Tech News Weekly 372: Return of the Pebble Smartwatch
Release Date: January 30, 2025
Hosts: Micah Sargent and Dan Morin
Introduction
In Episode 372 of Tech News Weekly, hosts Micah Sargent and Dan Morin delve into a variety of pressing technology topics, culminating in an exciting interview about the resurgence of the Pebble Smartwatch. The episode, recorded on January 30, 2025, is a blend of insightful discussions, critical analyses, and engaging narratives that cater to tech enthusiasts and general listeners alike.
1. Bookshop.org Expands to Ebooks
Timestamp: 02:00 – 12:30
Overview: Dan Morin introduces the first major story of the week: Bookshop.org's expansion into the ebook market. Originally a platform that connects consumers with local independent bookstores by acting as an intermediary for physical book sales, Bookshop.org now offers ebooks, aiming to support these bookstores in the digital age.
Key Points:
- Business Model: Bookshop.org acts as a middleman, ensuring that 30% of ebook profits go directly to independent bookstores.
- Challenges with DRM: The introduction of ebooks comes with Digital Rights Management (DRM) restrictions, limiting users to read ebooks only through specific apps (available on iOS and Android), which poses compatibility issues with dedicated e-readers like Kindle.
- Platform Restrictions: Apple and Google’s 30% commission on app sales affects the pricing and profitability for Bookshop.org, making it difficult to sustain the model without compromising on profits or raising prices.
- Impact on Consumers and Bookstores: While the initiative is commendable for supporting local bookstores, consumers face limitations in how they can access and use their purchased ebooks.
Notable Quotes:
- Dan Morin: “Publishers are putting DRM on all their ebooks because they are concerned about piracy... What it does do is crack down on perfectly legal uses.” [07:50]
- Micah Sargent: “It feels a little more galling when you're dealing with an independent local bookstore... you’re locked into these platform ecosystems all too often.” [09:10]
Discussion: Dan elaborates on the intrinsic problems posed by DRM, highlighting that while piracy remains a concern, DRM primarily hinders legitimate uses such as loaning ebooks. The financial squeeze from platform commissions (Apple and Google) further complicates Bookshop.org’s mission to support independent bookstores without passing excessive costs to consumers.
Conclusion: The hosts express optimism about Bookshop.org’s mission but acknowledge the significant hurdles posed by DRM and platform restrictions. They emphasize the importance of supporting local bookstores while navigating the complex landscape of digital sales.
2. PSA: WordPress Sites Hijacked to Install Malware
Timestamp: 12:30 – 26:28
Overview: Micah and Dan discuss a concerning development where over 10,000 WordPress sites are being hijacked to push malware onto visitors’ computers. This attack primarily targets Chrome users, misleading them into downloading fake browser updates that install malicious software.
Key Points:
- Method of Attack: Visitors to compromised WordPress sites encounter a fake Chrome update prompt, leading to the download of malware like Amos (for macOS) and Sock Ghoulish (for Windows).
- Malware Purpose: These tools act as info stealers, extracting sensitive information such as cryptocurrency wallet numbers, passwords, and usernames.
- Distribution: The malware is offered as a service, allowing hackers to easily deploy it without developing their own malicious software.
- Impact on macOS Users: Despite macOS’s robust security measures, the evolving malware landscape makes it increasingly vulnerable, especially as attackers exploit the platform’s Unix-based architecture and its growing popularity.
Notable Quotes:
- Micah Sargent: “If you want to buy an ebook from them and read it, you're going to have to use their app... it doesn't sound like they've tested it so much.” [04:00]
- Dan Morin: “Nobody expects me, Micah. I'm the unexpectable.” [01:23]
- Dan Morin: “It's a house of cards,” referring to the fragility of the AI models discussed later. [36:37]
Discussion: The hosts emphasize the importance of maintaining up-to-date WordPress installations and plugins to prevent such security breaches. They also stress the need for users to verify the authenticity of software updates and to remain vigilant against deceptive prompts that could compromise their systems.
Advice for Listeners:
- For WordPress Site Owners: Regularly update WordPress core, themes, and plugins. Implement security plugins and practices to safeguard against unauthorized access.
- For General Users: Always download software updates directly from official sources. Be wary of unsolicited prompts for updates, especially those that deviate from usual update methods.
Conclusion: Micah and Dan urge both site administrators and general users to prioritize cybersecurity measures. By staying informed and proactive, the tech community can mitigate the risks posed by such widespread malware attacks.
3. DeepSeek AI: Shaking Up the AI Landscape
Timestamp: 26:28 – 39:25
Overview: The discussion shifts to DeepSeek, a Chinese AI company that has recently made significant strides in developing AI models that rival those of leading American counterparts. This advancement has sent ripples through the tech industry, affecting market valuations and raising questions about the future of AI competition.
Key Points:
- DeepSeek’s Achievements: The company claims to have developed an AI reasoning model that operates with 90% less cost and under stricter sanctions, challenging the dominance of companies like OpenAI and Anthropic.
- Market Impact: DeepSeek’s advancements have led to a notable dip in Nvidia’s valuation due to reduced reliance on their high-end chips for AI development.
- Ethical and Operational Concerns: There are suspicions about DeepSeek’s methods, including the use of OpenAI’s and Anthropic’s reasoning models to enhance their own AI, raising intellectual property and ethical issues.
- AI Data Training: The shortage of human-generated data has led companies to use AI-generated data for training, contributing to the commoditization of AI models.
Notable Quotes:
- Dan Morin: “It's a house of cards.” [36:37]
- Micah Sargent: “We don’t necessarily know what is truth, what is fiction, and how these AI models were trained exactly.” [35:10]
- Dan Morin: “Is this the end of the AI bubble? And my guess is no.” [36:38]
Discussion: The hosts explore the implications of DeepSeek’s progress, pondering whether it signifies the end of the AI bubble or merely a shift in the competitive landscape. They highlight the potential for increased competition to drive innovation but also caution against the ethical lapses that may arise from aggressive AI development tactics.
Conclusion: Micah and Dan acknowledge that while DeepSeek’s advancements introduce significant competition, the AI sector remains robust with room for growth and diversification. They stress the importance of ethical considerations and transparency in AI development to ensure sustainable progress in the industry.
4. Interview: Eric Migovsky on the Return of Pebble Smartwatch
Timestamp: 39:25 – 62:08
Overview: The episode culminates with an engaging interview with Eric Migovsky, the creator behind the Pebble Smartwatch, discussing the exciting news of Pebble’s return. Migovsky outlines the journey from Pebble’s initial success to its acquisition by Fitbit and Google, and now its revival through open sourcing the Pebble OS.
Key Points:
- History of Pebble: Pebble was a pioneering smartwatch launched in 2012, known for its paper-like e-ink display, week-long battery life, physical buttons, and hackable interface that allowed widespread customization through watch faces and apps.
- Acquisition and Open Sourcing: In 2016, Pebble was acquired by Fitbit, which was later bought by Google. Recently, Google has open-sourced Pebble OS, enabling the community to develop new hardware and software for Pebble watches.
- Community and Sustainability: A dedicated community, including the Rebel Alliance, has kept Pebble alive through hackathons and app development. Migovsky emphasizes the importance of sustainability over rapid growth, planning to build new Pebble hardware in a sustainable, self-funded manner.
- Future Plans: Migovsky aims to produce new Pebble watches that maintain the original’s simplicity and functionality, focusing on sustainable production without venture backing. The goal is to cater to a niche market that appreciates Pebble’s unique features over more mainstream smartwatches.
Notable Quotes:
- Eric Migovsky: “It still works perfectly. That’s the crazy part. Like this watch is eight years old... it hasn’t had an update in eight years.” [48:19]
- Micah Sargent: “We’re going into a new year... podcasts are a pretty close companion.” [52:53]
- Eric Migovsky: “This company designed to build great products, get them out into the world, and if growth happens, great, but it’s not a prerequisite.” [59:19]
- Eric Migovsky: “I love creating products and I love using those products. And I very greedily want this product to exist.” [58:16]
Discussion: Migovsky reflects on the original Pebble’s impact, noting its enduring legacy and the dedicated community that has sustained it post-acquisition. He discusses the challenges and opportunities of reviving Pebble in the current market, emphasizing a commitment to quality and sustainability over rapid expansion. The conversation touches on the broader tech industry’s shift towards more sustainable and community-driven projects.
Advice for Listeners:
- For Pebble Enthusiasts: Visit repebble.com to sign up for the waitlist and stay updated on new developments.
- For Developers and Hackers: Engage with the open-source community to contribute to Pebble OS and develop new applications and watch faces.
Conclusion: The interview underscores Pebble’s unique position in the smartwatch market, blending nostalgia with modern technological advancements. Migovsky’s vision for a sustainable, community-driven Pebble reaffirms the brand’s commitment to simplicity, functionality, and user-centric design. The episode closes with an invitation for listeners to support and engage with the Pebble revival, promising exciting developments on the horizon.
Final Thoughts
Tech News Weekly 372 offers a comprehensive exploration of current tech trends, from the challenges faced by indie bookstores in the digital marketplace to the evolving threats in cybersecurity, and the competitive dynamics within the AI industry. The highlight of the episode, the interview with Eric Migovsky, provides a compelling glimpse into the revival of a beloved tech product, embodying the spirit of innovation and community that Pebble represents.
Listeners are left with a sense of anticipation for Pebble’s future and a broader understanding of the intricate interplay between technology, business models, and community engagement in shaping the tech landscape.
Sources:
- Tech News Weekly Episode 372 Transcript
- Bookshop.org
- repebble.com
- TechCrunch article by Lorenzo Francesca BQRI
Note: Timestamps are approximate and correspond to the transcript provided.