tech
The Vergecast is the flagship daily podcast from The Verge about small gadgets, Big Tech, and everything in between. Every Friday, Nilay Patel and David Pierce hang out and make sense of the week’s most important technology news. And Monday through Thursday, David leads a selection of The Verge’s expert staffers in an exploration of how gadgets and software affect our lives – and which ones you should bring into yours.
The latest beta of Apple's iOS 17 features an AI-powered Siri that is demonstrating advanced capabilities, such as executing multi-step tasks by understanding complex user requests. However, initial testing reveals that while the ceiling for Siri's functionality has significantly increased, some basic, previously reliable functions are now less consistent.
The discussion highlights a potential trade-off in Apple's new Siri AI, where advanced capabilities are emerging, but foundational functionalities may be degrading. This shift might be a consequence of integrating complex LLM-based systems.
While acknowledging that Google's Gemini has long offered similar AI capabilities, the speakers note that Apple's recent Siri AI updates appear to be catching up. Despite Google's lead, Apple's progress in integrating LLM power into its assistant is seen as meaningful.
One host expresses reluctance to update their production Macs to the latest macOS version, citing the critical nature of their work. In contrast, they admit to having updated their iPhone to the iOS 17 beta, despite the potential risks associated with using a primary device in beta.
Max Spira, CEO of PANGRAM, discussed the company's AI detection tool, which he claims has achieved a false positive rate as low as 0.01%. He explained that the tool uses active learning, comparing AI-generated text with human-written text to identify stylistic differences, even in edge cases.
The European Commission is requiring Google to make its Android operating system more open in Europe. This includes granting competing AI assistants the same level of access as Google's Gemini, allowing them to be activated by voice and control apps. Google must comply by July 2027.
In addition to forcing Google to open up Android, the EU is updating rules to require the company to share search data with competitors in Europe. This new requirement now explicitly includes AI chatbots.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr is planning a vote to remove the national ownership cap for broadcasters, which currently limits one company from reaching more than 39% of US households. Carr's proposal would allow for case-by-case reviews of deals that might violate the cap.
PANGRAM's AI detection tool identified a short story, "The Serpent in the Grove," which won a Commonwell Prize, as 100% AI-generated. The author, Samir, claims he used voice-to-text technology, but PANGRAM CEO Max Spira expressed skepticism due to perceived inconsistencies and the tool's high accuracy.
Max Spira, CEO of PANGRAM, emphasized the importance of responsible integration of AI detection tools in educational settings. He believes students should be concerned about using AI for assignments, not the detectors themselves, and aims for PANGRAM to help students learn rather than just face punishment.
Google has been ordered to allow third-party app stores within its Play Store in the US following a legal defeat against Epic Games. This change, expected to take effect next week, could significantly alter the Android app landscape.
In the wake of Apple's lawsuit, OpenAI is reportedly pushing back against accusations of stealing trade secrets. The company is also rumored to be developing its first hardware product, a portable smart speaker.
The popular 12-foot skeleton decoration from Home Depot is getting an upgrade with a new version that includes a voice feature. Users can reportedly control the voice through an app.
In a discussion on the systems that run the world, Bartlomej 'Bart' Buter, CTO of Proton, stated that creating secure backdoors for governments is impossible. He warned that forcing companies to comply with such measures could lead them to leave certain jurisdictions.
Listeners and reviewers question the value proposition of Valve's Steam Deck, with one listener arguing it's a poor deal compared to consoles or building a custom PC. Another reviewer notes it isn't 'ready out of the box' despite having redeeming qualities.
Apple has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging a "pattern of theft of Apple trade secrets" by former Apple employees now working at the AI company. The lawsuit names OpenAI, its CEO Sam Altman, and its former chief scientist Ilya Sutskever. Apple claims that OpenAI built a system for these employees to bring confidential information with them.
Apple has released the public betas for its latest operating system updates, OS 27, for various Apple devices. Key improvements include a significant upgrade to Siri's AI capabilities and user interface changes described as "Liquid Glass." Notably, Apple has also addressed the long-standing issue of corner radiuses on Mac devices.
The new Aura Ring 5 has been reviewed and is noted for its smaller size, a significant improvement for wearability. However, the review highlights that the ring still necessitates a subscription service and maintains its expensive price point. Users will find the same sensors as the previous model, with the core features remaining consistent.
