12 chapters across the catalog
Recent research from Signal Hill Research challenges YouTube's claims of being the dominant podcast platform, indicating that over 60% of listeners still prefer dedicated podcast apps. The hosts critique the industry's push for video content, asserting that the traditional audio format remains the most successful and resilient medium. They emphasize the speed and reliability of modern podcast apps compared to legacy platforms like Apple.
The discontinuation of Google Reader is cited as an example of tech giants forcing users into controlled social media environments rather than open protocols. Modern browsers like Safari and DuckDuckGo are criticized for obfuscating the URL bar to prioritize search products over direct web navigation. This shift is viewed as a defensive move to keep users within proprietary app ecosystems.
FBI Investigation into Encrypted Messaging Apps
FBI Director Christopher Wray noted that the Trump shooter used encrypted messaging applications, which has complicated the investigation into his motives. Despite these challenges, the FBI was able to access search data from the shooter's devices. The segment questions why specific apps were not named and suggests that the FBI may have direct portals to access data from tech partners.
Podcast Apps and Tracking, Manual Feed Subscriptions
Adam Curry advises listeners to use dedicated podcast apps like Overcast rather than platforms like Spotify or Google Play, which track user behavior. He explains that No Agenda does not officially upload to these directories; they simply scrape the show's RSS feed. The hosts emphasize the importance of manual feed subscriptions for privacy and reliability.
The town of Leonia, New Jersey, has implemented a ban on non-residents using residential side streets as shortcuts during rush hour. The move is a direct response to traffic apps like Waze and Google Maps routing thousands of commuters through quiet neighborhoods to avoid delays at the George Washington Bridge.
Adam Curry notes a recurring glitch where Google Maps and Apple Maps appear "upside down" when used in Tokyo. He also highlights the popularity of the messaging app Line in Asia, noting its dominance over WhatsApp in the region. Curry mentions that installing the app resulted in his contact list being automatically messaged.
No Agenda Community Projects, E-books, and App Updates
Several community-led initiatives are highlighted, including Scott McKenzie's new short story "Death by Autopen" and the release of No Agenda Droid 2.0 on Android platforms. The app now includes a live stream schedule and a jingle board. Additionally, a new URL forward, climateinequality.com, is praised for its satirical take on global climate politics.
Adam Curry describes being banned from the Google AdSense program after his audience clicked on ads to support his "Big App Show." Google flagged the activity as a scam and refused to pay out earned revenue, even reversing previous payments. The hosts criticize the online advertising industry's rigid rules regarding user engagement and "creative" appeal.
No Agenda Art, Open Source Model and Google Adsense Issues
The hosts discuss the show's open-source art generation and the various listener-made products like dice and coins. Adam Curry shares his frustration with Google AdSense after being kicked off the platform for "suspicious activity," resulting in a loss of income. He also thanks a producer for creating an Android version of his "Big App Show" for free.
The hosts brainstorm iPhone app ideas based on the Unilever pleasure research, suggesting an app that uses the accelerometer to help users practice the correct stroking speed. They also discuss a metal detector app for the Android G-Phone that utilizes the device's built-in magnetic compass.
No Agenda Library Project and Gmail Outage
The hosts promote the Curry-Dvorak Library project, a listener-funded initiative to keep the show ad-free. They discuss a recent three-hour Gmail and Google Apps outage, which affected 100 million users. The incident is used to highlight the risks of relying on cloud-based services and the importance of owning one's domain and mail records.
John C. Dvorak recounts an anecdote about a technology "expert" who confused LEDs with LCDs. He then reports that Washington D.C. is migrating 38,000 employees to Google Apps, suggesting this move to "the cloud" will make it easier for the NSA to monitor government communications.
