Get Connected

In celebration of the new year, the GetConnected team shares one of our favourite interviews of 2021. Tune in as we speak to digital librarian, entrepreneur, and computer engineer, Brewster Kahle, about what inspired him to create the Internet Archive. Offering free public access to digitized materials from websites to software applications, to music and books, the Internet Archive's mission is to provide universal access to knowledge.  Can't get enough of GetConnected and our charmingly nerdy hosts? Subscribe to the GetConnected podcast and don't forget to listen to them discuss mobile technology on the App Show podcast. You can also find us on the web, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. 

With CES 2022 just around he corner, GetConnected contributor Stephen Fun joins Mike and John as they make some predictions about this year's show. We discuss how the rise of Omicron will affect this year's show, from technology giants pulling out of the show to testing requirements for attendees. More importantly, we'll talk about the technology we're most excited to see at the show. Can't get enough of GetConnected and our charmingly nerdy hosts? Subscribe to the GetConnected podcast and don't forget to listen to them discuss mobile technology on the App Show podcast. You can also find us on the web, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. 

Right behind gifts, our finances tend to be top of mind around the holidays. This week, we discuss a technology that's changing the way you manage your money and giving you more power over your financial data. Joining us to explain open banking, Craig Reiff from Mastercard Canada helps us understand in simple terms how this technology has changed the way we borrow, invest, and manage our money. We also discuss how this transition has accelerating during the pandemic.  Later in the show, we'll offer more tech holiday gift ideas. We also welcome Todd Cochrane, from Blubrry, to get some expert tips on how to promote your podcast.  Can't get enough of GetConnected and our charmingly nerdy hosts? Listen to them discuss mobile technology on the App Show podcast and find us on the web, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. 

After its first virtual-only event in 2021, the largest consumer technology show, CES, is coming back with an in-person event in 2022. Steve Koenig from the Consumer Technology Association joins us this week to discuss the technology trends we can expect to see at CES 2022. We discuss space tech and the evolution of the Internet of Things to the Intelligence of Things. We'll also discuss how the pandemic has encouraged innovation in health tech.  We also continue our holiday gift guide, this week with best TVs and smart streaming devices of the year. 

With the second pandemic holiday season just around the corner, you might be finding it difficult to get inspired with gifts ideas for loved ones. As always, we're here to remind you that tech gifts are always a good idea! This week, we look at the year's best smart speakers. Take advantage of the digital assistant wars and get great deals on these speakers this holiday season.  Earlier in the show, we're joined by Kevin O'Brien, President and General Manager at WW (formerly Weight Watchers) to discuss the company's award winning app, PersonalPoints. Find out how this app's innovative algorithm can help you get the most out of your wellness journey. 

Electric vehicle start-up Rivian has gone public at $100 billion, but is this valuation justifiable? Tech expert Ted Kritsonis joins us to explore what's behind Rivian's valuation. Will the company outpace other EV manufacturers when it comes to innovation? Will it be a disruptor in an industry already occupied by innovation heavy-weights like Elon Musk's Tesla? We'll offer our thoughts. 

With Black Friday just around the corner, we're here to help you find the best deals on tech gadgets. Find out what hosts Mike and John are shopping for on Black Friday this year and the tools they use to find the best sales and offers. We also discuss our favourite technology retailers and what they're offering for Black Friday this year. Don't forget to tune into next week's show for some great Cyber Monday deals, too! 

Looking for a way to breathe new life into an older Windows device? This week, we share how you can upgrade it to Windows 11 even if your device isn't supported. With a simple workaround, you can install the new Windows 11 operating system and give your older device a performance boost.  Later in the show, we talk about how you can save thousands on your home electric vehicle charging setup installation with an innovative new device from NeoCharge

Crypto or Bitcoin mining is becoming increasingly energy-hungry, driving crypto miners to steal electricity. As Hydro-Quebec cracks down on electricity theft and fraud for cryptocurrency mining, we welcome tech expert Graye Williams to discuss why mining consumes so much electricity.  Later in the show, we speak with Canadian creator Ryan Savin of Little King Goods about how he makes money on YouTube. 

