The PC Pro Podcast

The team explore some of the technical explanations to the exploding pagers detonated in the Middle East. We examine Apple's iOS18 efforts to satisfy right to repair legislation then try not exhaust ourselves from the excitement of Microsoft Copilot Wave 2.

Our Hot Hardware candidate for this week is the Honor Magic 3 phone...or..camera with phone...you decide...

The team refuses to talk AI this week, instead focusing on a hack that bypasses hotel door locks, the latest Spotify price rises and why Samsung believes that Bixby is still worth backing. Plus, how much it costs to keep Windows 10 running, 20 years of Gmail and Barry tries to convince the panel that a pair of smart glasses should be Hot Hardware of the Week.

Links mentioned in this week's episode:

https://predr.ag/blog/wifi-only-works-when-its-raining/

https://ee.co.uk/smart-tech/smart-tech/tcl-nextwear-s-plus

And finally, our thanks to Nick Gassman for his much-needed help with the recording!

In a week where Mark Zuckerberg declares the Meta Quest 3 is better than the Apple Vision Pro, the team - Rois, Jon, Barry and Tim - beg to disagree. Plus, why proving that you’re the creator of Bitcoin is tricky, Barry’s take on Otter’s attempt to usurp Copilot in Teams and Barry attempts to persuade everyone (including himself) that the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold 16 should be Hot Hardware of the Week.

The team of Barry, Jon, Lee and Tim tackle this week’s big tech topics: what on Earth happened at FTX and what does it mean for crypto currencies? Was the UK government’s Discord server such a great idea? Why are lithium-ion fires on the rise? Is Elon Musk right to ask only the hardcore to stay working at Twitter? Plus, Jon praises the virtues of the Microsoft Windows on Arm dev kit - but is it hot?

It’s a packed episode, with a special NIBs section dedicated to Twitter, some facial theft, the story of bricked Samsung watches and the release of a rival to Adobe Creative Suite. And Jon attempts to persuade us that a £400 Wi-Fi access point is a worthy Hot Hardware candidate. Does he succeed? You’ll have to listen to find out.

The team discusses the latest phones and watches from Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event, Amazon’s acquisition of Roomba manufacturer iRobot and Epson’s self-destructing printers. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Plume HomePass, a mesh Wi-Fi system that comes with an annual subscription.

… and if you wish to watch the all-star Excel championship as described by Lee Grant, you can find the video at https://www.fmworldcup.com/product/all-star-bundle/

The team discusses hard times for Intel, a new edition of ChromeOS for personal devices and updates to both Apple and Google’s mobile app stores. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the new Apple MacBook Air, with an updated design and the latest M2 processor.

The team asks whether AIs are plagiarising human artists, welcomes a huge computer-assisted medical breakthrough and mulls the rise of so-called “protestware”. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Acer Predator Orion 3000, a desktop PC that promises gaming power and style at a very reasonable price.

The PC Pro podcast isn't immune to the world around it: we discuss the (temporary?) death of the Online Safety Bill, why the hot weather is causing outages, the "exciting" new features in Microsoft Teams, and our feelings about VR in the workplace. Jon nominates the Blackmagic ATEM Mini Pro as Hot Hardware candidate: https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/uk/products/atemmini.

The team discusses a dangerous new vulnerability in AMD and Intel CPUs, the first all-British smartphone, and a partnership between Microsoft and Netflix. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Fancii USB desk fan.

If you fancy a Fancii fan of your own, you can buy it from: https://pcpro.link/601fan

The team discusses the arrival of digital codes on UK stamps, an ambitious amendment to the Online Safety Bill and a surprise new security feature for Apple devices. We also celebrate our 600th episode with a look back on 15 years of the PC Pro Podcast; our Hot Hardware candidate is the Microsoft Surface Go 2.

The team discusses a sophisticated new malware attack targeting routers, some odd clauses in Amazon's acceptable usage policy and a disappointing discovery about Apple's latest laptop. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Logitech MX Master 3S mouse.

The team discusses the UK’s proposed changes to cookie consent, Twitter’s new long-form “Notes” feature and a milestone for virtual reality as tech giants club together to form the Metaverse Standards Forum. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the LG Gram 16, a large but lightweight laptop that comes with a standalone second screen.

The team asks whether Google’s AI is truly sentient, says goodbye to Internet Explorer and boggles at the potential of machine-generated art. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the RealYou EMF shield, a lightweight cover that blocks radio transmissions from your router because who needs Wi-Fi anyway?

