Tech News Weekly (Audio)

Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, a senior writer at The Verge specializing in smart home tech, discusses the iPad Pro's exciting new Thread support, which could elevate it to a smart home controller. Dan Moren, a technology journalist focused on Apple, highlights incremental updates from the M5 processor affecting the iPad Pro, MacBook Pro, and Vision Pro. The conversation also touches on California's new social media law requiring health warnings for teens, sparking a debate about its impact on youth and parental education.

Sabrina Ortiz, a technology reporter at ZDNet, dives into OpenAI's ambitious plans unveiled at Dev Day, including a new Apps SDK that aims to make ChatGPT function like an operating system. She explains how integrated apps could streamline user experiences and enhance workflows. Additionally, discussion touches on potential security concerns with AI tech, including Casio's AI-powered toy, Mothlin, and the UK’s ongoing debate on backdoor encryption for iPhone users. They also explore the consumer risks associated with the 'Buy Now, Pay Later' model.

Florence Ion, a tech writer focusing on consumer hardware and smart home innovations, dives into Google's latest smart home updates. She outlines the integration of Gemini, elevating Google Home's intelligence with contextual automations. The conversation reveals the revamped Home app, Nest hardware upgrades, and exciting features like conversational controls replacing Google Assistant. Florence also discusses partnership plans with Walmart for affordable smart home options, hoping for greater automation gains in everyday life.

Liz Chamberlain, Director of Sustainability at iFixit and a teardown expert, dives into the iPhone 17 Pro's durability issues, revealing how its aluminum edges contribute to scratches. She also discusses iFixit's recent teardown of the iPhone Air, showcasing its innovative battery design for better repairability. The conversation shifts to Apple's TechWoven material, exploring its advantages over FineWoven, particularly in stain resistance, while also noting its vulnerabilities. Liz provides practical advice on selecting cases to maximize protection.

Jennifer Pattison Tuohy from The Verge shares insights on Amazon's upcoming hardware announcements, while Scott Stein from CNET gives a hands-on review of Meta's innovative Ray-Ban display glasses and Neural Band. They discuss the implications of new smart home tech and how OpenAI is tackling teen safety on ChatGPT. Scott highlights the unique features of the glasses, including augmented reality capabilities and gesture controls, while also addressing the social perceptions around wearing them. It's a fascinating dive into the future of wearable tech!

Zac Hall, a reporter for 9to5Mac, shares his excitement after attending Apple's recent 'Awe Dropping' event. He discusses the new AirPods Pro 3, highlighting their enhanced workout tracking and battery life. Zac also dives into the sleek design and innovative features of the iPhone Air, alongside insights into its camera capabilities and how they compare to the pro models. Expect detailed thoughts on the evolution of Apple’s tech as Zac reflects on what these changes mean for users.

Dan Moren, East Coast Bureau Chief at Six Colors, and Leah Nylen, Antitrust reporter at Bloomberg, dive into the latest tech turmoil. They tackle Apple's bold move to develop an AI search engine, aimed at challenging OpenAI. The conversation shifts to OpenAI's response to mental health concerns and the implications of AI in sensitive contexts. Meanwhile, Leah provides critical insights into a recent court ruling affecting Google’s monopoly in the search market, sparking mixed industry reactions as tech giants navigate evolving regulations.

Emily Forlini, a tech journalist from PCMag, delves into the serious implications of AI, discussing a lawsuit against OpenAI after a tragic incident involving a teen. She raises concerns about the misuse of AI and the emotional ties users develop with technology. Joining her is Allison Johnson from The Verge, who reviews the Google Pixel 10 Pro, highlighting its impressive Magic Cue feature. They also touch on Meta's bold $10 billion investment in a massive data center in Louisiana, aimed at fueling its AI ambitions.

Amanda Silberling from TechCrunch joins to discuss the privacy crisis surrounding the app TeaOnHer, which has exposed users' sensitive data. Patrick Holland from CNET shares insights from the Made by Google event, highlighting the innovative features of the newly unveiled Pixel 10 and Pixel Watch 4. They also delve into the growing issue of AI-generated articles in journalism, raising concerns about integrity and misinformation. The conversation blends ethical tech discussions with the excitement of new product features.

Jennifer Pattison Tuohy of The Verge joins Mikah Sargent on this episode of Tech News Weekly! Apple is rumored to launch a series of AI-powered devices, the upcoming Pebble Time 2's design is shown off, a look into a global SMS phishing scam ring, and the blood oxygen feature is returning to Apple Watches? Apple is seeking to expand its product offerings into AI-powered robots, home security, and smart displays, according to a report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Eric Migicovsky, founder of Pebble smartwatches, unveils the design of the company's Pebble Time 2* watch. Harrison Sand, Senior Security Consultant for mnemonic, unveils Darcula. This global SMS phishing-as-a-scam ring sends SMS messages hoping to steal credentials from those who click on the links in the messages. And Apple announces that it's bringing back the Blood Oyxgen feature for Apple Watches, which was a clever workaround following a recent U.S. Customs ruling against Masimo. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Jennifer Pattison Tuohy Guest: Harrison Sand Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: zocdoc.com/tnw cachefly.com/twit