Tech Brew Ride Home Mon. 10/12 – Nest’s New Smart Thermostat Ditches the Rotating Dial
Oct 12, 2020
Google’s Nest thermostat is embracing a new touch-sensitive design, moving away from its classic dial. Meanwhile, regulators may target Google's Chrome as part of antitrust actions. A major botnet, TrickBot, was taken down to protect election security, while misinformation on social media sees an alarming increase. Quibi continues to flounder in its quest for buyers, and Twilio is making strategic moves by acquiring Segment for $3.2 billion. Caterpillar accelerates the development of autonomous construction machinery, showcasing tech's adaptability during the pandemic.
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Nest Thermostat Simplifies
- Google's Nest Thermostat ditched its rotating dial for a touch-sensitive strip to simplify design and lower costs.
- This new Nest Thermostat also lacks the learning function of previous models, relying on user-programmed timers.
Google Antitrust Concerns
- Regulators consider forcing Google to sell Chrome and parts of its ads business due to antitrust concerns.
- Critics argue this action misunderstands Google's dominance, stemming from search algorithms and tracking, not the browser itself.
TrickBot Takedown
- Microsoft and other tech companies took down the TrickBot botnet, disrupting a malware operation that infected over a million devices.
- TrickBot was used to spread ransomware and malicious emails, potentially impacting the U.S. election.