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Apple's defense against FBI gets a boost (The 3:59, Ep. 2)

On the 3:59 podcast, we break down the latest developments in the ongoing Apple-FBI drama, talk about Microsoft's new Xbox strategy, and discuss whether anyone really needs a "smart" water pitcher.

Ben Fox Rubin Former senior reporter
Ben Fox Rubin was a senior reporter for CNET News in Manhattan, reporting on Amazon, e-commerce and mobile payments. He previously worked as a reporter for The Wall Street Journal and got his start at newspapers in New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts.
Ben Fox Rubin
Jason Cipriani/CNET

This latest installment of The 3:59 podcast kicks off with more news on Apple's battle with the feds.

The tech giant has been fighting a court order compelling it to hack into an iPhone used by one of the attackers in the mass shooting in San Bernardino, California. Apple says helping the FBI in this situation could jeopardize the privacy of all iPhones. Late Monday, Apple pulled off a legal victory in a separate but related case that could alter the course of the San Bernardino case.

We also go into Microsoft's plans to let gamers play new Xbox video games on either an Xbox or Windows PC, and we finish out the show discussing a "smart" water pitcher from Amazon and Brita.

The 3:59 gives you bite-size news and analysis about the top stories of the day, brought to you by CNET executive editor Roger Cheng and CNET senior writer Ben Fox Rubin.

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