Tech's Message

Nate Lanxon
  • 4.8 (226)
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Tech's Message is the Webby Award-shortlisted, globally five-star-rated technology podcast from British journalists Nate Lanxon (Bloomberg, Wired, CNET) and Ian Morris (T3, Tom’s Guide, Gizmodo). Hear news & nostalgia inspired by the week's consumer technology developments, tightly and professionally presented with insight and irreverent humour. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 01/12/2024

    Dongles: TM 332 Short Version

    This week Nate & Ian discuss everyone's favourite computing essential: the dongle. Last episode of the year. SOURCES: Donglevision https://tedium.co/2020/08/21/weird-dongle-history-evolution/ NewScientist on dongles https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_EIZI3TDTGTsC/page/n25/mode/2up Byte on dongles https://archive.org/details/byte-magazine-1981-10/page/n133/mode/2up?q=dongle Commodore PET https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commodore_PET Software protection dongle https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software_protection_dongle  Apple makes 23 different dongles — and it would cost you $857 to buy them all https://www.businessinsider.com/apple-dongles-2017-8#2-lightning-to-30-pin-adapter-29-2 Ebuyer search for dongles https://www.ebuyer.com/search?q=dongle&sort=relevancy+descending  Anker 565 https://www.anker.com/uk/products/a8388?variant=41786313998500  Become a supporter to go ad-free, unlock bonus content and listen live — join our Patreon. Full show notes, subscription options and more available at https://www.uktechshow.com. TECH’S MESSAGE IS: Hosts: Nate Lanxon, Ian Morris Production and Editing: Nate Lanxon Music: Audio Network & Pond5 Certain Artwork Elements Designed By: macrovector / Freepik Publisher (Free Version): Acast Copyright © Nate Lanxon Ads (on free version) are not endorsements, nor controlled by Tech’s Message. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    38 min

  2. 17/11/2024

    Top Ten Off Switches Special: TM 331 Short Version

    This week is a special episode in which we revisit Ian's 2007 CNET feature, Top Ten Off Switches. Do the selections stand up to modern scrutiny? And how have off switches evolved in a world of Wi-Fi, virtual assistants and touchscreens?  SOURCES: Top ten off switches (live) https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/top-ten-off-switches/ Top ten off switches (archived, with pictures) https://web.archive.org/web/20071114120435/http://crave.cnet.co.uk/0,39029477,49293357-1,00.htm The Slashdot post about the feature https://hardware.slashdot.org/story/07/11/12/1429244/the-top-ten-off-switches  Become a supporter to go ad-free, unlock bonus content and listen live — join our Patreon. Full show notes, subscription options and more available at https://www.uktechshow.com. TECH’S MESSAGE IS: Hosts: Nate Lanxon, Ian Morris Production and Editing: Nate Lanxon Music: Audio Network & Pond5 Certain Artwork Elements Designed By: macrovector / Freepik Publisher (Free Version): Acast Copyright © Nate Lanxon Ads (on free version) are not endorsements, nor controlled by Tech’s Message. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    39 min

  3. 03/11/2024

    HD DVD: TM 330 Short Version

    This week Nate and Ian discuss HD DVD, arguably one of the last global format wars to be fought -- and lost. The Patreon extended version also includes a lengthy discussion about the hypothetical future HD DVD might have had, were it to have won the format war against Sony's Blu-ray. SOURCES: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HD_DVD https://www.reddit.com/r/HDDVD/comments/114cteq/hd_dvd_exclusives/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-definition_optical_disc_format_war https://www.pcworld.com/article/535906/hddvd_bluray.html https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/why-hd-dvd-will-beat-blu-ray/ https://www.reddit.com/r/dvdcollection/comments/l1wz2r/any_love_for_an_obsolete_format_most_of_my_hd_dvd/ https://www.britannica.com/technology/DVD https://www.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idUSN1419176920070815/ https://electronics.howstuffworks.com/hd-dvd.htm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_high-definition_optical_disc_formats#endnote_HDMC_table_note_h https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dolby_TrueHD https://pioneer-blurayodd.eu/?lang=en Become a supporter to go ad-free, unlock bonus content and listen live — join our Patreon. Full show notes, subscription options and more available at https://www.uktechshow.com. TECH’S MESSAGE IS: Hosts: Nate Lanxon, Ian Morris Production and Editing: Nate Lanxon Music: Audio Network & Pond5 Certain Artwork Elements Designed By: macrovector / Freepik Publisher (Free Version): Acast Copyright © Nate Lanxon Ads (on free version) are not endorsements, nor controlled by Tech’s Message. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    33 min

  4. 27/10/2024

    DVDs: TM 329 Short Version

    This week Nate and Ian discuss the dual-layered delight that is DVD -- it's history, and our memories of using it. SOURCES: The death of the DVD: Why sales dropped more than 86% in 13 years https://web.archive.org/web/20200329212906/https://www.cnbc.com/2019/11/08/the-death-of-the-dvd-why-sales-dropped-more-than-86percent-in-13-years.html PlayStation 2 Wiki https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PlayStation_2 Bouncing DVD logo https://www.bouncingdvdlogo.com DVD Frequently Asked Questions https://web.archive.org/web/19970329103433/http://www.videodiscovery.com/vdyweb/dvd/dvdfaq.html DVD industry in crisis as sales slump https://www.theguardian.com/media/2010/nov/29/dvd-industry-sales-slump-blu-ray HMV boss says more people buying DVDs and Blu-ray https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c99wngrw4nxo DVD and Blu-ray sales statistics https://www.avforums.com/threads/dvd-and-blu-ray-sales-statistics.2004986/ British Video Association press release archive https://web.archive.org/web/20100623045015/http://www.bva.org.uk/news-press-releases/2009-news-release-sales-robust-transitional-year-british-video-industry DVD Commercial from 2000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xn8m9KLYQg Yahoo DVD Player review https://www.cnet.com/reviews/yahoo-ydp-530-review/  Become a supporter to unlock bonus content and listen live — join our Patreon. Full show notes, subscription options and more available at https://www.uktechshow.com. TECH’S MESSAGE IS: Hosts: Nate Lanxon, Ian Morris Production and Editing: Nate Lanxon Music: Audio Network & Pond5 Copyright © Nate Lanxon Ads (on free version) are not endorsements, nor controlled by Tech’s Message. Read Nate’s ad policy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    36 min

  5. 20/10/2024

    Missed Call Fear: TM 328 Short Version

    Nate and Ian discuss the modern anxiety of calls from unknown numbers, repeated missed calls, and general caller ID-related terror. You might think this is a Halloween episode, such is the horror of the content. SOURCES AND LINKS: Mobile company customer forums https://community.o2.co.uk/t5/Tech-Support/People-I-have-never-contacted-returning-my-calls/td-p/1626378https://community.three.co.uk/t5/Account-and-services/Scammer-using-my-number/m-p/32346https://community.bt.com/t5/Home-phone-including-Digital/Receiving-calls-from-people-saying-I-called-them-but-I-haven-t/td-p/2173030Mumsnet https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/_chat/4972436-to-have-anxiety-from-this-missed-call Caller anxiety https://www.reddit.com/r/Anxiety/comments/17fis4j/just_completing_ignored_an_important_phone_call/ Apple will launch a Business Caller ID service next year https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/apple-will-launch-a-business-caller-id-service-next-year-223913262.html Become a supporter to unlock bonus content and listen live — join our Patreon. Full show notes, subscription options and more available at https://www.uktechshow.com. TECH’S MESSAGE IS: Hosts: Nate Lanxon, Ian Morris Production and Editing: Nate Lanxon Music: Audio Network & Pond5 Certain Artwork Elements Designed By: macrovector / Freepik Publisher (Free Version): Acast Copyright © Nate Lanxon Ads (on free version) are not endorsements, nor controlled by Tech’s Message. Read Nate’s ad policy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    30 min

  6. 13/10/2024

    Games Console Controllers: TM 327 Short Version

    This week Nate's joined by Andrew Lanxon from CNET to discuss a rich history of games console controllers, from the bizarre to the innovative. SOURCES AND LINKS: PlayStation Multitap https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PlayStation_Multitap Music 2000 https://www.mobygames.com/game/4945/mtv-music-generator/ https://psxdatacenter.com/games/P/M/SLES-02224.html DreamCast VMU https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VMU  Sony PocketStation https://playstation.fandom.com/wiki/PocketStation Manhunt 2 https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2007/10/halloween-review-manhunt-2-wii/  Fishing controller (and there are others) https://segaretro.org/Fishing_Controller https://www.videogamesage.com/forums/topic/8783-n64-fishing-rod-controller-info/#comment-222306 Godzilla Generations screenshot https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/373544883983482884/1294970656412274750/godzilla-dreamcast-1160x653.png?ex=670cf2e7&is=670ba167&hm=137a8d005ef963c21f7e691de7d0d5099a9a5079e3c8a8ba2a77427fd82353a7&  Become a supporter to unlock bonus content and listen live — join our Patreon. Full show notes, subscription options and more available at https://www.uktechshow.com. TECH’S MESSAGE IS: Hosts: Nate Lanxon, Ian Morris Production and Editing: Nate Lanxon Music: Audio Network & Pond5 Publisher (Free Version): Acast Copyright © Nate Lanxon Ads (on free version) are not endorsements, nor controlled by Tech’s Message. Read Nate’s ad policy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    38 min

