Digital Trends Live: Apple WWDC wrap-up, Congress may investigate big tech

By Todd Werkhoven Published April 25, 2023

On this episode of Digital Trends Live, host Greg Nibler and DT Senior Writer Parker Hall provide a wrap-up of Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), including news on new hardware and the demise of iTunes.

We also dig deeper into the trending tech news of the day, including a potential U.S. Justice Department probe into Facebook, Google, Amazon, and Apple, Other topics include a request by the International Astronomical Union for the regulation of Starlink, Bird’s new moped scooter, and mud-spraying drones that could be used to build homes in disaster areas.

Later, we are joined by Dylan Elder, founder and chief executive officer of Monster Roster, a recommendation service for sports betting picks that achieved total return on investment of 347% within the past year.

Keith McMillen, founder and CEO of BeBop Sensors, discusses fabric-based sensory tech, and making wearable technology more accessible.

Finally, we welcome Scott Petry, CEO and co-founder of Authentic8, to talk about development of a cloud-based web-browsing program that may protect users from harmful malware.

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Todd Werkhoven's work can be read at numerous publications and he co-authored a personal finance book called "Zombie…

Topics

Wearables

Australia just set a horrific example for creep behavior with low-cost smartglasses

Accessories, Glasses, Adapter

We've reached the point where AI-powered smart glasses are no longer just expensive gadgets for early adopters. Now, they're cheap enough to end up in a shopping cart alongside kitchenware and school supplies. That's exactly what's happening in Australia, where Kmart's new Anko AI Camera Glasses have completely sold out across the country. Priced at just AU$89, the wearable undercuts Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses by a huge margin while offering many of the same features, including photo capture, HD video recording, AI assistance, music playback, and hands-free calling.

The rapid sellout suggests there's real interest in affordable smart glasses. But it has also reignited a conversation that refuses to go away: What happens when wearable cameras become so inexpensive that almost anyone can buy one?

Wearables

Apple’s next big health bet could be turning glasses and headsets into fitness companions.

A focus on fitness could help Apple separate its glasses from Meta’s approach

Apple Vision Pro

Apple’s long-rumored smart glasses are already running late as the company tries to avoid the privacy concerns that come from putting cameras on someone’s face. At the same time, Apple may be planning to turn them into something far more useful than a typical pair of smart glasses.

According to Bloomberg, Apple is exploring ways to turn its future glasses and Vision headsets into health and fitness companions. Their cameras and sensors could eventually track movement, analyze workouts, and help users improve how they exercise.

Wearables

The Moto Watch Ultra could revive Motorola’s premium smartwatch ambitions

A premium Motorola smartwatch with LTE and 50-metre water resistance may be in development

Wristwatch, Arm, Body Part

Motorola may be preparing to throw its hat into the premium smartwatch ring. Exclusive renders obtained by The Mac Observer reveal an unannounced wearable carrying the internal name Moto Watch Ultra, and the design looks far more ambitious than the Moto Watch launched earlier this year.

The images show a circular display surrounded by a numbered bezel, a large rotating crown, and an additional side button. Motorola also appears to be using a 46mm stainless steel case, which should give the watch a more premium finish than the aluminum frame used on the current Moto Watch. The leaked model is shown with a black leather-style strap featuring red stitching and a matching red inner lining. Its watch face displays steps, activity data, calories, time, and date.