259: Avoid Wearing Smart Watches to Summer Concerts, and a new trend has emerged. "Rotary Phones". A Dating App that matches users based on search history. Next, Say What? as we Explore Bizarre Technologies. | Air Date: 7/1 - 7/6/2025

TechTime with Nathan Mumm

What happens when technology takes a step backward to move forward? This week's episode explores the strange territory where nostalgia, practicality, and innovation collide in unexpected ways.
Microsoft is killing off the iconic Blue Screen of Death after four decades, replacing the familiar blue error screen with a simplified black version. While the company claims this will provide better troubleshooting information, we question whether changing such a recognizable symbol of Windows crashes makes sense. After all, when something isn't broken, why fix it?
Meanwhile, a fascinating trend has emerged in Portland, Maine, where parents have created a "landline pod" — installing traditional home phones for their children instead of smartphones. What started with one parent's decision has grown to include 15-20 families who are witnessing remarkable improvements in their children's social skills and creative thinking. It's a powerful reminder that sometimes the most innovative solution is returning to simpler technologies.
The show takes a deep dive into consumer protection as the FTC approves $126 million in refunds for nearly one million Fortnite players who fell victim to "dark pattern" purchases. Epic Games' deceptive design practices that tricked users into making unwanted purchases remind us that ethical considerations often lag behind technological capabilities.
We couldn't help but laugh at the bizarre world of robot pets with the discovery of a $50 "attack dog" from Timu that shoots pellets and simulates urination. This strange creation somehow keeps users engaged for hours, proving there's a market for even the oddest technological innovations.
Our whiskey tasting features Wild Turkey 101 8-year bourbon, which received enthusiastic approval from our hosts. With notes of vanilla, clove, and toffee, this $45 bourbon proves that sometimes traditional craftsmanship is worth celebrating.
Join us for a journey through technology's strangest corners, where old becomes new again and the digital world continues to surprise us in the most unexpected ways. Subscribe now and be part of the conversation!

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Chapters

1. Welcome to Tech Time Radio (00:00:00)

2. Windows Ditching Blue Screen of Death (00:04:06)

3. Fortnite Refunds: Dark Pattern Controversy (00:10:20)

4. The Return of Landlines for Kids (00:18:01)

5. Say What: Bizarre Tech Stories (00:27:21)

6. Wild Turkey 101 Whiskey Tasting (00:42:09)

7. Nathan's Nugget: Trump Phone Truth (00:49:08)

8. Closing Thoughts and Final Rating (00:56:05)