
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
AI Actress Generates Huge Backlash
10/2/2025
Windows 11 Updates, Alexa's Big Bet, FCC Leak, and AI in Hollywood
In this episode of Hashtag Trending, host Jim Love discusses Microsoft's removal of a major Windows 11 upgrade roadblock, Amazon's updates and new features for Alexa, a significant FCC leak of iPhone 16 schematics, and the introduction of Hollywood's new AI-generated actress, Tilly Norwood. The episode covers the implications of these developments on both the technology and entertainment industries, highlighting concerns about privacy, security, and the future of human creativity in the face of advancing AI technologies.
00:00 Introduction and Headlines
00:22 Windows 11 Upgrade Roadblock Cleared
01:51 Amazon's Big Bet on Alexa
03:17 FCC Leaks iPhone Schematics
04:42 AI Actress Shakes Up Hollywood
06:08 Conclusion and Contact Information
Duration:00:06:44
Anthropic's Claude Sonnet 4.5 Tackles The Challenges Of Coding
10/1/2025
Anthropic's Breakthrough AI, California's Landmark AI Law, and China's Robot Revolution
In this episode of Hashtag Trending, host Jim Love discusses Anthropic's release of Claude Sonnet 4.5, which can operate independently for hours, remembering tasks and juggling multiple tools. Additionally, California's Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a new AI law requiring tech giants to publish safety reports, while exempting smaller startups. The episode also covers China's dominance in industrial robots, a result of deliberate industrial policy, outpacing the US and Canada. Lastly, Nvidia's strategic moves to maintain its lead in AI chip development are highlighted, including Jensen Huang's tactical partnerships with companies like OpenAI.
00:00 Introduction and Headlines
00:32 Anthropic's Claude Sonnet 4.5: A New Era in AI
02:38 California's Landmark AI Safety Law
04:22 China's Dominance in Industrial Robots
06:04 Nvidia's Strategic Moves in the AI Chip Market
07:36 Conclusion and Listener Engagement
Duration:00:08:16
AI Shopping Is Here
9/30/2025
AI Shopping, Starlink Speed Boosts, and Nvidia's Determination in China
This episode of 'Hashtag Trending,' hosted by Jim Love, covers several tech updates and trends. Starlink gains approval from the FCC to increase transmit power, potentially boosting internet speeds and stability. OpenAI integrates instant checkout capabilities in ChatGPT, partnering with Etsy and Shopify, while Google explores monetizing AI-driven shopping. Nvidia's CEO, Jensen Huang, remains determined to tap into the Chinese market despite challenges. Google Home is set for a revamp with new AI integration via the Gemini platform, aiming for a resurgence in the smart home market. The episode concludes with insights into how AI research on creativity might provide a deeper understanding of human cognitive processes.
00:00 Starlink Gets a Boost in Speed
01:40 AI Shopping Revolution: OpenAI and Google
05:15 NVIDIA's Determination in China
06:50 Google Home's AI-Powered Reboot
08:09 AI and Creativity: What We Can Learn
10:45 Conclusion and Personal Notes
Duration:00:11:40
20 CEOs Say AI Will Cost Jobs
9/29/2025
AI's Impact on Jobs, Humanoid Robots, and Canada's Tech Talent Strategy
In this episode of Hashtag Trending, host Jim Love discusses the complex relationship between AI and job markets as highlighted by 20 CEOs. The episode also covers Accenture's significant job cuts and AI mandates, insights from robotics expert Rodney Brooks on the feasibility of humanoid robots, and Canada's potential to attract top tech talent amidst changing U.S. visa policies. Tune in for a deep dive into these pressing technology trends and their broader implications.
00:00 Introduction: AI's Impact on Jobs
00:38 CEO Insights on AI and Job Market
03:01 Accenture's AI-Driven Transformation
04:33 Humanoid Robots: Reality vs. Fantasy
06:56 Canada's Tech Talent Strategy
08:51 Conclusion and Show Wrap-Up
Duration:00:09:38
From Graphics To AGI - A Wide Ranging Discussion
9/27/2025
Exploring AI Innovations and Ethical Dilemmas
In this episode of Project Synapse, hosts Jim Love, Marcel Gagne, and John Pinard discuss the evolving landscape of AI technology, including the new WAN 2.5 model from Alibaba and video generation capabilities in comparison to VEO3 from Google. They explore the potential dangers and ethical considerations associated with AI, touching on insights from recent literature on artificial superintelligence. The conversation also delves into productivity tools and personal AI innovations, such as Matthew McConaughey's vision of a personal AI assistant, while evaluating current offerings like Google's Gemini and OpenAI's Pulse. The hosts shed light on the importance of safeguarding data privacy and personalizing AI interfaces to improve user experiences. They conclude with an announcement about Jim's new audiobook release, 'Elisa, a Tale of Quantum Kisses.'
00:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks
00:32 Alibaba's WAN 2.5 Model
03:42 Challenges with AI Image Generators
06:34 AI's Role in Content Creation
15:19 Debating Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)
25:41 AI Safety and Ethical Concerns
37:22 Exploring AI's Desire and Survival Instincts
39:41 The Nature of AI Programming and Behavior
48:30 AI's Role in Research and Data Accuracy
53:14 Personalized AI: Matthew McConaughey's Vision
56:40 The Future of AI in Personal and Corporate Use
01:08:02 The Battle for AI Dominance
01:13:16 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Duration:01:14:58
Sam Altman Redefines AGI
9/26/2025
Sam Altman Redefines AGI, Google's Unified OS, and Windows 10 Updates: Hashtag Trending
In this episode of Hashtag Trending, Jim Love discusses Sam Altman's new definition of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) during an event in Berlin, Google's progress on a unified OS for Android and PC, and the extension of Windows 10 support in Europe. Additionally, the return of the Commodore 64 and its impressive sales, and Bill Gates' acknowledgment of the contribution of Indian engineers to Microsoft's early success are covered. Don't miss out on the latest tech trends and stories! Also, get the latest on Elisa, Jim Love's new sci-fi audiobook.
00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message
00:39 Sam Altman and the New Definition of AGI
03:49 Google's Unified Android for PC
05:00 Windows 10 Extended Support in Europe
06:35 Commodore 64's Comeback
08:03 Bill Gates on Indian Engineers at Microsoft
09:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Duration:00:10:22
AI Work Slop - Dragging Down Productivity And Morale
9/25/2025
AI's Impact on Work Quality, Google's Legal Battles, and Global Shifts in Tech
In this episode of Hashtag Trending, host Jim Love covers a range of significant tech topics. The episode opens with a promotion for the new audiobook 'Elisa, A Tale of Quantum Kisses.' The main segments include a study on 'work slop,' AI-generated work that appears polished but lacks substance, Google's ongoing legal issues concerning its advertising monopoly, and India's push towards self-reliance in tech with Zoho challenging Microsoft. Additionally, there's a discussion on a new book warning about the existential risks of superintelligent AI. The episode concludes with a reminder to support the audiobook while emphasizing the importance of meaningful, non-AI-generated content.
00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message
00:45 The Rise of Work Slop AI
03:15 Google's Antitrust Battle
06:00 India's Push for Self-Reliance in Tech
07:15 The Existential Risk of Super Intelligent AI
08:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Duration:00:09:22
Microsoft Working On A Publisher Network, Canadian and US Employees Not Ready For AI - And More...
9/24/2025
The Future of AI Publishing & Cybersecurity Trends | Hashtag Trending with Jim Love
In this episode of #Trending, host Jim Love discusses key developments in AI and cybersecurity. Microsoft is working on a publisher content marketplace to compensate content creators, and a global survey reveals varying levels of AI-readiness among countries, with workers in developing nations feeling more prepared. A new startup, Unit 221B, is making strides in cybersecurity by targeting advanced persistent teenage hackers. Plus, hear more about Jim Love's new audiobook 'Elisa,' available on major platforms. Join us for these stories and more insights.
00:00 Introduction and Book Promotion
00:34 Microsoft's AI Marketplace Initiative
02:35 Global Readiness for AI in the Workplace
05:17 Unit 221B: Tackling Cybersecurity Threats
07:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Duration:00:08:32
Judges Slam Lawyers For Phoney ChatGPT Documents
9/23/2025
Hashtag Trending: Nvidia's Massive Investment in OpenAI, AI Job Disruptions, Legal Missteps with AI, and Microsoft’s Surprising Choice for Coding
In this episode of Hashtag Trending, host Jim Love reports on various critical events and developments in the tech world. Key topics include a cyber attack affecting European airports and a physical disruption in the US, both revealing weaknesses in aging aviation systems. Nvidia announces a $100 billion investment in OpenAI, raising questions about its benefits. Legal professionals increasingly cite fake AI-generated cases, with significant penalties from courts. OpenAI's Sam Altman predicts customer service jobs will be the first to fall to AI, leading to significant job market shifts. Lastly, Microsoft surprises by choosing Anthropic’s Claude over OpenAI’s GPT-4 for its GitHub Copilot coding tasks, despite a substantial investment in OpenAI. The episode underscores the rapid, sometimes chaotic, advancements in AI and their broad impacts.
