Podcast Summary
E-bikes discounts: Upway offers affordable, certified and brand new e-bikes with significant discounts compared to retail prices, and currently has a promotion offering $150 off with the code waveform2024.
Upway is a top destination for affordable, certified and brand new e-bikes, offering significant discounts compared to retail prices. The podcast hosts discussed the benefits of e-bikes for various reasons, such as reducing dependence on cars, improving access to public transit, or enhancing cycling capabilities. They also mentioned Upway's wide range of top-tier brands and products, along with a current promotion offering $150 off with the code waveform2024 at checkout. Atlassian, the show's sponsor, was praised for its software solutions that help teams collaborate effectively, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts in achieving more than individuals can alone. The hosts also shared their thoughts on Instagram's testing of unskippable ads, expressing skepticism about their potential success and the implications for user experience.
Instagram unskippable ads, Microsoft Recall: Instagram tests unskippable ads, charging a premium due to inability to be skipped, while Microsoft's Recall feature raises privacy concerns, sparking debate on convenience vs privacy in the digital age
Instagram is testing unskippable ads, and they believe they can charge a premium for these ads due to their inability to be skipped. This is particularly effective for brands looking to increase their visibility, as users are forced to engage with the ads repeatedly. The test required Instagram to add a new UI for unskippable ads, which freezes users during the ad break and counts down a timer. While some see this as an invasion of privacy, others argue that it's similar to other assistants like Siri or Google Assistant, which also have access to user data. Microsoft's new AI-based feature, Recall, which watches everything a user does on their computer, has sparked controversy due to privacy concerns. While it could be a helpful tool, many are skeptical of Microsoft's claims that it's not scraping data and that it's an opt-out feature. The fear is that employers could require employees to keep it enabled, giving them unfettered access to personal information. Overall, these developments highlight the ongoing tension between convenience and privacy in the digital age.
Microsoft Recall feature privacy concerns: Microsoft's Recall feature, which uses screenshots to help users find info quickly, raises privacy concerns as screenshots are stored in plain text in a local folder if user is an admin, potentially accessible to employers or hackers, sensitive info like passwords or financial data at risk.
Microsoft's new "Recall" feature, which uses screenshots to help users quickly find information, raises significant privacy concerns. Although Microsoft claims the screenshots are encrypted and can only be accessed by the feature itself, cybersecurity experts have discovered that they are stored in a local folder in plain text if the user is an admin on the computer. This means that anyone with admin access, including employers or hackers, could potentially access the screenshots and view sensitive information such as passwords or financial data. The idea of an assistant that can recall information contextually is appealing, but the execution of Microsoft's Recall feature seems to have overlooked important privacy considerations. It remains to be seen whether Microsoft will address these concerns before the official release on June 18th.
Data privacy concerns, screenshots collection: People are skeptical about tech companies collecting and using their data, especially screenshots, and value transparency to mitigate privacy concerns
Individuals value their privacy and are concerned about how their data is being collected, stored, and used by tech companies. The discussion highlights the skepticism towards Microsoft and other tech giants, as people assume they have access to users' data, even if it's encrypted. The collection of screenshots, specifically, is perceived as more intrusive and concerning than other forms of data collection, such as location tracking. The trust in tech companies to handle this data responsibly is low, and transparency is key in mitigating privacy concerns. The conversation also touches upon the potential PR implications for companies if they are found to be scraping user data without consent. Overall, the conversation underscores the importance of respecting user privacy and being transparent about data collection practices.
WWDC updates: Speakers expect significant AI and software updates at WWDC, with potential features including unwanted object removal in photos, voice memo transcriptions, suggested replies in emails and messages, and AI-assisted writing in pages. Apple's approach of updating all apps with a new iOS version is different from Google's individual app updates.
Both the speakers expressed their excitement about the upcoming WWDC event, which they believe will bring significant updates, particularly in the area of AI and software features for Apple products. They also mentioned that Apple tends to spike in value during its events, making it a good time for listeners to subscribe to their channel for exclusive content. Additionally, they discussed various features that have been rumored to be introduced at WWDC, such as unwanted object removal in photos, voice memo transcriptions, suggested replies in emails and messages, and AI-assisted writing in pages. Some of these features have already been implemented by Google, but the speakers are looking forward to seeing Apple's take on them. They also noted that Apple's approach of updating all apps with a new iOS version is different from Google's individual app updates, which they find interesting. Overall, they are anticipating a productive and exciting WWDC event.
AI integration in software and services: Apple and Google are integrating AI into their software and services, offering features like AI-assisted coding, AI-generated summaries, and even AI-generated emojis.
Both Apple and Google are incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into various aspects of their software and services. During WWDC, Apple announced AI-assisted coding in Xcode, AI-generated summaries for Safari pages, and even AI-generated emojis. Google, on the other hand, already offers AI coding tools, summarization of notifications, and semantic spotlight search. Furthermore, Apple is reportedly working on improving Siri with OpenAI, while Google's Home devices offer advanced features at relatively low costs. Overall, AI is becoming a significant focus for both tech giants, enhancing user experiences in various ways.
