In this episode, we dive into the TikTok ban saga. With President-elect Donald Trump pledging an executive order to delay the ban, we discuss the legal battles, national security concerns, and what this means for TikTok’s 170 million US users.

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In episode number 1792 of Geek News Central, hosted by Todd Cochrane, the main focus was on the ongoing saga of TikTok’s legal battles and the implications of potential bans and relief measures. The episode was aired on a cold January 20th, with Todd battling a cold but committed to delivering the news.

Todd began by discussing the executive order by President Trump to delay the ban on TikTok, which had caused the app to temporarily shut down its service to its 170 million US users. This decision provided a reprieve for TikTok and allowed more time for a potential deal to be structured that could influence the platform’s future operations in the U.S.

Throughout the episode, Todd emphasized the importance of content creators diversifying their platforms to avoid reliance on a single service, especially in light of the regulatory uncertainties surrounding apps like TikTok. He highlighted how developers and other social media platforms were hurriedly launching new features to capitalize on potential shifts in user bases from TikTok.

Todd also touched on several other news stories, including the involvement of Elon Musk in discussions around TikTok’s ownership and potential partnerships, a human-robot marathon in China, the crackdown on telecom cybersecurity threats by the FCC, and the responsibilities of content platforms under the newly integrated European commitments to tackle illegal hate speech.

Additionally, Todd covered a few infrastructural topics, such as AI’s potential to complement human skills rather than replace jobs, recent hacks leading to massive data leaks, and various updates in the tech industry from companies like Samsung and SpaceX.

Towards the end of the podcast, while dealing with his cold, Todd also shared some lighter news about a study on contagious urination among chimps, demonstrating his ability to interject humor into the discussion.

The episode concluded with Todd encouraging listeners to engage with Geek News Central through various platforms, share deals from the podcast’s sponsor, GoDaddy, and look forward to the up-and-coming episodes.

The post TikTok Ban Drama: Trump’s Executive Order #1792 appeared first on Geek News Central.

The Biden administration’s “AI diffusion rule” restricts the export of GPUs crucial for AI, primarily to curb China’s AI advancements. The rule establishes three licensing tiers, with China and other adversarial nations effectively barred from accessing top-tier GPUs. Critics, including the Semiconductor Industry Association and NVIDIA, argue the policy risks harming U.S. competitiveness and fostering alliances with China. A 120-day comment period leaves its fate uncertain.

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In this episode of Geek News Central, host Todd Cochrane begins by discussing the Biden administration’s new AI diffusion rule, which limits the export of GPUs crucial for AI development. This measure primarily targets China and other adversarial nations, aiming to curb their advancements in AI technology. Todd notes the criticisms from industry associations and companies like NVIDIA, who argue that such restrictions could undermine US competitiveness.

Following this, Todd gives a shoutout to the podcast’s sponsor, GoDaddy, mentioning exclusive deals and discounts available through Geek News Central. He encourages listeners to support the podcast by becoming a GNC insider and discusses the interactive experiences available through modern podcast apps, which enhance the live podcast listening experience.

Throughout the episode, Todd touches on various topics, ranging from his anecdotes about his cat Sylvester to discussions about natural disasters and community self-reliance. He also comments on the impact of California wildfires and emphasizes the importance of individual preparedness in the face of catastrophe.

Todd ventures further into a wide array of tech news. He delves into the ramifications of the AI diffusion rules, suggesting that restricting GPU exports to certain countries can be seen as a protective measure for U.S technological interests. He also covers tech-related updates, including a phishing trick targeting iPhone users, a trending migration of TikTok users to a Chinese app called RedNote, and details about new internet laws in New York mandating affordable internet plans for low-income individuals.

He shifts focus to speak about Tesla recalling vehicles due to rearview camera issues and various developments in cryptocurrency and broadband access. The podcast also hones in on Apple’s decision not to fix a complex bug, Samsung’s strategy to buy back old phones, and the Mastodon social network transitioning its management structure.

The episode wraps up with Todd encouraging listeners to engage with the show through various platforms and sharing his plans for attending Podfest and his subsequent family visit in Orlando.

