Join Sam Bushman and Jay Harrison from Network Providers Inc. as they dive deep into the latest technology trends shaping our world. This episode covers Google's expanded AirDrop-style sharing for Android devices, the massive SpaceX and xAI merger valued at $1.25 trillion, and Elon Musk's ambitious plans for orbital data centers powered by solar energy.

Discover why Chromebooks may be harming education rather than helping it, as a 25-year teaching veteran explains how screens are replacing critical thinking skills and fundamental learning. Learn about the controversial Trump savings accounts and Michael Dell's $6 billion investment in America's youth.

The hosts also reveal shocking details about Waymo's self-driving cars—they're not as autonomous as you think! Remote workers in the Philippines are actually guiding these vehicles when they encounter problems. Plus, explore mysterious hot blobs deep inside Earth that have been steering our planet's magnetic field for 265 million years.

From messaging app wars (WhatsApp vs. Telegram vs. iMessage) to Apple's AI struggles and Windows 11 frustrations, this episode keeps you informed on tech so you don't have to track it yourself.

Watch now and subscribe to stay ahead of the tech curve! Visit NetworkProvidersInc.com for more insights.

Join Sam Bushman and Jay Harrison on Tech Watch Radio as they break down the biggest tech stories you need to know about this week!

???? CYBERSECURITY & AI CONCERNS

• AI-generated deepfake videos targeting ICE agents are spreading on social media

• How AI language models can be manipulated using "adversarial poetry" techniques

• Major ransomware warning: Akira group extorts $244M+ from businesses

• Why over-reliance on AI chatbots might be causing "brain rot" and cognitive decline

???? AMAZON'S RETAIL RETREAT

• Amazon is shutting down its futuristic "Amazon Go" cashierless stores

• What went wrong with the grab-and-go technology experiment

• The future of automated retail and what this means for consumers

• Licensing opportunities for the checkout technology

???? STREAMING SERVICE PRICE HIKES

• Spotify raising prices AGAIN (just 8 months after last increase)

• Individual Premium: $12.99 → $13.99/month

• Family Plan: $19.99 → $21.99/month

• Should you switch to Apple Music or Amazon Music?

• The case for buying MP3s and owning your music library

???? PRODUCT UPDATES

• Apple AirTag 2nd Generation review: 50% better range, louder speaker, same price ($29)

• Best use cases for tracking your valuables

• Chinese startup developing brain-computer interface WITHOUT surgery

???? AI TIPS & TRICKS

• How to effectively use AI tools without becoming dependent

• Project management strategies for ChatGPT and other AI assistants

• Why Google searches still beat AI for detailed research

• The importance of prompt engineering

Sponsored by Network Providers Inc. - Your trusted IT partner for strategic leadership, help desk support, and cybersecurity solutions.

⏰ TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 - Intro & Memory Prices Crisis

5:15 - AI Deepfake Videos Controversy

12:30 - Brain-Computer Interface Technology

18:45 - Apple AirTag 2nd Generation Review

28:20 - Amazon Go Store Closures

42:15 - Spotify Price Increases

55:30 - AI Security Vulnerabilities

1:08:45 - Ransomware Warning

1:15:20 - AI "Brain Rot" Study

???? RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• The Cyber Playbook: NetworkProvidersInc.com/cyberplaybook

• Network Providers Inc: NetworkProvidersInc.com

• Call: 385-832-6410

???? SUBSCRIBE & STAY PROTECTED!

Don't let tech overwhelm you - we keep an eye on tech so you don't have to! Hit that SUBSCRIBE button and turn on notifications so you never miss critical tech news, cybersecurity alerts, and product reviews that actually matter to your business and daily life.

???? Like this video if you learned something new!

???? Comment below: Are you worried about AI deepfakes? Have you tried the new AirTags?

???? Share with someone who needs better tech security!

Need IT support or cybersecurity help? Visit NetworkProvidersInc.com or call 385-832-6410 for a free consultation.

Join Sam Bushman and Jay Harrison on Tech Watch Radio as they dive deep into the latest tech chaos affecting millions of users. In this episode, we tackle Microsoft's disastrous Windows 11 update (KB5074109) that's crashing Classic Outlook and losing emails—Sam shares his personal nightmare of spending hours trying to recover his email system and why he's been forced to switch to Gmail's web client.

We explore the growing AI backlash as consumers push back against AI-everywhere marketing, with Dell leading the charge by stepping away from AI-focused PC promotion. Discover why gaming PCs are replacing traditional consoles as the future of gaming, thanks to innovations showcased at CES 2026.

