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Episode 487 – Fake Ads, Instant Photos and Dust Bunnies

This week on TechtalkRadio, Andy Taylor, Shawn DeWeerd and Justin Lemme get together for a wide-ranging conversation that begins with Shawn’s continuing cleanup after a basement flood—and quickly turns into a discussion after Andy notes that some Home Repair Companies are using A.I. to create recreations of home disasters focusing on how artificial intelligence is changing the media we see and hear every day.

Andy brings up the growing number of AI-generated television commercials, including ads where the visuals—and possibly even the music—have that unmistakable AI feel. Shawn talks about his experience creating parody music with Suno and how, after spending hours working with the platform, he has begun recognizing certain rhythms, vocal inflections and other characteristics of AI-generated music. The discussion raises a bigger question: as AI-generated images, music and video become more convincing, will we constantly wonder whether what we’re seeing and hearing was actually created by a person?

Andy also shares a positive use for generative AI: using Suno to turn lyrics written for a man’s 70th birthday into a personalized song for a video presentation. It’s an example of where AI can become a genuinely useful creative tool rather than simply replacing traditional content creation.

Justin demonstrates just how quickly generative AI works by creating a ridiculous AI advertisement during the show. The conversation then moves into Grok inside Tesla, with Justin explaining how he can talk to the AI from his car, ask questions and even use it to help with navigation. That leads the guys into comparing the strengths of Grok, ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude and Microsoft Copilot—and how different AI platforms may be better suited for different jobs.

Photography gets plenty of attention, too. Andy talks about using Photoshop, Lightroom and AI tools such as Gemini to restore old family photographs, and the guys discuss why vintage Polaroids can be especially difficult to clean up without changing the character of the original image. Shawn makes the case for leaving many Polaroids alone—the imperfections, light leaks and unusual colors are part of what makes instant photography special.

That conversation leads naturally into the new Pokémon and Polaroid collaboration, including special-edition Polaroid Go cameras, Pokémon-themed designs and collectible film frames. The crew also talks about how something that was once considered inexpensive instant photography has become a much more costly hobby.

Later, the discussion turns practical when a listener asks about improving a home network. Justin explains the advantages of mesh Wi-Fi, discusses options including Orbi and TP-Link, and raises concerns about how some big-tech-connected networking products may handle user data. The conversation expands into online privacy, targeted advertising and the desire some users have to reduce their dependence on companies such as Google, Amazon and Meta.

The guys also dig into Wi-Fi 7, explaining an important point that’s easy to overlook: buying a Wi-Fi 7 router doesn’t automatically make everything faster. To take advantage of multi-gigabit Internet service, switches, network adapters, computers and other hardware throughout the network also need to support those faster speeds.

Justin brings some humor to emergency preparedness with the story of testing a small hand-crank/solar NOAA weather radio with his son just as a real flash-flood warning sounded. The frightening alert tones weren’t a malfunction—they’re deliberately designed to grab attention and activate Emergency Alert System equipment.

The show also ventures into radio communications as Shawn discusses GMRS and FRS radios, repeaters and the FCC’s concerns about large networks of linked GMRS repeaters. Shawn explains how linking repeaters across large areas can tie up frequencies shared with ordinary FRS walkie-talkies, creating interference and regulatory concerns.

The guys also share some tips about the importance of keeping your computers free of dirt and dust and share a couple or ways to do that.

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Episode 486 – Poutine, Power and Two Screens – One Laptop!

The crew is back together for Episode 486 of TechtalkRadio, with Andy Taylor, Shawn DeWeerd and Justin Lemme catching up on a whirlwind few weeks of technology, travel, severe weather and some very interesting new gear.

Segment One – Severe Weather, Gen Con & Backup Power

Shawn has been on the move, including a vendor trip to Canada that had him flying private while severe storms were moving through Indiana. The guys talk about the powerful storms and tornado warnings back home and share some of the weather resources they use, including Weather.gov, Zoom.Earth and RadarOmega.

