WTF Reddit + MacBook Air 15, Mac Studio reviews | Engadget Podcast

Introduction

In this section, the hosts introduce themselves and their guest, and they discuss what they will be talking about in the podcast.

• The hosts introduce themselves and their guest at the beginning of the podcast.

• They mention that they will be discussing Reddit API changes and other gadgets.

• The hosts ask viewers to drop their thoughts in the chat, and they mention that there will be a Q&A session later on.

Podcast Setup

In this section, the hosts explain how they set up for recording the podcast.

• The hosts explain that they will count down from three before starting to record.

• They ask viewers to snap or clap in the chat during the countdown.

• After counting down, there is a moment of silence before recording starts.

Discussion of Topics

In this section, the hosts start discussing Reddit API changes with their guest.

• The hosts introduce Ryan Broderick as their guest who has covered internet culture for over a decade.

• They briefly summarize what's happening at Reddit with sweeping API changes and charging developers for API access which led to widespread user revolt.

• Ryan explains that Reddit has always been politically active but its heads decided to mess with third-party apps which are important to Redditors' experience on Reddit leading to widespread instability on Reddit.

Other Gadgets Discussion

In this section, the hosts talk about other gadgets besides Reddit.

• The hosts mention that they will also talk about MacBook Air 15 and Max studio.

• They also mention that they will talk about other news and summer game fest stuff.

Q&A and Conclusion

In this section, the hosts conclude the podcast by reminding viewers to subscribe to their channel, leave a review on iTunes, and join their live stream.

• The hosts remind viewers to subscribe to their channel on iTunes or any podcaster of choice.

• They ask viewers to leave a review on iTunes and drop them an email at podcastinggadget.com.

• The hosts invite viewers to join their live stream on Thursday mornings around 10:30 am Eastern time on their YouTube channel where they show off gadgets and answer questions from viewers.

Introduction

The speaker mentions that they were not able to hear the previous part of the conversation.

Future of Reddit and Social Internet

The speakers discuss the future of Reddit and social media platforms, including Twitter. They predict that if Reddit continues to make changes that upset users, people will leave and migrate to other platforms. They also mention Discord as a potential alternative but note that it has its own issues.

Potential for New Platforms

• If Reddit makes changes that upset users, people will leave and new platforms will emerge.

• Discord is a potential alternative platform, but it also has its own issues.

• Copying the core utility of Web 2.0 platforms has become easier, so anyone can create a new platform.

Transition Period

• The current period feels like a transition period for social media platforms.

• The speakers reminisce about the early days of the internet when it was weirder but more exciting.

Conclusion

The speakers conclude by recommending newsletters and podcasts as technologies that won't betray users. They encourage people to think about their relationship with social media platforms and consider alternatives.

Alternative Technologies

• Newsletters are recommended as a technology that won't betray users.

• Podcasts are recommended because they are based on RSS and nothing can control them.

Final Thoughts

• People should consider their relationship with social media platforms and whether they have control over their content.

• The speakers invite questions from the audience about the Reddit debacle and other related topics.

Losing the Essence of Reddit

In this section, the speakers discuss how Reddit is losing its essence due to changes in the platform and third-party apps.

Third-Party Apps and Content

• Redditors feel like they are losing something as third-party apps provide a lot of content that cannot be found on the main Reddit app.

• The main Reddit app was originally a third-party app, but now people do original writings on it.

• A lot of content on Reddit can be read for hours using third-party software and tools.

• The best forum, "Borrows," was bought by Reddit, but now everybody hates it.

Moderation Changes

• Moderating subreddits used to be done by volunteers using software that could manage spam and onboard new users. However, these tools are about to be bricked by API changes.

• The community seemed happy with their forums before the changes were made.

Reason for Changes

• According to Reddit, they want quality control over their site to ensure safety and security.

Reddit and Tick Tock

In this section, the speakers discuss their use of Reddit and Tick Tock.

Use of Reddit

• The speaker's friends are big Redditors.

• The speaker has been introduced to Tick Tock but still prefers Reddit.

• Reddit is a social utility that helps kids learn how to navigate social situations.

• The speaker spent a lot of time on forums before switching to Reddit.

Issues with the Official Reddit App

• The speaker misses third-party apps that still have forums.

• Spoilers still show up on the home page despite efforts by the official app to prevent them from doing so.

Other Social Media Platforms

• The speaker needs to reinstall Instagram for audio versions.

• It's harder to adjust sound levels when there's a big spike in volume.

Tick Tock Scratching an Itch

In this section, the speakers discuss why people are drawn to Tick Tock.

Appeal of Tick Tock

• People are drawn to Tick Tock because it scratches an itch that other platforms don't.

Site Accessibility and API Access

In this section, the speakers discuss site accessibility and API access.

MacBook Air 15 Review

• The MacBook Air 15 received a score of 96 in a review.

• API access was granted to the MacBook Air 13, which is surprisingly high.

Accessibility

• API access is important for site accessibility and use by people with disabilities.

Reviewing the MacBook and Mac Pro

In this section, the speakers discuss the limitations of the MacBook and Mac Pro. They mention that it is not possible to add extra RAM to the Mac Pro, which may be a disadvantage for some users. Additionally, they note that the storage on both devices can only be expanded by a limited amount.

Limitations of the Mac Pro

• The speaker notes that even with the Mac Pro, it is not possible to add extra RAM.

• The RAM on the system is unified on a tour chip, making it difficult to expand.

• The lack of expandable RAM may be a disadvantage for some users who require more memory.

• While it is possible to expand storage on both devices, there are limitations in terms of how much can be added.

Use Cases for Mac Pro

• The speakers note that there may be less reason for users to purchase a Mac Pro unless they require specific features such as PCI cards or Thunderbolt 4 ports.

• For creators who do video encoding work or other professional-level tasks, the Mac Pro may still be an attractive option.

• However, with the release of newer devices like the M2 Max chip and higher-end models like the M2 Ultra model, there may be less demand for older models like the four thousand dollar model.

Other Comments

• One speaker notes that they wish that headphone jack was located at front rather than around back.

Transition from Intel to Apple Silicon

In this section, the speakers discuss the transition from Intel to Apple Silicon and how it is affecting users.

Apple Silicon and Mac Pro

• The speakers discuss the transition from Intel to Apple Silicon.

• They mention that even the Mac Pro is now using Apple Silicon.

• The speakers revisit an event where Apple promised a transition to their own chips.

• They mention that the transition was delayed by one year due to mass migrations of people online.

Reddit's Response

• The speakers talk about how Reddit created a place for users to vent about the emulator layer working with Rosetta.

• They mention that many apps have been made native, and slowly, conversation on Reddit has shifted away from this topic.

• The speakers discuss how Reddit is a good place for discussion for both personal and professional use.

iMac Redesign

• The speakers mention that they are still waiting for a refresh of the iMac.

• They speculate on when we might see an iMac redesign or high-level Pro machine.

Elon Musk's Influence on Twitter

In this section, the speakers discuss Elon Musk's influence on Twitter and what it means for social media platforms.

Twitter Users Migrating

• The speakers talk about how Elon Musk's influence has caused Twitter users to migrate to other platforms.

• They mention that there are now other places where people can go for better and faster iMacs.

The transcript is in English, so the notes are also in English.

Microsoft's Acquisition of Discord and Reddit's Potential Sale

In this section, the speakers discuss Microsoft's acquisition of Discord and Reddit's potential sale. They talk about the implications of these deals for the gaming industry and social media platforms.

Microsoft's Acquisition of Discord

• Microsoft is in talks to acquire Discord for $10 billion.

• Discord has been a popular platform for gamers to communicate with each other while playing games.

• Microsoft has been trying to expand its presence in the gaming industry with its Game Pass subscription service.

• The acquisition could help Microsoft compete with other companies like Sony in the gaming market.

Reddit's Potential Sale

• Reddit is reportedly considering a potential sale to interested buyers, including Tencent and Sequoia Capital.

• The European Commission and social media platforms have approved the deal, but Britain's regulatory body denied it due to competition concerns.

• If Reddit goes forward with the acquisition, it would be Microsoft's biggest acquisition ever at $69 billion.

• There are concerns that if Microsoft breaks things during the integration process, it could upset many users.

Implications for Gaming Industry and Social Media Platforms

• Discord has been evolving as a platform beyond just gaming communication, which could make it more competitive against other social media platforms like Twitter.

• There are concerns that Discord may not be enough competition for Microsoft from other companies like Sony in the gaming market.

• There are many ways for Discord to compete outside of just being an internet platform, which makes it difficult to predict the future of the company.

• The speakers discuss the potential impact of these deals on the gaming industry and social media platforms, but they do not come to a clear conclusion.

Interest in Upcoming Games

In this section, the speakers discuss their interest in upcoming games and share some recommendations.

Baby Steps Game Trailer

• The speaker recommends checking out the trailer for Baby Steps, a fun-looking game from Bennett Foddy.

• The game is an RPG where you are trying to help a man in a onesie who is trying to do something with his life.

• The gameplay involves walking forward and helping the character go on an adventure.

Cult Games

• The speakers discuss cult games like Getting Over It and I Wanna Be the Guy.

• These games were popular on random websites before they became more mainstream.

• They mention that Getting Over It is a game about a guy in a pot who had to move forward using a pickaxe.

Moto Razer Plus Review

• One of the speakers surprises everyone by reviewing the Moto Razer Plus, which has just had its embargo lifted.

• They mention that it's the next generation of Moto's flip phone and has standout features like a larger screen than other flip phones.

Summer Game Fest Forum

In this section, one of the speakers talks about attending the Summer Game Fest forum and shares their thoughts on it.

Best Forum

• The speaker mentions that they attended the Summer Game Fest forum and thought it was "the best forum."

• They admit that they still need to catch up on some of the content because they were sick after attending WWDC.

• They mention that most of the content is well-written and interesting.

Web Rings

• The speakers briefly discuss web rings and how they were never as interactive as current websites.

• One speaker mentions that they love anything interactive, while the other speaker talks about what they're working on.

Overall, this transcript covers a range of topics related to gaming and technology. The speakers share their thoughts on upcoming games, cult classics, and even review a new phone. They also briefly touch on attending a forum and reminisce about old-school web rings.

Introduction to Streamberry

In this section, the speaker introduces Streamberry as a Netflix alternative that exists in nothing and had nothing beyond the universe. The speaker also comments on the MacBook Air 16 and its comparison with Netflix Pro 16.

Streamberry

• Streamberry is introduced as a Netflix alternative that exists in nothing.

• It had nothing beyond the universe.

• It seems like it is commenting on Netflix Pro 16 which is so much more expensive.

• Many of these things do not take place today or in the near future.

• The laptop seems really solid.

MacBook Air 16 vs. Netflix Pro 16

• The speaker compares MacBook Air 16 with Netflix Pro 16.

• Streaming culture itself is too powerful for a lot of people.

• Most users don't need horror movies like Black Mirror anymore.

Introduction

In this section, the hosts introduce themselves and provide their social media handles.

• Devindra Hardawar can be found on Twitter at @Devindra and on Mastodon.social at @Davindra. He is also looking for a new home since he is using Apple silicon.

• Sherlyn Low can be found on Twitter at @sherlynnlow and on Instagram at Shirley Instagram.

• The podcast is produced by Ben Elman, and the music is by Terence O'Brien.

Reddit's Downturn

In this section, the hosts discuss Reddit's recent downturn.

• Devindra mentions that some deep-cut emulator layer subreddits are still doing fine.

• Sherlyn asks listeners to send her any recommendations for subreddits related to PCI cards or other tech topics.

• They briefly mention Disney's decision to release movies directly to streaming services instead of theaters due to COVID-19.

Wrap-Up

In this section, the hosts wrap up the episode.

• They ask listeners to leave a review of the podcast on iTunes and subscribe.

• Devindra mentions that he is still waiting for a refresh of his Mac Studio computer.

• They briefly discuss Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and whether it will feature Intel technology.

• The hosts say goodbye to their live viewers.

Consolidation of Studios and 30 FPS Issues

The discussion revolves around the consolidation of studios and the disappointment with 30 FPS on many games.

Consolidation of Studios

• Companies are swallowing up many studios.

• Sony and Microsoft are prioritizing Ray tracing and other graphical features.

• A big chunk of workers were laid off due to a two billion dollar deal that fell apart.

• A company is now in severe trouble because it was such a big thing, and when you consolidate, you're taking over the world.

30 FPS Issues

• Disappointment with the 30 FPS issue on many things, including Xbox series X.

• It would be nice if they had at least a 60fps mode for series X.

• Most games are played on PC because people need 60 fps.

• Playing at 30 fps is a big mess and affects a lot of games right now, like Zelda because of the switch lives.

Alan Wake Sequel and Mystery Universe

This section discusses Alan Wake sequel, mystery universe, FBI agent Saga, Breath of the Wild on OLED switch.

Alan Wake Sequel

• Excitement about Alan Wake sequel coming out soon.

• Building this unified Universe for their weird games seems too big.

Mystery Universe

• Girlfriend playing Breath of the Wild on an OLED switch.

• Saga is trying to solve the mystery from the FBI side, and the whole thing is very twin peaksy in the first game.

Timestamps are associated with bullet points that have relevant information in them.

Switches and the MacBook Air

In this section, the speaker talks about the quality of the screen on a MacBook Air and compares it to a game called "Getting Over It." They also discuss how hot the computer can get when being used outside.

Quality of Screen and Comparison to Game

• The speaker mentions that the screen on a MacBook Air is very good.

• They compare the quality of the screen to a game called "Getting Over It."

• The speaker mentions another YouTuber who played "Getting Over It" and showed off its graphics.

Using MacBook Air Outside

• The speaker talks about using a MacBook Air outside in direct sunlight.

• They mention feeling the computer getting hot while playing with it in direct sunlight.

• The speaker suggests finding shade or working indoors if possible when using a laptop outside.

Moto Razer Plus Review

In this section, the speaker reviews the Moto Razer Plus phone. They discuss its features and compare it to other flip-style phones available in the US.

Features of Moto Razer Plus

• The speaker mentions that they are reviewing the Moto Razer Plus phone.

• They talk about people who might use this phone for indoor/outdoor work, such as building inspectors or film set workers.

• One standout feature mentioned is that it has a larger screen than other flip-style phones available in the US.

Comparison to Other Flip Phones

• The speaker compares this phone to other flip-style phones available in the US, such as the Galaxy Z Flip 4.

• They mention that Samsung has already announced an upgrade to their flip phone and discuss some of its features.

Podcast Recommendations

In this section, the speakers discuss their favorite podcasts and recommend them to the audience.

Recommended Podcasts

• Selena Kyle Chooch, Brian Mitchell, Trenton Matthews, and George Morgan recommend various personalities and podcasts.

• Buddy 305 loves Lucky Dog podcast.

• Krieger Bailey Krieger is a popular YouTuber.

• The Ellen DeGeneres Show is recommended by Ben.

Be Kind Ethos

In this section, the speakers discuss the importance of being kind in today's world.

Importance of Being Kind

• The "be kind" ethos is discussed as a great way to live in a world where kindness is often lacking.

• The audience is encouraged to tell two or three friends about their favorite podcasts and personalities.

Video Team Shoutout

In this section, the speakers give a shoutout to their video team.

Video Team Shoutout

• The stream comes via Julio Barrientos and Luke Brooks' video team.

• The video team provides funny critical commentaries on things going on in foreign worlds and TV shows.

Love Is Blind Deep Dive

In this section, the speakers discuss D'Angelo Wallace's deep dive into Love Is Blind.

Love Is Blind Deep Dive

• D'Angelo Wallace did a five-hour long deep dive into Love Is Blind.

• The speakers discuss the amount of time it takes to upload a five and a half hour video to YouTube.

Conclusion

In this section, the speakers conclude the podcast.

Conclusion

• The speakers thank their audience for watching and encourage them to rate their podcast on various platforms.

• The podcast ends with a shoutout to Buddy 305.