As Netflix raises its prices yet again, the TechWatch Radio team dives into the evolving landscape of streaming services. Sam & Jay dissect how Netflix, once a cost-effective alternative to cable, has now become just as expensive — if not more. With plans increasing across the board, even for ad-supported tiers, and the platform shifting focus to live sports and blockbuster productions, is the golden era of affordable, à la carte streaming officially over? They break down the numbers, the consumer reaction, and what this means for the future of entertainment.

Beyond the streaming wars, the discussion shifts to mini PCs — the rising stars of the computing world. Are these compact powerhouses poised to replace traditional desktops? Sam and Jay explore the best budget and high-performance options, along with their surprising capabilities. Plus, a bizarre but fascinating topic: the Microsoft Excel World Championship. Yes, competitive spreadsheeting is real, and it's more intense than you’d think. Tune in for all this and more on this packed episode of TechWatch Radio!

As technology evolves, so do the risks our children face online. In this special episode of TechWatch Radio, we dive into essential strategies for keeping kids safe in the digital world. Hosts Sam & Jay explore five critical red flags that may indicate children are accessing inappropriate content or engaging in risky online behavior. From deleted browsing history and suspicious ads to social media habits and hidden device usage, they break down how parents can stay proactive without compromising trust.

Beyond the warning signs, Sam and Jay discuss practical solutions — like using parental controls, setting device boundaries, and even leveraging family-friendly tech tools like Life360. Plus, they tackle the growing debate over whether kids should have social media at all. Tune in for this insightful conversation and take control of your family's digital safety today!

Is AI listening to your every word? Apple’s massive $95 million settlement over Siri’s alleged eavesdropping raises big questions about tech privacy — are we being spied on, and do settlements mean anything if Big Tech keeps cashing in? Meanwhile, Texas slaps Meta with a record-breaking $1.4 billion fine for facial recognition violations, but does it really stop the privacy invasion, or is it just another cost of doing business?

Plus, is telehealth getting a futuristic facelift or just a pricey gimmick? We dive into the rise of “hologram doctors” and whether AI-driven consultations are the future of medicine — or just a high-tech illusion. And finally, CNN joins the paywall craze, but will anyone actually pay for their news? Join us on TechWatch Radio as we break it all down!

Is AI the future of government efficiency or a risky gamble? We dive into the U.S. government's latest AI chatbot project aimed at cutting costs and boosting revenue, but is it a tool or a potential disaster waiting to happen? Plus, we break down the ongoing battle between cable giants like Comcast and rising challengers like Starlink, Amazon’s Kuiper, and wireless broadband — who will dominate the internet landscape in the years ahead?

Also, Microsoft is hyping up a new Windows 11 feature… but does displaying your laptop battery percentage without a click really justify an upgrade? And in a hilarious moment, we put OpenAI’s phone-in chatbot to the test — only for it to question our very existence! Buckle up for a fast-paced episode of TechWatch Radio where we keep an eye on tech so you don’t have to.

In this episode of Tech Watch Radio, Sam Bushman and Jay Harrison dive into the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence, focusing on Apple's recent issues with "AI hallucinations" generating fake headlines. They discuss the potential and pitfalls of embracing AI tools while emphasizing the importance of remaining the ultimate decision-maker in this high-tech partnership.

The conversation then shifts to the contentious transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11. With compatibility woes, update loops, and the looming 2025 deadline for Windows 10 support, the hosts share insights on navigating these challenges. From the rise of Linux as an alternative to legacy hardware struggles, they explore the tech world's push toward constant upgrades and what it means for consumers. Stay tuned for practical advice on making the most of today's technology while staying ahead of tomorrow's curve.

Dive into the heated debates surrounding tech regulation, privacy, and monopolies in this lively episode of TechWatch Radio. Hosts Sam Bushman and Jay Harrison dissect the TikTok shutdown controversy, exploring its implications for creators, users, and the broader tech landscape. They debate whether government intervention or market-driven solutions are the best approach to privacy and data collection, while questioning the fairness of targeting specific platforms like TikTok, Chrome, or Android.

The conversation expands to Google's dominance, the emergence of next-gen search engines like ChatGPT, and the evolving tech ecosystem, highlighting the power of innovation and the resilience of free-market dynamics. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or a casual user, this episode offers sharp insights and practical tips for navigating the ever-changing digital world.

This week on Tech Watch Radio, we dive into the cutting-edge advancements and pressing issues shaping the tech landscape. Sam Bushman and Jay Harrison kick off with highlights from CES, including Amazon's bold move into robo-taxis and the innovative dyslexia-friendly displays by Lilly for Life. From the potential of driverless cars to the challenges they face, the hosts offer a candid look at what’s hype versus what’s real in automation. They also spotlight assistive technologies like smart canes designed to enhance accessibility for the visually impaired.

In the second segment, the conversation shifts to the streaming wars and the evolving digital landscape. As Discovery+ announces price hikes, Sam and Jay dissect the frustrations of fragmented streaming services and speculate on the future of TikTok amid legal battles and bans. Wrapping up, they explore the tech world's cable chaos with new HDMI standards and the controversial ban on travel routers by Royal Caribbean, sparking debates over security and consumer freedom. It’s a packed episode you don’t want to miss!

January may be a post-holiday lull for some, but not in the tech world. In this dynamic episode of TechWatch Radio, Sam and Jay dive into the latest revelations from CES 2025, including Nvidia’s groundbreaking RTX 50 GeForce GPUs and their emerging Cosmos framework, a model redefining how AI understands the physical world. Could this be the dawn of AI hardware that truly "gets" friction, gravity, and beyond?

But that's just the start. Explore the future of portable TVs with LG’s viral “StandbyMe 2,” witness the quirks of futuristic vehicles equipped with jumping hydraulics, and debate the viability of AI-powered help desks. From electric cars to holograms, this episode tackles the big questions: Are robots really poised to replace us? And does AI need humans to define its purpose? Tune in for insights, debates, and a healthy dose of tech banter to kickstart your year.