MobileViews.com Podcast

MobileViews 565: Pre-WWDC; Windows to Linux; OpenAI Codex in ChatGPT

In this podcast, Jon Westfall and Todd Ogasawara discuss a range of tech topics, starting with Todd's ongoing struggles to update his 2019 HP Envy 360 laptop to Windows 11 or Google FlexOS due to processor incompatibility, leading him back to Linux. He notes the quirks of Linux, like his Bluetooth mouse not working with Linux Mint but functioning fine with Ubuntu. The conversation then shifts to the recent ability to use Apple Find My in South Korea as of June 1st, 2025, dispelling previous assumptions about privacy laws preventing its use there. Jon shares amusing anecdotes about using AirTags for unexpected insights, such as detecting activity near his office over the weekend.

The duo also delves into rumors about upcoming AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 features, including camera control, sleep detection, and new head gestures for answering calls and dismissing notifications. Jon observes that many people, especially younger generations, wear AirPods constantly, even when not listening to anything, which could drive the development of these features. They express both excitement and skepticism about the rumored iPadOS 26 menu bar and hope for significant improvements to Stage Manager, citing issues with external monitor usage. Finally, they touch upon the evolving landscape of AI in coding, with Jon sharing his experiences using OpenAI's Codex for debugging and code explanation, likening the AI's persistent "help" to a "code therapist". They ponder the increasing integration of AI into everyday tech and humorously speculate about a future where AI becomes so prevalent it might "leave" humanity behind.

MobileViews 564: Google I/O & Microsoft Build? Looking forward to Apple WWDC

In this podcast, Jon Westfall and I discussed:

A significant portion of our conversation centered on the continuing proliferation of AI in consumer products. We noted an increasing sense of "AI fatigue"—the saturation of artificial intelligence in nearly every product and announcement. Although I am personally intrigued by developments in AI-generated video and imaging, especially from Google and Meta, I also find the AI trend overwhelming at times. I am even considering subscribing to Google One’s AI Premium offering to further explore these capabilities, particularly for personal creative projects.

We also speculated on potential announcements from Apple’s upcoming WWDC, especially regarding artificial intelligence and whether Apple will finally deliver tangible AI features, following a less-than-smooth rollout of “Apple Intelligence.” I expressed hope for hardware updates, such as a refreshed Apple Watch Ultra or a more affordable version of the Vision Pro headset—rumored to be called the Vision Air.

I noted that I recently began revisiting older episodes of this podcast, some dating back to 2008. I’ve started re-editing and publishing select episodes as audiograms. One of these featured an interview with the developers of Google Earth for iPhone, recorded in early 2009—just six months after the App Store’s debut. It was particularly meaningful to hear the voice of my late friend Mike Morton, one of the app’s original developers.

We also touched on some of my ongoing technology experiments. I’ve been attempting to repurpose a 2019 AMD laptop that no longer supports Windows 11. My initial plan to install ChromeOS Flex was thwarted by hardware incompatibility, so I’ve shifted my attention to Linux Mint. Although I encountered issues related to UEFI preventing boot from a USB drive, I plan to revisit this project soon

Jon offered a compelling perspective on the evolving role of AI in higher education. He discussed how he and other faculty are adapting to student use of AI tools such as ChatGPT, emphasizing the importance of transparency, responsible use, and pedagogical innovation. Jon’s work in this area demonstrates a balanced, practical approach that integrates emerging technology while preserving academic integrity.

We concluded the episode with a broader reflection on the societal implications of AI, particularly the concern that up to 50% of entry-level jobs may be impacted in the coming years. As someone no longer in the workforce, I observe these shifts with a mix of concern and curiosity, especially regarding how younger generations will navigate such disruptions. We acknowledged the historical cycles of technological change—from calculators and word processors to broadband and mobile computing—and how each brought both fear and opportunity.

MobileViews 563: w/Jared Kuroiwa - Google Android XR, Headsets, and AI Integration

In episode 563 of the MobileViews Podcast, I'm joined by guest co-host Jared Kuroiwa to a few of the announcements from Google I/O 2025, with a strong focus on Android XR and the new generation of mixed and extended reality headsets.

Key highlights:

• Android XR Headsets: Google showcased XR devices from partners like Samsung (Project Muhan) and Xreal (Project Aura). These headsets vary in design—from immersive goggles to stylish glasses—and rely on connected Android smartphones for processing.
  
  
• Three-Part Requirement: To fully use these devices, users will need (1) a compatible Android phone, (2) XR glasses, and (3) a Gemini AI subscription, adding cost and complexity.
  
  
• Design & Use Cases: Devices like Xreal’s Aura and Samsung’s headset aim to combine AR displays with real-world usability, offering features like translation, contextual info, and AI assistance—akin to Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses.
  
