
        <h4>Subtitle: DC: Break Room Bananas</h4><p>Episode 600 prompts us to revisit predictions from episode 500 and make some new ones for episode 700. We also cover new AirTags and Apple&#39;s plans to fix Apple Intelligence.</p>
 <h4>This episode of Upgrade is sponsored by:</h4> <ul>
<li><a href="https://sentry.io/">Sentry</a>: Mobile crash reporting and app monitoring. New users get $100 in Sentry credits with code upgrade26.</li>
<li><a href="https://joindeleteme.com/UPGRADE20">DeleteMe</a>: Get 20% off your plan when you use this link and code UPGRADE20.</li>
<li><a href="https://thepetstable.com">The Pets Table</a>: Healthy Dog Food Developed With Vets. Get 55% off your first box PLUS 10% off your next two with code upgrade55</li>
</ul>
<h4>Links and Show Notes:</h4>  <h5><a href='https://relay.fm/upgrade/join'>Get Upgrade+. More content, no ads. </a></h5> <h5><a href='https://relay.fm/upgrade/feedback'>Submit Feedback</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://www.relay.fm/upgrade/539" target="_blank">Upgrade #539: 98 Yards with My Boys - Relay</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://9to5mac.com/2026/01/22/apple-tv-oscars-2026-best-picture-nomination-f1-movie/" target="_blank">Apple TV earns Best Picture nomination for 'F1: The Movie' in 2026 Oscars - 9to5Mac</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://9to5mac.com/2026/01/21/apple-tv-drops-for-all-mankind-season-5-teaser-and-premiere-date/" target="_blank">Apple TV drops For All Mankind season 5 teaser and premiere date - 9to5Mac</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/01/apple-introduces-new-airtag-with-expanded-range-and-improved-findability/" target="_blank">Apple introduces new AirTag with expanded range and improved findability - Apple</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-01-22/apple-hardware-chief-john-ternus-now-overseeing-design-tim-cook-ceo-succession?srnd=undefined&embedded-checkout=true" target="_blank">Apple Hardware Chief John Ternus Now Overseeing Design; Tim Cook CEO Succession - Bloomberg</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-01-21/ios-27-apple-to-revamp-siri-as-built-in-iphone-mac-chatbot-to-fend-off-openai" target="_blank">iOS 27: Apple to Revamp Siri as Built-In iPhone, Mac Chatbot - Bloomberg</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://blog.google/innovation-and-ai/products/google-private-ai-compute/" target="_blank">Private AI Compute advances AI privacy – Google Blog</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://daringfireball.net/linked/2026/01/22/information-federighi" target="_blank">Daring Fireball: The Information: 'With Google Deal, Apple’s Craig Federighi Plots a Cautious Course in AI'</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2026-01-25/inside-apple-s-ai-shake-up-ai-safari-and-plans-for-new-siri-in-ios-26-4-ios-27-mktqy7xb" target="_blank">Inside Apple’s AI Shake-Up, AI Safari and Plans for New Siri in iOS 26.4, iOS 27 - Bloomberg</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://upgrade.cards/card/upgrade500" target="_blank">The Upgrade Episode 600 Draft of the Ages Scorecard</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://www.relay.fm/upgrade/500" target="_blank">Upgrade #500: Core Face/Peripheral Face - Relay</a></h5>
      

Episode 600 prompts us to revisit predictions from episode 500 and make some new ones for episode 700. We also cover new AirTags and Apple's plans to fix Apple Intelligence.

