Safeguard your Home Network from Cyber Crime

With the recent surge of individuals claiming to have personal content of celebrities (some having already been broadcasted) we are reminded that cyber crime is a very real and present danger. Indeed, there are those who invest hours of their time engineering viruses and similar content illegally acquire details about you that they can exploit.

 

Through the home network – more specifically the devices connected to it – a hacker can find out all that they want to about someone. Whether it is the personal information – date of birth, social security number – or credit card details, at some point or another, such information is entered online. As such, any breach of the network could put you as well as the members of the household at risk, which is the reason it is urged that individuals safeguard their online presence.

 

Here are five steps that would set you on the path to safeguarding your home network from hackers:

 

 

Acquire a highly-rated anti-virus software

 

It may seem straightforward, but for whatever reason not everyone sees the value in obtaining anti-virus software for their devices and keeping it up to date. Notably, a report published last year indicated that some 24% of personal computers across the world were not properly protected, leaving them far more vulnerable to a cyber attack. There are some individuals who fail to acquire the software altogether, or refuse to upgrade it once a certain timeframe has elapsed. Needless to say, neither is a safe option to bet on.

 

 

The software may not be completely impenetrable, but having a degree of protection is better than not having any at all. This not only applies to laptops, but for smart phones and tablets as well. The fact is that any device connected to the home network can serve as an entry point for hackers, so strengthening the defenses of each is the correct protocol to keep it safe.

 

 

Reinforce your Wi-Fi

 

Considering that it’s somewhat unlikely for an individual to break into the house simply for the purpose of hacking into the network, strengthening the wireless connection is a great place to start the safeguard process. The dangers associated with an unsecured network are vast, and even when we think the network is “secure”, it really isn’t. One of the more common mistakes that individuals make is to leave the default log-in and password that would accompany their wireless router, however, with many of them being standard anyone can gain access to the network just by figuring out the manufacturer.

 

Ensure that the log-in information is changed from the default, and try not to make the password too “traditional”, by using the pet’s name or someone’s birthday. Don’t be afraid to include both numbers and letters into the password, and try to keep it above eight characters.

 

 

Visit safe websites

 

This is a perfect reference point of one of the more popular quotes of many generations – don’t go looking for trouble. There are already so many ways that cyber criminals seek to get hack into your home network, why would you assist them by visiting websites that may not be too big on security? There are a number of online platforms such as Google Safe Browsing that individuals can use to check the integrity of a website even before accessing it.

 

 

By extension, don’t be hasty to click on every link to every video that is posted online, and avoid the pop-ups as well. While it is a possibility that there may be nothing wrong with doing so, there is also a chance that such an action would be granting access to the home network, so choose the safer option.

 

 

Scan external drives

 

With all the effort that people place into ensuring that all their connections to the World Wide Web are up to code, they sometimes forget that there are other ways that malicious content can bypass the system, and this route is self-inflicted. Individuals tend to use USBs and other external drives at places such as a public library or Internet café where they may contract a virus, or allow a friend to plug into a device at home with an external drive of their own. In either case, it is highly advised that the time is taken to scan the device before initiating any sort of action.

 

An anti-virus software can also come into play here, as many systems allows for the scanning of the external drive to take place via the software, with any possible breaches being flagged and removed.

 

 

Don’t put off updates

 

Many individuals will admit to the fact that they find software updates a bit annoying, and invariably find great comfort in the “remind me later” option that many of them provide. If you are one such individual, stop it. Take the time to go through your system to identify the updates you put off and ensure that they are done.

 

 

Many of those “annoying” updates are actually improvements to the security of the software. The more you put it off is the more you put yourself at risk.

 

 

 

 

Safeguard your Home Network from Cyber Crime

Xfinity Enhancing the TV Experience

For anything related to entertainment, people will always want the best of the best. This is understandable too, as entertainment is synonymous with relaxation and recreation, and having the best at ones disposal can only work to enhance that overall experience.

 

By utilizing some of the latest technology available for home TV service, Comcast has been on a quest to enhance the experience of their customers across the United States. Recently, the company – through its brand Xfinity – continued its much talked about expansion of its X1 DVR (Digital Video Recorder) with cloud technology to those who subscribe to the service in the San Francisco Bay Area and Houston. Other markets to have already received the service include Boston, Maryland, Virginia, and northern and southern Delaware.

