The PC Pro Podcast

The team is split over Google's wisdom in selling a smartwatch - plus subscription fee - for kids. Plus, our take on what's going on at OpenAI, why iFixit has broken up with Samsung and what we can learn from the "leak" of Google's search algorithm. And our Hot Hardware candidate is the Panasonic Toughbook 55 Mk3, a semi-rugged but portable laptop.Links:https://blog.google/products/fitbit/fitbit-ace-lte-smartwatch-kids/https://www.ft.com/content/ccbdff7c-ede3-4d62-968d-189fb0205075Custom GPTs open for free ChatGPT users - The VergeHUGE Google Search document leak reveals inner workings of ranking algorithm (searchengineland.com)Why turning motherboards to jelly could be a sustainability breakthrough thanks to vPCBs | TechFinitivehttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cqee727vnzmoTape is so dead, 152.9 exabytes of LTO shipped in 2023 • The RegisterPanasonic Toughbook FZ-55 Full HD Touch Screen Mk3 14" Rugged Windows 11 Pro Notebook. From £2115.00 plus VAT (ultima-computers.co.uk)

Exploring Microsoft's new Arm-based, AI-focused vision for Windows PCs, UK landline switch-off delay, concerns about old web pages disappearing, Pixel 8a phone details, Meta's AI ambitions, EU regulations on AI, Sonos app update fallout, Tesla's autopilot lawsuit settlement, and new hard disk technology.

The podcast discusses Google's advancements in AI at their I/O conference, leaked details of Dell's upcoming ARM-based laptops, and OpenAI's new language model. They also explore the motivations behind offering free software, tech accessibility features, and Apple's new 13-inch iPad Pro review.

Jack Dorsey discusses his departure from a Twitter rival, Apple's new super-slim iPads with M4 chips, Ofcom's online safety proposals, and the Pokit Pro multi-tool with Bluetooth connectivity and impressive features.

The team discusses new UK legislation that outlaws insecure default passwords, questions Google’s enormous payments to Apple and learns very little from Tim’s trip to Hungary. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Lenovo Legion Go, a handheld gaming PC that runs full Windows.

The team discusses the latest generative AI features added to Photoshop, considers the prospect of a US-wide ban on TikTok and revisits the eternal debate as to whether 8GB of RAM is enough for a laptop. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Passmark USB Power Delivery Tester, a clever tool that measures just how many watts your USB power supply is really putting out.

The team discusses new adverts popping up in Windows, an attempted deepfake attack on LastPass and the latest AI gaming innovations from Nvidia. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Asus RT-AX57 Go, a fully functional Wi-Fi 6 router that fits in your pocket.

The podcast dives into Google's new video presentation tool, AI grading of exams, and the UK police using facial recognition for shoplifting. They also explore advancements in image compression, Alexa skills, DIY clock kit projects, and a Raspberry Pi-based kit for kids.

The team refuses to talk AI this week, instead focusing on a hack that bypasses hotel door locks, the latest Spotify price rises and why Samsung believes that Bixby is still worth backing. Plus, how much it costs to keep Windows 10 running, 20 years of Gmail and Barry tries to convince the panel that a pair of smart glasses should be Hot Hardware of the Week.Links mentioned in this week's episode:https://predr.ag/blog/wifi-only-works-when-its-raining/https://ee.co.uk/smart-tech/smart-tech/tcl-nextwear-s-plusAnd finally, our thanks to Nick Gassman for his much-needed help with the recording!

The team discusses Microsoft's Surface devices with AI capabilities, Oregon's new right-to-repair legislation, Affinity software's acquisition by Canva and X’s upcoming chatbot, Grock. Our Hot Hardware candidate is Seagate's 20TB Exos X20 enterprise hard drive.To get your hands on a signed copy of Stuart Turton's latest book - The Last Murder at the End of the World - click this link to the Waterstones bookshop.