TechTime with Nathan Mumm

Curious about how California's new speed assistance technology bill could reshape driving? Tune in to this episode of TechTime Radio with Nathan Mumm, where we dissect the pros and cons of this controversial legislation. Safety advocates herald it as a lifesaver, while critics worry it could be a distraction. We also delve into the latest news stories, such as charges against white supremacist chat group leaders and the increasing trend of online news consumption, offering a nuanced perspective on each.

Get ready for an electrifying discussion on the future of energy as we explore the groundbreaking advancements in fusion power. Discover how powerful lasers and magnetic confinement could revolutionize our power grids by the mid-2030s. Plus, we take a quirky detour with a story about an airline's unusual plane rebalancing act and the rise of blunt out-of-office replies.

Our Gadgets and Gear expert, Gwen Way, introduces the Flare, the ultimate peer-to-peer messaging device for off-grid adventures. Meanwhile, whiskey connoisseur Mark Gregoire joins us for a taste test of Old Forrester 100 Proof single barrel compared to its standard shelf counterpart. Don't miss our nostalgic trip back to the iPod Nano launch, our celebration of National TV Dinner Day, and our regular segments like Mike's mesmerizing moment and the technology fail of the week. Join us for an hour of tech talk, insightful discussions, and a dash of whiskey culture.

What happens when one of the world's biggest social media platforms tumbles in Brazil? Discover how X (formerly Twitter) finds itself in hot water as we unravel the rise of alternative platforms like Reddit, Discord, and the trending BlueSky. Join our fascinating discussion that includes a whimsical segment of "Two Truths and a Lie," interspersed with our beloved regular features such as Mike's Mesmerizing Moment, Technology Fail of the Week, Nathan's Negative, and a delightful whiskey tasting session. Trust us, this episode has a perfect blend of information and entertainment that you won’t want to miss.

Ever wondered about the stark differences in waste management between the U.S. and Japan? We break it down and move on to Elon Musk's legal skirmish with GARM, all while dissecting GameStop’s ambitious rebranding to GameStop Retro. Don't skip our fiery debate on the ethics of re-releasing iconic games like Doom and the conundrum surrounding user-created mods. To add more flavor to our tech talk, we'll discuss Chick-fil-A’s unexpected foray into streaming and celebrate Star Trek Day—packed with free streaming episodes from various Star Trek series.

Our closing segments focus on connecting with our vibrant community through social media and Patreon, sharing nostalgic moments from the launch of Windows 95 and the birth of eBay. Expect a hearty laugh as we talk about Welsh Rarebit Day, its history, and how to make this delectable dish. Tune in for an episode filled with riveting stories, fun games, and engaging discussions that make technology approachable for everyone.

Ever wondered why Meta might be pulling the plug on its Vision Pro competitor? Join us as we navigate the strategic shifts in the VR landscape and unpack why affordable VR devices could be Meta’s golden ticket. We’ll also tackle a significant security breach at Georgia Tech, offering you crucial tips on safeguarding your social security number, and highlight Lyft’s innovative new pet rides feature. Plus, we explore the surprising correlation between endless web scrolling and rising boredom levels.

In a gripping segment, we welcome Nick Espinosa from Security Fanatics to shed light on the alarming rise of the Terrorgram Collective. Discover how this neo-fascist group exploits Telegram to radicalize individuals globally, posing a grave threat to societal stability. We also bring you the latest on a major cybersecurity incident involving the Chinese hacking group Volt Typhoon and vulnerabilities in TP-Link products, examining the broader geopolitical ramifications of these threats. Our regular features, Mike's mesmerizing moment and the technology fail of the week, make a return, highlighting the recent security woes at Georgia Tech.

Finally, we blend tech history with whiskey appreciation, celebrating International Lottery Day and sharing intriguing facts about Jack Daniels and its founder, Jasper Newton Daniel. And don’t miss our whiskey-tasting review of Jack Daniels' 12-year Tennessee Whiskey Batch 2—a perfect way to cap off an engaging mix of technology insights and a bit of spirited fun.

Can Elon Musk's new AI image generator, Grok, spell trouble for the digital landscape, or is it a groundbreaking tool with untapped potential? Dive into the heart of this controversy as we unravel the concerns around unrestricted content generation, the potential legal ramifications, and how Grok stacks up against other AI tools like MidJourney. We'll also question Musk's intentions and what this means for the future of AI regulation.

But that's not all. We shine a spotlight on Toyota and Lexus as they grapple with alarming data breaches that put sensitive customer information at risk. What does this mean for consumer trust, and how can we better manage passwords in today's digital age? Listen in as we dissect Google's ongoing battle to position its Pixel phones against Samsung's market dominance, and the alleged pressures exerted on tech influencers to tip the scales.

To cap things off, we bring a blend of humor and insight with our reading of scam and phishing emails, including a tale of a fraudulent Kickstarter-like site and a deceptive newsletter from a Yakima radio station. Understand why people are drawn to influencers through Mike's psychological lens, and enjoy a spirited whiskey-tasting session, where we rate Resilient Bottled in Bond Bourbon. 

All this, plus our regular segments like Mike's mesmerizing moment, the technology fail of the week, and the Nathan Nugget moment. This episode is packed with tech talk, laughter, and a dash of whiskey – don't miss it!

Did you know the FBI recently took down the infamous ransomware gang, Radar? Tune in to learn all about the high-stakes operation that saw the seizure of multiple servers and domains across three countries. We’ll analyze the effectiveness of this takedown and the impact of Radar's double extortion tactics on the cybersecurity landscape.

Ever wondered about the psychological impacts of forming emotional attachments to AI? Our episode transitions from a nostalgic look at Disney theme parks to a profound discussion on OpenAI’s concerns about people bonding with ChatGPT 4.0. We’ll explore how humans anthropomorphize objects and characters, drawing parallels to our interactions with AI and the potential consequences of these digital relationships.

Relive your childhood with a trip down memory lane, featuring classic TV shows and the latest nostalgic gadget – the Thumbie Color. Special guest Gwen, an IT veteran, joins us to talk about this charming gaming device that combines the nostalgia of Tamagotchi with the simplicity of a Game Boy Color. Plus, we’ll cover the quirky fail of Waymo’s self-driving cars causing chaos in San Francisco, wrap up with Mike’s mesmerizing moment, and take a nostalgic look back at Internet Explorer’s launch in 1995. And don’t forget our whiskey tastings – will our pick of the day win your approval?

Is Google’s reign as the king of search engines under threat? Join us for a riveting session as we dissect the landmark antitrust ruling against Google by US District Judge Amit Mehta. We'll break down the implications of this ruling, drawing comparisons to Microsoft's past run-ins with antitrust law and discussing the potential fallout for the broader tech industry. Could Google’s algorithm spin-off be the next Bell System breakup or just a minor inconvenience?

We also venture into the controversial world of AI with a critical look at OpenAI's watermarking of ChatGPT-generated text. Explore the ethical dilemmas and the potential impacts on user behavior and the landscape of digital content. Plus, we take a fascinating detour to Indonesia’s ban on DuckDuckGo, scrutinizing the cultural and religious motivations behind this move and its broader implications for online privacy and internet freedom.

To cap it all off, we’ll time-travel to the late 70s and celebrate the TRS-80, the "Trash 80," a game-changer in the personal computing revolution. Enjoy some whiskey tasting with us, featuring Old Charter Oak Spanish Oak, as we debate its unique flavor profile. Don’t miss our staple segments: Mike's mesmerizing moment, the technology fail of the week, Nathan's Nugget, and our whiskey tasting pick of the day. This episode promises to be an insightful blend of tech news, lively debates, and a dash of nostalgia.

Ever wondered how a simple gadget like the Xbox 360 could leave such a lasting impact? Tune into this episode of Tech Time Radio with Nathan Mumm as we bid adieu to the iconic Xbox 360 store, reminiscing about the memories and milestones it brought into our lives. We'll also dive into the tech evolution with Siri's upcoming integration with OpenAI's ChatGPT. James Riddle joins us to discuss the groundbreaking Artificial Intelligence Act and its implications for high-risk systems like medical devices. We'll also share practical tips on generating safe, free QR codes and the resurgence of these digital shortcuts.