 

 

Watch Favorites Wherever You Are

 

In many circles, the DVR is considered to be the best device that could ever have been invented to compliment a television. Given the fast-paced environment of the world today, it is simply not possible for individuals to “program” their lives like they used to. That being said, it doesn’t mean that they are any less interested in keeping up with their favorite shows, and this is where the DVR becomes useful.

 

Initially, the DVR was simply an option for individuals to catch their shows whenever the time allowed them to do so, but with the X1 DVR with cloud technology they can now watch their favorites wherever they are. Among the many features of the technology, subscribers to the service have the option to download recorded content directly to their mobile device (whether smart phone, laptop, tablet, etc.) and take it with them. Now that usually boring two-hour bus ride can be enhanced with two (or even three) of a subscriber’s favorite shows.

 

 

Making any IP-enabled Device a TV

 

Any TV lover will attest to the fact that being able to access their recorded content on their mobile devices such as their smart phones and tablets is a game changer, but what if it could be better? What if the technology provided by the service provider could allow you to transform any of those IP-enabled devices into a TV? Not only can you watch content that has been recorded, but also access just about any channel on the line-up as well as On Demand content.

 

Speaking on the development, Matt Strauss, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Video Services at Comcast Cable stated, “Now, any screen in the house can become a personal TV, and recorded programs can be accessed anytime, anywhere.” He also expressed, “These new features — live in-home streaming and X1 DVR with cloud technology — give our customers more flexibility for watching their favorite shows and movies in and out of their home”.

 

 

The Timing is Spot On

 

Taking into consideration the fact that Xfinity On Demand currently provides subscribers with access to the top 100 Nielsen-rated TV shows, this latest initiative rollout would already have been praised by the avid TV lover. They probably would have imagined that any time to be privy to the service upgrade would be an ideal time, but the fact that the Fall 2014 TV season has recently got underway makes the timing just about spot on.

 

 

On any given night, its possible to have no less than three “must-see” shows running at the same time, so being able to access them On Demand or via downloading to a mobile device is a great convenience to have.

 

 

The Keys to Unlocking the Technology

 

Having invested the time to improve on the service offerings for their subscribers, it would only make sense that Comcast ensured that the tech associated was also brought to a higher standard. The customers of the service in the Bay Area and Houston regions can now download the new Xfinity TV App that was launched earlier this year on their Android or iOS devices, allowing them to access the latest features associated with live streaming and downloading recorded content. They would of course, have to sign in with the relevant Comcast information, but that is a relatively small step to take to be able to access some of the very best TV service offerings available on the market. For those who would choose to access the features via the online platform, a similar process is required via the dedicated Xfinity TV website.

 

 

 

 

Xfinity Enhancing the TV Experience

Tech World Puzzled by Windows 10

Traditionally, when a tech company launched a new product or makes an announcement related to their operations, the focus is centered on that. While this is still the case for Microsoft and one of their latest announcements, the name given to the product is also generating quite a lot of chatter. Just over two weeks ago, the company broke the news of its newest operating system – Windows 10 – at an event in San Francisco.  Needless to say, the announcement of the name left quite a number of individuals in the tech world scratching their heads. Who knew that skipping a number would cause as much discussion among the technology community as Microsoft has? Aside from them, maybe.

 

 

How did they get to 10?

 

Considering that the previous version was the Windows 8, bypassing the number ‘9’ to select ‘10’ doesn’t tick any of the right boxes for some onlookers. Interestingly, Terry Myerson, Microsoft’s Executive Vice President of Operating Systems, at the event acknowledged that naming the new product Windows 9 would be the logical thing to do, but who says this has anything to do with logic. It can be said that Microsoft doesn’t need to consult with the general public before naming any of their products – operating systems or otherwise – but many are wondering what decisive factor caused them to choose Windows 10 for the upcoming release.

 

 

What some are saying…

 

Unsurprisingly, individuals are going to have their own conclusions for the name, and some of the rationales being put forward aren’t all that bad. One of the more common justifications for the name is due to the fact that the company is still not totally in the clear for its Windows 8 release – for which an upgrade was required – so they wanted to put some distance between that and the upcoming version.

