In this episode, Erik talks about the rise of Agentic Web Browsers. These "next generation" web browsers are the new hotness, and companies like OpenAI, Perplexity, and Microsoft claim they can save you time by doing tasks on your behalf. But do they actually work? What are the risks of letting an AI control your browser? SHOW NOTES Consumer Reports: Should You Use an AI Browser Like ChatGPT Atlas? ChatGPT Atlas browser Microsoft Edge Copilot Mode TIME STAMPS 00:00:00 - Intro00:03:35 - What are agentic web browsers?00:13:15 - Consumer reports agent browser comparison00:23:22 - Tips00:29:07 - Wrap up CONTACT Website:examining.ca Twitter: @ExaminingPod Erik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-Host  Website: erikchristiansen.net Kris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-Host Website: krishans.ca Website: krishans.ca

This episode was originally published on September 8, 2023 (Episode 60), during the AI hype cycle. What is still true today? Does Amazon still want to own the AI highway? Is higher education and business responding to ChatGPT the same way today? --- Examining is a technology-focused podcast that dives deep. Our co-hosts, Erik Christiansen and Kris Hans examine the technology industry, branding, productivity, and education, and provide practical tech tips. As we make this transition to "Examining" we will be updating our various account links, so please bear with us. SHOW NOTES YouTube: This video is titled “YouTube” and is available on the YouTube platform Harvard Business Review: How to Prepare for a GenAI Future You Can’t Predict ZDNet: 75% of businesses are implementing or considering bans on ChatGPT Slate: Amazon Web Services isn’t trying to win the A.I. race. It wants to own the road CONTACT Website:examining.ca Twitter: @ExaminingPod Erik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-Host  Website: erikchristiansen.net Kris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-Host Website: krishans.ca Website: krishans.ca (Show notes created with help from Bing Chat AI)

This episode was originally published on February 1, 2022. In this episode, Kris and Erik return after their Winter break 'sabbatical.' Kris gives an update on the latest books he's read on work productivity, specifically those that force us to rethink how we work. Our co-hosts also discuss their work resolutions/goals for using technology and being productive.SHOW NOTESBooks*The Four Hour Work Week - Tim Ferriss*ReWork - Jason Fried, David Heinemeier Hansson*Remote - Jason Fried, David Heinemeier Hansson*Make Time - Jake Knapp, John Zeratsky Tools mentioned*Pinboard*IFTTT*Day One*No code toolsEDTECH EXAMINED CONTACT:Website: edtechexamined.comEmail: hey@edtechexamined.comTwitter: @EdTechExaminedTEAM INFORMATIONErik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-HostWebsite: erikchristiansen.net Twitter: @egchristiansenBlog: tech-bytes.netKris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-HostWebsite: krishans.caTwitter:  @KrisHansMarket Grade: marketgrade.comChristopher Hoang, Audio Producer & Sound EngineerWebsite: chrishoang.ca

In this episode, Kris and Erik discuss the legacy of Windows 10 (successes and controversies), Windows' evolution, how to get an extra year of Windows 10 support for free, and our favourite Windows features. SHOW NOTES Bloomberg: Apple is enticing Windows 10 users to switch to Mac/iPad Paul Thurrott: Windows 10 Legacy Lex Fridman podcast: Dave Plummer interview (former Microsoft veteran) Dave’s Garage: Dave Plummer’s YouTube channel on PC/software history, deep dives into hardware, retro hardware, and interviews with industry legends. Steven Sinofsky's book: Hardcore Software: Inside the Rise and Fall of the PC Revolution TIPS Engadget: Get extended Windows 10 support for free! Reddit: Hidden/lesser-known Windows features TIME STAMPS 00:00:53 - Reflection on Windows 00:06:02 - Legacy of Windows 10 00:25:54 - Apple going after Windows 10 users to switch 00:27:22 - Get a year of Windows 10 support for free! 00:32:01 - Favourite Windows features 00:41:54 - Wrap up CONTACT Website: examining.ca
X: @examiningpod
LinkedIn: ca.linkedin.com/company/examining

TEAM INFORMATION Erik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-Host
Website: erikchristiansen.net
X: @egchristiansen Kris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-Host
Website: krishans.ca
X: @KrisHans

