Download

Download

Download on the App Store

Download episodes

  • 28: Five Layers

    The iPhone X is almost here, and we've got three people who have one in their hands. Plus, what's the deal with Apple's iPhone X PR strategy? Meanwhile in D.C., tech companies are facing down Congress.

    This episode of Download is sponsored by:
    • TextExpander: Communicate smarter with TextExpander
    • Balance Open: Find out more about Balance Open and get $2 in Ethereum.
    • Guest Starring:

      Carolina Milanesi and Neil Cybart

      Links and Show Notes: iPhone X: Tomorrow's iPhone today - Six Colors Apple's iPhone X: The First Field Report | WIRED Above Avalon: iPhone X 512 Pixels - YouTube The Cary42 is a gorgeous wooden arcade box for the extremely wealthy - The Verge cary42 - LOVE HULTEN RetroPie - Retro-gaming on the Raspberry Pi Tech Executives Are Contrite About Election Meddling, but Make Few Promises on Capitol Hill - The New York Times Eight Revelations From Day Two of Russia Hearings with Facebook, Twitter, and Google | WIRED Russia-Financed Ad Linked Clinton and Satan - The New York Times Senators target fictional ads on Facebook - Axios carolina milanesi (@caro_milanesi) | Twitter Neil Cybart (@neilcybart) | Twitter
      1 hr
    • 27: Mutants Like Us

      It's a week of big questions: The Google Pixel 2 XL is showing all sorts of screen issues, but how big of a deal are the problems really going to be in the market? Is Amazon Key the utopian dream or creepy nightmare? Who's ordering an iPhone X?

      This episode of Download is sponsored by:
      • Mailroute: a secure, hosted email service for protection from viruses and spam. Get a 30 day trial and 10% off the lifetime of your account.
      • Ting: A smarter way to do mobile. Save $25 on selected devices or keep it as Ting credit.
      • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code DOWNLOADFM at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
      • Guest Starring:

        Andy Ihnatko, Mikah Sargent, and Megan Morrone

        Links and Show Notes: The Pixel 2 XL would be the best phone if its screen wasn’t so awful - The Verge Pixel 2 XL screen burn-in is real, Google 'actively investigating' the problem | Android Central The latest Pixel 2 issues: A high-pitched whine and clicking noises | Ars Technica Amazon Key is a new service that lets couriers unlock your front door - The Verge Amazon’s latest Alexa-enabled device is a home security camera - The Verge Amazon.com: Introducing - Amazon Key: Amazon Devices & Accessories Amazon Cloud Cam Indoor Security Camera, works with Alexa Amazon.com: Cloud Cam Plan: Extended: Memberships and Subscriptions A Response to “Responsible Encryption” | Center for Internet and Society FBI director: Unbreakable encryption is a “huge, huge problem” | Ars Technica Pre-order: Cool Fresh Gear — Relay FM Apple Says iPhone X Will Be Available for Walk-In Customers at Stores on Launch Day - Mac Rumors Apple says report Face ID accuracy reduced are completely false meganmorrone (@meganmorrone) | Twitter Mikah D. Sargent (@mikahsargent) | Twitter Andy Ihnatko (@Ihnatko) | Twitter
        1 hr
      • 26: A Miasma of Floating Pixels

        Windows 10 gets an update, the choice between compatibility and security, the future of Microsoft, and Wi-Fi security gets KRACKed wide open.

        This episode of Download is sponsored by:
        • Bombfell: Find the right clothes for you. Get $25 off your first purchase.
        • Hover: Show the world what you’re passionate about with 10% off your first purchase
        • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code DOWNLOADFM at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
        • Guest Starring:

          Glenn Fleishman and Lisa Schmeiser

          Links and Show Notes: Microsoft shows off its Fluent Design changes to Windows 10 - The Verge What is Windows 10 Fall Creators Update? Everything you need to know about Microsoft's big upgrade - TechRepublic Windows 10 Creators Update | Here's what we like in the latest OS | Windows Server content from SuperSite for Windows The Windows 10 Fall Creators Update bets big on mixed reality Microsoft's Surface Book 2 has more power and a new 15-inch size - The Verge Wi-Fi security has been breached, say researchers - The Verge Serious flaw in WPA2 protocol lets attackers intercept passwords and much more | Ars Technica Wi-Fi Security Flaw Not As Bad As It’s KRACKed Up To Be - TidBITS KRACK Attacks: Breaking WPA2 Apple Watch notification helps save man's life: 'It would have been fatal'  How my Apple Watch's heart rate monitoring saved my life | Macworld
          1 hr 8 min
        • 25: Not *That* Nokia

