We cover the Minnesota tech stories of the week including disappointing earnings from both Target and Best Buy over the holiday period. Can they compete with Amazon and other online sources? We have a few ideas. Later we discuss the Amazon S3 outage, Uber’s use of tech to evade law enforcement and Google’s rapid rise in the education market at the expense of Apple.

Hosts: Tim Elliott, Phil Wilson and Julio Ojeda-Zapata (Steve Borsch is off this week)
Music: Ring of Fire by Window Shop for Love under a CC by 4.0 License

The Podcast

Podcast: Download (Duration: 57:25 — 33.3MB)

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Past Week’s Top Minnesota Stories

• Product Recalls, Shortages Hurt Best Buy During The Holiday Period
• Best Buy grew web sales faster than Amazon and Wal-Mart last year
• Target Unveils $7B Makeover Plan After Weak Q4
• Fledgling Minneapolis tech VC stops making investments
• Macchina: The Ultimate Tool for Taking Control of Your Car!
• Code 42 moves to 100 Washington

Other Top Tech Stories

• Amazon AWS goes down; the internet freaks out:
  • AWS is investigating S3 issues, affecting Quora, Slack, Trello (updated)
  • Amazon explains big AWS outage, says employee error took servers offline, promises changes
• How Uber Used Secret Greyball Tool to Deceive Authorities Worldwide
• Nokia is back from the dead with a trio of pure Android phones
• Google Assistant, its AI-based personal helper, rolls out to Nougat and Marshmallow handsets
• YouTube, the world’s biggest video site, wants to sell you TV for $35 a month
• IDC: Wearables grew 16.9% in Q4 2016, Fitbit still first but Xiaomi is gaining

Gang Mentality: Can Apple compete with Google’s rise in the education market?

• Apple’s Devices Lose Luster in American Classrooms

Cool Thing of the Week

• Phil: How to breach a classified network not connected to the internet.
• Tim: Raspberry Pi Zero W
• Julio: New Apple Watch Stand Looks Like the 128K Mac

Upcoming Events

• • The Complete List of 280+ Tech, IT, and DevOps Conferences in 2017
    • The list as a Google spreadsheet
  • Mobile Twin Cities, March 14th, BuzzFeed Offices.
  • Midwest PHP 2017, March 17-18, Radisson Blu Mall of America
  • Enterprise Rising Conference, March 30th
    • Use the code Minnov82017 for 21% off your admission
  • IoTFuse Conference 2017, April 21st, Mpls Conv Ctr
  • New! Overnight Website Challenge, April 22-23, 2017, CoCo Minneapolis

This week we interview Katie Jones from Atique to learn more about their combination of vintage jewelry and virtual reality. We also run-down the week’s tech news including Julio’s picks for Minnesota-made holiday tech gifts, A Klingon Christmas Carol and why everyone should have a Ring doorbell.

Hosts: Tim Elliott, Phil Wilson and Julio Ojeda-Zapata (Steve Borsch is off this week)
Music: Wings by Nicolai Heidlas under a CC by 4.0 License

The Podcast

Podcast: Download (Duration: 47:48 — 27.7MB)

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Past Week’s Top Minnesota Stories

• Shop for tech gifts that just happen to be very, very Minnesotan
• ‘Star Trek’ aliens return in Mounds’ ‘Klingon Christmas Carol’
• Piper Jaffray’s top Apple analyst Munster leaving to start VC fund
• Iowa disputes $1.6 million in charges from troubled software vendor
• Medtronic teams up with Fitbit on diabetes-tracking app
• Minneapolis man helplessly watches from Hawaii as parcels taken off doorstep 
• Want to catch a package thief? Here’s the latest tech
• Package thieves swarm local porches — and residents fight back
• Don’t live in fear of porch pirates. Here are tips to protect yourself.

This Week’s Guest

• Katie Jones from Atique
  • Jeweler R.F. Moeller spins out antique jewelry e-commerce startup
  • Virtual Reality: The Next Frontier in Jewelry and Watch Marketing

Other Top Tech Stories

• The Gadget Apocalypse Is Upon Us
• Fitbit kills the dream:
  • Fitbit formally announces that it is buying smartwatch maker Pebble
  • Fitbit’s Pebble acquisition risks alienating loyal users

Cool Thing of the Week

• Phil: Side Curtain Airbags 
• Tim: Plume’s pint-sized Wi-Fi pods are now available
• Julio: Google Pixel and Daydream VR 

Upcoming Events

• The Complete List of 250+ Tech, IT, and DevOps Conferences in 2016
  • The list as a Google spreadsheet
  • 32 conferences for Mac and iOS professionals in 2016
• 1 Million Cups – St. Paul: Weekly at the James J Hill Ctr
• TIES 2016: Dec 10th – 13th, Minneapolis
• IoTFuse.monthly Meetup – Dec 15th, TBA
• Gamer’s Rhapsody 2016, Nov. 18th, Bloomington
• MinneHack, January 28-29, 2017
• DevFestMN 2017 – Google Developer Event, Feb 4th, UST Mpls campus

During our rundown of the latest in Minnesota tech stories we learn about the latest from PetChatz, who stream DOGTV on their videophone. Who knew dogs have their own cable channel? We also get updates from CoCo, SecretValet, CodeWeavers and more!

Hosts: Tim Elliott, Phil Wilson and Julio Ojeda-Zapata (Steve Borsch is off this week)
Music: Guude Boulderfist Acoustic Rendition by rdriftwood under a CC by 3.0 License

The Podcast

Podcast: Download (Duration: 48:27 — 28.0MB)

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Past Week’s Top Minnesota Stories

• CoCo plans big expansion for Minneapolis space
• Minnesota High Tech Association announces Tekne Award finalists
• Couple’s company creates digital vaults for families’ secret data
• Run Windows apps on Android gear, thanks to St. Paul firm
• Schafer: One20 thinks its free app can help truckers
• Minneapolis company to offer streaming TV for dogs
• Move to Silicon Valley? Not a chance, says local startup
• Sioux Chef’s indigenous restaurant beats Kickstarter goal

Other Top Tech Stories

• Apple Watch Series 2 review: work it out
• Amazon’s Fire HD 8 gets upgraded with better specs and Alexa, for $90
• Amazon is doubling down on retail stores with plans to have up to 100 pop-up stores in US shopping malls

Cool Thing of the Week

• Phil: Amazon Dot… just 50 bucks!
• Tim: Toasteroid- First APP Controlled Smart Image Toaster
• Julio: Backlit Keyboard Case with Apple Pencil holder and Smart Connector for iPad Pro 9.7 inch

Upcoming Events

• The Complete List of 250+ Tech, IT, and DevOps Conferences in 2016
  • The list as a Google spreadsheet
  • 32 conferences for Mac and iOS professionals in 2016
• Startup Week, September 19-25
• DocuMNtary Film Release – Sept 22nd, 7pm, McNamara Alumni Ctr, U of MN
• MinneDemo24 during TC Startup Week, Sept 21st, Riverview Theater
• MN Developer’s Conference, Sept 27th, Earle Brown Ctr
• U of MN’s Cyber Security Summit 2016, JWMarriott (MOA), October 11-12
• Minnesota Venture Conference, Oct 13th, Mpls Cnv Ctr
• Converted 2016 by Leadpages, Oct 18th, Depot Renaissance Hotel, Mpls
• Gamer’s Rhapsody 2016, Nov 18th, Bloomington

Guest host and ‘Pioneer Press Pokémon Go correspondent’ Julio Ojeda-Zapata joins us to discuss the tech at US Bank Stadium, SportsEngine’s latest acquisition, Amazon’s good week, and much more.

Hosts: Tim Elliott, Phil Wilson, and Julio Ojeda-Zapata. (Steve Borsch is off this week)

Music: ‘Scared And Alone’ by Day of the Dead via Soundcloud. Released under Creative Commons.

The Podcast

Podcast: Download (Duration: 51:26 — 29.8MB)

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Past Week’s Top Minnesota Stories

• U.S. Bank Stadium: Tech experience designed to entice fans
  • Tech boosts the fan experience at U.S. Bank Stadium
  • Vikings’ U.S. Bank Stadium: A 360-degree view from the field
  • Feast your eyes on U.S. Bank Stadium videos, animated GIFs
• Paulsen bill would help startups attract talent, spur innovation
  • H.R.5719 – Empowering Employees through Stock Ownership Act
• High-end co-working space to open in Woodbury
• CoCo-based, Google-spawned tech camp helps underprivileged teens
• SportsEngine vaults into the gymnastics market with its latest acquisition
• Two products (one local) to boost bicycling

