In Episode 679 of Grumpy Old Geeks, titled "Set Sanity to Zero," Brian and Jason discuss the latest developments in tech, culture, and innovation. The episode opens with a look at Watch Duty, a wildfire-tracking app that has surpassed ChatGPT to take the top spot on the App Store amid California’s wildfire crisis. They also cover local news, including the arrest of an arson suspect in Woodland Hills, CA, and tech entrepreneur Kevin Rose’s home in the Palisades that is making headlines. The hosts delve into major tech stories that are dominating the news cycle. Former MoviePass CEO Ted Farnsworth pleads guilty to defrauding investors, marking the latest chapter in the infamous saga of the subscription service. Meanwhile, the UK takes bold action with new legislation criminalizing the creation and distribution of sexually explicit deepfakes. Meta finds itself at the center of multiple controversies, from appointing UFC CEO Dana White to its board to removing fact-checkers in favor of community-driven moderation, a decision that sparks backlash and leads to significant user departures from Facebook and Instagram. The darker side of tech is also examined, with reports of Meta Smart Glasses being used in a terror attack and generative AI contributing to a Tesla Cybertruck explosion. The podcast also explores groundbreaking applications of AI and its potential. An innovative method from a Reddit user for automating 1,000 job applications while asleep catches attention, along with discussions about the Getty Images and Shutterstock merger aimed at addressing AI’s disruption in the stock photography industry. E-commerce trends take center stage, with Salesforce data indicating AI-driven sales growth during the holiday season, despite increasing return rates. The episode also discusses Tesla’s “Actual Smart Summon” crashes currently under federal investigation and OpenAI’s rapid response to a developer creating AI-powered gun turrets. In conclusion, Brian and Jason provide entertainment and tech recommendations. Their streaming choices include "Silo," "The Traitors UK" Season 3, and "Shrinking," while gaming highlights showcase the Nintendo Switch and "Super Mario Bros. Wonder." They also feature apps like ChowNow and TiVo’s comeback as an OS on Sharp TVs. For book enthusiasts, the "At the Library" segment presents a variety of daily meditations and sci-fi titles. With its rich mix of tech insights, current events, and cultural commentary, Episode 679 is essential listening for anyone interested in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. Sponsors: DeleteMe - Head over to JoinDeleteMe.com/GOG and use the code "GOG" for 20% off. Private Internet Access - Go to GOG.Show/vpn and sign up today. For a limited time only, you can get OUR favorite VPN for as little as $2.03 a month. SetApp - With a single monthly subscription you get 240+ apps for your Mac. Go to SetApp and get started today!!! 1Password - Get a great deal on the only password manager recommended by Grumpy Old Geeks! gog.show/1password Show notes at https://gog.show/679 FOLLOW UP Watch Duty Watch Duty surpasses ChatGPT as top free app on App Store as California fires spread Kevin Rose Palisades House Arson suspect arrested in Woodland Hills near Kenneth Fire IN THE NEWS MoviePass Ex-CEO Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Investors New UK law would criminalize creating sexually explicit deepfakes Meta adds UFC CEO and Trump booster Dana White to its board Meta Cracks Down on Internal Dissent Against Appointment of UFC’s Dana White to Board Meta Smart Glasses First Big Cultural Moment Is a Terror Attack Man who exploded Tesla Cybertruck outside Trump hotel in Las Vegas used generative AI, police say Man Applies To 1,000 Jobs Using AI While Asleep, Wakes To Surprising Outcomes Facebook Caught Hosting AI-Powered Hitler Mark Zuckerberg tells Fox News that Meta will "get rid of fact checkers" in latest appeal to Trump Google searches for deleting Facebook, Instagram explode after Meta ends fact-checking Meta’s Fact-Checking Partners Say They Were ‘Blindsided’ by Decision to Axe Them Feds investigate Tesla’s ‘Actual Smart Summon’ after several crashes OpenAI Shuts Down Developer Who Made AI-Powered Gun Turret Getty Images, Shutterstock gear up for AI challenge with $3.7 billion merger AI-influenced shopping boosts online holiday sales, Salesforce data shows MEDIA CANDY Silo The Traitors UK S3 Dexter Original Sin Shrinking Sex Education The Mayfair Witches Cunk on Life Tetris Please Don't Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain APPS & DOODADS ChowNow Apple promises software update to address Apple Intelligence notification summary complaints TiVo OS is coming to the US on Sharp TVs Nintendo Switch Super Mario Bros Wonder AT THE LIBRARY 3zekiel by Peter Cawdron The Daily Pressfield: A Teaching a Day from the Author of the War of Art by Steven Pressfield A Calendar of Wisdom: Daily Thoughts to Nourish the Soul by Leo Tolstoy The Daily Laws: 366 Meditations on Power, Sedu
