The Vergecast

Joining the discussion are Victoria Song, a tech journalist specializing in wearables, and Allison Johnson, a reporter focused on phones and foldables. They dive into Google's impressive gadget lineup, ranking the Pixel gadgets from least to most impressive. Highlights include details on the improvements in the Pixel Watch 4's durability and functionality. They debate the Pixel A-series' unbeatable value, while the Pixel Tablet struggles at the bottom of the list. Plus, they explore the growing interest in minimalist phones, weighing practical steps for dialing down smartphone dependency.

Nilay Patel, a senior technology editor, and Joanna Stern, a tech columnist and BlackBerry enthusiast, dive into the fascinating history of BlackBerry Messenger (BBM). They discuss how BBM revolutionized mobile messaging, introducing features like real-time delivery and group chats back in 2005. The duo reflects on its cultural impact, cross-platform dilemmas, and the operational issues that led to its decline. With engaging anecdotes and sharp insights, they explore whether BBM could have thrived today and what modern apps might learn from its legacy.

Hayden Field, a technology reporter specializing in AI, joins to explore the buzz around OpenAI's recent Dev Day and its ambitious app store plans. The discussion highlights the innovative Sora app, focusing on its unique video generation features and the social implications of AI personalizability. They also tackle the challenges of copyright and moderation within Sora's growing ecosystem. As the conversation evolves, they touch on the competition among chipmakers and the ongoing shifts in digital content sharing cultures.

Anish Kattukaran, a Google executive steering smart home innovations, discusses the ambitious Gemini integration meant to revamp Google Home. He reveals why Google still cares about smart homes and how the new AI aims to enhance user experience. Vee Song, a journalist covering fitness tech, shares insights on Peloton's new hardware, including an expensive treadmill and AI-powered training features. The dialogue also explores the community dynamics of Peloton and the practicality of managing multiple smartwatches.

Join technology reporters Andrew Hawkins and Sean O’Kane as they delve into the fascinating world of hoverboards. They explore the chaotic rise of this self-balancing craze, from its origin stories and celebrity endorsements to the alarming safety issues that led to its downfall. Discover the strange phenomenon of knockoffs, and why the term 'hoverboard' persists despite their lack of levitation. The discussion takes a humorous turn as they ponder if companies like Apple could have saved the hoverboard's reputation and if it could ever make a comeback!

Emma Roth, a reporter for The Verge, shares her experience of living with Telly, the ad-supported free TV. She details the setup process and the intrusive nature of the always-on ad bar, which can be quite distracting. Emma also explores Telly's potential as a social hub, testing features like Zoom and fitness apps while noting some hardware limitations. The team discusses whether the trade-offs of free hardware with constant ads are worth it, touching on privacy concerns and user experience.

Transportation writer Andy Hawkins, an e-bike advocate, discusses his thrilling experiences with electric cargo bikes, exploring how they can replace car trips for errands and even school runs. He shares insights on the growing popularity of cargo bikes, fueled by improved tech and pandemic demands. Meanwhile, reporter Lauren Feiner dives into the Google ad tech remedies trial, unpacking the monopolistic practices, government demands, and the complexities of competition in the digital advertising world. It's a mix of cycling innovation and courtroom drama!

Liz Lopatto, a technology reporter at The Verge, dives into the complexities surrounding TikTok's potential deal in the U.S., emphasizing the influence of political ties like Trump’s and figures such as Larry Ellison. She explores TikTok's long regulatory saga, revealing how its future hinges on U.S. licensing and algorithmic choices. The conversation also touches on the impact of creators, competition from platforms like Reels, and the risks of user migration. Along with gadget news and upcoming tech trends, it's a whirlwind of insights into the evolving media landscape.

Mia Sato, a technology reporter for The Verge, dives into YouTube's bold shift towards livestreaming, exploring its new commerce features and AI tools. Hayden Field shares insights on the necessity for clearer AI terminology and engages in lively discussions about social media quirks, including Threads. Jake Kastrenakes joins the conversation with David's summer takes on media frustrations and the potential of self-driving cars. Expect a mix of humor and tech-savvy banter that highlights the future of content creation and consumption.

This week’s discussion kicks off with a look at FCC chair Brendan Carr’s controversial tactics, including the fallout from a Jimmy Kimmel joke. The hosts dive into Meta's latest smart glasses featuring a built-in display and impressive battery life. They also critique a cringeworthy AI demo from Meta. In the lightning round, they cover Reddit’s new AI collaboration with Google, intriguing tech partnerships, and the backlash against Samsung’s decision to embed ads in smart fridge displays.