Pixels, Tri-Folds, and Brown iPhones!
Digest
This podcast covers a wide range of tech topics, starting with a discussion about the environmental challenges faced by communities living in Cancer Alley, a stretch of land along the Mississippi River with a high concentration of petrochemical plants. The hosts then delve into their reviews of the Pixel 9 Pro, highlighting its improved hardware, software features, and AI capabilities. They also discuss the challenges of using RCS messaging with iOS users on the beta program and compare the camera systems of the Pixel 9 Pro and the Samsung S24 Ultra. The podcast then explores the potential of triple-folding phones, RealMe's 320 watt fast charging technology, and the debate surrounding generative AI in art applications, particularly in relation to the popular digital art app Procreate. The hosts also share their unique YouTube consumption habits and express frustration with the lack of consistent picture-in-picture functionality and the limitations of in-app browsers. Throughout the podcast, the hosts engage in trivia games, testing their knowledge of various tech and sports-related facts. They also feature an interview with Miss Sharon Levine, a resident of Saint James, Louisiana, who is fighting against pollution in Cancer Alley.
Outlines
Tech Talk: Cancer Alley, Pixel 9 Pro, Fast Charging, and Generative AI
This episode covers a wide range of tech topics, including environmental concerns in Cancer Alley, Pixel 9 Pro features, fast charging technology, and the debate surrounding generative AI in art applications.
Environmental Concerns in Cancer Alley
The podcast discusses the environmental challenges faced by communities living in Cancer Alley, a stretch of land along the Mississippi River with a high concentration of petrochemical plants. The cancer rate in this area is significantly higher than the national average.
Pixel 9 Pro Review and Final Thoughts
The hosts discuss their final thoughts on the Pixel 9 Pro after the reviews have been published. They highlight the phone's improved hardware, software features, and AI capabilities.
RCS Messaging and iOS Beta Issues
The hosts discuss the challenges of using RCS messaging with iOS users who are on the public beta program. They explain how the beta version can cause messages to be sent as SMS, leading to confusion for users.
Travel Phone Choice and Pixel 9 Pro Reliability
One of the hosts is about to travel to Australia and decides to take the Pixel 9 Pro instead of the Samsung S24 Ultra, citing its reliability, battery life, and good reception.
Pixel 9 Pro vs. S24 Ultra Camera Comparison
The hosts compare the camera systems of the Pixel 9 Pro and the S24 Ultra. They discuss the S24 Ultra's better overall camera system, including its video quality, zoom capabilities, and image saturation.
Android vs. iOS Photography Apps and Processing
The hosts discuss the lack of photography apps on Android that offer zero processing, unlike some newer iOS apps. They explore the limitations of HDR processing on both platforms and the impact on image quality.
Overrated and Underrated Pixel Features
The hosts discuss their picks for the most overrated and underrated features of the Pixel 9 Pro. They highlight the improved fingerprint reader as underrated and the zoom-enhanced feature as overrated.
Google's Call Notes Feature and Its Potential
The hosts discuss Google's Call Notes feature, which transcribes phone calls and provides summaries. They debate its usefulness and whether it's a feature that most people will actually use.
Screenshots App and Its Integration with Google Photos
The hosts discuss Google's new Screenshots app and its potential integration with Google Photos. They debate whether the app is a necessary addition or simply a feature that should be added to Google Photos.
Keywords
Cancer Alley
A stretch of land along the Mississippi River between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, known for its high concentration of petrochemical plants and elevated cancer rates.
Petrochemical Industry
The industry involved in the production of chemicals derived from petroleum and natural gas, often associated with environmental pollution and health concerns.
Generative AI
A type of artificial intelligence that can create new content, such as text, images, or audio, based on existing data. It is often used in creative applications, but also raises concerns about its potential impact on human creativity and authenticity.
Triple-Folding Phone
A smartphone with a screen that can be folded three times, creating a larger display area when unfolded. This technology is still in its early stages of development and faces challenges in terms of durability and usability.
Fast Charging
A technology that allows smartphones to charge their batteries at a much faster rate than traditional charging methods. This is achieved by using higher wattage chargers and more efficient battery technologies.
RCS Messaging
Rich Communication Services (RCS) is a messaging standard that aims to replace SMS with a more feature-rich messaging experience. It offers features such as group chats, high-quality image and video sharing, and read receipts.
Snap Tap
A new keyboard software system that uses Hall Effect sensors to detect keystrokes and provide faster response times. It has been banned from Counter Strike due to its potential to give players an unfair advantage.
Procreate
A popular digital art app for iPad, known for its intuitive interface and powerful features.
Q&A
What are the main environmental concerns facing communities in Cancer Alley?
Cancer Alley is a stretch of land along the Mississippi River with a high concentration of petrochemical plants. These plants release pollutants into the air and water, leading to elevated cancer rates and other health problems for residents.
What are the key features of the Pixel 9 Pro that the hosts find impressive?
The hosts praise the Pixel 9 Pro's improved hardware, software features, and AI capabilities. They particularly appreciate the phone's camera system, battery life, and fingerprint reader.
What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of triple-folding phones?
Triple-folding phones offer the potential for a larger display area when unfolded, making them ideal for multitasking and content consumption. However, they also face challenges in terms of durability, usability, and cost.
How does RealMe's 320 watt fast charging technology compare to other charging options?
RealMe's 320 watt fast charging technology is significantly faster than other charging options, allowing a phone to charge from 0% to 100% in just a few minutes. However, it raises concerns about battery life and potential damage to the battery.
What are the potential implications of Procreate's decision to remain AI-free?
Procreate's decision to remain AI-free could limit its future features and functionality, as generative AI technology continues to evolve. It could also impact its competitiveness in the market, as other art apps embrace AI features.
What is the CEO of Procreate's stance on incorporating generative AI into their app?
The CEO of Procreate has stated that they will not be adding generative AI features to their app, arguing that it goes against their core philosophy of human-driven creativity.
What are some potential benefits and drawbacks of generative AI in art applications?
Generative AI can automate tasks, create new ideas, and enhance artistic workflows. However, concerns exist about ethical implications, potential copyright issues, and the reliance on large datasets that may contain stolen material.
What are some examples of weird YouTube consumption habits?
Some people listen to YouTube videos in the car with the screen off, particularly for content like documentaries, educational videos, or channels with familiar voices and formats.
What are some common frustrations with picture-in-picture and in-app browsers?
The lack of consistent picture-in-picture functionality across apps and platforms is frustrating. In-app browsers often have limited features and can lead to a disjointed user experience, forcing users to navigate back and forth between apps.
Why did Tony La Russa sue Twitter?
Tony La Russa sued Twitter because someone was impersonating him on the platform and making negative comments about the baseball team he managed.
Show Notes
Happy Friday! Pixel 9 reviews are in and new iPhone rumors are upon us! There's a lot to go over this week as Marques and the crew talk about everything from tri-folding phones to bronze-colored iPhones. Then we talk about weird ways that we watch YouTube videos before wrapping it all up with trivia. Enjoy!
Links:
MKBHD Pixel 9 Review: https://bit.ly/3WZV94e
9to5Mac New iPhone Color: https://bit.ly/3MlZo5e
Bronze iPhone: https://bit.ly/3MhAnIt
Android Authority Tri-Fold: https://bit.ly/3ABj8zq
Tri-Fold on Plane: https://bit.ly/3Mo9Ucd
Music provided by Epidemic Sound
Shop products mentioned:
Pixel 9: https://geni.us/cTw73v
Pixel 9 Pro: https://geni.us/HrFniYD
Pixel 9 Pro XL: https://geni.us/B26BN
Shop the merch:
https://shop.mkbhd.com
Socials:
Waveform: https://twitter.com/WVFRM
Waveform: https://www.threads.net/@waveformpodcast
Marques: https://www.threads.net/@mkbhd
Andrew: https://www.threads.net/@andrew_manganelli
David Imel: https://www.threads.net/@davidimel
Adam: https://www.threads.net/@parmesanpapi17
Ellis: https://twitter.com/EllisRovin
TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@waveformpodcast
Join the Discord:
https://discord.gg/mkbhd
Music by 20syl:
https://bit.ly/2S53xlC
Waveform is part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.
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