This Week in Tech (Audio)

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!

Guests Jacob Ward, a tech journalist, Harper Reed, a seasoned technologist, and Abrar Al-Heeti, a senior tech reporter, dive into the alarming revelation that for just $750, anyone can intercept unencrypted satellite data, potentially unveiling government secrets and personal communications. They explore why many vulnerable systems remain unprotected and discuss the implications of weak encryption for privacy and security. Additionally, the panel debates new AI regulations and the contentious issue of social media's impact on youth.

Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, a senior reporter at The Verge specializing in smart home tech, discusses the troubling transformation of Amazon's Echo Show into an advertising platform. Cathy Gellis, a tech attorney, analyzes the implications of ongoing lawsuits against ISPs over user copyright infringement and concerns about the Supreme Court's recent rulings. Pulitzer-winning journalist Gary Rivlin shares insights on the rapid growth of AI and its economic impacts, while the group debates the ethical ramifications of AI-generated content featuring deceased celebrities.

This conversation features Patrick Beja, a tech commentator from France; Georgia Dow, a clinical psychologist known for her insightful takes on media; and Iain Thomson, a reporter specializing in tech analysis. They dive into the controversial rise of AI-generated videos, debating the erosion of trust in media and cultural implications. The panel tackles legal responses to copyright issues, privacy threats from government actions, and examines TikTok's growing influence as a news source. Discussions on the future of AI in creative sectors and cybersecurity also spark lively exchanges.

Brian McCullough, a seasoned tech podcaster, joins Dan Shipper, CEO of Every, and Ari Paparo, ad-tech expert and author. They dive into Nvidia's staggering $100 billion plan for OpenAI and the implications for AI investment health. The panel debates whether AI can replace valuable jobs and discusses the evolving role of LLMs in enterprise tools. They also argue about Gen Z's hiring struggles and the potential of AI-driven apps transforming industries. Plus, a new look at Meta's AI-generated short video feed and the ongoing antitrust challenges in tech.

Devindra Hardawar, a senior editor at Engadget, shares insights on Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses, highlighting privacy concerns and social acceptability. Fr. Robert Ballecer, known as the 'Digital Jesuit,' discusses the Vatican's approach to AI ethics and the importance of maintaining a human connection in technology. Nicholas De Leon brings a practical perspective on the implications of Windows 10's end-of-life and the future of TikTok amid regulatory changes. Together, they dive into the ongoing impact of AI and security incidents in tech today.

Victoria Song, a senior reviewer at The Verge, discusses the challenges of tech embargoes and corporate storytelling at Apple events. Jason Hiner, editor-in-chief at ZDNet, analyzes the implications of AI in search tech and explores the evolving marketing strategies in the industry. Dan Patterson, from Blackbird AI, tackles the impact of social media bans in Nepal and the role of narrative manipulation in geopolitics. Together, they highlight the rise of tiny vinyl records and the mix of tech with celebrity culture, making for a lively conversation.

In this engaging discussion, Alex Wilhelm, TechCrunch editor, and Harry McCracken, Fast Company journalist, dissect Google's recent antitrust ruling and its surprisingly lenient consequences. They explore how the tech landscape is shifting due to AI, warning about potential threats to privacy and innovation. The duo also shares intriguing insights about the anticipated iPhone 17 features and engages in light-hearted banter over past Facebook features. Their commentary on the ethical implications of AI in copyright further adds depth to the conversation.

Cory Doctorow, a science fiction author and digital rights advocate, joins Shoshana Weissmann, a tech policy expert, and Louis Maresca, an engineering head at Microsoft. They dive deep into Cloudflare's gatekeeping role and the implications of age verification laws for user access. The panel discusses the precarious balance between cybersecurity and digital rights, while also tackling AI's growing influence on labor and ethical tech practices. Expect insights on the looming challenges of internet regulation and the potential risks to personal privacy and freedoms.

In this engaging discussion, guests Daniel Rubino, Editor-in-chief at Windows Central, and Paris Martineau, a food safety reporter from Consumer Reports, tackle intriguing tech topics. They explore the chaotic unveiling of Elon Musk's 'Macrohard' competing with Microsoft and debate the evolving landscape of AI, particularly in cybersecurity. Conversations also highlight the funny side of food safety, touching on recent shrimp recalls. With anecdotes and lively banter, they shed light on the whimsical intersection of tech and daily life.