What has your phone done for you, lately? The past year was a big year one for mobile technology, with advancements in facial recognition, augmented reality, and more. But what does your phone need to do for you in 2018?
Sean Aune, Editor-in-Chief of Technobuffalo tells us what the mobile industry has to do to keep business this year.
It was a big year for Apple with the iPhone X and 8, with the iPhone topping the list of the best-selling tech products of 2017. But the company has taken its knocks with shipping delays and the battery slowdown controversy. Aune says Apple needs to lower prices, and fix battery issues.
LG launched its G6 about a year ago, to mediocre reviews. The G7 is expected as early as next month, and Aune says the South Korean company needs to improve its cameras and spend money on ad campaigns, since hardly anyone knows when new phones are out.
Aune also tells us what Samsung and Google Pixel need to do to increase sales and brad recognition.
Cryptocurrencies are getting off to a good week. Ethereum surged more than 4% in 24 hours on Monday, hitting a new all-time high above $4,700. Meanwhile, Bitcoin surged 7% to a price of $66,250. Haohan Xu, founder and CEO of Apifiny, joins Cheddar News with thoughts on the growing sector.
Payment processor Paypal will roll out a Venmo option for Amazon customers beginning in 2022 as the payment app continues to grow the number of merchants it works with.
Facebook officially announced that it is shutting down its facial recognition software which identifies users in photos and videos. The decision comes during growing societal concerns over the use of the technology. Cathy Hackl, Tech futurist and CEO of the Futures Intelligence Group joined Cheddar's Opening Bell.
Virgin Orbit is introducing air-launch services to the Eastern Hemisphere for the first time in history. Sir Richard Branson's space launch company has signed an agreement with ANA Holdings, the owners of Japan's largest airline, to procure 20 flights of its LauncherOne rocket from an airport in Japan, a big boost for the aerospace industry in Asia. Dan Hart, CEO of Virgin Orbit, joined Cheddar to discuss the new partnership, the future of air launch, and how small satellites can help monitor climate change impacts.
Virgin Galactic is reporting an increase in demand for commercial space flights after seeing a boost in ticket sales, raising the price for a seat on a shuttle to $450,000. The company said they now have 700 customers.
Walmart has joined forces with robotruck start-up Gatik to deploy driverless grocery delivery. We spoke to the CEO and co-founder of Gatik to discuss how the technology works and how autonomous vehicles will help ease supply chain issues.
At least 7 million customers have been impacted by a data breach on the investing app Robinhood. The specific information that was leaked varied by each customer, but Robinhood stated that hackers did not access social security numbers or banking information.
Doug Astrop, managing partner at Exponential Investment Partners, joined Cheddar to discuss Peloton's precipitous price drop, and whether the company can recover as the at-home workout trend tapers off. "They've lowered the prices on their equipment to try to attract a bigger audience because ultimately they're sort of headed to this Apple ecosystem model where they can monetize a loyal customer base," he said. Astrop noted that he believes there is a reality where the in-person gym experience and Peloton's at-home programs can co-exist.