 

Numerical jump aside, it is being reported that the Windows 10 has quite a number of changes that make Windows 8 appear as though it wasn’t trying – which in the eyes of many, it wasn’t. It is as a result of these additions that some are basing the new name. Rationale? The improvements are so vast and significant that calling it the Windows 9 would not do it enough justice for being that good.

 

The final argument (of what seems to be hundreds) being presented for the name choice is that it’s an ingenious marketing ploy by the executives of Microsoft. By giving it a name that no one could have predicted, they have all but ensured that there are millions talking about the project in some way or another – via social media or even while playing the latest game on their Xbox One. Considering how the news erupted after the name was announced, this argument doesn’t seem all that bad.

 

 

The Oldies but Goodies

 

In the eyes of many, what caused Windows 8 to disappoint was the fact that Microsoft tried to do too much in upgrading from Windows 7. Among other things, they introduced a tile-based start-up screen, which essentially was too far out of reach – even though it was a click away, it was still too far for some – and made relatively easy tasks like shutting down more complicated than they needed to be.

 

 

Seemingly learning from their mistakes, Windows 10 will be revisiting the ‘Start’ button that generations have grown to love and giving users easier access to their desktop. Not only will it have a much more refined look than in the older versions, but it will still incorporate tiles and Windows apps that make some favorite programs more accessible.

 

 

What’s in a name?

 

People are sure to voice their own opinions on the matter – and deservedly so – but in the grand scheme of it all, does it really matter? The operating systems released by Microsoft have had their names based on various factors, but what really proves vital in the long run was the efficiency and performance of the actual product. Whether the name is derived from a numeral – Windows 1.01, a year – Windows 95, or two letters – Windows XP, the focus is usually on it delivering the desired user experience.

 

It may still be puzzling after some time the true reason for skipping the number ‘9’, but as history has shown, there is no set formula for naming the latest operating system.

 

In a weird – and interesting – twist, this OS-naming enigma could do wonders for those at Microsoft, even if it’s solely in the area of public or social (media) discussion. Should they prove to name the version subsequent to this “Windows 11”, it can almost be guaranteed that people will revisit this discussion, and wonder what the number ‘9’ ever did to warrant its exile. Of course, people are still going to focus on the product itself, but going forward the tech company may just have some ears tuned to discovering the next name.

 

 

 

 

Tech World Puzzled by Windows 10

Is Stalker Another Dud for Dylan McDermott?

For any actor who has been in the industry for as long as Dylan McDermott has, one wouldn’t be faulted for thinking that any gig they get now is sure to register a fair amount of success. After appearing in a host of movies, Dylan got his first regular TV series role in the drama The Practice, which aired on ABC. During the eight-season stint for the show, Dylan received numerous award nominations, and even won the Golden Globe Award for “Best Actor – Television Drama Series” in 1999.

 

The successful series – which even spawned the spin-off Boston Legal – concluded in 2004, but Dylan’s TV series career hasn’t been able to ride that wave of success onwards. Unfortunately for him, it would appear as though his TV-acting career hit a bit of a rough patch, and he has not been able to dig himself out of it.

 

After a series of what can be classified as trials and errors, Dylan is currently starring alongside Nikita’s Maggie Q in a CBS production, Stalker. Admittedly, it hasn’t been all downhill for the actor, as he played commendable roles in the first two seasons of American Horror Story, but considering his not so positive run elsewhere, some are already wondering if this latest project is going to prove to be another dud.

 

 

Is this another dud for McDermott?

Will Stalker end up like the others?

 

Premiering as a part of their Fall TV line-up, CBS aired Stalker on October 1, right after one of its successes – Criminal Minds. Despite opening with over 9 million viewers, the feedback (especially from the critics) was not what those invested in the series would have wanted. Across numerous platforms people have voiced their opinions and regard this production as one of the worst premieres this season, spanning all the networks. If someone were to make a guess, based on what’s been said Stalker may not last the entire season, or simply see out the first season never to be aired again.

 

With all that being said, there is nothing to say that the critics have to be right. Dylan would certainly be hoping they aren’t, otherwise that would mean yet another failed attempt for the actor.

