Techspansive: Analyzing Technology's Shifting Landscape

38. In We We Trust?

August 17, 2019 00:37 - 30 minutes - 43.6 MB

In this episode, Shawn and Ross discuss the S-1 filing for the company behind WeWork as it seeks to raise $1 billion in an IPO and elevate the world’s consciousness, and argue why a recession might not be all bad news for the real estate/“tech” company. We also discuss a move to make progress on robocalls through a new standard that has carriers cooperating, and look at what the latest economic indicators might portend both for startups raising capital and the tech giants.

37. Unpacking Samsung's Unpacked Event

August 08, 2019 22:27 - 22 minutes - 31.9 MB

In this week's episode, Shawn and Ross discuss Samsung's recent announcements, exploring the implications of the new Galaxy Note 10 and Galaxy Note 10+, the S Pen, and DeX.

36. Facebook failings and Android alternatives

August 06, 2019 00:58 - 28 minutes - 40.1 MB

In this episode, Shawn and Ross look at the paths of Apple, which is building successful services, and Facebook, which is struggling with its hardware. Also, in advance of Samsung’s event this week, a look at the state of Android beyond the smartphone.

35. Microsoft up, Netflix down, Amazon prime

July 19, 2019 19:44 - 28 minutes - 40.6 MB

In this episode, Shawn and Ross look at the evolution of Prime Day and the effects its having on competitors and seasonality. Plus, we look at Microsoft’s strong cloud growth and Netflix’s earnings miss as the streaming giant starts to encounter danger signs from competition.

34. Facebook Turns to Transactions

July 10, 2019 14:00 - 40 minutes - 57.1 MB

In this episode, Shawn and Ross return from a break to look at Facebook's many transactional initiatives, including its plan to monetize subscriptions to content creators and the tie-in to its cryptocurrency Libra. How far can the company go in creating a WeChat-like platform? Plus, some thoughts on what we can expect at next week's antitrust hearings for Big Tech as Amazon and Google decide put aside their battle over video devices and YouTube.

33. The Last Videogame Consoles?

June 14, 2019 14:53 - 24 minutes - 35.1 MB

In this episode, Shawn and Ross look at some of the major announcements leading up to and at E3. We’ll have details on the Project Scarlet, the next generation of Xbox, the availability of Google Stadia, and previews of Microsoft xCloud as we look at the future of downloads vs. streaming. We also discuss Apple’s heavy investment in Apple Arcade. Finally, we offer our takes on an ’80s videogame brand trying to make a 2D comeback in a world of 3D games.

32. WWDC: Addressing the Past and Building Bridges to the Future

June 04, 2019 02:28 - 27 minutes - 38.5 MB

In this episode, Shawn and Ross lay out the major themes at WWDC, including the differentiation that Apple receives in protect users’ privacy and building bridges both among its platforms and to third-party services. Of course, there’s plenty to say about renewed independence for watchOS and the new iPadOS, Apple targeting the most demanding users with the Mac Pro, and the visual impact of the new Apple Maps and ARKit 3. Finally, we hit pause for a moment of silence for iTunes as it is repl...

31. Huawei Caught Between a Trade War and the Race to 5G

May 24, 2019 21:09 - 25 minutes - 36.6 MB

In this week's episode, Shawn and Ross discuss the Huawei ban and it's implications for 5G, as well as the risk of retaliatory measures. Our Lightning Round takes on Amazon's rumored emotion-reading wearable, Rotten Tomatoes' move to verify movie reviews, and Panic's newly unveiled Playdate.

30. Google’s Privacy Pitch

May 12, 2019 02:51 - 35 minutes - 50.3 MB

In this episode, Shawn and Ross take stock of some of the major announcements of I/O, Google’s annual developer event. including how it has answered Apple’s privacy challenge, its latest AI advances, and its new Android device announcements. Our Lightning Round takes on Facebook’s breakup argument, Blue Origin’s literal moonshot, and Redfin’s direct home sales. And our Startup of the Week tackles fake news with machine learning.

