NPI Tech Guys

We explore a groundbreaking study by Dr. Robert Epstein and the American Institute for Behavioral Research and Technology, revealing how tech companies can influence undecided voters through search suggestions, potentially shifting election outcomes without detection. We also examine the live chat software market's growth, expected to reach $1.7 billion by 2030, driven by its benefits over traditional customer support and increased adoption during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lastly, we discuss the ri...

In this episode we delve into the upcoming changes to Venmo's transaction fees, effective July 1, 2024, and how they will impact users receiving payments for goods and services. We also discuss Surgeon General Vivek Murthy's urgent call for warning labels on social media apps to protect children, and the latest push by US lawmakers to ban TikTok. Stay informed on these critical updates in the digital world!

A.I. Systems Mark a New Era for Smartphones: Join us as we explore the radical changes Apple and Google are bringing to their smartphones with artificial intelligence. We share insights on the upcoming iOS 18 and Android updates. Discover the new AI-driven features like an enhanced Siri, image generation, web article summaries, and smart responses to messages and emails. We'll also discuss the significant upgrade in text messaging standards that will improve communication between iPhone and Andr...

In this exciting episode, we dive into the revolutionary impact of artificial intelligence on music creation. Discover how AI is transforming the music industry, from composing underscores to generating hit songs. Later in the episode, join us for a hilarious and innovative brainstorming session as Sam unveils his quirky new idea on an Alarm clock with a surprise!

We explore the rapidly changing landscape of ad-free streaming. Once a haven from commercials, streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video have begun integrating ads, making it harder than ever to avoid interruptions. We'll delve into how this shift impacts viewer experience and subscription costs. Additionally, we'll discuss the explosive growth of the connected cars market, projected to soar from $63.03 billion in 2019 to $225.16 billion by 2027. Finally, we'll touch on gr...

In this episode, we dive into T-Mobile's recent $4.4 billion acquisition of US Cellular's wireless operations and spectrum assets, a strategic move that brings in an additional 4 million customers and strengthens T-Mobile's market position. We'll explore the details of the deal, including the new master license agreement for over 2,000 towers and the extended lease terms for around 600 existing towers. Additionally, we'll discuss the evolving role of leadership in the age of AI, featuring insigh...

Apple is set to revolutionize Siri, its iconic virtual assistant, with an ambitious generative A.I. upgrade, marking the most significant restructuring the tech giant has undertaken in over a decade. This decision was spurred by Apple's top software executives, Craig Federighi and John Giannandrea, who, after experiencing the capabilities of OpenAI's ChatGPT, recognized Siri's limitations in comparison. ChatGPT's ability to handle continuous conversations and complex tasks highlighted Siri's out...

This episode of our podcast delves into the urgent joint cybersecurity advisory issued by the FBI, alongside the U.S. Department of State and the National Security Agency, highlighting a serious threat posed by North Korean-backed hackers. Known as Kimsuky, these hackers are impersonating trusted individuals and organizations through sophisticated email spoofing to gain geopolitical insights and influence. We explore their tactics, the implications for national security, and the protective measu...

In this episode, we delve into Microsoft's groundbreaking move into smaller AI systems, challenging the industry's obsession with size. From the Phi-3 series to the impact on accessibility and affordability, we explore how these innovations are reshaping AI applications across industries. Additionally, we discuss the alarming FBI report on the $3.4 billion lost to scams by Americans over 60 in 2023, and how AI could combat such threats. Stay tuned for insights on top note-taking apps and a recom...

Join us on [Podcast Name] as we delve into the latest developments in the electric vehicle (EV) landscape. From surprising legislative mandates to tech glitches and crash rate concerns, we've got you covered. We discuss the push to include AM radios in cars, Apple's efforts to fix glitchy iPhone alarms, and the higher crash rates of EVs, particularly Teslas, and the factors contributing to this trend. Discover the complexities of the EV revolution and gain valuable insights for navigating its ch...

In this episode the TWR Team delves into the serious repercussions of the February cyberattack on UnitedHealth's subsidiary, Change Healthcare. An alarming amount of personal and health data from a significant portion of Americans was compromised. UnitedHealth has disclosed paying a ransom to protect this sensitive data, although the exact amount remains undisclosed. The episode also features a discussion on "juice-jacking," a decade-old security threat involving public phone charging stations t...

In this episode of the podcast, we delve into two significant topics. First, we explore how Canva.com becomes an indispensable tool for on-the-road emergencies, as Sam demonstrates the swift process of sharing and editing designs through Canva's user-friendly platform. We cover the steps to grant edit access via a collaboration link, allowing anyone with the link to modify the design without needing a Canva account, particularly handy for mobile users who will need to log in. Secondly, we discus...

In this podcast we explore the surprising intersections of technology and daily life. Join us as we uncover the stories behind the statistics and meet the individuals whose quiet contributions keep our digital and real-world landscapes thriving. Whether it's a deep dive into the realm of sports fans or a thrilling recount of a cybersecurity save that almost went unnoticed, this podcast connects the dots in a world wired with endless complexities.

In this episode, we delve into Tesla's recent recall of nearly 4,000 Cybertrucks, stemming from an accelerator pedal issue where a lubricant (soap) used during assembly may cause the pedal to stick, risking entrapment above the pedal. This problem affects all Model Year 2024 Cybertrucks manufactured between November 13, 2023, and April 4, 2024, and notably, cannot be corrected with Tesla's typical over-the-air updates, requiring physical servicing instead. Alongside this, we explore the rapid ad...

We delve into the realm of cybersecurity through the lens of penetration testing, a critical and intriguing field that addresses the security vulnerabilities of computer systems by simulating cyberattacks. Penetration testing, often referred to as "pen testing," involves skilled professionals known as penetration testers or ethical hackers, who use their expertise in hacking tools and techniques not to cause harm, but to identify and rectify security weaknesses. Companies engage these specialist...

Explore the essential protections of Cyber Insurance in this episode of NPI Tech Guys / TechWatch Radio. As cyber threats like ransomware and DDoS attacks grow more sophisticated, understanding and securing the right insurance is crucial for any business. We'll discuss what cyber insurance covers, its necessity in the face of increasing digital risks, and how it should complement robust cybersecurity measures. Learn about the role of personalized coverage options and the importance of a strong c...

In this thrilling episode, we're venturing into the future where Earth time meets Moon time, as the White House tasks NASA with developing a unified lunar standard to streamline future celestial missions. Imagine the complexity of coordinating operations and communications between two celestial bodies without syncing clocks! Meanwhile, back on Earth, Microsoft responds to years of critique and regulatory scrutiny by separating Teams from its Office 365 suite, a move sparking debates on its impac...

This podcast episode delves into the critical issue of cybersecurity, emphasizing that 81% of breaches last year involved weak or stolen passwords, and provides guidelines for creating strong passwords to enhance security. Additionally, the episode explores the technological advancements and setbacks of Amazon's 'Just Walk Out' checkout technology. Initially heralded as a futuristic shopping solution, Amazon is scaling back on this approach due to its high operational costs and inefficiencies, o...

* Google Podcasts is shutting down soon, users urged to move to YouTube Music - Sarah Perez.* I Stopped Using Passwords. It's Great—and a Total Mess.* Bitwarden’s Passkey Feature for Businesses.* Robinhood’s new credit card goes after Apple Card with ability to invest cash-back perks - TechCrunch.comEight months after acquiring credit card startup X1 for $95 million, Robinhood announced today the launch of its new Gold Card, with a list of features that could even give Apple Card users envy.Robi...

* AT&T Says Data From 73 Million Current and Former Account Holders Leaked on Dark Web - Tom Ozimek.Data from roughly 7.6 million current account holders and 65.4 million former account holders were released on the dark web, AT&T said.AT&T said it had reset passcodes for 7.6 million current account holders affected by the leak.“We will be reaching out to individuals with compromised sensitive personal information separately and offering complimentary identity theft and credit monitoring services...

* Instagram is working on a feature that would allow you to let others put a ‘Spin’ on your Reel - Aisha Malik.* Instagram is working on a “Spins” feature for Reels, its short-form video TikTok clone, the company confirmed to TechCrunch.* Suspect Your Computer Has Been Hacked? Do These 5 Things Now!

* The Apple iPhone antitrust lawsuit from the DOJ - TechCrunch.com* The DOJ’s case against Apple adds to a growing pile of antitrust problems for Cupertino.* DOJ’s Apple antitrust case neatly aligns with EU on one key point: NFC and mobile payments.* Bitcoin hits new high!* Is A TikTok ban looking more and more like reality?

