Rocket

On the final episode of Rocket, awards are dispensed and reflections are had. Thanks for an amazing 9 years!

A major hack at Insomniac Games begs the question: why does this keep happening to Sony companies? Then, Apple may finally face patent consequences, as it halts sales of its newest Watches in the U.S.

We’re FINALLY discussing Epic v. Google, as the jury has finally delivered a verdict! Then, a much-needed update on Beeper Mini, with a Rocket Rule and some mea culpas. And then, E3 is dead! For real this time!

The government is spying on us, and what else is new? An exciting new app could heal the great Android - iPhone divide. Also, the Fallout TV show has a trailer!

A mea culpa from Christina, and two mystifying product launches from YouTube and Amazon. Then, it’s the best time of the year: Spotify Wrapped and Apple Replay!

Sam Altman is out at OpenAI. Or in? HE’S OUT. HE’S AT MICROSOFT. He’s in again! No wait — then, Binance’s CEO is DEFINITELY admitting to money laundering, so there’s that. We’ve also got your Christmas list covered this Black Friday.

Simone is out so Christina and Bri discuss the OpenAI event in a little more detail, talk about Humane’s new AI Pin and then spend some time discussing the new Steam Deck OLED.

Open AI had a developer conference and keynote this week, with big news for the future of ChatGPT — including how you can build your own GPT agent. Then, Nintendo announced a long-rumored Legend of Zelda movie!

It’s Apple’s Scary Fast week, so let’s talk new chips and computers! Then, iPod Wizard Morry Kolman joins us to break down his iPod Nano habit — where he gets them, and what he’s doing with them.

The gang is back together, and discussing a SPOOKY upcoming Apple event, that may see us burdened or blessed with speedy new MacBooks and iMacs. Over on YouTube, popular creator Sssniperwolf is facing demonization over a doxing incident.

This week we're discussing the highs and lows of Apple rumors: WHERE ARE THE NEW IPADS? And what exactly is the new Apple Pencil's role in the line-up? Then, Brianna finally has a chance to talk about her impressions of her new iPhone 15 Pro Max!

The FTX trial continues, with Caroline Ellison taking the stand. Then, new PS5 drops this year… and it’s modular!

Rocket Christmas continues because we've got the trial of Sam Bankman-Fried kicking off, along with the release of Michael Lewis' new book on the rise and fall of SBF and FTX. Then, with a whole week of life with the iPhone 15 under our belts, we're talking about how Apple's new phones stack up. Let me spoil it for you, the 15 is better than the iPhone 11. Who could have seen this one coming.

Everyone is falling apart this week, so we’re breaking out the EMERGENCY EPISODE! Simone and Brianna had a fireside chat, about life and all that. What’s in it? We can’t remember! Plus, Simone gives a little preview of her experience setting up the iPhone 15. But that’s not really why you’re here, is it?

We’re in hog heaven, because someone accidentally uploaded an unredacted PDF of Microsoft documents as part of the FTC V. Microsoft case. Let’s talk about Microsoft’s theoretical plans for the future of Xbox and… buying Nintendo? Then, iPhone 15 reviews are out! Simone is finally, actually going to upgrade. Get ready. Then, Brianna discusses how she’s being wooed by Leica cameras — and what it takes to make it a lifestyle.

It’s Apple Week! Christina and Bri break-down the latest from the iPhone 15 event, covering the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro, USB-C, the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Series Ultra 2. They also briefly discuss the drama happening at Unity and talk about a Bloomberg article on the rise and fall of FaZE Clan.

This episode things are getting heated. Larian Studio is patching a bug that made companions in Baldur’s Gate 3 a little too eager to jump into bed with the player. Then, an unnamed chastity cage manufacturer has a massive… data leak. It’s finally bad! Finally, Burning Man attendees are leaving the desert after a weekend trapped in the mud.

The September Apple event is coming up, and we’re talking rumors — from USB-C ports on every (?) phone, to the DEATH OF THE GOLD COLORWAY… RIP. Plus, will there be a new button on the Pro and Pro Max? Or should I say, the Ultra? Then, an Insider piece asks if social sharing, like the gold iPhone, is dead. We certainly have thoughts about the rise of Discord and the DMs for chatting.

Sony finally reveals its new Playstation Portal device, and it’s exactly as underwhelming as everyone suspected it would be. Then, Apple supports California’s latest Right to Repair bill — but to what end? Then, Fyre Festival 2 is happening somewhere in the Carribbean. And if you’re one of the lucky 100 who bought tickets, boy do we want to hear from you!

Prolific YouTube hardware channel Linus Tech Tips is going on a week’s pause after a controversy surrounding the review of a cooling prototype — and more. Then, it’s the 25th anniversary of the iMac. Yes, you can scream about it. Finally, justice may finally be served in the world of scammy printer money-making tactics.

Documentarian Alex Winter visits the show to discuss his history with Usenet and Napster, and his new documentary The YouTube Effect. The film covers the history of the platform and its transformation into a massive vector of disinformation. Our conversation goes through that and much more, including the future of Section 230, and the media’s focus on TikTok and Facebook over YouTube.

There are rumors of a Nintendo Switch successor afoot, and we’re going to get to the bottom of it! Then, calling the Canadian link tax what it is: a link tax. And a bad idea. Finally, a fan has filed assault charges against Cardi B and we think that’s silly too.

Samsung’s latest event saw new versions of their folding phones, and they might have Brianna switching sides. Then, yeah, we have to talk about Elon Musk rebranding Twitter as X. But then it’s the marketing event we’ve all been waiting for, Rocket Does Barbie. Greta Gerwig’s latest film is out now and the reviews are unpredictable!

Big news on the FTC appeal against Microsoft, and what’s next for the merger between Microsoft and Activision Blizzard. Who could possibly stand in their way!? And will they do a good job trying to stop this merger!? Then, Meta has released LLaMa 2, its large language model, which is not open source but a second, more interesting thing. Then, NBC News journalist Kat Tenbarge joins us to talk about James Charles’ attempts to uncancel himself.

Twitter is unraveling over Threads, with a threatened lawsuit on the horizon. Then, we’re checking in with the Bored Apes! How are they doing? Oh… oh. Finally, an important Slate piece from Luke Winkie asks: was Napoleon hot?

Meta has launched its major Twitter competitor, Threads, and there’s a LOT to talk about – from privacy issues, to onboarding, to BRANDS!! How will it fare in the Twitterclone-verse, much less… the fediverse? Then, Twitter itself has had a weird week, to say the least.

This week we’re discussing the Wall Street Journal’s extensive reporting on drug use among tech workers on Silicon Valley — from psilocybin to ketamine — and why it’s such a difficult, complicated issue to talk about. Then, the Mac Pro is here, but where are the Mac Pro Pros?? For dessert, an update on Bri’s search for the perfect drone!

The FTC is shaking and baking, with a lawsuit against Amazon for alleged dark patterns in the sign-up and cancellation process for Amazon Prime. But is this lawsuit really… it? Then, a feature at The Verge goes into the human labor that trains AI, and the shadow industry that makes it all work. For dessert: Brianna buys a drone!

The Reddit black-out has begun, and there is a lot of news coming out of Reddit’s conflict with Christian Selig and other third-party app developers, in the wake of Reddit’s API changes. We’ll be discussing that and a huge roadblock in Activision and Microsoft’s proposed merger. Plus, it was Summer Game Fest this weekend! What looks good? All of it, maybe? Even Starfield?

In news surprising no one, it’s an almost all-WWDC week here on Rocket! We’ve got OS updates and new MacBooks but the story sucking all the air out of the room is Apple Vision Pro headset. Christina interviews Inverse’s Raymond Wong, who demo’d the headset and has all the hands-on details. Plus, a money-grabbing choice by Reddit threatens beloved third-party apps.

Christina is back from Microsoft Build, with her take on all the tools that were announced during the event! Then, a panel of AI researchers has issued a statement that we need to mitigate the potential harm that could be caused by this explosive technology. What are some paths forward for doing that? And finally, Elizabeth Holmes has reported to prison and a debt is fulfilled.

Microsoft Build happened this week, along with a slew of AI-centric announcements! Brianna and Simone tackle the AI-integrated future of Windows 11 — are you ready to let ChatGPT buy you a house? Then, a disastrous Twitter Space has launched a new presidential candidate and we’re here to definitely just talk about the tech aspect of it. Also, Metal Gear Solid 3 is BACK!

Simone is off touching sheep so Bri and Christina are left to their own devices. This week, after a brief Liz Holmes update, that means a spoiler-free dessert-up-front segment on The Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom, a discussion about Twitter’s new CEO and finally a discussion about whether or not AM radios should still come with cars.

Google is bringing AI to its search — for select users. And our favorite scamster Elizabeth Holmes appears in the New York Times this week. Did the writer get rolled, or is it going over readers’ heads? For dessert, our old friend Bug of Spooky Pinball is back to talk about the new Scooby-Doo table!

A new form of a terrible old bill is before the Senate, and we can see indications of its effects in state-level bills in Utah and Louisiana. What’s KOSA and why should you be concerned? Then, because Bri is back from vacation we’re returning to Bluesky and talking about the bonkers events that happened over the weekend — as well as long-term concerns for how the app will be moderated. For dessert, a Gran Turismo trailer that slaps.

In shocking news, the U.K. has moved to block Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard — for reasons that make NO SENSE to our hosts! What goes on in the house of commons? Then, the decentralized Twitter clone Bluesky finally seems to be taking off, and Disney is suing Florida governor Ron DeSantis.

Christina and Simone are bringing you a classic chaos hour of Rocket. Today’s questions: is social media dying, and is it possible to build a platform that can thrive without turning users into content for ad revenue? Also, remembering Netflix’s mail-order heyday, now that it has announced the end of physical DVD rentals. Finally, a bombshell allegation about Taylor Swift’s dealings with FTX… the perfect Rocket cocktail.

Finally, the case of Brianna v. Christina is drawing to a close, as Elizabeth Holmes prison date looms… this week on Rocket, we’re talking about Twitter’s contentious relationship with journalism and the latest “quirks” of the platform, which include private tweets going public, and a feud with Substack. Then, HBO Max is rebranding… again! And finally, Fyre Fest 2. It’s been promised, so you know we’re packing our bags.

There are rumors swirling about a new PlayStation handheld — but can Sony really put out an online-only handheld and expect to compete with the Steam Deck and Switch? Then, the first ChatGPT defamation lawsuits are emerging, and the situation is a mess. Brianna has some controversial opinions about Ryan Gosling as Ken in the Barbie movie, and Simone is not young anymore.

It's FINALLY time to actually talk about the TikTok hearings, and our opinions on how Congress has handled grilling the social media giant — and the potential bills that they're considering. Then, what are the terms of SBF's bail? Just how much internet access can that man have? Finally, we're talking a rambly and non-spoilery review of John Wick 4, a movie that doesn't feel almost three hours long.

We’re talking TikTok WAIT NO we’re talking the SEC fining Justin Sun and numerous celebrities spokespeople for cryptocurrency shenanigans! Then, it’s sadly time to bid goodbye to DPReview, the beloved camera website. Meanwhile, we never even got to say hello to Tax Heaven 3000, a dating sim/tax filing software that Steam yanked unceremoniously this week — or did they?

Tonight’s special guest is The Verge’s senior writer Elizabeth Lopatto, to discuss what else but: THE COLLAPSE OF SILICON VALLEY BANK. She’s a pragmatic, expert voice to walk all of us through a confusing and dramatic weekend, and she knows what we should be keeping an eye on next. Then, Brianna and Simone discuss the existence of the moon, and Scream 6!

Simone is back but still dying of Italian respiratory diseases. Still, we’re in for a high-energy show! Let’s talk about Google’s forays into AI — are they behind Microsoft, or will their years of research put them out ahead in the end? Then, a Spotify redesign threatens to make the app more visually similar to TikTok. Is Spotify doing something smart or overextending itself? Finally, Christina explains one of the biggest financial scams in recent memory.

This week on Rocket, Simone kissed too many Italians, so Brianna and Christina are running amok. They talk about the new ChatGPT API and the potential it could have on different startups and industries, the risky bets Binance made with its customer’s money (without telling them) and Elizabeth Holmes’ latest attempt to get out of jail, thus saving Christina $500.

This week on Rocket, Simone is in Italy, so Brianna and Christina are joined by special guest Alex Cranz! They discuss some important technology cases in front of the Supreme Court, Meta’s new plan for verified Facebook and Instagram accounts, and finally wrap things up with some delicious dirt about the most successful show on TV that you don’t watch, but your parents definitely do, Yellowstone.

This week on Rocket, the word of the day is ENGAGEMENT! Elon Musk has ordered Twitter engineers to boost engagement of his own Tweets. So that’s normal! Meanwhile, how are things going over on Mastodon? There’s some kerfuffle in the tech world over growth on the platform(s). Brianna and Christina discuss their own experience with the decentralized social network. Finally, Marcin Wichery joins us to discuss his history of keyboards, Shift Happens!

Microsoft and Google have got it and they’re flaunting it. It being AI-POWERED SEARCH. How’s is going, and what are the benefits and concerns? Then, a Right to Repair bill has passed in New York State — but by the time it was signed it had been somewhat defanged by corporate lobbyists. What does it mean for Right to Repair more broadly? For dessert we have Jason Torchinsky and Matt Hardigree of The Autopian calling in to tell us about the hot new independent automotive news site — and illegal engines.

Tesla is coming under fire for misleading customers with its self-driving promises. Does the case hold any water, and what are the consequences if Tesla is found guilty? Plus, deepfake pornography could (and SHOULD!) be taken to the courtroom as well. Finally — what are Netflix's proposed password sharing rules anyway?

Longtime Twitter users are cast into mourning as Twitter cuts off API access for third-party clients. Many of those apps are beloved by Twitter's power users and built the site that we know and love — love? Is that the right word? — today. Then, furor online over the reveal that CNET has long been using AI to write select financial articles, and that over half those articles had factual errors. How does something like this happen? Finally, two of Rocket's favorite scamsters are making big comebacks.

In an action-packed show, we're talking about the REVIVAL OF THE HOMEPOD. Yes folks, she's BACK and she's ready to woof. The Mac Mini is also here, and Christina has a very compelling case for its existence. Meanwhile, Logan Paul has apologized to a popular YouTuber for calling him a liar and a criminal! But it's not all good news for his CryptoZoo… schemes. For dessert, a Forbes 30 Under 30 alum takes on JP Morgan Chase. And not in a good way.