FrequencyCast UK TV and Tech

FrequencyCast returns after a short break - thanks for bearing with us. In Show 125, we look at Amazon Alexa, the birth of British broadcasting with 2MT, fitness tracking for pets and contactless payment jewelery. In the news, revival of a Nokia classic, Nintendo Switch and the MakeAirFair campaign, plus your comments on 4G interference, and Sky boxes. Details at https://www.frequencycast.co.uk/cast125.html

For FrequencyCast Show 119, Pete and Kelly take a look back at the last year of tech news headlines, review some of what they got up to, and make some predictions. We also talk to weatherman Jim Bacon about 2016 and hyper-local weather tech. In the news, the BBC hack, AVG issues and old TVs, plus your questions on power cuts and Raspberry Pi VPNs. Details at https://www.frequencycast.co.uk/cast119.html

In FrequencyCast Show 118, Pete challenges Kelly to set up a Raspberry Pi Zero, and both complain about Black Friday. We also look at Facebook security and the sad demise of BBC Three. Also, a look at some new products from TomTom, surround sound from Orbitsound, and some kids birds and scorpions from Character Options. In Feedback: Sky phone lines, Windows 10 startup problems and blind dating apps. Details at https://www.frequencycast.co.uk/cast118.html

For Show 115, Kelly takes a look around the junk shop that Pete calls home, and the two talk about Office 365 and cloud computing. A first look at the whatsonit scheduling app, plus an interview with MySmartRemote on car security. Also, Kelly is set to be a star on the next TX Factor TV show. Plus your issues with BBC iPlayer on old iOS devices, and Flash security. Details at https://www.frequencycast.co.uk/cast115.html

For FrequencyCast Show 109, Kelly and Pete look at voice recognition, the Samsung TV privacy issue and language translation. Also, a look at the new Pebble Time smartwatch, the Osprey 4G hotspot and the Windows Linx tablets. We also talk about 5G, and the Tech Rescue pack that can help revive a dunked phone, and in the news, beware of TalkTalk scammers. Links and transcripts at https://www.frequencycast.co.uk/cast109.html

For FrequencyCast show 105, Kelly and Pete try out a new social alarm clock app, and try to get youngsters into technology. We help kids to talk to the International Space Station, and look at how the scouts get into tech. We also talk about low-flying drones and balloon tracking. Plus your questions on Radio 3, weak wi-fi and smart heating systems. Links and transcripts at https://www.frequencycast.co.uk/cast105.html

One hundred FrequencyCast shows.... time to look back at what the world was like when we started. Pete and Kelly look back at eight years of tech and play a few fun extracts. We also have an interview with Samsung about their new Wireless 1.5TB media drive, and we look at changes to the Dartford Crossing. In the news, the latest on the eBay data breach, new TV channels, and minty chocolatey biscuits. Links and transcripts at https://www.frequencycast.co.uk/cast100.html

For FrequencyCast Show 99, Kelly and Pete discuss the threat posed by Internet exploit Heartbleed. We also take a look at the latest Facebook purchase, a clever kettle, review Gadget Show Live and get hands-on with Occulus Rift and Google Glass. We also have an exclusive interview with John Challis, Boycie from Only Fools and Horses. Links and transcripts at https://www.frequencycast.co.uk/cast99.html

In FrequencyCast Show 98, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of offshore radio in the UK. We also look at an amateur radio special event station and discuss how to get your name to land on the Bennu comet. In the run-up to Gadget Show Live, we look at Ayegear jackets and car trackers, and the news, we look at the campaign to save BBC Three, plus Office for the iPad. Links and transcripts at https://www.frequencycast.co.uk/cast98.html

FrequencyCast Show 97, recorded for March 2014 takes a look at the focus-free Lytro camera, discusses the April 2014 Gadget Show Live, and notes that a couple of products we have looked at in the past have made it to Dragons Den. We also look at a wireless doorbell, a new light switch timer and Amazon Prime. In the news, a speed boost for Virgin customers, the chance to get your name into space, and a Fitbit recall. Links and transcripts at https://www.frequencycast.co.uk/cast97.html

FrequencyCast Show 95 was released in January 2014 and takes a look back at the last 12 months of technology. We also discuss the digital radio switchover, BT filters, and Pete is proud of becoming a Lord of the Principality of Sealand. In the news, paying in cheques by smartphone, Sky on Apple and bendy smartphones. Plus questions on BBC HD and CloudBox. Links and transcripts at https://www.frequencycast.co.uk/cast95.html

FrequencyCast Show 94 includes a look at Gadget Show Live Christmas 2013, and also gets hands-on with the new BT Home Hub 5. Pete and Kelly discuss plans for an automated social media service from Google, and Pete takes Kelly to Kempton Races... sort of. In the news, VuTV launches, the FM radio switchover is delayed and a there is a lack of Christmas games consoles. Links and transcripts at https://www.frequencycast.co.uk/cast94.html

FrequencyCast Show 93 sees Pete and Kelly looking at the Ofcom report into Broadband and Mobiles in the UK. We also find out about the new Freeview TV service VuTV, look at some odd bits of seasonal technology and find out about the Asda 3D people printer. In the news, Android KitKat, iPlayer updates and a new smart pen. We also answer your questions on the Macbook Pro and Powerline connectivity. Links and transcripts at https://www.frequencycast.co.uk/cast93.html

For FrequencyCast Show 92, Pete and Kelly are asked to look at the new iPhones and iOS 7 (reluctantly). We also look at the new Dave Gorman TV show, lend our support to Cambridge Uni in the World Solar Challenge, and head off to the Hitchhikers Guide Radio Show Live. In the news, the end of the line for Top Up TV, plus Yahoo security worries. Also, your comments on printer ink, Raspberry Pi video and accessibility. Links and transcripts at https://www.frequencycast.co.uk/cast92.html

For FrequencyCast Show 91, Pete and Kelly look at the o2 Be More Dog campaign and try o2 TU Go. We also talk to RS Components about the sensational Raspberry Pi and look at a way to control your PC with a Leap Motion wave. In the news, 4G going live, wi-fi from Sky and a Tesco tablet. Plus your comments on BT Sport, wi-fi and Gridwatch. Links and transcripts at https://www.frequencycast.co.uk/cast91.html

In FrequencyCast Show 87, Pete and Kelly look at an adapter that converts your monitor to touchscreen. We talk about cheap tablets and TV dongles, and talk to one of our Gadget Show Live ticket winners. We also hear from Carl... remember him? We look at UK scanner law, cheap Nook eBook readers, YouView, Google and Apple news, plus your comments and questions. Links and transcripts at https://www.frequencycast.co.uk/cast87.html

For FrequencyCast Show 86, Pete and Kelly talk about two clever dongles - one that adds Google Android to your TV, and one that offers access to Freeview, DAB, ham radio and aircraft transponders. We also look at the Pebble Smartwatch and the updated BBC theme. We discuss London area codes, and help with a Sky reception problem. In the news, Sky Sports on Now TV, and lots of Google announcements. Links and transcripts at https://www.frequencycast.co.uk/cast86.html

In FrequencyCast Show 85, Pete and Kelly discover whether local TV is going to be worth watching. There is an exciting update on the Kelly challenge as she joins a ham radio course, and we discuss the top ten questions about Freeview interference from 4G. We also have 5 sets of tickets to Gadget Show Live to give away, and in the news, we look at the Sky takeover of o2 Broadband, and plans for BT to acquire ESPN. Links and transcripts at https://www.frequencycast.co.uk/cast85.html

For FrequencyCast Show 83, Pete and Kelly take a look back at the last twelve months in tech and review some of the highlights. As well as looking back, we also chat about what we think is in store for 2013. In the news, the latest on Instagram, Ofcom reports, a maps app update and smartphone airbags. We also look at your Powerline adapter questions in our Interaction section. Links and transcripts at https://www.frequencycast.co.uk/cast83.html

FrequencyCast visits the first Gadget Show Live in London, plays with the new Nintendo Wii U, and talks to gadget lovers, inventors and gadget sellers. We look at Bubblepix, Movband, Echostar, Aves DAB radios, bikes, irons, Christmas trees and much more. In the news, Freeview disruptions in 2018 and the end of Windows Live Messenger. We also hear your feedback on weather stations, Virgin TiVo and power meters. Links and transcripts at https://www.frequencycast.co.uk/cast82.html

The Fitbit has to be our favourite gadget of the year. This is a wireless tracker that logs how far you walk, how many stairs you climb, how active you are, and how well you sleep. Together with web and smartphone apps, it can also track your calories and overall health. We talk to Pollyanna Woodward from the Gadget Show, and Gareth Jones from Fitbit, about this impressive little wireless gadget. Details and pictures at www.frequencycast.co.uk/fitbit

A rather unusual product, aimed mainly at families, this replaces the traditional notepad, letting you scribble notes, text and pictures on this power-friendly e-Writer. Ideal for kids, car trips, education and even for business meetings, FrequencyCast tries out the Boogie Board and interviews Kevin Oswald from makers Improv Electronics. For more on the high-tech tablets, go to https://www.frequencycast.co.uk/boogieboard.html

Pete from FrequencyCast speaks to presenter of The Gadget Show, Pollyanna Woodward. We discuss the top ten lists of gadgets you cannot live without, the new series of Gadget Show on Channel 5, as well as Gadget Show Live London 2012. We also find out what apps Polly loves, what she thinks of the iPhone 5, and whether she can make a toasted sandwich in a crisis! For more, see https://www.frequencycast.co.uk/blog/2012/11/interview-with-pollyanna-woodward.html

In FrequencyCast Show 81, we talk to BT about the new YouView from BT service. We also look ahead to the upcoming Gadget Show Live in London, and summarise our experiences at Destination Star Trek London. In the news, the launch of 4G and the iPad mini, plus the end of the digital switchover. We also hear your feedback on Virgin, Slingbox and the Kindle. Links and transcripts at https://www.frequencycast.co.uk/cast81.html

FrequencyCast show 80 comes from a field, and has Kelly trying to connect tech without mains power or broadband. We also look at a wireless home camera and monitor system, hear from Carl about dinosaurs, and find out more about community radio. In the news, the digital switchover, iPhone 5, FitBit and DAB. Plus your feedback on slow fibre broadband, Youview and digital radio. Links and transcripts at https://www.frequencycast.co.uk/cast80.html

For FrequencyCast Show 79, we perform a health check on one of our team, at the request of one of our listeners. We also look at a new Yale digital door lock, discuss the digital radio switchover, and find an eBook reader that supports white writing. We also discuss why you should get a Blackberry, and go back to British Gas. In the news, 4G is coming to the UK a year early. Links and transcripts at https://www.frequencycast.co.uk/cast79.html

For FrequencyCast Show 78, we visit leading sci-fi convention London Film and Comic Con 2012. We also get a new wireless heating system installed, discuss at Pinterest, look at upcoming changes to Freeview, meet the 2o12L station team and get interviewed on Phoenix FM. Plus your comments on the 3DS XL from the HMS Belfast, as well as news on Hotmail and TalkTalk TV. Links and transcripts at https://www.frequencycast.co.uk/cast78.html

FrequencyCast Show 77 sees us looking at the Raspberry Pi, going into orbit and taking about some tablet announcements. We get hands-on with some cutting edge home networking hardware. In the news, TomTom updates, ESPN loses football rights and wearable Google. We also get hands-on with powerful portable speakers from WOWee. Plus your comments on Firewire and Smart Meters. Links and transcripts at https://www.frequencycast.co.uk/cast77.html

For FrequencyCast Show 76, we sneak behind the scenes at British Gas to uncover what Smart Meters have in store. We also take a test drive in a Nissan Leaf electric car, get hands-on with a programmable torch and look at wireless home heating and home security systems. In the news, YouView, the Samsung Galaxy S III and the iPhone 5. Plus your comments on Powerline, Freeview and Luxy 208. Links and transcripts at https://www.frequencycast.co.uk/cast76.html

FrequencyCast Show 75 features our look at some of the top tech we discovered at Gadget Show Live 2012. We get hands-on with the Parrot AR Drone, the energyEGG, the iPieces iPad games and the Qb-mito speaker. We are also back on the LV18 Lightvessel and talk to Tim Wander about the Marconi Legacy. In the news, YouView is delayed, and some exciting news for Freesat lovers. Links and transcripts at https://www.frequencycast.co.uk/cast75.html

For FrequencyCast Show 74, Pete and Sarah visit the Ideal Home Show 2012 in London to look at some new products. We also talk with Suzi Perry, and we step about the LV18 Light Vessel. In the news, did News Corp sink itvDigital, the Crystal Palace digital switchover and it is all change RIM. Plus your comments on IP camera and more. Links and transcripts at https://www.frequencycast.co.uk/cast74.html

For FrequencyCast Show 73, we look at a report by the Centre For Future Studies, which shows how the home of 2027 could look. We talk to Nick Rawlings from Plusnet about the report, and make some predictions for the next 15 years of technology. This is an extended version of our feature, as we only had time for an edited version in Show 73. Details at https://www.frequencycast.co.uk/houseof2027.html

For FrequencyCast Show 72, Pete and Sarah review a range of wireless fitness gadgets and apps to help you to get into shape. Guest reviewer Mike takes a look at the new Netflix UK service, and we play with a novel beverage add-on. In the news, a phone that runs on a single AA battery, news of video-on-demand services, plus a dirt-cheap tablet. Links and transcripts at https://www.frequencycast.co.uk/cast72.html

FrequencyCast Show 71 sees Pete and Carl taking a look back at the last twelve months of TV and Technology news. The boys also look at what we can expect for the next year, and review the recent changes to the Nintendo 3DS. In the news, Channel 5 changes its plans for HD and Apple is keen to dominate the TV market. Plus questions on iPad printing and X-Box 360 Dashboard changes. Links and transcripts at https://www.frequencycast.co.uk/cast71.html

In FrequencyCast Show 70, Carl and Pete discuss the ever-changing Internet. Pete was invited to an industry insight session and discusses your topics with the professionals. We also look at three top gadgets, a powerful pen, the home weather station, and a gadget to control your telly from an iPhone or iPad. We also read out your feedback and comments. In the news, plans for Formula 1 on Sky, an update from Nintendo and a new 3D testcard. Links and transcripts at https://www.frequencycast.co.uk/cast70.html

In November 2011, FrequencyCast was invited to attend an Internet Industry Insight session in London, arranged by broadband provider Plusnet. This is our review of the Insight session, including interviews with some of the attendees. A full version of the Insight Session is also available on our site. For more details, links and a transcript of this feature, please visit www.frequencycast.co.uk/plusnet

You asked, we deliver. For FrequencyCast Show 69, Carl and Pete talk about printers and printing - what to look for, and how to save money. We get to play with the new iPhone 4S and virtual assistant Siri, and hear an extract of the Siri duet. Pete catches up with an ISS astronaut, and in the news, BBC to close an HD channel, PBS in the UK and the iPhone 4S madness. Plus your comments on Overdrive eBook readers, Steadicam and a geocaching update. Links and transcripts at https://www.frequencycast.co.uk/cast69.html

Some bonus material for our regular listeners. We are close to releasing Show 69, but for timing reasons, a chunk of the show had to be removed. Here it is, for your listening pleasure. Pete has encountered trouble with both o2 (and its iPhone 4S Fast Track Policy), and Comet (with its laptop returns policy). Pete has a bit of a whinge. We understand he is feeling better now. If you want to comment, go to https://www.frequencycast.co.uk/blog . Like our Off The Record? Follow us on Facebook or Twitter, and tell us you heard it!

In FrequencyCast Show number 68, Carl and Pete get hands-on with a service that could be the future of gaming - OnLive. We also discuss plans to revive an old British satellite, eBook news from both Amazon and Waterstones, plus a BT Vision facelift. We also hear your views on Google+ and take a look at majestic Air Swimmers. In the news, more Freeview HD channels on the way, iPhone 5 and the digital switchover hits a milestone. Links and transcripts at https://www.frequencycast.co.uk/cast68.html

OnLive, the online gaming platform launched in September 2011. We will be featuring this exciting new gaming proposition in Show 68. Here is the full audio, some of which you can hear in FrequencyCast Show 68. As bonus material for our listeners, here is the full review, before we had to edit it. Take a listen to Pete and Carl explore the new service, and try out a couple of games. For more on OnLive, plus pics, go to https://www.frequencycast.co.uk/onlive.html , where you will also find a transcript.

For FrequencyCast Show 67, Carl and Pete venture out of the studio on a quest for Geocaches as we explore the fast-growing high-tech treasure hunt. Also in the show, mobile phone news, plans for local TV in 65 towns, the price of Sky Movies, new tech words in the dictionary and a top data-saving Smartphone app called Onavo. In the news, new Freeview channels, Samsung Galaxy and Google TV, and we answer your questions on TRVs, Internet TV, the iPhone 5, wi-fi printing and iPlayer mobile. Links and transcripts at https://www.frequencycast.co.uk/cast67.html

In August 2011, Carl and Pete went out to explore Geocaching, the outdoor hobby that uses GPS and Smartphones to track down hidden treasure. We feature Geocaching in Show 67 of our radio show, but did not have time in the show to include the full audio from our field trip. Here it is, as bonus material for our listeners. For more on Geocaching, please go to: https://www.frequencycast.co.uk/geocaching.html

For FrequencyCast Show 66, Pete and Carl travel to London to explore the Home Technology Event 2011. At the show, we talk to suppliers of home automation technology, gadget cleaning products and energy-saving accessories. Also in the show, we get hands on with two underwater devices, find the smallest wi-fi camera in the world, and talk about a new rival to Sky called Real Digital. In the news, price cuts for the 3DS, Sky Sports offers, plus TV service price wars, and we answer your questions on Apple TV, unlimited data SIM cards and Nintendo Wii controllers. Links and transcripts at https://www.frequencycast.co.uk/cast66.html

In FrequencyCast Show number 65, we take a look at concerns that new 4G data services could cause big problems for Freeview viewers. We also discuss the BBC Alba controversy, the future of SeeSaw, the new Sky Go service and the Nintendo Wii U. In the news, cheaper European roaming, the Scottish digital TV switchover, and the end of the Space Shuttle programme. We look at the Home Technology Show 2011, our studio is attacked by squirrels, and the Argos catalogue goes to TV. Plus your questions on Internet cameras, Freesat HD and mobile broadband. Links and transcripts at https://www.frequencycast.co.uk/cast65.html

FrequencyCast Show 64 takes a look at the future of the Internet. The upcoming changes to the Internet in the form of IPv6 continues to be a hot topic of discussion with our listeners, and in this show, we have an exclusive interview with Richard Fletcher, boss of Internet firm Plusnet to see how the changes affect us all. Pete and Carl discuss the dangers of Internet filters creating a Bubble around online netizens, and look at changes to TalkTalk and Skype. Plus news on BBC HD, Apple announcements, and the mobile web, and your questions on DRM and Karotz. Links and transcripts at https://www.frequencycast.co.uk/cast64.html

In May 2011, FrequencyCast secured an exclusive interview with Richard Fletcher, the Chief Operating Officer of UK Internet Provider Plusnet. We discuss the upcoming changes to the Internet as a result of IPv6, look at the challenges facing ISPs, and talk about what we can expect to change over the next 5 years. Richard also outlines the Plusnet unlimited overnight download policy. For a transcript of the interview, go to https://www.frequencycast.co.uk/plusnetinterview.html

In FrequencyCast Show 63, Carl and Pete take a look at what they discovered in Birmingham for Gadget Show Live 2011. We play clips from some of our interviews from the exhibition and summarise what we found at the massive UK consumer electronics show. In the news, we look at Apple and Sony security concerns, the London switchover and Virgin radio. Plus questions on BT Vision upstairs and DAB on Jersey.

In FrequencyCast Show 62, Pete and Carl discuss upcoming changes to the Internet as a result of IPv6. We also get to play with the new Nintendo 3DS games console to see how good the glasses-free 3D is, and take a look at a disposable digital camera for under a tenner. In the news, more regions go digital, plans to scrap some BBC local radio output, Powerline Adapters are back, and GPS jammers. We also answer your questions on analogue TV, Yesterday and the iMax Mini.

In FrequencyCast Show 61, Pete and Carl explore all things streaming - how to listen to your music wirelessly, and how to watch video content and photos on your telly without messy cables. We also get hands-on with the new Home Hub 3 from BT, look at two wearable mobile phones, and take a first look at an Olympus speech to text recorder and a laptop broadcaster. YouView, iPlayer and Vodafone make our news headlines.

For FrequencyCast Show 59, Pete and Carl take a look back at the last 12 months of TV and Tech, play back some classic clips from the last year, and discuss what we can expect around the corner. The award-winnning team also look at Sky HD EPG changes and the December Skype fail, as well as some TV channel news. In Interaction, how to load maps onto your camera and the Freeview HD 5.1 surround sound controversy

FrequencyCast Show 58 sees Pete and Carl going back to the subject of Broadband. What makes a good provider, what deals are hot, and how easy is it to switch? The lads also torment the FrequencyCast cat with a retro eighties Big Trak. In the news, we see a new trend for tablet newspapers, the end to naughty channels, and BT 3D is upon us. Plus your comments on tablets, slow broadband speeds and HD DVD recorders. Links and transcripts at https://www.frequencycast.co.uk/cast58.html