by PLUGHITZ Live
Hosted by Scott Ertz and Avram Piltch, F5 Live: Refreshing Technology is a livecast covering the worlds of gadgets, gaming, internet, and media. Each weekly show airs live on Sunday nights at 9p eastern time at http://www.f5live.tv/joinus, allowing the audience to chat with the hosts live on the air and ask questions about the topics discussed on the show. After each episode goes off the air, the audio and video are then uploaded and are available for download through any number of services by Monday morning. The crew also travels the country to cover special events and conventions from the International CES to Star Wars: Celebration. Special shows air throughout the week of the events and can be found in this feed as well as the PLUGHITZ Live Special Events feed. F5 Live: Refreshing Technology is a proud member of the Tech Podcast Network and is part of the PLUGHITZ Live Family. For more information, inquiries or if you'd like to have F5 Live appear, cover or produce content at your event, please visit http://www.f5live.tv or reach out to [email protected].
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
8/17/2014
Email Addresses
1 available
Phone Numbers
0 available
April 13, 2025
Scott Ertz and Avram Piltch discuss the rising costs and vulnerabilities in technology, offering insights into the latest trends and concerns in the industry
March 23, 2025
<section class="EpisodeSegment"><header><h2>Description</h2></header><p>This week, DoorDash offers Buy Now Pay Later, Xbox leaks a new UI feature, Google sues scammers, and a new AI copyright ruling is shaping the tech landscape.</p></section><section class="EpisodeSegment"><header><h2>Participants</h2></header><article class="EpisodeTopic"><header><h3><a href="https://plughitzlive.com/staff/1-scott-ertz.html">Scott Ertz</a></h3><h4>Host</h4></header><p>Scott is a developer who has worked on projects of varying sizes, including all of the PLUGHITZ Corporation properties. He is also known in the gaming world for his time supporting the rhythm game community, through DDRLover and hosting tournaments throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Currently, when he is not working on software projects or hosting F5 Live: Refreshing Technology, Scott can often be found returning to his high school days working with the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), mentoring teams and helping with ROBOTICON Tampa Bay. He has also helped found a student software learning group, the ASCII Warriors, currently housed at AMRoC Fab Lab.</p></article><article class="EpisodeTopic"><header><h3><a href="https://plughitzlive.com/staff/15-avram-piltch.html">Avram Piltch</a></h3><h4>Host</h4></header><p>Avram's been in love with PCs since he played original Castle Wolfenstein on an Apple II+. Before joining Tom's Hardware, for 10 years, he served as Online Editorial Director for sister sites Tom's Guide and Laptop Mag, where he programmed the CMS and many of the benchmarks. When he's not editing, writing or stumbling around trade show halls, you'll find him building Arduino robots with his son and watching every single superhero show on the CW.</p></article></section><section class="EpisodeSegment"><header><h2>Opening</h2><h4>Powered by <a href="http://teknoaxe.com" target="_blank">TeknoAXE</a></h4></header></section><section class="EpisodeSegment"><header><h2>Nifty Gifties</h2><h4>Powered by <a href="http://f5live.tv/microsoft" target="_blank">Microsoft Store</a></h4></header><article class="EpisodeTopic"><header><h3><a href="https://plughitzlive.com/theupstream/3965-doordashs-buy-now-pay-later-option-a-convenience-or-a-conundrum.html">DoorDash's "Buy Now, Pay Later" Option: A Convenience or a Conundrum?</a></h3></header><p>In a move that has sparked both curiosity and criticism, <a target="_blank" href="https://about.doordash.com/en-us/news/doordash-partners-with-klarna" class="UpStreamLink">DoorDash has partnered with Klarna</a> to offer customers the option to pay for their food orders in installments. While this "Buy Now, Pay Later" (BNPL) feature may seem like a convenient solution for cash-strapped consumers, it raises significant questions about financial responsibility, societal priorities, and the broader implications for the economy.</p><footer><a href="https://plughitzlive.com/theupstream/3965-doordashs-buy-now-pay-later-option-a-convenience-or-a-conundrum.html">read full article</a></footer></article></section><section class="EpisodeSegment"><header><h2>Piltch Point with Avram Piltch</h2><h4>Powered by <a href="http://piltchpoint.live/purevpn" target="_blank">PureVPN</a></h4></header></section><section class="EpisodeSegment"><header><h2>Extra Life</h2><h4>Powered by <a href="http://f5live.tv/eksa" target="_blank">Eksa</a></h4></header><article class="EpisodeTopic"><header><h3><a href="https://plughitzlive.com/theupstream/3966-microsofts-accidental-xbox-ui-leak-sparks-excitement-among-gamers.html">Microsoft's Accidental Xbox UI Leak Sparks Excitement Among Gamers</a></h3></header><p>In a surprising turn of events, Microsoft published a <a target="_blank" href="https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/games/articles/2025/03/gdc-2025-opening-a-billion-doors-with-xbox/" class="UpStreamLink">blog post</a> which inadvertently revealed a new Xbox user interface (UI) update that could completely change the gaming experience across platforms. The accidental publishing of this UI mockup, which was quickly removed, showcased a filter tab for Steam games, hinting at potential integration with this and possibly other game stores like Epic Games. This development has sparked widespread speculation and excitement among gamers, as it aligns with Microsoft's ongoing efforts to create a unified gaming ecosystem.</p><footer><a href="https://plughitzlive.com/theupstream/3966-microsofts-accidental-xbox-ui-leak-sparks-excitement-among-gamers.html">read full article</a></footer></article></section><section class="EpisodeSegment"><header><h2>News From the Tubes</h2><h4>Powered by <a href="http://f5live.tv/malwarebytes" target="_blank">Malwarebytes</a></h4></header><article class="EpisodeTopic"><header><h3><a href="https://plughitzlive.com/theupstream/3967-google-sues-scammers-exploiting-maps-with-fake-business-listings.html">Google Sues Scammers Exploiting Maps with Fake Business Listings</a></h3></header><p>Google has <a target="_blank" href="https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69755158/google-llc-v-asayag/" class="UpStreamLink">launched a lawsuit</a> against a group of scammers who manipulated Google Maps by creating or hijacking thousands of fake business listings. This bold move underscores the tech giant's commitment to protecting users from fraud and safeguarding its platform as a reliable tool for finding businesses. The lawsuit, which identifies a Maryland man as the main orchestrator, sheds light on the alarming scale and tactics of this elaborate scam.</p><footer><a href="https://plughitzlive.com/theupstream/3967-google-sues-scammers-exploiting-maps-with-fake-business-listings.html">read full article</a></footer></article></section><section class="EpisodeSegment"><header><h2>* DRM Not Included</h2><h4>Powered by <a href="http://f5live.tv/prime" target="_blank">Amazon Prime</a></h4></header><article class="EpisodeTopic"><header><h3><a href="https://plughitzlive.com/theupstream/3968-ai-and-copyright-law-why-machinegenerated-content-cant-be-protected.html">AI and Copyright Law: Why Machine-Generated Content Can't Be Protected</a></h3></header><p>In a groundbreaking decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled that works generated solely by artificial intelligence (AI) cannot be copyrighted. This <a target="_blank" href="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Thaler-v-Perlmutter-3-18-25-Opinion.pdf" class="UpStreamLink">unanimous decision</a>, penned by Judge Patricia Millett, has upheld the position of the Copyright Office. This position sent ripples through the creative and tech industries, redefining the boundaries of copyright law in the age of AI.</p><footer><a href="https://plughitzlive.com/theupstream/3968-ai-and-copyright-law-why-machinegenerated-content-cant-be-protected.html">read full article</a></footer></article></section><section class="EpisodeSegment"><header><h2>Closing</h2><h4>Powered by <a href="http://www.techpodcasts.com/" target="_blank">Tech Podcast Network</a></h4></header></section>
March 16, 2025
