New Pixel 8 and OnePlus Phones!

Summary

The hosts Andrew, Marquez, and David discuss tech news headlines like Instagram's new support for HDR photos, developments from Google's Pixel phone line including rumors about the Pixel 9, and their impressions of the new electric Rolls-Royce Spectre luxury sedan. Other topics include potential AR and VR applications for Disney's 'Hollow Deck' walking floor technology, New Jersey requiring gyms to allow online membership cancellation, and reviews of recent phones like the OnePlus 12.

Takeaways

• 😀 The hosts discuss recent tech news headlines like Instagram supporting HDR photos, OnePlus 12 release, and Tesla price increases.
• 📱 OnePlus 12 seems like a solid upgrade with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, bright OLED display, Hasselblad camera.
• 📷 Instagram now supports uploading HDR photos from Galaxy phones, which may blast brightness if viewing in dark mode.
• 🔋 Tesla increased prices across lineup without warning, likely due to supply chain costs and demand.
• 🏋️‍♂️ New Jersey now requires gyms to allow online membership cancellation, preventing inconvenient in-person cancellations.
• 🛼 Disney research created a 'magic carpet' floor with rotating tiles to simulate walking in VR without actually moving.
• 👀 Pixel 9 renders leaked showing a bold camera visor design with hard edges unlike the Pixel 8's slopes.
• 😎 Rolls-Royce Spectre EV is super plush and smooth but very expensive at over $500k with options.
• 🌠 The Rolls-Royce starlight headliner has occasional shooting stars for a magical effect.
• 💵 Tesla Plaid+ price increased by $15k overnight to $138k showing the rapid changes in EV market.

Q & A

What are the hosts of the podcast discussing in this episode?

In this episode, the hosts are discussing tech news headlines and other topics by picking them out of a hat. It's a segment they call 'Headlines in a Hat'.

What is the hosts' opinion on HDR photos and videos?

The hosts seem to have mixed opinions on HDR photos and videos. Marques says it can be jarring when scrolling through low brightness and then seeing a bright HDR photo. Overall, they think HDR should be optional and it needs more widespread compatibility before becoming the default.

What did the hosts like about the Rolls-Royce Spectre?

Some things the hosts liked were the purple LED lighting, the heated seats, the 'lambswool' carpet, the soft suspension and throttle/braking response, and the stars/shooting stars on the ceiling.

What is the hosts' view on walking mechanics in VR games?

The hosts believe the walking mechanics in VR games are one of the biggest immersion breakers. Solutions like omnidirectional treadmills or this new hollowdeck tile floor from Disney could help make walking in VR feel more natural.

What are the hosts' thoughts on the OnePlus 12?

The hosts seem to have an overall positive view of the OnePlus 12. They think it's a solid upgrade with new 2024 features like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Marques says it's a 'good phone' at a decent $800 price point.

What is Photomode discussed in the episode?

Photomode is a new Pixel feature that uses on-device AI to transform your favorite photos into animated reactions that you can use in messaging apps.

What is the hosts' view on Magic Compose?

Magic Compose is a Gmail-like auto reply feature for Pixel Messages that uses generative AI to create contextual suggested responses based on your messages. The hosts seem interested but unsure if it will be better than default quick replies.

What is the hosts' opinion on flat phone edges?

The hosts have mixed opinions. David and Andrew seem to like the flat metal edges on phones like the iPhone. But Marques thinks the Pixel 6's curved glass edges looked more intentional as a single piece.

What did the hosts think about the purple Rolls-Royce paint job?

The hosts thought the purple satin paint job costing $13,000 extra on the Rolls-Royce Spectre was pretty cool and fancy looking.

What did the hosts like about the OnePlus haptics?

The hosts were impressed by the haptic feedback on the OnePlus 12, particularly the triple-tap shimmy sensation when clearing notifications.