Two cents on Thursday
By Harsha Pallapotu & Vishal VTV
Join the conversation and reach out to us @2centsthursday on Twitter. Happy listening!
Two cents on ThursdayJun 04, 2020
S02E04: Heard of Project Maven? Apparently no one did
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
- The Intercept: https://theintercept.com/2019/03/01/google-project-maven-contract/
- The Bulletin: https://thebulletin.org/2017/12/project-maven-brings-ai-to-the-fight-against-isis/
- 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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S02E03: Dating Rating and Contemplating
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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S02E02: Flexing your ARM(S)!
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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S02E01: Get lost if you're not into maps😜
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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ICYMI: Apple's iPhone event and our reactions
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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EP 20 (Last episode-temporarily)- PS5 vs Xbox vs PC gaming, Google Pixel 5 launch event rumors and Apple's online store for India
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
EP 19- Apple's September launch event, our short recap of the Xbox console pricing announcement and speculations for the PS5 event
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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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!
EP 18- Neuralink: What it is, our thoughts and where it's headed
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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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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EP 17- DC Fandome event, new trailers, plotlines and a super interesting/ mindblowing tech story!
In this week's episode, Vishal fills me in on the DC Fandome event and we discuss some of the movie trailers that made a debut. Then, I share an interesting story from the podcast show How I built this with Guy Raz. It is an absolute cracker of an episode so make sure you share it with friends and show our chosen one (@sajida.ayyup) some love as she covered the Fandome event for the Comicsbeat in the articles below!
Show notes
DC Fandome THE FLASH Season 7 teaser hints at returning villains and continuing plotlines Concept art and new suit revealed for THE FLASH film Panel discussions
Snyder cut: https://youtu.be/AQrouPbpJB4 Batman: https://youtu.be/_pGPy0A2Jgo
Wonder Woman: https://youtu.be/92IwJLfetPE
How I built this episode: https://www.npr.org/2020/05/22/860884062/recaptcha-and-duolingo-luis-von-ahn
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EP 16- Surface Duo is now here, Sony's new ANC headphones and an 'Epic' move against Apple!
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
Leave us a ReviewIf 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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EP 15- Tech Storytime makes a return and an interesting EV startup based in Bangalore!
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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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!
EP 14-A surprise Google Pixel 4A launch and the much anticipated Samsung event with many new devices and iterations
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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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!
EP 13- Upcoming Samsung launch event speculations, the real reason behind the viral trend on Instagram and our thoughts on the Big tech congressional hearing
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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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!
EP 12- OnePlus Nord is finally unveiled- exciting specs, pricing and there's wireless buds too!
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
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!
EP 11- OnePlus Nord leaked, product development process, fall of the leak culture and including customers in the product development process
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
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?
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!
EP 10- What we learnt from making podcast episodes, tech news roundup and why the Covid19 vaccine is taking so long?
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
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!
EP 9- Casual discussion on business leaders, India's ban of Chinese apps, OnePlus Nord and EIA 2020
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.
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Hope to see you there!
EP 8- Apple's first online WWDC 2020 and the convergence of smartphone OS features
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
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!
EP 7- The Playstation 5 console unveil, Mi's new laptop for India and two very interesting tech stories
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
Leave us a ReviewIf 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 other people find us and allows us to keep making quality episodes.
EP 6 - Comic fans rejoice! Justice League Snyder cut, Sony's comeback smartphone?, Space X launch to the ISS and much more!
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!
EP 5-
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!
EP 4- Cancelled electric car project, Infrared cameras, iOS framework for contact tracing and Spotify's latest acquisition
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.
How to reach us?
The best way to reach us is on Twitter @2centsthursday. Hope to see you there!
EP 3- New Dell XPS laptops, Windows gestures, TCL Pro 10, TikTok and Tech Storytime
On this episode (which we hope sounds marginally better), we discuss the changes we made to our recording process and the tools we use. Then, we cover some of the tech announcements for the week and have a bit of banter on TikTok. Finally, we end with a tech story narrated by Vishal. Hope you like the conversation and if you do, let us know by sending us a tweet @2centsThursday
Things we discussed:
Link to start a podcast using Zoom: The Podcast Host
Dell XPS 15 and 17 article: TheVerge
The image on how the camera app on apple set up to see different angles on the camera previewing: MKBHD- iPhone 11 Pro Review (Watch From 9:07 to see what we are talking about)
Best quad driver earphones: Phonograph.net , Mi Dual driver earphones: https://mobile.mi.com/in/mi-dual-driver-earphones/
Best Headphones: Digital Trends article
Budget ANC headphones: Soundguys website
EP 2- Silent iterative releases from Apple & Microsoft, Investing in high quality audio and our show recommendations for the weekend
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
EP 1- Why a podcast?, iPhone SE in the budget conscious Indian market and Google Pixel buds for Android phones
In this first episode of Two cents on Thursdays, we talk about our reason for starting a podcast as a way of extending classroom and phone call discussions with listeners. As it is the first episode, we had some technical issues with recording audio using the devices we have. But nevertheless, we hope you enjoy the conversation.
We talk about the iPhone SE release and its impact on the budget mobile space alongside the upcoming Google Pixel 4A and some other interesting tech news.
Trailer
Two cents on Thursday is a weekly podcast hosted by me, Harsha Pallapotu and my friend Vishal VTV. Every week, we sit down to discuss what's new in technology, pop culture and other news that caught our attention during the week.
If you're interested in listening to our banter, tune in to our Two cents on Thursdays for some bite-sized discussions before you head into the weekend.