Techspansive

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!

131. 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!

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!

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!

In this episode, we dive deep on 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.

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!

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

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

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!

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!

Closing the loop on Apple Pay, Apple announces that it will enable the iPhone to take contactless credit card payments. We look at who could benefit as progress against the pandemic continues. Plus, the company adds to its measures to prevent AirTags-based stalking. Next, we look at the CEO transitions following the financial fortunes at Peloton and Arm's breakup with Nvidia, discussing the path forward for those companies. Finally, we look at Microsoft doubling down on its disruptive app store principles as it seeks to cut off scrutiny into its acquisition of Activision Blizzard as Big Tech monopoly evaluation evolves Join Shawn DuBravac of Avrio Institute and Ross Rubin of Reticle Research as they dig deep into tech news in every episode of Techspansive!

As Meta points us toward the future, investors slapped the company for its ad revenue shortfall and discouraging forecast, particularly in light of strong quarters from Alphabet and Snap, as the company again turns to Instagram to battle a challenger in TikTok. We discuss why the metaverse is so important to Meta as Amazon builds on its own commerce site to become the #3 digital advertising platform. Finally, we offer a few reasons why The New York Times purchase of Wordle might not result in screams of four-letter words. Join Shawn DuBravac of Avrio Institute and Ross Rubin of Reticle Research as they dig deep into tech news in every episode of Techspansive!

As the gift-giving season is upon us, Amazon's device group is going big... and small. We share thoughts on the significance of the Echo Show 15 as well as the Halo wearable. Plus, we took at why the Reddit community has concerns about the company's filing to go public and how Google's easy storefront play Qaya allows the company to squeeze into bios on Instagram, TikTok, and, of course, its own YouTube. Join Shawn DuBravac of Avrio Institute and Ross Rubin of Reticle Research as they dig deep into tech news in every episode of Techspansive!

At Qualcomm's Snapdragon Summit, the chip giant announced a collaboration with Razer to launch a new category by merging high-end smartphone gaming with physical game controls. The resulting reference design is designed to inspire a new category to steal thunder from the Nintendo Switch and shave off a slice of the hardcore mobile gaming market. We analyze whether the move rekindles the convergence vs. standalone device debate. Meanwhile, in another kind of merging, Samsung is bringing together its mobile and consumer electronics groups as its competitive landscape changes. We dig into whether the move can boost the company's ecosystem strength Join Shawn DuBravac of Avrio Institute and Ross Rubin of Reticle Research as they dig deep into tech news in every episode of Techspansive!

Coming on the heels of Meta and Microsoft announcing competing visions for the metaverse, the two Big Tech companies have announced plans to collaborate. We discuss why the collaboration makes sense, at least for now. Plus, we weigh in on how Netflix's new mobile games and TikTok-like kids programming is better leveraging its evolving IP for mobile, a platform Amazon is also targeting with a new video-sharing feature. Finally, Twitter Blue hits the U.S. at last. We discuss its value and what we see as a major marketing miss by the company in building its subscription business. Join Shawn DuBravac of Avrio Institute and Ross Rubin of Reticle Research as they dig deep into tech news in every episode of Techspansive!

We discuss Apple's take on why the perpetually exposed iPhone must remain closed to sideloaded apps while the Mac is open to them. Pus, at Microsoft Ignite, the software giant shoots back at just-minted Meta with its own plans to deliver the metaverse to businesses and consumers. We discuss the implications of Microsoft's metaverse play as well as its new app, Microsoft Loop, which takes on Google Workspace with a dynamic collaboration layer in Teams. Finally, we look at the latest American companies and digital properties to leave the Chinese market, citing compliance challenges, and the ripple effect on the splintering internet. Join Shawn DuBravac of Avrio Institute and Ross Rubin of Reticle Research as they dig deep into tech news in every episode of Techspansive!

Meta represents more than a new name for Facebook. We discuss the vision behind Facebook's future direction as well as how effectively the company can capitalize on it. Plus, while big cloud services continued to drive revenue, we look at how supply chain challenges and some demand softening has led to some high-profile estimate misses. Finally, we look at the $87 Jio Next, a highly optimized Android smartphone from Google designed to entice Indian consumers to upgrade from 2G phones. Join Shawn DuBravac of Avrio Institute and Ross Rubin of Reticle Research as they dig deep into tech news in every episode of Techspansive!

Apple's new MacBook Pros take full advantage of the company's new M1 Pro chips. We dig into how the company presented the performance as well as how the company is coming is reaching key price points with various models. Plus, Google also played up its Tensor chip in giving its Pixel 6 phones some impressive new capabilities. We discuss whether it's enough to translate into higher sales and where else the company's custom silicon might show up. Finally, we look at the updated version of nVidia's GeForce Now gaming service and how it further blurs the line between streaming and local gaming in creating the most impressive streaming experience yet. Join Shawn DuBravac of Avrio Institute and Ross Rubin of Reticle Research as they dig deep into tech news in every episode of Techspansive!