600: Based on Hopes and Dreams


        <p>This week we&#39;re following up on what the Apple-Google AI hookup means and reacting to Apple&#39;s announcement of an oddly shaped creative apps bundle.</p>
 <h4>This episode of Upgrade is sponsored by:</h4> <ul>
<li><a href="https://sentry.io/">Sentry</a>: Mobile crash reporting and app monitoring. New users get $100 in Sentry credits with code upgrade26.</li>
<li><a href="http://fitbod.me/upgrade">Fitbod</a>: Get stronger, faster with a fitness plan that fits you. Get 25% off your membership.</li>
<li><a href="http://squarespace.com/upgrade">Squarespace</a>: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code UPGRADE.</li>
</ul>
<h4>Links and Show Notes:</h4>  <h5><a href='https://relay.fm/upgrade/join'>Get Upgrade+. More content, no ads. </a></h5> <h5><a href='https://relay.fm/upgrade/feedback'>Submit Feedback</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://www.theincomparable.com/" target="_blank">The Incomparable</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://www.theinformation.com/articles/apple-using-gemini-give-chatgpt-like-answers" target="_blank">How Apple is Using Gemini to Give ChatGPT-Like Answers — The Information</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://9to5mac.com/2026/01/13/report-apple-to-fine-tune-gemini-independently/" target="_blank">Apple to fine-tune Gemini independently, no Google branding on Siri, more - 9to5Mac</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://www.relay.fm/connected/586" target="_blank">Connected #586: Dashboard Confessions - Relay</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pop-Tarts_Bowl" target="_blank">Pop-Tarts Bowl - Wikipedia</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://puzzles.mit.edu/" target="_blank">MIT Mystery Hunt</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://daringfireball.net/2025/11/chatgpt_5-1_with_renamed_and_new_personalities" target="_blank">Daring Fireball: OpenAI Releases GPT-5.1, Along With Renamed and New Personalities</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://9to5mac.com/2026/01/15/apple-will-pay-billions-for-gemini-openai-decided-against-siri-deal-ft/" target="_blank">Apple will pay billions for Gemini after OpenAI declined – 9to5mac</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/01/introducing-apple-creator-studio-an-inspiring-collection-of-creative-apps/" target="_blank">Introducing Apple Creator Studio, an inspiring collection of creative apps - Apple</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://sixcolors.com/post/2026/01/apples-pro-bundle-makes-sense-but-making-iwork-freemium-doesnt/" target="_blank">Apple’s pro bundle makes sense, but making iWork freemium doesn’t – Six Colors</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://9to5mac.com/2026/01/14/apple-creative-studio-icons-are-unique-and-not-for-all-standalone-purchase-apps/" target="_blank">Apple Creative Studio icons are 'unique' and not for all standalone purchase apps - 9to5Mac</a></h5>
      

This week we're following up on what the Apple-Google AI hookup means and reacting to Apple's announcement of an oddly shaped creative apps bundle.

