This is Only a Test

We have a full crew this week to review the Netflix documentary The Social Dilemma, unpack John Carmack's talk about the Oculus Quest 2, and dive into the science of Tesla's battery day news. Plus, Norm dons a Hololens 2 and shares some impressions, and we blitz through a whirlwind of pop culture updates.

Jeremy and Norm discuss in-depth the two big tech stories this week: Quest 2 being announced at Facebook Connect and Apple's new iPad and Watch event. We answer questions viewers have about the Quest 2 and brace ourselves for a holiday season of new hardware launches. And just as we finish recording, Sony drops the PlayStation 5 pricing and release dates!

We're joined by science communicator Trace Dominguez this week to discuss the state of the west coast wildfires and what's making the sky turn orange in the Bay Area. Kishore recaps the virtual panels of DragonCon, and Norm wonders how a big budget Dune gets approved. Plus, pricing for next-gen consoles, augmented reality Mario Kart, and the science of brain-machine interfaces. Thanks to Jeff for making this week's theme music!

This week, we talk about Nvidia's long-awaited 3000-series graphics card announcement, Netflix's plan to adapt the Three Body Problem, LEGO's first collaboration with IKEA, and debate the merits of rotoscoping over stop-motion animation. Plus, a new Marvel-themed pinball machine and the hype for Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond! Thanks to Chloe for making this week's theme music!

We break down all the announcments from DC's Fandome event from this past weekend, including the reveal of the new Batman! Plus, Netflix's comforting gaming documentary, the latest in Epic vs. Apple, and the big change for Oculus' annual developer conference. Thanks to Rick in Vermont for making this week's intro music!

Epic takes on Apple in the biggest tech story this week, as the team explains the conflict in a mock trial with advocates for both parties. What's actually at stake for users and developers? Plus, the response to Oculus's terms of service updates, the state of Covid testing, and how a shuffle button would and should work on Netflix. Thanks to Chip McDonald for composing this week's intro music! Keep them coming!

It's just Norm and Jeremy this week to discuss the wave of Microsoft product news, including the Surface Duo launch, Halo Infinite delay, and xcloud on iOS. We also have differing opinions about the new Star Trek Lower Decks show, and our hopes for the VR port of the Hitman trilogy. All that and more on a reverse-order show! Thanks to @lessreverb for creating this week's theme music!

This week, we talk about Disney's decision to release Mulan for purchase on Disney+ and what that may mean for future wide releases while theaters are closed. We also talk about LEGO's grand piano set, PlayStation controllers, and the idea of an Oculus Quest Pro. Plus, Kishore explains the vaccination testing process in an extended moment of science!

We're going reverse order this week, but kick things off with anticipation for the impending launch of the Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover slated for early Thursday, and its kit of high-tech gear being sent offworld. We discuss the Oculus headset photo leak, our hopes for Tales from Galaxy's Edge, the Xbox games showcase, and major takeaways from last week's Comic-Con at home. Thanks to Maskil for making our awesome heavy metal theme this week!

On the eve of San Diego Comic-Con at home and the Xbox Games Showcase, we check in to talk about our recent projects upgrading home theater sound systems and building a new PC. We discuss Netflix's big bet on spy thriller franchise, the fate of Tenet, and the significance of 4K 60fps games on next-gen consoles. Plus, what's up with that Oculus Quest render that's been posted online. Thanks to Alex for creating this week's theme music!