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TalkCentral

Technology Podcasts

Your hosts Duncan McLeod and Regardt van der Berg talk about all things technology, local and international.

Location:

Johannesburg, South Africa

Description:

Your hosts Duncan McLeod and Regardt van der Berg talk about all things technology, local and international.

Twitter:

@techcentral

Language:

English

Contact:

+27117920449


Episodes
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TalkCentral: Ep 273 - 'What would Picard do?'

4/19/2020
Against all expectations, your hosts Duncan McLeod and Regardt van der Berg are back for another lockdown episode of TalkCentral. On the podcast this week: why e-commerce companies should be allowed to trade on an unfettered basis; why the hard lockdown needs to end on 30 April; and the interesting dynamics of Icasa's emergency temporary spectrum allocation. Also this week, Duncan and Regardt discuss the new iPhone SE from Apple and chat about Star Trek Picard. Duncan's pick this week is Just Cause 4 (currently free in the Epic Games store), and Regardt has picked a new pair of Logitech over-ear headphones. Podcast website

Duration:00:52:44

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TalkCentral: Ep 272 - 'The final episode?'

4/9/2020
TalkCentral is back for what may be the final episode of the long-running podcast. Duncan McLeod and Regardt van der Berg catch up on the latest technology news, including the suspension of communications minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams as well as the national lockdown and what happens next. Other topics covered include the best TV shows watch and games to play during the lockdown and the upcoming Microsoft Flight Simulator. Podcast website

Duration:00:58:57

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TalkCentral: Ep 271 - 'Pro to the power of Max'

9/15/2019
In the podcast this week, Duncan McLeod and Regardt van der Berg unpack Apple's big keynote, looking at everything from the new iPhones to the surprise price of the company's new Netflix competitor. Also this week, a preview of Blue Label Telecoms' and Cell C's results, a look at USB 4 and news on Microsoft's upcoming update to the Flight Simulator franchise. Watch or listen to the show to find out who's been picked as winner and loser of the week. Duncan's picks this week are Vivaldi for Android and Offline Survival Manual for Android, while Regardt has chosen a Wi-Fi smart bulb. Join us on Sundays on YouTube at 1pm at youtube.com/techcentral. Podcast website

Duration:01:04:13

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TalkCentral: Ep 270 - 'Fourways in, no ways out'

9/1/2019
General chaos ensues on the podcast this week as Duncan McLeod and Regardt van der Berg are joined by Louis Du Pisani, the CEO of the company behind the South African videogame Boet Fighter. Du Pisani talks about what's involved in developing an indie game in South Africa and the background to Boet Fighter - and he reveals the game's (probable) release date. Also on the show this week (and in between the chaos): Cell C pulls the plug on wholesale fixed LTE, Huawei's Mate 30 Pro won't have Google apps and Toyota's plan to put a Wi-Fi hotpot in all its new vehicles. Regardt's pick this week has something to do with cooking, while Louis has picked a box of rewritable compact discs. Join us live on Sundays at 1pm on YouTube at youtube.com/techcentral. Podcast website

Duration:01:11:52

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TalkCentral: Ep 269 - 'Attack of the tardigrades'

8/18/2019
In the podcast this week, Duncan McLeod and Regardt van der Berg chat about the week's big technology news, including fresh details on Huawei's HarmonyOS and how criminals are destroying South Africa's mobile infrastructure. Also this week, Samsung's Galaxy Note10, Vodacom wants to switch off its 2G network and thousands of tardigrades have crash-landed on the moon. Listen to the show to find out who's been picked as winner and loser of the week. Regardt's pick this week is a cheapie Bluetooth car receiver, while Duncan has chosen Pieter du Toit's book The Stellenbosch Mafia. Catch us live on YouTube on Sundays at 1pm at youtube.com/techcentral. Podcast website

Duration:01:00:00

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TalkCentral: Ep 268 - 'Putsonderfibre'

8/4/2019
In the podcast this week, Duncan McLeod and Regardt van der Berg chat about Telkom's plan to kill off copper - and that means DSL. Is this a good thing or not, and what does it mean for those who can't get fibre? Also this week, Honor wants to be a major brand in smartphones, Mark Barnes quits the Post Office, Microsoft spends big in its fight against Twitch and Facebook really wants you to know it owns WhatsApp and Instagram. Listen to the show to find out who's been picked as winner and loser of the week. Regardt's pick this week is Lego's new Hidden Side sets, while Duncan has chosen the Honor 20 Pro smartphone. Join us live on YouTube on Sundays at 1pm at youtube.com/techcentral. Podcast website

Duration:00:56:14

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TalkCentral: Ep 267 - 'Only a decade late'