Overall, the episode melds significant policy news with a broad swath of technology updates, personal stories, and listener engagement prompts, characteristic of Todd Cochrane’s engaging presentation style.

The post Biden’s “AI Diffusion Rule” Targets Export Limits on AI GPUs #1791 appeared first on Geek News Central.

Elon Musk claims AI companies have exhausted available human knowledge for training models, pushing reliance on synthetic data. While firms like Meta, Google, and OpenAI already use AI-generated data for fine-tuning, challenges such as hallucinations and diminishing returns arise. Experts warn overusing synthetic data risks “model collapse,” while copyright disputes over data usage intensify.

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In this episode of Geek News Central, hosted by Todd Cochrane, the main story discusses Elon Musk’s claim that AI companies have exhausted all available human knowledge for training AI models, prompting a shift towards synthetic data. The episode numbered 1790 and dated January 9, begins with Todd acknowledging the challenges and legal complications tied to the usage of synthetic data in AI development, including potential inaccuracies and copyright issues.

Todd starts the episode with a mention of the sponsor, GoDaddy, and encourages listeners to support the podcast through subscriptions and sponsor discounts. He shares his personal travel experiences, talks about troubleshooting computer updates after his trip, and schedules for an upcoming live segment for the New Media Show.

Throughout the episode, Todd engages with various items he received while away, including tech gadgets and unexpected gifts like a honey selection, showcasing his interactive and enthusiastic podcast style. Then, he dives back into the main topics: the implications of AI’s use of human data and the use of synthetic data. Todd invites listener feedback on these AI developments and their potential impacts.

Following the news segment, Todd shifts to discuss recent legal challenges involving internet anonymity and privacy, as well as exciting new tech from CES, including AI advancements and personal tech applications. He reviews how new gadgets from CES might influence consumer choices and highlights how AI technology may shape future legal and ethical norms. Additionally, the conversation covers current global events, including California wildfires, and delves into the professional and public repercussions of emerging technologies.

The episode wraps up with acknowledgments to podcast supporters and a preview of Todd’s plans, which include attending a podcast event in Orlando and what content will be covered in upcoming episodes. Todd closes the show by emphasizing community engagement and thanking listeners and sponsors for their support.

The post AI’s Data Dilemma: Exhausting Human Knowledge #1790 appeared first on Geek News Central.

I dive into a controversy shaking up the influencer world and online shopping landscape. A viral exposé has accused the popular browser extension, Honey, owned by PayPal, of deceptive practices that have sparked outrage among creators and consumers alike. Stay tuned as we unpack the allegations, the fallout, and the class-action lawsuit that could redefine trust in digital tools.

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In this episode of the podcast, host Todd Cochrane discusses a significant controversy involving the browser extension Honey, which PayPal owns. The episode opens with Todd giving a shoutout to the sponsor, GoDaddy, and acknowledging the listeners’ support. Todd shares a brief update about his recent vacation in the Philippines, noting cultural differences in holiday celebrations compared to the U.S.

Todd then delves into the episode’s main topic, the allegations against the Honey extension. He details accusations that Honey has been engaging in deceptive practices by using alternative promo codes, and bypassing influencers without giving them proper credit. This practice potentially redirects affiliate revenue from these influencers to Honey via their extension. Todd explains that a YouTuber named Mega Lag, among others, has raised these concerns, leading to a class-action lawsuit against PayPal. Influencers and online shoppers feel duped as Honey favors specific discount codes over others, which can negatively impact the influencers’ earnings and mislead consumers.

He passionately warns listeners about the implications of using Honey, advising them to manually enter promo codes to ensure influencers get the credit they deserve.

Todd covers recent industry news in the broader discussion, including cybersecurity issues, legal developments affecting tech companies, and updates on global and national events relevant to his listener base. He closes the episode with a forward-looking statement about an upcoming experimental feature in the podcast and a brief note on his travel plans, expressing his eagerness to engage with listeners in future episodes.

The post Influencers Versus Honey: A Fight for Fairness in Digital Revenue #1789 appeared first on Geek News Central.

In today’s show, I explore the controversies surrounding Chinese technology firms in the U.S., the FAA’s drone ban, and the latest in AI with Google’s Gemini 2.0. I dive into the critical security debates, industry advancements, and the implications of government policies on tech and consumer trust. Stay tuned for an insightful blend of tech updates and thoughtful analysis!”

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This episode of Geek News Central focuses predominantly on controversies and concerns surrounding Chinese technology in the U.S. market, especially potential bans and security issues. The episode begins with Todd discussing the latest developments from Google, which has launched an AI reasoning model called Gemini 2.0. This model is designed to solve complex problems through a structured, step-by-step analysis. Todd compares this advancement to OpenAI’s models and highlights its potential in Adjentic AI.

After acknowledging his sponsor, GoDaddy, and providing some standard promotional information, Todd delves deeper into more contentious technology-related topics. He discusses the FAA’s temporary drone ban in New Jersey, suggesting government involvement and secrecy regarding drone activities. This segment introduces skepticism toward official explanations and hints at more considerable governmental control and privacy issues.

Most of the episode revolves around Chinese technology firms and their ongoing struggles within the U.S. market. Todd discusses the situation with DJI, a leading drone manufacturer that narrowly escaped a U.S. ban but faces ongoing scrutiny to prove its products do not pose a national security risk. Similarly, he talks about TP-Link, a primary networking equipment provider whose products are under threat of being banned due to security vulnerabilities and the company’s reluctance to collaborate with security researchers.

Todd provides comprehensive coverage of these issues, linking them to broader concerns about Chinese companies’ dominance in various tech sectors and the implications for U.S. security and consumer trust. He describes how TP-Link products are prevalent in public WiFi setups, potentially posing risks if misused for data espionage.

As Todd moves through these discussions, he intermittently reminds listeners about the podcast’s sponsors and upcoming schedule changes due to the holiday season. He closes with general commentary on AI policy suggestions from U.S. bipartisan groups, forthcoming developments in electric vehicle infrastructure, and the potential for new regulations that may impact how technology interacts with everyday life, like enhanced seatbelt warnings in vehicles.

Throughout the episode, Todd maintains a tone that blends tech industry insights with a critical view of government policies and corporate actions, especially concerning the trustworthiness and security implications of China’s widely-used technology products.

The post Chinese Technology Bans in the US Market #1788 appeared first on Geek News Central.

Google DeepMind introduces Veo 2, a cutting-edge video-generating AI capable of producing 4K, two-minute clips—significantly surpassing OpenAI’s Sora in resolution and duration. While Veo 2’s capabilities are currently capped at 720p and eight seconds within Google’s VideoFX tool, broader access is planned through Google’s Vertex AI as the technology scales.

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In this episode of Geek News Central, hosted by Todd Cochrane, the primary focus is a significant advancement in artificial intelligence technology: Google DeepMind’s release of Veo 2, a state-of-the-art video-generating AI. Todd begins the episode by detailing Veo 2’s capabilities, highlighting its potential to produce 4K two-minute video clips, which significantly surpasses the performance of OpenAI’s Sora in both resolution and duration.

Todd acknowledges Google’s plans for broader access to this technology through its Vertex AI service as it scales, despite the current limitations of 720p eight-second clips within Google’s VideoFX tool.

Throughout the podcast, Todd mentions Geek News Central’s sponsor, GoDaddy, several times and promotes their exclusive deals and discounts to listeners. Todd encourages interaction and participation from his audience, inviting them to experience the show live through modern podcast apps that allow real-time engagement.

Todd discusses various tech-related topics, including OpenAI’s developments with ChatGPT, potential regulatory actions against TikTok, growing concerns regarding job scams, and the ongoing curiosities surrounding the purpose of mysterious drone flights. Additional discussions touch on personal or practical matters, such as travel plans and Todd’s anticipation of returning to cold weather. He also reflects on the disparities in his work-life balance based on his schedule.

In tech updates, Todd covers a wide range of subjects, including Apple’s potential innovations in foldable devices, Amazon’s labor activities, the influence of artificial intelligence in smartphones perceived as gimmicky, and significant cybersecurity threats affecting WordPress sites and Rhode Island’s benefit system.

