Why local, open-source TTS matters

Welcome back to The FAIK Files!

In this week's episode:

   
• Apple and Google officially partner to bring Gemini-powered answers to Siri.
   
• We discuss QWEN 3 TTS, a new open-source model with no guardrails.
   
• A deep dive into GenAI.mil, the military's new secure AI platform.
   
• GHOSTLINE: A new tool for secure, anonymous, P2P video interviews.

Want to leave us a voicemail? Here's the magic link to do just that: ⁠⁠⁠https://sayhi.chat/FAIK⁠⁠⁠

You can also join our Discord server here: ⁠⁠⁠https://faik.to/discord⁠⁠⁠

*** NOTES AND REFERENCES  ***

Apple && Google Make a Deal on Siri:

   
• Report from The Information: https://www.theinformation.com/newsletters/ai-agenda/apple-using-gemini-give-chatgpt-like-answers
   
• Joint statement from Apple & Google: https://blog.google/company-news/inside-google/company-announcements/joint-statement-google-apple/
   
• Rumored Rollout Date: https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/25/siri-google-gemini-release-date/

QWEN 3 TTS a new Open Source TTS Model:

   
• Can run on local hardware. No guardrails. Easy to use.
   
• https://qwen.ai/blog?id=qwen3tts-0115
   
• https://huggingface.co/spaces/Qwen/Qwen3-TTS

What is GenAI.mil?:

   
• It operates on NIPRNET: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NIPRNet
   
• Was preceded by NIPRGPT: https://www.airandspaceforces.com/air-force-shutting-down-ai-chatbot-niprgpt/
   
• Guide to DOD Impact Levels: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/compliance/offerings/offering-dod-il5
   
• First impressions and limitations: https://defensescoop.com/2026/01/12/a-first-look-at-genai-mil-evolving-a-secure-platform-into-a-warfighting-edge/
   
• Grok is part of it: https://www.war.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/4366573/the-war-department-to-expand-ai-arsenal-on-genaimil-with-xai/
   
• How Google Cloud Protects Data: https://blog.alphabravo.io/google-cloud-platforms-government-capabilities-a-comprehensive-guide-to-gcps-public-sector-offerings/

GHOSTLINE Interview Platform:

   
• https://www.linkedin.com/posts/chrisglanden_ghostline-anonymous-video-interviews-activity-7421996882777788416-CQ5p
   
• “GHOSTLINE” interview platform with realtime video/ voice masking, P2P connections, secure local recording, and nothing ever hitting a server: https://suspecturl.com/

*** THE BOILERPLATE ***

About The FAIK Files:

The FAIK Files is an offshoot project from Perry Carpenter's most recent book, FAIK: A Practical Guide to Living in a World of Deepfakes, Disinformation, and AI-Generated Deceptions.

   
• Get the Book: ⁠FAIK: A Practical Guide to Living in a World of Deepfakes, Disinformation, and AI-Generated Deceptions⁠ (Amazon Associates link)
   
• Check out the website for more info: ⁠https://thisbookisfaik.com⁠

Check out Perry & Mason's other show, the Digital Folklore Podcast:

   
• Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/digital-folklore/id1657374458⁠
   
• Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/2v1BelkrbSRSkHEP4cYffj?si=u4XTTY4pR4qEqh5zMNSVQA⁠

Want to connect with us? Here's how:

Connect with Perry:

   
• Perry on LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/perrycarpenter⁠
   
• Perry on X: ⁠https://x.com/perrycarpenter⁠
   
• Perry on BlueSky: ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/perrycarpenter.bsky.social⁠

Connect with Mason:

   
• Mason on LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/mason-amadeus-a853a7242/⁠
   
• Mason on BlueSky: ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/wickedinterest.ing

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