Version History

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!

Great news for paid subscribers: enjoy your favorite podcasts completely ad-free! The host breaks down how to easily opt-in for this benefit. For those not subscribed yet, there’s a simple sign-up process to access exclusive perks, including ad-free content. Don’t miss out on the seamless listening experience!

Joanna Stern, a technology columnist known for her engaging consumer tech commentary, and Nilay Patel, a tech journalist with deep insights into messaging history, dive into the fascinating story of BlackBerry Messenger. They explore how BBM revolutionized texting with features like read receipts and group chats, its peak popularity, the cultural impact among users, and eventual decline as competitors arose. The duo also discusses missed opportunities and what BlackBerry could have done differently to maintain its relevance in the tech landscape.

Andrew Hawkins, a technology reporter known for his insights on consumer electronics, and Sean O'Kane, a journalist with in-depth coverage of the hoverboard trend, dive into the fascinating rise and fall of hoverboards. They discuss the conflicting origin stories behind their popularity, how influencer culture catapulted them into the spotlight, and the alarming safety issues that followed. The conversation touches on the debate over their potential as last-mile transportation and whether nostalgia could bring them back into fashion.

Your favorite people from The Verge and beyond are here to explain and debate the legacy of tech's biggest, weirdest and worst ideas. We'll talk about everything from BlackBerry to Vine, from Fire Phones to hoverboard fires. And we'll induct the very best into the Version History Hall of Fame. Come hang out with us on Sundays, starting October 5. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices