POP | TECH | JAM

El Kaiser and J.D. discuss the Humane AI pin's public release and its flameout with critics and consumers. But there's no slowing the wave of AI-enhanced products hurtling into the world, so this week's episode ponders just a few of them — and the impact on life as we know it at the moment. All this and more on PTJ 375!

On this episode of Pop Tech Jam, El Kaiser shares his love for Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. J.D. keeps the Trek vibe going with a short news roundup that includes a report on Humane's new $700 wearable AI pin that brings to mind a Next Generation communicator badge — with a whole lot of AI under the hood. Beam up for PTJ 374!

On this week's extra-chatty episode of Pop Tech Jam, El Kaiser and J.D. discuss the New York Police Department's new security robot on patrol in Times Square, as well as new artificial voice technology, iOS 17, sassy chatbots, the end of the Netflix DVDs and much more. Order yourself up a pizza and have a listen to PTJ 373!

El Kaiser and J.D. discuss life after the Bird-Themed Microblogging-Service-Turned-24th-Letter-Of-The-Alphabet platform, as well as reviews of the new biography of said platform's owner. Also in the news: A big cyberattack in Las Vegas, cable spats and a possible preview of interoperability in messaging platforms. All this and more as we prepare for Audio Interface October here on PTJ 372!

As August winds down and product announcements are scarce, El Kaiser dives into Season 1 of Only Murders in the Building for a properly depicted New York City apartment-living experience. In the meantime, J.D. reads up on the latest in drones 'n' cloud headlines, as well as news of the continuing nostalgia for the Atari 2600. All this and more on PTJ 371!

Which is better — paying big bucks for the in-theater movie experience, or waiting a couple months and watching the flick at home? Are streaming services jacking their monthly prices too high for the average consumer? What's with all this renewed global interest in the Moon and what's going on with our Mars missions? And: are we ready to see holiday merch for sale while we're in Back to School shopping mode? El Kaiser and J.D. discuss all of these pressing topics — and more — on Episode 370 of Pop Tech Jam!

On this episode of Pop Tech Jam, El Kaiser shares his love of My Hero Academia and open-backed headphones for audio-mixing. Meanwhile, J.D. goes to a movie theater for the first time since 2019 to observe the fuss over the Barbie movie — a film that seems to be outperforming both Tom Cruise and Harrison Ford this summer. All this and more on PTJ 369!

On this episode of Pop Tech Jam, El Kaiser and J. D. discuss the potential impact of the current writers' and actors' strikes on the entertainment industry, as well as the emergence of Threads as a challenge to Twitter in the micro-blogging Thunderdome. And, ever the sonic connoisseur, El Kaiser also explores the modern-era revival of an old 1970s audio format: Quadrophonic surround sound. All this and more on Episode 368!

On this week's episode, El Kaiser and J.D. ruminate on flimsy smartphones and even flimsier superhero movies. And El Kaiser offers advice to a PTJ listener about finding an affordable microphone for podcasting at home.

After a year trapped in The Joker's lair, El Kaiser and J.D. staged a daring escape through Gotham's subway tunnels ...oh, never mind.After a year of life events and work schedules GETTING IN THE WAY OF THINGS, El Kaiser and J.D. are back with some thoughts on recent developments in the technology and pop-culture worlds.

El Kaiser and J.D. find a few minutes to discuss Apple's various announcements from this month's World Wide Developers conference — along with a roundup of recent TV-viewing options. Boot up PTJ 365 right here!

June is here, and with it, the old-new adventures of a certain Jedi Master — and plenty of other fine programs to stream. El Kaiser and J.D. also mull recent tech news, and, for the audio-curious, El Kaiser discusses the digital audience interfaces he uses in his recording work. You can find it all here on PTJ 364!

On this episode, El Kaiser and J.D. catch up after an unintentional hiatus to discuss current events — including Elon Musk's fluctuating deal to buy Twitter, the rapid demise of CNN+ and Apple's decision to retire the iPod after 21 years. Spin up PTJ 363 right here!

