TechStuff

What Do EMDR, Tony Robbins, and NXIVM Have in Common? NLP - The Story

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000

This week, we're talking 'human technology' — specifically, neuro-linguistic programming, or NLP. If you have any interest in modern day cults like NXIVM or Twin Flames Universe, you may have heard of it. But did you know that NLP also has roots in therapeutic practices like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy, or that Tony Robbins was an NLP practitioner before becoming a motivational speaker?

In the new podcast Mind Games, journalists and best friends Alice Hines and Zoë Lescaze investigate the origins of NLP, from its roots in the new age movement in 1970s California through the pick-up artist trend of the early 2000s. They even try their hand at hypnotizing themselves. But does it work?

Check out Mind Games from Kaleidoscope and iHeartPodcasts, wherever you get your podcasts.

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What Happens When You Deepfake the CEO of OpenAI? - The Story

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000

When documentary filmmaker Adam Bhala Lough set out to make a movie about OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman, he hoped to get an interview with his main character. But when that didn’t happen, Adam found a workaround — he created a chatbot version of Sam Altman. From San Francisco to India to Los Angeles, Adam takes “Sambot” and the audience on a journey through the possibilities of what can happen when you deepfake a real person, and that person becomes your friend.

Karah sat down with Adam to discuss the secretive, cult-like nature of OpenAI, Adam’s relationship with “Sambot,” and whether AI chatbots are the future of friendships.

If you’d like to see the film, check out deepfakingsamaltman.com/buy-tickets.

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No Such Thing: Why Do Tesla Door Handles Suck?

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000

This week, we’re bringing you an episode from the podcast No Such Thing. Join Manny, Noah, and Devan — three best friends and journalists — as they settle dumb arguments by actually doing the research.

Each week, they start with a debate or discussion. In this episode, they ask: what’s up with Tesla door handles? And why do microwaves have so many buttons? And why are couches so expensive, but so uncomfortable? They’re joined by experts to answer these questions, including friend of the pod, Dexter Thomas, host of kill switch.

For more information, please subscribe to their newsletter at www.nosuchthing.show. And if you have any questions you’d like Manny, Devan and Noah to get to the bottom of, email them at or leave a voicemail: ‪(860) 325-0286.

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Hollywood’s Afraid of Tilly Norwood. Should They Be? - The Story

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Tilly Norwood caused quite a stir when she was introduced in late 2025. Her creator, actor-producer Eline Van der Velden, said she wanted Tilly to be the “Scarlett Johansson” of AI actors. But she immediately felt the backlash from Hollywood. Emily Blunt called Tilly “really, really scary,” and agencies said they wouldn’t sign her. But Eline is pushing forward, creating a TV show around Tilly, filled with all-new AI characters. Karah sat down with Eline to talk about how she created Tilly, how she taught her to “act,” and to discuss how Eline sees the future of AI in filmmaking.

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How Soon Until AI Out-Diagnoses Your Doctor? - The Story

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000

How often do you use ChatGPT to evaluate your ailments? Did it work? More and more people are turning to chatbots to diagnose their illnesses — with varied success. But when it does work, it can be life-changing. Dr. Dhruv Khullar heard of a case where ChatGPT identified the cause of one man’s years-long gastrointestinal struggles, in seconds. Given a medical system that can fail so many, Dr. Khullar started to wonder, “If A.I. Can Diagnose Patients, What Are Doctors For?” That’s the title of a recent piece he wrote for The New Yorker. Oz sits down with Dr. Khullar to see if there is an answer to this question.

Additional Reading:

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More AI in Space Than on Earth? Really!?

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Is building data centers in space actually feasible? It may be, thanks to Ariel Ekblaw. The scientist, VC investor and co-founder and CEO of Aurelia Institute has devoted her life to democratizing space and ensuring that humans will one day be a spacefaring species. Ariel sits down with Oz to discuss self-assembling space architecture, how science-fiction influences her inventions, and why she doesn’t think billionaires investing in space is a bad thing.

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The Next 8 Months in AI Video Will Change Film Forever - The Story

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Cristóbal Valenzuela co-founded Runway to rethink how movies are made, and now his technology is spreading across Hollywood. Cristóbal sits down with Oz to discuss how far AI media tools have come in just the past six years, and why the next leap forward could happen even faster than anyone expects. He also addresses many artists' AI fears, by saying that film has always evolved alongside technological breakthroughs and that AI is simply the next chapter in that long history. And finally, Cristóbal and Oz explore Runway's next frontier after Hollywood and why video models might be the key to training humanoid robots.

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Theatre Explores the Moral Quandaries of Tech - The Story

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Theatre and tech don't usually share the same stage. But that's changing. This season, two plays caught our eye: Data, a play about the inner workings of a data mining company, and Marjorie Prime, a play where grief, family, and AI collide. Karah interviews both playwrights: Matthew Libby (Data) and Jordan Harrison (Marjorie Prime). They discuss the origins of their plays, from failed collabs with AI chatbots to the internship with Palantir that never was. And how plays about technology can teach us about our humanity.

Data runs through March 29th. Tickets are at lortel.org

Marjorie Prime runs through February 15th. Buy Tickets at 2st.com

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America Won’t Ban Kids from Social Media, So Now What? - The Story

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000

It’s been two months since Australia’s social media ban went into effect for kids under 16. But Jay Caspian Kang, staff writer at The New Yorker, doesn’t think America will follow suit. Jay sits down with Karah to unpack why a U.S. ban is unlikely, what Australia’s move does change, and how cultural pressure — not legislation — may be the most powerful tool we have to protect kids online.

Additional Reading:

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Tech Skepticism, AI and Why China's Innovations Matter - w/ Wired’s Katie Drummond

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Oz is at the Web Summit in Qatar this week, and he’s taking you with him. This episode was recorded live on stage with Wired’s global editorial director Katie Drummond. Katie and Oz talk about what it’s like to cover this moment, from DOGE and tech titans in the White House to AI’s rapid ubiquity. Katie also shares why Americans need to wake up to what is happening outside the US to discover the future of technology.

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The Future is Battery-Powered - The Story

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000

If the 20th century was defined by oil, journalist and author Nicolas Niarchos bets that the 21st century will be defined by batteries. In his book, The Elements of Power: A Story of War, Technology and the Dirtiest Supply Chain on Earth, Niarchos unpacks the hidden costs behind the world’s battery boom. In this episode, he and Oz trace how the race for cobalt and other critical metals is reshaping global power—why China dominates refining and battery innovation, what the U.S. would actually have to build to compete, and whether trade deals can realistically “clean up” the system.

Additional Reading:

The Elements of Power by Nicolas Niarchos| PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books

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Gamers Fight AI Art, For Now - Week in Tech

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 08:00:00 +0000

How do you feel about AI in your art, your music, and your video games? Oz is joined by Kill Switch host, Dexter Thomas, to discuss Switchbot's AI Art Frame and the video gamers who are holding developers to account. But will the anti-AI outrage continue to make change? Then, Oz updates us on last week’s World Economic Forum — one Davos attendee spent the night in jail and Canada’s PM says there’s a rupture in the world order. Europe is listening and threatening to part ways with American tech companies.

Additional Reading:

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Can Taiwan Keep China Out? - The Story

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Audrey Tang’s path to government had very unusual origins: she is a hacker, an anarchist and the world’s first non-binary government minister. She now serves as Taiwan’s Cyber Ambassador and continues to advocate for greater internet freedom and civic participation globally. Audrey sits down with Oz to discuss Taiwan’s AI chip manufacturing and how it impacts their contentious relationship with China, how she stopped deepfake scams head on, her opinion on social media bans and why radical transparency heals polarization.

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Why Everyone Is ‘Becoming Chinese’ On TikTok - Week in Tech

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0000

You’re meeting us at a ‘very Chinese time in our lives’ and today’s episode is no exception — it’s all about China. First, Oz explains China’s attempt to claw a Singaporean AI company, Manus, back from Meta. And why Chinese customs are rejecting NVIDIA H200 chips. Is China fighting back? Then, Karah fills us in on why everyone on TikTok is saying they are Chinese. Finally, humans fold laundry for hours while humanoid robots just watch, TikTok launches a new app for microdramas and Silicon Valley is hiring ‘cracked’ engineers.

Additional Reading:

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Why Gen Z Loves 2016 Nostalgia - The Story

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Ever wonder why Gen Z is so obsessed with Millennial culture? Casey Lewis can tell you. She’s a trend researcher and author of “After School,” a Substack newsletter about youth and internet culture. Casey joins Karah to discuss why Gen Z is doubling down on nostalgia and buying up analog products. She runs through the latest trends you may have seen, but didn’t understand… And she unpacks why Gen Alpha might not feel the need to get away from their screens.

Additional Reading:

Nostalgia Economy and Analog Awakening | After School

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TechSupport: What Happens When AI Undresses You?

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0000

What would you do if AI took your clothes off? Elon Musk’s AI model, Grok, will strip women of their clothes when prompted and the results are all over X.com. “Nudify” apps and communities have been doing this for years, but now it’s trending on one of the biggest social media platforms out there. And no one is protected—even children. Karah sits down with Samantha Cole from 404 Media to discuss how X and authorities are responding, the societal implications of this trend and why it’s so concerning.

Additional Reading:

Grok's AI Sexual Abuse Didn't Come Out of Nowhere | 404 Media

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The Story: How Science Fiction Changes the Real World

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 11:00:00 +0000

Eliot Peper gets paid to dream about the future. He’s a science fiction writer who has stumbled into an unusual position: writing speculative fiction for Fortune 500 companies. He is also the Head of Story at Portola, which is an AI-companion company. Eliot is responsible for developing a whole new alien culture and forming the personalities of your new favorite AI creature. Karah and Eliot discuss the overlap between art and AI, what science fiction reveals about our current reality, and how he uses storytelling to help create ethical AI companions.

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NASA and AI: Decoding Our Universe

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 11:00:00 +0000

NASA and IBM have developed advanced AI foundation models that analyze satellite data to reveal patterns across Earth and beyond. These tools are already driving real‑world impact, from helping Kenya plan the planting of 15 billion trees to enabling the UK to track harmful algae blooms. This collaboration provides strategic insights for climate action, environmental monitoring, and emergency response.

This is a paid advertisement from IBM. The conversations on this podcast don't necessarily represent IBM's positions, strategies or opinions.

Visit us at https://www.ibm.com/think/podcasts/smart-talks

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Week in Tech: The Year of the Robot?

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Would you live in a zero labor home – with a robot? This week, the latest trends and gadgets coming out of CES in Las Vegas and what Karah learned about consenting to biometric surveillance at a Wegmans. Then, Oz takes us to a peptide rave and Karah unveils how influencers and OnlyFans models are getting US visas — they can thank John Lennon.

If you’ve used a chatbot in an unusual or surprising way, send us a 1–2 minute voice note at techstuffpodcast@gmail.com.

Additional Reading:

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The Story: Can Tech Make Me A Better Person?

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 15:35:40 +0000

What’s your New Year’s Resolution? We want to help you keep it. The Verge’s senior tech reviewer, Victoria Song, joins the pod to tell us what tech can help you develop better habits, which wearable is worth buying, and why a new mattress could change your whole sleep game.

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Year In Tech: Will There Be An AI Catastrophe In 2026?

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 09:00:00 +0000

What was your tech takeaway in 2025? And what is going to be the big story in 2026? Oz sits down with the author of The Running Ground and The Atlantic’s CEO, Nicholas Thompson, to discuss the odd intersection between tech and religion, the tech to compensate media companies for AI training data, who OpenAI’s real rival is, why we don’t understand how AI works, and much, much more.

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TechStuff Redux: Inside a Couples Retreat for AI Companions

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Could you resist falling for an AI companion? We’re revisiting one of our favorite episodes of 2025: author and journalist Sam Apple takes us on romantic getaway for people who are in love with their AI companions He wrote a piece for Wired about what he observed that weekend, whether the love between humans and AI is real, and what the future of dating could look like in a world with AI companions.

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TechStuff Redux: Will NVIDIA Save or Ruin The World?

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000

One of the companies you couldn’t ignore this year was NVIDIA, so we’re re-airing a conversation Oz had with Stephen Witt, a frequent contributor to The New Yorker and author of The Thinking Machine: Jensen Huang, NVIDIA, and the World’s Most Coveted Microchip. They discuss what’s made NVIDIA the most valuable chip company in the world, how a single piece of hardware changed the world forever, and why data centers are shrouded in so much secrecy.

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The Year in Brainrot

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000

What was your internet obsession this year? Karah is joined by writer and podcast host, Aminatou Sow, to talk about what they watched — and what rotted their brains — in 2025. They talk about niche internet obsessions, vertical shorts, AI depicting the oldest generation, and the never-ending Wicked press tour.

Additional Reading/Watching:

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Happy Gadget Season To All Who Celebrate!

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Are you a gift go-getter, or a holiday procrastinator? This week, Karah spoke with Kyle Chayka, tech writer for The New Yorker and author of the book “Filterworld: How Algorithms Flattened Culture”. They talk about his gadget gift guide, how analog products are back in style, and why books are his preferred gift of choice. Oz also shares the hottest toy of the year: a console that helps the whole family stay active.

Additional Reading:

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The Story: Will Nuclear Fusion Save the World?

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Is nuclear fusion the clean energy we need? Oz speaks with Commonwealth Fusion Systems' scientist and engineer Alex Creely and fashion designer Gabriela Hearst about why the public should get excited about nuclear fusion. Together, they discuss what it will take to commercialize fusion, how Gabriela’s 2022 fashion show changed the public conversation, and whether we’ll have nuclear fusion by 2030.

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Week In Tech: Would You Rather Live in a World with No Privacy or No Crime?

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Should LLMs monitor crime? This week, Oz tells us why the US pharmaceutical industry may have competition… and why we’ve yet to see a flood of new products from AI drug discovery companies. Then, Karah explains how a telecommunications company is feeding recordings of inmate phone calls into LLMs that can then monitor future calls for planned crimes. Also, the UK government wants to cross-reference CCTV footage with the passport photo database, there’s a new self-made female billionaire in town — the youngest yet — and the newest billion dollar company sells blueberries the size of golf balls. And then, on Chat and Me, a deep fake interview has international consequences.

ADDITIONAL READING:

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The Story: The Death of Dining In

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000

What does the death of restaurants look like? Ellen Cushing, staff writer for The Atlantic, joins Karah to talk about the rise of delivery apps and the fall of the in-person dining experience. They discuss how delivery apps became part of the millennial lifestyle subsidy, how they reshaped what’s on the menu, and why this feels all too similar to what’s happening to movie theaters.

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Week in Tech: Should Tech Bros Dim the Sun?

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Is unplugging from your phone the ultimate luxury? This week, Oz introduces us to the businesses that specialize in “dimming the sun” and Karah introduces us to “LinkedIn Face.” Polymarket’s bets lead to disinformation about Russia’s war with Ukraine. 23andMe reveals secret families — and secret inheritances. And Oz and Karah almost cry over the latest invention from Japan: a human washing machine. Finally, we celebrate ChatGPT’s 3rd birthday (and possible decline) with Axios technology reporter, Megan Morrone.

If you’ve used a chatbot in an unusual or surprising way, send us a 1–2 minute voice note at techstuffpodcast@gmail.com.

Additional Reading:

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The Story: Will AI Agents Build a Unicorn?

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Can you run a billion dollar company with only one human employee? Journalist Evan Ratliff, along with technical advisor Maty Bohacek, join Oz to answer this question. Evan is host of the hit podcast Shell Game. In Season 1, he used AI agents to imitate his voice, which he sent out into the world to interact with customer service agents, scammers, and his own family and friends. This season, Evan co-founds a company… and employs five AI agents to keep it running. How effective are the agents at doing their jobs? And why do they love hiking so much?

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Shell Game: Minimum Viable Company

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 10:00:00 +0000

This is the first episode of the second season of Shell Game. Journalist Evan Ratliff tells a story of entrepreneurship in the AI age; or, how he tried to build a real company, run by fake people.

Meet Kyle Law and Megan Flores, Evan’s AI agent cofounders, as he puts to the test the claims about an emerging future in which AI employees work alongside — or instead of — humans.

Over the course of the season, the three cofounders will grind it out in a sprint that would sound familiar to any start-up founder. They’ll churn out software code, hire interns, and even sit down with investors. But first, they need to come up with a name for their company. And make sure that Kyle and Megan can remember it.

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The Story: What Does the Future of War Look Like?

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 10:00:00 +0000

This week, what does defense technology look like in 2025? Oz talks to Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Dexter Filkins about his recent piece in The New Yorker titled “Is the US ready for the next war?” They discuss how the Ukraine and Israel are reimagining what warfare looks like in the 21st century, Silicon Valley’s race toward fully autonomous killer robots, and how it all might affect the potential conflict in Taiwan.

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Week in Tech: Could a Dead Cat Sink Waymo?

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 16:28:39 +0000

Would you buy a boat or a midcentury sideboard from your high school pals? Because Oz’s alma mater has opened an exclusive online marketplace for just this purpose! This week, Oz spins a yarn about Kitkat, the San Francisco cat killed by a Waymo. Locals are furious. Karah fills us in on Blued and Finka, the gay dating apps being censored by the Chinese government. Tech bros are obsessed with building statues, the FBI tries to unmask the owner of a popular internet archiving site, and we check out a flight app that could make your holiday travel more data-driven, if not less hectic. Finally, on Chat and Me, we talk about Kim Kardashian’s use of Chat—and whether it’s really her friend.

Additional Reading:

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The Story: The UK’s Race for Second Place in the Chip Wars

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 10:00:00 +0000

This week, Oz talks to Nick McKeown, who is a member of the PM’s Council of Science and Technology, where he advises the British government on the best opportunities for economic growth in the tech sector. And according to Nick, that opportunity is AI Chips. He argues that the UK is in a good position to take second place in the race to design the next generation of AI chips and lays out how the British government can help make that happen.

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Unlocking Our Quantum Future

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 11:00:00 +0000

Malcolm Gladwell heads to San Francisco Tech Week to talk with IBM’s new Director of Research Jay Gambetta in front of a live audience. They discuss IBM’s plans to scale quantum computing power, the groundbreaking experiments already underway, and what impact these new computers could have on chemistry, medicine, and even finance.

This is a paid advertisement from IBM. The conversations on this podcast don't necessarily represent IBM's positions, strategies or opinions.

Visit us at https://www.ibm.com/think/podcasts/smart-talks

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The Story: The Man Testing Out the Future of Prosthetics

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 10:00:00 +0000

This week, we dive deep into the future of prosthetics. Karah speaks with Jim Ashworth-Beaumont, who lost his arm in a traumatic bike accident. Most people upon recovery would be given a traditional prosthetic arm, but Jim is something of an expert in prosthetics and his peers have outfitted him with an experimental, high-tech device. He talks about how his work in orthotics influenced his own rehabilitation, the limitations of traditional prosthetics, and how the science fiction fantasy of restoring healing to lost limbs might be closer than you think.

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The Story: Will NVIDIA Save or Ruin the World?

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 10:00:00 +0000

This week, Oz sits down with Stephen Witt, a frequent contributor to The New Yorker and author of The Thinking Machine: Jensen Huang, NVIDIA, and the World’s Most Coveted Microchip. They’ll discuss what's made NVIDIA the most valuable chip company in the world — and the most valuable publicly traded company, period. And how a single piece of hardware changed the world forever, and its journey to existence — from a sketch on a Denny’s napkin to powering data centers the size of Central Park. Then, Stephen demystifies why data centers are shrouded in so much secrecy and what lies ahead in our AI future.

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Week in Tech: Who’s Behind the First Hit AI Artist?

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Do school cell phone bans actually work? This week, Oz tells us why Europe is investing so heavily in defense tech and why one company is investing in cockroaches… Karah introduces us to Billboard’s first charting AI musician, Xania Monet — and the humans that make her possible. Google dreams of data centers in space, school phone bans are making libraries more popular, and France’s DNA database catches the Louvre thieves. Then on Chat and Me, the National Women’s Soccer League gets comfortable with ChatGPT.

Additional Reading:

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The Story: How Is Tech Driving Deportations?

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 10:00:00 +0000

404 Media’s Joseph Cox joins Oz to discuss his extensive reporting on the technology ICE is using in the agency’s mass deportation efforts. Joseph sheds light on how widespread ICE’s reach is, from facial recognition to location tracking to information databases. And the shift in how major tech companies are interacting with this current Trump administration.

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Week in Tech: Anti-Party Tech, Rigged Card Shufflers and ‘Mad Max’ Mode

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Do you find facelifts frightening? This week, we celebrate sp0o0ky Halloween by NOT having a party at an AirBnB. Oz unpacks the gadget-filled poker scandal, and Karah contemplates the importance of international accents. Tesla’s new full self-driving profile,“Mad Max” mode, breaks traffic laws. And the scariest thing of all: AI has its own will to survive. Finally, on Chat and Me, Fortune’s Eva Roytburg shares her experience with an AI wearable — the ‘Friend’ pendant.

Additional Reading:

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The Story: Is Your Pregnancy App Actually Helping?

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Ever feel like tech is actually fueling your worries? This week, we explore the murky world of parenting tech and pregnancy apps with Amanda Hess, who is the author of “Second Life: Having a Child in the Digital Age” and a writer-at-large for the New York Times covering technology and internet culture. Amanda shares with Karah how pregnancy changed her relationship to technology, discusses the blurry line between pregnancy tech and eugenics, and explains why pregnancy apps aren't actually that helpful.

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IBM CEO Arvind Krishna: Creating Smarter Business with AI and Quantum

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 14:00:00 +0000

Malcolm Gladwell sits down with IBM Chairman and CEO Arvind Krishna in a special live episode of Smart Talks with IBM. They discuss the groundbreaking potential of quantum computing, the transformative impact of AI on business, and how Krishna’s visionary predictions from the 90s continue to guide IBM’s innovations.

This is a paid advertisement from IBM. The conversations on this podcast don't necessarily represent IBM's positions, strategies or opinions.

Visit us at https://www.ibm.com/think/podcasts/smart-talks

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Week in Tech: To Catch a Cheater

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Should facial recognition be available to everybody? This week, Oz shows off his new swag from the company of the moment, Colossal Biosciences, and tells us about his visit to the labs’ responsible for Woolly Mice and Dire Wolves. Then, Oz and Karah unpack how facial recognition is being used by viral sites like Cheaterbuster AI and investigate the Trump family crypto empire. They warn about satellites leaking data, Ubers new gigs within gigs, and a new health tracker that goes in your bowl. And finally, an international Chat and Me that will inspire your green thumb!

Additional Reading:

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The Story: What China Tariffs Really Signal

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 09:00:00 +0000

This week, we’re joined by tech analyst and researcher, Dan Wang, to help analyze the evolving relationship between the US and China. In Dan’s new book, Breakneck: China's Quest to Engineer the Future, he introduces a new framework, comparing and contrasting China's “engineering state” to the US’s “lawyerly society”. We also hear Dan’s take on China’s rise as a production superpower, what lessons America can learn from the country and how the current administration's tariff policies (and its ties to tech billionaires like Elon Musk) have shifted the dynamics between these global heavyweights.

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Week in Tech: The Antichrist, the Billionaire and God in the Machine

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Is it no longer ‘borderline illegal’ to be Christian in Silicon Valley? This week, Oz and Karah are diving deep into Peter Thiel’s 4-part lecture series on the Antichrist and they unpack why the tech industry might be getting more religious. Plus, Oz spills the tea on the Dutch-China microchip drama. Space junk is falling from the sky. The cops are getting called over AI pranks gone wrong. And Karah updates Oz on the latest dating trend. For Chat and Me, one listener gets in over her head, and gives it all up.

Additional Reading:

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TechSupport: Pixel Peeping - How to Spot AI Video

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 09:00:00 +0000

This week, it’s all about Sora. OpenAI’s updated video generator and the invite-only social media app. AI Video just got so much easier to make, and harder to detect… Karah and her guest, Jeremy Carrasco, who runs the social media accounts showtoolsAI, demo how Sora works and how you can determine if a short video you’re watching was created with AI. They discuss why it’s a necessary skill in a post-Sora world, what OpenAI might be trying to accomplish with this social app and why you shouldn’t become desensitized to Deepfakes.

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Week in Tech: Did Social Media Just Change Forever?

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Are you ready to bond over AI videos? This week in tech news, OpenAI dominates the game. Their new social media app is the talk of the internet, they signed a massive chip deal that rocked the industry, and they just released tech that gets ChatGPT one step closer to becoming the 'everything app'. Then, Oz answers the question, “Have we passed peak social media?” and introduces Karah to “wetware.” Karah explains how robots are helping make babies. And finally, a sneak peek at a new podcast, How to Raise Kids in the Age of AI.

Also, we want to hear from you: If you’ve used a chatbot in an unusual or surprising way, send us a 1–2 minute voice note at techstuffpodcast@gmail.com.

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The Story: Spies vs. AIs

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 15:02:45 +0000

This week, we check in on the CIA and how it’s faring in the age of AI. Oz sits down with David Ignatius, a foreign affairs columnist for The Washington Post to discuss his article, “A Band of Innovators Reimagines the Spy Game for a World with No Cover.” Ignatius has been covering US foreign policy and the CIA for almost four decades and he recently had a realization – that the “future of intelligence was going to be written in zeros and ones.” Which means the intelligence community needs to adapt and adapt quickly. But how does a government agency do this and what happens if it doesn’t? And who is responsible for dragging the bureaucracy-addled CIA into the AI future?

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Week in Tech: Does 'Workslop' Affect Your Workplace?

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Do you know the definition of a friend? This week in tech news, workplaces may not be getting a good return on their AI investments and a new wearable goes all in on advertisements, but they are getting defaced. Then, Italy has a new AI regulation law and there’s a buzzy new “actress” in Hollywood. On Chat and Me, how one listener is personalizing AI to help his students learn Spanish.

Also, we want to hear from you: If you’ve used a chatbot in an unusual or surprising way, send us a 1–2 minute voice note at techstuffpodcast@gmail.com.

Additional Reading:

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The Story: Everyone in Hollywood Already Uses AI

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 09:00:00 +0000

This week, we explore Hollywood’s open secret — that everyone is using AI, they just aren’t talking about it. Karah sits down with Lila Shapiro, a features writer for New York Magazine, about what Hollywood, itself, thinks of AI. She shares what she’s learned from her extensive interviews with studio executives, directors, writers, vfx artists, actors, and AI entrepreneurs. They discuss whether AI is making creative jobs easier, or threatening to destroy them entirely.

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Week in Tech: Cast Your Ballot On Discord

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Who are the teens debugging in the bathroom? This week in tech news, there’s a Gen Z-led revolution in Nepal and Discord made it possible. Early 2000s hustle culture is so back in Silicon Valley — at least for teen tech founders. Then, there’s a new AI-generated political satire show airing on Russian state TV. And Albania gets an AI-avatar to seek out corruption. Finally, on Chat and Me, how ChatGPT is helping one user through a new diagnosis.

Also, we want to hear from you: If you’ve used a chatbot in a surprising or delightful (or deranged) way, send us a 1–2 minute voice note at techstuffpodcast@gmail.com.

Additional Reading:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Story: ON CRISPR: The Story of Jennifer Doudna with Walter Isaacson

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 09:00:00 +0000

This week, we’re bringing you the first episode of Season 3 of the podcast ON CRISPR. Walter Isaacson — the bestselling biographer behind Musk, Einstein and Steve Jobs – and journalist Evan Ratliff (Shell Game, Mastermind, Longform) take a behind-the-scenes look at the story of Jennifer Doudna, one of the scientific pioneers behind the gene editing software, CRISPR.

In this episode, Evan sits down with Walter Isaacson to discuss Doudna’s upbringing, the history of DNA’s discovery and gene editing, and Baby KJ, a CRISPR patient who represents a milestone for both researchers and patients.

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Week in Tech: Why the Charlie Kirk Video is Everywhere

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 09:00:00 +0000

What does the viral video of Charlie Kirk’s assassination say about the state of content moderation on social media? This week, Oz and Karah unpack the complexities of moderating graphic-but-newsworthy content, and why tech companies commitment to moderation has waned in recent years. Then, Karah talks to a student in New York about how they’re adjusting to not having access to their phone during the school day. Then, on Chat and Me, a woman uses ChatGPT to diagnose her mother’s mysterious ailment.

Also, we want to hear from you: If you’ve used a chatbot in a surprising or delightful (or deranged) way, send us a 1–2 minute voice note at techstuffpodcast@gmail.com.

Sources:

Charlie Kirk Was Shot and Killed in a Post-Content-Moderation World

From burner phones to decks of cards: NYC teens are adjusting to the smartphone ban

Larry Ellison’s personal fortune soars on back of Oracle’s share price surge

5,000 Podcasts. 3,000 Episodes a Week. $1 Cost Per Episode — Behind an AI Start Up’s Plan

Labour MPs accused of using ChatGPT to write speeches

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The Story: Social Media is Ruining Our Sex Lives

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 09:00:00 +0000

This week, we take a deep dive into why Gen Z isn’t having sex. Karah talks with Carter Sherman, a reproductive health and justice reporter for The Guardian, and author of the book The Second Coming: Sex and the Next Generation's Fight Over Its Future. They unpack how tech factors into the “Sex Recession,” sex as a proxy measure for empathy and human connection, and how all of this is a lot more political than you might think.

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Week in Tech: Turning China's Surveillance Against Itself

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 09:00:00 +0000

What does getting older actually feel like? This week, Oz and Karah discuss MIT Researchers who are using technology to simulate aging. Then, Oz tells the story of an activist who used China’s surveillance state as a form of protest. Karah dives deep into the weird world of humans quietly training chatbots. And finally, on Chat and Me, is replacing your therapist with ChatGPT a good idea?

Also, we want to hear from you: If you’ve used a chatbot in a surprising or delightful (or deranged) way, send us a 1–2 minute voice note at techstuffpodcast@gmail.com.

Sources:

My Day as an 80-Year-Old. What an Age-Simulation Suit Taught Me.

She Sacrificed Her Youth to Get the Tech Bros to Grow Up

A Hidden Camera Protest Turned the Tables on China’s Surveillance State

Inside the lucrative, surreal, and disturbing world of AI trainers

Sam Altman, Tim Cook, and other tech leaders lauded Trump at a White House AI dinner

“First of its kind” AI settlement: Anthropic to pay authors $1.5 billion

AirPods Pro 3 arrive with heart-rate sensing and live translation using Apple Intelligence

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The Story: Russian Bots vs American Gamblers

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 09:00:00 +0000

This week, we’re all in. Oz chats with Kit Chellel, a Bloomberg writer who focuses on gambling, technology, and sports betting. He wrote an article about a secret Russian bot farm that infiltrated the world of online poker in the early 2000s. We follow Kit from Siberia to Armenia, and get a peek into just how bots can make or break the future of online poker.

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Ferrari Fandom, Supercharged by AI

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Scuderia Ferrari and IBM are redefining fan engagement with AI-driven insights, and cutting-edge digital tools. Learn how IBM is helping Scuderia Ferrari deepen connections with its almost 400 million fans worldwide, driving innovation and community in the digital age.

This is a paid advertisement from IBM. The conversations on this podcast don't necessarily represent IBM's positions, strategies or opinions.

Visit us at https://www.ibm.com/think/podcasts/smart-talks

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TechStuff Redux: Mars, Asterisk w/ Nathaniel Rich

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 09:00:00 +0000

We’re taking this week off! But don’t worry, we’ll be back with new episodes starting September 10th. In the meantime, we’re sharing some of our favorite interviews from the year so far. This week, Oz talks with writer Nathaniel Rich about one of the biggest challenges of sending humans to Mars: isolation.

Nathaniel Rich is a novelist, essayist and writer-at-large for The New York Times Magazine. Rich sits down with Oz to talk about his essay, “Can Humans Endure the Psychological Torment of Mars?” The piece explores NASA's CHAPEA (“Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog”) mission, a simulation meant to test a major challenge of Mars missions – isolation.

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TechStuff Redux: Russia’s Espionage ‘Laboratory’ w/ Ben Taub

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 09:00:00 +0000

We’re taking this week off! But don’t worry, we’ll be back with new episodes starting September 10th. In the meantime, we’re sharing some of our favorite interviews from the year so far. This week, Oz talks with journalist Ben Taub about Russia’s ice-cold testing ground for new espionage tech.

Ben Taub is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist and staff writer at The New Yorker. His piece, “Russia’s Espionage War in the Arctic,” covers tensions at the Russian border with Norway, an area Russia uses as a testing ground for future intelligence operations. Taub sits down with Oz to discuss the technology being used for survival and for espionage, as the war in Ukraine has escalated tensions.

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TechSupport: 22 Jobs For An AI Future

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 09:00:00 +0000

We’ve all read the headlines that AI will take over white-collar jobs. But this week, Oz and Karah spoke with journalist Robert Capps about the 22 new roles that might exist in an AI-partnered workplace. Plus, Robert tests AI’s journalism skills. There’s not much to worry about.

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Inside View: The AI Personas Needed to Diagnose Disease

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 09:00:00 +0000

This week, we went to the doctor. Oz speaks with Dr. Matthew Lungren, the Chief Scientific Officer for Microsoft Health & Life Sciences, who co-authored a study showing that AI diagnosed complex medical cases four times faster than human doctors. Dr. Lungren walked us through how multiple AI agents worked together to generate their diagnoses, what that means for the future of medicine—and how human doctors and AI could collaborate to build a more democratized healthcare system.

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Week in Tech: Chips are the New Oil

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 09:00:00 +0000

How will we send memes when the world ends? This week, Oz and Karah recap the first ever World Humanoid Robot Games – the Olympics for Androids. Then, Oz explains why the US might be putting secret tracking devices inside shipments of advanced microchips. Karah explains a texting network built for the Apocalypse. And finally, on Chat and Me, how TikTokers are using ChatGPT to inspire their makeovers.

Also, we want to hear from you: If you’ve used a chatbot in a surprising or delightful (or deranged) way, send us a 1–2 minute voice note at techstuffpodcast@gmail.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Story: Inside a Couples Retreat for AI Companions

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 09:24:34 +0000

This week we go on a romantic getaway for people who are in love with AI. Karah talks with Sam Apple, an author and journalist who wrote an article for Wired about a couples retreat he organized for people with AI companions. We’ll discuss how the weekend unfolded, whether AI romance is real, what it takes to develop genuine emotional connections with chatbots, and whether AI romance is the future of dating in the digital age.

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Week in Tech: If Versailles Could Talk

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Is technology actually good for older people? This week, Oz and Karah explore the French palace of Versailles by talking to a statue-turned-chatbot. Then, Oz gives an update on Apple’s new make-or-break Siri overhaul. Karah weighs whether everyday use of technology is rotting our brains, or making them stronger. And finally, on Chat and Me, Reddit mourns the death of some beloved AI models.

Also, we want to hear from you: If you’ve used a chatbot in a surprising or delightful (or deranged) way, send us a 1–2 minute voice note at techstuffpodcast@gmail.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

TechSupport: Nothing’s Private – Even Conversations with ChatGPT

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 09:00:00 +0000

How did around 100,000 ChatGPT conversations end up indexed on Google? Users who sent conversations with a now-defunct “share” feature in ChatGPT made their conversations public — often without realizing they were exposing them to the open web. 404 Media’s Joseph Cox joins Oz and Karah to unpack how it happened, what kinds of chats were revealed, and why everyone should care about this privacy lapse. They discuss why OpenAI may have underestimated the privacy risks, how archived conversations could still be misused, and why both everyday users and major corporations need to rethink what they feed into AI tools.

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Week in Tech: Talk To Me Like AI’s Do

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Should we let AI have its own language? This week, Oz and Karah check out what the world’s most powerful people have on their Spotify playlists. Then Oz weighs the benefits and dangers of GibberLink Mode — a way for AI agents to communicate with each other that’s incomprehensible to humans. Karah explains how Tour de France cyclists are using technology to outperform doping-era Lance Armstrong. And finally, on Chat and Me, a listener asks ChatGPT to explain how she uses the program.

Also, we want to hear from you: If you’ve used a chatbot in a surprising or delightful (or deranged) way, send us a 1–2 minute voice note at techstuffpodcast@gmail.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Story: Inside the World of Kidfluencers w/ Ines Novacic

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 12:04:50 +0000

Documentary director Ines Novacic spent five years following kidfluencers and their families to get the behind the scenes scoop on the industry. She joins Karah to discuss Born to Be Viral: The Real Lives of Kidfluencers, her six-part docuseries on these content creators. Karah and Ines explore the rise of kidfluencing as a modern path to generational wealth, how the business is changing and the potential psychological toll of growing up on camera.

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Week in Tech: Diners, Dating, TikTok PI’s

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 09:00:00 +0000

How good is Dr. GPT? This week, Oz and Karah spill the tea on Elon Musk’s new retro-futurist diner in LA—where robots serve popcorn and the food comes in Cybertruck-shaped boxes. Then, Oz gets serious about Trump’s new AI Action Plan and what it could mean for American infrastructure and free speech. Karah addresses the rise of TikTok PI’s and public shaming. And finally, on Chat and Me, AI makes a diagnosis that is a little too real.

Also, we want to hear from you: If you’ve used a chatbot in a surprising or delightful (or deranged) way, send us a 1–2 minute voice note at techstuffpodcast@gmail.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inside View: Making Cancer Visible w/ Andrey Zarur

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 09:00:00 +0000

On the Inside View, we talk to the experts behind the innovations shaping our lives. This week, Andrey Zarur discusses the future of cancer surgery and makes a bold prediction — that we could effectively see the end of cancer within our lifetimes. Zarur, a biochemist and co-founder of Lumicell and GreenLight Biosciences, is on his way to making this prediction a reality. He sits down with Oz to discuss the FDA-approved technology that is helping surgeons see and remove cancer tissue with unprecedented precision. Then, they discuss how Zarur plans to address agriculture’s pest problem, without using chemical pesticides.

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Week in Tech: Do You Share Your Location?

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Which company has the best AI engineering talent? It may be shifting. This week, Oz and Karah discuss how the most powerful CEO’s in the tech industry are poaching each others’ talent using some dramatic hiring practices. Then, is the normalization of location sharing helping us or hurting us? Plus, a human programmer beats an AI model in a coding competition for the first (and last?) time, scientists use robotic bunny rabbits to crack down on an invasive species, and a new app that helps you get free stuff! But only if you’re hot. And finally, on Chat and Me, can ChatGPT make you a better parent? How one woman is using AI to navigate the challenges of motherhood.

Also, we want to hear from you: If you’ve used a chatbot in a surprising or delightful (or deranged) way, send us a 1–2 minute voice note at techstuffpodcast@gmail.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Story: AI-Induced Psychosis w/ Kashmir Hill

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 09:00:00 +0000

This week we unpack a disturbing new phenomenon: people being driven into a state of delusion after extended conversations with ChatGPT. Oz sits down with Kashmir Hill—a features writer covering technology and privacy for The New York Times—to discuss the users who found themselves spiraling into conspiracy-laced narratives and self-destructive behavior, often reinforced by the chatbot’s eerily affirming responses. These are extreme cases. But they raise a much bigger question: What happens when a sycophantic AI is fine-tuned to flatter, affirm, and mirror us back to ourselves?

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Week in Tech: My Deepfake, My Choice

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Are we starting to sound like ChatGPT? This week, Oz and Karah explore a new AI-powered recipe tool and test whether mustard and pasta actually go together. Then, a new study suggests AI may already be changing the way we talk. Plus, impersonations of U.S. politicians and the Danish bill that would give people legal rights to their digital selves. And finally, on the new segment Chat and Me, what happens when bots prioritize efficiency over honesty? One novelist’s frustrating, multi-hour standoff with ChatGPT.

Also, we want to hear from you: If you’ve used a chatbot in a surprising or delightful (or deranged) way, send us a 1–2 minute voice note at techstuffpodcast@gmail.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Story: User-Centered AI at Google w/ David Webster

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 09:00:00 +0000

David Webster is the head of UX at Google Labs, the company’s experimental AI division. When he stepped into the role in 2022, the tech world was scrambling to respond to the rise of ChatGPT — and Google Labs was no exception. Since then, the team has launched several high-profile projects, including the viral NotebookLM. Webster joins Oz to share his philosophy on human-centered design and how it shapes Google’s AI experiments.

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L’Oréal and IBM: AI-Powered Beauty

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 16:00:00 +0000

This week, the show takes you behind the scenes at L'Oréal’s research center in New Jersey. Malcolm Gladwell delves into the complexities of cosmetic formulation and the AI partnership with IBM. Learn how AI is poised to revolutionize the creation of beauty products, to make them even more sustainable and innovative.

This is a paid advertisement from IBM. The conversations on this podcast don't necessarily represent IBM's positions, strategies or opinions.

Visit us at https://www.ibm.com/think/podcasts/smart-talks

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Week in Tech: Hot Maps and AI Judges

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Is betting on current events the ‘future of news’? This week in the News Roundup, Oz and Karah ask AI if their favorite restaurants are hot or not and why Gen Z is nostalgic for a world without the internet. They also discuss Wimbledon’s new AI judges and how drones are impacting beach days. Plus, we want to hear from you! If you’ve found yourself turning to ChatGPT, Grok, Claude, Gemini or any other chatbot for help with a particular task or to answer unusual questions – we want to hear about it. Send us a 1-2 minute voice note to techstuffpodcast@gmail.com.

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The Story: Roblox and the ‘Prehistoric Era’ of Gaming w/ David Baszucki

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 09:00:00 +0000

David Baszucki is the co-founder and CEO of Roblox, the gaming platform that’s become a digital playground for millions of kids around the world. Baszucki sits down with Oz to talk about how Roblox became one of the most beloved tech platforms for the younger generations, and why he believes gaming is still in its “prehistoric era.” They also dive into one of the platform’s biggest challenges—safety—and what Roblox is doing to protect its users.

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TechStuff Classic: The Story of the Sony Walkman

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 09:00:00 +0000

This week, we’re revisiting one of our favorite episodes — all about the Sony Walkman. Jonathan Strickland dives into why Time named the portable device number 47 on a list of the 50 most influential gadgets of all time. How did the Walkman become a thing, and what influence has it had on how we experience music?

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The Story: Selfhood in the Digital Age w/ Vauhini Vara

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Writer and journalist Vauhini Vara has been entangled with the tech world for most of her life — first as a kid in the Seattle suburbs and a college student in the Bay Area, and then as a reporter covering Silicon Valley for The Wall Street Journal. But it wasn’t until she turned to creative writing that Vara began to see just how deeply technology had shaped her own life. Vara sits down with Karah to talk about her new book, Searches: Selfhood in the Digital Age and how she’s learning to use technology as a writing tool, while remaining critical of the industry.

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Week in Tech: The Music Industry Strikes Back

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 09:00:00 +0000

How can you detect AI music? This week in the News Roundup, Oz and Karah unpack the music industry's scramble to build tech that labels AI-generated tracks. And the MIT study that took the internet by storm. On TechSupport, Politico’s Maggie Miller explains how the conflict between Iran and Israel was fought in cyberspace.

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The Story: Big Tech, Small Town w/ Yasmin Green

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 09:00:00 +0000

When Yasmin Green joined Google almost two decades ago, she knew she wanted to focus on the complex problems facing humanity in a technological world – from violent extremism to political censorship. As the CEO of Jigsaw, a unit within Google that’s dedicated to understanding global challenges and applying technological solutions, she’s been able to do just that. Jigsaw’s most recent project took Green and her team to Bowling Green, Kentucky to figure out how they could use AI to improve a civic cornerstone: the town hall. Green sits down with Oz to talk about the project, What Could BG Be?, and what the role of Jigsaw is in today’s rapidly shifting, revenue-oriented tech landscape.

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Week in Tech: There's No Place Like AI

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 09:00:00 +0000

What does Google Search sound like? This week in the News Roundup, Oz explores Google’s new AI-generated audio summaries — and why a simple question like “what’s two plus two?” triggered a two-minute podcast. Then, Wikipedia tried its own AI experiment and faced backlash from editors. On TechSupport, Semafor’s Reed Albergotti recasts Big Tech as characters from The Wizard of Oz and explains the current AI landscape.

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TechSupport: The Two Sides of Biometric Data w/ Adam Clark Estes

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Adam Clark Estes is a senior technology correspondent at Vox and the author of the User Friendly newsletter. Estes sits down with Oz to discuss Amazon’s expanding use of palm scanners and what that might mean for the future of healthcare and our biometric data. They also dive into Estes’ months-long experiment of trying about a dozen health trackers and whether or not it was worth it.

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Week in Tech: AI’s Problem Solving Problem

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 09:00:00 +0000

What’s inside AI’s black box? This week in the News Roundup, Oz unpacks the uncomfortable truth that even the people building today’s AI models often can’t explain how they work — or why they behave the way they do. But that hasn’t stopped tech companies from pushing colleges and universities to embrace chatbots. On TechSupport, 404 Media’s Jason Koebler explains the strange world of airport body scans and the future of the TSA.

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The Story: Are the US and China in a Tech War? w/ Jake Sullivan

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 09:00:00 +0000

When the Biden administration announced the CHIPS and Science Act back in 2022, it was seen as a pivotal move to boost the US semiconductor industry and maintain America’s leadership in AI development. But the legislation was just one piece of a broader, multi-year strategy to counter China’s AI ambitions — and leading the way was Jake Sullivan, former National Security Advisor and longtime foreign policy figure. Sullivan sits down with Oz to discuss why he turned his attention to tech policy, how the Biden administration used export controls and global alliances to curb China’s technological rise, and hear his reflections on the country’s – and tech’s – role in conflicts abroad.

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Week in Tech: Nintendo Thinks Sideways

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Did search just get worse? This week in the News Roundup, Oz and Karah discuss how AI is reshaping search engines — for better or worse — and uncover a surprising downside of vibe coding. On TechSupport, journalist and kill switch host Dexter Thomas unpacks the murky early days of Nintendo and the unlikely figure who transformed it into the family-friendly empire we know today.

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The Story: From Woolly Mice to De-Extinction w/ Ben Lamm

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Ben Lamm is an entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of Colossal Biosciences. That's the genetic engineering company making headlines for its bold mission – bringing extinct species back to life. From dire wolf pups to woolly mice, Colossal’s breakthroughs have sparked awe and controversy. Lamm sits down with Oz to unpack the science behind de-extinction, the ethical questions it raises, and what it could mean for the future of conservation.

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TechStuff Classic: Big Apps That Flopped

Fri, 30 May 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Vibecoding is everywhere—and it feels like anyone can launch an app. So we’re revisiting one of our favorite episodes: a look back at some of the biggest apps to crash and burn. Jonathan Strickland dives into the nostalgia—spotlighting programs that once seemed unstoppable, until they weren’t.

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The Story: The Biggest Hack That Never Happened

Wed, 28 May 2025 09:00:00 +0000

This is an episode of kill switch – a new podcast about our supercharged technological lives. In this episode, host Dexter Thomas explores the biggest hack you’ve never heard of and how one man saved us from complete disaster. This is the xz utils story.

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Week In Tech: Can A Chatbot Help You Get Closure?

Fri, 23 May 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Is it still ghosting if the chatbot texts you back? This week in the News Roundup, Oz and Karah discuss the recent changes to Apple’s App Store policies, the future of brain implants, and the plans for AI-powered Netflix ads. On TechSupport, 404 Media’s Sam Cole explains how one startup is using chatbots to help people process being ghosted – and what that means about the state of our relationships.

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The Story: Embracing AI and All Life’s Uncertainties w/ David Spiegelhalter

Wed, 21 May 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Statistician David Spiegelhalter is no stranger to AI – he used it to help him research his recent book and, back in the late 70s, he helped develop foundational algorithms for the tech. So, he understands the pandora’s box that technology can represent, as well as the uncertainty embedded in its future development. Spiegelhalter sits down with Oz to unpack how we should interpret AI predictions, why better data matters and why we should consciously embrace uncertainty in our own lives.

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How AI Assistants Can Transform Education

Tue, 20 May 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Malcolm Gladwell visits Kennesaw State University to learn about Jiwoo, an AI Assistant that helps future teachers practice responsive teaching by simulating classroom interactions with students. Discover how AI can enhance teaching methods to prepare teachers for the classroom.

This is a paid advertisement from IBM. The conversations on this podcast don't necessarily represent IBM's positions, strategies or opinions.

Visit us at https://www.ibm.com/think/podcasts/smart-talks

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New Season of Smart Talks with IBM Coming Soon

Sat, 17 May 2025 01:43:57 +0000

Smart Talks with IBM returns Tuesday, May 20th, and this season, we’re really shaking things up. Host Malcolm Gladwell will visit various companies to tell stories of how IBM clients are using artificial intelligence and data to transform the way they do business.

This is a paid advertisement from IBM.

Visit us at ibm.com/smarttalks

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Week in Tech: AI-Induced Psychosis

Fri, 16 May 2025 09:00:00 +0000

What kind of technology do air traffic controllers use? This week in the News Roundup, Oz and Karah discuss how AI determines your real age, why chatbots can lead to delusions and what to know about a familiar sounding blood-testing startup. On TechSupport, features writer at New York Magazine’s Intelligencer, James D. Walsh, explains how AI-fueled cheating has overtaken college campuses, what students are saying and how educators are trying to address it.

