ShopTalk 685: Fix My Home Tech, What’s Up with Firefox, and the MVP Car
Oct 6, 2025
The hosts tackle home network issues, debating when to hire a specialist for reliable Wi-Fi. They explore how old devices drag down performance and the unwavering reliability of Ethernet. A fun discussion on the quirks of car tech leads to troubleshooting Spotify connection problems. Firefox's strategic direction and its focus on privacy and innovation come under scrutiny. Finally, they dive into design systems, atomic design principles, and how small tech fixes can enhance everyday life.
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Hiring A Home Network Specialist
- Chris describes people asking, "Is there a network guy I can hire?" for home WAN/LAN debugging and optimization.
- He recounts odd real-world Wi‑Fi issues like old devices degrading networks and unclear device inventories around the house.
Prefer Wired Connections For Reliability
- Use Ethernet where possible because nothing beats a wired connection for reliability and speed.
- Consider a professional to place, configure, or wire your network rather than guessing at mesh placements or settings.
Driveway Wi‑Fi Confuses Car Playback
- Dave shares a recurring car‑connectivity annoyance: Spotify thinks the car is online at his driveway, serving cached offline playlists.
- He needs to drive ~50–100 yards away before the phone forgets Wi‑Fi and plays intended audio.