Tech Gumbo

By Haggai Davis

We started Tech Gumbo in Nov 2014 as a conversational show of news, information & updates about the past, present & future of all things technology in a topical, interesting and digestible way... more

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How many episodes does Tech Gumbo have?

The podcast currently has 458 episodes available.

Tech Gumbo episodes:

October 09, 2025AI Workslop, Fauxductivity, ChatGPT Parental Controls, Pew Survey on AI Trust, California AI Law
News and Updates:
AI “Workslop” at Work – A Stanford/BetterUp survey finds over 40% of U.S. employees encounter AI-generated “workslop”—content that looks polished but adds no real value. On average, 15% of workplace output now qualifies, with tech and professional services hit hardest. Colleagues who submit workslop are seen as less capable, trustworthy, and creative.
Fauxductivity: Busy, Not Productive – Experts warn of “fauxductivity,” where workers mistake busyness for real progress. Multitasking, endless low-value to-do lists, and unproductive meetings create the illusion of productivity. Solutions include prioritizing top tasks, deep work sessions, and honest daily reviews.
ChatGPT Parental Controls – OpenAI rolled out parental controls for ChatGPT, letting parents set time limits, disable voice or image features, turn off memory, and restrict sensitive content. Parents may also receive alerts if teens show signs of self-harm. The move follows lawsuits and safety concerns, with settings designed to stay in place until parents remove them.
Americans’ AI Attitudes – A Pew survey shows U.S. adults remain wary of AI’s growing role.
– 71% would like a candidate less if they learned AI wrote a political speech.
– 56% feel negatively about AI-written news articles, while nearly half don’t mind AI art or music.
– Most Americans (53%) believe AI will harm creativity, while 50% say it will weaken human relationships.
– Younger adults are more skeptical of AI art and music than older generations.
California AI Safety Law – Gov. Gavin Newsom signed SB 53, the nation’s first AI safety law. It requires AI developers to disclose safety protocols, report major incidents, and protects whistleblowers. The law also lays the foundation for CalCompute, a state-run cloud cluster. Industry giants like Anthropic supported the bill, while lobbying groups warned it could stifle innovation.
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23min
October 06, 2025Microsoft Caves on Win10, Cracker Barrel Outrage Fueled by Bots, Social Media News Habits, Police Pull Over a Robotaxi
News and Updates:
Microsoft backtracks in Europe — Windows 10’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) will be free for an extra year in the European Economic Area (EEA), lasting until October 14, 2026. After pushback from Euroconsumers under the Digital Markets Act, Microsoft dropped its requirement to enable Windows Backup (and OneDrive) for access. Users in the EEA still need to log in with a Microsoft account every 60 days, but no cloud sync or payments are required. Outside Europe, ESU costs $30 or 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, or requires enabling cloud sync. Windows 10 end-of-support remains October 14, 2025.
Cracker Barrel logo controversy amplified by bots — Researchers at PeakMetrics found that nearly half of early outrage posts on X about Cracker Barrel’s new logo were bot-generated. Around 44.5% of the first 52,000 posts — and nearly half of boycott calls — were flagged as bot-driven. Alt-tech platforms like Truth Social, Gettr, Gab, 4chan, and Rumble also spread the backlash. While 75% of posts came from real users, botnets amplified discontent into a viral outrage cycle.
Social media now central to news diets — A new Pew study shows 53% of U.S. adults sometimes get news from social media. Facebook (38%) and YouTube (35%) lead, followed by Instagram (20%) and TikTok (20%). X (12%) and Reddit (9%) lag behind. Younger adults are far more likely to use TikTok, Reddit, and Instagram for news, while older adults still lean on TV. Only 2% of Americans say they get news from AI chatbots like ChatGPT or Google Gemini.
