Today in Tech

Technology that can create artificial intelligent avatars of humans is now moving beyond just celebrities and politicians. Influencers, news anchors, college professors and even brand mascots may soon have AI avatars that can interact with customers. Keith chats with Joe Murphy, a technology evangelist with DeepBrain AI, about AI avatars and how they will change the world to help people get more done but also reach new audiences.

AI technology that can duplicate a person’s voice and likeness is not just a concern for Hollywood actors and Washington, D.C. politicians. The potential for people using AI avatars and other tools could affect everything from marketing professionals to the CEO. Chris Lavigne from Wistia joins the show to discuss how AI tools can help in video production, but also how employees need to better protect their digital likenesses.

Artificial intelligence and its effect on cybersecurity (both good and bad) was one of the hottest topics at the annual Black Hat security conference in Las Vegas. Keith chats with security writer and editor Joan Goodchild about the biggest trends from the show.

Robots and self-driving cars continue to get themselves in trouble, but humans aren’t really helping the situation either. Keith and Chris discuss how people keep messing around with (and in) self-driving cars, as well as other technology news topics. Also, is Elon Musk a supervillain or anti-hero?

Years of security solutions have not made the Internet more secure, as reports of new attacks and data breaches occurring regularly. The issue is a broken system based on an incorrect assumption of what security is. Keith talks with Wes Kussmaul, CTO of The Authenticity Alliance, about how authenticity and better identification management can solve many of today’s security problems.

Companies are now competing to bring in workers who are talented in the artificial intelligence space, with huge salary offers, including companies like Amazon and Netflix. Keith and Chris discuss this push for AI talent and whether it will last; whether price hikes in streaming services will cause consumers to cancel; and whether TikTok will ever change its recommendation algorithm for U.S. users like they did in Europe.

Despite hype and negative headlines about generative AI and tools like ChatGPT, companies are finding useful and efficient uses for the tools. We chat with Ajay Mohan, a principal of AI and analytics at Capgemini, about the ways in which businesses will deploy generative AI tools.

When Zoom gives up on employees being able to work fully remote, you know the remote-work movement is on its last legs. Keith and Chris discuss whether hybrid work is the compromise we all need, or if it’s back to the past with 5-day-a-week, in-the-office work for everyone. Plus, Disney raises rates on streaming platforms Disney+ and Hulu, despite having really bad content; and why some EV owners in California are going back to gas-powered cars.

The newest version of Wi-Fi (version 6E) allows for higher capacity and bandwidth with the opening of 6GHz frequency spectrum, but with version 7 likely to occur next year, companies might decide to wait. Keith talks with IDC analyst Brandon Butler about the pros and cons of the latest wireless LAN standards.

With the costs of large language models and generative AI platforms coming down, companies are beginning to explore highly focused systems that can answer questions to specific, niche topics. We explore the pros and cons of this approach with Lawrence Spracklen, senior technical advisor at Numenta.

Concerns about artificial intelligence cloning actors and their likenesses continue to be raised in the actors’ strike; the FBI warns about hackers using open-source AI tools to create better malware and phishing attacks (along with audio cloning to mimic a victim’s loved ones); and Intel gets a boost in revenue due to AI chip demand.

New research shows that companies involved in a four-day workweek project benefited from improved productivity and better mental health for employees, with the number of hours needed to complete the same amount of work continuing to decline. Lucas Mearian, a senior reporter at Computerworld, talks with us about the latest findings.

Keith and Chris look at the week’s news in our latest episode of ‘Today in Tech,’ including whether Elon Musk changing the Twitter logo from a blue bird to a giant X will have any impact; Threads adds a feed so you can just follow your followers; and TikTok gets into the selling cheap stuff from China game. Also, would you allow yourself to be scanned so a digital avatar could talk with family members after you die?

The OpenWiFi project looks to create open-source options for service providers looking to better support wireless deployments for multi-residential units and hospitality companies. Learn more about the standard in this episode.Follow TECH(talk) for the latest tech news and discussion!

The looming launch of electronic data record exchanges will allow more doctors, hospitals and other health providers to more easily share records amongst each other. This should ease the ability for clinicians to see the entire health history of patients, more so than the current fragmented system. Computerworld’s Val Potter and Rob Mitchell talk about the topic with Keith on this episode.

A slew of new connected home devices, utilizing the Matter protocol, is about to hit retailers in time for the holidays. Will this standard, which promises easier connectivity and installation for smart home devices like lights, sensors, door locks, cameras and more, revitalize the idea of a connected home? Or better yet, lead us to the part of smart home automation? Keith chats with Skip Ashton, an engineer with Infineon Technologies and representative of the Connectivity Standards Alliance, about the protocol.

A federal judge rules that Microsoft can go forward with its acquisition of Activision Blizzard, striking another blow for the Federal Trade Commission. But then the company also gets hit with news that a bug in its cloud services platform allowed Chinese hackers to infiltrate emails at the Commerce and State departments. Also, the big bad villain in this summer’s hottest movie is artificial intelligence!

