The Defrag

28/03/2023

There's a lot of talk about AI and ChatGPT - but is AI really the future of search?

There's a lot of discussions happening right now about the future of search and the role that AI could play in improving search relevance. But is ChatGPT and...

17/11/2022

It's been a year since Mark Zuckerberg announced that Facebook was going to become Meta, and with it a shift in focus to the Metaverse. But should Meta be focused on the social platforms it already dominates? Or should the company continue on this bold bet that people will want to work and spend time in virtual reality?

02/11/2022

We're really excited to be part of the Google News Initiative Startup Bootcamp run by Fishburners!

Looking forward to bring you regular episodes of The Defrag in both podcast and video form over the coming weeks.

Find out more about the program here:

Sydney startup hub Fishburners has chosen 10 ideas for the inaugural Google News Initiative (GNI) startups bootcamp The nine-week professional development program delivers support and coaching to aspiring news media entrepreneurs for independent journalism, with entrepreneurs including Sinorbis CMO....

18/10/2022

Fun fact - The Defrag will be back in the next two weeks! And also - we're launching on YouTube!

Subscribe to our new channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHCvEB0gCWA7DavB2BqBhRg

24/03/2022

Have you had a mild case of covid? It turns out that even a mild case could result in shrinkage to your brain.

Listen to our latest episode here: https://thedefrag.com/can-covid-shrink-your-brain/

New research shows that even if you just get mild symptoms, the covid virus could have a significant impact on your brain.

17/03/2022

If you own any product with a lithium-ion battery then you'll want to listen to our latest episode. The battery in your phone or your laptop, could contain minerals that come from artisanal mining where children are being exploited for labour.

Listen here: https://thedefrag.com/the-problem-with-cobalt/

Cobalt is can help make batteries safer, while increasing energy density and ultimately improving battery life. However there's a dark side to cobalt that you need to know about.

01/03/2022

The IPCC has released its sixth climate change assessment report which looks at the impact of climate change across ecosystems, biodiversity, and human communities.

So how is our fight against climate change going?

Listen to our latest episode: https://thedefrag.com/climate-check-in/

The United Nation’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has released its sixth assessment report which looks at the impact of climate change across ecosystems, biodiversity, and human communities. In this latest report, authored by more than 270 scientists from 67 countries, the IPCC raises ...

24/02/2022

Should artwork created by an AI be eligible to receive copyright?

Should artwork created by an AI receive copyright?

23/02/2022

Before the pandemic, QR codes were largely viewed as a bit of a novelty. However thanks to the pandemic, the humble QR code has seen a revival.

https://thedefrag.com/rise-of-the-qr-codes/

Before the pandemic, QR codes were largely viewed as a bit of a novelty. However thanks to the pandemic, the humble QR code has seen a revival.

21/02/2022

For most journalists, keeping information confidential and sources protected is a vital part of the job. But one transcription service, that's become an important tool for reporters, may have vulnerabilities that are being overlooked.

https://thedefrag.com/the-transcription-apps-raising-privacy-red-flags/

For many journalists, keeping information confidential and sources protected is a vital part of the job. But one service that's become an important tool for journalists, Otter, may have vulnerabilities that are being overlooked.

17/02/2022

The pandemic has changed the way many of us live and work. Some businesses have offered staff flexibility, and others are even experimenting with a four-day work week. So could now be the right time to make a switch to a shorter working week?

https://thedefrag.com/should-businesses-switch-to-a-four-day-work-week/

The pandemic has changed the way many of us live and work. Some businesses have offered staff flexibility, and some are even experimenting with a four-day work week. So could now be the right time to make a switch to a shorter working week?

14/02/2022

The Commonwealth Games Federation are planning to run a pilot esports championship alongside the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. So should esports be included as a sport in the games?

Listen to our latest episode here: https://thedefrag.com/do-esports-belong-at-the-commonwealth-games/

The Commonwealth Games Federation are planning to run a pilot esports championship alongside the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. So do esports belong at a major sporting event?

08/02/2022

China is accused of significant crimes against humanity, and in particular, crimes against the Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities based in Xinjiang.

So with the eyes of the world on Beijing for the Olympics, we spoke with Human Rights Watch about what's going on, and what this means for the games.

https://thedefrag.com/chinas-tainted-winter-olympic-games/

The world's attention right now is on Beijing and the 2022 Winter Olympics. It should be a time of celebration, however behind all the glitz and glamour of the games is a concerning history of human rights abuses.

07/02/2022

Joe Rogan has been accused of spreading misinformation on his podcast. But given Spotify paid a reported $100 Million to license Rogan's content, how will this situation impact its bottom line?

https://thedefrag.com/spotifys-joe-rogan-problem/

Joe Rogan has been accused of spreading misinformation on his hit podcast The Joe Rogan Experience. So how will this whole situation impact on Spotify's bottom line?

05/02/2022

NFTs or non-fungible tokens - they're all the rage in the blockchain and cryptocurrency space. However apps like Twitter are now integrating NFTs into their platform. So has the technology hit a turning point that could see widespread adoption?

https://thedefrag.com/will-nfts-go-mainstream/

NFTs or non-fungible tokens - they're all the rage in the blockchain and cryptocurrency space. However apps like Twitter are now integrating NFTs into their platform. So has the technology hit a turning point that could see widespread adoption?

03/02/2022

Scalping is a massive issue when it comes to event tickets and new product releases. But did you know it can also be an issue with cars?

Ford has become concerned about scalping of their F-150 Lightning while production ramps up, and is now encouraging dealers to take action with a 1-year no-sale clause.

Listen to our latest podcast episode: https://thedefrag.com/fords-war-on-scalpers/

Scalping is a massive issue when it comes to event tickets and new product releases. But did you know it can also be an issue with cars?

02/02/2022

The construction sector is struggling to get materials thanks to a massive boom in building work through the pandemic.

So how serious is the supply issue? And have we seen any indication of a reprieve?

The demand for new homes has created an issue with the supply of building materials. So how serious is the supply issue? And have we seen any indication of a reprieve?

19/01/2022

We're officially going to launch! The first episode of The Defrag is going live on January 31st.

Subscribe in your favourite podcast app or head on over to our website and listen to the trailer.

https://thedefrag.com

The Defrag explores the intersection of technology, business, politics, and science. We ask hard questions, challenge ideas, and help organise the news.