The Vergecast
AI can't even turn on the lights
· Summarized
Key takeaways
- Verge subscribers can now access ad-free podcasts, a direct response to audience feedback.
- Apple introduced M5-powered devices, but many experts believe the upgrades lack revolutionary elements.
- AI technology in smart homes is failing to meet basic user expectations, raising concerns about its future.
- Various tech topics discussed in the lightning round highlight ongoing trends and struggles in the tech landscape.
Summary
Ad-free Podcasts and Subscription Model
Nilay and David discuss the launch of ad-free podcasts for Verge subscribers, emphasizing that this was a top request from their audience. The hosts explain the reasoning behind this decision, which includes the need to grow their subscription model while retaining editorial independence.
Apple's M5 Chip Announcements
The episode dives into Apple's recent announcements regarding new M5-powered products including the MacBook Pro and iPad Pro. Nilay and David debate whether these chip updates are significant or just minor incremental changes in their product lines.
AI in Smart Home Technology
Nilay reflects on his experiences with AI products over the summer, particularly in the context of smart home technology. He discusses the shortcomings of AI in executing basic tasks like turning lights on, positing that the failure of AI in practical applications may signify broader issues within the AI industry.
Lightning Round Discussions
In the lightning round, Nilay and David cover a variety of topics, including the rise of AI-created song covers, the rebranding of Apple TV, TiVo's last DVR sale, Roku's new voice assistant features, the Cybertruck's sales struggles, and the exploding Pixel 10 Pro Fold.
Sponsors
- Zapier · Zapier wants to empower businesses everywhere to create processes and systems that let computers do what they do best, allowing humans to focus on what they do best.
- Indeed · Indeed gives you direct access to over 3 million US tech professionals and tools that align with what tech candidates want, like flexible work options and salary transparency.
- AWS · AWS supports startups that are building ambitious companies using Gen AI and physical AI, providing infrastructure support for ambitious growth.
Show notes
Nilay’s back! And you can listen to The Vergecast with no ads, if you’re a Verge subscriber! Big week, really. Nilay and David start the show by talking about ads, podcasts, platforms, and subscriptions. Then they talk a bunch about Apple’s new M5-powered MacBook, iPad, and Vision Pro, and whether a chip bump is worth getting excited about. After that, Nilay reflects on a summer of using AI products, and explains why you can tell the whole story of this generation of AI just by talking about the smart home. Finally, in the lightning round, the hosts talk about AI song covers, Apple TV, TiVo, Roku, Cybertrucks, and the exploding Pixel 10 Pro Fold.
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Further reading:
Ad-free Verge podcasts have arrived
Netflix is making a big bet on video podcasts
Apple’s 2025 iPad Pro comes with an M5 chip inside
Apple just upgraded the Vision Pro with an M5 chip and new strap
Apple’s 14-inch MacBook Pro gets an M5 chip bump and faster storage
Logitech made an Apple Pencil-like stylus for the Vision Pro
Apple’s rumored smart home display hub might start at $350
Samsung officially teases Moohan headset launch for next week
Apple’s future smart glasses could have two separate UIs.
ChatGPT will soon help you shop at Walmart.
How OpenAI plans to make all its money.
Microsoft wants you to talk to your PC and let AI control it
As Microsoft bids farewell to Windows 10, millions of users won’t
Spotify says it’s working with labels on ‘responsible’ AI music tools
DirecTV will soon bring AI ads to your screensaver
OpenAI partners with Broadcom to produce its own AI chips
Sam Altman says ChatGPT will soon sext with verified adults
Apple TV Plus is being rebranded to… Apple TV
Apple exec on Apple TV rebranding: ‘let’s just do it’
Google’s Pixel 10 Pro Fold is the first to ‘go up in smoke during a bend test,’ JerryRigEverything says
Roku’s AI-upgraded voice assistant can answer questions about what you’re watching
DirecTV will soon bring AI ads to your screensaver
Soul Against the Machine
TiVo has sold its last DVR
Tesla Cybertruck sales are flatlining
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