Full Circle in the Tracking Wars

I am a total sucker for gadgets. On occasion, this trait has had me jumping into tech trends a bit too early. Six years ago, back in July of 2020, I polled a few Facebook friends about Bluetooth trackers. The response was a resounding silence, but I could not resist. I ended up buying a four-pack of Tile Mates via Amazon Canada. At the time, my concept of trackers was a vague jumble of GPS devices and FBI vans, but I quickly learned they were just little speakers you could summon from an app. They proved their worth a year later during quarantine when that high-pitched little tune guided me to my car keys buried deep inside a backpack that had travelled with us all winter.  The initial thrill faded and was replaced by a distinct logistical annoyance. Keeping tabs on the tiny fleet of Tiles meant managing a miniature battery supply chain. The biggest hassle was keeping multiple coin-cell batteries replaced across different form factors. 

Then, Apple arrived in 2021 and hijacked the entire market with the AirTag. They utilized their massive network of a billion iPhones and left Tile's community network completely irrelevant. Google was paralyzingly slow to counter. They chose to delay their own Find My Device network until 2024 to ensure cross-platform safety protocols were in place. Because I always own Google phones, my early Tile purchases were marooned in a tech landscape dominated by Apple.

My new purchase today feels like hitting the sweet spot at exactly the right time. Now that Google’s global tracking network is mature, I can finally use the ecosystem natively from my phone. I have officially ordered a yellow Chipolo LOOP, which completely solves my old Tile grievances with its USB-C rechargeable battery. No more hunting down tiny watch batteries or tossing plastic squares into the landfill. Furthermore, navigating a mixed-hardware household is a delicate balance. I am currently running the new Pixel 10 Pro, while Jay is on a Pixel 7 Pro. If I had chased the newer Motorola Moto Tags for their fancy directional tracking, Jay’s phone would be locked out of the feature entirely. In the end, my tracking journey has gone from premature plastic squares to a democratic, rechargeable powerhouse. The Chipolo LOOP treats both of our Pixels as equals with its deafening 125-decibel siren; let us just hope it is loud enough to find our keys without triggering a noise complaint from the neighbours.

Pictures Lie Better Now Than Ever Before!

Question:  I took these.  One is real and one was created with AI.  Venture a guess?

Answer: I've been quite surprised by how very realistic AI images have become. On Facebook today, I decided see how good at others are in determining whether an image was taken with a camera or created entirely by AI computer software.

First, the top image was taken with my phone.  I was at our city's park near the gazabo when my EV was at the DC chargers.  

However, the bottom picture was one of four choices created online by Midjourney.  I had typed in the name of an urban park in a neighboring city.  I decided I liked this one the best and had the software create a larger, more refined version.  There is no bridge in Bear Creek Park in Surrey that looks like this photo as it created it from scratch.  The software understands text and was trained on millions of images.  It also knows about styles and what makes a good photograph.

A New Month

 

It's April 1st but there are no fools around here! Jay's transit pass kicked in today and he went by SkyTrain to the Burnaby Bonsor Recreation Centre gym. It was a pretty good day. You can see an example of the pretty part in the photo above. This is a tree on the sidewalk near our apartment building. 

I didn't expect that Amazon would deliver a phone we ordered for Jay on a public holiday. I currently have a Google Pixel 7 Pro that I bought a year ago. He usually gets my hand-me-down devices. He was running my previous phone, a Pixel 5. At the end of our stay in Sri Lanka, we noticed its battery started to get bloated. It must have been pressing on some sensors as it affected the phone's microphone during calls. 

So, I looked on Amazon for a cheap replacement. He primarily talks with his sisters via WhatsApp and shares photos. I found a really cheap refurbished, Motorola Moto G Play 2023 on offer. It was inexpensive but has Android 12 and most specs looked better than other cheap phones.

   

We set it up this evening. Changing phones is always a hassle even though it is considerably easier than in the past because so much sits in the cloud and is ready to move to a new device.  It is definitely better to have the old and new devices in the same room to initiate some moves to a new phone.