Plus, we cover:

• Email's uncertain future and why communication tools are fragmenting
• The RAM shortage crisis is driving PC prices up 20%
• OCUlink ports that let you connect external GPUs to mini PCs
• Govee's immersive TV backlighting system transforms your viewing experience
• Valve's push to bring Linux gaming mainstream
• Solar radiation threatens aircraft systems
• And much more tech news you need to know!

Brought to you by Network Providers Inc. - your trusted IT partner for security, help desk, cloud solutions, and more.

CALL TO ACTION:

Don't let tech problems derail your business! If you're struggling with email disasters, security concerns, or IT headaches as Sam experienced, contact Network Providers Inc. today at NetworkProvidersInc.com or call 385-446-5500.

Subscribe to Tech Watch Radio at NPITechGuys.com for weekly tech insights, and grab your copy of The Cyber Playbook at NetworkProvidersInc.com/cyberplaybook to protect your business from costly breaches.

Like, subscribe, and share this episode with anyone who needs to stay ahead of tech trends without the headaches!

Join Sam Bushman and Jay Hill on Tech Watch Radio as they dive into the latest technology trends shaping 2026. In this episode, they explore groundbreaking innovations announced ahead of CES, including Fender's revolutionary Bluetooth speakers that can connect to four devices simultaneously, and Sony's next-generation noise-canceling technology.

The hosts revisit the fascinating story of Symphony Digital Radio—a promising technology from the early 2000s that mysteriously vanished—and discuss why it's more relevant than ever with today's AI-powered audio filtering capabilities.

Discover the challenges facing Apple's Vision Pro headset as production cuts reveal the hurdles of early-stage spatial computing adoption. Learn about ambitious plans for AI data centers in space through Project SunCatcher, backed by tech giants like Google, Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Sam Altman.

Plus, get the latest on Starlink's impressive growth to nearly 10 million users and their upcoming direct satellite-to-cell phone technology. The show also covers critical topics including the RAM shortage affecting computer prices, LG's lightest 17-inch laptop, and eye-opening research on social media detoxing—revealing how reducing usage by just 75% can significantly improve mental health, sleep, and productivity.

From government tech boondoggles to cryptocurrency scams, Sam and Jay keep you informed on everything tech so you don't have to.

Call to Action:

Ready to take control of your tech life? Start your own social media detox challenge this week—reduce your usage to just 30 minutes per day and experience the benefits for yourself! Visit NPITechGuys.com for show notes, video content, and more tech insights.

Don't forget to subscribe to YouTube and your favorite podcast platform to stay ahead of the tech curve. Have questions or tech topics you'd like us to cover? Reach out to Network Providers at NetworkProvidersInc.com—think solutions, think education, think Network Providers!

TECH WATCH RADIO - EPISODE TIMESTAMPS

0:00 - Introduction & Welcome

1:26 - Fender Bluetooth Speakers (4-device connectivity)

5:17 - Sony Noise Canceling Technology

9:32 - Symphony Digital Radio (the technology that vanished)

15:29 - LG's Lightest 17-inch Laptop

18:32 - RAM Apocalypse & Memory Shortage

21:49 - Apple Vision Pro Production Cuts

25:38 - Project SunCatcher (AI Data Centers in Space)

31:12 - Starlink Growth & Direct Satellite-to-Cell Technology

35:53 - Social Media Detox Study (JAMA Research)

40:30 - Personal Social Media Detox Experience

45:05 - German Government Phone Boondoggle ($35M waste)

48:35 - Cryptocurrency Scam (Reynolds Spector case)

In this episode of "Keeping an Eye on Tech: Scams, Security, and the Human Side of IT," host Sam Bushman is joined by Jake Oaks, Marketing Director for Network Providers Inc., for a deep dive into the ever-evolving world of technology and cybersecurity.

The conversation kicks off with practical advice on how to spot and avoid common email scams targeting businesses and individuals, including payroll and banking fraud.

Sam and Jake discuss the importance of double-checking suspicious requests, protecting sensitive information, and the growing sophistication of cybercriminals—sometimes even using AI-generated voices to trick victims.

The episode also explores the broader landscape of IT support, highlighting how proactive maintenance and education can keep businesses safe and running smoothly.

Jake shares insights into NPI’s commitment to client education, from webinars and in-person events to a growing library of training materials designed to empower business owners and staff.

Listeners will also hear a candid discussion about the privacy risks of modern technology, from smartphones that are always listening to the legal gray areas of data collection and consent.

The hosts debate the balance between convenience and security, the rise of AI in daily life, and the need for public awareness and pushback against overreaching tech companies.

