Grumpy Old Geeks Episode 665: Human Referees Release Date: September 14, 2024
Hosts: Jason DeFilippo & Brian Schulmeister with Dave Bittner

Viral K-Pop Sensation and Social Media Mastery

The episode kicks off with Jason sharing his excitement about collaborating with Deshaun Wesley and the K-pop group Le Sserafim. He recounts their experience shooting a segment in New York City, highlighting the professionalism of Le Sserafim's social media team.

Jason DeFilippo [01:15]: "Their social media team is like Seal Team 6. It is incredible to deal with them."

Brian reminisces about his own experiences managing artists like Alanis Morissette and Goo Goo Dolls, appreciating the efficiency of well-organized teams.

Brian Schulmeister [02:18]: "I tried to get people to do that for years. I'm like, just have it organize people. How wonderful that must be."

The conversation shifts to the viral success of a dance video they produced, garnering 4 million views overnight. Jason laments the massive popularity of K-pop, contrasting it with their own projects.

Jason DeFilippo [02:46]: "We're not five really cute Korean girls with talent. Yes. Yeah. With a banger of a song that I cannot get out of my head."

TV Show Updates: Good Omens and Sandman

Brian and Jason discuss the uncertain future of Good Omens and Sandman seasons amidst Neil Gaiman stepping back from the production.

Brian Schulmeister [04:38]: "They've decided to pause season three of Good Omens for a bit with possible production changes being considered."

Jason expresses hope that Neil Gaiman has already penned the necessary scripts to maintain continuity without compromising the show's integrity.

Jason DeFilippo [05:19]: "He's done. So as long as he's written it, that's what matters."

They also touch upon the anticipated trailer for Sandman Season 2, praising its visual effects and the perfection of the first season.

Jason DeFilippo [05:58]: "Season one was just absolute perfection. Chef's kiss."

Autonomous Vehicles: Waymo vs. Human Drivers

A significant portion of the discussion centers around Waymo's autonomous vehicles and their impact on human drivers. Jason highlights Waymo's new safety impact website, emphasizing that their cars are statistically safer than human counterparts.

Jason DeFilippo [07:25]: "Waymo has actually started to release some data on their cars and how safe they are compared to human drivers. And it turns out they're actually quite a bit safer."

Brian draws parallels between past and present driving behaviors, noting the decline in driver attention and the rise of distracted driving due to smartphones.

Brian Schulmeister [08:42]: "Every time I'm in a car, I look over, they're on their phones. Everybody's driving. So no wonder."

European Court Rulings on Tech Giants

The hosts delve into recent stringent rulings by the European Court of Justice against Apple and Google. Apple is mandated to repay approximately £13 billion for illegal tax breaks, overturning a previous favorable decision.

Brian Schulmeister [12:12]: "Europe's highest court has ruled that Apple must pay back its 13 billion pound... Irish tax break deemed illegal by the EU Commission."

Similarly, Google faces a $2.7 billion EU antitrust fine for favoring its own shopping service over local rivals.

Jason DeFilippo [14:13]: "Google has lost its seven-year fight against a $2.7 billion EU antitrust fine. So they've got to pay that back."

The discussion highlights the EU's aggressive stance on enforcing fair competition and taxation among tech companies.

Meta's Data Scraping Scandal in Australia

Jason and Brian examine Meta's controversial data collection practices in Australia. Meta's global privacy director, Melinda Claybaugh, reluctantly admits that the company has been scraping user data since 2007, excluding accounts marked private.

Jason DeFilippo [20:35]: "She admitted that the company still collects their photos and other information if they post it on their parents or guardians' accounts."

Brian warns Australian listeners about the lack of opt-out options, akin to GDPR protections, making personal data more vulnerable.

Brian Schulmeister [20:35]: "She's admitting they do that, but they aren't offering Australians an opt-out option like they do in the EU."

Age Restrictions on Social Media: Australia and Utah

The conversation moves to legislative efforts in Australia and Utah aimed at restricting social media usage among minors. Australia's Queensland Department of Health introduces a campaign encouraging children to feel comfortable using public restrooms, reflecting broader social concerns.

Brian Schulmeister [21:08]: "The Australian Prime Minister has promised to introduce legislation that would prevent children under a certain age from using social media altogether."

In Utah, Governor Spencer Cox's attempt to limit social media usage for minors faces judicial pushback.

Brian Schulmeister [24:22]: "Chief U.S. district Judge Robert Shelby granted a preliminary injunction to block Utah from limiting the social media usage of minors."

Nevada's AI System for Unemployment Benefits

Nevada partners with Google to deploy an AI system designed to streamline unemployment benefit decisions. While intended to reduce processing times, critics express concerns over potential biases and errors.

Jason DeFilippo [22:26]: "The AI will analyze transcripts from appeals hearings and make recommendations to human referees... Concerns have been raised about potential automation bias and errors."

Brian remains skeptical about the effectiveness and fairness of AI-driven decisions in sensitive areas like unemployment benefits.

Brian Schulmeister [23:08]: "Obviously I am not on board with this. I think this is a pretty crappy idea."

Apple Enhances AirPods with Hearing Aid Features

In a tech update, Apple receives FDA authorization for its AirPods to include hearing aid functionalities. This advancement offers a discreet alternative for users requiring auditory assistance.

Jason DeFilippo [42:36]: "Apple just got authorized for AirPods six hearing aid features from the FDA... the downside is I don't have AirPods Pro 2s, so I'm not."

Brian appreciates the integration, noting its potential to blend seamlessly into daily life without the stigma often associated with traditional hearing aids.

Brian Schulmeister [42:43]: "I love the fact that this is there. I mean, it's so much cheaper and it just looks cooler."

Podcasting Tools and AI Innovations

The hosts critique the current state of podcasting applications, particularly Overcast's recent updates which have disappointed them.

Jason DeFilippo [71:08]: "I put in some screenshots for you guys of my settings... it's good enough. It still sucks compared to what it was."

Brian echoes the frustration, expressing a desire for more streamlined and user-friendly podcasting experiences.

Brian Schulmeister [72:35]: "I tried a couple other podcast players. I was going to settle and just stick with Apple podcasts because nothing else was really working."

They also explore Google's new AI-powered research tool, Notebook LM, which can generate podcast-like discussions from uploaded documents.

Brian Schulmeister [48:13]: "Google's AI-powered research tool, Notebook LM, can now turn your materials you want to pour over into a podcast like Audio Discussion."

Passing of James Earl Jones

The hosts pay tribute to the legendary actor James Earl Jones, renowned for voicing Darth Vader and Mufasa. They reflect on his immense contributions to film and theater.

Brian Schulmeister [57:00]: "James Earl Jones, distinguished actor and voice of Darth Vader, has died at 93... he will be missed."

Dave shares a personal anecdote about including Jones' voice in his professional work, highlighting the actor's enduring legacy.

Dave Buettner [57:57]: "Having his voice on your demo reel was just amazing. So he'll be missed."

Music Industry's 1990s Hard Drives in Peril

Iron Mountain warns the media industry about the deteriorating state of 1990s-era hard drives, which are becoming unreadable at an alarming rate. This poses a significant threat to the music industry's digital archives.

Jason DeFilippo [51:02]: "Around 20% of hard drives from the 1990s are now completely unreadable... this isn't just a sales pitch, it's a call to action."

Brian underscores the urgency for proper archival practices to prevent loss of crucial media content.

Brian Schulmeister [52:00]: "There's no budget for doing all this sort of stuff for maintaining and archiving. People don't care until they care."

Disney’s Club 33 and Exclusive Experiences

The discussion shifts to Disney's exclusive Club 33, focusing on a recent lawsuit by a couple who were ousted due to misconduct. The hosts share their nostalgic memories of attempting to infiltrate such elite clubs and the allure of exclusive memberships.

Brian Schulmeister [60:08]: "The couple sued Disney over Club 33, which is renowned for its exclusivity and perks."

Jason humorously suggests using his Flipper Zero device to breach Club 33's security.

Jason DeFilippo [61:37]: "We have Found the answer for the use for the flipper zero. We're going to break into clip 33."

Personal Tech Updates and Reflections

Towards the end, Jason and Brian update listeners on their latest tech acquisitions and preferences, including Jason's anticipation of his new iPhone Pro Max and Brian's satisfaction with his current Max model.

Jason DeFilippo [40:06]: "I'm running old school. I want a three-year update cycle only because my dad's phone... So a week from today, I get my new phone."

They also discuss the evolving landscape of podcasting apps, with mixed feelings about Overcast and Apple Podcasts.

Brian Schulmeister [72:35]: "I tried a couple other podcast players. I was going to settle and just stick with Apple podcasts because nothing else was really working."

Final Thoughts and Community Engagement

In their concluding remarks, the hosts encourage listener support through Patreon and donations, emphasizing the importance of community backing for the show's continuation.

Brian Schulmeister [83:35]: "We really make all of the money we need to keep the show going from donations. So thank you all so much."

Jason adds a light-hearted note about sharing the podcast with friends to boost their listener base.

Jason DeFilippo [83:38]: "If you feel like it, tell a friend. That helps too."

Notable Quotes:

• Jason DeFilippo [01:15]: "Their social media team is like Seal Team 6. It is incredible to deal with them."
• Brian Schulmeister [02:18]: "I tried to get people to do that for years. I'm like, just have it organize people. How wonderful that must be."
• Brian Schulmeister [04:38]: "They've decided to pause season three of Good Omens for a bit with possible production changes being considered."
• Jason DeFilippo [07:25]: "Waymo has actually started to release some data on their cars and how safe they are compared to human drivers. And it turns out they're actually quite a bit safer."
• Brian Schulmeister [12:12]: "Europe's highest court has ruled that Apple must pay back its 13 billion pound... Irish tax break deemed illegal by the EU Commission."
• Jason DeFilippo [20:35]: "She admitted that the company still collects their photos and other information if they post it on their parents or guardians' accounts."
• Brian Schulmeister [24:22]: "Chief U.S. district Judge Robert Shelby granted a preliminary injunction to block Utah from limiting the social media usage of minors."
• Jason DeFilippo [42:36]: "Apple just got authorized for AirPods two hearing aid features from the FDA."
• Brian Schulmeister [48:13]: "Google's AI-powered research tool, Notebook LM, can now turn your materials you want to pour over into a podcast like Audio Discussion."
• Brian Schulmeister [57:00]: "James Earl Jones, distinguished actor and voice of Darth Vader, has died at 93... he will be missed."

Conclusion

Episode 665 of Grumpy Old Geeks offers a multifaceted discussion on current tech news, entertainment updates, and personal anecdotes from the hosts. From the challenges facing autonomous vehicles and tech giants in Europe to the nostalgic tales of exclusive clubs and evolving podcasting tools, Jason, Brian, and Dave provide their characteristic unfiltered insights. Notable moments include their analysis of Waymo's safety data, the European court's hefty fines on Apple and Google, and the heartfelt tribute to James Earl Jones. The episode underscores the trio's commitment to dissecting tech mishaps and industry news with their signature grumpiness and wit.