In the final episode of the Waves of Tech, we are recapping the technology industry from 2009 to 2021. We recorded the first episode on May 20, 2009 and are formally ending the podcast on August 31, 2021. Thanks to each and every one of our family members, friends, guests, and listeners for supporting us over the last 12 years and 3 months. It has been an absolute honor to share these memories with everyone. And for one final time, thanks for tuning in and don’t forget to keep on techin’

Over the weekend, a few teenagers with visual impairments wore IrisVision goggles from Virgin Media and experienced a football match in a new way. T-Mobile suffered a hacking job that exposed millions of users’ data and the steps they are providing to fix the problem are both good and not enough. Mastercard announced worldwide plans to shift away from using magnetic strips on credit cards to biometric data by the year 2033. California’s Prop 22 is making news again as a federal court judge...

Netflix uses a series of secret codes in algorithmic programming to categorize genres and it is available for viewing online. A recent survey in enterprise business is reporting that nearly 40% of businesses do not have a chief data officer in an executive  position. A federal agency has launched a large-scale investigation into Tesla’s Autopilot after numerous accidents, injuries, and deaths while utilizing the system. AMC Theaters is planning to accept bitcoin this year as the digital...

Over this last week, the team has upgraded some outdated technology (desktops and mobile phones) and we share the experiences. It seems that every year there is a major dispute between a broadcast company and cable provider, and the recent spat DISH and Sinclair are having is another headline making story. The technology industry was fundamentally shifted thirty years ago when the first website was launched with the vision of Tim Berners-Lee. A recent report shows that revenue from 5G...

LendingTree surveyed thousands of home sellers and it was learned that many are using secret cameras to leverage their properties, without consent from buyers and agents. A planned 1,500-person e-sports arena is being constructed in Ohio to draw more attention from the Midwest population, and we think it is a stellar idea. After years of trying to figure out the future of DirecTV, AT&T finally spun off the cable provider from their core business model. Lastly, we are learning more about...

A terrible AirDrop prank went very wrong when a teenager decided to share photos of an airsoft gun to those with open AirDrop functionality enabled. Wildfires are devastating the western state, yet there are several fire behavior computer modeling programs out there assisting fire managers with data and information. Technology has changed the way the summer Olympics games are both played and covered from equipment design and camera quality to biometric data and player performance.

United Airlines is looking to revolutionize regional air travel with the purchase of 100 zero-emissions, electrically powered airplanes from Sweden-based Heart Aerospace. After lingering concerns for nearly a month, the Hubble Telescope is now up and fully functioning thanks to the troubleshooting expertise of engineers. Warby Parker has updated their app to include augmented reality abilities to digitally try on glasses and have a prescription issued. Blue Origin is set to launch their New...

A newish app called Swimply is making waves as it offers homeowners the opportunity to rent out the backyards (pool, BBQ, spas, etc.) to visitors looking for a change of environment. The Pentagon has formally cancelled a $10 billion cloud computing contract with Microsoft raising more questions than answers. Virgin Galactic has made history with the success rocketing into space with the help of SpaceShipTwo and WhiteKnightTwo then returning to Earth safe and sound.

Columbus, Ohio wrapped up their 5-year Smart City grant and we learned of the successes and failures of the process. New data is showing that consumers are shelling out upwards of $65 billions during the first half of 2021 with few indications of slowing down. Windows 11 received very mixed reactions and we shared some thoughts from what was presented. John McAfee changed the landscape of virus protection and created an industry that was essential to protecting our systems. The Hubble...

During a recent vacation, we learned about some unique regional technology trends happening in various states. In a funny yet bizarre petition, thousands are signing an online action to ban Jeff Bezos from returning to Earth after the Blue Origin virgin flight. The Microsoft event in which we anticipate Windows 11 to be displayed is happening this week. Several Texas residents experienced a change in their thermostat settings as it was learned that a company is remotely raising temperatures...

At Apple’s WWDC last week, iOS15 was unveiled and showcased a number of new features for mobile and iPad users. With the advancements in the tablet iOS operating system, the question has been raised as to how Google and Android can compete in the tablet market in the future. The US Senate passed a bill that would boost government funding into the tech industry to the tune of $250 billion over a five year period with a focus on semiconductor manufacturing and related fields.

This week we dive into the vehicle shortage many local automotive dealerships are facing due to the semiconductor production issue. Microsoft is poised to make a significant announcement in late June regarding their famed Windows operating system. Amazon Sidewalk has hit the streets and you would probably be best served to turn off its functionality as soon as possible. The US Department of Justice successfully recovered $2.2 million worth of Bitcoin that was paid by Colonial Pipeline from...