Shawn also recaps his trip to Gen Con in Indianapolis, where — fittingly — another tornado warning became part of the adventure. He shares some of what he experienced at the massive gaming convention, including playing Daggerheart, before talking about his trip to an ESPN conference and the technology work underway at Notre Dame.

The conversation then turns to emergency power. Shawn has added an Anker SOLIX home battery backup system along with portable solar panels. Unlike his existing inverter generator, the battery system can provide 240-volt power, allowing him to run essentials including his well pump. He shares his real-world experience using the system at home and while camping, including how much power he was able to generate from the portable solar panels.

Segment Two – ASUS Zenbook Duo, PC Prices & Getting Prepared

Andy shows Shawn and Justin the latest ASUS Zenbook Duo, a unique productivity laptop featuring two 14-inch 3K OLED displays. Remove the Bluetooth keyboard and a second full display is revealed underneath, creating a portable dual-monitor workstation. With an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor, 32GB of RAM, 1TB SSD, stylus support and ASUS’ Ceraluminum finish, Andy explains why he sees the Duo as a powerful “grown-up back-to-school laptop.”

That leads to a discussion about the rising cost and availability of RAM, storage and other PC components. The crew talks about why building your own PC may not offer the savings it once did and why buying a prebuilt system can sometimes make more financial sense.

Justin then introduces another topic he’s been researching: basic emergency preparedness. Rather than taking an extreme approach to “prepping,” he’s slowly putting together practical supplies such as bottled water, shelf-stable food, solar lanterns, flashlights and first-aid supplies.

Segment Three – Bugging In, Listener Questions & Giving an Old PC New Life

Shawn continues the preparedness discussion with an important point: emergencies don’t always mean leaving home. In many situations, “bugging in” may be more practical than bugging out. The guys discuss maintaining emergency supplies, rotating food and water and keeping a go bag available for situations where evacuation really is necessary.

Then it’s time for listener questions. Diana in Sahuarita inherited an older Windows 10 laptop covered with desktop icons and programs. Should she simply clean it up? Shawn and Justin have another idea: wipe the machine and start fresh. And if the computer isn’t a good candidate for Windows 11, the guys suggest Linux Mint as a free and increasingly user-friendly alternative.

Andy also shares a recent troubleshooting job involving a laptop that couldn’t reliably open browsers or save files. The culprit? The 250GB SSD had only nine megabytes of free space remaining. After freeing roughly 100GB, the discussion turns to whether upgrading an older laptop’s SSD makes sense — or whether the money would be better spent toward a new computer.

Segment Four – A Mouse That Folds…and Dippin’ Dots?

Andy wraps up the tech with a look at the Logitech MobiFold, a portable Bluetooth mouse that actually folds flat for travel. It can switch between three Bluetooth devices, replaces the traditional scroll wheel with a touch-sensitive scrolling surface and offers impressive battery life — including up to 22 hours of use from a one-minute quick charge.

And because it’s TechtalkRadio, things don’t stay completely technical for long. Justin reveals what happens when the kids return to school at the water park where he works and the full-time staff have to step in. For the IT manager, that recently meant trading technology for hot dogs and Dippin’ Dots — leaving him very ready to get back behind a computer.

It’s another episode filled with technology, practical advice, new gadgets and plenty of laughs with Andy, Shawn and Justin on TechtalkRadio Episode 486.

Please give it a listen or view and Subscribe via YouTube, Spotify or Spreaker! Also Available in the iHeart App and PodBean!

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ASUS Zenbook DUO 2026: The Ultimate Grown-Up Back-to-School Laptop?

On a recent Talking Tech with Andy Taylor segment on KMSB Fox 11, Andy joined Tyler Butler to take a look at the latest ASUS Zenbook DUO, a laptop that takes the traditional notebook design and doubles down—literally—with two 14-inch displays.

The Zenbook DUO isn’t an entirely new concept. Andy first featured the dual-screen design back in 2024, when ASUS demonstrated how a laptop could transform from a traditional keyboard-and-screen setup into a portable dual-monitor workstation. For 2026, ASUS has refined that idea considerably, making the new DUO feel less like an experiment and more like a polished everyday productivity machine.

