TechStuff

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TechStuff is a show about technology. And it’s not just how technology works. Join host Jonathan Strickland as he explores the people behind the tech, the companies that market it and how technology affects our lives and culture. read less

Our Editor's Take

TechStuff is a podcast all about tech and, as it says in the title, "stuff." iHeartMedia executive producer Jonathan Strickland is the host of the show. Jonathan was also a senior writer for HowStuffWorks, giving him a great perspective for the job. With entertaining delivery, he's able to understand and explain high-science concepts to listeners.

The podcast familiarizes the audience with lesser-known sectors of big tech news. Each episode talks about tech companies and how their products impact listeners' lives. TechStuff is a great listen both for tech fans and listeners who like to learn.

TechStuff has shared all topics relevant to tech with several thousands of episodes. It explores everything from new discoveries to big tech politics. Some episodes explain crypto Ponzi schemes. Audiences will even hear about TikTok. Because of the wide variety of topics, this podcast attracts a diverse audience.

Some listeners join to learn about the latest in artificial intelligence. Others might prefer to hear about the apps side of tech. Others still might listen for inspiration. Episodes about Apple, Microsoft, Meta, and more have been subjects of discussion.

Some TechStuff podcast episodes include classic topics that remain relevant today. "TechStuff Classic: How LIGO Works" explains how this device detects gravitational waves. “Apple vs. FBI” examines the FBI's odd request to get backdoor access into iPhone devices for "national security."

The "High Tech at High Speed" episode gives listeners insight on the latest car technology. In “Smart Talks,” Jonathan invites special guests to share more about tech development. For casual fun, listeners can check out "Strange Stuff We Sent to Space." They'll find out all about the things NASA has sent into space. (This includes Elon Musk's own Tesla roadster.)

Those who enjoy tech mysteries can check out "Up and Away in My Beautiful Spy Balloon." Listeners can find out what happened to the Chinese spy balloon shot down by the US. For a tech cold case, TechStuff listeners can also check out the episode on the 2014 Sony hack. Whichever era, whatever topic, this podcast likely has an episode about it.

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TechStuff Is About to Change (And That's a Good Thing)

TechStuff Is About to Change (And That's a Good Thing)

After 16 and a half years, I will be stepping down from being the host of TechStuff. We'll talk more about the future of the show soon, but today's episode is all about the history and evolution of the little podcast that tried to demystify technology, critically examine the industry, and make tons of puns in the process. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episodes

TechStuff Is About to Change (And That's a Good Thing)

TechStuff Is About to Change (And That's a Good Thing)

After 16 and a half years, I will be stepping down from being the host of TechStuff. We'll talk more about the future of the show soon, but today's episode is all about the history and evolution of the little podcast that tried to demystify technology, critically examine the industry, and make tons of puns in the process. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

TechStuff Gets Auto-Tuned (Again)

TechStuff Gets Auto-Tuned (Again)

We look at the history of auto-tune, how it works, and how it impacted music and culture in general. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rerun: Streaming Services that Sunk

Rerun: Streaming Services that Sunk

While the streaming media landscape is crowded, it could be worse. In this episode, we look at some streaming services that didn't stand the test of time. From platforms that were a bad idea from the start to ones that were victims of corporate mergers, we find out what went wrong.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rerun: Getting in Touch with Touchscreens

Rerun: Getting in Touch with Touchscreens

What's the difference between a capacitive and a resistive touchscreen? Which came first? And are there other types of touchscreen technologies?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

TechStuff's Top Holiday Gift for 2024

TechStuff's Top Holiday Gift for 2024

A little more than a decade ago, mobile computing revolutionized how we access software and the internet. It's about to happen again. At the top of my holiday wish list is an AI-augmented laptop powered by the Snapdragon X Elite processor for lightning-fast performance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rerun: The Sad Tale of Microsoft Zune

Rerun: The Sad Tale of Microsoft Zune

Microsoft jumped into the mp3 player space a little late. Apple had been producing iPods for five years when the first Zune hit shelves. But that was just the beginning of a series of problems Microsoft encountered. We explore the sad (and short) story of the Zune.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rerun: What was the first mp3?

Rerun: What was the first mp3?

