The Vergecast

Charles Pulliam-Moore, a film & TV reporter at The Verge, discusses HBO's adaptation of The Last of Us, highlighting its narrative depth and emotional impact. Historian Margaret O'Mara examines the legacy of non-compete clauses in Silicon Valley and their role in fostering innovation. Sean Hollister tackles listener questions about USB-C hubs, while Jen Toohey dives into the challenges surrounding voice assistants and their understanding of natural language. The conversation blends entertainment with valuable insights into tech and media.

Alex Heath, a tech reporter known for his insights into the industry, joins to discuss the latest Apple announcements, including the M2 MacBook Pros and a revamped HomePod. They dive into the spec improvements, battery life, and marketing critiques. The conversation also navigates the chaotic transformation of Twitter under Elon Musk, exploring its impact on employees and social media. Additionally, they touch on the evolving role of AI in journalism and the implications of emerging platforms on traditional media.

Monica Chin, Senior reviewer at The Verge and laptop specialist, shares exciting insights from CES 2023, discussing innovative models like Lenovo's dual-screen laptop and gaming advancements. Joining her is Victoria Song, who delves into FDA regulations affecting health technology, highlighting quirky gadgets like a urine-scanning sensor and analyzing the challenges of bringing health tech to market. Together, they explore how both laptops and health tech are evolving in response to consumer needs and regulatory landscapes.

Joining the conversation are Alex Cranz, a tech reporter known for her gadget insights, Dan Seifert, an Apple expert, and Richard Lawler, who covers mobile and social media technology. This week, they dive into Apple's rumored touchscreen Mac and how it might reshape user experience. They also discuss leaked images of the Samsung Galaxy S23 and the upcoming Unpacked event, reflecting on design innovation—or lack thereof. Additionally, they touch on evolving trends in streaming and the right-to-repair movement in agriculture.

The hosts dive into the coolest tech from CES, featuring a color-changing car and a bizarre vacuum-suction OLED TV. They spotlight the Matter protocol, enhancing smart home device connectivity and user experience. Tune in for updates on Samsung's innovative smart technology and LG’s impressive OLED features. A fully wireless 55-inch television makes waves, sparking debates on battery management and wall mounting. The conversation also explores Sony's shift towards automotive tech, showcasing imaginative concepts like the electric Peugeot Inception.

CES 2023 is bursting with excitement! Sony and Honda unveil their new electric car brand, Afeela, while BMW reveals an EV sports sedan that talks back. The latest in television tech shines with LG's wireless OLED and Samsung's AI upgrades. Roku steps into the TV market, and TCL emerges as a gaming powerhouse. Evolving personal computing is highlighted by Lenovo's dual-screen laptop and AMD's powerful new processors. Plus, a quirky discussion on single-use shower pods leaves everyone pondering the future of tech.

Join former Bluetooth SIG executive director Mike Foley as he shares insights from his pivotal role in launching Bluetooth 3.0. The hosts engage in a lively Bluetooth Jeopardy game, showcasing their tech knowledge while humorously exploring the quirks of Bluetooth technology. Topics range from the evolution of wireless audio and challenges in the headphone market to the corporate politics behind Bluetooth standards. Foley reminisces about Bluetooth's journey from niche to necessity, highlighting future prospects and the balance between innovation and standardization.

The hosts dive into Apple's potential shift towards allowing third-party app stores on iOS, sparking innovation debates. Elon Musk's latest antics, including being booed at a live show, draw attention to his controversial Twitter tenure. The streaming wars might be losing their luster as major platforms cut back on content. Meanwhile, discussions swirl around legal challenges in the tech world, particularly regarding crypto's evolving landscape and Apple's compliance with new regulations.

The discussion dives into the streaming giants of 2022, analyzing who thrived and who faltered. Netflix faces tough competition and adapts its content strategy amid financial challenges. Disney+ undergoes strategic shifts under Bob Iger’s leadership, raising questions about content quality. HBO Max merges with Discovery Plus, shaping its future identity. Amazon Prime struggles with high-profile adaptations while Hulu navigates complex ownership. Amidst rivalries, the hosts inject humor into the conversation, making for an engaging exploration of the ever-evolving streaming landscape.

Hadley Robinson, a producer at The Verge, dives into the resurgence of livestreaming, exploring its unexpected popularity across platforms. They discuss a basketball player's transition from the court to engaging livestreams, revealing fresh monetization strategies. The conversation highlights the evolution of livestreaming from early webcam days to the booming live shopping trend, particularly in America. With humor and insights, they dissect how interactive experiences are reshaping content creation, audience engagement, and consumer behavior in today's digital landscape.