GeekWire

Google announced a bunch of new hardware today, including the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, a Pixelbook laptop, two new smarthome devices and a tiny, AI-fueled camera. We break down all the news and see where the devices stack up in the pre-holiday device lineup of smartphones, smart speakers and more. Follow all our tech coverage at GeekWire.com and subscribe to our live behind-the-scenes videos on GearLive, youtube.com/gearlive Thank you to this week's sponsors: Winshuttle, the SAP data management experts — learn more at Winshuttle.com; Hughes Marino, the commercial real estate company now expanding to Seattle — learn more at hughesmarino.com; and Kinects, Seattle’s iconic new high-rise apartment tower — learn more at kinectstower.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Essential Phone was hyped as a breakout new Android device, without the bells and whistles of competitors. As it turns out, those bells and whistles were pretty important for Aaron Bird, a Seattle entrepreneur who bought the phone. Learn what Aaron thought and why he's giving the phone up on this episode of the GeekWire Podcast. Follow all our tech coverage at GeekWire.com Thank you to this week's sponsors: Winshuttle, the SAP data management experts — learn more at Winshuttle.com; Hughes Marino, the commercial real estate company now expanding to Seattle — learn more at hughesmarino.com; and Kinects, Seattle’s iconic new high-rise apartment tower — learn more at kinectstower.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We all love pop culture artifacts: the guitar used by a favorite artist or costumes from a blockbuster sci-fi series. Melinda Simms and Brooks Peck have the undeniably awesome job of preserving and displaying those artifacts. We go behind the scenes of Seattle's Museum of Pop Culture with Simms and Peck on this episode of the GeekWire Podcast. Follow all our coverage and see more on geek culture at GeekWire.com Thank you to this week's sponsors: The University of Washington Human Centered Design and Engineering department -- learn more at hcde.washington.edu; Hughes Marino, the commercial real estate company now expanding to Seattle -- learn more at hughesmarino.com; and Kinects, Seattle’s iconic new high-rise apartment tower -- learn more at kinectstower.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella gives the public a peek inside his life and his role at the company in his new book, Reply All. So what did it teach us about Microsoft and where the company is heading? Plus, we recount our scouting mission to Microsoft's secretive office in the small town of Silverdale, Wash., and Bill Gates' comments this week on the state of foreign aid, global health and skepticism towards science. Plus, Twitter gives us twice as much tweet. Follow all our coverage and read the stories we talked about this week at GeekWire.com Thank you to this week's sponsors: The University of Washington Human Centered Design and Engineering department -- learn more at hcde.washington.edu; Hughes Marino, the commercial real estate company now expanding to Seattle -- learn more at hughesmarino.com; and Kinects, Seattle’s iconic new high-rise apartment tower -- learn more at kinectstower.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yes -- several, in fact! In a classic surprise move, Amazon announced half-dozen new Echo devices on Wednesday. Some of them seem useful, inexpensive and impressively designed, but some just seem silly. We break it all down on this episode of Geared Up. Follow all our tech coverage at GeekWire.com and subscribe to our live behind-the-scenes videos on GearLive, youtube.com/gearlive Thank you to this week's sponsors: The University of Washington Human Centered Design and Engineering department -- learn more at hcde.washington.edu; Hughes Marino, the commercial real estate company now expanding to Seattle -- learn more at hughesmarino.com; and Kinects, Seattle’s iconic new high-rise apartment tower -- learn more at kinectstower.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Personal data used to be something we could control easily -- but now digital services, websites and even the government are collecting our personal data at an unprecedented rate. How can we protect it? And what rules should be in place to keep personal data private? We discuss with Washington State Chief Privacy Officer Alex Alben on this episode of the GeekWire podcast. Follow all our tech coverage, including coverage of privacy and cybersecurity, at GeekWire.com Thank you to this week's sponsors: The University of Washington Human Centered Design and Engineering department -- learn more at hcde.washington.edu; Hughes Marino, the commercial real estate company now expanding to Seattle -- learn more at hughesmarino.com; and Kinects, Seattle’s iconic new high-rise apartment tower -- learn more at kinectstower.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What’s the best way to beat the nightmarish traffic in Seattle? We decided to find out. GeekWire reporters raced a car, ride shares, a bike, a high-tech skateboard and the good old bus system to find the most effective way through rush-hour traffic, and share our take-aways on this episode of the Week In Geek. Also on this episode: A new biotech HQ built to destroy cancer, the Seattle Sounders ditch Ticketmaster, and Microsoft opens a mysterious office in a town outside Seattle. Follow all our coverage and read the stories we talked about this week at GeekWire.com Thank you to this week's sponsors: The University of Washington Human Centered Design and Engineering department -- learn more at hcde.washington.edu; Hughes Marino, the commercial real estate company now expanding to Seattle -- learn more at hughesmarino.com; and Kinects, Seattle’s iconic new high-rise apartment tower -- learn more at kinectstower.