MashTalk: Will the new electronics ban affect your travel plans?

On this week's podcast, the Mashable tech team explains Trump's new electronics ban, nerds out over red iPhones and discusses Facebook's F8 developer conference code of conduct.
 By 
Raymond Wong
 on 
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Welcome back to another week of MashTalk. On this week's podcast, the Mashable tech team breaks down the new electronics restrictions that'll affect passengers flying to the U.S. and UK from select Middle Eastern and North African countries.

This week's MashTalk is hosted by Senior Tech Correspondent Raymond Wong, with commentary from Chief Correspondent Lance Ulanoff and Tech Reporter Brett Williams.

Real Time News Reporter Colin Daileda joins to give us the full skinny on the new electronics restrictions (2:07). In a nutshell, electronics that are larger than a smartphone (i.e. tablets, laptops and game devices) can't be carried on board flights from listed airlines and must be placed in checked baggage. It's a huge hassle for everyone involved, and most warranties (like Apple Care) probably won't cover any accidental damage to your devices if you're forced to check them (9:51).

Next, we nerd out over the newly announced Product (RED) iPhones (11:53). Apple's partnered with (RED) for 10 years and this is the first time its most profitable device goes red, with a portion of all proceeds going toward The Global Fund to help fight HIV/AIDs. At the end of the day, though, it's just a new color for the iPhone (15:03). We also quickly discuss the new $329 iPad (19:04) that replaces the iPad Air 2. It's a minor refresh that makes the iPad more affordable than ever before, but it mostly feels meh.

Finally, Business Reporter Emma Hinchliffe swings by to talk about Facebook. It's always Facebook these days, isn't it? More specifically, Facebook posted a code of conduct for its F8 developer conference happening next month (24:36). Is it ridiculous or admirable that Facebook needs to tell people to, essentially, not be assholes? Brett and Emma dive in (27:07) to give us their perspectives.

And, as always, don't forget to leave your questions and comments by tweeting @Mash_Talk with the #MashTalk hashtag. We welcome all feedback.

Topics Donald Trump

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Raymond Wong

Raymond Wong is Mashable's Senior Tech Correspondent. He reviews gadgets and tech toys and analyzes the tech industry. Raymond's also a bit of a camera geek, gamer, and fine chocolate lover. Before arriving at Mashable, he was the Deputy Editor of NBC Universal's tech publication DVICE. His writing has appeared on G4TV, BGR, Yahoo and Ubergizmo, to name a few. You can follow Raymond on Twitter @raywongy or Instagram @sourlemons.

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