Dana Wollman, executive editor at Engadget, discusses the Apple HomePod's bizarre new issue of leaving white rings on wooden furniture. Wollman also talks Skype's security flaw and Huawei's latest problems getting into the U.S. phone market.
Wollman explains no one knows why the HomePod is leaving white rings on wooden furniture, and while Apple has acknowledged the issue, the company is just expecting users to deal with it.
Wollman also touches on Skype's major security flaw, explaining Microsoft isn't planning on sending out an update. Microsoft is expected to rebuild Skype from the ground up.
Recently, FBI Director Christopher Wray testified to the Senate Intelligence Committee that Huawei phones pose a threat to U.S. security because of the company's connections to the Chinese government. Wollman says this is just the latest setback for Huawei, which once had carrier deals with both AT&T and Verizon. Wollman doesn't see how Huawei will ever break into the American market now.
Mike Proulx, VP and research director at Forrester, joined Cheddar to talk all about Disney's lackluster Q3 earnings after the company reported a slowdown in Disney+ subscriber growth. Proulx discussed a Forrester study that found 45 percent of U.S. adults subscribed to streaming services because of the pandemic but 26 percent had plans to cancel a service over the next two years. "We're always going to look at growth, and we also have to look at engagement," he said. "But both of those metrics come down to having either original or exclusive content that will offer value to the subscriber base."
Anthony Sassine, a senior investment strategist at KraneShares, joined Cheddar to discuss Rivian's historic public debut after the company achieved an $86 billion valuation — more than either Ford or GM. He said the big IPO was a great opportunity for the U.S. to position itself as a leader in the EV space after lagging behind Europe and China. "When you have certainty for growth for the next 10 to 15 years, investors are willing to pay more," he said. "So, this is a massive opportunity for the whole space."
The Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against Uber, alleging the ride-hailing company discriminates against customers with disabilities. The DOJ is arguing that its two-minute wait period before a cancellation fee is applied violates the Americans With Disabilities Act.
Food delivery giant DoorDash is acquiring European food delivery company Wolt. The all-stock deal is valued at $8.1 billion and is expected to close in the first half of 2022. The companies say they share a mission to build a global delivery platform. Gerber Kawasaki investment advisor Eva Agi joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss what the deal means for Doordash, as well as its customers and investors.
