Your next laptop could be a foldable phone

Key takeaways

Foldable phones have the potential to replace traditional laptops by adapting to various usage needs.
The complexities of sports streaming are continuing to evolve, with platforms vying for sports rights to capture viewership.
There is potential for flip phones to integrate AI functionality, transforming the device into more than just a phone.

Summary

The Evolution of Foldable Phones as Laptops

The podcast opens with David Pierce discussing his nostalgia for the Nintendo 64 and gaming, leading into a conversation with Alison Johnson about her experiment of using a Samsung foldable phone as a laptop replacement. Johnson shares her experiences using the Samsung Z Fold 7, discussing how it serves her needs for productivity without the bulk of a laptop. She outlines the benefits and limitations of this setup, emphasizing the potential for foldable phones to function as both phones and computers.

The State of Sports Streaming in 2026

David is later joined by Jacob Feldman from Sportico, discussing the current landscape of sports streaming, including the recent Super Bowl and the Winter Olympics. Feldman points out the ongoing complexities surrounding sports viewing and streaming rights, especially with changes in platforms like ESPN and YouTube TV. He remarks on how sports content continues to dominate viewership, while platforms are struggling to adapt and create user-friendly experiences.

Future of Flip Phones and AI Integration

The episode wraps up with a question from a listener, Drake, about the future of flip phones in an AI-driven world. David reflects on his experiences with the Motorola Razer Ultra and muses on the potential for flip phones to become devices that effectively blend traditional phone functionalities with AI capabilities, highlighting how a phone could shift between being a conventional device and an AI assistant based on its state.

Show notes

The Verge's Allison Johnson has recently been doing the unthinkable: she's been leaving her laptop at home. Allison joins the show to explain how she turned her Samsung foldable into a useful computer, and why it feels so good to do so. Then, Sportico's Jacob Feldman joins the show to talk about the Winter Olympics, the Super Bowl, and the overall state of sports streaming in 2026. (Unfortunately, it's all still very complicated.) Finally, David answers a question on the Vergecast Hotline (call 866-VERGE11 or email vergecast@theverge.com!) about whether flip phones might have a future in an AI world.