599: Free... Although


        <p>Google and Apple join forces to corner the market on smartphone AI models, John Ternus gets a profile in the New York Times, live NBA basketball comes to the Vision Pro, and Apple inconsistently refuses to stop bad App Store behavior.</p>
 <h4>This episode of Upgrade is sponsored by:</h4> <ul>
<li><a href="https://sentry.io/">Sentry</a>: Mobile crash reporting and app monitoring. New users get $100 in Sentry credits with code upgrade26.</li>
<li><a href="https://joindeleteme.com/UPGRADE20">DeleteMe</a>: Get 20% off your plan when you use this link and code UPGRADE20.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.expressvpn.com/upgrade">ExpressVPN</a>: High-Speed, Secure &amp; Anonymous VPN Service.</li>
<li><a href="https://1password.com/upgrade">1Password</a>: Take the first step to better security by securing your team’s credentials.</li>
</ul>
<h4>Links and Show Notes:</h4>  <h5><a href='https://relay.fm/upgrade/join'>Get Upgrade+. More content, no ads. </a></h5> <h5><a href='https://relay.fm/upgrade/feedback'>Submit Feedback</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://www.relay.fm/20macs" target="_blank">20 Macs - Relay</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/01/chase-to-become-new-issuer-of-apple-card/?1767825931" target="_blank">Chase to become new issuer of Apple Card - Apple</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://sixcolors.com/post/2026/01/will-the-iphone-fold-be-a-phone-you-open-or-an-ipad-you-close/" target="_blank">Will the iPhone Fold be a phone you open, or an iPad you close? – Six Colors</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://www.theverge.com/news/856141/samsung-display-creaseless-panel-foldable-iphone-ces" target="_blank">Is this the folding iPhone’s creaseless display? | The Verge</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/12/apple-google-ai-siri-gemini.html" target="_blank">Apple picks Google's Gemini to run AI-powered Siri coming this year</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://blog.google/company-news/inside-google/company-announcements/joint-statement-google-apple/" target="_blank">Joint statement from Google and Apple – Google Blog</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://www.theverge.com/news/860521/apple-siri-google-gemini-ai-personalization" target="_blank">Apple picks Google’s Gemini AI for its big Siri upgrade | The Verge</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/08/technology/apple-ceo-tim-cook-john-ternus.html" target="_blank">Apple’s John Ternus Could Be Tim Cook’s Successor as CEO - The New York Times</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://sixcolors.com/link/2026/01/more-reports-about-apple-succession-planning/" target="_blank">More reports about Apple succession planning – Six Colors</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://9to5mac.com/2026/01/08/apple-announces-annual-shareholders-meeting-for-next-month/" target="_blank">Apple announces annual shareholders meeting for next month - 9to5Mac</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://www.theverge.com/policy/859902/apple-google-run-by-cowards" target="_blank">Tim Cook and Sundar Pichai are cowards | The Verge</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-46275138" target="_blank">Tumblr removed from Apple app store over abuse images - BBC News</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://www.theverge.com/2017/4/23/15399438/apple-uber-app-store-fingerprint-program-tim-cook-travis-kalanick" target="_blank">Uber tried to fool Apple and got caught | The Verge</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://www.theverge.com/2019/1/30/18203551/apple-facebook-blocked-internal-ios-apps" target="_blank">Apple blocks Facebook from running its internal iOS apps | The Verge</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://sixcolors.com/post/2026/01/some-first-thoughts-about-live-immersive-basketball/" target="_blank">Some first thoughts about live immersive basketball – Six Colors</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://stratechery.com/2026/apple-you-still-dont-understand-the-vision-pro/" target="_blank">Apple: You (Still) Don’t Understand the Vision Pro – Stratechery by Ben Thompson</a></h5>
      

Google and Apple join forces to corner the market on smartphone AI models, John Ternus gets a profile in the New York Times, live NBA basketball comes to the Vision Pro, and Apple inconsistently refuses to stop bad App Store behavior.

