Supercharged

Latest Episodes:

122: Bovine Cheese Stomach: the Holy Grail of Genetic Modification Aug 26, 2016

Show notes

This week on Supercharged we’re talking about Android Nougat, touch disease, and genetic modification! Questions/comments/tips? Visit awkward.email or call/text 509-AWKWARD.

Guests: Darren Herczeg and Liam Broza

Links for this episode:

Genetic Engineering Will Change Everything Forever – CRISPR
This is the video we told you to watch before our CRISPR discussion.
Is “Opposites Attract” Just A Myth?
For millennia, the idea that “opposites attract” has existed and been encouraged when looking for a romantic partner. But is it true?
News Feed FYI: Further Reducing Clickbait in Feed
Our goal with News Feed is to show people the stories most relevant to them — ranking stories so that what’s most important to each person shows up highest in their News Feeds. When we rank and make improvements to News Feed, we rely on a set of core values. These values — which we’ve been using for years — guide our thinking, and help us keep the central experience of News Feed intact as it evolves.
Apple Watch 2 With GPS for Improved Navigation, Fitness Tracking Coming This Fall
Apple plans to announce new Apple Watch models this fall with improved health tracking and GPS chips, according to a new Bloomberg report that confirms previous rumors we've heard about the Apple Watch 2.
The Xbox One S won't play games in 4K, but it has a feature that's even better
Microsoft’s new Xbox One S boasts a bunch of new features, like a sleek new design and support for 4K video, both of which sound great.
PlayStation Now, Sony's Game Streaming Service, Is Coming to PC
Sony announced that PlayStation Now, their game streaming service previously limited to a small share of devices like the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and Vita, is on its way to Windows PCs this fall.
Prisma's arty photo filters now work offline
There's a lot going on behind the curtain with Prisma, the app that turns your banal photos into Lichtenstein- or Van Gogh-esque artworks. The app actually sends your cat photo to its servers where a neural network does the complex transformation. Starting soon, that will no longer be necessary, though. "We have managed to implement neural networks to smartphones, which means users will no longer need an internet connection to turn their photos into art pieces," the company says. Only half of Prisma's styles will be available offline at first (16 total), but others will be added in the "near future."
Instapaper is joining Pinterest
Today, we’re excited to announce that Instapaper is joining Pinterest. In the three years since betaworks acquired Instapaper from Marco Arment, we’ve completely rewritten our backend, overhauled our mobile and web clients, improved parsing and search, and introduced tons of great features like highlights, text-to-speech, and speed reading to the product.
Dexmo's Exoskeleton Gloves Let You Touch & Feel Things That Don't Exist
One of the disadvantages of the digital world is that you can't pick it up and touch it. While that can feel like less of a problem in virtual reality, where you're already holding controllers, mixed reality environments—like the one you'd experience in Microsoft's HoloLens—suffer from a lack of physical connection with the digital objects that appear in your real world. Dexmo aims to solve that problem with a relatively intimidating new controller that encompasses your hands.
Windows Holographic Is Coming to Intel's Project Alloy Cord-Cutting Headset
Most popular virtual reality headsets, like the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift, require a tethered connection to the computer and that imposes some obvious restrictions on how much we can move in our space. We'd all prefer a simpler, untethered option, and Intel wants to provide just that.
Google's Daydream May Materialize in Just Two Weeks
We've heard a bit about Google Daydream—the new smartphone-based virtual reality platform that is supposed to provide a markedly better experience than Cardboard—but don't really know what it'll look like. Engadget claims we could find out in just a couple of weeks, since Android Nougat is already out, a necessary component of Daydream.
Growing Number of iPhone 6 and 6 Plus Devices Affected by Insidious 'Touch Disease'
As the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus approach their second birthday, a growing number of users are suffering from what appears to be a latent manufacturing issue that presents as a gray flickering bar at the top of the screen and a display that's unresponsive or less responsive to touch.
The Coolest Features of Android Nougat You Might Have Missed
Yesterday, Google released Android Nougat for Nexus owners. It comes with some sweet new headlining features like multi-window support and bundled notifications. After digging into the developer preview we found even more treats that you might’ve missed.

