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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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New AI Laptops, Printer Headaches and the Power Button Debate

This week on TechtalkRadio, Andy Taylor is joined by Shawn DeWeerd and Justin Lemme for another discussion covering the latest in consumer technology, practical troubleshooting, online privacy, and the ever-changing world of artificial intelligence.

Andy takes a closer look at the new ASUS Googlebook 14, a lightweight laptop designed around Google’s Gemini AI experience. Featuring a 3K OLED display, Intel Core Ultra 5 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a thin, portable design, the Googlebook offers some impressive features. Andy shares his hands-on experience, including Android phone integration, GoogleOS, AI-powered photo editing with Magic Pointer, battery performance, and connectivity options. However, its premium price sparks a debate about value, Google’s ecosystem, and whether consumers really need a AI-focused computer.

That discussion leads Shawn and Justin into the growing interest in de-Googling — moving away from relying on major technology companies for cloud storage, personal information, and everyday computing. They discuss privacy concerns, open-source alternatives, home servers, and the trade-offs between convenience and control over personal data.

Listener questions take center stage as Linda from Sahuarita asks about buying a new printer and whether HP’s restrictions on third-party ink should influence her decision. The team compares inkjet and laser printers, explains why occasional printing can be troublesome for inkjets, and discusses the advantages of toner-based printers. Andy also shares his experience with Epson EcoTank printers.

Another listener, Gary from Tucson, raises an interesting question about smart TVs requiring account registration. Andy shares his experience purchasing an inexpensive ONN television and discovering that an account was required during setup. The conversation explores smart TV privacy, data collection, and what consumers should consider before purchasing or disposing of a connected television. Justin also offers a clever Gmail tip for tracking which companies may be sharing your email address.

The team tackles an important Windows question: Should you shut down your computer every night, and is holding down the power button a bad idea? They explain the difference between a normal shutdown and a forced power-off, discuss sleep mode, and share tips for configuring Windows 11 power settings. Justin also talks about his experience with the Windows 11 26H2 update and improvements he’s noticed in system performance.

In creative technology news, Andy discusses changes involving Remove.bg and Canva, along with Topaz and Adobe, and what these developments could mean for photographers, video editors, and graphic designers. The conversation also explores AI-generated content labels and the challenges facing creators as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly common in creative software.

There’s also an update on Justin’s search for an RV, including advice on insulation, campground reservations, used RVs, and how YouTube has become a valuable resource for researching just about anything.

Finally, Justin shares the Website of the Week: SolitaireAloneTogether.com, a nostalgic browser experience that recreates classic Windows Solitaire while allowing users to see other people playing their own games simultaneously.

From new laptops and computer troubleshooting to privacy concerns and nostalgic online games, it’s covered in this week’s episode of TechtalkRadio with Andy Taylor, Shawn DeWeerd, and Justin Lemme.

Listen to the show, catch the latest videos, and connect with the team at TechtalkRadio.com.

Andy shared a Video opening up the Asus GoogleBook 14 the Day after it arrived showing the Ports, Size and first look features

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Don’t Yuck Your Yum! Justin gets Lost in America and a Tripod that Follows you?

This week on TechtalkRadio, Andy Taylor and Shawn DeWeerd welcome Justin Lemme back with a conversation that takes the show from the open road to online safety. Justin recounts his family trip to Devils Tower in Wyoming, including a quick Buc-ee’s shopping mission and a revelation that surprises the guys: he’s ready to buy an RV. That sends Shawn into familiar territory, sharing his experiences with campers, layouts, maintenance, and the debate over buying new or used. Naturally, technology finds its way into the discussion through solar panels, Starlink, and Shawn’s Raspberry Pi media server for entertainment while camping.

Back on the creator side, Andy shows off the Ulanzi TT23 tracking tripod and DJI Mic Mini 2 wireless microphone, discussing how the devices fit into smartphone video production, demonstrations, and event coverage. A question from Tucson listener Brian also prompts Shawn to explain his experience with yt-dlp, FFmpeg, and 4K Video Downloader as alternatives to recording videos from a screen.

Andy then welcomes Tom Kamber, executive director of Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) from AARP, for a discussion about artificial intelligence and online privacy. They explore how conversational AI can encourage users to lower their guard, concerns about sharing sensitive information, and privacy considerations when using genealogy services. Tom also highlights Senior Planet’s privacy resources and technology classes for older adults. The show wraps up with Shawn’s enthusiasm for Zelda, Nintendo, and finally securing a sought-after preorder after weeks of alerts.

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

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Episode 488 – From Monster Vision to THE Game Coming Soon!

Andy Taylor and Shawn DeWeerd cover everything from portable entertainment and Smart TV privacy to AI-generated true crime, cutting the cable cord, Windows 11 privacy, security cameras and some surprisingly creative corners of social media in this Week’s TechtalkRadio Show.

Andy kicks things off with a look at the Monster Vision 2, which we have since found has been discontinued by Monster Audio! The Monster Vision 2 still available from stock through retailers is an all-in-one portable entertainment system featuring a 15-inch Full HD display, built-in battery, FM radio, Bluetooth, HDMI, USB playback and even a microphone input. Could it be the perfect companion for camping, tailgating, backyard movie nights or emergency preparedness? Shawn, an experienced camper himself, weighs in on whether he’d actually make room for the roughly 27-pound unit on his next trip.

Watching outdoors on a Rainy Day

From watching TV outdoors, the conversation turns to what your television may be watching about you. Andy and Shawn discuss privacy concerns surrounding LG Smart TVs, including reports involving content recognition, network activity and the data modern televisions may collect. Gamers Nexus did a great breakdown of this story on YouTube. It raises a bigger question: when you purchase a Smart TV, how much control do you really have over the information it gathers?

Streaming is also on the menu as Andy shares his renewed appreciation for Tubi. While Netflix, Max, Disney+, Hulu and Paramount+ continue competing for subscription dollars, Tubi offers a growing catalog of movies and programs at no charge—as long as you’re willing to sit through the commercials. Andy even found the Lost Documentary – Getting Lost which he was on the fence about paying to watch it VOD.

AI takes the conversation in a much more unsettling direction with a discussion of an upcoming true-crime production titled Unmasking a Monster: Aileen Wuornos using digital technology to recreate the likeness of serial killer Aileen Wuornos. The Trailer is available on YouTube but nothing on the ID Website at press time. Instead of traditional dramatic reenactments, technology is being used to make the recreated scenes appear far more authentic. Andy and Shawn debate whether this is an impressive application of AI—or whether entertainment has crossed a line that may be difficult to uncross.

That leads into the changing economics of artificial intelligence and cloud computing. Shawn explains why the cost of processing, bandwidth and storage is causing some organizations to reconsider putting everything in the cloud and instead bring computing resources back on-premises. Even AI music services such as Suno are beginning to adjust limits as companies work to balance powerful technology with the very real cost of providing it.

Listener Martin from Sahuarita asks whether it might finally be time to dump expensive cable television and move to YouTube TV. Andy and Shawn talk about DVR functionality, local channels, streaming quality, internet requirements and whether switching could actually save money. Shawn shares his family’s experience with the service and why a trial may be the best way to determine whether cutting the traditional cable connection makes sense.

Security cameras come up next when Andy asks Shawn about replacing one of his Google Nest cameras. Andy has his eye on a Wyze solar-powered pan camera, but Shawn has an important warning involving a voluntary safety recall and the danger of using the wrong mounting screws. Shawn also shares his experience with Wyze cameras and his recently replaced video doorbell.

Another listener, Lauren from Tucson, has a Windows 11 privacy question: Is her computer really taking pictures of what she does to help AI? That brings up Microsoft Recall, the optional feature on Copilot+ PCs designed to capture snapshots of activity so users can later search what they’ve seen. Andy and Shawn discuss the privacy concerns surrounding Recall, ways users can investigate their settings, and why the feature has generated so much controversy.

Andy also highlights some social-media creators who prove there’s more to TikTok than endless scrolling. Among the creators discussed are Planet Antonio, who transports viewers into a live black-and-white 1940s newsroom also Cale Brown, whose clever editing can turn one dancer into an entire synchronized group—without relying on AI. Also Babka21wekk has an impressive following and is entertaining. Another creator that Andy enjoyed was The Liz Effect which takes the idea of DJ’ing Music to a Live Audience and was a fun watch with the banter and comments.

Finally, Shawn reveals what he’s been doing with Suno: creating World of Warcraft-inspired parody songs. His “DuhWeirdy” project combines familiar musical ideas with characters, events and inside jokes from the World of Warcraft universe. It’s another example of how generative AI can become a creative tool when somebody brings a fun idea to the technology. Here is one of the Videos with music creation

Portable TVs, privacy concerns, streaming choices, AI ethics, cloud costs, Windows 11, security cameras, creative video and World of Warcraft parody songs—it’s another wide-ranging trip through technology with Andy Taylor and Shawn DeWeerd on TechtalkRadio. Thanks for checking us out! Subscribe on our YouTube Page!

Links Mentioned This Week:

Monster Vision 2 – No Longer Available from the Manufacturer (Amazon Link)

Gamers Nexus YouTube – Breakdown of the Story behind LG Privacy

Tubi – Ad Supported Streaming Service with Lots of Content

Suno – Music Generation Program Shawn has been using

Wyze Solar Powered Pan Cam – 2k features with Solar Power

Shawns YouTube Project DuhWeirdy

TikTok Content Creators Andy Likes

@planetantonio
@calebrownn
@babka21wekk
@the_lizeffect




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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!