This week on IT SPARC Cast, John and Lou unpack UniFi Network 9.3’s biggest update yet, talk about why quantum security is no longer just a buzzword, and break down the soap opera acquisition collapse of Windsurf by OpenAI. Spoiler: Google and Cognition swooped in with a surprise twist.

⏱️ Timestamps & Show Notes

00:00 - Intro

00:52 - UniFi Network 9.3

Ubiquiti releases UniFi Network version 9.3, and it’s a big one. Key highlights:

•Redesigned client tables with better filtering options

•Centralized DHCP and improved IP management

•Customizable alarms and logs with 3rd-party integrations

•Enhanced content filtering with scheduling, ad blocking, and allow/block lists

•IDS/IPS powered by Proofpoint, real-time blocking via Cloudflare

•Multi-WAN with policy-based routing and SLA support

•Aimed squarely at small-to-mid enterprises — without drowning in licensing fees

https://blog.ui.com/article/introducing-network-9-3 

06:59 - Quantum Security: It’s Not Just a Buzzword Issue Anymore

Quantum computing may still require liquid nitrogen, but the quantum threat is already knocking. Lou and John discuss:

•Aptive’s call to action on post-quantum cryptography

•Signs of quantum decryption attempts in the wild

•Long-term implications for embedded systems, firmware, and legacy encryption

•The urgent need for organizations to inventory encryption dependencies

https://www.aptiv.com/en/insights/article/why-it-s-time-to-invest-in-quantum-cybersecurity 

10:43 - OpenAI Loses Out on Windsurf

The Windsurf acquisition saga gets messy:

•Microsoft’s IP entanglement derails OpenAI’s planned buyout

•Google DeepMind hires Windsurf’s top talent in a surprise pivot

•Cognition scoops up the remaining assets for integration with Devon

•A lesson in why talent acquisition sometimes matters more than the tech

https://techcrunch.com/2025/07/11/windsurfs-ceo-goes-to-google-openais-acquisition-falls-apart 

https://techcrunch.com/2025/07/14/cognition-maker-of-the-ai-coding-agent-devin-acquires-windsurf/ 

15:06 - Listener Feedback

Shoutout to YouTube commenter GFA_Basic32 who compared our AR glasses segment to Minority Report — and got John dreaming about ad-blocking Pie Hole for your face.

16:05 - Wrap Up

Thanks for tuning in! Got feedback or episode ideas? Reach out anytime:

📧 [email protected]

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John Barger

• @john_Video on X

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbarger/ 

Lou Schmidt

• @loudoggeek on X

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/louis-schmidt-b102446/ 

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