#technology reliance

[writeouswriter]

To my neighbour who saw the glow in the dark planogram I bought and said, "oh, you know you could just use an app for that," uh, where is your whimsy, where is your whimsy, where is your whimsy, *throws your phone in the lake and points to it as it sinks,* is there an app for that?

[raimagnolia]

Nah, I actually liked the movie and y'all can kiss my ass

God dayum did M3gan make me more wary of technology But also, i think it's hella ironic that this woman, who has low empathy, created an ai robot for kids, and forgot to do what?

Make her have empathy.

She gave M3gan intelligence, CBT practice, mental health diagnostic capabilities, and a highly rational thought process... making her the smartest, most manipulative psychopath in the room without empathy or an intrinsic moral code; only orders.

She did, essentially, create a person. But because she never had that intention, she didn't get M3gan what she needed that she lacked which is only seen if you compare her to a human being and not a program.

And then THE TWIST??

"Jesus Christ, I thought we were friends." it's a funny line thrown into the trailers, but what's funny? in the actual scene it was never meant to be said sarcastically. it was genuine.

you realize M3gan was never a second child; she was a second woman.

"our child"

she wanted to raise Cady as a CO-parent. It was Cady's AUNT she was attached to and felt betrayed by, because the feelings weren't mutual. That's why every clipped command she was given, M3gan initially complied but not without an air of "bitch who you think you're talking to?" I loved it.

(edit: there's a weird take spreading around that is hitting outside of joking territory, and that's "Megan did nothing wrong"- girl, she literally tried to kill the aunt AND the child, get therapy)

Also,

Look at this cutie!!!

Amie Donald! You kicked ass in this movie!

[nightmaretour]

Abled people hear "you're not allowed to use your phones here", I hear "I'm taking away half of your brain while you're here because I apply moral value to the functions it allows you access to"

[mundagenta]

Knock knock, KaiOS.

The ephemeral taste of innovating nearly obsolete bricks might be reaching its inevitable demise.

Nokia 8110 4G displayed in a kiosk at Mobile World Congress 2018. Image courtesy of Kārlis Dambrāns.

Despite the recent boom of feature phone sales over digital minimalism and dopamine detox trends, the future for KaiOS remains bleak as they fail to be consistent with their promises, thus miserably lagging against established giants in the market.

The good start

KaiOS is a partially open-source operating system developed by the Hong Kong-based company, KaiOS Technologies Inc. It was initially released in October 2017 and was forked from Boot 2 Gecko. Their name is from the Chinese for open – 开 (kāi) which “captures the idea of being inclusive.”

In just one year, they have overtaken Apple’s iOS as the second most popular operating system in India, with Android remaining on top, despite losing their 9% market share. In that same timeframe as well, they managed to sell around 450 million devices worldwide. Furthermore, their platform is compatible to WhatsApp, Twitter, YouTube, Google Maps, and Google Assistant.

To oversimplify things, KaiOS took the Boot 2 Gecko code (based from FirefoxOS) and modified it to run on hardware similar to that of feature phones and added the KaiOS Store. Other than that, they also implemented recent innovations that are becoming today’s standard, like 4G LTE and 5G, GPS, and Wi-Fi. By doing so, they effectively just created a separate phone segment, which some people call as the quasi-smartphones or smart feature phones.

KaiOS specifically chose the hardware present in their devices for an appealing approach to developing markets, like India and Pakistan, to bridge the digital divide and bring cheaper internet access. They removed the touch screen which they consider as the most costly part of the device, and replaced it with a cheaper T9 keypad input. Additionally, their devices only need 256MB to work and are also compatible with cost-efficient Spreadtrum chipsets.

What went wrong

By doing so, they effectively avoided the mistakes that Mozilla made. They chose a target audience first and offered them a product. They made an operating system out of the web but used that as a tool rather than the end goal, the latter being their approach to the digital divide. But not all products are perfect on their own, as their approach is a double-edged sword.

The T9 keypad meant that the apps had to be optimized to work on such inputs. Likewise, dissimilar to FirefoxOS, not all webpages can run on KaiOS devices due to hardware restraints. Such disadvantages make it an appealing short-term solution while their users save up for better entry-level Android devices.

Platform immaturity

The platform is still quite immature, despite five years since its initial launch. Some users claimed that their devices sometimes cannot receive calls, and crashes on related functions constantly. The battery also does not live up to its expectations and provides a ‘disappointing’ performance. Additionally, the calendar’s sync and date functionality is unstable, the alarm clock doesn’t ring from time to time, and the lack of note-taking, file browsing, multitasking, and wide audio format support. Besides, the platform lacked proper app quality control, bug reports, and feedback system, along with a slew of advertisements. Perhaps, the most lambasted functionality of the platform is the T9 input. Users characterized the input as slow and unreliable, thus ineffective for efficient user interface navigation. The predictive text input, which might sound good, is something they’d rather have disabled due to its restraints such as inaccurate suggestions and buggy input.

