NPI TechGuys

Sam Bushman and Jay Harrison tackle some of the hottest topics at the intersection of tech, privacy, and AI. Should Americans want data centers in their backyards? Who wins between ChatGPT, Claude, and Grok — and which tool is right for which job? Plus: OpenAI is buying media outlets to fight bad press, AI models are now caught lying and blackmailing when overwhelmed, and Apple, Google, and Meta have dramatically increased the amount of user data they're handing over to the government — raising serious Fourth Amendment questions. This episode is essential listening for anyone who cares about their digital privacy and the future of AI. Topics covered: 1:39 — AI data centers vs. warehouses: What do Americans actually want in their backyard? 6:12 — OpenAI takes a beating — and buys a media company to fight back 12:02 — ChatGPT vs. Claude vs. Grok: Which AI tool wins for which job? 15:10 — When AI gets desperate, it turns deceptive — new Anthropic study 18:28 — Apple, Google & Meta handed millions of user accounts to the government — is FISA 702 the problem? Call to Action: Your privacy matters — stay informed and stay protected. Visit npitechguys.com to access the broadcast, subscribe to free cybersecurity tips, and learn how to guard your business and personal data. To get hands-on IT help or pick up the Cyber Playbook, go to networkprovidersinc.com or call 385-446-5500. Keep watching — and make it a great tech day!

Sam Bushman and Jay Harrison break down the biggest tech threats hitting individuals and businesses right now. From voice phishing scams impersonating help desks to AI "coworkers" that hook into your entire organization, to Minecraft being used for social programming, AI chatbots enabling crypto theft, iOS 26's new call screening tools, and five warning signs your email has been hacked — this episode is packed with practical tips to help you stay safe in a world where you can't trust what you hear or see. Topics covered: 0:46 — Voice phishing scams on the rise 5:18 — "Junior" the $2,000/month AI coworker 9:21 — Minecraft's civil rights DLC & AI-driven social training 12:19 — AI chatbots used for financial extortion 15:25 — iOS 26: liquid glass & call screening 20:24 — 5 signs your email has been hacked Call to Action: Protect yourself and your business — visit *npitech guys.com to get free weekly cybersecurity tips delivered to your inbox. And if your company needs hands-on help, reach out to the team at networkprovidersinc.com or call 385-446-5500. Stay sharp out there — make it a great tech day!*

Sam Bushman and Jay Harrison dive into the landmark lawsuits hitting Meta, Google, and TikTok over addictive platform design. Plus: Meta reverses course on Horizon Worlds, Netflix hikes prices again, autonomous semi trucks hit Texas highways, the AI-generated actress stirring up Hollywood, Firefox's new AI kill switch, and a quirky social experiment connecting Gen Z with Boomers via bright yellow payphones. Tech Watch Radio — keeping an eye on tech so you don't have to. Call to Action: Subscribe and share Tech Watch Radio! Visit npitechguys.com for full episodes, and grab the Cyber Playbook at NetworkProvidersInc.com/cyber-playbook to protect your business today. 0:00 — Intro 1:00 — Big Tech Lawsuits (Meta, Google & TikTok addiction cases) 13:44 — Meta Reverses Horizon Worlds Shutdown 18:31 — Yellow Payphone Experiment: Zoomers Call Boomers 29:26 — Netflix Price Hike (Again) 34:07 — Autonomous Semi Trucks in Texas 38:02 — Tilly Norwood: The AI-Generated Actress 45:19 — Firefox's New AI Controls 49:17 — Discord's Age Verification Change

Sam Bushman and Jay Harrison break down the biggest stories in tech — from Meta's massive layoffs and the death of the Metaverse, to a sobering study showing AI is actually increasing workloads instead of freeing up time. Plus, what 6,000 brain scans reveal about gaming addiction, Gen Z's social media pushback, a dangerous Windows Notepad vulnerability, AI watermarking in Microsoft 365, and a $100 credit-card-sized phone shaking up the market. Call to Action: "Subscribe and share TechWatch to stay informed without the hype. Visit npitechguys.com for full episode archives, and check out the Cyber Playbook at networkprovidersinc.com/cyberplaybook to protect your business today." Timestamps: 1:11 Meta Layoffs — 20% workforce cuts to fund AI infrastructure 3:04 Death of the Metaverse — Zuckerberg's VR bet failing 9:32 AI & the Productivity Myth — Does AI actually save time? 11:02 The Study — 443 million hours of tracked work activity 21:48 Gaming & Brain Scans — What 6,000 scans reveal about addiction 29:37 Gen Z Pushback — Reducing social media engagement 37:54 AI Code Quality — Carnegie Mellon study on AI-generated code 42:09 Windows Notepad Vulnerability — CVSS 8.8 security flaw 45:34 Microsoft 365 AI Watermarking & "Proudly Human" Labels 47:41 Nano Pro — $100 Credit Card-Sized Phone

Sam Bushman and Jay Harrison break down the week's biggest tech stories you need to know about. California just signed a law requiring age verification at the OS level, and it could effectively make Linux illegal in the state. Plus, Microsoft's OneDrive backup is silently moving your files and causing chaos, cheap PCs may be a thing of the past, engineers in Vienna created a microscopic QR code that could store 2TB on a single sheet of paper, password managers face new (but manageable) vulnerabilities, over a million Android apps exposed user data through hardcoded API keys, Ford is recalling 1.7 million vehicles over faulty backup cameras, Waymo's autonomous cars keep breaking traffic laws, and Microsoft is bringing Xbox Mode to Windows 11. Brought to you by Network Providers Inc. Call to Action: Visit NPITechGuys.com for more episodes and tech insights. Need IT solutions? Head to NetworkProvidersInc.com or call 385-446-5500. Protect your business — get the Cyber Playbook at NetworkProvidersInc.com/cyber-playbook. 0:00 Intro & Welcome to Tech Watch Radio 0:57 California's Age Verification Law Could Ban Linux 11:45 Microsoft OneDrive Backup Problems 19:00 Cheap PCs May Be Disappearing 23:54 World's Tiniest QR Code 26:30 RFID Technology & Warehouse Scanning 30:18 Walmart's Dynamic Digital Shelf Pricing 35:37 Password Manager Vulnerabilities (Bitwarden, LastPass, Dashlane) 38:32 1 Million+ Android Apps Exposed User Data 41:58 Ford Recalls 1.7 Million Vehicles Over Backup Cameras 44:36 Waymo Autonomous Vehicle Issues 48:55 Xbox Mode Coming to Windows 11

In this episode of TechWatch, Sam Bushman and Jay Harrison dive deep into the week's most critical tech developments. The Trump administration has issued a sweeping directive banning Anthropic AI across all federal agencies, raising serious questions about AI governance, privacy, and military applications. Are guardrails on AI technology realistic, or will the US fall behind in the global AI arms race? The hosts also tackle Microsoft's controversial decision to split Windows 11 into two separate development tracks for ARM and x86 architectures—a move that could create a support nightmare for developers and consumers alike. Plus, Intel's risky gamble: replacing their entire phone support team with an AI assistant that even they admit might give you incorrect answers. Also covered: AI's hidden costs, the future of email management, why AI-generated videos still look distorted, Facebook malware disguised as Windows 11 upgrades, and Elon Musk's X platform hitting record usage during the Iran conflict. Call to Action: Subscribe to TechWatch for weekly insights on AI, cybersecurity, and the tech trends shaping our world. Visit NPITechGuys.com for show notes and videos, and check out NetworkProvidersInc.com for expert IT strategy and cybersecurity support. Don't navigate the tech landscape alone; let us keep an eye on tech so you don't have to! 0:00 - Show Intro & Trump Bans Anthropic AI 3:08 - AI Privacy & Surveillance Concerns 6:30 - AI Email Management Solutions Gap 9:46 - AI Still in Infancy & Maturation Process 13:49 - Elon Musk's X Platform Hits Record Usage 23:42 - AI-Generated Video Quality & Prompt Tips 37:55 - Microsoft Splits Windows 11 Into Two Tracks 40:53 - Intel Replaces Phone Support with AI Assistant 46:40 - Facebook Malware Disguised as Windows 11 Upgrades 49:23 - Wrap Up & Preview of Password Manager Issues

The Messaging App Wars: WhatsApp's 3 Billion Users, Telegram's Rise & The Privacy Crisis You Need to Know About WhatsApp has conquered one-third of the planet with 3 billion users, while Telegram is rapidly closing in at nearly 1 billion. Meanwhile, governments are cracking down on encrypted messaging, Amazon's Ring doorbell cameras are tracking neighborhoods, and the Pentagon is battling AI companies over autonomous weapons. This is the privacy conversation every tech user needs to hear. Sam and Jay dive deep into the global messaging app landscape, revealing why iMessage will never dominate outside the US, how different countries leapfrogged America in mobile technology adoption, and what the Android vs iPhone divide really means for your digital life. You'll discover why Russia and France are hunting Telegram's founder, Pavel Durov, and what his fight for encryption means for freedom of speech worldwide. We also explore Quanta Sure, a new quantum-resistant encrypted messenger built by Christians in America who are taking privacy seriously. At just $2-5/month, they're challenging the free-app model with a platform that collects minimal data and refuses to compromise on security. Is this the future of private communication? Plus: Amazon Ring's shocking partnership with surveillance company Flock Safety gets exposed, the Pentagon's clash with AI firm Anthropic over weapons development reveals the battle for AI ethics, and we discuss why smart businesses are finally embracing data minimization to protect both themselves and their customers. Whether you're concerned about Big Tech surveillance, government overreach, or just want to understand which messaging app is right for you, this episode delivers the insights you won't find in mainstream tech coverage. RESOURCES: Quanta Sure - quantasure.com Network Providers Inc - networkprovidersinc.com Tech Watch - npitechguys.com TechWatch keeps an eye on tech so you don't have to. Subscribe for weekly insights on technology, privacy, security, and AI that actually matter to your life. #Privacy #Cybersecurity #WhatsApp #Telegram #Encryption #TechNews #AIEthics #DataPrivacy #Surveillance #iMessage 0:00 - Intro & Northeast Snowstorm Discussion 3:00 - Messaging Apps by Rank: WhatsApp Dominates with 3 Billion Users 8:33 - Telegram Hits 1 Billion Users & Closes in on iMessage 19:58 - Telegram Usage by Country: India #1, Russia #2 20:18 - Pavel Durov Under Investigation: Russia & France Target Telegram Founder 24:35 - Quanta Sure: New Quantum-Resistant Encrypted Messenger 26:18 - Quanta Sure Features & Privacy Approach 35:22 - Amazon Ring Cuts Ties with Flock Safety Surveillance Firm 38:15 - Pentagon vs Anthropic: The AI Weapons Development Battle 43:05 - Data Minimization: Why Businesses Should Store Less Customer Info 46:58 - Credit Card Security & PCI Compliance Best Practices

Join Sam Bushman and Jay Harrison from Network Providers Inc. as they dive deep into the latest technology trends shaping our world. This episode covers Google's expanded AirDrop-style sharing for Android devices, the massive SpaceX and xAI merger valued at $1.25 trillion, and Elon Musk's ambitious plans for orbital data centers powered by solar energy. Discover why Chromebooks may be harming education rather than helping it, as a 25-year teaching veteran explains how screens are replacing critical thinking skills and fundamental learning. Learn about the controversial Trump savings accounts and Michael Dell's $6 billion investment in America's youth. The hosts also reveal shocking details about Waymo's self-driving cars—they're not as autonomous as you think! Remote workers in the Philippines are actually guiding these vehicles when they encounter problems. Plus, explore mysterious hot blobs deep inside Earth that have been steering our planet's magnetic field for 265 million years. From messaging app wars (WhatsApp vs. Telegram vs. iMessage) to Apple's AI struggles and Windows 11 frustrations, this episode keeps you informed on tech so you don't have to track it yourself. Watch now and subscribe to stay ahead of the tech curve! Visit NetworkProvidersInc.com for more insights.

Join Sam Bushman and Jay Harrison on Tech Watch Radio as they break down the biggest tech stories you need to know about this week! CYBERSECURITY & AI CONCERNS • AI-generated deepfake videos targeting ICE agents are spreading on social media • How AI language models can be manipulated using "adversarial poetry" techniques • Major ransomware warning: Akira group extorts $244M+ from businesses • Why over-reliance on AI chatbots might be causing "brain rot" and cognitive decline AMAZON'S RETAIL RETREAT • Amazon is shutting down its futuristic "Amazon Go" cashierless stores • What went wrong with the grab-and-go technology experiment • The future of automated retail and what this means for consumers • Licensing opportunities for the checkout technology STREAMING SERVICE PRICE HIKES • Spotify raising prices AGAIN (just 8 months after last increase) • Individual Premium: $12.99 → $13.99/month • Family Plan: $19.99 → $21.99/month • Should you switch to Apple Music or Amazon Music? • The case for buying MP3s and owning your music library PRODUCT UPDATES • Apple AirTag 2nd Generation review: 50% better range, louder speaker, same price ($29) • Best use cases for tracking your valuables • Chinese startup developing brain-computer interface WITHOUT surgery AI TIPS & TRICKS • How to effectively use AI tools without becoming dependent • Project management strategies for ChatGPT and other AI assistants • Why Google searches still beat AI for detailed research • The importance of prompt engineering Sponsored by Network Providers Inc. - Your trusted IT partner for strategic leadership, help desk support, and cybersecurity solutions. ⏰ TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Intro & Memory Prices Crisis 5:15 - AI Deepfake Videos Controversy 12:30 - Brain-Computer Interface Technology 18:45 - Apple AirTag 2nd Generation Review 28:20 - Amazon Go Store Closures 42:15 - Spotify Price Increases 55:30 - AI Security Vulnerabilities 1:08:45 - Ransomware Warning 1:15:20 - AI "Brain Rot" Study RESOURCES MENTIONED: • The Cyber Playbook: NetworkProvidersInc.com/cyberplaybook • Network Providers Inc: NetworkProvidersInc.com • Call: 385-832-6410 SUBSCRIBE & STAY PROTECTED! Don't let tech overwhelm you - we keep an eye on tech so you don't have to! Hit that SUBSCRIBE button and turn on notifications so you never miss critical tech news, cybersecurity alerts, and product reviews that actually matter to your business and daily life. Like this video if you learned something new! Comment below: Are you worried about AI deepfakes? Have you tried the new AirTags? Share with someone who needs better tech security! Need IT support or cybersecurity help? Visit NetworkProvidersInc.com or call 385-832-6410 for a free consultation.