00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message
01:05 Air Travel Chaos: Cyber Attacks and Aging Infrastructure
03:14 Nvidia's Massive Investment in OpenAI
07:28 AI Hallucinations in Legal Cases
10:34 The Future of Customer Service Jobs and AI
13:43 Microsoft's Surprising Choice for GitHub Copilot
16:31 Conclusion and Listener Engagement
Duration:00:17:27
Slack Hits Not For Profit With Surprise 50,000 Dollar Charge
9/22/2025
Controversial Moves by Slack, US Visa Policy, and AI's Inevitable Flaws
In today's episode, Jim Love covers several major tech industry stories. Slack demands $50,000 from a nonprofit organization, the US introduces a hefty H1B visa fee that may push jobs offshore, and OpenAI admits AI hallucinations are unavoidable. Jim also delves into the controversy surrounding who controls what we see online. Finally, he announces the release of his audiobook, 'Elisa, A Tale of Quantum Kisses.' Tune in for insightful commentary on these pressing issues.
00:00 Introduction and Headlines
00:29 Slack's $50,000 Ultimatum to Nonprofit
02:53 Impact of New H1B Visa Fees
06:00 OpenAI Admits AI Hallucinations
08:49 Debate Over Social Media Control
12:18 Conclusion and Personal Announcement
Duration:00:13:51
Interview With The Godfather Of Zero Trust
9/20/2025
Zero Trust: The Future of Cybersecurity with John Kindervag
In this episode, Jim Love brings in John Kindervag, a globally recognized cybersecurity expert and the 'Godfather of Zero Trust,' to discuss the fundamentals and evolution of the Zero Trust model. With over 25 years of experience, John shares his journey from installing firewalls to pioneering the Zero Trust model during his time at Forrester Research. He explains the Five-Step Methodology for implementing Zero Trust and touches on the pivotal role policies play in cybersecurity. The discussion also covers the cultural and strategic aspects of cybersecurity, offering insights for both beginners and seasoned professionals. Tune in for an engaging conversation that dives deep into protecting your organization's critical assets.
00:00 Introduction and Replay Announcement
00:43 Cybersecurity Today: Weekend Edition
01:44 Meet John Kindervag: The Godfather of Zero Trust
02:08 The Birth of Zero Trust
04:31 Forrester Research and Zero Trust Development
08:30 Implementing Zero Trust: Challenges and Successes
17:50 Risk vs. Danger in Cybersecurity
26:05 Cultural Issues in Cybersecurity
31:01 Farmers and Technology
32:06 The Importance of IT in Business
32:44 Introduction to Zero Trust Methodology
32:59 Five Steps to Implement Zero Trust
33:32 Mapping Transaction Flows
34:43 Custom Architecture for Zero Trust
35:13 Defining Policies with the Kipling Method
36:22 Monitoring and Maintaining Zero Trust
39:05 Challenges and Success Stories in Zero Trust
42:20 Microsegmentation and Protect Surfaces
45:57 AI and Zero Trust
49:40 Advice for Implementing Zero Trust
53:48 Decision-Making and Leadership in Cybersecurity
57:37 The Future of Zero Trust
59:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Duration:01:00:00
Reflections and Studies on Artificial Intelligence
9/19/2025
AI Usage Trends: Insights from Recent Studies and Real Conversations
In this episode, host Jim Love reflects on two recent studies about AI usage. The first study by Harvard Business Review and Qualtrics identifies top uses for AI, emphasizing personal applications like companionship and life organization. The second study by the National Bureau of Economic Research examines actual ChatGPT interactions, revealing a significant rise in non-work-related use. The episode discusses the disparities between perceived and actual AI usage and explores the potential economic and societal impacts of AI, including differing views on its effect on the workforce.
