361 Podcast

See Rafe fully committing to a visual gag in an audio medium (https://www.instagram.com/p/B6i0h6xp-Ne/?utm_source=ig_web_copylink) on Instagram. Ben, Ewan and Rafe recap some of the big themes we've covered this year and some new news including smarthome, 999 (911) emergency response, Apple's Express Transit, streaming content discovery, the (new) Motorola Razr, gear bags and home networking.

This week the team discuss: A complex suspected GPS hack in the port of Shanghai that has experts and researchers baffled. Has someone developed the ability to manipulate GPS signals and, if so, who? Apple's Express Transit mode has arrived in London allowing travellers to pay for Transport for London tubes, busses and trains without unlocking your phone. This is doubly useful when paired with a smart payment option like Citymapper Pass. Christmas gift ideas with a techy (ish) slant, including for the younger people in your life (like Rafe). Let us know your thoughts on these subjects or anything you'd like to hear covered in future via the website (https://www.361podcast.com/) or Twitter (https://twitter.com/361podcast).

This week the team discuss: eSIMs and buying data packages when overseas direct to your handset. Rafe buys one from a 'global eSIM store' when travelling to India and it works rather well... The 2019 folding Motorola Razr which attention-grabs with a clever screen and nostalgia for the original Razr design. At £1500 can this attractively designed (but mid-spec) handset attract buyers? Apple TV+ and big-tech's move into 'content'. As the TV streaming wars heat-up what has Apple got to offer? (spoiler: right now, just a pile of money for Hollywood) Let the team know your thoughts on these subjects or anything you'd like to hear covered in future via the website (https://www.361podcast.com/) or Twitter (https://twitter.com/361podcast).

This week the team discuss: Apple's new Airpods Pro and Amazon's Echo Buds. How do they compare and what's the future for smart assistant-enabled headphones? Hackers that have discovered a way to make untraceable calls across mobile networks and the police response. Phone cameras vs 'real cameras'. Have we reached the stage now where only the pros are better off with an SLR? Does the advent of computational photography on phones make them superior? Let the team know your thoughts on these subjects or anything you'd like to hear covered in future via the website (https://www.361podcast.com/) or Twitter (https://twitter.com/361podcast).

This week the team discuss: Google's new Nest Aware offering, AI-based analysis of home security camera in the cloud. Ewan's tempted by the low price but he's heavily invested in Arlo devices. Monzo's withdrawal of it's 'Plus' premium account offering (for now). The start-up bank's acknoweldged the product (and subsequent changes) wasn't popular with customers, but Ben and Rafe signed-up. Whether it's worth buying 5G devices at the moment... Do handsets really benefit from the speed increase and what else might encourage the team to invest in operators' new offerings in the UK (but sadly, not in Denmark yet). Let the team know your thoughts on these subjects or anything you'd like to hear covered in future via the website (https://www.361podcast.com/) or Twitter (https://twitter.com/361podcast).

This week the team discuss: Ikea's new SYMFONISK speakers powered by Sonos. Cheaper, but similarly specced to the Sonos One are these good value for consumers and a good idea for Sonos? Ewan (and others') concern that Facebook (and Google... and Amazon...) are recording our typed and spoken conversations to target advertising to us. Requested by a listener, our opinions on the UK, US and Australian governments' requests to firms like Facebook to build 'backdoors' into their messaging products' encryption. Let the team know your thoughts on these subjects or anything you'd like to hear covered in future via the website (https://www.361podcast.com) or Twitter (https://twitter.com/361podcast).

This week the team discuss: Ewan's robot lawn mower (RIP - it didn't survive the winter) which cost about the same as a small car, but less than a Danish gardener. The iPhone 11 and tough questions like "is it good" and "should you buy it"? (spoilers: yes, but probably) Bags, rucksacks and briefcases which Ben is adamant are a valid and useful subject of discussion. He and Rafe school Ewan. Let the team know your thoughts on these subjects or anything you'd like to hear covered in future via the website (https://www.361podcast.com) or Twitter (https://twitter.com/361podcast).

After an extended break the team are back with a new(ish) format and recording arrangements. This week the team discuss: - Ben's new home networking setup as he replaces the Apple equipment he's used for years. In the spirit of always making a simple job difficult he's selected Ubiquiti's 'prosumer' products. - The 'Huawei problem' that is part cyber security and part trade war. The team discuss the difference between the firm's infrastructure equipment (like that for 5G under scrutiny for its security) and its consumer devices. - Rafe's review of Citymapper's multi-mode transit pass for London which he's been using for several months. Let the team know your thoughts on these subjects or anything you'd like to hear covered in future via the website (https://www.361podcast.com/) or Twitter (https://twitter.com/361podcast).