Tech News Weekly (Audio)

A whole slew of smart products were unveiled at CES 2025 this year. Could this year be the year of smart home devices? TikTok is inching closer to being shut off in the US in a few days. And following Microsoft's announcement of end of support for Windows 10, the company announced it will no longer support Office apps on Windows 10 after October 14th, 2025. Jennifer Pattison Tuohy has returned from CES 2025! She spent her time at the convention checking out all things smart home devices on the show floor and shares with Mikah Sargent some of her favorite devices she covered for The Verge. Kaya Yurieff of The Information joins Mikah to talk about the latest on the imminent shutdown of TikTok in the US that is scheduled to happen on Sunday, January 19th. And Ben Wilson from Windows Central stops by to talk about Microsoft's announcement that Office apps will no longer be supported on Windows 10 after October 14th, 2025, coinciding with the end of support for the operating system. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Jennifer Pattison Tuohy Guests: Kaya Yurieff and Ben Wilson Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: joindeleteme.com/twit promo code TWIT veeam.com zscaler.com/security

This week on Tech News Weekly, host Mikah Sargent is joined by guest co-host Dan Moren to discuss Siri privacy concerns and how Apple could leverage AI to improve the user experience. Jason Hiner of ZDNET.com reports on CES 2025 on the latest TV displays, NVIDIA's AI innovations, and more. Then Imran Ahmed, CEO of the Center for Countering Digital Hate, weighs in on Meta's controversial decision to end fact-checking on its platforms. Dan's latest column explores how Apple could use AI to benefit users by improving spam filtering, search capabilities, and automation. Implementing these features would align with Apple's focus on simplifying technology. Apple released a statement clarifying that Siri recordings are not being used to build ad profiles, despite an ongoing conspiracy theory that devices are always listening. In reality, ad targeting is based on online behavior. At CES 2025, new TV display technologies were announced including brighter OLED panels likely using "tandem OLED" and a new mini-LED backlight system from Hisense for improved color depth. Lenovo showcased an expensive laptop prototype with a screen that rolls up to double in size, though it may have limited practical appeal for now. NVIDIA unveiled COSMOS, an AI framework to generate synthetic training data for robots and self-driving systems, which could accelerate future autonomous innovations. Offbeat CES products included an electric spoon that makes low-sodium foods taste saltier to promote healthier eating, and aggressively priced TVs from TCL. Meta announced it will end fact-checking and rely on community moderation, which CCDH CEO Imran Ahmed argues will amplify the spread of misinformation and cause real-world harms. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Dan Moren Guests: Jason Hiner and Imran Ahmed Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: veeam.com uscloud.com Melissa.com/twit

In the first episode of 2025, Mikah and Abrar discuss Meta's plans to add AI bots to their social media platforms, the rise of AI-generated phishing scams, the trend of parents giving their kids retro tech devices to reduce screen time, and the current state and future potential of passkeys for secure logins. Meta plans to populate Facebook and Instagram with AI-generated bot accounts that can create content, share posts, and interact with users, in an effort to drive engagement as user growth stagnates. Abrar and Mikah debate the pros and cons of AI bots on social media. Cybersecurity experts have seen a significant increase in sophisticated phishing scams using AI to generate hyper-personalized messages mimicking people's communication styles, with over 90% of successful cyberattacks now beginning with phishing emails. Abrar and Mikah discuss cybersecurity training and email filtering used by companies to combat this. There's a growing trend of parents gifting their kids retro tech like Walkmans, portable CD players, and MP3 players in an effort to reduce screen time. Mikah and Abrar reflect on the appeal of single-purpose devices and bonding over music. Passkeys, a new login technology aiming to replace passwords, have seen increasing adoption but face usability challenges and inconsistent implementation across sites and devices. Mikah explains how passkeys work and recommends using password managers for now, as both hosts agree passkeys aren't quite ready for mainstream adoption yet. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Abrar Al-Heeti Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: zscaler.com/security joindeleteme.com/twit promo code TWIT cachefly.com/twit

A look back at some of our favorite interviews from the past year: Emily Forlini of PCMag and her story about the AI "dating scene" AI through ChatGPT Plus and AI boyfriends and her somewhat lackluster experience. Jennifer Pattison Tuohy and the breaking news that the U.S. Department of Justice is suing Apple for claims that the company has an illegal monopoly over the smartphone market. Amanda Silberlng and her story that she wrote about how how AI images have entered this year's Met Gala's online discourse through celebrities who "appeared" on the Met Gala carpet. Abrar Al-Heeti and her story about how Harvard students created an app called I-XRAY that uses Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses and facial recognition to find personal data on people in real-time, raising privacy concerns. Leah Nylen of Bloomberg talks with Mikah about the Google Antitrust Case and The Department of Justice's recommendations that could reshape the tech giant. And Nick Steele and David Turner from the FIDO Alliance join Mikah to discuss the Alliance's new specifications involving passkeys and their portability. Host: Mikah Sargent Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Nvidia announces a tiny $249 AI supercomputer for AI hobbyists. The company Flipboard has a new social media system that allows you to create your own curated feeds. A look back at this past year's home theater tech with a friend of the network. And a look into sleepwear tech that will help you take a nap - on demand. Emily Forlini of PCMag talks about Nvidia's unveiling of a $249 palm-sized supercomputer that can help a variety of people with the power of AI to power their passion projects and hobbies. Mikah Sargent talks about Surf Social, a new social media network from Flipboard that allows you to create curated feeds and share them with others Scott Wilkinson of Home Theater Geeks stops by to discuss 2024's home theater tech, what excited Scott the most, and what he looks forward to in the coming year. And Nasha Addarich Martínez of CNET joins the show to talk about new sleepwear tech that can help you take a nap on demand. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Emily Forlini Guests: Scott Wilkinson and Nasha Addarich Martínez Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: 1password.com/twit uscloud.com cachefly.com/twit

Amanda Silberling of TechCrunch joins us this week! Did OpenAI's Sora video generation model train on gaming and streaming content? A judge ruled that Automattic is to stop blocking WP Engine's access to WordPress.org. And Image Playground, Genmoji, and more generative AI features now available within Apple Intelligence. Amanda talks about how OpenAI's Sora video generation model is supposedly training on video games and streaming content. Mikah shares how WP Engine won an injunction against Automattic, owner of WordPress, and that Automattic must stop blocking WP Engine's access to WordPress.org's resources. Jason Howell stops by to share his time recently with Android XR, Google's new AI-powered OS that brings the augmented, virtual, and mixed reality experience to devices such as headsets and glasses. And Image Playground and Genmoji arrives to Apple Intelligence, and Mikah demonstrates these new features, which are now available to users. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Amanda Silberling Guest: Jason Howell Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: INFO.ACILEARNING.COM/TWIT - code TWIT100 bigid.com/tnw shopify.com/twit Melissa.com/twit

Abrar Al-Heeti joins Mikah Sargent on Tech News Weekly this week! Abrar talks about TikTok blocking teenagers from using beauty filters on the platform. There's an AI app that can predict your death. A new competitor enters the mixed-realty headset market. And learn about the data company the FTC recently banned from selling sensitive location data. Abrar Al-Heeti talks about TikTok's decision to block teenagers from using beauty filters on its platform and the broader message this decision sends about the digital influence on teens' beauty standards. Mikah Sargent is fascinated by an AI app that predicts when you will die but is a little off-put by the steep price point of the application. Scott Stein of CNET joins Mikah to talk about the Xreal One Smart Glasses, a new competitor in the mixed-reality headset market. And Joseph Cox of 404Media stops by to talk about the FTC taking stronger action against data companies, such as Venntel, signifying the FTC's shift in the regulation of data companies. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Abrar Al-Heeti Guests: Scott Stein and Joseph Cox Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: veeam.com e-e.com/twit uscloud.com 1password.com/twit

Jennifer Pattison Tuohy of The Verge joins Mikah Sargent this week! Amazon announces the new Echo Show 21 and the Echo Show 15 smart displays. Is AI allowing the robotics revolution to come to fruition? Microsoft announces the Windows 365 Link mini desktop PC. And will the DOJ get Google to sell off Chrome following the DOJ's call to divest the company? Jennifer Pattison Tuohy talks about Amazon's announcement of the Echo Show 21 and Echo Show 15 smart displays. Mikah Sargent talks about how AI is powering a robotics revolution as more organizations are utilizing robots, thanks to AI. Zac Bowden from Windows Central joins the show to talk aobut Microsoft's Windows 365 Link, a mini desktop that runs Windows 11 through the cloud. And Leah Nylen, Antitrust Reporter for Bloomberg, stops by to talk about the Department of Justice and Google and how the DOJ is calling for Google to divest and start with the sale of Chrome. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Jennifer Pattison Tuohy Guests: Zac Bowden and Leah Nylen Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: shopify.com/twit 1password.com/twit flashpoint.io veeam.com

Reports are trickling out that Apple plans to expand into different product categories. What to know about Bluesky, the social media network growing in popularity and users following the U.S. elections. And some advancements with ChatGPT and OpenAI that seek to help users out more daily. Mark Gurman of Bloomberg joins the show to discuss how Apple is aiming to catch up with the smart home market by releasing a wall-mounted, AI-powered display unit. Mikah Sargent continues the conversation on Apple with the company's push into other markets with glasses, home devices, and mixed-reality headsets. Following the 2024 U.S. elections, there's been more chatter about Bluesky, a social media network alternative to Twitter / X. So, what is Bluesky? And Mikah talks about how ChatGPT is starting to work with other apps on your Mac computers, and OpenAI almost ready to launch a tool to help its users automate tasks. Host: Mikah Sargent Guest: Mark Gurman Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: threatlocker.com for Tech News Weekly uscloud.com INFO.ACILEARNING.COM/TWIT - code TWIT100 cachefly.com/twit

Emily Forlini is filling in for Mikah Sargent this week! Lyft is entering the robotaxi space as it partners with a robotaxi company. Some of the latest self-driving tech is making its way into vehicles. Is ChatGPT's search feature a worthy rival to Google Search? And what does the feature hold for technology as the US enters a new administration in the coming months? Abrar Al-Heeti talks about autonomous vehicles as Lyft partners with robotaxi companies to explore deploying autonomous vehicles within its network and how a company called Zoox seeks to deploy robotaxis in San Francisco and Las Vegas in the coming weeks. Emily Forlini continues the autonomous vehicle discussions about new self-driving systems being utilized in GM and Ford vehicles. Lance Ulanoff of TechRadar stops by to talk about his experience using ChatGPT Search and how it can rival the dominant Google search engine. And Dan Patterson from Blackbird AI chats with Emily about how the tech industry's future could be shaped in the coming years. Hosts: Emily Forlini and Abrar Al-Heeti Guests: Lance Ulanoff and Dan Patterson Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: 1password.com/twit Melissa.com/twit e-e.com/twit uscloud.com

Like Google, Amazon has a list of products the tech company discontinued. Is one of your favorites on the list? What Apple announced this past "Mac Week." What GitHub announced at its GitHub Universe 2024 event. And how Apple's Genmoji generator will operate when it's released with the future iOS 18.2 release. Mikah Sargent talks about a great article from The Verge highlighting a handful of Amazon Echo products that the tech company has discontinued over the years. Dan Moren of SixColors joins the show again to discuss the new M4 Mac products that the company announced this past week. Martin Woodward, VP of DevRel for GitHub stops by to talk about some of the new things that GitHub announced at its GibHub Universe 2024 event, including the new GitHub Spark. And Mikah talks about Apple's Genmoji service that is slated to come in iOS 18.2 and some of the things you can and cannot do with it. Host: Mikah Sargent Guests: Dan Moren and Martin Woodward Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: uscloud.com flashpoint.io veeam.com bigid.com/tnw

Would you use an AI chatbot in your disagreements with your significant other? A discussion on mental health and the complexities with AI technology and social interactions. The FIDO Alliance published new specs to help promote credential portability. And Apple releases the next wave of upcoming Apple Intelligence features in the latest developer betas of iOS, macOS, and iPadOS. Emily Forlini of PCMag joins Mikah Sargent this week to discuss a humourous story from the subreddit r/AITAH, in which a user's girlfriend consults ChatGPT to help her in their arguments. Mikah shares a tragic case of a 14-year-old who took his own life after periods of interactions with an AI chatbot from Character.AI. Nick Steele and David Turner from the FIDO Alliance join the show to discuss the Alliance's new specifications involving passkeys and their portability. Dan Moren stops by to discuss the new Apple Intelligence features rolled out to the latest developer betas for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. latest developer betas for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. Content Warning: One of the following stories discusses the sensitive topic of suicide involving a minor. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - call or text 988 or chat online at chat.988lifeline.org. If you are located outside the United States, please visit findahelpline.com to find a helpline in your country. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Emily Forlini Guests: Nick Steele, David Turner (FIDO Alliance), and Dan Moren Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: threatlocker.com for Tech News Weekly shopify.com/twit uscloud.com INFO.ACILEARNING.COM/TWIT - code TWIT100

The FTC is making it easier for you to cancel your subscriptions. Apple is celebrating ten years of Apple Pay. Android 15 is rolling out now to Pixel devices. And Amazon announced new Kindle devices, set to be released at the end of October. Fresh off her appearance on This Week in Tech, Jennifer Pattison Tuohy celebrates the FTC's new rule, making canceling a subscription service easier. Mikah Sargent talks about Apple's celebration of 10 years of Apple Pay. Jason Howell stops by to talk about the official release of Android 15 to Pixel devices and when other Android phones, such as Samsung devices, will see Android 15 arriving on those devices. And David Carnoy of CNET got his hands on Amazon's newly announced Kindle devices and shares his thoughts on them. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Jennifer Pattison Tuohy Guests: Jason Howell and David Carnoy Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: flashpoint.io threatlocker.com for Tech News Weekly 1password.com/twit cachefly.com/twit

Apple TV+ can now be accessed through Prime Video. The latest on the Google Antitrust case and what the judge is considering doing with Google. And officials are facing antisemitic attacks on X over the response to Hurricane Helene. Dan Moren joins Mikah Sargent on the podcast this week. Dan talks about Apple and Amazon striking a deal between one another to offer Apple TV+ through Prime Video. Mikah Sargent talks about the Internet Archive being hacked, with 31 million users' data being accessed. Leah Nylen of Bloomberg talks with Mikah about the Google Antitrust Case and The Department of Justice's recommendations that could reshape the tech giant. And finally, Will Oremus of The Washington Post chats about the antisemitic attacks on X that officials are receiving over false narratives presented over the response to Hurricane Helene. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Dan Moren Guests: Will Oremus and Leah Nylen Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: veeam.com uscloud.com Melissa.com/twit

In this episode of Tech News Weekly, hosts Mikah Sargent and Abrar Al-Heeti discuss Meta smart glasses with real-time facial recognition and the ongoing drama between WordPress and WP Engine. Also joining are Daniel Rubino of Windows Central to talk about Microsoft's latest Copilot features and indie developer Christian Selig to discuss his experience with Apple's removal of his Juno app from the App Store. Abrar Al-Heeti shares how Harvard students created an app called I-XRAY that uses Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses and facial recognition to find personal data on people in real-time, raising privacy concerns Mikah Sargent dives into the ongoing feud between WordPress and WP Engine, with WordPress co-founder Matt Mullenweg calling WP Engine a "cancer" and the two companies exchanging legal threats Daniel Rubino breaks down Microsoft's latest AI Copilot updates, including an improved UI, voice interactions, smart search, and photo/paint features that rely on dedicated neural processing units Christian Selig discusses his short-lived Juno app, which provided a cleaner YouTube experience on Apple's Vision Pro before being pulled due to pressure from Google, sparking debates about app store policies and developer rights Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Abrar Al-Heeti Guests: Daniel Rubino and Christian Selig Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: 1password.com/twit e-e.com/twit flashpoint.io threatlocker.com for Tech News Weekly

Emily Dreibelbis joins Mikah Sargent this week on Tech News Weekly! X released its first transparency report since Elon Musk took over the company. Initial impressions of Meta's Orion AR prototype glasses. And Microsoft has released a new tool that can reportedly correct incorrect AI-generated text. Emily Dreibelbis talks about how X has released its first transparency report following Elon Musk's purchase of the social media company. Why did X finally release the report after skipping last year? Scott Stein of CNET is reporting from the Meta campus in Palo Alto! He had the chance to try Meta's new Orion AR glasses prototype and share his initial thoughts. And Mikah Sargent shares a new tool Microsoft has released that can reportedly correct AI-generated text that generates incorrect information. However, the tool has some skepticism about when it attempts to fix it; it can generate more inaccurate information. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Emily Forlini Guest: Scott Stein Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: shopify.com/twit threatlocker.com for Tech News Weekly

Jennifer Pattison Tuohy returned from the IFA consumer electronics show in Berlin, where some new gadgets and tech were unveiled at the show. There's a new social network that has you and only AI bots in it. A review of the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro. And Meta introduces Instgram "Teen Accounts" to manage safety concerns of teens using the social network service. Jennifer Pattison Tuohy joins Mikah Sargent this week! Jennifer recently returned from the IFA consumer electronics show in Berlin and shares some of the cool tech she saw there. Mikah talks about a new social media network called SocialAI, where only AI bots respond to your posts. Patrick Holland of CNET joins the show to talk about his review of the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro, and his thoughts on the device and the new Camera Control button that was introduced to the lineup. And Paris Martineau of The Information and This Week in Google stops by to talk about Meta's new Instagram "Teen Accounts" and what this new feature aims to do to protect teens while using the service. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Jennifer Pattison Tuohy Guests: Patrick Holland and Paris Martineau Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: betterhelp.com/TNW 1password.com/twit veeam.com cachefly.com/twit

A new baseball team is starting to make waves within the city of Oakland that a startup founder founded. Meta has trained its AI on everything posted on its social websites since 2007. What Apple announced at its "Glowtime" event. And what are the differences behind the PS5 Pro console that Sony announced earlier this week? Amanda Silberling talks about the Oakland Ballers, a new independent baseball organization that started earlier this year, and how the organization is approached like a startup company. Mikah Sargent talks about Meta's admission that it has been training its AI system using data scrapped from its social media services dating back to 2007. Dan Moren of SixColors talks about the new iPhone 16s and Apple Watch Series 10 devices announced at Apple's recent event. And Kyle Orland of Ars Technica joins the show to talk about the PS5 Pro console, the key hardware upgrades within the console that separate it from the regular PS5 console, and how the console's price point compares to other consoles in the market. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Amanda Silberling Guests: Dan Moren and Kyle Orland Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: flashpoint.io Melissa.com/twit threatlocker.com for Tech News Weekly

Regulations have been drafted for operating autonomous trucks in the state of California. The Bluetooth Special Interest Group has released details about the next iteration of Bluetooth, Bluetooth 6.0. What to expect from Apple's upcoming "It's Glowtime" event. And the Internet Archive has lost a major legal battle that could impact the organization and internet preservation. Abrar Al-Heeti joins Mikah Sargent this week! Abrar talks about the regulations drafted in the state of California regarding the operation of autonomous trucks. Mikah Sargent shares details about the next iteration of Bluetooth technology, Bluetooth 6.0, announced by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group. Mark Gurman from Bloomberg joins the show to share what Apple plans to announce at next week's Apple Event on September 9th. And Kate Knibbs, Senior Writer at WIRED, stops by to discuss the landmark ruling against the Internet Archive organization and what this could mean for the future of internet preservation. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Abrar Al-Heeti Guests: Mark Gurman and Kate Knibbs Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: e-e.com/twit veeam.com 1password.com/twit

The smart home company Brilliant is back in business. A review on Dell's take on a Copilot+ laptop. Amazon is officially launching an AI version of its Alexa services. And the California State Assembly passes a sweeping AI safety bill. Brilliant, a smart home company, has been bought by private investors and plans to release the next generation of its smart home control panel later this year. Devindra Hardawar of Engadget reviewed the Dell XPS 13 Copilot+ laptop and recommends whether it is worth purchasing. Caroline O'Donovan of the Washington Post discusses Amazon officially releasing an AI-powered version of Alexa in October. And Mikah discusses the California State Assembly's passing of a sweeping AI safety bill and what the bill aims to do within California. Host: Mikah Sargent Guests: Devindra Hardawar and Caroline O'Donovan Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: threatlocker.com for Tech News Weekly shopify.com/twit