WEBVTT 00:00.111 --> 00:02.901 [SPEAKER_00]: a factual data creation facility production. 00:21.087 --> 00:29.211 [SPEAKER_02]: In a world where some podcasts make millions of dollars, I bring you the OF&T podcast, which isn't one of them. 00:29.671 --> 00:32.153 [SPEAKER_02]: Now here's your host, Jim Schafer. 00:32.773 --> 00:37.596 [SPEAKER_01]: Welcome to episode 326, which I'm calling, Father's Day 7. 00:38.336 --> 00:42.218 [SPEAKER_01]: As in the seventh of Father's Day episode of the OF&T podcast, 00:43.530 --> 00:50.680 [SPEAKER_01]: It's been a slow tech news week again, as the industry employees take their summer vacays, I guess. 00:51.761 --> 00:59.612 [SPEAKER_01]: It's also a father's day here in the US, you know, the day that's dedicated to honoring fathers, but is overshadowed by Mother's Day. 01:00.450 --> 01:01.591 [SPEAKER_01]: but that's the way it should be. 01:01.611 --> 01:09.276 [SPEAKER_01]: I have mostly rumors and news about Apple again this week, but as we enter the month of July, Android News should be picking up. 01:10.016 --> 01:12.078 [SPEAKER_01]: Anyway, happy Father's Day! 01:12.798 --> 01:13.479 [SPEAKER_01]: Let's roll! 01:21.178 --> 01:22.558 [SPEAKER_01]: I hit that post pretty good. 01:23.299 --> 01:24.099 [SPEAKER_01]: Heck news. 01:24.959 --> 01:29.301 [SPEAKER_01]: I'll start things off with an update to a public service announcement I made last week. 01:30.141 --> 01:36.783 [SPEAKER_01]: Apple AirPods Pro were on sale in Amazon, Best Buy, and other comers sites for $179. 01:38.944 --> 01:45.006 [SPEAKER_01]: That was $70 lower than the $249 list price for the giant fruit companies premiere earbuds. 01:45.726 --> 01:47.627 [SPEAKER_01]: And it was the lowest price they have ever been. 01:48.709 --> 01:53.092 [SPEAKER_01]: Well, this week can score a pair of AirPods Pro for $169. 01:55.194 --> 01:56.755 [SPEAKER_01]: Now, that's what I call a deal. 01:56.775 --> 02:03.200 [SPEAKER_01]: I hear I thought that I was ahead of the game when I purchased Emperor $199 last year. 02:03.220 --> 02:04.922 [SPEAKER_00]: No, dear, that's wrong. 02:05.562 --> 02:09.105 [SPEAKER_01]: I guess Apple really wants people wearing those AirPods Pro. 02:10.006 --> 02:15.310 [SPEAKER_01]: I've never seen them discounted this much ever, and I've been buying them since the first generation came out. 02:17.855 --> 02:23.477 [SPEAKER_01]: Bloomberg, this time without Mark German, Mr. German must be on summer hiatus or something. 02:23.937 --> 02:24.857 [SPEAKER_01]: Well, that makes sense. 02:24.877 --> 02:26.978 [SPEAKER_01]: WWE DC has done and dusted. 02:27.818 --> 02:33.920 [SPEAKER_01]: Reports that the camera equipment version of the AirPods Pro are slated to be released at the same time that the 20th 02:41.990 --> 02:49.037 [SPEAKER_01]: Supposedly, these camera-equipped earbuds were due out this year, but Apple's AI problems delayed that 2026 release. 02:50.138 --> 02:59.507 [SPEAKER_01]: These cameras on these AirPods will not be able to capture photo or video, and will only be used to send information about the user's surroundings to Siri. 03:00.876 --> 03:10.243 [SPEAKER_01]: Even though these earbuds cameras won't be able to capture photos of video, they'll still have an embedded light that will inform those around the user that the cameras are feeding in photoceree. 03:11.064 --> 03:13.525 [SPEAKER_01]: Hmm, that's easily bypassed me thanks. 03:14.406 --> 03:19.069 [SPEAKER_01]: I also think these AirPods will be expensive, like a $500 expensive. 03:19.550 --> 03:20.350 [SPEAKER_01]: Hang on a second. 03:20.911 --> 03:22.492 [SPEAKER_01]: Let me put that in the prediction book. 03:26.351 --> 03:31.954 [SPEAKER_01]: The last type of the line iPhone I'll most likely buy is the 20th anniversary model next year. 03:33.134 --> 03:39.157 [SPEAKER_01]: After that, it'll just be a basic iPhone or maybe even an iPhone air if that model still exists by then. 03:41.898 --> 03:47.420 [SPEAKER_01]: Now what would an episode of the OFNT podcast be without contradicting reports on when the 03:52.415 --> 04:06.703 [SPEAKER_01]: an article on Apple Insider, which quotes multiple reports, mainly in article that ran on the economic daily news, that all signs point to the foldable iPhone being delayed until early 2027, we've heard this all before. 04:07.263 --> 04:07.983 [SPEAKER_02]: Add nauseam. 04:08.664 --> 04:12.546 [SPEAKER_01]: And we'll keep on hearing it until this phone is actually released. 04:13.768 --> 04:24.460 [SPEAKER_01]: As evidence of this delay, the author of the article posits that this might account for the dearth of leaks of the photovol iPhone's components, which by now should be flooding the intertubes. 04:25.641 --> 04:31.147 [SPEAKER_01]: I mean, that's what usually happens in the months before a new iPhone comes out, so it might be onto something. 04:31.883 --> 04:44.148 [SPEAKER_01]: And then we have an article from 95 Mac, which quotes Leeker fixed focus digital, who has doubled down on their prediction that the iPhone Fold would be released alongside the iPhone 18 Pro comes September. 04:44.888 --> 04:55.053 [SPEAKER_01]: With all the reports from reputable sources and not just social media leakers, claiming that there will be some delay of this foldable unicorn, while something's going on. 04:56.057 --> 05:08.025 [SPEAKER_01]: I think it's going to happen is the iPhone Ultra, as the foldable phone has been dubbed, will be announced in September, but won't be released until late October. 05:10.547 --> 05:15.570 [SPEAKER_01]: If Apple really is having problems, I don't believe that Apple would bother with a December release. 05:16.651 --> 05:21.754 [SPEAKER_01]: How they give buying season will be over, and in this case, we could see in early 2021 release, 05:27.395 --> 05:29.636 [SPEAKER_01]: What do you think about this foldable drama? 05:32.178 --> 05:43.524 [SPEAKER_01]: The aptly named Mac Rumors, quoting an official from Wargon Precision, who are the suppliers of Apple's iPhone Camelenses, seemed to confirm that there's no base model iPhone 18 coming this year. 05:44.642 --> 05:47.205 [SPEAKER_01]: Rumors of this have been circulating for a while now. 05:48.146 --> 05:58.796 [SPEAKER_01]: The going theory amongst tech outlets and social media industry leakers is that Apple will hold an event in September where the iPhone 18 pros in the foldable ultra will be introduced. 05:59.947 --> 06:10.773 [SPEAKER_01]: The following March of 2027, another event will be held which will introduce the Base Model iPhone 18, the iPhone Air Second Generation, and the iPhone 18E. 06:11.774 --> 06:21.700 [SPEAKER_01]: This staggered release schedule would help Apple manage its resources and is most likely needed because over the years the iPhone lineup has gone from one iPhone per year to five. 06:22.859 --> 06:27.222 [SPEAKER_01]: And if all the rumors are true, that number will grow to 6 come this September. 06:27.683 --> 06:29.964 [SPEAKER_02]: Oh yeah, the iPhone Ultra thing. 06:30.845 --> 06:41.172 [SPEAKER_01]: Yep, there are other rumors just starting up that come March of 2026 Apple will introduce a flip style foldable phone so that would make it 7 different iPhone models a year. 06:42.453 --> 06:45.175 [SPEAKER_01]: If Steve Jobs was still around, this wouldn't be happening. 06:49.202 --> 07:11.609 [SPEAKER_01]: The first thing he did was streamline Apple's product lineup as the late Mafioso Joe Gallo was quoted as saying, things change, old man, you're omitting the old man's reply to that, which was, no joy, things don't change, just saying, we'll see what incoming CEO John 07:18.037 --> 07:22.442 [SPEAKER_01]: According to numerous InterTube outlets, and I'm again quoting MacRomers here. 07:23.203 --> 07:30.350 [SPEAKER_01]: The second generation of the iPhone Air will be equipped with not only a single wide angle lens, but also an ultra wide angle lens. 07:32.350 --> 07:35.413 [SPEAKER_01]: And Mac Roomer's are quoting a report from Bloomberg here. 07:35.753 --> 07:39.035 [SPEAKER_01]: Now don't you mean Bloomberg's Mark German? 07:39.436 --> 07:39.676 [SPEAKER_01]: Nope. 07:40.497 --> 07:46.441 [SPEAKER_01]: Again, Bloomberg is flying solo, so perhaps you were correct assuming that Mr. German is on a summer break. 07:47.402 --> 07:48.543 [SPEAKER_01]: If true, good for him. 07:49.163 --> 07:52.406 [SPEAKER_01]: The man almost single-handedly powers the Apple Centric Tech Press. 07:53.207 --> 07:59.832 [SPEAKER_01]: According to the report, this new version of the iPhone Air with a two-camera lenses is in its advanced testing phase. 08:01.143 --> 08:03.423 [SPEAKER_01]: You know, I've recently changed my mind. 08:03.823 --> 08:05.444 [SPEAKER_01]: What little of it is left? 08:05.944 --> 08:08.964 [SPEAKER_01]: Hey, just remember, if I go, you go. 08:10.105 --> 08:24.047 [SPEAKER_01]: Anyway, instead of getting an Apple Watch Ultra and downloading my iPhone Pro Max to a basic or e-series iPhone, I'm now thinking then I'll stick with a regular Apple Watch and downgrade my iPhone Pro Max to the iPhone Air. 08:24.527 --> 08:28.808 [SPEAKER_02]: If I may ask, what has made you contemplate this change in plan? 08:29.395 --> 08:34.117 [SPEAKER_01]: You may ask, and it is the size of the Apple Watch Ultra that's caused me to reconsider. 08:34.137 --> 08:39.220 [SPEAKER_01]: Though I'm considered a big guy, I risked our on the small size. 08:40.140 --> 08:44.722 [SPEAKER_01]: The Apple Watch Ultra would make it feel as if I'm wearing daddy's watch if you know what I mean. 08:46.203 --> 08:52.126 [SPEAKER_01]: While women could get away with wearing watches that are just too big for their wrists, it looks silly when men do the same. 08:59.677 --> 09:01.098 [SPEAKER_01]: The iPhone Air is the opposite. 09:01.658 --> 09:04.840 [SPEAKER_01]: Then, in light and weight, while still sporting a large display. 09:04.860 --> 09:10.043 [SPEAKER_01]: And as an added bonus, the Air is cheaper than the iPhone Pro and Pro Max. 09:11.203 --> 09:19.468 [SPEAKER_01]: Another factor is that the iPhone Air will receive all the latest AI upgrades, while the basic and E-series will only be getting Siri AI. 09:20.228 --> 09:23.370 [SPEAKER_01]: And most of all, I'll be saving some shackles to boot. 09:24.640 --> 09:26.661 [SPEAKER_01]: I'm on a fixed income, don't you know? 09:26.901 --> 09:27.721 [SPEAKER_01]: Skin Flint. 09:28.201 --> 09:34.864 [SPEAKER_01]: Heck, if I like the iPhone Air enough, I may also scrap plans of getting the 20th Anniversary iPhone. 09:35.544 --> 09:36.245 [SPEAKER_01]: Time will tell. 09:38.926 --> 09:42.207 [SPEAKER_01]: This next story can be filed under, who didn't see this coming? 09:43.267 --> 09:45.128 [SPEAKER_01]: Be Wall Street Journal reports? 09:45.528 --> 09:47.649 [SPEAKER_02]: And you know, it has got to be serious. 09:48.129 --> 09:50.950 [SPEAKER_02]: If the Wall Street Journal is reporting on it. 09:53.908 --> 10:03.535 [SPEAKER_01]: Outgoing Apple CEO Tim Cook, who was quoted as a saying during interview that, quote, unfortunately price increases are inevitable. 10:04.016 --> 10:09.840 [SPEAKER_01]: He also went on to say that we're doing our best to mitigate the huge increases being passed on to us. 10:10.480 --> 10:13.242 [SPEAKER_01]: And we've been trying to shield our customers from the increases. 10:13.863 --> 10:16.285 [SPEAKER_01]: That situation has become unsustainable. 10:17.345 --> 10:31.588 [SPEAKER_01]: Mr. Cook, in most of not all the tech manufacturing industry, have put the blame on these price increases solely on the shortage in of the surging cost of memory and storage chips, and why are these chips so expensive, and in short supply? 10:32.208 --> 10:40.170 [SPEAKER_01]: Well, you know as well as I, that the blame can be placed firmly upon the shoulders of data centers for artificial intelligence processing. 10:40.770 --> 10:41.090 [SPEAKER_00]: Yes. 10:48.665 --> 10:58.988 [SPEAKER_01]: Research firms such as a tech insights estimate that in order to maintain profit margins an extra $270 would have to be added to the price of the next iPhone Pro model. 10:59.869 --> 11:01.609 [SPEAKER_02]: Hey, I have an idea. 11:02.350 --> 11:09.192 [SPEAKER_02]: How about Apple and other manufacturers take one for the team and lower their profit margins until things stabilize? 11:09.677 --> 11:10.597 [SPEAKER_01]: excellent idea. 11:11.358 --> 11:15.400 [SPEAKER_01]: Perhaps if Apple would do that, they would sell more devices and when things got better. 11:15.960 --> 11:18.841 [SPEAKER_01]: They'd wind up with a larger share of the market. 11:19.161 --> 11:28.846 [SPEAKER_02]: Upon further reflection, that would mean the board of directors or shareholders won't be seeing increased profits, and we can't have that, can we? 11:30.046 --> 11:38.010 [SPEAKER_01]: I believe that the added cost for these electronics will put off many potential customers, which could have a snowball effect for the whole tech industry. 11:38.747 --> 11:45.178 [SPEAKER_01]: Well, at least in my opinion, I think a lot of consumers will just hang onto their current phones and computers if they can. 11:45.759 --> 11:46.380 [SPEAKER_01]: What do you think? 11:49.063 --> 11:59.068 [SPEAKER_01]: In more bad tech news, this time from 9 to 5 Google, or quoting CypherNews.com, Google Chrome's next update will break in and add blockers. 11:59.989 --> 12:14.456 [SPEAKER_01]: Google is doing this by removing support for a manifest V2, which removes browser extension support for ad blockers like U-block or engine, and that's one of the most popular ad blockers being used to block ads while viewing YouTube videos. 12:18.167 --> 12:21.848 [SPEAKER_01]: Other browsers like Microsoft Edge and Opera will also be affected. 12:22.748 --> 12:38.692 [SPEAKER_01]: This breaking of ad blockers will be a big deal to normal users, but if you're listening to this podcast and others like it, then you'll be either switching browsers or finding new ad blockers that comply to manifest V3, which manifest V2 is being replaced with. 12:39.732 --> 12:43.393 [SPEAKER_01]: V find that you're in the market for a new browser, I'd recommend Brave. 12:49.919 --> 12:53.922 [SPEAKER_01]: But this last piece of tech news pertains to Android 17. 12:54.703 --> 13:02.629 [SPEAKER_01]: Actually in upgrade to the Android switch tool within Android 17, which makes coming to Android from iOS easier to do. 13:03.630 --> 13:11.617 [SPEAKER_01]: Google's product lead for onboarding in Android settings, Paul Dunlop, says that Android switch tool is getting a massive upgrade. 13:12.437 --> 13:14.139 [SPEAKER_01]: Here's a list of the new features. 13:20.267 --> 13:28.053 [SPEAKER_01]: Message migration, including SMS, MMS, RCS, and I message history will transfer to your Android intact. 13:29.193 --> 13:38.640 [SPEAKER_01]: Home screen transfer, including wallpaper and app layouts, wireless transfer using Wi-Fi, more data types will be available for transfer. 13:39.161 --> 13:43.824 [SPEAKER_01]: Can Allen include passwords, ask keys, Wi-Fi credentials, alarms, and more. 13:49.980 --> 13:53.042 [SPEAKER_01]: key accessibility settings will now transfer over also. 13:54.163 --> 14:02.449 [SPEAKER_01]: Call history encrypted RCS messages, counter attachments, files, and folders, Apple notes, and attachments and labels are now transferred over. 14:03.330 --> 14:05.411 [SPEAKER_01]: And finally, eSIM transfer. 14:05.711 --> 14:07.633 [SPEAKER_01]: Only if you're carrier supports this. 14:08.670 --> 14:18.312 [SPEAKER_01]: If this Android switch tool works as seamlessly as promised, in minutes, just about everything from your iPhone will transfer over to your Pixel phone or other Android phones. 14:19.232 --> 14:25.413 [SPEAKER_01]: Well, at first probably just other major Android manufacturers phones like Samsung and Motorola devices. 14:26.233 --> 14:36.235 [SPEAKER_01]: Now, if you add in Google Adopping Apple's software protocols like AirDrop for example, my prediction that iOS and Android will merge in the future doesn't sound that crazy after 14:38.077 --> 14:41.219 [SPEAKER_01]: You know, I'm starting to become a believer in your conspiracy theory. 14:41.859 --> 14:42.900 [SPEAKER_01]: As well, you should. 14:47.342 --> 14:48.363 [SPEAKER_01]: Check out I'm using. 14:49.123 --> 14:54.386 [SPEAKER_01]: Last week's episode at me wondering why my electric razor would require a firmware update. 14:54.807 --> 14:55.727 [SPEAKER_02]: Yeah, I remember that. 14:56.387 --> 15:00.810 [SPEAKER_02]: You came to the conclusion that this update might have something to do with data tracking. 15:01.402 --> 15:02.423 [SPEAKER_01]: Yeah about that. 15:03.043 --> 15:06.366 [SPEAKER_01]: Well I'm pretty sure did have something to do with data tracking. 15:06.866 --> 15:10.029 [SPEAKER_01]: I have discovered what the main reason of the update was. 15:10.689 --> 15:11.290 [SPEAKER_01]: Do tell. 15:12.010 --> 15:18.895 [SPEAKER_01]: My shape or has well after the update I guess I could say had a guided pressure which utilized three different colored lights. 15:19.936 --> 15:22.998 [SPEAKER_01]: Purple meant none of the pressure was being applied while shaving. 15:23.859 --> 15:28.403 [SPEAKER_01]: Green signified the proper pressure and orange warned of too much pressure. 15:29.353 --> 15:35.406 [SPEAKER_01]: and accompanying app, mimics the lights on the Razor itself, but I seldom use that app. 15:36.187 --> 15:40.256 [SPEAKER_01]: Instead, I just relied on the Razor's physical lights to see how I was doing. 15:41.176 --> 15:46.663 [SPEAKER_01]: So, when I think the firmware update was really about, it was to get more people to start using the app. 15:46.883 --> 15:47.844 [SPEAKER_01]: Please explain this. 15:48.445 --> 15:50.247 [SPEAKER_01]: This is the firmware update. 15:50.267 --> 15:53.291 [SPEAKER_01]: There's no more physical green light, just purple and orange. 15:53.972 --> 16:00.219 [SPEAKER_01]: However, while using the Narelko app while shaving, the original three colors are still used to track your shaving. 16:00.780 --> 16:05.061 [SPEAKER_01]: which of course corresponded to the colors on the razor itself before the update. 16:05.842 --> 16:15.685 [SPEAKER_01]: So now on the razor, the orange color that orange you that too much pressure was being applied while shaving now doubles as an indicator that the correct pressure is being applied. 16:15.985 --> 16:17.306 [SPEAKER_01]: That's awfully confusing. 16:17.706 --> 16:18.906 [SPEAKER_01]: Why would they do this? 16:19.306 --> 16:23.908 [SPEAKER_01]: We're getting to the crux of the biscuit as the silent generation word of said. 16:24.849 --> 16:25.350 [SPEAKER_00]: Yes. 16:25.910 --> 16:35.778 [SPEAKER_01]: This change now forces you to use the Noralco app all shaving if you want to get the closest shave during your session, again, why would they do this? 16:36.338 --> 16:47.146 [SPEAKER_01]: Because the app is where the data specifically your data is collected, so I feel that I was correct when I stated that I thought data collection was the intent of this firmware update. 16:48.047 --> 16:51.669 [SPEAKER_01]: Data, not Bitcoin, has become the modern digital currency. 16:52.249 --> 16:53.189 [SPEAKER_01]: Just think about that. 16:53.990 --> 16:59.852 [SPEAKER_01]: Corporations can sell you their wares at premium prices while still making money by also selling your data. 17:00.573 --> 17:02.554 [SPEAKER_01]: It's a win-win situation for them. 17:03.234 --> 17:06.055 [SPEAKER_01]: As Marx's so long, what capital is like to say these days? 17:06.275 --> 17:06.555 [SPEAKER_02]: Yes. 17:07.256 --> 17:08.816 [SPEAKER_01]: Strange times we're living in. 17:09.637 --> 17:12.018 [SPEAKER_01]: Currently, my electric razor toothbrush, 17:17.073 --> 17:19.633 [SPEAKER_01]: I think it's time to dump down some of my tech. 17:21.514 --> 17:25.494 [SPEAKER_01]: This morning I received another firmware update from my Naralko Razor. 17:26.295 --> 17:27.515 [SPEAKER_01]: And the green light is back. 17:29.575 --> 17:41.077 [SPEAKER_01]: However the purple light is now blue, which I like better, so basically due to circumstances beyond my control that whole story I just told you is moot, so what made you put us through this then? 17:41.597 --> 17:46.258 [SPEAKER_01]: Well, I had already recorded it and figured there was some sort of value to be had. 17:47.499 --> 17:54.987 [SPEAKER_01]: I wonder if Philip Slash, Naralko, received complaints from users which led them to return to the three-light system on a razor'd self? 17:56.168 --> 17:57.089 [SPEAKER_01]: Yes, I'll never know. 17:57.109 --> 18:01.793 [SPEAKER_01]: I actually have a new piece of tech this week. 18:02.034 --> 18:02.995 [SPEAKER_02]: Congratulations. 18:03.675 --> 18:07.739 [SPEAKER_02]: I think this has been the longest stretch between new tech items to talk about. 18:08.568 --> 18:12.049 [SPEAKER_02]: So what exciting technology are you going to tell us about? 18:12.229 --> 18:15.250 [SPEAKER_02]: Headphones, I said exciting technology. 18:15.670 --> 18:17.490 [SPEAKER_01]: Well, Headphones is all I got. 18:18.310 --> 18:24.832 [SPEAKER_01]: As a father's day present, I decided to buy myself a pair of bear dynamics at DT 770 Pros. 18:25.852 --> 18:31.974 [SPEAKER_01]: These will replace my Sony MDR 75.06 which I've been using since a 24 in love. 18:32.294 --> 18:33.574 [SPEAKER_02]: Then why replace them? 18:37.222 --> 18:42.466 [SPEAKER_01]: After about 20 minutes, I have to start shifting around the old Sony's on my head in order to continue using them. 18:43.407 --> 18:44.668 [SPEAKER_01]: The second reason is sound. 18:45.569 --> 18:49.852 [SPEAKER_01]: The Sony MDR-7506 is sound fantastic, but it's not real. 18:50.733 --> 18:53.355 [SPEAKER_01]: They boost the base, mid-range, and high frequencies. 18:54.516 --> 19:04.204 [SPEAKER_01]: So even though my recording sound great to me while listening back using the Sony cans, I'd listen back to them on other devices and became disappointed with my sound. 19:05.509 --> 19:09.256 [SPEAKER_01]: The Bayer Dynamics are much more flat-sounding, hence more realistic. 19:09.918 --> 19:14.166 [SPEAKER_01]: And finally, my microphones were picking up sound from my MDR's Mi-506s. 19:16.073 --> 19:22.417 [SPEAKER_01]: This just started happening within the last few months, so I'm guessing the earpads on the Sony headphones were starting to wear. 19:22.997 --> 19:31.403 [SPEAKER_01]: I mitigated this somewhat by increasing the noise gate, but this method would cut off my voice sometimes, usually at the beginning or end of a sentence. 19:32.263 --> 19:41.830 [SPEAKER_01]: This episode is the first one which I'm using the Bear Dynamics in, like an already tell there, much more comfortable in the sound leak problem seems to have been solved. 19:42.775 --> 19:46.756 [SPEAKER_01]: As far as the overall sound of the headphones, well, they sound different. 19:47.596 --> 19:55.759 [SPEAKER_01]: Like a lot of things a break-in period is required, and from the reviews I've read, the Bayer Dynamics require a lot of break-in. 19:56.839 --> 19:58.259 [SPEAKER_01]: Well, for now I'm satisfied. 19:59.460 --> 20:05.481 [SPEAKER_01]: I've just realized that my podcast recording chains switch from mainly Chinese manufacturer equipment to German-made. 20:06.602 --> 20:11.523 [SPEAKER_01]: My headphones and microphones are German-made, while my audio interface is made in Australia. 20:13.356 --> 20:17.698 [SPEAKER_01]: Now I'm wondering if I should search out a German-made audio interface to complete this chain. 20:24.060 --> 20:32.523 [SPEAKER_01]: Entertainment News Roku's streaming boxes were the first of their kind to catch by attention on Amazon many many years ago now. 20:33.623 --> 20:40.206 [SPEAKER_01]: I understood what they did at the time, but hadn't yet realized the impact streaming boxes would have for content consumption. 20:41.220 --> 20:52.363 [SPEAKER_01]: I was still using Direct TV satellite television service at the time, which started off much cheaper than cable television, but their prices for satellite television had a slowly creeped up. 20:53.083 --> 20:56.444 [SPEAKER_01]: Eventually, achieving parity with cable television pricing. 20:58.224 --> 21:03.246 [SPEAKER_01]: One long ago Christmas, my son gifted me a Roku streaming box, smart kid. 21:03.786 --> 21:04.586 [SPEAKER_01]: Yes, he is. 21:05.346 --> 21:08.367 [SPEAKER_01]: That gift changed my content consuming habits overnight. 21:09.435 --> 21:14.638 [SPEAKER_01]: Once set up, I was able to cancel my satellite service and swap it out for direct TV stream. 21:15.478 --> 21:17.820 [SPEAKER_01]: Saving hundreds, yes, hundreds of dollars per month. 21:18.500 --> 21:24.423 [SPEAKER_01]: I was getting the same service that I was getting from direct TV satellite for basically one quarter of the price. 21:25.364 --> 21:32.248 [SPEAKER_01]: I quickly equipped all the televisions in my household with Roku streaming devices and I was in content consumption heaven. 21:33.279 --> 21:40.426 [SPEAKER_01]: Eventually, I entered the World Garden ecosystem of Apple, and acquired a first-generation Apple TV streaming box. 21:41.227 --> 21:45.311 [SPEAKER_01]: You know, the one where Apple tightly controlled what apps you could have on that box? 21:46.212 --> 21:49.075 [SPEAKER_01]: The giant fruit company did this by forbidding downloads. 21:50.096 --> 21:56.583 [SPEAKER_01]: Only approved apps were allowed, and the only way to actually get an app onto your Apple TV was via an update from Apple. 21:57.654 --> 22:03.176 [SPEAKER_01]: This worked well for me because that Apple TV was hooked up to the seldom used television in my bedroom. 22:04.437 --> 22:09.019 [SPEAKER_01]: With the purchase of my new house I decided I really didn't need it television in my bedroom. 22:09.759 --> 22:12.981 [SPEAKER_01]: I'd fall asleep as soon as I started watching something while lying down. 22:14.401 --> 22:18.523 [SPEAKER_01]: Over the years, the quality of Roku's hardware has kind of gotten worse. 22:19.823 --> 22:24.245 [SPEAKER_01]: The last Roku box I purchased was one of their top-of-the-line models, and I constantly 22:26.274 --> 22:31.796 [SPEAKER_01]: When Apple finally loosened their control over the Apple TV, I switched all my streaming boxes over to it. 22:32.997 --> 22:40.600 [SPEAKER_01]: A modern day Roku box from what I've read has turned into an advertising box first, and a content streaming box second. 22:41.901 --> 22:46.243 [SPEAKER_01]: Spide all this as far as I knew, Roku was still doing pretty well financially. 22:47.503 --> 22:54.208 [SPEAKER_01]: So imagine my surprise when an article on 9 to 5 Google popped up on my newsfeed with the following headline. 22:55.048 --> 23:00.192 [SPEAKER_01]: Roku is being bought out by Fox for $22 billion, unquote. 23:00.973 --> 23:05.516 [SPEAKER_01]: Now Fox Media has been selling off its content properties to Disney for years now. 23:06.356 --> 23:12.000 [SPEAKER_01]: With 2025 seeing Fox's Crown Jewels, which were the company's cable channels like FX, for 23:16.204 --> 23:19.145 [SPEAKER_01]: Now Fox retained its news and sports property, so. 23:20.025 --> 23:31.148 [SPEAKER_01]: Late last year, Fox along with other partners attempted to launch its own sports centric streaming service, but was blocked legally, mainly by Fubo, which was the first sports centric streaming service. 23:31.708 --> 23:35.169 [SPEAKER_02]: Now here's an old saying that I believe applies to this situation. 23:35.829 --> 23:39.070 [SPEAKER_02]: If at first you don't succeed, try, try, again. 23:41.141 --> 23:42.342 [SPEAKER_02]: I see where you're going there. 23:42.662 --> 23:43.543 [SPEAKER_02]: Well, of course you do. 23:44.044 --> 23:44.284 [SPEAKER_02]: Oops. 23:44.764 --> 23:46.406 [SPEAKER_02]: I almost broke down the fourth wall again. 23:46.666 --> 23:47.087 [SPEAKER_02]: Didn't I? 23:47.427 --> 23:48.708 [SPEAKER_01]: Yes, you almost did. 23:49.068 --> 23:49.909 [SPEAKER_01]: Sorry about that. 23:50.550 --> 23:59.078 [SPEAKER_01]: As my co-host was inferring, having failed to launch its own sports streaming service, Fox appears to have found another way to do so by purchasing Roku. 23:59.958 --> 24:06.965 [SPEAKER_01]: I'd wager that Roku owners will be receiving discounts on Fox's own regional sports channels when this sale finally takes effect. 24:07.727 --> 24:10.868 [SPEAKER_01]: The same goes for Fox News products like Fox Digital. 24:11.668 --> 24:17.831 [SPEAKER_01]: And I'm sure Fox News Live is a 24-7-ed supported new streaming channel will also make the cut. 24:18.731 --> 24:24.153 [SPEAKER_01]: To be, Fox's ad supported entertainment channel will probably be added to the Roku channel. 24:25.093 --> 24:32.176 [SPEAKER_01]: I'd also bet that Fox's original partners in the failed sports-centric streaming service will find a place on the Roku platform. 24:33.326 --> 24:39.113 [SPEAKER_01]: Boxless smart for figuring out that the content where the real money is to be made is not movies and television. 24:39.753 --> 24:40.694 [SPEAKER_01]: It's live sports. 24:41.976 --> 24:44.699 [SPEAKER_01]: The only sport that I really watch is Major League Baseball. 24:45.520 --> 24:49.304 [SPEAKER_01]: I know I've run down this list before, but let me do a refresh anyway. 24:50.285 --> 24:53.526 [SPEAKER_01]: My lovely wife and I are avid New York Yankees fans. 24:54.287 --> 25:04.431 [SPEAKER_01]: Being out of the New York area, we can watch most Yankees games using the MLB app, which thanks to our cellular service provider T-Mobile, we get a free subscription to. 25:04.451 --> 25:10.193 [SPEAKER_01]: But to start of the season, I expect to watch the Yankees first game on the MLB app. 25:10.673 --> 25:11.134 [SPEAKER_02]: Wrong. 25:11.894 --> 25:14.835 [SPEAKER_01]: Well this year, the game was only available on Netflix. 25:15.495 --> 25:15.735 [UNKNOWN]: What? 25:19.823 --> 25:23.084 [SPEAKER_01]: All the following day was the New York Metz opening game. 25:23.684 --> 25:25.744 [SPEAKER_01]: I thought what the heck all watch that game too. 25:26.664 --> 25:37.166 [SPEAKER_01]: Well to do so I had to have a subscription to the Peacock service, which by a stroke of luck or should I say another stroke of luck, I still had time left on my canceled subscription. 25:38.166 --> 25:45.968 [SPEAKER_01]: So in order to watch all of the Yankees game if you're within the New York metropolitan area, you'll have to subscribe to the Yes Network. 25:46.901 --> 25:53.765 [SPEAKER_01]: You'll also be needing a subscription to Netflix ESPN Prime Video Apple TV and TBS. 25:53.805 --> 26:01.389 [SPEAKER_01]: If you're out of the Yankees area like I am, you'll need a subscription to MLB, Netflix ESPN and Peacock. 26:02.610 --> 26:07.413 [SPEAKER_01]: Thankfully, the MLB app carries games that are on Apple TV and Amazon Prime. 26:08.757 --> 26:22.925 [SPEAKER_01]: In the area I'm living in, the Elantibraves and the Cincinnati Reds are considered regional teams, so I need to subscribe to two separate regional sports channels, one which carries the Elantibraves and the other one the Cincinnati Reds. 26:24.125 --> 26:27.607 [SPEAKER_01]: When the playoff comes around, you'll have to get a subscription for TBS. 26:28.828 --> 26:32.330 [SPEAKER_01]: Well, I think I have all the bases covered for this season, unintended. 26:33.218 --> 26:39.020 [SPEAKER_01]: All I can say is, what a mess streaming has made when trying to follow one sports team for a complete season. 26:48.002 --> 26:54.326 [SPEAKER_01]: Man, my heart has been really busy since it was announced that the company was exploring a merger with Sirius XM. 26:55.526 --> 27:07.893 [SPEAKER_01]: According to Renews, I Heart already has a partnership which saw the top hotcasts on the platform least in Netflix, as deep in that partnership to now include celebrity video hotcasts. 27:08.774 --> 27:14.837 [SPEAKER_01]: Hotcast hosted by such luminaries like Kate Hudson, Martha Stewart, and Lily Ponds. 27:15.958 --> 27:17.840 [SPEAKER_01]: Yeah, I have no idea who that is. 27:18.260 --> 27:20.683 [SPEAKER_02]: You know that there are search engines available. 27:20.843 --> 27:21.243 [SPEAKER_02]: Don't you? 27:21.824 --> 27:23.625 [SPEAKER_01]: Why yes, I'm well aware of them. 27:24.326 --> 27:28.630 [SPEAKER_01]: But I can't be bothered searching for a person whom I'll never watch or listen to. 27:29.551 --> 27:30.992 [SPEAKER_01]: That would be a waste of my time. 27:31.813 --> 27:34.916 [SPEAKER_01]: Something that I'm currently doing at the moment we're playing to you. 27:34.936 --> 27:36.277 [SPEAKER_01]: That hurts. 27:38.568 --> 27:46.013 [SPEAKER_01]: I heart-splurry of partnerships might be driven by the company trying to appear more appealing to Sirius XM, or do I really know. 27:56.839 --> 28:02.143 [SPEAKER_01]: The music is playing, another episode of the OFNT podcast is in the can. 28:03.203 --> 28:04.644 [SPEAKER_01]: I hope you enjoyed this episode. 28:05.525 --> 28:06.806 [SPEAKER_01]: I enjoyed making it for you. 28:07.567 --> 28:08.408 [SPEAKER_01]: You like what you heard? 28:08.668 --> 28:11.370 [SPEAKER_01]: Well, you can make a donation using the link in the show notes. 28:12.891 --> 28:15.834 [SPEAKER_01]: Any and all donations will be greatly appreciated. 28:16.314 --> 28:24.481 [SPEAKER_00]: If you would like to contact the OFNT podcast, you can do so by sending an email to OFNTpodcast at gmail.com. 28:25.914 --> 28:30.617 [SPEAKER_01]: Remember, don't listen to what they say, watch what they do. 28:31.798 --> 28:38.402 [SPEAKER_01]: It sure was a hot one out there today, but the cool air from the mountains, it's starting to cool things off as the sun goes down. 28:39.343 --> 28:41.144 [SPEAKER_01]: So why don't you get off my lawn? 28:42.845 --> 28:43.766 [SPEAKER_01]: Stay skeptical. 28:45.607 --> 28:49.890 [SPEAKER_01]: Ahhhh, I'll be seeing ya. 28:50.831 --> 28:52.772 [SPEAKER_01]: And that folks is the end of the show.