          A postmortem of Windows Phone, tech companies continue to write big checks to the entertainment industry, and the Google Home Mini triggers our concerns about cameras and microphones in our homes.

          This episode of Download is sponsored by:
          • Balance: Find out more about Balance Open and get $2 in Ethereum.
          • Mailroute: a secure, hosted email service for protection from viruses and spam. Get a 30 day trial and 10% off the lifetime of your account.
          • Guest Starring:

            Anže Tomić and Carolina Milanesi

            Links and Show Notes: This is not a drill: Microsoft admits Windows Phone is dead for real | TechCrunch Windows Phone is dead - The Verge Windows Phone was a glorious failure - The Verge Apple’s big jump into original content will start with Steven Spielberg’s Amazing Stories - The Verge Tim Goodman: Apple Might Have a Surprisingly Steep Learning Curve as it Enters the TV Industry | Hollywood Reporter Samsung made a Darth Vader vacuum complete with creepy breathing sounds - The Verge Google is permanently nerfing all Home Minis because mine spied on everything I said 24/7 [Update x2]
            1 hr 3 min
          • 24: Vessels for Google

            The Made By Google event takes center stage next week, as Google unveils the Pixel 2 (and 2 XL), wireless earbuds, a new AI-driven camera, and a premium Chrome OS laptop. Plus there's intelligent assistant news from Sonos.

            This episode of Download is sponsored by:
            • TextExpander: Communicate smarter with TextExpander
            • Timing: The automatic time tracking app for macOS. Use this link to get 10% off your purchase of Timing.
            • Guest Starring:

              Florence Ion and Jon Phillips

              Links and Show Notes: Exclusive first look at the Google Pixel 2 and 2 XL - The Verge

              Google's new phones bring a refreshed design, an all-new camera and a lot more Google Assistant.

              Pixel 2 XL hands on: 5 reasons why you'll want Google's $849 superphone - PCWorld

              Jon Phillips got his hands on Google's new phones.

              Google Lens will finally make its debut on Pixel phones later this year - TechCrunch

              Lens brings together a wide swath of Google’s machine intelligence services. It combines the company’s image recognition smarts with the real-time translation of Google Translate and the Google Assistant.

              Up close with Pixel Buds, Google's answer to AirPods - The Verge

              Google is making wireless headphones that are specifically designed to be the first and best option for people who buy Google phones

              Google's Pixel Buds translation will change the world - Engadget

              If you tell Google Assistant to "Help me speak Japanese" and then start speaking in English, the phone's speakers will output your translated words as you speak them.

              Google unveils a $249 smart camera that decides what’s worth photographing - Ars Technica

              The Clips figures out when something exciting is happening—happy faces, good lighting, interesting framing—and, when it thinks the time is right, it records (silent) video captures.

              Google’s Pixelbook is a 2-in-1 premium Chromebook - Engadget

              Google is jumping back into the premium notebook fray with the Pixelbook. The 2-in-1 is a powerful machine, but will run $999.

              Google Pixelbook: Pen support and phone tethering could seal the Chrome OS deal - PCWorld

              Before you do a spit-take at the thought of a $999 Chromebook, check out all the innovation Google has brought to its Pixelbook.

              Sonos One is the company's first speaker with built-in voice control - Engadget

              The speaker will cost $199 when it ships on October 24th, which is decidedly pricier than your typical smart speaker, but on par with the One's voiceless precursor.

              How Sonos Made Amazon's Alexa Sound Amazing - WIRED

              Sonos and Alexa, sitting in a tree...

              Google Assistant is coming to Sonos’ new One speaker next year - The Verge

              According to Google, Assistant on Sonos One will be the same Google Assistant that it offers on all of its other devices, although Sonos hasn’t clarified exactly how Assistant and Alexa will work side by side on the One just yet.

