Geared Up

• Apple's New Siri Disaster w/ Quinn Nelson

  This episode of Geared Up dives into the state of Apple Intelligence and the larger implications of Apple's AI strategy - but that's just the beginning. Jon Rettinger and Andru Edwards open with a passionate breakdown of why Apple’s long-awaited foray into AI has become one of its most disappointing product efforts to date. With features like Genmoji and writing assistance that feel underwhelming, and more ambitious tools like Siri’s personal context still missing in action, they argue Apple has lost its AI credibility, and possibly its lead in consumer trust. But that’s only part of the show. The conversation expands to a fascinating look at the latest iPhone 17 hardware leaks, including the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air and the controversial new visor design. What are the tradeoffs of a 5.5mm thick smartphone? Can Apple maintain battery life and camera quality in such a thin device? John and guest Quinn Nelson dissect what this design direction means, especially for power users and iPhone Max fans. Quinn also shares firsthand insights into the self-driving space with his deep dive into the Comma 3X - a DIY, open-source driving assistant that’s outperforming most built-in systems. He explains how it works, what it’s capable of, and why it represents a fascinating alternative to Tesla’s FSD. This isn’t just theoretical tech - he’s installed it in his Rivian and shares real-world results, strengths, and limitations. Rounding out the episode is an alternate history segment that explores a tantalizing what-if: what if Apple had bought Android in 2005? The discussion considers how mobile tech could have evolved, the role of Samsung, the collapse of competition, and the future of platform control. It’s a blend of speculation and strategy that will fascinate any student of tech history. If you care about smartphones, AI, autonomy, or the decisions that shape the tech industry, this episode packs all of it in. From present-day failures to future visions and speculative histories, it’s one of our most thought-provoking yet.Support the show: http://youtube.com/gearlive/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• Apple's HUGE Siri AI Fumble w/ John Gruber

  Tech legend John Gruber joins Andru Edwards and Jon Rettinger to unravel the story behind Apple Intelligence and its delayed features in this episode of Geared Up. From early WWDC promises to today's reality, they dissect how Apple got comfortable showcasing features it didn't hav eready, and what that says about their internal culture, marketing strategy, and the future of Siri. Something is Rotten in the State of Cupertino: https://daringfireball.net/2025/03/something_is_rotten_in_the_state_of_cupertino Gruber shares rare behind-the-scenes insights, including his personal evolution in covering Apple and the moment he realized the company had broken a decades-long precedent. The trio also explores the rocky launch of Vision Pro, Apple's approach to foldables, and why Apple Maps is a cautionary tale for Apple Intelligence.Support the show: http://youtube.com/gearlive/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• Apple's iPhone Ultra Foldable w/ Guest Mark Gurman

  Apple is making big moves, and the latest rumors suggest a foldable iPhone is on the way - possibly called the iPhone Ultra! With reports indicating that Apple is working on a book-style foldable design, this could be one of the most significant products in company history. We explore the rumors, including potential specs, design choices, and how Apple’s take on foldables may stand out from the competition with Mark Gurman of Bloomberg. Beyond the iPhone Ultra, Apple is also revamping its entire product lineup. From the latest iPad updates to upcoming MacBook changes, we analyze how Apple’s broader hardware strategy is evolving. Additionally, Apple Intelligence - a key component of the company’s AI push - has faced significant delays. Could this impact Apple’s competitive edge against companies like Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI? On the software side, Apple is planning a massive redesign of iOS 19, iPadOS 19, and macOS 16 this year at WWDC to create a more unified experience. With changes inspired by visionOS, Apple’s approach to UI consistency could reshape how we interact with their devices. But is Apple merging its operating systems too aggressively, or is this the right move to future-proof its ecosystem?Support the show: http://youtube.com/gearlive/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• Is Apple Intelligence All Hype? w/ Taylor Lorenz

  AI has been hyped up like the world’s next superstar athlete, but when it comes time to perform, has it actually stuck the landing? In this episode, we dive into the state of AI today, breaking down what’s working, what’s failing, and how companies like Apple, Google, and OpenAI are shaping the future. We discuss Apple Intelligence, its delayed rollout, and whether Apple’s privacy-first approach is actually hurting its AI capabilities. Plus, what’s going on with AI-generated images, the evolution of Siri, and the battle between Google Gemini, ChatGPT, and Apple’s attempts to keep up. And of course, we analyze whether companies are just slapping "AI" on everything from bird feeders to massage chairs to sell more products. On top of that, we discuss T-Mobile’s partnership with Starlink and the conspiracy theories running rampant about Elon Musk tracking everything. Also, are we witnessing the slow demise of TikTok in the U.S.? Taylor Lorenz joins the discussion to break it all down.Support the show: http://youtube.com/gearlive/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  53:36
• Apple's Surprising Mistake w/ Jon Prosser

  In this episode, we dive deep into how the iPhone 15 reveals Apple may not have anticipated the rise of AI. Did the company get caught off-guard, and what does this mean for future products? We discuss whether Apple’s frugal hardware approach left them unprepared for the AI revolution. Join us as we break down Apple’s response to AI’s rapid growth, the future of Apple Intelligence, and what this means for upcoming devices like the iPhone SE. Sponsored by Thinkie: Train your brain in under 60 seconds! https://www.thinkiesystem.com  Jon Prosser on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@frontpagetech Andru Edwards on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Andru Jon Rettinger on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/jon4lakers Circuit Breaker: My Weekly Tech Newsletter Support the show: http://youtube.com/gearlive/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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