In this episode of Your Tech Report, host Marc Aflalo welcomes back Dane Whitbeck from Pinwheel to discuss their latest innovation: Pinwheel GPT. This kid-friendly AI chatbot is designed to provide a safe, filtered experience for young users, offering responses tailored to kids between ages 7 and 16. Marc and Dane dive into the challenges and inspiration behind creating Pinwheel GPT, including how it protects children from inappropriate or controversial content and allows parents to monitor usage through a dedicated app. Dane shares insights into the development process, revealing how Pinwheel utilizes powerful AI technology to address a decades-old problem: giving kids safe access to information. They explore the evolving role of AI in children’s education and discuss how Pinwheel GPT is helping bridge the gap between curiosity and safety in the digital world. Parents can now ensure their children’s digital interactions are both informative and age-appropriate, and Marc and Dane cover everything from parental controls to the future of AI for kids. Join this engaging conversation to learn about Pinwheel’s ongoing mission to make AI safe and beneficial for the next generation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this lively episode, Marc Aflalo and Mitchell Whitfield unpack the highlights from Apple’s latest product event, focusing on the new iPhone 16, Apple Watch, and AirPods. The discussion centers on the iPhone 16 lineup, including the subtle design changes, camera upgrades, and new camera control button featured across all models. Mitchell shares his switch from the Max to the regular Pro due to size, while Marc debates the functionality of the latest updates. The duo also explores the Apple Watch’s new features, including the updated display and battery life improvements. Tune in for their personal thoughts on the Apple ecosystem and how these updates will impact daily use. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Marc Aflalo sits down with Sandeep Panesar, Head of Strategic Alliances and Partnerships at Selectcom Telecom, to dive deep into the evolving role of AI in the telecom industry. With AI rapidly becoming integral to business communications, Marc and Sandeep explore how solutions like Cisco’s WebEx Calling, powered by AI, are transforming workflows, enhancing customer experiences, and even offering real-time language translation and sentiment analysis. They also discuss how AI-driven features—such as natural language IVR, automated voice quality optimization, and immersive presentations—are already helping businesses save time and money. Tune in for a fascinating look at the future of telecommunications and how AI can help streamline operations, improve efficiency, and enhance customer interactions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Marc Aflalo and Mitchell Whitfield dive into the latest Apple product announcements, covering everything from the iPhone 16 lineup to the 10th anniversary Apple Watch and new AirPods. They discuss the design updates, such as the thinner Apple Watch and its larger display, along with its durability improvements. Marc and Mitchell share their thoughts on the new matte black Apple Watch Ultra, its stunning design, and battery life enhancements. The conversation also touches on the latest AirPods, including the introduction of noise-canceling features to entry-level models and the exciting integration of hearing aid functionality in the AirPods Pro. As always, they bring their unique blend of tech insights and personal experiences to the conversation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Your Tech Report, Marc Aflalo and special guest Steven Scott dive into all things Apple ahead of the highly anticipated September 9th event. They discuss the expected release of the iPhone 16, potential updates to AirPods Pro, and speculate about Apple Intelligence. Steven, host of Double Tap, shares his unique perspective on the evolution of assistive technology and how it empowers the blind and low vision community. From personal anecdotes about their history with Apple products to discussing the impact of AI on accessibility, this episode covers a wide range of topics tech enthusiasts will love.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:33 The Focus of Double Tap 06:42 Steven's Love for Apple Products 09:06 Expectations for Apple's Event 13:18 Improving Siri and Integrating Intelligence Features 15:04 Google's Advancements in the Tech Industry 17:08 The Need for Better Marketing and Education Takeaways Double Tap is a podcast that focuses on the intersection of tech and accessibility for people with disabilities. Steven Scott is a big fan of Apple products and has been using them since the 90s. Improving Siri and integrating intelligence features seamlessly into Apple devices is crucial for enhancing user experience. Apple's upcoming event is highly anticipated, and there are expectations for new products and updates. Google is also making strides in the tech industry, particularly with their Pixel devices. There is a need for better marketing and education about the features and capabilities of Apple devices. The