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Tech News and Commentary
Dave and Chris discuss ChatGPT adding gif creation including animating rough drawing that people upload, Codex going global, Fox buying Roku, Paramount+ and HBO merging into one service, Amazon’s Ring’s new indoor security drone and $1000 wheeled security robot, and more.
“News Pick of the Week” with Ralph Bond
Sawmill closures and reduced timber imports are negatively impacting the supply of construction lumber in North America. This week our science and technology reporter Ralph Bond tells us there’s a new, innovative way to turn discarded plastic into a strong, durable wood alternative.
Read more here.
Joe in Berkley, Michigan asked: “I have a finally cut my cable and I have a TV in my living room. I want to hook up the Wi-Fi. I need to be able to put something discreetly in the back that can connect into my RJ40. If I want to use it, maybe an RJ45 and the other and maybe a HDMI. What do you guys suggest? Have a great day. I listen to you through your podcast. It’s the greatest thing in the world.”
Joe, if your TV is a smart TV and has an RJ-45 connector and that’s what you want to use, you should not need any other devices, or even the WiFi, you’d just plug in your ethernet cable and you’d be all set.
If you’re thinking of something that plugs into an HDMI port, what you may be looking for is a streaming stick.
If that’s the case there are a few options, Roku and Amazon’s Fire sticks are reasonably affordable and have access to a large number of apps including just about any popular subscription service you can think of.
The downside of both is the same, they have both ramped up the ads significantly in recent years. Roku’s current home screen is about 50% streaming options and 50% ad. The Fire sticks constantly try to play ads for both shows and other products.
The only real alternative to that is the Apple TV, which was always more expensive, but as of 2026 has gotten a little more into crazy prices territory.
For example, a 4K Roku can be had for $80, a 4K Fire stick can be had for about $60, an Apple TV will about around $200-300.
Admittedly there are more expensive Roku and Fire sticks, but even then the price difference is important.
The end user experience is much better, you won’t see any ads on the home screen, but you will pay for that privilege.
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