Bose could be about to launch SoundLink Max, a bigger and brawnier version of the popular and portable SoundLink Flex Bluetooth speaker, according to a leak and an FCC filing.
That will put another HomePod competitor on the market, and it may be a worthy one with quality sound plus portability.
However, Bose has remained tight-lipped about this potential new addition to its SoundLink family. But it seems likely the new speaker will be another competitor of HomePod 2 released in January 2023 (though Apple’s speakers aren’t designed for portable use).
If the leaks are accurate, SoundLink Max will come in blue and black colors. It will measure 10.4 inches in width, 6.4 inches in height and 3.9 inches in depth. That would make it slightly larger than the SoundLink Flex.
But despite the increased size, a notable feature of the SoundLink Max will likely be portability. It could have a built-in handle on top , allowing users to easily carry it around. That would make it a perfect companion for outdoor activities, beach parties or even just moving it from room to room in your house.
Expect Bose sound quality
Bose has always been known for its exceptional sound quality, and SoundLink Max will probably continue the legacy. With its larger size than Flex, it could offer even better audio performance, delivering rich and immersive sound.
The speaker is rumored to feature multiple drivers and advanced audio technologies, ensuring well-balanced and powerful output.
Connectivity and battery life
Here’s what Bose SoundLink Flex looks like — smaller than SoundLink Max. Photo: Bose
The leaked information suggests that the SoundLink Max will support various connectivity options. Bluetooth 5.1 will let users easily connect their smartphones, tablets or laptops wirelessly. Additionally, it might also come with an auxiliary input for wired connections.
In terms of battery life, the SoundLink Max is rumored to offer a significant improvement over its predecessor. While the SoundLink Flex provided up to 12 hours of playtime, the SoundLink Max may offer an impressive 20 hours of continuous playback. So you won’t have to recharge via USB-C connection as often.
Additional features
Apart from its core features, Bose SoundLink Max might come with some additional functionalities. One possibility is voice assistant integration, allowing users to conveniently control the speaker using voice commands. It will most likely integrate with Bose Music app and Bose SimpleSync to connect with other speakers.
It may also have water resistance, making it more durable and suitable for outdoor use.
Bose SoundLink Max: Price and availability
As of now, there is no official information about the price and availability of the SoundLink Max. However, based on the leaked details, it is expected to be priced higher than the SoundLink Flex’s $149 price tag, considering the larger size and improved features. The Tanguay site suggested the speaker will come out April 23 for about $399.
Google released the first beta version of Android 15 last week, a couple of months after its first Developer Preview version. Android 15 Beta 1 is now available for all compatible Pixel smartphones and tablets. Android 15 features will be publicly showcased during Google I/O 2024, which will happen on May 14.
Hopefully, Samsung will release the One UI 7.0 Beta update a few months after the Google I/O event. So, what’s new with the Android 15 Beta 1 update?
Android 15 Beta 1 features
Unlike what some expect, Android 15 won’t bring a massive redesign compared to Android 14, as spotted by 9To5Google. It will likely only bring smaller changes to the UI. Google is introducing UI changes to natively bring a Samsung DeX-like desktop UI to Android. To that end, Google is making it easier to make apps appear full-screen. It also adds more security options for cellular and Wi-Fi networks, default app settings for note-taking and wallet apps, and more.
Edge-to-edge apps
By default, apps made for Android 15 appear edge-to-edge, making them appear more like desktop apps. The status bar at the top and the navigation bar at the bottom float over the apps with translucency effects. This makes apps more aesthetically pleasing, especially when displayed on an external monitor or screen.
Taking notes directly from the lockscreen
While Samsung phones and tablets with an S Pen have always been able to create notes directly from the lockscreen, the stock version of Android didn’t support this feature. Google is finally adding support for taking notes from the lockscreen.
The company has created an API that app developers and OEMs can use to make apps that can become the default note-taking app on a phone or tablet. Google Keep is one such app that has used this API, and the feature will probably released in the coming months. It will be available on all compatible Pixel devices.
This API will likely make Samsung’s lockscreen note-taking feature even more reliable.
Cellular network security
Every new version of Android comes with improved privacy and security. Android 15 brings a new feature called Cellular Network Security. It notifies you if the cellular network you’re connected to lacks data encryption or if it records the phone’s IMEI or IMSI.
More Wi-Fi security options
The Wi-Fi network menu now has a new toggle called ‘Send Device Name.’ Enabling the feature improves device security as the device name is not sent to the Wi-Fi access point or router.
Widgets for the Pixel Weather app
Google’s Pixel phones and tablets come with the Pixel Weather app pre-installed. With Android 15, the app has received two weather widgets (3×3 and 4×2). These widgets won’t likely come to Galaxy devices.
Default wallet app setting
While the stock version of Android had the option to set an app as the phone’s default payment app, it never had a feature to set any app as the default wallet app. That’s changing with Android 15, as it allows apps to become a device’s default wallet app. Google Wallet can become the default wallet app on Pixel and other devices running Android 15.
This feature may be added to Galaxy phones. Currently, Samsung Wallet is the default wallet app, but with One UI 7.0, Google Wallet or other wallet apps could be set as the default.
Easier updates to NFC features
Certain features on Android can be updated without needing to update the whole operating system. Once they are added to Project Mainline, these features can be updated via Google Play System updates. NFC has now been added to Project Mainline (via Mishaal Rahman).
Google can now update NFC-related features and security directly without the smartphone maker needing to update it.
Lockscreen widgets for tablets
Android once allowed users to add widgets to the lockscreen, but that feature was later removed. Google is now bringing the feature back to stock Android. However, it is currently available only on tablets. Mishaal Rahman spotted this feature and reported via Android Authority.
Some of the supporting widgets on the Pixel Tablet’s Hub Mode include the following:
Battery
Calendar
Chrome
Clock
Contacts
Digital Wellbeing
Drive
Fitbit
Gmail
Google
Google Keep
Google News
Google TV
Photos
Pixel Weather
Translate
YouTube Music
Apps can be archived to manage storage space better
In Android 15, the app archiving is a system-level feature. This is a handy feature when a device runs out of storage space. This feature can be found inside the Settings app. This feature was introduced by the Google Play Store last year, but now that feature can be used by any third-party app.
Once an app is archived, its icon will be visible in the app drawer or home screen, but it will turn gray to denote that the app can’t function until it is unarchived.
Additional security feature to stop malicious apps from running in the background
While Google is light on details, Android 15 is said to have a feature that stops malicious apps from running in the background by bringing other apps to the foreground.
Disabling Bluetooth temporarily rather than turning it off completely
When you turn off the Bluetooth from the quick setting toggle, Android 15 will temporarily disable Bluetooth and ask if you want it enabled the next day. This feature is useful for the Find My Device network to be effective. Google launched the Find My Device network to help find lost devices and help users track their phones, wireless earbuds, tablets, and objects tagged with object location tracking devices.
