Podcast Summary
Gaming Setup Upgrade: David Pierce is upgrading his gaming setup and considering handheld consoles, but encounters an issue with FIFA on the Steam Deck, leading to a discussion on factors like game libraries, battery life, and price.
David Pierce, the host of The Vergecast, has recently completed a bathroom renovation project and is now considering upgrading his gaming setup. He's been happy with his PS4 Pro but wants something more portable and convenient for travel and breaks from work. He's particularly interested in handheld consoles, but isn't sure which one to buy. He enlisted the help of colleagues Sean Hollister and Alex Kranz to make a decision. David's non-negotiable game is FIFA, and he encountered an error message when trying to run it on a Steam Deck. The team will discuss various options and factors, such as game libraries, battery life, and price, to help David make an informed decision. Overall, the discussion highlights the evolving nature of technology and consumer preferences, as well as the importance of considering specific use cases and requirements when choosing new gadgets.
Steam Deck vs Windows handhelds: The Steam Deck offers a superior handheld gaming experience than Windows systems due to optimization and hardware, but users may face limitations with specific games and online functionality, and alternatives like cloud gaming or dual-booting are available, with the ROG Ally and potential Xbox handheld being potential future options.
The Steam Deck offers a better handheld gaming experience compared to running Windows games on a native Windows system due to the optimization of the Steam OS and the hardware specifically designed for portable gaming. However, for those who require specific games like FIFA and need online functionality, they might have to wait for improvements from game developers or consider alternative solutions like cloud gaming or dual-booting. The upcoming ROG Ally handheld from ASUS, with its improved battery life and other features, could also be a potential alternative for those who prefer a Windows-based handheld. Microsoft is rumored to be working on an Xbox handheld, which could potentially address the current issues with Windows handhelds if they optimize the software for the device.
Console streaming limitations: Console streaming to handheld devices can be inconvenient due to internet connectivity and game performance issues, making the Steam Deck with its powerful processing capabilities and large PC game library a better investment for versatility and hackability.
While console streaming and cloud gaming services like Xbox and PlayStation to handheld devices like the Steam Deck can be convenient, they come with significant limitations, particularly when it comes to internet connectivity and game performance. The speaker shares his personal experience of trying to use console streaming while traveling or in areas with poor internet connections, resulting in frequent dropouts and unplayable experiences. He also mentions that some games, especially those with high graphical requirements, may not run well on older hardware like the Nintendo Switch. The speaker ultimately suggests that the Steam Deck with its powerful processing capabilities and large library of PC games, many of which are cheap and excellent, is a better investment for those looking for a versatile and hackable gaming device. However, he also acknowledges that the current state of gaming technology might leave some users in a "middle zone" between good options, and that waiting for new hardware or software updates might be necessary for some games or features.
Steam Deck vs PS portal: The Steam Deck offers better customizability, performance, and versatility than the PS portal for gaming, especially when streaming to larger screens
The Steam Deck offers more capabilities and flexibility than the PS portal for gaming, especially when it comes to streaming games to a larger screen. The PS portal is ideal for less tech-savvy gamers who just want to jump into playing, while the Steam Deck provides better customizability and performance. Although the PS portal works well for streaming games like FIFA, the Steam Deck allows for a more seamless experience with better graphics and less reliance on a stable internet connection. Additionally, the Steam Deck can be connected to a TV with a dongle or dock, making it a more versatile option for those who want to play on a larger screen. While there are other handhelds and laptops on the market, the Steam Deck's affordability and powerful performance make it a compelling choice for gamers looking for a portable and versatile gaming solution.
Steam Deck performance limitations: The Steam Deck offers a convenient gaming experience, but its performance may not meet the demands of certain complex or graphically demanding games. Users may need to adjust settings or avoid certain titles for a smooth experience. Significant improvements are expected in future updates.
The Steam Deck offers a convenient and powerful gaming experience, but it may not be the best choice for playing certain games, especially those with complex controls or high graphical requirements. The Steam Deck's compatibility with a vast library of games, including those from popular franchises like FIFA and Portal, makes it an attractive option for gamers who want to take their library with them on the go. However, users may need to adjust settings or even avoid certain games to ensure a smooth experience. Additionally, the Steam Deck is still in its mid-cycle, and significant improvements in performance and battery life are expected in the future. For those who prioritize the highest possible graphical fidelity, a console like the PS5 may still be the better choice. Overall, the Steam Deck provides a compelling alternative to traditional gaming setups, offering portability and flexibility without sacrificing too much in terms of performance.
Miro and LinkedIn Jobs: Miro streamlines team collaboration with Jira/Azure integration and planner widget, while LinkedIn Jobs helps small businesses hire professionals from a large candidate pool
Effective communication and collaboration are essential in both life and business. Miro, a visual collaborative platform, aims to help teams work together more efficiently by offering functionalities such as the planner widget, which connects to Jira or Azure instances to visualize and filter tasks, streamlining estimation rituals, and ensuring teams are grounded in their capabilities. LinkedIn Jobs, on the other hand, assists small businesses in hiring professionals by providing access to a large pool of candidates, including those not actively searching for new jobs. Additionally, the importance of high-quality microphones for communication, especially with the rise of AI and voice commands, was discussed, leading to an upcoming microphone test on the show.
Smart glasses audio quality: The audio quality of smart glasses can vary greatly between models, affecting their usefulness as a communication tool and for listening to content. Consider specific models' capabilities when choosing.
The quality of audio output from smart glasses can vary greatly. The Razer Anzu glasses, for instance, did not produce good audio quality during testing, with the microphone picking up sound from a distance and producing a flat mix. In contrast, the Ray-Ban smart glasses produced better audio, but had limitations in connecting to computers for recording. The overall experience of using smart glasses as a communication tool depends on the specific model and its audio capabilities. It's important to consider these factors when choosing a pair of smart glasses for audio use. Additionally, the speakers on smart glasses can be useful for listening to content while on the go, but their audio quality may not compare to dedicated headphones or earbuds.
Smart glasses with integrated microphones: Smart glasses with integrated microphones offer a more immersive and closer call experience than traditional headsets, with excellent sound quality for outdoor activities and clearer, more natural-sounding calls due to microphone placement.
The smart glasses with integrated microphones placed near the nose bridge offer a more immersive and closer experience for calls compared to traditional Bluetooth headsets or even AirPods. The user found the sound quality to be excellent for outdoor activities and running, wishing only for the added convenience of transition lenses. The microphone placement was a standout feature, allowing for clearer and more natural-sounding calls. However, the experience of using a VR headset like the MetaQuest for work purposes was found to be cumbersome, with logistical challenges such as two-factor authentication and complicated passwords hindering the user experience. Overall, the smart glasses with integrated microphones proved to be a more practical and convenient option for hands-free calls and outdoor activities.
Smart Glasses Communication: Smart glasses with good microphones like the Meta Vision Pro and Razer offer effective communication, while AirPods Pro may fall short in audio quality.
While setting up and using certain technology, such as the Meta Vision Pro headset, can be a complicated and frustrating process, the end result can be worth it. The Vision Pro's microphone produced high-quality audio during FaceTime Audio calls, making it a strong contender for effective communication devices. However, the AirPods Pro, despite being more convenient, produced less impressive audio quality in comparison. The Razer smart glasses, which cost significantly less, also offer a decent microphone for taking calls. Overall, the future of communication technology may involve wearing smart glasses that not only make us look normal but also sound good.
Future of Smart Glasses: Despite challenges in affordability, design, and functionality, advancements in voice and gesture control, widgets, and smartwatches suggest a more practical and user-friendly heads-up display for smart glasses could be on the horizon.
The future of smart glasses is promising but faces challenges in terms of affordability, design, and functionality. North's Folkles, which featured a laser projector for a heads-up display, were innovative but faced issues with high cost, compatibility with eyelashes and mascara, and limited progress in the industry. However, advancements in voice and gesture control, widgets, and smartwatches suggest that a more practical and user-friendly heads-up display could be on the horizon. The challenge lies in creating a product that is both effective and affordable, with a seamless interface and long battery life. The future of smart glasses may involve a confluence of various technologies, but it remains to be seen which company will be able to crack the code and bring a successful product to market.
Wearable Technology Advancements: The future of wearable technology, specifically glasses, is focused on creating unobtrusive and useful interfaces that enhance daily life without distraction or intrusion. Companies are investing in creating glasses that function like regular glasses but offer additional features.
The future of technology, particularly in the realm of wearable devices like glasses, lies in creating automatic, unobtrusive, and useful interfaces. The goal is to enhance our daily lives with just the right amount of information without becoming a distraction or intrusion. While I wouldn't recommend buying smart glasses just yet, the technology is progressing, and companies like Meta, Google, and Apple are investing in this area. The next step is to create glasses that look, feel, and function like regular glasses while offering additional features, such as displaying notifications or text messages. This approach is more achievable and desirable for consumers compared to fully immersive headsets. So, hold on to your regular glasses for now, but keep an eye out for future advancements in this field.