Facebook

Episode 112. Facebook weaves into Wayfarers, Amazon delivers telehealth, tuition and TVs, and Google hawks hybrid hardware

In this episode, we start out assessing Facebook’s stylish but functionally modest smart glasses developed with Ray-Ban. Next, we look at Amazon’s many recent moves, including expanding Amazon Care, equipping more Whole Foods for cashierless checkout, offering college tuition for its 750,000 hourly workers, releasing new smart TVs, and updating its Luna streaming game service.

Episode 111. Apple softens on reader apps, may tie AR efforts to iPhone. Plus, Amazon’s smart TV

In this episode, we assess the significance at Apple’s latest app store concession, allowing developers of “reader” apps to link to websites for account setup and management. Plus, why Apple may be going for a hybrid approach that relies on the iPhone as it launches its first augmented reality glasses. Finally, we look at the prospects for an Amazon-branded smart TV.

Episode 110. When Apple throws developers a bone: The customer contact concession

In this episode, we dig deep on Apple’s token trade-off as it settles its class-action lawsuit brought by U.S. app developers, what it means for other legal and regulatory threats to the company, and what the implications could be for future Apple platform. Finally, we look at app evolution against the backdrop of how the web and Apple have changed since the early days of the App Store.

Facebook

Episode 109. Facebook’s metaverse escape, Google’s Play payola, and Tesla’s robots probably won’t kill

The government is back in Facebook’s face. We discuss the dynamics of the new category battleground as well as how its Horizon VR Workrooms advance its metaverse ambitions. Next, a look at whether Google’s tactics in keeping its app store on top crossed a line. Finally, we discuss the potential of Tesla’s humanoid robot.

Episode 108. Google hypes AI prowess with Tensor chips, Tinder hooks up with group video, and Sony soars as Nintendo dives

In this episode, we look at Google’s decision to leave the Qualcomm fold as the maker of struggling Pixel phones hopes to boost its fortunes by boosting AI capabilities with custom silicon even as Qualcomm-loyal Xiaomi reaches new heights of success. Plus, how Match Group adding group video to its dating sites marks the latest in social app functional crossover. Finally, as Sony shows us that millions of people have somehoe procured a PlayStation 5, we discuss how Nintendo has become an early victim of pandemic-era comps.

Amazon

Episode 107. Alexa’s ambient aspirations, Zoom at your service, and Netflix games on the go

We discuss what impact Microsoft easing cloud access to Windows could have on security and the PC market. Meanwhile, Netflix’ huge app installed base could provide an advantage as it jumps into the streaming game market. Finally, we look at why Twitter ended its experiment with ephemeral content via fleets.

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

Microsoft

Episode 106. Live. From the cloud. It’s Windows! Plus, Netflix is getting game and Twitter sinks its fleets

We discuss what impact Microsoft easing cloud access to Windows could have on security and the PC market. Meanwhile, Netflix’ huge app installed base could provide an advantage as it jumps into the streaming game market. Finally, we look at why Twitter ended its experiment with ephemeral content via fleets.

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 105. Big Tech battles in China and the U.S., TikTok could become LinkedIn for millennials, and Qualcomm makes its dream

China’s taking a different approach to reeling in its biggest tech successes than the U.S. Meanwhile, TikTok continues continues to stretch its service into new realms with video resumes. And Qualcomm partners with ASUS to launch a phone for a technology showcase. Is it the start of a successor to Google’s failed Nexus program?

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

Facebook

Episode 104. Facebook pwns the FTC, Instagram vs. TikTok, and teaming up against Teams

As Facebook’s court win against the FTC dredges up limitaitons of antitrust laws, Instagram chases TikTok, which is chasing YouTube. Meanwhile, in less entertaining applications, Salesforce, now armed with Slack, may be driving an alliance with Amazon and Dropbox to take on rival Microsoft as Windows 11 integrates Teams.

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

Microsoft

Episode 103. Microsoft opens the Windows, Mozilla lets you donate your privacy to science, and Google gets FLoCblocked

Windows 11 goes beyond a makeover to challenge Apple. Meanwhile, Mozilla and others are providing new options for privacy choices as Google tries to bake up a new post-cookie future.

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