've seen the videos of Soulja Boy snapping, but I clocked it as a reaction to what Tisakorean is doing. It speaks to a trend/zeitgeist: concurrent to this is the embarrassing efforts to make "indie sleaze" a thing, which confusingly throws all manner of sounds and aesthetics anywhere from about 2004 to 2010 into a blender. The Dare kinda sound like LCD Soundsystem but they also remind me of mid-'00s detritus like The Bravery. I sense the same era rap music creeping on the margins: Homer Radio featured a slew of snap/dance music in a recent episode (#23, from April); indie sleaze nostalgia combined with "blog rap" podcasts point toward an endpoint destined to go just a few eras backward in time; the fact that 2003 was twenty years ago; this Druski skit that dropped the day I drafted this; and yes, Tisakorean's masterful album, Let Me Update My Status.

When Tisa appeared on the national stage in 2018, I thought he was riding the wave of a trend: regional dance rap that consisted of artists like Splurge and 10kcaash, alongside future footnotes like Lil Tecca. His 2019 debut, A Guide to Being a Partying Freshman, was met with a mixture of shrugs to light praise. A fun collaboration with Chance the Rapper seemed to seal his fate as a guy who would burn bright and hot but not for long.

The first time I thought "he has something" was 2020's "Bate Onna Bo" which weaved through so many movements in the span of four minutes it had to be the work of a musician with a real vision. By 2021 we got "Old School Cash" and "Silly Dude" and it was clear he was following his instincts and making the exact kind of music he wanted to make. This came to a head in 2022 with his EP 1st Round Pick and "Backseat," which was my favorite song of the year. Sometimes that's as far as an artist can go. But he pressed on: Let Me Update My Status underlines my thought that Tisakorean is an era-defining rapper in a time when artists make interminably long albums to game the streaming algorithm then disappear off the planet.

It may seem premature to call Tisakorean era-defining but that's where I landed. I don't mean he's sold the most albums or had the most hits, but in this age where you can have a few songs and leave no impact, that he's had an audience since 2018 is huge: that he's produced great music since at least 2020 is even more impressive. (While I never disliked his earliest music, it hits a lot better now in the context of his career arc.) A lot of people who liked "The Mop" may not be following him now, but artists who shed casual fans are probably doing something noteworthy. No one is good for three years, let alone five. I like Travis Porter more than your average person, but I'd argue at best they had a three year imperial phase. Now anyone starting a twitter reply with "buddy" doesn't know they exist.

The Atlanta snap/swag sound and movement from 2006 through about 2009 was a singular moment that came just as regional music was cresting (Houston famously in 2005, Three 6 Mafia won the Oscar in 2006), before blogs, before Drake. Early Gucci Mane was popping off and OJ da Juiceman became a household name within this precarious window. But as soon as all cool regional stuff became fodder for rappers on major labels and young hypebeasts like ASAP Rocky to absorb, it was over, which is why it's due for a renaissance.

It's getting harder to imagine life before smartphones, before omnipresent internet and connectivity, before literally every aspect of our lives was managed by at most three or four corporations. Kevin Durant's iconic BlackPlanet page might as well be the Dead Sea Scrolls as a relic of his personality expressed through that era of the internet. But any means of original expression becomes unlikelier as we get funneled into pre-ordained ways of being our ourselves, of consuming art and media and sports, to the fabric of our thoughts.

A few years ago Matty Healy described his life pre-internet the best I've heard it. It's not about the changes it brought, but that he cannot remember what it was like to live without it. He cannot remember what it felt like to feel things before the internet, and what it felt like to not have to think about the internet as he felt things, and that his life and experiences still had meaning. And this inability to remember will render us more vulnerable to exploitation, and feeling like we are not connected to our true selves.

It used to feel different to feel alone, to feel sad, happy, etc, without thinking about how to broadcast it. Even if you don't put yourself online like that, there's an inkling to want to. I took a ton of pictures and videos at the Tisa show and I put some in my stories, but I found I didn't want to share them permanently. They are for me.

Let Me Update My Status is a masterpiece in perfecting sounds from snap to crunk to mid-aughts Neptunes. It's a callback to a simpler time, which is nearly impossible to do without some subconscious argument we also need to return to simpler, regressive politics. What makes the album so invigorating is how thoroughly it plumbs the era as an aesthetic and sound, not just as an excuse to make goofy videos. Its accomplishment is how it demonstrates snap music as an organic form that was never a response to anything: it was not conservative in its values, instead it was a truly original and innovative Black American artform that took time to receive the respect it deserved. (Quick aside: yes there were people who always loved it and it was popular for a reason, but it was not considered a given until years later.)

In Kelefa Sanneh's Major Labels he says in spite of the liberal ideology at the heart of punk music, it was a conservative movement because art that aspires to either simplicity in its content (songs as political statements) or as a "return to form" (three chords and 4/4 time) is reactionary. The real-world impact of punk as ostensibly progressive expression was what came after it; it's Minor Threat and Green Day but also skinhead music. When mid-'10s revisionism took hold and people rightfully concluded "D4L were important" it took forgettable Big Sean and Kid Ink albums to get there; it took the critical adulation upon the arrival of artists as disparate as Kendrick Lamar, Future, and Waka Flocka Flame to get there; it took time to get there, to see what had shaped everything that preceded the moment as vital to the culture.

