4 of the Major Financial Technology Trends in 2019

Each year, tech trends reinvent the way we interact with the world—including financially. From increased customer consent over data sharing to AI-driven financial advisors, these four of the many financial technology trends expected to emerge in 2019 may impact your life.

Mobile banking

Mobile apps are redefining the banking industry in 2019. From depositing checks to applying for loans, almost anything that required a visit to the bank can now be accomplished from your phone. Banks are expected to focus on creating a seamless and user-friendly digital presence and not so much on the appearance of their buildings.

AI-driven wealth managers

Automated wealth managers driven by artificial intelligence are expected to play a huge role in the investment industry this year. These bots are designed to help people make the best financial decisions with algorithms that calculate optimal investment opportunities, interest rates, and the best loan providers.

Open banking gives customers more consent over data sharing

Banking data can be shared with third parties without a customer’s consent or knowledge, but this is expected to chance in 2019. Banks will begin to implement application programming interfaces that provide customers with options to control which third parties can access to their data. These open banking APIs will also increase collaboration in the banking industry, and will likely lead to further improvements in customer service and financial transparency for account holders.

Voice-first banking

Voice-first devices are expected to completely alter the way traditional banking interactions take place in 2019. Rather than having traditional conversation, many financial institutions will allow customers to complete account transfers, establish account alerts, and make payments using voice commands.

Whether you work in the financial industry or simply have a bank account, these financial technology trends will likely have a huge impact on your life in 2019.

Dark Mode News: The Apps Driving the Dark Screen Trend

Over the past few years, dark mode has become a popular smart phone setting because it dims the background of any window’s background on your screen. People rave about dark mode’s ability to improve text readability and reduce eye strain. But many people enjoy dark mode because, well, it simply looks better.

Let’s take a look at the apps propelling the dark mode movement forward.

Apple

macOS Mojave currently offers a dark mode option that features soothing grays to replace any jarring bright colors on your screen. Many users love it, which is why many people are also confused why dark mode doesn’t exist for iPhones yet.

People are speculating, however, that Apple will soon release dark mode for iOS devices. The iOS 13 update, which is anticipated to arrive in the coming weeks, should finally bring consumers the popular dark mode theme. iPhone users will have the ability to access dark mode from the Control Center. Best of all, they can also expect the theme to conserve battery power.

Google Chrome

Google Chrome has been at the forefront of dark mode news this year, starting with its desktop applications. First, Google released Chrome 73, which supported Apple’s beloved dark mode for macOS. Essentially, if a user enabled dark mode on their Mac, Chrome browsers would also be dark. Then, Google revealed Chrome 74, which included a dark mode feature for the Windows 10 browser. Just a few days ago, Google rolled out Chrome 75 Beta;, which features an improved dark mode.

On your desktop, you’ll find dark mode in Chrome’s flags interface. You can also access dark mode on Android devices; the theme is known to save your phone’s battery life.

Facebook

At its most recent annual F8 conference, Facebook announced a site redesign across all platforms. The new interface, which the company calls FB5, will feature faster speeds and a cleaner look. Plus, the redesign puts a greater emphasis on community.

In addition to these features, FB5 will have dark mode for the web version of the social media platform, which users will certainly prefer for video experiences. This past April, Facebook also gave users the opportunity to darken their chats in Messenger. With a simple toggle, you can change the aesthetic from white to black.

Facebook recently made these changes live on U.S. and Canada mobile apps, but the desktop version should arrive in the next few months.

Other Popular Apps That Support Dark Mode

Although it seems like dark mode has gained most of its traction recently, Microsoft has spent years perfecting dark mode for Windows 10. What makes Windows 10’s dark mode stand out is that the theme is a pure black.

Twitter also has dark mode—to switch to the theme, go to your profile and select the blue lightbulb icon. YouTube has caught onto the dark mode trend as well; it has released a dark theme for both iOS and Android. We really look forward to which other apps adopt dark mode in the future.

The Best Smartphone Accessories for Those on The Go

Smartphones are one of the most important and expensive items we own today. Along with the high price tag comes the stress of damaging the device, leading many individuals to invest in protection products. However, on top of keeping our smartphones intact, some items also have really cool features that help those with hectic lifestyles. Check out what we consider to be some of the best smartphone accessories for those on the go.

