The Transport Guy: How Microsoft wants to dominate virtual reality (MSFT)

Steve Kovach October 30, 2016 at 08:54AM

That new Surface Studio computer may have been the star of Microsoft's show last Wednesday, but the story that didn't get enough attention was how Microsoft is expanding its plans for augmented and virtual reality, the platforms many think will usher in a new era of computing.

Next year, Microsoft will release a free update to Windows 10 called the Creators Update that includes the ability to plug a virtual reality headset into your PC. The headsets are relatively cheap too, starting at $299. They'll be built by all the top PC makers like Dell, Lenovo, and Asus.

But they're more than just affordable headsets. They also have features you still can't get in high-end headsets like Facebook's Oculus Rift, which costs $599. Most notably, the headsets are able to provide free range of motion without an external camera tracking you.

Alex Kipman, Microsoft's head of the HoloLens and other augmented and virtual reality projects, told Business Insider in an interview last week that the new portfolio of VR headsets will be the "most immersive and and powerful headsets at the most affordable price."

That last bit about affordability is a major caveat, of course. While the new headsets from Dell, Lenovo, and the rest may not match the Oculus Rift in terms of display quality, they'll immediately be more accessible and in some ways more capable.

 

Right now, the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive require very powerful PCs that can cost $1,000 or more. But the Windows 10 headsets will be able to run on PCs that cost around $500. In many cases, if you have a computer that can run Windows 10, you have a computer that works with VR.

That's a huge advantage. VR is still in its very early stages and isn't accessible to many people. But opening it up to a large portion of the Windows ecosystem with affordable headsets could give VR a major boost.

Then there's the tracking. Kipman boasted how this will be a major advantage for the new headsets over the competition. Microsoft will let VR headset makers use similar built-in tracking that's found in the HoloLens, which is completely untethered from a PC and can "scan" your surroundings so you can move about freely in VR.

While the Vive and Oculus Rift make you install a camera or laser emitters in your room to achieve that effect, the Windows headsets will be able to do it without an external accessories and for several hundred dollars cheaper. Facebook briefly teased its own Oculus Rift with that "inside out" tracking, but it's still in the early stages. Microsoft will have it ready by next spring.

With one update to Windows, Microsoft will immediately leapfrog much of its VR competition. It's going to be the easiest, most affordable way to experience high-end VR and puts the company in a position to dominate the category.

SEE ALSO: The new MacBook Pro is going to be the best Mac for most people

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NOW WATCH: Here's what it's like to use Microsoft's new Paint 3D

How Microsoft wants to dominate virtual reality (MSFT) from Business Insider: Steve Kovach

The Transport Guy: How Google embarrassed Apple (GOOG, AAPL)

Steve Kovach October 30, 2016 at 02:35AM

This week didn't look good for Apple.

Google's new Pixel phone launched to positive reviews, largely because of the phone's new digital helper called Google Assistant.

As I wrote in my review of the new Google Pixel, it’s relatively easy to make a high-end smartphone these days. The real challenge is lighting it up with unique software that helps you do more.

And the new Google Assistant accomplishes just that.

Right out of the gate, Assistant is noticeably smarter and more capable than Siri, a stark embarrassment for Apple, which had a five-year head start on Google. AI and voice control are considered to be the next big step in how we compute (just look at the early success of the Amazon Echo), and Google has already pulled ahead.

Assistant is so good because it taps into Google’s vast network of products and culls them together into a single, all-knowing app. The more Google services like Calendar, Photos, and Gmail you use, the smarter Assistant gets.

It’s also better at answering questions than the competition, thanks to its ability to tap into Google’s vast Knowledge Graph and deliver the single answer to the question you ask. Google Assistant has so many impressive skills that it’s impossible to list them all now.

I’m still discovering new capabilities after almost two weeks with the Pixel. Here’s how I put it in my review:

I haven't even come close to unlocking everything Assistant can do, but I was routinely surprised whenever I dreamed up something new to ask.

Pull up the photos I took from my latest trip to San Francisco. Done. Give me the fastest route home. Done. Remind me to chat with my boss when I get to work tomorrow. Done. Play that Calvin Harris and Rihanna song. Done.

Then there's the ability to tap into Google's vast knowledge of the web and deliver answers to the questions you ask. What time is the next presidential debate? Did the Jets win? Are there any good ramen restaurants near me, and can I get a reservation?

I could go on and on, but you probably get the idea. Google has tens of billions of answers logged into its system, and it can pull even more from trusted sources like Wikipedia if it's stumped. It's almost always able to get you what you're looking for, though I did experience some rare cases in which it would pull up a standard list of Google search results.

The shame here is that Siri had a five-year head start on Google Assistant, and Apple totally blew it. Siri struggles to answer even the simplest of queries. It wasn’t until two tech columnists recently pointed out those flaws that Siri quickly learned the answers to some of the questions they were griping about. Curious!

The reality is Apple can’t be reactive and improve Siri every time someone blogs about its flaws. 

Luckily, the pieces are in place, as Apple has acquired a series of AI and machine learning companies over the last year or so. Most notably, it bought the UK-based startup Vocal IQ, which as I reported earlier this year had technology that allowed users to control a phone or computer completely with voice. That also jibes with Apple’s near-term goal to make Siri fully capable of controlling the iPhone within the next few years, as Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported.

But for now, Google Assistant is clearly in the lead, and that lead will only get wider as more people use it and increases its intelligence.

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NOW WATCH: The ‘Apple of China’ just unveiled a phone that’s more powerful and better looking than the iPhone

How Google embarrassed Apple (GOOG, AAPL) from Business Insider: Steve Kovach

The Transport Guy: The MacBook Pro is going to be the best Mac for most people (AAPL)

Steve Kovach October 28, 2016 at 08:00AM

After years of waiting for a new MacBook Pro, we finally have it.

On Thursday, Apple introduced redesigned MacBook Pros that are thinner, more powerful, and feature a unique digital control pad that replaces the traditional row of function keys.

The new MacBooks are available to order now. The entry-level model without the new control pad, called the Touch Bar, is shipping now, and I've been playing around with one since Thursday afternoon.

Below are a few quick first impressions of the MacBook Pro. I'll have a full review in a few weeks when the model with the Touch Bar is available because let's be honest — that's the feature most people care about.

Still, the non-Touch Bar MacBook Pro is a good indicator of what to expect in terms of power, design, and usability.

Let's break it down.

Design

The MacBook Pro has been significantly slimmed down. In fact, its overall footprint is smaller than my MacBook Air. It's still heavier and a little thicker than the Air, but the new form factor makes it so portable that I can see why Apple is positioning the entry-level model as a more powerful alternative. (But let's be honest, we were all hoping for a new MacBook Air with Retina display.)

The new Space Gray color is great too. It's more attractive than the standard silver color. I have a feeling it'll be the most popular option.

Keyboard

This is the second version of Apple's super-thin keyboard that was originally introduced in the 12-inch MacBook last year. The keys don't travel as much as normal keys, but there's a new mechanism inside that makes them feel more clicky than the keys on the regular MacBook. 

A lot of people don't like this new style of keyboard, but I've always loved it. It takes some time to get used to, but once you do, you'll feel like everything else is inadequate.

Performance

The new MacBook Pro has a major boost in power on its predecessors. I haven't had time to put it through its paces yet, but Apple did brag yesterday that it blows the last MacBook Pro away by every measure from graphics, to storage speeds, to processing power.

You're going to need a lot of dongles

This is the most frustrating thing about the MacBook Pro. It doesn't have traditional USB ports or chargers. Instead, it uses something called Thunderbolt 3, which is used for charging, video output, and data transfers. Thunderbolt 3 also works with USB-C accessories. (USB-C is the new standard plug that'll eventually replace regular USB.)

Yes, it's all very confusing. And it'll continue to be confusing until USB-C becomes the universal standard in a few years.

The entry MacBook Pro has two Thunderbolt 3 ports, so you can charge and plug in an accessory or monitor at the same time if you want. But if you want to use older accessories or even charge your iPhone, you're going to need to buy a separate adapter or brand-new cable. That's going to be super annoying for a lot of people as the industry continues to shift to USB-C. For example, the cable that lets you charge your iPhone in the MacBook Pro will cost you $25.