00:00 Introduction and Host's Personal Note
00:19 Reflections on AI Studies
00:27 Harvard Business Review Study Insights
01:25 National Bureau of Economic Research Study Insights
02:06 ChatGPT Usage Statistics
02:55 Demographics and Usage Patterns
03:27 Work vs. Non-Work Usage
04:03 Categories of ChatGPT Use
05:32 Contrasting Studies and Real-World Impact
06:31 Economic Impact and Future Speculations
08:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Duration:00:08:48
TikTok Might Be Sold
9/18/2025
US Tech Transformations: TikTok Sale, AI in Congress, and Amazon's Workforce Investments
In this episode of #Trending, Jim Love explores significant changes in the tech industry: TikTok's US operations will shift to an American-owned company led by Oracle, with the US government having a direct board presence; the US House of Representatives is adopting Microsoft's Co-pilot AI to enhance efficiency; Penske Media is suing Google over AI-generated summaries that impact web traffic; China retaliates against the US chip ban with its own AI processor advancements; and Amazon invests $1 billion to raise wages and reduce healthcare costs for its US workers.
00:00 Introduction and Headlines
00:32 TikTok's US Operations Restructure
01:49 US Congress Adopts AI with Microsoft's Copilot
03:11 Rolling Stone Owner Sues Google Over AI Summaries
04:47 US Chip Ban Backfires as China Advances in AI
05:57 Amazon Invests $1 Billion in US Workforce
06:49 Conclusion and Call to Action
Duration:00:07:40
Google Gemini Overtakes ChatGPT With Nano Banana
9/17/2025
Google Gemini Overtakes ChatGPT and Breakthroughs in Quantum Vaccine Research
In this episode of Hashtag Trending, host Jim Love discusses Google's Gemini overtaking ChatGPT as the most downloaded free app, driven by its Nano Banana feature for photo editing. Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan are accelerating vaccine design using quantum computing, aiming to predict effective vaccine components. OpenAI hires Elon Musk's former CFO amidst their ongoing rivalry, signaling strategic moves in capital and compute resource management. Additionally, Apple, Google, and Meta are developing real-time universal translation tools, promising a future of seamless communication across languages.
00:00 Introduction and Headlines
00:31 Google Gemini's Rise to Fame
02:47 Quantum Computing in Vaccine Design
04:49 OpenAI's Strategic Hire Amid Rivalry
06:27 The Race for Universal Translators
08:01 Conclusion and Call to Action
Duration:00:08:59
Zuckerberg's School For Poor Children Forced To Shut Down For Lack Of Funding
9/16/2025
Starlink Outage, Fiverr Layoffs, and School Closure: Major Tech News Insights
In this episode, host Jim Love discusses Starlink's second major global outage impacting tens of thousands of users, Fiverr's decision to lay off 30% of its workforce as it transitions to an AI-first strategy, and the closure of a primary school founded by Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan due to financial troubles. The episode highlights concerns about dependency on a single satellite service, the impact of AI on the gig economy, and the fragility of philanthropy dependent on billionaire funding. Tune in for detailed insights into these significant tech industry developments.
00:00 Introduction and Headlines
00:20 Starlink's Global Outage
01:51 Fiverr's AI Transformation
03:14 Zuckerberg's School Closure
04:47 Conclusion and Call to Action
Duration:00:05:38
Elon Musk Predicts Universal HIGH Income To Compensate For Job Losses
9/15/2025
Elon Musk on AI-Driven Universal Income, Microsoft Unbundles Teams, and Apple Eyes 5G from the Skies
In this episode of #Trending, host Jim Love covers a range of tech topics. Elon Musk's predictions about AI and universal high income are met with skepticism, and Microsoft agrees to unbundle Teams from Office globally after an EU antitrust deal. Apple explores 5G coverage from high-altitude drones, while promising developments in 6G technology emerge. Meanwhile, OpenAI faces tensions over its restructuring plans, which could hold significant implications for the tech industry and regulatory landscape.
00:00 Elon Musk's Bold AI Predictions
02:14 Microsoft's EU Antitrust Deal
03:25 Apple's 5G from the Skies
04:55 OpenAI's Restructuring Tensions
06:56 Show Wrap-Up and Listener Engagement
Duration:00:07:57
Why AI Isn't Getting the Benefits It Should: Project Synapse
9/13/2025
Harnessing AI: From Improving Code to Tackling Real-World Problems - Episode Highlights
In this engaging episode of Hashtag Trending Project Synapse, our panel discusses the multitude of ways AI is being implemented today. Hosts John Pinard, Marcel Ganger, and Jim Love explore topics from AI's role in therapy and companionship, generating code, improving organizational tasks, to the use of AI in everyday life such as cooking and learning. They delve into the challenges faced by companies in measuring the financial benefits of AI, emphasize the importance of treating AI as a coworker rather than just a tool, and highlight real-world use cases like generating menus for a small-town restaurant. This episode is packed with insights, practical advice, and suggestions for harnessing AI to solve both complex and mundane problems in innovative ways.