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The Story: The World According to SimCity w/ Chaim Gingold

Wed, 14 May 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Chaim Gingold is a game designer and author of the book Building SimCity: How to Put the World in a Machine, which explores the simulation games created by developer Will Wright. Gingold sits down with Oz to discuss why a computer game about city planning became such a big hit in the ‘90s, the surprising legacy of SimCity, and the deeper cultural and technological significance of simulation games.

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Week in Tech: CheatGPT

Fri, 09 May 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Could you be on a livestream for three years straight? This week in the News Roundup, Oz and Karah explore the push to include AI education in schools, the parallel universe of the Chinese car market and why criminals should be wary of Interpol. On TechSupport, The Washington Post’s technology reporter Drew Harwell reflects on his time shadowing Emilycc, the record-breaking Twitch streamer – and why people have been tuning in 24-hours a day for the past three years.

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The Story: Mineral Wars w/ Nicolas Niarchos

Wed, 07 May 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Nicolas Niarchos is a journalist whose work focuses on conflicts, migration and, most recently, the energy transition. Specifically, the hidden costs of extracting minerals like cobalt, which remains a critical element in the technology we use to run our lives. Niarchos sits down with Oz to discuss what he’s observed in mineral-rich Congo and Indonesia – and how the battle for geopolitical advantage over these natural resources are overturning the world order.

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Week in Tech: Who’s A Good Drone?

Fri, 02 May 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Can AI help search-and-rescue dogs do their job? This week in the News Roundup, Oz and Karah explore the AI-powered technologies being used in war and why some Meta staffers worry about underage users interacting with their AI companions. On TechSupport, Olivia Carville, an investigative reporter at Bloomberg and the host of the podcast Levittown, discusses the Take It Down Act and what it means for the future of the internet.

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The Story: The Silicon Valley “Death Cult” w/ Evan Ratliff

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Evan Ratliff is an investigative journalist and podcast host. His Wired article, “The Delirious, Violent, Impossible True Story of the Zizians,” marked the culmination of a two-year deep-dive into a group of young tech radicals and their spiral into violence. Ratliff sits down with Oz to unpack how the group formed, what they believed – the parts we can decipher, at least – and how those beliefs led to alleged murder.

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Week in Tech: Run, Robot, Run!

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Should you delete yourself from the internet? This week in the News Roundup, Oz and Karah dig into humanoid robots running a half-marathon, the AI-generated personas helping law enforcement interact with potential suspects and Google’s updated ‘Results About You’ tool. On TechSupport, Jeff Rosenthal, the co-founder of the venture capital firm CIV, discusses the role of private investment in building out energy infrastructure to meet the AI boom.

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The Story: Stargate and the Rise of SoftBank’s Gambling Man w/ Lionel Barber

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Lionel Barber is a journalist, author, and former editor of the Financial Times. He’s interviewed state leaders like former US President Barack Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. But in Gambling Man: The Wild Ride of Japan’s Masayoshi Son, Barber chronicles the life of SoftBank’s enigmatic CEO from his childhood as an ethnic Korean in Japan to becoming the richest man in the world – briefly. Barber sits down with Oz to discuss the impact SoftBank’s investments have had on technology.

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Week In Tech: Zuck Takes the Stand

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 14:22:01 +0000

How would Salvador Dalí have used generative AI? This week in the News Roundup, Oz and Karah dig into this year’s most common uses for generative AI, the rise of code editor, Cursor, and how Google DeepMind’s Veo2 interprets a surrealist screenplay. On TechSupport, The Washington Post’s staff writer, Naomi Nix, discusses the first week of Meta’s antitrust trial.

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The Story: Me, My TV & My Second Screen w/ Jen Statsky

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Jen Statsky is a comedian, writer, and producer who’s worked on some of TV’s biggest comedies like The Good Place, Parks & Recreation and Broad City. Most recently, she’s been behind the scenes as one of the co-creators of the hit show Hacks. Jen sits down with Karah to talk about how writing and producing for TV has changed in the face of accelerating AI, the “second-screening” phenomenon, and the optimization of streaming services.

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Week in Tech: Tariffs, Ands Or Buts

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 09:00:00 +0000

What’s a ‘mega API’? This week in the News Roundup, Oz and Karah break down the ever-evolving landscape of tariffs and what it all means for tech companies, Tinder’s ChatGPT-powered dating game, and the rise of ‘Frankenstein’ laptops in India. On TechSupport, The Wall Street Journal’s Family & Tech Columnist Julie Jargon explains how imposter scams are becoming more believable thanks to generative AI.

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The Story: Whats Going Right w/ Reid Hoffman

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Reid Hoffman is a longtime entrepreneur, venture capitalist and author. Throughout his career, Hoffman has helped build or support some of the biggest tech companies we know today. He was one of PayPal’s first employees, a co-founder of LinkedIn and an early investor and board member for OpenAI. These days, Hoffman spends a lot of time thinking about the potential positive outcomes of AI development, which is the subject of his latest book — Superagency: What Could Possibly Go Right with our AI Future. Hoffman sits down with Oz to talk about how he formed his tech philosophy, what our AI future may look like, and why he doesn’t mind going against the political tides in Silicon Valley.

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Week in Tech: You, Me & Ghibli

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 09:00:00 +0000

How do LLMs solve math problems? This week in the News Roundup, Oz and Karah explore what AI models could mean for the fashion industry, the humble-but-mighty device our modern world depends on, and what Anthropic’s researchers learned about the inner workings of their LLM. On TechSupport, The Washington Post’s technology reporter Gerrit De Vynck explains the state of the AI race and how some of tech’s biggest companies are vying for position.

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The Story: McLaren F1 Racing's Human-Machine Interaction w/ Zak Brown

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Zak Brown is the CEO of McLaren Racing, the second-oldest Formula 1 team. When he joined in 2016, McLaren was in a difficult spot — lagging behind in race wins, sponsorships, and morale. Brown set out to transform the team by elevating their in-house racing technology and fostering active collaboration. He led the team to win the F1 Constructors’ Championship last year, their first one after more than 25 years. In this episode, Oz visits McLaren's headquarters to speak with Brown about how the team made their comeback, and what they’re doing to keep their edge this season.

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Week in Tech: 23andBankruptcy

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 09:00:00 +0000

What even is a crypto mixer? This week in the News Roundup, Oz and Karah dig into potential Slack-enabled corporate espionage, the recall of a Kim K-beloved product and the group chat that broke the internet. On TechSupport, The Washington Post’s technology columnist Geoffrey Fowler discusses 23andMe’s financial woes and what it means for the genetic data of the roughly 15 million people who bought DNA testing kits from the company.

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The Story: Levittown Deepfakes

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 09:00:00 +0000

This is the first episode of a new podcast called Levittown. It’s a real-life horror story for the AI generation. In this six-part series from Bloomberg, Kaleidoscope and iHeartPodcasts, reporters Olivia Carville and Margi Murphy take listeners from the quiet suburbs of New York to as far as New Zealand and into the darkest corners of the internet. Where tech moves faster than the law, and it’s up to everyday people to hold back a rising tide of explicit deepfakes.

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Week in Tech: Careless People, Mindful Chatbots

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 09:00:00 +0000

How do you calm down a chatbot? This week in the News Roundup, Oz and producer Eliza Dennis dig into the book that Meta doesn’t want you to read, chatbot reactions to stressful stimuli, and the new home of Pokémon Go data. On TechSupport, 404 Media’s Joseph Cox discusses a tool with surprising data scraping capabilities that is used by US agencies like ICE.

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The Story: An Innovation Playground w/ Astro Teller

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Astro Teller is Alphabet’s Captain of Moonshots. He oversees projects at X – the moonshot factory behind innovations like Waymo and Google Brain. To celebrate X’s 15 years of pushing boundaries, Astro Teller decided to take listeners inside the factory. On The Moonshot Podcast, inventors and entrepreneurs behind breakthrough technologies reflect on their projects, both the highs and the lows. Teller sits down with Oz to discuss the process of experimentation, the importance of accepting failure and the future of innovation at Alphabet’s X.

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Week in Tech: Duping Big Tech’s Tech Test

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Could AI help you land an internship? This week in the News Roundup, Oz and producer Eliza Dennis explore the rise of vibecoding, what it means for the future of software development and how one college programmer hopes to reform the Big Tech hiring process. On TechSupport, Oz chats with the founder and researcher of the Exponential View newsletter, Azeem Azhar, about the latest AI innovation and its significance in the battle for technological supremacy.

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The Story: What is AI Love? w/ David Eagleman

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 09:00:00 +0000

David Eagleman is a neuroscientist, author, entrepreneur and host of the podcast Inner Cosmos. In his podcast, he explores how our brains interpret the world and construct reality. Eagleman sits down with Oz to discuss AI relationships, the human urge to anthropomorphize chatbots and the benefits of living on the exponential curve.

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Week in Tech: Can a Woolly Mouse Make a Mammoth?

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 10:00:00 +0000

What if AI could read your mind? This week in the News Roundup, Oz and producer Eliza Dennis explore the latest tech investment in the US, Meta’s brain-to-text breakthrough and the creation of the woolly mouse. On TechSupport, 404 Media’s Jason Koebler takes us to an AI-generated film festival… spoiler: the tech isn’t there yet.

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The Story: A Spymaster Sheikh’s AI Ambitions w/ Bradley Hope

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Bradley Hope is a journalist, author and co-founder of Project Brazen, a narrative non-fiction production studio. His piece in Wired, ‘A Spymaster Sheikh Controls a $1.5 Trillion Fortune. He Wants to Use It to Dominate AI,’ outlines how one Gulf royal – Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed al Nahyan – came to control vast sums of sovereign wealth. Hope sits down with Oz to discuss Sheikh Tahnoun’s early obsession with AI, his path to becoming the UAE’s national security advisor and the country's role in the global AI race.

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What the Tech? w/ Jonathan Strickland in Doha

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 10:00:00 +0000

This week, Oz is on the road, at the Web Summit Qatar, and he’s not alone. Joining him from the iHeart pop-up studio in Doha is a very familiar figure, Jonathan Strickland. Oz and Jonathan sit down to discuss some of the highlights of the Web Summit, including the future of the AI chip race, advances in augmented reality and how news organizations are grappling with AI.

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The Story: Russia’s Espionage ‘Laboratory’ w/ Ben Taub

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 10:00:00 +0000

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TechStuff x Part-Time Genius: Redefining ‘Luddite’ w/ Brian Merchant

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:00:00 +0000

This week, TechStuff teams up with Part-Time Genius for a special crossover episode. Oz and Mangesh Hattikudur, host of Part-Time Genius, discuss a largely misunderstood group of machine destroyers. The Luddites. Joining them is tech journalist Brian Merchant, author of Blood in the Machine, to dig into the history of humans fighting against job automation, why we equate Luddites with technophobes and what we can learn from these 19th century rebels in the age of AI.

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The Story: Liar, Liar, Deepfakes on Fire w/ Hany Farid

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Hany Farid is a professor of electrical engineering and computer sciences at the University of California, Berkeley. He's been a leading voice on digital forensics for over two decades—pioneering ways to identify if an image, audio or video has been digitally altered. Since the rise of social media, Farid has kept busy helping news organizations, government agencies and law enforcement determine what is real and what is fake online. Farid sits down with Oz to talk about his initial interest in digital forensics, the effects of misinformation on society, and whether he wants an AI likeness of himself to live on after he dies.

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Week in Tech: Musk and Federal Money–A Love Story

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 10:00:00 +0000

What do the Brits want from Apple? This week in the News Roundup, Oz and producer Eliza Dennis explore how lithium-ion batteries and wildfires don’t mix, the UK government’s demand for a backdoor to iPhones and the James Webb Space Telescope–it rocks! On TechSupport with 404 Media’s Emanuel Maiberg, a new study finds that AI might affect our critical thinking skills. And finally, Oz digs into Elon Musk’s government contracts.

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The Story: Denial Isn’t the Answer w/ Geoffrey Hinton

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Geoffrey Hinton is a computer scientist, cognitive psychologist, and winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics. His work on artificial neural networks earned him the title, ‘Godfather of AI,’ but in recent years, he’s warned that without adequate safeguards and regulation, there is an “existential threat that will arise when we create digital beings that are more intelligent than ourselves.” Hinton sits down with Oz to discuss his upbringing, research, time at Google and how his experience with grief informs how he thinks about the future of AI.

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Week in Tech: Are You There God? It’s Me, AI

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Do smart fridges help business? This week in the News Roundup, Oz and producer Eliza Dennis unpack Walgreens’ refrigeration woes, the future of supersonic planes, and what the Vatican has to say about AI. On TechSupport with 404 Media’s Joseph Cox, the FBI’s unique relationship to one encrypted phone company. And finally, Oz tests out Google’s virtual office assistant in When Did This Become a Thing?

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The Story: Ask Lots of Questions w/ Meredith Whittaker

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Meredith Whittaker is the president of the Signal Foundation and serves on its board of directors. She is also the co-founder of NYU’s AI Now Institute. Whittaker got her start at Google, where she worked for 13 years until resigning in 2019 after she helped organize the Google Walkouts. She speaks with Oz about learning on the job, championing data privacy and being awarded the Helmut Schmidt Future Prize for “her commitment to the development of AI technology oriented towards the common good.”

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Week In Tech: DeepSeek Freak Out

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Is China winning the AI race? This week in the News Roundup, the story that roiled US stock markets on Monday – DeepSeek. Oz and producer Eliza Dennis unpack the hype. On TechSupport with 404 Media’s Jason Koebler, how human ingenuity continues to subvert tech. We hear how one coder has decided to entrap AI web crawlers. And finally, Oz digs into our love affair with personal data in When Did This Become a Thing?

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The Story: Mars, Asterisk w/ Nathaniel Rich

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 10:00:00 +0000

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Smart Talks with IBM: How Infrastructure is Powering the Age of AI

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 08:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Smart Talks with IBM, Malcolm Gladwell speaks with Ric Lewis, IBM’s Senior Vice President of Infrastructure. They discuss how hardware capability has enabled the matrix math required to run large language models. Furthermore, they delve into some creative examples of how to put AI to work: from your bank to your local coffee shop. Ric underscores the importance of infrastructure in unlocking the potential of AI, helping businesses harness their data to drive transformative outcomes.

This is a paid advertisement from IBM. The conversations on this podcast don't necessarily represent IBM's positions, strategies or opinions.

Visit us at https://ibm.com/smarttalks

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Week in Tech: Broval Office

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Is AI charging you different prices for groceries than your roommate? This week, Oz and Karah bring you a news roundup featuring a look at surveillance pricing and the rise of AI companies eager to work with the U.S. military. On TechSupport with 404 Media’s Jason Koebler, the hosts dive into last weekend's temporary TikTok ban and why Mark Zuckerberg didn’t want it to end. And finally we get to the bottom of why so many PayPal alumni are showing up on our newsfeeds this week in When Did This Become a Thing?

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The Story: Vibe Shift in the Valley w/ Jessica Lessin

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Jessica Lessin is the founder and CEO of The Information, a media company that’s a trusted source for tech readers and tech leaders. She’s reported on the industry for almost two decades and is deeply familiar with the culture shifts in Silicon Valley. Lessin sits down with Oz to discuss these trends, including tech titans appealing to the new Trump administration.

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Week in Tech: Dox, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Are you sharing misleading Instagram stories? This week, Oz and Karah bring you a news roundup including a ChatGPT-powered gun and a free app that’s keeping people informed about the LA wildfires. On TechSupport with 404 Media’s Joseph Cox, they get to the bottom of why a group of hackers have become so fond of U-Haul user data; and a look at when the world split into digital natives and digital immigrants…and when it might split again.

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The Story: How to be a (Rational!) Techno-Enthusiast w/ Nicholas Thompson

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 11:00:00 +0000

Nicholas Thompson is the former editor-in-chief of Wired and current CEO of The Atlantic. There, he negotiated a controversial partnership with OpenAI that The Atlantic’s newsroom referred to as “a devil’s bargain.” In his free time, he uses AI to help himself run faster and write better. Through it all, he maintains a worldview perhaps best described as “techno-enthusiasm.”

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Week in Tech: Hungry Hungry Hippocampus

Fri, 10 Jan 2025 16:30:00 +0000

How scared should we be of deceptive AI? Oz and Karah take the mic from Jonathan for their first episode of TechStuff and bring you a news roundup of their favorite headlines—including using ChatGPT to plan a crime and brain benefits for those who can still navigate without Waze. On TechSupport with Jason Koebler from 404 Media they discuss a recent study showing that AI can actively deceive us to achieve its own goals; and a special segment with Emma Barker from Time with the 200 Best Inventions of 2024.

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Introducing the new TechStuff hosted by Oz Woloshyn and Karah Preiss

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 13:05:00 +0000

TechStuff is getting a system update. Everything you love about TechStuff now twice the bandwidth with new hosts, Oz Woloshyn (Sleepwalkers) and Karah Preiss (Sleepwalkers). Oz and Karah bring humour and wit to the table as they break down what's happening in tech...and what it says about us.

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The Future of TechStuff (Is So Bright, Karah Has to Wear Shades)

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 22:21:47 +0000

Jonathan has his final episode, but more importantly introduces the new stewards of the podcast, Oz Woloshyn and Karah Preiss. These phenomenal storytellers and journalists explore their plans for the show and how you will be a part of it!

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What the Tech Happened? Part Two

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 02:24:14 +0000

We're looking at some of the big tech stories that have unfolded since TechStuff debuted in 2008. In this episode, we pick up in 2015 and look at the controversies, triumphs, trials, and tribulations tech encountered over the last decade.

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What the Tech Happened? Part One

Fri, 03 Jan 2025 20:00:41 +0000

Since TechStuff first launched in 2008, a lot of stuff has happened in the world of tech. Join Jonathan as he looks back on a big tech story for each year of his experience in hosting a technology podcast.

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How Shannon Morse Works

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 16:03:29 +0000

Back when he was a brand new tech podcaster, Jonathan met with fellow tech content creator (and fellow Discovery Digital Network veteran) Shannon Morse. The two became good friends. Now, Jonathan learns all about Shannon's journey in becoming a successful content creator in an ever-changing digital landscape. Keywords: Shannon Morse, Hak5, Revision 3, Discovery Digital Network, TWiT, Tekzilla, Threatwire, hacker, content creator, YouTube"

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The 2024 Tech Predictions Report Card

Mon, 30 Dec 2024 11:00:00 +0000

In late 2023, Jonathan made a bunch of predictions for how 2024 would turn out. How did he do? Do we have jetpacks and flying cars yet?

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TechStuff Gets Cozy With SMNTY

Fri, 27 Dec 2024 21:59:17 +0000

Samantha and Anney from Stuff Mom Never Told You, pop by to talk about the cozy games genre. How did this casual category go from being an afterthought to big business? And why are “real” gamers so salty about it?

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The Big Tech Stories of 2024

Wed, 25 Dec 2024 08:00:00 +0000

From Big Tech versus the government to the little Martian helicopter that could, we look at some of the big tech stories to unfold in 2024! Keywords: Mars, Ingenuity, Nasa, Boeing, Google, antitrust, Elon Musk, Twitter, Bluesky, Microsoft, Meta, Apple, mixed reality, augmented reality, AI, artificial intelligence, OpenAI, bitcoin, cryptocurrency

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The Mysterious Havana Syndrome

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 22:52:02 +0000

Noel and Ben (and, briefly, Matt) of Stuff They Don’t Want You to Know drop by to talk about the strange and mysterious Havana syndrome. Were US government employees the victim of a directed attack that made them feel sick and ill at ease, or was it all in their heads? We look at what few facts there are, plus chat about the good old days of podcasting.

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How Food Delivery Apps Don’t Work

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 20:38:49 +0000

Former TechStuff co-host Lauren Vogelbaum comes back to TechStuff to talk about the chaotic, absurd, and sometimes infuriating world of food delivery apps. Are they good for restaurants? (No). Are they good for drivers? (Nope). Are they good for the companies themselves? (Not really).

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The Weird Story of the First Cyberattack

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 23:48:55 +0000

How did a pair of 19th-century brothers hack into a government-controlled communications system? And what did they do with it?

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TechStuff Talks Christmas Lights Shows

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 21:18:07 +0000

For some people, a simple string of Christmas lights on a tree in the yard just isn't enough. How do those impressive Christmas light displays work?

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Tech News: Drones Over New Jersey

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 22:40:46 +0000

Mysterious drones flying over New Jersey have raised fears and questions. Plus, big tech companies start to court Donald Trump, the FTC is likely going to reverse positions in the new administration and the Game Awards names the Game of the Year.

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TechStuff Looks at Three AI Startups

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 21:35:33 +0000

2024 has been a huge year for AI. But why should we focus only on the enormous companies like OpenAI, Microsoft, Google, Meta, and Amazon? We look at three startups that hope to make it huge in the AI space.

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Smart Talks with IBM: Responsible AI - Why Businesses Need Reliable AI Governance

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 18:08:53 +0000

To deploy responsible AI and build trust with customers, businesses need to prioritize AI governance. In this episode of Smart Talks with IBM, Malcolm Gladwell and Laurie Santos discuss AI accountability with Christina Montgomery, Chief Privacy and Trust Officer at IBM. They chat about AI regulation, what compliance means in the AI age, and why transparent AI governance is good for business.

Visit us at: ibm.com/smarttalks

Explore watsonx.governance: https://www.ibm.com/products/watsonx-governance

This is a paid advertisement from IBM.

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Rerun: The Artemis Program

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 20:34:10 +0000

NASA is soliciting applications for its astronaut program in anticipation of sending men and women to the Moon. Learn all about the Artemis program, its goals and what comes next!

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The Internet Reacts to CEO's Murder

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 21:57:55 +0000

The shooting of UnitedHealthCare's CEO Brian Thompson has prompted some dark, disturbing reactions online -- including misinformation. Plus, we have stories about the wealthy designing bunkers to hide from the coming "Event", China's Salt Typhoon operation compromising US telecommunications companies, and more. Woof. It's rough, y'all.

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Verisign and the .com Top Level Domain

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 21:48:07 +0000

Did you know one company has the monopoly on the .com top level domain? How did Verisign become the one DNS registry for .com, and why did some politicians recently challenge the company's practices?

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Detecting Scams Through Critical Thinking

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 01:03:18 +0000

The world of tech is nuanced, complex, and filled with jargon. That makes it the perfect breeding ground for scams and hoaxes. How can we defend ourselves from snake oil salespeople? Through the powers of critical thinking!

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TechStuff is Thankful

Fri, 29 Nov 2024 08:33:44 +0000

Over the years, many people have contributed to our little technology podcast to make it what it is today. In this episode, Jonathan spends some time thanking those who have made their mark on TechStuff.

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TechStuff Explores the Universe with Daniel and Kelly

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 23:00:19 +0000

Scientists and hosts of Daniel and Kelly’s Extraordinary Universe join the show to talk about media depictions of science, the importance of STEAM education and funding, and why exploratory science benefits us in ways we can’t anticipate.

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Talking Crypto with the Financial Quarterback

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 21:43:52 +0000

Financial analyst Josh Jalinski joins the show to talk about cryptocurrency from an investment point of view. We discuss concerns about crypto, opportunities that may exist, and why it is always important to use critical thinking and research before dedicating your hard earned money to an investment.

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US Department of Justice Proposes Google Sell Off Chrome Browser

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 20:58:25 +0000

The Department of Justice has a list of proposed actions Google must take to end anticompetitive practices, and Google is not happy about it. Apple probably isn't thrilled either. But the matter still has to head to court next year, so nothing is decided just yet. Plus, Microsoft makes some questionable choices and an AI expert leans a bit too hard on AI.

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TechStuff Is About to Change (And That's a Good Thing)

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 19:57:19 +0000

After 16 and a half years, I will be stepping down from being the host of TechStuff. We'll talk more about the future of the show soon, but today's episode is all about the history and evolution of the little podcast that tried to demystify technology, critically examine the industry, and make tons of puns in the process.

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TechStuff Gets Auto-Tuned (Again)

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 21:05:01 +0000

We look at the history of auto-tune, how it works, and how it impacted music and culture in general.

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Rerun: Streaming Services that Sunk

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 17:35:01 +0000

While the streaming media landscape is crowded, it could be worse. In this episode, we look at some streaming services that didn't stand the test of time. From platforms that were a bad idea from the start to ones that were victims of corporate mergers, we find out what went wrong.

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Rerun: Getting in Touch with Touchscreens

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 16:44:16 +0000

What's the difference between a capacitive and a resistive touchscreen? Which came first? And are there other types of touchscreen technologies?

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TechStuff's Top Holiday Gift for 2024

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 11:00:00 +0000

A little more than a decade ago, mobile computing revolutionized how we access software and the internet. It's about to happen again.

At the top of my holiday wish list is an AI-augmented laptop powered by the Snapdragon X Elite processor for lightning-fast performance.

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Rerun: The Sad Tale of Microsoft Zune

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 16:35:57 +0000

Microsoft jumped into the mp3 player space a little late. Apple had been producing iPods for five years when the first Zune hit shelves. But that was just the beginning of a series of problems Microsoft encountered. We explore the sad (and short) story of the Zune.

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Rerun: What was the first mp3?

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 20:01:35 +0000

When developing the mp3 compression algorithm, engineer Karlheinz Brandenburg used a specific song to tweak settings and get them just right. What was that song? And why does Jonathan not like it?

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Sowing Seeds for the Future: Sabanto

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 12:00:00 +0000

When Craig Rupp left Iowa in the 80s, he never wanted to step foot on a farm again. A whirlwind career as an engineer took him to some of the biggest companies - Motorola, Apple, Samsung - but he always felt a strong connection to his roots. He had an idea he couldn’t shake - an opportunity to change farming forever. Introducing Sabanto and its best-in-class Autonomous Operator, Steward. On the day of their first big test, the tractor froze, stuck in a field in a blizzard - no planting, no company, no future. If Craig wanted this to work, he had to find a solution - and fast.

Ben is back with a series of episodes celebrating businesses from across America, starting with the great state of Iowa and Sabanto Agriculture. Joining Ben is Sachin Seghal Founder of Elevate Digital Marketing in Des Moines and Brian Lamb, Northeast segment head for Middle Market at JPMorgan Chase. Together they discuss the developments in Artificial Intelligence and its importance for small businesses while sharing insights on how small businesses can effectively transition to mid-sized enterprises and beyond.

The Unshakeables is brought to you by Chase for Business and Ruby Studio by iHeartMedia

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The Story of Microsoft Bing

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 23:52:42 +0000

In 2009, Microsoft announced a new search engine called Bing. What was Microsoft's strategy, how is Bing different from the dominant search engine Google, and what's next?

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Tech News: Elections and Tech Clash

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 19:21:27 +0000

We knew that the 2024 election season in the US would include some tough stories involving tech and potential election interference. In this episode, we look at a few headlines of how tech may have already played a role in misinforming voters either on purpose or by accident. Plus many more headlines in this jumbo news episode!

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REM Pods and Ghost Hunting

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 23:46:55 +0000

What does an REM Pod do? How does it work? And why is Jonathan such a darn party pooper when it comes to ghost hunting?

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Doubly Exposing Spirit Photography

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 20:36:28 +0000

In the 19th century, some enterprising and unscrupulous photographers convinced vulnerable people that they had developed (pun intended) a way to photograph the spirits of the dearly departed. But what was really going on?

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Departing OpenAI Leaders Warn about AGI

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 17:59:48 +0000

Description: The former senior advisor for OpenAI's now dissolved AGI Readiness division warns that no one, not even OpenAI, is actually ready for artificial general intelligence. Plus, the US unveils some "guardrails" about using AI tools, Montana's Attorney General files a new lawsuit against TikTok, and Norway increases the minimum age for social media users to 15. And more!

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Notorious Hackers

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 21:44:55 +0000

Cybersecurity company Kaspersky has a list of the most notorious hackers of all time. We look at three of the entries, from the loose confederation of hackers called Anonymous to a hacker responsible for stealing millions of credit and debit card numbers.

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Smart Talks with IBM: How AI Can Accelerate Cybersecurity

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 03:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Smart Talks with IBM, Malcolm Gladwell speaks with Jason Kelley, GM, Strategic Partners and Ecosystems at IBM, and Kristy Friedrichs, SVP and Chief Partnership Officer at Palo Alto Networks. They discuss the challenges and opportunities that the rapid development of AI brings to the cybersecurity space. Jason and Kristy also underscore how implementing a zero trust strategy can help enterprises enhance cyber resiliency and simplify operations. Together, IBM and Palo Alto Networks are delivering fully integrated, open, end-to-end security solutions to enterprises.

This is a paid advertisement from IBM. The conversations on this podcast don't necessarily represent IBM's positions, strategies or opinions.

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Rerun: TechStuff's Spooky Halloween Spectacular!

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 19:29:47 +0000

In celebration of Halloween, we take a look at an article from HowStuffWorks titled 10 Scary Modern Technologies. From drones to voices coming out of thin air, we peek under the big scary bed that is technology.

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Tech News: X Changes Prompt Some Users to Jump Ship

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 18:10:05 +0000

X, formerly known as Twitter, makes a major change to the block feature that has some users switching to alternatives. Plus, Meta holds layoffs across multiple departments, some filmmakers experiment with generative AI, and SpaceX uses a giant metal claw to catch a rocket booster. And more!

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What Happened to Amazon's HQ2?

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 21:55:41 +0000

In 2018, more than 200 cities competed to become the site for Amazon's second headquarters. Late that year, Amazon would choose two locations. A year later, it would pull out of one of those two sites. And today, the HQ2 sits nearly half empty. What happened?

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TechStuff Takes a Walk with Robots

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 21:37:21 +0000

Tesla showed off the Optimus humanoid robots recently. What's the history behind bipedal, humanoid robots? Why are they so hard to get right? Why would you want to design such a robot in the first place? We explore the history, science and evolution of humanoid robots.

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Tech News: Tesla Fails to Wow Investors at We, Robot Event

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 18:10:46 +0000

This week, Elon Musk held his delayed Cybercab event while also showing off a new Robovan concept and Optimus humanoid robots. Investors, however, remain concerned that the event was more show than business. Also, Chinese hackers exploited backdoor access points to major Internet Service Providers in the US. And more!

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Can Sound Be Used As A Weapon?

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 21:03:51 +0000

From LRADs to the dreaded "brown noise," we look at attempts to weaponize sound. Is it possible? What effects can sound have on the body? And how much do we not know? (Hint: The answer is "A lot.")

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Smart Talks with IBM: Scaling AI With Purpose

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 18:32:17 +0000

In this episode of Smart Talks with IBM, Jacob Goldstein speaks with Rebecca Finlay, CEO of Partnership on AI, about the importance of advancing AI innovation with openness and ethics at the forefront. Rebecca discusses how guardrails — such as risk management — can advance efficiency in AI development. They explore the AI Alliance’s focus on open data and technology, and the importance of collaboration. Rebecca also underscores how diverse perspectives and open-mindedness can drive AI progress responsibly.

This is a paid advertisement from IBM. The conversations on this podcast don't necessarily represent IBM's positions, strategies or opinions.

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How Active Noise Cancellation Works

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 20:18:59 +0000

There's nothing like wearing noise cancelling headphones while on a noisy flight. But what technology lets you listen to your sweet tunes while eliminating the loud hum of an aircraft?

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Tech News: OpenAI Gets That Cheddar

Fri, 04 Oct 2024 17:12:17 +0000

Earlier this year, analysts predicted that OpenAI would need a large injection of investments to stay afloat. This week, OpenAI closed on a 6.6 billion dollar investment round. What's next? Plus, Elon Musk holds a recruitment event for xAI, the governor of California vetoes an AI safety bill and more.

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How Two AI Startup Unicorns Went Bust

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 21:04:50 +0000

AI is hard. How hard? Your company can hit a valuation of more than one billion dollars one moment and you're out of business the next. We look at two digital health companies that went from the highest highs to the lowest lows.

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How Hydroelectricity Works

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 22:47:28 +0000

Hydroelectric power harnesses the energy of water to generate electricity, but how? From turbine design to dynamos, we look at the components that make hydropower work.

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Tech News: Meta Wants the Internet On Your Face

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Meta held its Connect conference this week and showed off some chonky augmented reality glasses, among other things. Plus, OpenAI shakes things up and DoNotPay agrees to, well, Pay.

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The Story of the Sony Walkman

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 19:30:46 +0000

Time named the Sony Walkman number 47 on a list of the 50 most influential gadgets of all time. How did the Walkman become a thing, and what influence has it had on how we experience music?

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Smart Talks with IBM: The power of Granite in business

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 20:22:21 +0000

As the scale of artificial intelligence continues to evolve, open technology like many of IBM’s Granite models are helping enhance transparency in AI and improve efficiency across businesses. In this episode of Smart Talks with IBM, Jacob Goldstein sat down with Maryam Ashoori, the Director of Product Management and Head of Product for IBM’s watsonx.ai, where she spearheads the product strategy and delivery of IBM’s watsonx Foundation Models. Together, they explored the shift from large general-purpose AI models to smaller, customizable models tailored to specific needs.

This is a paid advertisement from IBM. The conversations on this podcast don't necessarily represent IBM's positions, strategies or opinions.

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A Quick Chat About CAPTCHAs

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 19:37:19 +0000

Where did CAPTCHAs come from? What purpose do they serve? How do they relate to artificial intelligence? And why are some of them so doggone hard?

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Tech News: Exploding Pagers and Nuclear-Powered AI

Fri, 20 Sep 2024 21:12:27 +0000

Israel is allegedly behind an attack on Hezbollah involving exploding pagers. How did that happen? In other news, Microsoft wants to reopen a nuclear power plant to supply electricity to power-hungry AI data centers. Plus much more!

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Social Networks and Mental Health

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 19:44:04 +0000

Is there a link between social media use and mental health challenges? We look at a meta-analysis and use some critical thinking to tackle the issue.

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Rerun: The Ghost in the Machine

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 18:55:00 +0000

What does "the ghost in the machine" mean? From philosophy to artificial intelligence, we explore this idiom to understand what it means, how it's used and if the dream of strong AI is realistic.

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Tech News: AI Stalks Us on Friday the 13th

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 20:36:46 +0000

We've got a lot of stories about artificial intelligence to talk about this week. Plus, Xbox holds more layoffs, Sony announces a new PS5 model, and for the first time, private citizens go on a space walk. Plus much more!

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The One About Plasma Televisions

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 00:08:10 +0000

What happened to plasma televisions? Where did they come from? Let's learn how plasma TVs work and why the industry abandoned this technology.

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Smart Talks with IBM: Education in the Age of AI

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 22:30:28 +0000

The role of AI in the classroom is evolving rapidly. When students and teachers embrace this technology, it has the ability to democratize access to education through programs like IBM SkillsBuild. In this episode of Smart Talks with IBM, Dr. Laurie Santos, host of Pushkin’s The Happiness Lab podcast, spoke with two innovators in the space. Justina Nixon-Saintil is Vice President and Chief Impact Officer, IBM Corporate Social Responsibility, and April Dawson is an Associate Dean of Technology and Innovation and a professor of law. They discuss the importance of lifelong learning, upskilling, and the ethical implications of AI in education.

This is a paid advertisement from IBM. The conversations on this podcast don't necessarily represent IBM's positions, strategies or opinions.

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The Birth of Paypal

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 23:34:00 +0000

Today, Paypal is a 70+ billion dollar company, but how did it start out? And why are the founders sometimes referred to as the Paypal Mafia?

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Tech News: Brazil Ditches X and Russia Buys Some Influencers

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 18:28:34 +0000

Brazil's Supreme Court has shut down access to X after Elon Musk defied some questionable court orders. The US Department of Justice says that an American media company was secretly generating propaganda on behalf of Russia. And a musician used bots to both generate and listen to music for nearly a decade before being accused of fraud.

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Abandoned Tech Projects

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 02:43:56 +0000

From Microsoft's dual-screened tablet concept to a holographic video game system, we take a look at some tech projects that died on the vine.

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What happened to Facebook's digital currency?

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 17:16:17 +0000

In 2019, Facebook (now Meta) announced it was developing a digital currency called Libra. Just a couple of years later, the project was dead in the water. What happened?

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Elon Musk Gets a Lot of Bad News

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 23:14:51 +0000

From X to Tesla to SpaceX to xAI, we've got a bunch of stories about various Elon Musk companies and the challenges they face this week. Plus, the MPA takes down a massive media piracy ring, and more!

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Sending Telegram's CEO to Court

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 23:33:18 +0000

French authorities arrested Telegram's CEO on Saturday, August 24th, 2024. What did he do? What is Telegram? And can a balance be struck between secure, private communications and stopping illegal activity?

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Smart Talks with IBM: How open source can democratize AI

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 07:01:00 +0000

In a rapidly evolving AI landscape, open-source models can further accelerate the pace of progress and help expand access to all. In this episode of Smart Talks with IBM, Malcolm Gladwell sits down with Mo Duffy, Software Engineering Manager at Red Hat.

They discuss InstructLab and the benefits of open-source technology, such as flexible deployment and the ability to enhance transparency, as well as the power of partnerships and collaboration. Mo explains how a community-based approach is essential for developing genuinely open-source AI.

This is a paid advertisement from IBM. The conversations on this podcast don't necessarily represent IBM's positions, strategies or opinions.

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Rerun: How Podcasting Works

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 22:06:00 +0000

In this podtastic episode, Jonathan and Chris explore how podcasting works. Tune in as they touch on everything from how TechStuff got its start to tips for listeners who want to become podcasters themselves.

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Tech News: Augmenting (Or Outright Replacing) Reality

Fri, 23 Aug 2024 19:17:40 +0000

Meta and Snap each plan to introduce new AR glasses, but you probably won't be able to get your hands on them. Plus, Cruise strikes up a partnership with Uber, Google introduces a photo editing feature that muddies the waters and an enterprising hacker attempts to fake his own death. Through hacking. Plus more!

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Disney's Multiplane Camera

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 17:00:42 +0000

While tackling a project that could have bankrupted the company, Walt Disney's engineers created a new method to add depth to two-dimensional animation. The multiplane camera would add an element of realism to an otherwise unrealistic medium.

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Rerun: Space Suit Evolution

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 16:56:03 +0000

A lack of new space suits is going to push back the Artemis Program. Where did space suits come from? What were the early ones like? We look at flight suits up through the early days of Apollo in this episode.

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A Bad Hack and a Great Guest

Fri, 16 Aug 2024 21:09:09 +0000

Shannon Morse joins the show to talk about how a data breach might impact you, as well as to clear up a few things the media tends to get wrong about data breaches. Plus, we have news about AI, NASA and more!

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AI and Price Fixing

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 20:33:52 +0000

Business leaders understand that AI can help increase revenue and profit margins. But is using AI to control pricing going to lead to bad outcomes for consumers?

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Smart Talks with IBM: An AI advantage for the US Open

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 12:30:00 +0000

As AI technology progresses, its impact on our daily lives—including how we consume our favorite sports— will grow alongside it. In this episode of Smart Talks with IBM, Jacob Goldstein, host of Pushkin’s own What’s Your Problem?, sat down with Brian Ryerson, Senior Director of Digital Strategy at the US Tennis Association. They discuss the impact of data on the fan experience, the role that storytelling plays in sports, and how AI has unlocked innovative features, such as AI Commentary and Match Reports.

This is a paid advertisement from IBM. The conversations on this podcast don't necessarily represent IBM's positions, strategies or opinions.

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The Tale of the RCA VideoDisc

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 23:43:16 +0000

In 1981, RCA released a new media format on the market. It was the CED -- the Capacitance Electronic Disc, and it was meant to compete with Betamax, VHS and LaserDisc. How did it do? Not so great! But I own one, so I'm doing an episode about it!

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It's Just a Matter of (Anti)trust

Fri, 09 Aug 2024 18:33:52 +0000

Google and Amazon are the subject of antitrust proceedings, while an antitrust lawsuit from Elon Musk's X has prompted an organization to disband. Trust me, you'll want to hear this.

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Hitting the Road with GPS

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 14:56:00 +0000

How does GPS work? How can satellites tell you where you are? And what does Einstein have to do with all of this?

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The Global Economy and the Hype on Artificial Intelligence

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 02:21:35 +0000

As the US teeters on the brink of a recession, we're seeing economies around the world take a hit. What role, if any, did the hype around AI play? We take a critical look at the Gartner Hype Cycle and whether it applies to artificial intelligence.

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Tech News: Is the Honeymoon Over for AI?

Fri, 02 Aug 2024 22:06:12 +0000

Some folks are getting impatient while waiting on AI to transform the world (or at the very least their investment portfolio). Plus, we learn about how a controversial online safety bill has been left to fizzle out in the US House of Representatives. And much, much more!

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This Episode Was Written By AI (Sort Of)

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 00:41:07 +0000

Can generative AI write a good episode for a technology podcast? We find out with this experiment about airbags written by ChatGPT. What worked, what didn't work, and what does Jonathan find really troubling?

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Jamming the Signal

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 22:17:55 +0000

What does it mean when a signal is "jammed?" From radar to radio to some cheeky broadcast TV signal intrusions, we look at how signal jamming works.

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AI is Smart At Math But Stupid With Love

Fri, 26 Jul 2024 21:44:08 +0000

Meta and Google both brag on how their respective AI models are good at math. Meanwhile, OpenAI unveils its prototype AI-enhanced search engine. Plus, we learn about why video game voice actors are going on strike and more!

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Pinball: From Electromechanical Machines to Solid State Tables

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 21:46:30 +0000

We continue to explore the evolution of pinball and learn how the humble solenoid powers so much of the game. Plus, what happens when transistors, integrated circuits and computers join the party?

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The Southern Fried Gaming Expo and Pinball

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 21:37:41 +0000

After attending the 2024 Southern Fried Gaming Expo, TechStuff looks into the origins and evolution of pinball machines.

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Tech News: A Software Update Crashed Computer Systems Around the World

Fri, 19 Jul 2024 21:00:00 +0000

A company called CrowdStrike pushed out a software update to Windows-based systems. But the update had a defect, bringing computer systems around the world to a standstill. Plus, stories about the FBI cracking into a would-be assassin's phone, how X is appealing a California law and Google's plans to get rid of crappy apps.

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How a medieval king influenced a modern technology

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 20:11:31 +0000

King Harald of Denmark had a little quirk that would, centuries later, provide inspiration for the naming of a modern technology. We learn how his lack of oral hygiene led to the naming of a wireless protocol.

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Smart Talks with IBM - Transformations in Al: why foundation models are the future

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 07:01:00 +0000

Major breakthroughs in artificial intelligence research often reshape the design and utility of Al in both business and society. In this special rebroadcast episode of Smart Talks with IBM, Malcolm

Gladwell and Jacob Goldstein explore the conceptual underpinnings of modern Al with Dr. David Cox, VP of Al models at IBM Research. They talk foundation models, self-supervised machine learning, and the practical applications of Al and data platforms like watsonx in business and technology.

When we first aired this episode last year, the concept of foundation models was just beginning to capture our attention. Since then, this technology has evolved and redefined the boundaries of what's possible. Businesses are becoming more savvy about selecting the right models and understanding how they can drive revenue and efficiency.

This is a paid advertisement from IBM. The conversations on this podcast don't necessarily represent IBM's positions, strategies or opinions.

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AI Model Collapse and the Dangers of AI-Generated Content

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 22:09:11 +0000

An AI image of a devious banker with way too many fingers can be entertaining, but could it also be a warning sign for the future of the Internet? We learn about some research that indicates future generative AI may be a real mess if it trains on other AI-generated content.

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Tech News: The Death of Physical Media

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 20:46:17 +0000

Sony will stop producing rewritable Blu-rays and a DVD rental service went belly up. Are we looking at the end of physical media? Plus, AI causes more headaches, Goldman Sachs warns we might be in an AI bubble, and more.

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What are AI Chips?

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 23:25:58 +0000

As chip manufacturers rush to meet the needs of all this artificial intelligence work going on, we're left to ask the question "What the heck is an AI chip anyway?" We find out! From GPUs to ASICs, this is the episode for you.

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Artificial Artificial Intelligence

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 19:52:21 +0000

The AI startup scene is bonkers. Investors are pouring so much money into AI startup companies that some of those businesses are making unsubstantiated AI claims. We explore stories of a few companies that weren't as AI-focused as they initially claimed to be.

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Tech News: What a hack!

Fri, 05 Jul 2024 19:53:10 +0000

There's a lot of hacker news this week, with updates on the severity of the Ticketmaster hack, a credit union in California is doing its best to restore services after a ransomware attack, and a Chinese company turned an innocent, helpful tool into a malicious trick. Plus more!

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Rerun: Machine Learning and Catastrophic Forgetting

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 18:27:20 +0000

While an elephant may never forget, the same cannot be said for artificial neural networks. What is catastrophic forgetting, how does it affect artificial intelligence and how are engineers trying to solve the problem?

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Big Recalls: When Tech Goes Wrong

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 21:53:23 +0000

Sometimes, a tech company pushes out a product that has a flaw bad enough to prompt that company to issue a recall. From television antennas to the Tesla Cybertruck, we look at some notable (perhaps Galaxy Note-able) recalls in tech history.

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No Australian News is Good News for Facebook

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 17:33:41 +0000

Meta says it may start blocking links to Australian news sites on Facebook -- again. Hackers create a massive headache for US automobile dealerships. An Arkansas attorney general argues that China's Temu app is malware in disguise. And much more!

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More Startups that Died in 2023

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 22:52:38 +0000

A couple of grocery delivery services, a neobank catering to the LGBTQ+ company and a company that used robots to make pizza walk into 2023. No one gets out. Here are the stories of more startups that failed in 2023.

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Smart Talks with IBM: AI & the Productivity Paradox

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 07:01:00 +0000

In a rapidly evolving world, we need to balance the fear surrounding AI and its role in the workplace with its potential to drive productivity growth. In this special live episode of Smart Talks with IBM, Malcolm Gladwell is joined onstage by Rob Thomas, senior vice president of software and chief commercial officer at IBM, during NY Tech Week. They discuss “the productivity paradox,” the importance of open-source AI, and a future where AI will touch every industry.

This is a paid advertisement from IBM. The conversations on this podcast don't necessarily represent IBM's positions, strategies or opinions.

Visit us at ibm.com/smarttalks

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Tech Startups that Died in 2023

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 23:57:55 +0000

From cybersecurity companies to a business that provided telehealth services for pets, we look at some of the tech startups that had to close up shop in 2023.

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Tech News: Apple Cancels Plans for Vision Pro II

Fri, 21 Jun 2024 20:07:01 +0000

Apple still plans to launch a more affordable mixed reality headset before the end of next year, but the Vision Pro sounds like a one off. Plus, Nvidia, Microsoft and Apple vie for the title of most valuable company in the world. And much more!

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Rerun: Super Soakers and Rocket Science

Wed, 19 Jun 2024 07:01:00 +0000

How did a nuclear engineer end up inventing the Super Soaker water gun? This is the story of Lonnie Johnson, an inventor and engineer who, among many other things, revolutionized the backyard water pistol fight.

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New Season of Smart Talks with IBM Coming Soon

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 07:01:00 +0000

Smart Talks with IBM returns with a new season on Tuesday, June 25th. This season, we’re diving back into the world of artificial intelligence, but with a focus on the powerful concept of “open,” and how it applies to AI. Host Malcolm Gladwell will invite curious colleagues from Pushkin Industries to explore how openness is already reshaping industries, ways of doing business, and our very notion of what's possible.

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GMDs and EMPs

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 23:15:59 +0000

Geomagnetic disturbances and electromagnetic pulses have the potential to cause a lot of problems for us. We learn what causes these events and how they can impact electronic systems.

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Tech News: Elon Musk Rants About Apple Intelligence

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 19:35:36 +0000

Elon Musk says he'll ban Apple products from his company following the announcement that Apple is partnering with OpenAI. Plus, Microsoft recalls Windows Recall before it can launch next week. And much more!

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Intellivision and the Blue Sky Rangers

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 02:35:38 +0000

Back in the late 1970s, toy company Mattel waded into the video game console market with the launch of the Intellivision. This year, Atari SA purchased the rights to the Intellivision brand and IP. We look at the story behind this early video game console.

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The Origins of Tesla

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 23:01:26 +0000

While Elon Musk owes much of his wealth to Tesla, the truth is that he's not the company's founder. That honor goes to a pair of engineers named Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning. We explore the origins of Tesla.

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Tech News: AI Might Not Be Ready for Prime Time

Fri, 07 Jun 2024 18:12:59 +0000

Two different consumer products with AI integration have flopped recently, and even big companies like Google have had to backtrack on AI implementations. Is AI just not yet ready for the public? And if so, who the heck will tell AI companies? Plus lots more.

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The Largest Data Breaches in US History: Part II

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 23:54:41 +0000

We've got more data breaches and leaks to talk about. From an attack that targeted Microsoft corporate customers to one affecting three billion accounts, we look at how hackers and poor data security practices put people and their information at risk.

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The Largest Data Breaches in US History: Part I

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 20:05:03 +0000

TicketMaster recently acknowledged a massive data breach that has affected more than half a billion customers. Where would it fall on a list of the worst data breaches in US history? We look at instances from LinkedIn to Home Depot.

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Tech News: TikTok Might Be Working on a Contingency Plan

Fri, 31 May 2024 16:34:55 +0000

Reuters reports that TikTok is developing a US-only version of its recommendation algorithm, but the company disputes the report's accuracy. Plus, could AI make your next favorite TV show?

