Latest Gear Live Videos
Why 86 Million People Abandoned Nintendo
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Features, Video Games, Videos,
It’s easy to look at the Wii U’s sales numbers - a 13.5 million unit whimpering follow-up to the Wii’s 100 million unit roar - and assume the console itself was the problem.
But it wasn’t.
The hardware was weird, sure, and that chunky GamePad looked a bit like a Fisher-Price toy, but the real issue was that Nintendo forgot how to talk to human beings. Between the disastrous name that sounded like an accessory and an E3 reveal that hid the actual console, Nintendo spent years trying to sell a solution to a problem nobody knew they had. It was a classic case of brilliant engineering colliding with catastrophic messaging, creating a device that even the most die-hard fans struggled to explain to their friends.
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How the Tesla Cybertruck Became a $10 Billion Mistake
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Transportation, Videos,
It has been six years since Elon Musk stood on stage and watched the "bulletproof" window of the Cybertruck shatter in front of the entire world. At the time, we thought it was just a funny PR mishap, but looking back, it was actually the perfect metaphor for what was coming. We need to talk about how the most hyped vehicle in history has turned into a maintenance nightmare, plaguing owners with everything from rust issues to a recall caused by assembly workers using literal soap as a lubricant. It is a classic case of what happens when a company prioritizes "cool" over engineering fundamentals.
But the hardware failures are only half the story. The financial data surrounding the Cybertruck is where things get truly ugly. We are looking at a reservation conversion rate of just 2.5 percent. This means that the vast majority of people who said they wanted this truck, even after putting their money down for one, walked away when it actually arrived. I’m breaking down the numbers, the massive depreciation early adopters are facing, and why Tesla’s refusal to report separate sales figures for this truck tells you everything you need to know about its performance.
This more than just a polarized design or a polarizing CEO. The Cybertruck flop is about a $10 billion bet that seems to be failing to deliver on basic utility. From the cancelled range extender to the struggle of doing basic truck stuff like driving in sand, the Cybertruck is proving to be less of a revolution and more of a warning sign for the future of Tesla. Let's dig into exactly where this went wrong.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Long-Term Review: Still Worth It?
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Smartphones, Google, Product Reviews, Videos,
Imagine a phone so thin it rivals the latest iPad Pro, yet it's packed with Google's AI smarts and folds seamlessly in half. That’s the Pixel 9 Pro Fold—a cutting-edge device that redefines elegance and functionality in the foldable smartphone market. But does its second iteration live up to expectations? Let’s dive in and explore everything that makes this device stand out, from its impossibly slim design to its powerful AI integration.
Ultra-Slim Hardware That’s a Marvel of Engineering
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold feels like something straight out of a sci-fi movie. At just 0.2 inches thick when opened, it’s one of the slimmest smartphones ever created, rivaling the thinness of the iPad Pro. Google achieved this feat with ingenious engineering, particularly the hinge mechanism. This hinge folds completely flat, ensuring smooth transitions between phone and tablet modes. It’s a small but impactful detail that enhances everyday usability.
Weighing in at 9.1 ounces, the device strikes a perfect balance between portability and durability. While it’s not the lightest foldable on the market, the weight distribution makes it feel sturdy and premium in hand. If you’ve ever struggled with a clunky foldable, you’ll appreciate the sleekness that Google has achieved here.
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Apple’s HUGE Siri Apple Intelligence Fumble w/ John Gruber - Geared Up 205
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Software, Videos,
Tech legend John Gruber joins Andru Edwards and Jon Rettinger to unravel the story behind Apple Intelligence and its delayed features in this episode of Geared Up. From early WWDC promises to today's reality, they dissect how Apple got comfortable showcasing features it didn't hav eready, and what that says about their internal culture, marketing strategy, and the future of Siri.
Required reading for this episode: Something is Rotten in the State of Cupertino
Gruber shares rare behind-the-scenes insights, including his personal evolution in covering Apple and the moment he realized the company had broken a decades-long precedent. The trio also explores the rocky launch of Vision Pro, Apple's approach to foldables, and why Apple Maps is a cautionary tale for Apple Intelligence.
Head to the Geared Up YouTube channel to subscribe so you don't miss an episode.
iPhone 16e Review: Apple Just Killed the Budget iPhone
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Product Reviews, Videos,
The days of a truly budget-friendly iPhone are over. With the launch of the iPhone 16E, Apple has redefined its entry-level iPhone lineup - but at a higher starting price of $599. The question is, does this new model deliver enough value to justify the cost, or are there better options available? Let’s break it all down.
Unboxing the iPhone 16e: What’s Inside?
If you’re familiar with Apple’s minimalist approach, you already know what to expect. The iPhone 16e comes in a slim box containing the phone itself, a braided USB-C cable (marking the end of the Lightning port), and eSIM setup instructions - no SIM ejector tool, charger, or wired headphones included.
Apple also introduced five silicone case options for the iPhone 16e: lake green, fuchsia, winter blue, white, and black. While the cases add some flair to the otherwise basic black and white phone options, neither the cases nor the phone support MagSafe, which is a notable omission.