Podcasts are to radio as streaming services are to television, and we are lucky enough to be living through the golden age of both. You can find a podcast about almost anything these days, but with great choice comes great mediocrity—you might need a helping hand to find the podcasts worthy of your ear. Our expertly curated list will entertain and educate you, whether you’re doing the dishes, working out, commuting, or lazing in the bath.
Updated March 2023: We added several podcasts, including Your Undivided Attention, Mobbed Up: The Fight for Las Vegas, Dead Eyes, and My Therapist Ghosted Me, plus a new health and wellness section.
Table of Contents
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Courtesy of ABC News
The Dropout
Sneak a peek behind the curtain, as this podcast follows the trials and tribulations of Elizabeth Holmes and Theranos, the tech startup that promised to disrupt blood testing but disintegrated in the face of whistleblowers, inaccurate results, and fraudulent claims. John Carreyrou’s reporting broke the scandal, and his book Bad Blood also spawned another interesting podcast. But The Dropout is a refreshingly clear recounting of the sordid tale, with season two tackling the trial.
Courtesy of Darknet Diaries
Darknet Diaries
Anyone with an interest in hacking and cybercrime will appreciate this investigative podcast from Jack Rhysider. Densely packed and tightly edited, the show covers topics like Xbox hacking, a Greek wiretapping Vodafone scandal, and the impact of the NotPetya malware. Rhysider skillfully weaves informative narratives to unravel some complex issues and keeps things mostly accessible, though it may occasionally get a little too technical for some folks.
Courtesy of Center for Humane Technology
Your Undivided Attention
Ex-Googler Tristan Harris, who you may recognize from the Netflix documentary The Social Dilemma, talks with Aza Raskin about the dangers of living your life online. Cofounders of the Center for Humane Technology, they delve into the ethics of Big Tech, unpack the potential pitfalls, and try to imagine ways to harness technology for the good of humanity.
Courtesy of Dallas Taylor
Twenty Thousand Hertz
Painstakingly researched, this podcast dives deep into the world of sound to explain everything from those sounds you always hear in movie trailers to car engines, choral music, the Netflix intro, and way beyond. Learn how iconic sounds were created, why certain sounds make us feel the way they do, and how sound enriches our lives in myriad ways.
Other Great Tech Podcasts:
WIRED’sGadget Lab: Want to catch up on the week’s top tech news? Listen to our very own podcast hosted by senior writer Lauren Goode and senior editor Michael Calore.
The Lazarus Heist: This captivating investigation starts with the Sony hacks, digs into the involvement of North Korean hackers, and moves on to a billion-dollar cyber theft.
Rabbit Hole: What is the internet doing to us? New York Times tech columnist Kevin Roose investigates things like the impact of algorithms on radicalization with a dreamy soundscape backdrop.
Reply All: The beautifully paced, always convivial, and sorely missed Reply All dragged us down internet rabbit holes to investigate long-forgotten songs, phone scammers, hacked Snapchat accounts, and Team Fortress 2 bots.
Click Here: With a focus on cybersecurity, this podcast unravels tales of hacking, misinformation, cyberterrorism, and more, with interviews and insight from experts in episodes that usually come in under half an hour.
Waveform: Laid-back chats about the latest gadgets and developments in the world of tech with Marques Brownlee (MKBHD) and co-host David Imel.
Courtesy of Audible
The Last Days of August
Jon Ronson brings an inquisitive, empathetic, and slightly neurotic intelligence to bear on fascinating and often surprising tales. Following The Butterfly Effect (only on Audible), which delves into the collision of tech with the pornography industry, The Last Days of August investigates the untimely death of porn performer August Ames. All of Ronson’s other podcasts are equally excellent (we recommend Things Fell Apart and So You’ve Been Publicly Shamed), but this is a great place to start.
Courtesy of Apple
Wild Things: Siegfried and Roy
Famous German duo Siegfried and Roy were a mainstay on the Las Vegas show scene and performed about 30,000 times over five decades with an act that included white lions and tigers. When Roy was attacked live on stage, it made headlines everywhere. This podcast unravels their rise to stardom, touches on their controversial handling of wild animals, and digs into what really happened that fateful night.
Courtesy of Pushkin Industries
Revisionist History
In this eclectic mix of quirky stories, Malcolm Gladwell tackles misunderstood events and rarely discussed ideas, veering from subjects like Toyota’s car recall to underhand-throwing basketball legend Wilt Chamberlain, and even the firebombing of Tokyo at the end of World War II. Gladwell freely mixes research and opinion and enjoys challenging conventional views, but every episode serves up facts and stories you have likely never heard before.
Other Great Society Podcasts:
Run Bambi Run: The riveting story of ex-Milwaukee police officer and Playboy Club bunny Laurie Bembenek, who was convicted of murdering her husband’s ex, despite conflicting evidence, and subsequently escaped prison and fought to have her conviction overturned.
Missing Richard Simmons: Ebullient fitness guru Richard Simmons used to be everywhere, and this podcast charts an investigative reporter’s attempts to find out why he disappeared.
The Moth: This podcast offers random folks the chance to tell deeply personal stories to a crowd of strangers and reinforces just how weird and wonderful humans are.
The Trojan Horse Affair: This tale unpacks the British scandal over an alleged attempt by Islamist extremists to take over a Birmingham school and radicalize its students.
Day X: A sobering look at the neo-Nazi specter in modern-day Germany, its possible infiltration of police and government, and a plan involving a military officer and a faked refugee identity.
Project Unabom: Delving into the life of Ted Kaczynski, this podcast interviews his brother and recounts the FBI investigation to try to make sense of Kaczynski’s terrifying bombing spree.
Will Be Wild: Curious about the January 6 insurrection? This podcast interviews people from both sides, examines the struggles of law enforcement and intelligence under Trump, and charts the anti-government extremism that led to this dark day for democracy.
Courtesy of Imperative Entertainment
The Cost of Happiness: Tony Hsieh
The online shoe store Zappos made Tony Hsieh a billionaire, and this podcast investigates his $350 million investment in the Downtown Project in Las Vegas. His utopian vision of a happy worker village promised to revitalize the depressed heart of Sin City. The experimental community generated much excitement, but the charismatic and eccentric Hsieh soon ran into trouble.
Courtesy of Novel
The Superhero Complex
Part of the way into this investigation of the Rain City Superhero Movement, a real-life group of self-proclaimed superheroes active in Seattle a few years ago, I had to stop listening and check that this wasn’t fiction. The podcast focuses on the arrogant Phoenix Jones, an ex-MMA fighter turned violent vigilante, and his fall from grace. But there is also a fascinating glimpse into the friendlier side of the movement, with some heroes handing out water to homeless folks and helping people in distress.
Courtesy of The LoudSpeakers Network
The Read
Brutally honest comedians with chemistry, Kid Fury and Crissle West recap and review the latest pop culture news and offer their opinions on everything. Insightful, funny, challenging, and refreshingly different from the podcast pack, these sprawling conversations run for a couple of hours, covering recent events and frequently touching on social justice, mental health, race, and sexual identity.