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Rerun: How 3D Audio Works

Wed, 29 May 2024 07:01:00 +0000

In the late 19th century, a French experiment demonstrated the power of stereo sound. A century later, experiments in binaural audio would help create rich soundscapes that could immerse the listener in audio environments. We learn about the evolution and tech of 3D audio.

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Rerun: How Medieval Warfare Led to the Lawnmower

Mon, 27 May 2024 07:01:00 +0000

We learn who invented the lawnmower, how lawnmowers evolved, and why we even have lawns in the first place. Hint: it has to do with castles in the Middle Ages.

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Tech News: AI Oh No

Fri, 24 May 2024 17:40:45 +0000

OpenAI is in the hot seat. Scarlet Johansson thinks OpenAI might have used her voice without her permission. Former employees are compelled to sign non disparagement agreements or face losing their equity in the company. And much more! Plus, non AI stories too!

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The Dramatic Evolution of Hulu

Wed, 22 May 2024 21:46:18 +0000

After a tumultuous 2013, Hulu would enter the next phase of its evolution. But corporate maneuvers in huge media empires and growing competition in the streaming space would determine Hulu's path forward.

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The Origins of Hulu

Mon, 20 May 2024 22:49:09 +0000

In 2007, News Corp and NBCUniversal announced a joint venture. It would be a video streaming service that would deliver film and broadcast TV content online. Detractors called it the Clown Co, but it took the name Hulu and would become an important force that would shape the business of online streaming.

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Tech News: The Future of Search is AI

Sat, 18 May 2024 03:08:59 +0000

Both OpenAI and Google dominated the tech news this week with announcements relating to AI, and like it or not it seems like AI is bound to become deeply integrated into our tech in the near future. Plus, Elon Musk tussles with the SEC (again) and two brothers are accused of stealing around 25 million dollars in cryptocurrency.

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The Problem With Live Service Games

Wed, 15 May 2024 22:22:45 +0000

From always-on DRM to the heartbreak of online games getting shut down, we look at the issues gamers encounter with the live service game model.

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Could Live Service Games Kill the Games Industry?

Mon, 13 May 2024 22:07:25 +0000

Recently, Microsoft shut down four video game studios. The industry as a whole has seen major disruption this year. And some worry that a shift toward live service games could be a big part of the problem. What's going on? Part one of two!

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Tech News: Microsoft Shuts Down Multiple Video Game Studios

Fri, 10 May 2024 18:41:43 +0000

This week, Microsoft announced that game studios like Austin Arkane and Tango Gameworks are closing their doors. Google and Tesla are both dealing with consequences following layoffs. And OpenAI may have plans in the works to rain on Google's I/O conference parade next week.

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The Diffusion of Innovation Theory

Wed, 08 May 2024 18:58:58 +0000

What are early adopters, and why are they important? In this episode, we look at Everett Rogers theory of the diffusion of innovation and how new ideas get adopted by a population. Plus, we revisit the sad tale of the HD DVD format.

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The Internet Archive

Mon, 06 May 2024 20:41:18 +0000

TechStuff gets in the Wayback Machine to look at the origins of the Internet Archive, which preserves information stored on the Internet. How does it work and how did it get started?

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Tech News: Tesla Gets Downsized

Fri, 03 May 2024 19:45:13 +0000

Elon Musk starts making drastic cuts at Tesla -- is he trying to salvage his enormous compensation package? Plus, Microsoft tells the cops that they aren't allowed to use Asure services for facial recognition. And much more!

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Technically Speaking (An Intel Podcast): A Safer World With AI Digital Twins

Thu, 02 May 2024 18:56:08 +0000

Advancements in AI technology have made it possible to create virtual representations of our real-world environments, and these digital twins could change how we experience just about everything in our lives. These digital twins can create everything from more efficient workplaces to smarter traffic lights, and on the first episode of Season 2 of Technically Speaking: An Intel Podcast, digital twin expert Tony Franklin discusses what’s required to create a digital twin and how different industries can use this technology to create a safer future for everyone.

Learn more about how Intel is leading the charge in the AI Revolution at intel.com/AIeverywhere

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The Most Hated Buzzwords in Tech

Wed, 01 May 2024 21:21:06 +0000

The tech industry has no shortage of buzzwords and jargon. Some of the terms common in tech are ones that people have come to hate for various reasons. From AI to blockchain to the metaverse, we explore buzzwords that drive some people bonkers.

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High Frame Rates and the Soap Opera Effect

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 20:33:57 +0000

Why do some films shot in higher frame rates look so weird? We explore the history of the 24 frames per second standard, the filmmakers who are pushing the envelope on frame rates, and how those technological changes affect the viewing experience of film.

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Tech News: Tesla and Meta Investors are Not the Same

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 19:18:25 +0000

Several tech companies held Q1 earnings calls this week, with wildly different reactions from investors. Tesla profits are down, but investor hopes are high. Meta keeps spending money on the metaverse and investors are not happy about it. Plus an update on the Voyager 1 and much more!

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The US Passes the Anti-TikTok Bill

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 00:06:49 +0000

The thing I said probably wouldn't happened did happen -- the US Senate voted in favor of a bill that will force the Chinese company ByteDance to divest itself of TikTok or face a US-wide ban. But how the heck did we get here, and how does a political megadonor play into it?

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The Broken Arrow Episode

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 22:15:47 +0000

Officially, the United States has lost nuclear weapons in six incidents in which the nation couldn't retrieve or destroy them. We look at these six incidents and learn how nuclear weapons work.

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Tech News: Anti TikTok Bill Inches Closer to Becoming Law

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 22:27:44 +0000

Some tweaks to the bill that would require TikTok parent company to divest itself of the app or face a US-wide ban could be closer to becoming a law. AI takes to the skies in simulated dogfights. And about half of all online traffic comes from bots. Plus lots more!

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It's Time to Light the Lights

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 22:13:23 +0000

How do theatrical lighting control systems work? From early attempts to automate lighting through mechanical systems to sleek computer-controlled rigs of today, we look at the evolution of concert lighting.

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TechStuff Classic: TechStuff Shreds on the Electric Guitar

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 18:35:58 +0000

While Jonathan works on a new episode about stage lighting systems, take a listen to this classic episode in which he and his old cohost Chris Pollette talk about the history and workings of electric guitars.

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Tech News: Crime, Punishment, and Generative AI

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 21:22:20 +0000

Our news stories today include SBF filing an appeal on his recent sentencing, a UK court denies Apple's request to dismiss a huge lawsuit and Microsoft may soon make the Copilot AI feature an auto-launch program in Windows 11. Plus much more!

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Smart Talks with IBM - The Power of Collaboration: How IBM Teams Up with Microsoft

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 20:00:00 +0000

Entire industries are being reshaped around the new capabilities of generative AI. In this special
bonus episode of Smart Talks with IBM, Tim Harford leads a conversation between two leaders
in the field. Srinivasan Venkatarajan is the Director of Global Partner Business at Microsoft,
focusing on Azure Data & AI and Azure OpenAI. And Chris McGuire is the General Manager of
the Global Microsoft Partnership for IBM.

They discuss the efforts by IBM and Microsoft in the generative AI space, how this relationship
has been providing value to clients, and why collaboration is necessary for technological
progress.

Visit us at: ibm.com/smarttalks

Learn more about IBM Consulting for Microsoft

This is a paid advertisement from IBM.

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Faking a DMCA Takedown to Boost Search Rankings

Wed, 10 Apr 2024 21:15:43 +0000

Journalist Ernie Smith got an odd DMCA takedown notice for a picture he included in his tech newsletter. It turns out that the notice was a ploy to try and trick Smith into including a backlink to another site in an effort to boost that site's search rankings. What the what?

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The Sad Tale of Virtual Boy

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 01:25:38 +0000

The Nintendo Virtual Boy was one of the company's infamous flops, but why? Why did the system fail so hard that Nintendo killed it off after just one year?

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Tech News: The FCC Will Vote in Favor of Net Neutrality. Again.

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 18:52:56 +0000

Net neutrality goes through another flip in the flip-flop history with the FCC announcing it plans to vote to reinstate some of the rules established during the Obama administration but overturned during the Trump administration. Plus, Google agrees to destroy billions of data records and Ford decides to hold off on producing EVs for a bit.

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My Test Image is the Centerfold

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 21:02:32 +0000

My blood runs cold, my computer memory has just been sold -- my test image is the centerfold! Today, we look at the story of the "Lenna image," a scan of a Playboy model that has been used in countless papers and articles, and why there's a movement now to bring an end to that practice.

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Corporate Espionage in the Tech Sector

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 22:03:55 +0000

Sometimes, folks want to take a short cut. And sometimes that shortcut is illegal. This episode is about companies, managers, employees and others who engaged in some shifty behavior to get access to data that didn't belong to them.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tech News: TikTok Strikes Back, AI Poses Threats, and Butts!

Fri, 29 Mar 2024 20:07:22 +0000

TikTok is turning up the heat on the US Senate to get a proposed bill that would ban the service tossed out. The US government announces new policies relating to the use of AI in federal agencies. And a streaming service tries to clamp down on butts.

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Did In-N-Out invent the Intercom?

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 20:43:59 +0000

Is it true Harry Snyder, founder of In-N-Out, invented the intercom? Not quite. But he was the first credited with using a system to create what would become the model for the modern drive-thru.

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The Weaponization of EULAs

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 19:47:38 +0000

The End User License Agreement is that thing you click "I agree" to without having read the whole thing. But you can be forgiven -- some companies make their EULAs freakishly long, hiding some nefarious terms in the process.

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Tech News: Tech Companies in the Hot Seat

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 19:44:46 +0000

The US government is cracking down on Big Tech. From a House bill that would make it illegal for data brokers to sell American citizen info to foreign adversaries to a massive monopoly lawsuit against Apple, we look at some of the battles the Tech industry faces in the near future. Plus more!

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The Rooster Teeth Story: The End?

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 18:09:21 +0000

After navigating numerous controversies and setbacks, Rooster Teeth attempted to return to a more stable existence. But it was not to be. The corporate overlords at Warner Bros Discovery have decided to shut down the company after it reportedly spent a decade being unprofitable.

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Smart Talks with IBM - AI in Healthcare: How Generative AI Is Expanding Fertility Treatment

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 14:00:00 +0000

As artificial intelligence progresses, healthcare providers are exploring how the technology can be used to offer personalized care at scale. In this episode of Smart Talks with IBM, Dr. Laurie Santos sits down with Alice Crisci, co-founder and CEO of fertility-care provider Ovum Health.

They discuss the barriers to healthcare access, the ways in which AI can be leveraged to expand the reach of healthcare providers, and how Ovum Health’s partnership with IBM and their use of watsonx has been enhancing the patient experience.

Visit us at: ibm.com/smarttalks

Learn more about watsonx Assistant

This is a paid advertisement from IBM.

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The Rooster Teeth Story: The Middle Bits

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 22:14:26 +0000

Fullscreen's acquisition of Rooster Teeth would bring with it new challenges, including corporate bureaucracy, a push for new kinds of monetization, and changes in company culture. Meanwhile, the folks at Rooster Teeth kept making content.

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Tech News: US House of Reps Votes to Ban TikTok

Fri, 15 Mar 2024 20:04:46 +0000

This week, the House of Representatives in the US voted overwhelmingly in support of a bill that would force TikTok owner ByteDance to divest itself of the app or else face a national ban. What's going on, where does the bill go from here and why am I so exasperated by it all?

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The Rooster Teeth Story: The Beginning

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 21:56:32 +0000

Warner Bros Discovery is shutting down the online media company Rooster Teeth just as it nears its 21st anniversary. We look back on the history of the company, how it made an impact on internet culture, and where things went wrong.

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Better Offline: A conversation with Ed Zitron

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 21:18:29 +0000

Ed Zitron of the Better Offline podcast joins the show, and boy is he mad! Ed and Jonathan get angry over the state of the tech industry, the focus on short term gains at the cost of long term benefits, and why the tech we have at our disposal sometimes just feels like it's not as good as it should be.

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Tech News: OpenAI Spills the Tea on Elon Musk

Sat, 09 Mar 2024 01:36:03 +0000

OpenAI said they didn't wanna do it, but they're sharing emails written by Elon Musk that imply he was totally okay with OpenAI making a ton of money if it also was part of Tesla. Plus the US President speaks out against AI. And much more!

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A Holographic Wedding

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 22:20:19 +0000

Artist Alicia Framis plans to wed an AI "hologram" this summer. Before the wedding bells chime, we have some questions. We explore holograms, artificial intelligence, and technical, social, ethical and cultural conundrums.

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What's Your Problem? with Jacob Goldstein: Using AI to Help Doctors Save Lives

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 17:26:25 +0000

Every year in the U.S., tens of thousands of hospital patients die of preventable causes. For many of these patients, warning signs are subtle and easy for doctors to miss. Suchi Saria is the founder and CEO of Bayesian Health, and a professor at Johns Hopkins where she runs a lab focused on machine learning and healthcare. Suchi’s problem is this: How can you use AI to detect when hospital patients are at risk of potentially deadly complications – and how can you get doctors to listen?

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The Tech Pioneers

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 18:46:33 +0000

Sometimes, an invention comes along that defines a new function, form factor, or fashion. In this episode, we celebrate some of these inventions by exploring the stories behind them.

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Big Apps that Flopped

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 20:58:14 +0000

The Silicon Valley dream is to come up with an app and make a billion dollars. But not every app hits such heights. And some briefly touch the stars but then plummet back to Earth. This episode is dedicated to the failures!

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The History of the Digital Camera

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 20:03:10 +0000

Once upon a time, there were no digital cameras. Who invented them, and how did they become so common that even the most basic smartphone has one? We learn about the tech behind digital cameras and really get into the megapixels.

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Tech News: Google's AI Pushes Diversity Too Far

Fri, 23 Feb 2024 20:42:47 +0000

In what I can only describe as an overcorrection, Google's Gemini AI has tried to promote diversity in situations where it's not appropriate, such as in an image portraying Nazi soldiers. Plus, Bluesky gives more control to users, Cruise looks to resume operations in a different state after California revoked its license, and researchers find a way to double processing power without upgrading hardware.

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A Conversation with Jacob Goldstein

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 19:13:13 +0000

Journalist Jacob Goldstein joins the show to talk about the challenges of communicating technology topics to the public, how to sort through the promise and threat of AI, and the way that engineers approach problems.

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TechStuff Classic: The Intel Story Part One

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 16:43:38 +0000

How did the co-founders of Intel go from being "traitors" to two of the early pioneers of Silicon Valley? We learn about Robert Noyce and Gordon Moore.

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TechStuff Classic: History of Electricity Part Two

Fri, 16 Feb 2024 08:01:00 +0000

As the 20th century loomed ever closer, the battle waged to determine how we would transmit electricity. Learn about the current wars and why AC ultimately won.

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Invented by Accident

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 22:57:51 +0000

Not all inventions are the product of careful experimentation. Sometimes, someone pulls a whoopsie and learns something new. This episode is all about those types of discoveries.

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When Did Google Stop Being a Search Company?

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 23:59:25 +0000

For a couple of years in Google's early history, it was a real search company. But that would change in 2000 as Google would embrace advertising. Learn how Google would shift to become a dominant force in online ads.

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Tech News: Power-Hungry AI and Malicious Toothbrushes

Fri, 09 Feb 2024 22:45:12 +0000

Sam Altman of OpenAI wants to see a huge investment in new semiconductor fabrication plants to support AI implementations. The FTC hopes to reverse the Microsoft-Activision Blizzard merger. And did hackers really take over millions of smart toothbrushes?

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Pivot to Video

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 01:54:36 +0000

Back in 2015, Facebook made a claim that would lead advertisers and content creators to shift focus to online video. There was one problem -- the claim ended up being bogus. How did the pivot to video strategy become a dark, grim joke in the tech sector?

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A Small Episode About Big Data

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 20:24:27 +0000

What does Big Data actually mean? How has the science of Big Data changed recently? What are the potential benefits and pitfalls of Big Data?

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Tech News: US Senate Grills Big Tech CEOs

Fri, 02 Feb 2024 22:38:23 +0000

The Senate Judiciary Committee met with CEOs like Mark Zuckerberg with accusations that their companies are actively causing harm to children, and they weren't happy with the response. Plus, a judge tells Elon Musk that he will not be getting the massive compensation package promised to him by Tesla's board of directors. And TikTok says goodbye to Taylor Swift's music (and all other UMG tracks). Plus more!

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HOVERCRAFT!!!

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 19:44:08 +0000

Who invented the hovercraft? What happened to all the hovercraft that used to provide transportation options in the UK? How do they work? We look into all this, plus a classic Jackie Chan action flick.

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Operating Systems that Time Forgot

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 22:13:21 +0000

Sometimes, an operating system has served its purpose and it's time to go live on a farm. We take a look at some operating systems that are no longer supported and explore why moving on can sometimes cause a problem.

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Tech News: The Political War Against Social Media

Fri, 26 Jan 2024 20:05:26 +0000

From New York City to the state of Florida, politicians are getting serious as they face off against social media companies like Meta TikTok. Plus, we have a bunch of news around AI, an update on Tesla that has investors upset and we say farewell to an amazing little helicopter on Mars.

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Moving Around in VR

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 00:20:15 +0000

An interesting set of challenges crop up when you want to translate movements in a physical space to a virtual one. How do you keep people safe? How do you manage groups in the same physical space? And can you still look cool if you're running around on an omni treadmill?

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AI at CES 2024

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 00:53:19 +0000

At this year's CES, several trends revealed themselves among the exhibitors. But none were more prevalent than the incorporation of artificial intelligence. How are companies using, or at least claiming to use, AI in their products this year?

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TechStuff Classic: History of Electricity Part One

Fri, 19 Jan 2024 22:36:18 +0000

Did you know that engineers were harnessing electricity long before they even knew what it was? We take a look at the history and tech behind electricity.

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Rerun: Copyright and Fair Use

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 01:06:47 +0000

In this episode from 2021, we look at the thorny issues of copyright and how fair use isn't some proactive safety play to avoid those pesky copyright strikes.

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Rerun: How Fuel Cells Work

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 01:38:27 +0000

A fuel cell is an electrochemical energy conversion device; it turns chemical energy into electrical energy. Jonathan and Chris discuss fuel cells in detail from their origins to why they're not practical for general use yet in this episode.

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TechStuff Classic: The Wonderful World of Audio Animatronics

Sat, 13 Jan 2024 00:41:10 +0000

It might be a small world after all, but how did Disney imagineers create the first audio animatronics and how do they work? Find out in the Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Room.

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Rerun: It's All Relative

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 23:09:25 +0000

How do the theories of special relativity and general relativity apply to satellites? Why is the speed of light constant, but time and distance are not? We get all Einstein up in here!

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Rerun: Machine Consciousness

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 21:35:48 +0000

Is it really possible for a machine to achieve consciousness? What does consciousness even mean? From philosophy to technological obstacles, we look at the problems and possibilities.

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TechStuff Classic: Pew Pew Lasers

Fri, 05 Jan 2024 21:48:37 +0000

Lasers can be used to threaten our enemies, cut steel and even amuse our cats. Find out the history of lasers and how they work in this episode of Techstuff.

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How CT Scanners Work and A TechStuff Update

Wed, 03 Jan 2024 20:24:00 +0000

How does CT (computed tomography) scanners work? What's going on with TechStuff? In this episode, you are invited into Jonathan's brain to find out.

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TechStuff Classic: TechStuff Enters the Singularity

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 08:00:00 +0000

What is the technological singularity? How might the technological singularity come about? What do critics say about the idea of the singularity? Listen in as Jonathan and Lauren explore the technological singularity.

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TechStuff Predicts What Will Happen This Year

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 08:00:00 +0000

I swore I would never do another one of these. But what the heck, let's get out the crystal ball and make some predictions.

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Big Stories of 2023: The Microsoft-Activision Blizzard Deal

Sun, 31 Dec 2023 09:00:00 +0000

Nearly two years after Microsoft announced its intention to acquire video game company Activision Blizzard, it sealed the deal. But it wasn't a sure thing. We look back on how government officials around the world nearly prevented the merger and why.

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The Death of Hyperloop One

Sat, 30 Dec 2023 09:00:00 +0000

What was once a blue sky engineering dream has finally been put to bed. Hyperloop One never achieved its goal, but it did manage to be a hot spot for drama and controversy before petering out. We look back on the company.

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Big Tech Stories of 2023: Crypto Competitors and Crime

Fri, 29 Dec 2023 20:37:27 +0000

While FTX's failure happened in late 2022, the story of Sam Bankman-Fried's literal trials and tribulations played out this year. Plus, his rival Changpeng "CZ" Zhao entered a guilty plea on securities violations. We look at how two leaders in the crypto space had to face the music in 2023.

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TechStuff Classic: The Macintosh Story Part 3

Fri, 29 Dec 2023 10:17:24 +0000

From the return of Steve Jobs to the most recent Macs, we look at how the computer has changed over the years.

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The 12 Days of Tech Christmas

Thu, 28 Dec 2023 00:30:00 +0000

While Christmas 2023 might be over, I have a little present for all of y'all -- 12 days out of 2023 that were important in the tech world for one reason or another. From cryptocurrency controversies to Apple getting into augmented reality, we look at a dozen days that stood out in 2023.

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Rerun: The Tech of Stranger Things

Tue, 26 Dec 2023 08:00:00 +0000

Jess Royal and John Hilton drop what they're doing on Stranger Things to come by the studio and talk about what their jobs require. From Christmas lights to the upside down, we learn about what it takes to make a show work.

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Rerun: Lighting Up the Holidays

Mon, 25 Dec 2023 08:00:00 +0000

We look at the history of incorporating lights in winter holidays like Christmas and Hanukkah and how electricity changed things dramatically. We'll also dive into those over the top displays that sequence lights with sound and talk about why it was such a challenge for the electrician on Stranger Things to make lights blink a specific way.

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Big Stories of 2023: X - The ex-Twitter

Sun, 24 Dec 2023 08:00:00 +0000

At the beginning of 2023, Twitter was still called Twitter. It was facing multiple challenges in the wake of an acquisition. Elon Musk had reduced the staff by more than half. Advertisers were getting antsy. And then it all got much worse.

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Big Stories of 2023: The Mounting Opposition to TikTok

Sat, 23 Dec 2023 08:00:00 +0000

The video sharing platform TikTok faced opposition and scrutiny around the world. Some suspect it of being a surveillance tool used by the Chinese Communist Party. Others worry that it is warping young minds. We look back over TikTok's rocky 2023.

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TechStuff Classic: The Macintosh Story Part 2

Fri, 22 Dec 2023 08:32:35 +0000

After its launch, Apple tweaked the Macintosh a bit. Then Apple executives gave Steve Jobs the boot. He would return many years later. We look at the Macintosh during this era.

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Tech News: Time's Up for These Apple Watches in the US

Fri, 22 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The ITC shuts down Apple's attempt to delay a ban on certain Apple Watches and so they leave store shelves today. A Reuters investigation shows that Tesla has been blaming customers for design problems for nearly a decade. And leaked documents indicate that Sony is worried about Microsoft.

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Big Stories of 2023: The Year of AI

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 02:00:00 +0000

Artificial intelligence was in the news all throughout 2023. From legislators debating regulations to drama in corporate boardrooms to concerns about copyright infringement, AI touched just about everything. We take a look back on how the year played out.

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Tech News: X Marks the Spot for an EU Investigation

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 18:48:39 +0000

The EU announced a preliminary investigation into the social networking platform X out of concerns that it allows the transmission of illegal content and disinformation within the EU and potentially violates the Digital Services Act. Apple is pulling some popular tech off shelves in the US out of anticipation of a ban by the ITC. Plus lots more.

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I Feel Fntastic

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 20:23:58 +0000

Video game developer released a long-anticipated game called The Day Before on December 7th, 2023. Four days later, the company shut down. What the heck happened?

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TechStuff Classic: The Macintosh Story Part 1

Fri, 15 Dec 2023 23:26:27 +0000

What's the origin story for the Macintosh computer? We look at the early days of Apple leading up to the launch of one of the most famous Apple products of all time.

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Tech News: An Elon-Gated Episode

Fri, 15 Dec 2023 00:28:48 +0000

Elon Musk has had a busy week, with issues at X, Tesla and Neuralink. Plus, hackers say that a Polish train company has sabotaged its own vehicles if railways don't stay within the company's ecosystem. And the FCC says that cable and satellite providers can't charge customers early termination fees anymore. And much more!

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E3 Is Dead for Reals

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 17:24:49 +0000

The ESA announced that E3, the Electronic Entertainment Expo, is well and truly over. What was E3's purpose, and why has the ESA decided to pull the plug?

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Tech News: Tesla Pumps the Brakes on Cybertruck Resellers

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 01:04:46 +0000

A hidden clause in Tesla's Cybertruck contracts forbids owners from reselling their new Cybertruck within a year of purchase. Google loses an important anticompetitive lawsuit against Epic Games. And the Wi-Fi 7 standard should become official early next year. Plus lots more!

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A TechStuff Carol

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 21:29:43 +0000

A tech miser and cryptobro learns the true meaning of Christmas. This episode of TechStuff is as goofy as the Dickens!

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TechStuff Classic: The Samsung Story Part 2

Fri, 08 Dec 2023 17:41:49 +0000

Picking up where we left off, we look at some of the more recent stories about Samsung, including the tricky relationships between the heirs to the Samsung throne.

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Rerun: Seti Not At Home

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 20:56:11 +0000

After 20 years, the Seti@Home program is going on hiatus. How did this project let the average computer user lend a hand in the search for alien intelligence?

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Rerun: How Smoke Detectors Work

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 19:29:42 +0000

Smoke detectors save lives, but how do they work? From photoelectric effects to nuclear radiation, we explore how smoke detectors let you know when there's a fire.

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Beep - Autonomous Mobility for Al

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 14:33:56 +0000

In this episode, we delve into the groundbreaking technology behind autonomous driving vehicles in Lake Nona, a living lab community in Orlando, Florida, America's first smart town. Join us as we explore the dynamic world of Beep, the organization powering a transformative mobility solution operating in Lake Nona. Beep CEO Joe Moye joins Graeme and Tavistock Senior Vice President Juan Santos, to discuss how artificial intelligence has revolutionized transportation within the Lake Nona project. Discover how these visionary leaders have united to make communities safer, smarter, and more sustainable through AI integration. Get ready to be inspired by the innovative strides being taken to create a more connected and secure future on the roads of Lake Nona.

Learn more about how Intel is leading the charge in the AI Revolution at Intel.com/stories

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Rerun: When Secrets Aren't Secret

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 21:19:03 +0000

The Washington Post published an article revealing that the CIA secretly owned and operated an encryption company for decades. How did that happen and what does it mean? And what lessons should we learn from it?

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TechStuff Classic: The Samsung Story Part 1

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 22:45:47 +0000

How did the company Samsung get its start? From its humble beginnings as a grocery and shipping company, we look at the complicated history of one of South Korea's most influential companies.

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Tech News: Elon Has Some Choice Words for ex X Advertisers

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 23:45:34 +0000

Elon Musk once again demonstrates his leadership style by telling advertisers who are pulling out of X to go eff themselves. Also, an update on the OpenAI leadership situation, how some researchers got ChatGPT to share more than it was supposed to and say goodbye to those inactive Gmail accounts.

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How Not to Achieve Diversity: Inventing Fake Female Keynote Speakers

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 23:27:41 +0000

Diversity and representation is important for all types of organizations. But one company decided the solution to finding the right women to serve as keynote speakers was to invent them. We look at the wild story of the DevTernity 2023 conference.

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Smart Talks with IBM - Salesforce & IBM: Revolutionizing Experiences with Generative AI

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 08:02:00 +0000

The capabilities of artificial intelligence are increasing at a breakneck speed. Companies must leverage generative AI to transform everyday customer and employee experiences. In this episode of Smart Talks with IBM, Jacob Goldstein sits down with Susan Emerson, Senior Vice President of Product: AI, Analytics & Data at Salesforce & Matthew Candy, Global Managing Partner of Generative AI at IBM Consulting.

They chat about the latest evolution of the two tech innovators’ decades-long relationship, explore the opportunity AI presents for customer

experiences, and break down how better experiences will remove friction for all.

Visit us at: ibm.com/smarttalks

Read more about elevating experiences in the CEO’s Guide to Generative AI from the IBM Institute for Business Value.

This is a paid advertisement from IBM.

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Why is Meta's Andy Stone wanted by Russia?

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 19:31:22 +0000

While Meta communications director Andy Stone has ruffled more than a few feathers since joining the company in 2014, it seems that in Russia things are a bit more serious. Apparently, he's on a wanted list created by Russia's Ministry of the Interior. But why?

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TechStuff Classic: The National Facial Recognition Database

Fri, 24 Nov 2023 08:01:00 +0000

Are you an adult citizen in the US? If so, there's a 50% chance your face is in a law enforcement database. We look at this problematic law enforcement tool.

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Rerun: TechStuff In Front of a Green Screen

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 08:01:00 +0000

Where did green screen technology come from? How does it work? From the dawn of cinema to the latest Zoom meeting, we take a look at the tech that lets us combine different images into a single film or video.

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Binance Pleads Guilty

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 21:48:56 +0000

We get a very quick update on the OpenAI/Sam Altman situation and then turn our attention to the blockbuster news that Binance and its co-founder, Changpeng "CZ" Zhao, have entered a guilty plea on charges that include money laundering. What does this mean for Binance in particular and cryptocurrency in general?

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Tech News: More Aftermath From OpenAI's Chaotic Weekend

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 22:08:33 +0000

We've got a few updates on what's going on after OpenAI's board of directors fired CEO Sam Altman (and then asked if he wouldn't mind coming back, please). Plus, X is looking at a pretty rough holiday season as advertisers flee the platform. And SpaceX deals with another exploding spacecraft. Plus more!

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The Fallout from OpenAI Firing CEO Sam Altman

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 21:56:03 +0000

In a dramatic turn of events, OpenAI's board of directors fired CEO and co-founder Sam Altman. Then they tried to hire him back. Then they announced a former Twitch CEO will lead the company. What the what?

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TechStuff Classic: Close, but No Nuclear War

Sat, 18 Nov 2023 00:31:34 +0000

The world has teetered on the brink of nuclear war a few times. Sometimes, it was because of technical glitches. Sometimes, it was because of coincidences. We explore some very close calls.

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Tech News: TikTok Protests Being Called a Gatekeeper

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 22:14:08 +0000

TikTok tries to convince the EU to reconsider designating parent company ByteDance as a "gatekeeper" under the Digital Markets Act. A ransomware group tattles on its victim to the SEC. And SpaceX is getting ready to test the Starship launch vehicle, hopefully with better results.

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I'll Tumblr 4 Ya

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 23:50:39 +0000

What's the story behind the microblogging site Tumblr? How did it go from the nexus of Internet culture valued at more than a billion dollars to a property that would change hands multiple times in just a few short years? We take a look at the phenomenon known as Tumblr.

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Smart Talks with IBM - Generative AI: Its Rise and Potential for Society

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 08:01:00 +0000

In order to stay competitive in a rapidly changing marketplace, businesses need to adapt to the potential of generative AI. In this special live episode of Smart Talks with IBM, Malcolm Gladwell is joined onstage at iHeartMedia’s studio by Dr. Darío Gil, Senior Vice President and Director of Research at IBM. They chat about the evolution of AI, give examples of practical uses, and discuss how businesses can create value through cutting edge technology.

Watch the live conversation here: https://youtu.be/WOwM__St6aU

Hear more from Darío on generative AI for business: https://www.ibm.com/think/ai-academy/

Visit us at: ibm.com/smarttalks

This is a paid advertisement from IBM.

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Napoleon Bonaparte and the Invention of the Can Opener

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 20:59:37 +0000

How did the famous Napoleon Bonaparte set into motion the events that led to the humble can opener? From early experiments in canning to gadgets so dangerous the average person wasn't allowed to buy them, we look at the history and evolution of can openers.

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TechStuff Classic: The Google Glass Story

Fri, 10 Nov 2023 20:18:11 +0000

Was Google Glass an idea ahead of its time? What are its origins and where is it today?

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Tech News: Good Vibes for the Woz and Bye to Omegle

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 23:33:11 +0000

Steve Wozniak is recovering in a hospital in Mexico City and we wish him well. Internal documents from Meta show that Mark Zuckerberg repeatedly shut down initiatives meant to promote user well being. Microsoft says it has a plan for AI-generated misinformation during the election season. And the Omegle service shuts down.

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AI and Radioactive Shoe Salesmen

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 18:42:41 +0000

What does artificial intelligence have to do with an outdated practice that involved blasting shoe stores with radiation? Trust me, there's a connection. Or at least I make one.

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Tech News: WeOutOfWork and Getting Burned by NFTs

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 19:20:47 +0000

WeWork declares bankruptcy, there's a ton of AI news in the tech space and some attendees at an NFT conference received painful burns. Plus much more.

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Digging Back Into Digg

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 22:11:15 +0000

What has Digg been up to since our last episode about the site back in 2017? From shutting down a popular tool to another acquisition from a small ad company, we explore what has been up over at Digg.

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TechStuff Classic: The Digg Story

Fri, 03 Nov 2023 16:20:26 +0000

It all began with a startup led by a TechTV host. Then it evolved into a massively influential site, only to seemingly implode a short while later. What's the story behind Digg?

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Tech News: YouTube Ramps Up Strategy Against Ad Blockers

Fri, 03 Nov 2023 02:42:24 +0000

YouTube users with ad block software may find themselves blocked from watching videos on the platform unless they allow ads. Politicians around the world speak out against bias on Tiktok, but no one can agree which way the bias goes. Scarlett Johansson takes legal action against a company that used an AI-generated impression of her voice for an ad. Plus much more!

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A Brief History of Ad Blocking

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 20:44:30 +0000

First came the web ad. Then came the ad blocking software. What is the history of ad blocking? What challenges does it create for industry, and what services does it provide beyond, you know, blocking all those pesky ads? We get into it!

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Tech News: A Spooky Halloween Tech News Episode

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 19:45:52 +0000

From ghostly AI to hacker goblins, we get a rundown on what's going on in the tech space. The US President issues an executive order about artificial intelligence, X reveals in internal documents that the company's value has dropped by more than 50% over the last year, and a little software company in the UK is trying to take on the mega corporation Meta.

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Excess Babbage

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 21:37:37 +0000

Charles Babbage was a man ahead of his time. He was an engineer, inventor, mathematician, and grouchy pants. We learn more about this historic figure and his creations.

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TechStuff Classic: How USB Ports Work

Fri, 27 Oct 2023 20:37:33 +0000

The USB has become a standard port in tech. How did it get started and how does it work?

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Tech News: Hackers and Vulnerabilities and APIs, Oh My!

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 17:35:34 +0000

Pro-Russian hackers have found and exploited a vulnerability in a popular webmail app. Researchers found a very complicated way to compromise certain Apple devices. Slack has ended support for X/Twitter integration. Plus lots more.

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Catching Up with the Ig Nobel Prizes

Wed, 25 Oct 2023 16:46:06 +0000

In our third episode about the silly Ig Nobel prizes, we learn about music playing in a place you wouldn't expect, a clawed machine for changing diapers, and whether or not you'll feel more pain if you're looking at ugly art.

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Tech News: Poisoning AI with Digital Art

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 21:46:21 +0000

A tool called Nightshade could give human artists the poison they need to sabotage generative AI. Google and Apple disable live traffic data in the region around the Gaza Strip. And NASA pushed a software update out to Voyager 1 as it hurtles through interstellar space. Plus more!

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Conversation on the Brain with Guest David Eagleman

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 23:04:54 +0000

Neuroscientist David Eagleman joins the show to talk about lighthearted topics ranging from the nature of consciousness to the intersection of technology and the grey matter that lives in our skulls.

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TechStuff Classic: What was Gopher?

Fri, 20 Oct 2023 22:20:15 +0000

Once upon a time, a text-based Internet navigation system was poised to become the primary way we interact with the net. What happened?

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Tech News: Hackers, National Security and You

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 19:49:04 +0000

A special council convened to discuss how Chinese hackers pose a massive threat to national security. A hacker released information on millions of 23andMe customers, prompting the company to suggest the customers were at fault. And Elon Musk gave investors a bit of a reality check on the Cybertruck.

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The Skype Story: Microsoft Buys Skype. What Now?

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 20:22:16 +0000

In 2011, Microsoft acquired Skype for 8.5 billion dollars. What happened next? What did the giant tech company have in mind, and how did things pan out? And why did Zoom become the go-to conferencing solution during the pandemic instead of Skype?

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Smart Talks with IBM - Responsible AI: Why Businesses Need Reliable AI Governance

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 07:01:00 +0000

To deploy responsible AI and build trust with customers, businesses need to prioritize AI governance. In this episode of Smart Talks with IBM, Malcolm Gladwell and Laurie Santos discuss AI accountability with Christina Montgomery, Chief Privacy and Trust Officer at IBM. They chat about AI regulation, what compliance means in the AI age, and why transparent AI governance is good for business.

Visit us at: ibm.com/smarttalks

Explore watsonx.governance: https://www.ibm.com/products/watsonx-governance

This is a paid advertisement from IBM.

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Kazaa, Skype, and the Worst Deal of All Time?

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 18:44:03 +0000

How is Skype related to Kazaa? What does a peer-to-peer network do? And was the eBay acquisition of Skype really one of the worst deals in tech history (spoiler: no it was not)?

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TechStuff Classic: TechStuff is Under Siege

Fri, 13 Oct 2023 21:23:54 +0000

From catapults to ballista, we explore the world of siege engines. Which ones were real? Which are fantasy? And how did they work?

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Tech News: NPR Says X Isn't Worth It

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 22:51:36 +0000

Last April, National Public Radio (NPR) closed out its Twitter accounts. Six months later, NPR leadership says that the impact to NPR has been negligible. Could this mean more organizations will say goodbye to Musk's platform? Plus, news about a massive DDoS attack, why we'll be seeing a lot more of AI in the near future, and an update on Sam Bankman-Fried's court case.

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Tech News: X Marks the Spot (For Disinformation)

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 17:56:32 +0000

Intelligence researchers lament that X has become so rife with disinformation that there's no good way to use it while tracking tumultuous events like the war in Israel. The FCC is gearing up for a fight with US broadband companies. And did Disney unknowingly use an AI-generated stock image to promote Loki season 2? Plus more!

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Ubisoft and the Skull & Bones Debacle

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 21:21:05 +0000

Back in 2020, we did a three-part series on the history of Ubisoft. What's been going on since then? And what's the story behind the troubled development of the pirate-themed game Skull & Bones?

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TechStuff Classic: The id Software Story Part Two

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 08:00:00 +0000

From humble beginnings to massive success, we follow the rest of the id Software story. When did the founders leave and why? And what's going on there now?

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Tech News: MrBeast Gets Deepfaked On TikTok

Thu, 05 Oct 2023 18:40:58 +0000

In an episode with perhaps the most SEO-friendly title in TechStuff history, we learn about how someone used an AI-generated version of YouTuber MrBeast to advertise a scammy deal, how the FTC alleges that Amazon used a secret algorithm to fix prices and squash competition, and how Facebook Messenger users proved that Meta's tool for AI-generated stickers might need a bit more work.

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More of the Ig Nobel Prize Winners

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 20:31:37 +0000

A slightly sick Jonathan is back to talk about some past winners of the Ig Nobel Prize. Learn about how a wasabi-spraying alarm could save lives, how an inventor planned to recreate a classic cartoon trap, and how a bra might be just the thing during the next pandemic.

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Smart Talks with IBM - Hugging Face and watsonx: Why Open Source Is the Future of AI in Business

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 07:01:00 +0000

Open-source innovation is the future of AI. In this episode of Smart Talks with IBM, Malcolm Gladwell and Tim Harford discuss the open-source AI community with Jeff Boudier, head of product and growth at Hugging Face. They chat about the history and future of open-source AI, its critical importance to AI progress, the IBM watsonx partnership with Hugging Face, and how businesses can leverage open-source AI for their specific needs.

Visit us at ibm.com/smarttalks

Learn more about the Hugging Face partnership: https://newsroom.ibm.com/2023-08-24-IBM-to-Participate-in-235M-Series-D-Funding-Round-of-Hugging-Face

This is a paid advertisement from IBM.

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Rerun: Data Preservation and Destruction

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 15:30:08 +0000

It's hard to hold onto information. Paradoxically, it can also be hard to get rid of it. In this episode, we look at why long-term data preservation is a challenge, and the lengths people will go to in order to clear out digital information.

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TechStuff Classic: The id Software Story Part One

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 21:03:07 +0000

They made games like Doom and Quake, but where did id Software come from? In this episode, we explore the origins of a major name in computer games.

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Tech News: Hackers Gotta Hack

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 19:04:56 +0000

Chinese-backed hackers are infiltrating computer systems by compromising routers. Some security researchers say that modern GPUs can steal pixels right off a web site. And Microsoft encounters yet more resistance regarding its acquisition of Activision Blizzard.

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The Ig Nobel Prize

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 19:30:40 +0000

In 1991, the editor of a satirical science journal launched an award for the scientifically ridiculous (and ridiculed), the Ig Nobel Prize. Learn how it all got started and some of the early tech-related prize winners!

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Tech News: The FCC Says Net Neutrality is Back on the Menu

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 21:10:51 +0000

During the administration of Barack Obama, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) tried to codify net neutrality into US law. Then, during the Trump administration, the new FCC stripped net neutrality out again. This week, the FCC once again tries to establish an official US stance on net neutrality. Plus more news!

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The High Tech Heist

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 20:24:16 +0000

On September 11th, 2023, MGM Resorts International posted that the company experienced a "cybersecurity issue." That issue links to two different hacker groups, a ransomware attack, and a similar incident that happened to another major casino company earlier in the year. This is the story so far.

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TechStuff Classic: Tech Memes

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 23:08:13 +0000

What is a meme? What are some of the notable tech memes, and where do they come from? How does something become a meme?

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How Two Major Fires Changed US Patent Law

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 18:21:47 +0000

A fire in 1836 wiped out nearly every patent on file in the United States. How did the patent office rebuild, and how did a second fire in 1877 change things even more?

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The Origins of the US Patent Office

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 07:01:00 +0000

US founding father Thomas Jefferson gets the credit for establishing the first process in the US for filing and granting patents. But how did patent law change in those early years, and why does Jonathan say the patent office was like the Game of Thrones?

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Smart Talks with IBM - Transformations in AI: why foundation models are the future

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 07:01:00 +0000

Major breakthroughs in artificial intelligence research often reshape the design and utility of AI in both business and society. In this episode of Smart Talks with IBM, Malcolm Gladwell and Jacob Goldstein explore the conceptual underpinnings of modern AI with Dr. David Cox, VP of AI Models at IBM Research. They talk foundation models, self-supervised machine learning, and the practical applications of AI and data platforms like watsonx in business and technology.

Visit us at: https://www.ibm.com/thought-leadership/smart/talks/

Learn more about watsonx: https://www.ibm.com/watsonx

This is a paid advertisement from IBM.

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How Integrated Technologies and a Startup Mentality are Delivering on the Promise of Omnichannel Retail: A Conversation with Seemantini Godbole

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 07:00:00 +0000

A world where customers can buy everything they want, whenever and wherever they want isn’t 100% there—but it’s pretty close. And perhaps no company has been up for that challenge as much as Lowe’s.

In this episode of The Restless Ones, I had the chance to sit down with Seemantini Godbole, EVP and CIO of Lowe’s Companies, Inc., whose early start as an engineer has fueled problem-solving throughout her career. From helping customers prepare for projects via virtual appointments and designs, to making sure their local stores have the physical products needed to complete them, Seemantini is arming Lowe’s teams with the technology solutions to infuse more joy into home improvement without the usual friction.

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A Conversation with Surf Air Mobility

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 13:01:00 +0000

Jonathan sits down with Sudhin Shahani of Surf Air Mobility, who recently went public to talk about the future of travel. What is Regional Air Mobility? Why is Surf Air Mobility electrifying planes? And how might this affect how you handle short-range travel in the future?

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TechStuff Classic: The Story of Comdex

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 17:49:08 +0000

It was once the computing conference to attend. Today, it's rapidly fading from memory. How did Comdex begin and what happened to it?

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Tech News: Apple Introduces the iPhone 15. Tari Calls it the iPhone 14.

Thu, 14 Sep 2023 21:51:59 +0000

Apple's iPhone 15 reveal fails to impress my producer Tari. Google's antitrust trial is underway. The government starts to ask questions about AI. And much more!

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Simplicable's Fundamental Principles of Technology

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 17:36:25 +0000

A blog site called Simplicable outlines several "fundamental principles" of technology. We take a look at a few of them, talk about what they mean, and how they relate not just to tech but how we incorporate tech into our lives.

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Tech News: Google's Matter of Anti-Trust

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 17:15:12 +0000

Today, the US Department of Justice begins its anti-trust case against Google. Should it matter if Google commands more than 90% of the web search market share? Plus, a cybersecurity issue creates a huge headache for MGM Resorts and a former Apple employee brings RICO charges against the company.

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Did AI Write This?

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 20:52:33 +0000

Figuring out if artificial intelligence wrote a block of text can be tricky. Some companies have created tools that claim to determine if text was likely the product of a human author or AI. But as we have learned, these tools aren't reliable. What makes it so difficult to tell who wrote what?

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TechStuff Classic: TechStuff Goes Transmitter Hunting - Part Two

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 23:05:02 +0000

Joe McCormick and Jonathan continue their discussion about radio waves, transmitters and radio direction finding. How can you locate a transmitter and what is fox hunting?

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Tech News: A Perfect Storm Led to Microsoft's Big Breach

Thu, 07 Sep 2023 23:36:37 +0000

How were hackers able to access important email systems belonging to big targets like the US Department of State? It turns out it was a perfect set of circumstances that Microsoft failed to address. Plus, we have a bunch of AI news, the FAA okays delivery drones flying beyond line of sight, and lots more!

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What is USENET?

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 22:20:11 +0000

Before the World Wide Web, savvy computer users were flocking to USENET to participate in discussions on everything from the latest advance in computing to the worst jokes you could imagine. USENET is still around today. So what the heck is it?

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Smart Talks with IBM - AI for Business: Multiplying the impact of AI

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 07:01:00 +0000

As businesses adopt AI, a new era of problem-solving, innovation, and creative decision-making can be brought to scale. In this episode of Smart Talks with IBM, Malcolm Gladwell and Jacob Goldstein explore the future of AI in enterprise business AI for business with Kareem Yusuf, senior vice president of product management and growth for IBM software. They discuss the advent of foundation models, how AI can transform data storage and decision-making, and how next-generation AI platforms like watsonx from IBM can empower businesses to use AI at scale.

This is a paid advertisement from IBM.

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Rerun: The Robots Are Coming for Your Job!

Mon, 04 Sep 2023 18:41:19 +0000

Are robots and automated systems going to replace human workers? And if so, what then? The fear about automation has a long history and it's not an irrational fear.

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TechStuff Classic: TechStuff Goes Transmitter Hunting - Part One

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 21:09:16 +0000

Joe McCormick and Jonathan continue their discussion about radio waves, transmitters and radio direction finding. How can you locate a transmitter and what is fox hunting?

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Tech News: Meta Ignores its Oversight Board

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 19:02:09 +0000

Meta's Oversight Board recommended that the company suspend a Cambodian leader's account, but the company has declined to acquiesce to the request. Plus, X is rolling out some new features soon, Google is ending a subscription service and Sony is preparing to charge gamers more for PlayStation Plus.

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Why are the ice cream machines at McDonald's "always" broken?

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 20:15:24 +0000

We've all been there. It's a hot day and all we want is a cone of soft serve ice cream. But the person behind the cash register solemnly informs us the ice cream machine is out of order. What's going on? We learn about the ice cream machines used at McDonald's franchises and how service agreements, bad technical manuals and copyright law mess everything up.

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Tech News: AI Getting Armed and More Dangerous

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 18:31:04 +0000

As US Senator Chuck Schumer prepares to hold a forum on the risks and benefits of artificial intelligence, the US Army and Air Force are each seeking to incorporate AI and robotics in combat operations. Plus, Elon Musk livestreams himself showing off the latest build of Tesla's FSD mode to mixed results.

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New Season of Smart Talks with IBM Coming Soon

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 17:50:04 +0000

Smart Talks with IBM returns this September 5th. This season, host Malcolm Gladwell and a team of correspondents from Pushkin Industries explore how businesses can integrate AI into their workflows — to help them do exponentially more — drive real change, and thrive in this new era of AI.

This is a paid advertisement from IBM.

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Bad Predictions in Tech

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 20:29:02 +0000

It turns out that it's not easy to predict what's next to happen in tech. We look at some famously off-the-mark predictions, including some that have been misunderstood or misattributed to the wrong person so that we can set the record straight.

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TechStuff Classic: How Video Game Emulators Work

Fri, 25 Aug 2023 18:42:24 +0000

Have you ever wanted to play classic games from old consoles or arcade machines on your computer? Then you need a video game emulator. But are they legal?

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Tech News: Trump's Interview on X Gets 74 Million Views. Sort of.

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 17:52:49 +0000

Did Trump's interview really get 74 million views on X? (Probably not). American workers say TSMC management is to blame for delays with construction at the Arizona fabrication facility. Nvidia makes serious bank from AI, and lots more!