Tisakorean’s delirious ode to snap music locates within a specific timeframe from the past an emotional center and palette, finding new entry points into the sound, blending homemade beats with experimental forms as well as hyperpop to fashion an immersive triumph. There’s nothing one-dimensional about Let Me Update My Status and it also doesn’t conjure any Bush-era feelings of excess or doom, which it might do if it used nostalgia as a gimmick. I love Let Me Update My Status because it sounds exactly like how 2007 felt, and for me 2007 was a good year to be alive, using the internet not because I had to but because I wanted to.

///

Finally, Found Me Volume Two, released with my creative brother Fat Tony, released in February. Buy one here. It continues to be my favorite thing I do. I wrote about Lil Yachty for NPR. Read that here. I started a Linktree and will add to it when necessary; bookmark/follow me here.

[vireeza09]

I’ve always loved music eversince I was a kid and have always been fascinated with concerts of artists and bands I watched online. I told myself that when I am already earning, I would definitely watch my faves. I got employed in the year 2012 and year 2013, I was able to watch 2 concerts. (I did blog about those. You can just scroll through my page 😅) Paramore and The Script were the first ones. And mind you, being a first timer back then, I got scammed twice. So much for being desperate! Hahahaha!

Life happened in the following years - got busy with work and love life? 😬 Yikes! Lol. And eventually with raising my daughter. Although I already have priorities, I figured that I should still have time for myself and enjoy once in a while. Right?! 😜

December of 2019, I was able to secure tickets to Avril Lavigne’s concert and early 2020, got seats for Boys Like Girls and Alanis Morisette’s concerts, too. But the pandemic happened and all shows got postponed obviously.

Fast forward to 2022, Alanis’ concert got cancelled and Avril’s got postponed yet again.

Since the world has already started coping up to the new normal, concerts opened their doors again.

September: The Script

Birth month! And what better way to celebrate it? Watch a concert! 🙌🏻 2nd time for this band. I remember in 2013, we came in late for the concert because of the scam I mentioned. Lol. We were too far to really see them.

This time, we were not able to score the best seats but with a certain stroke of luck, the band sang 2 songs just beside us in the audience. How cool was that? We were like shouting OMG the whole time! They were at arm’s reach, and if not for the stern look of the marshalls, we would have already thrown ourselves at them. Hahahaha! I was kinda sad though that they didn’t sing my fave song. I even shouted for them to sing it but I was heartbroken. But I did enjoy the concert, singing along with the crowd and most especially because I was with my constants. 🥰❤️

October: Boys Like Girls

Their songs brings back memories of jeepney rides to and from uni/duty. When smartphones were not that popular and new songs were heard first through the radio (Thank you, KillerBee!) I remember printing out the lyrics of their songs (in a long bond paper, in small font size, and in 5 columns. Hahaha!) just so I can jam along at home. Lol. The concert was postponed for 2 years, but was finally able to watch them live. 🥰❤️

The venue was not that big compared to regular concerts I’ve been to, but it made the band interact to the audience more. 🥰 I even had PCD for about a month. Lol. For the last song, “Love Drunk”, Martin had the audience keep our phones and just jam along just like the old times. It was very special. 🥹❤️

December: Eraserheads

I was not supposed to watch them because I am not really a super fan. I only know my favorites.😅 But my dear friend who’ve always wanted to watch their concert convinced me. More on nagpapilit pala ako. Hahaha! And it’s Eraserheads! Who would say no, right? You will never know when the next concert would be. 😉

Tickets were priced way too high and yet the ones we got were not the best ones. We thought that being there would just be fine. We will just enjoy the experience. But last minute, we took a risk, very desperate to get better tix and voila, upgraded to Moshpit! 🥹🥰❤️

So happy to sing along with the crowd. 🥰 Indeed a memorable experience for an open-ground concert. A first for me.☺️ “Ang Huling El Bimbo” really hit different. And towards the end of the song, there’s fireworks to cap the night off.

*Middle photo of the 2nd collage not mine. ctto. 😊

As the saying goes, “Do what makes you happy.” I’m doing mine. 🥰 Already 2 concerts coming right up in 2023! Waiting for when Avril will push through, Paramore to come back again, and of course, the one and only Taylor Swift. ☺️❤️

Thank you, 2022! 🥰❤️

[systemtek]