Other topics include the impact of ad blockers, the ethics of online advertising, and the troubling role of major platforms like Meta in enabling scams.

The episode wraps up with practical tips for protecting your digital life and a reminder that technology should serve you—not the other way around.

Whether you’re a business owner, IT professional, or just a tech enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable advice for navigating today’s digital landscape.

Stay one step ahead in the digital world—subscribe to our show for more expert insights, practical tips, and the latest tech news. If you found this episode helpful, share it with a friend or colleague, and don’t forget to leave us a review.

For more resources and to connect with our team, visit networkprovidersinc.com. Protect your business, empower your team, and keep technology working for you!

In this comprehensive episode of TechWatch Radio, Sam Bushman, and Jay Harrison take you on a 50-minute journey through the latest in technology, media, and cybersecurity.

From the challenges of producing content for both radio and TV, to the ever-changing world of streaming services, the hosts dive deep into the YouTube-Disney standoff, the economics of sports and entertainment, and the rise of AI in both productivity and fraud.

Special segments include practical cybersecurity advice, a look at Canva’s AI-powered design revolution, Microsoft’s bold gaming moves, and the ethical implications of AI on mental health

Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, business owner, or just trying to keep up with the digital age, this episode is packed with insights, tips, and lively discussion.

Key Moments & Timestamps

[0:00] – Welcome & Multi-Platform Production

Sam and Jay discuss the transition from radio to TV, content creation strategies, and the challenges of producing for multiple platforms.

[2:35] – Streaming Services & Industry Shakeups

The hosts break down the frustrations of modern streaming, the YouTube-Disney dispute, and the rising costs of sports and entertainment.

[9:01] – Premium Subscriptions & Cybersecurity

Is YouTube Premium worth it? Plus, practical tips for small business cybersecurity and the importance of digital vigilance.

[12:42] – AI in the Workplace: Fraud & Detection

Exploring the rise of AI-generated fake expense receipts, how companies are fighting back, and the broader implications for business integrity.

[16:15] – AI, Mental Health & Data Breaches

OpenAI’s findings on user well-being, the risks of emotional attachment to AI, and a look at major data breaches with advice on password security.

[21:21] – Tech Industry News: Nvidia, Musk, and Microsoft

Nvidia’s $5 trillion milestone, Elon Musk’s Grokipedia, and Microsoft’s cross-platform gaming strategy.

[27:00] – AI & Creative Tools: Canva vs. Adobe

Canva’s new AI-powered features, the battle for creative dominance, and how tech companies risk losing their mission.

[32:00] – The Ethics & Future of AI

The dangers of using AI for fraud, AI in accounting, mental health risks, and the need for responsible development.

[41:00] – Final Thoughts & Sign-Off

The future of tech giants, the importance of adaptability, and a thank you to listeners with resources for staying connected.

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to TechWatch Radio for more in-depth tech analysis, practical tips, and the latest industry news. Visit npitechguys.com for show notes, resources, and exclusive content. Have questions or topics you want us to cover? Reach out and join the conversation—your voice matters!

* Sam Has An Idea? - Imagine that!

* Genetic testing company 23andMe announced that hackers accessed around 14,000 customer accounts in the company’s recent data breach - In a new filing with the US SEC.

* Most Common Passwords Take a Second to Crack.

* Best streaming device overall: Roku Express 4K Plus.

* Tesla’s cheapest Cybertruck won’t drop until 2025! - The automaker now estimates it’ll charge $60,990 — or $53,490 after $7,500 in federal tax credits. That’s more than the starting price for a Ford Lightning or Silverado EV (both around $50,000).

* Federal judge blocks Montana's TikTok ban before it takes effect.

* Your favorite, bittersweet tunes may help relieve pain better than unfamiliar, relaxing music.

Participants in a small study said that pain less unpleasant by about nine points on a 100 point scale when they were listening to their preferred music.

Research has long suggested that music can help lower pain perception without medication and could even help babies tolerate heel-prick blood tests.

Emerging research has also found that music might change our experience of certain types of discomfort.

They are exploring new dimensions of the psychology of music listening that have not been well-studied, especially in the context of pain relief. As a result, the data we have available is limited, although the preliminary results are fairly strong.

* Feds Want To Install Speed-Limiting Devices On All New Cars - MSN.

The ISA tech utilizes a car's GPS, a database of speed limits, and onboard cameras to ensure compliance with legal speeds.

Sam Advocates for the slow down of (not only cars) but, life in General.

Jay advocates for speeding things up via using technology and high tech coordination to improve efficiency.