              Sonos will add AirPlay 2 support for direct control in 2018 - Engadget

              You'll be able to control a multi-speaker system via your streaming app of choice rather than Sonos' own application.

              First look at Google Home Mini and Max - The Verge

              With the Home Mini and Home Max, Google is going after both Amazon and Sonos.

              Florence Ion (@Ohthatflo) - Twitter Jon Phillips (@JonPhillipsSF) - Twitter
              55 min
            • 23: They Didn't Mention Windows Once

              In Seattle, Amazon held a surprise media event and unveiled all the Echoes. In Orlando, Microsoft held its Ignite conference, sharing information on new products as well as its vision for the future.

              This episode of Download is sponsored by:
              • Mailroute: a secure, hosted email service for protection from viruses and spam. Get a 30 day trial and 10% off the lifetime of your account.
              • Guest Starring:

                Lisa Schmeiser and Melissa Riofrio

                Links and Show Notes: A round-up of yesterday's Amazon announcements - Six Colors

                Amazon announced a wide range of products this week.

                Amazon.com - Echo (2nd Generation) Amazon.com - Echo Plus Amazon.com - Echo Buttons Big Mouth Billy Bass will soon work with Amazon Alexa - The Verge

                The fish will be able to pair over Bluetooth and then lip sync and dance when music plays.

                Amazon.com - Echo Spot Amazon.com - All-New Fire TV Essential has sold just 5,000 phones through Sprint since launch: BayStreet - FierceWireless

                Essential Products has sold an estimated 5,000 phones through Sprint since the gadget made its big retail debut in the United States earlier this month, according to estimates from BayStreet Research.

                Satya Nadella at Ignite - Microsoft News Center

                Satya Nadella at Ignite: “We collectively have the opportunity to lead in this transformation.”

                Microsoft’s new coding language is made for quantum computers - Engadget

                Microsoft is effectively building a language for computers that don't really exist yet.

                Melissa Riofrio (@MRiofrioPCW) - Twitter Lisa Schmeiser (@lschmeiser) - Twitter
                41 min
              • 22: All These Spies

                Hands on with the iPhone 8 (and an iPhone X imposter), Google absorbs part of HTC, and Wirecutter editors discuss the art of the modern product review.

                This episode of Download is sponsored by:
                • Pingdom: Start monitoring your websites and servers today. Use offer code DOWNLOAD to get 30% off.
                • Guest Starring:

                  Jacqui Cheng and Dan Frakes

                  Links and Show Notes: Michael Tsai - Blog - iPhone 8 Reviews

                  A roundup of iPhone 8 reviews.

                  iOS 11 review - Macworld

                  iOS 11 is Apple’s most ambitious iOS update in some time.

                  iPhone - Compare Models - Apple

                  Apple is selling many different iPhones these days.

                  Google signs agreement with HTC, continuing our big bet on hardware - Official Google Blog

                  Google: "We’ve signed an agreement with HTC, a leader in consumer electronics, that will fuel even more product innovation in the years ahead. With this agreement, a team of HTC talent will join Google as part of the hardware organization."

                  Google is buying part of HTC’s smartphone team for $1.1 billion - The Verge

                  Peter Shen, HTC’s chief financial officer, said that HTC would still employ more than 2,000 research and design staffers after the deal is done, down from around 4,000.

                  Bain Seeks $7 Billion From Apple for Toshiba Chips Bid - Bloomberg

                  Bain Capital is seeking more financial support from Apple Inc. as it tries to seal its acquisition of Toshiba Corp.’s memory chips business, according to a person familiar with the matter.

                  This AR app solves Sudoku puzzles using your iPhone’s camera - The Verge

                  If brain games are more your thing, there’s one app that solves (or ruins) Sudoku problems when you’re stuck. Through Apple’s ARKit, the app figures out the answer to a puzzle. All a user has to do is point the camera at a printed Sudoku grid and the phone can automatically fill out the blank squares.

                  Wirecutter, But for Everything - The Wirecutter

                  The Wirecutter and The Sweethome and launching a unified website in their place to be the definitive review source for our readers, with a new name: Wirecutter.