future of AI in Apple devices lies in knitting together various functionalities and providing seamless experiences. Follow Marc Aflalo on social media @marcaflalo. Follow Steven Scott on social media @blindguytech. Check out Double Tap on YouTube. Check out Access Tech Live on YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of YourTechReport, Marc Aflalo is joined by Sidharth Oberoi, VP of International Strategy at Instructure, to explore the evolving role of AI in education. With the new school year underway, they discuss the rapid development of AI tools in classrooms and how Instructure’s flagship product, Canvas, is helping educators and learners navigate this new landscape. Oberoi shares his insights on the importance of intentional AI integration, the challenges of balancing technology with traditional teaching methods, and how AI-powered tools like translation and discussion summaries are shaping the future of learning. Tune in for an in-depth look at the future of AI in education and its impact on students and teachers worldwide. Chapters 00:00 Integrating AI in Education: The Need for Intentional Deployment 01:19 Canvas: Facilitating Teaching and Learning in the Digital World 03:07 Safety and Equity in AI Integration in Education 05:20 Providing Nutrition Facts for AI Tools in Education 08:33 Enhancing the Learning Experience with Translation and Discussion Summaries 09:59 Analyzing Student Performance and Trends with AI 17:02 Engaging the Community: Gathering Feedback for Improvement Takeaways AI in education requires intentional deployment and consideration of use cases. Instructure's Canvas is a learning management system that facilitates teaching and learning in the digital world. Safety and equity are important considerations when integrating AI into education. Instructure provides nutrition facts for AI tools and educates institutions on the implications of deploying different technologies. Features like translation and discussion summaries enhance the learning experience. Educators can use AI-powered tools to analyze student performance and trends. Instructure actively engages with their community to gather feedback and improve their products. Follow Marc Aflalo on social media @marcaflalo Learn more about Canvas at Instructure Visit YourTechReport at www.yourtechreport.com Listen to YourTechReport every week on @SiriusXM channel 167, for a free trial visit http://www.siriusxm.ca/ytr Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of YourTechReport, host Marc Aflalo sits down with telecom expert and tech evangelist Sandeep Panesar to dive deep into a frustrating issue many drivers face: CarPlay, Microsoft Teams, and Nissan Connect not playing nicely together. Sandeep shares his personal experience with a continuous reboot cycle caused by these systems’ interactions, and they discuss the challenges of troubleshooting car tech. From finger-pointing between tech giants to the lack of a solution after years of complaints, this episode highlights a major automotive tech glitch that could affect anyone using these systems. Tune in to hear their insights and what can be done to fix this ongoing problem. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:23 The Problem with Nissan Connect and Microsoft Teams 03:15 The Dangers of Continuous Rebooting While Driving 08:36 The Lack of Resolution and Finger-Pointing 10:21 Seeking a Solution and Contacting Microsoft 11:14 Conclusion and Call to Action Takeaways Nissan Connect in cars is experiencing a problem where the head unit continuously reboots when using Microsoft Teams through Apple CarPlay. This issue has been ongoing for several years and there has been finger-pointing between Nissan, Microsoft, and Apple, with no resolution in sight. The continuous rebooting of the head unit is distracting and potentially dangerous while driving. Marc and Sandy express their intention to bring attention to the issue and contact Microsoft directly for a resolution. Connect with Us Follow Marc Aflalo on social media @marcaflalo Follow Sandeep Panesar on social media @intosandeep Visit YourTechReport at www.yourtechreport.com Listen to YourTechReport every week on @SiriusXM channel 167, for a free trial visit http://www.siriusxm.ca/ytr Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of YourTechReport, hosts Marc Aflalo and Mitchell Whitfield dive into the hottest tech news and rumors. From the upcoming iPhone 16 and its anticipated features to the gaming world’s excitement for the Indiana Jones release, they cover it all. They also discuss the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, the next-level AI features, and how Google is leading the way with AI integration. Plus, hear their thoughts on the potential Mac Mini redesign, the future of Apple Watch, and their personal battle between the Beats Pill and Sonos Move speakers. Whether you’re a fan of gaming, tech gadgets, or Apple’s latest, this episode has something for everyone! Chapters 00:00 Anticipation for Upcoming Tech Releases 02:22 The Potential Integration of AI Features Across Apple Devices 03:49 Impressive AI Capabilities in Google's Pixel Lineup 09:19 Comparing Portable Speakers: Beats Pill vs. Sonos Move Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Your Tech Report, Marc Aflalo is joined by Patrick O’Rourke, Devices Managing Editor at PocketLint, for a deep dive into the world of smartphones, AI, and the latest tech trends. They discuss the new Google Pixel 9 and its AI-powered features, exploring both the exciting possibilities and the potential dangers of AI in consumer devices. Patrick shares his hands-on experiences with the Pixel 9, comparing it to other top smartphones, and offers insights into how Android has evolved over the years. The conversation also touches on the challenges of reviewing modern smartphones, the utility of foldable phones, and what to expect from Apple’s upcoming event. Tune in for an engaging discussion on the future of mobile tech and more. Chapters 00:00 The Pixel 9's AI-Powered Reimagine Feature 05:17 Foldable Phones: Design and Utility 07:11 The Commodity of Smartphones 08:38 Google's Shift: From Setting Examples to Competing 10:01 Pixel Devices: Unique Features and Designs 12:56 Google's Android: Simplicity, Cleanliness, and Customization 15:12 The Apple Event: Iterative Updates and Software Innovations Sound Bites "The Pixel 9 is a nearly perfect Android phone that also terrifies me." "Anyone can do it. Even if you don't have Photoshop skills, you just like type in dragon and a dragon appears in your backyard." "I can see someone who like just has nefarious intentions kind of pushing it to its limits." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Your Tech Report, host Marc Aflalo sits down with Michael Del Guidice, Vice President of Marketing at Allegion Canada, to delve into the fascinating history and cutting-edge innovations of Schlage, the trusted name in home security. From the brand’s 104-year legacy to the latest advancements in smart lock technology, Michael shares insights on how Schlage continues to balance security, convenience, and seamless integration with today’s smart home ecosystems. Discover the evolution of the Schlage Home app, the importance of consumer feedback, and how new technologies like Matter, Thread, and ultra-wideband are shaping the future of home security. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or just someone looking to secure your home, this episode offers valuable knowledge and insider tips on choosing the right smart lock. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dive into the captivating world of Roku City, the creative background on the Roku platform that has become a cultural phenomenon with its cult following and intriguing Easter eggs. In this episode of "YourTechReport," we chat with Chris Faulds and explore the groundbreaking partnership between Roku and McDonald's, marking the first branded presence in Roku City. Discover how this collaboration is transforming the advertising landscape on the Roku platform, allowing users to interact with ads and even place orders through the Make Delivery app. Join our expert hosts as they discuss the positive user response and the growing interest from other brands in advertising on Roku City. We'll also delve into the increasing adoption of Roku in the Canadian market, which is quickly catching up to the US in terms of popularity and potential for brand engagement. Learn about the innovative strategies that are making Roku City a hotspot for interactive advertising and how McDonald's is leading the charge. This episode is packed with insights and trends that are shaping the digital advertising world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we're thrilled to bring you an insightful conversation with Marcel Campos, the Marketing Director for OnePlus North America. Join host Marc Aflalo as they delve into the world of OnePlus, exploring the brand's latest product launches and its overarching philosophy on innovation and technology. Marc kicks off the discussion by highlighting the buzz around OnePlus's newest gadgets, with a special focus on the much-anticipated OnePlus Pad 2. This segment is a must-listen for tech enthusiasts and those looking beyond the iPhone ecosystem. Marcel Campos shares OnePlus's dedication to innovation, discussing how the company crafts products that cater to tech aficionados seeking deep customization and high-performance specs, all at a price point that's hard to beat. The conversation takes a turn towards gaming, with both Marc and Marcel sharing personal anecdotes about how their sons are drawn to the high refresh rates and powerful chipsets of devices like the OnePlus 12 and the OnePlus Pad. It's a clear indication of how younger users are becoming more tech-savvy and influenced by specifications. Marcel provides an inside look at OnePlus's strategy, emphasizing the importance of user feedback in shaping their product development process. The OnePlus Watch R is a prime example of how this approach leads to products that meet the specific needs of their audience without sacrificing quality. AI integration is another hot topic, with Marcel explaining OnePlus's stance on providing top-tier hardware to support AI software, giving users the freedom to choose their preferred AI tools. He also