GeekWire Radio: Apple and Microsoft aim to reinvent the computer for a new era

This week on the GeekWire radio show and podcast: We analyze the big unveilings this week from Apple and Microsoft, each representing a new attempt to reinvent the traditional computer. First, we delve into the new MacBook Pro, which has a “Touch Bar” built into its keyboard. The bar morphs to serve different uses when different apps are being used.

We also speak with GeekWire reporter Nat Levy, who is on the road in New York this week for a Microsoft Windows 10 event aimed at revitalizing the PC. The company unveiled a new Surface Studio desktop PC and the Surface Dial accessory, in addition to the Windows 10 Creators Update. Nat gives us his first-hand impressions of these new products, all of them primarily aimed at creative work, a big departure for the traditionally enterprise-focused company.

Plus, we discuss Amazon’s incredible growth. The company revealed this week that it now employs more than 306,000 people worldwide, almost three times as many people as Microsoft.

Starting in the second segment, we’re joined by Seattle journalists Mónica Guzmán and Anika Anand, talking about their new venture: The Evergrey, a daily newsletter focused on news, events and the future of Seattle. Guzmán and Anand have watched Seattle’s community become more and more splintered over the last few years as the city continues to grow. They founded The Evergrey as a way to get Seattleites more involved in and excited about their city. The project is part of media company WhereByUs, which runs a similar outlet in Miami.

Listen to the show above or download the MP3 here, and also check out our extended interview with Guzmán and Anand.

Editor’s note: Want to check out a live recording of the GeekWire Podcast? Join GeekWire founders Todd Bishop and John Cook from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. for the GeekWire Podcast at the Fred Hutchinson Research Center in Seattle. Special guest will be Dr. Jim Olson, the pioneering scientist whose scorpion venom-derived Tumor Paint technology “lights up” cells to more easily identify cancer. Tickets and details here.