Yikes.

Do you need the Touch Bar?

I also got to spend a few minutes with the Touch Bar model of the MacBook Pro. What surprised me the most was how it doesn't look as bright and shiny as an iPhone touchscreen. Instead, it has a matte finish that helps it match the physical keys on the keyboard. It's a nice touch.

In my limited time with the Touch Bar, I found it responsive and clever in the ways it adapts to what you're doing on screen. (The emoji selection tool is especially useful.) It works well with all of Apple's preinstalled apps like Mail and iMessage, and a few third-party apps like Microsoft Office have already come up with clever tools for the Touch Bar.

On the other hand, there are some features that don't quite make sense since they require you to look down at the Touch Bar instead of what you're typing on the main screen. For example, word suggestions pop up when you're typing, just like they do on the iPhone. But that means you have to stare at the keyboard while you type instead of the screen if you want to use that feature. It makes sense on the iPhone, where the screen and keyboard are the same, but it's strange to use on a laptop.

My gut tells me the Touch Bar will be useful for a lot of people, but not entirely essential, especially for an extra $300. I tend to agree with my colleague Matt Rosoff that Apple would've impressed more people by making the main display a giant touchscreen instead. Still, I'll reserve final judgment for after I've had time to thoroughly test the Touch Bar.

That's a really long way of saying that the entry-level MacBook Pro that I've been using will likely be good enough for many, if not most people.

I'll have more thoughts on the MacBook Pro in a few weeks, so keep an eye out for the full review. So far though, it seems like a much-needed improvement over the last model. I have a feeling this is going to be the best Mac for most people.

SEE ALSO: Apple's new MacBooks, explained

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NOW WATCH: Here’s your first look at the ‘Touch Bar’ — the biggest change coming to the MacBook Pro

The MacBook Pro is going to be the best Mac for most people (AAPL) from Business Insider: Steve Kovach

The Transport Guy: Apple's new MacBooks, explained (AAPL)

Steve Kovach October 27, 2016 at 03:39PM

Apple refreshed its line of MacBooks Thursday, starting at the top with a redesigned MacBook Pro with a fancy new digital control pad.

But it also shook up things at the lower end, eliminating the 11-inch MacBook Air and offering a new, entry-level MacBook Pro. 

It's confusing!

So, here's an FAQ explaining everything you need to know about Apple's MacBooks.

What new products did Apple announce?

The new MacBook Pro is the only major new product announced Thursday.

How many models are there?

There are three basic MacBook Pro models:

The first is a 13-inch version that does not have the new digital Touch Bar or TouchID fingerprint sensor. (More on the Touch Bar in a bit.) Instead, it has the standard row of physical function keys. This entry-level MacBook Pro looks mostly the same as the higher end MacBook Pros, except it has slower internal specs. It also only has two USB-C ports (more on USB-C later) instead of four like the high-end models.

The second model is a 13-inch version that has the new Touch Bar and TouchID fingerprint sensor. It also has faster internal specs than the entry-level MacBook Pro. There are also four USB-C ports.

Finally, there's a 15-inch version. It's mostly the same as the 13-incher with Touch Bar, except with a much larger screen.

Touch Bar? What the heck is that?

The Touch Bar is a glass touchscreen that replaces the function keys at the top of your keyboard. The display changes depending on the app you're using. For example, you can scrub through video in QuickTime using a slider, pause or play tracks in iTunes, or easily select emojis when typing an iMessage or email.

The Touch Bar is fully adaptable, so it'll be different depending on which app you're using. Third-party apps can also write code to work with the Touch Bar. Expect to see a lot of experimentation in the future.

What about a fingerprint sensor?

The MacBook Pro has a TouchID fingerprint sensor at the end of the Touch Bar. It's also the power button. You can use the sensor to unlock your computer or make online payments with Apple Pay. You can also program multiple user fingerprints if you share your computer with someone. That way each person can easily log in with their own fingerprint. No more passwords!

What kind of ports does it have?

The MacBook Pro has USB-C ports. USB-C is a new standard plug that can charge the device, transfer data, transfer video to a monitor, and so much more. But USB-C is a very un-Appley name, so Apple calls these ports Thunderbolt ports.

There aren't any standard USB ports or slots for SD memory cards.

How do I plug in my old accessories?

Unfortunately, you'll need to use dongles, new cables, or adapters for your old accessories to plug into the USB-C ports. For example, if you want to charge your iPhone with your new MacBook Pro, you'll have to buy a new Lightning to USB-C cable. It costs a whopping $25. Ugh.

Does it have a headphone jack?

Yes! All new MacBook Pro models have a standard headphone jack.

Is the main display a touchscreen?

No. Only the Touch Bar is a touchscreen. The main display is just a normal high-resolution screen.

What colors does it come in?

All the MacBook Pro models come in two color options: Space gray or silver.

How much does it cost?

The 13-inch MacBook Pro without the Touch Bar starts at $1,499.

The 13-inch MacBook Pro with the Touch Bar starts at $1,799.

The 15-inch MacBook Pro with the Touch Bar starts at $2,399.

However, you can add more powerful specs to all these models, which will cost more. There are loads of options.

When can I buy it?

Now. The MacBook Pro without the Touch Bar starts shipping Friday. The other models will ship in two or three weeks.

Wait, didn't Apple say something about a MacBook Air replacement?

Yes. But that probably wasn't the best thing for Apple to do since it seems to be confusing a lot of people.

The MacBook Air is still around and has not been replaced. But Apple is positioning the entry-level MacBook Pro (the one without the Touch Bar) as a more powerful alternative to the MacBook Air. That's because the redesigned Pro has slimmed down a bunch and is close to the same size and weight of the MacBook Air. Unfortunately, it's also a lot more expensive.

So what's up with the MacBook Air?

The 13-inch MacBook Air is still available starting at $999. It did not get any upgrades. However, Apple did kill the 11-inch MacBook Air on Thursday. The 13-inch Air is your only option now.

Are there any other MacBooks?

Yup. There's one more model, simply called MacBook. It's the super-thin MacBook Apple launched in 2015 and updated again this year with faster specs.

So, which MacBook is the best?

Wow. That's a loaded question.

It really depends on what you want to do. Do you need something relatively cheap and don't care about a high-res screen? Go with the MacBook Air. Do you want the best of the best? Go with the 13-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar. Do you want a massive screen? Get the 15-inch MacBook Pro. Want something shockingly thin and light? Get the MacBook.

SEE ALSO: How the new Touch Bar works

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NOW WATCH: This is Apple’s ‘Touch Bar’ — the biggest change coming to the MacBook Pro

Apple's new MacBooks, explained (AAPL) from Business Insider: Steve Kovach

The Transport Guy: To everyone calling Microsoft's new computer an iMac: You're wrong (AAPL, GOOG)

Steve Kovach October 26, 2016 at 03:22PM

It's an obvious comparison: Microsoft's new Surface Studio all-in-one PC is the company's answer to Apple's iMac.

But it's wrong.

Yes, it's also a big ol' sharp screen attached to a base, but the Surface Studio is designed to do much more than let you type and point and click around.

While the iMac makes a great desktop for casual consumer, the Surface Studio is targeted more for pros who want to create. The entire screen folds down so you can work and draw on it, whether you're composing music or drawing 3D models. Plus it has that clever Surface Dial, a unique physical scroll wheel (see below), for even more control over your work.

The Studio isn't a computer. It's an entirely new computing category, a sort of desktop-tablet hybrid that already has people excited. And it's new proof that Microsoft, once derided as boring and out of touch, has become one of the most innovative companies in tech.

 

SEE ALSO: Microsoft announces its first desktop computer, the Surface Studio

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To everyone calling Microsoft's new computer an iMac: You're wrong (AAPL, GOOG) from Business Insider: Steve Kovach

The Transport Guy: A long-time Apple PR executive has a new job leading communications at SurveyMonkey (AAPL)

Steve Kovach October 26, 2016 at 02:16PM

Teresa Brewer, a former Apple public relations executive, told Business Insider she has a new job as the head of communications at SurveyMonkey.

She'll lead internal and external communications for SurveyMonkey and starts October 29.