Portable Chargers

Portable chargers are the perfect thing to have when you are on the go and don’t have access to an outlet. Always be prepared and invest in a portable charger so you always have power in case of an emergency.

Car Mounts

Do you frequently travel via car? We recommend investing in a car mount—this allows your phone to remain easily accessible, while also promoting safer driving. In many states, a cop will pull you over if you’re seen using your phone irresponsibly. Car mounts decrease this risk and give you a better view of your navigation system, music player, and other tasks our smartphones perform.

Armbands

Most people listen to music to motivate themselves during a workout. Many use their phones to do this, which are only getting bigger each year. This can make it hard to keep it in your pocket—that’s why we recommend using an armband. Armbands allow you to safely store your phone during an intense workout while continuing to play music.

Wireless Earphones

Along with armbands, wireless earphones are another smartphone accessory you’ll want for your workouts. You no longer have to worry about your tangled wires disrupting your exercise routine. Plus, wireless earphones last much longer than wired ones.

Smartwatches

If you don’t feel comfortable using an armband, consider a smartwatch instead. Today’s digital watches provide easy accessibility to your phone, so you can control your music, access text messages, and more—right from your wrist.

Phone Case

Smartphones are incredibly expensive, plus they store all our important information. It’s imperative that we take care of them, and the best way to do this is to invest in a durable phone case. We also recommend adding a screen protector to ensure your phone’s safety.

Google Chromecast/Apple TV

Smartphones allow you to watch your favorite shows, movies, and other videos via apps. However, if you are sick of watching them on your phone, a Google Chromecast or Apple TV device is one of the best smartphone accessories you can get. These devices allow you to broadcast various entertainment onto a connected TV.

Tips on How to Improve Work Security for Your Business

Emerging technology has made the workplace all the more convenient. However, important information in offices around the world is still prone to hacks, and a hack could set your company back in big ways. This is why it’s so important for your company to take the necessary steps to improve work security. To avoid a potentially disastrous security breach at your company, you should become familiar with the ways your business can improve its security and educate employees.

Implement a Security System

Get ahead of suspicious activity and implement a security system. Make sure your business operations have the ability to look out for potential viruses so that you can properly react to a breach situation. Promote good security practices such as using strong passwords for any login. Also, put an Internet policy in place to ensure employees don’t open unauthorized programs or suspicious emails. The more you communicate throughout your workplace, the better.

Use Secure Equipment

Another way to improve work security is to furnish your office with secure furniture. For example, some work consoles have the ability to store CPUs, which house important data you won't want stolen. Equip your office with the necessary protection from technological breaches.

Hire a Safety Coordinator

Hire a safety coordinator who can ensure your work is safe and secure. He or she can then take the necessary precautions to make sure there are no holes in the system.

Get Rid of Information Properly

Physical waste and deleted computer programs are easy ways for hackers to retrieve information. Make sure your business properly disposes of important information by shredding physical papers and getting rid of computer drives to make sure they don’t fall into the wrong hands.

Your company must take the necessary steps to ensure employees are aware of the accessibility of information shared via the Internet. Heightened awareness to potential threats will only strengthen the security in your workplace.

The Many Hidden Dangers of Social Media

Social media has a lot of benefits, one of which is that it makes things easier—easy communication, easy business advertisements, easy growth. But the various advantages of social media should not overshadow its hidden dangers. Any technology that makes it so easy to display personal information—photos, locations, stories, et cetera—comes with risks that can heavily affect one’s life.

Cyberbullying

People have been talking about cyberbullying for years now, but people continue to defame others behind the comfort of their screens. Cyberbullying severely impacts people, whether they’re in high school or adults in the workforce. Derogatory comments and unkind memes—whatever the case may be—can cause irreparable damage to the target’s reputation and psyche. The convenience of social media allows bullies to post and share harmful content, making cyberbullying a huge danger of social media use.

Inability to Socialize

As social media use continues to rise, people’s inability to communicate has also risen. People are so used to communicating through text and Facebook posts that their face-to-face communication skills have suffered. But human interaction is what we should constantly strive for, as it promotes empathy, connection, and human relationships. Instead of commenting on Instagram, try saying something kind in person to witness and participate in the incredible interaction that comes from it.

