The Tech Media Minute: Welcoming Google Home, as Netflix Wants to Be Fast(er)
The world awoke to more tragedy in the skies this Thursday. Meanwhile, techies were getting their first look at Google Home. Here’s a quick look at what’s happening in the world.
3 Stories/30 Seconds
Google Home
Google Home makes its debut
As expected, Google has introduced an Amazon Alexa competitor. Google Home is activated by voice and is about the size of a grapefruit, according to The New York Times.
Though an actual Google Home made an appearance during yesterday’s Google I/O keynote address, specifics such as price and release date are still unknown.
The biggest question now is whether Apple will bring a similar product to market using Siri.
Netflix now tells you how fast (or slow) your connection is
Speed test websites (and apps) are nothing new. Regardless, Netflix has now joined the fray by introducing Fast.com.
As TechCrunch notes:
“Basically, it’s a simplified speed test website that only focuses on download speed – as this is the metric that determines your video quality. The goal with the site is to help you figure out who’s to blame when you have a problem with your Netflix connection. It might not be Netflix’s fault, but rather your ISP slowing things down.”
Netflix consumes a significant chunk of the bandwidth in the United States and is often criticized for slowing things down. It will be interesting to see how this site develops over time.
You can do what with an Apple Watch?
Owners of a $230,000 Bentayga TSR can now warm their tushies with an Apple Watch.
As AppleInsider explains:
“Featuring deep integration with Bentayga’s onboard infotainment platform, the iOS app features an Apple Watch component that offers comprehensive command functions over vehicle systems traditionally controlled via in-dash units.”
Don’t worry, 1 percenters: the app to do this is absolutely free.
Today in Tech & Media/15 Seconds
Today, May 19 is Boy’s Club Day. It’s also past the halfway point of National Hamburger Month. Clogged arteries still have 12 days to celebrate.
The Startup Conference commences in Redwood City, California.
Looking backwards: This week in 1804, Napoleon Bonaparte became Emperor of France. His reign wouldn’t end happily.
Trending on Twitter/15 Seconds
Trending on Twitter/15 Seconds
Extra Minutes
Have a few more minutes? Check out these other stories making news:
- Adobe launches free Spark web service, rebrands its iOS storytelling apps, 9to5Mac
- Here’s How Apple Can Become a Trillion Dollar Company, Fortune
- California couple livestreams birth on Facebook, Fox News
Want even more? Check our the new Tech Media Extra.
The Tech Media Minute is published Monday through Friday on AppAdvice.
