The Defrag
The Defrag is your guide to news at the intersection of technology, business, politics, and science. We'll ask hard questions, challenge ideas, and help bring some order to the news.
Tue, November 29, 2022
Will The Metaverse Destroy Meta?
We're a year into the metamorphosis of Facebook into Meta, and by all indications it seems the transition is putting significant pressure on the company. Meta's share price has dropped by around 70% since the rebrand and user adoption is slow. So how long can Meta continue spending on the Metaverse before investors force it to refocus on its core business? Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thedefragnews Read The Wall Street Journal's investigation into the Metaverse: https://www.wsj.com/articles/meta-metaverse-horizon-worlds-zuckerberg-facebook-internal-documents-11665778961 Sign up to our free newsletter at https://thedefrag.com/ - or become a paid member and get an ad-free feed and bonus episodes. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/rHb7JVHz42 Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube .
Fri, November 25, 2022
An Update
The Defrag will be returning on Tuesday 29th of November, but things will be a little different. We've also launched a new YouTube channel - you can subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/@thedefragnews Sign up to our free newsletter at https://thedefrag.com/ - or become a paid member and get an ad-free feed and bonus episodes. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/rHb7JVHz42 Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube .
Tue, June 14, 2022
Video Game Movies
Game-to-film adaptations have a reputation for not living up to the expectations of fans. But despite this, they keep getting made, and it seems the frequency of these productions is increasing. So why does Hollywood keep returning to video game properties and can the newest generation of adaptations finally overcome that awful reputation? Sign up to our free newsletter at https://thedefrag.com/ - or become a paid member and get an ad-free feed and bonus episodes. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/rHb7JVHz42 Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube .
Thu, June 09, 2022
Space Ambitions
Space is becoming more and more commercial. NASA is focused on outsourcing key parts of the Artemis missions to external companies, and there's big money on the line for those lucky enough to secure contracts. But what are the risks in outsourcing so much of the mission to external providers? Sign up to our free newsletter at https://thedefrag.com/ - or become a paid member and get an ad-free feed and bonus episodes. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/rHb7JVHz42 Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube .
Tue, June 07, 2022
WWDC Recap
Apple's Annual Worldwide Developer Conference is on this week. So today on the show, a quick wrap of what was announced during the opening keynote.
Thu, June 02, 2022
Sandberg Leaves Meta
Sheryl Sandberg is stepping down from Meta... and other important headlines. Sign up to our free newsletter at https://thedefrag.com/ - or become a paid member and get an ad-free feed and bonus episodes. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/rHb7JVHz42 Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube .
Tue, May 31, 2022
When Self-driving Cars Crash, Who’s Responsible?
Autonomous vehicles could revolutionise the automotive and transport sectors. They promise a future where you can hail a driverless taxi, or sit back and relax while your own car drives itself to a destination. While level five autonomous vehicles are still years away, one of the questions facing regulators is who holds responsibility if one of these vehicles has a crash? Sign up to our free newsletter at https://thedefrag.com/ - or become a paid member and get an ad-free feed and bonus episodes. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/rHb7JVHz42 Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube .
Fri, May 27, 2022
Privacy: Priceless
Facial recognition is now in use across many apps and devices. For example, many of us use Face ID to unlock an iPhone or to gain access to other apps. But there are more concerning uses of the tech, particularly in public settings. One of the latest applications comes from Mastercard, that is trialling a program allowing retailers to accept biometric data to confirm a payment from a customer. Sign up to our free newsletter at https://thedefrag.com/ - or become a paid member and get an ad-free feed and bonus episodes. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/rHb7JVHz42 Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube .
Tue, May 24, 2022
We're Listening
We're running a listener survey to learn more about you and the stories you love. Please take a few minutes to complete it. Visit https://thedefrag.com/survey
Thu, May 19, 2022
Will Vitamins Help You Get Over Covid?
It’s long been said that vitamins like Vitamin C, D, or Zinc, can help speed up your recovery from illness. But is that really the case? And if you’re unlucky enough to be wiped out with covid, will popping a few vitamins, help you recover sooner? Sign up to our free newsletter at https://thedefrag.com/ - or become a paid member and get an ad-free feed and bonus episodes. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/rHb7JVHz42 Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube .
Tue, May 17, 2022
Can Your Phone Get a Virus?
Do you ever feel like the amount of spam you're getting seems higher than normal? Well it turns out you weren't just thinking that, malicious attacks are actually on the rise. However it's not just your emails that are vulnerable, our mobile phones are too. Sign up to our free newsletter at https://thedefrag.com/ - or become a paid member and get an ad-free feed and bonus episodes. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/rHb7JVHz42 Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube . Advertisers: Command Line Heroes: https://link.chtbl.com/commandlineheroes_cyoa?sid=s9.podcast.thedefrag
Thu, May 12, 2022
Google I/O
Google I/O, the company's annual developer conference is happening right now. It's a chance for the search giant to show off its latest innovations to the community. From advancements in translation tech, to new hardware, this year's event had plenty to offer. In this episode we dive into some of the latest developments. Google I/O Keynote: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nP-nMZpLM1A Sign up to our free newsletter at https://thedefrag.com/ - or become a paid member and get an ad-free feed and bonus episodes. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/rHb7JVHz42 Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube . Advertisers: Command Line Heroes: https://link.chtbl.com/commandlineheroes_cyoa?sid=s9.podcast.thedefrag
Tue, May 10, 2022
Would You Rent A Tiny Home?
Australia is in a housing affordability crisis. Not only is it becoming harder to buy or build a new home, but in many locations around the country, getting a rental property is both difficult and expensive. This is a crisis that was exacerbated by the global pandemic. But could we reduce the price of rental housing by building tiny homes? Sign up to our free newsletter at https://thedefrag.com/ - or become a paid member and get an ad-free feed and bonus episodes. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/rHb7JVHz42 Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube . Advertisers: Command Line Heroes: https://link.chtbl.com/commandlineheroes_cyoa?sid=s9.podcast.thedefrag
Thu, May 05, 2022
Twitter’s Edit Button
Twitter is working on an edit button. It's a much requested feature from users, but what impact could the ability to edit tweets have on its ecosystem? Sign up to our free newsletter at https://thedefrag.com/ - or become a paid member and get an ad-free feed and bonus episodes. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/rHb7JVHz42 Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube . Advertisers: Command Line Heroes: https://link.chtbl.com/commandlineheroes_cyoa?sid=s9.podcast.thedefrag
Tue, May 03, 2022
Nintendo Switch Sports
Until recently, the Wii was Nintendo's best-selling home console. Part of its success came from attracting more casual players with motion-controlled games that involved moving your body rather than using the buttons on a traditional controller. The wii has since been surpassed by the Nintendo Switch, with over 103 million units sold worldwide. Now Nintendo looks set to recapture some of that casual audience with the successor to one of the Wii's most popular games. Sign up to our free newsletter at https://thedefrag.com/ - or become a paid member and get an ad-free feed and bonus episodes. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/rHb7JVHz42 Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube . Advertisers: Command Line Heroes: https://link.chtbl.com/commandlineheroes_cyoa?sid=s9.podcast.thedefrag
Bonus · Wed, April 27, 2022
An Update
A quick update on The Defrag. Sign up to our free newsletter at https://thedefrag.com/ - or become a paid member and get an ad-free feed and bonus episodes. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/rHb7JVHz42 Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube .
Thu, April 14, 2022
Is E3 dead?
During the pandemic, many companies embraced virtual events. Apple, for example, is still making highly produced, cinematic, keynotes and doesn't seem keen to return to a physical offering. And in the games industry, pre-packaged videos have become an effective marketing tool. But one major event in gaming, E3 hasn't been held since 2019, which has seen ripple effects throughout the industry. Sign up to our free newsletter at https://thedefrag.com/ - or become a paid member and get an ad-free feed and bonus episodes. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/rHb7JVHz42 Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube . Advertisers: Command Line Heroes: https://link.chtbl.com/commandlineheroes_cyoa?sid=s9.podcast.thedefrag
Wed, April 13, 2022
Athlete Data Privacy
Whether it's on the field, in training, or during sleep, professional athletes are constantly being tracked. The data collected is used to improve technique and performance, in the hope of gaining an edge. So much data is collected that it's not always clear why this information gathered or if it's ever going to be used. Now experts are raising ethical and privacy concerns, and calling for a review of the way data collection in professional sport is handled. Getting ahead of the game: athlete data in professional sport: https://www.science.org.au/supporting-science/science-policy-and-analysis/reports-and-publications/getting-ahead-of-the-game-athlete-data-in-professional-sport Sign up to our free newsletter at https://thedefrag.com/ - or become a paid member and get an ad-free feed and bonus episodes. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/rHb7JVHz42 Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube . Advertisers: Command Line Heroes: https://link.chtbl.com/commandlineheroes_cyoa?sid=s9.podcast.thedefrag
Tue, April 12, 2022
EV Emissions
With issues around global fuel supplies, and the impact of climate change, many people are now starting to consider a switch to an EV. But just how green are electric vehicles? According to a new study, where you live can play a big role in how climate-friendly your electric car actually is. Sign up to our free newsletter at https://thedefrag.com/ - or become a paid member and get an ad-free feed and bonus episodes. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/rHb7JVHz42 Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube . Advertisers: Command Line Heroes: https://link.chtbl.com/commandlineheroes_cyoa?sid=s9.podcast.thedefrag
Mon, April 11, 2022
Chocolate Scorecard
For a lot of people, Easter means chocolate. It's the chocolate industry's busiest time of the year. But not all chocolate is created equal. Child exploitation, environmental issues, and poverty are all major problems in the harvesting of cocoa. So how do you figure out if what you're buying this Easter is actually ethical? Sign up to our free newsletter at https://thedefrag.com/ - or become a paid member and get an ad-free feed and bonus episodes. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/rHb7JVHz42 Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube . Advertisers: Command Line Heroes: https://link.chtbl.com/commandlineheroes_cyoa?sid=s9.podcast.thedefrag
Fri, April 08, 2022
Sounds Alarming
If you dread the sound of your alarm going off each morning, you don't need to change your life to become a morning person. New research shows that it may be as simple as choosing the right kind of alarm sound. Dawn Birds Deliberate Alarm Tone: https://stuartmcfarlane.bandcamp.com/track/dawn-birds-deliberate-v1 The Conversation - Is there such a thing as the perfect alarm tone?: https://theconversation.com/is-there-such-a-thing-as-the-perfect-alarm-tone-we-think-so-and-this-is-what-it-might-sound-like-178902 Sign up to our free newsletter at https://thedefrag.com/ - or become a paid member and get an ad-free feed and bonus episodes. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/rHb7JVHz42 Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube . Advertisers: Command Line Heroes: https://link.chtbl.com/commandlineheroes_cyoa?sid=s9.podcast.thedefrag
