If you're reading this, I'm betting there's a good chance you quite like computers, the Internet, or technology in general. A few weeks ago, Dave showed you 10 websites that all geeks should bookmark. This week, I'd like to introduce you to 5 technology podcasts you should all add to iTunes. Some are new, some are old favorites - all are awesome.
This Week in Tech (Audio & Video)
Of all the podcasts that come and go, TWiT has remained steadfast at the top of my favourites. Hosted weekly by Leo Laporte and guests, This Week in Tech is strictly all about the tech news that changes the industry. With endearing regulars like Brain Brushwood, John C. Dvorak and Patrick Norton, This Week in Tech began in April 2005 as a response to the cancelled G4 technology TV show The Screensavers, but TWiT has had its share of drama of its own.
Other ex-Screensavers members Kevin Rose and Alex Albrecht went on to create the hugely successful Diggnation, in which Alex and Kevin presented the top Digg stories in their trademark “two guys on the sofa getting wasted” style. Diggnation has since finished, but Kevin makes occassional appearances on TWiT, and Leo Laporte has gone to create an entire network of This Week In shows, paving the way for podcasts and the slow death of traditional TV.
Tekzilla (Video)
A bi-weekly video 30 minute podcast hosted by Patrick Norton, Robert Heron (also both ex-Screensavers cast) and the lovely Veronica Belmont. The Tekzilla show is a mixed bag of how-to’s, tech news, reviews and app round-ups. In fact, it’s a lot like what MakeUseOf would be in video form, so the chances are you will love it.
A variety of video quality feeds are offered, as well as one without the daily 2 minute tip sections if you prefer the long-form only.
Tekzilla is a part of the Revision3 network, which also produces this next pick of mine...
Hak5 (Video)
Definately one for geeks only, Hak5 focuses on open-source hardware and software, network security and the homebrew scene. It’s hit and miss for me as I’m not a fan of the presenters, and I certainly don’t watch religiously, but it’s still a great way to discover obscure things to do with old hardware and has certainly inspired a few articles of mine.
NPR: Technology (Audio)
Hailing from the UK, I don’t have much experience of NPR - I guess the BBC is our closest analogy. Regardless, I chose this weekly 30-45 minute audio collection of NPR stories related to technology as I’m a fan of another NPR sponsored podcast called Freakonomics (which isn't technology related).
It’s not geeky as such, but certainly easy to understand and cerebral listening. As a collection of extracts from various NPR shows, there is no specific host or format.
Geekbeat.TV (Video)
Geekbeat is a daily short-form video usually no more than 5 minutes, each episode consisting of about 3 items of news, reviews, and tips; though some episodes will focus on a single theme like “how to avoid getting hacked on Twitter” or “Kickstarter projects to make your iPhone do more".
Hosted by Cali Lewis, Geekbeat’s short form will appeal to some, but others find the outtakes and plugs to be distracting and unnecessary. Worthy of your consideration though.
Upcoming: Technophilia (Audio)
A shameless self-promotional plug perhaps, but a firm favourite of mine none the less. Hosted by myself, Justin Pot and Dave LeClair, Technophilia is our weekly and opinionated take on tech news, as well as app, website or game picks for the week. We do use adult language though, so if a few f***s are not to your taste, please skip this one!
We’re new to this podcasting game, but if you’d like to hear some of your favourite MakeUseOf authors speak their minds about tech, and want to be there before we become world famous, then now is your chance! If you’ve got a specific topic you’d like us to tackle, we’d love to hear from you.
If you'd rather not subscribe to these podcasts in iTunes, Stitcher Radio is a free website and mobile app that lets you stream 5,000+ audio podcasts and stations on demand.
Do you want even more podcasts? Fair enough:
- 5 Comedy Podcasts to keep you laughing, courtesy of Matt.
- Justin’s pick of 5 podcasts you should check out right away.
- Matt’s decidedly non-feminine choices of 5 of the manliest podcasts for manly men.
- Saikat’s well-informed choices of 10 educational podcasts.
Do you agree with my top 5? Do you think Technophilia should have been number 1? Did I miss one of your favourites? Let us know in the comments!