Waveform: Samsung Note 20, Boston Dynamics & Epic vs Apple

Tech Recap: Recent Releases and Impressions

The episode begins with an overview of the latest tech arrivals. They discuss the Samsung Note 20 Ultra, noting it represents the peak of Samsung's current lineup, while expressing skepticism regarding the standard Note 20. The hosts also touch upon the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones, highlighting the long-awaited inclusion of multiple device support as their standout feature.

Dope Tech Highlights

• Xiaomi Smart Charger: A motorized wireless charging pad that automatically locates devices. While some find it gimmicky, others appreciate the convenience of not needing to precisely align coils.
• Hachi Touchscreen Projector: A device that turns any surface into an interactive touchscreen. The hosts were impressed by its responsiveness and potential for future applications.
• Galaxy Tab S7 Plus: Labeled as a potential iPad Pro killer, though the hosts debate whether Android app optimization can truly compete with Apple's tablet ecosystem.
• Boston Dynamics Spotlight: A segment on the Spot robot, describing the experience of controlling it as a fascinating glimpse into the future of robotics.

Content and Industry Updates

Marques gives a shout-out to Captain Disillusion, praising the high production quality and educational value of his VFX breakdowns. They also weigh in on the Microsoft Surface Duo event, praising the presentation style for being human-focused rather than overly scripted.

Streamer Wars

The hosts discuss the migration of top streamers like Ninja, Shroud, and Dr. Disrespect between Twitch and YouTube. They analyze the record-breaking viewer numbers during these transitions, emphasizing the cultural dominance of Twitch despite YouTube’s platform capabilities.

Deep Dive: Epic Games vs. Apple and Google

This section breaks down the lawsuit sparked by Epic Games bypassing 30% commission fees on the App Store.

"They're the monopoly now."

• The Infraction: Epic pushed an update to Fortnite allowing direct payments, intentionally triggering an app ban to initiate legal proceedings.
• Conflicting Perspectives: Apple prioritizes a walled garden and security, justifying their commission as a service fee for a premium marketplace. Conversely, Epic advocates for consumer choice and argues that 30% is an arbitrary, excessive tax that harms independent developers.

Camera Tech: Canon R5 vs. Sony a7S III

Inviting creative leads Vin and Brandon into the discussion, the team compares two of the year's most hyped cameras.

• Autofocus and Performance: Both cameras feature industry-leading autofocus, with the Canon R5 showing impressive tracking capability.
• The Heat Factor: They discuss overheating concerns in extreme shooting conditions, noting that workflow management is often more critical than the camera specs alone.
• Color Science: A heated debate ensues regarding color science, with some noting the R5’s tendency toward a magenta shift in shadows, while acknowledging the a7S III’s improved color output.