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In This Week's Show, We find out how Shawn is thankful for a Storm tracker, also Apple shakeups, privacy battles, and streaming tech—this week on TechtalkRadio, Andy, Shawn, and Justin cover it all with a special visit from Amanda!  Shawn shares a real-life severe weather scare and how YouTube storm tracking played a critical role. Tim Cook transitions from Apple CEO, Justin calling it a promotion and the guys discuss what could be next for the company and where A.I. Plays in Apple's future. Plus, a deep dive into digital privacy and the rise of “de-Googling,” a look at Amazon’s new Fire TV Stick HD, and practical advice for businesses looking to implement digital signage. Amanda visits with Andy and they have a great discussion on Education and EdTech and how it is shaping up some classrooms while confusing some districts. All that, plus celebrity encounters, streaming habits, and even gaming into your 90s, Which ones we would be playing?

This week on TechtalkRadio, Andy Taylor, Justin Lemme, and Shawn DeWeerd cover a wide mix of entertainment tech, broadcast news, consumer advice, and listener questions. Justin shares the behind-the-scenes technology that powers Water World in Denver, from digital signage and menu systems to wireless kiosks, Wi-Fi, and guest access. The crew also talks about how digital displays have changed restaurants, attractions, and customer experiences everywhere. The show also features a fun discussion on the new Super Mario Galaxy movie, with Justin and Shawn sharing their reactions to the film’s overload of Nintendo characters, nostalgic callbacks, and what it could mean for the future of Nintendo movies. Shawn then checks in with a look at NAB 2026, including major broadcast industry acquisitions, 2110 IP production trends, and updates from Blackmagic Design, DaVinci Resolve 21, and GoPro’s surprising new camera direction. Listeners also get helpful advice on dealing with swollen laptop batteries, Spicy Pillows, the headaches of wireless printer setup, the realities of fiber vs. cable internet, and the latest on DJI’s Avata 360 drone availability in the U.S. The episode wraps with a warning about malware concerns involving CPU-Z and Hardware Monitor downloads, plus a look at the growing flood of scam emails and text messages. Got a question for the show? Email [email protected], and catch more at techtalkradio.com. Please Share, Listen, Subscribe to the Show on Spotify, Spreaker, iHeartRadio, Goodpods, YouTube and Our YouTube Page.Connect With Us on social media YouTube @TechtalkRadio Facebook @techtalkers Instagram @techtalkradio TikTok @Techtalkradio X @techtalkradio Also Available on KGVY AM/FM, Spotify, Amazon Music, Goodpods, PodBean and other Delivery Networks!

This week on TechtalkRadio, Andy Taylor, Shawn DeWeerd, and Justin Lemme cover a wide range of timely tech topics, starting with World Backup Day and the ongoing debate over whether traditional backups still matter in a cloud-first world. The team talks about NAS systems, cloud backup services, privacy concerns, and what users give up in exchange for convenience. The conversation also dives into digital surveillance, AI-powered photo recognition, smart camera systems, and the tradeoffs that come with living in an always-connected world. A listener question about fiber versus cable internet leads to a practical discussion on speed, upload performance, and why fiber may be the better long-term option. In one of the show’s funniest segments, Justin shares his attempt to use Grok to help build a Project Zomboid server on his Synology. After hours of troubleshooting, screenshots, errors, and finally paying for “Super Grok,” the AI ultimately revealed the setup was never going to work on that hardware—turning the whole experience into a perfect example of how AI can be both helpful and hilariously frustrating. Later, Andy talks with Julie Gran of GrandPad, a tablet designed specifically for seniors. They discuss how GrandPad makes technology easier, safer, and more accessible through a secure family network, simplified design, telehealth support, and the new AI-powered Grandy Chat feature. The show wraps with a fun look at camera gear, as Justin talks about shopping for a Tamron lens in Japan and Shawn explains how aperture and focal length create that cinematic bokeh look. From creator tools to meaningful tech for families, it’s another informative and engaging episode of TechtalkRadio.

