The Vergecast

How tariffs will change your gadgets

315 snips
Apr 4, 2025
Tobias Butler, the founder of Toonshine—a company specializing in lo-fi album art displays—joins the discussion on the impact of tariffs on gadget manufacturing. He shares insights into the complexities that hardware startups face amidst rising costs and trade policy confusion. The conversation also dives into the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, its groundbreaking features, and the evolving dynamics of tech giants like Microsoft. Expect a mix of industry nostalgia, strategic insights, and light-hearted banter about the tech landscape!
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ANECDOTE

Windows Media Center Memories

  • Nilay Patel and Richard Lawler reminisce about covering Microsoft's Windows Media Center.
  • Microsoft aimed to transform PCs into cable boxes, requiring users to activate cable cards, which cable companies often refused.
ANECDOTE

Xbox 360's Origins

  • The Xbox 360's success stemmed from being a skunkworks project, bypassing Windows and Intel.
  • Jay Allard, its leader, was later ousted for proposing a non-Windows iPad killer.
ANECDOTE

Joy Division Zune

  • Nilay Patel owns a limited edition Joy Division Zune.
  • He cherishes the meticulously designed box by Peter Saville.
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