Popular Technology Radio

There are a lot of contributors to the growing music industry here at NAMM 2020, and we sit down with a few to chat about their careers. First up, Chief Amplifier for Amplify Entertainment Marketing, Del Breckenfeld, discusses his career at Fender and his experiences organizing shows and meeting big artists. Product Specialist for Universal Audio, Tom Waterman, explains Universal Audio's new product, LUNA, and how it's integrated with Apollo. LUNA uses an easy to navigate UI to help you achieve the sound that you want. Managing Director, Dave Bryce, entertains us with the story of how Music Player Network came to be and what he's gone through to keep it alive. Tune in for more great stories and products from the floor of NAMM 2020. [00:00:00] Del Shares His History with Fender [00:06:26] Universal Audio Apollo X More Affordable [00:12:33] Recording Great Sound With an Old Twist [00:19:53] The Story Behind Music Player Network [00:27:50] Why is a Forum This Big of a Deal? [00:35:55] What has Inspired Recent Musical Movies?

With technology progressing at such a quick pace it's getting easier for creators to produce content. This year at NAMM 2020 we discuss how the advancements of technology have made it so affordable to make music, and how companies are able to produce quality products at an affordable price, with Tech Expert, Mike Castanon. Whether we notice it or not the NAMM show has changed the way we live our lives from the way we entertain ourselves with music, to the way we set up our homes and more! Former President and CEO of Roland Corporation U.S. and past Chairman of NAMM, Dennis Houlihan, shares the history of NAMM, including how NAMM was started in New York by piano makers wanting to raise the ethical bar for the piano industry. Then, Global Product Line Manager, Scott Wood, tells us about the capabilities of their awesome new 24 channel mixer. Closing out the show, Audio and Tech Writer for Sound Stage! Solo, The Wirecutter, and Jazz Times, Brent Butterworth, explains why he immediately bought a pair of AKG K371 headphones after testing out a pair. Tune in to hear more about NAMM 2020. [00:00:00] Musical Equipment Quality and Quantity [00:06:46] Creating Music has Never Been Easier [00:12:31] The History of the Renowned NAMM Show [00:19:53] How has NAMM Impacted Daily Lives? [00:27:50] Soundcraft Shows Off 24 Channel Mixer [00:35:53] AKG Makes Amazing Affordable Headphones

While many headphone and other audio companies are absent from CES this year, there is still a decent number of audio tech companies on the show floor. Audio Tech Writer for the Wirecutter, SoundStage! Solo, and JazzTimes, Brent Butterworth, breaks down what we've learned about new audio tech, and chats about how CES has changed over the past 30 years. The purpose for CES has changed with online marketplaces and advancements in new shipping technology. Then, Brent goes into detail on why major audio companies didn't show up to CES this year. Could home theatre systems be replaced with soundbars equipped with Dolby Atmos? Tune in to find out! [00:00:00] How Has CES Changed Over 30 Years? [00:05:24] The Transformation of CES Over the Years [00:12:30] Where is all the Audio Tech at CES 2020? [00:19:51] Sound Bars are Replacing the Home Theatre [00:28:39] Wireless Taking Over the Audio Market [00:35:52] What You Need to Know About CES 2020

Every year tech companies from around the world gather at CES to show their latest and greatest. Freelance Tech and Travel Writer for CNET and The New York Times Geoffrey Morrison, chats about some of the innovative technology he's spied on the show floor at CES 2020. TCL has been making waves with Mini LED screens. Will this challenge LG's OLED tech for the top spot? Then, we discuss Next Gen TV's over-the-air 4K television IP based solution, Sonos' suit against Google what it could mean for other giant tech monopolies, and some of 5G technology's pitfalls. Tune in for more details from CES 2020. [00:00:00] TCL Shows off new Mini LED Technology [00:06:15] Will Mini LED Displays Replace OLED? [00:12:30] Next Gen TV Providing Free 4K On Live TV [00:19:51] How Does IP Based Live TV Work? [00:27:47] Who Can Stop These Tech Monopolies? [00:35:52] 5G Might Not Be All Your Hoping For

