Geek News Central Podcast (Video)

Today, I delve into a high-stakes legal battle between OpenAI and major news outlets like The New York Times and Daily News. These publishers allege OpenAI improperly used their copyrighted content to train AI models, and now, a data loss by OpenAI has escalated the case.

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In this episode of Geek News Central, host Todd Cochrane delves into a series of tech-themed stories, kicking off with a legal battle between OpenAI and major news outlets such as The New York Times and Daily News. These publishers accuse OpenAI of misusing their copyrighted content to train AI models, a situation exacerbated by a data loss incident at OpenAI that could affect the proceedings. Todd explains that computing resources provided by OpenAI to the plaintiffs for investigating this issue were erased, causing significant setbacks in their legal challenge.

Following this headline coverage, Todd discusses updates about his podcasting company, Blubrry, including hiring new team members who are unfamiliar with podcasting. He shifts into personal updates, mentioning his schedule in the Philippines and casual remarks on staying hydrated and enjoying some days off.

The episode then continues with an array of tech news topics. He comments on various issues, including a significant court case suggesting Google might need to divest Chrome to reduce its market control, problems related to QR code security, and challenges Meta faces in managing identity verification and scams through its platforms. Todd also discusses new advancements like Android’s upcoming feature that would simplify logging into apps on new devices and internal expansions like Apple’s rumored specifications for the next iPhone SE.

Todd also briefly touches on international and financial news, from NASA’s waste management challenges for lunar missions to the impacts of potential tariffs on diverse consumer goods imported from China. In wrapping up, he notes a series of personal anecdotes and expresses appreciation for the podcast’s supporters and sponsors. Throughout the episode, Todd underscores the importance of innovative technology and digital security, interspersed with updates about ongoing personal projects and developments within Blubrry.

The post OpenAI Faces Allegations of Data Loss in Copyright Dispute #1781 appeared first on Geek News Central.

The Department of Justice is making bold moves against Google, urging the tech giant to sell its Chrome browser to address illegal monopolization of the search market. This historic antitrust effort could reshape the digital landscape by enforcing AI restrictions and data licensing requirements and unbundling Android from Google’s other services. The DOJ’s proposals aim to create a fairer competitive space in both online search and the emerging AI ecosystem by targeting Google’s core tools for ad revenue and market dominance.

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Title: DOJ Pushes Google to Sell Chrome Amid Antitrust Battle

In this episode of Geek News Central, host Todd Cochrane discusses a variety of tech stories, with a focus on a significant legal development involving Google. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has proposed that Google should sell its Chrome browser to prevent monopolistic control over the search market. This move is part of a broader antitrust crackdown that also suggests implementing restrictions on AI and unbundling Android services from Google’s other operations.

Todd starts the episode by outlining the details of the DOJ’s proposal, highlighting its potential to reshape the tech industry by creating a fairer competitive environment, particularly in online search and AI. He expresses anticipation and skepticism about the long-term effects and Google’s responses to these legal challenges.

Throughout the episode, Todd also touches on various other tech stories:

Additionally, Todd briefly mentions new products and updates in the tech world:

In a continuing segment about hiring and workplace updates, Todd shares that Blubrry, the podcast hosting platform he leads, has made a new hire, discussing the detailed process and the competitive package offered to candidates.

Closing out the episode, Todd discusses cybersecurity and tech regulatory concerns, including potential changes at U.S. cybersecurity agencies and issues raised by antitrust probes into Microsoft’s dealings with U.S. governmental bodies.

Todd wraps up by thanking his listeners and sponsors, reminding them of various promotional deals available through GoDaddy, and encouraging listener engagement and feedback through different platforms and social media channels.

This packed episode not only covers critical legal battles involving one of the tech world’s giants, Google but also encapsulates a broad spectrum of global tech developments, reflecting Todd’s deep engagement with and insights into the world of technology.

The post DOJ Targets Google’s Chrome in Groundbreaking Antitrust Case #1780 appeared first on Geek News Central.

The Onion, known for its satirical news, has acquired Alex Jones’ Infowars in a bankruptcy auction. The site, notorious for spreading conspiracy theories, will be reimagined and relaunched in 2025, focusing on humor and advocacy. The acquisition aims to replace disinformation with socially conscious satire, supported by Sandy Hook families. The Onion has also secured a multi-year advertising deal with Everytown for Gun Safety. CEO Ben Collins promises the revamped site will feature contributions from the best satirical minds.

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In this episode of Geek News Central, hosted by Todd Cochrane, the main topic discusses the news of The Onion acquiring Alex Jones’ Infowars in a bankruptcy auction. Todd elaborates on the plans for Infowars, which include rebranding and relaunching the site in 2025 with a new focus on humor and advocacy, supported by the families affected by the Sandy Hook tragedy. The revamped Infowars will engage in socially conscious satire, a stark pivot from its previous notoriety for spreading conspiracy theories. This move has also secured a beneficial advertising partnership with Everytown for Gun Safety.

Throughout the episode, Todd Cochrane delves into various tech-related topics after acknowledging the podcast’s sponsors, GoDaddy, emphasizing exclusive deals and discounts offered to listeners. He discusses multiple news items affecting the tech landscape, including potential regulatory changes affecting Google’s operations in Europe, developments at Disney and Amazon affecting their market strategies and product offerings, and personal insights on various gadgets and technologies that listeners might find useful or intriguing.

The podcast also covers broader societal issues as Todd mentions developments from Sonos and the wider impacts of cybersecurity threats observed in various U.S. entities. Todd also sheds light on new adaptations and trends in the tech industry, such as advancements in AI, market predictions for electric vehicles, and shifts in online advertising strategies.

Interactions with the live audience are encouraged, with mentions of how listeners can join the conversation through different platforms and how their participation supports the ongoing success of the podcast. Todd also shares personal anecdotes and updates on staffing expansions at Blubrry, reflecting on the global nature of his team.

Lastly, insights into upcoming technological adaptations by companies like Google and PayPal are discussed, highlighting the dynamic nature of tech development and business strategies in response to consumer demands and regulatory environments. Todd closes the episode by thanking the listeners for their continued support and participation, urging them to tune in for the next episode.

The post The Onion Acquires Infowars: Satire to Replace Conspiracy in 2025 #1779 appeared first on Geek News Central.

Bitcoin has surged to a record high of $85,000, adding nearly $20,000 in just a week following the U.S. elections. As cryptocurrencies gain momentum, major tech stocks like Apple, NVIDIA, and Amazon lag, with only Tesla showing growth thanks to its Bitcoin holdings. Gold also saw a decline, suggesting a potential shift from traditional assets to digital currency. Additionally, the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF showed strong inflows, underscoring the renewed investor interest in Bitcoin as the market anticipates Donald Trump’s presidency, which has emphasized pro-crypto policies.

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In this episode of Geek News Central, host Todd Cochrane covers a series of tech and financial news, with Bitcoin reaching a record high of $85,000 as the focal point. Cochrane begins by detailing Bitcoin’s surge, attributing the price increase to recent U.S. elections and anticipating Donald Trump’s pro-crypto presidency policies. He discusses the broader impact on the market, noting how major tech stocks like Apple, NVIDIA, and Amazon are lagging while Tesla shows growth due to its Bitcoin holdings. Additionally, Cochrane mentions the decline in gold prices and strong inflows into the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF.

Following the market updates, Cochrane gives a shoutout to the show’s sponsor, GoDaddy, mentioning special deals and discounts available on their website. This highlights GoDaddy’s continued support for the podcast. He discusses various tech issues and updates, referencing personal experiences and suggestions for using modern podcast apps that enhance live streaming experiences.

Throughout the episode, Cochrane infuses personal anecdotes, including his insights about Bitcoin investment strategies and encounters with enthusiastic Bitcoin investors in the Philippines. He also reflects on the practical challenges of remote podcasting and his plans to continue broadcasting remotely through the holiday season.

The episode includes discussions on other current events and technological innovations, such as concerns about artificial intelligence limitations and future AR glasses’ potential applications for Amazon delivery drivers. Furthermore, Cochrane highlights Google’s contributions to veterans, shares intriguing news about free national veteran small business summits, and responds to audience comments live.

Towards the end, the focus shifts to listener contributions and support, with Cochrane acknowledging donations and encouraging ongoing audience engagement. He wraps up the episode by delving into various tech and global news, including congressional hearings on UFOs, robotic advancements in surgery, and new product announcements like the Google Pixel 8a sale.

Cochrane closes the episode by thanking the listeners for their support and participation, reminding them of the various ways they can stay connected with and contribute to Geek News Central.

The post Bitcoin Hits Record High of $85K #1778 appeared first on Geek News Central.

General Motors’ software chief, Baris Cetinok, defends GM’s decision to remove Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from their vehicles, especially in their electric models. Cetinok argues that building an in-house software platform, Ultifi, allows GM to create a fully integrated, seamless user experience tailored to each car’s unique features. By retaining control over in-car displays and software, GM aims to innovate faster and offer better services to customers without relying on external systems. This shift aligns with a broader goal for GM to transform into a hardware, software, and services company, similar to tech giants like Apple.

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Todd begins the episode by highlighting the main story about Baris Cetinok, General Motors’ software chief, defending GM’s choice to remove third-party platforms like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, especially in their electric vehicle lineup. According to Cetinok, the in-house platform Ultifi would better integrate with each car’s unique features and accelerate innovation.

Throughout the episode, Todd transitions from the primary topic to discuss other notable tech news stories.

These include:

Todd also takes time to engage with listener feedback and concerns, particularly about GM’s decision, encouraging interaction via email.

Moreover, the episode mentions promotional sponsorships and discounts, particularly with GoDaddy, which offers various exclusive deals to listeners. Todd emphasizes the importance of community support in sustaining the podcast and invites listeners to become insiders, join the conversation online, and subscribe to newsletters for more updates.

Todd addresses technical issues experienced during the live stream, hinting at microphone problems and live-stream disconnections that affected the audio quality. He promises to investigate these issues before the next episode. The episode closes with acknowledgment of the audience’s support, and a thank you to the listeners and sponsors.

The post GM Ditches CarPlay for Ultifi: Bold Move or Big Mistake? #1776 appeared first on Geek News Central.

OpenAI’s new “ChatGPT Search” feature, launched for paid users on mobile and the web, allows real-time information access with source attributions, enhancing ChatGPT’s value as an alternative to traditional search engines like Google. Following a prototype called SearchGPT, this feature integrates licensed content from major publishers to deliver reliable, timely information in a conversational format. OpenAI intends to expand these capabilities, addressing key areas like local search, travel, and shopping, with accuracy and accountability in focus, especially for critical updates such as election results.

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The episode kicks off with Todd highlighting ChatGPT Search’s potential to affect significant sectors like local search, travel, and shopping. He emphasizes maintaining accuracy and accountability, particularly during crucial events like elections. He shares a personal experiment with the ChatGPT Search feature, where he found the results lacking, stressing that the restricted visibility might harm businesses not featured in the immediate results.

From there, Todd transitions into personal anecdotes and updates, mentioning learning new streaming software tools and some slight confusion over the date, attributing it to the demanding nature of his workweek.

Todd tackles various tech news topics throughout the episode:

1. **Dropbox Layoffs**: Todd discusses Dropbox’s announcement about laying off 20% of its workforce, attributing the cuts to changes in consumer needs and the broader economic environment.

2. **Windows 10 Updates**: Given the impending end of support, he mentions Microsoft pricing an extra year of security updates for Windows 10 users at $30.

3. **Privacy and Security**: The discussion briefly moves to a new Android malware capable of hijacking bank-related calls and HP’s new AI-based productivity tools intended to reduce mundane tasks and allow for more quality time like taking lunch breaks.

