All TWiT.tv Shows (Audio) - This Week in Tech 1022: Chatting With MrBabyMan

Release Date: March 10, 2025
Host: Leo Laporte
Guests: Devindra Hardawar (Senior Editor at Engadget), Lou Maresca (Engineering Manager at Microsoft), Mike Elgin (Gastro Nomad)

1. Introduction

The episode kicks off with Leo Laporte welcoming his co-hosts Devindra Hardawar, Lou Maresca, and Mike Elgin. Despite the recent daylight saving time change, the team is energized and ready to dive into the week's tech news.

**2. Daylight Saving Time Debates ([03:10] – [16:09])

The discussion begins with the recent shift away from daylight saving time in Mexico, contrasting it with the ongoing debates in the United States.

• Health Impacts:
  Leo Laporte highlights recent studies stating that "permanent standard time is the optimal choice for health and safety" ([11:07]).

• Global Time Standards:
  Mike Elgin proposes a radical idea: "We should all be on Greenwich Mean Time globally" ([04:29]), arguing that modern connectivity renders traditional time zones obsolete.

• Technical Challenges:
  Devindra Hardawar points out the complexities in software handling of time changes, noting that "our apps and services just have to do a better job" ([06:39]).

• Public Opinion:
  While two-thirds of Americans support ending time changes, there's a split on whether to adopt daylight saving or standard time permanently, making legislative progress difficult.

**3. GLP1 Drugs and Society ([19:52] – [28:01])

The conversation shifts to the burgeoning use of GLP1 drugs like Ozempic and their profound societal implications.

• Economic Shifts:
  Devindra Hardawar muses, "Impulse control runs our economy" ([20:05]), explaining how reduced impulsive spending could transform industries.

• Health and Productivity:
  Mike Elgin shares insights from Todd Gagne’s article, noting significant drops in DUIs and violent crime, alongside increased productivity:

  "By 2030, 30% of Americans will be on GLP1 drugs like Ozempic, changing consumption patterns for 78 million people" ([21:16]).

• Business Adaptations:
  Companies like Nike and American Express are pivoting their strategies to accommodate these changes, shifting from traditional sales to wellness-focused models.

• Cultural Transformation:
  The team envisions a "post-impulse economy" where traditional business models, such as movie theaters reliant on concessions, face existential challenges.

**4. AI Developments and Concerns ([28:48] – [78:25])

A deep dive into the current state of AI, touching upon major players, ethical concerns, and the future trajectory.

• Apple’s Siri Delays:
  Leo Laporte announces Apple's postponement of enhanced Siri features:

  "We've been working on a more personalized Siri... It’s going to take us longer than we thought" ([33:35]).

  Devindra Hardawar comments on Apple's cautious approach compared to rapid AI advancements elsewhere:

  "Apple has to make sure that it’s really solid and we're not hallucinating all the time" ([35:32]).

• Anthropomorphism of AI:
  The panel discusses the problematic tendency to ascribe human-like qualities to AI, emphasizing that current models "are trapped inside machines" and lack the "sensorium" humans possess.

  Mike Elgin warns against treating AI as sentient:

  "Stop lying to me and pretending like you're human because you're not. It's just a thing that was programmed" ([51:50]).

• Misinformation and Propaganda:
  Leo Laporte highlights a study by News Guard showing that AI chatbots often repeat false narratives from sources like Pravda:

  "When asked Russia-related questions, one-third of the time the US has a biolab in Ukraine" ([67:54]).

  Devindra Hardawar underscores the risks of AI-generated disinformation:

  "These tools shouldn't even be released" ([72:24]).

• AI Regulation and Responsibility:
  The guests debate potential solutions, ranging from improved AI media literacy to stricter oversight by AI companies. Lou Maresca expresses optimism that leadership from companies like Anthropic can set industry standards.

**5. Age Verification Laws in Utah ([117:59] – [125:24])

Utah becomes the first state to pass legislation mandating age verification for app stores, sparking debate over privacy and enforcement.

• Legislative Intent:
  Leo Laporte explains the law requires app stores to verify user ages and obtain parental consent for minors attempting to download apps with in-app purchases ([120:16]).

• Privacy Concerns:
  Lou Maresca and Devindra Hardawar express concerns about storing sensitive information such as IDs, highlighting potential privacy and security issues.

• Enforcement Challenges:
  The panel discusses the practical difficulties in implementing and enforcing such laws, questioning the feasibility of app stores applying these standards uniformly across states.

• Future Implications:
  Mike Elgin anticipates ongoing legislative battles and possible Supreme Court interventions, echoing past antitrust challenges faced by tech giants.

**6. Satellite Technology in Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) ([125:40] – [131:11])

Emerging satellite technologies targeting VLEO are discussed, emphasizing their benefits and challenges.