Wet Outside, Comfy In Here!

 

Okay, I'd kind of forgotten what storms off the Pacific are like. This week we're in the middle of the first set of low-pressure systems of the autumn. It was a tiny bit exciting but only because I know we're not going to be here to see them all winter. I used the concept as an AI inspiration.

It feels nice having the gas fireplace blazing and most of the lights on in the apartment.  Today, I copied many photos off Jay's MS OneDrive.  That is the easiest way for him to use phone pictures on Facebook or on a computer WhatsApp chat.  The photos automatically get uploaded to OneDrive.  Over the course of a summer, much of the 5GB can get filled.  I will use a 64 GB USB memory stick to copy them off anytime it gets too full.

Who Knew?

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A newspaper article first printed in the Tulsa Tattler in April 1903:

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A Marvel of  Modern Science: Electric Speech

First of April  1903 - Staff Correspondent: Livingstone Cooper, New York, NY

The world of communication has been revolutionized by a remarkable invention: the wireless telephone. This device, which allows people to talk to each other without any wires or cables, is the brainchild of Dr. Samuel P. Sung, a fairly famous inventor and electrical engineer.  He presented several speeches to packed audiences at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair nearly one decade ago. 

Dr. Sung has been working on the wireless telephone for several years and has recently completed the first working prototype. The prototype, which he calls a  “Samsung Phone”, is about the size of a small mule and weighs over 300 pounds. It consists of a large battery, a transmitter, a receiver, and a detachable horn-shaped speaker. The device can send and receive signals over a distance of several miles, using electromagnetic waves.

Dr. Sung demonstrated his invention to a select group of reporters and scientists at his laboratory in New York City. He showed how he could talk to an assistant, who was stationed at another location with a similar device. He also played music and transmitted Morse code messages through the wireless telephone.

The wireless telephone is expected to have many applications in the future, such as military, commercial, and personal use. Dr. Sung hopes to improve his invention by making it smaller, cheaper, and more reliable. He also plans to develop a global network of wireless stations that can connect people across continents and oceans.

Dr. Sung is widely regarded as one of the most brilliant and visionary inventors of our time. He has made many contributions to the fields of electricity, magnetism, radio, and wireless technology. He is also known for his rivalry with Thomas Edison, another prominent inventor who has been critical of Sung’s wireless telephone.

Dr. Sung’s wireless telephone is a marvel of not-so-modern science that promises to change the way we communicate with each other. It is a testament to his genius and creativity that he has achieved what many thought was impossible: a telephone without wires.

He, Who Dies With the Most Toys, Wins!

It used to be so easy to spend money on electronics. Nowadays, I have to work much harder to do so. 

I remember needing to regularly upgrade a single computer system for thousands of strikingly more valuable dollars. Thankfully, my expenditures have fallen during the last four decades. I simply have more devices. 

We have the large all-in-one I'm typing on right now. We have a traveling Windows laptop for vacations. We each have an Android phone plus one Android tablet. Also, there's an Nvidia streaming box and a half dozen Google Home speakers and hubs scattered around the apartment. 

So surely, I don't require another computer. However, rather than spending thousands, I ordered a tiny Windows 11 PC that should arrive by Amazon tomorrow. I could use it as a media server and connect the networked movie drive to it. Or I could keep it updated as a backup home PC. Maybe I'll pop it in a backpack when we travel. Any flatscreen TV could attach to one if its two HDMI ports. 

Whatever its ultimate use, I couldn't resist the urge to play with a new device boasting a one-TB SSD, 16 GB of RAM, and an Intel Alder Lake-N95 for a total of just a few hundred of today's much-less-valuable dollars.

I'm Letting Microsoft Take Over My Android Phone

If one lives long enough, one can notice certain ironies.  I clearly remember waiting and hoping for an invitation to obtain a GMAIL account.  The invitations were slowly released and began an enormous integration of Google services.  At that point, I gave up my MS Hotmail email account and the use of Yahoo and Alta Vista for searches.

