We live in a world of 100% digital access, but what happens when the “online supply chain” fails and you experience downtime, as we witnessed when Twitter went down in the middle of a (so-called) Social Media Summit at the White House this past week. While this may have been a bit of an ironic inconvenience, the risks and downsides to businesses and enterprises can be significant if they continue to limit “techno-diversity” in their digital ecosystem. THIS WEEK’s FAST FIVE > Amazon upgrades i...
Jul 12, 2019•52 min
One of Apple’s core players, lead designer Jony Ive, is departing after a decades-long stint to start his own design firm. Yes, Apple will be his main client, but no, it’s not clear just how much this move will impact the design-side of the venerable brand. Is it possible the firm is setting itself up for a reset? THIS WEEK’s FAST FIVE > North Korea is in the news, but this time it’s not politics but a new Pyongyang 2425 smart phone that features enough censor software to make it an ideal col...
Jul 02, 2019•33 min
Amazon was just awarded a patent designed to allow for delivery drones to double as “surveillance-as-a-service” devices, allowing them to periodically scan your home for open doors, windows, etc. Pretty cool, but it brings up the issue of the vast amount of visual/physical data that autonomous devices (drones or automobiles) will soon be collecting. THIS WEEK’s FAST FIVE > Google won’t be delivering anymore tablets. Good. > Google isn’t as smart as Genius, who proved Google was lifting son...
Jun 21, 2019•41 min
What is the state of collaboration today? Is technology making it better or worse, and what is the impact on the #futureofwork? As collaboration-tool provider SLACK readies for what could be an impressive IPO on the heels of Zoom’s recent IPO, it’s worth understanding why collaboration tools are important and the real impact they are having on both users and the market. OUR “In Case You Missed It” FAST FIVE > Support for Facebook’s new Libra cryptocurrency looks, well, pretty good from a tran...
Jun 13, 2019•43 min
What the world needs now.... isn't a $999 monitor stand. Apple’s WWDC (Worldwide developer conference) 2019 had a number of interesting announcements, from updated hardware and software systems to new privacy features and more. Plus our Fast Five: > HPE is delivering 3D printing for (heavy) metal > Microsoft suggests we forget to change our password more often > Baltimore reveals just how expensive a ransomeware attack can be > The International Space Station is now "open for busines...
Jun 07, 2019•46 min
We all know about the Cloud, but what about the Hybrid Cloud? In this Interview Series Futurum Tech Podcast, Daniel Newman sits down with Robert Christiansen, VP and Cloud Strategist at HPE. They discuss the recent Futurum/HPE survey on the State of Hybrid Cloud and how global enterprises are managing their migration to the cloud and the important role of hybrid public/private and on/off-premises networking and computing systems. From the importance of agility to understanding how to measure the...
Jun 07, 2019•24 min
How has the tech industry changed over the past decade and what's in store for the next as edge closer to 2020? We're talking with industry insider and tech analyst Ron Westfall, the latest addition to the Futurum Research team. Our conversation ranges from the basics of digital transformation and the power of the digital economy to the realities of global trade and the power of technology to revolutionize the way we live and work. INFORMATION: This Futurum Podcast features Fred McClimans (@fred...
Jun 06, 2019•25 min
The current trade situation between the US and China can only be explained as chaotic with the risk of disrupting the global tech supply chain. But is there hope? Can the two economic giants survive unreliable foreigners, impeachment porn, and a shortage of (not-so-rare) rare earth metals? No. Here’s why. Plus our “In Case You Missed It” FAST FIVE! > Why using facial recognition to safeguard schools might not be the best idea after all > If autonomous vehicles still aren’t here, how did Ly...
May 31, 2019•45 min
Forget Qualcomm vs Apple - the real story is Qualcomm vs the US FTC and the surprise anti-trust ruling against Qualcomm that could disrupt the entire 5G industry. Is this legit? Is Qualcomm really running a monopoly racket? Well, yes, and no - it’s surprisingly uncomplicated. Plus our “In Case You Missed It” FAST FIVE! > Consumer Reports dishes on the good and the downright bad of Tesla’s autopilot and no, it isn’t really an autopilot after all. > Facebook launches a crypto-currency, becau...
May 24, 2019•57 min
What is the real impact of the growing conflict between the United States and China involving trade, intellectual property, cyber-security, and now, presidential executive orders? OUR “In Case You Missed It” FAST FIVE 1. Cisco Earnings Update 2. Google’s Translatotron Transmografies Translation 3. The latest in US Cybersecurity initiatives - the US re-launches the Eisenhower-era Solarium program 4. HPE acquires Cray, the coolest supercomputer company ever 5. Have major cellular network providers...
May 17, 2019•45 min
UBER finally caught up to rival LYFT, going public in one of the most anticipated IPO's of the year. And like LYFT, UBER fell a bit flat. What's going on? Isn't UBER the future of everything? Um, no. OUR “In Case You Missed It” FAST FIVE - An updated on the MS Build Conference - What's happening at this year's SAP Sapphire? - Is Google’s new Privacy Focus too much like Facebook's Privacy Focus? - Just how many drones are flying around up there? - The latest on Nutanix and its multi-cloud strateg...
May 10, 2019•39 min
When it comes to privacy, the tech industry has pretty much walked wherever they wish. But in the wake of repeated data hacks, ethical mis-steps, and a growing call for privacy standards, many firms, like Facebook, claim to be on the bandwagon. But is this real? Or is it a way to fend off regulation? And btw, just what IS privacy, and is it the same as trust? OUR “In Case You Missed It” FAST FIVE 1. Dell Tech World Update, and a cool VMware partnership with Microsoft 2. Qualcomm and Apple Earnin...
May 02, 2019•56 min
Automation is quickly transforming the global workforce. But are technologies like Robotic Process Automation (RPA) augmenting workers who can now do more and increase business productivity? Or are they replacing workers and allowing businesses to cut costs and improve margins? Much like AI (artificial intelligence), there is an aspect of #digitalethics that needs to be discussed and that conversation requires the participation of businesses, technology providers, governments, and society to det...
Apr 25, 2019•48 min
Our Main Dive: Not even two days into opening arguments of the latest Apple vs Qualcomm litigation the two US tech giants announced a surprise settlement and new long-term partnership and licensing deal around Qualcomm’s modem technology, surprising everyone with the exception of Intel, who promptly announced it was backing out of the commercial 5G modem market. We break it down and discuss the long-term market implications. This Week's Fast Five: - The FTC's inquiry into Facebook's privacy prob...
Apr 19, 2019•46 min
What could possibly go wrong when YouTube live-streams a congressional hearing on White Nationalism? The White Nationalists show up, resulting in a shut-down of user comments. When racism, bigotry, hatred and other unacceptable behaviors invade the social medium, the tech/social platforms have a responsibility to address the issue. But while tech often enables bad behavior, more tech may not be the whole solution. Could a better “block first ask later” policy to inappropriate online behavior be ...
Apr 12, 2019•47 min
5G is finally arriving to a city near you. We break down the hype and the reality to discuss The transformational power of this technology and the services it will enable. Plus our Fast Five: - Microsoft Dynamics NPO Accelerator O365 - Google brings its creepy, human-sounding AI bot to the iPhone - Google’s AI Ethics Board - INTEL’s Datacentric Announcements - Apple polishes off it’s iPhone 7 strategy in Bengaluru Our Tech Bites Segment: Facebook user data pops up on Amazon’s AWS servers, and no...
Apr 05, 2019•57 min
Diving deep into Lyft’s IPO as $LYFT on the Nasdaq. Rival Uber appears next up on the NYSE and the comparisons are underway. But while Lyft’s performance may well shape Uber’s are these two really in the same business? We’re not so sure. And just who is the original ride hailing app? Hint: it’s not Uber. Plus our Fast Five: - Salesforce has a Backpage issue - The rise of the Chinese phone makers - Huawei’s latest challenge isn’t spying it’s insecure tech - Facebook bans white supremacists - IBM’...
Mar 30, 2019•53 min
Diving deep into the topic of Digital Trust, looking at data privacy, data use, and data abuse to answer the question “what happens to a brand's narrative when they lose the ability to create digital trust with their consumers and is there a Digital Trust Continuum that defines user & partner adoption?” Plus our Fast Five: - Tesla's neural networks have a deep learning problem - Fighting back against hidden video cameras in hotel rooms - Uber heads to NYSE while Lyft goes to NASDAQ for over-...
Mar 22, 2019•44 min
Elizabeth Warren’s presidential run includes a call to break up Amazon, Google, Facebook, and any tech company that generates over $25 billion of annual revenue and looks like a “platform utility” (e.g. Apple and its App Store). While this might work in the world of politics we think its a recipe for disaster in the tech space - another political idea that’s easier or better said than done. Plus our Fast Five: - Verizon's 5G Ultra Wideband launch date is April 11, 2019; - Facebook's new AI-based...
Mar 14, 2019•49 min
Mark Zuckerberg has published a manifesto outlining what he sees as the future of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. But is this really about privacy or more of a profit-oriented, anti-anti-trust move? We think it's more of the latter and share our thoughts on why. Plus our Fast Five: - Another data breach, this time with 809 million victims; - China invests in Tesla (and Elon Musk); - Apple's new tethered AR headset strategy; - Meizu's butt-less mobile joke; and - Intel's surge to the top of th...
