Solar Plug-In Power, Apple's Phone Downgrade Trick, and Waymo Beats Humans | 07-29-26

Sam and Jay break down the week's biggest tech stories: a plug in solar device that could change home backup power, Apple's controversial new iPhone leasing program that can lock your phone if you miss a payment, a four minute charging sodium battery that might rival lithium, a wild plasma airbag concept to shield Earth from solar storms, and new data showing Waymo's self driving cars are outperforming human drivers in real world safety tests. Brought to you by Network Providers Inc, your strategic IT partner for help desk support, security, HIPAA compliance, and more. Timestamps: 0:00 Intro and show sponsor 1:18 Plug-in solar panel device explained 7:12 Apple's new iPhone leasing program backlash 11:44 Four-minute charging sodium battery breakthrough 15:27 Giant plasma airbag to block solar storms 18:37 Faraday cage hardening discussion 19:03 Waymo driverless cars outperform human drivers in safety study 24:26 Wrap up and outro Call to Action: Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe for weekly tech breakdowns and head to networkprovidersinc.com for a free 15-minute IT consulting session, plus grab the Cyber Playbook to protect your business from cyber threats.