• Technical Advantages:
  Leo Laporte notes that VLEO satellites, operating between 400-800 kilometers, offer "spy plane altitude" for clearer imagery and easier disposal through atmospheric drag ([127:10]).

• Operational Lifespan:
  These satellites have a shorter operational lifespan (~five years), reducing long-term space debris but potentially increasing launch frequency.

• Military and Commercial Uses:
  Contracts with entities like the Air Force Research Lab indicate a blend of military and commercial applications, from enhanced surveillance to improved connectivity.

**7. Software and AI Engineering at Microsoft ([109:25] – [110:43])

Lou Maresca provides insights into Microsoft’s shift towards AI engineering and the integration of Python into Excel.

• AI Integration:
  Microsoft is "moving to AI engineers" and enhancing Excel with Python for advanced analytics, enabling more sophisticated data manipulation directly within spreadsheets.

• Impact on Productivity:
  Lou Maresca emphasizes the benefits of these integrations for data scientists and analysts, streamlining workflows and fostering innovation.

**8. Mobile World Congress Highlights ([157:35] – [159:50])

The team reviews noteworthy innovations showcased at the Mobile World Congress, focusing on modular smartphone components and smart accessories.

• Modular Phones:
  Leo Laporte critiques the practicality of interchangeable lenses, questioning the necessity of carrying multiple lenses for smartphone cameras.

• Smart Accessories:
  Devindra Hardawar highlights products like the "Soul Cooler" for shoe climate control and AI-enhanced smart sunglasses, discussing their potential utility and user experience.

• Future Trends:
  The panel anticipates advancements in wearable technology and integrated AI features, while maintaining skepticism about the real-world applicability of some showcased gadgets.

**9. Evolving Search Engines and AI Misinformation ([139:13] – [143:33])

The conversation turns to the challenges posed by AI-driven search engines and their susceptibility to misinformation.

• Search Engine Reliability:
  Leo Laporte expresses frustration with AI search tools like Perplexity, noting their tendency to present biased or false information:

  "They repeated false narratives... US has a biolab in Ukraine" ([67:54]).

• Combating Disinformation:
  The panel discusses the role of AI media literacy, emphasizing the need for users to critically evaluate AI-generated content and seek out reliable sources.

• Corporate Responsibility:
  Lou Maresca believes that industry leaders must establish standards to mitigate the spread of AI-generated misinformation, though Mike Elgin remains pessimistic about the incentives for companies to prioritize accuracy over profit.

**10. Tribute to George Lowe, Voice of Space Ghost ([141:52] – [157:35])

The episode pays homage to George Lowe, beloved voice actor for Space Ghost, reflecting on his contributions to pop culture and the impact of his passing.

• Legacy and Impact:
  Devindra Hardawar shares fond memories of George Lowe’s role in "Space Ghost Coast to Coast" and his influence on modern podcasting and media.

• Cultural Significance:
  Leo Laporte reminisces about Lowe’s performances and his enduring popularity among fans, highlighting the loss felt by the tech and geek communities.

**11. Final Thoughts and Farewell

As the episode nears its end, Leo Laporte invites listeners to participate in Twit’s 20th-anniversary celebrations by sharing their memories. The team briefly touches on ongoing tech stories, including the Justice Department’s antitrust actions against Google and the revival of platforms like Digg.

• Community Engagement:
  Leo encourages the audience to submit video memories of their early experiences with Twit, fostering a sense of community and shared history.

• Antitrust Developments:
  Mike Elgin and Devindra Hardawar discuss the ongoing legal battles against Google, debating the feasibility and effectiveness of breaking up tech monopolies.

• Future Outlook:
  The hosts express optimism mixed with caution about the rapid advancements in technology and the need for responsible innovation and user education.

Notable Quotes

• Leo Laporte:

  "We should all be on Greenwich Mean Time globally... We live in a ridiculously phrased global world" ([04:29])

• Mike Elgin:

  "GLP1 drugs are going to kill Instagram... Analysts predict a 50% of current advertising strategies will be obsolete" ([25:00])

• Devindra Hardawar:

  "These tools shouldn't even be released" ([72:24])

• Lou Maresca:

  "We need one time, one time set. Not daylight saving time." ([11:54])

Conclusion

This episode of "This Week in Tech" delves into the multifaceted impacts of time regulation, pharmaceutical advancements, AI advancements and their societal implications, legislative changes in digital privacy, and the ever-evolving landscape of technology showcased at major events like the Mobile World Congress. The heartfelt tribute to George Lowe underscores the episode's blend of technical discourse and personal reflection, offering listeners a comprehensive and engaging overview of current and emerging tech trends.