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ExplicitNovels
Quaranteam - Dave In Dallas: Part 6

ExplicitNovels

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 27, 2025


Quaranteam - Dave In Dallas: Part 6 Planning a Future. Based on a post by RonanJWilkerson, in 12 parts. Listen to the Podcast at Explicit Novels. October 17, 2020. All of Dave's partners were at the park, setting up the folding table and portable gazebo. None of his partners were wilting flowers, so he couldn't exactly muscle his way in to doing the set up. But, they had taken off with the intent that three would return to clean the dishes while the rest hung out in the park for Shawna to get off in barely an hour. Roscoe and Esme, of course, were among those getting to run around in the grass and fresh air. So, Dave was at the sink, scrubbing dishes with some of his favorite songs playing out of his Echo Show in the kitchen. The volume was cranked, and so was Dave's voice as he sang along, rather skillfully, but a bit out of practice. Currently, he was belting through a Kenny Loggins song. One that got him energized and moving. Isabella's eyes, Oh, shine your light and make your momma smile "Who, yeah, shake it baby!" Dave spun around, caught in the act. Doing dishes, and singing. And dancing. Sort of. Mel and Becca stood at the entrance to the kitchen, clapping and whistling. Lupie was beside them, with a smile and a raised eyebrow. "I claim dibs on naming my first daughter Isabella!" Rebecca called out. Melanie pursed her lips and looked defeated. "I'd fight you for that privilege, but with a daughter named Esmeralda, that'd be too close. Besides," Lupie added with a wry smile, "some would say it's the same name, so I guess I got there first." Then, she playfully stuck out her tongue. Now, Lupie is often fun loving, but this was a level of silly unheard of for her. Everyone was too busy laughing with her to show much in the way of shock though. Dave moved in to hug her and delivered a soft kiss. Lupie hummed into the kiss and smiled before pulling back with a playful scowl. "Don't think I forgot you were doing basic chores, David." "They needed doing, and I didn't have much on my plate at the moment, corazon ." Lupie just narrowed her eyes at Dave's reply, but the smile below gave away her jest. For added measure, Dave slapped her ass and then squeezed. That and Lupie's 'Eep!' got Mel and Becca laughing again. Then they took up position behind Dave's shoulders, so he was surrounded by his partners. Their hands slid along his sides in ways that were chaste, for now, but hinted at an interest in something more. "No, horny girls, remember this is Shawna's celebration. Picnic party in the park, the gift from Becca and Reena, and then she gets Dave all to herself until after breakfast." The younger women groaned, but acquiesced. "Shawna's heading straight there from work, and she texted me a few minutes ago she was on her way out the door. We need to wrap up here in short order and get to the park." Lupie sent Dave to wash up and change for the party while the ladies finished the remaining dishes and picked up the last needed items for the party. They got to the park about ten minutes before Shawna, or just enough time for Roscoe to finish saying hello to each of them. The other ladies greeted Shawna warmly, then she advanced on Dave, who had been waiting his turn. "Congratulations, babe. I'm proud of you and happy for you." Shawna wrapped him in a tight hug and a long, lingering kiss that was smoky rather than fiery. "I've been looking forward to that all day." Dave smiled and dropped a quick peck on her lips. "So, just the two of us until tomorrow morning huh?" Shawna grinned. "Umm-hmm. Very accommodating crew you've drawn to you, darling." "And pretty good cooks too. You should get something to eat. I made that cucumber tomato salad you like." "Ooo, with the fresh veggies you just harvested?" Dave nodded. Shawna skipped happily to the table, Dave beside her, holding her hand. Dave ate a double helping of everything. Each dish was tasty, and he was hungry. He sidled up to Shawna. "So how's Skippy the Wonder Boy doing?" Shawna's department now consisted of her, a young and fresh out of college guy with his master's in meteorology, and a young lady that was on her internship last spring when lockdowns hit. Each had different levels of skills, and each had shortages that Shawna, as the boss, had to train them up from. At least 'Skippy' had finished all the classes. He seemed like a pleasant guy on air. Unfortunately, he looked perpetually 14, wearing one of daddy's suits. The scruffy attempt at a beard was not helping. Shawna's scowled. Hard. "Mitchell is coming along just fine. Especially for a young man thrust into a position with far more responsibility than he should have to carry this soon out of school." "I'm sorry, hun. He always comes off as very pleasant, but he also looks way too young." "He is too young. He's handling his professional duties quite well, though. It's his personal life I worry about occasionally." "How so?" "Well, his first partner was a former Cowboys cheerleader, and looks it. She's been off the squad for two years, so she didn't get snapped up by some rich guy wanting a trophy." Shawna paused to a rough exhale. "But yeah, this earnest, and rather naïve, nerd boy has the devastatingly hot, bubbly woman three years older than him dumped in his lap. His first day back after she'd joined him, I thought the top of his head was going to fall off, he was smiling so big." Dave snorted at the image. He could understand the boy's predicament. That made him think. "That was just the start. His second partner was his sister's best friend; she was homecoming queen and prom queen. The sad side is, his sister didn't make it." Shawna's voice caught. "So sometimes he's having sex with this beauty that he never thought would come near him, and sometimes they're crying together over his dead sister and her dead friend." "Damn this fucking virus," Dave said huskily. He blew out a breath. "He really is one of us isn't he?" Shawna nodded. "How many partners does he have?" "Mindy, his fourth partner joined him last week. He's probably getting a fifth soon." She thought for a moment. "Guess that means you'll be getting another lady soon as well." Dave shrugged. "Yeah, maybe. I'm at seven now, so maybe that's it. That would be fine by me. Any one of you alone are incredible." He paused for the appreciative kiss. "I was thinking, if both families are plused up enough to be safe, then maybe we should invite him and his partners over. For games, or just talk and some background music." Shawna brightened. "Now that's the man I fell for." She kissed him firmly on the cheek. "I don't know if he has any friends or family left, and his girls are nice ladies, but not nerds. Well, Ginger, his third partner is an anime fan, but I think that's the extent of her nerd creds. Mindy's an athlete. Now, all of them love him to death, and they may share some of his other interests, but not the nerdy stuff." Dave frowned. "Sounds like Oracle isn't working out for him." "Oh, no. He has interests that aren't strictly speaking nerdy. And I know there's some sharing going on there. Kelly, the former cheerleader, shares his love of gardening." "And that's something Liv and I can share with the both of them." "Yup." "Okay, let's talk it over with the others and plan something." Dave looked chagrined. "So, uh, what's his real name?" Shawna gave him a pursed-lip grin with narrow eyes. "Mitch. Mitchell Westfield" "I'll work on that." Shawna gave him some side-eye, but with a grin, as they walked back to the others. Becca and Reena were waving them over excitedly and everyone had gathered around the box with the cake Lupie'd made. Shawna opened the package Reena held up for her. In the small box was a black t-shirt with the station logo over the heart on the front and "Weather Boss" across the back. The girls had carefully made sure it was just the right fit, not too snug or too loose for Shawna to wear to work. She laughed and hugged each teen. "You two are pretty awesome you know?" Both young ladies beamed. Shawna draped the t-shirt over her shoulder as Lupie opened the box to reveal the cake. It was three layers, with milk chocolate icing. On the top was the station logo, with the words 'Chief Meteorologist'. Around the sides, as one walked around, there was a sun breaking through clouds, a cloud with rain falling from it, and the third tableau depicted a tornado, with a bit of dust obscuring the bottom. "Oh, it's perfect Lupie! Thank you so much!" The ladies embraced before Lupie set about slicing the well-crafted dessert. Naturally, Shawna got the first slice. Between the layers was a thin puree of strawberries; Shawna's favorite. That was good for a small happy dance, which in turn, made Lupie happy. With everyone chatting happily, Dave slipped away from the others. He just had a small side trip he needed to make. About fifteen minutes later, Shawna came around the bend in the sidewalk as it exited the trees near the base of the bridge. She moved, unhurried, to Dave's side as he stood at the peak of the bridge, looking down at the stream passing below. In flood stage, it took a wider path, and might legitimately be called a river. Most of the time, it remained within the narrow channel with broad margins that were pleasant to walk along if you wore the right footwear. "You know, we all saw you leave. We just thought you needed some space. Or some time." She looked into his face, seeing the evidence of tears, but not a full-on bawling episode. "This is Eddie's bridge isn't it?" Eyes watering again, Dave didn't trust himself to speak and merely nodded. Shawna stepped closer and hugged him. They stood like that for a few minutes before she slowly released him. "Thanks. I needed that. I just; I'm such a damn wimp. I know I need to be stronger for all of you, but I; I can't move past this." "You keep focusing on the times you fall down. I see the man that gets back up, shoulders the burden, and keeps going." "I don't want to though, I only do it because I have to." "That's what makes you the man I've fallen in love with. No one wants to take the burden, and some people refuse to do it. You do it, knowing how much pain you'll go through again." "This world sucks ya know." "It always has, we just papered over it and let ourselves forget. Now is one of the times the ugliness rips through the paper walls and makes us look it in the face." Shawna paused to stroke the side of Dave's face soothingly. "Do you remember the Kurlan Naiskos, in TNG?" "Yeah." "One of your voices is an ox. Carry any burden, push through any problem, get the job done no matter the cost to yourself. A low-key hero. Maybe not the only hero within you. All I'm saying is, I am very glad to have you in my life, and to be a part of your life." They stood there at the railing, looking at the water for a minute or so. Then Shawna spoke again. "Honestly David, we're talking about your son's death here. I'd be worried if you weren't having bouts of sorrow. Hell, that would scare the shit out of me. I'd much rather come home to find you curled into a fetal position bawling your eyes out, than you just blithely going about your life as if nothing happened." Dave looked up at her and smiled weakly. "Okay. Sorry, I just feel like such a pussy when I get like this." "Don't make me tell Becca on you," Shawna said with a grin. With a sly smile, Dave rejoined, "So, how may I convince you to keep my dirty secret?" "Hmm, kitty's hungry, Davey." Shawna said in a low tone. Then she nibbled her finger and switched to a higher pitched schoolgirl pleading tone. "Kitty needs cream. Please Davey, pump your cream into my hungry, wet kitty." "Kitty hell, I'm looking at a strong, capable panther that could eat me alive and make me smile the whole time." Shawna grinned, excited. The skirt she wore that day was long and loose, without being flowy. Dave knelt briefly to reach his hands up and pull off her thong panties. He stuffed them in his pocket as she gathered the lower part of her skirt in her hands and leaned back against the railing. Fortunately, Dave was wearing jeans instead of cargo shorts today. Cargos would have dropped to his ankles the moment he unbuckled, leaving his bare ass out for anyone to walk by and see. Though no one seemed to be on the trail today. Instead, he unbuckled and unzipped, lowering his jeans and boxers just enough to bring his already half-erect cock out. When he stepped closer to Shawna, she wrapped her left leg around his waist and draped the skirt to cover the both of them. A few minutes of hungry kisses and energetic groping had Dave at full mast. He slipped himself inside Shawna's drenched pussy while she groaned. They fucked hard. Shawna focused mostly on staying upright and close, but put some effort into fucking back at him. Dave drove himself into her, his hunger matching hers, one hand behind her torso, the other fondling her tit through her shirt and bra roughly, the way she liked when they were going fast. His thumb and forefinger grasped at her nipple, and Shawna hit her first orgasm. She shook in Dave's arms, her rippling inner muscles running riot on his intruding organ. As she calmed, he approached his peak. She could see it in his eyes and urged him onward with soft, lusty whispers. As Dave erupted, she clutched him tight, her body overcome with spasms as the serum renewed her attachment to him, giving her pleasure when he attained climax. When her shuddering subsided, she kissed him warmly. Dave slipped himself out of her and quickly fixed his boxers and jeans. He handed her panties back, so she had something to stem the fluids flowing out of her. There were knowing smiles when they rejoined the others, but no commentary. In the mid-evening, with dusk sufficiently fallen outside, Dave and Shawna lay cozily tangled in the bath. With darkness outside and only the smallest, dimmest light on the vanity, the lighting gave a warm, inviting ambience. Peach bubble bath scented the air more than the water. It was just a little late in the year for a fresh peach; Dave checked that early in his planning. Shawna took another deep breath, a big, lazy grin on her face. "My favorite scent ever." "So can I call you my Georgia peach, even if you're not from Georgia?" "Well, I sort of am. My mother's from Georgia. Mom and Dad met at UGA. He was majoring in Civil Engineering and she was majoring in Music Education. When they graduated, they moved to St Louis to start their new life together. Dad grew up in Creve Coeur, a town near St Louis." "That's a sweet story." "Umm hmm. I'm hoping to have the same happily ever after here. They're