From Note 7 Fires to HoloLens Fumbles

Brandon covers a broad spectrum of tech news and industry commentary, beginning with the launch of the show’s new lifetime premium membership. The host explains how the one-time $20 fee gives supporters access to exclusive content, digital book copies, early writing previews, and other perks. He discusses his passion for writing and blogging, reinforcing that the support helps sustain the site and podcast. The tone is personal and appreciative, with a strong emphasis on community involvement and gratitude for listener support.

A major portion of the show is devoted to the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 recall, detailing how replacement phones were still catching fire—even on airplanes—forcing Samsung to halt production and issue fireproof return boxes. The host explains the likely causes, such as battery defects and swelling, drawing parallels to similar issues in MacBook touchpads. He critiques Samsung’s initial handling of the crisis and explores the ripple effect on the tech market, suggesting Apple’s iPhone 7 benefited from Samsung’s misfortune during the holiday season. He also reflects on the broader implications for the mobile industry and corporate accountability.

The episode also explores a variety of other topics, including Microsoft’s pricing missteps with HoloLens, Twitter’s financial struggles, and Amazon’s new music service. The host criticizes Microsoft for repeatedly pricing themselves out of markets—from phones to VR—despite having strong products. He talks about Twitter’s inability to monetize its user base and the lack of serious acquisition interest. The show wraps with thoughts on Google’s Pixel event, Facebook streaming upgrades, and retail loyalty programs from companies like Barnes & Noble. As always, the commentary is opinionated, humorous, and rich in real-world tech analysis.

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