Tak Episode 133: A Dive into Tech, Society, and the Surreal

This episode explores a range of hot news, from a unique 'hell simulator' in Fouman to significant developments in mobile technology and pressing social issues. Discussions cover internet tariffs, a Tehran burial crisis, and Iran's substantial contribution to the global AI talent pool.

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Key Points Summary

  • Episode Introduction

    Episode 133 of Tak opens with a nostalgic reference to the old '133 by phone' taxi service, a simpler time before modern ride-hailing apps like Snap or Tasbeeh.

  • Hell Simulator in Fouman

    A 'hell simulator' was established in a Fouman barracks from June 4-8, featuring flamethrowers to raise temperatures and simulate the pressures of the grave's first night, including confronting the Sirat Bridge and answering questions from the righteous and the wicked.

  • Lack of Heaven Simulator

    While a hell simulator exists, a corresponding 'heaven simulator' has not been developed, posing challenges in depicting concepts like divine provisions or the presence of nymphs.

  • Simulator Funding and Nature

    The hell simulator is described as folk art, funded by public enthusiasm and capital from a new cultural center in the north of the country, reflecting a popular will for such experiences.

  • iPhone 17 Battery Technology

    The iPhone 17 is anticipated to feature a silicon-carbon battery, allowing for higher energy density in the same space, potentially increasing capacity significantly while maintaining a thin profile and a weight under 150 grams.

  • Internet Tariff Increase

    The Minister of Communications indicated a potential 75% increase in internet tariffs, a figure that sparked public criticism, with officials suggesting higher increases might be necessary.

  • Power Outages and Communication Networks

    Communication network sites' batteries can only sustain operation for an average of half an hour during power outages, with longer service times achieved through managed battery usage and rotation for maintenance.

  • Smart Energy Management Plan

    A proposed 'Smart Energy Management Plan' involving multiple ministries aims to address power outage issues for communication sites, though past multi-ministry initiatives have often failed to materialize.

  • Banning of 'Su and Shun' Series

    The 'Su and Shun' series was banned due to a lack of proper licensing, and the Nama home theater network was blocked for failing to meet legal obligations, highlighting regulatory strictness on media content.

  • Elon Musk's Departure from Trump Administration

    Elon Musk concluded his advisory role with the Trump administration after his 120-day period ended, citing the completion of his administrative work and a desire to exit politics, amidst a 50% drop in Tesla sales attributed to his political involvement.

  • iPhone 16 Market Performance

    The iPhone 16 secured the top spot in phone sales in the first month of 2025, significantly impacting Android's market share, with only one Xiaomi model appearing on the top ten list.

  • Apple Naming Convention Change

    Apple plans to overhaul its product naming strategy, moving from sequential version numbers (e.g., iOS 19) to year-based labels (e.g., iOS 26) to align with automotive industry practices.

  • Missing Bear in Pardisan Park

    A bear cub was reported missing from Pardisan Park, later located and registered as a 'smuggler,' then transported to the Pardisan Wildlife Clinic for care.

  • Smallest Mac with Raspberry Pi Pico

    A functional 'micro-Mac 128K' was created using a Raspberry Pi Pico, featuring a 1.28-inch display, 512GB RAM, and micro-USB, built for $59 and smaller than a Coca-Cola can.

  • Trump's Tariff Threat Declared Illegal

    A US court in California ruled that former President Trump's threat to impose a 25% tariff on iPhones was illegal, stating that only Congress holds authority over foreign trade legislation, not the President under the Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1979.

  • WhatsApp iPad App Launch

    After 15 years of development, WhatsApp finally launched a dedicated iPad application, supporting iPad-specific features like Split View, Slide Over, and Stage Manager for its billions of users.

  • Tehran Burial Crisis

    Tehran faces a severe shortage of burial plots, with only a limited number of safe spots remaining for daily burials, leading city officials to propose five new cemetery locations, three of which are in the southeast of Tehran.

  • Mass Graves for Emergencies

    Discussions about the Tehran burial crisis included the concept of 'mass graves' for critical situations like pandemics or earthquakes, where bodies would be interred using earth-moving loaders rather than traditional ceremonies.

  • Iran as AI Talent Exporter

    For the past five years, Iran has been the second-largest exporter of Artificial Intelligence talent to America, with over 100 skilled immigrants, following India which ranks first with 10,000 people from its 1.4 billion population.

  • Opera Neon Browser with AI

    Opera Neon, a browser equipped with an artificial intelligence agent and coding capabilities, aims to fundamentally change internet usage and browser-based task execution.

  • Sony Reon Pocket Pro Wearable Cooler

    Sony introduced the Reon Pocket Pro, a wearable cooler that fits around the neck and can cool the body for up to 34 hours on a single charge, featuring dual thermal modules and a design larger than its predecessor, costing $270.

  • Forced Sale of Gasoline Additives

    Public reports highlight the prevalence of forced sales of gasoline additives, such as octane boosters and tank cleaners, at gas stations, where refusal often leads to poor treatment from station attendants.

  • Telegram's AI Features

    Pavel Dorof stated that AI is a significant development for Telegram, with a new feature allowing premium users to search 'Graak' to activate a special function.

  • Mac Storage Cleaning App Recommendation

    The Amni Disk Sweeper application is recommended for Mac users with large data systems (over 90 GB), as a free, open-source tool to identify and delete extra files, freeing up disk space.

  • Audience Comments and Show Content

    Audience comments reflected appreciation for the episode's humorous blend of technology and social issues, along with interest in the show's 'backstage' team.

  • Negative Characters' Appeal

    Negative characters are often more interesting due to their ability to confront viewers with their inner, repressed instinctual qualities, offering an alternative to suppressed desires.

  • Qom Electricity Outages

    Residents near Imam Ali University in Qom experienced frequent electricity outages, occurring every half hour at midnight, attributed to the university's operational needs.

  • Censorship of Online Content

    There is significant censorship of online content, including dating sites and Telegram channels, with calls for more nuanced approaches to content moderation.

Amidst discussions of technological advancements and societal challenges, the show strives to blend technology news with everyday social issues, acknowledging that technology is increasingly detached from Iranian society.

Under Details

insightareadescription
Controversial 'Hell Simulator' InitiativeSocial/Cultural ExperienceA 'hell simulator' was created in Fouman, Iran, simulating grave pressures and Sirat Bridge crossing, reflecting public interest and cultural center funding.
Iran's Global AI Talent ContributionTechnology/EconomyIran ranks as the second-largest exporter of AI talent to the US over the last five years, contributing over 100,000 skilled immigrants, following India.
Tehran's Severe Burial CrisisUrban Planning/Social IssueTehran faces a critical shortage of burial plots, with city officials proposing new cemetery locations and discussing emergency mass grave solutions for critical situations.
Apple's Strategic Shifts and Market DominanceMobile Technology/BusinessiPhone 16 secured top sales in early 2025; Apple plans to change its product naming to year-based models, and a US court ruled Trump's tariff threat on iPhones illegal.
Connectivity Issues and Policy DebatesTelecommunications/InfrastructureProposed internet tariff increases and persistent power outages disrupt communication networks, with smart energy plans and operator concerns highlighted amidst service disruptions.

Tags

Technology
Society
Sarcastic
Iran
Apple
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