Ep. 477: Is Amazon Prime worth it in 2025? + DeepSeek AI, Samsung Unpacked, and More!

Notnerd Podcast: Tech Better

A few weeks ago, Dave dropped the shocking news that he had canceled Amazon Prime. Last week he hinted that maybe he was back in. For many people, Amazon Prime seems like a no-brainer, but is it? We take a look at what benefits you get for the price. There's also an impressive new AI, DeepSeek, from China that is making headlines. Samsung also had their Unpacked event to announce new technology, and some people got to check out their upcoming Moohan XR headset. Plenty of technology to get caught up on this week to help you get out there and tech better!

Watch on YouTube!

INTRO (00:00)

Followup: Nate’s pick from last week (04:05)

MAIN TOPIC: Is Amazon Prime worth it in 2025? (06:50)

Dave dumped Prime but couldn’t stay away?

Amazon Prime membership fees

Prime membership benefits

DAVE’S PRO-TIP OF THE WEEK: (37:50)

iOS 18.3 Update

Apple “Intelligence” on by default

JUST THE HEADLINES: (47:40)

Vandals in Southern California attack Waymo driverless taxi

Report of newly-discovered asteroid turns out to be a Tesla Roadster

eBay sellers asking $2k to $50k for iPhones with TikTok installed

Subaru security vulnerability allowed millions of cars to be tracked, unlocked, and started

Meta officially starts showing ads on Threads

Netflix raises prices again

Solar-charging backpacks are helping children to read after dark

Sony ends production of Blu-ray media, MiniDiscs, and MiniDV cassettes

TAKES:

China’s DeepSeek hits #1 on App Store, shocks AI researchers, sends US tech shares tumbling - Jevons AI Paradox (51:10)

OpenAI introduces Operator to perform web tasks for you (57:10)

Everything Samsung announced at the Galaxy S25 Unpacked event - Samsung Moohan XR headset (58:40)

Microsoft Patch Tuesday, January 2025 (01:02:45)

BONUS ODD TAKE: Stimulation Clicker Neal.fun (01:04:00)

PICKS OF THE WEEK:

Dave: Anker Nano 3-in-1 Portable iPhone Charger, 10,000mAh Power Bank with Built-in USB-C Cable and Foldable Wall Plug, 30W Max Battery Pack, Travel Essentials for iPhone 16/15 Series, Galaxy, MacBook (01:09:35)

Nate: INKEE GC12 Portable LED Photography Light Wand,Bi Color Magnetic Handheld Video Wand Stick 2700K-6500K,2500mAh Built-in Rechargable Inflatable Light for Video Recording Dimmable Camera Light Tube (01:15:55)

RAMAZON PURCHASE - Giveaway! (01:18:45)