Geek News Central Podcast

Todd Cochrane

4.2 (141)
TECH NEWS
UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

This technology show originating in 2004 is hosted by Podcast Hall of Fame member Todd Cochrane, focuses on tech news, science, tech politics, mobile, tv, fcc, faa, etc. Every show is a learning experience covering all things tech so you do not have to. One of the first 100 podcasters this show is a must-listen.

1D AGO

Meta's Censorship Deal with China

A shocking new whistleblower complaint reveals that Meta, formerly Facebook, went to extreme lengths to gain access to the Chinese market, even agreeing to censorship demands from the Chinese Communist Party. According to former global policy director Sarah Wynn-Williams, the company developed a censorship system, suppressed dissident voices, and planned to allow the CCP to oversee content moderation. The complaint, filed with the SEC, accuses Meta of misleading investors and regulators about its China dealings. We dive into the explosive allegations and what they mean for the future of Big Tech and global free speech. -Thinking of buying a Starlink? Use my link to support the show. -I am introducing Distil Union as a new sponsor of the show’s promo code, GeekNews. Check out their fantastic line of products and services focused on the fellas of the show or ladies if you are looking for that unique Valentine’s gift. Subscribe to the Newsletter. Join the Chat @ GeekNews.Chat Email Todd or follow him on Facebook. Like and Follow Geek News Central’s Facebook Page. Download the Audio Show File New YouTube Channel – Beyond the Office Full Summary: In this podcast episode titled “Meta’s Censorship Deal with China,” host Todd Cochrane dives into a shocking whistleblower complaint regarding Meta, formerly Facebook. The complaint reveals that Meta allegedly went to extreme lengths to access the Chinese market, including agreeing to censorship demands from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). According to the former global policy director, Sarah Wynne-Williams, the company created a censorship system that suppressed dissident voices and allowed the CCP to oversee content moderation. The complaint also accuses Meta of misleading investors and regulators about its dealings in China. Todd expresses his disbelief at the extent of Meta’s willingness to cooperate with the Chinese government, referencing a Washington Post report that outlines how Meta had been working closely with the CCP for many years. He highlights how Meta was prepared to grant the Chinese government access to user data in exchange for the ability to operate in China, which he finds deeply disturbing. He discusses broader implications, suggesting that content creators should consider podcasting as a medium less affected by censorship than platforms like YouTube and Facebook. Todd mentions the alarming trend of YouTube down-ranking content critical of China while promoting a positive image of the country through sponsored content, raising concerns about global free speech. After discussing the main story, Todd introduces the rest of the episode, emphasizing the importance of listeners subscribing to the podcast to ensure they receive unfettered content delivery. He acknowledges the show’s sponsor, GoDaddy, and details the exclusive deals they offer. The episode then covers additional news stories, including a cybersecurity issue related to Chinese-made Bluetooth chips that could be exploited through hidden commands and a significant cyberattack affecting the social m...

39 min
5D AGO

The AGI Standoff Is Already Happening

Today, we’re diving into a major policy paper co-authored by former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, Scale AI CEO Alexandr Wang, and AI safety expert Dan Hendrycks. They’re pushing back against the idea of a ‘Manhattan Project’ for artificial general intelligence (AGI), warning that an aggressive U.S. race for AI dominance could escalate global tensions—especially with China. Should America rethink its strategy on superintelligent AI? -Thinking of buying a Starlink? Use my link to support the show. -I am introducing Distil Union as a new sponsor of the show’s promo code, GeekNews. Check out their fantastic line of products and services focused on the fellas of the show or ladies if you are looking for that unique Valentine’s gift. Subscribe to the Newsletter. Join the Chat @ GeekNews.Chat Email Todd or follow him on Facebook. Like and Follow Geek News Central’s Facebook Page. Download the Audio Show File New YouTube Channel – Beyond the Office Full Summary: In this episode titled “The AGI Standoff Is Already Happening,” host Todd Cochrane discusses a significant policy paper co-authored by Eric Schmidt, Alexander Wang, and Dan Hendricks, which cautions against the creation of a Manhattan Project-style initiative for artificial general intelligence (AGI). They warn that the U.S.’s aggressive race for AI dominance could escalate global tensions, particularly with China. Cochrane expresses skepticism about the authors’ perspective, arguing that an AGI race is already underway despite their claims. He emphasizes the risk of a global AI arms race, likening it to the historical atomic arms race and questioning whether rivals would accept a strategic imbalance in AI development. Cochrane believes the existing competition and investment in AGI development among nations indicate that the standoff is already in motion. Throughout the episode, Cochrane engages with the topic while also updating listeners on his circumstances, including technical challenges he faces while setting up his new equipment and updates on his work schedule. He mentions using GoDaddy for website services and encourages listeners to support the podcast. The discussion moves on to various tech-related news items, including the U.S. government’s measures regarding cryptocurrency, upcoming Apple products like the first foldable iPhone and new Mac Studio models, and the implications of cybersecurity cuts in government positions. Cochrane also shares updates on app stores verifying user ages and recent fraud activity detected by Google. Cochrane thanks his audience for their donations and support and touches upon the ongoing challenges in the tech industry, such as ad fraud on app stores and the rise of AI in healthcare. He wraps up by reaffirming his commitment to podcasting and the importance of community support, urging listeners to engage with the show through feedback and memberships. * –This strange AI smartphone ...