touches on the role of cloud computing in AI and how OnePlus ensures a smooth AI experience with their devices. Looking ahead, Marcel discusses the challenges of predicting technology trends in the fast-paced tech world, likening it to surfing—a metaphor that captures the essence of OnePlus's approach to innovation. This episode is packed with valuable insights into OnePlus's commitment to innovation, user-centric design, and delivering exceptional value in the tech market. Whether you're a OnePlus fan, a tech enthusiast, or just curious about the future of technology, this podcast is for you. Learn more about the OnePlus Pad 2: https://www.oneplus.com/ca_en/buy-oneplus-pad-2 Follow Marces Campos on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcelcampos/ Follow Marc Aflalo at : https://www.marcaflalo.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:47 Reaction to Recent Product Launches 03:09 Focus on Tech Enthusiasts and Gamers 06:25 The OnePlus Pad 2: Features and Price 08:19 User Feedback and Market Trends 10:23 AI Integration in OnePlus Devices 13:08 Innovative Accessories: Stylo 2 and Smart Keyboard 15:32 No Compromise on Quality and Competitive Pricing 18:53 The Future of the OnePlus Product Lineup 20:43 Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of YourTechReport on SiriusXM, host Marc Aflalo delves into the world of business communication with Sandeep Panesar, the strategic alliances and channel partnerships lead at Selectcom Telecom. Together, they explore the remarkable journey from the reliance on copper lines to the innovative era of Voice over IP (VoIP). Sandeep provides a comprehensive overview of how Selectcom Telecom is at the forefront of this evolution, offering a fully managed business voice solution that leverages the power of WebEx Calling. This solution not only integrates seamlessly with popular collaboration tools like Zoom and Microsoft Teams but also ensures secure and professional communication for businesses of all sizes. The conversation highlights the cost-saving benefits of moving away from traditional phone systems, the importance of uninterrupted communication, and the potential pitfalls of over-reliance on cellular networks. Sandeep emphasizes the reliability and uptime guarantees that Selectcom's solution provides, backed by a Tier 1 provider's infrastructure. Marc and Sandeep also discuss the critical questions businesses should consider when evaluating their communication needs, underscoring the value of a robust and flexible communication system in today's fast-paced business environment. You can learn more about Selectcom Telecom at www.selectcomtelecom.ca Follow Sandeep Panesar on all social platforms @intosandeep. Chapters 00:00 The Evolution of Business Phone Systems 01:25 The Benefits of Voice over IP 03:49 Why Choose a Premium Business Solutions Provider Keywords: Business Communication, Selectcom Telecom, Copper Lines, VoIP, WebEx Calling, Collaboration Tools, Security, Professional Communication, Cost Savings, Uptime Guarantee, Sandeep Panesar, Marc Aflalo, Your Tech Report. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🌐 Global IT Outage: A Wake-Up Call 🌐 In this discussion, Marc Aflalo and Sandeep Panesar dive into the aftermath of the global IT outage triggered by a faulty update from cybersecurity giant CrowdStrike. They examine the widespread impact, the role of companies like CrowdStrike and Microsoft, and the inherent vulnerabilities faced by technology users. 🔍 The conversation highlights the critical need for proactive measures and the importance of verifying the reliability of our tech tools. It's a stark reminder that even the most trusted companies can falter, and it's up to us to stay vigilant. 🛡️ As we navigate the digital landscape, let's remember the importance of staying informed and taking proactive steps to safeguard our digital lives. The recent outage serves as a wake-up call to the vulnerabilities that exist in our interconnected world. #GlobalITOutage #CrowdStrike #Cybersecurity #TechVigilance #ProactiveMeasures #DigitalSafety Follow Marc Aflalo: on X, on LinkedIn, on Instagram Follow Sandeep Panesar: on X, on LinkedIn, on Instagram 🔗 [Link to the discussion] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🚨 Deep Fakes & Fake News Alert! 🚨 In this episode, Sandeep Panesar and Marc Aflalo delved into the murky world of deep fakes and fake news on social media, with a spotlight on Twitter. We discuss the eye-opening moment when Elon Musk himself shared a deep fake video, inadvertently highlighting the platform's struggle to enforce its own policies. 