Join Sam Bushman and Jay Harrison on Tech Watch Radio as they dive deep into the latest tech chaos affecting millions of users. In this episode, we tackle Microsoft's disastrous Windows 11 update (KB5074109) that's crashing Classic Outlook and losing emails—Sam shares his personal nightmare of spending hours trying to recover his email system and why he's been forced to switch to Gmail's web client. We explore the growing AI backlash as consumers push back against AI-everywhere marketing, with Dell leading the charge by stepping away from AI-focused PC promotion. Discover why gaming PCs are replacing traditional consoles as the future of gaming, thanks to innovations showcased at CES 2026. Plus, we cover: Email's uncertain future and why communication tools are fragmenting The RAM shortage crisis is driving PC prices up 20% OCUlink ports that let you connect external GPUs to mini PCs Govee's immersive TV backlighting system transforms your viewing experience Valve's push to bring Linux gaming mainstream Solar radiation threatens aircraft systems And much more tech news you need to know! Brought to you by Network Providers Inc. - your trusted IT partner for security, help desk, cloud solutions, and more. CALL TO ACTION: Don't let tech problems derail your business! If you're struggling with email disasters, security concerns, or IT headaches as Sam experienced, contact Network Providers Inc. today at NetworkProvidersInc.com or call 385-446-5500. Subscribe to Tech Watch Radio at NPITechGuys.com for weekly tech insights, and grab your copy of The Cyber Playbook at NetworkProvidersInc.com/cyberplaybook to protect your business from costly breaches. Like, subscribe, and share this episode with anyone who needs to stay ahead of tech trends without the headaches!

Join us for an eye-opening discussion on the latest tech developments shaping our digital lives. We explore China's controversial "Are You Dead?" wellness app, Amazon's massive 30,000-job AI-driven layoffs, and the shocking revelation that major TV manufacturers are secretly taking screenshots of your viewing habits. Plus: Verizon's $20 outage credit, Starlink's free internet for Iran, Alexa Plus browser launch, and why cable companies are desperately trying to win back cord-cutters. We also dive into OpenAI's hyper-realistic Sora 2 video generator and what it means for truth in media. Essential viewing for anyone concerned about privacy, AI's impact on employment, and maintaining control over technology in your life. 0:00 - Introduction & Show Overview 1:00 - "Are You Dead?" App - China's Wellness Check-In Solution 6:00 - Amazon's 30,000 Job Layoffs & AI Impact on Management 7:43 - Verizon's 10-Hour Outage & $20 Credit 8:51 - Starlink Free Internet for Iran 10:19 - Alexa Plus Browser Launch & AI Assistant Competition 14:38 - AI Strategy & Use Cases for Business 18:39 - Radio & TV's Economic Impact ($1.19 Trillion GDP) 20:05 - Smart TV Surveillance Lawsuit - Texas vs. Sony, Samsung & LG 40:30 - Cable Companies Fight Back - Comcast & Spectrum's New Strategies 47:04 - OpenAI's Sora 2 - Hyper-Realistic AI Video Generation 49:39 - Closing Remarks

In this holiday edition of TechWatch Radio, Sam Bushman and Jay Harrison kick things off with some lighthearted Christmas tech talk before pivoting into much heavier territory. From ad-filled digital fireplaces and nostalgia for simpler tech experiences to the growing dangers of mistyped web addresses and parked domains serving malware, the conversation asks an uncomfortable question: has something as basic as typing a website URL become risky in today’s internet? What practical habits can actually keep everyday users safer online?The discussion then turns serious as the hosts unpack the explosion of financial scams targeting seniors, with billions of dollars lost and many cases never reported. Why are gift cards, wire transfers, and cryptocurrency such massive red flags? What simple warning signs should families be talking about at the dinner table, and how can banks and loved ones help stop fraud before the money is gone? The episode offers clear, real-world guidance that could save families from devastating losses.Finally, the show looks ahead to the future of technology itself. Are smartphone apps really on the way out, replaced by AI agents, voice assistants, and web-based experiences? Sam and Jay debate Amazon’s bold predictions, share firsthand experiences with self-driving Waymo taxis, and explore where AI genuinely adds value versus where the hype runs ahead of reality. Will automation make life easier, or introduce new risks we are not prepared for yet? This episode blends caution, curiosity, and common sense in a wide-ranging look at where tech is heading next.