The fallout from Apple’s WWDC 2024 and Summer Game Fest

This week has been packed with news, from Apple’s WWDC 2024 to the Summer Game Fest in LA. In this episode, Cherlynn and Devindra share their final thoughts on Apple’s announcements and discuss some of the highlights from the Game Fest coverage. They also touch on X’s decision to make likes private, ChromeOS running on Android frameworks, and Sony’s acquisition of the Alamo Drafthouse theater chain.

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Topics covered in this episode include:
– Final thoughts on WWDC 2024
– Apple’s partnership with OpenAI for ChatGPT
– Highlights from Summer Games Fest
– X making likes private
– ChromeOS running on Android frameworks
– Pop culture picks

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The episode also includes credits for the hosts, producer, and music, as well as a transcript of the conversation. You can watch the live stream on YouTube and stay updated on all things tech and entertainment with Engadget. How extravagant was your trip that cost $50,000? I was on a wedding trip, but I travel in luxury, always on boats. It’s like creating custom paths to lure people into your ice cream van, but ultimately up to the individual to follow. As for texting via satellite being a paid service, Apple has not provided a clear answer yet. It’s been two years since they announced satellite features, starting with emergency SOS and now messaging features. The inclusion of SMS over satellite is a good move, as RCS messages may be too large to compress. The messaging feature includes text and emoji tap back reactions. Apple’s approach to the satellite subscription is reminiscent of asking for an extension on a deadline, extending it each year. It aligns with their overall strategy of not charging fees for Apple services. Charging people before providing a service may not be a bad idea, as it allows companies to gauge interest and value before committing to a monthly fee. Currently, satellite services on iPhone 14 and later may not be compelling enough to justify a monthly fee. Apple’s approach of offering services like chat GPT at no additional cost is a smart move, as it enhances the user experience without nickel and diming customers. Looking ahead, Apple’s integration of AI models like chat GPT and potential partnerships with other AI providers show a flexible and adaptive approach to innovation. During the panel after the WWDC keynote, Craig Federighi mentioned that Gemini or John Andrea might have stated that Gemini could be supported in the future. Devindra and Cherlynn found the situation interesting, feeling that the conversation was controlled and scripted, similar to how Disney handles its PR. They discussed Apple’s move towards private cloud compute and the security measures in place. Devindra expressed some skepticism but felt more reassured compared to Microsoft’s approach. Overall, they had a lot to say about WWDC. Some people in our chat seem to be underwhelmed by it all, but personally, I found a lot of the little things coming to iOS 18 and watchOS intriguing. I can’t wait to try out these features and see how my more mainstream friends react to AI. It’s hard to say how people will feel until the software updates roll out later this year. Last year, Apple’s new hardware and platform were more exciting, but this focus on AI is crucial for the company’s future. The app lock controls and hidden apps feature could be game-changers for privacy and security. Craig Federighi’s jokes and stunts were a highlight, and the skydiving outfits were fun and nostalgic. The subtle shade thrown at Google was also entertaining. Overall, I’m looking forward to seeing how these updates shape the future of Apple products. Devindra was very sarcastic when discussing the AI facts delivered by Google, finding it boring and untrustworthy. However, he expressed more trust in Apple’s approach to artificial intelligence, appreciating its focus on improving specific tasks within apps. Moving on to the Summer Games Fest, Devindra and Cherlynn discussed the Lego Horizon Adventures game, highlighting its appeal to kids and potential as an introduction to Sony’s franchises. They also touched on other games showcased at the event, such as Kunitsugami, Path of the Goddess from Capcom, which Jessica Condit praised for its immersive gameplay. They also joked about the idea of a Lego Last of Us game, finding the concept amusing and creative.

There’s a new game coming on July 19th that combines Ninja Gaiden action with strategy elements. It seems to have a mix of Souls-like combat and Bayonetta-style gameplay, with a focus on strategy as well. It’s a unique blend of genres that might appeal to fans of action and strategy games.

Ben and Devindra discuss their impressions of the game based on screenshots and trailers. Ben thinks it looks interesting, while Devindra is intrigued by the mix of genres. They also talk about other upcoming games, like Marvel Rivals, a team shooter featuring Marvel characters.

Cherlynn suggests a Marvel dating sim as a fun idea, and they discuss other games like Assassin’s Creed Shadows set in Japan. They also talk about the new Xbox Series X hardware announcements, including a 1 terabyte all-digital version of the console.

With a focus on just drive in everything, there is no hardware tweak available to make things faster, which is strange considering the recent announcements. The upcoming PlayStation 5 Pro and the 600 two terabyte special edition Xbox Series X seem unnecessary, especially since not many people are buying the standard Xbox Series X. It’s confusing to see Microsoft releasing a more expensive version of a console that already has low sales. It might be more logical for Microsoft to focus on selling subscriptions and making their products more affordable to attract more customers.

Additionally, the idea of a handheld Xbox console has been mentioned by Xbox head Phil Spencer, which could be an interesting direction for the company. This could be a good way to push Game Pass subscriptions and offer a different gaming experience. Would you consider buying an Xbox handheld, Cherlynn?

The conversation then shifts to the show Arcane and the excitement for Season 2. The animation style and depth of the show make it a highly anticipated release. There’s also a mention of other gaming announcements and demos that have caught the attention of the podcast hosts.

Lastly, the topic of X’s decision to make likes private for everyone is discussed, with a mention of a team member’s reaction to the news. He can no longer stalk some of the people whose likes he used to look at. I find this change helpful. Speaker 3 agrees, stating that it helped him understand people in a way that their tweets or retweets couldn’t show. Cherlynn shares that she personally doesn’t mind if people see her likes, as she doesn’t like controversial content. She believes Elon Musk’s decision to hide his likes is to protect both himself and the people he follows. However, she questions what would happen if other platforms like Instagram also start hiding likes, making it harder to stalk people. Devindra adds that Elon Musk’s public likes have revealed controversial views, and he speculates that someone close to Musk advised him to hide his likes.

The conversation also touches on Elon Musk withdrawing his breach of contract lawsuit against OpenAI. Devindra suggests jealousy as a possible reason for Musk’s actions. They discuss OpenAI’s reported booming revenue and Chrome OS’s upcoming integration with Android technology, which could lead to more AI features on Chromebooks. Cherlynn sees this integration as a step towards improving tablet software and enhancing Chrome OS with Android features. Cherlynn mentioned that Chrome OS has already integrated various Android features, such as increased app support and the Bluetooth infrastructure. It seems like Google is heading towards incorporating more AI into Chrome OS. Devindra suggested that Chrome OS could potentially become Android running a full-screen version of Chrome, as managing two separate code bases for similar products may not be necessary. They discussed the recent news of Sony Pictures buying Alamo Drafthouse and the potential implications of movie studios owning theaters. Despite their concerns, they shared what they were working on and their current entertainment picks. Cherlynn mentioned watching “Perfect Match” on Netflix, while Devindra recommended the audiobook “Tomorrow and Tomorrow” by Gabrielle Zevin. This novel tells the story of two friends who bond over their shared love of video games and eventually start their own video game studio together. It explores themes of friendship, platonic love, romantic love, and finding one’s place in the world. The book delves into the culture of video games and how they shape our lives.

The narrative may seem a bit exaggerated towards the end, but it is a compelling and emotional journey that resonates with many readers. The book has gained attention recently and is rumored to be adapted into a Netflix series or movie. The audio book version is available on Audible, and the physical book promises to be an enjoyable read.

If you enjoy stories about friendship and personal growth, this novel by Gabrielle Zeman is worth checking out. For more content like this, you can follow DaVendra on Twitter or visit thefilmcast.com for discussions on movies and TV shows. Cherlynn can be found on Twitter, Instagram, or reached via email for recommendations on mind-numbing games or TV shows.

To share your thoughts on the podcast or suggest topics for future episodes, email the team at podcast@engadget.com. Don’t forget to leave a review and subscribe on your preferred podcast platform. Thank you for listening! Please rewrite the entire passage.