Topic: Wireless Technology

DARPA announced the "POWER" program, which aims to create a wireless energy transfer infrastructure using high-energy lasers to power military bases. While presented as a logistics solution, critics view it as a potential directed energy weapon. The hosts also discuss sightings of "Starlink trains" in the night sky, questioning the low altitude and visibility of the satellite constellations.

Intel is using the PyeongChang Olympics as a test site for 5G technology, though critics label the effort more of a PR stunt than a functional deployment. Since 5G-capable handsets are not yet widely available to consumers, the "experiment" lacks a real-world user base. The discussion also touched on the technical differences between GSM and CDMA standards and the potential health concerns associated with high-frequency wireless signals.

Adam Curry describes his "Prepper SDR" (Software Defined Radio) project, a portable black box designed for emergency communications. The device allows users to connect via Wi-Fi using a smartphone or laptop to monitor and transmit on various radio bands. Dvorak advises Curry on patenting the idea and the risks of manufacturing the device in China.

A 1949 recording of RCA chairman David Sarnoff accurately predicts the development of pocket-sized communication devices and wireless media. Sarnoff describes a future where individuals can communicate anywhere and newspapers are reproduced in the home via the air. The hosts express surprise at the precision of his vision regarding cell phones and tablets.

The practical application of fractal math in technology is highlighted through the development of fractal antennas, which allow modern mobile phones to function without external protruding antennas. The discussion emphasizes how understanding these natural mathematical structures can lead to significant technological breakthroughs.