7/28/2019
On TalkCentral this week, Duncan McLeod and Regardt van der Berg talk about government's spectrum policy direction to communications regulator Icasa. Also this week, a new Windows 10 start menu may be coming, Apple's acquisition of Intel's cellular modem business and City Power's ransomware attack. Listen to the show to find out who's been picked as winner and loser of the week. Regardt's pick this week is Showmax's sports offering, while Duncan has chosen the LG G8S ThinQ. Podcast website

Duration:01:05:36

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TalkCentral: Ep 265 - 'Sorry, Bill, it's all Linux now'

7/7/2019
In the podcast this week, Duncan McLeod and Regardt van der Berg chat about the woes at Econet Media and what they might mean for the launch of Kwese Free TV in South Africa. Also on the show this week, Bill Gates regrets losing to Google's Android, Google's and Facebook's plans to build new African subsea cables, and President Cyril Ramaphosa very publicly backs Huawei as US/China trade tensions continue to bubble. Regardt's pick this week is My Best Friend Pedro, while Duncan has chosen the Rodecaster Pro from Rode. Listen to the show to find out who's been chosen as winner and loser of the week. WhatsApp the show on +27719991111. Join us live at 1pm on Sundays on YouTube - hit the subscribe button to be alerted when were are live on air. Podcast website

Duration:01:05:38

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TalkCentral: Ep 264 - 'Jobs axe swings at MultiChoice'

6/23/2019
In the podcast this week, Duncan McLeod and Regardt van der Berg chat about the looming layoffs at MultiChoice and what precipitated the move. Also this week, Naspers names its new European-listed Internet giant Prosus, bitcoin goes ballistic and - not unrelated - Facebook take the wraps off libra. Plus, Cyril has a dream! Listen to the show to find out who's been picked as winner and loser of the week. Regardt's pick this week is Mario Royale, while Duncan has chosen the credit score-checking app TymeCoach. WhatsApp the show on 071 999 1111 and please subscribe to our channel on YouTube at youtube.com/techcentral. Podcast website

Duration:00:59:53

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TalkCentral: Ep 263 - 'Attack of the abbreviations'

6/16/2019
In the podcast this week, Duncan McLeod and Regardt van der Berg discuss the new department of communications & digital technologies - is it more of the same, or will it be the "department of action"? Also this week, Huawei's foldable phone is delayed (and it's not Donald Trump's fault); Showmax to offer live-streamed sport; and Asus's amazing new ZenBook Pro Duo. Listen to the show to find out who's been picked as winner and loser of the week. Regardt's pick this week is the new Dropbox, while Duncan has picked the mini series Chernobyl. You can send a WhatsApp to the show on 0719991111. And please consider subscribing to our YouTube channel. Podcast website

Duration:00:49:48

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TalkCentral: Ep 262 - 'Return of the cheese grater'

6/9/2019
In this episode of the podcast, Duncan McLeod and Regardt van der Berg chat about the big announcements from Apple's developer conference, including the new Mac Pro, dark mode in iOS and the great features in the new iPadOS. Also in the show this week, the latest in the Huawei debacle and the great South African bank branch massacre. Listen to the show to find out who's been chosen as winner and loser of the week. Regardt's pick this week is the 512GB Gammix S11 Pro NVMe M.2 drive, while Duncan has chosen Apple's iPadOS. Podcast website

Duration:01:03:48

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TalkCentral: Ep 261 - 'Techpocalypse'

5/26/2019
In the podcast this week, Duncan McLeod and Regardt van der Berg unpack the developments around Huawei and what they might mean for the future of the company and smartphones as we know them. Also on the show, Facebook's plan to launch a cryptocurrency, a preview of Telkom's full-year results and the latest feature update to Windows 10. Plus, are your headphones spying on you? Watch or listen to the show to find out who's been picked as winner and loser of the week. Regardt's pick this week is the Nokia 105 feature phone, while Duncan has chosen the air-quality app AirVisual. Podcast website

Duration:01:05:50

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TalkCentral: Ep 260 - 'Angry (about) Wasps'

5/19/2019
In the podcast this week, Duncan McLeod and Regardt van der Berg discuss MTN's decision to back down, under consumer pressure, over its plan to introduce an opt-out-only out-of-bundle service. Also this week, Donald Trump's war on Huawei; Naspers told it can't buy WeBuyCars; and the big WhatsApp exploit. Listen to or watch the show to find out who's been picked as winner and loser of the week. Duncan's pick this week is 4K Video Downloader, while Regardt has chosen a new super-light laptop from Asus. Podcast website

Duration:00:52:51

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TalkCentral: Ep 259 - 'It's bitcoin, beaches!'

5/12/2019
In the podcast this week, Duncan McLeod and Regardt van der Berg chat about the astonishing comeback of bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. What's driving it? And what happens next? Also on the show this week, Duncan talks about telecommunications in Mauritius; Regardt reflects on Google's I/O conference; Duncan explains why he unsubscribed from Spotify (reluctantly); and who will be the next minister of communications. Listen to the show to find out who's been picked as winner and loser of the week. Regardt's pick this week is Avengers: Endgame, while Duncan has chosen Netflix original movie The Highwaymen. Podcast website

Duration:00:49:42

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TalkCentral: Ep 258 - 'Takealot gets physical'

5/5/2019
In the podcast this week, Duncan McLeod and Regardt van der Berg discuss Takealot's decision to open a flagship customer collections centre in Midrand and two dozen other pick-up points around the country. What does it say about the future of e-commerce in South Africa and why, in Duncan's view, does it make eminent sense? Also on the show this week, MTN hires some heavy hitters; Netflix gets serious about audio; and Icasa has a fight with the communications minister. Listen to the show to find out who's been picked as winner and loser of the week. Regardt's pick this week is unsplash.com, while Duncan has chosen Angry Birds AR: Isle of Pigs. Podcast website

Duration:00:47:12

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TalkCentral: Ep 257 - 'Breaking the Fold'

4/22/2019
In this episode of the podcast, Duncan McLeod and Regardt van der Berg take to YouTube for their first-ever live video discussion to talk about Samsung's breaking Galaxy Fold smartphone. What do Samsung's problems mean for the future of foldable phones - and will anyone buy a Fold in light of the problems experienced by early reviewers? Also on the show this week, there's plenty of news in the world of consoles; BBM is dead; and Apple and Qualcomm smoke the peace pipe. Listen to the show to find out who's been picked as winner and loser of the week. Duncan's technology pick is the Sony WH-1000XM3 over-ear Bluetooth headphones, while Regardt doesn't have a pick this week. WhatsApp the show on 0719991111 - voice notes may be used on air. Apologies for the slightly poorer audio quality in this week's episode - it will be back to normal in our next show. Podcast website

Duration:00:52:27

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TalkCentral: Ep 256 - 'Bitcoin's back, baby'

4/7/2019
On the podcast this week, Duncan McLeod and Regardt van der Berg chat about the sudden surge in the value of bitcoin. Also this week, Huawei launched the P30 series in South Africa; Apple's iPad turns nine; and the meaning behind The Matrix's green "falling rain" code. Listen to the show to find out who's been picked as winner and loser of the week. Regardt's pick this week is the Romoss Sense8+ 30 000mAh power bank, while Duncan has chosen DStv Now. Our song this week is Placebo's Every You and Every Me. WhatsApp the show on 0719991111 - voice notes might be replayed on the show. Podcast website

Duration:00:52:55

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TalkCentral: Ep 255 - 'Services, services, services'

3/31/2019
On the TalkCentral podcast this week, Duncan McLeod and Regardt van der Berg unpack Apple's big services event and wonder if the company has done enough to be a meaningful competitor to Netflix. Also on the show, they look at why EOH's share price continues to plumb new depths; the likely impact of the resignation of Setumo Mohapi as CEO of the State IT Agency; and why MTN's bosses are rolling in the riches and whether it's justified. Listen to the show to find out who's been picked as winner and loser of the week. Regardt's pick this week is the US$4 000 Acer Predator Triton 900, while Duncan has picked the weather apps Ventusky and Windy. Remember, you can WhatsApp the show. The number to use is 0719991111. Podcast website

Duration:00:55:46

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TalkCentral: Ep 254 - 'Ad-free YouTube'

3/24/2019
On TalkCentral this week, Duncan McLeod and Regardt van der Berg unpack the South African launch of YouTube Premium and YouTube Music. What does it mean for Spotify? Are users prepared to pay for an ad-free YouTube experience? Will it grow the streaming market in South Africa? Also this week, the hosts discuss Google's planned Stadia videogame streaming service; Kwese Free TV's plan to take on e.tv and the SABC in free-to-air television; and Microsoft's decision to develop antivirus software for Macs. Plus, we've had hands-on time with Huawei's new Mate X foldable smartphone and give our views on it. And we preview Apple's big services keynote, happening on Monday evening South African time. What can we expect? Listen to the show to find out who's been chosen as winner and loser of the week. Duncan's pick this week is the EskomSePush app, while Regardt has chosen Romoss's WF02 wireless charger. Podcast website

Duration:01:06:44

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TalkCentral: Ep 253 - 'Ripley, believe it or not'

3/3/2019
In this episode of the podcast, Duncan McLeod and Regardt van der Berg chat about some of the consumer electronics highlights from MWC 2019, including Huawei's foldable phone and Energizer's insane battery phone. Also on the show this week, Vodacom fumbles the ball; Blue Label Telecoms' rough week; and another streaming video service launched in South Africa. Listen to the show to find out who's been picked as winner and loser of the week. Regardt's pick this week is AOC's 24-inch curved gaming monitor, while Duncan has chosen Showmax original The Girl from St Agnes. Remember, you can WhatsApp the show. The number to use is 0719991111. Podcast website

Duration:01:00:14