The pandemic's impact on our eating habits (audio)

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Ford will run Google's Android starting in 2023

New York (CNN Business) Ford and Google announced a six-year strategic partnership in which they will collaborate on new technologies and install Google's Android operating system as the primary system in its infotainment screens in millions of Ford and Lincoln cars and trucks starting in 2023.

Android's operating system will allow drivers to access Google Maps for in-vehicle navigation and Google's Voice Assistant for handling voice commands in the car without the use of an Android phone. 

Starting in 2023, Ford cars will also begin offering an in-car version of the Google Play Store to download apps for things like music, audiobooks and podcasts.

In addition, Google will also be Ford's preferred provider for cloud data storage. Ford will also use Google's artificial intelligence and data analytics capabilities to better interpret the data it collects from vehicles and its own operations to improve upon things like customer service, manufacturing and marketing.

General Motors recently announced a similar arrangement with Microsoft in which Microsoft will be the cloud storage provider for GM and Cruise, the autonomous car company majority owned by GM. 

Ford and Google did not specifically say if Google's cloud computing systems will be used for autonomous vehicles, as in the GM and Microsoft deal.

As part of their partnership, Ford and Google will create a group called Team Upshift that will collaborate on new ways the companies can work together. Executives from Ford and Google imagine, for example, that the team will work on things like improving the online car shopping experience using customer data.

The companies did not reveal the financial terms of the arrangement.

From CNN (edited)

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Nike's hands-free new shoes

New York (CNN Business)Nike's newest shoe is "easy on, easy off" for those who can't put their shoes on without assistance -- or cannot be bothered.

Called the Go Flyease, it's Nike's first pair of lace-less sneakers that can easily be put on and taken off without using your hands. The casual shoe arrives at a time when people are touching fewer things during the pandemic.

The Go Flyease has unique features, including a tension band that secures the shoe in place of laces. Putting them on involves just stepping into the shoe so that it will snap into place. Taking them off is done by stepping on the heel.

The shoes will go on sale this month for $120 for subscribers of the free membership program on Nike's website. Broader availability is planned for later this year.

Nike's new shoes are coming at a time when home-bound consumers want comfort. That's evident from Crocs most recent earnings, which revealed a 55% jump in revenue. 

Launching the new shoes on its website first also fits into Nike's strategy of selling directly to consumers rather through third-party retailers. The company reported in December that its online sales soared 84% in its most recent quarter as people snapped up fitness and casual shoes.

Article from CNN                          Video from Mashable