Host Keith Shaw and his expert guests discuss the latest technology news and trends happening in the industry. Watch new episodes twice each week here or listen to the podcast.
Some Apple employees are protesting the company’s return-to-work policy, which requires employees to be in the office three days per week. With that in mind, Computerworld Executive Editor Ken Mingis and Macworld Executive Editor Michael Simon join Juliet to discuss how Apple’s plans compare to other tech firms’ policies and what the hybrid work landscape looks like. But first, the trio looks at the end of the iconic iPod.
Billionaire Elon Musk recently entered into an agreement to purchase Twitter for $44 billion dollars, therefore turning Twitter into a privately held company. While Musk’s acquisition could have serious ramifications for users, it’s still unclear how his Twitter would differ from the Twitter we’re familiar with today. Computerworld executive editor Ken Mingis and Macworld executive editor Michael Simon join Juliet to discuss what the acquisition could mean for the future of the platform and how it could affect enterprise users and consumers alike.
WWDC speculation has officially begun. Macworld Executive Editor Michael Simon and Computerworld Executive Editor Ken Mingis join Juliet to discuss what to expect this year, including updates to Apple’s operating systems like iOS and macOS and maybe even some hardware announcements.
Microsoft this week announced new Windows 11 features aimed at making hybrid work easier. Some address IT-specific problems, others target the workforce. They include productivity tweaks, deployment improvements and security updates, among other things. Computerworld Manager Editor, Features Valerie Potter and contributing editor Preston Gralla join Juliet to discuss the new features, when they arrive and whether they will solve IT pain points.
According to Bloomberg, Apple is working on a hardware subscription service that would allow users to lease its devices like people lease cars. This program would differ from the 12- and 24-month loan programs currently available. And while its release date is months away, specs have already leaked about the upcoming iPhone 14. Computerworld executive editor Ken Mingis and Macworld executive editor Michael Simon join Juliet to discuss why a hardware subscription service could benefit enterprise users and what to expect in the iPhone 14.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last month and consequential sanctions against the Kremlin, the threat of cyberattacks in the U.S. and abroad has been looming. While the threat of attacks on critical infrastructure has increased, it hasn’t escalated to the all-out cyberwar that some were expecting. CSO Online senior writer Lucian Constantin joins Juliet to discuss how the cyber threat landscape has evolved as a result of the war in Ukraine and what organizations can do to increase their cyber incident defenses. For more on this topic, check out this article from CSO Online: Conti gang says it's ready to hit critical infrastructure in support of Russian government: https://www.csoonline.com/article/3651498/conti-gang-says-its-ready-to-hit-critical-infrastructure-in-support-of-russian-government.html
Apple's new Studio Display is a conundrum: It's got a great 5K screen, an older iPhone chip, 64GB of RAM, an okay webcam, good speakers — and a $1,599 price tag. Apple is known for recycling hardware from its parts bins, but is the Studio Display a little too recycled? Macworld Executive Editor Michael Simon and Computerworld Executive Editor Ken Mingis join Juliet to discuss what frustrations people have with the display and who should (and shouldn't) use it.
Foxconn partially shut down some of its factories in manufacturing powerhouse Shenzhen as a result of a COVID-19 outbreak. Foxconn, which is the world's biggest contract electronics manufacturer and Apple’s largest iPhone supplier, said it “adjusted the production line to minimize the potential impact,” and some of its factories have partially reopened. Computerworld executive editor Ken Mingis and Macworld executive editor Michael Simon join Juliet to discuss how this shutdown could have affected the mobile supply chain. They’ll also discuss Macworld’s review of the Mac Studio and what’s new in iOS 15.4.
At its “Peek Performance” event Tuesday, Apple introduced the M1 Ultra chip a new desktop Mac — the Mac Studio (which isn’t quite a Mac mini or a Mac Pro). Macworld Executive Editor Michael Simon, Computerworld Executive editor Ken Mingis and Juliet discuss what these\ additions to Apple’s line-up are all about, and who will get the most out of them.
Financial sanctions levied against Russia have caused the Russian economy and its currency, the ruble, to tumble. At the same time, the values of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum soared after Russia had been banned from SWIFT. Computerworld senior reporter Lucas Mearian joins Juliet to discuss whether or not cryptocurrency is a viable option for Russian financial transactions. For more on this story, check out this article from Computerworld: After the SWIFT ban, can Russia find other routes for its money — including crypto?: https://www.computerworld.com/article/3651361/after-the-swift-ban-can-russia-find-other-routes-for-its-money-including-crypto.html
Apple is hosting its first event of the year on March 8, when it's expected to announce a handful of new products including an iPhone SE with 5G and a new iPad Air. It’s also possible that Apple will announce a new MacBook Air with a redesigned M2 chip. Macworld Executive Editor Michael Simon and Computerworld Executive Editor Ken Mingis join Juliet to discuss what to expect.
