Input/Output

Sadly, the Input/Output podcast is going on indefinite hiatus, so this is the last episode for the foreseeable future…. Google recently launched its Stadia gaming platform on iOS and iPadOS, making it the first major game-streaming service available for Apple's ecosystem. To work around Apple's App Store regulations, the company has been forced to produce a progressive web app – and it works perfectly. Input editor Ryan Houlihan and editor in chief Joshua Topolsky join us to discuss the...

The rapper Lil Nas X famously purchased the instrumental for his No. 1 hit “Old Town Road'' through the site BeatStars. The rise of sites like BeatStars and TrakTrain, where musical beats are bought and sold, has changed the way the music business works forever. Writer Seth King recently explored this paradigm shift for Input. He stops by the show to talk about his piece. And later: The once-maligned footwear company Crocs had a huge year, collaborating with everyone from the brand Chinatown...

Fitness+ is Apple’s new fitness subscription service, which pairs an Apple Watch with video workouts delivered on an iOS device or Apple TV. Input senior reviews editor Ray Wong has been working out with Fitness+ and, much to his surprise, he loves it. He joins us to discuss. And later: The Arcwave Ion is a sleek new sex toy that gives the male anatomy female orgasms. Intrepid Input editor Ryan Houlihan tried out this gadget, which uses what’s called Pleasure Air technology, and loved it. He...

Facebook recently purchased a series of full-page newspaper advertisements directed at Apple — an attack on the iPhone maker's new ad-tracking policies. Facebook’s newspaper ads reiterate CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s claims that Apple’s tracking policies will hurt small businesses most. Input editor Ryan Houlihan and editor in chief Joshua Topolsky join us to discuss Facebook’s PR move. And later: During Facebook’s recent end-of-the-year meeting, company executives revealed a number of plans for...

In the spring, Harley-Davidson’s electric bicycle offshoot, Serial 1, will release two e-bike platforms, the minimalist Mosh and the commuter-friendly Rush. Input news editor Craig Wilson recently got to try out the bikes. He joins us to discuss. And later: The Anker PowerHouse II 400 mobile generator delivers enough juice to power a fridge and your laptop, all for the very reasonable price of $400. Input guides editor Evan Rodgers recently tested out the Powerhouse II for a couple of weeks...

Input guides editor Evan Rodgers recently published a holiday gift guide full of ultralight titanium stocking stuffers – everything from a knife to an iPhone 12 case. He joins us to talk titanium. And later: Looking for a holiday present for an eco-conscious person who likes to zip around? Good news! Input news editor Craig Wilson has assembled a gift guide featuring the best battery-powered personal transportation devices: scooters, bikes, skateboards, and monowheels. He swings by to...

Apple is closing out 2020 with one more thing: AirPods Max. The new over-ear headphones are available in five colors and feature active noise-cancellation, spatial audio, and 20-hour battery life. They also cost a whopping $549 and come in a ridiculous-looking bra-shaped case. Input editor Ryan Houlihan and editor in chief Joshua Topolsky join us to discuss Apple’s latest product. And later: Rumors have been swirling that Sony is working on a new portable PlayStation console that would...

The PlayStation 5’s widely mocked design comes with at least one advantage over the new Xbox: Its big side panels are easily removable and perfect for customization. Samuel Polay, co-host of the podcast Culture Vacuum, recently wrote an Input guide to painting your PS5 without destroying it. He joins us to discuss. And later: There are too many emoji, and it has to stop. So argues Input editor in chief Joshua Topolsky in a recent piece for the site. A few years back, he says, something sort...

GMC’s Hummer — once a symbol of gross excess — is getting an eco-conscious makeover. Beginning in fall 2021, you’ll be able to buy an electric version of the hulking vehicle, though it won’t be cheap. Input news editor Craig Wilson stops by to talk about the new Hummer EVs and what we can expect. And later: BMW recently unveiled the iX SUV, formerly known as the iNext, an all-electric “sports activity vehicle” that will act as a sort of template for future electric vehicles produced by the...

Conspiracy theorists claim Faraday cages will “protect” your router against 5G, so lots of people are buying the cages on Amazon. In turn, those customers are complaining that the devices are ruining their Wi-Fi signal. Meanwhile, Amazon doesn’t seem to care and continues to sell the Faraday cages. Input editor Ryan Houlihan and editor in chief Joshua Topolsky join us to discuss. And later: A police reform bill passed in the Massachusetts House and Senate could make Massachusetts the first...

