EXCLUSIVE: Lots of Drama Around OnePlus - Waveform: The MKBHD Podcast Recap

Podcast: Waveform: The MKBHD Podcast

Published: 2026-01-23

Duration: 1 hr 26 min

Summary

This episode dives into recent developments, including Netflix's attempt at live voting and OpenAI's controversial ad integration into ChatGPT, while also addressing the drama surrounding OnePlus and the evolving landscape of YouTube.

What Happened

The hosts, Marquez, Andrew, and David, kick off the episode discussing Netflix's new feature that enables live voting during events, reminiscent of early reality TV voting days. They express skepticism about Netflix's ability to effectively manage live events, recalling past experiences with the platform's live streams that faced significant delays and technical issues. The hosts share their mixed feelings about an upcoming live event featuring climber Alex Honnold scaling Taipei 101, with concerns about safety and the feasibility of live coverage for such a risky endeavor.

As the conversation shifts, the hosts delve into OpenAI's recent decision to introduce ads into ChatGPT, a move that contradicts earlier promises from CEO Sam Altman regarding ad-free experiences. They discuss how the ads are intended to remain separate from the chatbot's responses but express concerns about potential manipulation of results to favor higher-paying advertisers. The hosts highlight the inherent tension between maintaining product integrity and the pressures of monetization in AI-driven platforms. Lastly, they touch on a flurry of drama involving OnePlus that's been unfolding on Twitter, hinting at deeper discussions about the brand's controversies and implications for tech consumers.

Key Insights