YourTechReport

Silent Beacon panic button for personal and workplace safety: how a stuntman’s accident sparked a Bluetooth emergency device that now protects home-health workers, educators, social services, and more—with 911 calling, dashboards, and OTA updates. Kenny Kelley, CEO and founder of Silent Beacon, shares how a motorcycle crash inspired a hands-free panic button that pairs with your smartphone to call 911 and alert contacts when you can’t reach your phone. The product started as a consumer safety device for runners, students, and seniors, then demand shifted during COVID as businesses needed discreet protection for staff entering unknown environments—home healthcare, social services, education, nonprofits, and government. Kenny explains real-world use cases, from mental-health interventions where responders needed both hands free, to lighter moments (like rescuing someone stuck in a tree house) that show the device’s range. He outlines the tech evolution: improvements in Bluetooth stacks on iOS and Android, Qualcomm chipsets, better mics/speakers, and over-the-air firmware updates for rapid fixes. For organizations, the dashboard shows connection status, triggers parallel alerts (push, SMS, email, phone) to teams while 911 or a monitoring center is contacted, and supports company-wide follow-ups after events. Design trade-offs matter: keep it sleek and discreet for daily wear while ensuring buttons are deliberate enough to avoid false alarms. Kenny also addresses accessibility and dignity for seniors and people with disabilities, noting plans for a standalone cellular version for environments where phones aren’t allowed. Finally, he clarifies connectivity: 911 calling works without a data plan; location “blips” require Wi-Fi or cellular data. Like, comment, and subscribe for more practical accessibility and safety tech. Share your questions or field scenarios you want us to test next. Relevant Links Silent Beacon: https://silentbeacon.com #SilentBeacon #WorkplaceSafety #AssistiveTech #SafetyTech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#Windows10 #Windows11 #PCUpgrade #YourTechReport #MicroCenter Windows 10 support ends October 14. Dan Ackerman (Editor-in-Chief, Micro Center News) joins Your Tech Report to explain what end of updates means, why Windows 11 adoption lagged, hardware requirements, the ESU “snooze” option, and why desktops and DIY builds are surging again. Windows 10 has been the comfortable default for a decade, but support is ending. Dan Ackerman outlines what changes after October 14: no ongoing feature updates and only limited coverage for users who enroll in Microsoft’s extended service option. He explains why people stuck with Windows 10—stability, habit, and early Windows 11 friction—and how hardware requirements like TPM factored in. For most systems from the last five to six years, a Windows 11 upgrade should be straightforward. Older machines may struggle, especially laptops, whereas desktops can be refreshed with parts. Dan notes a shift toward desktops for customization, gaming, and local AI—where big GPUs, abundant RAM, and ample storage shine. He also touches on the ESU route as a temporary bridge for consumers and businesses who need more time. Looking ahead, Dan is excited about next-gen handheld gaming PCs (including a Lenovo Legion Go 2 with OLED and Ryzen “Xtreme Z2”) and broader holiday PC interest. Listeners can find more of his coverage and tools at Micro Center’s sites. Subscribe for more practical tech explainers and interviews. Explore more from Micro Center: microcenter.com and microcenter.news Micro Center: https://www.microcenter.com Micro Center News: https://microcenter.news Expanded SummaryCall to ActionRelevant Links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cisco’s Distance Zero rethinks hybrid collaboration with meeting equity, AI at the edge, and cinematic framing that keeps every participant “at eye height”—plus live 3D object discussion with Apple Vision Pro. SVP/GM Snorre Kjesbu explains how Cisco defines “Distance Zero”: everyone gets a true seat at the table—being seen, heard, and included in the room dynamics, whether they’re remote or on-site. Subtle but powerful touches—like equalizing participant size and eye level—remove hierarchy cues and improve equity. He frames where hybrid work stands now: bring people together for creativity, mentoring, culture, and serendipity (yes, the coffee line matters), and let focused grind work happen anywhere. For offices to “earn the commute,” rooms must outperform home setups—for those in the room and those remote. Technically, this is enabled by a decade of AI/ML at the edge (a long-running partnership with Nvidia), now combined with newer large-language-model capabilities. Cisco’s “cinematic” system behaves like an AI producer—understanding who’s speaking and how a conversation moves—while noise suppression can differentiate lawnmowers, dogs, and even prioritize a specific speaker’s voice. On accessibility, live translation, captions, and annotation lower barriers for varied accents and learning needs. IT and facilities teams also get AI “superpowers” for reliability and scale since collaboration is now mission-critical. Kjesbu notes that these capabilities