Whats the Big Deal?The holiday shopping season is officially upon us - and this year, it starts on Thanksgiving Day, now referred to as "Gray Thursday". Retailers like Walmart, Target, Macy's, JCPenney and others will be opening their doors on Turkey Day to squeeze a few more hours of revenue into the shopping season. But you shouldn't go, because it's going to be horrible, for a number of reasons.
Black Friday is BullshitWhats the Big Deal?2013-11-28 | The holiday shopping season is officially upon us - and this year, it starts on Thanksgiving Day, now referred to as "Gray Thursday". Retailers like Walmart, Target, Macy's, JCPenney and others will be opening their doors on Turkey Day to squeeze a few more hours of revenue into the shopping season. But you shouldn't go, because it's going to be horrible, for a number of reasons.
Jerk.com was targeted for allegedly tricking consumers into shelling out cash to have embarrasing profiles removed. But online extortion is still thriving, and if you have ever been arrested, you are expecially at risk thanks to shady "mugshot removal" websites.
@anniegaus Annie on Facebook http://facebook.com/anniegaus Annie on VK http://vk.com/anniegaus Annie on Google http://google.com/+anniegausE-Whoring: A Guide to the Worst Job on the InternetWhats the Big Deal?2014-04-05 | E-whoring is an easy way to make some cash online! All you need to do is download a bunch of horrible files, install some software, and spend hours pretending to cyber with strange men on Chatroulette. Easy, right? As Annie finds out, it's not exactly the glamorous job it's cracked up to be.
@anniegaus Annie on Facebook http://facebook.com/anniegaus Annie on VK http://vk.com/anniegaus Annie on Google http://google.com/+anniegausDont Play Games with Sexy SinglesWhats the Big Deal?2014-04-04 | Tinder, a popular dating app, has had a flood of spam accounts promoting a game called Castle Clash, according to many online reports. The maker of Castle Clash, I Got Games, says they don't know who is behind the spam. But even if you don't use Tinder, these spammy accounts are everywhere, sometimes shilling far more harmful affiliate links. So never click on any link a strange woman sends you. Unless it's from me, of course.
@anniegaus facebook.com/anniegaus vk.com/anniegaus google.com/+anniegausComputers Can Read Emotion Better Than HumansWhats the Big Deal?2014-04-02 | In recent years both research institutions and tech companies have made major advances in the ability of computers to read human emotion - even complex ones that are hard for humans to understand. A company called Emotient hopes to bring this understanding to wide variety of products and has built a Google Glass App
@anniegaus facebook.com/anniegaus vk.com/anniegaus google.com/+anniegausTop 4 Worst Politicians: Crazy and Corrupt EditionWhats the Big Deal?2014-03-29 | Who doesn't love a good political scandal? In honor of this week's weird news about anti-gun, anti-video game Leland Yee, here's a (incomplete) list of some of the biggest weirdos in politics in recent memory.
Although he admitted to smoking crack in one of many "drunken stupors"- among other questionable antics over the years - Rob Ford is still mayor of Toronto.
Speaking of drugs, this Congressman from Florida, who described himself as a "hip-hop conservative", was caught with cocaine in spite of voting in favor of drug testing for food stamp recipients. Fight the power, baby.
And who could forget Rod Blagojevich, the Illinois governor with an impressive hairline and even more impressive penchant for peddling Senate seats. Although sentenced to 14 years in prison, he has adamantly maintained his innocence - even appearing on The Apprentice - and probably has a lot of legal bills to pay,.
Finally, on an even weirder note, let's reminisce about Larry Craig, the "Singing Senator" and family-values advocate who was arrested for soliciting sex in an airport bathroom. Nice.
Along with gangster Raymond "Shrimp Boy" Chow, Yee now stands accused of far worse: Brokering arms deals for the MILF militant group, defrauding citizens, and smuggling cigarettes, among other stunning charges detailed in a 137-page FBI affidavit.
@anniegaus http://facebook.com/anniegaus http://google.com/+anniegaus http://vk.com/anniegausWhat is DeepFace? Human-Level Face Matching, ExplainedWhats the Big Deal?2014-03-21 | Facebook announced a new facial recognition technology called "DeepFace". (Not to be confused with the mid-2000s Australian DJ act of the same name.) The DeepFace system can recognize human faces with virtually the same level of accuracy as a human, in what some are calling a major step forward in artificial intelligence research.
netflix.com/wtbd - FREE Netflix trialGoogles Android Wear: Smartwatch Plans ConfirmedWhats the Big Deal?2014-03-19 | Google announced Android Wear, its new smartwatch platform. Google says it will partner with numerous manufacturers to create a watch line to suit everyone's tastes.
@anniegaus twitter.com/anniegaus vk.com/anniegaus google.com/+anniegausMH370: Weird Theories and How to HelpWhats the Big Deal?2014-03-15 | The search intensifies for the missing Malaysia Airlines flight 370, including a crowdsourced effort to tag and identify possible wreckage or other evidence in the mystery.
Many officials suspect foul play, even an air piracy incident. Meanwhile, even more outlandish theories are bubbling on the Internet involving aliens and, yes, Lost.
@anniegaus twitter.com/anniegaus vk.com/anniegaus google.com/+anniegausASMR: Brain Orgasms on YouTubeWhats the Big Deal?2014-03-14 | Trouble sleeping? Forget Ambien - a growing online community swears by ASMR. Here are some of the most popular ASMR Youtube channels, which feature soft whispering, soothing noises and roleplays meant to promote relaxation and sleep:
Heather Feather joins us to talk about some of her most-requested roleplays, and Annie tried ASMR for herself. Have you used it before to sleep? Let me know what you think.
Watch HD Nation on Revision3: http://revision3.com/hdnationPopcorn Time is the Illegal NetflixWhats the Big Deal?2014-03-12 | Popcorn Time is a new app that provides a Netflix-like experience for pirated movies. Movies load quickly and play relatively smoothly - except we can't show you that in this video, since it's totally illegal in the United States, as is made clear in the app's FAQs.
As always you can get a Netflix trial @ netflix.com/wtbd.WEEKLY UPDATE: Shaq Fu Sequel, Batman: Arkham Knight Trailer, & Twitch Will Stream E3!Whats the Big Deal?2014-03-08 | In this WTBD Gaming News Roundup: Chastity tells you about Twitch bringing streaming capabilities to Android & iOS devices, Twitch will live stream E3, and A look at Batman: Arkham Knight and its possible release date! Plus, Scott Bromley of Rev3Games gives his opinion on Shaq Fu: A Legend Reborn, the sequel to Shaquille O'Neal's infamous 1994 fighting game, Shaq Fu.
What's the Big Deal? Every episode, WTBD takes a close look at whatever is making the internet happy, angry, or just generally making the internet. Have a tip for a story? Tell us in the comments below or get in touch with host Annie Gaus:
Facebook: facebook.com/anniegaus Twitter: twitter.com/anniegaus Google+: plus.google.com/+AnnieGaus VK: http://vk.com/anniegausApple CarPlay: Apps, Maps, and How it WorksWhats the Big Deal?2014-03-05 | What is Apple CarPlay? Associate Producer Chastity Vicencio tells you all about Apple's in-car iPhone integration system, formerly known as "iOS in the Car". Find out how it works and what apps will be available at launch. Plus, Google's plans to bring Android to the car!
What's the Big Deal? Every episode, WTBD takes a close look at whatever is making the internet happy, angry, or just generally making the internet. Have a tip for a story? Tell us in the comments below or get in touch with host Annie Gaus:
Facebook: facebook.com/anniegaus Twitter: twitter.com/anniegaus Google+: plus.google.com/+AnnieGaus VK: http://vk.com/anniegausWEEKLY UPDATE: Nintendo Kills Online Multiplayer, Pokemon Now on Netflix, $7000 BeardsWhats the Big Deal?2014-03-01 | In this WTBD News Roundup: Nintendo is killing Wi-Fi Connection, Pokemon is coming to Netflix, The 2014 Oscars will be live streamed, and men are paying thousands for celeb-like facial hair transplants! Associate Producer Chastity Vicencio gives you all the details.
Facial Hair Transplants Are the Hottest Celebrity-Worshipping Trend Right Now http://news.moviefone.com/2014/02/26/facial-hair-transplantsSkype Exorcisms: Expelling Demons Through Video ChatWhats the Big Deal?2014-02-28 | Millions of us use Skype to keep up with friends and family. But can an exorcism be done over video chat? Can an exorcism be done - period? According to Rev. Bob Larson, the answers to both questions are yes. Annie sits down with Bob to go through the process.
These days we can use online tools for so much more than everyday communication. Some therapists hold counseling sessions over video chat. The Catholic Church has (tentatively) approved a mobile for confession. More ambitious start-ups hope to offer comfort in the form of AI preservation of dead loved ones. Rev. Larson, meanwhile, uses technology tools for a rite you might associate with the Middle Ages: Exorcism.
twitter.com/anniegaus facebook.com/anniegaus vk.com/anniegaus google.com/+anniegausMt. Gox Shuts Down: Is Bitcoin Dead?Whats the Big Deal?2014-02-26 | Mt. Gox, once the world's largest Bitcoin exchange, shut down following a reported theft of over 700,000 bitcoin. Affected users are despondent, and some analysts are wondering if this is the end for the digital currency. Mt. Gox troubles aside, Bitcoin had been seeing signs of mainstream acceptance, and smaller Bitcoin companies are assuring users that this is a natural process of weeding out "bad actors". But can Bitcoin as a whole survive this apparent breach of trust?
twitter.com/anniegaus facebook.com/anniegaus vk.com/anniegaus google.com/+anniegausNewest Talking Angela Hacker Rumor is FALSE!Whats the Big Deal?2014-02-22 | The internet is ablaze with rumors that the Talking Angela app is being controlled by criminal hackers. Annie talks with Rev3Games' Scott Bromley, a trained animator, to debunk the rumor that you can spot a mysterious hacker within Angela's eyes.
Every episode, Annie takes a close look at whatever is making the internet happy, angry, or just generally making the internet. Have a tip for a story? Keep in touch with Annie on social media:
WhatsApp, the wildly popular mobile message service, was just bought by Facebook for a cool $16 billion. It's got 450 million active users across the globe and delivers more messages per day alone than traditional SMS, according to some estimates. But for cheap messaging, you've also got tons of options if you're not down with Facebook's prying eyes.
=== What's the Big Deal? Every episode, Annie takes a close look at whatever is making the internet happy, angry, or just generally making the interent. Have a tip for a story? Keep in touch with Annie on social media:
New episodes every Tuesday, Thursday, and FridayWEEKLY UPDATE: Robocops Walk Among Us, House of Cards ReturnsWhats the Big Deal?2014-02-15 | A recap of this week's events you may not have read about: a Florida univeristy builds a Robocop prototype, NASA solicits private companies for moon missions, prepare to see Pluto for the first time, and snow makes people do crazy things. Plus, House of Cards returns...Trace joins me to discuss why people love this series and the practice of binge watching.
Comcast announced that it plans to acquire Time Warner Cable for $45.2 billion dollars. Comcast, not particularly well-liked by customers, says it intends to provide faster service and more innovation. Regardless, many are concerned that the massive deal will kill competition and impact customer service. How much worse can it get, though? Annie spends (a lot of) time on hold with Comcast seeking answers - and chasing a "discount" promised by a very friendly chat agent.
Flappy Bird - the most terrible, difficult mobile game to reach the top of the app store - is dead, but this is just the beginning of soul-sucking, rage-inducing games. YAY! Yay?
It's that time again: Winter Olympics, this time in beautiful Sochi! By now, you've probably seen a variety of reports ranging from strange bathrooms to stray dogs to rampant hacking of foreign visitors in Russia. However, there are now more tools than ever to determine what's REALLY happening on the ground at one of the biggest international events to happen since...well, the last Olympics.
The US State Department hosted a Google Hangout covering travel advisories for foreign visitors to the Olympic Games in Sochi.
However, if you'd like a more unfiltered look at what's happening in Sochi, you'd best turn to social media. Here's one popular Twitter account. Not ALL of those terrible bathroom reports are real, however.
So with millions of posts tagged every day, how can we make sense of the huge amounts of social information on significant events? Some companies, like DigData, are tackling this very problem - for the Olympics, and beyond.
That social network you love - or love to hate - wants to be your daily paper of record. Facebook's forays into mobile haven't always gone so great (ahem, Facebook Phone). It's an improvement. But is it the best option for saying abreast of the world around you?
In November, the creator of the notorious "Loverspy" spyware program landed on the FBI's most wanted list http://www.fbi.gov/wanted/cyber.
This month, the FBI busted the operators or needapassword.com, in part of an international sting involving several other groups across Romania, US, China and India:
twitter.com/anniegaus facebook.com/anniegaus vk.com/anniegaus google.com/+anniegausGoogles Artificial Intelligence PlansWhats the Big Deal?2014-01-29 | Following Google's purchase of leading Artificial Intelligence firm, DeepMind, the Internet collectively wondered what this has to do with all those robotics companies Google has also been snapping up. So are we far from having superintelligent operating system girlfriends (ie the movie Her)? If some of Google's recent computing experiments are any indication, the answer is no. But on the plus side, search could get a lot cooler.
twitter.com/anniegaus facebook.com/anniegaus vk.com/anniegaus google.com/+anniegausWhisper App Hosts Dark Confessions, Hookup TrollsWhats the Big Deal?2014-01-25 | Whisper is the most popular app you might not be using yet. A forum for anonymous users to post their deepest secrets, it's gaining popularity as users grow weary of the hyper-public nature of existing social networks. But as with any anonymous app, there are downsides.
In December, tens of millions of Target customers were hacked in a large-scale operation that implanted malware on in-store devices, extracting credit card and other data that was then resold on the black market.
Google announced that it is testing smart contact lenses that can help Diabetes patients monitor glucose levels, but they're not the only ones working on building tiny microchips into health management systems. "Bionic contacts" are already used in Europe, and swallowable microchips that complement drug regimens are already approved for use the United States.
This week a court struck down the FCC's Net Neutrality rules. Here's a 2-minute explainer on why it failed and what this could mean for consumers.
FREE Netflix trial at [netflix.com/wtbdhttp://netflix.com/wtbd The FCC's Net Neutrality rules were struck down in a court challenge brought by Verizon. Here's a 2-minute recap of why this happened and what the implications might be for the consumer. How do you think the Internet should be governed?
A widely circulated viral clip shows a Geiger counter reading radiation levels over 100 at a Northern California beach. But what do those readings really mean, and do people on the West Coast have reason to be concerned? I spoke with Daniel Hirsch, Nuclear Policy Lecturer at UC Santa Cruz, about what - if any - risks may face Californians.
GET A FREE NETFLIX TRIAL AT HTTP://NETFLIX.COM/WTBDRARE Two-Sided Phone Not Available in the US - CES 2014Whats the Big Deal?2014-01-10 | Annie hunted down one of her favorite international products at CES 2014 this year - the Russian-made YotaPhone, an Android device that includes a secondary always-on E Ink screen on its back.
@anniegaus http://facebook.com/anniegaus http://vk.com/anniegaus http://google.com/+anniegausCurved Screens, UHD TVs, 3D Printers and More: The Trends of CES 2014Whats the Big Deal?2014-01-09 | Annie is in Las Vegas for the 2014 Consumer Electronics Show, and has nailed down some of the major trends of this year's event - trends like "Ultra High Definition" and 4K displays, curved displays on televisions and phones, and a whole lot more.
Following Bitcoin's Senate hearing - which was perceived as granting legitimacy to the digital currency - countless alternatives have cropped up. One of these is Dogecoin - based on the popular Internet meme and on Litecoin's open-source protocol - which quickly amassed thousands of users. On Christmas, Dogewallets were attacked and transactions routed to a single mystery user, leading to fervent speculation as to the culprit. So are Altcoins still too risky? Is it stupid to invest in unregulated currencies?
And more importantly - HOW THE HELL DO YOU PRONOUNCE DOGE?
HAPPY NEW YEAR! XODARPA Robotics Challenge: Which Robot Won?Whats the Big Deal?2013-12-24 | Last minute Xmas shopping? Give a FREE Netflix trial at http://netflix.com/wtbd
DARPA held its latest Robotics Challenge this weekend, bringing tegether some of the top robots in the world to see which fares best in disaster-related tasks. But it wasn't just about the challeges; the DRC was equally a showcase of the future - and the current reality - of robot development. So which team came out on top? The answer may surprise you. Or not.
http://twitter.com/anniegaus http://facebook.com/anniegaus http://google.com/+anniegaus http://vk.vom/anniegausWeird Holiday Traditions: Christmas in MiamiWhats the Big Deal?2013-12-24 | Regardless or traditional Christmas images of snow, sleigh bells and open fires, Christmas is celebrated differently all over the place. I was in Miami this weekend (for the DARPA Robotics Challenge), so I decided to hit up a local Christmas tradition in this warm locale: A popular Santa Claus-themed amusement park. Unfortunately, the Christmas cheer wasn't quite what I expected.
[Santas Fighting in New York http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7Z6wG3hidU]Free Public Wifi: How Fast (Or Safe) Is It?Whats the Big Deal?2013-12-19 | San Francisco just debuted a free, public wifi network along Market St., its main downtown drag, with the goal of eventually wiring the whole city with high-speed connectivity.
Earlier this week, Google announced that it has acquired Boston Dynamics, one of the world's leading robotics and engineering companies. This is Google's eight robotics acquisition over the past six months.
However, just prior to the acquisition DI-Guy split to join another engineering company, VT Mak. Google has its own Artificial Intelligence initiatives, like this partnership with NASA.
Will this mean the slow death of gaming content on Youtube? I spoke with David Philip Graham, attorney specializing in video game, entertainment and IP law, to get a read on the future on gaming on Youtube.
@anniegaus facebook.com/anniegaus twitter.com/anniegaus vk.com/anniegausShould There Be a Universal Basic Income?Whats the Big Deal?2013-12-06 | Switzerland is planning a vote on a "universal basic income", which would guarantee all adults $2800 a month. That might seem crazy, but debates about basic income are happening everywhere. In the US, low-wage retail and fast food workers are rallying in favor of an increase to the federal minimum wage, which is currently $7.25.
Get a Netflix trial and support the show by using the URL netflix.com/wtbdAre You Ready for Drones in 2015?Whats the Big Deal?2013-12-04 | Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos says his company is testing Amazon Air Prime, a 30-minute delivery service via drone. A company rep told me they are "ready to enter commercial operations" of drones whenever the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is. The FAA is working to establish rules by 2015, but is the public ready for a sky full of drones?
Get a Netflix trial for yourself, friends or family at THIS url, and support this show too!
http://netflix.com/wtbdComet ISON Draws Near, But Will it Survive?Whats the Big Deal?2013-11-27 | Comets happen all the time, but ISON is special: At 4.5 billion years old, it's still "dynamically new" - meaning it's never passed the sun before. On Thanksgiving day, the comet will come into its closest approach to the sun, which could mean a spectaular holiday lightshow visible to the naked eye.
And support the show and get a FREE Netflix trial here: http://www.netflix.com/wtbdXbox One Launch: On the Front LinesWhats the Big Deal?2013-11-23 | We're back on the mean streets of downtown San Francisco, trolling the midnight launch of the XBox One, Microsoft's answer to last week's PS4 release. Annie reports from the front lines of the console wars, and it turns out that XBox One is about more than just Call of Duty: Ghosts.