Check out The Verge’s feature on the amazing capabilities of the DALL-E 2 image-generation tool: https://pcpro.link/597dall-e2

The team discusses the big announcements from Apple’s WWDC event, new EU regulations that require all consumer gadgets to charge via USB Type-C and a steep price hike for Ring smart doorbells. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the D-Link Eagle Pro AI R15, a fully featured Wi-Fi 6 router costing just £55.

The team discusses Dyson’s new plans for domestic robots, Samsung’s bid to dethrone the Apple M1 processor and the latest announcements from Microsoft’s Build 2022 conference. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Allegro Network Multimeter 500, a small box that can reveal the darkest secrets of a corporate network.

The team discusses rumours of new Apple devices, and a controversial change in policy for app subscriptions. We also ask whether playing video games could be good for young brains, and welcome Mastercard’s new fully biometric payment system. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Huawei MateStation X, an all-in-one PC with a huge, high-quality touchscreen.

The team discusses the latest announcements from Google’s I/O event, warns about a serious new vulnerability affecting Apple processors, and ponders a new NFT that supposedly can’t ever lose its value. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Microsoft Surface Adaptive Kit, a set of stick-on accessories designed to make your laptop more accessible.

Order your own Surface Adaptive Kit here: https://pcpro.link/593sak

The team discusses Sonos’ plans to launch its own voice assistant, the latest USB updates and new NFTs vying for attention in a shrinking market. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Logitech Lift, a novel mouse with an ergonomic upright design.

Watch David Lynch’s seminal “Third Place” PlayStation 2 advert: https://youtu.be/Laf9vpJMDjA

The team discusses Elon Musk’s costly and controversial acquisition of Twitter, a new era for iPhone repairs and a mass exodus of Netflix customers. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Las Vegas Convention Centre Loop, a new tunnel opened by Elon Musk's Boring Company.

The team discusses HP’s plans for a laptop with a foldable screen, looks ahead to Wi-Fi 7 and ponders the success – or otherwise – of Windows 11. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Netgear Nighthawk MR5200 mobile router, a battery-powered 5G hotspot that provides truly wireless internet access.

The team discusses a possible shock takeover at Twitter, the latest rumblings over cryptocurrencies and an AI that could soon be marking kids’ homework. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Huawei MateBook E, an aggressively affordable alternative to the Microsoft Surface Pro.

The team discusses concerns over kids on social media; the shocking tale of an undisclosed flaw in Wyze security cameras; and a new law that could force iMessage and WhatsApp to work together. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Røde NTH-100, the Australian audio specialist’s first ever headphones.

Read Bitdefender’s full report into the Wyze Cam security debacle: pcpro.link/587wyze

The team discusses a subtle change in how Windows 11 behaves on unsupported hardware; questions the security and transparency of the prime minister’s communications; and discovers the truth about the new Apple Mac Studio’s performance. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Surface Laptop Studio, Microsoft’s new take on the convertible laptop.

The team discusses the UK government’s new proposals to keep the internet safe, the unwelcome appearance of advertisements in Windows and the latest tech fallout over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Out Hot Hardware candidate is the Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500, the first standalone Wi-Fi 6E router to reach our Labs.

The team discusses the new hardware unveiled at Apple’s “Peek Performance” event, a dramatic hack attack on Nvidia and controversy over a hidden performance-management feature on Samsung phones. Out Hot Hardware candidate is the Vissles V84, a mechanical keyboard with hot-swappable keys.

The team discusses the tech industry’s responses to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a warning from gaming luminary Sid Meier and the latest announcements from the Mobile World Congress trade show in Barcelona. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Elgato Stream Deck 2, a programmable controller that can streamline almost any task.

The team discusses Intel’s newest range of laptop chips, how sport and sex are moving into the Metaverse and the end of 3G. Our Hot Hardware candidate is Samsung’s newest flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S22 Ultra.

The BBC’s exposé of the lack of child protections in the Metaverse: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-60415317

How do you protect children when they’re using online platforms such as Roblox? Jon, Tim, Lee and Barry tackle this contentious issue, before giving Chrome OS Flex a workout, pouring cold water on a BCS “call” to extend the life of smartphones to ten years, and discussing Starlink’s loss of 40 satellites. Finally, our Hot Hardware candidate - the Amazon Echo Show 15 - gets something of a roasting.

