The Vergecast

In this episode, Hayden Field, a staff member at The Verge with a keen insight into technology, joins the discussion. They dive into the recent controversies surrounding Apple’s product launches, especially the AirPods Pro 3 and their missing charging cable. The conversation heats up with bold takes on AI's future, including the sustainability of OpenAI's model and the societal implications of AI companions. They also consider the challenges faced by platforms like Reddit and the quirks of modern gadgets like Canon's latest camera.

Joining the conversation are Allison Johnson, a tech reporter at The Verge focused on the new iPhone Air and 17 series, Victoria Song, who dives into the allure of AirPods Pro 3 and new Apple Watch models, and Jake Kastrenakes, sharing his firsthand experience at an Apple event. They explore the excitement around the striking orange iPhone 17 Pro, discuss the cutting-edge camera features and advancements in smartphone technology, and highlight the appeal of Apple's latest wearables, all while reflecting on the chaos and excitement of product launches.

Jen Pattison Tuohy, a tech journalist based in Berlin, shares exciting innovations from the IFA trade show, including a remarkable stair-climbing robot vacuum and smart home advancements. Lauren Feiner, a senior policy reporter, discusses the recent Google antitrust ruling that affirms Google's dominance with minimal restrictions, raising questions about market competition. The conversation also covers the future of AI in home automation and the balance between innovative gadgets and practicality in everyday life.

Allison Johnson chats with Simon Anthony and Mark Goodliffe, world-class puzzle champions and hosts of Cracking the Cryptic, as they discuss the surge in online puzzle games and share insights on their unique Sudoku variants. They delve into the community dynamics that make puzzle-solving a shared joy and the difference between handcrafted and digital puzzles. Later, Marc Levoy, VP at Adobe and a pioneer in computational photography, introduces his new camera app, Project Indigo, and explains the nuances of HDR technology in smartphone photography.

Allison Johnson, a senior reviewer specializing in tech gadgets, and Victoria Song, an expert in consumer technology, join Richard Lawler, a senior news editor. They delve into their experiences with the innovative Pixel 10, including impressive AI-driven call translations and 100x zoom photography. The trio also tackles juicy tech news—Dish's struggles in the telecom space, Intel's government stake, and Elon Musk's lawsuit against Apple. They cap things off with a lively discussion on K-Pop Demon Hunters, Taco Bell's AI drive-thru, and a quirky delivery robot.

Join Jordan Drake and Chris Niccolls from PetaPixel, along with Vjeran Pavic and Dominic Preston, as they dive into the fascinating world of unconventional cameras and the latest tech innovations. They discuss the quirky design elements of early digital cameras that sparked nostalgia and the rise of smartphones competing in the photography space. The group also tackles listener questions about choosing compact smartphones, the dizzying array of options, and the emotional attachment to devices like the iPhone Mini. Get ready for a blend of tech insights and humor!

Discover the latest Pixel 10 lineup, including powerful AI features like ProRes Zoom that transform photography. The episode also dives into quirky event highlights and the chaotic atmosphere of tech launches. Learn about the innovative Pixel Watch 4 and Fitbit's personalized AI health coach. Plus, enjoy a lighthearted discussion on Chipotle’s whimsical drone delivery concept. These tech-savvy hosts keep things entertaining with rapid-fire insights on various emerging trends and shifts in the digital landscape.

Colin Angle, co-founder of iRobot and now working on Familiar Machines, teams up with Grant Erickson, a former engineer at Apple and Nest, to explore the quest for the ultimate home robot. They discuss the reality of creating a Rosie the Robot and the evolving role of AI in homes. Grant shares insights on the Thread protocol's significance in smart home connectivity and how it laid the groundwork for the Matter standard. The duo also delves into data privacy concerns and the importance of intuitive design in enhancing user experience.

The team dives into the rocky debut of GPT-5, highlighting its incremental updates rather than the groundbreaking changes everyone expected. They share whimsical stories about their vibe coding projects, including recreating nostalgic games. The new segment, Corporate Shenanigans, humorously rates bizarre tech company antics, particularly Apple’s legal escapades. They also debate the pros and cons of smartwatches and reflect on the quirky nostalgia of AOL dial-up, while cautioning against overestimating chatbot intelligence.

Ken Fairbanks, CEO of Insteon Technologies, shares how he revived the smart lighting company after its bankruptcy, highlighting customer loyalty and the pitfalls of industry tariffs. His journey sheds light on what it takes to keep a company afloat in the evolving smart home space. Smart home expert Richard Gunther joins to answer listener questions about smart lighting, from moving setups to selecting the right devices. The duo explores the balance between traditional and modern smart home technologies, making the case for community-driven solutions.