Supercharged

Latest Episodes:

112: ARMR Jun 16, 2016

Show notes

This week on Supercharged we’re talking about WWDC, Facebook suicide, and augmented reality! Questions/comments/tips? Visit awkward.email or call/text 509-AWKWARD.

Links for this episode:

What You Can Do to Help In Wake of the Orlando Shooting
Early this morning in Orlando, 50 people were shot dead and 53 more wounded at a nightclub in Orlando. Whether you’re local or not, here’s how you can help, or at least find a vigil to attend, like-minded people to be with, or seek a little peace.
Facebook Adds Tools to Flag Posts From Friends Who May Be Suicidal
Facebook is rolling out a new feature that will allow you to flag a friend’s post as one that raises concern of “suicide or self-harm.”
Microsoft's New Xbox Play Anywhere Lets You Buy Games Once, Play Across Windows 10 and Xbox One
During their E3 press event , Microsoft had a nice surprise for people looking to save money on the latest video games: Xbox Play Anywhere, which will let you buy select titles once, and play them on both Xbox One and Windows 10.
Apple Announces the Best New Feature in iOS 10: Deleting the Stocks App
Apple announced a lot today at their 2016 Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC), mainly focusing on new features in their operating systems, but one feature overshadowed them all: deleting built-in apps.
Everything Apple Announced at WWDC That Actually Matters
Apple’s WWDC kicked off today with the usual keynote speech, but this one was packed with details about Apple’s next set of operating systems: iOS 10, the new tvOS, updates to watchOS, and OS X, now renamed to macOS.
Safari in macOS Sierra Deactivates Flash and Other Plug-ins By Default
In Safari 10, set to ship with macOS Sierra, Apple plans to disable common plug-ins like Adobe Flash, Java, Silverlight, and QuickTime by default in an effort to focus on HTML5 content and improve the overall web browsing experience.
Watch Apple's Two-Hour 2016 WWDC Keynote in 7 Minutes
Apple today unveiled new versions of iOS, watchOS, tvOS, and macOS, all of which are jam-packed with new features. iOS in particular was referred to as Apple's biggest iOS update ever, with major improvements to Messages, Apple Music, Siri, and tons of other minor features.

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111: What Is a Person? Jun 09, 2016

Show notes

This week on Supercharged we’re talking about two-factor authentication on LinkedIn, WWDC, and what people are! Questions/comments/tips? Visit awkward.email or call/text 509-AWKWARD. Special guest: Alan Henry (Lifehacker)

Links for this episode:

Mark Zuckerberg’s Twitter and Pinterest accounts hacked, LinkedIn password dump likely to blame
Facebook cofounder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg understandably has accounts on other social networks – it only makes sense to keep tabs on what the competition is up to. But that doesn’t mean he bothers to maintain standard security practices on non-Facebook properties. This weekend, his Twitter and Pinterest accounts were hacked. The group responsible, OurMine Team, also claimed to have gained access to his zuck Instagram account, though we were not able to independently verify this (Update: See below, his Instagram was not accessed).
MCX Ends CurrentC Beta Test, Postpones All Further Releases
The Merchant Consortium Exchange, aka MCX, today told beta testers that it is suspending its CurrentC beta test on June 28 and postponing all further releases of the payments platform.
Instagram's Reordered Timeline Is Rolling Out to Everyone Now
A few months ago, much to the dismay of the internet’s content creators, Instagram announced a plan to reorder your timeline with an algorithm similar to Facebook’s news feed. Now, they’re actually doing it.
Apple Announces Major App Store Changes Including New Subscription Terms and Search Ads
Apple's Phil Schiller recently sat down with several publications including The Loop and The Verge to detail some of the changes that are going to be made to the App Store under his reign, including major improvements to search, subscription access for all developers, App Store ads when searching for content, and some other smaller tweaks that should go a long way towards improving app discoverability.
No 5K Thunderbolt Display With Integrated GPU Coming at WWDC
Earlier this week, rumors and speculation suggested Apple was working on a 5K Thunderbolt Display with an integrated GPU that could potentially debut at the upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference, but new information from iMore suggests that is not the case.
Apple Again References 'MacOS', This Time on Developer Website
Because iOS, watchOS, and tvOS all share a common naming scheme, there's been some speculation that OS X, the operating system for Macs, could see a name change to "MacOS" at this year's Worldwide Developers Conference.
Apple Has Fully Embraced Technological Anorexia and It Needs to Stop
Apple has created some amazing products and incited great change in the tech industry over the years, but their narrow focused has more recently resulted in anorexic, crippled products that favor simplicity over possibility. This behavior demonstrates their unpleasant vision for their future, and I don’t think I want to be a part of it anymore.

