This Week in Tech (Audio)

Jennifer Pattison Tuohy shares her insights from CES, highlighting quirky tech like toilet cameras and AI-driven hair-drying robots. Jason Hiner dives into the implications of Nvidia's new chips for on-device AI, while Fr. Robert Ballecer, the Digital Jesuit, reveals his top picks including innovative mobility aids. The panel debates the balance of safety and innovation in robotics, as well as privacy concerns surrounding smart devices. Tune in for lively discussions on the future of AI and smart home technology!

Dan Patterson, a tech journalist and senior director at Blackbird.ai, joins AI advocate Joey de Villa to unravel the rapidly evolving AI landscape. They explore NVIDIA's bold $20 billion acquisition strategy and its implications for startups. The conversation also dives into Meta's recent purchase of Manus and its potential in AI agents. With insights into DeepSeek's groundbreaking training model, they discuss AI's environmental impact narratives and the tension between consumer products versus business integrations in the AI market.

Harper Reed, a tech entrepreneur known for his innovative work in software and product development, dives into 'vibe coding' and the transformative impact of AI in coding workflows. He discusses the potential risks of AI-generated code and its implications for developers. Meanwhile, futurist Amy Webb highlights privacy concerns through her husband's ambitious project aimed at creating an unlinkable laptop. The conversation also touches on job displacement due to automation and the evolving landscape of tech journalism amid influencer culture.

Mikah Sargent, a tech journalist known for his insights on consumer technology, joins investigative tech journalist Paris Martineau and security expert Steve Gibson to dissect the ups and downs of 2025. They explore how major stories like the TikTok saga and political tech drama fizzled out. The trio delves into pressing topics like privacy concerns, age verification laws, the explosive growth of AI, and the challenges surrounding generative media. They also highlight the eerie trade-off between convenience and privacy as ISPs monetize user data.

Ian Thompson, a UK-born tech journalist and skeptic, shares his insights alongside Jason Hiner, an AI-focused editor, and Owen Thomas, a business journalist analyzing AI's economic impact. They dive deep into whether we are in an AI bubble or a healthy evolution and discuss the rise of smaller AI models challenging data center dominance. The conversation also touches on AI’s role in medicine, the geopolitical AI arms race, and the ethical considerations surrounding social media regulations and privacy in the age of AI.

Amy Webb, a noted futurist and AI author, joins forces with attorney Kathy Gellis and Brian Wolf, who is also her husband. The trio dives into the implications of the Cox–Sony copyright case, discussing how it could redefine internet liability. Brian shares his quest to build a truly anonymous laptop, revealing technical details and challenges of privacy in the digital age. They also explore FDA-approved glasses to combat childhood myopia and the innovative future of drone logistics. It's a fascinating mix of law, tech, and personal anecdotes!

Mike Elgan, a tech writer exploring AI and travel, Daniel Rubino, editor at Windows Central, and automotive analyst Sam Abuelsamid dive into intriguing topics. They dissect the mixed results of Black Friday sales, questioning whether AI shopping assistants genuinely enhance the consumer experience. The panel also debates the growing influence of Chinese open-source AI while addressing the data privacy concerns of connected cars. With humor and insight, they tackle the evolving tech landscape, blending critical analysis with engaging anecdotes.

Fr. Robert Ballecer, SJ, a Jesuit priest and digital tech advocate, joins tech writer Molly White and developer relations expert Wesley Faulkner to discuss pressing tech issues. They explore the controversy over social media age verification, highlighting Roblox's selfie requirement and the potential ethical pitfalls. The Cloudflare outage sparks a debate about internet centralization and accountability. Molly shares insights on ongoing crypto scams, while the group critiques the implications of AI in advertising and Musk's vision of a labor-free future.

Victoria Song, a senior reviewer at The Verge, shares her hands-on insights about Meta's Ray-Ban Display glasses, igniting debates on privacy and wearable tech etiquette. Christina Warren, a GitHub developer advocate and tech journalist, dives into the world of AI and its implications for tech, including DeepMind's training methods. They also tackle corporate responsibility in tech, from Apple's patent disputes to Disney's AI-generated content plans, and the potential of AI shaping entertainment and privacy standards.

Ashley Esketha, a media professional and founder of Rowdy Skeleton, Ian Thompson, a former writer at The Register turned freelancer, and Janko Roettgers, a media and streaming reporter, dive into hot topics like Elon Musk's staggering pay package and Apple's bold F1 streaming deal. They explore the messy landscape of sports streaming, including YouTube TV's conflict with Disney and the challenges of parental oversight in kids' online lives. The discussion highlights the evolving tech and media landscape, filled with both innovation and significant pitfalls.