Google is clobbering Apple in smart home, AI and more (The 3:59, Ep. 231) – CNET

We also hit on the WannaCry ransomware and Evan Williams' comments about President Trump.

Blocked from US tech investing, China goes to Israel instead – CNET

A record $16.5 billion in Chinese investments flowed into Israel last year. Meanwhile, US deals have…

Cisco snatches up conversational AI startup for $125 million – CNET

The deal for San Francisco-based MindMeld is expected to close by the fourth quarter.

He played Pokemon Go in church. That got him convicted – CNET

The 22-year-old in Russia receives a suspended sentence of three and a half years.

Netflix wants to woo more European viewers – CNET

The streaming service is hiring and spending more on the continent to try to boost its…

Get your weed from a smart vending machine (The 3:59, Ep. 225) – CNET

We also hit on cyberdefense training, Amazon's copycat and Microsoft's Build.

Amazon ‘probably copied us’ on Echo Show, startup CEO says – CNET

The CEO of Nucleus, which developed a video intercom using Alexa, is now looking to team…

Amazon’s Echo Show is a giant phone for your kitchen counter – CNET

The $230 device includes a built-in touchscreen that can be used for video calls and checking…