This week on TechtalkRadio, Andy Taylor and Shawn DeWeerd explore the tech, gaming, and gadget stories making headlines — along with one of the most creative gaming accessories we’ve ever featured. From addictive mobile games and ultra-thin laptops to AI assistants that still get things wrong, this episode blends humor, nostalgia, and real-world techtalk.
Andy and Shawn discuss the surprisingly addictive Bubble Pop Origin mobile game, the new ASUS Zenbook A16 with its stunning 3K OLED display and Snapdragon AI-powered processor, plus what Apple may reveal during WWDC. The conversation also dives into Copilot, Gemini, ChatGPT, and why AI tools still require a healthy dose of skepticism. Along the way, the hosts reminisce about retro computers, Windows XP builds, DOS gaming, wired keyboards, old MP3 players, and classic gaming memories.
Special guest Brent Critchfield from Studio Woe joins the show to talk about his unique “Baron Smelly Bones” scented gaming dice currently launching on Kickstarter. The discussion covers how the dice were created, why smell can enhance tabletop gaming experiences, and the incredible reactions gamers have had to scents inspired by coffee, fire, storms, forests, and magical spells.
The episode also features a bizarre Microsoft Teams story involving fired IT workers accidentally recording their own cybercrime confession, a look at the upcoming game Mouse PI for Hire, thoughts on Plex media servers, and anticipation for The Mandalorian and Grogu arriving in theaters.
If you love gaming culture, gadgets, retro tech, AI discussions, tabletop gaming, and fun conversations about the ever-changing world of technology, this week’s TechtalkRadio has something for you.
In this weeks TechtalkRadio Show, Andy and Justin look at the bog week with the Consumer Electronic Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Social Media has helped to get the content and features out for CES which last year included, which Andy recently discovered, the innovative Hyundai Mobion vehicle. This Awesome Concept vehicle can turn all four wheels to allow sideways movement. Justin agreed that cars are evolving into mobile computers. During the segment Andy welcomes Paul Sanchez to the show, a former Co-Worker to both Andy and Justin from the KLPX/KFMA Days at Lotus Broadcasting. Paul since leaving radio has become an Emmy award-winning videographer and recently started up ThockHaus is at CES and tells us more about being at the show and what Thockhaus is all about with focus on mechanical keyboards and their potential for widespread use due to health benefits.
Paul discussed one such device for those with limited arm movement, creating a full 16 key layout keyboard and track pad. Andy asked about the potential for health-focused features in these keyboards, particularly for those with Parkinson’s. Paul suggested that a standard switch would be more suitable for such users, and showed a custom 8 keyboard with ceramic keycaps. Justin praised the resurgence of mechanical keyboards and Paul’s role in expanding their use cases. Paul also mentioned a new magnetic switch unveiled by Epo Maker, which he believes is better than the standard Hall effect switch.
Shawn joins Andy and Justin with Justin sharing his experience with his son’s new smartwatch, The TickTalk Watch,which allows him to text and call approved contacts, but also noted the potential for addiction and misuse. The group agreed on the need for education on technology etiquette and boundaries, with Shawn suggesting that this could be a valuable program for youth. They also discussed the challenges of balancing online learning with traditional teaching methods, and the importance of teaching children about responsible use of technology.
Andy got a chance to speak with Patrick Pannett, Senior Director, Industry and Policy Communications at the Consumer Technology Association, discussed the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 in Las Vegas. Patrick shared that the Consumer Technology Association, which has been around for over a century, organizes CES to set the agenda for the year ahead in technology. The association, based in DC, works with its membership of over a thousand companies, including many small to medium-sized businesses, to advocate for their interests and help them navigate the competitive and regulated tech environment. Patrick also highlighted the Eureka Park at the Venetian, a popular area for startups to showcase their products and potentially secure partnerships. They discussed the future of technology, focusing on the convergence of AI, health, and smart homes. Patrick highlighted the development of plant buddies that use AI to monitor and improve plant care, and the emergence of smart home technologies They also discussed the integration of health technologies, such as Abbott’s lingo for monitoring blood sugar, and the potential for future technologies like full detection sensors. The conversation also touched on the evolution of home entertainment systems, the role of smartphones in translation and augmented reality, and the excitement around CES’s massive show floor.
Justin, Andy, and Shawn take on a listener question about gaming options for a PC. Justin recommends starting with Steam for accessing a vast library of games. Other platforms like Xbox Game Pass, Blizzard, and GOG are also mentioned, providing rental and purchase models. Shawn and Justin reminisces about getting game demos in cereal boxes as a kid, While Andy goes way back to 45rpm Records on Cereal Boxes which has Justin want to know what a 45RPM is!
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