The Vergecast

This holiday compilation features insights from various tech experts. Josh Jezza discusses the hidden world of undersea cables, crucial for global internet connectivity. Riley Testa shares the journey of creating the Delta emulator app and its evolution into AltStore. Alison Johnson explores the role of smartphones in AI. Roland Allen reflects on the history of notebooks, while Ben Sandofsky dives into the impact of technology on photography with the Halide app. Finally, Charlie Harding analyzes AI's role in music and its legal implications, making for an engaging holiday listen.

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.

Join Chris Grant, a gaming industry expert, along with reporters Victoria Song and Kylie Robison, as they delve into Google's ambitious AI and XR innovations, including Gemini 2.0. They discuss its potential and challenges, bringing fresh perspectives on the future of tech. Chris also shares exciting insights on the gaming industry's next big hits—GTA VI and the Nintendo Switch 2—exploring their cultural impact and what players can expect. Lastly, Helen Havlak reveals her unique method of planning gardens with Figma, blending design with nature.

Joanna Stern, a Wall Street Journal columnist renowned for her tech reviews, joins the discussion about the tech landscape of 2025. They explore the future of major tech players like NVIDIA and Google, especially how regulations might shape their paths. The conversation shifts to the impacts of technology on children and the evolving streaming service market, spotlighting platforms like Peacock. With humor, they anticipate innovations in autonomous vehicles, gaming, and social media, while engaging listeners in playful predictions and the whimsical quirks of AI.

Richard Lawler, a technology journalist at The Verge, joins the hosts to dive into the latest in AI. They unpack Google's Gemini 2.0, exploring its multimodal capabilities and the challenges it faces in real-world applications. The conversation steers to OpenAI's twisty release of Sora, a new AI tool for Reddit. They also touch on the iOS 18.2 update and how advancements are shaping digital services. Finally, the group humorously debates the rapid evolution of social media and tech, including YouTube's growth and TikTok's market troubles.

Helen Havlak, the Publisher of The Verge, joins Nilay Patel to discuss the recent launch of their subscription model. They dive into the pricing strategy and the complexities of ad-free podcasts. The conversation emphasizes the challenges facing journalism today, including the need for transparency and maintaining journalistic integrity while balancing revenue sources. They also explore the evolution of podcast advertising and the behind-the-scenes process involved, all while acknowledging listener feedback and plans for engaging the audience in the future.

In this lively discussion, guest Joanna Stern, a Wall Street Journal columnist and consumer tech expert, joins the hosts to share bold predictions for 2025. Topics include the potential acquisition of TikTok by Walmart and the fragmented future of social media. They debate the fate of smart home devices, tackling everything from algorithm control to the skepticism surrounding smart tech's trajectory. With humor and insight, they bounce ideas about AI advancements and the tech landscape's evolution, all while keeping an eye on who will score the most accurate predictions.

Kylie Robison, a Senior AI reporter, joins the conversation to dissect the lowering stakes of AGI and the latest innovations from OpenAI. She shares insights on the public's indifference toward AGI's advancements and Sam Altman's surprising claims that AGI might matter less than expected. The discussion humorously navigates the chaotic world of streaming services mimicking cable TV, along with the challenges of AI reliability, including pitfalls in misinformation from tools like ChatGPT.

Thomas Ricker, The Verge's van life correspondent, shares thrilling tales from life on the road, discussing tech like the Starlink Mini and the versatile Peak Design backpack. He dives into practical upgrades for winter adventures in his converted Sprinter van. Andrew Marino showcases the latest portable microphones perfect for creators, comparing models and their audio quality. The duo highlights innovations in outdoor gear, emphasizing how technology enhances the overall outdoor experience.

Jay Peters, News editor at The Verge, shares insights on Google's monopoly ruling and raves about 'Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.' Jake Kastrenakes discusses the burgeoning AI landscape and the Weim Ultra amp. Justine Calma highlights the US election's impact on nuclear energy and the inspiring 'Nurse Unseen' documentary. Vjeran Pavic dives into the Apple Vision Pro headset and the sleek Fujifilm X100VI camera. Meanwhile, Ash Parrish examines the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 and GTA VI, alongside industry challenges. A lively blend of tech and personal favorites in 2024!