TLDR;
In this episode of the Waveform Podcast, the team discusses the Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold, a potential Twitter replacement, Instagram's new TV app, OpenAI's image generator model, Google's new CC feature, the discontinued Ford F-150 Lightning, Rivian's Autonomy Day event, and they wrap up the year by reviewing their tech predictions for 2025.
- The Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold impresses with its 10-inch tablet-like inner screen and practical design.
- A startup called Operation Bluebird is attempting to reclaim the Twitter name, leading to a lawsuit with X.
- Instagram launched a new app for Fire TV, allowing users to doom scroll reels on their TVs.
- OpenAI's new image generator model is geared towards enterprise use, following a $1 billion deal with Disney.
- Google's new CC feature in labs aims to provide users with a morning briefing of their day's schedule and relevant information.
- Ford discontinued the F-150 Lightning due to lower-than-expected sales, but plans to continue with hybrid versions.
- Rivian's Autonomy Day event showcased their self-driving technology and new silicon for future vehicles.
- The team reviews their tech predictions for 2025, with some hits and misses, and Ellis bravely eats "the bomb" as a consequence of a wrong prediction.
Start [0:00]
The podcast begins with a light-hearted discussion about the YouTube series "Hot Ones," before transitioning into the introduction of the Waveform Podcast episode. The hosts, Marquez, Andrew, and David, announce that this episode is a special "after dark" edition, recorded later in the day than usual.
Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold [1:50]
Marquez shares his initial hands-on experience with the Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold. Despite initial skepticism about its bulkiness, he finds it surprisingly practical, especially with its large 10-inch inner screen. The phone uses Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, has 512GB of storage and 16GB of RAM. The cover screen is similar to the ZFold 7. The camera setup is decent with a 200-megapixel primary lens, an ultra-wide lens, and a 3x telephoto lens. He notes the crease is noticeable but not distracting during regular use. The device allows for multiple apps to be used side-by-side and can be connected to a monitor, mouse, and keyboard for a desktop-like experience. The battery is 5,600 mAh and has IP48 rating. Marquez considers using it as his daily phone, appreciating its in-hand feel more than its on-screen presence. There is also discussion about a potential iPhone fold with a wider screen for better video watching.
New Twitter? [19:38]
The team discusses a startup called Operation Bluebird, which is trying to reclaim the Twitter name, arguing that X abandoned it. They filed a petition to the US Patent Office to cancel X's ownership of the trademarks for Twitter and tweet. X is now suing them, claiming that many users still access the platform via twitter.com. The hosts debate whether X has truly abandoned the Twitter name, with Marquez expressing a desire to see X lose the name but acknowledging the difficulty in searching for the platform using "X" on Google. The website twitter.new allows users to reserve handles in case Operation Bluebird succeeds. The team doubts that a new platform can replicate the original Twitter experience, and they predict that X will likely retain the Twitter name due to continued usage of twitter.com.
CodeRabbit (Sponsored) [28:04]
This segment features a sponsored message for CodeRabbit, an AI-powered tool that automates code reviews to improve code quality and efficiency. CodeRabbit learns from interactions and generates one-click commit suggestions for review comments. It integrates with version control systems to provide feedback on codebases during pull requests.
Dark Trace (Sponsored) [29:01]
This segment features a sponsored message for Dark Trace, an AI cyber security platform that aims to protect systems from novel threats. Dark Trace provides cyber defenders with the power to see across their entire attack surface and stop threats that other platforms miss.
New Instagram app [30:21]
Instagram has launched a new app for Amazon Fire TV devices, allowing users to watch reels on their TVs. The hosts discuss the experience of doom scrolling on TV and the potential social aspect of watching short-form video with others. They reminisce about IGTV, Instagram's previous attempt at long-form video, and debate whether short-form video should be a separate app. They acknowledge that while short-form video can be detrimental, watching it on TV with others might add a social element.
OpenAI image generator model [35:16]
OpenAI has launched a new image generator model, which they claim is best for enterprise use, likely due to their $1 billion deal with Disney. Disney plans to use Sora to generate short-form videos for Disney Plus. The hosts express concern about the potential misuse of Disney characters and the impact on animators. OpenAI also sued Google for copyright infringement, seeking to get companies to pay them for using their IP.
Google’s new CC feature [38:10]
Google has launched a new CC feature in Google Labs for Gemini Ultra and paid users in the US and Canada. This feature integrates with Gmail, Calendar, and Google Drive to provide a morning briefing of the user's day. The hosts speculate on how this feature might evolve and integrate with other Google services like Google Assistant and Starline. The AI's name is CC, and users can interact with it via email, turning it into a chatbot.
Ford F-150 Lightning Discontinued [41:50]
Ford is discontinuing the F-150 Lightning due to lower-than-expected sales. However, Ford will continue to produce hybrid versions of the F-150. The new version drives on electric motors as the powertrain, but is fueled by a gas generator that fills battery and then powers the powertrain. The hosts discuss the trend of automakers scaling back EV plans and the impact of the US EV tax credit being lost. They also note that the F-150 Lightning outsold the Cybertruck in 2025, despite being discontinued.
New Rivian Autonomy day event [50:13]
Rivian held an Autonomy Day event, showcasing their self-driving technology and new silicon for future vehicles. The event was geared towards shareholders and engineers, with detailed explanations of their approach to self-driving. Rivian is promising full self-driving on millions of miles of roads with their generation 3 platform, which will debut on the R2 vehicle. The hosts discuss the LiDAR versus no LiDAR debate in the self-driving world and Rivian's decision to include LiDAR in their sensor suite. They also mention the Rivian Assistant, an in-car assistant that can perform vehicle commands and interact with Google services.
LinkedIn (Sponsored) [1:04:09]
This segment features a sponsored message for LinkedIn Jobs, highlighting its new AI assistant that helps small businesses find the perfect candidate. LinkedIn Jobs AI assistant filters applicants based on criteria and suggests great-fit candidates daily.
Shopify(Sponsored) [1:05:07]
This segment features a sponsored message for Shopify, encouraging listeners to start their own business in 2026. Shopify provides tools to build an online store, customize templates, and use AI for product descriptions and marketing.
T-Mobile (Sponsored) [1:06:07]
This segment features a sponsored message for T-Mobile, promoting their offer to get an iPhone 17 on them when switching, with no trade-in needed.
Trivia [1:30:00]
The hosts engage in a trivia segment. The first question is: "What three letters represent both a Chinese tech conglomerate and the initials of an American blues legend?" David correctly answers BBK (BB King). The second question is: "What is the Scoville rating of the bomb?" David wins this round.
Outro [1:38:33]
The team wraps up the year by reviewing their tech predictions for 2025. They discuss whether their predictions came true, with some hits and misses. Ellis, who made an incorrect prediction about live translation, eats "the bomb" as a consequence. The hosts then discuss their top tech stories of the year, including Liquid Glass, Live at South by Southwest, the Xiaomi SU7, and the Nintendo Switch 2. They also make a bold prediction that Samsung will ship a car in three years. The episode concludes with a thank you to listeners and a promise of more content in 2026.
