W. Kamau Bell has the most practical ‘most indispensable tool’
Comedian, activist and broadcaster W. Kamau Bell discusses the technology and online habits that support his busy professional and family life in The Verge’s weekly questionnaire. His answer to the “most indispensable tool” question is deliberately practical: a charger, because phones and other devices are useless without one.
Bell says he relies heavily on map apps, YouTube and a large number of browser tabs while writing for his Substack. He criticises map services that label the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America”, says he wants new phones to arrive already protected by a case and screen cover, and describes moving from Twitter to Instagram and Threads after Elon Musk’s changes to the platform.
- Bell says a charger is his essential tech tool.
- He uses maps, YouTube and many browser tabs.
- He left Twitter but still uses Instagram and Threads.
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W. Kamau Bell is an American comedian, writer and broadcaster known for work that mixes humour with discussion of social and political issues. He has made television programmes, written books and newsletters, and has also been involved in activism and public speaking.
The Verge is a technology news website that regularly asks public figures about the devices, apps and online services they use. Such interviews often touch on wider debates about how large technology companies shape everyday life.
Bell’s comments refer to recent changes at the social media platform formerly called Twitter, now known as X, after it was bought by Elon Musk. They also reflect disputes over how digital maps and other online services name places, as well as the practical reliance many people have on smartphones and their accessories.