Uncanny Valley | WIRED
WIRED
Welcome to Uncanny Valley—an insider look at the people, power, and influence of Silicon Valley—where each week, WIRED’s writers and editors bring you original reporting and analysis about some of the biggest stories in tech. On Tuesdays, WIRED’s Global Editorial Director Katie Drummond sits down with influential figures in culture, politics, business, science, and beyond for a discussion captured through the WIRED lens.On Thursdays, Lauren Goode and Michael Calore to break down a recent story or phenomena bubbling up in Silicon Valley and explain its influence on our daily lives. And on Fridays, Zoë Schiffer brings you everything you need to know this week in tech news.
Episodes
Mentioned books
6 snips
Nov 23, 2023 • 36min
Geoffrey Hinton: ‘It’s Far Too Late’ to Stop Artificial Intelligence
The podcast delves into the recent chaos and changes at OpenAI, highlighting the interview with Geoffrey Hinton, the Godfather of AI. Hinton discusses the future of artificial intelligence, its potential benefits and dangers, and the challenges of aligning AI goals with human values. The rapid advancement of AI and its implications, including the potential threat of machines surpassing human intelligence, is explored. The discussion also focuses on the incredible potential of AI technology, its impact on intellectual labor, and the uniqueness of human beings.
Nov 16, 2023 • 38min
How Three Teens Broke the Internet
Discover the captivating story of three teens who created the Mirai malware tool that caused a major internet blackout. Learn how they took control of smart home devices to launch devastating attacks. Explore the FBI's investigation, attempts to distract with the release of the botnet's source code, and the hackers' journey from cyber criminals to FBI informants.
Nov 9, 2023 • 33min
Oh, the Humaneity
A company called Humane has developed a small device that can replicate a phone's functions without the need for a screen, using voice controls, touch controls, and a camera. The hosts discuss their experiences with smartphones and the impact of phone usage. They also talk about the features and design of the AI Pin, including its one-handed use. The process of creating a new phone design and the competition in the hardware market is explored. The hosts recommend TV shows, Kim's Convenience and Burden of Truth, and discuss a long-lasting white noise machine and Wired's gear store.
Nov 2, 2023 • 42min
Happy 1-Year Muskiversary
A year after Elon Musk took over Twitter, the platform has undergone significant changes. The hosts discuss Twitter's declining business performance, its cultural significance, and the evolution of alternative platforms. They also reflect on the challenges of using Mastodon as a social platform and share book recommendations.
Oct 26, 2023 • 33min
23andMe and You
The podcast discusses the recent hack of 23andMe, the potential risks of genetic data leakage, and the implications for privacy. They explore the collection of data from 23andMe's DNA relatives feature and the security breach due to credential stuffing. Ethical concerns of genetic testing companies and data privacy challenges are also discussed. Two recommendations are made: making a spicy stew and listening to a podcast on the future of music journalism.
6 snips
Oct 19, 2023 • 42min
Misinformation Is Soaring Online. Don’t Fall for It
In this podcast, the hosts discuss the rampant spread of misinformation and disinformation on social media, particularly during critical events like the Israel-Hamas conflict. They explore the role of platforms in combating falsehoods and the increasing believability of fake photos and videos. The chapter also delves into the rise of audio deep fakes, challenges in reporting misinformation, and book recommendations from the hosts.
Oct 12, 2023 • 48min
Business Wars: Living in an Artificial World
Hosts discuss the rise of AI, its impact on various industries, legal implications of AI-generated art, and the plot of 'Idiocracy'. They also delve into the intersection of AI, mass media, and the future of transportation. The podcast concludes with recommendations and a discussion on class and money, as well as a movie about the immigrant experience and long lost love.
Oct 5, 2023 • 38min
Searching for a Better Google
This podcast discusses Google's ongoing antitrust trial, new gadgets and AI-powered services announced by Google, challenges of using AI for consumer decision making, the difficulty of switching search engines, and the implications of the antitrust case for Google. The hosts also share their favorite ice cream flavors and toppings and critique AI-generated poetry.
Sep 28, 2023 • 37min
Meta’s Sound and Vision
Meta's annual Connect developer conference announces new mixed reality headset, smart glasses, and AI chatbots. The podcast explores Meta's hardware and software releases, including the Meta Quest 3 VR headset and Ray-Ban smart glasses. They discuss the features and limitations of the mixed reality glasses, voice-powered chatbots, and AI advancements. The podcast also mentions Emu, a text image generator, and the popularity of the llama and llama two models. They end with movie recommendations and casual conversation about movies and TV shows.
Sep 21, 2023 • 30min
Alexa Gets an AI Makeover
Amazon's annual media event unveils an upgraded Alexa with more natural conversation abilities and emotional nuance. The podcast explores the use of generative AI and large language models in improving Alexa's conversational skills. It also discusses the competition between tech companies in developing generative AI tools and the future of smart speakers and personal voice. The episode concludes with a mention of AutoGBT and Google's announcement of connecting bard to apps.
