Jason Howell and Zac Hall discuss preferences for watching videos on different devices, the idea of dedicated devices for specific apps, expressions of frustration on social media, and exciting new merchandise. They also explore intriguing tech revealed at CES, including TCL's next paper display and new smart home devices using the Matter and Thread protocols. The podcast concludes with nostalgic memories of watching morning television.
People tend to watch videos on smaller screens like iPhones and MacBooks, even if they have larger TVs for other activities.
The podcast discusses different products announced at CES, such as TCL's Next Paper and Belkin's Auto Tracking Stand Pro, which showcase innovative technology.
Deep dives
Screens for Watching Content
The podcast discusses the different screens that people use to watch content. One speaker mentions having a 75-inch TV but tends to watch videos on their iPhone or MacBook in different locations. Another speaker mentions using an iPad or MacBook Air for quick videos and a 55-inch TV for movie nights. They also mention the concept of matter casting, which allows sending video from Android and iOS devices to Amazon Echo Show devices.
Bespoke AI Hardware
The podcast explores the trend of bespoke AI hardware and mentions different products announced at CES. One of the speakers mentions the humane AI pen, Rewind's pendant, and Rabbit's R1, which are separate devices for interacting with chat GPT and similar applications. They discuss if there is any app on their phone that they would prefer to have as dedicated hardware. Some examples mentioned are a modern iPod for music streaming and a separate device for social media to limit its usage.
Innovations at CES
The podcast briefly discusses some interesting products announced at CES. One speaker mentions TCL's Next Paper, a display that resembles paper and is suitable for reading and interacting with chat GPT. Another speaker highlights Belkin's Auto Tracking Stand Pro, which uses Apple's dot kit API to create a motorized iPhone stand that can track movements in videos. They also mention the Whitting's BMO, a multi-scope device that combines thermometer, ECG, oximeter, and electronic stethoscope functionalities.
Best Way to Point at Screens
The podcast hosts debate the best way to point at things on a screen. One host prefers using a hybrid approach, utilizing both a Magic Trackpad and Magic Mouse, switching between them based on the task at hand. Another host prefers the Magic Trackpad due to the intuitive three-finger drag gesture and appreciates its multi-touch capabilities. The third host, who previously used a trackball, now enjoys using the Magic Trackpad and praises its smooth tracking and ability to control digital audio workstations effectively.
Where and how we watch media; whether any phone app justifies a bespoke hardware piece like Rabbit R1; intriguing tech revealed at CES; and the best pointing device for screens.