EP: 243 The DOJ Makes Headlines, Gwen Way Returns with a new Gadget and Gears Segment, Scientists tease a Jurassic-style comeback, HP shakes up its policies, and YouTube reveals a new subscription tier, with Guest James Riddle | Air Date: 3/11 - 3/17/20

TechTime with Nathan Mumm

The battle for AI dominance takes a dramatic turn as the Department of Justice abandons its push for Google to divest from artificial intelligence firms like Anthropic. While still pursuing Chrome browser divestiture, this strategic shift acknowledges the complex balance between antitrust enforcement and maintaining America's competitive edge in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
Customer manipulation tactics come under fire with HP's now-abandoned policy of forcing callers to wait 15 minutes before speaking with support staff. This deliberate friction point—designed to push users toward digital support channels—exemplifies how companies use pain-pleasure dynamics to shape consumer behavior, similar to streaming services increasing ad frequency to drive premium subscriptions.
Breaking language barriers might soon become as simple as sharing an earbud. The innovative Monoise PG2 translation earbuds offer real-time translation of over 100 languages directly into users' ears, potentially transforming international travel and diverse workplaces despite practical concerns about sharing earpieces with strangers.
The scientific frontier brings both wonder and warning. Colossal Lab's woolly mammoth revival project advances with scientists creating "woolly mice" to test mammoth gene sequences. Meanwhile, the integrity of research faces threats from fraudulent studies contaminating even reputable journals—a problem magnified as AI systems train on potentially flawed research, creating a dangerous feedback loop of misinformation.
Medical technology leaps forward with Forest Neurotech's non-invasive brain implant that uses targeted ultrasound to treat anxiety and depression without penetrating brain tissue. This breakthrough represents a significant advancement over competitors like Neuralink, potentially offering less invasive options for neurological treatment.
Join us as we navigate these fascinating intersections of technology, ethics, and innovation while enjoying our whiskey pick of the week, Smokey Hill Barrel Proof bourbon—powerful but perhaps not worth its premium price tag.

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Chapters

1. Show Introduction and Overview (00:00:00)

2. DOJ Reverses Google AI Divestment Mandate (00:02:47)

3. HP's Controversial 15-Minute Wait Policy (00:08:36)

4. Monoise PG2 Translation Earbuds (00:14:43)

5. Whiskey Tasting: Smokeye Hill Barrel Proof (00:24:27)

6. SpaceX Rocket Explosion and Space Debris (00:28:20)

7. James Riddle on Mammoth Revival Project (00:34:04)

8. Fake Studies Undermining Medical Research (00:43:16)

9. UK Brain Chip Trials for Anxiety & Depression (00:50:09)

10. YouTube's New Premium Light Subscription (00:53:17)