WTF Happened in 2025 - Waveform Rewind - Waveform: The MKBHD Podcast Recap

Podcast: Waveform: The MKBHD Podcast

Published: 2025-12-19

Duration: 1 hr 37 min

Summary

The episode reviews significant tech developments in 2025, including Samsung's Galaxy Z TriFold launch, Instagram's new app for Fire TV, and changes in the EV market with Ford and Rivian.

What Happened

The episode kicks off with Marques Brownlee, Andrew, and David diving into the Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold, which features a 10-inch tablet display when open. This new device includes a 200-megapixel primary camera and runs on the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, boasting 512GB of storage and 16GB of RAM. Despite its advanced features, the tri-fold phone has a smaller 5,600 mAh battery compared to typical tablets and an IP48 rating akin to the Z Fold 7.

Transitioning to social media, Instagram has launched a new app for Amazon Fire TV, allowing users to watch content on their television screens. This move is part of a broader trend of social media platforms expanding their reach into home entertainment systems. Meanwhile, a trademark battle is unfolding as Operation Bluebird aims to reclaim the Twitter name, currently held by X Corp.

In the realm of AI, Google introduced a new feature called CC in labs, which integrates daily briefings with calendar, Gmail, and Google Drive. OpenAI released a new image generator model aimed at enterprise use, following a significant partnership with Disney, which plans to use it for content creation, potentially impacting traditional animators.

The electric vehicle sector saw Ford discontinue the F-150 Lightning due to low sales, although hybrid versions will continue. This decision reflects a broader trend of adjusting EV goals, as seen with the EU's removal of the mandate for all new vehicle sales to be electric by 2030. Rivian's Autonomy Day revealed plans for self-driving features using new silicon and LiDAR technology, although current models won't receive these updates.

Rivian is integrating Google's ecosystem into its vehicles to discourage the use of Android Auto, aiming to retain customers within its software environment. The addition of LiDAR to Rivian's sensor suite is a significant move, despite debates over its necessity compared to other sensor technologies like cameras.

The episode wraps up with the hosts revisiting some of their predictions from the previous year. Notably, they reflect on the anticipated rise of humanoid robots and the implications of AI advancements in various industries, highlighting the ongoing evolution of technology in everyday life.

Key Insights