What’s Going on With Twitter’s Blue Check Marks?
Twitter is changing which users get blue check marks. Some celebrities have lost then regained them, despite claiming they aren’t paying for Twitter’s new subscription program. WSJ’s Twitter reporter Alexa Corse joins host Zoe Thomas. Plus, Apple scores a legal win and Lyft plans for more layoffs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
11m Apr 25, 2023
11m
When AI Gets It Wrong, Who’s on the Hook?
Generative artificial-intelligence chatbots like ChatGPT are known to get things wrong sometimes, a process known as “hallucinating.” But can anyone be held liable if those incorrect responses are damaging in some way? Host Zoe Thomas talks to a legal expert and an AI ethicist to explore the legal landscape for generative AI technology, and the tactics companies are employing to improve their p...
22m Apr 24, 2023
22m
iPhone Security Feature Helps Criminals Lock Users Out of Accounts
Thieves in cities across the U.S. who steal iPhone passcodes along with the devices, are also using another Apple security feature to lock victims out of their accounts. The victims say they have no way to regain access to years of photos and other personal data. WSJ personal tech columnist Nicole Nguyen joins host Zoe Thomas to explain how this crime works and why it’s so devastating. Learn ...
13m Apr 21, 2023
13m
Some Wanna-Be Influencers Pivot to Making Others Famous
A growing number of people who once chased social media stardom are turning to new roles, helping others become influencers. And the opportunities for social media support staff may only just be taking off. Host Zoe Thomas speaks with one person who’s turned their supporting role into a six figure salary and to WSJ reporter Kailyn Rhone about why more people are choosing careers behind the came...
12m Apr 20, 2023
12m
To Become a Tech Hub, Tulsa Recruits Ukrainian Workers
Oklahoma businesses are recruiting Ukrainians fleeing Russia’s invasion. They hope the new workers will turn Tusla into a regional tech hub. WSJ immigration reporter Alicia Caldwell joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how they are doing it and what it’s like for the new arrivals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
12m Apr 19, 2023
12m
The Unexpected Reason iPhones Dominate the Market
Apple controls more than half of the U.S. smartphone market. One big reason for that dominance isn't the company’s marketing strategy or its cool factor among young people. Instead, it's got to do with how long iPhones hang around in the market. WSJ tech columnist Christopher Mims joins host Zoe Thomas to explain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
13m Apr 18, 2023
13m
Artists Worry About Survival as AI Changes the Game for Creative Work
The threat that technology will replace workers is something more people are grappling with due to the introduction of new tools powered by generative artificial intelligence. Creative workers like artists, writers, and filmmakers are among those raising the loudest alarm. But is their concern warranted? And what impact could AI have on the future workforce? Join us for the third episode of our...
18m Apr 17, 2023
18m
What’s Slowing Down Self-Driving Car Technology?
Car and tech companies have promised for years that fully self-driving cars were just around the corner. But experts say the technology is far from where it needs to be to fully replace drivers. Bart Ziegler, who wrote about self-driving tech for the WSJ's Journal Reports, joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss what is pumping the brakes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
12m Apr 14, 2023
12m
Virtual Reality Helps Trauma Patients Confront Fears
Virtual reality can help transport users to new worlds. But a growing number of doctors are using it to help patients confront trauma in therapy. WSJ health reporter Brianna Abbott joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how doctors are individualizing VR scenarios. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
14m Apr 13, 2023
14m
Moms Push for New Laws Making Social Media Sites More Accountable
A group of mothers, who say their sons’ and daughters' lives were devastated by social media, is pushing for new laws that would hold the platforms accountable. But efforts to force social media companies to do more to protect minors from harm online have not made much progress in Congress. WSJ tech policy reporter Ryan Tracy joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss why this group thinks their efforts ...
12m Apr 12, 2023
12m
Uber’s CEO Became a Driver and Learned a Lot
After five years leading Uber, the company’s CEO Dara Khosrowshahi decided to get into the driver's seat last September. WSJ ride-hail and food delivery reporter Preetika Rana joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss what Khosrowshahi learned and how it’s helping Uber win over drivers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
13m Apr 11, 2023
13m
AI Hallucinations to Befriending Chatbots: Your Questions Answered
There is so much changing in artificial intelligence right now and generative AI is raising a lot of new questions. WSJ tech reporter Karen Hao joins host Zoe Thomas to answer listener questions on AI. This is the second episode of Tech News Breifing’s series “Artificially Minded”. New episodes drop every Monday in April. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
18m Apr 10, 2023
18m
The Hottest Tech Topics Among Older Adults
A retirement community in Lancaster, Pa., is integrating tech more and more into the lives of their residents, proving what experts on aging have been saying for years: Older adults are just as keen on new technologies as anyone else. WSJ family and tech columnist Julie Jargon joins host Julie Chang to talk about what tech appeals most to older adults and why. Learn more about your ad choices....
10m Apr 07, 2023
10m
How the CEO of OpenAI Is Navigating Development and Risk
Sam Altman the CEO of startup OpenAI is navigating the challenges of being at the forefront of the most buzzed about technologies in decades. WSJ tech reporter Berber Jin joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how he’s balancing the speed of development with the risks raised by artificial intelligence technology. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
12m Apr 06, 2023
12m
Should Digital Devices Be Given Genders?
Is it a good idea to give robots traditionally male or female names and voices? Some researchers say that reinforces stereotypes. But a new paper explains there could be an upside to doing it. Chris Kornelis, who wrote about this for WSJ’s Journal Reports, joins host Zoe Thomas to explain the pros and cons of gendering machines.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
10m Apr 05, 2023
10m
Apple Tries to Improve Streaming for Classic Music Fans
Fans of classical music have long complained that streaming services don't make it easy to find their favorite pieces. Apple has set out to fix the issues. WSJ Science of Success columnist Ben Cohen joins host Zoe Thomas to explain how the problem arose and what it means for the future of search. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
11m Apr 04, 2023
11m
Artificial Intelligence 101: Why It’s Different This Time
There is so much being said about artificial intelligence these days. In order to understand this latest wave of AI, it is important to know how it works and why this moment is different from developments in the past. WSJ science reporter Eric Niiler joins host Zoe Thomas for the first installment of Tech News Briefing’s special series Artificially Minded. New episodes drop every Monday in Apri...
15m Apr 03, 2023
15m
U.S. Military Prepares for Space Warfare with New Tech
The Pentagon is gearing up for a future conflict in space. It comes as China and Russia deploy missiles and lasers that can take out satellites and disrupt military and civilian communications. WSJ aerospace and defense industry reporter Doug Cameron joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how the U.S. military is preparing for potential threats. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/a...
13m Mar 31, 2023
13m
Hospital ‘Black Boxes’: the New Tech in Operating Rooms
Hospitals are turning to new technology that allows them to record everything going on in the operating room. These new surgical “black boxes” offer insight on how to improve medical outcomes but what are their downsides? Barbara Sadick, who wrote about this for the WSJ's Journal Reports, joins host Zoe Thomas to explain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
14m Mar 30, 2023
14m
Samsung Is Betting on AI for Smartphone Innovation
Innovation and new technology are often driving factors to convince customers to upgrade their smartphones. Samsung is looking to artificial intelligence to help with its next wave of smartphones. Samsung EVP Patrick Chomet spoke with WSJ senior personal tech columnist Joanna Stern at this year's MWC . Zoe Thomas hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
13m Mar 29, 2023
13m
Uber Eats to Cut Thousands of Listings as It Moves to Declutter App
Uber Eats plans to take down thousands of listings for online-only brands. WSJ restaurants reporter Heather Haddon joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how so many of these brands emerged and how Uber’s decision could affect customers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
12m Mar 28, 2023
12m
Online Publishers Want AI Chatbot Makers to Pay Up
A battle between the makers of artificial intelligence chatbots and publishers of online content is brewing. Publishers say they should be compensated by companies like Microsoft, Google and OpenAI for using their material to train chatbots. WSJ reporter Keach Hagey joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss each side of the argument. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
13m Mar 27, 2023
13m
U.S. Lawmakers Grill TikTok CEO About China Ties and Security Risks
TikTok’s CEO Shou Zi Chew defended his company as U.S. lawmakers questioned whether the app’s ties to China made it a national security risk. WSJ tech policy reporter John McKinnon joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss Chew’s testimony and what it means for TikTok’s future in the U.S. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
13m Mar 24, 2023
13m
Those Pesky Password Rules Are Actually a Security Risk, Experts Say
Cybersecurity researchers say systems that force users to change their passwords often actually could be creating security risks. But lots of companies and even government websites require this and other not-so-secure policies. WSJ tech columnist Christopher Mims joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss why security experts are concerned and the login strategies they suggest companies adopt. Learn mor...
14m Mar 23, 2023
14m
How European Regulators Are Thinking About Emerging Tech
As more new technologies like artificial intelligence and the metaverse become mainstream, how are European Union officials approaching regulation? Spain’s Secretary of State for Digitization and Artificial Intelligence Carme Artigas spoke about that with WSJ senior personal tech columnist Joanna Stern at this year’s MWC. Julie Chang hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/...
14m Mar 22, 2023
14m
Skilled Workers Shortage Threatens Biden’s Plans For U.S. Chipmaking
Chipmaker Micron will have to overcome a massive shortage of skilled workers in order to open its planned semiconductor-manufacturing campus in the suburbs of Syracuse, N.Y. WSJ reporter Joseph De Avila joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how the company is dealing with the shortage and what it says about the Biden administration's goal of increasing chipmaking in the U.S. Learn more about your...
11m Mar 21, 2023
11m
Tech Execs and Lawmakers Build Anti-China Alliance
Silicon Valley leaders and Capitol Hill lawmakers are developing an unusual bicoastal alliance . The group is pushing against China's presence in the U.S. tech sector, and is meeting just days before TikTok's CEO is scheduled to testify before Congress. WSJ reporter Georgia Wells joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss who's leading the group and why they are concerned.  Learn more about your ad choi...
12m Mar 20, 2023
12m
Could ChatGPT Help Land Your Next Job?
More job seekers are turning to artificial-intelligence chatbot ChatGPT for help improving their resumes. But some bosses are trying to figure out how to assess candidates who use the tool. WSJ personal tech reporter Ann-Marie Alcántara joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss what this means for the hiring process. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
13m Mar 17, 2023
13m
For Chinese AI Chatbots, Politics Is Off-Limits
As companies all over the world race to develop their own versions of generative artificial intelligence chatbots, developers in China have a particular hurdle to overcome, Beijing’s censorship rules. WSJ reporter Shen Lu joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how Chinese developers are working to ensure their chatbots avoid subjects like politics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.f...
14m Mar 16, 2023
14m
TikTok’s New Hyper-Realistic Effect Sparks Beauty Debate
Two new effects on TikTok can give users sculp ted cheekbones, plumped lips, or a younger look with the push of a button. But this hyper-realistic image-altering tech also spurs backlash. WSJ reporter Sara Ashley O'Brien joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how these filters work and why some experts say they could damage users' mental health. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/a...
13m Mar 15, 2023
13m
Startups Look to Change After Silicon Valley Bank Collapse
The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank has rattled the startup sector that was so reliant on it. Now venture investors are combing through the aftermath, working to change their banking practices. WSJ venture-capital reporter Berber Jin joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss. Plus, do you have questions about generative AI? Leave us a voicemail at (415) 439-6482 or send us a voice recording at tnb@wsj.c...
13m Mar 14, 2023
13m
How Silicon Valley Bank Collapsed
Silicon Valley Bank shut down suddenly on Friday. The lender’s customer base was made up of many startups and venture-capital firms, particularly in the tech sector. WSJ finance editor Charles Forelle joins host Julie Chang to explain the bank’s downfall. Plus, we want to answer your questions about generative AI. Leave us a voicemail at (415) 439-6482 or send us a voice recording at tnb@wsj.co...
12m Mar 13, 2023
12m
Energy Breakthrough Opens Up Possibility for Better Battery Power
A team of researchers from the University of Rochester think they have found the holy grail of energy transmission. And in the next decade, it could change how we use our personal gadgets, medical devices and the energy grid. WSJ science reporter Aylin Woodward joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss this new superconductor. Plus, if you have questions about generative artificial intelligence, email u...
14m Mar 10, 2023
14m
Did Google’s Caution Give Microsoft a Lead in AI?
Google has been investing heavily in artificial intelligence and even had its own AI chatbot years before ChatGPT went viral. But inside the company, frustration has simmered over Google's reluctance to release these products to the public. WSJ Google reporter Miles Kruppa joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss the reasons behind those choices and if they cost the company its lead in AI. Learn more ...
13m Mar 09, 2023
13m
Your Face Can Get You in the Door. Then What Happens to Your Data?
Facial-recognition tech is being used more often. Supporters say it is a safe and convenient way to confirm identity. But skeptics say it possesses security risks. WSJ personal-tech columnist Nicole Nguyen joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss why facial recognition tech may offer a creepy convenience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
14m Mar 08, 2023
14m
As Twitter Slashes Staff, Silicon Valley Watches to See How It Works
Since Elon Musk took over Twitter, the company has made massive layoffs. Others in tech are watching to see how a significantly smaller staff is running the platform and if there are lessons they can take away. WSJ Twitter reporter Alexa Corse joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss. And we want to hear your questions on artificial intelligence; email us a voice recording at tnb@wsj.com.  Learn more ...
12m Mar 07, 2023
12m
Qualcomm CEO Says AI and VR Are Future of Business
Chip makers, like Qualcomm, have been hit by the slowdown of smartphone sales. But the company's CEO says focusing on more sophisticated computing tasks, like supporting artificial intelligence, and virtual reality are the company’s future. Cristiano Amon spoke with WSJ senior personal tech columnist Joanna Stern at MWC. And also, if you have any questions about artificial intelligence, send us...
