# Planned Obsolescence on The No Agenda Show Planned Obsolescence comes up in 12 chapters across 12 episodes of The No Agenda Show, from December 2007 to November 2025. - **Chapters:** 12 - **Episodes:** 12 - **Discussed:** December 2007 – November 2025 - **Related topics:** [Light Bulbs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/light-bulbs.md), [Apple](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/apple.md), [Cataract Surgery](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cataract-surgery.md), [Consumerism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/consumerism.md), [Dopamine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dopamine.md), [Economics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/economics.md), [Fashion Industry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fashion-industry.md), [Firmware](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/firmware.md), [Ge](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ge.md), [Gillette](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gillette.md) ## Chapters 1–12 of 12 ### Planned Obsolescence and the Light Bulb Conspiracy - **Episode:** [1813: Lunchbox](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1813-lunchbox.md) - **Published:** 2025-11-02 - **Time:** 32:57–36:03 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1813-lunchbox/chapter/planned-obsolescence-and-the-light-bulb-conspiracy.md A discussion on the durability of modern goods leads to a critique of "planned obsolescence" in Chinese-made LED bulbs compared to older American versions. The hosts reference the historical "light bulb conspiracy" where a consortium of manufacturers allegedly colluded to limit the lifespan of tungsten filaments. They recall specialized "turtle bulbs" from the 1990s that were designed to last decades but were removed from the market. Keywords: [planned obsolescence](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/planned-obsolescence.md), led lights, [ge](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ge.md), [philips](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/philips.md), light bulb conspiracy ### USB-C Planned Obsolescence and Technical Frustrations - **Episode:** [1415: Equity Hotel](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1415-equity-hotel.md) - **Published:** 2022-01-09 - **Time:** 2:42:13–2:47:40 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1415-equity-hotel/chapter/usb-c-planned-obsolescence-and-technical-frustrations.md John C. Dvorak expressed intense frustration with the USB-C standard, calling it "garbage" and a form of "planned obsolescence." He criticized the design for having 24 microscopic pins in a small space, which he claims leads to "crunching" and hardware failure. Dvorak argued that the industry should have stuck with the more robust four-pin USB design rather than prioritizing the ability to flip the connector. Keywords: usb-c, [planned obsolescence](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/planned-obsolescence.md), [pins](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pins.md), [hardware](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hardware.md), [technology](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/technology.md) ### Cataract Surgery Recovery and Light Bulb Cartels - **Episode:** [1042: Two Dictators](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1042-two-dictators.md) - **Published:** 2018-06-28 - **Time:** 1:59:51–2:07:20 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1042-two-dictators/chapter/cataract-surgery-recovery-and-light-bulb-cartels.md One host describes the "bionic" experience of recovering from cataract surgery, noting the extreme brightness of the world with a new lens. This leads to a discussion on the history of planned obsolescence in the light bulb industry, referencing the Phoebus Cartel, and providing technical advice on buying high-efficiency LED grow bulbs. Keywords: [cataract surgery](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cataract-surgery.md), [light bulbs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/light-bulbs.md), [planned obsolescence](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/planned-obsolescence.md), phoebus cartel, [lumens](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lumens.md), [tungsten](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tungsten.md) ### Apple Planned Obsolescence, iPhone Battery Slowdown - **Episode:** [992: Robo-Trump](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/992-robo-trump.md) - **Published:** 2017-12-21 - **Time:** 2:30:49–2:35:11 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/992-robo-trump/chapter/apple-planned-obsolescence-iphone-battery-slowdown.md Geekbench discovered that Apple intentionally reduces the processing power of older iPhones as their batteries degrade. While Apple claims this prevents unexpected reboots, critics argue it is a form of planned obsolescence designed to force users to upgrade to newer models. The segment contrasts this with Android phones, where batteries were historically easier to replace. Keywords: [apple](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/apple.md), [iphone](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iphone.md), geekbench, [planned obsolescence](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/planned-obsolescence.md), battery gate ### iPad Mini Screen Damage, Fragility of Modern Electronics - **Episode:** [929: Sologamy](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/929-sologamy.md) - **Published:** 2017-05-14 - **Time:** 6:18–8:04 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/929-sologamy/chapter/ipad-mini-screen-damage-fragility-of-modern-electronics.md A host describes dropping an iPad Mini onto the metal base of a stool, resulting in a shattered screen despite the room being carpeted. The incident prompts a critique of modern electronic design, specifically the fragility of glass displays compared to the potential of flexible OLED technology. There is a suggestion that manufacturers maintain delicate designs to encourage frequent device replacements. Keywords: ipad mini, [apple](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/apple.md), [oled](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/oled.md), screen repair, [planned obsolescence](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/planned-obsolescence.md) ### Planned Obsolescence, LED Bulbs, Philips Hue - **Episode:** [844: Witch Hunt](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/844-witch-hunt.md) - **Published:** 2016-07-21 - **Time:** 2:57:58–3:00:43 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/844-witch-hunt/chapter/planned-obsolescence-led-bulbs-philips-hue.md The history of the "light bulb cartel" and planned obsolescence is revisited. The hosts report that LED manufacturers are now reducing the lifespan of bulbs and that Philips has issued firmware updates for its "Hue" system to block unofficial, cheaper third-party bulbs. Keywords: [planned obsolescence](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/planned-obsolescence.md), led bulbs, philips hue, [light bulbs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/light-bulbs.md), [firmware](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/firmware.md) ### Planned Obsolescence and the Smartphone Zombie Apocalypse - **Episode:** [652: After Spin Class](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/652-after-spin-class.md) - **Published:** 2014-09-14 - **Time:** 2:49:57–2:55:02 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/652-after-spin-class/chapter/planned-obsolescence-and-the-smartphone-zombie-apocalypse.md The show concludes with a discussion on "planned obsolescence," with claims that Apple intentionally slows down older phones when new models are released. The hosts warn that society is turning into "zombies" driven by dopamine loops and suggest that people should "opt out" by leaving their phones at home. They sign off from FEMA Region 6 and Silicon Valley, promising to return on Thursday. Keywords: [apple](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/apple.md), [planned obsolescence](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/planned-obsolescence.md), [stingray](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/stingray.md), [dopamine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dopamine.md), [zombies](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/zombies.md) ### San Francisco Cab Driver, Vehicle Longevity Anecdote - **Episode:** [582: Eradicate Misery](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/582-eradicate-misery.md) - **Published:** 2014-01-15 - **Time:** 6:38–9:56 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/582-eradicate-misery/chapter/san-francisco-cab-driver-vehicle-longevity-anecdote.md A San Francisco taxi driver recognized one of the hosts and shouted the "In The Morning" catchphrase from across traffic. This encounter led to a discussion regarding the reliability of a 21-year-old Lexus that has never required a replacement light bulb. The conversation contrasts this automotive longevity with the planned obsolescence of modern household light bulbs that often fail before their rated 1,000-hour lifespan. Keywords: [san francisco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-francisco.md), [lexus](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lexus.md), [toyota](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/toyota.md), [light bulbs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/light-bulbs.md), [planned obsolescence](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/planned-obsolescence.md), cabbie ### Texting While Driving, Planned Obsolescence - **Episode:** [562: Blotto](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/562-blotto.md) - **Published:** 2013-11-03 - **Time:** 1:50:31–1:56:14 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/562-blotto/chapter/texting-while-driving-planned-obsolescence.md The dangers of texting while driving are discussed, with claims that it is more hazardous than drunk driving. The conversation shifts to "planned obsolescence" in consumer goods, specifically light bulbs. The hosts criticize compact fluorescent lights as a scam and advocate for LED technology, despite the higher initial investment. Keywords: [texting while driving](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/texting-while-driving.md), led lights, [planned obsolescence](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/planned-obsolescence.md), [light bulbs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/light-bulbs.md), [texas law](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/texas-law.md) ### Phoebus Cartel and Planned Obsolescence in Light Bulbs - **Episode:** [552: Almost Certain = Fact!](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/552-almost-certain-fact.md) - **Published:** 2013-09-29 - **Time:** 1:46:45–1:51:55 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/552-almost-certain-fact/chapter/phoebus-cartel-and-planned-obsolescence-in-light-bulbs.md The hosts explore the history of the Phoebus Cartel, a group of light bulb manufacturers in the 1920s that conspired to limit the lifespan of bulbs to 1,000 hours. They contrast this with the "Livermore light bulb," which has burned for over 110 years. The segment discusses how planned obsolescence has become a fundamental part of the modern economy, from iPhones to household appliances. Keywords: phoebus cartel, [planned obsolescence](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/planned-obsolescence.md), livermore light bulb, [thomas edison](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/thomas-edison.md), [led](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/led.md) ### Gillette Mach3 Marketing, Razor Blade Longevity - **Episode:** [17: Gold Toe Socks](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/17-gold-toe-socks.md) - **Published:** 2008-02-15 - **Time:** 16:33–19:02 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/17-gold-toe-socks/chapter/gillette-mach3-marketing-razor-blade-longevity.md Curry shares an anecdote from a Gillette Mach3 launch briefing where a marketing executive explicitly stated the company never discusses how long blades last. Dvorak posits a theory that the blades included with a new razor handle are sharper and more durable than the replacement cartridges sold separately. They discuss the evolution of multi-blade systems and the vibrating razor trend. Keywords: [gillette](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gillette.md), mach3, [razor blades](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/razor-blades.md), [marketing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/marketing.md), [planned obsolescence](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/planned-obsolescence.md), shaving ### Planned Obsolescence, The Story of Stuff - **Episode:** [7: No Agenda 007](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/7-no-agenda-007.md) - **Published:** 2007-12-07 - **Time:** 16:37–18:47 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/7-no-agenda-007/chapter/planned-obsolescence-the-story-of-stuff.md The "Story of Stuff" project illustrates how the American economy relies on planned and perceived obsolescence to drive continuous consumption. This economic model, popularized after World War II, encourages consumers to replace functional goods due to intentional design failures or shifting fashion trends. The cycle creates an endless loop of work and consumption fueled by media-induced inadequacy. Keywords: [planned obsolescence](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/planned-obsolescence.md), perceived obsolescence, story of stuff, [consumerism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/consumerism.md), [fashion industry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fashion-industry.md), [economics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/economics.md) --- This is the markdown version of a page on The No Agenda Show for AI agents. Every public page on this site has one: add `.md` to its URL, or request it with `Accept: text/markdown`. - [Site index for agents (llms.txt)](https://search.noagendashow.net/llms.txt) - [Home](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md) - [Search transcripts](https://search.noagendashow.net/search.md) - [All episodes](https://search.noagendashow.net/episodes.md) - [Topics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topics.md) - [People](https://search.noagendashow.net/people.md)