Apple HomePod mini vs Google Assistant: Apple HomePod mini is a smart home speaker with Siri integration, but Siri's limitations hinder its potential as a versatile assistant. Google's separation of Google Assistant and Gemini adds to the confusion, leaving users to choose between two assistants with limited home device control.
The Apple HomePod mini is a capable speaker with smart home integration, but its value is limited by the capabilities of Siri. The speaker market is heating up, with Google and Apple jostling for dominance, and each company's assistant plays a significant role in their ecosystem. Apple's HomePod mini can control smart home devices and act as a router, but Siri's limitations hinder its potential as a versatile assistant. Google's separation of Google Assistant and the new company Gemini adds to the confusion, leaving users to choose between two assistants, neither of which can fully control home devices. The presentation of AI in everyday life is a topic of interest, with Apple expected to showcase practical applications rather than flashy demonstrations. Additionally, rumors suggest that iOS 16 may allow users to customize the home screen, a feature long desired by Android users. Overall, the competition between tech giants to provide the best AI-powered assistant and home device integration continues, with each company presenting their vision to consumers.
Apple OS Integration: Apple is merging iOS, Mac OS, iPadOS, watchOS, and VisionOS, bringing widgets to Mac, redesigning settings apps, potentially integrating RCS messaging, and enhancing AI capabilities. Rumors of thread radios in new devices may lead to better interoperability in a smart home environment. VisionOS updates include live captions and home screen customization, while Watch OS 11 is not a major update.
Apple is working on bringing its operating systems, including iOS, Mac OS, iPadOS, watchOS, and VisionOS, closer together in terms of design and functionality. This includes the introduction of widgets on the Mac, redesigned settings apps, potential integration of RCS messaging, and AI enhancements. Apple's most recent products, such as the M1 iPad and the Apple Watch Series X, are rumored to have thread radios built-in, which could lead to better interoperability between devices in a smart home environment. Additionally, Watch OS 11 is not expected to be a major update due to the release of the Apple Watch Series X. VisionOS is also supposed to receive significant updates, including live captions and the ability to reorder apps on the home screen. However, there is no confirmed news about new hardware releases at WWDC 2024.
Apple HomeKit integration with OpenAI: Apple's partnership with OpenAI could enable Apple devices to act as thread border routers for smart homes, potentially leading to more direct control over other devices through an update to Apple HomeKit.
Apple's new partnership with OpenAI could potentially allow any Apple device to act as a thread border router for smart homes, and may lead to more direct control over other devices through an update to Apple HomeKit. This could make Apple products more versatile and integrated in home automation systems. Additionally, there is speculation about the role of OpenAI in Siri, with some believing it is the foundation and others thinking it is just a partner. Predictions for WWDC include the possibility of Siri updates, the integration of OpenAI, and the appearance of OpenAI's CEO on stage. However, some believe Apple would avoid bringing controversial figures on stage. The exact role and impact of OpenAI in Apple's products remains to be seen.
Apple's search engine choice, Nike partnership: Apple's Safari uses Google as default search engine due to financial incentives, and its partnership with Nike affects Apple Watch's group competition feature
Apple's default search engine on Safari is not its own due to financial incentives from companies like Google. Apple may have its own search engine ready to go but chooses not to use it. Additionally, Apple's reluctance to add group competitions on the Apple Watch is likely due to its partnership with Nike and the integration of Nike's apps on the device. In trivia news, the maximum length for an unskippable ad on YouTube is not an hour as some may have experienced, but the actual policy limit is not publicly disclosed. Apple and Google's partnership also extends to Google paying Apple billions of dollars annually to be the default search engine on Safari. Other predictions discussed included potential updates to the Apple Watch and the possibility of Apple creating its own search engine if forced to do so.
Podcast bloopers: Bloopers and mishaps in podcast recordings can lead to memorable moments and unique content, even when involving technical difficulties or misunderstandings.
During a podcast discussion, they reminisced about various funny moments and bloopers from their past recordings. One of these moments involved forgetting how to talk during an ad read, which led to the creation of a sound effect named "Whoops," now a staple in their podcast. Another memorable moment was when they mistakenly thought Google's True View ads were not skippable, leading to confusion. Despite the numerous bloopers and mishaps, they found joy in the imperfections and the unique moments they created. Additionally, they discussed the maximum length of unskippable ads on YouTube, with estimates ranging from 30 seconds to three minutes.
YouTube conversation: Speakers used YouTube for engaging discussions, predictions, and opinions, used answerable ads for content bookends, and valued partnerships and production quality
The speakers in this conversation enjoyed discussing various topics, making predictions, and sharing their opinions, all while experimenting with a unique beverage. They used YouTube as a platform to engage with each other and their audience, and utilized answerable ads as a way to provide bookends to their content. Despite the unusual taste and numbing effect of the beverage, they found the experience to be worthwhile and looked forward to continuing their discussions in the future. The partnership with Vox Media podcast network and the use of Vansil's intro music added to the production value of their podcast. Overall, the conversation showcased their enthusiasm for their topic and their ability to connect with their audience.