598: Transparent Man of the People


        <h4>Subtitle: The Room at the Airport Where You Can Get a Hug</h4><p>Happy New Year! In this episode, we share some of the things we hope we&#39;ll see from Apple in 2026. Also, Jason attacks an emoji.</p>
 <h4>This episode of Upgrade is sponsored by:</h4> <ul>
<li><a href="https://sentry.io/">Sentry</a>: Mobile crash reporting and app monitoring. New users get $100 in Sentry credits with code upgrade26.</li>
<li><a href="http://fitbod.me/upgrade">Fitbod</a>: Get stronger, faster with a fitness plan that fits you. Get 25% off your membership.</li>
<li><a href="http://squarespace.com/upgrade">Squarespace</a>: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code UPGRADE.</li>
<li><a href="https://factormeals.com/upgrade50off">Factor</a>: Healthy, fully-prepared food delivered to your door. Use code upgrade50off</li>
</ul>
<h4>Links and Show Notes:</h4>  <h5><a href='https://relay.fm/upgrade/join'>Get Upgrade+. More content, no ads. </a></h5> <h5><a href='https://relay.fm/upgrade/feedback'>Submit Feedback</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1548022-jason-snell" target="_blank">Jason's Goodreads List</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://apple.fandom.com/wiki/Happy_Mac" target="_blank">Happy Mac | Apple Wiki | Fandom</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://emojipedia.org/people-hugging" target="_blank">🫂 People Hugging Emoji | Emojipedia</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://altonbrown.com/recipes/overnight-cinnamon-rolls/" target="_blank">Overnight Cinnamon Rolls Recipe | Alton Brown</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://github.com/daveallie/crosspoint-reader" target="_blank">GitHub - daveallie/crosspoint-reader</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://9to5mac.com/2025/12/17/apple-announces-sweeping-app-store-and-iphone-changes-in-japan/" target="_blank">Apple announces sweeping App Store and iPhone changes in Japan - 9to5Mac</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://daringfireball.net/2025/12/apple_japan_msca_compliance" target="_blank">Daring Fireball: Apple Announces Changes to iOS in Japan for Compliance With the Mobile Software Competition Act</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://9to5mac.com/2025/12/23/apple-settles-brazilian-antitrust-case-with-app-store-policy-overhaul/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=bluesky" target="_blank">Apple settles Brazilian antitrust case with App Store policy overhaul - 9to5Mac</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://www.macrumors.com/2025/12/29/foldable-iphone-mockup-hands-on/" target="_blank">Hands-On With a Rough iPhone Fold Mockup - MacRumors</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://www.macrumors.com/2025/12/23/samsung-wide-fold-device/" target="_blank">Samsung Developing 'Wide Fold' With iPhone Fold-Like Design Ahead of Apple's 2026 Launch - MacRumors</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://www.macrumors.com/2025/12/18/foldable-iphone-shortages-into-2027/" target="_blank">Kuo: iPhone Fold Production Challenges Could Limit Supply Next Year - MacRumors</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/02/12-9-inch-macbook-spring-2026-rumor/" target="_blank">Low-Price 12.9-Inch MacBook With A18 Pro Chip Reportedly Launching Early This Year - MacRumors</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://9to5mac.com/2026/01/02/another-airpods-pro-3-model-is-coming-with-one-rumored-upgrade/" target="_blank">Another AirPods Pro 3 model is coming, with one rumored upgrade - 9to5Mac</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://sixcolors.com/post/2025/12/wish-list-a-more-flexible-apple-display-strategy/" target="_blank">Wish List: A more flexible Apple display strategy – Six Colors</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5q3SdtiLAPk" target="_blank">I Turned a $200 iMac Into a $1,600 Studio Display! - Snazzy Labs - YouTube</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://sixcolors.com/offsite/2024/11/the-app-store-era-must-end-and-the-mac-is-the-model/" target="_blank">The App Store era must end, and the Mac is the model – Six Colors</a></h5>
      

Happy New Year! In this episode, we share some of the things we hope we'll see from Apple in 2026. Also, Jason attacks an emoji.

597: Our 2026 Wish List


        <p>It&#39;s time for the 12th Annual Upgradies! Myke and Jason discuss their favorites of 2025, take the input of many Upgradians, and hand out awards in numerous categories! Only the finest will walk away with the most coveted of titles: Upgradies Winner.</p>
 <h4>This episode of Upgrade is sponsored by:</h4> <ul>
<li><a href="https://sentry.io/">Sentry</a>: Mobile crash reporting and app monitoring. New users get $100 in Sentry credits with code upgrade26.</li>
<li><a href="https://ecamm.com/upgradefm">Ecamm</a>: Powerful live streaming platform for Mac.</li>
<li><a href="http://fitbod.me/upgrade">Fitbod</a>: Get stronger, faster with a fitness plan that fits you. Get 25% off your membership.</li>
</ul>
<h4>Links and Show Notes:</h4> <h4>List of Nominees (Spoilers Below)</h4>

<h5>Best Overall iOS App</h5>

<ul>
<li><a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/final-cut-camera/id6469552837">Final Cut Camera</a><br></li>
<li><a href="https://mangobaby.app">Mango Baby</a><br></li>
<li><a href="https://www.meetcarrot.com/weather/">Carrot Weather</a><br></li>
<li><a href="https://tapbots.com/ivory/">Ivory</a><br></li>
<li><a href="https://callsheetapp.com">Callsheet</a><br></li>
</ul>

<h5>Best Newcomer iOS App</h5>

<ul>
<li><a href="https://usetapestry.com">Tapestry</a><br></li>
<li><a href="https://www.yourfocusfriend.com">Focus Friend</a><br></li>
<li><a href="https://www.athlyticapp.com">Athlytic</a><br></li>
<li><a href="https://thecassetteapp.com">Cassette</a><br></li>
</ul>

<h5>Best Overall Mac App</h5>

<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.apple.com/uk/numbers/">Numbers</a></li>
<li><a href="https://mimestream.com">Mimestream</a><br></li>
<li><a href="https://chatgpt.com/features/desktop/">ChatGPT</a><br></li>
<li><a href="https://claude.com/download">Claude</a><br></li>
<li><a href="https://icemenubar.app">Ice</a><br></li>
<li><a href="http://chatgpt.com">ChatGPT</a><br></li>
<li><a href="https://mimestream.com">Mimestream</a><br></li>
<li><a href="https://obsidian.md">Obsidian</a><br></li>
<li><a href="https://culturedcode.com/things/">Things</a><br></li>
</ul>

<h5>Best Newcomer Mac App</h5>

<ul>
<li><a href="https://longplay.rocks">Longplay</a></li>
<li><a href="https://superwhisper.com">Superwhisper</a><br></li>
<li><a href="https://claude.com/download">Claude</a><br></li>
<li><a href="https://icemenubar.app">Ice</a><br></li>
<li><a href="http://chatgpt.com">ChatGPT</a><br></li>
<li><a href="https://festivitas.app">Festivitas</a><br></li>
<li><a href="https://www.affinity.studio">Affinity</a><br></li>
<li><a href="https://hypercritical.co/hyperspace/">Hyperspace</a><br></li>
<li><a href="http://chatgpt.com">ChatGPT</a><br></li>
<li><a href="https://ghostty.org">Ghostty</a><br></li>
<li><a href="https://usetapestry.com">Tapestry</a><br></li>
</ul>

<h5>Best Feature: Best Implementation of a ’26 OS Feature**</h5>

<ul>
<li>iPad Multitasking<br></li>
<li>Clipboard History for Mac<br></li>
<li>Private Cloud Compute in Shortcuts</li>
<li><a href="https://www.athlyticapp.com">Athlytic</a><br></li>
<li>Liquid Glass<br></li>
<li>iPad Multitasking<br></li>
<li>Call Screening<br></li>
</ul>

<h5>Game of the Year</h5>

<ul>
<li><a href="https://herdling.game">Herdling</a><br></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nintendo.com/ph/games/switch2/aaaca/index.html">Donkey Kong Bananza</a><br></li>
<li><a href="https://www.playbalatro.com/">Balatro</a><br></li>
<li><a href="https://www.expedition33.com/">Clair Obscure Expedition 33</a><br></li>
</ul>

<h5>Favourite Movie</h5>

<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.disneyplus.com/en-gb/browse/entity-f51dce23-7d8f-490a-9f0c-be1b5432c2a9">Thunderbolts*</a><br></li>
<li><a href="https://www.warnerbros.co.uk/movies/superman">Superman</a><br></li>
<li><a href="https://flow.movie">Flow</a><br></li>
<li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Old_Ass">My Old Ass</a><br></li>
<li><a href="https://www.warnerbros.co.uk/movies/sinners">Sinners</a><br></li>
<li><a href="https://tv.apple.com/gb/movie/f1-the-movie/umc.cmc.3t6dvnnr87zwd4wmvpdx5came">F1</a><br></li>
<li><a href="https://www.warnerbros.co.uk/movies/one-battle-after-another">One Battle After Another</a><br></li>
</ul>

<h5>Favourite TV Show</h5>

<ul>
<li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Pitt">The Pitt</a><br></li>
<li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ludwig_(2024_TV_series)">Ludwig</a><br></li>
<li><a href="https://tv.apple.com/gb/show/murderbot/umc.cmc.5owrzntj9v1gpg31wshflud03">Murderbot</a><br></li>
<li><a href="https://tv.apple.com/gb/show/pluribus/umc.cmc.37axgovs2yozlyh3c2cmwzlza">Pluribus</a><br></li>
<li><a href="https://tv.apple.com/gb/show/severance/umc.cmc.1srk2goyh2q2zdxcx605w8vtx">Severance</a><br></li>
<li><a href="https://tv.apple.com/gb/show/the-studio/umc.cmc.7518algxc4lsoobtsx30dqb52">The Studio</a><br></li>
</ul>

<h5>Favourite Book</h5>

<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.robinsloan.com/moonbound/">Moonbound by Robin Sloan</a><br></li>
<li><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Automatic-Noodle-Annalee-Newitz/dp/1250357462">Automatic Noodle by Annalee Newitz</a><br></li>
<li><a href="https://www.simonandschuster.co.uk/books/Apple-in-China/Patrick-McGee/9781398534360">Apple in China, by Patrick McGee</a><br></li>
<li><a href="https://us.macmillan.com/books/9780374619329/enshittification/">Ensh*ttification, by Cory Doctorow</a><br></li>
<li><a href="https://everythingistb.com/">Everything is Tuberculosis, by John Green</a><br></li>
</ul>

<h5>Favourite Podcast</h5>

<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.relay.fm/connected">Connected</a><br></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8dPuuaLjXtPrbBlasHP1BA23MwXJ8Gpm">Crash Course Pods: The Universe</a><br></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@Waveform">Wavefrm</a><br></li>
<li><a href="https://puck.news/podcasts/the-town/">The Town</a><br></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLy3mMHt2i7RIn1aLupj0mSiSAETxwHDwm">Kinda Funny Gamescast</a><br></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@restishistorypod">The Rest is History</a><br></li>
<li><a href="http://relay.fm/connected">Connected</a><br></li>
<li><a href="http://relay.fm/upgrade">Upgrade</a><br></li>
</ul>

<h5>Favourite Apple Product</h5>

<ul>
<li>iPhone 17 Pro<br></li>
<li>AirPods Pro 3 <br></li>
<li>iPhone Air<br></li>
<li>iPad Pro M5<br></li>
<li>MacBook Air M4<br></li>
</ul>

<h5>Favourite Non-Apple Product</h5>

<ul>
<li><a href="https://global.roborock.com">RoboRock vacuum</a><br></li>
<li><a href="https://combustion.inc/?srsltid=AfmBOorOkTRtUCg6zyW3wSYSROO5CYgfiFro-Bu1qnItwZSxhV7cM3vb">Combustion thermal probe</a><br></li>
<li><a href="https://www.traeger.com/uk/en/wood-pellets?srsltid=AfmBOorThv_SVbeEKU68jeUYegTFtUrvDjt2RkJOm3A3PBI7FZcdLUaM">Traeger pellet grill</a><br></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Hardware/Nintendo-Switch-2/Nintendo-Switch-2-2785301.html">Nintendo Switch 2</a><br></li>
<li><a href="https://bambulab.com/en-gb/p2s">Bambu Labs P2S 3D Printer</a><br></li>
<li><a href="https://usetrmnl.com/">Trmnl E-Ink Display</a><br></li>
</ul>

<h5>Worst Gadget / Most Disappointing Tech</h5>

<ul>
<li><a href="https://sixcolors.com/post/2025/03/m4-macbook-air-review-am-i-blue/">“Sky Blue” MacBook Air</a><br></li>
<li><a href="https://www.xteink.com/products/xteink-x4?srsltid=AfmBOop6I2HZdDLs7w8650WW84mWR4mQN7vafBLEVbmI4G_wA4-YyA2l">XTEINK X4</a><br></li>
<li>Cord Cutting Drama<br></li>
<li>AI<br></li>
<li>Liquid Glass<br></li>
<li>Apple Intelligence<br></li>
</ul>

<h5>Most Life-Changing Hardware</h5>

<ul>
<li><a href="https://global.roborock.com">RoboRock vacuum</a><br></li>
<li><a href="https://combustion.inc/?srsltid=AfmBOorOkTRtUCg6zyW3wSYSROO5CYgfiFro-Bu1qnItwZSxhV7cM3vb">Combustion thermal probe</a><br></li>
<li>M4 MacBook Pro and Second Desk</li>
<li><a href="https://blinds.lutron.com">Lutron Shades</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.mumsnet.com/reviews/vtech-rm7767hd-baby-monitor-review">Vtech RM7767HD</a><br></li>
<li>iPad mini in the Nursery<br></li>
<li><a href="AirPods%20Pro%203%20-%20Apple%20(UK)">AirPods Pro 3</a><br></li>
<li><a href="Apple%20Watch%20-%20Apple%20(UK)">Apple Watch</a><br></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Hardware/Nintendo-Switch-2/Nintendo-Switch-2-2785301.html">Nintendo Switch 2</a><br></li>
</ul>

<h5>Favourite Tech Story</h5>

<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.theverge.com/entertainment/845532/larry-ellison-paramount-wb-netflix-takeover-oracle">“Larry Ellison’s big dumb gift to his large adult son” - Elizabeth Lopatto/The Verge</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.theverge.com/business/793525/bari-weiss-cbs-news-glass-cliff">“Memo to Bari Weiss Re: CBS News: You’re doomed” Elizabeth Lopatto/The Verge</a></li>
<li><a href="https://daringfireball.net/2025/03/something_is_rotten_in_the_state_of_cupertino">Something is Rotten in the State of Cupertino</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2025-10-05/who-will-be-apple-s-next-ceo-after-tim-cook-apple-shelves-vision-air-m5-ipad">Apple Succession</a></li>
<li><a href="Apple%E2%80%99s%20Top%20Designer%20Alan%20Dye%20Poached%20by%20Meta%20in%20Major%20Coup%20-%20Bloomberg">Alan Dye Leaves Apple</a><br></li>
<li>AI Arms Race<br></li>
<li><a href="Steam%20Hardware">Announcement of the Steam Machine</a><br></li>
</ul>

<h5>Favourite Tech Screw Up</h5>

<ul>
<li><a href="https://sixcolors.com/post/2025/03/apple-delays-some-anticipated-apple-intelligence-features/">Apple gives up on personalized Siri until “the coming year”</a><br></li>
<li><a href="https://sixcolors.com/post/2025/05/sam-and-jony-and-skepticism/">Jony Ive and Sam Altman share a coffee in SF</a><br></li>
<li><a href="https://www.theverge.com/news/659246/apple-epic-app-store-judge-ruling-control">Apple, Epic, Judge Gonzalez Rogers — Apple losing ability to charge 30%, being held in contempt, etc</a><br></li>
<li>Apple Intelligence<br></li>
<li>AWS / Cloudflare Outages<br></li>
<li>Liquid Glass<br></li>
</ul>
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It's time for the 12th Annual Upgradies! Myke and Jason discuss their favorites of 2025, take the input of many Upgradians, and hand out awards in numerous categories! Only the finest will walk away with the most coveted of titles: Upgradies Winner.


596: The 2025 Upgradies

Upgrade looks at how technology shapes our lives, from the devices in our hands and pockets to the streaming services that keep us entertained. Hosted by Jason Snell and Myke Hurley.

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