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.

2 DAYS AGO

DeepSeek 10 Reason To Not Use it.

In today’s episode, we dive into the groundbreaking rise of DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup that’s shaking up the industry. With its latest release, the DeepSeek-R1 model, this free AI chatbot rivals ChatGPT in performance yet operates at a fraction of the cost. How did DeepSeek match OpenAI’s cutting-edge models while spending just 3% of the training budget? What makes its innovative reinforcement learning approach so disruptive? And why is Wall Street feeling the shockwaves? Or are they lying do they have Nvidia chips and are just not reporting them, or worse yet, did they steal technology? We’ll explore the technical advancements behind DeepSeek, its market implications, and how it’s challenging big players like OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft. Whether you’re an AI enthusiast, a tech entrepreneur, or just curious about the future of artificial intelligence, this episode is for you. Stay tuned as we unpack how this underdog startup is reshaping the AI landscape—and what it means for you. Thinking of buying a Starlink? Use my link to support the show. 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 “DeepSeek: 10 Reasons Not To Use It,” host Todd Cochrane introduces the topic by discussing the rise of DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup that has released the DeepSeek-R1 model. This free AI chatbot rivals ChatGPT in performance at a much lower cost. He questions how DeepSeek achieved this feat while spending only 3% of the training budget compared to major players like OpenAI. Cochrane provides a detailed overview of the implications of DeepSeek’s advancements, including its innovative use of reinforcement learning and the market shockwaves it has caused on Wall Street. The host indicates that the episode will delve into the technical advancements behind DeepSeek, its potential market impacts, and how it challenges established players like OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft. He emphasizes that the episode benefits AI enthusiasts, tech entrepreneurs, and anyone curious about the future of artificial intelligence. After welcoming listeners and acknowledging GoDaddy’s sponsor, Cochrane dives into the lead story, reiterating DeepSeek’s significance in AI. He discusses DeepSeek’s emerging technologies and their pressures on legacy firms, which is evident through stock market reactions and the chatter around its capabilities and limitations. Cochrane presents ten reasons to consider using DeepSeek, highlighting points such as its free access to advanced AI, cost-effective pricing, efficient resource usage, and open-source nature, which allows for customization. Additionally, he discusses the rapid innovation cycles enabled by DeepSeek’s technology. However, he balances this by introducing ten reasons not to use DeepSeek. These include serious privacy concerns, given its Chinese ownership and potential government access to user data. Other concerns include limited features,

49 min
6 DAYS AGO

OpenAI’s Operator: AI Agent Automates Web Tasks

OpenAI unveils “Operator,” an AI agent in research preview for ChatGPT Pro users in the U.S. This browser-based tool automates tasks like filling forms, ordering groceries, and planning trips by interacting with web interfaces. It combines GPT-4 vision and reasoning, can self-correct, and seeks user approval for sensitive actions. Thinking of buying a Starlink? Use my link to support the show. 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 of Geek News Central, host Todd Cochrane covers the latest tech news, focusing primarily on OpenAI’s new AI agent, Operator. Todd begins by sharing details about OpenAI’s Operator, an AI agent available to ChatGPT Pro users in the United States. He explains how this browser-based tool uses GPT for vision and reasoning to automate tasks like filling out forms, ordering groceries, and planning trips. He highlights its capability to interact with web interfaces and its user-verification feature for sensitive actions. Following the introduction and recognition of the sponsor, GoDaddy, Todd discusses the technical challenges and potential future integration of AI in building podcast episodes and content creation. Despite technological advancements, he reminds listeners about the importance of human elements in media. The episode continues as Todd shares a variety of tech news stories, including: – Comcast’s new streaming bundle. – Collaborations between Google and Samsung for spatial audio. – FAA regulations affecting a SpaceX flight. – T-Mobile’s performance report. – ByteDance’s investment in AI technology. – AI advancements in other domains. Todd updates the audience on AI’s evolving role, referring to a personal experiment where he created a digital “doppelganger” to assess the accuracy of AI-generated content representing him. The news segment concludes with updates on cybersecurity, including a recent surge in ransomware attacks and vulnerabilities in WordPress themes. Todd also addresses the importance of human oversight in technology and explores how future humanoid robots could support economic growth by assisting humans in various roles. The episode wraps up with Todd thanking Geek News Central’s financial supporters and encouraging listener engagement through various email and chat platforms. Lastly, Todd previews future show topics and developments, maintaining a lively, informal tone throughout, interrupted briefly by a personal anecdote about his health during the week. * –Comcast’s new bundle * Google a...

44 min
JAN 21

TikTok Ban Drama: Trump’s Executive Order

In this episode, we dive into the TikTok ban saga. With President-elect Donald Trump pledging an executive order to delay the ban, we discuss the legal battles, national security concerns, and what this means for TikTok’s 170 million US users. 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 number 1792 of Geek News Central, hosted by Todd Cochrane, the main focus was on the ongoing saga of TikTok’s legal battles and the implications of potential bans and relief measures. The episode was aired on a cold January 20th, with Todd battling a cold but committed to delivering the news. Todd began by discussing the executive order by President Trump to delay the ban on TikTok, which had caused the app to temporarily shut down its service to its 170 million US users. This decision provided a reprieve for TikTok and allowed more time for a potential deal to be structured that could influence the platform’s future operations in the U.S. Throughout the episode, Todd emphasized the importance of content creators diversifying their platforms to avoid reliance on a single service, especially in light of the regulatory uncertainties surrounding apps like TikTok. He highlighted how developers and other social media platforms were hurriedly launching new features to capitalize on potential shifts in user bases from TikTok. Todd also touched on several other news stories, including the involvement of Elon Musk in discussions around TikTok’s ownership and potential partnerships, a human-robot marathon in China, the crackdown on telecom cybersecurity threats by the FCC, and the responsibilities of content platforms under the newly integrated European commitments to tackle illegal hate speech. Additionally, Todd covered a few infrastructural topics, such as AI’s potential to complement human skills rather than replace jobs, recent hacks leading to massive data leaks, and various updates in the tech industry from companies like Samsung and SpaceX. Towards the end of the podcast, while dealing with his cold, Todd also shared some lighter news about a study on contagious urination among chimps, demonstrating his ability to interject humor into the discussion. The episode concluded with Todd encouraging listeners to engage with Geek News Central through various platforms, share deals from the podcast’s sponsor, GoDaddy, and look forward to the up-and-coming episodes. * –A man jailed for pirate IPTV * –Bluesky and X launch new video feeds * –The FCC taking action * –a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2578268/your-tax-return-is-a-ripe-target-for-fraud-heres...

32 min
JAN 14

Biden’s “AI Diffusion Rule” Targets Export Limits on AI GPUs

The Biden administration’s “AI diffusion rule” restricts the export of GPUs crucial for AI, primarily to curb China’s AI advancements. The rule establishes three licensing tiers, with China and other adversarial nations effectively barred from accessing top-tier GPUs. Critics, including the Semiconductor Industry Association and NVIDIA, argue the policy risks harming U.S. competitiveness and fostering alliances with China. A 120-day comment period leaves its fate uncertain. 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 of Geek News Central, host Todd Cochrane begins by discussing the Biden administration’s new AI diffusion rule, which limits the export of GPUs crucial for AI development. This measure primarily targets China and other adversarial nations, aiming to curb their advancements in AI technology. Todd notes the criticisms from industry associations and companies like NVIDIA, who argue that such restrictions could undermine US competitiveness. Following this, Todd gives a shoutout to the podcast’s sponsor, GoDaddy, mentioning exclusive deals and discounts available through Geek News Central. He encourages listeners to support the podcast by becoming a GNC insider and discusses the interactive experiences available through modern podcast apps, which enhance the live podcast listening experience. Throughout the episode, Todd touches on various topics, ranging from his anecdotes about his cat Sylvester to discussions about natural disasters and community self-reliance. He also comments on the impact of California wildfires and emphasizes the importance of individual preparedness in the face of catastrophe. Todd ventures further into a wide array of tech news. He delves into the ramifications of the AI diffusion rules, suggesting that restricting GPU exports to certain countries can be seen as a protective measure for U.S technological interests. He also covers tech-related updates, including a phishing trick targeting iPhone users, a trending migration of TikTok users to a Chinese app called RedNote, and details about new internet laws in New York mandating affordable internet plans for low-income individuals. He shifts focus to speak about Tesla recalling vehicles due to rearview camera issues and various developments in cryptocurrency and broadband access. The podcast also hones in on Apple’s decision not to fix a complex bug, Samsung’s strategy to buy back old phones, and the Mastodon social network transitioning its management structure. The episode wraps up with Todd encouraging listeners to engage with the show through various platforms and sharing his plans for attending Podfest and his subsequent family visit in Orlando. Overall, the episode melds significant policy news with a broad swath of technology updates, personal stories, and listener engagement prompts, characteristic of Todd Cochrane’s engaging presentation style. * –How thin will the iPhone 17 Air will be?

49 min
JAN 10

AI’s Data Dilemma: Exhausting Human Knowledge

Elon Musk claims AI companies have exhausted available human knowledge for training models, pushing reliance on synthetic data. While firms like Meta, Google, and OpenAI already use AI-generated data for fine-tuning, challenges such as hallucinations and diminishing returns arise. Experts warn overusing synthetic data risks “model collapse,” while copyright disputes over data usage intensify. 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 of Geek News Central, hosted by Todd Cochrane, the main story discusses Elon Musk’s claim that AI companies have exhausted all available human knowledge for training AI models, prompting a shift towards synthetic data. The episode numbered 1790 and dated January 9, begins with Todd acknowledging the challenges and legal complications tied to the usage of synthetic data in AI development, including potential inaccuracies and copyright issues. Todd starts the episode with a mention of the sponsor, GoDaddy, and encourages listeners to support the podcast through subscriptions and sponsor discounts. He shares his personal travel experiences, talks about troubleshooting computer updates after his trip, and schedules for an upcoming live segment for the New Media Show. Throughout the episode, Todd engages with various items he received while away, including tech gadgets and unexpected gifts like a honey selection, showcasing his interactive and enthusiastic podcast style. Then, he dives back into the main topics: the implications of AI’s use of human data and the use of synthetic data. Todd invites listener feedback on these AI developments and their potential impacts. Following the news segment, Todd shifts to discuss recent legal challenges involving internet anonymity and privacy, as well as exciting new tech from CES, including AI advancements and personal tech applications. He reviews how new gadgets from CES might influence consumer choices and highlights how AI technology may shape future legal and ethical norms. Additionally, the conversation covers current global events, including California wildfires, and delves into the professional and public repercussions of emerging technologies. The episode wraps up with acknowledgments to podcast supporters and a preview of Todd’s plans, which include attending a podcast event in Orlando and what content will be covered in upcoming episodes. Todd closes the show by emphasizing community engagement and thanking listeners and sponsors for their support. * – Introduction and Sponsor Shout Out * – Host Todd Cochrane Welcome Message * – Listener Support and Interaction * – Recent Activities and Updates * – GoDaddy Deals and Offers * – Travel Experience and Arrival Back Home * – Challenges of Reintegration into Workflow

45 min
JAN 3

Influencers Versus Honey: A Fight for Fairness in Digital Revenue

I dive into a controversy shaking up the influencer world and online shopping landscape. A viral exposé has accused the popular browser extension, Honey, owned by PayPal, of deceptive practices that have sparked outrage among creators and consumers alike. Stay tuned as we unpack the allegations, the fallout, and the class-action lawsuit that could redefine trust in digital tools. 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 of the podcast, host Todd Cochrane discusses a significant controversy involving the browser extension Honey, which PayPal owns. The episode opens with Todd giving a shoutout to the sponsor, GoDaddy, and acknowledging the listeners’ support. Todd shares a brief update about his recent vacation in the Philippines, noting cultural differences in holiday celebrations compared to the U.S. Todd then delves into the episode’s main topic, the allegations against the Honey extension. He details accusations that Honey has been engaging in deceptive practices by using alternative promo codes, and bypassing influencers without giving them proper credit. This practice potentially redirects affiliate revenue from these influencers to Honey via their extension. Todd explains that a YouTuber named Mega Lag, among others, has raised these concerns, leading to a class-action lawsuit against PayPal. Influencers and online shoppers feel duped as Honey favors specific discount codes over others, which can negatively impact the influencers’ earnings and mislead consumers. He passionately warns listeners about the implications of using Honey, advising them to manually enter promo codes to ensure influencers get the credit they deserve. Todd covers recent industry news in the broader discussion, including cybersecurity issues, legal developments affecting tech companies, and updates on global and national events relevant to his listener base. He closes the episode with a forward-looking statement about an upcoming experimental feature in the podcast and a brief note on his travel plans, expressing his eagerness to engage with listeners in future episodes. * OpenAI * Apple AirTags * This huge US router could be banned * Meta overhauls it global policy team * Net neutrality rules * a href="https://www.mlive.com/news/2025/01/first-meteor-shower-of-2025-could-hav...
12/20/2024

Chinese Technology Bans in the US Market

In today’s show, I explore the controversies surrounding Chinese technology firms in the U.S., the FAA’s drone ban, and the latest in AI with Google’s Gemini 2.0. I dive into the critical security debates, industry advancements, and the implications of government policies on tech and consumer trust. Stay tuned for an insightful blend of tech updates and thoughtful analysis!” 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 This episode of Geek News Central focuses predominantly on controversies and concerns surrounding Chinese technology in the U.S. market, especially potential bans and security issues. The episode begins with Todd discussing the latest developments from Google, which has launched an AI reasoning model called Gemini 2.0. This model is designed to solve complex problems through a structured, step-by-step analysis. Todd compares this advancement to OpenAI’s models and highlights its potential in Adjentic AI. After acknowledging his sponsor, GoDaddy, and providing some standard promotional information, Todd delves deeper into more contentious technology-related topics. He discusses the FAA’s temporary drone ban in New Jersey, suggesting government involvement and secrecy regarding drone activities. This segment introduces skepticism toward official explanations and hints at more considerable governmental control and privacy issues. Most of the episode revolves around Chinese technology firms and their ongoing struggles within the U.S. market. Todd discusses the situation with DJI, a leading drone manufacturer that narrowly escaped a U.S. ban but faces ongoing scrutiny to prove its products do not pose a national security risk. Similarly, he talks about TP-Link, a primary networking equipment provider whose products are under threat of being banned due to security vulnerabilities and the company’s reluctance to collaborate with security researchers. Todd provides comprehensive coverage of these issues, linking them to broader concerns about Chinese companies’ dominance in various tech sectors and the implications for U.S. security and consumer trust. He describes how TP-Link products are prevalent in public WiFi setups, potentially posing risks if misused for data espionage. As Todd moves through these discussions, he intermittently reminds listeners about the podcast’s sponsors and upcoming schedule changes due to the holiday season. He closes with general commentary on AI policy suggestions from U.S. bipartisan groups, forthcoming developments in electric vehicle infrastructure, and the potential for new regulations that may impact how technology interacts with everyday life, like enhanced seatbelt warnings in vehicles. Throughout the episode, Todd maintains a tone that blends tech industry insights with a critical view of government policies and corporate actions, especially concerning the trustworthiness and security implications of China’s widely-used technology products. * –a href="https://www.cnet.

46 min
12/17/2024

Google DeepMind Unveils Veo 2: A Next-Gen Video AI

Google DeepMind introduces Veo 2, a cutting-edge video-generating AI capable of producing 4K, two-minute clips—significantly surpassing OpenAI’s Sora in resolution and duration. While Veo 2’s capabilities are currently capped at 720p and eight seconds within Google’s VideoFX tool, broader access is planned through Google’s Vertex AI as the technology scales. 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 of Geek News Central, hosted by Todd Cochrane, the primary focus is a significant advancement in artificial intelligence technology: Google DeepMind’s release of Veo 2, a state-of-the-art video-generating AI. Todd begins the episode by detailing Veo 2’s capabilities, highlighting its potential to produce 4K two-minute video clips, which significantly surpasses the performance of OpenAI’s Sora in both resolution and duration. Todd acknowledges Google’s plans for broader access to this technology through its Vertex AI service as it scales, despite the current limitations of 720p eight-second clips within Google’s VideoFX tool. Throughout the podcast, Todd mentions Geek News Central’s sponsor, GoDaddy, several times and promotes their exclusive deals and discounts to listeners. Todd encourages interaction and participation from his audience, inviting them to experience the show live through modern podcast apps that allow real-time engagement. Todd discusses various tech-related topics, including OpenAI’s developments with ChatGPT, potential regulatory actions against TikTok, growing concerns regarding job scams, and the ongoing curiosities surrounding the purpose of mysterious drone flights. Additional discussions touch on personal or practical matters, such as travel plans and Todd’s anticipation of returning to cold weather. He also reflects on the disparities in his work-life balance based on his schedule. In tech updates, Todd covers a wide range of subjects, including Apple’s potential innovations in foldable devices, Amazon’s labor activities, the influence of artificial intelligence in smartphones perceived as gimmicky, and significant cybersecurity threats affecting WordPress sites and Rhode Island’s benefit system. The episode concludes with Todd announcing a brief holiday hiatus and reminding listeners that there will be no shows during the week of December 23rd as he plans to disconnect for the holidays. He assures listeners that regular programming will resume post-holiday, with more insights and coverage on the latest in tech. Todd’s sign-off reinforces his commitment to bringing valuable content to his listeners and maintaining the interactive and informative nature of Geek News Central. * –Fake job tasks * –Chuck Schumer wants answers

34 min

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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!