Dating Apps

Many dating apps do a poor job protecting user information and even fail to implement strict age parameters. In fact, “About 1 in 7 kids have been sexually solicited online.” Because of this, both children and adults can fall victim to social media solicitation crimes. We recommend you extensively research each app you use and familiarize yourself with the associated terms and conditions. If you’re serious about dating, it might be in your best interest to skip the apps and hire a professional matchmaker instead.

Culture of Comparison

One of the main hidden dangers of social media is the negative impact it can have on an individual’s mental health. This can come from comparing oneself to others, which can lead to depression, anxiety, PTSD, and many other mental health issues. Scrolling through others’ photos, life updates, and travels produce a “less-than” feeling for a lot of individuals, which can severely impact how an individual sees their worth.

This article is not to tell you to stop using social media. Rather, this information is intended to help you use social media with mindfulness and intention. Pay attention to your mental needs and try your best to put yourself in safe situations.

5 Ways Technology in the Workforce Increases Productivity

Emerging technology often gets a bad rap. Many individuals have a negative view of technology due to social media, the prices of electronics, and less face to face interaction. However, as far as the workplace is concerned, there are many ways technology has made us more productive than ever. Discover how technology in the workforce is increasing productivity.

Increased Flexibility

Technology has provided us with a way to maintain flexible schedules. With various software, apps, and portable devices, we can now work more efficiently as well as remotely. These tools have significantly increased collaboration and communication among workers; time is no longer wasted, and schedules can be changed easily.

Track Your Time

With clocks displayed on the majority of electronic devices and time stamps available on various platforms, it’s never been easier to track how long someone spends on a project. Collecting data is incredibly beneficial for both the employee and the employer. Tracking the time can provide information regarding where the individual could improve or how to increase the efficiency of an operation. Time can go unnoticed when you are in an office all day, but technology can help you determine areas of improvement.

Health and Wellness

Sitting all day in the office can be very harmful. However, many have turned to standing desks to combat this issue. While various studies have shown how beneficial standing desks can be for your health, they can also increase productivity. Standing desks can make you far more active and attentive during work.

Improved Organization

Papers scattered all over our desks are becoming a thing of the past thanks to the Cloud. Many people worry about losing physical forms of documents, but technology has allowed for a much easier method of organization. No longer do you have to spend precious time searching through filing cabinets—all you have to do now is enter a simple search on your computer.

Tools to Help You Focus

Another great thing about technology in the workforce is the ability to listen to music. Studies have shown that there are certain types of music that can increase your productivity. Music also helps you focus on the task at hand and tune out any distractions. Thankfully, there is an array of music streaming applications that can download to a variety of devices.

Beginner's Guide to SEO for Any Business

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is an emerging asset to businesses; however, many are not taking advantage of this new practice. Today, almost everyone uses their phones to discover new business on search engines like Google. The truth is, websites reach more people than a billboard or an ad ever could. However, this has made the internet a very competitive place—this is where SEO comes into play.

If you are unfamiliar with this practice, take a look at our beginner’s guide to SEO and discover how it can help your business.

What is Search Engine Optimization (SEO)?

Search engine optimization (SEO) is a technique used to help websites rank higher in search engines such as Google and Bing. SEO affects the visibility of your site within a search engine’s unpaid results. These are often known as natural, organic, or earned results.

Why Is It Important?

Websites are constantly competing for top search result spots because this increases the chances of new people discovering their business. Getting people to click on your website can lead to direct sales, thus increasing your revenue. People rely on technology to a great extent today, and as a business, being easily accessible is a huge way to be successful in today’s digital world.

How Do I Perform Proper SEO Practices?

There are many different ways to accomplish SEO. Aspects such as keyword research and creating original blog content are simple yet effective methods you can easily employ. You may also want to consider enlisting the services of SEO experts, who can get your website to the top of the search engine result pages.

The internet has changed the way people and businesses connect. If you want people to notice your business, you’ll want to make sure you’re seen in this outlet. Having strong search results when a potential customer searches for your products or services should be a top priority for all business. Utilize this beginner’s guide to SEO and improve your businesses’ presence on the internet.