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110: Active Data Collection Jun 01, 2016

Show notes

This week on Supercharged we’re talking about the new HoloLens update, Paris’ car ban, active data collection! Questions/comments/tips? Visit awkward.email or call/text 509-AWKWARD.

Links for this episode:

HoloLens' First Update Adds Voice Commands, Multitasking, & Much More
Microsoft released a robust version of the HoloLens when shipping the developer kits, but there's still lots of room left to grow. Today, they've released the first update to Windows Holographic, the operating system of the HoloLens, with a whole bunch of cool new features like voice commands and app multitasking.
Microsoft's HoloLens Is Going to Transform How We Do Work
Mixed reality headsets have limited hardware capabilities and naturally imprecise interfaces. While that works just fine for games and entertainment, can they actually function as a tool for productivity?
Reddit: Introducing image uploading beta
We’re super excited to begin rolling out in-house image hosting on Reddit.com to select communities this week. For a long time, other image hosting services have been an integral part of how content is shared on Reddit — we’re grateful to those teams, but are looking forward to bringing you a more seamless experience with this new feature.
Thunderbolt Display Stock Limited at Apple Stores Ahead of WWDC
Thunderbolt Display stock is limited or unavailable at several Apple Stores in North America, Europe, Australia, and other regions ahead of new product announcements expected at WWDC 2016 in two weeks.
iPhone 7 Rumored to Include 32GB of Base Storage, Potentially Dropping 16GB Tier
According to supply chain research conducted by an analyst in China, Apple's upcoming iPhone 7 might finally drop the base 16GB storage model from the lineup when it launches in the fall (via 9to5Mac). The IHS Technology analyst claims that the new introductory storage level for the iPhone 7 will be 32GB for $199, an option that is currently not available on iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus devices.
Asus Announces ZenBook 3, a Retina MacBook Lookalike That is Thinner, Lighter, and Faster
ASUS today at Computex 2016 in Taiwan announced a wide range of new products, including the ZenBook 3, its third-generation ultraportable notebook that is thinner, lighter, and faster than Apple's lookalike 12-inch Retina MacBook.
Paris Is Now Banning All Pre-1997 Cars
Paris has tried just about everything to combat its terrible smog problem. The city has launched attempts to take half the cars off its road, introduce regular car-free days, and close famous streets to vehicular traffic—but Paris still has some of the worst pollution in Europe. Now a much bigger idea is going into effect: Kicking the oldest cars out of the city.
Sherbit
Your apps and smart devices are constantly collecting data about you. Sherbit puts it all together, so you can easily understand and analyze your information.
BitScoop
Search you.

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109: Passive Data Collection May 27, 2016

Show notes

This week on Supercharged we’re talking about Twitter’s new relaxed rules, Google I/O, and passive data collection! Questions/comments/tips? Visit awkward.email or call/text 509-AWKWARD. Guest: Whitson Gordon of HowToGeek!

