Notnerd Podcast: Tech Better

What happens when the company that has your DNA goes bankrupt? Will 23andme sell off your data, or is it safe? The new Google Pixel 9A is on its way, Gmail upgrades search, and iPhone porch pirates get busted. As always, there is plenty more in the tech world to discuss this week. Get caught up so you can tech better.

Watch on YouTube! - Notnerd.com and Notpicks.com

INTRO (00:00)

SCAM ALERT: Text message toll scam (05:10)

The Pixel 9A is a midrange phone that actually looks like a good deal (07:50)

Apple WWDC starts June 9th (10:05)

MAIN TOPIC: DNA testing site 23andMe files for bankruptcy protection (10:40)

DAVE'S PRO-TIP OF THE WEEK: Magnification app scene detection (18:10)

JUST THE HEADLINES: (28:15)

Microsoft tells Windows 10 users to just trade in their PC for a newer one

Pentagon kills off HR IT project after 780% budget overrun, years of delays

OpenAI study finds links between ChatGPT use and loneliness

Apple sued for false advertising over Apple Intelligence

YouTube will soon restrict creators from mentioning certain online gambling sites

Xbox 360 can now be hacked with just a USB key

Developer creates infinite maze that traps AI training bots

TAKES:

Gmail's search function just got a major upgrade (32:00)

Apple now sells USB-C to 3.5 mm cable for wired AirPods Max playback (34:05)

Apple has quietly updated the HomePod mini with a new box (37:55)

Microsoft Patch Tuesday March 2025 (38:25)

Porch pirate criminal network stole thousands of iPhones in the U.S. (40:25)

BONUS ODD TAKE: The Greatest Two-Hit Wonders (45:55)

PICKS OF THE WEEK:

Dave: Free Tax USA (51:10)

Nate: Ydeapi Universal Lid for Pots, Pans and Skillets, Pot Lid With Heat Resistant Silicone Rim and Tempered Glass,Fits 10", 11", 12" Diameter Pots and Pans (54:10)

RAMAZON PURCHASE - Giveaway! (57:00)

Google has released new Gemini AI models and provides free access to many. We take a look and see what's new and how it rates. We've got some other AI news to cover, including Netflix upscaling A Different World with some not-so-great results. How do you feel about QR code menus at restaurants? We found a study looking at their effect. There's plenty of other tech to get caught up on, as well as some tips and picks to help you tech better.

Watch on YouTube! - Visit Notpicks.com

INTRO (00:00)

The Pebble Watch is back (05:25)

Dave's iPad keyboard case saga (08:30)

MAIN TOPIC: Google Gemini AI Updates (13:15)

https://gemini.google.com/app

Google rolling out latest Gemini 2.0 models, free Deep Research to Android, iOS

People are using Google's new AI model to remove watermarks from images

DAVE'S PRO-TIP OF THE WEEK: Scam Alert! - Sherwood Archer (25:40)

JUST THE HEADLINES: (34:50)

Saturn solidifies its title as moon king with the discovery of 128 new moons

Everything you say to your Echo will be sent to Amazon starting on March 28

Intel appoints Lip-Bu Tan as CEO

Saudi Investment Fund pays $3.5bn to capture Pokémon Go

Google seals $32 billion deal for cyber start-up Wiz

SpaceX Dragon capsule sticks splashdown landing as NASA astronauts return home after months stuck in space

Man survives with titanium heart for 100 days – a world first

TAKES:

The surprising impact of QR code menus on diminishing customer loyalty (37:20)

Netflix used AI to upscale 'A Different World' and it's a melted nightmare (46:05)

Whistleblower book Meta blocked from promotion is now an Amazon best seller - Streisand effect (48:40)

BONUS ODD TAKE: Flight Radar 24 (52:15)

PICKS OF THE WEEK:

Dave: ULANZI Camera Cooling Fan Black New, Spring Telescopic Mounting Adjustable Mini Intelligent Cooling Fan Real-time Monitoring with Type-C Charging Port, Compatible with Sony Canon FUJIFILM Nikon (55:40)

Nate: Photoshop for iOS (58:40)

RAMAZON PURCHASE - Giveaway! (01:03:40)

Apple released 2 new Macs after the iPads we talked about last week. The ever-popular MacBook Air and the much less popular Mac Studio. We discuss who they are for. After that, we've got some great headlines, tips, picks, and some news stories you should probably know about.

