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Breaking the Myths: The Truth About Remote Work and Productivity

On this episode of TechWatch Radio, Sam & Jay answer these questions: 

Are remote workers really as productive as they claim to be?

What surprising tasks are remote workers doing during work hours?

How does working from home compare to office productivity?

Why do some companies encourage naps during the workday, and is th ...

Epic's App Store Ambition & Amazon's Retail Reign

We explore two major developments in the tech and retail worlds. Epic Games has made a bold move by launching its own iOS App Store in the European Union, marking a significant challenge to Apple's App Store dominance. This launch, fueled by the EU’s Digital Markets Act, brings games like Fortnite back to iOS after a four-year hiatus. We also di ...

Tech Turmoil: Microsoft 365 Outages & Canva's Risky Price Hike

We delve into the recent turmoil surrounding two major players in the tech world. First, we explore the widespread Microsoft 365 outages that left thousands of users without access to critical tools like email and Teams. Then, we turn our focus to Canva, where a staggering 400%+ price hike for Teams plans has sparked outrage among users. As Canv ...

Windows Woes, AI Safeguards, and Google's New Essentials

McAfee's AI "deepfake detector" to help you spot fake videos? Google has started rolling out its new Essentials app for Windows PCs, promising "streamlined productivity"? However, Windows 11 users beware: the latest update, B5041585, is causing major issues for some PCs, though uninstalling might expose you to security risks. We also discuss the ...

Tech Titans Under Fire: Censorship, Arrests, and the Rise of Linux

We delve into the global tech world under siege. A Brazilian judge in trying to block Elon Musk's X (Twitter), banning it in the country. Meanwhile, Mark Zuckerberg reveals Meta was pressured by the Biden administration to censor Covid-related content in 2021. The drama intensifies in France, where Telegram's CEO Pavel Durov has been arrested ov ...

Credit Card Surcharges Rise & Instagram's New Musical Vibes

In this episode, we explore the latest updates in the tech world, starting with Instagram’s new feature that allows users to add a musical touch to their profiles, evoking a nostalgic MySpace vibe. Shifting gears, we tackle the growing trend of businesses adding credit card surcharges and what this might mean for the future of credit card usage, ...

Phishing Threats & Inbox Security

In this episode, we dive into the growing threat of phishing links, which are now more dangerous than email attachments, and explore the best strategies for securing your inbox. Sam highlights IronScales, touted as a leader in email security solution, and we weigh the pros and cons of traditional email versus real-time communication tools like S ...

In this episode, we delve into Google's historic loss in a landmark antitrust lawsuit over its search dominance, discuss the impact of Cisco's second major round of layoffs this year, and hear from Sam as he explores how Chat GPT 4 Turbo can aid visually impaired individuals using wheelchairs by detecting nearby obstacles with specialized device ...

Multitasking, AI Voice Clones, and Mobile Security Essentials

In this episode, we explore the fascinating differences between how humans and computers handle multitasking, dive into the implications of actors licensing AI voice clones under a new union deal, and share essential cybersecurity tips from NetworkProvidersInc.com with a Top 10 list to keep your mobile phone secure. Tune in for insights on the i ...

Screen Addiction: The Silent Epidemic Affecting All of Us

In this episode, we delve into "The Silent Epidemic Eating Away American Minds", exploring the alarming rise of screen addiction and its profound impact on mental health, particularly in children and teens. Through the story of Billy, a young boy whose behavior improved after a screen fast, we illustrate the dangers of excessive screen time, inc ...

Tech Rollbacks, Deepfake Solutions, and SpaceX's Bold Moves

Explore the latest in tech and space in our new episode, where we discuss Google's decision to roll back its AI search feature to reduce errors, and dive into the challenges of regulating audio deepfakes with insights from ElevenLabs' CEO. We also uncover the significance of digital audio watermarking in combating AI misuse. Plus, get the scoop ...

Tech Influence and Innovations: Shaping Votes and Customer Experiences

We explore a groundbreaking study by Dr. Robert Epstein and the American Institute for Behavioral Research and Technology, revealing how tech companies can influence undecided voters through search suggestions, potentially shifting election outcomes without detection. We also examine the live chat software market's growth, expected to reach $1.7 ...

In this episode we delve into the upcoming changes to Venmo's transaction fees, effective July 1, 2024, and how they will impact users receiving payments for goods and services. We also discuss Surgeon General Vivek Murthy's urgent call for warning labels on social media apps to protect children, and the latest push by US lawmakers to ban TikTok ...

AI Revolution in Music & Sam's Alarm Clock Idea

In this exciting episode, we dive into the revolutionary impact of artificial intelligence on music creation. Discover how AI is transforming the music industry, from composing underscores to generating hit songs. Later in the episode, join us for a hilarious and innovative brainstorming session as Sam unveils his quirky new idea on an Alarm clo ...

Streaming's Ad Invasion, Connected Cars Boom, and Touchscreen Innovations

We explore the rapidly changing landscape of ad-free streaming. Once a haven from commercials, streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video have begun integrating ads, making it harder than ever to avoid interruptions. We'll delve into how this shift impacts viewer experience and subscription costs. Additionally, we'll discus ...

Tech Takeover: T-Mobile's Big Move & The Future of Leadership in AI

In this episode, we dive into T-Mobile's recent $4.4 billion acquisition of US Cellular's wireless operations and spectrum assets, a strategic move that brings in an additional 4 million customers and strengthens T-Mobile's market position. We'll explore the details of the deal, including the new master license agreement for over 2,000 towers an ...

Revamping Siri: Apple's Bold Leap into Generative A.I.

Apple is set to revolutionize Siri, its iconic virtual assistant, with an ambitious generative A.I. upgrade, marking the most significant restructuring the tech giant has undertaken in over a decade. This decision was spurred by Apple's top software executives, Craig Federighi and John Giannandrea, who, after experiencing the capabilities of Ope ...

Cybersecurity Double Take: From National Threats to Safe Online Shopping

   This episode of our podcast delves into the urgent joint cybersecurity advisory issued by the FBI, alongside the U.S. Department of State and the National Security Agency, highlighting a serious threat posed by North Korean-backed hackers. Known as Kimsuky, these hackers are impersonating trusted individuals and organizations through sophisti ...

The AI Frontier

   In this episode, we delve into Microsoft's groundbreaking move into smaller AI systems, challenging the industry's obsession with size. From the Phi-3 series to the impact on accessibility and affordability, we explore how these innovations are reshaping AI applications across industries. Additionally, we discuss the alarming FBI report on th ...

   Join us on [Podcast Name] as we delve into the latest developments in the electric vehicle (EV) landscape. From surprising legislative mandates to tech glitches and crash rate concerns, we've got you covered.

   We discuss the push to include AM radios in cars, Apple's efforts to fix glitchy iPhone alarms, and the higher crash rates of ...

   In this episode the TWR Team delves into the serious repercussions of the February cyberattack on UnitedHealth's subsidiary, Change Healthcare. An alarming amount of personal and health data from a significant portion of Americans was compromised. UnitedHealth has disclosed paying a ransom to protect this sensitive data, although the exact am ...

Echoes in the Code

   In this podcast we explore the surprising intersections of technology and daily life. Join us as we uncover the stories behind the statistics and meet the individuals whose quiet contributions keep our digital and real-world landscapes thriving. Whether it's a deep dive into the realm of sports fans or a thrilling recount of a cybersecurity s ...

Cracking the Code: Pen Testing and the Cybertruck Conundrum

  We delve into the realm of cybersecurity through the lens of penetration testing, a critical and intriguing field that addresses the security vulnerabilities of computer systems by simulating cyberattacks. Penetration testing, often referred to as "pen testing," involves skilled professionals known as penetration testers or ethical hackers, wh ...

Explore the essential protections of Cyber Insurance in this episode of NPI Tech Guys / TechWatch Radio. As cyber threats like ransomware and DDoS attacks grow more sophisticated, understanding and securing the right insurance is crucial for any business. We'll discuss what cyber insurance covers, its necessity in the face of increasing digital ...

Reels & Risks: The Cyber Pulse

* Instagram is working on a feature that would allow you to let others put a ‘Spin’ on your Reel - Aisha Malik.

* Instagram is working on a “Spins” feature for Reels, its short-form video TikTok clone, the company confirmed to TechCrunch.

* Suspect Your Computer Has Been Hacked? Do These 5 Things Now!

...

Byte Battles: From Apple's Courtroom to Bitcoin's Boom

* The Apple iPhone antitrust lawsuit from the DOJ - TechCrunch.com

* The DOJ’s case against Apple adds to a growing pile of antitrust problems for Cupertino.

* DOJ’s Apple antitrust case neatly aligns with EU on one key point: NFC and mobile payments.

* Bitcoin hits new high!

* Is A TikTok ban looking more and more like r ...

Future Tense: AI Evolution and the Battle Against Digital Deception

* Elon Musk: AI will run out of electricity and transformers in 2025 - NewAtlas.com

* Gemini, a Merger of a Chatbot and an Assistant, Enters the Arena - Cade Metz.

When will the standard digital assistant such as Seri and Alexa ETC. be replaced by the next gen chatbot?

* Brave’s Leo AI assistant is now available to Android user ...

Electric Dreams Deferred: The EV Industry's Roadblocks and Reality

* Lucid Motors plans to build just 9,000 electric vehicles in 2024, only 500 to 1,000 more than it made in 2023, as it struggles with demand for its luxury sedans. If it sticks to that number, that means Lucid will wind up building around 10% of the 90,000 EVs it predicted it could make - TechCrunch.com

* Mercedes-Benz on Thursday walked b ...

Audit-Ready: The Art of Compliance Mastery with Sam & Neuman

Compliance: Could You Pass an Audit Today?

* Sam and Neuman CSO of Network Providers, Inc. Discuss Company Wide Security.

NPI offers a free consult and plan for IT Compliance.

What is a table top discussion

Can you explain the basics of compliance and why it's critical for businesses?

What is the compliance that I a ...

Checkout Challenges, Tipping Dilemmas, and a Troublesome Win11 Update

* Even Retailers Are Fed Up With Self-Checkout Automated kiosks double theft rates, among other issues - Gina Carey.

Self-checkout machines aren't only annoying customers, Quartz reports, as a growing number of large retailers have begun rethinking the costly tech.

Last year, companies like Target, Walmart, Dollar General, and Britis ...

* Apple Vision Pro available in the U.S. on February 2.

* Apple Vision Pro: 7 Things to Know Before You Buy - Will Greenwald, PCMag.com

* ICANN proposes creating .INTERNAL domain to do the same job as 192.168.x.x! - The plan is to keep the world at bay by never recording it in the DNS root – like many already do with a subdomain for ...

* How to Be More Anonymous Online - Being fully anonymous is next to impossible—but you can significantly limit what the internet knows - Matt Burgess.

* Google Launches Plan to Kill (Non-Edible) Cookies Initiative to eliminate third-party trackers online begins with test of 1% of Chrome users - John Johnson.

If you are a Chrome user ...

Tetris Titans to AI Innovations

* American teenager named Willis Gibson, aka BlueScuti - Why Everyone Is Obsessed With the Kid Who Beat 'Tetris' - Angela Watercutter.

How do you Actually Win Tetris? By forcing the more than three-decade-old classic Nintendo video game into a "kill screen."

* Microsoft wants to add a Copilot key to your PC keyboard.

Microsoft ...

Tech Tomorrow: Simplifying Innovations and Cyber Safeguards

* Sam's Tech Goals for 2024 - 'Operation Tech Simplify'!

* New And Urgent Bank Account Fraud Alert!

The infamous Xenomorph Android malware, known for targeting 56 European banks in 2022, is back and in full force targeting US banks, financial institutions and cryptocurrency wallets.

Besides being alert to this scam (and you sho ...