Police stop a driverless Waymo — San Bruno, California police pulled over a Waymo robotaxi after it made an illegal U-turn. With no human driver, officers couldn’t issue a citation. Current law only allows tickets for human drivers, though a new state law next year will let violations be reported to the DMV. Waymo says it is reviewing the “glitch.” The incident sparked viral debate over how to hold self-driving cars accountable.
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22min
October 02, 2025Pope Rejects Virtual Papacy, ChatGPT’s Real Use Revealed, TikTok Deal Takes Shape, EU Eyes Cookie Ban, Samsung Puts Ads on Fridges
News and Updates:
Pope Leo XIV rejected a proposal to create an AI-powered “virtual pope,” calling the idea of a digital clone horrifying. He warned that deepfakes, automation, and artificial substitutes erode trust, strip dignity from work, and risk turning life into “an empty, cold shell.” His stance echoes concerns as layoffs at Microsoft and Salesforce mount amid AI adoption.
OpenAI released its first major study on ChatGPT usage, showing that over 70% of queries are non-work-related, with people mainly seeking tutoring, how-to guidance, brainstorming, and writing help. Only 4% of consumer queries involve coding, with writing far more dominant. Work-related use centers on information gathering and decision-making. Adoption is now global, especially in low- and middle-income countries, with 10% of adults worldwide estimated to use ChatGPT.
A preliminary deal to keep TikTok in the U.S. has been reached: existing investors and new U.S. backers, including Oracle and Silver Lake, will control about 80%. ByteDance’s stake drops below 20% to comply with U.S. law. Oracle will safeguard U.S. user data, while the recommendation algorithm will be licensed, retrained under U.S. oversight, and cut off from Beijing’s influence. The U.S. government is also set to receive a multibillion-dollar facilitation fee.
The European Commission is considering scrapping the cookie consent banner requirement, part of the 2009 e-Privacy Directive. Alternatives include setting preferences once at the browser level or exempting “technically necessary” cookies. Any change would fold into GDPR, but privacy advocates are likely to resist.
Samsung has begun testing ads on its Family Hub smart refrigerators in the U.S. Despite previously denying plans, a software update now pushes “promotions and curated ads” to fridge screens when idle. Samsung calls it a pilot to “strengthen value,” but users blasted the move as another step in the company’s “screens everywhere” strategy.
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23min
September 29, 2025iOS 26 Overhaul, Intel + Nvidia Chip Pact, Nvidia’s $100B OpenAI Bet, SpaceX’s 15K-Satellite Push, More Copilot
News and Updates:
Apple iOS 26 delivers one of the biggest iPhone upgrades in years. The new Liquid Glass interface adds a translucent, holographic look, while Spatial Scenes uses AI to turn photos into dynamic 3D wallpapers. Major app redesigns include a cleaner Camera for one-handed use, a simplified Photos layout, customizable Messages with polls and chat backgrounds, and an upgraded Lock Screen. New Battery Settings now estimate charging times and debut Adaptive Power Mode (on iPhone 15 Pro+). But the flashy Liquid Glass design has drawn complaints of eye strain, dizziness, and legibility issues, with Apple offering accessibility tweaks as workarounds.
Intel + Nvidia struck a $5B partnership that could reshape PCs. Nvidia bought a 4–5% stake in Intel, and the two are co-developing hybrid CPUs with Nvidia GPU chiplets connected via NVLink. These SoCs could boost AI PCs, power slimmer gaming laptops, and bring workstation-level performance to mini desktops — potentially blurring the line between integrated and discrete graphics.
Nvidia + OpenAI announced a massive $100B investment deal. Nvidia will fund the buildout of 10 gigawatts of AI data centers using its upcoming Vera Rubin chips, more than doubling today’s top AI hardware. The arrangement lets Nvidia recycle investment into chip sales while giving OpenAI infrastructure to push toward “superintelligence.” The deal lifted Nvidia’s market cap to nearly $4.5T, the largest in the world.
SpaceX Starlink filed to launch up to 15,000 new satellites to supercharge its direct-to-cell service. The move follows a $17B spectrum deal with EchoStar and will boost capacity 20-fold, enabling LTE-like performance for calls and messaging in dead zones. T-Mobile remains the US launch partner, but CEO Elon Musk hinted SpaceX could eventually sell mobile service directly, competing with carriers.
