Clockwise 616: WiFi Egg
Jul 30, 2025
Amanda Silberling, a Senior Culture Writer at TechCrunch and host of Wow If True, joins the conversation to dissect the intersection of technology and culture. They explore the evolution of tap-to-exchange features and share anecdotes about online privacy challenges. The discussion takes a turn to the practical as they vent about tech troubles, like unreliable internet while traveling. They also dive into the ethics of children's shoes with AirTag slots, balancing safety with concerns about surveillance, while reflecting on whimsical childhood aspirations and their journey into journalism.
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Mixed Experiences With Tap Features
- Mikah, MB Bischoff, and Dan share personal experiences using phone-to-phone tap features like contact exchange and payments.
- Many find these features novel but unreliable, leading to hesitation in regular use.
Ephemerality in Online Data
- Online data leaks prompt reconsideration of what communications should be ephemeral.
- Users vary between digital pack rats and those embracing disappearing messages like in Signal.
Frustration Renting Portable Wi-Fi
- Amanda struggled to find trustworthy sources to rent a portable Wi-Fi egg for remote work on vacation.
- Even former reliable sites have disappeared, making this a frustrating tech challenge.