MobileViews.com Podcast

MobileViews 581: Reminiscing about the 2013 Nokia Lumia 1020; Ubiquiti Dream Router SEVEN; Google App for Windows

Jon Westfall and I are joined by frequent guest panelist Sven Johannsen for podcast 581. First, we dove into our mini-series on remembering Windows mobile operating systems, with Sven defending his favorite: Windows Phone. He loved its unique tiled UI and the superb Nokia Lumia 1020 hardware, especially its 41-megapixel camera (amazing for a phone released in 2013) and its colorful design. Jon and I, however, preferred the earlier Windows Mobile due to its broader app selection and the sheer variety of manufacturer devices and various models with physical keyboards. Speaking of hardware, I mentioned Amazon's recent event where they announced new Echos and Kindles—including a color Kindle Scribe—but no new Fire HD tablets, which I'm still waiting for as an affordable Android alternative. I also shared my short-lived experience with the new Google app for Windows, which I uninstalled immediately after it tried to download my entire Google Drive to search locally.

Jon also shared his recent, non-flashy but impactful tech purchase: an upgrade to a Ubiquiti Dream Router SEVEN with a U6 extender. He noted how much better his home network is now that it supports his 60-70 IoT devices, and he encouraged listeners to consider upgrading their own aging router equipment for better performance, Wi-Fi 6/7 support, and improved features like easier network isolation. We wrapped up with a brief discussion of the handy, feature-rich, and affordable nature of some of the low-end Windows Phones, like the $40 model available at Walmart, which offered a camera, FM radio, and GPS with free offline maps thanks to Nokia's Here We Go navigation system.

MobileViews 580: Raspberry Pi 500+; Amazon Alexa+; Android+ChromeOS; AR/VR, AI & more

In MobileViews Podcast 580, Jon Westfall and I discussed a bunch of new tech, starting with the Raspberry Pi 500+. I'm excited about this new keyboard computer because, unlike its predecessor, it features a mechanical keyboard and, most importantly, an NVMe SSD slot for faster performance, moving beyond the slow SD card. I still haven't figured out what I'd actually do with one, but the specs are impressive! I also shared my experience with the Amazon Alexa Plus early access, noting that my older Echo Dot and Echo Flex were surprisingly supported, though the new female default voice has some annoying vocal fry. I'm also looking forward to Google's experimental Google app for Windows, hoping it delivers the AI PC experience that Microsoft's Surface Pro 11 hasn't quite fulfilled. Finally, I touched on the rumor of Google merging Chrome OS and Android, a move that I hope combines the best of both platforms, especially for tablets.

Jon Westfall brought up the topic of the things that have sparked "tech joy" for him over the past year. He is particularly excited about the continuing evolution of AR/VR glasses, mentioning Meta's new glasses and the potential for an Apple Vision "amateur." He sees these as a fantastic way to facilitate human communication, especially for those of us who struggle to remember names and details. Jon is also very enthusiastic about the Large Language Models (LLMs), specifically their use as a "junior assistant" for tasks like drafting his promotion portfolio at work and serving as a quick "junior developer" for software prototypes. This is a great way to handle tedious work! I seconded the excitement around AI by mentioning the fun I've had with Google AI Pro's photo and video tools on my Pixel 10 Pro. We then wrapped up with a mini-rant about a poorly designed Bluetooth scale and some interesting reading recommendations, including a LinkedIn article by Ed Margulies about fear of change when trying to be a change agent in the enterprise and another about Roblox and the skins market in modern gaming.

MobileViews 579: AirPods Pro 3 mic vs. other mics; Nothing Ear (3), Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses, & our fav Windows CE devices

In this podcast, Jon Westfall and I discuss several new technology releases and personal experiences with gadgets. They talk about Google's plans to integrate AI features into the Chrome browser to improve security and search functionality.

Nothing Ear (3) earbuds, which have an interesting feature where the charging case can be used as a microphone.

AirPods Pro (3), noting the magnetic case and the new ear tips, and he and Ogasawara compare the sound quality of various microphones.

Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses with a heads-up display and gesture control, but express frustration over the limited availability and the requirement to get a demo at a few select stores.

We also briefly touch upon the new iPhone Air, speculating that it is a test run for a future foldable iPhone.