 

 

The others are…

 

Big Shots

 

Though he appeared in a number of films (and had some one off roles in a couple series) subsequent to The Practice, his first regular appearance in a television production was as Duncan Collinsworth in Big Shots. The series premiered in September 2007 on ABC, but after recording commendable opening figures of over 11 million viewers, the interest in the show steadily declined. Losing viewership with just about every episode, the 11^th and final one of the season could not manage five million viewers.

 

The series wasn’t cancelled until May 2008, but the writing had been on the wall months before. It was pulled from ABC’s schedule in December, and it was the opinion of many that it was only re-added for the purpose of seeing out the season rather than recapturing an audience.

 

 

Dark Blue

 

Premiering in 2009 on TNT, Dark Blue had the makings of a pretty good action drama. The script followed the exploits of an undercover unit lead by Carter Shaw (Dylan) who all had their own struggles, but knew how to get to job done. With the renowned Jerry Bruckheimer as one of the executive producers, there was a lot that was expected of this show. For whatever reason, however, this series was not able to live up to its potential.

 

McDermott in Dark Blue.

 

Unlike the other mentions in this list, Dark Blue was actually able to put together two seasons, but that’s as good as it got. After averaging in the region of 2.4 million viewers across its two seasons, TNT cancelled the show in November 2010.

 

Hostages

 

Being a fan of Dark Blue – and Dylan by extension – hearing that he was to star in another series naturally prompted me to check it out.  After seeing the trailer, and the first couple of episodes after the premiere, it was evident that the plot would have been much better suited for a movie rather than a series.

 

In the CBS-aired Hostages, Dylan played the role of FBI Special Agent Duncan Carlisle, but unlike the mandate of his day job, he was not set out to do good. Leading a team of four, he took a family hostage, and informed the mother – who also happened to be a respected surgeon – that one task would result in her family being freed. The task? Killing the President of the United States whom she was set to operate on.

 

Though the premise was intriguing, there simply wasn’t enough to push it beyond the first season. This, especially when considering that the plan to kill the President eventually changed, and they freed the family and help them devise a plan for them to disappear.

 

McDermott played a villian “Hostages”.

 

For many, Dylan’s lack of success following The Practice is somewhat of a mystery. If Stalker does prove to be another not-so-successful TV production, it probably wouldn’t hurt for him to look beyond the law enforcement role for his next project, as it would be the third failed attempt in as many tries. Focusing on his latest series in particular, though the writing appears to be on the wall, only time will tell the true impact of the show.

 

 

 

Is Stalker Another Dud for Dylan McDermott?

The Xfinity Wireless Gateway Boosts Internet Service

Nowadays we can’t live without our smart devices (smart phones, tablets, etc.) But what it all boils down to is – we can’t live without the Internet. Whether it is for professional reasons or leisure, everyone loves having access to the World Wide Web. While this is unquestionable, the question can be asked, what do customers really know about the technology that grants them their Internet bliss?

 

 

The Xfinity Gateway is Key

 

Service provider Comcast, through its brand Xfinity, is one of the leaders in delivering a top class Internet service across the United States. Recently, the telecommunications giant launched its latest wireless gateway and it is being touted as the fastest device of such kind on the market. The Xfinity Wireless Gateway – the official name of the DPC3941T made by Cisco Systems – is a modem and router combination. It’s devices of this construct that allow individuals within a household to have the wireless freedom they desire as they go about their Internet-related activities on a daily basis.

 

In tests conducted with the device, it was reported that the device could provide customers with in-home speeds in excess of 700 Mbps (megabits per second). Even those who aren’t too “up to speed” with the technicalities of Wi-Fi will know that’s pretty noteworthy, particularly when considering that Xfinity’s previous best device – the DPC3939 – was said to deliver in the region of 300 Mbps at its optimum.

 

Among many new features added to the technology, the antennas of the device play an important role in the improved service delivery. Aside from the actual make up, the brains behind the operation even put thought into the best position for the antennas to ensure that customers would have the very best of what was available.

 

 

Why it’s Welcomed

 

Take a check of homes across the country and it’s likely that quite a number of them will have no less than 10 devices that are all able to connect to the web (IP-enabled as many refer to them as). Understandably, the more devices that are connected to a network the slower it is for each device, and this can prove quite frustrating.