But that's not all! Discover the hidden dangers lurking in your living room with our spotlight on the increasing number of injuries linked to VR headsets. A friend's mishap during a virtual boxing match serves as a cautionary tale, leading us into a fascinating conversation with experts Melissa Kovacs and Daniel Kutcher on how VR impacts our proprioception. From the psychological reasons behind ignoring safety warnings to the differences in awareness between adults and children, we've got all the insights you need to navigate the virtual world safely. Plus, our regular segments like Mike's mesmerizing moment and the technology fail of the week add an extra layer of intrigue and entertainment.

And then there's the controversy that’s got everyone talking—Elon Musk's deepfake video involving Vice President Harris. We'll break down the backlash and discuss Musk's contentious response to Governor Gavin Newsom. Don't miss the "Nathan Nugget" of the week, offering a handy tip on generating free QR codes, and our high marks for Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit whiskey, a perfect pairing with a cigar. Stay tuned to hear about Apple's strategic delay in releasing its new AI feature to comply with European Union tech rules and wrap up with essential tips on securing VR headsets. This episode is a tech lover's dream, packed with the latest news, expert opinions, and a bit of fun for everyone.

Can AI relationships redefine intimacy, or are they a threat to genuine human connections? Join Nathan Mumm and Mike Gourdet on Tech Time Radio as we venture into the ever-evolving world of technology, where the lines between human and machine blur. From the Senate's upcoming debate on AI surveillance and data rights to the surprising story of a Waymo self-driving car getting pulled over, this episode promises to keep you on the edge of your seat. Expect a mix of thought-provoking insights and light-hearted moments, like the quirky possibility of Alexa judging your music taste and the buzz around a real retractable lightsaber.

Our deep dive into the bipartisan American Privacy Rights Act reveals how this legislation, led by Maria Cantwell and Kathy McMorris-Rogers, could revolutionize consumer data control. With provisions enabling users to opt-out of targeted advertising and seek financial damages for data breaches, the bill could reshape our digital interactions. We draw parallels with the UK’s GDPR, discuss the potential commercialization of AI services like Bing’s Copilot, and underscore the critical need for AI regulations to protect consumer rights and prevent unforeseen consequences.

The ethical implications of AI relationships take center stage as we explore the growing trend of AI-powered chatbots as therapists and companions. Leveraging insights from MIT sociologist Sherry Turkle, we scrutinize the dangers of "artificial intimacy" and its impact on real human connections. A compelling case study highlights the risks of substituting human interaction with machine feedback, raising significant privacy and data security concerns. All this, plus a nostalgic look back at the release of Netscape Navigator and a sneak peek at our upcoming Geek Fest, makes for an unmissable episode.

Prepare to be amazed as Tech Time Radio with Nathan Mumm brings you an action-packed episode brimming with the latest tech news and intriguing discussions! Elon Musk's ambitious goal to launch Grok 3, the world's most powerful AI by year-end, is bound to leave you pondering the future of artificial intelligence. Our special guest, cybersecurity expert Nick Espinoza, joins us to dissect the chaos unleashed by a recent CrowdStrike update that disrupted millions of systems globally, shedding light on the importance of robust cybersecurity measures.

Shifting gears with a mix of humor and scrutiny, we delve into TSA's security protocols, especially the unexpected alarms triggered by larger body types. We also geek out over Microsoft's latest Xbox controllers inspired by Deadpool and Wolverine, reminiscing about the original Mountain Dew Xbox controller and the evolution of gaming accessories. As a bonus for our whiskey enthusiasts, our tasting segment takes you on a flavorful journey, rating our whiskey pick of the day and offering an enjoyable pairing for tech talk.

Finally, we address the urgent need for regulating big tech companies with a detailed conversation on supply chain due diligence and standardized software development. We explore the Biden administration's initiatives and the EU's proactive data protection policies. Wrapping up the show, we celebrate GeekFest's seamless operations powered by Amazon Cloud Services and share a hilarious technology fail of the week involving TSA's X-ray machines. Don't forget to join our fan list at techtimeradio.com for monthly prizes and stay connected with us on your favorite podcast platforms!