Tech News Weekly (Audio)

Amanda Silberling joins Mikah Sargent this week for Tech News Weekly! X is piloting the use of AI chatbots to generate Community Notes. The Supreme Court's porn ruling and what it means for internet privacy. Microsoft tests using AI to diagnose medical cases. And what's new with the Nothing Phone 3? Amanda shares the story she wrote for TechCrunch about how the social media company, X, is testing an AI program that can help generate Community Notes for its posts. Mikah talks about the Supreme Court's ruling on a Texas law requiring age verification to access adult websites and what this could mean for internet privacy in the future. Mikah also shares research that Microsoft conducted on utilizing AI to help diagnose medical cases that even expert physicians struggle to figure out. And Andrew Lanxon of CNET joins the show to talk about the Nothing Phone 3 and what he experienced from his hands-on with the device. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Amanda Silberling Guest: Andrew Lanxon 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: zscaler.com/security cachefly.com/twit

This week on Tech News Weekly, Mikah Sargent and Emily Forlini explore RFK Jr.'s ambitious plan to get health trackers on every American's wrist, Apple's CarPlay Ultra facing resistance from automakers, landmark AI copyright rulings, and Fairphone's latest sustainable smartphone offering. RFK Jr.'s Wearable Health Initiative - Emily Forlini discusses the HHS Secretary's vision for every American to wear health trackers within four years, examining both the potential benefits of democratizing health data and concerns about privacy, data collection, and the government outsourcing public health monitoring to tech companies. Apple CarPlay Ultra vs. Automakers - Mikah explores Apple's ambitious expansion beyond infotainment to control entire car dashboards, revealing which manufacturers are embracing or rejecting the technology, and discussing the fundamental question of who should own the in-car experience - tech companies, automakers, or consumers. AI Copyright Rulings Shake Tech Industry - WIRED's Kate Knibbs breaks down two precedent-setting court decisions involving Meta and Anthropic, explaining how judges ruled AI training as "transformative" fair use while leaving the door open for piracy-related damages that could reach into the trillions. Fairphone 6: Sustainability Meets Modularity - Will Sattelberg from 9to5Google showcases the latest repairable smartphone featuring modular backplates, a dedicated "Moments" mode for digital wellness, and an ambitious 8-year software support promise, though US availability remains limited. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Emily Forlini Guests: Kate Knibbs and Will Sattelberg 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: drata.com/technews storyblok.com/twittv-25 hoxhunt.com/securitynow

This week on Tech News Weekly, Mikah Sargent and Jennifer Pattison Tuohy talk cybersecurity vulnerabilities with over 40,000 exposed internet cameras, Wyze's new security features following past breaches, a study on youth mental health and addictive tech use, and the launch of Trump Mobile's new phone and cellular plan. 40,000 Exposed Internet Cameras: A cybersecurity investigation by BitSight reveals that over 40,000 internet-connected cameras are accessible to anyone with a browser and IP address, many of which use default passwords or lack basic security features. Wyze Introduces "Verified View" Security Feature: Following previous incidents where users could see other people's camera streams due to cloud failures, Wyze launched a new security feature that stamps user metadata onto footage for an additional layer of verification to access photos and videos. Study Challenges Screen Time Assumptions for Youth Mental Health: A major JAMA study tracking over 4,000 kids from ages 10-14 found no direct link between screen time duration and suicidal behavior, but instead identified addictive usage patterns as the real culprit. The Launch of Trump Mobile: The new "47 Plan" offers 20GB of data for $47.45/month, along with a $499 phone claimed to be "made in America," though tech experts question both the value proposition and manufacturing claims. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Jennifer Pattison Tuohy 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: joindeleteme.com/twit promo code TWIT Melissa.com/twit threatlocker.com/twit

Abrar Al-Heeti is joining Mikah Sargent this week! Abrar is excited about one of the new features Apple announced for iOS 26 that could be important for a rumored device next. Would you be willing to be matched with others based on your search history? Some of the new things discovered in the teardown of the Nintendo Switch 2. And Meta is in hot water again over AI chatbots posing as licensed therapists. Abrar talks about the new Adaptive Power feature Apple unveiled at WWDC this past week and how this new feature could be necessary for the rumored iPhone 17 Air that Apple could release sometime next year. Mikah shares about a new experimental platform called Browser Dating that matches users based on their previous internet search history. Liz Chamberlain of iFixit joins the show to talk about the Nintendo Switch 2's teardown, the updated Joy-Con controllers, and how aspects of the console are much harder to repair than their predecessor. And 404 Media's Sam Cole stops by to discuss Meta's AI Studio chatbots, which are posing as real therapists with fake licenses and credentials. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Abrar Al-Heeti Guests: Liz Chamberlain and Sam Cole 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: material.security joindeleteme.com/twit promo code TWIT zocdoc.com/tnw cachefly.com/twit

Amanda Silberling is joining Mikah Sargent this week on Tech News Weekly! Initial hands-on impressions with the Nintendo Switch 2. Reddit sues Anthropic. Amazon will be testing humanoid robots to deliver packages. And what could be announced at WWDC25. Scott Stein of CNET is staying busy as he joins the show to share his hands-on impressions of Nintendo's Switch 2 console, Mario Kart World, and its new features. Amanda talks about Reddit suing the artificial intelligence company Anthropic for allegedly not paying for its services without a proper licensing agreement. You may receive your Amazon packages from robots in the future, as Mikah shares how the company prepares to test humanoid robots for delivering packages. And Christopher Lawley of youtube.com/@ChrisLawley joins Mikah to discuss what Apple may unveil at its Worldwide Developers Conference on June 9th. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Amanda Silberling Guests: Scott Stein and Christopher Lawley 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: storyblok.com/twittv-25 zocdoc.com/tnw zscaler.com/security joindeleteme.com/twit promo code TWIT

Dan Moren, East Bureau Chief at Six Colors and a Jeopardy! Champion, dives deep into the digital world. He discusses Apple's rumored OS redesign and YouTube's shift to original scripted content, shaping the future of entertainment. A fascinating study suggests technology might help reduce cognitive decline in older adults. Most alarmingly, Moren reveals how North Korean operatives have infiltrated U.S. tech jobs, using deceptive tactics to recruit financially distressed workers in schemes that have netted over $6 billion in stolen cryptocurrency.

This week, Lauren Goode, Senior Correspondent for WIRED, sheds light on the exciting new partnership between Sam Altman and Jony Ive. They discuss how this collaboration could revolutionize AI hardware following OpenAI's acquisition of Jony Ive's io company. The conversation dives into the potential innovations in hardware design and the ethical implications of AI-integrated devices. Listen in as they explore the future of technology and the possibilities that lie ahead in the ever-evolving tech landscape.

Dan Moren joins Mikah Sargent this week! A quick preview of Android 16 and Material 3 Expressive ahead of Google I/O with CNET. If you received a 'Lopez Voice Assistant' email, you may be owed a settlement. Apple is finally rolling out its rebranded 'CarPlay Ultra', which was unveiled years ago. And the age of paranoia with deepfakes and scams. Patrick Holland of CNET joins Mikah to talk about his first look into Android 16 and Material 3 Expressive's redesign, ahead of Google I/O on May 20th. Mikah shares that if you received an email titled 'Lopez Voice Assistant,' don't delete it! You could be eligible for up to $100 as part of Apple's Siri settlement. Dan Moren talks about Apple rolling out its 'CarPlay Ultra' that was unveiled three years ago, and the car brands supporting this new iteration of CarPlay. And Mikah chats about a great Wired piece about the 'Age of Paranoia', which talks about AI-driven frauds and how more people are proactively verifying their online interactions. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Dan Moren Guest: Patrick Holland 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 joindeleteme.com/twit promo code TWIT drata.com/technews storyblok.com/twittv-25

Amanda Silberling from TechCrunch joins Mikah Sargent this week! Spotify's latest update gives users more control over their listening experience. Students are using AI more widely to cheat. Microsoft's latest Surface devices still utilize Snapdragon X. And Netflix is rolling out a major UI redesign, which includes algorithmic changes and a TikTok-like feed. Amanda talks about Spotify's rollout of its latest update, which utilizes AI-driven features, including enhanced playlists and "smart shuffle." Mikah shares a New York Magazine article that highlights the increasing use of AI tools by students to complete assignments and the impact the reliance of these tools will have on students' critical thinking skills. Brian Westover of PCMag joins Mikah to talk about Microsoft's latest Surface devices, including a 13-inch Surface Laptop and 12-inch Surface Pro tablet. Mikah chats about Netflix rolling out a significant redesign of its user interface, incorporating algorithmic changes and a feed similar to TikTok, as a way to boost user engagement and keep users hooked in Netflix's ecosystem. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Amanda Silberling Guest: Brian Westover 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: zscaler.com/security spaceship.com/twit cachefly.com/twit

In this episode of Tech News Weekly, Mikah Sargent and Abrar Al-Heeti explore the growing role of AI in consumer tech, the latest legal setback for Apple's App Store policies, and two in-depth interviews: Bloomberg's Leah Nylen breaks down the DOJ's proposed remedies in the antitrust case against Google, and Wikimedia's Leila Zia shares the foundation's new AI strategy that centers humans—not machines. ChatGPT Adds Shopping Tools: Abrar Al-Heeti highlights OpenAI's new AI-powered shopping experience in ChatGPT, which personalizes product recommendations and integrates purchase links—all without leaving the chat window. She and Mikah explore the implications for consumer trust, affiliate marketing, and the future of Amazon and Google as default shopping destinations. Apple vs. Epic: Court Strikes Back: Mikah breaks down a dramatic new ruling against Apple, in which a judge found the company in violation of a 2021 injunction and imposed strict limits on how it can control third-party payments. Mikah and Abrar discuss how this could reshape the App Store's fee model and what it means for developers and users alike. Google's Antitrust Remedy Phase: Bloomberg antitrust reporter Leah Nylen returns to unpack the latest in the DOJ's case against Google. She explains the three proposed remedies—including a possible Chrome browser divestiture—and what testimony from tech competitors like DuckDuckGo, Perplexity, and OpenAI revealed about Google's dominance in search and AI. Wikipedia's Human-Centered AI Strategy: Leila Zia, Head of Research at the Wikimedia Foundation, outlines their new AI roadmap, which focuses on supporting Wikipedia's volunteer editors rather than replacing them. She details how AI will assist with moderation, multilingual knowledge expansion, and mentorship—all while upholding values of transparency and human agency. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Abrar Al-Heeti Guests: Leah Nylen and Leila Zia 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: joindeleteme.com/twit promo code TWIT drata.com/technews