The White House and Congress are framing a national plan to fund and support quantum research, a field that could eventually deliver enormous advances in computational power and communication.
Why it matters: These advances, though still far off, may be enough to vault a country’s industry and military far ahead of its peers and create an economic boom, experts say. By devising a plan of attack, the U.S. can hope to stay ahead of China, which has for years invested deeply in developing the technology.
Google Feed, which surfaces content on topics users' activities show they're interested in, is getting a new name, Discover, and a home on the mobile search screen directly below the search box.
Why it matters: The change, part of a set of updates to Google's search services announced on the 20th anniversary of the search engine's 1998 launch, reflects Google's deep-set faith that individual interests, rather than social trends, are the best way to serve users' informational needs.
Snapchat stock was up nearly 5% Monday after the company announced that it's testing a feature that will allow users to search for products on Amazon by using Snapchat's camera.
Why it matters: Snapchat has invested heavily in making its app more than just a tool for selfies. It wants to become a utility for users that can help them search for products, experience augmented reality and, now, shop.
Microsoft announced a suite of security tools for its cloud offerings at its Ignite conference on Monday. Those tools include a security score, password-less login via the new Microsoft Authenticator app, and a consolidated platform for its security programs.
Why it matters: Microsoft Corporate Vice President of Security Rob Lefferts tells Axios that the goal of the new services is to increase security without increasing user or administrator effort.
Nifty new capabilities in Office to be announced later today are the most tangible fruits of a larger move at Microsoft to infuse artificial intelligence into everything it does.
Why it matters: As Windows and Office markets have both matured, Microsoft is looking for its next big thing, and betting big on AI.
Salesforce is working with Apple in a technical collaboration aimed at bringing more of its services natively to the iPhone and iPad.
Why it matters: Though not known for its business sales, Apple has steadily grown its enterprise effort, especially around iPhone and iPad, enlisting establishment players such as IBM, SAP and Cisco as partners.
Google’s top privacy staffer will defend the company’s business model at a Wednesday Senate hearing while backing the broad idea of new privacy rules.
The big picture: Google finds itself in a precarious spot in Washington, with lawmakers questioning the giant not only about privacy but also about its plans to re-enter the Chinese search market and allegations of anti-conservative bias.
The iPhone XS lives up to Apple's claims that it can withstand a soaking in beer, but still breaks easily when dropped, according to one third-party test.
Why it matters: Repairs to the iPhone XS are especially expensive, with a replacement of the glass case costing more than most Android smartphones ($399 for the front glass and $599 for the back glass).
Some of the biggest tech and telecom companies are preparing for members of the Senate Commerce Committee to grill them over their data practices this week.
Why it matters: Industry players are trying to shape the debate as Congress considers passing its own privacy rules.
Apple will pledge its support for federal privacy regulations during a Senate hearing this week, according to an executive’s prepared testimony obtained by Axios.
The big picture: Expect Apple’s Bud Tribble to underscore the difference between the hardware maker, which doesn’t need to make money from user data, with companies like Google, which have built their business model on it.
