The Vergecast
Samsung's thin, big, boring AI phones
· Summarized
Key takeaways
- The Galaxy S25 Edge generated excitement at Samsung's Unpacked event, but other models lacked innovation and significant upgrades.
- The new Trump administration's executive actions create uncertainty, particularly regarding TikTok and its operational future in the U.S.
- Netflix is raising prices again, likely pushing users towards its ad-supported tier, reflecting broader trends in the streaming industry.
- Smart home technology is evolving, with companies like Samsung developing motion-sensing capabilities through existing devices, enhancing home automation.
Summary
Samsung Galaxy Unpacked Highlights
The podcast opens with Nilay, David, and Allison discussing Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked event, highlighting the newly announced Galaxy S25 models. While the S25 Edge generated excitement due to its uniqueness and thin design, the S25 and S25 Plus were criticized for being too similar to their predecessors, lacking substantial upgrades. Allison shared her experience at the event, noting the high energy and excitement surrounding the Edge model despite the overall lack of innovation in the S25 lineup.
Politics and the New Trump Administration
The conversation then shifts to the political landscape as Lauren Finan joins to discuss the new Trump administration's early moves. Key topics included executive orders regarding citizenship and the TikTok ban, which has been temporarily delayed. The hosts dissected the implications of Trump’s push for a sale of TikTok to ensure its operations in the U.S. while also highlighting the potential legal consequences for service providers if TikTok remains operational under current laws. The complexity and potential chaos of these political maneuvers reflect the intertwined nature of technology and governance.
Netflix Price Increases and Smart Home Technology
In the lightning round, David and Nilay talked about Netflix’s recent price hike, pointing out how Netflix seems to be subtly encouraging users towards its ad-supported tier by raising prices on its ad-free options. The discussion included how streaming policies and pricing reflect broader industry trends toward ad-supported business models. The segment concluded with updates on smart home technology, particularly Samsung’s initiatives to incorporate motion sensing into various home devices, creating a more connected and responsive living environment.
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Show notes
Nilay, David, and The Verge's Allison Johnson run down all the biggest news from the latest Samsung Unpacked. The S25 Edge had everyone excited, but the other new Galaxy S25 models feel a little familiar. Then, The Verge's Lauren Feiner updates us on the many goings-on in the first days of the new Trump administration, from the TikTok ban delay to the executive orders on citizenship and AI. Finally, in the lightning round, David and Nilay talk about Netflix's price increase, smart-home standards, and more.
Further reading:
This is the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge
Samsung Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus hands-on: more of the same
Samsung Galaxy S25 vs. S25 Plus vs. S25 Ultra: specs comparison
Here’s what Samsung’s first Android XR headset looks like in person
Samsung and Google are developing AR glasses together
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra stylus: back to boring basics
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra hands-on: smoothing out sharp edges
Samsung claims its new Galaxy S25 Ultra glass can survive head-high drops on concrete
Google Gemini now works across multiple apps in a single prompt
The Stargate Project is a $500 million AI data center plan for OpenAI
The United States Digital Service is now DOGE — here’s what it was responsible for.
Vivek Ramaswamy steps down from DOGE
Trump signs order refusing to enforce TikTok ban for 75 days
Trump says he’s open to Musk or Ellison buying TikTok
TikTok’s service providers still risk billions in penalties for bringing it back online
Bluesky and X launch new video feeds amid TikTok uncertainties
Instagram announces a blatant CapCut clone
Apple says it’s following the law by removing TikTok from the App Store
Sen. Tom Cotton warns TikTok’s service providers of “ruinous liability” for hosting the app.
Two lawmakers introduce a bill to repeal the TikTok ban.
Trump is absolutely going to make ByteDance sell TikTok or shut down again.
Netflix is raising prices again
YouTube Premium gets more experimental features that can now be tested all at once
Here’s the tech that could turn millions of Zigbee light bulbs into motion sensors with a single update
Samsung is bringing ambient sensing to SmartThings
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