On this week’s TechtalkRadio, Andy Taylor and Shawn DeWeerd cover a wide range of tech topics, starting with a listener question about securely accessing files remotely. They discuss modern solutions like VPNs, Tailscale, and remote desktop tools, along with the challenges of Windows 11 networking changes. The conversation also takes an interesting turn into how Pokémon Go’s massive location data is now being used to power delivery robots, highlighting the unexpected ways everyday tech can evolve. Andy also prepares for an upcoming presentation focused on practical technology for older users, including easy-to-use devices like GrandPad tablets and digital photo frames that automatically update with family pictures. The show features a hands-on discussion of the new MacBook Neo, covering design, usability, performance, and why it could be a strong choice for everyday users. In the second half, local entrepreneur Misa Acosta of Makeup Therapy with Marissa joins the show to share her journey of building a business and using social media. She offers insights into content creation, engagement strategies, and how platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube can help grow a brand. The episode wraps with entertainment news, including buzz around a new Firefly animated series and the evolving world of streaming content.

This week on TechtalkRadio, Andy Taylor and Shawn DeWeerd kick things off with a real-time look at severe weather, storm tracking, and the growing role of independent meteorologists on YouTube. Shawn shares how live storm coverage from creator Ryan Hall has changed the way many people follow dangerous weather, offering faster, more detailed updates than traditional local broadcasts in some cases. The conversation also dives into storm preparedness, from generators and backup power to radios, fuel, and having a family plan in place when rough weather rolls in. The show also revisits one of the week’s most talked-about tech topics: the new MacBook Neo. Andy and Shawn break down the appeal of Apple’s lower-cost laptop, discussing its price point, specs, battery life, and why it could be an attractive option for people who have always wanted to try a Mac without spending a fortune. They also talk about the learning curve for longtime Windows users, the differences in workflow, and why Apple may have found the right moment to push harder into the affordable laptop space. Shawn, who has long been skeptical of AI, admits he was surprised by how powerful and creative the music-generation platform Suno turned out to be. The two discuss the fun and creative possibilities of AI music tools, while also emphasizing the importance of ethics, transparency, and giving proper credit whenever AI plays a role in the creative process. Later in the show, Andy spotlights the ASUS ProArt PX13 GoPro Edition, a compact but powerful creator laptop designed for video editors and GoPro users, with features like a bright OLED display, strong onboard AI processing, a built-in jog wheel, and 2-in-1 flexibility. Andy Taylor talks with Sean Dadashi, co-founder of Rosebud, an AI-powered journaling app designed to make self-reflection easier, more guided, and more meaningful. Sean explains how the idea for Rosebud grew from his own experience with therapy and journaling, where he saw firsthand how difficult it can be for people to stare at a blank page and know where to begin. With Rosebud, users can write or speak their thoughts, then receive thoughtful AI-guided prompts that help them go deeper, recognize patterns, and stay connected to personal goals over time. Wrapping things up, the show touches on Mario Day, Nintendo announcements, and new family-friendly interactive gaming experiences from NEX Playground, making for a packed episode full of gadgets, AI, entertainment, and practical tech talk. Got a question for the show? Email [email protected], and catch more at techtalkradio.com. Please Share, Listen, Subscribe to the Show on Spotify, Spreaker, iHeartRadio, YouTubeConnect With Us on social media –Also Available on KGVY AM/FM, Amazon Music, GoodPods, PodBean and other Delivery Networks!