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Coming soon: express even more in 140 characters
Over the past decade, the Tweet has evolved from a simple 140-character text message to a rich canvas for creative expression featuring photos, videos, hashtags, Vines, and more. In just the past few months we added the ability to poll your community, react quickly and cleverly with GIFs, and share and enjoy Periscope broadcasts in Tweets.
Introducing Scheduled Rides: Plan Your Trip in Advance
When it comes to getting around, passengers tell us they sometimes want the extra peace of mind to schedule a ride in advance. So today, we’re excited to start testing a new feature that allows passengers to schedule rides up to 24 hours in advance.
Pebble's New Smartwatches Have a Fitness Obsession
Smartwatches leave a lot to be desired, but Pebble usually brings refreshingly different ideas to the wearable conversation. It’s one of the reasons why we’ve always been such big fans. Pebble continually done wrist notifications and battery life very well. Now, it’s adding a third: fitness.
All the Important Stuff Google Announced at I/O 2016 Today
Today, Google dropped a news clusterbomb, launching Android VR, a new Google Assistant, and an Amazon Echo-like Google Home hub. Here’s all the coolest stuff from today’s keynote.
The Play Store Is Coming to Chrome OS, Bringing Tons of Android Apps
Today, Google made a lot of Chrome OS users very happy. The full suite of Android apps will officially be coming to Chrome OS soon, starting with a few select devices.
Apple Is Reportedly Building an Echo Rival and Opening Siri to Developers
Less than a week after hearing about Google’s voice-controlled home assistant, The Information says that Apple has a similar inclination. The Cupertino company will reportedly open up the Siri API to third-party developers in the near future and will eventually make its own Amazon Echo rival.
Xposed Module Repository: Android N-ify
This module allows you to use several features introduced in Android N on you Lollipop and Marshmallow device.
Google Sucks at Naming Stuff
Yesterday, Google announced YouTube Red. Google, blissfully unaware of what goes on in Incognito Mode, apparently thought that this was a good name for a service. It is not the first time that Google has made flagrantly terrible choices in naming stuff.
Yes, Chrome may be listening — because you told it to
There's news today about a new exploit in Chrome, that centers around the recently-introduced listening features. The new feature is not just limited to Google search, and any webmaster can implement it on his or her site with minimal coding. That is exactly the sort of thing that leads to scary-sounding issues, like the one today.
Does Facebook record conversations when it identifies the things I'm listening to or watching?
No, we don't record your conversations. If you choose to turn on this feature, we'll only use your microphone to identify the things you're listening to or watching based on the music and TV matches we're able to identify. If this feature is turned on, it's only active when you're writing a status update.
Get Started with Project Tango
Project Tango is a platform that uses computer vision to give devices the ability to understand their position relative to the world around them. It’s just like how you use your eyes to find your way to a room, to know where in the room you are, and know where the floor, the walls, and objects around you are. These physical relationships are an essential part of how we move through our daily lives. We want to give mobile devices this kind of understanding.
7 Awesome Features You've Forgotten About in Windows 7
You may consider yourself a Windows master, but chances are even you've forgotten some of Windows' awesome built-in features. Here are seven of our favorite forgotten Windows features—and the cool things you can do with them.
De-Mystifying the Dark Corners of Windows: The Registry, DLLs, and More Explained
If your Windows chops extend in any capacity beyond novice, you’ve no doubt encountered the ever-cryptic Windows Registry, DLL files, User Account Control, and other tools with seemingly dark and mysterious powers. Here, we’ll explain some of Windows’ most confusing features, so you know exactly what’s happening when you go to edit them.
A Better $100 Upgrade: Five Paid Programs that Improve Windows Now
Every few years, a new version of Windows comes out with some decent, but minor upgrades and a $100 price tag. If you'd rather pay $100 for a real boost in features, consider buying these five programs to get a truly new version of Windows.
Top 10 Incredibly Useful Windows Programs to Have On Hand
Some apps are essential, and you use them every day. Everyone knows their names: Firefox, VLC, 7-Zip, and so on. However, there’s another class of app that gets less attention: the apps that are insanely useful to have in your back pocket on the rare occasions you need them. Here are 10 of our favorites.
The Complete Guide to Avoiding (and Removing) Windows Crapware
Windows has a lot going for it, but it's also saddled with one of computing's biggest annoyances: crapware. Here's everything you need to know about identifying, avoiding, and removing unwanted software from your system.
The Freeware Download Sites That Don’t Force Crapware On You
It’s been more than a year since we drew attention to the crapware regularly foisted upon unsuspecting users by pretty much every big freeware site, including the venerable SourceForge. Since then, a few sites–including SourceForge themselves–have started cleaning up their act.
Three Windows Shortcuts Every Beginner Should Know
If there's one thing that'll make you faster and more productive on a computer, it's keyboard shortcuts. There are a lot of keyboard shortcuts beginners should know, but here are three specific to Windows that can make getting around a lot easier.
Top 10 Underhyped Windows Apps
Some apps are essential, and everyone who's anyone knows to have them on their computer. Some apps, however, are fantastic, yet fly under the radar. Today, we look at our top 10 underhyped apps on Windows.
How to Perform Time Machine Backups Over the Network
Apple’s Time Machine typically backs up to an external drive or wirelessly to a Time Capsule. But, if you have a spare Mac, you can turn it into a Time Machine server. All your other Macs can back up to it over the network, just as if it were a Time Capsule.