In this episode, Erik and Kris discuss the new Sora 2 video generator from OpenAI and a startling Wired report about how public and government information was gathered from satellites using only $800 worth of equipment. SHOW NOTES Sora 2 AI video generator Wired: Satellites are leaking the world's secrets TIME STAMPS 00:02:51 - Sora 2 AI video generator 00:22:49 - Satellites are leaking the world's secrets (Wired) CONTACT: Website: examining.ca X: @examiningpod LinkedIn: ca.linkedin.com/company/examining TEAM INFORMATION: Erik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-Host Website: erikchristiansen.net X: @egchristiansen Kris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-Host Website: krishans.ca X: @KrisHans

This episode was originally published September 21, 2021. ---- In this deep dive episode, Kris and Erik discuss Cal Newport's most recent book "A World Without Email." Newport argues that email and messaging apps (asynchronous communication) have led to what he calls "the hyperactive hive mind." Newport explains that email is taking up too much of our time at work and proposes several solutions to make us more efficient.SHOW NOTESKey concepts:*Email is abused and we spend too much time writing emails*We often offload our brains using email. It's easier to ask questions via email than find answers ourselves.*Email, like physical mail and instant messaging, is a form of asynchronous communication. *Our work has become more reactive than proactive. Newport says email and messaging apps have led to the "hyperactive hive mind" approach to work.*Boundaries around email can be implemented on a personal basis (i.e. Deep Work strategies), but real change has to be institutional (processes and expectations).Other books by Cal Newport:*Deep Work*Digital MinimalismTools for collaboration:*Trello*ITP Metrics EDTECH EXAMINED CONTACT:Website: edtechexamined.comEmail: hey@edtechexamined.comTwitter: @EdTechExaminedTEAM INFORMATIONErik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-HostWebsite: erikchristiansen.net Twitter: @egchristiansenBlog: tech-bytes.netKris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-HostWebsite: krishans.caTwitter:  @KrisHansMarket Grade: marketgrade.comChristopher Hoang, Audio Producer & Sound EngineerWebsite: chrishoang.ca

In this episode, Erik and Kris do their Fall 2025 productivity tips roundup and summarize some advice from author David Pink. They also compare sleep tracking apps, cover some mindblowing Microsoft data centre news, and share some early impressions of the new Apple Watch SE 3. SHOW NOTES AutoSleep app Streaks habit tracking Daniel Pink's advice Schedule Dr appointments in the morning Delay drinking coffee in the morning Showering in the morning vs evening (pros and cons) Morning vs evening exercise "Caffine naps" The "fresh start" effect Calendar scheduling hacks: Time blocking and batching Benefits of a paper planner for time blocking Logging time spent on priority activities helps build accountability Apple Watch workout friends (motivation) 2/5 minute rule: If it takes 2 minutes or less, it’s better to just do it now Permission to be rubbish (Greg McKeown) Built-in dictation feature in Microsoft Word Microsoft: Inside the world’s most powerful AI datacenter PC Magazine Apple Watch SE 3 review TIME STAMPS 00:01:33 - Autosleep App vs Apple Sleep Score 00:08:35 - Daniel Pink's productivity advice 00:23:13 - Co-host productivity hacks and apps 00:42:59 - Microsoft's mega datacenters 00:47:37 - Apple Watch SE 3 impressions 00:53:05 - Wrap up CONTACT: Website: examining.ca X: @examiningpod LinkedIn: ca.linkedin.com/company/examining TEAM INFORMATION: Erik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-Host Website: erikchristiansen.net X: @egchristiansen Kris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-Host Website: krishans.ca X: @KrisHans

Following up on episode 74 on the September 2025 Apple event, Erik and Kris discuss Apple’s newly released operating systems for iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and macOS. This year brings perhaps the largest design overhaul since 2013’s iOS 7. Across all its operating systems, Apple has introduced a new concept, “Liquid Glass,” a new material and design philosophy that is both new and old. The co-hosts talk about how Liquid Glass is both different and familiar, comparing it to the original macOS and Windows 7, and also review the major feature changes in each operating system. SHOW NOTES Apple’s introduction of Liquid Glass for WWDC 2025 Six Colors Blog operating system reviews iOS 26 review iPadOS 26 review WatchOS 26 review macOS 26 Tahoe review Apple operating system standards on Figma (and other platforms) Steve Jobs introduces Mac OS X, 2000 part 2 and part 3 Windows 7 design principles (transparency) TIME STAMPS 00:03:46 What is Liquid Glass? 00:13:20 What’s old is new again 00:29:17 iOS 26 00:38:41  iPad OS 26 00:47:08 macOS 26 Tahoe 00:53:37 The future of Liquid Glass CONTACT: Website: examining.ca X: @examiningpod LinkedIn: ca.linkedin.com/company/examining TEAM INFORMATION: Erik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-Host Website: erikchristiansen.net X: @egchristiansen Kris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-Host Website: krishans.ca X: @KrisHans