Thu, April 07, 2022
Podcast Listeners Are More Curious
New podcast research examining the social aspects of podcasting has discovered that there are similarities between the types of people who listen to podcasts. So can you predict whether someone listens to a podcast based on their personality? Sign up to our free newsletter at https://thedefrag.com/ - or become a paid member and get an ad-free feed and bonus episodes. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/rHb7JVHz42 Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube . Advertisers: Command Line Heroes: https://link.chtbl.com/commandlineheroes_cyoa?sid=s9.podcast.thedefrag
Wed, April 06, 2022
Drink-Driving Tech
Fatalities and injuries caused by drink-driving have been on the decline in recent decades, but the problem hasn't been eliminated. Random police stops, and public awareness campaigns, have helped mitigate the issue but they can be expensive and unreliable. However new technology could be the answer to stamping out the problem for good. Sign up to our free newsletter at https://thedefrag.com/ - or become a paid member and get an ad-free feed and bonus episodes. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/rHb7JVHz42 Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube . Advertisers: Command Line Heroes: https://link.chtbl.com/commandlineheroes_cyoa?sid=s9.podcast.thedefrag
Tue, April 05, 2022
The Biphasic Plate
Breaking your femur can often involve a lengthy and painful recovery. However a new type of implant has been developed that could help stabilise these breaks and give patients some mobility while the bone recovers. Sign up to our free newsletter at https://thedefrag.com/ - or become a paid member and get an ad-free feed and bonus episodes. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/rHb7JVHz42 Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube . Advertisers: Command Line Heroes: https://link.chtbl.com/commandlineheroes_cyoa?sid=s9.podcast.thedefrag
Fri, April 01, 2022
Will NFTs Go Mainstream? (Rebroadcast)
NFTs or non-fungible tokens - they're all the rage in the blockchain and cryptocurrency space. However apps like Twitter are now integrating NFTs into their platform, and Samsung is now integrating an NFT marketplace into its television range. So has the technology hit a turning point that could see widespread adoption? Sign up to our free newsletter at https://thedefrag.com/ - or become a paid member and get an ad-free feed and bonus episodes. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/rHb7JVHz42 Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube . Advertisers: Command Line Heroes: https://link.chtbl.com/commandlineheroes_cyoa?sid=s9.podcast.thedefrag
Thu, March 31, 2022
Playstation Plus vs Xbox Game Pass
The way people access and play console games is changing. Xbox Game Pass offers a subscription service akin to Netflix. You pay a monthly fee and get access to a bunch of top games. Now Sony has revamped their subscription gaming offering - updating Playstation Plus to deliver a more competitive subscription gaming experience. But can it stand up against Xbox Game Pass? Sign up to our free newsletter at https://thedefrag.com/ - or become a paid member and get an ad-free feed and bonus episodes. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/rHb7JVHz42 Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube . Advertisers: Command Line Heroes: https://link.chtbl.com/commandlineheroes_cyoa?sid=s9.podcast.thedefrag
Wed, March 30, 2022
Artificial Flames
How can we learn to deal with fires that are becoming even more extreme, and unpredictable? The answer could be through the use of AI. Sign up to our free newsletter at https://thedefrag.com/ - or become a paid member and get an ad-free feed and bonus episodes. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/rHb7JVHz42 Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube . Advertisers: Command Line Heroes: https://link.chtbl.com/commandlineheroes_cyoa?sid=s9.podcast.thedefrag
Tue, March 29, 2022
Apple's Big Sports Bet
Contracts to broadcast major sports in the United States are regularly in the billions of dollars. But recently streaming sites have started moving into the live sports market. Amazon already has a deal to broadcast NFL, and now Apple is betting that live sports could be a popular addition to its Apple TV+ offering. Sign up to our free newsletter at https://thedefrag.com/ - or become a paid member and get an ad-free feed and bonus episodes. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/rHb7JVHz42 Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube . Advertisers: Command Line Heroes: https://link.chtbl.com/commandlineheroes_cyoa?sid=s9.podcast.thedefrag
Mon, March 28, 2022
Tropical Fish Are On The Move
Tropical fish are packing up and moving south into new ecosystems that they've never lived in before. So why are they moving? And what impact is this move having on their behaviour? Sign up to our free newsletter at https://thedefrag.com/ - or become a paid member and get an ad-free feed and bonus episodes. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/rHb7JVHz42 Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube . Advertisers: Command Line Heroes: https://link.chtbl.com/commandlineheroes_cyoa?sid=s9.podcast.thedefrag
Fri, March 25, 2022
Mars Simulation
Sending a rover to another planet like Mars is vital if we ever want to send humans. But developing a Mars rover takes years, and is a huge financial risk. That's why being able to simulate the martian environment on Earth is important. Sign up to our free newsletter at https://thedefrag.com/ - or become a paid member and get an ad-free feed and bonus episodes. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/rHb7JVHz42 Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube . Advertisers: Command Line Heroes: https://link.chtbl.com/commandlineheroes_cyoa?sid=s9.podcast.thedefrag
Thu, March 24, 2022
Can Covid Shrink Your Brain?
Two years into this pandemic, we're all being told it's time to live with Covid-19. Many people are now vaccinated, and the death rate is dropping because of it. However new research shows that even if you just get mild symptoms, the covid virus could have a significant impact on your brain. Sign up to our free newsletter at https://thedefrag.com/ - or become a paid member and get an ad-free feed and bonus episodes. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/rHb7JVHz42 Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube . Advertisers: Command Line Heroes: https://link.chtbl.com/commandlineheroes_cyoa?sid=s9.podcast.thedefrag
Wed, March 23, 2022
Let It Grow
For a long time our strategy of dealing with the risk of fires has been to conduct hazard reduction burns. Less fuel, should mean less fires. However researchers have found that letting a forest grow might be the best strategy. Sign up to our free newsletter at https://thedefrag.com/ - or become a paid member and get an ad-free feed and bonus episodes. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/rHb7JVHz42 Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube . Advertisers: Command Line Heroes: https://link.chtbl.com/commandlineheroes_cyoa?sid=s9.podcast.thedefrag
Tue, March 22, 2022
Have Finfluencers Gone Too far?
Finfluencers, or financial influencers, often provide financial information on social media platforms like TikTok or YouTube. For the most successful influencers, they could see videos racking up hundreds of thousands of views, and lucrative brand deals. But some of these influencers have regulators concerned. Sign up to our free newsletter at https://thedefrag.com/ - or become a paid member and get an ad-free feed and bonus episodes. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/rHb7JVHz42 Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube . Advertisers: Command Line Heroes: https://link.chtbl.com/commandlineheroes_cyoa?sid=s9.podcast.thedefrag
Mon, March 21, 2022
Voice of the People
Since Russia began its invasion of Ukraine, one voice has stood out from the crowd. Sign up to our free newsletter at https://thedefrag.com/ - or become a paid member and get an ad-free feed and bonus episodes. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/rHb7JVHz42 Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube . Advertisers: Command Line Heroes: https://link.chtbl.com/commandlineheroes_cyoa?sid=s9.podcast.thedefrag
Fri, March 18, 2022
Is Meta Responsible For Scam Ads?
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has commenced legal action against Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook over scam ads on its platforms. The ACCC is alleging that Meta engaged in "false, misleading, or deceptive conduct" in relation to cryptocurrency scams on Facebook that involve fake celebrity endorsements. So how do these scams work, and what else can Meta do to stop them? Sign up to our free newsletter at https://thedefrag.com/ - or become a paid member and get an ad-free feed and bonus episodes. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/rHb7JVHz42 Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube . Advertisers: Command Line Heroes: https://link.chtbl.com/commandlineheroes_cyoa?sid=s9.podcast.thedefrag
Thu, March 17, 2022
Is Your Antivirus Software At Risk?
This week the German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) issued a warning against the use of products made by the Russian cybersecurity company Kaspersky. So who are Kaspersky, and is there a real threat from using its software? Sign up to our free newsletter at https://thedefrag.com/ - or become a paid member and get an ad-free feed and bonus episodes. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/rHb7JVHz42 Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube . Advertisers: Command Line Heroes: https://link.chtbl.com/commandlineheroes_cyoa?sid=s9.podcast.thedefrag
Wed, March 16, 2022
The Problem With Cobalt
Cobalt is used to help stabilise lithium-ion batteries. It can help manufacturers make batteries safer, while increasing energy density and ultimately improving battery life. However 70% of the world's cobalt mining happens in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a country that is rich in minerals, but also economically poor. Michael Davie's report for Foreign Correspondent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_V3bIzNX4co Sign up to our free newsletter at https://thedefrag.com/ - or become a paid member and get an ad-free feed and bonus episodes. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/rHb7JVHz42 Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube . Advertisers: Command Line Heroes: https://link.chtbl.com/commandlineheroes_cyoa?sid=s9.podcast.thedefrag
Tue, March 15, 2022
The Kyiv Independent
The Kyiv Independent was launched in late 2021 after journalists producing The Kyiv Post were fired after questioning hiring decisions made by its owner. Journalists went out on their own to start a new publication, and within a few months of launch found themselves covering a Russian invasion. Read The Kyiv Independent: https://kyivindependent.com/ Listen to Media In Progress: https://kyivindependent.com/category/podcasts/ Support The Kyiv Independent's GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/kyivindependent-launch Sign up to our free newsletter at https://thedefrag.com/ - or become a paid member and get an ad-free feed and bonus episodes. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/rHb7JVHz42 Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube . Advertisers: Command Line Heroes: https://link.chtbl.com/commandlineheroes_cyoa?sid=s9.podcast.thedefrag
Fri, March 11, 2022
Inside the World of College Esports
Competitive gaming tournaments have been around about as long as video games themselves. With the rise of professional esports in the 2000s, it was only a matter of time before esports made its way into universities. Now, colleges across the United States are embracing games and competition, offering their own programs. An esports scholarship might even help you get into a college that you may not have been accepted into otherwise. But esports still faces many challenges, particularly at the collegiate level. Listen to Gameplay: https://gameplay.co Sign up to our free newsletter at https://thedefrag.com/ - or become a paid member and get an ad-free feed and bonus episodes. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/rHb7JVHz42 Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube . Advertisers: Command Line Heroes: https://link.chtbl.com/commandlineheroes_cyoa?sid=s9.podcast.thedefrag
Thu, March 10, 2022
The Russian Oil and Gas Dilemma
The war between Ukraine and Russia has resulted in significant economic sanctions for the Russian economy. However these sanctions have involved a delicate balance, driven by a need to put pressure on Russia without creating issues for global fuel supplies. Sign up to our free newsletter at https://thedefrag.com/ - or become a paid member and get an ad-free feed and bonus episodes. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/rHb7JVHz42 Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube . Advertisers: Command Line Heroes: https://link.chtbl.com/commandlineheroes_cyoa?sid=s9.podcast.thedefrag
Wed, March 09, 2022
The New Mac Studio
Apple has long captivated audiences with its product announcements, and this week's 'Peek Performance' event was no different. Sign up to our free newsletter at https://thedefrag.com/ - or become a paid member and get an ad-free feed and bonus episodes. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/rHb7JVHz42 Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube . Advertisers: Command Line Heroes: https://link.chtbl.com/commandlineheroes_cyoa?sid=s9.podcast.thedefrag
Tue, March 08, 2022
Why Do Social Apps Suddenly Care About Podcasting?
Social media apps like Facebook and YouTube have been investing in the podcast ecosystem. Facebook has integrated podcasts into its app for US customers, and YouTube is reportedly paying podcasters to film videos for its platform. Twitter and TikTok might also be interested in the podcast space. So why are these social media apps suddenly trying to integrate podcasts? Sign up to our free newsletter at https://thedefrag.com/ - or become a paid member and get an ad-free feed and bonus episodes. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/rHb7JVHz42 Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube . Listen to Command Line Heroes: https://link.chtbl.com/commandlineheroes_cyoa?sid=s9.podcast.thedefrag
Mon, March 07, 2022
Mike's Failed Energy Bid
Billionaire Co-Founder of Atlassian, Mike Cannon-Brookes has failed in his bid to buy AGL - Australia's largest and oldest energy company. The AGL board just rejected a revised proposal saying it wasn't in the best interest of shareholders. To understand this decision it’s important to find out more about AGL's history. Sign up to our free newsletter at https://thedefrag.com/ - or become a paid member and get an ad-free feed and bonus episodes. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/rHb7JVHz42 Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube . Listen to Command Line Heroes: https://link.chtbl.com/commandlineheroes_cyoa?sid=s9.podcast.thedefrag
Fri, March 04, 2022
Keeping Ukraine Online
The increasing conflict in Ukraine comes with a battle to keep vital services online. Internet access is an important communication tool, and there are concerns that Russia could try and target critical Internet infrastructure. So how is Ukraine's Internet fairing amongst all the conflict? Sign up to our free newsletter at https://thedefrag.com/ - or become a paid member and get an ad-free feed and bonus episodes. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/rHb7JVHz42 Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube . Listen to Command Line Heroes: https://link.chtbl.com/commandlineheroes_cyoa?sid=s9.podcast.thedefrag
Thu, March 03, 2022
Why Will a Stray Rocket Hit the Moon?
