Better Offline CES 2025: Day 6 - Epilogue

Release Date: January 12, 2025

Introduction: Wrapping Up CES 2025

In the final episode of Better Offline's coverage of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025, host Osvaloshin welcomes listeners to the epilogue, reflecting on the week-long event held at the Venetian Expo Center in Las Vegas. This episode serves as a comprehensive reflection on the experiences, insights, and lessons learned during CES, emphasizing the human connections within the tech industry.

Highlights and Personal Experiences at CES

Ergonomics and Physical Toll

Phil Broughton shares his observations on the ergonomics of high-end venues, humorously noting the discomfort of standing on marble floors: “The richer you are, the more you're gonna hurt for style” (04:50). This light-hearted commentary sets the tone for a candid discussion about the physical demands of attending large tech events.

Positive Masculinity and Solidarity

Osvaloshin and Phil discuss their efforts to foster a positive environment amidst the traditionally male-dominated tech media. Osvaloshin remarks, “It feels like collecting years of CES into one” (07:05), highlighting the intense yet rewarding nature of their participation. The hosts express gratitude towards their guests and the supportive community they encountered, reinforcing the importance of camaraderie in the tech space.

Interactions with Tech Media Personalities

The episode features engaging conversations with various tech media representatives, including Ed Ongueso Jr. and other notable journalists. Osvaloshin reflects on the genuine passion observed among the attendees: “It's really heartening to hear others talk about this because I feel like the Bylines that some people are under, they kind of rob them of that passion” (07:05). This underscores the authenticity and dedication present within the tech media community.

Reflections on Tech Media and Industry Practices

Critique of Current Tech Innovations

Alec Baldwin provides a critical perspective on the quality and practicality of many tech products showcased at CES. He observes, “Most of the tech either simply does not exist or is in a prototype form” (11:28), expressing skepticism about the tangible benefits of certain innovations. This sentiment resonates with others, fostering a deeper discussion on the actual value versus the hype in the tech industry.

The Role of Venture Capital and Profitability

The hosts delve into the influence of venture capital in shaping tech developments. Baldwin argues that the pursuit of profitability often overshadows genuine technological innovation: “All of the limitations, there's more energy being spent on evading all the barriers to maximizing potential valuation and profitability and market share instead of the actual technological innovation itself” (58:45). This critique highlights the tension between financial incentives and meaningful progress in technology.

Human Connections and the Future of Tech Media

Building Authentic Relationships

Osvaloshin emphasizes the importance of personal connections within the tech media, stating, “You don't have to be so fucking self-conscious, you fucking cowards” (69:10). The episode celebrates the friendships and collaborative spirit that emerged during CES, suggesting that these relationships can drive more honest and passionate coverage of technology.

Vision for Next Year and Beyond

Looking ahead, the hosts express their commitment to diversifying voices and enhancing the structure of their coverage for future events. Osvaloshin shares plans to include more diverse perspectives and subject matter experts: “We’re going to do a much better job next year. And we've already, like, making plans for this 2026” (35:54). This forward-thinking approach aims to create a more inclusive and comprehensive dialogue around technology.

Closing Remarks and Acknowledgments

Gratitude and Recognition

The episode concludes with heartfelt thanks to guests, contributors, and the production team. Osvaloshin acknowledges the hard work of bartender Phil Broughton and producer Matt Ossowski, among others, highlighting their pivotal roles in making the coverage possible: “We couldn't have done it without you, Matt Ossowski” (65:09).

Final Thoughts on Technology and Humanity

In a final emotional reflection, Osvaloshin reiterates the show's mission to uncover the human side of technology: “There are people coming in here who are slightly excited or very excited about a smaller laptop because they're able to use the computer in a different place, so they're able to do more with their lives” (65:45). This underscores the enduring belief in technology's potential to enhance human experiences when driven by genuine passion and care.

Notable Quotes

• Phil Broughton (07:05): “It feels like collecting years of CES into one.”
• Osvaloshin (07:05): “It's really heartening to hear others talk about this because I feel like the Bylines that some people are under, they kind of rob them of that passion.”
• Alec Baldwin (11:28): “Most of the tech either simply does not exist or is in a prototype form.”
• Osvaloshin (69:10): “You don't have to be so fucking self-conscious, you fucking cowards.”
• Phil Broughton (58:45): “All of the limitations, there's more energy being spent on evading all the barriers to maximizing potential valuation and profitability and market share instead of the actual technological innovation itself.”
• Osvaloshin (65:45): “There are people coming in here who are slightly excited or very excited about a smaller laptop because they're able to use the computer in a different place, so they're able to do more with their lives.”

Conclusion

The epilogue of Better Offline CES 2025 encapsulates a week of intense exploration, critical analysis, and meaningful human interactions within the tech industry. By balancing skepticism with hope, the hosts provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of the current tech landscape and its future trajectory. As they look forward to future events, the commitment to fostering genuine connections and diverse perspectives remains at the core of Better Offline’s mission.

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