The UK's Technology Secretary Peter Kyle has set out his priorities for the online safety regulator, Ofcom, as it prepares to implement and enforce the laws set out in the Online Safety Act next year. The Statement of Strategic Priorities (SSP), published today (Wednesday 20th November), includes ensuring safety is baked into platforms from the start so more harm is caught before it occurs, pushing for more transparency from technology companies on what harms are occurring on their platforms, and creating a digital world that is inclusive and resilient to harm, including disinformation. Government is also announcing the launch of a study to explore the effects of smartphone and social media use on children, to help bolster research and strengthen the evidence needed to build a safer online world. Ofcom will have to consider each of the government’s strategic priorities as it enforces the Online Safety Act from next Spring. Ofcom will have to report back to the Secretary of State on what action it has taken against the priorities to ensure the laws are delivering safer spaces online. These reports will be critical to inform next steps as the government commits to learning from the implementation of the Online Safety Act and building on it where necessary. The priorities will be finalised with the input of online safety experts and campaigners to ensure government action is informed by those with those who have experienced the offline impacts of failures in online safety. Ofcom is due to start enforcing the first duties on online platforms under the Online Safety Act from Spring next year. Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said: Keeping children safe online is a priority for this government. That is why today I will be the first secretary of state to exercise the power to set out my strategic priorities. From baking safety into social media sites from the outset, to increasing platform transparency, these priorities will allow us to monitor progress, collate evidence, innovate, and act where laws are coming up short. While the Online Safety Act sets the foundation of creating better experiences online, we must keep pace with technology as it evolves to create a safer internet, especially for children. We’re also firing the starting gun on research which will help build the evidence base we need to keep children safe online. I am committed to using all the tools at our disposal from monitoring the impact of new laws, creating more and better evidence, and working with online safety campaigners and charities to achieve this goal. The government is committed to implementing the Act as quickly and effectively as possible and has already acted to deliver safer experiences for people online. Earlier this year platforms’ responsibilities to remove intimate image abuse content were strengthened, whilst new data laws will help researchers gather critical evidence about online harms A new research project has been launched to boost the evidence base around online harms, The first stage of the project will examine what methods will best help the government understand the impact of smartphones and social media use on children after a review by the UK Chief Medical Officer in 2019 found the evidence base around the links to children’s mental health were insufficient to provide strong conclusions. The project will improve policy makers understanding of the relationship between children’s wellbeing and smartphone use and help direct future government action. Maria Neophytou, Director of Strategy & Knowledge at the NSPCC, said: We’re pleased to see the Secretary of State echoing many of the priorities that we have been campaigning on over the last few years. Through Childline, we hear daily from young people about the range of harms they are experiencing online, including online bullying, access to content encouraging suicide and eating disorders and child sexual abuse and exploitation.  Tech companies must be transparent about the harm happening on their platforms. They should be disrupting ‘safe havens’ for offenders by tackling the hidden abuse taking place through private messaging. It is right that the government is focusing on driving innovation and new technology that can identify and disrupt abuse and prevent harm from happening in the first place. The regulatory framework has the potential to change the online world for children. We continue to campaign for an ambitious approach to the enforcement of the legislation, and for children to be listened to and actively included. We look forward to engaging with the Secretary of State’s strategic priorities. The Statement of Strategic Priorities five key areas 1. Safety by design: Embed safety by design to deliver safe online experiences for all users but especially children, tackle violence against women and girls, and work towards ensuring that there are no safe havens for illegal content and activity, including fraud, child sexual exploitation and abuse, and illegal disinformation. 2. Transparency and accountability: Ensure industry transparency and accountability from platforms to deliver online safety outcomes, promoting increased trust and expanding the evidence-base to provide safer experiences for users. 3. Agile regulation: Deliver an agile approach to regulation, ensuring the framework is robust in monitoring and tackling emerging harms - such as AI generated content. 4. Inclusivity and resilience: Create an inclusive, informed and vibrant digital world which is resilient to potential harms, including disinformation. 5. Technology and innovation: Foster the innovation of online safety technologies to improve the safety of users and drive growth. Notes to editors United Kingdom Chief Medical Officers’ commentary on ‘Screen-based activities and children and young people’s mental health and psychosocial wellbeing: a systematic map of reviews’, 2019. The SSP will be laid in Parliament for approval, before then being formally designated by the Secretary of State. This is expected to take place in Spring next year. Read the full article

[recentlyheardcom]

The Best introduction to Mobile Application Development

Author Mohamed Magdy Published October 22, 2019 Word count 1,304 Every day the new devices are incoming to the market with innovative options thanks to growing technology. The evolution of mobile application development technology with new devices made our lives much easier. In the smartphone world, simply having a running web site is not enough. Regarding a recent study, it has shown that…

[rebeccausa]

Glance Company: Revolutionizing the Smartphone Experience with the Best Lock Screen

In the world of mobile technology, the Glance company has emerged as a true game-changer. Launched in 2019 by InMobi, Glance has redefined how we interact with our smartphones by creating what many consider to be the best lock screen to ever exist. 

This innovative approach to mobile content delivery by the Glance company has captured the attention of millions of Android users worldwide, transforming a once-static barrier into a dynamic portal of personalized information and entertainment.

The Genesis of Glance: InMobi's Visionary Leap

The story of the Glance company begins with a simple yet revolutionary idea: what if the lock screen could be more than just a security feature? InMobi, a global leader in mobile advertising and technology, saw an opportunity to turn this underutilized digital space into a hub of meaningful engagement. 

