The PC Pro Podcast

The team discusses Epic Games' ongoing legal beef with Apple, the continuing prevalence of web-tracking tricks, a controversial update to Firefox and the 25th anniversary of the launch of Windows 95. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the X-Rite iDisplay Pro Plus 3, a nifty little colorimeter that can help you improve the colour accuracy of your monitor.

Commercial pilot Gavin Hall joins the team to give a professional opinion of Microsoft's groundbreaking new Flight Simulator; we also discuss the increasingly acrimonious squabble between Apple and Epic Games, a technical breakthrough that could give Intel CPUs a big performance boost and disputes over access to BT's paid-for TV services. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Sony WH-1000XM4, the company's new flagship noise-cancelling headphones.

The team talks to seismologist Professor Thomas Lecocq about Android's new earthquake-detection function - for real - and discusses the UK's latest coronavirus tracking app, the arrival of the Microsoft Surface Duo and the latest on TikTok. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Vodafone Curve, a compact GPS tracker designed to help locate misplaced items and animals.

The team discusses Microsoft's possible acquisition of TikTok, the rumoured sale of chip designer ARM and the latest announcements from Samsung's "Galaxy Unpacked" event (see www.samsung.com/uk/unpacked). We also mention a report suggesting that 80 million computers have been hijacked by malicious Chrome extensions, which you can read at pcpro.link/podcx. This week's Hot Hardware candidate is the Samsung Galaxy M31, a snazzy smartphone at a remarkably low price.

The team discusses not one but two high-profile hack attacks, recaps the US hearing that has accused tech giants of operating as monopolies, and looks ahead to the prospect of a wholly virtual CES. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Netgear XS508M, a 10GbE network switch that makes Wi-Fi 6 look positively sluggish.

In the week that Slack slapped Microsoft with a lawsuit accusing it of abusing its position of dominance, the team delivers its verdict. Plus, what on earth is going on with Windows 10X, which worldwide powers might buy the chip-licensing giant Arm, hackable phone power supplies and the pros and cons of Apple’s bug bounty phone. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Null Project, an iPad keyboard that comes without any letters on its keys.

The team discusses a huge Twitter hack attack, Huawei's expulsion from the UK telecoms market, predictions of what 6G mobile services might bring and Google's visions for future wearable technology. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Gigabyte Aero 17, a high-powered laptop with a huge Pantone-certified screen.

The team discusses a new report that warns of vulnerabilities in ALL domestic routers (see pcpro.link/routerreport), concerns over in-game purchases, badly behaved iOS apps and the latest on Thunderbolt. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Moto 360, an Android-based smartwatch - remember those?

The team discusses the performance of Apple's new in-house CPUs, a technical fiasco that left banking customers unable to get at their money, tighter policies on hate speech at Reddit and the worldwide closure of Microsoft's retail shops. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the BT Mini Whole Home Wi-Fi, a three-node mesh system costing just £75.

The team discusses the implications of Apple's move to ARM-based processors, the final curtain for Adobe Flash, new rugged laptops from Acer, and apps that (notionally) allow you to go to the pub safely again. Our Hot Hardware candidates are a brace of high-end audio headsets from Logitech and Epos.

The team catches up with the state of the UK's "world-beating" Coronavirus-tracing app, legal challenges for Apple, warnings over the longevity of smart home appliances and Snapchat's big investment in AR. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Microsoft Surface Book 3.

The team discusses the potential dangers of facial recognition technology, emerging data about the coronavirus pandemic (see pcpro.link/model), ructions at Reddit and Apple's planned transition to ARM-based processors. Our Hot Hardware candidate is an ordinary Android phone - running the latest beta of Android 11.

The team discusses the BBC's new voice assistant, Google's next-generation video-streaming device, a boost for location-sharing "Plus Codes" and a steep price increase for Apple RAM. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Netgear Nighthawk M2 mobile router (see pcpro.link/podnight).

The team discusses Donald Trump's feud with Twitter, a USB stick that claims to protect users from the dangers of 5G radio waves, Japan's plans for "super-cities" and what - if anything - is new in the Windows 10 May 2020 Update. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Scan 3XS Vengeance XTi, a mighty desktop PC that showcases Intel's new Core i9-10900K CPU.

The team discusses the new Windows features unveiled at Microsoft's (virtual) Build conference, controversial rumours about Apple's earbuds, criticisms of the UK's coronavirus contact-tracing app and reports of how third-party delivery services are distorting the restaurant market. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the TP-Link EAP225, a wireless access point designed for the great outdoors.

The team discusses Facebook's use of AI to moderate posts, a stunning first look at the PlayStation 5, the end of Alienware's user-upgradeable laptop and a bitter farewell to Google Play Music. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Samsung Galaxy Book S, a lightweight ARM-based Windows laptop.

The team discusses the debut of the NHSX Covid-19 app, the merger of O2 and Virgin Media, Facebook's new "supreme court" and Microsoft's big bet on Windows 10X. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Philips Brilliance 346P, a huge 34in desktop monitor.

The team discusses a dodgy Windows Update, Lenovo's new Linux-based ThinkPads, the ups and downs of life in lockdown and a tool that turns your Canon DSLR into a webcam. Our Hot Hardware candidate is Huawei's P40 Pro - an Android smartphone that ships without Google apps and services.

The team discusses the UK's new coronavirus tracking app, a major vulnerability in the iOS Mail app, Sonos' new music streaming service and security enhancements to the Zoom videoconferencing platform. Our Hot Hardware candidate is Apple's Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro.

The team is joined by BCS director Carl Harris, who introduces the society's campaign to recognise the role of IT workers during the coronavirus pandemic. We also discuss Google's plans to create its own CPUs and welcome new warnings over video games that invite users to pay for randomised "loot boxes". Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Fitbit Charge 4, a fitness tracker with a built-in GPS receiver.

The team discusses the spread of misinformation over 5G masts, new limits on WhatsApp forwards, free access to Google Stadia and how libraries are distributing works during the lockdown. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Chord Electronics Hugo 2, a high-end audio streaming system.

The team discusses security concerns over the suddenly ubiquitous Zoom videoconferencing platform, Microsoft's software subscription plans, a new web-filtering service from CloudFlare and Apple's acquisition of the popular Dark Sky weather app. Our Hot Hardware candidate is Asus' ZenWiFi AC mesh extender system.

The team says goodbye to Bill Gates as he steps down from the Microsoft board, looks ahead to Android 11, sizes up Apple's new iPad Pro and MacBook Air models and shares tips on working fom home. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the somewhat pricey Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra smartphone.

The team discusses the technological implications of the coronavirus outbreak, forthcoming features for Pixel phones, the ethical issues raised by face-scanning technology and a new role for Cortana. Our Hot hardware candidate is the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, a folding smartphone with a horizontal hinge.

The team asks whether Macs need antivirus software, discusses unfortunate problems with a recent Windows 10 update, wishes Photoshop a happy 30th birthday and ponders the tale of the smart car that refused to drive home. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the LG Gram 17, an ultra-lightweight laptop with a huge screen.

The team discusses the rise of artificially manipulated photos and videos, the artist who created a virtual traffic jam, the creative potential of the iPad and Google's latest financial report. Our Hot Hardware candidate is Nvidia GeForce NOW, the graphics giant's new streaming gaming service. Well, it has to be running on hardware somewhere, right?

The team discusses Sonos bricking its own products, a first look at Microsoft's twin-screened Surface Duo smartphone and the alleged hack attack on Jeff Bezos. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the Netgear Orbi WiFi 6, the world's first 802.11ax mesh networking platform.

In a special podcast direct from Las Vegas, Tim Danton and Jon Honeyball discuss the latest news and product announcements from CES 2020.

The team tests their knowledge of tech news and trivia in our traditional end-of-year quiz.

The team discusses new password-security features in Chrome, rumours of a socketless iPhone, the future of Intel and the end of the line for Windows 7. Our Hot Hardware candidate is the 16in Apple MacBook Pro.

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 Business.

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.