EP199: Ticket shortage (w/ Fabio Fernandes)

In this episode of The ConsEUmer Podcast, host Bill Wurtz and guest Fabio Fernandes dive into a mix of innovative consumer tech and a pressing policy issue around FIFA World Cup ticket pricing. The conversation kicks off with Samsung's new app, Heropy, which claims to reduce motion sickness through targeted 100 Hz sound frequencies—a potential game-changer for travelers prone to motion discomfort. The hosts then explore Samsung's privacy screen technology, which uses specific pixels to block side views on Galaxy devices, potentially rendering third-party privacy screen protectors obsolete. They also highlight Google Maps' new EV trip planning feature, which integrates real-time charging station data to combat range anxiety, a growing concern for electric vehicle users. The discussion extends to the upcoming Apple foldable phone, anticipated for its seamless blend of phone and tablet functionality, and Meta's prescription-optimized Ray-Ban Meta Optic glasses, which aim to make smart glasses accessible to those with vision needs. The episode concludes with a critical look at FIFA's ticketing practices for the 2026 World Cup in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, where EU lawmakers are urging the European Commission to investigate potential violations of competition and consumer protection laws due to high prices and poor user experience. Fabio shares personal frustrations with the ticketing process, including opaque availability, lack of transferability, and the logistical nightmare of attending games across multiple countries.