42 min
FEB 28

ChatGPT 4.5 Unveiled and My Experience with it!

Today, OpenAI unveils GPT-4.5, its newest AI language model, promising enhanced writing skills, better knowledge, and a more refined, human-like interaction. Despite impressive upgrades, OpenAI admits GPT-4.5 isn’t groundbreaking, but it’s optimized for more natural conversations, practical problem-solving, and reduced hallucinations. Available first to ChatGPT Pro users, it’s soon rolling out broadly, including on Microsoft’s Azure platform. -Thinking of buying a Starlink? Use my link to support the show. -I am introducing Distil Union as a new sponsor of the show’s promo code, GeekNews. Check out their fantastic line of products and services focused on the fellas of the show or ladies if you are looking for that unique Valentine’s gift. Subscribe to the Newsletter. Join the Chat @ GeekNews.Chat Email Todd or follow him on Facebook. Like and Follow Geek News Central’s Facebook Page. Download the Audio Show File New YouTube Channel – Beyond the Office Full Summary: In the podcast episode titled “ChatGPT 4.5 Unveiled and My Experience with it!” hosted by Todd Cochrane, the lead story is about the release of ChatGPT 4.5 by OpenAI. He discusses the new model’s enhanced writing capabilities and optimized natural conversations, though he notes it isn’t groundbreaking. Cochrane shares his initial experiences using ChatGPT Pro, which he used about four days prior. He highlights how the Pro model has saved him considerable time in scriptwriting, allowing for improved efficiency in his projects. Cochrane mentions that while he found some of the new features useful, the opening summary generated by the model did not significantly outperform his typical outputs. He also remarks on the need for additional hardware to support the model’s rollout. He continues discussing his experiences with the Pro version, describing how it has helped him conduct research and produce scripts by prompting him with questions to refine his input. As he delves into the rest of the episode, Cochrane welcomes listeners to episode 1,803 and expresses gratitude to his sponsor, GoDaddy. He provides exclusive deals and encourages listeners to support the show through various platforms. Cochrane shares his reflections on the past few weeks, his upcoming travel plans to the Philippines, and his ongoing workload. He covers several technology news stories, including updates on eBay, productivity concerns related to remote work monitoring, and the impact of AI on workforce efficiency. He comments on Amazon’s new AI-powered Alexa deployment, Elon Musk’s remarks regarding Verizon’s network, and Kia’s new EV model entering the U.S. market. Other stories highlight a Google experiment using Pixel phones for subway track detection, a security breach affecting millions of employees, and updates on Apple’s child account safety features. He discusses advancements in health tech with the Oura ring, new features on Google Pixel Watch, and various tech expansions and contract disputes involving major companies.

51 min
FEB 25

Protoclone Unveiled Put Some Pants On!

Clone Robotics’ Protoclone features synthetic muscles, a polymer skeleton, and advanced sensors. It moves like a human. Future uses may include household chores but my god put some pants on the ugly thing. -Thinking of buying a Starlink? Use my link to support the show. -I am introducing Distil Union as a new sponsor of the show’s promo code, GeekNews. Check out their fantastic line of products and services focused on the fellas of the show or ladies if you are looking for that unique Valentine’s gift. Subscribe to the Newsletter. Join the Chat @ GeekNews.Chat Email Todd or follow him on Facebook. Like and Follow Geek News Central’s Facebook Page. Download the Audio Show File New YouTube Channel – Beyond the Office Full Summary: The episode starts with host Todd Cochrane introducing the lead story about “Protoclone,” a human-like robot created by Clone Robotics featuring synthetic muscles, a polymer skeleton, and advanced sensors. Cochrane describes Protoclone as bizarre, compares it to zombies, and highlights its human-like body structure, save for its head. He mentions the technical specifications of the robot, including a 500-watt electric pump as its “heart,” four cameras for eyes, and numerous sensors for movement and balance. Cochrane humorously suggests that future household roles for such robots might include chores but expresses his discomfort with their appearance, particularly the lack of clothing. After the lead story, he welcomes listeners to episode 1802 of the podcast, emphasizing the show’s role in tech news delivery and giving a shoutout to their sponsor, GoDaddy. He encourages listeners to check for exclusive deals. Cochrane interacts with the audience, inviting them to experience the show live and check out the website for additional content. Cochrane transitions into a tech article round-up, starting with Gmail’s shift to QR codes for 2FA login codes, which he expresses skepticism about. He discusses Chegg’s lawsuit against Google, noting Chegg’s concerns over diminished web traffic due to AI-generated summaries hurting online referral traffic. He reflects on the challenges for online content creators like himself, emphasizing the need to uphold original content. He highlights a new PayPal phishing scam in which victims are misled into installing remote desktop software, stressing caution among elderly users. Cochrane briefly discusses the drawbacks of cheap headphones before discussing an unusual new ASUS mouse that can smell like scented oil, which he finds unnecessary. Next, he brings up a story about a woman receiving compensation for her Candy Crush addiction caused by a medication’s side effects and questions the accountability of medical professionals involved. Cochrane then previews upcoming tech releases, mentioning potential delays on the iPhone 17 due to missing components, before discussing other recent tech news, including updates on Robot Intuitive Machine’s moon landing efforts, a new NASA telescope mission,

45 min
FEB 21

Crypto Scam Targets Elderly Globally

Two men, aged 54 and 36, were arrested in England for a cryptocurrency fraud that cost a 75-year-old Aberdeen resident a six-figure sum. Police Scotland, with assistance from West Midlands and South Yorkshire Police, led the operation. Authorities stress vigilance as elderly individuals remain frequent scam targets, with crypto fraud surging globally. -Thinking of buying a Starlink? Use my link to support the show. -I am introducing Distil Union as a new sponsor of the show’s promo code, GeekNews. Check out their fantastic line of products and services focused on the fellas of the show or ladies if you are looking for that unique Valentine’s gift. Subscribe to the Newsletter. Join the Chat @ GeekNews.Chat Email Todd or follow him on Facebook. Like and Follow Geek News Central’s Facebook Page. Download the Audio Show File New YouTube Channel – Beyond the Office Full Summary: In the podcast episode “Crypto Scam Targets Elderly Globally,” host Todd Cochrane begins by discussing the arrest of two men in England for a cryptocurrency fraud case, which cost a 75-year-old Aberdeen resident a significant amount of money. He emphasizes the importance of vigilance as elderly individuals are often targeted by scammers, especially with the rise of cryptocurrency-related fraud. Cochrane welcomes listeners to episode 1801, expresses gratitude to the sponsor GoDaddy, and encourages audience engagement through various platforms, including a shout-out to their community. He mentions the ease of interacting with the live show via modern podcast apps. After a brief sponsor promotion, which includes various deals on GoDaddy products, he reflects on the past week’s events and notes the absence of listener emails urging them to share comments or feedback. Cochrane shares that Apple has innovated podcast submission processes, which now allows for easier podcast submissions. As the conversation progresses, Cochrane dives deeper into the cryptocurrency scam. He highlights the pattern of scamming older individuals and warns listeners, especially family members of the elderly, to discuss and create strategies to combat these scams. He suggests developing a “distress word” that can be used in emergencies to verify someone’s identity over the phone. Cochrane touches upon recent scams targeting vulnerable populations, stating that these issues are not isolated to one region, with incidents also occurring in the Americas and England. He emphasizes the need for continued caution and awareness, especially regarding the complexities of AI technology and the potential for scams using voice cloning. He then discusses the SEC’s creation of a new unit dedicated to protecting investors against fraud in crypto and AI, urging listeners to be cautious of their assets. The discussion moves to common scams involving AI-generated content and the importance of scrutinizing images to determine their authenticity. Cochrane shares his tech-related troubles, specifically regarding repairing old devices and his challenges with modern laptops.

47 min
FEB 18

Celebrating 1800 Episodes of Geek News Central

In the 1800th episode of Geek News Central, host Todd Cochrane marks a major milestone by reflecting on the evolution of podcasting and the show’s journey over two decades. He dives into 30 major tech stories, including AI industry shakeups, Tesla protests, TikTok’s legal troubles, and Meta’s latest innovations. With a mix of personal anecdotes and industry insights, Todd celebrates the dedication of listeners and sponsors while looking ahead to the future of the podcast. -Thinking of buying a Starlink? Use my link to support the show. -I am introducing Distil Union as a new sponsor of the show’s promo code, GeekNews. Check out their fantastic line of products and services focused on the fellas of the show or ladies if you are looking for that unique Valentine’s gift. Subscribe to the Newsletter. Join the Chat @ GeekNews.Chat Email Todd or follow him on Facebook. Like and Follow Geek News Central’s Facebook Page. Download the Audio Show File New YouTube Channel – Beyond the Office Full Summary: In the 1800th episode of *Geek News Central*, host Todd Cochrane celebrates the milestone by reflecting on the history of podcasting and the show itself, while also diving into 30 tech news stories. Todd opens the episode by welcoming listeners and discussing a significant shakeup in the AI industry involving Anthropic’s resistance against a proposed US government ban on Google’s investments in AI startups, questioning whether this move would reshape the competitive landscape or hinder innovation. He thanks GoDaddy, the podcast’s long-term sponsor, and expresses gratitude to listeners who have supported the show throughout its 1800 episodes. He encourages listeners to engage with the show via various platforms and mentions the opportunity to become a GNC insider. As he reflects on the show’s journey, Todd shares milestone statistics such as eight thousand six hundred hours of production and two thousand plus hours of content, emphasizing the dedication of both hosts and listeners over twenty years. He recounts his experiences from running a bulletin board system in the late ’80s to the early days of *Geek News Central*, including the initial challenges and breakthroughs, such as launching the podcast in the early 2000s and forming partnerships with key sponsors. Todd then transitions into discussing recent tech news, highlighting various topics, including Anthropic’s concerns regarding its market value if Google’s involvement is restricted, protests surrounding Tesla in the US, TikTok’s uncertain future amidst legal challenges, and Meta’s extensive subsea cable project. He also shares updates on various tech and cybersecurity issues, like Google’s earthquake alerts in Brazil, which caused confusion and ongoing discussions about net neutrality in the US. Other notable stories include updates on NASA and its new astronaut nominee with a disability, the potential impact of Zelle payment restrictions due to scams, and news about Apple enhancing its Maps app with business listings.

48 min
FEB 14

Federal Workers Shift to Encrypted Messaging to Hide Communications

As trust in platforms like Facebook declines, federal employees are increasingly turning to encrypted apps like Signal for private communication. Concerns over surveillance by the Trump administration and tech companies’ cooperation with government data requests have driven many to migrate sensitive conversations away from mainstream services. Employees fear potential monitoring and retaliation, leading to heightened caution in workplace discussions and online interactions. -Thinking of buying a Starlink? Use my link to support the show. -I am introducing Distil Union as a new sponsor of the show’s promo code, GeekNews. Check out their fantastic line of products and services focused on the fellas of the show or ladies if you are looking for that unique Valentine’s gift. Subscribe to the Newsletter. Join the Chat @ GeekNews.Chat Email Todd or follow him on Facebook. Like and Follow Geek News Central’s Facebook Page. Download the Audio Show File New YouTube Channel – Beyond the Office Full Summary: * Are you lying about your age? * –Waze gets a big update * –Nvidia systems could be facing another security flaw * –Amazon Prime Video * –X pays millions * –A Blood Moon in North America * –Blue Origin cut its workforce * –Elon and Sam are heading to court * –Amazon robots * –WD pays millions * –US lawmakers and Apple’s iCloud backdoor * –A new Apple launch next week?