Notnerd.com - Notpicks.com

INTRO (00:00)

TikTok Shop Credit - Get $8 to shop on TikTok (02:00)

Daylight Savings Time vs Standard Time (04:35)

MAIN TOPIC: New MacBook Air and Mac Studio (10:25)

Apple announces MacBook Air with M4 chip and a price cut

Apple's new M4 MacBook Air is the rare product I'd recommend to everyone

Apple unveils new Mac Studio, the most powerful Mac ever, featuring M4 Max and new M3 Ultra

DAVE'S PRO-TIP OF THE WEEK: Restart Your Device (24:00)

JUST THE HEADLINES: (31:35)

Firmware update bricks HP printers, makes them unable to use HP cartridges

Volkswagen to bring back physical buttons to all vehicles

NASA uses GPS on the moon for the first time

Denmark postal service to stop delivering letters

New Zealand's $16 billion public health system runs on a single Excel sheet

Fortnite coming to iPhones in Brazil as Apple is forced to allow sideloading

King Charles releasing his own Apple Music playlist

TAKES:

YouTube Premium Lite: Watch your favorite creators ad-free (35:40)

TCL's premium TV shipments more than double year-on-year, overtaking LG (42:35)

Bank of America warns Social Security numbers, IDs, and other sensitive customer data potentially exposed in third-party document destruction blunder (47:00)

BONUS ODD TAKE: nobody.live - streams with nobody watching (48:25)

PICKS OF THE WEEK:

Dave: Fantasy Hike (54:05)

Nate: Wireless Bluetooth Remote Control, 2025 New Remote Control Page Turner Bluetooth Scroller Ring, Short Video and Music Camera Shutter Remote Controller Scrolling Ring Black (01:01:05)

RAMAZON PURCHASE - Giveaway! (01:05:50)

Apple is on a roll, this week dropping not one but two new iPad models, some cases and watch straps, and some new Beats. No official news on the MacBook Air yet, but it could be coming any day. We also cover other tech news from the week and have some tips and picks to help you tech better.

Watch on YouTube! - Visit Notnerd.com or Notpicks.com

INTRO (00:00)

Notpicks Giveaway Winner (02:30)

MAIN TOPIC: New iPads and more from Apple (06:30)

Tim Cook - There's something in the air

New M3 iPad Air

New 11th-Gen iPad

Apple introduces new spring time colored cases and watch bands

Beats unveils limited edition Solo 4 with 'playful, nostalgic aesthetic'

Apple expected to announce new M4 MacBook Air tomorrow

DAVE'S PRO-TIP OF THE WEEK: Zoom out the selfie camera, expand the frame, plus more! (20:00)

JUST THE HEADLINES: (28:50)

Antiaging pill for dogs clears key FDA hurdle

Meta is firing about 20 employees for leaking information

DoorDash paying drivers $17 million for stolen tips

Amazon surpasses Walmart in revenue for the first time

Fiverr wants gig workers to offload some of their work to AI

Nokia is putting the first cellular network on the moon

Sanas taps AI to change call center workers' accents in real time

Indian cinema chain sued by film-goer over lengthy pre-film ads

TAKES:

Everything you need to know about Alexa+, Amazon's new generative AI assistant (31:00)

Microsoft releases a Copilot app for Mac and Microsoft Copilot just shared a script to activate Windows 11 for free and Microsoft is shutting down Skype for Teams (36:40)

US firm Firefly scores its first moon landing with Blue Ghost spacecraft (40:25)

Not news: Apple delays major iOS 19 feature announcement (42:45)

BONUS ODD TAKE: http://ismycomputeron.com/ (44:50)

PICKS OF THE WEEK:

Dave: Insta360 Flow 2 Pro Grey - Foldable AI Phone Gimbal, Track in 200+ Apps with Apple DockKit, Multi-Person Tracking, 360º Pan Tracking, Built-in Tripod/Selfie Stick, iPhone/Android Portable Stabilizer (46:45)

Nate: CanKeeper 3-In-1 - FITS 12oz, 16oz and Slim Cans - Keep Your Can Cold For Hours - Double Walled and Vacuum Insulated Can Cooler - Lid Keeps Cold In, Dirt Out Maple (56:55)

RAMAZON PURCHASE - Giveaway! (01:01:00)

The morning after last week's show, Apple announced their new iPhone 16e, replacing the SE line of iPhones. It has a lot of features, doesn't have others, and has a new price. Who is this phone for? Apple must think there is a market for it, and we break down our thoughts. Speaking of markets, there wasn't one for the Humane AI pin, and they are shutting it down. Plus more tech news, tips, and picks to help you tech better.

