This is Only a Test

We're back to the standard segment order in this week's episode, where we talk about the SpaceX crewed Dragon launch (recorded before the mission was rescheduled), HBO Max's launch and plans for Zack Snyder's Justice League cut, and HP's new VR headset unveiled at the Augmented World Expo! Plus, in our new interview segment Living with Covid, Kishore interviews Ian Haydon, a volunteer who took part in the recent clinical trial of Moderna's Covid-19 vaccine candidate.

The reverse-order podcast returns as special guest Devindra Hardawar joins us this week to talk about how the Oculus Quest platform has grown in its first year of release, the release of Half-Life: Alyx workshop tools, and the technologies and use cases for AR glasses that will make them mainstream. Plus, Build 2020 news, new shows we've been watching, and a special science interview segment!

The podcast is flipped on its head this week as we go through our usual segments in reverse order, starting with the VR minute! Norm, Jeremy, and Kishore talk about how they celebrated mother's day, cozy LEGO builds, and the impending release of the Hamilton concert film on Disney+. Plus, hand tracking experiments in VR, Unreal Engine 5 looking amazing, and hype for the upcoming Lower Decks Star Trek show. That and the usual goodness in this week's packed episode!

Jeremy's back from Spring Break as we go over the news from Star Wars day, the Space Force show trailer, upgrades to both Surface and MacBook Pro laptops, and a fully mechanical handheld pong game from the 70s. Plus, updates in a Moment of Science and NASA's announcement of sending a flying robot to Mars as well as filming a Tom Cruise movie in space! What the what?

Will sits in this week as we discuss the rumors that Apple will transition Mac processors away from Intel next year, what the success of Trolls 2 means for theatrical releases, and the groundbreaking specs for Canon's EOS R5 camera. Plus, Star Wars television show news, a swimming dinosaur discovery, and the delightful Animal Crossing-based talk show created by our friend Gary Whitta!

This week, we discuss the change in direction for Magic Leap, Comic-Con's cancellation, the rise of virtual conferences, and the impending HBO Max launch. Kishore talks about the implications of antibody testing, and we lament the shuttering of an electric skateboard company. Plus, speculation on the future of tracked controllers in the VR minute!

We discuss Apple's new iPhone SE release, the technology behind Apple and Google's contact tracing framework, Bob Iger returning to run Disney, and two new Disney+ shows that make us felt seen. Plus, incredible fan recreations of Disneyland, a remastered video from over 100 years ago, and the science of how the Covid19 virus works. Send us questions to answer in future episodes on our Discord!

We take a detour to the 24th century this episode as the gang suits up to play a game of Star Trek: The Next Generation VHS tabletop game! But first, we discuss the launch of Quibi, shifts in the MCU release timeline, the new PlayStation controller, and Google Stadia going free. Stick around for the second half of the show when we try to take back the Enterprise from the Klingon Kavok!

This week, we discuss the performance of AMD's new Ryzen 4000 mobile processors, Intel's response, and how it shakes up the high-end laptop world. Plus, home theater ediquette, support for art house cinemas, the Dragon's Lair movie adaptation, and new hope for Star Trek: Voyager fans. Stick around to the end for more Picard finale spoiler-talk!

The release of Half-Life: Alyx is the big story, and we spend plenty of time going over the game and the decisions Valve made to push the limits of VR. (All of our discussion is spoiler-free this week). We also chat about what the maker community is doing to provide its support during the covid19 crisis, and what could happen next. Stick around for an interview with Valve's Robin Walker and Corey Peters, as well as our spoiler alert review of the latest Picard episode!

Our podcasting adventures continue even as we work from homes, as Will guests to discuss the newly announced XBox Series X and PlayStation 5 technical specs, Call of Duty Warzone, Apple's new iPad, and the surprise hybrid of LEGO and Super Mario. Plus, Kishore answers listener questions about Covid19, and we gear up for the release of Half-Life: Alyx in under a week!

The whole crew is back in office this week as we vulcan salute and discuss the latest events to be cancelled, covid19 as a pandemic, and the importance of flattening the infection curve. Plus, some lighter fare with Batman comics history, a 5-hour single-shot film, and our review of the most recent Picard episode! Spoiler alert goes up at the hour and 45-minute mark!

Norm and Jeremy are in studio this week to talk about the wave of cancelled conferences and events in the wake of the covid-19 outbreak, and dial Kishore in to get a sensible scientific take on the situation. We also discuss to the new Half-Life: Alyx gameplay footage, mini-LED displays, and Spielberg's worst films.

Norm and Kishore complete the duocast trifecta in this big news week! We discuss the surprise announcement of Disney's new CEO, trends from New York Toy Fair, the next Xbox's technical specs, Tesla Model Y deliveries, and Facebook acquisition of a major VR game developer. Plus, we dive into Picard episode 5 spoilers and reveals at the end of the show!

Will guests this week to chat with Jeremy about the rise and fall of HQ Trivia, Half-Life: Alyx's release date, Space X's private spaceflight plans, and Sony's PS5 pricing mystery. Plus, we dial Norm in for an intercontinental facetime call to see what's happening in New Zealand!