Once smartphones arrived, I stayed with Google's Android as it provided me with greater freedom of choice than the well-known alternative.

I did abandon my GMAIL account years back when I got sick of the constant privacy intrusion.  Step by step, I've been untangling myself from the chokehold of Google.

I've always heavily used customization to sport very unique phone icon screen configurations.  Google allowed that.  So today, it was relatively painless to ditch the native Pixel launcher altogether.  As I now only use Bing and its AI chatbot for searches, I started to hate the prominent Android search bar that would not allow alternate search engines.  This is the Microsoft launcher running on my Google phone.

I'm saying goodbye to another key part of the Google experience.  I know the company is working hard on Bard.  But they've already lost me and will have to successfully innovate to pry me back from more modern techniques, even if those seem to be coming from such an unlikely source as Microsoft.  The Richmond, WA company has clearly been on the uptake while Google's been sleeping.

Learning to Share with Others

My current wifi is named, ForbiddenPlanet. The new Tp-link mesh router offers 2.4 and 5 GHz with band steering. This means that each smart-home device is able to choose the frequency that it finds best depending on its location within the apartment and its capabilities.

Furthermore, I can turn on a guest wifi network containing both frequencies as well. It's presently called PlanetVisitors.  People connected to this alternative network cannot accidentally mess with anything because they are on completely different wifi.  I usually keep this turned off.  I can simply make a request to my Google Assistant when friends or guests arrive.

This QR code allows access to my guest network.  I printed a few, little cards to hand to guests during their first arrival.  If they don't know how to scan the code, they can simply add the information found written on the paper.

Specifically Designed for Fools Like Me!

I will admit it publicly. I am definitely addicted to smart home integration. I know because I'm constantly scanning the Internet to find things other than light bulbs and smart speakers to add to the apartment's home network. Yelling at Google to 'turn on the living room lights' is no longer enough. I'm considerably less interested in asking that my currently-playing Spotify song be moved from the living room and kitchen speakers to the bedroom stereo.

Wait!  A logical addition to our home network would be a smart coffee brewer.  Right?  I'm already sort of hooked on K-cups.  So, this wifi-connected device seems like a useful purchase.  Maybe?  It would require another app on my phone.

 

"Hey Google, brew me a 10-oz Krispy Kreme House Roast, now."  (As long as I had already remembered to put a coffee pod in the machine ... )   Supposedly this Keurig® will recognize the barcode and set brewing characteristics to match.  Okay, we will see if this lives up to its potential after its delivery tomorrow.  

I Don't Need an App to Tie My Shoes!

My mobile phone is indispensable to a great many of my activities nowadays.  For example, without an app, I could not fly my drone or check my EV's battery charging status. I keep track of our blood pressure stats with an app. I edit photos exclusively by using a phone app too.

Some things completed in an app could be done on a real PC.  But I cannot carry around a PC in my pocket nor can I use one in a lot of locations and situations.  For example, I find myself using banking apps more than I use web browser counterparts.

Jay and I sort of smirk and joke about how an app is necessary for so many basic things in today's world.

Now, it seems, I can make adjustments to my home network's router via an app.   I can still see some information by typing the IP in MS Edge to access the admin page.  Yet, my TP-Link Deco X60s required that I set up the system by using the dedicated app.

If I accidentally dropped my phone into a river or ran over it with my car, I'd be up a creek.  I don't like being so dependent on a particular device but I've very little choice.  This is just how things are in 2022.

The Fun of Making Choices

I'm shopping for a new wifi router. 

I'm through 'making do' with the old, single-device modem/wifi router from my ISP. I tried purchasing a wifi extender thinking that it'd allow me to handle a larger home network. Although it might be a perfect solution for many people, it just doesn't help that much in my apartment.  For you see, I have too many smart home devices.   That's just a fancy way of saying that I control many lights and devices either from my phone or by asking Google Assistant.

I must go with a stand-alone modem and a separate wifi router. I have decided to buy both items. Cable modems do not come cheap but I have ordered my own DOCSIS 3.1 device that will work with Surf Internet. It will probably arrive next week.

So now I'm looking around for a suitable wifi router. Interestingly, this is a difficult time as the new Wifi 6 (ax) protocol is just gearing up for mainstream adoption. I really don't want to buy new Wifi 5 (ac) equipment as it'll have a limited lifespan.  Also, I don't need a mesh network for a mere 700 sq ft apartment.  However, the technology works to balance a space which contains many devices.  I will most probably NOT buy the one pictured here.

I was at London Drugs this morning and snapped several photos of the supposed deals. I now do this just so I can return home and do the necessary homework to make a choice.

New Summer, New SIM

When we are living elsewhere during winters, you'll always find a local SIM in my phone. I go through them as often as some people change underwear.

   

In BC, I need a tiny bit of Internet when we're not near wifi. Surprisingly that isn't much data. Canada, though, is not a great place for mobile telecommunications. We're hindered by expansive geography and a relatively small population. This combines to make for rather high rates. And now, phone companies realize that customers need more data, so their effort is going into plans that offer 50 GB. 

I found I needed to return to Freedom Mobile for my British Columbian, summer fix. I got a six-month pay-up-front plan with just 2 GB data per month for a total of CA$99 (US$78) plus taxes. This will be easier than playing around with monthly bills. Unfortunately, we have another seven months before we head off again in November.

Money Troubles

I'm a convert. No, that is not the correct use of the word.  I meant I am fairly used to converting units of measurement.  Math is a complex language but even basic measurements take learning and familiarization.  

Let's think of temperature as my example.  I'm pretty adept at thinking in either Fahrenheit or Celsius now.  I no longer convert as either can be second nature.  In fact, if you asked me to convert the current outside temperature of 11°C, I'm not sure I'd immediately know that means nearly 52° on the other scale.  However, I know the feeling of eleven degrees and I'd agree that it is about as uncomfortable as 52°F.

How does this relate to money, you might wonder?  Well, now that we're retired, we spend a lot of time in locations that do not use Canadian currency.  Initially, there's a need to check to see what that a particular price really means.  

Is an SR1800.00 bottle of arrack (distilled hard liquor made from the fermented sap of coconut flowers) in Sri Lanka only half to one-third the price of a bottle of booze at a BC liquor store?  It takes practice using the new monetary units before one feels adept.  The prices for necessities rapidly become ingrained.  And yet, when looking to purchase an unusual item, conversion can often be required as local buying power enters the mix.

Luckily, I carry a phone now.  So, a currency calculator is always in my pocket.  I can input a specific amount in any of my saved currencies and have the exact, corresponding price in all of the others.   It is like magic and works with the latest rates saved if one's offline.

The first few weeks being in a new location would be hard without access to a mobile currency app.

New Imaging Gadget

I absolutely still love my Nikon P900. I've had it for five years and it's travelled to many countries and taken a major chunk of my photographs during this time. Yet, it is way too big and conspicuous to tote around easily. 

I have been considering a smaller travel zoom camera for quite some time. Ordinary phones can take fantastic pictures nowadays but for a real adventure, something with a bit of zoom is mandatory. 

Best Buy in Surrey had a visitor today.  It was me. I saw a price drop of $30 on a Canon SX740 HS. I've held off buying one as I figured this model is well past being cutting edge. Perhaps, a new replacement will be forthcoming, I reasoned.  Ah, life is short. At least it's too short to keep waiting on something I wanted to give a try. 

The following two images were just taken from my balcony.  I had to figure out which button to press!  Although the demure camera's 40X zoom is far shorter than my trusty old P900, the convenience of the new little camera will make up for some of the limitations.  To me, a zoom lens is more important than pristine picture quality for it allows for otherwise impossible images. Notice the SkyTrain bridge and the visible support structure in these two images taken from the same spot.

 

I was able to copy images directly onto my phone, so in turn, I was able to upload them to Flickr instantly.  Canon's Android app seemed marginally up to that task.