Mac OS 26 update and its effect on the VO2 Max calculation, which has led to inconsistent readings for users. The podcast ends with a nostalgic discussion of their favorite Windows CE devices. I talked about my first Windows CE device: The HP 320LX Handheld PC. Jon discussed his first "real" smartphone, the HTC Himalayas, and his all-time favorite, the HTC Kaiser or Titan II, praising its form factor and features.

MobileViews Podcast 578: Apple's September Event & The AI Spat

In the latest Mobile Views podcast, Todd Ogasawara and Jon Westfall discuss Apple's recent product announcements, focusing more on software than hardware. They note that the new operating systems, including iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS, are where users will see the most significant changes, with updates scheduled to be released on September 15th. The new operating systems have a "liquid glass" design, which changes the overall look and navigation. They also touch on the new iPhone "Air," which they theorize may be a precursor to a foldable phone, as it is a result of Apple's research and development for foldable technology.

 

They also share their thoughts on other new products and features. Ogasawara and Westfall express disappointment that the new AirPods Pro did not include an LCD display case or a thermometer, features they were hoping for. Ogasawara also discusses his experience with the Google Pixel 10 Pro's AI features, including the built-in thermometer. They also talk about the new sleep score feature on watchOS 26 and the upcoming hypertension detection. Finally, they express their frustration with the lack of progress in phone technology, reminiscing about a time when new features like GPS and Wi-Fi were added every year, and they suggest that people who upgrade every two or three years will find the changes more exciting than those who upgrade annually.

MobileViews 577: More Pixel 10 Pro, Apple event rumors, Confusing Microsoft design choices; Kiko

In episode 577 of the MobileViews podcast, Todd Ogasawara and Jon Westfall dive into a lively and wide-ranging discussion on recent tech developments, frustrations, and personal experiments. The episode kicks off with reflections on the Google Pixel 10 Pro and XL, highlighting their impressive computational photography features—especially the 100x ProRes zoom—and the new Pixel Snap (MagSafe-like) charging support. The duo also critiques Microsoft’s confusing app design choices, particularly within the Microsoft 365 mobile experience, and laments the decline of Surface and Duo devices. Apple and Google’s alternating dominance in the tech news cycle is a recurring theme, with both hosts expressing mixed feelings about hardware reliability and innovation across platforms.

The conversation takes a playful turn as Todd and Jon explore the quirks of macOS wallpaper rotation, the long-awaited Instagram iPad optimization, and the curious behavior of Amazon’s Fire tablets. Jon shares his growing GitHub repository of useful Python scripts, including tools for photo redaction and LMS reporting, while Todd muses on AI’s growing influence and the potential of thermal sensing in upcoming Apple devices. They wrap up with speculation about the upcoming Apple event, interest in AirPods Pro 3 and Apple Watch Ultra 3, and a brief update on Hurricane Kiko near Hawaii. 

MobileViews 576: Google Breach, Pixel 10 Pro AI, MagSafe & Smart Ring Chargers w/guest Sven Johannsen

Todd Ogasawara, Jon Westfall, and Sven Johannsen discussed  the widespread alerts about a Google data breach urging Gmail password changes, which Todd noted he had not personally received despite seeing numerous reports. The conversation quickly moved to their personal tech upgrades, with both Todd and Sven having recently acquired new Pixel phones—Todd upgraded from a Pixel 7a to a Pixel 10 Pro, and Sven opted for a Pixel 10 Pro XL. They praised the Pixel 10 line's advanced AI features, including the ProRes 100x digital zoom, which Todd found "shockingly good" and "fantastic" for capturing distant details with clarity, even if tech blogs might deem it "fuzzy". Other impressive AI integrations include Live Translate, which Todd's wife found amusing in its word choices, and Call Notes for transcribing phone conversations. Todd also highlighted the benefit of a one-year Google One AI Pro subscription that came with his Pixel and applauded the new Pixel Snap feature, confirming its compatibility with Apple MagSafe chargers.

