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TEC245: What’s in your software toolkit? Dom Bettinelli, Jack Baruzzini, and Thomas Sanjurjo discuss the software utilities and apps that keep them productive every day in their personal and work lives. Plus IRS e-file and why piracy is surging again. Get all new episodes automatically and for free: Follow by Email | Listen to this episode and subscribe on YouTube. Help us continue to offer Secrets of Technology. Won’t you make a pledge at SQPN.com/give today? Links for this episode: Thomas’s Apps: * KeepassXC * Visual Studio Code * Newt New Tab page * Putty and Winscp * Handbrake * Draw.io * File Converter * Tree Size Free * Paint.net Jack’s Apps: * Keep Notes * Google Assistant/Gemini * Google Drive * Google Recorder * Notepad++ * 7zip Dom’s Apps: * 1Password * AirTable * Apple Notes * Drafts * Obsidian * Slack * Keyboard Maestro * Alfred * Dropbox Headlines: * I.R.S. to Begin Trial of Its Own Free Tax-Filing System * E-file options | Internal Revenue Service * Mystery of LG washing machine using 3.6GB of data daily could have a simple explanation | TechSpot * Piracy Is Surging Again Because Streaming Execs Ignored The Lessons Of The Past | Techdirt * Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! * Join the conversation at the StarQuest Facebook page. * Be part of the StarQuest Discord community at SQPN.com/discord * Email us feedback or comments to technology@sqpn.com Picks of the Week: * Jack: ‎Google Gemini * Thomas: Newt New Tab * Dom:

TEC244: Tired of fake news? Dom Bettinelli and Pat Scott discuss how to find reliable news sources online to avoid disinformation, silos, and anxiety, by using critical thinking, a broad-based diverse approach, and helpful online tools. Get all new episodes automatically and for free: Follow by Email | Listen to this episode and subscribe on YouTube. Help us continue to offer Secrets of Technology. Won’t you make a pledge at SQPN.com/give today? Links for this episode: * Ground News * 1440 Daily Digest * The Dispatch * The Boston Globe * The Pillar * The Loop – CatholicVote org * OSV News * Catholic News | Catholic Culture * Substack faces user revolt over anti-censorship stance on neo-Nazis | Substack | The Guardian * Substack Takes Down Some Nazi Newsletters But Won’t Actively Moderate Far-Right Publishers * Biden administration to unveil contractor rule that could upend gig economy * Labor Department Cements Rule Change on Gig Worker Status (1) * I Was Addicted to My Smartphone, So I Switched to a Flip Phone for a Month * Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! * Join the conversation at the StarQuest Facebook page. * Be part of the StarQuest Discord community at SQPN.com/discord * Email us feedback or comments to technology@sqpn.com Picks of the Week: * Pat: VirusTotal Suspicious File Checker * Dom: Nomad eSIM for Travelers Want to Sponsor A Show? Support StarQuest’s mission to explore the intersection of faith and pop culture by becoming a named sponsor of the show of your choice on the StarQuest network. Click to get started or find out more. Disclaimer: Hosts, panelists, and guests may have a financial interest in the companies discussed through investments or other means. Their opinions and recommendations are not affected and do not present a conflict of interest. We offer this statement in the interest of full disclosure.

TEC243: Smart home tech is ever more accessible, but if you’re just getting started where do you begin? Dom Bettinelli, Victor Lams, and Fr. Joseph Sund discuss the basic considerations, where to start, and why thinking of the others in your household first is necessary. Get all new episodes automatically and for free: Follow by Email | Listen to this episode and subscribe on YouTube. Help us continue to offer Secrets of Technology. Won’t you make a pledge at SQPN.com/give today? Links for this episode: * TEC072: Getting started with Smart Home * Matter’s plan to save the smart home * What is Thread and how will it help your smart home? – The Verge * Kasa Smart * meross Smart Plug Mini * meross Matter Smart Plug Mini * Home Assistant * Shane Whatley – YouTube * Tetris Has Finally Been Beaten After 34 Years * Starbucks accused of rigging payments in app for nearly $900 million gain over 5 years by consumer watchdog group – Fortune * IPhone Survives 16,000-Foot Fall, Helps Steer Jet-Panel Hunt * Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! * Join the conversation at the StarQuest Facebook page. * Be part of the StarQuest Discord community at SQPN.com/discord * Email us feedback or comments to technology@sqpn.com Picks of the Week: * Victor: Ghostbusters Zap & Blast Proton Blaster, Ghostbusters Role Play Toy * Fr. Joseph: Take a mental health assessment in Health on iPhone – Apple Support * Dom: Summascript Transcript Summarization Want to Sponsor A Show? Support StarQuest’s mission to explore the intersection of faith and pop culture by becoming a named sponsor of the show of your choice on the StarQuest network.

TEC242: Techie Farmer Matt Clark returns to talk to Dom Bettinelli, Victor Lams, and Thomas Sanjurjo about how climate change affects farms, the importance of connectivity to farms, population growth, and alternative proteins on the market. Plus headlines and picks of the week. Get all new episodes automatically and for free: Follow by Email | Listen to this episode and subscribe on YouTube. Help us continue to offer Secrets of Technology. Won’t you make a pledge at SQPN.com/give today? Links for this episode: * John Deere, SpaceX Announce Starlink Deal * Climate and Tech Expected to Affect Ag Most This Year * Swarm To The Future? Mini Farm Robots With Big Plans * Stolen Device Protection on iOS 17.3 * 50 Years of Video Game Industry Revenues, by Platform. * They Create Worlds – gaming history podcast * “A landmark generation”: Introducing Gen Alpha * Nobel Prize Winner Cautions on Rush Into STEM After Rise of AI * Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! * Join the conversation at the StarQuest Facebook page. * Be part of the StarQuest Discord community at SQPN.com/discord * Email us feedback or comments to technology@sqpn.com Picks of the Week: * Victor: Izotope Vea voice enhancement assistant * Thomas: Kubuntu Linux OS * Matt: BlueParrott B450-XT Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headset * Dom: GE Profile 5.0 cu. ft. Capacity Washer Want to Sponsor A Show? Support StarQuest’s mission to explore the intersection of faith and pop culture by becoming a named sponsor of the show of your choice on the StarQuest network. Click to get started or find out more. Disclaimer: Hosts, panelists, and guests may have a financial interest in the companies discussed through investments or other means. Their opinions and recommendations are not affected and do not present a conflict of interest. We offer this statement in the interest of full disclosure.

TEC241: What are the big tech trends we can expect in 2024? Dom Bettinelli, Pat Scott, and Fr. Andrew Kinstetter look at what was big at the Consumer Electronics Show (and on product that wasn’t there) to see what we can expect to see more of in the coming year and beyond. Get all new episodes automatically and for free: Follow by Email | Listen to this episode and subscribe on YouTube. Help us continue to offer Secrets of Technology. Won’t you make a pledge at SQPN.com/give today? Links for this episode: * CES 2024: The highlights from Las Vegas * The best of CES 2024 * Amazon previews the future of Alexa with generative AI * A Day in the Life With Ballie: An AI Companion Robot for the Home – Samsung US Newsroom * LG Ushers in ‘Zero Labor Home’ With Its Smart Home AI Agent at CES 2024 | LG NEWSROOM * The ASUS Zenbook Duo is a stunning dual-screen laptop with seemingly no compromises * Samsung debuts the world’s first transparent MicroLED screen at CES 2024 * LG brought the world’s first wireless transparent OLED TV to CES 2024 * GyroGlove is a hand-stabilizing glove for people with tremors * Withings BeamO * Withings’ BeamO is an all-in-one thermometer, ECG and stethoscope * Adam-X Medical training CPR dummy * Voice Isolation * Transcribe Glass * We tried meat from the GE Profile Smart Indoor Smoker, and it was delicious * The Perfecta grill uses AI to help cook a steak in 90 seconds * The weirdest tech and gadgets we saw at CES 2024 * Apple Vision Pro available in the ...

TEC240: Every year, tech geeks get new software and gadgets, so Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Joseph Sund, and Victor Lams discuss their favorite tech from 2023, including retro gaming, home appliances, and more. Plus the problems of zombie scientific studies and other headlines. Get all new episodes automatically and for free: Follow by Email | Listen to this episode and subscribe on YouTube. Help us continue to offer Secrets of Technology. Won’t you make a pledge at SQPN.com/give today? Links for this episode: 2023 Favorite Tech: * Steam Deck * Onyx Boox Nova Air 2 * Epilogue Operator * MyArcade – Atari 200+ GameStation Pro * Original Prusa MK4 3D printer kit * R36S Retro Game console * I Can’t Believe This is Only $40 — R36S Review – YouTube * POWKIDDY RGB30 RK3566 Handheld Game Console * $90 and Amazing for Retro Emulation (RGB30 Review) – YouTube * The Legend of Zelda™: Tears of the Kingdom for Nintendo Switch – Nintendo Official Site * Nintendo Switch™ Family – Nintendo – Official Site * Anker EverFrost Powered Cooler—Everlasting Coolness. Anytime, Anywhere. – Anker US * Heat Pumps: the Future of Home Heating – YouTube * iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max – Apple Headlines: * Science is littered with zombie studies. Here’s how to stop their spread. * Internet use does not appear to harm mental health, study finds * Link to the study * A rural post office was told to prioritize Amazon packages. Chaos ensued. * Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! * Join the conversation at the StarQuest Facebook page. * Be part of the StarQuest Discord community at SQPN.com/discord * Email us feedback or comments to technology@sqpn.com Picks of the Week: * Fr. Joseph: GitHub – mikeroyal/Windows-11-Guide: Windows 10/11 Guide * Victor:

TEC239: A marketing company has claimed it can listen in on people’s smartphones and digital assistants. Dom Bettinelli and Joanne Mercier discuss why it is likely untrue, but also how we can all do more to protect our privacy and be aware of how we “leak” data about ourselves all the time. Get all new episodes automatically and for free: Follow by Email | Listen to this episode and subscribe on YouTube. Help us continue to offer Secrets of Technology. Won’t you make a pledge at SQPN.com/give today? Links for this episode: * Marketer sparks panic with claims it uses smart devices to eavesdrop on people | Ars Technica * Are You Worried About Smart Home Devices Listening to You? | PCMag * Is your phone listening to you, explained – Vox * How to stop all your smart devices from listening to you * Consumers are paying more than ever for streaming TV each month and analysts say there’s no reason for the companies to stop raising prices * Court rules automakers can record and intercept owner text messages * The mystery of the disappearing Google Drive files • The Register * Google confirms reason for missing Google Drive files * Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! * Join the conversation at the StarQuest Facebook page. * Be part of the StarQuest Discord community at SQPN.com/discord * Email us feedback or comments to technology@sqpn.com Picks of the Week: * Joanne: BASEQI UHS-II Aluminum microSD Adapter for 2021 M1 MacBook Pro 14 & 16” (Space Gray) * Dom: Arc from The Browser Company Want to Sponsor A Show? Support StarQuest’s mission to explore the intersection of faith and pop culture by becoming a named sponsor of the show of your choice on the StarQuest network. Click to get started or find out more. Disclaimer: Hosts, panelists,

TEC238: In our last Christmas gift guide of 2023, Dom Bettinelli, Pat Scott, and Fr. Andrew Kinstetter give some ideas for last-minute gifts (or early Epiphany gifts!) Plus, they discuss Microsoft pushing OneDrive; DoorDash pushing tipping; and Google Maps pushing legibility. Get all new episodes automatically and for free: Follow by Email | Listen to this episode and subscribe on YouTube. Help us continue to offer Secrets of Technology. Won’t you make a pledge at SQPN.com/give today? Gift Ideas: Pat’s gift ideas: * I found the easiest way to automate window blinds, and it’s solar powered | ZDNET * SwitchBot Blind Tilt Motorized Blinds * WD 1TB Elements Portable HDD * Belkin Face Tracking Phone Mount * Ivation Electric Wine Bottle Opener * Plugable USB C Extension Cable Fr. Andrew’s gift ideas: * PS5 ($500 for PS5 Slim + Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 full game) * Play Station Plus ($15/month) * Nintendo Switch ($300 for original switch model, $350 for OLED) * Nintendo Switch Online ($20 or $50/year depending) * Xbox Series X ($471 on SALE) * Xbox Game Pass ($10/month or $17/month) * Meta Quest 3 ($500) *

TEC237: It’s stocking stuffer time! Dom Bettinellli, Joanne Mercier, and Fr. Cory Sticha come up with a list of tech gifts perfect to put in those stockings hung by the chimney with care this Christmas. Get all new episodes automatically and for free: Follow by Email | Listen to this episode and subscribe on YouTube. Help us continue to offer Secrets of Technology. Won’t you make a pledge at SQPN.com/give today? Joanne’s gift ideas: * ORNARTO Protective Liquid Silicone Case Cover for AirPods Pro 2nd Generation with Lanyard * Fintie Protective Case for Apple TV Siri Remote 2021 * Apple MagSafe Duo * Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface Fr. Cory’s gift ideas: * Chromecast with Google TV – Google Store * Sony Playstation 4 Dual Shock 4 Controller * Anker USB-C Car Charger, 67W 3-Port Dom’s gift ideas: * Wireless Switch Controller * Olight Perun 2 Headlamp * Bitty Boomers Star Wars The Mandalorian: Grogu with Santa Hat – Mini Bluetooth Speaker Links for this episode: * Anthony Levandowski Reboots Church of AI * Live in Washington D.C.? You might be able to get free AirTags for your car * Thieves return Android phone when they realize it’s not an iPhone * Pope Francis encourages more children to code, especially in Catholic countries * Sony removes Discovery Channel content from PlayStation Store * Sony is about to remove over 1000 Discovery shows even if you’ve purchased them * Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! * Join the conversation at the StarQuest Facebook page. * Be part of the StarQuest Discord community at SQPN.com/discord * Email us feedback or comments to technology@sqpn.com Picks of the Week: * Fr. Cory: reMarkable 2 * Joanne: ExpressVPN for AppleTV * Dom: Airversa HomeKit Air Purifier over Thread Want to Sponsor A Show? Support StarQuest’s mission to explore the intersection of fait...

StarQuest CEO Dom Bettinelli has a special message for listeners as we approach the Christmas season. We need to hear from you this Advent and Christmas at sqpn.com/give

TEC236: On week 2 of our Christmas Gift Guide, Dom Bettinelli, Thomas Sanjurjo, and Jack Baruzzini give some ideas of tech gifts that everyone from kids to grandparents would gladly receive. Plus, a look at the latest headlines and the picks of the week. Get all new episodes automatically and for free: Follow by Email | Listen to this episode and subscribe on YouTube. Help us continue to offer Secrets of Technology. Won’t you make a pledge at SQPN.com/give today? Links for this episode: Jack’s gift ideas * iFixit Essential Electronics Toolkit * Anker Prime 100W USB C GaN Wall Charger * Steam Deck OLED Thomas’s gift ideas * Sharper Image Compact Sport Power Percussion Portable Deep Tissue Massager * Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug 2 * Air Compression Back Stretching Mat (BM-AC105) – Homedics * Toybox 3D Printer Deluxe Bundle Dom’s gift ideas * 30 Days Lost in Space Adventure Kit – InventrKits * Apple HomePod mini * Apple TV 4K * Microsoft fixes the Excel feature that was wrecking scientific data – The Verge * Tens of millions of teens want parents to track them, finds survey * Sam Altman to return as OpenAI CEO after his tumultuous ouster | Reuters * Atari acquires retro specialists Digital Eclipse in deal worth up to $20 million | PC Gamer Headlines * a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/secrets-of-technology/id1448897073?

TEC235: It’s time again to start thinking about Christmas gifts, so Dom Bettinelli, Pat Scott, and Fr. Joseph Sund offer some gift ideas in the area of virtual and mixed reality entertainment and home automation. Plus news on UFOs, the Vision Pro social strategy, and why car radio is hanging on. Get all new episodes automatically and for free: Follow by Email | Listen to this episode and subscribe on YouTube. Help us continue to offer Secrets of Technology. Won’t you make a pledge at SQPN.com/give today? Links for this episode: Pat’s gift ideas * Meta Quest 3 * Meta Quest 2 * BOBOVR 3 head strap for Quest 3 * BOBOVR extra batteries * Infrared red light for VR * Quest hand grips (large hands) * Quest hand grips (original) * AMVR hand grips Fr. Joseph’s gift ideas * iRobot Braava Jet m6 6113 Ultimate Robot Mop * 10 Pack Mop Pad Accessories for iRobot Braava jet * Bona Multi-Surface Floor Cleaner Refill * Eero 6+ mesh Wi-Fi router * Echo Dot 5th gen * GE Lighting Smart Home Dom’s gift ideas * Meross Smart Plug Mini (4-pack) * SwitchBot Hub 2 (2nd Gen), work as a WiFi Thermometer and Hygrometer * SwitchBot Smart Plug Mini 15A, Energy Monitor Headlines * UFOs: US is receiving dozens of reports a month, senior Pentagon official tells CNN | CNN Politics * Social on Vision Pro is How Meta Should Have Approached it All Along * People with CarPlay are mostly just listening to AM/FM radio – 9to5Mac * Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! * Join the conversation at the StarQuest Facebook page. * Be part of the StarQuest Discord community at SQPN.com/discord * Email us feedback or comments to technology@sqpn.com Picks of the Week: * Fr. Joseph: rpilocator – Find Raspberry Pi Computers in Stock * Pat: a class="easyazon-link" data-cart="n" data-cloak="y" data-identifier="B0B3HW6MPD" data-locale="US" data-localize="y" data-popups="n" data-tag="wwwsqpncom-20" href="https://sqpn.