By developing the best lock screen technology to date, the Glance company has succeeded in creating a seamless, intelligent content delivery system that integrates effortlessly with Android devices.

Unlike traditional apps that clutter your home screen, the Glance company designed the feature to operate directly on your lock screen, offering a window to the world without the need to unlock your phone or navigate through multiple applications. This innovative approach by the Glance company has redefined how users interact with their devices, making Glance the best lock screen solution for those who value instant access to information and entertainment.

AI-Driven Personalization: The Core of Glance's Success

At the heart of what makes Glance the best lock screen experience is its sophisticated AI-driven content curation. The Glance company has developed advanced algorithms that analyze user interactions, learning and adapting to individual preferences over time. This level of personalization thanks to the Glance company ensures that every glance at your lock screen is not just informative but also engaging and relevant to your interests.

Whether you're a sports enthusiast, news junkie, or pop culture aficionado, the best lock screen by the Glance company adapts to serve content that aligns with your tastes. This intelligent curation sets the Glance company apart from traditional content platforms, making it the go-to choice for Android users seeking a more personalized mobile experience.

News at Your Fingertips: Reimagining Information Delivery

One of the standout features that make Glance the best lock screen for news consumers is its ability to deliver current events in a format that's both concise and visually appealing. 

The Glance company has revolutionized how we consume news, presenting headlines and key information in bite-sized chunks perfect for quick absorption during those in-between moments of your day.

From breaking news to in-depth analysis, the best lock screen by the Glance company covers a wide spectrum of topics. The AI-powered system ensures that you're more likely to see stories that genuinely interest you, making each interaction with your lock screen a valuable use of time. 

This seamless integration of news delivery into daily life exemplifies why the Glance company made the best lock screen for staying informed in today's fast-paced world.

Weather and Sports: Instant Updates for the Enthusiast

The Glance company's commitment to creating the best lock screen experience extends beyond news to include essential information like weather forecasts and sports updates. Imagine stepping out the door with instant knowledge of the day's weather, beautifully presented on your lock screen. 

For sports fans, the Glance company offers the best lock screen solution for catching the latest scores and highlights from favorite teams without even unlocking the phone.

The weather forecasts on Glance are not just informative but aesthetically integrated into the system, making checking the weather a visually pleasing experience. Similarly, sports updates are presented in an engaging format, ensuring that fans never miss a beat. 

This seamless integration of practical information into daily routines further cements the Glance company’s position as the best lock screen company for Android users.

Entertainment at a Glance: Beyond Information

The Glance company doesn't stop at news and information in its quest to provide the best lock screen experience. Understanding that entertainment is a crucial part of mobile engagement, Glance offers a diverse range of content to keep users entertained during idle moments. 

Whether you're waiting for a bus, standing in line, or taking a coffee break, the best lock screen by the Glance company transforms these moments into opportunities for discovery and enjoyment.

From short-form videos to interactive games, the Glance company ensures that there's always something engaging on your lock screen. This feature has made Glance the best lock screen choice for users who value both information and entertainment in their mobile experience.

The Technology Powering the Best Lock Screen

The Glance company's technological prowess is evident in the seamless operation of what many consider the best lock screen available. InMobi has developed a complex ecosystem that balances content delivery with user privacy and device performance. 

The Glance company ensures that everything operates efficiently in the background, making sure that it doesn't drain your battery or consume excessive data – crucial factors in maintaining its status as the best lock screen for Android devices.

Moreover, the AI algorithms powering Glance are continuously learning and evolving. As users interact with content on their lock screen, the system refines its understanding of preferences, leading to an increasingly personalized experience over time. This adaptive technology is a key reason why the Glance company is often cited as the provider of the best lock screen for those seeking a truly tailored mobile experience.

User Control: Customizing Your Glance Experience

While the Glance company offers what many consider the best lock screen service, they understand that user preferences vary. For those curious about customization options or how to turn off Glance, the process is straightforward and accessible within device settings. 

This level of user control is an essential feature of the best lock screen solutions, allowing users to tailor their experience or disable the feature if desired.

It's worth noting that many users who initially consider turning off Glance often find themselves won over by its convenience and personalized content delivery. 

The non-intrusive nature of the service by the Glance company means that it enhances rather than disrupts the user experience, solidifying its position as the best lock screen for a wide range of Android users.

The Future of Mobile Engagement

As the Glance company continues to innovate, they remain at the forefront of redefining mobile interactions. The vision for the best lock screen extends beyond merely displaying content; it aims to create a more intuitive and valuable smartphone experience. 

With advancements in AI technology, we can expect the Glance company to evolve further, potentially redefining what it means to have the best lock screen on a mobile device. The Glance company's commitment to innovation suggests that the future of mobile engagement will be even more seamless, personalized, and valuable to users.

Conclusion: Unlocking a New Era of Mobile Interaction

In conclusion, the Glance company has truly revolutionized the smartphone experience by creating what many consider to be the best lock screen ever. By transforming a once-static barrier into a dynamic, personalized content hub, Glance has unlocked new possibilities in mobile engagement.

