Gadget Prices Are Getting Ridiculous

Summary of Gadget Prices Are Getting Ridiculous

by MKBHD

1h 23m•April 17, 2026
Listen to Episode

Overview of Waveform Podcast — "Gadget Prices Are Getting Ridiculous"

This episode (hosts Marques, Andrew and David) covers a mix of tech news, product impressions and industry updates: rising device prices (Samsung), new hardware (GoPro Mission One), software/UX fixes (Google vs. back-button hijacking), a number of legal and business developments (NZXT rental settlement, John Deere right‑to‑repair settlement, Netgear conditional import approval), phone quirks and hands‑on impressions (iPhone Air, Xiaomi Leica global software bug), and a sports-tech diversion about Bryson DeChambeau’s 3D‑printed 5‑iron at the Masters. The tone mixes practical takeaways, skepticism about some corporate pivots (Allbirds → “Newbird AI”), and hands‑on camera/phone chatter.

Key topics covered

  • Samsung price increases

    • Samsung quietly raised prices across many Galaxy phones and tablets (some increases up to ~$280). Likely tied to memory shortages and margin padding.
    • Rumored Galaxy Unpacked (Fold8 Wide event reportedly July 22, London); also rumors of new S27 Pro model (a mid‑point between S27 and Ultra).

  • Google fixes and desktop AI tools

    • Google now treating “back‑button hijacking” (sites that trap the browser back button using redirect entries) as a malicious/spammy practice that can hurt search ranking.
    • Google released a Spotlight‑style desktop tool (Windows, now Mac) that surfaces context for the current screen, integrates with Drive/local files and acts as a quick Gemini/chat assistant — seen as a competitor to Copilot/Raycast.

  • GoPro Mission One

    • GoPro announced Mission One: a non‑Hero, larger‑sensor cinema‑oriented action camera with a 1‑inch sensor, interchangeable‑lens variant (micro‑four‑thirds mount), 8K open‑gate/8K60 and riggable accessories.
    • Caveats: MFT mount reportedly lacks lens contacts (no AF), price unannounced; early impression is promising but footage/real‑world tests needed.

  • iPhone Air impressions

    • Hosts discussed using the iPhone Air: extremely thin/light and pocketable, but poor battery life and limited camera (single lens, no 4x tele), which makes some shooting workflows (telephoto/ultrawide panoramas) problematic.
    • Community poll noted telephoto as favorite secondary lens (50%), then ultrawide (31%), selfie (19). Many expect Air 2 to add at least an ultrawide or telephoto.

  • Xiaomi global software bug

    • Xiaomi’s Leica‑branded phone global firmware had a weather widget bug showing Fahrenheit temps but a fixed “feels like” in Celsius — an example of insufficient global QA/translation.

  • NZXT rental controversy settlement

    • NZXT settled claims over its PC rental program for ~$3.45M after allegations of deceptive practices (changing specs, predatory targeting, debt collection). Settlement includes refunds/ownership remedies for affected customers.

  • Netgear import approval

    • After a Pentagon move restricting some non‑U.S. manufactured routers, the FCC granted Netgear conditional approval to import routers/modems/gateways into the U.S. through Oct 1, 2027. Netgear hasn’t announced U.S. manufacturing plans.

  • John Deere right‑to‑repair settlement

    • John Deere agreed to a ~$99M settlement and committed to providing repair resources (10‑year access via license/subscription) and offline diagnostics for owners/shops — a notable right‑to‑repair win for farmers.

  • Corporate pivots and markets

    • Allbirds announced a pivot toward AI/GPU compute and a name change to “Newbird AI,” selling shoe assets — stock surged ~700% on the news, prompting skepticism about business rationale and disclosure.

  • Miscellaneous

    • Podcast ad upload mistake explanation (4.5 minute ad burst in an episode — team error).
    • Trivia and a sports/tech segment: Bryson DeChambeau’s 3D‑printed 5‑iron at the Masters, and the Masters’ near‑total ban on phones/cameras — a throwback, low‑tech event experience.

Main takeaways / implications

  • Hardware pricing: Expect higher street prices as component shortages or company margin‑management ripple through device lines. Samsung has already raised prices on many models; other OEMs may follow.
  • QA/localization matters: Global firmware/backends still trip up major brands (weather widget and other translation bugs). Don’t assume a non‑local SKU will be fully localized.
  • AI tooling is bleeding into the desktop: Google’s Gemini/Spotlight push shows big vendors continuing to integrate AI assistants directly into OS workflows (search, file access, screen context).
  • GoPro’s pivot could be meaningful: Mission One is their most ambitious camera in years — could reposition GoPro from tiny crash cams to a riggable cinema‑style action camera if image quality and features meet the specs.
  • Right to repair advancing: John Deere settlement is a concrete example of legal pressure yielding more repair access; expect more industries to face similar scrutiny.
  • Beware marketing pivots: Allbirds → GPU company example shows how the market can react wildly to corporate pivots; investors and customers should be skeptical of superficial “AI” rebrands.
  • Consumer caution: Don’t be lured by PC rental schemes; read contracts and refunds/ownership rules carefully (NZXT case).

Notable quotes / moments

  • “Telephoto is the only camera you need on an iPhone” — a hot take from the hosts’ quick camera debate.
  • “If it's alive after 200 cups of coffee” — joke from the opening banter illustrating episode tone.
  • Reaction to Allbirds pivot: incredulous — “this reads like an April Fool’s joke” (stock spiked ~700%).

Practical recommendations / action items

  • If shopping Samsung gear: check prices against previous models and re‑evaluate trade‑offs; consider waiting or comparing other OEMs if price sensitivity matters.
  • If you use global SKUs (phones from China): test localization (units, region settings, widgets) immediately — widget bugs and untranslated pieces are common.
  • Web developers: avoid/patch redirect/back‑button patterns — Google is moving to penalize sites using back‑button hijacking.
  • Farmers/owners: monitor John Deere’s rollout of diagnostic/offline tools and subscription/licensing terms to understand repair options and costs.
  • Consumers: be cautious about hardware subscription/rental programs; if you’re considering one, read the small print (spec changes, ownership terms).
  • Camera buyers: wait for independent Mission One footage and hands‑on reviews before buying — the specs look strong but AF and pricing are open questions.

Episode structure / segments

  • Intro & ad sponsor spots (and an apology for last episode’s ad upload issue).
  • Quick news and product anecdotes (Xiaomi bug, iPhone Air impressions).
  • Longer product deep dives: Samsung lineup rumors and price hikes, GoPro Mission One preview.
  • Software/UX & policy stories: Google back‑button fix, Gemini/Spotlight for desktop.
  • Business/legal updates: NZXT settlement, Netgear import/FCC approval, John Deere settlement, Allbirds pivot.
  • “Circling Back” updates on previously discussed stories.
  • Trivia and a sports/tech segment (Bryson’s 3D printed club and Masters culture).

This summary captures the highlights and business/consumer implications. If you want, use the “Practical recommendations” list as a checklist for follow‑up reading (e.g., check Samsung price lists, read the John Deere settlement FAQ, watch Mission One footage).