Podcast Summary
Unexpected challenges with technology: Prepare for unexpected tech issues and make the most of its benefits while being aware of limitations.
Technology can make our lives more convenient, but it can also lead to unexpected challenges. Paul from The VergeCast shared a story about his experience with his new Pixel 3 phone in Hawaii, where he left his charger in a car and struggled to find a USB-C charger. He also expressed his dislike for Google's mobile search results. Meanwhile, the team discussed the latest iPhone XR reviews and the potential regulatory changes to mobile search results. In the job market, they recommended ZipperKruder as a smart and efficient way to hire qualified candidates. Overall, the episode highlighted the importance of being prepared for unexpected issues and making the most of technology while being aware of its limitations.
Google Pixel 10R and Apple iPad Pro: New Insights and Challenges: Google Pixel 10R: A fresh look at an iterative update, focusing on unique aspects. Apple iPad Pro: A high-end device with controversy over affordability.
Despite the iterative updates and similarities between tech products, there's always something new to discuss and consider. In the latest tech news, the Google Pixel 10R and the upcoming Apple iPad Pro have been making headlines. While Dieter Bohn from The Verge had already reviewed the Pixel 3, he found himself with new insights when revisiting the 10R. The real challenge was focusing on the unique aspects of the phone, rather than repeating the same points. Regarding the iPad Pro, the leaks suggest a new model is on the horizon, and the consensus among reviewers is that it's the one to buy, despite its high price tag. Apple's flagship product has become a conundrum, with critics suggesting that the most expensive option isn't necessarily the best choice for most consumers. During their conversation, Dieter shared his experience of reviewing the Pixel 10R and the challenges of providing a succinct yet comprehensive assessment of the device's screen. He acknowledged the importance of addressing the concerns of their audience, which includes tech enthusiasts who are highly attuned to details like pixel density and resolution. Ultimately, the discussion underscored the importance of thoughtful, nuanced analysis in the tech industry, where new products are constantly emerging and the competition for consumer attention is fierce. The conversation also highlighted the role of passionate, engaged audiences in driving the tech discourse forward.
New iPhone's screen not as impressive as pricier models: While the new iPhone's screen has drawbacks, its value comes from its latest processor, camera, and design, making it a worthwhile purchase for many.
The new, cheaper iPhone model's screen, while not as impressive as more expensive models, may not be a deal-breaker for most users. The speaker noted that the lamination and thickness of the glass make the pixels feel less immediate and create a noticeable haze around the edges. Additionally, the brightness drops significantly when the phone is held off-axis, creating a distracting shimmer effect. However, the speaker acknowledged that millions of people use and buy devices with lesser displays every day and argued that the overall value of the cheaper iPhone, including its latest processor, camera, and design, should not be discounted solely based on its screen quality. Despite some criticisms, the speaker still preferred Apple's LCD displays over Samsung's OLEDs due to their more natural look. Ultimately, the decision to buy the cheaper iPhone comes down to individual priorities and budgets.
IPhone 11: Balancing New Features and Affordability: The iPhone 11 offers a balance between new features and affordability, but potential buyers should consider the absence of a telephoto lens and higher cost compared to older models, as well as reports of noticeable shimmering on the screen.
The new iPhone 11 represents a stronger middle-class option for those who want an iPhone but are on a budget. However, the absence of a telephoto lens and the higher cost compared to older models with similar features, such as the iPhone 8, may deter some potential buyers. The screen is another point of contention, with some users reporting noticeable shimmering, while others find it acceptable. The camera performance is generally positive, with the same 12-megapixel lens on both the front and back, and the ability to do portrait mode using machine learning for depth estimation. Overall, the iPhone 11 offers a balance between new features and affordability, but potential buyers should carefully consider the trade-offs before making a decision.
IPhone SE (10R) vs iPhone SE (10S): Portrait Mode in Low Light: The iPhone SE (10R) has a better sensor lens for capturing clearer portrait mode photos in low light conditions compared to the iPhone SE (10S).
The iPhone SE (10R) has an advantage over the iPhone SE (10S) when it comes to taking portrait mode photos in low light conditions. This is because the 10R has a brighter and better sensor lens, which allows it to capture more light and produce clearer images. The 10S, on the other hand, only has one bright lens and cannot switch lenses for portrait mode, making it less effective in low light situations. Apple has confirmed that the cameras are identical in all other aspects, and they are running the same software. However, there was a bug in the selfie camera's Smart HDR feature that caused faces to appear slightly blurrier in some low light situations, but this issue is expected to be fixed in the upcoming iOS 12.1 update. Overall, if you primarily use your camera for taking portrait mode photos in low light conditions, then the iPhone SE (10R) is the better choice. Otherwise, both phones have identical camera capabilities. It's important to note that there have been various "gates" or issues reported with new phone releases, including the Pixel 3's scratch and RAM management, and the iPhone's alleged beauty filter. Some of these issues are valid concerns, while others are debatable or have been debunked.
Potential issue with iPhone XR and XS selfies: Apple may have used same image processing for front and rear cameras, causing potential selfie blur and noise, but advanced techniques mitigate the issue
Apple may have inadvertently applied the same image processing code to the front and rear cameras of the iPhone XR and XS, but forgot that the front camera doesn't have optical image stabilization. This oversight could result in blurrier and noisier selfies compared to previous iPhone models. Despite this issue, Apple's advanced computational photography techniques are able to smooth out the blur and reduce noise, resulting in photos that appear clearer than they actually are. This theory, while unproven, could explain why some users have noticed a difference in image quality between the front and rear cameras on these new iPhones. Regardless, Apple is expected to release a software update to address this issue. Overall, the iPhone XR and XS cameras continue to impress with their ability to capture stunning images, especially in low-light conditions.
Pixel vs iPhone: A Matter of Personal Preference: Pixel and iPhone cameras offer distinct looks appealing to various photographers based on personal preference and shooting style
Both the Google Pixel and iPhone cameras have their unique characteristics and quirks that appeal to different photographers. The Pixel camera, with its contrasty and sometimes smudged images, reminds James, a former film photographer, of the look of shooting film. On the other hand, the iPhone camera, with its even exposure and blown-out contrast and shadows, can produce an artificial look that some may prefer. While some may grow accustomed to the iPhone's consistent exposure and find control in knowing what they'll get, others may prefer the unpredictability and photographic feel of the Pixel. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference and shooting style.
Trade-off between accuracy and aesthetics in smartphone cameras: Google Pixel offers more realistic photos while iPhone produces visually appealing ones. Personal preference determines the choice between the two. Software improvements allow consumers to prioritize aesthetics over accuracy without hardware upgrades.
When it comes to smartphone cameras, there's a trade-off between accuracy and aesthetics. The Google Pixel, for instance, tends to even out exposures and create a more pleasant, but less accurate representation of reality. On the other hand, the iPhone produces less accurate but visually appealing photos. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on personal preference. Some people might prefer the more realistic photos offered by the Pixel, while others might prefer the more pleasant, Instagram-filter-like aesthetic of the iPhone. The discussion also touched upon the idea that with software-driven camera improvements, consumers should be able to choose the aesthetic and priorities they want for their phone camera without having to make expensive hardware upgrades. The comparison was drawn to movie cameras, where directors like Peter Jackson have the ability to shoot at high frame rates but don't always use that capability for the best viewing experience.
Understanding Consumer Expectations in Technology: Preserving cinematic feel in media, Apple's approach to iPhone photography, consumer preference for smaller devices, and the impact of Google's Night Sight feature.
Expectations play a significant role in our perception of technology, especially when it comes to visual media. The speaker discusses the importance of preserving the cinematic feel of movies and TV shows by shooting them at certain frame rates, and the negative reactions when manufacturers try to change that. He also shares his thoughts on Apple's approach to iPhone photography, which aims for even lighting and detail instead of contrast. The speaker argues that Apple believes users will edit their photos to add contrast if they desire, but he disagrees. Another point of discussion is the size of the iPhone and the lack of compelling alternatives for those who prefer smaller devices. Despite Apple's conviction that people want large phones, market research suggests otherwise. The speaker also mentions Google's Night Sight feature, which he finds promising but not yet perfect. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of understanding and catering to consumer expectations in the technology industry.
Google's Night Sight vs Traditional Long Exposure: Google's Night Sight mode on Pixel phones enhances low light photos without blur, contrasting traditional long exposure method's potential for blur in moving subjects. Tesla surprised with profitability under Elon Musk's leadership, but skepticism remains about its sustainability.
Google's Night Sight mode on Pixel phones uses advanced technology to gather more data in low light conditions, resulting in impressive and uncanny lighting in photos without the need for long exposures or significant blur. This contrasts with the traditional long exposure method, which can lead to more blur in moving subjects. The mode offers an alternative for those seeking pleasing, unnatural nighttime photos. Meanwhile, Tesla surprised many by achieving profitability during Elon Musk's unconventional leadership, which included numerous public controversies. Despite the unexpected success, some skepticism remains about the sustainability of Tesla's profitability.
Tesla reports first profitable quarter, announces new products: Tesla had its first profitable quarter since 2016, boosted Model 3 production, introduced Model Y prototype, and discussed upcoming pickup truck and solar roof. Lenovo Yoga C930 received praise for compact size, adaptability, and multitasking capabilities, but typing experience was criticized.
Tesla reported its first profitable quarter since 2016, which was presented as a potential turning point for the company's financial situation. Tesla also nearly doubled production of the Model 3 and announced the final prototype of the Model Y SUV, with full volume production set for 2020. Elon Musk also discussed the upcoming Tesla pickup truck and the progress of the solar roof. In the technology sector, the Lenovo Yoga C930 was reviewed, with praise given to its compact size, adaptable keyboard, and ability to handle multiple apps and tabs on Windows. However, the reviewer expressed disappointment with the typing experience, expecting physical keys to be exhausting but finding the lack of tactile feedback less of an issue than anticipated. Overall, it was a productive week for Tesla and Lenovo, with significant developments in both companies.
Lenovo's innovative device faces user experience issues: Despite having an e-ink screen and sleek design, Lenovo's device struggles with confusing sensors and a high price tag, hindering its potential as a versatile laptop-tablet hybrid.
The Lenovo device discussed in the conversation, despite its innovative features like an e-ink screen and a thin, light design, falls short in delivering a seamless user experience. The main issue lies in the difficulty of using the device as both a laptop and a tablet, with the sensor for determining which screen to activate often getting confused. Additionally, the high cost of $1,000 is a significant drawback. If Lenovo had perfected the software and hardware integration, allowing users to rest their fingers on the keyboard without triggering the typing function and swiftly switching between modes, the device could have been a promising contender in the future of computing. As it stands, it's a nice experiment, but not yet a game-changer.
Lenovo A1's e-ink screen falls short despite innovative design: The Lenovo A1 tablet's high-priced innovation fails due to its subpar e-ink screen, while the Google Home Hub offers a remarkably good display for a fraction of the cost
The Lenovo A1 tablet, despite its innovative design and clever attachments, falls short due to its subpar e-ink screen. If the screen had been better, it could have been a valuable tool for professionals, especially doctors, who need to take notes while on the go. However, the high price tag of $1,000 makes it a less attractive option compared to other devices like the Surface Go. On the other hand, the Google Home Hub, which costs only $149, offers a remarkably good display that looks like a printed matte photo. Google achieved this by focusing on color management and the finish of the glass. The display's consistency in brightness and appearance sets it apart from other screens, making it a standout device. Additionally, the Home Hub serves as an excellent Trojan horse for Google Assistant and can be a great alternative to iCloud photos for storing and displaying family photos.
Google Photos frame with Google Home Mini requires extensive data tracking: To use voice features on Google Photos frame with Google Home Mini, users must enable extensive data tracking including web and app activity, device info access, and voice recording.
The Google Photos frame, which doubles as a Google Home Mini device, requires users to enable extensive tracking settings to use its voice features. This includes web and app activity tracking, device information access, and voice and audio recording. While Google acknowledges privacy concerns, users may feel uncomfortable with the level of data collection required to use the voice assistant. An alternative, tracking-free version of the device could potentially address these concerns. Overall, the discussion highlights the importance of being aware of the data collection practices of smart home devices and the trade-offs between convenience and privacy.
Managing Google's complex settings on Android devices: Google's privacy and settings on Android devices are intricate, leading to user frustration and confusion as they navigate through various screens for different services.
Google's privacy and settings are becoming increasingly complex, especially on Android devices. Users often find themselves navigating through various screens of settings, unsure if they're adjusting a Google search setting, Google Assistant setting, Google account setting, or an Android setting. This can lead to frustration and confusion, with users feeling like they're waiting for a system to figure out what they want to change. The situation is worse than Facebook in some ways, as users have to manage multiple paradigms for different services. Despite these challenges, Google's Ivy Ross is a delight to work with, and users can look forward to hearing more about the company's plans on Tuesday. In a lighter moment, a discussion about a Kickstarter for a wooden interactive display for controlling a smart home led to the intriguing idea of a wooden phone. However, managing smart devices and keeping up with complex settings remains a significant issue for many users.
Children's fascination with phones signals potential tech addiction issue: Apple's iPad Pro and MacBook Air updates hold significance, with the iPad Pro offering potential for software improvements and the MacBook Air long-awaited and mass market appealing
The child's fascination with phones, whether real or fake, highlights the potential issue of technology addiction in children. Regarding the Apple event, both the rumored iPad Pro update and MacBook Air update hold significance. The MacBook Air is expected to be important due to its long-awaited update and mass market appeal. Conversely, the iPad Pro could be the more interesting device as it points towards a future of computing and offers potential for significant software improvements. However, the challenge lies in making iOS more accessible and capable for a wider audience. Ultimately, both devices have the potential to be groundbreaking in their respective ways.
Limited direct file system access on iOS: Users face workarounds when interacting with peripherals, and app development can be hindered due to lack of direct file system access on iOS
While iOS devices can interact with various peripherals like printers, sound cards, and even hard drives, the limitations on direct file system access can lead to frustrating workarounds for users. For instance, if you want to use an SD card with an app other than the camera or photos app, you're out of luck. This can result in additional steps and the need to use a computer for certain tasks. The lack of direct file system access also hinders app development, potentially delaying the release of full-featured apps. Despite these challenges, there is hope for change as Apple continues to expand the capabilities of iOS.
Considering Individual Needs and Budgets when Choosing Apple Products: Apple's MacBook Air may be more desirable for some, while a basic iPad could suffice for others. The iPad Pro offers potential as a server farm with added peripherals.
The MacBook Air is the Apple product that will likely garner the most interest, while the iPad Pro may not be necessary for many people. Despite the high pixel density and other technical features that tech enthusiasts may obsess over, there is a large population who only require a basic iPad and could save significant money by opting for a cheaper model. Additionally, there's potential for the iPad Pro to serve as a server farm with the addition of a fully functional USB-C port and compatible peripherals. A listener even suggested exploring the possibility of connecting a small USB printer to the iPad Pro for review purposes. Ultimately, the discussion highlights the importance of considering individual needs and budgets when deciding which Apple product to invest in.
The value of persistence in research: Despite numerous failures, Merck scientist Daria Hazuda's determination led to the development of medicines for HIV and hepatitis C.
Failure is a crucial part of the invention and innovation process. This was emphasized through the story of Merck scientist Daria Hazuda, who shared her experiences of numerous failures in researching infectious diseases, leading to the development of medicines for HIV and hepatitis C. This message was woven into the conversation alongside updates about upcoming interviews on the podcast, shoutouts to other science and tech shows, and a reminder about the importance of continuing education and exploration in various fields. Overall, the episode underscored the value of persistence and resilience in the face of setbacks, and the potential for even the most challenging circumstances to yield significant discoveries.
