The Vergecast

Tara Kalmanson, Senior Product Manager at The Verge, shares insights on the website's ambitious redesign, launched in September. She and the hosts discuss the challenges of fostering community engagement in today's distracted digital landscape. They explore the balance between innovation and privacy in web development, emphasizing the importance of user experience. The conversation also highlights strategies for maintaining content integrity amidst changing social media dynamics and the role of user feedback in shaping future enhancements.

Apple's latest hardware event unveiled an array of exciting products, including the new iPhones, Watches, and AirPods. The innovative Dynamic Island feature promises to transform user interaction, while the impressive 48-megapixel camera offers advanced photography capabilities. The iPhone 14's emergency satellite connectivity highlights Apple's focus on safety. With advances in the Apple Watch Ultra's tracking technology, the company's push into health and fitness continues. The discussion also touches on Apple's market strategies and evolving consumer trends.

The hosts dive into Apple's upcoming product releases and their impact on the tech landscape. They debate the company's ventures into automotive and gaming, questioning whether these are wise moves. A deep dive into the potential shifts in leadership sheds light on the future direction under Tim Cook's successors. The discussion touches on Apple's dual identity as a privacy advocate while navigating the advertising space. Challenges in search engines and the evolution of wireless technology are also explored. Can Apple innovate while maintaining consumer trust?

In this discussion, technology journalist Casey Newton, renowned for his insights on Twitter, dives into some of the hottest topics in tech. He shares the excitement and skepticism surrounding Twitter's long-awaited edit button, examining its risks and benefits after nearly two decades without it. The conversation also highlights Snap's recent decision to lay off 20% of its workforce and rethink its direction amid fierce competition. Finally, they explore innovative gaming with Logitech's new cloud handheld and its potential impact on the gaming market.

We're sharing an episode of Land of the Giants: The Facebook / Meta disruption, a collaboration between Recode and The Verge.Meta’s most expensive acquisition ever and one of the most used communication apps in the world: WhatsApp. With over 2 billion users, WhatsApp is embedded in the social, economic, and political infrastructure of countries across the globe. For better and worse. The story of WhatsApp’s incredible power, as told through its largest market: India.NOTE: There are descriptions of graphic acts of violence in this episode. If you want to skip these descriptions, the section begins at 20:45 and ends at 22:05. Hosted by Shirin Ghaffary (@shiringhaffary) and Alex Heath (@alexeheath) Subscribe for free. Be the first to hear next week's episode by hitting the plus sign in your favorite podcast app Follow @recode and @verge for more coverage of Meta and Big Tech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The hosts dive into the chaos at Twitter, discussing whistleblower claims and Elon Musk's ongoing drama. Excitement builds around Apple's upcoming iPhone 14 reveal and its new rugged Apple Watch model. Streaming news heats up as HBO celebrates a record premiere for 'House of the Dragon' while content creation faces tough challenges. Plus, there's buzz about YouTube TV's new feature allowing multi-channel viewing and a sneak peek at the innovative Sonos Optimo 2 speaker set to enhance home audio experiences.

Alex Kranz, a Contributor to The Verge, dives into the world of the Elgato Stream Deck, a gadget packed with customizable buttons that streamline user interactions. Discover creative hacks that elevate productivity and explore how users adapt old devices for similar functionalities. The conversation also reveals key remapping software alternatives, showcasing how these tools enhance everyday tech interactions, from video editing to smart home controls. It's a button-loving adventure for those looking to improve efficiency!

The discussion kicks off with the launch of Android 13 and its implications for users. The Galaxy Watch 5 faces scrutiny for its battery life in a smartwatch showdown. Vertical video wars heat up as Instagram steps up its game against TikTok. A look into the auto industry reveals frustrations with EV charging and a bizarre choice in vehicle sound design. And amidst the chaos of digital media, creators grapple with the challenges of content distribution across platforms. Overall, it's a rollercoaster of tech news and innovation battles!

Dan Seifert, Deputy Editor at The Verge, dives into the latest trends in mobile technology and answers listener questions about Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Z Flip 4. The discussion highlights the practicality of folding smartphones and their real-world applications. They also delve into the social dynamics of messaging platforms, particularly the impact of 'green bubbles.' Plus, a stress test of the Google Pixel Buds Pro showcases their impressive performance, while a review of the Ford F-150 Lightning reveals both its innovative features and tech challenges.

The hosts dive into the latest from Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked event, featuring the polished Galaxy Z Flip 4 and the improved Galaxy Z Fold 4. They debate the practicality of foldable phones, while also discussing Samsung's advances in smartwatches with the Galaxy Watch 5. The merger between HBO Max and Discovery Plus sparks a humorous critique of streaming services. Additionally, the conversation touches on the rise in Disney Plus pricing and the technology advancements of Ethereum's proof-of-stake switch, all wrapped in engaging banter.