Tech News Weekly (Audio)
Tech News Weekly (Audio)
TWiT
Support podcast
Industry expert Mikah Sargent, brings you interviews from tech journalists who make or break the top stories of the week. Get the freshest perspective and in depth insight into the fast-paced world of technology from Tech News Weekly. Records every Thursday at 2:00pm Eastern / 11:00am Pacific / 19:00 UTC.
TNW 336: Met Gala Deepfakes - Online Scams, AI Chatbots, AlphaFold
Amanda Silberling from TechCrunch joins Mikah Sargent this week on Tech News Weekly. They talk about how AI deepfakes have infiltrated aspects of the online conversations of the Met Gala fashion. How a Chinese network is behind one of the largest online scams into duping US and European customers through fake online designer shops. Teenagers are turning to AI chatbots to find entertainment, help, and even support from these AI services. Finally, Google DeepMind's AlphaFold AI program can model parts of DNA and human molecules. Amanda Silberling discusses how AI images have entered this year's Met Gala's online discourse through celebrities who "appeared" on the Met Gala carpet. Mikah Sargent talks about an online scam that originates in China, targeting US and European customers through online fake designer shops that acquire their credit cards and other personal information. Teenagers are slowly turning more to AI chatbots to seek entertainment, help, and overall companionship, which they are lacking at times in real life. Finally, Google DeepMind's new AlphaFold AI program can generate & predict how human overall molecules can interact, assisting in developing drug discovery and research. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Amanda Silberling Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsor: mylio.com/TWIT25
May 9
1 hr 6 min
TNW 335: The Rabbit R1 Is More Than Just an App - The ACP, GM & Apple CarPlay, Bad AI Data
Abrar Al-Heeti joins Mikah Sargent this week! Abrar talks about the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Mikah talks about GM rolling out its own infotainment hub after no longer supporting Apple CarPlay in its vehicles. Reviews of the Rabbit R1 have rolled out this week. And can you remove bad AI data from AI models? Abrar Al-Heeti talks about how the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is winding down and the impact it will have on 1 in 5 US households, affecting the indigenous community the hardest. Mikah Sargent airs his grievances on GM's in-house infotainment hub after the company decided against using Apple's CarPlay in its vehicles. Lisa Eadicicco of CNET joins the show to discuss her review of the Rabbit R1 AI devices and whether this device could truly replace one's smartphone. And finally, Katyanna Quach of Semafor talks about how researchers from Amazon suggest that bad and harmful data can be removed from an AI model and the idea of 'model disgorgement.' Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Abrar Al-Heeti Guests: Lisa Eadicicco and Katyanna Quach Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: eufy.com wix.com/studio YahooFinance.com
May 2
1 hr 2 min
TNW 334: Meta Goes Open With XR - Reddit Mods, Rabbit R1, Ray-Ban Meta Glasses
Jason Howell is filling in for Mikah Sargent as Mikah is out! Emily Dreibelbis chatted with one of the moderators of r/ChatGPT on Reddit. The Rabbit R1 AI companion device recently had its launch party, and first impressions are coming out for the wearable device. Meta opens its Quest Horizon OS to developers. And AI finally arrives in the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. Emily Dreibelbis of PCMag spoke with a moderator of one of the more popular subreddits on Reddit, r/ChatGPT, about their experience moderating a subreddit of that size and popularity. Jason Howell talks about the Rabbit R1 AI companion device and how more wearable devices are being developed with AI in them. Scott Stein of CNET joins the show to discuss Meta's opening its Quest Horizon OS to other developers and Meta's possible goals for allowing third-party developers access to this operating system. Finally, Victoria Song of The Verge stops by to talk with Jason about the Ray-Ban rolling out multimodal AI to its smart glasses. Hosts: Jason Howell and Emily Dreibelbis Guests: Scott Stein and Victoria Song Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: IntouchCX.com/twit GO.ACILEARNING.COM/TWIT
Apr 25
1 hr 11 min
TNW 333: Boston Dynamics' Bendy Robot - Microsoft's AI Copilot, TikTok Notes, Super Apps
Boston Dynamics introduced a new robot that has caught the attention of many people. How is Microsoft's AI Copilot impacting the coding industry? What are TikTok Notes? And what in the heck are Super Apps? Jennifer Pattison Tuohy joins us this episode to discuss Boston Dynamics' introduction of its latest robot, the Atlas, and how it's a vast improvement over its previous robots. Mikah Sargent talks about how Microsoft's AI Copilot is impacting the coding industry by automating coding aspects and saving engineers time. Karissa Bell of Engadget joins the show to talk about TikTok's latest experiment, TikTok Notes, and how it is similar to Meta's Instagram. Finally, Lisa Eadicicco of CNET explains what Super Apps are and why the idea of Super Apps is starting to make news lately. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Jennifer Pattison Tuohy Guests: Karissa Bell and Lisa Eadicicco Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: YahooFinance.com cachefly.com/twit
Apr 18
55 min
TNW 332: FCC Requires Broadband 'Nutrition Labels' - Humane's AI Pin, Apple Repair, Sunshine
Humane's AI pin has arrived! Apple is expanding repair options with support for used genuine parts. The FCC is rolling out 'Consumer Broadband Labels'. And former CEO Marissa Mayer has a new photo app called Sunshine, powered by AI. Amanda Silberling of TechCrunch joins Mikah to talk about Humane's AI Pin, now available for purchase, along with a slew of reviews and hands-on with the device. Mikah Sargent discusses Apple's announcement of expanding repair options for its devices, including support for used genuine Apple parts. Kyle Barr of Gizmodo stops by to discuss the FCC's rollout of 'Consumer Broadband Labels' and where you might be able to find them listed with ISPs. Finally, Reed Albergotti of Semafor chats about Sunshine, the AI-powered photo app started by former CEO Marissa Mayer. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Amanda Silberling Guests: Kyle Barr and Reed Albergotti Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: wix.com/studio mylio.com/TWIT25
Apr 11
1 hr 2 min
TNW 331: Preparing for the Eclipse - LinkedIn, AltStore, Business Schools & AI
LinkedIn is testing adding TikTok-like videos to its feed. What do alternative app stores on the iPhone look like within the European Union. Business schools are integrating AI more into their coursework. And what to know about the upcoming eclipse if you're fortunate to experience it! Abrar Al-Heeti of CNET talks about LinkedIn testing short-form video content into its feed to lure more users to its services. Mikah Sargent shares some insight into the alternative iPhone app stores in the European Union, such as Setapp and AltStore. Lindsay Ellis of The Wall Street Journal shares how business schools are starting to invest more heavily in AI. Finally, Rod Pyle of space.com and This Week in Space stops by to share some fun facts about the upcoming eclipse and some tips for preparing for the experience if you're fortunate enough to see it. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Abrar Al-Heeti Guests: Lindsay Ellis and Rod Pyle Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: eufy.com GO.ACILEARNING.COM/TWIT
Apr 4
1 hr 11 min
TNW 330: Checking In With Apple Vision Pro - Tesla Chargers, MFA Bombing, Snapchat
Tesla has opened its superchargers to non-Tesla vehicles! However, how easy is it to find one that's compatible with one in a big city? Mikah shares a PSA about "MFA Bombing" targeting Apple users. The FTC could sue TikTok over how the company handles its users' privacy and security. What is 'Project Ghostbusters'? And what does one tech reviewer think of the Apple Vision Pro after using it for over a month? Emily Dreibelbis of PCMag joins us for this Tech News Weekly episode! She shares her experience using Tesla's superchargers with a regular EV vehicle and how difficult it is to find a Tesla charger that will work with non-Tesla EVs. Mikah talks about a recent phishing attack targeting Apple users by exploiting a bug in Apple's reset feature called 'MFA bombing.' Karissa Bell of Engadget talks about how TikTok is now facing possible charges from the FTC for handling users' privacy and security within the platform. Lorenzo Franceschi-Bicchierai of TechCrunch discusses how Facebook probed into Snapchat traffic to gain a competitive advantage over its competitors through a secret project dubbed 'Project Ghostbusters.' Finally, Scott Stein of CNET returns to the show to share his thoughts on the Apple Vision Pro after using it for over a month. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Emily Dreibelbis Guests: Karissa Bell, Lorenzo Franceschi-Bicchierai, and Scott Stein Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: vanta.com/TNW zscaler.com/zerotrustAI wix.com/studio
Mar 28
1 hr 22 min
TNW 329: US DOJ Sues Apple For Monopoly Practices - LexisNexis, Beeper, Surface Pro 10
