Popular Technology Radio

Latest Episodes:

Spotify, Streaming Battles, Huawei TV, Summer is Coming | #203 May 04, 2019

Show notes

The world of streaming is in a tumultuous period. Many Netflix competitors are entering the market, pure-music companies like Spotify are having trouble generating revenue, and Game of Thrones is ending! Freelance Writer, Editor, and Photographer for CNET and The New York Times, Geoffrey Morrison, and Audio and Musical Instrument Writer for The Wirecutter, SoundStage! Solo, JazzTimes, Brent Butterworth, discuss Spotify and their apparent subscriber gains amidst their capital loss. Is there a way back for Spotify? Or is their business model too narrow to be financially advantageous? We also chat about the competition Netflix is soon to face with players like Disney Plus, Apple, and others throwing their lot into the mix. Disney is likely the biggest threat to Netflix's video streaming dominance. How do companies like HBO factor into the equation, with their flagship series ending soon? In other news, Huawei has announced they will be releasing a 8K 5G television that has us wondering "who even needs this?" We close out the show with a look at the constant onslaught of small audio-based trade shows that keep Brent busy throughout the year, and how more companies are moving away from tradeshow giants like CES in favor of these smaller venues. Tune in to learn more about these topics and more!

[00:00:00] Spotify Gains Subs, Loses Money
[00:07:43] Where Does Spotify Go From Here?
[00:12:30] Netflix, HBO, Game of Thrones' Legacy
[00:19:52] Disney Plus, Apple TV, Netflix, YouTube
[00:27:32] Huawei 8K 5G TV, and Huge Televisions
[00:35:53] Summer Tech and Trade Shows

Amazon, Facebook, and Others Constantly Abusing Consumer Trust | #202 Apr 20, 2019

Show notes

Big technology companies are constantly facing backlash from data breaches and intentionally selling personal information to advertisers. The trend continues as we learn more about Amazon's recently revealed policy of listening in on, and transcribing, audio clips from everyday conversations. Host of Reality TV Show, "Fix My Brand", and Brand Expert, Ali Craig, discusses how data breaches, malignant activity such as the collection and selling of personal information, and an unwillingness by large tech companies to apologize affects brand images of Amazon, Google, Facebook, and Apple. We also chat about eBay's newly found niche market, and upcoming E3 news, including Playstation 5 rumors. Are you taken aback by the ceaseless flow of controversial activity surrounding big tech companies?

[00:00:00] Playstation 5 Rumored as E3 Approaches
[00:05:10] Amazon Listening In, and Brand Loyalty
[00:12:30] When Will People Push Back?
[00:19:51] Appeal Amazon Has That Google Doesn't
[00:28:04] Analyzing eBay's Path Forward
[00:35:52] Facebook Blunders - Dirty Side of Tech

AI Scaling, True Wireless Headphones, and Geoff's Undersea Adventure | #201 Apr 13, 2019

Show notes

Last week, Freelance Writer, Editor, and Photographer for The Wirecutter and CNET, Geoffrey Morrison, teased us all with his vacation in the Caribbean. Now, he's back to being just a normal plebeian like the rest of us. First off, we chat with Geoff about Apple's uncanny ability to hold dominance over the tablet market, while not being able to reproduce a similarly prolific reign over the world wide cell phone market. Next up, we learn about AI scaling, the latest in television picture technology; while it may not offer any revolutionary picture quality upgrades, it will make older formats look better on newer televisions. Then, we discuss Apple AirPods 2, true wireless headphones, and their sound quality and comfort. Closing the show, Geoff shares his undersea adventure in the Caribbean, and the 360 degree video he captured using an Insta360 camera. Tune in to learn more.

[00:00:00] How Does Apple Dominate Tablet Market?
[00:07:07] What Is AI Scaling and Should You Care?
[00:12:31] AI Scaling Slightly Improves TV Picture
[00:19:51] Pros and Cons of AirPods, True Wireless
[00:27:29] Headphones, AI Assistants, and Security
[00:35:52] Geoffrey's 360-Degree Undersea Adventure

Content Creation Freedom, Video Games, and Game of Thrones | #200 Apr 06, 2019

Show notes

With the impending debut of season eight of the hit HBO show, Game of Thrones, we encourage everyone to sign up to HBO Now, rather than pirating. Host, Mike Etchart, recently discovered some interesting facts about online malware in relation to some of our favorite shows that may surprise you. Then, Freelance Writer and Editor for The Wirecutter and CNET, Geoffrey Morrison, discusses the upcoming season of Game of Thrones, HBO's decline, and an article that details all the missteps that lead up to the failure of BioWare's Anthem. Next up, Popular Technology Radio Producer, Cody Castleberry, joins the fray as we discuss some of our favorite games (including Sea of Thieves, God of War, and Metal Gear), the business of video games and microtransactions, E3, and why giving passionate creatives the reigns on video game, movie, or other media development is usually the best idea. Tune in as we discuss the clash of business and art.

