Each Sunday, Brad Shoemaker and Will Smith discuss a new technology topic. Come for the long-form conversations about virtual reality, space travel, electric cars, refresh rates, and a whole lot more.
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This episode features a detailed account of Will and Adam Patrick Murray's visit to Intel's new 18A chip fabrication facility. They explore the upcoming Panther Lake architecture, advancements in chiplet interconnects, backside power delivery, and the challenges of thread scheduling. The discussion also covers the future of integrated GPUs, the evolving role of ray tracing in gaming, and fascinating insights into the daily operations and unique aspects of a cutting-edge semiconductor fab.
It's that time again for more of your questions, and this month we discuss medical equipment conducting secret data collection, dangerously fast CD-ROMs, what we'd want in a brand new operating system (assuming we'd even want one), open source software made by big-box retail chains, OLED vs. LCD TVs, impassioned views on McMaster-Carr, whether or not to invest the effort to digitize all your documents, the difficulty of preserving online content for coffee table books, and more. Support the Pod!...
Brad and Will discuss the looming end-of-life for various tech products, starting with the intricacies of Windows 10's extended security updates and the pitfalls of unofficial builds. They pay tribute to the iconic TiVo DVR, recounting its revolutionary impact on television viewing, its cultural significance, and its unexpected connection to open-source licensing. The episode also touches on the quiet discontinuation of AOL dial-up and the fading availability of PC Blu-ray drives.
This episode features a "toolbox" roundup of tech gadgets and tricks. Will highlights the utility of dot nanotape, a robust USB-C to SATA adapter, and effective Nintendo Switch 2 grips, while Brad delves into SanDisk's high-endurance SD cards for Raspberry Pis and the surprising revival of Windows Mixed Reality headsets via a new driver. They also share a positive update on the PlayStation VR2's PC compatibility, Intel's Thread Director, and strategies for under-desk organization.
Brad and Will dive into a news roundup, starting with an in-depth look at "smishing" campaigns, from massive SIM farms busted by the Secret Service to vulnerable IoT devices being exploited, and discuss why SMS remains a difficult-to-disable part of cellular networks. They then shift to robotics, exploring iRobot founder Rodney Brooks's wariness of humanoid robots due to safety and dexterity challenges, criticizing current training methods. Finally, the hosts consider the imminent Windows 10 end-of-life, the phasing out of 32-bit support across the tech industry, and the potential security risks for millions of un-updated computers.
This Q&A episode covers a diverse range of tech and lifestyle queries. Discussions include personal anecdotes about Windows 95 and old BBSs, clever tactics for phone trade-ins, the often-overlooked energy costs of home servers, and an in-depth look at how game engines function versus developer skill. The hosts also tackle the frustrations of Bluetooth device switching and strategies for avoiding drop-shipped knock-offs when buying home accessories.
This episode dives deep into PC hardware, addressing Microsoft's recent flagging of FanControl due to the WinRing0 vulnerability and alternative fan management strategies, including the discovery of fan beat frequencies in Noctua coolers. The hosts also share experiences with powering external hard drives, overcoming the SATA 3.3V issue non-destructively, and building a rackmount studio PC. They explore Linux's superior thread scheduling for gaming and other applications, contrasting it with Windows performance. The episode wraps up with discussions on flea market finds, CRT gaming, and insights into helpful hardware documentation.
Apple really brought the goods to its iPhone 17 event this week, with a freakishly thin phone in the new iPhone Air, major production-level video features and accessories in the 17 Pro, significant health and sleep features in the next Apple Watch, third-gen AirPods Pro, ceramic coating all over basically everything, and perhaps most importantly, Pro-level features and a pretty generous starting storage option trickling down to the base iPhone 17 model. We sit down to run through all this new te...
Brendon Chung and Sanjay Madhav from Blendo Games delve into the intricacies of building Skin Deep using a modified Doom 3 engine. They explore the benefits and challenges of working with open-source, from modernizing the renderer for Steam Deck support and localization, to crafting unique gameplay mechanics like accessible Zero-G and an advanced AI system. The discussion also covers their development workflow, the significance of their "Mod Museum," and reflections on indie versus AAA game development.
Brad and Will dive into a range of tech discussions, including the practicality of Teenage Engineering PC cases, the nuances of USB video capture for streaming, and the challenges of archiving Blu-ray collections. They also explore the retro gaming world with CRTs and Mister FPGAs, debate cloud gaming performance, and tackle listener emails about smart TV issues and Windows UI frustrations. The episode features entertaining tangents on celebrity Oreos, classic malware, and a deep dive into Waffle House ordering.
This episode celebrates the 30th anniversary of Windows 95, reflecting on its profound impact as the gateway to mainstream computing and the modern internet. Brad and Will share nostalgic stories of its release, the shift from isolated PCs to online connectivity, and the challenges of early internet access. They also delve into the technical aspects of emulating Windows 95 using 86Box, highlighting the search for drivers and the bare-bones experience, while also introducing Will's new Linux podcast, 'The Dual Boot Diaries.'
Brad and Will celebrate 300 episodes by looking back at the biggest changes in the tech world since 2019, covering everything from the rise of AI and the shift in hardware availability to the decline of streaming service appeal and the evolution of electric vehicles. They also discuss advancements in gaming, open source software, and the changing landscape of social media, highlighting how much has transformed in just six years.
Brad recounts the unexpected death of his refrigerator, leading to an adventure in budget appliance shopping, food safety lessons, and a deep dive into appliance design and repair. Will shares his trip report from Super Nintendo World in Hollywood, detailing the innovative tech like Amiibo wristbands and augmented reality Mario Kart that enhance the theme park experience while keeping visitors off their phones.
This episode explores the surprising influence of payment processors, detailing how a collective campaign against NSFW content on platforms like Steam and Itch.io led to widespread content removal. The hosts break down the complex layers of credit card transactions, fraud prevention, and the high-risk categories that trigger higher fees or outright bans. The discussion extends to the wider implications of online censorship, highlighting concerns about its impact on diverse artistic and LGBTQ+ content.
Brad and Will tackle listener questions, discussing the impending "AI-content centipede" where AI consumes its own output, and the ethical dilemmas of ad-blocking in the current digital landscape. They also offer practical PC build advice, share humorous "I'm old" moments, and reminisce about early computing education and defunct tech brands.
Brad and Will dive into a series of "cold opens," discussing everything from the nostalgic value of office "crap tables" and a proposal for neighborhood free exchange spots, to the practical challenges of disposing of old gasoline. They air grievances about EV charging station etiquette, the perplexing habit of children neglecting to charge their phones, and the hidden advancements in everyday items like glue sticks and craft knives. The episode also features a debate on the "friend slop" game genre and a heartfelt eulogy for a recently closed, beloved sandwich shop.
This episode delves into the December 1996 issue of Wired magazine, exploring its chaotic mix of technical and lifestyle advertisements and its prescient articles on early AI, targeted web advertising via DoubleClick, and concerns about digital surveillance. The hosts discuss Neil Stevenson's extensive cover story on "hacker tourism" and the ambitious FLAG undersea cable project, reflecting on the internet's vibe and predictions from a quarter-century ago, alongside tangents on a strange bathroom clock and the developer Landfall.
This week, Brad and Will induct the NVIDIA GTX 1080 Ti into their "Products That Changed Everything" series. They explore why this Pascal-based GPU achieved legendary "god-tier" status, offering unprecedented performance and VRAM for its price and time, enabling early native 4K gaming. Its release timing perfectly capitalized on the console generation and the PC gaming renaissance, giving it incredible longevity through market volatility. The hosts discuss NVIDIA's decision to end driver support for the 10 series after almost a decade and what that means for users.
Brad and Will tackle listener questions covering a wide range of tech and life topics. Discussions include food safety and mold, the surprising tech behind sports broadcasting, navigating the indie web, repairing power cables, the push for passkeys, and managing the mental load of hobbies alongside personal life.
Brad and Will take inventory of potential tech projects, discussing the pros and cons of investing time and money. Topics include setting up a travel router for easier hotel networking, building a custom outdoor camera rig to document hummingbird activity, jailbreaking a Kindle to use the alternative reading software Coreader, exploring the new Twitch 1440p streaming beta, implementing a local network time server, and finding uses for a multi-foot pedal.
Brad and Will recap Apple's WWDC 2025 announcements, noting the relative lack of AI compared to Google I/O. They discuss the significant UI redesign (Liquid Glass), updates across iOS, iPadOS (multitasking), Mac OS (versioning, Intel support, new features), watchOS, and tvOS. The episode also touches on Apple's stance on AI and speculates on the Vision Pro's current status.
Will shares his initial hands-on impressions of the Nintendo Switch 2 after attending the launch event. The hosts discuss the console's build quality, new features like enhanced HD Rumble and mouse functionality, screen differences compared to the original Switch, and the state of game compatibility and digital licensing. They also touch on launch day stock availability and the included Nintendo Switch Tour app.
This week, Will recounts his visit to the highly anticipated new Micro Center in Santa Clara, sharing insights into its layout, product selection from touchable components to DIY building services, and overall community vibe compared to old PC shops like Frys. The episode also delves into Will's testing of the new GeForce Now client for the Steam Deck, covering its performance, different subscription tiers, data usage, technical challenges like shader caching and controller support, and its potential as a PC gaming alternative.
In this Q&A episode, Brad and Will tackle a range of listener queries. Topics include the future of courtroom stenography vs recording and AI, assessing hardware risk after a PC compromise, the compatibility of Nvidia graphics cards with Linux, using game consoles for media streaming, the nostalgic appeal of webrings, the practical usefulness of AI assistants, and dissecting an ambitious plan to set up and monetize a livestream of ducks.
Brad and Will discuss a range of tech topics, including the Grok AI controversy, personal domains, microstutter analysis, and Nintendo's DRM changes. They also explore open-source thermostat projects and the challenges of smart home integration. The episode wraps up with a discussion about Fortnite's evolving landscape and its impact on the gaming industry.
Brad and Will discuss a range of tech topics including Brad's Fortnite obsession and jury duty impact on the podcast schedule. Will shares his work quantifying microstutter in games and the frustrating use of AI in Google TV. They also explore troubleshooting A/V receivers, using oscilloscopes, and Will's adventures in setting up Linux.
Brad and Will delve into file organization and storage strategies across desktops and NAS devices, prompted by a listener question. They discuss drive configurations, backup methods, and the nuances of managing personal and project data, including insights on Windows backup tools and the evolving landscape of data management.
Brad and Will discuss Zachtronics' new game studio, programming games, and the Microsoft Kin's brief existence. They answer listener questions about old tech, audience demographics, RoboCop's data spike, and Windows 11 account requirements. The episode covers topics from software-defined radios to maple syrup making, along with Star Wars and movie talk.
Brad and Will delve into a grab bag of tech topics, starting with surge protector safety and PC building nuances. They reminisce about early career artifacts and dissect Weird Al lyrics. The conversation spans thermal paste application, storage bin stacking, monitor woes, and a tribute to Zachtronics. They also share personal anecdotes about missed jury duty and the evolution of computer displays.
Brad and Will discuss their recent forays into the world of CRT televisions, sharing their experiences setting up old consoles and MiSTer systems with these vintage displays. They delve into topics such as TV repair, signal standards, and the unique challenges of working with analog technology in the modern era. They also reminisce about the joys of retro gaming and the surprising appeal of CRTs to a new generation.
