Happy New Year! It has been too long but after a three-month hiatus we are back with a slightly tweaked format to make the show a little more succinct. Thanks for your patience. We catch-up on the last three months of formation for myself and our cohort, look a little towards what is coming up in the next few months, and share some background on those classes. For the tech segment I cover updates on #WindowsInsiders and #EdgeInsiders builds and speculate where things will move in the next couple of weeks as we begin this new year. I also hit on some key tech headlines before moving on to the space section of the podcast. In space, we talk about some year in review content from NASA, SpaceX, and other agencies which included some real record setting stuff. 

Observed Tech PODCAST

Faith, Tech, and Space (Episode 19)

Back after a couple of busy weeks but ready to share the latest across the entire spectrum of the show leading off with a couple of articles about pandemic swindles for those looking for work and why we can't just stick to what we know in this day and age. I then catch everyone up our Rite of Candidacy last week and our class schedules for online and local classes. Tech begins as it always does with the latest builds for #WindowsInsiders and #EdgeInsiders plus I share my thoughts about the approaching Windows 10 (Version 20H2) release and how that will impact all the Insider developer channels. Tech headlines from Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, Facebook, Google, and others. In gaming Microsoft grabs a new game studio, GamePass grows by 50% during the pandemic, Cloud Gaming is now in full beta with GamePass, and Microsoft wants to be more transparent about data on your consoles. I also discuss the very poor pre-orders for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and RTX 3080. In space the Moon, Orion, a new space toilet, HoloLens and NASA, and how NASA benefits the economy. Wrapping up space I try to explain the flow of the next four launces that are coming up.

Faith, Tech, and Space (Episode 18)

In this show we open with a discussion about the return of the Gateway computer brand selling Windows and Android devices in Walmart. In the faith section, classes have begun for year two and I share some details about what the Rite of Candidacy Mass signifies in our formation process towards the Permanent Diaconate. In tech we begin with a full review of the last week for updates and new builds for Windows and Edge Insiders as we get closer to the release of Windows 10 Version 20H2 in the next month or so. The big news in tech is all about the release and reviews of Surface Duo which are high on the hardware but frustrated with the software. No surprises around a first-generation device. Then I talk about the unexpected announcements around Xbox Series S and some other related news after a video of the device including its pricing and release date was leaked. The response by the Xbox team was stellar though and grabbed a lot of solid attention. Under the space banner we have NASA moon dirt news, a ULA Delta IV Heavy launch date, and a failed launch for a small upcoming launch provider.

Faith, Tech, and Space (Episode 17)

We open this show covering Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020's huge release and my own hands on with Surface Duo including the two aspects of the device that really surprised me. In faith, an update on our online class now that we have a syllabus to see how the 12 weeks of Fundamental Theology will move along. I also share about the recently released Fatima movie and an excellent editorial about being less disagreeable when we disagree. Under tech we catch up on the latest builds for Windows and Edge Insiders, some Windows 10 annoyances and how to fix them, deprecated features in Windows 10, hands on with Project Moca and Transcribe for Word. Edge is also testing a new Web Capture feature in the Canary Channel, plus there is news about the end of Adobe Flash in Edge. In other tech news, Microsoft retains the huge JEDI contract with the Pentagon after a review but Amazon is not happy about it, Zoom has a huge quarter and we discuss whether than momentum sticks after the pandemic, and Walmart launches their Amazon Prime competitor. Space news includes NASA SRB tests in the desert for Artemis, searching for new Flight Directors, and a twin Mars rover right here on earth. ULA is still looking into their aborted Delta IV Heavy launch, SpaceX makes a couple more launches themselves including a history making one, and Rocket Lab successfully returns to flight.

Faith, Tech, and Space (Episode 16)

Here at the very end of August in a quite different year than we all expected when it started, there is still plenty to discuss about faith, tech, and space. We kick this episode off with a discussion around returning to movie theaters to watch movies during this active pandemic plus an update an update about my recent PC Build and SSD drives. Next is the final couple of weeks in the summer break for my cohort's continuing formation and classes beginning in just a couple of weeks. In tech, we layout new builds for Windows and Edge Insiders including a significant upcoming milestone. Suface Duo review are in the hands of reviewers and influencers but it is everyday folks without embargos that are going into Best Buy and AT&T stores to give full operational demos of the dual-screened devices ahead of schedule. IN other tech headlines there is more on the Epic vs Apple app store fight, talk about the Amazon Halo, TikTok, tech scam insider information to help awareness, and big changes in real estate in the pandemic. In space we have launches and scrubs and we wrap up reminiscing about the 25 year anniversary of Windows 95, Office, 95, and of course this website!

Faith, Tech, and Space (Episode 15)

There is plenty of news across our three-fold spectrum for this episode. I wrap up details about the PC build I recently completed and provide some schedule updates for my continued diaconate formation as we prepare for year two. In tech, new builds across the board for Windows and Edge Insiders, headlines from Microsoft, Apple (and Epic Games & WordPress), and Google among many others. In gaming news, there has been a run on joysticks and yokes thanks to the successful release of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, and confirmation of the Xbox Series S console thanks to a controller leak. In space there is news from NASA, ULA, and SpaceX as they continue to launch rockets despite the pandemic impacting operations. I close with an upcoming drama from Netflix on the human toll during a manned mission to Mars and Amazon's potential plan to take over empty stores at malls to help with product distribution.

Faith, Tech, and Space (Episode 14)

Rolling with a weekly schedule we kick off about my incoming PC build and the parts I am using for this new setup, closing out my first year of formation with some new information on upcoming classes and purchasing my first vestments. For Windows and Edge Insiders we catch up on the latest builds, updates, and enhancements coming to the web and OS platforms for testing. I touch on the tit-for-tat between Microsoft and Apple about iOS App Store policies that are preventing Project xCloud from being carried for iOS devices, the latest on TikTok acquisition discussions, a Windows division reorg under Panos Panay, and the latest in open source and security. Finally, we talk space including the return of SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft.

Faith, Tech, and Space (Episode 13)

Busy show today with a lot of news to catch up on from the last five weeks across all three focus areas of the show! I open with my take on Windows 10 running great and the bargain that is Game Pass which everyone should check out. Then there is faith related updates with completion of classes both lcoally and online plus a few other items that are coming up. Under tech we catc up on the sequence of Windows Insider and Microsoft Edge builds, anti-trust, and a weird possible Microsoft acquistition of TikTok here in the United States. We close with a very busy period in space flight for both veteran and new companies.

Faith, Tech, and Space (Episode 12)

It has been just two weeks since our last show, but still a long list of news across the spectrum to discuss including changes to the Windows Insider Program and the latest with the testing and roll out of the new Microsoft Edge. We start off with one of two big stories, the end of physical Microsoft Stores. From the faith side we catch up on local, online class activity plus share about the Ten Commandments of Catholic Twitter and a young man named Carlos Acutis who is about the be beatified in Church. On the tech front, we cover updates around Windows and Edge Insider programs, a new Windows File Recovery app, and the latest from Apple, Google, Pi-Hole, and AdGuard Home. Then we talk about the other big story – the impending shutdown of Microsoft Mixer. In space related news a new company plans orbital rocket launches, a SpaceX Starlink beta, SpaceX launch delays, and Boeing's shuffle in its various space divisions. Finally, I close out with a note about something called Doomscrolling and why you should avoid it.

Faith, Tech, and Space (Episode 11)

Welcome to Episode 10 of the Faith, Tech, and Space PODCAST. Scheduling recordings are still a challenge but one we will get figured out. I lead off with the latest around my formation and the completion of year number one and I share where we are at in the church calendar. On the tech side we kick off with the latest Windows and Edge Insiders news including the latest releases. The big news on this front is the release of the Windows 10 May 2020 Update and the roll out for new Edge (Stable Channel). Then I talk about BUILD 2020, software installs, channel updates for Microsoft 365, Xbox gaming news, and new Surface hardware reviews. In space we have launches all over the place including the SpaceX Demo 2 mission with two American astronauts onboard. I close the show with some thoughts on the Black Lives Matter movement and how I am choosing to learn and be a better ally.

Faith, Tech, and Space (Episode 10)

Back behind the microphone with big updates about my aspirancy formation for the permanent diaconate, updates about the Windows Insider and Edge Insider Programs, a big tech update, and quite a bit of space news this cycle. We begin catching up on the Easter Season, the new online (local and distant) classes that start this month in formation including Patristics (three classes) and The Four Gospels (12 weeks). Next we go over the status of new insider builds for Windows 10 (vNext), the impending release of Windows 10 (20H1) aka the May 2020 Update later this month, and all the latest on Microsoft Edge across all channels. new hardware from Microsoft and Apple caught headlines this week and in space the first launch of human beings from U.S. soil in nearly nine years is expected later this month and the Mars Perseverance mission continues marching towards its July launch even with the team working remotely from home. Hubble is 30 years old and unidentified objects are just that - unidentified.

Faith, Tech, and Space (Episode 9)

Last episode we recorded in our reconfigured podcast studio. Now we are live streaming our recording session via YouTube. Now you can see my face, hands, and eyes as I share faith, tech, and space. I have updates on my own faith formation, current tech headlines, and some space news in this episode. Much of what we discuss is impacted by the current lock downs and stay at home orders due to the COVID-19 coronavirus. Working From Home and Remote Working is the new norm and many of these changes are likely to become more permanent when we return to whatever normal is in the coming months. Some of the headlines we catch up on include the latest for Windows and Edge Insiders, talk about the transition of Office 365 to Microsoft 365 for personal and family use, and how companies are adapting to the current situation. We also discuss Microsoft's decision to go virtual with all their in-person events until at least July 2021 and what impact COVID-19 is and is not having on launches and other space news including the first potential launch of astronauts from U.S. soil in May.

Faith, Tech, and Space (Episode 8)

In this episode we work our way through the three key areas to discuss faith as it not only relates to my formation but also to how the church is addressing the global COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. On the tech front, we will catch up with all the latest builds and other news when it comes to both the Windows and Edge Insiders programs. Under miscellaneous tech we talk about some more Xbox Series X news, BUILD going virtual and some work of mine from ITProToday about remote work and certifications. I added a COVID-19 coronavirus section to discuss this global situation - not from a medical perspective - but from a human being experience. Of course, how tech is impacting this will be part of the discussion as well. Finally, wrapping up with the latest in space related news with headlines from SpaceX, NASA, ULA, OneWeb and our orbiting astronauts on ISS. I will also share my spoiler free take on the first season of Star Trek: Picard.

Faith, Tech, and Space (Episode 7)

Welcome to the sixth episode of Faith, Tech, and Space PODCAST. I kick this show off talking about the latest in my faith formation including updates for online and local classes plus share a little about a local shrine here in Northeast Florida and some insight on the Season of Lent. In tech, we catch up with the latest for #WindowsInsiders and #EdgeInsiders as we review the latest builds and development progress. There are also headlines about the impact of the coronavirus plus news about Office, Android, Windows 10X, mobile app security, Apple iPhones not being for the bad guys in films, and Halo: Combat Evolved for PC. Wrapping up in space, I share details about my quick trip down to Cape Canaveral to watch the latest SpaceX Falcon 9 launch this past weekend and then discuss other news from NASA, Boeing, and Blue Origin. Thanks for tuning in and giving a listen to Faith, Tech, and Space as we continue this unique journey.

Faith, Tech, and Space (Episode 6)

Welcome to our fifth episode of the podcast. In this show I discuss the latest in my formation studies specifically around the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church which we are studying this semester. On the tech front we finally got our first public peek at Windows 10X and it reveals a lot about the future of Windows plus we catch up on the latest for both the #WindowsInsider and #EdgeInsider preview programs. When it comes to space, there was plenty to talk about concerning SpaceX, Boeing, and NASA. Thanks for tuning in and listening to our latest.

Faith, Tech, and Space (Episode 5)

Talking about and keeping an eye on Windows and other things tech!