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
Twitter Looks for Super Bowl Win with ‘Fire Sale’ for Advertisers
Since Elon Musk took over Twitter, the platform has struggled to retain advertisers. But the company is hoping to score points with steep discounts on ads during Super Bowl weekend. WSJ digital advertising reporter Patience Haggin joins host Zoe Thomas to explain why the big game might be Twitter’s best shot for a touchdown with advertisers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm...
12m Feb 10, 2023
12m
Google Shows Off ChatGPT Rival
Google showed off its latest artificial intelligence features at an event in Paris. WSJ tech reporter Sam Schechner joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how the AI war is heating up and what this means for the future of the web. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
14m Feb 09, 2023
14m
Microsoft's New Bing Search, Now With AI From ChatGPT
Microsoft is combining the artificial intelligence from OpenAI’s ChatGPT with its own search engine Bing. CEO Satya Nadella spoke with WSJ’s senior personal tech columnist Joanna Stern about the new tool and challenging Google’s supremacy in search. Zoe Thomas hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
13m Feb 08, 2023
13m
Smart Appliance Makers Want More People to Connect Their Devices
The makers of internet-connected smart appliances, like washing machines and ovens, are betting big on these devices, hoping they will change the scope of their relationships with customers. But many customers leave these devices disconnected from their home Wi-Fi. WSJ CIO Journal reporter Isabelle Bousquette joins host Zoe Thomas to explain why and how the companies are approaching the connect...
12m Feb 07, 2023
12m
AI is Already Transforming Healthcare
The healthcare sector is already being transformed by the use of artificial intelligence. But what are the drawbacks to its use and what developments in AI will come to healthcare next? In their new book ‘Can We Trust AI?’, WSJ reporter Eric Niiler and researcher Rama Chellappa addressed these questions in a WSJ Live Q&A. Zoe Thomas hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/a...
13m Feb 06, 2023
13m
Can TikTok’s Transparency Ease Lawmakers’ Concerns?
TikTok has taken another step to try to ease lawmakers' concerns about its ties to China. Its new transparency center lets visitors see how the app moderates and serves up content. But a similar strategy has been tried unsuccessfully by others before. WSJ reporter Georgia Wells joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
13m Feb 03, 2023
13m
What the ‘Menswear Guy’ Tells Us About Twitter’s Future
Twitter’s “For You” feed has been showing a lot of users posts from one men’s fashion commentator. But it isn’t because they all suddenly care about streetwear and cowboy aesthetics. WSJ Twitter reporter Alexa Corse joins host Zoe Thomas to explain what tweaks to the platform's algorithm have meant for users' feeds and what they tell us about Elon Musk’s approach to content. Learn more about y...
12m Feb 01, 2023
12m
AI Could be Key to Facebook Parent Meta’s Turnaround
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, had one of its toughest years in 2022. It's facing fierce competition and a hit to its advertising business. But artificial intelligence that processes the company’s data to better pinpoint user interest could be about to turn that around. WSJ social-media reporter Salvador Rodriguez joins host Zoe Thomas to explain.   Learn more about your a...
11m Jan 31, 2023
11m
In Africa, FTX Promised Stability and Swag
Across Africa FTX used brand ambassadors and glitzy events to attract new users . Many customers saw cryptocurrency as a way to protect against inflation in local currencies. But when the crypto exchange collapsed many lost their savings. WSJ reporter Alexandra Wexler joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how FTX grew in Africa and what happened to investors.   Learn more about your ad choices. Vis...
14m Jan 30, 2023
14m
Tech to Block Scam Calls Still Defrauding Older Adults
Phone scams may seem like a thing of the past, but nearly a quarter of older adults who reported losing money in a scam last year said it all started with a phone call. But, there is tech that can help prevent these criminals from tricking you or your loved one . WSJ family and tech columnist Julie Jargon joins host Zoe Thomas to explain what they are and how they work.  Learn more about you...
13m Jan 27, 2023
13m
Apple Avoids Layoffs Hitting the Rest of Tech, for Now
Apple has so far been able to avoid the huge layoffs other big tech firms have announced. What is the iPhone maker doing differently than its counterparts? WSJ Apple reporter Aaron Tilley joins host Zoe Thomas to explain the business strategy that has set the company apart. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
13m Jan 26, 2023
13m
DOJ Slaps Google With Antitrust Lawsuit Over Its Digital Ad Business
The Justice Department has sued Google seeking to break up its digital advertising business. Google has had a foothold in nearly every part of the online ad-market and earns billions in revenue from the business. WSJ Google reporter Miles Kruppa joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss the case and its potential raminations for online advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/a...
