TechTime with Nathan Mumm

259: Avoid Wearing Smart Watches to Summer Concerts, and a new trend has emerged. "Rotary Phones". A Dating App that matches users based on search history. Next, Say What? as we Explore Bizarre Technologies. | Air Date: 7/1 - 7/6/2025


Listen Later

What happens when technology takes a step backward to move forward? This week's episode explores the strange territory where nostalgia, practicality, and innovation collide in unexpected ways.

Microsoft is killing off the iconic Blue Screen of Death after four decades, replacing the familiar blue error screen with a simplified black version. While the company claims this will provide better troubleshooting information, we question whether changing such a recognizable symbol of Windows crashes makes sense. After all, when something isn't broken, why fix it?

Meanwhile, a fascinating trend has emerged in Portland, Maine, where parents have created a "landline pod" — installing traditional home phones for their children instead of smartphones. What started with one parent's decision has grown to include 15-20 families who are witnessing remarkable improvements in their children's social skills and creative thinking. It's a powerful reminder that sometimes the most innovative solution is returning to simpler technologies.

The show takes a deep dive into consumer protection as the FTC approves $126 million in refunds for nearly one million Fortnite players who fell victim to "dark pattern" purchases. Epic Games' deceptive design practices that tricked users into making unwanted purchases remind us that ethical considerations often lag behind technological capabilities.

We couldn't help but laugh at the bizarre world of robot pets with the discovery of a $50 "attack dog" from Timu that shoots pellets and simulates urination. This strange creation somehow keeps users engaged for hours, proving there's a market for even the oddest technological innovations.

Our whiskey tasting features Wild Turkey 101 8-year bourbon, which received enthusiastic approval from our hosts. With notes of vanilla, clove, and toffee, this $45 bourbon proves that sometimes traditional craftsmanship is worth celebrating.

Join us for a journey through technology's strangest corners, where old becomes new again and the digital world continues to surprise us in the most unexpected ways. Subscribe now and be part of the conversation!

Support the show

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

TechTime with Nathan MummBy Nathan Mumm

  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5

5

13 ratings


More shows like TechTime with Nathan Mumm

View all
InvestTalk by Hosts Justin Klein & Luke Guerrero, CFA | Wealth Managers and Investment Advisors

InvestTalk

1,501 Listeners

This Week in Startups by Jason Calacanis

This Week in Startups

1,273 Listeners

The Vergecast by The Verge

The Vergecast

3,667 Listeners

Daily Tech News Show by Tom Merritt

Daily Tech News Show

1,381 Listeners

CyberWire Daily by N2K Networks

CyberWire Daily

1,006 Listeners

NVIDIA AI Podcast by NVIDIA

NVIDIA AI Podcast

322 Listeners

Darknet Diaries by Jack Rhysider

Darknet Diaries

7,879 Listeners

Cybersecurity Today by Jim Love

Cybersecurity Today

166 Listeners

Practical AI by Practical AI LLC

Practical AI

192 Listeners

Netflix Is A Daily Joke by Netflix

Netflix Is A Daily Joke

744 Listeners

MIT Technology Review Narrated by MIT Technology Review

MIT Technology Review Narrated

258 Listeners

Cyber Security Headlines by CISO Series

Cyber Security Headlines

127 Listeners

Legal AF by MeidasTouch by MeidasTouch Network

Legal AF by MeidasTouch

5,520 Listeners

This Day in AI Podcast by Michael Sharkey, Chris Sharkey

This Day in AI Podcast

201 Listeners

The AI Daily Brief (Formerly The AI Breakdown): Artificial Intelligence News and Analysis by Nathaniel Whittemore

The AI Daily Brief (Formerly The AI Breakdown): Artificial Intelligence News and Analysis

462 Listeners