The fake promise of better Siri

Key takeaways

Apple's new iPads and Macs have disappointing features, particularly with the indefinite delay of AI-powered Siri.
Tesla's perception is shifting due to Elon Musk's focus on personal and political agenda over company growth, highlighted by Trump's promotional appearances.
Brendan Carr's interactions with tech companies reflect a significant disconnect between regulation and the evolving digital landscape.
New attempts from platforms like TikTok signify a growing trend toward managing user engagement for healthier digital habits.
Cultural references and the conversation around content moderation showcase the impact of tech companies on public discourse.

Summary

Apple's Promises and the Delay of Siri

The podcast starts with a discussion about the recent announcements from Apple regarding their new iPads and Macs, specifically focusing on the disappointing aspects of the M4 MacBook Air and the underwhelming M3 upgrades for the iPad. Nilay and David express skepticism about Apple's AI strategy, particularly the indefinite delay of the new AI-powered Siri feature, which was initially touted as a significant advancement in user technology. They reflect on the repeated failures of big tech companies to deliver on their promises, emphasizing that the expectation that AI would solve all problems has not materialized as anticipated.

Tesla's Changing Perception and Political Ties

Andrew Hawkins joins to discuss the current state of Tesla and its declining sales figures. The conversation touches on how the company's image has shifted as Elon Musk’s focus has expanded to include more political and personal agendas rather than solely the company's success. They mention the recent publicity stunt involving President Trump promoting Tesla on the White House lawn and the backdrop of growing protests against the company, which have raised concerns about consumer backlash and the potential consequences for Tesla's market position.

Brendan Carr's Ongoing Shenanigans

The hosts delve into the antics of Brendan Carr, the FCC Chair, who has made controversial statements regarding content moderation on platforms like YouTube. They dissect a letter Carr sent to YouTube questioning whether the service discriminates against faith-based programming. The discussion highlights Carr's unusual approach of leveraging the power of his position for personal governance over platforms while pushing for deregulation in other areas, revealing a perceived hypocrisy in his actions.

Cultural and Technological Tidbits

In the lightning round, the conversation pivots to various topics, including TikTok's new features aimed at helping teens wind down after 10 PM, and the cultural implications of such attempts. They also discuss Niantic’s decision to sell its gaming business and the fleeting yet impactful presence of executives on platforms like Blue Sky during outages on Twitter.

Show notes

Big tech companies are forever making promises about the future. And you might (or might not) be surprised how often they don't come true. On this episode, Nilay and David start by discussing the good and bad of Apple's new iPads and Macs, before diving into the supposedly AI-powered, all-powerful Siri that is delayed indefinitely. Maybe this whole "AI will fix everything" plan wasn't such a good one. After that, The Verge's Andy Hawkins joins to discuss what's going on with Tesla: why sales are down, how the perception of the company has shifted as Elon Musk's job description has changed, and how it happened that President Trump did a Tesla sales pitch on the White House lawn. Everything's computer, you know? Finally, in the lighting round, the hosts discuss Brendan Carr's ongoing shenanigans, Jay Graber's sartorial burns, the future of Pokemon Go, and much more.
Further reading:

Apple is reportedly planning a design overhaul for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS

Apple’s plans for a smart display suffer a Siri-related setback

Apple adds Siri disclaimer to iPhone 16 pages.

Apple pulled its iPhone 16 ad showing off the good Siri.

‘HomePad’ delayed to post-WWDC to ensure iOS 19 design consistency

All this bad AI is wrecking a whole generation of gadgets

Apple MacBook Air M4 review: a little more for a little less

Apple Mac Studio (M3 Ultra) first look: a weekend with an $8,000 powerhouse

Apple iPad Air 2025 review: what the M3 upgrade really gets you

Is Tesla cooked?

Trump says he’ll label attacks on Tesla locations as domestic terrorism

The Tesla protests are getting bigger — and rowdier

Trump hosts a Tesla ad at the White House.

Everything's computer

Tesla protests continue to escalate.

Sonos has canceled its streaming video player

Home Assistant makes it official.

FCC chair asks if YouTube TV ‘discriminates against faith-based programming’

Brendan Carr on X:

FCC chairman asks the public to list every regulation he should remove

A Trump official has been moonlighting as a fashion influencer

Pokémon Go developer Niantic to sell gaming business to Saudi group

TikTok’s mood music will tell teens to ‘wind down’ after 10PM

Bluesky CEO Jay Graber has a message for Zuck.

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