# Gadget Prices Are Getting Ridiculous

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/waveform-the-mkbhd-podcast/gadget-prices-are-getting-ridiculous
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/waveform-the-mkbhd-podcast/gadget-prices-are-getting-ridiculous.md
Podcast: [Waveform: The MKBHD Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/waveform-the-mkbhd-podcast)
Published: 2026-04-17T08:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/pscrb.fm/rss/p/mgln.ai/e/257/traffic.megaphone.fm/VMP9128222676.mp3?updated=1776388677
Audio file: https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/pscrb.fm/rss/p/mgln.ai/e/257/traffic.megaphone.fm/VMP9128222676.mp3?updated=1776388677
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/waveform-the-mkbhd-podcast/episodes/gadget-prices-are-getting-ridiculous
Duration seconds: 5027

## Resource

The crew examines the rising costs of consumer electronics and the bizarre pivot of Allbirds from footwear to AI infrastructure. They also track updates on Samsung's foldable strategy, Google's search improvements, and the future of GoPro cameras.

## Highlights
- Main idea: Samsung's recent pricing shifts suggest a growing trend of expensive flagship hardware
- Failure mode: The Allbirds pivot to 'New Bird AI' serves as a cautionary tale of extreme corporate desperation
- Practical takeaway: Google's new classification of back-button hijacking as spam is a much-needed win for mobile UX
- Main idea: The lack of repairability in modern tech is often a deliberate choice by manufacturers rather than a technical limitation
- Interesting trend: 3D printing technology is beginning to move into specialized consumer goods like golf clubs

## Topics

Samsung, Google Search, Allbirds, GoPro, AI Infrastructure, Consumer Electronics Pricing, Right to Repair, Mobile Photography

## Chapters
- 1:00 — Intro and Samsung Foldables: The hosts introduce the episode and discuss the current state of Samsung's foldable lineup.
- 7:15 — Mobile Camera Testing: A look at testing the Oppo Find X9 Ultra's camera capabilities against the iPhone.
- 19:45 — Samsung S-Series Evolution: Analyzing the differences between the Ultra and Plus models in the Samsung ecosystem.
- 39:05 — The Allbirds AI Pivot: A deep dive into the shocking news of the shoe retailer transitioning into an AI compute company.
- 45:30 — Circling Back: Tech Updates: Reviewing previous news stories regarding Google Search, GoPro, and legal updates.
- 58:10 — The Right to Repair: Discussing the ongoing struggle with manufacturer-imposed barriers to device repairability.
- 1:11:00 — 3D Printed Golf Clubs: Exploring the complexities and implications of using 3D printing for sporting equipment.

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## Transcript

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