Podcast Summary
New features in iOS 11.3: ARKit updates, battery settings, and health records: IOS 11.3 brings ARKit improvements, battery life management, and health records to the Health app. ARKit now recognizes vertical surfaces and 2D images, enabling more interactive virtual objects. Businesses can utilize iMessage's Business Chat for customer communication, while Animoji's new additions might be the most popular feature.
Apple's upcoming iOS 11.3 update includes several notable features, such as the ability to set preferred battery life settings, advanced ARKit capabilities, and health records in the Health app. ARKit now identifies vertical surfaces and 2D images, allowing for more interactive and realistic virtual objects. Businesses can now communicate with users directly through iMessage's Business Chat feature, but the new Animoji, including a lion and a dragon, might be the most exciting addition for some. While the update doesn't have a release date yet, users can preview the new features on Apple's website.
Apple's Approach to Software Development Hinders Animoji's Impact: Apple's outdated software development practices limit Animoji's accessibility and integration across applications, hindering user experience.
Apple's approach to software development and integration of certain features, such as Animoji, is hindering their potential impact and user experience. The speaker expresses frustration with the lack of accessibility and integration of Animoji in various Apple applications, comparing it to the progression of intimacy in relationships. They also criticize Apple for its outdated software development practices, such as long wait times for updates and the inability to easily install web apps on mobile devices. The speaker believes that Apple's struggles to modularize iOS and Mac OS experiences are contributing to these issues. Overall, the speaker argues that Apple's software development needs improvement in order to fully utilize the potential of its features and provide a better user experience.
Apple and Google's Approaches to Updates: Major vs. Incremental: Apple releases major updates less frequently but with significant new features, while Google focuses on incremental improvements through Google Play services. Apple's latest iOS 11.3 update includes both new features and improvements, and they've entered the health records market, potentially offering better privacy and security.
Apple and Google are constantly competing to offer the best features and updates to their users, but they approach this in different ways. Apple tends to release major updates less frequently but with significant new features, while Google focuses on incremental updates and improvements through Google Play services. The latest iOS 11.3 update is an example of Apple combining both approaches, with several new features and improvements, including battery management and ARKit 1.5. Another notable development is Apple's entry into the health records market, which could potentially give them a competitive edge due to users' trust in their privacy and security. However, the rollout of this feature has been limited, and it remains to be seen how it will be expanded. Overall, both companies are continuing to innovate and offer new value to their users, but in distinct ways.
Apple's history of innovation and user experience: Despite delayed release and missing features, Apple's HomePod could offer a qualitative difference due to superior sound quality and ecosystem integration, as shown in Apple's past successes with the iPod.
Despite the delayed release and missing features of Apple's HomePod, it's important to remember the history of Apple's innovation and the significance of user experience and design. Criticisms of Apple's late entry to the market with a more expensive product have been made before, but as history shows, these criticisms have often been proven wrong. The iPod, for instance, was also more expensive and lacked certain features at launch, but its superior user experience and technical innovation set it apart from competitors. The HomePod's sound quality and seamless integration with Apple's ecosystem could potentially offer a similar qualitative difference. However, only time will tell if the HomePod will live up to Apple's past successes.
Apple's late entry and missing features make HomePod an uphill battle: Apple's HomePod faces tough competition due to late entry and lack of multi-room stereo pairing and compatibility with multiple music services, limiting its appeal and making it harder to compete effectively.
Apple's entry into the smart speaker market with the HomePod faces stiffer competition than it did with the iPod or the iPad. While the HomePod has good physical design and sound quality, it is missing key features like multi-room stereo pairing and compatibility with multiple music services. Apple Music is the only service that works seamlessly with the HomePod, limiting its appeal for users who prefer other services. Additionally, competitors like Sonos, Google, and Amazon offer discounts and ecosystems that provide more flexibility and convenience for users. Apple's late entry and missing features make it an uphill battle to compete effectively in this market.
Balancing sound quality and convenience in audio devices: Apple's popularity lies in its convenience, but offering improved sound quality could also be a game-changer
Convenience often trumps sound quality in consumers' decisions when it comes to audio devices. The speaker shared his personal experience of being disappointed with the audio quality of popular devices like AirPods and Beats X, but acknowledges that many people prefer these devices due to their convenience and form factor. He also mentioned how the first iPod, despite its poor sound quality, was a game-changer due to its convenience. The speaker also discussed how Apple, which markets its products to a wide audience, may not prioritize high-end audio for its services like Apple Music. However, he suggested that Apple could potentially succeed with the HomePod by offering a significant improvement in sound quality, similar to how the Bose Wave radio did in the past. Overall, the speaker's perspective highlights the importance of balancing sound quality and convenience in audio devices and services.
Mattress Firm's Sleep Solutions and DJI's New Mavic Air Drone: Mattress Firm provides a comprehensive sleep solution with adjustable bases, sheets, headboards, and bedroom decor along with a 120-night sleep trial and low price guarantee. DJI's new Mavic Air drone is smaller, more portable, and equipped with advanced features like obstacle avoidance and follow-me mode.
Mattress Firm offers more than just mattresses to help you improve your sleep. They provide a whole package including adjustable bases, sheets, headboards, and bedroom decor. Plus, they offer a 120-night sleep trial and a 120-night low price guarantee. Meanwhile, Ben Popper, a former Verge business editor and journalist, has joined the "dark side" and now works as a communications manager for DJI, the drone company. During the show, Ben talked about DJI's new Mavic Air drone, which is smaller and more portable than its predecessor, the Mavic Pro. It's equipped with a three-axis stabilized gimbal and sensors on the front, bottom, and rear to help prevent crashes. The drone also has more obstacle avoidance capabilities and can follow you while you're on the move.
DJI's Constant Release of New Drone Models: DJI releases new drones frequently, making it challenging for consumers to decide which model suits their needs best due to overlapping features and price points.
DJI, a Chinese drone manufacturing company, is known for constantly releasing new and advanced drones, often making it difficult for consumers to decide which model to buy due to overlapping features and price points. The strategy behind this is to stay ahead of competitors and prevent brand dilution in a market where products are quickly copied. However, this can lead to confusion for consumers who are unsure which drone model suits their needs best. For instance, the difference between the Spark, Mavic Air, and Pro models can be hard to discern at a glance, with the Pro model being more expensive but offering more advanced features. Additionally, some DJI drones use Wi-Fi for connectivity, which can be a pro or a con depending on the user's preferences and environment. Ultimately, the decision-making process for choosing a DJI drone can be complicated and requires careful consideration of individual needs and priorities.
New DJI Drone with Long-Range Wi-Fi: DJI's new Spark drone offers a long-range Wi-Fi connection, allowing pilots to fly up to 2.5 miles away. Despite the extended range, pilots should maintain visual contact with the drone.
DJI has released a new drone called the Spark with boosted Wi-Fi capabilities, offering a range of up to 2.5 miles. Despite the long-range feature, the speaker emphasizes that pilots should not fly beyond the line of sight. DJI's decision to use Wi-Fi instead of RF technology for this model is surprising, as RF is generally considered superior. The Spark is more affordable than previous DJI drones but lacks some features, causing confusion in the market. The culture in Shenzhen, China, where DJI is based, encourages constant innovation and competition, which may contribute to the company's rapid release of new products. Autel and Unique are the only Chinese drone makers currently competing with DJI. The speaker expresses thoughts on the potential benefits of reduced patent and IP protections in the US, encouraging more competition and innovation.
Innovation and competition in Shenzhen lead to frequent product iterations and lack of IP protection: Shenzhen's business environment fosters rapid innovation and competition, resulting in frequent product improvements and lower prices, despite a lack of IP protection
The business environment in Shenzhen, China, encourages rapid innovation and competition, which leads to frequent product iterations and a lack of IP protection. This is why companies like DJI, which produces the popular Mavic drones, can offer high-quality, compact hardware at competitive prices. For example, the Mavic Air's new controller does not have a built-in display, but it is smaller and more portable, making it an attractive choice for some consumers. Additionally, DJI's hardware is known for its beauty and attention to detail. While some may argue that the lack of IP protection in China could hinder progress, others see it as a catalyst for innovation and price competitiveness. The speaker also mentioned that he had previously reported critically on DJI, but still admired their products.
Chinese drone leader DJI bridges global gap: First Chinese company to lead drone industry, responsive to local markets, values influencer partnerships for promotion
DJI, a Chinese consumer electronics company, is breaking new ground by becoming a global leader in the drone industry. This is significant because it marks the first time a Chinese company has achieved such a position in a consumer electronics category. With a relatively young tech industry and a five-year-old company, DJI is trying to bridge the gap between engineering and R&D decisions made at headquarters and major markets in North America and Europe. They're striving to feel integrated into these markets and to understand creative storytelling that resonates in different regions. DJI's approach is different from more established companies, as they aim to be responsive to local markets and humanize their brand through stories of everyday people using their products. Additionally, the company values the role of influencers like Casey Neistat and Luisito in promoting their drones through video content, which is a dominant mode for young people to be creative and communicate with the world.
DJI's Integration into Content Creation Process: DJI's success in the drone industry comes from offering valuable tools for creators, seen as enhancements rather than intrusions, and expanding into other areas like gimbals and cameras.
DJI's success in the drone industry can be attributed to the organic integration of their products into the content creation process for influencers and creators. Unlike traditional product placements, DJI's offerings are seen as valuable tools that enhance the creator's work, rather than an intrusion. Furthermore, DJI's expansion beyond drones into other areas such as gimbals and cameras positions them well to capitalize on the growing market of content creators. However, regulatory challenges pose a significant threat to DJI's continued growth, as new laws could limit the ability of recreational consumers to purchase drones. Despite this, DJI's commitment to education and safety measures gives them a strong position in the market and sets them apart from potential competitors. Overall, DJI's focus on creating valuable tools for content creators and their dedication to safety and education are key factors in their success in the drone industry.
DJI's Dominance in the Drone Market and Challenges Ahead: DJI's innovative design and manufacturing capabilities, integrated business model, and vertical integration give them a competitive edge in the drone market. Regulatory issues and safety concerns pose challenges, particularly in the recreational side.
DJI's dominance in the drone market, driven by their innovative design and manufacturing capabilities, integrated business model, and vertical integration based in China, makes it challenging for competitors. Regulatory issues and policy concerns, particularly in North America, pose a significant threat to the industry's growth, especially in the recreational side where people discover and innovate. While DJI is not currently working on a drone taxi, they have the technical capabilities to do so, and the core technologies needed for such a venture are continually improving. The regulatory landscape and safety concerns, however, are significant barriers. Competition is always a concern, but DJI's quick innovation and design leadership give them an edge. The discussion also touched on the potential for DJI to offer drones for payment, but the interviewer's offer was declined.
Streamline Your Hiring Process with ZipperKruder: Use ZipperKruder to post jobs to over 100 job boards and find qualified candidates quickly, saving you time and resources.
Finding the right talent for your business can be a time-consuming and overwhelming process. However, using smart tools like ZipperKruder can streamline the hiring process by posting your job to over 100 job boards and actively seeking qualified candidates for you. Unlike other hiring sites, ZipperKruder finds the candidates instead of relying on them to find you. In fact, 80% of employers who use ZipRecruiter find a quality candidate within one day. Meanwhile, in the world of technology, we stumbled upon an alternate history where Microsoft's canceled Xbox watch could have been a huge success. The Kin, which was a phone platform for teens, was a failure due to Microsoft's insistence on running everything on Windows and Verizon's lack of interest in promoting the phone. In the perfect world, the Kin could have been a gateway drug to Windows Phone, but unfortunately, it was a bad idea all around. And while we may daydream about having a Joy Division Zoom watch, the reality is that the best tools for your business are the ones that make your life easier, like ZipperKruder. So if you're looking to hire, give it a try for free at ziprecruiter.com/verge.
Technology's Focus on Individual Use: Amazon's Cashierless Store and Apple's HomePod: Technology is becoming more individualized, with Amazon's cashierless store and Apple's HomePod being prime examples. This focus on solo use may limit opportunities for interpersonal connections and could have wider implications.
Technology is increasingly being designed with a focus on individual use, leading to a sense of isolation. Amazon's cashierless store and Apple's HomePod are two examples of this trend. The Amazon store uses facial recognition to track shoppers and automatically charge their accounts, potentially creating confusion for those shopping with children or without Amazon Prime memberships. The HomePod speaker only recognizes the voice of the person who set it up and doesn't offer many features if that person's phone isn't on the local network. This focus on individual use is a result of software engineers prioritizing the "happy path" or ideal user experience, often neglecting to account for contingencies or multiple users. This shift towards technology designed for solo use could have wider implications, potentially eliminating opportunities for interpersonal connections, such as meeting a cashier at a store. Additionally, new tech releases like the hydrogen one smartphone and low-end Windows devices from Microsoft are further examples of this trend towards individual-focused technology.
Choosing the Right Device: Cellarons vs Chromebooks for Education vs Home Use: Cellarons are budget-friendly for education but may lack multi-user capabilities for home use. Chromebooks offer better multi-user functionality for home use and are preferred by some for their convenience and performance.
While Cellarons, specifically the Dell model, are affordable options for education-focused users, they may not be the best choice for home users seeking a primary computer due to their limitations, particularly in multi-user capabilities. Chromebooks, on the other hand, offer better multi-user functionality and are preferred by some users for their convenience and performance. Notable mentions include the upcoming Samsung S9, the end of Pebble support by Fitbit, and the Trump administration's proposal to end funding for the National Space Station. Additionally, Liz Lapato's in-depth article on the science of behavior in the Apple Watch is a must-read. Overall, the discussion highlights the importance of considering specific use cases and functionalities when choosing technology devices.
New podcasts from our producer: Explore new tech, politics, and conversation podcasts from our producer's network. Catch up on first seasons and discover new voices.
There are several exciting new podcasts coming soon from our producer Andrew Green, including the return of Casey Newton's show, Converge, and new shows from Casey, Lauren Good, and Peter Kafka. In the meantime, listeners can catch up on the first season of these shows and check out other podcasts from our network. It's a great time to explore new content and discover new voices. So, whether you're a fan of technology, politics, or just interesting conversations, there's something for everyone. And don't forget to spread the word about these great shows!