Uptown in LD

We drove up to the London Drugs this morning. I ordered a new Tile tracker to replace the one lost in Playa del Carmen during our winter. It is easy to order online and pick up at the customer service desk at one's convenience. 

I love this store. The pharmacy is now just a small part of their business structure. They carry a good selection of electronics. I snapped a photo of this global wifi hotspot just so I could remember the name and check it out on the Internet. 

When we travel it is usually easy just to swap SIMs for a usable Internet connection. In fact, in the countries we tend to visit, it is much cheaper to do so. Canada has still got to be one of the most expensive places in the world for mobile data plans.

   

Meh? Could use in my car, pay by the megabyte, and not have a local mobile number during summers.  I change phone numbers twice a year and cannot really use the present number for long.

My Fourth Android in 11 Years

Pixel 5 - April 2021  

One Plus 6 - May 2018  

Nexus 5 - January 2014  

Nexus One - June 2010

For the Birds?

I am sure that people in the world produce billions of pictures every day. This differs greatly from when I was growing up and photos were mainly for special occasions and trips. A camera is available in just about everyone's pocket today because of smartphones. 

Do you ever use yours as a tool? I remember the first time I ever thought of a strictly utilitarian image. I was at a doctor's clinic and needed a quick way to jot down office hours. Being without a pen and paper, I just took a photo of the sign. Now, of course, I often use my phone camera rather than making notes. 

In today's case, we were in the Playa del Carmen Walmart. Most of the vegetables needed no translation. However, I knew that I needed to look these up when I had an extra moment.

 

I still am not sure if these are primarily for birds or people.

For the Love of Gadgets

Yesterday, I asked on my Facebook feed whether anybody I knew had experience with Bluetooth trackers. The response was nada. Of course, a few years back I deleted my old account with several hundred friends and acquaintances. Now my account has just 20 or 30 people who I'm interested in hearing from and whose posts don't piss me off too much. So, I haven't a large cross-section of the universe to poll.

 

I'm such a sucker for gadgets!  Until a little recent research, my concept of trackers was a vague mixed-up jumble of untruths alluding to GPS devices and mysterious FBI vans. 

Put simply, in the current state of development, a tracker is just a little Bluetooth chip with a speaker that can be summoned from a phone app.  For example, this would let one find one's lost keys if one were on a keychain in another room.

They've undoubtedly improved since their inception a half dozen years ago. Now, they can show their last mapped location if it lies further away than Bluetooth's mere few hundred feet. Many brands have an anonymous crowd-sourced software feature that allows other users to automatically help find a tagged object if lost in a public place. 

I have absolutely no need for this type of device, but I just ordered Tile Mates from Amazon Canada. Each was priced substantially less because of the four-pack deal. Tile is the present leader in North America although they may not be the best choice. In fact, I contemplated going with Chipolo which is popular in Europe as they offer more robust services free of charge.  However, an order would have to be sent via international courier and take 5 to 14 days to reach Western Canada.  Because of overnight delivery, I hope to start playing with my Tiles tomorrow!

A Number of Decades Later

I got my first licence to drive an automobile in 1975. Back then, I would not have been able to guess that having apps on a mobile phone would someday be useful for operating an electric car.

More Shots from Above!

We did shopping at our Superstore in Coquitlam this morning. We came off our quarantine last Tuesday. Now, it appears as though this day of the week will be our grocery shopping day for a while. After getting home and before lunch, I took the Mavic Mini drone out again.

It was fairly calm at ground level but breezy higher up. I pushed the drone to a height of nearly 40 meters but knew that it was working too hard to maintain stability up there. I cannot imagine taking the little device to its allowed legal-limit of 120 meters. In fact today, I could hardly see the little white object in the sky. One is supposed to be able to maintain visual contact; however, it is rather easy just to watch where the drone is on the controller. My phone plugs into it and runs an app called DJI Fly.









I've created a new Flickr photo album for pictures from my drone. I will toss all future images in the same place. They'll stay in chronological order, so I can watch my confidence grow as the images are taken from greater altitudes and more complex environments.