 

If it hasn’t already happened, the days of 100% of Internet subscribers using a wireless network to connect their device is probably not that far off as people always adapt to new and improved capabilities. Think about dial-up Internet for example, the number of people who use it is noticeably small. From smart phones to tablets to even the television and kitchen appliances, the number of devices that are fully functional through the use of the Internet increases almost every day, and none of those are too keen on a hard-wired connection. As a matter of fact, very few of them even have the potential to be physically connected.

 

With the new wireless gateway, the members of the household will have more data transference capabilities accessible to them, and this is a welcomed phenomenon. Now, uploading all those photos from the family trip to the beach or downloading a movie will take place in a shorter time, even though everyone is still connected to the home Wi-Fi network.

 

The latest tech launch is in tandem with Comcast’s expansion of their Extreme 505 service. Providing subscribers with download speeds of up to 505 Mbps for the entire house, it is no surprise that this too is regarded as the best available on the market.

 

 

 

Not all about speed

 

For many, the improved data speeds that the new modem-router combo provides is more than enough to have them excited about acquiring one of their own, but the truth it that it’s impact is not limited to this. With the DPC3941T, customers will also have an improved wireless range at their disposal. For various reasons it is not possible to put an exact figure on what that range actually is, but being able to connect when being at a further distance from the router is always welcomed. Whether they are an existing Xfinity Internet customer or someone looking to acquire the service for their home. The range is improved speeds is likely to play a major role in the outcome.

 

Though it is being hailed as the fastest, if the evidence provided is anything to go by, there really isn’t any competition. The new Xfinity Wireless Gateway has been launched during a time that the web connectivity demands are at an all time high, and if the speeds and range are anything to go by, those who acquire the device will certainly have their expectations exceeded.

 

 

 

The Xfinity Wireless Gateway Boosts Internet Service

FIFA 15 and other Recent Game Releases

Some individuals mark birthdays on their calendars, others mark the return (or premiere) of a TV series they can’t seem to get enough of, while others are only interested in keeping up to date with one thing – the release of the next game. Whether the preferred medium of play is via a game console, a laptop or a handheld device, gamers are always on the lookout for the latest releases that they can add to their collection.

 

With popular soccer game FIFA 15 being released not so long ago to rave reviews, we take a look at other recent releases that may interest quite a number of gamers:

 

 

FIFA 15

 

Release Date: September 23

 

Available on: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo 3DS, Wii etc.

 

The release of the trailer of FIFA 15 had many soccer fans in awe, as the graphics displayed had a level of realism that was claimed to be far superior to previous editions. The game was made available on September 23, and as fans across the world got their hands on their own copy, it was evident that the hype was much deserved.

 

 

FIFA 15 incorporates a lot of new features that fans of the franchise are impressed by. The tactics and team management options are commendable, but the actual visuals and game play was what really took the cake. For instance, the environment and the occurrences of the match, therefore now influence the kits of the players, as they will get wet if it’s raining and become soiled as the match goes on.

 

Stepping further into reality, teams now employ time wasting tactics, taking the ball down to the corner flag when approaching the final minutes of the match, and the goalkeepers are a very animated, pulling off some spectacular saves.

 

 

D4: Dark Dreams Don’t Die

 

Release Date: September 18

 

Available on: Xbox One

 

This episodic game follows the exploits of David Young, a private investigator who is left reeling after his wife’s murder. Such is the trauma he endures that he is unable to recollect the events leading up to the incident, but in an interesting twist possesses the ability to time travel. Unsurprisingly, with his newfound ability his mission is to prevent it from ever happening.

 

The graphics of the game is assumed to be a little too much for some, but those familiar with games such as Deadly Premonition (released in 2010) will feel right in their element. The game can be played with both the Xbox One gamepad and Kinect, the latter being touted as a preferred option.

 

 

If there were to be any takeaways from the game, it would be that its available on only one game platform, but those who own an Xbox One certainly won’t be complaining.

 

 

Massive Chalice

 

Release Date: September 28

 

Available on: Linux, Mac OS X, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One

 

There have been many things said of this turn-based strategy game being developed by Double Fine Productions, but one of the most notable is the influence of the medium that played a key role in its creation – Kickstarter. Aside from raising over 1.2 million on the crowd-funding platform, the game also got a bit of input from its backers, including the incorporation of same-sex couples into the game play.