A large piece of space junk is due to slam into the surface of the Moon on Friday. It appears the debris is a booster from a Chinese rocket and will likely leave quite an impact on the lunar surface. So what do we know about this space junk? And what are we hoping to learn from this accidental collision? Moonshot - Cleaning Up Space: https://moonshot.audio/s02e03-cleaning-up-space/ Listen to Command Line Heroes: https://link.chtbl.com/commandlineheroes_cyoa?sid=s9.podcast.thedefrag Sign up to our free newsletter at https://thedefrag.com/ - or become a paid member and get an ad-free feed and bonus episodes. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/rHb7JVHz42 Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube .
Wed, March 02, 2022
Bitcoin's Growing Carbon Footprint
Bitcoin is the most popular cryptocurrency, but using it comes at a significant cost to our environment. A new research paper has found that the carbon impact of Bitcoin increased significantly since China banned cryptocurrencies last year. So why are we seeing Bitcoin's carbon footprint grow? Listen to Command Line Heroes: https://link.chtbl.com/commandlineheroes_cyoa?sid=s9.podcast.thedefrag Sign up to our free newsletter at https://thedefrag.com/ - or become a paid member and get an ad-free feed and bonus episodes. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/rHb7JVHz42 Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube .
Tue, March 01, 2022
Climate Check In
The United Nation’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has released its sixth assessment report which looks at the impact of climate change across ecosystems, biodiversity, and human communities. In this latest report, authored by more than 270 scientists from 67 countries, the IPCC raises significant concerns about our ability to control and adapt to climate change. Listen to Command Line Heroes: https://link.chtbl.com/commandlineheroes_cyoa?sid=s9.podcast.thedefrag Sign up to our free newsletter at https://thedefrag.com/ - or become a paid member and get an ad-free feed and bonus episodes. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/rHb7JVHz42 Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube .
Mon, February 28, 2022
Changing Batteries
Lithium-Ion batteries are loved by device makers because of their energy density. However the materials used to make these cells aren't without significant ethical problems. So what new battery technologies might enable us to move away from Lithium-Ion? Listen to Command Line Heroes: https://link.chtbl.com/commandlineheroes_cyoa?sid=s9.podcast.thedefrag Sign up to our free newsletter at https://thedefrag.com/ - or become a paid member and get an ad-free feed and bonus episodes. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/rHb7JVHz42 Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube .
Fri, February 25, 2022
SWIFT Sanctions
Russia's invasion of Ukraine has sparked significant anger from the rest of the world. In response, Russia is facing significant economic sanctions in an effort to restrict trade and the finances of Russia's elite. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is also calling for Russia to be removed from SWIFT. But what is SWIFT and what impact would it have on Russia if they were banned from using it? Listen to Command Line Heroes: https://link.chtbl.com/commandlineheroes_cyoa?sid=s9.podcast.thedefrag Become a member of The Defrag to get ad-free and bonus episodes at our website https://thedefrag.com/ - or become a member of The Defrag+ on Apple Podcasts. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/rHb7JVHz42 Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube .
Thu, February 24, 2022
Human Authorship and AI
The US Copyright Review Board has determined that work created by an AI doesn't have enough human authorship to create copyright. So do our existing laws effectively cover copyright created in our increasingly automated society? Listen to Command Line Heroes: https://link.chtbl.com/commandlineheroes_cyoa?sid=s9.podcast.thedefrag Become a member of The Defrag to get ad-free and bonus episodes at our website https://thedefrag.com/ - or become a member of The Defrag+ on Apple Podcasts. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/rHb7JVHz42 Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube .
Wed, February 23, 2022
Rise of the QR Codes
Before the pandemic, QR codes were largely viewed as a bit of a novelty. Many people didn't know how they worked, and you'd rarely see them in the wild. Perhaps you might spot one on an advertising campaign at a bus stop, or as a way to enter a promotion. However thanks to the pandemic, the humble QR code has seen a revival. Vince Guerrieri's story for Popular Mechanics: https://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/apps/a39048000/history-of-qr-codes/ FBI PSA over QR Codes: https://www.ic3.gov/Media/Y2022/PSA220118 Listen to Command Line Heroes: https://link.chtbl.com/commandlineheroes_cyoa?sid=s9.podcast.thedefrag Become a member of The Defrag to get ad-free and bonus episodes at our website https://thedefrag.com/ - or become a member of The Defrag+ on Apple Podcasts. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/rHb7JVHz42 Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube .
Tue, February 22, 2022
Russia's Cyber Offensive
The conflict between Ukraine and Russia is escalating quickly. While war looms on the ground… a digital war is also underway, and concerns are growing that Russia is planning a major cyber attack to coincide with an invasion of Ukraine. Listen to Command Line Heroes: https://link.chtbl.com/commandlineheroes_cyoa?sid=s9.podcast.thedefrag Become a member of The Defrag to get ad-free and bonus episodes at our website https://thedefrag.com/ - or become a member of The Defrag+ on Apple Podcasts. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/rHb7JVHz42 Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube .
Mon, February 21, 2022
The Transcription Apps Raising Privacy Red Flags
For many journalists, keeping information confidential and sources protected is a vital part of the job. It's not uncommon for reporters to use encrypted messaging apps to prevent sources being discovered by those who don't want information made public. But one service that's become an important tool for journalists, Otter, may have vulnerabilities that are being overlooked. Read Phelim Kine's story on Otter for Politico: https://www.politico.com/news/2022/02/16/my-journey-down-the-rabbit-hole-of-every-journalists-favorite-app-00009216 Listen to Command Line Heroes: https://link.chtbl.com/commandlineheroes_cyoa?sid=s9.podcast.thedefrag Become a member of The Defrag to get ad-free and bonus episodes at our website https://thedefrag.com/ - or become a member of The Defrag+ on Apple Podcasts. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/rHb7JVHz42 Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube .
Fri, February 18, 2022
The Red Cross Hack
The International Committee for the Red Cross has released details on an investigation into a major hack across its servers. Details of 515,000 people were compromised, and the Red Cross says the attack was highly sophisticated and targeted, and used techniques consistent with state-sponsored groups. So why would hackers target a humanitarian organisation like the Red Cross? Listen to Darknet Diaries: https://darknetdiaries.com/ Command Line Heroes: https://link.chtbl.com/commandlineheroes_cyoa?sid=s9.podcast.thedefrag Become a member of The Defrag to get ad-free and bonus episodes at our website https://thedefrag.com/ - or become a member of The Defrag+ on Apple Podcasts. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/rHb7JVHz42 Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube .
Thu, February 17, 2022
Social Connection in the Metaverse
Mark Zuckerberg has bet the future of Facebook, now Meta, on the idea of the metaverse. But what is the metaverse, and how could it affect our social interactions? Command Line Heroes: https://link.chtbl.com/commandlineheroes_cyoa?sid=s9.podcast.thedefrag Become a member of The Defrag to get ad-free and bonus episodes at our website https://thedefrag.com/ - or become a member of The Defrag+ on Apple Podcasts. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/rHb7JVHz42 Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube .
Wed, February 16, 2022
Should we switch to a four-day work week?
The pandemic has changed the way many of us live and work. A lot of companies have allowed their staff to work from home, and some have decided to offer staff more flexibility on a more permanent basis. Several large companies are currently experimenting with the concept of a four-day work week. It isn't a new idea, but could now be the right time to make a switch? Command Line Heroes: https://link.chtbl.com/commandlineheroes_cyoa?sid=s9.podcast.thedefrag Become a member of The Defrag to get ad-free and bonus episodes at our website https://thedefrag.com/ - or become a member of The Defrag+ on Apple Podcasts. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/rHb7JVHz42 Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube .
Tue, February 15, 2022
Solar Shutdown
Solar is the cheapest form of energy production in history. Millions of people have made the decision to put panels on their homes and embrace the renewable energy revolution. So why would an energy network need to turn some of this generation off? Command Line Heroes: https://link.chtbl.com/commandlineheroes_cyoa?sid=s9.podcast.thedefrag Become a member of The Defrag to get ad-free and bonus episodes at our website https://thedefrag.com/ - or become a member of The Defrag+ on Apple Podcasts. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/rHb7JVHz42 Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube .
Mon, February 14, 2022
Do Esports belong at the Commonwealth Games?
The Commonwealth Games Federation are planning to run a pilot esports championship alongside the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. While not part of the main event, competitors will win medals, and the event will receive a lot of promotion and attention. So do esports belong at a major sporting event? And what will the championships mean for the profile of esports globally? Command Line Heroes: https://link.chtbl.com/commandlineheroes_cyoa?sid=s9.podcast.thedefrag Become a member of The Defrag to get ad-free and bonus episodes at our website https://thedefrag.com/ - or become a member of The Defrag+ on Apple Podcasts. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/rHb7JVHz42 Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube .
Fri, February 11, 2022
Fusion World Record
As the world moves to decarbonise we are in a constant search for new energy sources that can replace our reliance on fossil fuels. One promising, but still highly experimental, form of energy production is nuclear fusion. This week a major fusion record was broken by JET the Joint European Torus. So just what is JET? And what do these developments mean for fusion research? Apple AirTags statement: https://www.apple.com/au/newsroom/2022/02/an-update-on-airtag-and-unwanted-tracking/ Become a member of The Defrag to get ad-free and bonus episodes at our website https://thedefrag.com/ - or become a member of The Defrag+ on Apple Podcasts. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/rHb7JVHz42 Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube .
Thu, February 10, 2022
Religious Freedoms
Many countries have a bill of rights that protects basic freedoms such as the freedom of speech, the press, and the right to religious beliefs. But not every country has these rights enshrined in law. One such country is Australia. Right now in Australia, a debate is raging over the planned introduction of a religious discrimination bill, and it has raised significant concerns for the treatment of LGBTIQA+ students. Become a member of The Defrag to get ad-free and bonus episodes at our website https://thedefrag.com/ - or become a member of The Defrag+ on Apple Podcasts. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/rHb7JVHz42 Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube .
Wed, February 09, 2022
AirTag Stalking
The ubiquity of smartphones and other technology has no doubt improved our lives. But what do we give up to have access to these technologies? Apple prides itself on its position on privacy, but one of its most recent products has raised privacy and security concerns. Resources: Stay safe with AirTag and other Find My accessories What to do if you get an alert that an AirTag or Find My network accessory is with you How to Protect Yourself Against AirTag and Tile Stalking Tracker Detect app for Android Apple’s AirTag trackers made it frighteningly easy to ‘stalk’ me in a test Become a member of The Defrag to get ad-free and bonus episodes at our website https://thedefrag.com/ - or become a member of The Defrag+ on Apple Podcasts. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/rHb7JVHz42 Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube .
Tue, February 08, 2022
China's Tainted Games
The world's attention right now is on Beijing and the 2022 Winter Olympics. It should be a time of celebration, however behind all the glitz and glamour of the games is a concerning history of human rights abuses. Become a member of The Defrag to get ad-free and bonus episodes at our website https://thedefrag.com/ - or become a member of The Defrag+ on Apple Podcasts. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/rHb7JVHz42 Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube .
Mon, February 07, 2022
Spotify's Joe Rogan Experience
Over the past few weeks, one name in podcasting has been difficult to avoid - Joe Rogan. The popular podcast host has been accused of spreading misinformation on his show The Joe Rogan Experience. So how will this whole situation impact on Spotify's bottom line? Become a member of The Defrag to get ad-free and bonus episodes at our website https://thedefrag.com/ - or become a member of The Defrag+ on Apple Podcasts. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/rHb7JVHz42 Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube . If any of the issues mentioned in this episode brought up any issues for you, help is available: Australia: • Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au • Call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or visit kidshelpline.com.au United States: • Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 1-800-273-8255 or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org • Message the Crisis Text Line on 741741 or visit crisistextline.org Canada: • Call the Canada Suicide Prevention Service on 18334564566 or visit crisisservicescanada.ca • Call the Kids Help Phone on 1-800-668-6868 or visit kidshelpphone.ca United Kingdom: • Call Samaritans on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org • Text Shout on 85258 or visit giveusashout.org For additional countries, visit suicidestop.com
Fri, February 04, 2022
Will NFTs Go Mainstream?
NFTs or non-fungible tokens - they're all the rage in the blockchain and cryptocurrency space. However apps like Twitter are now integrating NFTs into their platform. So has the technology hit a turning point that could see widespread adoption? Become a member of The Defrag to get ad-free and bonus episodes at our website https://thedefrag.com/ - or become a member of The Defrag+ on Apple Podcasts. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/rHb7JVHz42 Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube .
Thu, February 03, 2022
Ford's War on Scalpers
Scalping is a massive issue when it comes to event tickets and new product releases. But did you know it can also be an issue with cars? Ford has been increasingly concerned about scalping of their F-150 Lightning and is now encouraging dealers to take action. Become a member of The Defrag and get ad-free episodes at our website https://thedefrag.com/ - or become a member of The Defrag+ on Apple Podcasts. Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube .
Wed, February 02, 2022
Space Ambitions
While Australia has had a long history when it comes to the space race, you don't often hear the nation mentioned amongst the big players like the USA, Russia, and China. But Australia wants that conversation to change. Become a member of The Defrag and get ad-free episodes at our website https://thedefrag.com/ - or become a member of The Defrag+ on Apple Podcasts. Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube .
Tue, February 01, 2022
Short Supply
The construction sector has boomed through much of the pandemic. Many of us decided to renovate our homes, or move out of the city, to suit our new work-from-home lifestyle. However the demand for new homes has created an issue with supply. So how serious is the supply issue? And have we seen any indication of a reprieve? Become a member of The Defrag and get ad-free episodes: https://thedefrag.com/ Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube .
Mon, January 31, 2022
Microsoft’s $68.7 Billion Buy
Microsoft announced plans in January to acquire gaming giant Activision-Blizzard for $68.7 Billion US Dollars. It's the biggest purchase ever in the gaming sector. But what does this acquisition mean for the rest of the industry? Become a member of The Defrag and get ad-free episodes: https://thedefrag.com/ Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube .
Trailer · Tue, January 18, 2022
Welcome to The Defrag
The information we get on a day-to-day basis has become increasingly fragmented and it’s difficult to stay on top of what’s happening, and what really matters. The Defrag is striving to fill that void - the information gap at the intersection of technology, business, science, and politics. Whether it’s a new innovation, a scientific breakthrough, or a deep dive on the people that are writing the rules, our goal is to ask hard questions, challenge ideas, and help you sift through the news that matters every day. Become a member of The Defrag at https://thedefrag.com . Find us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , YouTube .
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