Podcast Summary
Google's Stadia Cloud Gaming Service Shuts Down: Google's cloud gaming service, Stadia, is shutting down in January 2023. Users with hardware or software investments will be refunded, but those with subscriptions will not. The failure of Stadia highlights the challenges of making cloud gaming a viable reality for consumers.
Google's cloud gaming service, Stadia, is shutting down as of January 18, 2023. Users who invested in hardware or software will be refunded, but those with subscriptions will not. The failure of Stadia marks a significant admission of Google's inability to make cloud gaming a viable reality for consumers, despite the promising concept. The service, which launched in 2019, faced numerous issues including poor internet connectivity requirements and a lack of compelling games. Despite the potential of cloud gaming, it seems the technology is not yet ready for widespread adoption.
Internet infrastructure key to cloud gaming success: Companies like Google and Microsoft have faced varying levels of success with cloud gaming due to the importance of reliable and fast internet connections. NVIDIA's long-term beta and strong GPU business helped it gain traction, but economic uncertainty may lead to reconsideration of cloud gaming investments.
The success of cloud gaming relies heavily on the quality of internet infrastructure. Despite promising advancements like 5G, the reality is that many people still struggle with reliable and fast internet connections. Companies like Google, who approached cloud gaming as a premium, high-intensity future of gaming, have faced challenges in gaining widespread adoption due to the high cost and the need for robust internet infrastructure. In contrast, Microsoft and NVIDIA, who have been in the game longer and offer cloud gaming as an add-on to their existing services, have been more successful. NVIDIA, in particular, got away with offering a free beta for a long time due to the strong performance of its GPU business. However, with economic uncertainty and potential recession, companies may reconsider their investments in cloud gaming, especially if they require significant infrastructure upgrades and high costs for game developers.
Nvidia and Microsoft's cloud gaming limitations: Despite their resources, Nvidia and Microsoft face challenges in cloud gaming due to lag, compatibility, and controller connectivity issues. Amazon's Luna may have an edge with its continued investment and focus on big, ambitious games.
Nvidia and Microsoft may not be the best-suited companies to dominate the cloud gaming market, despite their significant infrastructure and resources. The speaker's personal experience with Nvidia's GeForce Now and Microsoft's Xbox Cloud Gaming reveals some limitations and potential issues, such as lag, compatibility, and controller connectivity. Additionally, Google's decision to shut down Stadia and its internal game studios raised concerns about the company's long-term commitment to the cloud gaming industry. However, Amazon's continued investment in video games and its Luna platform might keep it in the game, as long as it can successfully bring big, ambitious live service games to the platform. Ultimately, the success of cloud gaming platforms depends on various factors, including lag-free gaming, compatibility with popular games, and a compelling value proposition for consumers.
Community size as indicator of potential success for cloud gaming platforms: Amazon's Luna trails Google's Stadia in community size, potentially impacting long-term success. Lack of exclusives and sudden platform shutdowns can also deter developers and users.
The size and engagement of a community, as indicated by the number of followers on a dedicated subreddit, can be an important indicator of a cloud gaming platform's potential for long-term success. Based on this metric, Luna, Amazon's cloud gaming platform, appears to be struggling compared to Google's Stadia, with significantly fewer followers. Additionally, the lack of exclusive or optimized games for Stadia, and the sudden announcement of its shutdown without warning for developers, may have contributed to its demise. The case of Baldur's Gate 3 and Larian Studios illustrates this, as they had planned to offer exclusive features on Stadia, but now face the challenge of pivoting to other platforms. Ultimately, building strong relationships with developers and offering compelling incentives are crucial for cloud gaming platforms to attract and retain content and users.
Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass leads cloud gaming after Stadia's shutdown: Microsoft's investment in Azure and long-term commitment to cloud gaming make Xbox Game Pass an attractive choice for consumers, despite Stadia's shutdown. Sony's cloud gaming through PlayStation Plus has high costs and hardware requirements, making it less accessible.
Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass has emerged as the clear leader in cloud gaming following Google's announcement of Stadia's shutdown. The subreddit community of Stadia users has expressed their disappointment, but many are moving on to Game Pass as the go-to solution for cloud gaming. Microsoft's investment in Azure and its long-term commitment to cloud gaming make it an attractive choice for consumers. Although Sony offers cloud gaming through its PlayStation Plus service, its high cost and requirements for additional hardware make it less accessible for the average consumer. The future of cloud gaming remains uncertain, but it's unlikely that it will disappear entirely due to the significant investments being made by tech giants like Microsoft and Google. The technology behind Stadia is expected to be repurposed for other uses within Google's infrastructure, such as improving Google Meet and Google Docs. The shutdown of Stadia does not signal a retreat from cloud gaming, but rather a shift in focus for Google.
