Episode

Our 2026 Tech Resolutions + We Answer Your Questions

Podcast: Hard Fork
Published: Jan 2, 2026
Duration seconds: 3543
Processing state: processed
Canonical source: https://www.nytimes.com/column/hard-fork
Audio: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/pfx.vpixl.com/6qj4J/pscrb.fm/rss/p/nyt.simplecastaudio.com/3e43d072-f8a5-430f-bc8e-4c70aafdf3c7/episodes/be5f3ef3-c66b-4883-a7b9-8b1f00dc345f/audio/128/default.mp3?aid=rss_feed&awCollectionId=3e43d072-f8a5-430f-bc8e-4c70aafdf3c7&awEpisodeId=be5f3ef3-c66b-4883-a7b9-8b1f00dc345f&feed=l2i9YnTd
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Summary

The hosts share their 2026 tech resolutions, ranging from mastering short-form video to adopting better note-taking systems. The episode also tackles listener questions regarding the ethics of AI-generated holiday magic and the future of enterprise AI investment.

Topics

Artificial Intelligence
Short-form Video
Digital Journalism
Generative AI Ethics
Content Strategy
Tech Trends
Social Media Evolution

Highlights

Main idea: The landscape of digital media is shifting toward a 'TV-like' experience dominated by short-form video across all platforms
Practical takeaway: Using 'blitz' notes—small, captured observations—can serve as the foundation for long-form reporting and columns
Failure mode: Relying on un-downloaded streaming content during long flights can lead to significant travel stress
Ethical dilemma: Using generative AI to insert Santa Claus into home security footage raises questions about parental deception and authenticity
Strategic insight: In gaming and business, focusing on exponential growth (multiplication) is more effective than simple additive improvements

Chapters

1:00 Travel Tech Wins and Losses: A reflection on the importance of Bluetooth connectivity and the pitfalls of expired Netflix downloads during air travel.
10:20 2026 Tech Resolutions: The hosts outline their goals for the coming year, including mastering short-form video and improving journalistic workflows.
19:25 The Art of Note-Taking: Discussing the 'blitz' method for capturing small ideas that eventually evolve into larger stories.
28:45 Reflecting on the Hard Fork Brand: A look back at the show's origins and how the significance of a brand name evolves over time.
33:35 Listener Q&A: AI Santa: Answering a question about the morality of using AI to manipulate security footage for holiday magic.
49:00 The Future of AI Utility: Discussing the need for AI tools to move beyond novelty and provide fresh, exciting value to users.
59:00 Strategy and Exponential Growth: A closing thought on using strategic multipliers to achieve high scores in both games and life.