The Vergecast

Elon Musk had a bad week in court

Elon Musk spent a lot of his week trying to explain how OpenAI wronged him — but mostly just seemed to annoy everyone else in the courtroom. Nilay and David discuss Musk's testimony in the OpenAI trial, and what it might mean for the trial going forward. After that, the Hype Desk gang recommends a couple of new things to watch, before the hosts chat about the week's new gadgets, including the Steam Controller and the dual-screen Zephyrus Duo laptop. Finally, in the lightning round, Brendan Carr picks a fight over Jimmy Kimmel again, Netflix buys into the clip economy, and Taylor Swift fights the AI. Further reading: * Elon Musk confirms xAI used OpenAI’s models to train Grok [https://www.theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/921546/elon-musk-xai-openai-trial-model-distillation] * All the evidence unveiled so far in Musk v. Altman  [https://www.theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/920775/evidence-exhibits-elon-musk-sam-altman-openai-trial] * Elon Musk appeared more petty than prepared  [https://www.theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/920191/elon-musk-sam-altman-trial-day-one] * Elon Musk tells the jury that all he wants to do is save humanity  [https://www.theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/920048/elon-musk-testimony-save-humanity] * Elon Musk’s worst enemy in court is Elon Musk  [https://www.theverge.com/tech/921022/elon-musk-cross-openai-altman] * Jury selection in Musk v. Altman: ‘People don’t like him’  [https://www.theverge.com/tech/919469/elon-musk-dont-like] * Microsoft and OpenAI’s famed AGI agreement is dead  [https://www.theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/918981/openai-microsoft-renegotiate-contract] * Now that OpenAI’s Microsoft exclusivity is over, it has a new deal with Amazon and AWS. [https://www.theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/919800/now-that-openais-microsoft-exclusivity-is-over-it-has-a-new-deal-with-amazon-and-aws] * ChatGPT downloads are slowing — and may cause problems for OpenAI’s IPO [https://www.theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/920476/openai-chatgpt-downloads-slow-down-ipo] * Meta lost 20 million users last quarter [https://www.theverge.com/tech/921089/meta-earnings-q1-2026-user-decline-ai-investments] * The more young people use AI, the more they hate it [https://www.theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/920401/gen-z-ai] * Google Search queries hit an ‘all time high’ last quarter [https://www.theverge.com/tech/920815/google-alphabet-q1-2026-earnings-sundar-pichai] * Valve’s new Steam Controller isn’t perfect, but I’m buying one anyway  [https://www.theverge.com/games/918610/valve-steam-controller-review] * Valve launches the Steam Controller without the Steam Machine  [https://www.theverge.com/games/918622/valve-steam-controller-price-release-date-steam-machine-delay] * Why the Steam Controller is (and isn’t) a big deal  [https://www.theverge.com/tech/918115/steam-controller-2026-pc-deck-machine-hands-on-features] * Samsung’s first smart glasses have leaked  [https://www.theverge.com/gadgets/919189/samsung-galaxy-glasses-leaked-images] * Is this Samsung’s upcoming wide foldable?  [https://www.theverge.com/tech/918951/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-8-wide-dummy-leak] * The long rumored foldable iPad may never see the light of day.  [https://www.theverge.com/tech/918857/the-long-rumored-foldable-ipad-may-never-see-the-light-of-day] * The new Razr Ultra is still the best-looking phone out there  [https://www.theverge.com/tech/920183/motorola-razr-ultra-2026-wood-finish-alcantara-price] * Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo (2026) review: 2 screens 2 furious [https://www.theverge.com/tech/918529/asus-rog-zephyrus-duo-2026-intel-nvidia-5090-review] * Trump demands ABC fire Jimmy Kimmel [https://www.theverge.com/policy/919337/president-trump-jimmy-kimmel-fire-abc] * The FCC is going after the broadcast licenses of Disney-owned ABC stations  [https://www.theverge.com/policy/919739/fcc-disney-abc-broadcast-licenses-threat] * Former FCC staffers agree: Brendan Carr needs to be stopped  [https://www.theverge.com/policy/919536/former-fcc-officials-brendan-car-news-distortion-policy] * The FCC is saving Amazon’s Eero and Leo routers from its ban, too.  [https://www.theverge.com/gadgets/918501/the-fcc-is-saving-amazons-eero-and-leo-routers-from-its-ban-too] * Taylor Swift deepfakes are pushing scams on TikTok  [https://www.theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/920351/ai-celebrity-deepfake-ads-tiktok-copyleaks] * Here’s what Netflix’s new vertical video feed is like [https://www.theverge.com/streaming/920179/netflix-vertical-video-feed-mobile-app-ui] Subscribe to The Verge [https://www.theverge.com/subscribe] for unlimited access to theverge.com [http://theverge.com/], subscriber-exclusive newsletters, and our ad-free podcast feed [https://www.theverge.com/bulletin/795051/verge-podcast-ad-free-set-up-how-to].We love hearing from you! Email your questions and thoughts to vergecast@theverge.com [vergecast@theverge.com] or call us at 866-VERGE11. (Timestamps are approximate.) 00:00:00 Intro 00:03:00 Elon vs OpenAI Overview 00:07:00 Jury Selection Drama 00:12:00 Elon's Testimony Begins 00:23:00 Trial Implications 00:26:00 Microsoft and OpenAI Split 00:30:00 The AWS Deal 00:32:00 Consumer AI Backlash 00:41:00 AI Powered Ad Targeting 00:44:00 Enterprise AI Success Story 00:45:00 Widow's Bay Recommendation 00:46:00 Apple TV Quality Content 00:48:00 Coyote vs Acme 00:55:00 Steam Controller Review 00:57:00 Universal Remote Theory 01:01:00 Smart Glasses Problem 01:05:00 Wide Foldable Phones 01:09:00 Motorola Razr Ultra 01:12:00 ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo 01:17:00 Brendan Carr is a Dummy 01:18:00 Jimmy Kimmel Controversy 01:25:00 FCC Open Meeting Response 01:26:00 News Distortion Rule Lawsuit 01:29:00 Router Ban Update 01:33:00 Taylor Swift Trademark Strategy 01:37:00 YouTube Likeness Protection 01:41:00 Netflix Clips Feature 01:44:00 The Clip Economy Shift 01:46:00 Streaming Services vs TikTok 01:49:00 Show Wrap Up Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Musk and Altman go to court

Elon Musk's case against OpenAI is heading to trial. Musk is almost certainly going to lose, but he might still get everything he wants from the fight. The Verge's Liz Lopatto explains how this spat made it this far, and where it's going next. After that, The Verge's Sean Hollister tells us about the latest products from Framework, including the company's coolest laptop yet — and a keyboard for couch potatoes. Finally, Sean helps David answer a question from the Vergecast Hotline (call 866-VERGE11 or email vergecast@theverge.com [vergecast@theverge.com]!) about the Surface Go and other small PCs, which might be due for a comeback. Further reading: * Musk vs. Altman is here, and it’s going to get messy  [https://www.theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/917755/musk-altman-openai-xai-gossip] * Mark Zuckerberg lies about content moderation to Joe Rogan’s face  [https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/10/24341117/mark-zuckerberg-facebook-joe-rogan-lies] * A look at the evidence of Elon Musk’s lawsuit against Open AI  [https://www.theverge.com/column/863319/highlights-musk-v-altman-openai] * Framework announces Laptop 13 Pro, ‘the MacBook Pro for Linux users’  [https://www.theverge.com/gadgets/915508/framework-announces-laptop-13-pro-the-macbook-pro-for-linux-users] * Framework is building a better couch keyboard because everyone hates the Logitech one  [https://www.theverge.com/tech/915497/framework-is-building-a-better-couch-keyboard-because-everyone-hates-the-logitech-one] * Framework’s first OCuLink eGPUs hack its laptop into a desktop PC  [https://www.theverge.com/gadgets/915328/framework-oculink-egpu-dev-kit-laptop-16] * Microsoft Surface Go review: a little goes a long way [https://www.theverge.com/2018/8/7/17657174/microsoft-surface-go-review-tablet-windows-10] Subscribe to The Verge [https://www.theverge.com/subscribe] for unlimited access to theverge.com [http://theverge.com/], subscriber-exclusive newsletters, and our ad-free podcast feed [https://www.theverge.com/bulletin/795051/verge-podcast-ad-free-set-up-how-to].We love hearing from you! Email your questions and thoughts to vergecast@theverge.com [vergecast@theverge.com] or call us at 866-VERGE11. (Timestamps are approximate.) 00:00:00 Rabbit R1 Returns 00:05:00 Musk vs OpenAI 00:07:00 What the Lawsuit Claims 00:11:00 Musk Motives and Remedies 00:16:00 Discovery Dirt and Strays 00:22:00 Altman Reputation Stakes 00:28:00 Risks for Musk and IPO 00:37:00 Framework Laptop Pro 00:41:00 Battery Life and Specs 00:43:00 Display Specs Upgrade 00:44:00 Battery And Memory Gains 00:45:00 Modular Upgrades Promise 00:50:00 Transparency And Community 00:53:00 Who This Laptop Is For 00:54:00 Linux First Developer Pitch 00:56:00 Pricing And Value 01:01:00 Couch Keyboard Upgrade 01:13:00 Vergecast Hotline Tiny Laptops 01:16:00 Arm Chip Revolution Explained 01:22:00 Wrap Up Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