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TechStuff Tidbits: What is a Unicorn?

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 17:22:15 +0000

In 2013, venture capitalist Aileen Lee coined the term "unicorn" for startups. What makes a startup a unicorn? How rare are they? And how do investors assign value to a company that might not actually do anything?

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Tech News: Could the US Government Take Control of TikTok?

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 18:32:54 +0000

A leaked draft agreement from 2022 reveals that US government agencies seek to have extensive oversight into and control over several TikTok operations. Microsoft hopes that handing cloud streaming rights to Ubisoft will save the Activision Blizzard acquisition. And the voice of Mario is changing. Plus more!

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An Update on The Metaverse

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 21:36:32 +0000

What's the state of the metaverse? In late 2021, dozens of companies started to push hard to become players in creating the metaverse. But how many stuck with it? Has any progress been made? And who the heck wants this to be a thing?

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TechStuff Classic: Authentication Tech and You

Fri, 18 Aug 2023 20:59:40 +0000

What is authentication? Why is it important? And what are engineers doing to make it better?

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Tech News: Superconductivity and Hype Cycles and TikTok, oh my!

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 18:48:54 +0000

Researchers have some disappointing news about that wonder material that appeared to be superconductive at room temperatures. Gartner says that generative AI is about to take the plunge toward the trough of disillusionment. And New York City says city workers can't have TikTok on their work phones.

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Rerun: It's a (Crypto) Ponzi Scheme!

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 19:39:12 +0000

The Ponzi scheme is an old trick, but it's being used in new ways. Learn how this well worn scam is being tailored for the age of cryptocurrency, and the red flags you should be on the lookout for.

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Tech News: SBF Goes to Jail

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 19:10:14 +0000

A judge has revoked Sam Bankman-Fried's house arrest order and SBF will now have to go to jail to await trial. We've also got a ton of AI news to talk about, including how hackers were able to get chatbots to break their own rules just using words.

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The History of Vending Machines

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 20:08:01 +0000

The first vending machine in recorded history wasn't for soft drinks or snacks. It was for holy water. And how did an English radical think a vending machine was the loophole he was looking for? We look back on the weird history of vending machines.

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TechStuff Classic: The History of MP3 Players

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 17:57:22 +0000

How did the humble MP3 player get its start? When did the iPod take over as the dominant brand? And what's the MP3 Player business like today?

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Tech News: The Supreme Court Hands Epic a Setback

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 18:29:41 +0000

The US Supreme Court declined a recent request from Epic regarding the company's ongoing legal battles with Apple. Disney is getting ready to hike subscription fees (again) on Disney+ and other streaming services. And some astronomers worry that slamming spacecraft into oncoming asteroids might not actually remove the risk of catastrophe.

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TechStuff Tidbits: The One About APIs

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 19:42:41 +0000

What is an API? Where did the term come from? What does an API do, and why are they important for developers?

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Tech News: AI Versus The Pope

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 19:58:28 +0000

Pope Francis has called for a day of global reflection on AI. Security researchers warn of technology that can decode keystrokes just from sound alone. Zoom changes its terms of use after customers bring up concerns about using call data to train AI models. And much more!

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Rerun: TechStuff Looks Inside the Black Box

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 20:02:34 +0000

In tech, a black box is any technology that hides the processes that take input and generate output. We see what goes in, we see what comes out but what's going on inside? We look at the black box problem in tech.

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TechStuff Classic: The Circuit City Story Part 2

Fri, 04 Aug 2023 15:04:32 +0000

Once the Wards Company, Circuit City really established its identity decades after it was founded. How did the company grow and ultimately die, and what comes next?

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Tech News: Microsoft vs. Hackers

Thu, 03 Aug 2023 20:00:22 +0000

A security company CEO has some harsh words for Microsoft and the security it relies on for its Azure cloud platform. Microsoft itself warns that Russian hackers are using Microsoft Teams to target a small number of organizations in an effort to get login credentials. And the FBI finds that the FBI was partly responsible for illegal activity.

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TechStuff Tidbits: Superconductivity and LK-99

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 19:27:58 +0000

What does it mean for a material to be superconductive? Did a team of South Korean researchers create a revolutionary superconductive material? And what would that mean for the world?

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Tech News: X's Sign Becomes An Ex Sign

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 18:52:35 +0000

Elon Musk's X company installed an enormous, illuminated "X" sign at the company HQ, and then took it down a couple of days later. Meta is preparing to launch some AI chatbots, including an AI Abe Lincoln. And a court in Europe is forcing Meta to reveal the identity of an anonymous user. Plus lots more!

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Machine Learning and Catastrophic Forgetting

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 20:02:37 +0000

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TechStuff Classic: The Circuit City Story Part 1

Fri, 28 Jul 2023 23:44:08 +0000

Do you remember the electronics superstore called Circuit City? If you shopped in the 80s and 90s, the answer is probably yes. How did it get started?

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Tech News: X Gon' Take It Away From Ya

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 21:08:23 +0000

X.com will require brands to spend at least $1,000 per month on advertising or else risk losing the verified checkmark on the platform. A city in China has temporarily banned Tesla vehicles. Meta had a very good Q2. And scientists claim they have made a massive breakthrough with superconductors. Plus lots more!

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TechStuff Tidbits: Biometrics

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 22:18:13 +0000

Amazon is rolling out palm scanner technology to Whole Foods grocery stores. What's the story on biometrics, and what are the benefits and drawbacks of the technology?

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Tech News: Elon Musk X's Out Twitter

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 19:05:26 +0000

Elon Musk has changed Twitter to X, and a lot of people are puzzled and unhappy about it. Plus, the ESRB wants to make sure you're old enough to play that video game. And Apple faces another massive lawsuit due to its app store practices. And more!

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Little Boy and Fat Man

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 21:04:12 +0000

With the film Oppenheimer released to theaters, it's time to talk about the tech of the atomic bombs. What set the two apart? How did they work? And how did Oppenheimer feel about his achievements?

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TechStuff Classic: How Magnetic Storage Works

Fri, 21 Jul 2023 21:24:30 +0000

Learn about the amazing world of magnets and how super smart people figured out we could use them to store data. From old wire recordings to magnetic hard drives, we look at the science and tech behind magnetic data storage.

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Tech News: World Famous Hacker Passes Away

Thu, 20 Jul 2023 18:26:37 +0000

Hacker Kevin Mitnick passed away this week. Back in the 1990s, Mitnick upset a lot of powerful companies by infiltrating their computer systems and became a hero to some and a villain to others. In other news, we've got a lot more AI stories, plus Ukraine authorities bust up a huge botnet operation.

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TechStuff Tidbits: Perpetual Motion and Thermodynamics

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 18:57:46 +0000

We've all heard that perpetual motion machines are impossible (at least as far as our understanding of the universe goes) but why? We look at how our understanding of thermodynamics forbids perpetual motion machines to be a thing. And I bungle the lyrics to a Faith Hill song.

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Tech News: Microsoft Scrambles to Save Activision Deal

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 00:56:18 +0000

Microsoft's contract to purchase Activision Blizzard expires today, and Reuters reports that the company is trying to get an extension on the agreement while navigating regulatory hurdles. A CEO predicts that AI will eliminate outsourced programmer jobs in India in the near future. And the NYPD plans to use flying robots to warn citizens of imminent danger.

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Hamlet and the Apprehension of AI

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 21:09:08 +0000

A developer has created an AI chatbot designed to help hackers create malicious code and content. Was this inevitable? Beyond that, the "good" versions of AI continue to produce troublesome content. What would Hamlet have to say about that?

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TechStuff Classic: Bad Computer Bugs

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 17:14:54 +0000

Software bugs range from annoying to catastrophic. It's time to explore some of the most famous flaws in computer history!

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Tech News: Concerns about AI on the Rise

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 20:07:54 +0000

From Hollywood to India, today's tech stories largely focus on how AI is disrupting businesses and the consequences that follow. Plus, we learn about Amazon asking the EU for reclassification, Microsoft moving forward on buying Activision Blizzard, and Chinese hackers gaining access to email accounts belonging to two dozen government agencies in the US and Europe.

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Whatever happened to RSS?

Wed, 12 Jul 2023 21:11:15 +0000

Once upon a time, the RSS icon was a common sight on web pages. But these days, it's rare to see the friendly widget on the web. So what happened? Why has RSS faded away across much of the web landscape?

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Tech News: TikTok in the Crosshairs

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 22:42:51 +0000

Leaders in the US and Australia continue to view TikTok critically. The US state of Massachusetts proposes a law that would make it illegal for data brokers to buy and sell cellular location data. And protestors in San Francisco are sabotaging self-driving cars through the careful application of traffic cones.

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Chaos in the Microblogging Space

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 19:08:40 +0000

Meta sees Twitter's struggles as an opportunity and has launched Threads. Meanwhile, services like Mastodon, Bluesky and Hive Social have attracted former Twitter users seeking an alternative. What's the state of microblogging, and will Threads become the new dominant platform?

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TechStuff Classic: Augmenting Your Reality

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 20:06:26 +0000

What is AR and how does it work? Learn about augmented reality's history and future!

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Tech News: Meta Pulls at Twitter's Threads

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 00:50:56 +0000

Twitter upsets lots of users with strange changes in process. Meta launches its Twitter competitor Threads. France passes a surveillance law that can turn a citizen's gadgets into devices that spy on them. And more!

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An Overview of Carbon Fiber

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 18:57:57 +0000

What is carbon fiber? What makes it special? Is it really stronger than steel? And what are some good (and maybe bad) applications for carbon fiber?

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Rerun: Fireworks, Part Two

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 15:55:33 +0000

Where does the color come from in fireworks? How are those giant displays choreographed? We conclude our discussion on fireworks.

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Rerun: TechStuff Lights Some Fireworks

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 18:01:25 +0000

How do fireworks work? From the basics to fully choreographed displays, we take a look at the tech of making stuff go boom.

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TechStuff Classic: The Worst Hacking Scenes from Hollywood, Part Two

Sat, 01 Jul 2023 00:06:21 +0000

Shannon Morse and Jonathan continue their conversation about some of the worst hacking scenes in Hollywood history and how with a little adjustment they could be more accurate.

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RERUN: How 3-D Glasses Work

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 03:03:49 +0000

In this classic episode from 2009, Chris and Jonathan talk about 3-D glasses, awful movies from the 1980s, and whether or not 3D would become the future of television. (Narrator's voice: It did not).

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TechStuff Tidbits: What's the difference between Intel and AMD CPUs?

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 21:39:54 +0000

Intel and AMD have a common history, but each company has gone its own way in chip design. Why are Intel chips and AMD chips not compatible? And is there one type of chip that's better than all the rest?

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TechStuff Tidbits: A Bit about Bits

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 22:09:17 +0000

What makes an 8-bit system different from a 16-bit system? Or a 64-bit system? We look at what this actually means, and how a small jump in bits results in a huge jump in the number of values those bits can represent.

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TechStuff Tidbits: Logic Gates and Headache Medication

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 21:34:50 +0000

Jonathan is loopy, but he's also logical. Or he tries to be. Between pop culture references and dad jokes, Jonathan explains what logic gates are and how they work.

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TechStuff Classic: The Worst Hacking Scenes from Hollywood

Fri, 23 Jun 2023 07:01:00 +0000

Hacking isn't as glamorous or exciting as movies and television make it seem. Shannon Morse joins the show to talk about the worst examples of hacking in films and TV.

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Tech News: Musk vs Zuckerberg in a Cage Match???

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 19:07:16 +0000

Elon Musk called out Mark Zuckerberg to fight in a cage match, and Zuckerberg said he's down for it. Will we get a billionaire on billionaire beatdown? Probably not, but it's fun to talk about. Plus, Amazon faces scrutiny on two different fronts and Reddit chaos continues.

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TechStuff Tidbits: What does CPU architecture actually mean?

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 15:59:25 +0000

What are the components that make up a CPU? What does it mean if a manufacturer used a 5 nm process to fabricate a chip? And is a multi-core processor always better than a single-core processor?

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Redditors Select John Oliver as Symbol of Revolution

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 16:40:21 +0000

Thousands of subreddits continue to protest Reddit leaders' decisions to change API rules, and they have chosen the image of John Oliver to serve as protest. Plus Apple tells employees not to use chatbots and the EU makes some new rules for device manufacturers that will require big changes.

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IBM and HBCUs: Fueling a New Generation of Cybersecurity Experts

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 07:01:00 +0000

Education has the power to show students a path they’d never considered before. In this episode of Smart Talks with IBM, Malcolm Gladwell and Dr. Laurie Santos take on tech education at HBCUs with Dr. Derrick Warren, Associate Dean at the Southern University College of Business. They talk about the partnership between IBM SkillsBuild and Southern University to co-create a cybersecurity leadership center for HBCU students and discuss how exposure to first-experiences inspires creativity.

This is a paid advertisement from IBM.

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TechStuff Classic: The Pixar Story: Part 3

Fri, 16 Jun 2023 22:27:30 +0000

What has Pixar been up to over the last decade? Which Pixar film has had an underwhelming performance at the box office? And what comes next?

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Tech News: Google Warns Employees Not to Use AI Chatbots (Including Google's)

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 23:09:30 +0000

Why are Google staff being told to avoid using AI chatbots when the company makes one? How are governments around the world tackling risks associated with AI and misinformation? And why is Twitter getting kicked out of its offices in Boulder, Colorado?

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TechStuff Tidbits: What was the first text-based adventure game?

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 17:49:05 +0000

Back in my day, computer games didn't have fancy graphics or immersive sound. They just had plain old text, and we liked it! We look at the origins of the text-based adventure game and how these games are a creative challenge to make.

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Tech News: Reddit Goes Dark

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 17:54:18 +0000

Thousands of subreddits have switched to private in protest of Reddit's recent policy change regarding its API. Plus, Twitter's new CEO attempts to rally the troops, Microsoft faces more opposition to its acquisition of Activision Blizzard, and more.

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Where did E3 go?

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 15:20:46 +0000

The 2023 E3 event was supposed to happen this week, but like last year the event never happened. Now some are saying it may never happen again. What brought about the decline of E3?

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TechStuff Classic: The Pixar Story: Part 2

Fri, 09 Jun 2023 15:43:32 +0000

How did the success of Toy Story affect Pixar the company? Why was there tension between Steve Jobs and Michael Eisner? And what happens when Disney and Pixar merge?

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The Origin and Impact of Deepfake Technology

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 15:30:00 +0000

Deepfakes create a dangerous situation -- how can we trust that a recording is the real McCoy when machines can make such convincing fakes? From the history of deepfake technology to the liar's dividend, we learn about the evolution of the tech and the problems it creates.

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What was the first mp3?

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 20:38:52 +0000

When developing the mp3 compression algorithm, engineer Karlheinz Brandenburg used a specific song to tweak settings and get them just right. What was that song? And why does Jonathan not like it?

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Tech News: Apple Shares Its (Very Expensive) Vision

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 00:39:05 +0000

Yesterday, Apple finally unveiled its mixed reality headset, the Vision Pro, which will set you back $3,500 in 2024. Plus, we learn about some new challenges in the crypto world as well as reports about whether or not aliens have visited us.

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The Epic Origins of Teddy Ruxpin

Tue, 06 Jun 2023 00:36:18 +0000

In late 1985, a company called Worlds of Wonder introduced a new toy -- a teddy bear that could tell stories and sing. It could blink and move its mouth. And it turned out not to be a teddy bear at all. This is the long and winding road that leads to Teddy Ruxpin.

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TechStuff Classic: The Pixar Story: Part 1

Fri, 02 Jun 2023 21:53:04 +0000

How did the Pixar studio get started? How did it evolve from a small operation to a power player in the Disney empire? And how has the company led innovation in animation?

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Tech News: Why You Shouldn't Use AI Instead of People for Your Hotline

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 19:37:13 +0000

An organization in charge of a hotline to help people with eating disorders finds out that chatbots aren't a good substitute for a human operator. A judge in Texas explains that generative AI has no place in his courtroom. And Meta and Amazon both face some challenges around the world.

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Getting in Touch with Touchscreens

Wed, 31 May 2023 20:53:15 +0000

What's the difference between a capacitive and a resistive touchscreen? Which came first? And are there other types of touchscreen technologies?

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Tech News: ChatGPT Lands Lawyer in Legal Trouble

Tue, 30 May 2023 22:19:31 +0000

A lawyer finds out the hard way that ChatGPT isn't a reliable legal assistant. Nvidia's CEO says that, with the help of AI, anyone can be a programmer now. And China plans to send astronauts to the Moon by 2030. Plus more!

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TechStuff Remembers Grace Hopper

Mon, 29 May 2023 18:13:12 +0000

Grace Hopper was a Navy officer, a teacher, a computer programmer and a legend in the tech field. We look back on her life and achievements.

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TechStuff Classic: How Tech Could Make Better Chocolate

Fri, 26 May 2023 20:33:56 +0000

Temple University scientists have found a new way to improve chocolate and it involves electric fields. Learn about the technology and physics behind improving a nearly perfect food.

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Twitter Serves as a Shaky Stage for a Presidential Campaign Announcement

Thu, 25 May 2023 19:30:58 +0000

Twitter hit some technical snags yesterday while Presidential hopeful Ron DeSantis announced his 2024 campaign. OpenAI's CEO issues a bit of a warning to the EU regarding AI regulation. And Sony has a new gaming peripheral on the horizon.

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The Sad Tale of Microsoft Zune

Wed, 24 May 2023 21:28:40 +0000

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Tech News: Meta Takes a Loss on Giphy

Wed, 24 May 2023 00:57:57 +0000

Meta sells Giphy for a fraction of what it paid just a few years ago. Spain's government has it out for end-to-end encryption. And the US Surgeon General advises families about the potential dangers of social media. Plus more!

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Streaming Services that Sunk

Mon, 22 May 2023 19:19:41 +0000

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TechStuff Classic: How the Disney Magic Works

Sat, 20 May 2023 00:30:54 +0000

After my recent (tenth) cruise on the Disney Cruise line, I decided to look into what makes the ship work.How does it steady itself in rough seas? How much is automated?

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Tech News: Montana Bans TikTok But Will It Work?

Fri, 19 May 2023 02:46:12 +0000

The state of Montana has said that, starting January 1st of next year, the app TikTok is banned statewide. How will the state enforce the rules? Is this an overreaction to TikTok? And will the law stand up to legal challenges? Plus lots of news about AI because why not?

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Reflecting on Resolutions

Wed, 17 May 2023 21:28:35 +0000

Screen resolution can be confusing. What do all those numbers mean, and is bigger necessarily better? We go over some of the more common screen resolutions out there and talk about how (and when) they make a difference.

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Tech News: Elon Musk Names His Twitter Successor

Tue, 16 May 2023 23:20:11 +0000

Last week, Elon Musk revealed he had tapped Linda Yaccarino to be the next Twitter CEO. But Musk won't be leaving Twitter completely. And now Tesla shareholders want him to create a succession plan at that company. Plus we get a bunch of updates on AI news, as well as some good news for Microsoft.

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The Net Neutrality War

Mon, 15 May 2023 21:07:15 +0000

The idea behind net neutrality is pretty simple -- fair access to legal content for all consumers regardless of what ISP they use. But how do you implement this idea? That's become the focus of a massive political battle in the United States that's been going on for two decades.

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TechStuff Classic: AI Assistants and You

Fri, 12 May 2023 22:37:52 +0000

From Amazon to Google to Apple, companies are creating digital assistants to make our lives easier. What's the technology behind them and are they safe to use?

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Tech News: You Got AI On My Google Search

Thu, 11 May 2023 23:05:52 +0000

Google has announced a ton of stuff at the 2023 I/O event, including how AI will show up in future Google searches if you opt into it. We also learn how Microsoft's deal to buy Activision is going, how YouTube is discouraging ad-blockers and how one influencer is using AI to make clones of herself for people to date. For a fee, of course.

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The Godfather of AI is Worried About AI

Wed, 10 May 2023 19:45:53 +0000

Dr. Geoffrey Hinton recently retired from Google, saying that he wanted to be able to speak freely about his concerns regarding artificial intelligence without having to consider the impact to his employer. So what is the Godfather of AI worried about?

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Tech News: Faking the Deepfakes

Tue, 09 May 2023 18:13:48 +0000

Defendants in court cases are trying the deepfake defense and judges are not having it. Think twice before you commit a huge investment into AI companies. SBF is asking courts to throw out most of the charges against him. And Peter Thiel has some icy plans after his demise.

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Rerun: How the Great Movie Ride Worked

Mon, 08 May 2023 18:54:05 +0000

Special guest Jack Pattillo joins the show to talk about the former Disney Hollywood Studios attraction, The Great Movie Ride. From immersive storytelling to the implementation of a new kind of animatronic, Jack and Jonathan explore this long-gone ride.

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TechStuff Classic: How the Kepler Telescope Works

Fri, 05 May 2023 19:52:44 +0000

The Kepler Telescope has detected hundreds of exoplanets in our galaxy. What's the story behind it and how does it work?

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Tech News: May the Fourth be With You

Thu, 04 May 2023 22:19:43 +0000

Sadly, we don't have any Star Wars news today. But we do have tons about AI, Meta facing governmental scrutiny, Microsoft making a questionable decision with regard to Edge and lots more!

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TechStuff Tidbits: I Got Got

Wed, 03 May 2023 22:15:57 +0000

Recently, I mentioned in a Tech News episode that the FBI and the FCC are warning folks to stay away from public charging stations for mobile devices. But it turns out that warning by be like a certain Shakespearean comedy: Much Ado About Nothing.

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Tech News: IBM Considers AI Over New Hires

Tue, 02 May 2023 20:19:55 +0000

IBM's CEO reveals that the company has paused on hiring approximately 7,800 people in order to consider AI for those roles instead. A pioneer in deep learning is concerned about the potential dangers of AI. And the Web celebrates 30 years of being in the public domain.

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The Art and Science of Designing a Car

Mon, 01 May 2023 07:30:00 +0000

What process does Nissan follow when designing a new vehicle? We dive into the complicated process of going from concept to finished vehicle and learn how Nissan combines cutting edge technology with traditional artistic expression to get there.

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TechStuff Classic: Shh! How Soundproofing Works

Fri, 28 Apr 2023 16:10:17 +0000

Producer Noel Brown joins the show to talk about the science, theory and practice of soundproofing. How does sound work? How can you protect a room from sound?

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Tech News: Using ChatGPT to Win the Lottery

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 19:36:03 +0000

A man in Thailand claims that, with a little coaxing, ChatGPT helped him pick winning numbers for the lottery. Plus we hear a lot of other stories about AI, how Meta had a very good first quarter after laying off 21,000 people, and why Netflix might be worried after rolling out a password sharing crackdown initiative in Spain.

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TechStuff Tidbits: What the Heck is a Qubit?

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 20:00:40 +0000

What is a quantum bit, and how is it different from a normal bit? What kinds of problems are quantum computers good at solving? And how many dumb jokes can Jonathan shove into this episode?

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Tech News: The Blue Badge of Dishonor

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 21:37:41 +0000

In less than a week, Twitter's blue checkmark went from a desired status symbol to a mark people want to avoid at all costs. What happened? Plus, news on GM phasing out the Chevy Bolt, Google abandoning a mega campus project and an update on the Apple vs Epic legal battle.

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Hallucinating with AI

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 20:13:16 +0000

What is an AI hallucination? What causes a chatbot to go off script and invent stuff? And is AI's tendency to rewrite history a bug or a feature?

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TechStuff Classic: The Problem With Ads Part Two

Fri, 21 Apr 2023 22:40:48 +0000

Jonathan and Ben continue their conversation about online ads. Is it wrong to use ad blockers? Or is it wrong to block people who block ads?

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Tech News: SpaceX's Starship Gets Off the Ground, Then Explodes

Thu, 20 Apr 2023 21:46:12 +0000

The test launch of SpaceX's Starship was a success despite the fact that the launch vehicle later exploded high above the Gulf of Mexico. There are more battles happening around the subject of artificial intelligence. And if you used Facebook between 2007 and 2022, you can file a claim to get a share in a massive class action lawsuit.

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The Rebirth of Vinyl

Thu, 20 Apr 2023 01:45:04 +0000

Vinyl sales were on the decline from the 1980s to the mid 2000s, but since 2006 sales have been on the rise. What's the history of vinyl, and what makes this format special?

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Tech News: The AI Headlines Keep On Coming

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 19:01:31 +0000

Is Elon Musk working on a kinder, gentler AI? Could Microsoft's partnership with OpenAI take a huge chunk out of Google? And how do artists protect themselves against deepfakes?

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What Are Zero Day Attacks?

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 23:08:17 +0000

Over the weekend, Google rolled out a patch to Google Chrome. It addresses a zero-day vulnerability. But what are zero-day vulnerabilities and zero-day attacks? We learn about the definition and history of this powerful type of hacker attack.

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TechStuff Classic: The Problem with Ads Part One

Fri, 14 Apr 2023 14:25:18 +0000

Online advertising has been a bit of a problem for a long time. Join Jonathan and Ben as they talk about ads, ad blockers and malware.

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Tech News: China Tells AI to Tow the Party Line

Fri, 14 Apr 2023 00:21:17 +0000

China's Cyberspace Administration recommends regulations that would prevent AI from upsetting the country's political apple cart. Plus, why did Elon Musk buy 10,000 GPUs? And Meta employees are having a real morale issue for lots of reasons.

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TechStuff Tidbits: CPU Basics

Wed, 12 Apr 2023 17:25:56 +0000

What does a CPU do? What is clock speed? What does it mean to overclock a CPU? And are FLOPS a good thing?

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Tech News: All a Twitter about Tech News

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 22:06:47 +0000

We've got stories about top secret US documents showing up on Discord servers and how Meta's verification system is putting people in danger, but to be honest a LOT of this episode ends up being about the chaos going on over at Twitter.

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Dark Rides 101

Mon, 10 Apr 2023 21:03:40 +0000

What is a dark ride? What's the oldest dark ride still in operation? How do dark rides use technology to tell stories? And whatever happened to the Tunnel of Love?

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TechStuff Classic: Hacking for Dollars

Fri, 07 Apr 2023 23:45:20 +0000

Hak5 Host Shannon Morse joins the show to talk about hacking as a profession. From white hats to black hats, how do hackers make money?

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Tech News: Meta is working on an AI to make ads better

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 22:36:54 +0000

Meta has plans to launch a commercialized AI product by the end of this year. Apple might have picked the wrong year to get into XR. Binance closes derivative businesses in Australia due to an investigation. And rich lonely people may soon be able to avoid the rest of us on Tinder.

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Razer's Concepts and Vaporware

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 00:33:58 +0000

Razer makes pretty much everything, but this episode is about some of the concepts, prototypes and (arguably) vaporware the company has teased that never became a commercial product. From modular computers to futuristic gaming chairs, we look at some crazy concept hardware that you absolutely cannot buy.

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Tech News: Is ChatGPT Talking About You Behind Your Back?

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 20:36:06 +0000

Germany looks to block ChatGPT out of privacy concerns. Samsung Semiconductor adjusts its own stance on ChatGPT as employees share a bit too much information with the chatbot. And a ChatGPT detector might flag a student's legitimate work as AI material. Plus lots more!

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April Fools' in 2023 Was Pretty Quiet

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 20:57:29 +0000

Not that long ago, tech companies would fall over themselves to participate in gags and jokes on April 1st. Things have calmed down a bit over the last few years, but we're starting to see shenanigans poke through again. We look at a few examples from this year.

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TechStuff Classic: The Great Google Car Crash of 2016

Fri, 31 Mar 2023 22:32:19 +0000

CarStuff's Scott Benjamin comes on to talk about Google's self-driving car causing its first car accident. What happened? And how will Google prevent future accidents?

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Tech News: Advocates Say We Should Pump the Brakes on AI

Thu, 30 Mar 2023 19:23:49 +0000

A pair of letters signed by more than 1,000 people (maybe) argue that we need to slow down before developing more advanced artificial intelligence models. Plus, did Google cheat off OpenAI's work to build out Bard? And SBF stands accused of bribing Chinese officials to the tune of 40 million dollars.

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Spotlight on Gordon Moore

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 18:59:51 +0000

Gordon Moore, the man behind Moore's Law, passed away on March 24, 2023. We look at his life and contributions to tech.

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Tech News: Is TikTok's Fate Sealed?

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 20:16:03 +0000

An analyst predicts that there's a 90% chance the US will ban TikTok unless there are drastic changes at the company. A legend in the tech industry passes away. And why does NVidia's CTO say that cryptocurrencies serve no use in society?

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Rerun: How Medieval Warfare Led to the Lawnmower

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 07:30:00 +0000

We learn who invented the lawnmower, how lawnmowers evolved, and why we even have lawns in the first place. Hint: it has to do with castles in the Middle Ages.

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TechStuff Classic: Weather Tech, Part 2

Fri, 24 Mar 2023 18:59:11 +0000

How are weather predictions made? How does the tech used in meteorology work? And can we control the weather?

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Tech News: Google's AI Admits it Plagiarizes

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 22:35:13 +0000

Google Bard admitted that it took data from an article in Tom's Hardware without attribution. ChatGPT and Bard both prove they can't tell the difference between real news and a joke. And TikTok's CEO appears before Congress to answer some tough questions.

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TechStuff Tidbits: How Tech Startups Get Funding

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 20:15:58 +0000

How do tech entrepreneurs go from having an idea to turning it into a successful business? We look at the process of funding a tech startup and what might convince someone to invest in a long shot.

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Tech News: Samsung Vulnerabilities and Drastic Measures

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 19:12:56 +0000

Vulnerabilities in Samsung-produced chipsets may require you to remove the phone from your smartphone. Plus we learn about a bunch of new AI stories, including a company that can generate video based off text input. Plus a watchdog group in Germany brings accusations against Meta and German politicians. And more!

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Thought Experiments and Philosophical Problems in Tech

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 23:22:48 +0000

From a pair of generals paralyzed by bad communication to a trolley hurtling out of control, we look at some classic thought experiments and how they pertain to technology. Plus, are we living in a simulation?

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TechStuff Classic:Weather Tech, Part 1

Fri, 17 Mar 2023 19:13:50 +0000

How are weather predictions made? How does the tech used in meteorology work? And can we control the weather?

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Tech News: OpenAI's New GPT Won't Destroy The World. Probably.

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 19:12:11 +0000

There's a new version of GPT out in the wild and it has some interesting new features (and familiar problems). Chinese company Baidu's version of a chatbot fails to inspire investors. And TikTok faces new demands that it sever all ties with its Chinese parent company. Plus more!

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TechStuff Tidbits: The First Flight Simulator

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 22:23:20 +0000

While modern flight simulators can be incredibly complicated and rely on powerful computer systems, the very first flight simulator didn't have any computers at all. Instead, it relied on stuff you'd normally find in a pipe organ. We learn about Edwin Link and his incredible flight simulator.

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Tech News: Happy Pi Day! Let's Catch Up

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 21:44:19 +0000

We've got a lot of updates for ongoing news stories in tech. Meta plans more layoffs, New South Wales debates banning TikTok on government devices, Sony argues that Microsoft is untrustworthy, and more.

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What Was SVB And Why Did It Fail?

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 20:00:38 +0000

Silicon Valley Bank, or SVB, was a financial pillar in the tech sector. So how did a company that helped countless startups launch fail in less than two days? We look at the history of SVB, what happened, and how it relates to banks like Silvergate and Signature failing.

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TechStuff Classic: How Solar Towers Work

Sat, 11 Mar 2023 00:12:02 +0000

What are solar towers? How do they generate electricity? What's the future of solar power?

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Tech News: Tech Knows Where You Are

Fri, 10 Mar 2023 00:01:31 +0000

Senators show concern about how the FBI collected geolocation data without going through normal procedures. Google pays out a large settlement relating to how the company handled location tracking. Plus we have stories about facial recognition tech, how Tesla is under scrutiny for accidents (and for steering wheels popping off of SUVs) and more.

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Love the internet? Thank women!

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 18:44:06 +0000

Bridget Todd host of There Are No Girls on the Internet steps in for Jonathan to celebrate women in tech for International Women's Day.

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Tech News: Is TikTok's Clock Running Down in the US?

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 23:30:29 +0000

The US Senate introduces a bill that could give the President the power to ban TikTok (and other foreign tech products and services). Microsoft introduces an AI platform for enterprises. Cambridge Analytica resurfaces in the news down under. And Meta plans to hold more layoffs soon. Plus more!

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Revisiting Crypto Ponzi Schemes

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 20:39:18 +0000

The Ponzi scheme is a classic high-stakes con game that can net a scammer a lot of money, but at considerable risk. We take a look at the Terraform Labs collapse of 2022 and learn what factors led to its downfall and why its co-founder is on the run.

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TechStuff Classic: Apple vs the FBI

Sat, 04 Mar 2023 00:08:39 +0000

What does the FBI want Apple to do and why do so many tech experts oppose it? Ben Bowlin joins the show to talk about it.

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Tech News: AI is Either Dumb or it is Changing the World or Both

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 22:59:28 +0000

There seems to be a lack of consensus regarding whether or not AI is about to change everything or if it's more hype than substance. We explore several news items that look into this. Plus, the ACLU doesn't think the US should ban TikTok. Airbnb might ban you based on who you hang out with. And DARPA is looking for some new aircraft designs.

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Strange Stuff We Sent To Space

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 20:57:41 +0000

Getting into space is hard, which is why it might surprise you to learn about some of the weird, wild and goofy stuff we've sent up there. From action figures to salmonella to Elon Musk's personal Tesla Roadster, we look at a collection of weird things we've sent to space.

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Tech News: You Got AI in my Tech News

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 22:45:27 +0000

We've got a ton of stories relating to AI to talk about today. Plus, VW's Car-Net service refuses to help detectives track down a stolen car (with a toddler inside it) unless they first pay the $150 reactivation fee. Ford proposes a future where cars repossess themselves. And everyone is banning TikTok.

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Up And Away In My Beautiful Spy Balloon

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 19:45:16 +0000

In early February, 2023, the US shot down a Chinese balloon. The US says the balloon was gathering intelligence while the Chinese claimed it was a weather balloon. We look at the history of spy balloons and how they've evolved over time, as well as the dilemma these balloons put leaders in.

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TechStuff Classic: How LIGO Works

Fri, 24 Feb 2023 22:54:13 +0000

What is LIGO and how did it detect gravitational waves? We explain!

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Tech News: The Supreme Court Nopes Out on Judging Section 230

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 23:55:32 +0000

The US Supreme Court admits it isn't qualified to make a judgment call on Section 230, which provides protection to online platforms regarding user content. Plus Apple's iOS 17 is rumored to allow users to sideload apps for the first time. And Elon Musk continues to shake things up at Twitter. And more!

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Anonymous and the SovereignDAO

Wed, 22 Feb 2023 21:56:14 +0000

Listener Nathan asked me to explain why the hacktivist group Anonymous would promote SovereignDAO, so in this epic episode we learn about the origins and evolution of Anonymous, how DAOs work, and whether the components of a DAO align with the philosophy of Anonymous.

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Tech News: A Bad PR Week for AI

Tue, 21 Feb 2023 22:26:36 +0000

We've got a bunch of AI-related stories to chat about today, and most of them are bad. From AI deciding who gets laid off to a university leaning on AI to craft a sensitive message to students and beyond, we see how artificial intelligence is creating real problems. Plus, today Microsoft attempts to convince EU regulators to let it purchase Activision Blizzard, an old iPhone sells for an astronomical price and movie studios want redditor names and addresses.

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Rerun: How 3D Audio Works

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 08:02:00 +0000

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TechStuff Classic: High Tech at High Speed

Fri, 17 Feb 2023 23:35:28 +0000

Scott Benjamin from CarStuff joins the show to talk about some of the latest tech making its way into cars. What does he think of autonomous vehicles and gesture controls?

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Tech News: Bing Gets Frisky

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 20:51:06 +0000

Are you ready for a Bing fling? Journalists report that Microsoft's AI-boosted Bing service can get a little weird. Or a lot weird. From gaslighting to personal attacks to acting like a stalker, Bing illustrates how AI chatbots might not always be the right tool for the job. Plus news about US politicians going after Big Tech, Lufthansa having a very bad Wednesday and AI taking the controls of an F-16 fighter jet.

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Riding the Hype Cycle With Web3

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 20:24:39 +0000

It's time once again to revisit the hype cycle and figure out where along the path we might find Web3. And what is Web3? And what the heck is it supposed to do and how is it supposed to work? And why is Jonathan skeptical about the whole thing?

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Smart Talks with IBM: 355 Days in Space: Finding Meaning with Astronaut Mark Vande Hei

Tue, 14 Feb 2023 08:10:00 +0000

After a historic 355 days in orbit, NASA astronaut Mark Vande Hei returned to Earth on March 30, 2022, breaking the record for the longest single spaceflight by an American. In this episode of Smart Talks with IBM, Malcolm Gladwell and Mark Vande Hei discuss conducting experiments in space, the impact of extended spaceflight on humans, and the spiciness of space chili peppers.

This is a paid advertisement from IBM.

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100% Invisible

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 17:18:42 +0000

Invisibility cloaks have long been featured in science fiction, but where are we when it comes to science fact? We look at the science behind bending light in interesting ways, and learn how metamaterials could play a part in making something invisible.

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TechStuff Classic: The MOOG Story: Part Two

Fri, 10 Feb 2023 17:07:25 +0000

What is a MOOG synthesizer? How does it work? And did people really say synthesizers didn't make real music?

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Tech News: Google Bard Hits a Wrong Note

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 20:22:55 +0000

Microsoft and Google went head to head with their AI-powered chatbot demonstrations, and Google stumbled. No, Google Bard, the James Webb Space Telescope did not take the first picture of an exoplanet. Plus, some hackers receive sanctions from the US and UK and Nintendo gives us our first look at the new Legend of Zelda game.

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TechStuff Tidbits: A Profile On Alessandro Volta

Wed, 08 Feb 2023 20:44:43 +0000

We credit Alessandro Volta with the invention of the battery, the man who identified electromotive force, and a dude who was interested in swamp bubbles, among other things. We learn a bit about the life and contributions of Volta.

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Tech News: The Chatbot Wars are Coming

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 18:11:23 +0000

It sounds like Microsoft is about to throw down the chatbot gauntlet and Google is responding with its own AI-powered chat program. China isn't going to be left out either. What's in store for the rest of us? Plus news about Big Tech's earnings calls last week and more layoffs in the industry.

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The SxSW Interactive Story

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 22:14:21 +0000

How did a music festival become one of the biggest tech events in the US? We look at the history of SxSW, explore some of the notable (and sometimes disastrous) things that happened there and Jonathan relives one of his worst memories as a professional.

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TechStuff Classic: The MOOG Story (Part One)

Fri, 03 Feb 2023 22:31:12 +0000

What is a MOOG synthesizer? How does it work? And did people really say synthesizers didn't make real music?

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Tech News: US Senator Asks Apple and Google to Ditch TikTok

Thu, 02 Feb 2023 20:47:13 +0000

Senator Michael Bennet is asking Google and Apple to dump TikTok from their app stores. Snap and Meta held their Q4 2022 earnings calls this week with very different results. Plus stories about Google, why AMD's chip prices haven't gone down despite a decline in demand, and how Netflix plans to crack down on account sharing.

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TechStuff Tidbits: Ben Franklin and the Glass Armonica

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 18:35:21 +0000

Only Benjamin Franklin would listen to a musician playing wine glasses and think "I bet I could use technology to make this easier." And he did by inventing the Glass Armonica, an instrument that gained a peculiar reputation for producing ethereal music and . . . health problems?

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Tech News: A Big Week for Big Tech

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 20:35:31 +0000

Several of the major tech companies have earnings calls this week, which will tell us more about how they're doing and where we go from here. Plus, we learn more about the affects of layoffs in tech companies, a paralegal investigates DoNotPay's AI claims and how the three big companies in video games are skipping E3 this year.

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Rerun: Spoofing and Caller ID

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 04:08:04 +0000

How do scam artists disguise their phone numbers when setting up robocalls? We look at Caller ID and spoofing and learn how companies and government agencies are trying to fight back.

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TechStuff Classic: The Philips Story: Part Two

Sat, 28 Jan 2023 03:42:13 +0000

What happened to the Philips company during World War II? How did Philips diversify over the decades? What's next for the company?

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Tech News: AI Blunders and a Liquid-Metal Robot

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 22:33:13 +0000

An academic publisher says that it will not publish academic papers written by ChatGPT. Futurism uncovers more problems with CNET's use of AI to write articles. India pressures Twitter and Google to censor a BBC documentary. And researchers in Hong Kong show off a cool melting robot!

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TechStuff Tidbits: What is a diode?

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 21:06:52 +0000

Diodes are key components in modern electronics, but what are they and what do they do? We take a few minutes to describe diodes and their function.

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Tech News: A Chatbot Earns an MBA (Not Really)

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 18:12:20 +0000

A business school professor says that ChatGPT passed the final exam needed to earn an MBA. Microsoft announces a commitment to a multi-year, multibillion dollar relationship with OpenAI. And Elon Musk says that Twitter will offer an ad-free subscription level in the future. Plus more!

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The Story of OpenAI

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 01:27:35 +0000

With ChatGPT in the news, I thought it was high time we take a look at OpenAI -- the company behind the controversial chatbot. From its founding in 2015 to its shift to a "capped-profit" company, we look at the organization founded with the goal of creating AI that's beneficial for humanity.

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TechStuff Classic: The Philips Story: Part One

Sat, 21 Jan 2023 00:22:36 +0000

Who founded the electronics company Philips? Why did it nearly go bankrupt in less than five years? And who saved it?

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Tech News: Commanding Chatbots to Make Malware

Fri, 20 Jan 2023 00:31:29 +0000

Cybersecurity researchers discover that, with a little bullying, they could convince ChatGPT to make some nasty malware. Plus workers in Kenya suffered to make ChatGPT less toxic. Meta faces fines in the EU for WhatsApp. And Microsoft is gearing up for layoffs. Plus more.

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Apple Indefinitely Shelves it's AR Glasses Project

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 00:34:41 +0000

Faced with challenging engineering problems, Apple has reportedly shelved its augmented reality glasses project. We look at the history and evolution of AR, and why it's so hard to create a pair of glasses with AR capabilities.

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Tech News: Artists Versus Artificial Intelligence

Wed, 18 Jan 2023 00:53:40 +0000

Artists, musicians and even stock photography companies are starting to fire shots at generative artificial intelligence systems. Will we see lawmakers create new legislation that creates a legal framework for generative AI? At what point can you say a machine plagiarized an artistic work? Plus, Meta sues an Israeli company for scraping user data and Google has plans for all those Stadia controllers once the service shuts off tomorrow.

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RERUN: Copyright and Fair Use

Mon, 16 Jan 2023 08:29:07 +0000

In this episode from 2021, we look at the thorny issues of copyright and how fair use isn't some proactive safety play to avoid those pesky copyright strikes.

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TechStuff Classic: The Evils of Data Tracking

Fri, 13 Jan 2023 12:09:18 +0000

Codebreaker's Ben Johnson joins the show to talk about data tracking. What is it used for? What's the best case scenario? And what happens when it goes wrong?

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Tech News: A Corrupted File Grounded All US Aircraft Yesterday

Thu, 12 Jan 2023 22:31:56 +0000

A corrupt file in the FAA's systems forced all flights in the US to hold, leading to thousands of delays and hundreds of cancellations. Plus, CNET has been using AI to write articles and no one really noticed. Parler laid off about 75% of its staff. And the James Webb Space Telescope finds its first new exoplanet. Plus more!

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TechStuff Tidbits: An Update on Right to Repair

Wed, 11 Jan 2023 21:23:12 +0000

In 2022, Apple rolled out a self repair service shop. New York state passed a bill meant to give consumers more options when repairing their tech. And John Deere recently signed a memorandum of understanding with farmers loosening repair restrictions. Has the US embraced the Right to Repair? Not quite.

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Tech News: AI Makes Headlines in Early 2023

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 23:21:25 +0000

Artificial intelligence is going to be a big topic this year, and we have several stories to prove it. Plus, more about some of the stuff shown off at CES and how a school system is taking social media companies to court.

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Rerun: Start Ups and Shut Downs

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 01:18:38 +0000

The world of startups is already a risky one, but it gets even worse when the "move fast and break things" philosophy extends to the law. We cover some examples of startups and VC firms that made headlines for all the wrong reasons.

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TechStuff Classic: How Satellites Work

Fri, 06 Jan 2023 10:41:10 +0000

How did Sputnik change the world? What do satellites do? And what keeps them in orbit?

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Tech News: The News Out of CES 2023

Thu, 05 Jan 2023 22:07:43 +0000

From Sony’s electric vehicle to Alienware’s new 500 Hz gaming monitor, we look at a few of the early announcements out of CES. Plus an update on how Meta is facing opposition in the EU, more security experts warn that TikTok is bad news and how companies like Amazon and Salesforce will be downsizing in the new year.

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TechStuff Tidbits: ChatGPT and Natural Language Processing

Wed, 04 Jan 2023 19:58:35 +0000

Just like parents, machines just don't understand. At least, not without first compiling data into 0s and 1s. So how can systems like ChatGPT seemingly understand what we want and present results? We take a look at natural language processing and how it can create the illusion of comprehension.

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Tech News: TikTok's Time May Be Running Out

Tue, 03 Jan 2023 23:22:05 +0000

Could the US government issue a ban on TikTok? A landlord sues Twitter for failing to pay rent. Nearly 80% of all new car sales in Norway last year were electric vehicles. Plus much more!

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RERUN: The CES Products That Never Made It

Mon, 02 Jan 2023 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode from the distant past of 2021, Jonathan goes over some of the products that companies showed off at the CES trade show that never made it to market.

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TechStuff Classic: How the Industrial Revolution Worked, Part Three

Fri, 30 Dec 2022 09:08:12 +0000

In the conclusion of our series on the Industrial Revolution, we'll look at other industries that changed along with iron and textiles. We'll also learn about the living and work conditions of laborers and how that transformed our notions about work.

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TechStuff Looks Ahead to 2023

Thu, 29 Dec 2022 19:33:41 +0000

When is a predictions episode not a predictions episode? When Jonathan says so! We look at some of the things we expect to see happen in tech next year, from Apple's AR headset to how Meta handles the metaverse.

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The Big Tech Stories of 2022: To Space and BEYOND!

Wed, 28 Dec 2022 22:57:50 +0000

NASA launched Artemis I, the James Webb Space Telescope is already sending back phenomenal astronomical images, and Russia's hostilities in Ukraine force massive changes. Plus we learn about advancements in fusion, quantum computing and more!

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The Big Tech Stories of 2022: Tech and Politics

Tue, 27 Dec 2022 22:00:42 +0000

From the war in Ukraine to tech companies encountering challenges in China, we look at how global politics and tech intersected and conflicted in 2022.

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Rerun: Lighting Up the Holidays

Mon, 26 Dec 2022 08:00:00 +0000

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TechStuff Classic: How the Industrial Revolution Worked, Part Two

Fri, 23 Dec 2022 17:28:53 +0000

As we continue to explore the Industrial Revolution, we look at how iron helped shape the modern world. It's time to explore iron, steam engines and more!

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The Big Tech Stories of 2022: Twitter Descends into Chaos

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 20:20:44 +0000

Twitter tells Meta "Hold my beer" as the company has a dramatic, chaotic year thanks to the former world's richest man, Elon Musk. From corporate maneuvers to brutal layoffs to nonsensical policy changes, we look at how Twitter struggled this past year. Plus, we take a moment to talk about Elizabeth Holmes and Sunny Balwani getting prison sentences.

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The Big Tech Stories of 2022: Meta Had a Very Bad Year

Wed, 21 Dec 2022 22:28:16 +0000

2022 was a tough year for Meta. From historic earnings calls to increased regulatory scrutiny to skepticism surrounding the metaverse, the company has faltered a bit over the last 12 months. We look back on some of the big stories involving Meta in 2022. Plus, we chat briefly about streaming!

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The Big Tech Stories of 2022: The Crypto Winter

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 19:34:55 +0000

Cryptocurrencies (and blockchain and NFTs and Web3) had a rough year. Things started with a boom and then went bust. What happened? What led to the collapse of FTX? Where is crypto going from here? And is Web3 ever going to be anything more than hype?

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The Big Tech Stories of 2022: The World vs Big Tech

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 19:51:26 +0000

We're going to look back over the big stories in tech this past year, and we're starting off with the trend of governments and regulators pushing back against big tech companies like Meta, Google, Apple, and more. Should Big Tech companies be worried?

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TechStuff Classic: How the Industrial Revolution Worked, Part One

Sat, 17 Dec 2022 03:59:42 +0000

The Industrial Revolution transformed the world. Cities grew, new jobs were created and technology transformed the world. In part one, we take a close look at the textile industry.

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Tech News: US Senate Takes Stand Against TikTok

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 20:21:48 +0000

Senators voted to ban federal employees from loading TikTok on government-owned devices -- the vote now goes to the US House of Representatives. Plus Sam Bankman-Friend could face more than a century in jail if convicted. And Twitter stopped paying rent on its office space?

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The History of Social Networks: Twitching, Yakking and Gabbing

Wed, 14 Dec 2022 22:22:32 +0000

We conclude the epic series of episodes about the history of social networks by rushing through 2011 to present day. We look at Google+ and its failure, the rise and growth of Twitch, the arrival of Discord and Mastodon, and the emergence of far-right social networks like Gab, Parler and Truth Social.

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Tech News: FTX Co-Founder Arrested!

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 22:29:07 +0000

Sam Bankman-Fried, the co-founder of cryptocurrency exchange FTX, has been arrested in the Bahamas. It turns out a lot of people are very interested in speaking with him about the collapse of FTX. Meanwhile, the Department of Justice is also asking FTX competitor Binance some tough questions as customers pull their money from the exchange. Plus more!

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The History of Social Networks: Pinterest to Snapchat

Mon, 12 Dec 2022 23:19:10 +0000

After the wave of microblogs, social networks started turning to some interesting places. You had image-oriented networks like Pinterest and Instagram. And you had Snapchat, which introduced the idea of content that only stays online temporarily before disappearing. Plus more!

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TechStuff Classic: The Comcast Story: Part Two

Fri, 09 Dec 2022 23:09:35 +0000

How did Comcast become such a huge, powerful company? What happened with the doomed Time Warner deal? And where does the company go next?

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Tech News: The FBI Gets Mad at Apple

Thu, 08 Dec 2022 21:24:10 +0000

Apple's security plans have upset the FBI. The EU rules that Google is legally obligated to remove links to sites if users can prove the sites host misinformation. And Dyson has some super expensive headphones that have an interesting peripheral.

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The History of Social Networks: Here Come the Micro-Blogs!

Wed, 07 Dec 2022 21:23:24 +0000

From 2006 to 2008, the trend in social networks was short and sweet: the micro-blog. Learn how Twitter, Jaiku, Plurk and Tumblr all took different approaches to micro-blogging.

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Tech News: Meta Says No News is Good News

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 23:09:35 +0000

Meta threatens to pull news feeds off Facebook if the US passes a proposal giving media outlets collective bargaining power. Tesla is having a hard time filling positions in Germany. And Chinese hackers were able to steal millions of US dollars meant for Covid relief. Plus more.

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The History of Social Networks: Flickr to Reddit

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 22:51:48 +0000

We continue our trip through the history of social networks. This time we look at Flickr, Orkut, Bebo, YouTube and Reddit. Two of those don't exist anymore!

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TechStuff Classic: The Comcast Story: Part One

Sat, 03 Dec 2022 01:42:36 +0000

Comcast is a powerful player in the cable and Internet space. How did the company get its start? And how did cable television take off in the first place?

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Tech News: US Defense Contractors Flunk Basic Cybersecurity

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 21:03:49 +0000

Cybersecurity researchers find that only 13% of defense contractors in the US pass a basic set of cybersecurity regulations. Elon Musk wants to put a chip in someone's brain within six months. And could hydrogen fuel your next trip on a jet?

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The History of Social Networks: Myspace and Facebook

Wed, 30 Nov 2022 23:15:56 +0000

Our profile on the history of social networks continues with two of the big competitors in the mid 2000s -- Myspace and Facebook. From the infamous News Corp buyout of Myspace for 580 million bucks to the even more infamous Cambridge Analytica scandal at Facebook, we take a look at how these networks shaped the web.

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Smart Talks with IBM- Clicks, Not Code: Transforming Digital Experiences with Salesforce

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 08:02:00 +0000

The Salesforce platform can empower businesspeople to create digital solutions without writing code. In this episode of Smart Talks with IBM, Malcolm Gladwell takes on this topic with Jacob Goldstein, host of What’s Your Problem?, and guest Phil Weinmeister, Head of Product, Salesforce Americas, at IBM. They discuss human-centric design, the low-code/no-code approach, and how IBM Consulting powers digital transformations with the Salesforce platform.

This is a paid advertisement from IBM.

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The History of Social Networks: From TheGlobe to hi5

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 00:24:53 +0000

Twitter and Facebook are struggling right now, but both have outlasted many other social networks. In this retrospective, we look at early attempts to bring people together online. Some are gone, some remain, and some transformed into something else entirely.

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TechStuff Classic: The VW Scandal

Fri, 25 Nov 2022 22:18:45 +0000

What's the story with Volkswagen and emissions testing? How did the car manufacturer hide vehicle emissions? Scott Benjamin of CarStuff joins us to talk about it.

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Rerun: Planned Obsolescence and the Right to Repair

Thu, 24 Nov 2022 08:10:09 +0000

Do companies really implement planned obsolescence to get you to buy more stuff? (Spoiler: yes). And do they really resist giving you the option to repair gadgets? (Spoiler: Also yes).

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Rerun: TechStuff By the Numbers (Stations)

Wed, 23 Nov 2022 08:02:00 +0000

Numbers stations are mysterious, creepy and part of the world of espionage. We learn how shortwave radio works, why it's used for numbers stations and how you might tune in to find one yourself.

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Tech News: Twitter 2.0, Son of Musk

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 23:33:22 +0000

Even as Twitter headcount dwindles, Elon Musk announces an ambitious vision for the service's future. Alphabet is gearing up for layoffs. Tax prep services have been sending Americans' financial info to Meta. And more!

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Rerun: Copyright and Fair Use

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 21:26:42 +0000

No copyright infringement intended. Does that matter? Does it even mean anything? We look at the complicated issues of copyright and fair use.

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TechStuff Classic: Expensive Consumer Tech

Sat, 19 Nov 2022 00:01:44 +0000

With the holiday season coming up, it's time to look at some gift ideas for the filthy rich. From ridiculous watches to a multimillion dollar mobile home, we explore some of the most ridiculously expensive tech out there.

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Tech News: Do Not Question the Musk

Thu, 17 Nov 2022 22:01:18 +0000

Elon Musk allegedly fires Twitter employees who criticize his decisions. A billionaire is calling for Google to stop paying its employees so darn much. Amazon gears up for corporate layoffs. And Chinese gamers will soon lose access to games like World of Warcraft and Hearthstone. Plus more!

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7 Types of Malware

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 22:51:09 +0000

Malware has come a long way since the humble computer virus. We look at the seven types of malware (as defined by Cisco) and learn what they do and how they work, as well as how to protect your computer devices from malicious code.

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Smart Talks with IBM - Unlocking Data Strategy: Data Literacy for Better Business

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 08:30:00 +0000

Having a good data strategy can streamline the way a company does business. In this episode of Smart Talks with IBM, Malcolm Gladwell takes on this topic with Ronald Young Jr., host of Solvable, and guest Nicholas Renotte, Data Science and AI Technical Specialist at IBM. They discuss how data literacy can help make a business more efficient, the fundamentals of data management, and why data is step one to AI solutions.

A study quoted by Nicholas and referenced in this episode can be found here. Some of Nicholas’ guidance on machine learning can be found here.

This is a paid advertisement from IBM.

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The FTX Collapse

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 23:27:26 +0000

Cryptocurrency exchange FTX spectacularly imploded over the last two weeks. What happened? How did SBF go from crypto wunderkind billionaire to having assets in the neighborhood of $0? Is Binance CEO CZ the Lex Luthor to FTX's Clark Kent? Plus more!

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TechStuff Classic: What was Web 2.0?

Fri, 11 Nov 2022 21:21:25 +0000

Once upon a time, a buzz term called Web 2.0 dominated discussions about web sites. What did Web 2.0 really mean? Or does it mean nothing?

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Tech News: Meta Cuts 13% of Workforce

Thu, 10 Nov 2022 22:20:46 +0000

Mark Zuckerberg oversees more than 11,000 job cuts across Meta. Twitter continues its bumpy ride post Musk acquisition. And IBM breaks a quantum processing record.

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Tech News: Twitter Fires and then Re-hires Some Employees

Wed, 09 Nov 2022 00:35:11 +0000

The dumpster fire that is Twitter continues this week as we learn about Twitter reps scrambling to re-hire some of the employees let go in last week's layoffs. Elon Musk toys with putting Twitter behind a paywall. Meta may be holding layoffs of its own this week. And the creator of the Oculus makes a VR headset that kills you for real if you die in a game.

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The Dangers of the Internet of Things

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 21:33:16 +0000

The Internet of Things (IoT) can bring with it a ton of benefits, but it can also introduce security and privacy vulnerabilities. In this episode, Jonathan describes a few notable cases where IoT devices caused some massive headaches.

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TechStuff Classic: DNA Forensics

Fri, 04 Nov 2022 22:30:17 +0000

Ben Bowlin of Stuff They Don't Want You to Know joins the show to talk about DNA forensics, cold cases and science. How reliable is DNA evidence?

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Tech News: It's Not Easy Being Green

Thu, 03 Nov 2022 21:47:59 +0000

Pantone's licensing agreement with Adobe means that designers will have to cough up fifteen bucks a month to access certain colors. Twitter continues to have a tumultuous week. Meta is testing out NFTs in Instagram. And TikTok is facing scrutiny around the world.

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The Rise and Fall of Vine

Wed, 02 Nov 2022 19:39:34 +0000

With rumors that the video app Vine is set to return, we look at Vine's history. Where did it come from? Where did it go? Did Cotton Eye Joe have anything to do with it?

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Tech News: Twitter is Full of Musk

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 19:06:11 +0000

Last week, Elon Musk completed his Twitter acquisition and began to clean house, firing multiple executives. This week, he continues with launching projects and planning future layoffs. Plus news about Meta, Google, Microsoft and Sony!

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Spooky Action at a Distance

Mon, 31 Oct 2022 19:37:49 +0000

Why did Einstein refer to quantum entanglement as "spooky action at a distance?" What is locality? Could quantum systems allow for faster than light communication? Could that violate causality? It's a spooky quantum episode of TechStuff!

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TechStuff Classic: Patronage Makes a Comeback

Fri, 28 Oct 2022 20:16:25 +0000

How has the Internet fueled a return to the old system of patronage? This episode explores crowdfunding resources like Indiegogo and patronage services like Patreon. Can they work for anybody?

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Tech News: Apple Begrudgingly Adopts USB-C for iPhones

Thu, 27 Oct 2022 23:07:00 +0000

The EU will require Apple to switch to a USB-C port on iPhones starting in late 2024 and the company isn't happy about it. Plus Elon Musk is on the verge of closing his deal for Twitter, the US Department of Justice is reportedly investigating Tesla and gamers might be shocked to learn that physical copies of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II have no game on the physical disk.

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TechStuff Tidbits: Exploring the Uncanny Valley

Wed, 26 Oct 2022 19:27:44 +0000

What is the uncanny valley? What causes that feeling of uneasiness we get when we see certain robots or CGI characters? What makes them creepy?

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Combatting Hiring Bias: Recruiting a Diverse Workforce with Intelligent Automation

Tue, 25 Oct 2022 07:31:00 +0000

Intelligent automation can help combat the human biases that can lead to discriminatory hiring practices. In this episode of Smart Talks with IBM, Malcolm Gladwell takes on this topic with Jacob Goldstein, host of What’s Your Problem?, and guest Angela Hood, founder and CEO of ThisWay Global. They discuss how intelligent automation can accelerate inclusive hiring practices, why machines can mitigate bias but not remove it, and why diverse companies are more competitive.

This is a paid advertisement from IBM.

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The Ghost in the Machine

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 21:44:46 +0000

What does "the ghost in the machine" mean? From philosophy to artificial intelligence, we explore this idiom to understand what it means, how it's used and if the dream of strong AI is realistic.

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TechStuff Classic: Tinder Loving Care?

Fri, 21 Oct 2022 22:45:23 +0000

It's time to tackle Tinder. Where did the app come from? Do people use it for more than just hooking up? And what do you get when you go premium?

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Tech News: Netflix Targets Shared Passwords

Thu, 20 Oct 2022 20:23:42 +0000

Netflix has a plan for all those households that share login credentials. Uber is going to advertise to you, a lot. A mysterious GPS interference affected air travel in Texas. And did physicists uncover the cheat code to the universe?

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TechStuff Tidbits: Putting a Stake in Vampire Power

Wed, 19 Oct 2022 18:26:14 +0000

What is vampire power? Why do electronic devices pull power even when they're not on? And what are some ways to stop it?

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Tech News: The Death of G4TV (Again)

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 19:56:07 +0000

Less than a year after its relaunch, G4TV once again goes dark. Plus online entertainment company Rooster Teeth faces harsh criticism in the wake of a former employee's accusations. And Parler is getting a new owner.

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Ghost Hunter Technology Revisited

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 00:22:53 +0000

Modern ghost hunting relies heavily on the use -- or misuse -- of technology. Learn about EMF meters, what constitutes electronic voice phenomena, and why your "ghost host" thinks it's all a misunderstanding.

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TechStuff Classic: Alphabetizing Google

Fri, 14 Oct 2022 17:26:10 +0000

What does Google's restructuring mean for the company?

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Tech News: Zuckerberg Triples Down on VR

Thu, 13 Oct 2022 20:29:49 +0000

At the Meta Connect event, the company showed off the new, more advanced and very expensive VR headset formerly known as Project Cambria. Plus we learn about what soldiers think of Microsoft's HoloLens.

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The Zombies Are Attacking

Wed, 12 Oct 2022 19:34:26 +0000

What is a zombie computer? What is a botnet? And what the heck is a DDoS attack? We look at a common tactic used by hackers to silence or inconvenience a target, how it works, and the measures companies like Cloudflare take to mitigate them.

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Tech News: Meta Gets Connect-ed

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 23:00:01 +0000

Meta is holding its Connected conference today and we expect to see the new VR high-end headset codenamed Project Cambria, plus updates on the metaverse. In other news, CNN dumps NFTs, Delta invests in air taxis, and the US government might redefine the gig economy.

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Much Ado About Nothing Phone

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 19:48:45 +0000

Nothing Technology, Ltd released the Nothing Phone (1) in July 2022. What sets this phone apart, and is it really going to transform smartphones forever? (Spoiler: No it is not).

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TechStuff Classic: Photo Editing and Manipulation, Part Two

Fri, 07 Oct 2022 20:10:29 +0000

Dylan is back to talk about the post-digital age of photo manipulation, when Photoshop and other programs began to allow more people to change images. Learn about famous disasters in photo edits and funny uses of Photoshop.

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Tech News: Elon Musk Agrees to Buy Twitter. . . . Again

Thu, 06 Oct 2022 20:54:24 +0000

Elon Musk, Twitter, Tesla, ultrasonic, autonomous, self-driving, China, Great Firewall of China, TLS, nuclear fusion, social media, depression, critical thinking, Activizion Blizzard, Blizzard, Overwatch 2, quantum computing, Intel, Uber, Amazon, union

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Critical Thinking and Tech Evangelists

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 18:59:26 +0000

It pays to think critically about claims folks make about technology. In this episode, we look at how the sunk cost fallacy can lead people to make very bad decisions, how cryptocurrency resembles an MLM and how to temper enthusiasm for tech with careful consideration.

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Tech News: Supreme Court to Weigh In on Section 230

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 20:23:25 +0000

The US Supreme Court agreed to look at a case that involves Section 230, a rule that protects internet platform from being held liable for stuff posted by users. Plus news about Google Translate in China, a supertanker that is using sails to offset fuel consumption and whether a deepfake company really did purchase the likeness rights of Bruce Willis.

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The Death of Google Stadia

Mon, 03 Oct 2022 20:54:56 +0000

Google announced that Stadia, its cloud-based gaming service, is shutting down in January, 2023. What does that mean for Stadia customers? Are there Stadia customers? And could Google's own history of abandoning products be the root of the problem?

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TechStuff Classic: Photo Editing and Manipulation, Part One

Fri, 30 Sep 2022 22:13:43 +0000

HowStuffWorks photo editor Dylan joins the show to talk about the pre-digital age of photo manipulation. Learn about airbrushing, composite photos, double exposure and more!

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Rerun: It's All Relative

Thu, 29 Sep 2022 19:44:26 +0000

How do the theories of special relativity and general relativity apply to satellites? Why is the speed of light constant, but time and distance are not? We get all Einstein up in here!

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Rerun: Right-Handed Bias - A Sinister Problem

Wed, 28 Sep 2022 19:33:30 +0000

Being left-handed in a world primarily shaped by and for right-handed people can be a challenge, particularly with technology. In this episode, we look at how a right-handed bias can create frustrations for left handers, and how bias in tech can take on more sinister aspects. That was a pun.

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Smart Talks with IBM- The Future of Supply Chain: Building Sustainable and Transparent Businesses

Tue, 27 Sep 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Sustainable supply chains are good for the planet and good for business. In this episode of Smart Talks with IBM, Malcolm Gladwell takes on this topic with Tim Harford, host of Cautionary Tales, and guest Sheri Hinish, IBM’s Global Sustainability Services Leader and Offering Leader for Sustainable Supply Chain, known as the “supply-chain queen.” They discuss the supply-chain crisis and why transparent, responsible supply chains are imperative for our future.

This is a paid advertisement from IBM.

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Rerun: Deep Learning and Deepfakes

Mon, 26 Sep 2022 20:48:52 +0000

What's a Generative Adversarial Network? How can a program create a deepfake video? And how do we tell the difference between what's real and what's computer-generated?

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TechStuff Classic: How Periscope Works

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 21:48:23 +0000

What is Periscope? What's the technology behind the company? And did Jonathan livestream a podcast?

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Tech News: Grand Theft Data

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 20:18:53 +0000

The makers of Grand Theft Auto are responding to a hacker who leaked dozens of videos of the next title in the series. Russia implies it might shoot down Starlink satellites. And Iran cracks down on the Internet in the wake of civil protests.

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The Story of Ping

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 18:04:37 +0000

What is the ping tool, what is it used for, and where did it come from? We learn about the man who first created ping, why it's not an acronym for anything, and why gamers care about it.

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Tech News: The Epic Apple vs Epic Fight Continues

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 21:26:13 +0000

An appeals court is preparing to hear arguments from Epic, Apple, the State of California and even the US Department of Justice in the ongoing battle between developers and Apple. Hackers gained access to Uber's systems and we're not sure how bad it was yet. And Nvidia is announcing new GPUs today!

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Creating more resilient supply chains by decoupling labor from location: Elliot Katz and Shai Magzimof of Phantom Auto

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 04:00:00 +0000

The promise of autonomous vehicles and machinery has been on the minds of industries, consumers and science fiction writers for many years. While advancements in AI, Robotics, Edge Computing and 5G Connectivity have gotten us closer to that vision, we are still quite far from computers solely running the show. The brain’s ability to compute and react to real-life situations is still a critical component to most operations, and companies such as Phantom Auto are working hard to combine these two forces - the advancements in machine learning and the power of human decision making, opening entire sectors of the labor force previously unseen.

In this episode of The Restless Ones, I had the pleasure of sitting with the founding partners of Phantom Auto, Elliot Katz and Shai Magzimof who are actively merging the world’s needs for autonomous machine operation and dynamic employment opportunities. With skilled labor as a key problem for their clients, Phantom specializes in creating remote controlled solutions for everything from forklifts, to factory and warehouse vehicles and more, all made possible through connecting the power of technology and human intelligence. Their work is also bridging the worker divide, allowing blue collar workers to enjoy the benefits of remote work that their counterparts enjoy, avoiding the hazardous and other physical challenges typically associated with their work.

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Fairphone and the Sins of the Tech Industry

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 20:01:41 +0000

The Fairphone company's mission is to make smartphones that are repairable, rely on sustainable and recycled materials, and that aren't contributing to troublesome operations in your typical electronics supply chain. So we take this opportunity to turn a critical eye to the tech industry to understand why Fairphone's mission is so important.

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TechStuff Classic: The Sad Tale of HitchBot

Sat, 17 Sep 2022 00:26:16 +0000

What was HitchBot all about and what happened to it? From hitchhiking across Canada to a violent end in Philadelphia, we tell the robot's story. Scott Benjamin guest hosts.

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Tech News: Twitter Deals, Whistleblowers, and National Security, Oh My!

Thu, 15 Sep 2022 22:50:45 +0000

Twitter shareholders voted to approve Elon Musk's acquisition bid for Twitter even as a whistleblower testified in front of Congress that Twitter has terrible security practices. Plus Senators put social media in the hot seat, California sues Amazon and EA's anti-cheat strategy is scary.

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How Dynamic Ads Work in Podcasts

Wed, 14 Sep 2022 21:11:31 +0000

Listener Ryan Barrier asked how advertising works in podcasting, and how even old episodes can have current ads in them. So in this episode, we look at dynamic ad insertion and the tricky challenge of balancing business with content.

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Tech News: Twitter Shareholders Vote on Acquisition Today

Tue, 13 Sep 2022 23:04:51 +0000

Twitter's shareholders are expected to approve Elon Musk's proposed Twitter acquisition even as Musk continues to try and extricate himself from the deal. Meta spins off the PyTorch project into a new, independent foundation. Square Enix announces that a computer game is going to shut down prematurely. And much more!

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Obsolete Forms of Media

Mon, 12 Sep 2022 22:38:34 +0000

One challenge with data preservation is that the way we store information changes rapidly. In this episode, we look at some media formats that are now obsolete, including some that Jonathan had never heard about before!

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TechStuff Classic: The Decline of Google+

Fri, 09 Sep 2022 16:59:32 +0000

Is Google Plus heading off into the sunset? What happened? In this update to a classic episode, TechStuff looks at what went wrong.

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Tech News: Apple Announces New iPhones and More

Thu, 08 Sep 2022 22:01:43 +0000

Apple held its Far Out event and unveiled new iPhones, Apple Watches and Airpods. Google is telling employees to cut back on company travel. Microsoft has invested in Travis Kalanick's next company. And Twitter is going to let a subset of users finally edit their tweets.

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The Automated Highway Concept

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 18:33:42 +0000

Way back in 1939, GM proposed a highway system that would allow cars to travel rapidly down highways with no danger of traffic congestion or accidents. What would it take to create an automated highway system, and why is the focus instead on making vehicles themselves autonomous?

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Tech News: NASA Delays Artemis I Launch

Tue, 06 Sep 2022 21:46:06 +0000

We'll have to wait a while longer before the first of NASA's missions to return us to the Moon takes off. Plus, Brazil tells Apple to include phone chargers or else, a human rights group tells Meta to step up against Brazilian President Bolsonaro's misinformation campaign, and the hardware chief who oversaw the development of the PS5 is retiring. And more!

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How the Great Movie Ride Worked

Mon, 05 Sep 2022 07:30:00 +0000

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TechStuff Classic: Is Carbon Dating on the way out?

Fri, 02 Sep 2022 09:19:40 +0000

How does radiocarbon dating work? And why might it be less reliable in the future? Learn about carbon-14 and how it can be used to guess when ancient things were alive.

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Tech News: Going Back to the Moon and Playing D&D in Space

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 18:17:18 +0000

NASA is going to try again with the Artemis I launch, part of the program to return humans to the Moon's surface. Microsoft faces potential resistance to its acquisition of Activision Blizzard among UK regulators. And Dungeons & Dragons sends a D20 to space. Kind of.

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TechStuff Tidbits: How do Cams work?

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 15:53:39 +0000

What is a cam? How do cams fit into mechanical systems, and why do we use them?

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Smart Talks with IBM - The Mayflower Autonomous Ship: AI and Automation at Sea

Tue, 30 Aug 2022 10:00:00 +0000

The world’s first autonomous vessel to cross the Atlantic Ocean is signaling a new era in maritime technology. In this episode of Smart Talks with IBM, Malcolm Gladwell takes on this topic with Lauren Ober, host of The Loudest Girl in the World, and guests Brett Phaneuf and Don Scott, the engineers behind the Mayflower Autonomous Ship project. The two explain how automation and AI allowed them to reimagine the design and use of a ship at sea and their implications beyond maritime navigation.

This is a paid advertisement from IBM.

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I Never Meta Pixel That I Liked

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 22:57:39 +0000

A listener asked to learn more about the Facebook/Meta Pixel, an ad tool that is incredibly powerful (and invasive). What is the Pixel, how does it work, and is there any escape from it?

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TechStuff Classic: Tech in the Post Apocalyptic World (Part 2)

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 17:32:43 +0000

There's been an Event. What sort of tech can you rely upon after the zombie outbreak? Or solar flares? Or whatever?

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Tech News: Twitter and Facebook Shut Down Pro-US Propaganda Campaign

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 22:13:41 +0000

Facebook and Twitter have been shutting down fake accounts spreading pro-US narratives in the Middle East and Asia. Google warns us of a hacking tool that can download your entire email inbox. And in most of the world it's about to get more expensive to buy a new PS5.

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Janet Jackson and Nikola Tesla

Wed, 24 Aug 2022 20:56:31 +0000

How could a music video's audio shutdown a computer? Why did the Tacoma Narrows bridge collapse in 1940? And did Nikola Tesla build an earthquake machine?

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Tech News: When is a nanometer not a nanometer?

Tue, 23 Aug 2022 22:52:03 +0000

Apple's 3 nm chips are on the way. A former Apple employee pleads guilty to industrial espionage. Oracle allegedly knows everything about you. And Sony announced its new VR hardware will be out in early 2023.

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The History of Smart TVs

Mon, 22 Aug 2022 23:46:40 +0000

Televisions weren't always smart. You might argue they still aren't. But there's a surprisingly long history behind them and of the effort to bring extra information to televisions.

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TechStuff Classic: Tech in the Post Apocalyptic World (Part 1)

Sat, 20 Aug 2022 01:01:57 +0000

There's been an Event. What sort of tech can you rely upon after the zombie outbreak? Or solar flares? Or whatever?

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Tech News: Mt. Kilimanjaro Gets WiFi

Thu, 18 Aug 2022 19:36:27 +0000

Tanzania has installed high-speed internet on Mt. Kilimanjaro, providing more resources to mountain climbers and influencers alike. Facebook and TikTok are cracking down on political misinformation in the lead up to US elections. And a Janet Jackson music video was once the scourge of laptop hard drives.

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VR, the Metaverse, and Barriers to Entry

Wed, 17 Aug 2022 21:47:20 +0000

In this episode, we look at some of the issues with VR that could act as a stumbling block on the journey to the metaverse. How will VR play a part in the metaverse, and will it create a new and more dramatic digital divide?

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Tech News: Hacking a Tractor to Play Doom

Tue, 16 Aug 2022 19:30:00 +0000

Apple reportedly has a new deadline requiring corporate employees to come back to the office. Some Signal users had their phone numbers exposed in a phishing attack. And a hacker partnered with a Doom modder to bring the first person shooter to tractors. Plus more

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Affirm and Max Levchin

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 22:01:06 +0000

How does the fintech company Affirm work? And what's the story behind its founder, Max Levchin? From Chernobyl to Peloton, our story takes some pretty crazy twists and turns.

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TechStuff Classic: TechStuff Takes Manhattan (Project)

Fri, 12 Aug 2022 07:30:00 +0000

What was the Manhattan Project all about? What went on during the Manhattan Project and who were the influential people involved? Ben Bowlin joins the show to talk about it.

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Tech News: Cisco Gets Hacked

Thu, 11 Aug 2022 19:34:46 +0000

Ransomware hackers got access to some Cisco systems but forgot to actually do the ransom part. Streaming services are grappling with the problem of managing costs and becoming profitable. And SpaceX's Starlink won't be getting hundreds of millions of dollars in federal aid after all. Plus more.

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Super Soakers and Rocket Science

Wed, 10 Aug 2022 20:10:23 +0000

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Tech News: How do you Google is Google Down when Google is Down?

Tue, 09 Aug 2022 19:19:32 +0000

Google's software update caused a brief but widespread outage of services. The US government stalls on passing an antitrust bill that would have a massive effect on the tech sector. And the semiconductor shortage continues to disrupt the automotive industry, plus more.

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What does Google X do?

Mon, 08 Aug 2022 20:13:04 +0000

Listener Charlie wants to know about X, the Alphabet subsidiary where Google engineers conduct super secret research and development on everything from jetpacks to augmented reality headsets. We learn about its history and some of its successes and failures.

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TechStuff Classic: The Manhattan Project Part One

Fri, 05 Aug 2022 20:11:29 +0000

In this episode, Ben Bowlin joins the show to talk about the scientific and political landscape that made the Manhattan Project possible. What was Einstein's role? Who first discovered nuclear fission?

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Tech News: Virtual Real Estate Values Plummet in the Metaverse

Thu, 04 Aug 2022 19:04:14 +0000

Late last year, speculation around the metaverse fed into a crazy market for virtual real estate. Six months later, values have dropped 80%. What happened? Plus an update on Apple's battle with Ericsson and how some researchers were able to defeat a next-generation encryption strategy.

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Why Facebook Might Leave the EU

Wed, 03 Aug 2022 19:37:56 +0000

Mark Zuckerberg has said that Facebook and Instagram might have to shut down operations if there's not a change to EU privacy requirements. It turns out that's not a threat, it's a cry for help. We learn about what might force these platforms out of the EU.

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Tech News: The Sun is Angry

Tue, 02 Aug 2022 20:29:08 +0000

A solar storm is heading toward Earth but it's nothing to worry about. Plus, Apple says its human rights were violated and the Chairman of TSMC states the obvious.

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The Volume and The AR Wall

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 21:53:44 +0000

Franchises like Star Wars and Star Trek have recently received a filmmaking upgrade in the form of The Volume and The AR Wall (respectively). What do these systems do and how could they change filmmaking?

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TechStuff Classic: Disruptive Technologies

Fri, 29 Jul 2022 19:30:08 +0000

What exactly is a disruptive technology? Jonathan explains the term and gives examples of how technology can really shake things up.

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Tech News: A Mega Load of Meta News And More

Thu, 28 Jul 2022 22:40:06 +0000

Meta held its Q2 2022 earnings call and we learned a lot about what's going on with the company. We also learned that soon Meta will charge more for VR hardware and that it might be easing off on its misinformation policy. Plus news about Samsung, Google, Apple making a car and the next Grand Theft Auto game.

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Why Jony Ive Left Apple

Wed, 27 Jul 2022 20:36:21 +0000

Concluding our epic series about Jony Ive and his influence at Apple, we find out how Steve Jobs's death affected the designer, the projects he worked on over the last decade, and why he stepped away from the company.

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Smart Talks with IBM: The Good Hacker: Hacking Businesses before Criminals Do

Tue, 26 Jul 2022 07:30:00 +0000

The headlines tell us cyberattacks are a big, consistent threat to business data – and ours. In this episode of Smart Talks with IBM, Malcolm Gladwell takes on this topic with Tim Harford, host of Cautionary Tales, and Stephanie “Snow” Carruthers, Chief People Hacker for X-Force, IBM. Snow and her team are finding creative solutions to test their clients’ security, including hacking into their systems before criminal hackers do.

This is a paid advertisement from IBM.

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Apple Takes Off with Jony Ive

Mon, 25 Jul 2022 21:57:23 +0000

Steve Jobs, Jony Ive and others at Apple were able to make huge changes, going from the brink of bankruptcy toward success. What would come next would be an incredible era of innovation and success at the company, from iPods to iPads.

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TechStuff Classic: Digital Immortality, Part Two

Fri, 22 Jul 2022 18:24:28 +0000

Stuff You Should Know's Josh Clark and Jonathan continue their discussion about achieving immortality through technology. What are the philosophical problems and will it ever happen?

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Tech News: Meta Is Going to Court Again

Thu, 21 Jul 2022 19:18:42 +0000

Mark Zuckerberg is going to have to appear in a federal court to answer questions about his alleged involvement in the Cambridge Analytica scandal. Meanwhile, an art installation company is also suing Meta for being a copycat. Plus lots more!

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Jony Ive and the Transformation of Apple

Wed, 20 Jul 2022 20:41:01 +0000

Upon the return of Steve Jobs to Apple, Jony Ive found his role transformed. Given more freedom and authority to have innovative designs find their way into products, Ive and Jobs set out to restore Apple's reputation in the industry.

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Tech News: Twitter Wants Musk in Court in September

Tue, 19 Jul 2022 18:38:52 +0000

Twitter wants to bring its case against Elon Musk's refusal to go through with his acquisition of the company, and it wants that case to happen in September. Musk argues that the case should be pushed to February of next year. Plus we learn about another Russia fining Google, Apple being sued for being anticompetitive (again) and more!

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The Story of Jony Ive - The Early Years

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 21:26:23 +0000

Jony Ive, the genius designer who helped redefine Apple's identity, has recently cut ties with the company. Here we learn about his origins and journey to Apple during the company's most chaotic era.

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TechStuff Classic: Who Wants To Live Forever?

Fri, 15 Jul 2022 19:19:39 +0000

Could technology let us live forever? Stuff You Should Know's Josh Clark joins the show to talk about the possibility of digital immortality.

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Tech News: Jony Ive and Apple Part Ways

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 22:52:45 +0000

Apple and Jony Ive's design company have chosen not to extend a contract, meaning for the first time in 30 years Apple will be without Ive's influence in design. Also, more than 500 women sue Uber over the violence they experienced from drivers.

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Preserving Video Games

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 20:30:17 +0000

Why is the preservation of video games such a complicated mess? And what's the big deal with preserving them in the first place? We look at how enthusiasts and historians are trying to find ways to prevent old games from being forgotten.

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Tech News: Whistleblower Outs Uber's Bad Behavior

Tue, 12 Jul 2022 23:53:32 +0000

A lobbyist who formerly worked for Uber has dumped more than 100,000 internal documents recording various questionable practices Uber used between 2013 and 2017. It's worse than what we thought. Also, are you ready to pay a subscription fee to access your car's options?

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The Twitter Story, But Longer

Tue, 12 Jul 2022 00:34:00 +0000

In 2014, TechStuff did The Twitter Story, but a lot has happened in the following 8 years. We look at what has happened to the company, including its current mess involving Elon Musk.

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TechStuff Classic: Swords - The Real Cutting Edge Technology

Fri, 08 Jul 2022 19:30:20 +0000

What is the history of the sword? What are they made from and what is an alloy? Special guest Ariel Kasten joins the show to talk about pointy things.

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Tech News: Beware of Chinese and Korean Hackers

Thu, 07 Jul 2022 19:44:21 +0000

Intelligence and law enforcement agencies warn that hackers from China and North Korea are causing massive problems. A former Facebook employee claims the company is able to undelete user data despite claiming otherwise. And is the video game industry in for a bad year?

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COPPA, YouTube and a Creepy Cartoon

Wed, 06 Jul 2022 19:01:21 +0000

When Kris Straub uploaded a creepy animated short to YouTube in 2018, he indicated that it was for audiences 18 and older. So why did YouTube's AI overrule Straub to say the video is suitable for kids? We look at COPPA and how it has affected YouTube.

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Rerun: Fireworks, Part Two

Tue, 05 Jul 2022 07:30:00 +0000

Where does the color come from in fireworks? How are those giant displays choreographed? We conclude our discussion on fireworks.

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Rerun: TechStuff Lights Some Fireworks

Mon, 04 Jul 2022 06:30:00 +0000

How do fireworks work? From the basics to fully choreographed displays, we take a look at the tech of making stuff go boom.

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TechStuff Classic: High Tech Farming

Fri, 01 Jul 2022 18:46:18 +0000

Agriculture has come a long way since the invention of the plow. Learn about how high-tech gadgets are revolutionizing agriculture!

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Tech News: How Roe vs Wade Decision Affects Tech

Thu, 30 Jun 2022 18:09:09 +0000

A controversial ruling by the US Supreme Court has had a big impact on the country as a whole and the tech industry is no exception. Plus, one FCC commissioner wants Apple and Google to remove TikTok from their app stores. And Major League Baseball might be fed up with human umpires.

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How Flash Drives Work

Wed, 29 Jun 2022 19:04:05 +0000

By listener request, here's an episode about flash drives and flash memory. What makes it different from RAM and hard drives? How does it store information?

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Smart Talks with IBM: Building Trustworthy AI: A Holistic Approach

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 14:42:50 +0000

Advocating for artificial intelligence to be built and deployed ethically is no longer just a compliance issue but more of a business imperative. In this episode of Smart Talks with IBM, Malcolm Gladwell takes on this topic with Dr. Laurie Santos, host of The Happiness Lab, and Phaedra Boinodiris, Trust in AI Practice Leader within IBM Consulting. Phaedra’s team at IBM is creatively tackling the global need to build trustworthy AI by approaching the challenge holistically, implementing design thinking to address problems before they arise.

This is a paid advertisement from IBM.

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Patents and Inventors Not Getting Their Due

Mon, 27 Jun 2022 21:12:33 +0000

Sometimes, the folks who invent important (or at least popular) tech end up being left out when it's time to collect the cash. We look at invention, ingenuity, patents and profit in this episode.

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TechStuff Classic: What's My Address?

Fri, 24 Jun 2022 21:48:53 +0000

The URL is a handy way to navigate to a specific web page. But where did it come from? How does it work and why are they almost always in English?

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Fw Thinking: Your Body as a Computer Interface

Thu, 23 Jun 2022 18:30:47 +0000

Could the future of electronics be the human body? We explore efforts to turn your body into a technological interface.

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Rerun: Proof of Stake vs Proof of Work

Wed, 22 Jun 2022 23:00:41 +0000

In the world of cryptocurrency, there's a need for algorithms to create a consensus for validating transactions. Bitcoin uses Proof of Work. Ethereum 2.0 will use Proof of Stake. What the heck is the difference?

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Tech News: Cloudflare Outage Disrupts the Internet

Tue, 21 Jun 2022 18:41:22 +0000

An outage in Cloudflare's content delivery network disrupts multiple services across the Internet. Plus, Meta shows off some mixed reality headset prototypes, former Tesla employees sue Tesla, and South Korea successfully puts a satellite into orbit.

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The Brink Plays Games With Sega

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 21:11:24 +0000

It was once a powerful video game company that many thought would challenge Nintendo for dominance. So what happened to Sega to make it fall so far?

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TechStuff Classic: Techs Top Rivalries

Fri, 17 Jun 2022 07:30:00 +0000

All's fair in love and tech, so they say. In this episode, we look back on some of the famous rivalries in technology.

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Tech News: Did Samsung Fudge TV Benchmark Tests?

Thu, 16 Jun 2022 21:09:49 +0000

TV reviewers suspect that Samsung is using a cheating algorithm to boost TV benchmark scores. Is Tesla's Autopilot dangerous? And did Chinese scientists really pick up an alien radio signal?

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The Obligatory “Is E3 Dead?” Episode – 2022 Edition

Wed, 15 Jun 2022 21:00:13 +0000

For years, E3 served as the video game industry's platform to promote video games and video game hardware. But some setbacks, including canceled shows due to COVID, lead to the question: is E3 dead?

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Tech News: Microsoft Says Goodbye to Internet Explorer

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 19:35:22 +0000

This week, we're seeing Microsoft's browser Internet Explorer come to an end as Google pulls the plug (officially) on Google Talk. Plus we learn about Apples second-generation mixed reality hardware even before the company announces the first one, and more!

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Is the Google AI sentient?

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 22:39:41 +0000

A Google engineer was suspended after sharing a document suggesting that Google's LaMDA conversation model may be sentient. But if a machine was sentient, how could we tell? What does the Turing Test have to do with it? And can machines think?

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TechStuff Classic: A Stingray Operation

Fri, 10 Jun 2022 13:26:50 +0000

What are Stingrays and how are they used in surveillance? Jonathan brings in the guys from Stuff They Don't Want You To Know to find out.

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Tech News: Twitter Refuses to Hand Over Data to US Government

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 17:13:44 +0000

The committee investigating the January 6th insurrection reportedly wants Twitter to hand over more internal communications about what folks in the company knew about the planned event. Tesla is facing some opposition for its required office attendance in Germany. And the James Webb Space Telescope gets hit by a micrometeoroid.

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Rerun: What is an algorithm?

Wed, 08 Jun 2022 18:18:07 +0000

The word algorithm pops up a lot in tech discussions, but what the heck is an algorithm? From learning about an Arabic genius to discovering a way to figure out what day of the week falls on any given date, we look at algorithms.

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Tech News: Twitter and Tesla and Elon, Oh My!

Tue, 07 Jun 2022 18:08:02 +0000

We get an update on Elon Musk and his quest to own or walk away from Twitter. We also learn what Apple unveiled at WWDC 2022. And we hear about an AI-piloted ship crossing the Atlantic.

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Rerun: Machine Learning 101

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Why is it so hard to define concepts like artificial intelligence and machine learning? What do those even mean? And how does it work? We take a very high level look at AI and machine learning.

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TechStuff Classic: DARPA Robotics Challenge Review

Fri, 03 Jun 2022 20:22:49 +0000

What did the teams competing in the DARPA Robotics Challenge have to do? Who won? And what does this mean for the future of robotics?

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Rerun: The Epic Epic vs Apple Battle

Thu, 02 Jun 2022 19:31:38 +0000

Apple is facing pressure from regulatory agencies around the world to allow developers to use payment systems outside of Apple's own. You could say the battle with Epic is where that got started.

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The Rise and Fall of Onkyo

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 07:30:00 +0000

By listener request, we learn about the history of the Onkyo company and brand. From its humble beginnings in 1946 to the declaration of bankruptcy in 2022, we learn how this company fit into the hi-fi audio equipment landscape.

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Home Lending Pal: Disrupting the Mortgage Industry with Cloud and AI

Tue, 31 May 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Historically, there have been cultural biases that have complicated the home buying process and made home ownership difficult. In this episode of Smart Talks with IBM, Malcolm takes on this subject with Jacob Goldstein, host of What’s Your Problem?, and Bryan Young and Steven Better, the co-founders of Home Lending Pal. These two visionaries are using IBM technology including AI, blockchain and cloud to create a home loan process that’s more transparent, secure, and equitable.This is a paid advertisement from IBM.

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Chilling Out with the Coolest Cooler, an episode of Business on the Brink

Mon, 30 May 2022 10:00:00 +0000

It's Memorial Day in the United States, and so we're on holiday. We're bringing to you an episode from Business on the Brink back in 2019, where Ariel and I chat about a famous Kickstarter Campaign that ultimately led to frustration and disappointment.

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TechStuff Classic: The Basic Components of Electronics

Fri, 27 May 2022 18:24:40 +0000

It's time for Electronics 101. What are the basic components of electronic circuits and what do they do? Jonathan explains.

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New Smart Talks with IBM Season Coming Soon

Fri, 27 May 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Smart Talks with IBM returns May 31. This season, host Malcolm Gladwell and a team of correspondents from Pushkin Industries meet with New Creators who are creatively applying technology in business to drive change. This is a paid advertisement from IBM.

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Tech in the Great Outdoors

Thu, 26 May 2022 10:00:00 +0000

We often think of technology as stuff that keeps us sitting at home, wired to our phones or computers or game systems. But there's an entire world of technology designed to inspire you to get outside and go exploring. We look at how tech can play a part in getting back to nature.

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TechStuff Talkback: Does Tesla's Full Self Driving work as advertised?

Wed, 25 May 2022 17:43:07 +0000

Listener Greg used the Talkback feature on the iHeartRadio app to ask an interesting question: does Full Self Driving do what Tesla says it does? We take a look at the capabilities and limitations of Full Self Driving and ask tough questions like "Who is responsible when a Tesla crashes while in Full Self Driving mode?"

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Tech News: Zuckerberg Gets Sued

Tue, 24 May 2022 20:06:59 +0000

The Attorney General for Washington DC has sued Mark Zuckerberg over the Cambridge Analytica scandal. Airbnb shuts down rentals in China. And a Florida law that would allow politicians to sue social networks over content moderation remains blocked.

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The Illegal Number

Tue, 24 May 2022 00:09:27 +0000

Listener The Gregolas asked if I might explain The Illegal Number. What makes a number illegal? Can numbers actually be illegal? Isn't that absurd? YES!

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TechStuff Classic: Hack That Auto 2.0

Fri, 20 May 2022 22:37:58 +0000

Could your car be hacked remotely? We take a look at claims and explore the possibilities of wireless car hacking.

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Tech News: Google Pulls Out of Russia

Fri, 20 May 2022 00:33:12 +0000

Lots of news to cover today, including an update on Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter, Meta is scaling back on some departments within the company, and Google's Russian subsidiary declares bankruptcy. Plus, learn how some engineers created a scientific breakthrough meant to make your burritos better.

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TechStuff Tidbits: 8-Bit Audio

Wed, 18 May 2022 23:59:40 +0000

What gives those classic video games like Super Mario Bros and Legend of Zelda their unique sound? We look at what makes 8-bit audio special, and why the 8-bit part isn't really the important, uh, bit.

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Tech News: Musk's Twitter Deal On Hold

Tue, 17 May 2022 18:43:14 +0000

Elon Musk says unless Twitter can prove its claim that less than 5% of all monetizable accounts are bots, the acquisition deal won't progress. A security researcher shows it's possible to unlock and start a Tesla vehicle through hacking. And how many times is your data traded online every day?

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An Update on Autonomous Vehicles

Mon, 16 May 2022 22:03:22 +0000

Not all self-driving cars are made equal. We take a look at the various levels of autonomous driving and speculate on how long it might be until we have a truly autonomous car on the roads.

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TechStuff Classic: The Internet Kill Switch

Fri, 13 May 2022 16:38:48 +0000

Is there a kill switch for the Internet? Is that legal or ethical? Ben Bowlin joins the show to talk about it.

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Tech News: ICE ICE Surveillance

Fri, 13 May 2022 00:07:00 +0000

All right, stop! Collaborate and listen; ICE is back with invasive digital surveillance covering essentially all US residents. Plus the SEC is after Elon Musk (again), the EU might outlaw end to end encryption and we learn what Google has announced at its I/O event.

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Goodbye to the iPod

Wed, 11 May 2022 17:26:13 +0000

On May 10th, 2022, Apple announced it was discontinuing the iPod Touch, the last in the line of iPod products. We look back on the debut, evolution and impact of the iconic iPod.

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Some DRM Disasters

Mon, 09 May 2022 21:44:04 +0000

DRM, or digital rights management, can cause far more problems than what it was meant to solve. And it doesn't even solve the problem it was designed to do. In this episode, we look at several cases where DRM caused problems for legitimate customers.

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The Future of Work

Mon, 09 May 2022 10:00:00 +0000

The last couple of years have been hard, but they've also pushed businesses to adapt quickly and innovate. We look at the technologies that power work.

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TechStuff Classic: The Story of Internet Explorer, Part 2

Fri, 06 May 2022 20:46:14 +0000

Nate Lanxon from Bloomberg joins the show to talk about the history of Internet Explorer and the future of Project Spartan.

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The Future Right Now

Thu, 05 May 2022 15:00:00 +0000

In this episode sponsored by Nissan, we take a look at the technologies being developed right now that will reshape the web and how we interact online. From Web3 to the metaverse to, yes, NFTs, we look at what's good, what's bad and what could define our future.

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The Crazy Story of Pixelon

Wed, 04 May 2022 22:17:22 +0000

In the late 90s, a man calling himself Michael Fenne had a radical idea: why not create a 1,000-channel online video network? The result was PIxelon, a company that in its short history had one of the craziest journeys in tech history.

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Tech News: US DOE Recharges Battery Production

Tue, 03 May 2022 20:24:21 +0000

The US invests in electric vehicle batteries. Meta decides to shut down its podcasting platform. And Spotify is in Roblox now!

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Data Preservation and Destruction

Mon, 02 May 2022 22:44:15 +0000

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TechStuff Classic: The Story of Internet Explorer, Part 1

Fri, 29 Apr 2022 19:26:05 +0000

Nate Lanxon from Bloomberg joins the show to talk about the history of Internet Explorer and the future of Project Spartan.

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Tech News: Meta's Numbers are on the Rise Again

Thu, 28 Apr 2022 23:00:50 +0000

Meta saw more users join its services, giving investors more confidence in the company. Amazon is in a tussle with the Australian government. And the UK plans to fine streaming services that display "harmful content."

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TechStuff Tidbits: Fuel Cells and Catalysts

Wed, 27 Apr 2022 22:06:29 +0000

Some researchers in the UK made a breakthrough that could have a dramatic impact on the cost of fuel cell technology. But how do fuel cells work anyway, and what's holding us back from using them?

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Tech News: Elon Musk is Buying Twitter

Tue, 26 Apr 2022 20:13:40 +0000

Despite all the back and forth, it looks like Elon Musk's bid for Twitter will be a success. And as you can expect, the Internet reacted with measured rationality and decorum.

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The Chaos of the Music Industry

Mon, 25 Apr 2022 19:06:21 +0000

In a continuation of last week's episode about tech and the music biz, we look at how different media had a huge impact and how digital downloads and streaming would change everything.

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TechStuff Classic: The Secret Space Plane

Fri, 22 Apr 2022 20:58:19 +0000

What's the story behind the Air Force's X-37B space plane? What is it doing on its super-long missions? Ben Bowlin joins the show to make wild speculations with me.

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Tech News: Netflix Has a Rough Phone Call

Fri, 22 Apr 2022 02:30:48 +0000

The earnings call for Netflix led to a very bad day for the company. Tesla did booming business in the first quarter of 2022. And net neutrality proponents in California are celebrating. Plus more!

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TechStuff Tidbits: MAME

Wed, 20 Apr 2022 21:30:28 +0000

Today we look at the Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator software, which does so much more than emulate classic arcade machines. What is MAME's actual purpose, and is it legal?

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Tech News: Twitter Takes a Poison Pill

Tue, 19 Apr 2022 22:26:18 +0000

Twitter's Board of Directors have initiated a poison pill strategy in an effort to fend off Elon Musk's bid to acquire the platform. In other news, Amazon is getting into the mixed reality game and holographic doctors visited the International Space Station.

