Joining the discussion are Allison Johnson, a tech reviewer from The Verge, who dives into the Samsung Galaxy S25, highlighting its lack of groundbreaking features. Cooper Quintin, from the EFF, sheds light on privacy issues surrounding popular apps like TikTok and RedNote. Jennifer Pattison Tuohy offers insights into the Meta Portal, revealing its impact on family connections during the pandemic. The conversation touches on the future of smartphones, the stagnation in innovation, and the urgent need for better data privacy regulations.

This week, the conversation dives into the surprising rise of DeepSeek, an AI that rattled Silicon Valley and the stock market. The hosts debate potential killer apps for AI and examine how people are actually using these technologies in their daily lives. Humor contrasts with serious discussions about the challenges in AI copyright and trustworthiness. The lightning round covers topics like the unexpected comeback of the Pebble smartwatch and Meta's financial maneuvers, all served with wit and insight.

Victoria Song, a fitness and tech reporter at The Verge, shares insights on achieving New Year's fitness goals without the pressure. She discusses the importance of realistic expectations and entertaining fitness apps that motivate users. Anna Valtonen, a design professor with a history at Nokia, highlights the company's innovative legacy and the significance of preserving design history. Together, they explore how embracing enjoyable fitness activities and celebrating small wins can reshape our approach to exercise.

Allison Johnson, a reporter at The Verge, covers the Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event, where excitement around the Galaxy S25 Edge is tempered by disappointments in upgrades across the lineup. Lauren Feiner, policy reporter, dives into the Trump administration's tech maneuvers, including a TikTok ban delay and AI executive orders. The conversation shifts to Netflix's strategy in the evolving streaming wars, the competitive landscape of AI with Google's new advancements, and the future of smart home innovations, offering a mix of serious insights and light-hearted banter.

Jacob Feldman, a reporter covering the business of sports at Sportico, discusses the rise and fall of the Venu sports streaming service. He reveals how this platform aimed to consolidate sports viewing but never launched due to various challenges. Kevin Nguyen, deputy editor at The Verge, shares tips on boosting reading habits in a digital age, emphasizing productive use of time that often gets lost in scrolling. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of sports consumption and the importance of adapting reading strategies amidst distractions.

Ash Parrish and Andrew Webster from The Verge dive into the buzzing launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, unpacking its features and what remains a mystery. They discuss the blend of nostalgia and innovation, as well as the anticipated launch titles. Adi Robertson then switches gears to the dark clouds over TikTok, exploring the political implications of a potential ban and its impact on social media. An engaging conversation unfolds around ownership dynamics and the future of free speech on the internet.

Lauren Feiner, a reporter for The Verge covering TikTok's legal scuffles, dives into the urgent implications of the impending TikTok ban in the U.S. She discusses the Supreme Court's role and what might happen next. Everette Taylor, CEO of Kickstarter, shares insights on the platform's evolution and its impact on the creator economy by 2025. The conversation also touches on the rise of magic-link logins, the pitfalls of passwords, and how technology can better support creators, blending innovation with community engagement.

Allison Johnson, a consumer electronics expert; Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, a smart home specialist; and Victoria Song, a wearables analyst, share their insights on CES 2025. They highlight quirky gadgets like robotic vacuums with arms and whimsical phone toasters. The discussion also delves into the evolution of smart glasses and the challenges of integrating AI in everyday tech. The atmosphere is lively as they reflect on the practicality of this year's innovations amid a subdued CES landscape, inviting listeners to laugh while contemplating the future of gadgets.

Join experts like Josh Jezza, a tech journalist covering undersea cables, and Riley Testa, founder of AltStore, as they dive into fascinating tech topics. They discuss the critical role of undersea cables in global connectivity and explore the challenges of app development in the iOS ecosystem. Alison Johnson shares insights on smartphones as ultimate AI gadgets, while Roland Allen examines the cultural significance of notebooks. Ben Sandofsky and Sebastian DeWitt reveal the artistry behind the Halide camera app, and they all reflect on the fast-evolving world of tech.

Join Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, a smart home tech reporter, and Paulus Schoutsen, creator of Home Assistant, as they dive deep into Matter, the new smart home protocol. They discuss its potential to unify devices and the hurdles still faced in interoperability. With lighthearted banter, they share personal stories while tackling challenges users encounter. Plus, enjoy a fun game segment that connects tech terms to holiday cheer! Listen in for insights on the future of smart homes and the delightful chaos of navigating this evolving landscape.