The Vergecast

Adi Robertson, a senior reporter at The Verge specializing in tech law, and Tom Warren, a senior editor with deep insights into Apple controversies, dive into the first week of the Epic Games v. Apple trial. They discuss why Epic is spending its own money to challenge Apple in court and share Tim Sweeney's bold vision of a metaverse. The episode highlights critical issues such as Apple's App Store monopoly, antitrust implications, and the ongoing debate over in-app purchase regulations that could reshape the gaming landscape.

Nilay Patel is joined by Verge deputy editor Dan Seifert and news editor Chaim Gartenberg to discuss i0S14.5, Apple's earnings, Epic vs. Apple, chip shortages, and Samsung's new laptops.Senior reporter Ashley Carman joins the show to talk about the wave of action in the podcast industry this past week.Further reading: People who are vaccinated don’t need to wear masks during many outdoor activities, CDC says Social media platforms become triage centers as India struggles with a COVID-19 surge The first problem was vaccine supply. Now, it’s demand. Officials lift pause on Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine iOS 14.5 is out now with new Face ID mask features and Apple’s App Tracking Transparency Why Apple’s new privacy feature is such a big deal Apple’s iPhone 12 and Mac sales skyrocket despite ongoing pandemic Here’s who Apple and Epic are calling to testify in next week’s trial Eddy Cue wanted to bring iMessage to Android in 2013 Apple fined $12M by Russian regulator over App Store monopoly abuse Can Apple get you to pay for podcasts?  Spotify launches podcast subscriptions, but you can’t subscribe in-app Spotify’s miniplayer for Facebook launches today Facebook is building its own in-app podcast player Clubhouse is partnering with the NFL for draft week programming SiriusXM acquires Roman Mars’ 99% Invisible and a bigger stake in the podcasting world Spotify is raising prices for lots of its plans Spotify premium subscriber count increases 21 percent to 158 million Spotify is okay with Joe Rogan telling 21-year-olds not to get vaccinated Samsung’s new Galaxy Book Pro and Galaxy Book Pro 360 are lightweight laptops with OLED screens Samsung announces a cheaper entry-level Galaxy Book with no OLED Samsung’s Galaxy Book Odyssey introduces Nvidia’s new RTX 3050 Ti Elon Musk says Tesla made ‘significant mistakes’ with solar roof project Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chaim Gartenberg, Verge news editor with a keen focus on Apple, and Makena Kelly, Verge politics reporter specializing in tech regulations, dive into Apple's latest product announcements. They dissect the vibrant new M1 iMac and iPad Pro, highlighting their innovative features. Kelly sheds light on congressional hearings aimed at regulating the App Store, discussing implications for developers and antitrust dynamics. The conversation balances excitement over Apple's advancements with critical insights into the brewing regulatory challenges ahead.

The hosts tackle LG's poignant exit from the smartphone market, reflecting on its battle with competitors like Samsung. They eagerly speculate about Apple's upcoming Spring Loaded event, predicting exciting new gadgets. The Sonos Roam is put under the microscope, praised for its sound and portability, despite some shortcomings. Discussions also spark on the evolving landscape of streaming devices and the quirky challenges of charging technology. Together, they weave humor into their insights on tech's current dynamics.

Vergecast is on vacation this week, so instead we'll share an episode of Land of the Giants from our friends at Recode.Land of the Giants is a podcast that explores the five biggest tech companies and their impact on our world, and this season is all about Google.The episode we're sharing tells the story of how two grad school students with a unique way to search the internet launched a company that would become the gateway to the internet for the entire world.In the rest of the season, Land of the Giants: The Google Empire will cover issues like Google’s relationship with the government, the origins of their antitrust troubles, and what their future may look like as they face off against Congress and the Biden Administration.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Seifert, deputy editor at The Verge, shares insights about upcoming Apple products and rumors, particularly focusing on the much-anticipated AR headset and new iPads. Ashley Carman, a senior reporter, dives into the rise of Clubhouse and its competitors, discussing the evolving landscape of social audio platforms. The conversation also touches on digital advertising privacy challenges with Google's FLoC initiative, highlighting the tension between user tracking and privacy. Together, they navigate the future of tech and audio communication.

Allison Johnson and Makena Kelly join the discussion, where Allison offers insights into the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro, praising their camera capabilities and how they stack up against other flagship smartphones. Makena dives into the recent congressional hearing with tech giants like Zuckerberg and Dorsey, highlighting their responses to critical questions about misinformation and regulation. The conversation is a captivating blend of cutting-edge tech reviews and timely political discourse, showcasing the intersection of innovation and policy.

Julia Alexander, a Verge reporter specializing in streaming, dives into the much-anticipated Snyder Cut of Justice League, discussing its unique 4:3 aspect ratio and the broader implications for HBO Max's streaming strategy. Andrew Hawkins, a senior reporter on transportation, explores the exciting developments in electric vehicles and e-bikes, including Senator Chuck Schumer's cash-for-clunkers proposal and the need for better EV infrastructure. Together, they unpack the evolution of film and transportation in today's tech landscape.

In this discussion, Elizabeth Lopatto, Verge's deputy editor and NFT expert, unpacks the NFT phenomenon, explaining its unique ownership models and impact on the creative economy. Dan Seifert, also a deputy editor, provides insights on the latest gadgets, including the Sonos Roam Bluetooth speaker and the Asus ROG Phone 5. Their conversation spans topics like the environmental concerns of NFTs, the merging of audio technology with cars, and the shifting consumer preferences driven by the pandemic.

This discussion dives deep into the implications of Section 230 on its 25th anniversary, including calls for reform from Senator Klobuchar. Experts debate the balance between stricter antitrust measures and maintaining free speech on major platforms. The challenges of monopoly power in tech are examined, revealing how they affect content moderation and user choice. The conversation highlights the need for thoughtful legislation in an evolving digital landscape, underscoring the complexities of online communication and the risks posed to marginalized communities.