Brewer had worked in communications at Apple since 2004 and left in July of this year. She led all communications for the iPhone, managing everything from press reviews to the product's global expansion over the years. Before Apple, she worked in communications at Sony.

Brewer was one of several key recent departures on the Apple PR team, including Natalie Kerris, who left last year and briefly ran communications at Twitter.

SurveyMonkey lets you make customizable surveys for things like market research, education, or anything else. The company also conducted several polls for this year's presidential election.

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: A hacker reveals a simple way to come up with a strong password that's easy to remember

A long-time Apple PR executive has a new job leading communications at SurveyMonkey (AAPL) from Business Insider: Steve Kovach

The Transport Guy: Microsoft announces its first-ever desktop PC, the Surface Studio (MSFT)

Steve Kovach October 26, 2016 at 08:22AM

Microsoft announced its first-ever desktop PC, the Surface Studio

It's an all-in-one computer, designed to compete with Apple's iMac. The PC is geared towards professionals, and has high-end specs designed for tasks like video or photo editing.

It's an attractive device too, held together with a forged aluminum enclosure. It has a super thin LCD screen, to keep the screen as thin as possible.

It has a 28-inch display with 13.5 million pixels.

This story is developing... refresh for the latest.

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NOW WATCH: Microsoft has created an AI bot that captions photos and it’s shockingly accurate

Microsoft announces its first-ever desktop PC, the Surface Studio (MSFT) from Business Insider: Steve Kovach

The Transport Guy: Google's parent company keeps losing its top executives (GOOG, GOOGL)

Steve Kovach October 26, 2016 at 06:13AM

There's been a mini exodus of sorts among executives at Google's parent company Alphabet.

Alphabet, which formed last year into a conglomerate of separate companies, is designed to help the company find the next big thing outside of Google's core advertising and search businesses. 

But within a year of Alphabet's formation, there have been several shakeups and departures at the top of these divisions, especially since this summer.

The challenge for these companies and their leaders is to prove to Alphabet's CEO Larry Page and CFO Ruth Porat that they can turn into growing businesses.

While Alphabet doesn't report financials for these "other bets," the recent departures are our best hint that some divisions have struggled or their leaders aren't thrilled with the new pressure now that they're no longer hiding under Google's umbrella.

Here's a breakdown of the most important Alphabet executive departures so far this year.

Tony Fadell, Nest

The highest profile departure was Tony Fadell, the former Apple executive and CEO of Nest, Alphabet's smart home appliance company that makes connected thermostats and cameras. Fadell stepped down as Nest's CEO in June following reports of inner turmoil in the company and a damning blog post by Greg Duffy, the former head of Nest's camera business.

Fadell gave a particularly rough interview to The Information before his departure, where he tersely defended his management style. He was out shortly after that. 

Fadell is still an advisor at Nest.

Bill Maris, GV

Bill Maris was the head of GV, formerly known as Google Ventures, an Alphabet company that invests in early stage startups. Maris founded GV in 2009 and left in August after some other members of his team left the company.

Craig Barratt, Google Fiber

Craig Barratt was the CEO of Google Fiber, the internet service provider that offered super high-speed broadband in select cities. Barratt stepped down as CEO Wednesday and announced the company had stopped plans to expand its service to more cities. Instead, it will focus on new ways to deliver the internet through wireless technologies.

Barratt is now an Advisor at Google Fiber.

Dave Vos, Project Wing

Dave Vos was the head of project wing, a division of X, Alphabet's "moonshot" lab that works on a bunch of crazy, futuristic projects. Project Wing experimented with delivery drones and even ran a pilot program to deliver Chipotle burritos to students at Virginia Tech. 

Vos stepped down from Project Wing earlier this month.

Chris Urmson, self-driving cars

Chris Urmson, the tech lead for X's self-driving car project, left the company in August. He was working on the project for seven years. 

SEE ALSO: How Google embarrassed Apple

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NOW WATCH: We got our hands on the Home — Google’s answer to the Amazon Echo

Google's parent company keeps losing its top executives (GOOG, GOOGL) from Business Insider: Steve Kovach

The Transport Guy: TIM COOK: Here's why assistants on phones are better than home speakers like the Echo (AAPL)

Steve Kovach October 25, 2016 at 03:23PM

Despite an early start, Apple is playing catch up to rivals like Google and Amazon when it comes to gadgets infused with artificial intelligence such as Amazon's Echo home speaker.

But while Amazon's Echo has proven popular with consumers, Apple CEO Tim Cook doesn't think home speakers are the future.

The reason: A home speaker isn't with you all the time.

 

During Apple's quarterly earnings conference call on Tuesday, Cook said the phone will remain the primary device with which consumers interact with the new breed of virtual assistants.

"I think that most people would like an assistant with them all the time," Cook said. "I think the advantage of one on the phone will likely be much greater... we've shipped more assistant-enabled devices than probably anyone out there."

Still, Cook didn't totally dismiss the category of assistants in the home, calling it a "nice market." Apple has been developing its own Siri-powered competitor, according to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, but it's unclear if the product will ever launch.

The false tradeoff

Cook also reiterated Apple's stance that AI should still be useful without compromising privacy.

"It's a false tradeoff that you have to give up privacy in order to have AI do something for you," Cook said. "We don't buy that."

It's a fair point, but Cook's argument falls flat, at least for now. Siri continues to be panned for not being as capable as the competition, despite launching five years ago.

On its first try, Google launched an amazing assistant called Google Assistant on the new Pixel phone. You can read more about that here, but the main reason it's so good is because it's able to tap into your data stored in all of Google's services like Gmail, search, Photos, and Calendar.

However, Cook hinted that Apple may be able to improve Siri, saying it would "take a different kind of work" in order to maintain privacy.

SEE ALSO: How Google embarrassed Apple

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NOW WATCH: We got our hands on the Home — Google’s answer to the Amazon Echo

TIM COOK: Here's why assistants on phones are better than home speakers like the Echo (AAPL) from Business Insider: Steve Kovach

The Transport Guy: Apple sold 45.5 million iPhones last quarter (AAPL)

Steve Kovach October 25, 2016 at 01:31PM

Apple's earnings for the third quarter are out, and the big number on everyone's mind is iPhone sales.

Apple reported that it sold 45.5 million iPhones last quarter. Analysts were expecting 45 million iPhone sales. It's a slight beat.

iPhone sales have been in decline all year, as Apple faces a saturated high-end smartphone market.

This was the first quarter to represent at least some iPhone 7 sales. But the iPhone 7 only went on sale on September 16. Next quarter, which includes the holidays, will be the big test for the iPhone 7.

Apple says it expects revenues to start growing again next quarter, which is likely due to high demand for the iPhone 7.

The iPhone may also get a boost from Samsung's Galaxy Note 7 debacle this fall. Samsung was forced to cancel and recall the Note 7 following several reports that the device overheated and started smoking and/or caught fire.

SEE ALSO: Full coverage of Apple's earnings

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NOW WATCH: Why your iPhone alarm snooze is automatically set to 9 minutes

Apple sold 45.5 million iPhones last quarter (AAPL) from Business Insider: Steve Kovach

The Transport Guy: AT&T is cooking up a recipe for a major advantage over its rivals (T, TWX)

Steve Kovach October 25, 2016 at 10:33AM

There's been plenty of skepticism over whether or not AT&T will be able to pull off its $85 billion acquisition of Time Warner as the deal faces regulatory approval.

AT&T's argument is this is a vertical integration, meaning the carrier doesn't compete with Time Warner and therefore won't be removing any competition from the market.

But so far we haven't heard much about so-called zero-rating content streamed over AT&T's networks and how that could affect its rivals' ability to compete for the future of TV.

Zero-rating means wireless carriers won't count data used with certain streaming services against your data cap. For example, T-Mobile offers zero-rating for several popular services like Spotify, Netflix, and YouTube. Stream all you want, and don't worry about your data usage.

That's where AT&T can run into problems as it tries to make its case for buying Time Warner.

AT&T would likely make Time Warner pay a fee to have its content zero-rated on AT&T's network. (T-Mobile pays for its zero-rated content, but reduces the quality to compensate.) But Since AT&T would own Time Warner, that money would just shift from one division of the company to another.

That could give AT&T an unfair advantage over other content providers like Netflix, CBS, Disney, and the rest that would have to pay the full price to get their content zero-rated on AT&T. In fact, AT&T could use the leverage it has with Time Warner's content to force higher prices on Time Warner's competitors.

This is slightly different than the so-called "fast lanes" that concern net neutrality advocates. With fast lanes, carriers allow data from select services to load faster if they pay for it, which cripples competition from companies that can't afford to pay up. 

But all carriers have promised to deliver all content at the same speed. Zero-rating is their way around that promise, and it gives an advantage to the content companies that can afford it. A carrier that lets you binge on all the "Game of Thrones" you want — Time Warner owns HBO, by the way — without affecting your data cap will look more enticing than one that charges you out the nose when you hit your limit.

Then there's the future of wireless, like the 5G networks that deliver insane data speeds that AT&T and its rival carriers are working on. 5G and similar networks have the potential to replace wired broadband one day, giving AT&T the opportunity to beam content over the internet not just to mobile devices, but also smart TVs and other screens in the home.

Couple that with AT&T's ambition to deliver DirecTV (which it also owns) over the internet to everyone by 2020, and you have the recipe for a company with a major advantage over the competition for the future of connectivity and content delivery, with Time Warner content gaining favorability through zero-rating.

It sounds like AT&T has a pretty good case to buy Time Warner since the two companies don't directly compete. But the companies have failed to discuss the future of how we get our content, and whether or not they'll fairly charge competitors who want their content zero-rated. It's something regulators should ask as the deal goes through scrutiny in the coming months.

SEE ALSO: Here's AT&T's case for buying Time Warner

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NOW WATCH: We tried PlayStation VR and couldn’t stop saying ‘WOW’ — here’s what it’s like

AT&T is cooking up a recipe for a major advantage over its rivals (T, TWX) from Business Insider: Steve Kovach

The Transport Guy: The free Wi-Fi kiosks backed by Google's parent company are coming to London (GOOG)

Steve Kovach October 25, 2016 at 07:34AM

Link, the company backed partly by Google's parent company Alphabet that makes kiosks that deliver free Wi-Fi in cities, is coming to London.

Link kiosks offer free Wi-Fi, maps, and charging for mobile devices. The kiosks will start appearing in London in 2017. Link says there will be 750 kiosks in central London and more throughout the rest of the UK after that.

New York was the first city to get Link kiosks earlier this year.

Link received an investment from Sidewalk Labs, a division of Alphabet that aims to solve urban problems like traffic and parking using technology. 

The kiosks are supported by advertising and partnerships with local utilities. In this case, Link will partner with BT, a telecom provider in the UK.

SEE ALSO: How Google embarrassed Apple

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NOW WATCH: Here's what's inside the new Google pop-up shop where nothing's for sale

The free Wi-Fi kiosks backed by Google's parent company are coming to London (GOOG) from Business Insider: Steve Kovach

The Transport Guy: The new Portrait mode for the iPhone 7 Plus camera is available now (AAPL)

Steve Kovach October 24, 2016 at 09:59AM

The new camera mode Apple promised for the iPhone 7 Plus is here.

On Monday, Apple released iOS 10.1, which includes the new Portrait mode for the iPhone 7 Plus.

Portrait mode mimics the "bokeh" effect in DSLR cameras by keeping the subject in focus and blurring the background. It's only possible with the iPhone 7 Plus because of its dual cameras.

However, Apple says even though Portrait mode is available to the public, it's still considered a beta product, meaning it will likely improve over time. Early testers of the feature have noted glitches with photos in some cases.

You can get iOS 10.1 on your iPhone by going to Settings > General > Software Update.

SEE ALSO: The Google Pixel review

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NOW WATCH: Forget the iPhone 7 — here are 7 reasons the next iPhone will blow everyone away

The new Portrait mode for the iPhone 7 Plus camera is available now (AAPL) from Business Insider: Steve Kovach

The Transport Guy: Larry Page's 'flying car' was spotted in the wild and it just looks like a tiny airplane (GOOG, GOOGL)

Steve Kovach October 24, 2016 at 09:30AM

Google co-founder Larry Page has been secretly funding a flying car project, and a prototype has been spotted in the wild, according to the Monterey Herald.

As Bloomberg discovered earlier this year, Page has been privately funding a company called Zee.Aero, which wants to build a "flying car" that can take off and land vertically without a runway. That means pilots would be able to park the vehicles in their driveway.

Even though the vehicle looks like a tiny airplane, it sounds much different, according to witnesses quoted in the Monterey Herald report. They describe the machine as emitting a "high-pitched whine."

Witnesses also described their shock when they saw the vehicle simply hovering instead of flying forward like a regular plane. It can hover about 25 feet above the ground, land, and then take off and hover again.

The testing has taken place at an airport in Hollister, Calif., a small town of about 40,000. Residents have reported seeing the flying car in action with increasing frequency in recent months.

You can read the full account of the flying car sighting, with more details, at The Monterey Herald.

SEE ALSO: How Google embarrassed Apple

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Larry Page's 'flying car' was spotted in the wild and it just looks like a tiny airplane (GOOG, GOOGL) from Business Insider: Steve Kovach

The Transport Guy: The AT&T-Time Warner deal sounds a lot like the Comcast-NBC merger, and it could be AT&T's best hope (TWX, T)

Steve Kovach October 24, 2016 at 08:32AM

It's been a pretty chilly climate recently for companies seeking mega-mergers.

Comcast's attempt to buy Time Warner Cable was blocked. Same with Aetna-Humana, Staples-Office Depot, and a few others.

But the big difference between those deals and the one proposed by AT&T and Time Warner is that the two companies argue they don't directly compete with each other.

AT&T delivers content, while Time Warner makes the content. (Time Warner is a separate company from Time Warner Cable, which is now owned by Charter. Confusing!) In their view, merging the two together won't remove any competition from the market.

It's very similar to Comcast's acquisition of NBC Universal, which was proposed in 2009 and ultimately allowed to go through. Comcast delivers content through its cable and broadband services. NBC produces content. And Comcast still delivers content from NBC rivals ranging from Disney to CBS.

That's the argument AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson and Time Warner CEO Jeff Bewkes have been parroting since the $85 billion deal was formally announced Saturday night. The acquisition is more like the Comcast-NBC deal than any of the other proposed horizontal mergers we've seen recently. The two companies don't compete with each other, and therefore won't harm competition. It's their best hope of convincing regulators to approve the deal.

Still, any deal of this size will face intense scrutiny and require concessions by AT&T and Time Warner if it hopes to go through.

SEE ALSO: AT&T to buy Time Warner for $85 billion

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The AT&T-Time Warner deal sounds a lot like the Comcast-NBC merger, and it could be AT&T's best hope (TWX, T) from Business Insider: Steve Kovach

The Transport Guy: Here's what AT&T is saying to doubters of its plan to buy Time Warner for $85 billion (T, TWX)

Steve Kovach October 24, 2016 at 07:21AM

Now that AT&T's plan of an $85 billion acquisition of Time Warner is official, the big question is whether or not it will make it through the review process by US regulators.

Even before it was announced, the two companies faced harsh skepticism that the deal would be approved. Since Saturday night, AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson and Time Warner CEO Jeff Bewkes have been making the case for why they're confident the deal will go through.

Here are the highlights of their arguments:

Vertical integration

On a conference call with reporters Saturday night, Stephenson stressed that the acquisition was a vertical integration, meaning AT&T and Time Warner don't currently compete and therefore the acquisition won't be taking a competitor out of the market.

He argued that this is much different than AT&T's attempted takeover of T-Mobile in 2011. That deal was shot down by regulators. It's more similar to Comcast's takeover of NBC Universal.

Recent concerns with similar mergers

Despite Stephenson and Bewkes' argument that this deal wouldn't eliminate competition from the market, there have been signs that regulators aren't a fan of vertical deals like this. 

But Stephenson said he thinks any concerns could be put to rest by offering concessions like Comcast did with NBC.

"While regulators will often times have concerns with vertical integrations, those are always remedied by conditions imposed on the merger," Stephenson said on an interview with CNBC Monday morning. "And so that's how we envision this one to play out."

We won't learn what those concessions are until AT&T starts moving forward with the regulatory review.

Good for Consumers

As viewing habits shift from traditional linear TV to mobile and over-the-top internet services, AT&T thinks this will be a win for customers. The company says it will make it easier to get the content they like from HBO, CNN, TNT, and others on more devices.

For example, AT&T, through its acquisition of DirecTV last year, will launch a new streaming service in November called DirecTV Now, which will let you watch pay TV over the internet on any device. Owning a lot of that content through Time Warner makes services like that even easier to build.

The argument against the merger

Rich Greenfield, an analyst at research firm BTIG, has been one of the most vocal pundits against the AT&T/Time Warner deal. He said AT&T could raise the price of Time Warner content, which is harmful to consumers who don't have AT&T. It gives AT&T an unfair advantage and costs most consumers in the long run.

"Let’s be honest, prices aren’t going to go down because of this," Greenfield told the New York Times on Sunday.

SEE ALSO: AT&T to buy Time Warner in $85 billion deal

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Here's what AT&T is saying to doubters of its plan to buy Time Warner for $85 billion (T, TWX) from Business Insider: Steve Kovach

The Transport Guy: AT&T is buying Time Warner (T, TWX)

Steve Kovach October 22, 2016 at 04:42PM

It's official. AT&T will buy Time Warner for $107.50 per share.

They announced the agreement Saturday night, following a string of reports in recent days that appeared to have accelerated the talks between the two companies.

The move means AT&T will own networks like CNN, HBO, TNT, and several other media properties. AT&T will likely face a harsh regulatory process, but there is some precedent. Comcast, another operator, was allowed to buy NBC Universal in 2013.

This is the second mega deal for AT&T in the past year. AT&T merged with DirecTV in 2015 and plans to launch a streaming TV service later this year. The ultimate goal is to provide all DirecTV content over the internet without the need for a satellite dishes by 2020.

It's also a much different approach than AT&T's rival Verizon, which is going after online content instead of TV content through its purchase of AOL and its impending purchase of Yahoo. AT&T appears to want to cash in on traditional TV content and ad dollars while Verizon wants to go against Google and Facebook for online ads.

Here's the full announcement from AT&T:

AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) and Time Warner Inc. (NYSE:TWX) today announced they have entered into a definitive agreement under which AT&T will acquire Time Warner in a stock-and-cash transaction valued at $107.50 per share. The agreement has been approved unanimously by the boards of directors of both companies.

The deal combines Time Warner's vast library of content and ability to create new premium content that connects with audiences around the world, with AT&T's extensive customer relationships, world’s largest pay TV subscriber base and leading scale in TV, mobile and broadband distribution.

“This is a perfect match of two companies with complementary strengths who can bring a fresh approach to how the media and communications industry works for customers, content creators, distributors and advertisers,” said Randall Stephenson, AT&T chairman and CEO. “Premium content always wins. It has been true on the big screen, the TV screen and now it’s proving true on the mobile screen. We’ll have the world’s best premium content with the networks to deliver it to every screen. A big customer pain point is paying for content once but not being able to access it on any device, anywhere. Our goal is to solve that.  We intend to give customers unmatched choice, quality, value and experiences that will define the future of media and communications.

“With great content, you can build truly differentiated video services, whether it’s traditional TV, OTT or mobile. Our TV, mobile and broadband distribution and direct customer relationships provide unique insights from which we can offer addressable advertising and better tailor content,” Stephenson said. “It’s an integrated approach and we believe it’s the model that wins over time.

“Time Warner’s leadership, creative talent and content are second to none. Combine that with 100 million plus customers who subscribe to our TV, mobile and broadband services – and you have something really special,” said Stephenson. “It’s a great fit, and it creates immediate and long-term value for our shareholders.”

Time Warner Chairman and CEO Jeff Bewkes said, “This is a great day for Time Warner and its shareholders. Combining with AT&T dramatically accelerates our ability to deliver our great brands and premium content to consumers on a multiplatform basis and to capitalize on the tremendous opportunities created by the growing demand for video content. That’s been one of our most important strategic priorities and we’re already making great progress — both in partnership with our distributors, and on our own by connecting directly with consumers.  Joining forces with AT&T will allow us to innovate even more quickly and create more value for consumers along with all our distribution and marketing partners, and allow us to build on a track record of creative and financial excellence that is second to none in our industry. In fact, when we announce our 3Q earnings, we will report revenue and operating income growth at each of our divisions, as well as double-digit earnings growth.  

Bewkes continued, “This is a natural fit between two companies with great legacies of innovation that have shaped the modern media and communications landscape, and my senior management team and I are looking forward to working closely with Randall and our new colleagues as we begin to capture the tremendous opportunities this creates to make our content even more powerful, engaging and valuable for global audiences.”

Time Warner is a global leader in media and entertainment with a great portfolio of content creation and aggregation, plus iconic brands across video programming and TV/film production. Each of Time Warner’s three divisions is an industry leader: HBO, which consists of domestic premium pay television and streaming services (HBO Now, HBO Go), as well as international premium & basic pay television and streaming services; Warner Bros. Entertainment, which consists of television, feature film, home video and videogame production and distribution. Warner Bros. film franchises include Harry Potter & DC Comics, and its produced TV series include Big Bang Theory and Gotham; Turner consists of U.S. and international basic cable networks, including TNT, TBS, CNN and Cartoon Network/Adult Swim. Also, Turner has the rights to the NBA, March Madness and MLB. Time Warner also has invested in OTT and digital media properties such as Hulu, Bleacher Report, CNN.com and Fandango.

Customer Benefits

The new company will deliver what customers want — enhanced access to premium content on all their devices, new choices for mobile and streaming video services and a stronger competitive alternative to cable TV companies.

With a mobile network that covers more than 315 million people in the United States, the combined company will strive to become the first U.S. mobile provider to compete nationwide with cable companies in the provision of bundled mobile broadband and video. It will disrupt the traditional entertainment model and push the boundaries on mobile content availability for the benefit of customers. And it will deliver more innovation with new forms of original content built for mobile and social, which builds on Time Warner’s HBO Now and the upcoming launch of AT&T’s OTT offering DIRECTV NOW.

Owning content will help AT&T innovate on new advertising options, which, combined with subscriptions, will help pay for the cost of content creation. This two-sided business model — advertising- and subscription-based — gives customers the largest amount of premium content at the best value.

Summary Terms of Transaction    

Time Warner shareholders will receive $107.50 per share under the terms of the merger, comprised of $53.75 per share in cash and $53.75 per share in AT&T stock. The stock portion will be subject to a collar such that Time Warner shareholders will receive 1.437 AT&T shares if AT&T’s average stock price is below $37.411 at closing and 1.3 AT&T shares if AT&T’s average stock price is above $41.349 at closing.

This purchase price implies a total equity value of $85.4 billion and a total transaction value of
$108.7 billion, including Time Warner’s net debt. Post-transaction, Time Warner shareholders will own between 14.4% and 15.7% of AT&T shares on a fully-diluted basis based on the number of AT&T shares outstanding today. 

The cash portion of the purchase price will be financed with new debt and cash on AT&T’s balance sheet. AT&T has an 18-month commitment for an unsecured bridge term facility for $40 billion.

Transaction Will Result in Significant Financial Benefits

AT&T expects the deal to be accretive in the first year after close on both an adjusted EPS and free cash flow per share basis.

AT&T expects $1 billion in annual run rate cost synergies within 3 years of the deal closing. The expected cost synergies are primarily driven by corporate and procurement expenditures. In addition, over time, AT&T expects to achieve incremental revenue opportunities that neither company could obtain on a standalone basis.

Given the structure of this transaction, which includes AT&T stock consideration as part of the deal, AT&T expects to continue to maintain a strong balance sheet following the transaction close and is committed to maintaining strong investment-grade credit metrics.

By the end of the first year after close, AT&T expects net debt to adjusted EBITDA to be in the 2.5x range.

Additionally, AT&T expects the deal to improve its dividend coverage and enhance its revenue and earnings growth profile.

Time Warner provides AT&T with significant diversification benefits:

• Diversified revenue mix — Time Warner will represent about 15% of the combined company’s revenues, offering diversification from content and from outside the United States, including Latin America, where Time Warner owns a majority stake in HBO Latin America, an OTT service available in 24 countries, and AT&T is the leading pay TV distributor.
• Lower capital intensity — Time Warner’s business requires little in capital expenditures, which helps balance the higher capital intensity of AT&T’s existing business. 
• Regulation — Time Warner’s business is lightly regulated compared to much of AT&T’s existing operations.

The merger is subject to approval by Time Warner Inc. shareholders and review by the U.S. Department of Justice.  AT&T and Time Warner are currently determining which FCC licenses, if any, will be transferred to AT&T in connection with the transaction. To the extent that one or more licenses are to be transferred, those transfers are subject to FCC review. The transaction is expected to close before year-end 2017.

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The Transport Guy: AT&T reaches deal to buy Time Warner for more than $80 billion

Jeremy Berke and Steve Kovach October 22, 2016 at 10:48AM

AT&T has reached a deal to buy Time Warner for between $105 and $110 per share, The Wall Street Journal is reporting. 

That puts the deal's value at more than $80 billion. 

A formal announcement from the two companies is expected as soon as Saturday night.

The deal will allow AT&T to expand into the television business, picking up channels like HBO and CNN. 

Time Warner shares surged about 2.76% during after-hours trading. 

Former Fox executive Peter Chernin will likely oversee Time Warner's operations, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Chernin declined a comment to The Hollywood Reporter.

The Time Warner deal will likely face intense scrutiny as it goes through the regulatory process. However, there is some precedent. Comcast, another operator, was allowed to acquire NBC Universal in 2013.

If the acquisition happens, AT&T would own a host of content from major networks like HBO, CNN, and TNT. It also signals an attempt by the operator to vertically integrate delivery of content and the content itself.

This would also be the second megamerger for AT&T in the past year. It merged with DirecTV in 2015 in a $49 billion deal. AT&T is working on a new online streaming TV service in conjunction with DirecTV that should launch later this year. The company's goal is to eliminate the need for DirecTV satellite dishes and deliver all pay TV content over the internet by 2020.

Talks between AT&T and Time Warner were likely accelerated after Bloomberg reported Thursday that the two companies had held acquisition talks in order to hold off other companies that would be interested in buying Time Warner. Apple was said to have had talks to buy Time Warner earlier this year.

Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, laid out his opposition to the merger in a speech at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania on Saturday, and said that a Trump administration would not approve the deal.

SEE ALSO: What to expect from Apple's October 27 product announcement

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AT&T reaches deal to buy Time Warner for more than $80 billion from Business Insider: Steve Kovach

The Transport Guy: How Google embarrassed Apple (GOOG, AAPL)

Steve Kovach October 22, 2016 at 06:30AM

This week didn't look good for Apple.

Google's new Pixel phone launched to positive reviews, largely because of the phone's new digital helper called Google Assistant.

As I wrote in my review of the new Google Pixel, it’s relatively easy to make a high-end smartphone these days. The real challenge is lighting it up with unique software that helps you do more.

And the new Google Assistant accomplishes just that.

Right out of the gate, Assistant is noticeably smarter and more capable than Siri, a stark embarrassment for Apple, which had a five-year head start on Google. AI and voice control are considered to be the next big step in how we compute (just look at the early success of the Amazon Echo), and Google has already pulled ahead.

Assistant is so good because it taps into Google’s vast network of products and culls them together into a single, all-knowing app. The more Google services like Calendar, Photos, and Gmail you use, the smarter Assistant gets.

It’s also better at answering questions than the competition, thanks to its ability to tap into Google’s vast Knowledge Graph and deliver the single answer to the question you ask. Google Assistant has so many impressive skills that it’s impossible to list them all now.

I’m still discovering new capabilities after almost two weeks with the Pixel. Here’s how I put it in my review:

I haven't even come close to unlocking everything Assistant can do, but I was routinely surprised whenever I dreamed up something new to ask.

Pull up the photos I took from my latest trip to San Francisco. Done. Give me the fastest route home. Done. Remind me to chat with my boss when I get to work tomorrow. Done. Play that Calvin Harris and Rihanna song. Done.

Then there's the ability to tap into Google's vast knowledge of the web and deliver answers to the questions you ask. What time is the next presidential debate? Did the Jets win? Are there any good ramen restaurants near me, and can I get a reservation?

I could go on and on, but you probably get the idea. Google has tens of billions of answers logged into its system, and it can pull even more from trusted sources like Wikipedia if it's stumped. It's almost always able to get you what you're looking for, though I did experience some rare cases in which it would pull up a standard list of Google search results.

The shame here is that Siri had a five-year head start on Google Assistant, and Apple totally blew it. Siri struggles to answer even the simplest of queries. It wasn’t until two tech columnists recently pointed out those flaws that Siri quickly learned the answers to some of the questions they were griping about. Curious!

The reality is Apple can’t be reactive and improve Siri every time someone blogs about its flaws. 

Luckily, the pieces are in place, as Apple has acquired a series of AI and machine learning companies over the last year or so. Most notably, it bought the UK-based startup Vocal IQ, which as I reported earlier this year had technology that allowed users to control a phone or computer completely with voice. That also jibes with Apple’s near-term goal to make Siri fully capable of controlling the iPhone within the next few years, as Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported.

But for now, Google Assistant is clearly in the lead, and that lead will only get wider as more people use it and increases its intelligence.

SEE ALSO: 7 reasons why the Google Pixel is the best Android phone

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How Google embarrassed Apple (GOOG, AAPL) from Business Insider: Steve Kovach

The Transport Guy: Report: AT&T in 'advanced talks' to buy Time Warner

Steve Kovach October 21, 2016 at 08:00AM

AT&T is in "advanced talks" to buy Time Warner, The Wall Street Journal reports.

The news comes following a Bloomberg report Thursday that the two companies have been discussing an acquisition. The WSJ report says a deal could be announced as soon as this weekend.

Developing... refresh this page for the latest.

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The Transport Guy: AT&T and Time Warner are reportedly talking about a merger

Matt Turner and Steve Kovach October 20, 2016 at 12:45PM

AT&T and Time Warner executives have met to discuss business strategies that could include a merger, according to Ed Hammond, Alex Sherman and Scott Moritz at Bloomberg. 

The talks are informal, and neither side has hired an adviser, according to the report.

Time Warner's share price jumped 5% on the news, while AT&T dropped 2.2%.

Time Warner has been an attractive target for several large companies. Apple considered buying the company earlier this year, according to the Financial Times.

It's also another indication that service providers are getting more and more interested in owning and investing in content. Verizon recently bought AOL and is in the process of acquiring Yahoo. AT&T merged with DirecTV last year.

The Bloomberg report says Time Warner CEO Jeff Bewkes is a "willing seller," so expect to see more interest around the company.

A spokesperson for AT&T declined to comment.

This is probably a good time to mention that Bewkes and AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson will both be speaking at Business Insider's IGNITION conference in December. Should be fun!

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The Transport Guy: What to expect from Apple's big event besides new Macs (AAPL)

Steve Kovach October 20, 2016 at 11:45AM

Apple's event on October 27 will focus on Macs, but we're also expecting some news beyond that.

So what's coming besides that much-anticipated new MacBook Pro (which you can read all about here)?

Let's break it down:

AirPods

Apple's new wireless headphones are supposed to go on sale in October. And since the month is rapidly coming to close, you can expect the company to announce when you'll finally be able to buy the AirPods.

Our guess? They'll go on sale immediately after the keynote wraps up. In the meantime, check out our review of the AirPods.

iOS 10.1

iOS 10.1 is the first major update to iOS 10, the latest operating system for iPhones and iPads. It also comes with a big feature: Portrait mode for the dual-camera system on the iPhone 7 Plus. The new mode lets you mimic the "bokeh" effect from DSLR cameras, where the subject is clear and the background appears blurry.

iOS 10.1 has been in beta for a few weeks, so there's a good chance Apple will announce when the final version is available.

A new Cinema Display?

Apple discontinued its external Cinema Display a few months ago, leading some to believe a new version with a 5K screen is in the works. There haven't been many solid reports on the likelihood of a new Cinema Display, but launching one along with a powerful new MacBook Pro would make a lot of sense.

