It’s time for the 11th Annual Upgradies, where the hosts celebrate their favorite tech and entertainment of 2024. They dish out awards for top apps like ShareShot and Delta, while also recognizing the impact of Audio Hijack. The discussion spans innovative password management and immersive experiences in Vision OS. Gaming highlights include Astro Bot and Bellatro. They passionately debate films and shows like 'Inside Out 2' and 'Shrinking', alongside tech favorites such as the M4 MacBook Pro and new sleep tech.
The 11th Annual Upgradies celebrates a decade of community engagement and growth, reflecting on the journey of the event.
The hosts introduced a comprehensive list of nominees for the Upgradies to enhance listener engagement and content exploration.
Recognition of the entire production team behind the Upgradies highlights the collaborative efforts that contribute to the podcast's success.
Flighty and Delta's wins in their respective categories exemplify the growing interest in innovative apps within the iOS and gaming landscapes.
Deep dives
Celebration of the Upgradeys
The episode celebrates the 11th Annual Upgradeys Awards, marking a decade of this unique event. The hosts reminisce about the origins of the Upgradeys, recalling the humble beginnings and expressing gratitude for the journey they've had. The significance of this anniversary is emphasized, as they acknowledge the growth of their community over the years. It's a moment of reflection on the excitement of what started as a fun idea and blossomed into a cherished tradition among their listeners.
New Nomination Format
For this year’s awards, the hosts introduce a new approach to nominations by committing to include a comprehensive list of nominees in the show notes. This change aims to enhance listener engagement by allowing them to easily find and explore the various nominees discussed during the episode. The hosts express their enthusiasm for this new feature, highlighting the value of providing listeners with a better way to connect with the content. This modification reflects a thoughtful effort to improve the listening experience and keep fans informed.
Recognition of the Team's Efforts
The hosts take a moment to appreciate the larger team behind the production of the Upgradeys, acknowledging various contributors such as web designers, audio editors, and social media managers. Each individual's role in making the podcast successful is highlighted, demonstrating a sense of community and collaborative effort. Specific shout-outs to team members are shared, emphasizing how these contributions have played a crucial part in the podcast's consistent quality. This recognition fosters a warm and inclusive atmosphere, showing that the Upgradeys is not just about the awards but also about the people who make it happen.
Best Overall iOS App
During the voting for the best overall iOS app, Flighty emerges as the clear favorite among listeners. Flighty is praised for its real-time flight tracking capabilities, with hosts noting its impressive data integration that delivers valuable insights during air travel. They reminisce about its impressive features, such as delay predictions and the Apple Watch app, considering it a must-have for frequent travelers. This recognition further reinforces Flighty's standing in the iOS ecosystem, showcasing its commitment to providing top-notch service and innovation.
Best Newcomer iOS App
The category for best newcomer iOS app features a lively discussion on various nominations, with Delta making a significant impact as the most popular choice. Delta, an emulator app, has gained traction for its ability to revive classic gaming experiences, showcasing a strong user base and impressive functionality. The hosts engage in a friendly debate over the merits of different apps, with enthusiastic endorsements highlighting the excitement surrounding newly launched technology. Ultimately, Delta's win signifies the growing interest in mobile gaming and innovative applications.
Best Overall Mac App
In the race for the best overall Mac app award, Pixelmator Pro takes home the honors after much discussion among the hosts. Its excellent design and user-friendly interface make it a standout choice for graphic design enthusiasts, appealing to both casual users and professionals alike. The hosts reflect on its capabilities and why it deserves recognition, emphasizing the ongoing evolution of software within the Mac ecosystem. This win solidifies Pixelmator Pro's reputation as a top-tier app that consistently meets users' needs.
Apple's Vision Pro as a Tech Story
The Vision Pro comes up again as a focal point in discussions about favorite tech stories of the year. The hosts articulate how the Vision Pro's anticipation and eventual unveiling has been a significant event within the tech community, marking Apple's ambitious leap into the mixed-reality space. There is acknowledgement of the varied opinions surrounding the Vision Pro, highlighting both its promise and the challenges it faces moving forward. The narrative around the Vision Pro encapsulates broader themes of innovation, expectation, and consumer response in today's tech landscape.
AI and its Discontents
The topic of artificial intelligence emerges as a contentious issue, with the hosts discussing both its potential and its pitfalls. They reflect on the mixed responses toward AI, addressing the disappointment felt by users when expectations do not align with reality. The conversation also touches on the importance of responsible AI implementation and how technology should support rather than hinder users. This nuanced discussion aims to foster a better understanding of AI's role in society and how it can evolve moving forward.
It's time for the 11th Annual Upgradies! Myke and Jason discuss their favorites of 2024, take the input of many Upgradians, and hand out awards in numerous categories! Only the finest will walk away with the most coveted of titles: Upgradies Winner.
This episode of Upgrade is sponsored by:
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Data Citizens Dialogues: Unpacking the importance of data and its impact on the world. Listen now.