Courtesy of Forever35
Forever35
Like eavesdropping on conversations between relatable besties, Forever35 started as a physical self-care podcast but expanded to discuss mental health, relationships, and any other topic that appeals to LA-based writers Doree Shafrir and Kate Spencer. They go from chatting about serums and creams to seasonal affective disorder and how to deal with a new stepmother as an adult—but always in a fun, inclusive, and down-to-earth way.
Other Great Culture Podcasts:
Sounds Like a Cult: Fanatical fringe groups have never been so prevalent, and there’s something more than a little cultish about celebrity stans, multilevel marketing, and marathon runners—just three of the subjects this lighthearted podcast unpacks.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard: Now a Spotify exclusive, this often funny and always insightful podcast seeks out human truths and sometimes finds them.
Geek’s Guide to the Galaxy: Ably hosted by author David Barr Kirtley, this sci-fi fantasy extravaganza digs into fascinating topics with the help of accomplished guests like Neil Gaiman, Brent Spiner, and Steven Pinker.
The Allusionist: If you are interested in words, this witty but accessible show will delight you as it charts the evolution of slang, explains euphemisms, and generally celebrates language.
Courtesy of Las Vegas Review Journal
Mobbed Up: The Fight for Las Vegas
This fascinating tale, told through interviews with old gangsters, law enforcement, politicians, and journalists, charts the symbiotic rise of organized crime and Las Vegas. The first season recounts the FBI’s attempts to take down the “Hole in the Wall Gang” and reveals the true-life inspiration for movies like Casino. Season two tackles Jimmy Hoffa and the battle to oust the mafia from the Strip’s casinos.
Courtesy of Vox Media
Criminal
Soothing host Phoebe Judge unravels captivating tales with reverence in this polished production about the spectrum of crime. Criminals, victims, lawyers, police, historians, and others whose lives have been altered by crime voice their stories as Judge carefully avoids the sensational and exploitative by respectfully teasing out the heart of each subject.
Courtesy of WBEZ
S-Town
Give this compelling mystery five minutes and you’ll be hooked. The talented host, Brian Reed, investigates a small town in Alabama at the behest of eccentric horologist John B. McLemore, who claims the son of a wealthy family has gotten away with murder. The script, pacing, editing, music—basically everything about this production—are perfect.
Courtesy of Lava For Good
Bone Valley
Painstakingly researched, thoughtfully told, and skillfully produced, this true-crime podcast hosted by Gilbert King focuses on a 1987 Florida murder. After an incompetent police investigation and distinctly dodgy trial, Leo Schofield was convicted of killing his wife. Despite fresh evidence and a confession from someone else, Schofield remains in prison.
Courtesy of Campside
Chameleon: Hollywood Con Queen
Murder may dominate this genre, but there are other fascinating stories worth telling in the world of crime, like this one, which is about a scammer posing as a Hollywood mogul. This weird, compelling, investigative podcast unwinds a satisfyingly twisty tale that’s mercifully free of blood and violence. The third season, Wild Boys, tells a completely new story, and the fifth tackles hypnotist Dr. Dante.
Other Great True-Crime Podcasts:
Who Killed Daphne: Investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia was murdered by car bomb in Malta, and this podcast delves into her work exposing the unscrupulous elite to identify her killers.
The Clearing: The families of serial killers often seek obscurity (understandably), but that means we never hear their stories. That’s something this podcast about April Balascio, daughter of American serial killer Edward Wayne Edwards, rectifies.
The Trials of Frank Carson: Police and prosecutors go after the defense attorney who has been beating them in court for years, sparking accusations of conspiracy and one of the longest trials in US history.
Sweet Bobby: This British catfishing tale charts successful radio presenter Kirat’s relationship with handsome cardiologist Bobby, and things get impossibly weird.
Dr. Death: A gripping podcast that focuses on incompetent or psychopathic (maybe both) ex-surgeon Christopher Duntsch and exposes terrifying institutional failures.
Crimetown: Taking a forensic approach to organized crime in American cities, this slick podcast comes from the supremely talented makers of The Jinx.
Hunting Warhead: A journalist, a hacker, and some detectives go after a chilling child abuse ring led by a criminal known as Warhead in this tactfully told and thorough podcast.
Love Janessa: Catfishing scams are big business, but why do so many use photos of Janessa Brazil? This podcast tracks her down to find out.
The Evaporated: Gone With the Gods: Journalist Jake Adelstein dives deep into Japanese culture, pursuing his missing accountant and exploring the mysterious disappearances of thousands of people in Japan every year.
Courtesy of Aubrey Gordon & Michael Hobbes
Maintenance Phase
The worlds of wellness and weight loss are awash with questionable products and advice, so a podcast to debunk fads and junk science with reasoned argument and research is welcome. It’s more fun than it sounds, thanks to the entertaining hosts, and there’s even a fascinating episode on “snake oil” that recounts the history of health scams.
Courtesy of NPR
Hidden Brain
An absorbing deep dive into human behavior with the help of psychologists, sociologists, and other experts, Hidden Brain is densely packed with informative nuggets. The host, NPR’s accomplished science correspondent Shankar Vedantam, renders complex ideas accessible and offers insight into the inner workings of our minds.
Courtesy of BBC
The Infinite Monkey Cage
This whimsical show, hosted by physicist Brian Cox and comedian Robin Ince, poses questions like “Does time exist?”—which are then debated by a diverse panel of three guests, usually a mix of experts and entertainers. Definitive answers are in short supply, but it’s always articulate, enthusiastic, and thought-provoking.
Other Great Science Podcasts:
Science Rules!: Bill Nye, the science guy, teams up with science writer Corey Powell to grill experts on all sorts of interesting science-related topics.
Stuff You Should Know: Prizing knowledge for its own sake and provoking healthy curiosity, this podcast is comical, charming, and full of interesting conversational nuggets.
Courtesy of NPR
The Indicator
This Planet Money spin-off delivers digestible, fast-paced, well-told stories about business and the economy, tackling topics that range from TikTok marketing to opioid nasal sprays and ticket scalpers. Each enlightening episode comes in under 10 minutes and serves as a quick primer that will leave you feeling well informed.
Courtesy of Freakonomics Radio Network
Freakonomics Radio
Promising to delve into the “hidden side of everything,” this long-running, data-driven show is hosted by Stephen J. Dubner, coauthor of the Freakonomics books, and it regularly features economist Steven Levitt. It’s a clever mix of economics and pop culture that flows easily and balances entertainment with education, presenting both sides of debates while consulting relevant guests.
Courtesy of Macro Musings
Macro Musings
If you long to understand the economy better, this topical show, hosted by David Beckworth of the Mercatus Center, interrogates a diverse line-up of economists, professionals, and academics to bring you invaluable insights. It takes a serious look at macroeconomics and monetary policy, but the guests do a solid job of unpacking complex topics.
