The Vergecast

Tom Warren, Senior Editor at The Verge, shares insights on the latest tech earnings, including Microsoft's surprising growth and Intel’s ambitious $20 billion investment in Ohio for chip manufacturing. Joining him, technology journalist Casey Newton dives into Spotify's heated controversy over Joe Rogan's podcast and Neil Young's music withdrawal. They discuss content moderation challenges, platform responsibilities, and the economic dynamics that shape the future of both the music and podcasting industries.

Guests Ash Parrish, a Verge games reporter, shares insights into Microsoft's $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision and its potential game-changing impact on the industry. Alex Heath, a senior reporter at The Verge, discusses Google's ambitious plans for an AR headset amidst challenges. Russell Brandom, the policy editor, analyzes the contentious 5G rollout clashes between aviation and telecom giants. Together, they dive into antitrust issues, exploring how these developments influence the tech landscape.

The hosts dive into the FTC's antitrust lawsuit against Meta, exploring its future implications. They discuss the rise and fall of Wordle clones, highlighting the game's unique charm and the controversy over copycat apps. The conversation shifts to gadget news, including the latest on COVID testing efforts and ongoing supply chain issues in the tech industry. With humor and insight, they tackle everything from RCS texting drama to Canon's quirky cartridge decisions, making for an engaging and relevant tech discussion.

This week, tech enthusiasts dive into the exciting highlights from CES 2022. Sony reveals the world’s first QD-OLED 4K TV while Samsung introduces a matte-screen Frame TV that doubles as art. Electric vehicles steal the spotlight with Chevy’s Silverado EV and BMW’s futuristic color-changing technology. Among the quirky gadgets, a hair-coloring device makes waves. The playful banter includes a critique of vaporware in the automotive world and a new modular drink mixer that promises to upgrade home bartending.

Lauren Grush, a space and science journalist, joins the conversation to discuss the highly anticipated launch of the James Webb Space Telescope, highlighting its groundbreaking potential to deepen our understanding of the universe. The team humorously contrasts the telescope’s extensive development and hefty price tag with quirky gadgets announced recently, such as a unique Sony speaker and the nostalgic Analogue Pocket. They also dive into challenges faced by tech companies and the impact of subscription services on the market.

In this discussion, Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, a smart home reviewer at The Verge, and Michelle Mindala-Freeman, Head of Marketing for the Connectivity Standards Alliance, dive into Matter, the new standard aimed at unifying smart home devices. They explore how Matter can simplify compatibility issues and enhance user experiences, drawing parallels to early internet collaboration. The conversation also touches on the importance of security and privacy, as well as the excitement surrounding future devices that will adopt this groundbreaking technology.

The hosts dive into Epic Games' groundbreaking Matrix experience using Unreal Engine 5, featuring insights from Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss. They explore Snap's ambitious AR Spectacles and the complexities of merging augmented reality with the digital landscape. The conversation shifts to gaming as Google brings Android games to Windows, while music streaming dynamics and the rise of wired headphones spark a lively discussion. Additionally, they address privacy concerns in data security and the ever-evolving world of foldable phones.

Dive into the fascinating journey behind the creation of the first real smartphone with insights on the documentary Springboard. Discover the forgotten innovators at Handspring and the challenges they faced in a competitive market. Unpack the rise and fall of Palm, detailing the missteps that led to its decline against the iPhone. Explore the impact of smartphones on culture and daily life, and examine the contrasting strategies of tech giants Apple and Samsung. Plus, discussions on the viability of Linux-based smartphones add to a rich narrative.

Alex Heath, a tech reporter with sharp insights into industry strategies, joins Casey Newton, a tech journalist known for his social media expertise, and Alex Cranz, managing editor at The Verge, to discuss Jack Dorsey's resignation from Twitter and its implications. They dive into the future of blockchain technology and its potential in empowering artists. The conversation also highlights the FTC's lawsuit against Nvidia’s $40 billion purchase of ARM, raising concerns about competition and innovation in the tech landscape.

Nick Weaver, CEO of Eero and a leader in Wi-Fi mesh networking, discusses the future of smart homes with insights on integrating Eero devices with the Ring Alarm Pro. He dives into the significance of emerging standards like Thread and Matter for reliable connectivity and the challenges of transitioning from LTE to 5G. The conversation touches on the evolving landscape of smart home technology and how strategic partnerships are essential for enhancing customer experiences in this rapidly advancing market.