The Short Fuse

By Short Fuse

Technology and socio-economic big bets

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FAQs about The Short Fuse:

How many episodes does The Short Fuse have?

The podcast currently has 23 episodes available.

The Short Fuse episodes:

January 12, 2026 CES 2026: Gadgets!
Join Duncan and Ollie in this episode of "Short Fuse" as they dive into the latest and quirkiest gadgets from CES 2026. From humanoid robots with Brad Pitt's hair to AI companions that wink, the duo explores the fascinating and sometimes bizarre world of consumer electronics. Tune in for a blend of humor and insight as they debate the practicality and future of these innovations. Don't miss their candid takes on what might just be the next big thing—or not!
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53min
December 15, 2025 Metaverse, VR, AR, XR
The Metaverse was promised as the next great leap for the internet—a decentralised, immersive world where we would work, shop, and socialise. But as we approach the dates set by major analysts for mass adoption, the reality looks very different.

In this episode of Short Fuse, Ollie and Duncan take a critical look at the state of Extended Reality (XR) and the Metaverse. We explore the massive disconnect between the aggressive predictions made by industry experts and the actual adoption rates we see today.
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53min
December 04, 2025 BCI
Join Duncan and Ollie in this lively episode of "Short Fuse" as they dive into the fascinating world of Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI). From the potential of controlling devices with your thoughts to the ethical dilemmas and regulatory challenges, they explore both the thrilling possibilities and the daunting risks. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or just curious about the future, this episode offers a thought-provoking discussion with a sprinkle of humour. Tune in and decide if you're long or short on BCI!
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48min
November 20, 2025 Dead Internet Theory
Is the internet already dead?

The "Dead Internet Theory" suggests the web is no longer a human place but is dominated by bots and AI-generated content

In this episode, Duncan and Ollie use the Short Fuse Tech Tracker as evidence to debate the theory. We discuss how AI "slop" and bot-to-bot engagement (especially on LinkedIn) are killing authentic human interaction

This leads to a "bifurcation" of the internet: one layer for AI agents and transactions, and another, separate layer for verified humans

Full analysis at: shortfuseresearch.com
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50min
November 11, 2025 Tech Tracker Update: October 2025
Join Duncan Roberts and Ollie O'Donoghue for the Short Fuse October Tech Tracker review.

This month, the team analyses the biggest movers in technology. Cloud computing takes a significant dive, landing in the hype trap following major AWS and Cloudflare outages. Duncan and Ollie discuss the growing public backlash against "AI slop" and explore why Generative AI's sentiment is falling while technical AI (like machine learning) moves into the momentum zone.
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45min
October 20, 2025 Robots!
Duncan and Ollie dive into humanoid robots as products and as markets. Pricing, upkeep, touch and balance, messy homes, smart home integration, and use in care and manufacturing. A sharp, funny, data led guide to what matters now and what could matter by 2050.
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38min
October 14, 2025 Bursting the AI Bubble
In this episode, Ollie and Duncan put their emerging tech tracker tool to work, analyzing real data to uncover what's actually happening beneath the AI hype. Are we heading toward a bubble burst, or is something more nuanced unfolding? Using insights from their tracker, they examine how big tech companies are positioning themselves, explore the interconnected web of emerging technologies from quantum computing to AI, and discuss why public sentiment is shifting. Join them for a data driven conversation that cuts through the noise and reveals what the numbers are really telling us about the future of tech innovation.
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38min
September 26, 2025 Big Announcements!
In this episode of Short Fuse, Duncan and Ollie unveil their brand new website and innovative platform designed to track tech trends and sentiment. Dive into their journey of building this hub, and explore how it will shape future discussions. Plus, enjoy their signature banter as they tackle topics like quantum computing and the curious case of ultrasonic kitchen knives. Tune in for a blend of tech insights and humour, and be part of the launch excitement.
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40min
July 29, 2025 Punishment
Duncan and Ollie pull apart the future of crime and punishment, asking how AI and technology might reshape the way we deliver justice. From smarter legal outcomes and rethinking juries to personalized, rehabilitation-focused sentencing, they challenge the status quo and explore what happens when human judgment collides with machine intelligence.
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35min
June 17, 2025 The Space Race
From the billionaire space race and mining the moon to the scientific imperative to explore, Ollie and Duncan cover whether humanity's future lies in the stars or if we should be fixing problems closer to home first. Plus, a vital discussion on the statistical probability of aliens.
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34min

FAQs about The Short Fuse:

How many episodes does The Short Fuse have?

The podcast currently has 23 episodes available.