Tech Byte with MARK STROSS

First, in the headlines: Artificial Intelligence is now creating artificial intelligence (AI). Technology is not going anywhere. What will we do when we no longer have to do manual labor? We will be replaced by computers. 

These days anyone can put on their private investigator hat. Ever wanted to do a background check? See if your fiancé' has a criminal record? People Search Engines are now available online where you can find out anything you want about anyone. And anyone can find out information about YOU. Who is looking at your information? Mark Stross tells you what people search engines like MyLife.com are really up to, and where they get their information. Whozat.com  Heritage.com 123people.com Snitch.name yoName.com Wink and others are brokering information. What do they say about you? Is it accurate? Did they get your permission to share that information? Is there anything you can do about it?  

First, an update about self-driving cars in the news! Now WATER: Did you realize that Lake Mead is at historic lows, bringing the area to their knees with water conservation and concern for fresh water. What are we to do? Why can't we solve for this? Let's take a look at model situation that challenges the US to get serious about using technology to solve our water problems. Israel, a known desert with few water resources, have gone from decades of freshwater scarcity to a 20% abundance. Using technology, this desert country is now reclaiming 86% of used water and sending it to agriculture. This is higher than any other country in water recycling. Reclamation, with desalinization, can definitely solve this country's water scarcity problems.  

But first, Mark Stross explains the meaning of "The Edge" in his show title. This term is very intentional and connects to technology in a way that you might not have known. 

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act includes $17 billion for auto safety including technology that will prevent motorists from operating a vehicle while intoxicated. This sounds like a great idea, right? Saving lives from drunk drivers. Does this come with any concerns? Is this intrusive? Is it violating your freedom? Could it be mistaken? Who gets the information that you might be impaired? Are you ready for personal responsibility to yield to technology? Don't miss this lively discussion that will cause you to pause and think about advancing technology.  

The TechByte Show can't always be scary or creepy (see May 4 2022). Mark Stross brings you Milton Friedman's story of the pencil in a relevant, encouraging way for all of us today. 

NEURALINK and the Singularity. How close are we to it? Are you ready for artificial intelligence AI? You will be if Elon Musk has anything to do with it.  

BEST of the BEST Shows! Meet Mark Stross' virtual companion, fully artificial AI and all genned up, Virtualeen. This is a CREEPY look into the future of artificial companions for the lonely and lost? or for everyone? 

Feeling lonely? This is the time to be alive, when you can download an app and build your own digital companion. Mark Stross shares his personal experience with developing his new artificial companion. Is this a good thing? What can AI companions do? What's the dark side? Listen to find out, in this scary, creepy episode of Tech Byte. 

Satellites are why we have high speed internet and cell service across the globe. More than 800 satellites are expected to be put into orbit this year alone. For every satellite needing a ride into space, there's need for a rocket. Mark Stross discusses the rocket shortage, the Russians, and how SpaceX is filling the need. 

Yesterday American Express users across the world experienced widespread outages that lasted hours. The payment services giant reports that some users may continue to experience issues online or over the phone. What is going on? Is this a hack? A cyber attack? A technical difficulty? Mark Stross weighs in on the Amex outage, and why we need to pay attention to the rising threats to our digital infrastructure. 

Before Putin's Russian army invaded the Ukraine, few Americans knew the name of Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Over the past few weeks, this lawyer turned comedian has become the most watched politician in the world. Who is he? And did you realize that his fictional comedy series, "Servant of the People" turned into reality seating him as the 6th president of Ukraine. A modern-day story of serendipity.