This week on TechtalkRadio, Andy and Shawn open with condolences for Justin, who’s away for a couple weeks after a loss in the family. From there, the conversation swings into Shawn’s very real-world tech life as a broadcast engineer at Notre Dame—juggling a marathon Saturday that included multiple live productions across different networks and platforms. They also touch on the frustration of missing major industry conferences like NAB and Infocom due to schedule collisions, while still keeping an eye on the one event Shawn refuses to miss: Gen Con, the massive tabletop gaming convention he’s attended for over a decade. The middle of the show dives into the growing “ownership problem” in modern tech—especially as it relates to phones, computers, and cloud services. Andy and Shawn react to Apple’s latest headlines, including talk of a more affordable iPhone option and what a lower-cost iOS device could mean for people who don’t want (or can’t justify) flagship pricing. That naturally leads to a bigger discussion: device upgrade fatigue, the rising cost of PC parts like RAM and storage, and the creeping shift toward renting everything—software, storage, even processing power—through subscriptions and cloud instances. AI is the big philosophical thread this week. They debate the ethical and emotional cost of AI-generated content—how it’s getting harder to tell what’s real, why disclosure matters, and what happens when companies replace human creativity because AI is cheaper and “good enough.” Andy shares a fascinating example using Suno, an AI music generator that created a shockingly convincing song featuring the show’s names—cool, impressive… and immediately uncomfortable once you realize what it represents. They also dig into the fine print reality: even when you prompt the creation, you often don’t truly own it, and rights can disappear the moment you stop paying. In the second half, the show pivots back to practical tech help with a listener question about home security cameras. Shawn lays out why he’s a fan of Wyze—especially the value of an unlimited camera plan and SD-card local recording—while Andy weighs in with real-world comparisons like Google Nest limitations and other alternatives (including a window-mounted camera option he demoed on TV). The episode wraps with a fun maker-style segment where Shawn explains his DIY hack turning a Wyze smart switch into a portable “smart button,” plus a quick look at an RF/IR detection gadget Andy picked up for travel privacy and hidden camera detection. Finally, they close on fresh Apple rumors—an apparent leak pointing to a lower-cost “MacBook Neo”—and tease next week’s topic: AI journaling with Rosebud. Got a question for the show? Email [email protected], and catch more at techtalkradio.com. Please Share, Listen, Subscribe to the Show on Spotify, Spreaker, iHeartRadio, Goodpods, YouTube and Our YouTube Page. Connect With Us on social media YouTube @TechtalkRadio Facebook @techtalkers Instagram @techtalkradio TikTok @Techtalkradio X @techtalkradio Also Available on KGVY AM/FM, Spotify, Amazon Music, Goodpods, PodBean and other Delivery Networks!

All three hosts are back together on TechtalkRadio — Andy Taylor, Justin Lemme, and Shawn DeWeerd — and the week’s big theme is simple: AI is everywhere, and it’s getting harder to trust what we see online. We look back and break down the Super Bowl’s wave of AI-focused ads (and why the “good old days” of surprise commercials are gone), then dig into the privacy creep factor behind smart devices — including a Ring-style “search every camera” flock concept that left us asking, helpful… or Big Brother? We also talk about the Nancy Guthrie case in Tucson and how AI-generated “enhancements,” misinformation, and livestream speculation can distort a real investigation in real time. Listener questions take us into practical territory: how parents can introduce teens to AI with smart guardrails, and where to find classic Windows 95-era computer games through GOG (Good Old Games) and the Internet Archive. Plus: nostalgia gaming, Diablo vs. World of Warcraft, “Will It Run Doom?” insanity, remembering Hideki Sato (a major force behind Sega hardware like the Dreamcast), and a quick look at Apple rumors and the next wave of chips. Have a question for the show? Email [email protected]