are largely available on existing deployments (backward compatible where possible, with cloud assist), and adoption is strong: features like cinematic framing are on in 100% of meetings where available, and LLM-powered summaries, actions, and translation are surging. If this helped clarify the future of hybrid collaboration, like the video, leave a comment with your biggest meeting-equity challenge, and subscribe for more deep dives on accessible, human-centered workplace tech. Cisco Distance Zero, meeting equity, hybrid collaboration, AI at the edge, cinematic framing, Webex meetings, Apple Vision Pro 3D, Nvidia partnership, live translation, captions and annotation, noise suppression, remote work, earn the commute, inclusive meetings, IT manageability, voice optimization, backward compatibility, employee experience, collaboration devices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Roku Canada’s Video on Demand Evolution Study reveals how Canadian streamers embrace ad-supported streaming, FAST channels, and interactive ads—shifting reach to connected TV while boosting addressability to 90%. Head of Revenue for Roku Canada, Ivan Pehar, joins Marc to unpack the sixth annual Video on Demand Evolution Study and what it means for advertisers, broadcasters, and viewers. The big shift: Canadians are increasingly comfortable with ad-supported content, with weekly viewing time for programming with ads jumping from ~7 hours to 10+ hours year over year. Nearly 90% of Canadian streamers are now addressable, opening modern targeting, measurement, and interactivity on the biggest screen in the home. Choice is massive—but so is decision friction. Viewers spend an average of ~12 minutes (and up to 31 minutes; under-35s as high as 46) searching for something to watch. Roku is tackling this with home-screen recommendations and brand-supported discovery moments that save time and feel helpful rather than intrusive. FAST channels mirror the simplicity of broadcast—turn it on and you know what you’ll get—while live sports, news, and themed channels keep “lean-back” viewing alive in a streaming world. For advertisers, the message is clear: linear and connected TV work best together. With precise targeting and interactive formats (think “press OK” overlays that send offers to your phone), campaigns can move beyond awareness into action—without breaking the viewing flow. Privacy remains user-controlled; opting out is always available. Enjoyed this conversation about where TV is heading? Subscribe for more industry interviews, drop your thoughts in the comments, and share how you’re using CTV or FAST in your mix. Roku Canada, Video on Demand Evolution Study, Canadian streamers, ad-supported streaming, FAST channels, connected TV advertising, CTV targeting, interactive TV ads, home screen recommendations, addressable audience 90%, search friction 12 minutes, weekly viewing with ads 10 hours, linear and streaming strategy, brand-supported discovery, privacy opt out Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apple’s iPhone 17 lineup, iOS 26, AirPods Pro 3, and Apple Watch updates are here—plus Meta unveiled its next-gen Ray-Ban glasses with a display. Marc and Mitchell dig into design compromises, battery life, transparency mode, wearable health, and whether Meta’s AR push is ready for prime time. In this episode of Your Tech Report, Marc Aflalo and Mitchell Whitfield unpack Apple’s latest keynote. They debate the new iPhone Air—its stunning design, slimmer body, and controversial smaller battery that prompted Apple to release a dedicated MagSafe pack. They compare the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, Pro Max, and Air, spotlighting why the regular 17 may be the best value yet with the A19 chip, strong cameras, and upgraded battery life. On iOS 26, the hosts note subtle design shifts like “liquid glass” and workflow tweaks that feel aimed at new users. Mitchell highlights CarPlay-inspired features like send-confirmation bars, while Marc finds the update faster and cleaner, with accessibility customization essential for low-vision users. AirPods Pro 3 earn rave reviews for memory foam tips that improve fit, vastly improved transparency, and hearing-aid-level clarity. Marc shares an “aha moment” about mixing different-sized ear tips for each ear, while Mitchell calls them the most natural transparency mode yet. Live translation is rolling out, with more languages coming in 2025. Apple Watch Series 11 gets incremental upgrades, while Ultra 3 adds satellite SOS, reinforcing the watch as both fitness and safety device. Marc describes using sleep tracking and heart rate alerts as proactive health tools. Finally, they break down Meta’s announcements: new Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses with better cameras, audio, and longer battery life—and a bold first-gen display model with a wristband controller. While the innovation excites them, Marc raises concerns about eye strain and safety from focusing on near-field displays. Like what you heard? Subscribe, drop a comment with your thoughts on iPhone 17 or AirPods Pro 3, and let us know which new device you’re considering upgrading to. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Magewell’s story from USB Capture to all-in-one production: how a user-first approach powers pro AV, broadcast, and streaming—plus where devices like Director One, Director Mini, and NDI converters fit in real-world workflows. Marc Aflalo sits down with Mike Nann of MVD (Mobile Video Devices)—Magewell’s exclusive North American distributor—to trace Magewell’s evolution and what makes their gear stick in both broadcast/media production and pro AV. Mike shares his 25+ years in video tech (from Digital Rapids’ early Olympic streaming with Windows Media) and explains how Magewell moved from OEM engineering (2011) to its own lineup by finding and fixing the “gaps” between signals, software, streams, and screens. You’ll hear how USB Capture popularized true plug-and-play ingest for HDMI/SDI; why the pandemic accelerated adoption; and how the company designs products around “technical invisibility” for pro AV—where the best gear disappears into the workflow—while still giving producers deep control. We dig into Ultra Stream appliances for one-button streaming, NDI encoders/decoders that automatically match displays, and feature-rich tools like Director One (and Director Mini) that scale from touch-friendly switching to Stream Deck/Companion control. Mike also talks pricing philosophy (reliable, mid-range value), firmware-driven improvements shaped by customer feedback (including an active user community), and how Magewell weighs new tech like OMT (Open Media Transport): not chasing “first,” but shipping when the ecosystem is ready and reliability is proven. He closes with advice for AV entrepreneurs: know your strengths, partner smartly (examples: Teleycam cameras, Miri + Speedify bonding), and keep listening to users. 00:00 – Marc sets the stage: story over specs 00:36 – Meet MVD & Mike’s background (Digital Rapids, early Olympic streaming) 02:28 – Magewell’s shift from OEM to its own product lines 03:52 – USB Capture: true plug-and-play ingest for HDMI/SDI 04:50 – How the pandemic accelerated capture & conferencing use cases 05:23 – Bridging gaps across signals, software, and screens 06:48 – Broadcast vs. Pro AV: different needs, same UX focus 08:31 – “Technical invisibility” and the easy-button mindset 09:32 – Designing user-first—even for power producers 12:03 – Director One/Director Mini: touch workflow + pro integrations 13:54 – From UltraStream simplicity to deeper control when needed 16:11 – Competing on reliability, UX, and plug-and-play (not race-to-cheap) 17:37 – NDI converters that auto-match displays (EDID awareness) 18:24 – Pricing context: durable, mid-range value; long service life 21:13 – Firmware updates shaped by user feedback and community 23:35 – Evaluating OMT: benefits vs. ecosystem maturity 26:23 – Advice to builders: play to strengths, partner, listen 27:29 – Where to learn more: Magewell & MVD Like what you heard? Subscribe for more real-world AV and accessibility tech conversations, and share this episode with someone building their first streaming or production setup. Magewell: https://www.magewell.com MVD (Mobile Video Devices): https://www.mobilevideodevices.com #Magewell #ProAV #LiveProduction Magewell, MVD, Mobile Video Devices, Director One, Director Mini, USB Capture, UltraStream, USB Fusion, NDI encoder, NDI decoder, live streaming hardware, video capture, broadcast production, pro AV workflows, plug and play video, IP video, user experience, technical invisibility, Speedify bonding, Miri Technologies, Telecam cameras, OMT protocol, Open Media Transport, Montreal production, accessibility tech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Drowning in emails? What if an AI executive assistant could clear your inbox, draft replies, and keep you focused on real work? That’s exactly what Lynda AI is designed to do—an agent built to finally deliver on the promise of inbox zero. Marc sits down with co-founder David Brennan to explore how Lynda AI went from a two-day proof of concept to a fully working product with paying customers in just three months. Instead of clunky rules and filters, Lynda AI uses large-language-model agents to understand context, sort Gmail automatically, and even draft responses so you only touch the emails that matter. David shares how early user feedback reshaped the product—scrapping unnecessary interfaces and keeping the experience inside Gmail where people are already comfortable. They also dive into the bigger vision: expanding from inbox management to calendars, team-wide support, and even texting or calling your AI assistant to schedule meetings or book travel. This isn’t about replacing humans—it’s about giving founders and small teams back hours of deep focus every week by eliminating the endless drag of email. Brennan explains why an AI-first approach lets them move faster than ever, and why overwhelmed professionals are lining up to say: “If you solve this for me, I’m in.” Want to see how Lynda AI can finally free you from inbox overload? Listen to the full interview, and subscribe for more conversations about practical AI tools reshaping the way we work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How will generative AI reshape the classroom? Ryan Lufkin, VP of Global Academic Strategy at Instructure, joins Marc Aflalo to discuss the