The PC Pro Podcast

The team discusses Google’s big investment in a new UK data centre – and the concomitant environmental cost. We also share frank opinions of Apple’s latest OS updates and find out what people are really using ChatGPT for. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the MSI Modern MD342CQPW, a dirt-cheap 34in widescreen monitor that’s perfect for working with multiple documents or driving a simulated truck across Europe.

The latest iPhone 17 features a sleek design with improved thermal management and photography advancements. There's buzz about the ultra-thin iPhone Air, but concerns arise over its practicality. Highlights from IFA showcase innovations from Acer and Lenovo alongside Google's ongoing legal woes. The podcast also tackles the alarming drop of Gen Z in tech roles due to automation. Humorously, it contrasts heavy tech issues with the perils of doom scrolling. Meanwhile, the UniFi SuperLink promises to revolutionize IoT connectivity but raises questions about durability and integration.

The team dives into Google’s recent court win, allowing it to keep Chrome and Android intact. They debate the implications of Google's sideloading restrictions for app security. Microsoft's new AI models take the spotlight as they push OneDrive as the default storage for Office users, sparking mixed reactions. The conversation touches on job security in relation to increasing AI automation. Plus, a review of the Google Pixel 10 Pro reveals strong opinions on its features versus rising smartphone prices.

The UK government's retreat on backdoor access to encrypted communications raises vital privacy concerns. The latest Pixel smartphones impress with enhanced camera tech and real-time features, prompting debates on ethical photography in a competitive market. Intel's chip strategies and SoftBank's AI investments indicate a shifting tech landscape. The controversial subscription services for car upgrades spark humor and critique. Finally, DaVinci Resolve's evolution highlights its accessibility, alongside a groundbreaking immersive camera that promises enhanced video production.

The team dives into the disruptive impact of OpenAI's GPT-5 and Starbucks' strategic response to technology's rise in South Korea. They grapple with Wikipedia's challenges under the Online Safety Act while critiquing political remarks from Donald Trump. The conversation flows into AI's shift from cloud reliance to local personalization, touching on the evolving work culture in coffee shops. Finally, they review a user-friendly Amazon Basics tablet stand, blending practicality with humor.

The future of Windows might include more natural user interactions like voice commands. Intel faces significant challenges in the semiconductor market, raising concerns about its competitive edge. Amazon could monetize Alexa through targeted advertising, stirring debate about the balance between user experience and ad placements. The risks of deepfakes in politics highlight the need for awareness. Plus, there's an engaging discussion on the affordable yet surprisingly functional Redmi Watch 5, perfect for fitness enthusiasts.

Sorry, can we see your ID? Alright, you can listen as the team discusses the success - or otherwise - of the age-admission tests introduced by various adult sites in the UK in response to the latest legislation. Fortunately, we have lawyer and PC Pro contributor Olivia Whitcroft on hand to guide us through, while Jon Honeyball has put the tech to the test. Plus, Nik Rawlinson explains how Aeroflot was grounded by cyberattackers.Our Hot Hardware this week is the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7, starting at a bargain £1,799.

This week, the team dives into Google's efforts to address the Pixel 4a battery issues, balancing safety and performance. They discuss Anker's substantial product recall, raising concerns about consumer trust. The ongoing legal drama surrounding Mike Lynch and HP's multimillion-pound claim sheds light on corporate ethics. Additionally, there's a look at the UK government's encryption standoff with Apple and insights into a groundbreaking 60 GHz wireless bridge that promises seamless connectivity. It’s a tech-packed conversation filled with laughs and intrigue!

The team discusses WeTransfer’s apparent grab for users’ data, a mooted merger of Android and Chrome OS and the industry fallout after a virtual band playing AI-generated music racked up a million streams on Spotify. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Erichsen Hardness Test Pencil Model 318, a mechanical implement designed specifically for scratching the screens on phones, tablets, etc.

A new security threat is putting millions at risk with malicious browser extensions. The hosts tackle the ethical dilemmas of AI in academic publishing and the ongoing legal battles concerning copyright in the Getty Images case. Gmail’s latest feature simplifies unsubscribe processes for users but raises security questions. Meanwhile, they explore how modern technology is reshaping art, blending traditional techniques with innovative plotters and discussing the intersection of creativity and commerce. Humor, technology, and legal complexities abound!