Big Tech Little Tech

In episode 43 of the Big Tech Little Tech podcast, regular hosts Shaun Weston and Rick Huckstep discuss various tech topics, including Brilliant Labs' Frame smart glasses, Meta's financial results, the impact of Facebook's 20th anniversary, the future of wearables with Apple Vision Pro, WhatsApp's interoperability, the launch of Bluesky Social, and the use of AI to decipher ancient scrolls and aid language learning.

In episode 42 of the Big Tech Little Tech podcast, regular hosts Shaun Weston and Rick Huckstep cover a range of tech topics, including the Apple Macintosh anniversary, AI translation at the World Economic Forum, AI avatar translation, Sheryl Sandberg leaving Meta, deepfake controversies, OpenAI's partnership with Arizona State University, monetising student online activity, Perplexity and Rabbit R1's collaboration, and AI in writing with author Rie Kudan.

They also discuss the integration of AI in Samsung phones, particularly its ability to provide information about objects in videos, offering a convenient way to access AI without relying on separate computers.

In episode 41 of the Big Tech Little Tech podcast, hosts Shaun Weston and Rick Huckstep discuss a range of current topics, including Apple's Vision Pro ad, the Rabbit r1 AI assistant, Perplexity's series B funding, Microsoft Copilot, the ChatGPT Store, and the recent approval of Bitcoin ETFs by the US SEC.

Also in the show, holographic Elvis, Mustafa Suleyman's 'The Coming Wave', Xbox toasters, BT EV cabinets, and Satya Nadella.

In episode 40 of the Big Tech Little Tech podcast, hosts Shaun Weston and Rick Huckstep discuss a range of current topics, such as the lawsuit filed by The New York Times against OpenAI and Microsoft. They discuss the use of copyrighted content in AI language models and the implications for the media industry. Also in the news, Apple's legal dispute with medical device company Masimo came to a head when Apple Watch was unavailable for purchase for a couple of days over Christmas. This is a dispute over blood oxygen level measurement technology.

The conversation shifts to Apple's privacy and security updates and how they’ve affected other companies. Apple's focus on privacy, and its entry into the digital ad space, is causing ripples. Talking of privacy, Google's misuse of data from Chrome users in its “incognito” mode has resulted in a hefty fine. Finally, the rise of vinyl record sales continues. Rick brings up his appreciation for the emergence of NFT music and blockchain-based technologies.

Also in the show, Oppenheimer, Pokemon Concierge, Nasa broadband, Kim-e from Chronus, and Jeff Bezos’ New Shepard project by Blue Origin.

In this episode of Big Tech Little Tech, Rick Huckstep and Shaun Weston present the last episode of a tech-packed 2023. As the festive season approaches, a discussion about mega projects takes centre stage, with Saudi Arabia's ambitious Neom project first on the list. The Boring Company’s Tesla tunnel in Las Vegas is next, followed by the Samsung Semiconductor Factory in Texas, and the soaring Merdeka 118 skyscraper in Kuala Lumpur. Rick wraps up this mega roundup with a brief synopsis of the Chūō Shinkansen maglev railway line in Japan.

Also in the show, transparent wood, Archax nails the Gundam look, porn and face scanning, Spanish Christmas treats, and Germany's interpretation of an e-ticket.

In this episode of Big Tech Little Tech, Rick Huckstep and Shaun Weston discuss the rise of fintech and its impact on the banking system. They highlight how new digital banks like Revolut and payment systems like Apple Pay have transformed the way we manage our finances. Also, the convenience of mobile banking, the elimination of currency costs and friction in international transactions, Japan's cash-based society, prepaid cards, the influence of Uber and Starbucks, open banking, unbundling and the unbanked.
Plus, the Rewind Pendant, Lex Fridman and Mark Zuckerberg avatars, deepfake dentistry with Tom Hanks, and the show's first awards go to The Browser Company of New York (Arc's Max AI integration), and Jack Conte of Patreon for his motivational YouTube video.

In this episode of Big Tech Little Tech, Rick Huckstep and Shaun Weston take a closer look at Japan and its unique approach to technology and innovation. From clean streets to efficient bullet trains, Japan showcases a different cultural mindset when it comes to embracing new technologies. We discuss the concept of Society 5.0 and how it may shape the future of Japan. We also delve into the country's impressive advancements in robotics and automation, including its role as a major manufacturer of robots. Join us as we explore the fascinating world of tech in Japan and discuss the potential impact on society.

Also, the Sky OV AI-controlled plane, flunky Nanoleaf Christmas lights, Nepal’s TikTok ban, and Rick remembers his first Tamagotchi.

In this episode of Big Tech Little Tech, Rick Huckstep and Shaun Weston talk about AI and the future of work. Our hosts dive into the world of AI job creation and workplace efficiency, exploring the importance of responsible AI and the need for proper regulation and ethical guidelines. Whether you're an AI enthusiast or just curious about the future of employment, this episode is for you.

Plus, find out who Abigail Bailey is, hear about the lawyer who used ChatGPT, how Morphobot can think for itself (kind of), and what Rick recommends as essential reading material in our awards section at the end of the show.

In this episode of Big Tech Little Tech, Rick Huckstep and Shaun Weston discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of a screen-less future, and how AI and IoT will play a role in shaping this future. The hosts explore the idea of ambient computing, where we are disconnected from a computer, but it's still there, out of sight. They discuss the limitations of current voice assistants like Siri and Alexa, and how they are moving towards being proper conversational AI.

Also in this episode, TikTok's €345m fine, an Amazon Prime ad model, paying for a Big Mac with your car, football shirts on Tower Bridge, and AI chatbots try stand-up comedy.

Rick Huckstep and Shaun Weston discuss the future of AI in education, and the potential benefits and concerns surrounding AI in the classroom. Did you know AI can enhance learning by providing personalised instruction, enabling students to interact with historical or literary figures? The hosts also discuss the need for educators and policymakers to adapt to the changing landscape of technology in education.

Also in the show, Bhutan and its self-sovereign identity programme, Hyundai’s high-tech parking solution, AI anti-ageing breakthroughs, and Drake deepfake tunes. The news roundup includes IBM’s government contract, X’s revised privacy policy, Amazon shareholder’s lawsuit, YouTube’s healthcare verification, and Paris’s e-scooter ban.

In this episode of Big Tech Little Tech, Shaun Weston and Rick Huckstep discuss smart home technology, including security concerns and the market for smart speakers. They include smart devices in the kitchen and fun IoT gadgets. What are the misconceptions about smart home tech, and what do smart toilets and snacks have to do with anything?

Plus, the CEO of Ralph Lauren's investment in the metaverse, declining TV viewership, Google's collaboration with Samsung and Qualcomm, and the wind-powered cargo ship Pyxis Ocean. The news roundup includes AI-generated art, EU's battery regulation, Microsoft's bid for Activision, and OpenAI's GPT 3.5.

In this episode of Big Tech Little Tech, Shaun Weston and Rick Huckstep explore the use of eye-tracking technology in various industries, such as retail and automotive, and the potential security concerns associated with it. The conversation touches on companies like Palantir and its collection of eye data, as well as the positive applications of eye-tracking technology in medicine. Finally, what does eye-tracking have to do with gaming?

Also in the show, Rick shares his new passion for a video-editing tool called Descript, and Shaun introduces AlterEgo, a non-invasive, wearable, peripheral neural interface developed by MIT Media Lab. It enables humans to communicate with machines, artificial intelligence assistants, services, and other people without any voice or externally observable movements. There's also the wildfires in Portugal and the question of using mountain ice caps to balance out water levels. Episode 32 concludes with a quick quiz about the most downloaded food apps in the world.

In this bonus clip, Shaun Weston and Rick Huckstep discuss Elon Musk's decision to rebrand Twitter as X. Is Musk making a costly, ridiculous branding mistake, or is there a case for a super app strategy? Enjoy the clip, and we’ll see you for episode 32 very soon!

Rick Huckstep and Shaun Weston talk about potential uses of deepfake technology, including creating humour, recreating historical events and generating personal voices for digital assistants. Have you seen the Spanish reality TV show called ‘Deep Fake Love? Contestants are shown deepfake videos of their partners cheating on them, highlighting the ethical concerns and the difficulty of determining what’s real and what’s fake. They discuss the potential role of blockchain technology in verifying the authenticity of videos and the challenges associated with ensuring the originality and trustworthiness of content.

Also in the show, Meta Llama2 conversational AI, Barbie and Oppenheimer, Microsoft Teams virtual makeup, Sam Altman’s WorldCoin orb, Black Mirror, Hijack, The Crowded Room, and why Rick always gets the last word (especially concerning Ted Lasso).

Rick Huckstep and Shaun Weston discuss satellite internet, with a focus on SpaceX's Starlink. They explain how satellite internet works, the benefits it can bring to areas without access to traditional broadband, and the potential for satellite internet to be used in farming and transportation. They also discuss competition in the market, including Amazon's Project Kuiper, and the geopolitical implications of satellite internet.

Rick Huckstep and Shaun Weston invite Charles Radclyffe back to the show to continue last episode's chat about the Apple Vision Pro. This time, we'll discuss how Vision Pro stacks up against the Oculus, the difference between Apple's and Meta's marketing approach, and what this all means for a metaverse future. Plus, the Blackrock Bitcoin ETF, Nick Hungerford's AI legacy, and which industries have the most potential for automation.

Rick Huckstep and Shaun Weston talk about the much-talked about Apple Vision Pro (if you hadn’t heard enough about it already). What are its fun features, how do they work, and who’s the device really for? Plus, the Nasa/Boeing X-Plane, ChatGPT for organising individually curated content, and researching payment options before travelling.

Rick Huckstep and Shaun Weston discuss rehabilitation engineering, specifically brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), which enhance the lives of people with disabilities. Also in the show, how dumb (and witty) AI can be, popular TV shows that draw to a close, and an AI reader called Ryan replaces Shaun as chief newsreader.

Rick Huckstep and Shaun Weston talk about disruption, innovation and the future of search. Google has recently overhauled its search results page with AI, but can the company move away from its lucrative advertising model? Also in this episode, a new AI-powered humanoid robot, Final Cut Pro on the iPad, a Titanic 3D digital scan, and a quick quote quiz.

Rick Huckstep and Shaun Weston discuss the growing trend of AI companions, and whether digital companions can truly provide the emotional connection humans crave. Also in this 1st birthday episode, the Apple Card savings account, 3D crowns, a live demo of Pi, clunky Strava, and no 80s music quiz from ChatGPT.

Rick Huckstep and Shaun Weston ask the question, is social media a force for good in the world? Under scrutiny is social media’s influence on mental health and misinformation. Also in this episode, Starbucks NFTs, robot footballers, Elon’s Starship, Yondr pouches, Arc, Bing and AI for lazy readers.

Rick Huckstep and Shaun Weston discuss the Future of Life Institute’s open letter suggesting that AI labs ‘immediately pause for at least six months’. Is it realistic? Also in this episode, 3D-printed food, the Arc browser, the imminent UK mobile alarm test, and why the recently cancelled gaming expo is called E3.

Rick Huckstep and Shaun Weston talk about VTubers and other digital influencers using YouTube and Instagram to make a living. What’s our fascination with fantasy characters? Plus, Ikea drones, au revoir DPR, the Utah Social Media Regulation Act, remembering Max Headroom, and Spotify’s VPN blame game.

Rick Huckstep and Shaun Weston discuss ageing and the role of technology. It's a broad topic, yet our hosts cover DNA, wearables, ethics, virtual communities and resetting our biological clocks. Also, GPT-4, floatovoltaics, EV caravans, a technology acronym quiz, and how to properly pronounce Cava.

Rick Huckstep and Shaun Weston chat about MWC Barcelona 2023, which covers mobile phones, 5G, immersive technologies and rolling screens. Plus, sensor technology in changing rooms, ChatGPT in education, TikTok for drivers, John Deere satellite internet, James Bond, and falling out of love with Spotify.

Rick Huckstep and Shaun Weston talk about spy balloons, paranoia and overreaction about China, as well as TikTok’s data-gathering motivation. Also, charging for blue tick verification, digital avatars and the NBA, robot chefs, pancakes, tight jeans, and an abundance of swearing on Apple TV+ shows.

Rick Huckstep and Shaun Weston discuss Google’s antitrust case, and revisit what happened to Microsoft two decades ago. The US Department of Justice is asking for parts of Google's ad business to be broken up. Plus, Avatar and The Fabelmans, ChatGPT, and someone is trying to bring back the dodo.

Rick Huckstep and Shaun Weston talk about what’s happening in US courtrooms around the use of AI, specifically ChatGPT. Does China use AI to help enforce the law, and will Americans end up paying fewer speeding tickets? Plus, Twitter leaves third parties in the lurch, Audi and John Deere announce new tech, and rats get facially profiled.

Rick Huckstep and Shaun Weston rummage through a few of the pundits' top technology forecasts for 2023. These include metaverse, robots and robotics, cybersecurity and health tech wearables. Also in this episode, leaving Twitter behind, restaurant robots, Microsoft and the US Army, Mui Board and a Samsung fridge with a TV on it.

Rick Huckstep and Shaun Weston bring 2022 to a close with a selection of fun tech gadgets you may find under your Christmas tree (even though one of them costs £250k). Also in the show, ChatGPT, Apple Music karaoke updates, Lovot, Qric, Insta360, Oura, Brekr, FreeFlow, Xpeng, Terrafugia and Goldfinger.

Rick Huckstep and Shaun Weston talk about generative artificial intelligence (AI) and how it’s influencing the worlds of writing, art, music and more. Who’s doing what in this space, and how good is AI as a content creator? Plus, Porsche NFTs, San Francisco’s killer robots, Leeds’ delivery robots, Christmas films and AI poetry.

Rick Huckstep and Shaun Weston dive into the world of Mastodon: what it is, how it works and what other alternatives are available for ex Twitter users. Also, the AI-powered Infinite Conversation, spooky coincidences vs surveillance capitalism, Christmas plans and Citizen Smith.

Rick Huckstep and Shaun Weston talk about healthcare and technology, and how invested Apple, Amazon and Alphabet are in the future of health tech. Also, an Interpol metaverse, What3Words, knee replacement genetic science, The Jetsons, Spanish goats and Halloween cocktails.

Rick Huckstep and Shaun Weston discuss the state of ecommerce and its future, the rise of Shein, and how Gen Z behaviour may affect retail habits. Also, online shopping fraud statistics, Siri turns 11, Netflix subtitles, and a quiz about the original names of the world’s most familiar companies.

Rick Huckstep and Shaun Weston welcome Jeffrey Kluge to the show to discuss the topic of protecting young people’s personal data and their online safety in general. Also, Instagram statistics, Peloton, air fryers and our guest’s top tech innovation of the last 100 years.

Rick Huckstep and Shaun Weston talk about the recent Apple event, called Far Out, in which Apple updated the iPhone, the Apple Watch and AirPods. Also, Meta’s EU fine, Canoo EVs, wearables stats, spacial audio and 50s jazz.

Rick Huckstep and Shaun Weston discuss NFTs, or non-fungible tokens. What are they? Are they a fad or the future? Also, Nasa's Artemis programme, Black Gold, Premier League Twitter abuse, and apple pie.

Rick Huckstep and Shaun Weston talk about the Amazon One payment system that uses your palm signature to authenticate transactions. Also, the BeReal social media app, Xiaomi CyberOne, the latest tech news, and favourite drummers.

Rick Huckstep and Shaun Weston discuss Amazon Care, Elon Musk’s latest ups and downs, Facebooks downs (mostly), AI balls, Ted Lasso, and the England Lionesses. Plus, Rick finds out when he will die thanks to the Population.io website.

Rick Huckstep and Shaun Weston discuss Amazon, Andy Jassy, Jeff Bezos, corporate overreach, Prime Day and drone deliveries. Plus, the leaked Facebook memo, the Apple AR-VR headset, and playing padel in Spain.

Rick Huckstep and Shaun Weston welcome Charles Radclyffe to the show to discuss everything metaverse, including use cases, ethics, VR headset adoption, and the case for reducing your carbon footprint. Plus, we talk heatwaves, passkeys, Apple Pay Later, and Heartstopper.

Rick Huckstep and Shaun Weston discuss the addictive nature of TikTok, China’s influence, and the behavioural science around attention. Plus, Sheryl Sandberg’s Facebook legacy, home help robots, and how hard it is to read for pleasure after reading all day for work purposes.

Rick Huckstep and Shaun Weston talk about cryptocurrency and the status of Bitcoin following the recent Terra Luna news. Also, what’s good and bad about facial recognition, and who does the best deepfakes? Plus, Google AR glasses, TikTok, Burt Reynolds as James Bond, the iPod (RIP), and what pixel pressure means.

Rick Huckstep and Shaun Weston discuss what motivates Elon Musk, and what he wants to do with Twitter. Also, Airbnb is letting its workforce work from anywhere. Do others follow suit? Do they care? Plus, the Ionic 5 EV, Breaking Dad, WeCrashed, cookies, and Ron Shevlin.