

Daily Tech News Show
Tom Merritt
Tom Merritt and the team help you stay up to date with an independent, authoritative and trustworthy tech news briefing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

10 snips
Dec 17, 2025 • 24min
The Perfect Phone If You Don’t Care About Photos - DTNS 5167
The hosts dive into the OnePlus 15R, weighing its specs against camera compromises and battery life. They discuss when camera quality truly matters for users. Warner's battle with Paramount over Netflix's future unfolds amid financial concerns. Google unveils new Gemini tools, enhancing personalized assistant experiences. Meanwhile, OpenAI introduces image generation updates, stirring competition in the tech landscape. Quick headlines cover falling console sales and Samsung's cutting-edge micro RGB TVs, keeping the tech buzz alive.

9 snips
Dec 16, 2025 • 41min
Is Netflix Slowly Becoming a Podcatcher? - DTNS 5166
Nicole Ackermans, a clinician-scientist and communicator, dives into groundbreaking developments in gene therapy for Huntington's disease. She discusses a trial showing a significant 75% slowdown in disease progression, explaining the innovative surgery and viral delivery technique used. The conversation also touches on the next steps for larger trials, challenges regarding accessibility, and the potential of treating patients before symptoms appear. Ackermans sheds light on the complex interplay between cutting-edge science and real-world applications.

Dec 15, 2025 • 25min
Roomba Goes Bankrupt, But It Doesn’t Totally Suck - DTNS 5165
Explore the ups and downs of iRobot as it files for bankruptcy, with insights on what Picea's takeover means for Roomba owners. Discover user outrage over an unremovable Copilot button on LG TVs, sparking a fierce debate. Learn about the UK's push for age verification on explicit content and how Gemini's new Maps-first interface enhances user experience. Plus, get the scoop on innovative updates from Meta and Amazon, including a new chatbot feature for Kindle. Tech trends are shifting rapidly!

8 snips
Dec 13, 2025 • 21min
Why Disney Struck a Deal with OpenAI - DTNS Weekend
Andy Beach, a writer and analyst specializing in media and AI, delves into the groundbreaking Disney-OpenAI deal. He explains how this arrangement mirrors classic Hollywood strategies and outlines Disney's significant pre-IPO investment. The three-year license allows OpenAI to use Disney characters while maintaining restrictions on long-form content and actor voices. Beach discusses the implications for user-created content becoming Disney's property and predicts this model could set benchmarks for future industry deals, marking a shift in copyright norms.

Dec 12, 2025 • 35min
Apple (Mostly) Loses in Its Epic Games Appeal - DTNS 5164
Scott Johnson, a longtime video game commentator and host of Frogpants (Core), dives into the implications of the Ninth Circuit's ruling against Apple regarding anti-steering rules. He highlights the Game Awards as a sign of a potential gaming slowdown, discussing surprising reveals like Divinity 3 and the underwhelming nature of some announcements. The conversation also touches on broader trends in the industry, reflecting on the decrease in major game reveals and the future of game development post-pandemic.

15 snips
Dec 11, 2025 • 24min
Disney and OpenAI Strike an Unexpected Deal - DTNS 5163
Andy Beach, a technology writer and AI analyst, dives into the world of Fetch.ai and the burgeoning agent economy. He explains how Fetch serves as a catalog for AI agents while discussing important verification processes and marketing strategies. The conversation highlights the intricacies of agent compatibility and performance trade-offs, providing listeners with intriguing insights into the future of AI interactions. Moreover, Andy encourages fans to explore his Engines of Change newsletter for ongoing developments in this innovative field.

10 snips
Dec 10, 2025 • 24min
Free Photoshop Comes to ChatGPT - DTNS 5162
Adobe's integration of Photoshop, Express, and Acrobat into ChatGPT opens up new creative possibilities, but users encounter some quirks and delays. Meanwhile, a study reveals that electric vehicles pose similar pedestrian safety risks as traditional cars. Instagram enhances Reels with customizable topics, mimicking features from TikTok. Additionally, NVIDIA faces skepticism over reports of smuggled chips for AI training models, while OpenAI expands its enterprise efforts by hiring a new leader. Tune in for these insights and more!

37 snips
Dec 9, 2025 • 31min
The Pebble Index 01 Smart Ring Is… Different - DTNS 5161
Discover the unique Pebble Index 01 smart ring, designed for quick note-taking with its push-to-talk feature. The hosts debate practical concerns like battery life and phantom touches while highlighting its hackability for customizable actions. In global news, U.S. policy shifts allow Nvidia to export GPUs to China, stirring geopolitical discussions. Plus, the podcast dives into Reddit's new age-verification measures ahead of Australia's social media regulations, reflecting on the implications for younger users.

41 snips
Dec 8, 2025 • 40min
Google and Xreal Team Up On Your Face - DTNS 5160
Jason Howell, a tech journalist, shares insights on Google's Project Aura, a new light binocular smart glasses aimed at enhancing XR experiences. Justin Robert Young dives into Paramount's bold move to acquire Warner Bros., discussing the political implications of such media consolidation. Dr. Niki explains fascinating mushroom-based memristors and their promising applications in neuromorphic computing, showcasing how shiitake mycelium could shape the future of tech. Tune in for a blend of innovation and industry intrigue!

9 snips
Dec 6, 2025 • 17min
A Police Officer's View of Flock Video Surveillance - DTNS Weekend
A 17-year police veteran dives into the growing use of Flock license plate readers and their impact on public safety. He explains where these cameras are installed and their capabilities, while also addressing privacy concerns. The discussion includes how ALPRs can aid investigations but shouldn't be the sole evidence in trials. The expert highlights the importance of proper data security and calls for citizens to engage with local policies. Balancing the benefits of surveillance with privacy rights is key as technology continues to evolve.