Watch on YouTube! - Visit Notnerd.com or Notpicks.com

INTRO (00:00)

Southwest Airlines is now telling people not to play music and videos on speakerphone as part of their preflight instructions… (02:35)

MAIN TOPIC: iPhone 16E (07:55)

Apple announces iPhone 16E

18 features missing from the iPhone 16E

DAVE'S PRO-TIP OF THE WEEK: iPhone Music Haptics (29:00)

JUST THE HEADLINES: (38:05)

Asus continues fragrant device trend with an aromatic mouse

Scented products cause indoor air pollution on par with car exhaust

India's "Human Calculator Kid" shatters 6 world records in a single day

YouTube plans lower-priced, ad-free version of paid video tier

Microsoft unveils Majorana 1, the world's first quantum processor powered by topological qubits

Apple says Severance has become its most popular show ever, overtaking Ted Lasso

California takes steps toward officially recognizing Bigfoot

TAKES:

Humane is shutting down the AI Pin and selling its remnants to HP (42:00)

Apple announces $500B US investment plan, adding 20K jobs (44:55)

Microsoft quietly launched a free ad-supported Office App, and no one noticed (47:35)

BONUS ODD TAKE: Untranslatable Dictionary (50:25)

PICKS OF THE WEEK:

Dave: Mini Spider Prank Box - Surprise Wooden Gag Gift, Perfect for Birthday, April Fools Day, Harmless Joke with Rubber Spider, Startling & Reusable Prank Kit (54:25)

Nate: Girl Scout Cookies from Isla (58:45)

RAMAZON PURCHASE - Giveaway! (01:02:20)

Adobe has made AI video free to everyone with Firefly, and YouTube is adding new AI features. Even if it isn't great now, it will only get better from here. Scarlett Johansson wants to put a stop to it now. Is that the right move? She's made a lot of money off CGI in her movies. Plus, we've got some other news to get caught up on so you can get out there and tech better!

Watch on YouTube!

Notnerd.com

Notpicks.com

INTRO (00:00)

MAIN TOPIC: AI video is here for the masses (08:00)

Adobe Firefly now lets anyone create 5-second AI video in 1080p HD

YouTube Shorts adds Veo 2 so creators can make GenAI videos

Scarlett Johansson calls for deepfake ban after AI video goes viral (No link on purpose)

DAVE'S PRO-TIP OF THE WEEK: Record weight with Siri (24:20)

JUST THE HEADLINES: (34:00)

Nintendo loses trademark battle with a Costa Rican grocery store

Most men would marry their AI girlfriends if it were legal

The IRS Is Buying an AI Supercomputer From Nvidia

Lawsuit accuses Meta of training AI on torrented 82TB dataset with millions of pirated books

TikTok returns to Apple and Google app stores in the US

The Apple TV app is now available on Android

Disney Plus loses 700,000 subscribers following price increase

TAKES:

Apple just built an adorable robot lamp, a sneak peek into robotics work (38:35)

ColorWare now selling M4 Mac mini with special edition retro beige or matte jet black design (41:20)

How 3D-printed parts changed the NASCAR Cup Series (45:45)

BONUS ODD TAKE: Air Sickness Bag Virtual Museum (48:30)

PICKS OF THE WEEK:

Dave: WOLFBOX MF100 Electric Air Duster-150000RPM Super Power Cordless Air Duster, Rechargeable Brushless Motor Durable Blower, 3-Gear Adjustable Dust Blower for Computer, Keyboard, Outdoor, House and Car (51:45)

Nate: Unjumbly Baseball Cap Storage, Hat Carrier Travel Case with Carrying Handle and Adjustable Shoulder Strap, Hat Organizer Holder Bag for 6 Baseball Caps, Hat Travel Case Ideal for Travel & Home Storage (56:30)

RAMAZON PURCHASE - Giveaway! (58:50)

Rumors are heating up for new products from Apple, but today's release was not on our list, the Powerbeats Pro 2. There's plenty of other tech news to get caught up on, like T-Mobile's Starlink messaging service. Plus, we've got some tips and picks to help you tech better!

