The PC Pro Podcast

The discussion kicks off with Google's ambitious email encryption plans and the ongoing struggle against phishing. The team dives into the legal drama surrounding Donkey Kong gaming controversies and mental health implications. They tackle the complexities of AI in copyright, highlighting authors’ rights amidst the LibGen debate. Screen time's effects on sleep health spark lighthearted revelations, while ethical dilemmas in creating digital twins of models are also examined. Lastly, they introduce an energy-efficient monitor that blends innovation with sustainability.

The team discusses the US’ embarrassing Signal debacle, the latest boost to OpenAI’s image-generation capabilities and a proposal from Meta to offer Brits ad-free Facebook and Instagram services – for a price. We also explore a controversial update that wrecked battery life on out-of-support Pixel phones, and Barry pitches the £159 ErGear standing desk as this week’s Hot Hardware candidate.

Join the team this week as they unravel the thrilling spy narrative at the heart of the Deel and Rippling battle. Discover Europe’s strategic plans to diversify its tech infrastructure and get the latest scoop on Google Gemini’s exciting new features. Plus, our Hot Hardware pick is the ASUS Zenbook DUO laptop, a powerhouse with an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor, 32GB of RAM, and stunning dual 14-inch OLED 3K touchscreens.

The team discusses Framework’s latest range of upgradeable, repairable computers, plus Intel’s new CEO and a company promising faster charging and a longer lifespan for lithium-ion batteries. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the ProtoArc Tri-Fold Keyboard and Mouse, a full-sized desktop set that folds away for easy portability.

The team discusses ongoing cases of legal representatives relying on untrustworthy AI citations – while welcoming research suggesting that AI could help “deprogram” cult members and conspiracy theorists. We also look over Apple’s latest iPad, MacBook Air and Mac Studio models, and ponder how we feel about a new technology designed to neutralise regional accents on support calls. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Ubiquiti UniFi Express 7, a tiny but powerful internet gateway appliance.

The team discusses the “Make It Fair” campaign, which hopes to see strict rules on the use of copyright material to train AI systems. We also explore Amazon’s new Alexa Plus service, HP’s intentionally slow customer support and the removal of Apple’s data-protection tool in the UK. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Geekom A6, a tiny but powerful desktop PC.

Dive into the excitement around Microsoft's quantum chip and its potential to revolutionize technology. Discover a financial scandal in the Irish Arts Council, exposing IT mismanagement. Unpack the features of Apple's iPhone 16e, with its new 5G modem and future connectivity plans. We also explore HP's acquisition of Humane AI and the skepticism surrounding it. Plus, learn about a powerful seven-bay NAS drive that garnered rave reviews, showcasing some serious storage capabilities.

The discussion kicks off with the UK government pushing Apple to compromise on encryption, sparking vital discussions about privacy and security. A surprising drop in CPU power is examined amid shifting consumer preferences toward mid-range devices. Adobe's new AI video editing platform raises eyebrows for its implications on authenticity in digital media. Intriguingly, a tale of a man trying to retrieve a fortune in bitcoin from a landfill surfaces, blending technology and personal stakes in a captivating way. Plus, a look at the versatile AirCard Pro tracker captivates tech enthusiasts.

The team discusses Microsoft's crackdown on those running Windows 11 on unapproved hardware, a new AI tool that can help make sense of legalese and Intel's admission that its next-generation AI chip isn't good enough to release. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Netgear Nighthawk RS200, a Wi-Fi 7 router at the knock-down price of £200.

Discover the rise of DeepSeek, a Chinese AI engine shaking up the tech industry and raising ethical concerns. Delve into the ongoing price increases for Microsoft Office and the backlash from users. Explore Amazon’s ambitious drone delivery plans while weighing their feasibility. The chat also critiques Intel’s new sustainability efforts and the end of recordable Blu-rays, reflecting on the shift from physical media. Finally, meet Toybox Alpha 2, a kid-friendly 3D printer sparking creativity and learning among children.