The Vergecast

Kylie Robison, an AI reporter for The Verge, discusses recent contrasting viewpoints from AI leaders Sam Altman and Dario Amodei on the technology's future. Will Poor sheds light on the ShakeAlert system for earthquake detection, highlighting its potential and challenges. Allison Johnson joins to evaluate the iPhone's new Camera Control feature, asking if it truly speeds things up. It's a lively conversation blending AI prospects, technology innovations, and practical insights for everyday tech users.

A lively discussion kicks off with Apple’s latest gadgets, including the disappointing iPad Mini. The conversation soon shifts to the intriguing advancements in AI, featuring Anthropic's capable chatbot Claude. As Apple unveils iOS 18.2, there's skepticism about its new features and the company’s marketing strategies. The hosts humorously dissect the complexities of using Siri and HomeKit. T-Mobile faces backlash over unhonored deals, while the Boox Palma 2 e-reader garners excitement for its updates. Legal battles in the AI realm add to the mix.

The Verge's Victoria Song joins the show to talk about her year of testing smart rings, and which of the many new options is the one you should buy. Then Chris Welch takes us through his testing of the new hearing health features for Apple's AirPods, including the surprisingly intense hearing test you can take right on your phone. Finally, Andrew Webster helps us answer a question on the Vergecast Hotline: why doesn't Apple buy Nintendo, and what would happen if it did?Further reading: We tested six smart rings, and there’s a clear winner Oura Ring 4 review: still on top — for now Apple’s AirPods Pro hearing health features are as good as they sound Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 could forever change how people access hearing aids Super Mario Run hands-on: like Mario, just simpler Microsoft’s Phil Spencer says acquiring Nintendo would be ‘a career moment’ Email us at vergecast@theverge.com or call us at 866-VERGE11, we love hearing from you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Cogen, a tech YouTuber and creator of TheUnlockr channel, shares his journey of becoming a coffee shop owner with Coffee Check in Brooklyn. He discusses the balancing act of content creation and entrepreneurship, the challenges of maintaining viewer engagement while running a café, and how he integrates coffee culture into his videos. Cogen reflects on the rewards and struggles of this dual life, revealing insights into navigating burnout and preserving authenticity in both his YouTube content and coffee shop experience.

Panos Panay, an Amazon executive renowned for his leadership in the Surface team at Microsoft, discusses the future of e-readers and the exciting new Kindle lineup. He reveals details about the first color Kindle and the Kindle Scribe’s AI features that transform note-taking. The conversation dives into how these innovations aim to connect with new generations of readers while maintaining the essence of traditional reading. Tech news also touches on the latest gaming nostalgia with new devices and the ongoing evolution in the industry.

James Cridland, a long-time podcast industry journalist and founder of Podnews.net, dives into the fascinating origins of podcasting, tracing its evolution from a clunky term to a mainstream phenomenon. He discusses the pivotal events of 2004 that coined 'podcast' and examines the growth and current dynamics of the industry. The conversation highlights the divide between high-budget and independent productions and speculates on podcasting's future amidst the evolving media landscape.

Meet twin brothers who transformed their love for mini golf into a viral sensation on TikTok! They share their whimsical journey, from navigating quirky challenges on the green to mastering social media engagement. Discover their creative content strategies and how they've turned putt-putt into a thriving venture without losing the fun. Plus, insights on monetizing competitive mini golf and building community through captivating tournaments make for an entertaining listen!

Lauren Feiner, a legal reporter specializing in Google's antitrust battles, joins the hosts to unravel the complexities of Google's legal challenges. They discuss the aggressive stance the DOJ is taking against Google, revealing plans that could potentially lead to a breakup of the tech giant. The conversation dives into the implications for competition in the search engine market and innovative app distribution. Other intriguing topics include exciting new gadgets like Nintendo's Alarmo clock and the evolving role of AI in workplaces.

Ben Sandofsky and Sebastiaan De With, co-founders of Lux Optics and creators of the Halide app, dive into what modern photography means in the AI era. They discuss the balance between capturing authentic photos and the allure of AI enhancements. Allison Johnson reveals her experiment with AI photo editing, exploring the emotional tension between memory and manipulated images. The conversation also touches on the ethical implications of AI in photography, prompting reflections on authenticity and the true nature of visual storytelling.

Hosts discuss Microsoft's new AI Copilot, pondering what an AI companion should really do. They dive into OpenAI's impressive funding while exploring the latest gadgets and the dramatic upheaval in the WordPress community. Quick updates on the merger between Dish and DirecTV, as well as Nintendo's crackdown on emulators, keep the conversation lively. The farewell celebration for a co-host mixes nostalgia with laughter, rounding out a thoughtful take on the evolving tech landscape.