new OpenAI partnership, how Canvas powers millions of students worldwide, and what this means for the future of education and accessibility. Canvas has become the digital backbone of education, used by over half of North America’s college students and rapidly growing worldwide. In this conversation, Ryan Lufkin explains how Canvas and OpenAI are working together to embed AI into the classroom in ways that feel seamless, trustworthy, and genuinely useful for both teachers and students. We explore why education shifted from “nice-to-have” to “must-have” technology after COVID, the eight global trends shaping academic strategy, and how AI can support personalized learning, accessibility, and lifelong education. Ryan also addresses big concerns around bias, data privacy, and misuse—highlighting Instructure’s “trust first” approach to rolling out AI features. The discussion covers practical use cases, including AI study modes that encourage learning instead of cheating, accessibility tools that generate alt text and improve course design, and equity-focused strategies to ensure schools of all sizes can benefit from AI. Ryan also shares insights on how educators can build AI literacy and overcome fears by treating it like a “lazy graduate assistant”—a helpful starting point, not a replacement for human expertise. [Chapters] 0:00 – Introduction and name banter 0:31 – What is Instructure and Canvas? 1:35 – Why Canvas is the “backbone” of education 3:09 – Key global education challenges 4:50 – The new OpenAI partnership explained 6:01 – How AI will show up in classrooms 7:29 – Why now? The timing of AI in education 8:21 – Addressing bias, hallucinations, and trust 9:59 – Real-world use cases and Harvard study 11:47 – Accessibility and universal design 13:34 – Equity, affordability, and global access 15:23 – Surprising outcomes from AI in education 16:52 – What success looks like in the next year 18:16 – Why educators still matter in the AI era 19:10 – Advice for educators hesitant about AI 20:54 – Final thoughts and closing [Call to Action] If you enjoyed this conversation, please like, comment, and subscribe for more deep dives into technology, accessibility, and the future of learning. [Relevant Links] Canvas by Instructure: https://www.instructure.com/canvas InstructureCon: https://www.instructure.com/events/instructurecon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover why the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 wireless headphones set a new standard for comfort, design, and audio quality. From detailed sound separation to all-day wearability, these headphones deliver everything music lovers, gamers, and movie fans want in premium over-ear headphones. Marc Aflalo and Mitchell Whitfield take a deep dive into the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 headphones, reflecting on their long history with the brand and why it continues to impress. They explore how Bowers & Wilkins, an audio-first company since the 1960s, has perfected the balance of comfort, style, and high-fidelity sound. The conversation highlights standout features including plush memory-foam earcups, simple and intuitive controls, and 30-hour battery life with quick charging. Listeners also get a real sense of the audio performance—rich bass, sharp mids, and crisp highs that remain perfectly separated without the need for endless EQ adjustments. Whether for music, gaming, or movies, the PX7 S3 delivers consistently stunning results. The hosts also cover noise canceling, transparency modes, the companion app, and even the headphone’s elegant design and unique canvas white finish. At $449, the PX7 S3 proves that premium doesn’t have to mean unattainable—and the value lies in every detail of the experience. [Chapters] 00:00 – Why we love talking headphones 01:30 – Our history with Bowers & Wilkins 02:10 – Introducing the PX7 S3 wireless headphones 03:30 – Comfort and design details 05:45 – Ease of use and intuitive controls 06:40 – Sound quality across music, movies, and gaming 08:30 – Audio separation and hearing considerations 10:20 – Noise canceling, microphones, and real-time processing 11:00 – Battery life and quick charge features 12:00 – Final impressions and why PX7 S3 delivers full value Like what you heard? Share your thoughts with us at contact@yourtechreport.com. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth tech reviews and conversations. [Relevant Links] Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3: https://www.bowerswilkins.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Roborock’s Saros Z70 robot vacuum stunned CES with its built-in robotic arm. But beyond the show, it’s reshaping smart cleaning for everyone—including people with mobility challenges. In this spotlight interview, Your Tech Report host Marc Aflalo speaks with Ashley Hu, US PR Manager at Roborock, about the innovation behind the company’s flagship robot vacuums—including the eye-catching Roborock Saros Z70, the world’s first vacuum with a built-in 5-axis mechanical arm. Ashley explains the design thinking behind Roborock’s product line, including real-world benefits like hands-free cleaning, powerful AI obstacle avoidance, and accessibility-driven features for users who struggle with bending, lifting, or heavy vacuums. She also touches on how community feedback from Reddit, YouTube, and social channels shapes Roborock’s roadmap. Whether you’re a college student or a smart home enthusiast, Roborock’s lineup—from the Saros 10 to the Saros Z70—has something for every floor type, home size, and budget. And yes, the robot vacuum can even dance. 0:00 – Meet Roborock: Innovation in Smart Home Cleaning 2:10 – What Makes Roborock Different from Other Brands 4:40 – The Roborock Saros Z70: Robot Vacuum with a Robotic Arm 9:15 – Accessibility and Inclusive Design in Smart Cleaning 11:45 – How to Choose the Right Roborock Model 14:00 – What’s Next: Roborock’s Future Tech and AI Advancements #RoborockZ70 #SmartHome #RobotVacuum #CES2025 #AccessibilityTech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zoho launches its own large language model—Zia LLM—built in India, designed for business, and powered by privacy-first AI agents that redefine what digital employees can do. Zoho is taking a bold step into the AI future with the launch of its own large language model (LLM) and a suite of enterprise-ready AI agents, all developed in-house—not in Silicon Valley, but in India. In this conversation, Zoho executive Chandrasekhar “LSP” joins Your Tech Report to unpack what makes Zoho’s approach to AI different—and why it could reshape how businesses automate, analyze, and serve customers. With its own infrastructure, private data policies, and “no AI tax” pricing model, Zoho aims to give businesses control over their data, their automation, and their outcomes. LSP explains how Zoho’s custom-built LLMs are trained on licensed datasets, operate within customer firewalls, and are tailored to specific business contexts—unlike consumer LLMs from OpenAI or Google. We also dive into Zoho’s digital employee framework, the Zoho Directory’s access guardrails, and the new Zia agent marketplace, which enables developers to create and monetize AI agents. From speech recognition to interoperability across platforms, this episode offers a deep look into Zoho’s vision for AI—one grounded in privacy, performance, and purpose. 0:00 – Zoho’s Big AI Announcement 3:25 – Why Zoho Built Its Own LLM from Scratch 8:40 – Privacy by Design: No Data Sharing, No AI Tax 12:20 – Digital Employees vs Traditional Agents 16:10 – Zoho Directory & Enterprise Guardrails 21:15 – Zia Marketplace and Multi-Agent Workflows 27:10 – Speech Recognition and Low-Resource Language Support 31:00 – Staying Grounded Through the AI Hype 35:45 – Zoho’s Vision for Accessible, Affordable AI 38:00 – Zoholics Conference Preview #ZohoZia #AIPrivacy #LLM #DigitalEmployees #EnterpriseAI #YourTechReport #Zoholics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Status Audio’s Pro X wireless earbuds debut with audiophile-grade sound, AI-powered voice calls, and a sleeker, smaller fit—designed from the ground up to compete with the best in the world. James Bertuzzi, CEO and founder of Status Audio, joins Your Tech Report to unveil the Pro X—the company’s most advanced true wireless earbuds yet. Building on the success of the Between Pro and 3ANC, the Pro X features the same acclaimed triple driver system, now with upgraded ergonomics, a 21% smaller profile, and a new AI voice enhancement system for crystal-clear calls. Bertuzzi shares the behind-the-scenes process of designing a premium earbud that’s both comfortable and high-performance. From partnering with Knowles for industry-leading armature drivers to supporting high-end LDAC and LC3 codecs, every decision was driven by community feedback and real-world testing. The Pro X also includes IP55 water resistance, Google Fast Pair, transparency mode, and a redesigned companion app for full customization. With a pre-order price of $249 and full retail at $299, the Pro X aims to deliver professional audio and smart features without compromise. 0:00 – Intro & Welcome James Bertuzzi 2:10 – Recapping the Success of Between Pro & 3ANC 5:45 – Designing the Pro X: Ergonomics, Size & Comfort 10:25 – Audio Innovation: Triple Drivers & Knowles Partnership 14:55 – AI Voice Enhancement & Call Quality Focus 19:10 – Codec Support: LDAC, LC3, AuraCast 22:20 – Transparency Mode, App Features, Water Resistance 26:30 – Pricing, Pre-Orders & Where to Buy 29:10 – What’s Next for Status Audio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you build the audio gear that powers the Super Bowl, blockbuster films, and YouTube studios alike? In this episode, Marc Aflalo sits down with Matt Anderson, CEO and co-founder of Sound Devices, to uncover the origin story, innovations, and engineering principles behind one of the most trusted names in professional audio. From a basement startup in 1998 to an industry-defining powerhouse, Sound Devices has built a reputation for rock-solid audio gear used on film sets, sports broadcasts, and stages worldwide. CEO Matt Anderson shares the company’s humble beginnings, the development of iconic products like the 442 mixer and USBPre, and the leap into wireless with the powerful A20 SuperNexus system. Marc and Matt dive into the secrets behind Sound Devices’ engineering mindset, their refusal to compromise on audio quality, and how customer feedback has shaped every