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 340 - The Era of New Bob Begins - 2/27/20
February 27, 2020 08:00 - 2 hours - 64.3 MBNorm and Kishore complete the duocast trifecta in this big news week! We discuss the surprise announcement of Disney's new CEO, trends from New York Toy Fair, the next Xbox's technical specs, Tesla Model Y deliveries, and Facebook acquisition of a major VR game developer. Plus, we dive into Picard episode 5 spoilers and reveals at the end of the show!
Episode 340 – The Era of New Bob Begins – 2/27/20
February 27, 2020 08:00 - 2 hours - 64.3 MBNorm and Kishore complete the duocast trifecta in this big news week! We discuss the surprise announcement of Disney's new CEO, trends from New York Toy Fair, the next Xbox's technical specs, Tesla Model Y deliveries, and Facebook acquisition of a major VR game developer. Plus, we dive into Picard episode 5 spoilers and reveals at the end of the show!
Episode 539 – RIP HQ Trivia – 2/20/20
February 20, 2020 09:47 - 1 hour - 54.8 MBWill guests this week to chat with Jeremy about the rise and fall of HQ Trivia, Half-Life: Alyx's release date, Space X's private spaceflight plans, and Sony's PS5 pricing mystery. Plus, we dial Norm in for an intercontinental facetime call to see what's happening in New Zealand!
Episode 539 - RIP HQ Trivia - 2/20/20
February 20, 2020 09:47 - 1 hour - 54.8 MBWill guests this week to chat with Jeremy about the rise and fall of HQ Trivia, Half-Life: Alyx's release date, Space X's private spaceflight plans, and Sony's PS5 pricing mystery. Plus, we dial Norm in for an intercontinental facetime call to see what's happening in New Zealand!
Episode 538 - Rising for the Resistance - 2/13/20
February 13, 2020 08:00 - 2 hours - 112 MBWe've risen for the resistance! At Star Wars Galaxy's Edge, that is. Norm and Jeremy duocast this week to recap the strategies and tricks for getting aboard this new ride, and the benefits of bringing a baby to Disney World. Plus, breaking news about Mobile World Congress, impressions of Samsung's new Galaxy flagships, and stay for the Picard Episode 3 spoiler talk at the end of the show [spoilers begin at 1:44:25]!
Episode 538 – Rising for the Resistance – 2/13/20
February 13, 2020 08:00 - 2 hours - 112 MBWe've risen for the resistance! At Star Wars Galaxy's Edge, that is. Norm and Jeremy duocast this week to recap the strategies and tricks for getting aboard this new ride, and the benefits of bringing a baby to Disney World. Plus, breaking news about Mobile World Congress, impressions of Samsung's new Galaxy flagships, and stay for the Picard Episode 3 spoiler talk at the end of the show [spoilers begin at 1:44:25]!
Episode 537 - Ferment Your Hot Sauce - 2/6/20
February 07, 2020 05:00 - 1 hour - 41.4 MBThis week Kishore and Jeremy discuss new release dates for Marvel and Mandalorian seasons on Disney+, a Hamilton film announcement, Japan's life size 60 foot animatronic Gundam, Sesame Street's applications for artificial intelligence, a video call to Norm live from Walt Disney World, and spoiler talk for Picard Episode 2 [spoilers begin at 1:07:47]!
Episode 537 – Ferment Your Hot Sauce – 2/6/20
February 07, 2020 05:00 - 1 hour - 41.4 MBThis week Kishore and Jeremy discuss new release dates for Marvel and Mandalorian seasons on Disney+, a Hamilton film announcement, Japan's life size 60 foot animatronic Gundam, Sesame Street's applications for artificial intelligence, a video call to Norm live from Walt Disney World, and spoiler talk for Picard Episode 2 [spoilers begin at 1:07:47]!
Episode 536 - Ten Years of Slate Life - 1/30/20
January 30, 2020 08:00 - 1 hour - 54.6 MBAn extra-long moment of science to kick the episode off this week as we discuss the facts of the Coronavirus outbreak and what concerned folks should know right now. We also look back at the iPad's announcement ten years ago, and speculate on a Fast saga-Bad Boys crossover. Plus, love for The Walking Dead in the VR Minute!
Episode 536 – Ten Years of Slate Life – 1/30/20
January 30, 2020 08:00 - 1 hour - 54.6 MBAn extra-long moment of science to kick the episode off this week as we discuss the facts of the Coronavirus outbreak and what concerned folks should know right now. We also look back at the iPad's announcement ten years ago, and speculate on a Fast saga-Bad Boys crossover. Plus, love for The Walking Dead in the VR Minute!
Episode 535 - Make It So - 1/23/20
January 23, 2020 08:00 - 2 hours - 60.1 MBTwo big stories dominate this week: the premiere of the highly-anticipated Star Trek: Picard show and Valve answers questions about Half-Life: Alyx in a Reddit AMA! Plus, streaming service confusion, Apple's rumored "budget" iPhone, love for Pavlov VR, and a moment of science!
Episode 535 – Make It So – 1/23/20
January 23, 2020 08:00 - 2 hours - 60.1 MBTwo big stories dominate this week: the premiere of the highly-anticipated Star Trek: Picard show and Valve answers questions about Half-Life: Alyx in a Reddit AMA! Plus, streaming service confusion, Apple's rumored "budget" iPhone, love for Pavlov VR, and a moment of science!
Episode 534 - Sound Editing vs Sound Mixing - 1/16/20
January 16, 2020 08:00 - 1 hour - 44.2 MBWith CES come and gone, we move to Oscar season and discuss this year's Academy Awards nominations. Plus, Star Trek after Picard, 120Hz phone screens, and what we'd want to see from a Nintendo theme park. That and more with Will joining this week!
Episode 534 – Sound Editing vs Sound Mixing – 1/16/20
January 16, 2020 08:00 - 1 hour - 44.2 MBWith CES come and gone, we move to Oscar season and discuss this year's Academy Awards nominations. Plus, Star Trek after Picard, 120Hz phone screens, and what we'd want to see from a Nintendo theme park. That and more with Will joining this week!
Episode 533 - Enable Filmmaker Mode - 1/9/20
January 09, 2020 08:00 - 2 hours - 59.7 MBBig week for technology news, and we recap the most interesting and curious announcements from this year's CES. From Samsung making rolling robot assistants to Sony designing a concept car, we break down the weird and wired. Plus, a slew of new stuff from 1UpArcade, lots of science, and some good news for VR adoption!
Episode 533 – Enable Filmmaker Mode – 1/9/20
January 09, 2020 08:00 - 2 hours - 59.7 MBBig week for technology news, and we recap the most interesting and curious announcements from this year's CES. From Samsung making rolling robot assistants to Sony designing a concept car, we break down the weird and wired. Plus, a slew of new stuff from 1UpArcade, lots of science, and some good news for VR adoption!
Episode 532 - The New Roaring 20s - 1/2/20
January 03, 2020 08:27 - 1 hour - 46.2 MBNew decade, same podcast! We're back in the studio after the new year to talk about how we celebrated the holidays, gifts given and received, and the shows and movies we watched over the break. Plus, drones replacing fireworks, CES speculation, and the new Stranger Things pinball machine!
Episode 532 – The New Roaring 20s – 1/2/20
January 03, 2020 08:27 - 1 hour - 46.2 MBNew decade, same podcast! We're back in the studio after the new year to talk about how we celebrated the holidays, gifts given and received, and the shows and movies we watched over the break. Plus, drones replacing fireworks, CES speculation, and the new Stranger Things pinball machine!
Episode 531 - The Last One Of The Year - 12/26/19
December 26, 2019 21:13 - 1 hour - 34.3 MBWith the power of video calling, we're able to get together (remotely) one more time this year to chat about the two most pressing topics we've been asked about: Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker and Half-Life: Alyx! Hope you all have a wonderful holiday and see you next year! (Apologies for the audio and video quality, which was saved from Skype)
Episode 531 – The Last One Of The Year – 12/26/19
December 26, 2019 21:13 - 1 hour - 34.3 MBWith the power of video calling, we're able to get together (remotely) one more time this year to chat about the two most pressing topics we've been asked about: Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker and Half-Life: Alyx! Hope you all have a wonderful holiday and see you next year! (Apologies for the audio and video quality, which was saved from Skype)
Episode 530 - The Decade in Review - 12/19/19
December 19, 2019 08:00 - 1 hour - 51 MBOn our second to last episode of the year (promise!), we examine the past decade and discuss the technologies and products we thought had the most impact in our world. Plus, our last chance to speculate about The Rise of Skywalker before watching it, and watch out for spoilers all around the internet!
Episode 530 – The Decade in Review – 12/19/19
December 19, 2019 08:00 - 1 hour - 51 MBOn our second to last episode of the year (promise!), we examine the past decade and discuss the technologies and products we thought had the most impact in our world. Plus, our last chance to speculate about The Rise of Skywalker before watching it, and watch out for spoilers all around the internet!
Episode 529 - VR Brawler - 12/12/19
December 13, 2019 03:15 - 1 hour - 52.1 MBAs the VGAs are airing tonight, we discuss one of the VR games announced (and released!) during the show: Path of the Warrior. Kishore's back with gifts of Star Trek wine, and we discuss the week in VR game releases, trailer unveils, science, and technology news!
Episode 529 – VR Brawler – 12/12/19
December 13, 2019 03:15 - 1 hour - 52.1 MBAs the VGAs are airing tonight, we discuss one of the VR games announced (and released!) during the show: Path of the Warrior. Kishore's back with gifts of Star Trek wine, and we discuss the week in VR game releases, trailer unveils, science, and technology news!
Episode 528 - Cybertruck and Half-Life: Alyx - 12/5/19
December 05, 2019 10:32 - 1 hour - 50.4 MBBack from Thanksgiving, it's a duocast this week as Norm and Jeremy discuss the Cybertruck event and thoughts on Tesla's bold electric truck. Plus, the reveal of Half-Life: Alyx and what it means for the VR community and gamers alike.
Episode 528 – Cybertruck and Half-Life: Alyx – 12/5/19
December 05, 2019 10:32 - 1 hour - 50.4 MBBack from Thanksgiving, it's a duocast this week as Norm and Jeremy discuss the Cybertruck event and thoughts on Tesla's bold electric truck. Plus, the reveal of Half-Life: Alyx and what it means for the VR community and gamers alike.
Episode 527b - Blast from Jibo Past - 11/28/19
November 28, 2019 08:00 - 2 hours - 61.6 MBWe're all traveling this week for the Thanksgiving holiday, so here's a vintage episode of This is Only a Test from the archive. The year is 2014. We're talking Surface Pro 3, pinball cabinets, and Comcast cancelling woes. But most importantly, a personal assistant robot named Jibo has just been announced. Enjoy!
Episode 527b – Blast from Jibo Past – 11/28/19
November 28, 2019 08:00 - 2 hours - 61.6 MBWe're all traveling this week for the Thanksgiving holiday, so here's a vintage episode of This is Only a Test from the archive. The year is 2014. We're talking Surface Pro 3, pinball cabinets, and Comcast cancelling woes. But most importantly, a personal assistant robot named Jibo has just been announced. Enjoy!
Episode 527 - Flagship VR Game - 11/21/19
November 21, 2019 08:00 - 1 hour - 54.6 MBOn the eve of Valve's big reveal of Half-Life: Alyx, we discuss what it means to have a killer app for the VR market today, John Carmark's role shift at Oculus, Star Trek movie announcements, and Tesla's impending reveal of the Cybertruck. It's a big news week leading up to Thanksgiving!
Episode 527 – Flagship VR Game – 11/21/19
November 21, 2019 08:00 - 1 hour - 54.6 MBOn the eve of Valve's big reveal of Half-Life: Alyx, we discuss what it means to have a killer app for the VR market today, John Carmark's role shift at Oculus, Star Trek movie announcements, and Tesla's impending reveal of the Cybertruck. It's a big news week leading up to Thanksgiving!
Episode 526 - The Escape Key Returns - 11/14/19
November 15, 2019 04:00 - 2 hours - 58.6 MBThis week, we discuss the launch of Disney+ and the first episode of The Mandalorian (no big spoilers!), Apple's 16-inch MacBook Pro details, and the logistics of planning a baby's first birthday party. Plus, impressions of Stormland in the VR Minute!
Episode 526 – The Escape Key Returns – 11/14/19
November 15, 2019 04:00 - 2 hours - 58.6 MBThis week, we discuss the launch of Disney+ and the first episode of The Mandalorian (no big spoilers!), Apple's 16-inch MacBook Pro details, and the logistics of planning a baby's first birthday party. Plus, impressions of Stormland in the VR Minute!
Episode 525 - Glass Storage - 11/7/19
November 07, 2019 08:00 - 1 hour - 51.8 MBIn the small window between Norm returning from a international travel and Kishore about to embark on an overseas trip, we gather the team to discuss Google's acquisition of Fitbit, the new VR game Pistol Whip, and Microsoft Research's experiments with archiving data onto sheets of glass. Plus, we ponder the viability of a LEGO competition show and are blown away from an experimental audio tool.
Episode 525 – Glass Storage – 11/7/19
November 07, 2019 08:00 - 1 hour - 51.8 MBIn the small window between Norm returning from a international travel and Kishore about to embark on an overseas trip, we gather the team to discuss Google's acquisition of Fitbit, the new VR game Pistol Whip, and Microsoft Research's experiments with archiving data onto sheets of glass. Plus, we ponder the viability of a LEGO competition show and are blown away from an experimental audio tool.
Episode 524 - HBO Maximized - 10/31/19
October 31, 2019 07:00 - 2 hours - 57.9 MBCord-getting gets more complicated this week as Warner announces the details for its upcoming HBO Max streaming service. We break down how it compares with other streaming options, the confusion for current HBO subscribers, and how HBO might change. Plus, a Star Wars shakeup, surprise Apple Airpods release, and the problem with Daylight Savings. Support the Team Trees effort at http://teamtrees.org ! Find Trace's videos at https://www.youtube.com/tracedominguez
Episode 524 – HBO Maximized – 10/31/19
October 31, 2019 07:00 - 2 hours - 57.9 MBCord-getting gets more complicated this week as Warner announces the details for its upcoming HBO Max streaming service. We break down how it compares with other streaming options, the confusion for current HBO subscribers, and how HBO might change. Plus, a Star Wars shakeup, surprise Apple Airpods release, and the problem with Daylight Savings. Support the Team Trees effort at http://teamtrees.org ! Find Trace's videos at https://www.youtube.com/tracedominguez
Episode 523 – The Final Star Wars Trailer – 10/24/19
October 24, 2019 07:17 - 2 hours - 55.5 MBDuocast this week! Jeremy and Norm discuss the final Star Wars trailer for The Rise of Skywalker, HBO's Watchmen, Pixel 4 revelations, and mixed reality video recording. Plus, the search for a new case for a PC build, and one of the coolest 3D printers we've seen.
Episode 523 - The Final Star Wars Trailer - 10/24/19
October 24, 2019 07:17 - 2 hours - 55.5 MBDuocast this week! Jeremy and Norm discuss the final Star Wars trailer for The Rise of Skywalker, HBO's Watchmen, Pixel 4 revelations, and mixed reality video recording. Plus, the search for a new case for a PC build, and one of the coolest 3D printers we've seen.
Episode 522 – The Strangeness of 120fps Film – 10/17/19
October 17, 2019 07:00 - 2 hours - 58.7 MBGoogle formally announces the Pixel 4 and we discuss the unique features of Android's new flagship. Jeremy and Norm try to explain what it was like watching Gemini Man at 120 frames per second and what content might be best suited for high framerate cinematography. Plus, an intriguing new handheld gaming system, Matrix 4 casting, and the science of marathon optimization.
Episode 522 - The Strangeness of 120fps Film - 10/17/19
October 17, 2019 07:00 - 2 hours - 58.7 MBGoogle formally announces the Pixel 4 and we discuss the unique features of Android's new flagship. Jeremy and Norm try to explain what it was like watching Gemini Man at 120 frames per second and what content might be best suited for high framerate cinematography. Plus, an intriguing new handheld gaming system, Matrix 4 casting, and the science of marathon optimization.
Episode 521 - The Next PlayStation - 10/10/19
October 10, 2019 07:00 - 2 hours - 57.2 MBThe gang gets together to discuss the great stuff we saw at New York Comic Con, Sony's PlayStation 5 announcement, the new Picard trailer, and our favorite titles in Apple Arcade. Plus, Asgard's Wrath debuts in VR and we played some of the new Walking Dead VR game. And don't miss a Moment of Science!
Episode 521 – The Next PlayStation – 10/10/19
October 10, 2019 07:00 - 2 hours - 57.2 MBThe gang gets together to discuss the great stuff we saw at New York Comic Con, Sony's PlayStation 5 announcement, the new Picard trailer, and our favorite titles in Apple Arcade. Plus, Asgard's Wrath debuts in VR and we played some of the new Walking Dead VR game. And don't miss a Moment of Science!
Episode 520 - Surface Goes Dual-Screen - 10/3/19
October 03, 2019 01:09 - 1 hour - 54.6 MBHot off the heels of Microsoft's big Surface event, we discuss the Surface Pro X, Neo, and Duo announcements and their interesting release timing. We also revel in the return of Spider-Man to the MCU, the upcoming DC Universe crossover, and a bunch of new tech product reveals. Plus, A Moment of Science and the VR Minute!
Episode 520 – Surface Goes Dual-Screen – 10/3/19
October 03, 2019 01:09 - 1 hour - 54.6 MBHot off the heels of Microsoft's big Surface event, we discuss the Surface Pro X, Neo, and Duo announcements and their interesting release timing. We also revel in the return of Spider-Man to the MCU, the upcoming DC Universe crossover, and a bunch of new tech product reveals. Plus, A Moment of Science and the VR Minute!
Episode 519 - Live from Oculus Connect 6! - 9/26/19
September 26, 2019 07:00 - 1 hour - 57.4 MBWe're on location this week at Oculus Connect 6, and joined by special guest Devindra Hardawar, Senior Editor of Engadget! The three of us chat about some recent movies, Jurassic World casting news, Amazon's new glasses, and of course, the announcements from OC6. Thanks to Devindra for guesting this week!
Episode 519 – Live from Oculus Connect 6! – 9/26/19
September 26, 2019 07:00 - 1 hour - 57.4 MBWe're on location this week at Oculus Connect 6, and joined by special guest Devindra Hardawar, Senior Editor of Engadget! The three of us chat about some recent movies, Jurassic World casting news, Amazon's new glasses, and of course, the announcements from OC6. Thanks to Devindra for guesting this week!
Episode 518 - Our Reboot Fears - 9/19/19
September 19, 2019 07:00 - 2 hours - 56.5 MBThis week, we dive into the recent news of TV show and movie reboots, early iPhone 11 reviews, Donkey Kong record holder drama, and anticipation for the Switch Lite. Plus, a pre-OC6 edition of The VR Minute where we talk about HTC's Vive Cosmos and going hands-on with Tilt5!
Episode 518 – Our Reboot Fears – 9/19/19
September 19, 2019 07:00 - 2 hours - 56.5 MBThis week, we dive into the recent news of TV show and movie reboots, early iPhone 11 reviews, Donkey Kong record holder drama, and anticipation for the Switch Lite. Plus, a pre-OC6 edition of The VR Minute where we talk about HTC's Vive Cosmos and going hands-on with Tilt5!
Episode 517 - Don't Call it a Slowfie - 9/12/19
September 12, 2019 07:00 - 1 hour - 43.2 MBWe recap Apple's big September announcements, including pricing and content on their two new services, hardware updates, and the new iPhone lineup. Plus, we dive down into the technology behind the always-on OLED Apple Watch display, ponder Nintendo's new Switch controller accessory, and discuss new VR software out this week!
Episode 517 – Don't Call it a Slowfie – 9/12/19
September 12, 2019 07:00 - 1 hour - 43.2 MBWe recap Apple's big September announcements, including pricing and content on their two new services, hardware updates, and the new iPhone lineup. Plus, we dive down into the technology behind the always-on OLED Apple Watch display, ponder Nintendo's new Switch controller accessory, and discuss new VR software out this week!