The leaves are changing, and so are the biggest stories in tech. Before you head to the pumpkin patch or apple orchard this weekend to snap the perfect Instagram, make sure you are caught up on the latest happenings in the tech world. The BIGteam has pulled together the biggest stories to keep you informed as you sip your PSL.

Amazon
Earlier this month, Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos disclosed that the company is looking to establish a second headquarters called “HQ2.” Currently, the online retail and entertainment powerhouse is based out of Seattle with a campus that spans over 8.1 million square feet and accommodates over 40,000 employees. With Amazon releasing this news last week, a small bidding war has broke out between qualified cities. So what makes a city qualified to act as the tech giant’s second home? According to Bezos, a qualified city would have enough land to build their new complex, stellar public transportation, quick access to an airport, and decent housing prices for their new 50,000 employees. Cities that are on the “shortlist” for HQ2 include Washington D.C., Austin, Denver, and BIGfish’s hometown of Boston.
Facebook
Developers at Facebook recently released a beta version of a new app called “Bonfire.” The new app enables Facebook users to video chat up to seven friends at once and invite friends to chat rooms via the Messenger app. Although this seems exciting, there is concern that Facebook is becoming a repeat offender of stealing ideas. The Bonfire app is extremely similar to another app called “Houseparty,” a video chat service where users can talk to multiple friends at once. This wouldn’t be the first time Facebook has released a feature oddly similar to another app. Earlier this year, Facebook released  “Facebook Stories,” a clone of “Snapchat Stories.” When Facebook Stories first came out, the general public was very aware of the similarities between the two features and social media was quick to point it out. Will Bonfire become the next Facebook Stories or will developers make it into something we’ve never seen before?
Apple

I know, I know; you’re probably thinking, “Really?! More Apple talk?!” But yes, don’t you remember the saying? An Apple a day keeps the doctor away! Anyway, as you probably know, last week was the annual Apple Event, held for the first time at their new campus inspired by Steve Jobs. Here’s a brief recap of everything that was announced.

• Apple TV: The latest installment of Apple TV is now available in 4K high definition and is priced at $199.
• Apple Watch: The most impressive and exciting feature of the new Apple Watch, The Series 3, is its cellular connectivity. With all these fancy upgrades, the watch will retail at $399.
• iPhone 8: The latest line of the iPhone will feature wireless charging capabilities, a new glass back for better protection, and an A11 processor chip, making the phone faster.
• iPhone X: Apple threw us a curveball when they gave us not one, but TWO new phones to freak out about. The iPhone X is a 10th year anniversary celebration of the first iPhone  release. Having its screen span from edge to edge, this is the first model to not feature a home button. Although this sleek, new design is something we want to throw our money at right away, it does come at a steep price of $999.

For a more detailed review of the Apple Event check out Account Coordinator, Meghan Gabel’s, blog post here.
There are definitely a lot of new products coming out on the market, and just in time for the holidays too! Be sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook to stay up to date on all tech and PR news!