5 Ways Technology Is Changing the Workplace

Technology can be a polarizing topic when it comes to benefits and harms. However, it cannot be denied that it is greatly influencing the modern workplace. Business operations are now easier than ever, and technology is changing the workplace in many ways.

Connecting Employees and Businesses

The way businesses communicate started changing once telephones were created. Today, email is one of the most common ways businesses stay connected, but other social networking apps have paved the way for more interaction through technology, too. Applications such as Skype and Facebook have brought companies from around the world together in a conference room for face-to-face meetings.

Increased Productivity

Working on the go is far more efficient with various app capabilities across multiple devices and platforms. Cloud storage has also made your hard work immortal and easily accessible. Employees listen to music to be more productive and stay focused on the task at hand.

The Ability to Work from Home

Working from home is becoming more common due to the capabilities of technology. Most office work performed today can be done on any laptop or computer. Commuting to the office, being stuck in traffic, and blowing through your gas tank is becoming a thing of the past. Remote work also gives employees more flexibility with work schedules and keeps business plans intact.

Web Page Doesn’t Look Right in Facebook App? Check Setting to Turn Off Facebook’s In-App Browser, and Use Your Preferred Mobile Device Browser

In August 2018, Facebook modified their app to include an in-app browser that refers you to web pages in their own in-app browser. Many people don't even realize that they're not being sent to their favorite default web browser on their mobile device.

When you use Facebook's app and you view a website that someone shares with you, there is no referral clear and free out of the Facebook app.

With the in-app browser, there's a chance that the web page you are referred to might not look exactly like the web page that you would see in your own default browser on your mobile device, such as Chrome on Android or Safari on a iOS.

In some cases, a reported bug on Android, cuts off a bottom portion of the web page — leaving a black void. We know because we're the publisher and web developer for Arlingtoncardinal.com … and ever since Facebook rolled out the in-app browser feature, Android users viewing articles on Arlingtoncardinal.com have been complaining about seeing a bottom portion of web pages blocked with a black void. The bug apparently did not affect Apple iOS users.

An advantage of referring out to your true Chrome browser app is that your default (free and separate) browser has features, such as bookmarking, saving to the home screen, and email sharing that might not be available from the Facebook app's internal browser. There are possibly added security settings or and other settings you might prefer with the browser of your choice. Many users aren't too happy about being forced to use an in-app browser in any app — Facebook or otherwise.

Apple Expected to Continue Using Lighting Instead of USB-C in Apple iPhones

The next generation of Apple iPhones is expected to continue using the Lightning port and a USB-A charger data and charging, instead of changing to the USB-C. Apple was involved in development the USB-C port. Almost every other current generation Apple device, including the latest iPad Pro to the Macbook and Macbook Pro feature the USB-C. However, according to tech site Macotakara, the bottom line is the cost of keeping the Lightning port on new iPhones for the next few years is said to be more profitable for Apple.   Previously, Apple was believed to be opting for the switch to USB-C

USB-C is a 24-pin USB connector system, which features a two-fold rotationally-symmetrical connector. USB-C cables and connectors connect hosts to devices, replacing a variety of ports and electrical connectors including USB-A, USB-B, HDMI, and 3.5 mm audio cables and connectors.

In August 2014 the USB Type-C Specification 1.0 was published by the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) and was finalized. USB-C was developed about the same time as the USB 3.1 specification. 

In July 2016, USB-C was adopted by the IEC as "IEC 62680-1-3".

In September 2017, USB 3.2 was released, replacing the USB 3.1 standard. Speed is the major feature upgrade utilizing existing USB 3.1 SuperSpeed and SuperSpeed+ data modes and introduces two new SuperSpeed+ transfer modes speeding beyond the USB-C connector using two-lane operation, with data rates of 10 and 20 Gbit/s (1250 and 2500 MB/s). USB-C defines the connector; the ability to deliver speed depends on the device.

Lightning is currently slightly slower than USB C 3.1.

Apple's iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X support rapid charging where batteries can go from flat to 50% in 30 minutes, but users need to purchase a USB-C charger and a USB-C to Lightning cable adapter. 

See also …

www.macotakara.jp/blog/rumor/entry-36840.html (mixed English/Japanese language site)