Other Top Tech Stories

• Amazon’s Profit Rises By A Humble 831%
• Microsoft is laying off 2,850 more workers
• Clinton’s campaign was also hacked in breach of Democratic Party
• The Internet of Things Will Turn Large-Scale Hacks into Real World Disasters (by Bruce Schneier)
• Here’s how to watch the Olympics without cable
  • NBC is using BuzzFeed for its Olympics Snapchat
  • Comcast hopes premium services will deter “cord cutting”
  • Sling TV, a cord cutter’s delight, arrives on Apple TV

Cool Thing of the Week

Julio: Zagg Rugged Book iPad Case
Phil: Sugru
Tim: The Ticwatch 2 is a $99 Android-powered smartwatch that hit its Kickstarter goal in just 10 minutes 

Upcoming Events

• The Complete List of 250+ Tech, IT, and DevOps Conferences in 2016
  • The list as a Google spreadsheet
  • 32 conferences for Mac and iOS professionals in 2016
• Minnesota Digital Government Summit, August 2nd, St. Paul RiverCentre
• New! Amazon Minneapolis Splash Wednesday, August 10, McNamara Alumni Center
• Twin Cities Startup Week, September 19-25

When talking about GlitchCon, The Gang kicks it old school (or is it, ‘skool’?) and reminisces about MECC’s classic ‘Oregon Trail’ game. More trips down memory lane are in the show, such as a mention of our beloved Treo 650/750 smartphones, but we also review the Minnesota tech news of the week and further debrief last weeks’ Minnebar.

Hosts: Steve Borsch, Tim Elliott and Phil Wilson.

The Podcast

Podcast: Download (Duration: 35:34 — 21.1MB)

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Story Links

Past Week’s Top Minnesota Stories

• MakerBot will no longer make its own 3D printers
• Tech company FPX plans to double staff after sale
• Capella buys Hackbright Academy coding school for $18M
• Twin Cities tech entrepreneur launches new video series about tech execs

Other Top Tech Stories

• Decline in iPhone sales leads to first revenue decline in 13 years for Apple
  • Billionaire investor Carl Icahn sells entire stake in Apple
• Amazon has most profitable quarter ever, but operating costs also rose
• Google Play Music gets podcast support on Android and the Web
  • Minnov8 Gang podcast on Google Music
• Has Desktop Internet Use Peaked?

Cool Thing of the Week

• Phil: Ring Pro
• Tim: Bubble
• Steve: Logitech Keys-to-Go keyboard

Upcoming Events

• • • The Complete List of 250+ Tech, IT, and DevOps Conferences in 2016
      • The list as a Google spreadsheet
      • 32 conferences for Mac and iOS professionals in 2016
    • 2016 Minneapolis/St. Paul Mini Maker Faire, May 14, MN State Fairgrounds
    • WordCamp Minneapolis, May 21-22 2016, Humphrey Institute, Minneapolis
    • NEW: Big Data Tech 2016, Minneanalytics, June 7th, Normandale College
    • NEW: Minnesota Digital Government Summit, August 2nd, St. Paul RiverCentre

Hosts: Tim Elliott, Graeme Thickins, Phil Wilson and Julio Ojeda-Zapata (Steve Borsch is off).
Music: Take Me Higher by Jahzzar under a Creative Commons License

We run down the stories of the week with special guest host Julio Ojeda-Zapata and we all have a chuckle when the talk turns to Republican Presidential candidate Jeb Bush’s reaction to receiving a call on his Apple Watch. The Nerdery’s new CEO, Best Buy’s holiday results, Senator Franken’s letter to Google, and Julio’s summary of Minnesota companies at CES also figure in the mayhem.

The Podcast

Podcast: Download (Duration: 54:28 — 31.5MB)

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Story Links

Past Week’s Top Minnesota Stories

• Tom O’Neill named new CEO of the Nerdery
• Best Buy’s holiday web sales grow by double digits
  • Best Buy stock takes a hit with poor holiday sales report
• CES post-mortem: How Minnesota companies are feeling about the show
  • Woof! Chat for pets among local tech at Vegas electronics show
• In Letter To Google CEO, Sen. Franken Raises Questions Regarding Student Data Collection

Other Top Tech Stories

• First Click: Apple should echo Amazon with a Siri speaker
  • Smaller, cheaper Amazon Echo could be coming soon
• Apple News:
  • Apple Is Developing Wireless Earbuds For The iPhone 7, Says Report
  • Photos: With tvOS 9.2, Apple TV adds Podcasts app, Folders, Bluetooth keyboard support, new app switcher and more
  • When Will We See A New Apple Watch?
  • Avowed Apple fan Jeb Bush realizes his Apple Watch can take phone calls
  • Microsoft is bringing its excellent Windows Phone keyboard to iOS

Cool Thing of the Week

• Phil: Robot Carry-on
• Tim: Screw Those $300 Standing Desks. This Cardboard One Is $25
  • More Cardboard desks.
    • Refold
    • Kickstarter Standing Desk
• Graeme: Who says those crazy French just sit around drinking wine all day? … they design stuff, too! 
• Julio: Earhoox: The cure for loose, uncomfortable Apple earbuds (old style) or EarPods (new style). My Apple buds are not useless anymore. Kind of excited about that.

Upcoming Events

• The Complete List of 250+ Tech, IT, and DevOps Conferences in 2016
  • Only the list as a Google spreadsheet
  • 32 conferences for Mac and iOS professionals in 2016
• Club Entrepreneur-Duluth, Jan 19, 11:00-2:00, Kitchi Gammi Club
• Club Entrepreneur-St. Paul, Jan 20, 11:15-1:00, University Club
• MinneAnalytics does Marketing Analytics – again! (MAMA2), January 22, Medtronic Mounds View Campus,  (sold-out at 700+ registrations, but wait-list may get you in)
• Club Entrepreneur & Upsize Magazine, “Managing Rapid Growth,” Minneapolis Club, Jan 26, 11:00-1:00
• Mobile Twin Cities-Overcoming the Gender Gap in Mobile Tech w/Nancy Lyons. February 2
• DevFest February 6, St. Thomas
• IoT Fuse, April 22, Univ of St. Thomas-Minneapolis
• MinneWebCon U of MN McNamara Alumni Ctr April 25-26

A ton of news stories discussed this week but The Gang goes on a bit of a rant over luddite Joe Soucherays’ column involving iPads in St Paul public schools.

Hosts: Steve Borsch, Tim Elliott, Graeme Thickins, Phil Wilson and Julio Ojeda-Zapata.
Music: “My Eyes” by Uncle Seth. Brought to us by the podsafe Music Alley.

The Podcast

Podcast: Download (Duration: 1:11:03 — 40.9MB)

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Discussed During the Show

Minnesota’s Top Stories:

• Aides Rebelled After CEO Tweaked ‘Tar-zhay’ Formula 
• Target further incentivizes customers to shop online
• Joe Soucheray: An iPad for every kid is just an expensive toy for every kid
• St. Paul school board gives student iPads the go-ahead 
• CoCo expands to North Dakota
• SmartThings in Time magazine: This Startup is Trying to Create—and Control—the Internet of Your Home
• SmartThings becomes a lot more visible
• Smart Home? I’ll Keep My Dumb One for Now 
• Apple Said to Be Developing Smart Home Products for HomeKit Integration
• Should We Trust Google With Our Smart Homes?
• Software firm Sport Ngin raises $25 million in venture capital 

Last Week’s Other Big Stories:

• Supreme Court: Police need warrant to search cell phones
  • The scary part of the Supreme Court’s cellphone ruling
• Speaking of cell phones…
  • Do you keep it in your pants? Researchers warn mobile phones in pockets leads to infertility in men 
• Aereo loses copyright fight at Supreme Court
  • Aereo’s likely demise makes me sad 
  • Aereo Alternatives: Tips From a Cord Cutter 
• Google I/O Keynote announcements in a list
  • Android TV hands-on: Google makes a new play for the living room
  • Moto 360 Hands-On: This Smartwatch Will Make You Swoon
  • Google’s Chromecast to get Android mirroring, ‘Backdrop’ slideshows and casting from nearby devices
  • Google’s Redesigned Drive Focuses On Speed, Office Compatibility And Security
  • Google announces Drive for Work with unlimited storage at $10 a month
  • Google launches a new Gmail API as it outgrows IMAP
• When iPhone met world, 7 years ago today (Dan Farber, CNet)

Other Links to Topics Discussed During the Show:

• Rise of robot reporters: when software writes the news

Upcoming Events:

• INVESTyR’s Fundraising in the Digital Economy, 1st Tue of each month 3:30-4:30pm
• MinneHour (for Community Supporters and Sponsors), July 2nd
• Educelerate TC: Identifying Transformative Opportunities in EduTech, July 10th
• Mobile Twin Cities, July 14th
• MinneDemo 17, July 31st
• MinneDemo 18, September 11th
• Cyber Security Summit 2014, Oct 21st