                  The Best Air Fryer (But We Don’t Recommend It) - The Sweethome

                  We’re sad to say that after more than 35 hours researching and testing air fryers, we don’t recommend them for most people.

                  Jacqui Cheng (@ejacqui) - Twitter Dan Frakes (@DanFrakes) - Twitter
                  50 min
                • 21: Like Being in a Star Wars Movie

                  It's Apple's biggest week of the year. But announcing the iPhone 8 and iPhone X simultaneously is a risky move for the company to make. Also, what's the value of a cellular-connected Apple Watch, and does Apple's Apple TV 4K strategy make sense?

                  This episode of Download is sponsored by:
                  • Mailroute: a secure, hosted email service for protection from viruses and spam. Get a 30 day trial and 10% off the lifetime of your account.
                  • Timing: The automatic time tracking app for macOS. Use this link to get 10% off your purchase of Timing.
                  • Guest Starring:

                    Shelly Brisbin and Ben Thompson

                    Links and Show Notes: The Lessons and Questions of the iPhone X and the iPhone 8 – Stratechery by Ben Thompson iPhone X - Apple iPhone 8 - Apple iPhone X: Face ID - Apple Thoughts on Yesterday's iPhone X Apple Event — Steven's Blog Face ID and the Mac – 512 Pixels ARKit - Apple Developer ARCore - Google Developer iPhone 8: Wireless Charging - Apple Cassini: The Journey - NASA JPL Cassini: The Grand Finale - NASA JPL Apple Watch Series 3 - Apple All Original iPhone Ads - YouTube Beyond the iPhone – Stratechery by Ben Thompson Apple TV 4K - Apple Disney Is Lone Holdout From Apple's Plan to Sell 4K Movies for $20 Stratechery by Ben Thompson – On the business, strategy, and impact of technology. Ben Thompson (@benthompson) - Twitter ShellyBlog Shelly Brisbin (@shelly) - Twitter Styx on Twitter: "In your final hours, congrats to @NASA’s @CassiniSaturn on amazing science to the end! #CassiniInspires https://t.co/X6VRFOIDzD" CassiniSaturn on Twitter: "Domo arigato. https://t.co/i8P1g6DpkY"
                    59 min
                  • 20: Like Rooting for the Cable Company

                    Silicon Valley companies are back in the political arena with their reactions to DACA. Meanwhile, Apple and Amazon are in a bidding war over James Bond while the Boston Red Sox are cheating using their Apple Watches.

                    This episode of Download is sponsored by:
                    • TextExpander: Communicate smarter with TextExpander
                    • Jamf Now: Manage your Apple devices from anywhere. Get your first three devices free!
                    • Guest Starring:

                      Serenity Caldwell and Devindra Hardawar

                      Links and Show Notes: In a strong rebuke, Microsoft offered to aid employees affected by Trump’s DACA decision - Recode

                      Apple and Microsoft pledged on Tuesday to protect workers who face the risk of legal trouble and perhaps deportation after President Donald Trump terminated a major immigration program that had broad support among the business community.

                      Tech community stands by Dreamers after Trump ends protections - Engadget

                      CEOs and representatives of hundreds of companies and organizations signed the FWD.us open letter last week and many are continuing to stand with Dreamers and DACA today.

                      Silicon Valley’s Politics: Liberal, With One Big Exception - The New York Times

                      A politically awakened Silicon Valley, buttressed by the tech industry’s growing economic power, could potentially alter politics long after President Trump has left the scene. But if the tech industry becomes a political force, what sort of policies will it push?

                      House Passes Self-Driving Car Bill - WIRED

                      The SELF DRIVE Act lays out a basic federal framework for autonomous vehicle regulation, signaling that federal lawmakers are finally ready to think seriously about self-driving cars and what they mean for the future of the country.

                      Larry Page Wants Earth To Have A Mad Scientist Island - TechCrunch

                      Larry Page wishes the world had some sort of permanent Burning Man-esque place for crazy builders to just be crazy. A place with less societal pressure, and without antiquated laws makin’ things sticky.

                      Apple, Amazon Join Race for James Bond Film Rights - Hollywood Reporter

                      The franchise, and its future, are up for grabs as Agent 007 is being viewed as one of the last untapped brands that could be a game changer.

                      Apple: Kim Rozenfeld, Max Aronson, Ali Woodruff & Rita Cooper Lee Join - Deadline

                      Former Sony TV head of current programming KimRozenfeld has officially landed at Apple, rejoining his former Sony TV bosses Zack Van Amburg and Jamie Erlicht, who were named in June to oversee worldwide video programming. Also joining the team of the newly launched video programming division are Sony TV development executives Max Aronson and Ali Woodruff as well as WGN America’s former head of PR Rita Cooper Lee.

                      Squeezed for profits, maker of $400 connected juice press closes up shop - Ars Technica

                      In a letter posted on its website on Friday, Juicero said that it would be closing down its business. The Silicon Valley startup sold a cold-press juice machine that squeezed juice out of proprietary bags of fruit and vegetable matter. The bags were delivered to the Juicero owner’s home on a subscription basis.

                      Boston Red Sox Used Apple Watches to Steal Signs Against Yankees - The New York Times

                      Investigators for Major League Baseball have determined that the Red Sox, who are in first place in the American League East and very likely headed to the playoffs, executed a scheme to illicitly steal hand signals from opponents’ catchers in games against the second-place Yankees and other teams, according to several people briefed on the matter.

                      Membership - Relay FM

                      Relay FM memberships start at $5 a month. Aside from transaction fees, all of the money from your membership goes to the Relay FM hosts whose shows you support. We encourage you to choose your favorite shows to make sure your money goes to them directly.

                      Devindra Hardawar (@Devindra) - Twitter Serenity Caldwell (@settern) - Twitter
                      49 min
                    • 19: Micromanaging the Middle Manager

                      The world of voice assistants gets more complicated with an Alexa-Cortana link-up, Google counters Apple's augmented-reality toolkit with an announcement of its own, and Berlin's IFA trade show brings announcements of new smartwatches and mobile PCs.

                      This episode of Download is sponsored by:
                      • Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy.
                      • Away: Travel smarter with the suitcase that charges your phone. Get $20 off with the code ‘download’.
                      • Guest Starring:

                        Shahid Kamal Ahmad and Melissa Riofrio

                        Links and Show Notes: ‘Cortana, Open Alexa,’ Amazon Says. And Microsoft Agrees. - The New York Times Amazon Echo devices now support multi-room audio - The Verge Google shows off ARCore, its answer to Apple’s ARKit | TechCrunch Amazon Cuts Whole Foods Prices as Much as 43% on First Day - Bloomberg What to expect from IFA 2017: Samsung, LG, Sony, and Asus - The Verge Acer's Switch 7 could overpower the Surface Pro and MacBook Pro | PCWorld The Samsung Gear Fit 2 Pro and Gear Sport are official — here’s everything you need to know | 9to5Google Fitbit has a lot to prove with Ionic, its new smartwatch - The Verge Garmin launches new Vivoactive 3 smartwatch with Garmin Pay | Ars Technica Membership - Relay FM Remaster - Relay FM
                        55 min

                      About Download

                      From the publisher's feed

                      From products and companies to services and trends, Download’s weekly panel of experts analyzed the biggest topics in tech … and a few you may have missed. Hosted by Jason Snell and Stephen Hackett.

                      More shows like Download

                      Under the Radar by Relay

                      Under the Radar

                      213 Listeners

                      Mac Power Users by Relay

                      Mac Power Users

                      1,288 Listeners

                      Clockwise by Relay

                      Clockwise

                      252 Listeners

                      Material by Relay

                      Material

                      83 Listeners

                      Connected by Relay FM

                      Connected

                      568 Listeners

                      Cortex by Relay

                      Cortex

                      1,282 Listeners

                      Reconcilable Differences by Relay

                      Reconcilable Differences

                      428 Listeners

                      The Pen Addict by Relay

                      The Pen Addict

                      400 Listeners

                      Upgrade by Relay

                      Upgrade

                      1,219 Listeners

                      Focused by Relay

                      Focused

                      120 Listeners