Can You Really Own Your Smartphone If You Can't Fix It? Plus: Why Tech Needs More Women Now!

Alright, let’s dive right into the thick of it—when did owning a smartphone become a lease agreement with those tech giants? And while we’re at it, let's talk about the glaring gap in tech gender diversity. I mean, come on, it’s 2026 and we’re still hashing out these issues?

Right to Repair: More than Just a Techie Tantrum

So, here’s the scoop: I’ve personally tinkered with everything from my daughter’s toys to our family RV. But try opening up a smartphone today, and you’ll hit a wall of warranty threats and specialized screws. Why? Because manufacturers want to keep us on a short leash. I say, if I bought it, I own it—let me fix it!

In my experience, cracking open a device isn’t just about saving a buck on repairs; it’s about empowerment, education, and sustainability. I’m not just a tech guy; I’ve got kids thinking about their planet's future. It’s high time companies stopped treating us like wallet-open-ready consumers and started seeing us as capable, responsible owners.

Women in Tech: Not Just a Numbers Game

Switching gears, let’s hash out another pet peeve of mine—gender diversity in tech. It’s not just about filling quotas or being politically correct. It’s about bringing diverse perspectives to the table, which, by the way, leads to better products and solutions. And yet, here we are in 2026, still seeing panels full of suits and no skirts.

My wife, a brilliant RN and entrepreneur, has shown me that insight often comes from where you least expect it. The tech world needs more of that—more insights, more diverse strategies, and definitely more women calling the shots.

So, Why Should You Care?

• More repairs mean less waste – Mother Earth says thanks!
• A diverse team is a smart team – different people, different ideas.
• When was the last time you fixed something? Felt good, right?
• Ever sat in a meeting and thought, “This needs a fresh perspective”? Exactly.

And let’s not forget, it’s not just about doing good; it’s about innovation and driving the tech world forward. Can you imagine the powerhouse of creativity we’d unleash with more balanced representation?

Let’s Get Real About Natural Interfaces

Moving beyond buttons and screens, natural interfaces are about interacting with tech in a way that feels, well, natural. But here’s my beef: while the tech may be ready, are we actually improving accessibility or just complicating things? Sometimes I wonder if tech companies remember that not everyone is a gadget geek.

The Magazine Stand: A Pulse on the Tech World

And speaking of keeping up, technology magazines these days are either too niche or too broad. Where’s the middle ground that used to help average Joes and Janes stay informed without needing a tech translator?

And Here’s My Point...

Whether it’s fighting for the right to repair, advocating for more women in tech, or demanding more intuitive tech interfaces, it all boils down to one thing: making technology work for us, not the other way around. As we move forward, let’s not just be users or consumers, let’s be active participants in shaping our tech landscape.