Episode 441 – Software As A Service – Does It Make Sense?

This Week on TechtalkRadio: Memorial Day Weekend Edition:

Andy flies solo this week while Shawn enjoys a well-earned, tech-savvy escape to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Kicking things off, Andy tackles a listener question from Cecilia, whose mom got locked out of her iPhone after too many failed passcode attempts. He shares some helpful tips for recovering a locked iPhone—yes, even without the iCloud login—and explains when it makes sense to reset the device. This can be a experience that is not always solved overnight and could require a visit to an Apple Store. 

Then it’s time to talk subscriptions: Andy digs into the rise of Software as a Service (SaaS) and how companies like Intuit (Quickbooks) and Microsoft (Office) have moved from one-time software purchases to ongoing subscriptions—raising the question, what does that mean for small business users and the consumer on a tight budget however needing the software to get the job done?

Andy found after building a new machine to replace a Windows 10 Setup in the Studio and upgrading to Windows 11, he was not able to install the still powerful Adobe Creative Suite Master Collection 5.5. With the Activation Servers turned off, this can cause problems for those wanted to run this software which still works great and force an option to subscribe to The Adobe Creative Cloud. Instead, Andy explored some fantastic software alternatives. Sites like AlternativeTo.net help users find free or affordable replacements for popular programs like Photoshop, Adobe Audition, Word and more. He gives shout-outs to trusted tools like GIMP, Audacity, Reaper, and even Pro Tools Intro which shipped with his Mixer, which surprised him with its power and polish. There are solutions and while Software as a Service may have you feeling like you are caught in a Netflix/Hulu type streaming war, the Alternative to Subscribe to some of these services could reap benefits for the innovation behind the software. We have seen this with Generative Fill in Adobe Photoshop CC and other new features.

In gear talk, Andy shares his experience with the Fifine AM8 USB/XLR mic—an impressive budget find with RGB flair—and compares mixers, ultimately recommending the Mackie ProFX6v3 for its solid performance and versatility. He also teases a future review of the Shure SM7dB, the modern take on the legendary SM7B mic, now with built-in active pre-amplifier.

To wrap up the show, it’s the Website of the Week—and this one’s just for fun: TheUselessWeb.com. One click takes you to a completely random and often ridiculous website. From the “Long Doge Challenge” to judging hilariously real books by their covers (like How to Talk to Your Cat About Gun Safety), it’s a rabbit hole of time-wasting gold. Try it out and let Andy know what you find—just email techguys@techtalkradio.com.

Finally, a heartfelt tribute to those we honor this Memorial Day. Thank you to the brave individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice. We remember you.

Episode #417 – Look! It’s a Stick! – The Great Outdoors and Technology

TechtalkRadio: Camp Tech, AI Concerns, and Gadgets Galore!

In this week’s episode of TechtalkRadio, hosts Andy Taylor, Shawn DeWeerd, Matt Jones, and S!ick dive into the world of camping tech, AI, and cool new gadgets.

Shawn’s Camping Tech Must-Haves
With Justin out this week on a Camping Trip and photos not showing glowing enthusiasm, Shawn shares his gear essentials for tent, camper, and RV trips. His setup includes DSLR cameras, a power inverter, a solar charger, and even a custom mobile Plex server built on a Raspberry Pi. S!ick was curious about Shawn’s love for film photography, sparking a discussion on how AI filters can recreate that classic look. This led to a deeper conversation about whether AI might replace the human touch in art—something that has Shawn concerned and Andy intrigued by the possibilities.

AI and the ‘Dead Internet’ Theory
Matt jumped in to share his own experiences using ChatGPT to craft job cover letters, while Shawn praised the AI for enhancing storytelling in his Dungeons & Dragons campaigns. Andy explored Google’s experimental AI tool, Notebook LM, built to summarize notes and create quick synopses. But when the team tested its audio features, Matt couldn’t help but mention the “uncanny valley” effect of AI-generated voices. Matt then introduced the thought-provoking ‘Dead Internet Theory’, which suggests that much of today’s online content is being generated by bots and algorithms instead of real human interactions.

Gadget of the Week: Mon Duo
Matt showcased his latest gadget, the Mon Duo, a unique triple-monitor accessory for 14” and 16” MacBooks. For around $750, users get a foldable, high-quality display with a 144Hz refresh rate and 500 nits brightness—perfect for multitaskers on the go. It’s pricey but delivers pro-level performance with easy USB-C or Thunderbolt 4 connectivity.

Google Pixel vs. iPhone
Andy shared his hands-on review of the Google Pixel 9 XL Pro, comparing it to his long-time go-to, the iPhone. While praising the AI assistant, Gemini, and the call screener feature, he hit a snag with text messages—easily fixed by toggling off iMessage on his iPhone. Despite some hiccups, Andy’s impressed with the Pixel’s AI prowess.

Listener Questions & Hotspot Frustrations
Kerry reached out, asking about unlimited hotspot connections. Matt explained that even with ‘unlimited’ plans, data speeds often drop after hitting a limit. S!ick added his thoughts on streaming services and finding reliable free Wi-Fi options. The team then debated cutting the cord and switching to cheaper fiber providers like Ting. Andy gets thrown over the coals for watching too much Halmark.

Processor Picks for Music Production
Shawn tackled a listener question from Mikey on Facebook, comparing a 14-core 2.4 GHz processor versus a 4-core 3.4 GHz setup for music production. The takeaway? More cores can handle multiple tasks better, making them ideal for complex audio workflows.

Wrapping Up
The show ended with a fun discussion on rediscovering LOST on Netflix and why it’s worth a re-watch.

Tune in for tech talk with a twist—where geeky meets practical!