Samsung has kicked off the year in new phone hardware with updates to its Galaxy line — including a $1200 Ultra model that comes with five cameras, a stylus and a 6.8-inch screen. El Kaiser and JD ponder the possibilities, along in a roundup of other tech headlines and a preview of this year's new crop of emoji (disco ball!) coming to iOS and Android. El Kaiser also continues his exploration of Marvel and DC Comics adaptations for the big and small screens. All this and more on PTJ 362!

As 2022 spins up, El Kaiser and J.D. check in on NASA's big new fancy space telescope and other recent tech headlines. This week's episode also features some thoughts on The Expanse and tips for adjusting your privacy settings in Android 12 and iOS 15. You can find it all here on PTJ 361!

El Kaiser and J.D. are back with a new episode and the opportunity to praise the work of Nichelle Nichols, the trailblazing actress who portrayed Lt. Uhura on the original Star Trek as she retires from public life. Also in the mix: a discussion of recent headlines, including Big Tech's increasingly warm seat in front of government regulators, and El Kaiser takes a listen to a new pair of Bowers & Wilkins Bluetooth headphones. All this and more on PTJ Episode 360 !

Facebook's very bad month continues after more testimony and interviews by Frances Haugen, the whistleblower and main source behind The Wall Street Journal's "Facebook Files" series — as well as a report from its own Oversight Board about the company's lack of transparency. El Kaiser and J.D. discuss it all along other recent tech headlines, including Apple's second fall product event and Google's new Pixel phone. And for audio fans looking for great big sound on a budget, El Kaiser has a review of the Status Flagship ANC Bluetooth noise-cancelling headphones. Headphones, earbuds, speakers — no matter how you listen, PTJ 359 is here!

On this week's episode, El Kaiser takes a listen to several USB microphones designed for podcasting and J.D. hauls out the headlines for a discussion of recent consumer-technology news — including The Wall Street Journal's inside look at Facebook. All this and a whole lot more on PTJ 358!

Changes are coming to the way the big app stores do business, the U.S. government spins up a fellowship program for new technologists and children in China get their gaming time regulated — El Kaiser and J.D. roll through the news of the past few weeks with plenty of opinions along the way. El Kaiser also has a public-service warning about a show to avoid and J.D. offers tips for those nervously heading back to the classroom or office before the pandemic wanes. Click right here to join us on PTJ 357!

Like Clippy in a Microsoft Teams background, El Kaiser and J.D. are back after a somewhat inadvertent hiatus! The new season of Pop Tech Jam kicks off with El Kaiser's thoughts on the most recent Suicide Squad reboot/remake/reimagining and includes J.D.'s usual roundup of technology and nerd news headlines — plus some tips for tidying your phone's home screen and making the most of shortcut menus and widgets. Join us here on PTJ 356!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this week's episode of Pop Tech Jam, El Kaiser and J.D. discuss the headlines from the world of tech, including the U.S. government's own Bitcoin grab as it claws back the Colonial Pipeline ransom. El Kaiser would like Batman to have at least one nice day and J.D. ambles through the major announcements from this year's Apple's World Wide Developers Conference. Just push play to hear it all on PTJ 355!

This month's Colonial Pipeline hack, the massive bot farm lurking on Facebook last fall and Amazon's constant battle with counterfeit products illustrate the huge vulnerabilities that exist in many U.S. companies as the world grows ever more digital. But in cheerier news, El Kaiser and J.D. also discuss the country's broadband connectivity fund to help narrow the digital divide and kweliTV, a streaming service that highlights authentic Black stories. El Kaiser also shares his views on Marvel's The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and a new Android tablet from Samsung. Come join us here on PTJ 354!

On this week's episode, El Kaiser and JD ponder the purple iPhone and Apple's other pile of spring product announcements, as well as other headlines from around the tech world. And space nerds everywhere celebrated NASA's historic week as the Ingenuity helicopter took its inaugural flight on Mars — and then another — all while bringing a little piece of American aviation history along for the ride.Spin up PTJ 353 to hear it all!

New stuff! We finally have lots of new products to talk about! El Kaiser and JD discuss a flurry of hardware announcements from several tech companies, as well as Google's new FLoC tracking system and the results of Amazon's union vote, El Kaiser also shares his thoughts on HBO's His Dark Materials series and JD has tips for home design before you actually move into the home. Join us here on PTJ 352!