Imaginative TikTokers have created, in bits and pieces, Ratatouille the Musical, based on the 2007 Pixar animated film about a rat named Remy’s efforts to become a chef. Input news writer Matt Wille is a huge fan of Ratatouille the Musical and wrote a piece on how it came about — and why it deserves a Tony Award. He joins us to discuss. And later: The Nike shoe known as the Freddy Krueger SB Dunk is the greatest sneaker that never was. Input news writer Ian Servantes stops by to tell the...

A Netflix subscription is now the worst value in streaming, according to an Input piece by Samuel Polay, co-host of the podcast Culture Vacuum. He writes that the quality of Netflix’s offerings are not the issue; it’s that the company continues to lag behind competitors by failing to offer the highest quality picture to all of its customers. Samuel joins us to discuss. And later: Outgoing FCC Chairman Ajit Pai’s legacy will be defined by the body’s controversial repeal of net neutrality. But...

Comcast first introduced a data cap on home internet service back in 2012, and in 2016 the company expanded it to 27 out of the 39 states in which it operates. Customers were able to avoid caps for years in Northeastern states where Comcast competes against cap-free Verizon Fios, but Comcast now says the party will end in 2021 as it extends the limits to all customers, regardless of location. Input editor Ryan Houlihan, editor in chief Joshua Topolsky, and news editor Craig Wilson join us to...

Apple has released a new MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac Mini, and none of them have Intel processors inside. Instead, they’re powered by Apple’s own M1 chip, part of a previously announced move away from processors made by Intel. Input senior reviews editor Ray Wong and card stories editor James Pero recently took a look at the new machines. James joins us to discuss. And later: The Nest Audio speaker will blow your mind, according to Ray Wong. He reviewed Google's newest...

YouTube recently announced that due to 2020’s horribleness, it’s skipping its annual Rewind highlights video. This gave writer Ralph Jones an excuse to look back at YouTube Rewind 2018, the most disliked YouTube video of all time. Input editor Ryan Houlihan and editor in chief Joshua Topolsky join us to discuss Ralph’s piece. And later: Thanks to the pandemic, this summer saw the world’s hypebeasts quarantined at home with nowhere to flex — and nowhere to turn but comfier shoes. Thus, the...

Photos of the orange skies caused by the recent wildfires in the West reminded many of the imagery from the movie Blade Runner 2049. Input news writer Andrew Paul argues that it’s well past time to accept that we are, more or less, living in the dystopian future that the Blade Runner movies predicted. He joins us to discuss. And later: Even considering our worst moments, humanity’s relationship with technology is still much too awkward to achieve dystopia, according to Input news editor...

Special-edition phones usually mean little more than a logo slapped on the back. But OnePlus’s 8T Cyberpunk 2077 Limited Edition — a partnership with the hotly anticipated video game — is so much more, according to Input senior reviews editor Ray Wong. He joins us to discuss. And later: YouTubers can’t stop destroying the iPhone 12. Apple's claim that the iPhone 12 is more resilient than predecessors has prompted online reviewers to indulge in extreme stress-testing, which has involved...

Amazon is expanding its in-garage delivery program for Prime users. The company’s smart door program, myQ, was initially limited to a few dozen cities in the U.S. but now it could go live for thousands. The idea is to cut down on package theft but also fight back Covid-19 transmission. Input editor Ryan Houlihan and editor in chief Joshua Topolsky join us to discuss whether you should give Amazon access to your garage. And later: The Nintendo Switch's popularity shows no signs of waning. The...

Which new phone takes better night photos, Google’s Pixel 5 or Apple’s iPhone 12? Input senior reviews editor Ray Wong recently put them in a head-to-head test. He joins us to reveal the winner. And later: Forget the iPhone 12! The hottest phone of 2020 is the BlackBerry Classic. It was made in 2014, doesn't have many working apps, and it totally rules, according to Input editor in chief Joshua Topolsky. He joins us to discuss. Read more on inputmag.com/inputoutput. See Privacy Policy at...

The Xbox Series X is here, and it’s a gaming monster. Input senior reviews editor Ray Wong recently wrote an overview of what’s being touted as the most powerful console ever created. He joins us to talk about whether you should choose a new Xbox or the next-gen PlayStation 5. And later: Infinite Objects is a New York-based company that sells limited-edition video art in what look like digital picture frames. Input news editor Craig Wilson recently wrote about the company and how it takes...