
Hashtag Trending
Technology Podcasts
A daily news program covering the top stories in technology with a weekend in depth interview.
Location:
Canada
Description:
A daily news program covering the top stories in technology with a weekend in depth interview.
Twitter:
@itworldca
Language:
English
Contact:
416-290-2015
Website:
http://www.itworldcanada.com/
Email:
podcasts@itwc.ca
Episodes
Project Synapse - Moltbot, Clawdbot and the Overview Effect
1/31/2026
Exploring AI, Cybersecurity, and the Overview Effect - Project Synapse
In this episode of Project Synapse, the panel, including Jim Love, Marcel Gagne and John Pinard, along with special guest Kevin Russell from the Human Space Program, dive into the impact of AI on our world, the explosive rise of Clawdbot, and the meaningful implications of the Overview Effect. They discuss the robust capabilities of new AI agents, their applications in both security and daily life, and the transformative potential of perceiving Earth from space. The episode culminates in a deep philosophical conversation on how AI can be leveraged to enhance humanity and foster greater ethical responsibilities.
Hashtag Trending would like to thank Meter for their support in bringing you this podcast. Meter delivers a complete networking stack, wired, wireless and cellular in one integrated solution that's built for performance and scale.
You can find them at Meter.com/htt
00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message
00:18 Welcome to Project Synapse
01:00 Introducing Kevin Russell
01:54 Discussion on AI and Perception
02:52 The Rise of Claude Bot
06:17 Security Concerns with AI Agents
15:09 Anthropic's Approach to AI Development
20:36 The Role of AI in Industry
25:50 Personal Experiences with Corporate Culture
30:15 The Origin of Human Resources
30:39 Frederick Taylor: The First Management Consultant
31:26 The Philosophy of Human Resources
32:26 The Overview Effect: A Transformative Experience
33:33 AI and the Human Space Program
37:31 The Future of Space Exploration and AI
43:08 Challenges and Opportunities in Space and AI
53:56 Concluding Thoughts and Future Directions
Duration:00:59:23
The Mother of All Agents: Moltbot Meltdown
1/30/2026
The Rise and Risks of MoltBot: A Revolutionary Local AI Agent | Hashtag Trending
In this episode of Hashtag Trending, host Jim Love discusses the unprecedented rise of MoltBot, a locally-run AI agent developed by Peter Steinberger, and its unique capabilities and security concerns. The podcast also examines internal reports of Microsoft engineers opting for Anthropic's Clode over their own Copilot AI. Additionally, an interview with Tim Berners-Lee in The Guardian is highlighted, sharing his thoughts on the potential to fix the internet's issues. Sponsored by Meter, the podcast delivers insights into the latest in AI, software development, and internet ethics.
00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message
00:43 Explosive Rise of Moltbot AI Agent
06:38 Security Concerns and Challenges
10:40 Microsoft's Copilot and Internal Use
13:00 Tim Berners-Lee on the Future of the Web
14:08 Closing Remarks and Sponsor Message
Duration:00:15:06
Open Source AI Model Challenges ChatGPT 5.2 and Google Gemini 3.0
1/29/2026
Amazon Job Cuts, Alibaba's AI Milestone, and Denmark's Unique Approach to Education
In this episode of Hashtag Trending, host Jim Love discusses Amazon's recent layoff of 16,000 corporate employees and how AI is reshaping the workforce. He examines Alibaba's Qwen 3, which has surpassed 200,000 derivative models on Hugging Face, and explores its open-source advantages. Additionally, the episode covers the Linux community's contingency plan for a future without Linus Torvalds and Denmark's counterintuitive approach to using less technology in classrooms to improve education outcomes. Sponsored by Meter, this episode is packed with major tech insights you won't want to miss.
Cybersecurity Today would like to thank Meter for their support in bringing you this podcast. Meter delivers a complete networking stack, wired, wireless and cellular in one integrated solution that's built for performance and scale.
