The Vergecast

Stories discussed this week: Webcams have become impossible to find, and prices are skyrocketing Why the 5G coronavirus conspiracy theories don’t make sense UK mobile carriers politely ask people to stop burning 5G towers No one’s getting new emoji in 2021 because of the pandemic Foxconn will produce ventilators at its controversial Wisconsin plant Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 review: AMD has rewritten the rules Nvidia’s RTX Super GPUs for laptops have arrived — here’s where you’ll see them first Asus’ ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 is a gaming laptop with two screens MSI announces new laptops with Comet Lake H and new Nvidia GPUs Gigabyte’s latest gaming laptop supports Intel’s most powerful 10th Gen Core i9 processor yet Razer’s new Blade 15 has powerful specs and an improved keyboard Samsung Galaxy Chromebook review Asus Chromebook Flip C436 review Microsoft reportedly delays Surface Neo beyond 2020 Can Meg Whitman outwit a pandemic with Quibi? Quibi app review: shifting landscape Quibi’s shows are fun, fam

Verge editor-in-chief Nilay Patel talks to Microsoft CTO Kevin Scott about his new book Reprogramming the American Dream: From Rural America to Silicon Valley―Making AI Serve Us All. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nilay, Dieter, and Paul talk to Tom Warren about Zoom's privacy and security concerns. The crew also looks back at the history of Sprint after it finally merged with T-Mobile. Paul's weekly segment "If I were a rich man" updates the keyboard-in-the-front club. The show ends with some chat about Apple buying the weather app Dark Sky and allowing in-app rentals on their mobile devices. Stories discussed in this episode: After walkouts, Amazon pledges temperature checks and masks in all warehouses Jeff Bezos’ space company is pressuring employees to launch a tourist rocket during the pandemic Zoom is leaking some user information because of an issue with how the app groups contacts Zoom faces a privacy and security backlash as it surges in ... Zoom announces 90-day feature freeze to fix privacy and ... Zoom isn't actually end-to-end encrypted  Zoom quickly fixes 'malware-like' macOS installer with new ... Microsoft aims to win back consumers with new Microsoft 365 subscriptions T-Mobile completes merger

Verge editor-in-chief Nilay Patel talks to founder and CEO of The Future Today Institute Amy Webb. Amy is also a professor at NYU's Stern School of Business and recently came out with a book called The Big Nine: How the Tech Titans and Their Thinking Machines Could Warp Humanity. During the coronavirus pandemic, Amy and Nilay discuss whether we could have predicted this outbreak, how it can change trends in the future, and how it may even accelerate trends like AI and cloud-based robotics. They also talk about The Future Today Institute's 2020 Tech Trend Report that was released this month — which is a quantitative look at the big trends that may dominate the future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stories discussed this week: Amazon warehouse workers are outraged after a coworker tested positive for COVID-19 and they weren’t notified ‘We’re all going to get sick eventually’: Amazon workers are struggling to provide for a nation in quarantine It’s time for a regular Amazon daily coronavirus briefing Twitter locks account encouraging coronavirus ‘chickenpox parties’ Zoom is 2020’s hottest yoga studio Apple says customers must wait to pick up repairs locked inside its retail stores Best Buy moves to curbside pickup only as it sees surge in orders for home office equipment Disney Plus and Facebook are also reducing streaming quality in Europe Amazon and Apple are reducing streaming quality to lessen broadband strain in Europe YouTube joins Netflix in reducing video quality in Europe YouTube creators figure out how to film during a pandemic Fashion influencers are rethinking their curated aesthetics because they can’t leave their houses Fox will broadcast NASCAR’s substitute sim racing ‘season’

Verge editor-in-chief Nilay Patel talks to Impossible Foods CEO Patrick Brown about Impossible's mission to replace animal-derived meat worldwide and what that would mean for our climate and culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nilay, Dieter, and Paul discuss the new iPad Pro and Macbook Air that Apple announced this week, the confusion around Google's coronavirus testing website, and the specs revealed for the PS5. Stories discussed this week: Comcast modestly raises slow internet speeds for low-income users because of coronavirus AT&T is suspending broadband data caps for home internet customers due to coronavirus AT&T, Comcast, Verizon and others agree not to overcharge customers during coronavirus Verily’s coronavirus screening website launches with very limited access Trump’s Google testing announcement mixed up several real projects The White House still can’t explain what’s going on with the coronavirus screening website Coronavirus testing shouldn’t be this complicated Apple announces online-only WWDC 2020 due to coronavirus spread Apple announces new iPad Pro with trackpad support and a wild keyboard cover iPadOS 13.4 adds full mouse and trackpad support The iPad Pro is ready to supplant the Mac just as the MacBo

Verge editor-in-chief Nilay Patel and Verge policy reporter Makena Kelly talk to FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel about American broadband policy and the advocacy for internet access, broadband competition, and net neutrality. While the coronavirus pandemic is happening and people are working online at home, now is a perfect time to talk about who has access to the broadband, who doesn't, how much it costs, and how we can get it to more people for less money. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stories discussed this week: Dr Disrespect is the villain who could change the future of TV This backpack has it all: Kevlar, batteries, and a federal investigation The art and craft of scientific glassblowing Samsung Galaxy S20 review: just right Leaked watchOS 7 code reveals new ‘International’ watchface Apple watchOS 7 features leak: sleep tracking, watchface sharing, and more Apple Watches may soon detect blood oxygen levels More iOS 14 leaks hint at next Apple hardware and a new home screen view iOS 14 will reportedly have improved mouse cursor support New MacBook models with scissor-switch keyboards are reportedly coming soon Google Pixel 4A hands-on reveals specs, camera, and a possible release window Google can reportedly revoke Android licenses if TV makers also partner with Amazon A sneaky attempt to end encryption is worming its way through Congress Congress takes aim at Google search in antitrust hearing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verge editor-in-chief Nilay Patel talks with Verge health reporter Nicole Wetsman and Verge deputy editor Liz Lopatto about the health concerns of the coronavirus outbreak as well as its economic effect in the United States.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stories discussed this week: Everything you need to know about the coronavirus  The Verge Guide to 2020 Election Congress proposes anti-child abuse rules to punish web platforms — and raises fears about encryption The Verge tech survey 2020 Apple reportedly releasing an iPad keyboard with a trackpad later this year Apple is planning to launch a 14.1-inch MacBook Pro with a ... Mac Pro review: the price of power - The Verge Apple Pro Display XDR review: category of one TCL’s new foldable and rollable concepts imagine a wild future of phones Vivo’s Apex 2020 concept has breakthrough cameras and an ultra-curved screen Get a closer look at the Xiaomi Mi Mix Alpha in MKBHD’s hands-on video New Google Pixel features coming this month include more emoji, dark mode scheduling, and Google Pay improvements Samsung launches its 2020 lineup of 4K and 8K QLED TVs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verge policy reporter Makena Kelly chats with Verge editor-in-chief Nilay Patel about important points in US tech policy recently as we go into the 2020 presidential election. Nilay and Makena get into the policy topics that The Verge will be covering heavily this year — including political advertising on social media, amendments to Section 230, encryption and privacy legislation, and broadband access in rural areas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stories discussed this week: Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra review: shutter bug Samsung pledges to improve Galaxy S20 camera after reviewers see issues Bob Iger steps down as Disney CEO, replaced by Bob Chapek Meet Bob Chapek, Disney’s new CEO and the Tim Cook to Iger’s Steve Jobs Disney’s new corporate synergy nightmare is personified in Simpsons promo New Juul patent application hints at AI-powered vape to help users quit nicotine Apple’s new Mac Pro and Pro Display technology overviews show off just how ‘pro’ they are Sony did a phone with a headphone jack! LG’s new V60 ThinQ 5G shows steady evolution for a company in need of big change Amazon’s Eero routers get updated with Apple’s HomeKit support Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus review: better sound, even better stamina Huawei announces the Mate XS foldable with a more durable display and faster processor Xbox Series X official specs: AMD CPU, 12 teraflop GPU, SSD, and more Microsoft’s Xbox Series X will be able to resume games even after a reboot Micro

One of the burning questions facing the world of self-driving cars is whether it makes sense to go all-electric or not. Some, like GM-owned Cruise, is all in on battery-electric vehicles. Others are going half-and-half, like Waymo building a fleet that includes both all-electric Jaguar I-Pace SUVs and gas-burning Chrysler Pacifica minivans. Argo, the Pittsburgh-based self-driving company backed by Ford and Volkswagen, has concerns about an all-electric fleet, especially when it comes to the need to recoup the cost of all the expensive technology that makes the car autonomous. The company’s CEO, Brian Salesky, sat down with The Verge editor-in-chief Nilay Patel and senior reporter Andrew Hawkins to explain why. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stories discussed this week: Folding glass: how, why, and the truth of Samsung’s Z Flip A Motorola Razr’s screen is reportedly peeling right on the fold Galaxy Z Flip teardown reveals that its hinge brushes may not block much dust Galaxy Z Flip durability test calls Samsung’s Ultra Thin ‘Glass’ into question Leaked images show TCL prototype phone with expandable, slide-out display Dish Network floats merger with DirecTV over pace of cord-cutting CBS is planning an improved streaming service after squandering its head start with All Access HBO and HBO Max are headed to YouTube TV HBO Max’s first ad wants to remind you how many of your favorite shows and movies it owns Disney+ has surpassed 28 million subscribers since launch … Tiger’s retro LCD handheld games are making a comeback The most interesting new Android 11 features so far Android 11 will fix dozens of small annoyances, but what about the apps? Google releases Android 11 developer preview earlier than expected Apple considers allowing

Chief Product Officer of Adobe Scott Belsky chats with Verge editor-in-chief Nilay Patel and reporter Dami Lee about what he learned from putting Photoshop on the iPad, adapting products to new creators and platforms, Creative Cloud for the Mac Pro, and the goals of the Content Authenticity Initiative. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stories discussed this week: Motorola Razr review: folding flip phone flops Motorola Razr undergoes iFixit’s ‘most complicated’ teardown yet Samsung learned some tough lessons from the Galaxy Fold debacle Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip beats the Motorola Razr in nearly every way Samsung Galaxy Z Flip first look: folding glass changes everything The Galaxy S20 is the first high-refresh display phone many people will own Why Samsung’s 108-megapixel camera isn’t just a gimmick All of the biggest announcements from Samsung’s Galaxy S20 event Samsung confirms its AirDrop-like ‘Quick Share’ is launching on the Galaxy S20 Here’s how Samsung’s Galaxy S20 stacks up against the Pixel 4, OnePlus 7T, and more Samsung’s regular Galaxy S20 doesn’t support ultra-fast 5G Samsung’s Galaxy S20, Plus, and Ultra first look: cameras, 5G, and 120Hz screens Samsung confirms its AirDrop-like ‘Quick Share’ is launching on the Galaxy S20 T-Mobile and Sprint win lawsuit and will be allowed to merge The court let T-Mobile buy Sp

In this week’s Vergecast, former New Jersey attorney general Anne Milgram stopped by the studio to talk with Verge editor in chief Nilay Patel and me, senior reporter Colin Lecher. As Nilay notes, Milgram, who also co-hosts the podcast Stay Tuned with Preet Bharara, is “the first cop we’ve ever had on the show,” and gave some thoughtful responses to questions about surveillance, predictive policing, and more. “We all, I think, have the right reaction, which is we don’t want to use data that’s biased or we don’t want to have problems,” Milgram says. “And yet in our personal lives, we give access to a huge amount of information and a lot of it is not public.” The rise of home security systems like Amazon’s Ring camera have raised serious questions about privacy, and Milgram weighed in on the issue. Below is an excerpt for that conversation, lightly edited for length and clarity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stories discussed this week; Election tech was supposed to clean up the Iowa caucus … Iowa's caucus fracas shows we're still too ignorant about how … America is bad at voting (it isn’t just Iowa) US attorney general says tech and telecom industries should invest in Huawei competitors Donald Trump ‘apoplectic’ in call with Boris Johnson over Huawei US pushing tech and telecom industries to build 5G alternative to Huawei Microsoft’s Windows future is now tied to hardware Microsoft's Surface chief now leads Windows and hardware ... YouTube is a $15 billion-a-year business, Google reveals for … Creators finally know how much money YouTube makes, and ... Google now has a 'multibillion-dollar' hardware business Google opens its latest Google Glass AR headset for direct purchase The Super Bowl is streaming in 4K HDR for the first time ... Roku and Fox strike a last-minute deal to keep Super Bowl ... Apple might be releasing a new Apple TV soon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.c

Intel is one of the biggest names in the tech world, with chips that quite literally are the brains behind most of the computers and servers that we use every day. But the world of computers is expanding and Intel is changing, too, with a focus on both edge computing that puts processing resources in the cloud and the power that’s available directly on the physical device.  And at the head of that is Dr. Venkata (Murthy) Renduchintala, the chief engineering officer and group president of the Technology, Systems Architecture and Client Group at Intel. Renduchintala joined Intel in 2016, having previously headed up competitor Qualcomm’s chip business.  Renduchintala is the person in charge of almost all of Intel’s hardware, from design to engineering to manufacturing. He joined Verge editor-in-chief Nilay Patel and news editor Chaim Gartenberg for an interview episode of The Vergecast this week to discuss the present and future of Intel, including the company’s place in the development of 5G, the changing lands