Before wrapping up, Todd returns to the theme of technological disruptions in search capabilities introduced by AI advancements like ChatGPT Search. He articulates deep concerns about what such technology means for future business visibility online and how traditional SEO might become obsolete, urging listeners to contemplate its broad impacts.

The episode concludes with standard shout-outs to sponsors, reminders for listeners to subscribe and participate in various podcast-related community platforms, and encouragement to become a ‘GNC Insider’ for additional content and support for the podcast. Todd signs off, planning to return with more insights and technology discussions in the next episode.

The post OpenAI Unveils ChatGPT Search Monumental SEO Disrupter #1775 appeared first on Geek News Central.

Google’s AI search summaries, also known as AI Overviews, expand to over 100 countries, offering users quick, AI-generated insights in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and Hindi. While ads have been integrated into these summaries for U.S. mobile users, Google assures global users that ads will continue to appear separately across other locations. Initially launched in the U.S. and rolled out to other key markets in August, this expanded AI feature highlights Google’s ongoing commitment to enhancing user experience with accessible, multilingual search insights.

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In the latest episode of “Geek News Central,” hosted by Todd Cochrane, an array of tech news and personal anecdotes are covered. Episode 1774 starts with the lead story about expanding Google’s AI search summaries, known as “AI Overviews,” to over 100 countries. This feature provides quick, AI-generated insights in multiple languages and integrates ads differently in the U.S. than in other regions. Todd emphasizes the implications of this feature on website traffic and its potential impact on the visibility of websites in search results.

Following the tech news, Todd shares a personal tale about his recent trip to the Philippines. He recounts his adventure from traveling to Romblon to explore the islands to an unexpected extension of his stay due to a typhoon. Todd narrates his experiences, from resort stays to his attempts to “escape” the typhoon’s aftermath, using various modes of transportation back to safety. He enhances the narrative with his insights on the reliance on Starlink for connectivity in remote areas.

Throughout the episode, Todd provides updates on various tech news items, including AI decoding pig oinks, updated Apple products, and the use of AI in managing emails. He also addresses some episodes of misinformation and the legal and security implications of technology in daily life, such as Elon Musk’s contest-related legal challenges.

Sprinkled within the episode are acknowledgments to the show’s sponsor, GoDaddy, with special deals and a call to listeners to support the show by becoming a “GNC Insider.” Todd also invites listeners to interact directly via email or social media platforms, promoting a community feel.

The episode wraps up with a look into the upcoming tech developments and ongoing issues in the digital world, ensuring the audience stays informed and engaged with the latest technology and Todd’s unique experiences.

The post Google Expands AI Search Summaries to Over 100 Countries #1774 appeared first on Geek News Central.

Welcome to an extraordinary episode of Geek News Central celebrating 20 incredible years of podcasting! It’s been an epic journey filled with tech news, innovation, and YOU—the fantastic listeners who’ve been with us every step of the way! From the early days to now, we’ve grown together and built an incredible community, and there’s so much more ahead. I take you through a comprehensive walkthrough of the show and my history.

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**Key Points Covered in the Episode:**

1. **Personal and Career Background:**

2. **Podcasting Milestones:**

3. **Evolution and Growth:**

4. **Looking Forward:**

5. **Personal Reflections and Stories:**

6. **Industry Thoughts:**

7. **Closing Remarks:**

Throughout the episode, Todd maintained a reflective tone, interspersed with his enthusiasm for technology and podcasting. There was also a call to action for listener support through subscriptions and feedback, emphasizing the community-driven nature of the podcast.

The post Todd Cochrane: 20 Years of Podcasting Innovations and Insights #1772 appeared first on Geek News Central.

Google faces potential significant changes as the U.S. Department of Justice prepares remedies to counteract the company’s monopoly on the search market. Proposed actions could include breaking up Google, limiting default search agreements, or requiring Google to share valuable data with competitors. Judge Amit Mehta will oversee the case’s next phase, with decisions possibly leading to significant shifts in the tech landscape.

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In this episode of Todd Cochrane’s podcast, titled “The Tech Titan Shuffle: DOJ Weighs Breaking Up Google,” Todd opens by discussing a significant news story about potential major remedies the U.S. Department of Justice might implement to curtail Google’s monopoly in the search market. The measures include possibly breaking up Google, limiting default search agreements, or requiring Google to share data with competitors, overseen by Judge Amit Mehta. This could significantly reshape the tech landscape.

Todd follows up the opening news with personal updates and a sponsor shout-out to GoDaddy, highlighting their ongoing deals. He recaps his travels and activities, including hosting a podcast award ceremony and meeting in Florida with his Blubrry team, where they discussed plans and improvements.

The episode takes a more personal turn as Todd details his daughter’s preparations for an approaching hurricane in Florida, emphasizing the potential severity of the weather and its impacts.

Shifting focus, Todd dives into what’s anticipated in the tech world, notably the DOJ’s steps against Google and the potential ramifications across the tech industry. He conjectures on the various outcomes of the case, such as breaking up Google’s various services like Android and Chrome or substantially altering their business practices.

He then touches on workplace changes with a story about Amazon mandating a return to office, which he compares to the culture and practices observed in his own company.

The episode continues with a range of topics, including but not limited to advancements in Starlink technology aiding hurricane relief efforts, updates on various tech companies, and discussions on electric vehicles and their impact on insurance policies.

Todd then highlights community feedback and shows appreciation for listeners and sponsors before wrapping up with detailed updates about his upcoming travel schedule, including plans for celebrating the podcast’s twentieth anniversary with a special live-stream session.

Todd caps off the episode with a final appeal for listener support and participation, encouraging feedback and interaction through various platforms and emphasizing the importance of community in the podcast’s continued success.

The post The Tech Titan Shuffle: DOJ Weighs Breaking Up Google #1771 appeared first on Geek News Central.

SpaceX is investigating a malfunction in the Falcon 9 rocket’s upper stage after a Crew-9 mission launch. The rocket’s second-stage engine failed to deorbit correctly, causing it to land outside the planned disposal zone. This marks the third Falcon 9 issue in three months. While SpaceX expects to resume launches soon, delays could affect crucial missions like NASA’s Europa Clipper launch in October.

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In this podcast episode, “Rocket Malfunctions and Podcast Celebrations,” host Todd Cochrane discusses a range of topics during a special International Podcast Day show. Todd begins by highlighting the 19th annual People’s Choice Podcast Awards ceremony, set to occur later in the day. He invites listeners to subscribe to or follow the podcast awards podcast for those who might miss the live ceremony.

Todd transitions to the lead story about a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket malfunction following the Crew-9 mission launch. He explains that the rocket’s second-stage engine failed to deorbit correctly, noting it was the third issue in three months. Todd shares that while SpaceX plans to resume launches soon, the ongoing delays could impact critical missions, including NASA’s upcoming Europa Clipper mission.

Throughout the episode, Todd gives several shout-outs to the show’s sponsor, GoDaddy, and offers special deals through the Geek News Central website. He emphasizes the importance of community engagement, encouraging listeners to become GNC insiders for exclusive content and to participate actively via the show’s various platforms.

Additionally, Todd mentions his upcoming travel plans to Florida for a team meeting with Blubrry Podcasting to plan the company’s future strategies. He reflects on rising challenges in the business environment and points out the importance of staying productive and focused amidst potential disruptions.

The episode also addresses recent natural disasters, expressing sympathy for those affected and sharing Todd’s experiences with typhoons in Guam.

Throughout the show, Todd emphasizes maintaining a deep, personal connection with his audience, hinting at more personalized content moving forward to enhance the listener experience on digital platforms. Todd wraps up the episode with insightful tech news—one notably on the DIRECTV and Dish satellite deal—and touches on the ongoing Verizon network issues and various tech industry updates.

The podcast concludes with Todd teasing future episodes and reflecting on his 20th podcasting anniversary, underscoring the continuing evolution of Geek News Central and its community.

The post SpaceX Rocket Malfunctions and Podcast Celebrations #1770 appeared first on Geek News Central.