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108: Inuit Games (or How to Fix the Music Industry) May 20, 2016

Show notes

This week we're saving the music industry! Special guests Liam Broza (BitScoop) and Matty Ochmanek (LVRT) are here to help. Questions/comments/whatevers? Call/text 509-AWKWARD or visit awkward.email!

Links for this episode:

LVRT
Matty's upcoming platform
How to Start Your Own Podcast
Patrick Allen's updated guide, since Adam's is old.
Apple Updates GarageBand With New Instruments and Sounds to Celebrate Chinese Music
Apple today announced a major update to its GarageBand music creation software for Mac and iOS, adding a wide range of Chinese instruments that are designed to celebrate the "rich history of Chinese music." Today's update also includes "extensive Chinese language localization."
AWS IoT Button
The AWS IoT Button is a programmable button based on the Amazon Dash Button hardware. This simple Wi-Fi device is easy to configure and designed for developers to get started with AWS IoT, AWS Lambda, Amazon DynamoDB, Amazon SNS, and many other Amazon Web Services without writing device-specific code.
Apple's $1 Billion Investment in Didi Chuxing Aligned With Electric Vehicle Plans
Apple announced yesterday that it has invested $1 billion in Chinese ride-sharing service Didi Chuxing, but CEO Tim Cook refused to elaborate on the reasoning behind the move, beyond saying that it will help the company better understand the Chinese market and "deliver a strong return" on its invested capital over the long term.
Fitbit Continues to Outpace Apple Watch in Broader Wearables Market
The latest data from market research firm IDC reveals that the Apple Watch remained the most popular smartwatch in the first quarter, with an estimated 1.5 million sales and 46 percent market share through the first three months of 2016. Meanwhile, basic wearables unsurprisingly continue to outpace smartwatches.
Evernote Adds Google Drive Integration to Easily Add Files to Notes
Evernote and Google are getting friendlier today. Now, you can add and search for Google Drive files right from Evernote.
Google targets HTML5 default for Chrome instead of Flash in Q4 2016
Google has outlined a plan to push HTML5 by default in Chrome, instead of Flash. In Q4 2016, the company plans to only serve Flash by default for the top 10 domains that still depend on the plugin. Chrome will display the HTML5 experience if it’s available, but if Flash is required, the user will be asked whether Flash can be allowed to run or not.
Facebook Wants To Create An Emoji Of You
A recent patent awarded to Facebook on May 3 outlines a process for users to reprogram simple emoticons into pictures of themselves as emoji. If people can represent emojis with their own face, it could open up walls of texts and pictures into a more personalized and intimate dialogue.
Despite FCC Rules, Linksys Will Keep Its Routers Open and Let You Hack Them
Back in 2015, the FCC introduced new guidelines that looked like a threat to anyone wanting to hack and install open firmwares on their routers. They backed off, but a lot of manufacturers are still locking their devices down, just in case. Linksys, the company just announced, isn’t one of them.
Leaked iTunes 12.4 Screenshots Show Slightly Redesigned Interface with Improved Navigation
Earlier this year, Apple’s Eddy Cue had promised that the Cupertino company is working on a slight redesign for iTunes to make Apple Music easier to use. The update was supposed to be a part of the OS X 10.11.4 update from Apple, but that never happened, as the update was seemingly delayed by Apple. Now, a source of MacRumors has shared some screenshots of iTunes 12.4 that gives us a look at the slightly redesigned interface.

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107: No Chrono, Just Cross May 13, 2016

Show notes

This week on Supercharged we’re talking about online video’s evolution, , and video game emulation! Questions/comments/tips? Visit awkward.email or call/text 509-AWKWARD.

Links for this episode:

