This Week in Tech (Audio)

Join Harper Reed, a seasoned technologist known for his innovative approach to software development, as he dives into the concept of 'vibe coding' and the pervasive influence of AI on coding workflows. He reveals how AI can accelerate code generation while urging developers to balance creativity with speed. Also, get insights from Brian Wolf, a privacy enthusiast, who shares his quirky journey of building an anonymized laptop for secure computing. Together, they discuss the ethical implications of AI in film, job displacement, and the evolving tech landscape.

Join Micah Sargent, a tech journalist, Paris Martineau, an investigative tech reporter, and Steve Gibson, a cybersecurity guru, as they dive into the major stories from 2025. They dissect the fizzling TikTok ownership saga, explore China’s hidden tech dangers, and debate the privacy vs. convenience dilemma citizens face. The trio also tackles the AI hype cycle, revealing how explosive growth has not translated into profit. Plus, insights on data monetization by ISPs and a deep dive into the surveillance landscape make for a riveting discussion about the state of tech.

Iain Thompson, a veteran UK tech journalist, joins Jason Hiner, an AI-focused editor, and Owen Thomas, managing editor of the San Francisco Business Times. They explore whether we’re in an AI gold rush or heading for a crash. Discussion covers the potential benefits of smaller AI models versus massive data centers, the ethical implications of AI in healthcare, and the geopolitical race between the US and China. They also touch on quirky AI holiday uses and the ramifications of recent social media policies.

Kathy Gellis, a tech policy attorney, discusses a significant Supreme Court copyright case that questions internet provider liability. Futurist Amy Webb explores the implications of AI and privacy legislation, while her husband, Brian Wolf, shares his unique experiment in building an anonymous laptop using clever techniques like VPNs and cash purchases. They also delve into FDA-approved glasses designed to combat nearsightedness in children, while analyzing the cultural and technological challenges posed by age verification laws.

Join Daniel Rubino, editor at Windows Central, as he digs into the intriguing dynamics of Black Friday sales data, focusing on inflation's impact. Sam Abuelsamid, an automotive analyst, adds perspective on the troubled Ford F-150 Lightning and the complexities of the EV market. Mike Elgan explores the potential of AI technologies in shopping and the pitfalls of AI-generated content. Together, they debate the implications of AI policy in a politically charged landscape while warning of the growing influence of Chinese tech.

Fr. Robert Ballecer, SJ, known as the 'digital Jesuit', advises on tech for the Vatican. Molly White, a crypto and tech accountability writer, dives into the world of web3 grifts. Wesley Faulkner from works-not-working discusses developer relations. They tackle Google's ad monopoly, age verification challenges on platforms like Roblox, and critiqued Microsoft’s Copilot in real-world scenarios. The debate on Cloudflare's central power over the internet and evolving EU privacy regulations adds depth to an insightful tech conversation.

Victoria Song, a senior reviewer at The Verge, dives into her hands-on experience with Meta's Ray-Ban Display glasses in Rome, exploring their features and the ethical dilemmas surrounding wearable tech. She highlights the struggles of real-time translation in noisy environments. Christina Warren, a developer advocate at GitHub, shares insights on AI’s role in media and the emerging challenges for creators. They also discuss significant tech news, including Apple's legal battles and potential leadership changes at the company.

In this discussion, media and gaming commentator Ashley Esketah, tech journalist Ian Thompson, and streaming reporter Janko Roettgers dive into the chaos of sports streaming. They dissect Apple’s bold Formula 1 rights acquisition and its implications for fans. The trio also critiques the fragmented state of sports streaming and YouTube TV's standoff with Disney. You'll laugh as they share lighter moments, like ferret legging stories, while also tackling serious topics like Meta's scammy ad practices and children’s safety on platforms like Roblox.

Join security expert Alex Stamos, tech policy guru Stacey Higginbotham, and journalist Jill Duffy as they explore the rise of AI in cybersecurity. They discuss how adversaries are automating exploits, raising alarms about corporate readiness. Topics include the recent push to ban certain routers due to security risks, the impact of AI on consumer devices, and the peculiarities of managing your digital legacy. Plus, learn about the implications of AI-driven fraud and the controversial ad-supported smart appliances.

Join Doc Rock, a YouTube creator and tech strategist, and Richard Campbell, a cloud expert and podcaster, as they dissect the recent Amazon cloud outage. They explore how this event exposed our reliance on technology, the vulnerabilities of smart devices, and the need for offline solutions. The duo also delves into the implications of tech monopolies, practical resilience strategies in cloud computing, and even a warning about malware-laden YouTube videos. Tune in for an insightful dive into digital fragility and the future of tech!