Tag: Internet
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#162: Agentic Browsers
Ian and Michael dig into the new world of agentic browsers, and the idea of a browser that not only searches but shops, books flights, and does chores for you. They debate whether handing an agent the keys to your cart is convenience or surveillance, grumble through browser nostalgia from Mosaic to Chrome, and worry about the economics and resource costs behind AI. (This description was - yes, we see the irony - written with the help of AI)
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#161: Foldable Phones and Other Flat Ideas
Ian and Michael unfold (literally) the future of tech — from Apple’s rumored foldable phone and the disappearing crease, to the strange evolution of how we work, present, and design in a world obsessed with “new” for its own sake. They dive into the stagnation of business tools, the fantasy of the “AI presenter,” and the growing absurdity of constant multitasking in the age of screens that follow you from room to room. (This description was generated with AI)
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#158: Word Games
In this episode, Ian and Michael get tangled up in word games: from guessing connections and spelling oddities to debating what words really mean and where they come from. It’s part linguistics, part confusion, and part infotainment as they wander through language quirks, cultural mix-ups, and the occasional AI twist. Proof, perhaps, that even words can be unfiltered. (This description was generated with the help of AI; this episode contains AI-generated speech)
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#150: GPT-5 Reception, Digital Ecosystems
Ian and Michael discuss the mixed reception to the recently released GPT-5, as well as our reliance on digital ecosystem providers.
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#146: Business Ideas and Niches, Metal Bands, Collectible Vinyls
Ian and Michael discuss some recent novel business ideas, like opening a chain of burrito restaurants in India, or a book store in Somerset focusing solely on books on ecology and the environment. Plus, a discussion on the resurgence of vinyls as a format for distributing music and their value as collectibles in the digital era. Last, but least, how many metal bands can Ian name that Michael hasn't heard of? Tune in to find out!
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#145: The Ragebait Episode
Prepare to be outraged! Or not; Ian and Michael discuss the concept of ragebait, rather than produce anything particularly ragebaity.
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#142: Smartphone Smart Alecks, YouTube, Digital Detox
Ian and Michael discuss a range of topics including smart phones and smart devices and their impact on our cognition, Youtubers and their need to reinvent themselves, and the idea of going completely offline for a digital detox. Plus, Emma Williams provides her AI-generated point of view in Emma's Artificial Reflections! (This episode features AI-generated content and speech)
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#139: A Cornucopia of Topics
Ian and Michael discuss fish expressions, dead internet theory, the movies of Gene Hackman, and a number of other topics. Is there a common thread in these topics? If we happen to find one, we'll let you know.
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#83: Riffing on YouTube
Having spent far too much time on YouTube, Ian and Michael dive headfirst into the digital rabbit hole in this episode titled "Riffing on YouTube." As they traverse the vast landscape of content creators, they share their personal favorites and engage in a creative brainstorming session, aiming to conjure the next viral sensation that could set the platform ablaze. Plus, a new installment of the AI Roundtable, with our fake AI-generated contributors Emma, Sarah, and Alex! (This description was generated with ChatGPT)
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#82: AI Poison, Critics, Nostalgia
Ian and Michael embark on a riveting journey through diverse topics. They kick off the discussion with a deep dive into the intriguing concept of poisoned training data as a means for artists to fight back against generative AI using their work without permission or compensation. Then, they shift gears to ponder the role of film critics in shaping our cinematic experiences. And as the episode unfolds, they explore the intoxicating allure of nostalgia, delving into the profound ways it influences our lives. Join the conversation for a thought-provoking exploration of AI, art, and the timeless appeal of the past. (This description was generated with ChatGPT)