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Is Your Smart Home Spying On You? Gaming Memories, Software Wars and Smart Devices That Spy | EP 492

This week on TechtalkRadio, Andy Taylor and Shawn DeWeerd are back with another episode packed with technology news, helpful advice, product discoveries, and a little nostalgia!

Gaming Nostalgia and the Return of a Classic

Shawn shares his excitement about returning to The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, a game that brings back memories of his younger years. He’s even avoiding trailers and spoilers so he can experience the adventure all over again! The guys also discuss whether video games offer more benefits for children than endless scrolling on smartphones and tablets. Andy highlights the NEX Playground, a motion-based gaming system that gets the whole family involved. The Official trailer from Nintendo for The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is here!

Adobe Creative Cloud, AI and Software Alternatives

Is the subscription software model getting out of hand? Andy and Shawn discuss Adobe Creative Cloud, the emergence of AI-generated alternatives to popular Adobe applications such as ArtCraft, and the advantages and disadvantages of paying monthly for software. They also look at the retirement of Microsoft Publisher, how LibreOffice can help users work with older Publisher files, and why Corel remains an option for graphic designers who prefer purchasing software outright.

Cybersecurity and Smart Home Privacy

Listener questions take center stage as the guys discuss whether Windows users really need to purchase antivirus software. Microsoft Defender, Malwarebytes, and safe browsing habits are all part of the conversation. Another listener asks about privacy concerns surrounding robot vacuums, leading to a discussion about connected televisions, smart refrigerators, and just how much information our household devices may be collecting.

A Handy New Gadget and the Future of Home AI

Andy showcases an affordable Suidek external CD/DVD burner that does more than play discs. With USB connections, memory card readers, and an M.2 storage slot, it’s a versatile accessory for modern laptops and desktops that no longer include optical drives.

The guys also discuss Clean Your TV, an open-source project designed to remove unwanted advertising and bloatware from compatible smart televisions, along with NVIDIA’s efforts to make it easier to run AI using computers on your own local network using Open Source PAIR – Personal AI Router

Discovering Free and Open-Source Software

Looking for an alternative to expensive software? Shawn revisits AlternativeTo.net, a resource for discovering applications that can replace popular commercial programs. He also discusses RustDesk and Tailscale, two tools that can help with remote computer access.

Whether you’re interested in gaming, cybersecurity, creative software, artificial intelligence, or just finding useful new technology, there’s something for everyone in Episode 492!

Listen to TechtalkRadio with Andy Taylor and Shawn DeWeerd, and visit TechtalkRadio.com for more technology news, reviews, and videos.

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Less Screen Time, More Play: Fun Tech for Kids with Mario and Bluey

In this week’s Talking Tech segment on KMSB Fox 11 News 13, Andy Taylor explores a growing trend in technology—tools and toys designed to help kids take a break from screens while still engaging with interactive and educational experiences.

After showcasing a variety of gadgets at the Sunflower Computer Club in Marana, one standout featured previously on Talking Tech was the NEX Playground, an interactive system that turns your TV into a motion-based gaming experience. Kids can physically participate in games, blending screen time with movement and social interaction.

Nintendo is also expanding beyond traditional gaming with its My Mario line, offering books, building sets, and hybrid digital experiences that encourage creativity, reading, and hands-on play.

For outdoor fun, Andy highlights a ride-on ATV themed around Bluey. The Bluey 12v ATV With Surfboard is Designed for younger riders, it offers a safe, battery-powered way for kids to explore while enjoying familiar sounds and characters. Of course it is decorated in Bluey Style! While the Weight limit is about 66lbs and can reach a top speed of 3mph, Andy decided to have Sora, before it goes aways, allow him a virtual experience of Riding!

The takeaway: technology isn’t just about more screen time—it can also be a bridge to more active, creative, and balanced play.

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Episode 468 – Tech, Games & AI: What’s Real Anymore?

This week on TechtalkRadio, Andy Taylor and Shawn DeWeerd deliver another wide-ranging episode that blends practical tech advice, nostalgic gaming, and real-world perspective—without taking things too seriously.

The show opens with a discussion about content creation, audio gear, and accessibility, as the guys compare microphones, wireless lavs, and mixers while discussing captions, video platforms, and the ongoing challenges of cloud-based workflows. From there, listener questions drive the conversation into mobile video editing, USB formatting, and the never-ending debate over whether thumb drives are outdated—or still essential.

Shawn revisits classic titles through modern retro hardware, sparking a broader discussion about digital ownership, microtransactions, and why older games still feel more complete than many modern releases. Andy also highlights family-friendly, motion-based gaming designed to get kids moving—The Nex Playground which does a great job opening up a conversation about screen time, balance, and growing up in a tech-saturated world. 

The episode wraps with a ook at AI and perception, exploring how viral images, deepfakes, and powerful generative tools are changing the way we trust what we see online. Andy notes that is easy now to just say “It’s AI” as he was seeing in a video from over 5 years ago during the Military Coup in Myanmar. Andy and Shawn reflect on why skepticism can be healthy—but also why it’s important to slow down, verify, and remember that not everything is artificial.

Got a question for the show? Email techguys@techtalkradio.com, and catch more at techtalkradio.com.

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