What's on tap for Google's big conference this week: expect watches, virtual reality, and a mystery Bluetooth device (GOOG) | ||
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The event, which will take place on Thursday and Friday, draws thousands of attendees, all eager to hear from Google’s top brass — CEO Larry Page gave an impassioned and much-discussed talk about the state of the tech industry in 2013 — learn about the latest products, and get their hands on the free swag that Google typically doles out (last year, attendees got two free Android Wear smartwatches). Google hasn’t said who will be speaking at this year’s event, though it’s a safe bet that Senior Vice President Sundar Pichai, recently promoted to be Google’s head of products, will be leading the show. And while Google hasn’t discussed which products will get the spotlight, we’ve put together a likely list. Android MThe star of the show is likely to be Google’s Android operating system, especially if Google unveils the next version of the software, dubbed Android M. (Android versions are named in alphabetical order, with the current L version more commonly known as Android Lollipop. M could stand for any dessert — our bet is on Marshmallow, Milk Shake, or Mentos.) Buzzfeed reported it could include a fingerprint unlocking feature, which could allow Android smartphones to match the iPhone capability that allows users to unlock the phone just by putting a finger on a special sensor.
Google could fold some of the new features into an update to the existing Lollipop version of Android rather than launching the brand new M version. A reference to Android M was spotted in the description of a session on the Google I/O calendar, but was promptly removed after news reports spread. Hello BrilloThe Internet of Things is a goofy name, but as a technology trend it’s hot right now. The idea is that PCs and smartphones are not the only things that should connect to the Internet. Your fridge, washing machine, car, and even the lights in your bathroom could all be so much better if they were hooked up to a network so they could exchange data and be controlled remotely. Google wants to help define this new interconnected world. Google purchased Nest, the maker of smart home appliances for $3.2 billion last year. But according to The Information, Google has another Internet of Things play up its sleeve called Brillo. Basically Brillo would provide a common platform for electronic devices to interconnect. The technology will be especially well-suited for low-powered electronic devices that don’t have a screen, according to The Information. Competition to control the emerging Internet of Things is going to be tough: Apple, Microsoft, and Samsung are all working on technology too. Mystery bluetooth device — Glass 2.0 or something else?Google likes to take the wraps off new gadgets at I/O. Some turn out to be big hits, such as the $200 Nexus 7 tablet launched in 2012. Others, not so much. Witness the orb-shaped Q streaming media player, unveiled with great fanfare at the same 2012 conference, and then killed before ever landing on store shelves.
So what’s this year’s surprise gadget? One tantalizing clue can be found in an April filing that Google made with the U.S. Federal Communications Commission. The filing is for a product identified only as “A4R-CAP1” and refers to a “Smart BLE device,” which means a smart bluetooth low-energy device. Most of the information in the filing is redacted. But one detail that bloggers have homed in on is the description of the device’s e-label. Some noted that the description for accessing the table — users swipe left-to-right and bottom-to-top to access certain information — sounded a lot like the way Glass is used, theorizing that this could be the first sighting of Glass 2.0. Business Insider recently reported that the Glass team now appears to be working on traditional eyewear as well as “other related devices.” So the mystery Bluetooth device could be one of various potential new products created by the Glass team. Or, given that Google also has initiatives in TV, virtual reality and other gadgets, A4R-CAP1 could be something else entirely. Virtual Reality
Google made waves last year with its Cardboard virtual reality headset. As the name suggests, the product is actually a just cardboard shell that houses a user’s smartphone. With special software on the phone, the cardboard-smartphone combo becomes a makeshift VR headset. It’s a simple trick that gave Google a foot in the emerging VR market, which could become increasingly important for gaming, entertainment and even shopping. But with Facebook’s Oculus now set to release its Oculus VR headset in 2016 and Microsoft pushing forward with HoloLens, Google may decide it needs to make a bigger push into virtual reality. A Wall Street Journal report in March said Google is working on a special version of Android for virtual reality. CarsGoogle and Apple both have their sights set on the ultimate mobile device: the automobile. Google’s Android Auto had its coming out party at last year’s I/O, with partnership announcements with carmakers and demos showcasing its capabilities. Android Auto currently requires that a driver plug their Android smartphone into the car to access all the features, but Google also wants to embed Android directly into the car. The Google I/O calendar has a couple of developer sessions focused on the car, such as “Designing for Driving” and “Getting your app on the road with Android Auto.” Android Wear
The Android Wear watches, which began shipping last summer, have not made a huge splash in the market and Apple’s entry into the business means the pressure will be on Google to jumpstart its wearables effort. New hardware partners, better battery life and enhancements to the Google Fit health-tracking software are among the expected improvements, according to some reports. Another interesting theory is that Google could make a version of Google Now, its personal assistant technology, for Apple’s Watch. Photo sharing, minus the PlusA new online photo sharing and storage service may be in the offing, according to a recent report in Bloomberg. The new service would apparently be separate from Google+, the struggling social network that has until now served as the hub for many of Google’s photo sharing and storage features. In fact, Google+ has been something of a question mark since the group’s boss Vic Gundotra left the company in 2014. In March, Google’s Bradley Horowitz announced that he was leading Google’s “photos and streams products.” The launch of a standalone photo service will raise more questions about the future of Google+. We'll be at the show on Thursday — the first keynote kicks off at 9:30 am local time (PT) — and Friday, so check back then to see all the news. Join the conversation about this story » NOW WATCH: Larry Page is wrong — curing death will be a big mistake  | ||
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It’s Google I/O time again, the time of year when the Internet giant holds its annual developers' conference in San Francisco, showing off the cool stuff its army of engineers have been working on for the past 12 months.
The new Android could also provide users with 
Glass is another interesting example: Google unveiled the device with an 
The battle for the wrist is now underway, with Apple’s recently released Watch challenging the first crop of smartwatches based on Google’s Android Wear. Here's what happens when billionaire investor Mark Cuban returns to his college town | ||
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Mark Cuban, billionaire investor and owner of the Dallas Mavericks, is a proud member of Indiana University's Kelley School of Business class of 1981. He often returns to the school's Bloomington campus to offer his business advice and conduct Q&A's with students. He also comes back to party at the local bars. Cuban has been spotted at a number of local Bloomington bars over the last few years. Whenever he shows up, students and other locals flood the scene.
"I took the proposition to [former IU rugby teammate] Evan Williams, and he got into the idea. We were both big proponents of beer and so, you know, I learned early you stick to the things you know," Cuban told local magazine Bloom Magazine. "Partying and drinking were things I was excelling at, for better or worse." This commercial for IU shows a noticeably cleaner version of Cuban's time in college. SEE ALSO: A brief history of Steve Ballmer's epic freak-outs Join the conversation about this story » NOW WATCH: Mark Cuban's 12 rules for starting your own business  | ||
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What's on tap for Google's big conference this week: expect watches, virtual reality, and a mystery Bluetooth device (GOOG) | ||
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The event, which will take place on Thursday and Friday, draws thousands of attendees, all eager to hear from Google’s top brass — CEO Larry Page gave an impassioned and much-discussed talk about the state of the tech industry in 2013 — learn about the latest products, and get their hands on the free swag that Google typically doles out (last year, attendees got two free Android Wear smartwatches). Google hasn’t said who will be speaking at this year’s event, though it’s a safe bet that Senior Vice President Sundar Pichai, recently promoted to be Google’s head of products, will be leading the show. And while Google hasn’t discussed which products will get the spotlight, we’ve put together a likely list. Android MThe star of the show is likely to be Google’s Android operating system, especially if Google unveils the next version of the software, dubbed Android M. (Android versions are named in alphabetical order, with the current L version more commonly known as Android Lollipop. M could stand for any dessert — our bet is on Marshmallow, Milk Shake, or Mentos.) Buzzfeed reported it could include a fingerprint unlocking feature, which could allow Android smartphones to match the iPhone capability that allows users to unlock the phone just by putting a finger on a special sensor.
Google could fold some of the new features into an update to the existing Lollipop version of Android rather than launching the brand new M version. A reference to Android M was spotted in the description of a session on the Google I/O calendar, but was promptly removed after news reports spread. Hello BrilloThe Internet of Things is a goofy name, but as a technology trend it’s hot right now. The idea is that PCs and smartphones are not the only things that should connect to the Internet. Your fridge, washing machine, car, and even the lights in your bathroom could all be so much better if they were hooked up to a network so they could exchange data and be controlled remotely. Google wants to help define this new interconnected world. Google purchased Nest, the maker of smart home appliances for $3.2 billion last year. But according to The Information, Google has another Internet of Things play up its sleeve called Brillo. Basically Brillo would provide a common platform for electronic devices to interconnect. The technology will be especially well-suited for low-powered electronic devices that don’t have a screen, according to The Information. Competition to control the emerging Internet of Things is going to be tough: Apple, Microsoft, and Samsung are all working on technology too. Mystery bluetooth device — Glass 2.0 or something else?Google likes to take the wraps off new gadgets at I/O. Some turn out to be big hits, such as the $200 Nexus 7 tablet launched in 2012. Others, not so much. Witness the orb-shaped Q streaming media player, unveiled with great fanfare at the same 2012 conference, and then killed before ever landing on store shelves.
So what’s this year’s surprise gadget? One tantalizing clue can be found in an April filing that Google made with the U.S. Federal Communications Commission. The filing is for a product identified only as “A4R-CAP1” and refers to a “Smart BLE device,” which means a smart bluetooth low-energy device. Most of the information in the filing is redacted. But one detail that bloggers have homed in on is the description of the device’s e-label. Some noted that the description for accessing the table — users swipe left-to-right and bottom-to-top to access certain information — sounded a lot like the way Glass is used, theorizing that this could be the first sighting of Glass 2.0. Business Insider recently reported that the Glass team now appears to be working on traditional eyewear as well as “other related devices.” So the mystery Bluetooth device could be one of various potential new products created by the Glass team. Or, given that Google also has initiatives in TV, virtual reality and other gadgets, A4R-CAP1 could be something else entirely. Virtual Reality
Google made waves last year with its Cardboard virtual reality headset. As the name suggests, the product is actually a just cardboard shell that houses a user’s smartphone. With special software on the phone, the cardboard-smartphone combo becomes a makeshift VR headset. It’s a simple trick that gave Google a foot in the emerging VR market, which could become increasingly important for gaming, entertainment and even shopping. But with Facebook’s Oculus now set to release its Oculus VR headset in 2016 and Microsoft pushing forward with HoloLens, Google may decide it needs to make a bigger push into virtual reality. A Wall Street Journal report in March said Google is working on a special version of Android for virtual reality. CarsGoogle and Apple both have their sights set on the ultimate mobile device: the automobile. Google’s Android Auto had its coming out party at last year’s I/O, with partnership announcements with carmakers and demos showcasing its capabilities. Android Auto currently requires that a driver plug their Android smartphone into the car to access all the features, but Google also wants to embed Android directly into the car. The Google I/O calendar has a couple of developer sessions focused on the car, such as “Designing for Driving” and “Getting your app on the road with Android Auto.” Android Wear
The Android Wear watches, which began shipping last summer, have not made a huge splash in the market and Apple’s entry into the business means the pressure will be on Google to jumpstart its wearables effort. New hardware partners, better battery life and enhancements to the Google Fit health-tracking software are among the expected improvements, according to some reports. Another interesting theory is that Google could make a version of Google Now, its personal assistant technology, for Apple’s Watch. Photo sharing, minus the PlusA new online photo sharing and storage service may be in the offing, according to a recent report in Bloomberg. The new service would apparently be separate from Google+, the struggling social network that has until now served as the hub for many of Google’s photo sharing and storage features. In fact, Google+ has been something of a question mark since the group’s boss Vic Gundotra left the company in 2014. In March, Google’s Bradley Horowitz announced that he was leading Google’s “photos and streams products.” The launch of a standalone photo service will raise more questions about the future of Google+. We'll be at the show on Thursday — the first keynote kicks off at 9:30 am local time (PT) — and Friday, so check back then to see all the news. Join the conversation about this story » NOW WATCH: Larry Page is wrong — curing death will be a big mistake  | ||
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Here's what happens when billionaire investor Mark Cuban returns to his college town | ||
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Mark Cuban, billionaire investor and owner of the Dallas Mavericks, is a proud member of Indiana University's Kelley School of Business class of 1981. He often returns to the school's Bloomington campus to offer his business advice and conduct Q&A's with students. He also comes back to party at the local bars. Cuban has been spotted at a number of local Bloomington bars over the last few years. Whenever he shows up, students and other locals flood the scene.
"I took the proposition to [former IU rugby teammate] Evan Williams, and he got into the idea. We were both big proponents of beer and so, you know, I learned early you stick to the things you know," Cuban told local magazine Bloom Magazine. "Partying and drinking were things I was excelling at, for better or worse." This commercial for IU shows a noticeably cleaner version of Cuban's time in college. SEE ALSO: A brief history of Steve Ballmer's epic freak-outs Join the conversation about this story » NOW WATCH: Mark Cuban's 12 rules for starting your own business  | ||
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Putin is risking a clash with the IMF over Russia's $3 billion loan to Ukraine | ||
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President Vladimir Putin is warning that he could call in Russia's $3 billion loan to Ukraine at any time, a move that would spark a stand-off with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Under the terms of the original 2013 deal, negotiated with then President Viktor Yanukoych who fled the country last year following massive anti-government protests, Ukraine had to keep its national debt below 60% of GDP. That condition has now been clearly breached allowing Moscow to recall the loan at any time. On Wednesday Putin explained the reasons why his government is yet to do so: "However, by the request of our Ukrainian partners and the IMF, we do not use this right. We do not want to aggravate further the difficult economic situation of our partners and neighbours." Yet the recent passing of a bill by the Ukrainian government that would allow the country to impose a moratorium on foreign debt payments may force the Kremlin to rethink this position. That puts the IMF into something of a bind. It is both asking Russia not to call in its loan while also pushing Kiev to renegotiate it. In March, the IMF released details of its $17.5 billion rescue package, including an economic reform programme. It included what they are calling "debt operations", but what most of the outside world would call debt restructuring whereby the country either imposes losses on bondholders or extends the repayment deadline. Except here's the problem — one of the biggest payments due in 2015 is a $3 billion loan from Moscow:
Anna Gelpern, a law professor at Georgetown University and expert in the subject, calculates that Russia's debt will have to be included if the Ukrainian government is going to hit the IMF's target of $5.2 billion worth of restructuring in 2015, according to the Financial Times. And that, in turn, could become a huge problem for the IMF. Under IMF rules, it is unable to lend to countries that have defaulted on "official debt" meaning any attempt by the authorities in Kiev to force restructuring on Russia could threaten its $17.5 billion rescue package. Kiev is claiming that the Russian deal is a private loan that would be subject to its moratorium bill. Moreover, the wording of the moratorium bill leaves little doubt over how it views debts taken on by the previous administration: "The government has the right… not to return loans borrowed by the Yanukovich kleptocratic regime." That, however, does not appear to be the view of its partners. IMF spokesman William Murray told the press in March that "if I'm not mistaken, the $3 billion Eurobond comes from the Russian sovereign wealth fund, so it's official debt". However, the Fund later clarified those comments to state that "no determination has been made by the Fund as to the status of this claim." So that's as clear as mud then. Unsurprisingly, Russian finance minister Anton Siluanov believes that the Russian loan should indeed be classified as "official debt" and said that the country was still not ready to restructure the debt "because [Russia] itself is in a difficult situation." As Putin made clear today, that is still the case as far as Russia is concerned. So what can Kiev do? FT Alphaville's Joseph Cotterill points to one possible loop-hole. In the small print of the loan agreement, the wording surrounding which "fiscal or other laws and regulations" the contract falls under leaves out a crucial line regarding "the place of payment". Russia’s claims are two-year bonds issued in December 2013 and governed under English law, but that's not clearly stated in the document itself. This means that the Ukrainian government could attempt to claim that the loan falls under the country's own "laws and regulations" and adjust those accordingly in order to allow for a restructuring of the debt (or at least, it provides sufficient ambiguity for them to make the case). There is even a question as to whether the loan itself broke guidelines governing what Russia's sovereign wealth funds can invest in. But that avenue is only credible insofar as the IMF views the Russian loan as private, not official debt. And that's not been a clear message coming from them to date. Any reversal of its position could seriously jeopardise its relationship with Moscow, which has held off calling in the loan to date at the Fund's request. In other words, the IMF has dug itself a hole and it's not at all clear how it gets itself out of it from here unless Moscow unilaterally decides to back down on its demand for repayment in full and on time. Putin's intervention today suggests they are nowhere near that point just yet. Join the conversation about this story » NOW WATCH: 11 amazing facts about Vladimir Putin  | ||
