As we cast our gaze back across the landscape of 2025, particularly within the technological sphere, it becomes unmistakably clear that the year will be remembered above all else for the astonishing ascendance of artificial intelligence. The narrative of progress throughout these twelve months could almost be distilled into a single theme: the global and corporate race to develop, refine, and dominate the field of AI. Industry titans—most notably OpenAI, Google, Anthropic, and a constellation of ambitious contenders—competed relentlessly to construct models of ever-increasing sophistication, aiming to create systems capable of performing an extraordinary range of intellectual and creative tasks. Each new release appeared to push the boundaries of what machines could achieve, expanding their competence from narrow functions to more adaptive, generalized reasoning.
In parallel with this contest of innovation, Nvidia made history by becoming the most valuable company on Earth, propelled by the insatiable global demand for the powerful chips and computational infrastructure that underpin modern AI systems. Data centers, the physical arteries of this digital revolution, multiplied across continents—sprouting in unexpected places and transforming global landscapes both industrially and environmentally. From multinational corporations to scrappy startups, from app developers to individual creators, every participant in the digital economy confronted a singular imperative: to craft an AI strategy or risk obsolescence. It seemed that no domain of human activity, from entertainment to education, from healthcare to hardware, existed untouched by artificial intelligence. Though other significant technological and cultural moments certainly defined the year, AI was unquestionably the gravitational center around which nearly all else revolved.
In this reflective episode of The Vergecast, as 2025 draws to its conclusion, hosts Nilay and David welcome journalist Joanna Stern, the esteemed senior technology columnist at The Wall Street Journal, to join them in revisiting their predictions from the previous year. Together, they dissect which expectations materialized, which faltered, and what the outcomes reveal about the direction of modern technology. Their conversation gradually evolves into an expansive discussion encompassing the year’s triumphs, missteps, and the defining narratives that shaped the technological zeitgeist of 2025.
The hosts organize their retrospective around a selection of categories—some delightfully straightforward, others nuanced and open to spirited debate. Certain awards, such as the unexpected success story of the year or the most overused and cringe-inducing new buzzword, almost chose themselves. Yet other judgments demanded introspection and argument: What device truly earned the mantle of “Gadget of the Year,” representing innovation at its most tangible? And, indulging in a lighter vein, which prominent Big Tech CEO would unexpectedly excel as a podcast host, wielding charm and speculative wit behind the microphone? Divergent opinions among the panelists are inevitable, but even in disagreement, their enthusiasm and curiosity reinforce the collaborative energy that defines The Vergecast’s signature style.
The hosts extend their discussion beyond the studio, inviting their audience—listeners deeply attuned to technology’s ever-evolving rhythm—to become part of the conversation. They encourage fans to weigh in on every superlative discussed: Which AI development stood out most compellingly? Which beloved product’s demise sparked genuine sorrow? Feedback channels are open and accessible: readers and listeners are urged to leave comments directly, call the Vergecast Hotline at 866-VERGE11, or send thoughtful emails to vergecast@theverge.com. This interactive element transforms reflection into community dialogue, emphasizing that technology’s story is one told collectively by its observers and creators alike.
And finally, as tradition demands, the episode concludes with a confident glance forward. The hosts tease the following week’s installment—one dedicated to their boldest and perhaps most provocative forecasts for 2026. Though they admit with playful candor that many of their 2025 predictions missed the mark, their optimism remains unchecked. Lessons have been learned, insights refined, and this time, they promise, their aim will be sharper. With anticipation running high, The Vergecast sets the stage for another year of speculation, discovery, and continuous exploration of the forces shaping our technological future.
Sourse: https://www.theverge.com/podcast/840661/tech-stories-2025-ai-vergecast
