4: Twenty Oars in the Water

Apple releases public betas a bit earlier than we expected, Bill Gates muses on Microsoft's missed opportunity and the power of tech giants, WebOS just keeps on keeping on, and we're all going to need a fuzzy puppy update this week because this is the final episode of Download. 

Facebook's cryptocurrency move, 5G in rural areas, Google steals lyrics, Apple hedges on China, JJ Abrams cuts a big deal with Warner Media, Snapchat's original programming strategy, and much more. 

This week, it's all about the Pixel 8a, as that's all anyone's talking about the week before Google I/O. Plus, the fruits of the DoJ's probe into Google Search. 

Smart speakers have very much been a part of this fall's tech product announcement season. On this episode, we kick the various speakers and virtual assistants around, and give some thought to their place in our lives. 

Google's business is doing okay, after all. But wait until you hear how Apple's been poaching former AI talent from the company. 

The Verge's David Pierce, Alex Cranz, and Richard Lawler discuss all the gadgets announced at IFA 2023, the next flagship phone events from Apple and Google, and a whole lot more. Also: Nilay Patel breaks news about the 5G banana surgery. Further reading: No, they did not do surg ...  Show more