  
• Local vs. Cloud AI: Jared shares insights into running local LLMs on mini PCs and the promise of lightweight, on-device AI, comparing it to cloud-based tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini.
  
  

Other Tools Discussed: Google Whisk for generative video, the future of XR optics, device compatibility issues, and the role of design in public acceptance of smart eyewear.

MobileViews 562: Using PLAUD NotePin to record and analyze this podcast; Python dev tools; anticipating Google I/O

For this podcast, Jon Westfall recorded our discussion in parallel and had it create a detailed summary and a kind of mind map. I fed PLAUD's detailed summary into Google NotebookLM and had it create the condensed summary below:

They discuss various technological tools and their applications, beginning with their experiences using a wearable transcription device, the Plaud NotePin, for capturing ideas during meetings. The discussion expands to the potential benefits and privacy considerations of recording interactions, touching on the limitations of inexpensive body cams and the potential of smartphones for video evidence. The hosts then explore how AI-powered transcription and summarization services can enhance content consumption and creation, citing examples of using these tools with podcasts and historical audio. They anticipate future AI advancements, particularly in video editing with tools like Google Flow and potential new extended reality (XR) glasses announced at Google I/O. The conversation also covers practical Python scripting for tasks like downloading YouTube transcripts, using development tools, and navigating file-sharing challenges, as well as integrating calendars with an Outlook plugin. Finally, they touch on the capabilities of AI assistants like Microsoft Copilot Vision and the intersection of AI with media and entertainment, referencing the Apple TV+ "Murder Bot" TV series.

MobileViews 561: Why did we stop using WIndows Mobile/Phone w/guest Frank McPherson

In this podcast Todd Ogasawara and Jon Westfall are joined by frequent guest panelist Frank McPherson. They discuss:

• Todd sorting out his Google AI Mode usage problem
• Google NotebookLM's new information source discovery feature
• LegoGPT
• We can finally buy ebooks in the iOS Audible app
• Todd's Surface Pro 11 rant
• Is Microsoft's Windows 11 hardware requirements going to alienate Windows 10 users the way Windows Phone did to Windows Mobile users?
• Jon's initial impressions of the Plaud NotePin

MobileViews 560: Windows Mobile 25th anniversary discussion w/guest co-host Frank McPherson

I'm joined by guest co-host Frank McPherson for this May the 4th Be With You podcast. We discuss:

• The new Orb continuous Internet measurement sensor created by the founders of Ookla (Speedtest & Downdetector)
• The Fing networking monitoring solution that Frank has used for years
• Google's new publicly available AI Mode Search
• Google Gemini's new image editing feature
• Reminiscing about Windows Mobile with Frank McPherson  

MobileViews 559: AI welfare? LOOI Robot; Windows Mobile 25 anniversary - Guests: Sven Johannsen & Don Sorcinelli

Jon Westfall and I are joined by Sven Johannsen and Don Sorcinelli for this podcast. We discuss:

• Anthropic's AI model welfare study? Has an AI already achieved sentience?
• Microsoft Recall rolling out to Copilot + PCs (not mine though)
• The LOOI Robot
• 25 years of WIndows Mobile/29 years of WIndows CE

MobileViews 558: Gotchas prepping ancient Macs for recycling; SSD bit-rot? AI-s learning about you; Plaud NotePin preview

In this podcast, Jon Westfall and I discuss:

• Future discussion series: 25 years of Windows Mobile (29 years of Windows CE)
• Waiting for the more Mac-like iPadOS 19
• Earth Month: Preparing ancient Macs (2004 iBook, 2007 iMac, 2010 MacBook Air) for recycyling
• SSD bit-rot?
• ChatGPT and other LLMs now know you pretty well with their ability to remember. Is this good? Bad?
• Preview of a larger discussion of Jon's new Plaud NotePin

MobileViews 557: Rant-Copilot+PC; Reviewing 5K head mounted display; Google XR Glasses prototype; AI & coding

In this podcast, Jon Westfall and I discuss:

• Electric company response time (good) after reporting an explosion & fire
• RANT: Microsoft Copilot + PC Recall feature still in beta testing nearly a year after the Copilot + PCs were released
• Google shows prototype of Android XR glasses. Expected to be released by Samsung in 2026
• AI & coding

MobileViews 556: Jon's University AI Curriculum work; FORTH for the apocalypse; Vibe coding; Microsoft turns 50

In this podcast, Jon Westfall and I discuss:

• Todd using Powerbeat Pro 2's microphone to record this podcast
• Microsoft's 50th anniversary
• iOS/iPad|OS 18.4 and MacOS 15.4 updates released
• Jon's involvement at with the Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network AI curriculum at his university 
• More on vibe coding
• Duplicati - open source multiplatform backup software
• FORTH: The Best Programming Language for the End of the World