TECH GIRL ENERGY: The Weekly Debrief

Episode 25 - Meta's Ad Free Subscription & 23andme Files for Bankruptcy

Harriet Taylor and Numi Gildert dive into their favourite tech headlines of the week;

• Topic Overview: Meta considers introducing a paid subscription model in the UK for ad-free experiences on Facebook and Instagram, following its EU implementation.
• Discussion Points:
  • Prospective cost of £5 per month.
  • Comparison to streaming service models.
  • Mixed reactions from hosts; concerns about social media usage habits and potential user base implications.

• Focus Story: Data breach at American genetic testing firm, 23andMe, leading to bankruptcy fears.
• Key Issues Discussed:
  • Privacy risks associated with sensitive genetic data being accessed by third parties or used commercially without consent.
  • Potential ramifications for users regarding health insurance premiums in countries like the US where private healthcare is predominant.

• Importance of building critical thinking around digital services and technologies among users to understand risks involved in sharing personal data online.

LINKS:

Ad-free Insta: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0kglle0p3vo

23andme Bankruptcy: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/mar/25/opt-out-23andme-account-dna-data-privacy

Don't forget to follow Harriet and Numi at @techgirlenergy on all social platforms.

You can find this, and all our other episodes at www.IM-Listening.co.uk or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

TECH GIRL ENERGY: The Weekly Debrief

Episode 24 - Subsea Cable Disruption Detection, Humanoid Robots and BYD's Speedy Charging

Harriet Taylor and Numi Gildert dive into their favourite tech headlines of the week;

Subsea Fibre Cables & Sabotage Detection

• Discussion on new tech that uses acoustic energy to monitor subsea fibre cables for sabotage.
• Insights from Daniel Gerwig of AP Sensing, highlighting the importance of protecting undersea internet infrastructure amidst geopolitical tensions.

The Humanoid Robot Revolution

• Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang predicts humanoid robots in manufacturing within five years.
• Introduction to Apollo by Apptronic, a robot designed for tasks too dull or dangerous for humans.

Electric Vehicle Advancements

• BYD unveils a battery capable of charging as fast as filling a petrol tank.
• This breakthrough could alleviate range anxiety and encourage wider adoption of electric vehicles globally.

LINKS:

Subsea cable sabotage: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cn52rglxr62o

Nvidia CEO: Humanoid robot revolution: https://www.reuters.com/technology/nvidia-ceo-humanoid-robot-revolution-is-closer-than-you-think-2025-03-19/

Humanoid machine performs real-world task: https://news.sky.com/story/meet-the-human-like-robot-on-its-first-day-of-work-13331516

BYD’s new super fast charger: https://www.independent.co.uk/tech/tesla-byd-fast-charging-technology-battery-b2718419.html

Don't forget to follow Harriet and Numi at @techgirlenergy on all social platforms.

You can find this, and all our other episodes at www.IM-Listening.co.uk or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

TECH GIRL ENERGY: The Weekly Debrief

Episode 23 - AI Characters in Video Games, Nylon helping Lithium Batteries and Hinge Health App

Harriet Taylor and Numi Gildert dive into their favourite tech headlines of the week;

Sony Tests AI-Powered PlayStation Characters

• Sony is experimenting with game characters that can converse like chatbots.
• Discussion on how this could transform open-world games by eliminating scripted dialogue trees.
• The implications for voice actors if their voices are used indefinitely by AI.

Nylon-Enhanced Lithium Batteries

• Researchers have discovered that nylon can improve lithium batteries' stability and lifespan.
• Potential applications include electric vehicles and other sustainable energy solutions.
• The irony of using flammable nylon to reduce fire risks in batteries is noted.

Hinge Health Goes Public

• Introduction to Hinge Health, a digital physical therapy startup aiming for an IPO next year.
• How it offers home-based musculoskeletal injury recovery through innovative tech tools.
• Speculation about its potential impact on healthcare accessibility in places like the UK.

• Gaming Addiction Confessions: Harriet shares her experiences with immersive RPGs like "The Witcher" while pondering the future of interactive gameplay with AI-driven NPCs.
• Battery Innovations: Both hosts express curiosity about how such technological advancements might reshape industries reliant on stable power sources.
• Healthcare Digitisation: They discuss whether apps like Hinge Health could alleviate pressure from traditional physiotherapy services or serve as supplementary tools.

