The Vergecast

Judner Ora, known as UrAvgConsumer, is a tech reviewer who makes gadgets relatable for everyday users. In this conversation, he and Dieter Bohn dive into the similarities between the Google Pixel 5 and the nostalgic Nexus 5. They discuss how smartphone designs have evolved, focus on camera advancements, and share users' frustrations with audio features. Judner reflects on his early YouTube challenges and how authenticity has shaped his content, all while highlighting the growing importance of making tech accessible to everyone.

The hosts dive into Google's latest hardware announcements, including the much-anticipated Pixel 5 and its camera capabilities. They debate the predictability of the recent tech event compared to rivals like Apple. The discussion touches on the new Chromecast with Google TV, its features, and how it fits into the streaming landscape. The Nest Audio smart speaker gets compared to Sonos amidst legal battles. Listeners also get insights into the challenges Google faces with product launches and app management amid ongoing supply chain issues.

Joanna Stern, a senior personal technology columnist at The Wall Street Journal, delves into the Apple Watch Series 6 alongside co-host Dieter Bohn. They discuss the watch’s impressive blood oxygen sensor and its role in wellness, sharing their humorous takes and personal experiences. Joanna highlights the challenges of video reviews and the complexities of evaluating the multitude of watch variants. They also reflect on the evolving landscape of tech reviews and the impact of sudden software updates during the review process.

The hosts dive into Amazon's latest innovations, including a quirky Ring security drone that flies indoors. The new Echo devices feature a fresh spherical design and faster Alexa capabilities. They also discuss the launch of Luna, Amazon's cloud gaming service powered by advanced hardware. Privacy concerns surrounding smart home tech and the implications of a mesh network system are examined. In addition, advancements like Wi-Fi 6 and iOS 14's customizable widgets spark creativity in the tech landscape.

Cherlynn Low, Reviews editor at Engadget, dives into the intricacies of Microsoft's Surface Duo, a device caught between a phone and tablet. She discusses its unique identity challenges and compares it to competitors like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2. The trio also debates the importance of camera quality versus overall performance in smartphones. Cherlynn shares insights on software quirks and the evolving Android experience, while evaluating the Duo's strengths and areas for improvement amid the fast-paced tech landscape.

Nicole Wetzman, a science reporter at The Verge, joins the discussion to analyze Apple's latest tech announcements. They dive into the Apple Watch Series 6, spotlighting its blood oxygen monitoring feature marketed for wellness rather than medicine. The conversation also touches on Apple’s new fitness subscription service, the iPad Air's impressive specs, and the competitive landscape for the PS5, which is poised to launch at $499.99. Additionally, the Oculus Quest 2 is introduced as an affordable VR option, set to innovate gaming experiences.

Dr. Natalie Dean, an assistant professor of biostatistics at the University of Florida, dives deep into the complexities of COVID-19 vaccine development. She discusses the importance of vaccine efficacy and public confidence in vaccination efforts. The conversation explores how age affects vaccine responses and highlights the logistical challenges of distribution. Dean also emphasizes the role of transparency in navigating the overwhelming flow of information, crucial for building trust in public health measures during the ongoing pandemic.

The hosts dive into the extravagant success of Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 2 and Microsoft's intriguing Surface Duo, highlighting both their specs and software challenges. They discuss the advancements in Android 11 and the excitement surrounding next-gen gaming with the Xbox Series X and S, noting impressive processing power at competitive prices. Additionally, they analyze the implications of digital ownership in gaming and anticipate an exciting Apple event featuring 5G technology, all while navigating the complex landscape of consumer electronics.

Marc Levoy, a former engineer at Google and current Adobe Fellow, dives into the evolution of computational photography. He discusses his transition to Adobe and innovations transforming smartphone cameras. The conversation touches on the ethical responsibilities in photo editing, especially with deep fakes and sensitive imagery. Levoy also explores the future of imaging technology, balancing innovation and authenticity, and how algorithms can enhance photographic realities while raising questions about viewer perception and content integrity.

Chaim Gartenberg and Chris Welch, technology writers for The Verge, delve into the latest gadget news, from IFA 2020 to Intel's 11th Gen Tiger Lake CPUs. They discuss Apple and Google's COVID-19 tracking app and the challenges of vaccine skepticism. Also, hear about NVIDIA's powerful RTX 3080 and 3090 graphics cards, and the innovative gaming experiences brought by Nintendo's Mario Kart Live. The conversation includes insights on foldable phones and Qualcomm's advancements in true wireless earbuds, showcasing the tech world's rapid evolution.