Waveform: EV Trends, New Switch OLED, and iPadOS 15

The Tech Landscape and EV Developments

The podcast covers significant shifts in the Electric Vehicle (EV) sector, focusing on how companies are handling power-related technical issues and long-term electrification goals.

EV Recalls and Manufacturer Responsibility

• Porsche and Audi experienced recall incidents regarding sudden power loss, traced to a faulty 12-volt accessory battery.
• Marquez and Andrew discuss how these headlines impact public perception, noting that EVs often face higher scrutiny than traditional vehicles.
• There is an emphasis on brands like Ford, which are under immense pressure to ensure the reliability of electric models like the F-150 Lightning.

Canada's 2035 Fossil Fuel Ban

• Canada has committed to banning the sale of new gas-powered vehicles by 2035 to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
• The hosts debate if this deadline is realistic, touching on current infrastructure limitations and the cold-weather performance of existing battery technology.

"The climate crisis is real. It's 100% real."

Hardware and Software Updates

Nintendo Switch OLED

• The new Switch OLED model is considered a quality upgrade for new buyers, but not a significant enough jump for existing owners to replace their units.
• Lack of 4K support and the ambiguous product naming ("Switch" without the ability to switch on the Lite) were key discussion points.

iPadOS 15

• The hosts express mixed feelings on iPadOS 15. While the M1 iPad Pro is exceptionally powerful, the software feels limited.
• Features like Quick Notes and the new multitasking UI (three-dot menu) make the device more user-friendly, though the iPad remains a secondary device rather than a full laptop replacement.

Innovation in Design

• The Rivian R1T's "camp kitchen" module is highlighted as an excellent example of how EV architecture opens up new possibilities for utility, effectively utilizing space where a transmission or engine would traditionally be located.