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

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