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Alexis Hiniker and Julie Kientz in the KIRO Radio studios. (Erynn Rose Photo)

OK, parents, admit it: How much do you use your smartphone when you’re at the playground with your kids?

Our guests on this week’s GeekWire radio show have been studying that very question — and their findings might surprise you. Joining us from the University of Washington’s Department of Human Centered Design & Engineering are associate professor Julie Kientz and doctoral student Alexis Hiniker, a software engineer.

We also discuss potential solutions, including the idea of a “playground mode” for smartphones.

It’s part of a broader discussion about the impact of technology on our lives and relationships. Listen to the conversation starting in the second segment of the show, at 9:15 in the audio player below. You can also download the MP3 directly, and check out their research paper to find out more.

We start the show with our weekly news roundup, delving into the ongoing saga of the OrderAhead food delivery service hijacking the online identities of restaurants around the country.

Also listen for our App of the Week, the new RealTimes app from RealNetworks.

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