TechStuff
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TechStuff is getting a system update. Everything you love about Tech Stuff now twice the bandwidth with new hosts, Oz Woloshyn (Sleepwalkers) and Karah Preiss (Sleepwalkers).
Oz and Karah bring humour and wit to the table as they break down what's happening in tech...and what it says about us.
TechStuff is the podcast where technology meets culture.
We speak to the folks building the future to understand what tomorrow will look like and how our technology is changing us: how we live, how we love, how we work and even how we die. With a healthy dose of drama, too, as tech titans clash over their interstellar ambitions.
Get in touch here: techstuffpodcast@gmail.com
Oz and Karah bring humour and wit to the table as they break down what's happening in tech...and what it says about us.
TechStuff is the podcast where technology meets culture.
We speak to the folks building the future to understand what tomorrow will look like and how our technology is changing us: how we live, how we love, how we work and even how we die. With a healthy dose of drama, too, as tech titans clash over their interstellar ambitions.
Get in touch here: techstuffpodcast@gmail.com
Episodes
Mentioned books
Sep 2, 2024 • 21min
What happened to Facebook's digital currency?
Explore the ambitious rise and fall of Facebook's digital currency, originally called Libra. Discover the hurdles of trust and governance that plagued its launch amidst skepticism from a wary public. Delve into the complexities of regulatory scrutiny and corporate withdrawals that led to its rebranding as Diem. The journey illustrates the challenges of integrating digital currencies into existing frameworks, culminating in the asset sale to Silvergate Capital and the chaotic aftermath. A fascinating tale of ambition thwarted by reality!
Aug 30, 2024 • 42min
Elon Musk Gets a Lot of Bad News
This week dives into the challenges faced by Elon Musk's companies, including Tesla's fire incidents and SpaceX's launch delays. Legal troubles loom over X as misinformation clashes with Brazilian authorities. Meanwhile, the MPA cracks down on a huge media piracy ring, highlighting the tech industry's fight against online theft. Discussions also reveal pressing concerns around AI and corporate data safety, emphasizing the implications for privacy and surveillance in our daily lives.
Aug 28, 2024 • 41min
Sending Telegram's CEO to Court
Telegram's CEO, Pavel Durov, known for his commitment to secure communications, finds himself in hot water after his arrest by French authorities. The discussion dives into his journey from founding VK to launching Telegram, balancing privacy against the need to curb illegal activity. Challenges with content moderation and the platform's controversial handling of sensitive material are examined. Durov's insights on the evolving tech landscape reveal the intricate dance between user privacy, regulatory demands, and the future of digital communication.
Aug 27, 2024 • 40min
Smart Talks with IBM: How open source can democratize AI
Mo Duffy, a Software Engineering Manager at Red Hat, shares insights on how open-source technology fuels AI democratization. They delve into the InstructLab project, which empowers users to fine-tune AI models, promoting collaboration and inclusivity. Duffy emphasizes the importance of community input in creating genuinely open-source AI while discussing the balance between resource limitations and security in AI applications. The conversation highlights how embracing openness can drive innovation and enhance user experience in technology.
Aug 26, 2024 • 30min
Rerun: How Podcasting Works
Discover the behind-the-scenes magic of podcasting! The hosts share their journey, highlighting the shift from scripted content to a lively, conversational style. They delve into the essentials of podcasting equipment, emphasizing quality sound and engaging material. Tips for aspiring podcasters include defining a clear purpose, maintaining a schedule, and overcoming common challenges. Enjoy a light-hearted discussion about the evolution of podcasting and the role of AI, along with nostalgic reflections on the connections built through this creative medium.
Aug 23, 2024 • 20min
Tech News: Augmenting (Or Outright Replacing) Reality
Meta and Snap are gearing up to release new AR glasses, but they may remain out of reach for many. Cruise partners with Uber, signaling shifts in the transportation landscape. Google has stirred debate with a new photo editing feature that complicates image authenticity. Meanwhile, a hacker's wild attempt to fake his own death raises eyebrows. Plus, new AI tools spark discussions on ethical implications and corporate controversies.
Aug 21, 2024 • 18min
Disney's Multiplane Camera
Dive into the fascinating world of animation as engineers at Disney devised the multiplane camera, a groundbreaking innovation that introduced depth to 2D films. Explore how this technology transformed animation, enhancing perspective and realism in scenes. Learn about the traditional methods of filmmaking, their limitations, and the impact of reliable tech services. Plus, get inspired with ideas on building your own simplified version of this iconic camera for a hands-on experience!
Aug 19, 2024 • 45min
Rerun: Space Suit Evolution
Explore the fascinating history of space suits and how they evolved from early flight suits for aviators. Discover the Cold War rivalry that spurred advancements in astronaut safety and technology. Learn about the unique features of the Russian TP-82 firearm designed for space missions. Delve into the challenges of developing new suits for the Artemis Program and their critical role in upcoming space exploration.
Aug 16, 2024 • 28min
A Bad Hack and a Great Guest
Shannon Morse, a cybersecurity expert, dives into the serious implications of a staggering data breach that exposed 2.9 billion records. She dispels common media misconceptions about data protection and offers practical advice to enhance personal security. The conversation extends to ethical concerns surrounding AI in hiring and voice duplication, as well as the impact of cyber threats on political campaigns. Finally, Shannon shares insights about NASA's astronaut safety and innovations in digital technology.
Aug 14, 2024 • 31min
AI and Price Fixing
Dive into the intriguing world of AI and its role in price fixing. Discover how businesses use dynamic pricing to adapt to demand and local events. Learn about the ethical dilemmas facing grocery pricing amid economic challenges. Uncover the impact of AI on rental prices, particularly with software like RealPage, amid legal scrutiny. Finally, explore the risks of collusion as companies adopt similar AI tactics, highlighting the need for regulation to protect consumers.
