790: Wandering Around The Verge, with David Pierce
Mar 30, 2025
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David Pierce, Editor-at-Large at The Verge, shares his rich insights into the tech landscape, especially around Apple products as we approach 2025. He discusses his favorite hardware and productivity tools, particularly the excitement around Mac Whisper and NotePlan. Their chat dives into Apple's struggle with innovation versus profitability, touching on the challenges of Siri and evolving user relationships with devices. To lighten things up, David humorously recounts his adventures with a SodaStream, mixing tech talk with bubbly anecdotes.
David Pierce discusses the disappointment of users due to Apple's shift away from producing larger iMacs, highlighting a lack of hardware innovation.
The podcast explores the intersection of AI technology with search engines and journalism, emphasizing its impact on information retrieval and productivity tools.
Pierce shares how networking and mentorship shaped his career in tech journalism, illustrating the importance of seizing unexpected opportunities.
Deep dives
Introduction of David Pierce
The episode features a guest, David Pierce, editor at large for The Verge, who shares insights about his work and the state of technology journalism. The conversation begins lightheartedly, with jokes about the coincidence of joining two Davids on the show. This introduction sets a friendly tone as the hosts express admiration for Pierce's creative intros on his podcast, The Vergecast, while also discussing various topics related to technology.
The Transition of Apple's Product Line
A discussion revolves around Apple's shift away from producing larger iMacs like the 27-inch model, resulting in challenges for users who feel abandoned as they can no longer upgrade their systems. The hosts recount personal experiences of having to break the news to family members and friends that new versions of beloved products likely won't be forthcoming. Insights about users’ disappointment reveal a broader sentiment towards the lack of new hardware innovations, particularly in the realm of desktop computing.
AI's Impact on Tech Journalism
The conversation transitions to how AI technology intersects with search engines and journalism, referencing Pierce's past writings on the topic. The hosts plan to explore the implications of AI on search functions and user experiences. Sparks and Pierce discuss their personal experiences with productivity tools featuring AI capabilities, indicating a shared interest in understanding how these technologies might change the landscape of information retrieval and digital workspaces.
The Challenges of Being a Tech Journalist
Pierce shares his unique journey into tech journalism, detailing how a cold email to New York Times columnist David Pogue became a pivotal moment in his career. He highlights the unexpected connections that can significantly shape one's professional life, emphasizing the importance of seizing opportunities. This reflects the broader theme of networking and mentorship in the journalism field, as he credits Pogue with introducing him to other influential figures in the industry.
User Experiences with Apple's Product Ecosystem
The hosts discuss the mixed feelings surrounding Apple's ecosystem, particularly regarding products like the Mac Mini and the Apple Watch. They address common user questions about ideal RAM configurations and the overall performance of different models. The dialogue highlights the evolving perspective on whether Apple's offerings genuinely meet the needs of their customer base, especially as technology becomes increasingly demanding.
Personal Product Recommendations
The episode concludes with Pierce sharing personal recommendations, including workout apps like Bend and Fantasy Hike, which creatively engage users in physical activity tracking. These apps reflect his appreciation for tools that enhance everyday experiences, such as Seltzer apps that simplify users' access to hydration solutions. This light-hearted segment showcases how technology influences daily routines, while also encouraging self-care through enjoyable activities.
David Pierce is Editor-at-Large at The Verge. This week, he talks with Stephen and David about the hardware and software he relies on for work, the overall state of Apple in 2025, and his complicated feelings about his new SodaStream.
