TechTalkUK 194: A Pixel, a Bot and a £14K Mac
1 hr 15 min
Notes: Kev has a new Pixel, Richard has an AI assistant doing actual work, and Apple has a laptop configuration with a price tag that requires a sit-down. This week on TechTalk UK: Goodbye Samsung, hello Pixel: Ted swaps his S25 Ultra for a Pixel 11 Pro XL. First impressions cover Gboard, screen size, screenshots, Bitwarden and the temptation to make it his main phone. From AI sceptic to enthusiast: Richard explains how he’s using Grok Bot to organise invoices, search old files, draft correspondence, monitor prices and plan travel. We discuss the time savings, permissions and how much access feels comfortable. AI in everyday life: Paid subscriptions, typing versus talking, and Ted’s experience keeping a food and glucose diary with ChatGPT. eSIM headaches: Moving Lebara to a new phone goes smoothly—but a customer’s Utility Warehouse experience proves it isn’t always that simple. Audiobook savings: Ted shares his switch to annual Audible membership, the difference between keeping books and streaming them, and checking Libby or BorrowBox first. Why Richard cancelled his iPhone Duo: Face ID, payments and Apple Watch practicalities outweigh the appeal of a folding iPhone. How much for a Mac?! A £14,648 MacBook Pro configuration sparks a discussion about AppleCare One, expensive upgrades and frustration with the iPad mini. Plus: infuriating CAPTCHAs, subscription housekeeping and a cough-muting solution for the podcast. Have you switched from Samsung to Pixel? Is AI saving you real time—or would you rather keep it away from your inbox? Email kevwright2002@gmail.com. Follow TechTalk UK in your podcast app, share the episode with a fellow tech enthusiast, and join us again in two weeks.