Further expanding on accessories and broader tech, Todd expressed excitement about the Pixel 10 Pro's new temperature-taking capability, useful for both body and object temperatures. He also shared his experience with the Anker Nano Power Bank (5K, MagGo, Slim), an ultra-slim, Qi2 Certified 15W Max MagSafe-compatible portable charger with a 5,000mAh capacity. Despite being marketed primarily for iPhones, Todd found it worked with his Pixel, appreciating its design and color, though he observed lower-than-expected charging wattage with both his Pixel and iPhone. Sven recommended the Doohoeek Updated Charging Case for Oura Ring 4 & 3 Charger, a portable wireless power station featuring a 1000mAh battery that converts the official wired charger into a convenient portable solution, providing up to five full charges for the Oura Ring. Jon, an Oura ring user, weighed in on the practicality of such a case, also mentioning the recent controversy surrounding Aura's partnership with Palantir and concerns about consumer data privacy. The discussion also touched upon the desire for easier switching between mobile ecosystems and the evolving understanding of AI's capabilities and limitations.

MobileViews 575: Why do LLMs dislike Asimov's Three Laws of Robotics?

In a recent podcast, Todd Ogasawara and Jon Westfall discussed several notable updates and new gadgets in the tech world. Google Photos is rolling out new AI-powered creative tools, including "Photo to video," which animates still pictures into short video clips, and "Remix," capable of transforming photos into various art styles like anime or 3D animations. These features will be accessible through a new "Create tab" in the Photos app. Additionally, the Blood Oxygen feature has returned to Apple Watch models (Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2) in the U.S. after a U.S. Customs ruling, with sensor data now processed and calculated on the paired iPhone. The conversation also touched upon a new accessory, the Spigen Snapzip (MagFit) EDC Pouch Organizer, a mini-backpack designed for MagSafe-compatible iPhones, offering versatile storage for small essentials and multiple carrying options, including a carabiner for attachment to a belt or backpack.

The discussion further explored the broader implications of artificial intelligence, particularly concerning Isaac Asimov's Three Laws of Robotics. These foundational laws, which dictate that robots must not harm humans, must obey human orders (unless conflicting with the first law), and must protect their own existence (unless conflicting with the first or second law), were considered for modern AI models. The hosts noted that when asked about adhering to these laws, AI models were "uniformly against it," often citing the vagueness of the rules. One AI, ChatGPT, even provided a hypothetical analysis, estimating that enforcing these laws could significantly increase electricity consumption, ranging from a 1-10% rise for a "basic rule stack" to a dramatic 200-1000% increase for advanced "simulation world modeling". This highlights the complex ethical and practical challenges in implementing such safeguards for increasingly sophisticated AI.

MobileViews 574: AOL's Dial-Up Farewell, Microsoft Lens Retirement, and Essential Back-to-School Tech & Survival Tips

n their latest "MobileViews 574" podcast, hosts Todd Ogasawara and Dr. Jon Westfall navigated through significant tech news and offered practical advice. A notable development discussed was the discontinuation of AOL's dial-up internet access on September 30, 2025, marking the end of an era for the once-pioneering service. The conversation also touched upon Microsoft's decision to retire its Microsoft Lens app from iOS and Android devices, effective September 15, 2025, with full support ending November 15. Todd, who uses Lens to de-skew photos of doodles and whiteboards, is now seeking alternatives, with suggestions including Microsoft 365 Copilot app, OSS Document Scanner, Genius Scan, and Google Lens. This led to a humorous digression about the differing "personalities" of AI tools like Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini.

 

Shifting to essential tips, Dr. Westfall provided a comprehensive "back-to-school tech roundup" for students. Key recommendations included USB drives with encrypted partitions for secure and compatible file transfer, and small thermal printers such as the Phomemo M04AS for quick, inexpensive prints like QR codes or notes. A Belkin 2-in-1 MagSafe Wireless Charging Dock was suggested for convenience, supporting iPhone's StandBy mode. For car-owning students, a portable jump starter (like the NOCO Boost GB40) and a mobile tire inflator (such as the DENVIX Tire Inflator) were highlighted as essential safety tools that also function as power banks and lights. Practical, inexpensive items like a packable rain hat (e.g., Soxbang Waterproof Bucket Rain Hat) and a towel were also recommended for unexpected weather. Finally, both hosts emphasized the critical need for a backup plan for all critical technology, leveraging cloud storage and considering extended warranties, along with the "three-day rule" for assignments to mitigate stress. This last point was underscored by observations about some students' reluctance to even use two-factor authentication for campus email due to perceived inconvenience.