After a seven-month commute through space, NASA's Perseverance rover is due to arrive on Mars next week! So, some science to go with our science-fiction television on this week's episode, as El Kaiser shares his thoughts regarding later seasons of The Expanse on Amazon Prime and WandaVision on Disney+ . And J.D. has a smattering of tech news, including reports that Twitter is looking at subscription possibilities, along with resources on how to find out when you and your family can get the Covid-19 vaccine. It's all here on PTJ 350!

As the last week of January rolls in, so do the Internet themes and memes — including TikTok's flirtation with sea shanties and the cold-weather fashion of Senator Bernie Sanders. El Kaiser and J.D. ponder the latest Web whimsy, as well as Google and Apple's fight against the ongoing problems of the world, other tech news and fun things to do with your smartphone's camera. Hear it all on PTJ 349!

After long, unintended absence, El Kaiser and J.D. are back to praise The Mandalorian, chew on the news, talk audio hardware and mourn the loss of the iconic radio telescope at Puerto Rico's Arecibo Observatory. As 2020 continues its quest for Worst Year Ever (Modern Edition), we remind ourselves to stay flex in the Q-Zone. PTJ 346 is here for you.

What day is it? Does it matter? Time may be a flat circle that got hit by the Covid Truck for many people, but things have happened this month: Apple finally rolls out its four iPhone 12 models, Facebook finally bans Holocaust-denial content and and a House committee finally produces its report on Big Tech and monopoly. El Kaiser and J.D. muse upon it all, along with with a new set of headphones that gets the Rosado Review. Hear it all on PTJ 345!

Labor Day has been here and gone for weeks now, so El Kaiser and JD get back to business with a pile of news, including the new PlayStation and Xbox consoles arriving on November and recap of Apple's September event. And because the year is only going to get more intense from here, this week's episode also offers suggestions for science-fiction television entertainment to temporarily make you forget the current state of this world. Come on along for PTJ 344!

Epic Games has fired antitrust shots at Apple and Google over their app stores, Facebook does a bit of cleaning and fans of Microsoft Fight Simulator can take to the virtual skies again in a glorious new version of the program . Meanwhile, back on the ground, El Kaiser has thoughts on Star Wars: Resistance and J.D. shares some tips on what to do with your old gear after you upgrade to new stuff. All this and more, right here on PTJ 343!

The recent weather across much of North American isn't the only thing that's been a little toasty — TikTok, Big Tech and the kids who hacked Twitter last month are also feeling the heat. El Kaiser and J.D. take in the latest headlines from the technology world and also offer more tips for entertaining yourself in a partially closed pandemic city. Come join us here on PTJ 342!

How long until a hacked social-media platform causes real damage in the world? Are TikTok's days in the US numbered? Is time running out for political ads on Facebook? Is anybody watching Quibi? El Kaiser and JD have questions — and opinions. Also, what local stores and restaurants are still open as the COVID-19 pandemic eases up or crashes down around the country?

As a boycott from major advertisers heats up, Facebook announces it will finally start taking action against hate and harmful posts. El Kaiser and J.D. discuss The Social Network's latest moves, along with the other tech news of recent days, like Apple's World Wide Developers Conference announcements and product updates from Google. J.D. also spins up a (Hopefully) Helpful Hint about searching newspaper archives for mention of your ancestors back in their day. PTJ 340 is right here ready to go!

Welcome to June here in the year 1918 + 1929 + 1968! El Kaiser and J.D. drop in for a quick roundup of tech news, including rising tensions at social media companies, ongoing pandemic fallout and the newfound popularity of... online word-processing software. Take a break and dial up PTJ 339!

Twitter’s act of adding fact-checking labels to a couple of presidential tweets set off a storm in the social-media world — almost at the same time real-life stormy weather caused officials to scrub the NASA-SpaceX launch to the International Space Station, the first on an United States rocket since 2011. El Kaiser and J.D. discuss it all ahead of America’s rescheduled return to space this weekend. Blast off with PTJ 338!

