The PC Pro Podcast

The hosts dive into the future of technology, predicting immersive experiences will redefine how we interact with live events. They discuss the evolution of 'good enough' tech and the excitement around quantum computing, mixed with humor from audience interactions. Highlights include the impact of Wi-Fi and smartphones on everyday life, and the innovative contributions of smart home devices. The panel wraps up with a fun Q&A, playful casting suggestions for a movie about their adventures, and a lighthearted joke to leave listeners smiling.

Part one of a special two-part podcast with a live audience to celebrate 30 years of PC Pro. Barry Collins, Tim Danton, Darien Graham-Smith, Jon Honeyball and Rois ni Thuama look back and discuss the most significant tech innovations and events of the past three decades, before pitting their knowledge against audience members in a short, unseasonal quiz.

The team discusses all that’s new in the Windows 11 24H2 update, explores the innards of the latest iPhone and cautiously welcomes the arrests of four individuals believed to be major players in the murky world of ransomware. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max, the biggest and most powerful iPhone ever.

The conversation kicks off with a humorous take on subscriber woes, spotlighting a new California law for easy cancellations. Meta Connect 2024 unveils AI advancements and their ethical dilemmas, alongside a debate on tech accountability. A hacking incident disrupts UK train Wi-Fi, raising security concerns. The influence of prominent YouTuber MrBeast comes under scrutiny due to serious allegations and workplace issues. Finally, Intel's cutting-edge Lunar Lake SoC promises to revolutionize laptop performance, as Microsoft pivots to renewable energy to support AI needs.

The discussion unpacks the alarming incidents of exploding pagers used by Hezbollah and the underlying technical issues. A dive into Apple's iOS 18 reveals both challenges and advancements in device repair amidst new security measures. Enthusiasm builds around Microsoft 365 Copilot's second wave, showcasing AI tools that enhance collaborative work. The podcast also touches on parental controls for teen Instagram accounts and shares insights on digital safety, highlighting the balance between technology use and privacy.

The team discusses Apple’s new iPhone 16 handsets, asks whether AI is really stealing jobs and argues over whether kids should be banned from social media. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Netgear Orbi 770, the first home mesh we’ve seen to support Wi-Fi 7’s multi-band MLO capability.

Discover the latest Intel Core Ultra 200 V series processors and their game-changing potential in laptops. Delve into the declining relevance of USB Type-A connectors and the significant security flaws found in YubiKeys. Unpack the evolving gaming tech landscape and competition between Intel and Qualcomm. Explore the cultural legacy of BowieNet, David Bowie's first ISP, and the practicalities of innovative M.2 SSD docking stations. Finally, learn about the merits of M.2 NVMe USB adapters for high-speed external storage solutions.

Before we get to the worst hot hardware ever, you will discover the team's take on Telegram's CEO being arrested in France; non-buying-advice thoughts on Nvidia's latest share price; back doors baked into RFID passes; and discover exactly what the Plaud NotePin is. And then you will be swept up in amazement when Barry pitches a mechanical keyboard that he clearly doesn't like much as Hot Hardware of the Week.https://www.plaud.ai/products/notepinhttps://www.hhkeyboard.com/uk/products/hhkb-studio

The team discusses the untimely death of British tech mogul Mike Lynch, while Elon Musk flounces out of Brazil and Microsoft prepares to roll out its controversial Windows Recall AI feature. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the MSI Cubi NUC 1M, a powerful PC with a compact case and a (reasonably) modest price.

The team eyes up the new Pixel devices launched at Google’s annual “Made by Google” event, asks what Mozilla can do to stay relevant and ponders the news that fresh Windows 11 installations will now have full-device encryption enabled by default. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Keychron K8, a sturdy wireless keyboard with mechanical switches and a charmingly retro colour scheme.