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121: Beyond Health Tracking Aug 18, 2016

Show notes

This week we’re talking about Google’s new operating system, Intel’s Project Alloy, and the future of health tracking! Questions/comments/tips? Visit awkward.email or call/text 509-AWKWARD.

Guests: Jeff Dachis (One Drop) and Liam Broza (BitScoop)

Links for this episode:

One Drop: Diabetes Management Made Simple
One Drop is a diabetes management platform that harnesses the power of mobile computing and data science to empower people with diabetes to live healthier lives, together. By logging your daily activities, you can see the relationships that food, insulin, and activity have with glucose levels and learn how others in the One Drop community navigate their daily lives, from one good glucose reading to the next.
“A Honeypot For Assholes”: Inside Twitter’s 10-Year Failure To Stop Harassment
For nearly its entire existence, Twitter has not just tolerated abuse and hate speech, it’s virtually been optimized to accommodate it. With public backlash at an all-time high and growth stagnating, what is the platform that declared itself “the free speech wing of the free speech party” to do? BuzzFeed News talks to the people who’ve been trying to figure this out for a decade.
Project Alloy Is Intel's New Wire-Free VR Headset
Most popular virtual reality headsets, like the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift, require a tethered connection to the computer and that imposes some obvious restrictions on how much we can move in our space. We'd all prefer a simpler, untethered option, and Intel wants to provide just that.
Google is developing an OS called “Fuchsia,” runs on All the Things
Every single operating system developed by Google to date has one thing in common: they're based on the Linux kernel. Chrome OS, Android, Chromecasts, you name it. Linux has powered Google hardware for years.
Gawker.com to End Operations Next Week
After nearly fourteen years of operation, Gawker.com will be shutting down next week. The decision to close Gawker comes days after Univision successfully bid $135 million for Gawker Media’s six other websites, and four months after the Silicon Valley billionaire Peter Thiel revealed his clandestine legal campaign against the company.
Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac Comes With Sierra Support, Standalone Toolbox App
Parallels today announced Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac with support for macOS Sierra and the addition of several new features. The company also announced a new standalone app called Parallels Toolbox, which allows users to perform some simple tasks that aren't necessarily tied to virtualization.
Apple Drops 'Store' From Apple Store Branding
Apple appears to be making a slight branding change to its retail business, dropping the "Store" moniker when referring to its Apple Store locations. Apple has already made the change online, and all of its store pages now refer to stores by names like "Apple Union Square" or "Apple Valley Fair" or "Apple The Grove," instead of "Apple Store, Valley Fair" or "Apple Store, The Grove."
Apple Said to Plan First Pro Laptop Overhaul in Four Years
Apple Inc. is preparing the first significant overhaul of its MacBook Pro laptop line in over four years, according to people familiar with the matter, using one of its older products to help reverse two quarters of sliding sales.
Say Hello to More Convenient Pickups & Drop-Offs
When you’re rushing to catch a flight or a concert opener, every second counts. That’s why we’ve updated our app to make it easier than ever to get picked up and dropped off — down to the exact terminal door or arena entrance.
Cue
What if people could detect flu as soon as it starts? What if people could see how exercise and food are shaping their bodies at the molecular level? The power of the idea is immense. Over time, having on demand access to important indicators of health could reshape the way we, as a society respond to a pandemic and how healthy we live our lives for ourselves and our loved ones. We spent 4 years building the technology to make this idea a reality.
Health Nucleus
The HLI Health Nucleus, designed by Human Longevity, Inc., is a new clinical research center harnessing recent advancements in genomics – combined with a comprehensive curation of personal health history – to uncover your health risks and serve as the basis for a personalized approach to your health.
23andMe
You are made of cells. And the cells in your body have 23 pairs of chromosomes. Your chromosomes are made of DNA, which can tell you a lot about you. Explore your 23 pairs today.
Human Longevity
Aging is the single biggest risk factor for virtually every significant human disease. Our goal is to extend and enhance the healthy, high-performance lifespan and change the face of aging. For the first time, the power of human genomics, informatics, next generation DNA sequencing technologies, and stem cell advances are being harnessed in one company, Human Longevity Inc., with the leading pioneers in these fields. Our goal is to solve the diseases of aging by changing the way medicine is practiced.
Illumina
Explore a wide variety of next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods, and find complete solutions to meet the unique needs of any lab.
Helix
There is a part of you that you’ve never met before. DNA is more than a code. It’s who you are. Every person deserves the opportunity to discover insights into their DNA that are secure, accurate, and affordable. That's why we’re creating the world’s most advanced genetics lab and building a diverse ecosystem of high-quality partners to deliver uniquely personalized products, services, and applications. We're Helix. A big idea for a simple goal. Uncover your DNA story in 2016.
TrueVault
Build HIPAA-compliant apps your way. Use any platform, any framework, and any language.
Why Do Fingernails and Hair Grow After Death?
You ever ready old creepy tales about people finding skeletons that have long curly nails and grey frizzy hair that won’t stop growing? We wanted to find out if that's actually a real phenomenon or a misconception. As it turns out, it's kind of both.
Valspar Color for All Glasses
The Valspar Paint #ColorForAll Project has a simple mission. To bring color to those who don't have it, and to remind those who do, to appreciate it.

