AI may be the only way to save obsolete tech
Summary
Steven and Daniel discuss using AI for "vibe coding" retro tech projects, like recreating drivers for vintage HP palmtops. They explore local AI agents, the Clockwork Pi, and e-ink dashboards as accessible hobbyist tools. The episode also covers Meta’s Supernatural spin-off and analyzes the Pope’s encyclical on AI, emphasizing the value of human friction and struggle in an automated world.
Topics discussed
Intro: Friction maxing, AI podcast generation, and listener engagement
Vibe coding with Claude and running local AI agents (Hermes/OpenClaw)
Reviving old tech: HP 95LX, DOS drivers, and the value of lost knowledge
DIY hardware: ESP32, e-ink displays, and AI-assisted hobbyist projects
Nostalgia for 90s tech: Palm OS, shareware, and early mobile phones
Meta's Supernatural relaunch and Portal devices as AI agents
The Pope's AI encyclical: Humanity, suffering, and the Borg analogy
The flattening effect of AI on language, expertise, and branding
AI SEO manipulation, mattress shopping, and a tennis match recap
AI in creative writing: Plagiarism, inspiration, and the future of art
Listen ad-free on Castria