Other Great Economics Podcasts:
Planet Money: This top-notch podcast has entertaining, digestible, and relatable stories about the economy, unraveling everything from health care to income taxes.
EconTalk: This no-frills show sees economist Russ Roberts engage in sprawling conversations with writers and academics on a range of economics topics.
Courtesy of Wondery
How I Built This
This NPR podcast hosted by Guy Raz explores the stories behind some of the biggest companies in the world from the perspective of the innovators and entrepreneurs who built them. Expect cautionary tales, nuggets of wisdom, and business lessons galore in probing and insightful interviews that reveal a lot about their subjects and what drove them.
Courtesy of Steven Bartlett
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
Serial entrepreneur Steven Bartlett built a successful business from nothing and is now an investor on Dragons Den (the UK’s Shark Tank). He talks frankly about his own experiences and interviews various CEOs to find out why they started their businesses and how they guided them to success. Sprawling discussions range from personal life challenges and mental health to business strategies and advice.
Courtesy of TED/Audio Collective
WorkLife with Adam Grant
Expertly hosted by organizational psychologist Adam Grant, this podcast offers practical advice on tackling various issues you are sure to encounter in the average job. The show features interesting psychological perspectives on everything, from how to rethink a poor decision to crafting a great pitch to dealing with burnout. The podcast also boasts insightful interviews with business leaders.
Other Great Business Podcasts:
The Pitch: Fans of Shark Tank will enjoy this podcast, which features entrepreneurs pitching investors to secure real money for their startups.
Ask Martin Lewis: Personal finance guru Martin Lewis has been helping folks in the UK save money for years and provides straightforward financial advice here.
BizChix: This podcast from business coach Natalie Eckdahl is aimed squarely at female entrepreneurs and is packed with no-nonsense expert advice.
Teamistry: With a focus on teams and what they can achieve, the latest season of this podcast tells the fascinating story of the supersonic passenger jet Concorde.
Best Celebrity Interview Podcasts
Courtesy of Adam Buxton
The Adam Buxton Podcast
Consummate conversationalist Adam Buxton is always witty and well prepared, and he has interviewed many interesting people over the course of his long-running show, from Charlie Brooker to Jeff Goldblum. Ostensibly rambling, Buxton skillfully pulls fascinating insights from his interview subjects, bouncing between their personal lives, work, and popular culture with seeming ease.
Courtesy of Wondery
Life Is Short With Justin Long
Likable actor Justin Long and his brother Christian host this enthusiastic and sprawling interview show, where they chat with guests like Zack Snyder, Kristen Bell, and Billy Crudup. The siblings get sidetracked by nostalgic reminiscences and occasional bickering, which sort of makes the show, but they are always generous and kind to their guests.
Courtesy of Wondery
SmartLess
Charming and goofy, this conversational podcast stars Jason Bateman, Will Arnett, and Sean Hayes, and they always have a surprise celebrity guest, like Ryan Reynolds or Reese Witherspoon. It is warm, gentle, and often laugh-out-loud funny, but don’t expect challenging questions or bared souls.
Other Great Celebrity Interview Podcasts:
WTF With Marc Maron: Self-deprecating, sardonic, supremely skilled interviewer Marc Maron interviews some of the world’s most famous people, from Barack Obama to Paul McCartney.
Grounded With Louis Theroux: A soothingly gentle facade belies Louis Theroux’s ability to draw fascinating insights from his subjects with tact and humor.
Where There’s a Will, There’s a Wake: Kathy Burke laughs in the face of death, asking guests like Stewart Lee and Dawn French how they’d like to die, what sort of funeral they want, and who they plan to haunt.
Courtesy of Wondery
Sports Wars
Epic rivalries and long-anticipated showdowns are a massive part of the enduring appeal of sports, and this slick production homes in on them. Rivalries like Federer vs. Nadal in tennis and Tyson vs. Holyfield in boxing are unpacked over a few episodes apiece by host Dan Rubenstein, who digs into their backgrounds to understand why some face-offs get so highly charged.
Courtesy of The Ringer
The Bill Simmons Podcast
This hugely popular sports podcast features fast-paced roundtable conversations with athletes and celebrities that usually focus on the NFL or NBA. Unfiltered opinions, witty remarks, and encyclopedic sports knowledge collide, but this is enthusiastic and accessible enough for casual sports fans to enjoy.
Courtesy of The Athletic
The PosCast
Primarily focused on baseball, this long-running podcast sometimes covers other sports and often meanders into comical conversations. Guests offer amusing anecdotes, but the chemistry between hosts Joe Posnanski and Michael Schur, who can debate endlessly about any old nonsense, is what makes this show so special.
Other Great Sports Podcasts:
Undr the Cosh: Open and honest banter from ex-professional soccer (football) players, as they talk to current pros and recount hilarious on- and off-pitch anecdotes.
Around the NFL: This funny, fast-paced look at the National Football League runs through all the latest football news, blending anecdotes and analysis.
32 Thoughts: A slickly produced, insightful dive into all the latest hockey news and controversy from knowledgable hosts who bounce off each other.
Courtesy of Earwolf
How Did This Get Made?
We have all asked this question of a movie at some point, but hosts Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas invite guest creatives to engage in heated and hilarious chats about some of the worst films ever. Movies that are so bad they are entertaining, from Face/Off to Junior to The Room, are dissected and thoroughly ridiculed.
Courtesy of BBC
Kermode and Mayo’s Film Review
Respected film critic Mark Kermode has an infectious love of movies and an incredible depth of knowledge about the world of film, and Simon Mayo is a veteran radio presenter. Together they discuss the latest movies, interview top-tier directors and actors, and invite views from their listeners. While the podcast ended earlier this year, the duo have a new show called Kermode & Mayo’s Take.
Courtesy of You Must Remember This
You Must Remember This
Diving into Hollywood myths to investigate and uncover the truth about infamous secrets, scandals, and legends from Tinseltown is a compelling premise, and talented creator and host Karina Longworth makes the most of it. Among the best shows are the “Dead Blondes” series, which includes Marilyn Monroe; the run on Manson; and the “Frances Farmer” episode.
Other Great Movie Podcasts:
The Director’s Cut: Listen to directors like Benicio del Toro, Steven Spielberg, and James Cameron being interviewed about their latest movies by their peers in roughly half-hour episodes.
The Rewatchables: Bill Simmons and a rotating cast of cohosts discuss and analyze beloved movies and dig up interesting nuggets of trivia.
Lights Camera Barstool: Reviews, interviews, rankings, and accessible chats about the movies with pop culture debates thrown in.
Black Men Can’t Jump [in Hollywood]: This comedic movie review podcast highlights films featuring actors of color and analyzes the movies in depth, with an eye on race and diversity.
Courtesy of Headgum
Dead Eyes
Join comedian and actor Connor Ratliff on his mission to discover why he got fired from Band of Brothers. His amusing and honest account of how his big break went bad, reportedly because Tom Hanks thought he had “dead eyes,” is often very funny. An easy listen, peppered with celebrity guests like Seth Rogen, Elijah Wood, and Zach Braff, Dead Eyes affords listeners an insight into the world of auditions, acting triumphs, and humiliation.
Courtesy of HBO
HBO’s Succession Podcast
Whether you’re new to this captivating show or a long-time fan, the official podcast affords you a peek behind the curtain as it dissects episodes and explores character motivations. Roger Bennett interviews the main players from the show and then Kara Swisher steps in for the third season to interview the makers and various guests, from Mark Cuban to Anthony Scaramucci, to examine its impact and where it mirrors world events.
Courtesy of Wondery
Harsh Reality: The Story of Miriam Rivera
Recounting the tragic tale of the exploitative 2004 reality TV show There’s Something About Miriam, this podcast reveals just how cruel reality TV can get. Six young men set up house in an Ibizan villa to compete for the affections of Miriam and a £10,000 ($12,100) cash prize, but the show producers failed to tell them Miriam was trans. It’s a story that ended badly for everyone.
Courtesy of Steve Schirripa
Talking Sopranos
Hosted by actors from the show, Michael Imperioli (Christopher Moltisanti) and Steve Schirripa (Bobby Baccalieri), this podcast is essential listening for fans. It runs through every episode with big-name guests, most of whom worked on or appeared on the show. It’s candid about the entertainment industry and absolutely packed to the brim with behind-the-scenes anecdotes and insider revelations.
Other Great TV Podcasts:
Shrink the Box: Actor Ben Bailey Smith talks with psychotherapist Sasha Bates as they put some of the best TV characters of all time (like Walter White and Omar Little) on the couch for analysis.
Obsessed With…: This BBC podcast is hosted by celebrity superfans of various TV shows, including Killing Eve, Peaky Blinders, and Line of Duty.
Fake Doctors, Real Friends: Rewatching Scrubs with Zach Braff and Donald Faison is a joyous experience that’s every bit as entertaining, poignant, and silly as the TV show.
Welcome to Our Show: A warming dose of nostalgia and comfort for New Girl fans as Zooey Deschanel, Hannah Simone, and Lamorne Morris rewatch the show together.
Courtesy of The Paragon Collective
Darkest Night
Horror fans will enjoy reliving the last gruesome moments of various corpses that have landed at the mysterious Roth-Lobdow Institute in this deliciously creepy and occasionally gross chiller. Wonderful narration from Lee Pace; acting from the likes of Denis O’Hare, Missi Pyle, and RuPaul; and clever sound design make for a memorably thrilling ride that you just know is going to end badly.
Courtesy of Hello from the Magic Tavern
Hello From the Magic Tavern
Thoroughly absurd, this fantasy improv-comedy show is the brainchild of Chicago comedian Arnie Niekamp, who falls through a portal at a Burger King and ends up in the magical world of Foon. The role-playing game and fantasy references come thick and fast, guests play bizarre characters of their own creation, and loyal listeners are rewarded with long-running gags and rich lore.
Courtesy of Battle Bird Productions
We Fix Space Junk
Short and sweet episodes of this sci-fi comedy-drama fit neatly into gaps in your day and whisk you away to a nightmare corporate dystopia in a galaxy fraught with evil artificial intelligence and monstrous aliens. Struggling repair technician Kilner gets stuck with a rich murder suspect, Samantha Trapp, after accidentally smuggling her across the galaxy in this polished show with a distinct 1980s feel.
Other Great Fiction Podcasts:
DUST: This podcast started as an anthology of audio sci-fi stories from the likes of Philip K. Dick and Ray Bradbury but has changed things up with each new season.
The Bright Sessions: The therapy sessions of mysterious psychologist Dr. Bright, bookended by voice notes, form intriguing short episodes, as all of her patients seem to have special abilities.
Welcome to Night Vale: This pioneering creepy show is presented as a community radio broadcast from a desert town beset by paranormal and supernatural happenings.
Courtesy of Vox Media
Nice Try!
Utopian ideals have led to the development of some fascinating communities over the years, and season one of Nice Try! delves into their history, the hope that drove them, and why these communities ultimately failed. Season two moves on to lifestyle technology, from doorbells to vacuums, all designed to help us realize a personal utopia in the ideal home.
Courtesy of Revolutions
Revolutions
The modern world was shaped by some of the ideas that drove revolutions, and this deeply researched series runs through the English Civil War and American, French, Haitian, and Russian revolutions; Simon Bolivar’s liberation of South America; and more. The writing is concise, the narration is engaging, and host Mike Duncan does a fantastic job contextualizing revolutionary events and characters.
Courtesy of Radiotopia
The Memory Palace
A dreamy, emotional quality elevates these tales of seemingly random moments from the past, expertly told by the eloquent Nate DiMeo and backed by wonderful sound design. These distilled stories serve as historical snapshots of rarely discussed events, and it’s hard to think of another podcast as artful and poignant as this one.
Courtesy of Grim Mild
Noble Blood
Assured in their divine right to rule over everyone, royal families were often incredibly dysfunctional. Author Dana Schwarz examines tyrannical regimes, murderous rampages, power struggles, and dynasty deaths. The madness of monarchs from various nations is concisely dissected in tightly scripted half-hour episodes that will leave you questioning the idea that there’s anything noble about their bloodlines.
Other Great History Podcasts:
Something True: Enjoy utterly bizarre true stories, as every episode of this podcast explores a seemingly forgotten historical footnote.
Lore: Spooky and witty, this classic podcast plumbs history to uncover horrifying folklore, mythology, and pseudoscience.
Medieval Death Trip: An enthusiastic and well-researched look at medieval times, this podcast offers a witty analysis of the primary texts left behind.
Hardcore History: Relatable and endlessly fascinating, Dan Carlin brings history to life with his own riveting narratives on notable events and periods, peppered with facts and hypothetical questions.
Courtesy of Ramble
A Hotdog Is a Sandwich
Whatever side of the titular, age-old debate you stand on (I’m with the British Sandwich Association), this fast-paced, often funny show will suck you in as it poses tough food-related questions and then debates them. Chefs Josh Scherer and Nicole Enayati decide whether American cheese is really cheese, if Popeye’s and In-N-Out are overrated, and what the best pasta shape is.
Courtesy of Gastropod
Gastropod
If your love of food extends to an interest in the history and science of everything from the humble potato to a soothing cup of tea to ever-polarizing licorice, then this podcast is for you. Knowledgeable cohosts Cynthia Graber and Nicola Twilley talk to experts and serve up a feast of delicious bite-size facts that surprise and delight.
Courtesy of The Ringer
The Dave Chang Show
Celebrity chef Dave Chang, whom you may know from his Netflix show, Ugly Delicious, talks mostly about food, guilty pleasures, and the creative process with other chefs and restaurateurs. There is plenty here to satisfy foodies, but some of the funniest moments come when the show covers other random topics, like the perfect email sign-off or wearing shoes indoors.
Other Great Food Podcasts:
Out To Lunch With Jay Rayner: This podcast seats you at a top restaurant to eavesdrop on consummate food critic Jay Rayner with a celebrity guest at the next table.
The Sporkful: You can learn a lot about people and culture through food, and this podcast proves it by serving up delectable bite-size insights.
Best Health and Wellness Podcasts
Courtesy of Lionrock
The Courage to Change: A Recovery Podcast
Whether you are struggling with addiction, childhood trauma, eating disorders, or something else, or you know someone who is, this accessible and inspirational podcast can help you examine why. Host Ashley Loeb Blassingame speaks from experience and offers practical advice to help you onto a healthier path. This podcast is honest, insightful, and emotional but ultimately heartwarming and uplifting.
Courtesy of LYT Yoga
Redefining Yoga
Hosted by Yoga leader and physical therapist Lara Heimann, this podcast is a mix of Q&A sessions, interviews with experts, and motivational advice. It focuses on understanding your body and mind, but you will also find practical advice for chronic pain sufferers and different kinds of injuries, explanations on why and how yoga is good for you, and firsthand accounts of the positive impact yoga has on many lives.
Courtesy of Great Love Media
My Wakeup Call With Dr. Mark Goulston
Each episode sees psychiatrist Mark Goulston interview a notable person about the wakeup call moment that changed their path forever. He encourages them to interrogate what sparked their drive, made them want to be a better person, and led to their success. Some guests are better than others, but the podcast is closing in on 500 episodes, so there are plenty to choose from.
Other Great Health and Wellness Podcasts:
The Big Silence: Host Karena Dawn has conversations about mental health with an eclectic mix of therapists, psychologists, and ostensibly successful folks.
Spiraling With Katie Dalebout and Serena Wolf: Candid chats about anxiety with advice on how to cope. The relatable hosts are open and honest about the anxious feelings that modern life can evoke.
Huberman Lab: Host Andrew Huberman, a professor of neurobiology and ophthalmology at Stanford School of Medicine, interviews various experts to offer advice on optimizing your health and fitness.
Courtesy of Global Player
My Therapist Ghosted Me
Irreverent Irish chat with comedian Joanne McNally and TV presenter Vogue Williams as they put the world to rights. It feels like eavesdropping on brutally honest best pals as they discuss relationships, work woes, health issues, awkward social situations, and sometimes recent news. The down-to-earth pair liberally dole out a mix of sound and questionable advice that is frequently laugh-out-loud funny.
Courtesy of Shiny Ranga
Wolf and Owl
Comedians and friends Tom Davis (the Wolf) and Romesh Ranganathan (the Owl) chat aimlessly and expertly poke fun at each other for around an hour. It’s often nostalgic, sometimes offers decent advice for listeners, and is always warmhearted and laugh-out-loud funny.
Courtesy of Team Coco
Why Won’t You Date Me? With Nicole Byer
Perennially single stand-up comedian Nicole Byer is every bit as charming and funny here as in Netflix’s Nailed It baking show, but this podcast delves into some adult subjects. Byer is disarmingly open about her insecurities and struggles and seamlessly stirs in vulgar humor. She also hosts hilarious conversations with guest comedians.
Courtesy of Athletico Mince
Athletico Mince
Ostensibly a soccer (football) podcast, this surreal show is brought to life by lovable British comedy legend Bob Mortimer, with support from sidekick Andy Dawson. Tall tales about real footballers, complete with strange voices and fictional personalities, are mixed with songs, silly inside jokes, and rambling conversations. You don’t really need to know anything about soccer to enjoy it.
Other Great Comedy Podcasts:
Locked Together: Only on Audible, this show features lockdown chats between comedian pals like Simon Pegg and Nick Frost or Rob Delaney and Sharon Horgan.
My Neighbors Are Dead: The wonderful premise of this hit-and-miss improvised show is interviews with lesser-known characters from horror movies, like the caterer from Damien’s party in The Omen and the neighbors from Poltergeist.
Apple today seeded the second betas of upcoming iOS 17.5 and iPadOS 17.5 updates to developers for testing purposes, with the software coming two weeks after Apple released the first betas.
Registered developers are able to opt into the betas by opening up the Settings app, going to the Software Update section, tapping on the “Beta Updates” option, and toggling on the iOS 17 or iPadOS 17 Developer Beta. An Apple ID associated with a developer account is required to download and install the beta.
Most of the features that Apple promised would be coming in iOS 17 have now been released, but iOS 17.5 adds additional app ecosystem changes in the European Union. App developers can offer apps for download on the iPhonedirectly from their websites, in addition to through app marketplaces.
There are also code changes that hint at new Apple Pencils and a Battery Health feature for the iPad, with more information on what’s new available in our iOS 17.5 beta features post.
iOS 18 is expected to be the “biggest” update in the iPhone’s history. Below, we recap rumored features and changes for the iPhone. iOS 18 is rumored to include new generative AI features for Siri and many apps, and Apple plans to add RCS support to the Messages app for an improved texting experience between iPhones and Android devices. The update is also expected to introduce a more…
A week after Apple updated its App Review Guidelines to permit retro game console emulators, a Game Boy emulator for the iPhone called iGBA has appeared in the App Store worldwide. The emulator is already one of the top free apps on the App Store charts. It was not entirely clear if Apple would allow emulators to work with all and any games, but iGBA is able to load any Game Boy ROMs that…
Apple’s hardware roadmap was in the news this week, with things hopefully firming up for a launch of updated iPad Pro and iPad Air models next month while we look ahead to the other iPad models and a full lineup of M4-based Macs arriving starting later this year. We also heard some fresh rumors about iOS 18, due to be unveiled at WWDC in a couple of months, while we took a look at how things …
Best Buy this weekend has a big sale on Apple MacBooks and iPads, including new all-time low prices on the M3 MacBook Air, alongside the best prices we’ve ever seen on MacBook Pro, iPad, and more. Some of these deals require a My Best Buy Plus or My Best Buy Total membership, which start at $49.99/year. In addition to exclusive access to select discounts, you’ll get free 2-day shipping, an…
Apple today said it removed Game Boy emulator iGBA from the App Store for violating the company’s App Review Guidelines related to spam (section 4.3) and copyright (section 5.2), but it did not provide any specific details. iGBA was a copycat version of developer Riley Testut’s open-source GBA4iOS app. The emulator rose to the top of the App Store charts following its release this weekend,…
Apple’s first set of new AI features planned for iOS 18 will not rely on cloud servers at all, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. “As the world awaits Apple’s big AI unveiling on June 10, it looks like the initial wave of features will work entirely on device,” said Gurman, in the Q&A section of his Power On newsletter today. “That means there’s no cloud processing component to the…
Apple Watch SE2 may be inexpensive compared to higher models, but it’s plenty of smartwatch for most people. Photo: Apple
Amazon just offered 40mm Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation) for $189.00. Not far from an all-time low, that’s $60 off the regular price of $249.00. And you can get a similar Apple Watch SE 2 bargains on other versions of the wearable, too.
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Apple Watch SE 2 bargains available at Amazon
Launched in 2022, Apple Watch SE 2 is the least pricey new Apple Watch. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of higher lines like Apple Watch 9, like ECG readings, but it packs plenty of features for a low price.
You can get the deal mentioned above on the 40mm GPS only aluminum-case version of the wearble in silver, midnight and starlight colors — just $189.00.
And if you prefer the 44mm GPS Apple Watch SE, you can get it for $279.00 $219.00. That’s pretty much the same deal as above, but a little more pricey because it’s a bigger timepiece. You can grab that deal on midnight and starlight color options.
Apple Watch SE 2 packs a solid feature list. Photo: Apple
Cellular models on sale, too
The two models that add cellular coverage to GPS are on sale, too.
40mm cellular Apple Watch SE with cellular plus GPS, midnight and starlight colors — $299.00 $239.00
44mm cellular Apple Watch SE with cellular plus GPS, midnight, silver and starlight colors — $329.00 $269.00
With the second beta of iOS 17.5 that’s available today, iPhone users located in the European Union are able to download apps directly from the websites of Apple app developers without going through the App Store or an alternative app marketplace.
Since March, Apple has been working on support for downloading apps from websites, and the feature is finally ready for testing. Apple started letting developers offer their apps through alternative app marketplaces in the EU in iOS 17.4, but the website option adds a new method for acquiring apps.
App developers that want to offer iOS apps from their websites in the European Union need to meet specific criteria to ensure the safety of iPhone users. Apps must undergo Apple’s Notarization process, and developers need to be a member of the Apple Developer Program for two continuous years or more.
Only apps that have had one million annual first installs or more on iOS in the EU in the prior year are eligible for download from a website. Developers that meet these terms will be able to use an API for web-based app downloads. Apps downloaded through the web using the API can be backed up, restored, and updated as standard apps can.
When an iPhone user in the EU visits a website to install an app, users will need to grant express permission for that developer to install apps to Settings. A system sheet will display the app name, developer name, app description, screenshots, and more.
Developers are only able to offer apps from their developer account, and are required to publish transparent data collection policies so users are aware of how data is collected and used. Apps distributed outside of the App Store need to provide customer support, refunds, and offer a way to manage apps.
While developers do not have to pay a cut of app sales to Apple for apps distributed through websites, there is a 0.50 euro Core Technology Fee for each annual install over one million in the past 12 months. The fee is waived for nonprofit organizations, accredited educational institutions, and government entities.
Downloading apps outside of the App Store is limited to iPhone users who are located in the European Union, and Apple has implemented these options to comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act. The functionality is not available on the iPad, nor is it open to iPhone users in other countries.
There’s a cult following for 360-degree cameras. While companies like GoPro and Ricoh continue to dabble in the category, Insta360 simply dominates it. Until today, the X3 was the ultimate 360 camera, with loads of features and shooting modes that were relatively easy to use. Insta360’s collection of selfie sticks, guards, cases and peripherals added even more cool tricks like bullet time effects and fast-zoom video effects. A few years later, we’re getting the Insta360 X4, with improvements prioritizing the fundamentals. There are higher-resolution camera sensors, a bigger battery and even more versatility, thanks to multiple resolutions and framerate options.
Photo by Mat Smith/Engadget
The Insta360 X4 doesn’t look hugely different from the X3. It has the same candy bar form factor, with two huge wide-angle lenses either side. It does seem more elongated, but I had no issue cramming it into my pocket during a week of testing.
The new camera has removable lens guards, which is an intelligent design improvement. Any damage or scratch to the lens will likely affect image quality, especially when it’s exposed in … adventurous settings. Previously, Insta360 offered sticky lens covers, but the X4 new lens has guards that can be twisted on and off the camera sensors. And they come included in the box, which is nice.
Both the USB-C port and battery compartment, where the microSD slot lives, are protected by solid covers with sliding locks. The Insta360 X4’s Type-C port now supports USB 3.0 speeds, arguably necessary when dealing with these higher-resolution videos and bigger files.
Photo by Mat Smith/Engadget
The button layout remains streamlined and familiar to anyone who’s used Insta360 cameras before. There’s a circular ‘shoot’ button (voice and gesture shooting options are built-in, too, but they’re a little less reliable), a mode switcher, a programmable Q button, and the power button. The 2.5-inch touchscreen is bigger, too, and most settings are only a few swipes away. It feels like using a smartphone, which helps make it intuitive.
However, the sheer versatility means there are a lot of menus to peruse. I never felt overwhelmed but during testing, I never quite managed to get Bullet Time and Time Shift to work anywhere near as well as I’ve seen on YouTube.
Photo by Mat Smith/Engadget
Newcomers can power up the X4 immediately and capture video and stills without too much struggle. Naturally, for those who know what they’re doing, this is where things get fun.
The technical improvements focus on video, with the new ability to record footage at up to 8K 30fps or 5.7k at 60fps. Slow-mo video has been boosted up to 4K resolution, too. Insta360’s Me Mode, which captures traditional ‘flat’ video (in combination with its ‘invisible’ selfie stick), has been upgraded to 4K 30fps. In short, it captures more of everything compared to its predecessor. More pixels mean more detail with 360-degree video (or any capture mode). It also ensures that when you crop down to create clips for social media, the footage doesn’t appear too low-res. Plus, Insta360 claims that stepping down to 5.7K resolution to record video will offer better performance in low light, which seemed true during my tests indoors and in the evening.
Insta360 has considered the increased processing demands of higher-resolution content. The X4 has a 2,290mAh battery, 67 percent bigger than the X3’s. According to the press release, it should be able to capture video for up to 135 minutes.
While we’re focusing on the upgrades, a lot of Insta360’s best camera features are carryovers from the X3. 360-degree horizon lock keeps all your footage level regardless of how you hold the X4, and there’s still impressive image stabilization and waterproofing up to 33 feet. While the X3 fixed many of the biggest problems with capturing 360-degree video, the X4 has boosted fidelity to the point where it’s possible to capture polished footage without much effort.
The X4 is now available to order directly from Insta360, priced at $499.99. That is $100 more than its predecessor but still less than the company’s pro-level $800 camera, the One RS 1-inch 360 Edition.
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There are no more leather iPhone cases from Apple. No leather Watch bands, either. Screenshot: Apple
A new video from Apple highlights the company’s move away from leather iPhone cases and Watch bands last year. Apple instead went with a new material it calls FineWoven.
Trouble is, months after Apple made the change, FineWoven continues to draw strong complaints.
Apple advert says Goodbye Leather for iPhone cases and Watch bands
Leather draws criticism from animal-rights activists and environmental activists. These concerns helped convince Apple to stop using the material for iPhone cases and Watch bands in autumn 2023.
It’s Goodbye Leather short video advert posted on YouTube on Tuesday says, “Apple has eliminated leather in accessories to help reduce impact on the planet.”
