Tag Archives: TikTok

PTJ 350: Red Rover

After a seven-month commute through space, NASA’s Perseverance rover is due to arrive on Mars next week! So, some science to go with our science-fiction television on this week’s episode, as El Kaiser shares his thoughts regarding later seasons of The Expanse on Amazon Prime and WandaVision on Disney+ . And J.D. has a smattering of tech news, including reports that Twitter is looking at subscription possibilities, along with resources on how to find out when you and your family can get the Covid-19 vaccine. It’s all here on PTJ 350!

PTJ 349: Now, Voyagers

As the last week of January rolls in, so do the Internet themes and memes — including TikTok’s flirtation with sea shanties and the cold-weather fashion of Senator Bernie Sanders. El Kaiser and J.D. ponder the latest Web whimsy, as well as Google and Apple’s fight against the ongoing problems of the world, other tech news and fun things to do with your smartphone’s camera. Hear it all on PTJ 349!

PTJ 345: At Last

What day is it? Does it matter? Time may be a flat circle that got hit by the Covid Truck for many people, but things have happened this month: Apple finally rolls out its four iPhone 12 models, Facebook finally bans Holocaust-denial content and and a House committee finally produces its report on Big Tech and monopoly. El Kaiser and J.D. muse upon it all, along with with a new set of headphones that gets the Rosado Review. Hear it all on PTJ 345!

Six Russian GRU Officers Charged in Connection with Worldwide Deployment of Destructive Malware and Other Disruptive Actions in Cyberspace (United States Department of Justice)
The Citizen Browser Project—Auditing the Algorithms of Disinformation (The Markup)
Facebook says it rejected 2.2m ads for breaking political campaigning rules (The Guardian)
Twitter, Responsibility, and Accountability (Stratechery by Ben Thompson)
Apple Launches ‘Apple Music TV,’ a 24-Hour Music Video Livestream (Variety)
Apple introduces iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max with 5G (Apple Newsroom)
Apple announces iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini: A new era for iPhone with 5G (Apple Newsroom)
Apple introduces HomePod mini: A powerful smart speaker with amazing sound (Apple Newsroom)
Removing Holocaust Denial Content (About Facebook)
Why Facebook Can’t Fix Itself (The New Yorker)
The new Nest Thermostat: more energy savings for more people (Google Nest)
Amazon’s Latest Gimmicks Are Pushing the Limits of Privacy (WIRED)
Amazon launches an AR app that works with new QR codes on its boxes (TechCrunch)
The House Antitrust Report on Big Tech (The New York Times)
Google’s merger with ITA helped it grow into the giant that the Justice Department is scrutinizing (The Washington Post)
EU targets Big Tech with ‘hit list’ facing tougher rules (Financial Times)
Exclusive: TikTok rival Triller explores deal to go public – sources (Reuters)
Disney reorganizes to focus on streaming, direct to consumer (CNBC)
AKG K553 MKII Headphones

PTJ 343: Battle Royale

Epic Games has fired antitrust shots at Apple and Google over their app stores, Facebook does a bit of cleaning and fans of Microsoft Fight Simulator can take to the virtual skies again in a glorious new version of the program . Meanwhile, back on the ground, El Kaiser has thoughts on Star Wars: Resistance and J.D. shares some tips on what to do with your old gear after you upgrade to new stuff. All this and more, right here on PTJ 343!

PTJ 342: Summer Grilling

The recent weather across much of North American isn’t the only thing that’s been a little toasty — TikTok, Big Tech and the kids who hacked Twitter last month are also feeling the heat. El Kaiser and J.D. take in the latest headlines from the technology world and also offer more tips for entertaining yourself in a partially closed pandemic city. Come join us here on PTJ 342!

PTJ 341: Tick Tock

How long until a hacked social-media platform causes real damage in the world? Are TikTok’s days in the US numbered? Is time running out for political ads on Facebook? Is anybody watching Quibi? El Kaiser and JD have questions — and opinions. Also, what local stores and restaurants are still open as the COVID-19 pandemic eases up or crashes down around the country? Just dial up PTJ 341 to find out answers to at least some of these questions!

Stories in This Week’s News Segment

(Hopefully) Helpful Hint

PTJ 340: Money Walks

As a boycott from major advertisers heats up, Facebook announces it will finally start taking action against hate and harmful posts. El Kaiser and J.D. discuss The Social Network’s latest moves, along with the other tech news of recent days, like Apple’s World Wide Developers Conference announcements and product updates from Google. J.D. also spins up a (Hopefully) Helpful Hint about searching newspaper archives for mention of your ancestors back in their day. PTJ 340 is right here ready to go!

Links to Stories in This Week’s News Segment

(Hopefully) Helpful Hint / Productive Use of Stay-at-Home Time

PTJ 336: Slice of Life

Thinking of spending some of your inside time recording a podcast or your own music? After a tour through the week’s technology headlines with J.D., El Kaiser offers some shopping tips on microphones that make you sound way better than the one built into your laptop. Just click the Play button to hear it all on PTJ 336 — starting with a suggestion for another binge-worthy show to pass the time in the Quarantine Life.

Links to Stories in This Week’s News Segment

Shopping for Microphones

PTJ 319: Secrets and Lies

El Kaiser and J.D. discuss the recent technology headlines, including Facebook’s wobbly Libra cryptocurrency, yet another iOS 13 update and political chaos around the globe. Also, there’s a giant Ouija board up in Salem, Massachusetts. And, leaving his beloved 3.5-mm headphone jack behind, El Kaiser takes a walk on the wireless side with a pair of Jabra Bluetooth earbuds.
Listen up here in PTJ 319!