Engadget Podcast Examines iPhone 17, AI Podcasting and OpenAI‑Powered Film Effort

Key Points
- Cherlynn Low, Karissa Bell and Allison Johnson discuss iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17.
- Hosts answer Threads‑sourced questions and note the absence of Apple Intelligence at the recent Apple event.
- Devindra Hardawar and Ben Ellman critique an AI podcasting startup as “truly awful.”
- OpenAI technology will be used for the low‑budget CGI film “Critterz.”
- Inception Point AI aims to produce 5,000 podcast episodes weekly with virtual hosts.
- David Zaslav argues HBO Max should raise its price.
- Episode credits include hosts Devindra Hardawar and Cherlynn Low, guests Karissa Bell and Allison Johnson, producer Ben Ellman, and musicians Dale North and Terrence O'Brien.
In a recent Engadget podcast, managing editor Cherlynn Low and senior reporter Karissa Bell sit down with The Verge's Allison Johnson to discuss the upcoming iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17. The hosts also field questions from Threads, share hopes for the next Apple event, and critique recent tech news, including an AI podcasting startup, OpenAI‑driven CGI film "Critterz," and Inception Point AI's plan for massive virtual‑host podcast production. The episode features commentary from Devindra Hardawar, producer Ben Ellman, and a brief take on HBO Max pricing from David Zaslav.
iPhone Lineup Takes Center Stage
Engadget’s managing editor Cherlynn Low and senior reporter Karissa Bell welcome The Verge’s Allison Johnson to break down the latest Apple announcements. The conversation focuses on the newly revealed iPhone Air, the iPhone 17 Pro, and the standard iPhone 17, with a detailed look at hands‑on impressions of the iPhone Air. Listeners also receive a rundown of the iPhone 17 news presented directly from Apple headquarters.
Community Interaction and Event Outlook
The panel answers questions sourced from Threads, offering insights and speculation about what fans can expect at Apple’s next major event. Notably, the hosts point out that the recent Apple event did not mention Apple Intelligence, a detail that sparked discussion.
Tech News Roundup
Co‑host Devindra Hardawar and producer Ben Ellman shift gears to cover other tech stories. They label a particular AI podcasting company as “truly awful,” though no further specifics are given. The discussion then moves to an ambitious animated movie project titled “Critterz,” which plans to leverage OpenAI’s technology to produce a CGI film on a limited budget. Inception Point AI is also highlighted for its goal of generating 5,000 new podcast episodes each week using virtual hosts.
Media Industry Commentary
David Zaslav weighs in on the pricing strategy for HBO Max, suggesting the service should become more expensive. The segment concludes with a brief “pop culture picks” segment.
Production Credits
The episode is hosted by Devindra Hardawar and Cherlynn Low, with guests Karissa Bell and Allison Johnson. Ben Ellman serves as producer, while music contributions come from Dale North and Terrence O'Brien.