John Oliver Explains How News Outlets Get Science Reporting Wrong
When it comes to reporting on science, we know that you can’t trust just one study. So, how come we keep hearing junk stories about outlandish scientific claims? John Oliver explains in this week’s Last Week Tonight.
Apple's Suppliers Projecting Weak Demand for iPhone 7 Due to 'Lack of Innovation'
Apple recently reported its first year-over-year decline in iPhone sales, with CEO Tim Cook claiming one of the reasons is that the upgrade cycle for the larger iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s series has stretched out longer than it anticipated.
Spotify Growing at Faster Pace Since Apple Music Launched Last Year
Despite the launch of Apple Music, which recently reached 13 million paid subscribers, rival service Spotify told Reuters that it has experienced a faster pace of growth since last June than beforehand.
Amazon tries luring video makers with a YouTube-like deal
Jeff Bezos and company are using cash to lure video makers who fill YouTube with clips.
YouTube’s New Messenger Means You’ll Never Have to Leave YouTube
We've all had it happen: You’re talking with a friend, and the conversation turns to something that a YouTube video perfectly encapsulates. For me recently, it was the news of a dead whale washing up on a shore near San Diego. How is a town supposed to get rid of such a thing?
Hulu Is Developing a Cable-Style Online TV Service
New subscription service would stream feeds of popular broadcast and cable TV channels.
YouTube Said to Plan ‘Unplugged’ Online TV Service for 2017
YouTube is working on a paid subscription service called Unplugged that would offer customers a bundle of cable TV channels streamed over the Internet, people familiar with the plan said.
'Disney Infinity' Game Series Officially Discontinued by Disney
Disney today announced the end of its Disney Infinity line of games and accompanying figurines, which are being discontinued as of today. Disney Infinity games, such as the one available on the Apple TV and iOS devices, will officially no longer be updated and the studio that developed the games is being shuttered.
Play Nintendo's Hated Virtual Boy Games on Gear VR and Google Cardboard
Ah, the poor Nintendo Virtual Boy. Over two decades ago its stereoscopic imagery presaged the virtual reality headsets of today, although it was limited to monochromatic graphics and your neck inevitably ached while leaning down to play it on the awkward tripod of sorts the device sat on. It bombed horribly, lasting a mere six months on the market. By 2010 TIME was (a little hyperbolically, perhaps) calling it one of the worst inventions ever.
How to Build a Raspberry Pi Retro Game Console for $35
Since its release, the $35 Raspberry Pi mini-computer has been hailed as the perfect all-in-one retro game console. Now, it’s easier to do than ever, and it doesn’t take any Linux knowledge whatsoever. Here’s how to make your own retro game console in under 10 minutes.
How to Turn Your Computer into a Retro Game Arcade
Whether you're looking to relive the past or experience the origin of gaming you missed in your youth, your Windows, Mac, or Linux PC can take you back to Mario's salad days, the birth of the Final Fantasy series, and much more. Here's how to get started with retro game emulation and turn your computer into the ultimate retro arcade in just a few minutes.
How to Turn Your Android or iPhone into a Portable Retro Game Arcade
Whether you're looking to relive the past or experience the origin of gaming you missed in your youth, your Android or iPhone can take you back to Mario's salad days, the birth of the Final Fantasy series, and much more. Here's how to get started with retro game emulation and turn your phone or tablet into an arcade in just a few minutes.
OpenEmu
For the first time, the 'It just works' philosophy now extends to open source video game emulation on the Mac. With OpenEmu, it is extremely easy to add, browse, organize and with a compatible gamepad, play those favorite games (ROMs) you already own.
RetroArch
The open source project pretty much all emulation apps are being built off of nowadays—but it's great on its own, too!
LAKKA
Lakka is a lightweight Linux distribution that transforms a small computer into a full blown game console.
EmulationStation
A graphical and themeable emulator front-end that allows you to access all your favorite games in one place, even without a keyboard!
HyperSpin
Arcade emulation front end for Windows.
How to Keep Your Head Up in the Constant Stream of Bad News
Doing your best to stay up with current events can often feel like drowning in a torrent of never ending bad news. With information coming at you in every direction, it’s easy to get burned out. Compassion and solidarity are important, but being an informed citizen doesn’t mean you always have to go down with the ship.

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106: Virtual First World Realities May 05, 2016

Show notes

This week we're talking about virtual reality, testifying with a smartphone, and the supposed inventor of BitCoin. Questions/comments? Call/text 509-AWKWARD or visit awkward.email.

Links for this episode:

eBay Launches Wine Experience to Give Shoppers a New Way to Find the Perfect Bottle of Wine
Today, eBay introduced eBay Wine (eBay.com/wine), a new destination which features the ability to browse collectible, rare and everyday wines based on varietal, region, price point and more, and makes it easier than ever for experts and enthusiasts alike to find the perfect bottle of wine.
Judge Grants Search Warrant Forcing Woman to Unlock iPhone With Touch ID
For the first time in a federal case, authorities in a Los Angeles courtroom have issued a search warrant forcing a woman to bypass her iPhone's biometric security using Apple's Touch ID system (via LA Times). The woman in question -- Paytsar Bkhchadzhyan -- was arrested due to charges of identity theft and had previous strings of various criminal convictions.
Craig Wright Reveals Himself as Bitcoin Creator Satoshi Nakamoto
The Australian businessman Craig Wright has published a blog post in which he claims to be Bitcoin creator Satoshi Nakamoto.
Microsoft Flow
Set up flows that instantaneously deal with critical emails, notify the whole team whenever a work item is updated, or capture, track, and follow up with new sales leads—almost anything, all automatically.
Google Play now labels Android apps and games containing ads
Google Play’s Android apps and games containing any type of ad have begun receiving prominent labels within their listings. The label is placed directly below the Install button, accompanied by the existing in-app purchases label when pertinent.
Oculus Rift will be in stores long before many pre-orders are fulfilled
"Extremely limited quantities," in-store demos at some Best Buy locations May 7.
The Best Browser Extensions that Protect Your Privacy
There are a ton of browser extensions that promise to protect your privacy, which leads to some natural questions: Which is the best? Do they all do the same thing? What should I really download? In this guide, we’re going to look at the most popular browser extensions that promise to protect your privacy online, and give you our recommendations.

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105: How to Die Properly Apr 27, 2016

Show notes

This week on Supercharged we’re talking about the future of healthcare and medicine! Questions/comments/tips? Visit awkward.email or call/text 509-AWKWARD.

Links for this episode:

Snapchat’s New Face-Swap Feature Is a Good Reminder of All the Weird Shit in Your Phone’s Camera Roll
Snapchat just released an update for its face-swapping tool, that weird but admittedly amusing feature that lets you switch faces with whatever happens to be around you. Now, instead of “doing it live,” as it were, you can swap faces with old photos in your camera roll.
Whitson Photos for Snapchat Face Swapping
Swap your face with Whitson's on Snapchat and email your work to whitson@howtogeek.com. ;) #messinwithwhitson
Apple's Upgrade Program Now Available for iPhones Purchased Through Online Store
With the launch of the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, Apple introduced an iPhone Upgrade Program in the U.S. designed to let Apple customers pay a monthly installment fee for a new iPhone and trade it in after 12 months of payments to get the next-generation iPhone.
Would You Buy a Chromebook If It Ran Android Apps?
Yesterday, we got a very strong indication that Google is bringing its Android-based Google Play Store to Chromebooks. This could be a game changer. Would it affect your decision to buy one?
What the Charter-Time Warner Merger Will Mean For Consumers
Charter Communications is all set to buy out Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks, forming the second-largest cable company in the U.S., known as New Charter. The merger comes with a few conditions designed to protect consumers.
Andyroid
Android emulator for your computer!
One Drop
The stylish, crowd-sourced, data-driven glucometer to manage and monitor your diabetes more effectively.
Pharmacogenetics
Pharmacogenetics is the study of inherited genetic differences in drug metabolic pathways which can affect individual responses to drugs, both in terms of therapeutic effect as well as adverse effects. The term pharmacogenetics is often used interchangeably with the term pharmacogenomics which also investigates the role of acquired and inherited genetic differences in relation to drug response and drug behavior through a systematic examination of genes, gene products, and inter- and intra-individual variation in gene expression and function.
Cue
An in-depth health tracker.
NOOTROBOX TO LAUNCH ITS FIRST APP TO MONITOR YOUR BRAIN-HACKING ATTEMPTS
While most people drink their morning coffee, biohackers and nootropics users take a pill for the cognitive effects. By specifically choosing which compounds they ingest and monitoring the results, biohackers make specialized and personalized recipes that they feel give peak performance in area like memory or focus. Most nootropics are based around caffeine and B vitamins, as well as natural extracts thought to improve brain function, although formally-reviewed research is sparse.
The Ins and Outs of Acquiring and Using Medical Marijuana: Lifehacker Green Week 2016
Our very own Adam Dachis has made a return to his Lifehacker roots for a quick visit at this time of the year (#420BlazeIt) to share everything he knows about medical marijuana based on experience. Including a story about its effectiveness for him as a therapeutic above the capacity of opioids, how medical marijuana works, it’s complicated legal status, and how to choose the right kind for safe and responsible use, this series can be a fun and educational read for just about anyone of age.
Fill Out This One-Minute Form Every Day and Find Out Why Your Life Sucks (or Doesn't)
Ever wonder why you're having a bad day, or even a good one? Is there an ongoing problem in your life that you just can figure out? If you've got a free minute, just fill out this daily form to help you diagnose the problem by analyzing how you think, act, and feel.
Jill Bolte Taylor: My Stroke of Insight
TED talk recommended by Nurse Valli.