Black Friday is just around the corner and we're scouring the internet for the best deals we can find. This of course means we'll talk about TVs, because as Mike Etchart and Audio Tech Writer for the Wirecutter, SoundStage! Solo, JazzTimes, Brent Butterworth, know all too well, deals on TVs are always the hottest out there around this time of year. We also discuss the importance of having good audio and how TVs aren't the only home theater products gaining in quality; the beloved sound bars are also on the rise. Then, we chat with Popular Technology Radio Producer, Cody Castleberry, about his plans for the shopping weekend and the interesting deals he's seen, including $600 off on new Samsung phones! Shifting our focus, JoshCAR Hollywood Car Consultant, Josh Hancock, informs us on the LA Auto Show (now known as Automobility LA) and its importance in the worldwide car market. Then, Josh fills us in on the new Tesla Cybertruck and anticipated Ford Electric F-150. Tune in for more. [00:00:00] Then to Now: Black Friday TV Prices [00:06:00] TV and Soundbar Quality on the Rise [00:12:31] Black Friday Deal Watch [00:19:52] TVs, DNA Tests, and Cell Phones, Oh My [00:29:05] LA Auto Show and Regulation Battles [00:35:54] Tesla Cybertruck, Ford Electric F-150

With Disney+ right around the corner, we take another look of the streaming video landscape. Freelance Tech and Travel Writer for CNET and The New York Times, Geoffrey Morrison, discusses the increasing number of players in movie streaming space and how much the market can bear. The average family seems to have a pain point of about 3-4 subscriptions before they dial back their spending. Then, we learn about a new advancement in television technology brought to market by Chinese upstart manufacturer, TCL - Mini LED. Just what is LED, and what makes it better than what we have now? Tune in to find out. Also, don't miss Geoffrey's review of the GoPro MAX. [00:00:00] The Streaming Wars Are Heating Up [00:06:24] Subscription Service Pain Points [00:12:31] TCL First to Market with Mini-LED Tech [00:19:52] What is Mini-LED? [00:27:44] Modern Television Technology Review [00:35:53] $500 GoPro MAX: Is It Worth It?

We've all enjoyed some of the amazing services that Amazon provides at one point or another, but have you checked out their growing line of consumer electronics products? Host, Mike Etchart, and Co-Founder and Digital Strategist of Label Logic, Jay Gilbert, discuss the culture of change, and customer first philosophy of Amazon, as well as their recent bevvy of new tech product announcements. If you're a fan of hi-fi audio, stay tuned for Amazon Echo Studio and Music HD. We also learn more about the Echo Buds, Show, Loop, Frames, Smart Oven, and Flex. Tune in if you're a fan of Amazon's quiet take-over of the consumer electronics market. [00:00:00] Amazon's Culture of Change [00:06:12] Amazon Taking Over, and Echo Studio [00:12:31] Dolby Atmos, Amazon Music HD, Echo Buds [00:19:51] Amazon Echo Show, Loop, and Frames [00:28:01] Amazon Privacy, Smart Oven, and Flex [00:35:53] In the Business of Tech Simplification

Cyber security is front page news these days as big tech companies and governmental organizations are getting caught up in the firestorm of hacking and data breaches. So how do these breaches come to be? Chief Evangelist for Saviynt, and cyber security expert, Diana Volere, discusses the issues that come with living in a technologically advanced world. Corporations and organizations constantly feel the pressure to maximize operation efficiency while maintaining an appropriate level of cyber security, and it becomes a juggling act that some inevitably fail. We chat about the shift of every industry towards cloud storage and away from physical servers and how that affects security. There is definitely a human error factor as well, but that doesn't mean we should give cyber security professionals a free pass, it is their job to keep the public's information secure. So that leaves it up to us to do our part, as much as we hate it, by changing our passwords often, viewing email proposals or pleas for help with a healthy level of suspicion, and keeping our credit card information secure online. Tune in to learn more about how digital security has become so compromised in recent years and what you should be doing to safeguard yourself and your business. [00:00:00] Cyber Security Vs Operational Efficiency [00:06:23] Cloud vs Physical Server Security [00:12:30] Human Error, Responsibility, Ransomware [00:19:51] No Such Thing As Absolute Security [00:27:36] Politics, Freedom, and Data Control [00:35:52] Digital Awareness / Cyber Security Tips