LINKS

AI-powered Playstation characters: https://www.independent.co.uk/tech/ai-playstation-characters-sony-ps5-chatgpt-b2712813.html

Nylon in lithium batteries: https://www.theregister.com/2025/03/11/nylon_additive_lithium_battery/

Hinge Health app: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/03/07/hinge-health-to-go-public-as-soon-as-april-source-says.html

Don't forget to follow Harriet and Numi at @techgirlenergy on all social platforms.

You can find this, and all our other episodes at www.IM-Listening.co.uk or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

TECH GIRL ENERGY: THE WEEKLY DEBRIEF

Episode 22 - Goodbye Skype, Amazon's Cat Qubit Chip, Meta's Spotting Celeb Scams

Join hosts Numi & Harriet as they dive into the tech headlines of the week, aiming to deliver a perfect blend of 50% information and 50% fun. From nostalgic farewells to groundbreaking advancements, this episode covers it all.

Sunny Days in the UK: A light-hearted start with both hosts enjoying rare sunny weather across England.

Farewell Skype (RIP):

• Microsoft announces Skype will close down in May.
• Reflecting on its impact since its launch in 2003 and reminiscing about MSN Messenger days.
• Discussing how Skype missed out during the pandemic boom despite being an early leader in video calling.

Amazon's Quantum Leap:

• Amazon enters the quantum computing race with their new Cat Qubit powered chip.
• Exploring what makes this technology revolutionary, including error correction capabilities due to cosmic ray interference!
• Speculating potential applications for industries like finance and research.

Meta’s AI Facial Recognition for Scam Prevention:

• Meta introduces facial recognition tools to combat celebrity scam ads targeting users in the UK.
• Discussion around challenges of distinguishing real from fake content using advanced AI technologies.

LINKS

Microsoft closing down Skype: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cn7vxlrvxyeo

Cat Qubit: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cly331r4p48o

Meta’s facial recognition tools: https://www.independent.co.uk/tech/meta-naga-munchetty-facebook-instagram-consumers-b2709192.html

Don't forget to follow Harriet and Numi at @techgirlenergy on all social platforms.

You can find this, and all our other episodes at www.IM-Listening.co.uk or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

TECH GIRL ENERGY : The Weekly Debrief

Episode 21 - The Biggest Bitcoin Theft, Apple's ADP Gets Switched Off In the UK and Flying Car Prototypes

Welcome back to another exciting episode of Tech Girl Energy, where we bring you the latest in tech news with a perfect blend of information and fun!

The Massive Bybit Crypto Hack

• Cryptocurrency firm Bybit faced a staggering $1.5 billion theft from their Ethereum wallet.
• Discussion on modern-day digital heists compared to traditional bank robberies.
• Insights into how such hacks might occur and personal anecdotes about crypto scams.
• Speculation on whether the stolen funds can be recovered or traced.

Apple's Advanced Data Protection Tool Halted for UK Users

• Apple has disabled its end-to-end encryption tool for UK users following government pressure.
• Exploration of data privacy vs law enforcement needs, especially regarding encrypted iCloud data.
• Consideration of potential implications for other countries’ policies on user data protection.

Introducing Alef Aeronautics' Flying Car Prototype

• A US startup successfully demonstrates what could be the world's first flying car—Model 0 prototype by Alef Aeronautics.
• Details about its design, capabilities, and future plans for more affordable models like Model Z priced at around £20,000 ($35,000).
• Enthusiastic discussion about futuristic transportation possibilities and potential societal impacts.

LINKS:

Ethereum Theft: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2844nvwx8o

Apple’s Advance Data Protection: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cn524lx9445o

Flying Car Prototype: https://www.independent.co.uk/tech/flying-car-alef-aeronautics-range-b2703554.htm

Don't forget to follow Harriet and Numi at @techgirlenergy on all social platforms.

You can find this, and all our other episodes at www.IM-Listening.co.uk or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

TECH GIRL ENERGY: The Weekly Debrief

Episode 20 - Meta's Sub-Sea Cable, Grok 3 and An Out of this World Planet

Harriet Taylor and Numi Gildert dive into their favourite tech headlines of the week;

Meta's Project Waterworth

• Meta is set to embark on the longest subsea cable project ever attempted.
• Named Project Waterworth, this initiative will connect regions like the US, India, South Africa, and Brazil.
• Discover how undersea cables carry 95% of global internet traffic despite our cloud-based perceptions.

Elon Musk's AI Model: Grok3

• Introducing Grok3 – claimed to outperform OpenAI and China's Deep Seq in early tests.
• Explore why naming matters (and whether "Grok" hits or misses).
• Dive into discussions about premium subscriptions for AI tools—are they worth it?

Out-of-this-World Discovery: Wasp 121B

• A breakthrough in 3D mapping unveils details about ultra-hot Jupiter-like planet Wasp 121B.
• Positioned 900 light-years away with jet streams made of titanium—a true celestial spectacle!

The Future of Connectivity & Exploration

• Speculations on future technology trends from space exploration to terrestrial connectivity via massive infrastructure projects.

LINKS:

Meta’s sub-sea cable: https://bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ckgrgz8271go

Grok 3: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/02/18/elon-musk-xai-grok-3-model-release-ai-competition-.html

Wasp 121b: https://www.independent.co.uk/space/exoplanet-atmosphere-3d-telescope-alien-life-b2700585.html

Don't forget to follow Harriet and Numi at @techgirlenergy on all social platforms.

You can find this, and all our other episodes at www.IM-Listening.co.uk or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

TECH GIRL ENERGY: The Weekly Debrief

Episode 19 - The AI Summit, In-Ear Heart Rate Tracking and Modular Laptops

Harriet Taylor and Numi Gildert dive into their favourite tech headlines of the week;

AI Action Summit

• Discussion on the ongoing AI Action Summit focusing on AI safety.
• Reflections on how global perspectives have shifted from caution to embracing AI in just two years.
• Key takeaway: An international agreement promoting ethical AI development was signed by several countries excluding the UK and US.
• Insightful debate around regulation vs growth, highlighting concerns about national security and governance.

New Beats Earphones

• Apple launches Powerbeats Pro 2 earphones that read heart rates via sensors inside your ears.
• A nod to advancing technology becoming more compact yet efficient, boasting a battery life of up to 45 hours with case usage.

Modular Laptops

• Exploring the rise of modular laptops designed for easy upgrades and repairs.
• Framework leads innovation in sustainable computing; Lenovo follows suit inspired by its success.
• Debate over whether such modularity could challenge current market leaders like Apple who thrive on sleek designs.

The hosts share personal anecdotes about reclaiming femininity in tech spaces through aesthetics while discussing new product releases like Apple's colourful headphones. They also ponder if they'd personally invest in modular laptops given their professional needs and work habits.

Join us next week for more tech talk! Connect with us across social media platforms for updates:

LINKS:

AI Summit in Paris: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c8edn0n58gwo

Power Beats Pro 2: https://www.independent.co.uk/tech/apple-beats-powerbeats-pro-2-new-features-b2696163.html

Modular Laptops: https://www.theverge.com/24190757/modular-laptops-repairable-upgradable-diy

Don't forget to follow Harriet and Numi at @techgirlenergy on all social platforms.

You can find this, and all our other episodes at www.IM-Listening.co.uk or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

TECH GIRL ENERGY - The Weekly Debrief

Episode 18 - Barclays' Broken Banking App, Granny AI vs Scammers and Smells in Video Games

Welcome to this week's episode of Tech Girl Energy, where we blend tech insights with fun. Join hosts Harriet and Numi as they delve into the latest UK tech headlines.

1. Barclays Bank App Outage

• Issue: A technical glitch over the weekend disrupted payments for many customers.
• Impact: Occurred during a crucial tax deadline period, causing significant inconvenience.
• Response: Barclays confirmed no cyber attack but remained vague on details; HMRC is working to minimise impact.

2. AI Granny Scammer Frustration by O2

• Innovation: O2 developed an AI named Daisy that impersonates a granny to frustrate phone scammers.
• Functionality: Engages scammers in mundane conversations, wasting their time.
• Outcome & Future Plans: Currently raising awareness; not available for public use yet.

3. Smell Integration in Video Games

• Development: Warwick University explores using essential oils to create immersive gaming experiences through smell.
• Potential Uses & Challenges:
  • Enhancing realism in games like racing simulators or fantasy worlds.
  • Technical challenges include seamless transition between scents.

4. Celebrating The Sims' 25th Anniversary

• Milestone Celebration:
  • EA re-releases original Sims games due to back compatibility issues with modern systems.
  • Nostalgia trip for long-time fans keen on revisiting classic gameplay mechanics without CD-ROMs!

Don't forget to follow Harriet and Numi at @techgirlenergy on all social platforms.

You can find this, and all our other episodes at www.IM-Listening.co.uk or wherever you listen to your podcasts.