Some Amazon Sellers Go to Great Lengths to Limit Negative Reviews
Some Amazon sellers are tracking down customers who leave bad reviews and begging or even paying them to remove them, in violation of the platform's policy. Personal tech columnist Nicole Nguyen joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how far some sellers will go to keep their ratings high. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
11m Aug 10, 2021
11m
Hackers Rebrand After Colonial Pipeline Attack
Experts believe the cybercriminals behind one of the biggest ransomware attacks on U.S. critical infrastructure have regrouped under a new name. How do they know it's the same group, and why would hackers need a rebrand at all? Cybersecurity reporter David Uberti joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
12m Aug 09, 2021
12m
Collecting Your Location Data: Why It's Worth So Much
A little-known location-data broker, X-Mode Social, is being acquired a year after its work raised questions about government surveillance. Reporter Patience Haggin hoins host Zoe Thomas to discuss the deal and the future of the multibillion-dollar consumer data industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
11m Aug 05, 2021
11m
Who Benefits Most From the Infrastructure Bill's Broadband Funding?
The infrastructure bill working its way through the Senate includes $65 billion to expand broadband access to poor and isolated communities. But the real winners of the package may be the internet providers themselves. Reporter Drew FitzGerald joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss what's in the plan and its potential impact. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
12m Aug 04, 2021
12m
Big-Money Investors Pour Cash Into Startups
This year is poised to set a record for tech startup fundraising. That's due in large part to funding from large money managers that are writing huge checks to private companies. Reporter Heather Somerville joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss what this means for the venture capitalists that traditionally dominated startup financing, and for founders looking to raise cash. Learn more about your ad ...
13m Aug 03, 2021
13m
Big Tech's Influence on Salaries Reaches Beyond Silicon Valley
Remote working has led many big tech firms to hire outside of Silicon Valley. That's an opportunity for workers to reap the benefits and salaries of big companies. But for smaller startups, outside the Bay Area, keeping up is a challenge. Reporter Katie Bindley joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss what those smaller firms are doing to stay competitive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaph...
12m Aug 02, 2021
12m
Surfing's Next Sea Change - Using Data to Improve the Ride
Surfing made its first Olympic debut this year. But those in the sport aren't just reading the waves- they're using an increasing amount of artificial intelligence, machine learning and data collection to improve their rides and predict conditions. Reporter Daniela Hernandez joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how technology is changing the sport. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone...
11m Jul 30, 2021
11m
Biden Seeks New Cybersecurity Standards for Critical Infrastructure
President Biden has directed federal agencies to draw up new standards to help businesses critical to the US economy ward off hackers. Reporter Dustin Volz joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss what the move means for companies and other steps the US is taking to protect against cyber attacks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
12m Jul 29, 2021
12m
Beijing Regulators Zero in on Chinese Big Tech
Beijing is increasing pressure on the country's tech firms to get into line with national ambitions. Reporter Stephanie Yang joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss the ways regulators are stepping up scrutiny and what it means for the future of Chinese tech. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
13m Jul 28, 2021
13m
"Candy Crush" Maker Fights Accusations Of Gender Discrimination
California regulators have filed a lawsuit against Activision Blizzard, the company behind Call of Duty, World of Warcraft and Candy Crush. Reporter Sarah Needleman joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss the case and the impact of sexual harassment in the gaming industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
12m Jul 27, 2021
12m
Can Camp Help Kids Break Their Tech Habit?
Most overnight camps don't allow electronic devices. Some parents see this as an opportunity to bring their children's screen time back to pre-pandemic levels for back-to-school. Columnist Julie Jargon joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how parents can reset their kids' tech use. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
10m Jul 26, 2021
10m
Netflix Wants to Play in the Gaming Industry
Netflix's aspirations in videogames are taking shape. But its dominance in streaming is no guarantee of success in the competitive field of gaming. Reporter Sarah Needleman joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss why Netflix is taking on this challenge. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
9m Jul 23, 2021
9m
How Does TikTok's Algorithm Know You So Well?
The algorithm TikTok uses to serve up engaging videos has been the source of much speculation. Now an investigation by The Wall Street Journal reveals how the technology behind the fastest-growing social-media platform works. Senior Personal Tech Columnist Joanna Stern joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss the findings and what they mean for users. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.f...
13m Jul 22, 2021
13m
Does Gallium Spell the End of Silicon?
The metal gallium is enabling a surprising array of new technologies, taking over for the old standby of silicon in some use cases. Tech columnist Christopher Mims joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss the potential for this novel material to help transform our electrified world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
10m Jul 21, 2021
10m
As Jeff Bezos Takes Off, Where Is the Space Industry Headed?
Amazon and Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos is set to take a trip to the edge of space, making him the second billionaire to do so in less than two weeks. Reporter Micah Maidenberg joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how the business models of the companies involved could shape the development of the private space industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
12m Jul 20, 2021
12m
Experimental Brain Implant Helps Man Who Can't Speak Communicate
A team of California scientists backed by Facebook say they successfully tested an experimental brain implant that turned brain signals into words on a computer screen. Tech reporter Rolfe Winkler joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how it worked and why private companies are so interested in the space. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
12m Jul 19, 2021
12m
Chip Shortage Prompts Fake Parts From Scammers
The global chip shortage has yet another consequence: a rash of fake semiconductors from scammers targeting manufacturers that are desperate for components. Reporter Stephanie Yang joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss why companies are falling for the fakes, and what they're doing about it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
12m Jul 16, 2021
12m
Cleantech Startups Attract Fresh Wave of Cash
After some high-profile failures a decade ago, investors and governments soured on clean-technology companies. Now they're back, funding a new wave of green startups. Reporter Scott Patterson joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss whether this time will be different. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
14m Jul 15, 2021
14m
Cyberbullying Takes a Toll. Could Insurance Help?
Bad actors online can take an emotional and, in some cases, financial toll on their victims. Now some insurance agencies are offering policies to protect against the impact of cyberbullying. Family & Tech columnist Julie Jargon joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how cyberbullying insurance works, plus ways of warding off bullies online in the first place Learn more about your ad choices. Visit me...
11m Jul 14, 2021
11m
WHO Panel Sets Gene-Editing Standards
A panel of experts assembled by the World Health Organization is recommending global standards for gene-editing technology. The proposed rules aim to prevent inequitable and potentially dangerous uses of techniques for altering DNA. Health reporter Amy Dockser Marcus joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss the recommendations and how they aim to address various ethical dilemmas posed by the emerging t...
13m Jul 13, 2021
13m
Ride-Hailing at a Crossroads: Uber, Lyft Woo Drivers as Prices Soar
Since their inception, Uber and Lyft have struggled to balance the pursuit of fast growth with demands for profitability. Now, as the cost of ride-hailing services soars amid a driver shortage, the companies are turning to some old strategies to attract and keep drivers and customers. Will they work this time? Reporter Preetika Rana joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss the road ahead for ride-haili...
14m Jul 12, 2021
14m
As Branson, Bezos Prepare to Lift Off, What's Next for Space Tourism?
This weekend, Richard Branson hopes to head to space on a flight with his company Virgin Galactic. Just over a week later, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos plans to board one of his Blue Origin spacecraft. So what do the billionaires' trips mean for the burgeoning space-tourism sector, and when will the rest of us get a chance? Reporter Micah Maidenburg joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss. Christopher Zi...
11m Jul 09, 2021
11m
Why YouTube Is Still Recommending Objectionable Videos
YouTube has made a lot of changes in the past year to limit the problematic videos it recommends to viewers. But a new study suggests the company's efforts have a way to go. Reporter Tripp Mickle joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss the challenges YouTube and other social platforms face in weeding out harmful content without censoring diverse points of view. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit ...
10m Jul 08, 2021
10m
How the Kaseya Ransomware Attack Is Different From Other Recent Hacks
The Russian hacking group REvil is demanding $70 million to unlock computers that were swept up in a widespread ransomware attack affecting a program from enterprise software provider Kaseya. Cybersecurity reporter Dustin Volz joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss the attack and what makes it different from some other recent high-profile attacks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/...
13m Jul 07, 2021
13m
AI 'Ghosts': Digital Personas Promise a Kind of Immortality
What if Abraham Lincoln could address Congress today? Or if you could have dinner with your deceased ancestors? Researchers and entrepreneurs are exploring ways that artificial intelligence could create digital versions of people's personalities that would endure long after they themselves die. But the innovations come with potential pitfalls. Tech reporter Asa Fitch joins host Zoe Thomas to di...
13m Jul 06, 2021
13m
Amazon Post-Bezos: What Comes Next?
Next week Jeff Bezos is set to step down as CEO of Amazon, the company he founded and built into a sprawling e-commerce juggernaut. So what does Amazon look like post-Bezos? WSJ's Amazon reporter, Dana Mattioli, joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss the company's history and future. Production help this week came from Amanda Lewellyn. Christopher Zinsli is our supervising producer. Kateri Jochum is ...
12m Jul 02, 2021
12m
To Keep the Lights On, Electric Grids Beef Up Cyber Defenses
The White House says half of the country's highest-priority electric grid operators have taken steps to prevent cyberattacks, or will soon. The government hopes the sector's approach could act as a blueprint for protecting other critical infrastructure in the U.S. Cybersecurity reporter David Uberti joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
12m Jul 01, 2021
12m
What Facebook's Legal Victory Could Mean for Antitrust Efforts
A federal judge dismissed two antitrust lawsuits against Facebook, in a victory for the social-media giant even before the cases got off the ground. What does the ruling mean for the government's efforts to rein in Big Tech? Legal-affairs reporter Brent Kendall joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
10m Jun 30, 2021
10m
AI Enlisted to Fight Wildfires
Wildfire season in the western U.S. is shaping up to be especially active this year, but some authorities are testing ways of using artificial intelligence to detect and respond to fires before they grow out of control. WSJ Pro Artificial Intelligence deputy editor John McCormick joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
8m Jun 29, 2021
8m
App Taps Unwitting Users to Gather Intelligence
A network of gig workers around the world is unwittingly providing basic intelligence to the U.S. military, using a consumer smartphone app called Premise. Reporter Byron Tau joins host Amanda Lewellyn to discuss how the app works, and how it's one of a growing number of companies that take advantage of the proliferation of mobile phones. Plus, a note about a big change coming to Tech News Brie...
10m Jun 28, 2021
10m
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella on Windows 11
Microsoft rolled out a new version of its Windows operating system yesterday. On today's show, a conversation between CEO and Chairman Satya Nadella and our Senior Personal Tech Columnist Joanna Stern. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Production help this week came from Zoe Thomas. Christopher Zinsli is our supervising producer. Kateri Jochum is the executive producer of WSJ Podcasts. Learn more about yo...
14m Jun 25, 2021
14m
Gig Workers Embrace Apps That Make Their Jobs Easier
Amid a patchwork of regulatory concerns about the employment status of gig workers, drivers for Uber, Lyft and others are flocking to apps that help them do things like track pay and dispute customer complaints. Reporter Preetika Rana joins host Amanda Lewellyn to discuss what's behind their rise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
13m Jun 24, 2021
13m
Academics' LinkedIn Accounts Blocked in China
In recent weeks, some scholars have seen their LinkedIn accounts blocked and posts removed in China, over so-called "prohibited content." Reporter Liza Lin joins host Amanda Lewellyn to break down what we're seeing, and how the incidents illustrate the trade-offs tech companies must make when operating in China. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
11m Jun 23, 2021
11m
Chip Shortage Starts Hitting Consumers With Higher Prices
The tech industry has been dealing with a chip shortage, as demand for devices powered by semiconductors outpaces production capacity. Now some of the resulting higher prices are starting to reach consumers. Reporter Asa Fitch joins host Amanda Lewellyn to explain why it's happening now, and whether there's an end in sight. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
11m Jun 22, 2021
11m
Amazon's Prime Day Begins Today. Here's What You Need to Know.
Amazon kicks off its annual Prime Day event today. Since it was started in 2015, the event has become hugely impactful for the company's bottom line-and for competitors'. WSJ's Amazon reporter Sebastian Herrera joins host Amanda Lewellyn with more on the event, and what you should know before you decide to shop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
11m Jun 21, 2021
11m
A Big Week for Global Tech Policy
In the past week, there have been several major U.S. policy developments that could play a big role in the fate of tech companies. Reporter Ryan Tracy joins host Amanda Lewellyn to break down the changes. Christopher Zinsli is our supervising producer. Kateri Jochum is the executive producer of WSJ podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
12m Jun 18, 2021
12m
New Deepfake Detection Technique Developed
A team of researchers from Facebook and Michigan State University say that even the sophisticated artificial-intelligence technology used to build deepfakes leaves "fingerprints." WSJ Pro Artificial Intelligence Deputy Editor John McCormick joins host Amanda Lewellyn to explain their findings, and how they could be used to combat deepfakes online. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megapho...
10m Jun 17, 2021
10m
Lina Khan, Critic of Big Tech, to Lead FTC
President Biden is tapping Columbia University professor Lina Khan to lead the Federal Trade Commission. Ms. Khan has been a vocal critic of Big Tech and will be positioned to pursue sweeping changes to antitrust enforcement. Legal affairs reporter Brent Kendall joins host Amanda Lewellyn to discuss what it could mean for tech companies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adch...
12m Jun 16, 2021
12m
New U.S. Strategy to Shut Out Chinese 5G Gear: More Carrot, Less Stick
As next-generation 5G networks are rolled out, the U.S. government is ramping up restrictions on Chinese-made telecom equipment, which it sees as potentially harmful to national security. Washington has mostly used a threat-based approach to try and get other countries to follow suit. But more recently it's been taking a new approach, one based on financial incentives. Reporter Stu Woo joins ho...
10m Jun 15, 2021
10m
How the FBI Got Colonial Pipeline's Ransom Back
Last week, law enforcement said it had retrieved 64 of the 75 bitcoin Colonial Pipeline paid to hackers after a ransomware attack. The announcement challenges the cryptocurrency's reputation as an untraceable form of payment. Cybersecurity reporter David Uberti joins host Amanda Lewellyn to explain how the FBI got the money back, and what it means for the fight against ransomware. Learn more ab...
11m Jun 14, 2021
11m
Finding the Next Health Tech Unicorn
At the WSJ's recent virtual Tech Health event, SoftBank Senior Managing Partner Deep Nishar and former Apple CEO John Sculley spoke with reporter Rolfe Winkler about how they're placing their bets when it comes to investing in healthcare technology. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Christopher Zinsli is our supervising producer. Kateri Jochum is the executive producer of WSJ podcasts. Learn more about yo...
17m Jun 11, 2021
17m
Google Health VP on the Company's Ventures in Healthcare
At the WSJ's virtual Tech Health event Wednesday, Google Health VP David Feinberg joined business editor Jamie Heller to discuss how Google has directed people to information about the pandemic, as well as its ventures in healthcare technology. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
17m Jun 10, 2021
17m
Apple's Privacy Moves Make Advertisers Anxious
At WWDC this week, Apple introduced several features it said were meant to help protect users' privacy as they use their devices. But advertisers are concerned about how the changes will affect their businesses. Reporter Patience Haggin joins host Amanda Lewellyn to explain. Dow Jones & Co., publisher of The Wall Street Journal, has a commercial agreement to supply news through Apple services. ...
12m Jun 09, 2021
12m
At WWDC, Apple Doubles Down on Privacy
Yesterday, Apple kicked off its annual Worldwide Developers Conference, where it announced big updates to many of its core apps, many of which focused on privacy and maintaining its walled garden. Senior Personal Tech Columnist Joanna Stern joins host Amanda Lewellyn to break down the changes. Dow Jones & Co., publisher of The Wall Street Journal, has a commercial agreement to supply news throu...
11m Jun 08, 2021
11m
Facebook Suspends Trump for at Least Two Years
After a decision from its Oversight Board last month, Facebook said it would suspend former President Donald Trump for two years, and that it would be clearer about how it enforces rules for newsworthy figures on its platform. Facebook reporter Jeff Horwitz joins host Amanda Lewellyn to explain. News Corp, owner of The Wall Street Journal, has a commercial agreement to supply news through Faceb...
13m Jun 07, 2021
13m
Cyber Attacks Prompt Government Response
Government officials are looking at ways to address the uptick in cyber attacks over the past year. Cybersecurity reporter David Uberti joins host Amanda Lewellyn to break down what they are considering. Christopher Zinsli is our supervising producer. Kateri Jochum is the executive producer of WSJ audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
10m Jun 04, 2021
10m
Dogecoin to Begin Trading on Coinbase Pro Today
Dogecoin has been on a tear this year, egged on by retail investors and tweets from influential advocates like Elon Musk. Now doge is set to begin trading on Coinbase. Markets reporter Caitlin Ostroff joins host Amanda Lewellyn to explain why Coinbase is making the move, and whether it could lend some credibility to the joke cryptocurrency. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/a...
12m Jun 03, 2021
12m
Elon Musk's Starlink Could Get a Boost From German Subsidies
Germany could become the first large nation to subsidize the use of consumer satellite internet services like those offered by Elon Musk's Starlink. Germany correspondent Bojan Pancevski joins host Amanda Lewellyn to explain why Germany is turning to satellite internet, and why Starlink is a top candidate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
14m Jun 02, 2021
14m
5G Rollout in the U.S. Has Been Anything But Fast. Why?
Next-generation 5G networks are supposed to bring superfast download speeds, and possibly even enable the next wave of tech innovation. But in8he U.S., the rollout has been anything but fast. Reporter Jared Council joins host Amanda Lewellyn to explain why. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
14m Jun 01, 2021
14m
Down With Constant Video Calls. Long Live Audio-Only Calls.
Not every meeting in the remote-work era needs to be a video call. In fact, there's evidence that plain-old voice calls can be just as productive, if not more so-and better for everyone's mental health, to boot. Senior Personal Tech Columnist Joanna Stern joins host Amanda Lewellyn to make the case for more audio-only meetings and share tips for knowing which kind to use in any given situation....
13m May 28, 2021
13m