The Tech Factor

In this episode of The Tech Factor, we dive into the massive plot twist of Apple partnering with Google Gemini to power the next generation of Siri. We break down what this means for the Apple ecosystem, the delays in Apple Intelligence, and whether this move admits defeat or shows strategic brilliance. We also cover Tesla’s major pivot from cars to full-blown robotics with Optimus, the latest lea...

Is your bank account leaking money to forgotten subscriptions? Join Akil, Joel, and Fasil on Salaam Radio's "The Tech Factor Live" as we kick off 2026 with essential tech survival tips. In this episode, we reveal how to perform a "subscription sweep" using banking apps and PayPal to reclaim your budget. Discover a brilliant hack for free audiobooks (hint: it involves your local library!) and hear...

Is your Wi-Fi amazing in the hallway but tragic in the bedroom? Join Akil, Joel, and Fasil for the first episode of 2026 on Salaam Radio’s "The Tech Factor Live." In this episode, we break down the common myths about UK broadband and Wi-Fi coverage. Learn the difference between FTTC and FTTP, why your mirrors and fish tanks might be killing your signal, and why central placement of your router is...

The UK's Online Safety Act is here, and it's forcing major platforms to implement age verification and stronger moderation. Why are people rushing to VPNs and deleting their accounts? Join Akil and Joel as they dive into the arguments for and against the new law, revealing how it moves accountability from users to platforms, and why a shock wave is hitting online anonymity. Plus, we explore Google...

Welcome to The Tech Factor on Salaam Radio! Join Akeel and Joel as they break down the biggest news and gadgets of the week, from Apple's latest hardware to the future of digital security and AI. In this Episode: Apple Event Mega-Breakdown [01:51]: We dive into everything announced at the big Apple event: iPhone 17 Pro: Analyzing the new titanium design and the massive camera upgrade that makes it...

Is your chatbot your soulmate? With the rise of conversational LLMs, more people are forming deep, emotional bonds with AI—a phenomenon some call "ChatGPT Psychosis." Join Akeel and Joel as they dive into the real-world psychological and social risks of emotional AI engagement. We discuss why these chatbots are so addictive, how they exploit vulnerabilities, and the global race to regulate a techn...

Remember when cars were simple? We dive into the surprising history and mind-blowing future of Automotive Tech. This episode tracks the technological leaps that brought us from crank handles to self-driving capabilities. Join Akil and Joel as they break down the exact dates and key moments of automotive innovation: The Safety Revolution: We look at the history of features like crumple zones, airba...

What five pieces of tech would you take to a deserted island with power? A Starlink terminal or an electric toothbrush? A solar generator or a fridge freezer? Join Akil, Faze, and Joel as they reveal their essential (and hilarious) Desert Island Tech lists, testing logic against luxury. Then, we dive deep into the world of AI with a look at Apple's major WWDC 2025 announcements, including the new...

Is your job safe? AI is now embedded in everything from your email to your spreadsheets. The question isn't if your job will change, but how ready you are to adapt. Join Akil, Joel, and Faze on The Tech Factor as they break down the AI revolution in the workplace, and dive into the massive announcements from the Google I/O 2025 Keynote. We cover Gemini 2.5, the "AI Ultra Plan," and what you need t...

CES 2025 showcased the future of technology, with AI integrated into everything from gym equipment to toothbrushes. But which innovations truly stole the show? Join Akil, Joel, and Shamshad on The Tech Factor as they break down the most jaw-dropping and hilarious tech stories from the world's biggest electronics event, and battle it out in the second-ever Quantum Quiz! In this episode, you will le...

Starting the year with a resolution to reclaim your time? The average adult spends over 7 hours a day on screens—it's time for a digital detox. Join Akeel, Fessel, and Joel on The Tech Factor as they share practical "New Year, New You" tips for taking back control from constant pings. This episode dives into building a healthier relationship with technology, and the serious threats posed by the ne...

The principal focus of this podcast episode revolves around the most notable technological advancements and innovations of 2024. We delve into the most impactful gadgets, software, and industry developments that characterized the year, highlighting the remarkable evolution of devices such as the Apple Vision Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro, which have redefined user experiences and set new benchmarks in...

A groundbreaking law recently enacted in Australia mandates that children under the age of 15 must obtain parental consent to access social media platforms. This pivotal legislation is designed to safeguard the mental health and online safety of minors amidst escalating concerns regarding cyberbullying and its detrimental effects. Throughout our discourse, we explore the implications of this law,...

Tonight, we delve into the profound impact of technology on health, examining how innovative devices and applications are reshaping our approach to personal wellness. Through our exploration of wearables, such as smartwatches that monitor heart health and glucose levels, we highlight the significant advancements that empower individuals to manage chronic conditions with unparalleled precision. Fur...

The central theme of this podcast revolves around the transformative impact of 5G technology and the anticipated advancements that 6G promises to deliver. We delve into how 5G is not merely about accelerated download speeds; it is revolutionizing various industries such as healthcare and manufacturing by facilitating ultra-reliable, low-latency connections. As we explore this evolution, we reflect...

This episode elucidates the pivotal role technology plays in combating climate change, emphasizing innovative solutions that harness renewable energy and advanced AI. We explore how companies such as Tesla and Climeworks are at the forefront of this movement, introducing groundbreaking technologies like solar roofs and carbon capture systems. Our discussion encompasses a wide array of topics, from...

The focal point of our discussion today centers on the transformative landscape of work, particularly in the context of remote and hybrid models. As we navigate this multifaceted topic, we will delve into the technological advancements that have catalyzed this evolution, including platforms such as Zoom and Slack, which facilitate seamless communication and collaboration across great distances. Ad...

The primary focus of this podcast episode is an exploration of the future of streaming services and the potential obsolescence of the medium. As we dissect the trajectory of home entertainment, we ponder the question: what will succeed streaming in the evolving landscape of digital content consumption? We reflect on the historical transitions, such as the demise of VHS in favor of DVDs, and subseq...

The primary focus of this podcast episode revolves around the intriguing phenomenon known as the "Check Snap Mystery," which addresses the technical challenges faced by users when attempting to deposit checks via banking applications. Throughout the discourse, we explore the reasons behind the frequent failures encountered during these transactions, delving into the nuances of image capturing tech...

The recent episode of our podcast delves into a significant cybersecurity incident involving CrowdStrike, a prominent security firm that inadvertently released a flawed antivirus software update, leading to widespread disruptions affecting over 8.5 million devices globally. This event not only highlights the critical vulnerabilities inherent in our technological infrastructure but also raises pres...

This podcast episode delves into the pervasive issue of broadband services that frequently over-promise and under-deliver on speed, a phenomenon we have termed the "broadband blues." We explore the myriad frustrations faced by consumers, from lagging connections to dropped signals, and engage in a critical examination of strategies to enhance internet reliability. In this discourse, we draw upon p...

This podcast episode centers on the pressing issue of delayed dining dilemmas exacerbated by the rise of food delivery applications. We delve into the frustrations experienced by customers waiting for their meals in restaurants overwhelmed by online orders, as well as the implications this has for restaurant staff and operations. The conversation unfolds to explore how technology, while intended t...

The discussion centers on the often neglected subject of our digital legacies and the implications that arise upon our passing. We delve into the complexities of what happens to our digital assets, such as social media accounts, online subscriptions, and various forms of digital content when we pass away. It is a startling revelation that over 2.5 million Facebook users have died since the platfor...

The primary focus of our discussion centers on the myriad frustrations that individuals frequently encounter in the realm of technology. We delve into various grievances, including the vexations associated with Windows updates, which seemingly manifest at the most inopportune moments, thereby disrupting essential tasks. Additionally, we explore the implications of deep fake technologies, particula...

This podcast episode delves into the intricate relationship between technology and sports, with a focus on how innovations are transforming athletic experiences and enhancing safety. We examine the evolution of sports technology, from wearable devices that track player performance to advanced systems like Hawkeye that ensure accuracy in officiating. As we approach significant sporting events such...