The Onion, known for its satirical news, has acquired Alex Jones’ Infowars in a bankruptcy auction. The site, notorious for spreading conspiracy theories, will be reimagined and relaunched in 2025, focusing on humor and advocacy. The acquisition aims to replace disinformation with socially conscious satire, supported by Sandy Hook families. The Onion has also secured a multi-year advertising deal with Everytown for Gun Safety. CEO Ben Collins promises the revamped site will feature contributions from the best satirical minds.

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In this episode of Geek News Central, hosted by Todd Cochrane, the main topic discusses the news of The Onion acquiring Alex Jones’ Infowars in a bankruptcy auction. Todd elaborates on the plans for Infowars, which include rebranding and relaunching the site in 2025 with a new focus on humor and advocacy, supported by the families affected by the Sandy Hook tragedy. The revamped Infowars will engage in socially conscious satire, a stark pivot from its previous notoriety for spreading conspiracy theories. This move has also secured a beneficial advertising partnership with Everytown for Gun Safety.

Throughout the episode, Todd Cochrane delves into various tech-related topics after acknowledging the podcast’s sponsors, GoDaddy, emphasizing exclusive deals and discounts offered to listeners. He discusses multiple news items affecting the tech landscape, including potential regulatory changes affecting Google’s operations in Europe, developments at Disney and Amazon affecting their market strategies and product offerings, and personal insights on various gadgets and technologies that listeners might find useful or intriguing.

The podcast also covers broader societal issues as Todd mentions developments from Sonos and the wider impacts of cybersecurity threats observed in various U.S. entities. Todd also sheds light on new adaptations and trends in the tech industry, such as advancements in AI, market predictions for electric vehicles, and shifts in online advertising strategies.

Interactions with the live audience are encouraged, with mentions of how listeners can join the conversation through different platforms and how their participation supports the ongoing success of the podcast. Todd also shares personal anecdotes and updates on staffing expansions at Blubrry, reflecting on the global nature of his team.

Lastly, insights into upcoming technological adaptations by companies like Google and PayPal are discussed, highlighting the dynamic nature of tech development and business strategies in response to consumer demands and regulatory environments. Todd closes the episode by thanking the listeners for their continued support and participation, urging them to tune in for the next episode.

• Physical Intelligence 
• Zuck has to ‘Get Low’
• Bluesky
• Google is being targeted 
• Want to secure your home?
• AMD lays off employees
• Don’t buy an EV until 2026
• AAP hacked
• The Beaver Moon
• Google has dropped political ads
• Threads
• Amazon Prime Video 
• Disney Q4
• Amazon One Medical 
• Robots ‘touches’ leaves 
• The Onion buys Infowars
• Mission Space 
• PayPal
• Garmin
• Google rolls out it’s Scam Detector 
• Two men charged with hacking tax prep firms
• Apple faces a new lawsuit 
• Meta fines for millions 
• FBI confirms Chinese hackers accessed networks
• Sonos Q4
• Start-Rite
• Google Maps

The post The Onion Acquires Infowars: Satire to Replace Conspiracy in 2025 #1779 appeared first on Geek News Central.

Bitcoin has surged to a record high of $85,000, adding nearly $20,000 in just a week following the U.S. elections. As cryptocurrencies gain momentum, major tech stocks like Apple, NVIDIA, and Amazon lag, with only Tesla showing growth thanks to its Bitcoin holdings. Gold also saw a decline, suggesting a potential shift from traditional assets to digital currency. Additionally, the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF showed strong inflows, underscoring the renewed investor interest in Bitcoin as the market anticipates Donald Trump’s presidency, which has emphasized pro-crypto policies.

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In this episode of Geek News Central, host Todd Cochrane covers a series of tech and financial news, with Bitcoin reaching a record high of $85,000 as the focal point. Cochrane begins by detailing Bitcoin’s surge, attributing the price increase to recent U.S. elections and anticipating Donald Trump’s pro-crypto presidency policies. He discusses the broader impact on the market, noting how major tech stocks like Apple, NVIDIA, and Amazon are lagging while Tesla shows growth due to its Bitcoin holdings. Additionally, Cochrane mentions the decline in gold prices and strong inflows into the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF.

Following the market updates, Cochrane gives a shoutout to the show’s sponsor, GoDaddy, mentioning special deals and discounts available on their website. This highlights GoDaddy’s continued support for the podcast. He discusses various tech issues and updates, referencing personal experiences and suggestions for using modern podcast apps that enhance live streaming experiences.

Throughout the episode, Cochrane infuses personal anecdotes, including his insights about Bitcoin investment strategies and encounters with enthusiastic Bitcoin investors in the Philippines. He also reflects on the practical challenges of remote podcasting and his plans to continue broadcasting remotely through the holiday season.

The episode includes discussions on other current events and technological innovations, such as concerns about artificial intelligence limitations and future AR glasses’ potential applications for Amazon delivery drivers. Furthermore, Cochrane highlights Google’s contributions to veterans, shares intriguing news about free national veteran small business summits, and responds to audience comments live.

Towards the end, the focus shifts to listener contributions and support, with Cochrane acknowledging donations and encouraging ongoing audience engagement. He wraps up the episode by delving into various tech and global news, including congressional hearings on UFOs, robotic advancements in surgery, and new product announcements like the Google Pixel 8a sale.

Cochrane closes the episode by thanking the listeners for their support and participation, reminding them of the various ways they can stay connected with and contribute to Geek News Central.

• Bitcoin hits $85,000
• OpenAi Competition seeks new methods
• Google Commitment to Veterans
• Congressional UFO Hearing #2
• Robots watch and learn from real surgeries
• Amazon wants drivers to wear AR Glasses
• Google Pixel 8a $100 off
• A gang of Monkeys escapes Bio Lab
• Darkweb Kingpin sentenced
• Nintendo Streaming Pirate Lawsuit
• Virologist defeats breast cancer with self-administration
• Yellowstone Spoiler (Warning)
• AI Fake News Detector
• Crew 8 is not ready to talk about Astronaut
• D-Link will not fix critical flaw
• M4 Mac Mini Power Button
• Valve releases white streamdeck
• Rode Wireless Micro
• Mars Crash Site
• Gravity Waves Seen from Hurricane
• Walmart Black Friday deals
• Amalthea Stunning Images
• Starlink Fireball
• October AI wrap-up from Google
• Spirit Airlines was shot at, and crew injured
• FTX Sues Binance for 1.8 billion
• Apple will let you share Airtag Location
• Musk and Trump 2.0 Impacts
• Amazing POV footage of House Fire

The post Bitcoin Hits Record High of $85K #1778 appeared first on Geek News Central.

General Motors’ software chief, Baris Cetinok, defends GM’s decision to remove Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from their vehicles, especially in their electric models. Cetinok argues that building an in-house software platform, Ultifi, allows GM to create a fully integrated, seamless user experience tailored to each car’s unique features. By retaining control over in-car displays and software, GM aims to innovate faster and offer better services to customers without relying on external systems. This shift aligns with a broader goal for GM to transform into a hardware, software, and services company, similar to tech giants like Apple.

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Todd begins the episode by highlighting the main story about Baris Cetinok, General Motors’ software chief, defending GM’s choice to remove third-party platforms like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, especially in their electric vehicle lineup. According to Cetinok, the in-house platform Ultifi would better integrate with each car’s unique features and accelerate innovation.

Throughout the episode, Todd transitions from the primary topic to discuss other notable tech news stories.

These include:
– Meta’s new adult classifier tool aimed at filtering out teens who lie about their age on Instagram.
Nvidia will replace Intel on the Dow Jones Index after 25 years due to Intel’s declining market performance compared to Nvidia’s growth.
– Innovations and updates in Google’s AI capabilities with a discussion on potential vulnerabilities leading to deep fake scams.
– The IPA’s voting process for astronauts in space and the implications of VPNs being used to bet on U.S. elections.

Todd also takes time to engage with listener feedback and concerns, particularly about GM’s decision, encouraging interaction via email.

Moreover, the episode mentions promotional sponsorships and discounts, particularly with GoDaddy, which offers various exclusive deals to listeners. Todd emphasizes the importance of community support in sustaining the podcast and invites listeners to become insiders, join the conversation online, and subscribe to newsletters for more updates.

Todd addresses technical issues experienced during the live stream, hinting at microphone problems and live-stream disconnections that affected the audio quality. He promises to investigate these issues before the next episode. The episode closes with acknowledgment of the audience’s support, and a thank you to the listeners and sponsors.

• Nvidia replaces Intel
• Back to the Future: The Musical is now a movie 
• Apple’s iPad is compliant for DMA
• Grindr illegally used RTO
• Elon Musk’s PAC
• Uber and others offer discounts 
• An iPhone-powered vision device 
• IT contractors arrested 
• LA Housing Authority admits data breach 
• Meta details ‘adult classifier’ tool
• GM boss on ditching CarPlay
• The NY Times Tech Guild is on strike
• ChromeOS gets a major update 
• NASA seems continuity 
• ChatGPT models can be hacked 
• Do astronauts vote from space?
• SpaceX scrub launch
• Millions giveaways to attract users to Bing
• Nigerian sentenced to 26 years in prison 
• Hacked TP-Link routers 
• Apple approved another illegal app
• NASA’s next spacewalk 
• VPN services and the US Election 
• City of Columbus ransomware attack 
• Everything new on Paramount+ in November 
• Windows Hello 
• Perplexity

The post GM Ditches CarPlay for Ultifi: Bold Move or Big Mistake? #1776 appeared first on Geek News Central.

OpenAI’s new “ChatGPT Search” feature, launched for paid users on mobile and the web, allows real-time information access with source attributions, enhancing ChatGPT’s value as an alternative to traditional search engines like Google. Following a prototype called SearchGPT, this feature integrates licensed content from major publishers to deliver reliable, timely information in a conversational format. OpenAI intends to expand these capabilities, addressing key areas like local search, travel, and shopping, with accuracy and accountability in focus, especially for critical updates such as election results.

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In this episode of Geek News Central, host Todd Cochrane discusses OpenAI’s recently launched ChatGPT Search, a new feature for paid users that promises to transform the traditional search engine scene. The feature delivers real-time search results with trustworthy source attributions and is seen as a potent alternative to established search engines like Google. Todd expresses significant concerns about how businesses might struggle with visibility if they’re not among the top results served by this new search model.

The episode kicks off with Todd highlighting ChatGPT Search’s potential to affect significant sectors like local search, travel, and shopping. He emphasizes maintaining accuracy and accountability, particularly during crucial events like elections. He shares a personal experiment with the ChatGPT Search feature, where he found the results lacking, stressing that the restricted visibility might harm businesses not featured in the immediate results.

From there, Todd transitions into personal anecdotes and updates, mentioning learning new streaming software tools and some slight confusion over the date, attributing it to the demanding nature of his workweek.

Todd tackles various tech news topics throughout the episode:

1. **Dropbox Layoffs**: Todd discusses Dropbox’s announcement about laying off 20% of its workforce, attributing the cuts to changes in consumer needs and the broader economic environment.

2. **Windows 10 Updates**: Given the impending end of support, he mentions Microsoft pricing an extra year of security updates for Windows 10 users at $30.

3. **Privacy and Security**: The discussion briefly moves to a new Android malware capable of hijacking bank-related calls and HP’s new AI-based productivity tools intended to reduce mundane tasks and allow for more quality time like taking lunch breaks.

Before wrapping up, Todd returns to the theme of technological disruptions in search capabilities introduced by AI advancements like ChatGPT Search. He articulates deep concerns about what such technology means for future business visibility online and how traditional SEO might become obsolete, urging listeners to contemplate its broad impacts.

The episode concludes with standard shout-outs to sponsors, reminders for listeners to subscribe and participate in various podcast-related community platforms, and encouragement to become a ‘GNC Insider’ for additional content and support for the podcast. Todd signs off, planning to return with more insights and technology discussions in the next episode.