13m Mar 06, 2023
13m
Tesla’s Ambitious Goals Come With a Big Price Tag
Tesla wants to become the world’s biggest car maker by volume. But at its investor day this week it offered little details on plans for new car models. WSJ Tesla reporter Rebecca Elliot joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss what the electric-vehicle maker did say about its future and how investors and analysts are reacting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
13m Mar 03, 2023
13m
Salesforce’s Family Mentality Hit by Pressure to Be More Profitable
Software giant Salesforce grew massively during the pandemic and prioritized the well-being of its workers. But as economic conditions have changed, the company has made cuts to staff and perks. WSJ tech reporter Tom Dotan joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss why some workers are questioning if the family spirit is being cut too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
12m Mar 02, 2023
12m
Electric Vehicles Could Be Targeted by Hackers
Cybersecutiry experts are raising the alarm about possible hacks of electric vehicles. What kinds of attacks are they concerned about and why do EVs pose a bigger risk than gas-powered cars? Bart Ziegler, who wrote about this topic for the WSJ Journal Reports, joins host Zoe Thomas to explain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
12m Mar 01, 2023
12m
Social Media Platforms Roll Out Subscriptions, But Will Users Pay?
Facebook, Instagram and Twitter are among the social media platforms hoping their users will sign up for subscriptions. But will people want to pay for something that has historically been free? WSJ tech reporter Meghan Bobrowsky joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss why the platforms are doing this and what they are offering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
12m Feb 28, 2023
12m
Criminals Are Using iPhone Passcodes to Take Over Phones in Minutes
A basic feature of iPhones helps criminals steal a victim's entire digital life, including photos and debit card information, in a matter of minutes. WSJ personal tech columnist Nicole Nguyen joins host Zoe Thomas to explain how the theft works, what victims have experienced and how iPhone users can keep themselves safe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
11m Feb 27, 2023
11m
Smartphones Emerge as Key Tool for War in Ukraine
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is already the most intensely documented war in history, thanks to smartphones. The devices are also playing a role in military strategy. And the country’s tech sector is still coping despite the fallout from the war. Host Zoe Thomas checks back with one Ukraine tech founder and is later joined by WSJ's bureau chief at large Stephen Fidler. Learn more about your ad...
12m Feb 24, 2023
12m
Supreme Court Hears Cases That Could Reshape the Internet
Two cases before the Supreme Court this week challenge a pillar of how the internet is run. At the heart of both is whether platforms like YouTube and Twitter should be held liable for content their algorithms share with users. WSJ legal affairs reporter Jan Wolfe joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how the justices reacted to the arguments and what the outcome could mean for Big Tech. Learn more...
14m Feb 23, 2023
14m
Ransomware Payments Decline as New Cyber Defenses Take Effect
Hackers are seeing a decline in the ransomware payments they can extract from companies, as businesses take more precautions and authorities roll out new tactics. But is this a sign the tables have really turned on cyber criminals or are they regrouping with new business models? WSJ reporter Robert McMillan joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/...
12m Feb 22, 2023
12m
Tech Layoffs Put H1B Visa Workers on Deadline to Find New Jobs
Layoffs sweeping the tech industry have not spared workers on temporary visas, known as H1Bs. They have just 60 days to find a new visa sponsored position before they are forced to leave the country. Host Zoe Thomas speaks with one worker facing this challenge and WSJ reporter Te-Ping Chen about the wider ramifications. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
14m Feb 21, 2023
14m
Canadian Creators Don’t Want to Be Labeled Canadian
A new law set to pass in Canada would require platforms like Netflix, YouTube and TikTok to show a certain amount of domestic content. But some content creators say having posts labeled as Canadian could hurt their global reach. WSJ Ottawa bureau reporter Paul Vieira joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
14m Feb 16, 2023
14m
Virtual Reality Becomes Next Battleground for Social-Media Companies
ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, is rapidly growing its share of the global market for virtual-reality headsets. That puts it squarely in competition with Facebook parent Meta. The two are already battling for social-media users and ad dollars. WSJ tech reporter Meghan Bobrowsky joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss why ByteDance’s rise poses such a threat to Meta. Learn more about your ad ...
12m Feb 15, 2023
12m
How Dating Apps Find Your Next Valentine
A growing number of people are meeting their long term partners on dating apps. But the technology that these apps use can feel as much of a mystery as love itself. Host Zoe Thomas speaks with Liesel Sharabi, director of the Relationships and Technology Lab at Arizona State University, about how dating algorithms work and how new technologies could play a role in the future of dating. Learn mo...
14m Feb 14, 2023
14m
Meta Revamps Its Metaverse App to Attract Younger Users
Facebook parent Meta has struggled to attract users to Horizon Worlds, its metaverse platform. But the company has plans for updates that it hopes will attract younger users and keep them coming back to the digital realm, according to a memo viewed by The Wall Street Journal. WSJ reporter Salvador Rodriguez joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/...
14m Feb 13, 2023
14m