The Vergecast
Samsung’s S25 Ultra and the end of the flagship phone
· Summarized
Key takeaways
- The Galaxy S25 Ultra showcases incremental upgrades, reflecting a trend in smartphone innovation stagnation.
- Data privacy discussions have become more complex with the rise of Chinese apps like TikTok and RedNote, sparking concerns among users.
- Choosing the right video calling device for family connections can benefit from exploring dedicated gadgets like the Echo Show.
- Retractable USB-C cables simplify travel packing and highlight the efficiency of standardization in device charging.
- Navigating privacy concerns requires understanding the technology behind data collection, whether it's from government entities or private companies.
Summary
Introduction and Travel Gadgets
David Pierce opens the episode reflecting on his recent travels and the challenge of packing light. He shares how he's streamlined his travel electronics with retractable USB-C cables, which has greatly simplified his packing process. He mentions that nearly all of his gadgets now use USB-C, expressing relief and satisfaction with the universal port.
Review of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
The main segment dives into the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra launch. The hosts discuss how this year's smartphone lineup may be less exciting, especially given that many companies will emphasize AI capabilities as the main selling point. They reflect on the S25 Ultra's features, highlighting a sense of disappointment with the lack of innovation compared to previous models. Discussion turns to the missing 10x zoom feature and the mixed feelings about AI advancements in smartphones.
Privacy Concerns Around Chinese Apps
The second half features Cooper Quinton from the Electronic Frontier Foundation, who discusses the implications of data privacy in relation to Chinese apps like TikTok and RedNote. The conversation focuses on the surveillance aspects of these apps and the perception of threats posed by the Chinese government. They explore how American companies also collect data and how people might feel indifferent about their data being used.
Addressing the Vergecast Hotline
Jennifer Pattison Tuohy joins to answer a question from a listener about replacing the Meta Portal device for video calling with their children. The discussion covers alternatives like the Echo Show and other tablet options for making video calls more accessible and user-friendly for families. The options weigh the pros and cons of various devices for maintaining family connections.
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Show notes
Today on the show, it’s all about the future of phones… and your data. The Verge’s Allison Johnson joins the show to talk about the new Samsung Galaxy S25, what’s new in this high-end phone, and what it means for all the other smartphones coming this year. After that, Cooper Quintin, a senior staff technologist at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, talks us through how to think about the privacy implications of RedNote, TikTok, DeepSeek, and all the other tech that puts us in contact with China. Finally, we enlist The Verge’s Jennifer Pattison Tuohy to help us answer a question from the Vergecast Hotline all about the Meta Portal. Remember the Meta Portal?? If you’re missing yours, we have some ideas.
Further reading:
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra isn’t so ‘ultra’ anymore
Samsung Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus hands-on: more of the same
Samsung Galaxy S25 vs. S25 Plus vs. S25 Ultra: specs comparison
Trump signs order refusing to enforce TikTok ban for 75 days
TikTok’s service providers still risk billions in penalties for bringing it back online
TikTok is still on shaky ground in the US
Chinese social media app RedNote tops App Store chart ahead of TikTok ban
As Americans flock to RedNote, privacy advocates warn about surveillance
Will RedNote get banned in the US?
RedNote: what it’s like using the Chinese app TikTokers are flocking to
Why everyone is freaking out about DeepSeek
DeepSeek’s top-ranked AI app is restricting sign-ups due to ‘malicious attacks’
US Navy jumps the DeepSeek ship.
The Electronic Frontier Foundation
Facebook’s new Portal Go is great for video calls, but not much else
Email us at vergecast@theverge.com or call us at 866-VERGE11, we love hearing from you.
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