Examining

Erik Christiansen & Kris Hans

Examining is a technology-focused podcast that dives deep. Our co-hosts, Erik Christiansen and Kris Hans examine the technology industry, productivity, and education, and provide practical tech tips. (The podcast started as EdTech Examined in July 2020 with the goal of helping educators transition to online education in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.) read less
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Episodes

65: AI Subscription Overload
4d ago
65: AI Subscription Overload
Erik and Kris explore subscription creep, hidden digital costs, AI tools, and DIY tech, offering tips to regain control over recurring expenses. Book: When Things Don't Go Your WayBy Haemin Sunim ---- Digital Privacy and Security 404 Media: Leaked Docs Show What Phones Cellebrite Can and Can't Unlock Date: August 21, 2024 https://www.404media.co/leaked-docs-show-what-phones-cellebrite-can-and-cant-unlock/?mc_cid=20c535fce7 Education and Technology ---- Notion Help Center: Notion for Education Date: August 2024 https://www.notion.so/help/notion-for-education Erik Christiansen Blog: When Technology Was Simpler: Subscription Creep Date: August 20, 2024 https://erikchristiansen.net/2024/08/20/when-technology-was-simpler-subscription-creep/ CNET: Subscription Creep Costs US Consumers More Than $1,000 a Year, CNET Survey Finds Date: August 2024 https://www.cnet.com/personal-finance/subscription-creep-costs-us-consumers-more-than-1000-a-year-cnet-survey-finds/ Computerworld: The Problem with the Subscription Economy Date: August 21, 2024 https://www.computerworld.com/article/1615394/the-problem-with-the-subscription-economy.html AI and Big Tech ---- TechCrunch: Apple Intelligence's Writing Tools Stumble on Swears and Controversial Topics Date: August 6, 2024 https://techcrunch.com/2024/08/06/apple-intelligences-writing-tools-stumble-on-swears-and-controversial-topics/ Forbes: Microsoft Stock Drops as AI Capital Expenditures Surge to $56 Billion Date: July 31, 2024 https://www.forbes.com/sites/petercohan/2024/07/31/microsoft-stock-drops-as-ai-capital-expenditures-surge-to-56-billion/ Thurrott: I Will Not Pay for AI Date: August 21, 2024 https://www.thurrott.com/a-i/307080/i-will-not-pay-for-ai DIY Tech and Hardware ---- Thurrott: New Raspberry Pi 5 Model is Just $50 D...
64: Mac Mini M1 & AI Retrospective
11-04-2024
64: Mac Mini M1 & AI Retrospective
In this episode, Kris takes us through a comprehensive three-year journey with his M1 Mac Mini, sharing insights and experiences that highlight the device's impact and longevity. Our co-hosts also weigh in, exploring other Apple computers that merit consideration and diving deep into the current state of artificial intelligence. The discussion branches out to speculate on Apple's future moves in AI and what the integration of local large language models into our everyday devices and apps could mean for users. Links Mentioned in the Episode: Mac Mini - Apple: https://www.apple.com/ca/mac-mini/Introducing GPTs - OpenAI: https://openai.com/blog/introducing-gptsCreate or Edit a Copilot GPT with Microsoft Copilot GPT Builder - Microsoft: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/create-or-edit-a-copilot-gpt-with-microsoft-copilot-gpt-builder-cbff42b9-25a9-41b7-95ec-93462d04904bSal Soghoian - Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sal_Soghoian?oldformat=trueMac OS X Automation: https://macosxautomation.com/Sal Soghoian - Automation Advocate - The Omni Show: https://theomnishow.omnigroup.com/episode/sal-soghoian-automation-advocateSal Soghoian Leaves Apple - MacSparky: https://www.macsparky.com/blog/2016/11/sal-soghoian-leaves-apple/ As we look to the future, it's clear that technology and artificial intelligence will continue to evolve in intriguing and potentially unexpected ways. Stay tuned for our next episode, where we'll continue to dissect the tech trends shaping our world. Erik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-Host  Website: erikchristiansen.net Kris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-Host Website: krishans.ca Website: krishans.ca Show notes created with help from ChatGPT 4. The transcript is AI-generated. Please excuse any errors.
63: AI Soap Opera & Velcro Hacks
08-12-2023
63: AI Soap Opera & Velcro Hacks
In this episode, Erik and Kris tackle the unfolding drama at OpenAI and its implications. Kris discusses his recent AI panel discussion at MRU, while Erik offers an overview of his latest home organization project. Both hosts will share their holiday gift guide tips, perfect for the tech-savvy and the organized. SHOW NOTES AI Soap Opera OpenAI Announces Leadership Transition (OpenAI Blog): OpenAI announces significant changes in its leadership structure.Sam Altman Returns as CEO of OpenAI (The Verge): Sam Altman reclaims the CEO position at OpenAI, marking a new chapter for the company. AI Panel Discussion Highlights: Context of AI in Research: Discussing the evolving role of AI in academic and professional research settings.Panelist Introductions: Each panelist shares their background and how AI intersects with their research.Diverse Perspectives on AI: Highlighting unique insights from each panelist, providing a broad view of AI's role in different research areas.Practical Applications of AI: Exploring how panelists currently use AI in their work, including specific tools and methodologies.Successes and Challenges: Discussing what has worked well in AI-driven research and addressing the limitations and issues faced.The Future of AI in Research: Debating whether AI is a permanent fixture in research and the value of investing in AI knowledge and tools.AI as Collaborator or Competitor: Examining views on whether AI is augmenting human research capabilities or posing a threat to traditional research roles.Human Skills vs. AI Capabilities: Delving into which human skills might remain irreplaceable by AI and what research aspects can be effectively outsourced to AI technologies.Impact on Research Quality: Analyzing how AI tools influence the quality and rigor of research and their implications for academic integrity.Ethical Considerations in AI Research: Addressing the pressing ethical concerns in integrating AI into research and discussing potential norms for ethical AI use.AI, Accessibility, and Inclusivity: Exploring the implications of AI on inclusivity in research, especially between well-funded and under-funded programs, and discussing measures for fair representation. Organizational Guide: Cable Management: Emphasize the importance of Velcro ties for efficient cable organization.Labeling Essentials: Discuss the use of label tape and whiteout pens for clear labeling, even without a label maker.Consistent Systems: Stress the importance of grouping related items and maintaining a consistent organizational system.Space Utilization: Highlight the use of 3M Command hooks for maximizing space, especially inside cupboards.Document Organization: Recommend accordion folders for essential document storage, such as receipts and manuals.Life Consolidation: Encourage listeners to avoid having multiples of items and to refrain from collecting unnecessary tools (e.g., notebooks, notes apps, to-do list...
62: Megahertz & Mandating AI Morals
10-11-2023
62: Megahertz & Mandating AI Morals
This week Erik and Kris discuss Apple's Halloween-themed 'Scary Fast' event and its slew of new tech, the implications of Biden's AI executive order, and OpenAI's influence on startup innovation. Show Notes The Verge, "Apple's Spooky 'Scary Fast' Event Introduces M3 Chip Family," Provides an overview of Apple's October 30th, 2023 event with a Halloween theme and evening timing. Highlights include the M3 chip family introduction and updates to the iMac and MacBook Pro models, new color options, Touch Bar removal, and accessory port choices. MacRumors, "Everything Announced at Apple's October 2023 Event," Covers specifics of the M3 series chips, the new Space Black MacBook Pro, product configurations, battery life, pricing, performance enhancements, the discontinuation of older models, and product availability. Macworld, "Apple's Evening 'Scary Fast' Mac Event Highlights," Dives into Apple's first evening event, detailing GPU improvements, the M3 chip family introduction, new Space Black color options, and Apple's marketing and event filming techniques. Macworld, "Apple Event Critique: M3 Chips and Marketing Shifts," Focuses on the release of the M3 chips, the pricing strategy for the new MacBook Pro, and the event's experimental presentation style, including filming with an iPhone 15 Pro Max. Six Colors, "A Magic Number: New MacBook Pros and iMacs Usher in the M3 Era,"  Likely analyzes the impact of the M3 chip on the new MacBook Pros and iMacs, discussing the broader implications for Apple's product lineup and the tech industry. Vox, "Biden's Latest AI Executive Order," Discusses the new executive order by President Biden aimed at regulating AI technology and its ethical use, detailing the government's approach to fostering innovation while ensuring privacy, security, and equity. Futurism, "OpenAI's Stance on Startups and Tech Utilization," Explores OpenAI's position on how startups can leverage its technology, highlighting the potential impacts on innovation and the startup ecosystem, with insights into the balance between collaboration and competition. Erik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-Host  Website: erikchristiansen.net Kris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-Host Website: krishans.ca Website: krishans.ca Show notes created with help from ChatGPT 4. The transcript is AI-generated. Please excuse any errors.
