The Vergecast

Greg Stewart, CEO of Ladder, shares insights into building a successful strength training app. He discusses the challenges of catering to diverse user needs, from playlists to coaching styles. The conversation also touches on the competitive landscape with brands like Peloton. Meanwhile, the hosts conduct a lively microphone showdown, testing popular headphone models in a noisy Brooklyn setting, highlighting noise cancellation and clarity. They also delve into the role of AI in fitness summaries, examining user perceptions and the limitations of current technologies.

Victoria Song, Jennifer Pattison-Tuohy, Mia Sato, and Allison Johnson, all technology journalists at The Verge, explore the whimsical world of tech inspired by movies and TV. They draft their favorite fictional gadgets, like the TARDIS and Jarvis, highlighting both nostalgic charm and practical aspirations. The discussion ranges from advanced home security tech to humorous fantasies like self-sustaining kitchens and food replicators, reflecting on how imagined innovations could enhance everyday life while poking fun at the limitations of current technology.

Adi Robertson, a Senior reporter at The Verge specializing in AI and copyright law, dives into the recent court victories for Meta and Anthropic. She unpacks the implications of these rulings for the AI landscape and copyright challenges. Exciting discussions include the nuances of fair use in AI training data and what the outcomes mean for traditional authors. The conversation also touches on Meta's innovations in wearable tech and how these legal battles will shape future technology and creativity in the industry.

Andy Hawkins, Senior Reporter at The Verge, sheds light on Tesla's recent robotaxi launch, discussing the mixed community reactions and implications for self-driving technology. He compares this rollout to competitors like Waymo, emphasizing the need for public trust. Allison Johnson, Reviews Editor, delves into the world of mobile virtual network operators, sharing insights on their advantages and the market landscape. They tackle everything from Trump Mobile to practical tips on optimizing iPhone storage. It's a tech-filled conversation worth tuning into!

Dominic Preston, a mobile technology reporter at The Verge, joins the conversation about the ambitious launch of Trump Mobile and its T1 Phone, unraveling the challenges and skepticism surrounding the project. The trio discusses why celebrity-driven mobile carriers are on the rise and critiques budget Android phones imitating luxury brands. They also explore the roaring shift from cable to streaming services, examining how platforms are reshaping the TV landscape and the implications for traditional media in an ad-rich world.

Join Andrew Webster, who reviewed Nintendo products for The Verge, as he shares his week-long experience with the Nintendo Switch 2. He discusses how it meets expectations but feels slightly underwhelming. Ash Parrish, a game tester, offers her travel insights with the Switch 2 and the new Asus ROG Xbox Ally, highlighting console innovations. Sean Hollister breaks down the rising costs of gaming consoles and their economic implications, pondering whether they remain a worthy investment.

Joining the conversation is Jake Kastrenakes, a staff writer at The Verge, known for his insights on tech trends. They dive into the exciting launch of the Switch 2, now the fastest-selling console, and explore Microsoft's strategy for its new handheld Xbox devices. The discussion teases out the evolving landscape of portable gaming. They also tackle AI's influence on web traffic and the future of smartphones, all peppered with humor and sharp critique of corporate media behaviors.

Allison Johnson, Senior Reviews Editor at The Verge, and Victoria Song, Senior Reporter there focusing on wearables, join the discussion to unpack Apple's WWDC 2025 announcements. They cover the intriguing Liquid Glass design and its implications for user experience. Insights into the new Spotlight features highlight its efficiency, while the innovative Workout Buddy aims to enhance fitness motivation. Their engaging banter and personal anecdotes add humor, making the tech talk both informative and entertaining.

Joanna Stern, a personal technology columnist at The Wall Street Journal, joins the discussion to unpack the upcoming Apple WWDC. The team analyzes Apple's regulatory challenges and what innovations might actually come through amidst legal pressures. They also chat about the eagerly awaited Nintendo Switch 2 and the quirks of acquiring one. With a sprinkle of AI gadget news and reflections on smart glasses, the conversation highlights the evolving tech landscape and user expectations.

Andrew Green, CEO of 12South, discusses the company's ambitious journey to create the PowerCord, an attempt at the elusive 'God Cable' that promises to simplify charging for all devices. Meanwhile, Tina Nguyen, a reporter at The Verge, dives into her experience at Bitcoin 2025, highlighting the surprising intersection of cryptocurrency and politics, especially in relation to the Trump administration. They also tackle the ongoing debate about the role of AI in managing our daily tasks, prompting listeners to consider what responsibilities we should delegate to technology.