The Vergecast
We can’t quit electric cars — or robotaxis
· Summarized
Key takeaways
- Electric vehicles appear to be experiencing a slowdown despite the initial hype and ambitions, reflected in challenges with policy, market competition, and pricing.
- The return to focus on robotaxis indicates a potential revival of interest in autonomous vehicle technology among major players in the transport industry, yet the safety and readiness remain pertinent concerns.
- ActivityPub underpins the Fediverse, and its ongoing development could influence social networking by facilitating new types of interactions and encouraging platforms to focus on interoperability.
- The iPhone 16E pricing discussion showcases the significance of geographic market variations, emphasizing that what may seem like a reasonable price to one demographic can be prohibitively expensive to others.
Summary
The EV Landscape
The podcast opens with David Pierce discussing his ongoing struggle to solve a Rubik's Cube, which becomes a metaphorical lead-in to the main topic of electric vehicles (EVs). Andy Hawkins from The Verge joins the conversation to explore the current state of EVs, noting that the once booming EV market appears to be slowing down. He explains that despite a significant push for electrification, the market is facing various challenges, including economic pressures, competitive pricing, and changing political climates affecting policies. The discussion highlights companies like Nikola declaring bankruptcy and the overall flatlining of EV sales, as well as the shift in focus back to the concept of robotaxis.
Robotaxis: The Return
The narrative quickly transitions to robotaxis, which are now regaining traction within the industry. Hawkins points out that despite the failures in prior attempts, companies like Uber and Lyft are resurrecting robotaxi projects, suggesting a resurgence in the buzz around autonomous vehicles. The discussion delves into what led to this renewed focus and the balance between optimism and skepticism regarding the technology's readiness for mainstream acceptance. Hawkins emphasizes the dichotomy of navigating through legal and safety challenges while managing public perception regarding the feasibility of robotaxis.
The Fediverse and Social Networks
The latter half of the podcast features Evan Prodromou, discussing ActivityPub and the evolving Fediverse, which comprises platforms like Mastodon, Threads, and Blue Sky. Prodromou explains the importance of ActivityPub as a protocol allowing interconnectivity between these varied platforms, and he elaborates on the ongoing development of new features and interactions within this network. The conversation highlights upcoming functionalities including end-to-end encrypted messaging, geosocial interactions, and group functionalities aiming to enhance user experiences across platforms. Prodromou also shares insights on how new entrants in the social media landscape pose challenges and opportunities for established norms.
iPhone 16E Feedback
The podcast concludes with feedback regarding the iPhone 16E pricing from previous discussions, which results in an insightful examination of how different markets dictate pricing strategies. Various callers highlight the significant price sensitivity in international markets, particularly in India, where affordability can drive Apple sales dramatically. Feedback illustrates that while the U.S. market may prioritize premium price points, other countries champion accessibility which, in return, suggests that Apple's approach might be shifting towards appealing to a broader audience.
Sponsors
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- Vox Media · Vox Media podcasts are hitting the road and heading back to Austin, Texas for the South by Southwest Festival March 8th through 10th. Not only will today explain be there, but there will also be special live episodes of hit shows, including where should we begin with Esther Perrell Pivot, with Cara Swish, a touch more with Sue Bird and Megan Repino, not just football with Cam Hayward and more presented by Smartsheet. We hope to see you at the Austin Convention Center soon.
Show notes
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.
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