Breaking news as the U.S. Department of Justice sues Apple for illegal smartphone monopoly. Automakers are sharing consumers' driving behaviors with insurance companies. Beeper is back in the news as it refocuses its efforts on delivering an app that brings various chat applications into one singular app. And Microsoft had an event to announce new Surface PCs! Jennifer Pattison Tuohy joins Mikah Sargent this week to talk about the breaking news that the U.S. Department of Justice is suing Apple for claims that the company has an illegal monopoly over the smartphone market. Mikah talks about how U.S. automakers share consumers' driving behaviors and practices with insurance companies with detailed reports. Emma Roth of The Verge joins the show to talk about how Beeper is refocusing its efforts after it attempted to bring iMessage to Android users through an app that seeks to combine various chat applications into one singular app. Finally, Zac Bowden of Windows Central discusses Microsoft's unveiling of the new Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6 computers. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Jennifer Pattison Tuohy Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: zscaler.com/zerotrustAI canary.tools/twit - use code: TWIT
Mar 21
1 hr 7 min
TNW 328: Unraveling the Eu's AI Act - TikTok's Fate, Healthcare Hack, Surface Duo's Revival
The ongoing concerns and legislation around TikTok in the US, the BlackCat ransomware attack on Change Healthcare, the EU's newly passed AI Act, and the current state of Microsoft's Surface Duo folding phone. TikTok's Potential Ban and Creators' Response: TechCrunch's Amanda Silberling shares insights on TikTok's looming ban in the U.S., highlighting creators' mixed reactions, ranging from active lobbying to uncertainty about national security implications. The debate extends to the political theater surrounding the ban, especially in an election year, and the lack of concrete evidence against TikTok's operations in the U.S. Ransomware Attack on Change Healthcare: Mikah Sargent discusses the severe implications of the ransomware attack on Change Healthcare, underlining the vulnerability of the U.S. healthcare system due to centralization. The conversation sheds light on the challenges healthcare providers face, from halted operations to delayed payments, and sparks a discussion on the need for antitrust oversight and comprehensive privacy legislation. EU's AI Regulation Act: Emilia David from The Verge delves into the EU's groundbreaking AI Act, explaining its scope, the amendments it underwent, and its potential as a model for AI regulation worldwide. The act aims to ensure AI systems' safety and ethical use, with provisions for law enforcement exceptions and guidelines for companies operating in the EU. Microsoft Surface Duo's Lack of Updates and Community Efforts to Keep it Alive: Window Central's Zac Bowden brings to the forefront the passionate community working to rejuvenate the Microsoft Surface Duo. He discusses custom developments like Windows on ARM for the Surface Duo and a custom Android ROM, showcasing the device's unique dual-screen productivity advantages and the challenges of maintaining its relevance. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Amanda Silberling Guest: Emilia David Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: bitwarden.com/twit ecamm.com/twit or use Promo Code TWIT
Mar 14
1 hr 3 min
TNW 327: Will TikTok Be Banned... This Time? - Copilot Designer Warning, New M3 MacBook Airs
U.S. lawmakers are once again pushing ByteDance to divest TikTok or face a ban within the country. The Center for Countering Digital Hate published a report on AI images generated being used to create election disinformation. A Microsoft AI engineer warns the FTC about safety concerns with Microsoft's Copilot Designer. And some of the new features & products Apple has announced over the past few weeks! Abrar Al-Heeti joins Mikah this week! She talks about U.S. lawmakers making another push to get ByteDance to divest TikTok or face a ban within the country. Could this push get TikTok banned within the U.S., or at least divest the company? Mikah covers the report published by the Center for Countering Digital Hate, where the organization tested popular AI image tools and how they help contribute to disinformation during election periods. Emma Roth of The Verge stops by to share her coverage of the safety concerns brought up by a Microsoft engineer over Microsoft's Copilot Designer of its safety issues and flaws. And finally, Dan Moren of SixColors.com talks about Apple's announcement of M3 13" & 15" MacBook Airs and the iOS 17.4 update. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Abrar Al-Heeti Guests: Emma Roth and Dan Moren Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: Melissa.com/twit wix.com/studio
Mar 7
1 hr 11 min