Google going after Apple -
Announcing another piece in their Pixel product line-up- their first smartwatch! Pixel Watch -you may recognize some of the components and features because they expertly draw from fitness gadget maker Fitbit. How? Well they acquired that very company last year for $2-billion. Hhhmmm.... think they had a plan? Google says to watch for an autumn release. No official price given but some speculation on-line from tech sites guesses range in the $300-ish range, give or take. Although still not anywhere nearly as popular as phones, smartwatches continue their climb up the pop culture popularity ladder. Worldwide shipments 31-million units projected for this year compared to18-million 2019 right before the pandemic fueled even more demand for any and all internet related gadgets and toys.
A piece of pop culture history fading away.....
Apple discontinues..... the iPod. The world first introduced to the technological sensation in October 2001. The iPod debut was quickly followed by several other similar products in the line - The iPod Classic, iPod Nano, iPod Shuffle ad iPod Mini. All of these versions long discontinued but the iPod Touch - the last man standing. Apple confirms the last of their stock will be available on their main website as long as supplies last. Apple's current price $399- although prices for used versions are expected to skyrocket quickly on line.
Gas prices expected to rise even more this week -
AAA reporting a 15-cent increase nationally in gasoline over the past two weeks. The national average today $4.38 per gallon. Statewide for Wisconsin the average less at $4.11. Highest prices in the state concentrated in the northeast - over $4.25/gallon, least expensive gas prices scattered about but primarily south-central Wisconsin and the far northeastern counties of the state -- just about to kiss the $4- mark. Dane county drivers somewhere in the middle paying an average $4.06 a gallon. Nationally highest gas prices in the San Francisco Bay area at $5.85 a gallon while Tulsa reflecting lowest prices in the country today at $3.80/gallon according to AAA. Beep.... Beep.....
!! HaPpY CiNcO de MaYo !!
How'd Cinco de Mayo become more popular in the U-S than Mexico???
Today - NOT Mexico's Independence Day as many falsely believe .... but instead the 5th of May celebrates a come from behind victory for the now much celebrated Mexican army's victory over the French in 1862, 'The Battle of Puebla'. So fast forward to more and more Mexican- Americans who start celebrating the unlikely win here in the States. Then more momentum during the heightened Chicano Movement during the 60's and 70's -- then, wait, there's more.... the commercialization that skyrocketed with marketing campaigns around the country. So while technically not honoring Mexico's Independence but still a monumental day in Mexico's history and a big party day now here across the U-S.
We love our furry friends
From Jen's News Desk...
More and more pet owners purchasing pet insurance during the pandemic- A new survey from Forbes found an overwhelming majority of pet owners-- 78% -- bought pet insurance during the past two years. The publication labeling this a 'shifted landscape' in pet ownership. Overall, two -thirds or about 66% say they've spent more on doggie and/or kitty-cat in the past year than they normally would have. And get this.... when asked why? Most said they were going back to work and felt guilty their pet would be back alone ;(