00:00 Introduction and Panel Welcome
00:15 Challenges and Misconceptions of AI Implementation
01:16 Personal Experience with AI in Content Creation
05:26 The Two Camps of AI Utilization
07:08 Financial Benefits and Productivity Gains
07:59 The Importance of Quality Over Financial Metrics
11:44 Sales and Marketing in the Age of AI
20:28 Implementing AI: Practical Steps and Real-World Examples
24:30 The Role of AI in Business Strategy
29:15 Overcoming Resistance to AI Adoption
33:39 Incremental Improvements and Problem Solving with AI
36:41 AI as a Tool and Coworker
38:08 AI in Programming: Productivity and Collaboration
40:35 The Role of AI in Debugging and Problem Solving
45:04 AI's Impact on Learning and Everyday Tasks
47:43 Top Uses of AI in 2025
58:59 Challenges and Solutions in AI Implementation
01:07:25 Concluding Thoughts and Future Directions
Duration:01:08:41
Tim Berners-Lee Says "Outlaw Addictive Algorithms"
9/12/2025
Tim Berners-Lee's Call to Ban Addictive Algorithms & The Future of Tesla
In this episode of Hashtag Trending, host Jim Love discusses Tim Berners-Lee’s call to ban addictive algorithms designed to keep users hooked. We also delve into the mystery behind bricking SSDs after a Windows update, the potential shift in Tesla's focus from cars to autonomy under Elon Musk, and a new study identifying 32 ways AI could malfunction. Additionally, we touch upon the latest moves by Musk's Starlink to become a global mobile carrier and the broader implications of AI advancements. Don't miss these key tech updates!
00:00 Introduction and Headlines
00:26 Tim Berners-Lee on Addictive Algorithms
01:39 Mystery of the Bricking SSDs Solved
03:25 Elon Musk's Shifting Focus from Cars to Autonomy
04:32 Starlink's Ambitious Expansion Plans
05:55 AI Risks and Future Prospects
07:28 Show Wrap-Up and Contact Information
Duration:00:08:19
The Dead Internet Theory Returns
9/11/2025
Microsoft's Return to Office, ICE's Spyware Resurgence, and Cohere’s Canadian AI Ambitions
In this episode, host Jim Love discusses Microsoft's new return-to-office policy, requiring employees within 50 miles of an office to work in-person three days a week, citing internal data on the benefits of face-to-face collaboration, especially in AI teams. The episode also covers the reactivation of a $2 million contract between the Trump administration and Paragon Solutions, allowing ICE to use the controversial Graphite spyware domestically. The script highlights Canadian AI company Cohere's progress, including significant funding, strategic hires, and strong revenue growth, while maintaining its roots in Toronto. Lastly, Love revisits the 'Dead Internet Theory,' suggesting the rise of bots and AI-generated content could be shifting the internet from a space of active interaction to one of passive consumption.
00:00 Introduction and Overview
00:22 Microsoft's Return to Office Policy
01:49 Controversial ICE Contract Reactivation
03:06 Cohere's Canadian AI Success Story
05:01 The Dead Internet Theory Revisited
07:24 Conclusion and Viewer Engagement
Duration:00:07:43
Europe's Challenge to Starlink, China Takes the Lead in Quantum and More
9/10/2025
Finland's ReOrbit Challenge to Starlink, Quantum Computing Breakthroughs, and Apple's Underwhelming Fall Event
In this episode, host Jim Love covers a range of tech news starting with Finland's ReOrbit raising 45 million Euros to offer sovereign satellite solutions as an alternative to Starlink. Google opens its Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) to rival cloud providers, making a strategic move to challenge Nvidia's dominance. China's University of Science and Technology sets a new benchmark in quantum computing with its 105-qubit Ganji 3.0 processor. Meanwhile, the $1.5 billion US copyright deal involving Anthropic faces a legal setback. Lastly, Jim discusses Apple's fall showcase, highlighting the new iPhone 17 and other products, noting a sense of diminishing excitement around Apple's recent announcements.
00:00 Introduction and Headlines
00:35 ReOrbit's Record-Breaking Funding
02:29 Google's TPU Expansion
04:22 China's Quantum Computing Breakthrough
07:22 Anthropic Copyright Deal Hits a Snag
08:18 Apple's Underwhelming Fall Event
10:06 Conclusion and Announcements
Duration:00:11:07