The Robot Nearly Killed Me

This week on The Vergecast, the team discussed the exciting visit of Tom Warren, The Verge's senior Microsoft reporter, to New York City. They also shared their experiences with a new telepresence robot in the office, which has been causing chaos and amusement. However, they were disappointed with the recent release of iOS 8.0.1, which caused issues with cellular connectivity and Touch ID. The team expressed their frustration with the lengthy and complicated process to fix the issue, and the fact that Apple had previously experienced similar problems. Despite the mishap, they looked forward to Tom's upcoming Microsoft event and the prospect of having him on the show as a robot in the future. Overall, the episode showcased the team's enthusiasm for technology and their ability to find humor in both the exciting and frustrating aspects of it.

The release of iOS 8.0 was plagued with significant bugs, causing various apps to crash and even Touch ID to fail. The speaker expresses disappointment, especially given the previous issues with iOS 7.0. The bugs were not catastrophic, but widespread enough to affect many users. The cause of these issues is believed to be related to a new modem or radio firmware, which Apple may not have extensive experience with. The company has acknowledged the problems and is working on a fix, but it may take some time. The speaker also shares personal experiences of apps crashing on their device, including Uber and YouTube. Despite the issues, the speaker remains hopeful that Apple will address the problems thoroughly and quickly to restore user confidence.

The speaker, David, had an unexpected encounter with a robot in the podcasting studio. The robot, which was essentially an iPad on a Segway, was incredibly quiet, allowing David to sneak up on people unnoticed. He shared a terrifying experience of having the girl from a ring video appear inches away from his face unexpectedly. The robot, controlled via a video conferencing app, was also trolled by the speaker and his team, leading to some unintentional mishaps. Meanwhile, there was news circulating about the iPhone 6 Plus bending under normal use, with Apple reporting nine cases. Despite the robot's intrusion and the potential iPhone issue, the team continued their podcast, documenting the events for their audience.

The new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus have become a topic of controversy due to reports of their screens bending easily. This issue gained significant attention when a tech reviewer tried to bend the phone on purpose in a video, which went viral. The concern arises from the phone's large size, thin design, and the common practice of keeping it in back pockets. Apple has responded by stating that only nine reported cases of bending have been identified and that they rigorously test their phones for structural integrity. However, the incident has sparked a cultural phenomenon, with people asking about the phone's size and potential flaw everywhere. The debate continues on whether the issue is a major concern or an overblown non-story. Regardless, the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus have undeniably captured the public's imagination and become a subject of intense discussion.

Apple's latest iPhone 6 Plus model has been under scrutiny due to reports of bending under pressure. While some argue it's a non-issue, others believe it could be a significant problem. Apple needs to address this issue promptly to prevent negative publicity and potential damage to their reputation. The bending issue might not affect a large number of users, but even a small percentage could lead to a significant number of phones and negative press. Apple's history of product flaws, such as yellowing screens, dinging and scratching, and design issues, adds to the concern. Despite these concerns, many users still love their Apple products despite their imperfections. It's important for Apple to prioritize customer satisfaction and product durability to maintain their brand image and customer loyalty.

People value the worn and personalized look of their belongings, including their phones. The speaker shares his experience of wanting his phone to get scratched and worn down, similar to how he feels about other items he carries regularly. He also mentions the controversy surrounding Apple's handling of a journalist's phone in relation to a news story, implying Apple's control over the media and the potential for censorship. The speaker ends by predicting a resurgence of phone holsters and cases, as people continue to seek ways to protect and personalize their devices. Despite the controversy and potential issues with the technology, the speaker remains optimistic and looks forward to the future developments in phone design and usage.

Having certain items on your person, like a watch or tools, can give you confidence and help you navigate different situations. This concept was referred to as having a "Batman factor" in a college IT lab setting. Regarding technology events, Microsoft's Windows event in San Francisco was focused on the desktop and enterprise, with a small, non-streamed venue to keep media coverage limited. Apple events have historically been easier for live logging due to their repetitive nature and clear presentations, while other companies like Samsung announce features quickly and without much detail, making it challenging for live coverage.

Microsoft's events, particularly those led by Panos Panay, are more conducive to live blogging compared to those led by Steve Ballmer due to Panay's direct and slower speaking style. Microsoft's upcoming Windows event is expected to focus on the desktop, with the return of the start menu, virtual desktops, UI changes, and Cortana on the desktop. The start screen's fate is still uncertain, and there may be a notification center. The event may not feature a grand unveiling, but rather a series of announcements and explanations of previously leaked information. The event is predicted to be called "Windows 10" instead of "Windows 9" to avoid association with the poorly received Windows 8.1. Overall, Microsoft is aiming to address long-standing demands from power users and enterprise clients, and to modernize the Windows desktop experience.

Microsoft is expected to release Windows 10, the next version of its operating system, in early October. This release marks a departure from the Windows 8 era, with Microsoft reportedly getting rid of the on-screen tiles interface and returning to a more traditional desktop experience. Additionally, Microsoft is working on a new product internally referred to as "Windows Mobile," which is essentially the next version of Windows Phone. This product is primarily aimed at the tablet market and could potentially expand to include laptops or netbooks. Microsoft is also rumored to be refreshing Internet Explorer and may announce these updates alongside Windows 10. The company's moves are seen as a response to the growing popularity of Chromebooks and other low-cost laptops. Microsoft's efforts to cater to various markets and device sizes could lead to a fragmented Windows ecosystem, with some users experiencing a more mobile-focused interface and others a more traditional desktop experience.

Microsoft's attempt to merge different operating systems into one with Windows 8 was a failure due to a lack of clear product identity and cohesive vision. The company went too far in their attempts to innovate, causing confusion among users. If Microsoft had instead taken a more measured approach and focused on creating a consistent user experience across all devices, they may have avoided the backlash. The Windows 8 debacle is an example of the classic organizational problem where instead of taking small steps and learning from feedback, Microsoft opted for a monolithic approach with significant consequences. The discussion also touched upon the importance of understanding product interconnections and avoiding unnecessary variations in branding.

Microsoft's approach to connectivity and apps on their Xbox platform has been met with limited success due to privacy concerns and lack of developer interest. Microsoft could have opted for a simpler Windows App Store for Xbox, but they're focusing on desktop and getting rid of touch features instead. The upcoming event next week is expected to be enterprise-focused, with Microsoft addressing concerns and showcasing their vision for Windows. The Surface Pro 3, a hybrid device, may undergo changes such as removing the Charms bar, leaving some wondering what's next for Microsoft and their Windows lineup. Microsoft's history of attempting big changes, like Vista's new file system and UI, has sometimes resulted in delays and confusion. Despite the challenges, Microsoft remains committed to improving Windows and avoiding another Windows XP or Windows 7 situation where upgrades take a long time. The event next week is likely to be low-key, with Microsoft emphasizing their dedication to making Windows a serious contender in the tech industry.

Microsoft's strategy for Windows and their product releases has been unpredictable and messy, leading to confusion for consumers and financial losses. Nadella's unexpected focus on Cirque du Soleil instead of product strategy, the delayed release of a successful device, and the failed attempt of Blackberry to create a unique device with their Passport are all examples of Microsoft's missteps. The service model, while staying for now, raises questions about the software side and the company's ability to create cohesive products. Additionally, the discussion touched on the challenges of using various social media platforms to share multimedia content and the unexpected reactions that can occur during live broadcasts.

The Blackberry Passport, despite having a large screen, faces challenges due to its unique operating system and lack of popular apps. The device's size and the confusing keyboard layout further hinder its appeal. Companies like HTC can successfully run multiple software systems on a single device, and the trend towards bring-your-own-device policies in workplaces makes it essential for Blackberry to adapt. The security features that Blackberry prides itself on may prevent it from using a standard Android operating system, but the market is moving away from specialized business devices towards more versatile, consumer-friendly options. Instead of trying to maintain a hybrid solution, Blackberry would be better off focusing on improving its Android offerings and providing robust security features. A recommended watch is a video about Michigan, the magic capital of the world, which showcases an intriguing local rivalry and unique blend of modern and traditional lifestyles.

The world of magic and technology intersects in unexpected ways. During an annual gathering of top magicians, they share their skills and innovations. Meanwhile, in the digital realm, a persistent bug named Bashbug poses a significant threat to the internet's security. This bug, which affects Bash, a common tool for accessing server interiors, is difficult to patch and widespread, making it a serious concern. The impact could be as severe as the Heartbleed bug. Additionally, the internet culture of fake threats, such as those targeting Emma Watson, perpetuates harmful behaviors. It's crucial to acknowledge these issues and take steps to mitigate them. In the realm of technology reporting, The Verge covers these stories, providing valuable insights and keeping readers informed. Stay tuned for more updates and join the conversation by engaging with us on social media or leaving comments on our posts.