You can find them at Meter.com/cst
00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message
00:47 Amazon's Major Layoffs and AI Impact
02:41 Alibaba's Quinn: A New AI Contender
07:56 Linux's Future Without Linus Torvalds
10:52 Denmark's Counterintuitive Education Reform
14:20 Conclusion and Sponsor Message
Duration:00:15:19
TikTok Creators Leaving and Users Deleting the App
1/28/2026
Hashtag Trending: TikTok Turmoil, Pinterest Layoffs & AI-Powered Yahoo Revival
In this episode of Hashtag Trending, host Jim Love discusses various impactful tech stories. TikTok is facing unrest as users delete the app and creators question its future. Pinterest announces a 15% workforce cut and bets on AI while struggling to scale. The French government moves to replace US video meeting software with its own sovereign platform, Vizio. Additionally, Yahoo's new AI-powered search experience, Scout, raises questions about a possible revival of the iconic 90s internet brand. The episode also spotlights the support from Meter, a company providing integrated networking solutions for performance and scale.
Hashtag Trending would like to thank Meter for their support in bringing you this podcast. Meter delivers a complete networking stack, wired, wireless and cellular in one integrated solution that's built for performance and scale.
You can find them at Meter.com/htt
00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message
00:19 TikTok's Uncertain Future
03:31 Pinterest's Workforce Reduction and AI Focus
05:37 France's Move to Sovereign Video Conferencing
07:38 Can AI Search Revive Yahoo?
10:54 Conclusion and Sponsor Message
Duration:00:11:51
Meme or Misinformation?
1/27/2026
Hashtat Trending: Georgia's Data Center Backlash, TikTok Privacy Concerns, AI Swarms Threat
In this episode of Hashtag Trending, host Jim Love discusses Georgia's emerging resistance to rapid data center development due to its impact on local power grids and community benefits. The podcast also delves into TikTok's recent infrastructure issues and user trust concerns amidst its US transition. Additionally, the ethical implications of altered images by government accounts are examined alongside a stark warning from the Max Plank Society about how AI-driven social media swarms can destabilize public opinion and democracy. Tune in for in-depth exploration of these pressing tech and societal issues.
00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message
00:55 Georgia's Data Center Controversy
03:14 TikTok's Transition Turmoil
06:14 The Ethics of Digital Manipulation
08:15 AI Swarms and Democracy
10:57 Conclusion and Sponsor Message
Duration:00:11:58
Windows Update Fails Again
1/26/2026
Windows 11 Patch Issues, TikTok US Ownership Shift, and AI's New Role in Search
In this episode, Jim Love discusses Microsoft's problematic Windows 11 January updates that caused major disruptions, leading to emergency fixes. The episode also covers TikTok's transition to a US-led joint venture and how this shift impacts data collection and privacy concerns. Additionally, the role of AI in search and browsing is examined, highlighting concerns about source reliability and the increasing use of AI-generated summaries. Lastly, Anthropic's new 'Constitutional AI' approach is explored, emphasizing the need for ethical and predictable AI behaviour.
Hashtag Trending would like to thank Meter for their support in bringing you this podcast. Meter delivers a complete networking stack, wired, wireless and cellular in one integrated solution that's built for performance and scale.
You can find them at Meter.com/htt
00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message
01:02 Microsoft's Windows 11 Update Issues
03:11 TikTok's US Ownership and Privacy Concerns
06:37 AI as the New Homepage and Information Source
10:25 Anthropic's Constitutional AI Approach
13:56 Conclusion and Sponsor Message
Duration:00:14:59
Project Synapse Jan 24 The Rise of Anthropic
1/24/2026
Exploring Anthropic's Game-Changing AI Developments | Project Synapse
In this episode of Project Synapse, we dive into the advancements and groundbreaking work done by Anthropic in AI. From their unique approach to creating a constitution for AI to developing the cowork environment that can autonomously handle complex tasks, Anthropic stands out in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. The discussion also highlights the impact of AI on code generation, the ethical considerations around AI development, and the company's focus on secure and reliable AI applications. Join us as we explore how Anthropic is shaping the future of synthetic intelligence.
