Apple’s AirPods may not impress audio enthusiasts, or even most of the general device-buying public. But they do signal to a likely future scenario when wearable technology is both far more common and far more powerful—and one when the phone plays a diminished role in our tech culture. Yes, we’ll all still have phones, but we may not need to rely on them as much. Also this week: Behind the scenes of David’s iPhone 7 review, and curious pet behavior.

Some notes: Will Oremus in Slate discussing the same topic. David Pierce reviews the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus and pans the AirPods. A survey of ceramics in personal technology products by Brian Barrett.

Send the hosts feedback on their personal Twitter feeds (David Pierce is @pierce and Michael Calore is @snackfight) or bling the main hotline at @GadgetLab.