Microsoft Surface Duo 2 updated review, Solana's Saga phone, and the M2 MacBook Pro review

The Vergecast episode discussed various topics including a review of the Apple MacBook Pro 13 with the M2 chip, improvements for Netflix apps, and a deep dive into the Microsoft Surface Duo 2. Additionally, the podcast introduced permanent changes such as new theme music, art, and logo, as well as temporary changes due to Eli's travel plans. Canva was also highlighted as a tool to help create presentations faster, while Viator was recommended for booking travel experiences with ease and peace of mind. Overall, the episode showcased the latest technology news and offered valuable insights and recommendations for listeners.

The 13-inch MacBook Pro, despite some criticism, remains a popular choice among laptop users, and its update with the M2 chip makes it a worthwhile investment for those looking to upgrade from Intel machines. The MacBook Pro, which Apple claims is the second best-selling laptop in the world, has seen minimal design changes over the years, but its performance boost with the M2 chip is noticeable, even if not dramatically so. For those who may have held off on buying the M1 model, the M2 update offers a noticeable improvement in speed. However, for those looking for a more significant leap in performance, the M1 Pro models may be a better choice. Additionally, the hosts mentioned their new Netflix show, The Future Of, which explores various topics and invites viewers to share their opinions.

The M2 chip, while a refinement of the M1, offers significant improvements in single-core performance and GPU capabilities. However, the most notable difference is its impressive battery life, estimated to be around 17.5 to 18 hours based on the reviewer's usage. Despite being a step up from the M1, the M2 is closer in power and speed, but it is worth the extra $300 to get the more powerful M1 Pro for multi-core performance. The M2's single-core performance surpasses that of the M1 Pro and M1 Max, indicating potential improvements in future M-series chips. The M2 also has more efficiency cores, while the M1 Pro and M1 Max have more power cores. The reviewer was unable to drain the battery during testing, which is a first in their career, highlighting the M2's impressive battery life.

The M2 MacBook Pro offers improved single-threaded performance and efficiency, making it a significant upgrade for those who don't require the extreme multi-core performance of the M1 Pro and M1 Max. However, the battery life may vary depending on the workload and usage, with the MacBook Pro offering longer battery life in heavy video playback tests. The MacBook Air, with its lower quoted battery life, may not be as suitable for long video playback sessions but could still provide adequate battery life for most users. The decision between the MacBook Pro and Air ultimately depends on individual needs, with the MacBook Pro offering better value for those who need more power and longer battery life. The M2 MacBook Pro also shows impressive performance gains in memory-intensive tasks, allowing users to open a large number of tabs without any noticeable slowdowns. The battery life difference might not be significant for some users, and the trade-offs, such as the absence of MagSafe in the MacBook Air, should be considered before making a purchase. The M2 MacBook Pro offers a notable improvement over its M1 counterpart, making it a worthwhile upgrade for many users.

For those considering between the new M2 MacBook Air and the 13-inch MacBook Pro, the decision may not be solely based on price. While the base models of both laptops are similarly priced, the MacBook Air offers a new design, MagSafe charging, a better webcam, and a larger screen. However, the MacBook Pro provides a more established design, a larger battery life, and a larger screen size. The fan in the MacBook Pro might not lead to significant performance gains, but its reliability and consistency could be appealing to some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on individual preferences and requirements. For $100 more, users can get a substantially better computer in terms of ports, battery life, and design with the MacBook Pro. But for those who prioritize the new design and features of the MacBook Air, it could still be a worthwhile investment.

For those who don't require the high-end performance of the M1 Pro in a MacBook, and prioritize battery life and port selection over design, the M2 MacBook Pro could potentially be a better purchase than the MacBook Air. However, it's essential to wait for benchmarks and reviews of the M2 MacBook Air to determine if the performance difference and battery life improvement justify the upgrade cost. The M1 MacBook Pro offers a larger battery and more powerful processor for those who need it, making it a worthwhile investment for professionals or heavy users. The confusing naming of Apple's laptops, with similar specifications and pricing, adds to the uncertainty of which model is best for different users. The M2 MacBook Air has a slightly larger battery capacity than the M1 MacBook Air, with 52.6 watt hours compared to 49.9 watt hours, respectively. Ultimately, it's recommended to wait for the M2 MacBook Air's release and reviews before making a decision.

Despite the consensus that the new M2 chip is a significant improvement over the M1 and one of the fastest laptops on the market, the pricing of the new model feels odd and may be causing confusion for consumers. Some believe that Apple is relying on buyers to upgrade to the pro model for a hundred dollar difference. The group also discussed the recent layoffs at Netflix and the focus on content as a solution to rebuild the company. However, it was argued that Netflix's financial situation is not as dire as it seems, and the company may be overreacting to the fact that people are going outside again and returning to normal activities. Overall, the group advised waiting for the release of the new MacBook Air to gain a clearer understanding of how the new chips fit into Apple's product line and for more information on Netflix's strategy moving forward. Additionally, they promoted Canva as a time-saving tool for creating presentations at work.

The unrealistic growth expectations from investors on streaming platforms like Netflix can lead to unnecessary panic when subscriber numbers decline. The discussion also touched upon the issue of streaming services' lack of flexibility in allowing users to watch content in a more intuitive and user-friendly way, using the example of Star Trek series on Paramount Plus. The inability to watch shows in a preferred order or create playlists is a common frustration for viewers. Despite the abundance of content available, the experience can feel disjointed and unsatisfying. Netflix, in response to subscriber loss, is exploring ad-supported plans and partnerships with competitors for advertising, raising questions about the future of its business model. Ultimately, the conversation highlighted the importance of prioritizing user experience and flexibility in the streaming industry.

Streaming platforms prioritize content over user experience. Despite having access to vast amounts of data and resources, these companies often neglect to optimize their apps for easy navigation and continuation of content. This results in frustrating user experiences, such as hidden "continue watching" rows and confusing watchlists. While these platforms aim to keep users engaged by endlessly offering new content, they overlook the importance of providing a pleasant viewing experience. A simpler solution, as mentioned, would be to focus on creating effective playlists and improving the functionality of watchlists. Companies like Netflix, Disney Plus, and HBO Max already offer advanced features like Dolby Vision and Atmos, so enhancing the basic user experience should be a priority. Ultimately, providing a better user experience could lead to increased viewer satisfaction and loyalty.

There is a significant frustration with the disjointed experience of using various streaming apps to access and manage content. Companies like Apple and Plex have been trying for years to create a unified platform where users can easily access and organize all their media. However, legal and technical challenges have made this a difficult feat. Despite the struggles, these companies remain committed to finding a solution, as the demand for a seamless media management experience continues to grow. The current state of affairs leaves users feeling like they're constantly watching the next episode or scene, only to be met with more content and more apps to navigate. This disjointed experience is a major pain point for consumers and a significant opportunity for companies that can crack the code and provide a truly unified media management solution.

The Surface Duo 2, which was initially criticized for its broken nature and high price point at launch, has improved significantly with software updates and a lower cost. The dual-screen device, which can be used as a phone or a small tablet, offers a unique experience for multitasking and reading. Despite its limitations as a phone and its cumbersome design, it has become an enjoyable and convenient device for the speaker, who uses it primarily for reading and multitasking on the go. The Surface Duo 2 is not for everyone, but for those who value its unique features and portability, it offers a satisfying alternative to traditional phones and tablets.

Microsoft's Surface Duo, despite initial struggles with pricing and marketing, has shown significant improvement post-launch, making it a compelling device for those seeking a unique reading and multitasking experience. Microsoft's commitment to updates and new features, despite low sales, sets it apart from many other tech companies and demonstrates the potential of the foldable device market. The Duo, initially criticized for its high price and phone-like design, has transformed into a niche yet passionate community of users who appreciate its distinct form factor and continuous improvements.

Microsoft's Duo foldable device, while showing potential, still faces challenges in becoming a competitive and functional product in the market. At launch, it suffered from basic issues such as app compatibility and navigation gestures. While it excels in certain Microsoft-centric use cases, it needs to expand its appeal beyond die-hard Microsoft users. Microsoft could consider repositioning the Duo as a foldable iPad mini with Android, making it a converged device that replaces both phone and tablet. Adding a screen on the outside cover, bringing the price down, and ensuring a bug-free launch could also help. Alternatively, Microsoft could consider making it a pure tablet and focusing on improving its software to make it more functional without the need for additional accessories. Ultimately, the Duo's success depends on Microsoft addressing these challenges and positioning it effectively in the market.

The new design of the Duo 2 phone, specifically the larger camera, makes the device less convenient to use one-handed and prevents it from folding flush against itself. Additionally, the Nothing Phone 1 may not be compatible with US networks, limiting its availability in the country. The launch of the Nothing Phone 1 also involves an invite system, reminiscent of the OnePlus One launch in 2014. These factors may deter some potential buyers. Overall, the design and availability challenges of these dual-screen and new phones could impact their market success.

The new phone from the company "nothing" is generating hype through exclusive and limited rollouts, but it may be primarily driven by supply chain issues rather than deliberate marketing strategies. The lights on the back of the phone add an interesting design element, but the phone's performance and software optimization remain uncertain. The company, which recently acquired the Essential brand, may not have the resources or experience to optimize these aspects effectively. The limited availability of the phone creates excitement, but it may also limit its potential customer base. While some find the design and lights appealing, others prioritize basic functionality and performance. The success of the phone will depend on how well nothing can address these concerns and compete with larger tech companies.

The company OSOM, formerly known as Essential, initially announced plans to release a new Android phone called the OV1 in December 2021. However, they have since rebranded it as the Solana Saga, a crypto web3 blockchain phone, in partnership with Solana, a crypto web3 company. The Solana Saga, which is expected to launch early next year, will have a crypto wallet for trading, storing, and accessing digital NFTs. The phone will feature modern specs, including a 6.67-inch 120 Hertz OLED display and Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 processor. Despite the nice specs, some believe that the phone is entering the market too late, as the hype around web3 and cryptocurrency has already peaked. The success of the Solana Saga remains uncertain, but the partnership between OSOM and Solana represents an interesting pivot towards the web3 space.

Technology and companies, no matter how innovative, can still make mistakes and face challenges. During the discussion, the speakers touched on various topics including web3, Twitter's new blog post feature, and the FDA's decision regarding JUUL e-cigarettes. While web3 holds potential for exciting developments, it remains to be seen if it will be the game-changer. Twitter's new blog post feature, although a step towards longer-form content, faces questions regarding its use case and potential success. As for JUUL, the FDA's decision to ban sales in the US could significantly impact the company, with some predicting it may go down as one of the worst corporate investments ever. Despite the potential consequences, the speakers expressed curiosity and excitement about these developments.

Amazon showcased a new technology at their recent conference that allows for the synthesis of someone's voice, positioning it as a way to bring back the voices of deceased loved ones. While the intention behind the technology is to provide comfort and therapy, the idea of using it with a smart speaker like Alexa raises concerns due to its association with commercial services. The reaction to this announcement has been mixed, with some seeing potential therapeutic benefits and others finding it off-putting. Ultimately, the acceptance and use of this technology will depend on how it is marketed and implemented.