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nest, a Google-owned smart device company, announced tons of new products this week and when you put them all together, you can make a smart home security system. Plus, Google’s weird $1 billion deal with HTC, a new lamp that comes with Alexa inside and upset over the new Apple Watch 3. Follow all our tech coverage at GeekWire.com and subscribe to our live behind-the-scenes videos on GearLive, youtube.com/gearlive Thank you to this week's sponsors: The University of Washington Human Centered Design and Engineering department -- learn more at hcde.washington.edu; Hughes Marino, the commercial real estate company now expanding to Seattle -- learn more at hughesmarino.com; and Kinects, Seattle’s iconic new high-rise apartment tower -- learn more at kinectstower.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Want to know something about anything? Follow the money, and see where it goes. That's what we do on this episode of the GeekWire podcast with Pitchbook founder and CEO John Gabbert, who is elbow-deep in the finances that fuel the tech world. We'll dive into venture funding, unicorns, IPOs and much more. Read more and follow all our tech coverage at GeekWire.com Thank you to this week's sponsors: The University of Washington Human Centered Design and Engineering department -- learn more at hcde.washington.edu; Hughes Marino, the commercial real estate company now expanding to Seattle -- learn more at hughesmarino.com; and Kinects, Seattle’s iconic new high-rise apartment tower -- learn more at kinectstower.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amazon's "one-click patent" is about to expire -- it's a classic example of why the U.S. patenting process doesn't mesh with tech. We discuss on this episode of the Week In Geek. Plus: What we know so far about the huge Equifax hack, Seattle's proposed Air BnB tax and we dive into the world of Kubernetes, the hottest thing in cloud tech. Follow all our coverage and read the stories we talked about this week at GeekWire.com Thank you to this week's sponsors: The University of Washington Human Centered Design and Engineering department. Learn more: www.hcde.washington.edu; and Hughes Marino, the commercial real estate company now expanding to Seattle. Learn more: hughesmarino.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Tony Blau saw a big problem with cancer treatment: we can’t make sense of all the data we can gather. So he founded a startup that connects experts, doctors and patients to sort through their data and build an ever-smarter cancer database. We speak with Blau on this episode of GeekWire’s Health Tech podcast. For more Health Tech stories visit GeekWire.com/healthtech. Thank you to our sponsor, Providence St. Joseph Health’s Digital and Innovation Group. Follow them at twitter.com/provinnovationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two years ago, the University of Washington and China's premier tech school, Tsinghua University, announced a first-of-its kind project: The Global Innovation Exchange. It's an innovative new approach to teaching entrepreneurship and it's approaching its official launch. On this episode of the GeekWire podcast, we speak with GIX Co-Director and UW's VP of innovation strategy Vikram Jandhyala about the new project and how it's setting out to disrupt the innovation economy. Follow all our coverage and learn more about GIX at GeekWire.com Thank you to this week's sponsors: The University of Washington Human Centered Design and Engineering department. Learn more: www.hcde.washington.edu; and Hughes Marino, the commercial real estate company now expanding to Seattle. Learn more: hughesmarino.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apple *finally* revealed its new iPhone lineup, after what feels like a year of hype, leaks and rumors. It's premium device: The iPhone X (as in the roman numeral ten, not the letter "x"). We geek out on all the new tech packed into the phone and break down what sets it apart from the iPhone 8 and 8 plus, also announced today. Plus, a new Apple Watch and upgrades to Apple TV. Follow all our tech coverage at GeekWire.com and subscribe to our live behind-the-scenes videos on GearLive, youtube.com/gearlive Thank you to this week's sponsors: The University of Washington Human Centered Design and Engineering department. Learn more: www.hcde.washington.edu; and Hughes Marino, the commercial real estate company now expanding to Seattle. Learn more: hughesmarino.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amazon surprised everyone Thursday morning when it announced it is looking to build a second headquarters in a city in North America. The news has big implications for Seattle, Amazon’s home, as well as cities around the country that are already lining up to woo the tech giant. We break down the news, what it means for Seattle and where we think Amazon will go next on this episode. Follow all our coverage and read the stories we talked about this week at GeekWire.com Thank you to this week's sponsors: The University of Washington Human Centered Design and Engineering department. Learn more: www.hcde.washington.edu; and Hughes Marino, the commercial real estate company now expanding to Seattle. Learn more: hughesmarino.