both alive and quarantining hard. Hopefully, the vaccine will get there soon. I haven't said anything to them directly, but they are being careful." Dave gave a slight extra squeeze to the hug. They sat there in silence again for a while. Then Dave's hands slipped downward a bit, cupping her tits lightly as he hummed '; really love your peaches wanna shake your tree ;” Shawna recognized the tune and chuckled. It was a long, slow, comfortable night, with more cuddling and light touching than sex. Ditto for the wake up. Chapter 8; Planning a Future. October 19, 2020. Shawna's early shift meant she was home for dinner with enough time to change and sit with the family talking while Lupie and Reena prepared the meal. "Mom was a pretty good painter. She actually sold a few at small auctions. The one she was proudest of, she gave to Dave though. He's a fan of seascapes, so she made this beautiful painting with a cliff in the upper left and a roiling, storm-tossed ocean filling most the canvas. Lots of white caps and ocean spray, dark stormy waters, the whole works. You could almost feel like you were on the deck of a ship struggling to stay afloat in the storm." Liv looked wistful as she spoke of her mom's talents. "Oh! I've seen that one!" Jan exclaimed. The others looked between Livy, Dave, and Jan. With a neutral face that they had become accustomed to at certain times Dave said, "I put it away in a closet to keep it safe. I; went through a dark time there for a while. I didn't want to damage it." "And I found it when I was looking for the book boxes you mentioned. I'm sorry I brought it up, Dave." Olivia nodded her agreement with Jan. "Don't be ladies. Janelle's gift is a bright point. Honestly, I'm at a place now that I would feel safe bringing it back out. And the photos." A small relief settle over the gathering. There were a few spots that obviously held a picture or painting for some years, but had been bare when the ladies arrived. The general state of the world, and the events of Olivia and Melanie's arrival made each reluctant to broach the subject. "It would be good to see pictures of Eddie, Janelle, and; Carter?" Shawna said softly. "I don't think I ever saw Livy's parents, but I met Eddie a few times." Becca chimed in. "He was a nice guy. Kinda handsome too. But, I know where he got that from." She blew an air kiss to Dave. The others grinned or chuckled, with a few nods. "Well, she made the painting in Eddie's senior year, and he was between girlfriends when Mom finished. She had me bring it over on a weekend she knew Eddie was staying with Dave. Dave hadn't moved to this house yet." Dave chuckled, in memory, as he realized where Olivia was going with this story. "Keep in mind, Eddie is almost three years older than me. At the time, I was a few months past fifteen, and Eddie was shy of his eighteenth birthday by a few months. Mom drives me, but hangs back a bit, having me talk to Dave and Eddie. I get to Dave's front door, all flustered, 'cuz here's my crush, that I fantasize about spending my life with," Olivia is beaming a big smile at this point, with Dave replying with a shame-faced smile, "being all happy for this gift I'm giving him and showing me all this affection, but like I'm a well-loved daughter, not a woman he'd go out with. And all these little-girl-in-love feelings are just going haywire." The older ladies all showed some level of sympathy for Olivia. For her part, Becca slipped off her spot, nestled in beside Dave and said, "I don't know what you're talking about." The play-act was good for a chuckle. "That's when Eddie pipes up and offers to take me out that evening. He looked uncertain, but somewhat interested. We were friends, but there'd been no romance, no attraction. I was torn, because Eddie is a; " Olivia swallowed "--was a great guy, but he wasn't the guy I was after. I agreed, though. A week later he admitted that Dave put him up to it, and Mom was almost certainly involved. The three of them made multiple attempts at throwing us together. Hell, Eddie was the only boy Daddy didn't try to scare off." "Wait, so you dated Eddie?" "Not really. It was just two friends hanging out. It happened a few times as Mom, Dad, and Dave kept trying to get us together, but it never stuck. We both thought the other was an incredible person," she paused for a second again, "but there was no; no spark of desire. I mean, yeah, he thought I was pretty, I thought he was handsome, but it just wasn't there." "OK, 'cuz that would have been really weird. Especially if you two had; " "Nope." Olivia said it awfully quick, with a bit of extra color rising in her face. That caused everyone else to lean in. "Girl," was all Shawna said. Olivia rolled her eyes and exhaled hard. "They were trying so hard, and we really liked each other, and we thought maybe if we just tried; but we couldn't kiss without giggling. Like we couldn't bring our lips together we'd bust out laughing first. On the cheek was fine, but lips touching was just too goofy." Olivia stared off into space for a moment. "Okay, there was one time we tried to go all the way. I was over eighteen by then. We each undressed ourselves, but by the time we were both naked, we both had the nervous giggles. On paper, we should have been a great match, but something big was missing." "Oh, I've felt it," Becca said, waving her hand in the air, "I know what the big missing thing was." The whole house cracked up laughing. "Hey, we are talking about my friend here. And he's Dave son, so he was no slouch there. It just wasn't hard. That was a little demoralizing. I'm standing there, naked, tits out, not trying to hide anything, and I was already keeping it trimmed, so it's all out there where he can see it, and he's limp. Full length, but limp. That was a blow to my ego." "Coulda been worse. If you had slept with Eddie ;” A collective shiver ran through the room. "Yeah, yeah that would be weird. I may or may not have gone out the next weekend and found a guy to assuage my hurt ego, though." A few sympathy nods occurred in response. "About two months later, I found another boyfriend, but by then, I knew in my heart I was just biding time 'til I was old enough to pursue Dave. I was over eighteen, of course, but I knew I needed to be a bit older to really get his attention. That relationship eventually petered out, and every guy since has been a month or two fling about twice a year so I don't go crazy." "And now you have your dream guy." Jan supplied. Just then, Reena came out to the arch separating the dining room and living room. "We're starting to bring dishes out to the table. You can start taking seats." Looking at Becca, she added, somewhat resignedly, "Did you tell him yet?" Becca squealed. "I almost forgot! Thank you for reminding me! We were watching MTV earlier, and they're going through a leadership change. Like all the bigwigs got fired, and now they have a new CEO." Dave looked askance. "I haven't been interested in MTV for a few decades, back before they should have stopped using the 'M' if they were being honest." "That's just it though! The new guy has announced they will refocus on music." "But I liked The Real World!" Kareena grumped. Becca stuck her tongue out at Reena, before turning back to Dave. "And you'll never guess who the new head of MTV is!" "I don't follow music industry executives, so no, I really have no idea, who it could be." "But you know this guy," she said with a wide grin. "He's a little white, a little nerdy. He likes polka; " "No. Way." Dave said with a grin on his face. "Weird Al?" Shawna started chuckling. "Seriously?" "Yep! Weird Al Yankovich is the new head of MTV! They're having a grand re-opening Wednesday, noon, Pacific Time. They said there will be themed hours, so certain times will be 80's music, or 90's, or girl-pop, or hard rock, etc." "Wonder if they'll borrow VH1 'Pop-up Video' with the little factoids. That could be a good hour-block too." That's when Lupie appeared to summon them all to the table for dinner. Firmly this time. As dinner wound down, Lupie turned to Becca. "Have you asked him yet?" The little blonde shrunk into herself. "No," she said softly. "Ask me what?" Dave inquired. Reena looked at Becca like she was waiting for her to take the lead, but wouldn't for much longer. Rebecca swallowed hard, inhaled like she was steeling herself, and looked at Dave. "We didn't get a prom. Reena pointed that out last week. And, back then, it wasn't an issue for me. I mean, even without; everything that's going on. But now, it'd be kinda cool. So, um, the others are putting a prom on for us; me and Reena, I mean; so, uh, Dave, would you take me to prom?" Dave was surprised, and a little stunned. "I, uh," he sputtered, until Lupie, Jan, and Shawna fixed him with very determined looks. "Of course. Yes, Rebecca Sampson, I will escort you to prom." The cheers around the table settled after a moment, and attention turned to Reena. She beamed. "Dave, would you take me to prom also?" With a big grin, Dave replied, "Well, I dunno, I already have one prom date ;” his tone was playfully enough to keep most of the panic flutters out of Reena's stomach. "I would happily share a prom date with Reena." Becca interjected. "Then yes, Kareena Agrawal, I will escort you to prom along with Becca." Another round of cheers as both girls laughed. "So, you get a second prom Dave, this time with two hot dates!" Jan teased. Dave looked at her side eyed. "First actually. I wasn't in any kind of social demand in high school." "Wait, you didn't go to prom?" half the ladies exclaimed. Dave scoffed. "It was a social thing. I was a nerd. Okay, I'm still a nerd, don't give me that look. Anyway, I didn't belong at social events. Dances, football games, I didn't go and nobody missed me." "I'm a nerd, and I went to prom, David." Shawna replied. "You're a pretty girl. Boys like to go to dances with pretty girls. Girl nerds still get asked out, especially when they're attractive." No one wanted to ruin the mood by pursuing that line of discussion further, but they all noted an undertone in Dave's comments. October 21, 2020. Dave planted soft kisses on Lupie's shoulder as he drove himself in and out of her hot, wet tunnel. He held her hip with one hand and traced lazy patterns on her abdomen with the other. Lupie's hands rested on the wall as she bent over, pushing her ass out so Dave could pump himself into her sex. They were ten minutes into what was supposed to be a quickie, but both enjoyed the union so much they were subtly stretching out the encounter. Of course, the fact that Esme's room was right next to Dave's office added some need for quiet. And quiet fucks were generally slower. Still, they couldn't take forever. With this many people in the house, no matter how quiet they were, if they kept going, someone would walk in on them. Dave slipped his hand from Lupie's belly up to her tit. He took a firm, possessive grip and rubbed her nipple with his palm and massaging the bulk of her tit with his fingers. Lupie's right hand left the wall and flew to her mouth. Her shoulder braced against the wall, Lupie's eyes rolled back as her torso convulsed. Her low moan of ecstasy was largely stifled by her hand. The undulation of her inner muscles set Dave off, and he fired several ropes of hot cum into her waiting passage. Both stood there for a minute, steadying themselves and luxuriating in the primal satisfaction of the completed act. As Dave softened and slipped out of her, Lupie reached to the side table and grabbed some tissues to catch any leakage. She turned, resting her back against the wall and staring into her lover's eyes. "You know David, tomorrow is the day. Hopefully." Dave looked at her quizzically. "I ovulate tomorrow. I've been tracking it. This time could be the one that gets me pregnant." Dave leaned into Lupie and took her in his arms. A shudder passed through him as he realized he might soon be a father again. A dark, demented voice rose up to remind him just how well that worked out the last time. "Still," Lupie purred with a grin, "I wouldn't mind a second dose tomorrow, just to increase our chances." Dave kissed her slowly on the lips, with no tongue. "Purely for reproductive purposes of course." He added a wink. Lupie hugged him tightly after barking out a short laugh. Then they dressed and she headed back downstairs. Dave opened the new microfridge and pulled out a bottle of water and a pouch of tuna in sunflower oil. Livy and Mel picked up the fridge last week, during the grocery run. The same trip they'd gotten the palmprint secured gunsafe for Livy's headboard. Mel and Reena put it in place while Dave and Liv installed the safe. He guzzled about half the water bottle before setting it down. Then he took his time with the tuna and the other half the bottle. Time enough to mull over his problem. His game might be dead in the water, for good this time. As with so many others, he hadn't heard back from the artists that made the images for him in too damn long. The background artist, Harrison Black, had been incommunicado for months. That may not be an insurmountable problem. There was only one background missing from the scenes he had planned out. Those scenes might be movable to one of the existing settings. Or maybe he could find an artist to make that last image and match Harri's style; but that would be a dicey prospect. As long as he didn't add any new locations, he was good there. But; his character artist was also not responding. His last email two months ago mentioned he was sick. He had finished all of the characters through the last update, but the game had three more characters to complete the cast, and one played a pivotal role in the last two scenes of the pending update. He needed to find a new artist. And negotiate a new contract. For a game whose market may have shrunk drastically. Who the hell would pay money for a game about a guy surviving an apocalypse and fucking hot babes when they're in the middle of an actual apocalypse and every surviving guy had several women addicted to his cum? It was still worth a shot though. After mulling over the wording, Dave opened Discord and navigated to UnVale, the site he'd used before. He found an appropriate thread and started typing. budget: $800 plus 10% of revenue work: headshot and 3d poly-rigged female character, character description (rough physical and detailed personality) provided in further communications. three characters needed. possibly three artists, one per character. Upfront and percentage applied per character. timeline: 6-8weeks Commercial use, erotic game respond by DM please With that done, Dave left the server. There were other things to do. He logged into the email server for Eastfield and checked for messages. His dean emailed with a list of classes for spring semester. Technically, she was offering the list for his approval. Yeah right. She's the dean. Yeah, He'd made full professor rank five years ago, but getting in a pissing match with the dean over class assignments was never a good idea. And she'd never given him reason to anyway. The 'check these to make sure they are right' note always elicited that rebel reaction in him. Interesting. Math department must be shorthanded. Dave had one section of college algebra in addition to two sections of physics. One of those was calc-based, the other algebra & trig based. And then a section of gen ed physical science. That had been awhile, but something he'd done before. He emailed back the list looked fine, but he'd need a copy of the texts for the math and physical science classes, and quickly, so he could start planning. Hard copies if possible. At least a looseleaf version. He tagged in a suggestion they offer an astronomy class or earth science or oceans class. Something more focused that could get the kids attention. Student interest tends to improve student scores, after all. He pointed out with a little review time, he could teach the astronomy or earth science class. If they went with an oceans class, he'd need one of the biology folks to cover the portions of the class on sea life. Ugh. College algebra had some interesting and useful tools but teaching it to a class of mostly 'why do I have to take this'? whiners could make for a demoralizing semester. Well, maybe that would be the plus side of an apocalypse. The survivors might be all that much more desirous to grow and achieve. Okay, plan with positive thoughts. Expect hungry, eager young minds. Or even hungry, eager older minds. And a little bit scared. Some more than others. Lastly, he suggested that whichever of the three they offered should have a field trip component. Now more than ever, it was important to break students out of their doldrums and really see the stuff they talked about in class. "Dave! Dave! Dave!" Becca burst through his office door. "It's on! It's coming on next! Come down!" She gave him a quick kiss on the lips and raced back out. Dave was chuckling by the time she turned around, and rising as she passed the doorframe. He joined her in the living room in short order, without running. Lupie, Liv and Mel were waiting as well. Jan and Esme came out of the library just as Dave hit the bottom of the stairs. "All of you are music video fans?" Dave asked. "Or Weird Al?" He asked with a raised eyebrow. "I'm a you fan, David," Lupie replied, "and a Becca fan. You two are so excited by this, I had to be here to watch." "You exposed me to Weird Al when I was young and impressionable. My interest in him is all your fault." Olivia observed with a smirk. "Hey, I'm just band wagoning here," Melanie chortled. Then Jan chimed in. "This is a cultural event. It would be educational for Esme," she said with a sly grin. The commercial cut away and an aural cascade of celebration sounds issued from the TV. "Hello, all you beautiful people, I'm Martha Quinn, your Video Jockey for this inaugural segment of the renewed Music Television channel. Yes, we are concentrating on music again, and, in honor of the impending Halloween holiday, we have an oldie but a goldie; Michael Jackson's 'Thriller'." The screen cut to the iconic video by the king of pop. The full version. When it ended, Quinn was back. "I get chills from that every time." Martha shook her head, smiling. "Now, with the Thanksgiving holiday not far away, our new CEO has whipped up something to make the meal; just a little extra special." Guitar chords from Eric Clapton's 'Cocaine' start playing. When you eat leftovers, And you're feeling averse, ptomaine Half the room cracked up laughing. Dave didn't hear most the rest of the lyrics, but hell, his family was laughing. And surely the song would play again. It was good to laugh. By the time they settled down, the video was over and Martha Quinn's face stared back at them. "I hope you all enjoined that as much as I did. I'll be back to host 'The '80's Hump Day Show' this evening, but until then my younger colleagues will host shows featuring current, or at least more recent, styles. Our new formatting is geared to exemplify and introduce the unique and wonderful flavors of different eras and genres. We here at MTV would like to foster greater understanding and appreciation between peoples of different generations, so please, at some point during the week, take the time to sit in with us as we cover an era or style you are unfamiliar with and get to know some of the things that make other people in your life tick." Dave couldn't shake the sense that Quinn knew about the Quaranteam serum and was trying to foster connections between partners of well separated age groups, without talking about the serum in even the slightest. Then again, the sentiment had its own value, without the serum issues. October 22, 2020. The doorbell was still an unusual sound to hear these days, even though the house no longer felt like his own pyramid. It definitely wasn't quiet at the moment. House Belsus was in the midst of a round robin Mario Cart championship. Although, this one was a warmup. Shawna wasn't here, so they'd have another contest when the whole house was present. At the moment, Mel and Olivia were frustrated with each other and Esme's otherworldly ability both in the game and playing the two off each other. As the two of them attacked the other, Esme got ahead of them both. Becca was laughing, and well ahead of all three, sailing free and clear of any competitor or trap. Until Esme got a blue shell. Just as it detonated, the doorbell sounded. "I got it!" Reena shouted, leaping to her feet and rushing for the door. Dave rose to follow, but was tackled by Becca, Liv, and Mel. Lupie began to object, since Esme was in the room, but the girls were mostly just hugging, with some kissing. Lips only, no tongue. "Hey, come on! I need to go answer the door," he protested. "Nope," Becca retorted. "Reena hasn't gotten to welcome a new lady to the house yet. And you need to make a proper first impression when she walks in; smothered in adoring women!" Dave rolled his eyes but stopped trying to wiggle free. Lupie and Jan chuckled off to the side. "I heard that from outside." said a voice carrying a tinkle of amusement. All three young ladies scrambled up so Dave could stand and face their newest sister. She stepped forward, offering her hand. "Hi, I'm Vanessa Worton. You must be Dave. You have quite the entourage here." Dave reached his hand out to accept her greeting. Champagne blonde hair; with dark roots; fell from a middle part down the sides of her face to drape a few inches down her shoulders. Round, olive green eyes stared back at Dave from a face balanced between oval and rectangular. The wide smile, with plenty of teeth showing, appeared a mix of forced and natural while her cheeks gathered into pleasant apples above and beside her mouth. Vanessa wore a tight-knit thin teal sweater under a medium beige cardigan. Light tan slacks and slip-on comfortable walking shoes in dappled white and dark grey finished her business casual look. At 5'5" she wasn't exactly short for a woman, but neither was she tall by any stretch. She appeared to be a well-kept late thirties. The skin of her face was supple, but showed signs of experience in life; not all of it positive. Vanessa chuckled. "Well, it's always ego boosting for a man to be speechless upon seeing me. Especially one surrounded by such lovely ladies already." Dave collected himself. "Would you like a seat?" When he saw her noticing the paused game, he added, "We were having a playoff. Although this is really just practice, since Shawna's at work. She'll be home in another hour and a half. That's her usual time, though depending on her shift some days could be earlier or later." "So all of you are into video games?" Vanessa said as she stepped around her large pink rolling suitcase to find a seat. "No, some of us are into video games, and some of us join in for family unity." Lupie rejoined. "I can appreciate that." Vanessa smiled back. "Family sticks together." Her smile looked slightly artificial for a moment. "I like that you all refer to each other as family, rather than a team. It sounds; cozier, comforting. And the whole dogpile thing? Very Norman Rockwell. If Rockwell painted polygamous families," she added with a wide grin. "You must be Lupie," she said approaching the Latina. "I think your letter was the most convincing, and intimidating. I almost passed over Dave so I wasn't getting in the way of, or being overshadowed by, two long term loves." Everyone but Jan, Lupie, and Becca bore puzzled looks. That's when Jan cleared her throat and spoke up. "I was contacted the end of last week to type up a short mention of my time here, my thoughts, and such. I sent that in Sunday night." "I got mine in yesterday." Lupie said. "Me too," said Becca. "It was interesting getting three uniquely different people saying slightly different things that all painted the same picture." Vanessa walked back to Dave. "You're an interesting guy David Belsus." Dave looked slightly uncomfortable by instinct, but quickly applied some of the confidence he'd been gaining or faking. "You seem to have me at a disadvantage, Ms. Worton." "Vanessa. Or preferably, Nessa. Given how; close we are going to be." She flashed him a playfully wicked smile. Dave was getting enough practice now to see beneath the surface. Under the playfully strong woman exterior was a deep current of uncertainty, even nervousness. "I have professional reasons to be here as well. I'm a realtor, so I'm involved in the re-housing project going on. If I hadn't matched to you, I would have been by to visit sometime next week, but as it is, I'd like to start that conversation now, lay out the parameters for all of you and after I wake up from imprinting we can talk about what you; well, what we want," she ended with a grin. "Sounds good," Dave replied. "Re-housing, huh? Are we really supposed to wind up with many more ladies in the house?" "I don't know any more than you've been told, really, but I've seen some families much bigger. Most seem to be heading that direction though. The metroplex - all of North Texas - got hit hard, David." She paused. "Harder than some other areas because of all the deniers. I don't know the numbers, since I'm not involved in that work, but we have a lot fewer men here. We also had a higher loss of women, but not nearly to the same degree as the increased loss of men. Only a few of the women are interested in re-locating, so families here will likely be bigger than families in California or New England; on average anyway." "That's how it's been before all this though too." "Well, yeah," she said with a chuckle. Then she cleared her throat and seemed to settle into a 'professional' facial set. "To ease the logistical load for utilities and other services, the government is encouraging folks to gather into consolidated neighborhoods or downtown living areas. They mostly want people to live in multi-use towers. Basically, skyscrapers with stores and service shops on the bottom floor or two, and residential spaces above. Each family would have one entire floor. A large family might get two floors." "I would rather not live in a high-rise." Dave kept his tone neutral and even, in a way that suggested much more passion behind the sentiment than that actually expressed. "Well that brings us to the communities being formed. Some are on cul-de-sacs with enlarged houses. And the cul-de-sacs are clustered. There are some that have semi-circle roads with houses on the outer edge and a park or shops in the middle. The smaller ones of those are also clustered." "Of course, the Las Colinas and South Lake folks already have their gated communities. They may bring a few others in to occupy a house that was already empty, or vacated by a; casualty, but mostly, they are 'keeping to their own'. I wouldn't expect you; us; to get in there." "Not sure I'd want to." That earned a few nods. "There are a variety of sizes in the midrange communities. Those also vary by amenities in the house. Some houses in the same community have different amenities, inside or outside. In fact some of the nicer communities in the midrange are; choosy, so, again, they could be hard to get into." Dave, Lupie and Liv just shrugged. "Now, generally speaking, the communities will be mixed so there is, as best as possible, a cross section of races, political views, and interests in each community. The intent is to hopefully negate the polarization we've all seen increasing over the past twenty years." All of the older members of the family nodded. Everyone old enough to watch the news knew exactly what she was talking about. "But, there will be some; themed communities. In the Mesquite area, there will be a community of multiple cul-de-sacs near a stables." "And a country bar?" asked Reena, teasingly. "Please," Dave rejoined, "Mesquite is for ropers. They wear bright colored boots and never rode a horse. They drive lift kit pickups without a single scratch in the bed. A whole community of truck balls, rattails and mullets." He paused for a second. "Actually, that's not a bad idea. I could do with never seeing another mullet or rattail." "Or a lift kit." "Or truck balls." "I'll scratch Mesquite off the list of possible destinations for this team. Um, family," Vanessa corrected. "What about Park Cities area?" Dave looked at her balefully. He started ticking off on his fingers, "I make less than six figures, I do not own a tux; and only one suit; and I have no idea what to do with my pinkie finger when drinking tea or coffee." All of the ladies giggled. "Worse," he made quote fingers in the air, "Lupie is Hispanic, Jan is Korean, and Shawna, who's at work at the moment, is black. Not exactly a picture of Park Cities demographics." Vanessa looked like she was about to object, but held off. He wasn't wrong. Changing the topic, she said, "So, all we really need right now is to think about what spaces you will want, and what spaces you will need. Do you need an office? Do any of the women need one as well? Can those be combined?" "That could wind up as an excuse to visit with you more often during the day," Mel asserted. Reena and Becca giggled. Esme hadn't left the room, so she slightly veiled her meaning. "I will need a separate office. Sometimes I just need to focus. Besides, having my own office hasn't stopped y'all from making 'visits' during the day." Lupie blushed at the implication. She wasn't the only one though, just the most recent. "But Dave, I might need some math help," Becca pleaded. Vanessa looked slightly amused while the others laughed. The tale had been shared around. "I should never have told you that story," Dave said with narrow eyes and pursed lips. Though there was a twinkle in his eye and his lips curled up at the corners. "So, something for you ladies to share with me later, I take it?" Dave threw his hands in the air theatrically. "I'm surrounded." "Well, Dave, that's how; " Liv cut herself off as she remembered Esme was still in the room. Esme rolled her eyes. "Do I need to leave?" "No, you do not." Dave replied. "We will watch ourselves. This conversation is one you should have some input on. You might not get what you ask for, but at least I'd like to hear your preferences as much as anyone else's." Vanessa nodded, looking at Lupie. "Yup, just like you said." Lupie blushed. At Dave's reaction, Nessa looked to him and added, "All good things, all good things." "Olaf!" Esme cried. "You should be Olaf for Halloween. That's next week right?! We're doing something for it, right Da- uh, Dave?" Dave did not miss what Esme almost said. If she finished the original word, he might have lost it altogether. As it was, he managed to maintain his composure. He wasn't the only one. Lupie looked ready to bust with joy. Nessa bore a knowing grin that matched the others around the room. The shaky breath he took to steady himself was all they needed to confirm the impact the verbal slip had on him. In their eyes, he could see that for some, it was the reaction they needed him to have. Well, one more proof they all matched well. His natural reactions were what they wanted. Sometimes, anyway. "I think I just ovulated." Livy muttered. "What was that?" Dave asked. "Nothing darling, nothing at all," the busty brunette replied with a mild blush. The cackling of half the room did not help deter attention. "Maybe we should just get back to the discussion topic," Dave said with a wry grin. "Esme, any thoughts?" "Adults are crazy." Vanessa and a few others laughed. Dave just stared at Esme, a slight grin on his face and one raised eyebrow. Esme giggled. "Okay, I'd like a big backyard, a pool and an indoor play space that can also be an art room." Then, with an impish smile she added, "And a pony." "Ponies do not come with a house." Dave observed wryly. "The pool idea is a good one. If there's no community pool close by, that is. I mean, having one in the backyard would be great, but so long as it's easy to get to, a shared pool will do nicely. Is that doable, Nessa?" "Absolutely. Most of the communities either have a pool space already built, or have one planned. Some of the houses have backyard pools." She cleared her throat. "Though, none of the houses have enough yard space for a horse." She winked at Esme. "But two communities are reasonably close to riding stables with lots of pastureland." Dave chuckled and shook his head. "And let's list the art, craft and play space as a want, not a need, but a really want. An indoor space like that could be very handy when the weather sucks. It could also work as a classroom. After all, you can do a lot of science with craft supplies." Esme groaned and slapped her forehead. " That's my signal to leave. Besides, I still have a geography assignment to work on. Let me know when you're ready to finish the game." She slipped out to the library. Vanessa looked at Lupie. "She's adorable." "Thank you. She's also a handful." "I can see that." Vanessa replied. "Doesn't stop me from wanting one. Not right away, I mean, but, sometime in this coming year, I want to start trying." She turned to Dave as she said this. "Is that a problem?" "No. Not at all. We haven't talked about timing or anything, but I'd like to have kids with each of you. At least, I think you all want kids. If I'm wrong, let me know." All the ladies nodded, some adding a few words to express their interest. "Timing is the issue, though. We don't want the whole house pregnant at once. And some have college to complete and careers to establish." "Anyone trying now? If it's not too personal." Lupie raised her hand. "You're family now, or soon will be. It's not too personal. We hadn't said anything yet, but we are trying." The others squealed happily and rushed to hug her. "I think the conversation just came to an end," Dave observed. "That's ok, the main need for tonight was to get you all thinking about what you want. By early next week we should get together and nail down a specific list of needs and wants." She shifted in her seat. "Speaking of which, I'd like to wait until after dinner, maybe an hour after. I'd prefer to have dinner first and give it time to settle." "That's perfectly understandable. We can talk again just before. I'll; " "I am sure of my decision. But that's ok, feel free to ask again later for your peace of mind." At Dave's puzzled look, she explained, "Lupie and Jan mentioned you would be concerned about my comfort level with this decision." Her eyes twinkled. "Your ladies know you, David. I'm looking forward to being here." Dinner was a simple, quick affair of burgers, mac n' cheese from scratch and steamed green beans. Lupie and Mel offered to make something a bit more exciting, but Vanessa insisted quicker was preferred. They smiled and got busy in the kitchen. Nessa recognized Shawna as soon as she entered the living room. She didn't fawn over the local celebrity, exactly, but it took her a minute to adjust. After dinner was a slow time of conversations in pairs and triples. Nessa spent a lot of time listening but shared a few things about herself with the family. Eventually, she gave Dave a look that he was becoming accustomed to. He rose, approached her, and offered his hand. She took his hand and rose to stand beside him. The two ascended the stairs together. Everyone watched but said nothing. There were a few grins exchanged. When they entered the bedroom and shut the door, Vanessa turned to him, pulling herself close and burying her face in his chest. Then she looked up, meeting his questioning eyes. "I want this David. I want to be a part of the family you have here. I want to be with you. I talked with the others downstairs. I know you like to take your time. This isn't your first imprinting though, so you know I won't; get there except at the priming and imprinting; surges. I'll enjoy the efforts, but don't spend too much time on it, it will just be frustrating for me. So, show me your kind, attentive side, but don't overexert yourself on it, ok? Save it for one of the others this evening." Dave stroked her back gently and kissed her forehead. Nessa raised up on her toes and kissed him full on the lips. She hummed when he responded. They took their time, reveling in the closeness. She could feel in his body the desire to give her an emotional bond before the physical one, but the serum did not permit that. Still, that he wanted to do that for her bode well for a future together. The kiss grew more intense. Hands roamed from the 'safe' areas towards the more stimulating parts of the partner's body. Dave and Nessa's breathing increased in unison. That was the best part. That the person getting you all excited was just as excited as you. The hunger in their eyes rebounded, building in power like a laser. The frantic energy powered their hands as they tore at each other's clothes. They were stripped bare in short order, at nearly the same moment. Dave put an arm around her back and began kissing her again, turning himself one quarter away and walking toward the bed. As they arrived, she crawled quickly up the bed, turning on to her back and laying her head on a pillow as she reached the headboard. Dave gazed at her as he drew himself up on the bed with Nessa. Her body was smooth and lovely, well maintained, but not young anymore. Quite alluring. Neither washboard abs nor a paunch. Smooth, medium sized tits with a natural sag, medium brown areolas a bit larger than a half-dollar coin, and nipples slightly smaller than a pencil eraser that were fully erect. Below, her bush was neatly trimmed away from her vulva, which was clearly engorged with arousal as her inner petals flowered themselves outward, her outer lips parted slightly, just barely exposing the tip of her clitoris. Her face had dropped any sense of demur acceptance. She needed him. It was time, she was his and he was hers, for this moment. Dave crawled between her legs and positioned himself over her. He lowered himself enough to make contact over much of their bodies, without resting his weight fully on her. His erection sandwiched between them. He lay soft, gentle, languorous kisses on her forehead, cheeks and lips. She hummed her approval. As his kisses proceeded down her neck to her clavicle, her breathing picked up again. Her pelvis rubbed against him, seeking what only he could give her, seeking the fullness she needed to feel. Dave kept kissing and progressing down to her tits, kissing the yielding flesh there as she began to whimper. The yearning radiated from her in palpable waves. Dave repositioned his face to Nessa's, with his hips arched over her core. She steadied her tumultuous hunger, recognizing his preparation. Dave moved slowly until the tip of his organ rested against her wet, open entrance. He thrust forward, smoothly, firmly, penetrating her depths with half of his length over the course of several seconds. Vanessa responded with a cross between a groan and a cry, clutching him tightly with her hands on his shoulder blades. He pulled back out, eliciting a brief whimper until he thrust full length into her, which earned him a moan of pleasure. Her enthusiasm brought Dave quickly to the point of leaking precum, which had the expected effect the moment the fluid made contact with her velvety interior. Dave held her through her serum induced ecstasy. As she settled, she wrapped her arms around his back and looked into his eyes. He kissed her again as he began thrusting once more. Then he lowered his lips to her ear. "You're mine now Nessa. No other man may touch you." She gasped, excited. "Mine to take care of." He felt her shuddered beneath him. "Mine to enjoy." He felt her inner muscles flex and grasp his thrusting cock. "All mine. Your heart." "Yes." "Your mind." "Yes." "Your body." "Yes." "and your will." He thrust deep, holding himself there and working his hips to strike all of her inner surfaces. "Yes! Please David, please more!" Dave began thrusting with more vigor, pounding her sex with his own. Pummeling her interior as she writhed in her enjoyment of his actions. Her hips rolled and bucked. Her hands clutched and groped on his back; and her eyes. Her eyes implored him to take her like a beast. His breathing ragged, he savaged her lower body, stoking his own fires as surely as hers. So lost he was in the primal act, he never noticed his own building arousal until he'd fired off a few spurts into her, arresting her cries of pleasure and replacing them with a primal scream and orgasmic spasms which ended with her flopping to the bed in a naked heap. "Imprinting; imprinting; imprinting ;” October 23, 2020. With the exception of Shawna, who was gone for work, the entire house devoted all of Friday to prom preparation. Lupie went to the store and picked up a few items she'd held off getting until day-of. On her return, she immediately lay into her prep work, getting the cold appetizers ready. Melanie came in to help in the early afternoon, once she had finished curating the song lists. She was the designated DJ for the evening. Becca and Reena both spent time with her a few days prior, nailing down what they wanted to listen to during dinner and dance to after. Liv and Janice were the decorating committee. They left the living room re-arrangement for last, starting that after Dave and the girls went to upstairs to dress. During the day, they set up the unused bedroom as a hotel room. It was close enough to the upstairs bathroom not to break the illusion. And it was well away from Esme's room. Esme was instructed to use the master bathroom from bedtime until after breakfast. By early afternoon, Becca and Reena retreated to the master bathroom to do their hair and nails. Reena did Becca's nails, and then her own. Once that cycle was done, she did Becca's hair and guided Becca through the steps for doing Reena's. Each girl did her own makeup, though Reena added a few touches to Becca's. Vanessa awoke by lunch time. She was tickled when Dave asked her to help out. He wanted a bit more dance practice. Dave was not a dancer. Mel and Olivia gave him some practice, about an hour or so each, on separate days earlier in the week. Those sessions went about how'd you'd expect. Started off with some innocuous club dancing, progressed into something steamy, and wound up in the horizontal mambo. On the plus side, each coed got her dose before prom night. By mutual acclamation, prom night was exclusively for Reena and Becca, and Dave reserved himself during the day as well. With Vanessa, he practiced a few more sedate dance styles, and a couple of the club moves, without the steamy stuff. She was still a bit sore from the vigor of last night. Although, she said so with a smile. Shawna took an early shift that day and arrived home shortly after Dave and Vanessa wrapped up their dance practice. Shawna first changed into an orange halter dress before taking possession of Dave, hauling him off to their tv room where his clothes were laid out. Nessa went downstairs to help Liv and Janice move the living room furniture to the borders of the room, leaving a respectable dance space in the middle. Once Dave and Shawna were both convinced his suit was laying perfectly, with no lint, and all the colors just right, they descended to the living room to wait with the others. Dave initially proposed he come to the master bedroom door and escort each girl downstairs, but they decided they would rather make their entrance on the stairwell, letting everyone, including Dave, see them as they came down. They drew straws to decide order, only to find out that Reena was drawing to go last and Becca was drawing to go first. A bit more communication would have saved them the whole drawing process and the debate on whether to draw straws or flip a coin, or rock-paper-scissors. The other ladies were dressed nice, but not prom nice. Lupie was looking lovely in her dark blue sundress with 2" (~5cm) diameter white polka dots. Mel & Liv wore 'club wear'. For Mel that meant 'liquid look' black pants and a tight white crop top showing a modest amount of midriff. For Liv it was tight jeans and a frilly blue blouse showing modest cleavage. Janice wore a red cocktail dress with her left shoulder exposed, a skirt that hugged her hips gently and fell past her knees. Nessa borro

MobileViews.com Podcast
MobileViews 589: Apple & Google best of 2025 apps; fav 2025 gadgets; guest Sven Johannsen

MobileViews.com Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2025 45:25


In this episode, Jon Westfall and I are joined by frequent guest panelist Sven Johannsen. We dive into the end-of-year wrap-ups: We discuss Apple's 2025 App Store Awards, with Jon noting that he uses award-winner Strava—though primarily on the Apple Watch rather than its main platform. The conversation also covers Google Play's Best of 2025 (spanning apps, books, and games) and the latest YouTube End-of-Year Recap. On the hardware front, the rumor mill is spinning regarding an Apple HomePod with a screen (potentially the "HomePod Touch"), with speculation pointing toward an 11-inch display. The hosts compare smart display pricing, weighing the Echo Show 11” ($194-$219) against the Pixel Tablet and Dock bundle ($250 + $129). Sven's new accessories are also highlighted, including the DJI Mic Mini at a competitive $80 and the new clip and card versions of Pebblebee Trackers. Todd's Segment features the Goovis G3 Max headset, praised for its individual diopter adjustment that allows eyeglass wearers to use the device without custom prescription lenses. The show wraps up with a mention of the Google Pixel 10 Pro and its headline feature: 100x ProRes zoom.

Desde el reloj
Primeras impresiones del Echo Show 11

Desde el reloj

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2025 16:06


Un marco de fotos, una pequeña televisión, una central domótica y un altavoz… esto no son 4 dispositivos separados, si no uno solo. Hablo del nuevo Echo Show 11 de Amazon, cuyas primeras impresiones están siendo buenas, aunque ya tiene algún pero que otro.

YourTechReport
Alexa Plus Arrives in Canada with Smarter AI and Real-World Actions

YourTechReport

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2025 13:12


Alexa Plus is now available in Canada. This episode breaks down how Amazon's new AI assistant changes everyday tasks, smart home control, privacy management, and accessibility for Canadians.Marc sits down with Allison Siperco, Country Manager for Alexa Canada, to explore the next generation of Amazon's assistant. Alexa Plus brings a smarter, more conversational AI that can understand casual speech, take action in the real world, and simplify daily routines without needing a phone.Allison explains how Alexa Plus can build routines through natural conversation, manage schedules from emails and screenshots, control smart home devices with simple phrases, and help parents keep track of busy households. She also details how the assistant improves accessibility with features like SightWise, which helps identify items and read packaging through the Echo Show camera.This episode also covers privacy controls built into Alexa Plus, how the wake word triggers listening, device compatibility, early access in Canada, and why the new Echo devices are optimized for the updated experience.Listeners will hear real examples that show how Alexa Plus can help Canadians stay organized, automate their home, and access information more easily. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Grumpy Old Geeks
717: Quantum of Nope

Grumpy Old Geeks

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2025 56:52


The Dutch courts finally did something useful: they told Meta to quit force-feeding algorithmic slop to everyone, so Facebook and Instagram users might actually see posts from friends again—if they can remember who those are. Meanwhile, OpenAI's Sora 2 rollout is the kind of chaos that makes you wonder if the company replaced QA with a TikTok filter, as outrage videos flood the internet faster than you can say “deepfake meltdown.” Apple banned ICEBlock for being too effective while ICE now wants its own social media surveillance tool—one that OpenAI shut down when Chinese accounts tried to build it. California's hammering Tesla for its abysmal insurance claims handling, OpenAI is gobbling up chunks of AMD, and consultants got caught using ChatGPT to fake reports before proudly partnering with Anthropic, who just landed Deloitte as its latest “enterprise AI” victim. Elsewhere in this circus: a Florida teen asked ChatGPT how to kill his friend, Taylor Swift fans are furious her new promo video used AI slop (“too rich to be this cheap”), and Apple's “Find My” led cops to a mountain of smuggled iPhones.In Media Candy, Brian's stunned The Diplomat scored a third season, The Long Walk is being pitched as Stand By Me meets Squid Game, California finally bans loud streaming commercials, and Amazon censored Bond posters to remove guns because apparently irony is dead. AI “musicians” are signing record deals while Zelda Williams begs people to stop resurrecting her dad with deepfake garbage. In Apps & Doodads, Jony Ive's OpenAI gadget is delayed (good), Rivian insists we'll “appreciate” not having CarPlay (we won't), Spotify and ChatGPT are teaming up to read your soul through playlists, and Jason warns everyone that the Echo Show is basically an ad-spewing parasite. Apple's now facing a cybercrime probe in France for Siri's wiretapping habits, and if you're nostalgic for simpler times, ioquake3 will let you relive Quake III Arena glory on a modern rig. At the Library, Peter Cawdron's Dark Beauty: First Contact belly-flops as a Slaughterhouse-Five tribute, while Cory Doctorow's Enshittification nails exactly why everything sucks—even if his fixes are pure science fiction.Sponsors:CleanMyMac - clnmy.com/GrumpyOldGeeks - Use code OLDGEEKS for 20% off.Private Internet Access - Go to GOG.Show/vpn and sign up today. For a limited time only, you can get OUR favorite VPN for as little as $2.03 a month.SetApp - With a single monthly subscription you get 240+ apps for your Mac. Go to SetApp and get started today!!!1Password - Get a great deal on the only password manager recommended by Grumpy Old Geeks! gog.show/1passwordShow notes at https://gog.show/717FOLLOW UPDutch court orders Meta to change its Facebook and Instagram timelinesOpenAI's Sora 2 Already Melting Down Into Outrageous DramaIN THE NEWSApple removes ICEBlock from the App Store after Trump administration's demandICE is planning to create a surveillance team that hunts for leads on social mediaOpenAI has disrupted (more) Chinese accounts using ChatGPT to create social media surveillance toolsCalifornia regulators threaten to revoke Tesla's insurance license for mishandling claimsOpenAI Gobbles Up a Stake in AMD as Its Spending Spree Shows No Sign of StoppingConsultants Forced to Pay Money Back After Getting Caught Using AI for Expensive “Report”Anthropic lands its biggest enterprise deployment ever with Deloitte dealTeen Arrested After Asking ChatGPT How to Kill His Friend, Police SayTaylor Swift Fans Furious as She's Caught Using Sloppy AI in Video for New AlbumApple's ‘Find My' Leads Cops to Cache of Thousands of Smuggled iPhonesMEDIA CANDYThe DiplomatThe Long WalkCalifornia bans loud commercials on streaming platformsAmazon Pulls Censored Bond Posters After Pulling the Guns From ThemMore AI artists are starting to get record dealsRobin Williams' daughter pleads for people to stop sending AI videos of her dadAPPS & DOODADSOpenAI's first device with Jony Ive could be delayed due to 'technical issues'Rivian says ‘customers will appreciate' lack of CarPlay eventuallySpotify and ChatGPT Team Up for Personalized Music and Podcast RecommendationsDon't buy an Echo Show (you can have mine)Apple faces cybercrime investigation in France after Siri complaintioquake3AT THE LIBRARYDark Beauty: First Contact by Peter CawdronEnshittification: Why Everything Suddenly Got Worse and What to Do About It by Cory DoctorowSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Double Tap Canada
Uber's ADA Lawsuit & Amazon's New Smart Home Tech

Double Tap Canada

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2025 56:00


Amazon has unveiled its 2025 autumn hardware lineup, featuring the new Echo Dot Max, Echo Studio, and updated Echo Show 8 and 11, alongside upgraded Ring and Blink cameras. Discover how Alexa Plus (Lady A+), enhanced audio, and AI-powered features are reshaping smart homes.Steven Scott and Shaun Preece, joined by David Ward from the Echo Tips podcast, dive into everything from Amazon's new Echo speakers to the latest Fire TV OS, Ring camera upgrades, and the upcoming Alexa Plus rollout. The conversation covers: The debut of the Echo Dot Max with dual speakers and richer bass. A redesigned Echo Studio with Dolby Atmos and multi-speaker home theatre pairing. Frustrations around Alexa Plus remaining US-only at launch. Ring's new Search Party feature for finding lost pets and familiar face recognition. Fire TV's Vega OS for faster, more accessible streaming and home theatre setups. The hosts also tackle the ongoing Uber ADA lawsuit with insights from journalist Shelly Brisbin, exploring the challenges disabled riders face and the legal implications for gig platforms.Relevant LinksEcho Tips Podcast: https://echotipspodcast.com Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap Website---Follow on:YouTube: https://www.doubletaponair.com/youtubeX (formerly Twitter): https://www.doubletaponair.com/xInstagram: https://www.doubletaponair.com/instagramTikTok: https://www.doubletaponair.com/tiktokThreads: https://www.doubletaponair.com/threadsFacebook: https://www.doubletaponair.com/facebookLinkedIn: https://www.doubletaponair.com/linkedin Subscribe to the Podcast:Apple: https://www.doubletaponair.com/appleSpotify: https://www.doubletaponair.com/spotifyRSS: https://www.doubletaponair.com/podcastiHeadRadio: https://www.doubletaponair.com/iheart About Double TapHosted by the insightful duo, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece, Double Tap is a treasure trove of information for anyone who's blind or partially sighted and has a passion for tech. Steven and Shaun not only demystify tech, but they also regularly feature interviews and welcome guests from the community, fostering an interactive and engaging environment. Tune in every day of the week, and you'll discover how technology can seamlessly integrate into your life, enhancing daily tasks and experiences, even if your sight is limited. "Double Tap" is a registered trademark of Double Tap Productions Inc. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Desde el reloj
Amazon presenta su renovado Echo Show 11 y más

Desde el reloj

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2025 13:46


Tal y como estaba anunciado, Amazon ha celebrado un evento de hardware en el que ha desvelado nuevos productos. Ya conocemos los renovados Echo Show; las nuevas cámaras de Ring y Blink; el nuevo Kindle Scribe a color; y un nuevo Fire TV. Te resumo en evento.

Sag was! Interview
Sag was! Geektalk

Sag was! Interview

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2025 54:06


Deutschlands langsame Behörden Irgendwie schient Windenergie immer noch nicht sonderlich beliebt zu sein. Mal klagen Anwohner, Bayern hat sich mit seinen 10H aus der Affäre gezogen und die Behörden sind auch nicht immer die schnellsten. Dagegen wird jetzt mal geklagt. Die Spinne ist zurück Sonys Exklusivserie Spider-Man von Insoniac geht nach Miles Morales in die offizielle 2. Runde. Warum Spider-Man 2 eines der besten Games 2023 ist, erzählt Euch Matze. Grafik, Spielbarkeit, Inszenierung und Geschichte sind der Hammer! Dungenkeeper ist zurück Das Original Spiel ist von 1997, seit 2016 wird an einem Remake gearbeitet. Jetzt ist es soweit und man kann KeeperFX 1.0 downloaden und spielen. Es ist aber mehr als nur ein Port. Das Spielt wurde quasi komplett neu geschrieben. Unmöglich! An der Kinokasse war Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning 1 nicht so erfolgreich. Nun soll es das Heimkino lösen und Matze war auch nicht 100% überzeugt. Nine to five Weil es so gut ist, gibt es nochmal nen Track vom neuen JuseJu Album. Nine to Five is ne gute Kritik am Arbeitsalltag in Deutschland. Squid Game in echt? Noch was, was zurück ist. Nämlich Squid Game – allerdings nicht mit Staffel 2 sondern als echtes Spiel mit echten Kandidaten. Nur ohne echtes sterben. Romanverfilmung Sebastian Fitzek ist einer der erfolgreichsten deutschen Autoren. Sein erster Roman „Die Therapie“ wurde nun von Amazon Prime Video in einer 6 teiligen Serie verarbeitet. Sehr gelungen, wie Matze findet. Amazon trennt sich von Android Vielleicht wussten das viele von euch nicht, aber die Basis für viele smarte Geräte von Amazon war in der Tat Android (Fire OS basiert darauf). Nun soll hier auf ein eigenes System gesetzt werden. Das erste Gerät mit dem neuen OS könnte der Echo Show 5 der dritten Generation sein. Wir sind gespannt, ob der Wechsel klappt und wie sich das auf die Appverfügbarketi auswirkt. Natürlich wird auch spannend, wie es dann mit dem Support der alten Geräte aussieht. Die Nasa streamt nun auch Ein Streaming Service muss das + im Namen haben: so auch Nasa+, der neue gestartete Service der amerikanischen Raumfahrtbehörde. Dokus über unser Universum, Raktenstarts und Missionen sollen die Werbetrommel für die Behörde rühren.

Design Better Podcast
Jae Park: Designing a new generation of vehicles at Ford, and why friction matters in the creative process

Design Better Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2025 47:19


Visit our Substack for bonus content and more: https://designbetterpodcast.com/p/jae-park As designers and creatives, many of us spent years of our career looking at blank canvases and attempting to find the best place to start solving the problems in front of us. Now that AI can churn out designs and imagery, not to mention writing, video, and even music in seconds, what are we losing from the friction that is being removed from the creative process? Our guest today, Jae Park, VP of Digital Product Design at Ford's Electric Vehicle Digital Design division, posed this question to us. Jae previously led design teams at Microsoft, Amazon, and Google—companies that epitomize the "move fast and break things" mentality of Silicon Valley. But he questions whether our obsession with speed is actually how we want to live. We talk with Jae about the "valley" between disruptions, why Ford's pivot to affordable EVs matters for American manufacturing, how Gen Alpha will reshape our expectations of vehicles, and why the Socratic method might be more important than any design tool in the age of AI. Jae also discusses what might be his most complex challenge yet: helping a 120-year-old automotive icon compete in an era where, as he puts it, "the phone and the car are becoming the same thing"—at least in rapidly evolving markets like China. Bio Jae Park is a design leader with a track record of building teams and driving innovation at the intersection of business, technology, and human needs. At Ford's EVDD group, he leads cross-functional designers shaping the company's digital product strategy to make mobility a fundamental right while advancing sustainability. His career includes inspiring new ways of working at Google, creating the award-winning Metro design system at Microsoft, and leading the invention of Amazon's Echo Show, which defined a new multimodal product category. Guided by a belief that innovation begins with people, Jae's leadership style emphasizes curiosity, collaboration, and empowerment. He nurtures diverse teams of designers and technologists, ensuring they have the perspective and support to create products that serve humanity and improve the world at scale. *** Visiting the links below is one of the best ways to support our show: Saily: Saily solves the hassle of staying connected while traveling by offering affordable, data-only eSIM plans that activate seamlessly when you arrive—no physical SIM swap needed. Plus, it layers in built-in security features like ad blocking, web protection, and virtual location for safer browsing on the go. Download their app on your phone and you can buy an eSIM before you fly so you're connected the minute you land. And if you're traveling between countries, you only need one eSIM. You can get a global or a regional plan and travel with the same eSIM plan. Get an exclusive 15% discount on your first Saily data plans! Use code DESIGNBETTER at checkout. Download Saily app or go to ⁠https://saily.com/designbetter⁠

Echo Tips
Episode 359 A-Lady Plus - Using Classic Skills and Common Bugs

Echo Tips

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2025 23:26


In this episode we highlight a trick to opening classic skills with A-Lady Plus, which at times might struggle. Also we look at a number of Audio Bugs, present across several Echo product lines. Oh, an did I mention the Echo Show 8 is a hot mess using Alexa Plus!

Hoje no TecMundo Podcast
VAZOU! iPhone 17 com Design POLÊMICO! Musk lança Grok 4; Tarifa de Trump mira Brasil e mais!

Hoje no TecMundo Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2025 14:42


iPhone 17 vaza com visual totalmente diferente; Trump mira Brasil com tarifa de 50% e investigação sobre ataques digitais, tensão comercial pode ameaçar a tecnologia e os meios digitais no Brasil? Nova versão de malware com backdoor integrado deixa milhares de Macs em risco, Musk lança Grok 4 e lança nova assinatura de mais de R$ 1,6 mil e Nvidia se torna a 1ª empresa com valor de mercado de US$ 4 trilhões.

Double Tap Canada
Your Feedback: App Recommendations, Android Accessibility & Rude People

Double Tap Canada

Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 57:22


It's Shaun Preece's birthday, and while gifts may be off the table, the jokes definitely aren't. Steven and Shaun tackle listener questions ranging from Echo and Sonos setups to whether the Echo Show 8 can automatically show your Blink Doorbell feed. They also revisit the infamous Be My Eyes live video demo and explain why OpenAI's rollout delays are holding back features the community craves.There's discussion around Seeing AI vs. Gemini for CD identification, a shoutout to the queen of iOS Shortcuts, Rosemary Orchard, and a strong recommendation for the budgeting app YNAB. On the Android front, they talk Gemini's growing usefulness, the flexibility of TalkBack 16, and why Steven might be falling back in love with Google's platform.Listeners share frustrations, app picks, tech hacks, and awkward public interactions—like when someone gave listener Eleanor travel directions to a guide dog.Thanks to Turtleback Low Vision for sponsoring this episode of Double Tap. As a thank you to the Double Tap community, Turtleback is offering 12% off your entire order with promo code DT12. Visit https://www.turtlebacklv.com to shop the full lineup!Chapters00:00 - Introduction00:27 - It's Shaun's Birthday!02:21 - Amos Miller From Glidance Joins Us Tomorrow05:30 - Listener: Camille on playing Amazon Echo through Sonos speakers08:01 - Listener: Amanda on using Seeing AI to read CDs17:35 - Listener: Juan wants his Blink doorbell to appear on his Echo Show20:39 - Listener: Negative Julian on Android updates27:18 - Sponsor: Turtleback27:56 - Subscribe to the Double Tap newsletter32:21 - Listener: Trevor on using his Yeti mug44:46 - Listener: Chanelle's app review of You Need A Budget53:51 - Listener: David on caring for the cane55:14 - Listener: Eleanor on dealing with the public Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap Website---Follow on:YouTube: https://www.doubletaponair.com/youtubeX (formerly Twitter): https://www.doubletaponair.com/xInstagram: https://www.doubletaponair.com/instagramTikTok: https://www.doubletaponair.com/tiktokThreads: https://www.doubletaponair.com/threadsFacebook: https://www.doubletaponair.com/facebookLinkedIn: https://www.doubletaponair.com/linkedin Subscribe to the Podcast:Apple: https://www.doubletaponair.com/appleSpotify: https://www.doubletaponair.com/spotifyRSS: https://www.doubletaponair.com/podcastiHeadRadio: https://www.doubletaponair.com/iheart About Double TapHosted by the insightful duo, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece, Double Tap is a treasure trove of information for anyone who's blind or partially sighted and has a passion for tech. Steven and Shaun not only demystify tech, but they also regularly feature interviews and welcome guests from the community, fostering an interactive and engaging environment. Tune in every day of the week, and you'll discover how technology can seamlessly integrate into your life, enhancing daily tasks and experiences, even if your sight is limited. "Double Tap" is a registered trademark of Double Tap Productions Inc.

Double Tap Canada
Meta's Look and Tell Confusion, Gemini's Win & The Sunglasses Debate

Double Tap Canada

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2025 56:00


In this episode of Double Tap, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece serve up an energetic mix of tech talk, personal stories, and powerful listener feedback. They dive into the practical use of AI-powered glasses, from Meta's delayed UK rollout of Look and Tell to Google Gemini's hands-on advantages for blind users. You'll hear real-world insights on using tools like the Ember Mug, Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses, and high-speed networking with a Mac Studio.Steven shares his unexpected enthusiasm for Android and Samsung's Galaxy S25, praising Gemini Vision for helping him understand networking hardware. Meanwhile, Shaun provides a healthy dose of skepticism over Meta's software glitches and regional rollout inconsistencies.Listeners also join the conversation with personal perspectives on the ongoing “blind uniform” debate surrounding sunglasses and canes. From UK pubs to Canadian classrooms, visually impaired listeners share what visibility means to them—and how society reacts. There's even time for a quick dive into Mr. Magoo, Sonos speaker issues, and Bluetooth lag frustration.Get in touch with Double Tap by emailing us feedback@doubletaponair.com or by call 1-877-803-4567 and leave us a voicemail. You can also now contact us via Whatsapp on 1-613-481-0144 or visit doubletaponair.com/whatsapp to connect. We are also across social media including X, Mastodon and Facebook. Double Tap is available daily on AMI-audio across Canada, on podcast worldwide and now on YouTube.Relevant Links:Ember Mug: https://ember.comMeta Ray-Ban Smart Glasses: https://www.meta.com/smart-glassesGoogle Gemini: https://gemini.google.comSamsung Galaxy S25: https://www.samsung.comSonos Smart Speakers: https://www.sonos.comDouble Tap Contact Page: https://doubletaponair.com/contactChapter Markers:00:00 – Coffee tech & the Ember Mug04:46 – Meta AI rollout confusion in the UK09:29 – Google Gemini helps Steven set up 10GbE networking11:44 – AI comparison: Gemini vs. ChatGPT vs. Copilot14:10 – Steven embraces Android and the Galaxy S2516:26 – Listener emails: The "blind uniform" debate18:53 – Sunglasses, canes, and public perception23:41 – The role of humour and Mr. Magoo in blindness28:20 – Public ignorance and generational attitudes30:40 – Individual experiences: Glasses, vision, and identity35:28 – Meta priorities: Hardware vs. software reliability37:40 – Meta AI and Apple Music bugs39:52 – Bluetooth lag on Ray-Ban Meta glasses42:14 – Prescription lens limitations on Meta eyewear46:58 – Strong lens prescriptions and accessibility49:21 – Who's really to blame for regional AI access issues?50:00 – Sonos and Echo Show integration issues51:41 – Google Assistant disappearing from Sonos devices53:59 – Wrapping up with hot coffee, hot plates, and plant pots Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap WebsiteJoin the conversation and add your voice to the show either by calling in, sending an email or leaving us a voicemail!Email: feedback@doubletaponair.comPhone: 1-877-803-4567

Eight or Sixteen
“They already know everything about me...”

Eight or Sixteen

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2025 56:44


In this week's episode of Eight or Sixteen, Rob and Mark dive into the latest Nintendo Switch 2. Rob's also spotted a wild £500 Echo Show from Amazon and Mark discovered a new mysterious Vision Pro app! Links ➡️ £500 Amazon Echo Show: https://geni.us/WmW1R ➡️ CLVX1 combined keyboard and trackpad on Kickstarter: https://geni.us/GKtWcE ➡️ Remind Me Faster: https://geni.us/B2lPdOi ➡️ Samsung ViewFinity S9 5K display: https://geni.us/UBG1mX ➡️ ASUS ProArt 5K display: https://geni.us/XG52a ➡️ BenQ 5K display: https://geni.us/iiRba   If you'd like to get in touch with Rob and Mark, you can email them at contact@eightorsixteen.com.   Eight or Sixteen is a Mark Ellis Media Limited production: https://markellisreviews.com

TechTalk Cast
Echo Show 8 (3° geração) - O que você precisa saber antes de comprar!

TechTalk Cast

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2025 10:56


Bom dia Tech, tudo bem? Esse é o review completo do novo Echo Show 8 de terceira Geração! Será que esse, é o Echo Show ideal para você? Vem comigo que eu vou te contar tudo!Quer patrocinar ou fazer uma parceria com o Bom dia Tech? Mande um e-mail para contato@bomdia.tech e vamos conversar!Produto00:00: Bom dia Tech! 00:32: Design e acabamento 01:40: Tela 03:50: Hardware 06:03: Software 09:14: E ai? E o veredito? Produtos do EpisódioMicrofone Fifine utilizado na gravação do podcastEcho Show 5 (3ª geração - 2023) Novo Echo Show 8 (3ª geração) Comprando qualquer produto com esses links, ou conferindo as promoções em destaque, o Bom dia Tech receberá uma pequena comissão e assim, você ajuda no crescimento do podcast.Redes sociais:InstagramThreadsMastodonMúsica:Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/sensho/coffee-break

HomeKit Insider
CSA President & CEO Tobin Richardson Joins for Matter Discussion After 1.4 Launch

HomeKit Insider

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2024 56:21


This week on a special episode of HomeKit Insider, the President & CEO of the Connectivity Standards Alliance, Tobin Richardson, joins to walk through the news for the week before getting into a deep discussion on the current state of Matter. the new 1.4 release, and where the future is headed.Send us your HomeKit questions and recommendations with the hashtag homekitinsider. Tweet and follow our hosts at:@andrew_osu on Twitter@andrewohara941 on ThreadsEmail us hereSponsored by:Shopify: Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at: shopify.com/homekitHomeKit Insider YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the HomeKit Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe.Links from the showApple's Matter 1.3 certificationApple investigates a new TV setNew Airtag 2 coming in 2025Amazon launches new Echo Show 15 & 21Kwikset Halo SelectCSA websiteThose interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: andrew@appleinsider.com

The Vergecast
The government's plan to break up Google

The Vergecast

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2024 116:53


The Verge's Lauren Feiner joins Nilay and David to talk about the US government's proposal in its search antitrust case against Google. They discuss the future of Chrome, what a white-label search engine might look like, and how a Trump administration might change the course of this case altogether. Then Nilay and David talk about the week in AI and gadget news, from the latest on Amazon's new Alexa to Google bailing on tablets all over again. Finally, in the lightning round, they discuss Comcast spinning off its cable channels and the latest in the Threads / Bluesky competition. Further reading: DOJ says Google must sell Chrome to crack open its search monopoly Google responds to DOJ's ‘extreme proposal.' Google workers to DOJ: we need protections to make your breakup effective Apple fights to keep DOJ antitrust suit from reaching trial Amazon announces new Echo Show 21 and Echo Show 15 smart displays Google may be about to reboot its laptop and tablet hardware again Google reportedly cancels Pixel Tablet 2 and might quit the category — again Sonos' smart TV plans might have found an OS Windows 365 Link is a $349 mini PC that streams Windows from the cloud Comcast is spinning off its cable TV business Trump names Brendan Carr as his FCC leader Strava closes the gates to sharing fitness data with other apps Inside Elon Musk's messy breakup with OpenAI Threads' custom feeds are already rolling out Threads' algorithm will focus more on the people you follow Bose acquires premium audio brand McIntosh Email us at vergecast@theverge.com or call us at 866-VERGE11, we love hearing from you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HomeTech.fm Podcast
Episode 506 - Dumb Home Therapy Session

HomeTech.fm Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2024


On this week's show: Amazon unveils a massive 21-inch Echo Show, Aqara introduces their new Valve Controller T1 and Smoke Detector, TP-Link launches the Tapo H110 Smart Remote and hub (in Japan), Nuki promises ultra-fast door unlocking with their new smart lock, Level Lock adds Matter support, Google's Gemini AI heads to home products, Apple plans to expand their smart home lineup with a new hub and security camera, listener feedback, a Pick of the Week, Gavin and Seth discuss Linus Tech Tips' smart home challenges, and so much more!

Tech News Weekly (MP3)
TNW 363: DOJ Wants Google To Sell Chrome - Echo Show 21, AI Robotics, Windows 365 Link

Tech News Weekly (MP3)

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2024 67:22


Jennifer Pattison Tuohy of The Verge joins Mikah Sargent this week! Amazon announces the new Echo Show 21 and the Echo Show 15 smart displays. Is AI allowing the robotics revolution to come to fruition? Microsoft announces the Windows 365 Link mini desktop PC. And will the DOJ get Google to sell off Chrome following the DOJ's call to divest the company? Jennifer Pattison Tuohy talks about Amazon's announcement of the Echo Show 21 and Echo Show 15 smart displays. Mikah Sargent talks about how AI is powering a robotics revolution as more organizations are utilizing robots, thanks to AI. Zac Bowden from Windows Central joins the show to talk aobut Microsoft's Windows 365 Link, a mini desktop that runs Windows 11 through the cloud. And Leah Nylen, Antitrust Reporter for Bloomberg, stops by to talk about the Department of Justice and Google and how the DOJ is calling for Google to divest and start with the sale of Chrome. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Jennifer Pattison Tuohy Guests: Zac Bowden and Leah Nylen Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: shopify.com/twit 1password.com/twit flashpoint.io veeam.com

Tech News Weekly (Video HI)
TNW 363: DOJ Wants Google To Sell Chrome - Echo Show 21, AI Robotics, Windows 365 Link

Tech News Weekly (Video HI)

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2024 67:22


Jennifer Pattison Tuohy of The Verge joins Mikah Sargent this week! Amazon announces the new Echo Show 21 and the Echo Show 15 smart displays. Is AI allowing the robotics revolution to come to fruition? Microsoft announces the Windows 365 Link mini desktop PC. And will the DOJ get Google to sell off Chrome following the DOJ's call to divest the company? Jennifer Pattison Tuohy talks about Amazon's announcement of the Echo Show 21 and Echo Show 15 smart displays. Mikah Sargent talks about how AI is powering a robotics revolution as more organizations are utilizing robots, thanks to AI. Zac Bowden from Windows Central joins the show to talk aobut Microsoft's Windows 365 Link, a mini desktop that runs Windows 11 through the cloud. And Leah Nylen, Antitrust Reporter for Bloomberg, stops by to talk about the Department of Justice and Google and how the DOJ is calling for Google to divest and start with the sale of Chrome. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Jennifer Pattison Tuohy Guests: Zac Bowden and Leah Nylen Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: shopify.com/twit 1password.com/twit flashpoint.io veeam.com

All TWiT.tv Shows (MP3)
Tech News Weekly 363: DOJ Wants Google To Sell Chrome

All TWiT.tv Shows (MP3)

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2024 67:22 Transcription Available


Jennifer Pattison Tuohy of The Verge joins Mikah Sargent this week! Amazon announces the new Echo Show 21 and the Echo Show 15 smart displays. Is AI allowing the robotics revolution to come to fruition? Microsoft announces the Windows 365 Link mini desktop PC. And will the DOJ get Google to sell off Chrome following the DOJ's call to divest the company? Jennifer Pattison Tuohy talks about Amazon's announcement of the Echo Show 21 and Echo Show 15 smart displays. Mikah Sargent talks about how AI is powering a robotics revolution as more organizations are utilizing robots, thanks to AI. Zac Bowden from Windows Central joins the show to talk aobut Microsoft's Windows 365 Link, a mini desktop that runs Windows 11 through the cloud. And Leah Nylen, Antitrust Reporter for Bloomberg, stops by to talk about the Department of Justice and Google and how the DOJ is calling for Google to divest and start with the sale of Chrome. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Jennifer Pattison Tuohy Guests: Zac Bowden and Leah Nylen Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: shopify.com/twit 1password.com/twit flashpoint.io veeam.com

Tech News Weekly (Video LO)
TNW 363: DOJ Wants Google To Sell Chrome - Echo Show 21, AI Robotics, Windows 365 Link

Tech News Weekly (Video LO)

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2024 67:22


Jennifer Pattison Tuohy of The Verge joins Mikah Sargent this week! Amazon announces the new Echo Show 21 and the Echo Show 15 smart displays. Is AI allowing the robotics revolution to come to fruition? Microsoft announces the Windows 365 Link mini desktop PC. And will the DOJ get Google to sell off Chrome following the DOJ's call to divest the company? Jennifer Pattison Tuohy talks about Amazon's announcement of the Echo Show 21 and Echo Show 15 smart displays. Mikah Sargent talks about how AI is powering a robotics revolution as more organizations are utilizing robots, thanks to AI. Zac Bowden from Windows Central joins the show to talk aobut Microsoft's Windows 365 Link, a mini desktop that runs Windows 11 through the cloud. And Leah Nylen, Antitrust Reporter for Bloomberg, stops by to talk about the Department of Justice and Google and how the DOJ is calling for Google to divest and start with the sale of Chrome. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Jennifer Pattison Tuohy Guests: Zac Bowden and Leah Nylen Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: shopify.com/twit 1password.com/twit flashpoint.io veeam.com

Daily
Nuevo Echo Show ¡¡de 21 pulgadas!!

Daily

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2024 12:39


Capítulo 2652 en el que te cuento el lanzamiento del nuevo Amazon Echo Show 21 y la segunda generación del Amazon Echo Show 15, comparando este movimiento con la tediosa inacción de Apple en este campo.Patrocinado por los cursos de marketing online Joan Boluda, más de 7000 vídeos ya a tu disposición y dos más cada día que te guían paso a paso dentro de esta disciplina y de todas las herramientas que necesarias para crear tu negocio online y darlo a conocer.

Tech News Weekly (Video HD)
TNW 363: DOJ Wants Google To Sell Chrome - Echo Show 21, AI Robotics, Windows 365 Link

Tech News Weekly (Video HD)

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2024 67:22


Jennifer Pattison Tuohy of The Verge joins Mikah Sargent this week! Amazon announces the new Echo Show 21 and the Echo Show 15 smart displays. Is AI allowing the robotics revolution to come to fruition? Microsoft announces the Windows 365 Link mini desktop PC. And will the DOJ get Google to sell off Chrome following the DOJ's call to divest the company? Jennifer Pattison Tuohy talks about Amazon's announcement of the Echo Show 21 and Echo Show 15 smart displays. Mikah Sargent talks about how AI is powering a robotics revolution as more organizations are utilizing robots, thanks to AI. Zac Bowden from Windows Central joins the show to talk aobut Microsoft's Windows 365 Link, a mini desktop that runs Windows 11 through the cloud. And Leah Nylen, Antitrust Reporter for Bloomberg, stops by to talk about the Department of Justice and Google and how the DOJ is calling for Google to divest and start with the sale of Chrome. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Jennifer Pattison Tuohy Guests: Zac Bowden and Leah Nylen Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: shopify.com/twit 1password.com/twit flashpoint.io veeam.com

All TWiT.tv Shows (Video LO)
Tech News Weekly 363: DOJ Wants Google To Sell Chrome

All TWiT.tv Shows (Video LO)

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2024 67:22 Transcription Available


Jennifer Pattison Tuohy of The Verge joins Mikah Sargent this week! Amazon announces the new Echo Show 21 and the Echo Show 15 smart displays. Is AI allowing the robotics revolution to come to fruition? Microsoft announces the Windows 365 Link mini desktop PC. And will the DOJ get Google to sell off Chrome following the DOJ's call to divest the company? Jennifer Pattison Tuohy talks about Amazon's announcement of the Echo Show 21 and Echo Show 15 smart displays. Mikah Sargent talks about how AI is powering a robotics revolution as more organizations are utilizing robots, thanks to AI. Zac Bowden from Windows Central joins the show to talk aobut Microsoft's Windows 365 Link, a mini desktop that runs Windows 11 through the cloud. And Leah Nylen, Antitrust Reporter for Bloomberg, stops by to talk about the Department of Justice and Google and how the DOJ is calling for Google to divest and start with the sale of Chrome. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Jennifer Pattison Tuohy Guests: Zac Bowden and Leah Nylen Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: shopify.com/twit 1password.com/twit flashpoint.io veeam.com

Radiogeek
#Radiogeek - Guerra en las redes sociales, para quedarse con los salientes de X - Nro 2597

Radiogeek

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2024 22:50


Todos sabemos que desde que Elon Musk apoyo de forma incondicional a Donald Trump, y más aun desde que fue electo para ser el próximo presidente de Estados Unidos, muchas empresas como usuarios están saliendo de la red social X. Y esto ha generado una gran competencia entre Threads y Bluesky, hoy se anuncio una función en Threads, con la cual podemos configurar el feed de forma simple, ademas; El iPhone SE 4 se lanzaría en marzo de 2025 con un módem 5G interno; Disponible la primer vista previa para desarrolladores de Android 16 y por supuesto esperamos sus comentarios... Review del Smartphone Samsung Galaxy A35 5G https://infosertecla.com/2024/11/20/review-del-smartphone-samsung-galaxy-a35-5g/ Amazon lanzó un Echo Show de 21 pulgadas https://www.amazon.ca/Echo-Show-21-Smart-Display/dp/B0CDWJ5DVD/ El iPhone SE 4 se lanzaría en marzo de 2025 con un módem 5G interno https://www.macrumors.com/2024/11/19/iphone-se-4-expected-to-launch-in-march/ Threads lanza su herramienta de feeds personalizados después de una fase de prueba rápida https://www.engadget.com/social-media/threads-rolls-out-its-custom-feeds-tool-after-a-quick-testing-phase-195012720.html Apple corrige vulnerabilidades utilizadas para atacar Macs con procesador Intel https://support.apple.com/en-us/121753 Disponible la primer vista previa para desarrolladores de Android 16 https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2024/11/the-first-developer-preview-android16.html Video del día en las redes https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCnOMM2JugM/ ESPERAMOS TUS COMENTARIOS...

Daily Tech News Show
Using Pokémon to Train AI - DTNS 4900

Daily Tech News Show

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2024 29:02


Why has Niantic, creators of the Pokémon Go mobile game, turned that into an AI tuned to geospatial information? Plus a system update for the PlayStation Portal lets users play games directly from the cloud. And Amazon introduces a new Echo product. The Echo Show 21.Starring Tom Merritt, Sarah Lane, Scott Johnson, Roger Chang, Joe.Link to the Show Notes.

Daily Tech News Show (Video)
Using Pokémon to Train AI – DTNS 4900

Daily Tech News Show (Video)

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2024 29:03


Why has Niantic, creators of the Pokémon Go mobile game, turned that into an AI tuned to geospatial information? Plus a system update for the PlayStation Portal lets users play games directly from the cloud. And Amazon introduces a new Echo product. The Echo Show 21. Starring Tom Merritt, Sarah Lane, Scott Johnson, Roger Chang, Joe. To read the show notes in a separate page click here! Support the show on Patreon by becoming a supporter!

Daily Tech Headlines
Amazon Announces the Echo Show 21 – DTH

Daily Tech Headlines

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2024


Google tackles “parasite SEO”, Sony rolls out a beta update for the PlayStation Portal, more details emerge about Nintendo’s Switch 2. MP3 Please SUBSCRIBE HERE. You can get an ad-free feed of Daily Tech Headlines for $3 a month here. A special thanks to all our supporters–without you, none of this would be possible. BigContinue reading "Amazon Announces the Echo Show 21 – DTH"

Dot to Dot: A daily 5min Echo demo from Alexa

This skill offers 3 flavours of the classic game, including one where you can pick whether you want to place a nought or a cross. Wild. Feedback, comments, demos pleas to ✉️ thedottodotpodcast@gmail.com

Dot to Dot: A daily 5min Echo demo from Alexa

Last covered nearly 500 episodes ago and now updated with some sweet in-skill purchases - why not give it a spin ⏺️⏺️ Feedback, comments, demos pleas to ✉️ thedottodotpodcast@gmail.com

Dot to Dot: A daily 5min Echo demo from Alexa

Sing the Cornetto song along with this skill to claim your free ice cream. It's true!

Dot to Dot: A daily 5min Echo demo from Alexa
DTD2766: Clue with the Ghost of Mrs. White

Dot to Dot: A daily 5min Echo demo from Alexa

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2024 4:18


Simply opened with "Mrs. White", I've a feeling that, contrary to the skill description, this skill requires the board game that may or may not be called Clue/Cluedo wherever you are. Feedback, comments, demos pleas to ✉️ thedottodotpodcast@gmail.com

HomeTech.fm Podcast
Episode 496 - Chick-fa-lix Plus

HomeTech.fm Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2024


It's CEDIA time and once again we will be hosting a HomeTech Happy Hour in Denver. More information and how to RSVP is here!On this week's show: CEDIA is right around the corner, Ubiquiti unveils UniFi Premium Audio, Luon launches Apple Home compatible devices, Wyze introduces a smart bird feeder, Chick-fil-A surprisingly enters the streaming service arena, Ring adds package detection to its budget doorbell, Samsung promises 7 years of TV updates, Amazon's Echo Show 8 loses a key feature, and Govee releases Matter-compatible outdoor lights. We dive into a mailbag question about window sensors, share a thrilling pick of the week, give project updates, and take a look at things for TJ to do in Springfield, Missouri. All this and more on this packed episode!

Dot to Dot: A daily 5min Echo demo from Alexa

Another day, another murder mystery to solve in A-lady land

Dot to Dot: A daily 5min Echo demo from Alexa

Can you assemble the clues and accuse the correct culprit in this case of… murder!!

Dot to Dot: A daily 5min Echo demo from Alexa
DTD2763: Using the temperature sensor in your 4th Gen Echo and 2nd Gen Echo Plus

Dot to Dot: A daily 5min Echo demo from Alexa

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2024 4:14


Did you know that there's a secret sensor in your Echo? In some Echos at least - and it's cool. In fact, it can tell you just how cool (or hot) it is. Feedback, comments, demos pleas to ✉️ thedottodotpodcast@gmail.com

Dot to Dot: A daily 5min Echo demo from Alexa

An official skill by Disney, it simply serves up a story based on your favourite characters - for kids of all ages. Feedback, comments, demos pleas to ✉️ thedottodotpodcast@gmail.com

Dot to Dot: A daily 5min Echo demo from Alexa

A slightly odd skill that takes absolutely no skill whatsoever. And where do geese come in?

Dot to Dot: A daily 5min Echo demo from Alexa

Shaun's back to bring us a fab skill by that fab skill developer @DrewCosgrove, today's skill has great game play and superb sound-effects. Feedback, comments, demos pleas to ✉️ thedottodotpodcast@gmail.com

Dot to Dot: A daily 5min Echo demo from Alexa
DTD2759: International Soccer Manager Football Game

Dot to Dot: A daily 5min Echo demo from Alexa

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2024 4:40


Opened simply with 'Soccer Manager' and with great sound-effects and good gameplay, this one's a keeper! (Get it?

The Vergecast
The Pixel 9 is great – and a problem

The Vergecast

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2024 86:37


The Verge's David Pierce, Alex Cranz, Allison Johnson, and Richard Lawler discuss the Google Pixel 9 review and its controversial reimagine AI feature, a Chick-fil-A streaming service, Sonos app updates, and more. Further reading: Google Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL review: AI all over the place Google's AI tool helped us add disasters and corpses to our photos  This system can sort real pictures from AI fakes — why aren't platforms using it?  The AI photo editing era is here Donald Trump posts a fake AI-generated Taylor Swift endorsement From Digital Trends:I tried Google's new Pixel Studio app, and it's a mess OpenAI exec says California's AI safety bill might slow progress https://www.threads.net/@chriswelch/post/C-8wxAGOpyP https://www.threads.net/@chriswelch/post/C-8LGwKOlPj?xmt=AQGzGV_vvL3vxoEhZ_nM263bP8n-Pu9Dxz5Ngmib-0wzgA https://www.threads.net/@chriswelch/post/C-8wxAGOpyP A new $6 billion bid to take over Paramount could undo plans to merge with Skydance. I hope the next CEO of Disney is just Bob Iger with a fun mustache. Paramount Plus plans are 50 percent off ahead of the 2024 NFL season  The 2024 Olympics were a big win for TV of all kinds The Acolyte has been canceled Chick-fil-A is reportedly launching a streaming service for some reason Apple Podcasts now has a web app Spotify star Alex Cooper is jumping to a new podcast network JBL made its charging case touchscreen more useful with a size boost  Meta and Snap are about to show off their new AR glasses  Amazon cancels the Echo Show 8 Photos Edition's main feature — focusing on photos Email us at vergecast@theverge.com or call us at 866-VERGE11, we love hearing from you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dot to Dot: A daily 5min Echo demo from Alexa
DTD2758: A new competitor to the Amazon A-lady Buds

Dot to Dot: A daily 5min Echo demo from Alexa

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2024 5:35


The amazing David Ward (dward@goodwillvalleys.com) is back yet again to demo the new developments in Google's Gemini Advanced delivered via the new Google Pixel Buds Pro 2. A new bar set for Amazon in any next gen buds they (hopefully) bring out. Feedback, comments, demos pleas to ✉️ thedottodotpodcast@gmail.com

Dot to Dot: A daily 5min Echo demo from Alexa
DTD2757: The A-lady's new nemesis: Gemini Advanced

Dot to Dot: A daily 5min Echo demo from Alexa

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2024 5:47


The amazing David Ward (dward@goodwillvalleys.com) is back to introduce us to the A-lady's competition; Gemini Advanced, and how chatty she is when your Google Assistant is in Live mode. Ooer! Feedback, comments, demos pleas to ✉️ thedottodotpodcast@gmail.com

Dot to Dot: A daily 5min Echo demo from Alexa
DTD2756: Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

Dot to Dot: A daily 5min Echo demo from Alexa

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2024 2:21


Champ, Joe Chite, is back once again with another fab thing to do with our lovely, lovely A-ladies. Feedback, comments, demos pleas to ✉️ thedottodotpodcast@gmail.com

Dot to Dot: A daily 5min Echo demo from Alexa

Champ, Joe Chite, brings us another brilliant demo - this time of an excellent early years learning resource which appears deceivingly simple on first listen. Don't be fooled - there's a multitude of materials packed into this amazing skill. US-only I'm afraid

Dot to Dot: A daily 5min Echo demo from Alexa
DTD2754: Changing the A-lady's timer volume

Dot to Dot: A daily 5min Echo demo from Alexa

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2024 3:32


Today we rapidly recap some of the things you can do with timers - including the ability to change the volume of their alarms. Feedback, comments, demos pleas to ✉️ thedottodotpodcast@gmail.com

Dot to Dot: A daily 5min Echo demo from Alexa
DTD2753: Popcorn Quiz (updated)

Dot to Dot: A daily 5min Echo demo from Alexa

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2024 2:45


Covered nearly 1400 episodes ago and updated with a nice sound-effect or two, today's quiz all about movie trivia is best enjoyed with popcorn - salt, sugar or just plain, er, plain. Feedback, comments, demos pleas to ✉️ thedottodotpodcast@gmail.com

Dot to Dot: A daily 5min Echo demo from Alexa
DTD2752: Smartspeaker voices update

Dot to Dot: A daily 5min Echo demo from Alexa

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2024 5:00


The amazing David Ward (dward@goodwillvalleys.com) demos the different new voices from Google, and compares them to Amazon's announced update to that of the A-lady. Nice. Feedback, comments, demos pleas to ✉️ thedottodotpodcast@gmail.com

Happier in Hollywood
Ep. 372: The Joy Of A Consuming Phase

Happier in Hollywood

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2024 26:58


Liz and Sarah discuss the current phase of their work cycle — consuming. With an eye toward developing IP, they're reading, listening, and watching everything that comes their way. And they love it! In Take A Hike, Liz talks about how her recent Saturday afternoon outing to see stylist Allison Bornstein at the Theory Store in Brentwood inspired advice to “go solo.” Then Sarah gets a Hit for writing postcards to voters, and Liz and Sarah give a Bomb to the universe for giving Sarah a bad cold, causing them to cancel their Roar 24 at the Emerald Iguana Inn. This week Sarah has a tech Hollywood Hack: the Echo Show 15. And finally Liz recommends watching the new documentary, Brats, directed by Andrew McCarthy, on Hulu.  Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCraft Visit our website: https://happierinhollywood.com Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/HappierinHollywood/ Happier in Hollywood is part of ‘The Onward Project,' a family of podcasts brought together by Gretchen Rubin—all about how to make your life better. Check out the other Onward Project podcasts—Happier with Gretchen Rubin, and Side Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends! LINKS: Allison Bornstein: Allison Bornsteinallisonbornstein.com Postcards To Voters: Postcards To Voterspostcardstovoters.org Echo Show 15: Echo Show 15 | Full HD 15.6" smart display with Alexa and Fire TV built in | Remote includedamazon.com Brats on Hulu:  ‘BRATS' | Official Trailer | June 13 on Huluyoutube.com To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices