Today in Tech

Keith and Chris look at the tech news of the week, including continuing AI integrations into other apps; TikTok bans continue in Europe and Canada; and why other parts of the world are returning to offices compared with America.

Apple has stayed on the sidelines for a lot of the ChatGPT/AI tool gold rush of late, but could that change with an AI-boosted Siri? Keith chats with Computerworld’s Ken Mingis and Macworld’s Michael Simon about a bunch of Apple-related developments. 

Keith and Chris look at the tech news of the week about how old gadgets become bricks or valuable properties; the latest on how offices are redesigning themselves to look more like homes; and the effects of increased attacks on the power grid system. 

Keith chats with author Justin Bean, author of “What Could Go Right?” about how technology and society can work together for a better future instead of focusing on crisis, doom and gloom.

Recent missteps and misfires around AI-integrated search functionality by Google and Bing, along with other examples of bad behavior dominated the news this week. Are these bumps in the road or cause for real concern? Keith talks with Jason Mars, Ph.D., from the University of Michigan about the future of the AI technology. 

Technology tools such as Zoom and TikTok are causing employees to do some weird things as they return to the office; employers are looking to entice workers with mandatory ‘fun’ events, but this has many eyes rolling. Keith and Chris discuss the latest work trends affecting office culture.

As automakers continue to push new advances in autonomous vehicles, there are many potential potholes for consumers who expect a fully automatic, robot car. Keith talks with author Jason Torchinsky about some potential disasters on the road to full autonomy.

The increasingly easy methods for cloning someone’s voice creates security challenges, especially when combined with video deepfaking technology and ChatGPT-style generative AI. Are technologists thinking about the potential troubles this could create?

Google announced its ChatGPT rival, Bard A.I., which looks to be integrated into search engines in the same way that ChatGPT is being integrated by Microsoft into Bing. Keith chats with Alex Lawrence, Ph.D., a professor at Weber State University about these latest developments, as well as how students are embracing the tools to augment their learning in his classes.

There is additional evidence that technology that should have helped us during the Covid-19 pandemic likely did more harm than good. Keith and Chris discuss their frustration with collaboration software, educational learning platforms and Zoom fatigue.