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amazon made a surprise announcement Thursday morning: The tech giant is seeking a new city to build a second headquarters that will cost roughly $5 billion and employ 50,000 people. GeekWire editor John Cook joined KIRO's Seattle Morning News to discuss the announcement, what it means for Seattle and where the second headquarters could go. We'll do an in-depth analysis of the news on our Week In Geek podcast on Friday, and also read our coverage of the news at GeekWire.com Thank you to this week's sponsors: The University of Washington Human Centered Design and Engineering department. Learn more: www.hcde.washington.edu; and Hughes Marino, the commercial real estate company now expanding to Seattle. Learn more: hughesmarino.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ina Fried is a veteran tech journalist, having served stints at outlets including Re/code, CNET and All Things Digital. She's now the chief technology correspondent for a new news organization, Axios. On this episode of the GeekWire podcast, we sit down with Ina to discuss the future of tech, the divide between Seattle and Silicon Valley and how journalism is adapting to a new digital landscape. Follow all our coverage and analysis of the tech world at GeekWire.com Thank you to this week's sponsors: The University of Washington Human Centered Design and Engineering department. Learn more: www.hcde.washington.edu; and Hughes Marino, the commercial real estate company now expanding to Seattle. Learn more: hughesmarino.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When we think of old-school science fiction, novels about aliens and ray guns are top of mind. But these days, what counts as SciFi is rapidly changing. From more diverse creators to mediums including video games, there's more SciFi around now than ever before. On this episode of our special SciFi and arts series, we hear from noted author and president of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America Cat Rambo about the state of science fiction. Follow all our coverage and see more on geek culture at GeekWire.com Thank you to this week's sponsors: The University of Washington's Human Centered Design and Engineering department. Learn more: www.hcde.washington.edu; and Hughes Marino, the commercial real estate company now expanding to Seattle. Learn more: hughesmarino.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Surprise! Uber's new CEO is none other than GeekWire regular Dara Khosrowshahi. He's well known in Seattle as the longtime CEO of Expedia, and on this episode we talk about how he'll fit in at the embattled ride-hailing company he now leads. Plus, major steps in the fight against cancer, an inspiring bike ride and the mess of Seattle's sloppy intersections. Follow all our coverage and read the stories we talked about this week at GeekWire.com Thank you to this week's sponsors: The University of Washington Human Centered Design and Engineering department. Learn more: www.hcde.washington.edu; and Hughes Marino, the commercial real estate company now expanding to Seattle. Learn more: hughesmarino.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amazon and Microsoft announced a surprise partnership this week: their smart assistants Alexa and Cortana are now buddies and can call on each other to do tasks. Plus, we test out Alexa’s latest trick: multi-room audio. We also hear the sordid tale of Kanoa earbuds and the unwitting role Andru played in the fallout of the company closing. Follow all our tech coverage at GeekWire.com and subscribe to our live behind-the-scenes videos on GearLive, youtube.com/gearlive Thank you to this week's sponsors: The University of Washington Human Centered Design and Engineering department. Learn more: www.hcde.washington.edu; and Hughes Marino, the commercial real estate company now expanding to Seattle. Learn more: hughesmarino.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s official: Amazon closed its acquisition of Whole Foods Monday and immediately rolled out big price cuts at the traditionally pricy grocery retailer. We tell you what we saw in Whole Foods stores Monday and just how much the changes will impact your wallet on this special episode of the GeekWire Podcast. Follow all our coverage of Amazon and other tech at GeekWire.com Thank you to this week's sponsors: The University of Washington Human Centered Design and Engineering department. Learn more: www.hcde.washington.edu; and Hughes Marino, the commercial real estate company now expanding to Seattle. Learn more: hughesmarino.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode, we have some fun — and a fierce debate about burgers. Join the GeekWire crew for our watercooler segment, the Random Channel, a regular feature on our Week In Geek podcast. If you like it, let us know at [email protected] and listen to the Week In Geek every Friday for more. Thank you to this week's sponsors: The University of Washington Human Centered Design and Engineering department. Learn more: www.hcde.washington.edu; and Hughes Marino, the commercial real estate company now expanding to Seattle. Learn more: hughesmarino.