Geared Up

This episode of Geared Up dives into the state of Apple Intelligence and the larger implications of Apple's AI strategy - but that's just the beginning. Jon Rettinger and Andru Edwards open with a passionate breakdown of why Apple’s long-awaited foray into AI has become one of its most disappointing product efforts to date. With features like Genmoji and writing assistance that feel underwhelming, and more ambitious tools like Siri’s personal context still missing in action, they argue Apple has lost its AI credibility, and possibly its lead in consumer trust.  But that’s only part of the show. The conversation expands to a fascinating look at the latest iPhone 17 hardware leaks, including the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air and the controversial new visor design. What are the tradeoffs of a 5.5mm thick smartphone? Can Apple maintain battery life and camera quality in such a thin device? John and guest Quinn Nelson dissect what this design direction means, especially for power users and iPhone Max fans. Quinn also shares firsthand insights into the self-driving space with his deep dive into the Comma 3X - a DIY, open-source driving assistant that’s outperforming most built-in systems. He explains how it works, what it’s capable of, and why it represents a fascinating alternative to Tesla’s FSD. This isn’t just theoretical tech - he’s installed it in his Rivian and shares real-world results, strengths, and limitations. Rounding out the episode is an alternate history segment that explores a tantalizing what-if: what if Apple had bought Android in 2005? The discussion considers how mobile tech could have evolved, the role of Samsung, the collapse of competition, and the future of platform control. It’s a blend of speculation and strategy that will fascinate any student of tech history. If you care about smartphones, AI, autonomy, or the decisions that shape the tech industry, this episode packs all of it in. From present-day failures to future visions and speculative histories, it’s one of our most thought-provoking yet.Support the show: http://youtube.com/gearlive/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tech legend John Gruber joins Andru Edwards and Jon Rettinger to unravel the story behind Apple Intelligence and its delayed features in this episode of Geared Up. From early WWDC promises to today's reality, they dissect how Apple got comfortable showcasing features it didn't hav eready, and what that says about their internal culture, marketing strategy, and the future of Siri. Something is Rotten in the State of Cupertino: https://daringfireball.net/2025/03/something_is_rotten_in_the_state_of_cupertino Gruber shares rare behind-the-scenes insights, including his personal evolution in covering Apple and the moment he realized the company had broken a decades-long precedent. The trio also explores the rocky launch of Vision Pro, Apple's approach to foldables, and why Apple Maps is a cautionary tale for Apple Intelligence.Support the show: http://youtube.com/gearlive/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apple is making big moves, and the latest rumors suggest a foldable iPhone is on the way - possibly called the iPhone Ultra! With reports indicating that Apple is working on a book-style foldable design, this could be one of the most significant products in company history. We explore the rumors, including potential specs, design choices, and how Apple’s take on foldables may stand out from the competition with Mark Gurman of Bloomberg. Beyond the iPhone Ultra, Apple is also revamping its entire product lineup. From the latest iPad updates to upcoming MacBook changes, we analyze how Apple’s broader hardware strategy is evolving. Additionally, Apple Intelligence - a key component of the company’s AI push - has faced significant delays. Could this impact Apple’s competitive edge against companies like Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI? On the software side, Apple is planning a massive redesign of iOS 19, iPadOS 19, and macOS 16 this year at WWDC to create a more unified experience. With changes inspired by visionOS, Apple’s approach to UI consistency could reshape how we interact with their devices. But is Apple merging its operating systems too aggressively, or is this the right move to future-proof its ecosystem?Support the show: http://youtube.com/gearlive/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AI has been hyped up like the world’s next superstar athlete, but when it comes time to perform, has it actually stuck the landing? In this episode, we dive into the state of AI today, breaking down what’s working, what’s failing, and how companies like Apple, Google, and OpenAI are shaping the future. We discuss Apple Intelligence, its delayed rollout, and whether Apple’s privacy-first approach is actually hurting its AI capabilities. Plus, what’s going on with AI-generated images, the evolution of Siri, and the battle between Google Gemini, ChatGPT, and Apple’s attempts to keep up. And of course, we analyze whether companies are just slapping "AI" on everything from bird feeders to massage chairs to sell more products. On top of that, we discuss T-Mobile’s partnership with Starlink and the conspiracy theories running rampant about Elon Musk tracking everything. Also, are we witnessing the slow demise of TikTok in the U.S.? Taylor Lorenz joins the discussion to break it all down.Support the show: http://youtube.com/gearlive/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we dive deep into how the iPhone 15 reveals Apple may not have anticipated the rise of AI. Did the company get caught off-guard, and what does this mean for future products? We discuss whether Apple’s frugal hardware approach left them unprepared for the AI revolution. Join us as we break down Apple’s response to AI’s rapid growth, the future of Apple Intelligence, and what this means for upcoming devices like the iPhone SE. Sponsored by Thinkie: Train your brain in under 60 seconds! https://www.thinkiesystem.com  Jon Prosser on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@frontpagetech Andru Edwards on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Andru Jon Rettinger on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/jon4lakers Circuit Breaker: My Weekly Tech Newsletter Support the show: http://youtube.com/gearlive/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Watch the video version: https://youtu.be/1YOi0r3vptQ We dive deep into Apple’s privacy policies and features with exclusive insights from Katie Skinner, Apple’s User Privacy Engineering Manager, and Sandy Parakilas, Apple’s Privacy Product Marketing Lead. Andru Edwards went to Apple Park to get the answers to some of the most pressing questions about privacy, security, and how Apple integrates these elements into every product. As Apple often says, privacy is a fundamental human right, and this video will give you an understanding of how that stance impacts you as an everyday user.We go over key features like App Tracking Transparency, which gives you control over which apps can track your activity, and the detailed privacy nutrition labels that provide transparency about app data usage. From Face ID’s secure authentication to the data minimization principle, Apple is committed to protecting your personal information at every level. We also tackle some common misconceptions head-on. Are apps listening to you all the time? Does Apple store your Face ID and Touch ID data? The conversation also touches on how Apple handles requests from governments for user data and their firm stance on not creating backdoors for law enforcement, reinforcing their commitment to user privacy. When it comes to new features, we get into the privacy assurances of the recently announced Apple Intelligence at WWDC 2024. Learn how these advancements continue to prioritize privacy without compromising on convenience. Whether it’s through on-device intelligence or private cloud compute, Apple ensures that your data is used responsibly and transparently. This video is a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding how Apple is setting the standard for privacy in the tech industry.Support the show: http://youtube.com/gearlive/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Geared Up, Jon and Andru are joined by Lexy Savvides from CNET for an in-depth discussion on the latest advancements in technology and AI. Lexy shares her insights into the process of creating engaging tech content at CNET. Andru Edwards on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Andru Jon Rettinger on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/jon4lakers Lexy Savvides on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lexysavvides Circuit Breaker: My Weekly Tech Newsletter The episode also explores the latest Apple developer beta releases, featuring the new Apple Intelligence features in iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1. Jon, Andru, and Lexy discuss the implications of these AI enhancements, debating whether Apple’s approach will successfully integrate AI into everyday user experiences. In addition, Jon shares his recent home automation makeover, detailing his efforts to streamline his devices to get everything into HomeKit using HOOBS and the Matter protocol. We also go over the Samsung Galaxy Ring and Watch Ultra, as well as predictions for the next big thing in smartphones.Support the show: http://youtube.com/gearlive/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Geared Up, we sit down with Michael Fisher, also known as Mr. Mobile, to delve into the latest in foldable phone technology, AI advancements, and much more. As a renowned tech reviewer and industry expert, Michael Fisher brings a wealth of knowledge and unique insights into the rapidly evolving world of mobile technology. Join us as we explore the excitement around new foldable devices, discuss the challenges and future of AI hardware, and get Michael’s take on the evolution of smartphones. Andru Edwards on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Andru Jon Rettinger on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/jon4lakers Michael Fisher on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@themrmobile Circuit Breaker: My Weekly Tech Newsletter The conversation includes an in-depth look at the newest foldable phones hitting the market, including the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6. Michael shares his firsthand experiences with these innovative devices, highlighting both their impressive features and the areas where they still need improvement. We also dive into the world of AI hardware and software. Michael Fisher offers his expert opinion on the current landscape of AI technology, including dedicated AI devices like the Humane AI Pin and Rabbit R1, along with the integration of AI in smartphones with features like Apple Intelligence and Samsung Galaxy AI. Michael also talks about his role in the development of physical keyboards for iPhones through his involvement with the company Clicks. He shares the story behind the product, the challenges faced during development, and why physical keyboards still hold value in today’s touch screen-dominated market.Support the show: http://youtube.com/gearlive/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Jon Rettinger and Andru Edwards as they welcome tech expert Quinn Nelson for an insightful discussion on the latest developments from Apple’s WWDC 2023. Dive into an in-depth analysis of Vision Pro and VisionOS, where Quinn shares his thoughts on Apple’s groundbreaking advancements in AI, including improved control gestures and spatial photo handling. The conversation also covers the exciting updates in iOS 18 and iPadOS, from new customization features to enhancements in Siri, offering a comprehensive overview of what to expect from Apple’s newest releases. The episode takes a turn towards the electric vehicle market as Quinn provides firsthand experiences with the Rivian and Tesla’s Cybertruck. Compare their performance, design, and standout features through Quinn’s critical eye. Additionally, uncover surprising announcements from WWDC like the new Photos app and ChatGPT integration, as Jon, Andru, and Quinn explore their practical applications and potential impacts. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, an Apple fan, or an EV aficionado, this episode is packed with valuable insights and engaging discussions on the future of technology. All the Best Announcements from WWDC 2024: https://youtu.be/RQPzVQiucj8 Jon Prosser on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@frontpagetech Andru Edwards on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Andru Jon Rettinger on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/jon4lakers Circuit Breaker: My Weekly Tech Newsletter Support the show: http://youtube.com/gearlive/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We dive into the most exciting Apple Intelligence features unveiled at WWDC 2024. Join Andru Edwards, Kevin the Tech Ninja, Taylor Lloyd, and TechMe0ut as we explore how Apple's AI advancements are set to transform our daily lives. From the seamless integration of apps with Siri to revolutionary email categorization and smart replies, discover how these innovations can make life easier and more efficient. Don't miss out on the detailed discussion about new Siri capabilities, the fun Genmoji feature, and much more! Watch the Video Version: https://youtu.be/Wbqzn1beE6U 10 Mind-Blowing Apple AI Announcements: https://youtu.be/RQPzVQiucj8Support the show: http://youtube.com/gearlive/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.