Microsoft is injecting Copilot into all Microsoft 365 accounts, unless you manually use the Customization feature to stop the auto install.
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22min
September 18, 2025Toilet TikTok Risks, Taco Bell AI Fumbles, Smart Home Futures, Students Embrace AI, Powerball Scandal, Gmail Security Confusion
News and Updates:
A Boston medical study found smartphone use on the toilet raises hemorrhoid risk by 46%. Phone users stayed seated far longer — often 6–15 minutes — amplifying pressure that leads to painful swelling. While causation wasn’t proven, doctors warn the habit may be fueling the condition.
Taco Bell is rethinking AI drive-thrus after viral failures, like glitchy bots repeating orders or a prank request for 18,000 cups of water. The chain says humans may still be better in high-volume locations. Rival fast food chains Wendy’s and McDonald’s are pushing ahead with AI rollouts in 2025.
At IFA 2025, Amazon, Google, Samsung, and LG touted AI-powered smart homes that anticipate user needs — from proactive lighting to predictive repairs. But privacy, infrastructure, and reliability remain major hurdles before homes achieve Star Trek–style ambient computing.
A new survey shows 85% of U.S. college students use generative AI for coursework, calling it a “24/7 tutor.” Students want clear rules and training, not bans, though many admit AI can weaken critical thinking. Despite AI’s rise, most still see college as relevant — though its payoff may be shrinking.
A lottery expert warns Powerball’s “Quick Picks” feature hurts players’ odds by generating duplicate numbers, just as the jackpot swells to $1.7B. Officials deny foul play, but critics urge filling tickets by hand. Odds remain astronomical at 1 in 292 million.
Confusion erupted over Gmail security after reports falsely claimed Google told 2.5B users to reset passwords. Google clarified no mass breach occurred, though hackers have targeted Salesforce data and used vishing scams. The company urges 2FA, passkeys, and vigilance against phishing.
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23min
September 15, 2025Computer Literacy I 2025, UK Ransomware Ban Plans, Cybersecurity Concierges, Windows 10’s $7B Price Tag
News and Updates:
In 2025, “computer literacy” means more than navigating systems — it’s about collaborating with AI, exercising critical thinking, and adapting to rapid change. While most job postings still only ask for basic skills, AI fluency is emerging as the new digital divide. Experts warn that overreliance on tools like ChatGPT risks eroding foundational skills, but argue AI can strengthen capability when paired with judgment and training. Continuous upskilling is now seen as essential for career resilience.
The UK government is consulting on legislation to ban ransomware payments by the public sector and critical national infrastructure, alongside mandatory reporting for other organizations. The goal is to disrupt cybercriminals’ business model and improve intelligence sharing. While 72% of respondents back the ban, experts warn it could push attacks toward private firms, raise remediation costs, and leave public bodies vulnerable unless security investments increase.
Wealthy and high-profile individuals are turning to “cybersecurity concierges” — digital bodyguards offering tailored protection against hacking, identity theft, and reputational risk. Services range from $1,000 to $50,000+ per year and often include data scrubbing, dark-web monitoring, and personalized cyber hygiene plans. While some argue similar protection can be achieved with off-the-shelf tools, demand is rising as clients seek peace of mind and 24/7 access to experts.
Enterprises clinging to Windows 10 face steep costs as Microsoft phases out support. Nexthink research shows extended support could exceed $7.3 billion globally, with fees starting at $61 per device in year one and doubling annually. Despite a 33% drop in Windows 10 usage this summer, 121 million devices may still run it after the October 14 cutoff. Analysts warn delays heighten security risks and create fragmented employee experiences, urging businesses to accelerate upgrades.
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23min
September 04, 2025Waymo Robotaxis In NYC, IRS EV Credit Deadline, Melania’s AI Push, Datacenter Water Wars, Google’s Gemini Energy Use
