Get Connected

On September 2nd, the European Space Agency put the first satellite powered by an artificial intelligence, or AI, chip into orbit. Launching from French Guiana, the satellite now soars 27,500kmh at about 530km over earth with an AI-powered thermal camera. But with AI being seemingly everywhere, why has it taken so long to put an AI-powered satellite into space? On this week's show, we learn about the unique challenges and exciting applications of an AI-powered satellite.

This winter promises to keep many of us at home more than usual and we want to make the experience more enjoyable with the help of technology. We talk about the Roku Streambar, the latest streaming device to keep you entertained. We also get fellow tech journalist, Marc Saltzberg's thoughts on the hottest smart home devices to make your home more comfortable.

Are you cyber mature and resilient? To mark Cybersecurity month, Mike and John speak with a fraud prevention expert from Interac, Rachel Jolicoeur, who shares some interesting stats about cybersecurity in Canada. She also gives us practical advice on how to stay safe online. We also discuss this week's Apple event and the launch of the iPhone 12, in case you missed it.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise, HPE, joins us this week to discuss how big data and technology play a role in agriculture and food stability. With food supply becoming an important consideration during the pandemic, HPE gives us a look at how data insights are driving decision making and allocation of funding. We also speak with a Senior Intelligence Analyst with the RCMP about the latest email scams targeting Canadians. Learn how scammers are using the pandemic to defraud unsuspecting individuals and how you can protect yourself.

As technology permeates every area of our lives, many of us are struggling to get our privacy back. On this week's show, we tell you how to get some of that privacy back when it comes to Google Maps Street View. Our hosts discuss how you can blur your home on the popular mapping service. We also look at the new Google TV and Roku Streambar, announced just in time to keep you entertained during colder weather.

We spend some time discussing Amazon's big tech announcements from this week. Find out how about the new Amazon cloud gaming service, Luna, and the new home security drone. We also talk about some important machine learning updates coming to Alexa. In the second half of the show, we chat with a team of engineering students from UBC who won the prestigious James Dyson award for their innovative medical device.

In a coordinated national effort, lawyers have filed a proposed class action suit in BC, Ontario, and Montreal alleging that Google collects and profits from the personal information of millions of Canadians. We speak to one of the lawyers representing the class action, Greg McMullen, about how the tech giant turns Canadians' electronics into tracking devices without their consent. We also provide some useful tips to help you choose the right processor next time you're shopping for a computer or laptop.

Wouldn't it be great if you could see a personalized menu, tailored to your preferences, as you enter the drive-through? Find out how Mastercard is innovating to offer you a customized drive-through experience using the power of AI technology. The hosts also talk about a home arcade setup, perfect for staying entertained during the colder months. Finally, we look at the new Huawei Windows laptops.

Do you dread mowing the lawn? Well, you're not alone and that's why Husqvarna has developed robotic lawn mowers. We speak with Husqvarna about the technology, how it works, and the models available to make lawn maintenance a breeze. We also chat about Mike's experience with 5G and the new Samsung Fold, a new smartphone with a folding display.

As kids head back to school this year many things will be different, including the way they learn digital literacy. We speak to Canada Learning Code about their new K-12 Computer Science Education Framework. We also chat with fellow tech nerd, Marc Saltzman, to get his recommendations on the hottest back-to-school tech.

On this week's show, we talk all about electric vehicles. Find out how you can save with an electric vehicle--and we're not just talking about the savings at the pump! From charging to ongoing maintenance, we've got you covered with everything you need to know before your first EV purchase.

Going back to school will look a little different this year, so the GetConnected team has a special gear guide for you. John and Mike cover essential technology like Chromebooks and laptops, workspace essentials, and tech accessories for students of all ages. Tune in next week to learn all about electric vehicles and why you should consider replacing your gas vehicle. Hint: EVs can lead to a lot of savings!

On this week's episode, we learn how your Shaw home internet and cable service can help you save on your mobile plan. Our friend and fellow tech nerd Ted Kritsonis joins us to review the StartMe Stick and we talk about the technology in John's new electric car. We also discuss how you can take advantage of government rebates to make an electric car more affordable all while helping the environment.

Mike and John talk to iRobot about the latest line of Roomba vacuum cleaning and mopping robots. We also speak to a Canadian company that's helping organizations hire the right talent by combining psychology and AI.

With Canada's new contact tracing app available for beta testing, we discuss the privacy implications with Ann Cavoukian, past three-term Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario. We also talk about some great golf tech, perfect for summer. Finally, John introduces us to 3D printed chicken nuggets--or at least the technology behind them.

Retailers and manufacturers offer a range of refurbished technology gadgets but are these items worthwhile? The hosts talk about what you should know and look for when purchasing refurb tech. We also hear about John's first impression of Alexa Auto, now available in Canada and AJ reviews the new Google Pixel Buds 2.

Why are advertisers boycotting Facebook? And will it make a difference? Our hosts discuss the boycott and what we can expect for the technology giant in the coming weeks. We also talk about everything that was banned on social media platforms in the past week. Finally, we speak with David Tobin, CEO of Audiojack, about how COVID-19 has ignited new interest in audio-based movies.  

A week after Apple's WWDC, the hosts continue the discussion about Big Sur and the best features of iOS 14. We also speak to Chris Pereira from Huawei about jobs in tech and how to get your foot in the door.

Why did Elon Musk call for the breakup of Amazon recently? Find out how the online shopping giant is ruffling feathers with authors. We speak with a Kansas author and book shop owner, Danny Caine, about his experience publishing and selling through Amazon. We also look at how phishing rates are rising with employees working from home due to COVID-19. Finally, we'll talk about some of Apple's big announcements from WWDC 2020.

Last week, TELUS filed suit against Shaw over ‘misleading’ ads about its Fibre+ internet service. Today, Peter Vogel, tech expert and columnist, joins us to talk about why Shaw’s advertising is misleading and how this might affect your home internet speeds if you subscribe to the Shaw Fibre+ 300 Internet Service.   We’ll also discuss how the criminal justice system in Ontario has used technology to adapt during COVID-19 with criminal lawyer and Toronto Director of the Criminal Lawyer’s Association, Jennifer Penman. Fellow gadget guy, Marc Saltzman, joins us with last minute tech gift ideas that will impress Dad this Father's Day.