The Vergecast

Paul Bennun, a game developer known for pioneering audio-only games like Papa Sangre, discusses the unique world of sound-driven gaming. He highlights how innovations like binaural audio and the iPhone 4 transformed this genre. Bennun shares insights on designing engaging gameplay experiences that prioritize sound over visuals. He also delves into the storytelling potential of audio-only games, emphasizing their artistic value and accessibility. Listeners will discover the exciting evolution and future possibilities within this immersive gaming landscape.

The hosts dive into Apple's latest iPad event, showcasing exciting new models and the game-changing M4 chip. They debate the controversial removal of the headphone jack and Apple's evolving role in creativity amid tech critiques. The streaming landscape is front and center, with humorous takes on Disney's competitive moves and the implications of subscription models. Expect insights on potential mergers, gaming industry shifts, and a lively discussion on tech’s impact on creativity. This conversation is packed with both humor and in-depth analysis.

Riley Testut, founder of AltStore and developer of the Delta game emulator app, discusses his decade-long journey to get Delta into the App Store. He shares insights on overcoming Apple’s restrictions and the emotional rollercoaster of development. The conversation also covers the launch of AltStore in Europe and how new EU regulations are shaping app distribution. Additionally, they explore the role of AI in voice recording, including the effectiveness of tools like Cleft Notes and future trends in tech devices.

Exploring the world of speedrunning through touch, the podcast delves into the Nintendo 64 controller crisis affecting speedrunners. It follows the quest of a speedrunner to recreate a lost controller, highlighting challenges, gameplay precision, and competitive glitch exploitation in the speedrunning community.

The hosts dive into the Rabbit R1's underwhelming performance, blending humor with critique of its flawed marketing. They discuss the shifting landscape of AI and wearable tech, highlighting the challenges between innovation and practicality. The financial entanglements of tech giants like Google and Apple are examined, especially in relation to user privacy. Electric vehicle infrastructure issues and LinkedIn's new gaming features add to the mix. Finally, laughs abound as they explore quirky features like audio emojis in phone calls.

Allison Johnson, a technology writer at The Verge with expertise in smartphones, and Alex Heath, a technology reporter specializing in Meta, discuss the evolution of AI gadgets. They debate whether devices like the Humane AI Pin and Rabbit R1 should exist as standalone gadgets or apps. Alex provides insights into Meta's ambitious AI plans, including their multimodal smart glasses and the Llama 3 AI model. The conversation highlights how smartphones remain the ultimate AI device while exploring the future of wearables and smart technology.

The hosts dive into President Biden's new legislation mandating a potential TikTok sale amid rising concerns over its influence. They debate the implications for users and explore possible acquisitions by tech giants like Microsoft and Apple. Discussions about the rise and fall of Tesla reveal the company's recent flops and ambitious AI plans. The conversation also touches on an intriguing gadget launch at the TWA Hotel and the evolving landscape of smart glasses, tackling both excitement and skepticism in tech advancements.

Lauren Feiner, a technology reporter for The Verge, discusses the latest tech policy developments in Congress, particularly the rapidly evolving legislation on TikTok, privacy, and AI. Actor Tye Sheridan and visual effects artist Nikola Todorovic dive into their company, Wonder Dynamics, which is pioneering AI-driven tools to enhance filmmaking. They explore how these innovations can make cutting-edge visual effects accessible to indie filmmakers while tackling the ethical implications of AI in creative storytelling.

The hosts dive into the exciting world of game emulators, celebrating the arrival of the Delta emulator on Apple's App Store. They humorously navigate the evolving app store landscape and speculate on its future. Meanwhile, Google's merger of Android and hardware teams raises eyebrows about AI's influence on tech giants. The viral realm of AI-generated images adds a light-hearted twist, while TikTok's evolving features and potential regulations spark lively discussions. From retro gaming to futuristic tech, it’s a fun ride through the latest in culture and innovation!

Join Josh Dzieza, a Verge reporter who investigated the undersea cable industry, as he reveals the hidden world that keeps our internet connected. He discusses the laborious process of laying and maintaining these vital cables. Tom Warren and Joanna Nelius dive into the competitive future of Arm chips in laptops, with Microsoft aiming to surpass Apple’s performance. Meanwhile, Alex Cranz answers listener inquiries about the latest in e-readers, spotlighting new Kobo devices and offering tips on the best e-readers available now.