RIP to the Metaverse I guess...

The Metaverse is out of here. Gone, finished, done, as in done-done, scrapped, canned. Looks like the "Year of Efficiency" isn't only going after 10,000 jobs and unfilled positions, but also the Metaverse from the looks of it. Was Metaverse the reason why these jobs went poof? It's possible, look at all the billions Mark dumped into it thinking it was going to turn into a game changer. Man, I could do a whole helluva lot with a billion dollars. I won't let me imagination run wild right now when we're talking about the Metaverse.

Will Marky Mark be speaking about it? Doubt it, just like The Street pointed out, he quietly went on to the next thing which is generative AI. Who does that? Let's see how the AI venture goes, but can he make anyone comfortable enough to invest the type of money they dumped into the Metaverse? I know people who would be at your house quicker than the best pizza delivery driver if you're late paying them back, and we're here talking about billions. I'd move and hire a lookalike. I can't even call this a sure bet with AI, regardless of his plans. Everyone has plans until they get hit with reality. 

I think AI will get hit with reality sooner or later when the information collected is more than what society expected with likeness and voice replication. - Yang

"Personally, I never utilized the Metaverse. I don't have the tolerance to wear a VR headset to even get the full appreciation out of something like that... which has always been my honest take on it (for myself). It's there for those who love such a thing, but even when we speak to people... VR doesn't come up unless they absolutely love it or they just purchased it. To be fair, Metaverse isn't exclusive to VR but the only time I'd use it is through VR. There are plenty of other options outside of VR and I don't have time for them all. I know someone who owns a VR headset and will use it faithfully, but... it's still something that only occurs when they're in the mood. This is when they have those pockets of wanting to play VR for a few weeks to about a month and a half... then the headset is back in the case when that fades." -  Blu 

I wonder how many people are in the same boat. We're going to check because we talk about games all the time, but VR honestly doesn't come up. That says a lot.

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FTC vs Big Tech: Should you be concerned?

 

The chair of the FTC, Lina Khan, is loading up to take steps in regulating the data privacy practices of big businesses. The FTC voted 3-2 to... seek feedback in terms of the harms stemming from commercial surveillance and whether new rules are necessary to protect people's privacy and info.

The regulations could lead to a revision of how companies collect and use our personal information online, which threatens a business model that big tech relies on (which is targeted advertising). Have you ever talked about a certain product and had that product pop up as an ad just a few minutes later?

We can't exactly call that a... coincidence, and with the world spinning more and more into a digital direction, the leash appears to be increasing to accommodate the growing size of big tech. 

The FTC might have a challenging fight ahead (according to Axios) when you consider the Supreme Court ruling that limited the EPA's authority over the power industry. Which... (hmmm) I don't know about you, but I think it sucks that certain companies (that do hella damage to the planet) get to turn around and charge top dollar to the masses who are ultimately affected by the lasting effects. 

Basically... the EPA would have to go through congress before actions can take place to protect the people.

So going back to the FTC, they will have some climbing to do because judges are getting more vicious about agencies having authority... regardless of what it's worth. The Supreme Court also overturned the CDC's eviction moratorium, which I won't jump into... but I'm just giving you an idea of what they can swat down.

Should you be concerned? Well, it all depends on who you're cheering for and what matters to you. The FTC is trying to poke the eyes and deafen the ears trying to get all up in your business to a degree, while Big Tech is trying to make money with targeted advertising (which also keeps certain products/platforms like Youtube free). Free isn't always a good thing because the cheap can come out expensive, which you can see with certain apps. I get suspicious when it comes to free software.

A happy medium goes a long way between the FTC and Big Tech, mainly if it's a win for the masses.

It's going to be a challenge to keep eyes and ears out of your home altogether (unless you treat it like a standup starring Dave Chappelle), but I personally wouldn't have products like Meta (Facebook) Portal just sitting in my home or studio soaking up every bit of audio/visual feedback as possible. If I were to get something of the sort, I would only power it up when in use (off would be unplugged too). The same goes for Alexa, Google, and any other products I have the ability to control like that. You're able to play your part in maintaining your privacy... if you really need products like these, you just have to be consistent in order for it to be worth it. We don't know what else they're listening to and watching. Is it just for advertisement purposes or to improve products? You be the judge... and game on!

Speaking of privacy, if you aren't a fan of saving your passwords in

the cloud or on a PC... grabbed a Password Logger (hardcover book).

Save it yourself w/ tips from IT

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