Iterate Weekly - Issue 176
This week we're talking about Google's latest product launch event, listening to sped-up podcasts, a "no car" Olympics, a 3D printed neighborhood and "Plain English"!
Welcome to issue 176 of Iterate Weekly.
Hope you’re all doing well. This is just a friendly reminder that you can always reply directly to these messages or leave a comment on the Substack post. Feedback is highly encouraged and I’m happy to answer any and all questions that come up.
Thank you as always for reading!
🤖 Tech
Made by Google 2024
As you’re reading this, the latest “Made by Google” event will have likely already taken place.
Typically occurring in October, this year’s presentation gets an early start and will be the unveiling of a number of new products from the folks in Mountain View. But is there really much left to know?
Google has divulged more information than almost any other tech company in the lead up to their marquee event. Are they actual “leaks” when they happen this frequently? No, not really. Google has strategically put forth just enough information to get people excited (or not) before the officially release of the new line of Pixel devices.
So what are we looking for here? It’s another round of Pixel phones including a foldable model. The design language has changed slightly to give more squared off angles. There will be some new Pixel Buds to check out as well.
And of course, because this is 2024, there will be plenty of AI demonstrations. Gemini will likely be the connective tissue between all of the new product announcements. And will I be placing a pre-order? We’ll see. I’m leaning toward ordering a reasonably sized Pixel 9 Pro in the Hazel color but I’ll hold off until I see all the details.
🎓 Education/Productivity/Work
Is listening to sped up podcasts really for sociopaths?
I’ve listened to audiobooks and podcasts at faster speeds for years now. Am I a sociopath?
Apparently, some famous podcasters think so.
It’s funny that Bill Simmons thinks only sociopaths turn up the dial on podcast playback. I’ve been listening to Bill at 1.5x for years. When I listen at normal speed he sounds like he’s drunk. And why is Julia Louis Dreyfuss in the photo above? Apparently, she didn’t even know that speeding up podcasts was an option when asked about the topic.
I can understand the idea of not getting the full effect of the podcast delivery if the host sounds like a chipmunk, but I think people should be free to listen at whatever speed they see fit.
Why stop at podcasts? Speeding up YouTube videos is a fantastic way to move things along. Is it wrong to think that every bit of media playback should probably have a speed dial? We’re all working with different amounts of free time after all.
What say you readers?
♻️ Health/Environment/EVs
How will LA host a “no car” Olympics in 2028?
As we turn the page on the Paris Olympics, it’s time to start scrutinizing every aspect of the next games in Los Angeles.
For a city that is well known for its car culture (and traffic), LA is hoping to host a “no car” Olympic games.
It’s not going to be easy. But the main way of doing it will be to expand the public transportation system. And with typical transit projects taking decades rather than the four years remaining until the games, time is of the essence. Let’s take a look at that transit map.
Aside from the new train lines, LA will borrow buses from around the country to shuttle people around during the 17 day event. And in addition to that, the mayor is already planting the seeds for Angelenos to change their commute plans when the Olympics are taking place. Employees are being encouraged to work from home, and business are being told to limit their hours.
This will be a major opportunity for LA to get a handle on traffic and convince its residents that it may not longer be the car dependent city of the past.
🛍 Grab Bag
Behold the 3D-printed neighborhood!
Yep, that’s a photo of a 3D-printed neighborhood!
It’s a development in Georgetown, Texas and there are one hundred homes that have been created by a very large 3D printer.
These homes take about three weeks to print and the foundations and roofs are put together in the traditional manner. But the bulk of the home is essentially coming out of a tube in layers and stacked on top of each other. It’s cheaper, faster, and more efficient than traditional construction.
Look for more technology like this coming soon to a housing development near you.
💬 Quote of the Week
"All of humanity’s problems stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone."
-Blaise Pascal
🎧Content Review
“Plain English Podcast”
If you’re looking to add to your weekly podcast rotation, look no further than “Plain English” with Derek Thompson.
It comes from the fine folks at The Ringer and I’ve always loved Thompson’s appearances on The Bill Simmons Podcast (at 1.5x speed obviously).
Thompson’s conversations with Simmons typically look at predictions of the future within different categories like tech, media, health etc. If you’re a fan of this writing, you’ll likely enjoy hearing Thompson’s take on where the world is going.
Thanks for reading, I’ll see you next week!
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