Episode 132. Reviewing Google I/O: search, AI, and comparing Google and Meta’s approaches to device ecosystems and smart glasses

We take a comprehensive look at the announcements in search, AI, and hardware and how it’s all coming together at Google I/O. We also take another look at the ecosystem approaches of Google versus Meta, including both companies’ pitches on design and value.

Join Shawn DuBravac of Avrio Institute and Ross Rubin of Reticle Research as they dig deep into tech news in every episode of Techspansive!

Episode 131. TikTok shares its Pulse, Fortnite goes free in the cloud, and T-Mobile brings 5G home

As we await the role of advertising in post-Musk Twitter, we talk about the implications of TikTok matchmaking advertisers and stars and sharing ad revenue with TikTok Pulse. Meanwhile, pandemic breakout Cameo is cutting back. Next, Microsoft and Epic Games are teaming up to bring Fortnite back to iOS and other major platforms via a free tier of Game Pass. We discuss the implications for cloud gaming and the free-to-play model. Finally, we look at how T-Mobile is putting 5G to the test with its new fixed wireless broadband service and whether it can pull off the same level of disruption as it has in mobile.

Join Shawn DuBravac of Avrio Institute and Ross Rubin of Reticle Research as they dig deep into tech news in every episode of Techspansive!

Episode 130. Twitter enters the Muskaverse, Snap takes flight with the Pixy drone, and Instacart delivers its tech infrastructure

As Elon Musk moves closer to acquiring Twitter, we discuss the role that it could play in his portfolio and how it may compete for his heavily divided attention. Next, we zoom out to the big picture of Snap’s new Pixy drone and whether it can take off where the selfie stick left off. Finally, we check out how Instacart is responding to the post-pandemic drop-off and growing competition by taking a page from Amazon’s book and becoming an infrastructure vendor.

Join Shawn DuBravac of Avrio Institute and Ross Rubin of Reticle Research as they dig deep into tech news in every episode of Techspansive!

Episode 129. Elon adds Twitter, Warner Bros. Discovery subtracts CNN+, and Amazon multiplies Prime shipping vendors

As Elon Musk was gearing up to purchase Twitter, we discussed some of the changes we might see as the pioneering social network joins his impressive portfolio of companies. Plus, we look at what the streaming video shakeout means in light of Netflix<'s subscriber loss and the axing of CNN+ by Warner Bros. Discovery Finally, as Amazon extends Prime's original shipping benefit to third parties with Buy With Prime, we look at what the new program and Amazon's supply chain investments mean for its status as a tech vendor, its customers, and its epic battle with Walmart.

Join Shawn DuBravac of Avrio Institute and Ross Rubin of Reticle Research as they dig deep into tech news in every episode of Techspansive!

Episode 128. As Apple and Google respond to payments pressure, collaboration apps raise the bar for hybrid work

In this episode, we dive deep into the contrast between how Apple and Google have responded to regulatory pressure as Google experiments with letting Spotify use alternative payment schemes for its apps. Plus, we discuss why Apple and Google have shuffled their apps for acquiring video content. Finally, as Zoom embraces avatars, we look at the bevy of announcements from collaboration vendors such as Cisco’s Webex and Microsoft Teams as the realities of hybrid work set in.

Join Shawn DuBravac of Avrio Institute and Ross Rubin of Reticle Research as they dig deep into tech news in every episode of Techspansive!

Amazon

Episode 127. Amazon’s pulls in MGM Studios, the FIDO Alliance pushes away passwords, and Instagram serves up NFTs

With Amazon finalizing its acquisition of MGM Studios, we dive into what the studio assets can do for the retail and cloud giant, why the acquisition evaded regulatory challenges, and how the content fits into adjacent Amazon moves in content, advertising, and devices. Plus, a look at moves by the FIDO Alliance to use our ordinary devices as trusted identification sources as one of several initiatives moving us toward the passwordless future. Finally, we look at Mark Zuckerberg’s announcement that Instagram will enable creators to mint NFTs on the platform and how that could fit into the metaverse plans of Meta and others.

Join Shawn DuBravac of Avrio Institute and Ross Rubin of Reticle Research as they dig deep into tech news in every episode of Techspansive!

Episode 126. Apple achieves peak performance, the U.S. contemplates crypto, and Android enters the iPhone chat

Apple’s Peek Performance event featured a new iPhone, iPad, and a surprising new Mac, but it was Apple’s silicon prowess that was at center stage. We talk about how Apple continues to set the industry agenda with the M1 as the Mac Pro and M2 wait in the wings. Plus, we discuss President Biden’s executive order establishing a cross-government effort to examine the impact of cryptocurrency and the potential of a digital dollar. Finally, we look at a significant update to Android and key Google apps months ahead of Google I/O brings many welcome features, including removing some of the “green bubble” stigma.

Amazon

Episode 125. Tech giants respond to the Ukraine invasion, Amazon reshuffles retail and launches Luna, and Disney+ adds ads

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has set off reactions from tech companies that range from misinformation blocking campaigns to pulling out as suppliers. We look at the impact of the response in terms of its impact both on the industry and their target. Plus, Amazon shutters some of its first retail stores as it pushes deeper into groceries with the first Whole Foods stores featuring its cashierless tech. We look at what it means for Amazon Go as well as look at how its Luna gaming service fits into its online subscription efforts. Finally, as Netflix acquires a strategically important game developer, Disney gets more aggressive with plans for an ad-supported Disney+ tier. We look at what could be next for its content bundles.

Episode 124. A 3G retrospective, Spotify releases its Car Thing, and Meta’s speech-generated worlds

With AT&T becoming the first of the major U.S. carriers to start shutting down its 3G network, we look back at the advances that the network gave rise to and how its capabilities compared to the shifts of 4G and 5G. Plus, Spotify releases its first device: Car Thing, a thin touchscreen designed to ease access to its phone-based service in the car. We offer our take on its goals and potential. Finally, Meta continues its string of tantalizing demos with its mashup of VR and AI. We look at the potential for speech as the ultimate natural interface for artificial reality.

Join Shawn DuBravac of Avrio Institute and Ross Rubin of Reticle Research as they dig deep into tech news in every episode of Techspansive!

Episode 123. nVidia and Intel chase cars, Google chases PCs, and we chase our Uber rider ratings

We check in on Nvidia’s earnings and progress in gaming and data center applications and other sources of growth and discuss announcements from Intel’s Investor Day, where the CPU giant announced its intent for a stronger push into automotive. Plus, we look at Chrome OS Flex as the latest incursion of Google onto the PC as both it and Microsoft bring Android apps to Windows. Finally, we check out the new Uber feature that allows you to break down your ratings and find that we’ve been model rideshare customers… mostly.

Join Shawn DuBravac of Avrio Institute and Ross Rubin of Reticle Research as they dig deep into tech news in every episode of Techspansive!