You’re cute no matter what phone you have | The Vergecast

20 Sep 2024 (1 month ago)

Intro (0s)

A chatbot was created to write an intro for the Vergecast, but it stated it could only discuss iPhones and iPhone reviews. (19s)
The chatbot was programmed to respond to some questions by suggesting the inquirer ask "the real Joanna". (56s)
The speaker chose not to write about the new iPhones, but did test and form opinions on them. (3m0s)

A prototype bot was created using Google Gemini flash as the large language model, trained on 10 years of iPhone reviews and specs. (4m39s)
The bot was refined with a 12-page document highlighting key features and general advice on iPhone upgrading, focusing on camera and battery life. (12m27s)
The iPhone 16 Pro Max's battery life is comparable to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, leading to a preference for the smaller Pro model due to the Max's large screen size. (23m37s)

A listener named Tyler is thinking about switching from their Samsung Galaxy S23 to an iPhone but is concerned about the lack of an always-on display and a 120Hz refresh rate on the base iPhone 16. (25m4s)
A listener named Peter, who currently owns an iPhone 13 mini, is wondering when new iPhones will be compelling enough to justify giving up the smaller size. (29m38s)
A listener named Leon is trying to use their phone less and is considering getting an iPhone 13 mini to help achieve this goal. (32m35s)

Snap has released a new version of their Spectacles, Spectacles 5, which are currently only available as a developer kit. (41m24s)
The new Spectacles have a standalone design, with the processor and battery contained within the glasses themselves, unlike previous versions that required a separate pack. (43m50s)
While the display and field of view have improved slightly, the overall experience is still lacking, with a limited field of view and short battery life. (48m53s)

Google Glass had a simple set of tasks it could perform, including maps, messaging, and taking photos. (1h1m4s)
Google Glass failed because of its appearance and the perception that it could be used to see through people's clothes. (1h3m7s)
Future smart glasses will likely combine the functionality of Google Glass with the appearance of Ray-Ban Meta glasses, providing a small screen for viewing texts and other information. (1h2m58s)

YouTube hosted an event called "Made on YouTube" at Pier 57 in New York City, where they announced new features and updates for creators. (1h5m0s)
One of the major announcements was a new feature called "Communities," which aims to enhance interaction between creators and viewers by providing a dedicated space for discussions and community building within a creator's channel. (1h6m57s)
Another notable feature introduced is "Hype," designed to help smaller creators gain visibility. Users can "hype" videos they enjoy, and videos with the most hype points will be featured on a leaderboard, increasing their chances of discovery. (1h9m21s)

YouTube is introducing AI tools for creators, including features that generate video ideas, create backgrounds, and even produce short clips. (1h13m59s)
YouTube is emphasizing television as a primary platform for creators, with new features like season-based organization and pause ads. (1h19m25s)
Instagram is implementing stricter safety measures for teen accounts, including default private settings, limited direct messaging, and reduced adult content. (1h23m58s)