This week we talk browsers, with coverage of the Servo updates and the new Supporters of Chromium group in the Linux Foundation. The Raspberry Pi has a 16Gb model of the Pi 5, and not everyone is happy about it. KDE Plasma 6.3 has a public beta, Flatpack has released version 1.16, and Mint is on the cusp of releasing version 22.1. For tips we have kshift for quick or automated KDE re-theming, php -S for local php site testing, a quick tar howto, and pipewire-pulse for more pipewire and oulse audio fun. You can find the show notes at https://bit.ly/3BUzLqV Enjoy!

Host: Jonathan Bennett

Co-Hosts: Rob Campbell, Ken McDonald, and Jeff Massie

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In this episode of Hands-On Tech, Mikah Sargent tackles a unique smart home dilemma from a viewer named John, who runs his home automation through Android while his wife uses Apple devices. John wants to know if he can use an old iPad as a home hub to give his wife easier access to their home's smart features, like thermostats, greenhouse controls, and outlets, without having to go through his phone.

• Android-first setup is actually advantageous, as it means devices are already configured independently rather than being locked into Apple's HomeKit ecosystem
• For HomeKit-compatible devices, adding them to the wife's iPhone/iPad is as simple as scanning the HomeKit codes in Apple's Home app

Some suggested approaches for the iPad hub:

• Use as a portable control panel that can move between rooms
• Mount it permanently as a dedicated control center using a device such as elago's Home Hub Mount, which allows for clean cable management.
• Mikah recommends using Home Assistant (home-assistant.io) as a powerful third-party solution that works with more devices than just HomeKit or Google Home, has robust automation capabilities, and has apps for multiple platforms, making it accessible to both users.
• Mikah also emphasizes the importance of "smart," which means proactive automation, giving examples like automatic fan control based on humidity sensor readings, proximity-based lighting control, and custom scenes triggered by pressure sensors.

Host: Mikah Sargent

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Coming into 2025, we have six flights of SpaceX's Starship behind us, with a possibility for as many as 25 tests supported by the FAA license for this year. This is also the year we need to see an orbital test, payloads carried, orbital refueling, and hopefully catches of both the Booster and Ship, and progress toward an uncrewed test landing on the moon. So much to discuss, so join Tariq, Rod, and ace space reporter Leonard David as we deep dive into King Starship!

Headlines:
• Wildfires near NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California, have displaced many employees and caused the facility to shut down temporarily, but the lab itself remains untouched.
• NASA is considering two options for the Mars Sample Return mission, both under $8 billion, with a launch planned by 2035-2039.
• Bill Nye, CEO of The Planetary Society and former host of "Bill Nye the Science Guy," was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his dedication to science education and space exploration advocacy.

Main Topic - SpaceX Starship in 2025:
• SpaceX plans to ramp up Starship test flights in 2025, with up to 25 launches scheduled throughout the year.
• Starship test flight 7, scheduled for January 13th, will feature a new Starship design with enhanced flaps, a new flight computer, and other upgrades.
• The goal of Starship is to serve as a reusable, heavy-lift launch vehicle capable of carrying up to 100 people and 100 metric tons of cargo to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
• SpaceX is rapidly iterating on the Starship design, with stated plans to build new Starships in a single day and test new features on each flight.
• While Starship's development has been impressive, questions remain about its life support systems, radiation protection, and interior design for crewed missions.
• A discussion of the potential impact of Starship on NASA's Artemis program and the future of space exploration, including the possibility of using Starship as a space station or for Mars missions.
• The conversation also touches on the challenges facing NASA, including aging infrastructure and the need for greater collaboration with the private sector, as highlighted in a recent report by the National Academies.

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Leonard David

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This week on Tech News Weekly, host Mikah Sargent is joined by guest co-host Dan Moren to discuss Siri privacy concerns and how Apple could leverage AI to improve the user experience. Jason Hiner of CNET reports on CES 2025 on the latest TV displays, NVIDIA's AI innovations, and more. Then Imran Ahmed, CEO of the Center for Countering Digital Hate, weighs in on Meta's controversial decision to end fact-checking on its platforms.

• Dan's latest column explores how Apple could use AI to benefit users by improving spam filtering, search capabilities, and automation. Implementing these features would align with Apple's focus on simplifying technology.
• Apple released a statement clarifying that Siri recordings are not being used to build ad profiles, despite an ongoing conspiracy theory that devices are always listening. In reality, ad targeting is based on online behavior.
• At CES 2025, new TV display technologies were announced including brighter OLED panels likely using "tandem OLED" and a new mini-LED backlight system from Hisense for improved color depth.
• Lenovo showcased an expensive laptop prototype with a screen that rolls up to double in size, though it may have limited practical appeal for now.
• NVIDIA unveiled COSMOS, an AI framework to generate synthetic training data for robots and self-driving systems, which could accelerate future autonomous innovations.
• Offbeat CES products included an electric spoon that makes low-sodium foods taste saltier to promote healthier eating, and aggressively priced TVs from TCL.
• Meta announced it will end fact-checking and rely on community moderation, which CCDH CEO Imran Ahmed argues will amplify the spread of misinformation and cause real-world harms.

Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Dan Moren

Guest: Jason Hiner

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Rabbe Sandelin from Helsinki, Finland, has a large collection of 3D movies and bemoans the death of 3D in modern televisions. He wants to know if any manufacturers are considering a return to 3D. Scott says probably not in flat-panel TVs, but there is another option.

Host: Scott Wilkinson

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OneDrive is Microsoft's cloud storage service, and it can be accessed from the web, smartphones and other mobile devices, Macs, and PCs running Windows 10 or 11. That latter bit is of particular interest to us here: OneDrive is deeply integrated with Windows 11, allowing users to automatically sync content between the cloud and their PCs.

Host: Paul Thurrott

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The macOS dock is more powerful than you think! Mikah Sargent demonstrates how to customize the dock's layout, use hidden shortcuts, and manage apps and folders like a pro. Whether you're a seasoned Mac user or new to macOS Sequoia, this episode will show you how to maximize efficiency and keep your desktop organized.

Use the Dock on Mac - Apple Support - https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/open-apps-from-the-dock-mh35859/15.0/mac/15.2

Use folders in the Dock on Mac - Apple Support https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/use-folders-in-the-dock-mchl231f08fb/15.0/mac/15.0

Host: Mikah Sargent

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In this episode of iOS Today, hosts Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard dive deep into the Messages app's numerous features and hidden capabilities. From advanced safety features like Check In to productivity enhancements like scheduled messages and screen sharing, the hosts reveal powerful tools that many users might not know exist within their Messages app.

• Message Organization

  -Pin up to 9 conversations to the top of your messages list

  -View shared media, links, and collaborations by tapping on contact names

  -Access photos quickly by long-pressing the plus button

• Message Editing Features

  -Edit or unsend recently sent messages

  -Schedule messages to send at specific times and dates

  -Set message reminders that trigger when messaging specific contacts

• Safety Features

  -New Check In feature allows friends/family to monitor your journey safety without constant location sharing

  -Location sharing options: temporary, day-long, or indefinite

  -Battery-efficient alternative to constant Find My location sharing

• Audio Messages

  -New automatic transcription feature for voice messages

  -Dictation option available through microphone button

  -Transcriptions happen on-device before sending

• Screen Sharing

  -Share screens through FaceTime integration

  -Draw on shared screens to highlight items

  -Request remote control access to help troubleshoot issues

  -SharePlay integration for watching content together

• Settings and Filters

  -Filter unknown senders to reduce spam

  -Customize message retention periods

  -Control read receipts per contact

  -RCS messaging support in certain regions

• Shortcuts Corner Segment

  -Detailed walkthrough of creating automation for alarm control to benefit a warehouse worker.

Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard

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