Simon Long ☁️

VMware Engine Architect @GoogleCloud • 2x VCDX • Creator of The VCDX Podcast • vExpert • NCFC 💛💚

[Simon Long ☁️ @SimonLong_]

🚨 New Post: Google Cloud VMware Engine – Learning Resources

I’m working on quickly getting up to speed on the Google Cloud VMware Engine service, so I’ve decided to create a quick post linking to the GCVE various resources that I found.

https://t.co/lW1hwvBItn

#vExpert #GCVE

[Watch Duty @watchdutyapp]

➡️ Major fires are impacting communities in #Nebraska. The Morrill Fire traveled 65+ miles in roughly 6 hours and continues to grow, and additional fires have triggered evacuation orders.

➡️ Impacts are being called the worst in state history.
➡️ Watch Duty has ramped up our existing 24/7 coverage with all hands on deck to give you ongoing updates on developments, following national and local notices, first responder radio traffic, and more. Always follow the latest at https://t.co/a5KogWdBa2 or download the app.

[Simon Long ☁️ @SimonLong_]

@watchdutyapp We are lucky to have you Don!

[Watch Duty @watchdutyapp]

"Every retired firefighter will tell you—it's not just something you walk away from and leave behind."

Don spent a career protecting communities - it's still what he does every day, in a new way as a Watch Duty reporter. Every time you get an emergency alert from Watch Duty, it's coming from a real person plugged into emergency dispatch, reviewing wildfire cameras, and scraping official systems to validate every twist and turn. It's the human factor that turns chaos into clarity.

[Watch Duty @watchdutyapp]

Most people don’t realize firefighters coordinate emergencies using specialized technology behind the scenes. @tabletcommand is the premiere tool for firefighters to manage and respond to incidents in real time. Now, we're working together. Here's why that matters for you:

Now, through the new integration with Watch Duty, agencies can choose to share confirmed details about fires faster from within the workflows they already use. That means less tech clutter for your emergency responders AND helps us get you trusted information sooner when every second counts. The result is a stronger connection between field operations and public communication -- you can get clear, reliable updates when you need to make decisions to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

[Watch Duty @watchdutyapp]

➡️ Many people in Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, and Colorado are impacted by fast-growing vegetation fires.
➡️ The NWS has issued a 'particularly dangerous situation' warning for an extreme, life-threatening event.
➡️ Watch Duty has ramped up our existing 24/7 coverage with all hands on deck to give you ongoing updates on developments. Always follow the latest at https://t.co/a5KogWdBa2 or download the app.

[Watch Duty @watchdutyapp]

Ever wonder what happens before a Watch Duty alert reaches you?

Every notification is the result of trained team members gathering intelligence, verifying facts, and keeping you updated in real time. From the first dispatch signal, to critical tracking sources like 'Fire Notification' radio feeds and wildfire cameras, to the ping on your phone, it’s a human-powered process designed for one purpose: delivering clear, reliable safety information when seconds matter.

[Google Cloud @googlecloud]

We're excited to partner with Team USA and help their athletes find their edge.

Learn more about our partnership → https://t.co/UTP1hE3bho

[Thor 雷神 ⚡️ @thorwebdev]

Meta has opened up their wearables to developers, meaning we can now use Gemini on Meta Glasses 🤓

Demo of Gemini Live integrating with @Meta Ray-Ban via @livekit 🚀

[Simon Long ☁️ @SimonLong_]

@mattjohnson333 Agreed. Not been mentioned on #CanaryCall yet.

[Mike Attanasio @MikeAttanasio]

Great to see this group of committed players get rewarded for their efforts. OTBC 🔰

[Watch Duty @watchdutyapp]

"They want to be helpers too" 💛

[Ring @ring]

When a wildfire is nearby, every second counts 🚒

Introducing Fire Watch, in partnership with @WatchDutyapp—bringing real-time alerts, AI-powered fire and smoke detection, and optional snapshot sharing to help communities respond faster.

Learn more: https://t.co/EVmtDsE4AN

[Watch Duty @watchdutyapp]

Every time a Watch Duty alert goes out, there are real people on the other side:
"It's made a huge difference in my life"
"It empowers people to make decisions"
"Watch Duty was center stage in emergency services- that's how damn good it is."
"It gives you enough information to protect yourself"
"It's not a tech platform, it's a people platform"
"This is accessible to EVERYBODY"

Thank you, Watch Duty community. You are OUR lifeline, and your support and trust allow us to be a lifeline for millions of people when they need us most.

[Mark Kretschmann @mark_k]

All four Google Gemini models are on top of LLM Arena!

Merry Christmas, @GoogleDeepMind
🎅

[Watch Duty @watchdutyapp]

Annie knows first-hand that you can be looking at an apocalyptic scene, right in your neighbor's yard, and still not be able to process that your home is at risk. Nobody should have to rely on looking into the distance and guessing - you deserve clear, tangible information to make the right safety decisions.

[Watch Duty @watchdutyapp]

What is a Watch Duty 'reporter'? It's the real humans immersing themselves in every possible source to understand how a fire is evolving. Our team is made up of active and retired wildland firefighters, dispatchers, first responders, and reporters, digesting everything from 911 calls and wildfire cameras to satellites and law enforcement announcements, then vetting information from on-scene personnel. They live and breathe every piece of news, so that you get the relevant alerts you need when you could be at risk.

[Watch Duty @watchdutyapp]

Imagine the feeling of looking out the window, thinking you smell incense, and seeing your neighbor's house on fire. Here's Steve's story and how Watch Duty is changing this experience for millions of people.

[Watch Duty @watchdutyapp]

Whoa - we are speechless to have Cofounder and CEO @johnclarkemills included in this year's Top 10 Essential @TED Talks! This one is for the folks who don't take 'no' for an answer when lives are at stake.

[Waymo @Waymo]

Hello London! 👋 Our vehicles are now driving in London as we prepare for commercial service in 2026.

[Watch Duty @watchdutyapp]

“We’re transforming how disaster information is shared by putting people first, not profit. Expanding Watch Duty nationwide ensures no one faces disaster in the dark” - John Mills, Co-Founder & CEO 

Watch Duty is a nonprofit organization. We’re supported by donors both big and small, whether it’s millions of dollars from @Googleorg or passionate users donating just $5. Now through the end of the year, those donations are going even further - all donations up to $100,000 will be DOUBLED. Thank you for keeping critical information where it should be - free and accessible to all.