Apple KNEW their phones would bend! - WAN Show May.25 2018

The WAN Show episode from May 25, 2018 opens with a discussion about the show’s evolving set design, noting a new hexagonal backdrop and a shift away from the previous corner setup. The hosts invite audience input via a straw poll to gauge preferences between the old set and the new one, acknowledging that change can be unsettling for viewers. They joke about lighting and background elements while highlighting a focus on improved sound absorption in the new space, promising that feedback will steer refinements in future episodes. The conversation then pivots to a roundup of tech news and topics, starting with a much anticipated explainer on Bendgate and Touch Disease, then moving through a series of related developments, industry shifts, and notable incidents. The core segment on Bendgate reveals internal Apple documents showing the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus were known to be more prone to bending before launch, with quantified risks comparing the 6 and 6 Plus to the iPhone 5s. The discussion emphasizes that Apple did not publicly acknowledge Touch Disease until late 2016, despite repairs and underfill techniques being implemented earlier, and it delves into the public relations and consumer trust implications of these revelations. The hosts connect Bendgate and Touch Disease to broader themes of engineering myths, consumer expectations, and the consequences of perceived compromises in design quality. Another major thread covers the Uber self-driving accident in Arizona, drawing on a National Transportation Safety Board report that details system failures, driver monitoring gaps, and the vehicle’s emergency braking constraints that prevented autonomous takeover. The panel analyzes how the lidar and software layers interacted, the driver’s role in supervision, and how human factors and interface design contributed to the fatal outcome. A critical takeaway is the need for better human-machine interfaces and logging capabilities to ensure drivers can intervene effectively when automated systems behave unexpectedly. The episode then shifts to sponsored segments for Bloody Gaming, MOS Blackpack, and Savage Jerky, highlighting product features such as a built-in USB-C fast charger on the MOS backpack and the various flavors of jerky, including a Carolina Reaper option for enthusiasts. The show also touches on ongoing GDPR discussions, a rumor about Essential’s potential sale, and Apple and VW’s involvement in autonomous vehicle ambitions, framing these as indicators of how data privacy, device ecosystems, and mobility technology are converging in 2018. The hosts revisit the Uber tragedy with a broader caution about the pace of autonomous tech development, stressing that safety must outpace innovation and that transparent post-incident analysis is essential for public trust. The program ends on a reflective note, acknowledging the death of John Bain (TotalBiscuit) and honoring his contributions to gaming culture and indie development while inviting viewers to explore his and his wife’s continuing work. The closing remarks then pivot back to practical tech discussion, inviting the audience to engage with Floatplane as an alternative platform and encouraging support for creators before returning to community questions and considerations about the next WAN Show topic lineup.

Topics · technology · news & reviews · consumer electronics · podcast & talk show