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 Thursdays, WIRED’s Global Editorial Director Katie Drummond is joined by 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, WIRED’s Zoë Schiffer has an urgent conversation about this week in the news.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 28, 2024 • 29min
DOJ Calls Out Apple in the Group Chat
Discover the DOJ's antitrust lawsuit against Apple focusing on iPhone security features. Dive into the green bubble-blue bubble encryption debate on iMessage. Get recommendations for a unique sea salt and a touching book, along with a vibrant music festival experience at Big Ears.
Mar 21, 2024 • 29min
A 3-Body Podcast
This podcast explores the intriguing themes of impending alien invasion, political instability, and over-dependence on virtual reality in the new sci-fi series based on the Three Body Problem book. The hosts discuss how the show mirrors real-world events, the historical accuracy of key scenes, and the integration of virtual worlds and technological intricacies in the narrative. They also touch on the enjoyment and pacing of the TV show adaptation, recommend the Silo series on Apple TV+, and share a nostalgic love story recommendation.
Mar 14, 2024 • 25min
The TikTok Ban
The podcast delves into the political turmoil surrounding TikTok, with discussions on data security concerns, national security threats, and the potential implications of a TikTok ban. The show features insights from a senior politics writer, recommendations for office work and wellness, and playful banter among hosts.
4 snips
Mar 7, 2024 • 37min
Google’s ‘Woke AI’ Problem
Discussing Google's 'Woke AI' problem and the controversies surrounding AI image generation with Gemini. Exploring Google's recent layoffs and discrimination accusations. Recommendations include food blog, journalism article, and spy author podcast episode. Dive into Razzie Award-winning films on Criterion Channel.
9 snips
Feb 29, 2024 • 34min
The Non-Techie's Guide to Nvidia
Discover the evolution of Nvidia from gaming graphics to AI dominance. Explore the trend of custom chips in AI computing and competition in the tech sector. Dive into ethical dilemmas in self-driving cars and innovative voice transcription apps. Get gardening tips and a recommendation for the book 'Say Nothing'.
Feb 22, 2024 • 32min
Tech Workers Are Stressed Out
The podcast dives into the surge of tech industry layoffs at major companies like Google and Amazon, discussing the impact of AI and challenging job interviews. Tips for connecting with disabled colleagues, watching a documentary, and listening to a new album are shared. The episode also explores the evolving tech job market and the intense interview landscape for engineers.
Feb 15, 2024 • 38min
The Weird World of an AI Clickbait King
Discover the shady market of domain squatting and AI-generated clickbait articles. Learn about the political implications of non-political individuals and the rise of AI-generated clickbait farms. Explore the effectiveness of Google in catching clickbait farms and the future impact of AI-generated articles on search engine rankings. Find out about concerns regarding quality control and the internet becoming a 'slime fest'. Plus, recommendations for 'The Tasks of Extinction' novella and the novel 'The Beasting' by Paul Murray.
5 snips
Feb 8, 2024 • 38min
Several People Are Talking
This podcast explores the history of Slack and its impact on workplace communication. It discusses the positive and negative effects of Slack's free-flowing interaction, as well as its role in the 24-7 work culture. The hosts also analyze the recent acquisition of Slack by Salesforce and speculate on its future. Furthermore, they delve into the potential of AI in Slack, its integration capabilities, and even introduce a chat GPT sticker bot for creating customized stickers.
Feb 1, 2024 • 42min
Apple’s Uncanny Valley Pro
They discuss Apple's first mixed reality headset, the Vision Pro, and its potential impact on the face computer market. They explore the headset's high price, limited apps, and tethered battery pack. The hosts speculate on whether it's a development kit or a fully realized product. They also discuss Apple's efforts to make the headset disappear in the virtual and physical space. The speakers recommend the Thumbtack app for homeowners and discuss finding assistance through web platforms and mobile apps.
Jan 25, 2024 • 28min
I Know What You Did With That Bitcoin
Learn why using Bitcoin for internet crimes may not guarantee anonymity, as investigators can track cryptocurrency transactions to uncover the perpetrators. Explore the myth of anonymity in cryptocurrency and how law enforcement uses blockchain to trace down dark web criminals. Discover the impact of cryptocurrency instabilities on illicit markets and the potential for using traceability in solving crimes. Also, enjoy recommendations on animal rights, vegan food, and a book on contemporary art.
