The PC Pro Podcast

PC Pro Podcast - How do you know it’s time to retire IT kit? by PC Pro

The team discusses Uber losing its licence in London, Twitter’s plan to delete dormant accounts, Tim Berners-Lee’s contract for an ethical web, and the amazing vanishing features in Windows 10. Our Hot Hardware candidate is Stadia, Google’s online gaming system.

Small businesses often make the mistake of buying IT that meets their immediate needs but won’t grow with their business, whether that’s buying a server without expansion options or a laptop that isn’t fit for purpose. PC Pro editor-in-chief Tim Danton hosts a lively debate with columnist and IT consultant Jon Honeyball plus associate editor Darien Graham-Smith. Made in association with Dell Small...

While Black Friday started life as bargain hunting for Christmas buyers, an increasing number of small businesses are taking advantage. In this special podcast in association with Dell Small Business, PC Pro editor-in-chief Tim Danton discusses the savings to be made, and the pitfalls to avoid, with columnist and IT consultant Jon Honeyball and associate editor Darien Graham-Smith.

The team discusses Google's new initiatives against slow websites and Android malware; the uninspiring Windows 10 November Update; and the potentially more interesting new 16in Apple MacBook Pro. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Microsoft Surface Laptop 3.

The team discusses a rap on the knuckles for Amazon; a ratings glitch in the Apple App Store; Netflix's proposed new speed controls; Samsung's fresh take on foldable phones; and a data leak affecting Adobe Creative Cloud subscribers. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Sphero RVR, a programmable robotic vehicle.

The team discusses the demise of the government’s porn-registry plans; setbacks for Facebook’s Libra cryptocurrency; Fortnite’s devastating season-end stunt; and the attractions of the National Museum of Computing. Our Hot Hardware candidate is Google’s new Pixel 4 smartphone.

The team discusses all the news from Microsoft's big Surface event, takes the new iPad OS for a spin, weighs up new privacy protections from Google and ponders the longevity of the pager. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Cosmo Communicator, a versatile mobile device that harks back to the pocket computers of the 1990s.

The team discusses Apple's new iPhone and iPad models, the official launch of Wi-Fi 6, Google's absorption of DeepMind (and its associated NHS data) and controversy over the routine use of facial recognition technology. Our hot hardware candidate is the HP Envy x360 13, a glamorous convertible laptop with an AMD processor inside.

The team catches up with the news from IFA in Berlin, checks out the latest release of Android, mulls over the surveillance implications of the Ring doorbell and looks forward to a new tablet experience in Windows 10. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the BT Signal Assist, a domestic 3G transmitter that uses your router to deliver rock-solid reception.

The team discusses Google's open-sourcing of its speech-to-text technology, and asks whether the search giant has too much power. We also explore the recent sale of Tumblr, and ask why Amazon never seems to make a profit. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Dell Latitude 5420, a heavyweight laptop that's designed to survive some serious abuse.

The team discusses AMD's new 7nm server chips, a host of product launches from Samsung, freedom of speech on 8chan and other sites and Google's plans to give rival search engines a leg up - for a price. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Amazon Echo Show 5.

The team discusses the latest developments in 5G networking, incoming regulations for online purchases and the new Prime Minister's ambitious target for fibre broadband in the UK. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Asus RT-AX88U, a powerful router that supports 802.11ax, also known as Wi-Fi 6.

On a packed podcast the team discusses ISPA's attack on Mozilla, détente between Amazon and Google, the world's worst user interface, a new way to exfiltrate data from air-gapped computers – and more. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the HP Spectre Folio, a convertible laptop encased in luxurious brown leather.

The team discusses a new tool for messing with advertisers, Google's plan to educate kids about fake news, a light-based networking platform that could replace Wi-Fi and the arrival of AI in PowerPoint. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the tiny but surprisingly capable Raspberry Pi 4 Model B.

The team discusses new surveillance technologies, some highlights of the E3 expo and the future of Dropbox and Firefox. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Asus Vivobook 14S, an affordable laptop with a trackpad that doubles as a touchscreen.

The team discusses the latest news from Computex in Taipei, asks whether Huawei might make its own mobile OS, ponders Amazon's plans to offload small suppliers and pores over Dolby's legal complaint against Adobe. Amid the bonanza of new hardware emanating from Computex, no fewer than three Hot Hardware candidates duke it out.

The team discusses a new online accountability initiative, news from Microsoft's Build conference and Lenovo's plans for a weird foldable laptop. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Oculus Quest, a wire-free VR headset.

The team discusses Uber's sudden love affair with public transport, an audio upgrade for Netflix users, the latest from Facebook's F8 conference and the 20th anniversary of the optical mouse. Our hot hardware candidate is the Orbi Voice, a mesh Wi-Fi system with Alexa built in.

The team discusses problems with Samsung's folding phones, Switzerland's rejection of the cashless society, incoming age restrictions for adult content and a handy little Google Home device for your car. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the AmpliFi Instant Home Mesh, a cheap and simple wireless extender system.

The team discusses the shuttering of some high-profile Google services, and the closure of Microsoft's ebook store. But it's not all gloom, as Apple announces a range of new subscription services, and Firefox clamps down on notification requests. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the new Apple iPad mini.

The team discusses Wikipedia's protest against new EU copyright laws; asks whether an AI would do a better job than our politicians; looks forward to a new browser ballot; and mulls the potential of Google's new Stadia game-streaming service. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Microsoft Surface Studio 2, a premium all-in-one PC aimed at creatives.

On an unusually wide-ranging podcast the team discusses depreciating phone values; rumours of a new "Lite" edition of Windows; the latest updates to the USB standards; controversy over a flagrantly offensive video game; the growing nuisance of Instagram tourists; and the end of Amazon's Dash buttons. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Shadow Ghost, a compact box that streams high-end PC games over...

The team discusses the secret microphone inside Google's Nest Guard hardware, Amazon's investment in autonomous delivery vehicles and continued rumblings over the UK's relationship with Huawei. Nathan Spendelow joins with news of Samsung's new folding phone, and the Samsung Galaxy S10 is our Hot Hardware candidate.

The team discusses the opening of the first Raspberry Pi shop, Apple's sanctions against Facebook, an end to (some types of) high-pressure online sales tactics and Spotify's expansion into podcasts. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the BlackBerry Key2 LE, which is exactly what you'd expect.