TechStuff

In 1992, Marc Thorpe had a vision: What if people could build their own robots, and pit them against others? In this episode, Jonathan and Chris take a closer look at the history of Robot Wars and BattleBots. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Palm Computing was founded in 1992, before the tech world was inundated with PDAs. Join Jonathan and Chris as they break down the evolution of Palm's products -- as well as the stories of the many companies that, at one or another, owned Palm. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When the web went mainstream, consumers and business owners alike were thrilled by the potential of this new, virtual frontier. Every start-up seemed an IPO away from taking the world by storm. So what went wrong? Tune in to find out. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The current means used to launch space ships is, to say the least, expensive. Could carbon nanotubes allow humans to build an elevator into space? Tune in to learn more about space elevators -- and the writer who originally envisioned them. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For years the scientists at IBM have been attempting to build the world's best question-answering supercomputer: Watson. But what exactly is Watson, and what makes it different from other supercomputers? Tune in and find out. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For years iPhone users have waited for Apple to break their exclusivity deal with AT&T. It looks as though their wishes will come true this year -- Verizon has announced that it will begin carrying the iPhone. Tune in to learn more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fresh from his adventures at the Consumer Electronics Show, Jonathan recounts some of the most interesting tech on display at the event. Tune in and learn more in this podcast featuring guest host Matt, from The Coolest Stuff on the Planet. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The iPod is one of the most popular portable music players in the world, but it certainly wasn't the first. In this podcast, Chris and Jonathan take a closer look at rise of the iPod, from the early days of MP3 players to iPod touch (and more). Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If a hacker installs a rootkit on your computer, you could be in big trouble. But why? In this podcast, the guys break down the basics of rootkits, from what they are to what they do -- and how you can stop them. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Magnetic resonance imagining, or MRI, is a noninvasive technique used to diagnose everything from torn ligaments to tumors. But how does it work? Tune in and find out in this episode of TechStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you have a craving for video games but no console? If so, OnLive might be the service for you. Tune in to learn how OnLive (theoretically) lets you play any game you'd like with nothing more than a subscription and a dependable internet connection. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jonathan and Chris take a look at the features, pros and cons, and potential of Chrome OS -- Google's not-yet-released, cloud-based operating system -- in this episode. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As 2010 draws to a close, Chris and Jonathan take a look at the technology of 2010. Did their predictions pan out? Listen in to learn what surprised, disappointed or impressed our experts over the past year. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many people were surprised by how quickly the conflict between business, government and wikileaks escalated into virtual warfare, but what does it mean for the future? Listen in as Jonathan and Chris recount the recent history of Wikileaks. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is 2011 the year of the tablet? Will warfare expand to the virtual sphere? Listen in as Jonathan and Chris give you their top predictions for the upcoming tech trends of 2011. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Before millions of people strolled around checking Facebook on their smartphones, bulletin-board systems connected computer users across the world. So what happened to these precursors of the Internet when the Web went mainstream? Tune in and find out. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Predictions are a risky business, but that hasn't stopped Chris and Jonathan from making predictions each year. In this episode, the guys look back at their correct (and incorrect) predictions for 2010. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of TechStuff's continuing series on the technology of film, Chris and Jonathan take a closer look at the process of putting sound on film. Delve into the history of film-making and the story of auditory innovation in this episode. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The average Internet user already has several choices when it comes to browsers, so what makes RockMelt special? Tune in as Jonathan and Chris take a closer look at the latest challenger in the browser wars -- and how it differs from the competition. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whether it's the story of John Henry or Kasparov and IBM's Deep Blue, humanity loves to hear about a showdown between man and machine. In this episode, Jonathan and Chris explore some of the famous competitions between humans and computers. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When MySpace hit the Internet, Friendster was the dominant social media network. Yet MySpace usurped Friendster's position and became number one -- until the emergence of Facebook, that is. Tune in to learn more about the past and future of MySpace. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will the Bloom Box become the power source of the future? In this episode, Jonathan and Chris take a closer look at the Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) technology behind the Bloom Box, how it works and what it may mean for the future of power. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alan Turing is often hailed as a genius, but why? In this episode, Jonathan and Chris trace the life, trials and astonishing breakthroughs of Alan Turing. Tune in to learn more about Turing's work and influence on history. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From 2000 to 2001 someone calling himself John Titor claimed to have traveled to the past from the year 2036. His predictions caused a flurry of conspiracy theories, but whatever happened to him? Tune in to get Chris and Jonathan's take in this podcast. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rare earth metals are a crucial component in many electronic devices, but what exactly are they? In this episode, Jonathan and Chris break down the fact and fiction about rare earth metals -- and why they're so important. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If rechargeable batteries are so great, then how come they haven't replaced all disposable models? In this podcast, the guys take a closer look at the technology behind rechargeable batteries. Tune in and learn more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nowadays, batteries are everywhere -- but what exactly are they? How do they work? In this podcast, Chris and Jonathan break down the history of batteries, their uses and the chemistry involved. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As one of the world's most wealthy and influential men, Bill Gates can afford to have some of the finer things in life -- including an amazing mansion in California. Tune in as the TechStuff crew takes a closer look at the futuristic home of Bill Gates. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You've heard of honor among thieves, but are there ethics among pirates? Each year, millions of people illegally download content and software without paying a dime. In this episode, the guys explore ethics (or lack thereof) in digital piracy. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For decades people have dreamed of utopian, gridlock-free traffic, filled with self-driving cars. Could this science-fiction standby become reality? Tune in as Jonathan and Chris take a closer look at self-driving cars. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duke Nukem 3D took the gaming world by storm in 1996, and fans clamored for a sequel. By 1997 the game-makers announced the development of a game called Duke Nukem Forever. Tune in to learn more, including why it still hasn't been released. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2008, Cuil was hailed as the first serious potential rival to Google's search engine. With an employee roster of former Google employees and a supposedly superior search function, Cuil looked set to succeed. So what went wrong? Tune in to learn more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jonathan and Chris have been following the iPad since it was little more than a rumor on the Internet -- but now that the iPad is out, will a competitor challenge its success? Listen in to learn more about the iPad's potential rivals. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Human beings are great at recognizing faces, but historically, computers haven't had much luck replicating this ability. How can we teach computers to recognize faces? In this podcast, Jonathan and Chris tackle the weird world of facial recognition. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since the internet allows users to access an enormous amount of data, it is theoretically possible for an individual to learn almost anything. Yet some experts believe this technology is adversely affecting the human mind -- especially the attention span. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to recent rumors, Facebook may be secretly building a software platform for smartphones of the future. Could the rumors be true? In this episode, Chris and Jonathan break down the possible motivations for this move. Tune in to learn more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When new products emerge, early adopters are the first folks in line. They provide vital information to other customers, most of whom don't want to buy something right away. Learn more about early adopters -- and why they're important -- in this podcast. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you own a personal computer dedicated to gaming, you know the habit can become surprisingly expensive. In this podcast, Jonathan and Chris explore the costs involved with playing the latest and greatest PC games -- and how to build your own machine. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sonar uses sound to gauge the distance between objects. Although most people associate sonar with submarines, humans use sonar for a lot more than underwater navigation. In this episode, Jonathan and Chris take a look at the mechanics behind sonar. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Richard Jordan Gatling invented the Gatling gun, he revolutionized wartime firepower. In this episode, Chris and Jonathan discuss the history of firepower and the principles behind the Gatling gun. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Chris and Jonathan travel to Dragon*Con and meet with Tom Merritt and Veronica Belmont, the hosts of the Sword and Laser podcast. Tune in to get an inside look at how podcasting works, and catch a few tech predictions along the way. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Would you believe that people used to make free calls by using a plastic whistle? In the days before the Internet, phone phreaks explored every nook and cranny of the phone system. But what were they up to, and how did they do it? Tune in to find out. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every driver has seen a railroad crossing -- the iconic system of bars, lights and warning bells designed to keep cars away from trains. But how do they actually work? In this episode, the guys explore the technology powering railroad crossing signals. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you really deleting a file when you move it to the trashcan or recycle bin? The answer might surprise you. In this podcast, Jonathan and Chris break down the actions you need to take to recover -- or permanently delete -- your files. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's been a huge resurgence in three-dimensional special effects in the world of film -- but how do these effects work? In this episode, Jonathan and Chris break down the science behind 3-D technology. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the sun reaches the apex of its eleven-year cycle, its magnetic activity increases and could pose a threat for some electronics -- especially satellites. In this episode, the guys break down the science behind solar flares and coronal mass ejections. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beginning in 1972, the home video game craze took the United States by storm. With tons of companies producing increasingly sophisticated machines, it looked like home gaming was the wave of the future -- so what went wrong? Tune in and learn more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whatever happened to the video game arcade? In recent years, many video game arcades have closed or evolved to cope with an increasingly sophisticated home console market. Join Chris and Jonathan as they explore the rise and fall of video game arcades. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris and Jonathan share tips for conducting effective online research, from using Boolean operators to finding reliable sources, in this episode. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jonathan and Chris tackle the complexities of surround-sound home theater systems, from stereophonic sound to subwoofers, in this episode. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.