CES 2021, Samsung Galaxy S21, and Cross-Country EVs

The Shift to Digital CES

This year marks a major transition for CES as it moves to a virtual format. The hosts analyze the impact of this change:
• Loss of discovery: Much of the CES magic lies in stumbling upon innovative products, which is impossible in a remote setting.
• The survival of the big players: Large companies like Samsung and LG will likely retain their hype, while smaller startups might struggle to get noticed without physical booths.
• Lack of standout tech: The hosts note a disappointing lack of groundbreaking innovation, citing Razer's RGB N95 mask as a questionable headline-maker.

Samsung S21 Lineup: Unpacked 2021

Marques and Andrew break down their first impressions of the newly unveiled Galaxy S21 series:

Key Updates

• Strategic Pricing: The lineup sees a $200 price drop compared to last year.
• Material Shifts: The base S21 now features a plastic back, which the hosts find acceptable given the lower price point.
• Design Tweaks: The polarizing "camera bump" design serves a functional purpose by protecting the lenses when set on a surface.

The S Pen Dilemma

"I would just wait for Note 21. I can't imagine you're that dire of a need."

The S21 Ultra introduces S Pen support, but the implementation is clunky. It requires a separate case for storage and lacks the integrated, active experience of the Note series.

Cannonball Record: The Porsche Taycan Run

Special guest Kyle Connor from Out of Spec Studios discusses his record-breaking drive from New York to California in a Porsche Taycan.
• Charging Strategy: Unlike gas-powered cannonball runs, EV record attempts are essentially "giant math problems" involving charging curves and infrastructure mapping.
• Electrify America vs. Tesla: Kyle highlights the rapid growth of the CCS power network, proving that long-distance electric travel is viable outside of the Tesla network.
• The Verdict: While the drive was successful, the team faced real-world challenges, including software handshakes and varying weather conditions that impacted efficiency.