Sure. Google location tracking "bad" and Apple data harvesting "good", but it's pretty hack to see articles popping up about how poor Android trackers are compared to AirTags. https://somegadgetguy.com/b/46Q
Ignoring the security nightmare AirTags were at launch, the assumed permissions Apple just takes for the Find My network, and the annoying (and scary looking) process Apple forces users through to OPT OUT of location tracking, it's shocking how well Google is doing only a couple weeks into this new finder network going live.
I've been covering a lot of HEAVY news lately, so let's wrap up the week with a little gaming accessory? https://somegadgetguy.com/b/46M
This is one of the coolest solutions for a phone game controller I've ever had the pleasure of reviewing. Let's play!
Suing Apple is a necessary step in challenging our perception of Big Tech… https://somegadgetguy.com/b/468
We can't take our eyes off this target. We need to build more momentum. Our legal system has been too slow to adapt to consumer tech trends, and we need to keep the pressure on if we're to course correct for YEARS of bad policy.
A quick smartphone comparison! https://somegadgetguy.com/b/465
Pixel 8a vs OnePlus 12R! These might be the best two mid-ranger phones in the USA right now!
Samsung is facing a labor strike for the first time ever. Apple is union busting. The FCC cancelled its affordable internet program. AI is all the rage with investors, but no one is using it.
Android trackers are FINALLY here! And, we should chat announcements at Computex!
I ordered these LITERALLY a YEAR AGO to the day, and they JUST ARRIVED!
Apple stalled the Google location tracker network for as long as they could, but now we FINALLY have some competition for AirTags!
Apple is partnering with OpenAI to improve Apple's lagging AI strategy, but we still don't know what the deal looks like. https://somegadgetguy.com/b/45u
Is Apple paying OpenAI? Is OpenAI paying Apple?
This is a tough partnership for Apple, as the optics on AI in general run counter to the marketing Apple has poured into "privacy".
The exciting thing about tech, we're seeing a race to get better camera tech into lower and lower priced phones. OnePlus is battling well against iPhone Pros and Galaxy Ultras, but at SIGNIFICANTLY lower prices!
A whole slate of new laptops are coming, and of course, manufacturers are trying to impress us with THINNESS! What about test driving a machine at the complete OPPOSITE of the thinness spectrum? https://somegadgetguy.com/b/45T
It's so rad to do a sponsored video like this, and the first thing they ask is "Can you blast our laptop with a hose?"
It's big, thicc, and chunky, but there are SO MANY things on this Getac I wish I had on "regular" thin laptops...
Samsung forces repair shops to sign a TERRIBLE contract, that requires technicians to destroy your phone if they find non-Samsung parts in your device! iFixit is dropping their partnership with Samsung.
The newest most powerful chips from Intel and AMD don't qualify for Microsoft's newest CoPilot+ AI branding. We're already seeing INCREDIBLE deals on crazy powerful PCs, because of all the AI hype! Here's my review of the Geekom A8, with a BEAST of an AMD chip inside! https://somegadgetguy.com/b/45e
Early access on Patreon! Geekom's new mini PC is a MIGHTY MOUSE at a great price! https://www.patreon.com/posts/geekom-a8-mini-104755258
This tiny PC is now packing the most powerful laptop chip AMD makes!
Funnily enough, Microsoft threw AMD and Intel under the bus.
NONE of the current selling "AI" PCs qualify for the "CoPilot" branding.
Who knows, maybe you don't want that new Microsoft Recall feature on your system anyway?
AI Laptop REACTIONS! https://somegadgetguy.com/b/45Q
Checking out all the announcements today from Dell, HP, Microsoft, Samsung, Acer, Asus, and Lenovo! I did a live recording of my reactions.
Windows on ARM is getting REALLY exciting! Here are some things to look out for while shopping a new "AI" laptop!
Microsoft is about to kick off BUILD, and showing new Windows on ARM PCs! AZ is suing Amazon over unfair business practices! iFixit digs even deeper into how much wireless charging sucks. And maybe the Dead Internet theory is true?
CONTROVERSY! It's a little concerning. My phone keeps trying to connect to a mystery network, listed as an ISP WiFi that (to my knowledge) doesn't do business here in California. Has anyone else seen something like this? What's going on?
Early access on Patreon: The OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro have received their last updates!
But there's still SO much life left in this hardware... https://www.patreon.com/posts/oneplus-8-pros-104427009
A phone from 2020, it's not just "not obsolete", it's still an actively competitive premium device today.
Wireless charging sucks!
(Sucks more power that is.)
My buddy Ricky and I did a one-off experiment comparing wireless charging to FAST cabled charging. You can watch part one here https://somegadgetguy.com/b/442
I was pleasantly surprised that Qi charging had improved and kept case temperatures better in check, but we still saw elevated temperatures for roughly two hours on a full charge.
Now, iFixit delivers even more data on wireless charging, and it's not great. You're trading a lot of waste and heat for some mediocre "convenience"...
After dealing with pre-installed malware on this mini-PC, I'm FINALLY done reviewing the hardware! https://somegadgetguy.com/b/459
"Besides the malware" does an Intel Core i9 make sense in a system like this?
Just had a chat with a well respected mini PC manufacturer asking if I'd be interested in "reviewing" their products.
I said "sure!" and recommended one of their newer offerings.
They replied "we don't need promotion on that right now, we really need videos on this older less expensive system going on sale".
Red flag already, but it could make for a fun project video. I say sure.
THEN they reply with all the mandatory talking points to include, what kind of b-roll to shoot, a timetable of less than two weeks, and a list of links I'd need to use instead of my own affiliate links.
I tell them, "that's not a review, that's a promotional video you want to live on my channel". I don't charge for anything called a review on my channel, but I will produced sponsored videos to keep the lights on.
I tell them my rates for a sponsored video, and they IMMEDIATELY balk.
It's really changed my perception of this brand's reputation.
Google I/O wrapped up, and I have a LOT of thoughts. Shot a quick reaction video on the keynote here https://somegadgetguy.com/b/455
Some really interesting AI tools are coming, but will Gemini search continue hurting website traffic?