Some have mentioned that users may be over-estimating KaiOS and pitching it against smartphone platforms. Then on, we can’t deny that a platform still has to be stable and reliable, albeit hardware-restricted. Some went on to compare the system to its older counterparts such as Nokia’s Series 40, Microsoft’s Lumia, Vodafone’s MobiWire, and Blackberry’s Blackberry 10, which the users characterized as more ‘stable.’

Unfortunately, version 2.5.4 onwards faced a downward trend as certain apps were no longer maintained and supported, due to the decrease of development activity. For instance, the optimized Google and YouTube apps have been pulled out from the app store, around the same time as the update. In version 3, WhatsApp support has already been dropped and new app submissions to the store also plummeted. Google Assistant, the primary tool for users to voice type and issue commands (albeit stripped-down in comparison to Android), also dropped KaiOS support last June 30, 2021. Some users reached out to the company regarding this matter, to which they replied that they are developing an in-house voice assistant alternative. Until now, it is nowhere near worldwide coverage, given the limited devices it was shipped upon.

The company and its partners

Even more worse, the problem rests beyond that. The project development of has been consistent enough until the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the company’s blog statement “the growth was still not like how we achieved in the pre-COVID times, but these numbers and new partnerships are going up and in the right direction in this second year of the pandemic.”

In 2022, the project updates has since then plummeted. There weren’t any major announcements across all their social media platforms, even from the company website. Their Github repositories are no exception as well, as they still haven’t received any commits until now. Their only active repo is the gecko-b2g, which serves as the operating system base.

It is not implicit that their users are complaining about the bugs and speculating on the project’s downfall but it seems that they have no proper public relations and customer support as the company fails to actively respond to these messages.

Nokia

Nokia, or should we say, HMD Global has been a primary partner of KaiOS Technologies over the years. They manufactured the higher-end devices of the platform that were considerably the most popular in KaiOS’ lineup, such as the Nokia 6300 4G, Nokia 2780 Flip, and the Nokia 8110 4G.

Regardless, their approach is somehow vague as enthusiasts are confused over what their target audience is supposed to be, and what were they trying in the first place. Their approach started with the reboot of their classic devices, so it’s safe to assume that their target consumers are the ones who are nostalgic over their retro bricks. HMD, for a matter of fact, might have just been the worst example of a KaiOS partner.

Their devices are the most expensive ones of the platform, almost close to the entry-level Android Go smartphones. HMD Global has also been long criticized over the failure to deliver software updates from KaiOS to their devices, as they provide only about a year of support for these. The users also cannot help to complain over the significant bloatware present in such a limited hardware they provide.

Just recently, HMD Global took a step back from this approach and cherished their barebones Series 30 and Series 30+ platforms once again. Their last KaiOS device is the 2780 Flip from November 2022 and was then on followed by a series of Android Go and dumbphones from their C and 1xx series. In a reply to a user inquiry, they reportedly blamed KaiOS as the Google Assistant support for the platform was dropped.

Alcatel and TCL

Alcatel and TCL are also major partners of KaiOS. In fact, TCL Corporation is the largest shareholder of KaiOS Technologies. Both of them are popular for their Go Flip line. Despite the successes of Go Flip 1, 2, 3, and V, they didn’t get to experience the luxury of getting updated to the latest version of the OS, unlike the Go Flip 4. A user reached out to the company, to which they replied that they are still planning to serve these said updates to such devices, although there is still no update to talk of until now. 

Unfortunately, similar to HMD Global, they seem to be diverging away from the platform as recent releases from both manufacturers are focused on midrange to high-end Android devices, as well as the Tab series of TCL.

Jio

The Indian telecommunications company, Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited is the catalyst of KaiOS’ takeover against Apple in the country, all thanks to their aggressive marketing approach. They offered the competitively priced JioPhone for free to their users who are subscribed to their data plans.

Unluckily, even Jio is also straying away from KaiOS. There have been rumors that the JioPhone and the JioPhone 2 have been discontinued, as they are no longer sold. They last received the version 0258 update back on May 22, 2021, and clearly missed version 3.0 by a long shot. On June 24, 2021, Reliance Jio announced the JioPhone Next, a budget Android Go smartphone made in collaboration with Google. Recently this year, they partnered with Karbonn to release the Jio Bharat K1 Karbonn and V2 to provide access to UPI payments, Jio ecosystem, and cheaper 4G to the rural areas of India that remain untapped by recent advancements in technology.

What happened?

Fast forward to August 2023, users speculate that the project has already died out due to lack of activity and stagnation since the release of 3.0. Their company's social media platforms are inactive, except for the usual, seemingly AI-generated content every national holiday across countries. On the other hand, KaiOS Technologies partnered with the cybersecurity firm Trustonic to expand their device affordability efforts in Africa. There have also been infrequent new device releases for the platform, such as the AT&T Cingular Flex in February, Cricket Debut Flex in June, and Logan Technology’s Panita this August. Truth be told, I find this section rather short and lacking. Unfortunately, I could say the same for the company’s recent efforts. Nonetheless, I hope that things eventually get better. As users worldwide expected a reliable feature phone platform, all these issues contributed to a downward trend of interest for KaiOS. It seems that they might end up like FirefoxOS, failing to keep up and desolate in the past. Whether they wake up to innovate again, or continue dormant and inevitably die out is up for them to decide.

