Two cents on Thursday

In this episode of 2COT, Vishal dives deeper into a project that set the course for a tech giant that now faces scrutiny from its own employees in the form of an organized union. What prompted this response? And is it a solution that will spark change? Only time will tell.

Show Notes 

Articles

1. The Intercept: https://theintercept.com/2019/03/01/google-project-maven-contract/
2. The Bulletin: https://thebulletin.org/2017/12/project-maven-brings-ai-to-the-fight-against-isis/
3. ProPublica: https://www.propublica.org/article/machine-bias-risk-assessments-in-criminal-sentencing

Videos

TheVerge converge: https://youtu.be/42JQyffAONw

The full interview with Bernie Sanders: https://youtu.be/yR7YT7sAZbY

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In our last episode for the year, I looked into how we've come to increasingly do things online, including finding our partners. But it made me think, are we slaves to an algorithm here too? Turns out that is true but not in the way you think.  It's a fun one so we hope you enjoy it and if you've been listening to us over the course of this year, Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! You are the reason we keep going! Wish you a happy new year and a wonderful start to a new chapter! 

Show notes
Elo Algorithm: Elo rating system - Wikipedia

Gale Shapely algorithm: Gale–Shapley algorithm - Wikipedia

An interesting article for understanding algorithms across apps: Tinder is Uber, but for Dating. It wasn’t until I started reading up on… | by Nick Irving | Medium

Also, be sure to show some love to our dear friend Sajida! She's an absolute champ with limitless creativity and movie puns to make your day! 

Instagram: Sajida Ayyup (@sajida.ayyup) • Instagram photos and videos

Twitter: Sajida Ayyup (@sajidaayyup) / Twitter

Website: Sajida Ayyup (sajidayyup.com)

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It's been a bit overdue from our end but we needed to dig deeper into why these M1 chips are a big deal and see for ourselves. Hope you enjoy the breakdown of why everyone is losing their minds over these new computers. 

Show Notes

Check out this brilliant video from Coldfusion which inspired this episode: https://youtu.be/OuF9weSkS68

And if you are still living under a rock and haven't heard the tech Youtubers we mentioned at the top, check them out after you listen, rate and review our show! 

iJustine: iJustine - YouTube

Dave2D: Dave Lee - YouTube

MKBHD: Marques Brownlee - YouTube

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Welcome back to Two cents on Thursday! We're excited to be back! This season, we focus on topics that pique your curiosity and give you food for thought. In the first episode, we look at how Mapping products work, the transition from using paper maps to an app on your phone. How did we get here? The answer to that and the future of how we move around on the blue ball we call home!  Show notes
A* algorithm Wikipedia page: A* search algorithm - Wikipedia 

A massive shoutout to our friend Advait Athreya (Advait (@adv8a3ya) • Instagram photos and videos) for his insights on the algorithms at play and for his hot take on the future of Mapping!

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We watch the iPhone event every year and spend a considerable amount of time discussing it the next day, so we thought this time, we'd bring you along on a bonus episode of Two cents on Thursday. We hope you enjoy!
And if you haven't watched the event, we highly recommend it and we have 3 options based on the time you have on your hands

OG Apple event (more than an hour): https://youtu.be/KR0g-1hnQPA

TheVerge supercut (13 mins): https://youtu.be/vpw_z9vBPAE

60 second recap: https://youtu.be/Gz8vBoEFArA

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In our last episode for the time being, we picked up where we left off last week with the Playstation 5 pricing and what it means for the console wars now that Nvidia has launched their 30 series GPUs. We discuss the upcoming Pixel event and the rise of mid-tier smartphones in India along with the launch of Apple's online store. We'll be taking a break for a few weeks to work on better episodes for the next instalment so stay subscribed and let us know if you have any ideas for us! 

Show notes

Everything you need to know about the PS5: https://www.theverge.com/21450334/playstation-5-ps5-sony-news-price-features-specs-hardware-games

Google event rumours (mostly confirmed): https://www.cnet.com/news/google-pixel-5-images-details-leak-ahead-of-next-weeks-event/

Apple's Online store launch in India: https://edition.cnn.com/2020/09/23/tech/apple-online-store-india-intl-hnk/index.html

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If you enjoy listening to our podcast, we'd love for you to leave us a review wherever you happen to listen to podcasts. It helps us gain exposure and keep making quality episodes.