* Elon Musk: AI will run out of electricity and transformers in 2025 - NewAtlas.com* Gemini, a Merger of a Chatbot and an Assistant, Enters the Arena - Cade Metz.When will the standard digital assistant such as Seri and Alexa ETC. be replaced by the next gen chatbot?* Brave’s Leo AI assistant is now available to Android users - Aisha Malik.* Robocalls Created by AI Outlawed.The move by the agency follows a phony call last month that was made to sound like President Biden telling New Hampshire vo...

* The FBI's takedown of the LockBit ransomware group last week came as LockBit was preparing to release sensitive data stolen from government computer systems in Fulton County, Ga - KrebsonSecurity.com* SpaceX will de-orbit 100 Starlink satellites with unidentified flaw - Devin Coldewey, TechCrunch.comThe descents will be triggered “in the coming weeks and months,” but these satellites aren’t capable of big moves, so this is more of a nudge in the downward direction. The de-orbit process will ac...

* Walmart announced it will purchase smart television maker Vizio and its operating system for $2.3B.* Unfortunately, most people think they know cyber security but then find out the hard way they don’t - We don’t want that to be you!People overlook #10, but it’s arguably one of the most important.* Massive Ransomware Attack Takes Over 100 Hospitals In Romania Offline.* Reddit Agrees To $60M Deal That Allows Google To Train AI Models On Its Posts.

* Lucid Motors plans to build just 9,000 electric vehicles in 2024, only 500 to 1,000 more than it made in 2023, as it struggles with demand for its luxury sedans. If it sticks to that number, that means Lucid will wind up building around 10% of the 90,000 EVs it predicted it could make - TechCrunch.com* Mercedes-Benz on Thursday walked back plans to have an all-electric line-up by 2030 as consumers decline to adopt electric vehicles (EV) at the rate automakers expected.The company has changed i...

How good is your computer use policy?What constitutes a good computer use policy for your business?How often should a compliance policy be reviewed and updated?What role does employee training play in maintaining compliance?Can technology automate compliance policy enforcement?What are the common pitfalls in compliance policies that businesses should avoid?How can businesses ensure their compliance policies are aligned with international standards?What happens if I just trust the employees?Ident...

Compliance: Could You Pass an Audit Today?* Sam and Neuman CSO of Network Providers, Inc. Discuss Company Wide Security.NPI offers a free consult and plan for IT Compliance.What is a table top discussionCan you explain the basics of compliance and why it's critical for businesses?What is the compliance that I am looking for in my line of businessWhat are the most common compliance standards that businesses need to be aware of?How can a company determine if it's currently compliant with relevant ...

* Even Retailers Are Fed Up With Self-Checkout Automated kiosks double theft rates, among other issues - Gina Carey.Self-checkout machines aren't only annoying customers, Quartz reports, as a growing number of large retailers have begun rethinking the costly tech.Last year, companies like Target, Walmart, Dollar General, and British grocer Booths have pared down (and in some cases eliminated) how the automated systems work in their chains, largely due to theft.Shoppers are 21 times more likely t...

* Apple Vision Pro available in the U.S. on February 2.* Apple Vision Pro: 7 Things to Know Before You Buy - Will Greenwald, PCMag.com* ICANN proposes creating .INTERNAL domain to do the same job as 192.168.x.x! - The plan is to keep the world at bay by never recording it in the DNS root – like many already do with a subdomain for an intranet - Simon Sharwood.ICANN's board still has to sign off the creation of .INTERNAL. But if you want to get ahead of the pack, there's nothing stopping you. Ind...

* Krebs on Security: Google continues to struggle with cybercriminals running malicious ads on its search platform to trick people into downloading booby-trapped copies of popular free software applications.The malicious ads, which appear above organic search results and often precede links to legitimate sources of the same software, can make searching for software on Google a dicey affair.* We Suggest Using: VirusTotal.com* Water from Air - CES 2024 - GenesisSystems.* Microsoft Joins Peers by C...

* Sam undergoes Artificial Cervical Disc Replacement Surgery On His Neck. We discussed the Incredible Advancements in Tech in the Medical Field.

* SpaceX launches first batch of direct-to-cell Starlink satellites for testing this year.T-Mobile Jumps in The Game as Well!The company launched six Starlink satellites with this capability with a batch of 15 other Starlink birds aboard a Falcon 9 rocket.The approval, which was granted by the US Federal Communications Commission, was for a 180-day period.SpaceX said the tests would eventually involve 840 satellites transmitting 4G connectivity to around 2,000 unmodified smartphones. The satelli...

