
NZ Tech Podcast
Each episode, Paul Spain and guests discuss what's happening in the world of technology, gadgets and telecommunications around the world and in New Zealand.
Latest episodes

Apr 26, 2024 • 21min
The Future of Processors: Intel's Latest Chips and NPU Integration
Join host Paul Spain as he discusses the exciting advancements in processors and AI capabilities from Intel and HP. Paul explores the incorporation of neural processing units (NPUs) in new chips, their impact on performance, and the potential for local AI processing in laptops. Additionally, Paul delves into the competition between Intel's core architecture and ARM-based chips, shedding light on the Snapdragon X Elite and its potential impact on Windows devices. Join us for this in-depth look at the future of processing technology.

Apr 10, 2024 • 47min
NZ vs The World - Cybersecurity with Dan Richardson
Join host Paul Spain as he delves into the world of cybersecurity with Dan Richardson (CyberCX). They discuss the concerns about cybersecurity legislation and the technological advancements that are shaping the cybersecurity landscape in New Zealand and beyond. Plus a look at Tech News from the week including: NZDF testing of space hardware Westpac introduces fraud-busting tech...in Australia Successful human trial for Neuralink brain implant Big Tech's race to buy AI training data

Mar 26, 2024 • 54min
Empowering Kiwi Innovation: How can Microsoft help lift our future with Microsoft's Vanessa Sorenson
Vanessa Sorenson from Microsoft discusses tech innovations in NZ, AI advancements, local data centers, Te Reo Maori translation collaboration, and the importance of partnerships and AI technology for organizational growth and productivity.

Mar 19, 2024 • 59min
AWS Investment in New Zealand's Tech Future
Host Paul Spain is joined by Tiffany Bloomquist and Rada Stanic from Amazon Web Services (AWS), as they delve into the transformative power of AI services for businesses and leveraging machine learning and the impact of cloud migration. They also explore real-world examples and future opportunities for NZ's tech sector. Discover how AWS is investing in infrastructure, skills, and community programs to empower individuals and organisations.

Mar 12, 2024 • 54min
Cyber Revolutions: NZ, USA, China and TikTok - with Philip Whitmore
Host Paul Spain is joined by Philip Whitmore, head of KPMG NZ's Cyber Security team, as they explore the impact of Microsoft AI's controversial images, 2degrees' new CTO, Callaghan Innovation cost cuttings, Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill and US lawmakers' TikTok crackdown. Hear insights on cybersecurity concerns facing businesses in New Zealand, including current threats, recent incidents, and regulatory changes.

Mar 9, 2024 • 40min
Exploring AI, Bitcoin, and Robotics in Investments with Darcy Ungaro
In this episode, host Paul Spain is joined by financial advisor Darcy Ungaro(Ungaro & Co.) for a fascinating discussion on investments, the influenceof AI on publicly listed companies, and the surge in Bitcoin and NFT prices.From the impact of energy as a raw commodity to the potential of robotics andautonomous vehicles, this episode dives into the evolving landscape of investmentsand technological advancements. NZ Everyday Investor Podcast : Kiwi advice on mortgages, shares, insurance +more (podcasts.nz)

Mar 5, 2024 • 43min
Leap Year glitches, Apple EV scrapped, AI Quirks + more
In this tech news edition, host Paul Spain is joined Darcy Ungaro (Ungaro & Co.) as they explore some of the latest in Tech news including, Leap year glitch breaks NZ pay-at-the pumps Gemini AI’s inaccuraciesDelays to Amazon’s Auckland building Spark’s new AI training programme State-sponsored hackingApple ends EV car attemptsThe latest MacBook Air releases and more.

Feb 27, 2024 • 44min
Sam Wood - How a non-geek built a tech enabled health and fitness empire
Join Paul Spain as he sits down with Sam Wood for an insightful conversation about fitness, technology, and entrepreneurship! Sam shares his journey of building 28 by Sam Wood, an online fitness and nutrition program, and how technology has played a pivotal role in the success of the business.

Feb 20, 2024 • 51min
Apple Vision Pro - Winner or Flop? AI Chatbot mess, NZ facial recognition + more
Lance Bauerfeind, Head of Training & Simulations at Company-X, joins host Paul Spain as they discuss the Apple Vision Pro surprises and the evolving landscape of immersive realities. Plus they look at the latest in tech news, including: Foodstuff NZ's facial recognition trialsPhone bans in NZ schoolsRocket Labs' junk missionAir Canada chatbot messAI generated Fake IDsMultimodal AI glassesFor more on Apple Vision Pro: Tech Ethics, AI Advancements, and Vision Pro’s potential

Feb 13, 2024 • 2h 3min
A Nyriad of Lessons - Alex St John
Alex St. John brought the Silicon Valley startup mindset to the small town of Cambridge, New Zealand. Listen in as host Paul Spain walks through Alex’s fascinating backstory, his achievements facilitating a multibillion dollar change in Microsoft’s gaming trajectory with Direct X, through his New Zealand story with Nyriad (sadly, now being liquidated) - and onto the current with PlayCast in this NZ Tech Podcast special episode.Also covered are many aspects of Alex's career which spans over three decades and several continents. This episode shares thought provoking or possibly offensive perspectives - depending on where you stand on aspects of Silicon Valley startup culture.This episode is one of a number of upcoming episodes that delves deeper into the past, present and future of the New Zealand tech community - and should not be missed - whether the listener is a startup founder, an investor, government official or tech person looking to support the growth of New Zealand tech startups.