Are podcasts The Next Big Thing — again? With Spotify, Amazon and Apple all scrapping to get big names and fresh content while throwing around big money, it sure seems like something’s going on. After El Kaiser and J.D. roll through the rest of the week’s headlines, El Kaiser also offers a few suggestions for remote podcasting software. It’s all right here in PTJ 337 from the comfort of your own home!

Thinking of spending some of your inside time recording a podcast or your own music? After a tour through the week's technology headlines with J.D., El Kaiser offers some shopping tips on microphones that make you sound way better than the one built into your laptop. Just click the Play button to hear it all on PTJ 336 — starting with a suggestion for another binge-worthy show to pass the time in the Quarantine Life.

Comic-book worlds (and their heroes) are great for passing the time or taking your mind to new places when you're stuck inside — and this week's episode offers insights on the Batwoman TV show as well as making your own comics (even if drawing isn't your strong point). El Kaiser and J.D. also discuss news from the video-game world and other headlines from around the technosphere. Spin up PTJ 335 right here!

Contact tracing! It's all the rage around the world as countries try to track the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus though voluntary smartphone apps. In this week's news segment, El Kaiser and J.D. discuss the various approaches these apps take before moving on to other headlines around the tech world. El Kaiser also shares his adventures with cloning a hard drive. All this and more on PTJ 334!

As much of the United States drifts into its second month of lockdown to help stop the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus, El Kaiser and J.D. discuss the joy of playing old predictable games in decidedly unpredictable times. This week's episode also includes a roundup of the past week's technology news and a sharing of feelings about the Titans show on DC Universe. Spin up PTJ 333 to hear it all!

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues its spread, Apple and Google join forces to create a platform to track the disease — even though privacy advocates have concerns. El Kaiser and J.D. discuss the program, along with the other tech headlines of the week. And, with network connectivity more important than ever, El Kaiser offers some tips on getting the most out of your home Wi-Fi. It's all here waiting for you in PTJ 332!

As much of the country continues huddling at home to avoid spreading the coronavirus, El Kaiser and J.D. keep themselves busy with a look at the recent technology news — including the Zoom boom (and bust), Apple's control of the weather and the debut of the new Quibi short-form video app. And for those who've now watched everything online, J.D. has a (Hopefully) Helpful Hint about digitizing your documents since you're already stuck in the house. PTJ 331 is here to keep you company!

As the COVID-19 virus batters the global economy, El Kaiser and J.D. continue to self-isolate and offer up their own ideas to keep from getting too shackwacky. This week's episode also takes a quick look at recent technology news, including two online gifts from Sir Patrick Stewart. PTJ 330, engage!

As more states and cities tell citizens to stay out of public places and do their part to help stop the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, El Kaiser and J.D. fire up the microphones in their respective recording bunkers to discuss the latest tech news. El Kaiser also offers his pro tips for looking and sounding better on those office video-conference meetings, and J.D. has a few ideas for parents trying to keep the kids busy after they've finished their online lessons for the day. It's all here on PTJ 329 — right in the comfort of your own home!

With COVID-19 disrupting life all over the world, El Kaiser and JD get socially distant and take to their respective bunkers to discuss the pandemic's effect on life, work and everything. Click into PTJ 328 to have a listen wherever you happen to spending your international public health crisis!

As El Kaiser and J.D. discuss in the week's news, the global spread of the coronavirus is starting to take a bite out of the tech industry in multiple ways. But hey, the news wasn't all bad — a major fast-food chain is now selling a bag of bacon as a tasty snack. Just hit the Play button on PTJ 327 to hear it all, plus a (Hopefully) Helpful Hint about reining in your phone's constant alerts and notifications.

Greetings from the depths of February, where El Kaiser shares an appraisal of his recent binge-watching content, The Good Place and Letterkenny. February also means Mobile World Congress — but not this year, thanks to concern over the coronavirus. After a stroll through the other recent tech headlines, J.D. also offers a (Hopefully) Helpful Hint about protect you and yours from an increasingly common bank scam. Punch up PTJ 326 to hear it all!

On this week's show, El Kaiser holds forth on the current state of three of his favorite things: DC Comics, Doctor Who and Star Wars. J.D. has a quick roundup of recent tech news, including the return both of a beloved flip phone and a popular short-form video platform. All this and more on Pop Tech Jam 325!