Playstation orders crash Walmart.com
Walmart, in an effort not to be completely cleaned out of the new Sony PlayStation 5 on launch day, staggered sales in waves every couple of hours. Demand for the product, however, crashed the site not once but twice. CNET
dis-rup-shun: The world’s largest retailer, working overtime to close the gap with online retailer leader Amazon.com, would, you think, be prepared for the onslaught of release day orders for the PS5. But not even giant Walmart anticipated the pent up demand for the latest game console during COVID-19.
Amazon’s Care Hub enables Echo Show to monitor seniors
Amazon Echo powered devices can now run the Care Hub skill which, with permission from both parties, enables family members to receive information about a senior’s activities, and can enable family members to “drop in” if the senior requests help. TechCrunch
dis-rup-shun: Care Hub is a truly valuable and inexpensive way to address the yawning need for technologies to facilitate aging in place, however privacy concerns will likely keep many seniors from embracing the device. The trust level of seniors in technology is often lower than average ages, potential causing the device to be unplugged or rejected, despite the great potential for keeping family members in touch.
Electronic parole keeps tabs using smartphone
New apps designed for parolees provides constant updates via GPS of a parolee’s daily patterns, activities, and if he or she has approached off limits establishments such as liquor stores. The app also provides simplified communications between parole officer and parolee. Wired
dis-rup-shun: Critics of the technology note that what parolees need most is support from human interaction. After all, isn’t lack of positive attention the root of most rebellious behavior? If this is the case, substituting technology for human interaction completely misses the opportunity for rehabilitation.
Breathing device helps lower dangerous alcohol levels
Thornhill Medical has gained FDA clearance with the ClearMate oxygen machine that helps the lungs expel alcohol through controlled hyperventilation. During acute alcohol poisoning, the liver sometimes cannot process blood alcohol quickly enough, leading to serious injury or death. Gizmodo
dis-rup-shun: Lifesaving technologies at low costs are game changers — every college clinic should invest in the ClearMate.