Hashtag Trending would like to thank Meter for their support in bringing you this podcast. Meter delivers a complete networking stack, wired, wireless and cellular in one integrated solution that's built for performance and scale.
You can find them at Meter.com/htt
00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message
00:20 Discussion on AI Avatars
02:35 Personal Experiences with AI Tools
04:08 Project Synapse Introduction
04:25 Anthropic's Strategy and AI Industry Insights
08:10 Coding with AI: Experiences and Challenges
11:28 AI in Programming: Real-World Applications
14:46 Business Models and AI Tool Costs
30:49 Punctuation and Grammar Rules
31:20 AI Tools for Manuscript Editing
33:02 Project-Based Approach in AI
35:31 Security Concerns with AI
39:19 Anthropic's Approach to AI Development
45:05 The Future of AI and Synthetic Intelligence
01:08:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Duration:01:09:17
Paid ChatGPT Users Want It As Homepage
1/23/2026
AI's New Frontiers: ChatGPT Trends, Open Source Quantum Computing, and Cryptocurrency Theft
In this episode of Hashtag Trending, host Jim Love reports on key technological trends and developments. Discover the growing trend of ChatGPT becoming the homepage for many subscribers, and what this means for Google's dominance. Learn about the groundbreaking open-source quantum computer project initiated by researchers at the University of Waterloo. Hear a harrowing tale of cryptocurrency theft affecting ordinary investors, and the MIT innovation that could revolutionize AI by handling 10 million tokens in context. Join us for these stories and insights from the evolving world of technology.
00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message
00:20 Chat GPT's Growing Influence
03:18 Open Source Quantum Computing
05:51 Crypto Theft: A Growing Concern
08:09 MIT's AI Breakthrough
11:45 Conclusion and Upcoming Events
Duration:00:12:59
Court Filings Reveal Microsoft Pressuring OpenAI
1/22/2026
Microsoft's Push on OpenAI, Rackspace Price Hike, Anthropic CEO Criticizes NVIDIA, Apple's Chip Dilemma
In this episode of Hashtag Trending, host Jim Love discusses Microsoft's aggressive push for OpenAI to commercialize, Rackspace's significant price increase for its hosted email service, Anthropic CEO's criticism of NVIDIA's chip sales to China, and Apple's challenges with chip supply and pricing due to TSMC's focus on high-margin AI accelerators. The episode dives into newly unsealed court documents from Elon Musk's lawsuit against OpenAI and examines how changes in the AI and semiconductor markets are impacting major tech players.
Hashtag Trending would like to thank Meter for their support in bringing you this podcast. Meter delivers a complete networking stack, wired, wireless and cellular in one integrated solution that's built for performance and scale.
You can find them at Meter.com/htt
00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message
00:20 Microsoft's Push for OpenAI's Commercialization
03:53 Rackspace's Shocking Price Increase
06:20 Anthropic CEO Criticizes Nvidia at Davos
08:48 Apple and TSMC's Changing Relationship
11:38 Conclusion and Sponsor Message
Duration:00:12:43
AI Adoption in 2026: The Year of Practical AI?
1/21/2026
AI Adoption in 2026: OpenAI's New Strategy, ServiceNow Partnership, and CGI's Gemini Test
In this episode of Hashtag Trending, host Jim Love discusses several major AI developments set to shape 2026. OpenAI declares 2026 as the year of practical AI adoption, aiming to embed AI agents into real workflows for measurable value. The episode also covers OpenAI's new partnership with ServiceNow to integrate AI into enterprise software, and Google's attempt to deploy its Gemini Enterprise model across CGI's consultants. Additionally, Anthropic's research on neural switches highlights a focus on AI model control and transparency, while a PWC survey reveals mixed results on AI's business impact. Tune in for these stories and more on advances shaping the future of AI.
