LIBCAST - The Library Podcast

Interactive media unit - The Library, University of Kelaniya

LIBCAST is a podcast that aims to provide informative and engaging content to the students, faculty, and staff of the University of Kelaniya. It will feature interviews, discussions, book reviews, and other relevant topics related to the university's library and academic life. The LIBCAST project aims to launch a podcast series by the Interactive Media Unit in 2024 at the Library of the University of Kelaniya. The podcast, named LIBCAST, will be a platform for sharing knowledge, promoting academic resources, and fostering intellectual discussions among the university community and beyond.

  1. The Great Convergence: When Gemini Met Siri | Neural Nexus Daily Episode 11

    JAN 13

    The Great Convergence: When Gemini Met Siri | Neural Nexus Daily Episode 11

    The Great Convergence: When Gemini Met Siri | Neural Nexus Daily Episode 11 For years, Apple and Google were the Montagues and Capulets of the tech world—distinct ecosystems separated by a fortress of privacy. But yesterday, the walls officially came down. In a seismic shift for the mobile internet, reports confirm that Google’s Gemini will now power the next generation of Apple’s Siri. Welcome to Neural Nexus Daily. In this 10-minute briefing for January 13, 2026, we break down the most significant partnership in mobile history. We explore the mechanics of this "hybrid" system, explaining how Siri will act as a gatekeeper: handling personal tasks on-device while handing off complex "world brain" queries to Google’s massive Gemini servers. We dissect why Apple, the champion of on-device privacy, needed to rent Google's brain to keep Siri competitive. Crucially, we tackle the elephant in the room: Privacy. How do you reconcile Apple’s "what happens on your iPhone stays on your iPhone" philosophy with Google’s data-hungry model? We analyze the reported "blind" arrangement masking your IP address and the implications for data security. Finally, we discuss the staggering consolidation of power between these two giants and what this new duopoly means for the future of the open internet. Join us to learn how to practice "query hygiene" in a world where the line between your device and the cloud is dissolving. #GoogleGemini #AppleIntelligence #SiriUpdate #AIWars #TechNews2026 #MobileAI #DataPrivacy #BigTech #HybridAI #CloudComputing #GenerativeAI #DigitalMonopoly #FutureOfSearch #iPhoneFeatures #NeuralNexusDaily

    8 min
  2. What is Rabbit R1 | Webrarian Episode 25

    JAN 11

    What is Rabbit R1 | Webrarian Episode 25

    What is Rabbit R1 | Webrarian Episode 25 We are stuck in the "App Trap." Our smartphones are cluttered with icons, and completing a simple task requires navigating menus, loading screens, and distractions. But what if you could bypass the apps entirely? What if a device could listen to your intent and simply do the task for you? Welcome back to Webrarian! In this 10-minute episode, we examine one of the most controversial and visually striking gadgets of the year: the Rabbit R1. We decode the technology inside this bright orange, retro-futuristic box, explaining the critical difference between a Large Language Model (LLM)—which knows what to say—and the R1's Large Action Model (LAM)—which knows what to do. Discover how this "ghost finger" learns to navigate software interfaces like Spotify and Uber so you don't have to, promising a "heads-up" experience that keeps your eyes off the screen. However, we also face the reality behind the hype. We discuss the tech world's biggest debate: "Why isn't this just an app?" We explore the "version one" bugs, the connectivity issues, and the valid skepticism surrounding its launch. Yet, even with its flaws, we argue why this device signals the dawn of the "Agentic Era"—a future where AI agents act on our behalf, potentially ending the dominance of the App Store. #RabbitR1 #LargeActionModel #AgenticAI #AIHardware #FutureOfTech #TeenageEngineering #AppTrap #VoiceAssistant #SmartGadgets #PostAppEra #TechReview #Accessibility #HumanComputerInteraction #LAM #Webrarian