[00:00:00] Torrents are Dark and Full of Terrors
[00:04:28] Game of Thrones, HBO, and Anthem
[00:12:30] Sea of Thieves, God of War, and Stadia
[00:19:51] Business of Games: Microtransactions
[00:28:03] E3 - A Tradeshow for Blockbusters
[00:35:52] Creative Freedom Begets Great Content

Apple Announcements, Subscription Fatigue, IKEA Sonos SYMFONISK | #199 Mar 30, 2019

Show notes

One of the principle objectives of cord cutting is to reduce our monthly television fees, but are we getting to a point where having all of our favorite services is starting to cost too much again? Tech pundit, Howard Soroka, says the two words "subscription fatigue" are at the top of his notes for his discussion today, and we wonder if consumers are approaching burn out. Additionally, Apple has made a slew of announcements recently, revealing Apple Arcade, Apple Card, Apple News+, Apple TV+ and more. Is there enough room in the streaming service market for Apple, or will they fight their way in, knocking other services down along the way. Next, Audio and Musical Instrument Writer for the Wirecutter, Brent Butterworth, picks apart what little information we have about the IKEA/Sonos partnered speaker. Will it have Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi? Tune in to get Brent's expert analysis.

[00:00:00] Subscription Fatigue and Ranking Roger
[00:05:34] Apple News+ Announcement
[00:12:31] Apple Arcade, Card, and TV+
[00:19:51] Who's Lunch Will Apple TV+ Eat?
[00:28:27] IKEA and Sonos Partner to Make Speaker
[00:35:52] What Is the IKEA SYMFONISK Speaker?

Google Stadia Makes Huge Splash at Game Developers Conference | #198 Mar 23, 2019

Show notes

The Game Developers Conference usually scoots under the radar of most people in the tech world, but this year a certain mega corporation is making a big splash. Host Mike Etchart starts off the show with a warning about big company mergers: they will always win, and the consumer will always lose. This is made evident with AT&T's immediate price hikes on services like DIRECTV NOW. Next, Engadget Editor Senior Editor, Jessica Conditt, gives us the details on the biggest announcement of the Game Developers Conference - Google Stadia. This game streaming service sets out to Netflix-ify the video game industry, providing access to the latest virtual experiences via any device with an internet connection and the ability to stream video. Also, we chat about the health of the video game industry, indie games, Steam, the AAA tier game sector, and more. Closing the show, Popular Technology Radio Producer, Cody Castleberry, shares his thoughts on Google Stadia. Is latency one of Stadia's key flaws? Listen in for more about Google Stadia, indie games, and the Game Developers Conference.

[00:00:00] Fool Us Once, AT&T...
[00:05:29] Game Developers Conference and Stadia
[00:12:31] Pros and Cons of Google Stadia
[00:19:51] Stadia To Amalgamate Video Game Market?
[00:27:23] Indie Games, Getting Noticed, and More
[00:35:53] Our Take on Google Stadia

Cutting the Cord and TV Entertainment Freedom with Luke Bouma | #197 Mar 16, 2019

Show notes

Is your cable or satellite bill becoming a sore point for your wallet? Is that top-tier bundle causing spousal-budget arguments? Well, get out of the 2000s and into the modern age - cut the cord! Owner of Cord Cord Cutters News, Luke Bouma, gives us tips on ditching our cable bills and replacing it with streaming services at a much reduced cost, or even terrestrial broadcast antennas for free! You'd be surprised what's available to those willing to look. Also, we take a look at how the roll out of 5G may break the stranglehold certain companies have on the in-home internet service industry. Break free from high bills and restrictive programming; learn more at Cord Cutters News!

[00:00:00] Cord Cutting: Find Alternatives to Cable
[00:06:57] Over-the-Air and Digital Antennas
[00:12:31] Skinny Bundles, Streaming, and 5G
[00:19:52] 5G, New Netflix Rivals, Spectrum Choice
[00:27:56] Bypassing Middlemen and Self Discipline
[00:35:52] Roku Dominating Streaming Landscape

Harman, Festival Sound, Bohemian Rhapsody, NAMM 2019 Wrap Up | #196 Mar 02, 2019

Show notes

We wrap up our coverage of NAMM 2019 with a look back in musical history and how different the industry is today. Kicking off the show we chat with guest co-host and technology expert, Mike Castanon, about upcoming guests and amazing advancements in music tech affordability. Then, Harman International Industries Director of Corporate Communications, David Glaubke, discusses the history of JBL, from humble beginnings in the 1920s to their role in advancing live sound technology at Woodstock. We also learn about the rigorous testing Harman equipment goes through before its sent out. Next, Amplify Entertainment Marketing Chief Amplifier, Del Breckenfeld, is ecstatic over the success of Bohemian Rhapsody, the Queen bio flick, which featured authentic instruments and costumes created by Del and his team. Also, Del fills us in on the results of the Gambler reunion show, and Roland's new Tone Capsules. Closing out the show, Mike Etchart shares his excitement over Gibson Brand, Inc.'s restructuring and return to NAMM. Listen in for more about Bohemian Rhapsody, Harman International, JBL, Gibson, music history, and dates for the next Gambler reunion show.

[00:00:00] Casio Pianos, Queen, and Amp Emulation
[00:06:25] History of JBL - From MGM to Woodstock
[00:12:30] Harman: Simplicity and Rigorous Testing
[00:19:51] Bohemian Rhapsody and A Star Is Born
[00:27:59] Gambler Reunion, Roland Tone Capsules
[00:35:52] Gibson Guitar Comeback and Casio Piano

Engadget, Matias, Parachut, and Paris Region Entreprises at CES | #195 Feb 23, 2019

Show notes

There is so much to see at CES that we couldn't possibly glimpse it all. That's why we have people like Engadget Reviews Editor, Cherlynn Low, on to chat about what really got her excited for the future of tech at the Consumer Electronics Show. From 5G phones to the latest chip architecture from Intel, Cherlynn geeks out with us about wonderful, and sometimes quirky, reveals from our favorite companies. Next up, Matias Corporation Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder, Steve McGowan, has a solution for anyone who's feeling left out in the cold by Apple's decision to discontinue their wired keyboards for Mac computers. Then, we learn about the revolution to the consumer market that is Parachut.co, from Co-Founders, Philip and Melissa Niu. This access economy service has been dubbed "the Netflix of Stuff", providing access to real, physical items for a monthly subscription. Closing the show, Paris Region Entreprises CMO, Joel Halpern, describes how the state of Ile de France is a leader in European tech growth. Partnering with Air France, Dassault Systemes, and Total, Paris Region has brought 35 start up companies to CES with a focus on artificial intelligence and how we can use it for good. Tune in for the last episode of coverage from CES 2019.

[00:00:00] Stressful Life of an Engadget Editor
[00:04:50] 5G, NVIDIA, Intel, Beauty at CES 2019
[00:12:30] Matias Offers Wired Keyboards for Mac
[00:19:51] Parachut: The Netflix of Stuff
[00:29:32] Millenials Are All About Access
[00:35:52] Paris Region Entreprises at CES 2019

Dennis Houlihan and Audio-Technica's Gary Boss at NAMM 2019 | #194 Feb 16, 2019

Show notes

The NAMM Show was started 1901, in New York City, by a group of piano merchants who wanted to show off their wares and bring integrity to their industry. Little did they know they set in motion a chain of events that would lead to the creation of not one, but two of the world's largest trade shows. Technology expert, Mike Castanon, and former President and CEO of Roland Corporation U.S. and past Chairman of NAMM, Dennis Houlihan, walk us through the history of the show and the humble beginnings of CES at this long-running music merchants showcase. Dennis also describes what makes Roland such a unique and successful company: the ability to cater to different markets around the world. Then, we chat with Audio-Technica Marketing Director of Professional Markets, Gary Boss, about the company's focus on streaming and podcast equipment, what goes into making a professional DJ turntable, and a slew of exciting release for consumers of all types. Listen in for another episode of coverage from the NAMM Show 2019.

[00:00:00] The Old and the New at NAMM 2019
[00:05:34] NAMM History, Dennis Houlihan's Start
[00:12:30] What Makes Roland Stand Out?
[00:19:51] Streamer Kits from Audio-Technica
[00:28:11] Professional Turntables for Pro DJs
[00:35:52] Audio-Technica Product Lightning Round

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected