Appearing before a senate hearing this past week, former Facebook data scientist, Frances Haugen, presents evidence that the social network's algorithm promotes divisive and inflammatory content. Social media expert Rebecca Bolwitt joins us to discuss how the way these algorithms work affect users. We also discuss the implications for the future of social networks. 

Earlier in the show, we speak with Pilvi Carman from Cricut to learn how the company's innovative technology is taking crafting to a new level of fun. 

This week, Amazon had its fall device event, launching an overwhelming number of new tech devices. Join us as we discuss the technology with Toronto tech expert, Ted Kritsonis. From a home robot with a screen, called Astro, to a security drone that works with your Ring system, we cover the highlights from the event and share our initial impressions. 

Many social media platforms are developing ways to help content creators make some money and recently, Twitter joined their ranks. Cam Gordon, Head of Communications for Twitter Canada, joins us this week to discuss how the popular social network is working to help you monetize your tweets with its new tip jar and super follow features. Learn about these new features and more important updates to Twitter. 

As digital vaccine passports become a reality in several provinces across Canada, OpenTable is making it easier for restaurants to verify vaccination status for patrons. Matt Davis, Canada Country Manager for OpenTable, joins Mike and John to discuss how this new verification component works. Matt shares how OpenTable uses technology to create a seamless experience for diners and restaurants, becoming more than just a reservation platform.

Every year, the James Dyson awards promote and encourage innovation in design, recognizing young designers and inventors for their problem-solving ideas. We speak with this year's Canada award winner and two runners up about their ingenious inventions. From a mechanical assistive device for people with limited hand mobility to an AI-powered system that identifies and prevents soil erosion in agriculture to a non-toxic fire retardant that keeps people safe without long-term health impacts, we learn what it takes to come up with innovative technologies that solve big problems.

Over the past year, there have been some troubling incidents with Chevy Bolt electric cars. Now, General Motors has recalled every Chevy Bolt vehicle. Joining us this week, our contributor Stephen Fung, tells us about the experience of owning one of these vehicles as the situation has developed. We also discuss how the recall might affect the perception of electric vehicles. 

This week, the US International Trade Commission ruled that Google infringed on five smart speaker patents belonging to audio pioneer, Sonos. We discuss what this means for Sonos and Google. We also make some predictions on the future outcome of this David vs. Goliath legal battle. Will Google face import bans on its smart speakers? 

With back-to-school right around the corner, we talk about the technology essentials students at all levels will need to navigate a post-pandemic world. Toronto-based tech expert Marc Saltzman joins us as we discuss the right tech tools that will help students tackle the year successfully whether they're heading back to the classroom, continuing remote learning, or doing a bit of both. 

Ever wonder how Facebook selects the ads it displays in your newsfeed? Sometimes those ads can feel invasive or simply irrelevant. This week, we look at one important change in your privacy settings on the popular social network that will give you more control over the ads you see. 

As the new Anthony Bourdain documentary hit screens, we learned that artificial intelligence was used to recreate the late celebrity chef's voice. We discus how using AI technology to create deepfakes like this one is moving into mainstream filmmaking and explore the implications. Is simulating Bourdain's voice in this way ethical, especially in a documentary? Igor Bonifacic from Mobile Syrup joins us to discuss.