tech-reviewer-observer

For me, @iupdate is far too sycophantic and uninspiring to enjoy as a source of tech “journalism”. His recent appearance with @AndruEdwards, however, was revealing, interesting, and worth the listen. Overall, a solid episode and an enlightening conversation.

Good to hear the gang back together on the @androidfaithful podcast this week with @queencodemonkey, @MishaalRahman, @ronxo, and @jasonhowell. A very enjoyable and informative (alliterative) listen. I stand by my #noflobettershow sentiment.

Any time @thedextriarchy appears on the @verge cast, it’s added value for listeners. More of her please.

Was very pleasant hearing @will_sattelberg on the Pixelated podcast with @technacity and Damien Wilde. There was an effervescence in him that seemed to have been rendered mundane on the @AndroidPolice podcast. I’m hoping this trio becomes something recurring. An easy 8/10.

Curious to see what @journeydan builds of the @AndroidPolice podcast’s ashes now that @will_sattelberg is gone. A Vergecast-wanna-be format was hinted at and the last few rudderless months had as much Apple content as Android. A salvage of this property is desperately needed.

If there’s even a tech reviewer Mount Rushmore @Captain2Phones remains in the Washington slot. The man simply does not miss.

I was hopeful things would be different and @Ohthatflo would not interrupt cohosts as frequently as previous appearances on the @androidfaithful podcast. Unfortunately @jasonhowell and @MishaalRahman had to endure the usual pattern. For me, it turned a fine episode to mediocre.

Wishing @will_sattelberg all the best in his post @AndroidPolice endeavours. Will be interesting to see how @journeydan navigates the podcast’s direction.

The @macworld podcast remains, for me, the standard by which Apple focused podcasts should be measured. Truly golden and eminently listenable. The @MacRumors offering currently takes the Silver. For my Apple News, these are the “reliables”. Most others are far too servile.

Tried the Let’s Talk Apple pod, with @bbusschots. Interesting format and release cadence. A calming departure from a lot of the loud, hyperbolic, idiocy that seems to have become du-jour. My only critique is the need to reiterate his commentary disclaimer - came off as defensive.

I remain convinced @Jon4Lakers continues to be the voice of reason on any podcast he’s on. Unlike his cohost, he can deftly manage facts, opinion, fandom, and rationality. The @GearedUpPodcast would be nails-on-a-chalkboard without him. Apologies for the anachronistic reference.

I found this past week’s @geniusbarpod to be the low point of tech pods this year. Now, I realize it’s early but the senseless screaming of @iupdate, the nonsensical bleating from @jon_prosser, and @AndruEdwards’ usual Apple apologies will be hard to do worse than. A 1/10 at best

Watched the latest @iupdate video and this was actually said at the 2:19 mark re: the iPhone 17 Air: “in your hand it’s going to feel closer to a piece of paper than a phone”. Am I the only one who finds this level of “hype” ridiculous and irrational? Hard to take him seriously.

So, I’m listening to @WGallagher & the artist formerly known as @hillitech on the @appleinsider podcast. Wes comments the AppleTV+ show Shrinking is the best thing Harrison Ford has ever done. He’s, of course, entitled to his opinion but can anyone please lend him a Raiders DVD?

@tnkgrl, @nirave, @DeadTechnology, @Gwanatu joined collective mobile geekdom forces for a brilliantly crafted discussion that didn’t feel forced, formulaic, or disingenuous. Simply put, this is how you do this type of panel show. Other tech podcasts, take note. Easily a 9/10.

@MishaalRahman & @jasonhowell had @Ohthatflo back on the @androidfaithful podcast and, color me surprised, she actually respected others’ talking space and allowed for non-Flo-centric conversation. The show was its usual informative and smart self - the Mishaal effect! A 7.5/10.

Still on the @AndroidPolice podcast. Musing how if @journeydan is truly adamant about being a proponent of doing the thing that makes him uncomfortable, why not inject some of that sense of progressive, productive, friction into molding an identity for the show? Just my $0.02.

@stevealicious84 joined @journeydan for this week’s @AndroidPolice podcast immediately created lift. His facility on the microphone was a stark and welcomed contrast to the (frankly) tired, trite, and blasé pablum of recent episodes. Easily an 8/10.

Listened to this week’s Genius Bar pod and I can’t wrap my head around what value @iupdate brings to the show. I’ve heard @jon_prosser on other shows and he can step out of character and provide solid, cogent analysis. For me, Sam only brings a predictable and tired narrative.

Interesting to hear @alexhcranz on the @engadget podcast with @CherlynnLow and Valentina Palladino. As is usually the case (at least for me), the absence of @Devindra lifts the show’s dark-cloud-mood, making the podcast more listenable. The show itself? It was OK; a 6/10.