

Daily Tech News Show
Tom Merritt
Tom Merritt and the team help you stay up to date with an independent, authoritative and trustworthy tech news briefing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 31, 2024 • 31min
Return-to-Office Resistance at Amazon - DTNS 4887
A wave of resistance is brewing at Amazon as over 500 employees advocate against the company's return-to-office policy. Meanwhile, Meta reports an impressive revenue increase, buoyed by a booming AI user base. Exciting developments are underway with OpenAI's enhanced ChatGPT, now boasting search capabilities. Plus, Nintendo drops a new music streaming app, tapping into nostalgia while the tech landscape grapples with the challenges of emerging AI and evolving search dynamics.

Oct 30, 2024 • 30min
Ubisoft's Troubled Waters - DTNS 4886
Ubisoft is facing major challenges with a shocking 39% drop in stock value and delays on key titles like Assassin's Creed. The gaming giant's foray into blockchain gaming with Champions Tactics raises eyebrows amid skepticism over NFTs. Meanwhile, Apple unveils new M4-powered MacBook Pros, igniting discussions on their gaming capabilities. The podcast also highlights significant workforce reductions at Dropbox and explores Google's advancements in AI, setting the stage for a shifting technological landscape.

Oct 29, 2024 • 31min
Tubi Better Everywhere - DTNS 4885
Charlotte Henry, a contributor to the Edition newsletter, breaks down Tubi's impressive rise in streaming, highlighting how it rivals giants like Disney+ with minimal investment and no exclusive content. The conversation dives into the changing perceptions of ad-supported services and Tubi's secret sauce for audience engagement. Meanwhile, Apple unveils its M4-powered Mac Minis, shifting its image, and Meta is on a quest to establish an AI-driven search engine, reducing its reliance on major competitors.

4 snips
Oct 28, 2024 • 31min
I Lost My Voice, but My Podcast Didn't - DTNS 4884
Allison shares her fascinating experience using AI to replicate her voice for a podcast. Exciting news surrounds Apple's announcement of M4 iMacs and the intriguing rollout of Apple Intelligence. A new TikTok alternative called Loops raises questions about its potential success. The discussion also highlights the impact of AI on community content creation, pondering the balance between technology and creativity, while exploring the evolving dynamics of social media and personal engagement.

Oct 25, 2024 • 33min
Living With Pixel Studio AI - DTNS 4883
Tasia Custode, a YouTuber and podcaster renowned for her work on AI, dives into the cutting-edge Pixel Studio App. She discusses whether on-device generative AI is truly essential. The conversation also touches on Meta's new partnership with Reuters for real-time news integration into its AI chatbot. Additionally, Tasia and the hosts explore the rapid advancements in AI, highlighting its potential to outpace internet development, and the profound impact of AI tools on creativity and everyday productivity.

Oct 24, 2024 • 31min
Maintaining Your Political Sanity - DTNS 4882
Microsoft raised alarms about foreign interference in the upcoming U.S. election, revealing disinformation tactics from adversaries. Spotify's new auto-moderation tools for podcasters were unveiled, aiming to enhance audience engagement. The emotional toll of political upheaval is addressed, alongside the significance of AI in improving communication between citizens and their representatives. Finally, challenges faced by domestic violence survivors regarding pet-friendly shelters are highlighted, showcasing efforts to support this vulnerable group.

Oct 23, 2024 • 28min
Netflix Closes Game Studio - DTNS 4881
Netflix's closure of its AAA game studio sparks speculation about its future direction in the gaming industry. Meanwhile, air-taxi technology takes a leap with new FAA regulations, hinting at a future of aerial commuting. ARM's cancellation of Qualcomm’s chip architecture license raises eyebrows but may not be as critical as it seems. The podcast also lightens up with amusing travel stories from L.A. and a playful look at brand promotions, all while hinting at upcoming themes related to generative AI in politics.

Oct 22, 2024 • 31min
Claude is Your New Virtual AI-ssistant - DTNS 4880
Discover the latest in AI with Anthropic's Claude 3.5 Sonnet model, now capable of interacting with desktop apps for task automation. Dive into Meta's controversial reintroduction of facial recognition and the implications for privacy, especially in tracking celebrities. Explore innovations like Oslo's Sleepbuds for better rest and the evolving discussions around technology's impact on accessibility and social etiquette. Plus, don't miss the humorous take on recent tech industry moves and Apple's Vision updates!

4 snips
Oct 21, 2024 • 32min
Hands-On With the Meta Quest 3S - DTNS 4879
Ariel Waldman, a documentarian, recounts her thrilling quest to capture microscopic wildlife in Antarctica, highlighting the challenges of shooting in extreme conditions. Craig Porter, a lead mechanic at McMurdo Station, reveals the technical hurdles faced in such a harsh environment. Dr. Nicole Ackermans shares groundbreaking insights from Neuroscience 2024, focusing on brain-computer interfaces and innovative educational tools. Together, they illuminate the intersection of technology and exploration, making for an engaging discussion.

Oct 18, 2024 • 31min
How to Win a Nobel Prize – DTNS 4878
Niki Ackermans, an expert in science and technology, shares her insights on the intriguing world of the Nobel Prize. She delves into the recent winners in Physics and their groundbreaking work in AI, highlighting the delayed recognition they faced. The conversation takes a lighthearted turn as they discuss the quirks of the Nobel Prize, including how names may influence winning chances. The evolving landscape of AI's role in science and potential biases in the awarding system also make for thought-provoking topics.