Digest

The podcast begins with a discussion about the recent global tech outage caused by a faulty update from CrowdStrike, a cybersecurity company. Tom Warren, a Verge reporter, explains the technical details of the update and its impact on Windows computers, highlighting the reliance on third-party software and the potential for disruptions caused by vulnerabilities in these systems. The conversation then shifts to the future of fitness technology, with David Pierce interviewing Adrian Hon, creator of Zombies Run, a fitness app that gamifies running with a zombie apocalypse narrative. Hon discusses the challenges and opportunities of gamifying fitness, emphasizing the importance of creating enjoyable experiences rather than pushing users towards unrealistic goals. He also expresses his dislike for streaks in fitness apps, arguing that they can be detrimental to health and well-being. The discussion explores the potential of AR and VR to enhance fitness experiences, with Hon sharing his vision for a cooperative fitness game that leverages the fun aspect of gamified fitness. The podcast concludes with a listener question about handheld gaming for new parents, with the speaker recommending using a phone with a controller for its accessibility, portability, and versatility.

Outlines

00:00:00

Tech Woes and the Future of Fitness

This episode explores the recent global tech outage caused by a CrowdStrike update, discusses the future of fitness technology with a focus on gamification and accessibility, and offers advice for new parents seeking entertainment options.

00:03:33

CrowdStrike Outage: A Deep Dive

Tom Warren, a Verge reporter, explains the details of the CrowdStrike update that caused a global tech outage. He discusses the impact on various industries and the role of Microsoft in the incident.

00:10:04

CrowdStrike and Microsoft: A Complex Relationship

Tom Warren further explains the technical aspects of the CrowdStrike update and its impact on Windows computers. He discusses the implications for Microsoft's security record and the potential for future changes in the industry.

00:18:17

The Fragility of Our Tech Reliance

David Pierce and Tom Warren discuss the broader implications of the CrowdStrike outage, highlighting the reliance on technology and the potential for future disruptions. They explore the need for collaboration between tech companies and the challenges of creating a more resilient system.

00:23:35

The Future of Fitness Tech: Gamification and Accessibility

David Pierce introduces the concept of a "super chill exercise system" and interviews Adrian Hon, creator of Zombies Run, to discuss the challenges and opportunities of gamifying fitness.

00:37:39

The Birth of Zombies Run: A Narrative-Driven Approach

Adrian Hon shares the origins of Zombies Run, explaining how the idea came about and the design choices made to create a fun and engaging running experience.

00:47:33

Gamification and the Quest for Fun: Balancing Motivation and Pressure

Adrian Hon discusses the challenges of gamifying fitness, particularly the use of streaks and leaderboards. He argues that the focus should be on creating enjoyable experiences rather than pushing users towards unrealistic goals.

00:52:27

The Insidious Nature of Streaks: Prioritizing Rest and Recovery

Adrian Hon expresses his dislike for streaks in fitness apps, arguing that they can be detrimental to health and well-being. He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing rest and recovery over constant striving for improvement.

Keywords

Q&A

• What caused the global tech outage on Friday?

  A faulty update from CrowdStrike, a cybersecurity company, caused a widespread disruption on Windows computers, affecting various industries including banking, airlines, and supermarkets.

• How did the CrowdStrike update affect Windows computers?

  The update contained a corruption that caused the CrowdStrike driver to crash, leading to a blue screen of death and system reboot. This cycle continued because the driver kept trying to read the faulty update.

• What are the implications of this outage for Microsoft?

  The outage highlights the reliance on third-party software and the potential for disruptions caused by vulnerabilities in these systems. It raises questions about Microsoft's security record and the need for closer collaboration with security vendors.

• What is the "super chill exercise system"?

  It's a concept proposed by David Pierce that emphasizes finding enjoyable and accessible ways to exercise without the pressure of gamification and unrealistic goals.

• How does Zombies Run differ from other fitness apps?

  Zombies Run uses a narrative-driven approach to motivate users to run, incorporating a zombie apocalypse story and engaging characters. It focuses on making exercise fun rather than relying on competitive mechanics.

• What are the challenges of gamifying fitness?

  One challenge is finding a balance between motivation and pressure. While gamification can be effective, it can also lead to burnout and unrealistic expectations. Another challenge is creating sustainable content and experiences that keep users engaged over time.

• What advice would you give to new parents looking for ways to stay entertained while caring for their baby?

  I recommend using your phone with a controller, as it's accessible, portable, and versatile. While dedicated devices like the Switch have their benefits, the phone offers convenience and ease of use, especially for those moments when you need to quickly access entertainment.

Show Notes