Summary of TWiT This Week in Tech Episode 1029: "Never Lick a Badger Twice"
Release Date: April 28, 2025
In Episode 1029 of TWiT's "This Week in Tech," host Leo Laporte engages with a panel of technology experts, including attorney Kathy Gellis, Daniel Rubino from Windows Central, and Abrar Al Heedi from CNET. The discussion spans a range of pressing tech issues, predominantly focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) advancements, their societal and ethical implications, and significant developments in the tech industry.
1. AI Advancements and the Decline of Prompt Engineering
The episode opens with a discussion on a Wall Street Journal report declaring the "hottest AI job of 2023"—prompt engineering—as already obsolete. Laporte expresses surprise, noting, “I was learning to be a prompt engineer and now those AIs, they're too smart. They don't need me anymore” (02:55).
Daniel Rubino elaborates, stating, “It seems pretty weird to have like... prompt engineering jobs... becoming obsolete due to AI advancements” (03:10). The panel agrees that AI's ability to intuit user intent diminishes the need for specialized prompt engineers, signaling a rapid evolution in AI capabilities that outpaces current job roles.
2. AI Consciousness and Ethical Considerations
The conversation shifts to the ethical implications of AI, particularly the notion of AI welfare and consciousness. Kathy Gellis raises concerns, commenting, “We haven't invented Mr. Data yet... we are just dealing with fancy software” (04:10). She emphasizes the importance of maintaining control over AI tools to prevent over-reliance on non-sentient programs.
Daniel Rubino adds, “We don't know what [consciousness] is... the AI will get so good it'll act like a person and we'll get tricked” (05:40). This leads to a broader discussion on the necessity of integrating ethical frameworks into AI development to safeguard against unintended consequences.
3. Microsoft’s Recall Feature in Windows 11
A significant portion of the episode delves into Microsoft's introduction of the "Recall" feature in Windows 11. Laporte describes it as a tool that records user activity, allowing queries like, “What was I looking at on Thursday when I was searching for razor blades?” (10:29).
Kathy Gellis expresses apprehension regarding data control and privacy, stating, “I have ethical duties to know how my technology works and control this data” (11:29). The panel debates the balance between AI utility and user privacy, with concerns about Microsoft's requirement to keep the feature enabled by default for functionality.
4. Privacy and Control Over Data
The discussion intensifies around privacy issues related to AI features like Recall. Gellis articulates a sense of loss of control over personal data, highlighting the challenges faced by professionals like lawyers and doctors who must comply with ethical standards regarding data privacy (12:56).
Laporte counters with potential benefits, suggesting that features like Recall could enhance productivity by remembering user activities across devices (13:19). However, the debate underscores the tension between leveraging AI for convenience and safeguarding individual privacy rights.
5. Google’s Antitrust Case and Potential Sale of Chrome
A prominent segment covers the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Department of Justice (DOJ) antitrust lawsuit against Google, labeling it a search monopoly. The court's proposed remedy includes the sale of Google Chrome, raising questions about the feasibility and impact of such a move.
Daniel Rubino expresses skepticism, noting, “It doesn't seem like what the government is asking actually solves the problem” (26:30). Gellis adds that divesting Chrome could negatively affect the open-source Chromium project and the broader browser ecosystem, potentially stifling innovation and reducing market diversity (29:14).
6. Challenges in Competing with Google Search
The panel discusses the dominance of Google Search and the difficulties in persuading users to switch to alternatives like Bing, even when incentivized. Laporte references a study where paying users to switch saw only a 22% retention rate with Bing after two weeks (35:26).
Rubino counters by sharing his personal experience, stating, “Bing is just 6%... but I find it’s not so bad... and it’s gotten a lot better” (35:37). This highlights the entrenched position of Google in the search market and the substantial challenges competitors face in gaining market share.
7. Issues with AI Search Accuracy and Legal Implications
The reliability of AI-powered searches is scrutinized, particularly in legal contexts. Gellis warns about AI's propensity to generate inaccurate information, which can have serious implications, such as in legal briefs. She recounts instances where AI "hallucinated" legal cases, leading to erroneous submissions (78:16).
Laporte concurs, emphasizing the necessity for users to verify AI-generated information, especially in professional settings where accuracy is paramount (85:16).
8. Meta Trial and the Evolution of Social Media
Mark Zuckerberg's trial concerning Meta (formerly Facebook) is discussed, particularly his admission that social media has shifted focus from connecting friends to entertainment and global content discovery. Heidi remarks, “I spend a lot of time on TikTok... Instagram copies what TikTok does” (54:09), underscoring the platform's pivot away from its original mission.
Kathy Gellis criticizes Zuckerberg's lack of alignment with user needs, noting, “He has so little intuition for the needs and desires of his users” (55:00). The panel reflects on Meta's acquisition of Instagram and its impact, with Rubino highlighting how such moves were intended to neutralize rising competitors (61:22).
9. Nest Thermostat Support Ending
A brief update mentions that Google will cease support for first and second-generation Nest Learning thermostats on October 25th, 2025. Laporte reflects on the implications of forced obsolescence in IoT devices, emphasizing the importance of considering long-term support when investing in smart home technology (82:48).
10. PC Shipments, AI Integration, and Hardware Innovations
The episode touches on the recent increase in PC shipments, attributed to factors like the end-of-life for Windows 10 and the introduction of AI-driven features in new hardware. Rubino explains, “Shipments are definitely different than sales... companies are building up stock because of the threat of tariffs” (84:05).
Discussions also highlight advancements in hardware, such as the integration of Neural Processing Units (NPUs) in laptops, which facilitate more efficient AI operations. Laporte notes the burgeoning capabilities of AI tools like Topaz AI for photo editing, enabled by these hardware innovations (90:18).
11. AI Tools in Software and Hardware
The panel explores how AI is revolutionizing software and hardware, particularly in creative tools. Rubino shares his positive experience with Topaz AI, an application that enhances and upscales digital photos, illustrating the practical benefits of AI in media editing (91:12).
Laporte underscores the necessity for user awareness and verification when utilizing AI tools, especially given their potential for inaccuracies (91:51).
12. Elon Musk and Tesla Whistleblower Claims
Towards the episode's end, Laporte brings attention to allegations against Elon Musk and Tesla, including claims from a former Tesla engineer about threats of deportation in response to safety concerns raised within the company. Gellis discusses the broader implications of such whistleblower accusations on corporate accountability and legal protections (134:57).
Conclusion
Episode 1029 of "This Week in Tech" offers an in-depth exploration of AI's rapid advancements and their multifaceted impact on jobs, ethics, and privacy. The panel critically examines significant antitrust actions against tech giants like Google and Meta, highlighting the intricate balance between innovation and regulation. Additionally, updates on hardware innovations and corporate practices provide listeners with a comprehensive overview of the current tech landscape.
Timestamp Reference:
- Timestamps are referenced in the format MM:SS corresponding to the transcript sections where notable quotes occur.