Tech Life

Joe Tidy, a BBC cyber correspondent, dives into the dark side of cryptocurrency theft, shedding light on who the attackers are and the emotional impact of these crimes. Lara Lewington, a technology broadcaster, discusses cutting-edge health tech trends from CES, including devices for monitoring cardiovascular health, aiding in menopause symptoms, and innovative treatments for children's ear infections. The conversation also covers the shift towards data-driven approaches and AI's role in personalizing healthcare.

Joe Tidy, the BBC cyber correspondent, dives into the world of humanoid domestic robots. He explores new advancements showcased at CES, revealing the mixed progress of robots like Eggie and Memo. Joe discusses their struggles with simple tasks and examines public reactions from Singapore. The conversation highlights the competitive landscape of robotics and the potential of Isaac, a robot quickly mastering laundry. With insights from industry experts, this episode tackles the future of robots in our homes and the challenges they still face.

This week features Shona McCallum, a Tech Life field reporter, sharing insights from CES, the world's biggest tech showcase. Emma Tracy delves into the latest in assistive technology, predicting groundbreaking accessibility innovations. Robin Christofferson discusses the potential of agentic AI and smart glasses for enhancing daily life for the visually impaired. Gaming enthusiast Tom Gherkin offers a sneak peek into major upcoming titles and hardware, including the much-anticipated GTA6, setting the stage for an exciting year ahead.

Ben Lam, Chief Executive of Colossal Biosciences, dives into the future of de-extinction, revealing ambitious plans to revive woolly mammoths and thylacines while stressing conservation ethics. Zoe Kleinman, BBC’s tech editor, shares her experience at a royal event where AI pioneers were celebrated by King Charles III. The discussion touches on spatial intelligence innovations and how AI is reshaping education and social safety measures. Listeners also share personal tech breakthroughs that have impacted their lives in remarkable ways.

Max Haot, CEO of Vast, discusses the ambitious plan to launch Haven-1, the first commercial space station, in 2026. He emphasizes the importance of creating economically sustainable orbital habitats for research and manufacturing. Haot also explores the potential benefits of microgravity for pharmaceuticals and tech development, while addressing the future of private space transport and competition. He highlights the rigorous safety measures in place for crewed flights and the need for international partnerships in this exciting new frontier.

Kobe Hackenberg, a leading researcher on AI chatbots, shares startling findings on how these technologies can sway political views. Samantha Subramanian, author of The Web Beneath the Waves, highlights the precariousness of global undersea internet cables and their geopolitical consequences. Adam Bland from Chester Zoo discusses his conservation efforts for the endangered Lake Pátzcuaro salamander, revealing a unique collaboration with nuns to safeguard this vulnerable species through innovative microchipping. Expect a fascinating dive into tech and nature!

QTCinderella, a popular Twitch streamer and organizer of the Streamer Awards, opens up about the darker realities of her online fame. She shares her journey from a 9-to-5 job to being a full-time content creator during COVID. The discussion delves into the mental health struggles she faces and the blurred lines between her online persona and real life. QTCinderella reveals shocking instances of harassment and safety concerns stemming from her public exposure, reflecting on the cost of success and her regrets along the way.

Manon Dave, a creative technologist and musician who collaborates with stars like Will.i.am, dives into how AI is reshaping the songwriting process, discussing tools like Suno and Udio. He shares mixed reactions from artists toward AI, highlighting the importance of human creativity in melody and lyrics. Rachel Franz, from Fairplay, raises alarms about the risks of AI in children's toys, emphasizing issues like data privacy and harmful behaviors. Together, they shed light on the evolving landscape of AI in music and beyond.

Mackenzie Price, Co-founder of Alpha School, champions an innovative AI-powered learning model that replaces traditional teaching. She discusses how adaptive apps personalize education, allowing students to thrive in a tech-driven environment. The conversation also delves into the changing role of teachers and the risks of unequal access to education. In a gripping shift, the podcast uncovers the dark world of online scams, featuring a victim's harrowing story and expert insights on how scammers exploit technology.

Anjali Brown, a wellness coach from Barcelona, shares her journey in coaching clients worldwide via Zoom, emphasizing the importance of remote work. Irene Mwendwa, a lawyer from Nairobi, opens up about the emotional toll of online bullying and her advocacy for safer digital spaces. Meanwhile, aspiring digital nomad Nick Cohn discusses his quest for a Spanish visa and the challenges he faces. Together, they explore the freedoms and struggles of living as digital nomads in today’s tech-driven world.