This Week in Tech (Audio) TWiT 1049: Gas Station Lafufu - Apple's Pumpkin Spice Orange & Influencer Era
Sep 15, 2025
Victoria Song, a Senior reviewer at The Verge, delves into the latest innovations in wearable health tech, while Jason Hiner, Editor-in-chief at ZDNet, shares insights on the impacts of AI in search and social media. Dan Patterson, from Blackbird AI, discusses the challenges of narrative manipulation in politics, especially in places like Nepal. They humorously debate Apple’s product designs and explore the rise of micro dramas and tiny vinyl, connecting nostalgia with modern media trends, all while navigating the complexities of today’s tech landscape.
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Apple Doubled Down On Design, Not AI
- Apple positioned this event around design and refinement rather than big AI breakthroughs.
- That reflected a strategy to sell proven, comforting upgrades to mainstream consumers.
Influencers Slow The Staircase
- Victoria described influencers slowing the spiral staircase while filming and dancing for content.
- She contrasted that production focus with reporters rushing to secure seats and hands-on time.
Wearable Health As Detection, Not Diagnosis
- Apple positions new blood-pressure detection as a 'detection' not diagnosis to avoid regulatory liability.
- The feature compares signals to a baseline and flags anomalies, not giving clinical readings.
