TechStuff

Discover how MIT researchers are using technology to simulate the experience of aging. Hear about an activist who cleverly used China's surveillance against its government during a bold protest. Dive into the fascinating world of chatbots and the ethical dilemmas faced by AI trainers. Finally, explore the controversial idea of replacing therapists with AI and hear listeners' surprising chatbot experiences. This episode is a thought-provoking blend of tech, ethics, and innovation!

Kit Chellel, a Bloomberg writer specializing in gambling and technology, dives into the secretive world of Russian bots that infiltrated online poker. He shares captivating tales from Siberia to Armenia, revealing how tech-savvy students created bots that blurred the lines between skill and cheating. The conversation explores the rise of online gambling, the impact of bots on gameplay, and the challenges they pose to fairness in the poker industry. Listeners will gain insight into how these automated players manipulate the gambling landscape and the future of poker.

Fred Baker, who leads sports and entertainment for IBM Consulting across diverse regions, discusses the transformative role of AI in enhancing fan engagement with Scuderia Ferrari. He reveals how IBM is leveraging data to deepen connections with nearly 400 million fans globally. Baker highlights the evolution of Ferrari's fan app into an interactive community hub, and shares insights on customizing fan experiences using AI, including simulating historical racing scenarios. It's a thrilling intersection of technology and passion that redefines fandom.

We’re taking this week off! But don’t worry, we’ll be back with new episodes starting September 10th. In the meantime, we’re sharing some of our favorite interviews from the year so far. This week, Oz talks with writer Nathaniel Rich about one of the biggest challenges of sending humans to Mars: isolation. Nathaniel Rich is a novelist, essayist and writer-at-large for The New York Times Magazine. Rich sits down with Oz to talk about his essay, “Can Humans Endure the Psychological Torment of Mars?” The piece explores NASA's CHAPEA (“Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog”) mission, a simulation meant to test a major challenge of Mars missions – isolation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Ben Taub as he reveals Russia's chilling use of the Arctic as a testing ground for espionage technology. He discusses advanced monitoring techniques aimed at NATO and highlights unique challenges from the harsh environment. Taub shares gripping stories about espionage tactics, including surprising tales involving wildlife like a beluga whale. The conversation also touches on the geopolitical tensions in the region and the implications for international relations in the context of the escalating war in Ukraine.

Journalist Robert Capps, known for his insightful reporting on jobs impacted by technology, discusses the emergence of 22 new roles in an AI-driven workplace. He highlights how AI might replace some jobs but also creates new opportunities requiring human oversight. The conversation turns to the importance of trust in technology and the rising role of human creativity in navigating AI outputs. Capps even tests AI's journalism skills, suggesting there's less to fear than we might think.

Dr. Matthew Lungren, Chief Scientific Officer for Microsoft Health & Life Sciences, shares groundbreaking insights into AI's role in diagnosing diseases. They discuss how AI can diagnose complex medical cases four times faster than humans, transforming the healthcare landscape. Dr. Lungren delves into the ethical implications and the importance of human-AI collaboration in medical settings. The conversation reveals how AI personas can democratize healthcare access and improve patient outcomes, highlighting the future of medicine.

How will we send memes when the world ends? This week, Oz and Karah recap the first ever World Humanoid Robot Games – the Olympics for Androids. Then, Oz explains why the US might be putting secret tracking devices inside shipments of advanced microchips. Karah explains a texting network built for the Apocalypse. And finally, on Chat and Me, how TikTokers are using ChatGPT to inspire their makeovers.Also, we want to hear from you: If you’ve used a chatbot in a surprising or delightful (or deranged) way, send us a 1–2 minute voice note at techstuffpodcast@gmail.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this engaging discussion, Sam Apple, an author and journalist known for his insights into technology and human relationships, shares his unique experience organizing a couples retreat for people in love with AI companions. He dives into the complexities of forming emotional bonds with chatbots and explores the implications of AI romance on modern dating. The conversation also touches on ethical dilemmas like infidelity in AI relationships and the broader societal impacts as we navigate love in an increasingly tech-driven world.

Is technology actually good for older people? This week, Oz and Karah explore the French palace of Versailles by talking to a statue-turned-chatbot. Then, Oz gives an update on Apple’s new make-or-break Siri overhaul. Karah weighs whether everyday use of technology is rotting our brains, or making them stronger. And finally, on Chat and Me, Reddit mourns the death of some beloved AI models. Also, we want to hear from you: If you’ve used a chatbot in a surprising or delightful (or deranged) way, send us a 1–2 minute voice note at techstuffpodcast@gmail.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.