User Friendly - The Podcast

Your computer may have a secret! This week on User Friendly 2.0, we're uncovering the hidden processors operating inside our computers and smartphones, sometimes even when the main operating system isn't running. From Intel's Management Engine and remote-access technology to the security systems buried inside our everyday devices, we'll explore what these invisible computers do, why they exist, and whether they pose a threat to our privacy.

Then, we're tackling subscription fatigue! Why does everything seem to require a monthly payment? We'll examine HP's controversial printer ink subscriptions, the growing frustration with recurring charges, and the debate surrounding PlayStation's move toward digital gaming. As manufacturers gain more control over the products we purchase, we're asking a fundamental question: When you buy technology today, do you actually own it?

Join us for another fascinating look at the technology shaping our lives, whether we know it's there or not!

William Sikkens, Bill Snodgrass, Gretchen Winkler

This week, chilling news haunts the first segment like a bag of Trick-or-Treat candy with all kinds of AI topics. Then our spooky second section is all about Halloween. Join us for the ghostly conversation. Don't worry, you won't have to call the Ghostbusters.

Hosts: Haunted William Sikkens, Scary Bill Snodgrass, and Spooky Gretchen Winkler.

This week, our news and commentary take us from big questions about AI to flying cars and towering robots. We discuss a new chapter for Solo: A Star Wars Story, NASA’s “Dream with Us” student design challenge, Ukraine’s reported strikes on Russian bot operations, and Grok’s pitch to shop with your credit card. Plus, Tesla’s flying-car buzz gets a response from IKEA.

Then, James Sherwood, host of The Vault, joins us in segment two for a look at the card game World of Kylia.

Hosted by William Sikkens, Bill Snodgrass, and Gretchen Winkler

User Friendly is 100% human written, produced and hosted.

Enjoy the show? Like and subscribe on YouTube! Find our channel at [userfriendly.show](https://userfriendly.show).

Who really owns the software you buy, and what happens when someone figures out how to recreate it?

This week on User Friendly 2.0, we're diving into the growing controversy around Sony's PlayStation 5 and new developments that could let PS5 games run on ordinary PCs. Meanwhile, advances in artificial intelligence and software development are making it increasingly possible to recreate applications that compete with industry giants like Adobe and Microsoft.

But just because technology makes something possible, does that make it legal or ethical? We'll explore the fascinating intersection of software cloning, reverse engineering, intellectual property rights, and consumer freedom. Are these innovations a victory for consumers, or a threat to the companies that create the technology we depend on?

Plus, Bill Snodgrass returns from Reno, Nevada, with a firsthand report from the final SNAFU Con! After years of celebrating anime, gaming, cosplay, and pop culture, the convention is closing this chapter of its history. Bill shares his experiences from this year's event and what may be coming next.

Technology, controversy, gaming, and a little geek culture. It's all happening this week on User Friendly 2.0!

Visit us at UserFriendly.Show.

William Sikkens, Bill Snodgrass, Gretchen Winkler

This week on User Friendly 2.0, we explore technology from two very different angles.

First, we take a look at hacking devices. From security-testing tools to surprisingly inexpensive gadgets that interact with wireless signals, RFID, NFC, and other everyday technologies, we examine what these devices can do, why legitimate security professionals use them, and what happens when powerful tools fall into the wrong hands.

Then we trade hacking hardware for board games as Mik and Starla from Our Family Plays Games join us! Our Family Plays Games is on a mission to bring more families into the modern board gaming hobby while helping make the gaming table a more diverse, inclusive, and welcoming place for everyone. We talk about the changing world of tabletop gaming, building a collection of more than 1,500 games, their work in the board gaming community, and why gathering around a table to play still matters in an increasingly digital world.

Technology, security, games, and the people who bring them to life. It’s all this week on User Friendly 2.0!

Learn more about Mik, Starla, and Our Family Plays Games at OurFamilyPlaysGames.com.

William Sikkens, Bill Snodgrass, Gretchen Winkler

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and the digital threats facing businesses and individuals continue to evolve.

This week, Jessica Kearney of the Travelers Institute joins us to explore the current state of cybersecurity, the threats you should watch for, and the practical steps we can all take to better protect ourselves online.

From emerging cyber risks to the everyday habits that can make a real difference, we’ll look at what you need to know to stay safer in an increasingly connected world.

William Sikkens, Bill Snodgrass, Gretchen Winkler

This week's episode starts with the news and ends with the joy of hovering in a Gravity jet suit. Listen to hear what Bill has to share.

Hosts: Bill Sikkens, Bill Snodgrass, and Gretchen Winkler

Join us this week for our annual holiday light technology show. We have access to the same tech that ran amusement parks a few years ago - right at your house.

The team attended the Rose City Comic Con and had a wonderful time. We discuss the highlights in the second segment.

Bill offers his review of Age of Viking Companion.

William Sikkens, Bill Snodgrass, Gretchen Winkler

Join us this week as we discuss comic conventions and answer some of your questions.

William Sikkens, Bill Snodgrass, Gretchen Winkler

What is Dolby? What is THX? What do these things mean in movies and audio?

This week we'll look at your questions about audio tech and discuss a bit about recording history.

We will also cover professional Dungeon Masters and this week's news.

William Sikkens, Bill Snodgrass, Gretchen Winkler