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amazon’s acquisition of Whole Foods will close Monday, and the tech giant has promised to immediately start slashing prices. Meanwhile, back on the ranch, Google and Walmart are teaming up to take on Amazon’s new grocery presence. So who will come out ahead in the great grocery race? Plus, a study on how we use apps and a report on Seattle’s latest bike sharing service, Ofo. Follow all our coverage and read the stories we talked about this week at GeekWire.com Thank you to this week's sponsors: The University of Washington Human Centered Design and Engineering department. Learn more: www.hcde.washington.edu; and Hughes Marino, the commercial real estate company now expanding to Seattle. Learn more: hughesmarino.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Samsung unveiled its newest Galaxy Note phone in New York this week. Geared Up co-host Andru Edwards was at the event and phones in to give us his impression of the high-end device -- spoiler alert: it's packed with a TON of cool tech. Follow all our tech coverage at GeekWire.com and subscribe to our live behind-the-scenes videos on GearLive, youtube.com/gearlive Thank you to this week's sponsors: The University of Washington's Human Centered Design and Engineering department. Learn more: www.hcde.washington.edu; and Hughes Marino, the commercial real estate company now expanding to Seattle. Learn more: hughesmarino.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some of the top films, TV shows and books today are what was once called “genre fiction,” like sci-fi and fantasy. So is it a golden age for the geeky arts? Or is this mainstream-ization of geek culture more ominous? We explore that question with renowned sci-fi author Gret Bear in the first episode of our special pop-culture podcast series, hosted by Frank Catalano. Follow all our coverage and see more on Geek Culture at GeekWire.com Thank you to this week's sponsors: The University of Washington's Human Centered Design and Engineering department. Learn more: www.hcde.washington.edu; and Hughes Marino, the commercial real estate company now expanding to Seattle. Learn more: hughesmarino.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some tech is too smart for its own good. On this episode of The Week In Geek: an AI bot that can beat some of the best gamers in the world and how hackers could use smart devices to spy on us. Plus, tech that replaces medical equipment and disrupts dozens of industries. Follow all our coverage and read the stories we talked about this week at GeekWire.com Thank you to this week's sponsors: The University of Washington's Human Centered Design and Engineering department. Learn more: www.hcde.washington.edu; and Hughes Marino, the commercial real estate company now expanding to Seattle. Learn more: hughesmarino.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On August 21, the mainland United States will see its first total solar eclipse in 38 years. We talk with GeekWire Space and Science editor Alan Boyle about the importance of the eclipse, the science behind it and how you can make the most of it in this GeekWire podcast special. Follow all of Alan’s eclipse coverage at geekwire.com/space Thank you to this week's sponsors: The University of Washington's Human Centered Design and Engineering department. Learn more: www.hcde.washington.edu; and Hughes Marino, the commercial real estate company now expanding to Seattle. Learn more: hughesmarino.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apple accidentally leaked tons of information on the next iPhone this week. So what do we know about the much anticipated smartphone? Plus, we review the T-Mobile Revvl, a $125 smartphone that stands up to the likes of the iPhone 6. Follow all our tech coverage at GeekWire.com and subscribe to our live behind-the-scenes videos on GearLive, youtube.com/gearlive Thank you to this week's sponsors: The University of Washington's Human Centered Design and Engineering department. Learn more: www.hcde.washington.edu; and Hughes Marino, the commercial real estate company now expanding to Seattle. Learn more: hughesmarino.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Everyone has an opinion on healthcare and think they know the one thing that will “solve” the system. Tech companies and innovators are no different -- but many who jump into healthcare find it’s not as straightforward as they thought. On this episode of Health Tech, we speak with Aaron Martin, a former VP at Amazon who is now bringing innovation into healthcare as an executive and tech leader at Providence St. Joseph Health. We get his take on the role and the common pitfalls of tech in health, and how innovators can have a real impact in the system. Providence St. Joseph Health’s Digital and Innovation Group sponsors this inaugural season of our Health Tech podcast and this episode was recorded live at Providence headquarters in Seattle. Follow them at twitter.com/provinnovationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Disney and Facebook are taking on Netflix with their own TV streaming services. We get a glimpse inside The International, the giant e-sports tournament held in Seattle. And we talk *at length* about our favorite burgers. All that and more on this episode of the Week In Geek. Follow all our coverage and read the stories we talked about this week at GeekWire.com Thank you to this week's sponsors: The University of Washington's Human Centered Design and Engineering department. Learn more: www.hcde.washington.edu; and Hughes Marino, the commercial real estate company now expanding to Seattle. Learn more: hughesmarino.