The PC Pro Podcast

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.

Olivia Whitcroft, a lawyer specializing in online safety and data protection, discusses the legal ramifications of age-assurance rules under the Online Safety Act. She highlights the challenges between protecting children and risks like privacy loss and fraud. The conversation dives into real-world implementation, including the strengths and weaknesses of verification methods like Yoti and AllPass. Olivia also clarifies the difference between age estimation and verification, and discusses the regulation of AI tools to combat online threats.

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.

The latest discussion covers Apple's bold Liquid Glass update, raising questions about user experience amidst the sleek design. There's skepticism about the impact of Android 16 on innovation and security. A major lawsuit highlights the clash between copyright laws and AI's content creation. Plus, a sneak peek into a new handheld Xbox gaming device delights tech enthusiasts. The hosts also tackle the complexities of modernizing air traffic control amid technological challenges and dive into the ethics of AI in creative industries.

The team dives into the spat between Apple, Google and the Met Police regarding phone theft in London, and debates whether IMEI blocking is the answer. We also look at CityFibre's rollout of 5.5Gbits/sec broadband and discuss the patchy state of UK connectivity. There's hope as Microsoft attempts to end the confusion around USB-C ports, and we ponder the impact of new Windows features landing in the EU. Our Hot Hardware candidate is a surprisingly good, but unbranded, motorised suction-cup phone mount bought from TikTok.