Topic: Tech Failure

2 chapters across the catalog

Balderdash!
Episode 1192 1:54:00 - 1:57:27

1192: Balderdash!

Black Pete Controversy, Google Assistant Racism, and Bricked Phones

The ongoing social conflict in the Netherlands over "Black Pete" is discussed, with reports that millennials working as Google Assistant raters are hearing an "unparalleled" amount of racist queries from Dutch users. On a personal note, one host reports that his new "Off The Grid" blue phone has bricked and refuses to boot, leading to a joke about the ultimate privacy phone being one with no battery.

Dead Angry Birds
Episode 266 1:38 - 6:01

266: Dead Angry Birds

Apple iPhone 2011 Alarm Clock Bug

A widespread software glitch in the Apple iPhone 4 prevents non-recurring alarms from sounding on January 1 and 2, 2011. One host describes oversleeping after his device failed to trigger, leading to a debate regarding the reliability of smartphones versus traditional battery-backed alarm clocks. The discussion highlights Apple's perceived corporate arrogance and the tendency for modern users to rely on mobile devices for timekeeping.