Podcast Summary
Staying Informed and Adaptable in Tech: The importance of staying informed about tech industry trends, adapting to new technologies, and being aware of document history in spreadsheets to avoid academic fraud.
Key takeaway from this episode of This Week in Tech is the importance of staying informed and adaptable in the ever-evolving tech industry. The panel discussed various topics including Apple's new Vision Pro and their controversial decision to charge 27% for non-Apple Store transactions, the word of the year coined by science fiction author Cory Doctorow, and the importance of having a reliable and efficient network for businesses with Cisco Meraki. Cory Doctorow also shared his experience with self-publishing audiobooks and the golden age of fraud forensics. Ian Thompson weighed in on the academic fraud scandal at Harvard and the importance of being aware of document history in spreadsheets. Alex Lindsay added his insights from MacBreak Weekly. Overall, the panel emphasized the importance of staying informed and being prepared for changes in technology.
Impact of Human Error and Corporate Manipulation on Technology: Despite advanced technology, human error and corporate manipulation persist. Transparency and ethical business practices are crucial to overcome challenges and ensure a positive user experience.
Technology, no matter how advanced, is still subject to human error and corporate manipulation. From the discussion, it's clear that even with the latest innovations, such as the VisionPRO headset, there are still challenges to overcome. Apple's handling of the headset's weight issue is an example of this, with the company initially withholding information about a weight-reducing strap, leading to negative reviews and public perception of the product being heavier than expected. Moreover, the corporate world continues to exhibit questionable behavior, with instances of wire fraud and aggressive business practices, such as Amazon's Project Gazelle, coming to light. These actions highlight the importance of transparency and ethical business practices. Another significant point from the discussion is the impact of the absence of major players like Netflix, Spotify, and YouTube on the VisionPRO headset. While Apple's lack of these apps might not significantly affect the company, it could limit the user experience and adoption of the headset. In conclusion, the discussion underscores the importance of transparency, ethical business practices, and the potential consequences of excluding major players in the technology industry.
VR Market Opportunities and Challenges: The VR market offers potential for small developers due to high-end hardware users, but high costs and limited essential services may deter some consumers. Recent regulations and market dynamics may also impact the market.
The virtual reality (VR) market presents a significant opportunity for small developers due to the large number of existing users with high-end hardware who are willing to pay for unique experiences. However, the high cost of VR devices and the lack of essential services like Netflix and YouTube may limit the appeal for some consumers. Additionally, recent developments, such as the Supreme Court's decision on app store competition, may impact the market dynamics. Apple and Google are now required to allow third-party payments, but they also demand a commission on those transactions. The market is reminiscent of a monopoly, with firms offering similar products, and Apple's response to the new rule includes a warning screen that may deter some users. Overall, the VR market holds potential for growth, but it faces challenges related to cost, content, and competition.
Control of access to parts and services by tech companies: Tech companies' strategies to limit access to parts and services can lead to higher costs and inconvenience for consumers. The Right to Repair movement advocates for consumers' ability to repair their own devices or have them repaired by third parties, leading to competition and better deals.
Tech companies are implementing various strategies to control access to parts and services for their products, often through methods like parts pairing and subscriptions. This can result in higher costs and inconvenience for consumers. The discussion also touched upon the Right to Repair movement, which advocates for consumers' ability to repair their own devices or have them repaired by third parties. The implementation of Right to Repair can lead to competition and better deals for consumers. Another point made was the importance of user experience and the frustration caused by fragmented buying experiences and difficult cancellation processes for subscriptions. To protect consumers, regulatory bodies like the Federal Trade Commission can enforce click-to-cancel orders and impose fines for non-compliance. Ultimately, the conversation highlighted the importance of consumer advocacy and the role of regulatory bodies in ensuring fair business practices.
Companies maintaining control and revenue streams: Companies may make it difficult for users to transfer content or make transactions between different platforms due to financial incentives, potentially hindering progress towards interconnected systems.
The difficulty some users experience in transferring content or making transactions between different platforms may not be due to inherent technical challenges, but rather the result of deliberate actions by companies to maintain control and revenue streams. The mobile duopoly, for instance, has made it harder for users to side-load media onto their devices, potentially due to the financial incentive of earning a 30% fee on every transaction made within their app stores. This issue extends beyond just Apple and Google, as other companies have historically charged similar fees for their platforms. While it's possible for companies to make their systems more interconnected and user-friendly, the financial incentives may be hindering progress. This situation raises questions about the true motivations behind these actions and whether they constitute monopolistic behavior.
Freedom to Distribute and Monetize Apps: Small developers face challenges in reaching substantial income due to app sales vs usage discrepancy. Platforms like Apple's App Store offer solutions but limit user choice. Direct sales on Macintosh and avoiding side-loading restrictions on iOS are potential solutions. User awareness and addressing concerns before they become widespread is crucial.
Developers and users should have the freedom to choose how they distribute and monetize their applications. The speaker shared an example of a significant discrepancy between the number of apps sold versus used, making it challenging for small developers to reach a substantial income. They emphasized that platforms like Apple's App Store, which offer solutions for installation, security, and updates, should not be the only option. The speaker also mentioned the Macintosh platform as an example where developers can sell apps directly without Apple taking a percentage. However, the speaker expressed concern that limiting side-loading on iOS could potentially take away user choice, leading to frustration when companies like Netflix or Facebook require side-loading. The speaker concluded that users are generally unaware of these issues and will only be upset when they encounter restrictions, making it crucial to address these concerns before they become widespread.
Apple's role as a guardian vs corporation: Users should be aware of Apple's limitations as a guardian of digital freedoms and take steps to protect their interests beyond relying on a single entity.
While Apple can act as a guardian against intrusive technologies and companies, its ultimate authority over its App Store makes it important for users to remember that Apple is a corporation, not a benevolent entity. The discussion highlighted instances where Apple's decisions favored companies like Facebook, limiting user control and privacy. In contrast, user-driven solutions like ad blockers can hold tech firms accountable for negative conduct. Ultimately, users should be aware of the limitations of relying on a single entity for digital freedoms and take steps to protect their interests. Corporations, no matter how beloved, should not be treated as infallible or deserving of blind loyalty.
Evaluating companies based on forces and policies, not good deeds vs bad: Companies, including Apple, should be judged by the forces that keep them ethical and the consumer options when they falter, not just their good deeds or bad actions.
Ethical conduct should not be viewed as a balance scale where good deeds erase bad ones completely. Instead, companies like Apple, with their user-centric business model, should be evaluated based on the forces that discipline them to maintain good conduct and the policies that allow consumers to make alternative choices when they slip up. This ongoing conversation, as discussed on MacBreak Weekly, highlights the importance of recognizing the complexity of companies and their actions, rather than labeling them as inherently good or bad. While Apple is a prime example, it's essential to remember that this concept applies to all organizations, including governments. The debate will continue, and consumers should be aware that their choices can influence the behavior of these entities.
Large corporations charge hidden fees and settle lawsuits for profits: Large corporations can charge hidden fees and settle lawsuits, profiting significantly while offering rebates to customers, highlighting the need for stronger regulations to protect consumer interests.
Large corporations, such as Verizon, can charge customers additional fees, even if they are not required by law, and settle class action lawsuits for a fraction of what they make from these fees. The settlements often include rebates for customers, but the corporations continue to profit significantly. The fine print in customer agreements often goes unnoticed, and the threshold for what is considered unconscionable in these contracts should be higher. The regulation of such practices is a complex issue, as it can lead to a proliferation of small, seemingly insignificant fees that add up to substantial profits for corporations. This issue is not unique to the telecommunications industry and raises questions about the effectiveness of consent-based and notification-based regulatory regimes. It's important for consumers to stay informed and advocate for stronger regulations to protect their interests.
DMCA and DRM: Penalties Harsher Than Traditional Piracy: The DMCA imposes severe penalties for removing DRM, emphasizing the importance of holding companies accountable for their actions towards customers, rather than labeling them as inherently good or bad. Understanding the nuances of situations and holding companies accountable is essential.