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15 TV shows you should watch this summer | ||
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While summer used to be the time of year that most TV shows took a break, this summer is more crowded than ever. There are new offerings from streaming services and networks alike. In order to help narrow it down, here is a guide for the must-watch shows of summer 2015. "Wayward Pines" (FOX) Premiere date: Thursday, May 14 at 9:00 p.m. What it's about: A secret service agent (Matt Dillon) travels to a small town to solve a mystery. What he finds out, however, is that he may never leave it alive. Why you should watch: "Wayward Pines" is directed by M. Night Shyamalan. A series of high profile box-office bombs have turned him into a convenient punching bag. Perhaps this foray into television will finally be the project that restores him to "Sixth Sense" glory. Since the show debuted, reviews have been positive. "Aquarius" (NBC) Premiere date: May 28 at 9:00 p.m. What it's about: Police officer Sam Hodiak (David Duchovny) goes deep undercover to track Charles Manson and his family. Why you should watch: With "The Jinx," "Serial," and "Thought Crimes," America's recent fasciation with true crime is far from over. Now, the infamous (yet endlessly fascinating) legend of the Manson family gets its own hour. Just like "Hannibal," "Aquarius" looks as far from a network show as possible, which might be why we are so excited for NBC's latest drama. "Halt and Catch Fire" (AMC) Premiere date: Sunday, May 31 at 10:00 p.m. What it's about: This drama set in the early 1980s traces the beginnings of the home computer. Why you should watch: The show received mostly positive reviews in its first season. But with some tense-looking commercials and some cool posters, it looks like AMC is now putting a lot of energy behind this show. Perhaps they are looking for a new period piece to fill the huge, nearly impossible to fill gap left by "Mad Men" in the network's schedule. See the rest of the story at Business Insider  | ||
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Everything you need to know about the hottest stock on the market (SHAK) | ||
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Shake Shack's performance has been stunning. The casual fast food chain closed up 3.3% at $92.86 per share on Friday. That was the sixth straight day of gains, and the longest such streak since its January 30 public market debut. This month, shares of the burger chain are up 35%, and the company has a market cap of $3.2 billion. In the first quarter, the company's earnings crushed expectations. Revenue rose 56.3% from the previous year to $37.8 million, while earnings per share doubled from the year-ago period. In a note after the earnings, Stifel analysts said the quarter was "a historically impressive 'beat and raise.'" That phrase is analyst-speak for a quarter in which a company beats forecasts, and provides an outlook that is also above expectations. In that note, the analysts said Shake Shack has the industry's "best company/concept story." Separately, CNBC's Jim Cramer called the company a "Tesla for burgers." Probably most impressive in the quarter was the growth in same-store sales, or 'same-Shack sales,' as the company calls them, which jumped 11.7%, versus Wall Street's expectations for a 5.1% increase. And the stock has taken off. But has it gone too far? This week, we got a reminder of what one Shack is worth. It is a lot. Here's the chart that compares the chain to its big competitors, posted on StockTwits.
Also this week, we learned that Shake Shack could be testing a chicken sandwich. According to a CNBC report, a unit of the company called SSE IP filed an application to trademark the name "Chicken Shack." Shake Shack didn't confirm this specifically, only saying that it tests new products all the time. The company expects to open 10 new local company-operated Shacks this year, and at least five international licensed restaurants in the UK and Middle East. It re-opened the flagship Madison Square Park Shack on Wednesday.
SEE ALSO: 11 Reasons People Are Obsessed With Shake Shack Join the conversation about this story » NOW WATCH: Here's what happened when I ordered Shake Shack's secret menu burger  | ||
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