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Floppy Disks Are Dead – Tokyo Local Officials Say

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Floppy disks were popular several years ago for storing and transferring electronic data. There are three types: 8-inch floppy disk, 5.25-inch floppy, and 3.5-inch floppy. The 3.5-inch floppy disks were widely used in the 1990s and slowly disappeared in 2000. Correspondingly, many newer computers don’t have floppy disk drives, making them an unstable storage medium. 

Metropolitan Districts in Tokyo are starting to eliminate the technology. A Nikkei Asia correspondent wrote that local governments in Tokyo are just starting to give up the floppy disks. Bureaucrats were more comfortable with using diskettes as file storage for many years. However, the increasing maintenance cost forced them to abandon the obsolete technology.

Tokyo metropolitan offices have been using floppy disks to store and transfer data. As the central government tries to introduce digital services, bureaucrats start to get rid of floppy disks. For example, Minato Ward completed the transition of their payment procedures into online systems in 2019. Meanwhile, Meguro City plans to transfer all its data online in fiscal 2021. On the contrary, Chiyoda City digital transition plan will take several years to complete. 

But then again, officials in Japan’s capital are still reluctant about the change. Eliminating this technology would only bring new challenges toward complete modernization pursued by the central government. 

The Meguro City Transition Plan

Yoichi Ono, public funds manager for Meguro City, said that the disks “never broke and lost data.” They have used floppy disks for many years for storing financial data. Employee payrolls are saved on these floppies, and then staff will physically go to the bank to process the transaction. 

Surprisingly, this system continued even after diskettes were no longer available in the market. Sony stopped making them ten years ago. Tokyo officials did not worry about this for two reasons. Firstly, floppy disks are reusable, and they have plenty on hand. Secondly, systems upgrading is not one of the priorities of the conservative bureaucrats. 

In 2019, Mizuho Bank, one of the biggest banks in Japan,  informed the city that it would charge 50,000 yen ($443) for the physical storage fee. The bank explained that it is no longer practical to maintain floppy disk drives, which read data from floppy disks. Bank officials said that it poses more risk of lost data compared with online banking. 

The proposed allocation of an estimated additional $5,000 a year urged the officials to switch to online transactions. Yoichi Ono believes that the changes might help them work more efficiently. Each department does not have to store files in the floppy disks and carry them around when exchanging data within the organization. 

What will happen in Chiyoda City?

The transition for Chiyoda District in Central Tokyo is part of the plan to revamp its internal systems by 2026. The authorities want to assist the residents in accomplishing paperwork even without going to the community office. We’re already in the 21st century, yet many people in Tokyo still have to visit the community office for things that could possibly be done online. 

The city aims to improve the quality of services. It will also lessen the workload of their employees. However, the district’s digital transition plan will take years to complete. According to Chief Accountant Shogo Hoshina, many things should be considered, including minor details.

Japan’s challenges in leaving old practices behind

Despite being a leader in technology and innovation, Japan finds it difficult to achieve total digital transformation. It is because of the opposition from local authorities against the plans to modernize the current system. Just like what happened in Minato, Meguro, and Chiyoda. The conservative mindset of leaders and the society as a whole hurdles the sudden shift to new solutions.

Civil servants also opposed an attempt to get rid of fax machines. Taro Kono, the minister responsible for administrative reform, said in April 2021 that the government ministries and agencies in Kasumigaseki will switch to email. He added that it is impractical to use fax machines during the pandemic since most Japanese employees work from home. They need to return to their offices to send and receive faxes. 

However, government officials defend the fax machine, claiming that it would be impossible to abolish. The officials worry about the security of their communication, contrary to the trend that major organizations worldwide communicate via encrypted messaging and email.

Likewise, the proposed elimination of using personal seals to authorize documents was also opposed by the citizens. The use of Seal or often referred to as Hanko has its deep connections to Japanese culture. It could be one of the reasons why the public is against the idea of digitizing contracts and other legal documents. 

Tokyo authorities are not the only ones who took some time to eliminate the floppy disks.

The US Air Force has been using the 8-inch floppy disks to launch nuclear missiles until 2019. In June 2019, the Strategic Automated Command and Control System moved its storage component from floppy disks to a highly-secure digital storage solution. The old command center relied on 8-inch floppy disks and a 1970’s mainframe computer. Hackers cannot attack the unique system because it does not have an IP address. 