The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) imposes severe penalties for removing Digital Rights Management (DRM) protections from digital content, even if it's for personal use or to move it to another platform. This penalty is harsher than traditional piracy or shoplifting. The speaker argues that it's essential to hold companies accountable for their actions towards their customers, rather than labeling them as inherently good or bad. He uses the concept of the "bezel" to describe the period when both parties feel they've benefited from a situation before it turns sour. The speaker also shares a personal anecdote about Harlan Ellison, emphasizing that people are complex and cannot be defined solely by their good or bad actions. The speaker encourages understanding the nuances of situations and holding companies accountable for their actions towards their customers.
Mint Mobile's Affordable 5G Plans and Bring Your Own Device Option: Mint Mobile offers unlimited talk, text, and data for $15/month for new customers with a 3-month plan on T-Mobile's 5G network. Customers can bring their own phones or buy one from Mint.
Mint Mobile offers an exceptional value for mobile phone plans by selling them online and passing on the savings to customers. The company, which uses T-Mobile's 5G network, provides unlimited talk, text, and data for just $15 a month for new customers who purchase a 3-month plan. Additionally, Mint Mobile allows customers to bring their own phones or buy one from them. The company's offer is particularly attractive as it is about a third of what other wireless providers charge. In other news, Alex Lindsay discussed a deep fake video of Argentine President Javier Milet's speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos. The video, which uses AI to convert the president's Spanish speech to English and reform his mouth movements, is not a new concept but is gaining attention due to its use in this context. While some may find it unsettling, Lindsay believes it could be beneficial for speakers, as it allows them to reach a wider audience more effectively, even if the translation may not be 100% accurate.
Revolutionizing Communication Across Language Barriers: Large language models can now translate between languages more effectively than human interpreters, and voice models mimic human speech and mouth movements, allowing individuals to speak directly to the world in their native language, but there are concerns about potential misuse and the importance of remaining vigilant and critical of information.
Advancements in language models and voice synthesis technology are revolutionizing the way communication happens across language barriers. Large language models can now translate between languages more effectively than human interpreters, and voice models like AI Leo from 11 Labs are able to mimic human speech and mouth movements convincingly. This technology has the potential to allow individuals to speak directly to the world in their native language, increasing the impact of their messages. However, there are concerns about the potential for misuse, such as deepfakes or simulated presenters, which could lead to false information being spread. While some may worry about people's ability to distinguish between real and fake, it is important to remember that not everyone is above average and that people often believe what they want to believe. Ultimately, it is crucial to remain vigilant and critical of information, regardless of its source. The future of communication is exciting, but it also comes with new challenges that must be addressed.
Deepfakes and AI manipulation: Old issues in a new light: While deepfakes and AI manipulation raise valid concerns, they are not entirely new. Existing laws and norms can be applied to the digital age to address these issues. Stay informed, be critical, and work together to maintain information integrity.
While deepfakes and the use of AI to manipulate information can be concerning, many of the potential issues are not entirely new. People have long dealt with impersonation and misinformation, even if the methods have evolved. There are already laws and norms in place to address these issues, and the challenge lies in applying these rules to the digital age. It's essential to distinguish between the genuine concerns and the sensationalized fears, and to be wary of those who may use the issue to hype their products or gain attention. Ultimately, the key is to stay informed, be critical of information we receive, and work together to maintain the integrity of information and communication.
Separating fact from fiction in AI claims: While AI can be a powerful tool, it's essential to separate fact from fiction in tech company claims, consider alternative explanations, and strike a balance between embracing benefits and remaining vigilant against potential misuse or deception.
While AI and advanced technology have the potential to greatly improve our lives, it's important to be aware of the potential risks and limitations. Scholar Lee Vinsall at Virginia Tech introduced the term "krita hype" to criticize exaggerated claims made by tech companies, such as mind control rays or manipulating public opinion. However, it's crucial to separate fact from fiction and consider alternative explanations. AI, such as ChatGPT, can be a valuable tool for generating ideas, recipes, or even writing code, but it doesn't replace human creativity and critical thinking. Furthermore, the ease of access to AI tools may threaten traditional platforms like Stack Overflow. Ultimately, it's essential to strike a balance between embracing the benefits of technology and remaining vigilant against potential misuse or deception.
AI as a tool to support and augment human capabilities in journalism: AI can assist in journalism but should not replace human expertise and touch for accuracy and quality.