Mar 08, 2019•36 min
Mobile World Congress is the tech industry's premier event for mobile technology. At this year's MWC19 we saw some great products - here's our rundown of the top tech that caught our eye. Plus our Fast Five: - Our latest 5G Research Study; - Microsoft's new Excel photo feature; - Amazon's new low-cost grocery play; - Samsung's issue with China and IP theft; and - The death of Amazon Dash. Our Tech Bites Topic: It's the US DoJ vs Appeals Court - who wins in the battle over AT&T's acquisition ...
Mar 01, 2019•49 min
Remember Google's "Don't Be Evil" motto? We do, and we miss it. The motto was quietly swept aside after the 2015 restructuring of Google under parent Alphabet. Perhaps it's for the best as today it might look a bit more like "Don't Appear To Be Evil." Plus our Fast Five: - Apple & Goldman Sachs want you to spend more; - When image recognition goes bad; - Facebook's long-overdue privacy fix for Android; - The latest on Microsoft Dynamics; and - When kids realize their parents share TMI online...
Feb 22, 2019•34 min
Jeff Bezos & Amazon clearly don't have a New York state of mind, as the tech giant walks away from its planned HQ expansion plans, opting to focus instead on its Virginia HQ2 while distributing an optimistic 25,000 jobs across existing facilities. What happened? Is this really about business? Or politics? And is there a lesson here? We think so. Plus our Fast Five: - UK moves closer to anti-trust action against Facebook; - Huawei's 5G prospects just improved in the UK; - The digital disrupti...
Feb 17, 2019•47 min
Germany’s Federal Cartel Office (FCO) has taken aim at Facebook's business model, using antitrust regulations to prohibit the social-media giant from forcing users to grant unrestricted access to their online data (including Facebook linking users to 3rd-party data) in order to use the service. Is the "data for value, users are the product" business model on the line? Plus our Fast Five: - Twitter's Q4 Revenue Up, User Growth Down - IBM's Think 2019 Preview - Remotely Defrosting IoT Refrigerator...
Feb 08, 2019•42 min
If there was an Alpha dog in tech this past week it must have been Apple, who checked Google and Facebook back into reality after they went afoul of Apple's user agreement. Looks like a bit of a cartel move to us... Plus our Fast Five: - Microsoft's emotionally uplifting Super Bowl ad; - Getting LoCost TV with LoCast; - Facebook's quarterly numbers; - Intel's new, and perhaps reluctant, CEO; and - How you can download your Google+ data (if you have any). Our Tech Bites Winner: Apple's FaceTime F...
Feb 01, 2019•39 min
Facebook has three popular, and increasingly similar, messaging apps that all run different code. While Mark Zuckerberg plots to bring them together into a common platform to improve performance and simplify development, we suspect the real goal is more user data and better advertising models. Plus our Fast Five: - The first jack-less, port-less, butt-less phone from Vivo; - The FCC's strange case against Qualcomm; - Amazon's questionable Rekognition recognition issue; - Is Apple's answer to cli...
Jan 25, 2019•41 min
What does the future hold for tech-enabled retail, and can competitors like Microsoft and Kroger effectively partner in the store and in the cloud to take on Amazon? Plus our Fast Five: - IBM partners with Vodafone for cloud, 5G and AI; - Should Costco take a cut at streaming video; - Microsoft leans into affordable housing; - Huawei announces its bigger, cheaper, smarter AI-enabled switch; and - Google's go-green solar power strategy. Our Tech Bites Winner: It's another mega-data-dump of hacked...
Jan 18, 2019•43 min
CES is now the biggest electronics show on the Vegas Strip, but are the Internet, Best Buy, and $7k Alexa-enabled toilets helping curb Strip trip? Um, yes, and here's why. Plus our Fast Five: - Alphabet draws an Android #MeToo lawsuit; - PC sales feel the US v China burn; - Apple's innovation impression is wearing thin; - Foldable TVs & phones are so (not) cool; and - Elon Musk goes 'rocket retro' with the new SpaceX Starship. Our Tech Bites Winner: US Mobile carriers reveal just how little ...
Jan 11, 2019•50 min
Facing slowing sales in China, a lack of innovation mojo, and a difficult transition from products to services, Apple has shed a Facebook's worth of valuation since its $Trillion-dollar high. Here's why, and what's next. Our Fast Five: > Marriott's Data Breach was NOT as bad as you might have thought (but it was); > IBM's WeatherChannel gets smacked by Los Angeles for using user data for marketing & hedge fund research; > SEC's chairman Ajit Pai & commissioner Brendan Carr cance...
Jan 03, 2019•35 min
From technology to business and politics to culture, we're eager to put the trade wars, the corporate hacks, and the shutdown brouhaha behind us to purge the old and usher the new into 2019. We dive into the top trends we're tracking and offer our predictions for what the new year might bring for Artificial Intelligence, Autonomous Vehicles, the Blockchain, China (from trade to hacks to privacy), the IoT and Edge Computing, 5G, and why we need to stuff an M (for Microsoft) into the FAANG of Face...
Dec 27, 2018•1 hr 7 min