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tech companies doesn’t always get along well with politicians — or with each other, for that matter. It’s Michael Schutzler’s job to be the go-between, bringing together a huge range of Washington tech companies and politicians to make sure the industry can thrive. We dive into issues like paid family medical leave, immigration and the state of Washington’s tech in this episode of the GeekWire podcast. Follow all our tech coverage at GeekWire.com Thank you to this week's sponsors: The University of Washington's Human Centered Design and Engineering department. Learn more: www.hcde.washington.edu; and Hughes Marino, the commercial real estate company now expanding to Seattle. Learn more: hughesmarino.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Think you know your tech trivia? We’ll put it to the test on this short-but-sweet episode of Geared Up. Listen for a chance to win an Echo Show, the first Alexa-powered device with a touchscreen, as well as a chance to make a virtual guest appearance on a future episode of Geared Up. Follow all our tech coverage at GeekWire.com and subscribe to our live behind-the-scenes videos on GearLive, youtube.com/gearlive Thank you to this week’s sponsors: The University of Washington’s Human Centered Design and Engineering department. Learn more about them at: www.hcde.washington.edu/ Hughes Marino, the commercial real estate company now expanding to Seattle. Learn more about them at: hughesmarino.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Microsoft changed its vision statement this week to focus on artificial intelligence. It’s a big strategic shift for the tech giant -- will it pay off? Plus, scientists discover a cell that causes allergies and the tech community reacts to proposed cuts to legal immigration. Follow all our coverage and read the stories we talked about this week at GeekWire.com Thank you to this week’s sponsors: The University of Washington’s Human Centered Design and Engineering department. Learn more about them at: www.hcde.washington.edu/ Hughes Marino, the commercial real estate company now expanding to Seattle. Learn more about them at: hughesmarino.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Smart home tech is giving us more control than ever over the places we live, from AI-fueled thermostats to voice-controlled lighting. In this special episode of Geared Up, we get into some of the cool gadgets and platforms making it all happen, and give you tips for building your smart home from the ground up. Follow all our tech coverage at GeekWire.com and subscribe to our live behind-the-scenes videos on GearLive, youtube.com/gearlive Thank you to this week’s sponsors: The University of Washington’s Human Centered Design and Engineering department. Learn more about them at: www.hcde.washington.edu/ Hughes Marino, the commercial real estate company now expanding to Seattle. Learn more about them at: hughesmarino.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Royzen and Atul Ajoy may still be in high school, but these two developers and entrepreneurs are already well-versed in the tech industry, with strong opinions about Apple, Microsoft and the future of technology. On this episode, we hear from these teen entrepreneurs about their journey into tech and get their take on what's next. Follow all of our coverage at GeekWire.com Thank you to this week’s sponsors: The University of Washington’s Human Centered Design and Engineering department. Learn more: www.hcde.washington.edu/ Hughes Marino, the commercial real estate company now expanding to Seattle. Learn more: hughesmarino.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tech-powered real estate brokerage Redfin made its initial public offering Friday morning, becoming the first Seattle-area company to IPO this year. On this special episode of the GeekWire Podcast, we analyze Redfin as a public company and talk about its prospects in the years ahead. Thank you to this week's sponsors: The University of Washington's Human Centered Design and Engineering department. Learn more: www.hcde.washington.edu. And Hughes Marino, the commercial real estate company now expanding to Seattle. Learn more: hughesmarino.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tired of the dating scene? Exclusive dating app League is hoping so, and it’s bringing its Uber of dating to Seattle. Plus, a ride-along with Seattle Police as they enforce the new Washington state distracted driving law and what truck drivers think of startup Convoy and the emergence of automated vehicles. Follow all our coverage and read the stories we talked about this week at GeekWire.com Thank you to this week's sponsors: The University of Washington's Human Centered Design and Engineering department. Learn more: www.hcde.washington.edu. And Hughes Marino, the commercial real estate company now expanding to Seattle. Learn more: hughesmarino.