"We've been working on a new show for the last few months, called Version History, and the first episode is now live! It's called "Hoverboards: so hot right now," and it's an hour-long tour of the biggest rideable gadget of the 2010s. Hidden inside the history of this weird two-wheeled scooter is a crucial inflection point in Chinese tech manufacturing, some hugely influential social media stars, a referendum on self-driving cars, and so much more."
"We tried hard to make a show that works in both audio and video forms, but honestly, the best experience of Version History is probably on video. We brought all the old gadgets into the studio and got to play with them with new perspective, and there's something delightful about getting to see them all come alive again. However you want to get your Version History, though, we think it'll work great!"
Hoverboards became the defining rideable gadget of the 2010s. Their history reveals a crucial inflection point in Chinese tech manufacturing as factories and supply chains shifted toward rapid, low-cost consumer hardware production. Prominent social media stars amplified adoption through viral videos and endorsements, driving demand beyond traditional retail channels. The hoverboard phenomenon served as a referendum on public attitudes toward autonomous mobility and the social implications of shared personal transportation. A visual reunion of original devices highlights design variations, safety trade-offs, and the tactile appeal that audio alone cannot convey. Video presentation enhances understanding of form, function, and cultural impact by showing devices in action.
Read at The Verge
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