The Vergecast

Big tech companies are forever making promises about the future. And you might (or might not) be surprised how often they don't come true. On this episode, Nilay and David start by discussing the good and bad of Apple's new iPads and Macs, before diving into the supposedly AI-powered, all-powerful Siri that is delayed indefinitely. Maybe this whole "AI will fix everything" plan wasn't such a good one. After that, The Verge's Andy Hawkins joins to discuss what's going on with Tesla: why sales are down, how the perception of the company has shifted as Elon Musk's job description has changed, and how it happened that President Trump did a Tesla sales pitch on the White House lawn. Everything's computer, you know? Finally, in the lighting round, the hosts discuss Brendan Carr's ongoing shenanigans, Jay Graber's sartorial burns, the future of Pokemon Go, and much more. Further reading: Apple is reportedly planning a design overhaul for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS Apple’s plans for a smart display suffer a Siri-related setback Apple adds Siri disclaimer to iPhone 16 pages. Apple pulled its iPhone 16 ad showing off the good Siri. ‘HomePad’ delayed to post-WWDC to ensure iOS 19 design consistency All this bad AI is wrecking a whole generation of gadgets Apple MacBook Air M4 review: a little more for a little less Apple Mac Studio (M3 Ultra) first look: a weekend with an $8,000 powerhouse Apple iPad Air 2025 review: what the M3 upgrade really gets you Is Tesla cooked? Trump says he’ll label attacks on Tesla locations as domestic terrorism The Tesla protests are getting bigger — and rowdier Trump hosts a Tesla ad at the White House. Everything's computer Tesla protests continue to escalate. Sonos has canceled its streaming video player Home Assistant makes it official. FCC chair asks if YouTube TV ‘discriminates against faith-based programming’ Brendan Carr on X: FCC chairman asks the public to list every regulation he should remove A Trump official has been moonlighting as a fashion influencer Pokémon Go developer Niantic to sell gaming business to Saudi group TikTok’s mood music will tell teens to ‘wind down’ after 10PM Bluesky CEO Jay Graber has a message for Zuck. Email us at vergecast@theverge.com or call us at 866-VERGE11, we love hearing from you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, what's old is new again, and what's new is... AI again. The Verge's Allison Johnson and Dominic Preston join David to discuss their experience at Mobile World Congress 2025, where they saw the latest devices from Xiaomi, Samsung, Realme, and others — and found themselves confronted with some big, surprising new ideas about how our smartphones should look and work. After that, Kevin Rose and Justin Mezzell talk about the process of bringing Digg back, and how AI can improve the way social networks operate. Digg got a lot of things right two decades ago, and plans to do it all over again now. Finally, we answer a question about printers from the Vergecast Hotline (call 866-VERGE11 or email vergecast@theverge.com!), with some help from Framework CEO Nirav Patel. Further reading: MWC 2025 was all about the odds and ends What if your phone’s camera was much, much bigger? You spin me right round, baby, right round. Xiaomi 15 Ultra review: ugly phone, beautiful camera Digg Reboot How Digg helped invent the social internet Digg is coming back, with founder Kevin Rose and Reddit’s Alexis Ohanian Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apple's new gadgets this week were pretty minor updates, so of course we talk about them for a long time. Nilay and David are joined by The Verge's Jake Kastrenakes, and the three hosts discuss the latest iPad, iPad Air, MacBook Air, and Mac Studio. All three have... a lot of thoughts. After that, they run through some more tech news, including the Digg reboot, the end of Skype, VW's cheap new EV, and more. Finally, in the lightning round, they talk about the latest from DOGE and the Trump administration, Brendan Carr's latest assaults on free speech, and a smartphone that is mostly (but not entirely) a camera. Further reading: Apple iPad Air 2025: launch, price, and specs Apple refreshes the iPad but doesn’t add Apple Intelligence Apple announces MacBook Air with M4 chip and a price cut Our first look at Apple’s sky blue MacBook Air Apple launches new Mac Studios with M4 Max and M3 Ultra chips Behold the maxed out Mac Studio. Digg is coming back, with founder Kevin Rose and Reddit’s Alexis Ohanian Discord is reportedly exploring an IPO. Nothing’s Phone 3A and 3A Pro use AI to organize all your stuff The Volkswagen ID. EVERY1 is an affordable EV for the masses Volkswagen’s cheapest EV ever is the first to use Rivian software Microsoft is shutting down Skype in favor of Teams The Verge remembers Skype Big Tech is now slightly less silent on Trump’s tariffs Trump imposes tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China Car prices expected to increase by as much as $12,000 thanks to Trump’s tariffs Best Buy and Target CEOs say prices are about to go up because of tariffs What’s an import? Trump to Cabinet: Musk has no authority to fire workers FAA staff reportedly ordered to find funding for deal with Musk’s Starlink Trump’s USCIS wants to review all prospective citizens’ social media accounts Senate votes to strip the CFPB of its power to regulate X MWC: FCC chair says U.S. will defend interests of its tech giants FCC’s Carr defends broadcast probes, slams social media ‘threat’ A camera for your cameraphone: Sony Cyber-shot QX10 and QX100 review Xiaomi 15 Ultra is a small update with a big periscope lens  Email us at vergecast@theverge.com or call us at 866-VERGE11, we love hearing from you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode, we're diving deep into new ideas about old things. First, Framework CEO Nirav Patel joins David and The Verge's Sean Hollister to talk about Framework's new Laptop 12 and Desktop, plus the company's plan to bring its upgradeable, repairable ethos to other gadgets. After that, Daring Fireball's John Gruber joins the show to talk about the future of James Bond, now that Amazon has complete creative control over the 007 franchise. Do we want to live in the James Bond Cinematic Universe? Finally, we answer a question on the Vergecast Hotline about using smart glasses to replace your computer monitor. Further reading: Framework wants to fix the budget laptop with its first touchscreen machine Mint and pink: a closer look at the backflipping Framework Laptop 12 Framework’s first tiny Desktop beautifully straddles the line between cute and badass Framework Desktop hands-on: a possible new direction for gaming desktops ‘We’re nowhere near done with Framework Laptop 16’ says Framework CEO Amazon now has creative control over the James Bond franchise Amazon buys MGM for $8.45 billion From David Smith: The Talk Show Bond Anthology From Daring Fireball: Amazon MGM Studios Takes Creative Control Over James Bond Franchise Xreal’s new glasses are a surprisingly good TV for your face The smart glasses era is here — I got a first look Email us at vergecast@theverge.com or call us at 866-VERGE11, we love hearing from you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

AI will fix everything, right? In this episode, friend of The Verge (and Waveform co-host) David Imel joins Nilay and David to talk all about Alexa Plus, and the AI-powered voice assistant Amazon thinks can do everything from turn on your lights to order your friend an Uber. The hosts also talk about the other gadgets of the week, from the wild new Sigma BF camera to the boring iPhone 16E. Finally, in the lightning round, they talk about TikTok becoming YouTube and YouTube becoming TikTok and Instagram becoming YouTube and TikTok, plus the latest in Brendan Carr being a dummy and what's coming next from Automattic, DOGE, and everything. Further reading: Amazon Alexa Plus Event 2025: live updates and product announcements Amazon announces AI upgrade for Alexa Amazon’s Alexa Plus’ AI upgrades cost $19.99, but it’s free with Prime Amazon is launching Alexa.com and new app for Alexa Plus Alexa engagement continues to grow. Alexa Plus leaves behind Amazon’s earliest Echo devices Sigma’s BF is a minimalist full-frame camera with no memory card slot iPhone 16E review: Eh, it’s alright Framework’s first tiny Desktop beautifully straddles the line between cute and badass More than 1 billion people are now watching podcasts on YouTube every month Instagram’s Reels may get its own app From TechCrunch: In challenge to YouTube, TikTok revamps its desktop platform Someone flooded HUD HQ TVs with an AI-generated video of Trump and Musk. Bluesky banned this video Elon Musk claims federal employees have 48 hours to explain recent work or resign DOGE asks federal workers to justify their recent work or resign. Donald Trump and Elon Musk threaten to ‘semi-fire’ workers who don’t answer email Amy Gleason officially named as DOGE administrator Apple responds to tariff threat with a $500 billion US investment plan Trump shed some light on his meeting with Tim Cook. Starlink poised to take over $2.4 billion contract to overhaul air traffic control communication FCC to brief lawmakers on George Soros investigation in closed-door meeting FCC Chairman Brendan Carr Probes iHeartMedia Over How it Pays Musicians FCC Chair Brendan Carr taking first steps in eroding key legal protection enjoyed by Big Tech Automattic combines its Beeper and Texts.com messaging services Email us at vergecast@theverge.com or call us at 866-VERGE11, we love hearing from you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Robotaxis: in. EVs: Out? The Verge's Andy Hawkins joins the show to talk about the goings-on in the transportation industry, including the reasons car makers are slowing down on EV production (but not giving up entirely) and why suddenly everyone's back in on robotaxis. Then, The Social Web Foundation's Evan Prodromou tells us what's new with the fediverse. We talk about Bluesky, Threads, Mastodon, and the increasingly ambitious plans for the ActivityPub protocol. Finally, we talk through some feedback on last week's episode about the pricing of the iPhone 16E, and how the way you buy your phone changes the way you feel about its price. Further reading: EV truck maker Nikola goes bust Senate Republicans introduce bills to make EVs more expensive Volkswagen claims it’s actually making that $20,000 EV and will show it next month Ford lost $5 billion on EVs in 2024, teases new models Lyft eyes robotaxi launch in 2026 Uber to Austin: get ready for Waymo The fediverse, explained: Mastodon, Threads, and the open future of social networking Flipboard’s Surf app is a feed reader for the fediverse Tumblr’s fediverse integration might finally happen soon. The Social Web Foundation Apple launches the iPhone 16E Email us at vergecast@theverge.com or call us at 866-VERGE11, we love hearing from you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lots of gadget news this week! David, Jake Kastrenakes, and Allison Johnson start by talking about the iPhone 16E, which is both the cheapest compelling iPhone in a long time and a deeply odd addition to Apple's phone lineup. They also discuss the end of the Humane AI Pin, the latest from the Rabbit R1, and whether AI gadgets are even going to be a thing. After that, it's time for the lightning round: David and Jake talk about Amazon Chime, Mira Murati's new startup, and the future of James Bond. Then, in a special DOGE lightning round, Lauren Feiner joins the show to discuss everything happening with Trump, Musk, DOGE, and the US government. Because there's a lot of it. Further reading: Apple launches the iPhone 16E 8 important things to know about the iPhone 16E The iPhone is done with home buttons — here’s why I’ll miss it Verge staffers react to the iPhone 16E: what we love and don’t love Apple no longer sells new iPhones with Lightning ports How the new iPhone 16E compares to the rest of Apple’s iPhone 16 lineup Apple’s first in-house iPhone modem is the C1 Oppo Find N5 review: the final evolution of foldables The world’s thinnest foldable phone doesn’t come cheap Humane is shutting down the AI Pin and selling its remnants to HP The Humane AI Pin never had a chance Rabbit shows off the AI agent it should have launched with Amazon’s revamped Alexa might launch over a month after its announcement event Microsoft announces quantum computing breakthrough with Majorana 1 chip A death knell for Chime Mira Murati launches rival to OpenAI called Thinking Machines Lab The New York Times adopts AI tools in the newsroom Amazon now has creative control over the James Bond franchise Spotify’s HiFi streaming could finally arrive this year Treasury inspector general will investigate DOGE payments access | The Verge Trump threatens 25 percent ‘and higher’ tariff on chips. Acer is the first to raise laptop prices because of Trump Trump issues an executive order claiming more oversight of independent agencies like the FTC and FCC. Trump administration cancels approval for NYC congestion pricing. DOGE’s alleged cost-cutting achievements included a few extra zeroes. A SpaceX team is being brought in to overhaul FAA’s air traffic control system Trump admin pulls hundreds of videos from CFPB’s YouTube channel DOGE can keep accessing government data for now, judge rules Email us at vergecast@theverge.com or call us at 866-VERGE11, we love hearing from you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This episode is all about companies in flux. First, we chat with The Verge's Alex Heath about all things Meta — whether the company is still serious about the metaverse, why its AI plans seem to be going so well, what "OG Facebook" really means, and what headsets to expect this year. After that, The Verge's Chris Welch takes us through the last year at Sonos, from the disastrous app launch to the pretty good headphones that were totally derailed by the disastrous app launch. Can the company get it together in order to launch its next big swing, a set-top box codenamed Pinewood? Finally, we answer a question on the Vergecast Hotline all about business cards. Because, yes, it's 2025, but sometimes you still need a place to put a business card. Further reading: Mark Zuckerberg tells Meta employees to ‘buckle up’ in internal meeting Meta says this is the make or break year for the metaverse Meta’s Ray-Bans smart glasses sold more than 1 million units last year Meta’s AR / VR hardware roadmap through 2027 Meta CTO says the company is working to ‘catch’ leakers Zuck wants to bring the “OG Facebook” back. The Sonos app fiasco: how a great audio brand nearly ruined its reputation Sonos CEO Patrick Spence steps down after disastrous app launch Sonos’ interim CEO hits all the right notes in first letter to employees Sonos Arc Ultra review: don’t call it a comeback (yet) Sonos Ace review: was it worth it? | The Verge After a bruising year, Sonos readies its next big thing: a streaming box Adobe Scan Email us at vergecast@theverge.com or call us at 866-VERGE11, we love hearing from you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On today's episode, once again, it's OpenAI and DOGE. And some other things! Nilay and David start the show by talking about Elon Musk's surprise bid to buy the nonprofit arm of OpenAI, along with the company's plans for new models and new rules for those models. After that, The Verge's Lauren Feiner joins to catch us up on what's happening with DOGE, how Musk and co. are making boring government information into something deeply fascinating and deeply confusing, and what it's like to work for the government now. Finally, in the lightning round, we talk about rumors of a new Apple Studio Display and iPhone SE, the new Powerbeats 2 Pro, Brendan Carr still being a dummy, and some surprising streaming moves from Apple and YouTube. Further reading: Elon Musk just offered to buy OpenAI for $97.4 billion OpenAI apparently hasn’t actually received Elon Musk’s acquisition offer. Altman feels bad for Elon OpenAI lays out plans for GPT-5 OpenAI is reportedly getting closer to launching its in-house chip OpenAI is rethinking how AI models handle controversial topics Scarlett Johansson calls for anti deepfake laws after AI video goes viral Thomson Reuters wins an early court battle over AI, copyright, and fair use AI chatbots are distorting news stories, BBC finds Waste.gov locks down after people discover it’s a WordPress template https://doge.gov/ exists Federal workers say they increasingly distrust platforms like Facebook The Trump administration restores federal webpages after court order Trump administration illegally allowed DOGE to access workers’ data, lawsuit alleges State Dept.’s plan to buy $400 million worth of armored Teslas hastily changed to ‘armored EVs’ Constitutional crisis intensifies. Google Maps now shows the ‘Gulf of America’ Apple Maps now shows the Gulf of America Bing jumps on the Gulf of America bandwagon. Trump wants news outlets to get on board with “Gulf of America” — or else. Will they? Apple’s next Studio Display could get a much-needed Mini LED upgrade Tim Cook teases a new Apple launch next week, and it’s probably the iPhone SE FCC to investigate Comcast for having DEI programs The FCC is a weapon in Trump’s war on free speech Trump’s MAGA Media Enforcer Is Having ‘the Time of His Life’ FCC chairman Brendan Carr has vowed to target all of Donald Trump's enemies. Jeep’s Wrangler-like Recon EV is ready to launch this year Jeep warranty ads in the infotainment Apple TV Plus is finally coming to Android YouTube is now even bigger on TVs than phones Powerbeats Pro 2 review: the workout buds to beat Samsung Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus review: incredibly iterative Email us at vergecast@theverge.com or call us at 866-VERGE11, we love hearing from you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

AI and politics, politics and AI. That's the story of 2025. On this episode, The Verge's Kylie Robison joins the show to talk about ChatGPT's big new features, Operator and deep research, both of which promise to make the chatbot more useful and more autonomous. To access either one costs $200 a month — is it worth it? After that, The Verge's Liz Lopatto catches us up on the latest from Elon Musk and Doge, including why Musk is doing this thing, this way. Liz also makes the case that this isn't going to slow down anytime soon. Finally, Nilay Patel helps us answer a question from the Vergecast Hotline, and tells us how he felt about the Super Bowl's 4K stream. Further reading: OpenAI’s new Operator AI agent can do things on the web for you ChatGPT’s agent can now do deep research for you I tested ChatGPT’s deep research with the most misunderstood law on the internet Elon Musk’s rapid unscheduled disassembly of the US government DOGE wreaked havoc on the government in just one week Federal judge blocks DOGE from accessing sensitive Treasury records How Elon Musk’s Department of Energy access could pose a nuclear threat What we know about President Elon’s government takeover Email us at vergecast@theverge.com or call us at 866-VERGE11, we love hearing from you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nilay, David, and Richard Lawler take on a big week in confusing news stories. First, they talk through the latest from Elon Musk's DOGE, which is running rampant through government computer systems with little pushback. Then they explain the latest on the US government's tariff strategy, and the mass confusion it's causing across tech. Then they pivot away from politics and talk about streaming: the Super Bowl coming to Tubi, the deeply confusing forthcoming Fox streaming service, whatever Comcast is doing this year, and more. Finally, in the lightning round, they talk about Sonos's streaming box, Brendan Carr's latest assaults on free speech, OpenAI's "new" logo, and more. Further reading: DC is just waking up to Elon Musk’s takeover Elon Musk is staging a takeover of the federal budget Workers are reeling from chaos at federal agencies Can anyone stop President Musk? “For all practical purposes, I’d call that a coup.” Trump imposes sweeping tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China Canada will retaliate against Trump with tariffs on US goods Trump agrees to a one-month pause on Mexico, Canada tariffs Qwertykeys halts keyboard shipments to US over tariff costs and confusion Shein and Temu depend on a 100-year-old tariff loophole that Trump wants to close Your packages are about to get slower and more expensive USPS backtracks, will accept parcels from China after all China tariffs may already be hiking up import fees China opens Google antitrust probe in retaliation to tariffs Fox plans to launch a streaming service by the end of 2025 Super Bowl LIX will stream for free on Tubi Comcast is adding Dolby Atmos to its ‘4K’ Super Bowl broadcast this year Warner Bros. is streaming full movies for free on YouTube Disney teases ESPN’s expansive sports streaming future Disney’s streaming business posts another profit. CBS is preparing to give Harris interview materials to the FCC. FCC launches probe into Soros-backed radio station that revealed live locations of undercover ICE agents After a bruising year, Sonos readies its next big thing: a streaming box Sonos lays off 200 employees as its struggles continue Google has ‘very good ideas’ for native ads in Gemini ChatGPT’s agent can now do deep research for you Here’s OpenAI’s new logo Chairs Are Like Facebook Email us at vergecast@theverge.com or call us at 866-VERGE11, we love hearing from you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on the show, it’s all about the future of phones… and your data. The Verge’s Allison Johnson joins the show to talk about the new Samsung Galaxy S25, what’s new in this high-end phone, and what it means for all the other smartphones coming this year. After that, Cooper Quintin, a senior staff technologist at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, talks us through how to think about the privacy implications of RedNote, TikTok, DeepSeek, and all the other tech that puts us in contact with China. Finally, we enlist The Verge’s Jennifer Pattison Tuohy to help us answer a question from the Vergecast Hotline all about the Meta Portal. Remember the Meta Portal?? If you’re missing yours, we have some ideas. Further reading: The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra isn’t so ‘ultra’ anymore Samsung Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus hands-on: more of the same Samsung Galaxy S25 vs. S25 Plus vs. S25 Ultra: specs comparison Trump signs order refusing to enforce TikTok ban for 75 days TikTok’s service providers still risk billions in penalties for bringing it back online TikTok is still on shaky ground in the US Chinese social media app RedNote tops App Store chart ahead of TikTok ban As Americans flock to RedNote, privacy advocates warn about surveillance Will RedNote get banned in the US? RedNote: what it’s like using the Chinese app TikTokers are flocking to Why everyone is freaking out about DeepSeek DeepSeek’s top-ranked AI app is restricting sign-ups due to ‘malicious attacks’ US Navy jumps the DeepSeek ship. The Electronic Frontier Foundation Facebook’s new Portal Go is great for video calls, but not much else Email us at vergecast@theverge.com or call us at 866-VERGE11, we love hearing from you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nilay and David dig into the week's biggest story: the new Intel-powered Surface Pro. Kidding! They talk about DeepSeek, the out-of-nowhere AI company that sent both Silicon Valley and the stock market into uproar this week. Then, after the hosts debate what the real killer app for AI is — and whether we've even found one yet — we follow up on our question from last week about how people are actually using AI. We got so many good answers, and we talk through what to make of them all. Finally, in the lightning round, we talk about Brendan Carr being a dummy, the return of the Pebble, the continued rise of Bluesky and Threads, and Meta's $25 million check to Trump. Further reading: Why everyone is freaking out about DeepSeek DeepSeek says its newest AI model, Janus-Pro can outperform Stable Diffusion and DALL-E 3. Microsoft makes DeepSeek’s R1 model available on Azure AI and GitHub OpenAI has evidence that its models helped train China’s DeepSeek China’s DeepSeek AI is hitting Nvidia where it hurts DeepSeek’s AI app is restricting sign-ups due to ‘malicious attacks’ US Navy jumps the DeepSeek ship. DeepSeek wakes up Trump. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman on DeepSeek R1: “an impressive model.” Mark Zuckerberg tells Meta investors to not worry about DeepSeek The Pebble smartwatch is making a comeback, with some help from Google Oracle and Microsoft are reportedly in talks to take over TikTok FCC chair says landlords can force bulk internet service on residents From NYT: F.C.C. Chair Orders Investigation Into NPR and PBS Sponsorships Meta agrees to pay $25 million to settle Trump account suspension suit Zuckerberg wants to Make Facebook Great Again Zuck wants to bring the “OG Facebook” back. Email us at vergecast@theverge.com or call us at 866-VERGE11, we love hearing from you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Verge’s Victoria Song joins the show to talk about the most popular and most-bailed-on New Year’s Resolution of all: getting in shape. She tells us about the apps that help you work out more without being rude about it, the data you really need to care about in your fitness tracker, and much more. After that, we talk to Anna Valtonen, one of the curators and researchers behind the new Nokia Design Archive. She tells us about the concepts, presentations, and overall culture that made Nokia such an important company in the history of phones. Finally, we answer another question on the Vergecast Hotline about how audio works on your phone. It’s all still too complicated. Further reading: Ladder Fantasy Hike Stompers Runkeeper 5K Runner Our interview with Adrian Hon about Zombies, Run The Nokia Design Archive Nokia’s “Morph” concept The Nokia Communicator The Nokia Moonraker smartwatch From Apple: Share audio with AirPods and Beats headphones from iPhone or iPad Also from Apple: Play audio through multiple devices at once in Audio MIDI Setup on Mac From Samsung: Play music on two Bluetooth devices from your Galaxy phone Email us at vergecast@theverge.com or call us at 866-VERGE11, we love hearing from you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nilay, David, and The Verge's Allison Johnson run down all the biggest news from the latest Samsung Unpacked. The S25 Edge had everyone excited, but the other new Galaxy S25 models feel a little familiar. Then, The Verge's Lauren Feiner updates us on the many goings-on in the first days of the new Trump administration, from the TikTok ban delay to the executive orders on citizenship and AI. Finally, in the lightning round, David and Nilay talk about Netflix's price increase, smart-home standards, and more. Further reading: This is the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge Samsung Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus hands-on: more of the same Samsung Galaxy S25 vs. S25 Plus vs. S25 Ultra: specs comparison Here’s what Samsung’s first Android XR headset looks like in person Samsung and Google are developing AR glasses together Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra stylus: back to boring basics Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra hands-on: smoothing out sharp edges Samsung claims its new Galaxy S25 Ultra glass can survive head-high drops on concrete Google Gemini now works across multiple apps in a single prompt The Stargate Project is a $500 million AI data center plan for OpenAI The United States Digital Service is now DOGE — here’s what it was responsible for. Vivek Ramaswamy steps down from DOGE Trump signs order refusing to enforce TikTok ban for 75 days Trump says he’s open to Musk or Ellison buying TikTok TikTok’s service providers still risk billions in penalties for bringing it back online Bluesky and X launch new video feeds amid TikTok uncertainties Instagram announces a blatant CapCut clone Apple says it’s following the law by removing TikTok from the App Store Sen. Tom Cotton warns TikTok’s service providers of “ruinous liability” for hosting the app. Two lawmakers introduce a bill to repeal the TikTok ban. Trump is absolutely going to make ByteDance sell TikTok or shut down again. Netflix is raising prices again YouTube Premium gets more experimental features that can now be tested all at once Here’s the tech that could turn millions of Zigbee light bulbs into motion sensors with a single update Samsung is bringing ambient sensing to SmartThings Email us at vergecast@theverge.com or call us at 866-VERGE11, we love hearing from you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First in this episode, a quick update on the TikTok ban (which didn't turn out to be much of a ban at all.) Then, Sportico's Jacob Feldman joins the show to talk about Venu, the much-hyped streaming service that planned to bring all sports into a single platform — and never even managed to launch. After that, The Verge's Kevin Nguyen tells us how to read more books this year, and how to turn all your aimless scrolling time into more productive reading time. Finally, we answer a question on the Vergecast Hotline about audio sources on your phone, and why you can't listen to a thousand things at once. Further reading: TikTok ban: all the news on the app’s shutdown and return in the US TikTok is back, but where are Marvel Snap, CapCut, and Lemon8? Trump touts his plan to save TikTok during his victory rally TikTok isn’t back in the App Store yet Bluesky and X launch new video feeds amid TikTok uncertainties The new ‘Hulu for Sports’ streaming service has a name: Venu Sports Venu Sports shuts down before it ever launches From Sportico: YouTube TV vs. Fubo Sports Bundle Could Be Next Streaming Fight The Boox Palma is an amazing gadget I didn’t even know I wanted From GQ: How to Read a Whole Damn Book Every Week Email us at vergecast@theverge.com or call us at 866-VERGE11, we love hearing from you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Pierce and Richard Lawler are joined by The Verge's Ash Parrish and Andrew Webster to talk about the Nintendo Switch 2 launch — all the things we know, and all the things we don't. (There's a lot of both.) Then The Verge's Adi Robertson joins to talk about the latest machinations in the potential TikTok ban, plus a Supreme Court hearing about adult content that might just be about the future of the internet. Finally, in the lightning round, David and Richard talk about Patrick Spence leaving Sonos, the Blue Origin launch, Drake's latest beef with Kendrick Lamar, and more. Further reading: Nintendo Switch 2 announcement: all the news on the next console The Nintendo Switch 2 has officially been announced Everything we know about the Switch 2’s Joy-Con controllers You’ll be able to try out the Switch 2 starting in April Nintendo announces Switch 2 Direct for April The Nintendo Switch 2 supports original Switch cartridges Nintendo teases a new Mario Kart for the Switch 2 The Switch 2 is boring — and that’s exactly what Nintendo needs The Switch 2’s bigger screen is just what I wanted TikTok reportedly plans ‘immediate’ Sunday shutdown in the US if it’s banned TikTok ban: Sen. Markey tries to give a 270 day extension TikTok says it’s planning for ‘various scenarios’ ahead of possible US ban Elon Musk is reportedly trying to save TikTok Donald Trump is reportedly considering an executive order to delay the TikTok ban. Duolingo is the real winner in the TikTok ban. RedNote: what it’s like using the Chinese app TikTokers are flocking to What is RedNote? The Chinese app gaining popularity as TikTok ban approaches The Supreme Court could decide the fate of Pornhub — and the rest of the internet Sonos CEO Patrick Spence steps down after disastrous app launch Sonos’ interim CEO hits all the right notes in first letter to employees Sonos’ chief product officer is leaving the company The iPhone Air could be coming later this year Bezos’ Blue Origin successfully launches SpaceX rival Super Bowl LIX will stream for free on Tubi Drake sues his label, UMG, saying ‘Not Like Us’ is defamatory Drake axes ‘Not Like Us’ diss track petition against UMG and Spotify FTC sues John Deere for ‘unfairly’ raising repair costs on farm equipment Email us at