Is your bank account leaking money to forgotten subscriptions? Join Akil, Joel, and Fasil on Salaam Radio's "The Tech Factor Live" as we kick off 2026 with essential tech survival tips. In this episode, we reveal how to perform a "subscription sweep" using banking apps and PayPal to reclaim your budget. Discover a brilliant hack for free audiobooks (hint: it involves your local library!) and hear about the latest tech innovations—from IKEA’s linkable Bluetooth speakers to a robot vacuum that can actually climb stairs. We also dive into serious tech news, including the record-breaking £1.9 billion cost of the Jaguar Land Rover cyber attack and the rise of "Prompt Lock," the new agentic AI ransomware. Plus, don't miss our high-speed "Quantum Quiz" where we test tech basics under pressure. Stay connected with us in real-time by calling 01733 602 133 or texting 07411 19 1062. Follow Salaam Radio: Website: www.salaamradio.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/salaamradio Twitter/X: twitter.com/salaamradio1062 Key Timestamps: [03:28] How to perform a "subscription leak test" [04:56] The free audiobook hack using library apps [06:21] Wearables without screens: The Luna Band [08:24] The Dwarf 3 digital telescope for deep space photos [11:06] The Saros Rover: A robot vacuum that climbs stairs [13:24] The £1.9 billion impact of the Jaguar Land Rover cyber attack [16:35] Major security updates coming to Microsoft Teams [19:28] Understanding "Prompt Lock" agentic AI ransomware [21:38] The Quantum Quiz: Tech basics under pressure #SubscriptionLeaks #CyberSecurity #TechTips #SalaamRadio #AIRansomware #TechFactor #SmartHome #DigitalPrivacy #TechNews2026 #SavingMoney

Is your Wi-Fi amazing in the hallway but tragic in the bedroom? Join Akil, Joel, and Fasil for the first episode of 2026 on Salaam Radio’s "The Tech Factor Live." In this episode, we break down the common myths about UK broadband and Wi-Fi coverage. Learn the difference between FTTC and FTTP, why your mirrors and fish tanks might be killing your signal, and why central placement of your router is key. We also dive into the "monthly mystery" of bank statements—discussing the subscription leak test and which digital services are actually worth your hard-earned money. Stay connected with us in real-time by calling 01733 602 133 or texting 07411 19 1062. Follow Salaam Radio: Website: www.salaamradio.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/salaamradio Twitter/X: twitter.com/salaamradio1062 Key Timestamps: [00:52] Welcome to the Tech Factor Live 2026 [04:10] The big myth: Wi-Fi vs. Internet Connection [05:54] How physical barriers affect your signal speed [08:24] Explaining FTTC vs. FTTP (Fiber to the Premises) [13:30] Benefits of Mesh Wi-Fi systems [19:21] Dealing with the "Subscription Leak" and hidden costs [21:38] Why YouTube Premium might be the ultimate family subscription #WiFiTips #BroadbandUK #TechFactor #SalaamRadio #DigitalSubscriptions #TechAdvice #HomeNetworking #SmartHome #YouTubePremium #InternetSpeed

The UK's Online Safety Act is here, and it's forcing major platforms to implement age verification and stronger moderation. Why are people rushing to VPNs and deleting their accounts?

Join Akil and Joel as they dive into the arguments for and against the new law, revealing how it moves accountability from users to platforms, and why a shock wave is hitting online anonymity. Plus, we explore Google's new Nano Banana image AI, and reveal a shocking study where 500 AI bots turn a social media simulation into a toxic wasteland.

In this episode, you will learn about:

The Online Safety Act Deep Dive: The new statutory duties for platforms like Facebook and TikTok to tackle illegal and harmful content, and the role of Ofcom [01:52].

Arguments For & Against: Why parents welcome the protection for children [09:05], but critics fear censorship, loss of anonymity, and compliance costs for smaller platforms (like Wikipedia) [12:28].

The Global Perspective: The UK is not alone, with the EU (DSA), Australia, and Canada pursuing similar legislation, signaling a global shift in internet regulation [16:57].

Google's Nano Banana AI: An in-depth look at Gemini's new image model that maintains subject coherence across edits, rivaling Photoshop for realism [30:21].

The AI Social Media War: A shocking University of Amsterdam study where 500 AI chatbots in a simulated social network quickly developed toxic behaviors, forming echo chambers and amplifying extremism—a real-world manifestation of the Dead Internet Theory [48:07].

AI & Automotive: An update on Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) global expansion and the fierce debate over its safety and autonomy [51:40].

Stay Connected with Salaam Radio:

For more tech insights, news, and episodes, visit: www.salaamradio.co.uk www.facebook.com/salaamradio twitter.com/salaamradio1062

Stay connected with us in real-time by calling 01733 602 133 or texting 07411 19 1062.

#OnlineSafetyAct, #AgeVerification, #AIBots, #NanoBanana, #DeadInternetTheory, #SocialMediaRegulation, #TeslaFSD, #GeminiAI, #TheTechFactor, #Ofcom