TechtalkRadio kicks off Valentine’s weekend 2026 with a practical update on home security cameras—and why this topic is suddenly front-of-mind for a lot of people. Andy explains how cloud-based doorbells can still capture (and upload) footage even without an active paid plan, what “short-window” history looks like on some systems, and why notifications (including email alerts) can matter when you’re trying to piece together a timeline. From there, Andy compares camera approaches: cloud-first doorbells like Google Nest, local-recording options that use microSD loop recording, and higher-resolution setups like Reolink (including solar-powered placements for property coverage). He also hits real-life usability stuff that’s easy to overlook—glare behind glass when placing a camera indoors towards the exterior. This is possible with the Girafit Indoor, also how quickly you can save clips to your phone, and why you might not want to disable motion/vehicle notifications even if they’re annoying. Then the show jumps into a 2016 flashback recorded this same week: a super-relatable PC upgrade spiral (new CPU means new motherboard, which means new RAM, which means… everything). The crew debates overclocking, thermals, motherboard quality, and warranty choices—plus Justin drops the always-handy PCPartPicker tip for anyone building on a budget. Part two of the flashback brings back “60 Second Tech,” including iPhone LED flash alerts for notifications, smarter shopping comparisons when buying laptops, and early predictions about autonomous delivery and driverless regulation. Back to current day, Andy closes the episode with a quick nod to Black Mirror (and how fast reality keeps chasing sci-fi), plus a couple of websites worth checking out. Got a question for the show? Email [email protected], and catch more at techtalkradio.com. Please Share, Listen, Subscribe to the Show on Spotify, Spreaker, iHeartRadio, YouTubeConnect With Us on social media – Also Available on KGVY AM/FM, Amazon Music, PodBean and other Delivery Networks!

This Week’s TechtalkRadio Show kicks off with the crew welcoming Justin Lemme back—and immediately diving into his newly installed Tesla Powerwall. Justin explains how pairing rooftop solar with a home battery solves the “we generate power when nobody’s home” problem, letting him store daytime energy and run off the battery during peak-rate hours (and stay powered through outages). He also highlights the app-driven control, clean/conditioned power benefits (surge absorption), and the long-term value proposition—especially for sunny climates like Arizona—while Andy Taylor and Shawn DeWeerd ask the practical questions listeners would ask (cost, reliability, real-world outage behavior, and whether it’s worth it). In the Area of Gaming, Justin raves about World of Sea Battle on Steam (a free-to-play, grindy pirate-era MMO with gorgeous visuals and a big EU player base), while Andy reps the “I’m a Wordle guy” camp with Wordle talk and how The New York Times is cycling older words back in. They also share a listener tech joke, then answer a podcasting webcam question with a refreshingly honest breakdown: don’t buy bargain-bin cams, lighting matters, and brands like Logitech and Elgato come up—along with the handy idea of a Stream Deck for switching scenes during recordings. Andy talks with Eric Kim from BIGO Live about how AI is reshaping social platforms—especially the line between helpful AI tools and “AI slop” (low-effort, high-volume content chasing clicks). Eric frames AI as a creative and productivity toolkit: great for clipping highlights, understanding audiences, and even bridging cultures through translation—while emphasizing that creators shouldn’t replace their voice or misrepresent themselves. He also describes BIGO Live’s “real-time togetherness” angle (meeting real people live versus only pushing edited posts), and how platform safety uses AI too—aimed at quickly detecting harmful content. They wrap with how to find the app, what monetization can look like for creators, and the big theme: use AI to remove tedious chores so you can spend more time being genuinely present and original. Shawn DeWeerd flags reports of malicious updates tied to Notepad++ and recommends updating to a safe version (the crew compares it to other “trusted tool got hit” stories like CCleaner and LastPass). Then Andy shares a time-sensitive promo: a discount window on the Anti-Gravity A1 featuring Insta360 Camera tech, plus a newly added “flight simulator” mode meant to build FPV muscle memory before real flights—while noting the market shakeup around DJI. They close things out with quick weekend chatter—Justin planning indoor skydiving at iFLY Indoor Skydiving (Valentine’s weekend), Shawn gearing up for indoor lacrosse, and Andy perfecting the fine art of “indoor napping.”   Got a question for the show? Email [email protected], and catch more at techtalkradio.com. Please Share, Listen, Subscribe to the Show on Spotify, Spreaker, iHeartRadio, YouTube Connect With Us on social media – See the Video of this Show on our YouTube Page and Now on Spotify as well. Also Available on KGVY AM/FM, Amazon Music, PodBean and other Delivery Networks!

This week on TechtalkRadio, Andy Taylor and Shawn DeWeerd cover a little bit of everything—from microphones and mobile video editing to retro gaming, family tech, and the growing “is this real or AI?” dilemma. The show kicks off with a look at audio gear and content creation, followed by listener questions on editing video directly on your smartphone, formatting USB drives, and whether thumb drives are still worth keeping around. The conversation then shifts to gaming nostalgia, screen-time balance for kids, and why physical media and offline backups still matter in an always-online world. Wrapping things up, Andy and Shawn dive into AI skepticism, viral images, and how our default reaction to online content is shifting from curiosity to doubt—sometimes for the worse.

Welcome back to TechtalkRadio—and yes… “This Show is a Joke!” absolutely earns its title. Andy Taylor, Shawn DeWeerd, and Justin Lemme kick things off with the kind of chaotic chemistry in a weather check that makes no sense: Colorado was bizarrely warm, Indiana is buried under snow and “freezing fog,” and everyone agrees the forecast has officially gone off the rails. It has been a couple of weeks now since CES and the guys agree most “everything was AI”… except the stuff that still manages to surprise us. This years buzz outside of AI was focused on micro RGB screens, including a jaw-dropping 130-inch Samsung TV that’s so massive (and likely so expensive) you really have to see it in person to understand the scale. The guys also break down why TV shopping online can be misleading, how professional calibrators fine-tune picture settings for your exact room, and why premium installs and showroom-quality setups can turn your living room into a “demo house” for bragging rights. Audio gets its moment too, with a debate on whether soundbars can truly replace real surround sound (spoiler: not really), plus Shawn’s current 5.1-ish setup and Justin’s insistence that there’s no excuse not to add rear speakers. Then Justin steals the segment with a mini-masterclass on upgrading your podcast audio chain: a new budget mixer, the surprise reality of 48v phantom power, adding a preamp, and why his Shure mic is still the hero of the whole rig—followed by way too much fun with voice effects that quickly turns into “mommy, turn off the radio” territory. With the former Television Experience of Justin and Shawn,  they discuss how modern journalism and production standards have shifted over the years, why audiences tolerate lower quality now, and how digital ad systems track everything—time on page, scroll depth, where you came from, and even what you searched for before your next “perfectly targeted” commercial. Segment two ties it all together with a smart look at why local stations run more local news than syndicated shows—because local content means local ad dollars—plus a sharp debate on big-market versus small-market on-air talent and why experience is obvious the second someone opens their mouth on camera. Listener questions are included, along with a great one about the Flipper Zero—what it is, whether it’s illegal, and whether it’s a smart gift for a kid (the group strongly leans “no,” unless maturity, supervision, and intent are crystal clear). From there it’s classic TechTalkRadio: a CES parade of ridiculous inventions (music-playing lollipops through bone conduction, voice-controlled fridges, voice coffee makers, AI barbers, and a toilet computer that analyzes your… business), plus a quick detour into Meta Ray-Bans and why they’re surprisingly impressive for audio. The show lands with gaming talk (Stardew Valley gets the “dangerously addictive” stamp of approval), a quick PSA about spam texts and why you should never reply—even to say “stop”—and a fun throwback to Flash game nostalgia at FlashMuseum.org, before the crew signs off with jokes, groans, and the promise of more chaos next week.

TechtalkRadio kicks off 2026 with Andy Taylor and Shawn DeWeerd diving into what everyone’s talking about — including the Stranger Things finale buzz and the rumor of a “secret” alternate episode (conspiracy theories included). Since recording, we find out that it is exactly that, a Rumor! From there, the guys slide into full nostalgia mode: retro gaming, childhood memories, and why classic consoles still hit differently — from Mario Kart 64 and Ocarina of Time, to the reality check of firing up an old Wii and realizing… the graphics don’t look like you remembered. The show also hits practical tech with listener questions, including how to digitize VHS tapes the right way (without creating giant files or losing quality), what capture gear actually matters, and why transferring analog media is still a time-consuming “real-time” process. Plus, they revisit the debate: should you shut your computer down at night — and what exceptions make sense (like Plex servers)? On the home media side, Shawn breaks down Plex in plain English — what it is, how it works, what’s free, and why opening your server for remote streaming can be risky if you aren’t staying on top of updates. You’ll also hear tips for responsibly getting rid of old towers and CRT gear (and why you should always pull hard drives first). Finally, Andy shows off a couple of fun gadgets — including a compact media player as a “phone-free” music option and a slick new Ethernet-equipped hub — before wrapping with a rapid-fire trip down 1990s memory lane (dial-up sounds, TV Guide, Blockbuster nights, and the Dewey Decimal System). Tech, nostalgia, CES talk, and real listener help — all in the first TechTalkRadio of 2026.