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120: VRLA: What's Next in Emerging Realities Aug 12, 2016

Show notes

This week on Supercharged we went to the VRLA conference and have a lot to discuss! Whitson Gordon (HowToGeek) and Liam Broza (BitScoop) share their experiences, and we talk to Ryan Pamplin of Metavision about the Meta 2 augmented reality headset (as well as the future of AR tech).

Questions/comments/whatevers? Call/text 509-AWKWARD or visit awkward.email.

Links for this episode:

Metavision Details the Meta 2 and the Future of Augmented Reality Tech
Our interview with Ryan Pamplin of Metavision to discuss the Meta 2 headset and the future of augmented reality tech.
VRLA Summer Expo 2016
VRLA is the world's largest virtual and augmented reality expo, welcoming both consumers and industry professionals. The expo will feature cutting-edge demos of the most exciting projects in development for the Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, PlayStation VR, Google Cardboard, Samsung GearVR, and more! Each day will be stacked with a lineup of insightful presentations, panels, and announcements.
Metavision
For the developers and creators, makers and artists who want to change the world, the Meta 2 Development Kit offers the widest field of view, the most intuitive access to digital information and direct hand interaction with holograms.
EnvelopVR
A software company enabling a new way to work, create, and play in virtual reality
Mindshow
Create, share, and experience shows in VR.

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119: Smellovision 2.0 Aug 04, 2016

Show notes

This week we’re talking about InstaChat, a few security flaws, and more augmented senses! Questions/comments/tips? Visit awkward.email or call/text 509-AWKWARD.

Links for this episode:

Strange New Technologies Explore the World of Virtual Taste, Touch, and Smell
Virtual, mixed, and augmented reality all provide different but compellingly immersive experiences that draw us in through sight and sound. But what about our other senses? A few strange inventions are already exploring the possibilities.
You No Longer Have to Wait to Buy a Microsoft HoloLens
Microsoft recently announced that they're producing HoloLens units fast enough to keep up with demand, which means you can acquire up to five dev kits right now—if you've got the $3,000 fee for each one.
Small Number of SwiftKey Users Discover App Leaked Private Data to Strangers
A week after launching a new emoji-predicting keyboard, SwiftKey is now facing some pushback after a few users noticed that the main SwiftKey app was propagating suggestions related to the email accounts, phone numbers, and names of complete strangers (via The Telegraph). The Microsoft-owned app, available on iOS and Android, is widely known for its artificial intelligence and machine learning tools, which create custom word predictions based on what each user has previously typed.
WhatsApp Security Flaw Leaves 'Trace of All Your Chats' Even After Deletion
Popular third-party chat app WhatsApp is leaving a "forensic trace" of every supposedly deleted chat log, meaning anyone with access to your smartphone -- or another device connected through the cloud -- could potentially access data from the app. The discovery comes from iOS researcher Jonathan Zdziarski, who shared the information in a blog post after discovering the potential security flaw in the latest version of WhatsApp.
Apple CEO Tim Cook Plans to Host Fundraiser for Hillary Clinton Next Month
Apple CEO Tim Cook plans to host a fundraiser that will benefit Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, reports BuzzFeed. Cook, along with Lisa Jackson, Apple's vice president of environment, policy, and social initiatives, will host the event as private citizens, not as representatives of Apple.
Apple Finalizes $7 Billion Five-Part Bond Sale
Apple-BondsApple has raised $7 billion in debt through a five-part bond sale of both fixed and floating rate notes, according to the company's final pricing term sheet filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Friday.
Apple Releases Redesigned 'Apple TV Remote' App for iPhone
Apple today released an all new Apple TV Remote app for the iPhone, which is used to control the fourth-generation Apple TV along with older Apple TV models. Announced at WWDC, the new Remote app has been available for developers since June and was released to the public this afternoon.
Facebook Messenger "Secret Conversation" encryption appears in beta app
A few months after WhatsApp started encrypting all conversations by default, and a few weeks after Facebook announced encryption was coming to Messenger too, Facebook has turned on the security feature, with 'Secret Conversations' available to beta testers of the app.
Instagram Stories Apes Snapchat, Lets You Draw Stuff on Photos
Instagram is rolling out a new feature today, dubbed Instagram Stories. It is basically Instagram’s response to Snapchat.
Gawker founder Nick Denton just confirmed that he will file for personal bankruptcy
Gawker founder Nick Denton will file for personal bankruptcy on Monday to protect himself from Hulk Hogan's $140 million judgment.
PlugBug World Edition
Chot's recommendation for another way to alter your MacBook power adapter to do more and support more plug types.
Mattheyós' Drafting Table
Anyone got suggestions for a good chair for this higher-than-average desk?

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118: A Changing World Jul 29, 2016

Show notes

This week we’re talking about smartphone sales, corporate acquisitions, and our changing world! Questions/comments/tips? Visit awkward.email or call/text 509-AWKWARD.

Links for this episode:

Black Mirror Season 3 Will Premiere Sooner Than We'd Thought
This is a surprise—Netflix’s rejuvenation of dystopian British anthology series Black Mirror is a lot closer than we expected. We’ve heard about the tantalizing casting for a while, but now we know when we’ll finally be able to watch it.
Xiaomi Surprises With MacBook Lookalike 'Mi Notebook Air'
Chinese smartphone manufacturer Xiaomi had a surprise in store for attendees of its new Redmi Pro smartphone launch event today, unveiling its first ever PC laptop, named the "Mi Notebook Air".
iPhone 7 and 7 Plus Pre-Orders Could Start September 9
Over the weekend well-known mobile phone leaker Evan Blass predicted that the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus would release the week of September 12. A short time later, he predicted that it should launch on Friday, September 16. Today, Blass has followed up and reported that pre-orders would take place on Friday, September 9.
Samsung Doubles Apple's Share of Smartphone Market as Customers Await iPhone 7
The latest data from market research firm IDC reveals that Samsung shipped nearly twice as many smartphones as Apple in the fiscal third quarter. Android-based Galaxy smartphone shipments totaled an estimated 77 million, compared to 40.4 million iPhones, during the three-month period that ended in late June. For Apple, the fiscal third quarter is seasonally its lowest of the year.
Reminder: Windows 10 Home Will Cost $119 Starting July 29th
The free ride is nearly over. Microsoft has been offering (or in some cases forcing) a free upgrade to Windows 10 since it first came out. That offer is nearly off the table. After July 29th, Windows 10 Home will cost $119.
T-Mobile Quadruples Binge On Services, Now Over 100 Video Providers Stream Data-Free
BELLEVUE, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Un-carrier smashed another major milestone today. In his latest video blog, T-Mobile (NASDAQ: TMUS) CEO and president John Legere just announced that Un-carrier customers can now stream video from more than 100 video services without ever touching their high-speed data with Binge On! That’s 4x more streaming providers than just eight months ago when Binge On debuted and sent shockwaves through the mobile industry. Today, ABC, Apple Music, Disney, DISH Anywhere, FOX NOW and NAT GEO TV, along with CEEK VR, D-PAN.TV – the sign language channel, DramaFever, Shalom World and others are joining the Un-carrier’s iconic video streaming initiative. And, as always, T-Mobile customers can still watch up to three-times longer on ALL other video services, making their high-speed data stretch even farther.
Peter Thiel | Full Speech | 2016 Republican National Convention
As a venture capitalist and entrepreneur, Peter Thiel has been involved in some of the most dynamic companies to emerge from Silicon Valley over the past two decades. In 1998, Thiel made e-commerce easier, faster, and more secure by co-founding PayPal, defining a new era of fast and secure online.
Bitcoin: The End Of Money As We Know It
Whatever Bitcoin may be; most people do not yet understand what this controversial and influential innovation is about and how it works. This documentary answers these questions.
Can You Be Allergic To Water?
With the “heat dome” hovering over the United States, all of us here at Awkward Human have been itching for a water park get away. Being submerged in a cool pool during a sunny afternoon is always magical, but being the morbid and dark people that we are, we got thinking–with all of the weird allergies that exist, is it possible that someone could be allergic to water?

