Tech Brew Ride Home

Steve Rosenbaum and Gene DeRose, co-hosts of the Future Forward podcast and seasoned veterans in digital media, dive into Facebook's shift towards user privacy in response to Apple's big event. They dissect Zuckerberg's approach to private sharing, questioning its effect on the open Internet. The duo also examines Apple's content strategy, pondering whether the tech giant can compete with industry leaders. Plus, they share insights about their podcasting journey and their vision for a fresh tech narrative.

Could Apple's upcoming event be more hype than substance? AT&T's so-called '5G E' is reportedly slower than 4G from its rivals. YouTube dominates with nearly 40% of mobile internet traffic, reshaping how we consume media. Meanwhile, the vulnerability of medical devices raises serious security concerns. Programming languages are evolving too, with TypeScript and Kotlin emerging as favorites. Plus, fascinating weekend reads cover everything from Silicon Valley's secrets to the latest in CRISPR technology!

A major Facebook scandal resurfaces as it’s revealed that millions of user passwords were stored in plain text. Microsoft rolls out its Virtual Desktop amid a warning to Windows 7 users about end-of-support risks. European Wikipedia sites go dark in protest against the controversial EU copyright directive. Meanwhile, the cryptocurrency scene is heating up, with Binance Coin making waves that echo Bitcoin's glory days. Lastly, insights on the iPad Mini's continued popularity demonstrate its staying power in a crowded tech landscape.

Big tech news hits as the EU slaps Google with a hefty antitrust fine. Apple unveils next-gen AirPods that promise even better sound. Meanwhile, the Oculus Rift S makes its debut with intriguing features, and Kindle gets a facelift with built-in lighting—though it now comes at a higher price. Facebook Messenger introduces message threads for streamlined chats. MoviePass stirs excitement by reviving its unlimited plan, at least for now. Plus, NYC gears up for self-driving shuttles, hinting at the future of urban transport.

Discover Google's revolutionary gaming service, Stadia, which redefines how players experience games with stunning 4K visuals and shareable links. Dive into Apple's refreshed iMac lineup boasting upgraded processors and graphics, alongside Instagram's exciting new in-app shopping feature. Plus, explore the tech world’s advancements with Intel's ambitious plans for an exascale supercomputer and NVIDIA's cutting-edge AI innovations. It's a thrilling ride through the latest in gaming and technology!

Tech updates reveal a refreshed iPad mini and a new iPad Air, showcasing improved features. MySpace faces a crisis as it loses a vast amount of user content from 2003 to 2015. The challenges of managing harmful content on YouTube are also highlighted. Meanwhile, Lyft prepares for a substantial IPO amid discussions on the decline of seed-stage investing. Lastly, exciting new Apple shows are on the horizon, and Google has big plans for its gaming announcements, leaving listeners eager for what's next.

In this engaging discussion, Matt Stroud, author of "Thin Blue Lie: The Failure of High-Tech Policing," sheds light on the surprising history of technology in law enforcement. He argues that simply introducing technology doesn’t magically solve policing issues and can lead to serious unintended consequences. Stroud critiques the effectiveness of tools like tasers and highlights the ethical concerns surrounding surveillance technologies. The conversation emphasizes that technology must work hand in hand with human judgment to enhance policing practices.

Justin Brookman, Director of Consumer Privacy and Technology Policy at Consumer Reports and former FTC employee, dives deep into the murky waters of consumer data privacy in the U.S. He reveals the alarming lack of nationwide regulations, with states stepping in to fill the gap. The conversation touches on the FTC's impending actions against Facebook and discusses the potential for a federal privacy overhaul. Brookman also highlights the privacy challenges posed by smart home devices and the hidden costs of software updates that consumers face. A vital discussion for tech-savvy listeners!

The departure of a top Facebook executive raises questions about the company's commitment to privacy. Tensions between Apple and Spotify escalate, highlighting issues of antitrust in the tech world. The podcast also addresses Facebook's challenges with content moderation, especially in light of a tragic live-streaming incident. Listeners can look forward to upcoming innovations in tech, including the rise of startups preparing for IPOs. Finally, there's a humorous take on the trials of shared smart devices among roommates.

Facebook is under criminal scrutiny for its data-sharing practices, raising concerns about user trust. Meanwhile, the tech giant faced global service outages. Dropbox is tightening its grip on free accounts, while Tumblr's adult content ban significantly dropped its traffic. In a more lighthearted note, Google achieved a new world record by calculating Pi to an astounding 31.4 trillion digits. Lastly, Silicon Valley is contemplating a monument to celebrate its legacy, posing questions about meaning in a rapidly changing tech landscape.