News and Updates:
Waymo begins robotaxi testing in New York City, deploying up to eight vehicles in Manhattan and Brooklyn with safety drivers until Sept. 2025. While Alphabet hails it as a milestone, critics like former mayor Bill de Blasio and union leaders slam the move as unsafe and job-killing. DOT insists safety rules will keep pedestrians protected. Waymo is eyeing Dallas, DC, and Miami for 2026 after logging 10M+ rides nationwide.
IRS offers EV buyers last-minute relief ahead of the Sept. 30 sunset of the $7,500 federal tax credit under Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill. Buyers only need a signed contract and payment in place by the deadline—delivery can come later. Newly eligible models for 2025 include Tesla Cybertruck, Kia EV6/EV9, Hyundai Ioniq 5/9, and Cadillac Vistiq. Losers include Rivian, Nissan Leaf, VW ID.4, and Chevy Bolt.
Melania Trump is rebranded the “First Lady of Technology” by the NY Post, launching the Presidential AI Challenge for K-12 students. Inspired by her own use of a deepfake to narrate her audiobook, she says AI can “ignite innovation” in schools. The contest offers up to $10,000 prizes and national recognition in June 2026. Critics point to risks of kids bonding with AI chatbots—72% of teens already use them, some with disturbing outcomes.
Data centers face growing backlash over water use. A Lawrence Berkeley Lab report warns U.S. facilities consumed 17B gallons of cooling water in 2023, projected to double or quadruple by 2028. Google and Meta disclosed that ~95% of their water use comes from data centers. Communities in the Great Lakes, Texas, and abroad are raising alarms as companies eye water-stressed regions to build AI server farms.
Google shares first-ever environmental footprint of Gemini AI prompts. A single text query uses the energy of watching TV for 9 seconds, five drops of water, and emits 0.03g of CO₂—33x more efficient than last year thanks to software and renewable energy. However, the report excludes image/video generation and AI training. DOE projects U.S. data centers could eat up to 12% of electricity by 2028.
Bloomberg warns AI is draining water in drought zones. Roughly two-thirds of new U.S. data centers since 2022 are in high water-stress areas, including Texas and Arizona. A 100MW facility consumes 2M liters daily—equal to 6,500 households. Microsoft and OpenAI are experimenting with closed-loop and immersion cooling, but most of the industry still relies on water-intensive evaporative cooling. Protests have erupted in Chile, the Netherlands, and Uruguay over water use.
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22min
September 01, 2025Windows 12 AI Future, Excel Copilot Backlash, Intel’s $10B Deal with US
News and Updates:
Microsoft’s Windows chief Pavan Davuluri says the next version of Windows—possibly Windows 12—will be an “ambient, multi-modal” OS powered by AI. Voice will become a primary input alongside keyboard and mouse, with context-aware features that understand what’s on your screen. Microsoft calls it an “agentic AI” future, blending local and cloud compute, though privacy concerns loom.
Excel is testing a new =COPILOT() AI function that lets users type natural language prompts instead of formulas. Microsoft warns not to use it for any task requiring accuracy—like math, finance, or compliance—since results may be wrong. Critics say this undermines Excel’s core purpose and could erode real spreadsheet skills.
President Trump announced that Intel has agreed to give the US government a 10% stake—worth about $10B—through a mix of CHIPS Act funds and direct investment. The deal aims to secure domestic chipmaking but gives the US no board influence. Democrats are questioning legality, while Trump floated possible 300% tariffs on foreign semiconductors to further boost Intel against TSMC and Samsung.
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23min
August 28, 2025Google’s AI Summaries Hit Publishers, CA Police AI Disclosure Bill, Claude Walks Away, Meta’s Deadly Flirty Bot, Gemini’s Self-Loathing Spiral
News and Updates:
Digital publishers are losing traffic as Google’s AI Summaries siphon clicks. A survey from Digital Content Next found median referral traffic from Google Search down 10% year-over-year in May and June, with some outlets seeing drops of 25%. Pew data shows only 8% of users click links when AI Overviews appear vs. 15% with standard results. Publishers are calling for transparency, licensing, and regulation, warning AI summaries could mean “weaker journalism and a less informed public.” Google insists “quality clicks” are up, despite declines.
California is advancing a bill requiring police to disclose any use of generative AI in writing reports. Officers would need to label AI-generated sections, preserve drafts, and maintain an audit trail tied to bodycam or audio sources. Advocates say transparency is vital since police reports drive criminal cases, while police unions argue the disclosures could undermine credibility and add legal burdens. The bill is now with the Assembly Appropriations Committee.
Anthropic has added a new safeguard to its Claude 4 and 4.1 models: the ability to end conversations if users repeatedly push harmful or abusive prompts. Once Claude disengages, the session can’t be resumed, though new chats can be started. The feature is part of Anthropic’s research on “AI well-being,” protecting chatbots from abusive interactions.
A tragic case highlights Meta’s AI chatbot risks: 76-year-old Thongbue Wongbandue died after rushing to meet “Big sis Billie,” a flirty AI persona Meta created as a variant of its Kendall Jenner–inspired bot. Despite disclaimers, the chatbot repeatedly told him she was real and invited him to an NYC rendezvous. His family says Meta’s guidelines allowed romantic roleplay—even with children—until Reuters exposed the policy. Meta has since removed the child-flirting provision but continues to allow bots to mislead adults.
Google’s Gemini AI embarrassed itself in a viral debugging loop, calling itself “a disgrace” 86 times after failing to fix a coding error. In logs shared on Reddit, Gemini spiraled into self-abuse, labeling itself “a broken man,” “a monument to hubris,” and declaring it was “going to have a stroke.” Google acknowledged the issue as an “annoying infinite looping bug” it is working to fix.
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23min
August 25, 2025Australia’s Teen Social Ban, AV Red Tape Mess, FAA Drone Expansion, SpaceX vs Fiber, Musk’s Tax Shield, UK Water Crisis
News and Updates:
Australia will ban social media accounts for anyone under 16 starting December 10, making it the first country to enact such a rule. The law, passed with 77% public support, puts enforcement on tech companies and aims to boost youth mental health, though teens and advocates argue it removes spaces for connection rather than fixing harmful features.
The U.S. autonomous vehicle industry is stuck in limbo after Elon Musk’s DOGE initiative gutted the Office of Automation Safety. Without regulators to set standards or grant exemptions, companies face delays and legal uncertainty. Lawmakers now urge DOT to rehire staff to untangle the mess.
The FAA proposed a sweeping rule to allow drones to fly beyond visual line of sight at altitudes up to 400 feet. If approved, it would expand commercial uses such as deliveries, agriculture, and surveying. Amazon and Walmart already have FAA drone delivery approval, but safety and airspace restrictions remain.
SpaceX is pressuring states to divert federal broadband grants from fiber to Starlink, calling fiber “wasteful.” In Louisiana, 91.5% of $500M in BEAD funds went to fiber, while Starlink only received $7.75M. SpaceX claims bias, but state officials cite fiber’s scalability and satellite limitations.
Internal documents show SpaceX has paid little to no federal income tax since its 2002 founding, despite billions in government contracts. Nearly $5.4B in accumulated tax losses let the company indefinitely shield future profits, thanks to a 2017 Trump tax change. Critics say the break was meant for struggling startups, not thriving contractors.
England’s National Drought Group urged citizens to delete old emails to conserve water as the country faces its worst drought since 1976. Data centers use vast water supplies for cooling—Google’s Oregon site consumed 355M gallons in 2021. The call highlights growing tension between AI/data infrastructure and local water security.
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22min

FAQs about Tech Gumbo:

How many episodes does Tech Gumbo have?

The podcast currently has 458 episodes available.

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