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The best way to reach us is on Twitter @2centsthursday. 

Or you can reach us on Instagram @vishalvtv or @harshapallapotu

In this week's episode, we discuss the Apple event announcing the new Apple Watch and the new iPads. Since we didn't have an episode last week, we recap on the Microsoft Xbox console pricing and speculate on the upcoming PS5 pricing

Show notes 

Apple event recap: https://youtu.be/LMk1PYowq8M

Xbox consoles (everything you need to know): https://www.theverge.com/21432635/xbox-series-x-s-release-date-news-price-features-specs-hardware-games

Should You Believe CPU Marketing?: https://youtu.be/ROS008Av4E4

The social Dilemma: https://www.netflix.com/watch/81254224?source=35

Business Casual podcast: https://www.businesscasual.fm/

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In this episode, we discuss the recent demo event for Neuralink. It is a fascinating milestone towards changing the way we think of the brain and spinal cord injuries. Check out these additional resources for more info. Hope you enjoy this episode!

Show notes

Neuralink explainer video: https://youtu.be/9uRK8Delzvk

Everything you need to know about the demo: https://heavy.com/tech/2019/07/elon-musk-neuralink-presentation-recap/

Internal struggles and future of Neuralink: https://youtu.be/6eA_JIDzza0

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In this week's episode, we talk about the recently unveiled Surface Duo, the Sony 1000xM4 and a developing tussle between Epic games and Apple. Hope you enjoy this one!
Show notes

Microsoft Surface Duo: https://www.theverge.com/2020/8/12/21364633/microsoft-surface-duo-release-date-pricing-features-specs

Sony 1000xM4: https://www.theverge.com/2020/8/6/21356733/sony-wh1000xm4-noise-canceling-headphones-announced-features-price

Epic games vs Apple: https://youtu.be/r70ZdDQt4K8

Parody video by Epic: https://twitter.com/tomwarren/status/1294004071616086024

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In this pre-recorded episode we talk about the story of a company whose services we all used at some point in our lives for information and they are in need of our help now. Also, do listen to the full episode of the podcast for more information on the company and its history from the founder himself. Finally, we discuss an interesting EV startup that is set to become the Tesla of India. Learn more by checking out the links below.

Show notes:

Full story told by the founder himself: https://www.npr.org/2020/01/24/799257340/wikipedia-jimmy-wales-2018

Pravaig Dynamics: https://pravaig.com/

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In this week's episode, we talk all about the recently unveiled Google Pixel 4A which came to us on such short notice, to be honest. And we discuss the Samsung launch which gave us many devices to talk about. Hope you enjoy the conversation

Show notes

Google Pixel 4A launch: https://www.theverge.com/2020/8/3/21352032/google-pixel-5-4a-5g-price-release-date-specs

Samsung Galaxy launch brief: https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/mobile-tabs/samsung-galaxy-unpacked-august-2020-launch-live-updates-6539377/

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In this episode, we talk about the upcoming Samsung launch next week, a viral trend on social media that is supporting a good cause but is overshadowed by glamour. We also talk about the congressional hearing held for the big tech giants and why it is important to keep them in check.

Show notes:

Rumored Samsung device line up: https://www.theverge.com/2020/7/27/21339989/samsung-galaxy-unpacked-trailer-five-devices-note-20-fold-2-watch-buds

The real story behind the 'Challenge accepted' trend: https://www.marieclaire.com/culture/a33443976/challenge-accepted-instagram/

Infamous Pizzagate conspiracy theory: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pizzagate_conspiracy_theory

Everything you need to know from the congressional hearing: https://www.digitaltrends.com/news/big-tech-congress-antitrust-hearing-live-news-google-apple-amazon-facebook/

Microsoft's anticompetitive issue: https://youtu.be/DN1ytVJcFds

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In this week's episode, we talk all about the OnePlus Nord smartphone. We talk about the launch itself, which was a first for the tech industry. We talk about how similar it looks to an Oppo smartphone, the real story behind a 48MP camera, and also the OnePlus wireless earbuds.

