We wish you a merry APOCALYPSE! We wish you a merry APOCALYPSE! We wish you a merry APOCALYPSE, and a happy Robot Overlord!

It’s hard to know what a robot is thinking when they don’t have a face…

This week on Technically Speaking, we try to guess Google’s intentions behind their recent purchases of a bunch of companies that make robots. Will Google continue to stick with their founding motto of “Do No Evil?” We sure hope so, because some of these companies make humanoid robots that are just a little too capable, you know what I mean? Seriously though, one of the companies (Boston Dynamics) is known for making some really unique robots that change the way we think about robotic utility, and it will be very interesting to see what they do with Google money behind them!

Next, we talk about a different kind of machine… Steam Machines! Will Valve’s foray into the hardware department bear fruit for the storied PC Video Game Developer? (You’ve got to check out their awesome shipping container) Or will it just be a fun play-thing for Linux nerds? And what is up with that weird controller!? Jacob is optimistic, Joe is pessimistic… find out why when you listen!

Finally, on this week’s Brainstorm, we attempt to give the US Credit Card System some help after their latest 40 Million Card Breach, by brainstorming some better ways to secure your purchases. Just how much convenience are you willing to give-up in order to gain security? Are biometrics our security savior? Or does it really matter to the consumer in the end, anyway?

We thought we came up with some good ideas for securing purchases, but we want to know what you think! How would you balance security and convenience? So, thoughts? Let us know with an email, a comment on Facebook, a shout-out on Twitter, or a comment below! Or, if you like our answer, leave us a review on iTunes!

Thanks for listening everyone, and we hope you have a wonderful holiday!

Run Time: 57:43

Music: “Too Long / Steam Machine” – Daft Punk