The Vergecast

Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey is the first feature film ever shot entirely with IMAX 70mm film cameras, which is apparently a very big deal, and why it's been harder than usual to get a ticket to see Matt Damon. And now that Spider-Man is moving onto IMAX screens, it may be even harder to get a ticket. Why is this 60-year-old technology suddenly the hottest thing in movies? The Verge's film and TV reporter Charles Pulliam-Moore joins senior reviewer Jennifer Pattison Tuohy to compare the standard and IMAX versions of The Odyssey and talk us through the difference between IMAX, LieMAX, and Infinity Vision. Further reading: Christopher Nolan’s Odyssey will be the first movie shot entirely on IMAX film Don’t screw this up, Marvel The Odyssey turned me into an IMAX believer Google just announced a major shakeup of its top AI leadership Nintendo beats earnings thanks to US tariff refunds it won’t share with gamers Bose’s upgraded QuietComfort headphones add head-tracking immersive audio Subscribe to The Verge for unlimited access to theverge.com, subscriber-exclusive newsletters, and our ad-free podcast feed. We love hearing from you! Email your questions and thoughts to vergecast@theverge.com or call us at 866-VERGE11. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Charles Pulliam-Moore

Film and TV Reporter

The Verge

You have questions. We have (some) answers! For this week's hotline episode, Travis Larchuk asks David your questions about E Ink screens, federated messaging, minimalist phones, AI wearables, and what we got wrong about wide foldables. And don't forget, you can always call 866-VERGE11 or email vergecast@theverge.com to get your questions in about anything and everything. Bonus points if it involves popping your two collars. Further reading: The Light Flip is a minimalist flip phone with a point to prove ‘Max Ink Mode’ is back on TCL’s NXTPaper 70 Pro Daylight DC-1 tablet hands-on: an Android tablet with a new kind of screen Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 feels like the future Disney says it’s ‘exploring’ adding a free tier to Disney Plus Disney Plus is about to go beyond streaming. Disney gives TikTok creators official access to Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar characters SpaceX is coming for T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon | The Verge Google Assistant will disappear from your phone next month Subscribe to The Verge for unlimited access to theverge.com, subscriber-exclusive newsletters, and our ad-free podcast feed. We love hearing from you! Email your questions and thoughts to vergecast@theverge.com or call us at 866-VERGE11. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Everyone in AI is talking about open-weight models right now. Some see them as the ticket to faster, more efficient development; others see them as an economic threat; they're either a security risk or the only security solution, depending who you ask. The Verge's Robert Hart explains how open-weight models work, why they're suddenly at the center of discussions about AI safety, and whether the only way to stop a bad guy with AI is a good guy with AI. Further reading: The next Xbox could play every Xbox game ever made Microsoft is bringing Xbox 360 games to PC Apple briefly yanked Telegram from the App Store over CSAM violations These trackable batteries could help you locate a missing camera OpenAI’s rogue AI agent didn’t stop at hacking Hugging Face We’re running out of reasons to ignore AI safety Anthropic says Claude accidentally hacked real companies too China’s Alibaba takes another swipe at America’s AI supremacy OpenAI’s biggest threat may just be open AI Nvidia, Microsoft launch open AI security alliance — without OpenAI, Google, or Anthropic Subscribe to The Verge for unlimited access to theverge.com, subscriber-exclusive newsletters, and our ad-free podcast feed. We love hearing from you! Email your questions and thoughts to vergecast@theverge.com or call us at 866-VERGE11. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Robert Hart

AI Fellow

The Verge

For the last few years, the trend in wearables has been all about screens. As many of them as possible. But now, companies like Whoop, Fitbit, and Garmin are creating new products that ditch the display entirely. The Verge's Victoria Song explains why no-screen is the new flex, why even the most quantified athletes might not want a display on their wrist, and whether Whoop and the Whoop Dupes are a sign of a broader trend Further reading: Spider-Man and The Odyssey are splitting up IMAX screens after a record-breaking weekend) Truth Social’s priority access subscription goes live and raises corruption concerns. | The Verge Google’s Pixel 11 specs and price leak showing the impact of RAMageddon | The Verge Lenovo Googlebook leaks reveal a laptop and 2-in-1 tablet | The Verge The Fitbit Air takes a smarter approach to the AI health dumpster fire Garmin’s new screen-free fitness tracker doesn’t require a subscription Whoop wants everyone to give a whoop about the new Whoop 5.0 Subscribe to The Verge for unlimited access to theverge.com, subscriber-exclusive newsletters, and our ad-free podcast feed. We love hearing from you! Email your questions and thoughts to vergecast@theverge.com or call us at 866-VERGE11. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Victoria Song

Senior Tech Reviewer

The Verge

It's a big week for new ideas about computers, so David and Nilay spend some time on Samsung's vision for foldables and Mark Zuckerberg's vision for AI agents that do absolutely everything. Then they talk about the fallout from last week's OpenAI Hugging Face hack, and whether all this talk about AI safety will actually amount to anything. Finally, it's time for Brendan Carr is a Dummy, the vertical video takeover, and the smashing success of the Ferrari Luce. Further reading: Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 feels like the future Apple launches ‘Upgrade’ program to lease new devices What’s the catch with the Apple Upgrade program? Mark Zuckerberg is planning a big push into personal AI agents Mark Zuckerberg wrote an op-ed about AI for the WSJ. We’re running out of reasons to ignore AI safety OpenAI reportedly didn’t notice its AI agent hacking Hugging Face until a week later. Nvidia, Microsoft launch open AI security alliance — without OpenAI, Google, or Anthropic OpenAI’s rogue AI agent didn’t stop at hacking Hugging Face AI leaders sign a statement asking the government to do something about automated AI Former FCC chairs blast Carr’s early renewal of ABC licenses as an ‘assault on free speech.’ ABC demands FCC drop its ‘punitive’ early license renewal of its stations Qualcomm is raising phone chip prices starting September 1st The Ferrari Luce reportedly already hit its 2026 sales target Samsung’s smartphone biz posts first ever loss, but profit still soars 1,300 percent on RAM. Facebook considers giving up and becoming TikTok YouTube Premium will include Peacock starting next year HBO Max is putting on vertical shorts Subscribe to The Verge for unlimited access to theverge.com, subscriber-exclusive newsletters, and our ad-free podcast feed. We love hearing from you! Email your questions and thoughts to vergecast@theverge.com or call us at 866-VERGE11. (Timestamps are approximate.) 00:00:00 Intro 00:03:00 Baby Announcement 00:06:00 Galaxy Z Fold 00:12:00 Apple Leasing Program 00:15:00 Kill Switch Concerns 00:19:00 Zuck Agent Future 00:34:00 AI Safety Week Recap 00:42:00 Regulation Versus China 00:49:00 Winning AI Race 00:53:00 Security Arms Race 00:57:00 Brendan Carr Is a Dummy 01:07:00 Facebook Becomes TikTok 01:12:00 Ramageddon Price Hikes 01:16:00 HBO Max Shorts 01:23:00 Ferrari Luce Buzz 01:26:00 Wrap Up and Plugs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A new study from the Oversight Board found that leading AI systems are less likely to criticize authoritarian governments than democratic ones. It's a wild finding — but wait? Why is the Oversight Board studying systems from OpenAI and Anthropic in the first place? Suzanne Nossel, who sits on the board, joined us to discuss the findings and why the Oversight Board's future might involve looking at more than just Meta. Further reading: Zoox can now charge for rides in its steering-wheel-free robotaxis Spotify Running Mode helps match tunes to tempo Friend re-launches its AI pendant with a speaker that talks to you, for twice the price ⁠How Facebook undercut the Oversight Board⁠ Subscribe to The Verge for unlimited access to theverge.com, subscriber-exclusive newsletters, and our ad-free podcast feed.We love hearing from you! Email your questions and thoughts to vergecast@theverge.com or call us at 866-VERGE11. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Suzanne Nossel

Board Member

Oversight Board

The wide foldable is here, and it's glorious. The Verge's Dominic Preston has been reviewing Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8, and joins the show to explain what this shorter, wider device gets right, what it's still missing, and why this looks like the right kind of foldable for most people. (Once the price comes down, anyway.) With a similar foldable iPhone likely coming soon, it's shaping up to be a fun year of foldables. Further reading: OpenAI’s rogue AI agent didn’t stop at hacking Hugging Face | The Verge The US is banning foreign robots | The Verge DoorDash is going airborne with new drone delivery division Willie Nelson is pushing back against data centers in his hometown. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 feels like the future Huawei beats Samsung and Apple to market with the first wide foldable A wide foldable iPhone dummy emerges amid rumors of a delay So long, small phones Subscribe to The Verge for unlimited access to theverge.com, subscriber-exclusive newsletters, and our ad-free podcast feed.We love hearing from you! Email your questions and thoughts to vergecast@theverge.com or call us at 866-VERGE11. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dominic Preston

Journalist

The Verge

The team at Light has been working on minimalist phones for more than a decade. Its last device had a lot in common with a smartphone, but the newest model, the Light Flip, is something very different. Light CEO Kaiwei Tang explains why Light made a flip phone, how the world's opinion of smartphones is changing, and whether you can cure your tech problems with more tech. Further reading: ⁠Apple launches ‘Upgrade’ program to lease new devices⁠ ⁠Apple’s reported ‘HomePad’ may launch as early as October⁠ ⁠X Money is launching in the US starting today⁠ ⁠The Light Flip is a minimalist flip phone with a point to prove⁠ ⁠Light Phone III review: everything in moderation⁠ ⁠The high hopes of the low-tech phone⁠ ⁠There’s no perfect minimalist phone — yet⁠ ⁠Subscribe to The Verge⁠ for unlimited access to ⁠theverge.com⁠, subscriber-exclusive newsletters, and our ⁠ad-free podcast feed⁠.We love hearing from you! Email your questions and thoughts to ⁠vergecast@theverge.com⁠ or call us at 866-VERGE11. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kaiwei Tang

CEO

The Light PhoneLight

Some of the biggest players in AI — in particular OpenAI, SpaceX, and Amazon — are heavily invested in creating a world after smartphones. They're also all rumored to be building devices that sound a lot like smartphones. Verge contributor David Imel helps us figure out what these companies might actually be building, what an AI smartphone looks like, and whether anyone can unseat Apple and Google. Links: Elon Musk denies a report about SpaceX’s AI phone prototype OpenAI is reportedly launching a phone for ChatGPT Amazon is making an Alexa phone Subscribe to The Verge for unlimited access to theverge.com, subscriber-exclusive newsletters, and our ad-free podcast feed. We love hearing from you! Email your questions and thoughts to vergecast@theverge.com or call us at 866-VERGE11. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Imel

Host and Tech Journalist

Waveform Podcast / Android AuthorityWaveform PodcastThe Verge

Google Zero continues to affect website after website, and publisher after publisher. David and Nilay discuss Google's increased focus on AI, the web companies finally starting to fight back, and whether there's a way forward for Google's pact with the open web. After that, they talk about a big week in AI detection software, which sometimes works and frequently doesn't. Then it's time for the Hype Desk, Brendan Carr is a dummy, the Light Flip, and more. Further reading: Google hit with $1 billion fine for breaking EU antitrust rules Reddit might cut ties with Google as traffic drops. From the NYT: How Google’s A.I. Search Is Imperiling the Open Web Google says Gemini now has 950 million monthly users. Google earnings China delivers a one-two punch to America’s AI dominance OpenAI says it accidentally hacked Hugging Face with a new AI system Substack adds an AI detector to help spot blogs written by no one Anthropic’s $1.5 billion book piracy settlement approved by judge Jeff Bezos is getting involved with centering Amazon’s AI in Prime Video Meta made its own AI detection system. It should have just used Google’s Ford picks Apple Maps for its next EV platform and updated BlueCruise Apple’s rumored ‘Upgrade’ program brings lease-to-own pricing for iPhones, Macs, and iPads iOS code could reportedly let Apple cut off apps when users miss iPhone payments Framework’s premium laptop is shipping with less RAM The higher-end prebuilt Framework Laptop 13 Pro now costs $800 more. The Light Flip is a minimalist flip phone with a point to prove Judge pauses Paramount’s attempt to buy Warner Bros. Discovery Paramount’s Warner deal gets conditional approval in the EU. Subscribe to The Verge for unlimited access to theverge.com, subscriber-exclusive newsletters, and our ad-free podcast feed. We love hearing from you! Email your questions and thoughts to vergecast@theverge.com or call us at 866-VERGE11. (Timestamps are approximate.) 00:00:00 Intro 00:01:00 Claude Reads the Meters 00:04:00 Google Zero and Reddit Deal 00:15:00 AI Overviews Death Spiral 00:25:00 OpenAI Hacks Hugging Face 00:32:00 Substack AI Detector Debate 00:39:00 Prime Video Goes All In 00:44:00 Meta Content Seal Cynicism 00:53:00 Avengers Doomsday 01:03:00 Comic Con And Feige Reset 01:04:00 Brendan Carr Is a Dummy 01:12:00 Ramageddon Hits Framework 01:17:00 Apple Leasing Lockdown 01:21:00 Light Flip Phone Trend 01:26:00 Ford Picks Apple Maps 01:35:00 Paramount Merger Mess 01:35:00 Wrap Up And Plugs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

TikTok is endless. Netflix is already starting the next episode. Who's making time to read a book? Today we're chatting with The Atlantic's Rose Horowitch to discuss her story "The End of Reading is Here" and the role technology plays in reducing how much time — and attention — people have to read long pieces of writing. In a world where we're inundated with more text than ever from social media feeds, AI, and group chats, is it really possible that we're taking in less than before? Further reading: ⁠The End of Reading Is Here⁠ Subscribe to The Verge for unlimited access to theverge.com, subscriber-exclusive newsletters, and our ad-free podcast feed.We love hearing from you! Email your questions and thoughts to vergecast@theverge.com or call us at 866-VERGE11. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rose Horowitch

Journalist

The Atlantic

Samsung just kicked off phone season with the new Galaxy Z Fold 8, Fold 8 Ultra, and Z Flip 8, along with two new watches and a look at its smart glasses. David and Nilay talk through all the new devices, Samsung's overall case for foldable phones, and what it'll take for Samsung — or anyone — to convince people to spend $2,000 on a phone. Further reading: Samsung’s wider Z Fold 8 feels just right Samsung’s newest foldable finally feels Ultra I almost forgot Samsung’s Z Flip 8 was a foldable Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2 bet big on battery Samsung and Google’s smart glasses get two new designs Subscribe to The Verge for unlimited access to theverge.com, subscriber-exclusive newsletters, and our ad-free podcast feed.We love hearing from you! Email your questions and thoughts to vergecast@theverge.com or call us at 866-VERGE11. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

So far, most electric vehicles have looked more or less like cars. But recently, a few companies have looked to another, smaller mode of transport for inspiration. The Verge's Andy Hawkins explains why companies like Amble and Chip are reinventing the golf cart, in the hopes of creating an entirely new kind of street-legal vehicle. As long as the speed limit stays low. Further reading: ⁠The Light Flip is a minimalist flip phone with a point to prove | The Verge⁠ ⁠Anthropic has to pay authors. | The Verge⁠ ⁠The cost of GPUs goes far beyond AI data centers | The Verge⁠ ⁠Is America ready for this quirky Jeep-looking EV that can park itself?⁠ ⁠The ‘G-Wagen of golf carts’ could be the ideal second car⁠ ⁠America’s cheapest new EV is smaller than a ping-pong table and tops out at 19mph⁠ ⁠Zoox’s purpose-built robotaxi is getting a refresh⁠ Subscribe to The Verge for unlimited access to theverge.com, subscriber-exclusive newsletters, and our ad-free podcast feed. We love hearing from you! Email your questions and thoughts to vergecast@theverge.com or call us at 866-VERGE11. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Andy Hawkins

Transportation Editor

The Verge

Since the beginning of the AI revolution, a few companies have claimed to be building the best and most powerful AI models. All of them were American. More recently, a few Chinese companies seem to have caught up, shipping models that are much cheaper and maybe also just as good. The Verge's Hayden Field and Lauren Feiner join the show to explain how China made so much progress, the threat that progress represents to US companies and the US government, and what might happen next. Further reading: ⁠China and the US are battling to become the world’s first AI superpower⁠ ⁠Trump’s Anthropic shutdown just made the case for non-American AI⁠ ⁠China delivers a one-two punch to America’s AI dominance⁠ Subscribe to The Verge for unlimited access to theverge.com, subscriber-exclusive newsletters, and our ad-free podcast feed. We love hearing from you! Email your questions and thoughts to vergecast@theverge.com or call us at 866-VERGE11. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hayden Field

Senior AI Reporter

The Verge

Lauren Feiner

Senior Policy Reporter

The Verge

It's public beta season, which means David and Nilay have been upgrading some devices this week. We talk through the good and bad of our early experiences with Siri AI, and what it'll take for next-gen Siri to be a hit. After that, we discuss the real reason Apple decided to sue OpenAI over trade secrets, OpenAI's forthcoming smart speaker, the new Pixel colors, our emoji strategies, Brendan Carr, and much more. Further reading: Apple’s public betas for iOS 27 and more are out now Siri AI makes the Apple Watch finally feel like a wrist computer Siri AI is already changing how I use my iPhone The macOS 27 public beta is worth it just for the Liquid Glass tweaks Apple sues OpenAI for allegedly stealing hardware secrets Suno snatched millions of songs from YouTube, Genius, and Deezer Sam Altman didn’t need another lawsuit The 6 wildest claims in Apple’s lawsuit against OpenAI Another turn in the Apple v. OpenAI dispute. OpenAI has a new statement about Apple’s lawsuit. OnePlus officially gives up on the US and Europe OnePlus is dead in the US. Did it ever have a chance? Samsung shows off ‘brand new shape’ for Z Fold 8 in Spider-Man teaser OpenAI may announce a ChatGPT smart speaker this year OpenAI finally launches hardware… for Codex Pixel Watch 5 leak shows off four different finishes The Pixel colors might rule this year The PS6 sure sounds like a handheld Brendan Carr plans to let broadcast giants dominate the airwaves X admits its broken algorithm made the site feel like a ‘battleground’ States make last-ditch effort to stop the Paramount ‘media behemoth’ Paramount lead trial counsel on state AG suit: This merger is pro-competitive The new cracking face emoji might be an all-timer. Google’s Demis Hassabis says it’s time for a global AI watchdog — led by the US Google and Epic give up fighting — third-party Android app stores are coming next week Subscribe to The Verge for unlimited access to theverge.com, subscriber-exclusive newsletters, and our ad-free podcast feed.We love hearing from you! Email your questions and thoughts to vergecast@theverge.com or call us at 866-VERGE11. (Timestamps are approximate.) 00:01:00 Intro 00:02:00 Apple Betas and New Siri 00:08:00 Gemini Car Assistant Fails 00:15:00 Apple Sues OpenAI 00:18:00 Trade Secret Law Explained 00:28:00 Settlement or Long Fight 00:35:00 OpenAI Home Device Doubts 00:42:00 Smartphone Platform Lessons 00:50:00 Pixel Colors and Naming 00:52:00 OnePlus Retreat Explained 00:55:00 Carriers and iPhone Lock In 01:05:00 Brendan Carr Bribery Scandal 01:14:00 Emoji Lightning Round 01:18:00 X Algorithm Rediscovery 01:23:00 Foothills Of Singularity 01:29:00 Paramount Merger Spin 01:33:00 Wrap And Plugs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

AI text detectors have been notoriously unreliable, but that's starting to change. This year, Pangram keeps coming up as the trusted source in identifying AI-written text. We sit down with Pangram CEO Max Spero to find out how the system was made, how much we should trust it, and where the line is between useful AI and AI slop. Further reading: OnePlus officially gives up on the US and Europe⁠ ⁠Google ordered to open Android and Search to rivals in Europe⁠ ⁠Brendan Carr plans to let broadcast giants dominate the airwaves⁠ ⁠⁠The literary world isn’t prepared for AI⁠ Subscribe to The Verge for unlimited access to theverge.com, subscriber-exclusive newsletters, and our ad-free podcast feed. We love hearing from you! Email your questions and thoughts to vergecast@theverge.com or call us at 866-VERGE11. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Valve's Steam Machine might be exactly the living room console you've been waiting for. Or it might be too expensive, totally pointless, a waste of everyone's money and shelf space. The Verge's Sean Hollister joins the show to talk through all the feedback we've been getting about our coverage and our review. Is Valve's history a pro or a con? Is the price reasonable or ridiculous? Who is this device actually for? We have much to discuss. Further reading: Google and Epic give up fighting — third-party Android app stores are coming next week OpenAI may announce a ChatGPT smart speaker this year Another turn in the Apple v. OpenAI dispute ⁠The Steam Machine is the most ambitious game console I’ve ever played⁠⁠ ⁠⁠The Steam Machine fits my TV, my desk, and my life⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Valve will finally let you build your own Steam Machine with SteamOS for desktop⁠⁠ ⁠⁠How much would the Steam Machine cost to build?⁠ Subscribe to The Verge for unlimited access to theverge.com, subscriber-exclusive newsletters, and our ad-free podcast feed. We love hearing from you! Email your questions and thoughts to vergecast@theverge.com or call us at 866-VERGE11. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean Hollister

Senior Editor

The Verge

AI-generated music is suddenly everywhere. On social media, music streaming services, and elsewhere, stuff made on Suno is becoming unavoidable. The Verge's Terrence O'Brien joins David to talk about where Suno came from, whether it can truly change the way we create and consume music, and how we can and should respond to AI music. We also have some thoughts on whether these songs might someday be bangers. Further reading: X admits its broken algorithm made the site feel like a ‘battleground’ | The Verge The Pixel colors might rule this year | The Verge Pixel Watch 5 leak shows off four different finishes | The Verge New York becomes the first state to enact a data center moratorium | The Verge Suno is a music copyright nightmare Suno leans into customization with v5.5 Nobody wants to tell me why they only listen to their own Suno slop Suno’s upgraded AI music generator is technically impressive, but still soulless Subscribe to The Verge for unlimited access to theverge.com, subscriber-exclusive newsletters, and our ad-free podcast feed.We love hearing from you! Email your questions and thoughts to vergecast@theverge.com or call us at 866-VERGE11. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Terrence O'Brien

The Verge

So far, there have been exactly zero great AI-first gadgets. But that hasn't stopped the tech industry from trying to figure out what shape and size these new gadgets might take, and whether any of them can best the device in your pocket. The Verge's Allison Johnson and Victoria Song join David to rank all those shapes, from pendant to smartwatch to rectangle, to see whether there is actually a next big thing out there. Further reading: ⁠Apple sues OpenAI for allegedly stealing hardware secrets | The Verge⁠ ⁠Less is more with the Oura Ring 5 | The Verge⁠ Subscribe to The Verge for unlimited access to theverge.com, subscriber-exclusive newsletters, and our ad-free podcast feed. We love hearing from you! Email your questions and thoughts to vergecast@theverge.com or call us at 866-VERGE11. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Allison Johnson

The Verge

Victoria Song

Senior Tech Reviewer

The Verge

Netflix makes shows. And movies. And podcasts. And games. And… YouTube videos, apparently. So what even is Netflix anymore? Nilay and David have ideas. After that, they talk about Meta’s ongoing smart glasses mess, and whether Meta or anyone can make these devices work. Finally, it's time for Brendan Carr, RAMageddon, the state of X, and a dumb TV mystery. Further reading: Bloomberg: ⁠Netflix Viewers Are Abandoning Shows After One Season⁠ ⁠Of course viewers are giving up on Netflix shows ⁠ ⁠Netflix is about to host videos from BuzzFeed, Condé Nast, and other publishers⁠ ⁠Netflix Bets on Short Videos to Compete With YouTube - Business Insider⁠ ⁠Netflix's video podcast engagement numbers 'are low,' per insider⁠ ⁠Emmy Nominations List 2026: BEEF, The Diplomat, The Beast in Me, Black Rabbit, and More - Netflix Tudum⁠ ⁠If Microsoft sold off Xbox, who would even buy it?⁠ ⁠Meta is reportedly working on smart glasses that would be recording all the time ⁠ ⁠Meta’s glasses will turn off the camera if you tamper with the privacy light ⁠ ⁠Solos debuts an even lighter version of its camera-less smart glasses ⁠ ⁠Boz describes how Meta’s smart glasses facial recognition feature would work. ⁠ ⁠Another verdict on camera glasses in court: nope! ⁠ ⁠ABC tells the government to get out of its newsrooms⁠ ⁠Meta’s new Muse Image model can pull other Instagram users into AI photos ⁠ ⁠You can (and should) opt out of letting people use your Instagram posts with Meta’s AI.⁠ ⁠Are you ready for what it takes to stop ghost guns?⁠ ⁠Vizio accidentally made the best dumb TV on the market⁠ ⁠PC shipments fell for the first time in over two years thanks to RAMageddon. ⁠ ⁠A tough chart about the RAM crisis. ⁠ ⁠Subscribe to The Verge⁠ for unlimited access to ⁠theverge.com⁠, subscriber-exclusive newsletters, and our ⁠ad-free podcast feed⁠.We love hearing from you! Email your questions and thoughts to ⁠vergecast@theverge.com⁠ or call us at 866-VERGE11. (Timestamps are approximate.) 00:01:00 Intro 00:04:00 Netflix Identity Crisis 00:08:00 Creators Versus Netflix 00:15:00 Netflix Buys YouTube Videos 00:18:00 Go90 Scale Check In 00:19:00 Netflix Should Buy Xbox 00:28:00 Smart Glasses Panopticon 00:46:00 Backlash And Offline Tech 00:49:00 Smart Glasses Without Cameras 00:55:00 FCC Chilling Effect 01:03:00 Ramageddon Price Shock 01:07:00 Regulating Ghost Guns 01:14:00 X Product Reality Check 01:20:00 Vizio Dumb TV Mystery 01:25:00 Wrap Up And Plugs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Quantum computing hype is everywhere. Trump says we'll have one by 2028, Microsoft by 2029. IBM is investing billions. Is it really happening? Science journalist Sophia Chen joins us to discuss her article, "What is a quantum computer good for? Absolutely nothing — yet," and break down what's real and what's hype in the quantum computing race. Further reading ⁠Meta is reportedly working on smart glasses that would be recording all the time⁠ ⁠Sonos laid off some of its veteran product and design executives⁠ ⁠Cash App fraud⁠ ⁠Starlink deployments on record pace⁠ ⁠Play-Doh for adults is the new Lego for adults⁠ ⁠Slate is hoping a little Razzmatazz will help sell its trucks⁠ ⁠What is a quantum computer good for? Absolutely nothing — yet⁠ ⁠A new paper argues Microsoft exaggerated its quantum claims a year ago⁠ ⁠Drama over quantum computing’s future heats up⁠ ⁠The race is on for quantum-safe cryptography⁠ Subscribe to The Verge for unlimited access to theverge.com, subscriber-exclusive newsletters, and our ad-free podcast feed. We love hearing from you! Email your questions and thoughts to vergecast@theverge.com or call us at 866-VERGE11. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How much smartphone is too much smartphone? Why is it so hard to switch from one phone to another, even in 2026? And is your smartwatch finally ready to replace your phone, even for a few things? These are the questions you have, and The Verge's Allison Johnson is here to answer them. If you have others, keep 'em coming! Call the Vergecast Hotline at 866-VERGE11, email ⁠vergecast@theverge.com⁠, tell us everything. Further reading: Google announces Pixel 11 launch event in August | The Verge The whole Pixel line could get more expensive this year | The Verge Meta’s glasses will turn off the camera if you tamper with the privacy light | The Verge This jumping $800 robot camera dog filled me with joy ⁠Ditching my phone for an LTE smartwatch was a humbling experience⁠ ⁠I switch phones once a week — here’s how I manage the chaos⁠ ⁠Welp, I bought an iPhone again⁠ Subscribe to The Verge for unlimited access to theverge.com, subscriber-exclusive newsletters, and our ad-free podcast feed. We love hearing from you! Email your questions and thoughts to vergecast@theverge.com or call us at 866-VERGE11. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Allison Johnson

The Verge

We have all become desensitized. Every place is like every other place, every experience is happening at a remove and on a screen. And Ian Bogost, a Washington University professor and a writer at The Atlantic, argues that this "dematerialization" is making our life worse. Ian joins David to explain how to once again commune with the world. He tells us of the magic of paper tickets, why he's kind of obsessed with the rubber on his water bottle, and why you don't need to throw phone into the ocean — but you should probably watch more ASMR videos. The Small Stuff: How to Lead a More Gratifying Life The Cult of Delayed Gratification Is a Lie Subscribe to The Verge for unlimited access to theverge.com, subscriber-exclusive newsletters, and our ad-free podcast feed.We love hearing from you! Email your questions and thoughts to vergecast@theverge.com or call us at 866-VERGE11. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ian Bogost

Professor and Writer

Washington University in St. LouisThe Atlantic

We've been tracking the Trump Phone for more than a year. We weren't sure it was real, or that it would ever ship — and we were pretty darn sure it wasn't going to be made in America. Whatever the Trump Phone is, though? We finally got our hands on one. Dom Preston and some other Verge friends will join David to talk about the device, our first impressions, and whether this is could be the best phone of 2026. (Just kidding.) Further reading: ⁠I finally got my Trump phone⁠ Subscribe to The Verge for unlimited access to theverge.com, subscriber-exclusive newsletters, and our ad-free podcast feed.We love hearing from you! Email your questions and thoughts to vergecast@theverge.com or call us at 866-VERGE11. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dom Preston

The Verge

For many of us in the US, it's the beginning of a holiday weekend. So we figured we'd try and help you out. We grabbed a bunch of Verge staffers, and asked them all a simple question: How do you disconnect? We have ideas about Wi-Fi, about phone hygiene, about smartwatches, and much more. We're certainly not here to tell you to ditch screens entirely, but... screen responsibly, you know? Send us your tips, and have a great summer vacation! Subscribe to The Verge for unlimited access to theverge.com, subscriber-exclusive newsletters, and our ad-free podcast feed.We love hearing from you! Email your questions and thoughts to vergecast@theverge.com or call us at 866-VERGE11. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Things don't look great for console and game makers right now. With Xbox and PlayStation sales flagging, Microsoft preparing for big layoffs in its gaming division, and the price of everything on the rise, maybe it makes sense to save money where you can. You know, like making discs? David and Nilay discuss the end of the physical video game, before wondering whether Microsoft might be getting ready to get rid of Xbox altogether. After that, they talk about the new wave of hardware for AI coders, and the ongoing attempt to replace your laptop keyboard with... something, plus the latest iPhone 18 rumors and leaks. Finally, it's time for the Hype Desk, Brendan Carr is a Dummy, some breaking SpaceX phone news, and some truly wild BMW headlights. Further reading: Sony is killing all physical PlayStation game discs Xbox testing disc-to-digital feature that digitizes a physical game collection Xbox weighs canceling Blade game and shuttering Arkane  Xbox: “We’re not reducing our overall investment in games.”  Sony’s next-gen PlayStation will go ‘beyond the living room’  PlayStation and Xbox hardware had a tough May.  Xbox prices spike another $100 or more With GTA looming, consoles are getting expensive at the worst possible time 007 First Light’s developer lays off staff but claims its next franchise will continue Rockstar workers push to unionize ahead of GTA VI’s launch OpenAI is teasing new hardware… for Codex  Here’s a photo of OpenAI’s Codex hardware.  iPhone 18 Pro ‘drop test’ leaks get yanked from X  Leaked iPhone 18 Pro photos reportedly wound up on the dark web   A future Qi standard could bring 50W wireless charging to more devices.  Exclusive | SpaceX Showed Investors Prototype of Elon Musk’s New AI Device - WSJ Comcast is splitting in two The Supreme Court stops Trump’s attempt to end birthright citizenship WhatsApp is launching usernames: here’s how to reserve yours  Supreme Court allows firing of FTC commissioners, ends agency independence  Subscribe to The Verge for unlimited access to theverge.com, subscriber-exclusive newsletters, and our ad-free podcast feed. We love hearing from you! Email your questions and thoughts to vergecast@theverge.com or call us at 866-VERGE11. (Timestamps are approximate.) 00:00:00 Intro 00:02:00 Book Pitch and Grill Week 00:04:00 Discs Are Dying 00:08:00 Live Service Shopping Malls 00:11:00 Microsoft Xbox Layoffs Talk 00:16:00 Console Sales Slump and Prices 00:20:00 PlayStation Beyond Living Room 00:24:00 OpenAI Codex Macro Keyboard 00:27:00 Voice Coding and Verification Loops 00:31:00 Dictation Hype and AI Limits 00:39:00 iPhone 18 Pro Leak Mystery 00:44:00 Battery Life Tradeoffs 00:48:00 Fast Wireless Charging Heat 00:52:00 CarPlay Beta Workarounds 00:56:00 Netflix Horror Unhinged 01:03:00 Cozy Repair Game Restory 01:06:00 Brendan Carr is a Dummy 01:16:00 SpaceX AI Phone Rumors 01:22:00 Grok OS App Problem 01:25:00 Comcast Splits In Two 01:33:00 WhatsApp Username Land Grab 01:35:00 BMW Headlights Go Bananas 01:40:00 Wrap Up And Plugs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For years, Rivian has looked like one of the most compelling electric vehicle companies in America — and maybe the car maker most equipped to take on Tesla. All that potential comes down to this: the R2, the long-awaited and more affordable car that Rivian hopes can make it truly mainstream. After a journey to the R2's factory earlier this year, The Verge's Andrew Hawkins explains what the R2 is, why it matters, and what happens to Rivian if it's a hit — or a flop. Further reading: ⁠Range anxiety⁠ ⁠The Rivian R2 is too much fun to let drive itself⁠ ⁠Rivian surprises with R3 and R3X electric SUVs⁠ Subscribe to The Verge for unlimited access to theverge.com, subscriber-exclusive newsletters, and our ad-free podcast feed. We love hearing from you! Email your questions and thoughts to vergecast@theverge.com or call us at 866-VERGE11. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Andrew Hawkins

Transportation Editor

The Verge

The Onion's takeover of conspiracy show InfoWars isn't officially complete — but comedian Tim Heidecker, who's serving as creative director, won't let that stop him from building out a slate of comedy programming. Before the new InfoWars launches July 2, The Verge's Mia Sato interviews Tim about what drew him to the project, how long he can (or wants to) maintain an Alex Jones parody, and whether it's worth doing an interview with The Verge when you've already done one with Wired. Further reading: ⁠The Onion’s rebooted InfoWars is coming July 2nd⁠ ⁠The Onion’s acquisition of Infowars was blocked by a judge⁠ Subscribe to The Verge for unlimited access to theverge.com, subscriber-exclusive newsletters, and our ad-free podcast feed.We love hearing from you! Email your questions and thoughts to vergecast@theverge.com or call us at 866-VERGE11. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tim Heidecker

Creative Director

The Onion

It's time for a new series on The Vergecast! (It still needs a name. Please help.) We're going to give Verge staffers a challenge, and regroup a few weeks later to see who did it best. We're starting with some vibe coding. The Verge's Jake Kastrenakes and Hayden Field share what they've made with AI that has actually stuck in their lives, before David gives the challenge: build a website to solve a problem in your life. The more ambitious and impressive the better. We'll be back with the results soon, and in the meantime, send us ideas for more challenges! (Also, names for the series. PLEASE.) Further reading: ⁠Anthropic’s Mythos 5 is back | The Verge⁠ ⁠Supreme Court allows firing of FTC commissioners, ends agency independence⁠ ⁠Comcast is splitting in two | The Verge⁠ ⁠WhatsApp is launching usernames: here’s how to reserve yours | The Verge⁠ ⁠Welcome to the personal software revolution⁠ ⁠I used Claude to vibe-code my wildly overcomplicated smart home⁠ Subscribe to The Verge for unlimited access to theverge.com, subscriber-exclusive newsletters, and our ad-free podcast feed.We love hearing from you! Email your questions and thoughts to vergecast@theverge.com or call us at 866-VERGE11. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jake Kastrenakes

Reporter

The Verge

Hayden Field

Senior AI Reporter

The Verge

Meta's business is doing just fine. But Meta as a company, and Meta as a series of products? That is, uh, messier. David and Nilay discuss the company's ongoing desire to be relevant and cool, the unceasing importance of Instagram, and why it makes perfect sense that Facebook would clone Polymarket. After that, the hosts talk about Apple's huge price increases, and the ways in which RAMageddon might change the gadget market forever. Then it's time for Brendan Carr is a dummy, the latest on the movie Artificial, and the looming fight over AI data. Further reading: ⁠The Steam Machine is the most ambitious game console I’ve ever played ⁠ ⁠Valve prices the Steam Machine at $1,049 ⁠ ⁠How much would the Steam Machine cost to build? ⁠ ⁠Valve describes just how brutal RAM negotiations are in 2026 ⁠ ⁠The Steam Machine is the start of an even more expensive future for game consoles ⁠ ⁠I drove the Slate Truck — there’s more to it than EV minimalism ⁠ ⁠The Slate Auto pickup truck starts at $24,950 ⁠ ⁠Meta pauses employee tracking tool after internal leak. ⁠ ⁠Now Meta will track what employees do on their computers to train its AI agents ⁠ ⁠Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth Admits the Company’s AI Reorg Was ‘Atrocious’ | WIRED⁠ ⁠Zuckerberg reportedly wants a Polymarket clone — but without real money⁠ ⁠Polymarket paid creators to post fake videos of themselves placing and winning bets. ⁠ ⁠Meta plans to release AI-powered prediction market app⁠ ⁠Facebook’s Creator Studio has been revived as an AI companion app⁠ ⁠Kaleidescape’s Strato E player blows streaming, and your wallet, away ⁠ ⁠Something’s off with Midjourney’s pivot to body scanners ⁠ ⁠People Inc. CEO says it’s “probably” headed for a confrontation with Google over AI crawling.⁠ ⁠ABC encourages viewers to back network amid FCC investigations⁠ ⁠Bob Iger’s Disney wanted Apple, Twitter, and 007 ⁠ ⁠The film about Sam Altman has been dropped by Amazon MGM ⁠ Subscribe to The Verge for unlimited access to theverge.com, subscriber-exclusive newsletters, and our ad-free podcast feed. We love hearing from you! Email your questions and thoughts to vergecast@theverge.com or call us at 866-VERGE11. (Timestamps are approximate.) 00:01:00 Cannes Cold Open 00:07:00 Coach x Spotify Absurdity 00:10:00 Vox Media PMX Shakeup 00:14:00 Meta Chaos vs Money 00:26:00 Gambling as Engagement 00:33:00 Ramageddon Hits Gadgets 00:44:00 Slate Truck Price 00:45:00 Range And Truck Feel 00:48:00 Tech Bloat Backlash 00:50:00 BYD Versus Tesla 00:56:00 FCC Targets The View 01:04:00 Amazon Drops Artificial 01:08:00 Kaleidescape Versus Blu Ray 01:13:00 Bob Iger Merger Rumors 01:17:00 Blocking AI Crawlers 01:22:00 Wrap Up And Next Week Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices