The Verge - Our hottest and coldest 2025 takes | The Vergecast
In this episode of The Vergecast, David Pierce discusses the difficulty of finding a universally liked $20 gift, often resorting to Starbucks gift cards. The podcast then shifts to a two-part series on 2025 tech predictions. Key topics include the potential impact of a new administration on tech regulation, the ongoing AI hype, and antitrust issues. David, along with Nei Patel and Joanna Stern, share their predictions for 2025, ranging from the survival of TikTok and the decline of cable TV to the potential for a touchscreen Mac and the breakup of Google. They also discuss the future of smart homes and the role of AI in new gadgets. The episode is filled with humorous banter and speculative insights into the tech industry's future.
Key Points:
- Finding a universally liked $20 gift is challenging; Starbucks gift cards are a common fallback.
- 2025 tech predictions include changes in tech regulation, AI developments, and antitrust issues.
- Predictions include TikTok's survival, the decline of cable TV, and potential Google breakup.
- Smart homes may lose appeal, with companies possibly stepping back from interconnected systems.
- AI gadgets are expected to improve, with potential for a standout product in 2025.