The Vergecast

Thomas Paul Mann, co-founder and CEO of Raycast, shares insights on integrating AI into productivity apps. He discusses how AI transforms Raycast into a 'prompt-first' interface and addresses privacy trade-offs with extensive access to files and apps. Mann explains the importance of user customization and daily workflows, such as file renaming and text fixes. He also ponders the future of AI in software, emphasizing the balance between innovation and user privacy, ensuring a reliable user experience while exploring the potential of contextual AI.

It's a holiday week for many of us, which means a lot of Turkey Trots and a lot of TV. We have something for both in this episode! First, Nick Thompson, the CEO of The Atlantic and author of the new book, The Running Ground, joins the show to talk about his lifelong journey as a runner, and all the tech — from smartwatch to shoes to custom GPTs — he uses in training. After that, The Verge's John Higgins makes his first Vergecast appearance to help us understand how motion smoothing works, why you should turn it off, and all the other ways you can improve your TV watching experience this holiday season. Finally, David follows up on a question on the Vergecast Hotline (call 866-VERGE11 or email vergecast@theverge.com!) with some recommendations on inexpensive earbuds worth cranking up the volume on. Further reading: Nick Thompson's book, The Running Ground From The Atlantic: Why I Run TV manufacturers unite to tackle the scourge of motion smoothing Dear Roku, you ruined my TV How to turn off motion smoothing on your high-definition TV Samsung’s Frame TV is finally getting the knockoffs it deserves Samsung announces The Frame Pro: could this be the perfect TV? Subscribe to The Verge for unlimited access to theverge.com, subscriber-exclusive newsletters, and our ad-free podcast feed.We love hearing from you! Email your questions and thoughts to vergecast@theverge.com or call us at 866-VERGE11. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Marina Galperina, a journalist and curator celebrating the art of Vine; Sarah Jeong, a commentator providing cultural insight; and Mia Sato, a nostalgic Vine enthusiast discussing memorable moments. They explore Vine's impact on creator culture and the dynamics between creators and platform management. Highlights include the magic of looping Vines, iconic sketches like 'on fleek,' and the tragic shutdown of the platform. Together, they reflect on what made Vine unique and the lessons that could shape future short-form video platforms.

AI agents are creeping into every corner of Windows, sparking debates on reliability and consumer backlash. Meanwhile, Google's Gemini 3 showcases ambitious multimodal capabilities, potentially reshaping search forever. The hosts unpack a significant ruling on Meta's monopoly status, emphasizing its implications for TikTok and the future of social media. They also explore the viability of Linux as an alternative for users wary of AI integration. Finally, a lightning round discussion covers domain name controversies and smart home advancements.

Cory Doctorow, a renowned author and technology activist, dives into the concept of 'enshittification,' explaining how platforms degrade user experience over time. He argues that fixing issues isn't about individual boycotts but rather requires systemic change through policy and organizing. The discussion touches on the need for regulatory reforms, local-first software solutions, and the influence of geopolitics on tech alternatives. Doctorow also highlights the potential for small apps to disrupt monopolies and enhance user data ownership.

Nilay Patel, a tech journalist with expertise in consumer software, and Sarah Jeong, a legal commentator focused on copyright, delve into the history of LimeWire and its impact on music sharing. They explore LimeWire's rise post-Napster and discuss key legal battles that transformed copyright law. The conversation touches on LimeWire's pivot attempts after court rulings, the music industry's reaction, and how the service's design contributed to its popularity among college students. Ultimately, they ponder LimeWire's legacy and what a reboot might look like today.

Joanna Stern, a senior columnist at The Wall Street Journal known for her insights on consumer tech and AI, joins the hosts to discuss the resurgence of Valve in the gaming console arena. They dive into Joanna's testing of the Neo humanoid robot, evaluating its kitchen capabilities and the current limits of robotics. The conversation also touches on the changing landscape of smart home technology and the challenges of AI, provoking thoughts on whether its future will mirror the transformative nature of the App Store.

Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, a smart-home reporter from The Verge, joins David for an engaging smart home makeover. They dissect room-by-room upgrades, tackling the challenges of merging Android and iOS devices. From recommending a Matter-compatible Bosch fridge and fun gadgets like the GE Profile Nugget Ice Maker to creating cozy lighting with Philips Hue in the living room, their synergy shines. Jen also shares tips for air quality in the bedroom and smart solutions for kids’ rooms, all while emphasizing practical and stylish choices for a connected home.

Joining the discussion are Allison Johnson, a tech journalist with insider experience at Amazon, and Sean O’Kane, a consumer hardware expert. They dive into the ambitious yet flawed Fire Phone, analyzing its features like the dynamic perspective and Firefly's shopping integration. The guests explore Jeff Bezos' vision, the awkward launch event, and why a premium strategy backfired. They also reflect on missed opportunities with Alexa and consider what a budget version could have achieved. Ultimately, they question if the Fire Phone could have succeeded under different circumstances.

Amazon is battling Perplexity over the future of AI-driven shopping. The hosts explore how browsers might change power dynamics online, and whether device interfaces will favor smartphones or AI models. Apple's rumored cheaper Mac raises discussions on the company's consumer laptop strategy, while nostalgia for the colorful iBook resurfaces. In a lightning round, they dive into YouTube's ambitions, cybersecurity plans, and a quirky game of sonic logos that highlights branding through sound.