Chris Welch

“Incompetence has infected top management” at Sonos, according to a former engineer’s Reddit post.

This ex-employee — I’ve confirmed their credentials — also says the culture within Sonos took a sharp turn for the worse with the original Roam. That speaker became the first glaring example of a product rushed out the door despite internal warnings. It wouldn’t be the last.

Reminder: I’m reachable on Signal at chriswelch.01.

Michael Fisher’s latest video has a great interview with Google devices boss Rick Osterloh. When asked whether Google has interest in creating a more affordable flip-style Pixel, Osterloh suggests that Samsung and Motorola have that foldables category pretty well handled for now.

As for adopting Qi2 wireless charging, he says it’s “a matter of time.” Maybe the Pixel X?

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold feels more premium than Google’s original foldable. Some people are inevitably going to miss the unique shape of the first-generation Fold, but by every other measure, my first impression of the 9 Pro Fold is that it could be something special.

Thing is, there’s no getting past that $1,800 price — especially when the cameras are far from Google’s best.