To put it metaphorically, what the Glance company has done for the lock screen is akin to turning a simple doorway into a magical portal – every time you approach it, you're greeted with a world of information and entertainment tailored just for you. As we move forward in the digital age, innovations like the best lock screen by the Glance company remind us of the untapped potential in our everyday technology, promising a future where our devices understand and cater to our needs more intuitively than ever before.

[amangotogroww]

Hyperlocal SEO: Targeting "Near Me" Searches for Maximum Business Growth

In today’s fast-paced world, "near me" searches have become a staple for consumers looking for products and services. Hyperlocal SEO is a powerful tool that helps businesses capitalize on this trend by targeting highly specific geographic searches. This blog will explore the importance of hyperlocal SEO, provide actionable strategies, and share insights on optimizing for "near me" searches to boost local visibility.

1. What is Hyperlocal SEO?

Hyperlocal SEO involves optimizing your online presence to target customers based on their immediate geographic location. Unlike traditional local SEO, hyperlocal SEO zooms in on smaller geographic areas, focusing on consumers who are ready to act.

Example: A user searching for "coffee shop near me" will see results for nearby businesses that have optimized their SEO to target these hyperlocal queries.

2. The Growth of "Near Me" Searches: Facts and Figures

Key Statistics:

Between 2014 and 2020, “near me” searches skyrocketed by 900%, driven by the rise of mobile devices【Source: Google Trends】.

82% of smartphone users perform local searches, and 76% of them visit a nearby business within 24 hours【Google Consumer Insights】.

Searches for "open near me" grew by 400% between 2019 and 2021, showing the demand for real-time, location-based services【Google Data】.

Takeaway: Businesses that optimize for "near me" searches are better positioned to capture high-intent customers, who are typically ready to purchase or visit within hours.

3. The Importance of Hyperlocal SEO for Businesses

Increased Visibility: Businesses that rank well in hyperlocal searches, especially in Google’s "Local Pack," receive a significant number of clicks. 44% of users click on a business from this section【BrightLocal】.

High-Intent Consumers: "Near me" searchers are often ready to take action. 88% of local mobile searches lead to a call or business visit within a day【Nectafy】.

Competitive Edge: Optimizing for hyperlocal SEO helps small and medium-sized businesses compete with larger companies by dominating search results in specific geographic areas.

4. Key Ranking Factors for Hyperlocal SEO

Proximity: The distance between the searcher and your business plays a crucial role in determining your ranking.

Relevance: Your business must match the user’s search query. Optimizing for local keywords and ensuring your business description is accurate can improve relevance.

Prominence: Google considers factors like online reviews, local citations, and backlinks to evaluate how prominent your business is in your area.

5. Actionable Tips for Optimizing for "Near Me" Searches

5.1. Optimize Google My Business (GMB) Profile

Claim and Verify Your Listing: This ensures full access to optimization tools and helps your business appear in Google’s Local Pack.

Accurate Business Information: Keep your Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP) consistent across all platforms.

Use Local Keywords: Add location-specific keywords in your business description, such as "best bakery in Brooklyn."

Tip: A complete GMB profile is 2.7 times more likely to be considered trustworthy by consumers【Google My Business Insights】.

5.2. Create Localized Content

Develop Location Pages: If your business operates in multiple areas, create separate landing pages for each location with unique content.

Blog About Local Topics: Write content that focuses on local events or news relevant to your audience. This can increase engagement and relevance.

Example: A restaurant can write a blog post about “Top 5 Local Eateries in Downtown” while promoting its own services.

5.3. Mobile Optimization

Responsive Design: Since 60% of Google searches are now done on mobile devices, make sure your website is mobile-friendly with fast loading times.

Mobile-First Indexing: Google primarily uses the mobile version of your site for ranking, so ensure the mobile experience is seamless.

Fact: 80% of "near me" searches happen on mobile devices【Think With Google】.

5.4. Leverage Local Citations and Backlinks

List in Local Directories: Submit your business to local directories like Yelp, TripAdvisor, or industry-specific platforms to increase visibility and improve credibility.

Build Local Backlinks: Partner with community-based websites, local bloggers, or chambers of commerce to earn backlinks that enhance your local SEO rankings.

5.5. Encourage and Respond to Customer Reviews

Generate More Reviews: Encourage customers to leave positive reviews on your Google My Business profile and other review platforms.

Respond to Reviews: Whether positive or negative, engaging with reviews shows that you value customer feedback and enhances your online presence.

Tip: Businesses with higher ratings (4-4.5 stars) typically perform better in local search rankings【BrightLocal】.

5.6. Voice Search Optimization

Use Conversational Keywords: Since many "near me" searches are performed through voice assistants, focus on long-tail keywords like “Best pizza delivery near me” to capture voice search traffic.

FAQs: Include a Frequently Asked Questions section on your site that addresses common local search queries.

5.7. Implement Local Schema Markup

Schema Markup: Use structured data like local business schema markup to help Google understand the specific location, services, and hours of operation of your business.