On Episode 532 of the Waves of Tech, we are diving into sports, electric vehicles, photo storage, and space tributes. ESPN made headlines this week by finalizing several broadcast deals that are making live sporting events their main focus. Canoo announced their van/bus electric vehicle designed around a specific lifestyle and peculiar frame. Google Photos has ended their unlimited and free cloud storage and some customers may be looking at paying for storage. Michael Collins, one of the...

Dell recently learned that firmware updates being pushed since 2009 had five significant security flaws that in fact were never acted upon. NBC is supplementing prime time Olympic games coverage with a dedicated Twitch channel featuring athlete interviews, highlight recap shows, and live interactive polling. Ford is set to create a ripple in the electric truck market with the announcement of their new F-150 Lightning model. The Colonial Pipeline ransomware hack is once again spotlighting the...

We dive into technology used on vacation and share what was useful and what to avoid. GM finally issued a significant software update to address the battery pack fire issue that raised much attention in 2020. On a somber note, Bill and Melinda Gates announced their pending divorce and the questions are swirling as to the impact this will have on the technology industry and The Gates Foundation. Apple releases a new product lineup and we share some of the items that caught our attention overall.

Walmart has invested $750 million into Cruise, GM’s self-driving vehicle company, as the retail giant looks to shed some costly delivery services. A horrific crash of a Tesla Model S leaving two persons dead has sparked the debate over the safety of autonomous vehicles on the market. Ingenuity took flight on Mars and became the first aircraft to make a powered and controlled flight on another planet. Amazon has reached an agreement with United Launch Alliance to send over 3,000 satellites in...

It was announced this week that T-Mobile is upgrading existing customers to unlimited 5G plans and trying to convince customers from competing companies to join. Segway, yes the two-wheeled transporter, is introducing a hybrid hydrogen motorcycle with top speeds at nearly 100MPH. As the semiconductor shortage continues to impact the automotive manufacturing industry, Intel is stepping to the plate to fill the gap for US-based producers. Ingenuity is forced to reschedule their first flight on...

LG, the world’s third largest smartphone manufacturer, is stepping out of the market entirely effective immediately to focus on smart home devices and robotics. The Google v Oracle battle over Jave code usage finally made its way to the highest court in the land and Google won with resounding numbers. Ingenuity, the helicopter partner to Perseverance, touched down this week signalling another major step in exploration of Mars. Facebook was subject to a massive hack that will be creating chaos...

Amazon is actively expanding their telehealth footprint with a larger rollout of Amazon Care, offering virtual chats and in-home visits to employees by chosen medical providers. T-Mobile is already shutting down their live television services after only a mere five months of offering the package to their customer base. After the Threat Analysis Group of Google discovered a major and actively exploited vulnerability in Apple’s iOS, an emergency security update was released with patches.

The Federal Communications Commission wants to hear from Americans by collecting their broadband stories in an attempt to improve mapping and access in the long term. As SpaceX gains momentum around the world, the European Space Agency is rushing to improve their satellite launching capabilities with investment and innovation. Many workers are returning to their work spaces over the next few months and finding the rhythm to working away from home again is going to be an adjustment.

We are behind the mics bringing you details on the open source industry, smart-speaker moves, industry feuds, and accessibility improvements. The United Kingdom is proving to be the center of the European Union when it comes to open source with an estimated economic impact of £43 billion and increased use in business. Production of the HomePod has been discontinued after a very short shelf life as Apple moves its attention to their HomePod Mini unit. Microsoft had a rough week with hacks...

Fry’s, a once popular electronics store, is closing the remainder of their stores after a dismal last few years. After a 90-year old customer complained about their service delivery, AT&T is quickly responding with infrastructure and fiber installation. AOL’s Instant Messenger was a massive success in the early days of the Internet and we are now learning that it almost never came to be. Microsoft’s Edge browser is taking shape with the use of Google’s Chromium as a backdrop and Legacy...

Spotify announced this week the future launch of a HiFi (high fidelity) subscription service that will deliver an enhanced audio experience to their customers. Silver Sparrow, a mysterious malware, has reportedly infected nearly 30,000 Macs worldwide with a self-destruct feature that has yet to be utilized. NASA successfully landed Perseverance and Ingenuity on the surface of Mars signalling the start of another mission to understand the puzzling planet.

There is a major international shortage of conductors in the global market that is putting a new strain on the production of electronics, vehicles, devices, and systems. Microsoft is increasing their presence in Atlanta, Georgia as plans are shared on their vision of the upcoming 90-acre modern campus. All the buzz in space right now is on Mars as the United States, China, and the United Arab Emirates all explore the planet’s viability for human expedition. During the last year, everything...