While AI has the potential to assist and enhance human capabilities in various fields, including coding and expert systems, it is important to remember that it is not yet advanced enough to completely replace humans. The discussion touched upon the use of AI in journalism, specifically in the context of Sports Illustrated, where AI was used to generate articles leading to significant errors and layoffs. The conversation also highlighted the economic implications of media companies selling off their assets and the potential consequences of over-relying on AI. It's crucial to understand that AI should be seen as a tool to support and augment human capabilities, rather than a replacement. The human touch and expertise are essential in ensuring accuracy and maintaining the quality of the final product.
Adjusting to technological tools like auto spell check: Initially annoying but eventually becomes useful, evaluate potential benefits and drawbacks, and consider alternative solutions like mass transit for complex problems.
While technological tools like auto spell check and AI writing assistants can be helpful, they can also be disruptive and annoying, especially during the initial adjustment period. Corey, who had turned off auto spell check for years due to interruptions, recently reconsidered and turned it back on. He found that while it was initially annoying, he eventually got used to it. However, Corey also emphasized that not all technological solutions are effective, especially when addressing complex problems. He used the example of traffic congestion in cities, where building more roads (cars) doesn't solve the problem but investing in mass transit (trains) does. Corey also shared his experience with Robert Moses, who prioritized cars over mass transit, leading to inefficient infrastructure and missed opportunities for integrated transportation solutions. Ultimately, it's essential to consider the potential benefits and drawbacks of technological tools and solutions and approach them with a critical and thoughtful perspective.
Urban planner Robert Moses excluded certain communities from New York City areas: Robert Moses' urban planning decisions excluded black people from certain New York City neighborhoods, and podcasting faces challenges due to the dominance of major platforms
Robert Moses, a powerful urban planner in New York City during the mid-20th century, made decisions that excluded certain communities, such as black people, from access to certain areas. This was not a myth but a documented fact. For instance, he made the bridges too low for buses to pass under, preventing black people from accessing certain neighborhoods. The book "The Power Broker" by Robert Caro provides an in-depth look into Moses' life and his impact on New York City. The book is lengthy but highly recommended. However, podcasting as a medium is facing challenges due to the dominance of platforms like Google, Amazon, and Spotify, which can offer advertisers detailed audience demographics. This makes it difficult for independent podcasts like this one to sell advertising, leading to a potential decline in the medium.
The Importance of Communities in Platform Success: Joining membership communities like Club Twit offers exclusive content, events, and interoperability, protecting users and preventing monopolies.
Communities play a crucial role in the success of platforms, and joining those communities can provide valuable benefits beyond just ad-free content. The speaker emphasized the importance of Club Twit, a membership community that offers exclusive content, events, and a Discord and Twitch plus feed for a monthly fee of $7. The speaker also highlighted the value of interoperability and the historical cycle of platforms becoming user-hostile and eventually dying, using Amazon as an example. The speaker suggested that the ability to easily move from one platform to another, much like the concept of controlled burns in the ecosystem, can help protect users and prevent monopolies. The speaker also drew parallels between the historical regulations that prevented monopolies in tech and the current landscape, emphasizing the importance of user freedom and the ability to escape unfriendly platforms.
Dominance of Large Tech Companies Harmful to Competition and Consumers: Large tech companies' market dominance stifles competition and innovation, but regulation and interoperability can help prevent monopolies and promote progress.
The current market dominance of large tech companies, such as Apple, Google, and Facebook, has become unsustainable and harmful to smaller businesses and consumers. These companies, with their enormous size and high profit margins, have the power to unilaterally decide which apps and businesses can exist, effectively creating barriers to entry for new competitors. Apple's reverse engineering of Office software is an example of this, but attempting similar actions today would result in severe consequences. However, regulation, specifically antitrust regulations and interoperability mandates, can help clear the way for innovation and competition. Immunizing people who build interoperable products is essential to prevent larger companies from monopolizing markets and stifling progress. The consequences of not addressing this issue can be dire, as seen in the dangerous working conditions at Amazon and the aggressive legal actions taken by tech giants against interoperable products. The conversation also touched upon the evolution of the tech landscape, with examples from the past, such as Apple's Iworks Suite and Google's web indexing, and the importance of sharing resources for the betterment of the industry. The discussion also hinted at upcoming events and publications related to this topic.
