Version History

This podcast features Chris Grant, a gaming writer known for his insights into hardware and culture, alongside Stephen Totilo from GameFile.news, who provides in-depth historical context. The conversation focuses on the quirky Power Glove, exploring its ambitious yet flawed design and how it paved the way for future motion control technology. They recount personal experiences with the glove, its infamous adoption hurdles, and its surprising cultural impact, including its role in 'The Wizard' movie. The discussion wraps up with its lasting legacy and potential nostalgia-driven comebacks.

Kyle Chayka, an author and journalist focused on internet culture, explores the nostalgic world of AOL Instant Messenger. He dives into how AIM transformed teenage social interactions with its signature buddy lists and away messages. The discussion highlights the app's innovative features and its surprising rise and fall, all while reminiscing about its emotional impact. Chayka and the hosts reflect on AIM's lasting legacy in modern messaging and debate whether we miss AIM itself or the era it represents.

Nilay Patel, a renowned technology journalist at The Verge, and Walt Mossberg, a veteran tech columnist, delve into the dramatic history of the iPhone 4. They share how it was famously lost in a bar and leaked by Gizmodo, igniting a media frenzy. The discussion covers the phone's groundbreaking features like the Retina display and antenna issues that sparked the 'you're holding it wrong' meme. They also evaluate its legacy in smartphone design and culture, ultimately declaring it worthy of a Hall of Fame status for its profound impact.

Victoria Song, a tech reporter from The Verge specializing in wearables, and David Imel, a tech writer and host from Waveform, delve into the intriguing saga of Google Glass. They explore its ambitious vision and the early hype surrounding it, discussing the infamous 'Glasshole' backlash that hindered its acceptance. Their conversation highlights Glass's innovative yet flawed design, its pivot towards enterprise use, and its lasting impact on modern AR technology, emphasizing the right idea launched at the wrong time.

Marina Galperina, a curator and commentator, Sarah Jeong, a journalist, and Mia Sato, a writer, dive into the cultural impact of Vine, the groundbreaking short-form video platform. They discuss the creative constraints that shaped Vine's aesthetic and how its looping format fostered discoverability. The trio reflects on memorable Vines and their creators, the tension between Vine's executives and its talent, and the unexpected cultural legacies that emerged. From iconic memes to political outreach, they explore how Vine's influence still resonates in today’s creator culture.

Nilay Patel and Sarah Jeong, both esteemed technology journalists, dive into the legacy of LimeWire. They share personal piracy memories and examine how services like LimeWire reshaped copyright law. The discussion highlights significant legal battles, including the Grokster decision and its implications for file-sharing. They also explore LimeWire's eventual shutdown and the rise of legal streaming platforms. The conversation wraps up with a look at LimeWire's modern attempts at brand revival in the era of NFTs.

Allison Johnson, a former Amazon employee and tech writer, and Sean O’Kane, a savvy tech journalist, dive into the fascinating failure of Amazon's Fire Phone. They explore how the ambitious features like Dynamic Perspective and Firefly, designed to revolutionize shopping, ultimately fell short. The duo discusses Jeff Bezos' hands-on approach, pricing blunders, and the questionable app ecosystem that hindered user experience. Their insights reveal why this high-profile flop serves as a cautionary tale about innovation without direction.

Nilay Patel, a veteran technology writer, and Victoria Song, a tech journalist with a knack for user experiences, delve into Microsoft’s Zune. They explore how Zune boasted WiFi, an elegant UI, and social features but ultimately faltered against the iPod. The duo shares personal anecdotes about its quirky design and marketing while dissecting Zune's technical limitations, flawed software, and the impact of smartphones. They also ponder what could have turned the Zune into a success and its lasting cultural echoes.

Join Chris Grant, a games journalist with insider knowledge, and Ash Parrish, a cultural commentator sharing her personal Guitar Hero journey, as they delve into the phenomenon that rocked basements everywhere. They discuss how a small team, combined with a unique guitar controller, launched Guitar Hero into viral fame. Explore the game's impact on music culture, the evolution of gameplay, and its legacy in the age of YouTube. Will Guitar Hero get a modern reboot? Tune in to find out!

Allison Johnson, a technology journalist, and Victoria Song, a writer and podcaster, delve into the nostalgic charm of the Sony Watchman, the portable TV that revolutionized on-the-go viewing in 1982. They discuss its innovative flat display tube that redefined screen technology and share personal memories of how it shaped family viewing habits. The hosts analyze Sony's marketing strategies and public reactions, debating whether the Watchman deserves recognition in tech history. Join them as they explore the fascinating journey of this iconic gadget!