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was a strange news week. Two smartphones came back from the virtual graveyard: the Galaxy Note and the Nokia smartphone. Plus, Microsoft announced it would discontinue MS Paint, before quickly resurrecting the program. We talk through it all on this ghoulish episode of Geared Up. Follow all our tech coverage at GeekWire.com and subscribe to our live behind-the-scenes videos on GearLive, youtube.com/gearlive Thank you to this week’s sponsors: The University of Washington’s Human Centered Design and Engineering department. Learn more about them at: www.hcde.washington.edu/ Hughes Marino, the commercial real estate company now expanding to Seattle. Learn more about them at: hughesmarino.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Facebook Platform fuels all sorts of technology, from the “like” button on news stories to storing your Candy Crush score. Ten years after it was launched, we sit down with Facebook's VP of Platform and Marketplace, Deb Liu, to talk about how the platform has evolved along with our digital lives. We also take a look at what's on the horizon for the next few years. Follow all our coverage at GeekWire.com Thank you to this week’s sponsors: The University of Washington’s Human Centered Design and Engineering department. Learn more about them at: www.hcde.washington.edu/ Hughes Marino, the commercial real estate company now expanding to Seattle. Learn more about them at: hughesmarino.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The smartphone is king of the world these days, and how we interact with our phones is something that thousands of mobile marketers are constantly trying to understand. On this episode of the GeekWire podcast, we bring you two interviews from mobile marketing conference Postback, put on every year by Seattle company Tune. First, we speak with Tune CEO Peter Hamilton about the state of mobile marketing and how his background as an opera singer has helped him succeed in the startup world. Then we speak with the CMO of connected device company Belkin, Kieran Hannon, about the future of e-commerce and the smart home. Special thanks to Tune for sponsoring this episode of the GeekWire podcast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We uncovered a secretive Amazon project this week: home-delivered meal cooking kits, similar to services like Blue Apron, Hello Fresh and the Paul-Allen backed Sun Basket. The company is letting Seattle Amazon Fresh member test them out, so of course we placed and order and made some dinner. Plus, Todd tries out one of the city’s new bike sharing services, Spin. Follow all our coverage and read the stories we talked about this week at GeekWire.com Thank you to this week’s sponsors: The University of Washington’s Human Centered Design and Engineering department. Learn more about them at: www.hcde.washington.edu/ Hughes Marino, the commercial real estate company now expanding to Seattle. Learn more about them at: hughesmarino.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The HTC U11 is the first phone to offer the ability to invoke Amazon's Alexa smart assistant voice assistant without the need to manually open the Alexa app. Users can just say "Alexa" at any time. We test the phone out, with mixed results, on this episode of Geared Up. Plus, the status of the impending new iPhone and we geek out over the newly announced Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge amusement park. Follow all our tech coverage at GeekWire.com and subscribe to our live behind-the-scenes videos on GearLive, youtube.com/gearlive Thank you to this week’s sponsors: The University of Washington’s Human Centered Design and Engineering department. Learn more about them at: www.hcde.washington.edu/ Hughes Marino, the commercial real estate company now expanding to Seattle. Learn more about them at: hughesmarino.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dana Lewis has Type 1 diabetes, which means her pancreas doesn't make the insulin she needs to survive. So she built a new one. Dana is the founder of the Open Source Artificial Pancreas System, a computer system that hundreds of diabetes patients now use to automatically manage their condition. We tell Dana's story on this episode of the GeekWire Health Tech Podcast. Read more about our health and technology coverage at GeekWire.com. Thank you to our sponsor, Providence St. Joseph Health’s Digital and Innovation Group. Follow them at twitter.com/provinnovation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It looks like Amazon is getting into the real estate services market, setting it up to compete with real estate tech companeis Zillow and Redfin. We discuss what the new venture could mean, and if the company will find success, on this episode of the Week In Geek. Plus, tech’s diversity problems have been on full display this week with a new initiative to make startup boards more diverse and a high-profile resignation over allegations of sexual harassment. Follow all our coverage and read the stories we talked about this week at GeekWire.com Thank you to this week’s sponsors: The University of Washington’s Human Centered Design and Engineering department. Learn more about them at: www.hcde.washington.edu/ Hughes Marino, the commercial real estate company now expanding to Seattle. Learn more about them at: hughesmarino.