The dominance of large tech companies and the lack of competition and regulation: Large tech companies have grown too powerful, making it hard for regulations to protect consumer rights and privacy. Reintroducing competition and effective regulation, as well as empowering tech workers, is necessary to address this issue.
The dominance of a few large tech companies, such as Google and Meta, is a significant concern due to the elimination of competition, regulation, and self-help. These companies have become so powerful and wealthy that they can effectively buy political influence, making it difficult for regulatory changes to protect consumer rights and privacy. The absence of worker power, as tech workers have historically been in high demand and not unionized, further exacerbates the issue. The loss of these regulatory forces has left consumers vulnerable to exploitation and companies with little incentive to prioritize ethical business practices. To address this, it is crucial to reintroduce competition and effective regulation, as well as consider ways to empower tech workers through unionization and collective bargaining.
The Power Shift Between Employees and Employers: Companies have more control over employees, leading to concerns about labor rights and potential exploitation. Solutions include restoring labor power, self-help measures, and stricter regulations on privacy, consumer protection, and labor law.
The power dynamic between employees and employers has shifted, with companies increasingly able to dictate terms to their workforce. This has led to concerns about labor rights and the potential for worker exploitation. The discussion highlighted examples of firms like Google, which fired thousands of employees despite their long-term dedication to their jobs. The solution, according to the speaker, involves restoring labor power, self-help measures, and stricter regulations on privacy, consumer protection, and labor law. This includes blocking mergers like Microsoft Activision, prohibiting predatory pricing, and enforcing stronger privacy regulations in mergers. The speaker also mentioned the importance of bipartisan efforts to address these issues, such as the America Act and the No Fakes Act. The discussion also touched on the role of regulators like Lina Khan, who have been able to block major mergers and implement new regulations despite facing criticism from some quarters. Overall, the conversation underscored the need for stronger protections for workers and consumers in the face of increasingly concentrated corporate power.
Automation in Compliance and Messaging Disruptions: Apple's focus on user privacy leads to interoperability issues and rise of third-party messaging apps, while automation simplifies compliance processes and transparency is crucial for successful social media platforms.
Automation is revolutionizing compliance in the digital world, as demonstrated by Drata's offer for automated evidence collection. Meanwhile, in the realm of messaging, Apple's prioritization of user privacy has led to limitations on interoperability with non-Apple users, resulting in the rise of third-party solutions like Beeper. However, concerns over Apple's claims of security vulnerabilities in Beeper and the subsequent blocking of devices using their own Macs for secure messaging have raised questions about Apple's true intentions. In the world of social media, the failure of LO as a Facebook alternative serves as a reminder of the importance of a clear business model and transparency in corporate operations.
The importance of external constraints and user control: Companies should be transparent and accountable to prevent betraying users' trust, while users must be aware of potential risks and have alternatives.
Even the best of us with good intentions can make poor decisions when unconstrained. The example of a secretly sold company that betrayed users' trust by selling and deleting their data highlights the importance of external constraints and the need for users to have the ability to easily move between platforms. This concept is known as a Ulysses pact, where individuals bind themselves to commitments to prevent future weakness. Companies can implement such commitments through transparency and accountability measures. However, not all companies do so, and users must be aware of the potential risks and have alternatives. Ultimately, it's crucial for businesses to have a clear business model and a sustainable revenue stream to avoid making compromises that could harm users in the long run.
The impact of pricing on consumer trust: Overpricing can lead to consumer distrust and abandonment. Businesses need to balance pricing with consumer value and trust to build long-term relationships.
Pricing and consumer trust are closely interconnected. The speaker shares an anecdote from his experience at Sony, where overpricing CDs led to consumer distrust and eventual abandonment of the product. He draws a parallel to the music industry's response to Napster and the current situation with walled gardens and peer pressure in technology. The speaker emphasizes that younger generations are more fluid and less concerned about interoperability, but the pressure to conform to certain platforms can be intense. He also shares a story about a community of breast cancer previvors who faced a privacy issue on Facebook and the challenges they faced in leaving the platform due to the collective action problem. Overall, the speaker's message is that businesses need to be mindful of pricing and consumer trust, as it can have long-term consequences.
