The Vergecast

Your front door is the key to the smart home

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Key takeaways

  • Current smart home technology is rapidly evolving, especially in terms of smart locks and automation.
  • Apple and Samsung's earbuds, particularly the Galaxy Buds, are leading in terms of microphone clarity, whereas smart glasses and wearables face significant hurdles regarding cultural perceptions and design.
  • The panel emphasizes that wearables need to enhance utility significantly if they are to succeed, especially if they compromise attractiveness.
  • User experience is crucial for smart home devices, with updates on Google's ecosystem making adoption easier.
  • Despite some innovative designs, many wearables still struggle to break the stigma associated with being unattractive or cumbersome.

Summary

Introduction and Current Events

The episode opens with David Pierce discussing his personal experience dealing with Hurricane Helene, while also conveying appreciation for the Vergecast as a source of entertainment during tough times. He mentions that today's episode will cover two segments: an update on smart home technology with Jen Toey, and a discussion about the newest earbuds with Chris Welch.

Smart Home Updates with Jen Toey

Jen Toey joins to talk about the latest in the smart home sector. Key points include updates on Google Home and iOS 18, which now allows for Matter devices to be controlled without a hub. Jen discusses the constant confusion surrounding the protocol Matter and introduces new smart lock technology that incorporates UWB (Ultra Wideband) capabilities, enhancing the automation of smart doorways. The conversation highlights advancements in smart locks and video doorbells, indicating that the front door remains a focal point in the smart home evolution.

Earbuds Comparison with Chris Welch

Chris Welch tests out a selection of new earbuds, including Apple AirPods 4, Google Pixel Buds Pro 2, Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, and Nothing's open-ear headphones. The discussion primarily focuses on microphone quality for phone calls in various environments. Though the AirPods are generally seen as average performers, the Galaxy Buds impress with their ability to effectively isolate voice from background noise. However, Bose's earbuds are criticized for sound quality despite good ANC. The testing concludes that while each pair has strengths and weaknesses, Galaxy Buds and AirPods are preferred overall.

Wearable Tech and Cultural Perceptions

The conversation shifts to the cultural perception of wearables, particularly focusing on how attractiveness affects consumer adoption. David revisits Scott Galloway's theory that products worn on the face must not detract from a person's attractiveness to succeed. The panel discusses how the current state of smart glasses and wearables, like Meta's Ray-Ban collaboration, struggles against the stigma of looking uncool. The discourse concludes with theories on how innovation must drastically improve ease of use and attractiveness for widespread acceptance.

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Show notes

The Verge's Jennifer Pattison Tuohy joins the show to discuss a bunch of updates in the smart home world, including what's new from Google Home and in iOS 18, plus some big news in the world of smart locks and video doorbells. Then, The Verge's Chris Welch comes on to test some new earbuds, and see which pair has the best sound – and the best mic. After that, a new take on the Vergecast's chaotic wearables theory.
Further reading:

 Ki is bringing wireless power to kitchen appliances

The Eufy Smart Lock E30 is the company’s first Matter device

The Ultraloq Bolt Mission from U-tec is the first smart lock with UWB

Assa Abloy buys Level Lock to bolster its smart lock business

TP-Link Tapo D225 Video Doorbell Camera review

Ring’s entry-level wireless doorbell gets a head-to-toe view

iOS 18 lets you control Matter devices without a smart home hub

The Thread 1.4 spec is here, but it will be a while until we see any benefit

Google TV gets a big upgrade

Google is set to supercharge Google Home with Gemini intelligence

And on wireless earbuds:

The best wireless earbuds to buy right now

Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 2 Pro are its best earbuds yet

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 review: big upgrade, much smaller earbuds

Bose’s new QuietComfort Earbuds offer top-tier ANC for under $200

Apple AirPods 4 review: defying expectations

Nothing’s first open-ear headphones keep you aware of your surroundings

Email us at vergecast@theverge.com or call us at 866-VERGE11, we love hearing from you.
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