Episodes

  • Leo Laporte and Mikah Sargent dive into a variety of engaging tech topics, from controversial phone bans in schools to the future of AI and data privacy. The duo also tackles listener questions on VPNs, mobile hotspots, Apple App Store subscriptions, and more. Special guest Rod Pyle joins to discuss the latest updates on Voyager 1 and the Mars Sample Return mission.

    Mobile Phones in Schools: Leo and Mikah discuss the growing controversy around schools banning phones to prevent students from being distracted in class, despite parents' concerns about wanting to stay connected with their children. Biometric Security and Privacy: A recent court ruling determined that police officers can compel suspects to unlock their phones using biometric data like fingerprints, sparking a debate about privacy rights and the Fifth Amendment. TikTok Ban Passes in the House Again: The hosts examine the implications of the U.S. House of Representatives once again passing a ban on TikTok, which is now headed to the Senate as part of a foreign aid package. John asks how to ensure that a VPN is truly protecting his privacy, and Leo explains the importance of trust in a connected world. Eric inquires about using NFC chips to log onto Wi-Fi networks with an iPhone, and Mikah clarifies that this feature is not currently available on iOS devices. Limitless: Leo pre-ordered a new wearable device called Limitless, which uses AI to record and transcribe conversations while respecting privacy by requiring consent from participants. Space expert Rod Pyle joins the show to discuss the latest developments with Voyager 1's corrupted memory and NASA's decision to cut ties with JPL for the Mars sample return mission due to cost and time concerns. Dan experiences issues with his mobile hotspot disconnecting when using his computer, and the hosts troubleshoot potential solutions, including checking for metered connections and power-saving settings. Fernando inquires about running local AI models for his work at a hospital, and Leo provides insight into retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) and various open-source AI options like Dot. Tim asks about using multiple payment methods for Apple App Store subscriptions, and Mikah explains the workaround of manually reordering payment methods. Steve wants to move his photos from Google Photos to a hard drive, and Leo recommends using Mylio to easily import and manage the photos from Google Takeout. A listener, also named Tim, asks for recommendations on moving their DNS hosting away from Google while still supporting dynamic DNS updates, and the hosts suggest using Cloudflare or a router with built-in dynamic DNS support. Shelly experiences issues with mismatched drive sizes when attempting to clone her hard drives, and Leo advises using a sector-by-sector copying tool or rsync for more precise duplication.

    Hosts: Leo Laporte and Mikah Sargent

    Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit

    Show notes and links for this episode are available at: https://twit.tv/shows/ask-the-tech-guys/episodes/2021

    Download or subscribe to this show at: https://twit.tv/shows/ask-the-tech-guys

    Sponsor:wix.com/studio

  • Leo shows off Udio and Suno, AI-generated music services that've been making a splash in the news recently. What's the easiest way to rip DVDs nowadays? Is AliExpress a safe website to purchase goods from? Plus, Sam Abuelsamid talks about how AI is being utilized in the design of automotive vehicles. That and more are coming up on Ask The Tech Guys!

    Suno and Udio. Apple Music execs reveal months of work behind releasing Taylor Swift's new album. My HDR videos are taking forever to export from Adobe Premiere. What could be causing this issue? Can I force my S23 Ultra to get the latest security update? Sam Abuelsamid and AI's application in the design of automotive vehicles. How can I bypass copy protection on DVDs? Is there a thing as having too many eero routers on my network? Is AliExpress a safe website from which to buy goods? How can I host my own public game server? Can I do it myself? What are some recommended, budget-friendly video capture adapters for Mac computers? After creating a new email address, how can I easily notify others about the change in my email? How safe am I using tech given/purchased from someone else? Why can't I cast my Netflix streams from my phone anymore? I'm transferring my data from an iPhone to a Pixel 8 Pro, but my WhatsApp information always fails. What could be causing this issue? What Windows virtualization application does Leo and Mikah recommend for the Mac?

    Hosts: Leo Laporte and Mikah Sargent

    Guest: Sam Abuelsamid

    Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit

    Show notes and links for this episode are available at: https://twit.tv/shows/ask-the-tech-guys/episodes/2020

    Download or subscribe to this show at: https://twit.tv/shows/ask-the-tech-guys

    Sponsors:eufy.comzscaler.com/zerotrustAIZipRecruiter.com/Twit

  • Missing episodes?

    Click here to refresh the feed.

  • Leo's Atari 400 arrived recently and demos the device during the show. Can you use an Apple Newton on newer Macs? Why do HP printers get disabled sometimes? How can you make your photos and videos searchable by various defined parameters? Plus, Johnny Jet shares his multi-plane trip to Hawaii and to be aware that the price of applying for Global Entry is going up soon!