 

As seen above, in addition to the Xbox One the game is available on the popular PC platforms, making it more accessible than if it were just for one game console or another.

 

 

Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor

 

Release Date: September 30

 

Available on: Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4 etc.

 

If for no other reason, it is highly likely that individuals would flock to this game thanks to its Lord of the Rings reference. In fact it is set in the LOTR universe. Interestingly, it is intended to somewhat fill in the blanks between what happened in the LOTR saga and The Hobbit.

 

 

The action role-playing game is being praised for its challenging but fluid interface, allowing gamers to lead main character Tailon on his quests. One of the most talked about features of the game is the Nemesis System it employs, which remembers the interactions of the players and subsequently dictates future actions accordingly. Therefore, a character who was previously bested by Tailon might be on his heels seeking revenge the next time they come face to face.

 

 

Super Smash Bros

 

Release Date: October 3

 

Available on: 3DS/ Wii U

 

Rounding off the list is a favorite of gamers the world over, Super Smash Bros. popular characters from a multitude of popular games collide, as users go about determining who the best fighter is. Iconic figures such as Mario and Luigi are joined by Link (The Legend of Zelda) and Pikachu (Pokemon), as well as first-time characters like Greninja (Pokemon), and Dark Pit (Kid Icarus).

 

Combining both “young” and old characters, the diverse roster – which totals 49 – is one of the most commended aspects of the game. There are also notable multiplayer options and improved game play.

 

 

 

 

 

 

FIFA 15 and other Recent Game Releases

Opening Week Winners of the 2014 Fall TV Season

The 2014 Fall TV season began a little over a week ago, and it already has some TV lovers making the claim that it is one of the best they have seen in a long time. Right across the board there is something to be excited about – new series have not failed to live up to expectations, returning series have picked up right where they left off, and just about every night is riddled with a blend of shows of all genres that can keep anyone glued to the couch.

 

While there are a lot that deserve mentioning, here are a few winners from the opening week of the 2014 Fall TV season, inclusive of new and returning shows, as well as networks that hit it out of the park:

 

 

New Series

 

NCIS: New Orleans

 

New city, same old franchise success. The latest installment in the NCIS franchise, NCIS: New Orleans did more than enough to show it’s a spin-off that is here to stay… for a very long time. Considering that NCIS itself is a spin-off, the airing network – CBS – appears to have found the formula for success. Hitting the screens on September 23, the series premiered with over 17 million live viewers, putting it right up there with the most-watched series premieres of the current season.

 

 

Gotham

 

The series, which is scripted to outline the early years of some of the most revered characters in fictional history, did not disappoint. Premiering on September 22 on Fox, Gotham – which pretty much chronicles the journey of everyone from the Batman franchise (and then some) – managed to record over 8 million live viewers. The positive reviews poured in for the show, and having seen it, they are all well-deserved.

 

Gotham started out strong and solid.

 

How to Get Away With Murder

 

Surprise, surprise… Shonda Rhimes. In what now feels to be an ever-present reality, the talented producer and writer has uncovered another gem with her latest series – How to Get Away With Murder. Having developed an amazing relationship with the network over the past decade, this series like other successes of hers appears on ABC.

 

With its debut performance, the series managed to amass over 14 million live viewers, which is more than commendable. For those looking for something to be in awe of, think on the fact that the series shattered the DVR playback record and raised it to approximately 6 million, resulting in a three-day span of over 20 million viewers.

 

 

Returning Series

 

The Big Bang Theory

 

If the term “Bazinga!” stands for never-ending success, then it would be most appropriate for The Big Bang Theory. Returning for its eighth season on September 22, the TV series racked up over 18 million live viewers, as TV lovers from all over tuned in to see how Sheldon was managing following his decision to leave for a while.

 

During the episode, one of the most memorable moments in the show’s history was seen, as Sheldon admitted to Leonard that he wanted to engage in coyness with Amy. Undoubtedly, fans of the show will be eager to see what other interesting bits of information can unfold.

 

 

Scandal

 

Very few can argue with the fact that Scandal has become the most followed drama on television over the past couple of years, and its return for a fourth season on September 25 has only worked to reinforce this belief. The series opened in the region of 12 million live viewers to the show, with TV lovers tuning in to see Olivia Pope return to Washington D.C. after walking away from just about everyone and everything she knew.

 

 

Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington) helped to break DVR records on the show’s premiere night.

 

Her exodus – as well as the passing of Harrison Wright – had affected all the members of Olivia Pope and Associates in a very big way, and the emotion that comes with it is just what the doctor ordered for all who thoroughly missed the show.

 

 

TV Networks

 

CBS

 

The return of The Big Bang Theory alone would have been enough to put CBS among the mix, but the truth is that its Fall success has been far more widespread than that.  NCIS: New Orleans was earlier mentioned as one of the “new series” opening week winners, and its ongoing “mother” series NCIS was also up there with an impressive 18 million live viewers of its own.

 

Among the other network premieres, Madam Secretary (with just under 15 million), and Scorpion (with just under 14 million) were also series premieres that arguably made CBS the network with the most to smile about.

 

 

ABC

 

Thanks to “ShondaLand”, Thursdays are a big night for ABC, as How To Get Away With Murder has joined in with Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal to pull in millions of viewers during that three-show time span. Impressively, they all managed to record double-digit viewership numbers.

 

That being said, however, ABC has other shows to be proud of. New series Forever and Black-ish both had commendable openings, while returning shows Once Upon a Time and Castle pulled in double-digit viewership on their “opening” night.

 

 

 

 

Opening Week Winners of the 2014 Fall TV Season

Record-breaking Figures from Apple

From the most tech-savvy of individuals to those who take a sneak peek in the tech world every now and then, just about everyone would have been aware of one of the most anticipated tech events of 2014 – the release of the iPhone 6. The gadget was made available to the market on September 19, and within a matter of days was already celebrating record returns.

 

 

Numbers Keep Getting Better

 

The iPhone 5 was released a year or so ago, and during the opening weekend it had amassed over 9 million units in sales. For the corresponding period, the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus combined for over 10 million, besting the record of the previous year.

 

Such was the interest in the phone that some individuals formed lines outside of the stores well before their actual opening hours to ensure that they were among the first to say that they owned the device. Though it would be easy to imagine, this was not a phenomenon experienced in the United States alone, as international media outlets expressed similar sentiments. It should also be noted that this 10 million-unit figure does not include sales in China, which is one of the largest smart phone consumer markets in the world.

 

 

Reasons for the Sales Frenzy – Features

 

Display

 

In comparison to iPhones of the past, the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus are considerably larger. The iPhone 5 and its successors (the 5S and the 5C) each had a display of only 4 inches, but the two latest releases respectively boast 4.7 and 5.5-inch displays. Not only has the size of the display been significantly altered, but the quality of it as well, with a Retina HD display now in place.

 

Notably, while making the display bigger and better, Apple has also gone about making the devices thinner. With this, they are still able to provide the millions of Apple lover out there with the chic design they have grown accustomed to.

 

 

A Virtual Wallet – Even more good news

 

If the Touch ID (using one’s fingerprint to execute functions such as unlocking the phone or making online purchases) was the biggest feature of the iPhone 5, the Apple Pay is undoubtedly in the same ranks for the latest Apple releases. What is the Apple Play? In a nutshell – a virtual wallet.

 

There is no denying that many individuals have grown fond of making all their necessary payments with the use of their credit/debit card. With this, however, there are a number of concerns involved, such as the card being misplaced or even stolen. With Apple Pay, individuals can update their smart phone with the necessary information and use it to make their payments – all with a single Touch (ID).

 

No passcodes or security numbers required. With this feature, even if someone does manage to steal the phone or it is misplaced, there is no need to worry about the credit card being accessed or used, as it’s more than a little difficult to replicate a fingerprint. Simply put, the security measures are superb.

 

Whether the preference is the manually enter the relevant credit card details or take a picture of the card with iSight, the set-up is relatively easy. Still in the initial stages, major banks such as American Express, Bank of America and Capital One have also accepted the feature, with others in line to join the party.

 

Though the technology is already in place, the feature won’t be fully operational until a date to be announced in October.

 

 

Apple’s Wearable

 

After all the speculations, the top execs of the tech giant also debuted the company’s first smart watch – the Apple Watch. The name sounds relatively simple, but is a far way off from the “iWatch” and all other alleged names that were attributed to it.

 

The wearable device might not have the glossy look that many had imagined it would have, but there is no denying that the functionality is more than evident. Apple product users will be able to communicate with one of their favorite companions – Siri – and have it do all that they would have asked it to as though they were using a smart phone. Messages? Check. Emails? Check. Fitness app? Check. Apple Pay? Check (because the new feature just had to be available on the new gadget!). An app for just about anything you can think of? Check.

 

As they did last year, Apple’s latest smart phone releases have introduced features that are beaming with innovation – which says a lot, considering how “new age” everything seems to be nowadays. Boasting the efficiency that Apple users are accustomed to, there would be little surprise of the sales figures continue to get better and better.

 

 

 

Record-breaking Figures from Apple

Comcast’s Take on the Open Internet Debate

We all love to use the Internet. Whether it is to access information for academic or professional purposes, keep up with the latest events taking place across the world, or simply to catch up with friends, just about every function and activity on a day-to-day basis is dependent on, or influenced by the Internet.

 

As with everything of such nature, there are regulations that govern the access and use of the World Wide Web. In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is the organization that puts these rules forward, and unsurprisingly, there have been both positive and negative remarks surrounding the proposals. FCC chairman Tom Wheeler revealed his proposal earlier this year, and subsequently the floor was made open for individuals and organizations to comment on the matter. Being heavily invested in the matter, Comcast was sure to join in the over 3 million responses. Through the platform, the company made sure to represent themselves and their take on the matter in full detail.

 

 

What is the “Open Internet”?

 

The principle of the Open Internet dictates that individuals and entities are free to access the contents of the global network. To a great extent, the level of freedom being experienced now can be categorized under the term. According to the FCC website, “The Open Internet also makes it possible for anyone, anywhere to easily launch innovative applications and services, revolutionizing the way people communicate, participate, create, and do business—think of email, blogs, voice and video conferencing, streaming video, and online shopping.”

 

 

 

Setting the Record Straight

 

As the conversations surrounding the Open Internet discussion has intensified over the years, there have been some, who have staked the claim that cable companies –Comcast included – are against the whole notion. By extension, some have gone as far as to say that they want to interfere with a customer’s ability to access lawful content through the service that they provide.

 

To ensure that such stigma is not associated with them, the telecommunications provider went about re-emphasizing its stance to the public with a series of articles, in addition to its official comment via the FCC “forum”. One of their most reinforced bits of information was the fact that they were the only Internet service provider in the country that was fully compliant and legally bound by the Net Neutrality rules of 2010. As a result, the company has committed to permitting access to lawful content, not interfering with the speed at which web content is delivered, and ensuring that they don’t create paid fast lanes or prioritizes particular Internet traffic over another.

 

While not against the principle of the Open Internet, Comcast has voiced its disapproval with the reclassification of broadband as a “telecommunications service” under Title II of the Telecommunications Act. The tool is considered to be “America’s most important platform” for facilitating a wide range of development opportunities, and rightly so, when taking into account all its capabilities.  Based on the reports, the company is of the belief that such a reclassification would only work to cripple aspects of the Internet such as innovation. This would in turn restrict the creation of new technology and subsequently hamper economic growth.

 

Instead, Comcast is fully in agreement of the Internet remaining in its “information service” classification, a classification it has held for over a decade. It could be argued that they are of the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” approach, which is more than understandable.

 

 

 

Comcast Not Alone

 

It should be noted that Comcast is not alone in its stance. In fact, no less than 50 organizations have also voiced their concerns and questioned the move of the FCC for the reclassification.

 

 

Number Highlights Magnitude

 

The number of comments that were sent to the FCC in response to their proposal indicates the vested interest of individuals across the country. The number of submissions received more than doubled the previous record number of comments on a query the entity received.

 

Contrary to the perceived notion of many, Comcast is not against the notion of having an open Internet, and in fact has implemented measures in their operations to ensure that they facilitate it. Though the verdict is not yet known as to what the FCC stipulations are going to be, for the time being the telecommunications provider appears to be intent on providing their Internet subscribers with the same standard of service they have delivered for the past many, many years.

 

 

 

 

Comcast’s Take on the Open Internet Debate