• New Android malware 
• Dropbox is laying off staff
• WordPress founder asks for lawsuit to be dismissed 
• Microsoft wants $30
• Don’t get your family streaming service get banned
• Apple keeps killing VPN apps
• The iPhone 17
• The Opera browser had a major security flaw 
• China sanctions Skydio
• YouTube Shorts 
• Google adds Gemini in Google Maps
• HP unveils new AI PCs
• Galaxy S25 Slim 
• Financial firms have high severity security flaws 
• Commerce to tighten rules
• CISA wants to work with US allies
• Apple and TikTok 
• Meta controlled Pages

The post OpenAI Unveils ChatGPT Search Monumental SEO Disrupter #1775 appeared first on Geek News Central.

Google’s AI search summaries, also known as AI Overviews, expand to over 100 countries, offering users quick, AI-generated insights in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and Hindi. While ads have been integrated into these summaries for U.S. mobile users, Google assures global users that ads will continue to appear separately across other locations. Initially launched in the U.S. and rolled out to other key markets in August, this expanded AI feature highlights Google’s ongoing commitment to enhancing user experience with accessible, multilingual search insights.

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Full Summary:

In the latest episode of “Geek News Central,” hosted by Todd Cochrane, an array of tech news and personal anecdotes are covered. Episode 1774 starts with the lead story about expanding Google’s AI search summaries, known as “AI Overviews,” to over 100 countries. This feature provides quick, AI-generated insights in multiple languages and integrates ads differently in the U.S. than in other regions. Todd emphasizes the implications of this feature on website traffic and its potential impact on the visibility of websites in search results.

Following the tech news, Todd shares a personal tale about his recent trip to the Philippines. He recounts his adventure from traveling to Romblon to explore the islands to an unexpected extension of his stay due to a typhoon. Todd narrates his experiences, from resort stays to his attempts to “escape” the typhoon’s aftermath, using various modes of transportation back to safety. He enhances the narrative with his insights on the reliance on Starlink for connectivity in remote areas.

Throughout the episode, Todd provides updates on various tech news items, including AI decoding pig oinks, updated Apple products, and the use of AI in managing emails. He also addresses some episodes of misinformation and the legal and security implications of technology in daily life, such as Elon Musk’s contest-related legal challenges.

Sprinkled within the episode are acknowledgments to the show’s sponsor, GoDaddy, with special deals and a call to listeners to support the show by becoming a “GNC Insider.” Todd also invites listeners to interact directly via email or social media platforms, promoting a community feel.

The episode wraps up with a look into the upcoming tech developments and ongoing issues in the digital world, ensuring the audience stays informed and engaged with the latest technology and Todd’s unique experiences.

• 19:48–Apple updates it’s iMac lineup 
• 21:25–What’s new on Amazon Prime Video 
• 21:41–NASA astronaut released from the hospital 
• 24:59–Philadelphia DA sues Elon
• 17:22–Apple Intelligence 
• 26:15–Amazon seizes domains
• 15:56–AI is decoding oinks
• 27:24–Six ways to manage email with AI 
• 28:39–18 year prison sentence for man and AI 
• 30:31–China’s first space tourism venture 
• 31:59–Half of world’s online via mobile 
• 33:36–Robinhood
• 34:57–Microsoft CEO asks for pay cut
• 36:12–The iPhone 16 is banned in Indonesia 
• 36:44–Netflix adds ‘Moments’
• 37:42–Instagram throttles video 
• 38:17–Delta sues Crowdstrike
• 38:35–Ransomware crew pose as Microsoft Teams support 
• 39:34–Astronauts on the ISS

The post Google Expands AI Search Summaries to Over 100 Countries #1774 appeared first on Geek News Central.

Welcome to an extraordinary episode of Geek News Central celebrating 20 incredible years of podcasting! It’s been an epic journey filled with tech news, innovation, and YOU—the fantastic listeners who’ve been with us every step of the way! From the early days to now, we’ve grown together and built an incredible community, and there’s so much more ahead. I take you through a comprehensive walkthrough of the show and my history.

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In this landmark 1772nd episode of Geek News Central, host Todd Cochrane celebrates twenty years of podcasting, focusing on the journey, innovations, and significant insights gained throughout his career. Todd opens the episode by expressing gratitude towards his sponsors and listeners, particularly acknowledging GoDaddy for its long-standing support, the longest continuous podcast sponsorship known.

**Key Points Covered in the Episode:**

1. **Personal and Career Background:**
– Todd discusses his upbringing in Quincy, Michigan, which was influenced by his family’s strong work ethic.
– He details his Navy experience beginning in 1983 and his initial forays into technology through Bulletin Board Systems (BBS) during his service.

2. **Podcasting Milestones:**
– Podcast inception in October 2004 following an accident that shifted his career towards media.
Important milestones include his first book deal, the start of Geek News Central, and the launch of the Tech Podcast Network (TPN) in December 2004.
– The introduction of significant sponsors like GoDaddy in June 2005 and notable expansions such as the launch of Blubrry Podcasting.

3. **Evolution and Growth:**
– I retired from the Navy in 2007 and further immersed myself in full-time podcasting and management of Blubrry.
– Todd mentions leaving his federal job and moving from Hawaii back to Michigan in 2019, where he began running RawVoice/Blubrry full-time.
– Acknowledging significant events such as the induction into the Podcast Hall of Fame in 2015 and essential milestones like reaching 1500 episodes in 2021.

4. **Looking Forward:**
– Considerations on the future of podcasting, emphasizing the importance of RSS for maintaining a democratic and open internet.
– The role of listener engagement and the personal connection he feels toward the audience, whom he calls “Ohana” (family).

5. **Personal Reflections and Stories:**
-Todd shares anecdotes from across his podcasting career, including interactions with listeners, the impacts of significant personal events like his father’s death, which coincided with his 200th episode, and the community support that followed.
– Expressing gratitude for his listeners’ and sponsors’ continued engagement and support.

6. **Industry Thoughts:**
– Insights into the broader podcast industry, touching on trends, technologies, and the critical need to support open standards like RSS against potential threats from large platforms like Spotify.

7. **Closing Remarks:**
Todd ends with a heartfelt thank you to his listeners, reflecting on the past two decades and Geek News Central’s shared journey.

Throughout the episode, Todd maintained a reflective tone, interspersed with his enthusiasm for technology and podcasting. There was also a call to action for listener support through subscriptions and feedback, emphasizing the community-driven nature of the podcast.

• 37:54–Zoom’s latest update 
• 39:03–Bitcoin creator suspect is not a suspect 
• Amazon pharmacy 
• 44:43–Mediatek under scrutiny by DoJ
• 45:15–US needs ‘space rescue service’
• 46:17–Trinity 
• 47:05–Brazil’s FCC and Xp
• 47:58–OpenAI fires back at Musk
• 37:16–SpaceX’s next Starship launch 
• 48:54–NJ residents spot Northern Lights
• 49:05–Casio admits network breach
• 49:36–Microsoft 365 accounts targeted
• 51:05–Nintendo is making an alarm clock 
• 52:13–Ring Home Premium 
• 53:21–The All England Club and AI

The post Todd Cochrane: 20 Years of Podcasting Innovations and Insights #1772 appeared first on Geek News Central.

Google faces potential significant changes as the U.S. Department of Justice prepares remedies to counteract the company’s monopoly on the search market. Proposed actions could include breaking up Google, limiting default search agreements, or requiring Google to share valuable data with competitors. Judge Amit Mehta will oversee the case’s next phase, with decisions possibly leading to significant shifts in the tech landscape.

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Full Summary:

In this episode of Todd Cochrane’s podcast, titled “The Tech Titan Shuffle: DOJ Weighs Breaking Up Google,” Todd opens by discussing a significant news story about potential major remedies the U.S. Department of Justice might implement to curtail Google’s monopoly in the search market. The measures include possibly breaking up Google, limiting default search agreements, or requiring Google to share data with competitors, overseen by Judge Amit Mehta. This could significantly reshape the tech landscape.

Todd follows up the opening news with personal updates and a sponsor shout-out to GoDaddy, highlighting their ongoing deals. He recaps his travels and activities, including hosting a podcast award ceremony and meeting in Florida with his Blubrry team, where they discussed plans and improvements.

The episode takes a more personal turn as Todd details his daughter’s preparations for an approaching hurricane in Florida, emphasizing the potential severity of the weather and its impacts.

Shifting focus, Todd dives into what’s anticipated in the tech world, notably the DOJ’s steps against Google and the potential ramifications across the tech industry. He conjectures on the various outcomes of the case, such as breaking up Google’s various services like Android and Chrome or substantially altering their business practices.

He then touches on workplace changes with a story about Amazon mandating a return to office, which he compares to the culture and practices observed in his own company.

The episode continues with a range of topics, including but not limited to advancements in Starlink technology aiding hurricane relief efforts, updates on various tech companies, and discussions on electric vehicles and their impact on insurance policies.

Todd then highlights community feedback and shows appreciation for listeners and sponsors before wrapping up with detailed updates about his upcoming travel schedule, including plans for celebrating the podcast’s twentieth anniversary with a special live-stream session.

Todd caps off the episode with a final appeal for listener support and participation, encouraging feedback and interaction through various platforms and emphasizing the importance of community in the podcast’s continued success.

• 17:28–Starlink and T-Mobile
• Blazing fireball lights up sky
• 23:00–Neighbors sue over loud Bitcoin mine
• 25:59–MoneyGram
• 27:01–Data breach at Comcast 
• 28:11–Customers complain to Geico
• 34:30–Chromecast with Google TV 
• 35:20–Nvidia to hold keynote at CES 2025
• 36:21–Recall or free repair?
• 37:47–Fandango 
• 08:35–Google and the DOJ
• 12:28–Amazon’s RTO
• 38:32–Netflix on Mars?
• 15:11–The M4 MacBook Pro 
• 40:51–Chinese hackers allegedly hit US wiretap systems 
• 44:07–Google Search 
• 42:36–American Water Works
• 43:27–LEGO website hacked
• 45:51–Hyundai and Waymo
• 21:03–Rival browsers cry foul
• 49:12–Man hopes he’d be a millionaire 
• 51:03–Google kicks Kaspersky app off Play store 
• 51:28–Apple isn’t developing a smart ring 
• 52:07–Artist appeals copyright denial
• 53:57–Google Photos

The post The Tech Titan Shuffle: DOJ Weighs Breaking Up Google #1771 appeared first on Geek News Central.

SpaceX is investigating a malfunction in the Falcon 9 rocket’s upper stage after a Crew-9 mission launch. The rocket’s second-stage engine failed to deorbit correctly, causing it to land outside the planned disposal zone. This marks the third Falcon 9 issue in three months. While SpaceX expects to resume launches soon, delays could affect crucial missions like NASA’s Europa Clipper launch in October.

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In this podcast episode, “Rocket Malfunctions and Podcast Celebrations,” host Todd Cochrane discusses a range of topics during a special International Podcast Day show. Todd begins by highlighting the 19th annual People’s Choice Podcast Awards ceremony, set to occur later in the day. He invites listeners to subscribe to or follow the podcast awards podcast for those who might miss the live ceremony.

Todd transitions to the lead story about a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket malfunction following the Crew-9 mission launch. He explains that the rocket’s second-stage engine failed to deorbit correctly, noting it was the third issue in three months. Todd shares that while SpaceX plans to resume launches soon, the ongoing delays could impact critical missions, including NASA’s upcoming Europa Clipper mission.

Throughout the episode, Todd gives several shout-outs to the show’s sponsor, GoDaddy, and offers special deals through the Geek News Central website. He emphasizes the importance of community engagement, encouraging listeners to become GNC insiders for exclusive content and to participate actively via the show’s various platforms.

Additionally, Todd mentions his upcoming travel plans to Florida for a team meeting with Blubrry Podcasting to plan the company’s future strategies. He reflects on rising challenges in the business environment and points out the importance of staying productive and focused amidst potential disruptions.

The episode also addresses recent natural disasters, expressing sympathy for those affected and sharing Todd’s experiences with typhoons in Guam.

Throughout the show, Todd emphasizes maintaining a deep, personal connection with his audience, hinting at more personalized content moving forward to enhance the listener experience on digital platforms. Todd wraps up the episode with insightful tech news—one notably on the DIRECTV and Dish satellite deal—and touches on the ongoing Verizon network issues and various tech industry updates.

The podcast concludes with Todd teasing future episodes and reflecting on his 20th podcasting anniversary, underscoring the continuing evolution of Geek News Central and its community.

• Gemini in Gmail
• Patelco Credit Union breach
• “Normal” websites are being hijacked.
• Google is spending billions.
• Reddit
• Newsom signs a bill and vetoes two others.
• DirecTV buys Dish
• Lapsi
• The head of Peacock isn’t worried
• Another malfunction on SpaceX Falcon 9
• Artists blocked on YouTube 
• Verizon’s network outage 
• Amazon’s own Shark Tank 
• Ello
• Remote ID verification tech 
• WordPress grants WP Engine “reprieve.”
• AT&T exits showbiz
• Epic files a lawsuit
• Stuck NASA astronauts
• Meta hit with a fine

The post SpaceX Rocket Malfunctions and Podcast Celebrations #1770 appeared first on Geek News Central.

WordPress.org escalated its conflict with WPEngine by blocking its servers from accessing vital resources, including plugin updates. Following a dispute over WPEngine’s refusal to pay trademark fees, this move could put user sites at risk by preventing essential updates. WordPress co-founder Matt Mullenweg argues that WPEngine profits without contributing to WordPress’ development, prompting the block. Users and the WordPress community are divided, with discussions of potential forks emerging.

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In this episode of the podcast hosted by Todd Cochrane, a significant focus is placed on a major conflict within the tech industry involving WordPress.org and WPEngine. The central issue is that WordPress.org has blocked WPEngine’s servers from accessing vital resources like plugins and theme updates. This dramatic action stemmed from WPEngine’s refusal to pay trademark fees, leading to a discussion about the implications for users and the potential for future forks of WordPress.

Todd starts the episode by acknowledging his sponsor, GoDaddy, highlighting exclusive deals for the listeners. He encourages the audience to support the podcast mission by becoming insiders and mentions the ability to interact live with the show through modern podcast apps.

The episode dives into the WordPress.org vs. WPEngine conflict, highlighting the arguments from WordPress co-founder Matt Mullenweg. According to Mullenweg, WPEngine profits significantly from WordPress without adequately contributing to its development. This dispute has led WordPress.org to restrict WPEngine’s access to essential updates, which has divided users and sparked discussions about the sustainability and ethics of such business models in the open-source community.

Todd also discusses his updates, mentioning his travel plans and some logistics involving his equipment setup for podcasting. He introduces a new piece of equipment he’s excited about, the Rodecaster Video, which he believes will enhance the video quality of his shows.

Throughout the podcast, Todd emphasizes the impact of this conflict on the WordPress community and the broader implications for open-source projects. He discusses potential legal actions and the necessity for businesses like WPEngine to develop independent systems if they are cut off from WordPress.org resources.

Todd concludes the episode with a call to action for listeners to engage with the podcast through various platforms like email, social media, and the official website, reminding them of the ongoing support from GoDaddy and the deals available through the podcast’s affiliation.

