David Snell, Rob Hakala and Beth Foster at the new 95.9 WATD studio
For more than 20 years, David Snell’s Tech Talk has been a regular spot on The South Shore’s Morning News on 95.9 WATD fm. At 8:11, David chats with show hosts Rob Hakala and Beth Foster about what’s happening in IT today. The subjects range from computer viruses, scams and cybercriminals to what Amazon, Apple or Microsoft are planning next.
He often shares new product information and reviews software that may help you, especially when there is a free version to try!
On this blog, he provides links, sources and other necessary information. And, on the Tuesday before Christmas, you can expect his annual NORAD Santa report!
If you have a question that you’d like him to answer on the show, please email him.
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Is Amazon Alexa Always Listening?
Whether it's sharing the weather forecast, ordering groceries, or turning on smart lights, Alexa, the personal assistant from Amazon, tries to make everyday life a little easier. But unexpected mishaps have been [...]
Apple Unveils iOS 26 and Much More at WWDC 2025
Featuring a Unified Liquid Glass Design and Apple Intelligence Enhancements At WWDC 2025 yesterday, Apple introduced sweeping updates across its entire ecosystem, unveiling new versions of iPhone, Mac, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple [...]
Can AI Try to Save Itself? New Tests Say Yes — and It’s Getting Creative
Some of today’s most advanced artificial intelligence systems are doing something unexpected: trying to avoid being shut down. In recent safety tests, researchers found that certain AI models (ChatGPT 03 for one) [...]
The AI-Driven Cybersecurity Challenge
The AI-Driven Cybersecurity Challenge In an era where artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming communication, the line between real and fake has become dangerously blurred. The FBI has issued a stark warning about [...]
What is MyActivity.Google.Com?
My Activity is a Google process that allows you to review and manage your activity across various Google services. This includes things like searches you've made, websites you've visited, and videos you've watched, [...]
Are you making this browser security mistake?
Updated with password exporting instructions! Saving passwords in Chrome (or any browser for that matter) can be convenient, but there are several security and privacy concerns that should make you [...]
Ultrasonic Cross-Device Tracking
Forget about the “old days” when Cookies were used by advertisers to identify our interests across the web. Cookies were also used by companies to improve the user experience, enabling users to [...]
Why Microsoft Says You Need To Upgrade to Windows 11
After October 14, 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide free software updates, security fixes, or technical support for Windows 10. While Windows 10 will still function, it will become more vulnerable to security [...]
No Microsoft Account? No Windows 11
If you’re attempting to install Windows 11 on a machine using only a local account without signing into Microsoft, and you’re wondering why doing so appears to have become more difficult or [...]
23andMe Bankruptcy & Data Privacy
Last month, 23andMe filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. As 23andMe enters bankruptcy, the genetic data from 15 million people is up for sale. What happens to the DNA-derived genetic data 23andMe [...]
A new twist on website based attacks that I’m afraid some folks might fall for
The ClickFix attack tactic seems to be gaining traction among threat actors. Over 100 auto dealerships were being abused in a supply chain attack from a compromised shared video service that is [...]
Amazon is removing a key privacy feature from its Echo smart speakers — and Alexa+ is to blame
On March 28, Amazon will remove the ability to have Alexa process your voice requests locally and will start sending all of your recordings to the cloud to be processed there, rather [...]
Apple Adds More Child Safety Measures, Including Age Assurance Controls
A new Apple update lets parents adjust account ages and better control what data is shared with app developers. The updates follow growing pressure on tech companies to strengthen online safety measures [...]
Alexa+ (PLUS) finally arrives
After more than a year’s wait, Amazon has unveiled Alexa Plus (Alexa+), an advanced version of its familiar voice assistant. The AI assistant has been upgraded to offer users a more natural and [...]
More than 3.3 million people affected by employee screening data hack!
Job seekers who have gone through employee screening services in the past year should consider identity theft protection services and make sure they’re actively monitoring their credit reports. Last week, the U.S. [...]
Beware Google Chrome Extensions
Chrome extensions add extra features not built into Chrome, like ad blocking, translations and one-click full-page screenshots. Just like apps on your phone, extensions request permissions to track what you do, see [...]
Google rolls out Chrome’s AI-powered security feature to everyone
After three months of testing, Google Chrome has updated the existing "Enhanced protection" feature with AI to offer "real-time" protection against dangerous websites, downloads and extensions. Enhanced protection, which is part of [...]
DeepSeek – the Chinese answer to AI
We're living in a time of great technology advancements achieved at enormously fast speed. DeepSeek continues to change how we look at AI as well as how the future might look for [...]
More personal data to freeze
There’s no such thing as privacy anymore: Someone, somewhere has all the details about us. Even if you take steps to mask your online activity and protect your privacy, you’re still not [...]
Enable Your iPhone’s Stolen Device Protection
As of 2024, there were about 155 million iPhone users in the United States, and approximately 1 million smartphones are stolen yearly. While specific data on iPhone thefts alone isn't always available, iPhones [...]
Microsoft PC Manager
Microsoft PC Manager is a maintenance application that offers fast virus removal, one-click speed boost and a full system security check. It's designed to help keep your Windows 10 and Windows 11 [...]
Google Allows Tracking Of All Your Digital “Fingerprints”
Google announced that as of February 16, (On the radio, David mistakenly says January 16, when it's February 16th. Sorry for the confusion!) companies that use their advertising products/services can use "fingerprinting" [...]
Apple agrees to $95 million privacy settlement
Apple has agreed to pay $95 million to settle a class action lawsuit alleging that its Siri assistant recorded private conversations and shared them with third parties. The proposed lawsuit alleges that [...]
2024 NORAD SANTA TRACKING
Santa is getting ready to come down from the North Pole and the North American Aerospace Defense Command, or NORAD, has launched its 2024 Santa Tracker website. Today, through satellite systems, high-powered [...]
Deliver David's Tech Talk to my inbox
We'll send David's weekly Tech Talk to your inbox - including the MP3 of the actual radio spot. You'll never miss a valuable tip again!