The team discusses the new products unveiled at Samsung’s “Unpacked” event, Microsoft’s belated move to properly block macros in Office and a kerfuffle over Meta’s apparent threat to pull out of Europe. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Netgear Orbi WiFi 6E, a mesh system with support for the new 6GHz networking standard.

The team discusses the controversial case of a man facing prison for a tasteless tweet; the WWF’s planned move into NFTs; and a mysterious new laptop that promises to do away with physical connectors. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Astro Slide 5G, a classic 1990s-style PDA with a modern Android operating system.

Check out the unlikely Craob X laptop for yourself: http://craob.com

The team discusses rumours of a new Google AR headset, the latest breakthroughs in quantum computing, an initiative from the UK government to help small businesses shore up their security and some good news – at last – for Intel. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Logitech POP Keys, a keyboard with customisable emoji keys.

And if you want to buy the Microsoft Surface Duo for £679 while stocks last, here’s the link: https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/d/surface-duo-unlocked/8p98gbqkdzl5

The team discusses airline safety fears over 5G telecoms, Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision and Intel’s apparent plans to launch a new dedicated Bitcoin-mining chip. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Ubiquiti Switch Pro Aggregation, a huge Layer 3 switch at a remarkable price.

It’s time for our annual festive quiz! Join the team as we put our knowledge of technical matters and current affairs to the test.

You can also enter our prize contest to win a free copy of BullGuard Premium Protection (RRP £69.99) or editor-in-chief Tim Danton’s book The Computers That Made Britain. Just visit http://pcpro.link/pod574, answer the question and submit your details before 6pm on Friday, 24 December 2021.

The team discusses a major security threat to online services everywhere, the government’s latest proposals for policing the internet and Microsoft’s novel attempt to coax pirates into paying for Office. In a Hot Hardware special we round up our favourite products of 2021.

The gang discusses Microsoft’s attempts to persuade people to stick with its Edge browser, the latest assaults on your online privacy and the future of quantum computing. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Fairphone 4, a modular and repairable 5G smartphone.

Link – IEEE Spectrum interviews quantum computing architect John Martinis: https://spectrum.ieee.org/quantum-computing-google-sycamore

The team discusses some questionable behaviour from Microsoft, Amazon’s sneaky promotion of its own brands and Qualcomm’s new ARM processor for Windows machines. We also give away a podcasting microphone and amplifier courtesy of box.co.uk. Our Hot Hardware candidate is a £3,500 gaming PC from Scan, powered by Intel’s new 12th-generation Core i9 processor.

The team discusses Apple’s huge U-turn on repairability, the gradual winding-down of Windows 10 and IBM’s latest breakthrough in quantum computing. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the 16in Apple MacBook Pro, showcasing the new M1 Max processor.

The team discusses Microsoft’s new Windows 11 SE platform, a graphene-based battery breakthrough and an unexpected climbdown on repairability from Apple. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Logitech MK295 Silent Keyboard, an affordable keyboard that won’t wake the neighbours.

The team discusses Mark Zuckerberg’s plans for the Metaverse, a new addition to Microsoft Office and the backlash against software subscriptions. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Pixel 6 Pro, Google’s newest and best own-brand phone.

Links featured in this episode:

Washington Post: How Facebook’s “metaverse” became a political strategy in Washington: https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2021/09/24/facebook-washington-strategy-metaverse/

Microsoft Loop Promo Video: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-loop

The team discusses the latest accusations against Facebook, a cyber-attack on UK VoIP providers, new features in the latest Adobe applications and Intel's newest, fastest CPUs. Our Hot Hardware candidate is Apple's AirPods 3.

Links:

Apple's now-vanished notch documentation: https://web.archive.org/web/20211026105727/https://developer.apple.com/documentation/bundleresources/information_property_list/nsprefersdisplaysafeareacompatibilitymode

Barry Collins' hands-on test of Photoshop's new seasonal adjustment filters: https://medium.com/counterarts/photoshops-stunning-new-filters-let-you-change-seasons-in-seconds-50be60233f85

The team discusses Apple’s new MacBook Pro models – and the chips that power them – along with Google’s latest Pixel phones, and a probe into online music streaming services. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Astropad Luna Display, a tiny USB adaptor that turns your iPad into a secondary display for a Windows or Mac computer.

The team discusses Microsoft’s new right-to-repair commitments, the latest research into mobile app snooping, warnings over new internet regulations and the latest Wi-Fi upgrade. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Logitech MX Keys Mini, a high-end compact keyboard.

Links featured in this episode:

The Daily Show on Right To Repair: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgK8x5MrShw

Study: “Android Mobile OS Snooping by Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei and Realme Handsets”: https://www.scss.tcd.ie/Doug.Leith/Android_privacy_report.pdf

Study: “Are iPhones Really Better for Privacy?” https://arxiv.org/pdf/2109.13722.pdf

PC Building Simulator: https://www.epicgames.com/store/en-US/p/pc-building-simulator

The team discusses a huge outage of Facebook services, Sky’s new smart TV offerings and revelations from our exclusive chat with Windows manager Aaron Woodman. Our Hot Hardware candidate is Apple’s latest iPhone – is 13 the company’s lucky number?

Featured links:

WSJ - 'Facebook Files': https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-facebook-files-11631713039

Zuckerberg Response: https://www.facebook.com/zuck/posts/10113961365418581

Intel's Apple video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xp0xzapm-zY

As the official launch of Windows 11 draws near, the team takes an in-depth look at the new OS, discussing interface changes, security enhancements, gaming features and more.

The team discusses Microsoft’s latest Surface devices, new features in iOS 15, the push to standardise phone chargers and the passing of British computing innovator Sir Clive Sinclair. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Samsung Z Flip3, a quirky folding smartphone.

The team discusses Apple’s latest phone, watch and tablet releases, while Microsoft goes passwordless and a new academic institution seeks to reboot social media. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Ray-Ban Stories Wayfarer sunglasses, a pair of stylish shades that can capture photos and video footage.

The team discusses adverts in Windows 11, AI-based photo upscaling, El Salvador’s Bitcoin fiasco and question marks over WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption. As a Hot Hardware special, we take a trip back to 2016 and revisit the first-generation Amazon Echo.

A demo and explanation of the SR3 upscaling system: https://iterative-refinement.github.io/

The team discusses the impending arrival of Windows 11, Apple’s partial climbdown over App Store fees and accusations of deceptive marketing in the SSD world. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4, the manufacturer’s first Google-powered wearable.

The team discusses a new data-protection shake-up in the UK, the latest hurdle in Nvidia’s acquisition of Arm, vulnerabilities in a wide range of routers using Realtek chipsets and the inexorable rise of semiconductor prices. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G, a folding phone that could actually catch on.

Here’s a list of routers afflicted by the Realtek vulnerabilities:

https://therecord.media/hundreds-of-thousands-of-realtek-based-devices-under-attack-from-iot-botnet/

The team discusses the revelations in Facebook’s first ever “Widely Viewed Content Report”, a phishing attack that uses Morse code to slip past security scanners, a new lease of life for legacy landlines and Google’s mysterious new Tensor chip. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the ORIA Bluetooth transmitter, a low-cost gadget that could transform your in-car entertainment.

The team discusses new folding phones from Samsung, Apple’s controversial photo-scanning technology, the cost of outdated IT and Google’s threat to cut the pay of homeworkers. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Huawei MateView, a 28in monitor with an unusual 3:2 aspect ratio.

If the rumours are right, Amazon won’t be delivering our parcels by drone any time soon - but the team isn’t too worried about this failure, it turns out. Plus, will any of our panel buy the Surface Duo phone now that it’s halved in price? Can a robot run a 5K faster than Lee? And will our hot “hardware” of the week, Microsoft’s all-new Windows 365 Cloud PC, get the thumbs up from Jon Honeyball and the live listeners? There’s only one way to find out.

Dell can no longer sell its most high-end PCs in California due to their power demands - is this a harbinger of what’s to come? Plus, Jon Honeyball shares his views on the astonishing profits lodged by big tech companies such as Apple and Barry falls in love with Flight Simulator on the Xbox - before trying to persuade everyone that the Amazon Echo Show 8 is Hot Hardware of the Week.

The team discusses Microsoft’s new Windows Cloud service, the growing problem of leaked phone numbers, the uneven distribution of music streaming payments and the UK’s largest ever seizure of cryptocurrency. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the MuteMe, a physical button for muting yourself on VoIP and video calls.

The team discusses a disastrous attack on WD NAS drives, the end of the Google-Microsoft détente, second impressions of Windows 11 and the return of roaming charges. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Shure MV7 podcast microphone. (Well, WE think it’s interesting.)

In a special edition of the podcast, the team discusses the official unveiling of Windows 11. Is this a bold new computing platform for the post-pandemic age, or is Microsoft just hoping to drum up excitement with a new lick of paint? We give our impressions and predictions.

The team discusses a first look at Windows 11, Apple’s plans to do away with passwords, the opening of Google’s first high-street shop and a legal victory on the “right to repair”. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 6, a slim and stylish convertible laptop with an exceptional screen and a rare turn of speed.

The team discusses the latest announcements from Apple’s WWDC event, questions the trustworthiness of “authorised” repair shops, marvels at a technical error that took down some of the biggest sites on the web, and laments a legal precedent that could see individuals in the US lose their internet connections for merely being accused of copyright infringement. Our Hot Software candidate is Vivaldi 4, a new release of the privacy-focused browser that comes with a suite of additional desktop tools.

The team discusses the fightback against pushy cookie requesters, state-sponsored malware attacks, the arrival of Huawei’s new HarmonyOS and Norton’s unexpected move into cryptomining. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the F77 Model F, a customisable, retro-styled keyboard that could be yours for just £250.

The team discusses the big announcements from Google’s I/O event, Apple’s malware problem, Amazon’s new Sidewalk network and the rise of lossless music streaming. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4.

The team discusses the government’s plans for cleaning up the internet, the rumoured shelving of Windows 10X, a new report into the right to repair and Elon Musk’s latest shenanigans. Our Hot Hardware candidate is Netgear’s Orbi LBR20 4G router, a Wi-Fi solution for locations without a reliable fixed internet connection.

Matthew Lesh’s Twitter commentary on the Online Safety Bill: http://pcpro.link/pod542a

The FTC report on repairability: http://pcpro.link/pod542b

The team discusses the continuing spat between Apple and Epic, English football’s social media boycott and a new low-cost broadband package designed for people receiving universal credit. Our Hot Hardware candidate is Apple’s AirTags, little discs that can be used to track and locate (more or less) anything.

The team discusses the IT vulnerabilities that sent innocent Post Office workers to prison, price hikes at Spotify, a new look for Microsoft Word and the shocking cost of LinkedIn. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the AVerMedia PW315, a webcam with a fast frame rate and built-in AI to help frame and clean up your stream.

Featured links:

BBC podcast, “The Great Post Office Trial”: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/m000jf7j

Microsoft’s five candidates for its next default font:

https://twitter.com/Microsoft/status/1387421368581455874

Netflix series, “Abstract: The Art of Design (Episode 6, Jonathan Hoefler: Typeface Design)”: https://www.netflix.com/watch/80237098

The team discusses new product announcements from Apple, criticises a misleading report from the NSPCC and questions whether the government is right to intervene in Nvidia’s proposed acquisition of Arm. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the PC Specialist Vortex Elite R, a £999 do-it-all desktop PC.

The team discusses a huge leak at Facebook, China’s national investment in cryptocurrency, the end of Yahoo Answers and LG’s departure from the smartphone market. Out Hot Hardware candidate is the Dell OptiPlex 7090 Ultra, an ultra-compact desktop PC that’s entirely built into a monitor stand.

Nintendo’s distinctly dodgy advice about port forwarding: pcpro.link/pod537a

Digits To Dollars report on smartphone manufacturers: pcpro.link/pod537b

The team discusses Amazon’s anti-union machinations, a boom in mobile browser usage, the latest on Nominet and ARM’s first new chip design in a decade. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Netgear Orbi RBK352, a (relatively) affordable Wi-Fi 6 mesh system.

Check out the browser usage stats referred to by Jon Honeyball at https://twitter.com/TheRealNooshu/status/1377547942274465793

Microsoft wants to augment meetings with its Hololens technology, but three out of our four experts think it’s fighting a losing battle. Plus, our take on the automated Amazon store shortly to open in London, a brief explainer on what NFTs are (and if they’re a good thing), and why Google’s move away from personalised ad tracking comes with caveats. Finally, can Tim persuade the others to make a £200 laptop Hot Hardware of the Week?

With LastPass announcing that its free version will be severely limited in the future, what’s your best option for switching? Plus what’s coming up in the next Windows update (don’t get excited), why we think Microsoft is charging way too much for the Surface Duo in the UK, and all the rest of this week’s news tied up in a conversational bow.

It's quiz time! In our last podcast of 2016, team members are tested on their knowledge of technology news, products and personalities.