Google announced it will roll out increased user privacy measures that have intentions similar to Apple’s App Tracking Transparency tool in future versions of Android. These measures, dubbed the Privacy Sandbox, intend to limit ad tracking across websites and apps. Computerworld executive editor Ken Mingis and Macworld executive editor Michael Simon join Juliet to discuss what to expect out of Google’s new privacy measures and how they compare to App Tracking Transparency.
Apple is getting closer to ditching Qualcomm as its 5G modem supplier, according to a new Digitimes report. The company has reportedly begun coordinating with other chip companies to develop custom-made 5G modems for future iPhones. These chips could appear in iPhones in 2023. Computerworld executive editor Ken Mingis and Macworld executive editor Michael Simon join Juliet to discuss how Apple will transition to its own 5G modems and how doing so affects the components market.
Apple is getting closer to ditching Qualcomm as its 5G modem supplier, according to a new Digitimes report. The company has reportedly begun coordinating with other chip companies to develop custom-made 5G modems for future iPhones. These chips could appear in iPhones in 2023. Plus, Google will roll out increased user privacy tools in future versions of Android by implementing measures to limit ad tracking across websites and apps. Computerworld executive editor Ken Mingis and Macworld executive editor Michael Simon join Juliet to discuss how Apple will transition to its own 5G modems (and what that means for Qualcomm) and what Google’s new privacy measures mean for users.
As expected, Nvidia dropped its plans to acquire Arm amid regulatory hurdles. Now an alternative architecture like RISC-V may emerge as a formidable competitor. Computerworld senior writer Lucas Mearian and Executive Editor Ken Mingis join Juliet to discuss what's next. Plus, as enterprises continue to support remote workers, new tools have emerged to rein in employee behavior online — including a new web browser, Island.
A recent report from Bloomberg revealed that Nvidia is preparing to abandon its acquisition of Arm. The deal would have made a joint Nvidia-Arm a semiconductor superpower, and as such it was subject to scrutiny from regulators. Regulators in both the U.S. and the U.K. have pushed back against the deal. Arm licensees might be relieved to see the deal fall through, thus eliminating the threat of working with a competitor (Nvidia). Computerworld executive editor Ken Mingis and Macworld executive editor Michael Simon join Juliet to discuss the status of Nvidia’s Arm acquisition and what the future holds for licensees, like Apple, that build upon Arm’s architecture.
Intel recently announced plans to invest $20 billion into a massive new semiconductor fabrication plant in Ohio. This announcement comes as Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said the U.S. urgently needs to increase domestic chip manufacturing capacity. A recent Commerce Department survey revealed that the ongoing chip shortage was in dire straits late last year, with some manufacturers reporting they had less than five days’ supply of chips. While the new Intel plant, predicted to open in 2025, won’t alleviate the ongoing chip shortage, current supply chain issues highlight the need for increased investment in semiconductor manufacturing. Mario Morales, group vice president of IDC's enabling technologies, semiconductor, storage, and DataSphere research, joins Juliet to discuss the significance of Intel’s plan and provide an update on the chip shortage.
Microsoft this week announced plans to buy video game giant Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion. Microsoft branded the deal as a metaverse play, but some industry analysts see it otherwise. Computerworld Senior Reporter Lucas Mearian and Executive Editor Ken Mingis and join Juliet to break down the deal.
Apple this week said it paid developers $60 billion in 2021, suggesting its App Store raked in more money than ever. But Apple continues to face pressure to allow outside payment methods. Where does Apple go from here, and what changes might it be forced to make? Macworld Executive Editor Michael Simon and Computerworld Executive Editor Ken Mingis join Juliet to discuss.
Apple leveled up its Mac game in 2021 by adding its M1 chips to new devices and introducing the M1 Pro and Max chips to its users. In 2022, even more Macs, like the Mac Pro, may get the Apple silicon treatment and receive the next generation of M-series chips (perhaps an M2?). Users can also likely expect a lower-cost, 5G-powered iPhone SE, a new Apple Watch, the iPhone 14 and maybe even some AR glasses. Computerworld executive editor Ken Mingis and Macworld executive editor Michael Simon join Juliet to discuss what business users and consumers alike can expect from Apple in 2022 and if the company can maintain its 2021 momentum in the new year.
Apple's lawsuit against NSO Group, the tech firm behind the Pegasus spyware seeks to hold the company accountable for alleged surveillance of select iPhone users. Digital rights activists commended Apple for backing privacy rights, but fear the precedent it might set could affect organizations that support user privacy. Computerworld Executive Editor Ken Mingis and senior reporter Lucas Mearian join Juliet to discuss what the lawsuit means.
The ongoing chip shortage and supply chain disruption continue to disrupt tech buyers, and the holiday season will likely further complicate the issue. Tech buyers should expect stock shortages and longer delivery timelines. While some retailers, like Apple, are beginning to catch up with hardware demand, customers are waiting longer for their devices than in previous years. Even though it might take awhile to receive your device, there's still some good news: if it breaks, you'll be permitted to fix it yourself. Apple will roll out its Self Service Repair program in 2022, allowing iPhone 12 and 13 users to purchase replacement parts and repair manuals and fix their devices themselves. Macworld executive editor Michael Simon and Computerworld executive editor Ken Mingis join Juliet to discuss what tech buyers need to know ahead of the holiday shopping season, including predicted deals, availability and delivery problems. They also explain what they know about Apple's new Right to Repair program and how it could change the repair process.
By rolling out some Android 12 features exclusively to Pixel users, Google can separate its own devices from the rest of the Android pack. Plus, Android 12 and the new Pixel 6 both purport to have privacy-centric changes. Computerworld Managing Editor Val Potter and Contributing Editor JR Raphael join Juliet to discuss Android 12 and how it performs on the new Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro.
Apple's 27-in. iMac is reportedly next in line for an M1 Pro upgrade, as the company continues its two-year transition to Apple silicon. The latest Pro-level MacBooks use new M1 Pro and M1 Max chips, which is what the new iMac is expected to get, along with mini-LED screens, ProMotion displays and maybe Face ID. Meanwhile, some M1 Pro/M1 Max MacBook Pro users have reported memory leak issues. Macworld Executive Editor Michael Simon and Computerworld Executive Editor Ken Mingis join Juliet to discuss those leaks and the iMac expectations.
Intel introduced its 12th-gen Alder Lake CPUs this week, with leaked benchmarks suggesting the Core i9-12900HK outperforms Apple's new M1 Max. Google's new Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro phones (powered by the Tensor chip) arrived. And the chip shortage rolls on. Macworld Executive Editor Michael Simon, Computerworld Executive Editor Ken Mingis and Juliet discuss chip innovation. Then, IDC Vice President Mario Morales talks about the chip shortage.
At its event on Monday, Apple announced new 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pros powered by their new M1 Pro and M1 Max chips. Benchmarks for the M1 Pro are nearly double that of the M1, and the M1 Max is even more powerful. As Apple continues on its two-year transition to Apple silicon, its chips' specs outperform those of competitors. Still, not everyone wants or needs a Mac, and Intel has its own super fast chip in the works. So, how can Apple continue to innovate upon its system-on-a-chip architecture, and will the company continue to outpace competition? Macworld executive editor Michael Simon and Computerworld executive editor Ken Mingis join Juliet to discuss what Apple's new MacBooks suggest about the future of the Mac, what that future means for competitors and what users should consider before upgrading.
Apple is expected to announce updated MacBook Pro laptops on Monday. Computerworld Executive Editor Ken Mingis and Macworld Executive Editor Michael Simon join Juliet to discuss what to expect from the "Unleashed" event, including product details, benchmarks, release dates, and what the new Pro models mean for enterprise users.
Microsoft released its first new version of Windows in six years on Tuesday. Windows 11 introduces only a handful of new features (and users will eventually be able to run Android apps on it). Computerworld Executive Editor Ken Mingis, Macworld Executive Editor Michael Simon and (later in the show) contributing editor Preston Gralla join Juliet to talk about Windows 11, first impressions, hardware requirements and who is eligible for an upgrade.
Despite app-tracking transparency, iPhone apps continue to track users, according to the Washington Post. It found that the type of data gathered about a user's device could be used to ID individual iPhones — even after users explicitly asked apps not to do so. Meanwhile, in Android 11, app permissions automatically reset for unused, older apps. Computerworld Executive Editor Ken Mingis and Macworld Executive Editor Michael Simon join Juliet to discuss iPhone versus Android privacy measures and how fingerprinting affects users.
Bootcut jeans, butterfly clips and...flip phones? Y2K trends are back, and that even includes nostalgia for the Motorola Razr. Of course in 2021, old technology has gotten a big makeover. Microsoft's recently announced Surface Duo 2 is the latest folding smartphone; it joins a handful of other foldable from the likes of Samsung, Huawei and, yes, even Motorola. They may be cool and gimmicky, but are they here to stay? Macworld Executive Editor Michael Simon and Computerworld Executive Editor Ken Mingis join Juliet to discuss how folding phones like the Surface Duo 2 might shape the future of mobile.
Apple announced its latest additions to its iPhone lineup, as well as a new iPad mini, at its "California Streaming" event on Tuesday. Both devices will be powered by Apple's new A15 Bionic processor. Macworld executive editor Michael Simon and Computerworld executive editor join Juliet to discuss how the A15 processor compare to its predecessor, the A14, and how Apple may use it in future products. They also cover what the iPhone 13 and iPad mini mean for the enterprise. Plus, Michael, Ken and Juliet discuss Apple's response to the Pegasus spyware flaw.
Apple's "California Streaming" event takes place Sept. 14, when the company's expected to announce the iPhone 13, Apple Watch Series 7 and maybe new AirPods. Potential new iPhone features include the ability to photograph stars at night, an always-on display and portrait mode videos. Macworld Executive Editor Michael Simon and Computerworld Executive Editor Ken Mingis join Juliet to discuss what's expected at the event.
Microsoft will launch Windows 11 on October 5, but not every PC will be eligible for an immediate upgrade. Rollout will last well into 2022 for machines that meet the necessary hardware requirements, and Windows 10 will be supported through October 2025. But, there's still some confusion about what hardware is required to support Windows 11's beefed up security measures. Computerworld executive editor Ken Mingis and contributing editor Preston Gralla join Juliet to discuss Windows 11 security, whether it will require new hardware and what IT needs to know before upgrading.
Google's latest addition to the Pixel lineup, the Pixel 5a, ships today. While Apple also has a low(er) cost phone in the iPhone SE, the two smartphones don't have much in common. The Pixel 5a offers 5G capability, an OLED screen and two camera lenses. The iPhone SE offers LTE, a Retina screen and one lens. But the iPhone SE uses Apple's A13 chip, while the Pixel 5a runs the Snapdragon 765G processor. Computerworld Executive Editor Ken Mingis and Macworld Executive Editor Michael Simon join Juliet to discuss how the two phones compare.
Apple announced last week that it will soon begin scanning photos uploaded to iCloud for child sexual abuse material. Cybersecurity and privacy experts met the announcement with skepticism, with many pointing out potential abuse of this system. Specifically, experts say this encryption backdoor could encourage oppressive governments to ask Apple to police other types of illegal content. Apple says it will refuse such requests from governments. Still, this change, which will arrive in iOS 15, marks a shift in the company's privacy policy. Macworld executive editor Michael Simon and Computerworld executive editor Ken Mingis join Juliet to discuss Apple's privacy rules and why security experts are concerned about potential misuse of this surveillance tool.
Google announced that its new system on a chip, called Tensor, will power the upcoming the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro phones. Google says Tensor will improve the Pixel's camera system and its speech recognition abilities, among other things. The company's shift away from Qualcomm to Tensor follows Apple's path of making its own silicon. Macworld executive editor Michael Simon and Computerworld executive editor Ken Mingis join Juliet to discuss what this shift means for Google, and how the Pixel 6 will compare to the iPhone 13. Then, Computerworld managing editor for features Val Potter and writer Charlotte Trueman will join the show to explain how to intentionally create a successful hybrid work environment. As companies in some parts of the world craft plans to return to the office, the majority say they will permit hybrid work in some capacity. While companies are now used to employees working remotely, fostering an intentionally hybrid-first work is another strategy entirely. Val, Charlotte and Juliet will discuss how to successfully implement a hybrid-first policy and the consequences of waiting too long to do so.
The semiconductor shortage has wreaked havoc on manufacturers, and Apple will soon feel pinch. In the company's Q3 earnings call, chief executive Tim Cook said that supply constraints around "legacy nodes" will affect iPhone sales. These "legacy nodes" include chips for the display, ports and audio, not the A- and M-series processors that Apple designs for its devices. Macworld executive editor Michael Simon and Computerworld executive editor Ken Mingis discuss how the chip shortage will affect Apple, why Apple is considering using its own chips in monitors and other revelations from the earnings call.
Amnesty International's Security Lab revealed that a handful of iPhones, mostly belonging to journalists and human rights activists, were successfully infected with Pegasus spyware. While the majority of iPhones users are not affected, the spyware, created by NSO Group, was found even on newer iPhone models equipped with the latest iOS update. Apple bills the iPhone as the most secure consumer cellular product on the market, so this wave of malware raises security concerns. Computerworld Executive Editor Ken Mingis and Macworld Executive Editor Michael Simon join Juliet to discuss iPhone security and more.
Apple's M1 chip is the first in what the company calls a "family of chips" that is expected to grow later this year. The next iteration of Apple Silicon, the so-called M1X chip, may arrive in the second half of 2021 and power higher-end Macs. After that, Apple could release an M2 chip, an M2X chip and so on. Macworld executive editor Michael Simon and Computerworld executive editor Ken Mingis join Juliet to discuss future Mac chips, how powerful they may be and what devices will receive the hardware upgrade first.
Microsoft announced Windows 11 two weeks ago, and rollout is expected to begin later this year. This announcement came as a surprise, since Microsoft previously said Windows 10 would be the last version of Windows. While there's a handful of new features, it seems as though the most compelling reason to upgrade is security. Computerworld managing editor for features, Val Potter, and Computerworld contributing editor Preston Gralla join Juliet to discuss what Windows 11 means for enterprise, what makes it different from previous iterations, security updates and where Windows goes from here.
Microsoft announced Windows 11 last Thursday. Some changes look similar to macOS, but others seem to hit directly at Apple and its closed ecosystem. Macworld Executive Editor Michael Simon and Computerworld Executive Editor Ken Mingis join Juliet to discuss Windows 11, what users can expect, and what it means for the Mac.
Rumors are swirling about the upcoming iPhone 13, from potential launch date to new features. And as lawmakers push for stronger tech regulations, Apple argues in a whitepaper that sideloading apps poses a security risk. Macworld executive editor Michael Simon and Computerworld executive editor Ken Mingis join Juliet to discuss Apple's position against sideloading iPhone apps, when to expect the iPhone 13 announcement and how it will differ from previous iPhones.
With iOS 15, Apple will allow users to upgrade to the new OS or stick with iOS 14 for security updates. At the same time, features in iOS 15 could position Apple for success even after the iPhone becomes irrelevant. Macworld Executive Editor Michael Simon and Computerworld Executive Editor Ken Mingis join Juliet to discuss what it all means.
Apple unveiled updates to its operating systems, including iOS, iPadOS and macOS, at WWDC Monday. iPadOS gets new productivity features, but do the updates justify the M1 chip in the iPad Pro? And while Apple previewed macOS Monterey, there were no new Macs. Computerworld Executive Editor Ken Mingis and Macworld Executive Editor Michael Simon join Juliet to recap WWDC, answer viewer questions and discuss what else was released.
Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference kicks off June 7 with expected updates to iOS, iPadOS, macOS and watchOS. Macworld Executive Editor Michael Simon and Computerworld Executive Editor Ken Mingis join Juliet to discuss what to expect and what's on their wish lists.
Apple's annual developer conference, WWDC, takes place June 7-11. While software is the main focus, the company may unveil new 14- and 16-in. MacBook Pro laptops, with other Macs like the Mac Pro and and a high-end Mac mini coming soon. Macworld Executive Editor Michael Simon and Computerworld Executive Editor Ken Mingis join Juliet to hash out what's coming.
When the latest smartphone, tablet and/or laptop launches, the pull to upgrade can be enticing. For IT teams, keeping employee devices up-to-date means upgrading strategically and adhering to planned upgrade cycles. Upgrading too often gets expensive; upgrading too infrequently can mean slowdowns or even less secure devices. Computerworld Executive Editor Ken Mingis, Macworld Executive Editor Michael Simon and Computerworld Managing Editor for Features, Valerie Potter, join Juliet to discuss how and when to upgrade personal and professional devices and what to consider before you buy.
Early benchmarks suggest that the soon-to-be-shipped M1 iPad Pro is much faster than the previous generation iPad Pro, as well as the 16-inch MacBook Pro with Intel Core i9 processor. Computerworld executive editor Ken Mingis and Macworld executive editor Michael Simon join Juliet to discuss the benchmark results, whether or not it's worth it to ditch your MacBook Pro for an iPad and the enterprise use case for an M1 iPad Pro.
Apple and Epic Games, the developer behind Fortnite, are in court over Apple's decision to remove Fortnite from the App Store. Macworld executive editor Michael Simon and Computerworld executive editor Ken Mingis join Juliet to discuss how this court battle could force Apple to shake up the way it runs its App Store and how it could affect the identity of the iPhone.
Apple's iOS 14.5 update arrived this week, including a much-discussed feature called App Tracking Transparency. The feature allows users to have more control over their data and how they're tracked across apps and websites. Plus, Apple's recently refreshed iMac could be the last Mac to ship with M1 chips, as a new Apple Silicon chip is on the horizon. Computerworld executive editor Ken Mingis and Macworld executive editor Michael Simon join Juliet to discuss the implications of App Tracking Transparency and when the next Apple Silicon chip may arrive.