The Vergecast
The new Xbox is not an Xbox
· Summarized
Key takeaways
- The Xbox Ally and Ally X handhelds are underwhelming in delivering a compelling Xbox gaming experience.
- AI tools like ChatGPT can reduce engagement and cognitive workload, leading to over-reliance that may diminish critical thinking skills.
- Hybrid computing devices present both exciting possibilities and technical challenges, raising questions about the future of modular technology.
Summary
The Future of Handheld Gaming and Xbox Ally
The podcast opens with David Pierce discussing his experiences with the new iPad Pro amidst a stack of various iPads, before delving into the main topic: handheld gaming consoles, specifically the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X. They highlight the excitement surrounding these devices, intended to rejuvenate the Xbox brand amid competition from Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch. However, the conversation quickly turns critical as they reveal that the new Xbox handhelds do not provide the promised gaming experience, citing concerns over their usability and performance.
AI's Impact on Cognitive Abilities
After the discussion about gaming devices, the conversation shifts to the impact of AI on our cognitive functions. The discussion centers around a significant MIT study exploring how tools like ChatGPT affect our brain's engagement and ability to perform tasks. The findings suggest that while AI can enhance the speed of executing certain tasks, it can also lead to a reliance that diminishes other cognitive functions. Notably, the study reveals that users began to depend heavily on AI to generate essays, losing critical thinking engagement over time.
Debating Hybrid Computers
The podcast concludes with a conversation sparked by a question from the Vergecast hotline about hybrid computing devices. The caller imagines a two-screen laptop where one screen detaches to become a tablet. The discussion explores the feasibility of such devices, weighing the pros and cons of modular designs. While they find the idea appealing, they highlight potential technical challenges, especially concerning durability and performance. The segment serves as both a nostalgic nod to past attempts at hybrid devices and a contemplation of their potential future within the tech ecosystem.
Sponsors
- IBM · Your AI agents make the team that uses them more productive, right? But if they aren't connected to other agents, or your data, or your existing workflows, how productive can they really make your teams? Any business can add AI agents. IBM connects your agents across your company to change how you do business. Let's create smarter business, IBM.
- T-Mobile · At T-Mobile, you can save up to 20% versus the other big guys. You heard them. T-Mobile is the best place to get the new iPhone 17 Pro on us with eligible trade in any condition. Check them out to see how much you could save versus the other big guys at t-mobile.com/switch.
- Adobe · Meet Adobe Express, the quick and easy app to create on brand content. Learn more at adobe.com/express/business.
- Shopify · If you’re ready to sell, you’re ready for Shopify. Turn your big business idea into reality with Shopify on your side. Sign up for your $1 per month trial and start selling today at shopify.com/vergecast.
- Wealthfront · You can feel confident that you're getting the best with Wealthfront. Find out how to earn a 4% APY on your uninvested cash at Wealthfront.com/verge.
Show notes
We're very bullish on the handheld future of gaming. But we're not bullish on the new ROG Xbox Ally. The Verge's Sean Hollister joins the show to explain why this Xbox-branded device barely feels like an Xbox, and why it's definitely not a threat to the Steam Deck, before he and David debate whether the future of Xbox is even in good hands. After that, The Verge's Hayden Field walks David through a couple of important recent studies, asking the same basic question: is AI making us dumb? Finally, Sean returns to answer a question from the Vergecast Hotline (call 866-VERGE11 or email vergecast@theverge.com!) about hybrid computers, which are an extremely 2012 idea and also maybe the future of computing. But probably not.
Help us improve The Verge: Take our quick survey at theverge.com/survey.
Further reading:
Xbox Ally and Ally X review: this is not an Xbox
Prongs rock
MIT: Your Brain on ChatGPT: Accumulation of Cognitive Debt when Using an AI Assistant for Essay Writing Task
How chatbots — and their makers — are enabling AI psychosis
Sam Altman says ChatGPT will stop talking about suicide with teens
Some doctors got worse at detecting cancer after relying on AI
Microsoft Research: The Impact of Generative AI on Critical Thinking: Self-Reported Reductions in Cognitive Effort and Confidence Effects From a Survey of Knowledge Workers
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
Follow this show on AudioBrevity and new episodes get summarized for you. Create a free account