The Vergecast hosts David Pierce, Allison Johnson, and V discussed and ranked various form factors for AI gadgets, from pendants to watches. They collectively placed 'pins' in the last position, citing issues with practicality, battery life, and the overall maintenance of such accessories, with the Humane AI pin being a key example.
The discussion on The Vergecast suggested that the smartphone form factor is likely to remain dominant in the AI gadget landscape. Hosts argued that consumers prefer to consolidate functionalities into a single, familiar device rather than managing multiple specialized gadgets. This trend makes it difficult for alternative AI hardware to gain traction.
A Bloomberg report indicates that Netflix is experiencing a significant drop in viewership for the second season of its shows, even if the first season was a hit. This trend is becoming a recurring problem for the streaming giant, which is reportedly struggling to find solutions.
Netflix is broadening its content strategy by expanding its podcast operations and producing original YouTube videos. This move includes deals with creators from the Vox Media Podcast Network, such as Charlie Harding of "Switched on Pop."
Co-host Eli Schwartz questions Netflix's evolving identity, suggesting the streaming service may be transforming into a platform like YouTube. This shift is driven by factors like expanding into creator-driven content and user engagement patterns.
Eli Schwartz observed at Cannes that the creator economy is thriving on platforms like Instagram and YouTube, where creators integrate advertising and market products directly. TikTok, while a discovery mechanism, is seen as secondary due to monetization challenges.
David Pierce suggests Netflix's recent moves, like integrating YouTube videos and expanding podcasts, are a response to the growing influence of creators. He argues that Netflix is missing out on early creator engagement, which is crucial for future cultural capital.
President Trump's executive order calls for accelerating the deployment and commercialization of quantum computing, with a stated goal from his science advisor to develop a quantum computer powerful enough for scientific discovery by 2028. This reflects a broader push to maintain U.S. leadership in the field.
Microsoft has introduced its second-generation quantum computing chip, Myrna 2, which aims to put the company on a path toward achieving a scalable and commercially valuable quantum computer by 2029. This follows last year's announcement of a new state of matter by Microsoft's quantum team.
Anthropic has introduced 'Cloud wrapped,' a new dashboard for its Cloud service that tracks user activity, including time spent and top usage days. The company is also adding a feature to send users reminders to take breaks from the service.
OpenAI has updated ChatGPT's voice mode with a new model, which the company states is significantly more capable than the previous version. The old voice model was based on a two-year-old system and was criticized for providing poor responses.
AI chatbot service Character AI is expanding into the creation of AI-generated micro-dramas, featuring vertical video content. The service has released several episodes, described as 'bewildering' and indicative of a trend towards 'TikTok-ified attention spans.'
Despite significant investment and government interest in quantum computing, experts suggest that the field is still in its early stages, with current hardware limitations preventing the realization of many promised applications. The development process involves overcoming fundamental material and engineering challenges.
Quantum computers operate on principles distinct from classical computers, utilizing quantum bits (qubits) which represent probabilities of zero and one, unlike the binary bits of classical systems. This probabilistic nature allows for different types of calculations, though current quantum computers are experimental prototypes.
Quantum computers from companies like IBM and Google utilize superconducting qubits that necessitate cryogenic temperatures, operating near absolute zero. However, emerging platforms using atoms have different requirements and do not need such extreme cooling, which could facilitate easier scaling.
The most immediate applications for quantum computers are expected to be in molecular simulation, which could aid the pharmaceutical industry in drug development and assist in material science for companies in sectors like electric vehicles. Optimization for logistics and financial forecasting are also potential future uses.
Developing practical quantum computers requires overcoming substantial hardware challenges, including basic materials science problems for chip fabrication and the precise control of lasers. The analogy used is that scientists have prepared a symphony but only have 'crappy clarinets' to play it with, highlighting the gap between algorithms and hardware capabilities.
Google has announced an event for August 12th in New York City, where new Pixel phones, possibly including a Pixel Fold and Pixel Watch, are expected. Concurrently, Samsung is launching a new foldable device on July 22nd, signaling a busy period for smartphone releases.
Meta has released an update for its smart glasses that disables the camera if the device detects tampering with the recording indicator light. This change is a response to users disabling the light, a known issue that raises privacy concerns.
Alison Johnson and David Pierce discuss whether a dedicated camera is worth it over a smartphone for taking pictures of children. Johnson suggests that for casual, spontaneous shots, phones are adequate, while for planned photography events, a DSLR with a good lens might be preferable.
A listener questions the practicality of relying on an Apple Watch as a semi-smartphone to reduce phone dependence, citing challenges with family outings, commuting, and emergency location sharing. Pierce suggests that while the goal is legitimate, practical compromises are necessary, and using phone 'Focus modes' might be a more balanced approach.
David Pierce offered two tips for disconnecting while on vacation. First, designate a specific place for all technology, like a 'phone couch,' to create friction for casual use. Second, he emphasized getting everyone on board with a disconnecting plan to avoid the 'waterfall effect' of people getting distracted by their phones.
Verge senior reporter Haydenfield shared strategies for reducing phone distractions. He suggests making frequently used apps harder to access by placing them in folders on a secondary screen to add friction. He also advocates for turning off all non-essential app notifications, including email, to avoid constant interruptions.
Haydenfield discussed his approach to social media, stating he intentionally avoids checking who views his stories or likes his posts on platforms like Instagram and Twitter. He believes this 'post into the void' mindset helps him avoid being overly conscious of public perception, which he sees as a detriment on social media.
Jen Tui suggested going camping as a primary method for disconnecting from technology and daily life. She highlighted that her husband specifically chooses campsites with no cell service or Wi-Fi, forcing a complete disconnection from devices.
The satirical news site The Onion is relaunching InfoWars on July 2nd, appointing comedian and writer Tim Heidecker as its creative director. This acquisition follows a year and a half of legal processes after The Onion emerged as a potential owner during InfoWars' bankruptcy auction.
Early glimpses of the next-generation iPhone, reportedly the iPhone 18 Pro, are appearing through unconventional channels, including photos and part lists on the dark web and drop test videos on X. The design is noted to be similar to the iPhone 17 Pro.
The Supreme Court has intervened to halt President Trump's effort to discontinue birthright citizenship in the United States. This decision means that individuals born in the US will continue to be recognized as US citizens.
The Kids Act has advanced through the House of Representatives with significant support. The legislation includes measures to bolster protections for minors on social media platforms and requires AI chatbots to disclose their non-human nature.
Comedian and writer Tim Heidecker discussed his new role as creative director for the revamped InfoWars, acquired by The Onion. He expressed excitement about the possibilities of building media networks and sees the acquisition as a chance to expand beyond The Onion's usual comedic constraints.
Tim Heidecker discussed the unique position of the new InfoWars under The Onion's ownership, noting the potential to blur the lines between satire and reality. He believes this approach is necessary for political satire in the current polarized climate, finding humor in cognitive dissonance.
Tim Heidecker acknowledged the physical toll of his Alex Jones impression, stating that while initially fun, longer recording sessions were taxing. He revealed the revamped InfoWars will feature his show 'Emergency' with Tim Heidecker and The Onion's parody of Jim Hagar's show, aiming for a connected, consistent sensibility similar to Adult Swim.
The AI model Mithos, previously deemed too dangerous for public release, is now being made available to a select group of organizations approved by the Trump administration. The exact nature of these organizations and the future accessibility of the model remain unclear due to the evolving AI regulatory environment.
Comcast is undergoing a corporate split, dividing into two distinct entities. One will focus on its internet, cable, and mobile carrier services, while the other will encompass NBCUniversal, including its studios, theme parks, and streaming networks like Peacock. This move is part of a broader trend of media mergers and unmergers.
WhatsApp is introducing a new feature that will allow users to create usernames, enabling them to connect with others without sharing their phone numbers. This update is expected to roll out later this year, and users are encouraged to reserve their usernames quickly due to the platform's large user base.
The practice of 'vibe coding' is presenting an enterprise-level challenge, with many companies generating numerous outputs that ultimately prove useless. This trend raises concerns about token usage and the return on investment for AI initiatives.
Jake Castronakas shared his success in creating a 'vibe coding' application designed to manage meeting notes and action items. The app automatically carries forward action items from previous meetings and summarizes past discussions, significantly improving his preparation for team meetings.