product. Whether it’s 32-bit float recording, Dante integration, or software-defined audio platforms, Sound Devices continues to innovate without sacrificing reliability. Plus, learn how the company’s partnership with Digico is changing the live production landscape, and why Matt still sketches schematics by hand. [Chapters] 0:00 – Introduction & Sound Devices overview 2:00 – Origin story: from a basement to broadcast fame 4:20 – First products: MP-1, analog mixers, USBPre 7:40 – USB audio in the early 2000s 10:00 – 32-bit float recording: why Sound Devices led the way 11:15 – First recorder used in a major film 13:00 – Building the 744T: technical challenges 17:00 – Software vs hardware development realities 18:10 – Entering the wireless market 22:00 – Philosophy of listening to customers 25:30 – Compact, multi-channel wireless for reality TV 28:30 – Rise of independent creators and the MixPre line 31:00 – A20 SuperNexus and global frequency tuning 34:00 – Integration with Digico and the Audiotonix ecosystem 37:30 – Real-world use case: from Metallica to live broadcast 39:00 – Product ideation, design, and beta testing 43:30 – Matt’s favorite Sound Devices products 45:00 – Closing thoughts 👉 Enjoyed this episode? Hit like, subscribe, and leave a comment sharing your favorite piece of audio gear! #SoundDevices #ProAudio #WirelessAudio #BroadcastGear #FieldRecording Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of YourTechReport, Marc Aflalo and Mitchell Whitfield sit down with audiologist and WS Audiology product manager Michèle Dostaler to dive into the cutting-edge technology behind Signia’s newest hearing solutions. The discussion centers around the newly announced Signia Pure Charge&Go BCT IX, a breakthrough device that redefines what hearing aids can be—with no compromises on sound quality, battery life, or connectivity. Signia’s BCT IX delivers up to 36 hours of battery life with 5 hours of streaming, thanks to an innovative Bluetooth® Classic implementation and ultra-efficient battery design. Dostaler explains how this long-anticipated feat bridges a critical gap in the industry: offering universal device compatibility and extended runtime without sacrificing size or performance. But the real star is RealTime Conversation Enhancement (RTCE)—Signia’s proprietary feature that intelligently enhances speech from multiple speakers in real time, even as they move. This addresses one of the most common complaints from hearing aid users: difficulty understanding speech in noisy group environments. The episode also explores the deeper impact of hearing health—from how untreated hearing loss contributes to cognitive decline, to the social isolation and anxiety many users face. Dostaler emphasizes how modern hearing aids—especially when properly fitted and personalized—can help people reclaim not just their hearing, but their quality of life. The conversation wraps with a look at Widex Allure, another WS Audiology product praised for delivering natural sound through ultra-low-latency processing, along with the future of cloud-based fitting, making it easier than ever for users to receive updates and fine-tuning remotely. Key Highlights: Signia Pure Charge&Go BCT IX offers industry-leading battery life and universal Bluetooth® Classic support in a small form factor. RTCE technology enhances multiple voices in noisy settings, helping users engage in real-time conversations with confidence. Addressing hearing loss early can delay cognitive decline, improve social connection, and reduce anxiety and depression. Widex Allure delivers ultra-natural sound with near-zero delay, ideal for musicians and audiophiles. Cloud-based fitting platforms are revolutionizing the audiology experience with real-time, remote updates. To Learn More: Signia: https://www.signia.net Widex: https://www.widex.ca Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’ve ever wondered why your cheap USB hub doesn’t cut it anymore, this conversation is for you. Kensington’s Mike DeCristofaro joins Marc Aflalo to break down the real-world difference Thunderbolt 5 makes — especially for creators, gamers, and anyone tired of juggling dongles and ports. From massive video file transfers to powering dual 6K displays, learn why Thunderbolt 5 is more than just a speed boost — it’s the dock solution you didn’t know you needed. We also explore Kensington’s newest SD5000T5 Thunderbolt 5 dock, the future of SSD-integrated docks, and how creators can reclaim their workspace and backup photos with one click. Plus: how Kensington is designing for tomorrow’s laptops with zero-footprint mounting and intelligent bandwidth allocation for performance without compromise. • Why Thunderbolt 5 isn’t just for tech nerds • The truth about USB hubs vs real docks • 120 Gbps bandwidth explained in simple terms • Why gamers now love docking stations • How Kensington partners with Intel to stay ahead • SD5000T5: The 11-in-1 dock built for future-proofing • Coming soon: Dock-integrated SSD backup for iPhone/Mac • Bonus: Hidden software tools IT departments will love 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe to support the show. Don’t miss more tech conversations that make your workspace smarter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Device