Here is another proof that the archaic removable storage isn’t dead yet. It helps update aircraft information. In a report by The Register last year, Boeing 747-400 still uses 3.5-inch floppy disks to load navigational databases. Although the model was no longer available in 2009, it is still operational for some airlines. 

Final Thoughts

Technology has drastically improved in terms of data storage and data transfer. From floppy disks to USB sticks to HDDs, its capacity has evolved into storing up to 2megabytes only to hundreds of terabytes of data. Then came the cloud storage that offers unlimited storage and requires less physical storage space. With this ongoing trend, most of us might think that floppy disks are gone, but they are still valuable for some users. 

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Gaming

10 Best Gaming Headphones of 2024

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If you haven’t found the right gaming headphones, you’re probably not searching in the right places. Better yet, you probably don’t know how to choose one. Your gaming headphones must have excellent quality, comfortable, reliable connectivity, and multiple features. Here are the 10 best gaming headphones of 2024. 

1. SteelSeries Arctis Pro

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless offers outstanding high-fidelity sound quality and a premium build. It provides the ability to connect to a console and mobile device simultaneously. The headset features an excellent microphone that filters noise and a comfortable design. Despite low wireless latency, it has limited noise isolation. The unique battery charging system enhances gaming sessions. Drawback: no dedicated microphone volume button.

2. HyperX Cloud II

This headset features low latency and balanced audio quality, including virtual surround sound. Its noise-filtering microphone is clear, and the comfortable ear cups allow for extended gaming sessions. However, the lack of software customization and breathability can lead to warm ears. Pros include good sound and comfort, but cons involve poor noise isolation and potential sound sharpness.

3. Razer BlackShark V2

Deemed as one of the top gaming headsets, the Razer BlackShark V2 provides excellent sound isolation, comfort, and high-quality sound. It delivers more accurate audio than most gaming headsets and can be worn for hours without overheating. Its downsides include an average microphone and cumbersome Synapse software.

4. Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless SE

Looking for a premium gaming headset? The Corsair Virtuoso Wireless SE is a premium gaming headset offering excellent wireless connectivity, superb sound, and customizable RGB lighting. It features a high-quality microphone, long battery life, and a sturdy build. While it delivers a compelling package, its higher price, and potential heat build-up during long sessions may be drawbacks.

5. Logitech G Pro X

The Logitech G Pro X gaming headset offers professional-grade sound and Blue Voice microphone technology for clear communication. While it excels on PC with its comfortable design and extensive sound customization, its reliance on software hampers performance on consoles. The headset features multiple wired connectivity options, but the microphone may underemphasize bass.

6. Beyerdynamic MMX 150

Nothing beats this headset’s superior audio quality and comfortable design, making it an excellent choice for audiophile gamers. It features many replaceable parts and strong fundamentals, although it is best used with a wired USB connection. Despite its solid construction, the headset may be expensive, given its features and limited button functionality with a 3.5mm adapter.

7. EPOS H6PRO

The Epos H6Pro is a versatile mid-range gaming headset with exceptional audio quality and an ergonomic design. It offers a clear, punchy sound and a crystal-clear microphone. Compatibility with all systems makes it convenient, and users can choose between open or closed-back variants. The open version leaks audio, and the mic splitter can be inconvenient.

8. Astro A50

The fourth generation of the Astro A50 is a premium wireless gaming headset that offers an immersive experience with Dolby Audio. The headset features a low-latency wireless base station and a comfortable design for long gaming sessions. Its boom mic provides excellent recording quality and effective noise isolation. Onboard controls allow for volume adjustments and other settings, though occasional issues exist with the companion software. The headset’s open soundstage is a strength, but its noise isolation is lacking.

9. Audeze Mobius

The Audeze Mobius is known for its planar magnetic drivers and 3D audio technology, offering a distinctive listening experience. While it comes at a higher price, its exceptional audio quality and multiple connectivity options make it a top choice for gaming enthusiasts. The headset supports 7.1, stereo, and Bluetooth modes, and the 3D audio works well. However, the price may be a drawback, and the memory foam takes time to adapt for comfort.

10. Sennheiser GSP 670

Buying this headset offers superb sound quality, comfort, and a dependable wireless connection, all in one package. Despite its high price, it delivers top-notch audio and a good microphone. The headset is ideal for gamers seeking a premium wireless experience and remote workers needing an all-day option. However, the connection range can be inconsistent.

For more tech and gaming recs, check out more here at Owner’s Mag!

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Lifestyle

10 Best Robot Vacuums of 2024

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Getting a reliable robot vacuum means you can lay around on your couch while the cleaner does the heavy lifting! Our team searched high and low for the best robot vacuum, and we can say we enjoyed testing them! Here are our top 10 picks for the robot vacuums of 2024. 

1. iRobot Roomba j7+

The Roomba j7+ is the best robot vacuum overall. It features self-emptying capabilities, intelligent navigation, and an easy-to-use app. Despite being loud and having average battery life, it recognizes up to 80 household objects, ensuring your home gets cleaned while avoiding cords and shoes. PrecisionVision Navigation and the P.O.O.P. guarantee add to its appeal.

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2. iRobot Roomba s9+

We all agree that this is the best robot vacuum for pet hair. It features a D-shaped design for corner cleaning, exceptional suction power, and an auto-empty base. Though expensive and with average battery life, it offers 40 times power-lifting suction, 30% wider dual multi-surface rubber brushes, and Dirt Detect technology for tackling excessive pet hair and dirt.

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3. Eufy S1 Pro

If you’re looking for a robot vacuum with powerful suction, look no further. The Eufy S1 Pro boasts an 8,000PA suction and self-washing mop head for unparalleled cleaning efficiency. Intelligent mapping ensures precision, while speed and effectiveness set it apart. Despite being expensive and loud, its cutting-edge self-cleaning technology and power make it a top-tier choice.

Price:

  • $999 on Kickstarter

4. Shark ION AV751

If you need a robot vacuum on a tight budget, the Shark ION AV751 is for you. This robot vacuum offers excellent suction power and a 120-minute run time. Its tri-brush system and stair/cliff edge detection make it efficient. Alexa and Google Assistant integration adds convenience, making it a manageable option for those seeking simplicity.

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5. Neato Botvac D8

The Neato D8, known for its D-shaped design, excels in corner cleaning and advanced mapping. Ideal for smaller homes, it offers 100-minute battery life and a lidar for space mapping. The app supports no-go zones and scheduling, though it can’t map multiple floors and may climb low furniture and ledges.

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6. Bobsweep PetHair Vision

Designed for pet owners, this vacuum excels at pet hair removal and offers smart navigation and mopping capabilities. Its quiet operation and three-inch height allow easy cleaning under furniture. With longer battery life, it efficiently covers large areas. The drawback? Its cleaning schedule may reset unexpectedly, and customer service follow-through can be slow.

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7. Dreame X30 Ultra

This best 2-in-1 vacuum and mop offers quiet, self-emptying, dual oscillating mop heads and MopExtend mop pads. Although it has an app that’s not very user-friendly and is expensive with recurring costs, it provides comprehensive cleaning of all surfaces. Its multi-functional base station and 8300PA suction power ensure efficient home maintenance.

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8. Samsung Jet Bot AI+

If you don’t mind the bulky size, the Samsung Jet Bot AI+ is a good robot vacuum option. Its self-cleaning base adds convenience. This robot vacuum has an attractive design and advanced AI for obstacle avoidance.

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9. Dyson 360 Heurist

The Dyson 360 Heurist offers exceptional cleaning power with solid suction and intelligent mapping. This premium robot vacuum reaches edges effectively, thanks to its motorized brush. Though slow to set up, its precise map fine-tuning and methodical cleaning make it a top choice.

Price:

10. Roborock S8 Pro Ultra

Nothing is more self-sufficient than this all-in-one robot vacuum. It’s self-cleaning, self-emptying, self-washing, self-drying, and self-refilling! Plus, it uses VibraRise mopping and customizable cleaning routines.

Price:

$949.99 on Amazon

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Technology

Can AI Chatbots Become Your Therapist?

