At Google’s recent gadget launch event, it took nearly 30 minutes before the company actually discussed its new devices. Although the new Pixel 9 series and Pixel Watch 3 are packed with exciting features, the event highlighted Google’s true focus—artificial intelligence (AI). For Google, AI seems to have taken precedence over the Pixel, Android, and nearly everything else.
In this episode of The Vergecast, the discussion centers around Google’s AI announcements and their potential impact on how users interact with their devices. Is this a major shift in technology? Given Google’s heavy emphasis on the Pixel’s camera, the conversation also delves into the evolving concept of photography and whether what we’re capturing can still be considered photos.
Following that, Nilay shares his experience judging the TV Shootout, a competition where he spent two days evaluating top-notch displays to determine the best. He gained valuable insights into screen technology and the current advancements in TV tech, which he eagerly shares.
The episode also covers a range of regulatory news from the week, including Apple’s ongoing disputes with developers and the escalating tension in the Epic vs. Google case, where a judge threatens to dismantle Google’s app store monopoly. The regulatory landscape for Big Tech has shifted significantly, and changes seem to be accelerating.
Finally, there’s a lightning round covering various topics—from Flipboard’s integration with the fediverse to Eric Schmidt’s revealing comments on AI, and the debut of the fastest phone charger yet.
For those interested in diving deeper into the topics discussed, here are some links:
Google Pixel 9 Launch Event:
- All the announcements and products from Google’s event
- AI overshadowed the Pixel at the event
- AI features in the Pixel 9 series
- Google’s Pixel Studio AI image-making app
- New AI feature that makes Pixel screenshots searchable
- Google’s digs at Apple during the Pixel 9 launch
- Google Gemini’s voice chat mode launch
- Hands-on experience with Gemini Live
TV Shootout:
- How the Sony A95L was named the best TV of 2024
App Store Regulation:
- Patreon’s workaround to avoid the “Apple tax”
- Apple opening up iPhone tap-to-pay
- Apple’s approval of Spotify with EU pricing
- Epic judge’s warning to Google about its app store practices
Lightning Round:
- Realme’s 320W fast charger can fully charge a phone in under five minutes
- Halide’s Process Zero feature captures photos without AI processing
- Flipboard’s move to integrate with the fediverse
- Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt’s advice for AI startups to navigate legal challenges