Victoria Song from Ray-Ban shares her experience with the new Meta smart glasses, while Sean Hollister and Kyle Wiens discuss right-to-repair legislation. The podcast covers topics such as design and style of consumer smart glasses, limitations and drawbacks, excitement over augmented reality, and the repairability of gadgets like Valve's Steam Deck. They also discuss the need for interchangeable batteries and speculate on the release of smart glasses from major manufacturers.
The recently passed Right to Repair Act in California requires manufacturers to provide repair resources, promoting a more robust repair marketplace.
Manufacturers face the challenge of making delicate devices easily repairable without compromising design, balancing accessibility and performance.
The lack of response from many manufacturers highlights the need for further education and advocacy to promote repairability and consumer-friendly approaches.
The Che2 wireless charging standard, expected to be compatible with a wider range of devices, offers reliable connection and faster charging speeds.
Deep dives
California's Right to Repair Act
The recently passed Right to Repair Act in California requires manufacturers of electronic devices costing over $50 to make tools, parts, software, and documentation available for repair. The law aims to ensure that consumers and independent repair shops have access to the same resources as authorized service providers, promoting a more robust repair marketplace. While some companies have embraced the new law and are actively working to comply, many manufacturers remain silent, showing resistance to providing the necessary resources. The Right to Repair movement sees this legislation as a significant victory, but believes there is still work to be done in making devices more easily repairable and extending their lifespan.
The Challenge of Repairing Small Electronics
Repairing small electronics poses unique challenges, particularly for devices like AirPods. While legislation has made repairability a requirement, manufacturers face the task of making these delicate and integrated devices more fixable without compromising their design. Companies must balance accessibility to repair tools and parts while maintaining the compact form and performance of their products. Achieving a balance between easy repair and innovative design remains a goal for the Right to Repair movement, urging manufacturers to prioritize both repairability and technological advancements.
Variable Response from Manufacturers
Despite the Right to Repair Act in California, many manufacturers have not been proactive in providing the necessary components and support for repair. Some companies, such as Samsung and Microsoft, have embraced the changes and are making parts directly available to consumers, while others have remained silent or resistant. The lack of response from many manufacturers highlights the need for further education and advocacy to promote repairability. The right to repair movement sees this as an opportunity for companies to adopt more consumer-friendly approaches and contribute to a thriving repair ecosystem.
Balancing Repairability and Complexity
The tension between repairability and complex design is a notable challenge faced by manufacturers. While some devices, like the framework laptop, are intentionally designed for easy repair with modular components, others, such as Microsoft's Surface devices, strike a balance between accessibility and more intricate construction. Each approach offers different advantages in terms of component density and overall design. As the right to repair movement continues to push for greater accessibility and repairability, manufacturers must find ways to optimize both functionality and ease of repair in their products.
Introduction to Che2 and MagSafe
Che2 is a wireless charging standard that features a ring of magnets, similar to MagSafe. However, while MagSafe is exclusive to Apple devices, Che2 is expected to be compatible with a wider range of devices. It offers the benefits of reliable connection and faster charging speeds, addressing the finicky nature and slow charging of traditional wireless chargers.
Status of Che2 Certification and iPhone Support
While the Che2 standard has been announced and is anticipated to be certified soon, no official Che2 devices have been certified yet. The new iPhones have stated future Che2 support, but certification is still pending. It is expected that Che2 chargers and iPhone support will be available in the coming months, providing users with the benefits of magnetic wireless charging.
Timeline for Che2 Availability on Android Devices
The exact timeline for Che2 availability on Android devices is uncertain. However, it is logical to expect that Android manufacturers will start adopting Che2 in the near future, potentially in the upcoming year. Pipeline development and manufacturing processes may determine when Che2 will be integrated into Android devices, but it is highly likely that Android phones will support Che2, offering compatibility with a wider range of magnetic chargers.
The Verge’s Sean Hollister and iFixit’s Kyle Wiens join the show to discuss the latest legislation in the right to repair and what’s next for the future of fixing your own gadgets.