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Mental health chatbots have become reliable companions for those who can’t afford therapy. However, these chatbots aren’t a real replacement for actual therapists. They can provide temporary comfort and aid mental health professionals in tracking patients’ moods and other necessary information to provide quality care. But with AI being more accessible and free, especially to teens, will more people depend on AI chatbots in the future?

The Latest in AI Chatbot & Mental Health

character ai ui

Mental health chatbots are on the rise. Wysa and Woebot are two well-known examples. But, one AI chatbot is much more popular than the others: the Psychologist bot on Character.ai. According to the BBC, Character.ai helps millions of users talk to the bot and other mental health-related ones to address any concerns.

Character.ai allows users to create bots to help others talk to their favorite characters or “individuals.” So far, the Psychologist and other mental health-adjacent bots have received millions of messages from multiple users. Character.ai users have shared their reviews on the social media forum Reddit about their experiences with the bot. So far, the bot has received nothing but amazing reviews.

For instance, one user messaged Psychologist to help with relationship issues and to communicate with their partner.

There’s one person to thank for this: Blazeman98. He hoped to help others because he wanted someone to talk to when his friends weren’t available. But this isn’t the only AI chatbot internet users can approach for their mental health concerns.

Other Mental Health Chatbots

Woebot is one well-known mental health chatbot. The team behind the chatbot uses cognitive behavioral techniques to help users talk about their feelings, and the chatbot will respond with compassion. Plus, it can give simple solutions to get you through the moment. It covers multiple mental health issues like needs, feeling capable, relationships, coping, and more. The chatbot helps adults, adolescents, and mothers. You can download Woebot in the App Store or Google Play Store.

If you have anxiety, depression, borderline personality disorders, and other mental health concerns, you can download Youper. This chatbot helps you track your moods every day. Plus, you can chat with the bot anytime you need help.

Wysa is another option to consider if you want an alternative to Character.ai. However, Wysa is ideal for businesses prioritizing mental health in the workplace. The chatbot helps the patient talk about what’s worrying them. Plus, it checks in with the patient and suggests exercises to improve their well-being. However, Wysa can connect patients to professionals.

Addressing Loneliness

Since AI chatbots don’t have any certification or accreditation to give advice or provide counseling, AI chatbots are excellent companions for lonely people. Meta-Gallup reports that a quarter of the global population feels lonely. With the rise of AI, more people can rely on AI to talk to them and provide companionship that others can’t offer, whether in real life or on the internet.

However, Business Insider writer Daniel Cox believes that more people will be lonely as they talk to AI often. It’s all because of the lack of human connection. Gen Z, in particular, will feel this loneliness even more so. Since they grew up with technology, talking to chatbots is a pathway for them when they need someone to talk to when they don’t have anyone else or because of the potential harm social media brings to users.

How Safe is it to Use AI Chatbots?

ai

Although you can talk to an AI chatbot with the touch of a button, it could be risky to depend on an AI chatbot for mental health-related issues or companionship.

One issue that arises when talking to AI chatbots is your privacy. One recent example of a data leak comes from Microsoft when an employee unknowingly leaked 38TB (that’s right, terabytes) of data. That’s a possibility, especially if data isn’t stored properly. Or, in the employee’s case, they posted the wrong URL.

Another issue that comes up is bias and discrimination. For instance, one chatbot was taken down for the language it used while conversing with users on Twitter. Due to the unfortunate incident, it was forced to shut down because of an uncoordinated attack.

The chatbots mentioned above ensure safety and security through data encryption. Plus, they use language that won’t trigger or encourage users to harm themselves or someone else. Additionally, chatbots avoid giving diagnoses and aren’t discriminatory or biased. Moreover, some AI chatbots are HIPAA-compliant, ensuring they follow regulatory health standards. Finally, the chatbots won’t sell your data to third-party or advertising companies.

Final Thoughts

AI chatbots can be a companion when you’re lonely or need to discuss mental health conditions or symptoms. However, they are not a full replacement for a human therapist as they can only provide solutions to help you get through the moment, track your moods, and give you insights. 

Character.ai provides a free solution to talk to a “Psychologist” bot anytime, but note that you’re not talking to a professional. If that’s bothersome for you, you can use other mental health chatbots to direct you to the help you need. This way, you’ll also have a safe and secure experience while conversing with chatbots built by professionals. 

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