Techmeme Ride Home – Episode: "The Thin-Phone Era Is Here" Host: Brian McCullough
Release Date: May 13, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Techmeme Ride Home, host Brian McCullough delves into the latest advancements in the tech world, focusing primarily on the emergence of ultra-thin smartphones, groundbreaking innovations from Apple, the latest developments in drone technology, and exciting strides in AI-driven audiobooks. Skipping over the usual advertisements and introductory remarks, McCullough provides listeners with an in-depth analysis of today's most impactful tech news.

Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge: Leading the Thin-Phone Revolution

[00:02] Brian McCullough kicks off the episode by highlighting Samsung's latest flagship, the Galaxy S25 Edge, priced at $1,100+. This model marks a significant departure from its predecessor, boasting a thickness of just 5.8 millimeters and a weight of 163 grams—making it 30% thinner and 25% lighter than the S25 Ultra.

Key Features:

• Display: 6.7-inch screen, identical to the S25 Plus.
• Memory & Storage: 12GB RAM with 256GB and 512GB storage options.
• Battery: 3,900mAh capacity, optimized by AI for all-day use.
• Camera: Triple camera setup with a 200MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide, and 12MP selfie camera.

Notable Insights: Blake Gazer, Samsung’s Head of Smartphone Product Management for the Americas, emphasized the customer demand for lighter and thinner phones:
“We’ve been hearing from our customers over the last few years that weight and hand feel is something very important to them. As phones are getting bigger and heavier, they’ve really been looking for something that would just disappear in their pocket.”
[04:30]

The S25 Edge arrives ahead of Apple's anticipated iPhone 17, which is expected to match the Edge's slim profile but will feature a single back camera compared to the Edge’s dual-camera setup. While the S25 Edge excels in design and portability, it sacrifices some features such as the S Pen support, larger storage options, and advanced telephoto cameras found in the S25 Ultra.

Reviewer Perspective: CNET’s hands-on review questioned the practicality of thinner phones but concluded that the S25 Edge delivers both in feel and durability:
“Comparing how the S25 Edge's 5.8 millimeter, 163 gram frame feels to the S25 and S25 Plus, I register just how much thinner and lighter it really is. The moment of truth was applying some force to the phone to see if it gave at all. Impressively, it felt quite sturdy.”
[12:45]

Apple’s Innovations: Brain-Controlled iPhones and AI Battery Management

Transitioning to Apple, McCullough discusses two major announcements:

1. AI-Powered Battery Management in iOS 19: Apple is set to introduce an AI-driven battery management system in its upcoming iPhone 17. This feature analyzes user behavior to optimize power consumption, compensating for the device's slimmer battery.

   As reported by Gurman, Apple leverages user battery data to make intelligent adjustments:
   “We are using battery data collected from users’ devices to understand trends and make predictions for when it should lower the power draw of certain applications or features.”
   [20:15]

2. Brain-Computer Interface Partnership with Synchron: Apple is collaborating with Synchron, a brain-computer interface startup, to enable users to control their iPhones via brain signals using the Stentrode implant.

   Mark Jackson, an early adopter, shared his experience:
   “I’m learning how to control my iPhone, iPad, and Vision Pro headset, thanks to a connection between my Stentrode implant and Apple's various operating systems.”
   [27:50]

   Although promising, Jackson noted the technology is still in its nascent stages:
   “It’s still early in its development. Navigation is more slower than normal interaction with a computer or smartphone.”
   [28:30]

Apple aims to standardize this technology later in the year, potentially revolutionizing accessibility and user interaction with devices.

DJI’s Mavic 4 Pro: High-Performance Drones Without US Availability

McCullough shifts focus to the drone industry, highlighting DJI’s latest release, the Mavic 4 Pro, priced at €2,100. Notably, DJI has decided not to release this model in the United States, citing lingering issues with US Customs and the impact of Trump-era tariffs.

Features of Mavic 4 Pro:

• Rotating Gimbal: 360-degree rotation for versatile footage.
• Battery Life: 51 minutes, matching the Mini 3.
• Camera: Built-in 100MP camera capable of 60k HDR video at 60fps.
• Performance: Top speed of nearly 56 mph and a transmission range of 18.6 miles.
• Durability: Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for enhanced protection.

The Verge notes:
“The first off-the-shelf DJI drone that won’t launch in the United States today.”
[35:40]

DJI’s decision underscores the challenges Chinese tech companies face in the US market, potentially limiting access for American consumers and reviewers.

Helsing’s Autonomous Underwater Drones: Revolutionizing Defense Technology

In defense technology news, McCullough covers the unveiling of Helsing’s SG1 Fathom autonomous underwater drone fleet. Powered by the LoRa AI system, these drones are designed for extended underwater reconnaissance and threat detection.

Key Points:

• Autonomy: Can patrol underwater for up to three months.
• AI Capabilities: Detects and classifies sounds from ships and submarines with unprecedented speed and accuracy.
• Efficiency: A single operator can manage hundreds of drones, significantly reducing costs compared to crewed patrols.

Gunbert Scherff, co-founder and CEO of Helsing, stated:
“The LORA platform would detect the acoustic signatures of vessels up to 40 times faster than human operators and at volumes 10 times quieter than other AI models.”
[43:20]

The development aligns with the shifting focus in modern warfare towards autonomous systems, especially in response to threats against underwater infrastructure like subsea cables.

Audible’s AI-Narrated Audiobooks: Expanding Accessibility and Reach

Concluding the episode, McCullough highlights Audible’s new initiative to convert print books and ebooks into AI-narrated audiobooks using over 100 AI voices in multiple languages.

Highlights:

• Voice Variety: AI-generated voices available in English, Spanish, French, and Italian, including various accents and dialects.
• Publisher Opportunities: Titles can be exclusive to Audible or distributed beyond the platform.
• Translation Feature: Upcoming feature to translate text and audio into multiple languages, enhancing global accessibility.

Bob Kerrigan, CEO of Audible, remarked:
“Audiobooks are the fastest growing format in publishing, but only 2 to 5% of existing print and ebooks exist in audio form. Our goal is to close that gap.”
[50:10]

This move positions Audible to capitalize on the growing demand for audiobooks, competing more effectively with platforms like Spotify by integrating audiobooks into their existing services.

Conclusion

Brian McCullough wraps up the episode by emphasizing the rapid pace of innovation in the tech industry, from ultra-thin smartphones and brain-controlled devices to advanced drones and AI-driven audio solutions. The thin-phone era, spearheaded by Samsung's Galaxy S25 Edge, signifies a notable trend towards more portable and user-friendly devices, while Apple's ventures into AI and brain-computer interfaces hint at exciting future possibilities. Meanwhile, advancements in drone technology and AI narrations continue to reshape their respective fields, illustrating the relentless progress and transformative potential of technology today.

Tune in tomorrow for another comprehensive roundup of the day's top tech stories on Techmeme Ride Home.