The automotive and technology worlds clash often, but nowhere are the lines of tech and motor company blurred as much as with the rising electric vehicle market. JoshCAR Hollywood Car Consultant, Josh Hancock, joins us to discuss the new Porsche Taycan and whether or not Tesla should be quaking in their boots regarding this vehicle's release. Then we chat about the public's lower anxiety over the range of electric vehicles thanks to recent advancements pushing every day EVs above the 250 mile mark and how that affects their market share. Don't feel left out if you're a truck guy/gal, because electrification is coming to a full-size pickup near you soon with the announcement of Rivian's R1T and Ford's all-electric F-150. These trucks pack a punch, thanks to their electric motors, and provide more torque for towing. Changing topics, we delve into one of the biggest benefits of having an electric vehicle, the low maintenance! Aside from your obvious stuff like tires, brakes, and batteries, there's pretty much nothing else to worry about as you commute day-to-day. Switching lanes, everybody's favorite four-wheeled contraptions aren't the only vehicles getting an electric makeover; tune in to hear about the small, but vibrant market of electric motorcycles, bicycles, and other oddities. [00:00:00] Tesla's New Competition: Porsche Taycan [00:06:59] All Electric vs Hybrid Electric Cars [00:12:30] Lower Range Anxiety, Higher Market Share [00:19:51] Rivian Forces Ford's Hand on Electric [00:27:37] Electric Cars Require Less Maintenance [00:35:52] Electric Bicycles, Motorcycles, and More

What is your favorite way to listen to music these days? Are you still a physical record listener, or have you jumped on the Spotify band wagon? Perhaps you listen to an obscure digital service provider (DSP) like Deezer or Music Aficionado. Whatever your cup of tea happens to be, we're discussing the rise of streaming services, and where they may be headed in the future today with Co-Founder of Label Logic, and music industry veteran, Jay Gilbert. We delve into the issues facing certain streaming services, like Spotify, and more niche providers like licensing fees and how they can stay afloat when music is their focus. For other companies like Amazon, Apple, and Google, music is a rounding error in their overall business, so a failure in their streaming services wouldn't affect their bottom line. How do the Pandoras and Spotifys of the world keep up in this market? Well, by providing a more personalized experience, of course! We also discuss how a service like YouTube became top dog in the world of music streaming. Playlists, access to everything conceivable, and curation seem to be fan favorites among music listeners. Tune in to learn more. [00:00:00] Some Music Never Made it to Streaming [00:05:59] Will Spotify Have Trouble Keeping Up? [00:12:30] Pandora and YouTube Music [00:19:51] How YouTube, iTunes Became Juggernauts [00:27:47] Why Curation and Ease of Access Will Win [00:35:53] Will Crowded Music Streaming Thin Out?

With the news that Nate Mitchell is leaving Facebook, we thought it'd be a great time to check in on the augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) worlds. Gameplay Productions Owner and Director, Cheyenne Decker, discusses the impact of Oculus Rift and the amazing team of visionaries behind the project on the world of virtual reality today. We also chat about the advancement of augmented reality and how it is enabling other industries to perform more efficiently. Closing out the show we talk about the growing risk of regulation for the tech giants of Silicon Valley and how this risk may have influenced the creators of Oculus to leave Facebook. Tune in for more news on augmented and virtual reality. [00:00:00] Nate Mitchel Leaves Oculus/ What is AR? [00:06:22] AR in the Real World and Marketing [00:12:30] How Oculus Rift Brought VR Roaring Back [00:19:50] Why Did Facebook Buy Oculus Anyway? [00:27:42] Haptic Suits and Ecosystem Economics [00:35:52] Tech Giant Regulation/ Great VR Games

If you've ever thought that big corporate mergers don't affect you, you might be wrong. Mike shines a light on the constant bad hand that consumers get after mergers like the AT&T and Time Warner merger. Then, Writer for The Wirecutter and Editor for SoundStage! and JazzTimes, Brent Butterworth, tells us about the random tornado that came through his part of the greater Los Angeles area and why he's getting a new roof. Switching topics, we chat about cutting the cord, increasing entertainment bills, the effects of mergers on everyday Americans, and great ear protection for loud concerts. Tune in to learn more. [00:00:00] AT&T/Time Warner Merger Hurts Consumers [00:06:06] Brent's Rare Tornado and Cutting Cords [00:12:30] How Do Mergers Affect Content Creation? [00:19:50] Protect Your Ears with Loop Earplugs [00:28:07] Wear Protection at Loud Concerts [00:35:52] Staying Quiet in Your Dorm Room

