Podcast Summary
Simplifying smartwatches comes with added costs: Tech companies are simplifying smartwatches, but these improvements come with additional costs like LTE plans for independent use.
Tech companies, like Google with Android Wear 2.0 and LG with their new watches, are simplifying their smartwatch platforms to better compete in the market. However, these simplifications come with additional costs, such as the requirement for LTE plans to use the watches independently. The podcast hosts expressed skepticism about the necessity and value of these additional costs. Despite the political distractions, there was an abundance of tech news this week, including the release of new LG Android Wear watches, Google's continued efforts to make RCS messaging a reality, and Verizon's announcement of a new white label watch. The hosts also discussed the ephemeral nature of media and the Verge's role as a provider of tech news in this ever-changing landscape.
Android Wear watches for iPhone users: New features and improvements: Android Wear watches now offer LTE connectivity and third-party apps for iPhone users, enhancing fitness tracking and coaching through Google Fit, but lack NFC for Android Pay and have larger sizes compared to Apple Watch, targeting fitness and notifications, and high cost of LTE may hinder mass appeal.
The new Android Wear watches offer improved features, particularly for iPhone users, with the addition of independent third-party apps and LTE connectivity. The discussion highlighted the improvements to Google Fit, which includes fitness tracking and coaching, as well as the ability to stream music directly on the watch. However, the lack of NFC for Android Pay on most Android Wear devices and their larger sizes compared to the Apple Watch were noted as drawbacks. The watches are seen as more suitable for fitness and notifications, and Google is targeting the iPhone market to increase sales due to the skewed statistics of iPhone users purchasing more apps compared to Android users. The addition of LTE is seen as a necessity for the watches to function independently from iPhones. However, the high cost of LTE connectivity may hinder their mass appeal. Overall, the new Android Wear watches aim to compete with the Apple Watch by offering better app support, but they still face challenges in terms of design and functionality.
Apple Watch integration and potential of LTE smartwatches: Apple Watch integrates seamlessly with iPhone, LTE smartwatches have potential but face size and power constraints. Smartwatches serve as personal dashboards, presenting relevant info from apps, and innovative ideas add value. Future lies in presenting facts without frequent interaction.
The integration between an iPhone and an Apple Watch is unmatched, and the potential of an LTE Apple Watch is not yet fully realized due to size and power constraints. Watches serve as a personal dashboard, displaying relevant information from various apps, making them customizable and convenient. Innovative ideas in wearable technology, such as detecting tone of voice or heart rate connected to web statistics, add value to the user experience. The future of smartwatches lies in presenting relevant facts without requiring frequent interaction. Despite initial challenges with Android Wear, the promise of automatic Google Now cards was a step towards a wrist-mounted assistant that could adapt to the user's situation. However, the concept of a wrist-clip or constant interaction with the watch has not proven to be effective. Instead, the focus should be on creating a seamless, glanceable interface that enhances productivity and simplifies daily life.
Disappointing experiences with Google Now and Google Assistant: Despite the promise, conversational interfaces like Google Now and Google Assistant don't always understand context and provide accurate information in a timely manner. User experience, such as easy device connectivity, is also crucial.
While technology is meant to augment and supplement our abilities, it doesn't always live up to the promise, particularly when it comes to conversational interfaces and augmenting important tasks like travel. The speaker shared his experience with Google Now and Google Assistant, expressing disappointment with their lack of ability to understand context and provide accurate information in a timely manner. He also mentioned the fragmented rollout of new features and the importance of user experience, such as the convenience of connecting devices without having to manually set up Bluetooth. The speaker is currently leaning towards using Amazon Alexa due to its improved wake word functionality and the convenience of connecting to his phone without having to push a button. However, he noted that the ecosystem can be inconsistent, and the devices don't always maintain a state, leading to frustration. Overall, the speaker's takeaway is that while technology has the potential to make our lives easier, it doesn't always live up to the hype and requires ongoing attention and adjustment to truly be effective.
Google Assistant integration with multiple platforms: Google Assistant's inconsistent user experience and missing features hinder seamless integration with Chromecast, NFL apps, and Twitch, leading to frustration.
The integration between various technologies like Google Assistant, Chromecast, NFL apps, and Twitch, can be confusing and frustrating due to inconsistent user experiences and missing features. The speaker mentioned issues with casting videos from browsers and using pause controls, especially with certain apps and TV remotes. Despite Google's efforts, the assistant's capabilities vary across platforms, leading to inconsistencies and frustration. The speaker also mentioned that some Google products, like Allo and Daydream VR, have struggled to gain traction. Overall, the user experience leaves room for improvement, with missing features and inconsistencies hindering the seamless integration of various technologies.
Google vs Amazon: Voice Assistant Battle: Google's closed approach might limit its ability to compete with Amazon's agility and adaptability in the voice assistant market
The competition between tech giants, specifically Google and Amazon, in the voice assistant market is intensifying. Google, with its extensive data and resources, believes it will ultimately win due to its superior capabilities. However, Amazon, with its more open approach, is making inroads into various markets and devices, even hijacking Google's Assistant in some cases. For instance, a simple car mount with a microphone can offer consumers a choice between Google Assistant and Amazon's Alexa. This choice, according to the speaker, is a significant factor contributing to Alexa's momentum. Google's closed approach might hinder its ability to keep up with Amazon's agility and adaptability in the market.
Apple's new ultra-accessory connector (UAC) for headphones: Apple's new UAC connector allows headphones to work with both Lightning and USB-C, potentially leading to headphones coming with both cables in the box, but brands like Beats face confusion on whether to introduce a third connector or only offer USB-C headphones. Chryzal's no-glare lenses offer clear vision and reduce distractions.
Apple has announced its support for a new ultra-accessory connector called UAC, which will allow headphone manufacturers to create cables that work with both Lightning and USB-C. This means that some headphones may come with both a Lightning and a USB-C cable in the box. However, the situation is confusing for headphone brands like Beats, which are owned by Apple but also sell headphones to Android users. It's unclear whether Beats will introduce a third connector or only offer USB-C headphones. The discussion also touched upon Chryzal, a sponsor of the podcast, and its no-glare lenses, which offer clear vision and reduce distractions.
Potential benefits and drawbacks of technology: Technology offers convenience with compact power adapters, but can also bring frustration through unfulfilled promises and privacy concerns.
Technology can bring both convenience and frustration. The speaker was excited about receiving a new USB-C power adapter, which was compact and could charge multiple devices quickly. However, he had previously backed a Kickstarter project for a fidget cube that had yet to arrive, despite receiving a shipping notification. The TV industry was called out for having user tracking enabled on their older models without consent. These instances highlight the potential benefits and drawbacks of technology, from the joy of a compact power adapter to the frustration of unfulfilled Kickstarter promises and privacy concerns. The speaker also shared his experience with a podcast review of a USB-C power adapter and the unexpected challenges of ownership without possession.
Tracking viewing habits without consent: Regularly check and adjust TV settings to protect privacy and disable unwanted features, including those that track viewing habits or negatively impact the viewing experience.
Many smart TVs, like Vizio, have the capability to track users' viewing habits without explicit consent. This is often done through features that are enabled by default and hidden in the settings. For instance, Vizio's Inscape data business was tracking Netflix usage, games played, and other activities. When this came to light, the company faced regulatory action and backlash from consumers. Other TV manufacturers also collect similar data, but they may require users to opt-in instead. To protect your privacy, it's essential to regularly check and adjust your TV settings. Additionally, some TVs may have additional features, like motion smoothing, that can negatively impact the viewing experience. So, while you're in the settings, make sure to disable any unwanted features.
Smart TVs Collecting Consumer Data for Personalized Content and Targeted Ads: Smart TVs collect user data for personalized content and targeted ads, raising privacy concerns. Some argue for 'dumb' TVs, while others see potential in using tech for convenience and enjoyment, like HelloFresh delivering pre-measured ingredients.
Technology companies, such as Vizio and Samsung, are collecting and using consumer data to provide personalized content and targeted ads on smart TVs. This can be seen as intrusive by some, leading to the question of whether there is a market for completely "dumb" TVs that don't connect to the internet. Companies are able to make smart TVs cheaper due to this additional revenue stream. However, some argue that being a data company may not be the most lucrative thing for corporations in the 21st century and that focusing on providing straightforward, nice products could be a winning move. Meanwhile, companies like HelloFresh are using technology to make cooking and eating at home more convenient and enjoyable for consumers, delivering pre-measured ingredients right to their doors.
Enhance productivity and focus with HelloFresh and Luxafor: HelloFresh saves time and ensures nutritious meals, while Luxafor signals availability and minimizes interruptions. Both contribute to increased efficiency and focus in daily life.
Both HelloFresh and the Luxafor light offer solutions to enhance productivity and focus in different ways. HelloFresh ensures minimal food waste and delivers nutritionally balanced meals, allowing individuals more time to focus on their work. The Luxafor light, on the other hand, serves as a status indicator, signaling to coworkers when someone is busy and not available for interruptions. Additionally, the concept of being in a "flow" state was discussed, which is a highly productive and focused mental state that programmers and potentially others enter when deeply engrossed in a task. Interruptions can disrupt this flow, making tools like the Luxafor light or software like Tasker for Computers valuable for maintaining focus and minimizing distractions. Furthermore, automation tools like Automator can help streamline workflows by converting file formats or performing other repetitive tasks, freeing up time and mental energy for more complex projects. In essence, both HelloFresh and the Luxafor light, along with productivity tools and workflow automation, can contribute to increased efficiency and focus in daily life, whether it's in the kitchen or the office.
Neckbuds vs AirPods: The Speaker's Preference: The speaker prefers neckbud-style Bluetooth headphones for their convenience and the ability to wear them around the neck when not in use, sharing his experience of commuting with wired headphones and his amusement at outdated technology in movies.
The speaker is expressing his preference for neckbud-style Bluetooth headphones over other options like AirPods, due to their convenience and the fact that they allow him to wear them around his neck when not in use. He shares his experience of trying to wear headphones with a wire through his shirt while commuting by bicycle and how neckbuds would have made that experience easier. The speaker also shares his amusement at how certain movies depict the use of outdated technology, such as iPods and iChat, and how those scenes resonate with him due to his own experiences with technology. The conversation also touches on the speaker's frustration with the political climate and his escapism through watching movies. Overall, the conversation highlights the speaker's practicality and his appreciation for technology that fits his lifestyle.
Limited appeal to non-gamers without Netflix and web browsing: Nintendo Switch's lack of Netflix and web browsing at launch could deter non-gamers, potentially missing out on a large market segment.
The lack of Netflix and web browsing support on the Nintendo Switch at launch could limit its appeal to non-gamers, potentially missing out on a large market segment. The success of the Wii was due in part to its ability to attract non-gamers, and adding basic tablet features could have made the Switch a more compelling option for them. The fear is that Nintendo may not prioritize or execute these features well, and using an existing OS like Android could be a simpler solution. The Switch's unique selling points, such as portable multiplayer gaming and potential replacement of other devices, could still make it an attractive option for some.
Discussing Regulation and New Content Platforms with Ajit Pai: Listeners are encouraged to engage with Ajit Pai on social media and invite him to discuss regulation and new content platforms on The Verge podcast. Apple, Facebook, and other tech companies are expanding into content creation, and The Verge offers various podcasts for exploration on social media and its website.
The world of technology and media is constantly evolving, with new content platforms and companies entering the scene. Ajit Pai, the head of the FCC, is one such figure who has recently gained attention for his role in regulating these industries. Some people, like the speaker in this podcast, have strong opinions about him and would like to engage in a dialogue with him. The speaker encourages listeners to tweet at Ajit Pai and invite him to appear on The Verge to discuss his views. Meanwhile, other tech companies like Apple and Facebook are also making moves into content creation. The speaker expresses excitement about these developments and encourages listeners to explore new content platforms, including The Verge on various social media channels and Verge.com on the World Wide Web. The speaker also mentions some of the podcasts produced by The Verge, such as Control Delete, Flipboard, and Recode Decode. Overall, the podcast discussion highlights the dynamic nature of the tech and media industries and the importance of staying informed and engaged.
Sharing podcasts with family can deepen connections: Encourage older family members to try podcasts by sharing recommendations, downloading episodes, and explaining benefits.
Sharing your favorite podcasts with friends and helping them get started can be an effective way to deepen your connections and expand your listening experiences. However, getting older family members on board with podcasts can be a challenge. Some people may prefer more traditional media or find it difficult to transition to podcasts. Podcasts offer unique benefits, such as the ability to consume information at your own pace and the development of a sense of community and friendship with hosts and listeners. To help others enjoy podcasts, consider sharing recommendations, downloading episodes for them, and explaining the benefits of the medium. Additionally, consider using products like Crizal no-glare lenses to enhance your overall experience and ensure clear vision.
