Examining

By Erik Christiansen & Kris Hans

Examining is a technology-focused podcast that dives deep. Our co-hosts, Erik Christiansen and Kris Hans examine the technology industry, productivity, and education, and provide practical tech tips. ... more

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FAQs about Examining:

How many episodes does Examining have?

The podcast currently has 71 episodes available.

Examining episodes:

January 13, 2025 66: 2024 Highlights
In this episode, we explored the latest tech highlights of 2025, covering Nvidia's advancements, the rise of AI devices and applications, Microsoft's recall issues, and Apple's innovations with Silicon and the Vision Pro. We wrapped up with a lighthearted tangent on decluttering projects, diving into how we organize our lives amidst all this tech!
Erik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-Host
Website: erikchristiansen.net
Kris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-Host Website
Website: krishans.ca
Show notes created with help from ChatGPT 4.
The transcript is AI-generated. Please excuse any errors.
...more
1h 32min
October 01, 2024 65: AI Subscription Overload
Erik and Kris explore subscription creep, hidden digital costs, AI tools, and DIY tech, offering tips to regain control over recurring expenses.
Book: When Things Don't Go Your Way
By Haemin Sunim
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Digital Privacy and Security
404 Media: Leaked Docs Show What Phones Cellebrite Can and Can't Unlock
Date: August 21, 2024
https://www.404media.co/leaked-docs-show-what-phones-cellebrite-can-and-cant-unlock/?mc_cid=20c535fce7
Education and Technology
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Notion Help Center: Notion for Education
Date: August 2024
https://www.notion.so/help/notion-for-education
Erik Christiansen Blog: When Technology Was Simpler: Subscription Creep
Date: August 20, 2024
https://erikchristiansen.net/2024/08/20/when-technology-was-simpler-subscription-creep/
CNET: Subscription Creep Costs US Consumers More Than $1,000 a Year, CNET Survey Finds
Date: August 2024
https://www.cnet.com/personal-finance/subscription-creep-costs-us-consumers-more-than-1000-a-year-cnet-survey-finds/
Computerworld: The Problem with the Subscription Economy
Date: August 21, 2024
https://www.computerworld.com/article/1615394/the-problem-with-the-subscription-economy.html
AI and Big Tech
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TechCrunch: Apple Intelligence's Writing Tools Stumble on Swears and Controversial Topics
Date: August 6, 2024
https://techcrunch.com/2024/08/06/apple-intelligences-writing-tools-stumble-on-swears-and-controversial-topics/
Forbes: Microsoft Stock Drops as AI Capital Expenditures Surge to $56 Billion
Date: July 31, 2024
https://www.forbes.com/sites/petercohan/2024/07/31/microsoft-stock-drops-as-ai-capital-expenditures-surge-to-56-billion/
Thurrott: I Will Not Pay for AI
Date: August 21, 2024
https://www.thurrott.com/a-i/307080/i-will-not-pay-for-ai
DIY Tech and Hardware
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Thurrott: New Raspberry Pi 5 Model is Just $50
Date: August 22, 2024
https://www.thurrott.com/hardware/307235/new-raspberry-pi-5-model-is-just-50
CanaKit: Raspberry Pi AI Kit
Date: August 2024
https://www.canakit.com/raspberry-pi-ai-kit.html
PCWorld: Why You Should Get a Mini PC Instead of a Laptop
Date: August 2024
https://www.pcworld.com/article/2419994/why-you-should-get-a-mini-pc-instead-of-a-laptop.html
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Erik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-Host
Website: erikchristiansen.net
Kris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-Host Website
Website: krishans.ca
Show notes created with help from ChatGPT 4.
The transcript is AI-generated. Please excuse any errors.
...more
1h 7min
April 11, 202464: Mac Mini M1 & AI Retrospective
In this episode, Kris takes us through a comprehensive three-year journey with his M1 Mac Mini, sharing insights and experiences that highlight the device's impact and longevity. Our co-hosts also weigh in, exploring other Apple computers that merit consideration and diving deep into the current state of artificial intelligence. The discussion branches out to speculate on Apple's future moves in AI and what the integration of local large language models into our everyday devices and apps could mean for users.
Links Mentioned in the Episode:
Mac Mini - Apple: https://www.apple.com/ca/mac-mini/
Introducing GPTs - OpenAI: https://openai.com/blog/introducing-gpts
Create or Edit a Copilot GPT with Microsoft Copilot GPT Builder - Microsoft: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/create-or-edit-a-copilot-gpt-with-microsoft-copilot-gpt-builder-cbff42b9-25a9-41b7-95ec-93462d04904b
Sal Soghoian - Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sal_Soghoian?oldformat=true
Mac OS X Automation: https://macosxautomation.com/
Sal Soghoian - Automation Advocate - The Omni Show: https://theomnishow.omnigroup.com/episode/sal-soghoian-automation-advocate
Sal Soghoian Leaves Apple - MacSparky: https://www.macsparky.com/blog/2016/11/sal-soghoian-leaves-apple/
As we look to the future, it's clear that technology and artificial intelligence will continue to evolve in intriguing and potentially unexpected ways. Stay tuned for our next episode, where we'll continue to dissect the tech trends shaping our world.
Erik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-Host
Website: erikchristiansen.net
Kris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-Host Website: krishans.ca
Website: krishans.ca
Show notes created with help from ChatGPT 4.
The transcript is AI-generated. Please excuse any errors.
...more
1h 15min
December 08, 202363: AI Soap Opera & Velcro Hacks
In this episode, Erik and Kris tackle the unfolding drama at OpenAI and its implications. Kris discusses his recent AI panel discussion at MRU, while Erik offers an overview of his latest home organization project. Both hosts will share their holiday gift guide tips, perfect for the tech-savvy and the organized.
SHOW NOTES
AI Soap Opera
OpenAI Announces Leadership Transition (OpenAI Blog): OpenAI announces significant changes in its leadership structure.
Sam Altman Returns as CEO of OpenAI (The Verge): Sam Altman reclaims the CEO position at OpenAI, marking a new chapter for the company.
AI Panel Discussion Highlights:
Context of AI in Research: Discussing the evolving role of AI in academic and professional research settings.
Panelist Introductions: Each panelist shares their background and how AI intersects with their research.
Diverse Perspectives on AI: Highlighting unique insights from each panelist, providing a broad view of AI's role in different research areas.
Practical Applications of AI: Exploring how panelists currently use AI in their work, including specific tools and methodologies.
Successes and Challenges: Discussing what has worked well in AI-driven research and addressing the limitations and issues faced.
The Future of AI in Research: Debating whether AI is a permanent fixture in research and the value of investing in AI knowledge and tools.
AI as Collaborator or Competitor: Examining views on whether AI is augmenting human research capabilities or posing a threat to traditional research roles.
Human Skills vs. AI Capabilities: Delving into which human skills might remain irreplaceable by AI and what research aspects can be effectively outsourced to AI technologies.
Impact on Research Quality: Analyzing how AI tools influence the quality and rigor of research and their implications for academic integrity.
Ethical Considerations in AI Research: Addressing the pressing ethical concerns in integrating AI into research and discussing potential norms for ethical AI use.
AI, Accessibility, and Inclusivity: Exploring the implications of AI on inclusivity in research, especially between well-funded and under-funded programs, and discussing measures for fair representation.
Organizational Guide:
Cable Management: Emphasize the importance of Velcro ties for efficient cable organization.
Labeling Essentials: Discuss the use of label tape and whiteout pens for clear labeling, even without a label maker.
Consistent Systems: Stress the importance of grouping related items and maintaining a consistent organizational system.
Space Utilization: Highlight the use of 3M Command hooks for maximizing space, especially inside cupboards.
Document Organization: Recommend accordion folders for essential document storage, such as receipts and manuals.
Life Consolidation: Encourage listeners to avoid having multiples of items and to refrain from collecting unnecessary tools (e.g., notebooks, notes apps, to-do lists).
Digitization and Decluttering: Advice on using a scanner app to digitize important papers, followed by shredding the physical copies, except for sentimental items like children's artwork or personal journals.
Regular Use and Review: Suggest using items regularly and assessing their utility. If something is not being used or can't be organized for occasional use, consider removing it.
Routine Organization: Recommend organizing the home weekly and undertaking a major organization twice a year. Each session should focus on consolidating and reducing possessions to make the process more manageable over time.
Holiday Gift Guide:
Field Notes
UniBall Jetstream Pens
Pentel EnerGel Pens
Sakura Pigma Micron Pens
USB-C to A Adapters
"The Daily Stoic" Book
Asus Optical Drive
Logitech MX Vertical Mouse
Evoluent Mouse
Kobo Clara 2E E-Reader
Erik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-Host
Website: erikchristiansen.net
Kris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-Host Website: krishans.ca
Website: krishans.ca
Show notes created with help from ChatGPT 4.
The transcript is AI-generated. Please excuse any errors.
...more
1h 35min
November 10, 202362: Megahertz & Mandating AI Morals
This week Erik and Kris discuss Apple's Halloween-themed 'Scary Fast' event and its slew of new tech, the implications of Biden's AI executive order, and OpenAI's influence on startup innovation.
Show Notes
The Verge, "Apple's Spooky 'Scary Fast' Event Introduces M3 Chip Family,"
Provides an overview of Apple's October 30th, 2023 event with a Halloween theme and evening timing. Highlights include the M3 chip family introduction and updates to the iMac and MacBook Pro models, new color options, Touch Bar removal, and accessory port choices.
MacRumors, "Everything Announced at Apple's October 2023 Event,"
Covers specifics of the M3 series chips, the new Space Black MacBook Pro, product configurations, battery life, pricing, performance enhancements, the discontinuation of older models, and product availability.
Macworld, "Apple's Evening 'Scary Fast' Mac Event Highlights,"
Dives into Apple's first evening event, detailing GPU improvements, the M3 chip family introduction, new Space Black color options, and Apple's marketing and event filming techniques.
Macworld, "Apple Event Critique: M3 Chips and Marketing Shifts,"
Focuses on the release of the M3 chips, the pricing strategy for the new MacBook Pro, and the event's experimental presentation style, including filming with an iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Six Colors, "A Magic Number: New MacBook Pros and iMacs Usher in the M3 Era,"
Likely analyzes the impact of the M3 chip on the new MacBook Pros and iMacs, discussing the broader implications for Apple's product lineup and the tech industry.
Vox, "Biden's Latest AI Executive Order,"
Discusses the new executive order by President Biden aimed at regulating AI technology and its ethical use, detailing the government's approach to fostering innovation while ensuring privacy, security, and equity.
Futurism, "OpenAI's Stance on Startups and Tech Utilization,"
Explores OpenAI's position on how startups can leverage its technology, highlighting the potential impacts on innovation and the startup ecosystem, with insights into the balance between collaboration and competition.
Erik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-Host
Website: erikchristiansen.net
Kris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-Host Website: krishans.ca
Website: krishans.ca
Show notes created with help from ChatGPT 4.
The transcript is AI-generated. Please excuse any errors.
...more
1h 28min
October 13, 202361: Big 4 Hardware Round Up
This week Erik and Kris discuss hardware and software events by Apple, Microsoft, and Google, and throw in some Meta news for fun. Both co-hosts have been working flat out the last two weeks, so this episode is a little later than normal. Thank you for your patience!
Apple iPhone Event
Article Title: Apple iPhone 15 event announcements (Source: The Verge)
Summary: Apple's annual iPhone event showcased the iPhone 15 with its new chipset and improved camera functionalities. The event also marked the introduction of the Apple Watch Ultra, updated AirPods Pro, and USB-C compatibility for certain products.
Microsoft & AI Event
Article Title: Microsoft Surface Copilot event 2023: biggest announcements (Source: The Verge)
Summary: Microsoft's latest event featured the Surface Copilot, emphasizing a future rich in AI integration across hardware. Other announcements included new products aimed at enhancing productivity and enriching user experience.
Article Title: Panos Panay, leader of the Surface and Windows teams, is leaving Microsoft (Source: Ars Technica)
Summary: Panos Panay, an instrumental figure behind Microsoft's Surface and Windows divisions, is departing from the company. His exit raises questions about potential shifts in Microsoft's hardware and software strategies.
Article Title: Satya Nadella testifies in U.S. v Google and admits to AI search failure (Source: Thurrott)
Summary: Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella's recent testimony in the U.S. v Google antitrust case involved admitting to the company's shortcomings in AI search capabilities. The testimony could have ripple effects on ongoing and future antitrust investigations.
https://www.inc.com/jason-aten/why-microsofts-ceo-satya-nadella-says-its-co-pilot-ai-assistant-will-be-as-significant-as-pc.html
Google Pixel Event
Article Title: The Morning After: Pixel 8 Pro, Bard AI, and everything else from Google's Pixel event (Source: Engadget)
Summary: Google's most recent Pixel event revealed the Pixel 8 Pro, which comes with enhanced camera capabilities and improved processing power. Additionally, Bard AI was introduced as an innovative accessibility feature aiming to assist users with disabilities.
Facebook Rayban Stories
Article Title: Facebook Isn’t Giving Up on Ray-Ban Stories, Even if It Should
Summary: Facebook is persistently pushing its Ray-Ban Stories project, a foray into the smart eyewear market, despite lackluster reviews. The company remains optimistic about the long-term prospects of the product, in spite of critical skepticism.
CONTACT
Website:examining.ca
Twitter: @ExaminingPod
Erik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-Host
Website: erikchristiansen.net
Kris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-Host Website: krishans.ca
Website: krishans.ca

Show notes created with help from ChatGPT 4.
The transcript is AI-generated. Please excuse any errors.
...more
1h 24min
September 08, 2023 60: AI Hype
Examining is a technology-focused podcast that dives deep. Our co-hosts, Erik Christiansen and Kris Hans examine the technology industry, branding, productivity, and education, and provide practical tech tips. As we make this transition to "Examining" we will be updating our various account links, so please bear with us.
SHOW NOTES
YouTube: This video is titled “YouTube” and is available on the YouTube platform
Harvard Business Review: How to Prepare for a GenAI Future You Can’t Predict
ZDNet: 75% of businesses are implementing or considering bans on ChatGPT
Slate: Amazon Web Services isn’t trying to win the A.I. race. It wants to own the road
CONTACT
Website:examining.ca
Twitter: @ExaminingPod
Erik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-Host
Website: erikchristiansen.net
Kris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-Host Website: krishans.ca
Website: krishans.ca
(Show notes created with help from Bing Chat AI)
...more
1h 12min
August 04, 2023 59: AI Detectors. Friend or Foe?
In this episode, Kris and Erik discuss up on AI detector tools, Microsoft 365 Copilot pricing, US Ed Department AI guidance, and more.
SHOW NOTES
OpenAI Quietly Shutters Its AI Detection Tool https://decrypt.co/149826/openai-quietly-shutters-its-ai-detection-tool?amp=1
AI text detection tools are really easy to fool https://www.technologyreview.com/2023/07/07/1075982/ai-text-detection-tools-are-really-easy-to-fool/
Microsoft 365 Copilot AI tool will cost $30 per month https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/microsoft-365-copilot-ai-tool-will-cost-30-per-month/
Sunday afternoon is the best time to email coworkers, according to research https://www.fastcompany.com/90930402/sunday-afternoon-best-time-email-coworkers-research
U.S. Department of Education Shares Insights and Recommendations on Artificial Intelligence https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/us-department-education-shares-insights-and-recommendations-artificial-intelligence
Windows 11 Field Guide https://leanpub.com/windows11fieldguide
How to Export Your Bing AI Chat History https://www.makeuseof.com/export-bing-ai-chat-history/
CONTACT
Website: edtechexamined.com
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @EdTechExamined
Erik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-Host
Website: erikchristiansen.net
Kris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-Host Website: krishans.ca
Website: krishans.ca
(Show notes created with help from Bing Chat AI)
...more
27min
July 07, 2023 58: AI Rocks, Big Tech Sucks
In this episode, Kris and Erik discuss AI data scraping, the academy's under-preparedness for AI, how Kris allows AI use in his class, Apple news (new MacBook Air and Vision Pro headset), prompt engineering, RSS readers, and how to greyscale your phone screen to reduce usage.
SHOW NOTES
The Verge: Apple’s headset and augmented reality rumors. This article discusses rumors about Apple’s headset and augmented reality. It covers the latest news from WWDC 2023. https://www.theverge.com/2023/6/4/23747110/apple-headset-augmented-reality-vr-industry-rumors-wwdc-2023
Chronicle: ChatGPT usage among students. This article discusses how students are using ChatGPT. It includes an interview with a student who uses ChatGPT frequently. https://www.chronicle.com/article/im-a-student-you-have-no-idea-how-much-were-using-chatgpt
Harvard Business Review: AI prompt engineering. This article discusses how AI prompt engineering is not the future. It covers the importance of human input in AI development. https://hbr.org/2023/06/ai-prompt-engineering-isnt-the-future
