Marketplace®
Every story is an economic story
Latest Episode

08/23/2017: The threat of killer robots

Aug 23, 2017

Episodes 2411 - 2420 of 4493

  • 08/22/2017: The voice of Mario looks back on his audition
    Jonathan Leibson/Getty Images for Nintendo

    Samsung is scheduled to announce a new phone this week, which is expected to have wireless charging. The process known as inductive charging isn’t new though — it’s been around for years. So, um, why isn’t everywhere? Rahul Mangharam, an associate professor at the University of Pennsylvania, explains why smartphone charging is in its awkward teen phase, and why we can expect a break out soon. Afterwards, on the heels of Mario Kart’s 25th anniversary, we’ll chat with the voice of Mario: Charles Martinet. He joined us to talk about the phrases he used to get the job and whether he actually plays Mario Kart. 

  • A view of a total solar eclipse.
    National Astronomical Observatory of Japan via Getty Images

    As you might have heard, there’s a solar eclipse happening today. But even if you’re not in the so-called path of “totality,” you can stream it on Twitter thanks to its partnership with the Weather Channel. Neil Katz, editor in chief of The Weather Company, joined us to talk about how it’s going to film the eclipse and how the company thinks about programming in the digital age. Afterwards, we’ll dive into issues with data privacy agreements. 

  •  Reporters surround white supremacist Richard Spencer during a conference.
    Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

    A wave of tech companies have condemned white supremacist organizations and websites, like the Daily Stormer. But will their online presence eventually fade away, or just find another outlet? It turns out that the Daily Stormer has moved its operations to what’s called the Dark Web. Nicolas Christin, an associate research professor at Carnegie Mellon University, joined us to discuss whether sites like these will be able to thrive on the Dark Web. Plus: We play this week’s Silicon Tally with Doree Shafrir, a senior tech writer at Buzzfeed and author of the book “Startup: A Novel.” 

  • 08/17/2017: What tech companies should do about white supremacist groups
    Spencer Platt/Getty Images

    Two of the world’s biggest tech companies, Alibaba and Tencent, are from China. With both having either recently released their quarterly earnings or preparing to, we’ll take a look at how they’re trying to expand their growth. Afterwards, we’ll chat with Rashad Robinson, executive director at Color of Change, about the action that tech groups should take when their users include white supremacist groups.

  • 08/16/2017: The Justice Department and a web hosting company battle over user data
    Christiaan Colen/Flickr

    The Department of Justice has asked DreamHost for 1.3 million IP addresses connected to a site that organized protests around President Trump’s inauguration. On today’s show, we’ll look at whether there’s a historical precedent for such a request, and what this would mean for hosting companies if DreamHost were to give up this information. Afterwards, we’ll chat with Alex Klein, CEO of the startup Kano, about the importance of coding.

  • 08/15/2017: GoDaddy cuts ties with neo-Nazi site Daily Stormer
    Spencer Platt/Getty Images

    Daily Stormer, which describes itself as “The World’s Most Genocidal Republican Website,” has been let go from the domain GoDaddy after posting personal attacks about Heather Heyer, one of the Charlottesville victims. On today’s show, we’ll look at the role that services like GoDaddy play in controlling internet content. Afterwards, we’ll look at a growing debate over the manufacturing standards for environmentally friendly electronics. Manufacturers seem to be getting better marks for  these products, but some in the gadget repair community say the lenses for judging those manufacturers are getting a little rose-tinted. 

  • 08/14/2017: Weaponized audio technology
    Peter King/Fox Photos/Getty Images

    Hewlett Packard Enterprise has developed a Spaceborne computer that’ll be tested at the International Space Station to see if it can withstand trips to Mars. Mark Fernandez, lead developer for the NASA project, joined us to talk about the technology and why a private company like HP is getting involved. Afterwards, we’ll look at news that State Department workers in Cuba may have suffered from an “acoustic attack.” 

  • 08/11/2017: Is taking a moral stand good for business?
    MARTIN BUREAU/AFP/Getty Images

    Tech companies have had to grapple with some big moral issues as of late. Recently, Airbnb reportedly deactivated the accounts of users planning to attend a white supremacist rally in Charlottesville. Virginia. On today’s show, we’ll chat with University of Maryland professor Dana Fisher about whether the company is allowed to do something like this, and whether it’s good for a business’ bottom line to make a big political stand. Afterwards, we’ll play this week’s Silicon Tally with Saron Yitbarek, founder of the Code Newbie podcast.

  • The US Air Force Thunderbirds are seen rehearsing a flying routine.
    Mark Wilson/Getty Images

    Facebook and Instagram have replicated many of Snap’s features, from face filters to disappearing messages, and that hasn’t been great for business on Snap’s end. Does it still have some creative power going for it right now? Business Insider senior reporter Alex Heath takes a look at the company’s future with us. Afterwards, we’ll talk to 17-year-old Jack Cable about that time he hacked the Air Force.

Talk to us

You must complete the reCAPTCHA above to submit your message.
By submitting, you consent to receive information about our programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about Marketplace. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication.

About the show

Every weekday morning, Marketplace Tech demystifies the digital economy. The radio show and podcast explain how tech influences our lives in unexpected ways and provides context for listeners who care about the impact of tech, business and the digital world.

All Shows