Jun 5, 2017 | Amazon, Google
Now you can say what a timer is for when you set it on an Amazon Echo. “Alexa, set a timer for the pasta for eight minutes.” Then set a second timer: “Alexa, set a timer for the laundry for 30 minutes.” Eight minutes later, the Echo will chime, and Alexa will say,...
May 24, 2017 | Amazon, Android, Apple, augmented reality, business, Google, mobile, phone, web_services, WeChat
Google announced a number of new products and services at its developer conference last week. One of them, Google Lens, might change the world. It might be the most important technology announcement in ten years. Of course, it’s just as likely that it will turn out to...
May 21, 2017 | Android, Apple, Google, mobile, phone, web_services, WeChat
China uses smartphones differently than anywhere else in the world. It’s a fascinating story! Understanding WeChat and why QR codes are displayed everywhere in China will give you a context to understand the importance of Google’s announcements last week. I’ll tell...
May 8, 2017 | Chrome, Chromebook, computers, Dell, Google, HP, laptops, Lenovo, Microsoft, shopping, Surface, Windows 10 S, Windows10
Next month Microsoft will begin selling Surface Laptops, elegant and sexy, Microsoft’s first Surface devices with a traditional clamshell design. You’ll be tempted to buy one, but in the end you won’t. Almost no one will buy them. Microsoft will sell some Surface...
May 4, 2017 | Chrome, Chromebook, Google, Google Drive, laptops, Microsoft, Office, Office 365, OneDrive, Surface, Windows 10 S, Windows10
Microsoft made two big announcements this week at an education-themed press event. They’re related in a couple of ways. One common element is that Microsoft will fail at both of the new ventures it announced. I think each one is deeply flawed. The two announcements:...
Apr 23, 2017 | Android, Apple, Chrome, Chromebook, Google, Google Drive, IE, laptops, Microsoft, Office, Office 365, OneDrive, Surface, web_services, Windows 10 S, Windows10
On May 2 Microsoft will announce a new generation of Windows for low-cost computers targeted at education. Information has leaked about some parts of that announcement and tech journalists are speculating about what it might mean. There is one thing that has not been...