Click to continue reading iPhone 16e Review: Apple Just Killed the Budget iPhone
Apple’s C1 Modem: The Silent Revolution Inside the iPhone 16e
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Features, Videos,
Every iPhone launch brings the usual fanfare - new cameras, brighter screens, and the inevitable comparison charts. But this year, Apple made a quiet yet monumental move: introducing the C1 modem inside the iPhone 16e. This is Apple’s first in-house modem chip, a shift that could redefine how iPhones connect to the world, just as Apple Silicon did for processing power.
Why Modems Matter More Than You Think
The modem is one of the most crucial components in any smartphone. It’s the bridge between your phone and the world, translating signals from cell towers into the data that powers your web browsing, video streaming, and even your voice calls. A great modem means faster speeds, better battery efficiency, and a smoother experience when networks get congested. Apple knows this, which is why the move to develop its own modem is such a big deal.
Click to continue reading Apple’s C1 Modem: The Silent Revolution Inside the iPhone 16e
Apple’s $400,000,000 Secret to Saving the Planet
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Videos,
Apple is on a mission to hit carbon neutrality by 2030—a goal that goes far beyond its products and supply chain. This video explores the tech giant’s groundbreaking Restore Fund, a $200 million initiative aimed at reforesting Brazil’s Atlantic Forest while tackling the hardest-to-eliminate 25% of its carbon footprint.
A key highlight of this story is an exclusive interview with Lisa Jackson, Apple’s Vice President of Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives. Lisa shares insights into how Apple’s Restore Fund is blending corporate responsibility with tangible environmental results, and how their commitment to renewable energy and carbon neutrality is setting a new standard for the tech industry.
The story dives into the heart of the Atlantic Forest, where Apple and local partners like Symbiosis are restoring biodiversity, planting resilient trees, and using cutting-edge tech like the iPhone’s LIDAR to measure their impact. The video examines whether nature-based solutions like the Restore Fund can scale up fast enough to make a significant difference and how global companies like Apple are shifting from minimizing harm to actively restoring ecosystems.
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Review: A V8-Powered Celebration of Excess
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Features, Product Reviews, Transportation,
The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 is what happens when Jeep decides to let its engineers have some serious fun. Imagine a Wrangler, the rugged off-road icon we all know, and then add a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine under the hood. The result is a vehicle that feels like an exhilarating mix of muscle car and rock crawler. A loud, brash, and wildly entertaining SUV that is unapologetically over the top.
A V8 That Roars
The headline feature here is the engine, and it deserves every ounce of the spotlight. The 6.4-liter HEMI V8 churns out 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque—numbers that feel utterly ridiculous when you consider that this is a Jeep Wrangler we’re talking about. On the road, it rockets from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. That’s faster than many sports cars, and you feel every bit of that power with each press of the throttle.
But it’s not just about raw speed. It’s also about the sound. The dual-mode exhaust system gives the Rubicon 392 a deep, growling soundtrack that’s as exhilarating as it is attention-grabbing. Whether you’re blasting down the highway or crawling over boulders, the V8’s roar makes every moment feel cinematic.
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HBO Max is Out - Meet Max, Your New Streaming Obsession (Or Not?)
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Corporate News, Home Entertainment,
Just when you thought you had your subscriptions figured out, Warner Bros. Discovery is throwing a curveball by rebranding HBO Max to, simply, "Max." Why the change? Let's dig in and find out what this means for you, the loyal (and potentially confused) subscriber.
The rebranding move is a result of Warner Bros. Discovery blending content from Discovery+ and other new original series into their flagship streaming service. With this merger of media giants comes a fresh identity, distancing itself from the HBO brand that we've come to know and love.
Launching on May 23 in the U.S., Max promises to keep you glued to your screens with a whopping 40+ new titles and TV show seasons every month. Now, that's a lot of content! But is it all sunshine and rainbows for subscribers? Not quite.
Click to continue reading HBO Max is Out - Meet Max, Your New Streaming Obsession (Or Not?)
How iPhone Thieves Can Ruin Your Digital Life in Minutes
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Videos,
Imagine this: You’re at a bar with your friends, enjoying a drink and chatting. You take out your iPhone to check something and enter your passcode. You don’t notice the person behind you who’s watching your every move and memorizing your passcode. A few minutes later, they snatch your iPhone from your hand and run away.
You might think that’s bad enough, but it gets worse. Within minutes, the thief has used your passcode to gain access to your iPhone and change your Apple ID password, which enables them to disable Find My, make purchases using Apple Pay, gain access to passwords stored in iCloud Keychain, and scan through Photos for pictures of documents that contain a Social Security number or other details that could be used for identity theft.
This is not a hypothetical scenario. It’s a real threat that has been happening across the US. The Wall Street Journal’s Joanna Stern has been hearing from victims who have lost thousands of dollars and their entire digital lives after their iPhones were stolen with the thieves obtaining their passcodes.
Click to continue reading How iPhone Thieves Can Ruin Your Digital Life in Minutes