In this episode, Kris and Erik break down the September, 2025 Apple event. Apple launched a new iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, the iPhone Air, new Apple Watches (Series 11, Ultra 3, and SE 3), and AirPod Pro 3.  SHOW NOTES: Watch the Sep 2025 Apple event PCMag: You Probably Missed These 7 iPhone Announcements at the Apple Event MacRumors: Apple Says iPhone Air is Another Step Towards ‘Singular Piece of Glass’ The Verge: The eight biggest announcements during Apple’s iPhone Air event The Verge: Apple barely talked about AI at its big iPhone 17 event CONTACT:Website: examining.caX: @examiningpodLinkedIn: ca.linkedin.com/company/examiningTEAM INFORMATION:Erik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-HostWebsite: erikchristiansen.netX: @egchristiansenKris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-HostWebsite: krishans.caX: @KrisHans

SHOW NOTES: Bloomberg Law: Anthropic Judge Blasts Copyright Pact as “Nowhere Close to Done” Reuters: Anthropic Agrees to Pay $1.5 Billion to Settle Author Class Action Tom’s Guide: Claude AI Will Start Training on Your Data Soon — Here’s How to Opt-Out Before the Deadline Futurism: Sam Altman Says Dead Internet Theory Is Coming True Wolfram Media: What Is ChatGPT Doing and Why Does It Work? CONTACT:Website: examining.caX: @examiningpodLinkedIn: ca.linkedin.com/company/examiningTEAM INFORMATION:Erik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-HostWebsite: erikchristiansen.netX: @egchristiansenKris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-HostWebsite: krishans.caX: @KrisHans

In this episode, Kris and Erik discuss AI Agents. They cover what they are, how they operate, and the pros and cons of having these agents roaming the Internet. SOURCES The Verge: AI agents are science fiction not yet ready for primetime Microsoft: Copilot and AI Agents OpenAI: Introducing ChatGPT Agent CONTACT Erik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-HostWebsite: erikchristiansen.net Kris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-Host WebsiteWebsite: krishans.ca

SHOWNOTES "AI Coding Tools Could Bring Us the 'One-Employee Unicorn'": Fast Company "Chamath Palihapitiya tweet about not studying code": X (formerly Twitter) "Interview with Ray Kurzweil": Intelligent Machines Podcast "Microsoft Thinks AI Colleagues Are Coming Soon": Fast Company "Your Politeness Could Be Costly for OpenAI": TechCrunch "Adobe Introduces 'Created Without Generative AI' Label": Fast Company "Not Made by AI Logo Pack": NotByAI.fyi "How People Are Really Using Generative AI in 2025": Harvard Business Review (HBR) "Infographic: How People Are Using Generative AI": HBR "Studies Show AI Can Dull Your Thinking Skills—Here’s How It Can Also Sharpen Them": Fast Company "GPT-4 Prompting Guide": OpenAI Cookbook "A Practical Guide to Building AI Agents (PDF)": OpenAI CONTACT Erik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-Host Website: erikchristiansen.net Kris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-Host WebsiteWebsite: krishans.ca (Show notes and timestamp images developed with help from ChatGPT)

The State of Apple Daring Fireball: https://daringfireball.net/2025/03/something_is_rotten_in_the_state_of_cupertino HEY World: https://world.hey.com/dhh/age-is-a-problem-at-apple-f7ae6eca AI Discussion Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/ClaudeAI/comments/1d4h1h9/claude_versus_chatgpt/ Featured Media IMDb (Buy Now documentary): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt34350086/ ⌚ Pebble Watch Returns RePebble: https://repebble.com/ CNET: https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/pebble-watch-returns-it-might-be-exactly-what-the-smartwatch-landscape-needs/ CONTACT Erik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-Host Website: erikchristiansen.net Kris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-Host WebsiteWebsite: krishans.ca (Show notes and timestamp images developed with help from ChatGPT)

Quantum Computing Breakthrough from Microsoft Microsoft News: Microsoft’s Majorana-1 Chip Carves New Path for Quantum Computing Nature: Microsoft’s Quantum Computing Bet: Topological Qubits Finally Arrive Popular Mechanics: Majorana-1 Topological Qubit Could Revolutionize Quantum Computing ChatGPT 4.5 (For Pro Users) TechRadar: ChatGPT 4.5 is Here for Pro Users Now and Plus Users Next Week – and I Can’t Wait to Try It Reuters: OpenAI Rolls Out GPT-4.5 to Some Paying Users, Expand Access Next Week One Useful Thing: The End of Search, the Beginning of Research (Related analysis on AI-driven research) Our experience with deep research: Erik’s deep research question is still running after a couple of days. Inc: Microsoft Says Workers are Already Using AI to Lighten Workloads, at Risk to Their Own Brainpower iPhone 16E (Assessment of Reviews) Wired: Apple iPhone 16E Review John Gruber: Daring Fireball’s Take on the iPhone 16E Framework Desktop Polygon: Framework Desktop: Gaming Specs, Price, and Where to Buy The Verge: Framework Desktop Announcement – Price, Release Date, and Details The End of Skype Microsoft: The Next Chapter – Moving from Skype to Microsoft Teams CONTACT Erik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-Host Website: erikchristiansen.net Kris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-Host WebsiteWebsite: krishans.ca *Show notes and timestamp images developed with help from ChatGPT 4o

SHOW NOTES The Verge: How DeepSeek Crashed the AI Party The Wall Street Journal: Six Takeaways From a Monumental Week for AI Nature: How China Created AI Model DeepSeek and Shocked the World Fortune: Researchers Had a '100% Attack Success Rate' vs. DeepSeek Microsoft WorkLab: Research Proves Your Brain Needs Breaks TWiT.tv: Marc or Marx? CONTACT Erik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-Host  Website: erikchristiansen.net Kris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-Host Website: krishans.ca

News Articles * Inc.: AI Isn’t Magic, and It Isn’t a Strategy Either* Ars Technica: It’s Remarkably Easy to Inject New Medical Misinformation into LLMs* Reuters: OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle to Invest $500 Billion in AI, Trump Says* MobileSyrup: OpenAI's Operator Can Browse the Web and Perform Actions for You* Daring Fireball: Siri Is Super Dumb and Getting Dumber Tips* Ars Technica: Home Microsoft 365 Plans Use Copilot AI Features as Pretext for a Price Hike* Thurrott: Microsoft 365 Personal and Family Plans Get New Copilot Features and a Price Increase Erik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-Host  Website: erikchristiansen.net Kris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-Host Website Website: krishans.ca

In this episode, we explored the latest tech highlights of 2025, covering Nvidia's advancements, the rise of AI devices and applications, Microsoft's recall issues, and Apple's innovations with Silicon and the Vision Pro. We wrapped up with a lighthearted tangent on decluttering projects, diving into how we organize our lives amidst all this tech! Erik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-Host  Website: erikchristiansen.net Kris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-Host Website Website: krishans.ca Show notes created with help from ChatGPT 4. The transcript is AI-generated. Please excuse any errors.

Erik and Kris explore subscription creep, hidden digital costs, AI tools, and DIY tech, offering tips to regain control over recurring expenses. Book: When Things Don't Go Your WayBy Haemin Sunim ---- Digital Privacy and Security 404 Media: Leaked Docs Show What Phones Cellebrite Can and Can't Unlock Date: August 21, 2024 https://www.404media.co/leaked-docs-show-what-phones-cellebrite-can-and-cant-unlock/?mc_cid=20c535fce7 Education and Technology ---- Notion Help Center: Notion for Education Date: August 2024 https://www.notion.so/help/notion-for-education Erik Christiansen Blog: When Technology Was Simpler: Subscription Creep Date: August 20, 2024 https://erikchristiansen.net/2024/08/20/when-technology-was-simpler-subscription-creep/ CNET: Subscription Creep Costs US Consumers More Than $1,000 a Year, CNET Survey Finds Date: August 2024 https://www.cnet.com/personal-finance/subscription-creep-costs-us-consumers-more-than-1000-a-year-cnet-survey-finds/ Computerworld: The Problem with the Subscription Economy Date: August 21, 2024 https://www.computerworld.com/article/1615394/the-problem-with-the-subscription-economy.html AI and Big Tech ---- TechCrunch: Apple Intelligence's Writing Tools Stumble on Swears and Controversial Topics Date: August 6, 2024 https://techcrunch.com/2024/08/06/apple-intelligences-writing-tools-stumble-on-swears-and-controversial-topics/ Forbes: Microsoft Stock Drops as AI Capital Expenditures Surge to $56 Billion Date: July 31, 2024 https://www.forbes.com/sites/petercohan/2024/07/31/microsoft-stock-drops-as-ai-capital-expenditures-surge-to-56-billion/ Thurrott: I Will Not Pay for AI Date: August 21, 2024 https://www.thurrott.com/a-i/307080/i-will-not-pay-for-ai DIY Tech and Hardware ---- Thurrott: New Raspberry Pi 5 Model is Just $50 D...

In this episode, Kris takes us through a comprehensive three-year journey with his M1 Mac Mini, sharing insights and experiences that highlight the device's impact and longevity. Our co-hosts also weigh in, exploring other Apple computers that merit consideration and diving deep into the current state of artificial intelligence. The discussion branches out to speculate on Apple's future moves in AI and what the integration of local large language models into our everyday devices and apps could mean for users. Links Mentioned in the Episode: Mac Mini - Apple: https://www.apple.com/ca/mac-mini/ Introducing GPTs - OpenAI: https://openai.com/blog/introducing-gpts Create or Edit a Copilot GPT with Microsoft Copilot GPT Builder - Microsoft: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/create-or-edit-a-copilot-gpt-with-microsoft-copilot-gpt-builder-cbff42b9-25a9-41b7-95ec-93462d04904b Sal Soghoian - Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sal_Soghoian?oldformat=true Mac OS X Automation: https://macosxautomation.com/ Sal Soghoian - Automation Advocate - The Omni Show: https://theomnishow.omnigroup.com/episode/sal-soghoian-automation-advocate Sal Soghoian Leaves Apple - MacSparky: https://www.macsparky.com/blog/2016/11/sal-soghoian-leaves-apple/ As we look to the future, it's clear that technology and artificial intelligence will continue to evolve in intriguing and potentially unexpected ways. Stay tuned for our next episode, where we'll continue to dissect the tech trends shaping our world. Erik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-Host  Website: erikchristiansen.net Kris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-Host Website: krishans.ca Website: krishans.ca Show notes created with help from ChatGPT 4. The transcript is AI-generated. Please excuse any errors.

In this episode, Erik and Kris tackle the unfolding drama at OpenAI and its implications. Kris discusses his recent AI panel discussion at MRU, while Erik offers an overview of his latest home organization project. Both hosts will share their holiday gift guide tips, perfect for the tech-savvy and the organized. SHOW NOTES AI Soap Opera OpenAI Announces Leadership Transition (OpenAI Blog): OpenAI announces significant changes in its leadership structure. Sam Altman Returns as CEO of OpenAI (The Verge): Sam Altman reclaims the CEO position at OpenAI, marking a new chapter for the company. AI Panel Discussion Highlights: Context of AI in Research: Discussing the evolving role of AI in academic and professional research settings. Panelist Introductions: Each panelist shares their background and how AI intersects with their research. Diverse Perspectives on AI: Highlighting unique insights from each panelist, providing a broad view of AI's role in different research areas. Practical Applications of AI: Exploring how panelists currently use AI in their work, including specific tools and methodologies. Successes and Challenges: Discussing what has worked well in AI-driven research and addressing the limitations and issues faced. The Future of AI in Research: Debating whether AI is a permanent fixture in research and the value of investing in AI knowledge and tools. AI as Collaborator or Competitor: Examining views on whether AI is augmenting human research capabilities or posing a threat to traditional research roles. Human Skills vs. AI Capabilities: Delving into which human skills might remain irreplaceable by AI and what research aspects can be effectively outsourced to AI technologies. Impact on Research Quality: Analyzing how AI tools influence the quality and rigor of research and their implications for academic integrity. Ethical Considerations in AI Research: Addressing the pressing ethical concerns in integrating AI into research and discussing potential norms for ethical AI use. AI, Accessibility, and Inclusivity: Exploring the implications of AI on inclusivity in research, especially between well-funded and under-funded programs, and discussing measures for fair representation. Organizational Guide: Cable Management: Emphasize the importance of Velcro ties for efficient cable organization. Labeling Essentials: Discuss the use of label tape and whiteout pens for clear labeling, even without a label maker. Consistent Systems: Stress the importance of grouping related items and maintaining a consistent organizational system. Space Utilization: Highlight the use of 3M Command hooks for maximizing space, especially inside cupboards. Document Organization: Recommend accordion folders for essential document storage, such as receipts and manuals. Life Consolidation: Encourage listeners to avoid having multiples of items and to refrain from collecting unnecessary tools (e.g., notebooks, notes apps, to-do list...