    Leo's Atari 400 arrived and demos the device. Mahbod Moghadam, who rose to fame as the co-founder of Genius, has died. How can I extract audio from my Apple TV from HDMI and put it into an external speaker? What alternatives to Google Podcasts do Leo and Mikah recommend? Plus, can I use my Apple Newton on newer Macs? How can I re-enable my HP printer to print again when HP disabled my printer for failing to pay for HP Instant Ink? Is it worth repairing the screen on my iPad Pro, or am I better off replacing the device? How can I prepare my smartphone and DSLR cameras to capture the upcoming solar eclipse? Why is my Bitwarden browser plugin not logging in? What's the best way to convert DVD and VHS media into a digital format? Johnny Jet and his recent multi-plane journey to Hawaii. How can I make all of my photos & videos in Google Drive searchable by various set parameters?

    Hosts: Leo Laporte and Mikah Sargent

    Guest: Johnny Jet

    Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit

    Show notes and links for this episode are available at: https://twit.tv/shows/ask-the-tech-guys/episodes/2019

    Download or subscribe to this show at: https://twit.tv/shows/ask-the-tech-guys

    Sponsors:zscaler.com/zerotrustAIcachefly.com/twit

  • Leo Laporte shows off another one of his recent Instagram purchases. Can you send out text messages similarly to a BCC email? Gmail turns 20! Plus, Scott Wilkinson joins the show to talk with Leo and Mikah Sargent about physical media and how often one wants to watch older movies.

    An accidental discovery of a backdoor likely prevented thousands of infections. The great rewiring: is social media really behind an epidemic of teenage mental illness? What is My Ping Tag? Can I text multiple people on an iPhone to function similarly to a BCC email? With the changing landscape of broadcast television, a caller wants to know if Leo and MIkah think that traditional TV is dying. Scott Wilkinson and March 2024's Home Theater of the Month. 20 years of Gmail. How long can I continue to safely use an older version of an app on my phone? Is there a way to backup photos without using a laptop? With the discontinuation of Echo Connect, is there a similar service or process to announce phone calls and allow calls to be initiated by voice? What hard drives should I get when purchasing a Synology NAS? What's a good Linux OS to install on an older computer? Why are certain shows on my YouTube TV recordings quieter than others?

    Hosts: Leo Laporte and Mikah Sargent

    Guest: Scott Wilkinson

    Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit

    Show notes and links for this episode are available at: https://twit.tv/shows/ask-the-tech-guys/episodes/2018

    Download or subscribe to this show at: https://twit.tv/shows/ask-the-tech-guys

    Sponsors:zscaler.com/zerotrustAIwix.com/studiojoindeleteme.com/twit promo code TWITecamm.com/twit or use Promo Code TWIT

  • Leo Laporte has returned from his vacation! What's the best way for guests to easily connect to your in-home WiFi network? How important is it to own your modem and router? What does your ISP see when using an encrypted DNS server? Plus, Dick DeBartolo stops by to share some of his favorite gadgets, as usual!

    United States sues Apple. 'Even stronger' than imagined: DOJ's sweeping Apple lawsuit draws expert praise. The antitrust case against Apple. How can I set up a NFC chip to allow guests to connect to my WiFi network? Should I use another method instead? What website builders do Mikah and Leo recommend nowadays? Dick Debartolo and the ASUS Zenbook Duo and Fingerlings Bird! How do I set up a YubiKey & tie it to my Windows login? How important is it to own your modem or router with whichever ISP I may have? What's the difference when using a fiber connection? What's happening with my OTP Auth when Face ID doesn't work when trying to access it? Why aren't my AirPods not connecting to my Apple TV? What does "#21#" do when I enter it on my phone? A friend of the network calls in... What can my ISP see when browsing the internet through an encrypted DNS server?

    Hosts: Leo Laporte and Mikah Sargent

    Guest: Dick DeBartolo

    Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit

    Show notes and links for this episode are available at: https://twit.tv/shows/ask-the-tech-guys/episodes/2017

    Download or subscribe to this show at: https://twit.tv/shows/ask-the-tech-guys

    Sponsors:zscaler.com/zerotrustAIfastmail.com/twiteufy.com

  • Mikah Sargent is running the show solo this week! How can you get your podcast audio levels to equalize amongst one another? What's the best way to capture the upcoming eclipse with your smartphone? Why is the VPN on my phone stopping my iPhone from connecting to CarPlay? Rod Pyle talks about the recent SpaceX launch, and Chris Marquardt goes over the Modern photo assignment and assigns the next one!

