Today in Tech

It was a banner year for Apple, from the release of the first 5G iPhone, to the Apple Silicon announcement and subsequent rollout of the first M1 Macs. Apple isn’t showing any signs of slowing down as 2021 approaches. It’s expected that Apple will continue to improve its M1 Macs, and release other Apple Silicon-powered Macs into next year. Macworld senior writer Michael Simon and Computerworld executive editor Ken Mingis join Juliet to discuss Apple’s 2020 wins and what else they expect to see from Apple in 2021 and beyond. 

Apple announced its new and long-awaited Mac lineup at its “One More Thing” event on Tuesday. These new Macs, powered by the new M1 processor, are the first Macs released after Apple announced it would shift away from Intel chips. But, were they worth the wait? Computerworld executive editor Ken Mingis and Macworld senior writer Michael Simon join Juliet to discuss the most impressive features of the new Macs, whether or not they’re waiting for future releases to purchase and why Apple’s move to its own silicon is such a seismic shift.

The first batch of iPhone 12s have arrived in the hands of our two Apple experts. Macworld senior writer Michael Simon and Computerworld executive editor Ken Mingis join Juliet to discuss first thoughts on the iPhone 12, whether to buy an iPhone 12 or iPhone 12 Pro and how many Apple expects to sell. Plus, Mike sheds light on Apple’s Q4 earnings call and when the next Apple event (and the release of the first Apple Silicon Mac) will be held.

By now, you’ve probably heard that Apple’s iPhone 12 lineup will have 5G capabilities. And you have also probably heard us discuss how 5G speeds are still only available in some parts of the country with some carriers. Apple will almost certainly sell millions of iPhone 12s. With millions of new 5G users, will carriers accelerate the rate of 5G deployment? And when can consumers expect to get the most out of 5G speeds? Computerworld executive editor Ken Mingis and Macworld senior writer Michael Simon join Juliet to discuss how the iPhone 12 may or may not change the 5G landscape and who exactly can take advantage of these new speeds.

Apple announced its second fall event for Tuesday, October 13. Expect to see the new additions to the iPhone lineup, including the iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone 12 Mini. Computerworld executive editor Ken Mingis and Macworld writer Michael Simon join Juliet to discuss features of the new iPhone 12, whether or not users will be able to access 5G speeds and what other products may be announced at the Hi, Speed event. 

Google recently announced its latest addition to its smartphone lineup, the Pixel 5. It comes with a lower price tag than previous Pixel phones and a new Google smartphone strategy. Computerworld executive editor Ken Mingis and Macworld and PCWorld senior writer Michael Simon join Juliet to discuss strategy, how it compares to Apple’s and Samsung’s strategies and what it means for the future of the Pixel and the smartphone landscape as a whole.

As some people continue to work and learn from home six months into the coronavirus pandemic, reliable and fast internet access is as important as ever. But in rural communities without access to broadband, or for those who simply can’t afford it, the shift to doing everything from home becomes even more complicated. While the lack of internet access among rural or lower-income communities isn’t a new problem, it’s especially apparent now. It’s a challenge for IT departments as they support employees without reliable internet. And it’s a talent problem--while remote work policies can expand a talent pool, it’s difficult to recruit and employ a candidate with slow internet. Businesses, ISPs, future technology and government can all play a role in assisting these communities. Zeus Kerravala, founder and Principal Analyst at ZK Research joins Juliet to discuss what options are available for people without reliable internet access, how enterprises can help and how promising technology like 5G will play a role.

Apple released two new Apple Watches, new generations of the iPad and iPad Air and new subscription services and plans at its Time Flies event on September 15. Macworld senior writer Michael Simon and Computerworld executive editor Ken Mingis join Juliet to discuss highlights and how new releases compare to previous generations. Plus, is the iPad Air as good as the iPad Pro for enterprise use? And when can you expect to see the iPhone 12 and new MacBook events? Let us know your thoughts about Apple One, the new Apple Watch SE and Series 6 and new iPads in the comments below.

Apple’s September event may look a bit different this year, but the (virtual) show will still go on. Expect to see the new Apple Watch Series 6 and updated iPad Air at the September 15 “Time Flies” event. Rumors suggest that Apple will not announce the upcoming 5G iPhone 12 at this event and opt for an event later this fall. Computerworld executive editor Ken Mingis and Macworld senior writer Michael Simon join Juliet to discuss why Apple may host multiple events this fall and what product launches to expect when.Check out Mike’s latest article about the September 15th event: https://www.macworld.com/article/3574449/if-new-iphones-arent-coming-at-the-annual-iphone-event-what-will-apple-release.htmlFollow everyone on Twitter--Juliet: https://twitter.com/julietbeauchampKen: https://twitter.com/kmingisMike: https://twitter.com/morliumFor more on all things Apple, check out Mike’s articles on Macworld: https://www.macworld.com/author/Michael-Simon/And the Apple Holic blog on Computerworld: https://www.computerworld.com/blog/apple-holic/?nsdr=true

 While medical workers and scientists work on the front lines to fight the coronavirus, robots have been deployed to perform more menial tasks to combat COVID-19. From sanitizing floors to taking inventory, robots have played a critical role in keeping humans safe. Robotics expert and co-founder of Robotics Data, Keith Shaw, joins Juliet to discuss how robotics companies shifted strategies during the coronavirus pandemic, what types of robots are being deployed and how this pivot will affect the robotics industry as a whole.