29. The Future is Private... Maybe

May 05, 2019 04:32 - 26 minutes - 36.7 MB

In this episode, Shawn and Ross analyze the news from Facebook's F8 event and explore the implications moving forward for Facebook, Instagram, and the other FB properties. In the Lightning Round, we take a look at Marriott's launch of Homes & Villas, an Airbnb competitor, Google's launch of CallJoy, a $39/month virtual customer service agent aimed at small US businesses, and the demise of robotics start-up Anki.

28. A Week of Reconciliation

April 19, 2019 23:57 - 28 minutes - 40.4 MB

In this episode, Shawn and Ross feel the love as they discuss the sudden reconciliation between Apple and Qualcomm' just as its court case was getting underway and the role Intel likely played along with Amazon's and Google's progress toward supporting each others' video efforts. Then, the Lightning Round includes discussion of the Samsung Galaxy Fold screen issues, free music tiers for smart speakers from Amazon and Google, and Google opening up Android in the EU to new browser and search e...

27. AI in the Cloud

April 12, 2019 14:00 - 28 minutes - 40.6 MB

In this episode, Shawn and Ross look at the growth of AI in the cloud, including the announcements from the Google Next and Qualcomm AI events in San Francisco. Our Lightning Round takes on new Acer's powerful ConceptD PCs for creators, YouTube TV's price hike, and the launch of Apple's podcast website in light of Spotify's moves. And our startup spotlight looks at Gooroo, a marketplace that uses AI to match students and tutors.

26: Apple’s Media Momentum

April 07, 2019 21:04 - 38 minutes - 54.4 MB

In this episode, Shawn and Ross look at some of the early signs of momentum around Apple’s music and news services. Meanwhile, Netflix drops support for an Apple technology in what may be a sign of growing pains. Our Lightning Round takes on AirPower’s failure, Alexa earbuds and the quick end of Google’s ethics board. Finally, our new startup spotlight looks at Ouvos, crowdsourced navigation for bikes and scooters.

25. Visual Battles: Apple vs Google, VR vs. AR

March 29, 2019 19:54 - 1 hour - 90.4 MB

In this episode, Shawn and Ross break down the premium video strategies of Apple and Google in a saturating field and look at the state of mixed reality as Magic Leap launches. Plus, LG's G8 ThinQ, the WSJ in Apple News+, and McDonald's big data play.

24. Apple Services

March 26, 2019 03:08 - 44 minutes - 62.9 MB

In this episode, Shawn and Ross take on the recent Apple announcements, including: • the significance of Apple’s new hardware, • what the new Apple Card means for the future of payments, • the company’s double-barreled entry into TV services with the new Apple TV app and Apple TV+, • the impact of Apple News+, and • how Apple Arcade stands to improve the state of games for consumers, developers and, of course, Apple itself.

Episode 23: Spotify v. Apple and Microsoft's Cross-platform Ambitions

March 17, 2019 02:03 - 49 minutes - 46.3 MB

In this episode, Shawn and Ross look at the dynamics at play in the competitive dispute between Spotify and Apple as well as major trends in the games market such as Microsoft's cross-platform ambitions. Finally, in our Lightning Round, Garmin makes its Marq on luxury watches, Lyft justifies its scooter and bike push, and Google Docs makes sure kids get the message.

Episode 22: Hololens 2 Hands On, This Week in Facebook, and Tim Apple

March 10, 2019 13:48 - 53 minutes - 56.8 MB

Fresh off of Shawn’s triumphant run at the Tokyo marathon, Shawn and Ross talk about a recent hands-on experience with Microsoft’s HoloLens 2. We also go deep on the latest wave of news of Facebook, including its privacy pivot and Patreon competitor. Finally, the Lightning Round strikes on Huawei’s lawsuit, wrist phones, and the debut of Tim Apple.

Episode 21: Samsung Unpacked, the Future of VR, and Apple's Credit Card

February 24, 2019 07:11 - 53 minutes - 54.8 MB

In this episode of Techspansive, Shawn and Ross review the highlights of Samsung's high-profile product launch ahead of MWC, peer into the future of VR with hands-on experience of the first eye-resolution headset, and look at Apple's continued services push with a potential Goldman Sachs partnership. Plus, our Lightning Round topics include the fate of Bixby, disclosure about hidden sensors, the 5G iPhone timeline, and Google's streaming gaming service.

Episode 20: Amazon's purchase of eero, Apple's Next Event, and Amazon Breaks Up with NYC

February 17, 2019 02:07 - 45 minutes - 45.3 MB

In this episode, Shawn DuBravac and Ross Rubin delve into Amazon’s purchase of eero and what it means for access to Alexa. Next, we look at the promise of Apple’s services launch in March and its potential for publishers. Ross and Shawn then talk about their hometown dynamics and how they contributed to Amazon’s decision to leave New York City but stay in Virginia. Finally, no prefabricated cubicle can shield you from the excitement of the new Techspansive Lightning Round.

Episode 19: Spotify ups its Podcast Game, Facebook Faces More Regulation, and Sprint Sues AT&T

February 09, 2019 03:45 - 50 minutes - 71.2 MB

In this episode. Shawn DuBravac and Ross Rubin talk about the big moves that Spotify has made in the podcast space as it seeks to shore up its business against platform providers and emulate successful models of Netflix and YouTube. In addition, they look at the impact that Facebook and other companies face as new regulations require greater transparency when combining data from multiple media properties. Finally, Ross and Shawn take a look at the latest in 5G as Sprint sues AT&T over its ne...

Episode 18: Digital Assistants Spell Change for Hardware and Services

February 02, 2019 01:27 - 47 minutes - 66.9 MB

In this episode, Shawn DuBravac and Ross Rubin look at the rising role of the hearable within consumer tech ecosystems and what they mean as companies such as Apple increasingly embrace services. Plus, we’ll discuss how Apple’s focus on privacy could pay off should it become a major healthcare player and some of the experiments by major and fringe smartphone vendors in advance of Mobile World Congress later this month.

Episode 17: Flexible and Modular Displays and Edge Computing

January 14, 2019 19:07 - 30 minutes - 42.6 MB

In this episode, Shawn DuBravac and Ross Rubin talk about some major tech themes that surfaced at CES. First, we take up how flexible and modular displays can blur device boundaries and open up new applications such as full-wall displays. Next, we discuss how the arrival of 5G and edge computing and 5G will challenge companies to develop new application strategies that make different tradeoffs between centralized control and sensor-driven responsiveness.

Episode 16: Apple News from CES

January 08, 2019 13:03 - 25 minutes - 35.9 MB

In this special CES episode, Shawn DuBravac and Ross Rubin analyze some of the first major stories and trends at the show, including how Apple has moved to partner with leading TV manufacturers and is spreading its message on privacy protection. Plus, sensors are improving everything from bread baking to surfing as long-awaited technologies finally materialize.

Episode 15: Apple's Warning

January 05, 2019 15:40 - 37 minutes - 52.7 MB

This week Shawn DuBravac and Ross Rubin discuss Apple's warning and what it means for the future of Apple.

Episode 14: End of Year Grading for Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Google, and Microsoft

December 31, 2018 02:12 - 56 minutes - 80.2 MB

In this episode, Shawn DuBravac and Ross Rubin hand out report cards to five big tech ecosystem companies — Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Google, and Microsoft. We’ll discuss some of their biggest highlights and lowlights and assign a final grade for the year as well as consider what’s in store for them in 2019.

Episode 13: How Good if your Voice Agent Anyways?

December 24, 2018 14:57 - 35 minutes - 50.1 MB

In this episode, Shawn DuBravac and Ross Rubin discuss the implications of recent tests that show how well major voice agents fare when asked a range of questions across topics and what Apple's promotion of a recent Google hire to the executive team might mean for the future of its AI efforts. Also, on the day that AT&T launches its mobile 5G network, we share some thoughts about what the long-awaited wireless standard means in the short-term and what applications it may enable in years to c...

Episode 12: Qualcomm, Intel, Moore's Law, and the Future of Streaming Video

December 14, 2018 18:45 - 38 minutes - 54 MB

In this episode, Shawn DuBravac and Ross Rubin discuss the announcements that Qualcomm made at its Snapdragon Summit — first up, some impressive new applications for artificial intelligence, Then we assess the company’s entrance into the PC market against a charging Intel and the state of Moore’s Law. Finally, we discuss how Facebook’s latest rumored push into premium video may bring it into a crowded field, but one in which it brings some significant advantages.

Episode 11: Apple Music on Echo and Stories on YouTube and Instagram

November 30, 2018 23:29 - 30 minutes - 42.8 MB

In this episode, Shawn DuBravac and Ross Rubin look at Apple and Amazon working together to get Apple Music on Amazon Echo devices and what it means for Apple's continued moves into content. Plus, we look at the impact of Stories in social media as Instagram moves to reign in anonymous "finsta" accounts with its "close friends" feature and YouTube provides another way for its top content producers to reach out to their audiences with the ephemeral post format.

Episode 10: All Things Seattle - Amazon HQ2, Disc-Less Xbox One, and Native Arm apps on Windows

November 19, 2018 01:31 - 27 minutes - 38.9 MB

Shawn DuBravac and Ross Rubin discuss all things Seattle in this week's episode. Amazon announces two new headquarters - one in Shawn's backyard and one in Ross'. Rumors of a disc-less Xbox One swirl and Windows opens to native apps on ARM.

Episode 9: Samsung's Developer Conference, Foldable Phones, OneUI, and Bixby

November 12, 2018 04:44 - 33 minutes - 47.9 MB

In this week’s episode, Shawn DuBravac and Ross Rubin take a look at all the recent developer announcements from Samsung, including its expansion of Bixby, OneUI user interface, and a sneak peek at its long-awaited foldable phone. Together, they indicate much about Samsung’s struggle to differentiate in an Android world and the evolving ways in which we might expect to use technology as smartphone alternatives become more powerful.

Episode 8: Apple's Brooklyn Event, Earnings, The Future of Communication, First look at Black Friday

November 04, 2018 03:38 - 45 minutes - 63.7 MB

In this episode, Shawn DuBravac and Ross Rubin dive in to Apple's recent launch of the iPad Pro and what it means for the future of the tablet market. Also, a look at multiparty video chat and its impact on a younger generation. Finally, why the talk of Black Friday may be coming from the Echo Dot and Google Home mini.

Episode 7: Palm is Back!, Smart Glasses are (trying to be) cool again, and Tim Cook on Privacy

October 26, 2018 16:38 - 38 minutes - 54.1 MB

In this week's podcast, Shawn DuBravac and Ross Rubin weigh the pros and cons of Palm's new phone that is more than a smartphone but not intended to be a primary smartphone. The sleek device should attract those willing to pay a premium for a calmer and lighter mobile experience. We also talk about the new Focus smart glasses and compare its trade-offs to other augmented reality products to advance the early work of Google Glass. And we close out with a discussion of Tim Cook's comments about...

Episode 6: Huawei and LG Smartphones and Smartwatches and Broader Implications for Wearables

October 20, 2018 17:02 - 43 minutes - 60.7 MB

In this episode, Shawn DuBravac and Ross Rubin compare and contrast the recent phone and smartwatch launches from LG and Huawei. What do different smartwatch paths say about Google's strategy and the future of wearables in the mass market? Plus, real estate that anticipates autonomous vehicles and an Alexa-equipped food preservation device that can measure and track consumption.

Episode 5: Google's New Hardware, Magic Leap, Essential, and NDC

October 12, 2018 21:16 - 57 minutes - 80.8 MB

n this week's episode, Shawn DuBravac and Ross Rubin dive deep into Google's AI-driven device announcements covering the Pixel 3, Pixel Slate and Home Hub. Can these new products compete and drive volume for the search giant? We'll also trade thoughts on what Essential could be building with its rumored agent-driven phone and share some impressions of Magic Leap's announcements at its augmented reality developer event. Plus, get ready for the a la carte future of airline ticket purchases.

Episode 4: Microsoft's Surface event in NYC and Amazon Go

October 05, 2018 18:54 - 26 minutes - 37.6 MB

This week, Shawn DuBravac and Ross Rubin dig into the announcements from Microsoft's Surface event in NYC. That sets up a broader discussion of how the major tech giants approach hardware and its integration with their other strategic initiatives. Plus, Shawn shares his impression of the Amazon Go store in Chicago and what businesses might feel the impact of its competition.

Techspansive: Analyzing Technology's Shifting Landscape

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