This week Microsoft announced updated versions of the Surface Pro, Surface Laptop, and Surface Studio. But missing from the show were any new members of the Surface Headphones line. The Surface Headphones 2 are now over two years old and have fallen a bit behind the competition, despite still having very clever design features. Chris Welch wonders if Microsoft is quietly pulling out of the market:
Slack’s video huddles feature, which was announced back in July, just hit our instance today and after two video meetings in it, I’m not sure I ever want to use Zoom again. Of course, there are things Zoom still does better, like letting me record a meeting or handle many more thumbnails on a single window, but the Slack video huddle just feels much more effortless. And the chat is saved as a thread in Slack.
Zoom is at the same time trying to attack Slack from the other direction, by adding chat and other features. But if I had to guess, I’d wager Slack might replace Zoom first.
[Slack Help Center]
Perhaps you’ve seen that Dunkin’ (née Dunkin’ Donuts) has changed its loyalty program for the worse. It’s been hard to miss for the past couple of weeks since it launched, thanks to many people complaining about it on social media.
Wired rounds up a few of those complaints today and asks what might be the outcome? The cynic in me says nothing, “my free” coffee is going to cost me twice as much going forward.
A column about Dunkin’ AND complaining on the internet? Be still my beating heart.
Google Fiber is launching 5 and 8 Gig symmetrical internet service next year. Time to step up, Fios.
The Pixel Watch has an extremely domed glass surface that’s not supported by any border or framing. It’s begging to be cracked, and despite its Gorilla Glass surface, one of our review units cracked in less than a week. I would not be surprised if this is a common occurrence for Pixel Watch owners once they get into more hands. Check out Victoria Song’s review for more.
This year’s mobile device releases have been clear: friendship ended with phones, smartwatches are new best friend now.
Apple, Google, and Samsung all released some of the most iterative updates to their flagship phones we’ve seen in years, but all three of them have rolled out new, interesting takes on the smartwatch. It’s the first time in over half a decade we’ve seen this much attention showered on the wrist computer and I’m here for it.
That’s my favorite line from Allison Johnson’s Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro review, which I encourage you to read all of. Google’s made positive steps forward this year, even if the phones are too big and don’t quite live up to being the effortless helpers the marketing pitches them as.
New design, new display, new processor, new price
The Spotify Car Thing is a pretty terrible in-car gadget; it’s completely redundant with (and reliant on) your phone and isn’t capable of doing anything other than play music or podcasts from Spotify. No maps, no messages, no calls.
But over on YouTube, the Work from Hype channel argues those qualities make it perfect for a dedicated music controller on your desk, where it can be mounted in an easy way and provide quick access to whatever tunes you’re listening to while working.
I tend to agree, and for the $30 price Spotify is charging for this thing now that it’s officially discontinued, it’s a sweet desk accessory. I just bought one.