Discussing the Future of Technology: Metaverse and Multi-Search: Google's multi-search uses images and text to provide more specific search results, aligning with Mark Zuckerberg's vision for the immersive metaverse. Google invests heavily in this technology and prioritizes its own shopping platform.
Mark Zuckerberg's vision for the metaverse aligns with the goals of companies like Meada, as they aim to create immersive experiences through technology. Google's latest innovation, multi-search, was discussed as a promising new way to search using images and text. By taking a photo of an item and adding text, users can get more specific results. Google is investing heavily in this technology and expanding it to multiple languages. The potential for fashion and luxury searches was explored, and it was noted that Google may prioritize its own shopping platform over competitors like Amazon. Overall, the discussion highlighted the ongoing evolution of technology and the ways companies are innovating to meet user needs.
Amazon's new 10.2 inch Kindle with stylus announced at CEDIA tech show: Amazon's new Kindle with stylus, priced between Remarkable and Onyx Boox, is a game-changer for Amazon's e-reader dominance in the US market
The CEDIA tech show in Dallas may not be known for its healthy food options or size, but it more than makes up for it with its intimate, comfortable atmosphere and the presence of major tech players like Amazon, LG, Samsung, and Google. The most exciting announcement from Amazon's event at the show was the release of a new 10.2 inch Kindle with a stylus, making it the go-to e-ink writing tablet in the US market. This device, which falls between the prices of the Remarkable and Onyx Boox devices, is a game-changer for Amazon's e-reader dominance in the US. Despite the lack of healthy food options and the smaller size of the show, attendees are excited about the vibe and the innovative technology on display. The show is not as big or intimidating as CES, but it's a must-attend event for tech enthusiasts.
Amazon's new large-screen e-reader with writing capabilities: Amazon's Kindle Scribe, with its size, business features, and writing functionality, has the potential to be a successful e-reader due to its unique offerings and Amazon's reputation.
Amazon's new Kindle Scribe, a large-screen e-reader with writing capabilities, has the potential to be a massive success due to its size, business-friendly features, and Amazon's reputation for producing high-quality e-readers. The device's writing functionality, which has been a challenge for competitors, could set it apart. Despite some ethical concerns and the lack of a hands-on demo, the demand for a larger e-reader and Amazon's track record make it a promising product. The Kindle Scribe's integration with business tools and its potential to replace paper notepads in meetings could also contribute to its appeal. Amazon's push towards a more intuitive and personalized smart home experience, as shown in their Ambient Smart Home announcements, further highlights their commitment to user-friendly technology.
Amazon improves smart home offerings for households with multiple residents: Amazon introduces new features like scheduling and buttons to manage automations, new Echo Dot devices as Wi-Fi extenders, and a scrolling LED display on Echo Dot with Clock to enhance user experience and address common pain points in the smart home space.
Amazon is making strides in personalizing their smart home offerings to better accommodate households with multiple residents. The company has introduced new features such as scheduling and buttons to help manage automations, which could potentially alleviate some of the frustration experienced by families with varying schedules. Additionally, Amazon's new Echo Dot devices will function as Wi-Fi extenders for Iro networks, making it easier and more affordable for users to ensure their smart homes have reliable connectivity. Another notable upgrade is the addition of a scrolling LED display on the Echo Dot with Clock, providing users with information without the need for a constant screen presence. Overall, these updates demonstrate Amazon's commitment to enhancing the user experience and addressing common pain points in the smart home space.
Amazon's Echo Dot becomes a Wi-Fi extender: Amazon's Echo Dot now functions as a Wi-Fi extender, improving connectivity in hard-to-reach areas, and Iro introduces internet backup for Ring, ensuring uninterrupted network access.
