Episodes

  • India makes new laser missiles, Google’s AI talks to dolphins

    India makes new laser missiles, Google’s AI talks to dolphins
    Apr 24 2025
    Dolphins are talking—and we may finally be listening. In today's episode, Hosts Shouvik Das and Leslie D'Monte talk about how researchers have been training AI models on audio patterns from marine life, hoping to decode the communicative clicks and whistles of dolphins. What was once the domain of documentaries is now a serious scientific pursuit, with breakthroughs hinting that we might be on the cusp of cross-species communication. Similar efforts are underway with elephants and apes, where language-like patterns are being observed, dissected, and even responded to using machine learning. These aren’t sci-fi fantasies anymore—they're experiments backed by linguistic theory, acoustic science, and real data. While another is eyeing the sky. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) recently conducted successful tests of a new laser weapon system—designed to intercept aerial threats with silent, precise beams. Think missile defense, but without the missile. This high-energy weapon is part of India’s push to develop its own version of the Iron Dome, tailored to local security needs. The system promises to be compact, mobile, and cost-effective—potentially offering an edge in both defense preparedness and indigenous military R&D . Meanwhile, a quieter revolution is unfolding in the consumer electronics sector. Homegrown brands like Lava and boAt are no longer content with playing second fiddle to global players. They’re doubling down on R&D, exploring component manufacturing, and positioning themselves for export markets. With PLI incentives and a maturing startup ecosystem, the dream of a Made-in-India electronics powerhouse is entering a new phase. It’s not just about assembling phones anymore—it’s about building the ecosystem from silicon to software, and finding a global voice for Indian tech. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    33 mins
  • ChatGPT’s Ghibli versus artists, and gen-Z’s AI therapists

    ChatGPT’s Ghibli versus artists, and gen-Z’s AI therapists
    Apr 8 2025
    Hosts Shouvik Das and Leslie D'Monte pondered: if Leonardo da Vinci or Picasso were alive today, would they be just as unnerved by AI as many artists are now? It’s a question worth asking, especially when tools like ChatGPT can now generate stunning images in the signature style of Studio Ghibli with a single prompt. The hosts have previously discussed Ghibli’s sudden rise in cultural popularity, but the recent release of this image-generation feature has reignited deeper conversations about art, ownership, and the role of the artist in an age where style can be replicated with a click. When it becomes this easy to reproduce the visual language of a globally loved, legacy studio, what does that mean for originality—and more importantly, for artists? But then we take a turn into something more personal: the way people, especially Gen Z, are starting to open up to voice assistants and chatbots—not just to set reminders, but to actually talk. About their thoughts, their stresses, and their feelings. Is this a new form of therapy? Or are we just getting lonelier? Along the way, we also chat about Photoshop getting easier to use, washing machines that claim to be “smart,” and why everything from TVs to water filters now comes with a chip that talks back. Spoiler alert: we’re not totally sold on it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    31 mins
  • Nothing artificial about AI: Is OpenAI’s Studio Ghibli-style image generation on ChatGPT only a fad?

    Nothing artificial about AI: Is OpenAI’s Studio Ghibli-style image generation on ChatGPT only a fad?
    Apr 1 2025
    How much of it is copyright, and how much of this is violated? The debates about what is copyright and what is copyleft. With AI-generated images becoming more advanced, what does it mean for artists, digital advertising, and even companies like Google? Will AI-generated content disrupt ad revenue? What happens to creators whose work is used to train these models? In this episode, our host Shouvik Das and Leslie D'Monte talks about OpenAI’s image generator, the shifting landscape of content ownership, and the rise of "ethical AI" as a marketing term. Are we entering an era of "AI washing," much like we saw with cloud and greenwashing? Companies are pushing responsible AI, but how much of it is genuine, and how much is just marketing? Switching gears, we talk about Xiaomi’s latest flagship, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, a phone that bucks the AI trend by doubling down on camera technology. The device features a Leica-powered 200MP camera and comes with a dedicated camera grip and attachments to enhance the photography experience. But in a world where AI is dominating smartphone innovation, is a top-tier camera enough? Would you buy a phone that is ordinary in every other way but has an extraordinary camera? We debate the practicality of such a device—how it fits into real-world usage, whether its hardware is as durable as traditional DSLRs, and if losing or damaging a smartphone with such an advanced camera would be more of a liability than a benefit. We also touch on Bill Gates' recent statement that AI will replace most human jobs—except for biologists and energy researchers. Why these two fields? We break down whether AI is truly incapable of advancing in these areas without human intervention or if Gates' statement oversimplifies the situation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    32 mins
  • From space to phones: Sunita Williams, Adobe, and the Pixel 9a

    From space to phones: Sunita Williams, Adobe, and the Pixel 9a
    Mar 25 2025
    Sunita Williams is back on Earth after an unexpected 286-day stay in space—far beyond her planned eight-day mission aboard Boeing’s Starliner. In this episode, our hosts Shouvik Das and Leslie D'Monte, talk about the company that helped bring her back SpaceX, and explore what her extended time in orbit means for space exploration. Then, we step into some major tech news: Adobe's latest AI-powered updates and how they could reshape creative tools, plus a first look at Google’s Pixel 9A and what it means for budget smartphones. Finally, in our rapid-fire round, we talk about the future of space-grown vegetables, Boeing’s ongoing struggles, and what’s next for consumer tech in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    29 mins
  • How DeepSeek, Manus are rocking OpenAI's boat

    How DeepSeek, Manus are rocking OpenAI's boat
    Mar 19 2025
    Is Manus the AI that will finally think like us, or just another digital dream?" The world’s first general AI agent, created by a major disruptor, is forcing us to rethink what we expect from artificial intelligence. this AI agent isn’t just another tool; it’s a leap towards truly general AI. But with this kind of power, the question remains: are we ready for an AI that can think and adapt like a human? There’s excitement, but also skepticism about what this means for the future of AI and its role in our lives. Starlink has entered the Indian market through partnerships with Airtel and Reliance Jio, and it’s shaking things up. Though satellite internet can connect remote areas, the real concern is whether it will be affordable for the masses. With a hefty upfront cost for the hardware, the big question is if it can really reach the people who need it most—those in rural, underserved regions. Apple’s new iPhone 16E has people talking. Marketed as a budget option, it’s a tempting choice for those wanting to try out the iPhone experience without breaking the bank. But when you look at the price and what it offers—or doesn’t offer—it raises the question: does this really live up to the “budget” label, or is it just another compromise for the Apple fanbase? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    29 mins
  • MWC 2025 brings AI phones with no apps, funky displays and more

    MWC 2025 brings AI phones with no apps, funky displays and more
    Mar 12 2025
    "Will AI fix everything, or just add another layer of complexity?" In todys episode takes a closer look at the Mobile World Congress event brining together innovators and tech leaders, setting the stage for new developments—like InMobi’s demo of Google's Gemini-powered generative AI. Naveen, InMobi’s CEO, showed off a lock screen feature where two selfies transform into a range of fashion avatars, linking directly to e-commerce sites for a seamless shopping experience. One of the wildest concepts? Lenovo’s triple-display laptop, designed for professionals who need multiple screens on the go. While it sounds like a dream for productivity, the hosts debate whether it’s practical or just another flashy gimmick that might make you the center of attention—whether you like it or not. Next, the discussion shifts to OpenAI’s GPT-4.5 and how it stacks up against competitors like Claude 3.7, Gemini, and Grok. With talk of fewer hallucinations, improved reasoning, and even emotional intelligence, it seems like AI is getting smarter. But does it really live up to the hype? The hosts weigh in on its limitations, especially when compared to the latest AI benchmarks. The episode wraps up with a real-world look at AI adoption in businesses, particularly concerns about data privacy, misinformation, and hallucination risks. The hosts explain how companies use retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) to reduce errors when training AI on internal data, but challenges persist. With AI still prone to making up information, industries like law remain cautious about full-scale adoption. The key takeaway? AI is evolving, but it's not yet reliable enough to replace human expertise entirely. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    31 mins
  • RIDING THE NEW WAVE OF AI WITH IBM

    RIDING THE NEW WAVE OF AI WITH IBM
    Feb 28 2025
    In this episode of Mint Techcetra, host Kartik delves into the future of artificial intelligence with Dr. Amith Singhee, Director of IBM Research India and CTO of IBM India and South Asia. They discuss the rapid evolution of AI, including agentic workflows, open-source AI, and multimodal applications. Dr. Singhi shares his insights on IBM's innovative contributions, the India AI mission's recent developments, and how AI is set to transform enterprises and society by 2025. Tune in to learn about the exciting trends and advancements shaping the AI landscape. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    22 mins
  • Love and loneliness in the AI era: Blessing or curse?

    Love and loneliness in the AI era: Blessing or curse?
    Feb 28 2025
    In today's world, the personal touch of gifting, like handwritten notes, seems to have been lost over time, with technology now playing a major role in how we interact and share with others. In earlier generations, creating something personal for someone, whether a small gift or a card, involved more effort and creativity. Today, everything has become so tech-driven. However, we also discussed how AI companions can have a positive impact, offering emotional support. For instance, the younger generation is turning to AI voice assistants like Amazon Alexa to share their day or simply engage in conversation, offering them relief from stress and homesickness. These AI assistants don't replace human interaction, but they serve as an additional layer of support, making people feel heard and less alone. In some cases, they even help individuals build social skills, providing a safe space to practice communication without fear of judgment. The Humane AI Pin has officially failed, and with it, the early hopes for AI hardware like the Rabbit R1. Initially hyped as groundbreaking, both devices struggled due to overpricing and underdelivering. The Humane AI Pin, priced at $700, couldn't live up to its promises, while the Rabbit R1's features are now becoming standard in smartphones. With the rapid evolution of AI smartphones, these extra devices seem unnecessary. Though these early innovations didn't succeed, there may still be potential for better AI hardware in the future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    27 mins
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