In this episode of TechWatch Radio, Sam Bushman and Jay Harrison dive into the rising threat of AI agents in cyber warfare. These sophisticated bots, once lauded for productivity tasks like scheduling and automation, are now being eyed by cybercriminals for orchestrating autonomous cyberattacks. The hosts unpack the alarming findings from honeypot experiments that lure AI bots into exposing their capabilities — and warn that the coming wave of AI-driven cyber intrusions may hit faster than most realize. Still, there's hope: AI can also be used defensively, and now is the time for proactive education and policy to get ahead of these fast-evolving threats.

The discussion shifts to Microsoft's rollout of Defender Premium, bundled with Microsoft 365 subscriptions. Sam and Jay express frustration over confusing product branding, with Microsoft blurring the line between free and paid Defender services. The episode also explores the $35 billion Capital One–Discover merger, Netflix's mysterious withholding of subscriber data, and ongoing developments in U.S. high-speed rail — particularly in Florida. Packed with sharp insights, this episode examines how both emerging tech and corporate moves are reshaping our digital and economic landscape!

In this episode of TechWatch Radio, Sam and Jay explore the evolving world of drone deliveries and the massive infrastructure needed to make Jeff Bezos' 2013 vision a reality. They unpack the complex concept of UTM (Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management), a new FAA initiative designed to prevent drone-to-drone and drone-to-aircraft collisions. From line-of-sight limits to NASA’s involvement in building air traffic systems for drones, the hosts explore how close we are to fully autonomous delivery networks and the strategic deconfliction challenges that still lie ahead.

They also shift gears to discuss emergency satellite features on modern smartphones like the iPhone 14 and beyond. Learn how these devices can connect to satellites for 911 calls even without cell service, the difference between Apple’s SOS system and Elon Musk’s Starlink partnership with T-Mobile, and where this technology is heading. The episode wraps up with thoughts on navigation apps, flip phones, and a clever prank involving a wagon full of smartphones. A lively, insightful episode on where tech is headed—and what’s still holding it back!

In this episode of TechWatch Radio, Jay and Sam tackle the tech world, starting with a candid discussion about Google’s evolution — from a once-loved innovator to a company known for shuttering promising projects. They critique Google’s approach to product development and the implications of its experiment claiming that news is “worthless” to its ad business. This leads to a broader conversation on the value of news in the digital economy and the ongoing tug-of-war between content creators and tech platforms.

The duo also covers Google’s steep discounts to the U.S. government for its business apps, highlighting the brewing competition with Microsoft. Wrapping things up, they compare budget-friendly phones like the Google Pixel 9a and Apple’s iPhone SE, weigh the pros and cons of flagship devices, and speculate on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 — tariffs, features, and all. It’s a full-throttle ride through big tech's latest moves, with insights into where innovation, economics, and consumer needs collide!

In this episode of TechWatch Radio, Jay and Sam dive into the wave of tech layoffs hitting companies like Jack Dorsey’s Block (parent of Square and CashApp), where nearly 1,000 employees were recently let go. They unpack the rising influence of AI across industries like accounting and development — and explore whether these layoffs are financially driven or a strategic shift toward automation. Should AI replace workers or empower teams to accomplish more with the same headcount?

The conversation shifts to mental health, where AI chatbots are emerging as accessible, private, and nonjudgmental companions. Sam challenges the headlines claiming bots are replacing therapists, arguing instead that these tools are best used as helpful supplements — much like consulting WebMD before seeing a doctor. With humor, nostalgia (hello, push-button phones!), and insight, the duo explores how society — not just tech — shapes how innovations like video calling and AI therapy are adopted. It’s not about fearing AI; it’s about shaping it to serve us, not own us.

This episode of TechWatch Radio dives into the paradox of modern technology—how being constantly connected might be making us less well. Sam Bushman and Jay Harrison explore a fascinating new study revealing that taking just a two-week break from mobile internet can significantly boost mental health, reduce stress, and even rival the effects of antidepressants. They break down the psychology of “always on” culture, the power of silence, and how simply unplugging—even partially—can reset your mind, improve sleep, and enhance real-life connections.

But don’t worry, this isn’t an anti-tech rant. The hosts are all about smart, intentional tech use. From praising desktop browsing to rethinking the purpose of smart TVs and Wi-Fi, Sam and Jay keep it real about maintaining balance in a digital world. Plus, they share juicy details about the new Nintendo Switch upgrade and why bigger screens aren’t always better—unless you’ve got the room. Tune in for insight, humor, and a compelling reminder to let your tech serve you, not own you.

In this lively episode of TechWatch Radio, Sam and Jay take you on a tour through today’s rapidly evolving tech landscape—from the dazzling advances in AI to the stubborn frustrations of modern hardware. Jay shares a firsthand interaction with ChatGPT that showcases just how intuitive and proactive AI has become, offering reminders, updates, and summaries without being asked. The duo explores the deeper implications of having an assistant that might soon be smarter (and more in charge) than its user.

From there, it’s a whirlwind of tech hot takes: new memory standards (CU-DIMM), the push for universal USB-C connectors, and a plea for "Operation Stable"—a call to end the madness of endless reboots, driver issues, and flaky device connections. They also dive into the future of smart TVs, the growing dominance of browsers (especially Chrome), and Firefox’s latest update with vertical tabs and PNG image handling. Throw in some CES gadgetry, a debate over browser bloat, and the fate of ad blockers, and you've got a fast-paced, insightful, and highly entertaining breakdown of where tech is heading—and what still needs fixing.

In this episode of TechWatch Radio, Sam and Jay commiserate over the love-hate relationship we all share with modern tech—especially when it comes to connectivity. From flaky Bluetooth and disappearing headphone jacks to unreliable USB and HDMI ports, the duo makes a compelling case for what Sam calls “Operation Stable.” Why can’t we go back to the days when cables just worked? The conversation takes a humorous (and all-too-relatable) turn as they share stories of accidental Bluetooth hijinks and the frustrations of having to reboot a laptop just to get headphones recognized.

But it’s not all doom and digital gloom. The guys break down what’s coming in Bluetooth 6.0, including pinpoint location accuracy, smarter device switching, and better security. They also dive into how AI is reshaping productivity—especially in tools as unexpected as Notepad. With the help of AI, even the clunkiest writer can churn out polished copy in seconds, and Sam argues that everyone is becoming a manager of their own digital assistant. Whether you're stuck in the past with wired connections or curious about the AI-driven future, this episode blends frustration with fascination—and plenty of laughs along the way.

On this episode of TechWatch Radio, Sam and Jay dive into a wave of tech frustration, starting with a disastrous Xbox controller firmware update that has rendered some gamepads nearly unusable — and worse, there's no rollback option. They explore the growing pains of an industry pushing constant updates and ask the big question: when is technology "good enough"? From busted game controllers to the maturing console market and lukewarm hardware upgrades, the duo wonders if we're hitting the limit of meaningful innovation.

Things heat up further with a critical look at Microsoft’s AI ambitions — including the new “rewrite” feature baked into Notepad and the slow demise of WordPad. Is it a helpful tool or just another way to nickel-and-dime users? Sam and Jay debate the real value of AI integration in everyday software and how a credit-based system could sour the experience. They also touch on looming electronics price hikes tied to tariffs, the sustainability of current tech pricing models, and the unintended consequences that might actually push developers to write better, leaner code. It's a full-throttle episode exploring where tech is headed — and whether it's leaving users behind.