In 2024, podcasts have gotten closer to becoming a video-first medium. Though video podcasts have been around a relatively long time, shows from The New York Times, NPR, and many other podcast networks that have been audio-only for years have recently started adding a video component in order to gain new listenership. In fact, Spotify, a major player in podcasts, is about to begin paying podcasters to bring videos to the platform.
Technology
What podcasts looked like in 2024 — literally
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25784220/247333_EOY_Package_Check_In_CVirginia_PODCASTS.jpg "What podcasts looked like in 2024 — literally")
And after years of producers trying to get audio shows to go viral on social media, podcasts are now dominating TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts after video producers realized they can just film the talent talking. Meanwhile, weekly podcasts are looking to attract younger audiences who grew up on YouTube. As a result, video producers are figuring out how to make podcasts, and audio producers are figuring out how to make videos.
I’ve noticed a few developing trends in this video-first podcasting format. This isn’t surprising; when one producer discovers a formula that works, others are going to try it. Let’s take a look at current design and tech trends — and then I’ll talk about what I think may develop over the next year or so.
Home design
Many of today’s podcast studios look like living rooms and basements. This isn’t a new phenomenon with talk shows, but a lot of podcasts started out in a living space, and larger media companies have adopted that aesthetic. Lamps. Fireplaces. Fake plants. Bookshelves. This environment gives a more “laid back” style of long-form interviewing, which is typically the vibe of most chat-style podcasts.
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Couches and comfy chairs show up a lot on these video shows. The round table has been ditched, and leisure is key — it’s a lot more comfortable of an environment for talking hours at a time. Both hosts and guests are often on a couch together or sitting in comfy chairs separately.
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Another trend I’ve noticed are these wooden slats on the wall in podcast studios — our own Vox Media space has gone with this design as well. These work better for sound absorption while still looking like a living space. This is already looking to be a signifier of mid-2020 video podcasts.
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With wide-shot camera angles showcasing the entire room, there is usually something in the middle of the screen, like a TV or a giant logo of the show, to create a symmetrical studio look. Neon signs and colored lights are very trendy right now because they add a colorful glow to a more muted studio space. Lots of cursive lettering.
Branding is often prioritized in video, and most producers think that means literally looking at the logo for two hours. This is also an easy way to let a TikTok scroller know what show they are watching (though this typically doesn’t crop well for vertical video).
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More attention to tech
Microphones are often placed on floor stands that extend over the couches (these articulating boom stands have been staples in recording studios for decades). As a result, the stands often appear from out of the camera frame and stick up broadly in front of guests’ faces awkwardly. Poles sticking out at various incongruent angles look even messier when you have multiple guests on separate chairs.
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Though new kinds of mic stands for podcasts have been introduced to the market, many shows are ditching the long, awkward boom poles in favor of having hosts and guests hold their microphones instead. This feels a bit more authentic and intimate onscreen, and many stand-up comedians prefer this method. However, it can get a bit awkward with inexperienced guests who talk with their hands or who don’t know how to hold a microphone with a narrow polar pattern.
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It can get even worse. When podcasts are audio first but with a video component, you often see awkward practices caught on camera, like this instance where each guest is holding their phone up to their face to record their audio while looking directly at the viewer. This is a common practice for radio interviews but isn’t great when video is involved.
The Shure SM7B microphones are still really popular in this medium as well as the budget MV7 model. For the purposes of branding, cubes with the name of the show are often stuck awkwardly on the bottom of the microphone. This is reminiscent of microphone flags on newscaster stick mics, and they are now being retrofitted for these classic radio studio microphones. This is likely because it’s more effective branding on vertically cropped videos than a big logo on the wall in a studio.
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Big isolating headphones are common in radio and podcasts and are still used in a lot of video versions. But when guests are remote and are looking directly at their webcam, those large ear cups stick out very awkwardly — more so than if you’re looking at someone’s profile view.
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So that’s what a lot of video podcasts have looked like through 2024. But how about next year?
The future looks more professional
I believe that, in 2025, podcast producers will eventually stop following these tropes and try to differentiate themselves. Some producers that were hired to help make the transition to video will start questioning the reason for the large headphones and thick microphones covering people’s faces and opt for smaller lavalier mics and in-ear monitors.
New audiences may start to forget about the word “podcast” and refer to the chat shows they watch as just “shows.” Media executives will try to opt for syndication of the programs on linear platforms like Roku, Pluto, or Tubi. The thin line between podcasts and TV shows will get thinner.
More consumer-priced tools for production have entered the market, basically turning a simple desk setup and a MacBook into a fully stocked control room. Hosts are already moving out of the studio and into barber shops, tennis courts, and on sidewalks. AI tools like Descript, Hush, and Accentize can turn less-than-optimal microphone recordings into fuller, beefier broadcast-style recordings. Podcasters whose equipment is less capable of handling uncontrolled recording environments will especially benefit from these postproduction tools.
And who knows? Perhaps the pendulum will swing back again when budgets for these shows become too costly to keep a video show running multiple times a week without a strong following. Maybe they will even scale back down to an audio-only format. And perhaps that is where they will restart a new experiment in the audio medium.
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Google is rolling out significant changes to its Maps Timeline feature, which tracks your location history. As part of this update, you will soon receive notifications that your Timeline data will be automatically deleted after a specific deadline unless you take action to back it up. This transition represents a shift towards enhanced privacy as Google plans to store Timeline data locally on your device instead of on its servers. While this change aims to protect your data from unauthorized access, it also means that any unbacked location history may be permanently lost.
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Google Maps (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
What’s changing with Google Maps Timeline?
Google Maps’ location-tracking feature, known as Timeline, is undergoing a major update. Previously, Google announced plans to shift this data to local storage. Now, the company is sending out emails alerting you to this upcoming change.
Google will start deleting the last three months of Timeline data unless you take action. While this shift to local storage offers more privacy for those concerned about sharing location data with Google, it also means that if you don’t act, your past location history may be permanently lost.
After receiving the notification, you will have about six months to save or transfer your Timeline data before it’s deleted. The email will be sent by “Google Location History,” with the subject line: “Keep your Timeline? Decide by [date].”
Keep in mind that not everyone has received these notifications yet, so there’s no immediate rush. But once you get the email, you’ll have a six-month window to decide.
A man using Google Maps on his phone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
HOW GOOGLE MAPS IS GIVING YOU MORE POWER OVER YOUR LOCATION DATA
Why save your Timeline data?
There are several compelling reasons why users may want to save their Google Maps Timeline data.
Personal memories: The Timeline feature allows you to revisit past trips and experiences, serving as a digital diary of places visited and routes taken. For many, these memories are valuable and worth preserving.
Travel planning: Accessing historical location data can aid in future travel planning. You can analyze previous trips to make informed decisions about destinations, accommodations and activities based on past experiences.
Safety and security: Keeping a record of locations visited can be beneficial for personal safety. In case of emergencies or disputes, having a detailed history of movements can provide crucial information.
Data ownership: With the shift to local storage, you have greater control over your data. Saving this information ensures that it remains accessible and private without relying on cloud services that may be vulnerable to breaches.
Avoiding loss: Google has indicated that any unbacked location history will be deleted after the transition. Those of you who wish to retain your data must act promptly to prevent permanent loss.
BRUSSELS SPROUTS CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTS UP SCIENCE
How to back up your location history
If you’ve received the above email or simply want to make sure your Timeline data is preserved, here’s what you can do:
1) Google’s Timeline export tool:
- Visit takeout.google.com
- Deselect all options except for Location History (Timeline)
- Click Next Step
- Choose Create Export. You’ll receive a backup of your data and see this note at the bottom of the screen, “Google is creating a copy of data from Location History (Timeline).” This process can take a long time (possibly hours or days) to complete. You’ll receive an email when your export is done.
2) Google is rolling out a feature that allows you to export your Timeline data directly from your devices. To use it:
On your phone or tablet:
- Open the Google Maps app
- Tap your profile picture or initial in the top right corner.
- Select Your Timeline
- Tap the three dots in the top right corner.
- Select Location & privacy setting
- Scroll down and tap Export Timeline data
- You will likely be presented with various options for exporting your data, such as sharing via email, messaging apps or saving to a cloud service. Select the method that suits your needs best. 1) If you choose to share via email, tap on the email option, and it will open your email app with the exported data attached. Enter the recipient’s email address and send it. 2) If you select a messaging app, follow the prompts to send the file through that app.
On your computer:
- Go to Google Maps in your web browser
- Click the three horizontal lines in the upper left corner of the screen
- Select Saved
- Click the Maps tab.
- Scroll down and click Create a map
- Tap Create
- In the new window, click Import to upload your exported data.
Keep in mind that this backup will be specific to that device, so you may need to repeat the process on other devices you use.
Note: Some users have reported their data being deleted even after they requested not to lose anything. To avoid this, we recommend regularly backing up your Timeline data.
Google reminder email (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
THIS GOOGLE MAPS TRICK CAN SUPERCHARGE YOUR ABILITY TO NAVIGATE DIRECTIONS
More ways to stay private
While this update may help you avoid sharing location data with Google, it’s important to remember that Google collects personal data in other ways as well. Here are some additional steps you can take to protect your privacy.
1) Turn off location data on Google: This prevents Google Photos from estimating where your photo was taken. Here’s how to do it.
On your phone or tablet:
- Open your Google Photos app
- Click your profile icon in the top right corner of the screen
- Select Google Photos settings
- Click Privacy
- Click Location options
- Toggle off next to where it says Estimate missing locations. This will prevent Google Photos from estimating where your photos were taken based on location history data.
2) Disable facial recognition: Sharing your facial data with Google puts you at risk of the company collecting information without your consent, potentially sharing it with third parties and using it in ways you may not be aware of. Here’s how to turn it off.
- Open Google Photos on your phone
- Tap your profile icon in the top right corner
- Go to Google Photos settings and select
- Click Privacy
- Disable Face Grouping by toggling off next to where it says Face Groups
3) Delete your YouTube history: Google tracks your YouTube viewing history and suggests videos based on your past activity. While this can be convenient for discovering similar content, it can also feel like an intrusion on your privacy. Here’s how to end it.
On desktop:
- Go to YouTube.com
- Sign in to your YouTube account
- Click your Profile icon in the top right corner
- Click Your Data in YouTube
- Click Manage your YouTube Seach History
- Click Delete, then click Delete all time
- It will ask you to confirm your decision by clicking Delete
- Then click Got it
On mobile:
- Open the YouTube app on your phone
- Tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner
- Go to Settings in the upper right-hand corner of the screen and give it a tap
- Select History & Privacy
- Tap Clear Watch History
- Confirm your decision by clicking Clear watch history
- You get a pop-up notice that your watch history has been cleared
YouTube history example (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
4) Use a VPN: A virtual private network (VPN) can significantly enhance your privacy when using Google Maps and other online services. Here’s how it helps:
- Masks your IP address: A VPN hides your real IP address, making it harder for Google to track your physical location.
- Encrypts your data: VPNs encrypt your internet traffic, protecting your data from potential eavesdroppers.
- Bypasses geo-restrictions: You can access Google Maps and other services as if you’re in a different location, potentially avoiding location-based tracking.
To use a VPN with Google Maps:
- Choose a reputable VPN service provider
- Install the VPN app on your device
- Connect to a VPN server before opening Google Maps
- Use Google Maps as usual, with added privacy protection
Important caveat: While using a VPN can enhance your privacy, it may interfere with Google Maps’ ability to provide accurate directions. This is because a VPN may route your connection through a server in a different location, causing the app to misidentify your current position. If you need precise navigation or directions from your current location, consider temporarily disabling the VPN while using Google Maps to ensure accurate results.
Pro tip: For maximum privacy, combine the use of a VPN with Google Maps’ incognito mode. This ensures that your searches and location data aren’t tied to your Google account, providing an added layer of anonymity.
Recommended VPN Services: To find the best VPNs that work across devices like Windows, Mac, Android and iOS, check out my expert reviews of top VPN software. These reviews highlight options that prioritize privacy, speed and reliability.
6 WAYS TO TAKE BACK YOUR PRIVACY ON GOOGLE
Kurt’s key takeaways
Google’s decision to delete location history after three months is a big move toward giving you more control over your data and offering improved privacy by storing information locally. As privacy concerns grow, it’s encouraging to see companies like Google take steps toward greater transparency and user choice.
What other Google privacy concerns do you have? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.
Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.
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New from Kurt: Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24561004/KoboElipsa2e.jpg "Kobo’s Elipsa 2E, an excellent e-reader for taking notes, is down to its best price")
Amazon might have released a new Kindle Scribe earlier this month for $399.99, but after testing it, I still don’t think it can compete with its rivals. If you’re looking for a good e-reader with more useful note-taking capabilities, the Kobo Elipsa 2E is still one of my favorites, and it’s down to an all-time low of $349.99 ($50 off) at Amazon or Target. Rakuten Kobo will also throw in $10 in credit when you buy a $50 gift card, which you can use toward buying books or styli.
If you’re the type of person who likes to scribble in margins while reading ebooks, you’ll likely prefer the Kobo Elipsa 2E. The Elipsa 2E lets you directly write on ebook pages, taking notes in margins or anywhere else you’d like, just as you would on paper. The new Kindle Scribe lets you directly write on pages, too, but it’s a lot more complicated and you can’t even circle phrases or words.
The Elipsa 2E also offers other helpful features beyond just a more natural note-taking experience. It boasts double the storage (32GB) as the entry-level Kindle Scribe, for example, and accurately converts handwriting into typed text faster than the Scribe. The biggest drawback, of course, is that it doesn’t natively support Kindle ebooks, so you’ll have to convert your library if you want to read them from your Kobo device.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25672934/Metaphor_Key_Art_Horizontal.png "There’s a reason Metaphor: ReFantanzio’s battle music sounds as cool as it does")
Metaphor: ReFantanzio is one of 2024’s best games racking up a stack of Game Awards including best RPG, best art direction, and best narrative. But one category in which Metaphor particularly stood out was its music. The soundtrack, produced by Shoji Meguro – the long-time music director of the Persona series, is one of the outstanding achievements in video game music this year, particularly its battle theme which became a viral hit. In an interview with The Verge, Meguro talked about his work on the Metaphor soundtrack including what went into what is perhaps the coolest piece of video game battle music ever made.
Meguro, known for his work producing the pop-y, jazzy vibes of the Persona soundtracks, acknowledged that Metaphor’s heavy orchestral / choral sound is not something Persona fans would expect from him and definitely outside his own wheelhouse. He said in order to effectively change gears from Persona to Metaphor, he had to relearn classical music theory.
“But that’s what makes creating this score so exciting,” he said. “When I was first told about Metaphor: ReFantazio, I was told it would be an epic, high-fantasy RPG. And immediately I heard the sound of great orchestras playing and thought this might be an opportunity to write songs I’ve never really written before, which excited me greatly.”
In developing the music for Metaphor, Meguro said that he wanted to evoke a classical, fantasy experience but feature a unique twist that he said fans have come to expect from Atlus games. That twist became what Meguro called a “spiritual musical style” that defines the soundtrack, particularly the battle music.
As it was nominated for Game of the Year, Metaphor’s music made an appearance during this year’s Game Awards.
If you’ve spent any amount of time on gaming social media this year, you’ve probably seen tons of posts talking about Metaphor’s battle music. For a battle theme it goes extremely hard, with one version starting off with an orchestra-backed choir singing with the kind of gusto you’d expect for a meeting with Sephiroth, not something that plays during every minor encounter in the game. Then, somehow, the song goes even harder with the addition of a Japanese monk chanting in a rapid-fire cadence that could go toe-to-toe with Eminem. To further elevate the songs, the chants were written in an original language inspired by Esperanto, a language that was invented in 1887 and designed to be used as an internationally universal secondary language.
But finding the right voice for the job wasn’t easy. “I was looking for a specific type of voice that could sustain a fast rhythm while reading Esperanto-inspired scripture,” Meguro said.
His search led him to YouTube, where scrolling through performances was how he found a monk named Keisuke Honryo performing in Nam Jazz Experiment, a musical group that combines jazz with the recitation of traditional Buddhist sutras. “It was so great, I immediately made [Honryo] an offer and luckily he accepted and was happy to be a part of this game.”
But there’s a reason why Metaphor’s battle music is so arresting and it’s not just because of the musical stylings of a Japanese monk chanting in an invented language inspired by another invented language. Meguro had to reframe his thinking in developing the soundtrack, leading to the creation of something truly unique that changes how players perceive the game.
“I’ve always considered game scores to be similar to UI elements, constructs that exist solely to service the player,” Meguro said. “Although the score has to capture the atmosphere of the story for the user, it’s worth reminding ourselves that this music is not actually playing directly within the world the characters are in.”
Meguro explained that in conversations with the game’s director Katsura Hashino, the two discussed ways to connect what players are hearing to what the characters are hearing as well.
He said the thought experiment allowed them to “approach the music composition through a different lens.” The idea wound up implemented in the game itself. In Metaphor’s opening hours, the player’s sidekick casts a spell that allows them to hear music as they roam about the world and, inevitably, get into fights.
That moment dramatically changes the context of all of Metaphor’s music, especially its battle themes. Taking those songs from fun bits of ambience for solely players and turning them into something the characters experience too, explains why the songs go hard as they do. Every fight for us is one more event on the way to the credits, for the characters it’s life or death and it makes sense that the music they hear as they fight for their lives, reflects that gravity.
Meguro used Metaphor’s music to bring the players further into the game and he’s delighted by how well his work has been received. The two battle songs, called “Warriors in Arms” and “Warriors in Valor” instantly resonated with players, inspiring memes and even animated shorts.
“That brings me so much joy that fans are responding enthusiastically to the music of Metaphor,” Meguro said. “It’s an honor to get that kind of reaction.”
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