Calgary Herald: Educators unprepared for AI. This article discusses how educators are unprepared for artificial intelligence. It covers the challenges that educators face in teaching AI. https://calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/educators-wholly-unprepared-for-artificial-intelligence
Chronicle: Caught off guard by AI. This article discusses how people are caught off guard by AI. It covers the challenges that people face in understanding AI. https://www.chronicle.com/article/caught-off-guard-by-ai
SSRN: The impact of AI on employment. This paper discusses the impact of AI on employment. It covers the challenges that people face in understanding AI. https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4475995
Engadget: Apple Vision Pro hands-on. This article discusses Apple Vision Pro hands-on. It covers the latest news about mixed reality. https://www.engadget.com/apple-vision-pro-hands-on-a-new-milestone-for-mixed-reality-060943291.html
The Verge: The death of Google Reader. This article discusses the death of Google Reader. It covers the history of RSS and social media. https://www.theverge.com/23778253/google-reader-death-2013-rss-social
Macworld: iOS 17 small changes and features. This article discusses small changes and features in iOS 17. It covers new features like Notes, Spotlight, and medication timers. https://www.macworld.com/article/1944314/ios-17-small-changes-features-notes-spotlight-medication-timers.html
CONTACT
Website: edtechexamined.com
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @EdTechExamined
Erik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-Host
Website: erikchristiansen.net
Kris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-Host Website: krishans.ca
Website: krishans.ca
(Show notes created with help from Bing Chat AI)
...more
1h 32min
June 02, 2023 57: Rewind - Atomic Effort
This episode originally launched August 5th, 2022.
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In this episode, Erik and Kris review essential Windows 10 tips, edtech privacy in schools, tech industry layoffs, 3D Google Maps, Chromebook updates, Intel mini desktops, and iOS Lockdown Mode. Kris reviews the book Atomic Habits by James Clear, and Erik reviews the book Effortless by Greg McKeown.
SHOW NOTES:
Links
Windows Tips from How To Geek: 10 hidden windows features you should be using
Human Right Watch: Online learning products enables surveillance of children
The Economic Times: Why edtech needs a deep renovation
McKinsey & Company (consulting): Demand for online education is growing. Are providers ready?
Times Colonist: We need to ensure education technology doesn’t amplify inequality
Tech Crunch: Google maps rolls out location sharing notification, immersive views and better bike navigation
ArsTechnica: Google Maps is getting 3D imagery on mobile, detailed biking info, and more
Thurrott: Google is bringing a video editor and virtual desktops to chromebooks
Tech Crunch: Denmark bans Chromebooks and Google Workspace in schools over data transfer
Tech Radar: Intel NUC 12 could be a mini PC powerhouse
CNET: Apple’s new Lockdown Mode on iOS 16 could protect you from cyber attacks
Books
Atomic Habits - James Clear
*Resources from Book: https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits/resources
Effortless - Greg McKeown
CONTACT
Website: edtechexamined.com
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @EdTechExamined
Erik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-Host
Website: erikchristiansen.net
Kris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-Host
Website: krishans.ca
Christopher Hoang, Audio Producer & Sound Engineer
Website: chrishoang.ca
...more
1h 32min

FAQs about Examining:

How many episodes does Examining have?

The podcast currently has 71 episodes available.