11m Jan 25, 2023
11m
In the Battle Between Microsoft and Google, What Role Could AI Play?
Microsoft is deepening its partnership with OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT and Dall-E. That has investors and analysts speculating whether Microsoft could challenge Google’s dominance in search. WSJ Heard on the Street columnist Dan Gallagher joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how AI could affect search and at what cost. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
14m Jan 24, 2023
14m
China’s Tech Crackdown Winds Up
Beijing appears to be nearing the end of a two year crackdown on the county’s big tech companies. Some of China's most well-known and influential internet companies have been forced to make significant changes. WSJ Asia tech reporter Liza Lin joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss the changes and whether authorities got the outcome they were hoping for. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaph...
15m Jan 23, 2023
15m
Lasers Could Help Deflect Danger From Lightning Strikes
A test of giant lasers shot from a mountaintop in Switzerland is helping scientists develop ways to guide lightning. It could be a first step in defending against dangerous strikes that lead to death and destruction. WSJ science reporter Aylin Woodward joins host Zoe Thomas to explain how the tech works and when it could be ready for wider use. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone...
14m Jan 20, 2023
14m
The 3-D Printing Revolution Is Quietly Underway
3-D manufacturing was once only suited for creating prototypes and models. Now advances in the tech are leading to changes in manufacturing and quietly upending global supply chains. WSJ tech columnist Christopher Mims joins host Zoe Thomas to explain the developments and what they mean for the future of mass production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
13m Jan 19, 2023
13m
Space Industry Races to Increase Launches and Defense Capabilities
This year the space sector is expected to focus less on human space travel and more on government defense and satellite launches. But that doesn't mean competition in the industry is getting less intense. WSJ aerospace reporter Micah Maidenberg joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss what changes to expect in 2023. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
14m Jan 17, 2023
14m
Can Deepfakes Be Regulated? China Is Giving It a Shot
China is implementing new rules aimed at limiting the production of deepfakes, or artificial-intelligence-generated video, audio and pictures that imitate real people. WSJ reporter Karen Hao joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss why it won’t be easy and why other governments around the world will be watching. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
13m Jan 12, 2023
13m
To Boost EVs, New York Has to Decide Where to Put the Chargers
One of the biggest challenges to getting more electric vehicles on the road is giving drivers a place to charge them. New funding from the federal government, states and private entities is being put toward building charging infrastructure. But in urban areas like New York City, where do you put the chargers? WSJ energy reporter Jennifer Hiller joins host Zoe Thomas to talk about how the city i...
13m Jan 10, 2023
13m
Tech Layoffs Pile Up as Bosses Reverse Course
After a period of aggressive hiring to meet heightened demand for online services during the pandemic, tech companies are now laying off many of those workers. And tech bosses are saying “mea culpa” for the miscalculation. WSJ reporter Dana Mattioli joins host Zoe Thomas to talk through the shift and what it all means for the tech sector going forward. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit m...
12m Jan 09, 2023
12m
How High-Tech Lobster Traps Could Help Save Whales
Endangered whales in the Atlantic could be given a lifeline by the use of high-tech lobster traps that pose less risk to them. But getting the industry on board may not be easy. WSJ science reporter Eric Niiler joins host Zoe Thomas to explain how the tech works and the efforts underway to convince lobstermen to use it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
14m Jan 09, 2023
14m
Best of CES: What Gadgets Stood Out at This Year’s Big Tech Show?
CES is known as a place where companies can show off boundary-pushing gadgets. This year, paperlike speakers, a robot pet and tools to keep us connected even in the desert were on display. WSJ news editor for personal tech Shara Tibken joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss the gadgets and trends that stood out in Las Vegas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
16m Jan 06, 2023
16m
How to Declutter Your Inbox and Devices in 2023
For a New Year’s resolution, many of us would benefit from decluttering our digital lives. But all those emails, photos and more can be overwhelming to think about, much less tidy up. To help, WSJ family and tech columnist Julie Jargon joins host Julie Chang with some tips on how to get started. Plus, Chinese electronics company TCL discusses the augmented-reality glasses it is showing off at C...
