Podcast: Play in new window | Embed
Tech News and Commentary
Dave and Chris discuss Google’s Pixel 10 rumors, Apple’s new design, WhatsApp usernames, a handheld gaming device from Asus and Microsoft, and more.
“News Pick of the Week” with Ralph Bond
Small nuclear reactors are gaining popularity these days, especially as a way to satisfy the demands of energy hungry data centers. But above ground reactors require a lot of costly containment infrastructure to make them safe. Now our science and technology news reporter says there’s a new, surprising and cost-effective containment alternative.
Read more here.
Chris in Bear, Delaware asked: “I’m looking at more into SDRs and using them for scanning. I have an SDS100 but I’m looking for something that allows me to use my laptop a little more and do some more of the capabilities such as weather balloons and things like that. Which SDRs do you recommend that are budget-friendly and what else can I do with the SDR besides scanning?”
Chris, if youre looking to stay with something portable like your SDS100, you can have a look at the similar Icom IC-R30, its another handle that will cost you more or less the same as your SDS100. $600-700.
Having said that, since you want to involve your computer more and you can afford more of a budget there are more capable but less mobile. For example the Apache Labs Anan 7000DLE can operate autonomously but can also be paired with a computer and access over the internet for example.
The catch is that budget-friendly gets fuzzy pretty quickly in the hobbyist world. An Anan 7000DLE will cost you more than $1500, but its less than half the price of an Anan G2.
As far as we can tell your SDS100 is mainly meant to be a scanner, so youll probably limited to listening in for emergency services, aviation, weather stations, that kind of thing. Options like the 7000DLE allow you to expand the functionality by installing open source software.
Dan in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania asked: “As a middle aged male dealing with elderly parents and finding a difficult time keeping them living independently in their own home, I’m wondering if you could speak to some of the technological advances that would be very helpful to keep my parents independent in their own home. Presently I do have a set up with web enabled cameras and microphone, as well as a tablet for the interactions and a few other things that just help around the house that are web enabled, like, power switches and so forth. But again, if you could address some of the newest technology, that would be phenomenal and perhaps help a lot of people to keep aging parents in their home safe and, worry free.”
Dan, the main question is, what are the problems you need to address?
For example, if your parents have trouble with stability or have a heart condition, then a smartwatch can alert you of falls and of irregular heart rates. They can also give your parents an option to call you if theyre on the ground and cant reach a phone.
You can also install sensors to get ahead of problems, like flood sensors to detect leaks or temperature sensors to check that the heat or air conditioning are working, for example, or have your smart devices warn you if the electricity goes out.
Voice assistants can be helpful for less technical older parents who may not be very comfortable with the busier and louder UIs of modern DVRs and media players, and they enable them to just say play this song, play this movie, play this show.
A lot of what can help are services too more than devices, for example, they can buy their groceries online, or get their prescriptions delivered online, they can see a doctor for minor problems online, pay their bills online, check out library books online, that kind of thing.
Another thing to consider is what they even want at their house. Modern technology is intrusive by design, as all the companies try to drive engagement and usage minutes for their investors and ad networks, so adding too many devices can make them less comfortable and leave them less willing to actually use them. For example, if you think that an Amazon Alexa device may be helpful to them but they end up getting loud daily Amazon ads out of the blue, they may unplug it and put it in a drawer as many people have.
When you participate on the show – anytime 24/7 – and we HEAR you with any consumer tech question, comment, help for another listener, tech rage or just share your favorite App these days … you could win prizes.
Brondell: Pro Sanitizing Air Purifier – Removes dust, dander, pollen, smoke, and airborne viruses ($800 Value)
Targus: Form-Fit Covers for Various Chromebooks
Soundcore: Space One Pro Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones
Heat It: Smartphone-Powered Insect Bite Healers
All CALLERS — using the AUDIO option on our Free App or 1-800-899-INTO(4686) – automatically qualify to win prizes.
Audio archived for at least 6 months