Elon Musk and the $1 Billion ‘Bad Deal’ in Buffalo
New York spent nearly $1 billion on a new solar-panel factory in Buffalo, hoping Elon Musk and Tesla would use it to transform the local economy. But things haven’t worked out as planned, with a local lawmaker calling it a “bad deal.” WSJ reporter Ted Mann joins host Zoe Thomas to explain what went wrong. Plus, Meta’s Twitter competitor, Threads, has quickly attracted tens of millions of users....
13m Jul 07, 2023
13m
Twitter’s Challenges Heat Up With Meta Copycat
Meta has launched a new microblogging app called Threads. WSJ reporter Salvador Rodriguez joins host Zoe Thomas to explain why Meta could be Twitter’s biggest competitor. Plus, reporter Eliot Brown explains how one of the world's biggest startup investors missed out on much of the AI frenzy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
13m Jul 06, 2023
13m
Why Twitter’s Limit of Post Views Is a Bigger Risk Than You Think
Elon Musk is limiting how many posts Twitter users can read in a day, to stop artificial intelligence companies from scraping data off the platform. WSJ reporter Tim Higgins joins host Zoe Thomas to explain why the change is controversial and could hurt Twitter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
12m Jul 05, 2023
12m
Euclid Space Telescope Has Launched to Study the Dark Universe
The European Space Agency has launched a new first-of-its-kind space telescope. The Euclid space telescope was designed to study dark matter and dark energy, giving scientists insight into the largely unexplored dark universe. WSJ science reporter Aylin Woodward joins host Julie Chang to discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
12m Jul 03, 2023
12m
How AI Is Being Used to Help Scout Upcoming Baseball Players
The 2023 MLB Draft is around the corner, and scouts have a new artificial intelligence tool at their disposal. The tool is said to generate data that can detect players’ flaws, forecast their potential, and even flag their likelihood for injury. WSJ reporter Lindsey Adler joins host Julie Chang to explain how it works. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
11m Jun 30, 2023
11m
Investors Warm-Up to Clean-Energy Stocks Again
Shares of clean-energy companies are rising after an 18-month downturn. Companies and investors are now watching to see if the rally will help sustain them until climate-law subsidies kick in. WSJ climate-finance reporter Amrith Ramkumar joins host Julie Chang to explain how Tesla is leading the surge.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
11m Jun 29, 2023
11m
Mushrooms. LSD. Ketamine. Psychedelics Are Powering Silicon Valley.
Drug use has long been a part of Silicon Valley. But recently, routine drug use has moved from an after-hours activity into corporate culture, with some tech executives and employees looking to psychedelics and other substances for business breakthroughs. WSJ reporter Katherine Bindley joins host Julie Chang to discuss the growing drug culture in the tech world. Learn more about your ad choice...
10m Jun 28, 2023
10m
How TikTok Trends Are Disrupting American Companies
TikTok trends have been impacting businesses, from restaurant menu hacks to beauty product finds and fashion tips. But, going viral on the video-sharing platform can be a double-edged sword for companies. WSJ reporter Chavie Lieber joins host Julie Chang to discuss how businesses have been responding. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
12m Jun 27, 2023
12m
Google’s Latest AI Flex: An Anti-Money-Laundering Tool for Banks
Google Cloud has a new artificial-intelligence tool that tackles money laundering for banks. But how does this product differ from those already on the market? WSJ reporter Dylan Tokar joins host Julie Chang to discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
10m Jun 26, 2023
10m
AI Apps to Try for Work and Leisure
There are so many new AI-powered programs out there. Deciding which ones to try can be overwhelming. But worry not! WSJ personal-tech reporting assistant Cordilia James put together a list to get you started. She joins host Julie Chang for a quick rundown of the best AI apps. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
11m Jun 23, 2023
11m
AI Could Improve Ads on Social Media, Snap CEO Says
Snapchat launched an AI chatbot recently. And as users flooded to the feature, CEO Evan Spiegel says he discovered users’ embrace of AI could improve targeted advertising. Spiegel spoke at the WSJ’s Journal House during the Cannes Lions International Festival this week. We bring you highlights from that conversation. Julie Chang hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adcho...
11m Jun 22, 2023
11m
Is America Ready for the EV Takeover?
More people are driving electric vehicles. But is the U.S. ready for an EV takeover? WSJ tech columnist Christopher Mims says the answer is: No. He shares what he learned on a 1,000-mile road-trip in the longest-range EV on the market. Julie Chang hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
10m Jun 21, 2023
10m
The EU’s AI Act: What It Is and Where It Stands
The surge in artificial intelligence tools have led to increased calls for regulation. And one place where those rules are beginning to take shape is Europe. WSJ Brussels-based reporter Kim Mackrael sat down with Tech News Briefing’s Zoe Thomas to talk about the draft legislation pushed forward by the EU parliament. Julie Chang hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
10m Jun 20, 2023
10m
Uber vs. Japan’s ‘Taxi Prince’
Uber aims to have all taxis worldwide registered on its app by 2025. But a man known as the ‘Taxi Prince’ is throwing off those plans. WSJ Tokyo-based reporter River Davis joins host Zoe Thomas to explain the battle for Japan’s roads. Plus, WSJ Twitter reporter Alexa Corse discusses why music publishers are suing Twitter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
12m Jun 16, 2023
12m
The Awkward Partnership Between Microsoft and OpenAI
The partnership between Microsoft and OpenAI is helping to lead the boom in artificial intelligence. But the pair doesn’t always have an easy relationship. WSJ reporter Tom Dotan joins host Zoe Thomas to explain how this unconventional tie-up can cause conflicts. Plus, SEC Chair Gary Gensler talks crypto with The Journal podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
13m Jun 15, 2023
13m
Startups Wonder Where All the VC Went
After years of venture capital flowing freely into early-stage tech companies, investors are getting pickier. That’s forcing founders to make tough decisions and causing more of them to shut down. WSJ Pro Venture Capital reporter Yuliya Chernova joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss the landscape for startup funding and what it's like to be a founder these days. Learn more about your ad choices. Vi...
12m Jun 14, 2023
12m
Microsoft Activision Deal Could Benefit From FTC's Move to Block It
The Federal Trade Commission has asked a judge for a temporary restraining order to stop Microsoft from clinching its $75 billion deal to buy Activision. WSJ financial enforcement reporter Dave Michaels joins host Zoe Thomas to explain how the move could end up helping Microsoft. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
12m Jun 13, 2023
12m
What to Do if Dozens of Your Passwords Have Been Hacked
Password managers can inform you if your login credentials have been stolen. But what if you've used the same password for multiple sites? WSJ reporter Dalvin Brown joins host Zoe Thomas with tips on what to do. Plus, Meta’s plan to launch a new app to compete with Twitter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
12m Jun 12, 2023
12m
How the CEO of YouTube Plans to Win Over Anyone Watching TV
YouTube’s CEO Neal Mohan has a strategy to fill the platform with short videos and TV offerings, as the company faces a growing amount of competition. WSJ reporter Miles Kruppa, who covers YouTube, joins host Zoe Thomas to explain how Mohan goofs around with content creators and woos advertisers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
12m Jun 09, 2023
12m
How Instagram’s Algorithm Connects and Promotes Pedophile Network
Instagram, through its system of fostering communities with sets of narrow interests, has helped guide users to illegal child sex content. Instagram's parent company Meta has acknowledged the problem and vows to improve internal controls. WSJ social-media reporter Jeff Horwitz joins host Zoe Thomas to explain what makes Instagram different from other platforms when it comes to promoting this ma...
13m Jun 08, 2023
13m
Twitter Missed Dozens of Images of Child Sexual Abuse, Researchers Say
Researchers at Stanford University found dozens of images of known child sexual abuse material on Twitter during a two-month period earlier this year. The social-media platform told the team at Stanford it has improved its detection system. WSJ Twitter reporter Alexa Corse joins Zoe Thomas to discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
11m Jun 07, 2023
11m
What Makes Apple’s AR Headset Stand Out From Competitors
Apple unveiled its first major new product in a decade, an augmented-reality headset. The device launches Apple into a new market but it’s taking some familiar steps, like getting developers on board to build apps for the headset’s ecosystem. WSJ personal tech news editor Shara Tibken joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
13m Jun 06, 2023
13m
Why Call of Duty Could Stand in the Way of a $75 Billion Deal
Global regulators are concerned that if Microsoft acquires games publisher Activision Blizzard it could have an unfair advantage in the videogame industry, partly due to the popularity of Call of Duty. WSJ tech reporter Sarah Needleman joins host Zoe Thomas to explain what makes the Call of Duty franchise so successful. Plus, WSJ Pro reporter Brian Gormley discusses why patches that can deliver...
12m Jun 05, 2023
12m
Code Written by AI May Be Too Much of a Good Thing
A growing number of Fortune 100 companies are using generative artificial intelligence to write computer code. But chief information officers worry all these new lines of code could create problems. WSJ enterprise technology reporter Isabelle Bousquette joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss their concerns. Plus, a chatbot designed to help people with eating disorders doled out weight- loss advice. W...
13m Jun 02, 2023
13m
Big Tech Relies on Outsourcing. Lawsuits in Africa Could Upend That.
Facebook content moderators hired by a third-party contractor in Kenya are suing over working conditions. The contractor involved denies the allegations and Facebook parent Meta is arguing it shouldn’t be involved in the lawsuit. The outcome of this case and two others could have a profound impact on big tech and the industry’s outsourced workforce. WSJ South Africa-based business reporter Alex...
13m Jun 01, 2023
13m
While Some Warn About AI Extinction Risk, Nvidia Sees Valuation Soar
AI developers and tech executives are warning that artificial intelligence could threaten human life as we know it. WSJ AI reporter Deepa Seetharaman explains what they’ve said. Plus, investors are not pumping the breaks on AI. Nvidia, which makes chips for the industry, joined the $1 trillion club this week. WSJ semiconductors reporter Asa Fitch joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how the company...
13m May 31, 2023
13m
What Is the Future of Identity Verification?
The CEO of secure identity company Clear says in the future verifying your age, employment history, and even hotel booking will be much easier using biometrics. But that kind of tech, which can scan your face or fingerprint, raises lots of privacy questions. Clear CEO Caryn Seidman-Becker spoke with WSJ tech columnist Christopher Mims at the WSJ’s Future of Everything Festival. Zoe Thomas hosts...
12m May 30, 2023
12m
Schools and Learning in an AI-Enabled World
How will generative AI tools, like ChatGPT, change the education system? That’s the question on a lot of parents' and teachers’ minds. At this year’s Future of Everything festival, the founder of Code.org talked about how the next generation of students will live and learn in an AI-enabled world. We bring you highlights from that conversation. Julie Chang hosts. Learn more about your ad choice...
10m May 26, 2023
10m
Governments Want Kids Off Social Media. Why Aren't Platforms Doing It?
Local and national governments in the U.S. and Europe want social media companies to do more to keep children off their platforms. Efforts to require age verifications come as evidence shows companies aren’t effectively enforcing their own policies, limiting what children see and do on social media. WSJ reporter Sam Schechner joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss the new laws and the challenges to i...
13m May 25, 2023
13m
Elon Musk Opens Up About His Hopes and Challenges for Twitter
Elon Musk opened up about his goals for Twitter, balancing advertiser concerns with his desire to support free speech and interviewing presidential candidates. He spoke at the Wall Street Journal’s CEO Council Summit with WSJ editor for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa Thorold Barker. Zoe Thomas hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
12m May 24, 2023
12m
How an Antiabortion Group Used Cellphone Data to Send Targeted Ads
Until last year, an antiabortion group was using location data gathered from cellphones to send people who visited Planned Parenthood targeted advertising. WSJ reporter Byron Tau joins host Zoe Thomas to explain how the group got the information, the legality of these steps, and more about the group behind the effort. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
12m May 23, 2023
12m
It’s Gamers vs. Government in Hunt for Classified U.S. Documents
A global scavenger hunt for classified documents is underway and it's pitting the U.S. government against online gamers. WSJ national security reporter Jessica Donati joins host Zoe Thomas to explain how the race to find secret military information began. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
11m May 22, 2023
11m
The Executive Keeping Tesla Rolling Isn’t Elon Musk
Tesla’s CFO Zach Kirkhorn has a reputation for working quietly behind the scenes to execute Elon Musk’s vision for the electric car maker . But as Musk’s attention gets pulled in several different directions, investors are focusing more on Kirkhorn and how he’s helping run the company. WSJ Tesla reporter Rebecca Elliott joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss.  Learn more about your ad choices. Vis...
13m May 19, 2023
13m
TikTok Still Fills Teens Feeds With Dark Content
Montana’s Governor signed the county’s first statewide ban of TikTok on Tuesday. And calls are growing to ban the app nationwide. But a bigger worry for parents may be the dark content the app serves up to teens. TikTok says it has a content-moderation team of more than 40,000 people and removes posts that violate its community guidelines. However, a recent study shows teen users are still bein...
13m May 18, 2023
13m
OpenAI Boss Calls for AI Safety Standards at Senate Hearing
 Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI the company behind ChatGPT, told lawmakers they should create licensing and safety standards for advanced artificial intelligence systems . But Congress has historically had a tough time when it comes to regulating technology. WSJ tech policy reporter Ryan Tracy joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss what happened during the Senate subcommittee hearing.  Learn more abou...
12m May 17, 2023
12m
Elon Musk Is Running Twitter Like SpaceX. Will It Work?
Elon Musk is trying to run his social media company, Twitter, like his rocket company, SpaceX. WSJ aerospace reporter Micah Maidenberg joins host Zoe Thomas to explain the leadership structure and management choices at both operations. Plus, tech reporter Sarah Needleman discusses what the EU approval of Microsoft's plan to buy Activision Blizzard means for the deal. Learn more about your ad c...
12m May 16, 2023
12m
Apple Takes New Approach With Mixed-Reality Headset
Elon Musk has named a new CEO to replace him at Twitter. WSJ reporter Alexa Corse joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss why he chose an advertising exec. Plus, WSJ reporter Aaron Tilley explains why Apple is breaking its own rules for product debuts with the launch of a new headset. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
12m May 15, 2023
12m
Social-Media Shopping Scams Target Young People
A growing number of young people are being hit by online shopping scams that originated on social media. WSJ family and tech columnist Julie Jargon joins host Zoe Thomas to explain what victims have gone through and how to protect yourself. Plus, WSJ gaming reporter Sarah Needleman explains why designing for avatars may be the next style trend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone...
12m May 12, 2023
12m
Google Takes On Rivals in AI and Foldable Devices
Google is making a show of force to its rivals in the hardware and artificial-intelligence sectors. At its developer conference, the company unveiled its new AI search feature and announced plans for other AI tools. WSJ Google reporter Miles Kruppa breaks down the announcements, and WSJ personal tech columnist Nicole Nguyen discusses Google’s new Pixel Fold. Zoe Thomas hosts. Learn more about ...
14m May 11, 2023
14m
Virgin Galactic Struggles to Launch Its Space Tourism Business
Billionaire Richard Branson founded Virgin Galactic nearly two decades ago. But despite sending him to the edge of space and selling tickets to would-be space tourists, the company has struggled to launch its commercial space flights. Now it says it's ready to do so. WSJ aerospace reporter Micah Maidenberg joins host Zoe Thomas to explain what’s behind the delay. Learn more about your ad choic...
12m May 10, 2023
12m
Will AI Gold Rush Lead Investors to Risky Bets?
The potential of generative artificial intelligence has venture capitalists racing to invest. But in their rush to get in on the ground floor, are investors making the mistakes of the past? WSJ startups reporter Berber Jin joins host Zoe Thomas to explain. Plus, reporter Miles Kruppa discusses Google’s new approach to presenting search results. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megapho...
11m May 09, 2023
11m
TikTok Users Who Watched Gay Content Put on List, Former Staff Says
For at least a year, some employees at TikTok were able to access what they described internally as a list of users who watched gay content on the app, according to former employees. TikTok says it's changed the way it handles this kind of data. But this is an unusual practice among tech companies and it's adding to questions about the company's handling of user information. WSJ social media r...
15m May 08, 2023
15m
Lawmakers Fight for Child Vloggers to Be Compensated
For children who appear in monetized content online, like vlogs and social media posts, there are currently no laws to protect them or ensure they get a cut of the money they help earn. Now, some state lawmakers are fighting to change that. Tech News Briefing producer Zoe Kuhlkin joins host Zoe Thomas to explain why Illinois may be the first state to cross the finish line. Learn more about you...
12m May 05, 2023
12m
Meta Faces New Sanctions; Political Turmoil Hits Tech Hub
The FTC proposes barring Meta’s from earning money on the data it collects on young users. TikTok launches a new advertising product. Also, Israel’s tech sector says political turmoil in the country is making it hard to raise money. WSJ reporter Dov Lieber joins host Zoe Thomas from Tel Aviv to explain the impact the unrest is having on “startup nation.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...
13m May 04, 2023
13m
Uber Picks Up More Riders, Bluesky Adds Users and A.I. for Daily Tasks
Marissa Mayer, CEO of Sunshine, says artificial intelligence can be used to help improve more mundane tasks. The former Yahoo boss spoke at this year’s WSJ Future of Everything Festival. Plus, why users are flocking to Bluesky Social as an alternative to Twitter. Zoe Thomas hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
13m May 03, 2023
13m
Your AI Clone Can Fool Family, Your Bank, But Not Your Video Meeting
You can pay companies to create video and audio versions of yourself using generative artificial intelligence. But how well does it work? WSJ senior personal tech columnist Joanna Stern joins host Zoe Thomas to explain what it was like to work with her AI clone, and why it has her worried.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
11m May 02, 2023
11m
Apple Partnership was “Kiss of Death” Smaller Rivals Claim
Smaller rivals say meeting with Apple ended with the tech giant releasing products that resemble their own. Some say Apple used the U.S. patent system to avoid having to pay for using their technology. Apple says it doesn’t steal technology and plays by the rules. WSJ Apple reporter Aaron Tilley joins host Zoe Thomas to explain what’s going on. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone...
14m May 01, 2023
14m
How to Secure Your Digital Life Before You Die
Your digital footprint lives on after you pass away. WSJ family and tech columnist Julie Jargon joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss the best way to pass on access to your emails, photos and online accounts. Plus, WSJ Heard on the Street columnist Dan Gallagher explains what this week’s tech earnings say about the health of the sector. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
13m Apr 28, 2023
13m
Regulator Blocks Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard Deal
U.K. antitrust regulator rejects Microsoft’s $75 billion deal to buy game maker Activision Blizzard, saying it would hurt competition in videogame industry. WSJ reporter Kim Mackrael joins host Zoe Thomas to explain the regulator’s reasoning and what happens next.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
10m Apr 27, 2023
10m
Lyft to Cut at Least 1,200 Jobs, Struggles to Keep Up with Rival Uber
Ride-hailing company Lyft plans to cut at least 30% of its workforce. It comes days after a new CEO officially took over. Can the changes and new leadership help Lyft compete with its biggest rival Uber? WSJ ride-hailing reporter Preetika Rana joins host Zoe Thomas to explain what’s going on inside Lyft. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
12m Apr 26, 2023
12m