Amazon is expanding the capabilities of its Echo Dot device by turning it into a Wi-Fi extender, making it easier for people to access Wi-Fi in areas where it may not have been available before. This is a step towards Amazon's goal of ensuring that all devices in the home can connect to a network. The technology behind this feature is not overly sophisticated, and Amazon is exploring other ways to extend this capability, such as to Echo Shows. Additionally, Iro, the company behind the smart home security system Ring, is introducing internet backup, allowing users to keep their entire network running even if their primary Wi-Fi goes down. Amazon's focus on ensuring that smart home devices remain connected is particularly notable given the challenges with internet connectivity and the potential for devices to go offline. The company is also releasing a new product, Halo Rise, which aims to help users improve their sleep without the use of cameras or microphones. Overall, these developments demonstrate Amazon's commitment to enhancing the user experience and addressing common pain points in the smart home space.
Amazon's new sleep device, Halo Rise, offers a seamless sleep experience: Amazon's Halo Rise combines circadian lighting, sleep tracking, and room environment monitoring into a single device, creating a seamless sleep experience. However, privacy concerns and lack of battery backup may be drawbacks.
Amazon's new device, Halo Rise, aims to enhance the sleep experience without relying on wearables or speakers. It uses circadian lighting, ultrasound technology for sleep tracking, and can run a "good morning" routine once the user wakes up. The device also tracks room temperature, humidity, and light levels. While some features like these can be found in cheaper alternatives, the integration of these features into a single device and the potential for seamless routines could be Amazon's unique selling proposition. However, the lack of a battery backup and the potential privacy concerns due to body tracking without a camera or microphone may deter some users.
Amazon's new Echo Dot with clock: A bedroom competitor to Google Nest Hub?: Amazon's Echo Dot with clock enters the bedroom market, addressing privacy concerns but lacking sleep tracking microphone, success uncertain due to ecosystem fit and market demand.
Amazon's new Echo Dot with clock and ultrasound motion sensing is an attempt to compete with Google Nest Hub in the bedroom market, but its lack of a microphone for sleep tracking may limit its appeal. The speaker and camera-free design aims to address privacy concerns, but it might not be enough to overcome the challenges of making technology acceptable in the bedroom. Amazon's product strategy is to create a wide range of devices and see what sticks, but the success of this particular product is uncertain. The design and functionality of the Echo Dot with clock don't perfectly fit within the Amazon Echo ecosystem, and it remains to be seen if it will gain widespread adoption. The TV announcement further highlights Amazon's approach to creating a diverse range of products and seeing what resonates with consumers. However, the skepticism towards leaving a TV on as a digital picture frame raises questions about the market demand for such a product.
Amazon's new Echo Show 15 with Fire TV and a new remote: The new Echo Show 15 with Fire TV and a programmable remote enhances entertainment and home routines with convenience and smart features.
Amazon's new Echo Show 15 with integrated Fire TV and the new remote offer convenient and smart ways to control your entertainment and home routines. The addition of Fire TV to the Echo Show 15 makes for a better viewing experience, and the new remote, with its large Alexa button and programmable buttons for routines, provides a more tactile and efficient way to interact with your devices. Furthermore, Amazon's announcement of compatibility with more wireless access switches allows for the creation of custom smart home routines with the press of a button, making the smart home experience even more seamless. The loss of remotes like the Logitech Harmony has left a gap in the market, and the world could use more innovative and user-friendly remote control solutions.
New NuFi TV Cube with 6E Wi-Fi and cable box connectivity: NuFi's new TV Cube offers 6E Wi-Fi for uninterrupted streaming and cable box connectivity for voice control, but past HDMI pass-through issues should be considered. Meanwhile, Viator simplifies vacation planning with a one-stop platform for tours, activities, and excursions, featuring real traveler reviews and flexible cancellation options.
The new NuFi TV Cube's 6E Wi-Fi capability is an exciting development for streaming services, ensuring uninterrupted viewing even when other devices in the home are using the network. Another intriguing feature is the TV Cube's ability to connect to a cable box and serve as a hub for voice control. However, past attempts to use HDMI pass-through for cable boxes have resulted in issues, so this feature should be approached with caution. Additionally, the Ring booth showcased a real, albeit small, drone, marking a step forward in the physical development of the device. Viator, on the other hand, offers a solution for maximizing vacation experiences by providing a platform to book guided tours, activities, and excursions in one place, with real traveler reviews and free cancellation options.
Making Money on and off the Field: The MVB Sports Photographer: A sports photographer uses QuickBooks to maximize business earnings, setting him apart as a thriving entrepreneur in the industry. Intel and Samsung unveil tech innovations, but consumer availability remains uncertain.
The sports photographer discussed in the podcast is using Intuit QuickBooks to earn high yields on his business account and is therefore thriving both on and off the field. This innovative approach to managing money sets him apart as the "Most Valuable Businessperson" (MVB). Meanwhile, in tech news, the Intel Samsung slideable PC was unveiled at an event, showcasing a foldable display. However, it's important to note that this is still a proof of concept and not yet a consumer product. Apple's Stage Manager, originally exclusive to iPad M1, is now being expanded to newer iPad Pro models, but it will not support external display usage. Overall, these stories highlight the importance of making your money work harder and the continuous advancements in technology.
Debate over Apple's Stage Manager on iPad OS and new iRobot vacuum-mop: Some users prefer a simplified iPad experience, while power users want more multitasking capabilities. A new iRobot vacuum-mop efficiently cleans with a unique self-raising mop design.
There is a debate among users regarding Apple's implementation of Stage Manager on iPad OS. Some, including the speaker, are not fond of the multitasking feature and would prefer a simplified iPad experience. Others, known as power users, desire more capabilities for multitasking. The speaker expresses disappointment with past attempts to use an iPad as a primary computer and shares a negative experience with an iPad Pro and the accompanying keyboard. A new development in the smart home world is the announcement of a robotic vacuum and mop in one by iRobot (not yet owned by Amazon), which features a unique design where the mop raises and lowers itself under the robot for efficient cleaning.
2-in-1 robot for vacuuming and mopping: The Roomba Combo J7+ robot vacuum intelligently maps your home, prioritizes tasks, and offers advanced features like self-cleaning mops and local data processing for convenient and privacy-focused home maintenance and security.
The new Roomba Combo J7+ robot vacuum offers a 2-in-1 solution for mopping and vacuuming without the need for manual intervention. The robot is smart enough to map your home and prioritize cleaning tasks efficiently, avoiding pet bowls and other obstacles. While it requires occasional maintenance, such as filling the water tank and cleaning the mop, it comes with an auto-empty base to minimize user involvement. Additionally, advanced features like self-cleaning mops and local data processing on home security cameras from Yuffie are now available, making home maintenance and security more convenient and privacy-focused.
Advanced features of Yufi's new home security system: Yufi's new home security system offers facial recognition, animal pet recognition, vehicle detection, continuous 24-7 video recording, up to 16TB local storage, and is fee-free with long-lasting devices. Existing users can upgrade with the Homebase 3 hub, and new cameras come with it, which are 4K and have built-in solar power.
Yufi's new home security system offers advanced features like facial recognition, animal pet recognition, and vehicle detection, all with edge processing for faster response times. The system also offers continuous 24-7 video recording and up to 16 terabytes of local storage. Existing YufiCam users can upgrade to this new AI capability by purchasing the Homebase 3 hub. The system is fee-free and promises long-lasting devices. Additionally, new cameras come with the Homebase 3 and are 4K with built-in solar power. This strategy of improving existing products is a smart move for companies, and the system's advanced features make it an exciting addition to the DIY smart home space.
From small beginnings to cultural phenomena: Both Art Beats and Lyrics and SAS Viya demonstrate the importance of growth and adaptation in a constantly evolving world.
"Art Beats and Lyrics," a documentary directed by Bill Horace, showcases the incredible journey of a humble art show in Atlanta transforming into a cultural phenomenon. The film highlights the origin stories of the event's founder Jabari Graham and curator Dwayne W. Wright, revealing how Atlanta influenced their personal pasts and distinct roles within Art Beats and Lyrics. The documentary captures the excitement of thousands of fans at each show during the 20th Anniversary Tour. Meanwhile, in a different context, SAS emphasizes the importance of speed in processing and analyzing the ever-increasing amount of data in today's world. With data becoming more prevalent than ever, quick answers are essential. SAS Viya, a more productive data and AI platform, helps users get those answers faster by efficiently processing and analyzing large volumes of data. These two seemingly unrelated stories share a common thread: growth and transformation. Art Beats and Lyrics grew from a small art show to a cultural phenomenon, while SAS Viya offers a solution to help keep up with the rapidly growing amount of data. Both remind us of the importance of staying adaptive and innovative in a constantly evolving world. So, whether you're an art enthusiast or a data analyst, there's a valuable lesson to be learned.
