TechTalkUK

Notes:

Kev has a new Pixel, Richard has an AI assistant doing actual work, and Apple has a laptop configuration with a price tag that requires a sit-down.

This week on TechTalk UK:

• Goodbye Samsung, hello Pixel: Ted swaps his S25 Ultra for a Pixel 11 Pro XL. First impressions cover Gboard, screen size, screenshots, Bitwarden and the temptation to make it his main phone.

• From AI sceptic to enthusiast: Richard explains how he’s using Grok Bot to organise invoices, search old files, draft correspondence, monitor prices and plan travel. We discuss the time savings, permissions and how much access feels comfortable.

• AI in everyday life: Paid subscriptions, typing versus talking, and Ted’s experience keeping a food and glucose diary with ChatGPT.

• eSIM headaches: Moving Lebara to a new phone goes smoothly—but a customer’s Utility Warehouse experience proves it isn’t always that simple.

• Audiobook savings: Ted shares his switch to annual Audible membership, the difference between keeping books and streaming them, and checking Libby or BorrowBox first.

• Why Richard cancelled his iPhone Duo: Face ID, payments and Apple Watch practicalities outweigh the appeal of a folding iPhone.

• How much for a Mac?! A £14,648 MacBook Pro configuration sparks a discussion about AppleCare One, expensive upgrades and frustration with the iPad mini.

Plus: infuriating CAPTCHAs, subscription housekeeping and a cough-muting solution for the podcast.

Have you switched from Samsung to Pixel? Is AI saving you real time—or would you rather keep it away from your inbox? Email [email protected].

Follow TechTalk UK in your podcast app, share the episode with a fellow tech enthusiast, and join us again in two weeks.

Summary Notes:

• Audio Setup: Hosted by Kev and Richard Yates on October 18, 2026, opening with a discussion on Richard's new Ugreen microphone setup to fix previous audio issues.

• Meta AI in WhatsApp: Richard's 92-year-old mother discovered Meta AI within WhatsApp, prompting a conversation about AI data harvesting, permissions, and privacy concerns.

• AI Transcription Tools: The hosts compared ChatGPT, Copilot, Claude, and Gemini for generating show notes and transcribing audio. Claude excelled at processing audio files, while Gemini struggled to process the audio stream.

• Football: A *VERY* brief chat covering Ipswich Town's recent match and Manchester City's ongoing situation.

• Android vs. iPad: Kev purchased a 2023 Samsung Android tablet specifically for watching football to avoid using his iPad Pro, leading to a discussion on the viability of the Android tablet market compared to Apple's lineup.

• Apple Hardware Rumors & Releases: The episode wrapped up with thoughts on the newly announced iPad Mini, updates to the Apple TV, and a terrible Apple Homeview advert!

So, we started out with good intentions, even had some host show notes, shock horror!. It was went a bit wrong, and the sound on this one is a bit of a shitshow.

Claude did it's best, it's stitched together best I can manage and it does improve about halfway through (I think!), except I am in stereo!!!

Notes:

TTUK Topics

Next show 4th October 10am

Kev:

Printers, ban them 😬

Sony XM4C reintroduced at just £219!

Music Service Tidal vs Apple test. 

Ridiculous AI companies pretending their new model is too dangerous!! Wankers!!!

Richard:

ChatGPT v Gemini

Perplexity AI

Zinwa P26 and Q27

iP 18pm v iP 17p

Google maps - fixing an error is bloody hard!!!

Kev and Richard finally manage to get back to do a new show, mostly talking about tech challenges while Kev on holiday, so not really an Apple show but we do talk about the new devices and how Kev is NOT upgrading this year for possibly the first time ever.

Kev and James discuss the Galaxy Fold 8 and how similar might the upcoming iPhone Fold be, and also talk about the mad Honor Robot Phone, plus lots of other chat.

Kev and Richard here to chat about the brand new Sony RX10 V, and Richard has a new gadget delivered live on the show.

Kev and Richard back for another show.

Richard is back, we talk Apple price increases, AI nonsense, iOS Beta 27 Dev 2 and how incredibly stable it is, and Richard has made a major new purchase!

Kev and James have a chat about iOS 27, New Siri, and lots more mostly Apple stuff.

Just a test of new Mic and totally new workflow for TTUK after the whistle on the last show, can you feed back on SQ and any noises please.