29 Sept 2025
Episode 136 of Tak Talk navigates various current events and technological advancements, from the bizarre disappearance of a bear and UFO disclosures to critical examinations of internet infrastructure and new software releases. The discussion highlights persistent national challenges, including air pollution, internet filtering, and inconsistent public services, often contrasting official narratives with the lived experiences of citizens.
The persistent 'Blue Screen of Death' error in Windows systems, signifying software and component incompatibility, has been cosmetically altered to a 'black screen.' This change indicates that the underlying problem remains unresolved, merely changing its visual presentation.
Episode 136 of Tak Talk introduces its theme by referencing 136 as the national inspection number for consumer complaints, implying widespread issues of high prices in the country.
A bear previously reported lost in Pardisan Park remains unfound, despite the use of advanced equipment like night vision cameras and thermal drones. The text sarcastically questions the allocation of such resources, suggesting inefficiency in the search efforts.
An Iranian newspaper published 'secret pictures' of UFOs in the Iraqi sky, but this news is criticized for being at least three years old. The images had previously been released by the Pentagon, indicating a lack of original reporting by the newspaper.
Official reports declare Tehran's air quality 'acceptable' with an index of 85, a 'yellow state.' This statement is sharply contrasted with personal experiences of severe pollution, burning eyes and nose, headaches, and dizziness, implying a significant discrepancy between official data and reality.
Apple initially reduced the 'glassy' state of user interface elements in the iOS 18 beta, but subsequently reverted these changes in later beta versions. This reversal suggests challenges in user interface design or negative feedback during the development process.
The 'Official' platform, an Iranian business database launched in 2018, collects and analyzes public and official data on companies and individuals. The platform, which compiles information from sources like official newspapers and company registration systems, was reportedly shut down for making too much information accessible.
The Deputy for National Information Network Development advocates for technical and social solutions for filtering, but the text strongly argues that filtering should be removed. Filtering increases network load, causes user frustration, and disrupts businesses, forcing users to employ VPNs that obscure their online activities from monitoring.
The claim that filtering is defined and practiced in 'all countries' is refuted, with the assertion that such extensive filtering is primarily confined to a few authoritarian nations like China, Russia, and North Korea. This challenges the notion that restrictive internet policies are a global norm.
The concept of a 'control framework for responsibility and limitation' in the internet context refers to access management, security protocols (like HTTPS and firewalls), and intrusion detection systems. The discussion implies that these essential components for network control and security are either banned or inadequately implemented locally.
Paid subscription streaming services in Iran are criticized for still showing advertisements, despite users paying for an ad-free experience. This practice is seen as contradictory to standard industry models where ads typically subsidize free content.
Milad Nouri developed an open-source application to combat online fraud and phishing, available on Google Play. This app detects malicious links and website scams by analyzing user reports and checking for subtle domain name discrepancies, providing a crucial tool for digital safety.
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is mentioned for its thinness, with specific dimensions provided (8.5mm, 8.9mm, 2.2mm), highlighted as an interesting and fascinating new device.
Perplexity, an AI-based web browser, was introduced with a $200 subscription for its Pro Max service. It answers questions and provides summaries from any webpage or digital news source, with a similar, free alternative called Dia also mentioned.
War incidents damaged 203 cars, with initial estimates of 158 billion tomans in damages. Concerns are raised about insurance companies potentially evading payouts by citing exclusions for specific missile types (e.g., cruise or ballistic missiles) or geographic areas.
Samsung initially offered Galaxy AI features for free and decided to maintain this policy after realizing that monetization goals for AI were not met. Features like Generative Note Assistant, Object Eraser, and Live Translate remain free.
Research indicates that teenagers are increasingly disengaging from smartphones and social media, or reducing their usage, to improve mental health, personal safety, and concentration. This trend is contrasted with observed high social media usage among many individuals.
Samsung is developing a three-piece foldable phone, potentially named the Galaxy G Fold, with an estimated price close to $3,000. This is seen as an advancement in foldable technology, albeit with high costs.
Nvidia achieved a market value of $4 trillion, becoming the first company to reach this milestone. This success is largely attributed to its significant contributions and advancements in artificial intelligence, placing it ahead of Microsoft, Apple, and Alphabet.
A French woman was found to possess the world's rarest blood type, Guadalupe positive/negative, which did not match any known samples, including those of her siblings. Researchers identified a mutation in her PIG gene using whole exome sequencing, leading to a unique sugar enzyme production.
Elon Musk unveiled Grok 4, claiming it surpasses a PhD in academic subjects, although it currently lacks common sense and has not invented new technologies. A 'Grok 4 Heavy' model is also mentioned, available for $300, and its performance is compared favorably against other AI models in certain exams.
Erb, a tool developed by Speedtest.net's creators, assesses internet quality by scoring it across responsiveness (ping), reliability (packet loss), and speed (download/upload). This tool is used to highlight the poor internet quality experienced locally, characterized by high ping and packet loss despite fiber optic connections.
Listeners express frustration over ongoing internet filtering, poor game connectivity with extremely high pings, and the general state of affairs. Comments also touch upon the irony of officials using filtered platforms, animal abuse, and the anticipation of future societal challenges like zombies or dinosaurs.
Filtering must be removed, as it increases the load on the network, destroys people's nerves, and disrupts businesses.
| Insight | Description | Implication/Context |
|---|---|---|
| Persistent Problems vs. Cosmetic Changes | Windows' 'Blue Screen of Death' becoming a 'Black Screen' symbolizes that underlying systemic issues remain unresolved, only changing in appearance. | This reflects a broader critique of superficial solutions to deeply rooted problems, implying a lack of genuine resolution. |
| Internet Filtering Ineffectiveness | Internet filtering increases network load, frustrates users, disrupts businesses, and paradoxically forces users to employ VPNs, making their online activity unmonitorable. | Government filtering policies are counterproductive, undermining their own objectives and harming the national digital infrastructure and economy. |
| Discrepancy in Official Statements vs. Reality | Official claims of 'acceptable' air quality in Tehran are starkly contradicted by citizens' lived experiences of severe pollution and health issues. | There is a significant gap between governmental narratives and the observable truth, fostering public distrust. |
| Paid Streaming Services with Advertisements | Iranian paid streaming platforms still display advertisements despite users subscribing for an ad-free experience, a practice inconsistent with global industry standards. | This indicates unique market conditions or exploitative practices within the local digital content industry. |
| Local Digital Security Innovation | Milad Nouri developed an open-source anti-phishing application that effectively identifies fraudulent links and scam websites. | This initiative provides a valuable, accessible tool for enhancing online safety for individuals in a challenging digital environment. |
