The PC Pro Podcast

UK's online safety measures, GPT bots launch, Apple's RAM claims, and Bambu Lab P1P 3D printer are discussed. The implications of the online safety bill on small content providers and startups are analyzed. The dispute between Google and Apple over RCS and iMessage regulation is explored. Open AI's new GPT model and customizable bots are highlighted. The RAM limit debate in MacBook Pro is debated. Arm's acquisition, an industrial robot accident, YouTube's ad blocker detection, and various 3D printing applications are also discussed.

The podcast discusses the global regulation of AI systems, Apple's new M3 Macs, and criminal charges for SolarWinds' CISO. They also cover Tesla's overpromising, Apple's MacBook Pro launch event, and failings in leadership and culture at SolarWinds. Additionally, they talk about the latest Windows 11 update, decline in Twitter value, and Google's dot ing domain registration program.

The team asks whether Microsoft was right to abandon its mobile phone platform; looks forward to faster ARM chips for Windows; and ponders new efforts to defeat fake reviews. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 – it’s been out for a little while, but have we grown to love it?

The team is joined by Fiona Dear of the Restart Project to discuss the upcoming International Repair Day; we also consider plans to offer GCSE exams on laptops and Qualcomm’s new Android chip based on the open-source RISC-V architecture. Our Hot Hardware candidate is an iPhone 12 Mini, originally released in 2020 but newly acquired by real-worlder Lee Grant.LINKS:International Repair Day is on Saturday 21 October 2023 and there are events all over the planet, many of them in the UK. There’s an interactive map so you can find out what is happening in your area: https://openrepair.org/international-repair-day/2023-events/ If you can’t attend in person, Global Fixers are running an online repair cafe on Saturday between 11am and 2pm - https://discord.gg/WZd4xWd To find other Restart Parties and community repair events in your area, visit: https://therestartproject.org/parties/ Fiona Dear (https://therestartproject.org/about/who-we-are/) is the Co-Director of The Restart Project (https://therestartproject.org)

The team discusses Google’s plan to phase out passwords, proposals aimed at improving the trustworthiness of AI-generated images and a new OS that puts your personal PC in the cloud. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Acer Chromebook Plus 515, one of the first ChromeOS laptops to bear the new “Plus” branding.

Topics discussed include competition probe into Amazon and Microsoft's cloud services, licensing and lock-in issues in cloud services, Microsoft pricing regulation, Google Pixel updates, the unique features of the Framework laptop, Russia's ban on VPNs, decline in smartphone sales, and AI features in the ARK web browser.

The team discusses the latest product releases and updates from Microsoft’s AI and Surface event – plus all the news from Meta Connect. Meanwhile, a major bank bans cryptocurrency payments and the Raspberry Pi 5 makes its debut. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Rolling Square AirCard, an Apple-compatible location tag that fits in your wallet.

The team discusses product chief Panos Panay’s departure from Microsoft, the latest software and device launches from Amazon and mixed news on tech sustainability. Our Hot Hardware candidate is Linksys’ Velop Pro 6E, the cheapest Wi-Fi 6E mesh currently on the market.

The podcast discusses a critical bug in a popular online image format, a ransomware attack on major hotels, and the latest news from Apple's 'Wonderlust' event. They also explore the challenges with budget ownership for IT and share opinions on software value. The release of Photoshop 2024 and its AI called Firefly is discussed.

The team discusses the UK government’s climbdown on banning end-to-end encryption, a welcome change in Windows 11 and the prospect of Apple’s first iPhone with USB Type-C charging. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Geekom Mini IT 13, a compact and powerful PC for a very modest price.