🎯 The conversation didn't stop there. We explored the rampant spread of deep fakes and scams, underscoring the critical need to verify our sources and stay informed to combat misinformation. Follow Marc Aflalo: on X, on LinkedIn, on Instagram Follow Sandeep Panesar: on X, on LinkedIn, on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Marc Aflalo as he interviews Todd Harple, Intel's Olympics AI Innovation Program Lead, to uncover the groundbreaking AI technologies transforming the Olympic Games. Discover how Intel's AI is enhancing athlete performance, broadcast experiences, and venue operations, while also ensuring accessibility for all. In this episode, Todd reveals the AI Platform Experience, an interactive exhibit that uses computer vision to assess athletic capabilities and match them with Olympic sports. Learn about the AI Athlete Scouting app, which is revolutionizing talent identification and scouting. Todd also discusses the AI chatbot designed to assist athletes with a wealth of information and the innovative indoor navigation system that aids visually impaired individuals. Explore the ideation process behind Intel's AI initiatives, the challenges faced, and the sustainable practices adopted to reduce the Games' carbon footprint. Gain insights into the digital twinning of Olympic venues, which has streamlined broadcast preparations and operational planning. Don't miss this exclusive look at how AI is shaping the future of sports and making the Olympics more inclusive and efficient. Subscribe to AccessTech Live for more tech news and interviews. #IntelAI #OlympicsInnovation #AccessTechLive #AthleteScouting #AIChatbot #IndoorNavigation #TechInterview #MarcAflalo #ToddHarple #DigitalTwins #SustainableTech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pinwheel is a healthy first phone for kids, designed to provide a safe and controlled digital experience. The CEO and founder, Dane Whitbeck, created Pinwheel after struggling to find a suitable parental control system for his own children. Pinwheel offers a curated library of 1,200+ kid-friendly apps, text and call monitoring, and a safe list of contacts. The goal is to allow kids to embrace technology while staying safe and productive. The company also developed Pinwheel GPT, a kids-safe chat app that provides age-appropriate answers to questions. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Concerns about Online Safety 00:40 The Birth of Pinwheel: A Personal Problem 03:08 Curating Kid-Friendly Content with Expert Input 06:39 Starting Kids on Pinwheel at a Young Age 08:01 Embracing Technology Safely and Productively 11:40 Customizable App Experience and App Bans 13:50 Pinwheel GPT: Kids-Safe Chat App 16:57 Future Expansion and Product Offerings 18:50 Possibility of Serving the Elderly Population 19:49 Pinwheel's Role and Pricing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Samsung Unpacked event showcased new devices, including the Fold 6 and Flip 6. The devices offer refinement and no compromises compared to previous generations. Patrick O'Rourke joins us to talk about the announcements. The form factor of foldable phones is exciting, providing a full-size smartphone that takes up less space. Galaxy AI features are likely to make their way to other Google devices. The Galaxy Ring, a smart ring, may have a niche market but may not be in high demand. The Galaxy Watch Ultra fills the exercise and rugged niche in Samsung's ecosystem. Upgrading from previous foldable devices may not be necessary, but the new devices offer refined designs and mass appeal. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Samsung Unpacked and Patrick O'Rourke's History with Samsung Devices 02:05 Refinement and No Compromises: The New Samsung Devices 03:27 The Exciting Form Factor of Foldable Phones 03:53 Galaxy AI: Features for Samsung and Google Devices 06:17 The Niche Market of the Galaxy Ring 08:06 The Galaxy Watch Ultra: Filling the Exercise and Rugged Niche 11:55 Upgrading to the New Samsung Devices: Is It Necessary? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Marc Aflalo interviews Raj Doshi, the head of mobile experience for Samsung Electronics Canada, about the recent Samsung Unpacked event. They discuss the excitement of the event, the integration of software and AI capabilities in Samsung devices, and the personalization options of the Galaxy Flip 6. They also talk about the partnership with Google and Android for AI features, such as live translation, and the accessibility and communication benefits of these features. They touch on the Galaxy Ring and its integration with the Galaxy ecosystem, as well as the health-focused features of the Galaxy Watch Ultra, including sleep apnea detection. Raj expresses his excitement for the entire ecosystem of Samsung products and highlights the Galaxy Watch Ultra and the sound quality of the Galaxy Buds as his favorites. Chapters 00:00 Excitement and Integration of Software and AI in Samsung Devices 03:39 Partnership with Google and Android for AI Features 08:01 Accessibility and Communication Benefits of AI Features 10:51 The Personalization Options of the Galaxy Flip 6 14:43 The Galaxy Ring and its Integration with the Galaxy Ecosystem 15:10 Health-Focused Features of the Galaxy Watch Ultra Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of YourTechReport Marc and Mitchell discuss the state of EV's. They touch on the challenges and benefits of transitioning to EVs. They mention the aesthetics of EVs, the driving experience, and the affordability of electric cars. They also touch on the advancements made by traditional car manufacturers in the EV space and the importance of brand recognition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices