Geared Up

We finally got our hands on the much-hyped integration between Amazon smart assistant Alexa and Microsoft's counterpart, Cortana. And we'd say they're more like awkward acquaintances than BFFs. Plus, some new game gear from Microsoft and Sony and Apple is making a surprising jump into budget computers. We have a new Geared Up Giveaway! Geared Up subscribers can follow this link to enter to win 4 day tickets to PAX West in Seattle, which takes place from August 31 to September 3: https://gleam.io/S0v7T/win-4-tickets-to-pax-westSupport the show: http://youtube.com/gearlive/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, we go hands-on for a full review of the new Galaxy Note 9. It's a super high-end device, with a hefty price tag, but the storage, battery life and signature Note stylus make it ultra useful for those on the go. Plus, we hear about the latest development from Andru's Tesla experience and discuss the ins-and-outs of next-gen Mesh WiFi.Support the show: http://youtube.com/gearlive/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Samsung is releasing its next top-tier phone this week: The Galaxy Note 9. We'll tell you what we know about the device and take a look at mock-ups of the upcoming iPhones, which will likely release this fall. Plus, we go hands-on with the nicely made but somewhat confusing Surface Go, the newest offering from Microsoft's tablet/PC hybrid line. And we introduce a new gadget game: What's in Todd's closet?Support the show: http://youtube.com/gearlive/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Geared Up is back after a break, and we're jumping in with a hands-on to the first Echo Show competitor: Lenovo's Smart Display, powered by the Google Assistant. Plus, we round up all the news about the new MacBook Pro and upcoming new iPhones, and we get some advice for parents struggling with their kids' tech.Support the show: http://youtube.com/gearlive/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're halfway through 2018, and that means it's time for our mid-year technology roundup. On this episode, we dig into three of our favorite new pieces of technology from the past six months.Support the show: http://youtube.com/gearlive/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amazon is trying to get its Alexa voice assistant into as many homes as possible. Its latest offering: The Fire TV Cube, which essentially turns Alexa into a remote control. We try it out live on this episode. Plus, Oculus announced a new virtual reality TV app -- and some people are unimpressed -- and a report points to a new line of AirPods coming before the end of the year.Support the show: http://youtube.com/gearlive/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Google finally released a native podcast app, and we're pumped. We tell you about its unique features, how it competes with other apps and Google's push to expand podcasting on this bite-size Geared Up Extra. Support the show: http://youtube.com/gearlive/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

E3, the biggest gaming convention in the U.S., started with a bang this week. Geared Up co-host Andru Edwards is down in Los Angeles for the show and on this episode, we run down the big game announcements of the year from Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo — including Microsoft's push to get more exclusive games. Plus, an intriguing new study on something most people want nothing to do with: Airport WiFi.Support the show: http://youtube.com/gearlive/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

iOS, Apple Watch, Siri, Oh my! Apple just wrapped up its annual Worldwide Developers Conference and this show is all about the new features the company is bringing to its most popular devices. We've been trying the new tricks on iOS 12, including some very goofy MeMojis, and will give you the rundown on what's cool and what's not so impressive. Plus, the new Mac OS Mojave and updates to the Watch OS and the Apple TV OS.Support the show: http://youtube.com/gearlive/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Geared Up is off this week, but co-host Todd Bishop has been hard at work reviewing the new Acer Spin 5, the first laptop to have Alexa built in. It's a cool concept, but in many ways Alexa doesn't stand up to her rival Cortana on Microsoft's home turf. Check out Todd's full review on this special GeekWire Extra episode. Support the show: http://youtube.com/gearlive/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.