<section class="EpisodeSegment"><header><h2>Description</h2></header><p>This week, Sonos halts streaming box plans, AI search tools face inaccuracies, Niantic sells to Scopely, and Siri, Gemini and Alexa+ upgrades!</p></section><section class="EpisodeSegment"><header><h2>Participants</h2></header><article class="EpisodeTopic"><header><h3><a href="https://plughitzlive.com/staff/1-scott-ertz.html">Scott Ertz</a></h3><h4>Host</h4></header><p>Scott is a developer who has worked on projects of varying sizes, including all of the PLUGHITZ Corporation properties. He is also known in the gaming world for his time supporting the rhythm game community, through DDRLover and hosting tournaments throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Currently, when he is not working on software projects or hosting F5 Live: Refreshing Technology, Scott can often be found returning to his high school days working with the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), mentoring teams and helping with ROBOTICON Tampa Bay. He has also helped found a student software learning group, the ASCII Warriors, currently housed at AMRoC Fab Lab.</p></article><article class="EpisodeTopic"><header><h3><a href="https://plughitzlive.com/staff/15-avram-piltch.html">Avram Piltch</a></h3><h4>Host</h4></header><p>Avram's been in love with PCs since he played original Castle Wolfenstein on an Apple II+. Before joining Tom's Hardware, for 10 years, he served as Online Editorial Director for sister sites Tom's Guide and Laptop Mag, where he programmed the CMS and many of the benchmarks. When he's not editing, writing or stumbling around trade show halls, you'll find him building Arduino robots with his son and watching every single superhero show on the CW.</p></article></section><section class="EpisodeSegment"><header><h2>Opening</h2><h4>Powered by <a href="http://teknoaxe.com" target="_blank">TeknoAXE</a></h4></header></section><section class="EpisodeSegment"><header><h2>Nifty Gifties</h2><h4>Powered by <a href="http://f5live.tv/microsoft" target="_blank">Microsoft Store</a></h4></header><article class="EpisodeTopic"><header><h3><a href="https://plughitzlive.com/theupstream/3959-alexa-the-future-of-the-smart-assistant-is-coming-soon-for-most.html">Alexa+: The future of the smart assistant is coming soon for most</a></h3></header><p>Amazon is set to revolutionize the world of virtual assistants with the launch of <a target="_blank" href="https://amzn.to/4iJivoo" class="UpStreamLink">Alexa</a>+, the next-generation AI-powered assistant. Packed with cutting-edge features and designed to integrate seamlessly into daily life, Alexa+ promises to be smarter, more conversational, and more capable than ever before. Here's everything you need to know about this exciting new platform, including its features, availability, pricing, and release timeline.</p><footer><a href="https://plughitzlive.com/theupstream/3959-alexa-the-future-of-the-smart-assistant-is-coming-soon-for-most.html">read full article</a></footer></article><article class="EpisodeTopic"><header><h3><a href="https://plughitzlive.com/theupstream/3960-google-plans-for-gemini-to-take-over-for-assistant-across-all-products.html">Google plans for Gemini to take over for Assistant across all products</a></h3></header><p>In a significant shift within the realm of digital assistance, Google is set to <a target="_blank" href="https://blog.google/products/gemini/google-assistant-gemini-mobile/" class="UpStreamLink">retire its long-standing Google Assistant</a> by the end of 2025, making way for a more advanced AI, Gemini. This transition marks the end of an era for Google Assistant, which has been a reliable companion for millions of users worldwide. As we bid farewell to this familiar voice, we welcome Gemini, a new AI powerhouse designed to revolutionize our interactions with technology. With enhanced capabilities and personalized features, Gemini promises to deliver a more intuitive and efficient user experience, setting the stage for the future of AI assistance. But, those new features come with some significant drawbacks.</p><footer><a href="https://plughitzlive.com/theupstream/3960-google-plans-for-gemini-to-take-over-for-assistant-across-all-products.html">read full article</a></footer></article><article class="EpisodeTopic"><header><h3><a href="https://plughitzlive.com/theupstream/3961-growing-concerns-over-siris-aipowered-upgrade-and-its-delay.html">Growing concerns over Siri's AI-powered upgrade and its delay</a></h3></header><p>Apple's Siri has been a staple in the world of digital assistants, but recent developments have sparked growing concerns among users and industry experts alike. The much-anticipated AI-powered upgrade for Siri, initially promised for early 2025, has been delayed, leaving many wondering about the future of Apple's virtual assistant.</p><footer><a href="https://plughitzlive.com/theupstream/3961-growing-concerns-over-siris-aipowered-upgrade-and-its-delay.html">read full article</a></footer></article></section><section class="EpisodeSegment"><header><h2>Piltch Point with Avram Piltch</h2><h4>Powered by <a href="http://piltchpoint.live/purevpn" target="_blank">PureVPN</a></h4></header></section><section class="EpisodeSegment"><header><h2>Extra Life</h2><h4>Powered by <a href="http://f5live.tv/eksa" target="_blank">Eksa</a></h4></header><article class="EpisodeTopic"><header><h3><a href="https://plughitzlive.com/theupstream/3962-niantics-sale-to-scopely-a-fearful-new-chapter-for-mobile-gaming.html">Niantic's sale to Scopely: A fearful new chapter for mobile gaming</a></h3></header><p>The gaming world was recently shaken by the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.scopely.com/en/news/why-scopely-is-teaming-up-with-niantic-games" class="UpStreamLink">announcement of Niantic's $3.5 billion sale</a> of its gaming division to Scopely. Known for its groundbreaking augmented reality (AR) games like <cite>Pokémon GO</cite>, <cite>Pikmin Bloom</cite>, and <cite>Monster Hunter Now</cite>, Niantic's decision to part with its gaming portfolio marks a significant shift in the mobile gaming landscape. While the acquisition promises exciting opportunities for the future of these beloved titles, it has also sparked concerns among players, particularly regarding the potential for expanded microtransactions. Here's a closer look at what this deal means for the future of Niantic's games, the fears it has ignited, and how the gaming community is responding.</p><footer><a href="https://plughitzlive.com/theupstream/3962-niantics-sale-to-scopely-a-fearful-new-chapter-for-mobile-gaming.html">read full article</a></footer></article></section><section class="EpisodeSegment"><header><h2>News From the Tubes</h2><h4>Powered by <a href="http://f5live.tv/malwarebytes" target="_blank">Malwarebytes</a></h4></header><article class="EpisodeTopic"><header><h3><a href="https://plughitzlive.com/theupstream/3963-the-accuracy-of-aipowered-search-engines-a-doubleedged-sword.html">The accuracy of AI-powered search engines: A double-edged sword</a></h3></header><p>Artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized the way we interact with technology, particularly in the realm of search engines. These tools promise to deliver faster, more personalized, and contextually relevant results. However, a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cjr.org/tow_center/we-compared-eight-ai-search-engines-theyre-all-bad-at-citing-news.php" class="UpStreamLink">recent study</a> conducted by the Columbia Journalism Review's Tow Center for Digital Journalism has cast a shadow over these promises, revealing that AI-powered search engines cite incorrect sources a staggering 60% of the time. This alarming statistic raises questions about the reliability of these tools and the potential dangers they pose to users.</p><footer><a href="https://plughitzlive.com/theupstream/3963-the-accuracy-of-aipowered-search-engines-a-doubleedged-sword.html">read full article</a></footer></article></section><section class="EpisodeSegment"><header><h2>* DRM Not Included</h2><h4>Powered by <a href="http://f5live.tv/prime" target="_blank">Amazon Prime</a></h4></header><article class="EpisodeTopic"><header><h3><a href="https://plughitzlive.com/theupstream/3964-sonos-cancels-streaming-box-a-misstep-in-a-saturated-market.html">Sonos Cancels Streaming Box: A Misstep in a Saturated Market</a></h3></header><p>Sonos, the audio company renowned for its high-quality speakers, has <a target="_blank" href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/628297/sonos-pinewood-streaming-box-canceled" class="UpStreamLink">reportedly canceled</a> its plans for a streaming box, codenamed "Pinewood." This decision, while surprising to some, may have been inevitable given the product's questionable utility and the company's ongoing struggles with its software ecosystem. The cancellation highlights broader challenges for Sonos as it navigates a competitive market and attempts to rebuild trust with its user base.</p><footer><a href="https://plughitzlive.com/theupstream/3964-sonos-cancels-streaming-box-a-misstep-in-a-saturated-market.html">read full article</a></footer></article></section><section class="EpisodeSegment"><header><h2>Closing</h2><h4>Powered by <a href="http://www.techpodcasts.com/" target="_blank">Tech Podcast Network</a></h4></header></section>
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