This week, GetConnected is LIVE from Budapest. As we travel Europe to learn about new technology, we're joined by fellow tech expert Ted Kritsonis to discuss why music quality has declined in the digital age. From music streaming services to Bluetooth technology, we explore all the reasons we don't get high quality audio anymore. Later in the show, we talk about how electric vehicle charging is different in Europe. 

This past week, Apple hosted its "Unleashed" event, likely the last for 2021. In this episode, we recap the biggest announcements from the event, including the redesigned MacBooks and the latest AirPods. We share our initial reactions about all the latest technology the tech giant unveiled. 

Google has announced that it will automatically enrol 150 million users in two-factor authentication by the end of 2021, but many users still don't understand how it works. To help you prepare, we discuss how two-factor authentication works and why you need to understand it before Google makes this change.  Later in the show, we welcome Gerry Barnaby from EGO to learn about how their Nexus Power Station replaces traditional gas power generators to deliver clean, quiet, portable power. A game changer, this power station is the ideal way to keep your essentials powered during power outages. 

Appearing before a senate hearing this past week, former Facebook data scientist, Frances Haugen, presents evidence that the social network's algorithm promotes divisive and inflammatory content. Social media expert Rebecca Bolwitt joins us to discuss how the way these algorithms work affect users. We also discuss the implications for the future of social networks.  Earlier in the show, we speak with Pilvi Carman from Cricut to learn how the company's innovative technology is taking crafting to a new level of fun. 

This week, Amazon had its fall device event, launching an overwhelming number of new tech devices. Join us as we discuss the technology with Toronto tech expert, Ted Kritsonis. From a home robot with a screen, called Astro, to a security drone that works with your Ring system, we cover the highlights from the event and share our initial impressions. 

Many social media platforms are developing ways to help content creators make some money and recently, Twitter joined their ranks. Cam Gordon, Head of Communications for Twitter Canada, joins us this week to discuss how the popular social network is working to help you monetize your tweets with its new tip jar and super follow features. Learn about these new features and more important updates to Twitter. 

As digital vaccine passports become a reality in several provinces across Canada, OpenTable is making it easier for restaurants to verify vaccination status for patrons. Matt Davis, Canada Country Manager for OpenTable, joins Mike and John to discuss how this new verification component works. Matt shares how OpenTable uses technology to create a seamless experience for diners and restaurants, becoming more than just a reservation platform.

Every year, the James Dyson awards promote and encourage innovation in design, recognizing young designers and inventors for their problem-solving ideas. We speak with this year's Canada award winner and two runners up about their ingenious inventions. From a mechanical assistive device for people with limited hand mobility to an AI-powered system that identifies and prevents soil erosion in agriculture to a non-toxic fire retardant that keeps people safe without long-term health impacts, we learn what it takes to come up with innovative technologies that solve big problems.

Over the past year, there have been some troubling incidents with Chevy Bolt electric cars. Now, General Motors has recalled every Chevy Bolt vehicle. Joining us this week, our contributor Stephen Fung, tells us about the experience of owning one of these vehicles as the situation has developed. We also discuss how the recall might affect the perception of electric vehicles. 

This week, the US International Trade Commission ruled that Google infringed on five smart speaker patents belonging to audio pioneer, Sonos. We discuss what this means for Sonos and Google. We also make some predictions on the future outcome of this David vs. Goliath legal battle. Will Google face import bans on its smart speakers? 

With back-to-school right around the corner, we talk about the technology essentials students at all levels will need to navigate a post-pandemic world. Toronto-based tech expert Marc Saltzman joins us as we discuss the right tech tools that will help students tackle the year successfully whether they're heading back to the classroom, continuing remote learning, or doing a bit of both.