The PC Pro Podcast

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!

The team discusses Microsoft’s latest attempt to get people to ditch passwords, a new memory technology that dissolves on contact with water and an interesting proposal to make AI web crawlers pay for the content they scrape. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Sony SRS-XB100, a compact Bluetooth speaker with a low price and a big sound.

The team discusses a new extended lifeline for Windows 10, a controversial court ruling concerning an AI firm’s use of copyright material and a novel scam that inserts malicious content directly into legitimate websites. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the TP-Link Archer BE550, a high-spec Wi-Fi 7 router at a reasonable price.

The team laments the tale of a malfunctioning smart mattress that condemned its owner to a night of shivering misery. We also discuss Donald Trump’s surprise move into personal telephony, the latest update to the Apple Vision Pro and concerns over Chinese VPNs. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Chillblast Poseidon Ryzen 9 RTX 5090, a water-cooled gaming PC that costs as much as 17,500 Freddos.