718: Net Unhelpful

This week, Guest Host Donovan Adkisson joins Jason DeFilippo to wade through the usual tech chaos; California is attempting to regulate the inevitable AI companion chatbots, which is timely, considering ChatGPT is about to launch erotica (with age verification, natch). Turns out, most of the world is less stoked about our algorithmic future than Silicon Valley is. Speaking of chaos, Elon Musk’s Boring Company racked up nearly 800 environmental violations in Vegas, and his Starlink satellites are burning up the atmosphere, validating the Kessler Syndrome predictions (and ruining backyard astronomy). On the ground, Georgia Tech is deploying drone first responders, ensuring campus security is instantly airborne, while the UK's Online Safety Act slapped 4chan with a hefty fine. We also mourn a Crypto Kingpin who met his end in a Lamborghini following a market crash. Finally, beware that "perfect" house listing, as the owner likely used AI to virtually enhance that curb appeal.It seems even the guy who coined the term "Vibe Coding" admits that relying on AI for complex software is "Net Unhelpful," proving that humans still have to do the heavy lifting—a fact Uber might ignore, as they plan to pay drivers to train AI between rides. Speaking of dumb human stunts, some genius launched the "World's First Waymo DDoS" by summoning 50 robotaxis to a dead end. On the entertainment side, it's time to binge Gen V before Season 5 of The Boys drops; also, why did Apple rename Apple TV+ to Apple TV? The guys also discuss the eternal cultural resonance of Idiocracy and the perfection of Galaxy Quest (and its fantastic documentary, Never Surrender). On the work front, Jason switched back to Things 3 because life is too short for ugly software, even as Windows 10's impending end-of-life threatens to create an e-waste disaster. Also, Wi-Fi 8 is coming soon, because the recently ratified Wi-Fi 7 just wasn't cutting it.Finally, the Grumpy Old Geeks wish a happy birthday to friends of the show and offer remembrance for the recently deceased, including screen icon Diane Keaton and KISS founding member Ace Frehley (though, honestly, no one here watched KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park). Tune in next time, and always remember to check out Anonymous: Real Stories of Alcoholism, Addiction, and Recovery; and go get some of that GOG Merch... when it becomes available.Sponsors:MasterClass - Get an additional 15% off any annual membership at MASTERCLASS.com/GRUMPYOLDGEEKSPrivate Internet Access - Go to GOG.Show/vpn and sign up today. For a limited time only, you can get OUR favorite VPN for as little as $2.03 a month.SetApp - With a single monthly subscription you get 240+ apps for your Mac. Go to SetApp and get started today!!!1Password - Get a great deal on the only password manager recommended by Grumpy Old Geeks! gog.show/1passwordShow notes at https://gog.show/718FOLLOW UPGuest Host: Donovan AdkissonCalifornia becomes first state to regulate AI companion chatbotsChatGPT erotica coming soon with age verification, CEO saysInternational Polling Shows Fear of AI Across the WorldIN THE NEWSGeorgia Tech’s drone first responder program cuts emergency response time to 90 seconds or lessCrypto Kingpin Turns Up Dead in Lamborghini After Market CrashConcerns grow after spate of social media posts showing SpaceX Starlink satellites burning in the sky — we are currently seeing a ‘couple of satellite re-entries a day,’ says respected astrophysicist4chan fined $26K for refusing to assess risks under UK Online Safety ActElon Musk’s Boring Company Accused of Nearly 800 Environmental Violations on Las Vegas ProjectThat perfect-looking house for sale may have an owner using AI to virtually enhance the listingEven the Inventor of 'Vibe Coding' Says Vibe Coding Can't Cut ItMan Launches “World’s First Waymo DDoS” by Ordering 50 Robotaxis to Dead End StreetMEDIA CANDYGEN VApple’s streaming service gets harder to tell apart from its streaming app, boxThe Celebrity TraitorsThe Fortune HotelIdiocracyNever Surrender: A Galaxy Quest DocumentaryThe Missi & Brooke ShowAnonymous - Real Stories of Alcoholism, Addiction, and RecoveryMinecraft Movie 2 ReleaseAPPS & DOODADSThings 3TP-Link confirms successful Wi-Fi 8 trials — next-gen wireless standard to usher in advances in reliability and latencyThe End of Windows 10 Support Is an E-Waste Disaster in the MakingCLOSING SHOUT-OUTSDiane Keaton dead at age 79Kiss Meets the Phantom of the ParkSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.