For now, one thing’s for sure, if they fail to address these issues, they’ll be no better than the obsolete bricks of the bygone era.

[revpauljbern]

Bonus posting for this holiday weekend, all about the Web outage we just experienced from the Social Gospel Blog with Minister Paul J. Bern: "Six Days Without Internet; What It's Like" https://medium.com/@greatestservant62/bonus-posting-from-the-social-gospel-blog-with-minister-paul-j-bern-a200df14d389

[showyoumyfavoriteobsession]

How To Talk To Your Boss About ChatGPT

[varun-123s]

Maximize Your Business Potential with Jio Partner Central: A Complete Guide

In the ever-evolving telecom industry, Jio Partner Central offers an invaluable platform for Jio's business partners, enabling them to seamlessly manage their operations and grow their businesses. Whether you are a retailer, distributor, or service provider, Jio Partner Central empowers you with the tools to track sales, manage orders, access commissions, and stay informed about the latest Jio products and offers. In this article, we will explore the features and benefits of Jio Partner Central, guide you through the registration process, and answer frequently asked questions to help you get the most out of this powerful platform.

What is Jio Partner Central?

Overview of Jio Partner Central Jio Partner Central is a one-stop platform designed specifically for Jio's business partners. It helps manage every aspect of the business relationship, from product ordering to tracking commissions, offering partners a streamlined way to access important business data and resources.

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Product Catalog and Order Management Partners can easily browse Jio’s extensive product catalog, place orders for devices, services, and plans, and track those orders directly through the portal.

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How to Register and Get Started on Jio Partner Central

Step-by-Step Registration Guide To get started, new partners must complete the registration process on the Jio Partner Central website by providing business details and necessary documentation.

Accessing Your Dashboard Once registered, partners can log in to their dashboard where they can manage orders, view sales data, and access the full range of Jio products and services.

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Increased Efficiency in Business Operations With Jio Partner Central, partners can manage their entire business workflow from one central platform, saving time and enhancing productivity.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the cost of using Jio Partner Central? Jio Partner Central is completely free to use for Jio’s registered business partners. However, specific products or services may have their own costs.

Q2. How do I track my commissions on Jio Partner Central? You can track your commissions by navigating to the 'Reports' section of the dashboard, where you can view detailed commission breakdowns based on your sales performance.

Q3. Is Jio Partner Central available as a mobile app? Yes, Jio offers a mobile app version of Jio Partner Central, making it easy to access your dashboard, place orders, and track sales on the go.

Q4. How do I resolve technical issues on Jio Partner Central? If you face any technical issues, you can use the support section to get help from the customer service team, who are available to assist with any queries.

Q5. Can I request specific products or services through Jio Partner Central? Yes, the platform allows partners to place orders for the latest Jio products, services, and devices directly from the product catalog.

Common Issues with Jio Partner Central and How to Solve Them

Troubleshooting Login Issues Ensure that your credentials are entered correctly and try resetting your password if you're unable to log in.

How to Fix Order Tracking Issues If you're unable to track an order, check the system for updates or reach out to Jio’s support team for assistance.

Conclusion

Jio Partner Central is a vital tool for Jio’s business partners, offering an all-in-one platform to manage orders, track sales, access commissions, and stay informed about the latest Jio products and promotions. By simplifying complex business tasks, Jio Partner Central allows partners to focus on growing their businesses and maximizing their earnings. With its easy-to-use interface and comprehensive support, this platform is indispensable for anyone looking to succeed in partnership with Jio. Whether you are just starting or looking to optimize your operations, Jio Partner Central offers the tools and resources to help you thrive in the competitive telecom industry.

[jasminewilson143]

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[tekginger]

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[todayworldnews2k21]

India Mobile Congress 2024: Jio Chairman Akash Ambani Has Two Suggestions For PM Modi

India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2024 kicked off today, October 15, highlighting India’s advances in 6G technology and the latest innovations in telecommunications. With the theme ‘The Future is Now’, the event is expected to showcase 5G applications from leading telecom players, along with updates on cloud and edge computing, IoT, cybersecurity, semiconductors, green technology, satellite…

[melonymint753]

my phone deciding to spontaneously break means that I'm back to phone review reading and seeing first world takes like "not having an always-on display is unacceptable in this age"

[hikercarl]

Your life without a computer: what does it look like?

Explore the essence of a vagabond hiker’s life without computers, where self-reliance, analog navigation, and handwritten journaling shape an intimate, instinctive connection with nature and fellow travelers.

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[inspectorspacetimerevisited]

The fact that Johnny Shaker-Saltz seems a bit quick to dismiss Emerald because of her association with an ‘oldy’ and to rely on what his social-media feed gives him

shows that the AceSpacers are really daft about most everything, probably made that way by their reliance on the technology.

[townpostin]

Tata Steel's West Bokaro Mine Marks 43 Years of Innovation

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[akashambanifc91]

The visionary hub of Reliance Jio Chairman Akash Ambani, one of India's youngest corporate leaders, is providing practical answers that will help alleviate the difficulties facing the global mobile sector.