00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message
00:19 OpenAI's Vision for 2026
04:30 ServiceNow and OpenAI Partnership
07:25 Google's Gemini and CGI's Real-World Test
10:50 Anthropic's Neural Switches and AI Control
13:08 PWC Survey on AI's Business Impact
16:27 Conclusion and Call for Feedback
Duration:00:17:57
LinkedIn Phishing Scam Exposed
1/20/2026
AI Impacts: From Memory Shortages to Coding Superpowers
In this episode of Hashtag Trending, host Jim Love covers various tech-related news including LinkedIn phishing scams that leverage AI, the impact of AI data centers on memory chip shortages, and DocuSign's new AI that helps users understand contracts. Additionally, hear about a non-programmer university student who built an operating system from scratch using AI tools. Stay informed on how AI continues to shape the tech landscape and everyday life.
Hashtag Trending would like to thank Meter for their support in bringing you this podcast. Meter delivers a complete networking stack, wired, wireless and cellular in one integrated solution that's built for performance and scale.
You can find them at Meter.com/htt
00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message
00:53 LinkedIn Phishing Scams Exposed
04:26 AI Data Centers and Memory Chip Shortages
07:03 DocuSign's AI-Powered Contract Advisor
09:09 AI Builds an Operating System
12:36 Conclusion and Sponsor Message
Duration:00:13:37
Microsoft Issues Hot Fix For Broken Sign In and Shut Downs
1/19/2026
Microsoft Windows 11 Emergency Fix, Threads Overtakes X, and TSMC Capacity Issues
In this episode of Hashtag Trending, we dive into the latest tech news including Microsoft's urgent Windows 11 update to fix sign-in and shutdown issues, Threads surpassing X in daily mobile users, and TSMC's capacity constraints that may benefit Intel. Additionally, we discuss Wikipedia's new paid agreements with AI companies to offset infrastructure costs caused by heavy usage. Join host Jim Love as he breaks down these stories and more.
Hashtag Trending would like to thank Meter for their support in bringing you this podcast. Meter delivers a complete networking stack, wired, wireless and cellular in one integrated solution that's built for performance and scale.
You can find them at Meter.com/htt
00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message
00:51 Microsoft's Emergency Windows 11 Fix
02:49 Threads Surpasses X in Mobile Users
03:52 Intel's Unexpected Opportunity
05:30 Wikipedia's New Revenue from AI Companies
07:44 Conclusion and Call to Action
Duration:00:09:17
AI: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
1/17/2026
AI Controversies, Innovations, and Ethical Dilemmas
In this episode of Project Synapse, hosts Marcel Ganger and John Pinard dive into recent controversies and developments in AI technology. They discuss the Grok AI controversy involving explicit deep fakes on X, international governmental responses, and regulatory challenges. The team reflects on AI's ethical concerns, including enforcement of existing laws and the risks of new legislation. They also explore breakthroughs like Anthropic's Claude 4.5 coding co-pilot and the emergence of AI solutions for cybersecurity. Finally, they ponder the potential for AI to reach new levels of reasoning and intelligence, surpassing simple next-word prediction models. The episode concludes with a review of tech giants' strategies and the future intersections of AI and privacy.
00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message
00:18 Welcome to Project Synapse
00:45 The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
01:58 Elon Musk and Grok AI Controversy
05:18 Legal and Ethical Implications of AI
15:42 AI in the Tech Industry
16:50 Microsoft's AI Struggles
19:20 Apple's AI Challenges
30:31 Linux as an Alternative
33:44 New Attack on Microsoft Copilot
33:49 Unexpected AI Vulnerabilities
34:42 The Clever Hack: Asking Twice
34:57 Flaws in AI Security Architecture
38:24 Anthropic's Breakthroughs
40:40 Claude's Superior Coding Capabilities
49:15 Concerns Over AI Privacy and Security
56:03 The Future of AI Models and Tools
01:03:16 Closing Thoughts and Sponsor Message
Duration:01:04:13
AI Hidden Costs - Half A Day A Week Spent Correcting AI Slop
1/16/2026
AI's Hidden Costs & Europe's Open Source Ambitions | Hashtag Trending
In this episode of Hashtag Trending, host Jim Love discusses a Zapier study revealing that while AI boosts productivity, it also has hidden cleanup costs with employees spending significant time correcting AI output. Additionally, Anthropic's new Claude Cowork aims to challenge Microsoft's AI dominance by offering a desktop app for automating office tasks using plain language commands. Lastly, Europe is moving towards open source to enhance digital sovereignty, with the EU launching a strategy to integrate open source solutions across various sectors by 2026. Tune in for in-depth insights on these topics and more.