  7. 06/10/2024

    Bluetooth: TM 326 Short Version

    This week, the boys discuss and reminisce about Bluetooth, specifically its history and evolution as a conduit for wireless audio. SOURCES AND LINKS: Know A Little More Bluetooth episode https://shows.acast.com/know-a-little-more/episodes/about-bluetooth-5-updated Deep guide to Bluetooth codecs and qualities https://www.audiophile-heaven.com/2023/03/bluetooth-sound-quality-guide-what-are-the-codecs-and-how-do-they-work.html Weirdest Bluetooth gadgets https://www.tomsguide.com/us/weirdest-bluetooth-gadgets-stuff-roundup,review-2369.html More weird gadgets https://www.androidcentral.com/weird-bluetooth-gadgets And yet more still! https://www.reddit.com/r/Android/comments/2a2rv4/what_are_some_unique_bluetooth_accessories/ Brittanica guide to Bluetooth https://www.britannica.com/technology/Bluetooth Manual for the early Nokia headset https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1562633/Nokia-Hs-12w.html?page=6#manual History of Nokia Bluetooth https://blogs.windows.com/devices/2012/02/03/all-ears-a-pictorial-history-of-bluetooth-headsets-part-1/ B&W article about Bluetooth audio https://www.bowerswilkins.com/en-us/blog/sound-lab/is-bluetooth-audio-worse.html AirPods Max https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AirPods_Max#Overview Sonos headphones https://www.sonos.com/en-gb/shop/sonos-ace Become a supporter to unlock bonus content and listen live — join our Patreon. TECH’S MESSAGE IS: Hosts: Nate Lanxon, Ian Morris Production and Editing: Nate Lanxon Music: Audio Network & Pond5 Certain Artwork Elements Designed By: macrovector / Freepik Publisher (Free Version): Acast Copyright © Nate Lanxon Ads (on free version) are not endorsements, nor controlled by Tech’s Message. Read Nate’s ad policy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    38 min
  8. Online Dating: TM 325 Short Version

    29/09/2024

    Online Dating: TM 325 Short Version

    This week we discuss the history of online dating, from the 1990s web services, through the UK's Teletext and into the modern era of apps. Nate discusses how he met his wife through an app, and Ian complains about how he hasn't yet. And then comes the future: what do we expect is next for dating apps and related technologies? LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE: Teletext https://www.blunham.com/Radar/Teletext/WebAlbums/P182S01=Dial_a_Date.html Sex.com in WIRED https://www.wired.com/2003/08/sex-com/ Match.com in WIRED 1995 https://www.wired.com/1995/09/love-and-money/ Hater Dater https://web.archive.org/web/20200208062220/https://www.haterdater.com/ Gluten-Free Singles https://web.archive.org/web/20131106133442/http://www.glutenfreesingles.com/ Bristlr https://www.bristlr.com Farmers Only https://www.farmersonly.com/ Dating study https://9to5mac.com/2024/09/16/dating-apps-havent-helped-us-find-better-partners-suggests-research/  Iceland app https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/some-icelanders-are-accidentally-dating-a-relative-and-now-theres-an-app-for-that-25175819/  Become a supporter to unlock bonus content and listen live — join our Patreon. Hosts: Nate Lanxon, Ian Morris Production and Editing: Nate Lanxon Ads (on free version) are not endorsements, nor controlled by Tech’s Message. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    46 min
See All (336)

4.8
out of 5
226 Ratings

About

Tech's Message is the Webby Award-shortlisted, globally five-star-rated technology podcast from British journalists Nate Lanxon (Bloomberg, Wired, CNET) and Ian Morris (T3, Tom’s Guide, Gizmodo). Hear news & nostalgia inspired by the week's consumer technology developments, tightly and professionally presented with insight and irreverent humour. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Nate Lanxon
  • Years Active
    2015 - 2024
  • Episodes
    336
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Nate Lanxon
  • Show Website
    Tech's Message