#technologies and platforms

[canadasoftwarecompany]

Custom Software Development by Canada Software Development

Discover More: Custom Software Development Mississauga | Canada Software Company

[mostlysignssomeportents]

Someday, we’ll all take comfort in the internet’s “dark corners”

I'm on tour with my new, nationally bestselling novel The Bezzle! Catch me on SUNDAY (Mar 24) with LAURA POITRAS in NYC, then Anaheim, and beyond!

Platforms decay. Tech bosses, unconstrained by competition; regulation; ad blockers and other adversarial interoperability; and their own workers, will inevitably hollow out their platforms, using ultraflexible digital technology to siphon value away from end users and business customers, leaving behind the bare minimum of value to keep all those users locked in:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/01/30/go-nuts-meine-kerle/#ich-bin-ein-bratapfel

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this thread to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/03/23/evacuate-the-platforms/#let-the-platforms-burn

Enshittification is the inevitable result of high switching costs. Tech bosses are keenly attuned to opportunities to lock in their customers and users, because the harder is to leave a platform, the worse the platform can treat you – the more value it can rob you of – without risking your departure.

But platform users are a heterogeneous, lumpy mass. Different groups of users have different switching costs. An adult Facebook user of long tenure has more reasons to stay than a younger user: they have more complex social lives, with nonoverlapping social circles from high school, college, various jobs, affinity groups, and family. They are more likely to have a chronic illness, or to be caring for someone with chronic illness, and to be a member of a social media support group they value highly. They are more likely to be connected to practical communities, like little league carpool rotas.

That's the terrible irony of platform decay: the more value you get from a platform, the more cost that platform can extract, a cost denominated in your wellbeing, enjoyment and dignity.

(At this point, someone will pipe up and say, "If you're not paying for the product, you're the product." It's nonsense. Dignity, respect and fairness aren't frequent flier program perks that tech companies dribble out to their best customers. Companies will happily treat their paying customers as "products" if they think those customers can't avoid other forms of rent-extraction, such as "attention rents")

https://pluralistic.net/2023/11/06/attention-rents/#consumer-welfare-queens

Now, consider the converse proposition: for younger users, platforms deliver less value. Younger users have less complex social lives on average relative to their parents and grandparents, which means that platforms have fewer ways to sink their hooks into those young users. Further: young users tend to want things that the platforms don't want them to have, right from the first day they sign up. In particular, young users often want to conduct their socializing out of eyesight and earshot of adults, especially parents, teachers, and other authority figures. This means that a typical younger user has both more reasons to leave a platform as well as fewer reasons to stay there.

Younger people have an additional reason to bail on platforms early and often: if your online and offline social circles strongly overlap – if you see the same people at school as you do in your feed, it's much easier to reassemble your (smaller, less complex) social circle on a new platform.

And so: on average, young people like platforms less, hate them more, and have both less to lose and more to gain by leaving one platform for another. Sure, some young people are also burning with youth's neophilia. But even without that neophilia, young people are among the first to go when tech bosses start to ratchet up the enshittification.

Beyond young people, there are others who tend to jump ship early, like sex-workers:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/06/21/early-adopters/#sex-tech

Sex-workers' technology changes are only incidentally the result of some novelty-seeking impulse. The real reason to change platforms if you're a sex-worker is that the platforms are either absolutely hostile to sex-workers, or profoundly indifferent to the suffering their policy changes rain down upon them.

The same is broadly true of other disfavored groups, including those with out-of-mainstream political ideologies. Some of these groups hold progressive views, others are out-and-out Nazis, but all of them chafe at the platforms' policies at the best of times, and are far more ready to jump ship when the platforms tighten the noose on all their users.

This is where "dark corners" come in. The worst people on the internet have relocated to its so-called dark corners – privately hosted servers, groupchats, message-boards, etc. Some of these are notorious: Kiwi Farms, 4chan, 8kun, sprawling Telegram groupchats. Others only breach when they are implicated in waves of unthinkably cruel and grotesque crimes:

https://www.wired.com/story/764-com-child-predator-network/

The answer to crimes committed in the internet's dark corners is the same as for crimes committed anywhere: catch the criminals, prosecute the crimes. But a distressing number of well-meaning people observe the nexus between dark corners and the crimes that fester there, and conclude that the problem is with the dark corners, themselves.

These people observe that social media platforms like Facebook, and intermediaries like Cloudflare, DNS providers, and domain registrars constitute a "nexus of control" – chokepoints that trap the online lives of billions of people – and conclude that these gigantic corporations can and should be made "responsible" for their users:

https://www.techdirt.com/2020/06/23/hello-youve-been-referred-here-because-youre-wrong-about-section-230-communications-decency-act/

From there, it's a short leap to conclude that anyone who isn't in a position to be controlled by these too big to jail, too big to fail, relentlessly enshittifying corporations must be pushed into their demesne.

This is a deal with the devil. In the name of preventing small groups of terrible people from gathering in private, beyond the control of the world's insufferable and cruel tech barons, we risk dooming everyone else to being permanently within those unworthy billionaires' thumbs.

This is why people like Mark Zuckerberg are so eager to see an increase in "intermediary liability" rules like Section 230. Zuckerberg's greatest fear isn't having to spend more on moderators or algorithms that suppress controversial subjects:

https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2024/03/instagram-users-outraged-by-app-limiting-political-content-ahead-of-elections/

The thing he fears the most is losing control over his users. That's why he bought Instagram: to recapture the young users who were fleeing his mismanaged, enshittified platform in droves:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/09/03/big-tech-cant-stop-telling-on-itself/

A legal mandate for Zuckerberg to police his users is a legal requirement that he surveil and control those users. It's fundamentally incompatible with the new drive in competition circles to force Zuckerberg and his fellow tech barons to offer gateways that make it easier to escape their grasp, by allowing users to depart Facebook and continue to socialize with the users who stay behind:

https://www.eff.org/interoperablefacebook

Remember: the more locked-in a platform user is, the harder that platform will squeeze that user, safe in the knowledge that the cost of leaving is higher than the cost of staying and tolerating the platform's abuse.

This is the problem with "feudal security" – the warlord who lures you into his castle fortress with the promise of protection from external threats is, in reality, operating a prison where no one can protect you from him:

https://pluralistic.net/2021/06/08/leona-helmsley-was-a-pioneer/#manorialism

Rather than fighting to abolish dark corners because only the worst people on the internet use them today, we should be normalizing dark corners, making it easier for every kind of user to find a cozy nook that is shaded from the baleful glare of Zuck and his fellow, eminently guillotineable tech warlords:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/01/15/normalize-dark-corners/

Enshittification is relentless. The collapse of the restraints that penalized tech companies who abused their users – competition, regulation, interoperability and their own workers' consciences – has inculcated every tech boss with an incurable enshittification imperative.

Efforts to make the platforms safer for their users can only take us so far. Fundamentally, these vast, centralized systems that vest authority with flawed and mediocre and frail human dictators (who fancy themselves noble, brilliant and infallible) will never be safe for human habitation. Rather than focusing on improving the platforms, we should be evacuating them:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/07/09/let-the-platforms-burn/

Online communities that control their own moderation policies won't always get it right. But there is a whole host of difficult moderation calls that can never be adequately handled by outsiders overseeing vast, sprawling platforms. Distinguishing friendly banter from harassment requires the context that only an insider can hope to possess.

We all deserve dark corners where we stand a chance of finding well-managed communities that can deliver the value that keeps us stuck to our decaying giant platforms. Eventually, the enshittification will chase every user off these platforms – not just kids or sex-workers or political radicals. When that happens, it sure would be nice if everyone could set up in a dark corner of their own.

Name your price for 18 of my DRM-free ebooks and support the Electronic Frontier Foundation with the Humble Cory Doctorow Bundle.

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/03/23/evacuate-the-platforms/#let-the-platforms-burn

[dsabian]

Australia is planning on banning under 16s from using social media.

So so many reasons this is a stupid idea but the main one is actually, counter-intuitively, ppl's online safety.

Grown ups know how to cross the road safely because they are taught as children. They get to practice with parental supervision when they're kids.

You keep kids off social media then give them unlimited access at 16 and they'll have no frame of reference, no supervision, no working knowledge of how to fact check etc. If you actually want ppl to be safe online, make it part of education.

When discussing Animal Farm in English, talk about how to analyse ideas that sound good but actually result in inequality in practice and then pull up some questionable tweets.

When teaching kids how to research for their next essay, give them a fb rant and show them how to verify the info.

And then whoever is teaching them about personal responsibility should introduce them to tag blocking on tumblr. Show them how to curate their own experience.

Chat gtp should be its own module titled "ai can and will lie to you please for the love of god learn to think for yourself"

[tenspontaneite]

Sigs make interesting bodies for themselves sometimes 🙏

[kirbyfigure]

˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶

[outsideyourhousewithaknife]

You HAVE to love the moment after your phone dies and you are left hunched over the screen, your eyes deprived of the blue light to which they have grown accustomed, your mind deprived of the distraction from the horrors of your reality, to behold your own image (reverse Narcissus) in all its double-chinned, acne-scarred, chocolate-stained and cheeto-dusted glory, and horrified by who you have become, and you are full of guilt and (remorse) exhaustion, and you are (entirely, devastatingly) alone, and you blink, and you get up, and you (cry) (look in the mirror?) go plug in your phone and get some more cheetos

No, really, you have to love it. It's the law.

[mohamed080]

Step into Financial Freedom with DLC Coin Bot

Are you looking for an opportunity to improve your income and invest your time wisely?With DLC Coin Bot, you can begin your journey in the world of cryptocurrencies with ease and safety. This bot is designed to be your personal guide to earning profits in an innovative and efficient way.No prior experience is needed—just the determination to succeed. Start now and join a growing community of individuals achieving their financial goals with the help of this smart tool.Take the first step today and make your future brighter

Click on the link and check for yourself https://t.me/DLCcoin_Bot/app?startapp=i_1214717039

[nahian96]

White Label solutions provide you the opportunity to grow your business without any production headache and prior knowledge under your own brand name. BotSailor is an optimized marketing tool for such opportunity. BotSailor allows users to connect to multiple platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and Telegram. For more information you can check out the differences between Botsailor and other chatbot platforms that offer white label solutions.

[ngssolution]

Navigating the Complex World of Mobile App Development

In today’s tech-driven world, mobile apps have become a cornerstone of how we connect, work, and play. Whether you’re launching a startup or enhancing an established business, building a mobile app can be a game-changing move. One of the most important decisions you’ll face is choosing the right technology stack. The tech stack you pick will directly influence your app’s performance, scalability, and overall user experience.

What Exactly Is a Tech Stack?

A tech stack is essentially the set of tools, programming languages, and frameworks you use to build your app. For mobile apps, the stack typically consists of three main components:

Front-End: This is what users see and interact with — the app’s interface.

Back-End: This is the engine under the hood — handling data storage, processing, and integrations.

Platform: The operating system your app is built for, like iOS, Android, or both.

Key Considerations When Picking a Tech Stack

Let’s dive into the options and what you should think about when deciding which tools to use.

Platform Options

Native Development

Languages:

iOS: Swift or Objective-C

Android: Kotlin or Java

Pros:

Best-in-class performance.

Full access to device features like cameras, sensors, and GPS.

Cons:

Higher costs.

Longer development time if building for both iOS and Android.

2. Cross-Platform Development

Frameworks:

React Native (JavaScript and React)

Flutter (Dart)

Xamarin (C#)

Pros:

Faster development.

Reusable code for both iOS and Android.

Generally lower costs.

Cons:

Slightly lower performance compared to native apps.

Limited access to some advanced native features.

3. Hybrid Development

Tools:

Ionic (HTML, CSS, JavaScript)

PhoneGap/Cordova (HTML, CSS, JavaScript)

Pros:

Easy to learn and work with if you’re familiar with web development.

Leverages standard web technologies.

Cons:

Performance is not as strong as native or well-optimized cross-platform apps.

User experience can feel less “native.”

How to Make the Best Choice for Your App

Your decision will depend on several factors. Here are some key points to consider:

App Complexity:

For simple apps, cross-platform frameworks like React Native or Flutter are great choices.

For feature-heavy or complex apps, native development might be the way to go.

Time to Market:

If you’re on a tight schedule, cross-platform tools can speed up the process.

Budget:

Native development can be pricey since you’ll likely need separate teams for iOS and Android.

Cross-platform and hybrid options are usually more cost-effective.

Performance Needs:

Native apps deliver the best performance, but modern cross-platform frameworks have come a long way and can handle most needs efficiently.

Team Expertise:

Leverage the skills your team already has. If they’re experienced in JavaScript, for example, React Native might be a natural fit.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right tech stack is a pivotal step in mobile app development. It’s about finding the perfect balance between your project’s requirements, your budget, and your team’s expertise. By weighing factors like app complexity, performance, and cost, you can make a well-informed choice that sets your app up for success. Remember, a solid tech stack is the foundation of a scalable, user-friendly, and high-quality app.

[canadasoftwarecompany]

What is CRM Software Development? And Why opt for its Custom Version?

Have you ever wondered what CRM software development is and why you might opt for its custom version? Let’s dive into this crucial aspect of modern business technology. CRM or Customer Relationship Management, is the backbone of successful customer interactions for businesses of all sizes.

At Canada Software Company, we specialize in creating customized CRM software solutions that elevate your business operations. Our custom CRM software development services are designed to meet the unique needs of each client, ensuring that you have the tools you need to manage customer relationships effectively.

To build Custom CRM development goes beyond software, it’s about building a CRM solution that fits seamlessly with your business processes.

Understanding CRM Solutions Systems

CRM systems are more than just digital address books. They serve as robust platforms designed to help businesses manage their interactions with both potential and existing customers. Let’s break down the key components:

Contact Management

Sales Tracking

Marketing Automation

Customer Support

Analytics and Reporting

These elements work together to provide a 360-degree view of your customer interactions. But why is this so important? Consider the following benefits:

CRM systems come in various types to address the diverse needs of businesses. At Canada Software Company, we offer expertise in developing:

Operational CRM

Analytical CRM

Collaborative CRM

Each type has its strengths, and our development team can help you determine which is best suited for your business goals.

The Process of CRM Software Development

Developing a custom CRM system is a journey that requires careful planning and execution. At Canada Software Company, we follow a structured process for building a custom CRM system to ensure the success of your CRM project.

Requirements Gathering: We start by understanding your business processes and goals.

Design and Planning: Our team creates a blueprint for your CRM, including user interface designs and database structures.

Development and Coding: This is where your CRM comes to life, with our expert developers writing clean, efficient code.

Testing and Quality Assurance: Rigorous testing ensures your CRM functions flawlessly.

Deployment and Maintenance: We don’t just deliver, we ensure smooth implementation and ongoing support.

Every step is essential in building a CRM system for your business that goes beyond merely meeting your expectations.

Here’s a closer look at what happens during the development phase:

Integration with existing systems

Custom feature development

Data migration and security implementation

User interface customization

“The development process is where your vision for customer relationship management becomes a reality”.

By choosing Canada Software Company for your CRM development needs, you’re partnering with a team that understands the intricacies of creating powerful, user-friendly CRM systems. We blend technical expertise with business acumen to deliver solutions that drive your success.

Remember, a well developed CRM is more than just software — — it’s a strategic asset that can transform your customer relationships and boost your bottom line. Whether you’re in Mississauga, Toronto, or anywhere else in Canada, we’re here to guide you throughout the development process.

For more details visit us at What is Custom CRM Software Development? Custom CRM Explained

[insanethrottlebikernews]

BLUESKY THE NEW SAFE SPACE FOR LIBERAL TEARS

Attention all Liberals, Bluesky is now providing you a safe space to go to cry openly about the harsh realities of life. In depression because you’re a man who wears a dress? Go to Bluesky to get the comfort you need. Get away from all those racists and Hitlers and join with others in our crying contest. Bluesky, a safe space for those unable to face life. BLUESKY THE NEW SAFE SPACE FOR…

[alwaysbewoke]

[botsailor]

Transparency and affordability are everything! So, choose the smarter option today and start maximizing your savings.

[atrak6195]

The Rise of GPS Tracking Platforms Melbourne

In an age where technological innovations continue to change daily life, GPS tracking has come up as a crucial innovation with different applications ranging from personal to complex business solutions. As of now GPS tracking platforms Melbourne has taken over the vibrant and technologically advanced city, showing a significant transformation around the city and service efficiency.

View of GPS Tracking

GPS (Global Positioning System) tracking includes observing and tracking the location of objects or people with signals from the satellite. These devices receive signals from a network of satellites to know about the exact locations, giving instant updates on their whereabouts. Such devices are used in different fields, including transportation, asset management, and personal safety.

Historical Adoption in Melbourne

Over the last ten years, the use of GPS tracking platforms Melbourne has notably increased. Initially used mainly for navigation, improvements in technology have broadened its applications to include delivery services, public transportation, personal safety, and fleet management.

Early Applications

Melbourne began using GPS technology in the late 1990s and early 2000s with the origin of GPS tracking devices for navigation. The car navigation systems became popular, assisting drivers with route optimization and avoiding traffic.

Integration into Business Solutions

As technology improved, businesses in Melbourne realized the potential of GPS-tracking companies to improve operational efficiency. The logistics and transportation sectors were early adopters, using GPS fleet tracking to optimize routes, reduce fuel consumption, and improve delivery services.

Public Transport Enhancement

The city's public transportation system now includes GPS tracking systems. The trains, trams, and buses have GPS devices fitted in them, offering travelers instant updates on the arrival and departure times. This integration has simplified travel, reduced wait times, and increased overall system dependability.

Applications of GPS Tracking Platforms in Melbourne

GPS tracking platforms Melbourne offers various purposes:

- Fleet Management: Some businesses with large fleets such as delivery services, taxi companies, and public transport operators, use GPS fleet tracking Australia to check on their vehicles, plan routes properly, and ensure driver safety.

- Asset Tracking: Industries such as construction and rental services use GPS devices to monitor valuable assets, prevent theft, and ensure accurate equipment utilization.

- Personal Safety: GPS tracking devices are being used by many for personal safety. They allow parents to monitor their children and enable caregivers to track elderly family members.

- Public Transport: Real-time updates from GPS improve public transport efficiency, encouraging more people to use eco-friendly traveling options.

- Emergency Services: GPS tracking helps emergency services dispatch units quickly to critical situations, potentially saving lives.

Benefits of GPS Tracking Platforms in Melbourne

The widespread use of GPS tracking platforms Melbourne is due to several key benefits:

- Enhanced Efficiency: Real-time tracking allows systematic resource distribution and optimized route planning, reducing functional costs.

- Cost Savings: Businesses benefit from lower fuel consumption, reduced maintenance expenses, and improved driver behavior with the use of GPS tracking devices.

- Instant Updates: Timely information enhances decision-making for businesses and improves commuting experiences for travelers.

- Theft Prevention: GPS tracking minimizes theft risks by enabling quick recovery of stolen things through accurate location tracking.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite some benefits, GPS tracking platforms Melbourne faces several challenges that require careful attention:

- Privacy Concerns: We must balance tracking benefits with individuals' privacy rights by having clear rules and getting permission.

- Data Security: Keeping GPS data safe from unauthorized entry and storing it securely is crucial.

- Technical Issues: Sometimes GPS signals may be lost, or devices may stop working, so it's important to have good support to fix problems quickly.

- Implementation Costs: Starting GPS tracking device can be expensive for small businesses, but the long-term advantages usually make it worthwhile.

The Future of GPS Tracking Platforms

The future of GPS tracking platforms Melbourne looks great due to the ongoing technological growth and better applications:

- Integration with IoT: Combining GPS with IoT (Internet of Things) technologies will increase data accuracy and performance across different industries.

- Autonomous Vehicles: The rise of self-driving vehicles will increase the requirement of GPS tracking systems to ensure safe and systematic navigation.

- Sustainability Initiatives: The GPS tracking company supports environmental sustainability by planning better routes, reducing fuel consumption, and promoting eco-friendly transportation.

- Customization and Innovation: Future GPS systems should offer industry-specific customization, easy connection with other technologies, and better reporting capabilities according to business needs.

In conclusion, the increasing popularity of GPS tracking platforms Melbourne shows the city's commitment to use advanced technology for benefits of society. While issues such as privacy and security must be tackled, the transforming ability of GPS technology in providing better efficiency, safety, and fleet tracking is undeniably great. As Melbourne continues to grow and adapt, it is set to lead in using GPS tracking technologies, improving both business and community.

[arjunvib]

How does an engine contribute to a car's powertrain?

The powertrain in a vehicle is the system responsible for generating power and delivering it to the wheels to propel the vehicle forward. The operation of a powertrain can vary depending on whether the vehicle is powered by an internal combustion engine (ICE) or an electric motor (in the case of electric vehicles). Here's a general overview of how a powertrain works in both types of vehicles:

Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Vehicle - Combustion Process: In an ICE vehicle, the powertrain starts with the combustion process in the engine. Fuel (gasoline or diesel) mixes with air in the combustion chamber and is ignited by spark plugs (in gasoline engines) or compression (in diesel engines).

Power Generation: The combustion process generates energy in the form of mechanical power, causing pistons to move up and down within the cylinders of the engine. This motion drives the crankshaft, converting linear motion into rotational motion.

Transmission: The rotational motion from the crankshaft is transmitted to the transmission, which consists of gears that allow the driver to select different ratios (speeds). This enables the engine to operate efficiently across a range of vehicle speeds.

Drivetrain: The transmission sends power to the drivetrain components, including the driveshaft, differential, and axles, which transfer power to the wheels. The differential allows the wheels to rotate at different speeds, enabling smooth turns.

Wheel Movement: The power transmitted through the drivetrain causes the wheels to rotate, propelling the vehicle forward or backward depending on the gear selection and throttle input from the driver.

Electric Vehicle (EV) -

Battery Pack: The primary source of power for the EV, storing electricity in chemical form.Powers the electric motor and provides electricity for all electronic devices within the EV.

Battery Management System (BMS): Monitors battery cell conditions, including voltage, current, temperature, and state of charge (SoC).It protects the battery against overcharging, deep discharging, and overheating and helps balance the charge across cells. Ensures optimal performance and longevity of the battery by regulating its environment.

Inverter: Converts DC from the battery pack into AC to drive the electric motor.Adjusts the frequency and amplitude of the AC output to control the motor’s speed and torque. Critical for translating electrical energy into mechanical energy efficiently.

Onboard Charger: Facilitates the conversion of external AC (from the grid) to DC to charge the battery pack. Integrated within the vehicle, allowing for charging from standard electrical outlets or specialized EV charging stations. Manages charging rate based on battery status to ensure safe and efficient charging.

DC-DC Converter: Steps down the high-voltage DC from the battery pack to the lower-voltage DC needed for the vehicle's auxiliary systems, such as lighting, infotainment, and climate control. Ensures compatibility between the high-voltage battery system and low-voltage electronic components.

Electric Motor: Converts electrical energy into mechanical energy to propel the vehicle. It can be of various types, such as induction motors or permanent magnet synchronous motors, each offering different efficiencies and characteristics. Typically provides instant torque, resulting in rapid acceleration.

Vehicle Control Unit (VCU): The central computer or electronic control unit (ECU) that governs the EV's systems. Processes inputs from the vehicle’s sensors and driver inputs to manage power delivery, regenerative braking, and vehicle dynamics. Ensures optimal performance, energy efficiency, and safety.

Power Distribution Unit (PDU): Manages electrical power distribution from the battery to the EV’s various systems. Ensures that components such as the electric motor, onboard charger, and DC-DC converter receive the power they need to operate efficiently. Protects the vehicle's electrical systems by regulating current flow and preventing electrical faults.

In both ICE vehicles and EVs, the powertrain's components work together to convert energy into motion, enabling the vehicle to move efficiently and effectively. However, the specific technologies and processes involved differ significantly between the two propulsion systems.