Pragmatic

John and Ben discuss SSDs, data transfer bottlenecks and the evolution of PC data storage architectures.

Follow up (Part D) to The Battery Problem where John addresses some more follow up about Flywheels as a form of energy storage, the challenge of disposing of or recycling dead solar panels in 40 years and realistic expectations of DC efficiency.

John and Ben discuss the process of analyzing failure, from broken alternator belts to plane crashes. Starting with Toyota's five (sometimes six!) why's, John explains some different approaches including fault tree and root cause analysis.

John and Ben discuss the problems that arise when we rely on qualifications alone to gauge a person's potential. Just how valuable are degrees, certifications and tests in evaluating someone's passion, work ethic or dynamism?

John and Ben discuss the practical risks associated with connecting every single device we own to the internet. What happens when ore functionality is tied to a remote server and the company changes or closes? Timely in light of Nest Labs acquisition.

Follow up (Part C) to The Battery Problem with a discussion of Germany's forward-thinking approach to renewable energy.

In this episode John and Ben talk about noise. Noise is a big problem. A lot of people tend to overlook it. A lot of people tend to shrug it off like its no big deal. But you only get one set of ears, and once they're wrecked you're out of luck.

Follow up (Part A) to A Category Called General with some discussion about the expected lifespan of flash storage.

John and Ben discuss the challenge of digital storage, filing, tagging and categorization as well as associated workflows and technology.

John and Ben discuss the importance of design reviews, personal experiences and suggestions for how to constructively approach a process often fraught with confusion and hidden danger.

John and Ben discuss the convergence of wireless communication from radio telegraphy to analog mobile phones, then from analog to digital, and handover-transition-unified devices and the importance long awaited jump to 100% IP-based telephony.

Follow up (Part A) to Turn The Damn Light Off where we explore Multi-room Audio and Eco-home design as well as smart glass.

John and Ben discuss the moral implications of an increasingly automated world. As we're living in the midst of the 4th industrial revolution, what can we learn from the past that will prepare us for the future?

Follow up (Part B) to The Battery Problem where we explore the practicality and necessity of larger screens in relation to their power consumption.

Today's show focuses on the history of industrial control and automation systems, and the growing potential of automation in the home.

Follow up (Part A) to The Battery Problem where we explore proported fire risks associated with Wind Farms, Geothermal and Wave Power and whether Thorium is everything it's cracked up to be.

John and Ben discuss the past, present and future of energy generation, distribution, storage and consumption. We explore the future of conventional and alternative energy sources as well as the changing nature of the grid and our relationship to it.

In Pragmatic's first episode, John and Ben explore the evolution of the iPhone's hardware from the original model to today. Looking at mechanical design tradeoffs and improvements in wireless John presents a realistic reading of the iPhone myth.