This week on TechtalkRadio, Andy Taylor and Shawn DeWeerd kick things off in full holiday mode with a look at Microsoft’s latest seasonal merch drop—highlighting the surprisingly steep price tag on the new “ugly sweater,” the retro logos packed into the design (and a few questionable modern additions), plus the equally head-scratching 50th anniversary Crocs and other oddball collectibles on Microsoft’s revamped merchandise site. The conversation rolls naturally into Shawn’s Christmas wish list—everything from retro gaming gear and board-game storage to soldering tools, ham radio accessories, and FPV drones—along with the realities of finding certain tech items in stock (or even available) right now. Andy shares warnings tied to “Dangerous December,” reinforcing how critical it is to keep browsers and mobile devices updated during peak online shopping season, when older devices and outdated software can become easy targets. The duo also addresses a growing concern around romance scams, outlining common red flags—like refusing video calls or pushing for money—and reminding listeners how easily scammers can use public online details to build trust and manipulate victims. Listener Email from Cecilia in Tucson about a dropped laptop with a shattered screen—explaining how adding an external monitor can often bring the machine back to life, and walking through common steps to enable an external display if it doesn’t switch automatically. That discussion expands into practical habits for everyday computing, including whether to shut down systems overnight, what “update and shut down” really means in the real world, and how different devices (home rigs, servers, and work machines) have very different expectations for uptime and maintenance. Andy welcomes Linda Chorney—Grammy-nominated artist, filmmaker, and self-described DIY “rebel”—to talk about her new audiobook, It Ain’t Over Till the Indie Sings available on Apple Books and Spotify. Linda shares the remarkable story behind her career, how a comment about technology and persistence helped her navigate the industry, and how she taught herself production workflows—from editing and syncing audio to recording in Pro Tools and meeting modern audiobook standards. The episode closes with gaming news for Tomb Raider fans and a nostalgic holiday wrap-up, as Shawn recounts a weekend of in-person gaming, board games, and Lord of the Rings marathons—celebrating the kind of face-to-face tech friendship and shared experiences that many of us miss in today’s always-online world.

This week on TechTalkRadio, Andy Taylor and Shawn DeWeerd kick things off with a deep dive into retro gaming nostalgia, sparked by Shawn’s new Analogue 3D Nintendo 64 console. They reminisce about classic titles like GoldenEye, Mario 64, Zelda, and Perfect Dark, discuss the rising value of physical game cartridges, and debate whether rare sealed games should be played or preserved? The conversation highlights why many gamers are rediscovering the joy of owning physical media in an era dominated by digital licenses and always-online requirements. The show then shifts gears into modern tech as Andy is going to be looking at the upcoming Anti-Gravity A1 drone, comparing it to DJI’s lineup while breaking down FAA weight rules, 360° video capabilities, proprietary file formats, and real-world use cases for content creators. From there, a listener question leads into practical advice on buying used computers, including what specs matter most, how to spot poorly maintained systems, and why gaming PCs often make excellent everyday machines. Andy and Shawn react to a viral story that was posted on Reddit of a customer receiving rocks instead of a graphics card from a major retailer, prompting a discussion on recording unboxings to protect against fraud. They also share timely guidance on VPNs, echoing CISA federal warnings to avoid free services, explaining how VPNs encrypt data, protect users on public Wi-Fi, and allow access to region-locked content while traveling. To Wrap the Show, Andy talks about returning to Adobe with the Creative Cloud Pro Suite and how modern AI-powered tools in Photoshop, Lightroom, and Firefly have transformed photo restoration, from repairing an overexposed celebrity photos of Andy and Stallone to restoring old family images. While of the subject of photos, Andy shares a CBS News story and  reminder to digitize and back up family photos after Ricki Lake’s lost memories were unexpectedly recovered at a Flea Market and returned to her. Ricki had thought they were lost in the Malibu Fires. Shawn gives a clear breakdown of the essential “3-2-1 backup rule.”  

This week’s TechtalkRadio Show kicks off with Andy, Shawn, and Justin joking about cold basements, impulse buying, and Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals before diving into a discussion with former FBI spy hunter and cybersecurity expert Eric O’Neill, author of Spies, Lies, and Cybercrime. Eric explains why he hates the Hollywood “hoodie hacker” stereotype and argues that today’s cybercriminals operate more like spies—well-funded, organized, and focused on long-term reconnaissance and deception. He walks through how overseas criminal syndicates abuse the dark web, cryptocurrency, and lax enforcement in countries like Russia and China to attack victims in the U.S. with little fear of being caught. From there, the conversation gets very real about modern scams: AI voice and video deepfakes used for “family emergency” scams, social media “fun quizzes” that are actually fishing for password reset information, and toll-road and smishing (SMS phishing) texts that weaponize urgency and fear. Eric stresses that everyone is a target, not just big companies—criminals simply look for whoever is most vulnerable, especially seniors and teens. His core advice: assume every unsolicited email or text is a potential viper, don’t click deal links in emails (go directly to the retailer’s site instead), enable two-factor authentication everywhere, and never pay scammers via wire transfer, crypto, or gift cards. He also recommends using credit cards over debit for fraud protection. Check out Eric's Website at https://www.ericoneill.net Shawn confesses to an expensive impulse buy: the Analog 3D, a high-end, hardware-accurate recreation of the Nintendo 64 that outputs in 4K and supports original cartridges and controllers—but he can’t find any of his N64 games. Cue memories of GoldenEye, Mario 64, Ocarina of Time, Star Fox 64 and the possibility that “Steve” might still be “borrowing” his carts. Justin follows with a deep dive into his heavily modded Steam Deck OLED, wrapped in real leather from dbrand, customized with copper-infused buttons designed to develop patina, and upgraded Hall-effect joysticks. He talks about tearing the handheld apart, troubleshooting joystick issues with AI tools, and that classic “one screw left over” moment, all while Andy points out how AI is speeding up creative work—from fixing graphics to solving hardware problems. Listener questions round out the show. Martin in Vail asks about smartwatches for an iPhone, and Justin and Shawn recommend sticking with Apple Watch unless you need serious fitness and outdoor tracking, in which case Garmin shines with better GPS, battery life, and health metrics. Shawn also vents about Apple’s sometimes maddening notification behavior and how he fixed messages going only to his Mac instead of his watch/phone. Adrian in Irvine asks about secure email in light of concerns over big tech scanning messages for AI training; ProtonMail gets a thumbs-up overall, with a side note about recent worries over dormant address recycling. Justin’s Website of the Week is point.me, a service that helps combine travel points across multiple programs to unlock flights and hotel stays—complete with a real-world success story from their friend Matt flying upgraded to Spain on points. The crew wraps with holiday well-wishes, a shout-out to a YouTube viewer, and a joking plea for any listeners with spare Nintendo 64 cartridges to send them Shawn’s way. Got a question for the show? Email [email protected], and catch more at techtalkradio.com. Please Share, Listen, Subscribe to the Show on Spotify, Spreaker, iHeartRadio, YouTube and Our YouTube Page. Connect With Us on social media – See the Video of this Show on our YouTube Page and Now on Spotify as well. Also Available on KGVY AM/FM, Amazon Music, PodBean and other Delivery Networks!