The Vergecast: Ad-Free Edition

The Verge

Summary

Welcome to The Vergecast, your weekly guide to the complex, rapidly evolving world of technology. Each episode serves as a deep dive into the forces shaping our daily lives, from the latest Big Tech power struggles and the rise of experimental AI to the subtle, human-scale impact of our favorite gadgets. We explore the industry from every angle: one day we might be dissecting the precarious future of electric vehicle manufacturers like Rivian, and the next we are debating the death of physical media in gaming or the ethical complexities of AI training data. Our discussions bridge the gap between high-level industry strategy—such as Meta’s obsession with the next engagement mechanic—and the practical, everyday reality of how we interact with our screens. Whether we are troubleshooting smart home setups, testing unconventional "vibe coded" software, or sitting down for candid conversations with voices like Tim Heidecker about the intersection of media and truth, our goal is to cut through the noise. We prioritize curiosity and critical thinking, helping you make sense of which technologies are truly revolutionary and which are just confusing experiments. If you want to understand not just what is happening in the tech landscape, but why it matters for your own digital life, you have found your new home. Join us as we navigate the gadgets, trends, and breakthroughs that define our modern world.

Updated Jul 6, 2026

Episodes

We finally have a Trump Phone | The Vergecast Livestream

Jul 6, 202638 min

The Trump Phone is a bizarre, underwhelming rebadged device that offers decent mid-range specs but lacks real soul.

Our favorite tips for logging off

Jul 3, 202626 min

Cut through the digital noise with practical strategies for disconnecting and reclaiming your time this long weekend.

The video game disc is dead

Jul 2, 20261h 38m

The shift to an all-digital future is leaving physical game collectors behind as console companies push ahead.

Rivian’s last chance to take on Tesla

Jul 1, 202632 min

Rivian faces a make or break moment as it pivots to the R2 SUV to prove it can scale and survive in a tough EV market.

Meet The Onion's new and improved InfoWars

Jun 30, 202635 min

Comedian Tim Heidecker discusses his vision for The Onion's satirical relaunch of the conspiracy site InfoWars.

Our vibe coded projects that actually work

Jun 29, 202630 min

Vibe coding experts share the custom tools they built to solve their own niche workflow problems.

Of course Meta thinks gambling is the future

Jun 26, 20261h 19m

Meta is betting that turning its social platforms into gambling hubs is the ultimate move for future growth.

How to train your data

Jun 25, 202624 min

AI companies are scraping the internet for training data to build their models, often without permission or clarity.

Google's new speaker and your smart home questions

Jun 24, 202632 min

Google’s latest smart speaker faces the test of whether it can thrive as a long-term home hub amid your big questions.

Why Big Tech can't quit smart glasses

Jun 23, 202640 min

Tech giants are obsessed with smart glasses because they offer a future of heads-up convenience and AI-driven utility.

Is the Steam Machine worth the wait?

Jun 22, 202635 min

The Steam Machine is a compact, PS5-level living room console that finally brings the massive Steam library to your TV.

Version History: Harmony remote

Jun 19, 20261h 12m

The Harmony remote promised to replace the living room clutter of multiple controllers with one smart device.

Snap's Specs look good on nobody

Jun 18, 20261h 23m

Snap's new AR glasses are a technical feat that prioritize a clunky form factor over actual consumer appeal.

The best headphone mic we've ever tested

Jun 17, 202630 min

Testing the microphone quality of popular headphones in a noisy environment to find the best-sounding option.

The Mythos mess and your AI questions, answered

Jun 16, 202628 min

We answer your burning AI questions, from the Anthropic government showdown to the branding woes of Siri AI.

# The **epic** story of Markdown

Jun 15, 202632 min

Markdown inventor John Gruber joins to discuss the accidental creation and massive, enduring impact of his text format.

Siri is good now??

Jun 12, 20261h 34m

The newly upgraded Siri finally makes searching your personal data actually work, potentially disrupting the AI market.

YouTube is taking over Hollywood

Jun 11, 202631 min

Creators are bypassing traditional gatekeepers and leveraging massive online audiences to drive major box office hits.

Your biggest questions from Apple's WWDC

Jun 10, 202636 min

Apple is playing catch-up with its new AI suite, but its real goal is to keep you locked into the ecosystem.

How Steve Jobs became Steve Jobs

Jun 9, 202640 min

How Steve Jobs evolved from a volatile, impulsive visionary into the disciplined leader who saved Apple.

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