Talking Tech

Netflix wants you to stop sharing passwords

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Netflix is testing two features which could lead to subscribers paying more if they want to share their account.

The Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), a look back

Fri, 18 Jun 2021 07:00:00 +0000

USA TODAY tech contributor Marc Saltzman joins us for a discussion about the best of the recent virtual video game convention.

Video games in 2021

Fri, 08 Jan 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Description: Last year brought us two new video game consoles: the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. We discuss what 2021 will have in store for the video game business.

The top tech stories in 2021

Thu, 07 Jan 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Description: Expect streaming video, online misinformation, and crackdowns on Big Tech to dominate 2021. Brett Molina and Mike Snider discuss the big tech stories in the new year.

Best apps for keeping New Year's resolutions

Wed, 06 Jan 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Maybe you want to eat better or save more money. Co-hosts Brett Molina and Mike Snider share the top apps for sticking with your resolutions.

Tech resolutions

Tue, 05 Jan 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Hey, it's a new year, which means many of us are likely setting New Year's resolutions. Brett Molina and Mike Snider discuss their tech-themed goals for 2021.

Tech your new hosts can't live without

Mon, 04 Jan 2021 08:00:00 +0000

What better way to get to know your new hosts Brett Molina and Mike Snider than by the gadgets we use? We break down our favorite devices.

How to detect a fake influencer

Fri, 26 Jun 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Blogger Neal Schaffer sits in for Jefferson Graham with a report about how to detect a fake social media influencer

Streaming is the new normal for a film critic

Thu, 25 Jun 2020 07:00:00 +0000

USA TODAY's Brian Truitt fills in for Jefferson Graham and tells what it's like to be a film critic in an era where movie theaters are closed.

IKEA super blinds

Wed, 24 Jun 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Christine Blackburn of the Storyworthy podcast fills in for Jefferson Graham and explains why she can't wait for the release of IKEA's new super blinds.

Repurpose old tech

Tue, 23 Jun 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Marc Saltzman fills in for Jefferson Graham with an episode on turning old tablets into alarm clocks, photo frames and security cameras

Using non-verbal cues on your video meeting

Mon, 22 Jun 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Larry Becker, author of Great On Camera, fills in for Jefferson Graham and walks through some non-verbal communications tips to use for video meetings

No links on Instagram? Try LinkTree and others

Sun, 21 Jun 2020 03:25:00 +0000

Jefferson Graham looks at three workarounds for getting your multiple links onto Instagram, Link Tree, Tap.bio and Camp.site

Grief and technology? Tech can help

Sun, 21 Jun 2020 03:23:41 +0000

Maria Quiban Whitesell, the Fox11 weather anchor and author of the new book, "You Can't Do It Alone: A Widow's Journey through loss, grief and life after" talks with Jefferson Graham about grief and technology

Apple WWDC 2020 preview

Sun, 21 Jun 2020 03:19:01 +0000

Veteran analyst Tim Bajarin with a preview for what to expect from Apple's Worldwide Developer's Conference

Scrabble alternatives

Sun, 21 Jun 2020 03:14:07 +0000

With Scrabble Go down, Josh Bernoff fills in for Jefferson Graham with tips on great digital Scrabble alternatives.

Don't keep paying for that cable modem

Sun, 21 Jun 2020 03:08:42 +0000

Rob Pegoraro tells Jefferson Graham that paying to rent your cable modem is like throwing money away on Talking Tech

Trivia Royale, the latest trivia app

Sun, 21 Jun 2020 03:08:15 +0000

Thor Fridriksson, the founder of the Quiz Up app, returns with his latest trivia app, Trivia Royale. He tells Jefferson Graham all about it on Talking Tech.

Mastering LinkedIn

Sun, 21 Jun 2020 03:04:00 +0000

Jefferson Graham with tips on how to master LinkedIn for networking

Jefferson Graham's AMA

Wed, 29 Apr 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Shannon Rae Green poses questions to Jefferson Graham's on this AMA edition of Talking Tech.

For $400, you can't go wrong with iPhone SE

Tue, 28 Apr 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Apple's revamped iPhone SE is as powerful as the iPhone 11, yet costs $300 less. So what's the catch? Jefferson Graham weighs in on Talking Tech.

Branch partners with Domino's

Mon, 27 Apr 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Branch, the Minneapolis based online bank, has partnered with Domino's so that employees can receive digital payments of their tips, wages, and mileage daily. Contactless, the funds are quickly pushed to the Branch digital wallet and debit card after each shift. CEO Atif Siddiqi explains.

Tips for helping your kids make the most out of virtual learning

Sun, 26 Apr 2020 07:00:00 +0000

USA TODAY editor Michelle Maltais interviews her son about doing his third grade classwork on ClassDojo and playing math games like Prodigy.

Play board games with friends online during your quarantine

Fri, 24 Apr 2020 04:00:00 +0000

Hosts of the I Tell My Husband the News podcast, Shannon Rae Green (@shannonraegreen) and Dusty Terrill (@dustyterrill) discuss how the fun of online board games can get you through your quarantine.

Feeling lonely? Isolated? Your smart speaker can help (seriously)

Thu, 23 Apr 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Guest hosting this week’s Talk Tech podcast is USA TODAY tech contributor Marc Saltzman (@marc_saltzman), who shares five ways your Amazon Echo or Google Nest smart speaker can help fill the void while quarantining.

No webcam? Use smartphone instead

Wed, 22 Apr 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Can't find a webcam? Use your smartphone instead for your Zoom meetings. Jennifer Jolly trades tips with Jefferson Graham

Need a hug on Facebook? Facebook is rolling out a new reaction for that

Tue, 21 Apr 2020 04:00:00 +0000

Guest hosting today’s Talking Tech podcast is USA TODAY senior technology writer Jessica Guynn (@jguynn), who shares USA TODAY's exclusive story about the giant social network's new hug reaction so you can show support for friends and family with an emoji during the COVID-19 pandemic.

What to do with your hair? There's app for that

Mon, 20 Apr 2020 07:00:00 +0000

How to deal with your hair during a pandemic? There's an app for that. Jennifer Jolly tells Jefferson Graham all about it on Talking Tech.

Listener edition: should I buy the iPhone SE?

Sat, 18 Apr 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Another Talking Tech listener edition, as David Carroll calls in from Tennessee to ask: "Should I buy the new iPhone SE?" Jefferson Graham has some advice

Explainer: how those COVID contact tracker apps will work

Fri, 17 Apr 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Samy Kamkar, the chief security officer for Open Path, explains how the new contact tracing apps from Apple and Google will work to combat COVID-19.

Listener edition: how to stream old MP3s?

Thu, 16 Apr 2020 07:00:00 +0000

A listener edition of Talking Tech, as Leslie from Oahu calls in with a question: how to keep her old MP3s and stream them.

Can't find a webcam? How about a Mevo?

Wed, 15 Apr 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Mevo, the tiny camera built for live streaming, is out with a new model at a time when webcams are sold out. Jefferson Graham chats with Max Hoat, the founder of the company about the Mevo Start.

Browser update: Chrome or Edge?

Wed, 15 Apr 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Rob Pegararo has done a deep dive on the many internet browsers. Which one's the best? Chrome, Safari, Fiorefox or Edge? He tells Jefferson Graham his verdict on Talking Tech.

Microsoft and UPS team up with help fight COVID

Tue, 14 Apr 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Microsoft and UPS team to help with COVID crisis. USA TODAY's Dalvin Brown joins Jefferson Graham to explain.

What are we doing? Check the app charts

Mon, 13 Apr 2020 07:00:00 +0000

What are we doing? Check the app charts

Video chat, food delivery and games dominate the top of the app charts. Jefferson Graham reports

ICYMI: How to record a podcast remotely

Sun, 12 Apr 2020 07:00:00 +0000

The pandemic means we can't get together with others to record podcasts in person. So how to connect. Jefferson Graham demonstrates with Jan Schrieber, a Laguna Beach photographer, showing the difference on websites Cleanfeed and Zencastr, the app Anchor and the "Record with Friends" feature, using microphones and the Voice Memos app on iPhones.

Tips for looking great on Zoom

Sat, 11 Apr 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Larry Becker, the author of "Great on Camera," offers tips for looking great on Zoom.

The iPhone won't recognize you in a mask

Fri, 10 Apr 2020 07:00:00 +0000

The iPhone won't recognize you in a mask. So what to do? Jefferson Graham reports.

Zoom alternatives for schools

Thu, 09 Apr 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Concerned about "Zoombombing" in class? Jefferson Graham has some suggestions of other video conference services worth checking out.

How about a Samsung phone for $109.99?

Wed, 08 Apr 2020 13:00:00 +0000

Samsung has a new crop of Galaxy phones starting at #109.99. Jefferson Graham has the scoop.

Where did the webcams go?

Tue, 07 Apr 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Why is there a shortage on the good ol' webcam? Jefferson Graham has some ideas.

How to record a podcast remotely

Mon, 06 Apr 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Facebook brings Zoom like tools to Messenger

Fri, 03 Apr 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Facebook is looking to the desktop to revive video chat for Messenger and get some Zoom like love. Jennifer Jolly joins Jefferson Graham to discuss.

How Doordash does "constantless" delivery

Thu, 02 Apr 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Nick Trinidad, a "dasher," who delivers food for the DoorDash company, joins Talking Tech from Chicago, where he tells about how he uses "contactless" delivery to get food to customers homes.

Keep the tripod police away with Platypod

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Larry Tiefenbrunn, a New Jersey pediatrician, has come up with a solution to keep the tripod police away: the Platypod, a $59.99 plate that will keep your camera steady, on flat surfaces, rocks, even trees. He joins Jefferson Graham to tell all, on Talking Tech.

Microsoft's new 365 goodies

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Microsoft overhauled its 365 software with new goodies. Jefferson Graham reflects about what a different company Microsoft is today from its roots.

Tuesday is World Backup Day

Mon, 30 Mar 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Jefferson Graham offers backup tips on Talking Tech

We're going Live again on Facebook and elsewhere

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 07:00:00 +0000

In the COVID-19 era, LIVE webcasting is back. Jefferson Graham reports.

Venmo, PayPal and Cash share our personal info

Wed, 25 Mar 2020 07:00:00 +0000

How Venmo, PayPal & Cash share personal info with data firms. Jefferson Graham reports

Support your local restaurant with takeout

Tue, 24 Mar 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Which to buy to support your local restaurant? Gift card or take out. Jefferson Graham has done some investigating, and it's takeout all the way. He explains on #TalkingTech.

Stageit sees huge spike in viewership

Mon, 23 Mar 2020 07:00:00 +0000

How do you check out music when all concerts have been cancelled? Turn to online venues like Stageit, which offers livestreams for a fee from known and unknown bands. And now, StageIt is experiencing more viewers than ever before. StageIt's Evan Lowenstein joins Jefferson Graham to tell all.

Scribd opens library for 30 days

Fri, 20 Mar 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Good news: Scribd, the website and app for e-books, digital magazines and sheet music, has opened its library for free for 30 days. Jefferson Graham reports

Getting the most out of Zoom

Thu, 19 Mar 2020 07:00:00 +0000

So many people have turned to the Zoom video conference app to stay in touch during the Coronavirus era. Jefferson Graham has 10 tips for getting the most of Zoom.

The art of buying groceries online

Wed, 18 Mar 2020 15:07:20 +0000

Food is hard to get at markets, and even harder online. But Jefferson Graham has some shopping tips for you on today's Talking Tech.

Hofstetter turns to YouTube after tour cancelled

Tue, 17 Mar 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Comedian Steve Hofstetter had to cancel his tour, due to the coronavirus, so he turned to YouTube to keep the laughs going. Hofstetter tells Jefferson Graham all about it on #TalkingTech.

Navigating through conference calls

Mon, 16 Mar 2020 07:00:00 +0000

With the world living in near isolation due to the effects of the coronavirus, Nicole Rodrigues of NRPR joins Jefferson Graham to discuss what we miss from conference calls. On Talking Tech, she picks her favorite conference call app and explains why.

The webcam doctor will see you now

Sat, 14 Mar 2020 13:33:08 +0000

At a time when so many people can't get tested for the coronavirus, telemedicine is ready for your call. Jefferson Graham argues that it has finally of age, on Talking Tech.

Social distancing not a problem with these video apps

Fri, 13 Mar 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Want to socialize in the era of the coronavirus? There's an app for that. Alex Kruglov from pop.in explains.

More tips for working at home

Thu, 12 Mar 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Jefferson Graham has more tech tips for workers being told to do the job from home, on Talking Tech

3 Cameras for an iPad?

Wed, 11 Mar 2020 07:00:00 +0000

A leaked version of Apple's new mobile operating system is making the rounds, and out of there, 9to5 Mac gleaned some headlines. Jefferson Graham reports on Talking Tech.

Amazon's "Just Walk Out" technology could come to store near you

Tue, 10 Mar 2020 07:00:00 +0000

The cashlerless store of the future could be coming to your town. Amazon is shopping its "Just Walk Out" technology to other retailers. Jefferson Graham reports

Hey Alexa, can you help with my taxes?

Mon, 09 Mar 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Jefferson Graham just turned to an unlikely source for tax assistance this year--Siri, Alexa and the Google Assistant. He explains why, and how the process turned out on Talking Tech.

Goodbye DirectTV

Sat, 07 Mar 2020 08:00:00 +0000

Satellite provider DirecTV has begun its slow climb into oblivion. This week AT&T said it's barely going to market it anymore. Jefferson Graham has the scoop.

Flipboard's new video news initiative

Fri, 06 Mar 2020 23:30:09 +0000

Flipboard, the digital magazine app, is expanding into video news, with a new subscription plan. Jefferson Graham has the skinny on Talking Tech. Be sure to check out Jeff's magazine on Flipboard, http://www.flipboard.com/@photowalks

13 tech tips for working at home

Thu, 05 Mar 2020 08:00:00 +0000

Coronavirus sent you working at home? Jefferson Graham has 13 tech tips you need to know

No F8 or I/O tech conferences this year

Wed, 04 Mar 2020 18:21:35 +0000

The coronavirus has decimated the tech conference world. Jefferson Graham weighs in

Facebook isn't listening to you. Really.

Tue, 03 Mar 2020 08:00:00 +0000

Many people believe Facebook is really listening in to our conversations. But Gennie Gebhart, a research director for the Electronic Frontier Foundation, says that isn't so at all. Facebook has way more advanced tools to learn all about you.

Two more tips for safer digital life

Mon, 02 Mar 2020 08:00:00 +0000

A followup to Jefferson Graham's 11 Tips for a Safer Digital Life, with two more possibilities.

ICYMI: Thoughts on Amazon's radical new grocery store

Sun, 01 Mar 2020 16:03:15 +0000

Jefferson Graham visited Amazon's radical new Seattle grocery store. Missing: flowers, bakery and service. Bonus: no checkout lines. Tune in for more.

11 tips for safer digital security

Sat, 29 Feb 2020 17:28:10 +0000

After attending the RSA security conference and hearing about new ways hackers can steal your data, Jefferson Graham decided to make an 11-point list to try and thwart them.

You Tube TV drops sports channels

Fri, 28 Feb 2020 08:00:00 +0000

YouTube TV just dumped 42 sports team in a program fees dispute. Jefferson Graham has another idea--drop all of them.

RSA: is security working?

Thu, 27 Feb 2020 08:00:00 +0000

Jefferson Graham reports from the RSA Security conference, where companies touting their expertise in protecting firms while so many headlines suggest otherwise.

Reporter's notebook - RSA

Wed, 26 Feb 2020 08:00:00 +0000

No more passwords and FIDO. Software that can ID you based on your keystrokes. Yup, it's RSA time, the annual security conference in San Francisco. Jefferson Graham offers his impressions.

I visited Amazon's radical new Seattle grocery store

Tue, 25 Feb 2020 08:00:00 +0000

Jefferson Graham visited Amazon's radical new Seattle grocery store. Missing: flowers, bakery and service. Bonus: no checkout lines. Tune in for more.

What is Braze and why does it have my personal info?

Mon, 24 Feb 2020 08:00:00 +0000

Venmo, the payments app, sent my personal information to a data mining firm named Braze. What is Braze and what is it doing with my info? Jefferson Graham investigates.

Streaming update: CBS, Vizio and HBO

Fri, 21 Feb 2020 08:00:00 +0000

Jefferson Graham has nuggets of streaming news from CBS, Vizio and HBO on Talking Tech

Facial recognition on campus? Not @UCLA

Thu, 20 Feb 2020 08:00:00 +0000

After howls of protest on campus, UCLA ditched plans to bring facial recognition to monitor students. Jefferson Graham reports

Facebook's Oculus Quest a surprise hit

Wed, 19 Feb 2020 08:00:00 +0000

Facebook's Sean Liu and Meaghan Fitzgerald talk about the surprise success of the Oculus Quest virtual reality system, which is sold out.

How does my computer know how old I am?

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 08:00:00 +0000

Patrick Jackson of the security firm Disconnect knows how companies can figure out how old you are and more on your computer, and tells Jefferson Graham all, on Talking Tech.

Follow interests instead of people on Cake.co

Fri, 14 Feb 2020 08:00:00 +0000

Chris MacAskill, the co-founder of the Cake.co online forum, explains why more people are turning to follow interests instead of people on social media, as a way to cut down on the angst often found on sites like Facebook.

No interest in sports? Philo is for you

Thu, 13 Feb 2020 08:00:00 +0000

Cable streaming alternative services don't have to cost a fortune. Just ask Andrew McCollum, the CEO of Philo, which appeals to folks not interested in sports by offering cable services on streaming for $20 monthly.

Samsung's Galaxy S20 is no camera killer

Wed, 12 Feb 2020 08:00:00 +0000

Samsung's new Galaxy S20 has some impressive camera stats--but ignore the hype, says Jefferson Graham. The touted key features are pretty bad.

How to get ahead on YouTube

Tue, 11 Feb 2020 08:00:00 +0000

Barbara MacDonald, one of the hosts of YouTube's Creator Insider series, sits down with Jefferson Graham to offer tips on how to start a channel and find an audience.

Samsung Galaxy Unpacked preview

Mon, 10 Feb 2020 08:00:00 +0000

Jefferson Graham previews Tuesday's "Unpacked" Samsung event, where the company is expected to unveil 3 new premium Galaxy phones and a new flip phone.

Rating the cable TV streaming services

Fri, 07 Feb 2020 08:00:00 +0000

YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, AT&T Now or Sling TV? Jefferson Graham breaks down the offerings of the cable streaming alternative services on Talking Tech.

Kristina Kuzmic found a book publisher on Facebook

Thu, 06 Feb 2020 08:00:00 +0000

Comedian Kristina Kuzmic found a book publisher on Facebook after she began posting parenting videos.

Hack a bulb? Yes!

Wed, 05 Feb 2020 11:00:00 +0000

Researchers figured a way to hack into a smart light bulb. Jefferson Graham reports on Talking Tech.

10 robot prints monthly?

Tue, 04 Feb 2020 08:00:00 +0000

Google's new scheme--send 10 prints automatically to your home every month, selected by a robot. Who's in?

Google's Super Bowl ad a dream

Mon, 03 Feb 2020 08:00:00 +0000

Google's Super Bowl shows fun things the Assistant can do, except when Jefferson Graham tested it, several of the features are but a Google engineers dream. His report, on Talking Tech.

How to watch Super Bowl as cord-cutter

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 08:00:00 +0000

Jefferson Graham has some tips for how to watch the Super Bowl even after cutting the cord.

Free phone service? What's the catch?

Thu, 30 Jan 2020 08:00:00 +0000

Jefferson Graham has the skinny on a great new mobile phone deal from TextNow, free monthly phone service, with ads. Catches? He's got a few of them.

Apple's AirPods are the new star

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 08:00:00 +0000

Apple's AirPods are the new star of the company, as made evident in the iPhone maker's most recent quarterly earnings. Jefferson Graham reports.

It's Oscar season!

Mon, 27 Jan 2020 05:00:00 +0000

Guest host Brett Molina is joined by USA TODAY film critic Brian Truitt, who shares his picks for the Academy Awards and the rise of streamers like Netflix and Amazon in Hollywood.

Malicious text messages are running rampant

Fri, 24 Jan 2020 05:00:00 +0000

Jeff Bezos is far from the only person receiving questionably safe text messages.

Netflix passes first test in competition in escalated streaming wars

Thu, 23 Jan 2020 05:00:00 +0000

Netflix says it had higher than expected growth in the last three months of 2019, its first stretch of head-to-head competition from new streaming services from Apple and Disney.

Are smart contact lenses an `eye' toward the future?

Wed, 22 Jan 2020 05:00:00 +0000

A Silicon Valley startup Mojo Vision is developing augmented smart corrective contact lenses. Here's what they promise to let you see.

Dating apps: how to avoid hackers and marketers

Tue, 21 Jan 2020 17:08:09 +0000

Millions of people use dating apps to find love. But they may get more than they signed up for if their information is sold or hacked.

Reviewing Oculus Quest

Mon, 20 Jan 2020 08:00:00 +0000

Michelle Maltais, filling in for the vacationing Jefferson Graham, weighs in on the redhot Oculus Quest device, along with USA TODAY's Harrison Hill and Sandy Hooper

Would you pay to watch Tonight Show early?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 08:00:00 +0000

Would you pay to watch the Tonight Show early?

That's the $4.99 pitch from NBC for its new Peacock streaming service. Or you could pay nothing, and get a version with lots of ads. Jefferson Graham has the scoop on Talking Tech.

Play game and learn music

Thu, 16 Jan 2020 08:00:00 +0000

Matt Harpster from Artesia Pro tells Jefferson Graham about Meloquest, the new videogame that teaches kids to play music as they explore.