Steffi Xiao, an Internet culture reporter, shares her insights on the rise of Xiaohongshu (Red Note) as an alternative to TikTok, fueled by American users seeking cultural exchange. David Pierce, Editor at The Verge, discusses the Fediverse as a potential solution to social media concerns, emphasizing user control and decentralized interactions. They explore the challenges of censorship, data privacy, and the evolving dynamics between American and Chinese users, highlighting the humorous critiques and genuine connections blossoming in this new digital landscape.

In this conversation, David Pierce, co-host of Vergecast and editor-at-large for The Verge, dives into the complexities of workplace software. They discuss how AI is reshaping productivity tools and the challenges that come with modern collaboration methods, including the frustrations with platforms like Slack. The duo reflects on the enduring popularity of Excel and how the pandemic has altered communication dynamics. They also speculate on the future of AI in the workplace and its potential to revolutionize how we manage tasks and data.

Nilay Patel, David Pierce, and Alex Cranz talk about the state of USB-C, play USB-C Price is Right, interview the CEO of Nomad Goods, and discuss the frustration and confusion surrounding USB-C devices. They also discuss USB-C prices, play games to test their knowledge of USB-C, and talk about the evolution and challenges of USB-C as a standard connector.

Tech journalist David Pierce from the Vergecast joins the hosts to discuss productivity apps. They explore the transition from basic alarm clocks to advanced tools, the importance of reminders in task management, and the benefits of hybrid task apps. The lively debate on productivity apps, integration with Google Calendar, and optimizing task management with AI hardware adds depth to the conversation.

David Pierce, a tech journalist exploring innovative solutions, investigates whether YouTube videos claiming to rescue wet phones using sound actually work. He shares insights on the mechanics of water removal and the effectiveness of these viral methods. Alex Heath, a tech reporter specializing in augmented reality, then joins to discuss the upcoming AR glasses from Snap and Meta, delving into their competitive strategies and market implications. The duo also explores the broader tech landscape, including the implications of AI competition.

Today on the flagship podcast of transformers (both the movie and the AI thing): 03:46 - The Verge’s Victoria Song, Chris Welch, Allison Johnson, and David Pierce discuss using the new features and tools in beta versions of Apple’s watchOS 10, tvOS 17, iOS 17, and iPadOS 17. 28:36 - The Verge’s James Vincent joins the show to discuss how we should think about using the popular vocabulary terms in AI like GPT, LLM, transformers, hallucinations, etc. Are we using them the right way? Does it matter how we use them? 54:20 - David is joined by The Verge’s Ash Parrish and Polygon’s Chris Plante to share the video games they are most excited about after a string of announcements from Nintendo, Sony, Microsoft, Ubisoft, Summer Game Fest, and others. 1:25:46 - We answer a question from the Vergecast HotlineEmail us at vergecast@theverge.com, or call us at 866-VERGE11, we love hearing from you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Verge's David Pierce, Nilay Patel, and Alex Cranz discuss results from our AI survey, this week's AI news, our Apple Mac Pro review, and more.Later, Adi Robertson and Tom Warren join the show to discuss the latest in the FTC v. Microsoft trial, including what Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella had to say on the stand. Hope, fear, and AI  AI is killing the old web, and the new web struggles to be born ChatGPT on iOS now comes with Bing built-in Ads for major brands are appearing on AI-generated spam sites House restricts congressional use of ChatGPT AI-generated tweets might be more convincing than real people, research finds Apple Mac Pro M2 Ultra review: a powerful computer in search of an audience The AirPods Max are getting left behind, so are new Apple headphones coming this year? Reddit mods are calling for an ‘affordable return’ for third-party apps Plex lays off more than 20 percent of its staff Ford’s F-150 Lightning price hikes are costing it customers TikTok’s new feature asks creators to make branded videos for a chance at ad money FTC v. Microsoft: all the news from the big Xbox courtroom battle  The FTC’s case against Microsoft could turn into Xbox vs. PlayStation Has Xbox really lost the console wars?   Microsoft exec was ready to ‘go spend Sony out of business’ to strengthen Xbox Email us at vergecast@theverge.com or call us at 866-VERGE11, we love hearing from you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verge journalists discuss Humane's AI Pin, OpenAI's DevDay, GPT-4 updates, revenue models for AI apps, the new Steam Deck, and companies improving devices like the Switch OLED and Steam Deck 2.

Tech journalist David Pierce from The Verge, along with Alex Cranz and Sean Hollister, discuss the best handheld consoles for gaming needs. They review Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch OLED, Sony PlayStation Portal, Asus ROG Ally, and a knockoff GBA SP. Later, Victoria Song tests smart glasses and headsets. They review Razer Anzu, Ray-Ban Meta, Amazon Echo Frames, Meta Quest 3, and Apple Vision Pro. David also answers a question from the Vergecast Hotline about North Focals glasses.

The Verge's Nilay Patel, Alex Cranz, Allison Johnson, and David Pierce delve into Apple's WWDC event, discussing new AI features for iPhone and Mac, RCS support on iPhones, iOS 18 updates, iPadOS 18 improvements, watchOS 11 features, macOS Sequoia, AirPods enhancements, VisionOS 2 updates, and more innovative announcements from Apple.