This is Only a Test
1,223 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 562 ratingsThis is the official podcast of Tested.com. Tested brings you the week's technology and science news, with hosts Will Smith, Norman Chan, and Jeremy Williams. There's no jargon here, just solid explanations of the week's news--and plenty of wacky tangents. Make sure you stick around after the outro for fake outtakes!
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Episodes
Episode 565 -BFGPU – 9/3/20
September 03, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 36.3 MBThis week, we talk about Nvidia's long-awaited 3000-series graphics card announcement, Netflix's plan to adapt the Three Body Problem, LEGO's first collaboration with IKEA, and debate the merits of rotoscoping over stop-motion animation. Plus, a new Marvel-themed pinball machine and the hype for Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond! Thanks to Chloe for making this week's theme music!
Episode 565 -BFGPU - 9/3/20
September 03, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 36.3 MBThis week, we talk about Nvidia's long-awaited 3000-series graphics card announcement, Netflix's plan to adapt the Three Body Problem, LEGO's first collaboration with IKEA, and debate the merits of rotoscoping over stop-motion animation. Plus, a new Marvel-themed pinball machine and the hype for Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond! Thanks to Chloe for making this week's theme music!
Episode 564 – Enter the Fandome – 8/27/20
August 27, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 32.9 MBWe break down all the announcments from DC's Fandome event from this past weekend, including the reveal of the new Batman! Plus, Netflix's comforting gaming documentary, the latest in Epic vs. Apple, and the big change for Oculus' annual developer conference. Thanks to Rick in Vermont for making this week's intro music!
Episode 564 - Enter the Fandome - 8/27/20
August 27, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 32.9 MBWe break down all the announcments from DC's Fandome event from this past weekend, including the reveal of the new Batman! Plus, Netflix's comforting gaming documentary, the latest in Epic vs. Apple, and the big change for Oculus' annual developer conference. Thanks to Rick in Vermont for making this week's intro music!
Episode 563 - Cabinet Battle - 8/20/20
August 20, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 39.1 MBEpic takes on Apple in the biggest tech story this week, as the team explains the conflict in a mock trial with advocates for both parties. What's actually at stake for users and developers? Plus, the response to Oculus's terms of service updates, the state of Covid testing, and how a shuffle button would and should work on Netflix. Thanks to Chip McDonald for composing this week's intro music! Keep them coming!
Episode 563 – Cabinet Battle – 8/20/20
August 20, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 39.1 MBEpic takes on Apple in the biggest tech story this week, as the team explains the conflict in a mock trial with advocates for both parties. What's actually at stake for users and developers? Plus, the response to Oculus's terms of service updates, the state of Covid testing, and how a shuffle button would and should work on Netflix. Thanks to Chip McDonald for composing this week's intro music! Keep them coming!
Episode 562 - Lower Decks - 8/13/20
August 13, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 35.8 MBIt's just Norm and Jeremy this week to discuss the wave of Microsoft product news, including the Surface Duo launch, Halo Infinite delay, and xcloud on iOS. We also have differing opinions about the new Star Trek Lower Decks show, and our hopes for the VR port of the Hitman trilogy. All that and more on a reverse-order show! Thanks to @lessreverb for creating this week's theme music!
Episode 562 – Lower Decks – 8/13/20
August 13, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 35.8 MBIt's just Norm and Jeremy this week to discuss the wave of Microsoft product news, including the Surface Duo launch, Halo Infinite delay, and xcloud on iOS. We also have differing opinions about the new Star Trek Lower Decks show, and our hopes for the VR port of the Hitman trilogy. All that and more on a reverse-order show! Thanks to @lessreverb for creating this week's theme music!
Episode 561 – Disney Double Dipping – 8/6/20
August 06, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 45.2 MBThis week, we talk about Disney's decision to release Mulan for purchase on Disney+ and what that may mean for future wide releases while theaters are closed. We also talk about LEGO's grand piano set, PlayStation controllers, and the idea of an Oculus Quest Pro. Plus, Kishore explains the vaccination testing process in an extended moment of science!
Episode 561 - Disney Double Dipping - 8/6/20
August 06, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 45.2 MBThis week, we talk about Disney's decision to release Mulan for purchase on Disney+ and what that may mean for future wide releases while theaters are closed. We also talk about LEGO's grand piano set, PlayStation controllers, and the idea of an Oculus Quest Pro. Plus, Kishore explains the vaccination testing process in an extended moment of science!
Episode 560 - Mars Rover Has a Friend - 7/30/20
July 30, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 35.6 MBWe're going reverse order this week, but kick things off with anticipation for the impending launch of the Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover slated for early Thursday, and its kit of high-tech gear being sent offworld. We discuss the Oculus headset photo leak, our hopes for Tales from Galaxy's Edge, the Xbox games showcase, and major takeaways from last week's Comic-Con at home. Thanks to Maskil for making our awesome heavy metal theme this week!
Episode 560 – Mars Rover Has a Friend – 7/30/20
July 30, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 35.6 MBWe're going reverse order this week, but kick things off with anticipation for the impending launch of the Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover slated for early Thursday, and its kit of high-tech gear being sent offworld. We discuss the Oculus headset photo leak, our hopes for Tales from Galaxy's Edge, the Xbox games showcase, and major takeaways from last week's Comic-Con at home. Thanks to Maskil for making our awesome heavy metal theme this week!
Episode 559 - Dropping Frames, Dropping Calls - 7/23/20
July 23, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 34.4 MBOn the eve of San Diego Comic-Con at home and the Xbox Games Showcase, we check in to talk about our recent projects upgrading home theater sound systems and building a new PC. We discuss Netflix's big bet on spy thriller franchise, the fate of Tenet, and the significance of 4K 60fps games on next-gen consoles. Plus, what's up with that Oculus Quest render that's been posted online. Thanks to Alex for creating this week's theme music!
Episode 559 – Dropping Frames, Dropping Calls – 7/23/20
July 23, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 34.4 MBOn the eve of San Diego Comic-Con at home and the Xbox Games Showcase, we check in to talk about our recent projects upgrading home theater sound systems and building a new PC. We discuss Netflix's big bet on spy thriller franchise, the fate of Tenet, and the significance of 4K 60fps games on next-gen consoles. Plus, what's up with that Oculus Quest render that's been posted online. Thanks to Alex for creating this week's theme music!
Episode 558 - LEGO's Big Flex - 7/16/20
July 16, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 40.4 MBWe're back after a short break and catch up on big news in the worlds of LEGO, Star Trek, and VR. The gang discusses the different reactions to the Hamilton film, and Norm gushes over two behind-the-scenes documentaries that put a spotlight on high stakes creative endeavors. Plus, a science update on the state of Covid, and the VR mintue!
Episode 558 – LEGO's Big Flex – 7/16/20
July 16, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 40.4 MBWe're back after a short break and catch up on big news in the worlds of LEGO, Star Trek, and VR. The gang discusses the different reactions to the Hamilton film, and Norm gushes over two behind-the-scenes documentaries that put a spotlight on high stakes creative endeavors. Plus, a science update on the state of Covid, and the VR mintue!
Episode 557 - Apple Gets Fully Armed - 6/25/20
June 25, 2020 19:00 - 1 hour - 53.8 MBSo much to cover this week as we recap the big annoucements from Apple's virtual WWDC keynote, their impending shift to ARM architecture Mac computers, and the gameplay details of Star Wars: Squadrons. Plus, surprise Batman casting rumors, Mixer shutting down, and a farewell to the Oculus Go headset!
Episode 557 – Apple Gets Fully Armed – 6/25/20
June 25, 2020 19:00 - 1 hour - 53.8 MBSo much to cover this week as we recap the big annoucements from Apple's virtual WWDC keynote, their impending shift to ARM architecture Mac computers, and the gameplay details of Star Wars: Squadrons. Plus, surprise Batman casting rumors, Mixer shutting down, and a farewell to the Oculus Go headset!
Episode 556 - So That's the PlayStation 5 - 6/18/20
June 18, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 41.2 MBBill Doran of Punished Props Academy joins us this week to talk about the PlayStation 5 unveiling and games showcase, Comic Con at home happening next month for free, and our excitement for Star Wars: Squadrons! Plus, a lot of VR news and catching up with our favorite foamsmith!
Episode 556 – So That's the PlayStation 5 – 6/18/20
June 18, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 41.2 MBBill Doran of Punished Props Academy joins us this week to talk about the PlayStation 5 unveiling and games showcase, Comic Con at home happening next month for free, and our excitement for Star Wars: Squadrons! Plus, a lot of VR news and catching up with our favorite foamsmith!
Episode 555 - Power Glove - 6/11/20
June 11, 2020 07:00 - 2 hours - 59.9 MBOn the eve of the Sony PS5 showcase, we talk about our expectation for the next gen console, rising rumors of Apple's move to ARM for Mac, and our adventures in a VR escape room. Plus, a celebration of esoteric game controllers like the Power Glove, and an interview with The Atlantic's Alexis Madrigal in our Living with Covid segment!
Episode 555 – Power Glove – 6/11/20
June 11, 2020 07:00 - 2 hours - 59.9 MBOn the eve of the Sony PS5 showcase, we talk about our expectation for the next gen console, rising rumors of Apple's move to ARM for Mac, and our adventures in a VR escape room. Plus, a celebration of esoteric game controllers like the Power Glove, and an interview with The Atlantic's Alexis Madrigal in our Living with Covid segment!
Episode 554 - Introspection and Action - 6/4/20
June 04, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 29.2 MBWe take a break from our usual coverage to talk about what's going on in the world this week and continue the conversation we had on Still Untitled with Kishore and Jeremy. It's a difficult conversation to have, but thank you for listening and we hope it's helpful for the kind of talks and introspection you might be going through right now.
Episode 554 – Introspection and Action – 6/4/20
June 04, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 29.2 MBWe take a break from our usual coverage to talk about what's going on in the world this week and continue the conversation we had on Still Untitled with Kishore and Jeremy. It's a difficult conversation to have, but thank you for listening and we hope it's helpful for the kind of talks and introspection you might be going through right now.
Episode 553 - Six Hour Director's Cut - 5/28/20
May 28, 2020 19:00 - 1 hour - 54.7 MBWe're back to the standard segment order in this week's episode, where we talk about the SpaceX crewed Dragon launch (recorded before the mission was rescheduled), HBO Max's launch and plans for Zack Snyder's Justice League cut, and HP's new VR headset unveiled at the Augmented World Expo! Plus, in our new interview segment Living with Covid, Kishore interviews Ian Haydon, a volunteer who took part in the recent clinical trial of Moderna's Covid-19 vaccine candidate.
Episode 553 – Six Hour Director's Cut – 5/28/20
May 28, 2020 19:00 - 1 hour - 54.7 MBWe're back to the standard segment order in this week's episode, where we talk about the SpaceX crewed Dragon launch (recorded before the mission was rescheduled), HBO Max's launch and plans for Zack Snyder's Justice League cut, and HP's new VR headset unveiled at the Augmented World Expo! Plus, in our new interview segment Living with Covid, Kishore interviews Ian Haydon, a volunteer who took part in the recent clinical trial of Moderna's Covid-19 vaccine candidate.
Episode 552 - One Year of Quest - 5/21/20
May 21, 2020 07:00 - 2 hours - 55.9 MBThe reverse-order podcast returns as special guest Devindra Hardawar joins us this week to talk about how the Oculus Quest platform has grown in its first year of release, the release of Half-Life: Alyx workshop tools, and the technologies and use cases for AR glasses that will make them mainstream. Plus, Build 2020 news, new shows we've been watching, and a special science interview segment!
Episode 552 – One Year of Quest – 5/21/20
May 21, 2020 07:00 - 2 hours - 55.9 MBThe reverse-order podcast returns as special guest Devindra Hardawar joins us this week to talk about how the Oculus Quest platform has grown in its first year of release, the release of Half-Life: Alyx workshop tools, and the technologies and use cases for AR glasses that will make them mainstream. Plus, Build 2020 news, new shows we've been watching, and a special science interview segment!
Episode 551 - Cozy LEGO - 5/14/20
May 14, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 54.9 MBThe podcast is flipped on its head this week as we go through our usual segments in reverse order, starting with the VR minute! Norm, Jeremy, and Kishore talk about how they celebrated mother's day, cozy LEGO builds, and the impending release of the Hamilton concert film on Disney+. Plus, hand tracking experiments in VR, Unreal Engine 5 looking amazing, and hype for the upcoming Lower Decks Star Trek show. That and the usual goodness in this week's packed episode!
Episode 551 – Cozy LEGO – 5/14/20
May 14, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 54.9 MBThe podcast is flipped on its head this week as we go through our usual segments in reverse order, starting with the VR minute! Norm, Jeremy, and Kishore talk about how they celebrated mother's day, cozy LEGO builds, and the impending release of the Hamilton concert film on Disney+. Plus, hand tracking experiments in VR, Unreal Engine 5 looking amazing, and hype for the upcoming Lower Decks Star Trek show. That and the usual goodness in this week's packed episode!
Episode 550 - A Flying Robot on Mars - 5/7/20
May 07, 2020 07:00 - 2 hours - 60.9 MBJeremy's back from Spring Break as we go over the news from Star Wars day, the Space Force show trailer, upgrades to both Surface and MacBook Pro laptops, and a fully mechanical handheld pong game from the 70s. Plus, updates in a Moment of Science and NASA's announcement of sending a flying robot to Mars as well as filming a Tom Cruise movie in space! What the what?
Episode 550 – A Flying Robot on Mars – 5/7/20
May 07, 2020 07:00 - 2 hours - 60.9 MBJeremy's back from Spring Break as we go over the news from Star Wars day, the Space Force show trailer, upgrades to both Surface and MacBook Pro laptops, and a fully mechanical handheld pong game from the 70s. Plus, updates in a Moment of Science and NASA's announcement of sending a flying robot to Mars as well as filming a Tom Cruise movie in space! What the what?
Episode 459 - All Week Battery Life - 4/30/20
April 30, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 54.4 MBWill sits in this week as we discuss the rumors that Apple will transition Mac processors away from Intel next year, what the success of Trolls 2 means for theatrical releases, and the groundbreaking specs for Canon's EOS R5 camera. Plus, Star Wars television show news, a swimming dinosaur discovery, and the delightful Animal Crossing-based talk show created by our friend Gary Whitta!
Episode 459 – All Week Battery Life – 4/30/20
April 30, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 54.4 MBWill sits in this week as we discuss the rumors that Apple will transition Mac processors away from Intel next year, what the success of Trolls 2 means for theatrical releases, and the groundbreaking specs for Canon's EOS R5 camera. Plus, Star Wars television show news, a swimming dinosaur discovery, and the delightful Animal Crossing-based talk show created by our friend Gary Whitta!
Episode 548 - Rise of Virtual Conventions - 4/23/20
April 23, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 50.5 MBThis week, we discuss the change in direction for Magic Leap, Comic-Con's cancellation, the rise of virtual conferences, and the impending HBO Max launch. Kishore talks about the implications of antibody testing, and we lament the shuttering of an electric skateboard company. Plus, speculation on the future of tracked controllers in the VR minute!
Episode 548 – Rise of Virtual Conventions – 4/23/20
April 23, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 50.5 MBThis week, we discuss the change in direction for Magic Leap, Comic-Con's cancellation, the rise of virtual conferences, and the impending HBO Max launch. Kishore talks about the implications of antibody testing, and we lament the shuttering of an electric skateboard company. Plus, speculation on the future of tracked controllers in the VR minute!
Episode 547 - Surprise iPhone Announcement - 4/16/20
April 16, 2020 07:00 - 2 hours - 57.3 MBWe discuss Apple's new iPhone SE release, the technology behind Apple and Google's contact tracing framework, Bob Iger returning to run Disney, and two new Disney+ shows that make us felt seen. Plus, incredible fan recreations of Disneyland, a remastered video from over 100 years ago, and the science of how the Covid19 virus works. Send us questions to answer in future episodes on our Discord!
Episode 547 – Surprise iPhone Announcement – 4/16/20
April 16, 2020 07:00 - 2 hours - 57.3 MBWe discuss Apple's new iPhone SE release, the technology behind Apple and Google's contact tracing framework, Bob Iger returning to run Disney, and two new Disney+ shows that make us felt seen. Plus, incredible fan recreations of Disneyland, a remastered video from over 100 years ago, and the science of how the Covid19 virus works. Send us questions to answer in future episodes on our Discord!
Episode 546 – Experience BIJ – 4/9/20
April 09, 2020 07:00 - 2 hours - 56.9 MBWe take a detour to the 24th century this episode as the gang suits up to play a game of Star Trek: The Next Generation VHS tabletop game! But first, we discuss the launch of Quibi, shifts in the MCU release timeline, the new PlayStation controller, and Google Stadia going free. Stick around for the second half of the show when we try to take back the Enterprise from the Klingon Kavok!
Episode 546 - Experience BIJ - 4/9/20
April 09, 2020 07:00 - 2 hours - 56.9 MBWe take a detour to the 24th century this episode as the gang suits up to play a game of Star Trek: The Next Generation VHS tabletop game! But first, we discuss the launch of Quibi, shifts in the MCU release timeline, the new PlayStation controller, and Google Stadia going free. Stick around for the second half of the show when we try to take back the Enterprise from the Klingon Kavok!
Episode 545 - One Neat Zoom Trick - 4/2/20
April 02, 2020 07:00 - 2 hours - 65.9 MBThis week, we discuss the performance of AMD's new Ryzen 4000 mobile processors, Intel's response, and how it shakes up the high-end laptop world. Plus, home theater ediquette, support for art house cinemas, the Dragon's Lair movie adaptation, and new hope for Star Trek: Voyager fans. Stick around to the end for more Picard finale spoiler-talk!
Episode 545 – One Neat Zoom Trick – 4/2/20
April 02, 2020 07:00 - 2 hours - 65.9 MBThis week, we discuss the performance of AMD's new Ryzen 4000 mobile processors, Intel's response, and how it shakes up the high-end laptop world. Plus, home theater ediquette, support for art house cinemas, the Dragon's Lair movie adaptation, and new hope for Star Trek: Voyager fans. Stick around to the end for more Picard finale spoiler-talk!
Episode 544 - Talking About Alyx - 3/26/20
March 26, 2020 07:00 - 2 hours - 66.6 MBThe release of Half-Life: Alyx is the big story, and we spend plenty of time going over the game and the decisions Valve made to push the limits of VR. (All of our discussion is spoiler-free this week). We also chat about what the maker community is doing to provide its support during the covid19 crisis, and what could happen next. Stick around for an interview with Valve's Robin Walker and Corey Peters, as well as our spoiler alert review of the latest Picard episode!
Episode 544 – Talking About Alyx – 3/26/20
March 26, 2020 07:00 - 2 hours - 66.6 MBThe release of Half-Life: Alyx is the big story, and we spend plenty of time going over the game and the decisions Valve made to push the limits of VR. (All of our discussion is spoiler-free this week). We also chat about what the maker community is doing to provide its support during the covid19 crisis, and what could happen next. Stick around for an interview with Valve's Robin Walker and Corey Peters, as well as our spoiler alert review of the latest Picard episode!
Episode 543 - Bonsai Mario - 3/19/20
March 19, 2020 07:41 - 1 hour - 47.3 MBOur podcasting adventures continue even as we work from homes, as Will guests to discuss the newly announced XBox Series X and PlayStation 5 technical specs, Call of Duty Warzone, Apple's new iPad, and the surprise hybrid of LEGO and Super Mario. Plus, Kishore answers listener questions about Covid19, and we gear up for the release of Half-Life: Alyx in under a week!
Episode 543 – Bonsai Mario – 3/19/20
March 19, 2020 07:41 - 1 hour - 47.3 MBOur podcasting adventures continue even as we work from homes, as Will guests to discuss the newly announced XBox Series X and PlayStation 5 technical specs, Call of Duty Warzone, Apple's new iPad, and the surprise hybrid of LEGO and Super Mario. Plus, Kishore answers listener questions about Covid19, and we gear up for the release of Half-Life: Alyx in under a week!
Episode 542 - Choosing Robin's Fate - 3/12/20
March 12, 2020 07:18 - 2 hours - 60.2 MBThe whole crew is back in office this week as we vulcan salute and discuss the latest events to be cancelled, covid19 as a pandemic, and the importance of flattening the infection curve. Plus, some lighter fare with Batman comics history, a 5-hour single-shot film, and our review of the most recent Picard episode! Spoiler alert goes up at the hour and 45-minute mark!
Episode 542 – Choosing Robin's Fate – 3/12/20
March 12, 2020 07:18 - 2 hours - 60.2 MBThe whole crew is back in office this week as we vulcan salute and discuss the latest events to be cancelled, covid19 as a pandemic, and the importance of flattening the infection curve. Plus, some lighter fare with Batman comics history, a 5-hour single-shot film, and our review of the most recent Picard episode! Spoiler alert goes up at the hour and 45-minute mark!
Episode 341 - An Abundance of Caution - 3/5/20
March 05, 2020 08:00 - 2 hours - 58.3 MBNorm and Jeremy are in studio this week to talk about the wave of cancelled conferences and events in the wake of the covid-19 outbreak, and dial Kishore in to get a sensible scientific take on the situation. We also discuss to the new Half-Life: Alyx gameplay footage, mini-LED displays, and Spielberg's worst films.
Episode 341 – An Abundance of Caution – 3/5/20
March 05, 2020 08:00 - 2 hours - 58.3 MBNorm and Jeremy are in studio this week to talk about the wave of cancelled conferences and events in the wake of the covid-19 outbreak, and dial Kishore in to get a sensible scientific take on the situation. We also discuss to the new Half-Life: Alyx gameplay footage, mini-LED displays, and Spielberg's worst films.