Podcast Summary
New devices and COVID-19 tech solutions: Google's new devices and COVID-19 exposure tracking apps offer convenience and safety, while the long-awaited virus testing website remains absent.
Technology is playing a significant role in both our personal lives and the fight against COVID-19. New devices like the Google Pixel 5, Chromecast with Google TV, and Nest Audio were announced this week. Meanwhile, in the fight against COVID-19, exposure tracking apps are being released in certain states using the Google and Apple exposure tracking API. On a less positive note, it's been 29 weeks since the promise of a virus testing website from the government, but it still doesn't exist. We also hit a tragic milestone with over 200,000 deaths from COVID-19. It's important to remember that each number represents a person who had a life. In the coming fall, expect a battery of tests for those who are sick, including tests for both the flu and the virus. Overall, technology is providing solutions in various ways, but it's important to stay informed and take necessary precautions.
Polished virtual events lacking authenticity: Companies need to balance providing info and maintaining authentic connection with audience, live unedited presentations or interactive formats could be the solution
The recent trend of tech companies hosting virtual events during the pandemic has resulted in overly polished, infomercial-like presentations, lacking authenticity and engagement. For instance, the Google event felt more like an Amazon infomercial, with presenters talking to someone off-camera and earnestly explaining the benefits of new products. The leaks leading up to the event also took away the element of surprise and excitement. The best part of the event were the outtakes shown during the credits, offering a glimpse of the human side behind the polished presentations. It's important for companies to find a balance between providing information and maintaining an authentic connection with their audience. Perhaps live, unedited presentations or more interactive formats could be the solution.
Google's Pixel 5699: A Mid-Range Phone with Flagship Features: Google's mid-range Pixel 5699 offers a Snapdragon 765 processor, 90 Hz screen, water resistance, and a shift to an ultra-wide sensor for its camera system. It also promises video improvements without a specialized code processor, but lacks a new sensor and Google's neural core for image processing.
Google's Pixel 5699 is an intriguing mid-range phone with a Snapdragon 765 processor, 90 Hz screen, and water resistance. Its price point is partially due to the inclusion of millimeter wave for Verizon and its fully aluminum frame with integrated wireless charging. The camera system has shifted to an ultra-wide sensor, keeping the same IMX363 sensor from previous models. Google argues that their algorithms work best with this sensor, but it remains to be seen if this approach will continue to set the Pixel apart from competitors. The phone also promises video improvements without the use of a specialized code processor for image processing. The stakes are high for Google to innovate in the video realm as competitors like Samsung and Apple have made significant strides in image quality. However, the lack of a new sensor and the absence of the Pixel neural core for image processing leaves many questions unanswered. The phone's video processing capabilities and the relationship between the Google camera app and phone development teams are areas of interest.
Google's new approach: More affordable Pixel phones: Google shifts focus to affordable Pixel phones, competing with iPhone 11, with potential improvements from rumored custom processors
Google's new approach to its Pixel phones, as seen in the Pixel 5 and 4A5G, is a shift towards more affordable devices that directly compete with Apple's iPhone 11. This strategy is likely due to Google recognizing its inability to sell high-end, $1,000 phones. Additionally, Google has made some changes to its camera processing, with face retouching turned off by default due to concerns over self-image, and the potential return of features like face unlock and the neural core. There are rumors of Google developing its own processors, which could lead to improvements in future Pixel models. However, it remains to be seen if this new direction will be enough to bring Google's Pixel phones to the mass market.
Google Pixel 5 vs iPhone 11: Similar in Price and Size but Different Features: Google Pixel 5 and iPhone 11 have similar prices and sizes, but the Pixel 5 lacks millimeter wave support on Verizon and older Pixel models receive new camera features but still lag behind the iPhone's quality.
The Google Pixel 5 and the iPhone 11 are remarkably similar in price and size, with the main difference being the Pixel 5's lack of millimeter wave support on Verizon, which pushed up its price. Both phones have made compromises to reach their respective price points. The Google Pixel 4A 5G, which is larger and cheaper, shares the same processor and camera system as the Pixel 5 but lacks features like wireless charging and a high-refresh-rate screen. Google is bringing some new camera features to older Pixel models, including Portrait Light and Night Sight in Google Photos, and Combined Video Stabilization across all Pixel models two and up. However, the fundamental quality of the Pixel's video and photos still lags behind the iPhone's. Google has not yet announced a definite timeline for bringing all camera features to older Pixel models.
Google's new call feature: Wait on hold without distraction: Google's new call feature lets users focus on tasks while their phone handles long customer service holds, but availability and device compatibility have been inconsistent during the pandemic.
Google's new call feature, which allows your phone to wait on hold for you, is a much-needed solution for the long wait times experienced during customer service calls, especially during the pandemic. Users can now focus on other tasks while their phone handles the hold music and potential ads. However, the availability and stock of the new feature, as well as the devices that support it, have been inconsistent and seem to be affected by the ongoing pandemic. Google is known for creating battery-saving modes, but some users find these modes to be more of an inconvenience than a solution. The documentary "Art Beats and Lyrics" explores the story of innovation and how a humble art show has grown into a cultural phenomenon, showcasing the origin stories of its founders and curator, and the impact of Atlanta on their individual pasts and roles within the event.
Google's new Chromecast device: More features, more competition: Google's updated Chromecast, now called Chromecast with Google TV, offers a traditional TV interface, a remote control, and a universal guide on the home screen, making it a more direct competitor to Roku and Fire TV devices.
Google has released an updated Chromecast device, now called Chromecast with Google TV, which offers a more traditional TV interface with a remote control and an actual menu for app selection, a significant shift from its previous simple casting functionality. This new device, which costs $50, runs on Android TV and comes with Google TV software, which aggregates content from various streaming services into a universal guide on the home screen. The Chromecast was initially popular due to its simplicity and affordability, but the new version offers more features and functionality, making it a more direct competitor to Roku and Fire TV devices. Despite the confusion around the rollout and potential implications for older Android TV devices, the new Chromecast with Google TV aims to provide a more streamlined and user-friendly experience for cord-cutters.
Streaming apps availability impacting the market: Amazon, Google, and Roku are locked in negotiations with media giants for app access, resulting in fragmented streaming landscape and absence of key apps on some platforms.
The streaming box market is no longer just about the capabilities of the devices themselves, but rather the availability of specific streaming apps. Companies like Amazon, Google, and Roku are engaged in complex negotiations with media giants over access to their content, leading to the absence of certain apps on specific platforms. For instance, HBO Max is not available on Roku, while Peacock is not available on Fire TV. Google, as an advertising company, has managed to secure deals with these media giants, allowing it to offer a more comprehensive selection of apps on its Chromecast with Google TV. The lack of these apps on other platforms can be seen as retaliation or negotiation tactics, making the streaming landscape increasingly fragmented. Despite these challenges, all the streaming boxes offer 4K and HDR capabilities, and most apps work well. However, the absence of key apps like Apple TV and Stadia on some platforms remains a significant issue for consumers.
Google TV's Chromecast faces limitations with apps and IR control: The Chromecast with Google TV has some drawbacks, including missing apps like Google Photos and Google Home, noticeable latency with XCloud, and reliance on IR blaster for device control. However, it offers a unified remote experience and seamless integration with Google's streaming services.
While the Chromecast with Google TV has several useful features like an IR blaster for controlling other devices and a dedicated input button, it still lacks some essential apps like Google Photos and Google Home. Additionally, there's a noticeable latency issue with the XCloud app, making it less ideal for gaming compared to consoles. The Chromecast's remote design reflects its growing role as a primary entertainment hub due to the rise of streaming services, but its reliance on IR blaster and lack of CEC support can make it less convenient in some setups. The first Google TV's heavy emphasis on IR control nearly bankrupted Logitech, but the current iteration is less reliant on it. The Chromecast's name is also confusing, as it's technically an Android TV device called the Google Chromecast with Google TV. Despite these quirks, the Chromecast with Google TV offers a unified remote experience and seamless integration with Google's streaming services.
Apple TV hardware and Apple TV+ service: A compelling streaming experience: Apple TV hardware offers a user-friendly experience with a nice remote, while Apple TV+ has good content integration, a useful watchlist feature, and original content. However, faster performance and fewer ads on the home screen would improve it, and Google's potential integration could be a compelling alternative.
The new Apple TV hardware and Apple TV+ service offer a user-friendly experience with a nice remote, good content integration across multiple services, and a useful watchlist feature. However, there are still areas for improvement, such as faster performance and fewer ads on the home screen. Apple's investment in original content sets it apart from competitors, but the pricing could be more competitive. Google's potential integration of live TV and other services into a single brand, such as Google TV, could be a compelling alternative. The YouTube app's performance on Apple TV is a concern, but it's expected to improve with updates. Overall, the new Apple TV hardware and Apple TV+ service offer a compelling streaming experience, but there is room for improvement and competition from other players in the market.
Google and Netflix partnership, Roku Ultra improvements, and the future of smart features: Google and Netflix team up, Roku Ultra enhances performance with Dolby Vision and faster Wi-Fi, Apple TV faces competition with high pricing, the future of smart features remains uncertain in the streaming device market.
There have been some significant developments in the streaming device market recently. Google and Netflix have made a deal, leading to Netflix being available on the Google TV hardware and offering a six-month subscription bundle. This could be a response to antitrust issues between Google and Europe or a business arrangement regarding Google Cloud. The new Roku Ultra now supports Dolby Vision and has faster Wi-Fi performance, making it a more compelling option in the market. Apple TV, on the other hand, remains overpriced compared to competitors, and Apple may need to make improvements to stay competitive. The streaming device landscape continues to evolve, with the question of where smart features will be integrated remaining an open one – will it be in the TV, a separate box, or even a ceiling fan? The recent developments demonstrate the importance of these companies making strategic partnerships and offering competitive pricing and features to attract consumers.
Google's Nest Audio: A Competitor to Sonos One with Improved Audio Quality and Multi-Room Capabilities: Google's new Nest Audio smart speaker targets improved audio quality and multi-room capabilities to compete with Sonos One, focusing on consumer preferences for music, timers, and weather updates.
Tech companies are continuously innovating and optimizing their smart speaker offerings based on consumer usage and preferences. Google's new Nest Audio smart speaker, priced at $99, is a direct competitor to Sonos One, focusing on improved audio quality and multi-room capabilities. Google has learned that people primarily use smart speakers for music, timers, and weather updates, and have designed their devices accordingly. The Nest Audio is a more significant purchase compared to smaller, less expensive options like Google Minis or Amazon Echo Dots. The speaker market is becoming more competitive, with companies vying for market share in the multi-room audio space, which is currently dominated by premium brands like Sonos. Google faces challenges in competing with Sonos' established brand and cachet, but the Nest Audio's affordability and improved features may attract price-conscious consumers. The patent lawsuits filed by Sonos against Google highlight the intense competition in this space and the importance of intellectual property protection.
Sonos sues Google over patent infringement in smart speakers and audio equipment: Sonos is suing Google for patent infringement in smart speakers and audio equipment, alleging copied intellectual property and undercutting market position with cheaper products. Outcome could impact ecosystem support, interoperability, and consumer choice.
Sonos is engaged in a patent infringement lawsuit against Google over technologies related to smart speakers and audio equipment. The dispute began with more fundamental patents around setup, stereo pairing, and volume control, but has expanded to include more recent patents, such as Trueplay's volume calibration and speaker grouping. Sonos alleges that Google, through its Nest Audio devices, has copied their intellectual property and is using it to undercut Sonos' market position with cheaper products. The lawsuit is part of a larger trend of patent disputes in the Western District of Texas, which has become known as the "rocket docket" for its quick processing of patent cases. Sonos' goal appears to be securing a licensing deal with Google, as they believe their patent portfolio gives them leverage in the market. The outcome of the lawsuit could significantly impact the smart speaker and audio equipment market, with implications for ecosystem support, interoperability, and consumer choice.
The streaming landscape is evolving rapidly: Companies must adapt to provide value and succeed in the streaming wars, with HBO Max lacking Dolby Vision and Atmos and Google's Chromecast and Google TV offering flexibility and support for various services.
The streaming wars are heating up, and the holiday season will be a pivotal time for platforms like HBO Max. The success of these services greatly depends on the content they offer and the quality of experience they provide. For instance, HBO Max does not support Dolby Vision or Atmos, which may deter some consumers from upgrading. Google, with its Chromecast and Google TV, is in a strong position due to its flexibility and support for various services. However, Google's history with cable companies and attempts to create cable boxes have taught the company valuable lessons. The delay in adding a remote to the Chromecast may have been due to internal conflicts between Chrome and Android, but Google TV is now the focus. As the competition intensifies, businesses need to adapt and provide value to stand out. Constant Contact offers a marketing platform to help businesses connect with their customers and grow. Intuit QuickBooks also provides business banking services with attractive yields to help businesses make their money work harder. Overall, the streaming landscape is evolving rapidly, and companies must learn from the past and adapt to the present to succeed.
Microsoft's new Surface Laptop Go: Affordable but with compromises: Microsoft's new Surface Laptop Go starts at $549 but lacks biometric login, faster storage, and sufficient RAM on the base model, making it a questionable purchase compared to Chromebooks and Microsoft's previous models.
Microsoft's new Surface Laptop Go, while starting at an attractive price point of $549, comes with compromises that make it a confusing buy in comparison to Chromebooks and even Microsoft's own previous models. The device, which features a Core i5 processor, lacks biometric login, faster storage, and sufficient RAM on the base model. Microsoft opted to keep the Core i5 processor across the line to compete with Chromebooks, but this decision led to compromises in other areas. The screen resolution is lower, and the base models come with only 4GB of RAM and 64GB of slow eMMC storage. While these specifications are capable for basic use, especially in the $500 price range, the lack of surface standards and the availability of better options at similar price points make the Surface Laptop Go a questionable purchase. Microsoft's goal was to bring the price down and compete with Chromebooks, but the compromises made to achieve this price point leave room for improvement. The device will be reviewed in detail, but it seems that Microsoft could have opted for a Core i3 processor and improved one of the other specs instead. The Chromebook Spin 713, with its superior specifications and lower price, offers a better value for money. Microsoft may sell significant quantities of the Surface Laptop Go, especially to schools, but consumers should consider their needs carefully before making a purchase.
Microsoft's commitment to expanding Windows app support on ARM: Microsoft's new SQ2 processor and expanded x86 and ARM support aim to provide a near-native experience for running Windows apps on ARM devices, but success hinges on the quality of emulation and user experience.
Microsoft's announcement of expanded x86 and ARM support for Windows apps, along with the release of the new SQ2 processor for the Surface Pro X, aims to provide users with the ability to run almost any Windows app without limitations. However, the success of this experiment hinges on the quality of the emulation experience, as a subpar experience could deter users and negatively impact the ARM experiment. Microsoft's push for the Surface Pro X, despite some users' preference for more powerful devices, shows their commitment to the product. Additionally, Apple Watch users might want to reconsider purchasing the latest model, as a recent study revealed that the ECG feature has too many false positives, potentially leading users to consult doctors unnecessarily. This issue highlights the importance of understanding the limitations and capabilities of the technology. In the realm of wearable technology, the Withings ScanWatch's attempt to detect sleep apnea using similar technology to the Apple Watch's ECG feature was not successful, according to reports from our health reporter, Nicole Wetsman. This serves as a reminder that technology, even when promising, may not always meet expectations and that rigorous testing and contextualization are crucial.
Tech Companies Release Health Devices in Europe Before FDA Clearance: Some tech companies bypass FDA clearance by not making sleep apnea detection claims, allowing them to sell health devices in the US while waiting for approval.
Several tech companies are releasing health devices in Europe before obtaining FDA clearance for the US market. Apple is an exception as they are not making sleep apnea detection claims, allowing them to sell their product in the US without FDA approval. This strategy allows companies to bring their health devices to market through side angles, as they wait for FDA clearance. The full Apple event is expected this month, with more reviews, news, and events coming soon. In other news, on the Tuesday show, an average consumer will be discussing a surprising product review. Additionally, support for the show comes from Art Beats and Lyrics, a new documentary on Hulu about the cultural phenomenon of the Atlanta-based art show.