16m Jan 05, 2023
16m
How Ukraine Digitized Its Forces on the Cheap
Nearly a year after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Kyiv’s fighting forces have managed to rapidly digitize, something the U.S. has spent decades and billions of dollars to do. WSJ Brussels bureau chief Dan Michaels joins host Julie Chang to discuss the shoestring tactics of Ukraine’s military and what the Pentagon can learn from them. Plus, assistive-tech company eSight showcases its next-genera...
14m Jan 04, 2023
14m
CES: How Will Gadget Startups Face Economic Challenges?
The global trade show CES kicking off this week has been the place for startups to showcase their technologies to potential future partners and customers. But the show has been disrupted by the pandemic the past couple of years, and a looming economic downturn has taken a toll on tech companies big and small. WSJ personal tech reporter Dalvin Brown joins host Julie Chang for a glimpse of what w...
14m Jan 03, 2023
14m
Blockchains Can Trace Carbon Credits, But Can They Improve the Market?
The market for carbon credits has some big problems. The certificates that allow companies and governments to offset their emissions have been shown in some cases to be unreliable. Crypto enthusiasts think using the same blockchain tech that makes digital currencies traceable could be the solution. But are startups like Moss Earth addressing the most pressing issues? Zoe Thomas hosts the final ...
14m Dec 30, 2022
14m
Can Lab-Grown Meat Live Up to Its Climate Promises?
One way to reduce the greenhouse gases produced by the meat industry: cutting out the farm. Cultivating meat by growing cells without growing the whole animal has gotten tentative approval from regulators. But keeping its environmental impact low means the industry will have to make certain choices. And companies like Upside Foods will need to find ways to make their prices comparable to tradit...
15m Dec 29, 2022
15m
Carbon Transformation: Could Your Next Outfit Be Made of CO2?
A small group of so-called carbon transformation companies are gaining traction with investors by turning carbon captured from factories and the air into things like textiles to make clothing. But can startups such as Rubi change ingrained supply chains like those in the fashion industry? And how difficult will it be to make these types of tech work at scale while still getting the environmenta...
16m Dec 28, 2022
16m
Could Underwater Data Centers Make Cloud Computing Greener?
Cloud storage centers suck up a lot of energy. But when Microsoft tried putting data centers underwater a couple of years ago, it found the strategy greatly reduced energy use and improved performance. Now a U.S. startup called Subsea Cloud is pushing forward with similar plans. How much could underwater data centers do to alleviate emissions from our cloud usage? And what are the hurdles to ge...
17m Dec 27, 2022
17m
Next-Gen Climate Tech: Can It Live Up to Its Promises?
So much of what we do every day adds to our carbon footprint. And now some tech companies are looking beyond green energy to come up with novel solutions. This week Tech News Briefing takes a close look at the next generation of climate tech: startups that have gotten investors excited but whose projects remain unproven as business ventures. Host Zoe Thomas digs into what it would take for thes...
2m Dec 26, 2022
2m
Boston Dynamics CEO on Robots of the Future
Boston Dynamics is best known for its robotic dog Spot, which is used by police departments and warehouses to perform various tasks. But the company is working to expand its range of robots and their capabilities. CEO Robert Playter spoke with WSJ tech columnist Christopher Mims at this year's WSJ Tech Live. Zoe Thomas hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
14m Dec 23, 2022
14m
NFT Artist Beeple on the Future of Digital Art
The artist Mike Winkelmann, better known as Beeple, is one of the most valuable living artists. But now that demand for non-fungible tokens has cooled and the crypto winter has set in, what does he see as the future of NFTs? Beeple spoke with WSJ art-market reporter Kelly Crow at this year’s WSJ Tech Live event. Zoe Thomas hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
13m Dec 22, 2022
13m
How the EU Took On Big Tech in 2022
Regulators in the European Union have been taking more actions against big tech companies this year, aiming to protect data privacy and customer choice and prevent the businesses from getting too big. But have their actions made things harder for smaller competitors as well? WSJ European tech reporter Sam Schechner joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megap...
13m Dec 21, 2022
13m