TechStuff
iHeartPodcasts
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
Aug 13, 2024 • 34min
Smart Talks with IBM: An AI advantage for the US Open
In this conversation, Brian Ryerson, the Senior Director of Digital Strategy at the US Tennis Association, shares insights on how AI is reshaping the fan experience at the US Open. He discusses innovative features like AI commentary and real-time match reports that enhance engagement. The importance of storytelling in sports and the role of data in crafting narratives also take center stage. Ryerson emphasizes how these advancements deepen connections with fans, whether they are at the venue or enjoying from afar.
Aug 12, 2024 • 48min
The Tale of the RCA VideoDisc
Dive into the world of nostalgia and innovation as the RCA CED takes center stage. Discover how this failed media format aimed to compete with giants like VHS and LaserDisc. Explore the unique capacitance encoding method that made it distinctive and the design hurdles the team faced. Personal anecdotes add charm, while reflections on RCA's ambitious journey illuminate the influence of historical figures like David Sarnoff. Ultimately, uncover how this quirky technology remains a fascinating relic in the story of video history.
Aug 9, 2024 • 21min
It's Just a Matter of (Anti)trust
Elon Musk, a visionary entrepreneur and CEO known for his groundbreaking work in electric vehicles and aerospace, shares his insights on the latest antitrust challenges facing tech giants like Google and Amazon. He discusses the implications of these lawsuits on the advertising landscape and his own legal battles involving AI. Musk also addresses the complexities of tech mergers and the transformation of space travel technology. With a mix of legal scrutiny and innovative advancements, this conversation is a must-listen for tech enthusiasts.
Aug 7, 2024 • 36min
Hitting the Road with GPS
Explore the fascinating evolution of navigation from traditional maps to GPS technology. Discover how the launch of Sputnik in 1957 sparked advancements in satellite navigation. Learn how satellites pinpoint your location using time and distance calculations. Dive into the role of atomic clocks and relativity in enhancing accuracy. The transition to GPS has changed how we travel, but map-reading skills remain essential for unexpected detours. Plus, see how historical events, like the Cold War, have shaped this modern technology.
13 snips
Aug 6, 2024 • 39min
The Global Economy and the Hype on Artificial Intelligence
As global economies tremble on the brink of recession, the podcast examines the ripple effects on financial markets, particularly in tech. It scrutinizes the Gartner Hype Cycle, revealing how AI hype contrasts starkly with actual revenue outcomes. Listeners learn that AI's integration into business mirrors a gradual onboarding process rather than an overnight revolution. The discussion highlights the tech sector's vulnerability amid economic uncertainty, urging a blend of optimism and caution as industries navigate the evolving landscape.
Aug 2, 2024 • 38min
Tech News: Is the Honeymoon Over for AI?
In a world growing impatient for AI breakthroughs, discussions reveal shareholder skepticism about hefty investments without immediate returns. The impact of a controversial online safety bill fades, while Reddit tightens AI access policies. Tech politics heat up with investigations into NVIDIA and fluctuating net neutrality regulations. Meanwhile, misinformation thrives on social media, and challenges emerge in space exploration. As industries grapple with AI's role, the future remains a hot topic filled with both excitement and concern.
Aug 1, 2024 • 58min
This Episode Was Written By AI (Sort Of)
Jonathan shares insights on the implications of generative AI in podcasting and content creation. He analyzes a fascinating experiment where AI crafted a narrative on airbags, highlighting both its potential and flaws. Jonathan raises concerns about the accuracy and ethics of AI-generated content, including the issue of using fictitious experts. He emphasizes the need for human oversight to ensure credibility in storytelling, especially when discussing crucial topics like automotive safety. It's a thought-provoking dive into the intersection of technology and creativity.
Jul 29, 2024 • 37min
Jamming the Signal
Discover the fascinating world of signal jamming, from its historical roots in radio technology to its strategic use in warfare. Explore notable incidents of signal hijacking, including the bizarre pirate radio events of the past. Learn how amplitude modulation works and the challenges posed by signal interference. Dive into the legal complexities surrounding unauthorized broadcasting and the implications of jamming on security systems and censorship. It's a deep dive into the unseen battles of communication!
Jul 26, 2024 • 32min
AI is Smart At Math But Stupid With Love
Discover how AI from Meta and Google excels at math but struggles with emotional intelligence. OpenAI is rolling out an innovative AI-enhanced search engine, promising to change the game. Meanwhile, tension brews in the video game industry as voice actors initiate a strike over pay and conditions. The episode also touches on deep fakes, their ethical implications, and the call for legislative action to protect victims. Dive into the world of AI's impact on various sectors, revealing both its potential and its pitfalls.
Jul 25, 2024 • 47min
Pinball: From Electromechanical Machines to Solid State Tables
Explore the evolution of pinball from electromechanical to solid-state tables, highlighting the role of solenoids. Learn about the mechanics of flippers, components, and malfunctions in pinball machines. Discover how different ball materials can impact gameplay. Dive into the history of pinball in the US, from bans to resurgence, and hear about sponsor ads.
