Tech Girl Energy: The Weekly Debrief

TECH GIRL ENERGY: The Weekly Debrief
Episode 25 - Meta's Ad Free Subscription & 23andme Files for Bankruptcy
Harriet Taylor and Numi Gildert dive into their favourite tech headlines of the week;
Meta's Ad-Free Subscription Model
Topic Overview: Meta considers introducing a paid subscription model in the UK for ad-free experiences on Facebook and Instagram, following its EU implementation.
Discussion Points:Prospective cost of £5 per month.
Comparison to streaming service models.
Mixed reactions from hosts; concerns about social media usage habits and potential user base implications.

Ethical Concerns with DNA Testing Services
Focus Story: Data breach at American genetic testing firm, 23andMe, leading to bankruptcy fears.
Key Issues Discussed:Privacy risks associated with sensitive genetic data being accessed by third parties or used commercially without consent.
Potential ramifications for users regarding health insurance premiums in countries like the US where private healthcare is predominant.

Wider Implications of Digital Literacy
Importance of building critical thinking around digital services and technologies among users to understand risks involved in sharing personal data online.
LINKS:
Ad-free Insta: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0kglle0p3vo  
23andme Bankruptcy: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/mar/25/opt-out-23andme-account-dna-data-privacy
 
 

Don't forget to follow Harriet and Numi at @techgirlenergy on all social platforms.
You can find this, and all our other episodes at www.IM-Listening.co.uk or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

TECH GIRL ENERGY: The Weekly Debrief
Episode 24 - Subsea Cable Disruption Detection, Humanoid Robots and BYD's Speedy Charging
Harriet Taylor and Numi Gildert dive into their favourite tech headlines of the week;
Episode Highlights:
Subsea Fibre Cables & Sabotage Detection
Discussion on new tech that uses acoustic energy to monitor subsea fibre cables for sabotage.
Insights from Daniel Gerwig of AP Sensing, highlighting the importance of protecting undersea internet infrastructure amidst geopolitical tensions.
The Humanoid Robot Revolution
Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang predicts humanoid robots in manufacturing within five years.
Introduction to Apollo by Apptronic, a robot designed for tasks too dull or dangerous for humans.
Electric Vehicle Advancements
BYD unveils a battery capable of charging as fast as filling a petrol tank.
This breakthrough could alleviate range anxiety and encourage wider adoption of electric vehicles globally.
LINKS:
Subsea cable sabotage:  https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cn52rglxr62o
Nvidia CEO: Humanoid robot revolution:  https://www.reuters.com/technology/nvidia-ceo-humanoid-robot-revolution-is-closer-than-you-think-2025-03-19/
Humanoid machine performs real-world task:  https://news.sky.com/story/meet-the-human-like-robot-on-its-first-day-of-work-13331516  
BYD’s new super fast charger: https://www.independent.co.uk/tech/tesla-byd-fast-charging-technology-battery-b2718419.html
 
 

Don't forget to follow Harriet and Numi at @techgirlenergy on all social platforms.
You can find this, and all our other episodes at www.IM-Listening.co.uk or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

TECH GIRL ENERGY: The Weekly Debrief
Episode 23 - AI Characters in Video Games, Nylon helping Lithium Batteries and Hinge Health App
Harriet Taylor and Numi Gildert dive into their favourite tech headlines of the week;
Key Topics Discussed:
Sony Tests AI-Powered PlayStation Characters
Sony is experimenting with game characters that can converse like chatbots.
Discussion on how this could transform open-world games by eliminating scripted dialogue trees.
The implications for voice actors if their voices are used indefinitely by AI.
Nylon-Enhanced Lithium Batteries
Researchers have discovered that nylon can improve lithium batteries' stability and lifespan.
Potential applications include electric vehicles and other sustainable energy solutions.
The irony of using flammable nylon to reduce fire risks in batteries is noted.
Hinge Health Goes Public
Introduction to Hinge Health, a digital physical therapy startup aiming for an IPO next year.
How it offers home-based musculoskeletal injury recovery through innovative tech tools.
Speculation about its potential impact on healthcare accessibility in places like the UK.
Hosts’ Insights:
Gaming Addiction Confessions: Harriet shares her experiences with immersive RPGs like "The Witcher" while pondering the future of interactive gameplay with AI-driven NPCs.
Battery Innovations: Both hosts express curiosity about how such technological advancements might reshape industries reliant on stable power sources.
Healthcare Digitisation: They discuss whether apps like Hinge Health could alleviate pressure from traditional physiotherapy services or serve as supplementary tools.
 