If there's one thing we've learned as consumers, its that huge corporate mergers never work out in our favor. Freelance Writer, Editor, and Photographer for CNET and The New York Times, Geoffrey Morrison, discusses the proposed merger between T-Mobile and Sprint that has the attorneys general of California, Texas, and New York up in arms. There are a couple of weird facets about this merger that leave us scratching our heads, like its inclusion of Dish Network as a propped up fourth cell phone carrier. We also chat about the roll out of 5G internet and SpaceX's plans with low orbit satellite internet. Geoff also shares why he switched to Google Fi from T-Mobile, how to save money while abroad with your cell phone plan, and how to avoid getting financially destroyed by predatory travel packages. Tune in for more! [00:00:00] The Best Ways to Be a Cellphone Roamer [00:05:59] Travel Packages / T-Mobile Sprint Merger [00:12:31] T-Mobile/Sprint Merger Facing Pressure [00:19:51] Dish An Unlikely Third Wheel in Merger [00:27:09] 5G vs Low Orbit Satellite Internet [00:35:52] Likelihood of T-Mobile/Sprint Merger

If you're a frequent listener of Popular Technology Radio, you've probably heard The Wirecutter Writer and Writer and Editor for SoundStage! Solo, Brent Butterworth, talk about the phenomenon called 'eardrum suck'. This painful, psychosomatic condition afflicts some users of high end noise cancelling headphones, but thankfully the new Bose NC 700 Headphones have a remedy. These $399 replacements for the Bose QuietComfort 35 II get high marks from Brent, who claims they are more comfortable, sound better, and have adjustable levels of noise cancellation. We also chat about the oversaturation of the headphone market after Chinese manufacturers decided to start marketing their own products; like Haomeja who promise "Supercar loud boom sounds." Changing topics, we discuss the recent, and rampant, 'Agent Smith' malware afflicting millions of Android devices and how to use best practices to avoid contracting such technological afflictions. Closing up the show we discuss Amazon's new Lord of the Rings prequel TV series and multiplayer video game, as well as the oncoming deluge of new streaming services. Tune in to learn more. [00:00:00] New Bose Headphones - No Eardrum Suck [00:06:54] Death of Audio Jack / Rise of Bluetooth [00:12:31] Oversaturation of the Headphone Market [00:19:52] Android Virus and iPads for Musicians [00:27:55] "Agent Smith", Best Practices and Scams [00:35:53] It's the Golden Age of Television

The news reached us at Popular Technology Radio recently that Jony Ive will be departing from Apple after many years of splendid and revolutionary product design. This departure comes with an asterisk, as he will be setting up shop in a new design studio and his first customer will be Apple. Award Winning Product Design Consultant, Todd Metlen, discusses Jony Ive's unquestionable impact on the world of design and consumer electronics, the nuances of product design, his time at Nokia, and the impossibility of maintaining brand loyalty. Join us as we toast Jony Ive in his new venture and thank him for what he has given the world thus far. [00:00:00] Revolutionary Product Designer Jony Ive [00:05:39] How a Design Focus Elevated Apple [00:12:30] Limitations of Form Follows Function [00:19:50] Airplane Mode, Nokia, and Obsolescence [00:28:18] Difficulty of Maintaining Brand Loyalty [00:35:51] Product Design vs. Architecture

The biggest trade show in the video games industry recently wrapped up in southern California, and we have our eyes on a few upcoming games revealed at the expo. Gameplay Productions Owner and Director and veteran of the gaming industry, Cheyenne Decker, discusses the rapid pace at which the gaming industry is changing; from trade shows, to consoles, to cloud computing. We also chat about our favorite game reveals at E3 2019, like Cyberpunk 2077, Death Stranding, DOOM Eternal, Final Fantasy 7 Remake, Zelda Breath of the Wild 2, and more! Tune in to get an update on the video game industry. [00:00:00] History of E3 and the Gaming Industry [00:05:14] The Trouble of Big Gaming Trade Shows [00:12:29] Video Games: A Brutal Hit-Driven Market [00:19:49] Cyberpunk 2077 and Cloud Gaming [00:29:12] Nintendo, Microsoft, Sony, and Facebook [00:35:48] Games From E3 That Have Us Excited

When the iPod was released in October of 2001, the world of music changed and changed further still when it was followed up by the release of the iTunes store. Digital Strategist and Co-Founder of Label Logic, and Host of Your Morning Coffee, Jay Gilbert, remembers the history of the iPod and iTunes in light of the recent announcement that iTunes will see the biggest change since it was established 18 years ago. Then, we discuss how the trends have evolved over the years, from mix-tape cassettes and CDs, to digital downloads and streaming services. Join us for an overall look at the current landscape of the music industry. [00:00:00] iPod, iTunes, and Portable Music Players [00:05:51] Remembering iTunes, and Its New Form [00:12:30] How iTunes Helped the iPod Succeed [00:19:50] iTunes and Explosion of Digital Media [00:27:39] The Rise of Spotify and Streaming Music [00:35:52] Pandora, Voice Command, Mobile Music

If you feel like your cable internet bill has growing curiously big over the last few years, you're not the only one. Kicking off the show, host, Mike Etchart, remembers the good old days of dial up internet and his $9/month American Online (AOL) bill. Then, we chat with Consumer Columnist for The Los Angeles Times, David Lazarus, about the cable companies stranglehold on regional broadband internet services and how things got to be the way they are. We also explore how the shift of TV consumers from bloated cable TV packages to cord cutting streaming services is making internet service providers (ISPs) charge more to offset their losses; but that doesn't mean these price hikes are justified. David offers a case for having more regulation in the telecommunications industry, not necessarily in a heavy handed sense, but we at least need a referee on the field or an adult in the room. Closing the show, Popular Technology Radio Producer, Cody Castleberry, describes his experience with broadband internet in the pacific northwest. Tune in for more about the under-regulated world of ISPs. [00:00:00] A Brief History of ISPs [00:05:23] Are Cable Internet Prices Justified? [00:12:30] From DSL to Cable to Streaming Video [00:19:51] Streaming Entices ISPs to Charge More [00:27:54] The Telecom Industry Needs An Adult [00:35:52] Largest ISPs and Content Bundles

The TV market has become saturated with jaw-droppingly cheap televisions that still look nice; but don't get too comfortable, there are still plenty of pitfalls to avoid when making a purchase. Freelance Writer, Editor, and Photographer for CNET and The New York Times and Writer for The Wirecutter, Geoffrey Morrison, has written, and talked, and thought, and ranted, and raved about a lot of the misconceptions in the television industry and is here to shed some light on the topic. We find out why HDR and 4K televisions mean nothing without an appropriate source or signal from a Bluray player or streaming service. Also, don't make the mistake of overpaying for HDMI cables and under appreciating an external sound device like a soundbar. Wrapping up the hour we take a look at the best, and the most cost effective TV brands, from TCL and VIZIO to LG and Samsung. Tune in to find out how Chinese brands like TCL and VIZIO were able to push Korean and Japanese companies out of the mid to low price TV category. [00:00:00] Mike's Old 32" Sony Wega Was a Beast [00:06:33] Geoffrey Morrison Explains HDR [00:12:30] Delicate Dance of 4K Content vs Hardware [00:19:51] Buy Cheap HDMI Cables + A Nice Soundbar [00:27:48] VIZIO and TCL Make Best Budget TVs [00:35:32] Chinese Companies Corner The Market

Cellular carriers are not loved, but we sure wouldn't want to live without them. As much ire as U.S. telecom companies might face, they are a necessary evil; but which companies have the best plans? Thankfully, The Wirecutter Contributor, Rob Pegoraro, reveals to us some of the inner workings of how cell phone carriers operate, the difference between prepaid and postpaid plans, and the limits of 5G. We also discover how cell carriers rank on the consumer satisfaction index, and what the strengths and weaknesses are of the 'big four' in wireless - AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon. Tune in to learn how to avoid pitfalls and if your service may be in need of updating. [00:00:00] Cell Phone Carriers: A Necessary Evil [00:06:38] The Big 4 of Cell Phone Plans [00:12:30] Prepaid Plans, Sprint / T-Mobile Merger [00:19:51] Cellular Resellers, and Limits of 5G [00:27:26] Communication Customer Satisfaction [00:35:52] Which Carrier Should You Choose?