The Vergecast
Valve made Microsoft's dream console
· Summarized
Key takeaways
- Valve is making a significant comeback in the gaming console market with the Steam Machine and other devices, aiming to reclaim living room gaming.
- The Neo robot's test highlights the current limitations in humanoid robotics, emphasizing the gap between vision and capability.
- Ongoing industry negotiations can disrupt major services, as exemplified by the YouTube TV and Disney conflict.
- Apple's introduction of mini apps signifies a shift in their app ecosystem, influenced by regulatory pressures.
- Waymo's expansion into highway driving reflects the cautious approach of autonomous vehicle services as they scale.
Summary
Valve's Return to Living Room Gaming
The podcast discusses Valve's resurgence in the gaming console space with the introduction of the Steam Machine, Steam Controller, and Steam Frame VR headset. The hosts explore how these devices challenge Microsoft's presence in the living room, emphasizing the potential for the Steam Machine to be the Xbox that Microsoft envisioned. The conversation also delves into the features of the Steam Controller and the VR capabilities of the Steam Frame, illustrating how Valve is innovating in the gaming space.
Joanna Stern's Robot Experience
Joanna Stern shares her hands-on experience testing the Neo residential robot, which boasts the ability to perform household chores, such as loading a dishwasher. During her testing, Joanna highlights the robot's limitations and the awkwardness of its operation, orchestrated by a human remotely. This section prompts discussion on the broader implications of humanoid robotics and the challenges of making robots truly autonomous.
Lightning Round Highlights
The podcast wraps up with a lightning round where the hosts discuss various industry news topics. Key discussions include the ongoing spat between Disney and YouTube TV, which is causing revenue loss for Disney; Apple's introduction of mini apps in the App Store that allows developers to embed their apps within other applications; and Waymo's expansion into highway driving for their autonomous vehicle service. The hosts offer witty commentary on these topics, providing insights and humor to the current tech landscape.
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Show notes
The console wars are back on. This week, Nilay Patel sits down with Jake Kastrenakes, Sean Hollister, and special guest Joanna Stern, senior columnist at The Wall Street Journal, to talk about Valve's return to the living room gaming race with the Steam Machine, Steam Controller, and Steam Frame VR headset. Then, Joanna discusses her time putting the Neo robot to the test and seeing whether it's capable of loading a dishwasher. Finally, it's time for the Lightning Round, where the crew is talking the YouTube/Disney spat, Apple's new mini apps, and letting Waymo speed down the highway.
Further reading:
Our first look at the Steam Machine, Valve’s ambitious new game console
Valve enters the console wars
Valve just built the Xbox that Microsoft is dreaming of
Valve’s new Steam Controller might be my dream controllerThe Steam Frame is a surprising new twist on VR
Steam Machines have returned: all the news about Valve’s new hardware universe
The Steam Frame has two speakers on each side of your face for vibration cancellation
Valve’s new VR streaming trick won’t just work with its own headset
How the Steam Frame compares to other VR headsets
Valve thinks Arm has ‘potential’ for SteamOS handhelds, laptops, and more
Valve is welcoming Android games into Steam
Valve has stopped manufacturing its Index VR headset
Valve has no news about Steam Deck 2 — because it’s still waiting for the right chip
We tried Valve’s new VR headset, PC, and controller — ask us anything!
I Tried the First Humanoid Home Robot. It Got Weird
Know Your Meme
1X Neo is a $20,000 home robot that will learn chores via teleoperation
Meet NEO, the AI-Driven Robot That’s Coming to Lend a Hand Around the House — for a Steep Price
The Problem with this Humanoid Robot
Samsung brings a generative AI-powered Bixby to its TVs
Gemini for TV is coming to Google TV Streamer starting today
Google says its confusing Gemini Home rollout is going just great
Google Photos lets iPhone users edit images by describing changes
Disney is losing over $4 million a day in revenue on the YouTube TV blackout
Disney is “trying really hard” to get ESPN back on YouTube TV
Peyton and Eli Manning Drop the Ball, Embarrass Themselves With Bob Iger Interview
Apple made a $230 crossbody… sock
Steve Jobs introduces iPod socks in 2004
Mini apps
Apple will take a mini commission from mini app developers
Amazon is cracking down on illegal streaming on its Fire TV Stick
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