This week, GetConnected is LIVE from Budapest. As we travel Europe to learn about new technology, we're joined by fellow tech expert Ted Kritsonis to discuss why music quality has declined in the digital age. From music streaming services to Bluetooth technology, we explore all the reasons we don't get high quality audio anymore. Later in the show, we talk about how electric vehicle charging is different in Europe.
Oct 30, 2021•36 min
This past week, Apple hosted its "Unleashed" event, likely the last for 2021. In this episode, we recap the biggest announcements from the event, including the redesigned MacBooks and the latest AirPods. We share our initial reactions about all the latest technology the tech giant unveiled.
Oct 23, 2021•38 min
Google has announced that it will automatically enrol 150 million users in two-factor authentication by the end of 2021, but many users still don't understand how it works. To help you prepare, we discuss how two-factor authentication works and why you need to understand it before Google makes this change. Later in the show, we welcome Gerry Barnaby from EGO to learn about how their Nexus Power Station replaces traditional gas power generators to deliver clean, quiet, portable power. A game chan...
Oct 16, 2021•39 min
Appearing before a senate hearing this past week, former Facebook data scientist, Frances Haugen, presents evidence that the social network's algorithm promotes divisive and inflammatory content. Social media expert Rebecca Bolwitt joins us to discuss how the way these algorithms work affect users. We also discuss the implications for the future of social networks. Earlier in the show, we speak with Pilvi Carman from Cricut to learn how the company's innovative technology is taking crafting to a...
Oct 09, 2021•38 min
This week, Amazon had its fall device event, launching an overwhelming number of new tech devices. Join us as we discuss the technology with Toronto tech expert, Ted Kritsonis. From a home robot with a screen, called Astro, to a security drone that works with your Ring system, we cover the highlights from the event and share our initial impressions.
Oct 02, 2021•38 min
Many social media platforms are developing ways to help content creators make some money and recently, Twitter joined their ranks. Cam Gordon, Head of Communications for Twitter Canada, joins us this week to discuss how the popular social network is working to help you monetize your tweets with its new tip jar and super follow features. Learn about these new features and more important updates to Twitter.
Sep 18, 2021•38 min
As digital vaccine passports become a reality in several provinces across Canada, OpenTable is making it easier for restaurants to verify vaccination status for patrons. Matt Davis, Canada Country Manager for OpenTable, joins Mike and John to discuss how this new verification component works. Matt shares how OpenTable uses technology to create a seamless experience for diners and restaurants, becoming more than just a reservation platform.
Sep 11, 2021•36 min
Every year, the James Dyson awards promote and encourage innovation in design, recognizing young designers and inventors for their problem-solving ideas. We speak with this year's Canada award winner and two runners up about their ingenious inventions. From a mechanical assistive device for people with limited hand mobility to an AI-powered system that identifies and prevents soil erosion in agriculture to a non-toxic fire retardant that keeps people safe without long-term health impacts, we lea...
Sep 04, 2021•38 min
Over the past year, there have been some troubling incidents with Chevy Bolt electric cars. Now, General Motors has recalled every Chevy Bolt vehicle. Joining us this week, our contributor Stephen Fung, tells us about the experience of owning one of these vehicles as the situation has developed. We also discuss how the recall might affect the perception of electric vehicles.
Aug 28, 2021•37 min
This week, the US International Trade Commission ruled that Google infringed on five smart speaker patents belonging to audio pioneer, Sonos. We discuss what this means for Sonos and Google. We also make some predictions on the future outcome of this David vs. Goliath legal battle. Will Google face import bans on its smart speakers?
Aug 21, 2021•37 min
With back-to-school right around the corner, we talk about the technology essentials students at all levels will need to navigate a post-pandemic world. Toronto-based tech expert Marc Saltzman joins us as we discuss the right tech tools that will help students tackle the year successfully whether they're heading back to the classroom, continuing remote learning, or doing a bit of both.
Aug 14, 2021•36 min
Ever wonder how Facebook selects the ads it displays in your newsfeed? Sometimes those ads can feel invasive or simply irrelevant. This week, we look at one important change in your privacy settings on the popular social network that will give you more control over the ads you see.
Aug 07, 2021•37 min
As the new Anthony Bourdain documentary hit screens, we learned that artificial intelligence was used to recreate the late celebrity chef's voice. We discus how using AI technology to create deepfakes like this one is moving into mainstream filmmaking and explore the implications. Is simulating Bourdain's voice in this way ethical, especially in a documentary? Igor Bonifacic from Mobile Syrup joins us to discuss.
Jul 31, 2021•38 min
Tesla has been the one to watch when it comes to electric vehicles, but traditional automakers are working to catch up. Tech expert and EV enthusiast Ted Kritsonis joins Mike and John to discuss the latest electric vehicle announcements. In this discussion, we look at the technology behind some of the most anticipated features and examine the future of EVs.
Jul 24, 2021•49 min
As countries continue to work through the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccination rates rise, questions are emerging about whether digital vaccine passports could be an effective way to manage the pandemic moving forward. Kerry Bowman, a bioethicist from the University of Toronto joins us to discuss the ethical and practical implications of digital vaccine passports. Looking at vaccine passports on the international and the national level, we explore questions of freedom of movement and how verificati...
Jul 17, 2021•36 min
Since the first recreational traveler landed on the International Space Station (ISS) in 2001, space tourism has been a hot topic. But are we really getting closer to making it a reality? More importantly, will it become affordable? Vancouver technology expert Peter Vogel joins us as we examine the current state of space tourism and discuss what the future holds for companies like Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin.
Jul 03, 2021•36 min
How much sensitive information are you giving away unknowingly on social media? You might be surprised to find out that those quizzes, polls, and even image apps on Facebook and other social networks are leaving you vulnerable to hacks and identity theft. Tech expert, Carmi Levy, joins us as we discuss common social media privacy traps and how you can protect yourself.
Jun 26, 2021•38 min
The year's biggest gaming event, E3, went all digital this year, but that didn't dampen the excitement it created in the gaming community. Veteran gamer and gaming industry expert, Victor Lucas, joins Mike and John to discuss the evolution of gaming and to recap what we learned about its future from this year's event. Will streaming sticks be the future of gaming? And what will be the most anticipated video games of 2021?
Jun 19, 2021•38 min
This past week, Apple held its annual World Developer's Conference announcing updates to its popular operating systems and software. We recap the most important updates to MacOS and discuss how Apple is going all in on privacy with updates to protect your information from online advertisers. Later in the program, Mike and John help you show your appreciation for Dad with our Father's Day tech gift guide.
Jun 12, 2021•37 min
This year, Apple is hosting its big Worldwide Developer's Conference, or WWDC, online only. The first of its kind, the event will feature the latest product announcements from the tech giant. This week, Mike and John discuss the big announcements they expect about the MacBook line, iOS, and MacOS.
Jun 05, 2021•39 min
With the sudden move to working from home, many organizations found themselves unprepared from a cybersecurity standpoint. Michael Howard,Global Security Practice Lead at HP, joins us to share some statistics on cybersecurity during the pandemic. He also shares his insight on how organizations can protect themselves as employees continue to work from home.
May 29, 2021•39 min
In 1996, the Internet Archive began to create a record of the Internet itself, archiving and preserving all the content published online. Since then, the non-profit organization has been on a mission to make knowledge universally accessible by digitizing and archiving every type of content: newspapers, books, audio recordings, videos, images and even software programs. Brewster Kahle, founder of the Internet Archive, joins Mike and John in a lively discussion about how it all began and why creat...
May 22, 2021•37 min
In the face of a global pandemic, we've had the unique opportunity to explore and develop a deeper familiarity with our local surroundings. Now, Facebook wants to help you connect with your neighbours and local community with Facebook Neighbourhoods. Mike and John discuss how this new feature works and how it competes with hyperlocal social networking app, Nextdoor.
May 15, 2021•37 min
It's not too late to find the perfect gift for Mom! Mike and John share their last minute tech gift ideas. Later in the show, they talk to one woman about her journey to discover her ethnic roots using DNA technology and Ancestry DNA.
May 08, 2021•38 min
Monstercat, a disruptive Vancouver record label, has given Electronic music artist's the tools to live sustainably since 2011. Monstercat CEO, Mike Darlington, joins Mike and John to discuss how the company has innovated with artists in mind through the pandemic, and how they're getting in on the NFT trend. Later in the show, we explore the latest fitness technology, including the hottest fitness trackers. Are you ready to get in shape?
May 01, 2021•40 min
Renewable energy and finding ways to harness it is more important than ever as we find ourselves falling deeper into a climate crisis. In honour of Earth Day this week, we learned about a Canadian company that's bringing solar power technology to homes. Danial Hadizadeh, CEO of Mitrex, joins Mike and John to discuss this promising new technology and how it makes it possible to harness renewable energy for residential homes.
Apr 24, 2021•37 min
Like most things, art is evolving thanks to technology. Mike and John explore this evolution with Douglas Coupland, an accomplished Canadian author and artist. Discussing everything from writing to digital art and NFTs, Douglas offers a unique look into the new opportunities technology has created for artists over the years and how it continues to change the process of creating art.
Apr 17, 2021•38 min
What are dark patterns online and how did the Trump campaign use them to trick supporters into donating millions more than they intended? Mike and John explain how to recognize when websites and other user interfaces have been engineered to trick or manipulate you into making choices you typically wouldn't. Most importantly, we discuss how to protect yourself from falling victim to dark patterns, even on seemingly trustworthy websites.
Apr 10, 2021•38 min
Heard of Twitch but still not sure what it is? And how are streamers making money on this platform? Mike and John speak with popular Twitch Streamer, Barnacules, to demystify Twitch and learn how you can make money on the platform. Spoiler alert: the platform is no longer just for gamers.
Apr 03, 2021•39 min
Technology continues to create new opportunities across industries and the art world is no exception. With NFTs fuelling a crypto art boom, it's the perfect time for artists to embrace this new trend. Mike and John discuss how artists can create and mint their own NFTs by validating their information on the blockchain. Sound complicated? Not to worry, we'll demystify the process.
Mar 27, 2021•36 min