That makes it especially interesting as a “grown-up” back-to-school computer. Whether you’re a college student juggling research, online classes and assignments or an adult returning to school while also managing work and family, having two displays available almost anywhere can be a serious productivity boost.

What’s New for 2026?

One of the biggest changes is the construction. The latest Zenbook DUO is encased in ASUS’ proprietary Ceraluminum™, a combination of ceramic and aluminum designed to provide strength while remaining lightweight. The finish also helps resist scratches and fingerprints—something you’ll appreciate on a computer that’s constantly being moved between classrooms, offices, coffee shops and home.

ASUS has also refined the physical design of the DUO. The transition between its two displays is now seamless, eliminating the “hump” found in the earlier design and giving the machine a cleaner appearance when both screens are being used together.

Display technology has also taken a major step forward. While the earlier version used LCD technology, the 2026 Zenbook DUO features brilliant 3K OLED displays, providing richer color, deeper blacks and excellent clarity. For photographers, video editors, designers and other content creators, OLED can make a noticeable difference.

The detachable Bluetooth keyboard has received attention as well. It’s lighter than before, making the complete system easier to carry, while the keycaps feature an abrasion-resistant coating engineered to help prevent lettering and surfaces from wearing down after extensive use.

One Laptop, Multiple Ways to Work

During the Fox 11 demonstration, Andy showed Tyler the DUO’s signature feature. Lift away the Bluetooth keyboard and a second display is revealed underneath. Deploy the integrated stand and the Zenbook DUO becomes a portable dual-screen workstation.

For students, that could mean having research or an online lecture on the upper display while taking notes or writing a paper on the lower screen. Someone working remotely could keep a video conference on one display while accessing documents on the other.

Creators can benefit even more. During the segment, Andy demonstrated DaVinci Resolve, showing how a video editor could take advantage of the additional screen real estate. Tyler pointed out another useful configuration: putting the video preview on one display and the editing timeline and clips on the other.

And, as Tyler joked, there’s always the possibility of keeping Netflix running on one screen while “working” on the other.

The Zenbook DUO can even be rotated into a book-like vertical configuration. Windows and applications automatically adjust to the new orientation, opening up additional possibilities for reading, research, presentations and creative work.

Plenty of Power Behind Those Screens

The model demonstrated on Fox 11 was equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor, 32GB of memory and 1TB of storage, with additional storage configurations available. ASUS also includes stylus support, allowing the DUO to become a digital canvas for drawing, handwriting, annotation and creative applications.

Despite powering two displays, battery life remains impressive, with ASUS rating the system for extended use depending on configuration and workload. ASUS has also paid attention to cooling, with ventilation designed into the chassis to maintain airflow while the system is handling demanding applications.

Who Is the Zenbook DUO For?

At around $2,500 for the configuration demonstrated, the Zenbook DUO isn’t aimed at someone simply looking for an inexpensive laptop to type papers and browse the web.

Instead, this is a machine for someone who would normally carry a powerful laptop and perhaps wish they could bring a second monitor along with them. Students in media production, graphic design, engineering and other demanding programs could take advantage of its flexibility, as could professionals heading back to school who need one computer for both coursework and their career.

The original Zenbook DUO showed us what a dual-screen laptop could be. The 2026 ASUS Zenbook DUO demonstrates how much that concept has matured. With its refined Ceraluminum construction, smoother dual-screen design, OLED displays, improved keyboard and powerful hardware, it turns a portable computer into something much closer to a desktop-style dual-monitor workspace that you can fold up and carry with you.

For the right student, creator or professional, that versatility may be the Zenbook DUO’s best feature of all.

Watch for more technology reviews and Talking Tech segments with Andy Taylor at TechtalkRadio.com.

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KMSB Video Segment : The Apple MacBook Neo and the EZQuest Hub That Expands Its Capabilities

For years, Apple laptops have been known for premium performance—and premium prices. But during this week’s Talking Tech segment on KMSB Fox 11, Andy Taylor showcased a new option designed to make the Mac experience more affordable: the MacBook Neo.

Starting at just $699, the MacBook Neo is aimed at students, families, first-time Mac users, and anyone considering making the switch from Windows. Featuring a bright 13-inch Retina display, lightweight design, up to 16 hours of battery life, and Apple’s efficient A18 processor, the Neo delivers plenty of performance for everyday computing tasks including web browsing, email, office work, social media, streaming, and light content creation.

Andy also highlighted one of Apple’s biggest strengths—its seamless integration with the iPhone. Users can access Messages, share files effortlessly, and enjoy the growing capabilities of Apple Intelligence and Siri, creating a connected ecosystem that works together right out of the box.

While the MacBook Neo includes two USB-C ports, modern laptops often require adapters for legacy accessories and additional peripherals. That’s where the EZQuest USB-C Hub comes in. The compact hub dramatically expands the laptop’s connectivity, allowing users to connect USB devices, external storage, monitors, SD cards, wired networking, and even external optical drives through a single connection. It’s an ideal companion for students, professionals, photographers, and anyone who regularly works with multiple devices. The Below Video is our Segment from The TechtalkRadio Show featuring the MacBook Neo – Pricing did increase after Airtime but this gives you an overview of the Neo and EZQuest Hubs.

Andy noted that while power users editing large video projects may still prefer stepping up to a MacBook Air or MacBook Pro, the MacBook Neo offers an impressive balance of portability, battery life, and affordability. Combined with the versatility of the EZQuest hub, it becomes a capable everyday workstation that can grow with your needs.

Whether you’re returning to the Mac platform, buying your first Apple computer, or simply looking for a reliable laptop without spending well over a thousand dollars, the MacBook Neo proves that Apple computing is becoming more accessible than ever. Check out the Full Show at TechtalkRadio.com

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NEW – From Polaroid’s to Playstation – Episode 485

For this Week’s TechtalkRadio Show, it opens with a look back at the Fourth of July before diving into the growing role of AI in photography and digital preservation. Andy and Shawn discuss the pros and cons of using AI tools like Gemini to restore old family photos versus manually enhancing them in Photoshop. They also share practical advice on scanning decades of photographs, preserving handwritten notes on the backs of prints, cleaning aging photos safely, and choosing the right equipment—including Epson’s FastFoto scanner and Super 8 film digitizers. Shawn also shares his surprise at the comeback of analog photography, disposable cameras, and traditional film.

Sony’s decision to end physical PlayStation game discs has Andy and Shawn examine the growing trend toward digital-only ownership and the concerns surrounding games, movies, and other media that can disappear without warning. They explore the backlash from gamers, the future of downloadable content, and what this shift could mean for consumers who value true ownership. Andy shares a story he found on the web, the story behind Builder.ai—a billion-dollar startup that claimed to use artificial intelligence but was ultimately revealed to rely on hundreds of human programmers instead.

The TechtalkRadio mailbag returns with a couple of listener questions and one Andy saw on Threads. According to Rebecca’s IT Guy, We may have shared the wrong advice about building your own! Should you still build your own computer, or are pre-built systems now the better value? Andy and Shawn explain how rising memory and storage prices have shifted that recommendation. On Threads, somebody had asked about cleaning the inside of the computer out and while Justin might say “Hit it with the Hose..” (Don’t Do That) Shawn and Andy share maintenance tips for safely cleaning dust from inside a computer, discuss compressed air versus electric air blowers, and explain why regular maintenance can extend hardware life. Larry in Tucson wants to know about VPN’s. Shawn provides an easy-to-understand look at VPNs, including when software-based VPNs make sense, how they improve privacy, and whether hardware VPN routers are worth the investment.

The show closes with an early look at the rumored Insta360 X6 camera. Based on industry leaks and FCC filings, the next-generation 360° camera is expected to feature 8K recording, improved HDR, faster frame rates, larger image sensors, and enhanced low-light performance. Shawn explains why higher resolution is especially important for immersive 360-degree video and how creators use these cameras to produce dynamic action footage.