Apple’s virtual WWDC keynote is under way right now. The company
unveiled iOS 14 with widgets, picture-in-picture and other features, as well as
new support for group threads in Messages. The company is
expected to announce a shift to ARM processors in its Mac lineup, and we’re watching for HomePod updates as potential competition with Amazon Echo. Check back with GeekWire for updates soon.
Seattle-area COVID-19 cases spike: More than 400 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Seattle and King County in the past week, up nearly 70% from the week before. It’s the first weekly increase since early April, but still well below the totals at that point. The jump in cases coincides with an overall increase in testing capacity, and a decline in hospitalizations and deaths.
Read more.
Microsoft acquires CyberX: Founded by former members of the Israeli Defense Forces’ elite cyber unit, CyberX helps companies protect their IoT devices and networks. Microsoft will use the deal
to enhance its Azure IoT security product.
Robotic bees: Washington State University researchers are leading a team that’s exploring the use of robotic pollinators to assist fruit farmers. The project just
received a three-year grant totaling nearly $1 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Nintendo pulls back mobile plans: The video game giant is struggling to meet ambitious goals for the smartphone game market,
Bloomberg reports.
“Being fully present with everything makes for a richer experience.” That’s one piece of advice from Karen Clark Cole, CEO of longtime Seattle UX company Blink. She discusses leadership challenges, Blink’s diversity and inclusion efforts, and her best tips for managing everyday work and life
in our latest Working Geek profile.
Cool Pride-related feature: Tap and hold the in-app header on Microsoft’s OneDrive app
to activate rainbow hot air balloons.
Thanks for reading, and see a full list of our latest headlines below. —
GeekWire editor Todd Bishop, todd@geekwire.com, and managing editor Taylor Soper, taylor@geekwire.com.