Podcast Summary
Water damage DIY videos: YouTube videos promising to fix water damage on phones using unconventional methods have gained popularity, but their effectiveness and potential harm to devices is uncertain.
There's a trend of people relying on YouTube videos to fix water damage on their phones instead of taking proper precautions. These videos, which promise to remove water from phone speakers or charging ports using various sounds, have garnered hundreds of millions of views. While some people seem to have had success with these methods, it's unclear if the phones would have been damaged to begin with due to their increasing water resistance and durability. Regardless, it's a reminder that taking care of electronic devices, especially when it comes to water exposure, is crucial. The Vergecast also discussed the ongoing craze of VR and AR headsets, with Meta and Snap both releasing new products.
Low-frequency sound and water removal: Theoretically, using low-frequency sounds from a speaker to push water out of a phone is plausible, but its effectiveness in real-world situations is uncertain and may be more of a placebo effect
The science behind using low-frequency sounds from a speaker to push water out of a phone is theoretically plausible. Speakers work by creating magnetic fields that push and pull a piston-like structure, moving air in the process. By generating strong, low-frequency sounds, a speaker can move a significant amount of air, potentially pushing water out of a phone. However, the effectiveness of this method in real-world situations is uncertain. Some believe it may be more of a placebo effect, while others argue that it could be a viable solution. Further testing and research are needed to determine the reliability of this method for removing water from phones.
Water and phone design: While speakers can help move water out of devices like the Apple Watch, their effectiveness in phones, especially those with multiple cavities, is speculative and requires further testing. Complete waterproofing is misleading as phones can still be damaged by water and durability decreases over time.
While speakers can help move water out of devices like the Apple Watch due to their design, it may not be as effective in phones, especially those with multiple cavities like the SIM card slot and speakers located at the bottom and top. This theory, presented by Sharam Maktari from iFixit, is speculation and requires further testing. However, it's important to note that while phones are more water-resistant than ever, trusting complete waterproofing could be dangerous and misleading. Phones can still be damaged by water, and durability decreases over time. To test this theory, iFixit plans to submerge phones in a UV reactive liquid and examine where water residue appears under a UV light. This test will use new phones to ensure the results are accurate.
Phone water damage: Modern smartphones are water-resistant, not waterproof. Exposure to liquid, especially in the shower, can cause damage, particularly to the speakers, and may lead to residue, corrosion, or even visible liquid inside the display. Avoid taking your phone into the shower or exposing it to liquid whenever possible.
While modern smartphones are designed to be water-resistant, they are not completely waterproof. Exposure to liquid, especially in the shower, can lead to damage, even if the phone continues to function. The speakers, which are the easiest places for water to enter, can cause residue and corrosion if water gets inside. Some phones, like the Google Pixel 3, can suffer significant damage with visible liquid inside the display. Even high-end phones like the iPhone 13 and Samsung devices can show signs of liquid damage, although the extent may vary. A YouTube video might help eject some water near the speakers, but it's not a foolproof solution and won't remove all the liquid. The best advice is to avoid taking your phone into the shower or exposing it to liquid whenever possible.
AR headsets: Speaker discusses personal experience with potential water damage savior video, expresses belief in Snap's AR technology leadership, shares update on Snap's AR glasses release, mentions Meta's upcoming headset, highlights anticipation for advancements in AR and VR technology
During the discussion, the speaker shared a personal experience about how a specific video might have helped save their phone from water damage. However, the main focus of the conversation was about the upcoming headset releases from Meta and Snap. The speaker expressed their belief that Snap has been leading in AR technology for years but hasn't yet released a consumer product. Snap's AR glasses, Spectacles, were shown off in 2021 but not sold, with the fifth generation expected to be announced in September. The tech in AR glasses has not been advanced enough to meet the vision of what these companies believe they can achieve with the glasses. Meta, on the other hand, is also expected to release a new headset soon. Overall, the conversation highlighted the anticipation and excitement around the upcoming advancements in headset technology, particularly in the areas of AR and VR.
Smart Glasses Race: Meta and Snap are competing to release functional and appealing smart glasses, but Meta's significant investment and Snap's financial struggles raise questions about their ability to succeed in the AR market
Both Snap and Meta are making significant strides in the development of smart glasses, with Snap releasing prototypes earlier and Meta investing heavily in more advanced technology. However, Snap's hardware division has been a financial strain, leading investors to question their ability to compete in the capital-intensive AR market where Meta is investing billions. Meta's upcoming AR glasses, Orion, is expected to be a major demonstration of the technology's progress, despite not being ready for mass production or sale. The race to bring functional and appealing smart glasses to the market continues, with both companies aiming to secure a seat at the table for the next major platform shift.
Meta AR market presence: Meta aims to establish a presence in the AR market and control its own destiny by releasing AR products, including Ray-Ban smart glasses, despite challenges and technology still being in demo phase.
Meta, formerly Facebook, has been racing against Apple to release augmented reality (AR) glasses, but Apple's entry into the market hasn't materialized as expected. Meta's recent announcement of Ray-Ban smart glasses with embedded AI has shifted the context for Meta's entry into the AR space. Meta's motivation for continuing to develop and announce AR products is to establish a presence in the market and control its own destiny, as it grew under the dominance of Apple and Google in the mobile phone era. While the technology is still in the demo phase and faces challenges, being an early player in the market could pay off significantly if AR glasses become a major consumer technology.
AR technology investments: Meta and Apple are investing in AR technology with different strategies: Meta is focusing on socially acceptable, cheaper products with Ray-Ban, while Apple is creating high-end, premium products.
Meta and other tech companies are making significant investments in augmented reality (AR) technology, despite the high cost and uncertainty of consumer demand. Meta, in particular, is betting heavily on AR, having scrapped more expensive projects in favor of a cheaper, more socially acceptable product in the form of Ray-Ban smart glasses. Apple, on the other hand, is taking a different approach by focusing on creating high-end, premium products with high margins. The long-term strategic goal for Meta is to establish a foothold in the AR market and potentially invest billions in the parent company of Ray-Ban. The consumer AR glasses are not expected to hit the market until at least 2027, but the partnership with Ray-Ban is seen as a crucial step towards making AR glasses socially acceptable and fashionable. The competition between Meta and Snap in the AR space is also noteworthy, with both companies trying to reach the same destination in different ways.
AI competition: First mover advantage may not be the only factor for success in the rapidly advancing and increasingly accessible AI industry, as high costs of training models may limit the number of players and niche players and commoditization of models are potential factors.
While there was likely a first mover advantage for companies like OpenAI with the launch of chat GPT, the rapidly advancing nature of AI technology and the increasing accessibility of these models means that the advantage may not last. The industry is witnessing an arms race between companies to release more advanced models, but the high cost of training these models may limit the number of players in the long run. However, there's also potential for niche players and commoditization of AI models, making the industry's future less dependent on having the biggest, newest model. So, while being first to market can provide some advantages, it may not be the only factor determining success in the ever-evolving AI landscape.
AI industry future: Despite OpenAI's current lead, the complex and vast AI industry may prevent any one company from fully dominating, offering opportunities and challenges for all players
The future of AI industry is uncertain, and while there might be a first mover advantage for companies like OpenAI, it's likely too complex and too big for any one company to fully dominate. The industry's potential scope goes beyond just providing models for companies, making it a significant and evolving field. OpenAI currently enjoys a strong position due to its cache, media coverage, and the reputation of its CEO, Sam Altman. However, the industry's vastness and potential complications may make it impossible for any single entity to maintain control. It's an intriguing time for AI, with both opportunities and challenges ahead.