vergecast@theverge.com or call us at 866-VERGE11, we love hearing from you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In five days, TikTok as we know it could be finished in the US. The Verge's Lauren Feiner joins the show to discuss last week's Supreme Court arguments over the ban, why things don't look good for TikTok, and what's likely to happen in the next five days. After that, Kickstarter CEO Everette Taylor talks about the state of the gadget inventor, and what it means to be part of the creator economy in 2025. Finally, we answer a question from the Vergecast Hotline about magic-link logins, and why passwords remain such a disaster. Further reading: TikTok’s last stand: Supreme Court weighs ban as deadline looms TikTok still seems headed for a ban after its Supreme Court arguments What it will take for TikTok to survive in the US Kickstarter is adding the ability to collect money indefinitely Kickstarter’s CEO on why he doesn’t think the company will only do crowdfunding forever Passkeys might really kill passwords Email us at vergecast@theverge.com or call us at 866-VERGE11, we love hearing from you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this special live episode of The Vergecast, from the Brooklyn Bowl in Las Vegas, it's time to talk CES. Nilay and David run through some of the show's biggest stories, plus the Meta news that dominated the conversations all week in Vegas. Then Allison Johnson, Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, and Victoria Song join the show to talk about all the newest, best, weirdest, and worst gadgets they've seen this year. AI is everywhere, everyone's making smart glasses, the smart home might be turning a corner, and we've seen it all this week. Thanks to everyone who came out to the live show! And if you couldn't make it, stay tuned — this won't be the last time we all get to hang out. Further reading: Zuckerberg, inspired by Musk, ditches fact checking for Community Notes Zuckerberg says he’s moving Meta moderators to Texas because California seems too ‘biased’ Meta’s fact-checking changes are just what Trump’s FCC head asked for Meta is leaving its users to wade through hate and disinformation Here are some of the horrible things that you can now say on Instagram and Facebook Samsung announces The Frame Pro: could this be the perfect TV? LG’s 2025 OLED TVs are its best yet — but they risk going overboard with AI LG’s StanbyME sequel adds a carrying strap to the portable TV Dell kills the XPS brand: Dell, Pro, Max / Premium, Plus, Base Afeela has a price: 89,000, 102,000 TCL NxtPaper max ink mode Roborock debuts a robot vacuum with a robotic arm at CES This toaster-looking gadget boosts your phone’s battery in seconds A SodaStream for your Hydro Flask! Aqara launches three touchscreen smart home control panels at CES 2025 The Schlage Sense Pro smart lock is one of the first with hands-free unlocking using UWB Bird Buddy’s new camera tracks plants and insects in your garden Mirumi is a furry little companion bot that imitates a shy infant Email us at vergecast@theverge.com or call us at 866-VERGE11, we love hearing from you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Happy Holidays! The Vergecast is off this week, but we also know you might be doing a lot of traveling and / or avoiding of your family this time of year, so we figured we'd do something a little different. We compiled a bunch of our favorite Vergecast segments and moments from this year — a full six hours of them! — in case you need something to listen to. You may have heard them all before! They might all be new! Maybe it'll be a mix! This one's an easy skip if you're looking for one, but if you need some Verge in your ears this holiday season, we've got you covered. We'll be back for real in January, starting at CES. If you'll be in Vegas, come see us live on Wednesday, January 8th! https://voxmediaevents.com/vergecast And in the meantime, have a great holiday, and rock and roll. Here are the segments we picked, in order, with timestamps (because we can't do chapters, we know, we hate it too): The wild world of undersea cables — 00:04:32 Meet Tony Delivers — 00:42:19 The story of the Delta emulator — 00:56:29 Phones are the ultimate AI gadget — 01:37:12 The history and future of notebooks – 02:04:34 What is a photo? — 02:41:07 An existential gaming console crisis — 03:17:46 Inside the AI music lawsuits — 03:52:12 The history of podcasts — 04:40:59 Our Vision Pro score debate — 05:03:15 A road trip on the hydrogen highway — 05:35:13 Email us at vergecast@theverge.com or call us at 866-VERGE11, we love hearing from you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices