Get Connected

This week, we dive into the cutting-edge of home entertainment! Mike and Carmi sit down with the experts at Samsung to explore their groundbreaking 115-inch Mini LED TV—pushing the limits of screen size and picture quality. Plus, we unpack Samsung's latest sound bar technology, designed to transform your living room into a true cinematic experience. Whether you're a home theater enthusiast or just curious about what's next in tech, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss.

Tune in to the GetConnected Podcast! 

In this episode of the Get Connected Podcast, we tackle some of the biggest issues in tech and security. Mastercard's VP of Security Solutions, Amisha Parikh, joins us to discuss the rising threat of cyber fraud, how AI is being used by both criminals and security experts, and what Canadians can do to stay safe online. We also dive into the impact of new U.S. tariffs on physical media, the shift toward digital downloads, and Google's latest AI-powered initiative to improve subway safety. Plus, we break down the growing legal battle over Google's dominance in search and web browsers. Don't miss this insightful discussion on the future of cybersecurity, digital commerce, and tech policy!

Get Connected Podcast – March 4th, 2025 Hosts: Mike Agerbo & Carmi Levy In this episode of the Get Connected Podcast, Mike and Carmi dive into the latest tech news, covering major industry shifts and exciting product updates: Alexa+ & AI Assistants – Amazon's AI-powered Alexa+ promises a smarter, more conversational voice assistant. Will it finally make digital assistants useful? Microsoft Ends Skype – After decades of service, Microsoft is shutting down Skype. The hosts discuss its legacy, why it lost relevance, and what this means for users. Apple & Privacy in the UK – Apple is removing end-to-end encryption in the UK rather than complying with government demands for a backdoor. A big win for privacy advocates? iPhone 16E & Apple's First Modem – Apple introduces a new budget-friendly iPhone with flagship-level power and its first-ever in-house modem. What does this mean for Apple's future? Tech Accessories & Startup Success – A conversation with Noah Dentzel the founder of Nomad, a company making high-end accessories for Apple devices. Tune in for insights, expert opinions, and a behind-the-scenes look at the evolving tech landscape!

Fast times in the tech world! Iphone users are selling their iPhones with TikTok installed to desperate users on eBay, Netflix is increasing their prices again, and the world changed overnight with the announcement of a new AI model called Deep Seek, plunging stock markets around the world. And on the lighter side, Mike Agerbo and Carmi Levy look through the top Alexa commands and questions for 2024.  

Mike's back from CES with a review of some of the cool tech coming out in 2025. Marc Saltzman joins him to talk robots, health gear and much more. Frank Lee from LG talks about the latest in TV AI and we also will get the latest AI tip of the week!

Mike and Carmi Levy go from AI to Taylor Swift this week!  Google is releasing a new AI engine that will make the AI we use now look like tools from the stone age. Amazon Alexa is helping Canadians play their favourite Taylor Swift songs, and you'll be blown away by the numbers of listens. Is bigger better? Amazon has released two new giant Echo Shows that can be art frames and smart home hubs that hang on your wall. And we'll dive deep into AI PC's with Asma Aziz, Country Manager for Intel Canada. Her experience in the tech world makes this a must listen!

This week, Mike is in Vegas for the big AWS Re:Invent Conference, where he's learning all about the latest in cloud and AI advances. Big news, Amazon has announced their own AI – Nova! Mike talk about some of its capabilities, including almost magical abilities to create realistic video clips from simple text prompts. He also speaks with Eric Gales, AWS's Canadian Country Manager about where AI is headed, and what we should all be doing to take advantage of it's capabilities. He'll also speak to the man behind their partnership with the Halo Project, who's mission is to rid the world of land mines. Finally, have you ever wanted to be a hologram? The tech is here now, and it's incredible. And of course, we have the Intel Core Ultra AI segment of the week!

This week it's all about Black Friday deals! We have Intel's Sam Saif to tell us about the hot deals in Intel AI PC's, and what to look for in your next laptop or desktop PC.  Carmi Levi comes on the program to talk about the new social media ban in Australia for kids under 16, and can that happen in Canada? Also, Elon Musk wants your medical data! Will you give it to him? And finally we have an amazing AI video editing tool that will make creating videos easy and fast on our weekly AI segment!

Mike Agerbo is joined by Carmi Levy, Tech Analyst and Graye Williams this week. Carmi and Mike look into the US government breakup of Google. Will they go all the way, and separate both the Chrome browser and their Android business? What does this mean for consumers? BlueSky is starting to eat X's lunch. With over 20 million subscribers, they are growing exponentially since the election. Should Elon be worried? Mike also talks to the folks at GM and talks about the Chevy Silverado EV RST, a truck that has the range to haul, carry and go the distance. And of course, we check out the lates AI software in the Intel AI Segment!

Mike is joined by tech experts Carmi Levy and Graye Williams this week to talk tech! We're talking winter tire tech this week with Michelin, and learning about the Michelin X-Ice Snow tires! We'll also learn about a cool AI tool that can upscale low resolution photos and images on our weekly Intel AI segment. Plus, did Netflix's experiment with ad supported cheaper subscriptions work? Tune in to find out!

So much tech, so little time! Mike is joined by Graye Williams, tech expert this week. Tesla has offered all its drivers in North America a free month of Supervised Full Self Driving. Mike's tried it out in his Model 3, and reveals the good the bad and the ugly! Exciting times in the e-reader world! Amazon has released several new Kindles, including a colour version! Mike sits down with Penny Panos, Amazon's Head of Devices and Services to find out all the details. And finally, on the Intel Core Ultra AI Segment, Mike and Graye discuss OpenArt.AI, a super amazing tool to easily create images using your own as a base, or ones from scratch. So easy anyone can use it to create their own masterpieces.

Carmi Levy joins Mike to talk about the latest tech stories this week. After a couple weeks of use, they give their opinions on the new iPhone 16. Is it worth the upgrade? You'll be surprised at the answer. Meta has shown it's latest concept, the Orion AR Glasses. What can they do, and will they replace the smartphone? And finally AI solves the worlds biggest problem – printing spreadsheets so they don't print out over 20 pages. 

The European Union is going after Meta again for unfair Facebook Marketplace practices. Is it serious? It could cost 10% of their annual worldwide revenue if it goes badly – over 13 billion dollars. A new California bill is signed into law, forcing companies to make subscriptions just as easy to quit as it is to sign up! Will it spread to other states and countries? And ChatGPT has been messaging users unprompted… has it become sentient? Tune in and find out!

Mike ventures to Berlin Germany to attend IFA, one of the biggest tech trade show in the world. Intel is launching their new Intel Core Ultra Series 2 Processor with built in AI! He gets a chance to sit down with ASUS, one the leasing laptop makers in the world, to learn how this new chip design affects laptop design, and how AI will start playing a major role in computing! Make sure to listen to the entire podcast to find the secret words for the amazing contest happening this month!

Mike is joined by Marc Saltzman, one of Canada's leading tech journalists to talk about back to school gear. One of the busiest times for tech, Marc walks us through some exciting tools that will help any student excel. From AI, to a printer that won't break the bank when it comes time to refilling, this is a must listen to show for any student or parent!

Mike dives into the world of robot lawn mowers, with one of the leading robotic mower companies, Husqvarna. Did you know that they've been making robot mowers longer than robot vacuums?  Who knew? Tune in to find out when this over 400 year old company started their robot journey and where it's all headed! You still mowing your lawn the old fashioned way? Like a sucker?? Getting a robot to do it is more affordable than you think!   Can't get enough of GetConnected and our charmingly nerdy hosts? Subscribe to the GetConnected podcast. You can also find us on the web, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and yes, even on TikTok.

Mike visits the largest show dedicated to the world of AI – VivaTech Paris. 150,000 visitors from around the world come to learn about the latest in AI developments. Mike travelled with ScaleAI, a non profit organization who's mission is to promote Canada AI startups and leaders to the world. He talks to them about this mission, and two other amazing AI companies from Canada – Theory and Practice, and Au-Zone. From helping the oceans, to helping large retailers reduce waste, you'll learn how it's done!   Can't get enough of GetConnected and our charmingly nerdy hosts? Subscribe to the GetConnected podcast. You can also find us on the web, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and yes, even on TikTok.

Host Mike Agerbo talks to Carmi Levy about the growing trend of AI influencers, and how some generations don't really care that they are not human. They also talk about Huawei “secretly” funding research in the US, and do we have the right to turn off the Facebook news feed? Can't get enough of GetConnected and our charmingly nerdy hosts? Subscribe to the GetConnected podcast. You can also find us on the web, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and yes, even on TikTok.

Mike talks with Michael Clive, Weber Grill Master about new griddle tech. New flattop griddles that don't rust? What magic tech is in play here? We'll dive down into this delicious topic! Can't get enough of GetConnected and our charmingly nerdy hosts? Subscribe to the GetConnected podcast. You can also find us on the web, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and yes, even on TikTok.

As the US/China tech war escalates, there's now talk of the US government banning DJI drones, made by China. As the leading drone manufacturer in the world, what does that mean for US consumers? We also dive into autonomous driving. Automakers are increasingly being investigated by the US government over crashes and fatalities. Where are we now, and what does the future look like? Finally, a look at a major cyber attack against London Drugs, a major Canadian retailer that's been knocked offline in the digital world, and at their physical store locations.   Can't get enough of GetConnected and our charmingly nerdy hosts? Subscribe to the GetConnected podcast. You can also find us on the web, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and yes, even on TikTok.

The United States and China are at it again!  China has asked Apple to pull 4 messaging apps, including WhatsApp and Telegram from the Chinese App store, and Joe Biden has given TikTok less than a year to find a buyer. We also get our retro geek on, Apple has allowed retro game emulators into the App Store… but for how long? Can't get enough of GetConnected and our charmingly nerdy hosts? Subscribe to the GetConnected podcast. You can also find us on the web, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and yes, even on TikTok.  

Tesla settle a lawsuit from a family of a man who died while playing video games with the self driving feature turned on. What does it mean for the future of autonomous vehicles? The Canadian government announces it's investing 2.4 billion dollars into AI. What does that even mean? Nasa to develop a time standard for the moon, and many more tech stories of the week!   Can't get enough of GetConnected and our charmingly nerdy hosts? Subscribe to the GetConnected podcast. You can also find us on the web, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and yes, even on TikTok.

Mike and Carmi Levy cover this weeks top tech stories! Google Incognito private browsing not so private? Google forced to delete billions of data records of users. Amazon ditches their Just Walk Out technology from their retail stores, and Apple agrees the RCS texting standard… will that mean blue bubbles for messages for Android phone suers?   Can't get enough of GetConnected and our charmingly nerdy hosts? Subscribe to the GetConnected podcast. You can also find us on the web, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and yes, even on TikTok.

Mike details his story of getting scammed on Facebook Marketplace this past week. How did it happen, and what are some of the telltale signs you need to know about to avoid it happening to you!

The US Department of Justice is going after Apple for anti-competitive practices. Mike and Carmi make comparisons with the DOJ's attempt to breakup Microsoft in 2010. Mike also learns about tire technology for EV's and learns how Michelin is working to have tires that are made from 100% recycled and renewable materials by 2050. Can they do it?   Can't get enough of GetConnected and our charmingly nerdy hosts? Subscribe to the GetConnected podcast. You can also find us on the web, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and yes, even on TikTok.

Mike talks to Alexis Garcin, CEO of Michelin North America, about innovation in tire technology. He also dives into the proposed TikTok ban in the US. Will the ban happen? If so, who would buy it, and will the Chinese government let that happen?   Can't get enough of GetConnected and our charmingly nerdy hosts? Subscribe to the GetConnected podcast. You can also find us on the web, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and yes, even on TikTok.

Mike talks with Dwayne Benefield from TELUS on how they are bundling popular streaming services to save customers money. Just like cable TV of old! He'll also talk to Mastercard about password fatigue for Fraud Prevention month   Can't get enough of GetConnected and our charmingly nerdy hosts? Subscribe to the GetConnected podcast. You can also find us on the web, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and yes, even on TikTok.

Mike dives into the future of fast food. Wendys' touted their new digital menu boards that could incorporate surge pricing, like Uber raises prices when it's busy. How does this work? And are consumers ready? And is the Apple car dead? Was it ever really going to be a thing?                                 Can't get enough of GetConnected and our charmingly nerdy hosts? Subscribe to the GetConnected podcast. You can also find us on the web, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and yes, even on TikTok.

With the latest glitch with Wyze security cams, giving users access to other people's video feeds, how do you protect your cloud footage from prying eyes? We'll also talk about AI and chatbots going off the rails. Who's responsible for bad information when they do?   Can't get enough of GetConnected and our charmingly nerdy hosts? Subscribe to the GetConnected podcast. You can also find us on the web, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and yes, even on TikTok.  

We all use ride-share and delivery apps, but what is the cost? They lose billions of dollars for their shareholders, and some exploit their workers. Where is the truth of the dream? We'll explore a new personal finance app called Wilbur that can help you earn extra money in your spare time.   Can't get enough of GetConnected and our charmingly nerdy hosts? Subscribe to the GetConnected podcast. You can also find us on the web, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and yes, even on TikTok.

Mike is in Costa Rica, visiting Intel's design and manufacturing facility. Why are they there? What are they making? It's a fascinating story! He'll talk with the people who make the chips, how Intel is moving smart cities forward, and the steps they are taking to make their company more inclusive.   Can't get enough of GetConnected and our charmingly nerdy hosts? Subscribe to the GetConnected podcast. You can also find us on the web, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and yes, even on TikTok.