The convenience and ubiquity of social media platforms make it hard to replace them: Despite limitations, social media's ease of use and wide reach make it a formidable opponent in communication and organization tools
Despite our best efforts to find alternative platforms for communication and organization, especially in larger groups, the convenience and ubiquity of social media platforms like Facebook make it difficult to replace them. Even in smaller communities, consensus on which platform to use is often elusive. The history of technology shows that the absence of crucial features like authentication or secure payment systems in early iterations of successful platforms like email, eBay, and Kickstarter, were eventually addressed, but not before causing significant inconvenience. The lesson here is that while it's important to innovate and try new things, it's equally important to ensure that the basics are in place before widespread adoption. In the case of communication and organization tools, the ease of use and wide reach of social media platforms like Facebook make them a formidable opponent, despite their limitations.
User interface design impacts user behavior and system performance: Minor interface issues can lead to influx of requests and even server crashes, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing user interface design and ensuring a seamless user experience. In hiring, personalizing your approach and effectively communicating with candidates sets you apart from competitors.
User experience design is crucial and even minor interface issues can significantly impact user behavior and system performance. A small delay or glitch can result in a large number of users repeatedly attempting an action, potentially causing serious consequences. For instance, a delayed response from a button click could lead to an influx of requests and even server crashes. This underscores the importance of prioritizing user interface design and ensuring a seamless user experience. Additionally, in the hiring process, it's essential to stand out from competitors by personalizing your approach and effectively communicating with potential candidates. Platforms like ZipRecruiter can help streamline the process by providing powerful matching technology and enabling personalized invitations to applicants.
Large tech companies can still be vulnerable to cyber attacks: Despite having vast resources and advanced security systems, large tech companies like Microsoft and Amazon can still be breached, highlighting the importance of robust internal controls and data security measures.
Even large tech companies like Microsoft and Amazon, which have vast resources and advanced security systems, can still be vulnerable to cyber attacks. In Microsoft's case, hackers gained access to a legacy nonproduction test tenant account through a password spray attack and managed to compromise a small percentage of corporate email accounts, including those of senior leadership team members. The fact that such an account had permissions to access all of Microsoft's internal emails raises serious concerns. Similarly, Amazon's failure to protect user data, despite having the resources to do so, is a stark reminder that no organization is completely immune to cyber threats. The ease with which developers could access vast amounts of data on Facebook, leading to the Cambridge Analytica scandal, further highlights the importance of robust internal controls and data security measures. Ultimately, the size and complexity of organizations can make it challenging to fully audit all activities and secure all perimeters, leaving them vulnerable to insider threats and external attacks.
Caution needed for email security and tech convenience: The Cambridge Analytica scandal underscores the importance of prioritizing privacy and security in email communications and technology use, even if it means some inconvenience.
While convenience is important, security should not be overlooked. The Cambridge Analytica scandal serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of disregarding privacy concerns. The speaker emphasizes the importance of being cautious with email communications and using features like blind CC wisely. However, even with advanced technology like touchpad door locks, security should not be compromised for convenience. The speaker's experience with a vulnerable Bluetooth lock highlights the risks of unsecured technology. Locks, whether physical or digital, serve as societal suggestions rather than absolute barriers, but it's essential to take firm steps to protect ourselves and our information. The speaker's excitement about his new secure door lock is a testament to the importance of prioritizing security, even if it means a slight inconvenience.
Traveling with Suspicious Items: Challenges and Misunderstandings: Be cautious when traveling with items that could be perceived as suspicious or illegal, as they may cause delays or issues at airports. Misunderstandings or miscommunications can also lead to unnecessary complications.
The discussion revolved around the experiences of carrying various gadgets and tools, some of which could be considered suspicious or illegal, during travels. Burke shared stories of being stopped at airports with his lock pick kits and other small tools, despite having plausible explanations. He also mentioned instances where companies gave away seemingly harmless items, such as laser pointers shaped like bullets or countdown clocks, which caused issues at airports due to their appearance. The conversation also touched upon the American Dialect Society's selection of "intsheetification" as the word of the year, which was a term mentioned earlier in the discussion but misreported as "in poopification" in an article. Overall, the conversation highlighted the challenges and inconveniences of traveling with certain items and the importance of being aware of potential misunderstandings or miscommunications.
Word of the Year: Insurification: The American Dialect Society named 'insurification' as their Word of the Year for 2022, a term that describes the blending of opposing ideas, despite controversy and debates over its appropriateness.
The American Dialect Society has named "insurification" as their Word of the Year for 2022. This term, which some may mistake for an obscenity due to its inclusion of the "s" word, is actually a playful term used to describe the blending and synthesizing of opposing ideas. Despite its lighthearted nature, there have been debates about the appropriateness of the term, with some comparing it to other words that have caused controversy due to their names. The term is not an official addition to the Oxford English Dictionary, but rather a popular slang term coined by the American Dialect Society. The discussion also touched on the author's experience with censorship and book bans, particularly in relation to his book "Little Brother," and the importance of standing up for the freedom to read and express ideas. The audiobook version of the author's latest book, "The Bezel," is currently available for pre-order on Kickstarter.
Corey's Travel Plans and Marshall McLuhan Lecture: Corey is traveling to Florida and Berlin for the McLuhan Lecture, tickets available. No streaming allowed. Excited about space exploration. Office Hours Global offers daily live streams, featuring guests like Colleen Henry.
Corey is traveling to Florida and then to Berlin for the Marshall McLuhan Lecture, where tickets are still available if you're interested. The event specifically disallows streaming, so you must be present. Corey also expressed his excitement about space exploration, despite recent setbacks, and shared his admiration for getting out into new areas. Additionally, Office Hours Global offers daily live streams from 7 to 9 Pacific Standard Time, featuring various topics and guests, including their chief engineer Colleen Henry, who played a significant role in building the company's video rig and is now a "superstar." The show aims to cover a wide range of topics, making it a valuable resource for learning about various aspects of media and culture.
Exploring the future of interactive podcasts and online discussions: Advancements in technology could lead to larger, more engaging podcast panels and discussions, with potential platforms including Apple's Vision Pro, despite concerns about accessibility and affordability.
The future of podcasting or online discussions could involve larger panels with more participants, facilitated by technology that allows for efficient cueing and Q&A systems. This approach, which was discussed in relation to a specific podcast setup, can lead to engaging and community-driven content. Apple's Vision Pro, a virtual reality headset, was mentioned as a potential platform for this type of interactive experience, but skepticism was expressed about its accessibility and affordability. Ultimately, the potential of such technology lies in its ability to deliver high-quality, immersive experiences when frame rate and resolution are optimized. The speakers also touched on their personal experiences with technology and their anticipation for future advancements, particularly in the realm of eye tracking and lens technology for those with visual impairments.
Exploring the Meta Quest 2 VR headset and its potential benefits: Corey and Ian discuss the anticipated benefits of the Meta Quest 2 VR headset, including potential vision improvements and historical anecdotes, while sharing their experiences ordering the device.
Corey and Ian discussed the anticipated benefits of trying out the new Meta Quest 2 VR headset, with Corey expressing excitement about potentially improving his vision experience with bifocal contacts or lenses. They also touched upon the challenges of ordering the device, requiring an iPhone and facial scan. Ian shared an interesting historical anecdote about Pittsburgh Plate Glass and their ability to recreate glass formulas using old orders. The conversation also included Ian mentioning his great great uncle's role in setting up the first electric taxi firm in London in 1897. Despite some technical difficulties during the ordering process, they both encouraged listeners to consider getting the Meta Quest 2 if they're interested.
Twit's Weekly Shows: Feedback Survey and Advertising Opportunities: Twit offers weekly shows on Twitch for club members, collects audience feedback through a survey, and provides advertising opportunities for companies via email.
Twit produces weekly shows every Sunday at 2 PM Pacific, 5 PM EST, 22100 UTC, and offers a live stream on Twitch for club members. The survey on their website, twit.tv/survey24, is a reminder for viewers to share their feedback, helping Twit understand their audience demographics for programming and advertising purposes. The shows are also available on their YouTube channel and can be subscribed to through podcast clients. For companies interested in advertising on Twitter, they can email Twit at advertise@twit.tv. The team includes Leo Laporte, Benito Gonzalez, Jammer b, and Burke McQuinn. A lock pick tool given to Leo as a gift, which he can't open, adds a bit of irony to the show. Don't forget to take the survey before it ends.
