The Vergecast

Lauren Feiner, a policy reporter at The Verge, dives into the chaotic landscape of tech regulation amid Trump’s controversial moves against Big Tech. She discusses the implications of illegal firings at the FTC and the perplexing TikTok ban situation. Lauren sheds light on how OpenAI and Google are vying for dominance in the free AI space. Additionally, the hosts explore Apple’s ongoing struggles with Siri and the intriguing news surrounding Starlink's White House presence. It’s a blend of tech politics and gadget updates that you won’t want to miss!

Sean Hollister, a staff writer at The Verge, joins the conversation to dissect the captivating world of handheld gaming. They delve into the Steam Deck's impressive market hold and discuss how the anticipated Switch 2 could shake things up. The talk also highlights the curious absence of Sony and Microsoft from the handheld scene. Additionally, David shares insights from his trip to the innovative TGL golf league, showcasing how technology is reinventing traditional sports. Finally, there's a handy discussion on the benefits of upgrading to the latest iPad models.

Andy Hawkins, Transportation Editor at The Verge, shares his expertise on the automotive world, focusing on Tesla's shifting landscape. He discusses troubling sales figures and the impact of Elon Musk's political role on public perception. The conversation also critiques the disappointing hype surrounding AI advancements and Siri's technological limitations. The hosts dive into Apple's latest products, pondering whether the promise of improved gadgets holds true amidst AI skepticism. A fascinating look at how tech companies grapple with innovation and reality.

Allison Johnson and Dominic Preston from The Verge share their insights on the innovative smartphone designs showcased at Mobile World Congress 2025, including bold camera concepts and AI integration. Kevin Rose and Justin Mezzell discuss reviving Digg, highlighting the role of AI in creating more engaging social networks while reminiscing about its influential past. They explore how modern tech can foster better community interactions, blending nostalgia with innovative strategies for user engagement.

The discussion kicks off with the latest updates on Apple’s new iPads and MacBook Air, featuring insights on the M3 chip. The hosts humorously dissect the tech market and Apple’s marketing strategies. They also reflect on the nostalgic return of Dig and the decline of Skype post-Microsoft acquisition. Plus, there's chatter about tariffs affecting consumer prices, including a deep dive into the state of video conferencing tools. Finally, the innovative trend of smartphone accessories for photography captures the imagination as the tech landscape evolves.

Nirav Patel, CEO of Framework, discusses their latest upgradable products, like the Laptop 12, emphasizing sustainability in tech. John Gruber, renowned writer, dives into Amazon's recent control of the James Bond franchise, pondering its future and the risks of creative dilution. The duo tackles the complexities of modern filmmaking while considering the evolution of iconic characters. They also explore smart glasses as an innovative alternative to traditional monitors, questioning their practicality and user experience.

David Imel, co-host of the Waveform Podcast, joins the discussion to explore Amazon's AI-powered Alexa Plus. The conversation highlights its smart capabilities for everyday tasks like ride bookings. They also dive into the competitive landscape of AI voice assistants, touching on user adoption challenges. Additionally, the latest camera innovations, including Sigma's minimalist BF model, bring a quirky flair to the tech talk. Finally, the lightning round critiques changes in social media platforms and their impact on user experience.

Transportation reporter Andy Hawkins shares insights on the current shift in the electric vehicle industry, spotlighting the slowing pace of EV production and the renewed interest in robotaxis. He discusses why legacy automakers are struggling to adapt, especially against the backdrop of rising competition from Chinese manufacturers. Meanwhile, Evan Prodromou reveals updates on the ActivityPub protocol and the evolution of the fediverse, discussing platforms like Mastodon and Bluesky, and sharing thoughts on the future of decentralized social networking.

Lauren Feiner, a technology journalist focused on tech and politics, joins the discussion about the iPhone 16E, described as an unusual but compelling budget option. The hosts explore the demise of the Humane AI Pin, the latest in AI gadgets, and Amazon Chime's closure. In a lively lightning round, they cover topics like Trump, Musk, and the chaotic intersection of Dogecoin and government. Their banter brings humor to serious tech developments while highlighting the challenges within the industry.

Alex Heath, a tech journalist from The Verge specializing in Meta, discusses the company's shaky commitment to the metaverse and its surprising success in AI. He also reflects on the future of their hardware, including new headsets and smart glasses. Meanwhile, Chris Welch dives into Sonos's tumultuous year, marked by a disastrous app launch and leadership changes, as they attempt to reposition themselves in a competitive market. They explore the potential of Sonos's upcoming set-top box, Pinewood, amidst ongoing challenges.