    7 min
  3. What is Otter.ai | Webrarian Episode 24

    JAN 11

    What is Otter.ai | Webrarian Episode 24

    What is Otter.ai | Webrarian Episode 24 Have you ever missed a crucial point in a lecture or meeting because you were too busy scribbling notes? The anxiety of trying to capture every word often stops us from actually listening. But what if you could have a perfect, searchable text record of your life generated in real-time? Welcome back to Webrarian! In this 10-minute episode, we dive deep into Otter.ai, the tool that is revolutionizing how we capture and organize spoken information. Discover how this AI-powered "smart recorder" turns audio into text instantly, identifying different speakers and making hours of conversation searchable in seconds. We explore the futuristic "OtterPilot" feature, which can automatically join your Zoom or Teams meetings—even if you aren't there—to record audio, capture slides, and email you a concise summary of key decisions and action items. We also discuss the profound impact this has on students, journalists, and researchers, while addressing the critical ethical questions. From handling heavy accents and technical jargon to navigating consent and data privacy, we look at the responsibilities that come with using a "memory prosthetic." Join us to find out how you can stop acting as a stenographer and start focusing on the big ideas. #OtterAI #Transcription #ProductivityHacks #MeetingAssistant #NoteTaking #EdTech #ResearchTools #Journalism #AItools #VoiceToText #RemoteWork #PrivacyEthics #StudyTips #DigitalLiteracy #Webrarian

    7 min
  4. What is GitHub Copilot | Webrarian Episode 23

    JAN 11

    What is GitHub Copilot | Webrarian Episode 23

    What is GitHub Copilot | Webrarian Episode 23 Programming used to be a solitary test of patience—fighting with syntax errors in a dark room and scouring forums for answers. But what if you had a partner who had read almost every piece of public code ever written, ready to predict your next move? Welcome back to Webrarian! In this 10-minute episode, we explore the tool that kickstarted the AI coding revolution: GitHub Copilot. Discover how this "AI Pair Programmer" acts as your digital navigator, living inside your code editor to autocomplete lines, functions, and even complex algorithms before you finish typing. We discuss how it eliminates the drudgery of "boilerplate" code, allowing you to focus on logic and flow, and how the new "Copilot Chat" acts as a patient tutor that can explain confusing error messages in plain English. We also examine the critical reality check: Copilot is the navigator, not the pilot. We delve into the risks of "confidently wrong" suggestions, security vulnerabilities, and the ongoing legal debates regarding copyright and training data. Whether you are a librarian entering the world of data science or a veteran developer looking to speed up your workflow, join us to learn why you should embrace this partner—while keeping your hands firmly on the wheel.#GitHubCopilot #AIPairProgrammer #CodingAssistant #SoftwareDevelopment #GenerativeAI #BoilerplateCode #DevTools #TechEthics #DataScience #Python #CodeCompletion #FutureOfWork #DigitalLiteracy #ProductivityHacks #Webrarian

    6 min
  5. What is HeyGen | Webrarian Episode 22

    JAN 11

    What is HeyGen | Webrarian Episode 22

    What is HeyGen | Webrarian Episode 22 Creating professional video content usually requires a studio, expensive gear, and the confidence to speak perfectly on camera. But what if you could type a script and have a photorealistic AI avatar deliver your message flawlessly? Welcome back to Webrarian! In this 10-minute episode, we explore HeyGen, the viral AI platform blurring the line between reality and simulation. Discover how this tool eliminates the need for cameras and microphones, allowing you to create studio-quality videos just by typing text. We dive into its most mind-bending feature: Video Translation. Learn how HeyGen can take a video of you speaking English and seamlessly translate it into Spanish, French, or Hindi—not only cloning your specific voice and tone but actually re-animating your lips to match the new language perfectly. We discuss the incredible potential for accessibility in libraries and education, breaking down language barriers like never before. However, we also face the elephant in the room: the ethical implications of "deepfake" technology and what this means for the future of truth and information literacy. Join us to understand the tool that lets you speak languages you've never learned. #HeyGen #AIAvatars #VideoTranslation #Deepfakes #GenerativeAI #TextToVideo #VoiceCloning #Accessibility #EdTech #DigitalLiteracy #MultilingualContent #ContentCreation #LipSyncAI #FutureOfWork #Webrarian

    6 min
  6. What is Gamma AI | Webrarian Episode 21

    JAN 11

    What is Gamma AI | Webrarian Episode 21

    What is Gamma AI | Webrarian Episode 21 How much of your life have you lost to aligning text boxes in PowerPoint? If you’re tired of the "death by slide deck" struggle, where design hurdles get in the way of your story, this episode is for you. Welcome back to Webrarian! In this 10-minute episode, we explore Gamma AI, the generative design engine that claims to be the "anti-PowerPoint." Discover how Gamma flips the script with a "content-first, design-later" philosophy. We explain how you can type a simple prompt—like a history of tea trade in Sri Lanka—and watch as the AI instantly generates a polished, professional presentation with images and layouts in seconds. Learn about its unique "card" format that feels more like a fluid webpage than a static slide, and how the built-in "AI Designer" lets you edit layouts simply by chatting with the tool. We also discuss how Gamma solves the "Blank Page Problem" for students and professionals, making high-end design accessible to everyone. However, we also issue a crucial reminder: while the AI can build the structure, you must verify the facts to avoid "autopilot" errors. Join us to find out how to stop fighting with pixels and start telling your story. #GammaAI #PresentationDesign #GenerativeAI #PowerPointAlternative #ProductivityHacks #Storytelling #EdTech #VisualCommunication #DesignAutomation #PublicSpeaking #SlideDeck #ContentCreation #NoCodeTools #AIForWork #Webrarian

    6 min
  7. What is SUNO AI? | Webrarian Episode 20

    JAN 11

    What is SUNO AI? | Webrarian Episode 20

    What is SUNO AI | Webrarian Episode 20 Music has long been considered the final frontier of human creativity too complex, emotional, and structural for a machine to replicate convincingly. But what if you could create a radio-quality song, complete with vocals, lyrics, and instrumentals, just by typing a simple sentence? Welcome back to Webrarian! In this 10-minute episode, we explore the tool doing for audio what ChatGPT did for text: Suno AI. Discover how this "text-to-song" engine democratizes music creation, allowing anyone regardless of musical training to generate full songs in seconds. Whether you want a punk rock anthem about a librarian or a soulful ballad about rain in Kandy, Suno understands the "vibe" and structure of a pop song, building audio waveforms from scratch. However, great power comes with great controversy. We also dive into the ethical dilemmas facing this technology. How was the AI trained? Were artists compensated? And as the line between human and machine blurs, how do we navigate the legal "Wild West" of copyright and deepfakes? Join us for a fascinating look at the future of musical storytelling, where everyone has a recording studio in their pocket. #SunoAI #AIMusic #GenerativeAudio #TextToSong #FutureOfCreativity #MusicTech #EthicalAI #CopyrightLaw #DigitalArt #MusicProduction #Deepfakes #EdTech #Storytelling #ArtificialIntelligence #Webrarian

    6 min
  8. What is Perplexity AI Search? | Webrarian Episode 19

    JAN 11

    What is Perplexity AI Search? | Webrarian Episode 19

    What is Perplexity AI Search? | Webrarian Episode 19 When you ask a complex question online, are you tired of getting a list of blue links, ads, and SEO-optimized fluff? Traditional search engines force you to open multiple tabs and piece together the answer yourself. But what if the search engine did the reading for you? Welcome back to Webrarian! In this 10-minute episode, we explore the tool that is making the biggest waves in the tech world and is often called the "Google Killer": Perplexity AI. Discover the difference between a "search engine" and an "answer engine." We explain how Perplexity connects to the live internet to read, analyze, and synthesize real-time information into concise, readable summaries. We dive into the most critical feature for researchers: citations. Learn how Perplexity builds trust by providing clickable footnotes for every sentence, ensuring you can verify sources and avoid AI hallucinations. We also explore the "Pro Search" feature, which acts like a digital librarian conducting a reference interview to understand exactly what you need. Join us to see how this tool is reducing cognitive load and shifting the internet experience from "searching" to "finding." If you want a glimpse of a cleaner, smarter web, you won't want to miss this. #PerplexityAI #FutureOfSearch #AnswerEngine #ResearchTools #InformationLiteracy #AISeach #GoogleKiller #DigitalLiteracy #Citations #Hallucinations #ProSearch #TechTrends #Productivity #StudyHacks #Webrarian

    6 min
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Trailers

About

LIBCAST is a podcast that aims to provide informative and engaging content to the students, faculty, and staff of the University of Kelaniya. It will feature interviews, discussions, book reviews, and other relevant topics related to the university's library and academic life. The LIBCAST project aims to launch a podcast series by the Interactive Media Unit in 2024 at the Library of the University of Kelaniya. The podcast, named LIBCAST, will be a platform for sharing knowledge, promoting academic resources, and fostering intellectual discussions among the university community and beyond.

Information

  • Creator
    Interactive media unit - The Library, University of Kelaniya
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    47
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Interactive media unit - The Library, University of Kelaniya
  • Show Website
    LIBCAST - The Library Podcast