Hashtag Trending would like to thank Meter for their support in bringing you this podcast. Meter delivers a complete networking stack, wired, wireless and cellular in one integrated solution that's built for performance and scale.
You can find them at Meter.com/htt
00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message
00:46 AI Productivity: Benefits and Hidden Costs
03:18 Anthropic's Claude Co-work: A New AI Workspace
06:23 Europe's Push for Open Source Digital Sovereignty
09:47 Conclusion and Upcoming Events
Duration:00:11:11
Microsoft Promises Data Centres Won'tRaise Your Power Bill.
1/15/2026
Microsoft's Environmental Promises, Lenovo's Hypervisor Solution, and AI Regulations
In this episode of Hashtag Trending, Jim Love discusses Microsoft's commitments to mitigate the impact of its data centres on power bills and water usage, Lenovo's new multi-hypervisor option to combat vendor lock-in, and Nvidia's challenges with US-China AI chip trade. Additionally, he explores the legislative response to AI-generated content controversies and the new Defiance Act aimed at regulating AI technologies.
Hashtag Trending would like to thank Meter for their support in bringing you this podcast. Meter delivers a complete networking stack, wired, wireless and cellular in one integrated solution that's built for performance and scale.
You can find them at Meter.com/htt
00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message
00:45 Microsoft's Data Centre Strategy
03:04 Lenovo's Solution to Hypervisor Lock-In
05:18 Nvidia's AI Chip Sales Controversy
07:09 Grok Backlash and AI Legislation
09:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Duration:00:10:56
ChatGPT Loses Market Share To Google Gemini
1/14/2026
Hashtag Trending: ChatGPT Decline, Google's AI Gains, Healthcare AI Competition, and McKinsey's AI Workforce
In this episode of Hashtag Trending, host Jim Love covers the latest trends in AI and technology. Traffic to ChatGPT has declined by 21% as Google's Gemini gains ground, now accounting for 20% of global chatbot usage. Anthropic targets healthcare with Claude, posing a significant challenge to OpenAI. A viral script to remove Microsoft Copilot from Windows raises security concerns. McKinsey reveals it now employs 25,000 AI agents alongside 40,000 human employees, signaling a major shift in the consulting industry. Tune in for a deep dive into these pressing tech topics and more.
Hashtag Trending would like to thank Meter for their support in bringing you this podcast. Meter delivers a complete networking stack, wired, wireless and cellular in one integrated solution that's built for performance and scale.
You can find them at Meter.com/htt
00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message
00:47 ChatGPT vs. Google Gemini: The AI Showdown
03:43 Anthropic's Claude: A New Player in Healthcare AI
05:46 The Controversy Around Microsoft's Co-pilot
07:42 McKinsey's AI Agents: Redefining Consulting
10:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Duration:00:11:33
Cloudflare May Pull Out Of Olymptics, Apple Partners With Google For Siri Update
1/13/2026
Apple's Partnership with Google for Siri, Google's AI Health Issues, and Cloudflare's Italian Struggle
In this episode of Hashtag Trending, Jim Love discusses Apple's decision to use Google's Gemini AI to power Siri, the Guardian's exposé on the issues with Google's AI health summaries, Cloudflare's potential exit from Italy due to harsh penalties, and Anthropic's views on the existing presence of artificial general intelligence. Additional insights include the implications of these developments on technological integration, regulatory challenges, and the future trajectory of AI.
Hashtag Trending would like to thank Meter for their support in bringing you this podcast. Meter delivers a complete networking stack, wired, wireless and cellular in one integrated solution that's built for performance and scale.
