Today in Tech

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States will auction off previously reserved 5G spectrum, potentially speeding up next-generation wireless rollout. As device makers continue to release 5G-enabled phones and tablets, Macworld executive editor Michael Simon and Computerworld executive editor Ken Mingis join Juliet to analyze what a speedier rollout could mean for consumers and enterprises alike. Plus, French regulators recently sided with Apple over its new privacy rules that would allow users to opt out of ad tracking across apps and websites. Michael, Ken and Juliet will compare Apple's new policy to its competitors, and discuss whether or not those competitors would ever adopt similar guidelines.

Apple has confirmed it is discontinuing the iMac Pro, as rumors suggest an M1 iMac is on its way. Macworld executive editor Michael Simon and Computerworld executive editor Ken Mingis join Juliet to discuss what they wanted from the iMac Pro, if its discontinuation could mean for the future of 'Pro' Macs and whether or not Apple's M1 processors could diminish the demand for 'Pro'-level devices.

Last month, the Perseverance rover successfully landed on Mars following a six-and-half-month journey from Earth through space. Over the next Martian year (or, over 600 days here on Earth), the rover will search for signs of ancient life, collect data about the climate and geology on Mars and pave the way for human exploration of the Red Planet. This mission is a group effort by the scientists, engineers, technologists and more at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Jim Rinaldi, former CIO and current Chief Information Technology Advisor at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, joins Juliet to discuss IT’s role in a successful mission, and how his team at JPL supports mission personnel from early planning stages through landing and beyond.

A year into the coronavirus pandemic, IT continues to support remote employees. As organizations begin planning to bring workers back into the office, IT must now consider upgrading their networks to best support employees in a post-COVID world. IDC Senior Research Analyst for enterprise networking, Brandon Butler, joins Juliet to discuss what permanent changes IT should implement as workers prepare to return to the office, and how these changes differ from the temporary solutions put into place last year. From upgrading to Wi-Fi 6, to implementing SD-WAN, to shifting network management to the cloud, Brandon explains what steps IT teams can take to make the transition back to the office seamless for in-person and remote employees alike.

Although the arrival of the next iPhone is likely months away, rumors about what it may look like are circulating. On this episode of Today in Tech, Computerworld executive editor Ken Mingis and Macworld executive editor Michael Simon join Juliet to discuss the next iPhone, which could be called the iPhone 12s or the iPhone 13. Potential features include up to 1TB of storage, an upgraded ultra-wide camera lens and an always-on display similar to the latest Apple Watches.

Security researchers uncovered malware affecting tens of thousands of macOS devices, but it's unclear what exactly the malware does. Affecting both Intel and Apple Silicon processors, this malware, nicknamed "Silver Sparrow," still poses a threat. And in other Apple news, some M1 Mac users have reported that the SSDs on their new systems are being overused. Macworld executive editor Michael Simon and Computerworld executive editor Ken Mingis join Juliet to discuss Apple's response to the virus and SSD issues and what users can do if they've been affected. 

Apple's existing M1 Macs may not be the only Apple Silicon Macs for long. Rumors about the next generation of M1 chips have leaked, and they suggest the powerful new chip, the M1X, will possess more cores than the M1. On this episode of Today in Tech, Computerworld executive editor Ken Mingis and Macworld executive editor Michael Simon join Juliet to discuss the predicted performance of M1X Macs and whether this next generation of Apple Silicon will widen Apple's enterprise share.

A worldwide shortage of semiconductors is hurting the sales of everything from smartphones to cars. Apple said the chip shortage affected sales of its latest iPhones. Automakers, who also rely on semiconductors in newer car models, expect to take a $61 billion hit due to the chip shortage. Coincidentally, Apple has recently been in talks with carmaker. Is the Apple Car on the horizon? On this episode of Today in Tech, Macworld senior writer Michael Simon and Computerworld executive editor Ken Mingis join Juliet to discuss the effect of the chip shortage and what to expect from the rumored Apple Car.

Beta testing for the latest update to Apple's mobile operating system is underway, and users can expect to see some heavily anticipated features once it rolls out. The newest iteration of iOS, iOS 14.5, will include updated privacy measures, the ability to use Face ID to unlock your iPhone while wearing a mask and 5G support. Macworld senior writer Michael Simon and Computerworld executive editor Ken Mingis join Juliet to discuss these features and when users can try them out.

Apple announced its first quarter of 2021 was its most successful in company history, boasting $111.4 billion in revenue. While the coronavirus pandemic has ravaged businesses big and small across many industries, Apple managed to increase its revenue 21 percent year over year. Around half of that revenue comes from iPhone sales alone. Despite the fact that Apple is one of the largest companies in the world, there’s still room for growth. Macworld senior writer Michael Simon and Computerworld executive editor Ken Mingis join Juliet to discuss how Apple can continue to grow its services and wearables businesses and how the company can further push itself into the enterprise. They discuss the future of Apple Silicon and M1 Macs, the possibility of an Apple Car and what Apple enterprise apps could look like.