The episode concludes with Todd announcing a brief holiday hiatus and reminding listeners that there will be no shows during the week of December 23rd as he plans to disconnect for the holidays. He assures listeners that regular programming will resume post-holiday, with more insights and coverage on the latest in tech. Todd’s sign-off reinforces his commitment to bringing valuable content to his listeners and maintaining the interactive and informative nature of Geek News Central.

The post Google DeepMind Unveils Veo 2: A Next-Gen Video AI #1787 appeared first on Geek News Central.

In this episode, I explore Google’s groundbreaking announcement of Gemini 2.0, its latest AI model family. With twice the speed and enhanced multi-modal capabilities, Gemini 2.0 enables text, image, and audio generation in a single API call. We explore its revolutionary applications, from integrating directly into GitHub workflows with the experimental code agent Jules to paving the way for agentic AI that plans, reasons, and acts under user guidance. Discover how Gemini 2.0 is reshaping productivity and the AI landscape.

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In this episode of Geek News Central, host Todd Cochrane dives into the release of Google’s latest AI model, Gemini 2.0. This groundbreaking technology promises enhanced multi-modal capabilities, enabling users to generate text, images, and audio with a single API call. Todd explores how Gemini 2.0 integrates into GitHub workflows with the Jules code agent and its potential to redefine productivity by supporting more autonomous, AI-driven decision-making.

Todd gives shout-outs to Geek News Central’s sponsor, GoDaddy, highlighting their ongoing support and exclusive deals for listeners. He also invites listeners to become ‘GNC Insiders’ to support the podcast further and mentions where to find more content and how to engage with the show through various channels.

The podcast also covers Todd’s thoughts on various streaming and recording platforms, discussing the challenges and compromises with video quality and functionality. Integrating new team members and managing workloads are also topics of personal reflection.

The comprehensive news segment features discussions on a wide variety of subjects, including:

Additionally, Todd addresses various developments in the tech world, from the restructuring of large corporations and the consequences of innovative transportation solutions like GM’s Cruise to legislative challenges affecting the tech industry.

In concluding the episode, Todd mentions his work strain and previews the upcoming podcast schedule around the Christmas holiday, reassuring listeners that the podcast will continue to deliver engaging and informative content.

This episode skillfully introduces promising technological advancements while thoughtfully commenting on current tech and media landscapes. Thus, it provides listeners with a comprehensive snapshot of the ever-evolving world of technology.

The post Gemini 2.0: A New Frontier in Agentic AI Solutions #1786 appeared first on Geek News Central.

Sora, the cutting-edge AI video generation model, moves beyond research with the launch of Sora Turbo. Available at Sora.com for ChatGPT Plus and Pro users, the model offers faster video creation with resolutions up to 1080p and versatile aspect ratios. Features include a storyboard tool, remixing options, and community-generated content feeds. Sora’s release emphasizes transparency and safety, with safeguards like metadata and watermarks to curb misuse. The Pro plan unlocks higher resolutions and extended usage, empowering users to redefine storytelling.

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Full Summary:

**Introduction:**

**Sponsor Shoutout:**

**Listener Engagement:**

**Additional Announcements:**

**Tech Commentary:**

**European Union Regulations:**

**Closing Comments:**

**Conclusion:**

The post Sora Turbo: A New Era in AI Video Generation #1785 appeared first on Geek News Central.

OpenAI’s ChatGPT has reached an impressive milestone with 1 billion daily messages and 300 million weekly active users. CEO Sam Altman shared this growth, highlighting its increasing role in daily life and its widespread adoption by over 1.3 million US developers. This marks a sharp rise from February 2023, when it first hit 100 million weekly users. OpenAI is also gearing up for 12 days of live streams showcasing new tools, possibly including the video-generating AI tool Sora. Users are advised to stay mindful of sharing personal data.

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In this episode of Geek News Central, hosted by Todd Cochrane, the primary focus is on the remarkable growth of OpenAI’s ChatGPT, which has now achieved a milestone of one billion daily messages and 300 million weekly active users. Todd provides an overview of this significant development and discusses OpenAI’s plans to introduce new tools in upcoming live streams, including a potential new video-generating AI tool named Sora. The episode also touches on the importance of user data privacy with such technologies.

Following the lead story, Todd gives a shoutout to the episode’s sponsor, GoDaddy, which offers exclusive deals and discounts. He encourages listeners to check out various podcast apps for an enhanced live listening experience and appreciates the podcast’s community. He also provides ways listeners can support and interact with the show.

Todd then delves into a plethora of tech and general interest news topics. He discusses a new tier introduced by OpenAI that is priced at $200 monthly and offers advanced features. He elaborates on the significance of 300 million active users reaching out quickly to a billion queries daily. Beyond technological advances, Todd mentions a new type of battery developed using carbon-14 that could last thousands of years, which is crucial for long-term energy storage in various applications.

Additional stories covered in the episode include a record high for Bitcoin, confirming its market influence under political changes, subsequent impacts of new Windows updates on various systems, and extensive security recommendations for online shopping during the holiday season. There are also remarks on the legal actions against Amazon for slower deliveries in specific areas, the implications of an extensive hacking campaign by China on U.S. telecom firms, and various cybersecurity topics reflecting the ever-changing digital landscape.

The episode also highlights other topics from various fields, such as new technological rollouts, business updates on crypto and AI, environmental concerns, and intriguing new products like the hurricane-force hairdryer from L’Oréal and innovative electric vehicle protocols.

Todd concludes the podcast by inviting feedback through social media and emails. He appreciates the audience’s support and hint at upcoming announcements and content for future episodes. He signs off by wishing everyone well and encouraging them to stay engaged and informed through the Geek News Central platform.

The post The Rise of ChatGPT: OpenAI’s Path to 300 Million Users #1784 appeared first on Geek News Central.

Have you ever wondered when your time might come? The Death Clock app uses AI and data from 1,200 life expectancy studies to make educated guesses about your lifespan. By analyzing your habits and lifestyle, it provides predictions—and even offers tips to live longer (if you’re willing to pay). Is it science or just a curiosity? I would predict that most people don’t want to know their expected death timeline.

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In Episode No. 1783 of Geek News Central, host Todd Cochrane delves into the lead topic of “The Death Clock App,” an application that uses artificial intelligence and data from 1,200 life expectancy studies to predict users’ death dates. Todd explores whether this concept is mere scientific curiosity or has practical value. He introduces the app’s features, including personalized longevity tips available for purchase, provoking thought about the intersection of technology and mortality.

The episode continues with Todd discussing various segments and sponsors. He thanks the episode sponsor, GoDaddy, and highlights promotional offerings available to the listeners through Geek News Central website links. Additionally, he emphasizes listener engagement via social media platforms and email and urges listeners to support the podcast by becoming a “GNC insider.”

Subsequently, Todd comments on his personal experiences around Thanksgiving, describing a dinner he attended in the Philippines. He shares casual anecdotes about day-to-day activities, setting a relatable backdrop for his global audience.

The discussion shifts back to technology topics as Todd critiques the potential implications of apps like the Death Clock on insurance industries and consumer data privacy. He also covers various tech and social issues, including the role of artificial intelligence in combating spam calls, with the introduction of a chatbot named Daisy in the UK.

Other notable topics include commentary on Tesla’s potential market advantages in the era of self-driving cars, insights on NASA’s considerations for moon astronaut rescues, and broader discussions about Microsoft’s challenges with Windows 11 uptake.

Towards the end of the episode, Todd transitions to a discussion on the impact of remote work on employee privacy, critiquing companies like Apple for their surveillance policies. He finishes by encouraging digital vigilance among his listeners, particularly when engaging with senior family members about scams.

The episode wraps up with Todd reinforcing the importance of listener support through subscriptions and participation in promotional offers from GoDaddy, followed by a quick rundown of methods for supporting the podcast via various online platforms and subscription models. Todd concludes with acknowledgments and a reminder about the continued evolution of the podcast’s engagement approaches, teasing what’s next for Geek News Central’s platform.

The post Predicting Your Demise – The Death Clock App #1783 appeared first on Geek News Central.