PTJ 300: Close Comfort
As Pop Tech Jam hits the canonical 300-episode mark, El Kaiser and J.D. ponder the skill (or lack thereof) needed to create a good grilled-cheese sandwich — before discussing the week’s technology news and a roundup of public-safety and information apps. Cook yourself up a toastie and have a listen! News Stories Discussed on This … Continue reading PTJ 300: Close Comfort
PTJ 299: Tumblin’ Down
The winter temperatures in the American Midwest may have plummeted, but in the technology world, it’s Apple and Facebook bouncing off the floor — and into each other over user privacy. El Kaiser and J.D. chew through the events of the past week, and also pause to ponder another question: How many streaming services can … Continue reading PTJ 299: Tumblin’ Down
PTJ 298: Over Easy
Famous eggs, self-delivering scooters, rabbit-ears making a comeback and YouTube tries to ban stupidity — El Kaiser and JD catch up on a big pile of technology news from the past week or two. And in a (Hopefully) Helpful Hint, J.D. explains how to use a free, pre-built spreadsheet to track your finances. Roll on … Continue reading PTJ 298: Over Easy
PTJ 297: Yes, It’s Time for Our Annual Smart Toilet Update
Early January is here at last and El Kaiser and J.D. are ready to explore all the unique creations launched on the floor of the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. And as with last year’s round-up, the specifications and features on the Kohler Intelligent Toilet amaze. This week’s episode also features a look at … Continue reading PTJ 297: Yes, It’s Time for Our Annual Smart Toilet Update
PTJ 296: “Ring Out the False, Ring In the True!”
As 2018 comes clanging to a close. El Kaiser and J.D. discuss Amazon’s healthy holiday sales, Instagram’s effects on people, Snapchat’s “dog lenses” and a new essay that wonders just how much of the Internet is real anymore. And in the last (Hopefully) Helpful Hint of the year, J.D. offers a guide for preserving your … Continue reading PTJ 296: “Ring Out the False, Ring In the True!”
PTJ 295: Smokin’!
The year is winding down, but the movie selection at the local cineplex is heating up with several sizzling releases this month. Also in the hot seat: Google’s CEO Sundar Pichai, who got to have his belated chat with Congressional members, and social-media companies who missed the massive amount of misinformation spread across their platforms … Continue reading PTJ 295: Smokin’!
PTJ 294: Location, Location, Location
Of course, your apps are tracking you! El Kaiser told you that years ago, but The New York Times now fills in the details. J.D. rounds up the headlines from the past two weeks for discussion and also offers a (Hopefully) helpful Hint about recording your family’s history in audio and video this holiday season. … Continue reading PTJ 294: Location, Location, Location
The Udoq Charging Dock: A Luxury Gadget You Didn’t Know You Needed
I’m a slob when it comes to charging my various and sundry electronic devices, I admit it. I plug everything into an industrial-strength power strip, toss it all on the floor while whispering a short prayer to the gadget gods that my children don’t break any of them them during their frequent bursts of manic … Continue reading The Udoq Charging Dock: A Luxury Gadget You Didn’t Know You Needed
PTJ 293: Mars, In Sight!
Facebook’s horrible, bad, no-good, you-brought-it-on-yourself-pal year continues with major revelations about how the company handles its problems and Apple’s iPhone orders have dipped, but at least we have a NASA event next week. El Kaiser and J.D. wade through the headlines of the week — including a long-awaited podcast-discovery announcement from Pandora. And El Kaiser takes … Continue reading PTJ 293: Mars, In Sight!
PTJ 292: Know When to Hold ‘Em, Know When to Fold ‘Em
Smartphones that open up into mini-tablets are on the way, thanks to several companies gearing up to expand the traditional rectangular slab into new form factors. Samsung had a big event to introduce its bendy Galaxy X, even though a smaller company called Royole jumped out in front of the pack with its own FlexiPai device a few … Continue reading PTJ 292: Know When to Hold ‘Em, Know When to Fold ‘Em