In this episode, Erik and Kris explore the growing gap between AI adoption and AI literacy, highlighting how institutions, governments, and workplaces are struggling to keep up. They discuss practical frameworks for using AI responsibly, the risks of poorly implemented automation, and the opportunity for skilled professionals to stand out.

They also break down Apple’s March 2026 product lineup, with a deep dive into the MacBook Neo, a $599 laptop that signals a major shift in Apple’s strategy and could redefine entry-level computing.

SHOW NOTES

MRU Library: Generative AI Applications Guide: https://library.mtroyal.ca/ai/applications

Alberta AI Academy: https://albertaaiacademy.com/

Maclean’s: AI Has Entered the Cubicle: https://macleans.ca/longforms/ai-has-entered-the-cubicle/

New Apple hardware

• Apple: https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/03/macbook-neo-iphone-17e-ipad-air-with-m4-and-more-are-now-available/

MacBook Neo reviews

• https://daringfireball.net/2026/03/the_macbook_neo
• https://9to5mac.com/2026/03/10/macbook-neo-review/
• https://www.tomshardware.com/laptops/macbooks/apple-macbook-neo-a18-pro-review
• https://www.macworld.com/article/3081612/macbook-neo-a18-pro-review.html

CONTACT

Website:examining.ca

Twitter: @ExaminingPod

Erik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-Host

Website: erikchristiansen.net

Kris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-Host Website: krishans.ca

Website: krishans.ca

Kris and Erik speak with Sasha Ivanov, creator of Maple Scan, a mobile app that helps Canadians identify products made in Canada while shopping. Sasha explains the motivation behind the project, how the app works, and what it reveals about Canadian manufacturing and supply chains.

Maple Scan: https://maplescan.app/

CONTACT

Website:examining.ca

Twitter: @ExaminingPod

Erik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-Host

Website: erikchristiansen.net

Kris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-Host Website: krishans.ca

Website: krishans.ca

In this episode, Erik and Kris discuss the ongoing saga between Apple and Google, including the $20 billion deal that made Google the default search engine on Apple devices and the recent DOJ review of their partnership. Additionally, they explore how AI is changing the game for search behaviors and user expectations, citing a study from the NN Group. The co-hosts also share their personal experiences with using AI (over the long term) to boost productivity and reduce research friction.

SHOW NOTES

Google's Deal with Apple: Google paid $20 billion to become the default search engine on Apple devices in 2022 https://appleinsider.com/articles/24/05/02/google-paid-apple-20-billion-to-be-default-search-engine-in-2022

DOJ Re-Reviews Google-Apple Search Deal: The US Department of Justice has appealed and re-reviewed Google's deal with Apple, putting it back under scrutiny https://www.macobserver.com/news/google-and-apple-search-deal-back-under-review-after-doj-appeal/

Alphabet's Silence on AI Deal: Despite investor pressure, Alphabet (Google's parent company) remains tight-lipped about its AI agreement with Apple https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/04/alphabet-wont-talk-about-the-google-apple-ai-deal-even-to-investors/

The Future of Search: A recent report highlights how AI is changing search behaviors and user expectations https://www.nngroup.com/articles/ai-changing-search-behaviors/

CONTACT

Website:examining.ca

Twitter: @ExaminingPod

Erik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-Host

Website: erikchristiansen.net

Kris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-Host Website: krishans.ca

Website: krishans.ca