In this engaging discussion, Daniel Kibblesmith, a talented writer and comedian with five Emmy nominations, dives deep into the world of Calvin and Hobbes. They ponder whether the beloved comic strip is art or just nostalgia. Key topics include Bill Watterson's mysterious absence and the moral complexity of Calvin’s character. The conversation also touches on the creative origins of Calvin and Hobbes, examining its unique portrayal of childhood while addressing the challenges comic creators face in balancing artistry with commercial pressures.

Get ready for some intriguing tech developments! Apple might be launching a smart doorbell with Face ID, while Meta is adding displays to Ray-Bans, pushing the smart glasses race. Defense contracts are heating up as tech giants unite. Tether is poised for major profitability in 2024, signaling a shift in the crypto game. Meanwhile, Britannica has not just survived the digital age; it's thriving as an AI powerhouse, proving that adaptability is key in today's fast-paced landscape.

Discover the groundbreaking capabilities of Google's Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking, a model revolutionizing reasoning in AI. Learn about the FAA's drone flight ban in New Jersey due to mysterious sightings. Explore Instagram's upcoming generative AI editing tool that reimagines video creation. Additionally, dive into Waymo's impressive self-driving safety records and the advancements in robotics, including an open-source generative physics engine that enhances robotic training significantly.

Tensions heat up as Apple calls out Meta for being bothersome with interoperability requests. OpenAI has made ChatGPT accessible via phone calls, bringing AI conversations to your fingertips. Apple scrapped its hardware subscription plans due to software glitches and regulatory woes. Meanwhile, Oura's smart ring business is booming, raising $200 million and reaching a valuation of $5.2 billion. There's also a dive into the impressive specs of the PS5 Pro, along with the challenges facing Bengaluru as it evolves into a major tech hub.

Could your home internet router soon be banned? The U.S. targets Chinese tech in American households while Nvidia unveils an affordable AI dev kit that promises impressive performance. Meanwhile, Hollywood's theatrical strategy is shifting—doing well in cinemas boosts streaming success. Instagram is evolving into Meta's major revenue source, with projections showing a 50% ad sales share by 2025. Plus, a Grubhub legal settlement highlights deceptive practices in food delivery. It's a whirlwind of tech and entertainment updates!

TikTok's CEO dined with Donald Trump as the company appealed to the Supreme Court against a possible US ban. DeepMind unveiled a new AI video competitor, VO2, enhancing video realism. The FTC announced regulations to tackle junk fees, pushing for pricing transparency in services. Databricks received a massive $10 billion funding round, evolving from an academic initiative to a tech giant. Meanwhile, Waymo is set to test its driverless technology in Tokyo, signaling advancements in next-gen transportation.

A fierce rivalry is brewing between Sam Altman and Elon Musk, poised to escalate by 2025. Apple is set to unveil foldable devices, but tech critics are still reeling from the Magic Mouse's charging design. Nations are scrambling to establish their own satellite internet, with Europe launching the Iris II project. Meanwhile, the chip industry is buzzing with disputes, particularly between Arm and Qualcomm, spotlighting the high stakes and challenges within technology and innovation.

Brian McCullough, host of the Tech Meme Ride Home and author of 'How the Internet Happened,' dives into the top tech stories of 2024. He discusses the mixed reception of Apple Vision Pro and Meta's Ray-Bans revolutionizing smart glasses. The rise of AI, with NVIDIA's pivotal role, is explored alongside breakthroughs in quantum computing and self-driving tech. The geopolitical tech rivalry, particularly between the U.S. and China, takes center stage, while also examining the potential TikTok ban and evolving cryptocurrency landscape. McCullough offers a glimpse into the tech forecast for 2025.

What if AI models are the new operating system for everything? Discover the innovative world of smart glasses, including a competitor to the Vision Pro. Explore Google's upcoming Android XR mixed reality system and how it merges with wearable tech. Delve into breakthroughs in quantum computing and the challenges they pose to encryption. The emergence of Liquid AI offers a glimpse into future computing inspired by nature. Plus, dive into intriguing weekend reads that dissect technology's influence on society.

Explore the fallout from Cruise's struggles and GM's shift in self-driving tech. Discover innovative features of Gemini 2.0 Flash, including advanced spatial reasoning. Dive into the enhancements of the Vision Pro, which might finally have a standout app. Learn about Xiaohongshu, a rising e-commerce app from China achieving impressive profits. Plus, insights on emerging trends in AI data accessibility and the implications of the CHIPS Act on U.S. manufacturing.