Uber's Driverless Cars, New Apple Watch & More on 'Bloomberg West' (Full Show - 08/18/16)

TL;DR

Uber launches self-driving cars in Pittsburgh; Apple Watch faces connectivity challenges.

Transcript

CRUMPTON. ♪ EMILY: I'M EMILY CHANG, AND THIS IS "BLOOMBERG WEST." UBER HITS THE GAS ON ITS PUSH INTO SELF DRIVING CARS. ALL THE DETAIL ON THE COMPANY'S BIGGEST ACQUISITION TO DATE AND ITS DRIVERLESS CAR PILOT IN PITTSBURGH. CAN APPLE CUT ITS SMART WATCH FREE FROM THE IPHONE? AND, 10 CENTIMES UP WITH A NEW INNOVATOR IN HOLLYWOOD. WE WILL SPEAK TO SP... Read More

Key Insights

• Uber is launching a pilot program in Pittsburgh allowing users to summon self-driving cars, using specially modified Volvo SUVs.
• Uber's acquisition of self-driving truck startup Otto for $680 million is a strategic move to bolster its autonomous vehicle efforts.
• A judge denied Uber's settlement with California drivers, keeping the debate over driver classification as employees or contractors ongoing.
• Apple faces challenges in making its smartwatch independent from the iPhone due to battery life and engineering issues.
• Despite delays, Apple plans to release new Apple Watch models with improved health tracking and GPS features.
• Samsung's stock hits an all-time high, fueled by the success of its Galaxy phone, outpacing Apple's stock performance.
• AMD unveils a refreshed product line to challenge Intel's dominance in the chip market, focusing on high-performance computing.
• STX Entertainment is leveraging partnerships in China to expand its media offerings, focusing on mid-budget films and TV content.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is Uber's latest initiative in the self-driving car market?

Uber is launching a self-driving car pilot program in Pittsburgh, allowing users to summon autonomous vehicles. This initiative involves specially modified Volvo SUVs and represents a significant step in Uber's efforts to establish a self-driving fleet, following its acquisition of the startup Otto.

Q: Why did a judge deny Uber's settlement with California drivers?

A judge denied Uber's settlement with California drivers because the settlement did not address the core issue of whether drivers should be classified as employees or independent contractors. The judge wanted drivers to have the option to avoid arbitration, which Uber opposed, leading to the settlement's rejection.

Q: What challenges is Apple facing with its smartwatch development?

Apple is facing challenges in making its smartwatch independent from the iPhone due to battery life and engineering issues. The current cellular chips consume too much power for the watch's small size, limiting its ability to connect to cellular networks independently.

Q: How is Samsung performing in the smartphone market compared to Apple?

Samsung is performing strongly in the smartphone market, with its stock reaching an all-time high due to the success of its Galaxy phone. This performance contrasts with Apple's modest stock gain, highlighting Samsung's competitive edge in the market.

Q: What is AMD's strategy to compete with Intel in the chip market?

AMD is unveiling a refreshed product line aimed at high-performance computing to challenge Intel's dominance. The strategy focuses on segments like gaming, virtual reality, and servers, which require significant computing power, allowing AMD to target profitable and growing market areas.

Q: What is STX Entertainment's approach to the global media market?

STX Entertainment is focusing on mid-budget films and TV content, leveraging partnerships in China to expand its global reach. The company aims to produce content that appeals to international audiences, utilizing insights from its Chinese partners to navigate the growing media landscape.

Q: What are the new features expected in the upcoming Apple Watch models?

The upcoming Apple Watch models are expected to feature improved health tracking and integrated GPS, allowing for more accurate data collection during workouts without needing an iPhone. However, the models will not include independent cellular connectivity due to current technological limitations.

Q: How does STX Entertainment plan to differentiate itself from traditional studios?

STX Entertainment plans to differentiate itself by focusing on mid-budget films with strong global appeal and leveraging strategic partnerships in China. The company avoids the legacy deals and overhead of traditional studios, allowing it to target profitable niches in the entertainment industry.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Uber is advancing its self-driving car initiative by launching a pilot program in Pittsburgh, using modified Volvo SUVs. The move follows Uber's acquisition of Otto, a self-driving truck startup, to strengthen its autonomous vehicle capabilities.

• Apple's smartwatch development faces hurdles as the company struggles to make the device independent from the iPhone due to battery and engineering challenges. New models will focus on improved health tracking and GPS features.

• STX Entertainment, backed by TPG Growth, is expanding its media presence by focusing on mid-budget films and TV content, leveraging partnerships in China to tap into the growing global media market. The company aims to create content that resonates globally.