The Tech Night Owl LIVE — Tech Radio with a Pop Culture Twist!

This week we we feature a very special encore segment with commentator Josh Centers, Managing Editor for TidBITS, and author of “Take Control of Apple TV” and other titles. Gene and Josh talk about Apple’s foray into TV streaming, and its “up-front” presentation of shows and stars during a March 25, 2019 media event. With few details to go by, just how will Apple’s streaming service fare against the likes of Amazon Prime and Netflix, not to mention CBS All Access and the forthcoming service from Disney? Have we reached the point of streaming overload yet? There will also be discussions about Apple’s recent product intros that included new iPads, an iMac refresh, and the second-generation AirPods. Josh will also discuss Verizon’s plan to offer free call filtering to block telemarketing calls. This is similar to a service already provided by AT&T and T-Mobile. You’ll also hear the very latest interview with tech reporter Andrew Orr from the The Mac Observer. On this episode, Andrew will talk with Gene about Apple’s recent financials which, despite lower revenue than last year, came in at the high end of the company’s guidance. And what about contrary claims about actual iPhone unit sales, since Apple no longer provides such information? You’ll also hear about the possibilities for an Apple Glasses product, where, if it is produced, might deliver a simple way to check for glaucoma and other eye ailments. There will also be discussions about a curious story reporting that an AirPod that still worked after being swallowed by a user, the launch of a Beats alternative to AirPods, the PowerBeats Pro, and other topics related to our favorite “fruit company.”

This week, we feature outspoken tech commentator Peter Cohen. This week, Peter talks about a pet peeve of his, that, with so many models in each Apple product line, the differences may be blurred. This harkens back to the way it was in the 1990s, where there were many Mac models under the Performa moniker that were hardly different. Peter also talks about the alleged "Apple Tax," where the company supposedly charges higher prices for its products and services. There is also a discussion about reports that the next version of iOS will give the iPad mouse support, some speculation about the form of the next Mac Pro, due out this year, and whether there will someday be a switch from Intel to Apple's own ARM-based CPUs. And what about reports that Facebook may be hit with a multibillion dollar fine from the F.T.C. for various privacy lapses? Will it make a difference in how the world's largest social network operates, or just be a drop in the bucket in its impact on the company's finances? You'll also hear from tech editor and commentator Bryan Chaffin, co-founder and co-publisher of The Mac Observer. Bryan will also talk about what may come at Apple's media event, and the possible future of Apple TV. CorelDRAW's return is also discussed, as will the Spotify/Apple dispute. Bryan will also reveal his expectations of the forthcoming and long-delayed Mac Pro refresh, new versions of the iMac and iMac Pro, and repeat his qualms about the wisdom of buying gear with aging technology that Apple hasn't updated. Indeed, will such gear feature Apple's ARM-based processors instead of CPUs from Intel? There will also be talk about Facebook's plans to encrypt more of is services. And what about a new project involving an open source voting system from DARPA, the research agency that developed the world-wide web and other notable projects. Is this software platform something that the makers of voting machines may adopt, and will it mean greater security and more accurate election results?

This week, we feature tech editor and commentator Bryan Chaffin, co-founder and co-publisher of The Mac Observer. Bryan, you see, is hopping mad at Apple for not paying enough attention to the Mac in recent years. He feels that product upgrades come too slowly, meaning you pay current prices for models that can be two or more years old. Bryan also speculates about the next Mac Pro workstation, which is expected later this year, perhaps at Apple's WWDC event in June. He also focuses on the latest Facebook security follies and Apple's March 25th media event, where the wraps were taken off Apple TV+ and a lineup of brand new shows. Was this an upfront presentation of new content, echoing the approach of other TV and streaming networks, or an attempt to demonstrate to the bigwigs in Hollywood that Apple is open for business? In a very special encore segment, the focus is on online security, as we present Cat Murdock, a hacker who hunts child predators for the Innocent Lives Foundation. This interview comes in the wake of recent stories about the discover of alleged pedophilia rings on YouTube. Cat will expand on the nature of the problem, and the things parents should look out for in protecting their children. The Innocent Lives Foundation is a nonprofit founded by Chris Hadnagy that recruits hackers and IT experts to use their skills for good by hunting down online predators. The organization's board includes A.J. Cook, a member of the ensemble cast of CBS's "Criminal Minds," and the former head of the FBI's Counterintelligence Behavioral Analysis Program.

This week, we feature outspoken columnist John Martellaro, Senior Editor, Analysis & Reviews for The Mac Observer. His bill of fare this week includes Apple's March media event and its implications going forward. Were there really two few details. John also explains why suggestions that Apple buy Netflix are not viable, why things aren't what they appear to be with Apple, Apple's privacy ad and how it showcases the company's philosophy compared to the likes of Facebook and Google, and whether the monolithic iTunes app for Macs and PCs may soon be broken up into more digestible and easier-to-use single-purpose apps. Some people can hardly wait. In a very special encore segment, we cover Apple's "Show Time" media event that was held on March 25, 2019, where the wraps were taken off plans for Apple TV+, yet another video streaming service that will offer a collection of original TV shows and movies premiering in the fall. Such notables as J.J. Abrams, Steven Spielberg and even Oprah Winfrey are involved in the production of this content, but details beyond the basic "up-front" presentation and previews have yet to be announced. Apple also announced Apple News+, a subscription service featuring material culled from both magazines and newspapers, a major enhancement to the free app. In addition, Apple Arcade will offer original games, also by subscription. Here to talk about the goings on is outspoken tech commentator Peter Cohen.

This week we we feature commentator Josh Centers, Managing Editor for TidBITS, and author of “Take Control of Apple TV” and other titles. Gene and Josh talk about Apple’s foray into TV streaming, and its “up-front” presentation of shows and stars during a March 25, 2019 media event. With few details to go by, just how will Apple’s streaming service fare against the likes of Amazon Prime and Netflix, not to mention CBS All Access and the forthcoming service from Disney? Have we reached the point of streaming overload yet? There will also be discussions about Apple’s recent product intros that included new iPads, an iMac refresh, and the second-generation AirPods. Josh will also discuss Verizon’s plan to offer free call filtering to block telemarketing calls. This is similar to a service already provided by AT&T and T-Mobile. In a very special encore segment, you’ll also hear from tech editor and commentator Bryan Chaffin, co-founder and co-publisher of The Mac Observer. Bryan will also talk about what may come at Apple’s media event, and the possible future of Apple TV. CorelDRAW’s return is also discussed, as will the Spotify/Apple dispute. Bryan will also reveal his expectations of the forthcoming and long-delayed Mac Pro refresh, new versions of the iMac and iMac Pro, and repeat his qualms about the wisdom of buying gear with aging technology that Apple hasn’t updated. Indeed, will such gear feature Apple’s ARM-based processors instead of CPUs from Intel? There will also be talk about Facebook’s plans to encrypt more of is services. And what about a new project involving an open source voting system from DARPA, the research agency that developed the world-wide web and other notable projects. Is this software platform something that the makers of voting machines may adopt, and will it mean greater security and more accurate election results?

This week we offer special coverage of Apple's "Show Time" media event that was held on March 25, 2019, where the wraps were taken off plans for Apple TV+, yet another video streaming service that will offer a collection of original TV shows and movies premiering in the fall. Such notables as J.J. Abrams, Steven Spielberg and even Oprah Winfrey are involved in the production of this content, but details beyond the basic "up-front" presentation and previews have yet to be announced. Apple also announced Apple News+, a subscription service featuring material culled from both magazines and newspapers, a major enhancement to the free app. In addition, Apple Arcade will offer original games, also by subscription. In low-key announcements the previous week, Apple refreshed the iMac with more powerful hardware, and upgraded the iPad mini and iPad Air. The AirPods wireless earphones were also updated. Joining us to discuss the possibilities of all the new products and services are cutting-edge commentator and podcaster Kirk McElhearn. You'll also hear from outspoken tech commentator Peter Cohen. Both pundits will also be asked about Apple's plans for the next Mac Pro, which is promised for later this year. Why has it taken so long to refresh Apple's professional desktop computer?

This week we present a very special encore episode featuring tech reporter Andrew Orr from the The Mac Observer. During this segment, Andrew talks about a recent report, from Axios, that quotes unnamed people from Intel who claim that Apple is prepared to switch to its own A-series CPUs in Macs come 2020. Gene mentions recent predictions from Mac Observer Editor-in-Chief Bryan Chaffin that the next Mac Pro, expected this year, will actually be the first Mac to include one of those chips. You'll also hear talk about Facebook security, Apple's possible plans for introducing TV shows, and a certain outrageous claim about the forthcoming 6G, when 5G is just in the early stages of being rolled out.We also focus on online security, as we present Cat Murdock, a hacker who hunts child predators for the Innocent Lives Foundation. This interview comes in the wake of recent stories about the discover of alleged pedophilia rings on YouTube. Cat will expand on the nature of the problem, and the things parents should look out for in protecting their children. The Innocent Lives Foundation is a nonprofit founded by Chris Hadnagy that recruits hackers and IT experts to use their skills for good by hunting down online predators. The organization's board includes A.J. Cook, a member of the ensemble cast of CBS's "Criminal Minds," and the former head of the FBI's Counterintelligence Behavioral Analysis Program.

This week we present tech commentator and publisher Adam Engst, Editor and Publisher of TidBITS, During this presentation, he will offer his speculation about what Apple may introduce at its March 25, 2019 media event. Will it just include news about a streaming service featuring original TV programming, a possible news and magazine subscription offering, or something unexpected? Adam also talks about the return of CorelDRAW to the macOS platform after a number of years. And what about the dustup between Spotify and Apple over claims that the latter’s “walled garden” is making it difficult for competitors to succeed on its platform. You’ll also hear from tech editor and commentator Bryan Chaffin, co-founder and co-publisher of The Mac Observer. Bryan will also talk about what may come at Apple’s media event, and the possible future of Apple TV. CorelDRAW’s return is also discussed, as will the Spotify/Apple dispute. Bryan will also reveal his expectations of the forthcoming and long-delayed Mac Pro refresh, new versions of the iMac and iMac Pro, and repeat his qualms about the wisdom of buying gear with aging technology that Apple hasn’t updated. Indeed, will such gear feature Apple’s ARM-based processors instead of CPUs from Intel? There will also be talk about Facebook’s plans to encrypt more of is services. And what about a new project involving an open source voting system from DARPA, the research agency that developed the world-wide web and other notable projects. Is this software platform something that the makers of voting machines may adopt, and will it mean greater security and more accurate election results?

This week we present a very special encore episode featuring commentator Josh Centers, Managing Editor for TidBITS, and author of “Take Control of Apple TV” and other titles. During this episode, Josh focuses on such topics as attempts by law enforcement to unlock a suspect's iPhone. While iCloud data is readily obtained, the iPhone is encrypted and Apple has refused to create a back door for security reasons. Josh also talks about the departure of Apple's retail chief Angela Ahrendts, and whether Tim Cook lacks something in hiring new executives. You'll also hear speculation about Apple's forthcoming lineup of TV content, and how it might be presented in comparison to such streaming services as Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Netflix. And what about the rumored AppleCar? You'll also hear from tech industry expert Stephen Baker, Vice President for Industry Analysis at the NPD Group. Stephen will discuss the fast-growing smartwatch market, where Apple leads by a huge margin. What did the industry do to gain traction? You'll also about Apple's plans to expand its market beyond Apple TV by licensing AirPlay 2 and an iTunes app to major TV makers, such as Samsung. There will also be discussions about flattening smartphone sales and declining PC sales, where Apple has boosted prices on its gear to increase revenue. Stephen will also talk about the success of 4K TV, and whether those super expensive 8K sets, coming to market at very high prices, will some day become popular. And what about the smart speaker market?

This week we present a very special encore episode featuring tech writer Andrew Orr from the The Mac Observer, Andrew covers a variety of topics from some of his recent articles, including more information about the Facebook follies, and the alleged abuses by the world’s largest social network. What about the paucity of apps that support Apple’s controversial touch bar, which is found on some models of the MacBook Pro? The discussion also covers the iPad, and whether it can be used as a primary personal computer with the right keyboard. What about Apple’s upcoming TV programming? Andrew has kept tabs on announcements and rumors of new shows. You’ll also hear about the latest Netflix price increase and the possibility of Apple switching from Intel to its own ARM-based processors on Macs in the near future. We also present the fascinating life story of a former “most wanted” cybercriminal. Brett Johnson discusses his long and varied history as a career criminal, which took him from petty crime to online scams that included identity theft, tax fraud, social engineering attacks, hacking and more. He built and was leader of ShadowCrew, the precursor to today’s darknet markets. As a reformed criminal, Brett consults with large corporations and helps them harden their systems to prevent intrusions from cybercriminals. A nationally-known lecturer and podcaster, he’ll also deliver common sense advice on how you can protect yourself from the dangers of the online world where privacy is usually just a talking point and not much else.