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117: Current State Fitness Jul 21, 2016

Show notes

This week we’re talking about public un-shaming, retro game modding, T-Mobile’s subtle fight against net neutrality, and fitness with a handicap! Questions/comments/tips? Visit awkward.email or call/text 509-AWKWARD.

Links for this episode:

Sworkit
Customizable workouts on your smartphone or web browser!
Twitter Announces Application Process for Verified Accounts
Twitter announced today it has created an online application process for Twitter accounts to receive verified status. Verified accounts on Twitter allow people to identify key individuals and organizations on Twitter as authentic, and are denoted by a blue badge icon. An account may be verified if it is determined to be of public interest. Typically this includes accounts maintained by public figures and organizations in music, TV, film, fashion, government, politics, religion, journalism, media, sports, business, and other key interest areas.
What The Fresh Hell Is Astronaut Ice Cream, and Why Does It Exist?
Astronaut Ice Cream is apparently a thing, even though real astronauts never actually ate it. Why on God’s green earth does this abomination exist? We found out why.
Nurse Shamed by Cashier for Her Rainbow Hair
Twenty years ago, employees in professional fields often had to forgo things like tattoos, piercings, and primary colored hair, or at least hide them in the workplace. But now that these once “extreme” trends are becoming mainstream, we’re seeing more people expressing themselves through their personal style at work.
Apple Scores GlaxoSmithKline Study in Key Test of Health Apps
GlaxoSmithKline Plc has started a rheumatoid arthritis study using Apple Inc.’s ResearchKit, marking the first time a drugmaker has used the health system for the iPhone to conduct clinical research.
Unilever Buys Dollar Shave Club for $1 Billion
Unilever announced on Tuesday evening that it is getting into the razor business, by agreeing to acquire Dollar Shave Club.
People Are Doing Remarkable Things With Zelda: A Link to the Past
Picture, if you will, the opening scene of The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. It’s storming outside. The princess is sending you telepathic messages asking if you’ll come save her. Your uncle leaves the house, telling you to stay put, and you go open the chest in your living room, expecting to find an old lamp. Instead you pick up the Power Glove, and suddenly you can pick up the rocks blocking your passage, allowing you to go explore the Eastern Palace before you’ve even gotten a sword.
Borderlands 2 makes its way to the SHIELD Android TV for $15
Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel is probably the most technically challenging game on the SHIELD TV right now, and by extension, on Android as a whole. It's also the third entry in the popular shooter-looter series... but in terms of critical and fan appeal, it's a notable step below the game that proceeded it. Well there's good news today, Borderlands fans: Borderlands 2 is finally available on the SHIELD Android TV (though it's not showing compatible with the SHIELD Tablet at the moment). It's $15 on the Play Store with no in-app purchases.
You have one chance to watch this Mr. Robot VR experience today
On Thursday, US-based fans of Mr. Robot will be able to see a 12-minute virtual reality experience based on the show, for a very limited period of time. Within, the VR film company formerly known as Vrse, will host a one-time simulcast during this week’s San Diego Comic-Con. The piece will start at 1:45PM ET, and it's available through the Within app that’s available on iOS, Android, Gear VR, the Samsung Gear VR, the Oculus Rift, and the HTC Vive. In order to watch it, you’ll want to download it ahead of time (which requires over a gigabyte of free space), then tune in at the right time. It will disappear immediately following the showing, before being permanently uploaded next week, Within confirmed to The Verge.
Pokémon Go Mania Sweeps the Country...So T-Mobile Thanks Customers with Free Pokémon Data and More
T-Mobile (NASDAQ: TMUS) today announced that, with next week’s T-Mobile Tuesday, the Un-carrier is thanking its customers with free, unlimited data for Pokémon Go—the new sensation that’s taking the world by storm. On July 19th, as part of next week’s T-Mobile Tuesdays, the Un-carrier will give customers great ways to take their Pokémon Go skillz to a whole new level.
Intel Begins Shipping First Kaby Lake Processors, but Most Macs Won't Get Them Until 2017
During Intel's second quarter earnings call yesterday afternoon, Intel CEO Brian Krzanich told investors and reporters that Intel has begun shipping the first of its 7th Generation Core processors, known as Kaby Lake.

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116: The Weird, Wide World of Pokémon GO Jul 15, 2016

Show notes

This week we’re talking about the weird, wide world of Pokémon GO, Facebook Pizza, and Twitter streaming! Questions/comments/tips? Visit awkward.email or call/text 509-AWKWARD.

Links for this episode:

BitTorrent News to Launch at Republican National Convention
Following the introduction of BitTorrent Live, a multichannel OTT app based on proprietary live streaming technology, today we unveil the details of the much anticipated BitTorrent News.
Skype for Linux Alpha and calling on Chrome and Chromebooks
Today, we’re pleased to announce the launch of the Alpha version of a new Skype for Linux client. This release reaffirms our commitment to an important group of people—the Linux community. At 7am PST / 14:00 UTC today, we’ll be hosting a Q&A between Linux users and our Engineering team to launch Skype for Linux Alpha (come and join in!)—a brand new WebRTC version of Skype for Linux—the launch of which ensures we can continue to support our Linux users in the years to come.
Ordering Pizza Hut Via Twitter DM and Facebook Messenger Will Soon Be a Reality
Ordering pizza via emoji is so 2015. Today, Pizza Hut will announce a new platform that allows users to order pizza via Facebook Messenger and Twitter direct message.
Facebook to Add ‘Secret Conversations’ to Messenger App
Two years ago, Messenger, a photo and text messaging service, appeared to be almost an afterthought at Facebook, the social networking giant.
Twitter and CBS News Announce Live Streaming Partnership for Republican and Democratic National Conventions
Twitter and CBS News today announced a partnership to stream CBSN's live coverage from the Republican and Democratic National Conventions on Twitter.
Pokémon GO Unveils the Good, Bad, & Weird Sides of Gaming in Augmented Reality
Pokémon GO made waves as the first augmented reality game to gain popular adoption. In fact, it was so popular that it only took a few days to uncover some the benefits and serious issues with combining physical and digital worlds.
What Is Pokémon Go and Why Is Everyone Talking About It?
First, my friend caught a Charmander at a supermarket. Then the flood started: Digletts on a steering wheel. Rhyhorn at the bar. Magikarp on a frying pan. They’re all Pokémon to catch, part of a new game called Pokémon Go. You’ve probably heard of it—but what is it, and why is everyone obsessed with it?
Get Ready to Play Fantasy Card Games in Mixed Reality
Card games like Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon, and the like have offered engaging fantasy worlds for players—but not without significant help from their imaginations. Video games and cartoons may have helped build these worlds, but mixed reality finally offers an opportunity to make the player's imagination real.
Can you be too fat for cremation?
Cremating corpses takes a lot more work than you might think, and even more complications arise when dealing with large bodies. So how do you handle your death if you’re on the larger side? We decided to find out.

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115: Implausible Alien Invasions Jul 06, 2016

Show notes

This week we’re talking about sea turtle herpes, Elizabeth Warren vs. Apple, and implausible alien invasions! Questions/comments/tips? Visit awkward.email or call/text 509-AWKWARD.

Links for this episode:

Herpes Outbreak Among Australia’s Green Sea Turtles Likely Triggered by Pollution
Australian scientists in the midst of investigating a herpes outbreak among green sea turtles at the Great Barrier Reef say the blight—which causes abnormal growths on the skin, mouth, eyes, and internal organs—is likely due to pollution.
Apple & Donate Life America bring national organ donor registration to iPhone
Cupertino, CA and Richmond, VA — July 5, 2016 — Apple and Donate Life America announced today that, for the first time ever, iPhone users will be able to sign up to be an organ, eye and tissue donor right from the Health app with the release of iOS 10. Through a simple sign up process, iPhone users can learn more and take action with just a few taps. All registrations submitted from iPhone are sent directly to the National Donate Life Registry managed by Donate Life America. The ability to quickly and easily become a nationally-registered donor enables people to carry their decision with them wherever they go.
What You Need to Know About Mac Malware 'Backdoor.MAC.Eleanor'
Internet security software company Bitdefender's research lab has disclosed new malware targeting Macs called Backdoor.MAC.Eleanor [PDF]. Learn more about the malware and how to keep your Mac protected against attackers.
Second Man Behind Phishing of Celebrity iCloud Accounts Pleads Guilty
Edward Majerczyk, a 28-year-old Chicago man who played a role in the phishing of celebrity iCloud accounts in 2014, has signed a plea agreement and agreed to plead guilty to a violation of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, according to court documents made public on Friday.
Twitter is live-streaming Wimbledon right now, and it's glimpse into the company's future
Twitter made its first foray into sports broadcasting on Wednesday by live-streaming the Wimbledon tennis tournament.
Mirrorless cars are coming — here’s why that matters
Mirrorless cars are coming to Japan, and will soon be appearing in other countries as well. A mirrorless car replaces the rearview mirror and the sideview mirrors with camera monitoring systems. These systems basically replace the mirrors with displays that show video footage of the car's surroundings.
'Welcome to Jupiter!' NASA's Juno space probe arrives at giant planet
NASA says it has received a signal from 540 million miles across the solar system, confirming its Juno spacecraft has successfully started orbiting Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system.
U.S. agency warns of security bug in Symantec's anti-virus software
A U.S. federal agency issued a security alert over a vulnerability in Symantec Corp's anti-virus software that allows attackers to remotely control affected computers.

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114: The Next Internet OS Jun 29, 2016

Show notes

This week we’re talking about the Pebble Core, Brexit, and next generation operating systems! Questions/comments/tips? Visit awkward.email or call/text 509-AWKWARD.

Links for this episode:

How Brexit Will Affect Your European Travel Plans
As the initial shock of Britain’s decision to leave the European Union sinks in, it’s time to assess the details and look to the future. There are certainly more important concerns, but if you’re planning a summer trip overseas, one of yours may be, “How’s this Brexit stuff gonna affect my vacation?” We’ve got answers.
UK Votes to Leave the European Union, These Videos Explain What Happens Now
Last night, the results from the UK’s referendum to leave the European Union came in: Britain has voted to leave. Otherwise known as the “brexit,” Britain’s exit from the EU is a big deal. These videos help break down the highlights.
KPCB Internet Trends Report (2016)
Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers (KPCB) partners with the brightest entrepreneurs to turn disruptive ideas into world-changing businesses. The firm has helped build and accelerate growth at pioneering companies like Amazon, Google, Nest, Twitter, Uber, and Mandiant. KPCB offers entrepreneurs years of operating experience, puts them at the center of an influential network, and accelerates their companies from success to significance.
Evernote Limits Device Sharing for Free Users, Bumps Up the Price of Paid Plans
Today, Evernote announced a change to its pricing plan alongside a new limitation for it’s free service. Both the Plus and Premium paid tiers get a price bump while the Basic plan now restricts you to just two devices.
Facebook's New Save and Share Chrome Extensions Offer One-Click Bookmarking and Sharing
Chrome: Facebook has released two new Chrome extensions, Save to Facebook and Share to Facebook, that should to make it a little easier to save and share posts from anywhere on the web to Facebook.
Microsoft announces Windows 10 anniversary update available Aug. 2
So, there you have it.
Apple Just Discontinued the Thunderbolt Display, Try These Four Great Alternatives
Apple recently discontinued its standalone Thunderbolt display, which sucks because it was one of our favorites. To soothe the wound, here are some of the best monitors we’ve found to replace Apple’s dearly departed display, most of which offer similar features without the price tag.
Amazon gives the Alexa ‘app store’ a makeover, now lets you add new Skills by voice
It will now be easier to add “Skills” – new functionality by way of voice-activated apps to Amazon’s smart speaker Echo, and its other Alexa-powered devices, Amazon announced this morning. The company has finally given its Skills “app store” a makeover, and is introducing a means of adding new Skills by voice, too.
Pebble 2, Time 2 + All-New Pebble Core
Two affordable, heart rate-enabled smartwatches and a hackable, 3G wearable for phone-free running with GPS, music, and Amazon Alexa.

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113: The Gawker/Hogan Clusterf$!k Jun 22, 2016

Show notes

This week on Supercharged we're talking about the state of Gawker, Amazon's new Kindles, and the arrival of Android apps on Chrome. Questions/comments/tips? Visit awkward.email or call/text 509-AWKWARD.

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Acer store flaw let a hacker steal a year's worth of credit cards
Acer has quietly informed the California attorney general that its online store was attacked by hackers.
Get more out of your battery with Microsoft Edge
Using a power efficient browser is one of the best ways to get more out of your PC or tablet – whether you’re checking email, shopping online, playing games, or watching movies. Today’s laptops and tablets last longer than ever, thanks to major advances in battery technology, processor architecture, and software design. Still, no battery lasts forever, and every extra hour counts when you’re on the go.
Beware of Charity Scams Following the Orlando Shooting
The IRS issued an alert warning consumers about recent charity scams. Specifically, these scams target people who want to donate to victims of the recent mass shooting in Orlando.
Android Apps for Chrome OS Are Here, and They're the Future of Both Platforms
Google just made the entire library of Android apps available to Chromebook owners—but for now, just the Chromebook Flip. After trying a few, my Flip is now one of my most useful devices. There are still some rough edges, but in the near future, you’ll have a much more reason to buy a Chromebook.
Google Will Start Showing Direct Answers When You Search for Medical Symptoms
While it’s almost never a good idea to search for medical symptoms online, Google’s at least making the process a little easier on mobile by giving you direct answers to the symptoms you search for.
Amazon Announces Upgraded Kindle and a White Kindle Paperwhite
Today, Amazon announced an upgraded version of its standard Kindle, plus a white version of its Paperwhite model. Both are available starting today for the same price as the old models.
Bubba the Love Sponge
Also known as Todd Alan Clem. This is his Wikipedia page.
Spotlight on Los Angeles: Solving a Hyperlocal Driving Challenge
Many drivers (and especially LA drivers) know the feeling. You arrive at an intersection with no traffic light, a constant flow of traffic, limited visibility, or some combination of all three. Turning left or going straight becomes a stressful scenario that requires crossing multiple lanes of oncoming traffic. The situation is significantly worse when traffic peaks at rush hour, making it tense and often very difficult to cross or turn.
Not even in public beta, iOS 10 has already been jailbroken
We’re still weeks away from the first public beta of iOS 10, but why would that stop a jailbreaking community stalwart from getting an early start? iH8sn0w has been a prolific member of the jailbreaking community for some time, and in his latest video he posted an iPhone running iOS 10 being jailbroken.
What happened to Microsoft's dream of playing video games using HoloLens?
Throughout last year, Microsoft displayed its HoloLens augmented reality (AR) headset by playing video games on it, from Minecraft to a shooting game called RoboRaid. But at the E3 game convention last week, HoloLens was nowhere to be found. Multiple AR developers tell Newsweek the reason why HoloLens vanished is that Microsoft has shifted its attention from developing a consumer-focused product to a more enterprise-friendly product.
Nick Denton live from Code Conference 2016
Kara Swisher talks with the Gawker Media CEO.

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