This week, Devindra chats with Engadget Editor-at-large James Trew about the Analogue Pocket, an innovative portable gaming device that accurately can play cartridges from older systems like the Game Boy, Game Gear and Atari Lynx. Also, Senior Editor Dan Cooper joins to dive into this week’s news and why you should be watching HBO’s Succession. Senior Editor Jessica Conditt also joins to dive into her investigative feature on MetaWorld, an intriguing VR project that turned out to be a scam. Anal...
Dec 17, 2021•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 155
This week, Cherlynn and Devindra recap the year's greatest winners and losers in tech. From the expected companies like Apple, Facebook (sorry, Meta) and Google, to the ones we begrudgingly acknowledge, like NFTs and the Metaverse, our hosts look back on 2021's highlights. We'd love to find out what your picks for the best and worst in tech this year might be, too, so feel free to send them our way! Tech’s biggest winners of 2021 – 2:04 Tech’s biggest losers of 2021 – 28:57 Twitter’s privacy cha...
Dec 09, 2021•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 154
This week, Cherlynn and Devindra discuss the significance of Jack Dorsey leaving Twitter. Will the social network thrive, or stumble, after losing its co-founder for a second time? Also, Cherlynn explains what’s up with all of Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon chips for phones, computers and… portable gaming consoles? Is it enough to take on Apple’s M1 chips? Or will Windows once again hold Snapdragon PCs back? What is Twitter without founder Jack Dorsey? – 1:21 Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip – 22:3...
Dec 03, 2021•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 153
This week, Cherlynn and Devindra are joined by Engadget’s Jessica Conditt to dive into the latest controversy around Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick. According to a recent Wall Street Journal report, he was well aware of sexual misconduct allegations at the company, and he deliberately kept Activision’s board in the dark. Also, we chat about what Apple’s self service program means for you, as well as a new accessibility gadget that brings eye tracking to the iPad. New report says Activision...
Nov 19, 2021•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 152
It’s that time of the year again: Figuring out all of the best gifts to buy from our Holiday Gift Guide. This week, Commerce Editor Valentina Palladino joins Cherlynn and Devindra to chat about our latest batch of product suggestions, as well as some tips on snagging deals ahead of Black Friday. Also, they chat about Microsoft’s intriguing new $249 Surface Laptop SE, a low-spec, kid-focused notebook for schools. And Devindra chats with Ethan Zuckerman, a UMASS Amherst professor and technology re...
Nov 12, 2021•1 hr 40 min•Ep. 151
This week, Devindra and Engadget’s Jessica Conditt dive into Facebook’s big metaverse moves. Is it more than a name change? Is Meta a smart bet on where the future of computing is going? Also, Devindra and producer Ben chat about the Google Wave-like additions to Microsoft Office, and Samsung’s jeans for the Z Flip 3. Facebook / Meta’s big metaverse moment – 1:19 Microsoft announces Loop collaboration tool at Ignite – 33:29 In-browser video editing and audio recording for Office – 42:17 Ford ele...
Nov 05, 2021•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 150
It’s been a busy week! For our special 100th episode, Cherlynn and Devindra dive into their MacBook Pro and Pixel 6 reviews, answer audience questions, and they chat with Engadget’s Karissa Bell about what we’ve learned from the Facebook Papers. (Unfortunately, this episode was recorded before Facebook renamed itself to Meta, but we’ll be chatting about all of that next week!) 100 Episodes! Livestream Q&A – 1:30 MacBook Pro 14” and 16” Review – 16:20 AirPods Gen 3 review – 25:20 Pixel 6 revi...
Oct 29, 2021•1 hr 33 min•Ep. 149
Techtober continues with a deep dive into Apple’s latest MacBook Pros, powered by the new M1 Pro and M1 Max chips. Cherlynn and Devindra also chat about what’s new with the Pixel 6, and Mr. Mobile himself (Michael Fisher) joins to break down the Surface Duo 2. It turns out Microsoft needed more than a year to fix all of the problems with its dual-screen phone. Apple’s new MacBooks with M1 Pro and M1 Pro Max – 1:37 Google finally details Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro’s specs – 23:22 Microsoft’s Surface...
Oct 22, 2021•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 148
This week, Cherlynn and Devindra chat about what to expect from Apple’s upcoming event (new MacBooks, baby!), as well as all of the other launch shindigs from Google, Samsung and Sony. Cherlynn also tells all about her Apple Watch Series 7 review, and why she hates testing sleep tracking gadgets. And to catch up on some big news from last week, Manda Farough from the Virtual Economy Podcast joins to dive into the massive Twitch hack. There’s a new Apple event on October 18, will there be MacBook...
Oct 15, 2021•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 147
It’s not too often we get a new version of Windows and a new Android release! This week, Engadget Editor-in-Chief Dana Wollman joins Cherlynn and Devindra to chat about her Surface Pro 8 review, Windows 11, as well as the Surface Laptop Studio and Go. Also, Senior Editor Karissa Bell joins to talk about the latest news from Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen. Windows 11 review – 1:15 Surface Pro 8 review – 14:57 Surface Laptop Studio review – 22:21 Surface Go 3 review – 32:00 Sustainability d...
Oct 08, 2021•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 146
This week, we go over the news from Amazon’s devices and services event, especially its intriguing Astro robot for the home. With the company’s history with data collection and security cameras in mind, we discuss the questionable merits of such a device. Then, we delve into the news from Google’s Search On event (also this week) and Facebook’s own slides about research that said Instagram is detrimental to teens. Here’s what was announced at Amazon’s Fall hardware event – 1:31 Meet Astro, a cam...
Oct 01, 2021•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 145
It's fall, and new gadget season has officially begun! This week, Cherlynn and Devindra dive into all of Microsoft's new hardware: The Surface Laptop Studio, Pro 8 and Duo 2. (RIP, Surface Book.) Also, Commerce Editor Valentina Palladino joins to chat about the iPhone 13, 13 Mini and her iPad Mini review. And of course, we carve out some time to yell at Facebook. The best of Microsoft’s Surface event: Surface Laptop Studio – 3:51 Surface Pro 8 – 16:26 Surface Duo 2 – 22:33 iPhone 13 and mini rev...
Sep 24, 2021•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 144
So Apple really called it the iPhone 13. This week, Cherlynn and Devindra chat about Apple’s latest announcements, and why the iPhone 13 is more like an iPhone 12S. Also, they discuss why the revamped iPad Mini is the most intriguing new Apple gadget this year. (Hold off on getting a new iPad Air for now, folks.) What’s new with the iPhone 13 (A15, camera, battery life, and more) – 3:07 The iPad mini stole the show – 25:43 Classic iPad was also updated – 32:04 Apple Watch Series 7: smaller bezel...
Sep 17, 2021•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 143
This week, Devindra and Cherlynn chat with Wired Reviews Editor Julian Chokkattu about Apple’s upcoming launch event on September 14th. What will the next iPhone be called, and what new features will it bring? We’ll bring down everything we know so far, along with other new hardware to expect from Apple. Also, Devindra and Engadget Senior Editor Karissa Bell chat about Facebook’s first smart glasses, the Ray-Ban Stories. Are we ready for a world where everyone has cameras on their faces? Probabl...
Sep 10, 2021•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 142
We're back after a week off, and we've got a lot of news to catch up on! This week, Devindra chats with Senior Editor Daniel Cooper about the iPhone potentially getting satellite phone connectivity, as well as the upcoming launch of Windows 11. Plus, they answer some questions from our YouTube livestream audience. And of course, they can't help but dive into the messy Ted Lasso season 2 discourse. 00:45: Senior Editor Dan Cooper joins 01:56: News talk: Will the next iPhone have satellite calling...
Sep 03, 2021•1 hr 40 min•Ep. 141
This week, Cherlynn and Devindra are joined by Washington Post Staff Writer (and former Engadget colleague) Chris Velazco to dive into all of the latest phone reviews. What’s up with Samsung’s Flip 3 and Fold 3? Who needs the Pixel 5a? And why did Qualcomm try to make a phone of its own? Tune in for our discussion, as well as to find out what you should be looking for in your next phone upgrade. The current state of 5G coverage and what we expect from mobile hardware season – 2:17 Samsung Galaxy...
Aug 20, 2021•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 140
This week, Cherlynn and guest co-host Mat Smith are joined by foldable aficionado and tech personality Michael Fisher (aka Mr Mobile) to talk all about foldables. Specifically, Samsung’s Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3, as well as the new Galaxy Watch 4 series and Buds 2. Then, our hosts try to make sense of the confusion around Apple’s CSAM-detecting features, and go over some other gadgets launched this week. Samsung Galaxy Unpacked News: Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 with Mr. Mobile – 1:58 Where the Z Fold and...
Aug 13, 2021•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 139
This week, Cherlynn is joined by guest co-host Terrence O’Brien and senior tech correspondent at Business Insider Lisa Eadicicco to discuss Google’s own mobile chip Tensor and the Pixel 6. We share more insight from having seen and used the phones in person, too. Plus, updates from the Activision Blizzard case. Google announces Tensor, its own mobile chip, will debut on the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro – 1:47 Activision/Blizzard hit with another lawsuit – 33:08 NLRB recommends a new union election fo...
Aug 06, 2021•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 138
This week, Cherlynn and Devindra dive into the toxic mess at Activision Blizzard with Senior Editor Jessica Conditt. California is suing the company over its frat boy culture, something we’ve seen at many gaming companies over the years. What’s actually going on, and what does it mean for the gaming industry as a whole? Tune in for our thoughts! Also, we chat about Facebook’s metaverse ambitions, some new chip plans for Intel and… Xbox Krispy Kreme donuts. What’s happening with the Activision Bl...
Jul 30, 2021•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 137
This week on the show, Devindra and Engadget Buyer’s Guide Editor Kris Naudus chat about Valve’s new Steam Deck with Jordan Minor, Apps and Games Analyst at PCMag. Is the hardware powerful enough to truly make it a portable gaming PC? And should we trust Valve with hardware at all after the Steam Machine debacle? Also, we dive into Jeff Bezos’s jaunt to space, Facebook’s spat with the Biden administration and the issues surrounding NSO’s controversial spyware Pegasus. What is Valve’s Steam Deck ...
Jul 23, 2021•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 136
This week, Cherlynn and Devindra chat with Tariq Malik, Editor in Chief of Space.com, about Richard Branson’s recent Virgin Galactic flight and this new billionaire space race. What, exactly, are these super rich guys trying to accomplish? And how does Virgin Galactic differ from Jeff Bezos’s Blue Original and Elon Musk’s SpaceX? Also, we dive into Windows 365, Microsoft’s new service that lets you access a cloud Windows PC from practically anywhere. Space.com editor in chief Tariq Malik explain...
Jul 15, 2021•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 135
This week, Cherlynn and Devindra discuss Nintendo’s surprise OLED Switch announcement along with Time tech columnist Patrick Lucas Austin. It definitely isn’t the Switch Pro we’ve been hearing so much, but there are still some nifty upgrades for true Switch diehards. So is it worth $350? Tune in to find out! Also, we chat about the DOD cancelling its $10 billion JEDI contract, and a futuristic new electric scooter from BMW. The OLED Nintendo Switch is real, we have the details – 1:22 Amazon and ...
Jul 08, 2021•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 134
This week, Cherlynn and Devindra are joined by Gizmodo’s Sam Rutherford to chat about Samsung’s smartwatch updates and the few tidbits of news from Mobile World Congress. Also, they dive into the newly released previews for iOS 15, macOS Monterey and Windows 11. It’s the rare year where both Mac and Windows are getting some major updates. New stuff from Samsung (One UI, Galaxy Buds 2) – 1:34 Mobile World Congress happened…sort of – 18:34 First impressions from the Windows 11 insider preview – 27...
Jul 01, 2021•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 133
Microsoft officially unveiled Windows 11 this week, and Cherlynn and Devindra are ready to dive into everything that’s new. Turns out, it looks a lot like the leak we saw last week! But there are still some new features worth calling out, especially support for Android apps. Also, they chat about the death of John McAfee, the infamous antivirus founder, and why a Snapchat post led the Supreme Court to establish new free speech precedent for students. Stay tuned at the end of the show for an inte...
Jun 25, 2021•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 132
This week, Cherlynn and Devindra chat about the surprising Windows 11 leak, which spoiled Microsoft’s upcoming Windows event. While it’s not a complete build, the leak still gives us a sense of where Windows 11 is headed. Also, we break down the best games we saw at E3, including Elden Ring and Forza Horizon 5! Woah, did an early build of Windows 11 leak? – 1:37 The most interesting stuff at E3 2021 – 12:37 Elden Ring at the Summer Games Fest – 19:07 Ubisoft announcements: Rainbow Six Extraction...
Jun 17, 2021•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 131
This week, Cherlynn and Devindra are joined by UK Bureau Chief Mat Smith to talk about Apple's torrent of announcements from WWDC 2021. iOS 15's upcoming changes are the most intriguing, but we also went over updates to watchOS, iPadOS and macOS. Plus, we got more details from Apple after the keynote on things like Assistive Touch on watchOS and whether people need accounts to streaming apps to use SharePlay in FaceTime. Then, we talk about what we're expecting to see at E3 over the weekend, as ...
Jun 11, 2021•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 130
This week, Cherlynn and Devindra chat about the big news from virtual Computex: NVIDIA’s RTX 3080 Ti and 3070 Ti; AMD’s Radeon 6000M mobile graphics; and the latest chips from Intel. Come learn why these companies are basically a triad of frenemies. Also, they dive into Microsoft’s upcoming next-gen Windows event, and the demise of Donald Trump’s blog. New NVIDIA 3080 Ti GPUs announced at Computex – 3:46 AMD gets serious about mobile gaming with the Radeon RX 6000M – 12:02 Intel announces two ne...
Jun 03, 2021•1 hr 43 min•Ep. 129
This week, Devindra chats with Senior Mobile Editor Chris Velazco about Amazon’s surprising new acquisition of MGM. Yes, that’s right, the fabled studio behind the Bond franchise, among others. Is this just a play for more Prime Video content? Or is Amazon just trying to crush Netflix and Apple? Also, they discuss a potential Switch-like portable gaming PC from Valve, as well as some news from Build 2021. Amazon buys MGM Studios for $8.45 billion – 1:51 Is Valve making a Switch-like portable gam...
May 28, 2021•57 min•Ep. 128
This week, Cherlynn and Devindra chat with Senior Mobile Editor Chris Velazco about the slew of news from Google I/O, including the new Material You design and Google’s team-up with Samsung in smartwatches. Also, Chris tells us why he thinks the iPad Pro is one of the best devices Apple has ever made (it’s just too bad the software can’t keep up). And Devindra explains why the new iMac M1 is actually a radical portable desktop. The important stuff from Google I/O – 1:09 New stuff for Android (Ma...
May 21, 2021•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 127
This week, Cherlynn and Devindra chat with Mike Futter, author of the GameDev Business Handbook and co-host of the Virtual Economy podcast, about the ongoing legal battle between Epic Games and Apple. What does it mean for the app economy? And is Apple actually a monopoly in the app world? Also, they chat about Intel’s new 11th-gen H-series processors, NVIDIA’s RTX 3050 and 3050 Ti on notebooks, and HTC Vive’s Pro 2 and Focus 3 VR headsets. Why are Epic and Apple fighting? – 1:21 YouTube chat Q&...
May 14, 2021•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 126