Better Offline

Victoria Song, a senior reviewer at The Verge, and Devindra Hardawar from Engadget, join David Roth of Defector, Ed Ongweso Jr., and health physicist Phillip Broughton to discuss CES 2025 highlights. They delve into the male-centric coverage of the event and explore the evolving landscape of wearable tech, including luxury smart rings. The group critiques NVIDIA's AI focus over traditional gaming, hints at innovative beauty tech from L'Oreal, and humorously reflects on the absurdities of new tech products, including personal nuclear power solutions.

David Roth, a writer for Defector, shares his lively experiences at CES, marking his first visit to this tech extravaganza. Ed Niedermeyer, an automotive journalist, critiques the evolving landscape of auto shows, discussing how technology is reshaping car design and consumer expectations. Jared Newman explores non-invasive health monitoring innovations and privacy concerns. The trio humorously navigates the chaotic environment, pondering the absurdity of extravagant tech gadgets and the growing parallels between tech enthusiasm and sports fandom.

Join Jesse Farrar, a tech skeptic and co-host of Your Kickstarter Sucks, alongside Max Cherney from Reuters, Mashable's Matt Binder, IT Brew's Tom McKay, and tech commentator Ed Ongweso Jr. as they dive into CES 2025. They explore bizarre tech innovations like an AI-enabled stethoscope and a dog air purifier while sharing laughs over the absurdities of the show. The group critically examines the overhyped AI technologies redefining 'usefulness' in the industry and emphasizes the need for accountability in tech claims.

Join Ed Ongweso Jr., a tech-savvy journalist, Gabriel Mosher, a thoughtful priest, and Robert Evans and Gare Davis, co-hosts of 'It Could Happen Here,' as they unravel the absurdities at CES 2025. They dive into the strange world of health monitoring and the commercialization of wellness tech, humorously critique bizarre products, and discuss the implications of GermPass technology. The guest speakers challenge how evolving tech intersects with ethics and societal norms, offering both insights and laughs along the way.

Join Robert Evans, a savvy podcaster from 'It Could Happen Here', Gare Davis, a thoughtful contributor, and Edward Ongweso Jr., a sharp tech writer, as they dive into the chaos of CES 2025. They humorously dissect the bizarre life of John McAfee and the absurdity of tech conventions. The trio reflects on AI's real impact on jobs, critiques the industry's repetitive trends, and shares frustrations about voice assistants. Expect witty anecdotes mixed with incisive commentary on the future of technology!

In a thought-provoking discussion, tech's role in society is dissected, urging listeners to question corporate motives. The concept of 'inshittification' highlights how media's corporate ownership harms user experience. Personal stories of connection through technology contrast with feelings of betrayal as platforms evolve. Major tech titans are scrutinized for their exploitative practices, prompting calls for accountability akin to war crimes. The host's frustrations with the industry's direction resonate, emphasizing listener experience over corporate greed.

The discussion kicks off with a humorous take on a man's gout saga in a pharmacy, cheekily contrasting the convenience of Amazon's medication delivery. It dives deep into the 'rot economy' and how technology often leaves users feeling inadequate. Listeners hear about the dark side of digital life, from unethical advertising practices to the disconnect between tech elites and everyday people. The pitfalls of budget tech are explored, and the episode wraps up with a fun dive into vacation deals, including tempting all-inclusive trips to Mexico and the Caribbean.

Lina Khan, Chair of the FTC, dives deep into the challenges of regulating big tech and maintaining fair competition. She discusses the ongoing antitrust actions against Amazon and the worrying trend of 'shittification' affecting consumers. The conversation also touches on the regulatory hurdles presented by AI advancements and the need for transparency in emerging markets. Khan emphasizes the importance of community voices in shaping policies and shares the FTC's successes in consumer protection, from lowering costs to advocating for data privacy.

In this engaging discussion, tech journalist Alex Cranz and YouTube influencer Michael Fisher dissect the fading allure of modern technology. They explore nostalgic feelings toward past innovations, the stagnation of genuine excitement in new tech, and the struggles of devices like Meta Ray-Bans. The duo critiques the current focus on profits over creativity, calling for authentic innovation. They also touch on the consequences of digital archival challenges and the evolution of consumer technology from early days of Napster to today's AI hype.

Jason Koebler, a journalist at 404 Media, shares insights on the shifting landscape of tech media and the challenges facing independent outlets. He discusses the decline in quality of major social platforms and the rise of AI-generated content, advocating for more grassroots journalism. Koebler reflects on the impact of influential figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump on media dynamics. The conversation highlights the need for deeper, more responsible reporting and the importance of holding tech executives accountable in an ever-evolving industry.