GetConnected

Technology moves fast and new trends emerge every year. As we move into 2021, Duncan Stewart from Deloitte joins us to chat about the company's 12th annual tech trends report. He shares valuable predictions about the new year's hottest trends and the impact they'll have on consumers and businesses. Tune in to learn about what we can expect from the evolution of virtual medicine, the health risks of 5G, and 8K television sets--yes, we're up to 8K now! Later in the episode, we speak with a Canadian company bringing technology innovation to the office lunch.

It's our last episode before Christmas and we have some last minute holiday gift ideas. Pet lovers, we'll look at the best technology gifts for your beloved furbabies. We also speak with Lesley Anderson from Ancestry.ca about how a subscription to the website and their AncestryDNA can help you understand your family tree. Lesley shares how using these tools together can help you learn about your genetic ethnicity and even find living relatives you might have never known about! Best of all, both of these items are part of our December giveaway and make unique gifts, so tune in to find out how you can win. Finally, we get a blast from the past as we speak to John Falsetto from Corel Draw. If you haven't used this graphics software since the 90's, we'll tell you why it's time for a second look!

Just in time for the holidays, members of the GetConnected team have curated tech gift guides for everyone on your list. Find the perfect technology gifts for little ones, globetrotters, photographers, DIY enthusiasts, videographers, outdoor adventurers, and smart home wizards. We've also got some great "baller tech" for the people on your list with more refined taste. Don't miss next week's episode where we'll speak with Ancestry.com to learn how their AncestryDNA and Ancestry.ca subscriptions help Canadians learn about their family history.

We're all feeling a little nostalgic for happier times and there's no better way, in our opinion, to beat the pandemic blues than to enjoy a bit of classic gaming. This week, we speak with a company that produces classic arcade joystick and button gaming consoles. Find out how they've updated these cabinets to create an immersive experience and the great classic games that are available. Later in the show, Ted joins us to help you create a multiple monitor set up for your home office and we open up the mailbag. Don't miss out on next week's show where we're sharing our holiday tech gift guides.

It's one of the biggest shopping weekends of the year and we've got your guide to the hottest tech deals. Marc Saltzman joins us to discuss what you should be on the lookout for on Cyber Monday. Later in the show, we hear from Ted Kritsonis with a technology hack that's guaranteed to improve your Zoom calls: using your DSLR as a webcam. On next week's show, join us to learn about a hot home arcade console that will take you back to your teenage years.

Wondering if you should update your Apple Mac computer to Big Sur? You're not alone! The hosts, joined by Graham Williams, discuss the new operating system and whether or not it's worth updating your system. Later on the show, do you know how your winter tires work to keep you safe? We speak to Michelin to learn about the fascinating technology that's used in winter tires.

One more thing from Apple for 2020. This week, the technology giant announced a new lineup of computers, the first with its own chip. The hosts discuss the silicon chip, the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac Mini. We also talk about a big change coming to Google Photo and how it might affect you.

A recent investigation revealed that that Canadian mall operator, Cadillac Fairview, captured the images of 5 million shoppers without their consent using facial recognition technology. Canada's Deputy Privacy Commissioner, Brent Homan, joins Mike and John to talk about the implications of this finding. We also speak with a Vancouver company revolutionizing the way residential real estate is developed in urban areas. Making urban housing more livable, sustainable, and affordable, find out how Intelligent City uses advanced technology throughout the design and manufacturing process.

On September 2nd, the European Space Agency put the first satellite powered by an artificial intelligence, or AI, chip into orbit. Launching from French Guiana, the satellite now soars 27,500kmh at about 530km over earth with an AI-powered thermal camera. But with AI being seemingly everywhere, why has it taken so long to put an AI-powered satellite into space? On this week's show, we learn about the unique challenges and exciting applications of an AI-powered satellite.

This winter promises to keep many of us at home more than usual and we want to make the experience more enjoyable with the help of technology. We talk about the Roku Streambar, the latest streaming device to keep you entertained. We also get fellow tech journalist, Marc Saltzberg's thoughts on the hottest smart home devices to make your home more comfortable.

Are you cyber mature and resilient? To mark Cybersecurity month, Mike and John speak with a fraud prevention expert from Interac, Rachel Jolicoeur, who shares some interesting stats about cybersecurity in Canada. She also gives us practical advice on how to stay safe online. We also discuss this week's Apple event and the launch of the iPhone 12, in case you missed it.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise, HPE, joins us this week to discuss how big data and technology play a role in agriculture and food stability. With food supply becoming an important consideration during the pandemic, HPE gives us a look at how data insights are driving decision making and allocation of funding. We also speak with a Senior Intelligence Analyst with the RCMP about the latest email scams targeting Canadians. Learn how scammers are using the pandemic to defraud unsuspecting individuals and how you can protect yourself.

As technology permeates every area of our lives, many of us are struggling to get our privacy back. On this week's show, we tell you how to get some of that privacy back when it comes to Google Maps Street View. Our hosts discuss how you can blur your home on the popular mapping service. We also look at the new Google TV and Roku Streambar, announced just in time to keep you entertained during colder weather.

We spend some time discussing Amazon's big tech announcements from this week. Find out how about the new Amazon cloud gaming service, Luna, and the new home security drone. We also talk about some important machine learning updates coming to Alexa. In the second half of the show, we chat with a team of engineering students from UBC who won the prestigious James Dyson award for their innovative medical device.

In a coordinated national effort, lawyers have filed a proposed class action suit in BC, Ontario, and Montreal alleging that Google collects and profits from the personal information of millions of Canadians. We speak to one of the lawyers representing the class action, Greg McMullen, about how the tech giant turns Canadians' electronics into tracking devices without their consent. We also provide some useful tips to help you choose the right processor next time you're shopping for a computer or laptop.

Wouldn't it be great if you could see a personalized menu, tailored to your preferences, as you enter the drive-through? Find out how Mastercard is innovating to offer you a customized drive-through experience using the power of AI technology. The hosts also talk about a home arcade setup, perfect for staying entertained during the colder months. Finally, we look at the new Huawei Windows laptops.

Do you dread mowing the lawn? Well, you're not alone and that's why Husqvarna has developed robotic lawn mowers. We speak with Husqvarna about the technology, how it works, and the models available to make lawn maintenance a breeze. We also chat about Mike's experience with 5G and the new Samsung Fold, a new smartphone with a folding display.

As kids head back to school this year many things will be different, including the way they learn digital literacy. We speak to Canada Learning Code about their new K-12 Computer Science Education Framework. We also chat with fellow tech nerd, Marc Saltzman, to get his recommendations on the hottest back-to-school tech.

On this week's show, we talk all about electric vehicles. Find out how you can save with an electric vehicle--and we're not just talking about the savings at the pump! From charging to ongoing maintenance, we've got you covered with everything you need to know before your first EV purchase.

Going back to school will look a little different this year, so the GetConnected team has a special gear guide for you. John and Mike cover essential technology like Chromebooks and laptops, workspace essentials, and tech accessories for students of all ages. Tune in next week to learn all about electric vehicles and why you should consider replacing your gas vehicle. Hint: EVs can lead to a lot of savings!

On this week's episode, we learn how your Shaw home internet and cable service can help you save on your mobile plan. Our friend and fellow tech nerd Ted Kritsonis joins us to review the StartMe Stick and we talk about the technology in John's new electric car. We also discuss how you can take advantage of government rebates to make an electric car more affordable all while helping the environment.

Mike and John talk to iRobot about the latest line of Roomba vacuum cleaning and mopping robots. We also speak to a Canadian company that's helping organizations hire the right talent by combining psychology and AI.

With Canada's new contact tracing app available for beta testing, we discuss the privacy implications with Ann Cavoukian, past three-term Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario. We also talk about some great golf tech, perfect for summer. Finally, John introduces us to 3D printed chicken nuggets--or at least the technology behind them.

Retailers and manufacturers offer a range of refurbished technology gadgets but are these items worthwhile? The hosts talk about what you should know and look for when purchasing refurb tech. We also hear about John's first impression of Alexa Auto, now available in Canada and AJ reviews the new Google Pixel Buds 2.

Why are advertisers boycotting Facebook? And will it make a difference? Our hosts discuss the boycott and what we can expect for the technology giant in the coming weeks. We also talk about everything that was banned on social media platforms in the past week. Finally, we speak with David Tobin, CEO of Audiojack, about how COVID-19 has ignited new interest in audio-based movies.

A week after Apple's WWDC, the hosts continue the discussion about Big Sur and the best features of iOS 14. We also speak to Chris Pereira from Huawei about jobs in tech and how to get your foot in the door.

Why did Elon Musk call for the breakup of Amazon recently? Find out how the online shopping giant is ruffling feathers with authors. We speak with a Kansas author and book shop owner, Danny Caine, about his experience publishing and selling through Amazon. We also look at how phishing rates are rising with employees working from home due to COVID-19. Finally, we'll talk about some of Apple's big announcements from WWDC 2020.

Last week, TELUS filed suit against Shaw over ‘misleading’ ads about its Fibre+ internet service. Today, Peter Vogel, tech expert and columnist, joins us to talk about why Shaw’s advertising is misleading and how this might affect your home internet speeds if you subscribe to the Shaw Fibre+ 300 Internet Service. We’ll also discuss how the criminal justice system in Ontario has used technology to adapt during COVID-19 with criminal lawyer and Toronto Director of the Criminal Lawyer’s Association, Jennifer Penman. Fellow gadget guy, Marc Saltzman, joins us with last minute tech gift ideas that will impress Dad this Father's Day.

Replacing both the Sonos Playbar and Playbase and supporting Dolby Atmos surround sound, the Sonos Arc is the hottest new sound bar for your television. We talk to Ted Kritsonis to hear about his first impressions and find out where the Sonos Arc really shines. We also speak to Peter Vogel to find out why the earth's magnetosphere is weakening and why we should care.

Several years ago, a Coronavirus swept through the U.S. and killed 1 million of the population it infected: pigs. We speak with Brian Jackson, CIO at Infotech Research Group, about the technology behind the biosecurity measures farmers implemented in response. These tools, including facial recognition scanners connected to commercial locks, may hold the key to managing COVID-19 infections in long term care homes and hospitals.

Is Jeff Bezos poised to take over the largest movie theater chain in world? We discuss the strategic implications of an acquisition with Forbes Senior Contributor, Enrique Dans. Brian Jackson, CIO at Infotech Research Group, also joins us to talk about the use of robots in hospitals.

The COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to another epidemic: misinformation. Mike Agerbo and John Biehler speak with Philip Mai and Anatoliy Gruzd from Ryerson University's Social Media lab about their project, COVID19Misinfo.org. We also look at a specific case of misinformation, known as #FilmYourHospital, and how it spread through social media.

With the help of AI, Canadian researchers are working on a number of projects that could help in the fight against the novel coronavirus. We speak with Sasha Luccioni, Director of Scientific Projects at the AI for Humanity Department at Mila in Quebec, about the efforts to find treatments for COVID-19 and to optimize hospital equipment allocation based on predictions of infection rates.

Forced to stay home due to the pandemic, Canadians are adjusting to a virtual way of life. We speak with Alex Fraser, VP of Western Operations at a Vancouver restaurant consultancy, about the effects of using third party delivery services on your favourite restaurants. We also get some practical information about accessing virtual health care during the pandemic and beyond from Dr. Richard Tytus, MD and CEO at WeCare. We cover everything from access to specialists to security in telehealth.

Looking for a unique DIY project to focus on during the COVID-19 pandemic? We talk with fellow tech nerd and digital nomad, Duane Storey, about building a tube amplifier for sound with a more musical quality. The perfect project for music lovers, making a tube amp will keep you busy and diving into the history of audio equipment. We also open the GetConnected mailbag and answer listener tech queries.

Using low-Earth orbit satellites, Starlink plans to bring Internet services to the masses, and especially remote areas. We speak with tech expert and columnist, Peter Vogel, to learn about the ambitious vision of the company. We also discuss the downsides of the project and its potential effects on the night's sky.

Want to feel more comfortable with digital technology and the internet of things? Author of You and the Internet of Things, Vicki McLeod joins us with a primer on the fundamentals of technology and smart devices. We chat about current technologies like video streaming, home networking, and ride sharing. We also discuss security and what users should be be aware of as they introduce connected home devices into their homes.

As COVID-19 spreads throughout Canada, health care facilities are experiencing significant shortages in personal protective equipment, or PPE. We speak with Tinkerine Studios, a Vancouver 3D printer manufacturer for education, about their work to shift their production to medical supplies. We also discuss whether a PhotoStick is worth it and alternatives that will help you back up your photos and videos.

With many of us spending more time at home, it's a great time to do a bit of digital housekeeping. Hosts Mike Agerbo, AJ Vickery, and John Biehler discuss ways to organize and back up your photo library using the cloud and tools like Google Photo and Flickr. Later in the show, we speak with Phil Watkins from Intel and Chris Kostyuk from StudioCloud about how the special effects and animation industry is shifting to accommodate working from home.

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