    Mikah shares a story of a family friend who received a call from scammers and how to protect yourself against them. How can I get all my podcasts to have the same audio level amongst one another? What different Linux options can I install on my older MacBook? Why are the lights weirdly affected in my phones when I do nighttime photography on my smartphone? Should I be concerned about using wireless CarPlay adapters with my Apple CarPlay? Why aren't there more prominent name brands making these kinds of adapters? Rod Pyle and the recent SpaceX test flight! Is Mikah happy with the changes to the software & remapping of buttons on the Apple Watch? How can someone capture the upcoming eclipse with the camera on their phone? After the latest OS update, why can't I use the "Ask to Share Screen" option within the Messages app to enable screen sharing with another person? Why is my Google Nest WiFi timing out when setting up my device? Why would my VPN block my car from seeing my iPhone connected to CarPlay? Chris Marquardt and the Modern assignment review. I synced my Apple Notes from my old iPhone to my new one, but my PDF files didn't transfer. Why did they not copy over?

    Host: Mikah Sargent

    Guests: Rod Pyle and Chris Marquardt

    Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit

    Show notes and links for this episode are available at: https://twit.tv/shows/ask-the-tech-guys/episodes/2016

    Download or subscribe to this show at: https://twit.tv/shows/ask-the-tech-guys

    Sponsors:fastmail.com/twitrobinhood.com/boostwix.com/studioecamm.com/twit or use Promo Code TWIT

  • Why do closed captions occur ahead of what's happening on your TV? A listener wants to know how Mikah has MoCA set up throughout his home. What are some alternatives to Artifact News after they shuttered the service? Plus Sam Abuelsamid talks about the newly announced Rivian R2 & R3 and answers a viewer's question about towing with an EV vehicle!

    Palantir wins US Army contract for battlefield AI. Roku effectively disables your TV unless you agree to new 'Dispute Resolution Terms'. A listener inquires how Mikah has his MoCA internet set up at home. Why is the closed captioning on my Britbox streaming service going ahead of what's happening on screen? How can I stop Apple from combining text messages from two devices into one thread? Sam Abuelsamid and the Rivian R2 & R3 Sam Abuelsamid sticks around and helps to answer a question about if it's worth getting an electric truck that can handle towing camping gear. An update from the person who called about getting a better broadcast signal with an indoor antenna. I hear Google is getting rid of cookies. Won't the web be bad without cookies? What's the next alternative to Google News since Artifact News shuttered? Can I use the smartLav+ microphone from Rode on my Android phone during a video or phone call? Does BitWarden (a sponsor of the TWiT network) support filling out credentials when opening desktop applications? What service should I use to set up my phone for international travel?

    Hosts: Leo Laporte and Mikah Sargent

    Guest: Sam Abuelsamid

    Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit

    Show notes and links for this episode are available at: https://twit.tv/shows/ask-the-tech-guys/episodes/2015

    Download or subscribe to this show at: https://twit.tv/shows/ask-the-tech-guys

    Sponsors:robinhood.com/boostjoindeleteme.com/twit promo code TWITwix.com/studio

  • This week on Ask The Tech Guys, Leo and Mikah answer a viewer's question about producing their own audiobook. What's the easiest way to get your family to use password managers? Plus, Scott Wilkinson talks about The Verge's coverage on physical media, and Johnny Jet talks about how you really should only share a picture of your boarding pass after your flight! Also we celebrate the life of Bob Heil, who passed away recently.

    Bob Heil passes away at the age of 83. As nationwide fraud losses top $10 billion in 2023, FTC steps up efforts to protect the public. Crash of the Titan: a short history of Apple's doomed car project. What's the best way to produce an audiobook with my iPhone? How can I start getting my family to use password managers to protect themselves better online? Scott Wilkinson talks about physical media and the release of Oppenheimer in 4k UHD on Blu-ray. Leo shares the Anker 250W Power Bank and the NIxplay Digital Display he purchased in response to a few callers from a couple of weeks ago. Is there a way to filter photos based on specific custom parameters? Johnny Jet shares some updates on what's been happening with him and some tips on what you shouldn't be sharing on social media when traveling.

    Hosts: Leo Laporte and Mikah Sargent

    Guests: Scott Wilkinson and Johnny Jet

    Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit

    Show notes and links for this episode are available at: https://twit.tv/shows/ask-the-tech-guys/episodes/2014

    Download or subscribe to this show at: https://twit.tv/shows/ask-the-tech-guys

    Sponsors:ecamm.com/twit or use Promo Code TWITwix.com/studiocachefly.com/twit

  • In this week's episode of Ask The Tech Guys, Leo and Mikah answer questions about streaming local news without cable, windows management on macOS, using eSIMs for international travel, improving TV antenna reception, and more. Dick Debartolo also joins to showcase photo backdrop kits that let you simulate exotic locations in your own home.

    AT&T Outage: Leo and Mikah delve into the recent nationwide AT&T outage, discussing its causes and broader implications for network reliability. SpaceX's Lunar Lander: The conversation shifts to SpaceX's lunar lander mishap and the creative solution that ensured its mission continued. Lunar Library: An exploration of the lunar library concept, aiming to preserve human knowledge on the moon, is discussed, highlighting its significance and contents. HomePod Alarm Sounds: A listener's question about customizing HomePod Mini alarm sounds leads to a discussion on using the Home app for customization. Pirate Ship Bedroom Decor: The Giz Wiz Dick Debartolo showcases how tapestry can be used for an inexpensive yet effective makeover. Google Speakers Management: Dick poses a question about managing responses from multiple Google speakers in different rooms, leading to advice on enhancing device response accuracy through settings adjustments. Cord-Cutting & Local News: A caller is looking for options for streaming local news like MSNBC without a cable subscription. Leo and Mikah recommend services like Peacock, YouTube TV, and Local Now. iOS Auto-Brightness: An iPhone user receives suggestions on resolving inconsistent auto-brightness problems, and Mikah shares his custom Auto-Brightness Shortcut. ISP Woes and Modem Upgrades: Annoyances when ISPs forcibly "update" modems and suggestions for replacements. Password Managers: Struggles exporting iCloud Keychain passwords from an iPhone to other password managers, pros and cons for Chome's password manager, and Leo demonstrates how passkeys improve login security. Over-the-Air TV: A caller running into issues with his TV antenna wire placement gets recommendations on antenna types and optimization tips. eSIMs for Travel: For a caller preparing for a trip abroad, Leo and Mikah recommend eSIM services like GigSky and Airalo for easy international cell data. macOS Window Management: A Mac user struggling to keep track of many open windows learns keyboard shortcuts and Mission Control tools, and Leo shows his preferred fullscreen app workflow.

    Hosts: Leo Laporte and Mikah Sargent

    Guest: Dick DeBartolo

    Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit

    Show notes and links for this episode are available at: https://twit.tv/shows/ask-the-tech-guys/episodes/2013

    Download or subscribe to this show at: https://twit.tv/shows/ask-the-tech-guys

    Sponsors:wix.com/studiorobinhood.com/boost

  • How can you manage and lower your tech anxiety and the need to examine and adjust the many settings on your tech devices? Why is my Android phone not connecting to my car? How can I access my old iPhotos library if the files are corrupted? And what iTunes alternatives are there for the Mac? Plus, Chris Marquardt goes over the month's photo assignment of Sparkling and assigns this next month's photo assignment!

    Why some of Apple's biggest fans are returning their Vision Pros. NBA Slam Dunk contest filmed for Apple Vision Pro. Apple to be fined over $500 million under EU antitrust law. Bored Apes' creator Yuga Labs acquires Proof, takes over Moonbirds NFT brand. Intel accused of inflating CPU benchmark results, Amazon argues National Labor Relations Board is unconstitutional. How can I break from the constant need to examine and adjust my settings on various tech devices? Why are my audio levels low going to my livestreams? Can I control the amount of information given to a company by having multiple computers set up for different purposes? Can I use Apple's Time Machine to back up an old Mac and access it similarly to an external drive? Why is my Android phone not connecting to Android Auto? Is there an easier way to control multiple Macs that isn't through Apple's Universal Control? How can I import my old iPhotos library to Photos if the files are corrupted? Is there a powerful outdoor WiFi extender I can use with Starlink? How can I back up information from an online family tree database to make it more easily accessible? What alternatives are there to Adobe's Fill & Sign after Adobe chose to discontinue the application? Chris Marquardt and the Sparkling photo assignment review! Susan from Save A Memory calls in with some suggestions to help with backing up family photos & data. What are some iTunes alternatives for listening to podcasts on the Mac?

    Hosts: Leo Laporte and Mikah Sargent

    Guest: Chris Marquardt

    Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit

    Show notes and links for this episode are available at: https://twit.tv/shows/ask-the-tech-guys/episodes/2012

    Download or subscribe to this show at: https://twit.tv/shows/ask-the-tech-guys

    Sponsor:wix.com/studio