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Tech and the Music Industry

Mon, 18 Apr 2022 17:09:53 +0000

The tech and business of music have evolved together, creating an enormous industry. We learn how recording technology, radio and more have shaped business.

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TechStuff Classic: A Series of Tubes Part Two

Fri, 15 Apr 2022 22:30:17 +0000

Our history lesson about the implementation of pneumatic tube systems continues. We also explore how pneumatic tubes are used currently.

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Tech News: Elon Wants His Musk All Over Twitter

Fri, 15 Apr 2022 02:20:05 +0000

Remember on Tuesday when we heard analysts wonder if Elon Musk turned down a seat on Twitter's Board of Directors because he wanted to make a move on Twitter? Well, he wants to make a move on Twitter. Plus, Meta plans to take a huge chunk out of every transaction in the metaverse and more.

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TechStuff Tidbits: Format Wars

Thu, 14 Apr 2022 03:35:02 +0000

This tidbits episode rapidly got out of hand. We take a look at big format wars in history and why they are important. We also look at how format wars can cause confusion and frustration for consumers.

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Tech News: Twitter's Board Won't Be Musky

Tue, 12 Apr 2022 21:26:15 +0000

Elon Musk won't be joining Twitter's Board of Directors after all. Plus, what happens when cops pull over a driverless car? And we learn about a gorilla who is spending too much time looking at smartphones.

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Rerun: TechStuff Samples Some Raspberry Pi

Mon, 11 Apr 2022 19:42:52 +0000

What is the Raspberry Pi? Who came up with the idea? What can the Raspberry Pi do? Listen in as your favorite tech gurus break down Raspberry Pi.

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TechStuff Classic: A Series of Tubes Part One

Fri, 08 Apr 2022 20:54:39 +0000

How do pneumatic tubes work? Lauren Vogelbaum joins the show to talk about the physics and history of pneumatic tube systems.

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Tech News: Meta Still Wants to Make Zuck Bucks

Thu, 07 Apr 2022 17:57:13 +0000

Meta ditched Diem but still plans to introduce a digital currency that employees call "Zuck Bucks." Some of Mark Zuckerberg's employees refer to him as the "Eye of Sauron" and somehow he doesn't think that's a bad thing. And we hear about a lawsuit that claims IBM fudged numbers on its revenue filings.

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TechStuff Tidbits: The Terahertz Gap

Wed, 06 Apr 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Take a close look at the electromagnetic spectrum and you'll notice there's a span of frequencies we don't seem to use very much. Why is that?

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Tech News: Exploring the Amazon (News)

Tue, 05 Apr 2022 19:28:33 +0000

Employees at an Amazon warehouse in Staten Island pass a vote to unionize. Elon Musk becomes Twitter's newest board member. And scientists have created a new message to tell aliens where to find us.

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Using Tech for Good with Baratunde Thurston

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 18:53:26 +0000

Advocate, technologist and comedian Baratunde Thurston joins the show to talk about his podcast How to Citizen and how, with a little work, we can make tech live up to its potential as a tool for positive social change.

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TechStuff Classic: How Steganography Works

Fri, 01 Apr 2022 19:03:37 +0000

How can you hide a message so that no one knows you're even communicating? Use steganography! Ariel Kasten joins the show to talk about the art of hiding messages.

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Tech News: Big Tech, Big Problems

Thu, 31 Mar 2022 23:24:57 +0000

Today's news covers a lot of important problems cropping up around Big Tech, from anticompetitive practices to deceptive lobbying strategies to the spread of misinformation on social networking platforms. Plus learn how researchers were able to hack into a Canadian broadcast satellite.

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TechStuff Tidbits: Satellite Orbits 101

Wed, 30 Mar 2022 19:37:18 +0000

What are the different kinds of satellite orbits, and what purpose do they serve? From low Earth orbits to Lagrange points, we take a high-level view. From space.

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Tech News: Sony Announces a New PlayStation Subscription Service

Tue, 29 Mar 2022 22:17:29 +0000

Sony is combining two existing services into something new. Plus the supply chain problems we've been having are likely going to get worse. And we hear about AI-generated LinkedIn profiles. Could your coworker be a robot?

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What does the Facebook Oversight Board do?

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 22:37:55 +0000

Since its formation, the Facebook Oversight Board has reviewed some important content moderation cases on Facebook. In some cases it upheld Facebook's initial decision, in more cases the board overturned Facebook's actions. But why does the board exist in the first place and how does it work? Dex Hunter-Torricke joins the show to explain.

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TechStuff Classic: The Biggest Lawsuits in Gaming History

Fri, 25 Mar 2022 20:17:54 +0000

CNET's Iyaz Akhtar joins the show to talk about lawsuits. What are some of the biggest lawsuits in gaming and how have they shaped our world?

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Tech News: Lapsus$ Hackers Identified

Thu, 24 Mar 2022 23:06:06 +0000

Cybersecurity researchers say that a 16-year-old boy in England is the ringleader of the Lapsus$ hacker group that compromised Okta and other companies earlier this week. We learn which big tech companies are the most ethical, sort of. And lots more!

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TechStuff Tidbits: What are Web 1.0 and Web 2.0?

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 22:31:00 +0000

As the buzz around Web3 grows, I thought it would be good to revisit the concepts of Web 1.0 and Web 2.0. What do those terms actually mean? And does Web3 have any connection to them?

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Tech News: Facebook Locks Out Users

Tue, 22 Mar 2022 22:44:12 +0000

In an effort to protect high-profile Facebook users, Facebook locked those users out of their own accounts. Sort of. Plus news about Google, Tesla and how the US SEC wants to hold companies accountable for greenhouse gas emissions.

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Military Simulations and Metaverses

Mon, 21 Mar 2022 19:35:00 +0000

Pete Morrison from Bohemia Interactive Simulations joins the show to talk about what goes into creating simulated worlds for military training and how that work could be part of the foundation for the metaverse.

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TechStuff Classic: How Aircraft Carriers Work: Part Two

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 08:19:58 +0000

Jonathan and Scott look back on the history of aircraft carriers and how they evolved in the US Navy. From the Enterprise to the Nimitz and beyond!

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BigTech News: Tech Lands in Lawmakers' Crosshairs

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 00:42:00 +0000

Between chasing rainbows and warding off banshees, Jonathan spends this St. Patrick's Day talking about numerous lawsuits and proposed pieces of legislation that could have enormous impacts on the tech industry. Plus Amazon picks up MGM and the James Webb Space Telescope takes its first fully-focused image.

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TechStuff Tidbits: A Brief History of Streaming Music

Wed, 16 Mar 2022 19:19:56 +0000

Today, using streaming services is how most folks access music. But how did that get started? We look at the early history that set the stage for today's music industry.

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Tech News: Russia Shuts Down Instagram

Tue, 15 Mar 2022 20:36:47 +0000

The Russian government has banned Instagram. A COVID outbreak in China could create more supply chain woes down the line. And Google employees indicate their displeasure in an internal survey. Plus more!

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How Cars Became Computerized

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 21:34:51 +0000

We've all heard how the chip shortage has hit the automotive industry hard, but when did cars begin incorporating electronics in the first place? We look at the history of computerization in vehicles.

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TechStuff Classic: How Aircraft Carriers Work - Part One

Fri, 11 Mar 2022 19:39:44 +0000

CarStuff's Scott Benjamin joins this listener requested show about aircraft carriers. How do they work and what does it take to keep one operational?

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Rerun: Getting Around in Science Fiction

Thu, 10 Mar 2022 19:36:02 +0000

Special guest Ariel Kasten is back and we talk about some more sci-fi stuff, including the various means of getting from point A to point B. Hyperspace, warp speed and teleportation - how much is science and how much is fiction?

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Rerun: The Tragedy of 3DO

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 22:39:37 +0000

This is the story of a video game console that tried to make a big change in the market but failed, and the man who dreamed it all up.

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Rerun: What were CGA, EGA and VGA?

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 19:07:00 +0000

How did IBM define computer graphics standards for the PC? What's the difference between the different standards? And why did the company get out of the graphics game?

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A Conversation with Beena Ammanath

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 21:37:36 +0000

Beena Ammanath is an Executive Director at Deloitte with a focus on AI, including how to make artificial intelligence "trustworthy." In this episode, Jonathan and Beena talk about artificial intelligence in general, what it means to be trustworthy and why you can't use a single example to cover all AI applications.

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Techstuff Classic: How Coffee Machines Work

Fri, 04 Mar 2022 23:56:29 +0000

Lauren Vogelbaum joins the show to talk about coffee machines. What's the history of coffee and how do the various gadgets work? Coffee!

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Tech News: Joe Biden Targets Social Networks in State of the Union

Thu, 03 Mar 2022 23:06:12 +0000

The President of the United States called on Congress to create laws to protect children online. McDonald's doesn't want an add on gadget to fix ice cream machines. And you'll be able to order virtual fast food in the metaverse for some reason.

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TechStuff Tidbits: What is SWIFT?

Thu, 03 Mar 2022 00:46:27 +0000

What is SWIFT, and what does a SWIFT ban actually mean? We learn about the communications system and how it facilitates the movement of large amounts of money all around the world.

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Tech News: Tech Strikes Back at Russia

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 23:10:14 +0000

The tech world has clamped down on Russia in the wake of the country's invasion of Ukraine. A cryptocurrency exchange founder is going to stand trial on charges of wire fraud and money laundering. And we say farewell to a man who co-developed Ethernet technology.

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Rerun: Formula 1 - 101

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 21:52:36 +0000

Scott Benjamin joins the show to talk about the history and tech behind Formula 1 race cars. What sets them apart?

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TechStuff Classic: Ice Core Drilling

Fri, 25 Feb 2022 11:00:00 +0000

How do scientists retrieve ice core samples? What can we learn from them? Joe McCormick joins the show to talk about really cool historical records.

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Tech News: Tech and the Russian Invasion of Ukraine

Thu, 24 Feb 2022 23:40:14 +0000

How is Russia's invasion of Ukraine affecting the tech world? Why did an American hacker decide to take down North Korea's Internet? And why is Facebook developing a universal translator?

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Audiophiles and the Perfect Sound

Wed, 23 Feb 2022 22:21:12 +0000

Audiophiles want the best listening experience from their sound systems. The only thing in the way is the tech. We explore why getting the perfect system is such a huge challenge (and why you don't necessarily need to break the bank while doing it).

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Tech News: TikTok and Your Data

Tue, 22 Feb 2022 20:29:08 +0000

Security researchers find that TikTok gives its Chinese parent company full access to user data. A consumer advocacy group in the EU thinks users should be able to sue big tech companies under the Digital Markets Act. And White Castle hires some robots.

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The Rise and Fall of Sansui

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Sansui was a Japanese company that, for a brief period, produced audio equipment that serious audiophiles still seek out to this day. We learn how the company began and we puzzle out what went wrong.

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TechStuff Classic: TechStuff Gets Flushed

Fri, 18 Feb 2022 11:00:00 +0000

How do toilets work? What's the secret behind using a Japanese toilet? And can you enter a toilet race? Josh Clark joins the show.

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Tech News: I Never Metamate I Didn't Like

Thu, 17 Feb 2022 18:26:02 +0000

Meta employees are now Metamates and I'm sorry. Also, we learn about how Russian hackers have stolen top US military secrets. And the US is looking at more ways to protect children from Big Tech.

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TechStuff Tidbits: The Problems of Obsolescence

Wed, 16 Feb 2022 19:08:29 +0000

When tech goes obsolete, it can cause problems. Sometimes they are relatively minor -- you bought into HDDVD when you should have gone Blu-ray. But sometimes it gets much more serious. We take a big picture look at the problems of tech going obsolete.

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Tech News: Meta Messed with Texas

Tue, 15 Feb 2022 20:11:17 +0000

The state of Texas goes after Meta/Facebook over data privacy. The US Senate might effectively end encrypted communication in the states. And a certain time machine might be opening its gull-wing doors to new customers soon.

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Rerun: How Speakers and Amplifiers Work

Mon, 14 Feb 2022 22:14:13 +0000

How does a speaker generate sound? What does an amplifier do and how does it work? We learn more about the science and tech behind our audio equipment.

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TechStuff Classic: The Golden Age of Radio

Sat, 12 Feb 2022 04:55:37 +0000

How did broadcast radio get its start? What were the challenges and controversies? And how did the golden age fade into history?

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Tech News: Nintendo Gets Direct and Peloton Cycles In Place

Thu, 10 Feb 2022 21:38:32 +0000

Nintendo held one of its Nintendo Direct events yesterday and we look at a few announcements. Meanwhile, Peloton continues to have a rough week as laid off employees crash an all hands meeting. And Tesla opts to turn off a function that Jonathan finds obnoxious.

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TechStuff Tidbits: Jailbreaking

Wed, 09 Feb 2022 21:42:19 +0000

What is jailbreaking? Why would you want to jailbreak a device? And how could court decisions make jailbreaking a thing of the past?

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Tech News: Nvidia Loses an Arm

Tue, 08 Feb 2022 21:38:53 +0000

Nvidia's plan to acquire Arm falls through. The IRS backpedals on requiring facial recognition for online users. And we hear about how Meta and Apple are both facing challenges on multiple fronts.

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Update: Hyperloop and the Boring Podcast

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 19:55:21 +0000

It's time to revisit the Hyperloop. What is the proposal, and how will it work? And what's up with Elon Musk's Boring Company?

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TechStuff Classic: The Rise and Fall of Atari: Part Three

Fri, 04 Feb 2022 19:06:51 +0000

In our final part in our Atari series, Chuck and Jonathan talk about the sad decline of Atari and what's left of the company today.

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Tech News: Investors Change Their Relationship Status With Facebook To "It's Complicated"

Thu, 03 Feb 2022 20:36:47 +0000

Yesterday, Meta/Facebook held an earnings call and things went poorly right out of the gate. By the time the call was over, the company was poised to shed 200 billion dollars in value. What happened? Plus, more news in tech.

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TechStuff Tidbits: Bits and Bytes

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 21:56:08 +0000

What's the difference between bits and bytes? Has a byte always been 8 bits (no, it has not)? And is a kilobyte 1,000 bytes, or 1,024 bytes? It depends! Let's all get confused with this refresher course in bits and bytes!

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Tech News: Big Tech Gets Bigger

Tue, 01 Feb 2022 18:11:55 +0000

Acquisitions are in the tech news this week, from updates on Microsoft's purchase of Activision Blizzard to the New York Times scooping up a viral online game. We also look at how hackers made more than 80 million bucks from insider trading and a group of engineers who proved da Vinci's flying machine could work.

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Libra - The Failed Facebook Currency

Mon, 31 Jan 2022 22:00:00 +0000

Diem, formerly known as the Libra Association behind Facebook's Libra currency, is kaput. Learn about how folks at Facebook attempted to launch a digital currency and the problems they encountered along the way.

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TechStuff Classic: The Rise and Fall of Atari: Part Two

Sat, 29 Jan 2022 04:36:24 +0000

In Part Two of this series, Chuck and Jonathan talk about how Atari dominated video games until the crash of 1983.

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Tech News: LG Televisions and Targeted Advertising

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 01:32:58 +0000

LG's announcement to advertisers might mean connected televisions learn more about us than we would like. Anti-vax groups were spreading lies about COVID vaccines before the US even announced a vaccine program. And the IRS wants a good look at your face. Plus more!

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TechStuff Tidbits: The Laws of Tech

Wed, 26 Jan 2022 19:45:26 +0000

From Moore's Law to the Laws of Robotics, we take a look at some famous "laws" about technology.

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Tech News: Crypto Winters and GPU Summers

Wed, 26 Jan 2022 00:34:12 +0000

The recent decline in cryptocurrency value might be good news for folks looking to buy a GPU. Attorneys want to hold Google accountable for what they say are misleading location tracking practices. And hackers have hit the Belarus railway system with ransomware in an effort to prevent Russian troops from amassing near Ukraine. Plus more!

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Peloton Stalls Out

Mon, 24 Jan 2022 22:59:26 +0000

Peloton seems to be moving backward, which is bad news for a company known for its stationary bikes. We look at the history of Peloton, the company's business model, and how recent events have convinced at least one activist investor to call for the CEO's resignation.

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TechStuff Classic: The Rise and Fall of Atari - Part One

Sat, 22 Jan 2022 01:01:56 +0000

What's the story behind Atari? Stuff You Should Know's Chuck Bryant joins the podcast to answer this listener question.

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Tech News: Roku Goes Kaput

Thu, 20 Jan 2022 21:29:13 +0000

An issue with Roku's systems on the back end caused user devices to fail for several hours on Wednesday. Plus, news about the metaverse, crypto criminals and a movie studio in spaaaaace.

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TechStuff Tidbits: Patents

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 18:00:01 +0000

What are patents for? How long do they last? And what's a patent troll? We give a quick overview about patents and why they're such a big deal in tech.

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Tech News: Airlines Warn 5G Could Lead to "Catastrophic Event"

Tue, 18 Jan 2022 22:56:53 +0000

We're on the eve of AT&T and Verizon switching on their C-Band 5G networks and several airlines warn that the tech could cause a "catastrophic event" in the form of delays and cancellations. What's going on? Plus HUGE news about Activision Blizzard and more.

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Why are so many semiconductor chips made in Taiwan?

Mon, 17 Jan 2022 17:18:22 +0000

The semiconductor chip shortage continues to be a huge problem for multiple industries around the world and has brought new attention to Taiwan, the manufacturing capital of semiconductors. But how did it get that way?

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TechStuff Classic: The Six Simple Machines

Sat, 15 Jan 2022 00:38:04 +0000

What are the six simple machines and why are they so important? Joe McCormick joins the show to explain.

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Tech News: Scams and Lawsuits

Fri, 14 Jan 2022 00:48:29 +0000

The tech news today is filled with stories about lawsuits and scams, from Apple paying employees for the time they spent being searched to Kim Kardashian getting name dropped in a lawsuit about an alleged cryptocurrency scam. Plus, Disney files an interesting (and potentially creepy) patent.

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TechStuff Tidbits: Content Farms and Clickbait

Wed, 12 Jan 2022 23:28:00 +0000

What are/were content farms, and what conditions allowed them to flourish? And what changed? From junk articles to clickbait, we look at how web sites would try to gamify the system to get more views.

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South Korea Gets Tough With Apple and Google

Tue, 11 Jan 2022 23:19:00 +0000

A law in South Korea forces Apple and Google to offer alternatives to their respective in-app payment systems. A former Amazon employee will testify to lawmakers that the company's employee review system is incomprehensible. And Razer changes up how it markets its new Zephyr masks.

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The DRM Episode

Mon, 10 Jan 2022 23:56:03 +0000

Digital Rights Management has a bad reputation. Is it earned? (Yes, yes it is). We look at the history and evolution of DRM and why critics say it's broken.

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TechStuff Classic: What is a Common Carrier?

Fri, 07 Jan 2022 11:00:00 +0000

The FCC Chairman has proposed reclassifying ISPs as common carriers under Title II. Wait, what does that mean? Jonathan explains.

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Tech News: CES 2022 Roundup and More

Fri, 07 Jan 2022 00:26:35 +0000

I talk about some of the stuff coming out of CES that I found interesting. Plus we hear about Google alienating its employees and get a story on an NFT art heist.

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TechStuff Tidbits: Why is there no universal voltage?

Thu, 06 Jan 2022 01:48:43 +0000

Travel the world and you'll discover that you will need some special gear to plug in your electronics as you go from place to place. Plugs, outlets and even voltages vary around the world. We're going to talk about why.

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The Verdict is in for Theranos

Wed, 05 Jan 2022 00:17:45 +0000

A jury returns a verdict on the case against Elizabeth Holmes, founder of Theranos and it's a mixed bag. AT&T and Verizon both agree to delay 5G rollout, but only for a couple of weeks. And CES gets underway in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Rerun: How Medieval Warfare Led to the Lawnmower

Mon, 03 Jan 2022 23:09:28 +0000

We learn who invented the lawnmower, how lawnmowers evolved, and why we even have lawns in the first place. Hint: it has to do with castles in the Middle Ages.

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TechStuff Classic: How E-Bikes Work

Sat, 01 Jan 2022 03:46:59 +0000

Electric bikes aren't a new idea. How do they work? Scott Benjamin joins the show to talk about e-bike tech.

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TechStuff Predicts 2022

Fri, 31 Dec 2021 03:27:00 +0000

It's been a while since I did a tech predictions episode. What trends are going to be big in 2022? From Web3 to the Great Resignation, we look ahead at what will shape tech in the year to come.

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A Look Back at 2021 in Spaaace (and Beyond)

Thu, 30 Dec 2021 01:51:58 +0000

As we wrap up our look back on 2021, we talk about some of the big stories involving space missions. We also look at what Tesla was up to in 2021 and we look ahead at a very different CES 2022.

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2021 and Activision Blizzard's No Good, Very Bad Year

Wed, 29 Dec 2021 01:05:30 +0000

We continue our look at the big tech stories of 2021, including a truly tumultuous year for video game company Activision Blizzard. Plus, Jonathan rants about cryptocurrencies and a vaguely-defined Web3.

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A Look Back on 2021: Would Facebook Lie to You? (Probably)

Mon, 27 Dec 2021 11:25:00 +0000

It's time to look back on some of the big tech stories of 2021, and golly this past year was a doozie. In this first episode, we look at tech's role in the spread of misinformation, how it played a part in the US capitol riots, and Jonathan once again rails about NFTs.

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TechStuff Classic: TechStuff Looks at TV Connectors

Fri, 24 Dec 2021 20:53:04 +0000

What are all the connections on the back of a television? From HDMI to composite to component cables, we explain what each means.

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Rerun: E-Waste and What To Do With It

Fri, 24 Dec 2021 03:25:27 +0000

What is electronic waste? What makes it so problematic? And what's the best way to deal with it?

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Rerun: Behind the Jargon of the Film Industry

Wed, 22 Dec 2021 21:18:11 +0000

What's the difference between a Gaffer and the Best Boy? What do all the roles on a movie set actually mean? We look at the tech and terminology of film sets.

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Tech News: Tech Crooks and Cybercrime Stats

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 21:08:55 +0000

Elizabeth Holmes, Theranos founder, awaits a jury's verdict in her wire fraud case. We learn that cyber criminals really stepped it up over the last couple of years. And Brian Eno has some harsh words for NFT enthusiasts.

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Riding the Hype Cycle

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 00:14:12 +0000

Don't believe the hype, but believe in the hype cycle. It's a tool that describes the path a tech takes from its emergence to adoption. From 3D TVs to the metaverse, we explore how we can use the hype cycle to describe how we perceive tech.

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TechStuff Classic: TechStuff Listens to Negativland

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Mark Hosler, one of the founding members of Negativland, joins the podcast to talk about audio collage, art, legal potholes and using technology to make mind blowing sound.

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Tech News: We're Not Ready for the Metaverse

Thu, 16 Dec 2021 21:21:47 +0000

An Intel senior VP explains why we're not technologically prepared for the metaverse. We cover some serious stories about abuse and hostile work environments in tech. And Roku faces a ban in the US. Plus more.

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Would TechTV Make it in Streaming Media?

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 22:11:21 +0000

TechTV was a cable channel dedicated to tech, but ultimately a merger with G4TV would spell the end of most of the channel's programming. Could it have survived in streaming form if it came out today? Tom Merritt, former TechTV guru, joins the show to talk it over.

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Tech News: The Worst Security Vulnerability in a Decade

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 23:20:19 +0000

Why are security experts calling the Log4j vulnerability the worst one in a decade? Why is OSHA investigating Apple? And why did Meta revoke one Instagram user's 10-year-old Instagram account?

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The Amazon Web Services Outage

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 19:48:22 +0000

On Tuesday, December 7th, 2021, a glitch in Amazon Web Services had a massive impact on everything from smartphone apps to Walt Disney World. We learn about the origins of AWS and what Amazon says went wrong.

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TechStuff Classic: The Sony Pictures Entertainment Hack

Fri, 10 Dec 2021 20:41:13 +0000

What exactly happened with the hack that targeted Sony? Why do some people question the official explanation that North Korea was behind it? Ben Bowlin joins the show to explain.

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Smart Talks with IBM and Malcolm Gladwell - Managing supply chain volatility in the height of the shopping season

Thu, 09 Dec 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Global supply chains have made headlines this year, with businesses in every industry and consumers all experiencing unprecedented volatility. How can companies stabilize this boundless bullwhip? In this episode of Smart Talks, Malcolm talks to Jonathan Wright, Global Managing Partner for Supply Chain Consulting at IBM, about demand forecasting and other technologies that manufacturers and vendors are using to make their supply chains more resilient. This is a paid advertisement from IBM.

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Rerun: The Death of 3D Television

Thu, 09 Dec 2021 02:26:41 +0000

For years, television manufacturers were pushing 3D features on TV sets. By 2017, all major companies had stopped trying. What happened with 3D TV?

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Tech News: The 150 Billion Dollar Facebook Lawsuits

Tue, 07 Dec 2021 22:10:06 +0000

Meta/Facebook faces a pair of class action lawsuits seeking billions in damages, alleging that the company fueled extremism and violence in Myanmar. In other news, Microsoft wrests control of servers belonging to hackers targeting companies. And NASA develops a new program to calculate the likelihood of an asteroid colliding with Earth.

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The Evil Algorithm

Mon, 06 Dec 2021 22:45:26 +0000

One of the big news stories of 2021 has centered around Facebook's "algorithm." In this episode, we dive into what that actually means and how content like misinformation and hate speech can get a big boost from Facebook itself.

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TechStuff Classic: The CES Story

Fri, 03 Dec 2021 23:06:06 +0000

It's time for another classic TechStuff episode! In this one, Chris Pollette and Jonathan Strickland give the history of CES and what it's like to attend.

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What does the future of sustainability look like for your company and your customers?

Thu, 02 Dec 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Today, consumers, businesses and governments are united in their sense of urgency about the sustainability of the planet. But how do we go about achieving it? In this episode of Smart Talks, Malcolm talks to Marc Rolfe, Senior Vice President and Head of Strategic Partners Ecosystem Success at SAP, and Jason Kelley, General Manager, IBM Strategic Partners, about how strategic partnerships between companies can create a larger industry shift toward sustainability. This is a paid advertisement from IBM.

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Will LHR tech solve the graphics card shortage problem?

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 21:45:18 +0000

A listener asked what's the difference between LHR and non-LHR graphics cards. Who knew it would turn into a full discussion on crypto mining, hash values and how companies are trying to make sure that gamers get their hands on graphics cards?

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Tech News: Twitter Gets a New CEO

Tue, 30 Nov 2021 20:11:55 +0000

Jack Dorsey steps down as Twitter's CEO again. Former Google employees sue Google for being evil. And the FBI considers encrypted messaging services like WhatsApp and iMessage to be "the most permissive" when it comes to investigations. Plus more!

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BitTorrent and The Pirate Bay

Tue, 30 Nov 2021 00:02:40 +0000

The Pirate Bay turned 18 this year. We look at file sharing, copyright issues, corporate assets and the pirates who advocate for a free Internet. It's a big ol' mess and we're going to sort it out.

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TechStuff Classic: TechStuff Tackles Typewriters

Fri, 26 Nov 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Special guest Holly Frey joins the show to talk about typewriters. What's their history and what's the real scoop behind the QWERTY keyboard?

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Rerun: The History of Cyber Monday

Thu, 25 Nov 2021 11:00:00 +0000

When did the trend of Cyber Monday begin? We take a look at the history of one of the Internet's biggest annual events.

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The Dark Side of Video Game Cheaters

Thu, 25 Nov 2021 01:38:09 +0000

From trying to scam their way onto high score leaderboards to using hacks to run rampant in online multiplayer games, we look at how cheaters have tried to take the easy way toward video game legend status.

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Tech News: NASA Plays Galactic Billiards With Asteroid

Tue, 23 Nov 2021 19:56:10 +0000

NASA launches a spacecraft that will collide with an asteroid, but on purpose. Also, Facebook executives allegedly prevented researchers from improving algorithms to limit the spread of hate speech. And Texas invites bitcoin miners to settle down, but can the state's power grid handle the load?

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A Brief History of Cheating in Video Games

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 22:36:01 +0000

From the famous Konami code to the Doom modders, we look at some of the early examples of cheat codes and cheat devices in video games.

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Rerun: The GE of Today

Fri, 19 Nov 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Tragedies and financial crises turned what used to be General Electric's strengths into liabilities. In this episode, we learn how the once dominant company began to struggle and why some think its heading for insolvency.

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How a human-centered approach is building trustworthy AI.

Thu, 18 Nov 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Creating trust and transparency in AI isn’t just a business requirement, it’s a social responsibility. In this episode of Smart Talks, Malcolm talks to Christina Montgomery, IBM's Chief Privacy Officer and AI Ethics Board Co-Chair, and Dr. Seth Dobrin, Global Chief AI Officer, about IBM’s approach to AI and how it’s helping businesses transform the way they work with AI systems that are fair and address bias so AI can benefit everyone, not just a few.

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Rerun: GE and the House that Jack Built

Wed, 17 Nov 2021 11:00:00 +0000

After World War II, General Electric would grow rapidly to the point of bloat. Then a man named Jack Welch took over as CEO and made some big changes. What was Welch's legacy?

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Rerun: GE Through World War II

Tue, 16 Nov 2021 19:35:38 +0000

In its first few decades, General Electric would grow into an enormous company with incredible influence in the United States. In this episode, we see how that played out leading up to and through World War II.

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Rerun: The Founding of G&E

Mon, 15 Nov 2021 19:21:03 +0000

General Electric has been around for more than 100 years. It's recently been in a bit of a slump. How did this company get started?

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TechStuff Classic: Taking a Ride in an Ambulance

Fri, 12 Nov 2021 11:00:00 +0000

What is ambulance technology all about? Ben Bowlin joins the show to explore this listener-suggested topic.

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Tech News: Flying Taxis and Metaverses in South Korea

Thu, 11 Nov 2021 19:02:42 +0000

South Korea is barging into the future with a municipal metaverse for Seoul and an air traffic control system for flying taxis. Plus an update on Elon Musk selling Tesla stock, why it's still hard to buy a PlayStation 5 and how a brain computer interface project interprets imaginary handwriting.

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Futures That Never Were

Thu, 11 Nov 2021 04:20:55 +0000

Science fiction writers have predicted numerous things that came true. But then there are those who have predicted stuff that didn't quite work out the way they imagined. This episode is dedicated to them.

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Tech News: Freedom From Algorithms

Tue, 09 Nov 2021 20:36:23 +0000

A proposed law in the US would make companies like Facebook give users an alternative to algorithmic-generated news feeds. The DoJ goes after ransomware hackers. And we've got news about Nintendo's next video game console (kind of).

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More of the Worst Cars of All Time

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 23:27:14 +0000

We round out a totally-not-definitive list of bad cars with entries like the Trident, the Aztek and the Hummer H2. Plus the scandal of Dieselgate and cars that were meant to fly or swim.

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The Worst Cars of All Time

Fri, 05 Nov 2021 22:12:00 +0000

It's time to talk about some cars that, for one reason or another, people love to hate. So from the Pinto to the Trabant, join us as we look at cars that were lemons, cost too much or doomed a company to bankruptcy.

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Tech News: Spaaaaaace Tacos

Thu, 04 Nov 2021 20:06:41 +0000

Meta PC's owners say "Not so fast, Facebook" to a proposed name change. Google is bidding on a defense contract. A new methodology relating to quantum computing could change everything. And astronauts make tacos in space with space chiles!

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Rerun: The Max Headroom Incident

Wed, 03 Nov 2021 19:37:20 +0000

How did hackers take over a television signal in the late 1980s? Stuff You Should Know's Chuck Bryant joins the show to talk about the Max Headroom Incident.

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Tech News: Facebook Gets Meta

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 20:08:33 +0000

Facebook changed its name, but will it change its game? Also, some folks in Oregon want to know how much water Google uses. A suspicious cryptocurrency turns out to be a scam. And YouTube is done making Rewind videos.

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The Rise and Fall of Magnavox

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 21:45:52 +0000

We learn about how Magnavox saw a surge in consumer popularity after World War II, including how Magnavox started manufacturing televisions. We also learn about the first video game console. And we find out what happened to Magnavox the company.

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Magnavox Gets Loud (1917 - 1930)

Fri, 29 Oct 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Continuing our history of Magnavox, we look at how the invention of the moving coil loudspeaker would form the foundation of the company. Oh, and also how the engineers of Magnavox figured out how to make noise-cancelling microphones for World War I airplane pilots.

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Smart Talks with IBM and Malcolm Gladwell: Quantum Computing is Tomorrow’s Computing, Today

Thu, 28 Oct 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Over the next decade, quantum computing has the potential to revolutionize the way we work and live. In this episode of Smart Talks, Malcolm talks to Dr. Darío Gil, Senior Vice President and Director of IBM Research, about quantum computing and its potential to accelerate discovery and development.

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Tech News: Facebook Tries to Save Face

Tue, 26 Oct 2021 19:46:22 +0000

Facebook held its quarterly earnings call and while the company is under criticism its revenue is through the roof. Also, Congress is asking social networking companies to think of the children and Jeff Bezos plans to build a station that's out of this world.

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The Birth of Magnavox

Mon, 25 Oct 2021 21:07:35 +0000

We dive into the early history of radio transmissions and learn about the founding of Magnavox. Along the way, we also learn about spark gap transmitters, arc transmitters and why it was difficult to break into radio in the early days.

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TechStuff Classic: Do We Need Humanoid Robots?

Fri, 22 Oct 2021 16:27:01 +0000

In this classic episode, Josh Clark joins the podcast to talk about humanoid robots. Why are we so concerned about building them and are they a good idea?

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Tech News: Mark Zuckerberg is on the Hot Seat

Thu, 21 Oct 2021 23:13:11 +0000

The Attorney General for Washington DC has named Mark Zuckerberg as a defendant in a lawsuit about Cambridge Analytica. Some companies hope to put a private space station in orbit in a few years. And the Boring Company gets closer to its plans for Las Vegas.

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What is the metaverse?

Wed, 20 Oct 2021 20:14:39 +0000

In Neal Stephenson's "Snow Crash," we were introduced to the concept of a metaverse. Now companies like Facebook are working to make their own version. But what is it?

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Tech News: Investigating Amazon

Tue, 19 Oct 2021 19:46:53 +0000

Members of Congress imply that it might be time to begin a criminal investigation into Amazon. Facebook's AI isn't up to the task of clamping down on hate speech. And NASA wants to build a communications network for the Moon. Plus more!

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The Video Game Crash of 1983

Tue, 19 Oct 2021 00:51:17 +0000

What caused the great video game crash of 1983 in North America? Was it too many lousy, cheap games? Was it the home computer? Was it E.T.? Or was it more complicated than that?

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Has the US lost the cyber war already?

Fri, 15 Oct 2021 19:24:18 +0000

Former Pentagon chief software officer Nicolas Chaillan resigned, citing frustrations regarding trying to bring the US Department of Defense up to speed with respect to cyber security and warfare. He said that China has effectively won the cyber battle. Is he right?

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Tech News: Amazon and Facebook Under Scrutiny

Thu, 14 Oct 2021 21:48:17 +0000

This episode is all about issues at Amazon and Facebook as the two companies try to fend off allegations that the companies engage in anti competitive practices. Plus we learn a bit about how Facebook is pursuing AI research.

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RERUN: Are we in cyber war?

Wed, 13 Oct 2021 20:50:17 +0000

In this classic episode, Jonathan and Chris Pollette talk about the realities of cyber warfare.

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Tech News: Facebook's Very Bad Week

Tue, 12 Oct 2021 18:31:45 +0000

Last week, Facebook was dealing with a whistleblower. This week, the company might have another one. Plus stories about Amazon corporate employees working from home indefinitely, Microsoft blocking a massive DDoS attack and Magic Leap trying to bounce back.

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Proof of Stake vs Proof of Work

Mon, 11 Oct 2021 22:43:59 +0000

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TechStuff Classic: The Sewing Machine

Sat, 09 Oct 2021 02:12:11 +0000

Holly Frey from Stuff You Missed in History Class joins the show to talk about the sewing machine and how it shaped patent law.

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Tech News: Twitch Gets Hacked

Thu, 07 Oct 2021 22:43:40 +0000

A hacker steals pretty much everything Twitch has. Facebook tries to downplay a whistleblower's allegations. And someone has taken over a US Navy Facebook page.

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Navigation in Spaaaace

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 21:44:00 +0000

Listener Terje wants to know about space navigation. We look at how orbital velocities, special and general relativity and even stuff like solar radiation can make navigating from point A to point B a big head scratcher once you go into space.

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Tech News: Why Facebook Went Offline

Tue, 05 Oct 2021 18:26:06 +0000

Facebook and all its services disappeared on Monday, October 4th. What caused the outage? Also, the US Senate interviews a Facebook whistleblower, a former Tesla employee wins a lawsuit against the company and Amazon pushes out a very expensive robot.

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The Transatlantic Telegraph Cable

Mon, 04 Oct 2021 22:48:20 +0000

It was an engineering feat to link England to France via subsea cables. Connecting Europe to America would require even greater innovation. From failed installations to engineering mistakes, we look at what it took to connect two continents separated by the Atlantic ocean.

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The History of Subsea Cables

Fri, 01 Oct 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Listener Antriksh asked that I look into subsea cables, the physical connections that link distant lands together for communication and power transmission. We learn about how physics creates unique challenges for subsea transmission and how 19th century engineers and scientists tried to overcome them.

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Accelerating Innovation with Hybrid Cloud at the Edge

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 15:15:00 +0000

The world is hitting a data tipping point where vast connectivity requires massive network capacity. In this episode of Smart Talks, Malcolm Gladwell talks to David Shacochis, Vice President for Enterprise Technology and Field CTO at Lumen, and Howard Boville, Head of IBM Cloud Platform, about how hybrid cloud is serving as a catalyst for innovation in a world where computing can and must happen everywhere: private clouds, public clouds, the edge of the network.

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Rerun: The Mythology of Area 51

Wed, 29 Sep 2021 21:38:58 +0000

Area 51 factors into stories about everything from weather-control devices to aliens. Ben Bowlin joins the show to look at the mythology of Area 51.

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Tech News: Instagram Strikes Back

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 18:04:58 +0000

Instagram and Facebook argue that the Wall Street Journal inaccurately interpreted data about Instagram's effects on mental health. A California law aims to make companies like Amazon more accountable for worker health and safety. And TikTok hits one billion monthly users. Plus more!

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Audio Wars: Analog vs Digital

Mon, 27 Sep 2021 21:24:56 +0000

A listener asked that I talk about ADCs and DACs, but to do that we have to understand how sound works, how analog works and how digital works. And then we explore whether one format is superior to the other.

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TechStuff Classic: The History of Area 51 - Part Two

Sat, 25 Sep 2021 01:53:23 +0000

What's been going on at the Area 51 site since the days of the U-2 and A-12 spy plane tests? We look at stealth technology, drones and more.

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Tech News: Jonathan Gets Mad at the News

Thu, 23 Sep 2021 21:56:52 +0000

We learn more awful stuff about Facebook. Texas's law against social media companies is challenged in court. And the White House is meeting with companies about the semiconductor shortage. Plus more!

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What Lies Ahead for the International Space Station?

Wed, 22 Sep 2021 21:38:49 +0000

We finish up our series about space stations and talk about the most recent modules to join the ISS, the private citizens who visited the ISS as tourists, what life is like aboard the space station and what the future holds.

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Tech News: Facebook on the Ropes

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 19:48:22 +0000

A series of articles in The Wall Street Journal has Facebook on the defensive. Tech companies struggle to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. And some non-astronauts learn that pooping in space is tricky.

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The Origins of the International Space Station

Mon, 20 Sep 2021 23:51:34 +0000

After several false starts, NASA's plans for a space station got a leg up when the US invited Russia to become a part of a new, cooperative enterprise. The US, Russia, Canada, the European Space Agency and Japan would come together to create a phenomenal piece of technology: the International Space Station.

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False Starts with Space Stations

Fri, 17 Sep 2021 22:17:24 +0000

As we look back on the US plans for a space station, we explore abandoned plans for a few different designs. We also learn how politics and space don't always get along.

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Tech News: Facebook Researchers Dunk on Facebook

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 20:04:59 +0000

A 2020 internal report at Facebook reveals that Instagram use can have a negative impact on mental health, and it gets worse from there. We also have stories about what Apple unveiled at their iPhone event and what's going on with the Theranos trial.

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Rerun: How Fuel Cells Work

Wed, 15 Sep 2021 20:36:27 +0000

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Tech News: Good Apples and Bad Apples

Tue, 14 Sep 2021 18:26:43 +0000

Apple holds its iPhone 13 event today and we guess at what the company will reveal. We also learn how a federal judge made a call that subsequently led to Apple losing 85 billion dollars in value. Plus news about Facebook, Google, electric vehicles and woolly mammoths.

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The Story of Mir

Mon, 13 Sep 2021 22:37:21 +0000

Mir was the first modular space station in orbit. It was simultaneously a scientific and engineering triumph and a chaotic mess. We look at the good, the bad and the on fire in this episode.

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TechStuff Classic: The History of Area 51 - Part One

Fri, 10 Sep 2021 21:35:38 +0000

What goes on at the most famous secret base in the world? Ben Bowlin joins the show to talk about Area 51, aka Groom Lake.

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Tech News: Facebook is so Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades

Thu, 09 Sep 2021 20:28:59 +0000

Facebook and Ray-Ban introduce new smart glasses. Twitter creates Communities. And the Australian High Court makes a really bad decision about Facebook.

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TechStuff Visits Space Stations

Wed, 08 Sep 2021 23:23:22 +0000

We've talked about space suits. Now it's time to talk about space stations! From the first Salyut space station to the incredible story of Skylab, we look at early space stations in this episode.

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Tech News: Tech and the Surveillance State

Tue, 07 Sep 2021 20:30:46 +0000

There's a lot of tech news about the role of tech in surveillance. It's not particularly happy news. We also talk about how Android users are watching more TikTok videos than YouTube videos. And I feel old.

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TechStuff Classic: 5 Technologies To End All Wars - That Didn't

Mon, 06 Sep 2021 20:00:44 +0000

Can technology end war? Several people thought so at one time or another. We look at five examples of idealists who thought tech would end warfare.

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Home Theatre 103 - Components and Cables

Fri, 03 Sep 2021 19:39:01 +0000

Just when you thought it was safe to watch a Blu-ray. We look at more tech that's necessary for a great home theater system. From AV Receivers to the cables you'll need to hook everything together, we get to the bottom of what makes home theater work.

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Tech News: Reddit Takes Misinformation Seriously

Thu, 02 Sep 2021 22:29:31 +0000

After numerous protests, Reddit shut down a subreddit dedicated to the spread of COVID-19 misinformation. Will it follow up on similar problematic subreddits? And in other news, India cracks down on VPNs, the feds still depend on facial recognition tech and Amazon and SpaceX are in a space fight.

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Rerun: The Dangers of Public WiFi

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 20:57:03 +0000

Hacker extraordinaire Shannon Morse joins the show to talk about how you can protect your data when browsing the Internet. Is public WiFi off limits? Are VPNs reliable? What about Tor?

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Tech News: South Korea Brings the Hammer Down on Apple

Tue, 31 Aug 2021 20:52:06 +0000

While the US debates whether Apple and Google's in-app purchasing systems are anticompetitive, South Korea jumps ahead and bans the companies from preventing app developers from using other purchasing systems. Also, China cuts down on video game time for kids and we have a launch date for Windows 11.

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Home Theatre 102: Screens and Sounds

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 21:35:22 +0000

We follow up with a bit more about what you need to know when selecting a screen for your home theater, plus all the options for sound. What's the difference between 5.1, 5.1.2 and 7.1? We explain!

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TechStuff Classic: Who was Claude Shannon?

Fri, 27 Aug 2021 10:00:00 +0000

TechStuff salutes an incredibly influential (and yet relatively unknown) tech genius: Claude Shannon. What did he do?

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Tech News: OnlyFans does a 180

Thu, 26 Aug 2021 19:42:53 +0000

Content platform OnlyFans reverses a policy change after protests and criticism hit the company. Too many government agencies around the world rely on facial recognition software. The EU wants to track cryptocurrency transactions and more!

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Home Theatre 101: The Screen

Thu, 26 Aug 2021 01:01:43 +0000

Maybe you want a new television, or maybe you want to set up a whole home theatre. This episode dives into the world of UHD experiences, from resolution to contrast ratio to HDR and beyond.

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Tech News: Tech and the Crisis in Afghanistan

Tue, 24 Aug 2021 04:00:00 +0000

We learn how a tech startup is trying to help the people of Kabul (and how the startup's founder is protecting her employees). Apple pushes back a return to the office. And a hacker generously returns the 600 million dollars they stole in cryptocurrency.

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The Shuttle Space Suits and Beyond

Tue, 24 Aug 2021 01:44:33 +0000

How did space suits evolve over the course of the Space Shuttle program, and what has been going on since? And why are spacesuits being blamed for a delay in the Artemis Program?

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TechStuff Classic: The Full Motion Video Era - Home Gaming

Fri, 20 Aug 2021 19:20:37 +0000

How was full motion video used in early computer and console games? And why is it so hilariously bad?

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More Space Suits and Pooping in Space

Thu, 19 Aug 2021 23:41:41 +0000

We pick up with the space suits designed for the Apollo program. We learn what the Apollo astronauts had to do in order to go to the bathroom in space. Warning: it isn't pretty.

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Rerun: Working with the Large Hadron Collider

Thu, 19 Aug 2021 00:39:20 +0000

Jonathan is joined by Daniel Whiteson of Daniel and Jorge Explain the Universe. Daniel works in the field of experimental particle physics and conducts research using the LHC.

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Tech News: Dude, Where's My Data?

Tue, 17 Aug 2021 20:32:16 +0000

The Dallas Police Department accidentally deleted 22 terabytes of data. Hackers infiltrated T-Mobile servers and claim to have stolen the private information of 100 million customers. And we learn about a vigilante group targeting trolls on TikTok.

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Space Suit Evolution

Mon, 16 Aug 2021 22:45:44 +0000

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TechStuff Classic: The Full Motion Video Era - The Arcade

Fri, 13 Aug 2021 19:06:25 +0000

What is FMV and how did it change video games? From the brilliant to the brilliantly awful, we take a look at FMV.

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Tech News: Netflix Wages War Against VPNs

Thu, 12 Aug 2021 21:43:07 +0000

Netflix tries to stop people from using VPNs to view region-locked material. Facebook faces new anticompetitive investigations in the UK. A report shows the New York Police Department spent more than 150 million dollars on surveillance tech without public oversight. And more.

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Rerun: The Artemis Program

Wed, 11 Aug 2021 20:46:00 +0000

NASA is soliciting applications for its astronaut program in anticipation of sending men and women to the Moon. Learn all about the Artemis program, its goals and what comes next!

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Tech News: The US Infrastructure Bill Introduces Some Tech Problems

Tue, 10 Aug 2021 19:06:11 +0000

The US Senate has approved a 1.2 trillion dollar infrastructure bill, but contained within that bill are some amendments that could cause problems down the road. Also, Twitter uses a competition to root out problems with its photo cropping algorithm.

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The 2014 Sony Hack Revisited

Mon, 09 Aug 2021 23:10:01 +0000

In late 2014, hackers stole an enormous amount of information from Sony Pictures, then wiped out thousands of computers and hundreds of servers. A group calling itself Guardians of Peace claimed responsibility. But what was really going on?

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TechStuff Classic: TechStuff Camps Out

Fri, 06 Aug 2021 18:39:21 +0000

From the good old days of roughing it to the high tech campsite of the future, we look at the tech of camping.

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Tech News: Time Crystals

Thu, 05 Aug 2021 22:57:28 +0000

Google researchers claim they can use quantum computers to study time crystals, and we figure out what that sentence means. We also cover stories about Facebook, Apple, and how the US is using artificial intelligence to predict the enemy.

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Rerun: Tron- He Fights For the Users

Wed, 04 Aug 2021 17:28:40 +0000

Steven Lisberger, writer and director of the 1982 film Tron, joins the show to talk about the tech of making the film and the mythology of Tron itself.

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Tech News: Tesla - The Good, The Bad, and the On Fire

Tue, 03 Aug 2021 17:29:04 +0000

Tesla Autopilot may have averted tragedy in Norway, but it also thought the moon was a traffic light. And a massive Tesla battery caught fire, requiring four days of firefighting to extinguish it. In other news, the space station did some unplanned flips last week.

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The Highly Valued But Unprofitable Tech Unicorns

Mon, 02 Aug 2021 22:56:07 +0000

It sounds like a paradox: a tech company is worth billions of dollars but operates at a loss year after year. We look at a few companies that have struggled with this and the challenges of turning a profit.

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TechStuff Classic: Passing the Turing Test

Fri, 30 Jul 2021 21:46:32 +0000

Did a pair of programmers make a chatbot that passed the Turing Test? What exactly is the test and has anyone beaten it before?

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Smart Talks with IBM and Malcolm Gladwell - An Open Conversation about Open Innovation

Thu, 29 Jul 2021 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Smart Talks, Malcolm talks to Jim Whitehurst, senior advisor at IBM and an expert in open source software and innovation. During their conversation, Jim reveals how embracing moments that initially feel like chaos can ultimately lead to more open organizations, and broader access to new ideas.