You can find them at Meter.com/htt
00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message
00:55 Apple Partners with Google for Siri Upgrade
03:40 Concerns Over Google's AI Health Summaries
05:51 Cloudflare's Dispute with Italian Regulators
09:25 Anthropic's Perspective on Artificial General Intelligence
12:18 Conclusion and Contact Information
Duration:00:13:35
Space Gets Crowded: China To Launch 200,000 Satellites
1/12/2026
EU Cracks Down on AI Image Scandals | Hashtag Trending
In this episode of Hashtag Trending, host Jim Love dives into the escalating controversy surrounding Grok's AI image generation tool on X, which has sparked international backlash due to the creation of non-consensual sexual images. The podcast covers government reactions, including the EU's order to preserve records, UK condemnations, and Indonesia's ban on X. Additionally, the episode explores Amazon's AI shopping assistant Rufuss, its impact on retail, and the competitive responses from Google, Walmart, Microsoft, and PayPal. Jim also discusses the growing congestion in low Earth orbit with China's ambitious satellite launch plans, and the potential risks smartphones pose during demonstrations. Wrapping up, the episode thanks Meter for their support in delivering robust networking solutions.
00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message
00:51 International Backlash Over Grok's Image Generation Tool
04:54 Amazon's AI Shopping Assistant Shakes Up Retail
08:06 The Crowded Race in Low Earth Orbit
11:33 Cell Phone Safety Tips for Demonstrations
14:38 Conclusion and Sponsor Message
Duration:00:15:35
Project Synapse: AI Backlash
1/10/2026
Hashtag Trending: The AI Hype Curve, Backlash, and Ethical Concerns
In this episode of 'Hashtag Trending,' host Jim Love, along with guests Marcel Ganger and John Pinard, dive into the latest in AI technology and its societal impact. They discuss how the perception of AI has evolved from overwhelming excitement to backlash, highlighting issues like job loss, ethical concerns, and the increasing prevalence of deep fakes and non-consensual AI-generated content. The trio also explores significant updates in AI, the potential pitfalls of ad-supported AI models, and the importance of adopting AI thoughtfully and responsibly. Additionally, they touch on community movements like the resurgence of Clippy and why understanding and experimenting with AI is crucial for everyone. This episode is packed with insights, critiques, and practical advice for navigating the complex world of AI.
Hashtag Trending would like to thank Meter for their support in bringing you this podcast. Meter delivers a complete networking stack, wired, wireless and cellular in one integrated solution that's built for performance and scale.
You can find them at Meter.com/htt
00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message
00:27 Welcoming the New Year
00:59 AI Advancements and Reflections
05:51 The Battle of Titans in AI
08:14 Monetizing AI: Ads and Recommendations
22:00 Open Source and Quality Concerns
28:11 The Hype Curve and AI Backlash
36:26 Supporting a Canadian Company
36:47 Grok and the Rise of Notify Apps
41:12 The Seriousness of Revenge Porn
42:28 Deep Fakes and the Erosion of Trust
50:22 AI's Impact on Society and Consent
58:36 The Future of AI and Social Backlash
01:00:09 The Clippy Revolution
01:01:51 Navigating AI Tools and User Experience
01:08:42 The Importance of Engaging with AI
01:12:17 Final Thoughts and Farewell
Duration:01:14:02
Grok Porn Draws EU Investigation
1/9/2026
EU Investigates Grok, GameStop Closures, Billionaire Taxes, and AI Resistance
In this episode of Hashtag Trending, host Jim Love covers key tech developments: the European Commission's investigation into X's Grok over harmful AI-generated images, GameStop's controversial store closures amidst CEO Ryan Cohen's ambitious $35 billion payday plan, NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang's surprising support for a proposed billionaire tax in California, and the resurgence of Clippy as a protest symbol against intrusive AI features. Plus, insights into how Clippy's ironic comeback reflects growing concerns over the increasing integration of AI in everyday software. Thank you to Meter for supporting this podcast. Tune in for more tech news and analysis!
00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message
00:53 EU Orders X to Preserve Grok Records
03:37 GameStop's Massive Store Closures
06:43 NVIDIA CEO Supports Billionaire Tax
09:37 Clippy: The AI Resistance Symbol
12:18 Conclusion and Sponsor Message
Duration:00:13:32