61: Big 4 Hardware Round Up
13-10-2023
61: Big 4 Hardware Round Up
This week Erik and Kris discuss hardware and software events by Apple, Microsoft, and Google, and throw in some Meta news for fun. Both co-hosts have been working flat out the last two weeks, so this episode is a little later than normal. Thank you for your patience! Apple iPhone Event Article Title: Apple iPhone 15 event announcements (Source: The Verge)Summary: Apple's annual iPhone event showcased the iPhone 15 with its new chipset and improved camera functionalities. The event also marked the introduction of the Apple Watch Ultra, updated AirPods Pro, and USB-C compatibility for certain products. Microsoft & AI Event Article Title: Microsoft Surface Copilot event 2023: biggest announcements (Source: The Verge)Summary: Microsoft's latest event featured the Surface Copilot, emphasizing a future rich in AI integration across hardware. Other announcements included new products aimed at enhancing productivity and enriching user experience.Article Title: Panos Panay, leader of the Surface and Windows teams, is leaving Microsoft (Source: Ars Technica)Summary: Panos Panay, an instrumental figure behind Microsoft's Surface and Windows divisions, is departing from the company. His exit raises questions about potential shifts in Microsoft's hardware and software strategies.Article Title: Satya Nadella testifies in U.S. v Google and admits to AI search failure (Source: Thurrott)Summary: Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella's recent testimony in the U.S. v Google antitrust case involved admitting to the company's shortcomings in AI search capabilities. The testimony could have ripple effects on ongoing and future antitrust investigations.https://www.inc.com/jason-aten/why-microsofts-ceo-satya-nadella-says-its-co-pilot-ai-assistant-will-be-as-significant-as-pc.html   Google Pixel Event Article Title: The Morning After: Pixel 8 Pro, Bard AI, and everything else from Google's Pixel event (Source: Engadget)Summary: Google's most recent Pixel event revealed the Pixel 8 Pro, which comes with enhanced camera capabilities and improved processing power. Additionally, Bard AI was introduced as an innovative accessibility feature aiming to assist users with disabilities. Facebook Rayban Stories Article Title: Facebook Isn’t Giving Up on Ray-Ban Stories, Even if It ShouldSummary: Facebook is persistently pushing its Ray-Ban Stories project, a foray into the smart eyewear market, despite lackluster reviews. The company remains optimistic about the long-term prospects of the product, in spite of critical skepticism. CONTACT Website:examining.ca Twitter: @ExaminingPod Erik Christiansen,...
58: AI Rocks, Big Tech Sucks
07-07-2023
58: AI Rocks, Big Tech Sucks
In this episode, Kris and Erik discuss AI data scraping, the academy's under-preparedness for AI, how Kris allows AI use in his class, Apple news (new MacBook Air and Vision Pro headset), prompt engineering, RSS readers, and how to greyscale your phone screen to reduce usage. SHOW NOTES The Verge: Apple’s headset and augmented reality rumors. This article discusses rumors about Apple’s headset and augmented reality. It covers the latest news from WWDC 2023. https://www.theverge.com/2023/6/4/23747110/apple-headset-augmented-reality-vr-industry-rumors-wwdc-2023 Chronicle: ChatGPT usage among students. This article discusses how students are using ChatGPT. It includes an interview with a student who uses ChatGPT frequently. https://www.chronicle.com/article/im-a-student-you-have-no-idea-how-much-were-using-chatgpt Harvard Business Review: AI prompt engineering. This article discusses how AI prompt engineering is not the future. It covers the importance of human input in AI development. https://hbr.org/2023/06/ai-prompt-engineering-isnt-the-future Calgary Herald: Educators unprepared for AI. This article discusses how educators are unprepared for artificial intelligence. It covers the challenges that educators face in teaching AI. https://calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/educators-wholly-unprepared-for-artificial-intelligence Chronicle: Caught off guard by AI. This article discusses how people are caught off guard by AI. It covers the challenges that people face in understanding AI. https://www.chronicle.com/article/caught-off-guard-by-ai SSRN: The impact of AI on employment. This paper discusses the impact of AI on employment. It covers the challenges that people face in understanding AI. https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4475995 Engadget: Apple Vision Pro hands-on. This article discusses Apple Vision Pro hands-on. It covers the latest news about mixed reality. https://www.engadget.com/apple-vision-pro-hands-on-a-new-milestone-for-mixed-reality-060943291.html The Verge: The death of Google Reader. This article discusses the death of Google Reader. It covers the history of RSS and social media. https://www.theverge.com/23778253/google-reader-death-2013-rss-social Macworld: iOS 17 small changes and features. This article discusses small changes and features in iOS 17. It covers new features like Notes, Spotlight, and medication timers. https://www.macworld.com/article/1944314/ios-17-small-changes-features-notes-spotlight-medication-timers.html CONTACT Website: edtechexamined.com   Email: hey@edtechexamined.com  Twitter: @EdTechExamined Erik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-Host  Website: erikchristiansen.net Kris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-Host Web...
56: Emergent Properties
05-05-2023
56: Emergent Properties
In this episode, we talk about ChatGPT and Bing AI (again), why the godfather of AI left Google, how a professor is offering an experimental course taught with AI tools, and what are the best AI chatbots available in 2023.  Show Notes Wired: “ChatGPT has entered the classroom” - A report on how ChatGPT, a powerful AI chatbot, is being used by teachers and students to enhance learning and communication. https://calgary.overdrive.com/media/9725348 New Yorker: “Godfather of AI Leaves Google” - An interview with Geoffrey Hinton, the legendary AI researcher who quit Google after a dispute over ChatGPT’s ethical implications. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/01/technology/ai-google-chatbot-engineer-quits-hinton.html UofT: “Prof to offer experimental AI course taught with AI” - A story about a professor at the University of Toronto who is using ChatGPT as a co-instructor for an online course on artificial intelligence. https://www.utoronto.ca/news/u-t-prof-offer-experimental-course-taught-ai-tools-chatgpt UNESCO: ChatGPT - A quick start guide for educators and learners who want to use ChatGPT as a tool for higher education. https://www.iesalc.unesco.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/ChatGPT-and-Artificial-Intelligence-in-higher-education-Quick-Start-guide_EN_FINAL.pdf UNESCO: ChatGPT Course - A free online course that introduces ChatGPT and its applications in education, culture, science and communication. https://campus.iesalc.unesco.org/inicio/blocks/coursefilter/course.php?id=215 ZDNET: “The best AI chatbots” - A review of the best AI chatbots available in 2023, including ChatGPT and its alternatives. https://www.zdnet.com/article/best-ai-chatbot/ Planet Money Podcast: “Spreadsheets” - A podcast episode that explores the history and impact of spreadsheets, the software that revolutionized business and finance. https://www.npr.org/sections/money/2017/05/17/528807590/episode-606-spreadsheetsMarketWatch: “Students are turning to ChatGPT for study help, and Chegg stock plummets 38%” - A report on how Chegg Inc., an online-education company, saw its shares drop to their lowest price since 2017 after forecasting a revenue decline due to the impact of ChatGPT, a chatbot that helps students with their studies. https://archive.is/2023.05.01-235954/https://www.marketwatch.com/amp/story/students-are-turning-to-chatgpt-for-study-help-and-chegg-stock-plummets-30-4892bd7b  Contact us Website: edtechexamined.com
54: AI Wars
03-03-2023
54: AI Wars
Please support this podcast :) Please show us your support by becoming an EdTech Examined patron. https://www.patreon.com/EdTechExamined SHOW NOTES AI Wars: Google's AI chatbot, Bard, made a mistake during an exoplanet demo, causing some embarrassment for the company. (source: https://www.theverge.com/2023/2/8/23590864/google-ai-chatbot-bard-mistake-error-exoplanet-demo)Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced Bing ChatGPT, a new AI chatbot that will compete with Google Search. (source: https://www.theverge.com/23589994/microsoft-ceo-satya-nadella-bing-chatgpt-google-search-ai)The new Bing chatbot has faced criticism for insulting and gaslighting users. (source: https://www.fastcompany.com/90850277/bing-new-chatgpt-ai-chatbot-insulting-gaslighting-users)Elon Musk's OpenAI and Microsoft are under regulatory oversight for their development and deployment of AI technologies. (source: https://fortune.com/2023/02/17/chatgpt-elon-musk-openai-microsoft-company-regulator-oversight/) Privacy by Design: The blog post highlights the importance of building a safe and transparent edtech ecosystem through regulatory vision, to protect users' privacy and data. (source: https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/medialse/2023/02/17/building-a-safe-and-transparent-edtech-ecosystem-a-regulatory-vision/) Mini-Forecast: Forbes predicts the top 5 education trends in 2023, which include personalized learning, experiential learning, and the use of AI and virtual reality in education. (source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2023/02/17/the-top-5-education-trends-in-2023/amp/) ChatGPT Detector: TurnItIn announced an AI detector with 97% accuracy to check for essays written by AI language models such as ChatGPT. (source: https://www.timeshighereducation.com/news/turnitin-announces-ai-detector-97-cent-accuracy)CNN reported on a new tool to help students check whether their essays were written by AI language models such as ChatGPT. (source: https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2023/01/31/tech/chatgpt-check-tool/index.html) Bonus: NYU professors advised their students not to use ChatGPT, citing concerns about plagiarism and ethics. (source: https://www.vice.com/en/article/n7zxe7/nyu-professors-tell-their-students-do-not-use-chatgpt)
53: ChatGPT Moral Panic
03-02-2023
53: ChatGPT Moral Panic
Please support this podcast :) Please show us your support by becoming an EdTech Examined patron. https://www.patreon.com/EdTechExamined SHOW NOTES ChatGPT "Deconstructing ChatGPT: The Future of Continuing Education" from Inside Higher Ed (https://www.insidehighered.com/digital-learning/blogs/online-trending-now/deconstructing-chatgpt-future-continuing-education) discusses the potential uses of the language model ChatGPT in the field of continuing education."Freaking Out About ChatGPT - Part I" (https://www.insidehighered.com/blogs/just-visiting/freaking-out-about-chatgpt—part-i) and "Freaking Out About ChatGPT - Part II" (https://www.insidehighered.com/blogs/just-visiting/freaking-out-about-chatgpt—part-ii) from Inside Higher Ed explore the concerns and ethical considerations surrounding the use of ChatGPT.A course on ChatGPT is available on the website "Nick S Site 9a5e" (https://nick-s-site-9a5e.thinkific.com/courses/aiteachers) which teaches teachers how to use the language model."How to Detect ChatGPT Plagiarism" from Digital Trends (https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/how-to-detect-chatgpt-plagiarism/) offers tips on identifying when text generated by ChatGPT has been used without proper attribution."ChatGPT: Artificial Intelligence in Universities" from the New York Times (https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/16/technology/chatgpt-artificial-intelligence-universities.html) examines how universities are beginning to integrate ChatGPT into their curriculum."OpenAI Cybercriminals Starting to Use ChatGPT" from Check Point Research (https://research.checkpoint.com/2023/opwnai-cybercriminals-starting-to-use-chatgpt/) discusses the potential for ChatGPT to be used in cybercrime.OpenAI-OpenAI Detector (https://openai-openai-detector.hf.space/) is a tool for detecting AI-generated text.Apple Knowlege Navigator 1988 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xp4aRpcX5So) is a concept video of what the future of computing would look like with AI and multi-tasking interfaces. Apple hardware announcements January 2023. Apple announced new Macs and a HomePod at a recent event (https://www.macrumors.com/2023/01/19/new-macs-and-homepod-recap/) Tech Tips The Apple Freeform app (https://support.apple.com/en-ca/guide/freeform/frfm85d6f7b58/mac) allows users to create custom shapes with their Apple Pencil on the Mac.Neeva (https://neeva.com/) is a private search engine that doesn't track or personalize results. (Show notes created with assistance by ChatGPT Jan 21, 2023) CONTACT Website: edtechexamined.com Email: