Today in Tech

Google's latest addition to the Pixel lineup, the Pixel 5a, ships out today. While Apple also has a low(er) cost phone in the iPhone SE, the two smartphones don't have much in common. The Pixel 5a comes with 5G capability, an OLED screen and two camera lenses. On the other hand, the iPhone SE comes with LTE, a Retina screen and one lens. But, the differences don't stop there. Importantly, the iPhone SE is powered by Apple's A13 chip, whereas the Pixel 5a relies on the Snapdragon 765G processor (not Google's upcoming Tensor chip). Computerworld executive editor Ken Mingis and Macworld executive editor Michael Simon join Juliet to discuss how the two phones compare.

Apple announced last week that it will soon begin scanning photos uploaded to iCloud for child sexual abuse material. Cybersecurity and privacy experts met the announcement with skepticism, with many pointing out potential abuse of this system. Specifically, experts say this encryption backdoor could encourage oppressive governments to ask Apple to police other types of illegal content. Apple says it will refuse such requests from governments. Still, this change, which will arrive in iOS 15, marks a shift in the company's privacy policy. Macworld executive editor Michael Simon and Computerworld executive editor Ken Mingis join Juliet to discuss Apple's privacy rules and why security experts are concerned about potential misuse of this surveillance tool.

Google announced that its new system on a chip, called Tensor, will power the upcoming the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro phones. Google says Tensor will improve the Pixel's camera system and its speech recognition abilities, among other things. The company's shift away from Qualcomm to Tensor follows Apple's path of making its own silicon. Macworld executive editor Michael Simon and Computerworld executive editor Ken Mingis join Juliet to discuss what this shift means for Google, and how the Pixel 6 will compare to the iPhone 13. Then, Computerworld managing editor for features Val Potter and writer Charlotte Trueman will join the show to explain how to intentionally create a successful hybrid work environment. As companies in some parts of the world craft plans to return to the office, the majority say they will permit hybrid work in some capacity. While companies are now used to employees working remotely, fostering an intentionally hybrid-first work is another strategy entirely. Val, Charlotte and Juliet will discuss how to successfully implement a hybrid-first policy and the consequences of waiting too long to do so.

The semiconductor shortage has wreaked havoc on manufacturers, and Apple will soon feel pinch. In the company's Q3 earnings call, chief executive Tim Cook said that supply constraints around "legacy nodes" will affect iPhone sales. These "legacy nodes" include chips for the display, ports and audio, not the A- and M-series processors that Apple designs for its devices. Macworld executive editor Michael Simon and Computerworld executive editor Ken Mingis discuss how the chip shortage will affect Apple, why Apple is considering using its own chips in monitors and other revelations from the earnings call. If you have a question about the chip shortage, leave a comment below. We'll respond during the live broadcast. 

Amnesty International's Security Lab revealed that a handful of iPhones, mostly belonging to journalists and human rights activists, were successfully infected with Pegasus spyware. While the majority of iPhones users are not affected, the spyware, created by NSO Group, was found even on newer iPhone models equipped with the latest iOS update. Apple bills the iPhone as the most secure consumer cellular product on the market, so this wave of malware raises security concerns. Computerworld executive editor Ken Mingis and Macworld executive editor Michael Simon join Juliet to discuss iPhone security and more.

Apple's M1 chip is the first in what the company calls a "family of chips" that is expected to grow later this year. The next iteration of Apple Silicon, the so-called M1X chip, may arrive in the second half of 2021 and power higher-end Macs. After that, Apple could release an M2 chip, an M2X chip and so on. Macworld executive editor Michael Simon and Computerworld executive editor Ken Mingis join Juliet to discuss future Mac chips, how powerful they may be and what devices will receive the hardware upgrade first. If you have any questions about Mac chips, or Apple in general, leave a comment. We'll respond during the live broadcast. #Apple #AppleSilicon #M1

Microsoft announced Windows 11 two weeks ago, and rollout is expected to begin later this year. This announcement came as a surprise, since Microsoft previously said Windows 10 would be the last version of Windows. While there's a handful of new features, it seems as though the most compelling reason to upgrade is security. Computerworld managing editor for features, Val Potter, and Computerworld contributing editor Preston Gralla join Juliet to discuss what Windows 11 means for enterprise, what makes it different from previous iterations, security updates and where Windows goes from here. If you have questions about Windows 11, let us know in the comments. We'll respond during the live broadcast. 

Microsoft announced its latest version of its Windows operating system, Windows 11, last Thursday. Some changes look similar to macOS, but others seem to hit directly at Apple and its closed ecosystem. Macworld executive editor Michael Simon and Computerworld executive editor Ken Mingis join Juliet to discuss Windows 11, what it means for the Mac and what changes users can expect. If you have any questions or comments during the discussion, let us know in the chat. We'll respond during the live broadcast.

Rumors are swirling about the upcoming iPhone 13, from potential launch date to new features. And as lawmakers push for stronger tech regulations, Apple argues in a white paper that sideloading apps poses a security risk. Macworld executive editor Michael Simon and Computerworld executive editor Ken Mingis join Juliet to discuss Apple's position against sideloading iPhone apps, when to expect the iPhone 13 announcement and how it will differ from previous iPhones.

Apple will not force users to upgrade to iOS 15, instead offering iPhone users two options: upgrade to iOS 15, or stick with iOS 14 and continue to receive security updates. At the same time, some new iOS 15 features could position Apple for success even after the iPhone becomes irrelevant. Macworld executive editor Michael Simon and Computerworld executive editor Ken Mingis join Juliet to discuss a potential iOS update bifurcation and why some of the new iOS 15 features could ensure Apple's continued success for years to come. If you have any questions about iOS 15 or the iPhone, let us know in the comments and we'll respond during the live broadcast.