The PC Pro Podcast

The team asks whether Amazon makes it unreasonably difficult for customers to unsubscribe from Prime. We also cautiously welcome quantum breakthroughs from Intel and Microsoft, and ponder Lenovo’s new initiatives aimed at making its laptops greener and more repairable. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Geekom AS 6, a mini-PC with a powerful AMD Ryzen 9 processor.

The team discusses the ongoing protests against changes to Reddit’s API policies, unexpected warnings popping up on WD Red hard drives, and the EU’s threat to break up Google. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the SmallRig video cage kit, a versatile case that lets you attach grips, stands and other photographic accessories to the iPhone 14 Pro Max.But of course we know what you’re really interested in is Intel’s new monospaced font, and you can download it from here: https://github.com/intel/intel-one-mono

The team discusses Apple’s latest product announcements, including the Vision Pro and the new MacBook Air, Mac Studio and Mac Pro computers. We also try out new AI features in the online Adobe Express productivity suite. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the LG gram SuperSlim, an ultra-thin laptop with a 15.6in OLED screen.

We look into what really happens when electronics are recycled in the UK, why Reddit is getting pricey for some and ask how green HP printers are. The team reminisce about discontinued Amazon services before voting on our Hot Hardware candidate: Viture XR glasses. View the statement from Safe.AI at: https://www.safe.ai/statement-on-ai-risk

The team discusses the latest revelations from Microsoft’s Build conference, a slow start for Wi-Fi 7 and a major win for right-to-repair advocates. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Motorola Moto G13, a dirt-cheap phone that’s good enough to be your daily driver.

The team discusses Microsoft’s controversial new antivirus measure, an epidemic of broadband cancellations and warnings about AI-generated music. Our Hot Hardware candidate is a 2013 Apple iMac, with a Core i5-4570S CPU and 8GB of RAM.

The team discusses a new technology that could enhance VR experiences with digitally generated smells; casts an eye over the latest products announced at Google’s I/O conference; and tentatively welcomes a new tax on crypto-mining. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Samsung T7 Shield, a high-speed portable SSD that’s designed to survive splashes and bashes.

The team discusses Microsoft’s new plan to design its own CPUs, the UK’s attempts to regulate the fast-growing AI market and how Bluesky Social is challenging Mastodon to become the next Twitter. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Insta360 X3, an action camera with all-round vision and built-in image stabilisation.

The team discusses the blocking of Microsoft’s proposed acquisition of Activision, accusations of shady spyware features in the Edge browser, and a new UK law that would clamp down on fake reviews and free trials that silently turn into paid subscriptions. Our Hot Hardware candidate is three bottles of beer costing £79 – courtesy of Elon Musk.

The team discusses the backlash against the UK government’s anti-encryption plans, Reddit’s plans to charge for API access and the death of the computer magazine – in the US, at least. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Panasonic ToughBook 40, a laptop you can take into the jungle with you.