The Vergecast

Marc Levoy, a former engineer at Google and current Adobe Fellow, dives into the evolution of computational photography. He discusses his transition to Adobe and innovations transforming smartphone cameras. The conversation touches on the ethical responsibilities in photo editing, especially with deep fakes and sensitive imagery. Levoy also explores the future of imaging technology, balancing innovation and authenticity, and how algorithms can enhance photographic realities while raising questions about viewer perception and content integrity.

Chaim Gartenberg and Chris Welch, technology writers for The Verge, delve into the latest gadget news, from IFA 2020 to Intel's 11th Gen Tiger Lake CPUs. They discuss Apple and Google's COVID-19 tracking app and the challenges of vaccine skepticism. Also, hear about NVIDIA's powerful RTX 3080 and 3090 graphics cards, and the innovative gaming experiences brought by Nintendo's Mario Kart Live. The conversation includes insights on foldable phones and Qualcomm's advancements in true wireless earbuds, showcasing the tech world's rapid evolution.

Bijan Stephen, a Verge reporter involved in the Capturing the Police project, and Mariya Abdulkaf, a video producer leading the initiative, discuss how technology amplifies the fight against police brutality. They explore the vital role of smartphones and social media in documenting these incidents, highlighting personal accounts that reveal the risks faced by witnesses. The conversation delves into the complexities of public perception, the empowerment of marginalized voices, and the transformative power of viral videos on local communities and societal narratives.

Lauren Goode, a technology journalist for Wired, joins to dive into the intricacies of Microsoft's Surface Duo smartphone and Amazon's innovative Halo fitness tracker. They discuss the ethical dilemmas of body scanning technology and its impact on mental health and body image. Additionally, they provide insights into the ongoing Epic Games vs. Apple legal battle and explore the evolving landscape of wearable health devices, emphasizing user privacy concerns amidst technological advancements.

Jeremy Stoppelman, Co-founder and CEO of Yelp, discusses the urgent need for antitrust regulation against tech giants like Google. He reflects on Yelp's pandemic challenges and its strategic pivots to support local businesses. Stoppelman highlights concerns over Google's market dominance and its impact on competition, emphasizing the importance of a fair digital marketplace. The conversation also explores the implications of potential Section 230 repeal on online content moderation and the persistent struggle for authentic user expression in reviews.

The hosts dive into reviews of the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, highlighting its impressive camera capabilities. They also explore the new Galaxy Watch 3 and its stylish yet practical design challenges. The conversation touches on the quirky new Galaxy Buds Live, fondly nicknamed 'beans'. In a surprising twist, they discuss the potential return of BlackBerry with a 5G phone. Additionally, the ongoing legal drama between Apple and Epic Games adds a layer of intrigue to the tech landscape.

Join Lana Swartz, an assistant professor at the University of Virginia and author of 'New Money,' as she discusses how payments have evolved into social media. She explores the historical connection between money and communication technology, and the rise of digital currencies. The conversation delves into consumer behavior shifts, corporate currencies, and the impact of Bitcoin on traditional methods. Swartz also touches on how the pandemic has reshaped our social and economic landscapes, showcasing the significant role of payment systems in everyday life.

The hosts dive into the dramatic conflict between Epic Games and tech giants Apple and Google over Fortnite's removal from app stores. They dissect the implications of this battle on antitrust laws and developer rights. Microsoft’s Surface Duo also makes waves with its release announcement, stirring debates about its specs and market potential. The discussion touches on broader themes of corporate accountability during the pandemic and the impact of app store policies on the gaming industry. It’s a whirlwind of tech tensions and gaming strategies!

Taylor Lorenz, a New York Times reporter focusing on the influencer economy, joins the discussion on the potential fallout of a TikTok ban. They delve into how creators might face financial instability and the impacts on their unique monetization strategies. Lorenz highlights the evolution of influencers who are now launching their own brands, along with the changing dynamics of creator collectives like Hype House. The conversation touches on TikTok's regulatory challenges and its competition with platforms like Instagram, all while humorously critiquing social media fame.

The hosts dive into Samsung's latest products unveiled during their virtual event, focusing on the Galaxy Note 20 and Galaxy Buds Live. They also review the Google Pixel 4a, highlighting its market position and competition. A discussion on the implications of Apple's new 27-inch iMac and camera upgrades adds depth, as does the leadership transition in Apple's marketing. The podcast also touches on the role of technology in public health, particularly regarding COVID-19 tracking. Expect humor and engaging anecdotes intertwined with tech insights!