Show notes

Dave2D's Nord impressions: https://youtu.be/AKFRDiI3oEE

Beebom's impressions: https://youtu.be/FNs37edinpU

More information on the '48MP' cameras: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/gadgets-news/the-truth-about-the-latest-smartphone-trend-the-48mp-camera/articleshow/68263251.cms

Pocofone X2 (OnePlus Nord alternative): https://youtu.be/NZ6dZJmLb3k

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In this episode, we discuss the interesting insights brought forward in an interview by MKBHD on his channel with Carl Pei, co-founder of OnePlus. We also talk about how the leak culture is slowly becoming obsolete and how companies are involving their customers in the product development process.

Show notes

• MKBHD interview with Carl Pei: https://youtu.be/W-VInHvlrZo
• Eve devices (Crowd developed computers): https://evedevices.com/
• Jio Glass, Google's $4.5 billion in Jio and plans to develop an affordable smartphone for India: https://www.cnbctv18.com/business/ril-agm-2020-key-highlights-google-investment-in-jio-platforms-jiomart-jio-5g-jiotv-jio-glass-jiomeet-catch-all-the-developments-here-6333141.htm

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Join the conversation and tell us what you think of our episodes. The best way to reach us is on Twitter @2centsthursday. Hope to see you there!

In this week's episode, we decided to take on explaining a topic that we both found interesting and we hope it was useful to you in some manner. This episode being the 10th, we thought we'd quickly talk about the progression in our production process and what we wish to do going forward. Do let us know if you have any suggestions/ feedback or ideas for upcoming episodes.

Show notes

• OnePlus TV launches: https://gadgets.ndtv.com/tv/news/oneplus-tv-u-y-series-price-in-india-rs-12999-22999-49999-led-launch-specifications-2255796
• iPhone 12 rumors: https://youtu.be/bATUW8G2ONE
• Netflix docuseries(Coronavirus Explained): https://www.netflix.com/title/81273378
• Vaccine tracker website (NY Times): https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/science/coronavirus-vaccine-tracker.html (Credit to our good friend @notfocusd for this resource)
• A funny video on fake news regarding Covid19: https://youtu.be/TWpjc1QZg84

Leave us a Review
If you enjoy listening to our podcast, we'd love for you to leave us a review wherever you happen to listen to podcasts. It helps us gain exposure and keep making quality episodes. How to reach us?
The best way to reach us is on Twitter @2centsthursday. Hope to see you there!

For this week's episode, we decided to just hit the record button and see how the conversation flows. We did want to talk about a few things but didn't really plan out a structure or format. Hope you enjoy the conversation and do let us know what you think!  

Show notes  

• Land of the Giants podcast: https://www.vox.com/land-of-the-giants-podcast 
• Masters of Scale (Interview with Angela Arhendts): https://mastersofscale.com/#/angela-ahrendts/ 
• India's ban on Chinese apps: https://www.theverge.com/2020/6/29/21307014/india-ban-tiktok-wechat-china-apps 
• OnePlus Nord (rumored specs and info): https://www.techradar.com/news/oneplus-nord 
• EIA explainer video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPycBqHSS8g 
• EIA 2020 Explained (Indian Express): shorturl.at/ciAD3 

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If you enjoy listening to our podcast, we'd love for you to leave us a review wherever you happen to listen to podcasts. It helps others find our podcast and encourage us to keep making quality episodes. 

How to reach us? 

The best way to reach us is on Twitter @2centsthursday

Hope to see you there!

We talk all about Apple's first online WWDC 2020 and their incredible production of the event. We also touch upon the different OS update announced and give you our take on where smartphone OS is headed. We'd highly recommend that you watch the event before listening to the episode if you haven't already. 

Here are a few links to make it easier: 

Apple's official live stream recap (1hr50mins but it is really well done!): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEZhD3J89ZE

The Verge Supercut recap (18 mins): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Q8AKghK44M&t=713s

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If you enjoy listening to our podcast, we'd love for you to leave us a review wherever you happen to listen to podcasts. It helps us gain exposure and keep making quality episodes.

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In this episode, we discuss the recently unveiled Playstation 5, its design, rumoured specs and game titles that were showcased on a YouTube live event on 11th June 2020. We also talk about a new Mi laptop launch for India- a first from the company and Vishal narrates another interesting story about a brand we've all (millennials) come in contact with at some point in time. 

Here's a few additional resources for you to dive deep into

• Playstation 5: https://www.theverge.com/2020/6/11/21212989/ps5-playstation-5-console-announcement-design-hardware-specs-sony
• Mi Notebook launched in India: https://www.mi.com/in/buy/product/mi-notebook-14?gid=4202300023

Next week, we'll be kicking things off by talking about Apple's WWDC event- held entirely online for the first time. Make sure you tune in and send us your questions on Twitter @2centsThursday

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This episode was supposed to be Ep 5 that we recorded prior to the rise in protests in America against the injustice and police brutality that led to the murder of George Floyd. We immediately decided to postpone the release of this episode to stand in solidarity with the black community. We've spent the last week learning as much as we could to take action in our own society. In this episode of Two cents on Thursdays, we talk about the Justice League Snyder cut, Sony smartphones trying to make a comeback, Space X launch to the ISS and much more.

Things mentioned in the episode

• Justice League Snyder Cut: https://time.com/5839692/snyder-cut-justice-league/
• Sony Xperia 1 Mark 2: https://www.wired.com/review/sony-xperia-1-ii/
• Space X launch to the ISS: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/30/science/spacex-launch-nasa.html
• End of the OnePlus and McLaren partnership: https://www.theverge.com/2020/5/29/21274648/mclaren-oneplus-partnership-over-edition-7t-pro-6t-concept-one
  

Leave us a Review: If you enjoy listening to our podcast, we'd love for you to leave us a review wherever you happen to listen to podcasts. It helps us gain exposure and keep making quality episodes.

How to reach us?

The best way to reach us is on Twitter @2centsthursday. Hope to see you there!

This week, we decided not to go on with our regular coverage of tech news stories but to have a conversation regarding the police brutality against the black community in America. It is important that we talk about it and encourage others to as well. It is the only way we can bring about change in our society. 

We realize that we are in a privileged position and speaking up on this one occasion may not matter but this is a learning for us to have the courage to speak up despite what others may think or say. 

Here are some resources for you to get up to date with the situation and support the cause to the best of your ability 

• Vice media article: https://www.vice.com/en_in/article/889g9k/why-indians-pissed-off-with-racism-and-police-brutality-in-the-us-dont-care-about-the-same-issues-in-their-own-country-muslim-casteism-violence-minority
• What you can do to know more and support: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zh6reFJWkZRGBL5iIezTfA2tkKBB3X9JcMh2QYT8tWk/edit?usp=sharing

Leave us a Review If you enjoy listening to our podcast, we'd love for you to leave us a review wherever you happen to listen to podcasts. It helps us gain exposure and keep making quality episodes.

How to reach us?

The best way to reach us is on Twitter @2centsthursday. Hope to see you there!

In this episode of Two cents on Thursdays, Tech Storytime is back as we discuss the shelving of an idea, a product already shipped to consumers, a short brief on contact tracing efforts and an important acquisition for Spotify.

Things mentioned in the episode

• Cancelled electric car interview: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/james-dyson-interview-electric-car-tesla-tzls09t5m
• The way London fought off a disease by contact tracing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEWbOsRgV70
• How contact tracing works: https://www.theverge.com/2020/4/10/21216550/contact-tracing-coronavirus-what-is-tracking-spread-how-it-works
• Apple and Google's efforts to help with contact tracing: https://www.theverge.com/2020/4/11/21216803/apple-google-coronavirus-tracking-app-covid-bluetooth-secure

Leave us a Review If you enjoy listening to our podcast, we'd love for you to leave us a review wherever you happen to listen to podcasts. It helps us gain exposure and keep making quality episodes.

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The best way to reach us is on Twitter @2centsthursday. Hope to see you there! 

This week, we talk about the silent iterative releases from Apple and Microsoft ranging from the Macbook Pro 13 inch, Surface Book 3, Surface Headphones, Surface Go 2 and a bunch more. We talk about the shift in the laptop industry towards making proprietary chipsets and also touch upon the importance of investing in good quality audio products for the long run. Finally, we end with some show recommendations to watch over the weekend. 

Our recommendations this week

Movie: Justice League Dark: Apokolips War

TV Show: Restaurants on the Edge