Fact: Websites using schema markup typically rank 4 positions higher than those without【Search Engine Land】.

6. The Role of Local Search Ads in Hyperlocal SEO

While organic strategies are vital, combining them with paid advertising can give your hyperlocal SEO a boost.

Google Local Services Ads: These ads appear at the top of search results, allowing customers to call or book services directly through the ad. It’s perfect for local businesses like plumbers, electricians, or law firms.

Geotargeted Ads: Running location-based Google Ads allows you to narrow down your target audience to specific geographic areas, increasing the relevance of your ads.

Fact: 85% of clicks from Google Ads occur on mobile devices, making geotargeted ads crucial for capturing local mobile traffic【Google Ads Study】.

7. The Future of Hyperlocal SEO

Emerging Trends:

AI-Driven Personalization: As Google continues to refine its algorithm, AI will play an even bigger role in predicting user intent, delivering more personalized local search results based on browsing behavior and location history.

Augmented Reality (AR): Tools like Google Lens are integrating real-world searches with digital data, meaning users may soon be able to point their camera at a store to get business details in real time.

Conclusion

Hyperlocal SEO is critical for businesses looking to attract nearby customers who are ready to make immediate purchasing decisions. By optimizing your Google My Business profile, creating localized content, using mobile and voice search strategies, and leveraging paid ads, you can ensure your business stands out in "near me" searches.

[rapidfly369]

Role of AI in Banking

AI has dramatically changed how businesses, including banks, work and serve customers. The industry has become more customer-focused and modern with AI in banking apps and services. The role of AI in banks is to help save money by improving efficiency and making decisions based on complex data. It can also quickly spot fraudulent information.

AI in Banking

Cybersecurity and Fraud Detection

Banks handle many digital transactions every day, such as paying bills, withdrawing money, and depositing checks online. Because of this, they need strong fraud detection. AI helps by spotting fraudulent activities, finding weaknesses in their systems, reducing risks, and boosting online security.

AI also helps banks deal with cyber threats. In 2019, the financial sector was hit by 29% of all cyberattacks, making it a significant target. With AI’s ongoing monitoring, banks can catch and respond to potential cyberattacks before they impact employees, customers, or their systems.

Role of AI Chatbots

Chatbots are a great example of how AI is used in banking. They work 24/7, unlike humans who have fixed working hours. Chatbots learn about each customer’s habits, helping them better understand and meet customer needs.

By using chatbots in banking apps, banks can offer customer service anytime. Chatbots can provide personalized help, reduce the workload on email and other channels, and suggest financial services and products based on customer behavior.

Loan and Credit Decisions

Banks use AI to make smarter, safer, and more profitable loan and credit decisions. Traditionally, banks rely on credit history, credit scores, and references to decide if someone is creditworthy. However, these methods can lead to mistakes and often missing important information.

An AI system can judge customer creditworthiness by looking at customer behavior and patterns, even for those with little credit history. It can also warn banks about behaviors that might indicate a higher risk of default. These AI technologies are changing the future of lending. Joining a bank coaching center helps you learn more about the role of AI in banking.

Tracking Market Trends

AI and machine learning (ML) help banks process large amounts of data to predict market trends. These advanced techniques can analyze market sentiments and suggest investment options.

AI can also advise on the best times to invest in stocks and warn about potential risks. By processing data quickly, AI speeds up decision-making and makes trading more accessible for banks and their clients.

Risk Management

Global factors like currency changes, natural disasters, or political unrest can significantly affect banking and finance. During such times, making careful decisions is crucial. In banking, AI provides analytics to predict future events, helping businesses prepare and make timely decisions.

AI also helps find risky applications by evaluating a client’s chances of not repaying a loan. It predicts this by analyzing past behaviors and smartphone data.

Regulatory Compliance

Banking is one of the most regulated sectors in the world. Governments ensure banks are not used for financial crimes and manage risks well to avoid big problems. Banks usually have teams to handle these issues, but doing this manually takes time and money. Compliance rules also change often, so banks must keep updating their processes.

AI and machine learning (ML) help by reading new compliance rules and improving decision-making. While AI can’t replace compliance teams, it makes their work faster and more efficient. Online bank coaching centers also help learners understand AI technology in banking.

Data Collection and Analysis

Banks record millions of transactions daily, creating a lot of information that can be overwhelming for employees to manage. Organizing and recording all this data without mistakes is very hard.

AI and exceptional banking software help collect and analyze data efficiently. This improves users’ overall experience and can also help detect fraud or make credit decisions.

Predictive Analytics

AI is widely used in banking for predictive analytics and understanding natural language. AI can find patterns in data that traditional technology might miss.

These patterns can show new sales opportunities, cross-sell opportunities, or important metrics about operations, leading to more revenue.

Process Automation

Robotic process automation (RPA) makes things more efficient and accurate by automating tedious, repetitive tasks. This saves money and lets employees focus on more complex tasks requiring human involvement.

Customer Experience

Customers always want better experiences and more convenience. For example, ATMs were a big hit because they let people deposit and withdraw money even when banks were closed.

This kind of convenience has led to more innovations. Now, customers can open bank accounts from home using their smartphones.

Using AI in banking makes things even better for customers. AI speeds up recording Know Your Customer (KYC) information and reduces mistakes. It also ensures new products and financial offers are available on time.

AI automates tasks like applying for personal loans or credit, making the process easier for customers. AI-based software also speeds up approvals for things like loan disbursement.

In customer service, AI helps accurately capture client information to set up accounts without errors, ensuring a smooth experience.

Overall, the role of AI in banking works well together because AI offers many benefits.  AI has a bright future in banking. AI can make banking smoother, reduce mistakes, and improve customer experiences. Banks should invest in AI to give their customers better services and new experiences. To learn more about AI technology in banking, joining the best online bank coaching center helps you acquire more knowledge.

[music-industry-updates]

The Impact of Amazon Music Streaming on Independent Artists

In the ever-evolving landscape of music consumption, Amazon Music Streaming has emerged as a significant player, reshaping the way we listen to and experience music. With its vast library, innovative features, and seamless integration with other Amazon services, Amazon Music Streaming has positioned itself as a formidable competitor in the crowded music streaming industry. This article delves into the rise of Amazon Music Streaming, exploring its journey, unique features, and impact on the music industry.

The Evolution of Music Streaming:

The way we consume music has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past few decades. From vinyl records and cassette tapes to CDs and digital downloads, each era has brought about new ways for listeners to access their favorite tunes. However, the advent of music streaming services has been the most revolutionary change in recent history. Streaming allows users to access millions of songs instantly, without the need to purchase individual tracks or albums. This convenience, combined with the ability to discover new music, has made streaming the preferred method of music consumption for millions around the world.

Amazon’s Entry into the Music Streaming Market:

Amazon, a company synonymous with innovation and disruption, entered the music streaming market in 2007 with the launch of Amazon MP3, a digital music store. This service allowed users to purchase and download individual tracks or albums, similar to iTunes at the time. However, it wasn’t until the launch of Amazon Music Unlimited in 2016 that the company fully embraced the streaming model. Amazon Music Unlimited offers users access to a vast library of songs, curated playlists, and personalized recommendations, all available on-demand.

Key Features of Amazon Music Streaming:

Amazon Music Streaming distinguishes itself from competitors through several key features:

Vast Music Library: Amazon Music boasts a library of over 100 million songs, spanning various genres, languages, and eras. This extensive collection ensures that there is something for every listener, whether they prefer the latest chart-toppers or classic hits.

Amazon Music HD: In 2019, Amazon launched Amazon Music HD, offering high-definition audio streaming for audiophiles who demand the best sound quality. This service provides access to millions of songs in HD (16-bit, 44.1 kHz) and Ultra HD (24-bit, up to 192 kHz) quality, delivering a listening experience that is closer to the original recording.

Alexa Integration: One of the standout features of Amazon Music Streaming is its seamless integration with Alexa, Amazon’s voice-controlled virtual assistant. Users can simply ask Alexa to play their favorite songs, create playlists, or discover new music, all without lifting a finger. This hands-free convenience has made Amazon Music a popular choice for smart home users.

Personalized Recommendations: Amazon Music leverages the power of AI and machine learning to provide personalized music recommendations based on users’ listening habits. Whether it’s a daily playlist tailored to your mood or suggestions for new artists to explore, Amazon Music ensures that your music discovery experience is always fresh and exciting.

Maestro: AI-Powered Playlist Generator: Recently introduced, Maestro is an AI-powered playlist generator that allows users to create custom playlists using spoken or written prompts. This feature enables users to generate playlists based on specific instructions, emotions, or activities, offering a more personalized and intuitive music experience.

Cross-Platform Accessibility: Amazon Music Streaming is available on a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, and Amazon Echo devices. This cross-platform accessibility ensures that users can enjoy their music wherever they are, on any device they choose.

Amazon Music’s Impact on the Industry:

Amazon Music Streaming’s rise has had a significant impact on the music industry. As a major player in the streaming market, Amazon has contributed to the shift away from physical and digital music sales toward streaming as the dominant method of music consumption. This shift has had profound implications for artists, record labels, and consumers alike.

Increased Revenue for Artists: While streaming services have been criticized for their payment models, Amazon Music has implemented initiatives to support artists, particularly independent ones. Through Amazon Music for Artists, musicians have access to tools that help them understand their audience, track performance metrics, and optimize their promotional efforts. This level of transparency and support has empowered artists to take control of their careers in ways that were previously impossible.

Enhanced Music Discovery: The integration of AI-driven recommendations and curated playlists has transformed how listeners discover new music. Amazon Music’s ability to introduce users to new genres, artists, and songs has broadened the musical horizons of millions. This has been particularly beneficial for niche artists and genres that might not receive mainstream attention.

Competition and Innovation: Amazon Music’s entry into the streaming market has intensified competition, driving innovation across the industry. To stay competitive, streaming services must continually evolve and offer new features that enhance the user experience. This competition benefits consumers, who enjoy a richer and more diverse array of options.

Consumer Convenience: With features like Alexa integration and cross-platform accessibility, Amazon Music Streaming has made it easier than ever for users to access and enjoy music. Whether you’re at home, on the go, or working out, Amazon Music ensures that your favorite tunes are always within reach.

Conclusion:

The rise of Amazon Music Streaming marks a new era for music lovers, offering unparalleled access to a vast library of songs, innovative features, and a personalized listening experience. As the music streaming industry continues to grow, Amazon Music is poised to play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of how we discover, enjoy, and interact with music.

[sa7abnews]

GREG GUTFELD: It turns out that the Trump mess was no bug in the system

New Post has been published on https://sa7ab.info/2024/08/16/greg-gutfeld-it-turns-out-that-the-trump-mess-was-no-bug-in-the-system/

GREG GUTFELD: It turns out that the Trump mess was no bug in the system

So, anyone remember that thing that happened a month ago with former President Donald Trump? When his ear looked like Van Gogh’s? Funny how that’s all growing sort of fuzzy already. The story, not the ear. Thanks to our ever-curious media, it’s now fading like Joe Biden’s memories of today’s breakfast. But could that ugly event be part of a bigger problem? Could it be that there’s a shift in modern life where norms of behavior and competence have been disrupted by the very questioning of the norms and standards themselves? You can see and feel it in stores, customer service, doctor’s offices, or just down the street. In drug stores you now have to call someone to get deodorant. You get asked for tips on a screen after you served yourself. The illegal who punched a cop is free to commit another crime. Protesters destroy public and private property and all charges are dropped. Teachers take down world maps and put up Pride flags. And speech is oppressive, but menacing on subways isn’t. It’s like we replaced our country’s foundation with quicksand. The idea that meritocracy is oppressive has finally fulfilled its dream. We’re now all equally incompetent. You can credit DEI, to be sure, the proponents sure love to praise it until the results pour in. Meanwhile, we forego experience and training as we deem older generations as oppressive and irrelevant. Add to that the ubiquity of smartphones, and you have a workforce too distracted to care. Hell, even I check Facebook when Judge Jeanine starts rambling about how we don’t execute enough teens. Which brings me back to the Secret Service. It turns out that the Trump mess was no bug in the system. It is the system. A new report from RealClearPolitics reporter Susan Crabtree quotes sources within the service who claim that the agency has suffered more lapses than Kat’s car insurance. SECRET SERVICE FAILURE AT TRUMP RALLY EXPOSES CULTURE ROT, STAFFING WOESFirst, two Secret Service agents were recently photographed dead asleep while on duty at Mar-a-Lago, and instead of nudging them awake, the photos were circulated to others on the detail. The sleepers were never disciplined, but everybody got a good laugh. In 2019, two Chinese nationals simply strolled onto the grounds of Trump’s Florida home, perhaps thinking it was Disney’s Magic Kingdom. Worse, the Secret Service can’t even protect itself. Two months ago, a man in shorts and a T-shirt walked through an open door in the Miami field office and spent the night. First, he took a shower, then downloaded porn on a computer. It’s weird. I usually do those two things in reverse. You too? Next morning, he asked employees where he could get a cup of coffee, and they got him coffee. Hell, I don’t get treated that well at Starbucks and I own Starbucks. He was only caught when he entered a defensive tactics class, and someone finally asked who the hell he was, which is like Brian Kilmeade at a Brian Kilmeade book signing. Now, look, no agency is perfect, but when some clown can wander into a classified facility, watch porn, wash up, spend the night, have breakfast, and then attend a tactical training session, is it any wonder a whack job can ride up on a bike and shoot Trump? Best Buy has better security, but there’s more. SECRET SERVICE EQUITY DIRECTOR SAYS DEI AGENDA IS A ‘MISSION IMPERATIVE,’ THE ‘ULTIMATE GOAL’In April last year, a drunk neighbor burst into the home of national security adviser Jake Sullivan. He probably took off, though, when he saw Sullivan. The guy looks like he escaped an autopsy. Now Sullivan gets Secret Service detail, yet somehow, a drunk still got past this crack squad of security pros and confronted Sullivan in his home in the dead of night. Who was on post that night? Paul Blart? Two intruders recently breached security at the Obama’s house in Hawaii. There weren’t any guard dogs except on the menu. And when Barack was president an intruder jumped the White House fence and got inside. So forget the conspiracy theories unless it’s a conspiracy of decline, and it’s everywhere. True nepotism and DEI hires have real world consequences, but the old-fashioned notion of meritocracy seems like a long way away. As we wake up to deteriorating cities, schools that indoctrinate but don’t educate, and law enforcement more handcuffed than the criminals. It’s not just the Secret Service. It’s society. We didn’t just break a few eggs to make an omelet. We broke the pan that makes the damn omelet. The errors by the Secret Service seem the result of a distracted, untethered generation divorced from direction or discipline. This is not who America was. Not the America that won two world wars or even the Cold War. Today we couldn’t win the war on gingivitis.