Weekly Links & Thoughts #61

Here is a weekly selection of thoughtful opinion pieces, interesting analyses and significant yet under-reported information bits from the digital and technology world. Published and annotated every Thursday (CET), just in time so you have something good to read during the weekend.

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• Our machines could become self-aware without us knowing it
  
  A lengthy piece from the “slightly creepy” department.
• Mark Zuckerberg interview with Axel Springer CEO Mathias Döpfner
  
  Very extensive and insightful interview, conducted during Zuckerberg’s recent visit to Berlin.
• For Some Men, Mark Zuckerberg Is a Lifestyle Guru
  
  Hard to argue with this. I cannot wrap my head around how Zuckerberg manages to run and grow one of the most influential companies of our times while at the same time putting so much effort in personal improvement and development.
• An iPhone Is an Extension of the Mind
  
  An unconventional perspective which, if you agree with it, impacts how one has to view the ongoing debate between Apple, its tech “allies” and the U.S. government about encryption and backdoors
• We Should All Have Something To Hide
  
  A text from 2013 which is as relevant today as it was 3 years ago.
• This is why people fear the Internet of Things
  
  When I read about all the security and privacy risks that come with the Internet of Things, and especially in the context of the Smart Home concept, I seriously ask myself why “we”, as in “humans with an interest in technology”, keep advocating for and pushing the ideas of IoT. Sure, there will be benefits. But by making everything inside our homes connected to the Internet, we are asking for unprecedented dimensions of trouble in regards to data theft, privacy intrusions and government surveillance. I might change my mind at some point, but currently, I see way more downside than upside.
• What counts as artificially intelligent? AI and deep learning, explained
  
  A excellent primer about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its 3 crucial elements: neural networks, machine learning and deep learning.
• Why roboticists are raving about Google’s new robot
  
  You probably have seen the video showcasing the skills of the latest robot by Google-owned Boston Dynamics. Make sure to also check out how a dog reacts to a four-legged Boston Dynamics robot.
• After The Gold Rush
  
  Jon Evans’ declares the end of the ten year long lasting startup gold rush.
• Facebook Reactions and the Problems With Quantifying Likes Differently
  
  A critical take on some of the weaknesses of Facebook’s new emoji reactions. After a week of using them frequently I am quite happy with them, although I really miss one emoji to express this ¯\_(ツ)_/¯.
• The collective insanity of the publishing industry
  
  A tale about how the big U.S. publishers are trying to turn back the time and promote print over ebooks.
• Soundhound’s new app wants to replace Siri and Google Now on your phone
  
  Even though this app officially only is available for users in the U.S. it did not have any problems understanding my German accent. Until recently I have found most voice controlled apps to struggle with foreign accents. Hound has quite an impressive set of features already. I also love the fact that this is a personal assistant not owned by one of the tech giants. Now, what will Soundhound rival Shazam do?
• How Riot Games Became a Telco
  
  In order to improve the experience for users, a gaming company starts to operate in areas which usually fall into the responsibility of an Internet Service Provider.
• How Did Slack Grow So Fast?
  
  The astonishing rise of Slack…
• Slack, I’m Breaking Up with You
  
  ….and the inevitable backclash.
• Give it five minutes
  
  A pretty intelligent, theoretical simple but yet quite tricky approach for reacting to other people’s ideas: thinking about it for a few minutes before opposing them.
• Here’s How Electric Cars Will Cause the Next Oil Crisis
  
  Assuming that clectric cars will turn into a mass market phenomenon, the obvious consequence is a massive reduction in demand for oil.
• More phones, few banks and years of instability are transforming Somalia to a cashless society
  
  It’s always awesome to learn how certain technology is being adopted in parts of the world which (falsey) are being associated with complete backwardness when it comes to digital innovation.
• The Endangered Critical Process in the Digital Age
  
  Albert Wenger worries that the critical process – a necessity to have knowledge improve over time – becomes endangered in the digital age. I can understand that concern.

Recent articles on meshedsociety.com

• Simulating worlds
  
  If you look at the exponential advances in computing and software, a simulation of the world and its 7+ billion people might be possible soon.
• Why tablets are among the best gadgets ever made
  
  A brief post after I read yet another contribution to the “tablets are dead” meme.

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