Our biggest stories and favorite things of 2024 | The Vergecast

The podcast discusses the biggest and most important stories of 2024 in technology and beyond. The hosts interviewed a variety of Verge staff members about their most impactful stories, favorite new tech items, and favorite non-tech experiences of the year, revealing a diverse range of interests and perspectives.

Wired Headphones

• 00:04:41 The speaker shares his enthusiasm for wired headphones, expressing the belief that they offer a superior listening experience compared to wireless headphones, highlighting the hassle of Bluetooth connectivity.

Google Antitrust

• 00:05:32 The speaker discusses the significance of the antitrust ruling against Google, arguing that it has the potential to fundamentally alter the way people use the internet, particularly concerning search engines and default settings on mobile devices.

AI is Good

• 00:15:16 The speaker discusses the perceived advancement of AI technology, acknowledging its overhyped status in the past but recognizing its potential for improvement, emphasizing the practical benefits of AI for tasks such as problem diagnosis and information summarization.

US Presidential Election

• 00:24:37 The speaker highlights the US Presidential election as a significant story of the year, particularly for science reporters, given its potential impact on environmental policy and regulation, which could have far-reaching effects on various industries and the future of the planet.

Vision Pro Review

• 00:39:56 The speaker discusses the highly produced and successful Verge review of Apple's Vision Pro, highlighting the review's extensive research, insightful analysis, and impressive execution despite the time constraints imposed by the embargo.

AI Rat Race

• 01:09:20 The speaker describes the fierce competition among big tech companies and AI startups to develop increasingly advanced AI models, characterizing this intense rivalry as a “rat race” marked by rapid announcements and constant one-upmanship, fueled by significant investments and driven by a desire to stay ahead of the curve.

Gamergate 2.0

• 01:23:50 The speaker expresses concern about the ongoing layoffs in the video game industry and the resurgence of a culture war mentality, with some blaming diversity and inclusivity efforts for industry struggles, highlighting the importance of reporting on these issues to combat harmful narratives and promote understanding.

PlayStation Portal

• 01:28:39 The speaker enthusiastically advocates for the PlayStation Portal, a handheld device that allows users to stream their PlayStation games, highlighting its utility for playing games on the couch without monopolizing the living room TV and its potential to become a must-have accessory for PlayStation 5 owners.