Podcast Summary
Visible prioritizes affordability and transparency, offering unlimited 5G data for $25 a month.: Apple, Samsung, and Google unveiled new laptops, potentially replacing heavy-duty desktop computers for content creators, improving processing power and speed for more efficient work.
Transparency and affordability are key priorities for the wireless company, Visible. They offer unlimited 5G data for just $25 a month, with no hidden fees or annual contracts. Meanwhile, in the tech world, Apple, Samsung, and Google held exciting events recently, showcasing new laptops and other innovations. For content creators like Marquez and Andrew from the waveform podcast, these advancements could potentially replace the need for heavy-duty desktop computers during travel. In the past, they've experienced the frustration of long export times while editing high-quality footage on laptops. With the new laptops, they hope for improved processing power and speed, making their work more efficient and less exhausting. The Apple October event, in particular, was highly anticipated due to the demand for laptops capable of handling high-quality footage. These advancements in technology could significantly impact the way creators work and collaborate, making their processes more streamlined and efficient.
New Apple Products: AirPods 3, HomePod Mini Colors, and Apple Music Voice Plan: Apple introduced the AirPods 3 with a wireless listening experience, new HomePod Mini colors, and a cheaper Apple Music Voice Plan, along with upgraded MacBook chips and a sellable polishing cloth.
Apple held an event showcasing new products, including the AirPods 3, new colors for the HomePod Mini, and a new lower-tier of Apple Music called Apple Music Voice Plan. The AirPods 3 offer a wireless listening experience without the silicone tips and noise cancellation, making them cheaper at $179. The HomePod Mini now comes in yellow, orange, and blue colors, expanding the lineup beyond black and white. Apple Music Voice Plan allows users to trigger their audio experience through Siri for a cheaper $5 monthly fee. The event also introduced the M1 Pro and M1 Max, upgraded versions of Apple Silicon for MacBooks. The polishing cloth, which was previously included with Apple products, is now available for purchase separately. Overall, Apple showcased a range of new and updated products, with a focus on wireless technology and expanding accessibility to their services.
Apple Introduces New M1 Pro and M1 Max Chips for High-End MacBook Pros: Apple's new M1 Pro and M1 Max chips offer significant GPU upgrades, up to 10 CPU cores, and up to 64GB of unified memory for professional MacBook Pros. The redesigned MacBook Pro features a 14-inch or 16-inch size, MagSafe charging, and various ports.
Apple has introduced two new chips, the M1 Pro and M1 Max, for its MacBook Pro lineup. These chips offer significantly more powerful GPUs compared to the M1 chip, making them suitable for higher-end machines. Apple has also redesigned the MacBook Pro, featuring a 14-inch and 16-inch size, MagSafe charging, and various ports. The M1 Pro and M1 Max represent a significant leap forward in performance for professional systems. The new MacBook Pro models come with up to 10 CPU cores, 16 or 32 GPU cores, and up to 64GB of unified memory. The chips offer impressive memory bandwidth, with up to 400GB/s for the M1 Max. The new MacBook Pros are a major upgrade, with a design reminiscent of older PowerBooks, MagSafe charging, and various ports. The M1 Pro and M1 Max are expected to deliver improved performance, particularly for graphics-intensive tasks.
Apple brings back popular ports on new MacBook Pro: Apple adds HDMI, SD card slot, and three Thunderbolt 4 ports back to MacBook Pro, replacing touch bar with full-size function keys, and includes headphone jack supporting higher impedance headphones.
Apple has brought back some popular ports on their new MacBook Pro, including HDMI and SD card slot, which were previously removed. These ports are now joined by three Thunderbolt 4 ports and a headphone jack that supports higher impedance headphones. The return of these ports is a welcome addition for professionals who value the flexibility of multiple ports. Additionally, Apple has replaced the touch bar with a full-size row of function keys, which has been met with positive reception. The new design also features a black keyboard well, giving it a retro look. Overall, while Apple did not admit to making a mistake by removing these ports in the first place, their return is a significant improvement for users who rely on them.
New Apple laptops: Improved keyboards, screens, and webcam: Apple's latest laptops boast deeper keyboards, 120Hz Pro Motion displays, HDR capabilities, and 1080p webcams, enhancing productivity and enjoyment for users.
The new Apple laptops have undergone significant upgrades, particularly in their keyboards, screens, and webcam. The keyboards, which have been criticized for becoming shallower over the years, have been improved and are now deeper and more comfortable to type on. The screens have been upgraded to 120 hertz Pro Motion displays with HDR capabilities, making them ideal for editing and creating content. The webcam has also been upgraded to a 1080p resolution, which is a welcome improvement for those who rely on video conferencing. The new laptops also feature a notch at the top of the screen for the webcam and menu bar, which may take some getting used to but ultimately provides more screen space. Overall, these upgrades make for a more productive and enjoyable user experience.
Apple's MacBook Pro: A Divisive Design with High-End Specs: Apple's latest MacBook Pro models offer high-end specs but the notch design is a source of frustration for some users, causing inconsistent screen aspect ratios and added black bars during full-screen viewing.
The notch design on Apple's latest MacBook Pro models is a subject of debate among users. While some find it a minor issue, others are more frustrated with the inconsistent screen aspect ratio and the added black bars during full-screen viewing. The notch houses the camera and microphone, but some users would have preferred Face ID integration. Despite these criticisms, the MacBook Pros offer high-end specifications, starting at $19.99 for the 14-inch and $24.99 for the 16-inch, with the highest end 16-inch costing $6,100. The name "Max" in the MacBook Pro models can be confusing, and the removal of the travel iMac could make the laptops a more convenient choice for frequent travelers. Overall, the MacBook Pros offer impressive performance, but the notch remains a divisive design choice.
Canadian PM Trudeau's $52.9B spending plan vs Google's Pixel 6 price reveal: Trudeau targets younger generations with big spending, while Google offers a large screen at a low price with the Pixel 6
Both Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and U.S. President Joe Biden face challenges in their leadership roles, but approach solutions differently. Trudeau recently proposed a $52.9 billion spending plan, including a $23 billion housing program, to appeal to younger generations and combat populism. Meanwhile, at Google's Pixel 6 event, prices for the new phones were revealed, with the base model priced at $5.99 and the Pro model at $8.99, surprising many with the significant price gap. In terms of hardware, the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro differ in screen size (6.4 inches for the base model and 6.7 inches for the Pro), screen refresh rate (90Hz for the base model and 120Hz for the Pro), and screen curvature. Despite the lack of a smaller phone option, Google's focus on providing a big screen for a relatively low price has been a common sentiment among consumers.
Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro: Similarities and Differences: The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro share similarities in hardware, but the Pro model offers a telephoto lens, wider selfie camera, and glossy sides. The Pro also has millimeter wave support at an additional cost. These differences justify the $300 price gap.
The new Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro share similarities in terms of their tensor chip, battery size, and RAM, but the Pro model offers a telephoto lens and a slightly wider selfie camera. The design of the Pro model features glossy sides, while the regular model has a matte finish. The Pro also has millimeter wave support, which comes at an additional cost on certain carrier versions. The telephoto lens and wider selfie camera on the Pro are the main differences justifying the $300 price gap between the two models. Despite some design preferences and missing features on the regular model, the overall consensus is that the Pixel 6 series represents a significant improvement in terms of hardware and software.
Clarifying Phone Model Versions: When discussing phone models, clarify which version is meant to avoid confusion between base and premium variants, like iPhone 13, Samsung, or Google Pixel.
When discussing specific phone models, it's essential to clarify which version is being referred to due to the increasing number of variants available in the market. The speaker mentioned that when people say they have an iPhone 13, it could mean any version, including the mini or pro. The same goes for other brands like Samsung and Google's Pixel. The speaker suggested that we might need to create a new term or convention to differentiate between the base and premium versions of these devices, similar to how we refer to the primary camera in a camera setup. The speaker also shared their personal preference for the smaller, less expensive version of the Pixel 6 Pro, despite missing the telephoto lens and larger screen size of the Pro version. Overall, the conversation highlighted the importance of clarity when discussing specific phone models to avoid confusion.
Discussion on phone cases and user preferences: Many users still prefer phone cases for protection and enhanced user experience, regardless of smartphone design. Personal preference plays a significant role in the choice of phone order, color, and case.
Despite the advancements in smartphone design, many users still prefer to use cases to protect their devices. This was a topic of discussion during a podcast, where the hosts shared their personal experiences and preferences regarding phone orders, colors, and cases. The hosts noted that while they expected a higher percentage of case users in their tech-audience, they were surprised to find that it was still a significant number. They also shared stories of people they knew who didn't use cases and the risks they took with their phones. The discussion then shifted to the new Google Pixel 6 design, specifically the camera bar, which some users initially thought was detachable but is actually integrated with the phone. The hosts agreed that this design choice made sense as it allowed for a flat back when a case was used, and it also highlighted the importance Google places on the camera quality of their devices. Overall, the conversation emphasized the importance of personal preference and the role of cases in protecting and enhancing the user experience of smartphones.
New software features for Google Pixel enhance photo editing capabilities: Google Pixel's latest software introduces impressive editing tools for exposure, background blur, long exposures, and Magic Eraser to enhance user experience, especially for outdoor activities and complex backgrounds.
Google Pixel's latest software features include impressive capabilities for manipulating exposure and background blur, simulating long exposures, and even erasing unwanted objects from photos using the new Magic Eraser tool. These features aim to enhance user experience, especially for those who enjoy taking photos during outdoor activities or in complex backgrounds. The Magic Eraser tool uses AI and content-aware filling to automatically identify and remove objects, but its effectiveness will depend on the background's complexity and the ability to accurately reproduce it. Overall, these new features demonstrate Google's commitment to improving smartphone photography and making it more accessible to users.
Google's new photo editing feature enhances backgrounds but struggles with chain link fences: Google's latest photo editing feature improves backgrounds, while Samsung introduces customizable color options for the Z Flip 3, offering personalization at an extra cost. Innovations from both companies cater to consumer preferences.
While Google's latest photo editing feature shows promise in enhancing background images for smaller platforms like Instagram, the persistent issue of chain link fences remains unresolved. Samsung's Unpacked 2 event introduced customizable color options for the Z Flip 3, offering a level of personalization at an additional cost. Though not as extensive as Motorola's Moto Maker, this customization is a step forward in device customization. The event itself was relatively low-key compared to previous years, with few new product announcements. Overall, both Google and Samsung continue to innovate and cater to consumer preferences in their respective fields.
Samsung Unpacked: New Watches and the Surface Duo 2: Samsung unveiled new watches with updated features and gesture control, while introducing the Surface Duo 2 with improved hardware but facing criticism for software bugs, poor cameras, and flexing body. New watch bands and earbuds were also presented for the Galaxy Watch 4 series.
Samsung's Unpacked event introduced updates to their watch line, including new watch faces and gesture control, as well as the release of the Surface Duo 2. The Surface Duo 2, a dual-screen device, showed significant hardware improvements but faced criticism for its software bugs, poor cameras, and flexing body. Despite these issues, the device's unique form factor and improved hardware have piqued the interest of many. The event also saw the introduction of new watch bands and earbuds for the Galaxy Watch 4 series. However, the Surface Duo 2's high price point and lingering software issues remain concerns for potential buyers. Overall, the event showcased a mix of exciting hardware innovations and areas for improvement.
Design challenges of foldable phones: Foldable phones bring improved cameras and larger screens but face challenges like inconvenient photo-taking, bulkiness, discomfort, and software quirks, limiting their appeal for some users.
While the new foldable phone boasts improved cameras and larger screens, the design brings new challenges. The need to fully open the phone to take photos makes it less convenient and bulky to use, especially compared to older models with selfie cameras. The wedge shape and thicker profile also make it less comfortable to hold one-handed. Additionally, the software quirks, such as touch responsiveness issues and text loss when spanning apps across screens, add to the inconvenience. The phone's lack of marketing as a gaming device and the limited screen real estate in games when held vertically further detracts from its appeal. Overall, while the foldable phone offers some advantages, its design and software challenges may outweigh the benefits for some users.
A unique design for reading and browsing: Despite its innovative design, the foldable phone's high price and lack of a front screen make it less practical for everyday use compared to other options.
The new foldable phone with a book-like design offers a unique form factor for reading and basic browsing, but it comes with significant drawbacks for everyday use. The lack of a front screen and the high price point make it a less practical option compared to other folding phones or traditional smartphones. The user also points out that the device's price has increased since the last model, which might indicate lower sales. Overall, while the foldable phone brings a new design to the table, its limitations in everyday use might outweigh its advantages.
A compact, maneuverable electric pickup truck for adventure seekers: The Rivian R1T is a unique, retro-futuristic electric pickup truck that offers a thrilling driving experience and appeals to adventure seekers, setting itself apart with its design and smaller size.
The Rivian R1T stands out as a compact, maneuverable, and fun electric pickup truck, appealing to adventure seekers with its unique design and retro-future aesthetic. Despite its smaller size compared to other trucks, it offers a thrilling driving experience and is not marketed as a work vehicle but rather an adventure vehicle. Its design, with a retro-futuristic shape, LED lights, and adventurous colors, sets it apart, growing on some people who initially found it unusual. While some features, like the charging bar, could be more visually engaging, the Rivian R1T still garners significant attention and curiosity on the roads.
Rivian Electric Truck's Unique Design and Impressive Specs: The Rivian electric truck boasts a range of up to 314 miles, potential upgrades to 400 miles, distinctive design, and impressive acceleration, making it a powerful yet sustainable pickup truck.
The Rivian electric truck stands out with its unique design and impressive specs, including a range of 314 miles and potential upgrades to 400 miles. Its distinctive color and bold lights attract attention, making it a noticeable presence on the road. Rivian is also building its own charging infrastructure, the Rivian adventure network, which will offer charging options for Rivian owners at various adventure locations. The truck's impressive acceleration, with a zero to 60 mph time of three seconds, adds to its appeal. Despite its high price tag, starting at $70,000, the Rivian electric truck is poised to challenge traditional perceptions of what a pickup truck can be, offering both power and sustainability.
Rivian R1T: A Pickup Truck for Adventure Seekers: The Rivian R1T electric pickup truck offers unique features like a gear tunnel, maneuverability, off-road capabilities, impressive torque, quiet operation, optional camping gear, and a speaker system, making it an attractive option for adventure seekers and eco-conscious consumers.
The Rivian R1T electric pickup truck offers unique features like a gear tunnel with sealed storage, maneuverability, and off-road capabilities, making it an attractive option for those seeking adventure and practicality. The truck's impressive torque and quiet operation, along with the availability of optional accessories like a camp kitchen and high-quality camping gear, add to its appeal. Despite some concerns about parking and the potential for increased road noise, the speaker and extra storage space make up for it. The Rivian R1T is an exciting alternative to traditional pickups and SUVs, especially for those who enjoy outdoor activities and want a more eco-friendly vehicle. The speaker system, off-road capabilities, and optional camping gear make it a standout choice in the electric vehicle market.
Reassuring listeners of Waveform's return with fresh content: Waveform promises to continue delivering podcast reviews and videos, while Visible offers transparent and affordable wireless plans
Despite the unpredictability of current events, Waveform, the tech podcast, will continue to deliver reviews and additional videos as usual. The hosts may be taking a break from their usual reporting, but they'll be back with fresh content soon. In the meantime, they encourage viewers to stay tuned and catch them in the next episode. Additionally, the sponsor message from Visible, the wireless company, emphasizes their transparency and affordability. They offer unlimited 5G data for just $25 a month, with no hidden fees or annual contracts. The choice to switch to Visible is clear and straightforward. Overall, the message is one of reassurance and transparency, both from Waveform and Visible. Despite the uncertainty of the current moment, both the podcast and the wireless company are committed to delivering value to their audiences.