Nowhere has artificial intelligence and generative AI tools like ChatGPT disrupted a space more than in education, where teachers and students are debating whether the tools can help or harm them. Jim Chilton, executive vice president of learning platform provider Cengage, chats with Keith about why knowledge workers can take advantage of the tools to help them become smarter and better prepared for an AI future.

Mark Zuckerberg takes his beef with Elon Musk to new levels with the launch of Threads, an Instagram-based microblogging platform that looks exactly like Twitter. Plus, we review highlights of the Microsoft vs. FTC case in terms of the Activision Blizzard acquisition, and wonders if Gen Xers really want to go back to a digital-free lifestyle.

The best and worst of humanity was on display last week during the events of the OceanGate Titan sub disaster, including rescuers looking for potential survivors, but also dark Internet memes and inappropriate comments due to 24/7 social media. Keith chats with author Justin Bean and analyst Jack Gold about what lessons we can learn, including those that work at startups and other “innovation” firms.

Workplace innovations such as eliminating scheduled meetings for a month, as well as flexible work options like four-day workweeks, have helped a technology company with issues around meeting fatigue and email overload. Keith chats with Amy Casciotti, vice president of human resources at TechSmith, about these innovations.

Tesla’s deal with Rivian to allow access to its Supercharger network seems to indicate a growing dominance of the Tesla charging system, creating a de facto standard. Also, the FTC goes after Amazon for its Prime subscription signups and cancellation policies, while also continuing to go after the

Several new articles suggest that the ongoing drive for electric vehicles may be shifting into a more cautious approach as questions rise around charging station availability, infrastructure questions, and the true range of vehicles. Also, we look at how some employees are pushing back against office mandates and whether companies need to have a “fun squad” that allows co-workers to become friends.

A New York case where a lawyer was admonished for using ChatGPT to research previous case law (in which the cases were made up by the AI) is softening enthusiasm for the technology by lawyers and others. Paul Lopez, an attorney and partner at Tripp Scott in South Florida, chats with Keith about the upsides and downsides of using generative AI for use in the legal space. Guest: Paul Lopez, a labor and employment attorney with South Florida-based Tripp Scott. Paul has more than 30 years of experience in commercial litigation and advises business owners, HR executives and compliance regulations on labor and employment laws.

One week after Apple’s Vision Pro augmented reality headset, has the shine and hype subsided? Keith checks in with Computerworld editor Ken Mingis about whether this is just a case of Apple fan fervor, or if the company has revolutionized the ‘spatial computing’ space.

Recent incidents around companies and government organizations suffering shutdowns due to legacy and outdated technology systems is shining a spotlight on the problems around modernization. Richard Wiedenbeck, Chief Technology & Transformation Officer at insurer Ameritas, chats with Keith about the obstacles that many organizations face in trying to modernize their systems.

Apple announced its augmented reality headset, the Vision Pro, at its Worldwide Developer’s Conference (WWDC). But at $3,500, the heavy price tag limits a potential audience and use cases are hard to define beyond entertainment and gaming. Keith is joined by Ramon Llamas, research director at IDC; Michael Simon, editor of Macworld; and Jonny Evans, a Computerworld columnist who covers Apple, to discuss the Vision Pro and its features, along with other WWDC announcements.

The dynamics between employees and employers continues to swing back and forth in the face of massive layoffs, hiring and staffing shortages, and return-to-office mandates. How can employers become better at creating an environment where employees feel engaged? Does technology solutions help or hurt with improving morale? We chat with Joe Mull, author of the book “Employalty: How to Ignite Commitment and Keep Top Talent in the New Age of Work” about these and other employee/employer issues. Guest: Joe Mull, the author of three books and the founder of the BossBetter Leadership Academy. His most recent book is titled “Employalty: How to Ignite Commitment and Keep Top Talent in the New Age of Work.”

While companies like NVIDIA generate more products to accelerate the usage of artificial intelligence by other companies, AI scientists and other leaders continue to warn about the potential dangers of the technology. Also, why Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard centers around cloud gaming’s future and its most popular game, Call of Duty.

To help raise awareness about the types of tools hackers are using to eavesdrop or break into different systems, we chat with Etay Maor, an adjunct professor of cybersecurity at Boston College and an industry-recognized cybersecurity researcher. Knowing some of these tricks can help consumers and other professionals better secure their homes and offices. Guest: Etay Maor, adjunct professor of cybersecurity at Boston College, and industry-recognized cybersecurity researcher.

The European Union goes after Facebook parent Meta for its data transfer practices, while TikTok takes on Montana’s ban of the social media service. Keith and Chris also catch up on other technology news of recent weeks, including more AI image foolery.

At the Google I/O event, new artificial intelligence tools take center stage, along with some hardware updates for its phones and tablets. Also: electric vehicles get some good news about electric infrastructure (but are the numbers accurate?); and companies continue to struggle with office space vacancies.

Companies are discovering that technology platforms that supported work-from-home employees are now potentially hindering them as workers move to a hybrid or return-to-the-office environment. Keith chats with Lauren Izaks, COO of All Points PR, about how companies can navigate new workplace challenges with technologies (and which technology to avoid or reconsider).

Artificial intelligence tools continue to disrupt different facets of life, and it could affect how TV shows and movies in the future are created (and paid for). Keith and Chris discuss the AI influence in the writer’s guild strike, as well as if it has already disrupted Apple’s augmented reality offering before it even was announced.

New and interesting use cases continue to develop for ChatGPT and other generative AI tools, while one of the early pioneers of artificial intelligence comes out against the technology. Is this a case where future AI will be like the Jedi – having a light and dark side? Keith and Chris discuss the latest developments in AI, as well as other technology news topics.

Looking back at some big technology news in the past week, Keith and Chris discuss the impact of the U.K. rejecting Microsoft’s proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard, how space mishaps may affect future space exploration, and what GM’s decision to end production of the Chevy Bolt will mean for the EV market.

People using artificial intelligence tools continue to create mischief, such as winning photography contests, imitating famous singers, and generating video from text prompts. As more tools get introduced, are we going to benefit from the results or go down a path where we might inadvertently begin losing our usefulness as humans? Keith chats with Alex Lawrence, an associate professor of business at Weber State University, about the benefits and potential disruptions of generative AI.

The rumor mill around the possibility of an Apple AR/VR (augmented reailty / virtual reality) headset announcement at the June Worldwide Developers’ Conference kicks into high gear. Computerworld’s Ken Mingis and Macworld’s Michael Simon join Keith to discuss the latest potential announcements from Apple.

Governments and car companies continue to push the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) to become more environmentally friendly. But as more people experience the technology, there are increasing concerns about potential battery issues, limited range, fire possibilities and other problems. Keith and Chris discuss whether this means an EV backlash is coming soon.

A scientific project that can create digital representations of the cardiovascular system aims to predict and diagnose diseases in virtual scenarios before applying them to real-world settings. The system can help doctors make better decisions on treatment options, as well as predict potential illnesses down the road. Iris Shelly, a research scientist with NTT Research, joins the show to discuss the project.

Recent employment reports suggest that layoffs from tech companies did have an impact on IT-related jobs, but with extremely low unemployment for those positions, it remains a hot market for many companies looking for IT workers. Lucas Mearian from Computerworld joins the show to discuss the latest reports on tech employment, and what skills are now valued by employers.

PC shipments around the world plunged in Q1 2023 compared to 2022, due to excess inventory and economic fears about new purchases. Also, governments around the world begin to flex their muscles over AI and big tech companies like Google and Apple. Also, can ChatGPT write a better fortune cookie fortune than a human?

Amazon’s Sidewalk expansion to outside developers is showing increased enthusiasm for low-power networks that could compete with 5G to support Internet of Things infrastructures. Analyst Jack Gold joins the show to discuss the latest developments around IoT and 5G and how it could provide better tracking capabilities for packages and other services.

Apple, AI and Amazon all had interesting technology news last week, with more hints at augmented reality device from Apple; deepfake imagery continues to haunt the internet, and a Wired article exposes the problems of Amazon’s Prime Air Delivery service. Keith and Chris comment on these topics and more.

With accelerating developments in artificial intelligence, are we now on a path towards AI achieving greater intelligence than humans? Keith is joined by a panel of AI experts to discuss whether we are going down that road, and how to ensure that humans remain in control of AI development.

To recover from pandemic-era challenges, many restaurants are attempting to innovate with new technologies such as AI voice, mobile phone point of sale ordering systems, and drone deliveries. Are these efforts just experimental or will they be a part of our future dining experiences? Keith chats with Michael Atkinson, a noted leader in the restaurant technology space, to separate the wheat from the chaff.

Elon Musk and other AI luminaries are calling for a 6-month pause on AI tool training so that the industry may better collaborate on design and development before the technology accelerates to infinity and beyond. Keith chats with Jason Mars, Ph.D., from the University of Michigan, about whether this is a good or bad idea.

Coming off the heels of an AI image of Donald Trump getting arrested, a fake image of the pope wearing a white puffy coat tricks many on the Internet. Keith and Chris discuss other tech news from the week, including the Twitter source code leak, what jobs may be in danger from ChatGPT, and why working-from-home exclusively might be going away at many companies.

Google finally launches its Bard AI app as an alternative to ChatGPT, while Microsoft continues to add more functionality to ChatGPT through Bing, all while others begin calling for regulation as more and more competitors appear. Keith and Chris discuss this, as well as additional layoffs in the tech space and research that proves that in-office engagement between employees is valuable.

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew testified in front of a hostile and united Congressional committee on Thursday, mostly failing to convince lawmakers that user data it collects from more than 150 million Americans is protected from the Chinese Communist Party. But in the end, there are doubts about whether the government can successfully ban the popular video-sharing application, and whether this hearing was mostly about theatrics and grandstanding.