SEE ALSO: The iPhone 7 review

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The Transport Guy: Apple sent out invitations for a new Mac announcement on October 27 (AAPL)

Steve Kovach October 19, 2016 at 01:01PM

Apple sent out invitations Wednesday for its expected new Mac announcement taking place October 27 at its campus in Cupertino, California.

The invitation reads "hello again," a play off the greeting the original Macintosh gave when Steve Jobs first introduced it in 1984.

There have been numerous reports about what to expect from Apple this month, so here's the rundown:

New MacBook Pro

The new MacBook Pro will likely be the star of the show.

According to the latest rumors, the MacBook Pro will be completely redesigned to look more like the Retina MacBook that launched last year. The key feature will be a touchscreen at the top of the keyboard that replaces the function keys and can change depending on the app you're using. It'll also have a fingerprint sensor for unlocking the device, just like you do with the iPhone, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

Finally, the MacBook Pro might ditch standard USB ports in favor of USB-C, the new, more capable USB port that's becoming the standard across the tech industry.

New MacBook Air

The MacBook Air may also get a slight refresh with USB-C ports and faster internal components. Many expected Apple to kill the MacBook Air line in favor of the Retina MacBook, but it looks like the Air is here to stay for at least a few more years.

New iMacs

iMacs are expected to get a spec bump, but it's unclear if there will be a redesign. Apple introduced the Retina iMac with a 5K screen two years ago, and improved the color representation on the screen in an update last year.

AirPods

Apple said the AirPods, its new wireless Bluetooth earbuds, would go on sale in October. Well, we're running out of October, so expect Apple to announce that the AirPods are officially on sale the day of the Mac event.

iOS 10.1

Last month, Apple promised an iOS update that'll unlock the new Portrait mode for the iPhone 7 Plus' dual-camera system. iOS 10.1 is already available in beta for some early testers, so expect the final version to be announced at the event on October 27.

Portrait mode mimics the blurry "bokeh" effect from DSLR cameras, which means the figure in front remains in focus while the background is blurred. The iPhone 7 Plus is the only device that'll get Portrait mode.

Long overdue

It has been several years since Apple's Macs have gotten significant updates or redesigns, so this product refresh feels long overdue. Apple's announcement will come just one day after Microsoft announces its new all-in-one Surface PC at an event in New York.

Business Insider will have all the news from Apple's event on October 27, so be sure to come back for all the live updates, analysis, photos, videos, and more.

SEE ALSO: The Google Pixel review

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The Transport Guy: Google is locking up deals for a new internet TV service (GOOG)

Steve Kovach October 19, 2016 at 11:51AM

Google is the latest in a slew of companies that wants to get into live internet TV.

According to a new report in the Wall Street Journal, Google has already signed a deal with CBS for the new service called Unplugged and is in talks with Disney and Fox.

The service would likely be a so-called skinny bundle of channels that you can stream over the internet at a cheaper cost than basic cable packages.

There are already a few similar services like Dish's SlingTV and Sony's PlayStation Vue. DirecTV and Hulu also plan to launch their own streaming TV services soon.

The WSJ report says Google wants to launch the new TV service in 2017 and would cost between $25 and $40 per month. Bloomberg first reported in May that Google was working on the Unplugged TV service as part of YouTube.

Most notably, Apple scrapped plans for its TV service after talks with media companies fell through. CBS CEO Leslie Moonves said earlier this year that talks between CBS and Apple were over.

Business Insider has reached out to Google for comment.

SEE ALSO: The Google Pixel review

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Google is locking up deals for a new internet TV service (GOOG) from Business Insider: Steve Kovach

The Transport Guy: T-Mobile reached a $48 million settlement with the FCC over its misleading 'unlimited' data plans

Steve Kovach October 19, 2016 at 08:02AM

T-Mobile will have to pay $48 million in fines and customer benefits after reaching a settlement with the FCC over the way the wireless carrier promoted its unlimited data plans.

T-Mobile's unlimited data plans don't charge you for going over a certain data limit, but the carrier can slow down connection speeds after you reach a certain threshold.

After receiving complaints, the FCC determined that T-Mobile's marketing language on its data plans wasn't entirely clear.

Moving forward, T-Mobile will have to change its messaging to clarify that heavy data users may have their data speeds slowed down.

T-Mobile's CEO praised the settlement in a tweet:

Good settlement with FCC today. @TMobile believes more info is best for customers. #themoreyouknow https://t.co/XFY6dHPfN6

— John Legere (@JohnLegere) October 19, 2016

AT&T paid a $100 million settlement with the FCC last year in a similar case.

Here's your regular reminder that there is no such thing as an unlimited data plan anymore. Even if carriers promise not to charge you more for going over a data limit, they can and will slow your data speeds down to a crawl until the next billing cycle.

SEE ALSO: The Google Pixel review

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T-Mobile reached a $48 million settlement with the FCC over its misleading 'unlimited' data plans from Business Insider: Steve Kovach

The Transport Guy: Everyone loves Google's new phone, and the stock has hit an all-time high (GOOG)

Steve Kovach October 18, 2016 at 01:04PM

It's shaping up to be a good week for Google's parent company Alphabet.

Following a bunch of glowing reviews for Google's first smartphone, the Pixel, Alphabet's stock reached all-time highs Tuesday, reaching up to $801 per share.

The Pixel is just the first device out of a slew of new hardware products from Google. In a few weeks, it'll release the Google Home connected speaker, a new router called Google WiFi, and a new version of the Chromecast that works with 4K TVs.

It's still too early to judge whether or not Google's new emphasis on hardware can match the scale of companies like Apple and Samsung. It'll be years before that happens. But the company is off to a good start.

Before Google announced the hardware, some analysts predicted the stock would go all the way to $1,000.

Alphabet reports earnings on October 27.

SEE ALSO: The Google Pixel review

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The Transport Guy: Google's drone boss is leaving the company (GOOGL, GOOG)

Steve Kovach October 18, 2016 at 01:00PM

The head of Google parent company Alphabet's drone project is leaving.

David Vos was the head of Project Wing, a division of Alphabet's secretive X group that develops so-called moonshot projects. Project Wing experiments with deliveries via automated drones.

Marketwatch first reported the news of Vos' departure.

"Dave has helped to build a strong foundation of aviation culture on the team, and brought Project Wing to a place where we understand and can execute delivery missions end-to-end, repeatedly and safely," an Alphabet X spokesperson told Business Insider in a statement. "We’re grateful for Dave’s contributions and wish him the best of luck in future endeavors."

Project Wing hasn't launched commercially yet, but it does have FAA approval to test in certain areas. Most recently, Project Wing partnered with Chipotle to deliver burritos to college students at Virginia Tech.

SEE ALSO: The Google Pixel review

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The Transport Guy: 7 reasons why the Google Pixel is the best Android phone

Steve Kovach October 18, 2016 at 10:07AM

The new Google Pixel isn't just another Android phone. It's the best Android phone you can buy.

That's because the Pixel has a lot of advantages you won't find in any other phone.

Here are the most important unique features in the Pixel.

SEE ALSO: The Google Pixel review

It has Google Assistant.

Google Assistant, the new digital helper from Google, is simply incredible. We don't have time to list everything it can do, but just know that it puts Siri and the other competitors to shame.

For now, the Pixel phone is the only Android phone with Google Assistant.

You get Android updates as soon as they're ready.

Android phones seldom get timely updates. That's because manufacturers like Samsung need to take time and modify each new version of Android with their own extra software. It's not unusual to wait a year or longer for new version of Android on most Android phones.

The Pixel is different. It's the only Android phone that's guaranteed to get new updates from Google as soon as they're available. That's huge.

There's built-in customer service.

The Pixel comes with an app that lets you chat with a customer support agent 24/7. It even lets you share your screen with them so they can guide you along and help troubleshoot your problems.

See the rest of the story at Business Insider

7 reasons why the Google Pixel is the best Android phone from Business Insider: Steve Kovach

The Transport Guy: Google's new Pixel phone is the first that made me consider switching from iPhone (GOOG)

Steve Kovach October 18, 2016 at 07:05AM

It finally happened.

After six years of professionally reviewing smartphones and almost nine years as an iPhone owner, I finally found an Android phone that's so good I'm considering making the switch.

You can read my full review of the new Google Pixel for all the details, but it boils down to this: This is the first phone that fixes all the major problems I've had with Android such as fragmentation, inconsistent updates, and bloated software.

As an added bonus, the Pixel is the first phone with the excellent new Google Assistant. It makes Siri look stupid.

I only had two major complaints: 1.) The design is way too similar to the iPhone, which feels a bit dated after two years. 2.) The Pixel isn't water resistant, which has becoming a major feature in premium phones.

But other than that, the phone is super good and definitely worth considering. I'm still not sure which way I'm going to go, but at the moment I'm leaning towards the Pixel.

The Pixel starts at $649 unlocked, the same price as the iPhone 7. You can also buy it through Verizon.

SEE ALSO: The Google Pixel review

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NOW WATCH: We got our hands on the Pixel — Google's first ever smartphone

Google's new Pixel phone is the first that made me consider switching from iPhone (GOOG) from Business Insider: Steve Kovach

The Transport Guy: REVIEW: Google's first phone makes Siri look trivial (GOOG, GOOGL)

Steve Kovach October 18, 2016 at 06:00AM

Android has always been a mess.

Its greatest strength — the openness and ability for any phone maker to adopt and modify the software for free — is also its greatest weakness. It has caused fragmentation, spotty or missed updates, and major security concerns. After all these years, the companies that make Android phones have shown no signs of cleaning things up.

So Google decided to fix the debacle it helped create.

The Pixel, the first smartphone designed by Google from the ground up, is the antidote to most of Android’s problems. The phone, which starts at $649 and goes on sale this week, highlights Google’s ambition to take back control of Android and finally prove it can be a streamlined and easy to use platform.

And it worked.

The Pixel is an excellent phone, and it’s what Android should’ve been from the beginning. Google has finally figured out that it’s not just enough to make great software. You also need to pair it with excellent hardware too. Yes, that should be obvious. And yes, that's been Apple’s philosophy for decades. But it’s the truth.

Google also has a major advantage over Apple. It has always been better at software and services, and nothing proves that more than Google Assistant, the new digital helper that lives inside the Pixel and upcoming Google-made products like the Google Home speaker.

The Pixel phone is a taste of a future where hardware matters less and the artificial intelligence that powers it takes precedence. And no one is better positioned to take advantage of that future at the moment than Google.

“OK Google, when’s my next flight?”

The new Google Assistant functions a lot like Siri. Tap and hold the home button, and the Assistant pops up to ask what you need.

Google Assistant pulls information from everything you do in Google’s services, from search to Gmail to Calendar to Photos. The more Google services you use, the better Assistant becomes at helping you.

My favorite example over the last few days: I asked Assistant when my next flight was and it gave me the answer, complete with the Delta flight number and scheduled takeoff time. I never told Google about my flight. It just knew based on the confirmation email Delta sent me when I booked.

That’s just one tiny example, but an important one. Assistant is smart enough to understand context across a variety of services to get you that one thing you want. It’s shocking and magical when it works, and it’s just the first step in Google’s ambition to create a personalized Google for everyone. It’s not there yet, but after spending a few days with Assistant and the Pixel, I can tell Google is better equipped to make AI work for users than any other company.

Assistant’s capabilities are so broad and varied that it’s impossible to list them all here. I haven’t even come close to unlocking everything Assistant can do, but I was routinely surprised whenever I dreamed up something new to ask:

Pull up the photos I took from my last trip to San Francisco. Done. Give me the fastest route home. Done. Remind me to chat with my boss when I get to work tomorrow. Done. Play that Calvin Harris and Rihanna song. Done.

Then there’s the ability to tap into Google’s vast knowledge of the web and deliver answers to the questions you ask. What time is the next presidential debate? Did the Jets win? Are there any good ramen restaurants near me and can I get a reservation?

I could go on and on, but you probably get the idea. Google has tens of billions of answers logged into its system, and it can pull even more from trusted sources like Wikipedia if it’s stumped. It’s almost always able to get you what you’re looking for, although I did experience some rare cases where it would pull up a standard list of Google search results.

And when you couple Assistant with Google Now, Google’s proactive helper that delivers information and alerts based on what Google knows about you, the Pixel turns into more than just a phone that responds to your swipes and taps. The Pixel is constantly working for you, delivering what you want before you even know you want it.

Apple should be embarrassed that Siri, which had a 5-year head start on Google Assistant, is nowhere near as capable.

Still, there were some flaws with Assistant. It could send emails and text messages, but couldn’t read ones sent to me. (That feature should be coming soon.) It also couldn’t tell me when my next Amazon order was expected to arrive, even though that information appeared in Google Now. Those things can easily be fixed over time, and Assistant will continue to get smarter and learn new skills the more people use it.

There are also some obvious privacy concerns. Assistant is so good because it knows so much about you. So you have to a let a piece of yourself go and have a high level of trust that Google won’t misuse or abuse all that personal information that makes Assistant work so well. It’ll likely scare off some people, and I don’t blame them for it. But for me, it’s a fair price to pay for a tool that makes my life so much easier.

Android perfected

The other benefit to the Pixel is Android. This isn’t the modified Android you’ve experienced on phones from Samsung or LG. It’s “pure” Android, delivered the way Google intended it. And it’s really, really good.

This latest version is called Nougat, and it sports a clean design and all the standard features you’d expect from a high-end phone.

But the real bonus is that Pixel will be the only phone that receives new versions of Android as soon as they’re available. That’s almost unheard of for Android devices. Even the Nexus phones Google has helped other manufacturers develop over the years have struggled to deliver timely updates.

The Pixel comes with the promise that you’re buying a phone that will continue to improve over time. It’s one of the biggest things that keeps users locked into the iPhone, and it’s refreshing to see that finally come to Android after all these years. At last, Android finally feels on-par with iOS. The next great challenge will be to expand that philosophy to the rest of the Android ecosystem, but I'm not very optimistic that can happen. From now on, if you want the best of Android, you're best bet will be to buy a phone straight from Google.

Just another phone

The hardware is easily the least exciting part about the Pixel. Everything here is pretty standard. It comes in two sizes, one with a 5-inch screen and an “XL” model with a 5.5-inch screen. There’s a fingerprint sensor, super sharp screen, fast charging (if you use the included wall plug), and a standard headphone jack.

That doesn’t make the hardware bad. It just goes to show that the real draw of the Pixel comes from the software.

However, the Pixel missing two features that are becoming standard in premium phones: wireless charging and water resistance. Neither are must-haves, but if Google is going to make you pay this much for a phone, it would’ve been nice to include something like that.

The design is also shockingly similar to the iPhone 7, so much so that one of my colleagues thought I had two iPhones sitting on my desk when he took a quick glance. It’s also noticeably thicker, which is probably why Google was able to brag that the Pixel doesn’t have an unsightly camera bump.

That’s the a truly disappointing thing about the Pixel’s hardware. The iPhone 7 design already feels dated, and it’s even worse that Google borrowed so heavily from it. I would've liked to see some creativity design-wise.

That said, the camera does stand out. I’m not confident enough to back Google’s claim that the Pixel has the best smartphone camera ever, but it’s definitely right up there. Like everything about the Pixel, there’s some extra AI built into the camera that helps you find the best shot when you take several in a row. You won't be disappointed.

Even better: Google will give you unlimited storage for all your high-res images taken with the Pixel, a welcome treat when Apple only gives you a few measly gigs of free iCloud storage.

Conclusion

The Pixel is the best of Android and the best alternative to the iPhone. It’s also just a first step as Google accelerates its hardware ambitions and takes development seriously for the first time. Google is finally ready to push Android forward and do it right, and the Pixel is an amazing start.

Hardware is easy. Anyone can make a really nice phone these days and even do it on the cheap. The real challenge is making the phone do more for you through AI and other useful services. The Pixel is proof Google isn't just up for that challenge. It can beat the competition on the first try.

SEE ALSO: Google is going to win the next major battle in computing

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NOW WATCH: We got our hands on the Pixel — Google's first ever smartphone

REVIEW: Google's first phone makes Siri look trivial (GOOG, GOOGL) from Business Insider: Steve Kovach