The Vergecast

Lauren Feiner, a policy reporter focusing on tech and government, joins to give insight into Elon Musk's surprising bid to buy OpenAI's nonprofit arm. She discusses how Musk manipulates government information into engaging yet perplexing content. The conversation also explores the future of DOGE, regulatory challenges in tech, and the public's changing perceptions of AI. They touch on everything from the chaotic landscape of AI ethics to Spotify's impact on how we consume media, proving that technology intertwines with every facet of our lives.

Join Kylie Robison, an AI reporter at The Verge renowned for her in-depth analysis, and Liz Lopato, tech reporter specializing in Elon Musk's ventures. They dive into ChatGPT's costly new features—Operator and deep research—and weigh their worth for users. The conversation shifts to Musk’s influence on Dogecoin and the government's inner workings. Both guests highlight the intertwining of AI and politics while sharing their mixed feelings about technology’s reliability and impact on research.

Dive into a whirlwind of tech and politics where Elon Musk's antics in government raise eyebrows and questions. Navigate the complex tariff landscape affecting businesses and consumer costs, all while the streaming wars heat up with lighthearted banter about Tubi and Fox's strategies. Explore the latest tech innovations like Sonos's new streaming box and OpenAI's logo refresh. Plus, enjoy humorous takes on marketing mishaps and the impact of misinformation. It's a rollercoaster of insights and giggles in the ever-evolving digital landscape!

Joining the discussion are Allison Johnson, a tech reviewer from The Verge, who dives into the Samsung Galaxy S25, highlighting its lack of groundbreaking features. Cooper Quintin, from the EFF, sheds light on privacy issues surrounding popular apps like TikTok and RedNote. Jennifer Pattison Tuohy offers insights into the Meta Portal, revealing its impact on family connections during the pandemic. The conversation touches on the future of smartphones, the stagnation in innovation, and the urgent need for better data privacy regulations.

This week, the conversation dives into the surprising rise of DeepSeek, an AI that rattled Silicon Valley and the stock market. The hosts debate potential killer apps for AI and examine how people are actually using these technologies in their daily lives. Humor contrasts with serious discussions about the challenges in AI copyright and trustworthiness. The lightning round covers topics like the unexpected comeback of the Pebble smartwatch and Meta's financial maneuvers, all served with wit and insight.

Victoria Song, a fitness and tech reporter at The Verge, shares insights on achieving New Year's fitness goals without the pressure. She discusses the importance of realistic expectations and entertaining fitness apps that motivate users. Anna Valtonen, a design professor with a history at Nokia, highlights the company's innovative legacy and the significance of preserving design history. Together, they explore how embracing enjoyable fitness activities and celebrating small wins can reshape our approach to exercise.

Allison Johnson, a reporter at The Verge, covers the Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event, where excitement around the Galaxy S25 Edge is tempered by disappointments in upgrades across the lineup. Lauren Feiner, policy reporter, dives into the Trump administration's tech maneuvers, including a TikTok ban delay and AI executive orders. The conversation shifts to Netflix's strategy in the evolving streaming wars, the competitive landscape of AI with Google's new advancements, and the future of smart home innovations, offering a mix of serious insights and light-hearted banter.

Jacob Feldman, a reporter covering the business of sports at Sportico, discusses the rise and fall of the Venu sports streaming service. He reveals how this platform aimed to consolidate sports viewing but never launched due to various challenges. Kevin Nguyen, deputy editor at The Verge, shares tips on boosting reading habits in a digital age, emphasizing productive use of time that often gets lost in scrolling. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of sports consumption and the importance of adapting reading strategies amidst distractions.

Ash Parrish and Andrew Webster from The Verge dive into the buzzing launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, unpacking its features and what remains a mystery. They discuss the blend of nostalgia and innovation, as well as the anticipated launch titles. Adi Robertson then switches gears to the dark clouds over TikTok, exploring the political implications of a potential ban and its impact on social media. An engaging conversation unfolds around ownership dynamics and the future of free speech on the internet.

Lauren Feiner, a reporter for The Verge covering TikTok's legal scuffles, dives into the urgent implications of the impending TikTok ban in the U.S. She discusses the Supreme Court's role and what might happen next. Everette Taylor, CEO of Kickstarter, shares insights on the platform's evolution and its impact on the creator economy by 2025. The conversation also touches on the rise of magic-link logins, the pitfalls of passwords, and how technology can better support creators, blending innovation with community engagement.