When developing the mp3 compression algorithm, engineer Karlheinz Brandenburg used a specific song to tweak settings and get them just right. What was that song? And why does Jonathan not like it?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Story of Microsoft Bing

The Story of Microsoft Bing

In 2009, Microsoft announced a new search engine called Bing. What was Microsoft's strategy, how is Bing different from the dominant search engine Google, and what's next? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tech News: Elections and Tech Clash

Tech News: Elections and Tech Clash

We knew that the 2024 election season in the US would include some tough stories involving tech and potential election interference. In this episode, we look at a few headlines of how tech may have already played a role in misinforming voters either on purpose or by accident. Plus many more headlines in this jumbo news episode!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

REM Pods and Ghost Hunting

REM Pods and Ghost Hunting

What does an REM Pod do? How does it work? And why is Jonathan such a darn party pooper when it comes to ghost hunting? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Doubly Exposing Spirit Photography

Doubly Exposing Spirit Photography

In the 19th century, some enterprising and unscrupulous photographers convinced vulnerable people that they had developed (pun intended) a way to photograph the spirits of the dearly departed. But what was really going on?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Departing OpenAI Leaders Warn about AGI

Departing OpenAI Leaders Warn about AGI

Description: The former senior advisor for OpenAI's now dissolved AGI Readiness division warns that no one, not even OpenAI, is actually ready for artificial general intelligence. Plus, the US unveils some "guardrails" about using AI tools, Montana's Attorney General files a new lawsuit against TikTok, and Norway increases the minimum age for social media users to 15. And more!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Notorious Hackers

Notorious Hackers

Cybersecurity company Kaspersky has a list of the most notorious hackers of all time. We look at three of the entries, from the loose confederation of hackers called Anonymous to a hacker responsible for stealing millions of credit and debit card numbers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Smart Talks with IBM: How AI Can Accelerate Cybersecurity

Smart Talks with IBM: How AI Can Accelerate Cybersecurity

In this episode of Smart Talks with IBM, Malcolm Gladwell speaks with Jason Kelley, GM, Strategic Partners and Ecosystems at IBM, and Kristy Friedrichs, SVP and Chief Partnership Officer at Palo Alto Networks. They discuss the challenges and opportunities that the rapid development of AI brings to the cybersecurity space. Jason and Kristy also underscore how implementing a zero trust strategy can help enterprises enhance cyber resiliency and simplify operations. Together, IBM and Palo Alto Networks are delivering fully integrated, open, end-to-end security solutions to enterprises. This is a paid advertisement from IBM. The conversations on this podcast don't necessarily represent IBM's positions, strategies or opinions. Visit us at https://ibm.com/smarttalksSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rerun: TechStuff's Spooky Halloween Spectacular!

Rerun: TechStuff's Spooky Halloween Spectacular!

In celebration of Halloween, we take a look at an article from HowStuffWorks titled 10 Scary Modern Technologies. From drones to voices coming out of thin air, we peek under the big scary bed that is technology.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tech News: X Changes Prompt Some Users to Jump Ship

Tech News: X Changes Prompt Some Users to Jump Ship

X, formerly known as Twitter, makes a major change to the block feature that has some users switching to alternatives. Plus, Meta holds layoffs across multiple departments, some filmmakers experiment with generative AI, and SpaceX uses a giant metal claw to catch a rocket booster. And more! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What Happened to Amazon's HQ2?

What Happened to Amazon's HQ2?

In 2018, more than 200 cities competed to become the site for Amazon's second headquarters. Late that year, Amazon would choose two locations. A year later, it would pull out of one of those two sites. And today, the HQ2 sits nearly half empty. What happened? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

TechStuff Takes a Walk with Robots

TechStuff Takes a Walk with Robots

Tesla showed off the Optimus humanoid robots recently. What's the history behind bipedal, humanoid robots? Why are they so hard to get right? Why would you want to design such a robot in the first place? We explore the history, science and evolution of humanoid robots. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tech News: Tesla Fails to Wow Investors at We, Robot Event

Tech News: Tesla Fails to Wow Investors at We, Robot Event

This week, Elon Musk held his delayed Cybercab event while also showing off a new Robovan concept and Optimus humanoid robots. Investors, however, remain concerned that the event was more show than business. Also, Chinese hackers exploited backdoor access points to major Internet Service Providers in the US. And more! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can Sound Be Used As A Weapon?

Can Sound Be Used As A Weapon?

From LRADs to the dreaded "brown noise," we look at attempts to weaponize sound. Is it possible? What effects can sound have on the body? And how much do we not know? (Hint: The answer is "A lot.") See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.