Tech Byte with MARK STROSS

This is about work-life balance. As robots do more work for us, we should have more free time, right? Decreasing our productive work time may actually be essential to keep up all gainfully employed; as AI and hardware with AI-brained software will get rid of 50% of jobs over the next 20 years. Japan and Iceland have 4-Day work weeks and found productivity is the same, and people are happier. Will...

Facebook lost a lot of money. The social media giant may be dying because of lack of trust. Meta, formally known as Facebook, had the worst performing day on the stock market in its history on Thursday. It lost nearly $240 billion from its market value. The loss follows a $10 billion dollar loss in 2021. What does this mean for the platform, for Zuckerberg, for you? This episode is also full of ot...

Some things are clear: Stealing is wrong. Cancelling or censoring content is also wrong as another form of stealing. What about ad blocking? If the content creator relies on income generated from ads on the digital platform, would it be stealing if you block their ads? Interfering with their ability to make money? Many consider ad blocking as stealing money from the producer of digital content. Ma...

Signals is a new social media platform taking on "Twitter". Perhaps you've heard of it. Hear how the leadership of this new platform making news by standing up for user's privacy. When the government came knocking on Signal's door looking for user data, the company said, "Sorry, we don't have any." Nice!

Hear what's new in 2022, and what Mark Stross thinks of it. A bulb that scans the room to make sure you are still alive as you sleep. A telescope 1 million miles from Earth. Automatic doors that open and close like Star Trek. And more. 

Technology is consistently outpacing the law. In Georgia, for example, it's legal to put a tracker on a car. In this episode, learn about AirTags and what they are capable of, both good and bad. 

1. Just delete the files you no longer want 2. It's OK to leave your laptop plugged in all the time 3. Always shut down your computer at night 4. You'll know when you have a virus Facts or fiction? Mark will set you straight on these and other relevant tech myths. 

Digital video technology and the development of the virtual reality is making it possible for people to visit places and experience things without ever leaving the couch. These experiences are looking, and starting to feel, more and more like the real thing. So, why actually jump out of the plane when you can experience it virtually without the risk of injury? It's the great reality swap. Which wi...

Mark is an expert when it comes to cell phone features. Listen to this episode to learn what features are and which ones are not worth your money. 

Informed parents keep kids safe. Mark is serious when it comes to teaching parents what they need to know before allowing their kids to jump into new tech. Listen as he tells you what to watch for in the new tech toys aimed at your children. 

Coming to you from Costa Rica, Mark Stross brings the fun to this segment with Bulldog, Coach, and Big Al as they talk tech's best and worst.  A light and fun show!

Moving into a new phone can be as exciting as it is troublesome. As you anticipate all of the new features of your new phone, don't forget to be realistic. There is always a bottleneck; which means that there will always be a task that just does not go as fast or as smoothly as you'd expect. Need to transfer thousands of photos/videos? Consider a workaround with a transfer app.  Powerful prob...

Which one are you? Do you jump at software upgrades? Skip them? or wait awhile til they fix the bugs? Mark Stross discusses the pros, cons, and cool features of Windows 11. Everything you need to know to determine if you are ready for the change.  

A giant kitten sits on a building in Tokyo. A huge ocean wave appears in a South Korean city square. Giant pandas watch over pedestrians in China. Are these real headlines? Nope. Just the introduction of massive high 8K resolution 3D images appearing on LED screens in some of the world's largest cities. Mark Stross, a leader in LED technology, discusses the development of these huge 3D billboards...

"Sorry, you are not where we want you to be." Perhaps you have already heard this from your favorite streaming service during your last trip out of the country. How is it that the streaming services ONLY honor your subscription in the predetermined geographic location that they choose? Didn't you buy it? Why can't your favorite shows travel with you? You paid for them! Mark Stross explains Digital...

Mark Stross discusses how Australia backed out of their French Submarine Contract in search of better technology. France considers it "a stab in the back", as Australia tears up this deal worth more than 50 billion Australian dollars because of delays, cost overrides, and.... because they'd rather have US-made nuclear submarine technology. That's a win for US.

What a time to be alive! Especially if you are into photography and cell phones. Mark Stross reviews Samsung Galaxy Cameras new in 2021, and compares them to the new iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max cameras. Are they worth the cost? Don't miss this important consumer update to help you decide what features are important to you in a new cell phone. 

Tiny particles from distant galaxies have caused plane accidents, election interference, and game glitches. Did you know that your personal electronics are vulnerable too? These Alpha particles, from exploding stars and black holes may already be headed your way, to flip your bits!

Slime molds, some of the most unique creatures in existence. These brainless, single-celled organisms are being used for good! From planning roadways to regulating the flow of electricity through a circuit, these tiny biological wonders may play a huge role in developing technologies. How will you feel about this? 

You wouldn't leave your house unlocked. You know that if you do, you are "asking for" someone to break in. Same is true for protecting yourself from cybercrime. You CAN do things to protect yourself from cybercrime. Your keyboard strokes and browsing behaviors are very valuable. Mark Stross brings you the simple behaviors everyone needs to practice to protect themselves. 

From the most absurd to the most helpful. Don't miss this episode about the tech industry getting into the billion-dollar game of pet products. From 3D printing of a prosthetic beak, to robotic poop picker-uppers. You and your pet will be hooked. 

There are some problems that require global cooperation of legislative and technology efforts. Mark Stross sounds off on three huge issues that should have your attention and how technology plays a role (good and bad). Privacy protection for our children, space trash, and plastic pollution. 

How incredible it will be when we have high speed access to the internet no matter where in the world we are. Remote jungles, deep deserts, or high atop mountains, how convenient it will be. But like everything, there's a give and a take. Would you give up the stars? 

Mark Stross is most known in the technology world for his role in the invention and development of the 360-degree video boards seen in sports arenas. In this episode he tells the remarkable story of how this incredible technology, seen by millions each week, came into being and changed the live-sports experience forever. 

The National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence was established in 2018 "to consider the methods and means necessary to advance the development of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and associated technologies to comprehensively address the national security and defense needs of the United States. " (emphasis added) Antony Blinken, US Sec. of State, admits we need to catch up o...