Input/Output

Apple is releasing four new iPhone 12 models: the 12 Mini, the 12, the 12 Pro, and the 12 Pro Max. But which one should you choose? Do you even need a new iPhone at all? Input senior reviews editor Ray Wong joins us to talk about the new family of iPhones and what you can expect from each of the models. And later: For the past 50 years, writer and food historian Barbara Ketcham Wheaton has been compiling information from historical cookbooks from around the globe. That research is now available in the form of a beautiful, old-school-style database called The Sifter. Input news writer Mehreen Kasana joins us to discuss.

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Facebook recently announced it will ban all Pages, Groups, and Instagram accounts linked to the QAnon conspiracy movement. This marks a big step up from the company’s previous policy to ban them only when violence was discussed. Input editor Ryan Houlihan and editor in chief Joshua Topolsky join us to discuss Facebook’s long overdue move. And later: Adidas recently introduced a concept running shoe dubbed “Strung,” featuring a first-of-its-kind upper material that was developed from the ground up. Adidas is using robots to place yarns in any direction across the shoe – a technique that makes the sneaker feel like part of the runner’s body, not an attachment. Ryan and Joshua discuss these high-tech kicks.

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Google recently released details about its upcoming Pixel 5 and 4a 5G. They’re mid-range phones that don’t compete head-on with the iPhone 11 on tech specs. But they do have one camera feature that even the iPhone 11 Pro doesn’t: Night Sight for portrait mode. Input senior reviews editor Ray Wong joins us to discuss. And later: Virtual reality specialist Daniel Voshart recently used machine learning, Photoshop, and a whole lot of research materials to create hyperreal likenesses of ancient Roman emperors. Input news writer Mehreen Kasana joins us to talk about this visually stunning project.

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This episode includes a message from our partner Review Revue, a Headgum podcast.

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Nike and Supreme continue to do limited-edition product drops because they only care about hype, not making you happy, argues Input news writer Ian Servantes. Those brands should take a lesson from Telfar, which favored accessibility over scarcity by putting its coveted Shopping Bag up for pre-sale. Ian joins us to discuss. And later: Input senior editor Edgar Alvarez is weirdly in love with the Hypelev, a $250 display stand that makes your sneakers levitate. Edgar joins us to talk about the gadget, which harnesses the power of electromagnetic currents.

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Brian Armstrong, CEO of the cryptocurrency company Coinbase, recently outlined the startup’s decision to remain “laser focused on achieving its mission” by avoiding any and all socio-political conversations. Armstrong subsequently released an in-house email outlining a voluntary severance package to any workers uncomfortable with this policy. Input editor Ryan Houlihan and editor in chief Joshua Topolsky join us to discuss the controversy. And later: Swedish tech company Teenage Engineering has released the OB-4, a “magic radio” capable of rewinding and remixing live radio thanks to a continuous recording function. It’s like a DVR for the radio — except much more beautiful. Ryan and Joshua talk about the sleek device.

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No one in hip-hop is better at leveraging their personal brand outside of music than Travis Scott, writes Input news writer Ian Servantes. But Scott’s collaborations, most notably his recent high-profile deal with McDonald’s, are devoid of meaning. Ian joins us to explain. And later: The black metal duo Buzz Lightyear recently released a song called “you died,” which features samples from the scene that appears when you get killed in the video game Dark Souls. The track is a mix of black metal and electronic music – and black metal purists hate it. Input news editor Cheyenne MacDonald stops by to discuss. Read more on inputmag.com/inputoutput.

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When Samsung announced the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, with its spiffy new laser autofocus, Input guides editor Evan Rodgers figured it was a good bet to buy one. But he was sorely disappointed with the device’s camera system. It’s a problem, he writes, that stems from Samsung’s entire imaging philosophy. Evan joins us to explain. And later: The forthcoming Hunter electric skateboard has Tesla-level ambitions. It’s an all-aluminum, water-resistant, battery-packing board with custom-designed suspension instead of rigid trucks, and tire-like wheels. That combination means better board handling – and a nearly $2,000 price tag. Input news editor Craig Wilson joins us to discuss.

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Reality TV stars Brody Jenner and Scott Disick recently came under fire for promoting the Gradient app, which lets you see what you’d supposedly look like as a different race. Naturally, Input editor Ryan Houlihan and editor in chief Joshua Topolsky are disgusted by this digital blackface. They join us to discuss. And later: Ikea is debuting its very first secondhand store, in Sweden. The store will offer repaired items, plus old stuff from the furniture chain’s popular lines. The company says that its eco-friendly move is to encourage sustainability among its consumers. Ryan and Joshua talk about Ikea’s move. Read more on inputmag.com/inputoutput.

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Tesla recently unveiled new battery tech that will help its vehicles go further while costing less. The automaker said that it will be building these next-generation batteries itself. It also revealed Tesla’s Model S Plaid, which CEO Elon Musk said would be “the fastest production vehicle ever.” Input news editor Craig Wilson stops by the show to discuss. And later: Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos recently became the first person worth $200 billion. This development, argues Input news writer Andrew Paul, is a crime against humanity for many reasons, including how much of Bezos’s money has been earned during a global pandemic. Andrew joins us to foment class warfare.

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Google is looking to upend the U.S. college education system with its Google Career Certificates program, which will train people for in-demand jobs in only six months without saddling them with mountains of debt. The company says that when it comes to hiring, it will treat these certificates as the equivalent of a four-year degree. Input news writer Mehreen swings by the show to discuss. And later: Instagram sex education accounts such as AllBodies are picking up where health class left off. News editor Cheyenne MacDonald explored the world of sex ed on the social media platform and filed a report for Input. She joins us to talk S-E-X.

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