The lines are blurring between competition and collaboration as Google reaches across enemy lines to partner with Apple. Or, if “partner” is too strong a word, then at least to cooperate for the greater good. The search engine giant extended not one, but three olive branches to the luxury tech-maker this week, but could it all be part of a grander plan on Google’s part to take the tech giant’s place? Plus, Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2 details and images have leaked, and Google teamed up with a classic denim designer to create a whole new kind of wearable tech — all in this week’s Google tracker.  Read More...

It just got a lot easier for music lovers to buy tickets to an Eventbrite concert — and a couple oft-shirts while they’re there, too — without having to reach for a wallet. Braintree’s new pair-up enables consumers to use the same credentials they used to purchase their tickets to pay for things once they get to the event. More than just an RFID-powered wristband, Braintree's Azita Habibi tells Karen Webster that the solution’s magic is giving concessionaires the power to accept payment securely, from as many wrists as they’re willing to serve.  Read More...

What’s a restaurant to do when mobile ordering goes from tool to tyrant? For some, instead of creating more profits, all of this technology just creates more headaches — and businesses can spend just as much to keep the service going as they are earning from extra sales. So, does that mean it’s time to say goodbye to mobile order-ahead? Not so fast! Streamlining may be a better answer, and luckily for these restaurants, integrating and consolidating just happen to be trends in the space.  Read More...