security is more critical—and overlooked—than ever. In this episode, Marc Aflalo is joined by Kensington Sales Engineer Matt Sumner to unpack the alarming results of a new global study on physical device theft and discuss simple solutions that could save organizations millions. As hybrid work continues to rise, so do the risks of physical device theft. Matt Sumner breaks down Kensington’s latest security study, which found that up to 94% of fully remote organizations have experienced device theft. From stolen laptops in coffee shops to sensitive data left exposed on planes, physical security is often ignored until it’s too late. Marc and Matt explore the real-world costs of device loss—including reputational damage, legal fines, and operational downtime—and offer practical solutions like cable locks and privacy screens. They also talk about evolving device form factors, how lock tech has adapted over time, and why even a $30 lock can prevent a $5 million breach. Plus, some rapid-fire questions reveal the craziest places people have left devices and the top excuses for skipping basic security. [Chapters] 0:00 – Intro & banter 0:25 – Why Kensington conducted the device security study 1:02 – Rise in physical theft in hybrid work models 2:15 – Stats: 76% overall, 94% in remote orgs 3:00 – Why physical security is an afterthought 4:00 – The risk of visual hacking in public spaces 6:09 – Real-world impact: breach costs, GDPR fines, downtime 7:30 – Reputational damage and legal fallout 8:49 – Why people ignore physical locks despite awareness 10:03 – Execs vs. mid-level awareness of risks 10:42 – What a good lock costs 11:11 – First steps to improve physical security 11:45 – How Kensington lock tech has evolved 13:00 – Why biometric locks aren’t mainstream (yet) 13:46 – Using locks in coffee shops and public spaces 14:17 – Rapid-fire: most ridiculous places devices were lost 15:44 – Travel tips for protecting devices 16:14 – Should locks be mandatory? (Spoiler: yes) 16:49 – Wrap-up & where to learn more 👉 Protect your tech and your data—like, comment, and subscribe for more security tips and interviews with industry experts. #DeviceSecurity #KensingtonLocks #HybridWorkSecurity #LaptopTheftPrevention #PrivacyScreen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Big screens, bold innovations. In this episode, Marc Aflalo catches up with Bruce Walker, Product Evangelist at TCL, to dive deep into the future of home entertainment—and why your next TV might be 98 inches or bigger. From real-world HDR brilliance to gaming on massive displays, TCL is pushing premium features into more affordable screens than ever before. Bruce explains why the post-COVID upgrade cycle is fueling demand for larger screens, and how TCL’s newest QM6, QM7, and flagship X11 TVs are changing expectations across the industry. They break down new tech like halo control, zero-delay light response, Dolby Vision Gaming, Onkyo and Bang & Olufsen sound integration, and what makes these TVs ideal for gamers, streamers, and home theatre lovers alike. [Chapters] 0:00 – Spring Catch-up with TCL’s Bruce Walker 1:33 – The Living Room Becomes the Home Theatre 2:18 – Why Anything Under 60” Feels Too Small 3:08 – Bigger TVs Are the New Standard 4:52 – Home vs. Theater: The Experience Shift 6:15 – TCL’s Transformation from Budget to Premium 7:48 – What Is Halo Control? (Explained Simply) 8:48 – Vertical Integration and Light Efficiency 10:15 – New Panel & Software: 65K Gradation Levels 11:50 – HDR Upscaling + Zero Delay Transient Response 13:34 – Real-World Brightness vs. Spec Sheet Bragging 15:07 – QM6 & QM7: Natural Picture, Real Reviews 16:00 – Onkyo + Bang & Olufsen Audio Partnerships 17:42 – 98” Is the New Normal 18:05 – TCL X11: The Picture Quality King 18:56 – Strategy: Premium Features, Accessible Pricing 19:43 – Are TVs Outperforming Gaming Monitors? 20:53 – Gaming Features That Rival Pro Setups 22:02 – QM6 vs. QM7: How to Choose [Key Quotes] “People are giving themselves permission to go bigger—and TCL is ready for it.” — Bruce Walker “We’re not just measuring brightness, we’re delivering real lightning bolt performance.” — Bruce Walker “Gamers made us better. They’re pushing us to build TVs that outperform some monitors.” — Bruce Walker 👉 Love giant TVs and smart design? Like, comment, and subscribe for more deep dives into game-changing tech from TCL and beyond. #TCLTV #HomeTheater #YourTechReport Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover what’s next from OWC as Larry O’Connor joins Marc Aflalo to break down all the biggest product launches from CES and NAB 2025, including Thunderbolt 5 hubs, the Archive Pro, the award-winning X12, and major updates to Jellyfish and SoftRAID. If you care about fast, reliable, and scalable storage—this conversation is packed with insight. Larry explains why OWC aims to be the “boring” part of your workflow—because boring means dependable. From Thunderbolt 5’s game-changing bandwidth to LTO tape’s surprising comeback, we dive into hybrid workflows, cloud limitations, on-prem AI, and why customers keep coming back for solutions that just work. This is a must-watch for content creators, IT teams, and anyone building professional video or data workflows. [Chapters] 0:00 – Travel & tech shows: CES, NAB reflections 1:33 – In-person feedback and customer love 2:28 – Promise vs. delivery in tech solutions 4:13 – Making workflows seamless and “boring” 5:39 – Thunderbolt 5: What it fixes, what it enables 12:07 – Archive Pro and the unexpected rise of LTO 17:20 – Explaining SoftRAID and why it matters 30:30 – Cloud vs. local: real-world hybrid workflows 34:46 – Jellyfish S24 & B24: Affordable power for teams 37:45 – Atlas cards and ThunderBlade performance 42:20 – Jellyfish OS 3.0: More self-healing, more power 48:32 – Final thoughts on peace of mind and performance 👍 Like this video if you value speed and reliability in your creative workflow. 💬 Drop a comment if you’ve used OWC products or want a deeper dive on any topic! 🔔 Subscribe for more expert tech conversations and behind-the-scenes insights. #Thunderbolt5 #OWC #JellyfishStorage Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Spring’s here, and so is the outdoor tech talk! In this episode of YourTechReport, Marc Aflalo and Mitchell Whitfield dive into robotic pool gadgets, smart skimmers, and the latest in wireless lawn care. Plus, they explore how tariffs are impacting tech prices—including a sharp rise from fan-favorite brand Anker. Marc shares his search for a robotic lawnmower and wireless pool vacuum, while Mitchell explains why robotic skimmers like BETTA are essential for leaf-heavy yards. Then the conversation shifts to power banks, where Anker’s thoughtfully designed products (some with built-in USB-C straps!) shine despite price hikes. It’s a blend of home tech, smart design, and the kind of practical advice that makes tech work for you. [Chapters] 0:00 – Welcome + Outdoor Tech Season 0:30 – Pool Robots: Wired vs Wireless 1:18 – Skimmers and Vortex Magic 1:57 – Dealing with Pool Critters 2:42 – Traditional Pool Cleaning vs. Robot Vacs 3:43 – Wireless Robots & Battery Tech Concerns 4:12 – Robotic Skimmers and Leafy Nightmares 5:08 – Tariffs Impact Tech Prices 5:44 – Anker Raises Prices on Amazon 6:39 – Favorite Anker Battery Picks 8:05 – Strap-to-Charge Tech Design 8:44 – Why USB-C Makes Life Easier 9:30 – Apple’s MagSafe Battery vs Anker 10:00 – Portable Power = Emergency Prep 10:29 – Next Topic Preview: Computer Upgrades [Key Quotes] “Pool robots are like Roombas for your water—and I don’t want a battery blowing up in my pool!” — Marc Aflalo “Anker’s design game is on point. One cable doubles as a strap—it’s brilliant.” — Mitchell Whitfield “You leave it in a drawer for 3 months and it’s still fully charged. That’s smart tech.” — Mitchell Whitfield [Relevant Links] Anker: https://www.anker.com Aiper Robotic Pool Cleaners: https://www.aiper.com BETTA Robotic Skimmer: https://www.bettabot.com YourTechReport: https://www.yourtechreport.com Contact Us: contact@yourtechreport.com [Call to Action] 👉 Like this video, comment with your favorite outdoor tech, and subscribe for more smart product picks and tech talk! #AnkerPower #RoboticPoolCleaner #YourTechReport Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Love RC cars, drones, or anything that goes fast? This episode is pure joy for hobbyists and tech lovers alike. Mitchell Whitfield reignites his passion for RC vehicles, from his first build to a garage full of high-speed toys—and Horizon Hobby is at the center of it all. Marc Aflalo and Mitchell dive deep into the evolution of radio-controlled vehicles, spotlighting Horizon’s innovative brands like Lossi, Arma, and Axial. From Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) to waterproof electronics, we explore how these toys have become high-performance machines. Plus, Mitchell shares how rediscovering his old collection led to a brand-new obsession—and why support from Horizon is just as impressive as their products. Whether you’re RTR-curious or an old-school tinkerer, there’s something here for every level of RC fan. [Chapters] 0:00 – Intro: Tariffs, nostalgia, and 10 years on SiriusXM 1:45 – Back in the day: Reviewing Horizon Hobby 2:53 – Mitchell’s RC garage story 3:37 – RC tech has come a long way 5:50 – Rediscovering the hobby after years away 7:00 – New tech: DSC, throttle control, and more 8:45 – Fun for all skill levels 10:10 – RTR vs. building from scratch 12:19 – RC motorcycles and pool accidents 13:30 – Crawlers, boats, and waterproofing 14:14 – Why customer support matters 16:26 – Got questions for Horizon? Get in touch! [Key Quotes] “The love never went away… I just needed to open the attic and boom—it all came back.” — Mitchell Whitfield “You forget about it for a while and then you’re like: let’s get back into this.” — Marc Aflalo “DSC is a game-changer. Even at top speed, the car runs straight as an arrow.” — Mitchell Whitfield “It’s pro-level gear, out of the box. Not your toy store RC anymore.” — Mitchell Whitfield [Relevant Links] Horizon Hobby: https://www.horizonhobby.com YourTechReport: https://www.yourtechreport.com Contact Us: https://www.yourtechreport.com/contact 👉 Love RC gear or have questions for Horizon? Drop a comment below or email us at contact@yourtechreport.com! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share the fun! #rccars #horizonhobby #yourtechreport Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices