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Episode #418 – Stick this in your Tree! The Tech Ornament

In this Week’s TechtalkRadio Show, Andy and Shawn discussed their shared interest in tech-themed Christmas decorations, particularly ornaments and sweaters. Shawn does an Open Box on the Radio of his recent purchase of an original Xbox Christmas ornament that plays sounds from the game Halo: Combat Evolved. While we can’t really hear the Ornament – Video has now been posted on our blog. After seeing the Apple Pencil in the News, Andy asks Shawn what it is all about. Shawn explained that his mother uses it for drawing and work, and it offers features such as precision, pressure sensitivity, tilt sensitivity, low latency, and palm rejection and works great with various iPad models, including older ones, and the second generation can be charged by attaching it to the side of the iPad.

While on the subject of Apple, Andy discussed the immersive video experience created by Edward Berger, now available on the Apple TV app, and a short film called Submerged. Andy also introduced a website, AI.meta.com, where users can create short videos using AI-generated photos. Shawn shared his recent experience with Chat GPT, initially skeptical but now finding it useful for various tasks, including rebuilding his Plex server using Linux Mint, where Chat GPT provided detailed step-by-step instructions for mounting a drive and to learn Linux commands and emphasized the importance of effective prompting for better results.


Andy and Shawn reminisced about their experiences with technology in their teenage years, with Shawn sharing his knowledge of bypassing internet restrictions imposed by his parents. Wikipedia, AI and Google Search did not exist, instead educational resources like Encarta and the Dewey decimal system at the library were the solution.

Andy and Shawn wrapped the show with the discussion of the implications of AI-generated voices and the potential for AI to replace human hosts in podcasting. They shared their experience with the “notebooklm.google experimental page” AI, which they found unsettling and not quite human. In Audio which had a lot of people talking, The NotebookLM model was tested with the AI told they were AI. As Shawn and Andy note, A Downer.

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Episode #417 – Look! It’s a Stick! – The Great Outdoors and Technology

TechtalkRadio: Camp Tech, AI Concerns, and Gadgets Galore!

In this week’s episode of TechtalkRadio, hosts Andy Taylor, Shawn DeWeerd, Matt Jones, and S!ick dive into the world of camping tech, AI, and cool new gadgets.

Shawn’s Camping Tech Must-Haves
With Justin out this week on a Camping Trip and photos not showing glowing enthusiasm, Shawn shares his gear essentials for tent, camper, and RV trips. His setup includes DSLR cameras, a power inverter, a solar charger, and even a custom mobile Plex server built on a Raspberry Pi. S!ick was curious about Shawn’s love for film photography, sparking a discussion on how AI filters can recreate that classic look. This led to a deeper conversation about whether AI might replace the human touch in art—something that has Shawn concerned and Andy intrigued by the possibilities.

AI and the ‘Dead Internet’ Theory
Matt jumped in to share his own experiences using ChatGPT to craft job cover letters, while Shawn praised the AI for enhancing storytelling in his Dungeons & Dragons campaigns. Andy explored Google’s experimental AI tool, Notebook LM, built to summarize notes and create quick synopses. But when the team tested its audio features, Matt couldn’t help but mention the “uncanny valley” effect of AI-generated voices. Matt then introduced the thought-provoking ‘Dead Internet Theory’, which suggests that much of today’s online content is being generated by bots and algorithms instead of real human interactions.

Gadget of the Week: Mon Duo
Matt showcased his latest gadget, the Mon Duo, a unique triple-monitor accessory for 14” and 16” MacBooks. For around $750, users get a foldable, high-quality display with a 144Hz refresh rate and 500 nits brightness—perfect for multitaskers on the go. It’s pricey but delivers pro-level performance with easy USB-C or Thunderbolt 4 connectivity.

Google Pixel vs. iPhone
Andy shared his hands-on review of the Google Pixel 9 XL Pro, comparing it to his long-time go-to, the iPhone. While praising the AI assistant, Gemini, and the call screener feature, he hit a snag with text messages—easily fixed by toggling off iMessage on his iPhone. Despite some hiccups, Andy’s impressed with the Pixel’s AI prowess.

Listener Questions & Hotspot Frustrations
Kerry reached out, asking about unlimited hotspot connections. Matt explained that even with ‘unlimited’ plans, data speeds often drop after hitting a limit. S!ick added his thoughts on streaming services and finding reliable free Wi-Fi options. The team then debated cutting the cord and switching to cheaper fiber providers like Ting. Andy gets thrown over the coals for watching too much Halmark.

Processor Picks for Music Production
Shawn tackled a listener question from Mikey on Facebook, comparing a 14-core 2.4 GHz processor versus a 4-core 3.4 GHz setup for music production. The takeaway? More cores can handle multiple tasks better, making them ideal for complex audio workflows.

Wrapping Up
The show ended with a fun discussion on rediscovering LOST on Netflix and why it’s worth a re-watch.

Tune in for tech talk with a twist—where geeky meets practical!

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Episode 416 – The Wi-Fi that Went Bye Bye Bye

On this week’s TechtalkRadio, Andy, Shawn, and Justin welcomed Matt back after a brief absence. The team picked up where last week left off, with Justin explaining his frustration after his video was flagged due to a football game playing in the background. Despite the seemingly harmless presence of live sports on TV, the issue arose. Matt and Justin shared their insights on watching live sports through Twitch, where some streamers creatively avoid detection by pretending to play video games during streams.

Matt also discussed his recent purchase of a MacBook Pro, which he chose for its seamless compatibility with Linux, using a virtual machine instead of a dual-boot setup. The team further explored cutting-edge laptops, including the new Lenovo Yoga 9 and the Space Top, an augmented reality laptop that utilizes AR glasses as a display. This sparked a discussion on how AI might drive a new industrial revolution, with companies like Nvidia playing a key role.

Switching gears, Matt shared his experience with Warhammer 40K, highlighting its AI mechanics and how the game runs well on older hardware. He also touched on Henry Cavill’s involvement in the TV adaptation of the game, diving into the various settings and factions of the Warhammer universe.

Shawn, meanwhile, described his challenging upgrade to Windows 11. Despite initial installation issues on his Asus Elite Wi-Fi motherboard, which required enabling BIOS and UEFI settings, he eventually succeeded. Shawn also dealt with reinstalling software, encountering hurdles with his headset, ATEM Mini, and Stream Deck. Matt recommended Ninite to simplify the reinstallation process.

Justin shared his new foray into DJing and his efforts to build a professional online presence with a website and business cards. While Justin chose Wix, Andy recommended WordPress with the Divi theme for greater customization and professionalism. They also discussed strategies to promote Justin’s DJ services, including the importance of a portfolio video to showcase his skills.

Lastly, Justin encountered a puzzling issue with three Dell laptops running Windows 11 Pro, where the Wi-Fi suddenly stopped working. Despite the devices showing active Wi-Fi in Device Manager, the connection failed. Andy suggested checking the BIOS, while Shawn and Matt speculated about potential hardware or M.2 chip issues. The team agreed to investigate further, considering options like external Wi-Fi antennas or BIOS updates

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Episode 415 : Fubu and Babaloo – Tech Terms to Know!

For this Weeks TechtalkRadio Show, Andy, Shawn, and Justin discussed a busy week for all of them which had Andy jump in after last weeks show and made a purchase, The Google Pixel 9 XL. Andy talks about his initial reservations about the cost and unfamiliarity with the device and surprising to him, the device came with a physical SIM card, which he didn’t need, as it could have used an eSIM. Justin clarified that the Pixel 9 devices do support dual SIMs, including eSIMs. When it comes to the iPhone they also discussed the recent iOS 18 update, which supports RCS messaging, a feature that the major carriers have started to support. Justin advised Andy on how to transfer his data from his old phone to the new one. They also discussed the organization of apps on their phones, with Andy noting layout preference on the iPhone with the abundance of apps and Justin suggesting that Android users could also organize their apps in a similar way.

Andy expressed his initial excitement about testing the AI feature, sharing his initial experience with the Google Gemini, which he found to be overly talkative and difficult to shut up. Justin was surprised by this long response that Andy was getting. Justin shared his wife’s transition from iPhone to Android, noting that it took her three months to adjust. Shawn and Andy expressed their preference for iPhones due to their familiarity and ease of use, particularly in sharing media with family members who also use Apple devices.

Shawn discussed Apple’s risk-taking in developing their own silicon, the M-chips, which has led to superior multimedia production capabilities compared to Intel and AMD. He highlighted the cost-effectiveness of a Mac mini with an M2 chip as a multimedia platform. Shawn and Justin discussed the affordability and practicality of Apple’s Mac mini and MacBook Pro, with Shawn noting the Mac mini’s reasonable price for entry-level PCs and Justin arguing that Apple’s pricing strategy is designed to hook customers with a taste of their products.

With the discussion shifting toward A.I. Services, The team agreed that AI is becoming increasingly beneficial and will continue to shape their work. Andy, Justin, and Shawn discussed the rapid advancements in AI technology, likening it to a new technological arms race. A Listener question from Grace stated that she was giving her older Windows 10 computer to her 13-year-old granddaughter for her schoolwork after getting herself an All In One HP and asked for advice on transferring programs from her old computer to the new one. Justin and Shawn suggested downloading the installer from the program websites, but Shawn also mentioned that moving files from one PC to another in Windows is not easy due to the way Windows operates. Shawn recommended a fresh install of everything on the new computer. Andy shared his experience with a program called PC Mover, which he used to transfer programs from a Windows XP machine to a Windows 10 machine.

Another Listener Question comes in about Cutting the Cord and finding free TV services. The guys talk about options such as apps like Pluto, Tubi and Fubo. We also learn Justin doesn’t know Fred Mertz. They discussed various options for streaming and TV services, with Justin suggesting using an over-the-air antenna to access local channels for free. Andy recommended using an app to determine the best antenna for the area and to scan for available channels. The conversation concluded with Justin suggesting the use of a website like Antenna Finder to determine the best antenna for the area.

Andy and Justin discussed the evolution of the Tile, a Bluetooth tracking device, and its improvements over time. Andy also shared his past practice of giving Tiles as holiday gifts. The company has released a new product while Shawn, Andy, and Justin talked about the parent company Life360. The Show wraps with a discussion of the Game titles they are currently enjoying.The Audio Only Version is Below!!

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New Show – The Pixel 9 Can Do All That?

In this week’s TechtalkRadio Show, Andy Taylor, Shawn DeWeerd, and Justin Lemme caught up after a busy couple of weeks. Justin shared his recent experience of tearing his calf muscle while walking at Waterworld, while Shawn talked about hosting Notre Dame’s first home football game of the season, which unfortunately ended in a loss. Sitting out the show, Justin received his Pixel 9 Fold smartphone and provided an overall review, highlighting its AI capabilities through the Gemini platform. One feature lets users reimagine photos and map search results, and Justin also showcased the phone’s ability to recognize and respond to hand gestures. The team discussed the phone’s price, with Justin mentioning a significant discount he received through his Google Fi and Google One memberships. He also shared his excitement about the new Pixel Watch 3, which he had recently acquired.

During the discussion of AI in the Pixel 9, the guys noted Apple’s recent announcement at the “It’s Glowtime” event, which introduced Apple Intelligence for the upcoming iPhone 16. They compared the performance of different AI assistants, with Andy expressing disappointment in Siri’s results. Shawn suggested that Apple’s AI focuses narrowly on tasks within the Apple ecosystem, while Justin and Andy recounted their experiences with Google’s AI. Andy shared a frustrating story involving Waze’s directions, and the group agreed that Apple’s AI is still playing catch-up with other manufacturers.

Justin highlighted the Pixel 9’s unique ability to automatically stitch photos together for seamless family shots. The conversation also touched on how easy it is to transfer data between Android devices, with Justin praising the smooth process.

Shawn brought up the recent announcement from DJI about their new lightweight drone, the DJI Neo, priced at $199. Designed for beginners, vloggers, and casual users, it features a 12-megapixel half-inch sensor, 18 minutes of flight time, and a control range of up to 50 meters via Wi-Fi. Justin raised concerns about its limited control range, noting it might not be ideal for high-altitude or long-distance flights. Shawn also mentioned the recent passage of the Countering USA Threats Act by the House, aimed at restricting drones from foreign countries, particularly China, which could impact companies like DJI. The bill now heads to the Senate.

In response to a listener question from Gary, the team discussed antivirus options for personal use. Justin recommended Windows Defender, while Andy shared his experience with Symantec. They also considered alternatives like Malwarebytes and ESET, with Shawn mentioning a family protection plan he has with Malwarebytes. The team agreed that choosing the right antivirus depends on individual needs and preferences. See Below the Photo’s “Imagined” with the Gemini AI on the Pixel 9 of Justin’s CoWorker

Also featured was a discussion of former guest and writer Ed Bott’s article at ZNet about upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 and ways to “Get Er Done!” Finally, the Website of the Week was the app “Spot the Station,” which alerts users when the International Space Station is flying over their community.

Credit ; NASA - The Spot the Station App