The real cost of the PS5 Pro

Key takeaways

The PS5 Pro's lack of a disc drive and its high pricing have generated mixed feelings within the gaming community.
The recent iPhone launch has experienced a noticeable decline in excitement compared to previous years, raising questions about Apple's future direction.
The Google antitrust trial highlights the growing regulatory pressure on big tech firms and their impact on the marketplace.
Huawei's tri-fold phone signifies a maturing foldable technology landscape, indicating potential trends in the future of smartphones.
AI is beginning to demonstrate its potential in content creation, exemplified by Google's Notebook ML generating podcasts, albeit raising ethical questions.

Summary

PS5 Pro Discussion

The hosts delve deep into the new PS5 Pro, discussing its pricing at $700, the decision to omit a disc drive, and how these factors have affected public sentiment. They provide comparisons with other gaming consoles and analyze the gaming community's reactions to Sony's strategy. They mention that while the PS5 Pro is marketed for hardcore gamers, it raises concerns about accessibility for average users, particularly about the value proposition of such an expensive console without traditional media capabilities.

iPhone Launch Aftermath

Following the recent iPhone launch, the Vergecast team reflects on the reactions across social media and the tech community. They note a decline in excitement, especially compared to previous iPhone releases, attributing it to a lack of compelling features. This segment includes discussions about Apple's general trajectory as a company and how current smartphone offerings are struggling to garner significant consumer interest.

Regulatory Challenges for Big Tech

The ongoing Google antitrust trial sparks discussions among the hosts about the state of big tech. They address the implications of this trial, focusing on Google's advertising dominance and how the regulatory landscape is shifting against companies that have previously enjoyed unchecked growth. The hosts highlight the challenges that arise when a tech giant is forced to share the market with competitors.

The Rise of Foldable Phones

Huawei's announcement of their new tri-folding phone at a hefty price tag excited the hosts, reflecting on the evolution of folding technology in mobile devices. They discuss public reception and interest in foldable phones, contrasting them with traditional smartphones. The conversation highlights how manufacturers are exploring innovative designs to differentiate themselves in a saturated market.

AI and Their Applications

In a noteworthy turn, the podcast explores the use of AI in creating engaging content. The hosts discuss Google's Notebook ML, which can generate podcasts from documents, demonstrating AI's potential to change how information is consumed. While presenting this innovative use case, they acknowledge the ethical implications and challenges posed by AI-generated content.

Show notes

Nilay, David, and Alex talk about the new PlayStation 5 Pro — why it's so expensive, why it doesn't have a disc drive, and why it made so many people feel feelings. They also talk about the fallout from this week's iPhone launch, the first days of the Google ad trial, Kamala Harris's earrings, Huawei's triple-folding phone, and much more.
Further reading:

PS5 Pro: all the news about Sony’s next console

Sony’s PS5 Pro has a larger GPU, advanced ray tracing, and AI upscaling

The $700 PS5 Pro doesn’t come with a disc drive

Sony’s new PS5 heralds the end of disc drives

Here are all the games enhanced by PS5 Pro

PlayStation 5 Pro comparison: What’s different from the regular PS5?

Sony will sell you a refurbished PS5 if you don’t want to drop $700 on a Pro

The people want disc drives.

Microsoft lays off 650 more Xbox employees

No, Kamala Harris wasn’t wearing these audio earrings

These are real earrings — and also real earbuds

Google Pixel Watch 3 review: third time’s the charm

Huawei’s new tri-fold phone costs more than a 16-inch MacBook Pro

Here’s a closer look at the Huawei Mate XT triple-screen foldable

The Meta Quest 3S leaks in Meta’s own PC app

Google and the DOJ’s ad tech fight is all about control

Google dominates online ads, says antitrust trial witness, but publishers are feeling ‘stuck’

WhatsApp will send messages to other apps soon — here’s how it will look

The US finally takes aim at truck bloat

Google is using AI to make fake podcasts from your notes

Facebook and Instagram are making AI labels less prominent on edited content

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