• 33:40–Are you trying to get WI-Fi on a plane?
• 34:40–A fingerprint padlock for food
• 32:27–PayPal
• 35:45–A Robocop TV show
• 35:58–Disney + password-sharing fees
• 40:49–Kristen Bell
• 42:55-0DoNotPay
• 44:48–Everything leaving Netflix in October
• 45:05–Chinese hackers infiltrate US internet firms
• 46:58–20% of politicians and staff had email compromised
• 50:58–A NASA astronaut stranded
• 52:04–Mozilla
• 53:12–Most of us still trust passwords
• 54:36–Fubo
• 54:45–Amazon employees don’t want to go back to the office
• 56:31–Google’s AI podcast tool
• 57:38–Businesses are being hit with more mobile phishing
• 23:46–OpenAI’s restructuring
• Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra and Galaxy Tab S10+
• 58:04–Eric Adams indicted
• 59:33–IPOs set to extend recovery
• 27:03–Apple removed 60 more VPNs from Russian app store
• 59:48–NASA’s Astrobees
• 01:00:06–Google Maps
• 01:00:35–LG Smart TVs bring ads to the screensaver
• 01:01:44–Victims lose thousands to Google’s Play Store
• 30:12–AB 2426

The post WordPress.org Blocks WPEngine in battle of the Titans #1769 appeared first on Geek News Central.

Two suspects, Malone Lam and Jeandiel Serrano, were arrested for their roles in a $230 million cryptocurrency heist, laundering the funds using exchanges and mixers. They accessed victims’ accounts through impersonation tactics and laundered the stolen funds to finance a lavish lifestyle. Despite efforts to cover their tracks using privacy coins and VPNs, mistakes in their operational security led to their identification and arrest by the FBI.

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Full Summary:

In episode 1768 of Geek News Central, hosted by Todd Cochrane, the standout story focuses on a massive $230 million cryptocurrency heist by suspects Malone Lam and Jeandiel Serrano. The duo used sophisticated impersonation tactics to access victim accounts and subsequently laundered the stolen funds through various means to support their extravagant lifestyle. Despite their efforts to stay under the radar using privacy coins, VPNs, and other security measures, operational mistakes led to their identification and arrest by the FBI.

During the episode, Todd emphasizes the suspects’ lavish expenditures, including luxury cars and high-end watches, which played a role in their eventual capture, as their flamboyant lifestyle contrasted sharply with their income level. Todd further discusses the implications of such heists on the security of digital assets and the importance of robust operational security measures.

The podcast also includes a significant spot for Geek News Central’s sponsor, GoDaddy, highlighting special deals and underlining their long-term support for the podcast. Todd navigates various technical mishaps and provides personal anecdotes, including updates on his home security enhancements and studio upgrades, which he humorously ties into the broader theme of security and preparedness discussed in the episode.

Plus all of the following stories:

• 24:45–Jony Ive and Sam Altman
• 26:32–Do you hate in-person meetings?
• 29:41–YouTube Premium
• 16:54–Elon gives up
• 19:45–Biden administration seeks ban on China
• 32:46–Starships to Mars
• 35:41–Google was ordered by a court to uninstall an app
• 38:22–Qualcomm lays off workforce
• 38:44–Google TV Streamer
• 39:39–This AI startup
• Apple’s RCS messaging
• 42:45–iPhone 16 Pro users are experiencing touchscreen issues
• 44:09–A more expensive iPhone SE
• 44:58–2 Russians and 1 American head to Earth
• 09:14–Suspects arrested in Miami
• 45:59–NHS spend a billion on tech
• 46:42–Samsung plans to invest in over a billion
• 47:52–UPS suppliers’ password policy
• 13:30–Telegram to provide data to the government
• 23:01–Dell investigating a data breach
• 22:40–AT&T fined millions

The post Unveiling the $230 Million Crypto Heist #1768 appeared first on Geek News Central.

A sweeping new study from the FTC has exposed the vast surveillance practices of major social media and streaming platforms. From tracking user data to sharing it without proper safeguards, the findings are troubling – and what’s worse, children and teens are deeply affected. In this podcast episode, I’ll explain how these companies collect your … Continue reading The Dark Side of Social Media Surveillance: An FTC Report #1767 →

The post The Dark Side of Social Media Surveillance: An FTC Report #1767 appeared first on Geek News Central.