TechStuff

Chinese-backed hackers are infiltrating computer systems by compromising routers. Some security researchers say that modern GPUs can steal pixels right off a web site. And Microsoft encounters yet more resistance regarding its acquisition of Activision Blizzard.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1991, the editor of a satirical science journal launched an award for the scientifically ridiculous (and ridiculed), the Ig Nobel Prize. Learn how it all got started and some of the early tech-related prize winners!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

During the administration of Barack Obama, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) tried to codify net neutrality into US law. Then, during the Trump administration, the new FCC stripped net neutrality out again. This week, the FCC once again tries to establish an official US stance on net neutrality. Plus more news!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On September 11th, 2023, MGM Resorts International posted that the company experienced a "cybersecurity issue." That issue links to two different hacker groups, a ransomware attack, and a similar incident that happened to another major casino company earlier in the year. This is the story so far.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is a meme? What are some of the notable tech memes, and where do they come from? How does something become a meme?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A fire in 1836 wiped out nearly every patent on file in the United States. How did the patent office rebuild, and how did a second fire in 1877 change things even more?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US founding father Thomas Jefferson gets the credit for establishing the first process in the US for filing and granting patents. But how did patent law change in those early years, and why does Jonathan say the patent office was like the Game of Thrones? 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jonathan sits down with Sudhin Shahani of Surf Air Mobility, who recently went public to talk about the future of travel. What is Regional Air Mobility? Why is Surf Air Mobility electrifying planes? And how might this affect how you handle short-range travel in the future?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was once the computing conference to attend. Today, it's rapidly fading from memory. How did Comdex begin and what happened to it?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apple's iPhone 15 reveal fails to impress my producer Tari. Google's antitrust trial is underway. The government starts to ask questions about AI. And much more! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A blog site called Simplicable outlines several "fundamental principles" of technology. We take a look at a few of them, talk about what they mean, and how they relate not just to tech but how we incorporate tech into our lives.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, the US Department of Justice begins its anti-trust case against Google. Should it matter if Google commands more than 90% of the web search market share? Plus, a cybersecurity issue creates a huge headache for MGM Resorts and a former Apple employee brings RICO charges against the company.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Figuring out if artificial intelligence wrote a block of text can be tricky. Some companies have created tools that claim to determine if text was likely the product of a human author or AI. But as we have learned, these tools aren't reliable. What makes it so difficult to tell who wrote what?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joe McCormick and Jonathan continue their discussion about radio waves, transmitters and radio direction finding. How can you locate a transmitter and what is fox hunting?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How were hackers able to access important email systems belonging to big targets like the US Department of State? It turns out it was a perfect set of circumstances that Microsoft failed to address. Plus, we have a bunch of AI news, the FAA okays delivery drones flying beyond line of sight, and lots more! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Before the World Wide Web, savvy computer users were flocking to USENET to participate in discussions on everything from the latest advance in computing to the worst jokes you could imagine. USENET is still around today. So what the heck is it?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are robots and automated systems going to replace human workers? And if so, what then? The fear about automation has a long history and it's not an irrational fear.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.