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The History of Energy Efficiency

Wed, 28 Jul 2021 23:35:59 +0000

Once upon a time, the US wasn't really fussed about energy conservation. So what happened? From wars to oil embargoes to environmental disasters, we look at the factors that would shape energy policy and a more responsible approach to energy consumption.

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Tech News: VPN Fails and Apple Vulnerabilities

Tue, 27 Jul 2021 20:14:00 +0000

A company offering a VPN service has some explaining to do after Ukrainian officials seize some servers. Apple patches a zero-day vulnerability. And Alienware computers are just too powerful for six states.

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The Y2K Bug Was (And Is) a Real Problem

Mon, 26 Jul 2021 22:56:57 +0000

In the late 90s, the Y2K bug was a big news item. People worried that everything from toasters to airplanes would fail as computer systems mishandled the change from 1999 to 2000. But what was really going on, and why did Y2K come back last year?

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TechStuff Classic: Solar Freaking Roadways

Fri, 23 Jul 2021 10:30:00 +0000

You may have seen the Indiegogo solar roadway project. What are the goals of solar roadways? Are they realistic?

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Tech News: Internet Down

Thu, 22 Jul 2021 19:33:47 +0000

A problem with a Content Delivery Network meant that several major web sites and services went offline on Thursday. The State of California brings a lawsuit against video game company Activision Blizzard. And the UAE zaps clouds to make it rain.

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What is an algorithm?

Wed, 21 Jul 2021 22:36:51 +0000

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Tech News: Billionaires in Spaaaace

Tue, 20 Jul 2021 19:31:41 +0000

Jeff Bezos takes a joyride on a rocket. Apple delays when employees will have to return to the office. And an illegal cryptocurrency mining operation turns out to be something completely different.

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Tech Flops, Fails and Misfires

Mon, 19 Jul 2021 21:40:29 +0000

We make some time to celebrate some of the ideas and companies in tech that just didn't work out. From bad ideas to bad luck, we explore the factors that lead to failure in tech.

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TechStuff Classic: How Carbon Fiber Works

Fri, 16 Jul 2021 20:24:02 +0000

What's the manufacturing process for carbon fiber? What properties does carbon fiber possess?

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Tech News: Cryptocurrency Co-founder Calls Crypto Bad News

Thu, 15 Jul 2021 21:40:31 +0000

A Dogecoin co-founder speaks out against cryptocurrency. Android 12 takes a new spin on auto-rotate. President Biden signs an executive order supporting the right to repair. And what do emoji sound like?

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Spoofing and Caller ID

Thu, 15 Jul 2021 00:52:40 +0000

How do scam artists disguise their phone numbers when setting up robocalls? We look at Caller ID and spoofing and learn how companies and government agencies are trying to fight back.

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Tech News: Amazon is the new Santa Claus?

Tue, 13 Jul 2021 19:45:01 +0000

ByteDance employees are about to have less work. Google faces a big fine in France. And Amazon just got permission from the FCC to watch you sleep. Plus more!

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Batteries and Fast Recharging

Mon, 12 Jul 2021 20:59:55 +0000

A listener asked to learn more about fast recharging technologies, so we take a look at the history and evolution of batteries, what happens with rechargeable batteries and the complicated mess of fast recharging solutions.

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TechStuff Classic: The History of Carbon Fiber

Fri, 09 Jul 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Carbon fiber is an amazing material. Where did it come from? And were people really making it in the 19th century?

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Tech News: Amoral Algorithms and Anticompetitive App Stores

Thu, 08 Jul 2021 20:09:45 +0000

Former president Donald Trump files legal complaints against YouTube, Twitter and Facebook. More than 30 states say that the Google App store is "monopolistic." China's WeChat shuts down LGBT channels on the platform. And Dodge announces an all-electric muscle car.

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A Conversation with Iyaz Akhtar

Wed, 07 Jul 2021 18:30:15 +0000

Iyaz Akhtar joins the show to talk about his career in tech, his friendship with Jonathan and what it's like to have your finger on the pulse of the technology sector.

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Tech News: India Cracks Down on Twitter

Tue, 06 Jul 2021 17:55:00 +0000

The government in India says that Twitter could be held liable for illegal material posted to the network. The "King of Bitcoin" is under arrest. And learn why some major Internet companies say they might pull out of Hong Kong.

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Rerun: Firestarter

Mon, 05 Jul 2021 19:19:10 +0000

How were matches invented? From toxic chemicals to pee science, we learn about matches. And a fictional character stops by to irritate our host.

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TechStuff Classic: How Clothes Dryers Work

Fri, 02 Jul 2021 17:36:42 +0000

Clothes dryers have evolved from precarious, fire-bellied devices to the increasingly green machines we know today. We cover the history of dryer tech, plus the newest innovations and NASA-funded research. And, of course, explain how they work.

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Tech News: Give Me Liberty And Give Me Tech

Thu, 01 Jul 2021 19:03:13 +0000

The FCC cracks down on spoofing. Google has a digital COVID card. And companies that make autonomous vehicles in the US must report all major accidents moving forward. All this and more.

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Tech Glossary: From SEO to Y2K

Wed, 30 Jun 2021 22:14:10 +0000

We've reached the end of our primer on tech acronyms and initialisms (for now). In this episode, learn about search engine optimization, what an SSID is, why you should pick WPA over WEP and what Y2K was all about.

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Tech News: The Algorithms are Against Us

Tue, 29 Jun 2021 17:01:00 +0000

In today's news episode, we learn how one YouTube algorithm banned a legitimate channel and how over at Amazon an algorithm can fire employees. Plus ISPs and Netflix go to battle in South Korea and Apple has an extreme solution to information leaks.

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Tech Glossary: From PCB to SaaS

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 22:19:22 +0000

What's a PCB? What makes an RTF? What the heck is SaaS? We continue to demystify the acronyms and initialisms common in tech circles.

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TechStuff Classic: How Planetariums Work

Fri, 25 Jun 2021 17:05:06 +0000

What goes into making a planetarium work and where did they come from?

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Tech News: The Mystery of McAfee

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 17:40:13 +0000

John McAfee, the founder of McAfee Antivirus, was found dead in a jail cell in Spain after a court ruled he would be extradited to the US for tax evasion. We look at his life, plus stories about Amazon throwing out hundreds of thousands of products each month and how a change at Google might mean millions of links will go dead.

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Tech Glossary: From ISDN to P2P

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 00:08:14 +0000

What does MPEG stand for? What does MIDI do? And are P2P networks inherently bad? We learn some more tech initialisms and acronyms.

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Tech News: When tech, politics and money meet

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 17:58:06 +0000

We got ourselves some Hubble Trouble. The US House of Representatives isn't a fan of SpaceX and Blue Origin. And cryptocurrencies keep taking a beating.

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Tech Glossary: From GPU to IRC

Mon, 21 Jun 2021 18:10:20 +0000

Our series on tech acronyms and initialisms continue. From learning basics like input and output to what it is that ICANN does, we've got you covered.

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TechStuff Classic: The Worst Video Games of All Time (Update)

Fri, 18 Jun 2021 14:43:19 +0000

Recently, a documentary crew went out to the desert to dig up some legendary Atari cartridges. It reminds us of this classic TechStuff episode.

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Tech News: Proposed Laws to Protect Consumers

Thu, 17 Jun 2021 19:38:04 +0000

Here in the US, the government is looking at laws that could change how tech companies operate. Japan is looking into supersonic passenger flight technology. And Amazon is cracking down on fake reviews.

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Tech Glossary: From DLL to GPS

Thu, 17 Jun 2021 00:38:29 +0000

We continue learning about the initialisms and acronyms used commonly in tech and what they mean. From proprietary file extensions to global navigation systems, we work our way through the technological alphabet.

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Tech News: E3 and Nuclear Weapons

Tue, 15 Jun 2021 19:12:07 +0000

The 2021 E3 is going on right now, and Microsoft is taking the opportunity to dominate conversations. A ransomware hacker group targeted a nuclear weapons contractor. And a group of tech companies wants the SEC to require corporations to submit a regular climate change performance report.

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Tech Glossary: From A to DLC

Mon, 14 Jun 2021 19:00:00 +0000

In this new series, we take a look at acronyms and initialisms in tech and learn what they mean, plus get a little story behind them. Learn about ASCII and BIOS and CSS and more!

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TechStuff Classic: The HBO Story: Part Three

Fri, 11 Jun 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Today, HBO is known for its original programming that's so popular people can't stop pirating it. We look at the company's current strategy.

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Tech News: Corporations, Crime and Cryptocurrency

Thu, 10 Jun 2021 20:51:07 +0000

Hackers share billions of passwords while others infiltrate EA's internal systems. El Salvador moves to make bitcoin legal tender within the country. And politicians propose legislation that could mean huge changes for some major tech companies.

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Someone Think of the Children

Wed, 09 Jun 2021 22:21:13 +0000

The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act or COPPA has been around since 1996. So why was it suddenly in the headlines in 2020? We explore this law, its purpose and what consequences it has on the world of online content and advertising.

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Tech News: Row Row Row your Roboat

Tue, 08 Jun 2021 18:31:22 +0000

A massive sting operation brings down 800 criminals around the world thanks to an "encrypted" messaging app. Bitcoin value sinks again after the US seizes a ransom paid in cryptocurrency. And in the future you might cruise Amsterdam's canals on a robotic boat.

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How Tech Spies On Us

Mon, 07 Jun 2021 20:54:24 +0000

Is your phone eavesdropping on you? Does that smart speaker listen in on your conversations? Turns out, they don't need to, because companies can access enormous amounts of personal data in other ways.

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TechStuff Classic: The HBO Story- Part Two

Sat, 05 Jun 2021 00:04:51 +0000

What happened to HBO once cable subscriptions hit a saturation point? We look at how the company transitioned from startup to corporate.

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Smart Talks with IBM and Malcolm Gladwell - Couch vs. cubicle: is the future of work hybrid?

Thu, 03 Jun 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Remote working has kept many businesses afloat over the last year, but has it kept employees productive, enthusiastic, and inspired? In this special episode of Smart Talks, recorded at IBM’s Think Conference, Malcolm spars with his longtime friend Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist and professor at the Wharton School, about what we’ve learned through remote working and how businesses can approach a hybrid model. Can we, and should we, return to “normal”?

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AT&T and Warner Media: A Failed Love Affair

Thu, 03 Jun 2021 01:00:30 +0000

Continuing our history of Warner Bros/Time Warner/WarnerMedia, we look at how the failed merger of AOL Time Warner shook out. Then we explore how the media landscape changed rapidly in the 2000s. And we learn why AT&T bought WarnerMedia only to turn around and sell it off again.

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Tech New: The Era of Killer Robots

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 17:33:40 +0000

A report claims Google purposefully hit location tracking settings to discourage users from turning them off. Facebook funds a questionable report. And we learn about a military drone that attacked targets autonomously.

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Rerun: TechStuff Moments with Mr. Lincoln

Mon, 31 May 2021 04:30:19 +0000

The Disneyland attraction Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln originally started out as a World's Fair attraction before taking up residence in the Happiest Place on Earth. We look at the history, technology and evolution of this popular Disney attraction.

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Smart Talks with IBM and Malcolm Gladwell: Can AI be empathetic? Reinventing client experiences

Fri, 28 May 2021 10:00:00 +0000

In a time that’s been challenging for everyone, perhaps no other industry has been hit harder than healthcare. Anthem, one of America’s leading health benefits companies, needed to be ready to answer member questions at a moment’s notice. In this episode of Smart Talks, Malcolm talks to Anil Bhatt, Senior Vice President and CTO of Anthem, and Glenn Finch, Managing Partner of Global Business Services at IBM, about how AI is helping people interact with healthcare in a whole new way.

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Tech News - Time Flies in VR

Thu, 27 May 2021 21:55:29 +0000

Human rights group urge Google to drop a cloud computing project in Saudi Arabia. UK Uber drivers now have a union they can join. And scientists think that your perception of time changes in virtual reality.

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The Warner Story Gets Messy

Wed, 26 May 2021 23:34:10 +0000

Continuing our episodes about the evolution of WarnerMedia, we look at a brief history of HBO and Cinemax. We learn about the Worst Merger of All Time. And we learn a bit about the cable business.

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Tech News – Tech and Global Politics

Tue, 25 May 2021 22:54:24 +0000

Today’s episode includes many stories of how tech and politics are clashing. From police in India raiding Twitter offices to China cracking down on bitcoin mining, we learn about how tech has come under fire from various governments and why. Plus lots more!

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The Messy Origins of WarnerMedia

Tue, 25 May 2021 02:53:42 +0000

AT&T plans to spin off WarnerMedia and have it merge with Discovery Communications, but this is just the most recent example of corporate shuffling for Warner. We look at the origins of the Warner Brothers Studio and how it gradually mutated into Time Warner.

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Fuller Monster House

Fri, 21 May 2021 19:39:30 +0000

TechStuff listeners join hosts Jonathan Strickland and Ariel as they discuss sitcoms and movies. Knives Out 2 gets another amazing actor. Dear Evan Hansen casting becomes a joke on the Internet. And they go surprisingly dark with a mash up between Full House and Monsters Inc.

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Tech News: Google I/O Highlights

Thu, 20 May 2021 21:29:46 +0000

Google held a virtual event for developers and we learned about a lot of software updates, but not much on hardware. Cryptocurrency values went through a major dip. And ByteDance has a new leader. All this and more.

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The Copyright Hammer Meets the Internet

Wed, 19 May 2021 22:27:21 +0000

Over the years, large companies have pressured governments (particularly the US government) to create strict laws that crack down on unauthorized copying and distribution of intellectual property. We look at the good, the bad and the really, really ugly consequences.

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Tech News: Chinese Rovers and Musky Rascals

Tue, 18 May 2021 18:12:49 +0000

China lands a rover on Mars. Elon Musk contributes to another dip in Bitcoin's value. Apple and Amazon Music offer lossless audio options to subscribers at no additional charge. And more!

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Copyright and Fair Use

Mon, 17 May 2021 22:10:37 +0000

No copyright infringement intended. Does that matter? Does it even mean anything? We look at the complicated issues of copyright and fair use.

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TechStuff Classic: The HBO Story-Part One

Fri, 14 May 2021 19:53:08 +0000

How did the Home Box Office network get its start? And how did it grow into the giant it is today?

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Tech News: Ubisoft Moving Toward Free to Play

Thu, 13 May 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Game developer Ubisoft is shifting toward more free-to-play titles, which generate revenue on a recurring basis. In this episode, we look at how video games traditionally made money and how that's all changing. And how will it affect the games that come out in the future?

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The Drama of Radio Theater

Wed, 12 May 2021 21:43:27 +0000

Radio dramas brought audiences to places they could never go on their own, from collapsing mines beneath Wales to a Martian invasion hitting New York City. Today, we're seeing a resurgence in the art form. Learn about the history and evolution of radio drama.

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Tech News: Fake Reviews, Fake Products and Fake Currency

Tue, 11 May 2021 18:10:59 +0000

Hackers shut down Colonial Pipeline in the largest cyberattack on US infrastructure to date. Amazon responds to calls to crack down on counterfeiting. And a casual comment from Elon Musk causes the value of dogecoin to plummet.

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How 3D Audio Works

Mon, 10 May 2021 07:00:00 +0000

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TechStuff Classic: Flying Without Fuel

Fri, 07 May 2021 20:28:50 +0000

The Solar Impulse 2 is scheduled to fly around the Earth in 2015 using only solar power. Say what? How is that even possible?

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Tech News: Think Before You Tweet

Thu, 06 May 2021 22:12:21 +0000

Facebook's oversight board says the company was justified in banning Donald Trump but needs to revisit the issue. Microsoft has never made a profit off of Xbox hardware sales. And Twitter wants you to think twice before tweeting out that mean thing you just typed.

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TechStuff Rerun: Machine Consciousness

Wed, 05 May 2021 20:28:42 +0000

Is it really possible for a machine to achieve consciousness? What does consciousness even mean? From philosophy to technological obstacles, we look at the problems and possibilities.

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Tech News: AOL and Yahoo Might Get Sold Again

Tue, 04 May 2021 19:08:11 +0000

Verizon is looking to offload AOL and Yahoo (for about half of what the company paid for them). Facebook hates Apple's new iOS rules. Sony hates crossplay. And Jonathan hates thunderstorms.

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Pokemon Go Keeps On Going

Mon, 03 May 2021 21:22:18 +0000

In a continuation of our story about Niantic, we learn how the company has grown thanks to Pokemon, and how a young wizard's spell totally failed to repeat its success.

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TechStuff Classic: How Hydrogen Fuel Works: Part Two

Fri, 30 Apr 2021 18:57:50 +0000

How are we using hydrogen today and how might we use it in the future?

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Smart Talks with IBM and Malcolm Gladwell: Reshaping the Future with Women in AI

Thu, 29 Apr 2021 19:00:00 +0000

Today, women represent approximately 22% of the AI workforce. But IBM is out to change that by increasing diversity not just in hiring but through programs such as Women Leaders in AI that celebrate diversity in the field. In this episode of Smart Talks, Malcolm Gladwell talks to IBM’s new SVP & CMO, Carla Piñeyro Sublett, and Chimka Munkhbayar, co-founder of Agrolly, about their challenges, achievements, and the steps they’re taking to create a more inclusive tech world.

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The Rise of Niantic

Thu, 29 Apr 2021 00:50:32 +0000

This is the story of the founding of Niantic, the company behind the hit smartphone game Pokemon Go. From shipwrecks to corporate acquisitions, we learn about the early days at the company.

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Tech News: Beavers Hate the Internet

Tue, 27 Apr 2021 16:27:20 +0000

Apple has some new challenges. Google and Roku are having a spat. And a beaver in Canada decided to destroy the Internet. Kind of.

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A Concrete Problem

Mon, 26 Apr 2021 18:06:29 +0000

Concrete is one of the most useful materials humans have ever made. But it also represents a big source of greenhouse gas emissions. How do we solve that problem?

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TechStuff Classic: How Hydrogen Fuel Works: Part One

Fri, 23 Apr 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Could hydrogen be the fuel of the future? We look at the most plentiful element in the galaxy and discuss the possibility.

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Tech News: Spring-Loaded Apples

Thu, 22 Apr 2021 19:12:08 +0000

Apple holds a marketing event and I like what I see. TikTok is in legal hot water in the UK. The FCC is cracking down on robocalls in the US. And it looks like a beloved old video game is getting remade.

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Machine Learning 101

Wed, 21 Apr 2021 18:24:33 +0000

Why is it so hard to define concepts like artificial intelligence and machine learning? What do those even mean? And how does it work? We take a very high level look at AI and machine learning.

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Tech News: Flying Spiders of Mars

Tue, 20 Apr 2021 18:03:03 +0000

Okay, there are no flying spiders of Mars, but there is a flying drone that successfully flew on the Red Planet (and doesn't that deserve a David Bowie reference?)! We also learn why Bitcoin had a tough weekend and a new way to play Xbox games over web browsers.

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Can't Quit the QWERTY Keyboard

Mon, 19 Apr 2021 19:13:42 +0000

The modern QWERTY keyboard has had pretty much the same layout for more than a century. Why do we still rely on keyboards (and the computer mouse as well)? We explore input devices and the longevity of the keyboard.

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TechStuff Classic: How Washing Machines Work

Fri, 16 Apr 2021 17:50:02 +0000

What makes washers tick? How have they evolved over time to become more energy efficient and conserve water? And what's going on in there?

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Rerun: Is Carbon Dating on the way out?

Fri, 16 Apr 2021 00:07:40 +0000

How does radiocarbon dating work? And why might it be less reliable in the future? Learn about carbon-14 and how it can be used to guess when ancient things were alive.

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The Mortal Kombat Konquest

Wed, 14 Apr 2021 10:00:00 +0000

After launching in 1992, Mortal Kombat would spawn a massive franchise. It would also burn out the creators of the franchise and the company that spawned it would go out of business. And yet the tournament survives!

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Tech News: Nuclear Sabotage and Pizza Robots

Tue, 13 Apr 2021 17:39:40 +0000

Iran reports that a cyber attack shut down the Natanz nuclear reactor. A former Facebook employee says that the company turned a blind eye to state-backed misinformation campaigns. And if you live in Houston, Texas, your next pizza might come via robot delivery. Plus more!

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The Komplicated Story of Midway Games

Mon, 12 Apr 2021 10:00:00 +0000

The company that created Mortal Kombat has a complicated past that intertwines with lots of other companies. This is part one of the story of Midway.

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TechStuff Classic: The Secrets of Tor and the Deep Web

Fri, 09 Apr 2021 17:13:24 +0000

What is Tor? What's the web under the web? What's really going on? We dish out the details.

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Tech News: Questions For Facebook, No More Answers from Yahoo

Thu, 08 Apr 2021 18:13:19 +0000

What's going on with the Facebook data breach that saw personal data from half a billion accounts compromised? Why are Signal app users upset? And why oh why is Yahoo Answers going away?

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Henry Ford and the Model T

Wed, 07 Apr 2021 17:35:01 +0000

The Ford Motor Company and the Model T transformed America and the world. From 1908 to 1927, Ford would produce and sell more than 15 million Model T automobiles. This is the story of the Model T, Henry Ford and the birth of modern manufacturing.

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Tech News: Apple Says AR Will Make You a Better Conversationalist

Tue, 06 Apr 2021 20:49:51 +0000

Why does Apple CEO think augmented reality will make conversations better? Did Amazon terminate two employees illegally because they criticized the company? And Google addresses an old issue that let Android apps know about all the other apps on an Android phone.

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The James Webb Space Telescope

Mon, 05 Apr 2021 14:57:52 +0000

After several delays, we expect to launch the James Webb Space Telescope later this year. Where is it going, what is it looking for, and how did it lead to Jonathan getting a tattoo?

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TechStuff Classic: Biometrics: Digital Fingerprinting

Fri, 02 Apr 2021 18:07:22 +0000

How has the Digital Age improved the centuries-old practice of fingerprinting? We explore the history of fingerprint tech and explain how modern scanners use optics, capacitance, heat and ultrasound to create prints that are harder than ever to hack.

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Tech News: All News and No Fooling

Thu, 01 Apr 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Tech journalists hate April Fools. Twitter is banning some accounts claiming to be Amazon employees. Is Google collecting 20 times more data about you than Apple? And much more!

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Living on the Edge (Computing)

Wed, 31 Mar 2021 10:00:00 +0000

What exactly is edge computing? Why is it important? We learn about edge computing, its relationship with cloud computing and the Internet of Things, and what we can expect in the future.

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Smart Talks with IBM and Malcolm Gladwell: How 5G, Edge Computing and AI are Transforming Industries

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 10:00:00 +0000

As one of the nation’s largest wireless communication providers, over 120 million subscribers count on Verizon to stay connected, but we’re not just talking about phones. Today, Verizon and IBM are working together to better connect entire industries. In this episode of Smart Talks, Malcolm talks to Srini Kalapala VP, Global Technology, Strategy and Network Cloud at Verizon and Steve Canepa, Global GM & Managing Director of IBM’s Communications Sector about how 5G, Edge Computing and AI will reshape the way work gets done.

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Planned Obsolescence and the Right to Repair

Mon, 29 Mar 2021 17:09:41 +0000

Do companies really implement planned obsolescence to get you to buy more stuff? (Spoiler: yes). And do they really resist giving you the option to repair gadgets? (Spoiler: Also yes).

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TechStuff Classic: How Ad Blockers Work

Fri, 26 Mar 2021 17:31:39 +0000

Are ads on the Web a necessary annoyance? The creators of ad-blocking software don't think so. We dig into the history of browser extensions like AdBlock and explore the controversies around them.

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Smart Talks with IBM and Malcolm Gladwell: Using AI to Rethink the Way Work Gets Done

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 10:00:00 +0000

With hybrid cloud and AI, businesses today can challenge the limits of how they put their data to work across the organization. In this episode of Smart Talks, Malcolm talks to Rob Thomas, SVP Cloud and Data Platform at IBM about what’s possible, and the steps businesses can take to access more of their data to help them make more informed decisions

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What the NFT is this?

Wed, 24 Mar 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Non fungible tokens or NFTs have been in the news recently. What the heck are they and how do they work?

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Tech News: Robots Can Be Scary

Tue, 23 Mar 2021 10:00:00 +0000

A New York council member wants to ban police from owning weaponized robots. A San Francisco couple who co-founded a startup face multiple charges of fraud. And which app is the most invasive?

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GM Navigates A Treacherous Road

Mon, 22 Mar 2021 22:19:26 +0000

General Motors and the US automotive industry entered a golden age post World War II. But energy crises and changing markets would prove to be terrain so challenging even an SUV might stall out. We round out our series on General Motors.

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Tech News: You're Being Tracked And Here's How

Fri, 19 Mar 2021 17:05:16 +0000

From Google to TikTok to car companies, we look at stories that show how tech is tracking people in real time. How might that data be used for (or against) you? And is there anything we can do about it?

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General Motors Gets Up To Speed

Wed, 17 Mar 2021 10:00:00 +0000

After being kicked out of General Motors in 1910, William Durant co-founded Chevrolet. He came back to GM in 1916, but within four years was kicked out. Again. Find out why!

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Tech News: In Pennsylvania, Robots are People Too

Tue, 16 Mar 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Tinder is getting background checks, India is banning BitCoin and in Pennsylvania robots can roam the streets legally. All this and a story about shooting sperm and egg cells into space!

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Rerun: Antikythera Update

Mon, 15 Mar 2021 17:33:39 +0000

You wouldn't think a 2,000 year old machine would need an update, but it does! This classic episode features Joe McCormick and Jonathan talking about an ancient Greek computer.

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TechStuff Classic: Time for an IRC Chat

Fri, 12 Mar 2021 20:06:21 +0000

What is Internet Relay Chat? How does IRC work and what does it do? TechStuff looks at this legacy chat tech.

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Tech News: Hack the Planet

Thu, 11 Mar 2021 11:00:00 +0000

The news is all about lots of hacking. Gab got hacked (again). A security camera company got hacked. And everyone is spying on everyone else. Learn more in today's episode!

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The Crazy Origins of General Motors

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 11:00:00 +0000

William Durant founded General Motors more than a century ago, but the story of how he did it is a who's who of early automotive history. From Buick to Oldsmobile to Cadillac to Chevy, learn about the early history of GM.

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Tech News: Tricking AI With Sticky Notes

Tue, 09 Mar 2021 20:44:17 +0000

Hackers exploit vulnerabilities in Microsoft products, those temperature-measuring gadgets might not be all that reliable and an image-recognition AI system can be fooled by pencil and paper. That and more in today's news episode!

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The Human Ethics of Artificial Intelligence

Mon, 08 Mar 2021 05:00:00 +0000

Artificial intelligence can help or hurt us on our quest for a more equitable world. We learn about the history of computer ethics, some of the issues in AI ethics today and what challenges we have to overcome in the future.

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TechStuff Classic: The History of Handheld Gaming Part Two

Fri, 05 Mar 2021 20:25:50 +0000

What's the story behind some of the more recent handheld gaming devices? Which ones failed and which succeeded?

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Tech News: Reading Unopened Letters Using AI

Fri, 05 Mar 2021 00:36:52 +0000

Netflix has a new comedy feature in its iOS app, Parler withdraws a lawsuit against Amazon (and files another one), and scientists snoop on correspondence from the Middle Ages using artificial intelligence. And more!

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The Sound of Mars

Wed, 03 Mar 2021 20:24:21 +0000

We learn more about the Perseverance Rover and how NASA engineers had to navigate tricky technical and financial challenges to make it all work. Plus, we get our first chance to listen to the soundscape of Mars. It's pretty windy.

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Tech News: Gab gets Hacked and YouTube Copies TikTok

Tue, 02 Mar 2021 11:00:00 +0000

A hacker with a piratical handle hacked into Gab and stole 70 gigabytes of data. Meanwhile, China tests out a digital currency, Minneapolis backs off of an ill-advised plan to use influencers and YouTube decides to try and do TikTok only without as many editing tools.

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NASA's Amazing Perseverance

Mon, 01 Mar 2021 20:12:43 +0000

The Perseverance Mars rover is already returning incredible video and audio from the Red Planet. We learn about the mission, how it survived massive changes at NASA and what we hope it finds while far away from home.

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TechStuff Classic: The History of Handheld Gaming Part One

Fri, 26 Feb 2021 19:21:31 +0000

How did handheld gaming get started? We look at the origins of the electronic handheld game craze and how it evolved in the early years.

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Tech News: Military Coups and Net Neutrality

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 17:14:14 +0000

We've learned more about how the military in Myanmar locked down communications in the wake of a coup. California's net neutrality law survives a legal challenge from cable companies. And Sony has plans for VR with the PS5. Plus more tech news!

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TechStuff By the Numbers (Stations)

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 19:42:46 +0000

Numbers stations are mysterious, creepy and part of the world of espionage. We learn how shortwave radio works, why it's used for numbers stations and how you might tune in to find one yourself.

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Tech News: Harder, Better, Faster, Bye Bye

Tue, 23 Feb 2021 22:16:06 +0000

Spotify announced a ton of stuff at a live event, Google is back in the political ad game, and we say goodbye to an iconic music duo. Plus more tech news!

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Radicalization by Algorithm

Mon, 22 Feb 2021 18:33:54 +0000

Bridget Todd joins the show to talk about the role social networking platforms play with radicalization and extremism. From a hands-off approach to algorithms that exacerbate a dangerous problem, we look at what we do know and establish what we don't.

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TechStuff Classic: It's All About The Polymers

Fri, 19 Feb 2021 15:53:56 +0000

What is a polymer banknote? We look at this special type of currency, how it's made and why it's important.

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Tech News: No News for Australia on Facebook

Thu, 18 Feb 2021 20:53:21 +0000

Facebook puts a ban on linking to news stories in Australia and the consequences could be enormous. Waymo starts testing autonomous vehicles in the San Francisco area. And the US Department of Justice goes after hackers connected to an attack on Sony Pictures from 2014.

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The Tech of Coffee

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 18:44:53 +0000

From harvesting to brewing, we look at some of the tech connected to that ol' cup of Joe. Learn about harvesters, hullers, pulpers, roasters and other terrifying machinery!

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Tech News: The Rise of the Robocall

Tue, 16 Feb 2021 17:20:57 +0000

Facebook is making a smartwatch, Google isn't welcome in French hotels and robocalls have changed how Americans answer (or don't answer) the phone. Plus more in tech news!

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How Medieval Warfare Led to the Lawnmower

Mon, 15 Feb 2021 16:21:17 +0000

We learn who invented the lawnmower, how lawnmowers evolved, and why we even have lawns in the first place. Hint: it has to do with castles in the Middle Ages.

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Chased by Pee-wee Herman

Fri, 12 Feb 2021 16:24:38 +0000

TechStuff listeners check out Jonathan in this three course episode as he and Ariel talk about some wacky news, discuss their thoughts on if the DCUE is salvageable, and pay tribute to one of their favorite Mel Brooks films and a great comedic actress.

Please help Large Nerdron Collider podcast grow by subscribing and telling a friend, who will tell their friend, and their friend will also tell their friend who would eventually tell all of their friends and, well you get the point. Spread the word about LNC podcast featuring yours truly, Jonathan Strickland and Ariel Kasten.

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Tech News: Nature Goes Punk Rock

Thu, 11 Feb 2021 22:40:58 +0000

We've got stories about Facebook, police using copyrighted music to escape being caught on video, and more on supply chain hack attacks. Plus we learn how a punk rock pioneer is using nature to make music, and we think back to a simpler time when we contemplated that special day between Thursday and Saturday.

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The Bankrupt Billionaire

Wed, 10 Feb 2021 17:35:03 +0000

Jia Yueting is a complicated entrepreneur. He's been involved in some big projects with some spectacular fallout. From streaming video to a startup car company, we look at his influence and failures.

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Tech News: Riots and Coups and Facebook, Oh My!

Tue, 09 Feb 2021 20:01:10 +0000

Facebook COO claims the platform wasn't heavily used to plan the assault on the US Capitol on January 6th, but the Department of Justice begs to differ. Plus news about Tesla, why the developer for Terraria will not port the game to Google Stadia and rumors about a very expensive Apple VR product.

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Flops, Failures and Falls from Grace

Mon, 08 Feb 2021 18:15:03 +0000

We've got another roundup of products and companies in the tech world that made some pretty big mistakes. That's not always bad - you can learn a lot from failure. Just ask Google!

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TechStuff Classic: TechStuff Listens to Dolby

Fri, 05 Feb 2021 21:46:14 +0000

Who was Ray Dolby? TechStuff takes a look at the life and work of a man whose inventions changed how we experience sound.

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Tech News: Lost in the Amazon

Thu, 04 Feb 2021 20:37:24 +0000

Jeff Bezos is stepping down as CEO (but will stick around Amazon). Google releases how much money it made (and lost) in cloud services. Gearbox Software has a new owner, and more!

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A Discussion on Discord

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 20:18:15 +0000

Discord started out as a useful tool for gamers, but today lots of people who have never played a video game rely on it to stay in touch. We look at the history and evolution of Discord.

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Tech News: Stealing from the Rich

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 20:48:39 +0000

Investment app Robinhood comes under fire for blocking GameStop stock purchases. Facebook's challenges in moderating content are pretty big. And we might not be going back to the Moon as early as we hoped.

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The SolarWinds Hack

Mon, 01 Feb 2021 17:35:54 +0000

Cybersecurity reporter and hacker extraordinaire Shannon Morse joins the show to talk about what happened in the SolarWinds hack. How is it different from other attacks? What should we be on the lookout for next? And how long will it take to fix it?

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TechStuff Classic: TechStuff Builds a Nest

Fri, 29 Jan 2021 21:05:44 +0000

How can a company that makes thermostats be worth $3.2 billion? We look at Nest Labs and how it may fit into Google's future.

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Tech News: GameStop Stocks and Much Ado About Nothing

Thu, 28 Jan 2021 21:49:45 +0000

News items include more updates on the stock market drama around GameStop, TikTok lays off employees in India, Virgin Hyperloop puts out a new concept video, and a new hardware company called Nothing promises something.

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Start Ups and Shut Downs

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 18:16:16 +0000

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Tech News: Malware and Mind Control

Tue, 26 Jan 2021 15:56:28 +0000

We have updates on a ransomware attack in the UK, how the Department for Education ended up giving malware-infected laptops to students and a video game future that is strictly hands-off because you control everything with your mind. Plus more!

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It's a (Crypto) Ponzi Scheme!

Mon, 25 Jan 2021 13:01:05 +0000

The Ponzi scheme is an old trick, but it's being used in new ways. Learn how this well worn scam is being tailored for the age of cryptocurrency, and the red flags you should be on the lookout for.

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Something's Rotten in Gotham City

Fri, 22 Jan 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Adaptations are rarely 100% accurate to their source material, but where is the line between adaptation and a completely new story with the same old name? Jonathan and Ariel discuss when a story isn't the story it says it is.Then we adapt two very unlikely stories of our own.

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Tech News: LG Hanging Up On the Phone Business?

Thu, 21 Jan 2021 17:58:24 +0000

LG might stop making smartphones. The SolarWinds hack continues to be really bad. Soon you'll be able to buy makeup inspired by Animal Crossing. And much more!

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The CES Products That Never Made It

Wed, 20 Jan 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Every year at CES we see a lot of interesting technology. But some of it never seems to make it beyond the show floor. This episode is dedicated to those forgotten pieces of tech.

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Tech News: Signal Flares and Police Errors

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 15:14:44 +0000

Signal found the pain of success when new users overloaded the service. UK police accidentally delete hundreds of thousands of files. And we look at continuing fallout from the riots at the US Capitol on January 6th.

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Excess Babbage

Mon, 18 Jan 2021 11:27:15 +0000

Charles Babbage was a man ahead of his time. He was an engineer, inventor, mathematician, and grouchy pants. We learn more about this historic figure and his creations.

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TechStuff Classic: Why Y2K Didn't End the World

Fri, 15 Jan 2021 13:03:26 +0000

Despite all the Y2K hype, the world kept turning on January 1, 2000. Did we have nothing to fear to begin with, or did we narrowly avoid technological Armageddon? We explore how the Year 2000 Problem worked.

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Tech News: When the Chips are Down

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 12:46:11 +0000

Intel gets a new CEO, the Signal messaging app gets a bunch of new users and CES gets virtually crazy. All this and more in today's news episode.

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The Google Stadia Story

Wed, 13 Jan 2021 16:13:38 +0000

Google launched a video game streaming service called Google Stadia in 2019. Can Google succeed where others failed, or will Stadia become another Google product that fades away?

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Tech News: Coups and CES

Tue, 12 Jan 2021 12:22:05 +0000

The assault on Capitol Hill in the US has already had an enormous impact, including in the world of tech. We look at how social platforms and hosting services have responded. We also learn about what we'll be seeing this week at CES, plus more.

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The Death and Rebirth of Earthlink

Mon, 11 Jan 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Earthlink encountered some serious challenges in the 2000s. From the rise of cable and telecom companies in the ISP world to the decline of the dial-up customer base, things looked grim. But while some news sites declared Earthlink dead in 2017, it turns out they were a bit premature.

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TechStuff Classic: TechStuff Bonds With Spy Tech Part Two

Fri, 08 Jan 2021 19:40:43 +0000

Are invisible cars and exploding pens just the stuff of James Bond fiction? We look at spy gear both real and imaginary in this episode.

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Tech News: Trade Wars and Classic Blunders

Thu, 07 Jan 2021 11:00:00 +0000

What happened to Chinese billionaire Jack Ma? Why did a UK judge deny bail to Julian Assange? And are we ready for CES 2021? All this and more in tech news!

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The Origins of Earthlink

Wed, 06 Jan 2021 11:00:00 +0000

In the 1990s, an Internet Service Provider called Earthlink helped some of the earliest denizens of the Internet get connected. We learn about the dial-up era and how Earthlink helped shape it.

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Tech News: Hack the Planet

Tue, 05 Jan 2021 11:00:00 +0000

News for Tuesday, January 5, 2021. A UK judge denies the US's extradition request for Julian Assange. The SolarWinds hack is worse than we thought. Atari has found an extra life.

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Closing out the Tech Stories of 2020 - August through December

Mon, 04 Jan 2021 11:00:00 +0000

You might have thought we were out of 2020, but we've got to cover the rest of the year in tech news.

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TechStuff Classic: TechStuff Bonds With Spy Tech Part One

Fri, 01 Jan 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Are the amazing gadgets in James Bond films possible? We look at the tech found in the early James Bond movies and compare it to real life.

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One of Our Favorite Podcasts of 2020 - There Are No Girls On The Internet

Wed, 30 Dec 2020 23:00:00 +0000

Let's take a little break from the depressing newscycle and talk about the iconic Missy Elliott and how she's been changing the digital game since the very beginning.

Check out the video for The Rain: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHcyJPTTn9w

“Supa Dupa Fly: Black Women as Cyborgs in Hiphop Videos" by Dr. Shaviro: http://www.shaviro.com/Othertexts/MissyKim.pdf

"Missy Elliott" with Margot and Richie Tenenbaum, Halloween 2008: https://www.tangoti.com/episode-12-missy-elliott-digital-innovator

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The Top Tech Stories of 2020 - April through July

Wed, 30 Dec 2020 11:00:00 +0000

We continue our look at the top tech stories of 2020 and learn about how the Black Lives Matter movement shook up tech, how the MeToo movement hit gaming and how the coronavirus continued to affect the tech sector.

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TechStuff Looks at 2020 - January through March

Mon, 28 Dec 2020 11:00:00 +0000

A lot has happened in 2020, and TechStuff is looking at the big tech stories that unfolded throughout the year. From tech successes and failures to the impact of coronavirus, we take a look at the first quarter of 2020.

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Home Hard - Lost in Nakitomi Plaza

Sat, 26 Dec 2020 00:02:52 +0000

TechStuff listeners join Jonathan Stickland and Ariel Kasten, the host of this cool geeky podcast called Large Nerdron Collider as they wade through the newest holiday movies.

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The Grant Imahara STEAM Foundation

Wed, 23 Dec 2020 12:00:00 +0000

Don Bies, President of the Grant Imahara STEAM Foundation, joins the show to talk about Grant Imahara's life, his impact and how his family and friends intend to carry on his memory.

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Getting around in Science Fiction

Mon, 21 Dec 2020 14:01:27 +0000

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TechStuff Classic: Where's My Flying Car?

Fri, 18 Dec 2020 11:00:00 +0000

Will the flying car ever be available to the average driver? We take a look at the history (and future) of flying cars.

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Fantastical Tech from Fantasy and Sci-Fi

Wed, 16 Dec 2020 11:30:00 +0000

Special guest Ariel Kasten joins the show to talk about some of the gadgets found in various speculative fiction stories. Are any of them possible? From blasters to teleportation, we take a look.

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Movies, Theaters and Streaming

Mon, 14 Dec 2020 11:00:00 +0000

Many years ago in the United States, the government forbade movie studios from owning theater chains because it would lead to anticompetitive practices. But today, we see movie studios as part of companies that own streaming services. Are we back to the bad old days?

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TechStuff Classic: Sniffing Out Skunk Works Part Two

Fri, 11 Dec 2020 23:41:27 +0000

What's Skunk Works up to today? TechStuff talks about the more recent projects the ultra secret division has worked on.

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5G Myths vs Reality

Wed, 09 Dec 2020 18:59:27 +0000

While most of us are still waiting on a robust rollout of 5G technology, there have been tons of questions about what it is and whether it is harmful. From concerns to conspiracies, we look at what 5G promises it will do, what it might actually do and what it definitely is not doing.

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What is Section 230?

Mon, 07 Dec 2020 23:41:24 +0000

A US law that was instrumental in shaping the Internet has been a controversial topic recently. In this episode, we learn what Section 230 is and why without it we wouldn't have the Internet of today.

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TechStuff Classic: Sniffing Out Skunk Works Part One

Fri, 04 Dec 2020 23:42:18 +0000

What is Lockheed's Skunk Works division? TechStuff peeks under a veil of secrecy to talk about the early days of a classified operation.

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The Facebook Algorithm Problem

Wed, 02 Dec 2020 23:23:55 +0000

Algorithms, when you get down to it, are simple in concept. In practice, they can be really useful. Or, in Facebook's case, they can lead to a lot of problems.

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Rerun: The History of Cyber Monday

Mon, 30 Nov 2020 20:17:42 +0000

What is Black Friday, and how did it spawn Cyber Monday? From business trends to marketing schemes, we take a look at the history of holiday shopping online.

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TechStuff Classic: The Loons at Google

Fri, 27 Nov 2020 23:53:24 +0000

What is the Google Loon project? Jonathan and Lauren look at how some ultra-thin balloons could supply Wi-Fi to remote locations.

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Ubisoft Grows Up

Wed, 25 Nov 2020 11:00:00 +0000

After emerging from one potential hostile takeover, Ubisoft would find itself in another. And then in 2020, the company was rocked with scandal. In this episode, we learn what happened from 2011 to 2020 at the video game company.

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Ubisoft from 2003 to 2011

Mon, 23 Nov 2020 19:07:18 +0000

Some global success stories propelled Ubisoft into the spotlight, where an even bigger fish began to take notice. We learn about a potential hostile takeover and how that affected the company's business for several years.

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TechStuff Classic: The Oldest Computer

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 19:21:59 +0000

In this classic episode of TechStuff Jonathan Strickland and Joe McCormick explain what Antikythera Mechanism is, when it was built and what it does.

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The Origins of Ubisoft

Wed, 18 Nov 2020 17:40:10 +0000

Today, it's a huge video game company with multiple studios around the world. But Ubisoft's origin story starts with truly humble origins. Learn how five brothers went from working at a company that sold farming equipment to founding a video game powerhouse.

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Smart Talks with IBM: Why Business Needs Blockchain

Tue, 17 Nov 2020 11:00:00 +0000

It’s paramount for businesses in any sector to have visibility into their supply chain. In this episode of Smart Talks, Jonathan Strickland talks with Jason Kelley, General Manager of Blockchain at IBM, about what blockchain is, how it’s transforming global supply chains with respect to the pandemic, and the broader implications for these trusted transactions.

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TechStuff Grab Bag: The Update Edition

Mon, 16 Nov 2020 22:36:55 +0000

A lot has happened since my office went into lockdown. Enough that I need to update some stories I covered in previous episodes of TechStuff. From the new consoles to Quibi, here's a rundown on some updates.

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TechStuff Classic: The Hype About Hyperloop

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 19:55:40 +0000

What is the Hyperloop concept? How would it work? Will we actually build it?

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The Format Wars

Wed, 11 Nov 2020 11:00:00 +0000

The course of true technology does not always run smoothly. There are lots of stories about different formats battling it out to become a standard. Here are a few of them.

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Your Money or Your Data: A Ransomware Story

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 23:47:32 +0000

What is ransomware and where did it come from? From an odd, chaotic campaign in 1989 to the present day, we look at the dangers of ransomware.

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TechStuff Classic: The AT&T Story - Part Three

Fri, 06 Nov 2020 15:53:53 +0000

What's happened to AT&T since it was broken up by the government? What was SBC? What's AT&T been up to lately?

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Tech's Antitrust Problem

Thu, 05 Nov 2020 00:38:11 +0000

Why has the US government engaged in an antitrust investigation into Apple, Amazon, Facebook and Google? We learn about US antitrust law, a precedent with Microsoft, and what the future might hold.

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TechStuff Makes Eye Contact with a Robot

Mon, 02 Nov 2020 22:15:03 +0000

Disney Imagineers are working on animatronic figures that can make eye contact with humans and the results are fascinating (and a little creepy). We explore what has to happen to create a robot that can make eye contact.

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Smart Talks with IBM: Coding Together for Racial Equality

Mon, 02 Nov 2020 17:09:00 +0000

To improve the diversity in the tech industry and racial tolerance in the country, we need novel, tangible ideas. In this episode of Smart Talks, Jonathan Strickland talks with IBM Distinguished Engineers Dale Davis Jones and Lysa Banks, along with Creative Architect Britni Lonesome, about their involvement with the Call for Code for Racial Justice effort and how listeners can get involved with the tech solutions they're developing.

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TechStuff Classic: Ghost Hunting Tech

Fri, 30 Oct 2020 18:27:21 +0000

In this episode of TechStuff, Jonathan and Chris discuss ghost hunting technology -- and ghost hunting in general -- from a skeptical perspective.

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TechStuff Plays Spooky Games

Wed, 28 Oct 2020 21:03:13 +0000

Computer and video games have pushed the horror genre in interesting directions. In this episode, we look at the development of certain features of the horror genre in the gaming world.

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Rerun: TechStuff's Spooky Halloween Spectacular!

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 20:55:25 +0000

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TechStuff Classic: The AT&T Story - Part Two

Fri, 23 Oct 2020 20:00:00 +0000

How did AT&T form a monopoly in the US? Why did the government step in to break up the monopoly? How did the telecommunications landscape change?

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Where are the alternatives to Facebook?

Wed, 21 Oct 2020 21:59:23 +0000

Facebook has a bad rep for spreading misinformation, among other things. So where's the alternative social networking site? We look at some different sites that tried (and failed) to beat Facebook at its own game.

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Space Treaties and Artemis Accords

Mon, 19 Oct 2020 10:00:00 +0000

NASA announced the eight founders of the newly published Artemis Accords, which set out guidelines for space exploration and exploitation. We take a look at different space treaties and why politics play a big part in space.

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TechStuff Classic: The AT&T Story - Part One

Fri, 16 Oct 2020 10:00:00 +0000

Who was Alexander Graham Bell? Why did he create the Bell Telephone Company? How was AT&T created?

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The Tragedy of 3DO

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 21:40:38 +0000

This is the story of a video game console that tried to make a big change in the market but failed, and the man who dreamed it all up.

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The Siri Story: Joining Apple

Mon, 12 Oct 2020 20:33:04 +0000

How did Siri evolve once it became part of Apple? From controversial decisions, dramatic departures and reviews that were, well, mixed, we look at Siri's evolution since 2011.

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TechStuff Classic: There's a Halloween Event on the Horizon

Sat, 10 Oct 2020 02:05:11 +0000

What's the premise of the horror film Event Horizon? What is an event horizon? How do black holes work?

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Happy Anniver-Siri

Wed, 07 Oct 2020 22:16:35 +0000

Apple introduced Siri to the public on October 4, 2011, but the story of Siri goes further back and beyond Apple. We learn about how Siri evolved from a US Department of Defense project in the early 2000s.

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Learning from Mistakes - Tech Startup Failures

Mon, 05 Oct 2020 19:59:59 +0000

Did you know nearly 90% of all startups fail? In this episode, we look at a few tech startups that didn't cut it and explore some of the reasons that contribute to failure, and how to avoid them.

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TechStuff Classic: TechStuff Shines Light on Solar Panels

Fri, 02 Oct 2020 20:30:39 +0000

How are scientists improving solar panel efficiency? What do moth eyes have to do with solar panels? How long until solar panels are cheap enough for the average homeowner?

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What Are Graphics Cards Good For?

Wed, 30 Sep 2020 22:00:00 +0000

In September 2020, PC gamers went bonkers for new graphics cards called the RTX 3080 and the 3090. What do these cards do, and why was the launch a bit of a headache?

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TechStuff in the Time of Coronavirus

Mon, 28 Sep 2020 20:37:51 +0000

Jonathan gives a peek behind the curtain at how TechStuff used to be produced versus how it happens now.

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TechStuff Classic: Sleeping Underwater

Fri, 25 Sep 2020 20:32:25 +0000

Are there really companies working on building underwater hotels? What considerations do you have to make to build an underwater structure? When will these hotels open?

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The Rise and Rise of ARM Holdings

Wed, 23 Sep 2020 20:22:44 +0000

Once ARM Holdings began to license its processor designs and instruction sets, it was off to the races. Learn how this English company came to dominate the mobile processor market and what might be next.

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Smart Talks with IBM: Human Slavery Still Exists. Can AI Help Curb This Scourge?

Tue, 22 Sep 2020 10:00:00 +0000

Human trafficking to create slave labor has persisted globally for centuries, devastating the lives of millions, and frustrating those who work tirelessly to end it. On today's episode, John McGrath, Sr. Solution Architect at IBM, and Neil Giles, CEO of the Traffik Analysis Hub, discuss how the IBM Cloud-based Hub, powered by IBM Watson helps organizations securely share and analyze data to help curb modern human slavery.

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The Humble Origins of ARM Processors

Mon, 21 Sep 2020 21:22:45 +0000

Recently, news broke that Nvidia is seeking to buy ARM Holdings, designers of ARM processors, for 40 billion dollars. Where did ARM come from and what's the big deal about it?

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TechStuff Classic: Running on Steam

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 22:28:56 +0000

How old are steam engines? How do steam engines work? Are there steam engines in common use today?

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Twitch Switcharoos

Wed, 16 Sep 2020 10:00:00 +0000

Twitch is mostly known as a streaming service that allows people to broadcast themselves playing video games live to an audience. For most, it's a fun hobby. For a few, it's the path to riches. And some high-profile streamers have come and gone and come back recently.

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Power Strips, UPS and Toschi Station

Mon, 14 Sep 2020 10:00:00 +0000

It's time to talk about uninterruptible power supplies, surge protectors, circuit breakers and other systems designed to make sure the electricity we use is safe for us and our devices.

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TechStuff Classic: Ads on the Go

Fri, 11 Sep 2020 20:03:07 +0000

How does mobile advertising differ from other online advertising? Why is mobile advertising such a big deal? How will mobile advertising shape online content?

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TechStuff Rerun: Could we make a sarcastic supercomputer?

Wed, 09 Sep 2020 10:00:00 +0000

As we develop more advanced natural language systems, will we ever reach a point where a computer can detect not just what we say but what we actually mean?

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Deep Learning and Deepfakes

Mon, 07 Sep 2020 10:00:00 +0000

What's a Generative Adversarial Network? How can a program create a deepfake video? And how do we tell the difference between what's real and what's computer-generated?

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TechStuff Classic: Pacemakers Got the Beat

Fri, 04 Sep 2020 20:23:06 +0000

What is a pacemaker? How do pacemakers control the rate of heartbeats? What was the first pacemaker?

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TechStuff Looks Inside the Black Box

Wed, 02 Sep 2020 20:30:23 +0000

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Well Well Well

Mon, 31 Aug 2020 19:01:40 +0000

In this episode, we look at the technologies that deliver water to your home, whether it's a well or a municipal water system. Let's get pumped up!

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TechStuff Classic: The Prodigy Story

Fri, 28 Aug 2020 10:00:00 +0000

What was an online service provider? How did Prodigy get started? Why did Prodigy lag behind other companies?

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Rerun: The Rise and Fall of G4 TV

Wed, 26 Aug 2020 10:00:00 +0000

A TV and movie producer thought that he could do for video games what MTV did for music videos. But the G4 channel would end up alienating the very viewers it sought to attract.

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The Epic Epic Vs Apple Battle

Mon, 24 Aug 2020 18:52:45 +0000

In August 2020, Epic Games and Apple began a very public war involving the video game Fortnite and how Apple processes in-app transactions. We look at the disagreement and what's at stake.

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TechStuff Classic: Say My Name

Fri, 21 Aug 2020 19:51:08 +0000

Who was Heisenberg? What was his contribution to quantum mechanics? What is the uncertainty principle?

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Computer-Generated Communication

Wed, 19 Aug 2020 10:00:00 +0000

A computer-generated blog post made it onto a hacker news site. How does computer generated communication work, and is it good enough to fool us?

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Quibi Quibble

Mon, 17 Aug 2020 10:00:00 +0000

What is the video streaming service Quibi all about? How did the COVID-19 crisis throw a monkeywrench in the service's launch? We look at the short, troubled history of this media company.

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TechStuff Classic: Videos In the Stream

Fri, 14 Aug 2020 10:00:00 +0000

What are the differences between the three big video streaming services? How do these services earn revenue? Which services have exclusive deals?

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TechStuff Goes To Disneyland (Not Really)

Wed, 12 Aug 2020 21:43:00 +0000

What's the tech powering some of the iconic rides at Disney theme parks? From Omnimovers to Indiana Jones, we explore innovations that put the thrill in thrill rides.

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Time's Up for TikTok?

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 12:20:00 +0000

It's only been a few months since our last episode about TikTok, but a lot has happened since. We learn about the mysterious Committee of Foreign Investment in the United States and how it could play a role in changing TikTok forever.

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TechStuff Classic: Mod That Bod

Fri, 07 Aug 2020 20:06:36 +0000

What tech is used in body modification? Why is Kevin Warwick sometimes called a cyborg? Can grinders give themselves extrasensory powers?

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Hard Disk Drives vs Solid State Drives

Wed, 05 Aug 2020 10:00:00 +0000

When it comes to long-term data storage on computers, there are two main camps. In this episode, we learn how hard disk drives are different from solid state drives.

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Rerun: How E3 Works

Mon, 03 Aug 2020 10:00:00 +0000

What's the history of E3? What purpose does it serve? And can anyone attend?

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TechStuff Classic: TechStuff Gets Tattooed and Pierced

Fri, 31 Jul 2020 21:16:00 +0000

What's the origin of tattooing? Who invented the tattoo gun? How do piercings work?

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Right-Handed Bias: A Sinister Problem

Wed, 29 Jul 2020 20:19:16 +0000

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Smart Talks With IBM: Addressing health disparities during COVID-19

Tue, 28 Jul 2020 10:00:00 +0000

COVID-19 has shined a spotlight on the already pressing disparities in public health. In this episode of Tech Stuff, Jonathan Strickland chats with Dr. Kyu Rhee, Chief Health Officer at IBM, and Dr. Irene Dankwa-Mullan, Deputy Chief Health Officer of IBM Watson Health, about how data and technology are helping to address these issues during the pandemic and beyond.

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Panasonic to Today

Mon, 27 Jul 2020 19:21:08 +0000

Since the 1970s, Panasonic has moved further from the control of the Matsushita family. But the process hasn't always gone smoothly. From recessions and political events to a dependence on plasma televisions, we learn about the obstacles the company has had to deal with recently.

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TechStuff Classic: How BitTorrent Works

Fri, 24 Jul 2020 17:28:42 +0000

Who invented BitTorrent? How do BitTorrent transfers work? What exactly is a torrent file?

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Panasonic - 1954 to 1973

Wed, 22 Jul 2020 10:00:00 +0000

Panasonic, or rather Matsushita, went through a tumultuous period of ups and downs, including allegations of some shady business practices. From high prices in Japan to undercutting American competitors in the US, we look at how the practices of Panasonic shaped not only the company but the electronics industry as a whole.

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The Founding of Panasonic

Mon, 20 Jul 2020 10:00:00 +0000

The Japanese electronics company Panasonic is more than a century old. In this episode, we learn of its founding in 1918, how the company survived World War II, and how its founder positioned his company to enter the global marketplace in the 1950s.

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TechStuff Classic: How Storm Chasers Work

Fri, 17 Jul 2020 10:00:00 +0000

What are storm chasers? What kind of equipment do storm chasers use? What useful information have storm chasers gathered?

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Perseverance and Ingenuity

Wed, 15 Jul 2020 20:23:44 +0000

The next Mars rover scheduled for launch is the Perseverance, which NASA hopes will be able to uncover signs that life once existed on Mars. It also will carry a helicopter-like drone. We learn about the rover, its instruments and why flying on Mars is tricky.

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Smart Talks With IBM: A Changing Cybersecurity Landscape

Tue, 14 Jul 2020 10:00:00 +0000

While the world struggles with the chaotic realities of COVID-19, cybercriminals are pouncing. In this episode of Tech Stuff, Jonathan Strickland chats with Wendi Whitmore, VP of IBM Security X-Force Threat Intelligence, and Allison Ritter, Program Leader, IBM Security Command Center, about how they are helping businesses stay prepared and resilient within a rapidly evolving threat landscape.

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The Robots Are Coming For Your Job!

Mon, 13 Jul 2020 20:12:00 +0000

Are robots and automated systems going to replace human workers? And if so, what then? The fear about automation has a long history and it's not an irrational fear.

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TechStuff Classic: Pew! Pew! Plasma!

Fri, 10 Jul 2020 21:09:25 +0000

What is plasma and how do we use it? Why are plasma weapons so popular in science fiction? Are plasma weapons realistic?

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Surveillance Tech & Biased AI: The ACLU Fights Back

Wed, 08 Jul 2020 10:00:00 +0000

What happens to our civil liberties when an algorithm is used by law enforcement to make an arrest? Even more concerning, what happens when that facial recognition technology is racially biased? As we enter an age of ubiquitous surveillance, it’s minorities - especially people of color - who are disproportionately affected. The ACLU has recently filed a complaint on behalf of a Black man who was wrongfully arrested due to faulty police facial recognition tech. It’s the first case in the US, but it’s unlikely to be the last because, according to the ACLU - the tech often can’t tell Black people apart. The organization that has been fighting for civil rights protections for over 100 years, is now calling on lawmakers nationwide to stop law enforcement use of facial recognition technology.

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Magic Leap and the Big Fall

Mon, 06 Jul 2020 12:41:23 +0000

It started off as an incredible project that promised to bring science fiction into science fact. But years later, the company Magic Leap struggles to stay afloat. What happened?

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TechStuff Classic: TechStuff Watches Independence Day

Fri, 03 Jul 2020 20:37:08 +0000

How well does the film treat science and technology in Independence Day? What are the big goofs committed in the movie? How realistic is the plan to defeat the aliens?

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It's All Relative

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 18:53:50 +0000

How do the theories of special relativity and general relativity apply to satellites? Why is the speed of light constant, but time and distance are not? We get all Einstein up in here!

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TechStuff to Major Tom

Mon, 29 Jun 2020 10:00:00 +0000

How do satellite communications work? What's the difference between megahertz and megabits? We learn about the tech of communication satellites.

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TechStuff Classic: The WikiLeaks Story

Fri, 26 Jun 2020 17:27:27 +0000

How did WikiLeaks get started? What is the purpose of WikiLeaks? What are some of the controversies WikiLeaks has been in?

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The 12th Anniversary Spectacular

Wed, 24 Jun 2020 10:00:00 +0000

Jonathan looks back on some of the biggest tech stories since TechStuff first launched.

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TechStuff Steps Out of the Limelight

Mon, 22 Jun 2020 19:52:19 +0000

In our continuing exploration of stage and film lighting, we learn how technology would shape how our entertainment is created and presented and what the heck a gaffer is.

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TechStuff Classic: Get Your Podcast To Mars!

Fri, 19 Jun 2020 19:56:20 +0000

What is the Mars One project? Why is it a one-way ticket to Mars? What are the qualifications for Mars One?

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Lights, TechStuff, Action!

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 17:20:00 +0000

From the stage to the silver screen, we look at how lighting has played an intrinsic role in shaping our perception of entertainment.

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TechStuff Flashback: The Scary World of EVMs Part Two

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 10:00:00 +0000

In the conclusion of this two-part series about electronic voting machines, Ben Bowlin joins the show to talk about all the challenges that come along with trying to modernize the democratic process.

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TechStuff Classic: It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's a Superconductor

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 16:40:00 +0000

What are superconductors? What is electrical resistance? How can superconductors levitate?

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TechStuff Flashback: The Scary World of EVMs Part One

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 13:00:00 +0000

It's an election year in the United States, which means it's a good time to revisit this 2016 episode about electronic voting machines. Ben Bowlin joins the show to talk about the tech and challenges associated with electronic voting.

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Web Spider Is Our Hero

Mon, 08 Jun 2020 19:55:47 +0000

What is a web spider? You don't have to leave a message and we'll call you back, we'll explain in this episode what web spiders are and how they work.

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TechStuff Classic: The Electronic Arts Story- Part Two

Fri, 05 Jun 2020 19:33:04 +0000

How did the company change after the departure of Trip Hawkins? What were some of the other companies EA acquired? Why did EA win the Worst Company of the Year twice?

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Thinking is Critical

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 20:54:45 +0000

It's time for another critical thinking episode! We are flooded with information and not all of it is reliable. Let's talk about developing the skills to think critically and separate the good data from the bad.

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TechStuff In Front of a Green Screen

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 12:37:14 +0000

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TechStuff Classic: The Electronic Arts Story: Part One

Fri, 29 May 2020 20:04:58 +0000

Who is the founder of Electronic Arts? What was the company's philosophy about making games? Why did the founder leave the company? Tune in to learn more.

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The Deal With Steel

Wed, 27 May 2020 18:27:03 +0000

There are lots of different kinds of steel. In this episode, we demystify steel, talk about the different classifications and what makes them different from one another.

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One Stuff of Iron, The Other of Steel

Mon, 25 May 2020 18:14:34 +0000

What makes iron different from steel? How are they made? In this episode, we explore the history of iron and steel. It's heavy metal!

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TechStuff Classic: The Evolution of Batteries

Fri, 22 May 2020 19:07:12 +0000

How do batteries work? What are the different types of batteries? Why has battery improvement been so slow? Join Lauren and Jonathan to learn more about the science behind batteries.

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Small Tech, Big Deal

Wed, 20 May 2020 18:38:04 +0000

What does the word nanotechnology really mean? And how did it evolve? From ancient glassmaking to the tech of sci fi, we look at nanotechnology.

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The Packard Bell Story

Mon, 18 May 2020 18:37:15 +0000

Packard Bell's lifespan was 1926 to 1968. Or maybe 1933 to 1974. Or maybe 1986 to 2000. What is up with this company? We investigate the Packard Bell Story.

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TechStuff Classic: Printing a Gun

Fri, 15 May 2020 17:43:54 +0000

How powerful is the 3D-printed gun designed by Cody Wilson? Why is the gun so controversial? Is a plastic gun really undetectable?

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The Birth of the Modem

Wed, 13 May 2020 16:53:08 +0000

What exactly is a modem and what does it do? We trace the development of the modem and how it plays a key part in computer networks.

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What is a Redox Flow Battery?

Mon, 11 May 2020 19:00:00 +0000

What are redox flow batteries? How are they similar to other types of energy storage technologies like traditional batteries and fuel cells? Will we ever see them in wide deployment?

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TechStuff Classic: TechStuff Gets Fit

Fri, 08 May 2020 18:10:00 +0000

What are fitness trackers? What sort of sensors does a typical tracker contain? Do fitness trackers really help you lose weight or get fit? Tune in to learn more.

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How Musical Instruments Work

Wed, 06 May 2020 16:31:51 +0000

What makes a trumpet sound different from a guitar? How do flutes work? In this episode, we look at how musical instruments actually create their respective, distinctive sounds.

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Smart Talks with IBM: Working Together While Apart

Tue, 05 May 2020 10:00:00 +0000

The COVID-19 pandemic forced millions of people into a new lifestyle and raised many challenges. Among those are how do we pursue learning from home? How can technology help us when we can't leave the house? Kristin Wisnewski and Grace Suh join the show to talk about initiatives designed to help students learn in our new remote reality.

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How Music Works - The Physics

Mon, 04 May 2020 20:33:54 +0000

Musical instruments are a particularly cool type of technology. How do musical instruments take advantage of fundamental laws of physics? We explore the nature of sound and music in this episode.

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TechStuff Classic: How Nanotechnology Works

Fri, 01 May 2020 20:16:51 +0000

Nanotechnology is the science of building incredibly tiny machines. As manufacturing techniques improve, more nanotechnology may find its way to the market.

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How Essential Became NonEssential

Wed, 29 Apr 2020 22:14:13 +0000

The lead developer of the Android operating system launched a new phone company in 2015 called Essential Products. In 2019, that company folded. What happened?

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The Zoom Boom

Mon, 27 Apr 2020 16:29:37 +0000

The web conferencing service Zoom was already successful before the era of isolation really kicked it into a new gear. Learn about where it came from, how it works and the controversies the company now faces.

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TechStuff Classic: TechStuff Shifts Into High Gear

Fri, 24 Apr 2020 20:00:00 +0000

What do automotive transmissions do? How does power get from an engine to a car’s wheels? Why do manual transmission vehicles have a clutch? Learn more about transmissions with Jonathan and Lauren.

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How Thermal Imaging Works

Wed, 22 Apr 2020 21:12:22 +0000

A Chinese company is marketing heat-sensing glasses as a possible way to screen people for COVID-19. How does thermal imaging work, and is this a good approach?

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Smart Talks with IBM: Accelerating an answer to COVID-19

Tue, 21 Apr 2020 10:00:00 +0000

How is technology playing a role in the search for an effective treatment for COVID-19? Dave Turek of IBM joins the podcast to talk about how high performance computing can help speed up the process.

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What's up, WhatsApp?

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

Where did the WhatsApp messaging service come from, how did it get so popular, and why did Facebook spend so much money to acquire it?

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TechStuff Classic: What is the DMCA?

Fri, 17 Apr 2020 19:15:31 +0000

Why does the DMCA exist? What is safe harbor? What does the DMCA have to do with boats? Tune in to learn more with Jonathan and Lauren.

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What were CGA, EGA and VGA?

Wed, 15 Apr 2020 22:30:00 +0000

How did IBM define computer graphics standards for the PC? What's the difference between the different standards? And why did the company get out of the graphics game?

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TechStuff Sends Exoskeletons XOs

Mon, 13 Apr 2020 22:34:00 +0000

While we're not likely to ever see something as sophisticated as Iron Man's suit, there are a number of robotic exoskeleton designs that have made the rounds. In this episode, we look at some of those designs, how they were developed and what they are meant to do.

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TechStuff TechStuff Classic: Tackles Wikipedia

Fri, 10 Apr 2020 20:14:05 +0000

How did Wikipedia get started? What was the predecessor to Wikipedia? What are the pros and cons of Wikipedia? Learn more about Wikipedia with Jonathan and Lauren

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How Laptop Computers Evolved

Wed, 08 Apr 2020 19:09:07 +0000

It took a lot of time and experimentation for the clamshell laptop to become standard. Today, most laptops follow that style. But companies have made big changes in other features.

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Smart Talks with IBM: Tracking COVID-19

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

Cameron Clayton, the General Manager of IBM Cloud Ecosystem and of The Weather Company, an IBM business, joins the show to talk about how artificial intelligence and cloud computing provide the horsepower needed to provide localized tracking tools for the COVID-19 outbreak.

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The History of Laptop Computers

Mon, 06 Apr 2020 21:30:00 +0000

From the very first 55-pound portable computer to establishing the clamshell form factor, we take a look at the history of the laptop computer.

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TechStuff Classic: TechStuff Goes on a Voyage

Fri, 03 Apr 2020 16:30:00 +0000

What is the Voyager program? What systems are onboard the Voyager spacecraft? What is on the golden record on the Voyager spacecraft? Tune in and learn more with Jonathan and Lauren.

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Sony Strikes Back with the PS4

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 20:31:56 +0000

After the departure of Ken Kutaragi, Sony executives decided that the next PlayStation console wouldn't be as dramatic a departure as the PS3. And we look forward to what might be around the corner with the PS5.

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A Tough Start for the PS3

Mon, 30 Mar 2020 17:30:00 +0000

The second PlayStation console exceeded all sales expectations, setting the bar for the PS3 incredibly high. But a change in processor architecture would mean the third PlayStation would have a tougher time getting traction in the market.

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TechStuff Classic: TechStuff Gets Stealthy

Sat, 28 Mar 2020 02:10:56 +0000

How does radar work? How can stealth planes avoid radar? How many stealth vehicles are in active service in the US? Learn more about the science of stealth with Jonathan and Lauren.

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Make Way for the PS2

Wed, 25 Mar 2020 16:43:41 +0000

Sony built on the success of the PlayStation and launched an even more popular console: the PlayStation 2. We look at how the PS2 established itself as the best selling home video game console of all time.

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Smart Talks with IBM: Project OWL

Tue, 24 Mar 2020 10:00:00 +0000

In the first episode of the Smart Talks series, Jonathan talks with Bryan Knouse of Project OWL, winner of IBM's Call for Code, and Alisa Maclin of IBM, to learn about how mesh networks can help restore communications to areas devastated by natural disasters.

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The Birth of the PlayStation

Mon, 23 Mar 2020 18:47:41 +0000

A failed collaboration between Nintendo and Sony would lead to the birth of one of the most popular video game consoles of all time: the PlayStation. This is the story of how that console was born.

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TechStuff Classic: The Riches People In Tech

Fri, 20 Mar 2020 22:30:45 +0000

Who are the wealthiest tech billionaires? How did they get so wealthy? Which ones have been on the list a long time? Join Jonathan and Lauren as they explore the life and times of the wealthiest people in the world of tech.

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TechList: The Phantom Zone

Fri, 20 Mar 2020 03:50:00 +0000

In the early 2000s, a company called Infinium Labs promised to revolutionize gaming with a console called The Phantom. It never materialized. What happened?

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TechList: The World of eSports

Fri, 20 Mar 2020 03:49:00 +0000

From professional streamers to full-blown championship tournaments, where did eSports come from and is it really that big a deal? We talk with representatives from Alienware and ELEAGUE about professional gaming.

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TechList: The History of Podcasting

Fri, 20 Mar 2020 03:48:00 +0000

From Internet Radio to the emergence of TechStuff, we look at the long and colorful history of podcasts.

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TechList: The Golden Age of Radio

Fri, 20 Mar 2020 03:37:00 +0000

How did broadcast radio get its start? What were the challenges and controversies? And how did the golden age fade into history?

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TechList: How Lightsabers Work

Fri, 20 Mar 2020 03:26:00 +0000

Jonathan and Chris discuss the most famous weapon in the "Star Wars" universe -- the lightsaber -- in this episode of TechStuff.

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TechList: Famous April Fool's Tech Pranks

Fri, 20 Mar 2020 03:24:00 +0000

On April 1, pranks run wild in the tech sector. In this podcast from HowStuffWorks, the TechStuff guys tickle your funny bone with a list of famous April Fool's tech pranks.

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TechList: The Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow

Fri, 20 Mar 2020 03:23:00 +0000

On October 1, 1982, EPCOT Center opened at Walt Disney World. But that Epcot wasn't the same thing as Walt Disney's initial vision. We look into the history of a futuristic community.

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TechList: Tron: He Fights For the Users

Fri, 20 Mar 2020 03:22:00 +0000

Steven Lisberger, writer and director of the 1982 film Tron, joins the show to talk about the tech of making the film and the mythology of Tron itself.

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TechList: The Tech of Stranger Things

Fri, 20 Mar 2020 03:00:00 +0000

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TechList: An Interview with the Creators of Homestar Runner

Fri, 20 Mar 2020 02:40:00 +0000

The creators of Homestar Runner hop on TechStuff to talk about their pioneering work in web series production and how StrongBad is going to catch up on that huge email backlog.

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The Impact of COVID-19 on Tech

Wed, 18 Mar 2020 17:16:14 +0000

From factory shutdowns to canceled events, the novel coronavirus has wreaked havoc in the tech industry and beyond. In this episode, we explore some of the early consequences and consider what the long-term effects might be.

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The Artemis Program

Mon, 16 Mar 2020 10:00:00 +0000

NASA is soliciting applications for its astronaut program in anticipation of sending men and women to the Moon. Learn all about the Artemis program, its goals and what comes next!

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TechStuff Classic: TechStuff Experiments With Fusion

Fri, 13 Mar 2020 10:00:00 +0000

What is fusion? Why is fusion power so challenging? What is cold fusion? Learn more about the challenges -- and potential promises -- of fusion power in this podcast with Jonathan and Lauren.

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Seti Not at Home

Wed, 11 Mar 2020 10:00:00 +0000

After 20 years, the Seti@Home program is going on hiatus. How did this project let the average computer user lend a hand in the search for alien intelligence?

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Time for TikTok

Mon, 09 Mar 2020 22:48:00 +0000

It's a social platform. It's a meme generating machine. It's a . . . threat to national security? It's time to learn about TikTok.

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TechStuff Classic: TechStuff Leaps Into Hyperspace

Sat, 07 Mar 2020 03:10:43 +0000

Why does Han Solo's line about parsecs not make any sense? In the Star Wars universe, what exactly is hyperdrive? Why would hyperspace cause huge causality problems if it were real? Learn more about hyperspace with Lauren and Jonathan.

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Rerun: What is gamification?

Thu, 05 Mar 2020 00:01:40 +0000

Gamification is exactly what it sounds like -- adding an aspect of gameplay to an activity. So why would someone add a game layer on top of an application or service -- and how old is gamification, exactly? Join Chris and Jonathan to learn more.

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Rerun: Can we stop an asteroid from hitting Earth?

Mon, 02 Mar 2020 22:37:54 +0000

Could we blow up an asteroid like in the movie Armageddon? Join Jonathan and Chris as they tackle what may become one of Earth's most important questions: What do we need to do to be better prepared for an asteroid impact?

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TechStuff Classic: How Napster Worked

Fri, 28 Feb 2020 11:00:00 +0000

What was the purpose of Napster? Who created Napster? How is the Napster of today related to the original Napster? Join Lauren and Jonathan as the explore the rise of Napster.

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Rerun: Eureka! Archimedes!

Wed, 26 Feb 2020 17:52:34 +0000

Who was Archimedes, and what did he actually invent? Join Jonathan as he revisits this classic episode.

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3D Printing and Tomography

Mon, 24 Feb 2020 11:00:00 +0000

Scientists have created a way to 3D print small objects by using beams of light directed at special resin. It's all based off tomography and photopolymers. Here's how it works.

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TechStuff Classic: How Segways Work

Fri, 21 Feb 2020 21:36:16 +0000

What’s the history of the Segway? How does a Segway work? What are gyroscopes? Listen in and learn more about Segways with Jonathan and Lauren.

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Internet Folklore and Misinformation

Wed, 19 Feb 2020 11:00:00 +0000

Special guest Shea Lee joins the show to talk about Internet folklore, conspiracy theories and hoaxes and how platforms like Facebook and communities like 4chan can perpetuate misinformation.

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When Secrets Aren't Secret

Mon, 17 Feb 2020 22:04:55 +0000

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TechStuff Classic: How Refrigerators Work

Sat, 15 Feb 2020 01:11:51 +0000

What’s the history of refrigerators? How is a refrigerator like an air conditioner? How does vapor compression work? Learn the cold, hard facts about refrigeration with Jonathan and Lauren.

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Understanding and Detecting Radiation

Wed, 12 Feb 2020 11:00:00 +0000

What exactly is radiation? How is electromagnetic radiation different from particle radiation? What is ionizing radiation? And how do Geiger counters work?

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How Smoke Detectors Work

Mon, 10 Feb 2020 23:00:00 +0000

Smoke detectors save lives, but how do they work? From photoelectric effects to nuclear radiation, we explore how smoke detectors let you know when there's a fire.

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TechStuff Classic: TechStuff Cleans Up After Digital Pets

Sat, 08 Feb 2020 00:48:49 +0000

What is a digital pet? What was the first digital pet? Why did the digital pet craze fizzle out so quickly in the United States? Learn more about the rise and fall of digital pets in the U.S. with Jonathan and Lauren.

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The Lighter Side of Tech

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

How do lighters work? Jonathan explains the mechanics and chemistry behind lighters from their earliest forms to the type you can buy today.

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Firestarter

Mon, 03 Feb 2020 11:00:00 +0000

How were matches invented? From toxic chemicals to pee science, we learn about matches. And a fictional character stops by to irritate our host.

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TechStuff Classic: Tesla- The Man, The Myths, The Truth

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 22:22:26 +0000

Who was Nikola Tesla, really? What did he invent? What are some of the popular misconceptions about Tesla and his work? Join Jonathan and Lauren as they explore Nikola Tesla: the man, the myths and the truth.

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The State of Autonomous Vehicles

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 19:22:40 +0000

Just a few years ago, optimism was running high that we'd have fleets of autonomous vehicles by early 2020. What happened? We learn more about autonomous cars and their limitations in this episode.

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How Smart Speakers Work

Mon, 27 Jan 2020 15:00:16 +0000

How do all those smart speakers actually work? From basic speaker technology to the complicated science behind voice recognition and natural language processing, we find out!

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TechStuff Classic: TechStuff is Caught in a Tractor Beam

Sat, 25 Jan 2020 00:02:00 +0000

What are tractor beams? How do photons normally react with matter? How are scientists using beams of light to pull microscopic objects? Listen in as Jonathan and Lauren explore the tech behind tractor beams.

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Rerun: How Ultrasound Works

Wed, 22 Jan 2020 11:00:00 +0000

Ultrasonic waves let medical professionals see what's going on inside us without ever making an incision. But what makes sonography so effective? Join Lauren and Jonathan as they look into the history and amazing applications of ultrasound technology.

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Volkswagen Today

Mon, 20 Jan 2020 15:36:00 +0000

How did Ferdinand Porsche's grandson reshape Volkswagen? And how did a scandal with diesel vehicles nearly break the company?

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TechStuff Classic: TechStuff Gets Domestic . . . Robots

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 22:12:12 +0000

What is a domestic robot? Why are today's domestic robots specialized? Why is it so hard to build a bipedal robot? Get the answers to these questions and more in this episode of TechStuff.

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Volkswagen: Beyond the Beetle

Wed, 15 Jan 2020 11:00:00 +0000

What did Volkswagen produce beyond the iconic Beetle? From buses to Audi, we look at how Volkswagen evolved up to the 1980s.

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The Dark Origins of Volkswagen

Mon, 13 Jan 2020 11:00:00 +0000

This is the story of how Ferdinand Porsche, with the support of Adolph Hitler, created the Volkswagen company. We also follow the evolution of the Volkswagen Beetle.

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TechStuff Classic: TechStuff Enters the Singularity

Fri, 10 Jan 2020 20:49:51 +0000

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The Tech of 2014 to 2018

Wed, 08 Jan 2020 11:00:00 +0000

This is part two of a retrospect on the last decade in tech. Jonathan looks at Apple in the post Steve Jobs era, protests at Google and Uber's worst year ever.

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A Decade In Review (But Only 2009 to 2013)

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 11:00:00 +0000

Jonathan begins his look back on ten years in technology, exploring how the tech landscape has changed from 2009 to 2013. Learn about Jonathan's bad predictions, Uber's missteps and more.

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TechStuff Classic: TechStuff Remembers Aaron Swartz

Fri, 03 Jan 2020 20:26:55 +0000

Aaron Swartz was a young tech genius who was defining RSS specifications at age 14. Who was this young man, what did he believe in and why was the US government determined to prosecute him? Listen in to learn more.

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Tech Stories of 2019 - The Bummer Episode

Mon, 30 Dec 2019 18:26:04 +0000

Jonathan looks back at some of the biggest (and saddest) tech stories of 2019. From bankruptcies to data breaches, this one is kind of a bummer, but still important!

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TechStuff Classic: TechStuff Plays with Carbon Nanotubes

Fri, 27 Dec 2019 11:00:00 +0000

What is a carbon nanotube? What are the properties of carbon nanotubes? What are some of the potential uses of carbon nanotubes? Join Jonathan and Lauren as they break down the basics of nanotubes, along with their potential uses in future applications.

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The Dangers of Public WiFi

Wed, 25 Dec 2019 11:00:00 +0000

Hacker extraordinaire Shannon Morse joins the show to talk about how you can protect your data when browsing the Internet. Is public WiFi off limits? Are VPNs reliable? What about Tor?

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Rerun: Augmenting Your Reality

Mon, 23 Dec 2019 11:00:00 +0000

What is AR and how does it work? Learn about augmented reality's history and future!

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TechStuff Classic: TechStuff Navigates Google Maps

Fri, 20 Dec 2019 23:36:47 +0000

How did Google Maps get started? How does it work, and how has it expanded beyond its original functionality? Join Lauren and Jonathan as they explore the past, present and future of Google Maps.

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Rerun: Bad Computer Bugs

Wed, 18 Dec 2019 11:00:00 +0000

Software bugs range from annoying to catastrophic. It's time to explore some of the most famous flaws in computer history!

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Human Centric Design and the Mazda CX-30

Mon, 16 Dec 2019 11:00:00 +0000

Live from inside a Mazda CX-30 at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Jonathan talks about the concept of human centric design and why it's not as straightforward as you might imagine.

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TechStuff Classic: Are we living in a computer simulation?

Fri, 13 Dec 2019 20:25:47 +0000

What is the philosophical argument about living in a computer simulation? What does the singularity have to do with it? How might we be able to tell if we’re in a computer simulation? Learn about the nature of perception with Lauren and Jonathan.

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Rerun: Shh! How Soundproofing Works

Wed, 11 Dec 2019 22:38:29 +0000

Producer Noel Brown joins the show to talk about the science, theory and practice of soundproofing. How does sound work? How can you protect a room from sound?

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Rerun: How Tech Could Make Better Chocolate

Mon, 09 Dec 2019 11:00:00 +0000

Temple University scientists have found a new way to improve chocolate and it involves electric fields. Learn about the technology and physics behind improving a nearly perfect food.

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TechStuff Classic: Social Media and You

Fri, 06 Dec 2019 23:40:31 +0000

Is social media harmful to our real-world relationships? Is there evidence that social media helps us form stronger connections? Why are there so many contradictory studies? Join Jonathan and Lauren as they explore the effects of social media.

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Biofuel Bonanza

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 11:00:00 +0000

What exactly are biofuels, and can they replace fossil fuels? In this episode, we take a critical look at the issues surrounding our energy needs and why it's so darn complicated.

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Fake It Til You Make It

Mon, 02 Dec 2019 11:00:00 +0000

In the world of technology, it's not unusual for startups to make big promises and then scramble to try and keep them. In this episode, we look at some big examples of this philosophy and how it can go wrong.

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TechStuff Classic: The Wonderful Wizard Named Woz

Fri, 29 Nov 2019 11:00:00 +0000

Who is Steve Wozniak? What was Wozniak's role at Apple? What other ventures has Wozniak been involved in over the years? Join Chris and Jonathan as they explore the life and times of this iconic computer engineer and Apple cofounder.

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Lighting Up the Holidays

Wed, 27 Nov 2019 11:00:00 +0000

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Blizzard Meltdown

Mon, 25 Nov 2019 11:00:00 +0000

We look at what's been going on at Blizzard recently and how global politics have created a challenging situation for the company.

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TechStuff Classic: How Motion Capture Works

Fri, 22 Nov 2019 15:16:43 +0000

What does motion capture mean? What are the different systems used to capture a performer’s movements? Why do some animators consider motion capture cheating?

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Things Get Hot for Blizzard

Wed, 20 Nov 2019 11:00:00 +0000

Riding high on some notable successes, Blizzard continued to make big waves in the world of video games. But now and again the company would find itself in a storm of criticism.

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Winter is Coming: The Early Days of Blizzard

Mon, 18 Nov 2019 11:00:00 +0000

Founded in 1991, the video game company Blizzard got its start not by creating blockbuster games of its own but by porting other companies' games to different platforms. This is the story of the founding of Blizzard.

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TechStuff Classic: The Firefox Story

Fri, 15 Nov 2019 11:00:00 +0000

How is Firefox connected to Netscape Navigator? Are Firefox and Internet Explorer cousins? What is Mozilla? Join Chris and Jonathan as they explore the origin and growth of Mozilla.

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Media in the Stream

Wed, 13 Nov 2019 11:00:00 +0000

Over the last decade, we've seen a gradual shift from hard copy media to streaming media. In this episode, we look at the history and tech behind devices designed to stream entertainment.

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The Birth of the Electric Chair

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 11:00:00 +0000

At the end of the 19th century, it seemed like there was nothing electricity couldn't do. So could it be used as a way to humanely carry out the death penalty? We learn about the invention of the electric chair and the dentist who dreamed it up.

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TechStuff Classic: TechStuff Takes the Ingress

Fri, 08 Nov 2019 11:00:00 +0000

What is an alternate reality game? What is Ingress? How do you play the game? Join Jonathan and Chris as they introduce you to the world of Ingress and alternate reality gaming.

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The Trials and Tribulations of the 737 MAX

Wed, 06 Nov 2019 11:00:00 +0000

What happened with Boeing's 737 MAX aircraft and why did the CEO of the company appear before the US Congress? We learn about the flight control system that led to tragedy and the controversy surrounding it.

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The Basics of Electricity

Mon, 04 Nov 2019 11:00:00 +0000

What's the difference between voltage and current? What is resistance? What are the units of measurement associated with electricity?

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TechStuff Classic: TechStuff Gets MegaUploaded

Fri, 01 Nov 2019 10:00:00 +0000

What was Megaupload? Why did the US federal government pursue Megaupload? Why is the Megaupload case so complicated? Join Chris and Jonathan as they shed some light on the Megaupload, from its origin to its ongoing court case.

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Scams and Hoaxes

Wed, 30 Oct 2019 10:00:00 +0000

The Internet can be a great place but it's also the host for some pretty sneaky scams out there. In this episode, we look at some common schemes to take advantage of unsuspecting victims and how you can avoid becoming a victim yourself.

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The Shocking History of Electricity in Medicine

Mon, 28 Oct 2019 10:00:00 +0000

For more than 200 years, doctors have experimented with using electricity to treat everything from liver disease to severe depression to varying degrees of success. We look at the history behind these practices and what's going on.

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TechStuff Classic: TechStuff Looks at Industrial Light and Magic

Fri, 25 Oct 2019 20:25:13 +0000

What is Industrial Light and Magic, and when did it get its start? What is ILM's relationship to Pixar? What technologies did ILM pioneer? Join Jonathan and Chris as they shed some light on ILM.

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TechStuff ReRun: The Wonderful World of Audio Animatronics

Wed, 23 Oct 2019 10:00:00 +0000

Jonathan is about to head to Walt Disney World (he'll be back by the time this publishes). But he doesn't want to leave you without an episode, so here's one about Disney's audio animatronics from the archive!

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Machine Consciousness

Mon, 21 Oct 2019 10:00:00 +0000

Is it really possible for a machine to achieve consciousness? What does consciousness even mean? From philosophy to technological obstacles, we look at the problems and possibilities.

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TechStuff Classic: TechStuff Rides in Electric Cars

Fri, 18 Oct 2019 20:43:13 +0000

How do electric motors work? Are electric vehicles a new idea? Why aren't there more electric vehicles on the road today? Join Jonathan and Chris as they power through the past, present and possible future of electric vehicles.

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The Modern Submarine

Wed, 16 Oct 2019 10:00:00 +0000

How did the modern submarine develop? What kind of technology is on a submarine? How do they navigate?

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TechStuff Dives into Submarines

Mon, 14 Oct 2019 10:00:00 +0000

How do submarines work? When were they invented? In this episode, we explore the truths (and myths) about the origin of submarines.

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TechStuff Classic: TechStuff Gets an ESRB Rating

Fri, 11 Oct 2019 20:00:00 +0000

What is the ESRB? What procedure does the ESRB follow to rate games? What do the different ratings mean? Join the guys as they demystify the inner workings of the Entertainment Software Rating Board.

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TechStuff Takes a Gander at Propaganda

Wed, 09 Oct 2019 10:00:00 +0000

The University of Oxford Computational Propaganda Research Project issued a report on how countries around the world are manipulating people with misinformation. What's YOUR country up to?

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TechStuff Looks through a Telescope

Mon, 07 Oct 2019 10:00:00 +0000

From the physics of light to ingenious uses of a mirror, we look at the history of telescopes and how they work.

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TechStuff Classic: TechStuff Jumps From Space

Fri, 04 Oct 2019 22:06:48 +0000

How did the Stratos jump work? What sort of technology was inside the capsule? How did Felix's suit work? Join Jonathan and Chris as they leap into the tech behind this groundbreaking jump.

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The Rise and Fall of G4 TV

Wed, 02 Oct 2019 10:00:00 +0000

A TV and movie producer thought that he could do for video games what MTV did for music videos. But the G4 channel would end up alienating the very viewers it sought to attract.

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The TechTV Story

Mon, 30 Sep 2019 10:00:00 +0000

In the late 1990s, a new television channel aimed at the computer crowd launched. It would last six years before a merger would effectively end it all. This is the TechTV story.

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TechStuff Classic: TechStuff Gets a Bright Idea

Fri, 27 Sep 2019 10:00:00 +0000

Who really invented the light bulb? What is the Draper point? How do fluorescent bulbs work? Join Chris and Jonathan as they shine some light on the fascinating story of light bulbs.

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How IBM and Red Hat Are Transforming IT

Thu, 26 Sep 2019 10:00:00 +0000

IBM and Red Hat have some big plans when it comes to cloud computing. From open source to artificial intelligence, we find out what they have in store for the future.

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Android Dumps Desserts

Wed, 25 Sep 2019 10:00:00 +0000

We rejoin the story of Android to see how the operating system evolved from Ice Cream Sandwich to the most recent release.

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Android Ice Cream Sandwiches

Mon, 23 Sep 2019 10:00:00 +0000

We look at the history of Google Android from its development to the launch of Ice Cream Sandwich. This is part one of The Android Story.

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TechStuff Classic: TechStuff has Klout

Fri, 20 Sep 2019 22:15:03 +0000

What is Klout? Does everyone have it? What is Klout good for? Join Jonathan and Chris as they get to the bottom of Klout in this episode.

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It's My Way or the Huawei

Wed, 18 Sep 2019 10:00:00 +0000

Chinese telecom company Huawei went from startup to the largest phone manufacturer in the world in just 30 years. What's the story behind the company and why are so many governments wary of it today?

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Why is Everything Made in China?

Mon, 16 Sep 2019 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we explore the history of industrialization in China and ask why are so many electronics assembled there.

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TechStuff Classic: How Hand-drawn Animation Works

Fri, 13 Sep 2019 20:31:08 +0000

What's the process of animating a film with hand-drawn animation? Who patented the process of cel-based animation? What was Disney's multiplane camera? Join Jonathan and Chris as they ink the answers to these questions and more.

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The GE of Today

Wed, 11 Sep 2019 10:00:00 +0000

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GE and the House That Jack Built

Mon, 09 Sep 2019 10:00:00 +0000

After World War II, General Electric would grow rapidly to the point of bloat. Then a man named Jack Welch took over as CEO and made some big changes. What was Welch's legacy?

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TechStuff Classic: How DNA Computers Work

Fri, 06 Sep 2019 19:36:25 +0000

How can a DNA sequence represent digital information? How dense is the data storage with DNA? What could be the future of computers with DNA? Join Jonathan and Chris as they delve into the depths and future of DNA and computing.

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GE Through World War II

Wed, 04 Sep 2019 10:00:00 +0000

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The Founding of G&E

Mon, 02 Sep 2019 10:00:00 +0000

General Electric has been around for more than 100 years. It's recently been in a bit of a slump. How did this company get started?

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TechStuff Classic: TechStuff Gets Salty

Fri, 30 Aug 2019 10:00:00 +0000

What is desalination? What are some of the methods used to get salt out of water? Why isn't desalination in wider use? Join Jonathan and Chris as they explore the tech behind desalination in this episode with Erik Hanson of General Electric.

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Shh! The Tech is Listening!

Wed, 28 Aug 2019 10:00:00 +0000

Companies like Google, Amazon, Microsoft and Facebook have all admitted to using humans to listen to user audio for various reasons. But how far does this go? Is your tech actually eavesdropping on you?

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Formula 1 - 101

Mon, 26 Aug 2019 10:00:00 +0000

Scott Benjamin joins the show to talk about the history and tech behind Formula 1 race cars. What sets them apart?

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Techstuff Classic: TechStuff Looks at Password Security

Fri, 23 Aug 2019 10:00:00 +0000

Why should password security be a top concern? What can you do to make your passwords safe? What constitutes a strong password? Join Chris and Jonathan as they give you the tips and tricks you'll need to keep your passwords secure.

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Video Game Tech '89

Wed, 21 Aug 2019 10:00:00 +0000

What was the cutting edge in video game technology 30 years ago? Jonathan arbitrarily chooses to talk about outdated video game tech.

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Update E Scooters

Mon, 19 Aug 2019 10:00:00 +0000

A year ago, we talked about electric scooters and how they rapidly spread to several major cities with dockless sharing programs. What's the grumpy old man podcaster got to say about this?

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TechStuff Classic: TechStuff Looks at the LHC

Fri, 16 Aug 2019 20:56:34 +0000

What does the Large Hadron Collider do? How large is it? What is the LHC looking for? Listen in and get the scoop on the Large Hadron Collider with Chris and Jonathan.

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Can I Read Your Mind

Wed, 14 Aug 2019 10:00:00 +0000

What is a brain-computer interface and how does it work? Why is Elon Musk interested in them? And is Facebook really going to read your mind?

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The Death of 3D Television

Mon, 12 Aug 2019 10:00:00 +0000

For years, television manufacturers were pushing 3D features on TV sets. By 2017, all major companies had stopped trying. What happened with 3D TV?

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TechStuff Classic: More Data, More Problems

Fri, 09 Aug 2019 10:00:00 +0000

How did journalist Mat Honan get hacked? What is social engineering? How can you protect yourself against hackers? In this episode, Chris and Jonathan examine how criminals can access your data -- and how to protect your information from hackers.

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Odd, Silly and Unnecessary Inventions

Wed, 07 Aug 2019 10:00:00 +0000

We can thank geniuses for the development of stuff like radios, television and electricity. But what about the pocket fisherman? We explore the lighter side of invention.

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Boeing and the Commercial Jet Age

Mon, 05 Aug 2019 10:00:00 +0000

After introducing the 707, Boeing began to manufacture many more commercial jets. Some would become iconic in the aviation industry. And the 737 MAX would end up creating a huge problem for the company.

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TechStuff Classic: Repurposing Tech for Developing Countries

Fri, 02 Aug 2019 21:22:55 +0000

How are people using bicycles to create new machines for developing countries? What are MediKits? Why is e-waste recycling such a dangerous job? Join Jonathan and Chris as they look at the ways in which innovators across the world repurpose old tech.

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Boeing Really Takes Off

Wed, 31 Jul 2019 10:00:00 +0000

World War II led to many contracts between Boeing and the United States military. In this continuation of the Boeing story, we learn about the aircraft Boeing designed and its first jet-propelled aircraft.

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Boeing Launches

Mon, 29 Jul 2019 10:00:00 +0000

The aircraft manufacturer Boeing has been around for more than 100 years. In this episode, we look at the origins of the company at the dawn of the Age of Aviation.

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TechStuff Classic: TechStuff Hacks Into Music

Fri, 26 Jul 2019 19:40:53 +0000

Are you bored by the usual musical instruments? Would you like to turn an Atari 2600 into a guitar, or translate shadows into sound? If so, then you may be a budding music hacker. Join Jonathan and Chris as they explore the wide world of music hacks.

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Social Media and the First Amendment

Wed, 24 Jul 2019 10:00:00 +0000

In July 2019, an appeals court upheld a ruling that says President Trump can't block people on Twitter because it's a violation of the First Amendment. We look at the tricky, complicated issue of the freedom of speech in the digital age.

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What is a Supply Chain?

Mon, 22 Jul 2019 10:00:00 +0000

You hear a lot of stories about problems with supply chains, but what actually is a supply chain and why is it so complicated? John Bermudez of TraceLink joins the show to talk about it.

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TechStuff Classic: TechStuff Goes Steampunk

Fri, 19 Jul 2019 19:11:21 +0000

What is steampunk? What are the traits of the steampunk aesthetic? Who are some famous steampunk artists? Join Chris and Jonathan as they take a closer look at steampunk.

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What's up with Facebook Libra?

Wed, 17 Jul 2019 10:00:00 +0000

In June, 2019, the Libra Association published a white paper about an upcoming digital currency called Libra, with Facebook playing an important role. What makes Libra special?

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Outdated Tech Terms We Still Use

Mon, 15 Jul 2019 15:57:05 +0000

From dialing a phone to making a mix tape, our language is filled with phrases spawned from obsolete tech. We take a look at some listener favorites.

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TechStuff Classic Printing: Medication

Fri, 12 Jul 2019 22:09:23 +0000

How has ink jet technology been used to dispense medication? How could a 3-D printer create medicine? In what other ways have printers been used to create medical treatments?

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TechStuff Gets in Touch with Touch Screens

Wed, 10 Jul 2019 10:00:00 +0000

What is the history of the touch screen? What are the different ways inventors have designed to make the technology work?

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Is E3 Still Relevant?

Mon, 08 Jul 2019 14:58:33 +0000

It's a question the gaming industry has been asking for a while, fueled partly by some dramatic disagreements within the Entertainment Software Association. Is the E3 trade show still relevant or is it a waste of time and money?

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