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104: Alien Life Apr 20, 2016

Show notes

This week we're talking about the possibility of alien life! We're also discussing the new new MacBook, 360 degree video, and TweetDeck Apocalypse Day. Questions/comments? Visit awkward.email or call/text 509-AWKWARD.

Links for this episode:

Siri announces WWDC 2016 will be held June 13th through June 17th in San Francisco
Apple has confirmed what Siri told us earlier today. The company has now issued a press release in which it says that WWDC will be held from June 13th through June 17th in San Francisco. The same lottery process applies to getting tickets this year as in previous years. Developers can apply for tickets via the WWDC website now through Friday, April 22 at 10:00 a.m. PDT.
Apple Updates 12-Inch MacBook With Skylake Processors, Faster Graphics, Longer Battery Life, and Rose Gold
Apple today announced that it has released new 12-inch MacBook models with the latest sixth-generation Skylake dual-core Intel Core M processors up to 1.3 GHz, new Intel HD Graphics 515 that deliver up to 25% faster performance, faster PCIe-based flash storage, an additional hour of battery life, and faster 1866 MHz memory.
Apple's 13-inch MacBook Air now comes with 8GB of RAM standard
The Air's not dead yet!
Facebook Messenger Now Has Group Calling
Starting today you’ll be able to start up group VoIP calls right from the Facebook Messenger app, which pairs up nicely with regular free voice calls already available in the app.
TweetDeck for Windows Is Officially Dead
TweetDeck has long been our favorite Twitter client for Windows, but today Twitter announced it’ll kill the Windows version on April 15th.
Now Competing To Be The Master Of Your Domain: Squarespace
Squarespace's newest product offering takes direct aim at domain registrars like GoDaddy.
SETI@home
SETI@home ("SETI at home") is an Internet-based public volunteer computing project employing the BOINC software platform, hosted by the Space Sciences Laboratory, at the University of California, Berkeley, in the United States. Its purpose is to analyze radio signals, searching for signs of extraterrestrial intelligence, and as such is one of many activities undertaken as part of the worldwide SETI effort.
Alien 'Wow!' Signal Could Soon be Explained
The story behind the famous “Wow!” signal has an eerie quality that has inspired countless science fiction alien encounters and is often lauded as one of the strongest pieces of evidence that we are, in fact, not alone in the universe.

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103: Artificial Intelligence (and the Olive Garden) Apr 14, 2016

Show notes

This week on Supercharged we’re talking about artificial intelligence! Questions/comments/tips? Visit awkward.email or call/text 509-AWKWARD.

Links for this episode:

A Brief and Joyful Update on Fuckin' Craig Mazin, Ted Cruz's Wonderful College Roommate
Rejoice and be glad, for it is time for an update on The Slot’s favorite political commentator. Craig Mazin, Ted Cruz’s completely delightful college roommate, is back. Fuckin’ Craig. Love that guy.
FBI Used Security Flaw Found by 'Professional Hackers' to Crack San Bernardino Shooter's iPhone
Rumors have suggested the FBI employed Israeli mobile forensics firm Cellebrite to hack into the iPhone 5c used by San Bernardino shooter Syed Farook, but new information from The Washington Post suggests it was instead done with the help of "professional hackers" at least one of which is a "gray hat" researcher that sells flaws to governments, black market groups, or companies that create surveillance tools.
Remix OS 2.0 now available for Nexus 9 and 10, brings multi-window & other features from PC version
In its next major release this summer, Android will finally add a multi-window mode for both tablets and phones. Jide is beating Google to release today with a fully featured version of Remix OS 2.0 for its Ultratablet and the Nexus 9 and 10. ROMs for the two Nexus tablets are available to download now.
Share Dropbox files directly from Facebook Messenger
Having anytime access to your photos and videos is great, but reliving those memories with your friends and family is what brings them to life. And that’s something we want to be as simple as possible. So today, we’re launching a new feature that makes it easier to share photos, videos, and other files in Facebook Messenger.
Facebook Is Building Bots So You Can Talk to Companies In Messenger
At its F8 event, Facebook announced that it’s building a platform for developers to create bots that you can speak to directly in Facebook Messenger.

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