AirPods, Touch Bars, and the rest of Tim Cook's legacy

Now that we've had a few days to digest the Apple CEO succession news, Nilay and David get some help from Daring Fireball's John Gruber to discuss Tim Cook's legacy, the potential for change under John Ternus, and whether the Touch Bar actually could have been great. Then, Nilay and David react to some breaking news: Microsoft is going back to the Xbox. And everything is an Xbox now. Finally, in the lightning round, we have a round of Brendan Carr is a Dummy, a very 2026 new microphone, a BMW we can't figure out, and Meta's new AI training tool: its employees. We’re also on video! Check us out on YouTube. [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL39u5ZEfYDEO5PaNRWyqloGY6zzJ1fjBa] Subscribe to The Verge [https://www.theverge.com/subscribe] for unlimited access to theverge.com [http://theverge.com/], subscriber-exclusive newsletters and our ad-free podcast feed [https://www.theverge.com/bulletin/795051/verge-podcast-ad-free-set-up-how-to]. We love hearing from you! Email your questions and thoughts to vergecast@theverge.com or call us at 866-VERGE11. Further reading: * Behold the cursed 2027 BMW 7 Series interior (via Car and Driver) [https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/770a4e40-944a-4c48-bd36-48fd0bb0b22e.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.912xh;0,0.0879xh] * Tim Cook’s departure is the start of a new era at Apple  [https://www.theverge.com/tech/916585/tim-cook-apple-new-era] * Read Tim Cook’s letter to the Apple world as he departs as CEO  [https://www.theverge.com/tech/915279/tim-cook-ceo-letter-apple-community] * Wearable health tech might be Tim Cook’s greatest legacy   [https://www.theverge.com/tech/915976/tim-cook-john-ternus-apple-watch-health-tech-wearables] * Who is Apple’s new CEO John Ternus?  [https://www.theverge.com/tech/915388/apple-ceo-john-ternus-tim-cook] * Tim Cook: “I am healthy. My energy is high, and I plan to be in this new role for a long time.” [https://www.theverge.com/tech/916228/tim-cook-i-am-healthy-my-energy-is-high-and-i-plan-to-be-in-this-new-role-for-a-long-time] * Xbox Game Pass Ultimate gets a price cut but loses new Call of Duty games  [https://www.theverge.com/news/915928/microsoft-xbox-game-pass-ultimate-price-drop] * Microsoft says the ‘idea’ of an Xbox mobile store ‘is not dead’  [https://www.theverge.com/news/916601/microsoft-xbox-mobile-store-comment] * Call of Duty never made much sense for Xbox Game Pass  [https://www.theverge.com/games/916627/call-of-duty-xbox-game-pass] * We found Microsoft’s amicus brief about the Xbox mobile game store. [https://www.theverge.com/games/916881/we-found-microsofts-amicus-brief-about-the-xbox-mobile-game-store] * Variety: Trump’s FCC Wants Input on Whether ‘Transgender and Gender Nonbinary’ TV Programming Is ‘Appropriate’ for Children [https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/trump-fcc-transgender-gender-nonbinary-tv-children-ratings-1236727876/] * Anthropic’s most dangerous AI model just fell into the wrong hands [https://www.theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/916501/anthropic-mythos-unauthorized-users-access-security] * Insta360 is putting screens on its next wireless mics to show logos or images [https://www.theverge.com/tech/914814/insta360-wireless-mic-pro-e-ink-screen-nab-2026-teaser] * Now Meta will track what employees do on their computers to train its AI agents [https://www.theverge.com/tech/916681/meta-ai-agents-employee-tracking] --EPISODE RUNDOWN-- (Timestamps are approximate.) 00:01:00 Tim Cook to step down as Apple CEO 00:50:00 Xbox rebrand 01:06:00 Brendan Carr is a Dummy 01:08:00 FCC targets "transgender and gender nonbinary" kids' TV 01:13:00 Mythos 01:21:00 BMW 7-Series' confusing interior 01:27:00 Insta360 mic with screen 01:30:00 Meta tracks employees Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

The Vergecast Vergecast, 2026 edition

We get a lot of questions about how we make The Vergecast. And why we make The Vergecast. And how we make money, and journalism, and everything. So every once in a while, we try to answer those questions! In this episode, David and Nilay are joined by The Verge's publisher, Helen Havlak, to talk about video podcasts, ads, subscriptions, Nilay's jackets, and much more. Curious about those video podcasts we discussed? Check us out on YouTube. [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL39u5ZEfYDEO5PaNRWyqloGY6zzJ1fjBa] Jealous of those Verge subscriptions we discussed? Subscribe to The Verge [https://www.theverge.com/subscribe] for unlimited access to theverge.com [http://theverge.com/], subscriber-exclusive newsletters and our ad-free podcast feed [https://www.theverge.com/bulletin/795051/verge-podcast-ad-free-set-up-how-to]. Have more questions for us? We love hearing from you! Email your questions and thoughts to vergecast@theverge.com [vergecast@theverge.com] or call us at 866-VERGE11. --EPISODE RUNDOWN-- (Timestamps are approximate.) 00:00:00 David's late night stroll 00:02:00 Today's Vergecast is about The Vergecast 00:03:00 New verge.com website just dropped 00:09:00 Following feature insights 00:13:00 Open Social Web plans 00:25:00 Verge audience demographics 00:31:00 Monetization 00:48:00 Audio vs. video podcasts 00:54:00 Supporting The Verge 01:00:00 Old Verge video style 01:07:00 Verge alumni 01:12:00 Why is it called Brendan Carr is a Dummy? 01:14:00 Nilay's jackets 01:21:00 How has gadget blogging changed? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Apple’s got a new CEO: The Vergecast Livestream

For the first time in 15 years, Apple is getting a new CEO. Tim Cook is stepping down, and John Ternus is taking the biggest job at one of the biggest companies in the world. News this big can only mean one thing: emergency Vergecast! Nilay and David broke down the news, their immediate reactions, and what they think might be in store for Apple going forward. To watch our livestreams as they stream live, check us out on YouTube. [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL39u5ZEfYDEO5PaNRWyqloGY6zzJ1fjBa] Subscribe to The Verge [https://www.theverge.com/subscribe] for unlimited access to theverge.com [http://theverge.com/], subscriber-exclusive newsletters and our ad-free podcast feed [https://www.theverge.com/bulletin/795051/verge-podcast-ad-free-set-up-how-to]. We love hearing from you! Email your questions and thoughts to vergecast@theverge.com [vergecast@theverge.com] or call us at 866-VERGE11. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]