Mike is talking with Brian Jackson from the Infotech Research Group about the new Apple Vision Pro mixed reality headset. Will Apple be successful with a new line of hardware, will it change the AR/VR industry? He'll also have Carmi levy on to talk about the latest online scams, and how you can protect yourself. Finally, he talks with TELUS about their foray into helping consumers with home automation!   Can't get enough of GetConnected and our charmingly nerdy hosts? Subscribe to the GetConnected podcast and don't forget to listen to them discuss mobile technology on the App Show podcast. You can also find us on the web, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and yes, even on TikTok.  

Samsung has announced their new Samsung Galaxy S24 smartphones, packed with some useful AI tools. Have we gotten past the minor iterations of speed and feeds to actual new useful technology in our handheld devices?  Mike also has his good tech friend Carmi Levy to do a final CES tech roundup!   Can't get enough of GetConnected and our charmingly nerdy hosts? Subscribe to the GetConnected podcast and don't forget to listen to them discuss mobile technology on the App Show podcast. You can also find us on the web, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and yes, even on TikTok.

Mike is down at the Consumer Electronics Show, known as CES in Las Vegas. 130,000 nerds converging on Sin City to learn about all the latest tech innovations coming out in the coming years. From transparent TV's, the latest robots, connected BBQ's, he'll cover it all, with a few surprises along the way! Can't get enough of GetConnected and our charmingly nerdy hosts? Subscribe to the GetConnected podcast and don't forget to listen to them discuss mobile technology on the App Show podcast. You can also find us on the web, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and yes, even on TikTok.

This week, Mike talks with the folks at Intel about the new Intel Core Ultra processors, and the new Neural processing unit on each one. Will this be a reason for people to upgrade their laptops? He'll also talk to the CTA about their CES preview, the big tech conference happening in Las Vegas this coming week. Finally, he'll explore the streaming wars with guest Carmi Levy and how some of the big players continue to lose billions of dollars!   Can't get enough of GetConnected and our charmingly nerdy hosts? Subscribe to the GetConnected podcast and don't forget to listen to them discuss mobile technology on the App Show podcast. You can also find us on the web, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and yes, even on TikTok.

It's our tech year in review. We revisit the biggest stories of the year. Of course AI has dominated, with Open AI and ChatGPT, as well as the behind the scenes drama. Apple announced their first new products in years, the Vision Pro mixed reality headset, and Twitter burned to the ground.     Can't get enough of GetConnected and our charmingly nerdy hosts? Subscribe to the GetConnected podcast and don't forget to listen to them discuss mobile technology on the App Show podcast. You can also find us on the web, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and yes, even on TikTok.

Mike explores the world of Formula 1 racing and how they are using data, the cloud and AI to continually improve. Mike also tries to understand quantum computing and where it can take society. Does he? Tune in to find out!   Can't get enough of GetConnected and our charmingly nerdy hosts? Subscribe to the GetConnected podcast and don't forget to listen to them discuss mobile technology on the App Show podcast. You can also find us on the web, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and yes, even on TikTok.

Tesla is forced to recall over 2 million of its cars because of over inflated self-driving claims and the accidents that they have caused. AI is reigned in over in Europe, and we learn how to protect our home and family during the holidays with smart home security!   Can't get enough of GetConnected and our charmingly nerdy hosts? Subscribe to the GetConnected podcast and don't forget to listen to them discuss mobile technology on the App Show podcast. You can also find us on the web, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and yes, even on TikTok

Mike talks to the folks at Michelin to learn how winter tire technology works, and why its important to have the right tire. He'll also learn about tires of the future that are digitally connected to your car and the internet. He also has the lowdown on free AI courses you can take to up your skills from Amazon, and why does Netflix not want to pay to help make Canadian content? Can't get enough of GetConnected and our charmingly nerdy hosts? Subscribe to the GetConnected podcast and don't forget to listen to them discuss mobile technology on the App Show podcast. You can also find us on the web, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and yes, even on TikTok.

This week Mike is in Las Vegas checking out the Amazon Re:invent conference to learn the latest in AI, the cloud and quantum computing. Sound nerdy? Sure, but amazing things are happening! He's learning how sensors in NFL players pads and equipment are being used to help reduce injuries, how AI can help make the perfect travel itinerary from the folks at Lonely Planet, how Wahi, a real estate information company is using AI to help home buyers find the perfect home by looking through the thousands of pictures for them. Finally, we'll learn how you can take AI programing courses for free with Amazon Skillbuilder.

Mike explores different security solutions. From protecting your home, to yourself digitally, he's got it covered! He'll also be talking with Carmi Levy about the drama at OpenAI this past week. Can't get enough of GetConnected and our charmingly nerdy hosts? Subscribe to the GetConnected podcast and don't forget to listen to them discuss mobile technology on the App Show podcast. You can also find us on the web, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and yes, even on TikTok.