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The Engadget Podcast

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A weekly news show where your favorite Engadget editors tear themselves away from their crippling technology addiction, to discuss our collective crippling technology addiction.

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Episodes

iPhone 16e: Apple’s cheaper, but not budget, iPhone

Well we didn't get the iPhone SE fourth-gen this week -- instead Apple debuted the iPhone 16e, a $599 model based on the iPhone 14's design. It has a 6.1-inch OLED screen and the A18 chip for Apple Intelligence, but should we really consider it a cheap iPhone? In this episode, Devindra and Cherlynn dive into the iPhone 16e and how it compares to the rest of the iPhone 16 family. Apple unveils its SE successor, the iPhone 16e for $599 – 1:22 Trump administration planning on 25 percent tariffs on ...

Feb 20, 202555 minEp. 256

What's up, DOGE? Diving into Elon Musk's hack on America

We joked about "President Musk" shortly after Donald Trump took office, but it turns out that wasn't far from the truth. Over the past few weeks, Elon Musk and his DOGE team wasted no time in trying to dismantle the American administrative state. They've illegally accessed the Treasury Department's federal payment system, pushed for USAID to be dismantled, and have also infiltrated the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. In this episode, we chat with 404 Media's Jason Koebler about what Musk a...

Feb 13, 202550 minEp. 255

Volvo Group’s CTO on his vision for zero-emissions trucks

This week, Devindra chats with Volvo Group CTO Lars Stenqvist about the company’s progress developing zero emissions trucks, both of the electric variety and experimental hydrogen options. While it’s a completely different company from Volvo Cars, Volvo Group still impacts consumers as one of the largest producers of heavy trucks. Stenqvist dives into how Volvo is thinking about new technology, and we chat a bit about how it’s approaching completely autonomous vehicles. (Note: This interview was...

Feb 06, 202526 min

DeepSeek blows up the AI world

In the span of a week, the Chinese startup DeepSeek has completely disrupted the AI landscape with its free and "open source" R1 model. In this episode, Devindra, Engadget Senior Reporter Igor Bonifacic and Producer Ben Ellman dive into what makes R1 so special, and what DeepSeek is doing differently from OpenAI and other competitors. Also, we try to figure out what’s up with “Incention,” a weird AI/blockchain project for creating new Hollywood IP, and wonder if Helion’s fusion reactor is actual...

Jan 30, 202558 minEp. 254

NVIDIA RTX 5090 review, Samsung Galaxy S25 debuts, and a new Trump tech era

It feels like CES again with a slew of tech news this week! In this episode, Devindra dives into his final thoughts on NVIDIA's $2,000 GeForce RTX 5090, a super-powered video card with a healthy dose of AI. Senior Reporter Sam Rutherford also joins to explain everything Samsung launched at its Galaxy S25 Unpacked event. And of course, we'll chat about some of the technology industry and policy changes from the new Trump administration. Stay tuned to the end of this episode for our chat with YouT...

Jan 23, 20251 hr 30 minEp. 253

RIP TikTok (and Zuck’s soul) + Switch 2 reveal

So it looks like the TikTok ban may actually be happening, barring a last-minute Supreme Court decision. In this episode, Senior Writer Karissa Bell joins Devindra and Ben to discuss the potential finale of TikTok in America, as well as why some users are finding refuge in RedNote, a Chinese Instagram clone. They also dive into why Meta is giving up on third-party fact checkers, and how this relates to Mark Zuckerberg's descent into the right-wing world. Finally, we explore the tidbits of inform...

Jan 17, 20251 hr 2 minEp. 252

CES 2025 wrap-up: Our favorite PCs and gaming devices

We’re officially recovering from CES 2025! In this episode, Devindra and Senior Reporter Sam Rutherford dive into their favorite PCs from the show, and debate the merits of Lenovo’s extra-large Legion Go S handheld. They explain why they like ASUS’s ultra-light Zenbook A14, and Sam gives us his final thoughts on Dell’s clunky brand transition. Lenovo’s surprising CES showing: ThinkBook Plus Gen 6’s rollable screen – 0:47 Legion Go S by Lenovo is the first third-party handheld to run SteamOS – 4:...

Jan 09, 202534 minEp. 251

CES 2025 Day 0 + 1: What are you doing Dell?!

We've survived two days of CES! In this bonus episode, Cherlynn and Devindra discuss the latest innovations in robot vacuums, new AI PC hardware from AMD and Intel, and Dell's decision to nuke its PC brands in favor of Apple-esque "Dell Pro" and "Dell Pro Max" branding. (Note: We recorded this episode before NVIDIA announced its new RTX 5000 GPUs, but we'll have more to say on that soon!)

Jan 07, 202519 min

CES 2025 preview: NVIDIA and AMD's next GPUs + all sorts of AI

We're ringing in 2025 with everything we're expecting to see at CES! That includes new video cards from AMD and NVIDIA, a holographic windshield from Hyundai and potentially more satellite enabled phones. AI will still be a major topic -- like the next generation of AI PCs -- but it also seems like we'll be hearing a lot more about classic CES stories. In addition, we explore why Meta wants to start adding AI users to Facebook and Instagram. CES 2025 Preview: LG’s bendable 5K OLED, AI PCs, and a...

Jan 03, 202548 minEp. 250

2024 in tech: The AI hype train stalls

This week, we're looking back at our hellish 2024 and trying to figure out where to go from here. We began the year with enormous hype around artificial intelligence, but that's cooled off after seeing how useless many AI features have been. It's also clear that many companies, including Microsoft and Apple, are trying to push half-baked AI concepts onto users. Looking forward, we're expecting a rough few years for the tech industry (not to mention the world as a whole). 2024 in review: AI hype ...

Dec 20, 202456 minEp. 249

Apple's Genmoji are AI disappointments

At long last, iPhone users have access to Apple's AI image generation tools, Genmoji (for customized emoji) and Image Playground. But based on our testing, these Apple Intelligence features aren't fully baked. In this episode, Devindra and Cherlynn discuss why these AI tools aren't very useful and dive into some of Apple's most egregious image generation fails. iOS 18.2 AI image generation arrives half baked. Genmoji are fun, but weird – 1:13 OpenAI’s Sora video generation model was finally rele...

Dec 12, 20241 hr 9 minEp. 248

What’s up with the Amazon Kindle Scribe 2 and other ereaders, with guest Alex Cranz

Our review-in-progress of the Kindle Scribe 2 is live, and this week on the Engadget Podcast our host Cherlynn Low talks about Amazon’s latest writing tablet with noted ereader aficionado Alex Cranz. The pair are joined by Engadget’s own ereader expert Valentina Palladino, and they all get deep on the state of reading on books, tablets and phones. Our hosts also dive into what’s happening at Intel, as well as modern cars and personal listening habits. Kindle Scribe 2, Kobo, Boox and more: the st...

Dec 05, 20241 hr 21 minEp. 247

Social media’s impact and Sony’s PlayStation news

Senior reporter Jess Conditt joins host Cherlynn Low and producer Ben Ellman on a quiet news week to talk about the latest developments at Sony, Threads, TikTok and more. We also take a look at some gadget announcements and discuss the impact that social media and technology have had on the way we work and how we think of celebrity and success. A chill Thanksgiving week chat: Social media and how it affects all of us – 1:07 Gaming news with Jess: Sony is reportedly working on a new portable cons...

Nov 29, 202447 minEp. 246

DOJ confirms it wants Google to sell Chrome

Well, the rumors were true: this week the DOJ argued that Google should sell off Chrome to make up for its monopolistic search practices. On top of that, the US government also suggested a potential sale of Android if it can't stop prioritizing its own search on Android smartphones. In this episode, Devindra and Producer Ben discuss why neither outcome seems likely under the upcoming Trump 2.0 administration, which will likely focus on defanging any sort of regulation. U.S. regulators want Googl...

Nov 21, 202459 minEp. 245

Bluesky’s big moment + President Musk?

For obvious reasons, Twitter users are leaving en masse and heading to Bluesky, its most prominent decentralized competitor. In this episode, we discuss why Bluesky now feels like the best of early Twitter, filled with vibrant conversations and people discovering a new social network filled with useful features (like serious blocking and content filtering). And of course, the lack of an algorithmic feed surely helps. Also, we chat with Justin Hendrix from Tech Policy Press about how Elon Musk ha...

Nov 15, 20241 hr 8 minEp. 244

Reviewing the PS5 Pro and Apple’s M4 Macs

In this episode, Devindra and producer Ben Ellman recover from the election by discussing our final thoughts on the PlayStation 5 Pro, as well as Apple’s M4 Mac mini (so cute, so powerful!) and new MacBook Pros. The M4 chip is a solid upgrade, but the M4 Pro is shockingly fast (so much so that it outscored every other system we reviewed this year in Geekbench). PlayStation 5 Review: Your <$1000 gateway to 4K/60 gaming with ray tracing – 3:43 Mac mini M4 Pro Review: Phenomenal power with a tin...

Nov 07, 202451 minEp. 243

Apple’s M4 heads to the iMac, Mac mini and MacBook Pro

It's been a Mac-heavy week! In this episode, Devindra and producer Ben Ellman dive into all of Apple's new M4 hardware: the new iMac, Mac mini and refreshed Macbook Pros. The Mac mini, in particular, looks like it'll be a huge hit for anyone who needs a simple desktop system. Also, we dive into why Apple is pushing for every Mac to get 16GB of RAM at a minimum. That will benefit all users, even if they don't care about Apple Intelligence. Unofficial Mac Week: Apple announces M4 Pro and M4 Max ch...

Oct 31, 20241 hr 9 minEp. 242

The new iPad Mini is boring and that’s okay!

We finally got an iPad Mini refresh, and it's not particularly exciting. But that's fine! It's still a useful little tablet, and now thanks to the A17 Pro chip, it's already ready for upcoming Apple Intelligence features. In this episode, Engadget Deputy Editor Nathan Ingraham joins to discuss what he liked about the new iPad Mini, and what he hopes Apple will eventually fix in future models. Also, we chat about Netflix abandoning its AAA game studio, and why over 10,500 artists signed a letter ...

Oct 24, 202449 minEp. 241

The Color Kindle Cometh

Amazon finally did it! This week the company announced the Kindle Colorsoft, its first color E Ink e-reader. In this episode, Devindra and Cherlynn discuss where this device sits in a world of cheap tablets, and they dive into the updated Kindle Paperwhite and the writable Kindle Scribe. Also, we've got final thoughts on the Meta Quest 3S, the updated iPad Mini and tons of news. Amazon announces new Kindle Colorsoft, updated Kindle Scribe and Paperwhite – 0:51 Devindra’s Meta Quest 3S review: im...

Oct 17, 20241 hr 12 minEp. 240

Hunting data center vampires with Paris Marx

This week, we’re joined by tech critic Paris Marx to discuss Data Vampires, his latest Tech Won’t Save us podcast series. We discuss how data centers suck up vast amounts of power, water and other resources, and why the AI boom is exacerbating those issues. Also, Devindra and Ben dive into a few news stories, including the DOJ inching closer towards a Google antitrust breakup; Nintendo's adorable motion sensing alarm clock, Alarmo; and why Google's Deepmind AI head won the Nobel Prize for chemis...

Oct 10, 202456 minEp. 239

Microsoft’s Windows 11 2024 update is all about Copilot AI

This week, Microsoft started rolling out the Windows 11 2024 update, but it quickly became clear that the company was far more eager to unveil new features for its Copilot AI and Copilot+ AI PCs. In this episode, Devindra and Cherlynn chat about Microsoft's current AI priorities, and what it means for people with older PCs. Also, we discuss the death of HoloLens and Microsoft giving up on AR as Meta, Apple and even Snap build for an augmented reality future. The new Windows 11 update goes all in...

Oct 03, 20241 hr 5 minEp. 238

PS5 Pro hands-on + Meta’s wild Orion AR glasses

We've finally had a chance to try the PlayStation 5 Pro and Engadget's Jessica Conditt has come away impressed. In this episode, Devindra and Jess chat about what the PS5 Pro does well, and discuss who a $700 console is actually meant for. Also, coming off of Meta Connect 2024, Karissa Bell joins to chat about her time with the Quest 3S, as well as her thoughts about Meta's Orion AR headset and AI plans. Jessica Conditt’s PS5 Pro hands on: 60fps makes so much difference – 0:42 Karissa Bell’s dis...

Sep 26, 20241 hr 5 minEp. 237

Reviewing the iPhone 16 and Apple Watch Series 10

Our reviews of the iPhone 16 Pro and Apple Watch Series 10 are up, thanks to one very tired Cherlynn Low. In this episode, Devindra and Cherlynn discuss her final thoughts on Apple's new hardware, including why the iPhone 16 Pro’s photo processing is particularly interesting. In other news, we also chat about Snap's fifth-generation AR Spectacles, as well as HTC Vive's new Focus Vision headset. iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max reviews: great cameras, but incomplete without Apple Intelligence – 0:59 Isr...

Sep 19, 20241 hr 4 minEp. 236

iPhone 16, AirPods 4 and Apple Watch Series 10 impressions

The iPhone 16 event is over, and now we've got plenty of thoughts to share after playing with all of Apple's new hardware. In this episode, Devindra and Cherlynn chat about the entire iPhone 16 and Pro lineup, and Senior Reporter Billy Steele joins to chat about his experience with the AirPods 4 and Apple Watch Series 10. It turns out, the Apple Watch stole the show from the iPhone . Post-Apple event thoughts on AirPods, Apple Watch Series 10, and, iPhone 16 with Cherlynn Low and Billy Steele – ...

Sep 12, 20241 hr 12 minEp. 235

Thoughts on Apple's iPhone 16 launch

In this bonus episode, Devindra and Engadget Contributing Reporter Kris Holt break down everything new (and not so new) in the iPhone 16 lineup. Is Apple Intelligence alone enough to entice iPhone owners to upgrade? Does anyone actually need the camera button? And why are we so intrigued by the Apple Watch Series 10 (which is undoubtedly the most interesting product Apple launched today).

Sep 09, 202432 min

Pixel 9 Pro Fold review with MrMobile + IFA 2024

After plenty of testing, we've got some final thoughts on Google's latest foldable. In this episode, Cherlynn and Devindra are joined by Michael Fisher (AKA MrMobile) to discuss the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and why it feels like a far more mature device than the previous Pixel Fold. Also, we dive into some of the biggest news from IFA 2024, like Intel's Core Ultra 200V chips and Acer's crazy laptop concept with a built-in gamepad. Cherlynn and MrMobile review the Pixel 9 Pro Fold – 1:14 IFA News: Intel’...

Sep 05, 20241 hr 1 minEp. 234

iPhone 16 and Apple rumors with Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman

Apple is gearing up to launch the iPhone 16 on September 9th, so we've brought on Bloomberg's Mark Gurman to chat about his scoops around Apple's upcoming hardware. We should expect some notable additions, like a dedicated camera button, as well as slightly larger screens on the Pro models. We'll also dive into Apple's robotics efforts -- does anyone really want an Apple bot rolling around their home? Finally, we'll discuss Gurman's reporting around Meta's upcoming devices: A cheaper Quest 3 mod...

Aug 29, 20241 hrEp. 233

Pixel 9/Pro reviews and Gamescom 2024

This week, Devindra and Cherlynn dive into Engadget's reviews on Google's Pixel 9 and 9 Pro phones. Are they really a step up from last year's devices? And how do they compare to Samsung's latest? Also, we chat about a few stories from Gamescom 2024, including Microsoft's Indiana Jones game heading to the PS5, as well as the wild launch of Black Myth: Wukong. Google approaches smartphone perfection with the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro – 0:58 Gamescom highlights: Indiana Jones, AI NPCs and Black Myth...

Aug 22, 20241 hr 6 minEp. 232

Don’t call it the Pixel Fold 2

Is the second time the charm for Google's foldable? In this episode, Devindra chats with Senior Writer Sam Rutherford about his hands-on impressions of the new Pixel 9 Pro Fold. It has bigger screens and a sleeker design than its predecessor, but how does it compare to the other foldables out there? And why isn't it called the Pixel Fold 2?! Thoughts on Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold and the rest of Google’s event – 1:39 Eric Schmidt blames work from home and work-life balance for Google’s loss of AI...

Aug 15, 202454 minEp. 231

Breaking down Google's Pixel 9 launch event

Google has officially dropped its major 2024 devices a few months earlier than usual. Today at its Made By Google event, the company unveiled the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro, as well as its foldable follow-up, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. As for new accessories, we got the Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Buds Pro 2. In this bonus episode, Cherlynn and Devindra chat about everything from this event, and why the heck we didn't hear more about Android 15. (Apologies for any audio issues in this episode, it was partially re...

Aug 14, 202454 min
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