new facebook filters let you control news feed

Facebook's newest improvement is one that for once probably won't generate drama and complaints. This is because it makes it easier to sort through the news feed. Drop down menus allow users to view only what they choose to. Users can also choose from lists of friends. However if you move from the page you are on the choices you previously made don't stay. The stand-out filter is the Status Updates, which is a streamlined way to read what your friends are up to without the clutter of photos, links, etc. Ultimately this is a cleaner and easier way to utilize the news feed which could improve the user's experience.

Retro iPhone Dock

Although there are many iPhone docks out there, a newly designed one actually converts your iPhone into retro land line phone. The iPhone X has been designed by a Japanese home electronics company to function as a land line phone while simultaneously charging your phone. Once docked into the iPhone X your iPhone will work as a keypad for the land line phone and the receiver can easily be used as it is used in regular land line phones. It will also be able to be synced to iTunes if needed. I'm not sure how much more useful this is than just using the phone regularly but I guess it could be useful or fun in the novelty sense of it.

Virtually every search engine, companies with a big web presence, etc. gather user's browser history and other personal information in order to improve their services and better target the user. The FTC is proposing a "Do Not Track" feature for Internet browsers that would allow users to opt out completely and protect their privacy. Users do not always have control over the amount or type of data stored by companies and that data can therefore be used against the user's wishes. If you have a Google account you are able to keep this data in check, however this isn't true for all search engines. All major search engines gather history for a period of time (3-18 months) unless explicitly blocked by the user.

The FTC states that industry efforts to address privacy through self-regulation "have been too slow, and up to now have failed to provide adequate and meaningful protection". In addition to making policy recommendations, the FTC has said it will take action against companies that cross the line with consumer data and violate consumers' privacy. Consumers should be presented with choices about the collection and sharing of their data at the time and in the context in which they are making decisions.

Green Computing

The latest way to be more environmentally conscious is to save your computer files differently. The conservation organization WWF has recently launched its own file type. Basically it is identical to a PDF with one exception-it can't be printed. This is an attempt to try and reduce the amount of paper wasted in offices around the world. Offices and educational settings use ridiculous amounts of paper for mostly unnecessary reasons only to simply discard the print outs soon after.

For files that don't need to be printed, users can choose this format (.WWF) and then distribute the documents electronically. Users would then be able to view the document but not select "file-print". To use this file type a small bit of software needs to be downloaded from saveaswwwf. Additionally, a little note about saving paper is added to the bottom of all documents.

While I'm unsure this file format will actually be embraced, it seems like a step in the right direction to reduce paper wasting, and if anything will at least spread some awareness. The WWF format is essentially a plugin that is Mac-only for now, but coming to Windows soon.