MobileViews Podcast 573:A Tsunami of tech topics + Uncle Jon's Bank for Parents & Kids

Todd Ogasawara and Jon Westfall covered a range of interesting topics, from real-world natural disasters to the cutting edge of AI development and personal tech. Todd shared his recent experience during a statewide tsunami alert in Hawaii, triggered by an 8.8 magnitude earthquake off Russia. While initial information was well-managed, he highlighted significant issues with traffic chaos during evacuation and a concerning lack of information post-wave impact. On the technology front, Todd discussed Google Notebook LM, praising its ability to create succinct summaries and slideshows with voiceovers from source material. He also introduced Google Opal, a new experimental tool from Google Labs that allows users to build and share powerful AI mini-apps using natural language and visual editing, describing it as a "step beyond Visual Basic" for accelerating AI prototyping and workflows.

Jon Westfall also shared his recent tech purchases and an exciting new project. He acquired an 8Bitdo Micro Bluetooth Gamepad, a pocket-sized mini-controller weighing just 24.8 grams with 16 buttons. Its versatility allows it to function as a game controller for Switch, Android, and Raspberry Pi, or as a keyboard mode device for various applications, including as a remote for his new Kobo Libra Colour eReader. The Kobo Libra Colour features a 7" E Ink Kaleido™ 3 color display and Kobo Stylus 2 compatibility for colorful mark-ups and note-taking, with notebooks backed up to Kobo Cloud, Dropbox, or Google Drive. Jon also unveiled his open-source project, Uncle John's Bank, a self-hostable banking system for parents and kids designed to teach financial literacy, notably incorporating daily compounding interest and Certificates of Deposit (CDs). This sophisticated project was developed remarkably fast (75 hours) thanks to extensive use of OpenAI Codex, which integrated directly with his GitHub repository, even writing developer documentation. However, Jon noted a peculiar issue where GitHub Copilot (AI) reviewing Codex (AI)-generated code sometimes caused new problems, suggesting limitations in AI-to-AI code interaction. Finally, Jon shared intriguing results from asking various AIs (Google Gemini, ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Anthropic Claude) for investment advice, observing their diverse recommendations and risk appetites.

MobileViews 572: iPadOS 26, AppleCare One, Adobe Editing & Android Phone Market Shift

Todd Ogasawara and Don Sorcinelli delved into several recent developments in personal technology, starting with Apple's new offerings. They discussed AppleCare One, a simplified coverage plan launched on July 23, 2025, which allows customers to protect up to three Apple products for $19.99 per month, with options to add more devices. This plan bundles all AppleCare+ benefits, including unlimited accidental damage repairs, 24/7 expert support, battery coverage, and extends theft and loss protection to iPad and Apple Watch. Don highlighted this as a "win-win" for both Apple and consumers, offering both simplicity and potential cost savings over individual plans. The conversation then shifted to Todd's experience with the iPadOS 26 public beta. He noted significant improvements in the new windowing system, which provides desktop-like functionalities such as closing, minimizing, resizing, and tiling app windows. New apps like Journal and Phone are now available on iPad, and a macOS-style menu bar has been introduced. Todd also explored the Local Capture feature, enabling native audio and video recording on iPadOS/iOS 26 devices, which, while useful for content creation, only records the user's side of the conversation in a call.

 

Beyond Apple, the discussion covered crucial software updates and market observations. Todd highlighted a new feature in Adobe Podcast Studio that allows users to edit video by simply editing its transcribed text, significantly simplifying the process of cutting and rearranging video segments. They clarified a common misunderstanding about Microsoft Authenticator: while its password manager functionality is being removed by August 1, 2025, the multi-factor authentication (MFA) feature will remain active, with a push towards passkeys as a more secure login method. From an enterprise IT perspective, Don shared insights into the marked improvements in Microsoft Intune's support for Mac OS management, a development that streamlines device administration for companies striving for a "single pane of glass" solution across diverse operating systems. Finally, they observed the landscape of the US Android phone market, noting its overwhelming dominance by Samsung and Google Pixel, with other brands like Motorola having a very limited presence, largely influenced by carrier offerings and marketing strategies