LINKS
AI-powered Playstation characters: https://www.independent.co.uk/tech/ai-playstation-characters-sony-ps5-chatgpt-b2712813.html
Nylon in lithium batteries: https://www.theregister.com/2025/03/11/nylon_additive_lithium_battery/  
Hinge Health app: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/03/07/hinge-health-to-go-public-as-soon-as-april-source-says.html  
 

Don't forget to follow Harriet and Numi at @techgirlenergy on all social platforms.
You can find this, and all our other episodes at www.IM-Listening.co.uk or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

TECH GIRL ENERGY: THE WEEKLY DEBRIEF
Episode 22 - Goodbye Skype, Amazon's Cat Qubit Chip, Meta's Spotting Celeb Scams 
Join hosts Numi & Harriet as they dive into the tech headlines of the week, aiming to deliver a perfect blend of 50% information and 50% fun. From nostalgic farewells to groundbreaking advancements, this episode covers it all.
Highlights:
Sunny Days in the UK: A light-hearted start with both hosts enjoying rare sunny weather across England.
Farewell Skype (RIP):
Microsoft announces Skype will close down in May.
Reflecting on its impact since its launch in 2003 and reminiscing about MSN Messenger days.
Discussing how Skype missed out during the pandemic boom despite being an early leader in video calling.
Amazon's Quantum Leap:
Amazon enters the quantum computing race with their new Cat Qubit powered chip.
Exploring what makes this technology revolutionary, including error correction capabilities due to cosmic ray interference!
Speculating potential applications for industries like finance and research.
Meta’s AI Facial Recognition for Scam Prevention:
Meta introduces facial recognition tools to combat celebrity scam ads targeting users in the UK.
Discussion around challenges of distinguishing real from fake content using advanced AI technologies.
LINKS
Microsoft closing down Skype: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cn7vxlrvxyeo
Cat Qubit: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cly331r4p48o
Meta’s facial recognition tools: https://www.independent.co.uk/tech/meta-naga-munchetty-facebook-instagram-consumers-b2709192.html   
 
 
 

Don't forget to follow Harriet and Numi at @techgirlenergy on all social platforms.
You can find this, and all our other episodes at www.IM-Listening.co.uk or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

TECH GIRL ENERGY : The Weekly Debrief
Episode 21 - The Biggest Bitcoin Theft, Apple's ADP Gets Switched Off In the UK and Flying Car Prototypes
Welcome back to another exciting episode of Tech Girl Energy, where we bring you the latest in tech news with a perfect blend of information and fun! 
Topics Discussed:
The Massive Bybit Crypto Hack
Cryptocurrency firm Bybit faced a staggering $1.5 billion theft from their Ethereum wallet.
Discussion on modern-day digital heists compared to traditional bank robberies.
Insights into how such hacks might occur and personal anecdotes about crypto scams.
Speculation on whether the stolen funds can be recovered or traced.
Apple's Advanced Data Protection Tool Halted for UK Users
Apple has disabled its end-to-end encryption tool for UK users following government pressure.
Exploration of data privacy vs law enforcement needs, especially regarding encrypted iCloud data.
Consideration of potential implications for other countries’ policies on user data protection.
Introducing Alef Aeronautics' Flying Car Prototype
A US startup successfully demonstrates what could be the world's first flying car—Model 0 prototype by Alef Aeronautics.
Details about its design, capabilities, and future plans for more affordable models like Model Z priced at around £20,000 ($35,000).
Enthusiastic discussion about futuristic transportation possibilities and potential societal impacts.
LINKS:
Ethereum Theft: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2844nvwx8o
Apple’s Advance Data Protection: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cn524lx9445o
Flying Car Prototype: https://www.independent.co.uk/tech/flying-car-alef-aeronautics-range-b2703554.htm
 

Don't forget to follow Harriet and Numi at @techgirlenergy on all social platforms.
You can find this, and all our other episodes at www.IM-Listening.co.uk or wherever you listen to your podcasts.