Watch on YouTube!

INTRO (00:00)

Breaking News: Apple now lets users migrate their purchases between Apple Accounts (05:50)

Apple Shared Album Limits and Storage (10:05)

Notpicks reviews and giveaway (14:20)

MAIN TOPIC: iPhone SE 4? Not yet (19:25)

Powerbeats Pro 2…

New Apple products launching this week?

DAVE'S PRO-TIP OF THE WEEK: How to use Apple's "Invite" app - Invite for next week's show (26:50)

JUST THE HEADLINES: (37:05)

Google pulls incorrect Gouda stat from its AI Super Bowl ad

Bald eagle officially declared US national bird after 250 years

Twisted graphene sheets reveal 'unconventional' superconductivity governed by quantum geometry

Google removes pledge to not use AI for weapons from website

Developer runs Doom on $50 Apple Lightning to HDMI adapter

Jeep introduces pop-up ads that appear every time you stop

French train passenger fined $155 for using phone on speaker

TAKES:

T-Mobile's Starlink messaging service is now free to try, even if you aren't on T-Mobile (40:45)

Consumer electronics from China getting more expensive as tariffs bite (44:45)

Microsoft is cracking down on people upgrading to Windows 11 on unsupported hardware (47:55)

iOS 18.3.1 includes fix for actively exploited vulnerability (49:50)

Microsoft Patch Tuesday February 2025 (50:25)

BONUS ODD TAKE: Explore Live Cams (51:50)

PICKS OF THE WEEK:

Dave: TimeCapsule for AirTag (54:45)

Nate: Snap Grip Luxe (59:55)

RAMAZON PURCHASE - Giveaway! (01:04:50)

Lots of invite-related news this week. Apple introduced its new Apple Invites app this morning. Tubi is letting everyone watch the Super Bowl. Zuck is mad that his meetings keep getting leaked. Google invites their employees to leave. We cover that and the rest of the tech news this week that we think is important to the average not nerd.

Watch on YouTube!

INTRO (00:00)

Apple introduces Invites App (05:05)

MAIN TOPIC: Super Bowl Time (12:20)

How to stream the 2025 Super Bowl in 4K for free on any Apple device

Every angle covered: nearly 250 Sony cameras set to capture Super Bowl LIX

Kendrick Lamar takes over Apple Arcade hit ahead of Super Bowl halftime performance

NFL QB Jayden Daniels uses VR to train

MLS Season Pass announces free promos with T-Mobile and Comcast, new Sunday night games

DAVE'S PRO-TIP OF THE WEEK: Scan documents for free on iOS recap (24:40)

JUST THE HEADLINES: (34:50)

Meta memo threatening to fire leakers is immediately leaked; Zuck says it sucks

Microsoft Paint gets Copilot button for generative AI features

The average American spent 2.5 months on their phone in 2024

Anthropic AI asks job applicants not to use AI in job applications

That AI-restored Beatles song won Grammy for Best Rock Performance

Apple now has more than 2.35 billion active devices worldwide

Netflix is making a Little House on the Prairie reboot

TAKES:

Google offers 'voluntary exit' to all US platforms and devices employees (38:20)

OpenAI is losing money on its pricey ChatGPT Pro plan, CEO Sam Altman says (41:05)

Time to delete? The most invasive apps list includes some of your favorites (45:15)

BONUS ODD TAKE: Caffeine Calculator (52:10)

PICKS OF THE WEEK:

Dave: Rene Ritchie YouTube Channel (56:10)

Nate: 3M Double Sided Mounting Tape VHB 0.5" x 15.4 Ft 0.025in Thick Black 5925 Heavy Duty Foam Tape Strong Adhesive for Car Décor Home Office Logos (59:30)

RAMAZON PURCHASE - Giveaway! (01:02:25)

A few weeks ago, Dave dropped the shocking news that he had canceled Amazon Prime. Last week he hinted that maybe he was back in. For many people, Amazon Prime seems like a no-brainer, but is it? We take a look at what benefits you get for the price. There's also an impressive new AI, DeepSeek, from China that is making headlines. Samsung also had their Unpacked event to announce new technology, and some people got to check out their upcoming Moohan XR headset. Plenty of technology to get caught up on this week to help you get out there and tech better!

Watch on YouTube!

INTRO (00:00)

Followup: Nate's pick from last week (04:05)

MAIN TOPIC: Is Amazon Prime worth it in 2025? (06:50)

Dave dumped Prime but couldn't stay away?

Amazon Prime membership fees

Prime membership benefits

DAVE'S PRO-TIP OF THE WEEK: (37:50)

iOS 18.3 Update

Apple "Intelligence" on by default

JUST THE HEADLINES: (47:40)

Vandals in Southern California attack Waymo driverless taxi

Report of newly-discovered asteroid turns out to be a Tesla Roadster

eBay sellers asking $2k to $50k for iPhones with TikTok installed

Subaru security vulnerability allowed millions of cars to be tracked, unlocked, and started

Meta officially starts showing ads on Threads

Netflix raises prices again

Solar-charging backpacks are helping children to read after dark

Sony ends production of Blu-ray media, MiniDiscs, and MiniDV cassettes

TAKES:

China's DeepSeek hits #1 on App Store, shocks AI researchers, sends US tech shares tumbling - Jevons AI Paradox (51:10)

OpenAI introduces Operator to perform web tasks for you (57:10)

Everything Samsung announced at the Galaxy S25 Unpacked event - Samsung Moohan XR headset (58:40)

Microsoft Patch Tuesday, January 2025 (01:02:45)

BONUS ODD TAKE: Stimulation Clicker Neal.fun (01:04:00)

PICKS OF THE WEEK:

Dave: Anker Nano 3-in-1 Portable iPhone Charger, 10,000mAh Power Bank with Built-in USB-C Cable and Foldable Wall Plug, 30W Max Battery Pack, Travel Essentials for iPhone 16/15 Series, Galaxy, MacBook (01:09:35)

Nate: INKEE GC12 Portable LED Photography Light Wand,Bi Color Magnetic Handheld Video Wand Stick 2700K-6500K,2500mAh Built-in Rechargable Inflatable Light for Video Recording Dimmable Camera Light Tube (01:15:55)

RAMAZON PURCHASE - Giveaway! (01:18:45)

*Sorry about Nate's echo the first ~35 minutes, we did fix it after that.

TikTok Bans, Meta Changes, and Little Red Book? The social media news has been fast and furious lately. We try to get caught up on it if that is even possible. Plus, with CES out of the way, there's plenty of other tech news to get caught up on. All so you can get out there and tech better!

Watch on YouTube!

INTRO (00:00)

MAIN TOPIC: Social Media Madness (03:10)

TikTok "Ban" - CapCut - Marvel Snap

Conspiracies - Migration to Meta Servers, TikTok is CIA psyop

Little Red Book

Meta Community Notes

Instagram 3 minute reels

Meta announces a new CapCut rival called Edits

X and Bluesky launch dedicated video feeds on the back of TikTok uncertainty

Bluesky is getting its own photo-sharing app, Flashes

DAVE'S PRO-TIP OF THE WEEK: Hair conditioner as lotion, empty your pockets in the TSA line, use your horn. (25:30)

JUST THE HEADLINES: (32:25)

China to host world's first human-robot marathon

Donald and Melania Trump launch a pair of meme coins

China to build thorium molten-salt reactor in 2025

Intel suffers worst year since 1971 IPO

Sonos CEO steps down following disastrous app redesign

Instagram begins randomly showing users ai-generated images of themselves

AI beats human experts at distinguishing American whiskey from Scotch

TAKES:

Apple Promotes Severance Season 2 with Lumon Industries pop up at Grand Central Terminal (37:40)

Nintendo launches Switch 2 Trailer (41:00)

Watch Duty, the crucial wildfire tracking app (45:25)

How U.S. Forces and NASA could Inadvertently be Spying for China (47:55)

Trump pardons, Ross Ulbricht, creator of Silk Road (53:55)

BONUS ODD TAKE: Infinite Craft by Neal iOS app - Episode 426: Vision Quest Pro (55:10)

PICKS OF THE WEEK:

Dave: Insta360 Go 3S (57:25)

Nate: TikTok - Crown Qu Selfie Stick Tripod (01:02:19)

RAMAZON PURCHASE - Giveaway! (01:05:00)