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Day has become the biggest single sale on the internet, but are the savings really worth the hype? Andru runs down all the deals he found, but Todd is still skeptical. Plus, we have a lot of fun with Microsoft’s new Seeing AI app that identifies people and reads text, and share some fun summer tech support stories. All that and more on this episode of Geared UP. Follow all our tech coverage at GeekWire.com and subscribe to our live behind-the-scenes videos on GearLive, youtube.com/gearlive Thank you to this week’s sponsors: The University of Washington’s Human Centered Design and Engineering department. Learn more about them at: www.hcde.washington.edu/ Hughes Marino, the commercial real estate company now expanding to Seattle. Learn more about them at: hughesmarino.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Microsoft confirmed rumors this week that it will lay off thousands of employees in a reorganization of its sales group. The goal: Support the company's Azure cloud computing group better. Plus, Redfin announces it will file for an IPO, possibly becoming the first Pacific Northwest company to go public in 2017. Plus, Seattle okays a new bike sharing program, so hold onto your helmets. Follow all our coverage and read the stories we talked about this week at GeekWire.com Thank you to this week’s sponsors: The University of Washington’s Human Centered Design and Engineering department. Learn more about them at: www.hcde.washington.edu/ Hughes Marino, the commercial real estate company now expanding to Seattle. Learn more about them at: hughesmarino.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2017 is halfway done, and this week on Geared Up we’re counting down our favorite gadgets and services from the first half of the year. Find out how to keep your kids safe on the internet, create a virtual phone and make grocery shopping a breeze. Plus, we take a look at the new tech we’re looking forward to for the remainder of the year, including the iPhone 8 and the Xbox One X. Follow all our tech coverage at GeekWire.com and subscribe to our live behind-the-scenes videos on GearLive, youtube.com/gearlive Thank you to this week’s sponsors: The University of Washington’s Human Centered Design and Engineering department. Learn more about them at: www.hcde.washington.edu/ Hughes Marino, the commercial real estate company now expanding to Seattle. Learn more about them at: hughesmarino.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Seattle Mariners aren’t known for being a top baseball team, but the team’s new General Manager Jerry Dipoto is aiming to turn that around. Dipoto spoke with Root Sports reporter Jen Mueller about how the team is using the latest in sports tech and science to give them an edge at the recent GeekWire Sports Tech Summit, and we’re sharing their full conversation on this episode of the GeekWire podcast. See more from the Sports Tech Summit and more of our sports tech coverage at geekwire.com/sports Thank you to this week’s sponsors: The University of Washington’s Human Centered Design and Engineering department. Learn more about them at: www.hcde.washington.edu/ Hughes Marino, the commercial real estate company now expanding to Seattle. Learn more about them at: hughesmarino.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You don’t see — or hear — many supersonic jets these days. That’s because they’ve been banned in most cases for over 40 years, but this week, NASA Oked a plan for a super-quiet supersonic jet. Plus, it was a dramatic week for Zillow as it took on popular architecture blog McMansion Hell over its use of copyrighted images. All that and more on this episode of the Week In Geek. Follow all our coverage and read the stories we talked about this week at GeekWire.com Thank you to this week’s sponsors: The University of Washington’s Human Centered Design and Engineering department. Learn more about them at: www.hcde.washington.edu/ Hughes Marino, the commercial real estate company now expanding to Seattle. Learn more about them at: hughesmarino.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amazon is making yet another foray into the smart home with the Echo Show, its first touch-screen Alexa device. We get our hands on one of the first Shows to ship and try it out on this episode of Geared Up. Plus, Todd’s impressions after using the new Microsoft Surface Laptop for a week and a few hacks to make the most of your MacBook Pro. Follow all our tech coverage at GeekWire.com and subscribe to our live behind-the-scenes videos on GearLive, youtube.com/gearlive Thank you to this week’s sponsors: The University of Washington’s Human Centered Design and Engineering department. Learn more about them at: www.hcde.washington.edu/ Hughes Marino, the commercial real estate company now expanding to Seattle. Learn more about them at: hughesmarino.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apps can be addictive — but can they also help us kick harmful addictions? On this episode of GeekWire’s Health Tech podcast, we talk to two psychologists who are developing apps to help people quit smoking. Their journey from medical school to the tech world shows how technologies can push the boundaries of health. Follow all our coverage of health and healthcare technology at GeekWire.com Thank you to our sponsor, Providence St. Joseph Health’s Digital and Innovation Group. Follow them at twitter.com/provinnovation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.