We take a detailed look at Microsoft's new Surface offerings, including the Surface Laptop Studio that replaces the Surface Book, and the Surface Duo 2, the beefed-up cameras of which are poised to make the dual-screened phone competitive with flagships. Plus, social media networks TikTok and Facebook are hoping to improve search results by doing a deal with Google. Finally, Shawn weighs in on what China's crypto ban means for the country and other economies. Join Shawn DuBravac of Avrio Institute and Ross Rubin of Reticle Research as they dig deep into tech news in every episode of Techspansive!

We look at Apple's recent media event where the iPhone 13 failed to reach for the skies as Apple beefed up the Apple Watch and iPad mini. Next, we check out the progress in Walmart's shopping subscription service and look at how much of a threat it is to Amazon Prime. Finally, we discuss how Discord has bridged gaming and NFT investing, and why Facebook is loving the competition. Join Shawn DuBravac of Avrio Institute and Ross Rubin of Reticle Research as they dig deep into tech news in every episode of Techspansive!

It's September, which means the start to a flurry of holiday-ready products against a backdrop of other tech company moves. 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. We also look at Google's recent hybrid work devices and partnerships with Logitech and Cisco connected to its Workspace updates. And finally, an update on tech company culture as Microsoft indefinitely delays a return to work and the first Theranos trial takes on "fake it til you make it." Join Shawn DuBravac of Avrio Institute and Ross Rubin of Reticle Research as they dig deep into tech news in every episode of Techspansive!

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

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

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

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

This week's Alexa Live event was filled with announcements about Amazon's agent, including a push beyond voice and a way for developers to sell skills and products. We discuss why it could be the most significant change for Alexa yet. Plus, Zoom takes on its first vertical in a big customer service vendor acquisition, and Netflix will start its push beyond video with mobile games; we discuss the tradeoffs. Join Shawn DuBravac of Avrio Institute and Ross Rubin of Reticle Research as they dig deep into tech news in every episode of Techspansive!

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!

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!

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!

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!

Join Shawn DuBravac of Avrio Institute and Ross Rubin of Reticle Research as they provide insights into the biggest tech stories, including: —What a continuing privacy push and deeper health focus at WWDC say about Apple's evolution —Whether Google and Microsoft can take their streaming game services to the next level with popular device integrations Go deeper on tech news in every episode of Techspansive!

Join Shawn DuBravac of Avrio Institute and Ross Rubin of Reticle Research as they provide insights into the biggest tech stories, including: —what the Computex announcements from nVidia and AMD mean for the future of graphics acceleration and AI —why Twitter's bet on collectives could prove stickier for creators than Substack —how Huawei might win allies in the uphill battle that faces with its Android variant, HarmonyOS Go deeper on tech news in every episode of Techspansive!

Who's keeping it

Join Shawn DuBravac of Avrio Institute and Ross Rubin of Reticle Research as they provide insights into the biggest tech stories, including: —analysis of the far-ranging announcements at Google I/O, including a privacy approach shift, new Workspace features, natural language leaps, and holographic conferencing —how Spotify is waging a two-front war against Apple and Amazon in a bid to dominate audio as Netflix eyes gaming —what obstacles "camera company" Snap must overcome as it steps up its AR investments Go deeper on tech news in every episode of Techspansive!

Join Shawn DuBravac of Avrio Institute and Ross Rubin of Reticle Research as they provide insights into the biggest tech stories, including: —how Facebook is reacting to iPhone users' overwhelming tracking opt-out. —why Roku is cornered as it negotiates with Google over YouTube —whether Microsoft has learned an important lesson by canceling Windows 10x Go deeper on tech news in every episode of Techspansive!

Join Shawn DuBravac of Avrio Institute and Ross Rubin of Reticle Research as they provide insights on the biggest tech stories, including: —what the outcome of Facebook's Oversight Board means for the future of the the site's governance —how the latest Twitter acquisitions and features are fueling its push into in the creator economy —the innovations from IBM and Lightmatter driving computing beyond today's processor limitations Go deeper on tech news in every episode of Techspansive!

Join Shawn DuBravac of Avrio Institute and Ross Rubin of Reticle Research as they provide insights on the biggest tech stories, including: —whether Apple's earnings reveal continued pandemic demand or more generational change drivers as 5G expands —how Facebook continues to seek business diversification via a Clubhouse-like Instagram mode, a greater commerce focus, and more —how Samsung has continued to weave its ecosystem message together with the Galaxy Book Pros Go deeper on tech news in every episode of Techspansive!

Join Shawn DuBravac of Avrio Institute and Ross Rubin of Reticle Research as they provide insights on the biggest tech stories, including: —whether Apple's new iMac and iPad mean can boost demand for desktops and powerful tablets —how Apple's new AirTags product stacks up to competition from Tile as regulatory scrutiny increases —how Facebook and Google are going deeper into their own networks with video privacy standards to maximize ad models Go deeper on tech news in every episode of Techspansive!

Join Shawn DuBravac of Avrio Institute and Ross Rubin of Reticle Research as they provide insights on the biggest tech stories, including: —what Microsoft's purchase of Nuance Communications means for healthcare and beyond —how Apple's rumored HomePod extensions could transform the TV experience —how Jeff Bezos' final shareholder letter lays out a roadmap for Amazon. Go deeper on tech news in every episode of Techspansive!

Join Shawn DuBravac of Avrio Institute and Ross Rubin of Reticle Research as they provide insights on the biggest tech stories, including: —how the Mac has become a pawn in the battle between Epic Games and Apple reaches trial --what are the next steps for Clubhouse as its valuation reaches what Twitter tried to buy it for ---how Best Buy can optimize the service bundle in its new Best Buy Beta subscription program Go deeper on tech news in every episode of Techspansive!

Join Shawn DuBravac of Avrio Institute and Ross Rubin of Reticle Research as they provide insights on the biggest tech stories, including: ---how Intel is positioned in its bold new move to ramp up its own, and others', chip production ---why Medium decided to pivot yet again in the evolving web media landscape —how Apple is trying to position the web as a rival to its app store Go deeper on tech news in every episode of Techspansive!

Join Shawn DuBravac of Avrio Institute and Ross Rubin of Reticle Research as they provide insights on the biggest tech stories, including: ---how Sony and Facebook are defining control of extended reality with controllers and wearables ---whether Facebook's curtailing of groups can help improve its user experience as it and Twitter take on Substack and Clubhouse —how Apple and Intel are reviving old commercial characters as they again become silicon rivals Go deeper on tech news in every episode of Techspansive! And check out Ross's new podcast, Techschanges!

Join Shawn DuBravac of Avrio Institute and Ross Rubin of Reticle Research as they provide insights on the biggest tech stories, including: --why Apple's iPhone mini hasn't lived up to the lofty success of other iPhone 12 models ---the latest on non-fungible tokens' (NFT) impact on the art world and digital assets —why YouTube and YouTube TV are making living room inroads and the implications for streaming incumbents Go deeper on tech news in every episode of Techspansive! And check out Ross's new podcast, Techschanges!

Join Shawn DuBravac of Avrio Institute and Ross Rubin of Reticle Research as they provide insights on the biggest tech stories, including: ---whether Microsoft can holoport customers to VR collaboration with its new Mesh offering —how Square hopes its investment in Tidal brings music to the Street's ears and how Qualcomm hopes to drown out Apple's AirPods with Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound. —what the latest smartwatch market numbers mean for Apple, Huawei, and Google. Get deeper on tech news in every episode of Techspansive! And check out Ross's new podcast, Techschanges!

Join Shawn DuBravac of Avrio Institute and Ross Rubin of Reticle Research as they provide insights on the biggest tech stories, including: —whether Facebook's make a better case against Apple that people want personalized advertising ---how Google and LG are ramping up their smart TV operating systems to take on Samsung and Roku —what the passing of the iconic Fry's Electronics retail chain means for the future of tech discovery Get deeper on tech news in every episode of Techspansive!

Join Shawn DuBravac of Avrio Institute and Ross Rubin of Reticle Research as they provide insights on the biggest tech stories, including: —how Facebook's battle with Australia sets up another contrast with Google's conflict avoidance ---what implications Chrome OS passing macOS has for both Apple and Microsoft —why Amazon is perfectly suited for its own take on product crowdfunding Get deeper on tech news in every episode of Techspansive!

Join Shawn DuBravac of Avrio Institute and Ross Rubin of Reticle Research as they provide insights on the biggest tech stories, including: —how the race to compete with surging Clubhouse fits in with social media revenue diversification ---how Salesforce has boosted Slack's promise by declaring the death of 9-to-5 —what the TikTok policy change could mean for U.S. policy toward China tech Get deeper on tech news in every episode of Techspansive!

Join Shawn DuBravac of Avrio Institute and Ross Rubin of Reticle Research as they provide insights on the biggest tech stories, including: —what we can expect from the CEO transition at Amazon ---what game development studio closures mean for Google's Stadia service. —the takeaways from the latest Apple augmented reality and car rumors Get deeper on tech news in every episode of Techspansive!

Join Shawn DuBravac of Avrio Institute and Ross Rubin of Reticle Research as they provide insights on the biggest tech stories, including: —what impact the Reddit-fueled GameStop run-up has for algorithmic investing ---what contributed to Apple's record-breaking quarter —why Facebook is moving toward war with Apple but Google is not Get deeper on tech news in every episode of Techspansive!

Join Shawn DuBravac of Avrio Institute and Ross Rubin of Reticle Research as they provide insights on the biggest tech stories, including: —what Biden administration policies and priorities will mean for tech companies —how a website identifying faces from the Capitol riot has implications for privacy --what Apple gains and loses if it pursues a VR headset Get deeper on tech news in every episode of Techspansive!

Join Shawn DuBravac of Avrio Institute and Ross Rubin of Reticle Research as they provide insights on the biggest tech stories, including: —what the big trends at this year's CES mean for the future of TVs, PCs, and digital living —what the Galaxy S21 and Galaxy Buds Pro mean for Samsung's competitive position Get deeper on tech news in every episode of Techspansive!