53 min
FEB 11

T-Mobile Offers Free Starlink Satellite Texting Beta Until July

T-Mobile is rolling out its Starlink satellite texting feature in beta, free until July. Compatible iPhone and Android users, even on rival networks, can apply. After July, premium T-Mobile plans will include it, while others can subscribe for $10–$20 per month. Limited spots are available. -Thinking of buying a Starlink? Use my link to support the show. -I am introducing Distil Union as a new sponsor of the show’s promo code, GeekNews. Check out their fantastic line of products and services focused on the fellas of the show or ladies if you are looking for that unique Valentine’s gift. Subscribe to the Newsletter. Join the Chat @ GeekNews.Chat Email Todd or follow him on Facebook. Like and Follow Geek News Central’s Facebook Page. Download the Audio Show File New YouTube Channel – Beyond the Office Full Summary: In episode 1798 of Geek News Central, hosted by Todd Cochran on February 10, the episode opens with an announcement about T-Mobile rolling out a Starlink satellite texting feature in beta, which will be free until July for compatible iPhone and Android users, including those on rival networks. After July, customers on premium T-Mobile plans will receive the feature at no cost, while others can subscribe for a fee. Todd welcomes listeners gives a shout-out to the podcast’s sponsor, GoDaddy, and encourages them to check out exclusive deals at geeknewscentral.com/godaddy. He thanks the listeners for their support and mentions the thriving community around the show. He shares that he spent Saturday working on taxes and venting about the political climate regarding spending and taxes, expressing his frustrations over the government’s handling of finances. He also notes the mixed feedback he’s received from listeners about personal interactions during the show. The discussion then transitions to products and technology news, starting with T-Mobile’s announcement about the Starlink satellite texting feature. Todd reflects on his experiences with T-Mobile and its services while considering the benefits of this new offering. The episode continues with updates on several tech news topics, including: – Doge’s backhaul at CFPB and its implications for digital wallet launches. – A rise in tech unemployment, particularly in the PC semiconductor and telecommunications sectors, while some industries, like cloud infrastructure and IT, are experiencing growth. – A sentencing related to a significant cryptocurrency hack involving a massive fraudulent scheme. – TikTok’s workaround for Android users facing challenges downloading the app. – Unrest among election disinformation officials placed on leave. – Samsung’s new innovative e-paper display technology. – An ongoing Facebook phishing campaign using Salesforce emails to deceive users. – OnePlus announcing its Watch 3, which offers impressive battery life. – Security tips for webcams and upcoming RCS messaging features for Android users.

34 min

See All (40)

4.2

out of 5

141 Ratings

A Great Tech Podcast with a Long History

11/15/2020

macpro3000

When it comes to fun and informative tech podcasts, Geek News Central is it with venerable host Todd Cochran. I’ve been listening to Geek News Central off and on for many, many years since It first started in 2004. Todd has an easy going personality who presents you with the latest news and opinions of all kinds of tech products including Apple Macs, iPhones, iPads; various PC platforms with their Windows OS and Linux options, smart technology, Android, phones, tablets, TV, streaming, audio and much, much more. Each podcast if about an hour or so long. You can listen to it live on Mondays and Thursdays or just download the podcast here and at other aggregators.
Enjoyment

10/07/2017

Dugman1958

I enjoy listening to Todd’s weekly show. He give me great insight into the tech industry ❣️
Love this podcast

10/16/2015

Breck320

Todd reviews all of the latest techie news articles and adds his deep insights. His reviews help me know what’s going on in the technology world without when I miss an article or don’t have time to dig through the tech news site. Thanks for the fantastic podcast!
Great podcast

06/06/2015

Dturbay

Great speaker, cool podcast! Thanks man!