The phrase is accompanied by the word “leather” spelled out with leather then flying apart.
There were immediate complaints that the fabric is fragile. And the material is reportedly not standing up to the test of time and heavy usage.
The Wall Street Journal’s Joanna Stern used her Tech Things newsletter to describe her iPhone 15 Pro Max’s FineWoven case after fine months of use by saying, “The edges are peeling, the fabric is scratched up like an old CD and it’s browning like a rotten banana. I’ve been waiting for the CDC to show up at my house to declare it a biomedical concern.”
There are calls from many sources for Apple to replace FineWoven with something better.
Bring on Earth Day
The Goodbye Leather ad’s release is clearly timed to be ready for Earth Day on April 22. Apple likes to talk up its environmental record.
And the iPhone-maker also premiered an advert called Recycling Robots on Tuesday. The short video says, “Apple’s robots now recover recyclable materials from 23 models of iPhone.”
Google appears to be working on adding quick access to its AI chatbot Gemini to the drop-down menu that appears in your address bar. If you want to talk to the bot quickly you’ll be able to type in ‘@gemini’ and get instant access to the bot.
According to Windows Report, Chrome is due to have a ‘chat with Gemini’ shortcut to the address bar, so you don’t have to go to the official Gemini website. The feature is yet to be widespread, but with the ‘chat with Gemini’ shortcut, you should be able to give it a try.
It’s not surprising to see Google forging ahead with its newest AI assistant in Chrome (and on Chromebooks) – in fact, Gemini was technically implemented into the browser back in February, when Google introduced an AI-powered ‘help me write’ feature. Microsoft has been pushing its own AI helper Copilot aggressively across everything from the Edge browser to Windows tablets. Google has demonstrated a more reserved approach to AI tools compared to Microsoft’s bull-in-a-china-shop efforts, but it makes sense that the search engine giant wants to keep pace with the competition.
How to use Gemini in Chrome right now
You can try typing out ‘@gemini’ and see if anything comes up, but as of right now it’s not functional – you can’t click on it or select it. It’s still part of a Chrome Canary patch, which is Google’s channel for testing out potential new features that enthusiasts and developers can try out and give feedback on.
If you’d like to try it out, you can launch and set up Chrome Canary, and once the test browser is installed you can enter chrome://flags in the address bar and hit enter. This should take you to the ‘Expansion pack page for the site’ and you’ll be able to enable the starter pack.
Restart the browser and you’re done! You should then be able to chat with Gemini from the address bar. Of course, as this is still in testing there’s no guarantee that it’ll work flawlessly, and we can’t be sure just yet that the feature will make it to the public version of the browser. However, if it does make it to the public it’ll be good news for Gemini fans or anyone who wants to get more familiar with the ChatGPT alternative.
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Last August, India became the fourth country ever to achieve a soft Moon landing.Credit: Kabir Jhangiani/NurPhoto/Getty
India’s general election begins this week. Nearly one billion voters are eligible to go to the polls in a marathon exercise, starting on 19 April and ending on 1 June.
Opinion polls are projecting that an alliance of parties led by the incumbent Bharatiya Janata Party will win a third consecutive term against an alliance of opposition parties led by the Indian National Congress. The winner will take charge of the world’s fifth-largest economy. According to projections, India could become the third-largest economy, behind China and the United States, by the end of the decade.
Along with being an economic power, India is also more than ready to take the next step towards becoming a science powerhouse. This is not yet a given, but it can happen. Researchers told Nature’snews teamthat basic research has been neglected by successive governments, and that a thriving research system needs much greater autonomy. In this editorial, we discuss a third aspect: how to bridge the funding gap. One thing India’s government can do is to boost science spending by encouraging businesses to contribute more, as is the case for other leading economies (see ‘R&D spending in the world’s top-five economies’). If policymakers and industrialists can get this right, an opportunity to put rocket boosters under the country’s impressive scientific achievements is there for the taking.
Source: Department of Science and Technology, Government of India.
There is, indeed, much to build on. According to government data, in 2021–22, India had the world’s third-largest pharmaceutical industry by volume and was the leading supplier of affordable medicines and generic drugs, some of which were crucial to fighting the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide. Last year, India became the fourth country ever to achieve a soft Moon landing and the first to land near the lunar south pole. It also has the world’s largest constellation of remote-sensing satellites.
India is among the world’s most prolific countries in terms of research output, after the United States and China. From 2014 to 2021, the number of universities increased from 760 to 1,113. In the past decade, 7 more Indian Institutes of Technology — the country’s network of education and research centres — have been set up, raising the total to 23. In the same period, two new Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research were also established.
Now consider that these gains were achieved by a nation that spent just 0.64% of its gross domestic product (GDP) on research and development (R&D) during 2020–21, the latest period for which the Department of Science and Technology (DST) has published data. Whichever political group is elected, it must consider how to increase the country’s R&D spending, as well as what could be achieved with more money.
In 2022, the average R&D expenditure of the 38 high-income countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) was around 2.7%, according to data published last month. In 2021, China spent 2.4% on R&D, according to World Bank data.
In absolute terms, India’s science spending, adjusted for purchasing power parity (PPP), increased from the equivalent of US$50.3 billion in 2014–15 to $57.9 billion in 2020–21, according to DST data. PPP is a measure of the buying power of a currency in different countries. What matters more, including for the purposes of international comparisons, is the share of R&D as a fraction of GDP. After economic reforms were introduced in 1991, India’s share of R&D spending rose steadily, peaking in 2009–10 at 0.82% of GDP before declining to its present levels, according to DST data.
Splitting the costs
One thing stands out when the components of India’s science spending are compared with similarly sized economies. Around 60% of India’s research spending can be traced to central and state governments and universities, and around 40% to the private sector. In comparable nations, there is often much more private-sector funding. In 2022, the private sector contributed, on average, 74% of OECD nations’ R&D spending and 66% of such funding for the 27 members of the European Union. India today has many global companies in construction, information technology, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and more. They could be contributing a lot more to the nation’s research — both in terms of funding researchers and also infrastructure.
What do early-career life scientists in India want?
Last August, the Indian parliament approved a bill authorizing the establishment of a funding agency, the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF). It was charged with disbursing 500 billion rupees ($6 billion) to universities and laboratories over 5 years — with 70% of it from non-governmental sources, such as philanthropists and industry. Once established, the ANRF must, once and for all, break perceptions about the neglect of basic research. But ANRF is still only one piece in a larger jigsaw puzzle. The incoming government, alongside the country’s many corporations, will need to look harder at how it can further boost investment in science. As the DST’s own data clearly show, India’s corporations, especially, can, and should be a lot more generous.
Overall, public and private investment in science boosts economies and, by extension, societies, health and well-being. This knowledge has helped the public and private sectors of some of the world’s leading economies to prioritize science in their budgets. They know what these research investments can achieve. Whichever group emerges victorious after India’s marathon election process closes on 1 June must know that India can and should do the same.