* INCOGNITO BUT NOT VERY PRIVATE — Chrome updates Incognito warning to admit Google tracks users in “private” mode - Jon BrodkinGoogle is updating the warning on Chrome's Incognito mode to make it clear that Google and websites run by other companies can still collect your data in the web browser's semi-private mode.The change is being made as Google prepares to settle a class-action lawsuit that accuses the firm of privacy violations related to Chrome's Incognito mode.Many tech-savvy people alr...

* How to Be More Anonymous Online - Being fully anonymous is next to impossible—but you can significantly limit what the internet knows - Matt Burgess.* Google Launches Plan to Kill (Non-Edible) Cookies Initiative to eliminate third-party trackers online begins with test of 1% of Chrome users - John Johnson.If you are a Chrome user who gets a pop-up from Google on Thursday, it's likely a sign that you're part of the first phase of the company's plan to eliminate cookies.1% of Chrome users, or ab...

* American teenager named Willis Gibson, aka BlueScuti - Why Everyone Is Obsessed With the Kid Who Beat 'Tetris' - Angela Watercutter.How do you Actually Win Tetris? By forcing the more than three-decade-old classic Nintendo video game into a "kill screen."* Microsoft wants to add a Copilot key to your PC keyboard.Microsoft Copilot - Microsoft would like 2024 to be the “year of the AI PC,”MS announced a new key for Copilot — that is, a physical key that will soon make its way to your keyboard an...

* Sam's Tech Goals for 2024 - 'Operation Tech Simplify'!* New And Urgent Bank Account Fraud Alert!The infamous Xenomorph Android malware, known for targeting 56 European banks in 2022, is back and in full force targeting US banks, financial institutions and cryptocurrency wallets.Besides being alert to this scam (and you should let your spouse, partners and family know as well), you should be aware of a few ways to protect yourself.Remember, bank fraud can manifest itself in several forms.To pro...

* LITIGATION Apple Can Resume Selling Watches, a Court Allows. Apple can, for now, resume sales of its flagship smartwatches, after a US appeals court on Wednesday paused a government commission's import ban on the devices imposed in a patent dispute over its medical monitoring technology.* CES 2024: What we’re expecting - TechCrunch.CES runs January 9-12 in Las Vegas.Health tech will continue to be a big piece of the puzzle.AI Hardware?Anticipate more companies will be leaning into the automate...

* macOS Update 17.2.1 - update your Apple computer.* The big security flaw is a Screen Sharing flaw that lets a person connected to your computer see the screen when they should not.* As a practice Apple does not disclose security exploits - Call it security through obscurity – it’s a garbage idea and doesn't work.* Consider Bitdefender. Grab a copy from Amazon.* Also, you should probably dump Safari At all the security hacking conferences, Safari is the first browser to be compromised. It’s too...

* Undersea-Aged Champagne Is Starting to Surface.* Facebook Marketplace Is Being Ruined by Zelle Scammers - Amanda Hoover.* Hackers Offering Fake Free Kindle eBooks To Hack Amazon Accounts.

* Several companies are putting data centers underwater. Are these submerged data centers just a novelty -- or is data management really better down where it’s wetter? - Richard Pallardy.* Microsoft staged the first large-scale underwater data center experiment beginning in 2015 Called Project Natick initiative.The inert gases and liquids used to fill underwater data centers are less corrosive than ambient air.* Would you live in this self-sufficient pod in the ocean? These white, spherical SeaP...

* Gift card scams 2023: What to know about 'card draining' and other schemes to be aware of - Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today.Don't get duped out of your gift-buying money this holiday season.Even the most tech and street-savvy of us can easily fall victim to these schemes if we aren't paying close attention.Card draining "Card draining" is a popular scam that leaves gift card purchasers with an empty balance despite having paid for the card.* Is the Future of Data Centers Under the Sea? Is th...

* Cyber Security Tip: What is the “dark web” anyway?The “dark web” or “deep web” is a part of the World Wide Web we know and love that is accessible only via a special software that allows users and website operators to remain completely anonymous and untraceable. That’s why it’s the playground for hackers, cybercriminals, drug deals, human trafficking and more.Because hacking is a for-profit business, there are criminal entities that steal, combine, and sell personal information on the dark web...

* Amazon will no longer accept Venmo as a payment option starting next month - However, Will still accept Venmo debit and credit cards.* Sam and Jay discuss Credit Cards, High Tech Payment Methods and More!* Police Issue Warning to Parents About New iPhone Feature - Jack Davis.Police agencies around the country are issuing warnings to parents about the new NameDrop feature in iOS 17 and the potential that a new iPhone software feature could compromise the safety of their children.“To shut this o...

* Sam Has An Idea? - Imagine that!* Genetic testing company 23andMe announced that hackers accessed around 14,000 customer accounts in the company’s recent data breach - In a new filing with the US SEC.* Most Common Passwords Take a Second to Crack.

* Best streaming device overall: Roku Express 4K Plus.* Tesla’s cheapest Cybertruck won’t drop until 2025! - The automaker now estimates it’ll charge $60,990 — or $53,490 after $7,500 in federal tax credits. That’s more than the starting price for a Ford Lightning or Silverado EV (both around $50,000).* Federal judge blocks Montana's TikTok ban before it takes effect.

* Your favorite, bittersweet tunes may help relieve pain better than unfamiliar, relaxing music.Participants in a small study said that pain less unpleasant by about nine points on a 100 point scale when they were listening to their preferred music.Research has long suggested that music can help lower pain perception without medication and could even help babies tolerate heel-prick blood tests.Emerging research has also found that music might change our experience of certain types of discomfort....

* Feds Want To Install Speed-Limiting Devices On All New Cars - MSN.The ISA tech utilizes a car's GPS, a database of speed limits, and onboard cameras to ensure compliance with legal speeds.Sam Advocates for the slow down of (not only cars) but, life in General.Jay advocates for speeding things up via using technology and high tech coordination to improve efficiency.

* US Harbors Prolific Malicious Link Shortening Service.The top-level domain for the United States, .US is home to thousands of newly-registered domains tied to a malicious link shortening service that facilitates malware and phishing scams, The findings come close on the heels of a report that identified. US domains as among the most prevalent in phishing attacks.* Iphone 15 Features.* Is the App Store still a source for new technology innovations or has AI development become the hotter new tec...

* Elon Musk says we dug our own grave with Cybertruck ahead of its November release.* Will Law Install 'Kill Switches' In All New Cars?* Beware: Black Friday Deals 2023?

* Sam Reports Live From Vegas At The Boxabl.com HQ!VIDEO!: https://youtu.be/jgf2e1ekF68* Intuit: Shutting Down Mint, A personal finance and Budgeting App.Intuit, which acquired Mint in 2009, is encouraging users to switch to Credit Karma, its money management and credit score service.Credit Karma does not offer a budgeting tool that allows users to set a monthly budget and budgets by category, a favorite feature of Mint users. Mint allowed users to link their spending accounts to the service, so...

* Is It Really Sam Or Just An Electronic Replica?* True or False, When your phone rings and you hear the familiar sound of your spouse’s voice on the other end, you can be 100% confident it’s really them right? - Maybe not.Criminals have found a new, terrifying way to use AI to scam people, and it starts by cloning your voice.* The Cybertruck is set to finally arrive after a nearly two-year delay. Tesla First officially unveiled back in 2019, Teslas electric Cybertruck impressed and amused the p...

* X, formerly known as Twitter, is introducing two new tiers for its subscription offering in order to bring in additional revenue.The social media giant is adding a new Premium+ tier that costs $16 per month and offers the “largest reply boost” and removes ads from the For You and Following feeds. The tier also comes with revenue-sharing, along with access to other creator tools.The second tier launching today is called “Basic” and costs $3 per month. The tier doesn’t come with a blue checkmark...

* Girls at Westfield High School in New Jersey were left shocked when they discovered boys were circulating fake nude photos of them, according to a Thursday report from The Wall Street Journal (WSJ).* at least one student had used online tools powered by artificial intelligence (AI) to create fake nude photos of their female classmates using pictures of them that were already on the internet.* Digitally altered or deepfake photos and videos have exploded in recent years. Briefly searching onlin...

* What Is Your Fav Social Media Service And Why?* Despite usage declines, X remains ‘stickier’ than first thought* A year after Musk’s takeover, X says an average user spends 32 minutes per day on the platform* Meta’s X rival, Threads isn’t dead and it now has polls and GIFs.* Jay's Fav Social media Services is Telegram, followed by TikTok* Sam's Fav Social Media Service was Twitter, now is Pinterest