Allison Johnson and Dominic Preston from The Verge share their insights on the innovative smartphone designs showcased at Mobile World Congress 2025, including bold camera concepts and AI integration. Kevin Rose and Justin Mezzell discuss reviving Digg, highlighting the role of AI in creating more engaging social networks while reminiscing about its influential past. They explore how modern tech can foster better community interactions, blending nostalgia with innovative strategies for user engagement.
Mobile World Congress 2025 showcased innovative smartphone features and designs, sparking discussions about their real-world applicability for consumers.
The revival of Digg aims to leverage AI for improved community engagement and moderation while prioritizing transparency over user manipulation.
Concerns regarding the poor state of home printing technologies highlight the challenges manufacturers face in creating quality products amidst market demands.
Deep dives
Exploring iPad Models
The discussion revolves around the latest iPad models, including the new iPad Mini, iPad Air, and M4 Pro, aiming to determine which would be the best choice for consumers. The speaker, David Pierce, acknowledges that despite having access to various iPads for review, he believes that the base model may be the most suitable for the majority of users. He expresses a conflict between reviewing the newer models and reconciling his thoughts on the best value for the average consumer. This contemplation is complicated by his engagement with gameplay on these devices, leading to a humorous reflection on how this influences his productivity.
Insights from Mobile World Congress
The Mobile World Congress (MWC) is highlighted as a significant event for mobile technology, showcasing innovative smartphone ideas despite a dip in excitement in previous years. The conversation with team members Allison Johnson and Dominic Preston sheds light on various new concepts, including laptops with unconventional designs and fresh smartphone features. While some product launches, like the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, received praise, many new devices felt iterative rather than revolutionary. The hosts express curiosity about the relevance of these concepts to everyday consumers, questioning whether manufacturers genuinely intend to bring these innovations to market.
The Future of Digg
The plans for reviving Digg illustrate a keen awareness of the lessons learned from past social networks, with a focus on community building and integrating AI. Kevin Rose and Justin Metzl, key figures in this initiative, emphasize the importance of moderator support and enhancing community engagement without replacing human interaction. They aim to develop tools that streamline moderation while fostering a culture where community input helps shape the platform's direction. The discussion highlights a commitment to transparency and integrity within the platform, contrasting with the perceived negligence seen in other social media environments.
Innovation in Mobile Gadgets
Several innovative gadgets catch attention at MWC, with particular interest in concepts like advanced camera attachments for smartphones. One notable example is the collaboration between smartphone manufacturers and camera designers, resulting in lenses that enhance mobile photography without sacrificing convenience. Other unique ideas include the AI-driven Noonel phone, which creates a digital avatar of the user for personalized interactions, although its practical implementation raises questions. The excitement for these gadgets reflects a longing for imaginative solutions while also acknowledging the skepticism about their eventual market release.
Challenges in Home Printing
A listener raises concerns about the subpar state of home printing technology, suggesting that companies like Apple could innovate in this space. The podcast discusses the complexities surrounding the printer market, which involves a cycle of poor-quality products and expensive ink. The general consensus is that consumer demand and market dynamics have led to a situation where developing high-quality printers is financially unfeasible. Insights from Framework’s CEO point to the broader issues within the industry, highlighting the challenges that arise when trying to balance quality with profitability.
In this episode, what's old is new again, and what's new is... AI again. The Verge's Allison Johnson and Dominic Preston join David to discuss their experience at Mobile World Congress 2025, where they saw the latest devices from Xiaomi, Samsung, Realme, and others — and found themselves confronted with some big, surprising new ideas about how our smartphones should look and work. After that, Kevin Rose and Justin Mezzell talk about the process of bringing Digg back, and how AI can improve the way social networks operate. Digg got a lot of things right two decades ago, and plans to do it all over again now. Finally, we answer a question about printers from the Vergecast Hotline (call 866-VERGE11 or email vergecast@theverge.com!), with some help from Framework CEO Nirav Patel.
